Krewe of Gambrinus royal court celebrates season

The Royal Court of the Krewe of Gambrinus kicked off the Mardi Gras season with a Champagne toast at the “Hansenienda,” Scotch Bayou home of Eric (King Gambrinus XVII) and Karen (queen) Hansen, Diva-neighbors.

Eric and Karen are the fourth husband/wife to serve as king and queen various years for the Krewe of Gambrinus. Present were the current king Charlie Silva; outgoing king and queen Joe Byers and Wilma Frye; duchesses Jan Loman, Renee Donaldson, Carol Ivey and Sophie Smith; and dukes Woody Silvertooth, Steve Comstock, Larry Thomson and Dr. Tom Wright.

Sophie, Larry and Tom could all join that husband/wife combo if one of them gets the “baby” next year!

TDB Ladies Bring Toys To Children

The Theta Delta Beta ladies were very busy in December, what with gathering and providing toys and games for the children in the Cancer Center at the University of Texas Medical Branch and all of these gifts (and there were plenty) being brought to the home of Virginia “Ginny” Roberts where coffee and dessert were served after a great dinner at Mario’s on 61st.

Those enjoying, with much laughter, the white elephant gift exchange were Carolyn Urbani, Georgia Perrett, Sandy Odom, Bernice McCollum, Barbara Schattel and Cathy Maples.

Next on their Christmas season agenda was a dinner after Christmas at Landry’s where we found Frank and Gloria Giusti, Joe Max and Anita Taylor, Glenn and Niki Brouillard, Harry and Anne Forester, Betsy and Les Horner, Cyl Pucciarello, Alfred and Marie Pucciarello, Jimmy Milligan and Jerry and Patsy Mount having a ball. Starting off 2012, the TDB ladies provide dinner for the children and their families at the Ronald McDonald House.

This is an annual event for the TDB’s and is a much-anticipated and rewarding evening.

Reverends Travel Abroad

Now, more on our beloved Father Page who was in Wappinger Falls, N.Y., for a meeting with the Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs — studying up on his skills to help with Holy Land pilgrimages and visit the estates and grounds of the Roosevelts.

The first of the year found him welcoming Arnold Iovenella and William Bozzetto, of Hyde Park, N.Y. The trio was out and about in the Mega-H on the island last week to meet with the Franciscan Provincial Council — ya know — Fr. Jeff Scheeler, OFM, one of the first Friars to come to Galveston to OLG in October 1980 is the Provincial ... still has sand between his toes.

Then over to Austin to preside at the wedding of Chris Rassier and Mary Rose Getschow — whose mom, Mary Getsdis, is the principal of the Incarnate Word Academy in downtown H.

We often find our beloved friar often at St. Dominic Village, St Albert’s and St. Theresa in Memorial Park on a regular basis ... how blessed those folks are — and how we still miss him here on the Baby Apple.

Networking Dinner To Benefit Libby’s

If you haven’t made plans for Valentine’s Day, consider joining the West Beach Lions Club, Galveston Networking Alliance and Gino’s for a special dinner Monday.

Organizers are Miguel Arabia, Jace and Yoli, with Yoli’s Business Solutions; Jessie Ann Bradshaw, with Galveston Network Alliance; musician Juan Carlos; and Gino’s Italian Restaurant. All proceeds benefit Libbie’s Place Senior Day Program, a nonprofit licensed adult day care for people age 55 and older.

Libby’s Place exec is Alice Williams is the executive director at Libbie’s Place. Call 409-599-4477 for tix and rezzies.

Diva Birthday Wishes

Happy birthday to Divakid Tristan Samuel Rourke who turned 9 on Feb. 8, Divacuz Lauraleigh Gourley Vogel, Donna Koehler Mencacci and Rusty Carnes. Big news, next Scenes on the Treasure Ball and pix, tune in.

D’ya wannabe Divafied, folks? If so, send deets ’n’ pix of your parteez ’n’ proceedings to have your name made part of The Diva’s Scenery. And if you are on the mainland, send in your party pics and the Diva will let everyone know what is going on. Call ahead and we’ll help with the pix. Email divascenes(at)aol.com or call her at 409-744-6540.