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December 2008
Should the Falcons have a new nickname?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
He’s no Dirty Bird, one sports talker says. So what should we call him?
In our understandable quest to flog every conceivable angle in writing about the the playoffs-bound Falcons, we’ve got an important question to ask fans.
Should the team have a new nickname?
Sure, some folks still call them the “Dirty Birds,” but that’s so last decade, says afternoon sports talker John Kincade of 680/The Fan.
“The Dirty Birds - that’s the ‘98 team,” said Kincade, noting his broadcast partner Buck Belue has consistently referred to “The New Falcons” all season long.
So what should we call them?
“Come up with something unique and fresh,” challenged Kincade, who didn’t have a new moniker in mind.
But Steak Shapiro, morning host at790/The Zone, was quick to come up with a new nickname.
“The New Blood,” he proffered. The name does work on many levels. The team has a new QB - rookie of the year Matt Ryan - and new head coach, Mike Smith.
“It’s kind of a badass name,” Shapiro continued. “Plus, they wear red.”
Do the Falcons need a new nickname? What should it be?
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Planning a low-key New Year’s Eve?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Image from foodandwineblog.com
Ready to party like it’s 2009?
I don’t know about you, but I’m not hearing about a bunch of huge bashes planned for this New Year’s Eve.
Instead, I’m seeing lots of invitations with a more low-key feel. Whereas folks might have planned lavish buffets for their parties last year, it seems we’re hearing about “dessert” receptions, with a champagne toast, this year.
I’m also hearing about folks planning to meet up with friends at bars or restaurants, with everyone paying his or her own way.
There are plenty of events going on around town for those of you looking for a party this Wednesday night.
Budget-conscious party people may want to check out events surrounding the 20th annual Peach Drop. The entertainment lineup features Dancing With The Stars champion Julianne Hough and is free.
Is the economy affecting your New Year’s Eve party plans? Are you scaling back this year?
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Falcons fans: The love is back
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kathy and Calvin Wells, from left, and Clay Coleman celebrate the Falcons’ win
As the thunderous cheering began to wane following the Falcons’ 31-27 win over the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Clay Coleman summed up the season so far.
“The love is back,” he said.
That sentiment seemed echoed throughout the Georgia Dome Sunday, both in fans’ signs - “I BELIEVE!” and “Playoffs? Who Would’ve Thunk It?” and “From Worst to First!” - and among fans themselves.
“This time last year,” Coleman noted, “you could just walk into a game.”
Then again, this time last year the team’s quarterback, Michael Vick, had just gone to prison for dogfighting and its former coach, Bobby Petrino, had split for Arkansas.
And now, with coach Mike Smith at the helm and rookie star QB Matt Ryan in the pocket, the Falcons are headed to the playoffs.
Sidney Sears
“I feel like it’s a whole new team, a whole new atmosphere,” said Sidney Sears of Gainesville.
She’s been a season ticket holder for several years and said last year’s season sometimes felt like one to endure, rather than enjoy. This year she’s been wearing her Matt Ryan t-shirt to every game, as a good-luck charm.
“He helps make the team,” she said.
Dewanna Jackson McGruder and Wanda Fickens started cheering long before Sunday’s game started. They arrived about 10 a.m. and waved pom-poms as players entered for pre-game warmups, or as coaches and trainers walked past, or as security guards looked their way and waved.
“Everybody has a season,” said McGruder, whose been coming to games as a season ticket holder since the age of 4. “After everything we went through last year, with the quarterback and the coach, it’s our time. I love Arthur Blank. It’s his time to shine.”
Dewanna Jackson McGruder and Wanda Fickens
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DeShawn Snow: Blessed to be a blessing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
DeShawn Snow with husband Eric, left, and NFL veteran Willie Whitehead. Photo by Ben Evans.
The Bravo cameras have stopped rolling for the moment but that’s not keeping the Real Housewives of Atlanta out of the public eye.
DeShawn Snow was joined by husband Eric and NFL veteran Willie Whitehead on Saturday to read stories to children at the Barnes & Noble store at Perimeter Center West. The joint appearance was a promotion for “Bedtime Stories,” the Disney movie starring Adam Sandler. It opens Christmas Day.
Earlier last week, DeShawn and Whitehead teamed up to bring holiday cheer to needy children in Atlanta and Union City. The group of 32 kids, served by the Young YMCA of Southwest Atlanta, enjoyed dinner at the Wing Lab before a shopping trip at Wal-Mart.
Both DeShawn and Whitehead have foundations that work with youths.
“I have dedicated my life to encouraging, empowering, and enriching the lives of teenage girls,” DeShawn told us by e-mail. “I’ve made a lot of bad decisions while growing up and I realize that my life could have turned out quite differently than what it is today.”
“I am living proof that you can have life and have it more abundantly regardless of where you come from, what choices you have made, or what labels you are given,” she continued, adding that she gets much from giving back.
“I am blessed to be a blessing,” DeShawn said.
As you probably know my colleague Rodney Ho, recently christened the AJC’s best columnist by readers of Atlanta Magazine, has made a mini-career lately out of chronicling the Housewives.
RoHo recently reported that Bravo has signed on for a second season of the “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”.
He spoke to one of the other housewives, Sheree Whitfield, who said her newfound fame from the show is helping her launch a clothing line.
Some of the photos from DeShawn’s storytelling session show video cameras capturing the scene. I asked whether that suggests the event might become a segment on a future RHA episode.
Stay tuned.
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Too much holiday togetherness?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah: Our home away from the family’s home
We’ll be heading down to Savannah next week to celebrate Christmas with family.
And we’ve booked our own accommodations.
Over the years, we’ve found bunking under a different roof makes for a more pleasant visit. There’s no sleeping on the couch, or waiting in line to take a shower.
Perhaps because it’s a holiday week, we found an excellent rate at the elegant Mansion on Forsyth Park.
Do you stay with family when you visit family, or seek your own rooms at the inn?
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Did you know arthritis affects children?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Zach Jamison, on a family vacation, was diagnosed at 6 with arthritis
“Some days are better than others, but every day I experience pain,” said Zachary Jamison, describing his arthritis. “It feels like millions of needles going into my legs. On really bad days, it’s hard to concentrate.”
Zachary is 11 years old. Diagnosed at age 6, he has seen the disease take a toll on his body and spirit.
“It’s hard to watch my friends play my favorite games without me,” he said. “It makes me feel left out. Last year in school, other people called me ‘Chicken Legs’ because of the way I walk.”
Tears streamed down Zachary’s cheeks as he told his story at the Faces of Arthritis breakfast, held Dec. 2 at Villa Christina. There were few dry eyes in the room as his dad, Sandy Springs Police Lt. Scott Jamison, stood with his son to support him.
“This is a very emotional disease,” his mom, Darice Jamison, said. “Watching your child suffer is heart-wrenching. It is our prayer that God will use us to help scientists come up with a cure.”
Breakfast table hosts included Roberta Byrum, Jenice and Kevin Cunningham, Kristen Gibbs, Marie Hannon, Darryl Harris, Beth and John Kernan, Theresa Lawrence-Ford, Dana Marton, Molly Parks, Patti Peach, Patty Rech, Eileen and Tom Rosencrants, Robert Shaw, Jane Whipple and Hilary Wilson.
The event benefited the Georgia chapter of the Arthritis Foundation’s programs, including Camp Joint Venture, for children with arthritis. “You get to feel normal there,” Zachary said. Information: www.arthritis.org.
Catching up with the pie guy
By now you may have heard of pizza perfectionist Jeffrey Varasano, the software engineer who sort of stumbled into the pie business. (That’s him pictured above, getting down to business.)
The transplanted New Yorker couldn’t find a single slice here to suit him, so he jacked around with his oven until he could fire pizzas at 825 degrees. His obsession for ingredients, perfect charring and, of course, heat has earned him a devoted following.
Over the past couple of years he’s hosted regular dinner parties in his Buckhead home, feeding more than 1,600 people. Monday night, the guest list included Beverly Gault, Lauren and Simon Drabble, Jason M. Recio, Patricia Tinsley, Linda and Don Gaspari and Ted Golden.
Mike Zimmerman serves wine at Varasano’s latest pizza party
Varasano’s Pizzeria is set to open in about six weeks in the new Mezzo Atlanta building in Buckhead. We hope there’s someone directing traffic. Info: www.varasanos.com.
Homes for the holidays Marietta’s annual holiday tour of homes started with a Dec. 5 cocktail buffet bash at the Traton headquarters.
The crowd included tour co-chair ,b>Sarah Bullington and husband John; tour volunteer Melissa Gilbert and husband Parker, and docent co-chair Robyn Brennaman and husband Paul. Sally Litchfield and I had a brief meeting of the Society Writers Society. (She’s my counterpart at the Marietta paper.)
The tour, which featured six historic homes, was co-chaired by Betty Burnside
Atlanta Humane Society President Carl Leveridge, from left, December dog Jake and owner Kathy Akopov, sponsor Cotten Alston and board member Susan Gordy were on hand when the 2009 calendar was unveiled. Photo by Kim Link
Pet project . … On hand to unveil the Atlanta Humane Society’s 2009 calendar were president Carl Leveridge, board members Susan Gordy, Wendy Hart, Cynthia Jeness and Deborah Marshall; sponsors Dawn Mullins and Cotten Alston and December dog Jake with owner Kathy Akopov.
The calendar costs $12.50 and can be purchased at the shelter, 981 Howell Mill Road, or call 404-974-2876 or see www.atlantahumane.org.
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Want to see the Festival of Trees? Log on ..
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Welcome to the Festival of Trees! Kitty Correll, from left, Cheryl Watson, Ron Hedgepeth, Angie Chesin, and Glenn Wallace with one of the trees decorated for the Children’s Holiday Gala. Photo by Dane Sponberg
The Festival of Trees has gone green this year.
Really green.
If you didn’t attend the Dec. 5 gala at SCAD-Atlanta, your viewing opportunity will be an online experience.
The 31-year-old event, which has raised some $17 million over the years for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, was hosted for years at the Georgia World Congress Center. Last year’s event was nearly scotched due to scheduling conflicts at the GWCC.
The Atlanta History Center, which happened to have an opening in its calendar, stepped in to save the day and hosted the festival and preview-night gala that preceded it.
Last year’s Festival of Trees was at the Atlanta History Center. Photo by Todd R.McQueen.
This year the festival moved again, to SCAD-Atlanta. The school hosted a preview party in November, and a Dec. 5 gala. The $150-per-person event featured an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a silent auction of designer decorated trees, wreaths and table top displays.
The 30 trees decorated in honor of Children’s patients were on display during the gala, and are now being delivered to patients’ homes so the youngsters and their families can enjoy them over the holidays.
We’re told SCAD will post a gallery of the trees on its Web site. For longtime fans of the festival, who recall the acres of greenery and children’s rides at the GWCC, it might not be the same.
A photo from the 2001 Festival of Trees, by Lynn Siler
The 1999 Festival of Trees featured a Fun Slide. Photo by Charlotte B. Teagle.
This photo from the 2002 Festival of Trees gives you an idea of how big the event was. Photo by Charlotte B. Teagle.
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Where do you find luxury for less?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Oysters and champagne at the XO Bar: an elegant bargain
Given the state of our economy, we’re all hanging on to our wallets these days. But it’s nice to take a break amid the holiday rush, and indulge just a little.
Here are a few ideas for enjoying a bit of bling in Atlanta - without going broke.
Seafood pairings for just 10 clams at XO
The marquee drink at XO Bar at the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead is Le Reve des Anges, made with Hennessy Ellipse, a dash of Chambord and topped with Dom Perignon. At $550, it’s a bit of a splurge.
But for $10, enjoy white wine paired with two jumbo shrimp or three oysters paired with champagne. The oysters are freshly shucked, the shrimp are seasoned with Cajun spices and the wine is selected daily.
It has to be the most elegant bargain in town.
Burgers at the Ritz-Carlton’s Lobby Lounge
Executive chef Arnaud Berthelier’s culinary mastery in The Dining Room, the Buckhead Ritz-Carlton’s top-drawer restaurant, isn’t cheap.
In the Lobby Lounge, the gourmet burger menu includes the $16 classic, featuring Vermont cheddar with applewood smoked bacon and sherry mayo, served with fries.
Pair it with a $7 brew from the beer menu for serious comfort food.
3434 Peachtree Road, Buckhead; 404-237-2700.
Creations at the Art Institute of Atlanta
Creations, the restaurant staffed by upper-level culinary students under faculty supervision at the Art Institute of Atlanta, is a sparkling jewel in the bargain-hunter’s crown.
We’re talking a a six-course dinner for $33, or lunch from $9 to $18 (not including beverage, tax or tip).
It’s serving this quarter through Dec. 12 and then takes a holiday break. Reservations are required.
29 Spa at the Mansion on Peachtree
If you don’t have the $2.5 million to $12 million to buy a pad at the Mansion on Peachtree, book a 29 Spa package from $175 and enjoy access to the super luxurious lounge, fitness center and locker room areas, with signature tea and wine to further refresh. Individual spa services range from $55 for a manicure to $175 for a 90-minute grape skin treatment.
Speaking of spas
For an even greater bargain, students at the Atlanta School of Massage will work you over for as little as $30. Since this is a school, the facility lacks the over-the-top luxury of 29 Spa, but is clean and comfortable.
Do you have luxe-for-less secrets to share? What are your best tips for minor indulges during less-than-perfect economic times?
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Ludacris: The Hip-Hop Statesman
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ludacris and his bling. The artist says he’s more focused on helping others than in making is own Christmas wish list this year.
After wave upon crashing wave of dreadful economic news coming out this week, the folks at AT&T gave the ATL a break Saturday night by sponsoring a free concert at The Tabernacle featuring Ludacris and Soulja Boy Tell’em.
Before the show, Luda met with reporters for short one-on-ones, then a slightly longer joint confab.
There were a few questions about music - but lots about the economy.
“This Christmas, it’s important to give back to others,” said the artist, also known as Chris Bridges.
He said he doesn’t have much of a Christmas list of his own.
“I’m so blessed, I’m more focused on giving back,” he said. His foundation works with young people. It provides items like food, toys, school supplies and clothing to needy children, but also offers leadership and goal-setting training and promotes healthy eating and exercise.
His advice for folks struggling in this troubled economy? Get busy.
“Get more than one job,” he said. “You’ve got to hustle. Life is all about competition.”
Luda’s had more than one job himself lately. He was active during the political season, most recently stumping in the Senate run-off for Jim Martin. While Martin was unsuccessful at unseating U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, Luda was pleased with the outcome of the presidential election - and at how many young voters became engaged during the campaign.
“That was one of the most important things in this election,” he said. “The younger generation came out. We stayed on each other.”
With government bailouts much in the news, Luda likes a simpler, more grassroots approach. He says it’s up to people who are able to help the less fortunate to step up.
“Barack can’t do it on his own,” he said. “We should help each other out.”
How’s this for product placement?
His latest album, Theater of the Mind, came out Nov. 24. He anticipates touring to support the CD, but was happy to unveil his new work in Atlanta.
“Whenever I come back to Atlanta, Ga., it’s a blessing,” he said. “This is where I started. I just continue to try to reinvent myself. I love music. I still have a passion for it.”
Soulja Boy opened for Ludacris
Soulja Boy Tell ‘em (known on his birth certificate as DeAndre Ramone Way) opened for Luda. His new album is out Dec. 16.
He didn’t sit for a formal interview back stage, but stopped for a friendly hello.
On stage he exhibited shrewd showmanship, at one point mopping his brow with great flourish and drove the screaming crowd nuts as he pondered where to toss the towel, Elvis-style.
Most folks partaking of the free concert packed the Tabernacle’s main level. A smaller, tamer VIP crowd of sponsors, record label execs and assorted invited guests nibbled at a buffet of crackers and brie, roasted veggies, chicken and mini quesadillas.
The pictures I took during the concert didn’t turn out so hot, so here are a few folks we ran into upstairs.
Cassandra Wimberley and Angelica Bell
Rhonda Donoho and Chenoia Bryant
Jodi Grieshop, Lauren Hart and Ben Harris
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Shopping for a cause
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Cindy Hume and Sarah Bass check out a display of earrings at the Posh Moms shopping event, which benefited Reconnecting Families.
Pat and Jim Leake didn’t need to hit the malls for post-Thanksgiving shopping. A mini-mall of sorts came to them.
The couple’s Marietta home was full of holiday cheer — and holiday shopping — Monday night. A display of earrings had taken over one of the kitchen counters. Personalized greeting card samples covered the piano. There were racks of shoes and handbags, cutesy nibbles and a bottle of wine or two, or three.
“It’s always nice to have people over,” a good-natured Jim Leake said, as an army of women descended on the vendors set up in his living room, dining room and kitchen.
Pat and Jim Leake graciously opened their home to an army of shopping women
Coordinated by Jennifer Shields and Shannon Masterson of Posh Mom Events, the private shopping night featured specialty items from a number of local businesses, and benefited Reconnecting Families. The program, in partnership with the Cobb County Juvenile Drug Court to help families affected by substance abuse will receive a portion of the evening’s proceeds.
“We put those families back together,” Judge Juanita Stedman said. “It is our privilege to be part of their lives.”
During her remarks Judge Stedman mentioned one young client the program has worked with, a teenager named Bonnie
Cindy Rozen and Kerri Merriman shopped for a cause at the Posh Mom event
We visited with shoppers Sarah Bass, Cindy Hume, Kerri Merriman and Cindy Rozen. Vendor Margie Verdon of Six Beans, a gourmet food retailer, said participating in the event meshes with the guiding principles of the company she and Amy Waldner operate.
“Amy and I are both mothers of small children,” Verdon said. “One of our missions has been to give back.”
Margie Verdon of Six Beans says giving back is part of her business.
Other participating vendors included Ann Roth Shoes, Jewelry by Designs by Gal Pals, Jewelry by Jen Boaz, Handbags by Sage Sacks, Three Cute Mamas stationery, BonBons Confectionery and Signature Stylus concierge service
Alyson Hoag of Authentic Beauty provided makeup touch-ups.
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Do you regift? Get ready for National Regifting Day!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There are only 16 non-shopping days left before National Regifting Day, which is Dec. 18.
The “official” holiday was created three years ago by a debt-counseling group called Money Management International as a way of espousing recycling and avoiding debt.
But of course, regifting has been going on forever, whether it’s the passing down of a family heirloom or putting an unwanted wedding present in a fresh gift bag.
Some families have a fun “white elephant” tradition, where the same gag gift gets passed around from year to year.
Then there are families, like the eccentric clan I married into, that see no problem passing off slightly used merchandise as new. This practice runs into problems when the regifted items have other people’s monograms on them, or inscriptions from the original givers to the intended recipients. Or when you enter the realm of Extreme Regifting - actually returning the very item to someone that they originally gave to you.
On the other hand, I’ve received items from friends that I’m pretty sure were regifts, but have enjoyed them nonetheless. I restrict my regifting to bringing a bottle of wine as a hostess gift that I’ve received as a hostess gift. And I do reuse gift bags.
The creators of National Regifting Day have come up with some handy guidelines: avoid regifting used, signed or mongrammed gifts. Pick something the recipient will enjoy. Rewrap in nice, new paper.
Or better yet, donated those unwanted items to charity.
Do you regift? What’s your policy on what makes an acceptable regifted item. Have you ever received an obviously regifted present?
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High-society hounds
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jane Fonda = fab. Jane Fonda + dog = way fab. Photo by Ben Rose.
Talk about party animals.
I’m noticing a cuddly trend in some of the pix we get promoting charity events. It seems a fabulous picture gets even more so when a photogenic Fido enters the frame.
The photo above shows actress-philanthropist Jane Fonda and Tulea, her Coton de Tulear (along with two-legged buddies Sona Chambers, left, and Chloe Taylor Brown) at a recent private shopping night at Tootsies. The event benefited Fonda’s charity, G-CAPP.
(We’re told Fonda’s furry friend took in the fashion show portion of the evening from atop the mink coat laid upon the lap of a fellow patron, and was well-behaved and charming throughout the evening.)
Fonda’s not alone in enjoying four-legged companionship during charity bashes. Atlanta real estate legend Jenny Pruitt posed with her two lovelies at an event to benefit Chastain Horse Park’s therapeutic riding program.
Jenny Pruitt, left, and Chastain Horse Park President Amy Lance with Jenny’s Shi Tzus, Molly and Murphy and one of the horses involved in the therapeutic riding program. Photo by Kim Link.
Braves manager Bobby Cox and players Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann all posed with their pooches to promote Bets for Pets, benefiting the Homeless Pets Foundation.
Jeff Francoeur and Brody, a King Cavalier Charles Spaniel. Photos courtesy of the Atlanta Braves
Brian McCann and Jeff Francoeur and their best friends
Braves Manager Bobby Cox and his four-legged pals. Photo by Colby Kidd
And check out the handsome fellows in this picture showing the chairs of last month’s benefit for the fourth annual New Leash on Life benefit.
Sandra Baldwin, left, and Tony Conway, chaired the fourth annual New Leash on Life event. David York, top, was honorary chair. Photo by Jim Fitts
Rhonda Milner, with Petey, helped with last year’s New Leash event. She’s shown here with David York as well.
Finally, here’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Remington Rainer in the arms of human companion Kathy Rainer, along with member of the committee planning the Peachtree Garden Club Christmas Home Tour.
The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 11 and features four classic Buckhead homes, including the Rainer residence.
From left, Barbara Harkey, sponsor Jody Abstance, tour chair Jan Stair, Lynne Lowance and Kathy Rainer, with King Charles Cavalier Remington Rainer.
The tour commemorates the Peachtree Garden Club’s 85th anniversary and is sponsored by Dorsey Alston, Realtors and president Jody Abstance.
Proceeds will benefit the Swan Woods Trail at the Atlanta History Center and a scholarship in Landscape Architecture at the University of Georgia in memory of famed local architect Neel Reid.
Admission is a $20 donation in advance or $25 at the door. For info see peachtreegardenclub@gmail.com.
Remington would love to see you there.
Is your dog a diva? Does your pooch like to party? Send me a picture! butterfly@ajc.com
Here are a few that have rolled in - keep them coming!
Diana Mohs says Dash, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, “loves to party and will literally dance for a bowlful of crushed ice.”
Ryan Sepanski says his dog, Jake, likes to break out the outerwear when it gets cold. Note the cute little hat and matching parka. Do you accessorize this well?
Here’s another Jake. His owner says that as this Jake approaches age 13, he’s reached “semi-retired bliss” where he wags his tail as exercise, then spends his time napping in the sun. For variety he naps in the shade or on a pillow. We should all have it so good!
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Toy Party is this Sunday, Dec. 7!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Stephanie Keal, from left, Alison Hall, Jorge Esteban and For the Kid in All of Us president Frank Bragg at the patron event for this Sunday’s Toy Party. Photo by Eric Bryant.
For the Kid in All of Us, which delivers holiday gifts to children served by a number of area shelters, welcomed patrons and corporate sponsors at a recent bash at the Bill Lowe Gallery.
The annual Toy Party will be from 5:30 to 9 p.m. this Sunday, Dec. 7, at AmericasMart Atlanta downtown. It features food, drinks and a fantastic silent auction - while benefiting children in need throughout metro Atlanta and beyond.
More than 200 guests attended the patron event, enjoying a spread from Gloriosa Designs and taking in the gallery’s most recent installations from Gabriele Schnitzenbaumer and Hyunmee Lee.
This Sunday’s party will feature a silent auction of more than 200 items with a value of nearly $80,000.
Items include round-trip tickets from presenting sponsor Delta, along with tickets on as well as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and mountain cabin and beach home vacations, cooking classes and gift certificates to local area businesses and restaurants.
Then there’s a special “mystery gift” from Lucasfilm, Ltd.
Entry into the event is one new, unwrapped toy or gift card of $15 or greater value. Organizers challenge guests to be extra-generous this year, with so many in need. And “holiday cocktail” attire is suggested.
Funds raised through The Toy Party & Silent Auction will benefit 15 Atlanta and North Georgia agencies that serve Georgia’s children in need.
For more information see the group’s web site.
Tony Lewis, from left, Neal Rhoney, Sam Morgan and Jeff Mifsud at the patron party preceding this Sunday’s Toy Party and Silent Auction. Photo by Eric Bryant.
