GPA Magazine

MAY/JUNE 2019

NEW LIFE

HARVEY FORCED DECISION ON UPGRADING HOME

DAY TRIPPIN’ AT THE FLOPHOUZE HOTEL IN ROUND TOP, TEXAS

Wade Phillips

makes his own name

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INSIDE

MAY / JUNE 2019

Advertising: ED KESTLER CONNIE YTUARTE SHANA ARNOLD

Publisher: RICH MACKE Editor: KEN STICKNEY

6

FAMILY BUSINESS Wade Phillips.......................................... 6

DIY How to make a tin lantern...............14

RESTAURANT Tia Juanita..............................................18 Grandma's Country Cooking..........24 FOOD Recipes....................................................22 DAY TRIP Day Trippin’at the Flophouze Hotel in Round Top, Texas...........................28 HEALTH How to improve alertness during the workday..........................................34 HOME New life Harvey forced decision on upgrading home..................................36

IN EVERY ISSUE Editor's Letter ....................................... 4 Calendar..................................................44 The Scene...............................................48 Why I Love Greater Port Arthur............................................58

ON THE COVER: Wade Phillips Courtesy of the Los Angeles Rams

14 18

Designer: DESIGN 2 PRO

Contributors: MARY MEAUX I.C. MURRELL CHRIS MOORE

Contact Information: PORT ARTHUR NEWSMEDIA, LLC PO BOX 789 PORT ARTHUR, TX 77642

Photography: MARY MEAUX I.C. MURRELL RICH MACKE CHRIS MOORE KEN STICKNEY

Advertising Inquiries: 409-721-2400 Subscriptions: 409-721-2400 www.panews.com

Copyright 2018 by Port Arthur Newsmedia, LLC

MISSION STATEMENT

24 28

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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Editor's Letter

Raise the roof Gala offers ample chance to celebrate local strengths

By Ken Stickney ken.stickney@panews.com

F

or 17 months I’ve told Greater Port Arthur people I’m married.

It’s true!

My bride of 37 years, Ellen Carey Stickney, née Creagan, made it to the 2019 Gulf Coast Gala on April 27, providing ready proof in flesh and bone that we are in fact a couple. Our four grown children will testify. And now, through the miracle of photography, I offer you proof.

Proof may have been needed because, proud as I am to be married, my wife has remained in Acadiana, composed of the 23 Cajun-Creole parishes in Louisiana, where she holds a job that preceded my starting at The Port Arthur News as editor Dec. 4, 2017. She has Cajun and Creole links from her mother’s side of the family.

Courtesy photo Ken and Carey Stickney at the 2019 Gulf Coast Gala.

She’s made it here on more than one occasion when it was important, such as April 27, when the gala, which benefits Lamar State College Port Arthur and the Museum of the Gulf Coast, was held at the Carl Parker Multipurpose Center on the college campus, along the seawall.

And what a night! Great food and folks and the featured act by 3 Redneck Tenors, who have soaring voices and limitless punch lines. If you missed it, you missed a lot.

4

MAY/JUNE 2019

I say this with full disclosure: Carey and I are members of the museum and I hold a two-year college degree from a campus in Massachusetts. Carey is a former dean of enrollment and a registrar at two-year campuses in Louisiana, so we have a soft spot for two-year campuses like Lamar State College Port Arthur. Two-year campuses have been lifelines to people like me, who enrolled after working (and, perhaps, like me, getting laid off from) blue-collar jobs.

lineup!

The gala was the 16th annual event since 2004. It was created to benefit cultural and visual arts at the museum and provides scholarships and programs at LSCPA. Past performers have included Mark Chesnutt, Ronnie Milsap, Johnny Rivers, Tony Orlando, Frankie Avalon, the Oak Ridge Boys and Brenda Lee. That’s a

It also gives proof — you didn’t really need it — that this community steps up for good causes and that those causes — our campus and our museum — lend people here the opportunity for better, richer lives.

That’s worth celebrating, as a roomful of people did on April 27.

It’s worth celebrating today, too.

Ken Stickney is editor of The Port Arthur News.

Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Courtesy photo 3 Redneck Tenors provided the entertainment at the 2019 Gulf Coast Gala.

“

The gala was the 16th annual event since 2004. It was created to benefit cultural and visual arts at the museum and provides scholarships and programs at LSCPA. Past performers have included Mark Chesnutt, Ronnie Milsap, Johnny Rivers, Tony Orlando, Frankie Avalon, the Oak Ridge Boys and Brenda Lee.

”

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Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Family business

Wade Phillips

makes his own name while relishing ‘Son of Bum’ role

By Chris Moore chris.moore@panews.com

Courtesy of the Los Angeles Rams

MANY PEOPLE WITH FAMOUS PARENTS TRY TO CREATE SEPARATION SO OTHERS SEE THEM AS THEIR OWN PERSON. NOT WADE PHILLIPS.

M

id County native and Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Phillips does the opposite. Phillips’ twitter handle @ SonOfBum matches the title of his own book, which pays homage to his late father and NFL head coach Bum Phillips.

“For most people, their dad is their hero,” Phillips said. “Mine certainly was to me. I happen to get into the same profession where he was a great coach. I got to learn a lot from a great coach that I truly looked up to. It was all cherries.”

The younger Phillips is coming off an impressive season as the defensive signal caller for the Rams, who came up short in the Super Bowl to the New England Patriots.

Even though Los Angeles lost, the game was widely regarded as a defensive struggle where Phillips’ defense held the defending champs and future-Hall-ofFame quarterback Tom Brady to 13 points, 262 yards

passing and no passing touchdowns.

When Phillips retires, he will do so as one of the most accomplished defensive minds the game has ever seen.

He orchestrated some of the greatest defenses in NFL history and coached some of the most recognizable games on that side of the ball.

“

“In coaching, you can make players better”

Before that, Phillips experienced both sides of the prep rivalry know as Mid County Madness. Until second grade, Phillips lived in Nederland, where his goal was not to get on the gridiron, but the diamond.

Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

” MAY/JUNE 2019

7

Family business Baseball first “I wanted to play baseball,” Phillips said. “I was into little league baseball and stuff like that, because they didn’t really have football for little kids anyways. When I moved to Port Neches, I came in the spring and played baseball first.”

His father, legendary coach Bum Phillips, coached the Port Neches-Groves High Indians football team and the younger Phillips went on to play linebacker for the Indians.

While Phillips is a master at scheming different ways to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, he can also sidestep pressure as well, saying he has no allegiance to either side of the rivalry and roots for the area as a whole, especially in the playoffs.

“I was rooting for Port Arthur in basketball when they won the state championship,” he said. “That area is where I’m from so I pull for all of them.”

Phillips’ journey to coaching came after attending one of his father’s training camps in San Diego.

Courtesy of the Los Angeles Rams

“My senior year, it was going to be my third year as a starter,” he said. “My dad was coach-

ing for the San Diego Chargers so I went out there for the summer with my family. The Chargers started practice before we went back to school. I went out to watch them practice and these were linebackers who were trying to make the team. I could tell they all were better than me.”

“

Enter coaching

Phillips knew he wanted to be around football so he jumped on the coaching staff as a graduate assistant at the University of Houston.

“I saw how my dad enjoyed coaching,” he said. “I was in the coaches’ rooms and I saw how much they enjoyed it.

Once I got a chance at Houston, I loved it ever since.”

Phillips said his love for the game continued unabated.

He missed playing, but he enjoyed having an impact on the game.

“In coaching, you can make players better,” he said. “I really enjoyed that part of it. It’s been fun all the way through.”

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MAY/JUNE 2019

“I hadn’t thought about the NFL,” he said. “I had a coaching job. I was a defensive coordinator for the freshman team.

I enjoyed that. It was like playing. I was going to play until I felt like I couldn’t play anymore. I just never felt like I couldn’t coach anymore.”

“Some people are climbers trying to get the next job or trying to get a better job.

I just always did the best I could do. You let the other people decide if you should be more than you are.”

”

Even though his father was on an NFL staff, Phillips said he was content as a graduate college coach and had no aspirations to climb the ranks.

Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

After coaching stops at Lutcher Stark High School (now West Orange Stark) as a defensive coordinator, linebacker coach at Oklahoma State and defensive line coach at Kansas, Phillips joined his father on the Houston Oilers staff as a linebacker coach.

“I always just tried to do the best I could do and not worry about it,” he said. “Some people are climbers trying to get the next job or trying to get a better job. I just always did the best I could do. You let the other people decide if you should be more than you are.”

Wade’s ‘brother’

During Phillips’ second season with the Oilers, the team had the 17th pick in the draft and Phillips was scouting a talented Notre Dame defense.

“I was actually scouting Notre Dame’s players,” Phillips said. “They had beaten Texas in the Cotton Bowl. It was a big story

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Family business because Earl was held to 88 yards. After I watched the film on Notre Dame — they had about six or seven guys that were drafted on defense — there was nobody blocking for Earl.

It was fantastic. I couldn’t believe how great he was.

tionships with his players.

When we got Earl, it was a real connection from the start with those two. He’s part of the family.”

Campbell would often refer to Bum as a father and Wade as his brother.

“We didn’t have the first pick at the time. I called my wife a couple of nights later and she said ‘Isn’t that great?’ I was confused and she told me we got Earl Campbell. I was excited because we got one of the best players I had ever seen.”

Family business

Phillips said Campbell showed he would be special in the NFL on his first play from scrimmage.

“The first play of the season he went 77 yards for a touchdown against Atlanta,” he said. “Everyone realized it. He was the first pick in the draft. Everyone thought he was going to be great but you never know until you get started. His first play was better than everybody.”

Campbell went on to rack up many accolades in his rookie campaign, including Rookie of the Year, AFC Offensive Player of the Year and NFL Most Valuable Player.

Off the field, Campbell developed a bond with his head coach, Bum.

“My dad was a special person and coach,” Phillips said.

“He had more personal relationships with players.

A lot of people think a head coach is supposed to be removed from everybody else. He had personal rela-

“

“For most people, their dad is their hero,” Phillips said. “Mine certainly was to me. I happen to get into the same profession where he was a great coach.

I got to learn a lot from a great coach that I truly looked up to. It was all cherries.”

10 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

”

In 1981, Bum took the head coaching job for the New Orleans Saints and Wade followed to become the team’s defensive coordinator.

Even though Bum made his name as a defensive coordinator, Wade said he and his father did not bump heads often on schemes.

“When I was young coaching, with him, the other coaches and I would talk about doing this or that,” Wade said.

“He would come in and say he had done it this way, this way, this way and this way. This one is the best. We had someone that had all the experience.”

Phillips said the advice didn’t stop when his father retired.

“He would say I think y’all should do this,” Phillips said laughing. “I would say we’ve been doing this and it has worked. We didn’t completely agree. He was easy to work with and work for. If we didn’t agree on something, we would work on it until we got it right.”

“

“As long as I can contribute, that is a big part of it. When you’re older, health is a factor and I’m healthy. When you love what you are doing and you feel like you can keep doing that, you don’t want to jump out.

If the team that you’re with keeps winning, it helps you.

They seem to want to keep you around.”

”

Courtesy of the Los Angeles Rams

Family business “I’ve been pretty lucky all the way through,” he said. “A lot of the defenses I’ve been associated with were pretty great. Even back in Kansas. We beat Oklahoma when they had won 29 straight. We beat them in Norman 23-3.

They won the National Championship that year.”

In New Orleans, the Saints defense finished top-ranked against the pass ahead of the vaunted ‘86 Chicago Bears defense.

While most people don’t get the opportunity to work with their fathers, fewer get to work with their fathers and their son. Phillips’ son, Wesley Phillips, was signed as the Rams tight ends coach in February.

“There are family businesses where people can do that,” he said. “I can see how great it is. I was on one side where I was the son working with my dad. Now, I’m the dad working with my son. I get to see from both sides and it’s great both ways.”

Phillips said he likes to give his son a hard time for breaking the family tradition.

“We don’t know what happened to him,” Phillips said laughing about the fact his son coaches on the offensive side. “He got on the wrong path somehow. He played quarterback in college at UTEP. He naturally gravitated that way. Then he decided to be a coach the same way I did.

“My dad told me if you want to be anything else other than a coach, you should be. If you’re going to be a coach, you better be dedicated. I told Wesley the same thing.”

Phillips said he couldn’t imagine doing anything other than coaching. He said if he weren’t in the NFL, he would be coaching at a lower level.

Defensive prowess

Phillips has compiled an impressive list of defenses for which he called the shots.

12 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Not only is the list of defenses Phillips coached impressive, the list of top-tier players he has coached is as good as it gets. They include Reggie White, Bruce Smith, Rickey Jackson, DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller, J.J. Watt and Ed Reed, to name a few. Phillips also coaches Aaron Donald, who won Defensive Player of the Year award this past season.

“The 2015 [Denver] Broncos were phenomenal,” Phillips said. “We led the league in I don’t remember how many categories. In the playoffs, it was even more so. We beat [Ben] Rothlisberger, [Tom] Brady and then Cam Newton. All of those teams were scoring 30 points a game. To play dominant defense like that to win the Super Bowl was the highlight of all of the defenses.”

Dominant might be an understatement for the 20152016 Broncos defense. In the Super Bowl, the Bronco offense totaled 194 yards and two touchdowns. In fact, the Broncos set a record for fewest yards amassed by a wining team. The Broncos defense forced four fumbles (recovered three), seven sacks, 13 hits on the quarterback and one interception.

“You always think you’re going to win going into the game,” Phillips said. “Actually, the last play before the half, they had a chance to get into field goal range. We were ahead. DeMarcus Ware sacked Cam on basically the last play of the half. It took them out of field goal range. I went in with the team at halftime and told them they can’t beat us. We keep playing like this, there is no way they can beat us.”

Phillips said he held it together until the final whistle.

“Right before that, Gary Kubiak, the head coach, and I were standing together,” he said. “When we knew we had it won, I said congratulations to him and he said ‘Man, your dad would be proud.’ That was a great moment.”

Still active

Phillips was a head coach for six teams. He served as interim head coach for the Saints (1985) after his father stepped down, the Atlanta Falcons (2003) the Houston Texans (2011) after Kubiak had a medical emergency. Phillips was hired as the head coach of the Broncos (2003), the Buffalo Bills (1998) and the Dallas Cowboys (2007).

Phillips has a winning record as a head coach 83-69, but said his 1-5 playoff record will probably prevent him from getting another shot.

“

“ I was on one side where I was the son working with my dad.

Now, I’m the dad working with my son. I get to see from both sides and it’s great both ways.”

”

“I think that has passed me up,” he said. “Yeah, I had a good record. If you have a good run in the playoffs, you have chance to be a head coach longer. I’m proud of what I’ve done. I had a winning record. My dad had a winning record. I don’t know that any two father/ sons have had winning records as head coaches in the NFL. I did the best I could do and went from there.”

Phillips also said he has not given any thought to hanging up his whistle anytime soon.

“People keep asking me that,” he said laughing. “The older you get, the more people ask. As long as I can contribute, that is a big part of it. When you’re older, health is a factor and I’m healthy. When you love what you are doing and you feel like you can keep doing that, you don’t want to jump out.

“I think if you are thinking about retiring, you probably should. I haven’t really thought about it. If the team that you’re with keeps winning, it helps you. They seem to want to keep you around.”

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do it yourself

How to make a tin lantern TIN LANTERNS ARE NOT ONLY EXTREMELY EASY AND KID FRIENDLY, BUT YOU CAN MAKE THEM UNDER $5. BETTER YET, YOU CAN MAKE THEM WITH ITEMS FROM AROUND THE HOUSE! LANTERNS WORK GREAT AS GARDEN DECOR, CENTERPIECES AND GIFTS! TAKE A LOOK AT THIS QUICK TUTORIAL TO SEE HOW YOU CAN ADD A LITTLE LIGHT TO YOUR LIFE:

14 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Step 1: Gather your supplies! These tin lanterns can easily be made with items around the house, although it isn’t all that expensive either: Hammer Towel

Marker

Nail or screw

Tin can or tin bucket Candle or LED light Water

Many folks reuse their soup cans for this project, but we decided to use some inexpensive tin buckets from the dollar section at Target! Whichever you decide, fill with water and freeze. Freezing is essential! The ice helps tremendously when trying to poke your holes later.

“

Step 2: After the water has frozen, lay the tin on a towel and wipe clean. The tin may create a thin layer of frost on the outside, which you want to dry as much as possible.

Lanterns work great as garden decor, centerpieces and gifts!

”

Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

MAY/JUNE 2019

15

do it yourself Step 5: Wipe clean again to erase any remaining marker residue.

Repeat steps 3 thru 5 with other side of the tin!

You’ll probably have some ice chipping off and flying around throughout the process, but I promise it is well worth it!

Step 3: Using a marker, draw your design on the tin. We just did polka dots, but make sure you outline your design with dots, like a dotted line. I would avoid a permanent marker, in case you make a mistake – a dry erase marker works great!

Step 6: Place a candle or LED light in the base of the tin and light it up!

Step 4: Grab your nail and line up with dots. With the tin lying on its side, hammer nail into tin. I found that 3 good taps made a small hole, and 5 good taps made a larger hole – depending on what look you’re going for. We did a mix of both!

16 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Voila! You now have a super cool, inexpensive – if not free – DIY lantern!

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RESTAURANT

Tia Juanita’s opens fourth location alongside Babe Zaharias golf course

By Chris Moore chris.moore@panews.com

In April, Martinez opened his fourth and largest Tia Juanita’s in Port Arthur, right along the golf course, to the excitement of many.

“I wanted to go all out for this one,” Martinez said of the Port Arthur location.”

The mixing of style isn’t just for the food.

“

“We’re in Port Arthur and our shirts on going to say Port Arthur.

We’re proud to say that.”

”

“The floors aren’t perfect,” Martinez said. “We don’t want it to be perfect. We want it to be a little scuffed up. We have used furniture here. We have old tables.

I told one of my guys here that I spend more money building these, painting them and reinforcing them. I could’ve just bought some. We think they’re cool. It’s a mix-match deal. We’re bringing that here, just on a bigger scale.”

W

hile some businesses in Port Arthur call themselves a Mid County location, Rickey Martinez he does not shy away from Port Arthur being associated with Tia Juanita’s.

“A lot of people use Mid County as a generic-type term,” he said. “We’re in Port Arthur and our shirts on going to say Port Arthur. We’re proud to say that.”

When Martinez opened his first Tia Juanita’s in Beaumont in 2014, he was unsure whether or not people would go for a Mexican/Cajun-styled restaurant.

“We weren’t sure this was ever going to work out,” he said about his restaurants’ local success. “As the years went on, we added more to it. We didn’t start out with a full bar. We had just beer and wine. As we went on, we could afford to do more stuff.”

18 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

The Port Arthur location is just off the golf course on Jimmy Johnson Boulevard.

“We’re going bigger and bolder,” he said. “We are featuring grilled oysters. We have a grilled oyster bar in the bar. We made a lot of trips to New Orleans and to Baton Rouge and visited with a lot of people. We took all of our managers to watch grilled oysters. We just watched and ate. We had a good time eating. We’re looking to bring that to Port Arthur.”

Martinez said he wants Tia Juanita’s to be the place one brings their out-of-town friends to eat.

“That’s what this one is designed for,” Martinez said.

“It’s designed for businessmen to bring their clients or out-of-town guests here and show them a really good time. We’re not first class, but we are not trash. We’re open for everyone. We’re not a dress-up place, but can if you want to. You can come from the beach or the lake and fit in. It’s not fancy.

“

“Southeast Texas people are like that anyways.

They want to go as they are and that’s acceptable around here.

That’s what’s cool about it.”

”

“Southeast Texas people are like that anyways. They want to go as they are and that’s acceptable around here. That’s what’s cool about it.”

The restaurant’s decor also matches the menu. The tables and chairs are mismatched and signage mixes beach shack themes with Mexican.

“We have some higher-end food that is chef driven,” he said. “We sauté to order on our redfish. We try to take care with out sauté line. We call it our ‘special place.’ We have fish tacos and nachos. We have a bread bowl that everybody loves. They just love the bread bowl.”

Martinez said the restaurant started off selling fish tacos and fried fish.

“Fish, shrimp and gumbo is how we started,” he said. “We have a darkstyle gumbo. Some people put tomatoes and okra. We are a dark-rue gumbo.”

Martinez’s Beaumont location has racked up accolades, including being named the best restaurant in the city.

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RESTAURANT

“

“It’s designed for businessmen to bring their clients or outof-town guests here and show them a really good time.

We’re not first class, but we are not trash.

We’re open for everyone.

20 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

”

“When we won it the first time, I was really in shock,” he said. “Now, we won it in 2016, 2017 and 2018. We opened in Lumberton, and won it every year that we’ve been open over there. This will be our third year over there.”

Martinez said Tia Juanita’s success is based on a little luck and hard work.

“We’re trying, so it’s not all luck,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for a while.”

Martinez hinted that there could be another location in the works in the area.

“It will be a little farther down the road,” he said. “We’re working on it as we speak. It’s not too far. I’ve stayed close. Jasper is my farthest one away.”

The restaurant is special to Martinez. It is named after his aunt who lived with his family and raised his mother. At his Port Arthur location, Martinez had a mural of his wife painted on the wall next to the oyster bar.

“I like to keep everything kind of close,” he said of his locations. “I like to stay close. It’s a big enough of an area that people won’t get over saturated.”

Tia Juanita’s Hours

Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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Put a healthy spin on an old family favorite MEATLOAF IS A DINNERTIME STAPLE FOR MANY FAMILIES. A FAVORITE OF ADULTS AND CHILDREN ALIKE, MEATLOAF CAN BE PREPARED HOWEVER COOKS SEE FIT, MAKING IT A VERSATILE DISH FOR FAMILY DINNERS. PARENTS WHO WANT TO ENJOY MEATLOAF WITH THEIR FAMILIES AND DO SO WHILE PROMOTING HEALTHY DIETS CAN TRY THE FOLLOWING RECIPE FOR ÒTURKEY, VEGETABLE & OAT MINI-MEATLOAVES WITH MARINARA SAUCEÓ FROM MICHELLE DUDASHÕS ÒCLEAN EATING FOR BUSY FAMILIESÓ (FAIR WINDS).

Turkey, Vegetable & Oat Mini-Meatloaves with Marinara Sauce Serves 6

Expeller-pressed canola oil spray

1 8-ounce package crimini (baby bella) mushrooms (about 21Ú2 cups) 1 small yellow onion, cut into eighths 4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon extra-virgin oil 1 cup dry rolled oats

2 large eggs

1 pound lean ground turkey (or beef or bison)

13Ú4 cups pasta sauce, divided

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning 1Ú2 teaspoon salt

1Ú2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

P

reheat oven to 375 F. Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking pan or 6 mini loaf pans with spray. Pulse mushrooms in a food processor until finely chopped and add them to a large bowl. Repeat with onion and garlic.

Place a large frying pan over medium heat and add oil. When oil is shimmering, add vegetables and sautŽ for 7 minutes or until water releases and evaporates completely, lowering the heat as necessary. Set aside.

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22 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Process the oats until they are of a fine consistency. Whisk the eggs in the bowl used for the vegetables. Add processed oats, turkey, 3Ú4 cup of pasta sauce, cooked vegetables, vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and stir together with a fork until blended.

Scoop the mixture into 6 mounds on the pan or into each miniloaf pan, about 3Ú4 cup each. Shape each mound into a 4 x 2-inch loaf. Spread remaining 1 cup of pasta sauce on top of the loaves, distributing evenly. Bake on middle rack for 25 minutes, turning pan midway through cooking, until loaves are firm or a thermometer inserted in the middle reads at least 165 F. Allow loaves to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Notes: You can finely chop vegetables with a knife rather than using a food processor if you prefer. W Whole oats can be added to the meat mixture for a more rustic texture.

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RESTAURANT

Grandma's Country Cooking

By Mary Meaux mary.meaux@panews.com

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE GRANDMA’S COOKING TO TAKE YOU BACK IN TIME TO THE COMFORTS OF HOME. AND THAT’S WHAT’S OFFERED AT GRANDMA’S COUNTRY COOKING. THE EATERY, LOCATED AT 7217 NINTH AVE., PORT ARTHUR, HAS THAT DOWN HOME FEEL WITH ITS CHECKERED TABLECLOTHS, COMFORTABLE CHAIRS AND FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE. BUT IT’S ABOUT MORE THAN JUST THE LOOK — THERE’S THE FOOD.

24 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Grandma’s recipes

M

Transitional Healthcare, Close to Home

ary Thibodeaux is the grandma behind the restaurant’s name. General manager B.W. Chipman remembers how the family would be together and a cousin would be inside learning the recipes.

Port Arthur’s newest resort-styled Nursing & Rehab Center

“I always loved grandma’s cooking,” Chipman said. “It’s been 30 years since she passed and when we opened (the restaurant) I went back to my childhood. It always brings me home.”

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“Grandma’s register” Mary Meaux/The News General manager B.W. Chipman, right, uses the register at the restaurant.

Transportation Housekeeping 64 Channels of Satellite TV Wi-Fi Access

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

RESTAURANT

The specials and more Grandma’s Country Cooking has daily specials: Monday, hamburger steak Tuesday, meatloaf

Wednesday, pot roast Thursday, beef tips

Friday, fried shrimp

The restaurant opened its doors on Mother’s Day 2018 and has stayed pretty busy.

“We provide a nice, Christian environment for the whole family,” he said.

Besides families, Grandma’s also sees the working crowd such as plant workers coming in for lunch where they can get in and get out and back on the job.

“It gets packed,” he said, adding that they serve about 175 customers a day.

“

“Grandma’s chicken fried steak” Chicken fried steak and sides

There’s nothing like grandma’s cooking to take you back in time to the comforts of home.

”

“Grandma’s catfish” Mary Meaux/The News Whole fried catfish

26 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

“Grandma’s fish and shrimp” Mary Meaux/The News Fish and shrimp

“Grandma’s beef tips” Mary Meaux/The News Beef tips and sides

“

Grandma’s also sees the working crowd such as plant workers coming in for lunch where they can get in and get out and back on the job

“Grandma’s fried shrimp” Mary Meaux/The News Fried shrimp

”

Hours of operation Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You can find them on Facebook too.

“Grandma’s lunch” Mary Meaux/the News The last of a lunch crowd finishes up at the eatery.

“Grandma’s meatloaf” Mary Meaux/The News Meatloaf and sides

“

We provide a nice, Christian environment for the whole family

”

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MAY/JUNE 2019

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DAY TRIP

Day Trippin’at the

Flophouze

Hotel

in Round Top, Texas

28 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

WANT TO GET AWAY? I MEAN REALLY GET AWAY? THIS DAY TRIP MAY TURN INTO A FULL WEEKEND IF PLANNED FOR. NOW, IT MAY NOT BE FOR EVERYONE, BUT IT JUST MIGHT BE FOR YOU. IMAGINE ALL THE COMFORTS OF A RUSTIC HOME, BUILT INSIDE A LARGE SHIPPING CONTAINER. PUT A FEW TOGETHER AND YOU HAVE A NEW HOTEL READY FOR VISITORS.

“

O

ur uniquely designed interiors are cladded with sustainably harvested wood from our farm in upstate New York, and reclaimed lumber from a distillery in Kentucky. To capture the vast pastoral views and great natural light, windows were installed that were salvaged from a school in Philadelphia that was slated for demolition. We keep the funky vibe going with kitchen cabinet bases from a laboratory in Brooklyn, and for the counter tops we used old bowling alley floors from Texas! The floors are the original to the containers, which have traveled the world may times over- with the many vintage artifacts rugs, art and fixtures gleaned from our travels across the globe and amazing finds from the Round Top Antiques Show, each HOUZE will offer you a unique place to stay.

Outside, every houze comes with its own hammock, fire pit and comfy chairs to relax and enjoy the famous Round Top sunsets.

Every detail of this property has been carefully crafted to ensure that your stay is a comfortable and memorable one. rts of home.

Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

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30 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

DAY TRIP

“

The property is shared by our mothership company, Recycling the Past, which doubles as our our special events venueThe Round Top Ballroom, be sure to take a stroll around the property to check out all the salvaged artifacts and recycled treasures RTP has to offer.

Six Flophouzes are now available for your stay and we are in the process of completing more by the end of the year. Upon your arrival, each HOUZE will have complimentary coffee and tea, Topochico sparkling water, and Mexican Cokes. Just a short drive away in Round Top, there is a market for light snacks and other goodies. If you feel up for some swimming and fishing, Fayette Lake is right around the corner. Outside, every houze comes with its own hammock, fire pit and comfy chairs to relax and enjoy the famous Round Top sunsets. Every detail of this property has been carefully crafted to ensure that your stay is a comfortable and memorable one.

�

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MAY/JUNE 2019

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DAY TRIP

“

As a guest you will receive a complimentary 20% off your purchases for up to $100 -Any decor inside the houzes are also fair game, just ask and we'll give you a price!

Chances are you’ll leave not only relaxed, but with lots of inspiration!

” 32 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

The property is shared by our mothership company, Recycling the Past, which doubles as our our special events venue- The Round Top Ballroom, be sure to take a stroll around the property to check out all the salvaged artifacts and recycled treasures RTP has to offer. As a guest you will receive a complimentary 20% off your purchases for up to $100 -Any decor inside the houzes are also fair game, just ask and we'll give you a price!

Chances are you’ll leave not only relaxed, but with lots of inspiration!

For more information on this unique hotel stay go to https://flophouze.com/about

Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

MAY/JUNE 2019

33

Health

How to improve alertness during the workday A LONG WORKDAY CAN BE BOTH MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY DRAINING. AS A RESULT, OFFICE WORKERS AND PROFESSIONALS WHOSE JOBS ARE MORE PHYSICALLY DEMANDING THAN OFFICE WORK MAY FIND THEMSELVES LESS ALERT AT THE END OF THE WORKDAY THAN AT THE BEGINNING.

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34 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

loss of alertness as the workday draws to a close might be unavoidable. But professionals whose sense of alertness begins to dwindle in the thick of the workday might need to take steps to improve their alertness to protect themselves from injury and to ensure the quality of their work does not suffer.

Avoid caffeine in the late afternoon. Some professionals rely on caffeinated beverages such as coffee or energy drinks to combat afternoon drowsiness. While that afternoon caffeine fix might provide an immediate, if temporary, jolt of energy, it might also affect a personÕs energy levels the following day. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that caffeine consumed as early as six hours before bedtime can significantly disrupt sleep. Professionals who reach for a cup of coffee in the late afternoon might get a sudden boost of energy, but their energy levels the following day might be lower due to a poor night's sleep.

Avoid high-fat foods at lunchtime. Foods that are high in fat should always be avoided thanks to their connection to a host of health problems. Such foods also negatively affect energy levels when consumed in the middle of the day. The University of Rochester Medical Center notes that the body digests and absorbs high-fat foods very slowly.

That means workers who eat high-fat foods for lunch wonÕt get the afternoon energy boost that low-fat, healthy lunches will provide.

Snack healthy. Professionals who find themselves needing a snack in the mid- to late-afternoon can sate their hunger and give themselves an energy boost by snacking healthy. Avoid snacks like potato chips that tend to be high in fat and low in nutrition. Foods that are high in fiber and/or protein can provide a longer energy boost and quell the afternoon hunger pangs at the same time. Fresh fruit and Greek yogurt fit the bill.

“

Regular exercise improves short- and long-term health while also increasing daily energy levels.

�

Change your workout schedule. Regular exercise improves short- and long-term health while also increasing daily energy levels. Professionals who include exercise in their daily routines yet still suffer from a lack of alertness in the afternoon may need to alter their workout schedules. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that participants who were assigned afternoon exercise programs during work hours reported increased productivity versus those who were not assigned afternoon workouts.

If working out in the afternoon is not feasible, avoid working out too late at night, as the National Institutes of Health note that exercising within two to three hours of bedtime can disrupt sleep, ultimately having a negative impact on energy levels the following day.

Professionals who find their alertness levels waning in the afternoons can combat such drowsiness in various ways.

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Financial Advisor

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2825 Nall St., Ste. 18B Port Neches, TX 77651 409-729-0907

3302 Hwy. 365 Nederland, TX 77627 409-722-5190

Karen D. Collier

Steve Fleming Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

4700 Hwy. 365, 675 W. Round Bunch Rd. Ste. C Port Arthur, TX 77642 Bridge City, TX 77611 409-735-9413 409-727-5583 www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

HOME Ken Stickney, The News Mike and Marian Ruiz, in front of their home.

New life:

Harvey forced decision on upgrading home

By Ken Stickney ken.stickney@panews.com

PORT NECHES — AFTER 15 YEARS IN THEIR PORT NECHES HOME, SHORT BLOCKS FROM SABA LANE, MIKE AND MARIAN RUIZ DECIDED IT WAS TIME FOR AN UPDATE. BUT WHEN? AND HOW? 36 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Ken Stickney, The News A small touch to welcome visitors.

stay in their home, as streets remained flooded.

Mike, retired from a sales management career, and Marian, who does the purchasing at ChevronPhillips, tore out carpet and padding. They used a Shop-Vac to dry the flooring and walls.

With previous hurricanes, because Marian is on ChevronPhillips’ leadership team, the couple has evacuated to higher ground north of town, where she could do her work remotely. Not this time.

They lived in the house for a week, until Mike was able to secure a 30-foot travel trailer, which they parked in their driveway. The plumbing in the house remained functional, which provided some comfort. For three months, until after Christmas, that trailer was home.

“

H

urricane and Tropical Storm Harvey helped sharpen their decisions and their timeline for revitalizing their three-bed, 21/2 bath, 2,500-square-foot home.

“It’s amazing how 6 or 7 inches of water can make all the difference in the world,” Marian Ruiz said. But when she stepped out of bed on that late August 2017 night of the storm and into that much clear water, evenly spread throughout the house, life changed — big time — for the Ruiz household.

“It’s amazing how 6 or 7 inches of water can make all the difference in the world.”

It was also command central for the rebuild, because from the proximity of his driveway, Mike could act in the role of project manager. During days, he said, it was “just me and the dog” in the trailer. The focus was the house.

First step: Get the right builder. That was David Hinson of David Hinson Custom Homebuilders in Nederland, whose work, Mike said, is well known and admired.

Mike said he called Hinson and luckily, Hinson was at another storm-affected home just a couple of blocks away. He drove right over.

”

It wasn’t much water but it was enough that walls had to be demolished, floors and carpet replaced, furniture tossed. That first touch of floodwater was their first step toward that intended redo on their home.

This time, water

Harvey wasn’t the first storm to visit Mike and Marian in Port Neches. But it was the first one that invaded their home.

In fact, they said, only a handful of neighborhood homes, more fortunately elevated, were spared from the rising waters. Not theirs, not this time.

Water entered, receded pretty quickly, yet remained in the yard and the streets. For three days, they had to

Ken Stickney, The News The children have grown and moved, but the memories remain.

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HOME Ken Stickney, The News Mike Ruiz says upgraded design elements like the fireplace and window treatments add ‘pop’ to the living space.

Ken Stickney, The News Adding a hearth to the fireplace was Marian Ruiz’s wish.

“

First step: Get the right builder.

Ken Stickney, The News Builders used the former kitchen granite countertop for the hearth.

38 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

”

Needed touches There were touches that both Mike and Marian wanted retained or added on the home. To Mike and Marian, rebuilding the fireplace was a big deal. She wanted a raised hearth. They wanted new window casings and French doors. David Franks did that fireplace and other detail work, which Mike said contributed to a “wow factor” when you enter the living area.

Mike said the contractor had lots of questions and wanted sure guidance. Mike, from the trailer in the driveway, was always available. Consultations generally occurred once or twice a day.

Out went the wallpaper. On went the fresh, neutral paint, with lighter colors throughout the house. Up

Ken Stickney, The News A window looks out on the backyard pool.

went the fireplace, where the builders used the old countertop from the kitchen atop the new hearth: Something old, used as something new. For the countertops, they replaced the granite with quartz.

Marian said she hadn’t appreciated how much distinction there could be among the neutral colors. She’d test paints on the walls, leaving a dab until it dried fully in the morning, and rendering judgment after that.

“Lighter goes on a long way,” she said of the selected colors.

(409) 721-6400

Ken Stickney, The News The bed was salvaged, and remains in the master bedroom.

HOME Ken Stickney, The News Mike and Marian Ruiz replaced their countertops and lower cabinets, but kept the tile floor.

“

The house contains myriad personal touches. The couple kept their baker’s rack in the kitchen — it’s a family piece — where they exhibited memorabilia.

And a painting by Marian’s grandmother, Genelle Stafford, still hangs by the front door.

”

40 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Decisions, decisions There were more decisions to be made. Flooring? The carpet was gone, replaced by their choice of porcelain wood plank tiles, which runs consistently through the house, except for certain spots like the master bath, kitchen and laundry room. They kept tile in those rooms, they said, after contractors assured them the floors were well sealed.

They loved their kitchen cabinets, but floodwater ruined the lower cabinets. How’s this for luck? One of the craftsmen with the contractor’s crew actually built the original cabinets in 2000, and built the replacements.

In the master bath, they ditched a long mirror and replaced it with different treatments. They salvaged the garden tub — Marian loves that — and redid the shower, which Mike says was pleasing to him.

Treasure For A Lifetime Ken Stickney, The News The tub remains a favorite feature for Marian Ruiz.

“And I got a shoe rack out of that,” Marian said of the bathroom renovations.

By the new year, the trailer was gone. Some furniture was salvaged.

Other pieces were salvaged but, with the changes to the home, were no longer suitable.

Mike and Marian were in the house but barely. Marian did her work on the kitchen table; they slept on a mattress on the floor. It was March before work was complete.

“Some of the things on legs (tables, bed) we kept and refurbished what we could,” she said.

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Ken Stickney, The News The baker’s rack, holding family memorabilia, took no damage during the storm.

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HOME

“

The backyard and pool area, too, reflect family ties.

Plants and statuary come from Stafford’s Nursery, which Marian’s parents owned for decades.

Ken Stickney, The News Flip-flop art decorates much of the home. Marian Ruiz describes herself as a ‘flip-flop sort of girl.’

“We donated a lot of furniture to people who had no insurance,” Mike said.

The house contains myriad personal touches. The couple kept their baker’s rack in the kitchen — it’s a family piece — where they exhibited memorabilia. And a painting by Marian’s grandmother, Genelle Stafford, still hangs by the front door.

42 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

”

Ken Stickney, The News Statuary decorates the pool area.

The backyard and pool area, too, reflect family ties.

Plants and statuary come from Stafford’s Nursery, which Marian’s parents owned for decades.

In the end, the couple said, they got the house they wanted, about six months after the storm had passed by.

“We knew we had to upgrade,” Marian said.

“But not to the extent we have done,” Mike added.

Ken Stickney, The News Garden areas brighten the outside of the home.

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CALENDAR

CALENDAR

May 10- May 12 Texas Crab Festival Crystal Beach The Texas Crab Festival celebrates 34 years of music, art and crabs.

USA Today calls it one of the “10 Best Food Festivals to Dive Into.” The Texas Crab Festival features a Crab Gumbo Cookoff, Crab Races, a Crab Legs Contest and an assortment of vendors serving up local seafood specialties like, barbecue crabs, crab poppers, stuffed crab and more.

The festival also includes a 5K Run, a Washers Tournament, a carnival midway, arts and craft

Make plans for the 34th Annual Texas Crab Festival in Crystal Beach, Texas.

May 10-May 11 Yaga’s Wild Game & BBQ Cook-off Pier 21, Galveston Free admission Galveston is calling all backyard chefs, sportsmen and women, and outdoor enthusiasts to show off their culinary skills May 10-11 at the 23rd annual Yaga’s Wild Game BBQ Cook-off.

The event will feature a wild game cook-off, live entertainment, silent auction, “Run Wild 5K” and children’s activities. This event benefits the Yaga’s Children’s Fund.

booths and a full schedule of music and entertainment designed with the whole family in mind. It’s an experience so deliciously unique that it was recently featured on the Food Network’s “Eating America with Anthony Anderson.” Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind weekend of family fun, food and entertainment.

Tickets are $10

May 11 Shore Fishing Clinic 8 a.m. to noon Sea Rim State Park, 19335 Texas 87 South, Sabine Pass

Our Shoreline Fishing Clinic is a great way to learn about fishing from Gulf Coast beaches. Sea Rim will provide bait and no fishing license is required when you pay your daily entrance fee into the Park.

There will be experienced fisherman who will explain what baits works best, how to cast, and tell some big fish tales you’ll enjoy.

Bring your lunch and water to drink so you can continue to enjoy the park after the event. Other items you might want to bring would include a chair, an ice chest, sunscreen, hats and possibly watershoes since we will be wading in the surf.

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CALENDAR May 24 Classic Movie Night 7:30 p.m., Jefferson Theater, 345 Fannin St., Beaumont Doors open at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $5 and available at the Civic Center box office open M-F, 9a1p. You can also purchase tickets when the doors open for the movie.

May 17-May 18 Galveston Island Beach Revue 2102 Seawall Blvd., Galveston Free admission Retro swimwear is chic and vintage is king at the Galveston Island Beach Revue, which will take

place for its 11th year May 17-18.

Contestants from across the country will catwalk across Galveston’s historic Seawall shoreline modeling vintage and vintage-inspired swimwear that echoes the “good ole days” of Galveston’s summertime history. Contestants will compete for cash prizes and top honors.

Teen misfits Gary (Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) design their ideal woman on a computer, and a freak electrical accident brings her to life in the form of the lovely, superhuman Lisa (Kelly LeBrock). She outfits Gary and Wyatt in cool clothes, surprises them with a Porsche and helps them stand up to jerks Ian (Robert Downey Jr.) and Max (Robert Rusler). But, all the while, the boys must hide Lisa’s existence from Chet (Bill Paxton), Wyatt’s nightmare of a big brother.

May 24 Jerry Jeff Walker 8:30 p.m.

Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino

Lake Charles, 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd., Lake Charles

46 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Jerry Jeff Walker is an American country music singer and songwriter. Best known for writing the song “Mr. Bojangles.” Walker’s prolific music career and widespread musical influence have made him an iconic fixture of the Texas country music scene.

June 8 30th Annual Texas Blueberry Festival Downtown Nacogdoches As the only state-sanctioned blueberry festival in Texas, this delicious annual event attracts more than 19,000 people to downtown Nacogdoches. It offers a smorgasbord of activities to keep folks entertained all day long.

June 1 Beaumont Jazz and Blues Fest 5 p.m. Jefferson Theater 345 Fannin St., Beaumont Tickets are $20 Performances include headliner, Allman Anthology featuring Mike Zito, Nils Lofgren, Paul Childers and the Black Tie Affair, Rocio

Jazz Project, and the Flying Buffaloes.

Don’t miss this indoor/outdoor music festival in Downtown Beaumont. All tickets are $20 and are on sale now at ticketmaster.com, and the Civic Center Box Office.

Everyone must have a ticket. No coolers, umbrellas or pets allowed.

For more information, call 409838-345.

June 21-June 22 Gulf Coast Shrimp & Jazz Festival Lake Charles Civic Center 900 Lakeshore drive, Lake Charles, LA This year’s event will showcase other jazz musicians, artists, events, and a wide variety of shrimp and other good foods. A crowd of 500 – 1000, ranging in age from infancy to the older adult, is anticipated to participate in this year’s festival full of activities, as well as an incorporation of various artistic opportunities available to our youth in Lake Charles and the surrounding communities.

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1

2

The 2019 Gulf Coast Gala Photos credit: Ken Stickney/The News

T

he 2019 Gulf Coast Gala was held at the Carl Parker Multipurpose Building at Lamar State College Port Arthur on April 27. Three Redneck Tenors provided the entertainment. The event benefits the college and the Museum of the Gulf Coast.

1. Bart Bragg, Carey Stickney. 2. Bill and Carolyn Worsham. 3. From left, the Rev. Byron Jarratt, Renella Primeaux, and Dr. Sam Monroe.

4. From left, Marian Ruiz, Callie Summerlin, Pat Malone. 5. Joe and Kim Gilbreath. 6. Albert and Midge Jacobs. 7. From left, Andy McCall, Alex McCall, Mike Ruiz.

3 48 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Scene

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Port Neches RiverFest 2019 1. Keyton Daws, left, Roxanne Somerville, Thomas Oliver, Sarah Evans, Stacie Badeaux, Roberta Garrett and Kyle Patterson. 2. Kay White and Luke Segura. 3. Rachel Morse, left, Madison Morse and Tammie Fowler.

4. Carissa Thomas, left, and Heather Fletcher. 5. The Rev. James Lee and Tammie Lee. 6. Averie Thomas, left, and Sharon Session-Thomas.

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Port Arthur Public Library grand reopening on Saturday.

1. A crowd waits to get new library cardsduring Port Arthur Public Library’s grand reopening on Saturday. The library was devastated during Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey in 2017. 2. Mark Durham and Joshua Midgette. 3. Ellie Gator, also known as Darragh Castillo with the Port Arthur Convention and Visitors Bureau, promotes the city during the grand reopening of Port Arthur Public Library on Saturday. 4. Alberto Blanco, Nancy Jaramilla and Jose Blanco. 5. Raigan Johnson, center, and LaTosha Johnson wait for their new library cardsduring Port Arthur Public Library’sgrand reopening on Saturday. The library was devastated during Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey in 2017. 6. Alejandro Cruz, left, holds Alex Cruz and Arthur the Seahawk of Lamar State College Port Arthur holds a bookduring the grand reopening of Port Arthur Public Library on Saturday. 7. Brandi Grogan and Kim white.

8. Taylor Alexander, left, Patty Thibedeaux and Portia Lightfoot wait for their new library cardsduring Port Arthur Public Library’s grand reopening on Saturday. The library was devastated during Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey in 2017.

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Damon West book signing 1. Danielle Callaway and Eric DeRanierei. 2. Billie Barnett, Donna Brown and Bonnie Prince. 3. Members of the Sertoma Club, back, pose for a photo with Genie West, left, and her sonand author Damon West. 4. Andy McCall. 5. Damon West and Rich Macke.

54 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

PEOPLE, PLACES, PARTIES

1

2 4

5

6 3 Photos credit: Ken Stickney/The News

T

he West Port Arthur Community Garden Association and Valero opened a one-acre, community park — it was part of a settlement involving the state and the oil refinery — on April 17. About 125 people attended.

1. Deputy Chief Martin ‘Bubba’ Blitch, Port Arthur police, listens to a speaker. 2. Plant manager Mark Skobel awaits turn to speak. 3. Hilton Kelley, left, and Jim Payne start planting. 4. Former Port Arthur Mayor Bobbi Prince, left, with Jeff Saitas, former director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, at the podium. 5. Ron Burton, left, greets Willie “Bae” Lewis. 6. Larry Kelley, left, and Verna Rutherford before the ceremony.

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J

on Hampton and his son, Scott, say it’s a pleasure to come to work every day, surrounded by such beautiful items.

Snooper’s mainly carries furniture, light fixtures & art, along with accessories ... clocks, sculptures, crystal and porcelains. However, it is not limited to that. We also have Christmas ornaments & decorative holiday items.

Most of our antiques are from France, Belgium, and Italy.

5509 E. Parkway, Groves 962-8427 Tuesday - Sturday 9:30 - 5:30

Philadelphia, Boston and New Orleans. In 1952 the store opened on Bluebonnet Avenue in Port Arthur. As the store grew it became evident that we needed more space & suppliers. In the The reproductions we 60’s Jon & his dad made the carry are from premier first trips to Europe to buy lines such as Theodore directly. In the ensuing years Alexander, John-Richard, we have shipped hundreds of Maitland Smith, Jonathan Charles, Schonbek, Hancock containers of merchandise to the states. & Moore, and Sherrill Upholstery.

In the mid -70’s it became apparent that we needed Snooper’s was started more to move again, this time a than sixty years ago by Jon’s shopping center in Groves dad, John Hampton. He began by buying at auctions became available & which we purchased. After much and estates, not limited renovation we were able to our area, but also in

to open in 1979. Forty years later, we feel that we made the right decision. It has been really good for us. There’s a lot of room with a good parking area, & it’s in a nice location.

The store has also faced some adversity and triumphed over it. We had major damages after Hurricanes Rita & Ike. We had a fire on our roof in August 2017 & sustained some water damage from Harvey.

We are proud to say that we are fully renovated, and stocked with whatever you may need to make your house a home.

Why I love Port Arthur

Happy return!

Pat Avery’s back at PA’s chamber ATLANTA NATIVE PAT AVERY RECENTLY CAME OUT OF RETIREMENT TO TAKE LEADERSHIP AT THE GREATER PORT ARTHUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. THE FORMER MOBIL AND TOTAL ADMINISTRATOR, WHO SPENT MUCH OF HER CAREER IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, TALKED ABOUT HER AFFECTION FOR THIS COMMUNITY AND WHY IT LURED HER BACK. You've just returned to Port Arthur after some time away. Tell us what drew you to Port Arthur originally, and how things worked out for you here that first time.

I came to Port Arthur the first time in 1998.

Fina (now Total) was having labor issues and they somehow discovered that I had a very good relationship with labor at Mobil Chemical Co. in Beaumont (now known as Exxon Mobil Chemical).

After they kept trying to entice me to leave Mobil, they finally made me an offer that I could not refuse so I joined the team. I was the only woman, as usual, on the management team.

I was afraid to build my reputation all over again but I took the leap. Building credibility all over again was much easier than with Mobil. When you are older (and I was 41 years at the time) you know what pitfalls to avoid.

When I retired, I felt that I was an intricate part of the community and that I knew Port Arthur’s pulse, its issues and its people very well. It was a sad day to leave all my good friends in Port Arthur when I left the area.

What drew you back this time? And how has the city changed since you’ve been gone?

What drew me back was the love that I had for the city, its people and an industry that had been very good to me.

Ken Stickney, The News Pat Avery stands in front of the 501 Building in downtown Port Arthur.

The economic growth of the area is like no place in America. I honestly don’t know if we will see this kind of industrial boom in Port Arthur again in my lifetime. The economic growth continues to expand in the plants but at a much greater pace and with a lot more billions of project work being announced.

When I retired, we were looking at $23-$30 billion in expansion projects. Now we are looking at $47 to $60 billion.

In many aspects the city is the same. The school district is flourishing under the leadership of a dynamic, passionate leader in Dr. Mark Porterie.

I am concerned with the declining population of the city. There appears to be much more regionalism and spirit of cooperation than when I retired and now we are the LNG capital of the world.

You’ve got a history steeped in local business. Tell us about the local business community and why it drew you back here.

I haven’t worked with a finer group of business leaders than in Port Arthur, Texas. My career has spanned from Atlanta to upstate New York to Pasadena to Beaumont and of all the places that I have lived and worked, I have found the business leaders of Port Arthur the most aligned in with the community, environment, city and county governments. I yearned for that relationship again so coming back was a no brainer for me, which actually surprised me, since I was not looking to go back to work.

58 MAY/JUNE 2019 Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

What makes you proud about living here? When people ask you about Port Arthur, what do you tell them first?

The warmth of the people is why I like living in Port Arthur. I would tell people about the industrial mecca that Port Arthur is and that it is the city that understands and supports the refining and petrochemicals plants.

What opportunities do young people have in Port Arthur? How can things become more appealing to them here?

Young people have the opportunity to seek a career with earnings much higher than the national average with excellent benefits, in a climate that is mild all year long. Young people need to know that the industry needs engineers, process operators, maintenance mechanics, instrument technicians, electricians, administrative services (accounting, HR, purchasing safety and security) and lots of contract personnel.

They need to know that it is a wonderful industry.

Closing thoughts?

There is nothing that could have blasted me out of retirement except a return to Port Arthur to the Chamber of Commerce, being a business advocate for an industry that I love in a place that I also love. Now I have to learn about the other businesses that are not a part of oil and gas in this city and I look forward to that learning curve.

Welcome to a Whole New Way to Live Well.

The CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Outpatient Center - Mid County has opened its doors to a whole new way for our community to truly live well. The Outpatient Center provides greater access to a full range of services and programs for our neighbors in Port Arthur, Port Neches, Nederland and Groves.

Services include: • 24/7 Emergency Center VOTED BEST ER IN MID COUNTY • Full-Service Imaging Center • Fully Staffed Women’s Center • Certified Concussion Center • Outpatient Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy • Hyperbaric and Wound Care Center • Infusion Services • In-house Laboratory Services

8801 9th Avenue (Hwy 365 and 9th Avenue) Port Arthur | TX

To schedule an appointment today, call 409.724.3600 or visit ChristusSETX.org.

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