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Port Arthur PORT ARTHUR | NEDERLAND | PORT NECHES | GROVES

The Magazine Volume 6, 2023

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Our mission is to help as many people as possible. Community Involvement: After an overwhelming community response welcoming us to Port Arthur we’ve made it a priority to give back. Partnered with Port Arthur ISD for a holiday bicycle giveaway Lamar SC-PA Medical Department - internship location for upcoming medical professionals. Developed 2022 Scholarship. Post Covid - distributed non-perishable food items to our patients and community. Texas Workforce Commission site for displaced Veterans looking to futher their education in the medical field.

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Greater

P ort A rthur

INSIDE

VOLUME 6, 2023

THE MAGAZINE

Publisher: STEPHEN HEMELT

OPENING LETTER Bum Phillips Bowl trophy cements Mid County Madness as legendary......................4

Editor: STEPHEN HEMELT

QUASQUICENTENNIAL Port Arthur’s 125th birthday celebration leaves presents for whole city.....................12

ENGAGEMENT Breanne Miller and Joe Tant are working together for Southeast Texas.....................16 WAYNE MATHEWS Journey in the world of martial arts where the student becomes the teacher...............18

Contributors: DARRAGH CASTILLO MARY MEAUX QUASQUICENTENNIAL TEAM Photography: MARY MEAUX DARRAGH CASTILLO PA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Advertising: CANDACE HEMELT NATALIE PICAZO

PAT AVERY The Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce says goodbye to CEO..............22

CAJUN TALK The best tips to sound like a pro................26 GROVES PECAN FESTIVAL 54 annual event packs in a crowd of locals and visitors for family fun...........................32 ON THE COVER — Breanne Miller and Joe Tant share Story of their new family. (Courtesy photo)

PORT ARTHUR | NEDERLAND | PORT NECHES | GROVES

Designer: STEPHEN HEMELT

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

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

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.

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Wade Phillips poses next to the Bum Phillips Bowl trophy, named in honor of his father, following this year’s Port Neches-Groves High’s Mid County Madness football victory over rival Nederland High. Bum Phillips coached at Nederland and PNG on his way to NFL coaching stops.

BUM PHILLIPS BOWL

Trophy presentation creates special moments, history for all involved

he Bum Phillips Bowl trophy is something that can’t be forgotten. It is presented to the team that comes out victorious in the annual football game between Nederland High School and Port Neches-Groves High School. The rivalry dubbed Mid County Madness played out for the 100th time in 2023, with the Indians topping the Bulldogs, 41-16, in Nederland. The game was especially neat as coaching legend Wade Phillips — the son of Bum Phillips — joined me in presenting the trophy to this year’s winners. It’s worth reminding those who don’t know that Bum Phillips, who spent 11 years (197585) as a head coach in the NFL, built Nederland into a power in the early 1950s, then coached PNG in 1963 and 1964. Wade Phillips was a quarterback and linebacker for an Indians team that split the two games. It was truly special to walk down the sideline this year with Wade as we looked to present the trophy to Indians coach Jeff Joseph. It was

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The Bum Phillips Bowl trophy is displayed outside Bulldog Stadium prior to the 2023 showdown between the Indians and Bulldogs in Nederland. PNG would go on to win the game.

made even more special for me as my son, Dominick, joined Wade and I in helping make the presentation. When we first couldn’t get to Coach Joseph, Wade simply secured the trophy and raised it high in the air to display it for the boisterous PNG fans. The smile on his face was ear-to-ear. He was elated to be sharing a piece of his father’s legacy with the latest group of local football players and fans. Quickly, the Indians noticed Wade and, more importantly, the trophy he was holding. He was mobbed, and the trophy was handed off to the student-athletes, who raised it high in the air as it changed hands many times before making its way to 2023 winning coach Jeff Joseph. Wade ended up next to him and they shared a victorious moment that not many people on the field at that moment are soon to forget. This is truly what was envisioned with the trophy when it was christened more than a decade ago. HISTORY It was former longtime Port Arthur News sports editor Bob West who told it best when recounting the trophy’s origin in a column that published in October 2022. “Now back to that stroke of genius John DeVillier passed along in

2013. Dawn Fournier-Frederick, a 36-year employee of Neches Federal Credit Union, knew DeVillier well because he was on its board. She met Bum when he was in Mid County for the naming of streets in Nederland and Port Neches as Bum Phillips Way. She also heard part of the pep talk he gave to each team leading into that year’s game. Fournier-Frederick was literally blown away. When her and fiancée Brian were driving home from dinner on a Friday night, they heard on the game broadcast that Bum had passed away,” Bob wrote. “Their response a day later was, ‘Wow, wouldn’t it be amazing if the Mid County Madness game was named after Phillips as a bowl game and a trophy with a hat on top was awarded to the winner each year.’ They figured it was a long shot but called DeVillier. Take a bow, Dawn and Brian. There might not be a trophy without your vision. But once DeVillier came to me about the idea, there was no way it wasn’t going to happen.” Later in that column, Bob West shared oddly prophetic words in describing the trophy’s appearance. “For the record, the base of the trophy has 36 plates for the year-to-year scores to be inscribed. That takes it to 2050. I won’t be here, but I sure hope moms and dads and grandparents save this column so that kids playing in the 127th renewal of Mid County Madness are informed about the ‘Coach, Cowboy, Christian,’ who made it possible,” West shared. Unfortunately he was more accurate than he could have imagined. Bob West died

Stephen Hemelt/Greater Port Arthur The Magazine

Port Neches-Groves High football players celebrate with the Bum Phillips Bowl trophy after winning the 2023 Mid County Madness matchup against Nederland.

July 28, 2023, at M.D. Anderson, due to complications from Stage IV colon cancer. 2023 IN ACTION I had a chance to talk with Wade Phillips before the most recent Bum Phillips Bowl, and the moment and his connection to Bob West was extremely important. “It feels great to come and it is exciting to watch both of these great high schools play because of all their pride in football and enthusiasm in their teams,” he told me. “Also, I would like to say that I’m dedicating this game to Bob West. He is really the one who put this trophy together to honor my dad. He was

the man behind it and we really miss him.” Wade said the game and the rivalry were “pretty big” when he played in it, while joking “that was a long, long time ago.” “It seems the same every time. The crowd is unbelievable, the players play so hard. It’s a great compliment to both schools,” he shared. “Bob (West) was a great writer and real sports guru. He came up with the idea to make this the Bum Phillips Bowl. It had been Mid County Madness, but he honored my dad, which me and my family really appreciate. We’ve always loved Bob and we will miss him.”

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BOB WEST IN ACTION West’s initial thought in crafting the community keepsake was that it couldn’t just be a trophy; it had to be over-the-top special. “Bum is one of my all-time favorite people and perhaps the most unique individual I’ve ever met. I wanted something that would preserve his memory for years, something that would have Mid County kids who haven’t even been born someday talking about this guy Bum and why his trophy was such a big deal,” he wrote last year. “Making that happen involved the late Joe van der Weg of Jiffy Trophies in Nederland, Jack Ellis of Claytex Trophies in Henrietta, a Wichita Falls hatmaker, Bum’s wife Debbie and a PA News publisher named Rich Macke who didn’t blink when I told him the trophy, with Bum’s hat mounted on a signed gold football, would cost us $3,500. “Ellis was the key. Van der Weg told me crafting the trophy was beyond his means and suggested Ellis. Once I learned of some of his trophy credits – First Lady Laura Bush, the NFL, NBA and MLB, and a couple of major motion pictures, I knew we had our guy. “The trophy was, in football terminology, “a real team effort.” It took six months from conception to delivery, with Van der Weg’s etching of a Phillips sideline photo in Pittsburgh the final piece.” CONCLUSION…FOR NOW The trophy today rests on campus at Port Neches-Groves High School, where it stays safe throughout the rest of the school year. Then, as the final school week closes out, a member of the Port Arthur News will take it back to watch over, clean up and share around town in the run up to the 101st meeting of Nederland and Port Neches-Groves sometime in the fall of 2024. Then, a new champion will be crowned and another plaque of history recorded in a football rivalry is sure to last for many more generations. Stephen Hemelt is the president of Port Arthur Newsmedia, which publishes panews.com, The Port Arthur News and Greater Port Arthur The Magazine. He can be reached at stephen.hemelt@panews.com or 409-721-2445.

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Bob Hope High School

1st in Port Arthur to be Granted an FFA Chapter by Patrick Bennett

Bob Hope High School has made history as the first school in Port Arthur, TX to obtain a charter for the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program which was granted on June 9th, 2023. Under the guidance of dedicated agricultural science teacher Mackenzie Morris, the FFA chapter at Bob Hope School has flourished, providing students with invaluable hands-on experiences in agriculture and fostering a sense of pride and tradition within the school community. At Bob Hope School, the FFA program goes beyond the classroom walls. Students actively participate in planting and maintaining campus gardens, allowing them to develop essential skills in horticulture and environmental stewardship. Through these activities, students learn the importance of sustainable practices and gain a deeper understanding of the food production process. Mackenzie Morris

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In addition to tending to the gardens, Bob Hope School's FFA chapter also engages in poultry farming. Students take charge of raising chickens and harvesting their eggs, providing them with firsthand knowledge of animal husbandry and the responsibilities that come with caring for livestock. This aspect of the program instills a strong work ethic and teaches students the value of commitment and dedication.

Courtesy photo

The Cultural Heritage Showcase in Port Arthur featured representatives from 26 cultures exhibiting historic treasures and information.

Quasquicentennial creates year of reflections and celebrations

The City of Port Arthur’s “Quasquicentennial” — Port Arthur’s 125th birthday celebration, is coming to a close, but the excitement in the air continues. The next few weeks will feature community and personal opportunities for participation. The Cultural Heritage Showcase highlighted the city’s very diverse, and growing, cultural heritage. The event provided a fun, welcoming and learning atmosphere in which representatives from 26 cultures exhibited historic treasures and provided information and cultural experiences regarding

countries from around the world. The event attracted a large group of attendees to watch and listen to entertainment, sample authentic food dishes and learn about the culture and backgrounds of others from across the world. Attendees experienced a trip around the world, but all under one roof, inside Bob Bowers Civic Center. Guests were welcomed into the venue with flags of all 26 countries hanging in the lobby, and each person was invited to place a marker on a giant map of the world, marking their family’s cultural

heritage origin. The gathering was almost like a huge family reunion, where stories were told about the reasons many of the families settled in this area. As the Quasquicentennial Celebration Team moves on to some of its final plans, it is focusing on collaborating with the City of Port Arthur, supporting the downtown Port Arthur holiday season events and offering unique commemorative memorabilia for sale at the Museum of the Gulf Coast in downtown Port Arthur. The “Sounds of the Season” is Motiva’s, the Symphony of Southeast Texas and PAISD’s free Christmas concert, featuring Port Arthur’s own Glenn Alexander II, performing with the Symphony’s Maestro Chelsea Tipton II. Alexander’s parents, Glenn and Yoshi Alexander, local high school graduates and longtime Port Arthur residents, look forward to a huge crowd joining them at 7 p.m., December 5 in the auditorium of Woodrow Wilson Early College High School on Lakeshore Drive in downtown Port Arthur. A few days later, Museum of the Gulf Coast Director Tom Neal, his staff, and volunteers are preparing for another large crowd to attend this year’s Jingle All the Way holiday extravaganza, free to adults and children of all ages from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Dec. 9 at the Museum. Festive holiday community activities will highlight the day coordinated by the City of Port Arthur in downtown Port Arthur, including the annual Christmas parade on Procter Street, live entertainment, vendors, and activities followed by the lighting of a giant Christmas tree on the grounds of City Hall, all continuing to salute the city’s 125th anniversary. See the City of Port Arthur webpage, portarthurtx.gov for details. The Mayor, City Council, employees, administration, and the Event Committee invite the public to spend the day downtown and enjoy this festive atmosphere. The public is invited to continue the excitement of the Christmas season when the CPKC Holiday Express Christmas train makes a stop at the Port Arthur

Courtesy photo

Becky Guidry and Ed Kestler view the precious metal coins and other Port Arthur 125th Anniversary memorabilia for sale in the Museum of the Gulf Coast gift shop in honor of the city’s Quasquicentennial.

International Seafarer’s Center on Houston Avenue at Procter Street from 4 – 8 p.m. on Dec. 13. This festive train features family friendly displays inside and out. Plan to climb onboard and tour these festive rail cars and visit with Santa and his elves. There is no charge to attend this event. And don’t forget that it’s worth a trip downtown to visit the Museum of the Gulf Coast’s Gift Shop where a large variety of unique gift items can be purchased year-round and experience the Museum, as well. Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase one of the Quasquicentennial’s commemorative gift items that are on sale NOW at the Museum. Custom-designed commemorative gifts will make unique presents for

those on your shopping list, or for yourself. Precious metal coins will make a one-of-a-kind gift! Each coin is numbered for an individual year. Hurry to reserve one for a special day in your life or that of someone for whom you’re gifting it this season, as there are a very limited number of coins. The coin bears the image of Port Arthur’s founder, Arthur E. Stilwell, on one side of the coin, and the Quasquicentennial logo is on the other side of the coin. Custom wording about Port Arthur is on the Certificate of Authenticity that each purchaser will receive. There is only one coin for each year (1898-2023), so it’s best to send an email to admin@ portarthur125.com, or call the Museum (409-982-7000) soon to reserve the year of your choice before someone else chooses that year!

Many coins have already sold, but there’s still a good supply of silver coins bearing the years 1900 – 1973, and gold-plated silver coins are available for the years 1974 – 2022. Silver coins are $100 plus tax, and silver coins with gold plating are $125 plus tax. Another custom gift to consider is the Betty Maggio 54 x 70 Tapestry Afghan which features the Quasquicentennial logo in the center of a special selection of the late artist’s original pen and ink drawings (2023 Copyright photo) of Port Arthur historic sites. The introductory price for the Afghans is $59 plus tax, with a limited number available this year. These may be ordered through the admin@portarthur125.com email as well. — Submitted by the Port Arthur Quasquicentennial Steering Team

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Engagement celebration cements family’s Commitment to Serve Through their professional commitments and numerous community giving efforts, most in leadership roles, many can joke that Breanne Miller and Joe Tant are vying for the title of “Mr. and Mrs. Southeast Texas.” That’s never been their goal, which helps as they celebrate and announce their engagement. Joe is the vice president of finance, administration and education for the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, while also serving as executive director of the Port Arthur Education Foundation. Breanne is a project accountant for OCI Methanol in their methanol and ammonia facility in Nederland. Together, they have six children — Brooke, Ariana, Jacelyn, Layken, Colton and Easton — ranging in age from preschool to mid-20s. They are a family forever on the go, with Joe joking he “hasn’t slept in 20 years and will never retire.” This also means finding time for each other is a must. “In life, you have to find someone you can grow with” — a piece of advice given to the couple that is adhered to in their daily lives. Their relationship is built on support for each

other. They share a love for giving back to those in need. Whether it is support, education, training or being present professionally and personally, their passion is evident. Work with the Southeast Texas Educational Development Foundation is one of the core ways they have the financial means to provide assistance. “We help others, because once upon a time someone helped us,” Joe said. They lived in many places growing up (they each had fathers in the U.S. Armed Forces). However, their roots are in Southeast Texas. “Southeast Texas is not like other areas in the world today,” Breanne said. “We don’t fight the same battles. Our area has battled constant natural disasters and devastations that have brought our region close. We are proud to be a part of a community that comes together when neighbors are in need.” Breanne stresses that growth and never settling are important. Whether it is personally, professionally, in a relationship or at a workplace, “find an environment that promotes growth and the bloom will follow,” she says. Breanne has worked in the oil and gas industry for local plants and refineries for the last nine

Courtesy photo

Joe Tant and Breanne Miller recently announced their engagement.

years. Today, she loves her OCI Global team, which has become a huge family. Joe says they never sit on the sidelines and aspire to be more involved in the day-to-day lives of the community, showing their children that you can’t just watch, you have to act. Breanne says: “We are setting an example for our children, here are just a few targets we hope they come out with — you can’t expect change without engagement of some sort, everyone has a voice and anyone can make a difference.” Their energy together brings forth a passion to help. Each has been through hard times, and along the way, received helped. So, giving back is always a priority. “Community is where you live, work and where your heart is,” Joe said. “We have so many wonderful people that have become friends, and then have become family, that our community is essentially, our family.”

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Courtesy photo

Senior Grandmaster Wayne Mathews of Tiger Rock Mid County opened his own martial arts studio in 1986.

GRANDMASTER RANK Taekwondo instructor earns 9th degree senior accomplishment NEDERLAND — Wayne Mathews’ journey in the world of martial arts has brought him along paths expected and unexpected. He has seen growth, strength and transformation in the decades he has been involved in Taekwondo. And now, as 9th degree senior grand master, he continues his journey of growth, mentoring, reflection and community involvement. The journey begins Mathews recalled watching martial arts movies with his brother and being amazed at Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee and, later, Jackie Chan. He began training as a child. In 1983, he joined what would become his Tiger Rock family.

He earned his first black belt in 1985 but knew it was just the beginning. In 1986 he opened his own martial arts studio. This, he said in a written document that is part of earning the 9th degree rank, allowed him to focus on his own training and mentor and train others to reach their goals. “This experience has helped me grow both intellectually and emotionally, as prioritizing the needs of others often does,” Mathews said. “I have discovered in this process that helping others succeed, in turn, brings success into one’s own life.” He also learned, for him, balance in life is the ability to receive and to give, in many areas, but especially when it comes to personal training and training others.

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A painting by Joyce Bourgeois of Wayne Mathews as he hoists the Men’s Free-Sparring trophy in 2000.

He feels he is transformed by Tiger Rock Martial Arts. Carrier Weaver, 7th degree black belt and instructor at Tiger Rock, said, “we are all students first.” “We can’t address the students’ needs and goals if we are not actively being a student. You can learn from anyone.” Weaver first met Mathews when her children were around 5 to 7-years-old. Halfway through their years there she got involved and stayed involved even after they quit. That was 25 years ago. She considers Mathews both an instructor and a friend. Weaver said she admires the way Mathews engages each individual student and their needs while still engaging the class. Growth Mathews first started teaching at the YMCA in Port Arthur and inside the former Bishop Byrne School on 9th Avenue and Texas 73. Then the facility moved to 9th Avenue at

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Jimmy Johnson Boulevard before Hurricane Rita in 2005 led to a move to Fellowship Baptist Church. The move to Mid County happened more than 15 years ago, he said of the 1427 U.S. 69 location. The formal document he submitted to Tiger Rock leaders was received and approved by others in the federation, as well as by Dr. He-Young Kimm, who is recognized as a world-leading scholar on Taekwondo history and practice and founder of Han Mu Do. Chapters of the journey Mathews was a senior student of Marv Conway, who was known in the Taekwondo world. Sadly, Conway passed away earlier this year. Mathews, himself, has had students who were doctors, lawyers and even, in Congress, and he’s proud of all of his students and hopes he made a difference in their lives. The journey to 9th degree is long. Sixth degree is the highest belt that deals with the physical. After that it is based on dedication to Tiger Rock and community. Mathews sits on the board of Grand Masters of Tiger Rock, which deals with policy and curriculum. Mathews said the journey taught him the importance of giving back, and United Way is one of those organizations. Another is Big Brothers, Big Sisters. He works to provide mentorship to others by providing guidance, sharing knowledge and experiences, celebrating successes and providing reassurance during setbacks with ev-

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Wayne Mathews of Tiger Rock Mid County holds an award of merit recognizing him as a senior grand master in Taekwondo..

ery person who enters his door. But that’s not all. “Through a scholarship program, I have also accepted many students into my program who cannot pay. Everyone deserves a chance to shine,” he said. “Leading by example and showing enthusiasm for learning and personal growth can encourage those around you to do the

same. The journey continues Becoming a 9th degree senior grand master goes further than being a personal accomplishment. Yes, there is self-pride but also a desire to continue on the path. Tiger Rock works with youth as well as adults beginning with

4 years old in Tiger Cubs. “Then our juniors, six to 11, and they continue that maturity process and grow as a martial artist physically and mentally,” he said. The students at Tiger Rock learn discipline along the way. “It’s only a failure if you didn’t learn from the event or experience,” he said. He said a person can be in a win-win situation and be happy, but a loss can be turned around if the person can take something away from it that they learned. Mathews is humbled by Southeast Texas in that it accepted him and his staff. He is humbled to have been able to be an instructor. He also feels blessed and thankful for the community that allows him the opportunity to teach others. One of his biggest joys is when

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Wayne Mathews is congratulated during a Tiger Rock event.

a former student comes in and asks if he remembers them. He looks at them, says they were probably a lot shorter and younger at the time and asks to look them in the eye. Then he asks if they want to talk about their experiences and how it

bettered their lives. Tiger Rock Mid County is located at 1427 U.S. 69 in Nederland and can be reached by calling 409-724-6668. — Written by Mary Meaux

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Greater

Port Arthur

THE SCENE

Pat Avery says “Goodbye”

he Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce and numerous community supporters celebrated the recent retirement of CEO Pat Avery. A party in her honor was held Oct. 26 at Gates Memorial Library on the campus of Lamar State College Port Arthur. The event included sweets, numerous speeches and many more well wishes. Avery had led the Chamber since 2019. “Our Chamber is fantastic. My board is amazing. We have a great staff. It’s very bittersweet. I’m sad and happy all at the same time,” she told Port Arthur Newsmedia in announcing her retirement.

1. Blake Hopper of U.S. Rep. Randy Weber’s office presents Pat Avery with a certificate of service 2. Mary Ann Reid 3. Verna Rutherford 4. Some of the first to arrive were, from left, Ida Schossow, Verna Rutherford, Jeff Hayes, Anya McInnis and Constable Chris Bates.

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1. Chamber finance director Joe Tant 2. A cake was shared in honor of Pat Avery 3. Pictured, from left, are Elizabeth Cravens, Tiayana Clayton and Latisha Poledore

Talk like a Cajun with fun lessons “Port-Are-TURE” is how some folks refer to our coastal city at the Texas-Louisiana border close to Sabine Pass and the Gulf of Mexico. The Cajun culture around here runs deep. After all, we’re the official Cajun Capital of Texas! We say “y’all” and have a southern twang, but you might hear a little Cajun accent as well. Our favorite author and historian James LaBove along with our CVB staff compiled a list of Basic Cajun Words to Get You By when you visit! Basic Cajun To Get You By • Cher [sha]: this Cajun French word refers to a young child, a good friend or close relative. Cher is a term of endearment derived from the French word chere’ [sher-ree] men often use it to refer to a lady love. “Would you like another bowl of gumbo, mon cher?” • Allons [ah-loh(n)]: Let’s go. Merci Beaucoup [mer-ci-bow-coo]: Thank you very much! • Ça c’est bon [aa say boh(n)]: That’s good. • Ça va [sa va]: How are you? And, it’s also the response, “I’m well.” • C’est tout [say too]: That’s all. • Mais [may]: Well. “Mais, yeah!”

Let’s Get to the Food • Boudain/boudin [boo-dan]: links of rice dressing stuffed in casing and we just can’t get enough! Oh, sometimes we fry it into balls. “Boudain continues to be a very popular dish with Cajuns everywhere, especially me,” LaBove says. We’ve got a hangout called The Boudain Hut. • Etouffee [et-too-faye]: literally means “smothered” best used as a slightly thicker, roux-based dish. Crawfish or shrimp is usually the single main ingredient. Unlike gumbo which is often focused on two main ingredients (or more than two if made by a nouveaux [novice]) and served as a soup, ettouffe is usually served as an entrée. I have eaten alligator ettouffe so I assume that Cajuns have probably used the ettouffee “treatment” in many alternative ways. Anyone for muskrat ettouffe? • Gumbo: Gumbo. Lol. • Chevrette [she-vret]: Shrimp • Café noir [ca-fae-nuwah]: black coffee or coffee without anything added • Café au lait [ca-faye-o-laye]: coffee with

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A plate of fried shrimp chevrette ettouffee is pictured.

milk. Some local kids grew up on this. • File’ [fee-laye]: and the Cajun French word for sassafras leaves ground into a fine powder. Look for bottles of it to sprinkle you your steaming bowl of gumbo. A Little Lagniappe • Lagniappe [lan-yap or lan-yop]: pronunciations depend on how far to the west you were in Louisiana. It means a little something extra, and that’s how we feel about your stay in Port Arthur. How about an extra drive to see the Texas Historical Marker where Janis Joplin used to live? Or maybe visit the Acadian house in Nederland or La Maison Bosoliel in Port Neches? • Boucheire [boo-sha-ree]: the name given to a get-to-gather where a pig is butchered, prepared in many ways and shared communally. Today, we just head to our great Cajun restaurants. • Fais-do-do [faye-doe-doe]: a dance party. Try some moves when you hear some live music at area restaurants. • Zydeco [zie-de-coe]: a type of Cajun dance music that is a combination of traditional Cajun music, mixed with R&B and African blues. • Frottoir [froh-twahr]: a wash-

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board or rubboard used as a musical instrument in zydeco and Cajun music. On the Water • Cocodrie [co-co-dree]: crocodile in French but used by early Cajuns to mean alligator since at first, they did not know the difference. Smile and say “cocodrie” when you pose for a gator selfie at Museum of the Gulf Coast. • Poisson rouge [pwasse-sonn-roozge]: redfish. It’s one of the famed fish in Sabine Lake, along with flounder and trout. Ask some of our charter fishing guides to get you to them. • He’ron bleu [eir-ron-blue]: how we call those elegant, tall blue heron on the edge of the waters. Pleasure Island features many who enjoy watching visitors cast a line. • Pirogue [pee-rog] by Creole Cajuns and [pee-row] by bayou Cajuns: this is a small, flatbottomed canoe-style boat pointed on each end. It’s used in calm swamps and bayous of the Atchafalaya Basin and southern Louisiana. If you’ve got a kayak, bring it to paddle at Sea Rim State Park or fish in Sabine Lake. • Batteau [bat-toe]: a small boat with a flat, double-ended bow and stern which was basically a flat-bottomed barge with a slightly arched bow.

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Some Cajun two step dancing fun at Larry and Rita’s Mexican Cajun Bar and Grill in Groves is pictured.

• Chaland [sha-lon(g)]: the Cajun French name for a flatboat. Je Ne Sais Quoi • Je ne sais quoi [gzin-nos-say-qua]: literal translation is, “I don’t know what.” But we use it to mean “a certain indescribable something special.” That’s what your visit to Port Arthur will be, cher. Come on down, and let the good times roll. • Joie de vivre [jhwa-da-veev]: Joy of living. • Laissez les bons temps rouler [lay say lay boh(n) toh(n) roo lay]: Let the good times roll.

As the official Cajun Capital of Texas, this saying embraces the joie de vivre of Cajun life in Port Arthur! The Port Arthur Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization 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.

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Groves Pecan Festival

he 54th Annual Groves Pecan Festival featured a lot of firsts as well as old favorites in 2023. The festival fun ran from Oct. 12 through Oct. 15. New additions included an info booth, Faith-Praise and Worship Night, beer garden, Cornhole Tournament and a gumbo Cook-Off.

— Natalie Picazo

1. Ashley James, from left, Leiah James, Jayron James, Jashon James and Kiven Boutte enjoy the fun at the Groves Pecan Festival. 2. Natalie Rios and niece Lily Bryan grab a seat at the festival. 3. The Pecan Grove Beer Garden is pictured. 4. Pictured, from left, are Scott Sell, Kennedy Boudreaux, Mary Walden and T. Lynn Walden

A Gesture of Love provides resources for children’s education in the Democratic Republic of Congo

he team at A Gesture of Love is working to provide continuous education for students in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an area stricken with numerous socioeconomic and political instabilities. A Gesture of Love is led by a Port Arthur high school graduate who’s amazing journey led her to pen a children’s book. The Democratic Republic of Congo is considered one of the five poorest nations in the world, and a majority of the people living there survive on an average of $2 or less per day. Extreme poverty is terribly common, with one in six living in these situations. Although the overall political situation has gotten better, there are still areas stricken with disparity. In the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital and largest city of Kinshasa, there are many concerns. One of these issues comes in the form of sparse educational opportunities. A Gesture of Love is committed to enriching the lives of those in need. Since 2021, A Gesture of Love has served more than 5,000 children in Kinshasa with school supplies, blankets, toys and more. The nonprofit’s sponsors and volunteers work together to facilitate the distribution of supplies and assure they reach students in need. “The opportunity to serve the students of Kinshasa has magnified the need for passionate educators

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A Gesture of Love works for education options in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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The nonprofit’s sponsors and volunteers work together to facilitate the distribution of supplies and assure they reach students in need.

for the success of students in schools globally,” said Gloria Walker at A Gesture of Love. Gloria Walker and her family lived in Port Arthur and she graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 2001. In celebration of World Teacher’s Day Oct. 5, Walker and her team offered appreciation certificates as a small token for educators there in Kinshasa. “It brings us joy to know that we are being a vessel of encouragement to others around the world,” Walker said. “We appreciate all of our volunteers and sponsors.” A Gesture of Love is accepting new sponsors and volunteers. Learn more by visiting agestureoflove.com. The Congolese American’s children’s book is “The Journey AHEAD: Not Always a Dream.” It centers around Walker’s life and is available exclusively on Amazon. Walker, a Christian, author, speaker and educator, penned a story that centers around the true stories of her life and is designed to empower, uplift and motivate youth.

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Greater

Port Arthur

THE SCENE

Season of Giving

Sempra Infrastructure announced Nov. 10 that Port Arthur LNG awarded $100,000 in community grant funding through its Season of Giving Initiative. The initiative, a partnership with Port Arthur Newsmedia and Bechtel, distributes the funds to 41 nonprofit and community-based organizations in Greater Port Arthur. This infusion of funds helps organizations continue providing crucial support to vulnerable families during the holiday season. — Candace Hemelt

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Neches Police Chief Cheri Griffith 3. Daniel Cruz and Ashley Arvie

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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 offers quality service, free parking and a professional staff to help make your event a success – all this in a clean and bright atmosphere at affordable 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 office 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!

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