Tuesday, March 10, 2009

A Memo from The Berry Head Boss Queen...


Dear hunnies,

Thanks sooooooo much to all of you who came to the Potentials Meet 'n Greet and many, many thanks to all of those Queens and DIVAs who provided the deelish foods for our swa-rey (that's French for big ole party!) If ya'll haven't tried the petite fours from Bi-Lo, you better! They are out of this world good and the meat and shrimp plate that Monique Romero brought that DAVE made for us was unbelievable! There was so much good food there that it was just a plain old sin! I do appreciate and spent some excellent time appreciating everything that was laid out on that table!

Thanks to our Door Prize DIVA~Tessie Dore, Queen of Sold~who always manages to bring us the sweetest gifts to give out at our events! Thanks sugar!!!!! We very much appreciate it!

Thanks, too, to Mrs. Linda Freyou for the use of Antique Roseville for our event at DIDDLY cost to us! She is a true philanthropist if I have ever met one! It was the most lovely location for our meeting and I am making her an Honorary Queen just because...

We ate and visited and chatted to our hearts content and as a result of that meeting--I have very important news to impart to you MOQs (My Own Queens)...

First off--the most exciting news of all...We have 10 queens who are signed up to compete and they are as follows...drumroll please...

1. Kristine Trahan

Kristine is one of our new DIVA Queens who will descend to be among the regular queens long enuf to compete for the crown. What a giver she is!!!! Not only is she kewt as she can be, she is also one of the best fundraising advocates one could have on their team. I mean, truly, she is gifted in the gettin-people to give category among her many other talents and I could not be more thrilled to have her as part of our Berry Merry little group.

2. Shelli Helms

Since she was mighty with child last year, she could not be a part of our group, but will join us this year and show us how to manage it all--kids, motherhood, and queenliness. She is A-mazing and as Juliet Granger says from our SUCH A HAPPY FAT book, "The only reason she is not the President of the Free World is because she chooses not to be!"

3. Angela Langlinais Bourg

Besides running her household, her medical practice and LAWD knows whatallelse, this DIVA is going to grace us with her presence on stage. She can heal your sick, run a tight schedule, and cook up a beautiful quiche all at the same time. I am in awe of her wunderful skills and cannot wait to see what she has "cooked" up for her DIVA/queenly title.

4. Shelley Rankin

Shelley has just joined our board this past year and after coming to our ball, she decided Berry Queenhood is for her and I could not agree more! She has more energy than me, which is saying a lot and she works tirelessly for our community in many more areas than just Iberia Habitat, so I am grateful that she is willing to put one more thing on her plate!

5. Amy Courrege

Speaking of endless energy and kewtness~Amy has it all. She A-mazes me with her organizational skills--especially since ya'll know my fly by the seat of my pants capabilities and LACK of aforementioned organization 'n all... She has great ideas and lots of vision and will help in the keeping us all straight area, which will be a great load off of my royal ah-yes and she is also a pleasure to be around and work with!

6. Jeanne Schenk

Jeanne is an artist extraordinaire and her husband, BLESS HIS HEART, is a fantabulous chef~as can be witnessed by all those who got a taste of his shrimp dish from the Potential Meet'nGreet!!!! I, myownself, have sampled his wares at a New Year's party and his chocolate covered strawberries and just about everything else is to DIE FOR!!!! Not only is he willing and able to help out--she is also donating her talents to us in painting our next poster art of the queens!!!!! I am soooooo excited! Paul Schexnayder has offered to help her (as if she needs it!) Her addition to our ranks is a great boon to us all!

7. Cherie' Lord

Cherie is a stingfire and a dedicated philanthropist and beauty consultant to boot!!!! She has managed the Les Jeunes Amies art show now for so long, they cannot live without her and I am sure, we all feel- after seeing her fine capabilities and contribution to our Stalk Security program last year-that she will make an awesome queen. She is tireless and I have never seen her without a smile on her face! Her husband is also a hoot!!!!

8. Lori Landry

I met Lori when we went to Baton Rouge to meet Jill Conner Browne and I was immediately impressed because she is FUNNY and ya'll know how I like to laugh and she made me laugh A LOT! I wasn't able to talk her into joining last year, but through the help of Margaret Eikel and a lot of HARD SELLING, we got her! I know ya'll are going to LUV her and enjoy her quirky sense of humor as much as I do. She is a TRIP!!!!!!

9. April Defelice

I met April at the first LJA meeting after the 2008 Pageant/Ball and I thought then that she would make a great queen, but due to my schedule being crazy, I did not get a chance to talk to her again until the Potentials Meet'nGreet and after listening to all the former queens testimonials as to the greatness of my veryownidea (sniff!sniff! I JUST LUV YA'LL!) She was in! She is not only a queen, but she is a lawyer, too, so for those of ya'll who worry about me getting us in trouble with my bigolemouf--I'm sure she will draw up some papers to keep Iberia Habitat in the clear!!!! SCORE!

10. Mandy Desormeaux

Mandy and I have known each other for several years now through Queen Faye Dough Dough (who sings her praises regularly!) and I have been impressed by her A-mazing work ethic and ability to get things done and she is a teacher (like me) so I like her for that, too! She also has the leanest and most aerobically fit personage I have ever seen since Susan Powder, minus the almost baldness! We almost totally brainwashed her to get her to do it this year, but--hey! Whatever works! She is going to do a phenomenal job and look precious, too!

These are our newest BETA (2009) members...

DIVA Queens

Susan Sinitiere, Susan Klingman, Lynette Fraser, and Kristine Trahan

Queens

Courtney Abshire
April Defelice
Lori Landry
Nicole Estis
Amy Courrege
Cherie Lord
Jeanne Schenk
Shelli Helms
Shelley Rankin
Mandy Desormeax

and finally,

We have a new Wannabee

Julie Rosenzweig and her newly added Stalk Stud husband, Seth--I have met them both and they are the nicest little larvae you could ever meet! They are also kewt and smart, which is also a bonus! She is also technologically gifted, which as ya'll know--I really need some help with!

By the by...

Alpha (2008) members, remember if you haven't paid your dues yet, they are due by April 1st if possible! We will be recruiting new members until the end of May, so if you know of someone, send them my way or have them e-mail me at MsJerre@aol.com.

I just can't say enuf how much I appreciate all this wonderful support and hard work ya'll have given to Iberia Habitat. It is far more than I ever expected and I must say MY CUP (and Habitat's) RUNNETH OVER as a result of knowing each and every one of you!

Our HEAD DIVA is keeping me straight, thank the good LAWD and I just want to say that things have been running much better since she has been a part of my Berry Braintrust along with my VICE DIVA, who always has a sunny smile and bright disposition.

Our next event is the 2009 Hi! Tea which will be held at Queen Good Will's house (A.K.A. Margaret Simon) from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Details to follow!!!

BE SWEET!
LUV and Royally,

Queen de Bling, LUVer of All Things Sparkly
Berry Head Boss Queen, Self-appointed , ad infinitum
Her Royal Hi-ness, Queen of The Berry 2008-09

P.S.

At the end of our talk, the kewtest little larvae (possible Wannabee) came into the room and sat down, but she left before I could meet her. Did anyone know who she was or get a chance to talk to her! She was a keeper!

P.S.S.

Thanks to Queen Em Cee for remembering to always bring your camera so we can continue to document our get togethers and thanks to Queen Kilowatt for picking up the ice at the last possible minute!

P.S.S.S Amy Courrege and Brenda Langlinais wanted me to pass on to ya'll that THE FUN SHOP in Lafayette is closing its doors this Easter and everything in there, including wigs and such is 50% off!!!!!!!!

Friday, March 6, 2009

Fun-Raising Opportunity for ALL!

On Thursday, March 12th at the Abbeville location of Lowe's, they will be matching any gift card purchases made, but not used on that day, up to $5000.00 and giving it as a donation for Iberia Habitat for Humanity. Ladies--what a wunderful opportunity to come and get a two-fer~buy your veryownhunny a gift card (score some points with him) and give to philanthropy, too!!!! What a deal! You can come during their business hours and find our table where our board will be available all day to help you! Hope to see you there! This could really help with our next building project which I will be telling ya'll all about very soon!

Luv and ROYALLY,

Queen de Bling, LUVer of All Things Sparkly
Her Royal Hi-ness, Queen of THE BERRY and
Self Appointed Berry Head Boss Queen, ad infinitum

Potentials Meet 'n Greet


Please join us at Antique Roseville on March 7, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:oo p.m. for our open registration period for THE BERRY QUEENS 2009-2010 calendar year. We will enjoy the gardens and have information about how you can be a part of our organization and help fun-raise for Iberia Habitat for Humanity. For information, call Audrey at our Habitat office in New Iberia, 337-367-3083 or e-mail me at MsJerre@aol.com. Hope to see you there!!!!!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Update on Brian Blvd. Home!









Thanks to the help of many of our DIVAs, Queens, CHS students, and community volunteers, our Brian Blvd. house is nearing completion. All volunteer work is complete and the Washingtons will move in soon! I want to thank each of you who came out to help make the Washington's dream of home ownership possible. I know they appreciate it! Above are some pictures of some of our volunteers in action. It is only through the donations of the community's time and funds that we are able to accomplish our goals!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Escape to the 80s

On December 30, 2008, Dr. Chop and I attended an "Escape to the 80s" Party in honor of the turning 40 of four most excellent queens in our community. Although it is not O-fficial Queenly Bidness, it was such a good time that I decided to share it with all of you~my Berry and Habitat people. I hope you enjoy and that for those of you who were young in the 80s, it brings back fond memories. I also wish you a totally tubular 2009~Like, totally!!!!!

Queen Green and The Incredible Professor came as Square Pegs and The Jock

Stalk Security and newly crowned Berry Queen, Queen Cherie poses for the camera.

Stalk Stud and host, Kurt, gives us his best RISKY BUSINESS moves! Party ON!

Queen Karen sports her Mt. Carmel uniform...Memories!

Real Queens are not MADE, they are simply BORN! Queen de Bling


Queen Donna celebrated her coming of age. Welcome to the 40s girl--they are GREAT!

Queen Beth and her Stalk Stud, The Naturalizer

Queen Beth enjoys the music of FLASHBACK!

Queen Kilowatt and Gen'ral Lectric

This was kinda like me in the 80s for awhile, sans the black wig--except for the being sober part!!!!! Tee-Hee! (Sorry mama!)

Does this take you back to High School or WHAT!!!

Queen Kilowatt and I, along with EVERYONE THERE had a BLAST!

FLASHBACK played the most awesome music and the lead singer looked just like Bret Michaels!!!!!!

Gnarly!!!!!

Cyndi Lauper was in the house!

Queen Gillian (far left) was one of the four hostesses of the Escape to the 80s Party. Her backup singers and guitarist came with her.


Queen Cher Be'be' and THE MAN were in attendance.

Queen Angel brought herveryown brother to the event, bless her heart!

Queen Angel and myownself, Queen de Bling~She was one of the hostesses to our tubular time!

Now I know you are not surprised to see Queen Faye Dough Dough and Brick house at a party! She, surprisingly did not have the biggest hair at this particular event!

Queen Donna and her Stalk Stud, Kurt. She was one of the four hostesses of our radical evening!

Queen Martha and her Stalk Stud, Mitch~she was one of the four hostesses of our most excellent event!

Chop and I went as Joan Jett and the Prep. Did ya'll even recognize me without my bling on?

Queen Kilowatt and Gen'ral Lectric and friends

Queen Cast-A-Net and The Guv'na

Queen Nan and her Stalk Stud Waxon Waxoff...

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

2009 Calendar of Queenly Events!

Here is an updated calendar of events for our upcoming 2009 year. I hope it is to your liking. It is not set in stone, but it is at least a better idea of what to look forward to…

January 24th General Queen/DIVA Meeting and Get Together
Location and time TBA
I would like for ya’ll to be putting together a list of POTENTIALS~DIVA Queen/Queen/Queen-in-Waiting and Wannabee candidates to attend our Potentials Meet-n-Greet in February. I will need their names and addresses, so e-mail or bring to the meeting. If you cannot attend, but want to suggest something for our new year, please send that info with a Queenly friend or send me an e-mail prior to the meeting so we can discuss it. (Sorry I had to postpone our meeting, but my sister-in-law had my niece early, bless her heart!)

Saturday
February 21st Potentials Meet N Greet
Location and time TBA
We will have open spots for DIVA Queens, Queens, Queens-in-Waiting, and Wannabees

Dues will be due on or before March 6th for DIVAs, DIVA Queens, Queens, Queens-in-Waiting, and Wannabees and our final roster for new members (our Beta Group) will be set for 2009.

Thursday/Friday~Sunday
March 19-22 SPQ Weekend in Jackson, MS
Shall We March, girls?

Thursday Big Hat Tea
Friday SPQ Ball
Saturday Parade, Big Ah-yes BBQ (or whatever) and PJ and Pearls Ball
Sunday Brunch

We will probably need to book our rooms at the Hilton by early to mid February to avoid having no place to stay, so be thinking about whether or not you want to go.

Saturday
April 18th 2009 Berry Queens’ Hi! Tea
Location and time TBA

Friday
May 31st S.W.O.T.’s Up Planning Retreat and PJ Party
Location TBA

Friday 8pm-12am
September 18th 2nd O-fficial Berry Queens’ Ball and Pageant
I have reserved Cyr Gates for this event just
to make sure we have a bigger place. Our tables
this year will be rectangular (6 feet).

Sunday
September 27th 2nd Annual Appearance in the Sugar Cane Festival Parade

Thursday
October 29th Berry Scary Bar Party
Location and time TBA

Tuesday
December 1st Downtown Christmas Parade 2009



P.S. We welcome our new Her Royal Hi-ness candidates: Amy Courrege, Cherie Lord, Nicole Estis, Jeanne Schenk, Shelli Helms and our two DIVAs who have decided to compete: Queen DIVA Doc and one more to be named at a later date, ya'll!!! We have 7 and only need 1-3 more to complete our competitors!!!!

If you have wondered onto this site and would like more information about becoming a queenly candidate, please e-mail me at MsJerre@aol.com!

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Christmas with the Queens!


Pictured left to right~Top row: Queen of Disney, Queen of High Maintenance and Her Stalk Stud and our Royal driver, Buddy; Queen of Dippity Do, Queen DIVA Doc, and Queen Easy Rider Bottom Row: Queen Camil Feaux, Queen de Bling, Queen Mum, Queen of Sold, and Queen of Hearts





Well, the queens/DIVAs represented Habitat well in this year's Christmas Parade, which was held downtown along Main Street. We had sooooooo much fun it was ridiculous!!!! Ya'll make sure and come out and see us next year, since we have decided to make it a yearly event, sugars!!!! Sorry about the sideways pics, hunnies, but ya'll know I am not gifted in the technical department!!!!