Greater Port Arthur Magazine Vol. 5

VOLUME 5, 2023

OPENING LETTER

10 reasons Port Arthur is the Official Cajun Capital of Texas............................................4

DOLL GIRLS DANCE STUDIO

Port Arthur venture expands to a larger location, creating new options for kids........8

CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL Company official shares history, present state and future excitement........................16

CULINARY THRILL SEEKING

Columnist Darragh Doiron Castillo shares some of her favorite Cajun connections....22

SABINE PASS LIGHTHOUSE

Great run of radio activation during International Lighthouse Lightship..............26

ON THE COVER — Clockwise, from top left, are Doll Girls Dance Studio performers, the Sabine Pass Lighthouse and musicians performing Cajun tunes. (Photos, top left clockwise, courtesy of Doll Girls Dance Studio, Bob Rose and Darragh Castillo)

P ort A rthur Greater

Publisher:

STEPHEN HEMELT

Editor:

STEPHEN HEMELT

Contributors: DARRAGH CASTILLO CHRISSIE MOUTON

MARY MEAUX PA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Photography: MARY MEAUX

DARRAGH CASTILLO PA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Advertising: CANDACE HEMELT NATALIE PICAZO

Designer: STEPHEN HEMELT

Contact Information: PORT ARTHUR NEWSMEDIA, LLC PO BOX 789 PORT ARTHUR, TX 77641

Advertising Inquiries: 409-721-2400

Subscriptions: 409-721-2400

www.panews.com

Copyright 2023 by Port Arthur Newsmedia, LLC

MISSION STATEMENT

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.

Port Arthur-area musicians Paul Gilbeaux, Ed Poullard, Jude Moreau, Dale Dougay and Jerry Bellott enjoy a jam session in the Cajun Capital.

Courtesy of the Port Arthur CVB

WELCOME HOME

Port Arthur is known for letting the good times roll in a laid-back coastal way, but we are enjoying being “official.”

The great state of Texas has designated us the Official Cajun Capital of Texas, and we’ve got lots of reasons why.

Here are 10 of them, and we’d be happy to sit down with a cup of strong coffee and tell you plenty more.

1. CLOSE KIN - Just how close is Port Arthur to Louisiana? The southerly tip of Pleasure Island in PA is 0.3 miles or approximately 1,600 feet to the state line dividing Texas and Louisiana. Nearby, you can see the Sabine Pass Lighthouse just over the water from Sabine Pass.

“It’s right over dere, cher!” says Cajun Ambassador Jim LaBove, an artist, gumbo cook and author of what we call the Cotton’s Seafood book series.

2. JAM WITH THEM!

Twice a week the Cajun and Creole Acoustic Jam Session meets up at the American Legion Hall in Nederland. Musicians from Port Arthur and beyond invite you to bring an instrument and keep this heritage alive in Southeast Texas.

3. THE GODFATHER OF CAJUN MUSIC –Harry Choates performed “Jolie Blon” and boasts the Godfather nickname as well as the moniker “Fiddle King of Cajun Swing.” He’s buried at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Port Arthur with a historical marker sharing his story.

4. WEAR THAT WASHBOARD - The wearable washboard, the “frottoir” (FWA-TWAH) associated with the Cajun scene was invented in Port Arthur. Catch a display at Museum of the Gulf Coast.

5. FEELING CRABBY? - The famous BBQ Crab was invented at Granger’s Restaurant in Sabine

4545 Twin City Hwy

Port Arthur 77642

Sales (409) 332-4755

Service (409) 736-7010

Parts (409) 332-4682

Town & Country Ford is a family-owned and operated dealership that’s committed to serving drivers in Port Arthur and the Mid-County area for generations. Today we have the same dedication to quality and customer service as ever. From our selection of new and used cars to our Kidz Zone where your little ones can play while you wait, we want to make your visit as easy and convenient as possible.

Create. Build. Sustain

Pass, a community within Port Arthur. Others claim to be the first and that just makes the story more delicious.

6. TO THE RACES! - The very first Texas Cajun Crawfish races were held in Port Arthur in the 1960s under the direction of two Port Arthur Cajun Crawfish Racing Commissioners, Al Judice and Jim Braud

7. FAMOUS FIDDLER - Fiddler David Varnado, from Port Arthur, has played for some of country music’s biggest stars, including Loretta Lynn, Ty England, Johnny Paycheck, Sammy Kershaw, Jo-El Sonnier, George Jones and Neil McCoy.

Varnado received the 2017 American Fiddler Association’s Legend Award, the 2018 Johnny Gimble Fiddler of the Year Award, and has been named Fiddler of the Year six times by Texas Country Music Association.

In 2020 David was placed on the Star Music Walk of Fame in front of City Hall in Vidor.

8. MARDI GRAS OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS - Port Arthur was the home to this organization for 26 years, from 1993 to 2018. Parades and balls were the talk of the town.

9. FOOD FROM THE WATERS - The

lakes, bayous and rivers of Port Arthur allow Cajuns to shrimp, crab, catch and live off the land as they did in Louisiana.

10. THE CAJUN HERITAGE FEST is hosted every April in Port Arthur and features live music, crawfish, dancing and your typical fas do do feelings!

BONUS REASON

11. PENCIL IN THE PINCHING - Crawfish season is on our calendar. We boil it ourselves at outdoor parties or monitor our many restaurants. Pounds of tails, corn and potatoes is what we want.

The Port Arthur Convention and Visitors Bureau provided this list and welcomes suggestions to keep the Cajun spirit flowing. Visit Port Arthur is the official destination marketing 0rganization for Port Arthur, Texas. We keep visitors and locals in the know on our natural views and things to do, to enhance economic development. For more information on why we’re the Cajun Capital of Texas, events, hotels, good eating and bird-friendly practices, visit www. visitportarthurtx.com

Jed Bellott gets ready to play some Cajun music with new and old friends alike.

Courtesy of the Port Arthur CVB

Founder and director Krystal Seymoure began Doll Girls Dance Studio in Port Arthur and

Doll Girls Dance Studio finds new home, expands offerings

Doll Girls Dance Studio in Port Arthur is embarking on a new chapter with a move to a larger and more centralized location for its upcoming season.

The studio, led by founder and director Krystal Seymoure, has become a focal point for young dancers seeking self-expression and growth through the art of dance.

The studio’s new address, 8779 9th Avenue, marks a significant milestone in Doll Girls Dance Studio’s journey since its establishment in 2019. Under Seymoure’s leadership, the studio has been a place of empowerment and creativity for young dancers from Port Arthur and surrounding areas, including Orange, Beaumont and China.

“We now have a waiting area for our parents, a large dance space and dancer’s lounge and a new display for all our competition trophies,” Seymoure said. “I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I knew I wanted to open my own dance studio in my hometown. I wanted it to be meaningful and serve a purpose in my community. I wanted to give young dancers the opportunity to express themselves through the art of dance.”

With the expanded space, Doll Girls Dance Studio is able to enroll four times the number of students as before, reflecting the growing demand for its range of dance disciplines. The studio offers ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, tap, HBCU-themed dance and competitive dance classes, catering to ages 4 to 17.

“Dance is important to me

Courtesy photo

Doll Girls Dance Studio’s Showstoppers perform in Atlanta in March 2023. The open routine placed first in competition.

Courtesy photo

Doll Girls Dance Studio’s new address is 8779 9th Avenue in Port Arthur.

Industrial, Residential & Commercial Laundry Services

ALTERATIONS • WASH • DRY • FOLD DRY CLEAN

24 HOUR SECURE DROP OFF LOCKERS

5900 39TH STREET, GROVES • (409) 962-5331

because it’s an outlet for our young dancers,” Seymoure said. “They are able to express themselves in a way that they’re not able to vocally. Dancing provides many great benefits, such as a sense of community found within dance, physical and mental relaxation, laughter and fun. It’s also inspiring and motivating.”

Seymoure’s love of dance start-

ed years ago when she organized Woodrow Wilson Middle School’s pep squad, then went on to dance for Lincoln and Memorial High Schools.

“When I moved back to Port Arthur eight years ago, I told myself I was going to start my own dance studio. I started a 21-day fast with my church. I wrote down in my notebook my vision and asked God to

show me my purpose,” she said. “I’m a firm believer in writing your vision and making it a plan. My community needed DGD to happen because there was a need for dancers in this community.”

The studio’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity is evident in its approach.

“Our dancers are able to enjoy the

Courtesy photo Director Krystal Seymoure goes through a costume check for a Doll Girls Dance Studio live performance showcase.

Courtesy photo Doll Girls Dance Studio instructor John Gray leads stretch exercises during a ballet class in Port Arthur.

Courtesy photo Doll Girls Dance Studio elite team members are seen above while the Showstoppers are seen at right during a show.

art of dance and learn who they are in the process,” Seymoure said. “I am a minority-owned business, which the dance world in Southeast Texas hasn’t had in over 30 years.”

Seymoure’s background and her experiences with dance teams enriches the studio’s offerings.

“We attend regional competitions such as Showstoppers, Crowdpleasers, Starquest and many more. We have placed first place overall in categories like Jazz, Open and Hip-Hop. We won first place in Atlanta back in March of 2023 at Showstoppers at the Georgia Brown Convention Center,” she says.

Doll Girls Dance Studio’s commitment to excellence is also mirrored in its team of dedicated coaches.

Jasmine Lopez, who serves as an assistant director, brings more than 15 years of experience to her role. John Gray, with over 30 years in dance, teaches ballet, jazz, lyrical and tap. The studio’s newest addition, choreographer Brittany

Members of the Doll Girls Dance Studio’s Showstoppers demonstrate their stage presence and talent in Atlanta.

Milton, is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the team.

Seymoure summed up the essence of Doll Girls Dance Studio, saying, “We are versatile, inspiring, uplifting, poised, focused, non-traditional, diverse, talented,

LIT and simply Just ‘US’.”

For more information on classes and pricing, visit dollgirlsdance. com.

— Written by Chrissie Mouton

50% OFF NACHO APPETIZER WITH PURCHASE OF ADULT ENTREE

$5 LARGE HOUSE OF LARGE FLAVOR-RITA DRINK SPECIAL 5PM - 10PM ONLY

$2 OFF TACO ENTREE’S EXCLUDES LUNCH SPSECIALS AND A LA CARTE

$5 MICHELADAS FROM 5PM-10PM

50% OFF BUFFALO WINGS

3350 JIMMY JOHNSON BLVD PORT ARTHUR (409) 334-9355

HOURS: SAT-THU 10A-10P FRI 10A-11P

$4 IMPORT BOTTLE BEERS AND $3 DOMESTICBOTTLE BEERS FROM 5PM-10PM

$3 OFF QUESADILLA’S HAPPY HOUR ALL DAY

Courtesy photo

Sabine Pilots are serving the shipping industry and the public ports of Beaumont, Port Arthur and Orange as well as the private oil terminals and the industrial complex of Southeast Texas. The Sabine Neches Waterway is the economic lifeline and the gateway to world commerce. It is the duty of the Sabine Pilots to maintain the safety and the environmental integrity of the waterway. We have done so since 1881 and pledge to continue.

Chevron Phillips Chemical impact growing in region

Port Arthur Plant Manager

Gary Parsley shares history tidbits, excitement for future

A nighttime view of the Port Arthur Chevron Phillips Chemical plant is pictured.

Courtesy photo

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company is in a period of growth.

The company, jointly owned by Chevron and Phillips 66, formed in 2000. It is a global supplier of products making modern life possible.

The company’s products are seen in food packaging, pharmaceutical packaging and medical supplies — things that are kept sterile or kept safe and fresh.

Then there are materials made that customers have turned into recreational items such as kayaks and ice chests.

Gary Parsley, Port Arthur manager of the Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP, shared some company news as guest speaker during the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce CP Chem Update and Legislative Luncheon.

GROWTH

There’s a history and list of accomplishments with Chevron Phillips, and there’s more on the horizon.

“The company does have a

Mary Meaux/Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Gary Parsley, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company Port Arthur manager, addresses a crowd of approximately 600 people during the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce CP Chem Update and Legislative Luncheon.

growth strategy, and the current phase of their growth strategy is doing what I’ll call very significant mega projects, one of which is over in Orange County,” Parsley said.

The Golden Triangle Polymers

Project is expected to come in at $8.5 billion, support 4,500 construction jobs and more than 500 full time positions.

It includes a 2,000 KTA ethylene cracker and two 1,000 KTA

high-density polyethylene units, according to Parsley.

“The other piece of that (growth) is the Ras Laffan Project that’s in Qatar,” he said. “Both of those are joint ventures and with Qatar Energy. In the Golden Triangle commerce project, Chevron Phillips is the majority holder, controlling holder. It’s just the opposite with the Qatar Ras Laffan Project.”

The Ras Laffan Project is a $6 billion investment that will employ up to 14,000 construction workers and support 550 permanent jobs, he said.

It includes a 1,900 KTA ethane cracker and two HDPE units with 1,680 combined capacity.

SOME HISTORY

Parsley offered some information about the company’s legacy in Port Arthur:

• 1901 — Spindletop discovery, Texas oil boom

• 1907 — Gulf Oil Corporation

• 1970 — 1544 ethylene unit startup

• 1984 — Chevron-Gulf Merger

• 1995 — refinery part sold to

•

•

•

•

• Swiss Made

Mary Meaux/Greater Port Arthur The Magazine Vicki Derese, center, was recognized for her years as community relations representative during the event. Derese has announced her retirement.

Mary Meaux/Greater Port Arthur The Magazine Gary Parsley, Port Arthur manager for Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, speaks about company history and recent growth.

Clark (Premcor)

• 1997 — 1544 ethylene unit expansion

• 2000 — Chevron Phillips Chemical joint venture

• 2004 — New cyclophexane unit startup

• 2014 — Boiler unit startup

SAFETY, CLIMATE CONCERN

Safety is a core value of the company.

“It’s a focus on something that we do. We focus on every day,” he said. “How do you keep, not only your employees, but everyone that works inside the facility safe, including the community. It’s something that the men and women of Chevron Phillips and the Port Arthur site deal with everyday, a safe operation.”

Parsley said they reduced the employee and contractor injury rate by 78 percent from 2002 to 2022.

“But we’re not satisfied with that,” he said. “That’s by no means a starting point. We’ll continue to work towards zero.”

Chevron Phillips is working on

climate change, sustainability and circularity. Like many companies, company leaders are looking to reduce carbon intensity, or carbon footprint and also invest in renewable energy sources that generate electricity from renewable pieces where it makes sense for operations.

And from a social responsibility standpoint, leadership is looking at investing in education.

In addition there are efforts around reducing or eliminating plastics waste.

“We’re a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste,” Parsley said. “And then also we’ve been a member for about 20 years for Operation Clean Sweep. That really focuses on reducing, eliminating plastic waste from the manufacturing areas.”

EMPLOYEE RESPONSE

Newsweek recently selected Chevron Phillips Chemical one of America’s Greatest Workplaces in 2023.

“Chevron Phillips Chemical

Plant Port Arthur prides itself on creating a work environment that fosters employee safety, well-being, empowerment, and success. Our employees are first-class, and I am proud to work with each of them, every day, here at our plant in Port Arthur,” said Parsley, plant manager of the Chevron Phillips Chemical Port Arthur Plant.

Newsweek and the data firm Plant-A Insights Group created the list by gathering public data and anonymous survey responses from around 62,000 American workers about their current or former employers, or the employers of people in their circle.

Respondents rated employers on benefits, working environment, work-life balance, training and career progression, company image, corporate culture, sustainability awareness and proactive management of a diverse workforce.

CPChem earned five out of five stars.

— Written by Mary Meaux

Cajuns get dinner from the water

My Louisiana relatives would love that Port Arthur is the Official Cajun Capital of Texas.

In addition to the rich musical culture, my family focuses on the flavorful food that comes with such a designation.

Port Arthur has so many restaurants that help locals and visitors get a taste of what Cajuns seem to especially love — seafood.

Here are some Culinary Thrill Seeking thoughts on Louisiana-based foods that have made it big in Texas.

I’ll bet you’ve got your own, too.

• A can of sardines. My grandma and I would enjoy these when we were left alone. Opening the little can was kind of an adventure in itself.

Now I like to add some crackers to all the good oil/juice in the can. Spread out the newspapers and feast.

• Coffee Milk – As a kid, this was a reason to dash to the breakfast table when visiting Lafayette relatives. It was sweet, sweet, mostly milk and just enough coffee to color what filled the mug.

This went with little boudain links and biscuits. Those grownups stayed at the breakfast table ForEVER!

• Boudain is already a wonder. Some has more liver than others, but I like it all. I was grown when I found out

Darragh Castillo

Courtesy of Darragh Doiron Castillo “Mitch” can be easy to find on Pleasure Island. He is famous for being himself.

that I like it grilled even better.

Do you keep it in the casing or bust it open? A slice of white bread may keep your hands clean when you eat it on the go, but a tortilla folds nicely, too.

• Gumbo – Don’t get a Cajun started… unless you get him or her started making a roux and then just keep them talking until you have a bowl served in front of you.

• File – We always think of file with gumbo, but the next thing I want to try is a little file over white rice. I hear it’s a thing. I’m going to make it a thing.

• MITCH – I was driving on Pleasure Island and noticed an egret getting fish out of a bucket that was attached to a vehicle. Did I see that right?

I saw the same vehicle the next day in a church parking lot, and that’s how I met Mitch. He seems kind of famous just for being himself. Catch him fishing and crabbing on the island all the time.

Every time I see him, he asks me to make

sure and spread the word that he is unattached. So, ladies who like fishing, keep your eyes out.

Darragh Doiron Castillo is a Port Arthur area foodie who is proud of her own Cajun heritage.

Open a can of sardines and enjoy the adventure.

Courtesy of Darragh Doiron Castillo

LIGHTHOUSE IN THE STORM

Amateur radio operators share restoration story

Sabine Pass Lighthouse recently enjoyed a great run of radio activation during International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend.

The Lighthouse stands about two and a half miles south of the Cheniere LNG facility.

The Sabine Pass Lighthouse - Cameron Preservation Alliance is working to renovate this lighthouse so it once again becomes a symbol of local communities.

Andrew Tingler is the President of Cameron Preservation Alliance and works with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The public can learn more at facebook. com/SabinePassLighthouse.

Four amateur radio operators — Glen Rose, Steve Gomez, Verne King and Bob Rose — traveled to the Sabine Pass Lighthouse for the special weekend Aug. 19-20.

They obtained a special event call sign for the activation.

Tingler described the progress of excavating the subfloor space that had been created in earlier years so the foundation and central 12” cast iron column could be assessed.

Also discussed was the process that would be utilized to clean up the interior of the lighthouse so the circular cast iron stairway treads could be reinstalled.

The Cameron Preservation Alliance’s search efforts for the original Fresnel lens, which had been removed and carried away, was also described.

The radio operators were successful in reaching a few DX stations in Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Operators set up stations under the limbs of a shade tree. The difference in temperature between the open sun and the shade with an 8-10 mile-an-hour sea breeze coming in off of the Gulf of Mexico was substantial.

“After gathering our logs and checking our contacts, we made 19 lighthouse con-

Courtesy photo

The Sabine Pass Lighthouse - Cameron Preservation Alliance is working to renovate this lighthouse so it once again becomes a symbol of local communities.

With more than 20,000 square feet of divisible space and over 1,200 square feet of smaller meeting rooms, the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center brings it all together for you. Our centrally located facility o ers quality service, free parking and a professional sta to help make your event a success – all this in a clean and bright atmosphere at a ordable rates.

If you’re looking for a smaller venue, the Museum of the Gulf Coast, Pompeiian Villa or a newly refreshed, upscale restaurant like The Pompano are great options for an intimate group to enjoy fellowship, food and live music.

Port Arthur continues to bring business to SETX. Whether your event is related to sports, social, the military, family or class reunions, religious, corporate or associations, our o ce can help you strategically plan and promote your event in order to increase success and attendance. Our free personalized servicing plan is sure to add a little lagniappe to any event!

TIME HAS COME

Darragh Castillo Destination Manager darragh@portarthurtexas.com

Tammy Kotzur Executive Director tammy@portarthurtexas.com

Callie Summerlin Marketing Director callie@portarthurtexas.com

tacts, 2 lightship contacts, 9 parks on the air contacts and one contact with the USS Little Rock CL92 museum ship in the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, New York,” Rose said.

“Our contact list of over 280 contacts included contacts from eight foreign countries, DX locations and 26 states. During our operation, we provided the public with information including the International Lighthouse and Lightship number for the Sabine Pass Lighthouse, the location of the Sabine Pass Lighthouse, the Sabine Pass Lighthouse Cameron Preservation Alliance’s work to restore the lighthouse and the Facebook page for the Cameron Preservation Alliance.”

Courtesy photo

Robert “Bob” Rose (W5RJR – call sign) works his radio during International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend while out at the Sabine Pass Lighthouse.