The Young Matrons celebrated their 61st annual Carnival ball Saturday, Feb. 7th, 2009 at the Biloxi Community Center. The theme of the ball was "Broadway Stars." The celebration began with the introduction of the reigning royalty of the 2008 Carnival ball, Queen Paulette Dove and King Jerry Terry. The stage depicted an elegant and sophisticated "Tony Awards" setting, highlighted with columns, lights and the red carpet. Reigning as queen of the 2009 ball was Nancy Rosonet, a seven-year member of the krewe. She is married to Rick Rosonet, Sr. and the mother of two children, David Holloway and Erinn Holloway-Schauwecker; grandmother of five grandchildren; Carney, Anna Claire, Lily, Joseph and Denley, Queen Nancy also has two step-sons and four step-grandchildren. Queen Nancy is a Biloxi native, the daughter of the late Fred and Lillie Dick. She graduated from Sacred Heart girls high school and Co-Lin Jr. College, Natchez branch, LPN nursing program. She is also a graduate of Ms. Gulf Coast Community College, Lucedale branch, in the surgical technology program. Queen Nancy is a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church and Biloxi Elks 606. She retired from Memorial Hospital where she worked in labor and delivery. Queen Nancy wore a black gown made of imported lace covered with black sequins. Her gown was adorned with crystal rhinestone fringe and silver spotlight sequins which is very characteristic of the Broadway stars that she so beautifully represented. Her mantle and train showcased the New York City skyline, and her mantle was covered with neon colors and plumes. Queen Nancy's stunning gown and mantle were created for her by Mrs. Dixie Trosclair of Biloxi. Dr. Gary Rosonet reigned as king of the ball. He was elegantly dressed in a black tux and tails, top hat and neon colored cape which matched that of the queen. King Gary is a native Biloxian and the son of the late Charles Brian Rosonet and Georgia Rosonet. He is married to the love of his life, Twila Fayard Rosonet, and they have one beautiful daughter and daddy's girl, Brennan Elyse. King Gary is a graduate of Biloxi High School. He received his bachelors and masters degrees from his beloved Louisiana State University. He earned his doctorate in audiology from Pennsylvania's Salus University. After graduation, Dr. Rosonet joined the prestigious Women's Hospital in Baton Rouge and was instrumental in legislation that created the newborn hearing screening program in the state of Louisiana. In 2000, he moved to Houston Texas to join Texas ENT Specialists, Houston's largest ear nose and throat practice. He built a successful audiology and hearing aid practice but longed to move home to the Coast. In June of 2005, Dr. Rosonet moved his family back to Biloxi and began preparation to open the center for hearing solutions, an audiology and hearing aid dispensing practice. His planning finished, he set the opening day for his practice as August 29, 2005, the day Katrina came to town! But Dr. Rosonet and hearing solutions survived this tragic set back and have since thrived. King gary is a founding member and elder at Mosaic Church in Ocean Springs. He enjoys exercising and weight-lifting. He is an oil and water color artist and enjoys painting the beautiful landscapes along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He is a member of the LSU Alumni Association and bleeds purple and gold for his beloved Tigers. He is a fellow member of the American Academy of Audiologists, the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, and the American Speech Language and Hearing Association. Dr. Rosonet has participated in numerous medical mission trips to Mexico and Guatemala. He currently resides in Ocean Springs with his wife, daughter and his cat, Olive. The maids to the queen were presented as great stars of Broadway. Mrs. Jerry (Frances) Creel was introduced as the brassy-sounding star of Broadway, Ms. Ethel Merman: Mrs. James (Belinda) Corley, Mrs. David (Karen) Staehling and Mrs. Claude (Diane) Sicuro appeared as free-spirited friends re-united as the "Dancing Queens": Mrs. Tom (Alice) Scott portrayed a "sexy" white cat from the Broadway musical "Cats" while Mrs. Wayne (Cleo) McQueen interrupted and spoiled the act by depicting the dog, Scooby Doo to the music of "Who Let the Dogs Out": Mrs. Hugh (Ann) Kavanaugh entertained the audience as the majestic King of Siam: Sue Negrotto portrayed Sandy from the musical "Grease" and was assisted by Elbert Trone as Danny Zuko. Mary Creel and Mrs. Albert (Marie) Jacquet accompanied them as the Pink Ladies in their dancing routine from "Grease". Mrs. Elie (Kathleen) Hebert portrayed the flashy and flamboyant piano player, "Liberace." Mrs. Jerry (Annette) Terry impersonated "Annie Oakley" in Annie Get Your Gun, while Mrs. Ken (Debbie) Beasley gave her interpretation of the "Naked Cowboy." Mrs. Gerald (Wanda) Hurlbert entered as Carol Channing in the award-winning broadway musical "Hello Dolly." accompanying her as background singers were Ronnie Sims, Ronnie Kostmayer, Rick Rosonet and "Bubba" Corley: Mrs. Tom (Carol) Walters, Gerri Weldon, and Gwen Vanderfin entertained the crowd with a hot number, "Gotta Get a Gimmick' from the famous musical "Gypsy" emerging as Fruit of the loom characters and representing the "underside" of Broadway were Mrs. Ronnie (Gloria) Kostmayer and Mrs. Harry (Lois) Kostmayer: Mrs. Marty (Paulette) Dove (hoping to become a future "Tony Award" winner) portrayed Tippi Hedron in a memorable scene from Alfred Hitchock's play "The Birds." last, but not least was Mrs. George (Florence) Bellais entering as Kate Smith, performing her rousing and patriotic song, "God Bless America." she was accompanied by all the young matrons and the audience as well, standing, singing and proudly waving their U.S. Flags. Ken Beasley served as master of ceremonies with Johnny Breal coordinating the tableau music. Dance music was furnished by the ever popular group "Rewind." Karen Staehling served as president of the club. Paulette Dove designed and directed the decoration of the stage.

Numerous parties were held prior to the ball. Meet the king party was held at the home of Sue Negrotto on Saturday, January 17th. The king and his wife hosted a cocktail party on Saturday, January 31st, at the home of Earl and Linda Dorfaman, where the king presented each young matron with a gift. A dinner and a social was held at the home of Mary Creel and one at the home of Annette Terry. A brunch was held at the home of Diane Sicuro. These socials were hosted by various members of the club in honor of Queen Nancy. The king and queen exchanged gifts at a luncheon at Salute's on Sunday, February 8th.