Viva Southeast Volume 8 Issue 2 by Fox Press

DR. JACK GILL FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO TRAILBLAZING INNOVATOR | DR. JACK HOPPER 45 YEARS ON LAMAR FACULTY

Complimentary VOLUME 8 ISSUE 2

Police Chief Jimmy Singletary celebrates 50 years in Law Enforcement!

Dr. Jack Gill

Dr. Jack Hopper

Jimmy Singletary

Southeast Texas Bishop David Toups and Hurricane Laura meet face to face

• Mardi Gras is still on schedule but will be different in 2021. • American Air Systems awards new AC system to worthy homeowner, Carina Kirk. LOADED WITH PHOTOS, RECIPES, HELPFUL TIPS, ACTIVITIES, SHOPPING & DINING THROUGHOUT SOUTHEAST TEXAS & SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA www.vivasoutheasttexas.com

www.facebook.com/VivaSETXMag

Viva Spotlight

Become a Localist ....................................................................6

History 12th Night of Christmas ...........................................................7

Viva Spotlight Bishop David Toups ............................................................. 8, 9

Places of Interest Directories ...............................10, 11 Viva Spotlight

Lamar University - Dr. Hopper ......................................... 12-16

Lamar

Athletic Department Implements COVID-19 Changes ............. 17

Church Directories .....................................................18, 19 Crime Stopper .................................................................... 20 Viva Spotlight

Chief Jimmy Singletary ................................................... 21-23

House To House ...........................................................24, 25 Restaurant Guides .....................................................26, 27 Mardi Gras .....................................................................28, 29

Cassie Fiorenza Simpson, Publisher

What a year! Covid , hurricanes, floods, I know we all will be glad to see a new year! We welcome you to our latest issue and want you to know that 2021 marks our 9th year of publishing Viva Southeast Texas Magazine. We are proud that we have brought you positive and engaging stories on the people, places, and things to do in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana, and hopefully we inspire you to get out and enjoy all that our area has to offer.

In this issue we have some really interesting articles. We continue our in-depth look at prominent Lamar University graduates and faculty. This issue is really special as we introduce you to Dr. Jack Gill, a 1958 Lamar grad, who is truly a self-made man. He came from very humble beginnings and went on to start and sell several high-tech companies and then followed his love of education to Harvard where he taught MDs and PHDs how to become successful entrepreneurs. He currently is on the staff at Rice. Read the rest of his life story where you can only find it in Viva Southeast Texas Magazine! We are also pleased to highlight Dr. Jack Hopper, probably someone you have never heard of, however a giant among educators! Dr. Hopper has been on the Lamar University staff for 45 years! He has been instrumental in raising close to $200 million dollars for Lamar University! Dr. Hopper has played a major role in bringing national recognition to Lamar! You will want to read about Beaumont Police Chief Jimmy Singletary as 2020 marks his 50th year in law enforcement! We are extremely lucky to have Chief Singletary as our Police Chief in Beaumont and we are honored to call him a friend! American Air Systems, Inc. completed its second annual #AmerAirCares giveaway, providing a new heating and cooling system to Beaumont resident, Carina Kirk. Lee Potter, President of American Air Systems, Inc., says he looks forward to giving back to individuals in Southeast Texas who need a little extra help. “Our company has been blessed to grow in Southeast Texas because of the support of our customers and partners,” says Potter. If you are curious about what’s going on with our economic status in Southeast Texas, Ana Perada , the Economic Development Vice President of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, enlightens us on current activity.

Lamar

Have you heard about an Epiphany Celebration? We hadn’t until Butch and Cindy Frazier introduced us to it! The Epipiany is a Christian celebration held on the 6th of January that celebrates the arrival of the wise men who came to see Jesus soon after he was born.

Lamar University - Dr. Gill ............................................... 30-34

Cardinal Club Established in 1969 .......................................... 35

Be sure to follow Viva Southeast Texas Magazine on Facebook and watch for our updated website, which is currently under construction. Please support our advertisers, most of whom are local Southeast Texans just trying to get by in these tough economic and pandemic times! Without their support, Viva Southeast Texas Magazine would not exist! The Beaumont Chamber has coined a phrase concerning shopping locally: BUY Local … . Or BYE Local!!

409.866.8570 | cassie@vivasoutheasttexas.com

VIVASOUTHEASTTEXAS.COM

We wish you all a Happy and Safe Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year!! P.S. Be sure and like us on facebook www.facebook.com/vivaSETXmag. We have more Snapshots and events listed!

ACCREDITED BUSINESS

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Viva Southeast Texas Magazine is a great way to get your message throughout Southeast Texas/Southwest Louisiana. TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN VIVA SOUTHEAST TEXAS MAGAZINE, OR TO GET A COPY:

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Viva Spotlight

Bishop David Toups Called to Serve in Southeast Texas

8, 9

Directories ........................................................................... 36 Wine ........................................................................................ 38 Fashion .................................................................................. 39 Technology Homeschooling ..................................................................... 40

Your Money.......................................................................... 41

Since 1932

Gift Of Life ............................................................................ 43 Recipes

Take the Taste of Southeast Texas Home ..........................44, 45

Business

Meet Outdoors ...................................................................... 47

Calendar of Events.....................................................48, 49 Advertiser’s Spotlight

American Air 2nd Annual HVAC Give-Away ............................ 51

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

News from the BBB ....................................................52, 53 Chamber Matters ............................................................. 54

Viva Southeast Texas Magazine PUBLISHER

Cassie Fiorenza Simpson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Cassie Fiorenza Simpson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

4 DESIGN

vivasoutheasttexas.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

BEAUMONT, TX

Joy G. Wooley

Michelle Armstrong Edward Jones Financial Advisor Kathie Platt Lee Potter Mike Simpson

Joy Wooley Kathy Odom Chrissie Mouton Rebekah Maxwell Debbie Slaughter

Kathy Odom - Print The Town Cassie Fiorenza Simpson

Market-wise consumers, business competition, increasing demand from government all point to the need for greater efficiencies in the way businesses market themselves. The individuals, companies and organizations featured in Viva Southeast Texas Magazine have made a valued contribution to this publication. However, no representation is made about the quality of services to be performed or the expertise of the individuals, companies or organizations performing such services. ©

Viva Southeast Texas Magazine Volume 8 Issue 2

2685 West Lucas • Beaumont, Texas 77706 • 409-866-8570 • www.vivasoutheasttexas.com

PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS 2605 Jimmy Johnson, Port Arthur, TX 77640 Phone: (409) 722-3126 â€¢ Fax (409) 962-9223

Viva | Special Report

Become a Localist.

Have New Experiences. See Familiar Places with Fresh Eyes. Share Your Love of the City. You may remember a few months back, we launched a #BeaumontStrong campaign video where we said our greatest resource was you. We were serious. More than a place, people remember interactions. Help show our visitors why we’re “Texas friendly, Bayou fun,” while helping them explore the city like a real local. We’re asking you to see, do and eat Beaumont like a visitor would and share the experience.

The Ask:

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

• Be Our Eyes and Ears on the Ground – Experience our restaurants and attractions like a visitor would. Provide us feedback about what went well, what could be improved, and what you wish you would’ve known. • Share Your Experience – Had an amazing meal? Tried something you had no idea existed in SETX? Let others know so they can do it too! • Help Us Change the Narrative - There’s enough negativity in the world –

vivasoutheasttexas.com

So How Do You Participate? It’s Easy! Step 1: Go to www.beaumontcvb.com/ media/the-localist-program/ and fill out the form. Step 2: Once you click submit, you’ll be directed to a page where you can download a packet to complete, which includes a pre-and post survey for each of your chosen activities. Step 3: Pick three places or attractions around the area to highlight/feature for the month and fill out the pre-questionnaire. It can be somewhere you’ve been a

spread positivity and help uplift the community and drown out the noise.

What’s In It For You: • A Fresh Perspective - The chance to explore your own backyard through a fresh set of eyes. • Free Swag – The chance to earn Beaumont branded gear – wear it loud and proud. • Satisfaction - Knowing you are positively impacting the community and creating real change.

billion times or a new restaurant you’ve been meaning to hit up. Need some ideas? Check out our Beaumont bucket list or itineraries for solo travelers, couples, girlfriends, or pets. Step 4: Get out on the town. Enjoy your activities with whoever you choose – bring a friend, your family, Fido, whoever, but don’t forget to snap some photos! Step 5: Share the Experience. Do one social post highlighting each place you’ve visited. Tag @VisitBeaumontTX on Facebook or Instagram and use the hashtag #GoBeau so we can follow your

adventures. Step 6: Complete Your Post-Activity Questionnaire. How’d it go? What else did you find in the area? Anything else visitors should know? Step 7: Submit your photos and surveys here or email them to lauren.monitz@ beaumonttexas.gov. Get rewarded! As a thank you, you can choose between a mug, t-shirt, or hat. The more you participate, the more you can “level up” with bigger and better rewards each month.

Viva | History These days, not many people know much about Twelfth Night, but in the medieval and Tudor periods, it was more important than Christmas Day. Epiphany, which is a Christian festival on the 6th of January that celebrates the arrival of the wise men who came to see Jesus soon after he was born , the evening before is celebrated as the Twelfth Night, In 567 AD, the Council of Tours, In the medieval Roman Catholic church there were several Councils of Tours,( that city being an old seat of Christianity, and considered fairly centrally located in France.), ended a dispute. Western Europe celebrated Christmas, December 25, as the holiest day of the season.but Eastern Europe celebrated Epiphany, JANUARY 6, recalling the Wise Men’s visit and Jesus’ baptism. It could not be decided which day was holier, so the Council made all 12 days from December 25

Christmas Twelfth Night

Celebration

to January 6 “holy days” or “holidays,” These became known as “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Thus the Council of Tours, proclaimed that the entire period between Christmas and Epiphany should be considered part of the Christmas celebration and also proclaimed that the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany be accepted as a sacred and festive season, and established the duty of Advent. On the last of the twelve days, called Twelfth Night, various cultures developed a wide range of additional special festivities. The variation extends even to the issue of how to count the days. If Christmas Day is the first of the twelve days, then Twelfth Night would

Bishop Curtis Guillory, Cassie Fiorenza Simpson and Bishop Brandon Cahill

Bishop Toups

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Msgr. Michael Jamail, Fr. Joseph Kattakkara and Msgr. Jerry McGrath

be on January 5, the eve of Epiphany. In most Western ecclesiastical traditions, Christmas Day is considered the “First Day of Christmas” and the Twelve Days are 25 December – 5 January, inclusive, making Twelfth Night on 5 January, which is Epiphany Eve As recently as the 1950s, Twelfth Night in Britain was a night for wassailing, a tradition that’s enjoying something of a revival. Wassailers, like carol singers, went from house to house singing and wishing their neighbors good health Epiphany Eve (also known as Twelfth Night) marks the end of the traditional Christmas celebrations and is the time when you were meant to take Christmas decorations down.

Bishop Toups greets JoFrances Manuel after Mass

vivasoutheasttexas.com

Deacon Flint Barboza, Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, Bishop David Toups, Msgr. Salvador Culotta, Bishop Brendan Cahill

Bishop Curtis Guillory, Regina Rogers and Bishop Brandon Cahill

Viva | Spotlight

Bishop David Toups Called To Serve Southeast Texas “With New Eagerness” by Kathie Platt On June 9th, in the midst of a global pandemic, racial tensions, economic downturn, a divisive presidential contest, and hurricane season, the beloved Bishop Curtis Guillory emeritus announced “the good news” of Msgr. David L.Toups as the new Bishop-elect for the Diocese of Beaumont. The outgoing and incoming bishops chose Romans 8:28 as their scripture to define their ministry to Southeast Texas during unprecedented times: “For those who love God, we know that all things work together for the good.”

Native Son of the South: Conversion & Vocation

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Raised in Houma, Louisiana, David Toups spent his early childhood in the deep South. When a junior in high school, his

vivasoutheasttexas.com

family moved to his mother’s native Clearwater, Florida where Toups spent his teenage years growing up in a traditional Catholic home filled with faith, family and sports. The youngest of three (with an older sister and brother), he later attended college at Florida Southern in Lakeland. Then halfway through his undergrad as a pre-law student and fraternity brother, Toups says he had his adult awakening of the faith. “I felt the call to full-time ministry and the need to discern the call to Catholic priesthood. Although I had been raised a Catholic, now I was called to embrace my faith as my own and live my faith in its fullness.” In 1991, Toups entered seminary. He completed his undergraduate degree at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, and then went onto Rome for five years to pursue his theological studies at the Pontifical North American College and the Pontifical Gregorian University, becoming fluent in Italian and Spanish. On June 14, 1997, Toups was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of St. Petersburg in Florida, comprising the five counties of the Central West Coast of Florida. “As a priest I served in parish ministry, then returned to Rome from 2002 to 2004 for my Doctorate in Theology. After completing my PhD., I taught at the regional seminary, St. Vincent de Paul, in Boynton Beach, Florida. I also served for several years in Washington, D.C. with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops,” the new bishop describes his evolving journey.

Answering A New Call…And A Hurricane For the past eight years, from 2012-2020, Toups served as rector and president at St. Vincent de Paul….until the day he

received another call. On June 1, 2020 Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, contacted Toups to announce that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, had appointed Toups to become the sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont replacing the recently retired Bishop Guillory. Toups arrived in Beaumont June 8th. On June 9th Bishop Guillory made the long-awaited public announcement of the new Bishop-elect via livestream. Ten weeks later on August 21 (five days before Hurricane Laura raged through Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana) Msgr. David L. Toups was installed and ordained at the St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont. “My first day in the office Monday, August 24th, Laura was threatening our diocese and our region,” the Bishop recalls. “We shut down our schools and parishes to prepare for the hurricane. I went down and prayed on the Neches River. So people’s first introduction to me as the new Bishop of our Diocese was as a man of prayer. The storm did not have the storm surge predicted and our region was largely spared. Our response was gratitude, which overflowed to generosity, as we were able to go to Lake Charles the next day to start ministering and bringing aid to those in need. That’s how the Body of Christ and the brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity works: we help each other in our needs.”

Offering Support In Challenging Times Bishop Toups explains that his first mission is to the churches in this new region he has been ordained to guide, minister and oversee. Despite the global pandemic, the new Bishop has not allowed that to

Viva | Spotlight hinder his ability to meet his new parishioners, to learn their needs and concerns, and to “strengthen the faith of our catholic

Re-Building Community During A Pandemic “Our Cathedral Basilica really represents the beautiful catholicity and diversity of our diocese,” Bishop explains. “The word catholic means universal. We have a large Hispanic and African American presence, generational Southeast Texans from the local community, and a school that brings the generational presence of every age group, of young and old, into the worshipping community. Part of what has made this time of pandemic so difficult for so many has been our isolation from one another. Post coronavirus, a big part of our emphasis is going to be calling our parishioners back to the full practice of the faith and to make sure we are doing those things that can help us live our faith more fully in the world.”

The Saints Who Inspire Him Besides Jesus, the author and finisher of his faith, Bishop Toups’ faith and practice have been informed by great saints both past and present. He recognizes St. Francis of Assisi’s “wonderful simplicity and radical ‘yes’ to following Jesus.” During his seven years in Rome as a young seminarian and priest, Toups was also inspired by Pope John Paul II who was “a role model of priesthood, of manhood and of discipleship.” The bishop had the privilege of meeting

The light of the Gospel shines out most during times of great uncertainly, confusion, struggle and loss. “Our faith allows us to receive peace in the midst of the storms going on around us, sometimes quite literally (as in the hurricanes) and sometimes metaphorically, such as the tempest caused by a global pandemic, political divisions, racial unrest, and economic upheaval,” Bishop Toups shares. “The fruit of faith, of our relationship with God, and our ability to pray is peace and serenity in the face of present trials. For us, Jesus is that light, and our faith gives us the strength and the stamina to keep going despite the chaos, the difficulties and the challenges.” “The Pope sent the Diocese of Beaumont a young bishop to bring new energy and renewed vision to this region,” Bishop David Toups reassures his new community, “and I look forward to being an agent of hope and positive change in Southeast Texas for many years to come. As Saint Charles Boromeo said, ‘If we want to make any progress in the service of God, we must begin each day with new eagerness.’”

vivasoutheasttexas.com

“As I get to know all our churches in our Diocese, my wider extension to the community begins,” Bishop Toups says. “How can I, as a religious leader, help our community become a more peaceful, just society? Our prayer, especially during extra challenging times, is for peace in our streets and an end to acts of violence everywhere. Our beautiful and ethnically diverse region of Southeast Texas has been a model of living together harmoniously while continuing to work together towards justice and peace.”

The Fruit of Faith Is Strength & Peace

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

community.” In his first 100 days, he has visited almost all of his parishes by attending listening sessions in the evenings at forty-eight communities in the nine counties of Southeast Texas. During these parish gatherings of 50 to 100 people he has been able to get to know the people, parishes and towns as they get to know him. Socially-distanced, of course!

During the first wave of the virus, the Diocese, like all other churches across America, had to become creative in its outreach. Bishop Toups has become experienced as the “TV guy” reaching out to the community online to encourage people during this pandemic. He tapes a daily mass that plays on Facebook and YouTube, and also records a 90-second spot, “For The Good,” that broadcasts between the 5 and 6am news every day. This daily word of faith and encouragement is intended for everyone in the community and replays all day long on the Diocese Facebook page, reaching many who haven’t been going to church.

Mother Theresa several times during his years in Rome and was impressed by her model of “service, sacrifice and charity for the world. “The saints are real people, not just of the past, but of the present,” Bishop reminds us, “people like us who really live the light of the Gospel, the joy of the Gospel, as Pope Francis would say.”

Viva | Places of Interest Directory MUSEUMS 1911 Historic City Hall

351 Cultural Center Dr. • Pt. Arthur 409.983.4881 • Free Admission

327 East LeBlanc Winnie, TX Call for appointment 409.296.2231

600 Main St • Beaumont • 409.833.5100 texasenergymuseum.org

500 Main St • Beaumont • 409.832.3432 amset.org

70 Franklin St. • Beaumont 409.838.5393

Art Museum Of Southeast Texas Babe Didrikson Zaharias Memorial Museum

1750 IH-10 E • Beaumont • 409.833.4622 babedidriksonzahiras.org

Beaumont Botanical Gardens 6088 Babe Zaharias Dr • Beaumont 409.842.3135 beaumontbotanicalgardens.org

Brimstone Museum

The Art Studio

The Chambers House Museum

FUN THINGS TO DO Acadiana Trail Hwy 191 • DeQuincey, LA

Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

3200 Power Centre Parkway Lake Charles, LA

226 Spur 5 • Winnie, TX

Beaumont Botanical Gardens and Warren Loose Conservatory 6088 Babe Zaharias Dr • Beaumont 409.842.3135

Big Thicket National Preserve 6102 FM 420 • Kountze • 409.951.6700

Bruno Winery

400 Walnut St • Beaumont • 409.880.3927 firemuseumoftexas.org

1205 N Lakeshore Dr • Lake Charles, LA 337.436.9588

157 Private Rd 6000 • Woodville 800.323.0389 • www.heritage-village.org

9405 College Street #A • Beaumont, TX 409.899.4397 • coastalpaddler.com

818 Earnest Ave • Silsbee • 409.385.2444 www.icehousemuseum.org

921 S Main • Lumberton • 409.751.0911

RiverFront Park

Rayburn Country

Golf, Lodging, Fishing, Dinning Brookeland, TX • 409.698.1005

Sea Rim State Park

Hwy 87 • Sabine Pass • 409.971.2559

Shangri-La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

3888 Hwy 327 W. • Silsbee • 409.658.4300

2701 Procter St • Port Arthur 409.982.9319

Ice House Museum

3396 Pine Tree Rd • Beaumont 409.796.1600

1151 Oak Grove Hwy • Grand Chenier, LA • 337.274.2395

Airboat Rides & Alligators

350 Pine St at Edison Plaza • Beaumont 409.981.3089 • edisonmuseum.org

Heritage Village Museum

The Pine Tree Lodge

2952 US 69 • Lumberton, TX • 409.751.5464

400 Messina Rd · Sour Lake, TX (409) 963-8235

Fire Museum Of Texas

4675 U.S. 96, Silsbee • 409.385.7946

2111 FM 365 • Orange • 409.670.9113 www.shangriagardens.org

Beaumont • 409.880.8959 dept.lamar.edu/cofac/deptart/dishman.asp

Edison Museum

Paradise Water Park

600 Grigsby Dr • 409.727.2182

905 West Division Ave Orange, TX • 409.883.5385

Dishman Art Museum Lamar University

4318 FM 1985 • Anahuac • 409.267.3377 www.fws.gov/refuge/Anahuac

610 Main Ave • Orange • 409-883-0871

The W.H. Stark House

Adventure Kingdom

400 Lake Charles Ave • DeQuincy, LA 337.786.2823 dequincyrailroadmuseum.com

Out & About Birding Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

Piney Woods Outfitters

923 S Ruth • Sulphur, LA • 337-527-0357 www.brimstonemuseum.org/aboutus/henning-cultural-center

DeQuincy Railroad Museum & City Park

701R Main St Beaumont or Collier Ferry Recreation Area • 5390 Pine St • Beaumont 409.880.8907 • nechesriveradventure.org

2240 Calder Ave • Beaumont 409.832.4010 • chambershouse.org

Adventure Cove Park

Heritage House of Orange

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Texas Energy Museum

900 S Huttington St • Sulphur, LA 337.527.0357 • www.brimstonemuseum.org

Henning Cultural Center

Buu Mon Buddhist Temple Charpentier Historic District Coastal Paddler

Colorado Canyon Family Entertainment Complex

The Nature Conservancy Tyrrell Historical Library

695 Pearl St • Beaumont • 409.833.2759 beaumontlibrary.org/tyrrell_library

Tyrrell Park Riding Stables 5595 Tyrrell Park Road 409.730.7073

Village Creek State Park

8854 Park Road 74 (off Alma) • Lumberton 409.755.7322

SHOP SE TEXAS ANTIQUES & VINTAGE Art, Antiques and Stuff Gallery 3145 Calder Ave • 409.838.2271

Antique Mall of Lumberton 1181 South Main Hwy 96 • 409.755.3388

Burns Antik Haus

2195 Calver Ave • 409.835.3080

Country Lane Antique Mall Lumberton • 409.755.0140

Finder’s Fayre Quality Antiques 1485 Calder Ave • 409.833.7000

John Jay French House & Museum

6110 Folsom Dr • Beaumont, TX 409. 527.8346

Jan’s Antiques

Kirby-Hill House

Kinder, LA • 800.584.7263 www.coushattacasinoresort.com

5509 E. Parkway, Groves • 409.962.8427

La Maison Beausoleil Museum

2717 Delta Downs Dr • Vinton, LA 337.589.7441 • www.deltadowns.com

The Old Mercantile Antique & Co-Op

1698 US Hwy 96 Business at Turtlecreek Dr Silsbee • 409.385.4700 • eastexcanoes.com

BOUTIQUES & UNIQUES Ashton House

3025 French Rd • Beaumont 409.898.0348 • jjfrench.com

Coushatta Casino/ Resort

210 W Main • Kountze • 409.246.8000 www.kirbyhillhouse.com

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel

637 Grigsby Ave inside Port Neches City Park • 409.722.9154

Eastex Canoe Trails

Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu

Golden Nugget Casino/Resort

103 S 11th St • 409.813.3320

Snoopers Paradise Antiques Sour Lake Antique Mall

Hwy 105 • Sour Lake • 409.287.4300 1166 Boston Ave • 409.724.1886

5925 Phelan • 409.860.1924

1906 Calder Ave • Beaumont 409.832.2134 • mcfaddin-ward.org

Isle of Capri Casino

Museum of the Gulf Coast Beaumont Ave at 4th St. Pt. Arthur • 409.982.7000

J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area

10 Parks & Wildlife Dr • Port Arthur • 409.736.2551

L’Auberge Casino/Baton Rouge

777 L’Auberge Ave, Baton Rouge, LA • 800.992.2694

5505 Jimmy Simmons Blvd. (at Lamar University) • Beaumont 409.880.1750 • spindletop.org

L’Auberge Casino/Lake Charles

700 Jefferson St • Beaumont 409.833.6433 stanthonycathedral.org

7950 S Gulfway Dr • Sabine Pass 409.971.2909

St Anthony Cathedral Basilica Stark Museum of Art

712 Green Ave • Orange • 409-886-2787

777 Ave. L’Auberge • Lake Charles, LA • 866.580.7444

McFaddin and Texas Point National Wildlife Refuges Neches River Adventures Riverfront Park

148 S Dowlen Rd • 409.866.4643 409.866.6800

La Tee Da Boutique

4004 Dowlen Rd • 409.835.0202

Luxe Boutique

4036 Dowlen Rd • 409.239.5561

McManus Company 820 N 11th St • 409.833.4393

Monica’s Mark Inc

5955 Phelan Blvd • Beaumont • 409.860.4030

Nickolina’s

1257 West Lucas • 409.896.2543

Norman’s

4132 Dowlen Rd • 409.898.1340 409.898.0919

Parkdale Mall

6155 Eastex Frwy • 409.898.2222 parkdalemalltx.com

Posh Baby

5955 Phelan • 409.860.3331

The Purple Door

6474 Phelan • Beaumont • 409.832.9200

Sam’s Western Store

5090 College St • 409.842.2625

The Collection Fine Gifts and Accessories

4036 Dowlen Rd Suite A, Beaumont, TX · (409) 239-5150

Tuesday Morning

4150 Dowlen • 409.866.4885

GROVES SHOPPING LINCOLN AVENUE SHOPS The Collection

4300 Lincoln Ave • 409.963.0626

The Courtyard Cafe & Gift Mall 4321 Lincoln Ave • 409.962.2850

Created Designs

4343 Lincoln Ave • 409.962.5925

Flear De Chic

MacArthur Drive • Groves • 409.886.2442

Hannah Bay’s

4343 Lincoln Ave • 409.962.3400

Herbal Insanity

4343 Lincoln Ave • 409.962.3400

Kizmet Studio

6039 39th St. • 409.962.9300

The Painted Porch

4311 Lincoln Ave • 409.960.7998

Resale Boutique

4233 Lincoln Ave • 409.962.1030

Snooper’s Paradise

5509 Lincoln Ave • 409.962.8427

HARDIN COUNTY SHOPPING Gypsy Rose Boutique/Salon

Downtown, Silsbee • 409.385.3501

21159 FM 365 • Beaumont • 409.794.9453 www.gatorrescue.com 100 Westlake Ave • Westlake, LA • 1-800-the-Isle

Flagship Mail Room

215 N 11th St • 409.212.8445

Bando’s Gift Shop

McFaddin-Ward House Museum

3050 Dowlen Rd • 409.860.4827

305 East Ave J • Silsbee • 409.385.2600 Hwy. 96 • Lumberton • 409.751.0889

2550 Golden Nugget Blvd, Lake Charles, LA • 844.777.4653

Gator Country

James Avery

6250 Phelan Blvd • 409.860.7233

809 Kirby • Lake Charles, LA 337.430.0043 www.swlamardigras.com/year-round/ mardi-gras-museum.cfm

Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum vivasoutheasttexas.com

Texas Artists Museum

1001 Ryan Street • Lake Charles, LA 337.491.9147

Agricultural Historical Museum

www.starkmuseum.org

Bella Bella

Cantu Fine Jewelry

5905 Phelan • 409.866.5859

Cavender’s Boot City

6185 Eastex Frwy • 409.347.1770

Chico’s

3195 Dowlen Rd • 409.860.9763

Down to Earth

1455 Calder St • Beaumont • 409.813.8522

Ella + Scott

1415 Calder Ave • Beaumont • 409.835.8280

Ellis Pottery

3737 Calder Ave • 409.839.8473

Gaudie & Co.

6025 Phelan • 409.860.4433

Jackie’s

6755 Phelan • 409.861.5762

Frank’s Jewelry

Johnson’s Petals & Stems Florist & Gifts

325 N 4th St. • Silsbee • 409.385.3773

Serenity & Co. Boutique/Salon 214 N Main • Lumberton • 409-224-5924

Two Chix Boutique 74 N LHS Drive • Lumberton

NEDERLAND SHOPPING Bab’s Gift Express

2119 Nederland Ave • 409.727.0090

Belly Button - A Kids World 2115 Nederland Ave • 409.727.6918

Burkett’s Emporium 1517 S Hwy 69 • 409.722.5111

The Candle Cottage

1234 Boston Ave • 409.721.5018

The Classy Peacock

Viva | Places of Interest Directory 1100 A Boston Ave • 409.729.3567

Dana’s Custom Jewelry

Mathews Jewelers

135 Boston Ave • 409.722.0661

126 Strickland Drive • Orange 409.886.7233

1211 Boston Ave • 409.727.7702

5572 FM 408 • Orange• 409.697.1218

Elliot’s

Fred Miller Company

2808 Nederland Ave 409.724.1208

Gaudie & Co.

1143 Boston Ave • 409.729.2700

Trendz

PORT ARTHUR SHOPPING Central Mall

Gaudie Couture

Hwy 69 at Hwy 365 • 409.727.2109 centralmallportarthur.com

Holland House Antique & Gift Mall

4700 Hwy 365 • 409.724.0474

1140 Boston Ave • 409.729.2790

1205 Boston Ave • 409.721.9900

The Kids Kloset

1144 Boston Ave • 409.729.2289

Let’s Party

1027 Nederland Ave • 409.727.6047

Molly’s Home Decor & Fine Gifts 3316 Hwy 365 • 409.853.4542

Nederland Jewelers

3308 Hwy 365 • 409.724.2045

Occasions

1229 Boston Ave • 409.729.8555

The Patio

1223 Boston Ave • 409.729.3407

The Rustic Door

Flagship Mailroom & Emporium Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas Store 3830 Hwy 365 • 409.721.8717

Naomi’s Fashions

3433 Twin City Hwy 409.963.3839

Tiffany’s Fashion & Gifts 1600 9th Ave • 409.985.8886

Two & Co. Boutique

8720 Central Mall Dr 409.721.5040

PORT NECHES SHOPPING Port Neches Super Saturdays Held every third weekend of the month

1344 Boston Ave • 409.722.6255

The Cherry Tree Florist 1208 Port Neches Ave 409.722.4848

1336 Boston Ave 409.853.4387

1115 Port Neches Ave 409.729.7806

Sew Much More Simply Chic

2907 Nederland Ave 409.722.2442

ORANGE SHOPPING A Little Bit Gaudy 2495 MLK JR Drive • Orange 409.988.0030

Big Lots!

2260 MacArthur Drive • Orange

Dressin’ Up

Joy’s Lagniappe

1303 Port Neches Ave 409.365.2651

Naanee’s Baubles & Bling 1311 Port Neches Ave 409.365.2651

Old Towne Flea Market

1216 Port Neches Ave • 409.721.9690

The Yellow Rose

1303 Port Neches Ave • 409.722.2265

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Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

vivasoutheasttexas.com

Viva | Spotlight Story

Jack Hopper, PhD 45 Years on LAMAR FACULTY Chemical Engineering Educator, University Entrepreneur and Researcher Extraordinaire In the Beginning

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

In the 1850’s the first petroleum refinery was built in Pittsburgh by Samuel Kier, and the first oil company was founded in the US in Pennsylvania, the first commercially successful oil well was drilled by E. L. Drake, and then in the 1880’s, George Davis gave the first coordinated lectures on Chemical Engineering and at MIT the first four year Chemical Engineering program in the United States began. Then on January 10, 1901, an enormous oil geyser based on mud assisted drilling of oil exploded at Spindletop Hill, Beaumont in Jefferson County and reached the height of more than 150 feet and producing close to 100,000 barrels a day. The booming oil industry made Chemical Engineering, ChE, a hot discipline.

vivasoutheasttexas.com

TIMELINE

In the 1950’s, post WWII, the explosion of the automobile industry spurred an enormous need for chemical engineers to improve gasoline production. A young Jack Rudd Hopper, coming from an education based (father a school teacher) family, answered the call by graduating from Texas A&M with a BS in ChE in 1959. Jack joined Humble Oil R&D in Baytown, Texas in 1960. In the following decade, Jack continued his education and interest in the exciting oil refinery technology by earning a Master’s in Chemical Engineering from University of Delaware and his PhD in Chemical Engineering from Louisiana State University under the supervision of Alex Voorhies in metal/zeolite catalysis. This resulted in the classic work on palladium & platinum H-mordenites on hydroisomerization in 1972.

Golden Age of Refining The 1960s through the 1970s were the golden age for refining research in ChE in catalysis to produce high octane gasoline. The 1980’s and the 1990’s saw the rise of pollution prevention and waste management and Jack lead the nation in the effort by founding the Gulf Coast Hazardous Substance Research Center and the Texas Hazardous Waste Research Centers at Lamar University that included six other major Universities.

Lucas Gusher, 1901

Jack Hopper, 1974

1959

1960

1965

1968

1986-1989 1997

1984

1999

Jack Hopper Graduates Texas A&M ChE Degree

Hopper begins Industrial Career at Humble Oil

Masters ChE

PhD ChE

University of Delaware

Louisiana State University

Helps establish first Chaired Professorship, Gill Chair

Begins Hazardous Waste Initiative

Establishes College’s Engineering Advisory Board

Gill Chair expanded to Engineering and Chemistry

Viva | Spotlight Story

College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board* Recruited by Dr. Hopper 1999 to Present

LAMAR U.

LU President Jimmy Simmons, Dr. Stephen Grace, Dr. Jack Hopper and Dr. Jack Gill

Dr. Hopper’s Academic Career

Oct. 2007

* This group donated over $40 Million to Lamar’s capital campaign

Major Funded Accomplishments that Made Lamar and Southeast Texas a Better Place

vivasoutheasttexas.com

• Founded Gulf Coast Hazardous Substance Research Center… $60 Million Plus • Texas Hazardous Waste Research Center… $40 Million 1960-1969 1969-1975 1974-1999 1999-2017 1984-2017 2006-2012 2017 2018 Hopper with Hopper moves Head of ChE College Hopper heads Associate $10M CICE • Chaired Professorships andDean, Named Engineering Departments… $15 MillionRetires Humble Oil and up ranks ChE Department, of Engineering, GCHSRC and Provost for Entrepreneur Dean Emeritus, Esso Research Dept., Lamar Lamar Lamar THWRC at Research, Building from Lives in • Center of Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship (CICE)… $14 Million Engineering University University University Lamar, $100 M Lamar Hopper Vision Beaumont • Research Grants… $5 Million • Capitol Campaign Funding… $40 Million $174 Million Total

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

is best known as the “Dean” of Chemical Engineering at Lamar Jack joined Lamar faculty in and beyond. 1969 as an assistant professor of Chemical Engineering. He quickly Promotion to Dean Jack Hopper with Lamarpositions Engineering ascended through various In Advisory 1999 he Board became the Dean and became department head in of the College of Engineering Honors andhand Awards Chemical Engineering 1974. His steady grew the andA&M also served as the Executive Distinguished Award Department to National Prominence Assistant to the Alumni President for rankingJack in the top ChE Mastersof Economic & Hopper, a fellow (1998), Development the Outstanding producing foundedof Industrial the universities American and Institute AlumniRelations Award, and Lee Interim College a renowned for Sponsored Hazardous Substance Chemical Engineers, is the Associate (1981),Provost and the Fellow of Programs. Research Center. He became Dean most honored faculty in the the American Institute of of the College 1999 and ledserved the history ofinLamar. He has Chemical Engineers award in growth of the College and guided Jack Hopper and his... on the Texas A&M’s Chemical 1985. He received the Sabine Dean’s Advisory Board the establishment of the first PhD Engineering Advisory, Chapter of TSPE Engineer of program at Lamar. the American Chemical Perhaps the Year Hopper’s in 2004. greatest Society Advisory, and the accomplishment was the Technical Specialties LSU Chemical Engineering establishment Lamar‘s Chemical of an advisory Advisory Councils. Engineering Advisory alums. Board, of engineering Jack’s many accomplishments in board a result of Hopper kinetics, catalysis and reaction Thisinwas honor of Dr. Hopper and and Davidaccomplishments, Cocke following engineering, prevention In 2009pollution he was installed into Professor his many the advice of and waste minimization by process the LSU Engineering Hall of established a entrepreneur, scholarship philanthropist and modifications, petroleum refining Distinction. Jack has received under the leadershipeducator, of Joanna Dr. Jack Gill. Many of these and chemical processes and process the ASEE Gulf Southwest Dow Hambrick. This Scholarship simulation with reaction kinetics distinguished Lamar alums Outstanding Young Faculty had a value of over $220,000 and reactor design, university became major donors to Lamar’s award (1971), the Texas in 2019. academic management, fund raising, first-ever capital campaign, and community and industrial which raised a $150 Million collaboration are extraordinary! He endowment.

1. Mr. Mike E. Aldredge 2. Mr. Michael L. Burrow 3. Dr. Charles Cutler 4. Mr. Phil Drayer 5. Mr. Joe Domino 6. Mr. Charles L. Garrett 7.& Dr. JackHopper, M. Gill2010 Jack Marilyn 8. Dr. H. Stephen Grace, Jr. 9. Mr. Andrew Green 10. Mr. Robert S. Jones 11. Ms. Shelly Leedy 12. Mr. Don M. Lyle 13. Dr. J. Robert McLendon 14. Mr. William B. Mitchell 15. Mr. Larry Norwood 16. Mr. Hermann Ortega 17. Mr. Alan Plummer, Jr. 18. Mr. Pike Powers 19. Mr. W. T. (Tom) Purves 20. Ms. Lori Ryerkerk 21. Mr.Dr. Dan F. Smith Hopper at his best! 22. Mr. J. Michael Turner 23. Dr. John W Via III, PE

Viva | Spotlight Story

Oct. 2007 Jack Hopper with Lamar Engineering Advisory Board Honors and Awards

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Jack Hopper, a fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, is the most honored faculty in the history of Lamar. He has served on the Texas A&M’s Chemical Engineering Advisory, the American Chemical Society Advisory, and the LSU Chemical Engineering Advisory Councils.

vivasoutheasttexas.com

In 2009 he was installed into the LSU Engineering Hall of Distinction. Jack has received the ASEE Gulf Southwest Dow Outstanding Young Faculty award (1971), the Texas

Jack & Marilyn Hopper, 2010

A&M Chemical Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award (1998), the Outstanding Alumni Award, Lee College (1981), and the Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers award in 1985. He received the Sabine Chapter of TSPE Engineer of the Year in 2004. Lamar‘s Chemical Engineering Advisory Board, in honor of Dr. Hopper and his many accomplishments, established a scholarship under the leadership of Joanna Hambrick. This Scholarship had a value of over $220,000 in 2019.

Dr. Hopper at his best!

Major Funded Accomplishments that Made Lamar and Southeast Texas a Better Place • • • • • •

Founded Gulf Coast Hazardous Substance Research Center… $60 Million Plus Texas Hazardous Waste Research Center… $40 Million Chaired Professorships and Named Engineering Departments… $15 Million Center of Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship (CICE)… $14 Million Research Grants… $5 Million Capitol Campaign Funding… $40 Million $174 Million Total

brought to Lamar

Viva | Spotlight Story Centers Founded From 1984 to 2017, Dr. Hopper founded and served in the administration of four major centers: • Hazardous Substance Research Center • Texas Hazardous Waste Research Center • Texas Center for Technology Incubation • Center for Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship Funding Raised ($174 Million) Undoubtedly, Jack Hopper as Head of Chemical Engineering, Dean of College of Engineering and as a faculty researcher has raised more funding for supporting technology research and development than any other person, entity or faculty member at Lamar University in history. Community Service

CICE Building... Center for Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship board member. He is a member and Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, a registered engineer in the State of Texas, a member of Sigma Xi, Tau Beta Pi, Omega Chi Epsilon, Phi Kappa Phi and the American Chemical Society. Mentor for Students and Faculty Jack Hopper’s most outstanding success has been in supporting students and faculty at Lamar. He was supremely successful in recruiting great students to Lamar and mentoring them to very successful engineering careers. Two notable examples, Danny Reible, currently a Chaired Professor at Texas Tech and a 2005 elected member of the National Academy

2007

Jack Hopper and David Cocke of Engineering, and Geoff Price, Rumley Professor and Chairman of the Russell School of Chemical Engineering at University of Tulsa. In Conclusion Jack R. Hopper has made a legendary major contribution in Chemical Engineering and played a huge role in bringing Lamar University to National Recognition and rankings! Acknowledgments Dr. David Cocke, Lamar Gill Chair Retired, and Dr. Jack Gill, Scientist, Venture Capitalist, Educator and Philanthropist contributed to this article.

2010

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Jack is a member of the Spindletop Rotary Club, Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, and Advancing New Technologies at Lamar University (ANT @ LU)

2017

Dean of Engineering Jack Hopper with Jack Gill

vivasoutheasttexas.com

Entrepreneur alum Phil Drayer donates $5 Million to Lamar Electrical Engineering Dept.

Viva | Spotlight Story

Jack Hopper, PhD

Legendary Achievements at Lamar University 1. Dean Emeritus College of Engineering, September, 2013 - Present. 2. Executive Assistant to the President for Economic Development & Industrial Relations, October 1, 2007 - Present. 3. Associate Provost for Research, Interim, May 1, 2006 - 2012. 4. Dean, College of Engineering, September 1, 1999 - August, 2013. 5. Director, Gulf Coast Hazardous Substance Research Center, April 1, 1997 - August, 1999. 6. Director, Texas Hazardous Waste Research Center, April 1, 1997 - August, 2013. 7. Interim Director, Gulf Coast Hazardous Substance Research Center, Lamar University, June 1, 1995 - 1997. 8. Associate Director, Gulf Coast Hazardous Substance Research Center, Lamar University, June 1, 1995 - 1997. 9. Director of Engineering Graduate Studies, Lamar University, September, 1989. 10. Liaison for Hazardous Waste Alternatives Center Committee, Lamar University, February, 1984 - June, 1987. 11. Head, Chemical Engineering Department and Interim Head Industrial Engineering Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Department, Lamar University, July, 1980 - August, 1981.

12. Professor of Chemical Engineering, Lamar University, September, 1975. 13. Head, Chemical Engineering Department, Lamar University, November, 1974 - 1999. 14. Acting Head, Chemical Engineering Department, Lamar University, September, 1974. 15. Associate Professor, Ch.E., Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas, 1972 - 1975. 16. Consulting Engineer, Jefferson Chemical Company, Summer, 1970. 17. Assistant Professor, Ch.E., Lamar University, 1969 - 1972. 18. Research Associate, Division of Engineering Research, L.S.U., Baton Rouge,

vivasoutheasttexas.com

Louisiana, 1967 - 1969. 19. Research Engineer, Esso Research and Engineering Co., Baytown, Texas, 1964 - 1967. 20. Assistant Research Engineer, Humble Oil R&D, Baytown, Texas, 1960 - 1961.

Lamar University implements changes in Athletic Department to deal with COVID-19

The year 2020 has been a unique one, to say the least. The coronavirus has disrupted all our lives in many ways and Lamar’s athletic programs are no exception. Along with COVID-19 came the need to make changes to our normal procedures and schedules in order to protect our athletes, coaches, fans and community from this virus. Lamar University has implemented many precautionary measures and will continue to follow recommended safety guidelines. When athletes were back on campus, each one of them had to go through a screening process every morning

(administered by the training staff) beginning at 5a.m. and last until 9a.m. If a student-athlete missed the screening process, they could not practice for that date. Wall mounted thermometers have been installed in the Montagne Center and Dauphin Complex for staff/student-athletes to be able to check temperature upon entry into the building.

in an attempt to provide greater protection for the fans, teams and gameday workers. Tier 1 is the highest exposure tier and consists of players, coaches, athletic trainers, medical staff, managers, game officials. Tier 2 includes team executive staff, security and event staff and Tier 3 would include specific operational staff, media, etc.

In addition to the testing, LU is working to allow for social distancing at our venues, which includes reduced capacity. For sports such as men’s and women’s basketball, the benches will look different that in years past as each chair will be socially distanced, there will be social distancing provided between the fans and teams, coaches and scorer’s table and press row table personnel.

Another thing of note, all student-athletes were given the option to opt out if they didn’t feel comfortable competing this year.

Basketball has instituted a Tier system

All 17 sports will be taking place in the spring with men’s and women’s basketball getting starting next week. Best place to check for most up-to-date schedules is on the website, or by calling (409) 880-1715.

Season Played During Spring 2021 Semester due to COVID-19. • Saturday, Feb. 20 — LU Football vs Northwestern State at Provost Umphrey Stadium, time TBA. • Saturday, Feb. 27 — LU Football vs Nicholls, away, time TBA. • Saturday, March 6 — LU Football vs University of Incarnate Word at Provost Umphrey Stadium, time TBA.

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Lamar Football 2020 SCHEDULE

• Saturday, March 13 — LU Football vs McNeese, away, time TBA. • Saturday April 3 — LU Football vs Southeasten Louisiana, away, time TBA.

vivasoutheasttexas.com

• Saturday, March 20 — LU Football vs Sam Houston State at Provost Umphrey Stadium, time TBA.

Viva | Church Directories BEAUMONT African Methodist Episcopal (AME)

St Anne

1006 Magnolia Ave • 409-835-5465

St Joseph’s Church

Amelia Baptist Church

St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church

The Vein Of God Internation Covenant Ministries

700 Jefferson St • 409.833.6433

3190 Washington Blvd • 409.466.9100

1115 Orange St • 409.835.5662

1555 South 23rd • 409.842.0271

8055 Brighton Dr • 409.866.4168

6825 Gladys Ave • 409.866.5088

Beaumont Civic Center • Main St • 409.838.3435

3350 Washington Blvd • 409.842.8115

9894 Gilbert Rd • 409.794.2548

10 Interstate 10 N • 409.838.2545

3099 Brenham St • 409.835.6228

7467 Boyt Road • Cheek • 409.794.2548

10255 Eastex Frwy • 409.924.9930

1005 N 11th St • 409.892.4251

5075 Bigner Rd • 409.892.3316

4230 Highland Ave • 409.835.2556

1197 Corley St • 409.832.7582

Golden Triangle Church On The Rock

Compton Chapel Church of God

PO Box 2374 • 409.835.7592

Christian Disciples of Christ First Christian Church

2570 W Lucas Dr • 409.899.3594

5290 N Caldwood Dr • 409.892.3212

Temple Of Praise Christian Church

900 Calder • 409.833.1426

723 Coley St • 409.833.0496

Pentecostal

6750 Highway 105 • 409.898.0249

Ridgewood Church of Christ

3333 Eastex Frwy • 409.898.3060

5115 Eastex Fwy • 409.899.1906

Westgate Church of Christ

3077 Terrell St • 409.833.5081

Episcopal

1050 Ewing St • 409.832.0687

680 Calder St • 409.832.3405

St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

795 Woodrow St • 409.832.7796

4090 Delaware St • 409.892.4227

GROVES Baptist

1283 Cedar St • 409.833.1381

4090 Delaware St • 409.892.4227

First Baptist Church

6525 Bigner Rd • 409.892.0765

Christ Community Church

Friendship Baptist Church

3605 Waco • 409.842.3360

Lutheran

6220 Westgate Dr • 409.866.3417

777 N 4th St • 409.832.1108

3900 Cleveland Ave • 409.962.8463

1860 W Lucas Dr • 409.892.0574

4330 Crow Rd • 409.892.3286

Immaculate Conception

Beaumont Baptist Temple

2955 S Major Dr • 409.840.9915

St. Peter the Apostle

First United Methodist Church

Lutheran

Miracle Deliverance Tabernacle

BAPTIST

Antioch Baptist Church

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Calder Baptist

East Mt Olive Baptist Church Ebenezer Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church First Baptist Church

Friendship Baptist Church North End Baptist Church Paradise Baptist Church

Scott Olive Baptist Church South Park Baptist Church Sunlight Baptist Church

West Beulah Baptist Church West Tabernacle Baptist Church Westgate Memorial Baptist Church Woodland Baptist Church

Baptist - Independent

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

St Mary’s Church

Unity of Southeast Texas

To God Be The Glory Ministries Trinity Church

St. Martin de Porres

Triumph Church

St Pius X Catholic Church

Vision Alive Christian

Charismatic

6955 Hwy 69 S • 409-722-1962

Temple Of Praise Christian Church

Churches of Christ

Other

3005 Brenham St • 409. 833.4237

First Christian Church

5290 N Caldwood Dr • 409.892.3212 723 Coley St • 409.833.0496

Apostolic Church

2455 Commerce St • 409.892.7063

New Hope Deliverance Church

6390 Westgate Dr • 409.866.1451

New Life Tabernacle

St Mark’s Episcopal Church

Presbyterian

St Stephen’s Episcopal Church St Stephens Episcopal Church

Evangelical Free

890 Grant St • 409.832.5010 6655 Hwy 105 • 409.899.1190

1350 N 23rd St • 409.892.8611

4000 Grant Ave • 409.962.4461

415 South 11th St • 409.832.9498

3417 Berry Ave • 409.962.1584

Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Val Verde Baptist Church

Redeemer Lutheran Church St John Lutheran Church

Baptist - Independent Catholic - Roman Catholic 6248 Washington St • 409.962.0255

Methodist-United

7650 Park North Dr • 409.924.9590

701 Calder St • 409.832.0295

St Paul Lutheran Church

Greater Good Hope Baptist Church

2485 Blanchette St • 409.833.4867

Methodist-United

3430 Harrison Ave • 409.892.0255

6501 Washington St • 409.962.1076

Baptist - Missionary

St James United Methodist Church

2725 W Virginia • 409.842.9043

Trinity United Methodist Church

3040 Magnolia St • 409.833.9333

Wesley United Methodist Church

3520 Pine St • 409.838.3228

Nondenominational or Interdenominational

Harmony Missionary Baptist Church Johnson Memorial Missionary Baptist Church Starlight Missionary Baptist Church

3810 N Major • 409.832.7012

1090 Buford Street • 409.835.5501

Cathedral in the Pines Church

Calvary Baptist Church

Christian Fellowship Worship Center

2049 Taft Ave • 409.962.8365

5801 W Jefferson St • 409.962.1133

First United Methodist Church

Nondenominational or Interdenominational Morning Star Church

3515 Main Ave • 409.963.2301

Pentecostal

2350 Eastex Fwy • 409.892.1503

Abundant Life Sanctuary

3650 Dowlen Rd • 409.898.7074

3950 Pointe Pkwy • 409.898.0412

KOUNTZE Baptist

11245 Church Rd • 409-892-2180

3060 Dowlen Rd • 409.866.1996

First Baptist Church

Assumption Church

190 N 10th St • 409.832.0418

Mid-way Baptist Church

4397 Calder • 409.892.3456

Catholic - Roman Catholic

Baptist - Southern Voth Baptist Church

Catholic - Roman Catholic

Dowlen Road Church of Christ Goodwill Missionary Christian

2301 W. Parkway St. • 409.962.1056

100 Monroe St • 409.246.3850

4445 Avenue A • 409.835.5343

My Father’s House

780 Porter St • 409.833.6089

New Hope Deliverance International Ministries

767 Avenue A • 409.835.7788

890 Grant St • 409.832.5010

Newsong Covenant Church

LUMBERTON Baptist

1010 E Virginia • 409.835.3972

3175 S Major Drive (temporary Worship Site) • 409.866.7972

Crestwood Baptist Church 1150 U.S. 69 • 409.246.2750

8060 Eastex Fwy • 409.896.5055

First Baptist Church of Loeb

7750 Highway 105 • 409.898.4034

First Baptist Church of Lumberton

Blessed Sacrament Cristo Rey

Lamar University Catholic Student Center vivasoutheasttexas.com

St Anthony Cathedral Basilica

5535 Calder • 409.769.7966

Creekwood Baptist Church

8325 Walker Rd • 409.898.0020

2715 Calder • 409.832.9963

Our Lady of the Assumption 4445 Avenue A • 409.835.5343

North Church

1600 N. Main St • Vidor 409.769.2865

Northwest Church of Christ

3390 Sarah St • 409.842.5533

Praise Church

Our Lady of Lourdes

Our Mother of Mercy

4512 Ellis Dr • 409.246.2709

Holy Spirit Catholic Church 470 Monroe • 409.246.4457

3082 Highway 69 S • 409.755.4595 119 Church Loop • 409-755-4213

Catholic - Roman Catholic Infant Jesus

243 L.H.S. Dr • 409.755.1734

Church of Christ

Lumberton Church of Christ 90 West Chance Road • 409.755.4156

Methodist-United

Woodcrest United Methodist Church 1684 Highway 96 S • 409.755.4403

Nondenominational Journey Community Church 1534 O’Malley • 409.755.1388

NEDERLAND Baptist

Central Gardens Baptist Church 114 4th Ave • 409.729.2475

First Baptist Church

1911 Nederland Ave • 409.722.0263

Hillcrest Baptist Church

3324 Park Dr • 409.722.3489

Seventh Street Baptist Church 200 N 7th St • 409.722.7620

Triangle Baptist Church

3605 Hwy 69 N • 409.727.7000

Baptist - Independent Fellowship Baptist Church 1315 S 27th St • 409.722.4356

Catholic - Roman Catholic St Charles Catholic Church

211 Hardy Avenue • 409.722.3413

Churches of Christ

Nederland Avenue Church-Christ 2310 Nederland Ave • 409.722.8536

Stonegate Church of Christ

3948 Highway 365 • Port Arthur • 409.727.1568

Lutheran

Holy Cross Lutheran Church 2711 Helena Ave • 409.722.2177

Methodist-United

First United Methodist Church 104 N 13th St • 409.722.4379

Wesley United Methodist Church 3515 Helena Ave • 409.722.7065

Nondenominational or Interdenominational R U 100 Percent Sure 2005 N Peterson St

The Upper Room Ministries Church 1816 Nederland Ave • 409.722.2600

Pentecostal Triumph Church

1407 S Highway 69 • 409.724.6606

ORANGE/BRIDGE CITY Baptist Bethel Baptist Church

2906 Western Ave • 409.883.4822

Cornerstone Baptist Church 2537 FM 1078 • 409.883.8835

Cove Baptist Church

1005 Dupont Dr • 409.883.4155

First Baptist Church of Bridge City 200 W Round Bunch Rd • 409.735.3583

First Baptist Church of Orange 602 Green Ave • 409.886.7461

First Baptist Church- West Orange 608 Dayton St • 409.886.4167

Hartburg Baptist Church

2316 County Rd 4181 • 409.746.2841

Little Cypress Baptist Church

3274 Little Cypress Dr • 409.883.8905

Macarthur Heights Baptist Church 3502 Nightingale St • 409.883.4834

Mt Calvary Baptist Church 612 N 3rd St • 409.670.9220

Mt Sinai Baptist Church

1109 2nd St • 409.886.2089

Viva | Church Directories North Orange Baptist Church

Rock Island Baptist Church

4775 16th St • 409.883.5678

549 W 11th St • 409.985.2531

7925 Interstate 10 E • 409.745.1901

4301 32nd St • 409.293.3111

19525 Highway 62 S • 409.735.7181

Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church

Old First Orange Baptist Church Winfree Baptist Church

Baptist - Independent Colony Baptist Church

13353 FM-1130 • 409.745.1671

Triangle Baptist Church FM-408 • 409.735.2661

Catholic - Roman Catholic St Francis-Assisi Catholic Church

Trinity Baptist Church

Baptist - Missionary

501 W Thomas Blvd • 409.982.5028

Catholic - Roman Catholic Our Lady of Guadalupe

3648 S Sgt Lucien Adams Dr • 409.962.6777

Queen of Vietnam

801 9th Ave • 409.983.7676

Sacred Heart - St Mary

4300 Meeks Dr • 409.883.8232

920 Booker Washington Ave • 409.985.5104

8105 FM 1442 • 409.735.2200

3617 Gulfway Dr • 409.985.8865

475 W Round Bunch • 409.735.2422

4602 Procter St • 409.982.6409

912 W Cherry Ave • 409.883.2883

3706 Woodrow Drive • 409.962.5715

1409 North Sixth St • 409.883.3783

3503 Gulfway Dr • 409.985.8865

First Christian Church

620 53rd St • 409.985.8010

St Helen Catholic Church

St Henry’s Catholic Church Bridge City St Mary’s Catholic Church St. Therese

Christian Disciples of Christ 611 9th St • 409.883.4483

Church of the Nazarene First Church of the Nazarene

St James Catholic Church

St Joseph Catholic Church St Catherine of Siena St James St John

St Joseph

4600 Procter St • 409.982.6409

St Therese, Little Flower of Jesus

3810 Martin Luther King Jr Dr • 409.883.4674

6412 Garnet Avenue • 409.736.1536

Ninth & Elm Church of Christ

First Christian Church

Churches of Christ

Christian Disciples of Christ

501 9th St • 409.883.4805

5856 9th Ave • 409.548.0305

St Paul’s Episcopal Church

Grace Church of the Nazarene

Episcopal

Church of the Nazarene

1401 W Park Ave • 409.883.2969

4601 Rice Farm Rd • 409.727.7790

Grace Lutheran-Missouri Synod

Church of Christ

Lutheran

Churches of Christ

2300 Eddleman Rd • 409.833.5145

2948 Thomas Blvd • 409.982.6467

945 W Roundbunch Rd • Bridge City • 409-735-2044

3901 Jimmy Johnson Blvd • 409.727.6255

First United Methodist Church

St John Lutheran Church

Good Shepherd Church

Methodist-United

Park Central Church of Christ

Lutheran

502 6th St • 409.886.7466

4600 Jimmy Johnson Blvd • 409.727.8585

2906 Western Ave • 409.886.1291

2400 5th St • 409.983.1130

1155 W Round Bunch Rd • 409.735.5546

Aldersgate Trinity Church

St John’s United Methodist St Paul United Methodist Bridge City

Pentecostal

Community Church

Trinity Lutheran Church

Methodist-United 3600 Memorial Blvd • 409.985.8861

First United Methodist Church 3131 S Park Dr • 409.985.5581

3406 Edgar Brown Dr • 409.883.3813

4101 Highway 73 • 409.962.5762

2800 Bob Hall Rd • 409.886.4366

First Pentecostal Church

First United Pentecostal Church Starlight Church of God

Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church 902 Green Ave • Orange, TX 409.883.2097

PORT ARTHUR Baptist

Christian Faith Baptist

United Methodist Temple

Pentecostal

2700 25th St • 409.985.9345

Presbyterian

Presbyterian Church-Covenant 1645 Jefferson Dr • 409.983.1673

SILSBEE Baptist

1919 Jefferson Dr • 409.962.9792

First Baptist Church

First Baptist Church 350 Highway 96 S • 409.385.2819 Pinecrest Baptist Church

5000 Gulfway Dr • 409.982.6493

5660 FM 1122 • 409.385.5245

5959 9th Ave • 409.983.1661

880 Gentry Dr • 409.385.0302

4011 Memorial Blvd • 409.983.5654

St Mark Catholic Church

Lamplighter Baptist Church Memorial Baptist Church Mount Sinai Baptist Church

Trinity Baptist Church

Catholic - Roman Catholic 905 N 9th St • 409.385.4498

Episcopal

4349 Lewis Dr • 409.982.6668

1305 Roosevelt Dr • 409.385.4371

North End Baptist Church Procter Baptist Church

4401 Jimmy Johnson Blvd • 409.722.8097

Ridgewood Baptist Church

6920 Memorial Blvd • 409.722.6153

St Johns Episcopal Church

Love

by Kathy Odom

Once upon a time there was an island where all the feelings lived; Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all the others, including Love. One day it was announced to all of the feelings that the island was going to sink to the bottom of the ocean. So all the feelings prepared their boats to leave. Love was the only one that stayed. She wanted to preserve the island paradise until the last possible moment. When the island was almost totally under, Love decided it was time to leave. She began looking for someone to ask for help. Just then Richness was passing by in a grand boat. Love asked, “Richness, can I come with you on your boat?” Richness answered, “I’m sorry, but there is a lot of silver and gold on my boat and there would be no room for you anywhere.” Then Love decided to ask Vanity for help who was passing in a beautiful vessel. “Vanity, help me please!” Love cried out. “I can’t help you”, Vanity said, “You are all wet and will damage my beautiful boat.” Next, Love saw Sadness passing by. Love said, “Sadness, please let me go with you.” Sadness answered, “Love, I’m sorry, but, I just need to be alone now.” Then, Love saw Happiness. Love cried out, “Happiness, please take me with you.” But Happiness was so overjoyed with himself that he didn’t hear Love calling to him. Then, suddenly, she heard a voice say, “Come Love, I will take you.” It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and excited that she forgot to ask the elder for his name. When they arrived on land, the elder went on his own way. Love realized how much she owed the elder. Love then found Knowledge, another elder, and asked, “Who was it that helped me?” “It was Time”, Knowledge answered. “But why did Time help me when no one else would?”, Love asked. Knowledge smiled and with deep wisdom and sincerity, answered,” Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love is.” (Author Unknown) Today, all around us, Love seems to be silenced as other feelings such as Jealousy, Judgement and Anger are quick to speak loudly and dauntingly. God made all feelings, but by far, Love is the greatest and most powerful of all. If Love speaks often enough and boldly enough, all the negative feelings will step aside and give LOVE the opportunity to change the world. Take time to understand the value of Love. Then speak it.

This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you. John 15:12

vivasoutheasttexas.com

501 West Thomas Blvd • 409.982.6464

for

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

3400 Martin Luther King Jr Dr • 409.883.4498

Voices

As the Christmas Season approaches so does the likely hood that an increase in theft and burglary will too. Personal safety and crime prevention are personal responsibilities. Though you can’t always protect yourself from being a victim of crime, you can drastically reduce your changes of victimization by following some basic safety rules. STAY ALERT! Staying alert is the most basic function and fundamental to staying safe at all times, not only the Christmas Season. Whether you are on the street, in an office, at the mall, at the bus stop, or just in line waiting somewhere, stay alert and tuned into your surroundings. If you wear headphones, keep the volume low so that you are able to hear outside noises. If you are NOT on your phone, NOT alone, and NOT wasting time around your vehicle or around the stores then this sends the message to others that you are calm, confident, and know where you are going. Staying in well-lit areas, avoiding alleys or dark areas, and not walking alone are also ways to increase a person’s safety while out-and-about during the Holiday Season or just while you’re out buying groceries.

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

As people are out shopping, they are going to have parcels either on them personally or in their vehicle. The best way to keep them safe is to be mindful when going from the store to your vehicle and where they are stored in the vehicle. The best place to keep those items safe is in the trunk. Out of sight—Out of mind! Also, be mindful of going from the stores to your cars so that you are moving with a purpose and alert to your surroundings. Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement. Don’t burden yourself with too many bags or packages. Ladies, that means your purse too! Cary just your driver’s license and credit card in you front pocket or carry only a small crossbody. Do not carry a large purse on your shoulder! They are easy to snatch and grab! Avoid carrying large sums of cash or displaying expensive jewelry.

Since we are discussing safety and vehicles, and we are living in Southeast Texas, it is also important to discuss gun safety. Many times weapons are stolen out of vehicles at night when a vehicle has been left unlocked. There are 3 things that you can do to ensure your legal weapon does not get into the hands of a thief: 1) NEVER leave a gun unattended in a vehicle, 2) be sure your vehicle is locked—even in a garage, and 3) secure your handgun in a lockbox in the vehicle. Companies now make lockboxes for vehicles that are easy to open with just a hand/finger print or a person can still actually lock them in a case that is attached to the car. See pictures A and B.

Also, TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS! If something or someone makes you feel uneasy then avoid the person or the location. Report suspicious activity to 9-1-1—NOT CRIME STOPPERS. If you feel in immediate danger then look for security or police and call 91-1. Lastly, if someone does try to rob you, DO NOT RESIST. Give up your property—don’t give up your life. Immediately report the crime to the police, and try to describe the attacker accurately. You may help prevent others from becoming victims.

How To Report A Tip Call 409.833.TIPS Download the P3 Tips App Go to 833TIPS.com

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Your tip could be eligible for a CASH Reward up to $1,000 Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas is a 501(c)3 organization. If you would like to be a part of building a better place to live, work, and play contact

Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas Email: director@833tips.com or 409.333.4088 Www.833tips.com

Viva | Spotlight

Chief Singletary Celebrates A Gold Milestone- 50 Years in Law Enforcement by Kathie Platt

2020 marks a gold milestone for Jimmy Singletary, Chief of the Beaumont Police Department, as he celebrates fifty years in law enforcement. No one seems more surprised, or pleased, than the Chief, a kind and practical guy whose 50-year career reflects his tenacity and courage to get the job done. He credits his success to the support he receives from his 260

attending Lamar, Jimmy joined the Beaumont PD in June 1970. Although the allure of the FBI eventually lost its appeal, Jimmy was hooked by police work. He spent his first years with the force on patrol, which is, according to the Chief, the most important division of any police department. “Patrol is where all the action is. It’s a front row seat to the best and worst of humanity and where you learn all about law enforcement.” In1974 Singletary was promoted to narcotics and SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics). Then in 1988 he was promoted again to Lieutenant, serving over seven different divisions: Patrol, Criminal Investigation, Internal Affairs, Training and Personnel, Drug Enforcement Task Force, SWAT, and Narcotics & Vice—honing his skills. “Patrol, narcotics and SWAT are my three greatest loves in law enforcement.”

A Surprising Choice

The FBI suddenly looked like an attractive alternative, but required two years in law enforcement. So while still

It didn’t take long, however, before Singletary realized he missed the action and challenge of being a cop. When Jefferson County Sheriff Mitch Woods asked him to become Major in the Narcotics and SWAT teams, the nation was in crisis after 9-11 and he could not resist the strong pull back to law enforcement. So in 2002 Jimmy Singletary left the US Attorney’s office to join the Jefferson County Sheriff ’s Department, and soon rose to

Through a combination of hard work and good luck, Singletary’s career kept falling into place. When Beaumont PD Chief Frank Coffin announced his resignation in 2011, Jimmy’s friends in the department asked him to apply for the job. “It’s funny, I applied the last hour the job was open. There were over fifty national applicants and I had no administrative experience. Then I ended up as one of eight or nine finalists. Ten citizens from the community sat on oral boards to interview us. I came up with a plan to improve the department internally, along with some communitybased ideas to help restore our citizens’ confidence in us. The chairman came up to me afterwards really excited and said, ‘Great job!’ I thought to myself, “Now what have I done?” The next day Beaumont City Manager, Kyle Hayes, called Jimmy Singletary up and offered him the Chief ’s job. “I had no idea I’d be a cop for fifty years, much less become chief. Now I’m not sure what else I would have done,” he reminisces. “Some of those plans I came up with actually worked. I’m as surprised as anyone.” Goal #1: Improving Community Relationships Chief Singletary was sworn in September 2011 and began right away implementing programs to improve community relations, to restore citizens’ confidence in the department, and officer morale. “Slowly but surely, it’s been really great to see our citizens come out and support us,” he says, “especially when other places in our country do not have the support we do in Beaumont.” Since becoming Chief, Singletary has promoted many positive relationships

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For Jimmy Singletary, fifty years in law enforcement still feels like a surprise ….and the right choice. “I never planned on a career in the force,” he says. “I was studying marketing at Lamar with a goal towards becoming a professional golfer. But by senior year it became obvious, I just wasn’t good enough.”

But after thirty years on the force, in 2000 Singletary retired from Beaumont PD and accepted an offer from the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas to become their Law Enforcement Coordinator. His new 8-to5 civilian job focused on maintaining positive relations between the US Department of Justice and local law enforcement. It also gave Jimmy more time to spend with his wife, Tammy, and watch his daughter, Hallie, grow up.

A Bid For The Chief’s Position

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

sworn officers and 40 civilian support staff, whose integrity and devotion make the Beaumont PD the best department in America. “My whole career, I’ve worked with the best people in law enforcement,” the Chief says with pride. “There are none better than our Beaumont civilians and sworn personnel. And we could not ask for better support from our mayor, city manager, city council, and our community.”

Career Turn: A Stint with the Eastern District of Texas

Commander of SWAT, a position he held for the next seven years.

Viva | Spotlight between the Beaumont PD and the community, including a partnership with IEA-Inspire, Encourage, Achieve; Cops & Kids; Crime Stoppers; the One Hundred Club of Southeast Texas; One Hundred Black Men; and the NAACP, to name some. Despite nationwide problems between citizenry and local law enforcement, Beaumont PD has maintained open lines of communication with all its citizens. “I want the community to know that we’re listening. We’re open to positive ideas and will always be willing to work together professionally towards common goals,” Chief promises.

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Educating The Public For A New Age

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Beaumont PD also provides specific outreach training for concerned community leaders, including prominent community groups, bringing police officers and citizens together to watch simulations of different dangerous situations. “It’s important for law enforcement to educate our citizens about why we do what we do,” Chief explains. “I’m so proud of the job our officers do, knowing how difficult and dangerous it is. Daily they go into calls and are able to deescalate the danger because of the yearly training they’ve had in Cultural Diversity, Racial Sensitivity, and De-Escalation,” he says. The officers and civilians at BPD are doing an excellent job and I could not be prouder of them.” While the coronavirus has put a halt to some of the department’s community

outreach initiatives, The Beaumont PD’s website is also a valuable tool to provide the public with invaluable information and answer their questions. Two New Initiatives Meanwhile the Chief desires to promote more opportunities for his cops to connect in positive ways with their community. One new initiative is called: Intelligence-Lead Policing. “It’s using our intelligence department—Special Assignment Unit— to identify criminal problems and community problems and then concentrate all our resources on that one problem until it is solved.” “We’re also implementing our version of Community-Oriented Policing. Although we have neighborhood association meetings for the adults and art camps for the kids, we’re not reaching everyone. So now we’re sending officers out into the community. We knock on doors. We talk to people in the streets. We meet the kids on the playgrounds and play ball with them. We want to find out from citizens what their issues are and how we can help them.” Although scaled down due to the coronavirus, “We’ve seen promising results so far,” he says. What Has Changed: Technology & Trust When asked what has changed most over the past fifty years, Chief Singletary doesn’t hesitate. Nothing is more

daunting than the technology that goes along with policing today. When Singletary first entered the force in 1970 there were no computers, cellphones, or body cams. Now learning the new technology is taxing and complicated and the Chief admits, “Our officers have to learn so much now before they ever hit the streets!”

The other biggest change since the Chief ’s early days of policing is the attitude of the public towards police officers and the challenges of building trust in a diverse and divisive society. One of the best trust builders between the Beaumont PD and the community is the Citizens Police Academy, a semester-long intensive that meets two-to-three hours every Thursday night. Officers from Beaumont PD, Port Arthur PD and Jefferson County Sheriff ’s Department come and teach community members the basics of policing in a miniature version of a police academy. “When citizens graduate from this school they have become ambassadors of law enforcement because they see all the things we go through and why we do what we do.” Beaumont PD is also focused on recruiting qualified minorities. “We currently have 15 openings in our department. The local NAACP has even helped our department develop a recruiting guide. Until the diversity of our police force reflects the diversity in our community, we will never be as effective as we need to be,” he emphasizes.

Viva | Spotlight

and keep them safe. It’s rewarding to know that as their chief I’m helping them to do a very difficult job—and do it better and safer—in very difficult times.”

The Future Is In Good Hands Although fifty years ago he never imagined a career in law enforcement— or the challenges and stresses that would come with it—today Chief Singletary cannot imagine any other calling. He credits his fifty-year success as a cop in large part to his wife, Tammy; daughter, Hallie; son-in-law, Travis; and brother, Bill, a retired firefighter; who have been supportive through it all. While his years serving on patrol, narcotics and SWAT were dangerous, “Being police chief is a different kind of challenge,” Chief Singletary explains. “The civilians and officers are depending on us to come up with the programs, equipment and technology to make their job easier

Thank you, Chief, for all that you’ve given and continue to give. And, Happy 50th!

In return, Chief says, “I work with a devoted force and civilian staff that make my job so much easier for me. My whole career I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the best and brightest civilians and sworn personnel in law enforcement. I’m talking best nationwide. There’s none better than the people in Beaumont PD and Southeast Texas. Their attitudes and work ethic are top notch!” From the vantage point of fifty years of policing, Chief Singletary predicts, “Beaumont PD is going to be in good shape for a very long time to come.”

Theresa & Leroy Fagg and Trudy & Kevin Grinnell

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• Under New Ownership • Full Service Cleaners at Lumberton • Alterations at Both Locations • Free Drop & Go-Happy Baggage Express Service

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Top: Brandon Franks, Carrie Franks, Jeff Franks, Steve & Carol Jagneaux Bottom: Judy Franks and Pat Mayes

Viva | House to House

Strategies to Land Listings in Today’s Market by Danielle Braff

You need to try more than traditional prospecting methods to find sellers in this pandemic-weary market. Learn how to do what your competitors aren’t.

• Look for ways to identify homeowners who are primed to sell or reach people who may be looking for a new agent.

after slumping in the initial months of the pandemic, you’re likely looking to drum up more listings as sellers come out of their shell. But prospecting for their business requires a different set of skills than you may have employed before COVID-19 changed the world. As social distancing guidelines lead to a surge in the online marketplace, some tried-and-true in-person prospecting tactics no longer make sense. “I can imagine door-knocking wouldn’t be particularly effective at the moment,” says James McGrath, co-founder of New York real estate brokerage Yoreevo.

With the real estate market roaring back

There’s nothing more powerful than

Key takeaways: • Your online presence is more important than ever, as face-to-face connections are more difficult and potentially dangerous.

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

• Focus on your SEO strategy and creating blog content that helps prospective sellers feel safe to enter a pandemic-weary market.

face-to-face contact to sell yourself as a trustworthy real estate professional, so new and seasoned agents alike must work doubly hard in a primarily virtual world to make a strong connection with prospective sellers. Firstly, you have to be omnipresent online to get in front of them and start a conversation. For McGrath, that means, above all else, investing time and energy into a search engine optimization strategy to appear at the top of online search results for home shoppers. “It’s hard to imagine the top agents in your market are pursuing an active SEO strategy because it takes some know-how and, more importantly, time,” McGrath says. Such a strategy

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409.351.2103

DanaJohnsonTeam.com

Viva | House to House requires consistency over the long term to work, he adds. “No matter how good you are [at SEO], you can’t flip a switch and see results tomorrow, which is why a lot of people give up.” Choose a key word or phrase that speaks specifically to your business, and use it consistently on your website and throughout blog and social media posts—especially in the title, McGrath says. To make sure you have a good keyword, search for it on Google and see what appears on the first page of results. Try to insert terms frequently used in those results into your online posts, but remember to write for your audience. “As long as you’re writing good content and going through SEO basics, Google takes care of the rest,” McGrath says.

“Don’t post photos of random Pinterest kitchens or reminders to clean out your gutters—that stuff gets overlooked,” says Ashley Oshinsky, a sales associate with DeDe Properties in River Rouge, Mich. Instead, she focuses on posting actionable tips for her clients to weather the pandemic, as well as personal posts that reveal who she is as a person so prospects can get to know her. “This has gotten me so much business. The power of organic marketing is real.”

Armstrong says that more down time during the pandemic has afforded him a chance to build a database, launch a new website, start blogging relevant content for various client segments—buyers, sellers, renters and investors—and begin tracking engagements. He expects this work to lead to new listings imminently.

You also can search for expired listings, says Michael Zizzamia, a broker with William Raveis Real Estate in Windsor, Conn. Many owners of expired listings are still in the market to sell and looking for another agent. This is a great opportunity for a new agent with a fresh marketing strategy to come in and win the business, Zizzamia adds. James Badia, a sales associate with Pam Harrington Exclusives in Johns Island, S.C., says he used this method to score a multimillion-dollar listing in his second month as an agent. He spotted an expired listing on the MLS that had been previously priced at $3.2 million. Badia emailed the owners a personal note about his company and explained that this would be his only listing, so his full attention would be on marketing their home. The pitch convinced them to list with him. Within 90 days, the home was under contract—and Badia notched his first sale and was no longer an inexperienced agent.

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Videos also are essential for agents to reach prospective sellers, and if you’re a rookie, you don’t have to have sold a home to make a strong impression,

Some technology can help you identify homeowners who are most likely to sell. Jim Armstrong, a sales associate at JG Real Estate in Philadelphia, recommends Remine, which has a tool that enables you to target market-primed homeowners in a farm area. “Based on their current years at the residence, equity in their home, and ownership status, they are assigned a seller score,” Armstrong says. “Those with a high score are more likely to sell, and you can reach out by email, phone, or mailing address.”

One overlooked way to score listings is to help out with administrative duties at your brokerage, Oshinsky says. Doing so will help you learn all the details of your brokerage systems and build rapport with other agents in the office. “I did this, and I got lots of referral leads from other agents in the office who were too busy to take them,” Oshinsky says.

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

You’ll be posting your blogs and other content on social media to reach new clients, so be aware of the times of day you’re likely to reach the most users. It’s changed since the pandemic has forced many to work from home, giving them more free time to be online. The best times to post on Facebook now are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10-11 a.m., according to social media management firm Sprout Social, which studied how the pandemic has shaped social media behavior.

says Khabeer Rockley, director of the 5% Institute, an online sales training company. Your track record in sales isn’t necessarily the message that will motivate sellers to list with you. Rockley suggests making videos that provide important information about preparing for the market, such as the top five things sellers need to do before listing their home. “I would then recommend agents post these short videos on their social media profile and ask their friends and family to tag people who would be interested,” he says.

Viva | Restaurant Guides BEAUMONT CASUAL DINING Amelia Farm & Market

McAlister’s Deli

Guadalajara

Monica’s Restaurant/Cafe

Habanero Bar & Grill

Bando’s Restaurant

Novrozsky’s Hamburgers, Etc.

La Cantina

Black Bear Diner

Rao’s Bakery and Café

8600 Dishman Rd • 409.866.7818 215 N 11th St • 409.212.8445

5405 Walden Rd • 409.842.9606

Buffalo Wild Wings

4235 Dowlen Rd • 409.924.8647

Catfish Kitchen

3620 College • 409-832-3474

The Café

730 Liberty St • 409.835.9652

Cheddar’s Casual Café 3815 I-10 S • 409.840.5333

Chicken Express

4760 College • 409-840-5950 7290 Hwy 105 • 409-892-4411 520 S Main • 409-751-5202

Chili’s

110 I-10 S • 409.832.1253

Chuck E Cheese’s

4180 Dowlen Rd • 409.347.0693

Cracker Barrel

5390 Walden Rd • 409.842.5420

3050 Dowlen Rd • 409.861.3354 6385 Calder Ste. H • 409.554.0730 3925 Dowlen Rd • 409.899.4076

4440 Dowlen Rd • 409.347.3400 2596 Calder Ave • 409.832.4342

Republic Chicken

1990 Interstate 10 Access Rd · (409) 497-9691

Rockin A Cafe

3520 W Cardinal Dr • 409.842.0010

Schlotzsky’s Deli

4080 N Dowlen Rd • 409.924.9991

Sertino’s Cafe

5657 Eastex Frwy • 409.892.0600

Two Magnolia’s

4414 Dowlen Rd • 409.924.7718 6685 Eastex Freeway • 409.223.1661 4555 Dowlen Rd • 409.899.9393 2050 I-10 S • 409.840.9840

Lupe Tortilla

2050 IH South • 409.347.8908

Doug Nelsons Cafe’

10025 TX Hwy 24 • 409.842.1557

Fuddruckers

4545 Dowlen Rd • 409.898.8973

Hamburger Depot

1652 W Cardinal Dr • 409.840.6600 790 Neches • 409.838.3700

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches 475 S 11th St 409.239.7205

Katharine & Company 1495 Calder Ave • 409.833.9919 4150 Calder Ave • 409.347.0030

Madison’s on Dowlen

4020 Dowlen Rd • 409.924.9777

R Taco

2695 I-10 E • 409.838.5566

1090 S 11th St • 409.832.0310 3015 N Dowlen Rd • 409.861.4905 4215 Dowlen Rd Suite A • 409.223.1622

ASIAN Chaba Thai Cuisine

4340 E Lucas • 409.899.4500 6434 Phelan Blvd • 409.866.3388

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Marisela’s Tamales

5760 Walden Rd Ste 216 • 409.299.9710

CONTINENTAL The Grill by Arfeen, Smith & Payne 6680 Calder Ave • 409.866.0039

Suga’s Deep South Cuisine & Jazz Bar

General Wok

Beau Reve

2760 I-10 E • 409.892.6562 3865 I-10 S • 409.842.0860 3985 College St • 409.842.5212 5875 Hwy 105 • 409.347.0590

The West Bar & Grill 6445 Calder • 409.860.9706

3871 Stagg Dr • 409.838.6686 3675 College St • 409.832.3663 260 Dowlen Rd • 409.866.6588

Great China

3135 Calder Ave • 409.833.0537

J.Wilsons 4190 Gladys Ave • 409.899.8686

Willy Burger

5535 Calder • 409.892.3407

Wings to Go

4275 Dowlen Rd • 409.898.1600

ITALIAN Bruno’s Italian Restaurant 3199 Dowlen Rd • Beaumont, TX 77706r • (409) 554-8321

105 I-10 N • 409.835.9200

New York Pizza & Pasta

Pho Four Seasons

3100 Hwy 365 • 409.727.5377 4801 N Twin City Hwy • 409.963.0185

3690 College St • 409.212.9755 4374 Dowlen Rd • 409.896.2898

Sweet Basil

4026 Dowlen Rd, Beaumont, TX · (409) 347-7594

Tokyo Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar 4438 Dowlen Rd • 409.896.2400 1970 I-10 S • 409.840.4255

SEAFOOD Floyd’s Cajun Seafood & Texas Steakhouse

Cheddar’s Casual Café

8005 Memorial Blvd • 409.729.5800

Chili’s

8665 Memorial Blvd • 409.727.3675

Dylan’s Restaurant and Grill 8601 9th Ave • 409.722.1600

H2O Seafood & Grill

7675 Memorial • 409-237-5305

IHOP

8685 Memorial Blvd • 409.721.6310

Jason’s Deli

170 Central Mall • 409.727.6420

Judice’s French Market

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen 4040 I-10 S • 409.842.1339

King Buffet

Pine Tree Lodge

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

3296 Pine Tree Rd • 409.796.1600

Ralph & Kacoo’s

5055 Eastex Freeway • 409.895.0099 2820 I-10 E • 409.892.7821 6320 Wayside St • 409.794.3663

Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp

5555 Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX · (409) 434-4532

MEDITERRANEAN Abbie’s Imports and Deli

STEAKS Logan’s Roadhouse

Al Basha Grill

Longhorn Steakhouse

2578 I-10 • 409.347.8711

Casa Olé Restaurant & Cantina

3825 I-10 S • 409.842.4433

Taste of Orleans at Gator Country

5335 Fannett Rd • 409.842.2895

La Cantina Mexican Grill 7960 Memorial Blvd • 409.727.0404

3050 Dowlen Rd • 409.866.0620

Rotolo’s Pizzeria

585 I-10 N • 409.832.9058

Bruce’s Seafood Deli

Pei Wei Asian Diner

Red Lobster

The Olive Garden

Buffalo Wild Wings

6801 9th Ave • 409.727.3184

4405 Calder Ave • 409.892.6535 790 Neches St • 409.832.7032 3015 Dowlen Rd • 409.434.1267

4400 Atlantic Rd • 409.962.2422

King Palace

Joe’s Crab Shack

Frankie’s Italian Grill

3330 Hwy 365 • 409.729.1021

8845 Memorial Blvd 409.724.0046

2290 I-10 S • 409.842.0686

Carrabba’s Italian Grill 1550 I-10 S • 409.842.5561

461 Bowie St • 409.813.1808

Koi Sushi Bar

3350 Dowlen Rd Suite C • 409.347.8202

4185 N Dowlen Rd • 409.347.2977 5920 Eastex Fwy • 409.892.1212

3005 7th St • 409.982.3522

7675 Memorial Blvd • 409.721.6868 7700 9th Ave

Luby’s Cafeteria

4840 Hwy 73 • 409.962.0261 8680 Memorial Blvd • 409.724.0043

McAlister’s Deli

8393 Memorial Blvd • 409.729.3354

Reel Cajun Seafood

7500 Twin City Hwy • 409.853.1818

Rodair Roadhouse

6701 Jade Ave • 409.736.2102

Sake Sushi Bar

8691 9th Ave • 409.722.7253

Scholtzsky’s Deli

8745 Memorial Blvd • 409.721.9997

MEXICAN – TEX MEX Café Del Rio

Sertino’s

Carlito’s

4231 Gulfway Dr • 409.983.7545

Carmela’s 229 Dowlen Rd • 409.866.2288

CAFETERIAS Luby’s Cafeteria

PORT ARTHUR Applebee’s

890 Amarillo St • 409.839.8011

MacKenzie’s Pub

Tony’s Barbecue and Steakhouse 3375 Calder Ave • 409.838.2162 5860 Eastex Frwy • 409.892.3100

7675 Memorial Blvd • 409.724.7012

Tequilla’s Mexican Restaurant

2830 I-10 E • 409.347.0250

610 N 11th St

China Hut

850 I-10 S • 409.892.9464

112 Gateway Shopping Center • 409.833.5914 535 N Dowlen Rd • 409.866.9015

Patillo’s Bar-B-Q

Waffle House

Hooters

Jason’s Deli

2930 S 11th St • 409.842.1221

China Garden

6385 Calder Ave • 409.860.3151

3830 College St • 409.833.5510 5875 Eastex Frwy • 409.899.3117

Broussard’s Links Plus Ribs

Art Museum of Southeast Texas 500 Main St • 409.833.5913

Honey B Ham Company

IHOP

6385 Calder Ave. • 409.554.8432

Monterey House

4328 Dowlen Rd • 409.898.3338

6755 Phelan Blvd 409.861.0400

BARBECUE Boomtown BBQ

3925 Calder Ave • 409.898.4745

Casa Olé

Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp Outback Steak House 2060 I-10 S • 409.842.6699

5898 Eastex Frwy • 409.899.2646 335 I-10 N • 409.832.5004

Saltgrass Steak House

Elena’s Mexican Restaurant

The West

6290 Phelan • 409.861.2800 1865 College St • 409.832.1203

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

5655 Eastex Fwy • 409-924-TACO (8226)

325 I-10 N • 409.813.8138

6445 Calder Ave • 409.866.4733

3400 Jimmy Johnson Blvd · (409) 237-4068

Texas Roadhouse

8575 Memorial Blvd • 409.722.2246

Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 3300 Central Mall Dr • 409.729.0641

Tony’s BBQ

2749 Memorial Blvd • 409.984.5444

Tropical Grill

4300 Hwy 365 • 409.724.1002

Viva | Restaurant Guides Tuscany Italian Restaurant

Sea Ranch Cafe

Waffle House

ORANGE Barking Dog Coffee Lounge

3600 Hwy 365 • 409.724.1881

2940 Jimmy Johnson Blvd • 409.724.2141 4505 Twin City Hwy • 409.962.7522

GROVES Big Daddy’s Grill

3848 Main Ave • 409.548.4856

1305 Magnolia • 409.722.6057

109 5th St • Orange • 409.330.4065

Casa Ole

1717 N 16th St • Orange • 409.886.0642

Denny’s inside Flying J Truck Stop

China Inn

7112 I-10 W • Orange • 409.883.4720

Colichia’s Italian Village

2650 I-10 • Orange • 409.886.9019

4848 Twin City Hwy • 409.962.2431 5601 E Parkway St • 409.962.7711

The Courtyard Café & Gift Mall 4321 Lincoln Ave • 409.962.2850

Famous Buffet

5080 Twin City Hwy • 409.962.1888

Sneaky Pete’s

3900 Pure Atlantic Rd • 409.963.1241

Larry’s French Market & Cajun Restaurant

3701 Pure Atlantic Rd • 409.962.3381

Tony’s BBQ & Steaks

4700 Twin City Hwy • 409.962.7427

NEDERLAND Bobby’s Homestyle Cooking 2750 Nederland Ave • 409.722.0561

Butcher’s Korner

Guadalajara

137 MacArthur Dr • Orange • 409.883.4214

J. B.’s BBQ

5750 Hwy 90 • Orange • 409.886.9823

1706 Hwy 365 • 409.729.5100

914 Division • Orange • 409.883.2233

Robert’s Restaurant & Steakhouse 3720 N Park Ave • Orange • 409.883.0979

Romanos 8:31 Italian Restaurant 1207 N 16th St • Orange • 409.883.9142

Senor Toro’s

2308 Lutcher Dr • Orange • 409.883.2443

The Jumping Bean

7174 N Hwy 87 • Orange • 409.883.5858

LOUISIANA Lake Charles La Truffe Sauvage Hollier’s Cajun Kitchen restaurant calla

1400 Market Street in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Seven Clans Buffet at Coushatta Casino Resort

Eaton Meats

777 Coushatta Dr • Kinder, LA • 800.584.7263

Golden Croissant

1004 Lakeshore Dr • Lake Charles, LA 337.494.1070 • www.steamboatbills.com

2505 Nederland Ave • 409.722.3200 2904 Hwy 365 • 409.727.5399

Grand Buffet

2250 Hwy 365 • 409.722.6668

John’s Grill

112 N 11th St • 409.727.1393

La Suprema Mexican Restaurant

Steamboat Bill’s

OTHER AREA RESTAURANTS Captain Ron’s Seafood

310 S Pine St • Kountze, TX • 409.246.3700

Cinnamon Patch

590 Wilson • Vidor, TX • 409.762.8545

County Line Diner

3105 Hwy 365 • 409.722.2880

805 N LHS Dr • Kountze, TX • 409-751-5151

3028 Hwy 365 • 409.724.0500

141 N LHS Drive Suite 211, Lumberton • 409.755.4411

3016 Hwy 365 • 409.724.7553

1202 N Main St • Vidor, TX • 409.769.7403

Mazzio’s Pizza

Hamburger Depot

Novrozsky’s Hamburgers, Etc.

Hush Puppy Seafood Restaurant

Rao’s Bakery & Deli

JuJu Cajun Crawfish Shak

3504 Hwy 365 • 409.729.7267

Sartin’s Seafood

The Schooner Restaurant 1507 Hwy 69 • 409.722.2323

Taco Rey Mexican Restaurant 1505 Nederland Ave • 409.721.5100

The Tamale King

16474 FM365 Fannett, TX · 409-794-2020

Mama Jack’s

215 N Pine St • Kountze, TX • 409.246.3450

Mi Pueblo

980 Hwy 327 E • Silsbee, TX • 409.385.5288

Munchies Ole’

1198 N 5th St • Silsbee, TX • 409.385.5003 835 S Main St • Lumberton, TX • 409.227.4611

2495 N Twin City Hwy • 409.724.6666

Novrozsky’s Hamburgers

1226 Port Neches Ave • 409.344.4594

Peggy’s On The Bayou

PORT NECHES The Avenue Coffee & Cafe

441 S Main St, Lumberton • 409.755.1224 1170 TX-327, Silsbee • 409.386.6300

Billy Joe’s Bar-B-Q

2682 E Round Bunch • Bridge City, TX • 409.886.1115

2029 Magnolia Ave • 409.727.1482

Carla’s Cupboard 2117 Magnolia Ave

Celeste’s Tamales

3102 Saba Ln • 409.722.1172

Joe’s Pizza and Pasta 2839 Nall • 409.727.3961

La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant 2337 Nederland Ave • 409.729.2500

Neches Brewing Company The Neches Café

2401 Port Neches Ave • 409.729.3849

Neches River Wheelhouse 720 Lee Ave • 409-853-1249

Pickett House Restaurant

Hwy 190 W • Woodville, TX • 409.283.3371

Pine Tree Lodge

3296 Pinetree Rd off LaBelle Rd between Hwy 73 & 365 • LaBelle, TX • 409.796.1600

Sure Catch Seafood

605 W Round Bunch Rd • Bridge City, TX • 409.313.6140

Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant

1085 Texas Ave • Bridge City, TX • 409.738.3510

Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp

322 S. Main, Lumberton · 409.227.0806

The Cottage

5125 Old Evadale • Silsbee, TX • 409.385.9057

West Texas Style BBQ

3078 US Hwy 96 • Silsbee, TX • 409.385.0957

Chamber of Commerce, LB Alumni, and the class of 2021 get together at Crazy Cajuns

vivasoutheasttexas.com

1108 Port Neches Ave • 409.237.5700

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

Napoli’s Italian Restaurant

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

3520 Nederland Ave • 409.721.9420

For more information contact Danny Geraci at (409) 344-2999 or email us at texasitalians@gmail.com

Old Orange Café

1709 Ruth • Sulphur, LA • 337.527.0061

Davis Donuts and Deli

Join our local group “Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America”

2488 MLK Dr • Orange • 409.883.332

1203 S Hwy 69 • 409.729.0760

812 S Twin City Hwy • 409.729.2288

ALIVE IN SOUTHEAST

Lucy’s Café & Bakery

815 West Bayou Pines Dr • 337.439.8364 www.thewildtruffle.com

Champagne’s Specialty Cakes

ITALIAN TRADITION

Gary’s Coffee Shop

1155 Boston Ave • 409.722.4831

Carmela’s Mexican Restaurant

LET’S KEEP THE

Mardi Gras What Does Mardi Gras Mean? According to history.com Mardi is the French word for Tuesday, and gras means “fat.” In France, the day before Ash Wednesday came to be known as Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday.” Traditionally, in the days leading up to Lent, merrymakers would binge on all the rich, fatty foods—meat, eggs, milk, lard and cheese—that remained in their homes, in anticipation of several weeks of eating only fish and different types of fasting. The word carnival, another common name for the pre-Lenten festivities, also derives from this feasting tradition: in Medieval Latin, carnelevarium means to take away or remove meat, from the Latin carnem for meat.

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Did you know?

vivasoutheasttexas.com

Rex, one of the oldest Mardi Gras krewes, has been participating in parades since 1872, and established purple, gold and green as the iconic Mardi Gras colors. Louisiana is the only state in which Mardi Gras is a legal holiday.

Safety Mardi Gras Southeast Texas is committed to your safety. Due to the pandemic volunteers will be taking extra precautions. Feel free to call the office with questions at 409-721-8717.

SETX 2021 by Kathie Platt

From bead to shining bead, “Mardi Gras is a state of mind,” according to Ed Muniz, former mayor of Kenner, La. Though the Big Easy might get all the fame, Southeast Texas also knows how to party before Lent and the 29th Annual celebration from February 11-14th in downtown Beaumont won’t disappoint. “Mardi Gras is for all ages,” says Laura Childress, President of Mardi Gras Southeast Texas. “There is something to see or participate in no matter your age or who you are.” So what do you need to know about the upcoming festivities? We’re going to break it down for you. Beads and bling. It’s Mardi Gras thing. Time to talk parades. Thursday you can catch the Courir de Mardi Gras, an old fashion Cajun parade complete with a chicken chase and Zydeco Music. Friday the Valero Krewe of Krewes will feature 30 floats and riders tossing beads. “Downtown Beaumont is the perfect location,” Childress says. “Downtown streets are perfect for parades. [The City] has put a lot into it and it’s a beautiful, good place to have the event.” On Saturday you can watch the Majestic Krewe of Aurora Grand Parade sponsored by Total, again, a chance to grab your fair share of beads, doubloons (coins), and cups. Sunday there’s the Umbrella Brigade Parade. You’re provided an umbrella to decorate and then strut your stuff

around the Event Centre. Umbrellas are judged and cash prizes awarded. Or there is the Munchkin Parade which is free to enter- just bring your little ones in their favorite costume, wagon or power wheels. There is even the Exxon Motor Parade, a public entry parade featuring anything that rolls. The carnival- It’s beignet a while Whether you want to spin, flip, scramble or scream, the carnival will feature more than 20 rides and attractions to entertain you throughout the weekend. It’s free to walk around, but to ride, you’ll have to pay. Unlimited rides are $20 in advance, $25 at the gate. “There will be new attractions and activities for everyone to participate,” Childress says. Let’s get jazzy! The annual event also has a line-up of diverse artists ranging from Zydeco to Texas Country to Pop taking the stage Thursday through Sunday. Check out MardiGrasTx.com for the full lineup. King Cake calories don’t count There will be plenty of food vendors to satisfy that hunger from traditional Cajun cuisine to the typical foods you love to eat at any state fair like smoked turkey legs, funnel cake and fried Oreos. Tickets—there are three ways to buy them. You can purchase them at any Market Basket store, online at MardiGrasTx. com, or at the gates. Prices vary depending on the day, with admission ranging from $10-$15. Four-day

volunteer organization consisting of more than 700 volunteers with proceeds from the event going right back into the community. So let those volunteers help you get into the spirit of Mardi Gras and Laissez les bons temps rouler!

passes are $40. “Planning ahead you can save money and still go out and have a great time,” Childress says. So what else do you need to know? This year’s theme is “Mystic Masquerade” and attendees are encouraged to go all out, not just in the name of safety, but in the spirit of the season. “The requirement for masks and Mardi Gras go hand in hand. With so many wearing masks to be socially responsible why not have some fun

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

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with it?” Childress says. “Mardi Gras is the perfect time to bling up your mask, personalize it and come out and have some fun.” Need something else for the kids? Visit the Kid Zone, a free area where children can enjoy their favorite carnival games like duck pond, bean bag toss and basketball. Don’t forget, kids 11 and under get in free. You can even do some shopping at one of the many arts and crafts vendors ready to sell you everything purple, green, gold and every color in between. “Our goal is to provide a safe, fun atmosphere for all to come out and enjoy the sights sounds and colorsjust the party of Mardi Gras that comes with good family entertainment,” Childress says. Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas is a nonprofit

Viva | Spotlight Story

Jack M. Gill, PhD

From Humble Beginnings to High-Tech Innovator

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

1958

Class of 1954

Growing up in Lufkin, Texas

STEM’s the TICKET

Jack M. Gill was born the 4th of 6 siblings in Lufkin, TX to blue collar parents Samuel and Beulah Gill, who had 6th grade level education. Jack’s father was one of 8 and his mother one of 9. Not one in his parents’ generation had even graduated from high school. Jack has 24 first cousins. Only 6 pursued a college education. Four of the 6 were Jack and his siblings.

Jack liked both sports and music, but didn’t pursue either seriously. He was a good STEM student and was counseled by a 10th grade math teacher to focus on science and math. He worked hard in school, but was frustrated that he couldn’t be the best at anything.

Jack remembers vividly his father’s advice… “If you don’t want to work as hard and long as I do just to earn a basic living, then get all the education you can.” His father also said… “Those who work, eat!” So Jack developed a strong work ethic at an early age. He sold peaches from the family’s small farm, and was the janitor in the Baptist church at age 12. In high school, he bagged groceries and mopped floors at the local grocery.

Jack Gill, 1954

Jack went from insecure 10th grader to graduate 5th in a class of 127, and developed a strong study ethic to go along with his work ethic. One powerful lesson Jack learned was the disciplined use of a gifted memory. He learned in his grocery store job that a stocker made minimum wage, but the checkout clerk made more. So Jack memorized the price of every item in the store (before bar codes) to get a checkout job. This led to his “lean, mean, hungry drive and his relentless pursuit of a better life.”

TIMELINE vivasoutheasttexas.com

1936

Born in Lufkin, TX. 4th of 6 siblings

1940’s Parents 6th grade education

Large Families. 24 First Cousins.

1952 Little talent for Sports & Music.

10th Grade, chose STEM Focus

First car assembled from 2 wrecks

1953-4

1954

Brookshire Grocery clerk while at Lufkin High School

Graduated 5th of 127 from Lufkin H.S.

Viva | Spotlight Story

LAMAR U. Lamar State College of Technology Beaumont, TX 1954-1958

INDIANA U. Indiana University PhD

Jack chose IU, mostly because his Lamar University campus (early aerial) Jack worked 40 hours per week at the Lamar professor and mentor made CP Evans supermarket and at Refinery him aware that IU was (and is) Shutdowns while pursuing a science a national leader in Organic and and engineering degree. At Lamar, Biochemistry. At IU, Jack earned PhD in Organic electing a doublewith majorLamar while Engineering working his Advisory Jack Hopper Board Chemistry in Jack & Marilyn Hopper, 2010 full-time seems crazy in today’s world. 4 years. Many important scientific were in Engineering their early To Jack, Honors it was normal and manageable! instruments and Awards A&M Chemical 1. Graduated school of 127, LHS This didn’t leave any time for other development in this era, so Jack’s Distinguished Alumni Award 2. Earned 100% college costs interests. So… work, study, sleep… engineering background enabled Jack Hopper, a fellow of (1998), the Outstanding 3. Lamar cum laude gradate that’s all! Jack graduated cum laude in him to develop expertise in these, the American Institute of Alumni Award, Lee College 4. Earned IU PhD in 4 years 4 years. ATO fraternity activities and which greatly accelerated his Chemical Engineers, is the (1981), and the Fellow of 5. Monsanto Sr. Scientist doctoral research. At IU, Jack was intramural sports were his social life. most honored faculty in thefortunate the American Institute of to work with Professor 6. Head of R&D, Wilkens Instr. history ofPhD? Lamar. He has servedMarvin Chemical Engineers award in Carmack, an internationally Pursue an MD or 7. Invented Computing Integrator researcher on the Texas A&M’s Chemicalrenowned 1985. He receivedintheorganic Sabine 8. Pioneered Intel microprocessor andof natural At Lamar, Jack struggled withAdvisory, career chemistry Engineering Chapter TSPEproducts. Engineer of applications in Instrumentation plans andthe ambitions. He changedChemical majors American the Year in 2004. 9. Founded Autolab at age 33 just about every semester… fromand Chem.theSnowbelt versus Sunny California Society Advisory, 10. Merged Autolab into E. to Electrical E., to Math, to Chemistry, LSU Chemical Engineering Lamar‘s Chemical SpectraPhysics to Pre-Med. He liked all, but couldn’t Growing up in hot Texas and then Advisory Councils. Engineering Advisory Board, 11. Executive VP, SpectraPhysics decide. Economics dictated his decision. living 4 years in wintry Indiana… in honor of Dr. Hopper and 12. Founded Vanguard Ventures He couldn’t afford Med School, but Jack had an experience that 2009 installed to intoprofoundly his many accomplishments, Dr.$500M Hopperfor attech his best! affected his career. He 13. Raised startups NIH and he NSFwas Scholarships receivedIn the LSU Engineering Hall of established a scholarship spent a month at Stanford studying pursue a PhD in Chemistry! 14. Returned 7X Investor Capital Distinction. Jack has receivedadvanced under the of Joanna lableadership instrumentation 15. Vanguard companies created the ASEE Gulf Dowin Feb. Hambrick. This Scholarship 1961. He drove through Many Lamar alums inSouthwest the 60’s and 100+ millionaires to of theover Indianapolis 70’s era achieved great success, Outstanding Young among Facultya snowstorm had a value $220,000 16. Received Distinguished Alum. Landing in San Francisco, them: Elvis award Mason, (1971),Randy the Best, Texasairport. in 2019. Awards from LHS, Lamar and IU Wendell Radford, Phil Drayer, Don he found Camelot, the world’s best 17. 1999 Horatio Alger Award Lyle, David Beck, Charles Cutler, weather! Stanford was a hugely 2001 Honorary IU Place for Jack… so and 18. Charles Garrett, Bill positive experience Major Stephen FundedGrace, Accomplishments that Made Lamar Southeast TexasDSc, a Better 19. Dozens of Entrepreneur Awards Mitchell, Pike Powers and many more. he said to himself... “Someday, • Founded Gulf Coast Hazardous Substance Research Center… $60earn Million Plus Like Jack, all were empowered by the someday, California, here I come.” 20. 4 Gill kids 11 col. degrees • of aTexas superb quality LamarHazardous education. Waste Research Center… $40 Million

Oct. 2007

Major Milestones in Gill’s Career

Bloomington

St. Louis

and Varian

Exec. VP

investors

of Texas

brought to Lamar

Group)

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Lamar Univ.

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

• Chaired Professorships and Named Engineering Departments… $15 Million and Entrepreneurship (CICE)… $14 Million 1958 • Center 1962 of Innovation, 1963-64 Commercialization 1965-70 1971-79 1981-2000 2000-Now 2005-Now BS: Chemistry PhD: Organic Sr. Research VP of R&D, Autolab CEO Vanguard’s Entrepreneur Co-founder, • Research Grants… $5 Million and Electrical Chemistry, Scientist, Wilkens and Founder; first 5 funds courses, GOOSE Capital • Capitol Campaign Funding… $40 Million Engineering, Indiana Univ. Monsanto Instruments SpectraPhysics returned 7X to Gill Foundation (Angel Investor $174 Million Total

Viva | Spotlight Story Stanford

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Jack Gill using F&M Gas Chromatograph at Indiana University

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Prof. Marvin Carmack & Jack Gill, 1973

“California, Here I Come.”

First Job... Monsanto St. Louis, MO

Wilkens Instrument Walnut Creek, CA

Lab Automation Pioneer Palo Alto, CA

At Monsanto in St. Louis, as a Sr. Research Chemist, Jack was teamed up with two brilliant PhD Chemical Engineers to build the world’s first “Instrumented MicroReactor” to simulate, study and model catalytic and thermodynamic processes for hydrocarbons production. Chromatographic analysis of all feed stocks and products was key and Jack pioneered the computer automation of high resolution capillary column gas chromatography which enabled the project’s success! So... Jack learned early the power of interdisciplinary collaborations!

Jack worked 5 years at Wilkens as head of R&D. Wilkens, a hightech startup, had become the world’s largest manufacturer of gas chromatographs. Jack invented a new product called “Computing Integrator”… for Gas Chromatographs which revolutionized chromatographic data collection and interpretation. This eliminated the problematic strip chart recorder. This invention led to Jack’s next career move… plunging into Entrepreneurship and founding his first company at age 33, shortly after he married Linda Challis in San Francisco.

Jack founded Autolab, Inc., in 1970 and secured startup financing from Vidar Corp., the manufacturing partner that was supplying lab equipment to Wilkens. Jack recruited a team of executives to join Autolab: a design engineer from Vidar, a senior marketing executive from HP and a German HP salesman to establish sales and marketing throughout Europe.

Previously at Monsanto in Alvin, TX, in 1959, Jack had worked for a summer, on Catalysis and Thermocracking research for hydrocarbons production. After two years in St. Louis, Jack received an offer to join the leading GC manufacturer in Walnut Creek, CA. Finally in 1965, the move west happened and embarked Jack on his lifelong entrepreneurship journey!

This team, led by Jack, brought a highly innovative family of computing integrators and laboratory data systems to market, driving revenues to nearly $100 Million annually within 7 years, making Autolab the world market leader in lab automation.

Wilkens founder Dr. Keene Dimick (center) mentored his “fair-haired boys” Dr. Jack Gill and Dr. Harold McNair

Viva | Spotlight Story

Autolab Acquired by SpectraPhysics

Vanguard Ventures

Entrepreneur Education

SP, another pioneering Silicon Valley startup, had grown up to be the world’s leading laser company. SP needed microprocessor technology in their line of lasers and offered a premium evaluation to acquire Autolab. This provided the liquidity of $20 Million to Gill and co-founders plus growth capital to expand. Jack was elevated to Sr. Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer at SP, overseeing all the scientific laser and laboratory automation businesses of SpectraPhysics with 2,500 employees.

Jack co-founded Vanguard Ventures in 1981 along with Dr. David Rammler, a brilliant Biotech Scientist at SYNTEX, a hugely successful biotech company that brought birth control drugs to market!

After a dynamic and rewarding 30+ years in Silicon Valley, Jack retired and felt compelled to train and mentor other young high-tech entrepreneurs. So he joined the faculty of Harvard Medical School and MIT Engineering to teach MD’s and PhD’s how to become entrepreneurs and bring their innovations and discoveries to market. Jack’s Entrepreneur courses were hugely popular with MD, PhD and MBA students.

Jack left SP in 1970 to get back into the startup world. Instead of starting another company, Jack was encouraged to create a new Venture Capital firm focused on high-tech startups in the Computer, Telecommunications and Medical Industries Next Career Move

In this 1980-2000 “Golden Era of Venture Capital,” Vanguard’s first 5 funds, totaling $155M, financed 108 startups. IPO’s and Acquisitions of Vanguard companies provided a 7X return in aggregate of the first five funds, resulting in over $1 Billion return to investors, catapulting Vanguard to toptier status among Silicon Valley VC firms.

Some Vanguard Big Winners

In 2000, Jack brought in the third generation of Vanguard partners, retired and moved to Boston for new adventures.

In 2008, Jack was recruited to bring his highly acclaimed courses to Rice and the Texas Medical Center. Rice & TMC Courses Houston, TX In 2007, Jack joined the Rice faculty as Professor of the Practice of Entrepreneurship. As of 2020, over 5,000 have taken Jack’s courses at Stanford, Harvard, MIT, Rice, and TMC. About 200 students enroll each year, mostly all MD, PhD and MBA students. Jack is currently writing a book about the 23 Teaching Assistants of his course.

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Jack was privileged to know and be mentored by many of the legendary VC’s in Silicon Valley and was offered partner roles in some leading VC firms, but decided to create his own VC firm to emulate their success.

Vanguard’s strategy was to raise a venture fund of $30M to 50M: sufficient to finance 20 startups. Then work to bring a big value-added contribution by mentoring the startup teams and serving on the Board, often as Chairman.

Autolab 475 Intro 1971

Autolab co-founders Klaus Derge, Jim Hubbard, Jim Schlater and Jack Gill, 1980

Autolab 4100 Introduced in 1976 Was a Blockbuster Success

Autolab family of Computing Integrators in 1976

Family of Computing Integrators and Lab Computers brought to market by Autolab

vivasoutheasttexas.com

Autolab supplied resale Computing Integrators to 8 major scientific instrument companies

Autolab System I Intro 1973

Viva | Spotlight Story Along with Rod Canion, cofounder and CEO of COMPAQ Computers, Jack also co-founded the GOOSE Society of Texas, later renamed GOOSE Capital, which now has 28 members, all super successful entrepreneurs. GOOSE is Houstonâ€™s most resourceful Angel Investor group. GOOSE provides the Grand Prize of $350,000 to the Winner of the Rice Business Plan Competition and invests $10 to $15 Million plus per year in high-tech startups. GOOSE Capital Director is Samantha Lewis, Rice MBA. GOOSE website is goose.capital.

Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans... HAA

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

The prestigious HAA was founded in 1957 and annually inducts 12 new members, who have experienced great adversity, yet go on to achieve big success while giving back to society. HAA members from the Golden Triangle include R.C. Slocum, Tom Harken, Jack Gill and Larry Lawson. Horatio Alger Association is the nationâ€™s largest provider of need-based college scholarships.

Jack and Linda have four children who have earned 11 college degrees

Family Philanthropy... Gill Foundation of Texas In 1997, Jack and Linda founded the GILL FOUNDATION OF TEXAS to formalize the family involvement in supporting Education. Focused on STEM and MEDICINE for over 22 years, they have been endowing Teacher Awards, Scholarships, Fellowships, Academic Chairs, Professorships and Major Programs in High Schools and Universities nationwide. Gifts and Grants to date exceed $40 Million.

The Gills endowed two Centers of Excellence with Multi-Million-Dollar Gifts: the Gill Heart & Vascular Institute at the University of Kentucky and the Gill Center for Biomolecular Science at Indiana University. Combined, these programs endowed 12 chairs and 13 professorships.

vivasoutheasttexas.com

Jack co-founds GOOSE Society of Texas with Rod Canion. Now 28 Angel investors.

Jack Gill, Buzz Aldrin and Larry Lawson at the Horatio Alger Awards, 2018

Lamar University Cardinal Club Established in 1969 ball Hall of Gamer Jim Gilligan won numerous conference titles and trips to the NCAA tournament as well as outstanding professional ball players.

The baseball team guided by Base-

LU track and field has also produced innumerable championships as has the Cross County Team. Our football teams sent many prominent players to the NFL such as undefeated Super Bowl Champion Miami Dolphins, Wayne Moore, Johnny Fuller, and most recently Reggie Begelton of the Green Bay Packers. If we listed every professional athlete in every sport from Lamar University, one can imagine just how long that the list would be. The great thing is that this spring you will be able to see future stars of the NFL WNBA, NBA, MLB, PGA, LPGA, as well as all of the other sports that compete professionally. You will want to be a part of a new beginning in LU sports. Go to the website to see all of the sports, schedule, rosters, at www.lamarcardinals. com. The new season starts with the tip off of men and women’s basketball Thanksgiving week. The men play at University of Houston and the women at Texas A&M on November 25. The rest of the sports start in the spring in January with football starting in February. Steve Holeman’s Conference Champion Women’s Soccer Team starts in February and Trey Clark’s Championship Cross Country and Track and Field Teams will be ready to sprint to more championships. This is a historic year for

DID YOU W ? KNO The Salvation Army was organized in 1901. The First National Bank was founded in 1901. The Beaumont Chamber of Commerce was established in 1903. Saint Anthony Catholic Church was completed in 1907. The Port of Beaumont was established in 1908. Broussard Mortuary opened for business in 1888. Conn’s opened for business in 1890.

vivasoutheasttexas.com

Many changes have occurred since then as Lamar State College of Technology became Lamar University, Many of LU sports rose to national prominence, the men’s basketball team under the iconic Billy Tubbs won 80 home games in a to and made several trips to the /NCAA tournament as did the Women’s program under Coach Larry Tidwell. These programs sent numerous players to the professional ranks.

The LU golf teams are legendary as they produced numerous professional golfers both men and women.

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

It only seems fitting that the Spring of 2021 would be a historic one because 52 years before it was the spring of 1969 that the Lamar University Cardinal Club was established. During Spring training of that year, Coach Vernon Glass stopped practice as a group of well dressed citizens joined the team huddle to announce the first action of the Cardinal Club was to give Coach Glass the keys to a new RED DODGE parked on the south side of the field. Among the founders were Preston Graves, GM manager of the Dodge dealership, LU standout Bud Leonard and Colonel W. L. Pate, Sr. Since that time, the Cardinal Club has raised and donated millions of dollars to the LU Athletic program. A Cardinal Club factoid, two of the players on the field at that time became the president of the club, prominent business man and community leaders Frank Messina and W. L. Pate, Jr.

Lamar University athletics and you can be a part of it’s success. Join the Lamar University Cardinal Club and help LU reach new heights. There are several levels that will fit any budget. Be a part of OUR university and make the FUTURE a bright one for our athletes, our fans, and our community! Go to www.lamarcardinals. com, click on DONATE and join the Cardinal Club! You can and will make a difference!

Viva | Directories NIGHTLIFE Benoits 3085 TX-12 • Vidor • 409.651.5018 Cotton Creek Winery 6755 Phelan • Beaumont • 409.861.0400 Crockett Street 200 Block of Crockett Street • Beaumont Dixie Dance Hall 240 Crockett St • Beaumont • 409.833.3090 Dylan’s Restaurant and Grill 8601 9th Ave • Port Arthur • 409.722.1600 Fast Eddie’s Pool Hall & Bar 6410 Phelan • Beaumont • 409.866.2212 Honky Tonk Texas 2389 Hwy 96N • Silsbee • 409.386.1995 John Waynes Saloon 6360 Phelan • Beaumont • 409.861.1709 Larry’s French Market & Cajun Restaurant 3701 Hwy 366 • Groves • 409.962.3381 Little Woodrow’s 6210 Phelan • Beaumont • 409. 861.4200 Logon Café 3805 Calder • Beaumont • 409.832.1529 Luke’s Icehouse 2325 Calder • Beaumont • 409. 347.8139 Madison’s 4020 Dowlen Rd • Beaumont • 409.924.9777 MacKenzie’s Pub 229 Dowlen Rd • Beaumont • 409.866.2288 Sawdust Saloon 4680 Fannett • Beaumont • 409.730.7490 Thirsty’s 229 Dowlen Rd • Beaumont • 409.866.6066 LIVE THEATRE Beaumont Community Players 4155 Laurel • Beaumont • 409.833.4664 Jefferson Theatre 345 Fannin • Beaumont • 409.835.5483 Julie Rogers Theatre 765 Pearl • Beaumont • 409.838.3507 Lutcher Theatre 707 Main Ave • Orange • 409.745.5535 Port Arthur Little Theatre 4701 Jimmy Johnson Blvd • Port Arthur 409.722.7732

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

GOLF COURSES Babe Zaharias 3500 Jimmy Johnson Blvd • Port Arthur 409.722.8286 Bayou Din Golf Club 8537 Labelle Rd • Beaumont • 409.796.1327 Country Club of Texas 4201 S Major Dr • Beaumont • 409.840.9440 Gray Plantation 6150 Graywood Pkwy • Lake Charles, LA 337.562.1663

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Henry Homberg Municipal Golf Course 5940 Babe Zaharias Dr • 409. 842-3220 Moody Gardens 1700 Sydnor • Galveston • 409.741.4626 Rayburn Country 2376 Wingate Blvd • Brookeland 409.698.1017 Silsbee Country Club Country Club Rd • Silsbee • 409.385.7337 Wildwood 2201 Button Willow Drive • Village Mills 409.834.2940 DRIVING RANGES Games People Play 5945 College St • Beaumont • 409.866.3883 Texas Driving Range 8310 Eastex Freeway Bmt • 409.892.4653 SOUTHWESTERN LOUISIANA Mallard Cove Golf 4300 Mallard Cove Dr • Lake Charles, LA 337.491.1204 The National Golf Club 1400 National Dr • Westlake,LA • 337.433.2255 Kosati Pines at Coushatta 777 Coushatta Dr • Kinder, LA • 800.584.7263 Frasch Park Golf Course 400 Picard Rd. • Sulphur, LA • 337.527.2515 Contraband Bayou Golf Club L’Auberge Casino 777 Ave L’Auberge • Lake Charles, LA • 337.395.7777 AREA INFORMATION Beaumont Civic Center Complex 701 Main St • 409.838.3435 Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau Dean Conwell, Executive Director 505 Willow St • Beaumont • 800.392.4401 Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitors Center 5055 IH-10 S • 409.842.0500 Bridge City Chamber of Commerce 150 W Roundbunch • Bridge City • 409-735-5671 Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce 1110 Park • Jim Rich • 409.838.6581 Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce 1012 Green Ave • Orange • Ida Schossow - 409.883.3536 Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce 4749 Twin City Hwy, Ste 300 Port Arthur • Bill McCoy - 409.963.1107 Groves Chamber Of Commerce & Tourist Center Ronnie Boneau, Executive Director

4399 Main Ave • Groves • 409.962.3631 Nederland Chamber Of Commerce & Tourist Bureau Stephanie Shimek, Administrative Assistant 1515 Boston Ave • Nederland • 409.722.0279 Orange Convention & Visitor Bureau 803 Green Avenue • Orange • 409.883.1011 Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau Tammy Kotzur, Executive Director 3401 Cultural Center Dr • Port Arthur 800.235.7822 Beaumont Convention & Visitor Bureau 505 Willow St • Beaumont • 409.880.3749 beaumontcvb.com • beaumontcvb.mobi Port Neches Chamber Of Commerce Debbie Plaia, Executive Director 1110 Port Neches Ave • Port Neches 409.722.9154 • portnecheschamber.com Texas Travel Information Center 1708 E IH-10 • Orange • 409.883.9416 or 800.452.9292 Vidor Chamber of Commerce 945 N Main • Vidor • 409.769.6339 Lumberton Chamber of Commerce 826 N Main • Lumberton • 409.755.0554 TAXI CABS American Quality Taxi 409.839.8294 Airport Limousine Airport Rd • 409.722.8313 Daranda Taxi Port Arthur • 409.504.1118 Beaumont • 409.527.0134 Golden Triangle Hot Shot Groves 409.962.7514 La Uno Port Arthur • 409.460.0835 Beaumont • 409.433.1177 AIRPORT Jack Brooks Regional Airport 4875 Parker Dr, Beaumont • 409.719.4950 American Airlines • AA.com SHUTTLE Airport Shuttle from Bush & Hobby to Beaumont 409.951.9636 groundshuttle.com Sun Travel Limo 409.840.4600 CAR RENTAL Avis Rent-A-Car-Budget 6000 Airline Dr - Airport • 409.722.0209 Alamo Rental 6000 Airline Dr - Airport • 877.222.9075 Hertz Rent-A-Car 6000 Airline Dr - Airport • 409.727.2137 800.654.3131 Enterprise Rent-A-Car 6000 Airline Dr - Airport • 409.724.0457 1225 IH-10 South • Beaumont • 409.899.2878 3980 W Lucas • Beaumont • 409.898.8300 2615 W Cardinal Dr • Beaumont • 409.840.4289 710 MLK Pkwy • Beaumont • 409.835.0623 1206 Nederland Ave • Nederland • 409.721.6667 3349 W Parkway St • Groves • 409.962.3234 National Rental Airport 6000 Airline Dr • 409.722.6111 BUS LINES Greyhound Bus Lines Vidor • 409.769.0848 Sun Travel Trailways 409.840.4600 EMERGENCY NUMBERS Ambulance, Fire, Police, Sheriff • 911 Beaumont City Hotline • 311

Southeast Texas Animal Emergency Clinic 3420 West Cardinal Dr • Beaumont 409.842.3239 Spurlock Rd. Veterinary Clinic 2400 Memorial Blvd • Port Arthur 409.727.0287 TXDOT Emergency Roadside Assistance 800.452.9292 FREQUENTLY REQUESTED INFORMATION Beaumont City Hall Administration Offices 801 Main St • 409.880.3716 City of Port Arthur 444 Fourth St • Port Arthur • 409.983.8115 US Post Office 5815 Waden Rd • Beaumont • 409.981.8609 Port Arthur Sub-Courthouse 525 Lakeshore Dr • Port Arthur • 409.983.8300 Jefferson County Veteran’s Services 1149 Pearl St • Beaumont • 409.835.8604 Humane Society of Southeast Texas 2050 Spindletop Rd • Beaumont • 409.722.0605 Better Business Bureau 550 Fannin • Beaumont • 409.835.5348 Lamar University 4400 MLK Pkwy • Beaumont 409.880.7011 Montagne Center at Lamar University 4400 MLK Pkwy • 409.880.1715 Lamar Institute of Technology 855 E Lavaca • Beaumont 800.950.6989 • 409.880.8321 Lamar State College Port Arthur 1500 Procter St • Port Arthur 800.477.5872 • 409.983.4921 Ford Park Event Center 5115 I-10 S • 409.951.5400 SHERIFF Chambers County • 409.267.8318 Hardin County • 409.246.3441 Jasper County • 409.384.5417 Jefferson County Beaumont • 409.835.8411 Mid-County • 409.726.2500 Orange County • 409.883.2612 Vidor Substation • 409.769.6391 HOSPITALS Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas 3080 College St • 409.212.5000 24hr Emergency Service 409.212.6600 Baptist Orange Hospital - Orange 608 Strickland Dr • 409.883.9361 24hr Emergency Service • 409.883.1248 Christus Hospital St Mary - Port Arthur 3600 Gates Blvd • 409.985.7431 Christus Minor Care Center 3939 Dowlen Rd • 409.899.7800 Christus Outpatient Center 3701 Hwy 73 & 9th Ave Pta • 409.983.1621 Exceptional Emergency Center 4755 Eastex Fwy • Beaumont • 409.924.0055 1321 N 16th St • Orange • 409.670.9898 Golden Triangle Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery 2501 Jimmy Johnson Blvd • 409.722.7001 The Medical Center of Southeast Texas 2555 Jimmy Johnson Blvd • Port Arthur 409.724.7389 Victory Medical Center Beaumont Metropolitan Dr • 409.61.7700

Itâ€™s Brunch Time at Toasted Yolk!

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Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

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Viva | Wine

Free State Cellars- Orange, Texas Free State Cellars is located just off IH 10 just before you get to Orange. It is a family owned and operated and was built in 1984. The on-site vineyards feature muscadine grape varieties; Noble, which is a black grape, used to make red wine and Magnolia, which is a bronze grape used to make white wines. Both are quite flavorful and are known as “superfruit” Muscadine grapes are America’s only native grape and are quite hardy The history or legend behind the name, Free State, is based on a 19th century dispute between the United States and Spain. In these backwood swamps, along

the Texas-Louisiana border existed a 40 mile stretch of “no man’s land” known as the “Free State of Sabine” This area was proclaimed neutral ground, and quickly built a reputation as the Devil’s Playground, attracting outlaws, pirates and free spirits. In this environment, many legends and myths were created and many feel that independent nature of the inhabitants helped forge the sovereign nation of Texas Thus, the myths and folklore of the area was deemed to manifest itself in naming the winery! The estate vineyards were planted by one of the Texas’ wine pioneers, Alfred J. Flies. Flies has received numerous awards and has been honored by the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association on four separate occasions for his contributions to the Texas wine industry. Additionally, his wines have received over 70 wine competition medals, including ten belt buckle awards, which represents four Interna-

? y a w A t e G a d e Ne

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4 vivasoutheasttexas.com

tional Best in Class honors and six Texas Best of Class from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo wine competition. The Heirloom Wine collection reflect the very best of his work as a winemaker! The Free State winemakers “celebrate the bounty of the Lone Star State” and enjoy experimenting in highlighting regional fruit flavors and strive to build on iconic estate wines with their Texas Select Wines. These varietals are “bursting with pure expressions of the rich, diverse terroir of the Hill Country and Texas High Plains, with old world varieties like Vionnier, Riesling, Ruby Cabernet and Spanish Tempranillo.” The Free State winery is located at 4702 Tejas Parkway, in Orange Take exit 875 off I-10 east. Tasting room hours are 4pm-8pm, Friday, 1-8 on Saturday and 1-4 on Sunday. The Free State motto is “Uncork a Bottle. Create Your Own Legend”

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Viva | Fashion

Fall Fashion 2020 by Michelle Armstrong

Life has certainly changed this year, and sadly, our focus on fashion has taken a back seat. Most of us have been dressing for our new (but hopefully temporary), low-key way of life as we work from our homes and have fewer reasons to get dressed up from the waist down. While yoga pants, tees, and tennis shoes are comfortable mainstays, this fall’s trends (and a vaccine) may be just the motivation we need to get dressed up again! • Stellar Outerwear – Upgrade last year’s coat to a sporty, bright puffer, a waxed cotton jacket (black, of course), or a mod color-blocked full-length classic. Prefer a more refined look? Opt for a belted quilt jacket, shawl collar preppy plaid coat, or a decadently cozy faux fur in a rich shade of burgundy – or leopard print for a more playful vibe.

• Wild Strands – What better trend to reflect our fraying mental states than the return of whimsical fringe? It’s on everything wearable - dresses, pants, heels, and jackets - and in a multitude of stunning shades and trims.

• Puffy Sleeves – And they’re bigger than ever! • Modern Equestrian – Think slim pants tucked into boots, sharp tailoring, leather accents, and of course, riding boots. More Westchester, less Western. Other buzzy fall trends include chunky sweaters, fuzzy cardigans, earthy hues, column dresses, subtle cutout pieces, skirt suits, and capes. Complete the look with… The Bags – This season’s trends deliver with minimalist micros, oversized totes, tasseled bags framed by luxe gold hardware, metallic shoulder bags, richly textured woven bags, top handled bags, geometric bags, and the carrying bag (hybrid of the “clutch” and the “purse”). The Bling – If your only outings are via Zoom, it’s undeniably time to work every angle with all things sculptural (think geometric earrings and bracelets). A mix of metals form links and chains used to create necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, from feminine and delicate to bold and chunky. Pearls, hoops, and charms remain accessory staples. Small pieces get lost in video calls (and photos), so layering is a must. The Footwear– If you have the opportunity to impress from the ground up,

And for a night out… A puff sleeve dress in a bold jewel-tone or a little black dress in one of this season’s luxurious fabrics are on par for just about any cocktail party or holiday bash. Elevate these looks with an intense smoky eye and statement earrings – and if it’s a Zoom gathering, just add slippers. _____________________ In summary, trends are inspiring and change is exciting (except for 2020). However, we’ve all been guilty at times of wearing the same styles, day after day - and sometimes year after year. Our individuality morphed into a “safe” (boring) uniform. No wonder our excitement turned to despair upon entering our closets (when we were dressing to actually leave the house). However, this year of virtual visits may provide the perfect platform to get out of our comfort zone. Use your next video event to ‘”test the waters” by wearing something new and different. It’s a chance to see if the new style inspires confidence and makes you feel beautiful before you wear it in real life (IRL), per se. And if it doesn’t, you can always say it was just the lighting!

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• Mad for Plaid & Checks – Embrace your inner rebel with an asymmetrical mini plaid skirt (think edgy with tall boots) – or go traditional with a structured check blazer paired with

• Patchwork – Master the art of the mix with an argyle sweater and patchwork denim.

do it in one of this season’s most coveted trends: knee boots (a must-have), sleek pumps, lug-soled boots, monk strap closed-toes, platforms (think ‘70’s high heels) and always the ultra-versatile ankle boot.

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

• Shearling – Nothing keeps you cozier than this textured lining on jackets (and boots). White shearling on a black leather trench says classy, while a caramel suede jacket with cream shearling is perfect for a relaxed, casual vibe.

comfy knits in solid shades.

Viva | Technology

HOW TO SURVIVE HOMESCHOOLING, When It Was Never What You Planned! by Debbie Slaughter

Who could have predicted that the year 2020 would usher in a pandemic, causing your children to miss months of school and forcing you to provide education at home? For many of you, homeschooling was never on the agenda. But, for some, it was a chance to try something you may have been curious about, but never thought you would be able to do or even brave enough to do. After all, being with your kids all day, every day, is a tough job!

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

As a homeschool veteran with twenty years experience under my belt, I can tell you that there are easy days and there are days when you want to quit. But, don’t! Home education is worth it; even if it’s for a limited amount of time, during a pandemic.

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The key to not just surviving, but thriving, in schooling your kids at home, is to pace the day and the amount of work required. No one wants to sit at a table or desk for hours on end, doing school work. Not even you, mom or dad! So you’re going to have to get creative with the schedule and let your kids have variety in their day, if you want them to focus on bookwork, when necessary. Yes, we know that they need to finish lessons, but those things can be rotated throughout each day along with movement, life skills, exploration outside, or simply time to do their own thing. Having your kids at home isn’t just about checking off a list of academic boxes. It’s also a great time to focus on character lessons, problem areas, life skills, rela-

tionship skills and all of the other things you might not get much time to tend to, when everyone is going their separate ways. In other words, don’t waste this time with your children! Make it really count, to help your child grow in areas where they need to grow. It’s your chance to be the biggest influence in their lives, with a little time away from peers and activities (and yes, they will survive). Scheduling their day and aligning it with yours will keep the frustration level low. For instance, if you’re in the kitchen cleaning or cooking, you can answer questions while your child sits in the same room working on a more challenging subject. For easier assignments they can manage on their own, let them choose where they want to work, while you go about your own business around the house. Every child is different. Some will need breaks between subjects and some will want to plow through and get it all done in one sitting. Kids are no different than adults. We all have our own ways of working on tasks and as long as the job gets done in a satisfactory manner, we need to give them a little freedom, combined with guidance. When I was homeschooling my own two boys, they preferred to work from 9:00 to noon and have the rest of the day to pursue their own interests. This worked great for me! We all knew that the mornings were for academics and the

afternoon was for everything else. However, your kids might want to spread their work throughout the day, such as, working for two hours in the morning and two hours after lunch. There are no rules, when it comes to managing education at home! This is the beauty of homeschooling. Other families can tailor their school hours to specific needs of the family. For instance, if dad is the best teacher for science, but won’t get home from work until early evening, then save that subject for after dinner, when dad can take over the teaching duties. Using the same principle for moms who work shift work; work the school hours around the family dynamics and make school work for the good of the family. The goal of education - whether in a classroom or at home - is for your child to learn and to become a life-long learner. So, whether you have traditional school hours or hours that are modified to fit your specific situation, that goal of learning never changes. If you can keep your eyes focused on that goal, you and your child can have a positive experience in homeschooling. For more real-life examples of how to be successful teaching your own children, order my book, “I Could Never Do That! And Other Homeschooling Obstacles You Need to Get Over” available on Amazon, B&N and my website, www.debbieslaughter.com.

Viva | Your Money

Investment Lessons from 2020

As the year draws to a close, it’s fair to say that we’ve all learned something about the social, political, physical and environmental forces that have affected everyone. And, in some ways, our lives will be changed, perhaps permanently. But as an investor, what lessons can you learn from 2020?

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with their stock prices. Here’s the key point: Investment opportunities always exist, especially in times of market stress – and smart investors will find them and incorporate them into their portfolios in a way that’s appropriate for their goals and risk tolerance. • Patience and discipline can pay dividends. As mentioned above, the stock market dropped sharply in the weeks immediately following the pandemic, but then gained steadily for months afterward. Investors who tried to “cut losses” and exited the market likely did so at the wrong time and missed out on the beginning of the upturn. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon – investors who overreact to market declines often find themselves on the investment sidelines just when a new rally begins. Rather than being reactive in this way, you may be better off sticking with a long-term investment strategy, and buying and selling investments only when it makes sense for your situation, such as when you need to diversify your portfolio. For many reasons, it’s unlikely that we’ll see anything exactly like 2020 again. But some of the investment lessons we learned are applicable in every year – so keep them in mind for 2021 and beyond. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

What can explain this discrepancy between the markets and economic activity? Essentially, economic numbers, such as the unemployment rate and gross domestic product (GDP), reflect what’s happening today, but the markets are always looking toward tomorrow, which means they are anticipating a stronger economic recovery and the Here are some to consider: results that come with it, such as great• The markets look ahead. Here’s someer corporate earnings in 2021. No one thing many investors discovered in can say for sure what the future holds, 2020: Investment prices don’t always but you can usually know the market’s move in the same direction as the opinion by its performance. overall economy. This might not • Opportunities will always exist for have seemed apparent right after investors. Although the coronavirus the COVID-19 pandemic struck in seems unprecedented, the equity marmid-February, as the overall economy kets have rebounded from many crises and the stock market took big hits. But before it. From war to global financial just about five weeks later, the marmeltdowns, the market has seen it all. kets began a rally that lasted several But even at the height of these events, months. During this time, the econowhen the markets might be most afmy also recovered somewhat, but still fected, individual segments or indusremains on weak footing. tries can do well. For example, in the current environJoin our Marketing Team to help your business GROW! ment, when many people have been forced to work and shop from home, We’re looking and get their enterfor new members! tainment online, it’s probably not surprising that some parts of the technology sector have seen their economic activity grow, along

DID YOU W ? KNO Jefferson County was established in1836. The city of Beaumont was established in 1838. The city of Beaumont incorporated in 1881. The Jefferson County Courthouse was built in 1854. The Beaumont School District was organized in 1883.

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COVID-19 DOESN’T STOP FOR CANCER AND NEITHER HAS OUR DETERMINATION TO SAVE LIVES! For nearly 30 years, Gift of Life has served the needs of Southeast Texans by bridging the gap in healthcare through its provision of free medical care for vulnerable individuals, in addition to extensive cancer and wellness educational outreach for all youth and adults.

Ring In The Holidays With Ring In The Holidays With

In the face of the pandemic, Gift of Life made the difficult decision to cancel the organization’s annual fundraisers which has resulted in a significant decrease of vital funds for the program’s critical public health services. As many Southeast Texans have experienced, cancer doesn’t stop for COVID-19 and, fortunately, neither have Gift of Life’s free cancer prevention and educational services. With the support of its regional champions, Gift of Life has been able to marshal revenue and resources to continue providing cancer screenings, diagnostic tests and access to cancer treatment for women and men who cannot afford medical care or high deductibles. Innovative community partnerships and grassroots initiatives, helpshelps YOUR donation YOUR donation including Julie Richardson Procter 10th Anniversary Legacythe Gift the of Life Life offer: Gift ofoffer: Celebration sponsors, Philpott Motors Breast Cancer Drive-Thru prostate free breast and prostate cancer and cancer free breast tests tests diagnosticdiagnostic screenings, screenings, Complimentary Luncheon, the Beaumont Police Department’s to treatment and access and access to treatment outreach prevention andcancer breast cancer awareness Pink Patrol Car Project and the rafflefree of cancer free outreach and prevention literature education, materials materials education, and a 2020 Kinsel Toyota Highlander, have positively impacted thesupport services that includeand literature support services that include translation transportation, sustainability of Gift of Life. translation transportation,

WAYS YOU WAYS YOU CAN HELP! CAN HELP!

YOUR STAY YOURDOLLARS DOLLARS STAY LOCAL LIVES LOCAL && SAVE SAVE LIVES

and childcare and childcare support monthly cancer cancer support monthly group meetings “Continued contributions are essential to our mission of saving group meetings

PURCHASE PURCHASE PURCHASE DONATE DONATE ONLINE ONLINE PURCHASE A A REINDEER YOUR RUDY YOUR RUDY giftoflifebmt.org giftoflifebmt.org REINDEER AT AT THE GIFT OF LIFE REINDEER Visit our website REINDEER THE GIFT OF LIFE Visit our website of Gift of Life has helped save the lives lives in Southeast Texas,” said Gift of Life Executive Director Norfor a fast and OFFICE Gift of Life has helped save the lives of at ExxpressMart for a fast and OFFICE at ExxpressMart more than 300 medically underserved easy contribution underserved medically 300 2390 Dowlen Road, locations near you than more ma Sampson. “We are so grateful for our wonderful supporters easy contribution Southeast Texans who have been 2390 Dowlen Road, locations near you been Beaumont, Texas 77706 who have Southeast cancer. or prostate breast Texans diagnosed with Beaumont, Texas 77706 diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer. and especially Elias and Imad Sarkis and Exxpress Mart and

I thank God for the Gift of Life. We heard about the program through our church, and my wife encouraged me to get screened. I told her I didn’t need to because I felt fine. But, I did have prostrate cancer. The Gift of Life saved my life, and I feel very blessed.

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In 2019, Gift of Life diagnosed 24 clients with breast cancer, and during January and February of this year, four more women. Even through the turbulent times of COVID and since July when it was able to resume providing services, the organization has provided nearly 800 free breast cancer screenings, more than 250 diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds, and 18 biopsies. In 2021, Gift of Life will resume its Men’s Health and Prostate Cancer Program, which will provide hundreds of lifesaving prostate cancer screenings and a battery of preventative tests to local men who cannot afford health insurance or high deductibles. Since inception, Gift of Life has helped extend the lives of more than 320 medically underserved individuals who have been diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer following Gift of Life screenings.

| 2390 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, TX 77706 | 409.833.3663 | 2390 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, TX 77706 | 409.833.3663

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

their customers who are paying it forward by ‘giving the gift of life’ this holiday season through the Reindeer Campaign. Their endorsement is vital to our cause as the demand for healthcare services has increased dramatically with rising unemployment rates and subsequent loss of insurance. The pandemic has impacted our traditional fundraising events, but we are committed to serving families, clients and the community.”

Viva | Recipe Pages

Chicken with Kalamata Olives INGREDIENTS: 3/4 tsp. salt 6 bone-in chicken thighs 2 cloves minced garlic 1/3 cup dry white wine 1 (14.5 o.) can diced tomatoes with juice 1/3 cup drained pitted Kalamata olives 2 bay leaves 1 Tbs. chopped fresh rosemary DIRECTIONS: • Preheat oven 375 degrees. Coat a large roasting pan and a 12” non-stick skillet with cooking spray. • Sprinkle salt over chicken. Place chicken in skillet and cook over medium-high heat until browned ( 4-5 min. per side) • Transfer chicken to roasting pan. Discard all but 1 Tbs.

of drippings from skillet. Add garlic; cook stirring 30 sec. Add wine and cook until reduced by half. Stir in tomatoes with juice and ¾ cup of water, • Pour sauce over chicken. Add olives, bay leaves and sprinkle with rosemary. Roast until chicken is done , 30-35 min. Servings: 6

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Sautéed Fresh Corn

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INGREDIENTS: 2 teaspoons unsalted butter 2 cups fresh corn kernels 1/4 cup chopped green onions 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper DIRECTIONS: • Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. • Add corn to pan; sauté 2 minutes. Add green onions, bell pepper, salt, and pepper to pan; sauté 2 minutes or until crisp-tender.

Yield: 4 servings

Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes INGREDIENTS: 2 1/2 c. sifted plain flour 1/4 tsp. salt 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 c. butter 1 c. sugar 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1 tbsp. milk DIRECTIONS: • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. • Sift flour, salt, baking powder together. • Cream butter, sugar, eggs together. Add vanilla, milk and dry ingredients. Blend well. Chill in icebox for at least 1 hour. • Place dough on lightly floured board, sprinkle flour over dough and roll to 1/4 inch thick. Cut with cookie cutter. Place on cookie sheet.

• Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 15 minutes. Yield: 3 dozen

Viva | Connecting To Our Community

Michael Kibodeaux Owner Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

409-752-5734 525 E Lee Street • China, TX a1filtersco.com

PESTCO

Professional Pest Control Inc. Residential • Commercial • Industrial • Marine FREE ESTIMATES

Beaumont 866-8870 • Vidor 769-4050 Orange 886-4248 • Mid-County 722-9889

KEVIN REED

REALTOR® GRI, ABR, SRES, CHMS

When buying or selling property, if you want to succeed Call or Text Kevin Reed kevinreedproperties4u@gmail.com Office (409) 751-4646 Cell (409) 728-1814

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Got A Bug?

ALL PROPERTIES

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Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

regain quality of life. We would like to be your partner on your road to recovery and personal independence.

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WE MOST INSURANCES WEACCEPT ACCEPT MOST INSURANCES WE WE ACCEPT MOSTMOST INSURANCES ACCEPT INSURANCES WE ACCEPT MOST INSURANCES WE ACCEPT MOST INSURANCES WE ACCEPT MOST INSURANCES

Viva | Business

Meet Outdoors in Beaumont We all know that the pandemic has shifted the way that people gather. Whether it is personally or professionally, extra precautions are being taken for those once normal interactions. Face-to-face gatherings have decreased exponentially but the ability to meet outdoors proves to be an option for meeting planners. The capability to have the space to spread out, walkability and open-air options gives attendees the interactions they crave while still be safe when they meet.

Art Museum of Southeast Texas

From historic buildings to museums, Beaumont has an array of options to choose from when wanting to include open-air options to your meeting. Whether fully outdoors or utilizing green space near or top venues, rethink your traditional meeting space to incorporate these opportunities for your attendees.

Beaumont Botanical Gardens Center

The Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau is committed to working on the perfect plan for your next event. We understand that traveling is limited right now, so why wait to meet, when you have the options you need for safe and breathable space in Beaumont. 5 Under Golf Center

Located at the entrance of Tyrrell Park, the Beaumont Botanical Gardens Center is situated steps away from the bountiful flora and trails of the gardens as well as the Warren Loose Conservatory. Set up your meeting on the grounds of the gardens and utilize the space inside the center for a true “garden party.” Cattail Marsh Wetlands Education Center When you make your way through Tyrrell Park, the road will lead you straight towards Cattail Marsh and the Cattail Marsh Wetlands Education Center. A perfect place to host a breakout session for your attendees, activity or a small meeting, the center overlooks the marsh with a wrap-around balcony and large picnic booths underneath. The Event Centre and Great Lawn

The Julie Rogers Theatre, located in downtown Beaumont, is an historical masterpiece. Once Beaumont’s City Hall, this theatre is beautiful, with gorgeous chandeliers and grand staircases. But even more impressive, is the green space outside the venue. Sprawling oak trees and fountains, the area outside can give meeting planners the room to set up a tent and create a magical reception for guests after hosting your meeting in the theatre. Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum A recreation of the 1901 boomtown that put Beaumont, Texas on the map, the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum is a unique and truly oneof-a-kind venue to host your meeting. Surrounded by 15 unique buildings within the museum, set up the center space with tents and tables to utilize the whole venue. Have a shootout reenactment and blow the gusher for a funfilled event. If you are interested in hosting a meeting in Beaumont, contact our Director of Sales, Freddie Willard, at freddie. willard@beaumonttexas.gov or 409880-3160. For additional venues and information about meeting in Beaumont, visit www.meetbeaumont.com.

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In downtown Beaumont, you will be amazed at the space that can be utilized for your meeting, especially outdoors! At the Event Centre, use the inside of the venue, covered patio and green space around the pond, to give your attendees the optimal space to spread out and enjoy the event. The Great Lawn, located behind The Event Centre, is the perfect area for outdoor games and fun. Check out the Tevis Room, within yards of The Event Centre, for a cocktail break or extra meeting space.

Julie Rogers Theatre

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

This venue is bringing the fun to Beaumont! Whether utilizing 5 Under Golf Center as a meeting excursion for your attendees or renting out the entire venue for meeting space, you can do it all. 5 Under offers both indoor and outdoor areas that give your meeting attendees the space to spread out and enjoy. Amelia Farm and Market Amelia Farm and Market gives your attendees a chance to overlook the farm while enjoying your meeting. Utilize the spacious restaurant and bar area indoors and the large picnic tables outside, for your group. With a wide range of catering options, Amelia Farm and Market is the perfect venue that has the space and amenities you need.

The Art Museum of Southeast Texas, located in downtown Beaumont, is a favorite venue among the community. Showcasing artists from near and far, this museum is a unique place to meet. The Courtyard can be used as extra space to enjoy for your meeting. Set up tables, have live music and more to add to your event.

Viva | Calendar Of Events - Beaumont & Surrounding Areas

Sept 2 - Dec 16

Life Drawing Group 2020

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Recurring weekly on Wednesday, $5 The Art Studio 720 Franklin, Beaumont

Nov 19

RECORDED Live Lutcher The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra Thursday, 7:00 PM - Free Access Lutcher Theater, Orange

Nov 20 - Jan 29, 2021 Friday Morning Business Connection

Recurring weekly on Friday, 8:00 - 9:00 AM MCM Eleganté Hotel & Conference Center Beaumont

Nov 30 - Dec 3

Dec 5 Every Saturday Farmer’s Market 8am to 11am • Rain or shine Beaumont Athletic Complex College Street • Beaumont, TX

Dec 1 - 31

Beaumont Police Dept Cops & Candy Canes Blue Candy Canes passed out around the lights at thelake Event Centre Lake, Beaumont

Dec 3 - 5

SHOP BMT Pop Up Shop!

Main Street Market, Beaumont

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4 vivasoutheasttexas.com

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Daily The Sunken Court at Parkdale Mall Beaumont

Dec 3 - Dec 17

12 Days of Christmas: Tree Decorating Contest

Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Daily until December 12, 2020 The Event Center, Beaumont

Sunday, 7:30 PM Symphony of Southeast Texas Julie Rogers Theatre, Beaumont

Dec 6

The Texas Tenors: Deep in the Heart of Christmas Sunday, 7:30 PM, $40 Adults $50, Students $256, & Live Stream Beaumont Civic Center

Dec 11

Friday, 12:00 - 1:00 PM Stark Museum of Art, Orange

Holiday Shop-O-Rama

Handmade Gifts by Local Artisans for sale The Art Studio, Inc. (Virtual) Visit Website

Dec 4 - Dec 18

Letters to Santa Drop Off & Christmas Crafts To Go!

Dec 1 - 12

Symphony Concert “Cinematic Impressions”

Lunch & Look at Home: The Nativity in Art (Virtual)

Art Museum of Southeast Texas 500 Main St, Beaumont

Santa Claus is Coming to Parkdale Mall

Saturday, 7:00 PM - Free Admission Lutcher Parking Lot, Orange

Dec 6

Holiday Tree Lighting Week

Nov 30 - Dec 24

SHOWTIME Under The Stars How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Recurring Weekly on Friday 4:00 - 6:00 PM The Event Centre, Beaumont

Dec 5

Fire Truck Photos with Beaumont Fire Dept Saturday, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Event Centre Lake Downtown Beaumont

Dec 12 -13

Beaumont Civic Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” Saturday & Sunday, 2:00 PM Julie Rogers Theatre, Beaumont

Dec 18

Classic Movie Nights: Miracle on 34th Street Saturday, 6:00 PM Adults $6, 12 & Under $4 Jefferson Theatre, Beaumont

Dec 19

Tracy Byrd Christmas Special with Mike Zito Saturday, Tickets On Sale Now Jefferson Theater, Beaumont

Jan 9, 2021

Beans and Jeans 2021 Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas Saturday, 5:30 - 11:00 PM Beaumont Civic Center

Feb 12, 2021

SHOWTIME Under The Stars “The Phantom of the Opera” Friday, 7:00 PM Free Admission Lutcher Parking Lot, Orange

Jan 16, 2021

E AT.

Winter Wild Game Pairing

Saturday, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Tickets $75 each. Reservations required Vine 2 Wine Vineyard and Winery 14773 Coon Rd, Winnie, TX 77665

Jan 23, 2021

Beaumont Pardi Gras 2021 Southeast Texas Circle of Hope Saturday, 6:00 - 11:30 PM Beaumont Civic Center

Jan 30, 2021 Botox & Wine

Jan 31, 2021

Quarterly Wine Club Pick Up Party

Sunday, 3:00 - 6:00 PM Wine members only! Vine 2 Wine Vineyard and Winery 14773 Coon Rd, Winnie, TX 77665

Feb 12, 2021 Friday, 6:30 - 8:00 PM Vine 2 Wine Vineyard and Winery 14773 Coon Rd Winnie, TX 77665

Sunday, 2:00 - 6:00 PM Vine 2 Wine Vineyard and Winery 14773 Coon Rd Winnie, TX 77665

D R I N K. PL AY.

Feb 20, 2021 Mardi Gras Club Mixer

Saturday, 5:00 - 8:00 PM Vine 2 Wine Vineyard and Winery 14773 Coon Rd Winnie, TX 77665

Mar 4, 2021 Wine Glass Painting Class

Thursday, 5:30 - 8:00 PM Reservations are required Vine 2 Wine Vineyard and Winery 14773 Coon Rd Winnie, TX 77665

BEAUMONT TX SUN – THURS 9 AM – 11 PM

FRI 9 AM – 12 AM SAT

9 AM – 1 AM

( 409 ) 232 0205 5UNDERGOLF.COM

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Wine-O Bingo

Treat Your Sweetie

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Saturday, 2:00 - 6:00 PM Appointments recommended Vine 2 Wine Vineyard and Winery 14773 Coon Rd, Winnie, TX 77665

Feb 14, 2021

AWAKEN THE

L E G AC Y Have you ever thought of publishing your own story in your very own book? IF THE ANSWER IS YES, I CAN HELP. As a Certified Legacy Guide, my job is to get rid of your barriers and help you get your book done in a VERY SHORT TIME. Whether it’s just getting you started or taking you all the way to putting printed books in your hands, I can get it done for you.

Viva | Snapshots - Chamber

Kenneth, Colten and Sandra Renner

Under

Jade Davila and Tamika Lewis

YOUR BUSINESS LEGACY STORY

can help you dominate your competition vs. competing with them. As a powerful branding tool, it creates opportunities to grow your business. Your story can offer wisdom, strength and inspire others.

Stephanie Roberts and Colten Renner

Bryan Munguia, Daylyn Turner and Ty Coudrain

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

YOUR PERSONAL LEGACY STORY

is a powerful and heartfelt gift to leave your family that will keep your story alive for generations to come. Give your loved ones roots to hold to and an identity to help guide them through life.

I WOULD BE HONORED to help you share your story. The Legacy Guide process is a fun, easy and unforgettable experience.

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For more info call Kathy Odom, Legacy Guide and Storyteller

409-201-1060 •

My Life

PrintTheTown@yahoo.com

Reflect Beauty with Practical Function Graber Lightweaves Solar Shades The Blind Factory 7396 College Street, Beaumont, TX 77707 409-866-4055

Viva | Advertiser’s Spotlight

Congratulations Carina Kirk from American Air Systems. Inc. American Air Systems, Inc. completed its second annual #AmerAirCares giveaway, providing a new heating and cooling system to Beaumont resident: Carina Kirk! Nominations were taken online from January through April 2020. A committee of community leaders reviewed the nominations and chose three finalists. Kirk was selected as the final recipient, receiving multiple nominations. The new HVAC unit was delivered to Kirk’s home with American Air Systems, Inc. employees, the committee members, and Kirk’s family in attendance for the surprise celebration. Lee Potter, President of American Air Systems, Inc., says he looks forward to giving back to individuals in Southeast Texas who needs a little extra help. “Our company has been blessed to grow in Southeast Texas because of the support of our customers and partners,” says Potter. “We are proud to give back to someone who needs a new HVAC system for their home but may not be able to afford it on their own for the last two years.” To make this award possible, American Air Systems, Inc. partnered with their HVAC dis-

tributor, Carrier Enterprise and Heasrt Media and their air quality product company, Aprilaire. Lee Potter said, “It is amazing to see how people come together and offer support when they find out how you want to give back. We are fortunate to work with some wonderful businesses in the community.” “I am so grateful and honored such a distinguished and well respected company such as American Air Systems, Inc. selected me as the recipient of this enormous gift,” said Kirk. “I will be in shock for a very long time. It was so nice to meet Lee Potter, his wonderful parents, and to see his lovely wife, as well as some America Air Systems staff, some committee members, the Carrier representative, some dear friends, and of course, my loving family… It was overwhelming, yet such a very happy moment.” This campaign typically begins in January with the new system being delivered and installed in May of each year. The goal is to provide a new heating and cooling system to a deserving homeowner in southeast Texas. Individuals can nominate someone they know who is in need

American Air Systems, Inc. was started in 1982 by Don Potter and serves residential customers in Jefferson, Hardin, and Orange counties. They provide maintenance, service on all AC systems, central air conditioning, furnaces, heat pumps, air filters, indoor air quality with sales and service options. The company continues to operate as a family-owned business when he turned it over to his son, Lee Potter, in 2018. This campaign is one of many ways American Air Systems, Inc. stays involved in the Southeast Texas community. Several American Air Systems, Inc. employees are engaged on local nonprofit boards of directors, volunteer in various organizations, and otherwise support the community. 1050 South 23 rd, Beaumont, TX 77707 Fax: 409-842-1825 MEDIA CONTACT: Lee Potter 409.842.2402 lee@amerair.com

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

“I am so grateful and honored such a distinguished and well respected company such as American Air Systems, Inc. selected me as the recipient of this enormous gift,” said Kirk. “I will be in shock for a very long time.”

by going to www.amerair.com. Nominations will be reviewed by a committee of community leaders.

vivasoutheasttexas.com

Lee Potter, President of American Air Systems, Inc., says “Our company has been blessed to grow in Southeast Texas because of the support of our customers and partners,” says Potter. “We are proud to give back to someone who needs a new HVAC system for their home but may not be able to afford it on their own for the last two years.”

Viva | News From The BBB

Online puppy scams rising sharply in 2020, BBB warns

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased demand for pets as people seek adding a pet to the family to ease the loneliness and tension of prolonged time at home. Many feel that they now have more time to train a puppy. With this rising demand has come a spike in pet scams, in which an online search ends with a would-be pet owner paying hundreds of dollars or more to purchase a pet that ultimately doesn’t exist. Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises extreme caution when shopping for a pet online, especially in light of scammers’ evolving tactics. Soon after cities and states began to impose tighter restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19, BBB Scam Tracker saw a spike in pet fraud reports, with nearly 4,000 reports received in 2020 from the U.S. and Canada. Data from BBB Scam Tracker shows more reports about fraudulent pet websites in April than in the first three months of the year combined. The COVID-19 bump is continuing into the holiday season, with consumers reporting 337 complaints to BBB about puppy scams in November 2020, a dramatic increase from 77 for the same month in 2019.

owners. Knowing the red flags associated with this scam can help consumers avoid heartache and losing their money.” At the current pace, pet scams reported to BBB will be nearly five times as many as in 2017, when BBB published its first in-depth investigative study on pet scams. The projected dollar loss from these scams is expected to top $3 million, more than six times the total losses reported in 2017. According to the Canadian Antifraud Centre (CAFC), complaints about pet frauds reported to them have also increased by a third since 2017. There have been a few law enforcement actions against pet scammers since BBB’s previous study was issued in 2017. In the U.S., a man was arrested in Minnesota for pet fraud in December 2019. In Canada, a woman was arrested for puppy fraud in Waterloo, Ontario in September 2020, and a Newfoundland woman was recently sentenced to 33 months in prison for this fraud.

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

The median loss reported to Scam Tracker in 2020 is $750. Those aged 35 to 55 accounted for half of BBB reports in 2020.

vivasoutheasttexas.com

Law enforcement and consumer advocates now say a person searching online for a new pet is extremely likely to encounter a scam listing or website. The pandemic has given scammers a new tool in their arsenal. Scam Tracker reports show that many fraudsters are telling would-be pet owners they cannot meet the animals before sending money. Petscams.com, which tracks and exposes these scams, recommends using another tool popularized by COVID-19 -- video conferencing -- to meet the animal and owner virtually before buying as a way of reducing scam vulnerability. “COVID-19 has made for a long and uncertain year, and a ‘quarantine puppy’ or other pet has proven to be a comfort for many people, but it also has created fertile ground for fraudsters,” said Michelle L. Corey, BBB St. Louis president and CEO. “People currently shopping for pets online are prime targets for fraudsters trolling the internet looking for want-to-be pet

Give the gift of a BBB Torch Award Nomination to a local southeast Texas company. Your nomination shows how much you appreciate their great customer service and dedication to doing business honestly. BBB shares all nominations with the local company so they know they were nominated and we encourage them to complete the application process. Nominate at: bbb.org/southeast-texas/tae Student of Integrity Scholarships are now available for local high school seniors going to college. Applications for our 2021 Scholarships can be found at: bbb. org/southeast-texas/tae. The application is now an online form and all submissions are due by March 1, 2021. Save the Date: June 10th, 2021 at the Beaumont Civic Center BBB Torch Awards and Student of Integrity scholarships are administered through the BBB Consumer Education Foundation. The foundation and all of it’s programming is supported by local SETX accredited businesses dedicated to the advancement of an ethical marketplace.

BBB Welcomes These Newly Accredited Businesses BBB Helps -

we provide trusted information to businesses to help them thrive, and to consumers to help them make informed buying decisions.

This is Why We Are Here Support your local BBB Accredited Business community this holiday season and all year as we celebrate all of the small businesses that make our community better. Visit BBB.org SETX for local events and news. Support our local community by joining our trustworthy businesses through BBB Accreditation. Thanks, Liz Fredrichs President

For Reservations, Sponsorships and Further Event Details, Contact Candace Carver-Brooks 409-835-5348 ext. 110 or candacecarver@bbbsetexas.org

Better Business Bureau

Serving Southeast Texas 550 Fannin, Ste. 100 | Beaumont, TX 77701

vivasoutheasttexas.com

BBB Serving Southeast Texas events and new are published on our website at BBB.ORG. We invite all local businesses to join our community of trustworthy businesses in networking and education.

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Digital Smart Home Security, LLC Texas Pool Guy, LLC Flowing Water LLC Top Line Electric, LLC Jefferson County Home Health Care, Inc. Ultra Prep Contingency Supply OMJ Services American Shaman Port Arthur Standard Crane & Hoist LLC Cutting Edge Construction Stephanie P. Shoemaker, CPA Flawless Finishes Custom Painting LLC Ambric LLC Hagler Services LLC Mike’s Quality Custom Countertops Hoffpauir’s Tree Service Payton’s Mobile Detail Lil’ John’s Plumbing LLC Southeast Texas Cardiology Associates, M-B Equipment & Services Vascular Center & Vein Clinic MKC Solutions SpeedyKings Transportation Quality Services, Inc. Spruce Barbershop, LLC Turf Text T & M Floors Acadian Builders LLC The Toasted Yolk Cafe AquaTech Unlimited LLC Elite Auto Shield, LLC Champion Rarities LLC First Class Plumbing Elite Property Solutions Forever Young Home LLC Precision Enterprise Downtown Fitness Southern Comfort Construction, LLC Good Hands Tree Service American Wrecker LLP Kintek Group, LLC Barrick Property Services Lansdale Painting and Wallcovering LLC BEAR Plumbing Poolside Builders, LLC Magnolia Direct Primary Care Riptide Pool Maintenance & Service Mossy Land LLC TES Home Solar Rock Builders LLC Brandon M. Roberts, M.Ed. NCC, LPC Champion Termite and Pest Control Braun Intertec Corporation Victory Home Care Coby Roberts - Primerica Financial Svcs Andrew Business Solutions Gold Star Windows & Doors CM Cleaning Service Golden Triangle Sawing, LLC Guaranteed Service Company Hodges Decorative Concrete Crumpler’s Machine & Welding Service, Inc. J Solutions Inc. Done by April Incorporated Led Accent Outdoor Lighting Marble Crafters LZ Services LLC McMillan Building Movers, Inc Meadow Noyer Agency-Allstate Store Space Self Storage N & T Construction Co., Inc. Homes By Design Ty Coudrain - AFLAC Insurance Agency Norah Custom Delta Restoration Services of Strike Zone Investments, LLC Beaumont/Port Arthur/Dayton YAD Services LLC Eye for Truth Investigative Services Avonlea Jewelers, LLC Gulf Coast Plumbing Exit Realty Property Pros Lyons Plumbing Platinum Copier Solutions Muscle Therapy Massage Strong Tower Construction MyWeddingTeam.com Team Gilliam Snack & Food Shack Roebuck Builders Texla Development Group Southeast Texas Powerwashing, 3 Brothers Construction Softwashing and Roof Cleaning Services Bobby Galicia Roofing & Siding For Reservations, Further TMC Cleaning Services LLC Sponsorships andOTW On The Way Delivery Event Details, Contact Candace Carver-Brooks Beyond Environmental Solutions True Vines Compassionate Sitter Service Boutique & Bling 409-835-5348 ext. 110 or Vistex Home Inspections LLC LHS Constructioncandacecarver@bbbsetexas.org LLC W.C. Construction McGinty’s Automotive

Chamber Matters Looking back at 2020 by Ana Pereda

As we step cautiously into a new year, I find myself looking back at where we were a year ago. We were riding the momentum of a year of announcements of billions of dollars in industry expansion projects. Our area’s unemployment rate was the lowest it had been in decades. The future was bright! At the beginning of 2020, our area had $54 billion in proposed industry expansions. These projects were expected to create thousands of jobs in Southeast Texas. The COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty to the global economy and uncertain times hinder decision making. This caused the delay of several of the expansion projects mentioned above. Fortunately, none of the projects have been cancelled, just delayed.

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

As an example, Exxon Mobil, one of our biggest employers, announced in the summer that they will delay the startup of the refinery expansion by a year. This project, which will make Beaumont home to the biggest refinery in the US, will be up and running sometime in 2023 instead of 2022. Construction is still going as planned, and just a few weeks ago, a ship carrying modules for the expansion project arrived at the Port of Beaumont and was delivered to ExxonMobil via the Neches River. In 2020, our area’s unemployment rate increased from 5.2%

at the beginning of the year to 18.1% in March and then decreased to 12.5% in September. The top three industries with the most job losses from September 2019 to September 2020 were: Leisure and Hospitality; Mining, Logging and Construction and Professional and Business Services which combined lost a total of 10,500 jobs or 78% of the total job losses. However, our area is still attractive to investors. In the previous months we have received several leads from companies interested in establishing operations in our area. Interested industries range from transportation and logistics, chemical manufacturing and hospitality services. Even in the midst of the pandemic, the Beaumont Economic Development Foundation’s attraction efforts successfully landed two major projects in our area and helped to create over 450 jobs. The future was bright and it still shines bright for our area. This economic crisis was caused by a health crisis. There was nothing fundamentally wrong with the economy before COVID-19 and this is good news. An effective vaccine, treatments, social distancing and wearing masks will help get the virus under control so we can move on with the economic recovery.

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Jacob Wills, Kayla Bishop, Rebeka Maxwell, Emily Wheeler, Sade Chick, Erica Pachuca, Johnathon Kellis, Sharita Gardner, Tamica Clark and Krista Hunter

Crystal Shafer, Natasha Garrett, Jennifer Burch, Derek McWilliams, Craig Hendrix, and Mackenzie Sattler

| Visit us at www.bmtcoc.org |

Viva | Snapshots - Chamber Annual Meeting

Brett Baumgartner and Natasha Garrett

Dayna Simmons and Earl Frost

Ethan and Sade Chick

Ryan Bucholtz and Randy Reese

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Stephanie Roberts and Lee Potter

Dennis Isaacs, Linda Weber, Congressman Randy Weber, and Blake Hopper

Mike Williams, Stephanie Roberts, Laura Kressman, and Sade Chick

Brett Baumgartner and Debbie Bando

vivasoutheasttexas.com

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick

Saturdays, S undays, and Thanksgiving Friday

rd th 9 through 3 November 2 October Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Why leave the Kingdom?

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TexRenFest.com Discounted Tickets available at any

Business Center

Viva | Snapshots - 5 Under Golf Monday League Teams

Dennis Reading, Doug Devaugh, Rita Hurt, Chris Burch, Dustin Gallier

Greg Gallier and Rita Hurt

Chris Burch, Doug Devaugh, Paul & Ruth Robinson, Crystal Shafer, Rita Hurt, and Sheila Debaugh

John Arcana, Barry Behannon, Ty Hallmark, and Scott Terry

Anthony Toups, Bill Allen, Rita Hurt, Mike Simpson, and Micah Fuller

Scott Rigsby, Jake Rigsby, Rustin Guarnere, Rick Bjerke, and Ty Coudrain

Jimmy Kaiser

Brandon Johnson, Jessie Mudd, Butch Frazier, and Coleman Frazier

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Bring your friends, bring your family and let the good times roll! Enjoy thousands of exciting slots, over 70 table games, live bingo and off-track betting. Add great golf, live entertainment and fabulous restaurants and you have a fantastic weekend escape!

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1-10 Exit 44-Kinder, LA | 800-584-7263 | ccrla.com | >>...... Coushatta supports responsible gaming. Call 877-770-7867. Coushatta Casino Resort is owned and operated by the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana.

Viva | Snapshots - Wining Down at Cotton Creek Winery

Traci Tucker and Patty Blankenship

Pat & Jodi Barton, Mark & Jamie Hogge, and Jeff & Carmen Gay

Traci Tucker and Myra & Bryan Denison

Make Sure to Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/VivaSETXMag

Viva | Snapshots - Prisoner Wine Tasting Dinner at Ember’s Grille & Wine Bar

Viva Southeast Texas | Volume 7 Issue 4

Paula Winzer, Gwen & Mark Young

Raul Lorenzana Ember’s GM

Erin & Zach Bahnsen and Erica Schropshire

Chef Brock Granger and Raul Lorenzana

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Dennis & Kim Isaacs

Gwen & Mark Young

Paula Winzer