A salute to Larry Williams (retiring City of St. Louis Treasurer) was well attended with a well-heeled crowd including local politicos, family, friends and off duty employees. Larry Williams will retire after 40 years of service to our emerging city. On January 1 he will pass the baton to our new Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones.
The evening began with dinner at Stefano’s and then a big party at Steve Scaglione’s Maurizio’s, a trendy new Italian eatery and entertainment venue in downtown St. Louis. A few notable guests included Williams’ children, Linda Williams Clark, Kim Williams-Hogue, Monique Williams, Stefani Weeden and Lee Williams. Sister in law Jenece Brown, niece Yvette Booker and close family friend Sammi Paige were all proud to hear the many tributes relating Williams’s accomplishments during his tenure with the city.
A few colleagues on hand included Mayor Francis Slay, President of the Board of Aldermen Lewis Reed, City License Collector Mike McMillan, Comptroller Darlene Green, Alderman Sam Moore, Tom and Chris Stoff, Kathy Tenario and Andres Broussard.
Deputy Treasurer Steve Baker planned the successful tribute. Shirley Rukcic, Dre Broussard, Robert Ware and Joyce Sanders assisted in making it a delightful evening. Other guests seen mingling were Michele Berry, Wiley Price, Ms. Robbie Montgomery (Sweetie Pie’s), Judy Pruitt, Les Bond Jr. and Virvus Jones.
We thoroughly enjoyed a recent visit to Central Baptist Church to share in Dr. James M. Whittico’s 97th birthday celebration. On November 18, Dr. Robert Scott and his congregation organized a royal celebration for Dr. Whittico. First Lady Pier Scott and adorable daughter Charis joined the party and wished Dr. Whittico many happy returns. The sermon was uplifting and choirs awesome. A luncheon celebration and tribute ceremony followed in the educational building. Heartfelt appreciation for Dr. Whittico’s years of dedicated service to Central’s Health Ministry and the city of St. Louis followed.
Highlights included funny remembrances from close friends including lovely daughter Joy Whittico Kalkbrenner, W.T. Edmonson – President Prince Hall Masons of Missouri Charity Foundation, Josephine S. Wheat – Daughter of Isis, Alderwoman Marlene Davis, Alicia Smith – American Red Cross, Project Manager Diversity Initiatives, Dr. Amanda Murphy, Dr. Nathaniel Murdock – National Medical Association, Dorothy Thornton RN., Pharmacist and colleague Curtis Young, Sr. Mary Ann Ryan, Dr. Michael Johnson – Prince Hall Masons, Dr. Alice Price – Central Baptist Church , Dr. Michael Johnson – Prince Hall Masons and Lady Ida G. Woolfolk, longtime family friend and patient.
Congratulations to Angie Igwe, recipient of BJC’s Behavioral Health Department Employee of the year award for 2012. Son, Bryant Igwe is extremely proud of his Mom and baked her a cookie cake the next day to prove it.
The St. Louis Paupers hosted a Pre-Holiday Luncheon and Installation Brunch on December 1 at McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant in West County. Members decorated the private dining room there with beautiful holiday gift bags for décor. The afternoon began with a festive social hour, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and drinks. A memorable installation ceremony followed a scrumptious luncheon.
The ceremony was presided by President Jocelyn Reed who was assisted by member Mary A. Polk and VP Gail Allmon. Welcoming members in attendance included Karen Cook, Mary Olivia Polk, Albernice Fagen, Johni Ola Spencer, Geneva Richardson, Lisa Gates Norwood, Susan Arceneaux Smith and Nancy Thompson. New members happily installed were; Angela Brown M.D., Susan Buford, Susie “Gigi” Cunningham, Frances Jackson, Paula Knight, Rosalyn Miles M.D., Rita McMillan, Dana G. Randolph, Tracy Shepard and Sheila Word. It was a lovely affair. This vivacious group of ladies loves to entertain.
Also On December 1 in a sunny and southern location the Columbia, South Carolina chapter of The Links, Inc. hosted their Biennial Silent Auction, Luncheon and Christmas Season Event. St. Louisan Link Marion Miller attended while visiting daughter Link Audrey Miller MD. The Mother-Daughter duo had a fabulous time and Audrey bid on and won a beautiful and popular set of ornamental jewelry. The event was held at the Marriott Hotel in Columbia. Live entertainment was provided by Finesse. Marion and Audrey enjoyed visiting with Clyde and native St. Louisan Wilatrel Freeman Stockton. Welcome home Marion.
Happy Holidays!
Dana Grace: dgrandolph@live.com.
