Events Book

JA NUA RY 2016

Help. Hope.

HARVEST HOUSE

Help Harvest House Give Hope to Local Victims of Sex Trafficking

“Old Hollywood” Fundraising Event, Jan. 26

TA K E ONE

Plus YOUR GUIDE TO MARDI GRAS A TIME FOR BRIDES, WINE & HOOPSTERS CELEBRATING FAMILIES LUNCHEON, HONOREES ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AT THE BIG THICKET & SPINDLETOP

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-$18$5< a publication of the Beaumont Enterprise

380 Main Street Beaumont, Texas 77701 409.201.9934 SoutheastTexasEvents.com PUBLISHER Mark Adkins

features Old Hollywood to Raise Money for Safe Haven for Victims of Sex Trafficking Sling Your Beads to the Wind & Celebrate Mardi Gras Spotlight on Family Services

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EVENTS

PUBLISHER EMERITUS Paul Chargois SPECIALTY PUBLICATIONS MANAGER Shelly Vitanza EDITOR Beth Gallaspy

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MULTI MEDIA COORDINATOR Tina Breland ART DIRECTOR Therése Shearer WEB CONTENT MANAGERS Kathleen Gantner Geneva Quitugua ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Renee Cox

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Performing Arts Visual Arts Kids Corner Free Fun Food & Beverage Entertainment Business & Networking Something for Seniors Outdoors Event Listings

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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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PHOTOGRAPHERS Jim Debes John Fulbright Silvia C. McClain CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Beth Gallaspy Pablo Hernandez Nicole Murray Holli Petersen 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 2016, Beaumont Enterprise. All rights reserved. All contents copyright 2016 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.

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on the COVER Perhaps the most challenging cover the EventsBook has ever designed since its launch in 2010 is this issue’s cover. How do you convey in one image that sex trafficking is happening in Southeast Texas, but a local organization is raising awareness and funds to free children from this heinous crime? What we couldn’t put on the cover, we put in the story, page 6.

Read to learn about the growing problem of sex trafficking in Southeast Texas and what one group is doing to help victims.

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: Beaumont Enterprise, 380 Main Street, Beaumont, TX 77701 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.

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-$18$5<

Beaumont is Really a Big Deal

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outheast Texans often hear negative statistics, data and stories about living in the area. Our weather, education, weight, average income and even what we say on Twitter has been reported unfavorably in the national press. Rarely is positive information touted about our area. Regardless of Trump’s message, that was my agenda.

Below is my speech, and my hope is that in this New Year Southeast Texans will hold their heads higher and be proud of who we are and what we’ve built together.

Howdy Southeast Texas. Welcome.

I’m Shelly Vitanza, a native of Beaumont. I grew up on Rao’s cinnamon rolls, Zummo’s sausage, Seaport coffee, and I like my food sprinkled with a little Tex Joy. I went to Roy Guess Elementary, Austin Junior High and Kelly High School and am a graduate of Texas A&M University - fighting Texas Aggie, class of 1990! Gig’em!

Thank you for taking the time out from your Saturday to come here to Ford Park for this historic occasion when a presidential candidate has deemed Southeast Texas an important place to stop and share his message. Some this week have asked why... why would Donald Trump stop in Beaumont Texas, where the rice and the crawfish grow, where cheese enchiladas and boudain are offered on the same menu, where hunting and fishing of some kind - duck, gator, bass, deer, geese, frog - happens year around; where hair and trucks are big and long; where we dance the two-step and wrestle gators. And where we celebrate gators, too, along with pecans, crawfish, the Neches River, Mardi Gras and azaleas, redbuds, dogwood, and our heritage and our oil!

See we are rich in diversity and natural resources. We are culturally unique, and we are thriving; Southeast Texas is thriving. The average commute to work is 22 minutes; our cost of living is 5 percent lower than the rest of the country; job growth last year was up 2.9 percent and household income growth was up 1.6 percent. Plus Beaumont - Port Arthur was listed in Forbes magazine as one of the “best places for starting a business in 2015” bringing in 155 percent more revenue than any other city listed. In the last 10 years we’ve come back from two major hurricanes and numerous floods, bigger and better than before. And we have Lamar University, a top-ranked university renowned for its nursing and engineering schools, and an MBA program that rivals the Ivy Leagues.

That’s reason enough to come for a visit and some of the reasons we call this great place home.

But, Mr. Trump is a businessman; we’re succeeding at business. Perhaps he wanted to come for that reason or perhaps Donald Trump wanted to come face-to-face with the people who are running the world’s busiest military port and is ranked fourth in the U.S. in total tonnage.

The fact is Greater Beaumont is experiencing tremendous growth in the petrochemical, shipbuilding, healthcare, educational, construction, hospitality, chemical, technical and government sectors.

Houston is big; Austin is weird, but the people of Southeast Texas have a big role to play in how this country operates with our ports, heavy industry and what our economy means to the state of Texas.

We’re a big deal, and it’s about time we got attention.

The facts rarely talk about Southeast Texas’ rich history and diverse culture, so that’s what we’re going to do each month here in the EventsBook. We’re looking forward to another year of giving you all you need to know to go to events in our area. This month we preview Mardi Gras so you can be prepared for the festivities in Port Arthur, Orange and even Lake Charles. We also give details on Bridal Traditions, the Spindletop Gusher anniversary celebration, the Globetrotters stop in Beaumont, a wine event at AMSET and a season of theater and dance at Lamar University and a very important, critical fundraiser “Old Hollywood” happening Jan. 26 to benefit Harvest House. I urge you to read the story of this nonprofit and why every Southeast Texan needs to be aware of this organization’s efforts. The information could be lifesaving.

Happy New Year, Southeast Texas!

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2016 JANUARY

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By Shelly Vitanza

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indboggling isn’t it? Sex traf f icking in Southeast Texas?

Further perplexing is to learn how prevalent this deplorable criminal activity is and how easily anyone – you, your children, relatives, neighbors and friends can become victims.

,5J9 H<9 5H9 ,5J9 %=J9G On Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. Harvest House will host its first fundraising event, “Old Hollywood,” a dinner, live and silent auction at the MCM Elegante Hotel. The proceeds from the event will be used to invest in a safe house and operate it for minor women victims of sex trafficking.

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CI@8 -<=G 9 2CI 5 5I;<H9F 5 F=9B8 Amandaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new boyfriend seemed dreamy. He wined and dined her and was always buying her wonderful purses and shoes. He was attentive and generous, and since sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d been down on her luck for so long, it felt wonderful to be so adored and well cared for. She felt loved. Finally, it seemed sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d found her prince charming. After three months of dating, he offered her drugs just to relax, to take the edge off, so they could enjoy each other more. Since she loved him so much she went along with it. Then several months later, he came to her pleading that he was in a bad way and couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay his rent. It was temporary, but he needed her to do this sex act for a buddy of his so he could get the money for his rent. He promised it was a one-time gig. She agreed for this â&#x20AC;&#x153;one time.â&#x20AC;? After two years of selling herself for her beloved boyfriendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;rent,â&#x20AC;? Amanda wanted out. Her boyfriend, a pimp, who unbeknownst to Amanda had other women, became what is known in the sex trafficking world as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;gorilla pimpâ&#x20AC;? and locked her in a hotel room with no food, no drugs that she was now addicted to and beat her until she agreed to take sex appointments.

Although the name â&#x20AC;&#x153;Amandaâ&#x20AC;? is an alias, the woman is a Southeast Texas victim of sex trafficking, sold on 11th Street in Beaumont for six years.

Her story is real. Fortunately, for her she got out and turned her life around. She found her way to Harvest House, a nonprofit community-based ministry that provides, safety, after-care and re-entry programs for minor victims of sexual exploitation where she now helps other victims of this heinous crime.

!5FJ9GH=B; H<9 !9@D@9GG In 2015 Harvest House worked with 14 young women, Southeast Texans who just like Amanda fell prey to the seemingly good life of love and luxuries only to become slaves to sex. Lisa Boler, the executive director of Harvest House says sex trafficking is a heartbreaking epidemic prevalent in Southeast Texas.

The U.S. Department of State estimates that each year more than two million children are exploited in the global commercial sex trade. The average age of victims is between 8 and 14 years old. According to the National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway and Thrownaway Children, an estimated one out of every three children that runs away is lured into sex trafficking within the first 48 hours of leaving home. The life expectancy of sex trafficked victims is five to seven years. The U.S. Department of Justice now ranks the State of Texas number one in the U.S. for

human trafficking mainly due to the I-10 corridor, which the department has designated as the number one route for human trafficking.

Harvest House, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization funded solely through privation donations, currently provides the victims identified in Southeast Texas, underage girls 11-17, school, healthcare, counseling and mentoring. Boler says the program will provide job skills in the future and, hopefully, a place where the young women can be safe, a place to live. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The community needs a house; that is what we need so we can provide these victims a level of normalcy so they can function in society and not become victims again,â&#x20AC;? said Boler. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our main purpose is to find victims and provide services they need and prevent re-victimization. The hardest part is getting victims to cooperate because a majority have criminal records and are not trustworthy of police.â&#x20AC;?

Harvest House also currently serves as an arm of prevention going into schools and the Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Center and working with young people to make them aware of the signs of sex traffickers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Church is the main answer, love in our community and the healing love of community and the love of Jesus Christ to heal the trauma,â&#x20AC;? said Boler. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can offer counseling and doctors and school, but to heal the trauma of what these girls have been through and to bring real stability into their lives, we need a place of functionality, a place of hope and a future.â&#x20AC;?

+9DCFH 8J=79 :FCA H<9 =9@8 From his experience and years in the field, Michael Nixon, a detective in the Special Crimes Unit with the Beaumont Police Department, supports the cause for a safe house for women victims of sex trafficking. Although he only sees the victims who follow through prosecuting their offenders, where Boler works with those wanting to maintain their anonymity, Nixon has observed a growing need in Southeast Texas for additional awareness and resources. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have several open cases and some in prosecution right now,â&#x20AC;? said Nixon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I-10 is the main corridor, and women are being worked here and taken to other cities as well. Many come from other parts of the U.S. and wind up here but many are being recruited from here as well.â&#x20AC;?

Nixon says anyone can become a victim of sex trafficking. He has seen situations where women were just taken â&#x20AC;&#x201C; kidnapped. Other women fell into sex trafficking because they were born into it.

Prostitution is the family business, and they know no other way of life.

0<5H =G ,9L -F5::=7?=B; Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) is the commercial sexual exploitation of American children within the U.S. borders. It is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision or obtaining of person for the purpose of a commercial sex act where the person is a U.S. resident under the age of 18 years.

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05MG HC )FCH97H 2CIF <=@8F9B :FCA ,9L ,@5J9FM â&#x20AC;˘ Place computers in open, well-trafficked areas, somewhere where you can see the screen before your child has a chance to close it. â&#x20AC;˘ Use tracking devices on your childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vehicles; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not illegal if you own it. â&#x20AC;˘ Track their iPhones â&#x20AC;˘ Know where they are all the time â&#x20AC;˘ Ask the hard questions like: Are you doing drugs? Has anyone touched you in your private areas? â&#x20AC;˘ Teach them good touch, bad touch â&#x20AC;˘ Get educated. Go to www.netsmartz. org/Parents. This is the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children where parents will find useful information and videos to watch and share with kids of all ages on not just human trafficking issues but also many current topics from cyberbullying to sexting and social networking.

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,=;BG %958=B; HC ,9L -F5::=7?=B; • Unexplained cell phones • Unexplained money • Unexplained gifts, expensive gifts • Total change in personality • Older boyfriends • Total rebellion • Sneaking out of the house • Skipping school • Lying about whereabouts And, most recently women were recruited by other women. In our area, junior high and high school girls are recruited by other women who have been manipulated and brainwashed into the sex trafficking way of life.

“Most people think sex trafficking occurs when someone is kidnapped and taken to another state or across international borders, but there are several facets to it and it’s an ever-evolving animal happening in the middle-class family,” said Nixon. “We just had a case where a 22-year-old was recruiting her 15-year-old niece. Sex trafficking is happening when a person performs sex acts for some type of gain - monetary or any kind of profit - for a boyfriend/pimp. That’s what I hear and work with older boyfriends have manipulated a younger girl to sell herself for his profit.”

Nixon warns that parents must be aware of

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the prime signs of sex slavery, from having 12 cell phones in an eight month period, for example, to sneaking out of the house to receiving expensive gifts from an older boyfriend. (See Sidebar) In addition, Nixon recommends parents be involved with their children as disciplinarians not as friends.

“We have to love our children harder than ever before,” said Nixon, a father of two tween boys.

“In my house there is no privacy, and we ask the hard questions, the questions that make you feel uncomfortable. We track them. I dig through their belongings; I go through their lockers. Yea, they’ll hate you. Make them hate you - they’ll love you later.”

Nixon says sex trafficking is a sophisticated network, in most situations “mafia-like,” where the perpetrators thrive on fear, but the best thing to do is to tell the authorities. If you suspect your child is being “groomed” for someone else’s gain, tell the police.

“Go to the cops; tell us,” said Nixon. “These people are the stereotypical bullies, but you have to report it. Tell us so we can’t help you. Report to any policeman - BISD police, Lamar University police, the Rose City Marshal. Even if you don’t tell a policeman, tell a clergy person, counselor; do not let it idly go by.”

For more information about Harvest House and its services, contact Lisa Boler at 409.790.0798 or online at www.harvesthousebmt.com. You can reach Nixon at 409.880.1042.

Fundraiser for HARVEST HOUSE WHAT: Harvest House Dinner & Live Auction “Old Hollywood”

WHEN: Jan. 26, 2016, 6 p.m.

WHERE: MCM Elegante Hotel WHY: Proceeds will be benefit the Harvest House safe house and after-care programs.

HOW: 409.790.0798 www.harvesthousebmt.com

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he green, gold and purple excitement of Mardi Gras parades into Southeast Texas Feb. 4 in Port Arthur. The bead-slinging, carnival-riding, craft and vendor, concession and music and dance, four-day festival is one of the biggest events in Southeast Texas. It’s family, friendly and just down-right Cajun festive with gumbo, umbrella brigade and music that makes your feet move impulsively.

Festivities run Feb. 4-7 launching off with Lamar State College- Port Arthur’s parade beginning at the Carl Parker Center. Everyone is invited to arrive around 4 p.m. for tailgating before the Krewe de Mardi Gras Parade marches down the parade route out of the Parker Center to Houston Avenue and into the Mardi Gras grounds. There is no fee to participate in the parade. Everyone with a car, a float, a lowboy or just a wagon is invited to join in the procession. If you’ve got beads to throw, you’re part of the parade. A concert afterwards features Larry Tillery & Vagabond Dreamers playing blues, rock and country, and the night closes with David Joel serving up some rocking Texas country.

On Friday one of the signature parades kicks off the weekend. The Krewe of Krewes parade steps off on Rosehill marching down Procter Street and

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ending at Houston Avenue to the entertainment complex carnival and concert main stage. Ride the rides and enjoy the tunes of country music artists Cody Jinks followed by Texas country chart topper Aaron Watson. The party doesn’t stop till 1 a.m.

For the second year Mardi Gras Southeast Texas includes a gumbo cook off. It’s the best kinda gumbo

cook off, too, because it’s not just for judging but also for eating. Each team will cook 10 gallons of gumbo, one for judging and the other nine for those of us wanting to fill our stomachs with Cajun goodness. Sampling starts at 2 p.m. on Saturday, the same time the Royalty March begins followed by the rocket socket ride or more officially, the motorcycle showcase. The most flamboyant krewe, the Krewe of Aurora, parades down Procter starting at 6 p.m. featuring the Mardi Gras Southeast Texas King and Queen – not yet announced at press time.

Beads, traditional costumes and pageantry make this parade an event favorite. Concerts on Saturday start at 5:30 p.m. and don’t end until closing time at 1 a.m. The southern Louisiana group Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys turn up the Cajun tunes followed by rock country song man Sam Riggs.

Cody Johnson Band takes the stage at 10:30 p.m. playing a unique blend of rock and country.

Last year Mardi Gras Southeast Texas introduced the Umbrella Brigade Parade, and it was no shady affair but canopied the fourth day of festivities with fun. Hundreds of people, all ages, decorated umbrellas and marched. The whimsical march will again take place on Sunday this year. Free umbrellas are available for decorating at the Mardi Gras Store, 3830 Highway 365, Port Arthur. Every man, woman, child is invited to participate in this celebration of the season that takes place simultaneously with the Munchkin Parade inside the entertainment area on Procter Street. All decorated umbrellas will be judged at the main stage and cash prizes awarded.

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After umbrellas and munchkins, trucks rev their engines for the last parade of the weekend, cruising down Procter to Houston Avenue. Mardi Gras 2016 closes but not before a lively, Louisiana-style Zydeco Cajun music concert. Crowley, Louisiana, native and one of the most commercially successful American Cajun songwriters and singers, Wayne Toups, and his accordion will command the stage. Toups is a member of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, Gulf Coast Hall of Fame and Cajun French Music Hall of Fame. He is a Grammy Award winner; the 2010 Festivals Acadiens et CrĂŠoles was dedicated in his name, and he is an Offbeat Magazine Album of the Year recipient. No doubt Toups & Zydecajun will bring the bayou down.

All information about Mardi Gras Southeast Texasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; celebrations including gumbo cook-off registration, parades, krewes, craft and vendor registration, parades and concerts plus ticketing is online at http://mardigras.portarthur.com.

Get tickets online. Cost is: Thursday, Feb. 4 - $5; Friday, Feb. 5 & Saturday, Feb. 6 - $15; Sunday, Feb. 7 - $10. Fun Pass - $20 which includes unlimited rides any one day.

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FAMILY SERVICES OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS

By Pablo Hernandez Celebrate Families with Family Services of Southeast Texas Feb. 23 at the MCM Elegante Hotel for its annual luncheon.

Family Services of Southeast Texas strives “to strengthen and empower families, individuals and communities through accessible counseling services, shelter services, education and advocacy.”

Each year the private nonprofit organization honors those in the community who are like minded, focus on families and improve the quality of life for families in our area. This year is no different. The honorees have been announced.

Drum roll, please!

Family Services will recognize several outstanding businesses and people in our community. Kinsel Motors, Inc. is the Family Business of the Year.

The Beaumont Independent School District Board of Managers will receive the Bill Leger Family Advocate of the Year award. The Family of the Year honorees are Will and Joy Crenshaw, who have started a wonderful community garden on a large piece of property they own. Peachtree Baptist Church is honored with the Volunteers of the Year award.

The Jasper church made up the difference when Family Services lost some funding.

In addition to celebrating families, Family Services can also celebrate 84 years serving Southeast Texas all the while expanding services. The agency was founded by local leaders in 1931 to assist families suffering during the Great Depression. In the 1950s, Family Services began providing high-quality professional counseling services at Family Services Counseling Center to serve families in crisis stemming from grief, stress, parenting challenges, marital difficulties and substance abuse.

Through the decades of serving Jefferson, Orange, Hardin, Tyler, Jasper and Newton counties, the organization added other programs including

group support and school-based services. They’ve taken on the difficult task of helping victims of family violence, setting up shelter where victims feel protected at the same time fulfilling a need for group counseling for batterers. Family Services Women and Children’s Shelter is a refuge for victims of domestic violence which is free to those in need. Another way the agency has expanded during the past few years is the addition of a 17-unit transitional housing facility for survivors of domestic violence where they can stay up to two years while they become self-sufficient.

Funding of Family Services includes United Way, government grants, private donations and fundraising efforts like the luncheon. Individuals can also contribute by shopping at the organization’s resale shop, located at 501 West Bluff in Woodville, and by volunteering.

Family Services offers several volunteer opportunities. Caring volunteers are needed to accompany and support clients in the courtroom when cases involve family violence. Shelter volunteers also provide activities for children and adults that help the healing process. Additional volunteers are needed to help with clerical, data entry and other administrative duties at the counseling center. Volunteers also go into the schools to teach children healthy choices and how to have self-esteem, and other volunteers beautify and maintain Family Services facilities. Volunteer are always essential and always needed.

If you would like to attend the Family Services Celebrate Families Luncheon, learn more about its services or become a volunteer, call 409.833.2668.

Tickets are $40; tables of 8 are $300, and sponsorships are available up to $5,000. Executive Director Janet Walker invites everyone to attend the luncheon to recognize individuals who represent the best about Southeast Texas.

PROGRAMS OFFERED BY FAMILY SERVICES OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS Family Services Women & Children’s Shelter provides victims of domestic violence with emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, information and referral, transitional housing, and other supportive services. All services are confidential and free of charge. You do not have to live at the shelter to receive services.

Family Services Counseling Center provides affordable counseling and family life education for a variety of general mental health and family issues. Parenting classes focus on the needs of parents and children during times of stress.

The Batterers’ Intervention & Prevention Program (BIPP) for family violence offenders helps batterers learn non-violent attitudes and behavior and how to break the cycle of violence before the next generation repeats it. Anger management classes are available for people who have anger problems outside the family. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) contracts with area companies to provide confidential counseling services to their employees and immediate families.

Kids Connection is a school-based program for at-risk children that teaches positive coping skills to help them succeed. Camp Elevate offers boys and girls 10 to 15 years old the opportunity to engage in sports activities while building coping skills, character and mental toughness.

Christine’s Resale Shop in Woodville offer an assortment of gently used clothing and household items at a reduced price. Money raised funds Family Services programs.

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INFOGRAPHIC

THE DAY AMERICA MADE – SUPER BOWL DAY Super Bowl I was played on Jan. 15, 1967 at Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers. The Packers prevailed beating the Chiefs 35 to 10. During halftime the University of Arizona and the University of Michigan bands performed, and 61,946 people attended.

In the past 47 years of Super Bowls, the national championship between the American and the National Football Conferences, the largest attendance at a Super Bowl was XIV in 1980 with 103,985 people in Pasadena, California, to see Pittsburgh beat Los Angeles, 31 to 19. Art Rooney sang the national anthem, Cheryl Ladd parachuted in for the opening, and Up with People performed at halftime paying tribute to the Big Band Era. What you don’t remember about the football stats and entertainers, you remember about the Super Bowl party you attended, the commercials you saw and the food you ate. The Super Bowl is more than football. As CBS News Anchor Bob Schieffer has said, “The truth is the Super Bowl long ago became more than just a football game.

It's part of our culture like turkey at Thanksgiving and lights at Christmas, and like those holidays beyond their meaning, a factor in our economy.”

Get ready for some football this Feb. 7, 2016, remembering game days of the past, commercials, food, winners and losers and of course, halftime entertainment.

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THE NUMBER OF SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONSHIPS THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS HAVE WON MAKING THEM THE WINNINGEST TEAM. BOTH THE DALLAS COWBOYS AND THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS HAVE FIVE WINS EACH. THE DENVER BRONCOS HAVE LOST THE MOST SUPER BOWL GAMES, ATTENDING EIGHT AND LOSING FIVE.

111.5 MILLION

THE NUMBER OF VIEWERS WHO WATCHED THE 2015 SUPER BOWL BREAKING ALL PREVIOUS RECORDS AND MAKING IT THE MOST WATCHED TELEVISION SHOW IN HISTORY.

$4.5 MILLION

THE COST OF A 30-SECOND COMMERCIAL DURING THE 2015 SUPER BOWL.

11.2 MILLION

THE NUMBER OF POUNDS OF POTATO CHIPS ESTIMATED AMERICANS ATE DURING THE 2015 SUPER BOWL, FOLLOWED CLOSELY BY 8.2 MILLION POUNDS OF TORTILLA CHIPS, 3.8 MILLION POUNDS OF POPCORN, AND 3 MILLION POUNDS OF NUTS BUT NOT TO RIVAL NEARLY 1 BILLION CHICKEN WINGS ORDERED ON GAME DAY.

$14 BILLION

THE AMOUNT OF MONEY CONSUMERS SPENT ON SUPER BOWL RELATED ACTIVITIES – FOOD, DRINK, DECORATIONS, MERCHANDISE AND APPAREL.

43 MILLION THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HOST SUPER BOWL PARTIES.

13 MILLION THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO WILL GO TO A LOCAL BAR TO WATCH THE SUPER BOWL.

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THE COST OF A SUPER BOWL TICKET IN 1967 FOR SUPER BOWL I.

$800

THE CHEAPEST TICKET AVAILABLE TO ATTEND SUPER BOWL XLIX IN 2015.

COSTS IN THE SECONDARY MARKET CAN RANGE INTO THE $10,000S.

1988

THE FIRST YEAR A CELEBRITY ENTERTAINED AT HALFTIME. IT WAS SUPER BOWL XXII BETWEEN CINCINNATI (21) AND BUFFALO (10). CHUBBY CHECKER AND THE ROCKETTES FFROM RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL WITH 8 88 GRAND PIANOS PERFORMED TO A CROWD OF JUST UNDER 60,000.

S SINCE THAT TIME ENTERTAINERS HAVE IINCLUDED NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK, M MICHAEL JACKSON, THE ROLLING S STONES, CLINT BLACK, TANYA TUCKER, TTRAVIS TRITT, WYNONNA AND NAOMI JJUDD, STEVIE WONDER, AEROSMITH, B BOYS II MEN, BRITNEY SPEARS, SHANIA TTWAIN, PAUL MCCARTNEY, STING, B BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, MADONNA, TO N NAME BUT A FEW.

199,854

NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO WENT TO MARACANA STADIUM IN BRAZIL FOR THE BRAZIL VS. URUGUAY MATCH IN THE WORLD CUP FINAL JUNE 16, 1950. THIS REPRESENTS THE BIGGEST ATTENDANCE AT A SPORTING EVENT HELD IN AN ENCLOSED STADIUM BEATING ANY SUPER BOWL RECORD BY MORE THAN 80,000 PEOPLE.

“I believe that a bad Super Bowl halftime show is still better than a soccer game.”

Ron White

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62&,$/ 6((1 Shangri La Gardensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Evening Christmas Strolls 1. Left to right: Kinsley and Kash Cammack, Gavin and Kohen Williams and Addalyn Jones 2. Left to right: Timothy, Alicia and Tristan

Odon with Mr. and Mrs. Claus 3. Will Bledsoe 4. Left to right: Lee, Jamia, Gus, Sue, Carson and Will Harris 5. Left to right: Laurie and Westlyn Reeves, Jan Neely and Linda Dupuis with Mr. and Mrs. Claus

6. Silas Romero 7. Brody Compton with Mr. and Mrs. Claus 8. Left to right: Molly and Kaylin Abshire, Daeleigh, Dalayna and Dyanna Sandlin 9. Summer Hack Barth

Photography by John Fulbright

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Garth House’s Pour Les Enfants 1. Misty, left, and Joe Evans 2. Farrah Severs-Young, left, and Lisa Black 3. Terrence, left, and Tammy Holmes 4. Derek McWilliams, left, and Quinton McNulty

5. Left to right: Karen Fontenot, Marion Tanner, Floyd Harkins, Aleece Harkins and Janet Morris with Taffee 6. Left to right: Skylar Thompson, Angie Thompson, Katherine Morrow, Dave Morrow and Joe Herrink 7. Left to right: Brooke Hall, Kasia Super and Alison Lowe

Photography by Silvia C. McClain

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M.D. Anderson Elf Party 1. Left to right: Sharon Parker, Danita Fierce, Christy Persia and Michele Smith 2. David, left, and Lisa Braneff 3. Camille Ohmstede, left, and Candice Walters

4. Left to right: Jeremy and May Bruser; Sara and Shane Torr 5. Jared Bishop, left, and Cheri Hazi 6. Megan Curtin, left, and Tanya Ellenberg 7. Left to right: Ron Clark, JoAnna Clark and Jeff Branick

Photography by Silvia C. McClain

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PERFORMING ARTS

LAMAR BETTERING THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ARTS

By Beth Gallaspy A diverse set of academic disciplines falls under Derina Holtzhausen’s purview as dean of Lamar University’s College of Fine Arts and Communication, from the performing arts - music, theater and dance to speech and hearing sciences, from deaf studies to communication to the visual arts. Despite the array of seemingly divergent fields, Holtzhausen sees a unifying purpose in the college’s components that attracted her to the leadership post she assumed in July 2015.

“What’s very important to me in education, and which is why I’m an educator, is to make things better,” she said. “I think that’s the one common thread that goes through all the disciplines in the college. Their main purpose is to make things better.”

Fields like deaf studies, deaf education, and speech and hearing sciences can have an obvious, immediate impact in improving the lives of clients served. However, the arts also

have an important role in making things better.

“It’s all to hold up, at some level, a mirror to society in which we are reflected,” Holtzhausen said. “There’s beauty and creation, but it’s also that mirror to society so we can see what’s good in us and what’s bad in us.”

Holtzhausen’s background is in strategic communications. She worked as a strategic communications manager in her native South Africa for many years before beginning her career as an educator. She taught college in South Africa for three years, then resumed her professional practice, continuing to work as a communications manager while completing her doctoral degree.

A global perspective is important to Holtzhausen. She knew when she decided to enter academia that she wanted to work internationally. She moved to the United States in 1997, where she served as associate professor at Univer-

sity of South Florida until 2008. Before joining Lamar as dean, she was professor and director of the School of Media and Strategic Communication from Oklahoma State University.

With her own international background, Holtzhausen said she hopes to increase the international footprint of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, citing as examples international outreach efforts already under way in deaf studies/deaf education and potential collaborations with academics around the globe as well as international study opportunities.

Of course, international recognition is always welcome, too. Lamar’s Drumline and Percussion Ensemble won first place at the Percussive Arts Society’s International Competition in November. Holtzhausen said a special concert this spring is in the planning stages to recognize these award-winning student musicians and showcase their talents for mem-

on the

LAMAR UNIVERSITY stage

A whimsical, family friendly musical about amphibian amigos and Shakespeare’s tragic tale of doomed young lovers round out Lamar University’s spring 2016 theatrical season.

First up is “A Year with Frog and Toad,” based on the children’s book by Arnold Lobel, featured at the Lamar University Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25-27 and 2 p.m. Feb. 28.

Described as an inventive mix of vaudeville and make believe with a jazzy score, the Tony-nominated musical follows the adventures of lovable Frog, his grumpy best friend Toad and a host of friendly creatures as they hop from one adventure to the next. Lou Arrington and Brian LeTraunik, both faculty members in the Department of Theatre and Dance, will share directing duties.

Then, celebrate the birthday month of the Bard with “Romeo and Juliet,” one of Shakespeare’s most popular and most performed plays, presented in the Studio Theatre at 7:30 p.m. April 7-9 and 2 p.m. April 10.

Guest directing the production will be Rutherford Cravens, a professional actor and director who has appeared on stage and screen including performances with the Alley Theatre, Main Street Theater

bers of LU’s Friends of the Arts.

Holtzhausen is also working closely with Friends of the Arts in planning the college’s social event of the year Le Grand Bal on April 2. She and her husband are chairing the elegant gala with support from fine arts components of the college and from Friends of the Arts, all to raise money for student scholarships.

“I’m really glad for the opportunity to do this,” she said. “It helps me in getting to know the community.”

Seamless integration between the college and the community is the goal. Holtzhausen said she wants to continue building on past successes like music and dance camps in the summer and fine arts performances

by Lamar students in area schools, making those aspects of the college even stronger. In the future, she would like to develop additional outreach programs into the surrounding neighborhood.

Both locally and globally, students and faculty should have many opportunities to make things better under Holtzhausen’s leadership.

FEATURED PERFORMANCES COMMUNITY Jan. 29, 30, Feb. 5, 12, 13 at 7:30 p.m. & Feb. 6 at 2 p.m.

August Osage County Beaumont Community Players 409.838.4664

and Stages Repertory Theatre in Houston, the Houston Shakespeare Festival and the Prague Shakespeare Company.

Closing out the season is the spring dance concert “Dance Unleashed,” in the University Theatre at 7:30 p.m. April 29-30 and 2 p.m. May 1.

The diverse selection of shows is designed not just to delight audiences but to challenge students to grow as performers and crew members. “It’s about education in the end, making them better and making them work harder and understand more,” said Derina Holtzhausen, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication.

All performances are $15 for general admission; $10 for senior citizens, students and LU faculty and staff; and $7 for LU students. For more information, call 409.880.2250.

Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m.

Symphony of Southeast Texas - "Only in America" - Classics Series Concert Julie Rogers Theatre for the Performing Arts 409.892.2257 PROFESSIONAL Jan. 14 at 8 p.m.

Liverpool Legends Jefferson Theatre 409.838.3435 Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

The Producers Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts 409.886.5535 Jan. 23 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Annie Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts 409.886.5535

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VISUAL ARTS

EXPLORE ARTIST’S “WASTELAND/WONDERLAND” AT DISHMAN ART MUSEUM

By Melissa Tilley Coming off of a holiday full of joy and celebration, but also known for its excess and wastefulness, the Dishman Art Museum’s current exhibition is perfectly timed and themed.

“Hollis Hammonds: wasteland/wonderland” features detailed drawings and sculptural installations that question consumerist culture through evidence of accumulation, hoarding and collecting.

Piles of debris and trash are not what you usually expect to see in a fine art gallery, but that is what you find in Hammonds’ artwork. After her childhood home burned down when she was 15 years old, the artist says she has been obsessed with piles of rubble and trying to memorialize events and preserve memories through her various collections, constructions and drawings.

Hammonds’ artwork has been exhibited throughout the U.S., but for

this Dishman show she has created new installations to combine with some previously exhibited pieces.

She used the 20-foot ceilings in the Dishman galleries to her advantage to create large-scale representations of her memories and feelings on material consumption, waste, catastrophe and superficial loss.

“Hollis’ artwork is based on this terrible tragedy of her past, but also combined with some fictional elements,” said Dishman Art Museum Director Dennis Kiel. “Her work floats back and forth between reality and fantasy.”

Hammonds uses found objects for her installations. Each piece has some connection to the story she is telling, and the combination results in dramatic visual representations of her consciousness.

For “wasteland/wonderland” neither the artist nor Kiel was certain of exactly what the exhibit would look

like. “That was the exciting part of working with Hollis,” said Kiel. “She traveled to Beaumont from Austin with a trailer of found objects and materials and worked several days to create this new exhibition. This is a very new, different and unique exhibit for Southeast Texas.”

“Hollis Hammonds: wasteland/ wonderland” is on view Jan. 4 through March 4. The artist will be on hand at a reception on Friday, Feb. 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. According to Kiel, the reception promises to be an enjoyable evening of “great art, great music and great food” to celebrate this exhibition.

The Dishman Art Museum is located at the northwestern corner of the Lamar University campus at 1030 East Lavaca St. and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Admission and parking are free, and donations are welcome. For more information, call 409.880.8959.

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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

Hot off the Press: Recent Works from Flatbed through Feb. 28

Journey from Within: Ceramics by Linnis Blanton through Feb. 28

A Vintage Affair: Wine Tasting Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m.

Dishman Art Museum 1030 E. Lavaca St., Beaumont, 409.880.8959

Hollis Hammonds: Wasteland/Wonderland through March 6

Museum of the Gulf Coast 700 Procter St., Port Arthur, 409.982.7000

Crocodilian Scratchboards

By John Agnew through Jan. 24

Sufficient for Lifesaving through Jan. 31

A Triple Middle Passage: The Angels Done Bowed Down Jan. 30-Apr. 1

Stark Museum of Art 712 Green Ave., Orange, 409.886.2787

Wicked Plants: The Exhibit through Jan. 2 Wicked ARToretum Jan. 2, noon-3 p.m.

Poisonous Pages: Rare Botanical Books from the Stark Museum of Art through Jan. 2 Gallery Scavenger Hunt: Creative Genius!

Saturdays Jan. 5-Feb. 2 Buggin’ Out- 2016 Juried Student Art Exhibition Entry through Jan. 12 Bug Brigade Community Workshop Jan. 15, 1-5 p.m.

Third Thursday Evening Event Jan. 21, 5-8 p.m.

Bright Beasts: Animals in Illuminated Manuscripts through Jan. 23 Gallery Conversations: American Indian Jan. 30, 11 a.m.-12 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

Living Legacy To Have and To Hold through Mar. 5

Second Saturday Specialty Tours Hollis Hammonds, Blanket of Fog, exhibition at Women & Their Work, 2015. Photo by Scott David Morgan

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KIDS CORNER

HAPPY HOOPSTERS INCLUDE SOUTHEAST TEXAS IN THEIR TRAVELS Globetrotters Coming to Ford Park

By Chrissie Mouton Rim-rattling dunks, trick shots and hilarious comedy - that’s how we know the famous Harlem Globetrotters.

Known worldwide as Ambassadors of Goodwill, they’re celebrating 90 years of providing smiles, sportsmanship and service and will be bringing their basketball wizardry to Ford Park Arena, Wednesday, Jan. 27.

Dribbling wizard Scooter Christensen says it’s an honor to be a part of the 90-year anniversary.

“Just thinking of all the veterans that paved the way for me and my teammates makes it an exciting and humbling experience.”

As a part of the celebrations in more than 260 cities worldwide, the Globetrotters plan to leave a mark everywhere they go with the Great Assist program, an initiative to help as many fans as possible, whether it’s a smile for a deserving family or helping a worthwhile cause.

That includes bringing schools messages of bullying prevention, character and physical fitness, visiting children’s hospitals, lending a hand after natural disasters, helping build homes for the needy and volunteering at soup kitchens.

“We are encouraging fans to nominate anyone in need of a smile at GreatAssist.com.”

No double dribble here. The team is also presenting the “ABCs of Bullying Prevention” to over 350 schools in an effort to reduce bullying, something the Globetrotters think is very important.

“It is to make kids feel that in situations where they are getting bullied or if they see someone get-

ting bullied they feel comfortable with what to do and how to handle the situation,” Christensen said.

In coordination with the National Campaign to Stop Violence, kids learn a new set of ABC’s: Action Bravery Compassion “By using the three key words in the ABCs on a daily basis, kids will be able to reduce bullying around them,” Christensen said.

Kids learn what it means to be part of a team and how they can support each other in an effort to stop the problem.

It’s a message that's very dear to Christensen.

“I've personally been bullied before, and anyone who has been bullied knows that it's not a good feeling.”

The NCSV believes kids who think about their actions in nonconfrontational ways they learn during the program will help create a culture where aggressive behavior isn’t encouraged, ultimately reducing violence.

“We hope that kids walk away with confidence and a better understanding of what to do in a bully's presence,” Christensen said.

Back on the court, the Globetrotters hilarious

antics and amazing basketball skills will entertain the entire family. The one-of-a-kind show will feature “Big Easy Lofton,” “Ant Atkinson,” “Hi-Lite Bruton,” “Thunder Law,” “Bull Bullard” and “Cheese Chisholm” – plus female stars “TNT Maddox” and “Sweet J Ekworomadu.” After the game there will be a chance for photos and autographs from the stars.

Tickets start at $17 and are now available at harlemglobetrotters.com, ticketmaster.com, the Ford Park Arena box office, or by phone at 800.745.3000.

Information on group tickets can also be found at harlemglobetrotters.com.

SoutheastTexasEvents.com

FREE FUN

CELEBRATE TEXAS TEA at the 115th Spindletop Anniversary

By Chrissie Mouton On Jan. 10, 1901 the fate of Beaumont would forever change, thanks to the discovery of a bubbling crude.

We're talking about the Lucas gusher - and a gusher it was. Crude oil spewed from the Lucas geyser into the sky some 150 feet and did so until it was capped nine days later. It flowed an estimated 100,000 barrels a day.

That event turned Beaumont into a landmark, and the discovery of black gold sparked the Texas Oil Boom. The discovery of Texas tea, as it’s called, is celebrated each year at the Spindletop/Gladys City Boomtown Museum on the Lamar University campus in Beaumont, just across the highway from the original location.

The 115th anniversary of the Lucas Gusher will include re-enactments, activities, craft demonstrations and entertainment. The celebration begins at 10 a.m. on Jan. 9.

“We just want to celebrate a moment in time that has much historical significance,” said museum director Troy Gray.

Many of the major oil companies were born at Spindletop or grew to major corporate size as a result of their involvement at Spindletop.

After the oil boom, the Spindletop oilfield again boomed in the 1950s with the production of sulfur and salt-brine extraction.

The day will be complete with re-enactments by the Big Thicket Outlaws plus demonstrations of blacksmithing, printing, soap making and wood carving - all trades a part of that era.

And there will be tea.. not “Texas Tea”, but the Log Cabin Saloon will offer special tea times. You can also pick up something sweet at the drug store with fudge tasting, and food trucks will be on hand so you can grab some lunch between demonstrations.

But it doesn’t end there. Kiddos will enjoy oil derrick ring tossing, “cow patty” toss, stick-horse races and other old-time games.

Still not enough? New this year will be the start of an annual Boomtown Tug o’War contest for teams of 6-8 people. Winners will be the first names added to a Tug o’War trophy that will be displayed prominently in the gift shop, and the winners will take home prizes to remember the occasion.

And of course, what would the celebration be without the re-enactment of the Lucas Gusher, scheduled at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Admission for the Drillers Reunion is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors age 60 and over, and $2 for children 12 and younger with free admission for visitors wearing period costume.

Come celebrate that bubbling crude, oil, that is, Texas tea.

Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum is located at 5550 Jimmy Simmons Blvd. on Lamar University campus in Beaumont.

Free parking is available. For more information or to register your Tug o’War team call 409.880.1750 or email gladyscityinfo@gmail.com.

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FOOD & BEVERAGE

A TIME FOR WINE: AMSET HOSTS A VINTAGE AFFAIR

By Nicole Murray It’s an evening to stimulate the senses. The Art Museum of Southeast Texas’ annual “A Vintage Affair” is a time to enjoy wine tasting while listening to live music and taking in the fine arts surroundings.

"A Vintage Affair is one of our annual events that wine connoisseurs from all over Southeast Texas look forward to every year. There will be a wide assortment of whites and reds to choose from, and guests will have an opportunity to hone their wine and food pairing skills,” said John Rollins, public relations coordinator for the Art Museum of Southeast Texas.

Participants will taste a variety of red and white wines as well as champagne. They’ll also get a chance to sample artisanal cheeses, bread and crackers, gourmet chocolates and assorted appetizers.

The Art Museum has hosted A Vintage Affair for more than five years. Proceeds raised fund AMSET's exhibition and education programs throughout the year.

“We also encourage walking through the art galleries and checking out the current exhibitions, Hot Off the Press: Recent Works from Flatbed and Journey from Within: Ceramics by Linnis Blanton,” Rollins said.

A Vintage Affair will be Friday, Jan. 29 from 7-9 p.m. at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas in downtown Beaumont, 500 Main St. Tickets are $35 per person. For more information, call 409.832.3432 or www.amset.org.

Rollins says admission is limited and wants to

encourage everyone to take advantage of advance reservations.

“We want everyone to come out and enjoy an evening of wine, art, food and music. It’s a little mix of everything, and all for the extremely reasonable price of $35," explained Rollins.

ENTERTAINMENT

BRIDAL TRADITIONS The One-Stop for All Your Wedding Planning

By Nicole Murray When little girls dream of their wedding day, it’s almost always filled with the perfect white gown, gorgeous flowers, an amazing tier cake with their knight in shining armor waiting at the altar. Fast forward to that little girl all grown up, and her dreams of a perfect wedding have turned into a nightmare.

Many couples find themselves overwhelmed trying to stay on budget, find the perfect dress and search for a venue. The Bridal Traditions Show is designed to give brides and grooms a stress-free and fun journey down the aisle.

It all started 20 years ago when Johnnie Andrus, owner of Cindy’s Bridal in Vidor, had a vision to create an event that would help brides prepare for their big day. “The Bridal Traditions Show can turn something very difficult into something easy,” explained Andrus. “It’s a one-stop

shop for everything a bride will need to make her day special.”

At the Bridal Traditions Show couples have the opportunity to meet with wedding vendors ready to turn their big day into the wedding of their dreams. Vendors are set up throughout the Beaumont Civic Center for couples to go booth to booth meeting with experts in formal wear, rings, catering, limousines and honeymoons.

“We are here to answer all your wedding questions; for example, many people don’t know venues book up fast. In fact the Beaumont Event Center is already booked up for the next year,” explained Andrus.

“We can help. There are so many beautiful places to get married that people don’t know about. We help our brides find the perfect place and answer the important questions like do you want an outside wedding or an inside wedding?”

The bridal show comes to Beaumont twice a year in January and July.

“January is our most popular show.

We sell out almost every year,” explained Andrus. “Our show isn’t just for brides. We have door prizes and other giveaways for our grooms.”

The show has also partnered up with KFDM & FOX 4 for the Ultimate Wedding Contest, where couples can

win gift packages worth thousands of dollars. Plus those in attendance can enjoy a fashion show filled with the latest looks for brides, grooms and the entire wedding party.

The Bridal Traditions Show will be held at the Beaumont Civic Center on Sunday, Jan. 17 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission is $10. For more information call 409.769.5955.

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BUSINESS & NETWORKING

WOMEN AT THE WHEEL Clever Courses for Wise Women

By Holli Petersen The progression of the past few decades has forever amended the complexion of the American workforce. Over time, women have become more educated than their male counterparts and more empowered to break through glass ceilings to become primary or equalearning household contributors.

These strides have echoed the importance for everyone - particularly women - to become more financially proficient at managing money and planning for the future.

With a steadfast commitment to ensuring its members are fortified with the information to make wise decisions, Education First Federal Credit Union is answering the call. The credit union provides free bi-monthly seminars that provide insight into monetary matters, like purchasing a home or car, saving for the future and planning for retirement. Through this forum, Education First has witnessed a need to provide additional sessions that address the unique concerns facing women.

These free, quarterly seminars, titled Women at the Wheel, complement the highly successful schedule of courses already being offered.

“We did a test run in October, and it was a hit,” said Christy Hardt, community relations director of Education First Federal Credit Union. “The women who attended said that they feel more comfortable asking questions in a room filled with women, rather than a room dotted with men.”

This test group of women provided additional insight into topics that would enrich their lives. These suggestions provided the foundation and

framework for the upcoming seminars.

Some future topics include: Jan. 26 Women at the Wheel: Suddenly Single What happens if you suddenly become single? When faced with an unexpected divorce or death, questions arise. What should I do first? Do I have to pay bills even if they’re not in my name? How do I transfer documents into my name? This course will provide the proper steps to take in the event of these tragedies.

April 19 Women at the Wheel: Teen Budgets Teenagers can be daunting and expensive.

And, when it comes to money, moms can’t do it all. This class will instruct on how to encourage children to become budgetsavvy, smart spenders.

Aug. 2 Women at the Wheel: College Bound When teens depart the nest, they often leave bills and expenses behind. Prevent the dire financial straits of supporting college-age kids with this class that develops strategies to gear up for these hefty expenses.

Oct. 25 Women at the Wheel: Single Woman’s Retirement Statistically, more women struggle to plan for retirement than men. Career interruptions, childcare expenses and rising healthcare costs can inhibit a woman’s ability to save for the future. This course will eliminate the guesswork and empower women to “catch up” on a more secure future.

Women at the Wheel seminars will be offered on Tuesdays (see dates above) from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Education First Federal Credit Union Training Building (5680 Old Dowlen Road, Beaumont). For additional information, contact 409.898.3770 or visit educationfirstfcu.org.

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SOMETHING FOR SENIORS

BEST YEARS SENIOR CENTER CELEBRATES Mardi Gras and a Whole Lot More

By Shelly Vitanza Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez Pass a good time this Mardi Gras season at one of the biggest fais do dos in Southeast Texas. Best Years Senior Center is hosting its annual Senior Mardi Gras at the Beaumont Civic Center, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and extending the experience with a trip to Lake Charles for a gumbo cookoff on Feb. 6.

All seniors, 55 and older, are invited to this free event with free parking and golf cart shuttle service to the doors of the Civic Center. The day is full of activities including health screenings, vendor booths with prizes and giveaways, live entertainment, food sampling, presentations of Best Years’ programming and, of course, the crowning of the Best Years Senior Center Mardi Gras King and Queen.

“It’s really the greatest party and the most phenomenal part is the 80 booths geared toward senior needs,” said Lynn Huckaby, executive director of Best Years Senior Center. “We have seniorfocused businesses, the most reliable, dependable resources in the community. We know they are all qualified good vendors and service our seniors.”

Some of the vendors include Compassion Hospice, Synergy Home Care, Calder Woods Senior Living, Atria Collier Park, The Clairmont, Harbor Hospice, Advantage Home Health Plus, the Medical Center of Southeast Texas, the Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitors Center and the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau.

This fais do do includes a photo booth with props where attendees can take fun pictures to commemorate the day, and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service will set up a mock park in the lobby to give plant and gardening tips.

Several attending organizations will perform health screenings, and many of them will provide food samplings including boudain balls and etouffee. But all vendor booths will be vying for recognition for their decorations. Vendors will be competing for three distinctions - most creative, most colorful and most true to the theme. Judges - staff from the Holiday Inn on Walden Road - will pick the winners. (The Holiday Inn allows Best Years to use its swimming pool during the winter months for water aerobics.)

Prizes will be awarded to individual attendees for best Mardi Gras attire, too, so everyone should wear gold, green and purple and as many beads as their necks will support!

Pastor Jim Fuller of Calder Baptist Church will lead the day of festivities with a prayer from the main stage, blessing the seniors, their day and the center. KFDM and Fox 4’s Dana Melancon will emcee the day, and the Most Rev. Curtis J. Guillory,

Bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont, will announce and crown the Best Years Senior Center Mardi Gras King and Queen. As the program progresses, Billy Poullard and Zydeco Combo will perform, and the dance floor will open.

“We always have seniors dance,” said Huckaby.

“It’s a great time, a lot of fun and a great place for people to meet.”

Best Years Senior Center, a 22,000-square-foot activity and social club for seniors located at 780 S. Fourth St., in Beaumont, serves approximately 52,000 seniors in Southeast Texas every year, offering a wide variety of programs that will be showcased during the Mardi Gras party. From the main stage the Happy Steppers, a jazz and tap troupe will perform. The Boot Scooters, country and western dancers, will kick their heels, and the aerobics class will encourage cardio movement. The Volunteer Voices of Beaumont choir group will sing, and the Golden Inspirations, a group of faith dancers always outfitted very seasonally, will perform.

“We’ll give traveling tips for day trips in the area and talk about our classes like ceramics and other educational programs we have, like computer classes,” said Huckaby. “Everyone will get a taste of the programs through the performances on stage but also a sampling of what’s done at Best Years at our booth.”

In addition to offering ceramics and regular computer classes, Best Years has a library and a book club, a gift shop, a well-equipped gym, a billiards room, choir room, dance room, space for a variety of exercising, including tai chi and aerobics.

They also offer plant tips class, basic sewing, bridge lessons and a nutritional site.

“The best thing is, it’s all free for seniors. Some programs have a nominal fee, like ceramics has a startup fee and you pay for supplies. Bridge lessons take donations for coffee because we have some coffeedrinking bridge players, and computer classes are $10 for eight weeks and that includes the book,” said Huckaby. “But the best part about our program is the friendships gained; they are priceless.”

Lagniappe Best Years’ seniors take day trips, too. Last year the center hosted approximately 20 excursions including Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange, the Houston Zoo, the South Texas State Fair, Brookwood Ceramics, the LIberty Opry and the Texas Renaissance Festival. To extend the Mardi Gras celebrations, the center has planned a trip for a real Cajun Mardi Gras gumbo cook-off in Lake Charles, Feb. 6. The cost is $15, which includes a van fee of $10 and a gumbo fee of $5. Seniors will participate in the festivities of a Louisiana Mardi Gras with parades, beads and dancing. Those plan-

ning to attend can register on Feb. 4 or call the center to reserve a spot on the van at 409.838.1902.

Moving Uptown, Cher Seniors in Southeast Texas have a lot to celebrate in addition to Mardi Gras season. Within the year the city will break ground for a new state-of-the art facility for the Best Years Senior Center between the Event Centre and the skate park in downtown.

Architectural plans have been finalized, and construction is set to begin later in the year.

“We’re very excited about these new plans and location,” said Huckaby. “We’ll be near Lamar University where we do a lot of student programming and nursing, and we’ll be near the museums and beautiful walkways. It’s going to be an exciting year.”

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OUTDOORS

HELP PLANT THE CENTENNIAL FOREST Big Thicket National Preserve Centennial Volunteer Opportunity To celebrate its 100-year anniversary the National Park Service is coordinating planting of 100,000 longleaf pine seedlings in the Big Sandy Creek Unit of the preserve by the end of 2016. People of all ages are invited to participate in one of the planting events below. The ultimate goal is to create a 300-acre “Centennial Forest” adjacent to an existing 100-plus-year-old longleaf and loblolly pine forest.

Each planting day will begin at 9 a.m. with a volunteer sign-up, a safety briefing and a demonstration of how to plant the longleaf pine seedlings. All tools and planting bags, along with water for refilling water bottles, will be provided.

Volunteers are asked to bring a lunch, gloves, good boots and clothing appropriate for that day’s expected weather. The day will end at 2 p.m. with a guided tour of a half mile through the 100-year-old longleaf and loblolly pine forest.

The goal is to plant around 7,000 to 10,000 trees during each planting event.

The Centennial Forest area is located north of Dallardsville, Texas. Register to plant by calling the Visitors Center at 409.951.6700. Details about the planting events, including directions to the planting site, will be provided during the sign-up process.

Big Thicket National Preserve is offering special Centennial programming and community involvement opportunities throughout the year to enhance participation in activities, education, and stewardship of our unique natural resources in Southeast Texas. Complete program descriptions, including dates, locations and topics for each program, can be found on the preserve’s website, www.nps.gov/bith, and on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bigthicketnps. Check back often for updated lists of activities as new opportunities are added frequently.

Monday, Jan. 18 at 9 a.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Saturday, Jan., 23 at 9 a.m.

Saturday, Feb. 6 at 9 a.m.

Saturday, Feb. 20 at 9 a.m.

Saturday, March 5 at 9 a.m.

Come plant trees!

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EVENT LISTINGS WEDNESDAYS Bible Study for High School & Young Adults | 6 p.m. | Redeemer Lutheran Church, 4330 Crow Road, Beaumont Volleyball for High School & Young Adults | 7 p.m. | Redeemer Lutheran Church, 4330 Crow Road, Beaumont

1 Sea Rim Strides 5K Resolution Run/Walk | 9:30 a.m. | Free | Gulf Terrace Hike and Bike Trail in Beaumont Christmas Bird Count Orange County | 7 a.m. | Free | The Country Store, 6373 FM 1442, Orangefield

1&2 “Rocky Horror Show” | 8 p.m. | Port Arthur Little Theatre Playhouse, 4701 Jimmy Johnson Blvd., Port Arthur

2 Downtown Beaumont Junk Days | 7 a.m. | Free | BAW Resale and Interiors, 600 Fannin St., Beaumont

3 Christmas Bird Count Sea Rim State Park | 6 p.m. | Free | Sabine Pass Community Center, 3752 S Gulfway Drive, Sabine Pass 5 Get The Skinny At One of Our FREE Weight Loss Seminars | 6 p.m. | Free | Medical Center of Southeast Texas Hospital, 2555 Jimmy Johnson Blvd., Port Arthur

6 Mardi Gras Twelfth Night Celebration | 6:30 p.m. | $5 | Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, Louisiana

79 The Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival | 6:30 p.m. | $15-$25 | Downtown Cameron, Louisiana

8 Classic Movie Night “Mean Girls” | 7:30 p.m. | $5 | Jefferson Theater Pech River Boys - Tales From Afghanistan Documentary Film Premiere | 7 p.m. | $7 | Compro Event Center, 4155 West Cardinal Drive, Beaumont Mark Chesnutt | 9 p.m. | Jerry Nelsons Hill Country Backyard Music Hall, 3871 Stagg Drive, Beaumont

9 Spindletop Anniversary Celebration: 115 Years! | 10 a.m. | Free | Spindletop Gladys City / Boomtown Museum, 5550 Jimmy Simmons Blvd, Beaumont

9, 10 & 11 Larry's Old Time Trade Days | 8 a.m. | Free | Larry’s Old Time Trade Days Grounds, 14902 FM 1663 Road, Winnie

1115 & 1822 Jefferson County Master Gardener Shortcourse | 9 a.m. | Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 1225 Pearl St., Suite 200

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12 2016 Economic Outlook Forum | 7:30 a.m. | $20 | Event Centre, 700 Crockett St., Beaumont Foundation for Southeast Texas Grant Process | noon | Free | Southeast Texas Nonprofit Development Center, 700 North St., Suite D, Beaumont

14 School Students: Help Restore Longleaf Pine | 9 a.m. | Free | Big Thicket National Preserve, 6044 FM 420, Kountze

15 Classic Movie Night “Mary Poppins” | 7:30 p.m. | $5 | Jefferson Theater

16 Mardi Gras Scholarship Pageant of Southeast Texas | 1 p.m. | $5 | Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, 3950 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont

17 Bridal Traditions | 11 a.m. | $8-$10 | Beaumont Civic Center Complex, 701 Main St., Beaumont First Responder Appreciation Gumbo Dinner | 10:30 a.m. | Knights of Columbus Hall, 9505 College St.

18 MLK Brunch | 10 a.m. | $10 | Robert A. Bob Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival | 10 a.m. | $10 | Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, Louisiana

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21 Redeemer Lutheran Church Friends & Family Celebration Sunday | 8 a.m. | Redeemer Lutheran Church, 4330 Crow Road, Beaumont Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce 116th Annual Banquet | 6 p.m. | Robert A. Bob Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur

26 Websites for Nonprofits | noon | $10-$20 | Southeast Texas Nonprofit Development Center, 700 North St., Suite D, Beaumont Get The Skinny | 6 p.m. | Free | Medical Center of Southeast Texas Hospital, 2555 Jimmy Johnson Blvd., Port Arthur Old Hollywood benefiting Harvest House | 6 p.m. | MCM Elegante Hotel

22 Spiritual Warfare Teaching & Training - Healing & Deliverance Crusade | 10 a.m. | Free | MCM Elegant Hotel, 2355 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont Hot Hearts | 1:30 p.m. | $40 | Ford Park, 5155 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont Stoney LaRue | 9 p.m. | $15-$27.50 | Jerry Nelsons Hill Country Backyard Music Hall, 3871 Stagg Drive, Beaumont

23 Hot Hearts | 8:30 a.m. | $40 | Ford Park, 5155 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont Beaumont Pardi Gras benefiting the Humane Society of Southeast Texas and Southeast Texas Circle of Hope | 7 p.m. | Beaumont Civic Center

27 Harlem Globetrotters | 7 p.m. | $22.50-$81 | Ford Park Arena, 5115 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont 28 Envelope Artwork | 9 a.m. | Free | Art Museum of Southeast Texas, 500 Main St., Beaumont ICAN of Southeast Texas | 10 a.m. | Free | The Logon Cafe, 3805 Calder Ave., Beaumont 29 Boomtown 48 HR Video Race | 7 p.m. | Free | The Logon Cafe, 3805 Calder Ave., Beaumont Classic Movie Night “Easy Rider” | 7:30 p.m. | $5 | Jefferson Theater A Vintage Affair Wine Tasting | 7:30 p.m. | $35-$40 | Art Museum of Southeast Texas, 500 Main St, Beaumont

30 KUUV Fundraiser! | 3 p.m. | $15 | The Logon Cafe, 3805 Calder Ave., Beaumont Alaskan Nights | 6 p.m. | $250 | Elk's Lodge #311, 11431 US 90, Beaumont Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation: La Soiree Mad Men | 6:30 p.m. | $225 | Beaumont Civic Center Complex, 701 Main St., Beaumont

For more events, go to southeasttexasevents.com.

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SNEAK PEEK february 2

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Better Business Bureau and BNI: Building Business Relationships With Networking Experts, Holiday Inn & Suites

Hot Tropics Night in the Conservatory, Beaumont Botanical Gardens

Family Services Luncheon, MCM Elegant Hotel

Boomtown Film & Music Festival, Jefferson Theater

The HillBenders present The Who's TOMMY: A Bluegrass Opry, Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts

19 & 20

Symphony Ball, Beaumont Civic Center Monster Nation Destruction Zone, Ford Park

24 Riverdance, Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts

25 Protege High School Art Competition and Exhibition Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony, Art Museum of Southeast Texas

See all of these events and more at southeasttexasevents.com.

2628 Sesame Street, Ford Park

The HillBenders

4, 11, 18 & 25

1921 & 2628

School Students: Help Restore Longleaf Pine, Big Thicket National Preserve

Footloose (Musical), Port Arthur Little Theatre

5, 6, 12 &13

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August Osage County, Beaumont Community Players

Winter Family Arts Day, Art Museum of Southeast Texas

9 Taste of the Triangle, Beaumont Civic Center

1114 & 1821 Steel Magnolias, Orange Community Players

Symphony of Southeast Texas, Julie Rogers Theatre for the Performing Arts Golden Triangle Heart Ball, MCM Elegante Hotel

Sesame Street's Abby Cadabby and Elmo

ON THIS DATE January 8, 1935 Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi.

January 10, 1863 The world's first underground railway service opened in London.

January 14, 1952 NBC's Today show premiered.

January 20, 1981 Ronald Reagan became President of the United States at the age of 69, the oldest president to take office.

January 28, 1986 The U.S. Space Shuttle Challenger exploded 74 seconds into its flight, killing 7 people, including Christa McAuliffe, a teacher who was to be the first ordinary citizen in space.

Left: Challenger crew: Back row, left to right: Ellison Onizuka, Christa McAuliffe, Gregory Jarvis, Judith Resnik; Front row, left to right: Michael J. Smith, Francis "Dick" Scobee, Ronald McNair.

Above: Presley's birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi

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CARTOON CORNER

FINAL PHOTO

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!

Madison McConnell takes full advantage of the rare opportunity to enjoy snow in Southeast Texas at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center's Evening Christmas Strolls.

Photo by John Fulbright

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