We are really excited about this trip. We will have the benefit of having expert guides with us in the persons of Vincent Caire (Shushan expert), Alton Ochsner Davis (lead architect)and Elise Grenier (art preservationist).
This will be the last opportunity to view the Xavier Gonzalez's murals before they are covered as the restoration progresses. They are not expected to be unveiled again for another 2 years. For more information on Gonzalez, google "Xavier Gonzalez. “ Since the airport is under renovation, please be prepared with comfortable shoes and clothing. The elevators are nonfunctional so we will have to climb that beautiful marble staircase to get to the second floor. We'll have plenty of cold bottled water for everyone.
Lunch will be a fine dining experience at Ralph's On the Park . . .located directly across the street from City Park, this wonderful Brennan's restaurant will not disappoint anyone. The cost of the trip includes your lunch. A cash bar will be available for us as well. Don't worry about being under-dressed for Ralph's. We will be in a private dining room so dress comfortably for our warm weather.
After lunch, our motorcoach will take us on a drive-by of "Big Charity" and the adjacent historical neighborhoods that are in jeopardy. I'm sure that you are aware of the National Trust placing Big Charity on its most endangered list of properties for the nation just last month. Our own vice-chair, Sandra Stokes, will be with us to share more information on the neighborhoods. For those who are not aware, Sandra is the lead FHL volunteer workingon "Big Charity.” After viewing these sites, we will all be able to relax and enjoy our ride back to Baton Rouge. Feel free to bring your own refreshments (i.e., wine) for our trip home. After all, we will have our own designated driver.
I do hope that I see each and everyone of you on board the bus. Time is short so please pick up the phone as soon as you finish reading this to reserve your spot. 387-2464
Sincerely,
Jill Rehn
FHL Board
VP, Programs
