| On October 14, 2006, The Canary Islanders Heritage
Society of Louisiana celebrated our 10th anniversary. The event was
very well attended and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Below
are photos from the event.
The main lobby area of the Archives building was setup
with this display, showcasing our many research documents, artifacts, and
artwork that we have collected throughout the years.
Mr. Joseph A. Prokop, Jr. is presented with an honorary
membership to our society by treasurer Vilora Bergeron. Mr. Prokop
was honored for his years of graciously handling all of the legal affairs
of our society. Mr. Prokop is the son of our president, Catherine
Prokop.
The auditorium of the Archives building was setup to
display the many photographs that we have taken over the years,
particularly images from the Canary Islands taken when several of our
members visited there some years ago. In addition, a visual
presentation was shown, displaying the many electronic images that we have
taken since the creation of the society's website. The presentation
also included footage of the late Mrs. Lynn Gray, singing the beautiful "Adios
Canarias" at an event that we held in Barataria.
Members and friends gathered in the lobby of the
Archives building observing the displays and mingling.
Mr. Sergio Ramos Lopez, Canary Islands citizen, and
teacher at Episcopal High School in Baton Rouge, preparing his delicious
paella.
The finished product, paella; a delicious blend
of rice, saffron, spices, meats and seafood.
Mr. Sergio Ramos Lopez, posing with his culinary
masterpiece. The meal consisted of the paella, cubes of Spanish
omelet (pictured above), salad, flan, and a cake (shown below).
Member Paul Newfield submitted this tribute to our
society on our tenth anniversary.
|
A Tribute to
The Canary Islanders Heritage Society of Louisiana
on The Occasion of Its Tenth Anniversary
The Canary Islanders Heritage
Society of Louisiana -- founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, A.D. 1996
-- ten short years of existence.
During that time and under your
societal banner, you have introduced cousins to their extended
families, and you have inspired acquaintances to become friends.
You have complimented the fine work of your two sister societies in
St. Bernard Parish, but placing a special focus on those early
Canary Islanders who established themselves at Barataria, at
Galveztown, and at Valenzuela -- those soldiers and their families,
whose sons and daughters and grandchildren went on to settle and
populate the state, particularly the city of Baton Rouge, the banks
of Bayou Lafourche, and just about all of Southwest Louisiana.
You have inspired members and
friends alike to examine their unique Canary Islands heritage --
Workshops, Meetings, Festivals, Food, Music, Costumes and Culture.
Your members have occasionally crossed the Atlantic in order to
visit the islands and towns that were sacred to their ancestors, and
some were fortunate enough to be able to examine original documents
and centuries-old church ledgers that recorded marriages and births.
One bright star in your crown
is the inspirational monument at Donaldsonville, Louisiana,
commemorating those Canary Islanders of the eighteenth century; you
were singularly responsible for its design and construction. That
monument remains a source of great pride, and rightly so.
Over the years, you have served
as host to delegations from the Canary Islands, official and
otherwise, and you have shown these visitors that Louisiana’s famous
hospitality is not restricted to New Orleans. Over the years,
visitors have become close personal friends.
In the wake of Hurricane
Katrina, you reached into deep flood waters to give aid and comfort
to your brothers in St. Bernard Parish. That hand of friendship and
assistance continues.
In these ten short years you
have come a long way, and your mark has been imprinted on the hearts
of many. You continue to be a demonstrative presence in the
cultural framework of Louisiana. Congratulations to you, “The
Canary Islanders Heritage Society of Louisiana”, on the completion
of this first decade, with best wishes for many, many more to come.
Paul Newfield III
October 14, 2006 |
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©2006 Canary Islanders Heritage Society of Louisiana
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