The French Quarterly
CRMG Newsletter | Spring 2015
French Quarterly
A 2015 Royal Proclamation ~ Everyone Counts at Aquinas
Greg & Kathy Curti | Rex & Queen XXIV
We chose the fleur de lis as our
symbol, not only because it represents
Mardi Gras, but also for its origin
in Christianity. It has been used as a
symbol for both the Virgin Mary and
the Holy Trinity.
We see the Fleur de Lis as a symbol
of Catholic Education, with God at the
center, parish and school as the petals,
all supporting our children from birth
to adulthood and beyond.
My friends, I will do my best to finish
speaking before you finish listening.
In the past month, Kathy and I were
asked if we were the new Rex and
Queen more times than I can shake a
stick at (hold up Joe Cane). Indeed,
inquiring minds wanted to know. But
as you might guess, we were sworn to
secrecy. So we apologize for all the
denials and fibs. Hopefully, you will
begin to trust us again someday.
It is a great honor for both of us to
be your Rex and Queen and we are
really looking forward to representing
Mardi Gras. In order to incorporate
our occupations of education and
accounting into our doubloons, Kathy
and I decided on the message “Aquinas
Schools – Where Everyone Counts”.
Now we will introduce our family
members who were able to join us
tonight.
Greg: Our children Olivia and Chris,
my mother Jean Curti, my sister Kathy
and her husband Perry and my sister
Ellen
Kathy: My mother Maxine Garvalia,
my sister Mary and her husband Brad,
my sister Patty and her husband Vern,
our friends Paul Julien, Ron and Cece
Lewis, Callie Cooper, Danny Sieck and
Michael Lium
We would like to thank Becky
Wilhelm for all of her work on our
costumes. We also want to thank the
numerous Rexes and Queens for all
the help they gave us in getting ready
for tonight.
Thank you for attending the ball this
evening and supporting Mardi Gras.
Have an enjoyable evening and we
hope to see you at future Mardi Gras
events.
The French Quarterly
CRMG Newsletter | Spring 2015
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The French Quarterly
CRMG Newsletter | Spring 2015
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Royalty the Inside Scoop Greg & Kathy Curti | Rex & Queen XXIV
The 2015 Coulee Region Mardi
Gras Rex and Queen are Greg and
Kathy Curti of Stoddard. They are
members of Blessed Sacrament
Parish and are part of St. Patrick’s
Krewe of the Northern Sands where
they served as Lord and Lady.
Rex Greg was born in La Crosse
and grew up in Genoa working on
his parents’ farm, playing sports and
attending St. Charles School. Greg
is a director at McGladrey CPAs
in La Crosse where he has worked
for nearly 30 years. He has been
actively involved in the Rotary Club
of La Crosse for over 20 years and
was a Rotary Foundation Board
member. He volunteered as a coach
for Shelby Youth Baseball, and
served as Treasurer and Executive
Committee member of the Boy
Scouts. He is a former President and
Board member of the West Central
Chapter of the Wisconsin Institute
of CPAs. He met Kathy at his high
school graduation after she picked
him out of the graduates and told
her friends to introduce him to her.
The rest as they say is history, and
they married in 1986.
Queen Kathy grew up boating on
the Mississippi River and working
at her parents’ business, Garvalia
China Shop. She was active in choral
music throughout her school years,
and was even a high school dance
partner of a certain local priest! She
attended Blessed Sacrament School
and is a graduate of Aquinas High
School. Kathy has been a teacher
with the Diocese of La Crosse for
over 25 years and she currently
teaches Spanish and French at St.
Patrick’s School in Onalaska and
Cathedral School in La Crosse.
Kathy is on the Mardi Gras Board
and has served as Secretary on the
Executive Board. She volunteers her
time singing with the La Crescent
Apple Annies. She loves jewelry and
donates her hand-made jewelry for
the Aquinas Booster Club auction,
Mardi Gras auctions, and other
charitable events. Kathy and Greg
were fixtures at the Mardi Gras
souvenir table on Family Day for
many years.
Because of their strong belief in
Catholic education, Greg and Kathy
enrolled their two children at Blessed
Sacrament School and Aquinas
Middle and High Schools. Olivia
is an Aquinas graduate and will
be graduating in May from Drake
University in Des Moines. Chris will
graduate from Aquinas in May and
will be attending the University of
Wisconsin in the fall. Throughout
the years Greg and Kathy have
enjoyed watching their children’s
music and athletic activities. The
family loves the Wisconsin Badgers,
the Milwaukee Brewers, and NFL
football (even though they don’t
cheer for the same team).
Rex Greg and Queen Kathy are
honored to be associated with
Coulee Region Mardi Gras because
the organization is very committed
to the success of Aquinas Catholic
Schools. Additionally, they are
excited to represent Coulee Region
Mardi Gras at other area festivals
throughout the coming year.
Cavorting at the Mardi Gras Ball
Amy Bettis | CRMG Secretary
Every year is unique at Mardi Gras.
Krewes take their individual themes to
the limits and beyond. This year’s themes
included.
Mary Mother of the Church–Krewe
of Southern Unity–Star Wars ‘May the
Faith be with You’ with Lord Joe and Lady
Rachael Kaiser
Newman Center–Krewe of Endless
Hugs–The Roaring 20’s with Lord Mike
and Lady Jess Boland
Holy Trinity–Krewe of the Valley
Between Two Bluffs–Cards, Not Playing
with a Full Deck with Lord Dan and Lady
Cindy Gunderson
Saint Patrick’s–Krewe of Northern
Sands– Saturday Night Live with Lord
Robbie and Lady Kristina Sage
Blessed Sacrament–Krewe of the
Bluffside Brigade– Basketball~The Holy
Ballers with Lord Mark and Lady Stephanie
Dickson
New to the stage or should I say screen
were the video tributes. Each short ‘film’ was
a unique expression of the krewe themes.
Krewes were able to enjoy their dinners.
without having to rush, collect props and
krewe members for their turn on stage. No
one had to return to a dinner that has gone
cold. The idea worked exceedingly well until
the A/V system malfunctioned, a few videos
had to be postponed until the Bourbon
Street Bash & Fat Tuesday. Tributes or no,
we cavorted on!
Get your thinking caps on for next year.
Because the video tribute will be back.
You have a whole year to be creative, OR
just cram it into to a weekend of intense
videotaping the weekend before the ball!
Brittany Styles and her band Pick 6 got
the Waterfront rocking. Queen Kathy found
her Uptown Funk…don’t believe me just
watch—the video that is on our FB page!
It was a successful Mardi Gras in
spite of the challenges of the evening.
Congratulations to our new Rex and Queen
Greg and Kathy Curti, enjoy your reign. Hail
Rex…Hail Queen…
The French Quarterly
CRMG Newsletter | Spring 2015
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The French Quarterly
CRMG Newsletter | Spring 2015
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Auction Success Despite Audio Adversity
Amy Bettis | MG Dessert Auction Chairperson
Last year Mardi Gras Committee
hosted one of its most successful
fundraising events ever at the ball. It
was the Decadent Dessert Auction,
raising over $4,000 for our kids. Of
course the event was brought back by
popular demand for 2015.
A few tweaks and additions were made
to this year’s auction ‘entertainment’. In
order to involve our talented kids at
Aquinas Catholic Schools a Student Art
Auction was added to the agenda. The
auction committee also became more
selective for its desserts limiting the
coveted auction spots to 15 desserts.
Featuring desserts from Pogreba’s, the
Radisson, and Chef Mary Cody plus
the talents of our Aquinas families.
Due to the tenacity and diligent work
of Anna Flemming four(4) Disney Park
Hopper passes were procured. The
committee decided the ball would be a
great opportunity to place these up for
auction as well.
We were excited to place these new
items on the auction block, but hopes
of a successful auction were ALMOST
crushed due to the A/V difficulties we
experienced earlier that evening. How
do you make yourself heard over the
din of the crowd without audio?
It was our auctioneer, Brittany Styles
and her band Pick 6 to the rescue, or
more specifically their sound system!
Slightly delayed, but undaunted the first
item went up for bid. Brittany was an
excellent auctioneer! Thanks to all our
volunteer spotters from AHS and the
Mardi Gras krewes we were better able
to respond to the bidders.
This year’s auction despite audio
setbacks was even more successful
than last year. Dessert, AHS Art &
Disney Auctions at the Mardi Gras Ball
earned over $5,500 dollars for Aquinas
Catholic Schools to aid in tuition
assistance, supporting the arts and
technology development within the
schools! Thank you to all our generous
supporters of Mardi Gras you are
making the impossible–possible!!
Mardi Gras on Tour
Mark & Debbie Hansen | Rex & Queen XXIII
One of our last appearances as reigning
Rex and Queen was also one of our most
enjoyable experiences: the 2015 Mardi
Gras school and convent visits. An
enthusiastic group of 20-30 Mardi Gras
supporters spent a fun-filled day touring
the area to promote our new Mardi Gras
family event, at Shenanigans on Jan. 25,
2015.
We began our day with a press
conference at Cathedral to inform area
news stations and the La Crosse Tribune
about the various upcoming Mardi Gras
events—Family Day, Mardi Gras Ball,
Bourbon Street Bash, Mardi Gras Mass
and Fat Tuesday.
We then proceeded to sing, dance and
cavort with students at each of our area
Catholic elementary schools: Cathedral,
Crucifixion, St. Patrick’s and Blessed
Sacrament. We all enjoyed festive music
provided by Dr. Rock (Rex IV, Rick
Pervisky).
We were happy to be accompanied by
a number of Mardi Gras Krewe members
and past Rexes and Queens. As a result, we
were able to generate a lot of enthusiasm
and excitement among the students! They
were thrilled to get Mardi Gras beads,
dance, do the limbo and watch their
teachers hula hoop! We think they all
went right home and told their parents
about the Family Day at Shenanigan’s,
because we had a great turn-out.
To cap off the day, we made a stop at
St. Rose Convent, to bring a little Mardi
Gras celebration to the Sisters there. They
thoroughly enjoyed some of their oldtime favorite tunes as well as our Mardi
Gras beads and costumes. And we had
just as much fun as they did!
We were honored to have been chosen
Rex and Queen XXIII and enjoyed
representing Mardi Gras throughout
2014. We welcome our new Rex and
Queen Greg and Kathy Curti and look
forward to many more happy memories
with the Mardi Gras group!
Many thanks to Tom and Lisa Kratt from
Blessed Sacrament Krewe for organizing
the tour of the elementary schools and
The French Quarterly
CRMG Newsletter | Spring 2015
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The French Quarterly
CRMG Newsletter | Spring 2015
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Bourbon Street Bash
The Big Winners!
The Bourbon Street Bash was held on
Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at the Freighthouse
Restaurant. The event was well attended by past
Rex and Queen’s and Krewe members from the
different parishes. The people who attended
enjoyed watching the video of the Krewe Tribute
to Mardi Gras. Everyone was socializing and
enjoying themselves while attending this event.
After the Rex’s Bash, many stayed to enjoy dinner
at the Freighthouse with our new Rex and Queen.
The dinner afterwards is a great idea because
people have the chance to talk with people from
other krewes
Amy & Mike Bettis
Two airline tickets courtesy of
Travel Professionals
John & Pam Brose
$500 Rose Jewelers gift certificate
Steve Orlan
Schneider Heating and Air
Conditioning Tune Up
Stephanie Downey
Bakalars Meat Package
Chuck & Mary Kulas
Twin Cities package
Joe Weiss
Luggage set from Travel
Professionals
William & Casey Kroner
Coulee Region Chill package
Kerry & Sue Groetsch
Milwaukee Brewers tickets
Dorothy Fuchsteiner
La Crosse Loggers package
Cindy Dale | CRMG Committee Member
Fat Tuesday at Boot Hill Pub
Kevin Gagermeier | CRMG Committee Member
On February 17, 2015 Coulee Region
Mardi Gras celebrated Fat Tuesday in
style at a new venue this year. Dock 7
at Boot Hill Pub on St. Andrew Street
provided the back drop for an amazing
evening.
We had a fabulous turnout. The Cajun
food received rave reviews. The cookies
from Mike Marco were an especially
popular item. Kelly Wilde provided the
entertainment all night long, helping to
encourage cavorting out on the dance
floor. In addition to music, the Krewe
tribute skits were shown in their entirety.
A special thanks also goes to Joe Weiss
for once again providing, and in this
case hand delivering a barrel of Lost
Lake Beer. Because of the generosity
of Mardi Gras supporters four tables
were decked out with items for the silent
auction.
Our newly crowned Rex Greg and
Queen Cathy were in attendance to lead
the celebrating. A good time was had by
all. The night ended with the drawing
of the raffle winners and the close of the
silent auction. Fat Tuesday is a great
opportunity to cavort one more time
with your friends from Mardi Gras
before the season of Lent begins on Ash
Wednesday. We look forward to seeing
all of your smiling faces again next year
on February 9th 2016. Cavort!
Terry Stika | Rex XXII
Mardi Gras Board–UPDATE
Sue Stika | CRMG President & Queen XXII
We had a great wrap up MG
Board meeting on March 10th. We
talked about the events, how to
improve and expand them. We are
grateful that each of the krewes will
be chairing an event for next year’s
Mardi Gras.
Rex’s Bash - Newman Center
School Visits - Blessed Sacrament
MG Family Day - Holy Trinity
MG Mass & Breakfast - MMOC
Fat Tuesday - St. Pat’s
THANK YOU to everyone
for supporting Mardi Gras. This
year we raised over $17,000! Our
next board meeting will be on
Wednesday, April 22nd, at 6:00 pm
at Boot Hill Pub. It will be decided
at this meeting how the money will
be earmarked. If you want input in
this decision please make time to
attend this meeting.
Also at the next meeting…
Amy Bettis has done a great job as
secretary this past year. This year
she will continue updating our
website and facebook page, as well as
our “French Quarterly” newsletter.
Because of this, we will need to elect
a secretary at next month’s meeting.
Please consider serving a year as an
officer on our board.
Thank you for your continued
support of Mardi Gras and Aquinas
Catholic Schools!
The French Quarterly
CRMG Newsletter | Spring 2015
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The French Quarterly
CRMG Newsletter | Spring 2015
Page 9
Mardi Gras Fun at Shenanigan’s Amy Bettis | CRMG Secretary
After a brief one year hiatus the Mardi
Gras family event was re-introduced at
Shenanigan’s on French Island.
Aquinas Catholic School families, Mardi
Gras royalty and krewes came together to
act silly, dress in exotic costumes and cavort.
Plus they could play laser tag, drive bumper
cars, play pinball, rock and roll in the human
hamster ball, make like a monkey on the
climbing wall and ropes course…
Look for this event and other family
centered events on the calendar for the
2015-16 Mardi Gras season. If you have a
suggestion for a family event for Mardi Gras
please come to the next committee meeting
and share your ideas with us!
Running For Kids’ Sakes Mike Bakalars | CRMG Committee Member
Dear Mardi Gras Friends,
I could use your help to finish
I hope this note finds you well. As Boston Strong.
Any monies
many of you know, I am running I raise by March 21st will be
the 2015 Boston Marathon as a matched dollar for dollar by a
member of Team Tenacity. Tenacity
is a great organization that helps at
risk kids in the Boston area to stay
in school. They have a 95% success
rate, and most go on to complete
post secondary degrees.
My goal is to raise $10,000 for
Team Tenacity. Thanks to the
generosity of many, I am halfway
there!
generous donor! When you get
a minute, please view my page at
w w w.crowdrise.com/
tenacityboston2015/fundraiser/
michaelbakalars
If you feel this is a worthwhile
venture, I would appreciate any
support. Thanks in advance for
your consideration!
Kind Regards,
Mike Bakalars
‘The One-Eyed Jack’
Kicking Off the Parade Season - Irish Style
Jessica Boland | CRMG Committee Member
All Irish eyes were smiling on
Saturday, March 14, during La
Crosse’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Gorgeous sunny weather was a
perfect start for the new Rex and
Queen’s first parade of the season.
Past royalty and Mardi Gras
Krewe members from each parish
— St.Patrick’s (OBVIOUSLY!),
Newman Center, Blessed Sacrament,
Holy Trinity and Mary Mother of
the Church joined Rex Greg and
Queen Kathy.
Kelly Wilde created a float straight
out of Bourbon Street and played
tunes perfect for dancing an Irish jig!
This was a wonderful opportunity
for Krewe members of all ages to
walk in the parade, and share the
Mardi Gras spirit, in addition to lots
of beads, with hundreds of parade
goers, while promoting Aquinas
Catholic Schools.
Mardi Gras Irish Parade Blessing
May the parade route rise up to meet
you & the wind be always at your back.
May your beads never get tangled &
the sun shine warm upon your face
until we act silly & cavort again!
The French Quarterly
CRMG Newsletter | Spring 2015
Page 10
Mardi Gras 2015-16
Calendar of Events
June 27, 2015
Tour ($) to Elmaro Winery in Trempealeau, WI
followed by dinner at Stone Barn Pizza in
Nelson, WI
Aug. 1, 2015
Mardi Gras Day at the Loggers Game 6:00pm at
Copeland Park vs. the Lakeshore Chinooks
$17/person
Sept. 20, 2015
Mardi Gras will be showing their support for
Applefest in the King Apple Parade at 1:00pm
Oct. 1-4, 2015 Mardi Gras will fest with the best of them during
the Oktoberfest parade season. We will see you at
the Torchlight & Maple Leaf Parades
Nov. 2015
Rex’s Bash date & details to be determined
Jan. 23, 2016
Mardi Gras Ball at the Waterfront’s Cargill Room
Jan. 27, 2016
Bourbon Street Bash at the Freighthouse
Jan. 29, 2016
Jan. 31, 2016
Reigning Rex & Queen, past royalty & krewes
visit Catholic schools
Mardi Gras Family Day at Shenanigan’s
Feb. 7, 2016
Feb. 9, 2016
3rd Annual Mardi Gras Mass & breakfast hosted
by Mary Mother of the Church
Fat Tuesday Celebration at Dock 7 in the
Boot Hill Pub
Events maybe added, dates & details may be subject to change
If you would like your event added to the list contact newsletter
editor Amy Bettis at: [email protected]
Mardi Gras T-Shirts are still available!!
Order yours for all of our summer events
& the upcoming parade season $12.00/ea
Adult sizes only ~ S, M, L, XL, 2X, 3X