Southeast Texas Events Book

TAKE ONE DECEMBER 2014

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BAPTIST HOSPITALS OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS FOUNDATION CALLS SOUTHEAST TEXANS TO A

PLUS HOLIDAY BEER, WINE & FOOD AN ARCHITECT EXHIBITS ART AT AMSET MATTEA: MEET THE SEASON’S SONGSTRESS GO. GIVE. GIFT. LOCAL HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS, CHARITIES & SHOPPING

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3827 Phelan Boulevard PMB 112 Beaumont, Texas 77707 409.201.9934 SoutheastTexasEvents.com

Baptist Goes Big City: La Soiree Gala Fashionably 6-8 Celebrates the Big Apple GO. GIVE. GIFT. 10-17 Focus on the Most Festive Seasonal Events with our Go Guide 10-13 Support Local Charities 13, 14 with our Give Guide Buy Southeast Texas with our Gift Guide 16, 17

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PUBLISHER Paul Chargois EDITORINCHIEF Shelly Vitanza

EVENTS 28, 29 30 32, 33 34

Performing Arts Visual Arts Health & Wellness Praise & Worship

D E PA RTM E N T S Infographic Recipe Pin-Tested Social Seen Southeast Texas Somebody Wining Brew Review SoutheastTexas.com Stats Sneak Peek Cartoon Corner The Last Word

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18, 19 18, 19 20, 21 21 22, 23 24, 25 26 27 35 36, 37 37 38

from the COVER Karen Wortham, co-chair of the Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation’s La Soiree Gala, wears the theme “New York State of Mind” well in designer evening attire from Two & Co. Clothing in Port Arthur - a custom-made Italian skirt with 8-inch, horse hair hem, designer black jacket with leather cuffs and collar from Copenhagen finished off with a black velvet hat from Paris. Accompanying Wortham in designer bling collars, purse dogs who wanted to stroll, Chihuahuas, Oreo and Maya.

Special thanks to the San Jacinto Building, 595 Orleans for the New York state of scenery, enhanced with urns and topiaries courtesy of Johnsen Wholesale.

Photo by Jim Debes

Subscribe to the EVENTSBOOK If you would prefer to receive your copies of the EventsBook in the mail for one year, please send $19.95 to: SoutheastTexas.com, 3827 Phelan Blvd., PMB 112, Beaumont, TX 77707 Include your mailing address.

We list all events for Free. We are the one calendar for Southeast Texas.

For the latest and most exciting events, visit us at

www.SoutheastTexasEvents.com.

EDITOR Beth Gallaspy CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tina Breland ART DIRECTOR Therese Shearer WEB CONTENT MANAGERS Dominique Delgado Amy Dowdy Kathleen Gantner ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Renee Cox CIRCULATION Don Shellenberger PHOTOGRAPHER Jim Debes CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Monica Cobb Brandon East Gerald Patrizi Scott Renick Melissa Tilley Emily Wheeler Advertising Information: For advertising, please contact Renee Cox at 409.781.3603 or rcox@southeasttexas.com.

To list your event on Southeasttexas.com: Visit Southeasttexas.com, click events. Under the Calendar tab, click “Submit an Event,” or email us at events@southeasttexas.com.

Copyright 2014, SoutheastTexas.com. All rights reserved. All contents copyright 2014 Virtual Communities, Inc, The Events Books, SoutheastTexas.com.

All rights reserved. EventsBook is a monthly publication. Events shown are from SoutheastTexasEvents.com. Priority listing is given to SoutheastTexasEvents.com’s member organizations. Other events are listed as space allows.

For additional information on the events listed in the EventsBook and other events not listed, visit SoutheastTexasEvents.com.

SoutheastTexas.com is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes that may have occurred since the publishing of this issue. Every effort has been made to ensure accurate information at the time of publication, however, this cannot be guaranteed. SoutheastTexas.com recommends visiting SoutheastTexas.com or contacting the represented companies to determine availability of service and to confirm date, time, location and other related event information. All submissions of editorial, photography, advertising and event information are accepted only without risk to the publisher for loss or damage.

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Welcome to the "naughty" list...

Tradition Has Its Limits & Stockings Don’t Die

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hen it comes to Christmas, my family embraces most of the time-honored commercial and religious traditions. We put lights on the house, decorate a tree, listen and sing to Christmas carols, make an advent wreath, bake cookies, buy and wrap gifts, hang stockings, display our nativity, count down the days to Santa’s arrival and celebrate the birth of Jesus. But there’s a new Christmas practice, birthed and distributed nationally in 2010, that we/I have purposely avoided- “Elf on the Shelf.”

Elf is a green-and-red-clad, leprechaun-like doll who allegedly (based on the book that accompanies Elf) watches the movements of a household and reports to Santa naughty or nice behavior. As the story goes, children are not allowed to touch the Elf, lest his magic powers are stripped. Each morning children enjoy finding where Elf has moved to during the night, therefore assured he is doing his job.

Clearly, Elf has advantages as a discipline tool, but for parents like me, who have a tooth fairy who forgets her one child lost a tooth and has to scramble at sunrise, the whole elf-ing task seems impractical, especially during the holiday season when there are already additional covert parental responsibilities- HO! HO! HO! If I adopted Elf on the Shelf as my son has requested in years past, I know the result would be mommy failure and kid tears, as it did for one of my friends.

The mother of two, a girl, age 10, and a boy, age 12, reports that her “dang Elf,” has caused great holiday unhappiness. On several occasions she forgot to move Elf during the night and had to come up with creative stories about his stagnation. “Oh you were so good yesterday, Elf didn’t have anything to report to Santa, so he just stayed in place,” and “Another Elf came over to get the report, and so our Elf didn’t have to leave; he got a night off.”

However, things climaxed one evening when my friend’s son, a non-believer, decided to irritate his sister and nabbed Elf from his shelf. He ran through the house taunting his sister saying, “Now that I’ve touched Elf, he’s dead. His magic powers are gone.”

Of course, sister was devastated and cried, begging her mother to get a new Elf and/or ask Santa to restore him to power.

My imaginative friend told her distraught child Elf powers are restored if Elf is allowed to sit in his box for two days to recover from the trauma. That resolved the issue, until on the third day, Elf was again restored to the shelf, and tragically, that night, my friend forgot to move him. The next morning, when the lankly-legged doll was sitting in its bedtime location, the child again melted down convinced Elf was dead.

Stockings don’t die, I’m just saying! I raise my eggnog to those parents who pull off the Elf on the Shelf and the Claus gig all in one season. A VERY Merry Christmas to you, and I hope your eggnog is spiked!

And Merry Christmas to everyone who reads the EventsBook. Thank you most sincerely. We hope this book is a gift representing the spirit of the season by providing ways to GIVE to those in need, pages 13 & 14; events to GO to for holiday cheer, pages 10-13; and GIFTS to share from our local artisans and craftsmen, pages 16 & 17. In addition, we feature Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation’s NY State of Mind La Soiree Gala, the most fashionable, glam gala for starting your New Year, pages 6-8. Plus you’ll find a seasonal slant in all of our departments- Brew Review, Pin-Tested, Wining, Recipe, Infographic and Cartoon.

Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah!

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SoutheastTexasEvents.com

By Shelly Vitanza

“Start spreadin’ the news,” Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation’s La Soirée Gala is Jan. 31, and it will put you in a

“New York State of Mind.”

No doubt you’ll “want to be a part of it- New York, New York”- at the Beaumont Civic Center beginning at 6:30 p.m.

(Don’t you hear it? Frank Sinatra is singing to YOU!)

Put On Your Vagabond Shoes for

Find yourself right in the heart of everything that is New York uptown, midtown and downtown- the food, the fashion, the art and the architecture, the glamour, the beauty, the opulence.

Find in the city that never sleeps hot dog vendors and high-fashion store windows, and then melt your “little town blues” away by having dinner in Central Park.

“You’ll see Lady Liberty and stroll the different neighborhoods from Soho to China Town, Little Italy and Chelsea to Hell’s Kitchen,” said Kate Carroll, executive director of the Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation. “Eventually guests will make their way to store windows because our event is a fashionable one as always. So they’ll stroll the store windows as if strolling the streets of New York, completely exposed to the food vendors, street magician and, of course, a few surprises.”

Take a bite out of the Big Apple at this posh black tie affair with cocktails and appetizers from 6:30-7:45 p.m. allowing time to see the sights and sounds of New York as well as high-end fashion from Southeast Texas boutiques outfitting local models. Peruse and bid on an extensive silent auction and be one of only 100 to buy a $100 glass of champagne for a chance to win jewelry as bright and dynamic as Times Square.

NEW YORK

NEW YORK STATE SoutheastTexasEvents.com (YHQWV%RRN OF MIND 2014

FAVORITES & FASHION TIPS

FACTS

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It can cost over $289,000 for a one-year HOT DOG STAND permit in Central Park.

LA SOIRÉE GALA COMMITTEE

It takes 75,000 TREES to print a Sunday edition of the NEW YORK TIMES.

ALBERT EINSTEIN’S EYEBALLS are stored in a SAFE DEPOSIT BOX in the city.

My favorite thing about New York was Central Park. I rode bikes and walked the trails. Simply breathtaking! My New York fashion tip is to always accessorize with a great scarf and boots.

Gina Halbert

I love the hustle and bustle, love the shows, the restaurants, walking through all of the neighborhoods, shopping at Cocochi and for top clothing lines like Carlisle and Etcetera at warehouse prices.

Melissa Cornwell

While many say the people in New York City are rude, I totally disagree. I absolutely LOVE meeting the people that cross my path each day that I wander through the city. But if you are looking for my FAVORITE thing, it would be the shopping. My New York fashion tip is that if you feel uncomfortable, you look uncomfortable. Your confidence is your best fashion accessory, and your confidence can be affected by what you are wearing. So if you are feeling selfconscious about your attire or you are squeezed into shoes or clothes that just don’t fit, you’re likely to be tugging, pulling and attempting to put everything into its place- don’t do it. Wear clothes that fit and make you comfortable.

Michele Harrington

New York City SUBWAY MUSICIANS actually go through a rigorous selection process. Many of the musicians have even performed at famous venues such as CARNEGIE HALL before moving to the subways.

CENTRAL PARK was the first public landscaped park in all of the United States.

New York City’s 520-MILE COASTLINE is longer than those of Miami, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco combined.

The BIG APPLE is a term coined by musicians meaning to play the big time.

Twice a year, the sun perfectly lines up with the streets of New York, creating a natural phenomenon known as MANHATTANHENGE. There are no WAL-MARTS in New York City due to intense opposition from local unions and politicians.

The city of New York will pay for a ONE-WAY PLANE TICKET for any HOMELESS PERSON if they have a guaranteed place to stay.

About 1 IN EVERY 38 PEOPLE living in the United States resides in New York City.

The price of a SLICE OF PIZZA and the cost of a single RIDE ON THE SUBWAY has been nearly equal for the past 50 years.

SOURCE: bigappled.com, kickassfacts.com and buzzfeed.com

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Mathews Jewelers is donating a ruby selection and a diamond piece. One big-city spender will go home wearing new baubles.

New York State of Mind Event Chairs, recently elected District Attorney Bob Wortham and his wife, Karen, (featured on this issue's cover of the EventsBook), will make a special presentation

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about the Foundation as people are seated for dinner at 8 p.m. After that it’s all entertainment, New York style.

Carroll says dinner entertainment is a secret but sure to please everyone. And after dinner, Central Park diners go clubbing. Which New York night club will it be - the mysterious “No-Tell-Motel,” No.

8, or Club Shelter, New York’s longest running underground dance house? Only the Motion Band, a nine-member high-energy dance band featuring top-flight singers and musicians from around the country, know. They’ll play until everyone not only has a New York State of Mind, but feels like “King of the Hill, a number one.”

It's up to you, New York..New York, New York!!!

Table sponsorships for the event range from $2,500 to $50,000; tickets for two are $500.

Call 409.212.6110. Reservations sell quickly. La Soirée Gala is traditionally sold out each year.

I love New York because the best place to eat is on a bench in Central Park with a take out sandwich from Carnegie Deli, 7th Avenue and 55th, followed by afternoon tea in the Plaza’s recently reopened Palm Court.

Cindy Yohe

My favorite thing about New York- Greenwich Village and the New York cops on horses.

Cheryl Moran

The best thing about New York City is the hustle and bustle.

Everything happens there- business, art, theater, financial markets, fashion, history, entertainment. It has it ALL, and you definitely feel the energy around you. The city sets everything in motion. As a female business professional, I live by the fashion rule of five. It’s smart to invest in a quality watch, heel, skirt/ business suit, white blouse and handbag.

April Keith

My favorite things about New York are the musicals, Central Park carriage rides and Rockefeller Square skating rink, maybe because I went there for Christmas vacations. I also enjoyed walking around the street, eating roasted chestnuts, watching Saks Fifth Avenue’s slide show on the outside of their building, and I always enjoyed the rooftop restaurants looking down at the city view.

Aggie In

THE STATE OF FUNDRAISING Funds raised benefit the Baptist Hospitals of Center and the Children's Unit at Baptist Hospitals.

Southeast Texas Foundation and the many hospital To date, funds raised have contributed to the comprojects, programs and services it supports, includ- pletion of the breast health care expansion at the ing the Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas’ Cancer Charline & Sidney "Chief" Dauphin Cancer Screening & Prevention Center; provided assistance for a makeover at the Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Institute; helped establish a family room within the hospital Oncology Unit and made funding available for equipment purchases at the Dauphin Center.

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CAPTURING THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON Go. Give. Gift. It’s more than a catch phrase, or a mantra but an invitation to experience all the holidays encompass.

Tis the season to EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY. Therefore, we’ve gathered as many holiday-themed events as we could find for every age and interest and covering nearly every day of the month. You’ll find all you need to know to GO to parades and performances, eggnog evenings and evening strolls, Santa sightings and seasonal services. Just GO! Experience the joy of this season spending time with others.

As much as December is about attending parties and events, it’s also time for GLAD TIDINGS AND GOODWILL TOWARD MEN. We’ve tried to simplify charity, too, by compiling the nonprofit organizations in need this holiday season in our GIVE section. Set out on a giving spree by learning about how to give and what to give when. Just GIVE! Experience the peace of this season through generosity.

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN. Follow his lead and GIFT your family and friends. Check your Christmas list twice and then thumb through our GIFT section featuring local artisans and craftsman who offer unique products.

Shop local and make someone’s Christmas by finding that perfect Christmas gift. Experience the awe of this season through thoughtfulness.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas; everywhere you go… and not just at the five and dime.

The sights, sounds, magic and music of the season can be seen, heard and enjoyed up the Neches and down I-10 through neighborhoods, churches, historic sites and city centers. There’s no way you can do it all, but there’s no way you’d want to miss it all either. Here’s a quick pick of holiday-themed events sure to make Christmas sing in your heart.

The holidays officially kick off in Southeast Texas at the Children's Holiday Party & Tree Lighting Dec. 4 at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas. All kids are invited to make glittery, gluey crafts and ornaments for the downtown tree and to take home, beginning at 4 p.m. They can also write and mail a letter to Santa and, of course, see Claus himself while hanging out decorating the tree in time for the lighting at 6 p.m. Then, a couple of days later, sweeten the holiday season even more with a Gingerbread House workshop. Reserve your spot for Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and you’ll take home a real gingerbread house with all the frosty, sugary candy trim to add to your holiday decorations. Class size is limited; call 409.832.3432.

Holiday lights spread to Newton for the 25th Festival of Lights. Take a train ride on a six-mile journey to see more than 140 lighted structures.

Train rides circle the courthouse and Caney Creek Park. Purchase tickets at Santa’s Workshop and Train Depot, located near the intersection of Texas 87 and U.S. 190, where you can do a little shopping, too. Tickets are $4 for ages 3 to adult. Trains run Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and each night of Christmas week ending Christmas Eve. For more details about the train rides call 409.370.2247 or 409.594.8599.

Southeast Texas’ own Clark Griswold is back for the sixth year with his light and music show. Michael Depew, a computer guru, combines his love for Christmas lights and his technical know-how into a lighted holiday extravaganza you can drive through.

Enjoy more than 100,000 lights synchronized to 32 songs at 11095 Mark Circle in Fannett, from 6:309:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tune into FM 98.3 to hear the music in your car and see pages 24 and 25 for more information about the making of a Griswold!

The Southeast Texas Ballet Company brings the children’s musical fantasy Babes in Toyland to life as a ballet at the Julie Rogers Theatre, Dec. 4 and 5 at 6:30 p.m. It’s a delightful performance with whimsy and local talent. For details go online to setxballetco.com.

If you’re entertaining kiddos during December, Wednesdays will work for you at the Theodore Johns Library.

Christmas-themed stories and crafts start Dec. 10 with Christmas mice stories. Kids will make a mouse with a candy cane tail. Dec. 17 kids will hear the story of “Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree” by Robert Barry and make a Christmas tree craft; Dec. 24 animals Christmas stories will be read and kids will make Christmas ornaments; on Dec. 31 kiddos celebrate the old and new year with stories and crafts from old and new. All story and craft times start at 10:30 a.m. and are free and appropriate for kids of all ages.

The Junior League of Beaumont brings Santa’s workshop and gift-giving ideas from the North Pole to Beaumont for a Very Merry Main Street Market at the Beaumont Civic Center. Find unique gifts for everyone on your shopping list, win prizes, be entertained, see a style show and celebrate the season with a special girls’ night out that launches the event Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. The market continues Dec. 5 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Dec. 6 from 10 a.m.5 p.m. Entry is $8. For more information call 409.832.0873 or go to the website juniorleaguebeaumont.org.

December is for kids so here’s a production about kids for kids, that adults will enjoy, too. It’s Oliver! The Musical at the Betty Greenberg Center for the Performing Arts playing Dec. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For tickets

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call 409.833.4664 or visit online at beaumontcommunityplayers.com.

Santa and his elves hit the big screen at the historic Jefferson Theatre on Dec. 5. The City of Beaumont in partnership with the Junior League’s Main Street Market is hosting Classic Movie Night presenting The Santa Clause. Get your tickets for $5; doors open at 6 p.m. with the movie showing at 7:30 p.m.

Rejuvenate and shop at the 3rd Annual Barefoot Christmas Market and Fundraiser at Golden Triangle Yoga, Dec. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The market includes yoga, health tips, vendors and more. Call 409.466.2415 for information.

Jingle all the way Dec. 6 at the Second Annual Habitat for Humanity Jingle Bell 5K and Kids' 1K Run at Tyrrell Park. Don your red and green because prizes will be given for the most festive attire. Bells will be distributed for this chip-timed and family fun-raising event that ultimately builds houses in Southeast Texas. Have 10 or more runners? The cost is only $20 per person. Call for details at 409.832.5853 or go to facebook.com/Habitat-for-Humanity-ofJefferson-County to register.

Eat and shop at St. Stephen's Holiday Bazaar at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church at 4090 Delaware. Breakfast and shopping starts at 8 a.m. on Dec. 6, and sit down or takeout lunch begins at 11 a.m. The market, with a wide variety of local crafts and businesses, is open until 3 p.m. Call the church office for details at 409.892.4227.

Sprinkle a little history in your holidays by attending one or both of the Beaumont Heritage Society’s open houses. On Dec. 6 from 1-3 p.m.the Chambers House Christmas Tour opens at 2240 Calder Ave. The house will be decorated for the holidays with ornaments, cards, toys and more that belonged to the family. Step back in time to the years 1920-1945 to see how the Chambers family would have celebrated Christmas. Take a step even further back on Dec. 7 from 1-4 p.m. by visiting one of the first homes ever built in Beaumont. The John Jay French House

Museum, located at 3025 French Road and built in 1845, will open for its Christmas Candlelight Tour.

Celebrate a mid-19th century holiday season with fresh greenery, candles and music evoking the old-fashioned Christmas spirit. Both events are free.

Call for information, 409.832.4010 Sounds of the season will fill the Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts in Orange on Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Country music favorite Kathy Mattea will take the stage to sing old favorites blended with new songs from her holiday albums. With almost 30 Top 40 country hits, twice-named Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year and Grammy award winning Mattea will bring the spirit of Christmas to Southeast Texans during the Kathy Mattea Christmas at the Lutcher. Read more about Mattea on pages 28 and 29. Ticket prices vary but are available by calling 409.886.5535 or online at lutcher.org.

Other sounds of the season in Southeast Texas include the tinkling tune of angels getting their wings during the Port Arthur Little Theatre production of It’s a Wonderful Life, Dec. 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $11 for adults; $9 for senior citizens, teachers, military and emergency services personnel and $6 for students. Call 409.727.PALT (7258).

Hear more merry melodies at the 3 p.m. Symphony of Southeast Texas performance Dec. 7 “Home for the Holidays.” The orchestra will perform popular holiday songs in grand style. The concert also includes a festive carol sing-a-long making it a great way to begin the yuletide season with family and friends. The Calder Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church choirs will join the symphony in this joyous performance.

The holiday concert is not part

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of the Symphony season subscription. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. Call the Symphony for tickets 409.892.2257.

Take the merry making to the streets at two city parades- green, red, tinsel and lights, elves and Santa, bands and floats- these annual parade includes festive fun for the entire family. The City of Orange’s Christmas Parade is Dec. 5. starting at the MacArthur Shopping Center between 6 and 6:30 p.m. and processing down MacArthur to Green to Fifth Street. For details call, 409.883.1010. The Nederland Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade is Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. starting on 21st Street and Nederland Avenue, Nederland Avenue to Twin City Highway, Twin City Highway to Boston Avenue, up Boston Avenue to Bulldog Stadium.

Get the details- 409.722.0279 Holiday cheer is found here- the McFaddin-Ward is hosting several festive events to make your holiday merry and bright. Holiday Tours of this grand house start Dec. 3 and run through Dec. 31. Built in 1905-06, the McFaddin-Ward home is exquisitely decorated for the holidays with hundreds of poinsettias, special china, crystal and holiday ornaments and decor. Settle in with popcorn at the McFaddin-Ward House’s Movie Night featuring White Christmas, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. and come back on the weekend for the Christmas Open House, Dec. 13 at 12 p.m. and lastly the Eggnog Evening, Dec. 18 from 5-7 p.m. Both the Open House and Eggnog Evening include refreshments and holiday music. All events at the McFaddin-Ward House are free.

The SPIRIT of Southeast Texas Chorus is sure to get you in the spirit of Christmas at its free Christmas Concert, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 2955 Major Drive.

SPIRIT is an award-winning affiliate of Sweet Adelines International singing a cappella harmony, barbershop-

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style. Call for details 512.971.8665.

Add a little wildcatter spirit to your Christmas spirit at the Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum Pattillo Higgins Holiday Open House Dec. 13 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Pay homage to Higgins, the “Prophet of Spindletop,” a businessman and geologist who persisted in drilling at Spindletop when others gave up, while also visiting Gladys City, a replica city of wildcatter days. Call or email for more information: 409.880.1750 or gladyscityinfo@gmail.com.

The Mid-County Performing Arts Company will wow audiences with its traditional Christmas program, “A Whimsical Christmas.” This delightful and entertaining dance show with the Grinch, Cat in the Hat, Horton and the Whos from Whoville delights young and the young at heart with enchanting costuming, acting and dance. Performances are held at the Nederland Center for the Performing Arts Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online at midcountypac.com or by calling 409.626.2815.

No promises of a white Christmas here in Southeast Texas, but Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center assure a green one. On Dec. 13 the 252-acre garden in the middle of Orange invites everyone to experience the vision and come out for a day of “Dreaming of a Green Christmas.”

From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. explore the gardens decorated for Christmas, meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and make ornaments and a holiday wreath ($20). An all-access pass for the day is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students.

In addition, the dazzling light displays and festive, community-decorated Christmas trees lining the pathways of Shangri La Botanical Gardens invite you to savor the season during one of the Garden’s Evening Christmas Strolls. Celebrate the Christmas season and walk along even more pathways adorned with many more lightsDec. 11, 12 and 13, 18, 19 and 20 and Dec. 26 and 27.

While you may catch a glimpse of Santa at a parade or a party, have one-on-one face time with the jolly man at Parkdale Mall. To view hours and package pricing, go to www.parkdalemalltx.com and avoid a wait when you secure a Santa Fast Pass at santafastpass.com.

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The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children; members of the Stark Cultural Venues are admitted for free. Bring a non-perishable food item per person to receive half-price admission to the evening’s stroll. Food items benefit the local community. For more information, visit online, starkculturalvenues. org, or call 409.670.9113 .

Cocoa, crafts and kids- it’s a great mix for Dec. 13 and just what the Fire Museum of Texas is offering. At 10 a.m. the museum opens for Christmas at the Station. The kiddos will decorate cookies and enjoy some fun holiday activities while mom and dad tour the display of fire trucks and historic memorabilia.

Dash to Family Art Day Jingle All the Way at the Museum of the Gulf Coast, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

All ages will enjoy arts and crafts, live performances, cocoa and sleigh rides.

Call 409.982.7000 for details.

Santa rides in style in Vidor. On Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. the City of Vidor puts on its Classic Car Christmas Cruise down Main Street. Santa will arrive on the fire truck; there will be live music by NaNaSha!, caroling by local school choirs, the community Christmas tree lighting and dancing in the parking lot. The event begins and ends (8 p.m.) at Capital One Bank, 1255 N. Main. For more information, call 409.769.6339.

The Beaumont Civic Ballet will

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treat the community to a traditional performance of the holiday classic, the Nutcracker Ballet, Dec. 13 and 14, at 2 p.m. at the Julie Rogers Theatre. Local male and female dancers of all ages bring this enchanting story to life. Tickets are $27 to $22 for adults and $15 to $12.50 for children and are available through Ticketmaster.

Two Methodist churches in Southeast Texas bring the reason for the season to life. Hundreds of volunteers come together to present the traditional Road to Bethlehem, an interactive walk through the town of Bethlehem like it was during the time of Jesus. The realistic village features live animals, authentic costumes and food and stories from Jesus’ life and times. Parishioners of Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 N. Major Drive in Beaumont, present this twonight family appropriate event to the community as a Christmas gift.

Call for details about this production taking place Dec. 7 and 8 from 6:30-8 p.m., 409.892.7012.

Dec. 12-14 from 6-9 p.m. Wesley United Methodist Church at 3515 Helena Ave. in Nederland will present Live Nativity- Journey to Bethlehem on the front lawn of the church.

On the hour and every half hour the nativity will come to life with people, children and live animals replicating Jesus’ birth. There will be free children's activities and crafts located in

the Christian Life Center and there is no cost to see the production. Call for more information, 409.720.8046.

The Orange Community Playhouse is opening its doors for three nights of Yuletide III: Winter Wonderland that includes Christmas cheer, Santa Claus and “winter wit and wassail.” The community is invited Dec. 12, 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. to visit with Santa and stay for the performance at 7:37 p.m. The evening costs $25 and includes food, beverages and entertainment. For tickets and information, call 409.882.9137 or go online to orangecommunityplayers.com.

Light your bike and roll in the Christmas Light Bike Ride Dec. 18. This bright crew of Christmascostumed bikers meets in the parking lot of New York Pizza & Pasta, 4405 Calder Ave., at 6 p.m. and cruises town viewing Christmas lights winding their way to Ana’s Bakery.

Lights and helmets are required on this non-supported ride. Call 409.626.2263, for details.

Hanukkah is celebrated at Temple Emanuel Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. during a fun, family Hanukkah Shabbat service. Anyone is welcome to attend this beautiful service when menorahs are lit and afterwards a meal is shared.

There is a fee for those attending the meal. Reservations are not required to attend the service but if you plan to eat, call 409.832.6131.

During the seasons of Advent and Christmas, local churches offer celebratory events.

Trinity United Methodist Church at 3430 Harrison Ave. in Beaumont is hosting its annual Festival of Trees Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. The community is invited to help decorate Christmas trees and take them to local charity organization with gifts for the charity’s Christmas list. On Dec. 14 beautiful orchestra music will be played at 10:30 a.m. for Trinity’s Christmas Canata, sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Then Trinity offers two Christmas Eve services at 5 and 7 p.m. They also provide childcare. The number for information is 409. 892.8121 and their website is trinityumcbeaumont.org.

The same church that offers chili in November every year- St. Mark’s Episcopal Church- also hosts a variety of holiday events including a La Posada service and fiesta Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. Reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay going from inn to inn until one innkeeper allows the couple to rest in a stable. Afterwards celebrate in the church parish hall with a tamale supper, fiesta, piñatas and mariachis. On Dec. 21, St. Mark’s at 680 Calder St. in downtown Beaumont invites the community to a service of Lessons & Carols, festive storytelling of the birth of Jesus interwoven with Christmas carols. Christmas Eve, St. Mark’s will offer an early

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Christmas service with special music beginning at 5:45 p.m. and an 11 p.m. service with special music beginning at 10:30 p.m. The final St. Mark’s event is the annual Burning of the Greens, always the first Sunday after 12th Night or the final day of Christmas. This year’s Burning of the Greens, a service celebrating Epiphany, is Jan. 11 at 6 p.m. The short service is followed by a candlelight processional into the parking lot where live Christmas trees are burned. Call 409.832.3405 for information or go to Facebook.com/stmarksbeaumont.

In Port Neches Holy Trinity at 2425 Nall St. will have two Christmas Eve services, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Call 409.722.6238 for information.

For more Christmas events go to southeasttexasevents.com and select “Christmas” from the category drop down menu. Select “church” events for additional services in the local churches.

SHARE THE SEASON WITH LOCAL CHARITIES “Bells will be ringing…” at retail outlets all over Southeast Texas this month. The familiar ting, ting, dinging of the Salvation Army bell encourag-

ing shoppers to drop their change in the red kettle is not only the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year but a reminder of the needs of others and charities who offer additional assistance during the holiday season.

Every donation from a can of corn to a quarter makes a difference. To help you decide what and where you can give during the greatest time of need, we’ve identified some of the most prominent charity organizations and their campaigns this holiday season.

The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Now through Dec. 24, look for bell ringers stationed outside retail outlets from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. every day but Sunday. This campaign raises money for the Salvation Army operations during the course of a year.

Most bell ringers are volunteers, but the Salvation Army is also looking for paid bell ringers. To volunteer, call Kim Hall at 409.896.2362. To fill out an application if you’re interested in a job with the Salvation Army, call Vicki at 409.896.2361 or stop by the offices at 2350 Interstate 10 East.

On Dec. 13 and 20 at noon at Sam’s Club, the Beaumont Brass Band will be performing alongside the bell ringers.

Coats & Kettles All locations of Munro’s Dry Cleaning Company serve as collection

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points for coats, jackets and blankets now through Dec. 28. Drop off gently used coats for men, women and children at any Munro’s. The Salvation Army then collects the coats and provides them to those in need at its Coat Shop at 1490 North Seventh St. With proper identification, every member of a family is given a coat, jacket or blanket. The Coat Shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed for lunch from 12-1 p.m. The Salvation Army also provides a Warming Station, which is open when the temperature is below 50 degrees beginning now and lasting through Feb. 28. People in need of either of a coat or a place to get warm during the winter months can visit the main office at 2350 Interstate 10 East.

Toy Feast Drive Most everyone in Southeast Texas knows the Salvation Army Toy Feast is the first Friday in December- Dec. 5, this year- because it’s televised on KFDM-TV. Drop off a new toy or give $100 cash, and you’ll receive the 2014 Ugly Mug. Due to the renovations at KFDM and Fox 4’s station, the Beaumont drop-off location this year will be Parkdale Mall. The drop-off location for Port Arthur is Philpott Ford and for Orange is the Orange Salvation Army at 1950 MLK Blvd.

Angel Tree Gifts and toys for the Angel Tree

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program need to be returned by Dec. 10 this year, so hurry on over to pick up your Angel(s) for your family or your place of business! If you need multiple Angels to bring to your office for all your employees and co-workers to select, call Celia at 409.896.2361. Please be mindful that to ensure safety, Salvation Army staff are required to inspect all gifts before handing them out. For this reason, they ask that gifts be turned in unwrapped. On Dec. 18, the Salvation Army will need volunteers to help distribute toys and food boxes to hundreds of families across Southeast Texas.

The Salvation Army also welcomes contributions of cans, dry goods and frozen turkeys or hams to be handed out in food boxes that each Angel Tree family receives along with their kids’ gifts.

Some Other Place Giving Tree Some Other Place’s annual "Giving Tree" program serves approximately 1,000 children of pre-screened families who need food, clothing, and household and personal items. Those wishing to help can call Some Other Place to receive a gift tag that will bear the name, age, sex, sizes, and Christmas wish of a child. They can purchase their gift, wrap it, place the tag on the gift and return it for distribution the week before Christmas.

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Those wishing to "host" a tree can call to receive tags with instructions.

Many congregations, businesses and civic groups host trees. Some Other Place also provides special Christmas gifts to seniors if you would like to help in that way.

Christmas Meal On Christmas Day, volunteers from Temple Emanuel serve lunch to those at Some Other Place. Food for this meal is always needed.

If you are interested in supporting the “Giving Tree” or helping with the Christmas Day meal, call Chrissy at 409.832.7976.

Buckner Children and Family Services Gingerbread Competition The Golden Triangle Chapter of the Texas Chefs’ Association and the Lamar University Hospitality Program is presenting the Ninth Annual Gingerbread Competition with proceeds benefiting Buckner Children and Family Services in Southeast Texas. The event will be held at

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Junior League of Beaumont’s Main Street Market event, Dec. 4-6 at the Beaumont Civic Center. Gingerbread houses will be available for immediate purchase, while a select few can be won by silent auction with bids closing on Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. Winning bidders can pick up their house at the close of the event.

Orange Christian Services Christmas Stroll at Shangri La For the fourth year, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center will host Christmas Strolls through the 252-acre decorated gardens . The stroll features decorated Christmas trees, a candyland children’s garden and beautiful holiday decor Dec. 1128. Admission is $6 for adults; $4 for children. Bring a canned good and enjoy half off the price of admission.

Home Instead Senior Care Be A Santa to A Senior Now in its 12th year, Be A Santa to A Senior® has provided more than 25,000 senior citizens in Southeast Texas with items needed during

the holidays. This year the program hopes to serve 5,000 seniors. Participate by identifying a Christmas tree in grocery stores and retail outlets across Southeast Texas decorated in purple ornaments. Take an ornament and fulfill the need written on the ornament. Bring the purchased item back to the tree location. Be Santa to a Senior® partners then pick up the gifts, wrap and deliver them to the seniors.

Go to BeASantaToaSenior.org for tree locations and more information on the program or call 409.892.7494.

Southeast Texas Food Bank Share your Christmas Food Drive allows businesses, organizations and schools to conduct their own food drive and share the bounty. The event wraps up on Dec. 4, which gives the Food Bank the opportunity to distribute food to those in need. The next benefit for the Southeast Texas Food Bank is Jan. 10- Zumba Away Hunger at Ford Park, 10 a.m. For more information contact the Southeast

Texas Food Bank at 409.839.8777 or go online to setxfoodbank.org.

Toys for Tots Foster kids are often forgotten during the holidays but thanks to Toys for Tots in Orange, Beaumont and Port Arthur these kids receive Christmas toys. Mike and Tammy Ochs, their children and grandchildren, solely operate the Toys for Tots in our area, making it easy for anyone and everyone to participate.

All you do to participate is drop off a new toy for a child 12 years of age or younger to the Toys R’ Us in Beaumont or call and make arrangements to drop off at the Orange distribution site near Texas 62 and Interstate 10. Call 409.241.0543. The Ochs will then make sure your toy is wrapped and distributed to children in foster care and group homes throughout Orange, Jefferson and Hardin counties. The deadline for toy collection is Dec. 15. For more information, visit Toys for Tots online at orange-tx.toysfortots.org.

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GREAT GIFT IDEAS...

LOCALLY! Abby Kakes Homemade and from scratch cookies, pies, cakes and more. Delicious and affordable gifts and treats.

409.225.3435, facebook.com/abbykakes The Abbey Shop Unique gifts at St. Mark’s Church. See ad.

409.832.3405 Angel Infinity Hand-made, custom-ordered seasonal decorations, gift bags for the kids school classes, lovely arrangements, homecoming mums, spirit sticks of all sizes, sports decor and much more. angelinfinity.com

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Beau-tanicals Bath and body products made using all-natural ingredients like fresh goat's milk, wool from the flock of sheep, farm-grown loofah, dried herbs and cut flowers! Products include soaps, bath bombs, lip balms, salves, shampoo bars, dog shampoo bars, lotion bars, soap dishes, sugar scrubs, magnets, felted bars, lavender sachets, dog biscuits, shea lotion and more. $6 & up info@beau-tanicals.com, www.beau-tanicals.com

Jackson Custom Carving Custom fishing rod holders, gun racks, cabinets, baseball bats and other custom carvings. Prices start at $95.

409.670.8603

Cadence Duck Calls High-end, custom, hand-crafted duck calls. $130+ 409.722.3355, www.cadenceduckcalls.com

John Olson Furniture Custom-made quality furniture to meet your every need from four-poster beds to wooden boxes, china cabinets to Philadelphia-style armchairs. Olson makes quality, solid-wood pieces that can be passed from generation to generation.

409.753.3116, www.johnolsonfurniture.com

Clay Pot Christmas Decorations Soldiers and snowmen made from clay pots. Starting at $10.

409.283.0339 Cypress Porch Swings 2, 4, 5 and 6 seat swings made from 1-inch thick cypress. Can be custom carved. Prices start at $99.

337.540.6162

Jeweled Treasures One of a kind vintage treasures. See ad.

409.719.7511

Just for Her Jewelry Custom-made crosses, door hangers and jewelry just for fun, gifts and home décor. $24.99 & up. See ad.

409.289.1541

Anita’s Faux Finish Paint and glaze using a variety of techniques on trim, doors, walls, cabinets and ceilings.

936.994.8034

David Newton Guitars Craftsman-made, acoustic, steel string guitars/ukuleles dnewton4022@sbcglobal.net

Arielle’s Runway Custom clothing for babies, children, teens and adults. See ad.

409.779.2060

Designs by Sally Personalized bracelets and necklaces with names and birthstones. Prices start at $16 409.549.5003

ArtStrings by Amy Handcrafted with sand and plaster, crosses, fleur de lis, State of Texas and hearts. $5-100 409.790.4593

Gentz Cattle Company Longhorn beef- no growth hormones or antibioticssteaks, roast, ground beef. Packages available. See ad.

409.296.2434, www.gentzlonghornbeef.com

Bayou Something Boutique Unique gifts at Beau Reve. See ad.

409.962.2422

Hannah Horseshoeing Rustic furniture, crosses, Christmas trees, lamps and wreaths made from used horseshoes.

409.791.1778

NFL Teams Fleece Scarves Camouflage, LSU, Texas Longhorns, Miami Heat, New York Yankees and neon lime green and black zebra print. Made from 100 percent polyester, will not shrink or unravel. $10.00 each 409.728.5368

Beads, Jewelry Findings and Classes

by Carol Willie At the Boston Emporium. See ad.

409.356.5057

J & H Custom Designs Custom wood yard art and signs. Great for holiday decorating outside or inside your home.

409.540.3206

Plaques by Design Custom wood burn plaques and crosses.

409.767.2334

Memory Charm Customized, handmade charm bracelets, bangles, earrings and necklaces. $40-$50 409.330.4628 Mobile Chicken Coops Hand-crafted chicken coops with laying boxes accessible from outside of the coop. Meant to be mobile with steel cable and skids. All treated wood.

Delivery available. $600 & up 936.520.6865 or 409.781.0270

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Pre-Fabricated Metal Trees One set of Christmas trees include includes one 6-foot, one 8-foot and one 10-foot without lights. Prices start at $80. Trees with lights and/or set-up, additional cost.

409.937.2353 Premium Lawn Care Planter benches built out of 3X4 treated landscape timbers. Starting at $175.

409.782.9695 The Rustic Door Craft Mall on Boston Avenue. See ad.

409.722.6255 Southern Imprint Custom, hand-stamped jewelry. $10 & up. See ad.

409.720.9777 Texas Penworks Handmade pens from wood, acrylic, metal and everyone's favorite- deer antler- with custom engraving on the pen, box or both.

409.782.8684 Tishialu’s Wineyballs Wine-infused cake balls available in different flavors, classic or embellished. $20 & up a dozen.

409.656.5722 T-Shirt Quilts Custom quilts made from T-shirts, baby clothes and loved ones’ clothing. $140 and up. See ad.

409.920.9800 Txcyn Pottery One-of-a-kind, handmade pottery- bowls, cups, nativity scenes, teapots, bakeware, home dĂŠcor and more. www.facebook.com/txcynpottery

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SOUTHEAST TEXANS CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS TRADITIONALLY Did you know Santa visits a total of 378 million households on Christmas Eve and morning? He averages 822.6 houses per second in order to make it around the world? Or that if you bought the 364 items in the Twelve Days of Christmas song today, it would cost you $107,300? And that doesn’t include maintaining all those geese, swans and hens not to mention ladies dancing and drummers drumming!

The fantastical and festive traditions of Christmas are something to look forward to every year.

Young and young at heart anticipate the songs, the shopping, the cookies, family time and special church services and most especially Santa Claus!

We wanted to find out what Christmas traditions Southeast Texans love most. In our Facebook poll this month, we ask and HO! HO! HO!- the results.

How do Southeast Texans celebrate Christmas?

Do you... Check all that apply.

Put up a Christmas tree.

Decorate the house with lights.

Exchange gifts.

Attend religious services.

Sing Christmas carols.

Bake Christmas cookies.

Go to parties.

Send Christmas cards.

Travel.

Donate time/money.

All of the above.

42.9% 42.9% 28.6% 28.6% 14.3% 28.6% 28.6% 28.6% % 14.3% 42.9% 57.1%

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We listed the top five Christmas carols of all time based on radio playing time, and Southeast Texans said their favorites were: sa Joy to the World Silent Night Silen O Holy Night

42.9% 42.9% 14.3%

No one choose The First Noel or Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

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When asked if respondents had purchased one only

28.6% said “yes;” 71.4% said, “no”

Southeast Texanss choose six favorites with Polar Expresss getting g the most votes.

Polar Express A Charlie Brown Christmas Miracle on 34th Street Dr. Suess How the Grinch Stole Christmas Elf Christmas Vacation

CONGRATULATIONS

to Dottie Ramirez, a respondent to our Christmas Traditions Facebook poll at facebook.com/southeasttexascom.

She won a $100 apparel gift card to Watercraft, LLC. and an Elf on the Shelf.

TIME G N I SPEND AMILY F WITH xans

ast Te Southe gly wrote in ir ed the helmin overw ” when ask ion. y time tmas tradit “famil s e Chri t i r o v a f

With more than 15 food items list as “traditional” Christmas food, Southeast Texan chose only five as food they know they’ll eat this holiday season: son: Chocolate fudge Hot chocolate Pie- apple, mincemeat, pecan, pumpkin, sweet et potato Turkey Dressing/Stuffing

Purchase Make

71.4% 28.6%

And nearly 50 percent shop the day after tatoes.

Christmas, but the majority are still couch potatoes.

Shop Potato

42.9% 57.1%

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phenomenon Elf on the Shelf has The 2010 phen into a quarter of the homes here only made it in in Southeast Texas.

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The nu mai mber o led f ann Christ uall y in mas ca rd the U.S s Of 12 popular Christmas ristmas movies listed, .

When it comes to Christmas cards, Southeast Texans:

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Let's set the mood. It's cold and windy out, and the sun sets earlier each day. The kids are finishing up after school activities and homework, and hopefully there is a roaring fire in the fireplace. I've rushed home from my commercial kitchen/restaurant to my home kitchen and a shift occurs: I'm not the chef anymore; I'm mom, and my family isn't my brigade. A glass of wine helps with this transition.

The last thing I want to do is cook something from scratch after cooking from scratch for 100-plus people all day, but I still want to have that quality dinner time with my family, and I want it to be nutritious and delicious.

What to do? Simple: I pull out the duck confit that I'd put up a few months earlier. It's super versatile and can be turned into just about any dish. Not only is it great for a main dish, it's also fantastic for a quick appetizer to whip out when entertaining during the Christmas holidays.

Our favorite way to eat the duck is with crispy warm baguettes, cucumbers and a hoisin sauce.

We also love to throw it on a pizza crust with red onion, hoisin and mozzarella.

I have a family of four, but most always have at least three extra people for dinner. It's never a dull moment at our family dinner table.

It's at the dinner table that we make our memories and where we share our dreams, fears, heartaches, achievements, and where we catch up with one another.

I guess you could say that I'm a bit obsessed with creating a dinner table experience from the moment you enter my home- the placement of the chairs, the choice of flatware, the vintage china, or the wine or cocktail or tea, not to mention I'll probably tell you how to eat the edible delectables I've placed in front of you.

All of these are my passions and my daily parades of a moveable feast that appear and disappear as fast as the idea pops into my head.

From my kitchen to yours,

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!Q?G KJBEP 1. Cure (Optional but recommended, especially if storing for months.) Give each leg or an entire Pekin duck an aggressive four-fingered kosher salt shower and use plenty of toasted and coarsely cracked black pepper and coriander, brown sugar, garlic and some oregano and thyme for depth of flavor. Cure for 12 hours.

2. Rinse and cook Rinse off the cure and seasonings, return them to the pot, cover them with fat (I use olive oil and pork belly fat, which gives it a great flavor; they need to be completely covered), and put them in a 180 degree oven for 10 to 12 hours.

3. Chill and reheat Allow them to cool submerged in the fat for at least 24 hours, but the longer you wait (three to four months is optimal) the better. Reheat them in a hot oven until the skin is crisp and the meat is heated through. (Olive oil can be reused for vinaigrettes, warm for a duck confit salad, for instance; use your imagination.)

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Pull a few legs from the fat, reheat in a hot oven, then pull the meat from the bone, separate the skin from the meat, finely chop the skin, mix it all together with some finely minced shallot and black pepper to make duck rillettes. Serve with Dijon mustard on croutons for a great canape.

Tips & Tricks fro m

By Emily Wheel

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Giving and Gifti

my Pinterest Bo ards

ng

’Tis the season to be grateful and gi ving!

But sometimes it’ s too hectic for ei th er.

To help you expe rience some of th e season even at a fa st pace, here are a few festive ideas from my Pinterest Boar ds.

Treats and Eats !

Need a gift in a pinch? Everyone loves s'mores and ice cream! Grab yo ur favorite ice cream cones, sprinkles an d sweet sauces, and arrange them in a cute box w ith a note. The recipient will LO VE having an ex cuse to buy a fa vorite ice cream to complete this sweet treat box.

And with the co ld weather settin g in, s'mores are on the mind! M ake a s'mores bo x for your next hostess or te acher's gift.

Another fun idea is to make a Chris tmas Eve or Hanuk kah box for little ki ddos. Include a w arm pair of new pajamas, fun socks, a new book, tiny flashlig ht and a fun snack. Your lit tle one will love it!

Give Back!

There are lots of kids who spend their holidays at the hospital.

Consider taking a small, nonedible gift to ch ildren in local ho spitals. Crayons, stickers and books are perfect and easy to distrib ute.

Take What You Need Remember to gi ve back during th is season.

Make your ow n variation of this sig n and post it som ewhere that coul d use inspiration.

SoutheastTexas .com is compatible with Pinterest!

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62&,$/ 6((1 1. Nutrition and Services for Seniors hosted its fall Food Feast and partakers included: (At table left to right): Anna and Michael Magtaan, Nathan and Nina Rivers, Arlene Pippin and Leo Tan; (Standing left to right): Kunwoo Choi, Rob Clark, Dora Nisby and Jerry Thacker.

2. Marianne Laine shows off her petite lemo n pound cake she made in abundance for St. Mark’s Chili Supper bake sale, Incredible Edibles.

3. Thairapy’s Tami Mozley and Mary Ann Sheppard coordinate Altus’ Stran ds of Strength Ponytail event.

4. Sharing a farm to table meal at The Givin g FieldElaine Shellenberger and Barbara Warren.

5. Jefferson County Master Gardeners Fall Plant Sale was a huge success thanks to voluntee r master gardeners like Joyce Logan and Nancy Shac kelford.

6. Maria Sauceda cuts off 10 inches of her hair for Strands of Strength benefiting Pantene Beautiful Lengths Program and ultimately the American Cancer Society.

7. Wife of Don Dodd, the publisher of The Examiner weekly newspaper, Kristi Dod d, helps auction the bra, “Breast Examiner,” she created for the Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Prog ram Bosom Buddies Bra-Auction.

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SOUTHEAST TEXAS SOMEBODY

MICHAEL DEPEW: SOUTHEAST TEXAS’ CLARK GRISWOLD Clark Griswold can’t hold a candle, or especially not a Christmas light bulb, to Southeast Texan Michael Depew. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’s Griswold decorated his house with 25,000 lights. Business owner and father of two, Depew will hang 100,000 lights synchronized to music. What’s the reason for Depew’s shining season? Be enlightened below.

Q: When and why did you start this light project?

What’s the purpose and mission?

A: I love to see the lights myself and watch the children enjoy them, especially my own kids. The purpose at first was just to entertain the area, and then it became a mission to help local charities. (In 2013 donations from light show viewers were given to Girls Haven.)

Q: How has it changed and evolved over the last few years?

A: We went from a static light show to a computer-driven light show. Each year we add technology, more LED lights and different songs.

Q: What are the features of the light show this year?

A: The show has over 100,000 lights, two laptops and 200 extension power cables. It takes more than a month to setup the lights, but the programming takes well over a year to complete for the light show. We have a new Christmas tree that has 12 mini computers to run it. The show runs for about one hour, then it loops or starts over.

Q: What are the goals for the future of the project?

A: The future goal is to move the show to a great location in Beaumont where more people can enjoy it. This would bring more joy to families plus result in more money for the local charities.

Q: When and where can we see it?

A: It powers up Monday, Dec. 1 and runs until Jan. 1 Sunday-Thursday 6:30-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 6:30-10 p.m. at 11095 Mark Circle in Fannett.

For more info link to Depew 2014 Christmas Light Show for Charity Facebook page: facebook.com/groups/176946435837773/

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Michael Depew brings pieces of his enormous outdoor light display out of storage.

SOMETHING NEW FOR DECEMBER! Did you do something NEW in 2014? In each EventsBook this year we promoted a NEW thing encouraging Southeast Texans to go to places they’ve never been or attend events new to the area. If you did, then you might have: • Gone to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Destination Training in January • Heard the Symphony of Southeast Texas After Hours Concert in February • Become a “twitcher” and birded in March • Attended the Listen to Your Mother Show in April • Visited the Temple of the Brave Museum in May • Eaten at Lunch at the Lake in June • Traveled to The Liberty Opry House in July • Dined at a restaurant on the water in August • Downloaded the Aurasma App in September and enhanced your reality • Partaken in the Montage Arts Festival in October • Become a Women in Networking in November So what’s new in December- lights for charity. Michael Depew continues to build and add on to his Christmas light show and donate proceeds to Girls Haven.

We love this idea and the giving spirit so GO! Merry Christmas.

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WINING

WINE GIFTING

By Gerald Patrizi Wine Manager at Debb’s Liquor

I love giving wine as a gift during the holidays, but then again my opinion may be slightly prejudicial. To be fair, however, a lot of people must agree with me based on the fact that I have helped so many of them pick out wines for gifts. This is normally a lot of fun for me because most people just want to get through the gifting process as quick as possible and accept my advice willingly. The process I go through to determine the best choice for my customer is really quite simple and useful for those choosing a wine gift on their own.

The first question I ask the gifting person is if they already have an idea as to what type of wine the receiver of the gift usually drinks. The words “red,” “white,” “dry” or “sweet” are normally included in this line of questioning. If they can definitively give me an answer, we can move the process along and start talking about a particular type of wine and how

much they would like to spend. I always like to offer several choices on both sides of their price range and give them choices that I would enjoy drinking. There are those customers, however, that need a gift with some "wine pizzazz,” something a knowledgeable wine person would recognize as something special. These types of gifts do not come cheap and usually have limited availability; however, they do make a statement.

Now there is the person who is clueless to what type of wine the person receiving the gift drinks, only that it is wine. When this occurs, I usually just ask what they want to spend and make what I call my "safe suggestions.” Champagne or sparkling wine is a normal first choice. It is the holidays, and this type of wine fits the festive giving season. Priced from the $5 to the $250 range, this gives the customer lots to choose from.

If I am lucky, I might get a "red" or "white" answer to my first question.

Chardonnay and Cabernet are always

"safe suggestions.” They are the biggest selling categories of wine in the market, and the price range is wide, giving you a lot of choices. Sometimes someone is looking for something a little more unusual, making the choices a little more fun for me.

There are a lot of wines like that out there that I would love to introduce to people. They have quirky names, wild labels and exotic blends that tend to make their own individual statement and make great gifts. See how easy this all is!?

Gerald Patrizi

So, now for some of my suggestions in all my favorite categories: Safe Red: 2011 Mettler Family Cabernet Sauvignon $21.49 2012 Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet $23.69 Safe White: 2012 Seven Galls Chardonnay $15.89 2012 William Hill “North Coast” Chardonnay $15.49 Great Red: 2012 Paul Hobbs “Russian River” Pinot Noir $54.99 2012 Vina Cobos “El Felino” Malbec $16.99 Great White: 2012 Ferrari Carano Reserve Chardonnay $36.19 2011 Comte Lafond Sancerre $28.49

Obviously I could make many more suggestions, but space is limited.

Gifting wine is a great idea (being biased again)!

Everyone please be safe during the holidays and enjoy! Salute!

Quirky Stuff: 2012 Orin Swift “Machete” $48.69 Sweet Bitch Sparkling Moscato $9.99 Troublemaker Red Blend $16.49 Wines with Pizzazz: 2011 Opus One $231.99 2012 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon $141.99 Armand de Brignac Brut Gold Champagne $299.99 2012 Cakebread Chardonnay $43.59 2012 Paul Hobbs “Richard Dinner” Chardonnay $74.79 Champagne & Sparkling: Lamarca Prosecco $14.99 Mumm Napa Brut Prestige $19.99 Bollinger Brut $60.79

SoutheastTexasEvents.com

BREW REVIEW

SPREAD GOODWILL WITH GOOD CRAFT BEER

By Brandon East Bust out the plaid party pants and obligatory ugly sweater and briefly wipe away that season-long eggnog mustache. It's the holidays! And what better pairing for filling foods and copious amounts of holiday cheer than craft beer?

Beer has its ostentatious crusaders. Over the past few years I’ve met too many self-proclaimed, “beer snobs.” This moniker alone is adverse to spreading the goodwill of good beer. Do not be a beer snob. Being an outspoken craft beer know-it-all will only intimidate potential beer geeks and not allow your friends the openmindedness to simply have fun. Plus, nobody will want to hang around you. Be respectful; drink what’s offered, and be kind to others. Still, beer deserves a place at the dinner table with wine, and those of us who know craft beer have a responsibility to get it there. People will try an abundance of food during the holidays which in turn lends to showing others how to move beyond wine.

When guests arrive, or if you’ve been invited to a party, open up conversation without palate overkill with lighter brews like Saint Arnold Boiler Room, Victory Prima Pils, Prairie Ale or Karbach Sympathy for the Lager.

Then let beer shine like your tree topper. Here’s how. Think of beer as bringing 3 Cs to the pairing. It cuts

Brandon East fat and starches with its carbonation, which literally scrubs your tongue and opens up the next bite. Beer contrasts but also plays well with others; and it complements like sweet, bitter, herbal, spicy, fruity, roasty, etc. Find the core commonality of both beer and food; it’s so easy to do, and you’ll get the hang of it fairly quickly.

I suggest a Belgian Quadruple for those Christmas dishes that include one of the following: prime rib, grilled leg of lamb, roasted turkey and cranberry, goose, duck or most game.

St. Bernardus Abt 12 is a 10 percent ABV Quadruple from the Watou region of Belgium. The color is dark garnet with brown hues and a linen-colored foam that dissipates swiftly. Caramel, apple pie crust, raisins, plum, clove-studded orange and sugary molasses dance in the aroma.

Sipping the brew brings pear, caramel, dark fruit, cinnamon and a very subtle bitterness to the palate. The carbonation and mouthfeel is magical. Indulgent desserts like bananas foster, warm apple pie, flan, sticky toffee pudding and warm gingerbread pair nicely with most Belgian quads like St. Bernardus Abt 12 or Rochefort 10.

Some prefer a quad after a meal or with a medium-strength cigar, but I think this is perfect for those hearty and savory dishes we love in the holiday season. Seriously, $10 is remarkable for one of the world’s best brews- do yourself a favor, and buy a few bottles now. If you can’t find these then buy Rochefort 10 for $7 a bottle.

Connect food with beer, and create memories your guests may never forget.

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PERFORMING ARTS

KATHY MATTEA’S SONGS AND THE SEASON OFFER SOUNDS FOR THE SOUL

By Shelly Vitanza Overlooking the fact that Kathy Mattea has recorded 17 albums, charted 30 singles, including 16 top 10 hits, is a four-time Grammy-award winner and a repeat winner of Academy of Country Music Award’s Top Female Vocalist, she’s just like you and me.

The morning we were to talk she was 20 minutes late calling. When she did call, the first words out of her mouth were a panicked, “I’m sorry,” and then a rapid explanation for her tardiness.

She’d been out late the night before, had forgotten about the scheduled morning call only remembering when she sat down at her computer and received an email reminder from her handler.

Feeling pretty silly to have the native West Virginian, accomplished singer/songwriter, who’s been on the country music scene for three decades, apologize so sincerely for such a small indiscretion, I quickly offered acceptance.

“It’s no biggie, really. I took the time to throw the ball for my dog. He’s a Boston terrier and has a lot of energy, plus I got to listen to your Christmas Collage,” I ramble.

“Oh my dog,” she gushes! “He needs to go out, too. He is a collie and has a lot of energy, too. In fact, let me let him out.” Background noises say she is doing just that.

So she’s late. She’s respectful of others. She apologizes. She’s got

a dog. And what’s more? During a 20-minute interview I learn she wants what many want during the holiday season- more focus on the spiritual meaning of Christmas and less consumerism. But unlike the rest of us, she can offer it up and is.

On an eight-city Christmas show tour, Songs and the Season, which includes a stop at the Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts in Orange, Dec. 6, Mattea will give audiences a respite from the hustle and bustle that the season seems to necessitate.

“Most of our show is more of the spiritual nature of the season as opposed to shopping or malls. We try not to add to the busyness of the season but to give people a break.”

If you YouTube Mattea’s “Christmas Collage,” you’ll get a Mattea “break,” all right. You’ll break out in goose bumps. The mix of seasonal songs is interwoven in an original arrangement exemplifying Mattea’s musical flexibility as she goes from simple guitar bluesy and country sounds to Celtic rhythms and bigger band jazzy beats with gospel-like harmony.

“Christmas Collage” is a song from the second of Mattea’s Christmas

6/' 6//,6 # 6"3-1/, ű-1#/46# ,43My whole life when I was young and all the way into adult life mom’s side of the family gathered on Christmas Eve, and we did it at Grandma’s house. When Grandma died mom took it over, and everybody, cousins and aunts and uncles, came. We had food, crazy talking, and it was the perfect time, the perfect day of the year. I would look forward to it every year. My whole life I spent doing this tradition until I moved to Nashville. The first year I was a waitress and couldn’t get off. But at the last minute a guy took my shift, so I called home to let them know I was coming and drove eight hours home. I pulled up and walked in to the kitchen and just that overwhelming feeling of love that hit me... .that is my favorite Christmas memory.

SoutheastTexasEvents.com

albums, “Joy on Christmas Day,” released in 2003. The first Christmas album, “Good News,“ released in 1993, won Mattea a Grammy and her first single from the album, "Mary, Did You Know?", went on to be covered by Kenny Rogers with Wynonna Judd, as well as Reba McEntire. It’s also a single Mattea is sure to sing while in Orange. “’Mary, Did You Know?’” is my favorite because of the amazing sound- the lyrics and melody.”

Mattea, who in addition to singing, plays guitar, the piano, banjo and a Celtic whistle, says the Orange show will include many traditional songs that everyone knows but also some originals.

“The show is quite a musical journey. We usually try to add something new every year to keep ourselves challenged, but we have the traditional and some that are not as familiar. We have older songs, jazzy stuff and sing-along. It really runs the gamut through a lot of different sounds.

It’s played in two halves, and the second half is all Christmas music.”

Mattea has never been to Orange before but traveled extensively through Texas when touring with George Strait years ago and says what she loves about Texas is that “music is so much a part of the culture.” It’s not a surprising observation from an

artist who has devoted her last two albums to the culture she grew up in - the coal mines of West Virginia.

Both “Coal” and “Calling Me Home” are deep, meaningful and soulful, nostalgic for Mattea and intended to connect people to their roots.

There’s nothing superficial in Mattea’s approach to music, especially during Christmas. Her lyrics, arrangements and sounds are thoughtful, and there’s a personal purpose in her performances. The audience is just fortunate to be included.

“It is so fun to get to sing this music during the Christmas season, and I think way deep into the way the music marks the season. What I hope is that people have a few moments of wonderful surprise, and we give them a bit of an emotional ride for their souls, and they walk out feeling like they’ve been drawn into the spirit of the season. That is why I do it for me and that is why I invite others into it.”

And that desire to give during the holiday season is just another way Mattea is like you and me.

Tickets for Kathy Mattea: Songs and the Season are available at the Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts by calling 409.886.5535 or by going online at lutcher.org.

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FEATURED PERFORMANCES PROFESSIONAL Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts, 707 W. Main, Orange, 409.886.5535

Kathy Mattea: Songs of the Season Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

COMMUNITY Beaumont Civic Ballet, Julie Rogers Theatre, 765 Pearl, 409.838.4397

The Nutcracker Ballet Dec. 12 at 9:30 & 11:30 a.m.

(School Performances) Dec. 13 & 14 at 2 p.m.

(Public Performances) The Nutty Nutcracker Dec. 14 at 5 p.m.

(Public Performance) Betty Greenburg Center for the Performing Arts, 4155 Laurel Avenue, Beaumont, 409.833.4664

Mid County Performing Arts Company, Nederland Performing Arts Center, 2101 18th Street, Nederland, 409.626.2815

Whimsical Christmas Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.

Orange Community Players, Orange Community Playhouse, 708 Division Street, Orange, 409. 882.9137

Yuletide III: Winter Wonderland Dec. 12, 13 & 14 at 7 p.m.

Port Arthur Little Theatre, 4701 Jimmy Johnson Blvd, Port Arthur, 409.727.7258

It’s a Wonderful Life Dec. 5 & 6 at 7:30 p.m. & Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Auditions Dec. 15, 16 & 17 at 7 p.m.

Southeast Texas Ballet Co., Julie Rogers Theatre, 765 Pearl, 409.727.4977

Oliver!

Dec. 4 & 5 at 7:30 p.m. & Dec. 6 at 2 & 7:30 p.m.

Babes in Toyland Dec. 3 at 9:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.

(School Performance) Dec. 4 & 5 at 6:30 p.m.

(Public Performance)

Liberty Opry, 1816 Sam Houston Ave., Liberty, 877.729.9103

Symphony of Southeast Texas, Julie Rogers Theatre, 765 Pearl, Beaumont, 409.892.2257

Opry Music & Entertainment Saturdays at 7 p.m.

Home for the Holidays Dec. 7 at 3 p.m.

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VISUAL ARTS

ROB CLARK’S LIGHT SHINES FROM AMSET CAFÉ ARTS EXHIBIT

By Melissa Tilley Rob Clark knows details. As an architect, he pays close attention to each design element. As an artist, he knows every line and shadow in his sketches. The important part of Clark’s artwork, however, is the story that all the details combine to tell.

“The story within each piece is the personal satisfaction,” Clark said.

“Each of the portraits relates to influence and impact from interactions, conversations and events with each subject.”

The subjects in Clark’s art are people important to him: his fam-

Pencil drawing of Clark’s grandmother

ily, friends, church members and also strangers he has encountered while traveling.

Clark will showcase his art in “Finding Light- Works on Paper” in the Art Museum of Southeast Texas’ Café Arts on view now through Jan. 18, 2015. The exhibition features works in ink, pencil and watercolor, with a focus on exploring paper as the light source with a carving away process to permit the light to define the work.

Details matter greatly in the process of telling the story. “Some of the works such as ‘Equal,’ a portrait of my mother and father touching foreheads, lingered on for two months with great attention to body gesture, positioning on the paper and true rendition of surfaces (skin, fabric, hair and mother’s favorite earrings and necklace, which she would rarely wear). This was an emotional work as health and mental awareness were declining and events with family living environment became a challenge.

It is an easy piece for people to relate to…. uncomfortable for some to view,” Clark said.

Clark said his artistic process has always involved sketchbook pads to quickly sketch objects, buildings or people or for more lengthy studies of

intricate buildings. “Sometimes drawings only capture what was most important to me about a moment and revisiting the work reminds me of the total atmosphere of a location or event,” he said. “Sketchbooks are like a really good couch or chair, where you find it so easy to find comfort and space from everything else.”

Clark began drawing early in life and says his parents still have portraits he drew of family members from ages 6-8. “In middle school, an art teacher took a particular interest in challenging me to try new techniques and thoughts, not compatible with Mississippi standards for art education,” he said. “Later there were studio art classes from Virginia Owens who lived with tremendous disabilities, yet taught the philosophy of honesty in art, finding what is inspiring in the ordinary and challenging the viewer versus rendering a simple answer.”

Clark found a challenge when capturing his own radiance for the exhibit. “The series includes a self-portrait, ‘Finding Light,’ with a partial face and hands holding a crumpled sheet of paper with an Ansel Adams image of clouds and a poem by W.B. Yeats.

Drawing a self-portrait is awkwardly

self-revealing; honesty is a must and so difficult to share with others. In this case, the self-portrait encompasses the premise for the show and links all works as a single element.”

FEATURED EXHIBITS Art Museum of Southeast Texas 500 Main, Beaumont, 409.832.3432 Dornith Doherty through Jan. 4 Celia Eberle: In the Garden of Ozymandias through Jan. 4 Finding Light: Works on Paper

by Rob Clark through Jan. 18

The Art Studio 720 Franklin St., Beaumont, 409.838.5393 Holiday Shop-O-Rama Dec. 6-19

Dishman Art Museum 1030 E. Lavaca, Beaumont, 409.880.8959 Senior Thesis Exhibit Dec. 5-14

Museum of the Gulf Coast 700 Procter, Port Arthur, 409.982.7000 FAMILY ART DAY: Jingle All the Way Dec. 13, 10 a.m. -3 p.m.

Stark Museum of Art 712 Green Ave., Orange, 409.886.2787 Women, Art, & Social Change: The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise through Jan. 3 Flowering Pages: Illuminated Books of Hours through Jan. 10 SMA Playdate Dec. 4, 10-11 a.m.

Texas Artists Museum 3501 Cultural Center Dr., Port Arthur, 409.983.4881 Nederland Art Guild Meet to Paint Every Saturday, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

W.H. Stark House “Equal” Drawing by Rob Clark depicting his parents.

610 West Main Ave., Orange, 409.883.0871 Reflecting Times through March 7, 2015

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

EAT YOURSELF THIN

By Amie James Race Director amie@thegushermarathon.com sportssocietyforamericanhealth.org

Food- we all love it! Yet most people restrict calories when they wish to drop a few pounds. This really isn’t the best solution and may even slow your metabolism making weight harder to lose. Instead of restricting, try replacing junk food and drinks with high quality nutrition and hydration. Indulge when your body needs it, but don’t spend most of your life consuming tasteless, low quality food. Consider these three

questions to ask yourself before you take a bite or drink.

Will this item help my body rebuild or demolish?

Your body is rebuilding and replacing tissue on a constant basis.

Whatever you ingest determines the quality with which you rebuild. Do you want to rebuild your house with marshmallow fluff or stone? That’s the real question you should be asking of yourself. Your body can compensate for poor nutrition choices for a long time, but eventually it will catch up with you.

What am I actually craving?

Sometimes what your mouth is watering over isn’t actually what you need. Science doesn’t necessarily back cravings, but experience has taught me that I can crave foods that aren’t necessarily the best when I need a nutrient. For instance, I like ice cream, but I can live without it most days unless my body needs fat. If I start craving ice cream, I will first try nuts and avocados instead.

Will I feel well after I have it or will it make me physically ill?

Everything you ingest has an im-

pact on how you feel. I recently gave up coffee. I have been coffee free for a few weeks. I allow myself one cup about once a week, but that craving is decreasing. For some reason, I find that coffee, famous for that blessed chemical caffeine, actually makes me tired after I drink it. I’m not saying that anyone else should give up coffee, as we all respond differently. I’m saying that you should pay close attention to how your body responds. Keep a diary on your phone. You may find that what you put in your mouth impacts everything from your pain to your mood.

event that lasts longer than an hour.

During the first hour of competition, our bodies need to have plenty of glucose to fuel muscles. At one hour of activity, it is very likely that muscles will have to depend on stored fuel in the muscles, called glycogen, to provide energy we need to continue athletic performance and endurance. As glycogen is used, we need to refuel by consuming easily digested carbohydrates. Sports drinks, gel packs, fruits and juices are good choices for refueling because they provide quick carbohydrates, which are digested and converted to glucose. This glucose becomes readily available in the bloodstream and is quickly picked up by our cells to pro-

vide energy. Any athlete will surely feel stronger and have much more endurance to continue and complete an event after refueling.

No athlete should forget to consider hydration and fluid needs while training or competing, especially in Southeast Texas where the weather can get very hot and humid during summer months. Even when the weather cools off, hydration shouldn’t be overlooked because our bodies continue to sweat in order to cool off when exercising no matter what the temperature is. Dehydration can occur when excessive water is lost through perspiration, leading to health problems such as dizziness, fatigue, severe thirst and headaches.

Extreme dehydration can even cause death, so it is very important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.

Increasing fluids two hours prior to any endurance event such as a running race, cycling, tennis, football, basketball and baseball, will help prevent dehydration. Adequate fluids should be consumed during the event, too. If an athlete weighs before and after long-training or athletic events, he or she should weigh within 1 percent to 2 percent of this weight immediately after the event.

For more information about athletic nutrition and hydration, seek the help of a registered dietitian and learn your specific nutrition needs.

SPORT NUTRITION

By Carolyn Bell, RDN www.carolynbelldiet.com Living a healthy lifestyle can be very beneficial to your health. Eating right, combined with exercise, is like taking a super healthy dose of vitamins each day. For some individuals, it may even be your “dose of medication” for getting well. Fortunately, here in Beaumont, people take this seriously by not only eating better, but by adding enough exercise and activity into their lives to become true athletes.

Learning to eat right to fuel athletic activities and events becomes very important for endurance and top performance. Hydration and carbohydrate intake should always be considered carefully when competing in any

Fresh, Healthy Food in Beaumont

Kayla and Scott Fisher of Green Light Kitchen have certainly started a buzz. That large cooler-looking apparatus is actually an urban cultivator. Everyone is curious about it. Customer after customer asks questions, and Kayla patiently explains it to each and every one.

“It's a unit that helps to hydroponically grow micro-herbs and greens that we use in our food at Green Light Kitchen and some of our catered events. There are four levels in the unit with four trays each, so we can rotate and change up the selection multiple times a month. Each level has its own watering and lighting schedule that you can customize to the level of growth and the type of herb in each level. There is absolutely no soil required. You can use soil, but we have chosen not to in order to keep the products as clean as possible and opt to use grow pads we order from Canada. We add specialty organic nutrients to the water reservoir daily to feed them. This process grows some of the most intense and pure herbs I have ever tasted.

We are currently growing micro-broccoli, basil, cilantro, mint, purple radish, arugula, and lots of other really cool stuff! We encourage anyone to come by and sample the herbs.”

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HEALTHY HOLIDAY PARTY TIPS PLAN AHEAD. Food is everywhere during the holidays, and it’s important to plan ahead so you can enjoy your favorite foods without sacrificing nutrition goals. Maintain a regular eating schedule, starting with breakfast. Don’t skip meals, because this may cause you to overeat the rest of the day to make up for missed calories. Try eating a healthy snack before the party or gathering so you won’t overeat. Examples of healthy snacks include lowfat yogurt, fruits and veggies, or whole grain cereal.

USE PORTION CONTROL. The keys to controlling calorie intake are moderation and portion control. Balance party meals with other meals during the day. Eat small, healthy meals with fewer calories so party food won’t cause you to exceed your calorie needs. Take smaller portions, eat smaller bites, chew slowly, and savor each delicious bite.

Use a smaller plate so it looks full, and you won’t feel like you deprived yourself.

SLOW DOWN TO SLIM DOWN. It takes about 20 minutes after food enters our mouths before the brain starts to perceive we’re getting full. Slow down at the dinner table this holiday season to slim down. Take time to sit and savor the holiday food flavors. Listen to your body, and stop eating when you’re full.

SMART DESSERT DECISIONS. If you’re looking for ways to save calories, try skipping dessert or opting for fresh fruit when it’s available. If you want dessert, eat less during the meal, and select a half portion or sampling of bite-sized pieces of several desserts. Alternatively, try picking out one or two favorites, and eat reasonable portions of them or choose special desserts not available other times of the year.

STAY ACTIVE TO DECREASE STRESS. Do the holidays stress you out? Instead of relieving stress with holiday goodies, try being more physically active. Physical activity helps boost energy levels so you can be more productive during the holidays. It also helps the body relax, releases emotional tension, promotes better quality sleep, and creates feelings of psychological well-being.

FOCUS ON FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Don’t make food the priority at parties and gatherings.

Focus on the conversation and being with friends and family, and you will probably enjoy the food more, get full faster and won’t overeat. Concentrate on making memories and socializing with other party guests away from the buffet table.

WEIGHT GAIN DURING THE 6-WEEK HOLIDAY SEASON ACCOUNTS FOR

51% OF ANNUAL WEIGHT GAIN

This holiday season focus on socializing, making new acquaintances and having fun. Spend time with relatives or catching up with old friends. Think about what you are celebrating, not just about the food. Schedule time for physical activity this holiday season and aim for 30 minutes on most days.

RECIPE MODIFICATION IDEAS If you are hosting a gathering this holiday season, you can reduce fat and calories without sacrificing taste by swapping out a few ingredients in your favorite recipes. · Using two egg whites in place of one egg can reduce the cholesterol. · Use low-sodium, fat-free chicken broth in your mashed potatoes to add flavor and cut back on added butter or margarine. · Substitute applesauce for oil, margarine or butter in muffins and quick breads like banana bread. Try substituting a small amount at first, as the more you substitute the more the texture of the finished product changes. · For dips, sauces and pie toppings, use fat-free yogurt, sour cream and whipped topping. · Sliced almonds make a delicious, crunchy topping in place of fried onion rings. · Choose reduced-fat or low-fat cheeses for salads and casseroles.

Lisa Franzen-Castle, RD, PhD, Nutrition Specialist for the University of Nebraska/Lincoln Panhandle Research & Extension Center

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PRAISE & WORSHIP

HAPPY HANUKKAH Hanukkah in 2014 is December 16-24. This minor Jewish festival can actually be spelled three ways- Hanukkah, Chanukah and Hannukah. Pick one or use all three. Hanukkah, which is also called the Festival of Lights, commemorates a miracle that occurred in 165 BCE. At that time the Jewish temple was being rededicated after turbulent times, and a lamp was lit with only one day’s worth of oil, but the lamp flame burned for eight days and nights. That is why candelabras, called menorah, with eight candles are displayed and lit one candle per night for eight nights. Jewish people celebrate the holiday with traditional songs, games and in modern times, because of Hanukkah’s proximity to Christmas, gift giving, usually giving one gift a night for the eight nights of the festival.

The traditional Hanukkah game is Dreidel. A winner’s pot is filled with coins and chocolates. Players spin a top that has four sides Nun, Gimmel, Hay and Shin which means “A great miracle happened there.” Each side of the top results in one of four outcomesno winnings, all the winnings, half the winnings or giving to the winning pot. Children and adults alike enjoy playing dreidel for money or candy!

Hanukkah is a dairy-based kosher festival that includes latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyah, a jellyfilled pastry, like a donut.

Source: visual.ly/whats-deal-hanukkah and Judaism.about.com

)HVWLYDO RI /LJKWV 6HUYLFH Temple Emanuel offers a fun family Hanukkah Shabbat service on Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Temple, 1120 Broadway St. Anyone is welcome to attend. It’s a beautiful service where many menorahs are lit. There is also a delicious meal afterwards. The service is free, and reservations are not required, but to attend the meal, a reservation and small fee are required. Call the Temple office to save your space, 409.832.6131.

PRAISE & WORSHIP EVENTS Sundays 8:00, 10:15 AM & 6:00 PM Worship Service St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 680 Calder, 409.832.3405 8:15 & 10:30 AM Worship Service Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Port Neches, 409.722.6238 8:15 & 10:30 AM Worship Service Trinity United Methodist Church, 409.892.8121

9:00 AM Worship Service Jasper County Cowboy Church, 409.384.5335 10:00 AM & 6:00 PM Worship Service Golden Triangle Church of Christ, Nederland, 409.722.6121 10:00 AM Worship Service McLewis Church of Christ, Orange, 409.658.3618 10:30 AM Worship Service First Christian Church, Beaumont, 409.892.3212

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SOUTHEASTTEXAS.COM BY THE NUMBERS

SOUTHEASTTEXAS.COM PUTS MONEY IN YOUR POCKET Each month in 2014 we provided big numbers here. The number of people who visit SoutheastTexas.com each which is approximately 250,000; the number of pages views averages about 18 million and so forth. But what we’ve never provided is the documented success of those visitors.

SoutheastTexas.com is constantly getting “thanks” from people who use the site, buy and sell on the site, find jobs, real estate and life partners.

We’ve captured a few of the messages received from our customers in the last year and thought we would share them with our readers.

Here they are printed exactly as we received them.

In 2015 you can become a successful SoutheastTexas.com customer too. Everyone gets a free ad per month. SoutheastTexas.com makes things happen.

• Lost Miniature Schnauzer. Reunited with family!!!! Thank you, Southeasttexas.com!

• SOLD- thanks, SETX.com!- 40 cal Taurus • FOUND A HOME :) This handsome redtick mix found a home. Thanks southeasttexas.com ;)* • 9 yr old Gelding SOLD IN LESS THAN 24 HRS !.... Thanks!

• BOBCAT skidsteer SOLD Thanks south east Texas.com!

• Appreciate it, ya'll are a pleasure to do business with!

• Titus is home! Thank you everyone for helping us share him! He is a little torn up and a bit sluggish but in good spirits and glad to be home!

• I would like to thank you for your advertisement. I sold my truck today in less than 10 hours!

• Sammy has found a good home. A perfect match. Thank you SETX.com !

• 1983 D250 4X4 Fire Dept. Truck $2500.00 SOLD in 1-HOUR Thanks, SETX.com!

• Thanks so much! I know the word is getting out there! Banners have been great. It's brought so much traffic to our website. Thanks so much :) • Wherever you are SoutheastTexas can help you find someone. I did!

• 2002 Chevrolet Suburban LT ONE OWNER ****SOLD SOLD SOLD**** • Thank you Southeasttexas.com for your support... God bless... Same day service...

• Sold. Thank you, SoutheastTexas.com !

• All sold! Thank you, Southeast Texas, one more time!!!! AKC lab puppies. Chocolate.

• 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4 X 4 SOLD- THANK YOU, SOUTHEASTEXAS,COM! • Sold- thank you, SoutheasTexas.com. '95 GMC maroon ext. cab stepside z71 • Older model Polaris 4-wheeler for sale. SOLD! Thank you, southeasttexas.com!

• My ‘69 Chevelle is Sold!!! (Thanks, SETX.COM) If you want to buy and sell local, YOUR best choice is SoutheastTexas.com.

Contact live support at www.southeasttexas.com/help/index2.cfm or call 409.832.9869, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

The community is invited to place ONE AD A MONTH FOR FREE! Call for information, 409.832.9869

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SNEAK PEEK january 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR 4 • Flashdance, The Musical at the Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts 9 • Classic Movie Nights: The Godfather, 1 at the Jefferson Theatre 10 • Oxford City Football Club of Texas vs. Hidalgo La Fiera at Ford Arena

17 • Golden Triangle Boxing Texas Shootout at Lamar University Montagne Center • Oxford City Football Club of Texas vs.

Brownsville Barracudas at Ford Arena 17 & 18 • Bridal Show, Beaumont Civic Center 22 • SETX YPO Quarterly Membership Lunch at the MCM Elegant Hotel

23, 24 & 25 • Kountze Big Thicket Trade Days at the Kountze Trade Days Grounds 23 • The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley (Kids Show) at the Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts 24 • Symphony of Southeast Texas Pops Concert; Musical "Tails" Remixed at the Julie Rogers Theatre

$?N;Q;S QCNB $;NM<S CH NB? +?Q 6?;L

13 • SETX YPO Breakfast With The Boss at the MCM Elegant Hotel 15 • Buddy's Big Adventure- Dinosaurs Live (Kids Show) at the Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts • Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Business First Membership Lunch at the MCM Elegant Hotel 16 • Lamar University Pairings at the Lamar University Mary and John Gray Library • Classic Movie Nights: The Godfather, 2 at the Jefferson Theatre

The Lutcher Theater is gearing up for a "Gatsby Getaway”! In preparation for the Lutcher's presentation of the “The Great Gatsby” on March 6, 2015, the Lutcher launches "Lutcher Reads," a book reading initiative designed to encourage area residents to read F. Scott Fitzgerald's “The Great Gatsby.”

When the holiday guests go home, and the house is quiet between Christmas and New Year's, curl up with this great American classic novel and "get away" with Gatsby.

The Lutcher is also planning "Gatsby Getaway" activities after the first of the new year and before the show March 6. Activities include Brown Bag Lunch Book Discussions with locations to be announced and a 1920s Day at the W.H. Stark House on March 7.

1920s Day includes first-floor tours of the historic Stark family home where the public can explore 1920s fashion, history and economy through family activities, as well as a special exhibit, Reflecting the Times: Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Art Deco.

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24 & 25 • Groves Outdoor Flea Market on Main Avenue in Groves 27 • Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting at the Bob Bowers Civic Center

CARTOON CORNER

29 • Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Annual Meeting at the MCM Elegant Hotel JAN. 30-FEB. 14 • True West at the Betty Greenberg for Performing Arts

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31 • Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation’s La Soiree: New York State of Mind at the Beaumont Civic Center • Oxford City Football Club of Texas vs.

Monterrey Flash at Ford Arena

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THE LAST WORD

ARE PANTS REQUIRED DURING A FLU SHOT?

By Scott Renick As I walked into a local pharmacy to receive my annual flu shot, little did I realize that this event would become a great life lesson- When getting a flu shot, pants may be optional.

The local pharmacy where I receive my flu shot has an immunization room, which I find very comforting. The room is large with several comfortable chairs and lots of current reading materials. It is the Barnes & Noble of pharmacies. As I entered the room, the first chair was filled by a gentleman in his mid-70s and less than 6 feet tall. His dark, thinning hair was slicked back, and his skin was the color of a worn, brown leather chair. On his left forearm was a vintage, greenish tattoo that I imagined he received after he had done a tour in the Korean or Vietnam War. He wore a short-sleeve white, oxford shirt with tan khakis, brown socks and brown shoes. His appearance was meticulous and perfect.

As I entered the room, he did not acknowledge me, and he continued reading his magazine. I was not worthy of his time. This man could sense he could easily beat me to a pulp without much effort. I wanted to believe he possessed some secret, forbidden knowledge of the ancient ways of fighting. This man had lived a tough, challenging life.

He had earned his wrinkles and scars. For my own safety, I sat a few chairs away from him.

From the fine array of reading materials, I selected a magazine and began reading some forgettable article. Soon, the pharmacist, who happened to be a woman, came into the room and informed the gentleman that she would be giving him his shot in a couple of minutes. She entered a small room and disappeared. Approximately, 10 seconds later, this gentleman took his magazine and placed it on the chair next to him. He stood up. Then, he removed his pants- without removing his shoes or socks. I assumed he did this in case there was an emergency, and he needed to make a quick

escape. He rolled his belt and sat it on top of the magazine.

He folded his pants perfectly and placed them on top of the belt.

He sat back down and slid the magazine out from under his belt and pants and began reading again.

I was afraid that if I looked at him or slightly questioned what he was doing he might perform some secret death punch or shank me with a knife he carved from the handle of a toothbrush he had used in Folsom prison to protect himself. Then, I realized he did not care what I thought.

He believed this was completely normal behavior. There he was- perfect hair, perfect white shirt, brown socks, brown shoes and giant white boxer shorts. I could not wait for the pharmacist to return. The anticipation of what was about to unfold was overwhelming. I felt like I was 9 years old again waiting to see “The Empire Strikes Back.”

Please start the show!

Then, it happened. The door opened. The pharmacist stepped through the doorway. She could not process what she was seeing. Desperately, I wanted to read her thoughts: “Is that man not wearing pants? Was he wearing pants earlier? Are those weird shorts? Wait, is he supposed to be wearing pants?” The pharmacist stood there for another 10 seconds. Then, she said, ”Sir, we give you the shot in your arm.” Without even acknowledging her or looking from his magazine, he uttered one of the greatest sentences I have ever heard, ”Do

I have a choice?” She said, “No.” Then, after a few more seconds, he still had not looked at her or put his magazine down. It was the pharmacy version of the standoff at the OK Corral. Calmly, the pharmacist said, “Sir, please put your pants back on.” Slowly, he placed the magazine back on the chair under his belt and pants. He unfolded his pants, and slowly and methodically began to dress. He sat down and folded his left sleeve in a manner that I imagined he would store a pack of cigarettes when he was a sailor on a battleship. Then, he picked up his magazine and began reading again. The pharmacist gave him the shot. He didn’t flinch or acknowledge what just occurred. The pharmacist tried to place a Band-aid on his arm, but, of course, he refused. He straightened the sleeve of his shirt, placed the magazine back on the chair and left without ever making eye contact with the pharmacist.

I have never been that cool.

The pharmacist turned to me and said, “I will be right back to give you your shot.” She disappeared.

I wondered if I should take off my pants. Soon, she reappeared with the shot. I said, “Do I need to take my pants off for this?” Coolly, she said, “Don’t make jokes with people holding large needles.” This sounded a little more like a threat than made me comfortable. Comedy time had ended. I received the shot, and I went on my merry way.

Next year, I will return to the same pharmacy for my flu shot, but I may not wear pants.

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