By Linda Elissalde
Bay Vue United Methodist Church was united in being unhappy because the very talented Deanna Paulette Layfield is leaving us. Not only does she command the ivories on a piano, she can also record on the church piano and then accompany her recording. In addition, Paulette is a fantastic decorator who creates seasonal and liturgical decor for Bay Vue’s sanctuary. This lady can organize anything, anywhere, anytime. She may be small, but her accomplishments are GIGANTIC!
Pastor Valerie Hudson and the 10 combined choir and chimes players (Ding-ALings) invited Paulette for a farewell get together at La Playita at 11:30 AM on December 14. Oh! But there is far more to this story than that. It took a lot of secret conniving to create a big SURPRISE going away luncheon given by the whole church. Between texts, IPhones, emails, along with help from Joy and Frank Leach and Paulette’s husband Raul Vargas the plan was set in motion.
Everyone arrived around 11:00 AM. The look on Paulette’s face when she sauntered into the back room to be met by over 30 church members tunefully singing “Good-Bye, Paulette” to the melody of “Hello, Dolly” declared that this party was a real SURPRISE. Well, OK, maybe it wasn’t exactly tuneful, but the song was delivered with loving gusto! Husband Raul popped out from behind a wall, and the Leaches, who had driven all the way from Houston, were totally unexpected gifts.
It was a grand party indeed. La Playita owners, cooks and servers mounted a 5 star production. Attendees ordered at different times. Checks were separate. Servers had to work around all the folk who just had to get up and visit through the whole dining experience. Every order was delicious.
Then Rita Moseley and Elaine Rollfing delivered slices of Elaine’s fantastic cakes. Paulette managed to eat and drink while talking with everyone. She created a book of her church decorations so that volunteers could copy her creations if they wish. We enjoyed viewing it and assured her that none of us could equal her endeavors. Paulette would have to come back.
The good news is that Paulette and Raul are not selling their beach home. They will periodically return, and when they do, Paulette will come play the piano at Bay Vue. We certainly hope returns will be often.
It takes a lot of chicanery to pull off a surprise party. All planners played a role in helping to keep it a secret. Yep! We did it. Our wonderful Deanna Paulette Layfield did receive a real SURPRISE!
[LCE: Dec-20-2022]
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If you’re looking for more love than you could ever imagine, you can find it at Bay Vue. Golly, what a spectacularly special day and a surprise indeed! I can’t begin to thank everyone but I do know there is a group remarkable women (the main one being the author of this article) who pulled off one of my best days ever. I love you all!