Another look at the Inaugural Ball

Lucie Blodgett and Mayor Greg Fischer.

Since I won’t have a chance to photograph a Louisville mayor’s Inaugural Ball for many years (Mayor Jerry Abramson was “Mayor for Life” for 28 years), here are my pictures of Greg Fischer’s inauguration as Louisville’s 50th mayor.

My editor is putting my picture in the “sig” spot currently occupied by a 15-year-old shot of me taken by John Speed himself at a Speed Museum Ball where I asked him to pose with the Rev. Al Shands, his dynamic wife Mary Norton Shands (who was newly diagnosed then with Alzheimer’s) and their dear friend, Barbara Brown Hardy.

“John,” I had asked, “you need to be in this picture because you are now head of the Speed family.” (He never posed for pictures)

Alex thanked me for remembering her birthday on Thanksgiving and Greg graciously posed for his Inaugural Ball picture.

“I will if you let me take your picture for The Voice,” he said.

I have agreed for all these 18 years, so I guess I’m off the hook by now, so John, here’s my picture with our new mayor taken at his inaugural ball.

In the cocktail crowd of 1,700 black-tie guests, I joined a long line to congratulate our new mayor and asked to take his picture.
“Wait” he said, “Alex told me she wants to thank you for writing about her and also for wishing her a happy birthday on Thanksgiving Day.”

The beautiful Dr. Alex Gerassimides never fails to thank us all.

Here is the closeup of Alex’s beautiful smile standing at the side of our new mayor.

Louise Cecil was also my guest at the ball.

Frank O’Callaghan Mourned

My utmost sympathy and love go to the family and friends of Francis Eugene O’Callaghan III who died suddenly on Jan. 12 surrounded by his wife of 28 years, Tommie, and their seven children and grandchildren at the hospital after heart failure.

More than 700 attended his visitation at Pearson’s on Jan. 14. St. Frances of Rome Church held a beautiful Mass on Jan. 15 after which he was buried in the cemetery at the Abbey of Gethsemani.

Next week’s column will be devoted to Frank’s memory and the beautiful celebration of his life.

photos by LUCIE BLODGETT | contributing photographer

Jim Segrest with sculptor Ed Hamilton.

My guest Louise Cecil chatted with Kirk Stone, left, of The Event Company, and friend Bogie Blue.

Special guests of Christy Brown were Ann and Kathleen Lyons.

Tags: Inaugural Ball, Louisville, Louisville Mayor, Mayor Greg Fischer, Mayor Inaugural

Category: The Social Side