MADISONVILLE "ENVISIION OUR LIBRARY EVENT" STUNNING SUCCESS

MADISONVILLE “ENVISION OUR LIBRARY EVENT” STUNNING SUCCESS

Argiro Morgan and Sandra Juneau, Event Chair

The St. Tammany Library Foundation has been hosting a number of community events throughout St. Tammany Parish to acquaint our citizens with the re-energized organization.

Michael Swick and Lewis Kahn

On the evening of October 25, the law office of Kahn Swick and Foti, Inc. was opened for our social event.  The office is the magnificent historic building once was a home, dating from the 19^th century.It became the office of an architectural and decoration firm.  Now it serves as the law office of LewisKahn, Michael Swift, Charles Foti and Associates.  KSF are restoring the building which will gthe beautiful town of Madisonville for many a year.

Marie Louise Guste Nix, the first Vice President of the organization, and Sharon Lo

Drucker, its second Vice President, greeted guests on the expansive porch of the historic building.  Roland Juneau, Jerold Rabalais, and William Gershuny, manned the wine bar that also was stationed on the porch.

A continuous video of residents of St. Tammany using Library services served as a backdrop for delicious hors d’oeuvres and chocolate bread pudding dessert prepared by our hosts.

Dr. Argiro Morgan, President of the STLF, first thanked Sandra Scalise Juneau, the Event Coordinated for all her work in planning and organizing the early evening social.  She then introduced prominent members of the community at the event, including the Mayor of Madisonville, Peter Gitz, and then members of the Board of Directors of the St. Tammany Library Foundation, Ann Shaw, Secretary, Michele Avery,Treasurer, Carrie Lee Schwartz, Designer, and Members at Large, the Honorable Kevin Davis, the Honorable Steve Stefancik, Madelon Nohra,  and Rose Manson.  Members of he Advisory Board include Mary Jane Becker, The Honorable Lane Carson, radio commentator Jeff Cruere; author Pam Ewing Lott, Rebecca Hamilton, Director of the Louisiana State Library, and the Honorable Secretary of State Tom Schedler.

Ann and Steve Shaw and Host Michael Swick

Dr. Morgan explained the needs of the St. Tammany Library in graphic terms and the purpose of the Foundation to help meet those needs to enhance and expand its services and its facilities.  She also urged those attending to share in its mission by becoming charter members of the organization.  Charter membership begins at  $ 15.00 for students and $ 25.00 for individuals.  Information on joining can be found on its website – www.sttammanyfoundation.org.

John Hilker, Richard Moore, and at the Membership Table Linda Jones and Sharon Lo Drucker

After Dr. Morgan spoke, Lewis Kahn surprised her with a donation of $ 5,000.  LKF, Inc. was thanked profusely for their largesse and support of our public library in our community. 

IT was a wonderful evening – gorgeous October weather, an aesthetically beautiful setting, delicious food, and convivial members of our community.

Three more “Envision Our Library” events will be held before the end of the year.  The next event will be at the Beau Chene home of Nancy Anderson on November 9, a Pizza party at RocketFire Pizza in Covington on November 13, and a Christmas social at the home of Silvia and Richard Muller on November 7.  For information contact Dr. Morgan at sttammanyfoundation@gmail.com.

All photos taken by Carrie Lee Schwartz

FANTASTIC PARTY AT THE HOME OF JEANNETTE FISCHER

Despite the downpour that engulfed St. Tammany the weekend of September 30th, our hopes were not diminished for a successful first "Envision Our Library" event at the beautiful home of Jeannette Fisher in Old Mandevillle.  Our hopes were fulfilled, for the rain ceased in time for a wonderful party at a beautiful home.

The hors d'ourves were absolutely splendid.  Jeannette was asked to share her outstanding recipe for a cheese plates with our Charter members and other library users.  With the graciousness that she showed during the entire event, she was happy to do so.  Here it is!  Save it and make a hit serving it to your relatives and friends this Holiday Season.

1.  Wash strawberries with the stems for decoration and arrange around Havarty cheese slice in squares arranged on a platter.
2.  Roast coarsely chopped pecans in a 375 degree over for 7-9 minutes.
3.  Sprinkle the roasted pecans on the Haverty cheese slices on the platter.
4.  Mix half and half brown sugar and butter for a praline topping.
5.  Cook the sugar mixture in a sauce pan till it gets ready hot and bubbly and then cook the mixture for another 4 to 5 minutes. Be sure the praline topping is not thin.  It should be slightly thick . Add a little evaporated milk  or cream to the mixture to give it the right consistency.
6.  Continue to cook long enough for it to start to candy but not too thick.
7.  Pour into a heat proof container and refrigerate it until it is ready to use, or let it cool just a bit so that the cheese over which you will pour the praline sauce does not completely melt.
8.  If you refrigerate before use, heat in the microwave long enough for it to be very warm, just before it bubbles.  Then stir and pour the warmed topping over the cheese, strawberries and nuts.
9.  Serve with thinly slice french baquettes.

LASTLY, ENJOY AND AWAIT YOUR GUESTS' "AHH'S."

The Library Foundation enjoyed other numerous treats, wine, and coffee.  We gain new members and had a wonderful evening of friendship.  Do make another of our Library socials.  You will have a memorable evening.  As one of our guests stated,  "the Foundation knows how to give a great party."