Christmas comes to Chateau du Lac with Elvis in the building, spreading festive cheer
Published 9:43 am Thursday, December 12, 2024
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
(Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
Some Christmas parties are merrier than others. The Phillips 66 Christmas celebration for Chateau du Lac residents ranked high and here’s why. Elvis and good energy was in the building. Granted, it was the jumpsuit era Elvis, but he kept the atmosphere lively. Songs included holiday classics and Elvis’ greatest hits. He had the right voice, the sparkly jumpsuit and the perfect “hair” for it.
“He’s Dennis Soileau, a Phillips 66 retiree whose hobby is impersonating Elvis,” Phillips 66’s Megan Hartman said.
Perhaps it was Elvis’ rendition of “Hound Dog,” that made Chateau du Lac residents Horace Celestie and Gary Broussard recall their favorite Christmas presents as boys were puppies. Broussard taught his to run rabbits.
Elvis roped the LaGrange Performing Arts students into performing backup vocals for one song, but they were slow to follow his dance moves. No matter, they weren’t there to dance. They were there to sing Christmas carols, which they did beautifully as residents dined on food that received high ratings from four residents interviewed. Phillips served 200 meals.
Broussard said the traditional holiday meal was good, though maybe not quite as good as mamma’s but “Mamma gone.”
Carmen Doucet gave it high marks and would have given it higher if there had been rice dressing included. That’s the dish that makes a holiday a holiday meal in her eyes. Celestie said the food was as good as any he’s ever had because he could “taste the love.”
Of course, Santa was at the party, but the gifts — cross-body bags that are easy for men and women with limited mobility to carry — were from Phillips 66.
“We have a gift for everyone,” said Betty Bishop of Phillips 66. Plus, we’re going to give away some special raffle prizes.” (Betty liked the foot massager, magnetic dart board and miniature table tennis the best out of all the raffle prizes, and she was eager to see if the residents would feel the same.)
Chateau du Lac resident Jimmie Thompson remembers her growing up years when she felt appreciative of the apples and oranges she received.
Phillips 66 had over 30 volunteers helping to ensure the party was a success. Men and women delivered lunches to the rooms of residents who couldn’t come down and eat.
Paul LaFleur, Phillips 66 maintenance manager, said he wasn’t there to make Christmas more exciting for the residents at Chateau du Lac. He was there because it made Christmas more exciting for him.
Several of Phillips 66 volunteers were wearing T-shirts with the words, “Good Energy” on the front.
That is the company’s volunteer program slogan. Overall, the program seeks to inspire employees to serve in their communities.
Good Energy was more than a slogan Wednesday at Chateau du Lac. It was “good energy” that most of the residents picked up on that put smiles on many faces, as good as a Christmas gift for many as a cross-body bag and the perfect antidote to “Blue Christmas.”
