Events Book

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20-YEAR LEGACY OF LOVE featuring

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FALL FESTIVAL LINE UP SOUTH PARK CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION A RUN, A WALK & A RIVER RALLY SYMPHONY SEASON LAUNCH

6(37(0%(5 a publication of the Beaumont Enterprise

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

features Liza, the Legend, to Celebrate Gift of Life Legacy of Love 6,7 Date Auction: Covert Theme, Overt Fundraising 8,9 South Park Centennial Celebration 10,11

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PUBLISHER EMERITUS Paul Chargois

EDITOR Beth Gallaspy MULTI MEDIA COORDINATOR Tina Breland

WEB CONTENT MANAGERS Kathleen Gantner Geneva Quitugua ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Renee Cox

D E PA RTM E N T S Infographic Social Seen Sneak Peek Cartoon Corner On this Date in Southeast Texas Final Photo

PHOTOGRAPHER Jim Debes CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Beth Gallaspy Pablo Hernandez Chrissie Mouton Holli Peterson Marilyn Tennissen 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.

EVENTS Visual Arts Performing Arts Entertainment Family Entertainment Sports & Recreation Health, Wellness & Education Food & Beverage Business & Networking Free Fun Charity Festivals Event Listings

SPECIALTY PUBLICATIONS MANAGER Shelly Vitanza

ART DIRECTOR Therése Shearer

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on the COVER Superstar Liza Minnelli will be in Beaumont Oct. 29 performing her "Great Day" concert in celebration of the Gift of Life's 20th Anniversary: “Legacy of Love Gala: Celebrating 20 Years of Saving Lives." Read more about the legendary Liza and the legacy of the Gift of Life, page 6.

Cover Photo By Ruven Afandor

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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A Place of Mercy for Many

T Clark Moore

Executive Director of Ubi Caritas

he literal translation of Ubi Caritas is “where God is, there is love and mercy.” The goal of Ubi Caritas is to carry on the ministry of Jesus Christ through healing, teaching and acts of mercy.

The Family Health Clinic opened in 1998 as a result of the determination of a dedicated core group of men and women of faith responding to a need in the community.

Through a partnership in 2013 with Legacy Community Health Services, patient care includes acute, chronic, preventative adult and pediatric care in a family practice setting using the skills of a physician, pediatrician, women’s health nurse practitioner and a behavior health provider. A sliding scale fee structure allows anyone coming to the clinic to receive assistance, regardless of income.

Through the cooperative efforts of community partnerships Ubi Caritas seeks to provide accessible, affordable and accountable health education, wellness and outreach services to the people of Southeast Texas. All programs and classes are designed specifically to create transformative, healthy, life-affirming changes in the lives of patients. A special emphasis is placed on promoting healing and wholeness in mind, body and spirit, like the Health is Hip children’s health initiative program, designed to use fun and interactive games to help kids learn about nutrition, exercise and healthy habits. Approximately one-third of Americans age 2 to 19 are overweight or obese. Ubi's goal is to empower the youth of Southeast Texas to adopt healthy lifestyles in an attempt to reverse the increase in childhood obesity and the chronic conditions it causes. There are currently four children’s health programs that fall under Health is Hip. CAMP 5210 helps children and their families become more fit by participating in fun games and activities that promote healthy lifestyles. Sessions provide instruction related to nutrition, fitness, health and behavioral issues, which parents or guardians can use to improve the overall health of their children and their families. A nurse helps families with health-related questions.

The nurse case manager also finds and places families with the right outreach resources and health access that they require. In 2014, 203 children were given health screenings. In those screened 34 percent fell in the “at risk” category for childhood obesity, and 23 families needed nutrition counseling.

Media Smart Youth is an interactive education program for youth ages 11 to 14. The curriculum is designed to empower young people to become aware and think critically about media's role in influencing their nutrition and physical activity choices. It also helps them to build skills that help them make informed decisions about being physically active and eating nutritious food in daily life. The youth will participate in 10 structured lessons that culminate in a Big Production.

The R Rules is largely based off the ideas of the Getting Ahead Class. It is designed for middle and high school ages. Through class sessions teens learn how to identify and build resources necessary to further their goals for college, technical school and the work force.

Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based nonprofit organization of medical providers who promote early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud. Reach Out and Read builds on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers to develop critical early reading skills in children, beginning at six months of age. Reach Out and Read families read together more often, and their children enter kindergarten better prepared to succeed with larger vocabularies and stronger language skills.

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1994: Regina Rogers honors her family’s philanthropic spirit, paying tribute to her mother, Julie, a breast cancer survivor, with a commitment to fund free mammograms for women with limited financial resources. The Gift of Life was born and has provided more than 27,000 free clinical breast exams and mammograms for medically underserved women throughout seven Southeast Texas counties.

1998: The Charline and Sidney “Chief” Dauphin Educational Outreach Program was formed to share vital preventive information about cancer and healthy lifestyle choices, particularly amongst vulnerable populations. More than 100,000 adults and children have benefited from nearly 1,200 educational outreach encounters.

2000: Following the loss of Regina’s uncle to prostate cancer, the organization began providing yearly prostate cancer screenings to medically underserved men. This endeavor has expanded to include a full range of primary healthcare screenings, extensive educational outreach and a prostate cancer support group. Since inception, the Gift of Life has provided more than 8,000 free prostate cancer screenings to local men in need.

2004: To address the public health epidemic associated with tobacco products, the Gift of Life implemented the Don’t Smoke Your Life Away Tobacco Program to combat the tobacco industry’s influence and outreach on area youth, while also educating Southeast Texans on the healthcare hazards and economic impact of smoking. The educational initiative targets youth in public schools and the Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice system through media campaigns and the distribution of educational materials on the health-destroying effects of tobacco use.

2004: In partnership with Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, the Gift of Life founded the Men Against Cancer: Prostate Cancer Support Group that has more than 100 active members who meet monthly and provide education, affirmation and support to prostate cancer survivors and/or their loved ones. Local urologists and other physicians serve as speakers at the gatherings, informing the participants of the newest developments in the treatment of prostate cancer and ways to cope with life after cancer.

July 2010: Southeast Texas native and ardent Gift of Life supporter, Jerry Klein bravely faced esophageal cancer with tremendous support from his family and friends.

Jerry’s wife, Pat, established the Gerald “Jerry” Klein Esophageal Cancer Awareness Fund as a loving tribute to this never-to-be forgotten man.

August 2010: With optimism and strength Canda Kessler displayed great courage during her 20-month battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. This Gift of Life executive committee member was a strong voice of support for the organization and other causes in Southeast Texas. In 2010, her husband, Mike, established with the Gift of Life the Canda Kessler Brain Cancer Awareness Fund to teach others about the risks and symptoms of the disease.

2010: BRA-vo! Applause for the Cause, an awareness initiative led by breast cancer survivors and others whose lives have been impacted by this devastating disease, used bras as an artful form of expression in an exhibit illustrating the cancer journey of many local women and heightening the importance of education and early detection.

2010: The Gift of Life and the Lamar University JoAnne Gay Dishman Department of Nursing formed Cancer Crusaders, an educational initiative that teaches the most advanced signs and symptoms of various types of cancer, as well as the risk factors and diagnosis methods to medical professionals and the lay community in an effort to increase awareness and early detection of cancer.

2011: The first Ribbon Run began to honor the loving memory of Julie Richardson Procter, a respected local attorney and devoted Gift of Life board member and volunteer who passed away after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. It was Procter’s wish that her illness would serve as a meaningful platform to educate women about the risks and symptoms of the disease. All proceeds from the event benefit the Gift of Life’s breast and ovarian cancer initiatives, which impact thousands of Southeast Texans each year.

2011: The Gift of Life expanded its mission to include regional outreach about ovarian and other gynecological cancers, following the passing of its devoted board member and beloved friend, Julie Richardson Procter, who bravely battled ovarian cancer. In loving memory of his precious wife, Beau Procter established the Julie Richardson Procter Ovarian Cancer Educational Awareness Initiative to help educate Southeast Texans about the signs and symptoms of this devastating disease.

2011: The Gift of Life and Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas established the Pink Power Network Breast Cancer Support Group to enhance the continuum of care for people at all stages of their diagnoses at monthly meetings that feature relevant healthcare topics and speakers. The meetings provide a forum for breast cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and family members to share experiences and hope.

2014: The Gift of Life implemented the Tobacco Control Coalition of Southeast Texas to address the rising cancer deaths attributed to tobacco use. This effort aims to provide education and awareness of the dangers of tobacco use, including smokeless products and e-cigarettes, helping Southeast Texans all breathe a little easier.

20 Great Years celebrated with a Great Day:

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AT ANNIVERSARY GALA

BY SHELLY VITANZA

he Gift of Life is celebrating 20 Great Years with Tony, Emmy, Oscar and Grammy-winning entertainer Liza Minnelli for a “Great Day” concert. The “Legacy of Love Gala: Celebrating 20 Years of Saving Lives” will be held at the Julie Rogers Theatre Oct. 29.

Minnelli is an American legend, considered one of the most exciting concert performers, electrifying audiences around the world and setting records at the most prestigious venues from the Palladium in London and Opera House in Sydney to the Olympia Theatre in Paris and New York's historic Carnegie Hall. She will offer an unforgettable night to help one-of-a-kind organization and super non-profit the Gift of Life commemorate 20 years of lifesaving services and programs in Southeast Texas.

“Liza Minnelli’s enduring success is a testament to her grace, talent and perseverance,” said Gift of Life Executive Director Norma Sampson. “It is with this same spirit that we celebrate the Gift of Life’s longevity, as our organization has grown to impact thousands of lives in Southeast Texas each year. With humility and gratitude, we celebrate this tremendous victory and the tireless support of our community with what will truly be a spectacular concert with an unbelievably gifted performer.”

Minelli is a superstar with a distinguished history. She was born Liza May Minnelli in Los Angeles, Calif., to Judy Garland and Vincente Minelli on March 12, 1946. Garland was pregnant with her while filming “Till the Clouds Roll By” and named her daughter after Ira Gershwin's song "Liza, All the Clouds'll Roll Away."

Minnelli is the only child of two Oscar-winners to ever win an Oscar herself. She is one of few stars to start a performing career before the age of 3 and one of the youngest winners of a leading actress Tony, which won at age of 19 for “Flora the Red Menace.”

She is one of very few artists who has won all of entertainment's top four awards - the Oscar, the Tony, the Emmy and the Grammy, also making her one of seven actresses to have won the “Triple Crown of Acting” – the Oscar, the Emmy and the Tony.

Minnelli and her mother were the first Oscar-nominated mother and daughter, and she is one of only seven actresses who have won an Academy Award for a performance in a musical, “Caberet,” in which she played Sally Bowles in 1972. The film won eight Oscars, including Best Actress for Minnelli. The role also earned her a Golden Globe and a British Film Academy Award. The unqualified success of “Cabaret” put Minnelli on the covers of both Time and Newsweek in the same week.

In 1972 Minnelli also starred in the first concert ever filmed live for television.

The seminal “Liza with a Z” produced a Top 20 album and won the Emmy for Outstanding Single Program and the prestigious Peabody Award.

In 1981, Minnelli co-starred with Dudley Moore on the big screen in the classic “Arthur,” going on to make the sequel “Arthur 2” in 1988. She also emerged as a dramatic television actress in the made-for-TV drama, “A Time to Live.” The role won Liza her second Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and universal acclaim from television critics and writers around the world. Other television specials included “Goldie and Liza: Together” with her friend Goldie Hawn and the Emmy Award-winning “Baryshnikov on Broadway.”

Minnelli was the first entertainer in the history of Carnegie Hall to completely sell-out three weeks of appearances in 1987. And one of the greatest

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and most acclaimed show business triumphs of all time was Liza's recordsetting in-concert engagement, called “Stepping Out,” at Manhattan's famed Radio City Music Hall in 1991, where Liza played to packed houses for three weeks, followed by a return engagement.

In 1999, Liza returned to Broadway to pay tribute to her father in a show called “Minnelli on Minnelli” at New York’s Palace Theater. In June 2002, after willfully defeating encephalitis, Minnelli returned to the stage and TV, releasing the CD “Liza’s Back!” and appearing as Lucille Austero on TV's critically acclaimed "Arrested Development.” The show was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2014 for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.

Minnelli won the Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event for “Liza's at the Palace ...” in 2008. Her performance was filmed for a public television special and a DVD, and the show's cast recording was nominated for a Grammy Award. In 2010, Minnelli made a cameo in “Sex and the City 2,” inspiring the release of “Confessions,” which was recorded with her longtime collaborator pianist Billy Stritch.

Minnelli spends non-performing time supporting nonprofit organizations.

She has served on the board of directors of the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential for 20 years, and she has dedicated much time to amFAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research. In 1994, Minnelli recorded the Kander & Ebb tune "The Day After That" and donated the proceeds to AIDS research.

That same year she performed the song in front of hundreds of thousands in Central Park at the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Minnelli supported her sister, Lorna Luft, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012.

This fall Minnelli is performing “Great Day” concerts throughout the South, including the Gift of Life 20th Anniversary Gala Celebration at the Julie Rogers Theatre. Tickets are $125, and sponsorships are still available.

For more information and for tickets, call 409.833.3663 or 877.720.4438 or email info@giftoflifebmt.org.

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ources have infiltrated a top secret double “O” mission. The take (information gathered by intelligence collection operations) is that the most elite agents, who have a license to fulfill a commitment to raise money at their discretion, are meeting at Madison’s on Dowlen Road, Wednesday, Sept. 16 for a date auction.

For the seventh consecutive year, Ubi Caritas, which means “place of mercy,” will host its Date Auction where bachelors and bachelorettes are sold to the highest bidder…that’s their cover, anyway. In actuality, Southeast Texas’ most benevolent young professionals auction fun, fabulous, intriguing and entertaining packages including trips, sports tickets, dinners, spa days and hunts, all for the benefit of the children’s health programs at Ubi Caritas.

Twenty-five young agents, men and women from varying backgrounds, have worked diligently to gather prizes for the live auction which starts at 7 p.m. Guests are invited to arrive at 6 p.m. for cocktails, silent auction and meet and greet with the bachelors and bachelorettes and raffle. Raffle tickets give purchasers the opportunity to win one of three prizes including a Mark’s Member hybrid grill, which is half charcoal and half propane, a 35-quart Yeti cooler or a 28-inch steel fire pit.

Left to right: Bailey Wingate, Megan Ogden, Shaine Sahualla and Kristin Taylor

“Since Ubi began the date auction, more than 170 young people have participated, and now we have bachelor and bachelorette reunions each year,” said Taryn Robinson, who is a double agent acting as spymaster for the James Bond-themed event and as the director of development for Ubi Caritas. “The event is a not only a fundraiser but a great networking opportunity for young people in Southeast Texas. Many friends have been made.”

Ubi Caritas has raised six figures in years past, and the organization hopes to raise $120,000 this year for its Camp 5210 kids nutritional program. The program reaches out to kids and teaches them that they should eat five veggies and fruits a day, spend no more than two hours in front of a computer or game screen; get one hour of exercise and have zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol.

Last year Ubi Caritas, located in Beaumont’s south end, provided 203 free health screenings for kids and completed nutritional counseling for 23 families. Nutritional awareness is just one of the many programs Ubi Caritas offers to Southeast Texans who are medically uninsured. (See page X for a list of all programs.)

Tickets for the Ubi Caritas Date Auction are $10 and can be purchased at the door the night of the event. For more information, contact Robinson at 409.832.1924, ext 115. You can also go to Ubi Caritas’ website at ubicaritas.org.

UBI CARITAS

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'$7( 3$&.$*(6 %$&+(/256 $1' Bailey Wingate %$&+(/25(77(6 Three night/four day weekend retreat at Wingate's beach house on the bay side waterfront from Fri. Oct. 2-Mon. Oct. 5. The house sleeps 12 people and has three decks. PLUS a cookout at Broussard Farm for 50 people. The purchaser will choose between either steaks or fried fish for dinner.

Wingate, a lawyer, has donated his beach house to the event in previous years but decided to put himself on the catwalk as a bachelor this year. "As a bachelor this year it is giving me a better opportunity to help the organization, to expand my contribution."

Seventh Annual Date Auction

SPECIAL AGENTS Andrew Mclusky Home Insurance Specialist with April Tolbert Agency

Austin Huff Real Estate Salesperson with Triangle Real Estate

Austin Morgan Former Marine; Process Operator with Air Products

Bailey Wingate Attorney

Bryce Breaux Welder with United Rentals Pump Solutions

Candace Alese Pinner

Shaine Sahualla Fishing trip for two people out of Sabine and a two person gator hunt airboat ride. The package comes with four cases of St. Arnold's beer and Costa Del Mar sunglasses.

Sahualla is a nursing student at Lamar University and manager at Madison's. She has worked the last few Date Auctions, but this year decided to be bachelorette.

"I want to a be a pediatric nurse, and this event is all about helping kids. Plus I wanted to get involved to meet people. I'd never heard of Ubi Caritas until the Date Auction came to Madison's."

Financial Analyst with INVISTA

Megan Ogden Lamar football game day package, which includes four sideline passes for any home game, football helmet signed by the team, a tailgating spot, Giglio beer and a gift card for tailgating food from Buffalo Wild Wings.

Ogden is a native of Beaumont and a cheerleading coach at West Brook High School who loves to volunteer where she can.

"I love what Ubi Caritas stands for and the way they provide health care for so many, and I love volunteering, so I figured this was a great opportunity for me to give back."

Department Manager with H&M

Kristin Taylor Mudbug madness consisting of 300 pounds of crawfish and two kegs of beer.

Taylor owns a spray tanning business, Brown Suga Spray Tan, and said she sat on the sidelines long enough during the last few Date Auctions.

"Every year I've had friends participate, and I've always gone and loved it. This year I just decided to get involved because it looks like fun."

Casey Watson Shop Owner

Emily Desormeaux Radiology Tech with AFC/Doctors Express

Holly Imhoff Trauma/Emergency Room Nurse with Christus St. Elizabeth

Jacey-Kay Jones Realtor with ReMax Beaumont

James Urban Community Education Coordinator at Altus Hospice

John Rollins Public Relations Coordinator with the Art Museum of Southeast Texas

Julius Gonzalez Kara Shaver Cosmetologist with On Stage Hair Design

Kristin Taylor Owner of Brown Suga Spray Tans

Kyle Henry Outside Sales with Lewis-Goetz

Lauren Grace Bebeau Caregiver for the disabled; Substitute teacher for the Diocese of Beaumont

Matthew Fischer Realtor with Keller Williams Realty

Megan Ogden Cheerleading Coach at West Brook High School

Megan Olivier Financial Service Representative with Mobiloil Credit Union

Mickey Phelan IV Petroleum Landman with Energy Land Resources

Rebekah Stanley Police Officer with Beaumont Police Department

Shaine Sahualla Nursing Student

Wesley Gifford Office Assistant at Lamar University

Zach Hodges Realtor with the Taryn Hebert Team ReMax of Beaumont

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Centennial Celebration Honors Southeast Texas Education

By Pablo Hernandez The 100-year history and legacy of Southeast Texas education will be celebrated on Oct. 3 when South Park Schools and the South Park Greenie Alumni Association hosts a Centennial Celebration at what’s now the campus of South Park Middle School, 4500 Highland Ave. The community is invited to the festivities beginning at 10 a.m. with a parade beginning at the school and going up Lavaca toward Lamar University, turning on to Jimmy Simmons Boulevard to Kennedy and then back to the school on Highland Avenue. It’s about 1.2 miles said organizer and alumna Lori Cox. “We’ll have the former cheerleaders march alongside the Blanchette Elementary folklorico dancers and Ozen’s theater troupe,” said Cox. “Kids from all over are coming to be in the parade. Kids from Sallie Curtis and Bingham Pre-K, the Odom dancers, Central’s tennis team and weight lifters and a lot of former graduates, both Greenies and Eagles.”

The parade will also include one of the oldest living South Park Greenies, Gene VanMeter, who is also the president of the South Park Greenie Alumni Association.

After the parade the celebration will continue until 3 p.m. on the South Park Middle School grounds with a mixed bag of activities from bouncy houses to musical entertainment, a mariachi band, a classic car show, food vendors, games, relay races, face painting and Beaumont Police Officers for Cops & Kids programs. The event will also include the dedication of a historical marker recognizing the school’s significance to Southeast Texas. Another plaque will be unveiled honoring South Park alumni who fought in World War II. South Park Middle School Principal Sharon Brown-Hendrix is encouraging both educational institutions to take part in the centennial celebration, as well as the entire community, because she said the event can trigger revitalization of the South Park neighborhood and bring it back to its glory days. She also hopes it renews interest among former students and other citizens to get involved in the current school.

“We want to celebrate our history as a neighborhood school in the South Park community as well as cultivate relationships with area businesses, churches, Lamar/LIT and Greenie alumni so that we can continue to thrive in the South Park community,” said Brown-Hendrix. “How many students have access to a university that almost sits in their backyards? We want our students to know that Lamar University and LIT are there for them, and we want to make those connection with Lamar as early as Head Start. Oct. 3 will be a day to bring the city together and celebrate 100 years of education and community.”

For more information about the celebration or to get involved, call South Park Middle School at 409.617.5875.

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South Park High School as pictured in the 1965 yearbook.

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The South Park Independent School District served as the foundation of what is now Beaumont ISD and Lamar University. Sherry Sharp, whose great-great-grandmother, Julie Sparks Courts, was the sister of the two founders of South Park, James and Worthy Sparks, has compiled and maintains an informative website with newspaper clippings and photos about South Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich history at sherrysharp.com/southpark/spn-history-pg.htm. Here are some of the dates and details from her historical compilations:

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James and Worthy Sparks purchased 34 acres of land west of the road in the J.W. Bullock League. Its south boundary is now Lavaca Street and extended north to Adams. The area was about one mile north of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spindletop Hill.â&#x20AC;? In early 1890 they moved their families to the new homestead.

The board purchased 6.86 acres located on Latonia Street (Woodrow) and Highland Avenue and erected a 12-room red brick building, which was completed the following year.

Beaumont City Limits were extended to include South Park, but the district remained intact because of the 1913 bill establishing SPISD.

An agricultural building was added to the school.

A three-story high school with a home economics building, gym, auditorium and laboratories was constructed.

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Construction began on a school building to accommodate not just the Sparksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; children but several other familiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; children who had also moved into the area.

South Park started a football team.

The school opened, and it was called South Park. The first teacher was Katie Bacon, and there were 20 students.

The discovery of oil at Spindletop Hill made it necessary to expand the school to accommodate the large number of families moving into the area. Classes were taught in varying locations in and around the original school building, and people even opened their homes to teachers and students to help with the overcrowding.

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South Park voted its first schoolhouse bonds in the amount of $23,000.

0$5&+ The Texas Legislature passed a bill creating South Park Independent School District. L. R. Pietzsch was the first South Park School Superintendent and remained in the post until 1924 when he became the City of Beaumont manager.

South Park had its first high school graduating class with seven graduates who had completed 11 years of school.

Pietzsch Elementary was constructed.

The trade school was constructed, and the first classes were held in foundry practice, woodworking, pattern-making and drawing. The bond establishing the trade school also provided restrooms, modern plumbing, drinking fountains and central heating.

College classes began to be held in South Park classrooms accommodating 125 students and 14 teachers. The college became Lamar Tech and on Aug. 23, 1971, a university, Lamar University.

Carl W. Bingman became Superintendent and Dean of the College.

South Park â&#x20AC;&#x153;Greeniesâ&#x20AC;? unveiled and introduced its mascot, a gremlin-like character named Sparky.

South Park and Beaumont Independent School Districts became one.

South Park High school graduated its last class, and the school closed.

South Park High School became South Park Middle School, and the mascot became the Eagles.

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FLOATING INTO FALL MILES OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS WATERWAYS

Each year it’s estimated that about half of all Americans (141.4 million) make approximately 11.6 billion outdoor outings participating in some kind of outdoor recreation, including water activity like kayaking and canoeing. Paddle boating is a growing water travel trend and just a fun way to get some exercise, do some fishing, see beauty on the waterways and be with family and friends. More than 200,000 kayaks are purchased each year in the U.S. with just as many rentals.

Kayaks and canoes will hit the waterways of Southeast Texas Sept. 12 for the Big Thicket Association’s Second Annual Neches River Rally at Lower Neches Valley Authority’s Salt Water Barrier adventuring out into just one of the waterways of Southeast Texas. (See details page 20.) More waterway trails are waiting to be discovered this fall.

Consider the unique and diverse wetlands of the Big Thicket that distinguish Southeast Texas and make a big splash this fall exploring the area in your kayak or canoe.

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Land and wetland units in the Big Thicket National Preserve

Miles of Village Creek Paddling Trail, which winds past beautiful white-sand beaches that are perfect for picnicking. Bald cypress, tupelo, and other tall shady trees line the creek banks. Several access points along the creek allow paddlers to make trips of varying lengths.

6 Units that are waterways: Pine Island Bayou, Little Pine Island, Village Creek, Big Sandy Creek, Menard Creek and the Neches River.

40 Percent of the acreage in the Big Thicket National Preserve is one type of wetland or another.

3 Types of wetland systems that the Preserve is split into: Palustrine (non-tidal wetlands), Riverine (connected to a river) and Lacustrine (large, open-water dominated). The majority of the mapped wetlands (over 35,000 acres) fall within the palustrine system.

2 Waterways provide many paddling options for canoeists and kayakers, ranging from just a few hours to several days - Village Creek and the Neches River.

5 Miles of Cooks Lake Paddling Trail accessed at Saltwater Barrier, 6790 Bigner Road in Beaumont.

80 Miles Big Thicket National Preserve protects of the Neches River from Town Bluff, just below B.A. Steinhagen Lake, to the city of Beaumont. Distances between boat ramps vary from 10 to 40 miles. The river flows mainly through bottomland hardwood forests, with lakes and bayous more common further south. These provide interesting side trips, and many can be explored in less than a day without requiring a shuttle.

700 Square miles the LNVA canal system covers within Jefferson, Liberty and Chambers Counties.

SOURCES: www.nps.gov/bith/learn/nature/wetlands.htm, www.nps.gov/bith/planyourvisit/things2do.htm, www.lnva.dst.tx.us/, www.nps.gov/bith/planyourvisit/upload/Paddling-the-Big-Thicket-5.pdf

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62&,$/ 6((1 1. Team Minions & Gift of Life Volunteers at the Gift of Life press conference announcing the upcoming performance of Liza Minnelli 2. Megan Ogden, left, and Kellsey Fairchild during the Ubi Caritas Date

Auction Mixer at the home of Sherrene Cook 3. Austin Jones, left, and Redford Jones during the Beaumont Jazz & Blues Fest at the JeďŹ&#x20AC;erson Theatre 4. Michele Harrington, left, and Karen Gilman at the Pioneering Women media party

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VISUAL ARTS

CONTEMPORARY ART AT AMSET THIS FALL

By Melissa Tilley As the temperature cools and we begin to see the traditional signs of fall, the view inside the Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET) is anything but traditional. The museum will host exhibitions of works by two contemporary artists known for their highly original and spirited abstract art. “Orna Feinstein: Now and Zen” and “Michael Kennaugh: Locus in Quo” will be on view from Sept. 25 through Nov. 29 at AMSET. “AMSET is excited to get the fall season rolling with two fascinating exhibitions, featuring a site-specific installation by Orna Feinstein and fresh work by Michael Kennaugh,” said AMSET Public Relations Coordinator John Rollins. “Neither artist has shown at AMSET before, so we look forward to showcasing their colorful abstract works here at the museum.”

“Orna Feinstein: Now and Zen” will include work from the last 15 years of the artist’s career. The exhibition will feature monoprints, sculptures and the site-specific installation, which is sure to engage viewers as they are surrounded by the artwork, making viewer participation an integral part of the exhibition experience.

Feinstein specializes in monoprints and other mixed media. Her art begins with an observation of nature and ends up in an abstract creation.

The beauty of nature, its color, texture and energy, attract and inspire her work. Her artwork is vivid and dimensional, engaging the viewer’s senses by integrating two- and three-dimensional shapes, lines and textures.

“Michael Kennaugh: Locus in Quo” will feature many of the artist’s new works on canvas, as well as selected drawings and sculptures. Kennaugh is known for his large, painterly abstract canvases with arabesque forms that lyrically sweep across the plane. Kennaugh only began exhibiting his sculptures alongside his paintings in recent years, but the combination of the two energizes the show to display the variety, innovation and dynamics of his creations.

AMSET will host an opening reception for these exhibitions from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25. The museum is located at 500 Main St. in downtown Beaumont. For more information, visit amset.org.

FEATURED EXHIBITS Art Museum of Southeast Texas 500 Main, Beaumont, 409.832.3432

Will-Amelia Sterns Price: Mike's Road to Taos Through Sept. 6

Abstraction: Selections from the Permanent Collection Orna Feinstein: Now and ZenFifteen Years of Contemporary Opening Sept. 25 with reception from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Printmaking beginning Sept. 25 Michael Kennaugh: Locus in Quo Above: Columns on the Hill by Michael Kennaugh Below: Morel House by Orna Feinstein

Left: Changing Horses in Midstream by Michael Kennaugh Below: Arboriform #1 by Orna Feinstein

My Journey by Ines Alvidres in Café Arts

Beaumont Art League 2675 Gulf, Beaumont, 409.833.4179

David Anniboli 2014 Best In Show Winner

Life Is A Beach: Entries of Art with Coastal Influence

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

Art Faculty Exhibition Through Sept. 18

Fire Museum of Texas 400 Walnut St., Beaumont

September 11, 2001: A Timeline

Museum of the Gulf Coast 700 Procter Street, Port Arthur, 409.982.7000

Crocodilian Scratchboards

By John Agnew

Stark Museum of Art 712 Green Avenue, Orange, 409.886.2787

DUQLYDO GH $06(7 GALA 2015

On Friday, Sept. 11, the Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET) is taking guests to the vibrant Brazilian festival of Carnival for its Gala 2015. Carnival de AMSET promises to be a lively evening, featuring dancing, calypso music and dining, all with a twist of tango and a little Mardi Gras mixed in.

Guests are encouraged to don their decorative masks, feathers and most festive garb for this colorful evening of celebrating the arts.

Tickets are $200 per person for unreserved seating, and reserved tables begin at $1,600, with premium seating available at higher levels.

For more information or to make reservations, call 409.832.3432 or visit www.amset.org.

Scavenger Hunt: Tracking Art Trails SMA: Playdate Howdy Partners Sept. 25, 10-11 a.m.

Smithsonian Museum Day Sept. 26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Wicked Plants Opening Oct. 3

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.

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PERFORMING ARTS

SYMPHONY TAKES AMAZING JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD

Sonya Matoussova

Thomas Schroeder

Arturo Sandoval

Violoncelli in G Minor featuring the symphony’s own cello soloists Thomas Schroeder and Sonya Matoussova.

On Sunday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. the symphony comes “Home for the Holidays” to get the community in the holiday spirit with family and friends. This fourth annual holiday concert will be a joyful celebration featuring popular seasonal songs performed in grand style by the orchestra and community partners.

“Only in America” will you find the great composers highlighted in the concert presented on Jan. 23. Ron Nelson’s “Savannah River Holiday,” Samuel Barber’s Symphony No. 1, Op. 9 and John Corigliano’s “Promenade Overture” show the unique and unmistakable talent of composers of this great nation. Also at this concert, guest violinist Ryu Goto will perform Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto in G Minor. Goto has established himself as a significant voice in classical music since beginning his career at the age of seven. He has appeared as a soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors.

For the Pops Concert on Feb. 20, the symphony goes back in time for a swinging good evening with special guest conductor/artist Carl Topilow and Maestro Chelsea Tipton in a program that brings back the great era of music “When Swing was King.”

Topilow is renowned worldwide for his versatility, whether he is holding a conductor’s baton or his trademark red clarinet. His unique approach to pops programming includes extensive audience involvement and true showmanship. This will be a distinctive program featuring the beloved Swing Era as the duo leads the symphony through the music of Hoagy Carmichael, George Gershwin, Cole Sean Chen

Carl Topilow

magnificent music. Guests can stroll through Shangri La Gardens at the peak of Scarecrow Festival arriving at the Great Lawn in time to indulge in the orchestra’s outdoor performance of popular music including selections from “West Side Story” and “The Wizard of Oz,” plus classics such as “Moon River” and other favorites. “Symphony at Shangri La” is held in addition to the SOST season subscription schedule and in partnership with the Lutcher Theater and Shangri La. Guests will jet away to Europe on Nov. 14 for the “Best of Beethoven” and a delightfully entertaining evening of music. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 is a truly light and cheerful piece that puts on full display the great composer’s genius as a lyricist.

While in this continent of the most renowned composers, the orchestra will also “travel to Italy” to perform Antonio Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two

Ryu Goto

By Melissa Tilley The Symphony of Southeast Texas (SOST) invites everyone to get their passports ready for the trip of a lifetime this season as they are taken on a worldwide journey of musical cultures featuring amazing guest artists and styles everyone can enjoy.

This amazing voyage takes off on Sept. 19 to Latin America with 10-time Grammy Award winning trumpet virtuoso Arturo Sandoval in the “Latin Treasures.” Known as one of the most dynamic and vivacious live performers of our time, Sandoval brings his jazz enthusiasm and classical precision to the Julie Rogers Theatre stage to perform Alexander Arutunian’s beautiful Trumpet Concerto, along with popular favorites “A Time for Love” and Sandoval’s own composition “A Mis Abuelos.”

In a very special fall concert on Oct. 18, the orchestra ventures over to Shangri La Gardens in Orange for a festive evening of seasonal nature and

Porter and others who made this era a milestone of American music.

The journey continues with a final stop in the Russian countryside on April 16. “Russian Nights” features guest pianist Sean Chen dazzling the audience with his virtuosic playing of Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major. Chen won the Crystal Award at the 14th Annual Van Cliburn Piano Competition in 2013 and has been hailed as a “charismatic rising star with an exceptional ability to connect with an audience combined with an easy virtuosity.” Also joining the orchestra during “Russian Nights” will be the Symphony of Southeast Texas Chorus under the direction of James Han. This fantastic journey includes so many interesting and amazing stops covering a wide variety of musical styles that there is definitely something for every musical taste.

All concerts are held at the Julie Rogers Theatre in downtown Beaumont, with the exception of “Symphony at Shangri La.” For the complete 2015-2016 season schedule, visit www.sost.org. Season tickets are available with prices ranging from $79 to $157. Single ticket prices range from $18 to $45; senior, student and group discounts are available. To purchase tickets or get more information, contact the Symphony office at 409.892.2257.

FEATURED PERFORMANCES The King and I Sept. 11, 12, 18, 19 & 24-26 at 7:30 p.m. & 19 at 2 p.m.

Beaumont Community Players, 409.838.4664

Death of a Doornail Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Sept. 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26 at 7 p.m.

Kirby-Hill House Museum, 409.246.8000

Anthony Hamilton: A Night of Love and Laughter Sept. 12 at 8 p.m.

Julie Rogers Theatre for the Performing Arts, 409.838.3435

The Hobbit Sept. 25-27 at 7:30 p.m.

Port Arthur Little Theater, 409.727.7258

Swan Lake Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.

Jefferson Theater, 409.838.3435

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ENTERTAINMENT

DOWNTOWN ENTERTAINMENT

By Chrissie Mouton No finer place exists for entertainment this September than downtown Beaumont from ballet to country music.

R & B singer Anthony Hamilton, known for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Charlene," will delight audiences Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Julie Rogers Theatre along with special guests Kevin (Damn Fool) Simpson and Nick Lewis.

Hamilton hails from North Carolina, and it shows in this music. The Grammy award winning R & B sensation has been compared to artists like Bill Withers and Sam Cooke.

The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $53.

You can't mention country music and not talk about Travis Tritt, who will be performing the following weekend, Friday, Sept. 18, at the Jefferson Theatre, 345 Fannin St. Tritt has seven certified platinum albums and one triple album. The Grammy-winning musician who has been singing since childhood says he started putting â&#x20AC;&#x153;a little more soul' in his voice after performing at an African-American church. Tritt says "all these bends and sweeps and curls in their voices" is what attracted him, and he began emulating that sound.

An Evening with Travis Tritt, begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets start at $46.30.

There's a reason Swan Lake is called the "ballet of ballets." It's been mesmerizing audiences for more than 100 years and is considered by many the greatest classical ballet of all time.

The Russian Grand Ballet presents Swan Lake at the Jefferson Theatre, Saturday, Sept. 26.

Set to the music of composer Pyotr Tchiakovsky, Swan Lake involves the beautiful Princess Odette, a passionate prince and the wicked sorcerer von Rothbart, who captures Odette and turns her into a swan by day. The evil spell can only be broken when a young man pledges his love and marries her.

Travis Tritt

Swan Lake

The full-length classic production by the Russian Grand Ballet features Russia's brightest ballet stars, who have come from the upper ranks of the great ballet companies and academies.

The performance begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $22, $35, $42 and $50.

Tickets for all events are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800.745.3000.

Anthony Hamilton

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FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT

CASA RUN

By Marilyn Tennissen Calling all superheroes! CASA of Southeast Texas wants you to show off your special powers at its annual 5K and Fun Run. The race on Saturday, Sept. 26, features a chip-timed 5K for adults and a fun run for kids. All ages are encouraged to dress in costume as their favorite superhero.

To make the run even more fun, this year will be a “color run.” At several

stations, participants will get doused with brightly colored powder that is non-toxic and washes off easily.

Organizers said the event is very family friendly, and there are prizes for each age group.

Advance registration can be completed online at www.active.com, and fees are $25 for adults and $10 for kids. The day of the event the fees are $30 for adults and $15 for kids. Everyone gets a T-shirt.

The race is in conjunction with the “Casas for CASA” playhouse raffle the following Saturday, Oct. 3.

Both of the events raise money for the programs of CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. The advocates serve as a voice in family court for children in the foster care system or who have been abandoned or abused.

In the “Casas for CASA” raffle (the name is a play on words, “casa” means “house” in Spanish) five professionally designed and constructed playhouses will be on display at Parkdale Mall beginning Sept. 26. Tickets for the raffle are $2 each or three for $5.

A winner’s name for each house will be drawn on Oct. 3.

The playhouses are designed around a theme, and this year the theme is Jefferson County. The 2014 event had the same theme, and playhouses were modeled after locations

in the county including the Jefferson County Courthouse, the CASA office, a church, a bank and a bike shop.

Organizers say the events take the work of many individuals and countless volunteers.

“In addition to raising funds, these events are a great way to recruit volunteers,” said Lisa Briggs, court program director. “You don’t have to be a ‘superhero’ to volunteer. Our advocates are ordinary people who care about children.”

An orientation for new CASA volunteers will be Oct. 13, and the next training session begins Oct. 20. Preregistration is required.

“Our goal is for every child to have their own advocate,” Briggs said.

CASA of Southeast Texas currently has 90 advocates and serves more than 350 local children.

For information on the events or volunteer opportunities, call 409.832.2272.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

GET PADDLE HAPPY

By Pablo Hernandez This is the time of year we all start to get busy. School’s in full swing, and the holidays and plenty of busy family gatherings are just around the corner. So if you’re looking for a breather before things get hectic, then you’ll want to participate in the Second Annual Neches River Rally.

The paddling journey is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life without having to leave the city.

Organizers say it’s a wonderful Big Thicket experience you get while still in the Beaumont area. They say it’s one of the most soothing experiences you’ll ever have. Pretty enticing, right?

The event, which is sponsored by the Big Thicket Association, takes you along the Cooks Lake to Scatterman Paddling Trail.

This 4.8-mile loop journey gives participants a chance to paddle through the beautiful moss-draped cypress-

tupelo slough in the biologically diverse Big Thicket National Preserve.

You start and end in the same spot, at the Lower Neches Valley Authority (LNVA) Saltwater Barrier Boat Ramp, 6790 Bigner Road.

People all along the trail will make sure you, your family and friends are paddling the right direction.

This is truly a family event because there are no age requirements to take part, nor do you have to be an experienced kayaker or canoeist. In fact, organizers say last year, a 3-year-old participated. Of course, parents were present. Life jackets are required.

According to Texas Parks & Wildlife, the trail is relatively flat and very close to sea level giving paddlers a fairly easy paddle upstream; flow is generally quite low.

This trip will definitely stimulate the eyes with natural beauty. You’ll find a great diversity of plant and ani-

mal life along this water corridor.

The float time ranges from two to five hours, depending on wind speed and water level. This is not a race, but a chance to relax and bond with Mother Nature.

The Neches River Rally is on Sept. 12 from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Register online at www.bigth-

icket.org or call 409.790.5399 by Sept. 9.

The registration fee varies depending on what type of canoe or kayak you’ll be using.

To rent a canoe or kayak, event organizers recommend Big Thicket Outfitters, www.bigthicketoutfitters. com or call 409.786.1884.

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HEALTH, WELLNESS & EDUCATION

FILM SERIES FACILITATES FEARLESSNESS If funding permits, Johnson said she hopes to continue the film series bringing quality documentaries that spark thoughtful discussion and action into the Southeast Texas community.

“Our mission is eliminating racism and empowering women and promoting peace, justice and

equality for all people,” Johnson said. “I feel a film series provides a direct service to the community and hopefully will address some of these issues.”

For more information on the film series or on the YWCA Beaumont, visit the website at www. ywcabeaumont.org or call 409.899.1011.

YWCA BEAUMONT’S MISS FEARLESS FILM SERIES SHENANDOAH

Free documentary screening followed by panel discussion at the Dishman Art Museum, Lamar University

NEFARIOUS: MERCHANT OF SOULS

By Beth Gallaspy Raising awareness of pressing societal problems is the first step in working toward positive solutions. That idea led to the YWCA Beaumont’s Miss Fearless Film Series, which offers free screenings of documentaries followed by panel discussions about issues raised by the films.

Next up in the series on Sept. 17 is “Nefarious: Merchant of Souls,” a 2011 documentary about human trafficking and modern day sex slavery. Bridget Johnson, YMCA Beaumont executive director, said the film was a good choice for inclusion because Interstate 10, a major corridor for human trafficking in the U.S., runs directly through Southeast Texas.

“My hope is viewers walk away with a different perspective than when they walked in and have the desire to begin or continue discussions to resolve these issues,” Johnson said. “People might say, ‘It’s not my problem,’ but if you live in the community, it is your problem. I’m hoping that not just this film, but every film that we screen will inspire everyone to take a stand.”

Panelists for the post-film discussion will include representatives of the Beaumont Police Department and of local non-profits. Because of the subject matter, younger attendees (ages 13 and 14) should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The 2015 film series concludes on Nov. 19 with “Shenandoah,” a 2012 documentary about race relations in a working class Pennsylvania community.

Previous films in the series dealt with the misrepresentation of women in the media and with HIV. Johnson said that the first film, “Miss Representation,” was so well received that the YWCA hopes to bring it back for a second screening.

5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 Topic: Human Trafficking

5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19 Topic: Race Relations

MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY HELPING A CHILD LEARN TO READ

By Barbara Warren Make a very big difference! Join Team Read Volunteers at Beaumont’s Sallie Curtis Elementary School to work with first graders who need individual help in learning to read. Job requirements: (1) care about a child (2) know how to read (3) give two to three hours of your time per week. (4) contact Barbara Warren at 409.656.0934 or pybmw@gt.rr.com.

Why? Our teachers, regardless of their dedication and expertise, are faced every day with children requiring more special attention than one teacher can possibly give. But a caring volunteer who only needs to know how to read can fill in the gaps. A student given 30 to 45 minutes of one-on-one instruction twice a week can make exceptional progress in mastering critical reading skills.

Why is reading so important? From birth through second grade (about age 7) children learn to read and then the rest of their lives they must read to learn.

Success on the SAT, high school graduation, advanced learning and making a living are directly proportional to how well and how much a child reads. What happens to those children who do not grasp those skills in the first years of life? Sadly the answer is often failure. With rare exception every child can learn to read, although more time, effort and assistance are required for many. That is where we all have the ability to make a difference.

How it works: At Sallie Curtis Elementary School, a well-organized program is in place in which volunteers give two or three hours of time on the morning(s) of their choice and work with individual children who are struggling to read. An orientation session is provided to acquaint volunteers with

the principal, teachers and school protocol. Teachers determine which children require extra help and provide all materials. A session may include vocabulary pronunciation, spelling, word definitions and reading a story. Time with an individual student is 30 to 45 minutes. Therefore, a volunteer spending two hours at the school may tutor three different children.

Sallie Curtis is not the only school where students need help. All of our schools have children who benefit from extra attention. If the school you want to support does not have a program specifically designed to aid individual students in achieving good reading skills, contact Cindy Padia at Sallie Curtis, 409.617.6058, or Barbara Warren for assistance in initiating such a program. In this way we, as a community, can support our schools and ensure the success of our children. Let’s Do It Southeast Texas!

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FOOD & BEVERAGE

A NIGHT IN CALIFORNIA NOBLE VINES A TASTING

By Holli Petersen In Lodi, Calif., just 75 miles east of San Francisco, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is the family-owned Clay Station Vineyard. This distinctive vineyard relishes the area’s warm days, cool nights and sandy, mineral-rich soil. An uncanny Mediterranean-like climate provides the ideal terrain for the family’s precious vines to flourish. And, flourish they do! Carefully selected to prosper in this specific region, Noble Vines heartily produces its exceptional 337 Cabernet and 181 Merlot in its fertile red soil.

Noble Wines employs this same ex-

acting science to produce its other remarkable wines, like its 446 Chardonnay and 667 Pinot Noir, which are produced at the family-owned San Bernabe Vineyard in Monterey County, Calif. Situated near the chilly Pacific Ocean, the vineyard benefits from a cool sea wind that gently blows across the Monterey valley, creating the perfect microclimate for these delicate vines to take root in its loamy soil.

Understanding how the nuances of a wine’s production translate into such delicate flavorings can eliminate the confusion of dinner party wine pairings and wine selections at special events.

As a treat for Southeast Texas, Brandon Head, a Noble Wines representative from Lodi,, will host a wine tasting and lecture at the McFaddin-Ward House, 1906 Calder Ave., on Sept. 17 from 6:30–9 p.m. to take a look inside the wine bottle and beyond.

“Wine is considered one of the greatest pleasures in life,” said Marcus Powers, McFaddin-Ward House public relations coordinator. “But in today’s wine aisle, there are an overwhelming number of options.”

This special event will feature an exclusive and flavorful tasting of wines from Noble Vines curated by Head, who will also speak about different types of wines, their best pairings and the unique nature of the wine business today.

This event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 6 p.m., but the event will start at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please call 409.832.1906.

BUSINESS & NETWORKING

PREPARE FOR A MEMORABLE CELEBRATION: Golden Triangle Wedding & Special Event Expo

By Holli Petersen Creating unforgettable celebrations can be a hair-raising experience, particularly for novices.

From weddings to anniversaries, special events are replete with tedious details, hidden costs and expectations that have exponentially risen along with the popularity of sites like Pinterest.

A recent study by Wedding Paper Divas found that 68 percent of surveyed brides and grooms opted to plan their own weddings and that 40 percent of them spent 10–15 hours per week planning their big day. This is basically like signing on for a highly stressful, part-time job that will drain your bank account (quite a bit of it, considering The Knot estimates the average cost of a wedding - sans honeymoon - to be about $31,213) for an estimated 14 months (the nation’s average length of engagement). Is it any wonder so many brides and grooms suffer from cold feet? Getting over the stress of planning a wedding is, for many couples, the first major hurdle in their relationship!

Because planning special events can feel like assembling a detailed jigsaw puzzle while blindfolded, it always helps to consult with professionals. For those braving the unknown without a seasoned event planner or anyone just looking for a

little inspiration for their next big event, wedding and special event expos are both a timesaving and affordable way to become acquainted with local professional vendors.

This September, a highly anticipated expo is hosting its event just in time for Southeast Texans to prepare for their holiday occasions and special celebrations.

The Golden Triangle Wedding and Special Event Expo will be held on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 1–4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Park Central, 2929 Jimmy Johnson Blvd., in Port Arthur.

Designed to eliminate some of the stress and guesswork of event planning, this expo provides ideas, inspiration and creative vendors that can help produce memorable weddings, anniversaries, quinceañeras, special birthdays and countless other events.

The best and brightest photographers, caterers, disc jockeys, venue representatives and other event planning vendors will all be present for interviews, sampling and consultations.

Tickets can be pre-purchased before Sept. 23 for $5 at gtweddings.com, Ortiz Formalwear or Holiday Inn Park Central. Tickets will also be sold at the door for $7. For more information, call 409.332.9091.

Come prepared with an event checklist, budget and your vision for your special day, and watch these local experts work their magic.

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FREE FUN

TRAVELING 911 TIMELINE EXHIBIT VISITS FIRE MUSEUM OF TEXAS

By Marilyn Tennissen The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, were a tragedy for all Americans, but perhaps no group felt the trauma as deeply as the New York City Fire Department, which lost 343 of its members in the collapse of the World Trade Center.

In remembrance of the firefighters and others who were killed that day, the Fire Museum of Texas is hosting a traveling exhibit that has come from New York for the 14th anniversary of the tragedy.

“September 11, 2001: A Timeline” opened at the Fire Museum in Beaumont on Aug. 5 and will be on display through Sept. 30.

The installation includes a timeline spread across several large panels that takes visitors through the sequence of events as they were unfolding in multiple locations on 9-11. Against this backdrop, visitors will see about a dozen objects that were collected from the rubble of the World Trade Center.

The exhibit comes from the New York State Museum in Albany, N.Y., which houses the country’s largest collection of objects from the World Trade Center.

Ami Kamara, manager of the Texas Fire Museum, said the events 14 years ago changed the way people see firefighters.

“It made the sacrifices of firefighters evident on a large scale,” she said.

Kamara chose this particular traveling exhibit because it not only shows the timeline of events but also includes artifacts.

Architectural fragments, office equipment and an American flag are among the objects that visitors will be able to see up close.

“We hope that having the artifacts here will help the community experience the events in a more tangible way,” Kamara said.

The exhibit certainly has traveled, making its way around the country for display at the Southwest Florida Museum of History in Fort Myers, Fla., the USAA

Headquarters in San Antonio; the Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati, Ohio; Monroe Community College in Temperance, Mich.; Nassau County Firefighters Museum in Garden City, N.Y.; and Pace University in New York, N.Y. But the exhibit is not the only way the Fire Museum of Texas will remember the effects of the terrorist attacks.

On Sept. 11 the museum will host a lecture by Lamar University history instructor Ken Poston, who will share some of the local reactions to the event and the lasting impact 9-11 has had on fire service in Southeast Texas.

For more information, call the Fire Museum of Texas, 409.880.3927.

September 11, 2001: A Timeline Aug. 5-Sept. 30, 2015

Lecture by Ken Poston 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 11, 2015

Fire Museum of Texas 400 Walnut St. Beaumont

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CHARITY

TEAM UP & WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S A branch of the world’s largest event to fight Alzheimer’s is taking place in Beaumont. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Sept. 19 at West Brook High School with similar walks occurring across the U.S at varying times during the fall, all focused on creating awareness of the disease and funding research to cure it.

Although there is no fee to participate in the 5K or 3.1-mile walk, the Alzheimer’s Association asks every walker to register and appreciates a personal donation.

Everyone who raises $100 or more receives a T-shirt.

In addition every participant will choose a promise garden flower, a fabric flower to walk with, personalize and commemorate the event. Flowers are color-coded to represent walkers’ connection to the disease. Blue represents someone with Alzheimer's or dementia.

Purple is for someone who has lost a loved one to the disease. Yellow represents someone who is currently supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.

Orange is for everyone who supports the cause and vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.

Walkers can write on the flowers with Sharpies, honoring loved ones and memorializing those lost to the disease. After the walk, participants will be invited to “plant” or place their flowers in a giant hay bale or in the grass and take photos. A DJ will play music and everyone is invited to stay for an after party.

Registration for the rain or shine walk begins at 7 a.m. followed by a short ceremony to launch the event including American Idol’s Cossey Anderson singing the National Anthem. The walk begins promptly at 8:30 a.m.

“We want everyone to join a team – two or more

people make a team – because this is our signature fundraising event for research and support services which include education programs throughout Southeast Texas, like lunch and learns for nurses and social workers who get continuing education units free of charge. We also host conferences for them annually,” said Clarissa Urban, regional outreach coordinator for the Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association.

Awareness materials are available for those who make donations including bracelets, “Casual for a Cause” stickers for employers to raise money in the workplace collecting $5 when employees wear jeans, and Forget-Me-Not Flowers that can be written on and hung as a reminder of the cause and fight.

Connie Prewitt, 52, a mother of three children who is the “lunch lady” at St. Anne Catholic School, is leading the cause this year, not only by chairing the walk but also by raising the most funds so far. She set a goal to raise $1,000 and at print date had netted $3,800.

“My mother had Alzheimer’s, her dad had a form of dementia and my mother’s sisters have both been affected by a form of dementia; so many families are affected by Alzheimer’s,” said Prewitt. “Women in their 60s are twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s than breast cancer. We’ve just got to create awareness out there and fight the fight.”

For more information about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s contact the local office at 409.833.1613 or go online to register at www.alztex.org/walk. There is a video to walk registrants through the process of creating a team.

Alzheimer's Association 2015 Facts and Figures • If you have a brain, you’re at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease.

• Women in their 60s are about twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease over the rest of their lives as they are likely to develop breast cancer.

• Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the USA. • There are 15 million family and other unpaid caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease in the US. • There are 2.5 times more women than men providing intensive ‘on-duty’ care, 24 hours a day to someone with Alzheimer’s • There is a new case of Alzheimer’s disease in the US every 67 seconds.

• Alzheimer’s disease kills more people each year than prostate and breast cancer combined.

• Alzheimer’s disease is responsible for 226 billion dollars in annual costs in the US. • More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease.

• Alzheimer’s disease is the only one of the top 10 leading causes of death with no way to prevent, cure, or treat it.

BCA to Host Second Annual Red, White & Blue Golf Classic In benefit of U.S. military veterans, Brent Coon & Associates will host the Second Annual Red, White & Blue Golf Classic Oct. 2 at Brentwood Entertainment Complex. The proceeds from the four-person scramble will go to the Lone Survivor Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, which seeks to restore, empower and renew hope for wounded service members and their families through health, wellness and therapeutic support.

Last year’s tournament was a great success raising more

than $15,000. The goal this year $25,000. The tournament, which includes food and beverages on the course, a holein-one contest, silent auction, door prizes and ticket raffle as well as event team prizes for first, fifth and 10th place finishes, starts at 1 p.m. and cost $300 for a team. For more information or to register for the event, call, 409.835.2666 or email damon@bcoonlaw.com. You can also get more details at facebook.com/RedWhiteAndBlueGolfClassic.

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FESTIVALS

FALL FESTIVAL ROUNDUP

By Marilyn Tennissen Fall may be slow in coming to Southeast Texas, but when it does it ushers in one of the nicest times of year in the area. Cold fronts from the north begin to blow in, bringing with them a light breeze, low humidity, crystal clear blue skies and a perfect time to venture outside after the long hot days of summer.

For the next few months, communities throughout the region offer plenty of fairs and festivals to keep residents and visitors busy until the winter holiday season.

Texas GatorFest Sept. 11-13 Fort Anahuac Park 1704 S. Main St., Anahuac

Held near the mouth of the Trinity River in Fort Anahuac Park, the Texas GatorFest is a celebration of the alligator and its wetlands habitat. The

Some communities celebrate the harvest of their main cash crop, like the Texas Rice Festival in Winnie. Some celebrate the natural beauty of their community, like the Village Creek Festival in Lumberton. Port Arthur recognizes a big part of its cultural identity with a Mexican Heritage Festival. And, of course, there are pageants, pageants, pageants. Scholarships and crowns await the Pecan Queen, the Rice Queen, Miss Mexican Heritage and Miss Village Creek.

But beauty is in the eye of the beholder at the special effects makeup competition during the

family-oriented festival is organized by the Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce and has carnival rides, food vendors and arts and crafts booths to entertain every member of the family.

The premier event is the Great Texas Alligator Roundup, in which alligator hunters are invited to bring in their catch to compete for cash prizes.

The Alligator Education Tent gives guests the opportunity to see live alligators up close and learn from government and private organizations that deal with the gator and its habitat.

Visitors can also experience the wetlands from an airboat or Trinity River Boat Tours.

But no festival in Texas would be complete without live music, and headliners over the three-day festival include Quaker City Night Hawks, Whiskey Meyers, Stoney Larue and Josh Abbott Band.

Got a boat? Get to the festival by taking a ride on the river instead of the road! Fort Anahuac Park is easily accessible by most bay boats at the Chambers County boat ramps on the east bank of the Trinity River.

Tickets for adults are $10, with children under 12 and seniors over 65 paying only $5. Festival parking is $10.

For more information, call the Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce at 409.267.4190 or visit www. texasgatorfest.com.

Montage Arts Festival in Beaumont or the Halloween costume contest in Lumberton.

Four-legged critters aren’t left out either, with Anahuac showing proper respect to the alligator with the state’s largest GatorFest and downtown Beaumont’s Dog-toberfest giving dog owners and their pets a chance to strut their stuff.

To help residents navigate the busy months ahead, the Events Book has prepared a roundup of some of the regional festivals happening in September and October.

Groves Pecan Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant Sept. 12 Groves Elementary School Auditorium 3901 Cleveland St., Groves

After 10 years, the Texas Pecan Festival has been officially renamed the Groves Pecan Festival, and the date of the festival has moved to November. However, the queen’s pageant is still being held in September.

The pageant will be 7 p.m. Sept. 12 at Groves Elementary Auditorium.

The first place winner in the queen’s pageant will receive a $1,000 scholarship, with $750 to the first runner-up and $500 for the second runner-up.

There are divisions for girls of all ages: Queen, Princess, Junior Miss, Countess, Duchess, Little Miss and Petite Miss. There is also a Miss Photogenic for each category.

Adult tickets are $10 pre-sale and $12 at the door; children’s tickets are $5 pre-sale and $6 at the door.

The event organizers, the Groves Chamber of Commerce, wanted to avoid some of the rainy days, warm temperatures and cancellation due to hurricanes in September by moving the rest of the festival to Nov. 5-8.

For more information, contact the Groves Chamber at 409.962.3631 or www.grovescofc.com.

Mexican Heritage Festival Sept. 12 Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center 3401 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur

The Mexican Heritage Society of Port Arthur founded the pageant in 1969 to honor the community’s

Mexican heritage and teach younger generations about their cultural traditions. It takes place the weekend preceding Sept. 16, the day Mexico won its independence from Spain.

The festival is family-friendly and includes traditional music, dance and food.

One of the highlights of the event is the pageant, in which participants each represent a different state in Mexico and dress in the style and colors of that state. There are categories for girls of different age groups with the Mr. Jovencito category for boys.

The pageant winners receive scholarship money, with $150 to the third runner-up, $250 to the second runner-up, $350 to the first runner-up and $750 to Miss Mexican Heritage.

Texas Rice Festival Sept. 30-Oct. 3 Winnie-Stowell Park 307 E. Leblanc Road, Winnie

The Texas Rice Festival is an annual harvest celebration held the first weekend of October. The festival was created in 1969 to honor rice farming, a major economic contribution to the Southeast Texas region.

Featured entertainers include Kevin Fowler, Josh Abbott Band, Wayne Toups & Zydecajun, Aaron Watson, Shinyribs and Bag of Donuts.

Awards given by the festival include the Cajun Award, Young Farmer of the Year, Farmer of the Year and Parade Marshal. The 10-day event also features an art contest, photography contest, rice cooking contest, horseshoe tournament, washer tour-

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nament and a diaper derby.

Visitors can also take in an antique car show, livestock show, a horse show and a farm equipment display.

Info about the valuable crop can be found in the Rice Education Tent.

Local children can compete in several pageants, including the Little Rice Tot, Little Rice Sweetheart, Little Rice King, Miss LaPetite, Junior Queen and Senior Queen.

In addition, there is a large carnival.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 students. Seniors over 65 and children under 5 get in free. Carnival wrist bands are $30 for one day and Passports to Fun, which allow unlimited carnival rides throughout the festival, are $60.

A complete listing of events and schedules can be found on the website at www.texasricefestival.com.

For more information, call the Texas Rice Festival Office at 409.296.4404.

Montage: A Southeast Texas Arts Festival Oct. 9-10 Betty Greenberg Center for Performing Arts 4155 Laurel Ave., Beaumont

The Montage Festival is a showcase for the arts and humanities in Southeast Texas and is held at the Betty Greenburg Center for Performing Arts in Beaumont.

Local artists show and sell their best work, but the festival celebrates more than the visual arts.

The performing arts are well represented with Festillusion, a theatrical costume contest. Both amateur and professional costume makers compete for prize money in several categories.

All categories will receive prizes for “Best” and “Runner Up” winners, and include Best Fantasy, Best Character, Best Period, Best Creature and Best with the Least. In addition, a grand prize, The Best of the Fest: The Paula “Torchy” Salter Award, will be given to the overall best costume in the contest.

A new contest debuts in 2015, the Special Effects Makeup Competition, in which teams have a limited of time to create makeup special effects.

On Saturday, selected scripts that were previously submitted for cri-

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tique in a playwriting master class with Gary Garrison will be presented on stage. Garrison, executive director for creative affairs of the Dramatists Guild of America, is from Orange and attended Lamar University.

The festival is organized by the Southeast Texas Arts Council and was made possible by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts. The first Montage was held in October 2014.

For more information, check out the website at SETAC.org, call the Southeast Texas Arts Council at 409.835.2787 or send an email to director@setxac.org.

crafted scarecrows using repurposed and recycled materials on display throughout the gardens. The scarecrows are created by community organizations, businesses, schools and families with designs ranging from funny to clever to wacky and weird.

Visitors are asked to vote for their favorite scarecrow, and winners will be awarded a prize on Nov. 7.

For more information, contact Shangri La at 409.670.9113 or visit the website at starkculturalvenues.org/ shangrilagardens/

Dogtoberfest Oct. 10

Lumberton City Park 1300 FM 421, Lumberton

765 Pearl St., Beaumont

The Village Creek Festival is a fundraising event for the Lumberton Chamber of Commerce and features a weekend of carnival rides, a talent show, a costume contest, food booths and craft vendors to celebrate the natural beauty of the East Texas piney woods and its waterways.

While many area fairs and festivals

DOG-tober Fest is a day full of activities to celebrate our four–legged friends. The event is hosted by Beaumont Main Street, a non-profit downtown development organization, and takes place in the green space between the Julie Rogers Theatre and the Beaumont Public Library.

Events begin at 8 a.m. with a Pooches and Pancakes breakfast.

All other activities begin at 9 a.m.

Contests include the Master/Dog Look Alike, Cutest Dog, Best Howlin’ Dog, Best Dressed Dog and the Strut Your Mutt Parade. Other activities include the Barkery, the SPAW, Paw readings, Bone Appetit food court, Diggin’ for Bones, Bark Art, Pappy’s Barnyard Petting Zoo and shopping at Neiman Barkus.

But the fun doesn’t end there, Yappy Hour starts at 2 p.m. with live music and a beer garden for the pups’ two-legged friends.

For more information, contact Carol Gary, chairman, cjg@portofbeaumont.com or Tom Bell, Beaumont Main Street, 409.838.2202 or email director@beaumontmainstreet.org.

Scarecrow Festival Oct. 14-Nov. 7 Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center 2111 West Park Ave., Orange

Shangri La Botanical Gardens hosts a scarecrow festival to celebrate the changing season. The largest scarecrow festival in Texas, the event includes dozens of hand-

Village Creek Festival Oct. 22-24

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moved from fall to spring after having cancellations due to hurricanes, the Lumberton Chamber stood out from the pack by changing its festival time from spring to fall in 2014.

There will be lots of fall-themed activities, including a children’s Halloween costume contest, a popular event that debuted last year. There will be live music throughout the event, with an emphasis on showcasing local performers.

Like most community fairs, there is a pageant for girls of different ages with the theme “Sugar and Spice.”

One young woman between the ages of 18 and 21 will be crowned Miss Village Creek and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Proceeds from the event go to local scholarships, small business grants and to help defray office expenses for the Lumberton Chamber of Commerce. The deadline for payment for vendor booths is Sept. 30.

For more information, call the Lumberton Chamber of Commerce, 409.755.0554, or www.lumbertonchamberofcommerce.com.

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EVENT LISTINGS SATURDAYS Beaumont Farmers Market | 8 a.m. | Free | Beaumont Athletic Complex, 950 Langham Rd., Beaumont Neches River Adventures |10 a.m.| Riverfront Park, 805 Main, Beaumont

SEPT. 1 Cowboy Harley Bike Night | 5:30 p.m.| Madison's, 4020 Dowlen, Beaumont Community Yoga | 5:30 p.m. | R.C. Miller Memorial Library, 1605 Dowlen Road, Beaumont

SEPT. 2 Ubi Caritas Media Night | 6 p.m.| Mike Smith Mercedes, 1865 I-10 Frontage Road, Beaumont

SEPT. 3 Weekly Story Time | 4:30 p.m. | Free | Elmo WIllard Library, 3590 E. Lucas, Beaumont First Thursdays on Calder | 5 p.m. | Mildred Building, Calder Ave, Beaumont Ballroom Group Dance Lessons: East Coast Swing | 7 p.m. | $40-$60. | Christus Health & Wellness Center, 3030 North St., Beaumont

SEPT. 4 ARC of Greater Beaumont Mom's Talk | 10 a.m.| S.T.A.R.S. Pediatric Center, 160 Dowlen Road, Beaumont Classic Movie Nights: The Breakfast Club | 6 p.m. | Jefferson Theater, 345 Fannin St., Beaumont Tab Benoit | 7 p.m. | $18-$30.50. Advance general admission $18; reserved seats $30.50 | Jerry Nelsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hill Country Backyard Music Hall, 3871 Stagg Drive, Beaumont

The Giving Field Workday "Help Feed the Hungry" | 9 a.m. | Free | The Giving Field, 2895 Liberty St., Beaumont Stars and Stripes Car Show | 9 a.m. | Free | Heritage Square, 923 Ruth, Sulphur Spindletop Roller Girls | 6 p.m. | $5-$10 | Beaumont Civic Center Complex, 701 Main St., Beaumont The Helping Hands Community Clean Up | 8 p.m.| Pleasure Island, 520 S. Levee Entrance Road, Port Arthur Anthony Hamilton: A Night of Love and Laughter | 8 p.m. | $55 | Julie Rogers Theatre for the Performing Arts, 765 Pearl St., Beaumont Mexican Heritage Society Fiesta | All Day | $10-$20 | Robert A. Bob Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur

SEPT. 14 BCF Golf Tournament | All Day | $85-$350 | Idylwild Golf Club, 1100 East Pine Shadows Drive, Sour Lake Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University Class | All Day | $99 | Parkway Life Church, 1865 FM 3513 Road, Lumberton

SEPT. 16 Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau Destination Training | 8 a.m. | Free | Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau , 505 Willow St., Beaumont Ubi Caritas Date Auction | 6 p.m. | $10 | Madison's, 4020 Dowlen, Beaumont

SEPT. 5 Jesus Christ Jamboree Revival | 10 a.m. | Free | Buna High School, 1022 Old State Highway 62, Buna

SEPT. 8 Men Against Cancer: Prostate Cancer Support Group | 6 p.m. | St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 680 Calder Ave., Beaumont Making Your Nest Egg Last | 6:30 p.m. | Education First Training Building, 5680 Old Dowlen Road, Beaumont

SEPT. 10 Cake At The Lake | 5:30 p.m. |Event Centre- Great Lawn, 700 Crockett, Beaumont Salute to the Real American Heroes | 6 p.m. | $50 | Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont Movie Night: Rebel Without a Cause | 6:30 p.m. | Free | McFaddin-Ward House, 1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont

SEPT. 11 Fore Hope Golf Tournament | 7 a.m. | $200-$1,000 | Bayou Din Golf Course, 8537 Labelle Road, Beaumont Italian Art Lectures | Sept. 11, 18, 2015 | 1 p.m. | Free | R.C. Miller Memorial Library, 1605 Dowlen Road, Beaumont Ken Poston Lecture | 5:30 p.m. | Free | Fire Museum of Texas, 400 Walnut, Beaumont AMSET Gala | 7 p.m. | Downtown Beaumont, 500 Main Street, Beaumont

SEPT. 12 2nd Annual Neches River Rally | 8 a.m. | $35-$50 | Lower Neches Valley Authority, 6790 Bigner Road, Beaumont

SALUTE TO THE REAL AMERICAN HEROES Sept. 10 | 6 p.m. | $50

Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont Jeff Bauman, a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing who later was able to identify the bombers, will be the speaker for the LIT Foundation Salute to the Real American Heroes, 6 p.m. Sept. 10 at Wesley United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 3810 North Major Drive. Bauman, who lost both his legs in the bombing, has written a book about the bombing and his recovery called, "Stronger." Dinner will be provided by the Sabine Area Restaurant Association and Cooks 2 Dozen Plus Inc. Tickets $50 each. All first responders and active military who are in uniform plus a guest will be treated to dinner. To buy tickets, make first responder/ military reservations or for more information on sponsorships, go to www.lit.edu or call 409.839.2983. Proceeds go to provide scholarships for students in programs in LIT's Department of Public Service & Safety.

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SEPT. 17 Golden Triangle Quilt Guild Meeting | noon | Northwood Christian Church, 5050 Eastex Freeway (Hwy. 69/87 North), Beaumont Commissioner Eddie Arnold's Re-Election Campaign Kickoff | 5 p.m. | $35 | Edison Plaza Museum, 350 Pine St., Beaumont Miss Fearless Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Film Series | 5:30 p.m. | Free | Dishman Art Museum, 1030 E. Lavaca St., Beaumont Noble Vines (A Tasting) | 6 p.m. | Free | McFaddin-Ward House, 1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont

SEPT. 18 Southeast Texas "Will Golf for Food" Tournament | 7:30 a.m. | $125/person $500/four-person team. | Bayou Din Golf Club, 8537 LaBelle Road, Beaumont Meet the Artist Stephanie Dwyer & Celebrate Bottle Trees | 9 a.m. | Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center Sport Tunnel Boat Races | 3 p.m. | Free | City of Orange Boat Ramp, 1000 Simmons Drive, Orange An Evening with Travis Tritt | 8 p.m. | $35-$60 | Jefferson Theater, 345 Fannin St., Beaumont Sam Riggs and The Night People | 9 p.m. | $12-$24.50 | Jerry Nelsons Hill Country Backyard Music Hall, 3871 Stagg Drive, Beaumont

SEPT. 19 Southeast Texas Walk to End Alzheimer's | 7 a.m. | Free | West Brook High School, 8750 Phelan Blvd., Beaumont Beaumont Coin & Collectibles Show | 9 a.m.| Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, 3950 Walden Road, Beaumont Sport Tunnel Boat Races | Sept. 19, 20, 2015 | 9 a.m. | Free | City of Orange Boat Ramp, 1000 Simmons Drive , Orange

CONVERSATION ON HURRICANE RITA HOSTED BY TEXAS TRIBUNE AND BEAUMONT ENTERPRISE Sept. 22 | 11:30 a.m. | Free Lamar University, 4400 S MLK Jr. Parkway, Beaumont In addition to the conversation, storm survivors are invited to share video testimonials of their Rita experience on site.

Testimonials will be filmed from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m. in the Setzer Center Conference Room (Room 133) and will be shared on the website for the Road From Rita project.

The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A session and will be livestreamed at texastribune.org/livestream, and a video will be available following the event. For media RSVP, please contact Natalie Choate at nchoate@texastribune.org.

General registration is open at texastribune.org/events.

Fall Harvest & Meet the Artist Stephanie Dwyer | 10 a.m. | Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center Shred It & Forget It | 10 a.m. | Free | Better Business Bureau, 550 Fannin, Ste. 100, Beaumont

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Free Family Fun Day: Crocodiles | 10 a.m. | Free | Museum of the Gulf Coast, 700 Procter St., Port Arthur Cowboy Harley Lot Party | 11 a.m. | Free | Cowboy Harley-Davidson of Beaumont, 1150 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont Symphony of Southeast Texas | 6:30 p.m. | Julie Rogers Theatre for the Performing Arts, 765 Pearl, Beaumont Latin Treasures | 7:30 p.m. | $18-$157 | Julie Rogers Theater, 765 Pearl, Beaumont WWE Live | 7:30 p.m. | $15-$100. Tickets are $100, $95, $70, $50, $35, $25 and $15, plus $3 facility fee | Ford Park Arena, 5115 I-10 South, Beaumont

SEPT. 19 & 20 The Real Texas Gun Show | 10 a.m. | $8 | Orange County Expo and Convention Center, 11475 FM 1442, Orange

SEPT. 22 Texas Tribune and Beaumont Enterprise to Host Conversation on Hurricane Rita | 11:30 a.m. | Free | Lamar University, 4400 S MLK Jr. Parkway, Beaumont Hope Women's Resource Clinic Annual Gala | 6 p.m. | $80-$5,000 | Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, 3950 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont Women at the Wheel: The Female Head of Household | 6:30 p.m. | Education First Training Building, 5680 Old Dowlen Road, Beaumont

SEPT. 24 6th Annual Boots & Bull Celebrity Waiter | 6 p.m. | $280 | Broussard's Farm Sevenne Hall, 10714 E. Clubb Road, Beaumont One of the Top Green Projects in the World Lectures | 6:30 p.m. | Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

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SEPT. 25 Kountze Big Thicket Trade Days | 8 a.m.| Kountze Trade Days Grounds, Hwy 69 North, Kountze The Haunted Hotel | Sept. 25-27 | 7:13 p.m. | $11-$17. General admission $11 and $14; VIP Fast Pass $17 | The Haunted Hotel, 447 Orleans St., Beaumont

SEPT. 26 CASA Superhero 5K and Kids Fun Color Run | 7 a.m. | $10-$30 | Hollywood Theatres, 4455 Dowlen Road, Beaumont Adopt-A-Beach Fall Cleanup | 8:30 a.m. | Free | Sea Rim State Park, 19335 S Hwy 87, Sabine Pass Saturday Adventure Series: Marvelous Migrations | 10 a.m. | Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center Up Close with Nature | 2 p.m. | Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center Swan Lake | 7 p.m. | $22-$50 | Jefferson Theater, 345 Fannin St., Beaumont

SEPT. 27 Golden Triangle Wedding Expo | All Day | $10 | Holiday Inn- Park Central, 2929 Jimmy Johnson Blvd, Port Arthur

SEPT. 28 Mondays at the Museum: Hot Yoga | 6:45 p.m. | $10 | McFaddin-Ward House, 1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont

SEPT. 29 Mix & Mingle | 4:30 p.m. | Free | Brentwood Country Club, 4201 South Major Drive, Beaumont

For more events, go to southeasttexasevents.com.

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SNEAK PEEK october OCT. 1

OCT. 3

First Thursdays on Calder | 5 p.m. | Mildred Building

Julie Richardson Procter 5K Ribbon Run/Walk | 7 a.m. | Beaumont Civic Center Complex South Park High School 100th Anniversary Parade and Fun Day | 10 a.m. | South Park Middle School Joseph & Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat | 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. | $45-$65 | Lutcher Theater South Park High School 100th Anniversary Mass Reunion | 7 p.m. | Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites

OCT. 2 & 3 2015 Women of Faith "LOVED" Farewell Tour | 7 p.m. | Redeemer Lutheran Church

OCT. 2 Red, White and Blue Golf Classic | Brentwood Country Club

OCT. 6 Annual 4-H Open House | 6 p.m. | Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

OCT. 8 Dauphin Women’s Center Open House | noon | Dauphin Women’s Center

OCT. 9 Harbor Foundation's 6th Dinner for Life Gala | 7 p.m. | Event Centre

OCT. 10 Shootin for a Miracle Clay Shoot | 8 a.m. | 1 in 100 Gun Club CavOILcade Parade | 9 a.m. | Downtown Port Arthur "We are Miracles" Pumpkin Patch Pageant | 9:30 a.m. | West Brook Performing Arts Center Dog-tober Fest | 10 a.m. | Julie Rogers Theater Fall Festival | All Day | Redeemer Lutheran Church

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OCT. 15 Fall Community Picnic | 5 p.m. | McFaddin-Ward House Rabbi Samuel Rosinger Humanitarian Award Dinner | 6:30 p.m. |Event Centre Home Free | 8 p.m. | Nederland Performing Arts Center

OCT. 16 Swingin' for a Miracle Golf Tournament | 8 a.m. | Brentwood Country Club Leading Ladies | Oct. 16, 17, 23-25, 30 & 31 | 7:30 p.m. | Beaumont Community Players, 4155 Laurel, Beaumont

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The Monster Mash, AMSET Bash | 7 p.m. | Art Museum of Southeast Texas

OCT. 24 Fire Truck Pull | 9 a.m. | Jack Brooks Regional Airport The Beaumont Buddy Walk | 9:30 a.m. | The Beaumont Event Centre Chris Tomlin: The Love Run Red Tour | 7 p.m. | Ford Park Arena

OCT. 27 4th Annual Cosmic Costume Bowling Tournament | 6 p.m. | Max Bowl Event Center

OCT. 17 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk | 7:30 a.m. | Dauphin Athletic Complex Touch a Truck | 9 a.m. | Beaumont Civic Center Complex Beaumont Heritage Society Pumpkin Walk and Haunted Halloween Tour | 6 p.m. | John Jay French Museum Port Arthur NAACP Scholarship Banquet | 6:30 p.m. | Holiday Inn- Park Central

OCT. 18 Symphony at Shangri La | 5:30 p.m. |Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

OCT. 20 Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting | 6 p.m. | Beaumont Civic Center Complex

OCT. 22 Southeast Texas Senior Celebration and Consumer Expo | 8:30 a.m. | Beaumont Civic Center Complex Village Creek Festival | Oct. 22, 23 | Lumberton City Park Haunted Halloween Tour | 6 p.m. | Chambers House Museum Turn Texas Blue IV | 6 p.m. | Compro Event Center Lecture “Stuff” with Carey Maloney | 6:30 p.m. | McFaddin-Ward Bye Bye Birdie | Oct. 22-24 & 29-31 | 7:37 p.m. |Orange Community Players

OCT. 23 Kountze Big Thicket Trade Days | 8 a.m. | Kountze Trade Days Grounds

OCT. 29 Gift of Life 20 Year Legacy of Love Celebration with Liza Minnelli | 7:30 p.m. | Julie Rogers Theatre

OCT. 31 Texas Energy Museum Dinosaur Day | 9 a.m. |Texas Energy Museum Eat a Bug Family Art Day | 10 a.m. | Art Museum of Southeast Texas Trunk-or-Treat & Haunted Jail | 3 p.m. | Beaumont Civic Center Complex

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

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CARTOON CORNER

ON THIS DATE IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS Sept. 18, 1936 A new crown and robe were purchased for the queen of the South Texas State Fair. For several years the same crown had been used in the coronation ceremonies, but the fair director, W. Harry Longe, thought the new one would be much more becoming.

Sept. 2, 1952

Back to school fashions were on sale in Beaumont.

Sept. 14, 1964 Fall Semester activities began at Lamar Tech when 1,750 freshmen attended orientation programs held throughout the day.

Sept. 23, 1999 A Bryan jury sentenced Lawrence Russell Brewer to die for his role in the murder of James Byrd Jr. Sept. 24, 2005 Jefferson County shut down indefinitely after Hurricane Rita slammed ashore just east of Sabine Pass.

Advertisement for back to school sale in downtown Beaumont and Hurricane Rita aftermath in Beaumont.

FINAL PHOTO

ONE BIG CATCH

Paul Litinski catches a 92-inch shark at Crystal Beach mid-summer.

Photo by JIm Debes

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