GPA Magazine

JULY/AUGUST 2019

Rev. Sinclair Oubre Home-grown priest relishes his roots

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Publisher: STEPHEN HEMELT Editor: KEN STICKNEY

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COVER STORY

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True to himself..................................... 6 5TH&AUSTIN

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Our driving mission is to present a positive image of the most interesting and intriguing aspects of the characters, locations and quirks in the Greater Port Arthur area that make our community so remarkable.

Our success will be measured through the number of coffee tables on which this magazine proudly lives and the number of conversations its pages spark.

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Publisher's Letter

Welcomed home

‘This community has it all’

By Stephen Hemelt Stephen.helmelt@panews.com

T

I’ve witnessed a former prisoner celebrated for the purpose he found in jail, commerce leaders explain the importance of toilet tissue to this region and even enjoyed a city manager explaining our community’s musical roots that include icons of rock & roll and hip hop.

he unique people, places and history of Greater Port Arthur and Mid County are staggering, especially to a new resident.

That’s been the case for my family and me, as we’ve come to embrace our new home.

It all proves to be a never-ending education that’s as informative for a newcomer as it is for a resident with decades of personal history.

It’s been a whirlwind since our arrival June 11, with each new conversation offering something special to learn about this region’s deep roots.

Those roots are perfectly illustrated over the next 55 -plus pages of Greater Port Arthur The Magazine.

Scenic views from one-of-kind homes, great eats in uniquely Tex-

Celebrating downtown redevelopment

as restaurants, character rebirth through downtown redevelopment and personality plus, evidenced by a man of the cloth who is as comfortable on a motorcycle as he is in front of a congregation of believers in their Sunday-best — this community has it ALL.

In fact, in my few short weeks among new neighbors and fast friends, what’s most striking are the people.

Diverse, passionate, rooted and committed, we certainly live in a unique place.

Father Oubre at Seafarers Chapel

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JULY/AUGUST 2019

Thankfully, we have publications like this magazine spotlighting current events and people that continue to write this community’s history with new chapters of a must-read story.

Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

The camaraderie shared at civic club luncheons and in private meetings with community leaders demonstrates the strength of our respective hometowns.

Carolyn Worsham on Pleasure Island

So let me say thank you for taking a break in a busy schedule to spend some time with us, reading about the many aspects of our home.

It’s YOUR story, and it’s certainly one worth telling.

True to himself Home-grown priest relishes his roots

By Chris Moore chris.moore@panews.com

ORANGE — SEATED AT HIS OFFICE DESK AT ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH, THE REV. SINCLAIR OUBRE LOOKS THE PART OF A CATHOLIC PASTOR. THE PORT ARTHUR NATIVE SPORTS A CONSERVATIVE OUTFIT WITH THE TRADITIONAL CLERGY COLLAR. OUBRE HAS THE LOOK FROM HEAD TO — WELL, SOCK. OUBRE IS SPORTING BRIGHT ORANGE AND WHITE ARGYLE SOCKS. “A LITTLE COLOR TO A BLACK OUTFIT,” HE SAID. WHETHER HE IS AT THE PULPIT, ON HIS MOTORCYCLE OR AT A FORMAL EVENT, OUBRE ALWAYS LOOKS THE PART. 6

JULY/AUGUST 2019

Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

COVER STORY Take James Bond “I take, for example, James Bond,” Oubre said. “I’m being absolutely serious.

Bond always dresses appropriately for the occasion. Daniel Craig coming out of the water in Casino Royale was dressed appropriately. If it’s black or white tie, he has it. For me, that’s the important thing to do. I can dress up like a biker — a safe biker. I can also put on my French cuffs and my suit coat for a special event.”

Oubre said he understands that people are not monoliths.

“I remember this country female singer and she is riding four-wheelers and throwing mud all around,” he said.

“What happens is people say that is the image of a real country girl. That’s one image.

“Another image is a girl that has her good jeans on and doing barrel racing.

Another is a girl that can dress up for the high school prom in her puffy dress.

It just depends on the occasion.”

“

Whether he is at the pulpit, on his motorcycle or at a formal event, Oubre always looks the part.

”

True to himself Even though the idea of a hog-riding priest seems antithetical, Oubre considers it part of being true to himself.

“I remember growing up and sitting on the back porch and listen to the pony cars,” he said. “Right there at Rosedale and Gulfway there was a red light. That became the drag strip. They would gun it up and the light would change to green. They would race until they got to the Kansas City Railroad spur.”

Pony cars weren’t the only participants in the drag racing that Oubre could see and hear. His love for motorcycles was birthed from that same traffic light.

While Oubre’s love for motorcycles grew, his father was against the notion of his son riding, let alone owning one.

Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

JULY/AUGUST 2019

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COVER STORY

“He remembered guys, this was before the helmet days, who would crash and get splattered around and kill themselves,” Oubre said. “He wasn’t going to let his son do that. I cried oceans of tears in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s about getting a Honda Trail 50.”

A loophole

However, Oubre found a bit of a loophole in a friend who live two streets behind him and owned a Sears minibike and got a Suzuki TS185.

“When it came time to get my driver’s license, I nearly failed my practical test, because I never drove,” he said. “I was always riding the TS185 all over the place.”

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JULY/AUGUST 2019

“

Oubre said his father learned to live with Oubre’s love of motorcycles, but it wasn’t a smooth ride.

Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

”

A couple of years later, his father sold his motorbike after having a close encounter of his own, leaving Oubre bikeless for four years.

“My brother got stopped by the police riding it, too,” Oubre said. “I was just so upset.”

Oubre said his father learned to live with Oubre’s love of motorcycles, but it wasn’t a smooth ride.

“In January of 1991, after I cashed in my Christmas money, I was able to buy a 1982 Sportster. My dad was furious. My youngest brother said, ‘You weren’t home. Dad would just cuss me out because of you.’ He caught the brunt of it. Finally I had to tell him that I had the motorcycle and that was it.”

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Laissez les bons temps rouler

1

COVER STORY Blessing bikes Oubre can be found at the Port Arthur Seafarers’ Center for the annual bike blessing. Even though the priest currently works in Orange, he said he still has a soft spot for his hometown.

“I remember growing up and going to downtown Port Arthur,” he said. “The [JC] Penney’s was down there. The Sabine [Hotel] had people. I also know Port Arthur was segregated and had a lot of real problems. I do remember this vibrant town growing up there and aware of the history of Jimmy Johnson and Janis Joplin, [Robert] Rauschenberg. They all went on to be leaders in their professions. That says something about what was going on in the community at that time.

These people were coming out of here.”

Oubre said he has also seen the city reach a low point due to white flight and the city being “stripped.”

“All of the sudden, because of our issues with race and stuff, people didn’t want to go to Port Arthur schools,” he said. “That finally tips the balance in the ‘80s. Central Mall was also built, so you have this movement that sucks everything out from the city. You have a destruction of the manufacturing base of that community tied together with the stripping out of the collective bargaining union jobs that were there also. Everything became at-will employment.”

“

I do remember this vibrant town growing up there and aware of the history of Jimmy Johnson and Janis Joplin, Robert Rauschenberg.

They all went on to be leaders in their professions. That says something about what was going on in the community at that time. These people were coming out of here.

10 JULY/AUGUST 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

”

Tied to PA The priest has deep ties to Port Arthur starting with multiple community projects he completed over the years.

“While I was there, I converted the St. Mary’s Elementary School into a 20-unit elderly apartment complex, gave housing for a lot of widows,” he said. “The ultimate

irony is the guy who can’t drive a nail built 20 homes. I built the Seafarers’ Center. There is nothing like building a train station where there is no passenger train service there. That’s crazy.”

Oubre said he has done a lot to enhance the community and downtown and is happy to see the progress being

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COVER STORY

“

“Everything about who you are is based on that. The fact that I studied in Belgium at the oldest Catholic university in the world is based on the fact that the Incarnate Word sisters of St. James School taught me in first in second grade how to read and write. From that, I was able to go a university that Erasmus taught at. That was because of the foundation that was laid in Port Arthur.”

” 12 JULY/AUGUST 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

made by Motiva agreeing to buy and develop in the area.

“It’s almost dreamlike to see them buy all of that,” he said. “You see a total change in attitude from ‘When are you leaving Port Arthur?’ to people tripping over themselves to buy property down there.”

Oubre resents when people “apologetically” claim their hometown.

“Everything about who you are is based on that,” he said. “The fact that I studied in Belgium at the oldest Catholic university in the world is based on the fact that the Incarnate Word sisters of St. James School taught me in first in second grade how to read and write. From that, I was able to go a university that Erasmus taught at. That was because of the foundation that was laid in Port Arthur.”

“

Even though the idea of a hog-riding priest seems antithetical, Oubre considers it part of being true to himself.

”

5th&Austin

5th&Austin MOTIVA HAS A NEW VISION FOR TREASURED INTERSECTION

By Ken Stickney ken.stickney@panews.com

14 JULY/AUGUST 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

T

ime was in Port Arthur when you could see almost anyone on a given day at the intersection of Austin Avenue and Fifth Street.

That was where four major buildings met: The 1912 Federal Building, which included the Post Office; the Adams Building, constructed in 1926; A.E. Scott Furniture, built in 1912 and the Merchants National Bank, created in 1909 and almost as old as the town.

“That was a busy intersection,” said Sam Monroe, former president of Lamar State College Port Arthur.

“When I was a boy, my father was a lieutenant commander in the Navy, which had a recruiting office in the basement of the post office.

“That was the center of town, the only post office.”

“

All four buildings remain from the time Monroe remembered them in the 1940s.

”

Motiva’s interest All four buildings remain from the time Monroe remembered them in the 1940s. The Federal Building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Adams Building, which once housed offices for many of the city’s professional people, are in disrepair.

Motiva Enterprises has secured them both and intends to overhaul them both for use as office space for 500 white-collar employees.

Motiva has an option, too, on the Scott building, which is now in private hands, and may have interest in the old bank building, which today houses the city’s Department of Public Health.

Motiva held a community celebration May 16 at the intersection; some 500 people attended, lauding the

An aerial photo shows the Federal Building, foreground right, Adams Building, foreground left, Merchants Bank and A.E. 2019 Scott Building.

Greater Port Arthur The Magazine JULY/AUGUST 15

5th&Austin

“

That was where four major buildings met: The 1912 Federal Building, which included the Post Office; the Adams Building, constructed in 1926; A.E. Scott Furniture, built in 1912 and the Merchants National Bank, created in 1909 and almost as old as the town.

”

Courtesy photo The Federal Building housed many citizens during the 1915 flood.

development as a launching point for reclaiming what was once a busy downtown.

Among them was Otis Johnson Jr., 93, who was the superintendent in the Federal Building in the 1950s and 1960s.

“Downtown Port Arthur was once the vital heart of the city,” Brian Coffman, president and CEO of Motiva, said that day in prepared remarks, “and for us to be even a small part of the city’s plan to recapture its past success and revive downtown Port Arthur is a real honor.”

“He and my father may have been friends,” Monroe speculated.

Warm memories

A litany of speakers remembered that day what the busy intersection looked like.

Courtesy photo Postcard shows 1919 image of the Merchants Bank.

16 JULY/AUGUST 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Johnson, whose son is president at Lamar State College Orange, recalled proudly that former U.S. Rep. Jack Brooks, D-Beaumont, said his courthouse may have been the cleanest in the country. Brooks, who chaired the House Government Operations Committee and served in Congress for 42 years, was knowledgeable about such things.

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5th&Austin

“

Courtesy photo A.E. Scott Building.

Tom Neal, director of the Museum of the Gulf Coast, remembers that intersection well. His father was a vice president at the bank, and his older brother worked on the project to remodel it in the 1960s.

The vault contained clocks that, on Fridays, would not allow anyone to enter it until business operations resumed Monday.

”

Neal remembers the bank vault, protected with a 16ton door. When he was a teenager, he might go to the bank to borrow the family car, and would sometimes help Claude Pierce, a supervisor over the tellers, in closing the door. The vault contained clocks that, on Fridays, would not allow anyone to enter it until business operations resumed Monday.

“It was a beautiful bank,” Neal recalled. “It was the biggest bank in a three-county area. It had a coffee shop down there that did a lot of business.”

Neal remembers that Howard Hatfield, a prosperous grocer on Ninth Avenue, would arrive at the bank carrying his money in a brown paper sack, a habit from which bank officials could not dissuade him, despite the potential personal risk.

Jeff Hayes said his first recollection of the Adams Build-

“It had a little problem staying full during the Great Depression,” Hayes said of the Adams Building, but was filled during World War II.

John R. Adams built the Adams Building in 1926, Hayes said. Adams was a wholesale grocer, and built a warehouse nearby at Fifth Street and Houston Avenue that opened the same year.

There was a lunch counter on the first floor of the Adams Building, Hayes said, where a short-order cook would prepare breakfast and lunch. “I remember there were eight stools, and a counter and kitchen behind that,” he said.

Once crowded Courtesy photo Vault in the Merchants State Bank.

Boyhood jobs

One of 11 children, he said he used his earnings to buy his own school clothes, a great help to his parents. His parents shopped for furniture at Hampton’s Furniture, next to A.E. Scott’s, and he still remembers buying hotdogs — the best he ever tasted — at the nearby Keyhole Club.

ing was in about 1943. His father, Roy, housed his real estate company on the third floor of what Hayes remembers as “a very nice building” with a diverse group of renters. His father’s office looked out at the Merchant’s Bank, which he said was formed in 1909.

Neighbors at the intersection included a title company, Chinese restaurant and the Bob Spooner photography shop.

“People still come up to me today and tell me that’s where they got their first car loan,” Neal said.

City Councilmember Cal Jones said he remembered going to the dentist in the Adams Building, and working in the vicinity as a shoe-shine boy and at OK Shoe Corral while he attended Abraham Lincoln High School.

Courtesy photo The Adams Building around 1940.

“

He holds a special memory from the 1940s, when his older brother took him to the downtown to Christmas shop.

It was the biggest bank in a three-county area

18 JULY/AUGUST 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

”

Courtesy photo Interior of the Merchants State Bank.

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5th&Austin Ken Stickney, The News Brian Coffman, left, and Mayor Derrick Freeman, right, unveil image of the planned renovations for the Federal Building and the Adams Building.

“

“Downtown Port Arthur was once the vital heart of the city and for us to be even a small part of the city’s plan to recapture its past success and revive downtown Port Arthur is a real honor.”

“It was so crowded you couldn’t park,” he said.

Hayes said the bank did so much business that the Texaco and Gulf refineries paid employees on alternate Fridays to avoid massive teller lines and traffic tie-ups.

For a long time, Hayes said, Sears, which started to operate retail outlets nationally in 1925, operated a retail site in the Adams Building’s first floor. But he said they moved out in 1954, transferring their operations to Woodworth Avenue and later to the Central Mall.

Monroe said Sears was not always popular when it opened in a town, much like Walmart encounters resistance from local merchants. The size of the operation overwhelmed smaller merchants, who could not compete for stock, image and advertising.

”

Here are some memories about the intersection from other Port Arthur people. They are taken from Gulfway Drive Memories on Facebook: “As a child in the early ‘60s I spent a lot of time riding my bike in this area. We used to love riding up and down the ramp of the Federal Building that was used primarily by the mail trucks.”

—Jesse Thibodeaux

“Spence and Howe Construction Co. had their office in the Adams Building until the ‘70s. An original PA company in which my Granddad, father and uncle were principals, founded in the late 19th/early 20th centuries. Pile drivers, dock builders, dams, etc.”

—Peggy Neel Robinson

“I believe it was in the Federal Building where I rode an elevator for the first time.”

—Penny Wilkinson Daigle “During the 70’s the recruiting offices of the Navy, Marines, Army & Air Force were nearby and many of PA’s finest caught the bus nearby to head to Houston for processing.”

20 JULY/AUGUST 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

“I can remember going to Dr. Beyt’s office as a child. (If he wasn’t making house calls to see us if we were sick.) Later I worked at Merchants National Bank (across from the Adams Building. We would walk to Kress and eat lunch at the lunch counter.”

—Lynn Riley

—Kevin Fontenot “Yep, my dad’s first office when he and mom came to

PA was in World Trade Center Building. Many memories there. I think my mom was the first woman on the Board of Directors at Merchants Bank. I still have my “little girl” furniture from Hampton’s! The PA Club was a wonderful place too. Memories!!”

— Pattie Adams Sylvester

“Blind Army veteran Jesse Noyola sold candy and cigarettes in the lobby of Post Office section.”

—Robert Avilez

“I had my tonsils out in the Adams building in 1956. I was in first grade at Travis Elementary. They said “Count back from 10.” I made it not even to 9!

When I woke up I was next to another bed. The patient in that bed was one of my first grade classmates, Lynn Reynolds.”

—Linda DeCuir McFadden

“When I was 10 years old my mom was sick so she sent me to pay the phone bill. It was on the bottom floor of the Adams Building. Right near it was Texas Republic Bank. I went to the bank and opened me an account with $5. The bank had marble floors with a big old star in the middle of it.

Then I went to a little restaurant and brought me the best hot dog ever. My last stop was a store to buy my mom a present; it had an escalator. I was so afraid of the escalator I got on it and hollered and screamed.”

—Etta Hebert

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Courtesy Jessi Hebert Gather: Paleo Cafe & Market is located at 1811 Magnolia Ave., Port Neches

Gather: Paleo Cafe & Market THE PORT ARTHUR NEWS REACHED OUT TO THE FOLKS AT GATHER: PALEO CAFE & MARKET IN PORT NECHES FOR A LITTLE Q&A.

Courtesy Jessi Hebert Chicken + bacon + goat cheese fritter salad with berry balsamic vinaigrette

22 JULY/AUGUST 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Q: So, what is Gather: Paleo Cafe & Market all about and who are the owners?

A: Owned and operated by sisters from the Mid County area, Chrystal Lundy & Jodi Hebert; Gather: Paleo Cafe & Market serves delicious, home-cooked meals for lunch. Our lunches are prepared from scratch (inhouse) with clean ingredients and are always grainfree and gluten-free. We work extensively with local farms and only provide non-gmo/clean produce and grass-fed/free-range meats to our customers.

The reason for this is to avoid excess inflammation in our diets, which helps to promote better health and a happier lifestyle.

Cafe & Market Q: When is Gather open?

A: We start by serving breakfast bowls & bulletproof coffees from 8-10 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, we then serve lunch from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, brunch only on Saturdays from 11 a.m.– 2 p.m.

Our small market is available to shop from 8 a.m – 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and on Saturdays from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Q: What items are available in the market?

A: Paleo snacks, a limited supply of sweet treats, death wish coffee, soaps from Down To Earth, raw local honey (and elderberry syrup) from Muldrow Bee Farm, Vital Proteins collagen, Pure ghee, MCT oil, paleo/ whole30 books, artwork from a local artist, doTERRA essential oils, 100% grass-fed frozen beef from Wild Earth Texas, and a refrigerator of to-go meals from Gather.

“

Our lunches are prepared from scratch with clean ingredients and are always grain-free and glutenfree. We work extensively with local farms and only provide non-GMO/ clean produce and grass-fed/freerange meats to our customers.

”

Courtesy Jessi Hebert An iced bulletproof coffee

Courtesy Gather: Paleo Café & Market Hope Guidry, left, Brandi Benoit, Jessi Hebert, Amber Holland, Chrystal Lundy, Jodi Hebert and Vanessa Callahan. Not pictured are Christi Hebert, Jill Badon and Melissa Barnes.

Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

JULY/AUGUST 2019

23

Cafe & Market

“

Mary Meaux/The News First-time customers Amy Guseman, left, and Jennifer Meaux enjoy their lunch.

We start by serving breakfast bowls & bulletproof coffees from 8-10 a.m.

Tuesday through Friday, we then serve lunch from 11a.m.– 2p.m.Tuesday through Friday,brunch only on Saturdays from 11a.m.–2p.m.

Our small market isavailable to shop from 8a.m– 4p.m.Tuesday through Friday and on Saturdays from 11a.m.4p.m.

” 24 JULY/AUGUST 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Courtesy Jessi Hebert A cup of tomato bisque and side salad (with homemade croutons)

“

Our goal is to have a little something for everyone on our menu.

”

Q: I’ve heard the menu changes. Why is that?

A: Yes, our menu (of about four or five choices) changes each week.

One reason this is the case is because when you work with local farms, you are subject to the seasons changing and certain produce not being readily available.

Another reason for this is because when you try to eat healthy on a regular basis, it is easy to get bored with the same old options and instead eat something that is disruptive to your system.

And lastly, with so many meals to choose from in the world, why should we limit ourselves to the same thing, day in and day out?

That would be pretty boring, if you ask us.

Q: You are constantly developing the menu — what new item will you tackle next?

A: That’s really hard to say. I guess you’ll have to just come in & keep an eye on our Facebook/Instagram (@ gatherpaleocafeandmarket) to find out!

Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

JULY/AUGUST 2019

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Cafe & Market

“

We like to provide big beautiful salads, at least one vegan option, a delicious KETO option, and a few options if you’re doing a Whole30.

If none of that means anything to you and you just like good tasting food, we’re perfect for you, as well! We take our family’s old recipes and make them our own, without the unnecessary junk.

”

Mary Meaux/The News Local teacher Victoria LeBlanc reads a book while waiting for her to-go order at Gather.

Q: Can you give some examples of what someone can order at Gather?

A: Well, just in the last six months, we’ve covered over 100 menu items.

Our goal is to have a little something for everyone on our menu. We like to provide big beautiful salads, at least one vegan option, a delicious KETO option, and a few options if you’re doing a Whole30. If none of that means anything to you and you just like good tasting food, we’re perfect for you, as well! We take our family’s old recipes and make them our own, without the unnecessary junk.

26 JULY/AUGUST 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Q: Can I get my meal delivered?

A: Yes, we are available on the WAITR APP for local delivery.

Q: Contact info?

A: Located at 1811 Magnolia Ave. Port Neches, TX Phone Number: 409-527-9696 Email: gathercafeandmarket@gmail.com FB & IG: @gatherpaleocafeandmarket

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DAY TRIP

Find your right row relaxing at Sea Rim

By I.C. Murrell ic.murrell@panews.com

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hink about Sea Rim State Park, and maybe the beach is the first thing that comes to mind.

Maybe it’s a walk down the Dune and Gambusia Marsh Boardwalks.

Canoeists and kayakers need not worry. A relaxing trail is available for those of all rowing abilities.

Less than a mile east of Sea Rim’s main office near the beach is a road to the beginning of three rowing trails. An “easy trail” lasts 1.79 miles and turns around at a small pound just south of Fence Lake.

A “moderate trail” goes 4.72 miles, with the turnaround at a pond west

of Fence Lake, and an “advanced trail” goes 9.59 miles through Fence Lake and up a trail into Salt Lake toward the J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area.

“It’s hard to put a value on how popular they are,” Sea Rim state park superintendent Nathan Londenberg said. “On the weekend is when most of the people go out there.”

The best way to prepare for a rowing trip at Sea Rim is with more than one person, Londenberg adds.

“Definitely, ideally, they would be with someone,” he said. “They need a float plan. Basically, someone

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who’s not with them, they need to know where they’re going, how long, when they’re coming back, someone who can check on them if it’s an hour past due and they’re not back.

“And, they need to have their life jacket. They need to bring water and sunscreen. It’s always good to have a cellphone. Having a cellphone does not negate the need for a float plan.”

The Sea Rim main office is where boats may be rented for $15 per person per hour. Each kayak only holds one person up to 250 pounds, while each canoe seats two up to a total of 600 pounds. (It will take at

least two persons to carry the canoe.)

The office will provide a key to unlock each boat as well as a two-sided paddle and life jacket.

A cabin is available at the beginning of the trails for $95 per night, in addition to the daily entrance fee. Don’t want to pay that much?

Bring up to five friends and gather around for a night. (A $50 credit card cleaning deposit is collected at check-in and will be re-credited at checkout following inspection of the cabin.)

The cabin includes a kitchen sink, microwave, refrigerator, stove with

Transitional Healthcare, Close to Home Port Arthur’s newest resort-styled Nursing & Rehab Center

NOW ACCEPTING oven, bathroom sink, toilet, air-conditioning, two bunk beds and a picnic table, but visitors should bring their own bedding supplies, cooking and eating utensils.

Two miles from the boat ramp is a 13-foot-by20-foot wooden floating campsite accessed only by boat. Boaters should arrive during office hours (8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

March through September and 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. through February) to camp there, or they’ll have to camp on the beach until the next day. Ash-producing fires are not allowed, and a waste disposal bucket with solid/liquid waste bag including enzymes are required.

Above all, canoeists and kayakers are warned to not disturb alligators.

“

Think about Sea Rim State Park, and maybe the beach is the first thing that comes to mind. Maybe it’s a walk down the Dune and Gambusia Marsh Boardwalks.

Canoeists and kayakers need not worry. A relaxing trail is available for those of all rowing abilities.

”

“Most of your alligators will stay with paddlers,” Londenberg said. “They’re going to stay away from you. You don’t want to be teasing them. You want to leave them alone.

“I would not have a pet in the boat with you because the alligator sees that as an opportunity for lunch.

I would also not crab from a kayak. People fish from a kayak all the time. Crabbing, you’re not throwing it all the way out, you’re just throwing it about 15-20 feet.”

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Paddling at Sea Rim is all about having fun, not engaging in a race, Londenberg said.

“Be aware of the weather.

If there is a storm coming in the area, it’s not a good idea to be out there,” he said. “… You’re out here to enjoy it.”

For details, reservations or to schedule a tour, contact Natalee Hinson at 409-719-6924 or 409-721-8600 8595 Medical Center Blvd Port Arthur, TX 77640 www.bonneviecc.com

“

inGINious the All Purpose Spirit

By Lucas Shelton

ONE OF THE KINGS OF CLEAR SPIRITS IS UNDOUBTEDLY GIN. EITHER CONSUMED STRAIGHT UP, MIXED WITH TONIC, MADE INTO THE ICONIC MARTINI OR COMBINED WITH INNUMERABLE OTHER SPIRITS TO FORM A MYRIAD OF COCKTAILS, GIN IS UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF THE MOST VERSATILE AND POPULAR LIQUORS.

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t has its origins in Eastern Europe and is enjoyed today all over the world.

Gin comes from the Dutch drink Jenever (or Genever,) a juniper flavored liquor. It is a distilled spirit that used to be used, like many liquors before it, as an herbal remedy, some 500 years ago.

Its popularity in England boomed in the 18th century after William III became king. A Dutchman himself, he blockaded imports from France, especially wine and cognacs, to try to weaken the French economy. Naturally this led to gin’s meteoric rise as a locally distilled spirit,

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Many a circumstance led to popular gin cocktails over the centuries and the martini, perhaps the most iconic cocktail, owes its origins to this juniper flavored spirit.

Try some gin today, whether it be with tonic, in a cocktail, or straight up. It’s sure to mellow you out and put an ease on any worries you may have!

”

Spirit

especially when the government allowed gin production without a license.

William III also gave tax breaks for liquor distilling. This led to many inferior gins and at some points a pint of gin was cheaper than a pint of beer!

Gin was soon looked down upon by the government for making citizens drunk and unruly. Several legislations were passed in the coming decades. Many riots occurred when the common man’s precious recreation was taxed and until the Gin Act of 1751 there was general unrest in the gin drinker’s world.

Several classic cocktails can trace their origins to the turbulent times that followed the gin riots of the 1700s. In the 1800s, English sailors would often have to take quinine to fight off malaria, and since beer spoiled quickly in the hot bowels of ships, gin was often supplied to sailors on their long journeys.

Quinine tasted awful so sailors mixed it with tonic water and eventually gin was added to make the classic cocktail. Throw in a lime to fight off scurvy and you’ve got a Gimlet.

The origins of the martini are less clear. In the 1860s, an Italian company named their Vermouth brand Martini. In the 1880s, a hotel near Martinez, California popularized a Martinez Cocktail that contained bitters, vermouth, gin and was shaken with ice.

During Prohibition, gin’s ease of production made it a favorite among illegal bars and “speak easies,” many disreputable places often called “gin joints.” Such cheaply made gins were often sweeter due to the different fruity ingredients added to the juniper, and upon prohibition repeal, gin became cleaner and drier to what we know it as today.

Probably the most iconic use of the gin comes from the James Bond novels and movies. The Vesper martini calls for: 4 measures of Gin (60ml) 1 measure of Vodka (15ml) 1/2 measure of Lillet (8ml) Garnish of Lemon Peel All ingredients, save the fruit, are shaken thoroughly with ice and strained into a deep champagne goblet and then garnished with the lemon peel. Although James Bond is wont to have a vodka martini in the movies, the original book Casino Royale has him inventing his classic martini.

Gin’s rich and dark history has solidified it as one of the most popular liquors. Its ease of production led to a near prohibition in England and our own Prohibition led to the crisp and dry spirit we know and love today.

Many a circumstance led to popular gin cocktails over the centuries and the martini, perhaps the most iconic cocktail, owes its origins to this juniper flavored spirit. Try some gin today, whether it be with tonic, in a cocktail, or straight up. It’s sure to mellow you out and put an ease on any worries you may have!

“

It has its origins in Eastern Europe and is enjoyed today all over the world.

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HOME

Pleasure Island Paradise:

Across the bridge, Worshams enjoy a permanent vacation

By Chris Moore chris.moore@panews.com

PLEASURE ISLAND — CROSS OVER THE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.BRIDGE THAT CONNECTS PORT ARTHUR’S MAINLAND TO PLEASURE ISLAND, AND YOU ARE ON VACATION, CAROLYN WORSHAM SAYS.

S

he and her husband Bill Worsham designed and built a home on the island in the early ‘90s and have been “on vacation” ever since.

The couple began building the 21/2-bedroom home in 1991 and officially moved in in January 1993.

Carolyn said being able to be involved in the designing process added to the enjoyment of the final product.

“We were able to make changes as we went,” she said. “We had an architect from Galveston who had designed beach cabins. He made it easy for us to take things we wanted and put them into the design.”

Bill said he and Carolyn drove up and down the Gulf Coast photographing beach cabins to show.

Carolyn said her favorite feature about the home is a porch that was enclosed.

“It’s a perfect morning breakfast and coffee area,” she said. “My other favorite place is the pantry because it was one of the on-the-fly changes.”

Carolyn said she saw a pantry she liked during the design process and changed the wall of what would’ve been a walk-in closet to make a walk-in pantry.

Bill said his favorite features are the ground-level breezeway and the seethrough fireplace.

“

She and her husband Bill Worsham designed and built a home on the island in the early ‘90s and have been “on vacation” ever since.

32 JULY/AUGUST 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

”

“The fireplace moved around quite a bit in the design process,” he said. “It had about three or four different positions.

We wanted a gas fireplace and had it on different walls. Then we started thinking about a see-through one.”

The fireplace finally found a home as a barrier between the living room and dining area.

All of the furniture in the guest bedroom is passed down from Carolyn’s and Bill’s

parents and grandparents.

As one approaches the back door, a faint sound of wind chimes becomes louder.

The Worshams turned Carolyn’s upside down Acrosonic piano she received in the third grade into a wind chime machine.

“We weren’t going to be able to get it downstairs,” she said. “It was Bill’s brain child.”

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HOME

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“

With the combination of the island home’s aesthetic, location near the marina and the wildlife literally at their back door, the Worshams have their vacation across the bridge.

” Once upside down, the piano was tuned and Bill tied balls to the piano’s strings. After realizing there was not enough natural wind flowing through the invention, he placed a small cylindrical fan inside to make the balls bounce against strings.

One of the unique features starts at the back door of the home. A canal that feeds from Sabine Lake is home to all kinds of wildlife including a 3-foot gator that can be seen making its rounds.

“We see so many shore birds here,” Carolyn said. “The alligators, to the boaters or anyone out here, are a bit of a danger. We see them, and realize that we are out Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

JULY/AUGUST 2019

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HOME

“

One of the unique features starts at the back door of the home. A canal that feeds from Sabine Lake is home to all kinds of wildlife including a 3-foot gator that can be seen making its rounds.

”

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here living among the wildlife. We’re sharing the habitat.”

On any given day, the Worshams can be found doing any number of activities near their home.

“We have our kayaks out there,” she said. “We can kayak all around the neighborhood and the marina and go out into the lake as far as we want to go. Bicycling on the island is just fantastic, because we have seven miles to the south and six miles to the north. You can ride along the water and see all of the wildlife on the island.”

With the combination of the island home’s aesthetic, location near the marina and the wildlife literally at their back door, the Worshams have their vacation across the bridge.

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38 JULY/AUGUST 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

CALENDAR

July 19-20 Southwest Louisiana Hot Air Balloon Festival Chennault International Airport, 3650 Sen. J. Bennett Ave., Lake Charles, Louisiana

Southwest Louisiana Hot Air Balloon Festival will kick-off festivities July 19 and go through July 20. Each day will bring a different experience; it will feature a balloon glow and fireworks display each night at 8:30, a barbecue competition and a beer festival Saturday. For more information, call 337-366-1757.

July 19-21 The Peddler Show Ford Park, 5115 I-10 south, Beaumont

The Peddler Show returns to the Golden Triangle from July 19-21 for a summer show where you can shop from talented designers, artisans, creators and craftsmen from all over the country. Shop for the latest summer trends, unique gift items, gourmet food and treats, early back-toschool shopping and so much more. Enjoy a nice, cool stroll down the Perfect Street of Shops to beat this summer heat with the whole family.

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CALENDAR

July 26 Classic Movie Night — Grease Sing-A-Long Doors open at 6 and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Jefferson Theatre, 345 Fannin St., Beaumont Dress up in your best ‘50s attire and sing along to your favorite classic tunes at Classic Movie Night — Grease Sing-Along!

Fore more information, call 409-838-3435.

July 26 Seether in concert (an H20 outdoor concert) Golden Nugget, 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd., Lake Charles

Hailing from South Arica, Seether embraces a brand of heavy metal mostly associated with the post-grunge era of alternative music. They gained mainstream popularity in 2002 with their US Active Rock No. 1 single “Fine Again” and their success was sustained in 2004 with the single “Broken,” which peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. They have experienced continued success with No. 1 hits on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart such as “Remedy,” “Fake It,” “Country Song,” “Words as Weapons,” and “Let You Down.”

All guests must be 21 or older.

40 JULY/AUGUST 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

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CALENDAR Aug. 3 Hot Summer Nights Classic Southeast Texas 2855 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont

Classic Southeast Texas presents Hot Summer Nights to benefit Boys’ Haven.

There will be a car show, live music, 50/50 pot and food. Registration starts at 6 p.m. and awards are at 10:30 p.m. Awards for best in show, selected by the boys, people’s choice, ladies choice, and eight class award categories.

Aug. 3 Comedian Ron White Golden Nugget, 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd., Lake Charles

Comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White first rose to fame as the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour phenomenon, but now as a chart-topping Grammy-nominated comedian and a feature film, actor, Ron White has established himself as a star in his own right.

White has always been a classic storyteller. His stories relate tales from his real life, ranging from growing up in a small town in Texas to sharing stories of his daily life to becoming one of the most successful comedians in America.

All four of his comedy albums charted No. 1 on the Billboard Comedy Charts.

He has sold over 14 million albums (solo and with the Blue Collar Comedy Tour), been nominated for two Grammys, and has been one of the top three grossing stand-up comedians on tour in America since 2004.

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PUBLISHER CALENDAR LETTER Aug. 24 KidFish at Sea Rim Sea Rim State Park 19335 S. Gulfway Drive in Port Arthur.

Kid Fish is a family event beginning at 9 a.m. Aug. 24 at the park. Come see what kids can catch along the Gulf of Mexico. 409-971-2559

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Aug. 24 AIA Sandcastle Competition 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Drive, Galveston Admission is free, there is a $15 beach parking fee

For the 33rd year, Houston area architects, designers, engineers and contractors will take their tools to Galveston’s East Beach for what is considered one of the world’s largest amateur sandcastle competitions. The Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects sponsors this annual contest in which the public is invited to watch more than 80 teams compete for the best sandcastle design.

Aug. 30 Toby Keith in concert (an H20 outdoor concert) Golden Nugget, 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd., Lake Charles From his career beginnings in the early 1990s, Toby Keith has been one of country music’s most recognizable figures. Keith first exploded onto the country scene with his debut single, 1993’s “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” which stormed all the way to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

In the years since, this Oklahoma native has earned fame with many more beloved songs, including “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Beer for My Horses,” “I Love This Bar” and “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American).”

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Night of Stars

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ight of Stars banquet, honoring the top 10 graduates at Port Arthur Memorial High School and their favorite teachers, was held May 13 at the Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center at Lamar State College Port Arthur. Below are some of those who attended:

1. Ed Kestler and Charleen Commings 2. Lillian Bronson and Jimmy Trinh 3. Robert and Mary Ann Goudeaux Reid.

4. Hai Myers, left, and Sharon Thibodeaux 5. Luciana Paulise, left, and Wafa Hammad 6. From left, Leon Bedrous, Aileen Nguyen, Jessica Nguyen, Liem Nguyen

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agan Gennusa, who starred at Thomas Jefferson High School and the University of Texas in football, was inducted as an artist into the Notable People section of the Museum of the Gulf Coast Hall of Fame on June 20. One hundred twenty people attended: 1. Ragan Gennusa and Koral Rose 2. Lanell Mikeska, left, and Sherry Morgan 3. Jana Cash, left, and Helen Russell 4. Buddy Ball, left, and Monte Brickey 5. From left, Coy Petteway, Sherry Morgan and “Jivin’ Gene” Bourgeois 6. Paul Fitzner

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otiva Enterprises and the Symphony of Southeast Texas offered a “demi concert� on May 14 at the Museum of the Gulf Coast, Port Arthur. Symphony musicians Jennifer Isadore and Hope Cowan provided the entertainment.

1. From left, Suzanne and Greg Lucchesi, and Bill Worsham 2. The Rev. Kevin Badeaux and his mother, Lois Badeaux 3. Jennifer Isadore, left, and Hope Cowan 4. Robert and Heather Gobert 5. Ryan Trahan and Ashely Tawney 6. Lucille Armintor, left, and Ari Karell

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fter an initial rain postponement, the 2nd Annual Golden Pass LNG Hispanic Business Council Golf Tournament was held May 17 at Babe Zaharias Golf Course.

1. From left: David Janecek, Chad Plake, Ginger Plake, Steve Waites, Marianne Reid, Terrell Meaux, Marianne Reid, Chris Brown 2. Clint Ray, left, and Kevin Mitchell 3. From left: Sara Corea, Robert Bilnoski, Zulema Elchechabi 4. From left: Luciana Paulise, Gabriela Garugno, Fernando Ramirez 5. From left: Josh Padia, Lori Higgins, Brad Herrington, Dusty BuBoise 6. Mackenzie Lahaye, left, and Kari Busch

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Small Business Development Center’s Business Awards Banquet

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Photos by Mary Meaux/The News 1. Francine and Leonard Gabriel, left, Ramona Ledet,Torian Alexander, Linda Tait, Rodney Broussard, and Robert Collins. 2. Stefanie Wolfford, Mary Marioneaux, Andrea Johnson, Debbie Plaia, and back row, Eric Sullivan, Lance Bradley and David LeJeune.

3. Don Sodman, left, Tina Legendre, Patrick Legendre and Scott Legendre. 4. Francis Sawyer, left, Nanette LaCour-Sawyer, James Collier and June Collier. 5. Lloyd Hebert Jr., left, Adrienne Hebert and Francine Gabriel. 6. Robert Collins, left, Ramona Ledet, Shawn Ledet and Torian Alexander. 7. Don Sodman, left, and George Geisel. 8. Eric Sullivan, left, and Lance Bradley. 9. Tommy and Diane Guidry and Linda Tait. 10 . Kimberly Hughes Martinez and Linda Tait. 11. Linda Tait, left, and Maryann Nguyen. 12.

Roberto Ortiz, left, Rosa Sanders and Linda Tait. 13. Nikki Murray, left, and Paul Murray.

14. Pat Holmes, left, and Betty Legnon.

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Booksigning at museum

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he Museum of the Gulf Coast hosted a book signing May 2 for Timothy McNulty and Brendan McNulty, co-authors of “The Meanest Man in Congress,� their biography of former U.S. Rep. Jack Brooks, Democrat of Beaumont.

1. Kathy Griffin and Nick Lampson 2. Joseph Trahan 3. Tom Neal, left, and Brendan McNulty 4. Patrick Larson and Sandra Melton 5. From left: Lucille Armintor, Tana Hightower, Bianca Easterly 6. Brittany Delagarza, Bradley Atkins 7. Jessica Depew, left, and Shawn King 8. Nancy Boggan, left, and Ann Pipes

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Q&A

Q&A

with Mitch Duncan Golf pro at Babe Zaharias Golf Course I’m not sure if you are a native of Port Arthur, but if not, how did you first come in contact with this city and what are your earliest memories of the city?

I was born in PA in 1975, then moved to Orange

County. After college, I moved to Mid County in 1999 where I met my wife. We moved to PA from Nederland in 2014. We currently reside in Griffing Park. Being from Little Cypress, I didn’t come to PA much growing up.

Being the golf professional at a course that bears Babe Zaharias’ name must mean a big deal to you. Can you elaborate?

Yes, Babe was not only the best female athlete of her time, but one of the best overall, male or female athletes of her time. We would love to see her recognized more locally for all her accomplishments, on and off the course.

You must run into a number of people from all walks of life from PA or the surrounding area with your job. Can you describe the love affair between Port Arthur and golf?

Most people in our area are golfers. As you may know, the Babe is known for being dry after a rain. Excluding the last two years, of course.

Everyone in the Mid-County area knows they can run by the Babe for a quick 9 holes or even 18.

Port Arthur is poised for growth with the recent investments in local refineries and a corporate investment downtown.

A restaurant opened near your course. What

58 JULY/AUGUST 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Mitch Duncan

“

Babe was not only the best female athlete of her time, but one of the best overall, male or female athletes of her time. We would love to see her recognized more locally for all her accomplishments, on and off the course.

impact do you expect (or do you presently) feel from these events?

Tia Juanita’s has been great for both businesses. The second question most golfers ask their buddies is, “Where are going to eat after we play?”

With Tia’s being right next to us, more golfers are choosing to play here because of that. We’ve

”

also noticed a few golfers playing here because they ate at Tia’s then came to play golf.

What else do you like most about Greater Port Arthur?

Hopefully, PA is making a come back to what it use to be. With the influx of business in downtown, we look for it to be more prosperous.

Health care is rapidly changing.

Our mission never will.

CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System has been serving our community with compassionate, faithful care since establishing our first hospital 122 years ago. As our region evolves, our mission continues with comprehensive services and greater access to outpatient services at the newly renamed CHRISTUS St. Mary Outpatient Center Mid County in Port Arthur, hospital care at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth in Beaumont, as well as primary and specialty care at over 40 CHRISTUS clinics across Southeast Texas.