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Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation’s
GLAM GALA to Kick Off the New Year
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PLUS 22 HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS PRODUCTION COMBINES BEATLES & NATIVITY 7 WAYS TO SHARE THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON ALL THINGS LIGHTED: BIKE RIDES, STROLLS & SERVICES
'(&(0%(5 a publication of the Beaumont Enterprise
380 Main Street Beaumont, Texas 77701 409.201.9934 SoutheastTexasEvents.com PUBLISHER Mark Adkins PUBLISHER EMERITUS Paul Chargois
features Draper Style Fundraising: Cocktails, 6,7 Dining, Music & Dancing Seasonal Events Not to Miss 8-11 Ways to Spread the 12,13 Spirit of the Holidays It’s Christmastime, Cher 14
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EVENTS Performing Arts Visual Arts Charity Business & Networking Praise & Worship Festivals Event Listings
SPECIALTY PUBLICATIONS MANAGER Shelly Vitanza EDITOR Beth Gallaspy MULTI MEDIA COORDINATOR Tina Breland ART DIRECTOR Therése Shearer WEB CONTENT MANAGERS Kathleen Gantner Geneva Quitugua
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D E PA RTM E N T S Infographic Social Seen Sneak Peek On this Date in Southeast Texas Cartoon Corner Final Photo
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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Renee Cox PHOTOGRAPHERS Jim Debes John Fulbright CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Beth Gallaspy Nicole Murray Pablo Hernandez Melissa Tilley 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 2015, Beaumont Enterprise. All rights reserved. All contents copyright 2015 Beaumont Enterprise, The Events Books. 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. Beaumont Enterprise 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. Beaumont Enterprise 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.
16 on the COVER Dr. Garrett Peel and his wife, Mandie, TAKE the cover like Mad Men will TAKE Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation’s La Soirée gala January 30! The Peels are serving as co-chairs of this high-fashion night of sophistication mixing retro 60s with contemporary class. The glamorous couple have planned the music, the food, the fashion and the fun. Don Draper is not invited but you are. See page 6 for details. Photo by John Fulbright
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My Most Memorable Gift
2015
has been a remarkable year. I’ve met and interviewed amazing people from authors to entertainers to Monster Truck drivers to millionaire entrepreneurs, traveled to Maui, Hawaii, taken on management of a second publication – VIP Magazine; my 14-year-old son still holds my hand when no one is looking, and my husband wants me to hunt and golf with him. The memories are many but of the past 365 days of 2015 one day stands out as magical, spiritual, a day I will never forget for more reasons than one. On the way out the door to work on that stifling morning, Aug. 10, I stopped by my husband’s office, which is located in our home, to say good-bye and share the commemoration of my brother’s birthday. You never forget the special days of loved ones departed. It’s been 38 years since my younger sibling died, and I treasure my memories of him, recalling them in quiet times and relishing the joy of having known him and been a big sister. But over the years Aug. 10 has become another day. I’ve carried on, finding joy in living. “Steven would have been 45 today. Can you believe that?” “Oh, babe, I’m sorry,” he hugged me longer than usual, and then we went about our days. At the office I toiled away behind my computer doing what I do, and loving it, until about mid-morning when my phone rang. “Shelly, this is Jean Spitznagle. You probably don’t remember me because you were little, but I knew you at Bethlehem Lutheran Church when you and your parents and your brother went there,” the caller stated. “Yes, Spitznagle, is familiar to me. Hello,” I replied. “Well, you may or may not know, but Bethlehem is closing, and we have sold the building. When we were cleaning out, we realized the Bible on our altar was given by your grandparents in memory of your brother. It’s been the altar Bible all these years. Since we’re cleaning, I thought you would want it. It’s in beautiful shape, and there’s a picture, too.” Overwhelmed with emotion and practically speechless, I sobbed into the phone: “It’s his birthday. It’s Steven’s birthday.” Silence. I gathered myself. “Well, do you want me to bring you these things?” she finally asked. We made arrangements, and this kindly woman from my life 38 years ago arrived on my doorstep with a gorgeous leather-bound Bible that had been donated to the church by my paternal grandparents, who have since died. I felt touched by an angel that day and am grateful to Ms. Spitznagle, who did not have to take the time to find me and return the Bible and picture. Her act of kindness turned a traditionally solemn day into one of hope, sprinkled with awe. Her act made a difference in my life, intentional or not. To make a difference... it’s a great goal, a resolution perhaps? And there’s opportunity abounding – work, school, family, community – right here on these pages of the EventsBook. We detail ways to give to the needy this holiday season, page 12. Take a child to experience some of the wonders of the season at the AMSET Gingerbread workshop, page 8, at the lighting of the downtown Beaumont Christmas tree, page 9, and on an evening stroll at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, page 28; find that perfect gift at the Very Merry Main Street Market, page 9; find gifts from local artists at The Art Studio's Shop-O-Rama, page 23; go on a date night at the Lutcher Theater to see The Blue Man Group, page 20. Here’s to Making a Difference! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
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A Night of Fashion, Music, Fine Food & Drinks Befitting Don Draper By Shelly Vitanza
television series that fueled the cultural flame for all things 60s, especially fashion, is the theme of Southeast Texas’ first gala of the New Year. Mad Men Take La Soirée benefiting Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation is Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Beaumont Civic Center. Soirée and Mad Men are a natural fit. Baptist Foundation’s largest fundraising event is traditionally one of the most fashionable nights of the year. In previous years the black-tie affair has featured Milan-style fashion shows, with fast-paced, exotic models and grand, wow-factor finales. Even after Mad Men’s May 2015 final show after seven seasons and 92 episodes, Americans are still trying to nail that 60s style, fitted men’s suits to women’s capris. “Yes, we picked it,” said Dr. Garrett Peel, chief at the Division of Oncological Surgery at Baptist Beaumont Hospital, medical director of the Charline & Sidney “Chief” Dauphin Cancer Screening & Prevention Center at the Julie and Ben Rogers Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital Cancer Center as well as CEO and president of Previty Clinic for Surgical Care, who with his wife Mandie, is serving as co-chair of the event. “It’s modern, hip and brings fashion and a sense of chic-ness to Beaumont. We wanted to embrace the sophistication and return to glamour, period.” Don Draper has nothing on Soirée’s maestro of 60s fashion chic, Albert Nolen, who is planning meal-time entertainment a la pocket squares and coat dress ensembles. “We want to bring back the glamour of Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Kennedy,” said Nolen. “We’ll showcase dresses from Bella Bella and really incorporate the vintage style, giving a variety of glamour and a little taste of life in the day of Mad Men.” The Peels hope to create a dinner-time experience like no other, combining classic fashion and world-class music. “We really feel it will expand the reach of this phenomenal event to a wider audience,” added Mandie. “It’s a great fun party, and we’ve come to really enjoy La Soirée and want to share it with our community.”
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A contemporary cool theme that appeals to people of all ages mixed with great food and drink and lots of music is the Peel approach to party planning. “We’ve selected Rockestra for the dinner party experience and fashion show entertainment,” said Peel. “They are a symphonic musical group that performs throughout the country playing pop renditions of the music we know and love.” Rockestra is just one of the musical features of the evening. During the cocktail hour from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Disc Jockey Michael Jerome will get the party started, and after dinner entertainment features Party Crashers. “They’re incredible beyond amazing. They’ve been on Jay Leno and have opened for many acts across the country and performed at Le Grand Bal last year,” said Peel. “Live music, that is what makes a difference this year. You’ll walk in and be embraced by current meets 60s at a lively cocktail party where people can visit and see people they don’t get to visit with but at this party. We’ve got this L.A.-style DJ who has performed across the country; that’s really cool... and then this juxtaposition with current and modern from the 60s Mad Men framed with elements of fashion, entertainment and food throughout the night all for the goal of bringing the community together to celebrate the good works of Baptist Foundation.” The Baptist Foundation supports Baptist Hospital’s ongoing commitment and ability to provide programs and services to meet the growing healthcare needs of Southeast Texans. Since the Soirée’s inception in 2009 past projects supported have included improvements at the Julie & Ben Rogers Cancer Institute; the establishment of a Family Room within the Oncology unit; new equipment for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Children’s Unit; the addition of 3-D Mammography; and the creation of the Dauphin Women’s Center. This year’s Soirée fundraiser effort will go to Baptist’s next big need, which is an expansion and update of its neonatal intensive care unit. neonata “We hhave approximately 300 babies born who each year who need the NICU,” said Executive Director of the Bapt Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas Foundation Kim Mo Moncla. “We plan to remodel and update, buy new equipment equ and provide more space for families to be clo closer to their newborns, so this project will impact at least le 300 families a year in Southeast Texas.” Moncla, a Draper fan who didn’t miss a Mad Men Monc episode, said she’ll consider the event a success if everyone walks away with a little more information about Ba Baptist and its mission. “It’s going go to be a great time and great way to share the missi mission of Baptist Hospital. During dinner we have a three-minute threefilm that highlights our sacred work,” said Moncla. M “My hope for the event is just an increased awareness about the mission of Baptist crease Hosp Hospital and how we are serving our area.” BBetween 800-1000 guests are expected to get gro groovy Draper style. For more information contac tact the Foundation office to be one of them, 40 409.212.6110.
Mad Men Take La Soirée A New York State of Mind For Your Eyes Only Texas on the Ritz
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MEET YOUR CHAIRS: Mandie & Dr. Garrett Peel Dr. Garrett Peel is CEO and president of Previty Clinic for Surgical Care, a multi-specialty network of fellowship trained surgeons serving Southeast Texas and the Houston area. Peel is a graduate of George Washington and Johns Hopkins Universities, holding a public health masters degree in health policy and management. Peel completed his residency in general surgery as chief resident at the world-famous Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He is board certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He was recently named a Super Doctor Rising Star by Texas Monthly and received recognition as breast cancer surgeon of the year for 2015. Peel is medical director of the Dauphin Center and chief of surgical oncology at Baptist Beaumont Hospital. As a national leader in minimally invasive surgery, Peel has provided superior surgical care for patients throughout the region while bringing innovative surgeries to the region and building a network of highly skilled, highly trained surgeons in Southeast Texas. Mandie home schools three of the Peels’ four children and works as the Chief Operating Officer for Previty Clinic for Surgical Care. She serves on numerous community boards including the Beaumont Children’s Museum and the Harbor Foundation. She is a member of the Symphony League. Mandie is also president of the Texas Medical Association Alliance and oversees the Hard Hats for Little Heads initiative, a statewide campaign to educate and distribute safety helmets to our nation’s young people. Previty Clinic for Surgical Care, along with its network of surgeons, is a valued and generous supporter of many local charities including the Triangle Area Network, the Gift of Life, the Southeast Texas Food Bank, Girls Haven, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Garth House and Lamar University’s Friends of the Arts and the College of Fine Arts and Communication, serving as chairs of Le Grand Bal in 2014. The Peels have often opened their home to fundraising and political events that serve the community. Dr. Peel and Mandie are leaders in our community. Peel serves as president of the Jefferson County Medical Society, on the Council for Science and Public Health for the Texas Medical Association and holds appointments to several boards of directors for local and national organizations.
L SOIRÉE THEMES from previous years LA 2 2016 2015 2 2014 2 2013 2
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A Night at the Moulin Rouge Cirque du La Soirée An Evening in Vienna Winter Wonderland
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2 +$33(1,1*6 By Shelly Vitanza 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 holidaythemed events sure to make Christmas sing in your heart.
SoutheastTexasEvents.com
AMSET's Christmas Tree Lighting
The holidays officially kick off in Southeast Texas at the Children's Holiday Party & Tree Lighting Dec. 3 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 3:30 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. with Mayor Becky Ames. Crafty Christmas fun continues at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas on Dec. 5 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for the Gingerbread House Workshop. Paige Neyland with Michaels Arts & Crafts Store will lead the sweet construction project resulting in mini winter candylands made from freshly baked gingerbread. Create yours with reservations. Call 409.832.3432. The cost varies between $40 and $70 depending on the number of houses you make. Holiday lights spread to Newton for the 26th 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, or online at www.mkt. com/festivaloflightsnewtontx. You can also reserve tickets by calling 409.767.6487. Tickets are $4 for ages 3 to adult. Trains run Fridays and Saturdays in December and Dec. 21-24, 26, 28-31. Southeast Texas’ own Clark Griswold is back for the eighth 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 music at 11095 Mark Circle in Fannett, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tune into FM 90.9 to hear the music in your car. The tour is free, but any donations offered are given to Join One Tribe to build health clinics and libraries in Cameroon, Africa. 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. 3 from 4-9 p.m. The market continues Dec. 4 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Dec. 5 from 10 a.m.5 p.m. Entry is $10. For more information call 409.832.0873 or go to the website juniorleaguebeaumont.org. Parents needing a night out this holiday season can drop their young’uns off for Elf Party at the Beaumont Children’s Museum, Dec. 4 from 5-7 p.m. Kids, ages K-6th grade, are invited to come dressed like elves for fun and games including a snowball fight, and then parade over to the Jefferson Theater to see the all-time holiday favorite “Elf,” from 7:30- 9 p.m.
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AMSET's Gingerbread House Workshop
Festival of Lights train ride
Michael Depew with his light show
Junior League of Beaumont's Very Merry Main Street Market
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Jefferson Theater's Classic Movie Night presenting “Elf”
Nederland Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade
John Jay French House Museum's Christmas Candlelight Tour
Symphony of Southeast Texas
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St. Stephen's Holiday Bazaar
The cost is $15, and registration is available online. Go to beaumontchildrensmuseum.org for more information. Parents can join their kiddos or just come to the historic Jefferson Theater for Classic Movie Night presenting “Elf.” Tickets are just $5; doors open at 6 p.m. with the movie showing at 7:30 p.m. 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. 5, 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. Take the merry making to the streets at two city parades- green, red, tinsel and lights, elves and Santa, bands and floats- these annual parades include festive fun for the entire family. The City of Orange’s Christmas Parade is Dec. 4. starting at the MacArthur Shopping Center between 6 and 6:30 p.m. and processing down MacArthur to Green to Fifth Street. Afterwards Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts will host a laser light show at the Stark Museum of Art followed by the Christmas Tree Lighting. The grand marshal of the parade is Judge Courtney Arkeen and, of course, Santa will be there. For details call the Orange Chamber of Commerce at 409.883.3536. The Nederland Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade is Dec. 8 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 Sprinkle a little history in your holidays by attending one or both of the Beaumont Heritage Society’s open houses. On Dec. 5 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. 6 from 1-3 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. Enjoy the wonderful voices of the Dickens Choir of West Brook High School and the sweet sounds of the Southeast Texas Dulcimer Friends. Bring the kids for hands-on activities that help recreate a Christmas from days long past. Light refreshments will be provided. Both events are free. Call for information, 409.832.4010 Hear more merry melodies at the 3 p.m. Symphony of Southeast Texas performance Dec. 6, Home for the Holidays. The orchestra will perform popular holiday songs in grand style. The concert also includes a festive carol singa-long, making it a great way to begin the yuletide season with family and friends. The holiday concert is not part of the Symphony season subscription. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. Call the Symphony for tickets 409.892.2257 or go online to www.sost.org. Holiday cheer is found here- the McFaddin-Ward is hosting several festive events to make your holiday merry and bright. See classic holiday favorite “It’s a Wonderful Life” Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. It’s free and so is the popcorn.
SoutheastTexasEvents.com
McFaddin-House
McFaddin-House is decking the halls with Christmas finery just like the family did when they lived in the home for a Christmas Open House, Dec. 12 from 12-4 p.m. Come and try your hand at Christmas activities and sample traditional Christmas cookies and punch while you relax and listen to music of the season. The event is free and open to everyone. The signature event of the holiday season at McFaddin-Ward is an Eggnog Evening, Dec. 12 from 5-7 p.m. where visitors can stroll through the house at night and enjoy music and refreshments. Throughout the holiday season the home will be open for Holiday Tours showcasing hundreds of poinsettias, special china, crystal and holiday ornaments and decor. All events at the McFaddin Ward House are free. Add a little wildcatter spirit to your Christmas spirit at the Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum Christmas in Boomtown Holiday Open House Dec. 5 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Call or email for more information: 409.880.1750 or gladyscityinfo@gmail.com. Light your bike and roll in the Christmas Light Bike Ride Dec. 17. This bright crew of Christmas-costumed bikers meets in the parking lot of New York Pizza & Pasta, 4405 Calder Ave., at 6 p.m. and cruises town viewing Christmas lights wending their way through the best lit areas of town. Free. All ages are invited. Lights and helmets are required on this non-supported ride. Call 409.626.2263, for details. Cocoa, crafts and kids- it’s a great mix for Dec. 12 and just what the Fire Museum of Texas is offering. At 10 a.m.-2 p.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. Christmas is merry and bright at Beaumont Botanical Gardens Dec. 19 from 2-6 p.m. for the Christmas Land and Santa Stroll benefiting Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County, a nonprofit that provides safe and affordable housing offering a way out of poverty. Your ticket builds homes for local families, and buys your family a magical day in Christmas Land with Santa and his elves, and the chance to enjoy candlelight caroling, photos with Santa, refreshments, letters to Santa, ornament decorating, live holiday musical performances and Christmas karaoke. Tickets for adults are $25 and $10 for kids.
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Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum Christmas in Boomtown
Christmas Light Bike Ride
Fire Museum of Texas Christmas at the Station
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 package pricing, go to www.parkdalemalltx.com/holiday. From this link you can also secure a Santa Fast Pass and avoid the wait. Through Christmas Eve at the Sunken Court Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Breaks: 1 p.m.-2 p.m. & 5 p.m.-6 p.m.) Sunday: Noon-6 p.m. (Break: 3 p.m.-4 p.m.) Christmas Eve: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24 & Tuesday, Dec. 1: Santa Paws Photos, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Bring your pets for photos with Santa during one of these two special evenings. Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
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By Pablo Hernandez
SoutheastTexasEvents.com
esus Christ himself is quoted as saying it is more blessed to give than to receive. Then what better way to celebrate the Christmas season than to find ways to give and share the holiday spirit. In Southeast Texas, there are numerous ways to accomplish that, and several organizations that will help you achieve your goal of brightening someone else’s Christmas.
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Let’s start with the Salvation Army. That organization rings us into the season with the Red Kettle Campaign. Through Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, you will find bell ringers in some of the busiest intersections in our area. They’ll also be in front of local stores seeking donations. The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers to be bell ringers. The more people who donate their time, the greater the amount of money that can help the community. With volunteers, the Salvation Army does not have to have paid bell ringers. If you would like to help, call Kimberly Hall at 409.896.2361. The Salvation Army also sponsors the Coats and Kettles program with Munro’s Dry Cleaning Company. From now until the end of the year, all Munro’s locations serve as drop-off points for coats, jackets and blankets. The Salvation Army then collects the coats and distributes them to those in need at its Coat Shop at 1490 North Seventh St. The Salvation Army each year joins forces with KFDM-TV for Toy Feast. This year it will be on Dec. 4 at Rao’s on Dowlen Road. Toys are collected during KFDM and Fox KBTV’s Morning Show, 4:30-9 a.m.
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Another charitable organization in town with a mission to help those in need is Some Other Place. Every holiday, Some Other Place has the Giving Tree, which serves about 1,000 children of pre-screened families who need food, clothing and household and personal items. You can receive a gift tag from Some Other Place with the name, age, gender, sizes and Christmas wish of a child and then buy the gift. All gifts collected through the Giving Tree will be passed out on Dec. 17. On Christmas Day, Some Other Place hosts a Christmas Meal. Volunteers from Temple Emanuel serve this lunch, starting at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 25. If you would like to volunteer or donate food, contact Some Other Place at 409.832.7976.
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The Junior League of Beaumont and Buckner Children and Family Services have started joining forces to host the 2015 Gingerbread House Competition and Silent Auction. The event is held during Beaumont’s Main Street Market at the Beaumont Civic Center, Dec. 3-5. Gingerbread houses will be available for immediate purchase at the Main Street Market, while a few can be won by silent auction. A portion of proceeds helps children at Buckner.
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More than 4,000 children are in foster care and group homes in the Golden Triangle, and those kids’ holidays have been made brighter every year because of Mike and Tammy Ochs. The
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couple and their three daughters, Joy, Stacie and Rita, run the Toys For Tots program in Orange, Beaumont and Port Arthur. The Ochs say that with your donations, the gift of a shiny new toy shows a needy child that someone cares, and that they haven’t been forgotten. You can drop off toy donations at Toys R Us, plus this year the Remote Radio Control Flying Clubs in Orange, Port Arthur and Beaumont will host a big show on Dec. 12 at the airplane clubs’ field on FM 1442, south of the landfill. Entry fee is a new unwrapped toy that will go to Toys For Tots. All toys collected will be distributed through the Santa Store at the Port Arthur armory on Dec. 13. Then on Dec. 14, a POD of toys will be delivered to the Department of Family and Protective Services to be given to children in foster care.
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But kids are not the only ones who could use Christmas cheer. You are never too old to celebrate the holiday, and senior citizens also like to be remembered during the holidays. That’s where Home Instead Senior Care comes in with its Be A Santa To A Senior program. Home Instead works with Jefferson and Orange counties’ Meals-OnWheels programs to get names of senior citizens eligible for this program. The program hopes to serve more than 2,000 senior citizens in the area. Christmas Trees are placed in 75 sites throughout Southeast Texas, including grocery stores, pharmacies and Parkdale Mall, with paper ornaments bearing the needs of individual senior citizens. Individuals take an ornament, fulfill the request and bring the gift back to the tree. Gifts should be returned by Dec. 21. For more information, call 409.892.7494.
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The Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program invites the community to be a dear this year by donating to the organization’s Reindeer Campaign, benefiting its mission to save the lives of neighbors in need. Throughout the holiday season, participants can give the gift of life by making donations or purchasing festive paper reindeers at participating local businesses listed online at giftoflifebmt.org. Every donation - large or small creates a significant impact. Founded in 1994, the Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program offers free healthcare services and education for residents throughout seven Southeast Texas counties providing free mammograms, free prostate cancer screenings and educational outreach encouraging the practice of early detection and motivating thousands of youth and adults to adopt healthy lifestyles that reduce the incidence of precancerous and cancerous diseases associated with tobacco and alcohol usage. For more information call, 409.838.3663.
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And last but not least, the Share Your Christmas Food Drive will be held all day on Dec. 3. It’s the 22nd year for this event, which collects food and donations for the benefit of the hungry in Southeast Texas. It’s a joint partnership between the Southeast Texas Food Bank and 12News. Donations have been solicited since October, but it all culminates with the telecast drive on Dec. 3 from several locations throughout the Golden Triangle. Schools, businesses, and civic or religious groups are encouraged to participate on the day of the 12News telecast to gain recognition for their participation. For more information or to volunteer, call the Food Bank at 409.839.8777.
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Cajun Style
Christma
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Spice up your Christmas with a little Cajun flair. Holiday happenings in Southwest Louisiana include parades, productions, home tours and more.
Dec. 5 & 6 Light Up the Lake Christmas Festival Two days of festivities for the entire family. Saturday, Dec. 5 Street Parade Downtown Lake Charles | 11 a.m. Santa’s Workshop Lake Charles Civic Center | 2-5 p.m. Community Band Concert Lake Charles Civic Center | 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6 Lighting Ceremony Front steps of Lake Charles Civic Center | 5-6:20 p.m. Mickey Smith: Founder’s Landing Civic Center Lakefront Promenade | 6:30-7 p.m. Fireworks over Lake Charles 7 p.m. Dec. 12 “Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer” Lake Charles’ Civic Ballet presents the classic story told through dance and including Santa, his elves and all the reindeer. Rose Hart Theatre | 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. | lakecharlescivicballet.com Dec. 13 Holiday Home Tour Featuring Four Stunningly Decorated Homes Graywood Subdivision | 1-5 p.m. | lcsymphony.com/holiday-home-tour Dec. 1-31 Christmas Lights Carriage Ride For up to 12 people, Shell Beach Drive through the historic Charpentier District For Reservations, 337.842.0778
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INFOGRAPHIC RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR The first day of 11 months of the year goes uncelebrated but on Jan. 1 each year we mark another 365 days done with anticipation of 365 ahead. We “re” everything – restart, renew, review, refresh and resolve – giving ourselves grace for goals not accomplished in the previous year and vowing to do better in the New Year. But not without a party first. All over the globe New Year’s is celebrated albeit in a variety of interesting ways. In preparation for likely the biggest annual event shared by the entire human race, we’ve gathered some interesting facts.
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THE GREGORIAN CALENDAR, WHICH MARKS JAN. 1 AS THE NEW YEAR, IS ADOPTED BY THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
1752
THE YEAR ENGLAND AND THE U.S. MADE JAN. 1 THE FIRST DAY OF THE YEAR. JULIUS CAESAR MADE IT THE FIRST DAY OF THE YEAR IN 46 B.C.
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THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO GATHER FOR A NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY.
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THE FIRST YEAR THE BALL WAS DROPPED IN TIMES SQUARE AFTER THERE WAS A BAN ON FIREWORKS. BACK THEN, A 700-POUND BALL EMBELLISHED WITH 25-WATT BULBS MADE OF IRON AND WOOD WAS DROPPED. NOW, HOWEVER, THE FAMOUS BALL WEIGHS 11,875 POUNDS, IS 12 FEET IN DIAMETER AND IS ADORNED WITH 2,668 WATERFORD CRYSTALS.
AMERICAN NEW YEAR’S TRADITIONS Kiss at 12 a.m. Jan. 1 Eat black-eyed peas for luck, green leafy vegetables for money Sing “Auld Laud Syne,” meaning “days gone by” Drink champagne Watching the ball drop in Times Square Sources: wanderlust.com, all-that-is-interesting.com, businessinsider.com, travelandleisure.com, Huffington Post
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PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE WHO ABANDON THEIR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS BY JAN. 30. ONLY 45 PERCENT OF PEOPLE MAKE RESOLUTIONS.
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RANK OF NEW YEAR’S DAY FOR THE MOST STOLEN CARS FOLLOWED BY HALLOWEEN, MEMORIAL DAY AND LABOR DAY.
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NEW YEAR’S TRADITIONS IN OTHER COUNTRIES
ITALY Wear red underwear on New Year’s Eve to bring love, luck and prosperity.
CHILE Wear yellow underwear to increase your good fortune.
ARMENIA Wear pink underwear for love and to keep your job or get a better one. Also, mothers bake bread and knead luck and good wishes into it.
DENMARK Smash plates on their neighbor’s doorsteps. The more broken pottery, the more luck for the year.
GERMANY Eat donuts with a jam or liquor called “Pfunnkuchens.”
ROMANIA Farmers try to communicate with their animals; if successful it’s viewed as luck for the coming year.
RUSSIA Write down a wish, burn it, throw it in a champagne glass and drink it before 12:01.
JAPAN Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times to represent the 108 sins of the human body.
GREECE An onion is hung outside the door on New Year’s Eve to represent rebirth in the New Year. On New Year’s Day parents wake their children by taping them on the head with the onion.
TURKEY As the clock strikes midnight, it’s traditional to open the front door and sprinkle salt on the door step, said to bring peace and abundance to your home.
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62&,$/ 6((1 1. Left to right: Leslie Whitmire, Sue Chatagnier, Tyler Chatagnier and Jame' Whitmire at The Arc of Beaumont Buddy Walk 2. Carolyn Stewart, left, and Judy Shedrick at the BBB 16th Southeast Texas Senior
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Celebration and Consumer Expo 3. Jess Prince, left, and Jennifer Manriquez at The Monster Mash: An AMSET Bash 4. Left to right: Anthony, Allie, Shelly and Avie Garcia at Beaumont Children’s Museum’s Touch-A-Truck Day 5. Jarein, left, and Eli-Sha Smith at
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Beaumont Children’s Museum’s Touch-A-Truck Day 6. Matt Bloodsworth, left, and Rebecca Alford at The Arc of Beaumont Buddy Walk 7. Cheryl and Glen Guillet at Humane Society’s Paw-ty for a Purr-Pose
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8. Left to right: Christopher, Elliot, Amy and Cora Gravis at Beaumont Children’s Museum’s Touch-A-Truck Day 9. Ross Bean, left, and Monica Lee at Humane Society’s Paw-ty for a Purr-Pose 10. Josie Widow, left, and Mary Polk at the BBB 16th Southeast Texas Senior
Celebration and Consumer Expo 11. Matt Peterson, left, and Carrie Franks at the BBB 16th Southeast Texas Senior Celebration and Consumer Expo 12. Jimmy Majors, left, and Vivian Sonnier at The Arc of Beaumont Buddy Walk
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PERFORMING ARTS
CELEBRATE THE CHRISTMAS STORY WITH THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES By Beth Gallaspy What happens when you combine the age old story of the nativity with the timeless music of the Beatles? You get “Both,” a one-of-a-kind holiday pageant and gift to the community making its debut with free workshop performances at the Betty Greenberg Center for the Performing Arts the weekend before Christmas. “Both” has been a passion project for Silsbee native Mark Wilson since 1997, soon after he left a professional touring production of “Hair.” The
writer, director and performer in this musical extravaganza was inspired by the large scale outdoor pageants he remembered from his Mormon upbringing and by his favorite song, “Let It Be.” WIlson began to see how other songs by the lads from Liverpool “Here Comes the Sun,” “Taxman,” “Golden Slumbers” - could be used to tell the story of the coming of the Christ child, and before long he and several New York theater friends were singing this Beatles nativity in the
Left to right: SStacy tacy Savino-Philmon, Lydia Seay, Markk Wilson, John J Edwards and Lindsey Johnson
Add an evening of rollicking exciteAd ment to your holiday season when me th the Blue Man Group stops in Orange for two performances at the a Lutcher Theater. Described as “comedy, theater, rock concert and dance party all rolled into one,” the Blue Man Group has delighted audiences of all ages, languages and cultures across the globe for more than 20 years. Performances at the Lutcher Theater are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 23. For tickets, a ca call 409.886.5535 or visit the website at www.lutchertheater.org.
backyard of a Broadway producer. The show was also workshopped and presented as a concert by a Los Angeles theater company for several years. However, the performances in Beaumont have an important distinction. “Our production is the very first fully staged workshop production. That’s what’s so exciting about what we’re doing,” Wilson said. “This show allows you to celebrate the nativity. It truly connects you to the spirit of Christmas.” With beautiful costumes and a talented cast of nearly 70 including musicians, Wilson said he has loved seeing the show he has envisioned for 17 years come to life on stage. “What I love about it is it looks like a big old wonderful community church production,” he said. “There’s a journey you take during the show. Also, these songs take you back. They’re such touchstones and mile-
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FEATURED PERFORMANCES COMMUNITY Dec. 3 & 4 at 6:30 p.m. Southeast Texas Performing Arts Company presents “Babes in Toyland” Julie Rogers Theatre 409.727.4977 December 3, 4, 5, at 7:30 p.m. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Beaumont Community Players 409.838.4664 Dec. 4, 5, 6 at 7:30 p.m. A Christmas Carol Port Arthur Little Theater 409.727.7258
stones in people’s lives. These songs are iconic.” The workshop production of “Both” also represents a milestone as the first production for Lilllard Farm Theatricals (LiFT), a new nonprofit theater organization Wilson founded to develop new musicals. The motto is “We grow musicals,” Wilson said. He hopes to continue partnering with Beaumont Community Players on future productions and would like to see “Both” grow into a Southeast Texas holiday tradition. As a workshop production, “Both” is still considered in development, which is one reason all performances are a gift to the community with no admission charge. Performances of “Both” are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17-18 and 3 p.m. Dec. 19-20. Tickets are free, but reservations are recommended. To reserve tickets, call 409.833.4664.
Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. Symphony of Southeast Texas: Home for the Holidays Julie Rogers Theatre for the Performing Arts 409.892.2257 Dec. 7 & 9 at 7 p.m. Footloose Auditions Port Arthur Little Theatre Playhouse 409.727.7258 Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. & Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. Mid-County Performing Arts Company “Whimsical Christmas” Nederland Performing Arts Center www.midcountypac.com Dec. 12 & 13 at 2:30 p.m. The Nutcracker Ballet Julie Rogers Theatre 409.838.3435 or ticketmaster.com Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Christmas Shoes Wesley United Methodist Church 409.892.7733 PROFESSIONAL Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Ragtime Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts 409.886.5535 Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. A Very Electric Christmas Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts 409.886.5535 Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. Branson on the Road - Christmas Style Jefferson Theatre 409.838.3435 Dec. 22 at 7:30 and Dec. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Blue Man Group Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts 409.886.5535
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VISUAL ARTS
TEXAS PRINTMAKING MECCA'S WORKS HIT AMSET By Melissa Tilley Printmaking as a fine art form has existed for hundreds of years, with origins tracing to central Europe in the 1400s. As the technology advanced and new techniques were developed, artists found new ways to explore new interests. Present day methods show the evolution of the process in relation to contemporary technical advancements, achieving a heightened sense of fresh, artistic originality. From Dec. 12 through Feb. 28, the Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET) presents an exhibition of these contemporary prints from Flatbed
Press, a publishing workshop which collaborates with artists to produce limited editions of original etchings, lithographs, woodcuts and monoprints. “Texas is privileged to be the home of Flatbed Press in Austin – a world-renowned printing atelier and publishing workshop that has produced extraordinary, limited editions of original etchings, woodcuts and monoprints for over 25 years,” said AMSET Curator of Exhibitions and Collections Sarah Beth Wilson. “In curating this exhibition, I worked extensively with Flatbed Press owner Katherine Brimberry and associate director Annalise Gratovich to select a show of over 40 works by both established and emerging artists. The exhibition features a range of techniques, styles and subjects, demonstrating the facility and aesthetic bravura of Flatbed’s stable of artists.”
Left: “Fragmented Union” by Linnis Blanton Above left: “Rrosa Se'lavy's Jacket” by Linda Ridgway Above: “I Saw a Crow Orca Was I” by Jules Buck Jones Right: “Prometheus” by Ricky Armendariz
“Hot Off the Press: Recent Works from Flatbed” highlights recent prints by 12 Texas artists, including Ricky Armendariz, Alice Leora Briggs, Veronica Ceci, John Robert Craft, Suzi Davidoff, Sandra Fernandez, Annalise Gratovich, Jules Buck Jones, Sharon Kopriva, Linda Ridgway, Frank X Tolbert2 and Joan Winter. This group of both established and emerging artists evidences the breadth and originality of Texas artists working in the print world and stretches the boundaries of traditional printmaking as they cultivate their oeuvre, according to AMSET. Many of these 12 artists featured in “Hot Off the Press” will be in attendance to chat with guests at the opening reception for the exhibition on Friday, Dec. 18 from 6-8 p.m. In conjunction with “Hot Off the Press,” AMSET will also feature a stellar exhibition of recent ceramic art by Linnis Blanton. Blanton is a Southeast Texas native and adjunct instructor of ceramics at Lamar University. He received his B.S. and B.F.A. from Lamar University and worked as an art teacher in the Port Arthur Independent School District for 30 years prior to his current position at Lamar. Blanton is well known throughout the area for his ceramic vessels and sculptures that subconsciously reference figurative subjects and the organic elements of the natural world in his shape, texture and form. AMSET’s exhibition will focus on recent works by the artist and will be Blanton’s first exhibition with the museum. AMSET is located at 500 Main St. in downtown Beaumont. For more information, visit www.amset.org or call 409.832.3432.
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SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS AT TASI By Shelly Vitanza The most wonderful time of the year can also be the most artful. The Art Studio is hosting two seasonal celebrations. The first is The Art Studio annual Holiday Shop-O-Rama Extravaganza, Dec. 5 from noon–4 p.m. and from 7-10 p.m. The event is an artist market showcasing the works of the studio’s resident artists as well as those who come to sell their work. “Shop-O-Rama features locally hand-crafted, one-of-akind pieces, original to the artist who is out there selling it,” said Greg Busceme, executive director and co-founder of the Art Studio. “It’s legitimate art by legitimate artists, all local folks. You can meet the artist, buy the art and talk to the artist.” Busceme said typically the event hosts 15 to 20 artists with a variety of works including paintings, handiwork crafters, printmaking, sculptures, pottery, jewelry and
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ceramics and even animal portraits. Many of the artists come only for the one-day sale, but others leave their art for sale throughout the holiday season. The Art Studio continues the holiday shopping until Dec. 19 during regular studio hours, Tuesdays–Saturdays, noon–5 p.m. The second artful event at 720 Franklin St. near downtown Beaumont is XMAS BAND NITE. Dec. 25 from 8 p.m.–midnight, reunite with friends after a day of presents, family and food, to Rock Around the Christmas Tree! Bring food and drink (IDs checked.) and enjoy four live and local bands playing original music including Tendō, making their world premiere. "Our music combines traditional sounds such as guitar, drums and bass with less common sounds of keys, synths and samples. We put a lot of focus on the rhythmical side of things, so our music is meant to be felt and not just heard. We put all of our energy into our playing, and we want everyone there to be dancing right along with us throughout the show, " said band member Antonio Gussman. Tendo’s Fisher Tate said they are especially excited to be playing their first gig with a band that has inspired them at many Art Studio Band Nites over the years – Octopoodle. Octopoodle is a two-piece loop-driven groovy band, also in the lineup for Christmas night, along with Yella Bellies, a bluegrass acoustic band that plays traditional folk songs as well as original music, and Cousin Phelpy, a band that has played in previous years and is reuniting for the Christmas night party. “We do band night on the last Saturday of every month, but generally nothing is going on Christmas night; people go to the movies after family and a day that can be a stressful time,” said Olivia Busceme, XMAS Band Nite organizer. “Once done with dinner and family time, friends can get together so the Art Studio is somewhere to go and catch up. It’s a friend family reunion.” The cost for XMAS Band Nite is $5 at the door, and all ages are welcome. For more information about ShopO-Rama or XMAS Band Nite, call the Art Studio at 409.838.5393.
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FEATURED EXHIBITS Art Museum of Southeast Texas 500 Main, Beaumont, 409.832.3432
SKIN CONDITION: Ceramics by Kelly Costlow through Jan. 24
Create a Mini Winter Wonderland Dec. 5 at 9:30 a.m
Dishman Art Museum 1030 E. Lavaca St., Beaumont, 409.880.8959
Sentient Constructs: Senior Thesis Exhibition through Dec. 13
Hollis Hammonds: Wasteland/Wonderland Dec. 18-March 6
Mildred Building Calder and MLK Blvd., Beaumont
Gina Garcia Exhibition Dec. 3 at 5 p.m.
Museum of the Gulf Coast 700 Procter Street, Port Arthur, 409.982.7000
Crocodilian Scratchboards By John Agnew
Stark Museum of Art 712 Green Ave., Orange, 409.886.2787
Bright Beasts: Animals in Illuminated Manuscripts through Jan. 23
Gallery Scavenger Hunt: Travel Through Time through Jan. 2
SMA Playdate: Make Art with Your Vegetables Dec. 4, 10-11 a.m.
Gallery Conversation: Vicious Vines & Delicious Wines Dec. 5, 11 a.m.-noon
Wicked ARToretum Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26, noon-3 p.m.
Linoleum Block Print Workshop Dec. 5, 1-5 p.m.
Book discussion: “What a Plant Knows” Dec. 12, 11 a.m.-noon
Wicked Plants Scout Day Dec. 12, noon-5 p.m.
CREATE! Workshop: Impressionism, Abstraction & the Poured Paint Process (full) Dec. 12, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.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.
The W.H. Stark House 610 Main Ave., Orange, 409.883.0871
To Have and To Hold opens Dec. 5
Octopoodle
Second Saturday Specialty Tours Dec. 12, 10 a.m., 11 a.m. & 12 p.m.
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CHARITY
ALASKAN CRAB NIGHT Stable Spirits Raises Funds for Hippotherapy By Beth Gallaspy Dine on succulent Alaskan king crab freshly flown in from the 49th state and dance to the sweet sounds of Tracy Byrd at a fun evening benefiting two local charitable organizations. Stable Spirit and the Beaumont Elks Lodge #311 are partnering for the second year to present Alaskan Crab Night from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 at the Elks Lodge, 11431 U.S. 90 in Beaumont. “It was a huge success last year,” said Katie Durio, executive director of Stable Spirit. “It’s definitely lots of fun and definitely very good food.” The crab is flash frozen and flown in from Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula the day before the event. Volunteers from the Elks lodge then prepare the delectable feast. Along with dinner and entertainment, guests can enjoy a live and silent auction with items including a guitar autographed by Byrd. Last year, Byrd even wrote lyrics to “Keeper of the Stars” on the guitar and serenaded the auction winner before pre-
senting the instrument, Durio said. Because Stable Spirit and the Elks Lodge are both small non-profits that work with veterans and children with special needs, they decided to pool resources to create this annual fundraising event, Durio said. Stable Spirit, based in Rose City, provides therapeutic and training programs working with horses. “With equine experiential development, we’re working with those who have behavioral issues, marital issues, substance abuse issues, people in the community just dealing with everyday life issues, doing activities with the horses on the ground that teach them and challenge them to have better skills to go out and handle those situations,” Durio said. Monies raised will help cover the cost of equine experiential development and hippotherapy for clients who aren’t able to pay for services. In hippotherapy, children with special needs work with a licensed physical, occupational or speech therapist using horses as part of the therapy. Seating for Alaskan Crab Night is limited, so advance reservations are required. Tables for eight are available for $2,500 (with extras like wine, hors d’oeuvres and special recognitions) and $2,000. Individual tickets are $250 each. For more information or for tickets, visit the website www.alaskancrabnight.org or call 409.365.5277.
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BUSINESS & NETWORKING
TIME TO SHINE Chamber Hosts Business Showcase By Nicole Murray It’s time to shine the light on local businesses. Dec. 1 the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce is inviting everyone out to the annual Member Showcase, “Let it Shine.” This year’s theme is a Whimsical Christmas. “It’s a holiday atmosphere with decorations everywhere, holiday music and lots of fun,” explained Dale Champagne, chamber membership director. “It is free and open to the public. We want everyone to come out and see what our local businesses have to offer. It is a time for them to shine.” For the 300 or more Southeast Texans who attend the event at the Holiday
Inn Beaumont Plaza, it is a time for free food and tons of giveaways. The chamber is expecting about 50 vendors from all different types of businesses to participate in the showcase. Champagne says the showcase would not be possible without the support of local sponsors including MobilOil Credit Union, Education First and Parkdale Mall. Champagne says the showcase has been around for several years and is a chamber tradition. “Every year we get great feedback from our members who tell us they have benefitted from the exposure. Many business owners say it is a great way for them to meet potential customers and also learn about other businesses in the area. It is kind of like a business expo; every member has a table and provides information about their business.” This year the chamber has added a little twist to the event. “In the past it was only for new members, but this year, once the deadline for new members to sign up for a table passes, we will be opening it up to all members,” explained Sade Chick, the chamber’s government affairs and communications director. “This is a free event that is open to the public, and we encourage the community to come out and support the chamber members that are working to build Beaumont into an incredible place where businesses can thrive.” Let it Shine will be held at the Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza on Tuesday, Dec. 1 from 5-7 p.m. For more information contact Frances Clark at 409.838.6581 or fclark@bmtcoc.org.
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PRAISE & WORSHIP
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATED Local Churches Host Special Events for the Advent Season By Nicole Murray Throughout the month of December many Southeast Texas families will gather to celebrate Christmas activities. Several local churches will open their doors for Christmas prayer services while others will entertain with musicals and plays. It’s also a time when church members come together to host giveaways for families in need. On Sunday, Dec. 6 the Buckaroo Barn, made up of more than 50 kids ages pre-K through sixth grade, will perform a Christmas play entitled “It All Happened in the Country" during the Jasper County Cowboy Church’s 10:30 a.m. service. The church is located at 2200 W. Gibson St. in Jasper. “Come enjoy Cowboy Christmas at its best,” said Pastor Ruben Metcalf. “Everybody is welcome.” In Beaumont Faith by Faith ministries at 900 Calder Ave. is hosting a Christmas program for the kids on Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. “The children will perform a play about the birth of Jesus Christ, and afterwards we will give away presents to the children that have attended the service,” said Pastor James Gardiner. At Antioch Missionary Baptist Church at 3920 West Cardinal Drive in Beaumont, Pastor John Adolph said his congregation is hosting several Christmas events this year including “Hope for the Holidays” on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. “It is designed to exhort and encourage people who find the holiday
season difficult,” said Adolph. “It will feature Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright and Lalah Hathaway.” The Ensemble Theatre at Antioch will present “The Nativity” Christmas special on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. Adolph said while thousands of families will gather around the Christmas tree to open presents
for the holidays, it is important to never forget the true meaning of Christmas. “Pure and simple it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus as King, Christ and Conqueror. The focus of Christmas should be love — love of God, love of family, love of friends and love of foes alike.”
Here are some of the other Christmas specials going on this month in Southeast Texas: 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 two-night family appropriate event to the community as a Christmas gift. Call for details about this production taking place Dec. 6 and 7 from 6:30-8 p.m., 409.892.7012. Dec. 11-12 from 6-9 p.m. Wesley United Meth-
odist 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. First Baptist Church of Buna is hosting “Bethlehem City” Interactive Theater showcasing the sights, sounds, tastes and emotions of Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth. The play will be held on Dec. 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10, and tables of four and eight are available. Trinity United Methodist Church will continue its tradition of charity this Christmas with a Festival of Lights, Dec. 9 at 5:30 p.m. This evening of fun and fellowship begins with a chili dinner where everyone is invited to not only eat chili but also bring donations for local missions including Some Other Place, the Shorkey Center, Boys’ Haven and Girls’ Haven, just to name a few. The children of the church will then present “Hark the Herald Angel: A Christmas Musical Drama.” For more information contact Trinity at 409. 892.8121 or go online to 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. 13 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. 20, 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 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. 10 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.
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FESTIVALS
MERRY & BRIGHT Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center: The Golden Triangle’s Most Lighted Christmas Destination By Shelly Vitanza The brightest spot in Southeast Texas this holiday season is also the greenest. Hundreds of thousands of lights adorn the exquisite lush landscape of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center for several weeks of evening Christmas Strolls and a one-day family festival, Dreaming of a Green Christmas. The 252-acre garden is a sight to see anytime of the year featuring five “formal” rooms and four “sculpture” rooms, 300 plant species, a bird blind which allows visitors to observe nesting birds in Shangri La’s heronry, greenhouses and Children’s Garden, but during the holidays the beauty is magical. “All of the gardens are completely decorated from entrance through the Children’s Garden to the grand landscapes,” said Rick Lewandowski, executive director of Shangri La. “We have a beautiful array of soft subtle and beautiful lighting for an extravagant experience for people of all ages to enjoy.” Sprinkled throughout cycads, palms and Lily of the Nile in the Hanging Garden and the bamboo and fern in the Line Garden, past the frog pond and the Cypress Swamp, twinkling lights of all colors are perfectly cast to set off the natural beauty and seasonal music plays, along with the sounds of frogs and birds. Each garden within Shangri La – aptly named for its characteristics - Contrast, Color, Line, Shape, Texture, Branching, Stripe, Spiral and Circle Gardens – is festively lit to enhance the natural beauty and design of the flora and fauna, as well as celebrate the season. A walk through the Children’s Garden, which features the Dancing Sisters, four 16-foot bottle trees recently installed, leads to a whimsical gingerbread house and takes visitors to the greenhouses and an awing array of a red, pink and white stream of poinsettias as well as other season varietals. Don’t miss the vanilla bean plant climbing near the back door! All paths at Shangri La lead to the Pond of the Blue Moon and the spectacular centerpiece of the Christmas Stroll, a gigantic extraordinarily decorated Christmas tree that glows from the reflection from the water. The scene is additionally enhanced by a structure called the Cypress Gate that frames the beauty of this garden between 60-foot cypress logs salvaged from the destruction caused by Hurricane Rita. Colorful container and aquatic plants, such as lotus, water lilies, papyrus and seasonal color items, border the cypress timber walk to the Garden Gate structure. In addition to breath-taking views in each of the gardens, the walkways between them all are lined with decorated Christmas trees. Members of the community, civic organizations and individuals decorate the lighted trees uniquely trimming each one with ornaments made from recycled materials, honoring Shangri La’s earth-friendly mission. “It’s always fun to see what people come up with when they decorate the trees,” said Lewandowski.
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It’s always fun for the community to see what Shangri La adds to its Christmas celebration each year, too. Lewandowski said they always increase the number of lights and add one really exciting new element to seasonal celebrations. This year the “new thing” will debut at the Dreaming of a Green Christmas, a festival on Dec. 12 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. “You have to come to see what we added this year; all I’m willing to say is that it’s great fun and will be located in the Children’s Garden,” said Lewandowski. The day-long event features seasonal fun to get all members of the family in the Christmas spirit. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus are from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in the Classroom Greenhouse. There are ornament and wreath making and Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
HOLIDAY EVENTS Christmas Strolls Dec. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 26 from 6-8 p.m. Cost is free for members; $6 for adults, $4 for children. Bring a non-perishable food item and receive a 50 percent discount on admission per person for one evening for each item donated to support Orange Christian Services.
Dreaming of a Green Christmas Dec. 12 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Classroom Greenhouse
Ornament-Making for Families 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Lab Make a Holiday Wreath Workshop (designed for adults) 1-3 p.m. in the Discovery Theater Materials fee: Non-members- $20; Members- $15
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time to view all of the trees. The Café, which serves hot cocoa perfect for sipping while strolling, and Garden Shop are open as well as the Orientation Center, which includes an Exhibit Hall and Discovery Theater. Lewandowski said many have made Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center’s Christmas Strolls a family tradition. Just 20 minutes from downtown Beaumont, the world-class garden is a convenient, cost-effective and entertaining holiday destination. For more information visit the website at starkculturalvenues.org/shangrilagardens or call the gardens at 409.670.9113.
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EVENT LISTINGS MONDAYS Museum Mondays | 8:30 a.m. | $4-$5 | Clifton Steamboat Museum, 8727 Fannett Road, Beaumont Coloring Therapy for Adults | 4 p.m. | Free | Elmo WIllard Library, 3590 East Lucas Drive, Beaumont
TUESDAYS Great Speakers Unlimited (GSU) Toastmasters | 12 p.m. | Nutrition Solutions, 990 IH-10 North, Suite 215, Beaumont
First Thursdays on Calder | 5 p.m. | Mildred Building, Calder Ave, Beaumont
DEC. 4 & 5 Main Street Market of Beaumont | 10 a.m. | $10 | Beaumont Civic Center Complex, 701 Main St., Beaumont
DEC. 4 Elf Party | 5 p.m. | Beaumont Children's Museum, 701 Main Street, Beaumont Classic Movie Night: "Elf" | 7:30 p.m. | $5 | Jefferson Theater, 345 Fannin St., Beaumont
WEDNESDAYS No Excuse Moms Workout | 1 p.m. | Free | Theodore R. Johns Sr. Library, 4255 Fannett Road, Beaumont Burlesque Class | Dec. 2, 16, 2015 | 7 p.m. | Belly Dance Studio, 4335 Calder, Beaumont
FRIDAYS ARC of Greater Beaumont Mom's Talk | 10 a.m. | S.T.A.R.S. Pediatric Center, 160 Dowlen Road, Beaumont
SATURDAYS Beaumont Farmers Market | 8 a.m. | Free | Beaumont Athletic Complex, 950 Langham Road, Beaumont Group Bike Ride | 8 a.m. | Free | Colonade Shopping center, 6410 Phelan Blvd., Beaumont Zills Workshop | 10:30 a.m. | Belly Dance Studio, 4335 Calder, Beaumont
DEC. 1 Community Yoga | 5:30 p.m. | See Website | R.C. Miller Memorial Library, 1605 Dowlen Road, Beaumont
DEC. 5 Topless & Dirty Jeep Club's Toys for Tots | 5:30 a.m. | $10 | Brentwood Country Club, 4201 South Major Drive, Beaumont 2nd Annual Christmas in the Woods Vendor Fair Fundraiser | 10 a.m. | $0$25 | In Need Christian Counseling, 337 S. Main, Lumberton Christmas Tour | 1 p.m. | Free | Chambers House Museum, 2240 Calder Ave., Beaumont "Rhinestone Cajun Christmas," Beaumont Botanical Gardens 5th Annual Christmas Fundraiser | 6:30 p.m. | Beaumont Botanical Gardens, 6088 Babe Zaharius Drive, Beaumont
DEC. 6 Holiday Shop-O-Rama + Disc-O-Rama | 10 a.m. | The Art Studio, 720 Franklin St., Beaumont Beaumont Heritage Society John Jay French Museum Christmas Candlelight Tour | 1 p.m. | Free | John Jay French Museum, 3025 French Road, Beaumont Arc Autism Support Group Meeting | 4 p.m. | Foundation for Southeast Texas, 700 North St., Beaumont
DEC. 8 DEC. 3 Holiday Party | 3:30 p.m. | Free | Beaumont Children's Museum, 701 Main St., Beaumont Main Street Market | 4 p.m. | $10 | Beaumont Civic Center Complex, 701 Main St., Beaumont
Nederland Chamber's Annual Lighted Parade | 6 p.m. | Free | Nederland City Hall, 1400 Boston Ave, Nederland Crime Victims Tree of Angels | 6 p.m. | Free | Jefferson County Courthouse, 1149 Pearl St., Beaumont Men Against Cancer: Prostate Cancer Support Group | 6 p.m. | St. Mark's
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Episcopal Church, 680 Calder Ave., Beaumont
DEC. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 22 & 26 Christmas Strolls | 6 p.m. | $4-$6 | Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 2111 W. Park Ave., Orange
DEC. 10 Holiday Wine Appreciation Class | 6 p.m. | $15 | Lamar State College-Orange Student Center, 407 Green Ave., Orange Free Movie Nights: "It's A Wonderful Life" | 6:30 p.m. | Free | McFaddinWard House, 1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont
DEC. 12 & 13 Nations Winter Bash Tournament | 9 a.m. | Ford Park, 5155 IH 10 South, Beaumont The Real Texas Gun Show | 9 a.m. | $8 | Orange County Expo and Convention Center, 11475 FM 1442, Orange
DEC. 12 The Giving Field Workday "Help Feed the Hungry" | 9 a.m. | Free | The Giving Field, 2895 Liberty St., Beaumont Dreaming of a Green Christmas | 10 a.m. | $15-$20 | Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 2111 W. Park Ave., Orange Book Discussion - What a Plant Knows: A Field Guide to the Senses | 11 a.m. | $6 | Stark Museum of Art, 712 Green Ave., Orange Wesley United Methodist Church Caregiver Support Group | noon | See website | Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont
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Workshop: Make a Holiday Wreath | 1 p.m. | $15-$20 | Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 2111 W. Park Ave., Orange Taste of Country Christmas Tour with Dustin Lynch | 9 p.m. | $15-$20 | Texas Longhorn Club, 2374 HWY 109 S., Vinton
DEC. 13 A Night in Bethlehem | 5 p.m. | Free | Calder Baptist Church, 1005 North 11th St., Beaumont
DEC. 17 Golden Triangle Quilt Guild Meeting | noon | Northwood Christian Church, 5050 Eastex Freeway (Hwy. 69/87 North), Beaumont Poetry Renaissance | 7 p.m. | $5 | The Art Studio, 720 Franklin St., Beaumont
DEC. 25
DEC. 28 Alzheimer's Support Group | 6 p.m. | See Website | Calder Woods Senior Living, 7080 Calder Ave., Beaumont Beaumont HAM Radio Club | 7:30 p.m. | North End Baptist Church, 5115 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont
For more events, go to southeasttexasevents.com.
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SNEAK PEEK january 1
12 Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Robert A. Bob Bowers Civic Center
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2 Wicked Plants & Gallery Scavenger Hunt: Travel Through Time Stark Museum of Art Wicked ARToretum Stark Museum of Art To Have and To Hold W.H. Stark House
The Producers Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts
16 Mardi Gras Scholarship Pageant of Southeast Texas Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites
22 & 23 Hot Hearts Ford Park Arena
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Annie Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts Symphony of Southeast Texas Julie Rogers Theatre for the Performing Arts
August Osage County Beaumont Community Players
27 Harlem Globetrotters Ford Park Arena
30 Stable Spirits Alaskan Nights Elk's Lodge Mad Men Take La Soiree: Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation Gala Beaumont Civic Center
See all of these events and more at southeasttexasevents.com.
ON THIS DATE
Don’t miss these GENEALOGICAL EVENTS
Dec. 1, 1955 Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus.
Hosted by Tyrrell Historical Library
Dec. 9
Dec. 5, 1901 Walt Disney was born.
10:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M.
Introductory workshop on Ancestry.com
Dec. 8, 1941 The United States entered World War II.
Best Years Center
Dec. 10
10:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M.
Dec. 15, 1939 The movie “Gone With the Wind” premiered. Dec. 23, 1888 Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh cut off his ear in a fit of depression.
Printed Genealogy Resources Seminar Tyrrell Historical Library Genealogy Room Call Sarah Hull at 409.833.2759 for more information. Top: Rosa Parks, Above: Walt Disney
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CARTOON CORNER
FINAL PHOTO
WHO YOU GONNA CALL?
Tiny Ghostbusters wrangle in the Stay Puft Marshmallow Baby before he has a chance to wreak havoc at The Art Museum of Southeast Texas' Free Family Arts Day. Left to right: Ashton Smith, Riley Hill, Brennan Smith and Raegan Jessuo Photo by Scott Eslinger
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