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The Record TheRecordLive.com

Vol. 60 No. 30

Distributed FREE To The Citizens of Bridge City and Orangefield

Week of Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Orange County leaders resolve to go after flow Dave Rogers

For The Record

With average rainfall amounts nearly doubled in 2017 and running 30 inches over average so far in 2019, everyone’s New Year’s wish for 2020 is for staying dry. Orange County leaders are doing their best for a future without the flooding damage done by Tropical Storms Harvey and Imelda in recent odd-numbered years. But 2020 is really thinking

optimistically. “Some things we’re doing will help sooner, but it will probably be incremental,” Precinct 1 Trahan Commissioner Johnny Trahan said Monday. “And the things I hope will help the most will probably come later, because it’s going to take some big dollars.” Trahan and County Judge John Gothia were sworn into

Commitment to community drives Stark Foundation Dave Rogers

For The Record

Shangri La’s annual Christmas Strolls set records for attendance this year and with it came record donations for the food bank at Orange Christian Services. And nobody’s happier than Tad McKee, president and chief executive officer for the Stark Foundation. “Our staff is committed to bringing quality of experience and improvement of quality of life to this area,” he said.

According to the staff of Rick Lewandowski, director of Shangri-La, more than 15,000 people passed through the front gate on the nine nights of the Strolls to see specially communitydecorated Christmas trees and festive holiday lighting across the grounds of the 250-acre botanical garden. Shangri-La is just one of four cultural venues operated by the Nelda C. and H.J. “Lutcher” Stark Foundation, which was founded in 1961 STARK FOUNDATION Page 3A

Shangri-La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, lit up here during last week’s Christmas Strolls, is one of four cultural venues operated by the non-profit Stark Foundation, which has a mission of encouraging education and enriching the quality of life in Southeast Texas. RECORD PHOTO: Dave Rogers

county office Jan. 1, 2017 and by June were dealing with water closing roads and creeping into houses after what we now call “major rain events.” When Harvey hit in August, the downfall and the devastation were unimaginable.

Gothia was among Bridge City homeowners whose homes were ruined by Hurricane Ike’s storm surge in 2008 and nine years later by Harvey’s downpour – as much as 26 inches in a day. Many area residents were just getting back in their homes after repairing Har-

vey damage when September’s Imelda flooded those brand-new floors, carpets and Sheetrock. Orange County is involved in at least four efforts to get to the root of the flooding problems, which they realize will probably require cooperation from counties up-

stream as well as a myriad of government agencies. 1. The county has signed on to a new eight-county Southeast Texas Regional Flood Control Corporation. The goal is to use the combined population of Orange, COUNTY BUSINESS Page 3A

OCARC outreach tugs heartstrings Dave Rogers

For The Record

Terrie Salter rode to the rescue and Santa Claus and his elves joined her in the back of a stretch limousine to a surprise Christmas party at OCARC. “This is phenomenal,” said OCARC’s director, Sandy McCormack said. “Terrie has just absolutely blown me away what she has done. “This is above and beyond, and so appreciated by all of us.” Salter, an Orange City Council member, found out on Tuesday Dec. 17 that OCARC Signs, Trophies and Industrial Engraving was without a Santa Claus for its 41 special needs clients who receive vocational training and counseling the Park Street complex. “I asked Ms. Sandy, when Santa was coming there to see them and she said their Santa passed away two years ago and they didn’t have one,” Salter said. “This broke my heart. “So I told her I would try my best to get her one.” By Thursday Dec. 19, she had a new Santa booked for the rest of his life. “I help Santa Claus on the side as a fun job for me to do,” Butch Campbell, director of external affairs at Lamar State College Orange, said about his prior holly, jolly experience in a red suit, long white beard and matching hair. “When I received a call OCARC Page 3A

Sandy McCormack, engraving supervisor for OCARC Custom Signs & Trophies, shares a happy laugh with Santa at the conclusion of last week’s Christmas party for the special needs clients at OCARC that was organized by City Councilwoman Terrie Salter.

Steven Breaux of Bridge City takes advantage of a visit by Santa Claus to OCARC on Dec. 19 to share his Christmas wish list. RECORD PHOTOS: Dave Rogers

Country cooking comes to Bridge City in the New Year Penny Leleux

For The Record

Grandma’s, a new restaurant that features home cooking from family recipes, will be opening Jan. 13 in Bridge City at 33 Patillo Road. The first Grandma’s opened in Port Arthur on 9th Avenue 19 months ago. Several Orange County residents have already discovered it and are excited about getting it in Bridge City. Doug Wilson was in WalMart Thursday talking about the opening. “I love Grandma’s,” he said. “I love to get that big catfish.”

He’s referring to the whole fried catfish they serve. “It’s two pounds,” said restaurant manager “BW” Chipman. “It fills the whole plate.” “That’s dressed out two pounds,” said John R. Smith, owner. “It’s the best thing I’ve had since the Boondocks,” said Wilson. He carries picture of it on his phone showing friends. “I’m spoiled to it. I can’t get nothing else.”

Besides catfish, they will be serving meatloaf, chicken fried steak, fried shrimp and more. “We have the best fried shrimp from Maine to Spain,” bragged Chipman. “If they come here and eat the shrimp, they will never go to another restaurant.” They have a set special each day, except Sunday. The specials come with two sides, bread and tea for $9.99.

“$10.81 with tax” said Chipman. Grandma’s daily specials are: Monday-hamburger steak; Tuesday-meatloaf; Wednesday-pork roast: Thursday-beef tips; FridayShrimp; and Saturday-Whole Catfish. They also carry chicken fried steak, grilled pork chops, grilled chicken breast and fried catfish fillets on the menu. “We have mustard greens and butter beans, green beans, pinto beans, corn bread, mashed potatoes and gravy, fried cabbage, just

Grandma’s Restaurant at 33 Patillo Road in Bridge City was set to open Jan. 1, but they have pushed the opening back to Jan. 13. Pictured L to R is “BW” Pittman-manager and John R. Smith-owner. Grandma’s offers home cooking from family recipes and daily specials.

GRANDMA’S Page 3A

CMYK

• The Record • Week of Wednesday, December 25, 2019

z z Christmas history, traditions and a few things you may not know z z • Four Calling Birds The Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

Source: Dynamic Catholic dynamiccatholic.com

What Is Christmas? More than 2,000 years ago, Jesus was born to fulfill a mission: to save us from sin and death by his death and resurrection. Christmas, which takes place on December 25 every year, is a time when we remember the birth of Jesus and reflect on God’s amazing generosity. It’s a time of joyful celebration and love. Christians eagerly anticipate Christmas by spending the four weeks prior (a season called Advent) preparing for the coming of Jesus.

The History of Christmas The story of Christmas is captured in the nativity scene displays you see during the Christmas season. More than 2,000 years ago, Jesus’ mother, Mary, and her husband, Joseph, traveled to Bethlehem and needed a place to stay for the night. There was no room for them at the inn, so they stayed in a stable nearby. Jesus was born there, and Mary placed him in a manger. The Gospel tells us that angels shared the Good News of Jesus’ birth with shepherds who were watching their flocks that night. The shepherds hurried to the stable to see Jesus. Later, a group of wise men, or magi, were led by a star to Jesus. They offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. During the Christmas season we can all take some time to reflect on the birth of Jesus and the great love God showed us by sending his son to earth. We can follow the example of the magi and shepherds by welcoming Jesus into our lives.

When Is Christmas? Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25. The Christmas season, however, begins with Christmas Eve Mass on December 24 and lasts until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Christmas is Wednesday, December 25, 2019. Christmas is preceded by a four-week season called Advent, in which Christians anticipate and prepare for the birth of Jesus.

The Twelve Days of Christmas The Catholic Church celebrates the season of Christmas over a span of twelve days. The twelve days of Christmas begin on December 25 and end on January 5, the day before the feast of the Epiphany (which celebrates the day when the magi discovered Jesus). These two important feast days and the twelve days of Christmas give us time to celebrate Jesus’ birth at Mass and discover how we can bring his love to people in our everyday lives. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is a popular Christmas song. In the sixteenth century, the religious wars in England made it dangerous to be a Christian. The well-known song was used to teach children. Although the lyrics may sound like nonsense, the song actually contains hidden references: • A Partridge in a Pear Tree Jesus • Two Turtle Doves The Old and New Testaments • Three French Hens The Three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, and Love

• Five Golden Rings The First Five Books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

7. I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8. the holy catholic Church, 9. the communion of saints, 10. the forgiveness of sins, 11. the resurrection of the body, 12. and life everlasting. Amen.

Popular Christmas Traditions

• Six Geese A-Laying The Six Days of Creation • Seven Swans A-Swimming The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord • Eight Maids A-Milking The Eight Beatitudes: 1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 5. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. 8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. • Nine Ladies Dancing The Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control • Ten Lords A-Leaping The Ten Commandments: 1. I am the Lord your God: You shall not have strange gods before me. 2. You shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain. 3. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day. 4. Honor your father and your mother. 5. You shall not kill. 6. You shall not commit adultery. 7. You shall not steal. 8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. 10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods. • Eleven Pipers Piping The Eleven Faithful Apostles: Peter, Andrew, James the Elder, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the Younger, Simon, and Jude • Twelve Drummers Drumming Twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed: 1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. 5. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

People celebrate Christmas in many different ways, but some Christmas traditions can be found all over the world. Each of these traditions has a unique story and a unique way of reflecting the real meaning of Christmas.

Where Did the Christmas Tree Come From? For thousands of years, the evergreen tree has been a sign of hope and life. For ancient people, it was a reminder in the winter that sunlight and good weather would come again. For Christians, it’s a reminder that Jesus came to bring us the hope of eternal life. While sixteenth century Germans are said to be the first people to bring Christmas trees into their homes, St. Boniface, an eighth century Catholic missionary to the Germans, is credited with creating the first Christmas tree. This happened one Christmas Eve when he chopped down a large oak tree that the Germans used for pagan worship. He pointed to a nearby evergreen tree, saying that it represented peace and eternal life. He told the crowd of Germans to gather around evergreen trees in their homes in a spirit of kindness and love, to commemorate the child Jesus. In the early 1800s, German settlers brought the Christmas tree tradition to Pennsylvania. The rest of America adopted the tradition in 1846, and slowly but surely the Christmas tree gained popularity. Now, Christmas trees are seen in homes and on display all over the world. Their beauty and light remind us of the hope we have in Jesus.

Why Do We Decorate with Lights? Candles and lights are prevalent at Christmas time. Glowing warmly at the darkest time of year, they symbolize the light of Jesus shining through the darkness of sin and death. Today’s strings of electric Christmas lights evolved from candles. It’s not clear when candles first became a Christmas tradition, but one historical record mentions that a large candle was used in the Middle Ages as a symbol of the star of Bethlehem. During the 1500s, Christians began using candles to decorate their Christmas trees. The flickering glow of the small flames amid the evergreen branches created a beautiful image of hope, but it was a fire hazard. In 1882, Thomas Edison’s friend Edward H. Johnson created the first string of electric Christmas lights, making it much safer for people to light their trees.

Why Do We Exchange Gifts?

When Jesus was born, there were wise men, or magi, who came from distant lands to worship him. They offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. One reason we give gifts at Christmastime is to follow the example of the magi. Giving gifts is also a way to remember how, on that first Christmas night in a stable in Bethlehem, God gave us the greatest gift of all—his only son, who would die for our sins about three decades later. When we give gifts at Christmas, it is a wonderful opportunity to give of ourselves, imitating God’s amazing generosity and showing his love to others.

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CMYK

• The Record • Week of Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Stark Foundation From Page 1 with the mission “to encourage and assist education and enrich the quality of life in Southeast Texas.” The W.H. Stark House, home from 1895 to 1936 of W.H. “Bill” Stark and Miriam Lutcher Stark, Lutcher’s parents; the Stark Museum of Art; and the Frances Ann Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts are the others. And the Miriam Lutcher Stark Reading Contest has been awarding scholarships to local high schoolers since 1904. Stark Park, a plaza just west of Stark House, annually plays host to Art in the Park and other local events. The Stark family has long been among Texas’ leading philanthropists since Henry J. Lutcher moved from Pennsylvania to Orange in 1877 and set up the Lutcher & Moore Lumber Company. Its sawmill employed thousands of Orange residents over the next half-century. Besides timber, investments in oil, land, art and other ventures created the foundation’s wealth, reported to be in excess of $400 million at the end of 2017. Miriam Lutcher, the daughter of Henry Lutcher and his wife Frances, married Bill Stark, who took over the lumber empire after Henry Lutcher’s death. H.J. Lutcher Stark, the Foundation’s namesake, was the son of Bill and Miriam Stark. The Stark House, their family home, is on Green Avenue, as is the Stark Museum of Art. “They termed Green Avenue “Millionaires’ Row” because at the turn of the century [1900] there were so many who had gotten rich in the lumber industry,” McKee, a second-generation overseer for the Stark estate, said “About the only ones who stayed here were the Stark and Brown families. “Lutcher Stark sponsored the Bengal Guards [drum and bugle corps] and Lutch Stark’s Boys Band at the high school, the Stark Reading Contest, and he built Shangri La. “During the Great Depression, Mr. Stark tried to keep people employed. He did an awful lot. And we want to continue that. We do have a lot of property we maintain that we want to commit to charitable pursuits.” The latest available non-profit filings from 2016 and 2017 show the Stark Foundation with about $12 million per year in disbursements for charitable purposes while taking in about $300,000 in admission fees and memberships to the museum, Stark House and Shangri La. In the middle of 2017, just before Hurricane Harvey hit Southeast Texas, the Stark Foundation announced it was dropping most admission charges. “We’ve instituted free admission to all of our venues except the Theater,” McKee said. “We have charged our venues with engaging the community and letting people in community know that every one of every background is welcome.” With education being such a big part of the Foundation’s mission, children and school programs are permanent fixtures at the Stark venues. “The museum increased its outreach to school kids over 50% this year. They’re touching a lot of kids,” McKee said. “Our Juried Student Art Exhibition encourages a lot of kids from the area to appreciate and experience art. We get 500 to 600 submissions from kids each year, and the top 200 we exhibit to teach and encourage kids how to express themselves.” School buses are regulars in the parking lots ringing the Stark venues. “We educate tens of thousands of school kids who go through Shangri La and Lutcher Theater,” McKee said. “On our dime, we hire educators to instruct these kids on fine arts, theater arts and nature.”

In addition to its top notch schedule of music and touring Broadway shows, the Lutcher Theater routinely offers Kids Shows on weekday mornings. School-arranged field trips to the Lutcher Theater to give students a taste of the performing art. There are six Kids Shows set for the first half of 2020, featuring a wide range of styles, everything from Shakespeare to Peter Rabbitt to George Orwell’s “1984.” “We always book a series of high-quality touring shows for the kids and some of them have two or three performances during that day,” McKee said. “We also partner with Kennedy Arts out of New York. They help train local teachers about drama and art about how to reach kids and educate them to the opportunities in theater.” Along with the scholarships offered in the Stark Reading Contest, the Foundation has a large partnership with Lamar State College Orange. It recently increased its annual scholarship commitment from $75,000 to $100,000. “We are very committed to breaking the cycle of poverty in this area. We feel like giving scholarships to first-generation kids will go a long way,” McKee said. ”We try to be partners with the city and the Chamber of Commerce in moving the community forward.” Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and Tropical Storm Imelda this fall were the two worst rainfall events in Orange County history and the impact was felt at the Stark Foundation. But Shangri La has been full-service since its Adams Bayou boat tours resumed in October. The Stark House reopened in time for Christmas tours after a third-floor water leak required a lengthy fix for the restored 14,000 square foot mansion. “We also installed fire arresters at the Stark House. Lightning has hit there three times in the last 10 years,” McKee said. After the completion of a new 15,000-square foot Walter Riedel Education Center next to the Museum of Art in 2018, the Stark Foundation CEO says no new construction is in the immediate plans. But a reforestation of downtown Orange by the Foundation is in progress, thanks to the planning of Lewandowski and the donations from Bob Thibodeaux of Bob’s Tree Preserve in Church Point, Louisiana. The second half of 2019 saw the transplanting of several 20-year-old, 30-foot tall Southern Live Oak trees to new homes along Green Avenue. The trees, weighing nearly 15,000 pounds each, were planted on Stark Foundation properties to promote a sustainable future for trees in downtown Orange. “Plans are to bring in 20 to 25 trees over the years and repopulate downtown in live oak trees,” McKee said. Lewandowski called the trees, that are expected to last for hundreds of years and grow canopies 100 feet across, “perfect trees for our Gulf Coast community.” “We’re doing an awful lot,” McKee says. “Our staff is world class. We advertise nationally to get the best people we can down here to give the best.” One thing you can’t get from McKee is a New Year’s resolution. “I don’t make New Year’s resolutions,” he said. “I’m just ecstatic we’re over Harvey, and before that Ike [a 2008 hurricane]. Ike flooded Shangri-La and Harvey did the same thing, and then Imelda came. So I’m just ecstatic we’re getting back to our operations.”

Jefferson, Hardin, Jasper, Newton, Chambers, Tyler and Liberty counties (600,000) to better access funding from the Texas Water Development Board. 2. The county is visiting with the U.S. Corps of Engineers as plans continue for a Coastal Spine seawall to protect Orange County from another storm surge like that from Ike where Bridge City was inundated by lake and seawater blown ashore by the winds. 3. Trahan and Gothia gave State Sen. Robert Nichols a recent tour of the Interstate 10 bridge over Adams Bayou. Nearby homeown-

ers say its construction is a major factor in water backing up north of the interstate. Almost immediately, TxDOT pulled back bridge plans and canceled a long-scheduled public meeting indefinitely. 4. Trahan says talks are under way with the Jasper and Newton county delegates to the eight-county flood control group to come up with projects that will lessen the runoff from rains off north. A large detention pond and work on the Teel Relief Ditch that runs from south Jasper County to the Sabine River.

Santa Claus, aka Butch Campbell, is surrounded by his elves, many of them Lamar State Orange employees, after an invite from City Councilwoman Terrie Salter to the Dec. 19 party at OCARC, an Orange non-profit serving 41 special needs clients with vocational training and counseling. RECORD PHOTO: Dave Rogers

OCARC Christmas Outreach From Page 1

from my Lions Club friend [Salter], I said I’d be more than happy to help OCARC. “They’ll have a Santa from now on, if they’ll have me. I always admire what they do at OCARC. It’s a fabulous mission.” RB Limousine Service picked Santa up for the trip to see the men and women. Apparently, the sleigh was booked. But Santa didn’t ride alone. He was joined by a dozen or so Elves from LSCO. “We have a group at campus that I’ve always picked on, or relied on, any time we need to do some kind of fundraisers,” Campbell said. “I refer to them as my elves. “So I immediately sent out a message to the elves and asked if it was feasible for us to do this in two days. Within a few minutes, I

started to get phone calls; some donating food, some donating money.” Besides a visit with Santa, the men and women each received a Christmas stocking full of gifts plus several gift-wrapped presents. Tables overflowed with food trays and desserts. But not for long. “I’ve done this Santa Claus helping job a long time,” Campbell said, “and I don’t think I’ve had more fun, or more rewards than helping out at this OCARC deal. “There’s no doubt that we get more help from these things than all the people we go out to help. “It was another Orange miracle.”

good country food,” said Smith. Desserts offered are apple cobbler, peach cobbler and Grandma’s banana pudding. “There is nobody that sells this kind of food but us in Orange or Bridge City,” said Smith. “We have a very popular lunch crowd, because we specialize in getting people in and out real quick,” said Chipman. “It takes about five minutes to get your food,” said Smith. Chicken fried steak is their best seller in Port Arthur. “We’ve got a chicken fried steak about this big,” said Chipman as he indicates with his hands about 9 inches in diameter. “We give you so much food, it’s unbelievable.” “I’m going to tell you, about 90% of the people get a ‘to go’ box,” said Smith. Smith said they wanted to open a second location and several of their Orange County

customers kept asking them to open one over here. That’s when they found the location off Texas 87 and have spent the last five months getting it ready. The restaurant will seat 90 people. “We’re a full service catering and dine-in restaurant,” said Chipman. They also plan to offer meal delivery to the local plants. “In Port Arthur we do Huntsman. We supply all the overtime meals there.” In Port Arthur they were voted the “Best Plate Lunch” for 2019. Gift cards are available at the Port Arthur location if you need a last minute gift. Hours will be 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-7 a.m. Sat. and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sun. Call 409-313-6265 for catering or reservations. The Port Arthur Grandma’s is located at 7217 9th Ave. The phone number for Port Arthur is 409-727-1480.

Grandma’s opening soon From Page 1

County business From Page 1

CMYK

4A • The Record • Week of Wednesday, December, 25 2019

From The Creaux’s Nest LUNCH BUNCHERS LAST 2019 GATHERING Due to several offices Christmas parties being held last week the Lunch Bunch gathering was lighter than usual. A well rounded group of Orange County citizens were in attendance however. The annual event is hosted by Robert Remirez and his staff at Robert’s Steak house. It was good to see Zack Johnson who works in the office of State Representative Dave Phelan. Zack hadn’t been around in a while. He has found a lady willing to marry him in April. ***Lamar president Dr. Tom Johnson is an interesting guy with a most interesting background. I look forward to hearing about his days with Congressman Charlie Wilson and some scoop on Jack Brooks and his time in Washington. I learned that Doc. doesn’t let grass grow under his feet. He’s a doer. Brad Frye, running for constable, took some ribbing about his motorcycle riding. He won’t be delivering legal papers on the bike. He says he’s “through riding.” Judge Carl Thibodeaux and Commissioner Kirk Roccaforte reassessed all the hurricanes and ice storms they worked through. Judge Chad Jenkins is due to make one more deer hunt. He makes his own sausage Judge Troy Johnson and Karen Fisher are just glad they have been spared a political race. Rex Peveto and Michael Catt are both seeking to replace Judge Dennis Powell as 163rd District Judge. Mary Alice Hartfield continues to do good deeds year round. Judge Derry Dunn was still excited about his recent Nevada trip. Cedric Stout, 98 year old Pearl Harbor survivor and wife Cherry still enjoy being around people. Joel Steirman, one of my favorite Jewish people is always open to discussing anything as long as its talking he’s for it. Shirley Zimmerman had just returned from visiting her mom in Oklahoma. Stephanie Roberts, a PR person for Claybar, is not only good to look at, she’s interesting. Waitress Cary takes care of us throughout the year and Robert is one of the nicest guys I know. We wish him continued health improvements. A big thank you to Pam Honeycutt, who keeps the Bunch informed throughout the year and making arrangements for special events. She’s a blessing. That was the last gathering for this year. See you Jan. 8, 2020. Everyone is always welcome. *****See you in the New Year. Merry Christmas. Come along, I promise it won’t do you no harm.

EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE CALLS FOR TRUMPS REMOVAL Christianity Today, a conservative magazine founded by Billy Graham, calls for President Donald Trump be removed from office. The Christian magazine harshly criticized Trump’s behavior, repudiated his actions toward Ukraine and has a “Grossly immoral character” and should be removed out of “Loyalty to the Creator of the Ten Commandments.” Trump could lose some evangelical supporters that have remained loyal to him despite his payments to adult film stars and attacks on war heroes, congressional widows and a teenage climate activist. He bragged of sexual assault caught on tape. The Access Hollywood tape hears Trump bragging about grabbing women’s genitalia. He has stoked bigotry against Mexicans and Muslims, encouraged fans to “Knock the Crap” out of protesters, bilked Americans with his fraudulent “Trump University” mocked a disabled reporter and has told nearly 15,000 lies. Trump is not known to read the Bible or pray. His first wife said in the 20 years she was married to him he never set foot in a House of Worship. To this day as president there is no evidence that Trump has attended any church service. That will probably change now that he’s in hot water with Christians. VP Mike Pence, Mark Meadows and other republicans have encouraged Trump not to use the Lord’s name in vain in rallies. He swears frequently in White House meetings and regularly makes derogatory comments about people, including last week suggesting that the late Congressman John Dingell, the longest serving member of Congress, could be in hell after his wife voted to impeach him. Trump has stacked his administration with crooks and cronies, bribed a foreign ally for personal gain and hired a morally bankrupt attorney general. The impeachment has shown us that Trump, from day one, was unfit to be president. Mitch McConnell and Sec. Lindsey Graham have done everything they can to see that Trump is not convicted in the senate trial. No doubt it will be a Kangaroo Court but one thing that is for sure, “Trump is forever impeached.”

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME 10 Years Ago-2009 “Casey” Bryant, age 77, a longtime resident of the Bridge City community died Christmas Day. He had been fighting Lou Gehrig’s disease. We had known Casey almost from the day he arrived in Bridge City as the first football coach back in the mid-1950s. He and

his wife, Mary, have been friends to most of us all those years. They raised a great family, three boys and a girl, all outstanding athletes. Son Matt is an NFL kicker with Atlanta. He kicked a 51-yard field goal Sunday to win over Bills.***** Congratulations to Thad Angelle, who on Jan. 1, will become president and CEO of MCT Credit Union. The Bridge City native is serving on the Orangefield ISD board. The son of Earl and Joyce Angelle, Thad has served in many civic and community leadership roles. He and wife Candace and sons, Tyler, Chase and Cody make their home off 1442 in the Orangefield School District.*****We were sorry to hear of the death of Percy Rush, age 88, who died Dec. 27. He was the father of Mrs. Connie Wood, longtime Orangefield teacher. Our condolences.*****We were also saddened to learn about the death of S. Roy Simar. We had known he and wife Wanda for many years.*****Judge Marlin Shelton was one of the great guys from the old school. You could go to the bank on what he told you. He believed in two things, “A man’s word” and “A person’s loyalty.” The Judge passed away Tuesday morning at Baptist Orange after falling at home.*****Good news, everyone’s friend Johnny Dorman came home Tuesday from Baptist Hospital in Beaumont where he underwent open heart surgery and five bypasses. Everyone is glad to see that great guy bouncing back.*****Van Choate, in conjunction with Glenda and the Wayne Jones family, will re-open the Catfish Kitchen on 11th. Street in Beaumont. Everything will be original including the recipes that are being handed down. Wayne’s granddaughter will manage the restaurant. Van will also continue to operate Tuffy’s in Mauriceville that is managed by Cathy Clark. She continues to make great improvements.*****The Wednesday Lunch Bunch had a great outing at Tuffy’s last week.***** Special happy birthday wishes this week to Karen Jo Vance, who celebrated Monday, Dec. 28.*****Sharon Bearden got a year older on Dec. 27, but I believe he’s in better shape at 71 than he was at 51.*****Robert Hokes celebrates this week as does Nancy Lapeyrolerie and Barbara Dardeau.

40 Years Ago-1979 Some of the folks spotted at the different Christmas open houses for Cooper Realty, Jerry Hughes Realty and Dal Sasso’s new offices were Tony and Ray Dal Sasso, J.D. Standfield, Lou Givens, Judy Gurnee, Sleepy Smith, Phyllis Cessac, Tony Trimble, Margaret Christie, Joyce Kleninknecht, Earl Wright, Harmon Beauchamp, Pete Sterling and sons Deane and Scott and Lee Clark and daughter Debbie.***** Birthday guys and dolls are pretty Ann Segura, who celebrated another birthday Dec. 26.*****Sonja Richards becomes a teenager Dec. 30.*****Polly Gamblin turns all of 19 on Dec. 30.*****Norma Fusilier is another year older on Dec. 31.*****Jim Sharon Bearden turned 41 on Dec. 27.*****Karen Jo Vance, easy to look at, will mark her 25th on Dec. 28.*****F.L. “Speck” and Rachel Ferris celebrate 41 years together on Jan. 1.*****Roy and Phyllis Dunn chalk up 25 years on Dec. 31.*****The big news is that Speedy and Sharon Stakes completed one year on Dec. 19.*****Pete Rose was named the Sporting News Baseball Player of the Decade. He beat out Rod Carew, Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Palmer. (Editor’s note: Today, Rose has still not been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.)*****When University of Oklahoma coach Barry Switzer heard that Southern Cal’s Charles White had beaten out the Sooner’s Billy Sims for the Heisman trophy he commented, “I’m very disappointed. Billy Sims is the finest college football player in America. The NFL draft will substantiate that.”*****Lou Holtz is the coach at Arkansas.***Terry Bradshaw is quarterback of the Steelers. He loves to play the Houston Oilers even though he gets beaten up badly when doing so. He says they knock his tail off and then act very concerned. They look down and say, “Brad, Brad, are you OK guy? Dammit, Terry say something?”

A FEW HAPPENINGS Our friend Pat Pate stopped by last week. This will be her first Christmas without H.D. She’s planning a quite Christmas having dinner with friends. On the way from a Thanksgiving visit to her sister, a man ran a stop sign and crashed into her car totaling it. Fortunately she was not hurt. The insurance company has been good and she is now shopping for a new car.*****Our buddy Van Choate has taken care of a long problem, he finally had knee replacement surgery. His recovery is going well. Van never slows down but his speed has been greatly reduced.*****Some friends have been traveling while I’m still trying to get to Buna. Joyce and John Dubose have been to Italy. I need to find out about that trip and how Joyce got him to get away and spend that money.*****Tax Assessor Karen Fisher got off on a cruise. Karen is a great lady doing a good job.*****Judge Derry Dunn took a nice trip with his family to Vegas. What impressed him most was Hoover Dam. It’s an amazing development built before modern equipment.*****We got our annual Christmas visit from our friend Ms. Essie Bellfield. She’s getting up in years. She loves people and is a real angel. She lost a daughter last year and unfortunately she doesn’t have contact with her other daughter, who lives in the Dallas area. She’s all the folks Essie has left.*****Our friend Phillip Welch stopped by. He’s great to visit with. He’s always in on the know.*****Our friend, going way back, Joyce Dowdel, has been working on her health and has lost 40 pounds. She says she can feel the difference and no longer has to worry about diabetes.*****“Neighbor” Cox, after burying his “Jenny” on Saturday, was admitted into the hospital the next day with shortness of breath. He’s out and will enjoy Christmas in Lufkin with daughter Karen and family. He’ll be fine, just exhausted.*****A few folks we know celebrating this week. Dec. 25 was Baxter’s birthday but he didn’t want to compete with Jesus so he celebrated Christmas in July. Baxter was always a little different. However, Judge Flo Edgerly, a great lady, celebrates on Christmas Day. Flo is still very active, especially during political season. Her husband

Gene has been slowed down with leg problems. They are a great couple and longtime friends.****Ronnie Hutchison is also having a birthday on this day.*****On Dec. 27, a group of good guys celebrate who would make a good hand to draw to. Longtime special buddy, Attorney Sharon Bearden marks number 81 today. He’s catching up with Roy. By the way, we ran him a special birthday card in this issue.***Also having a birthday is Commissioner Kirk Roccaforte. He’s given much of himself to the community over the years.***Bobby Fillyaw has a birthday and Coach Russell Bottley.*****Some great ladies having birthdays on Dec. 28. Karen Jo Vance, former county clerk, who we have known since her early 20’s, celebrates today as does Harriet Dubose, David’s pretty wife. Earl’s mom, Debbie Thomas celebrates today as does Marcy Messer.*****Dec. 29 finds Bridge City native Kenny “Kee Kee” Dupuis celebrating. He and Nancy raised a great family in Bridge City. He was just a pup when I first met him.*****Dec. 31 is a special day for a special lady, Norma Fusilier.*****Also on this day 65 years ago, two couples were married in two different ceremonies. Rene Hanks married pretty Lucy and Roy convinced Phyl she should marry him. Rene and Roy are two of the luckiest guys in the world to spend 65 years with those lovely ladies.*****We wish a speedy recovery to our friend Richard Belk who recently underwent knee replacement surgery.*****The poem “My First Christmas in Heaven” by an unknown author appears somewhere in this issue. Take time to read it. Thoughts of Joe Parkhurst, John Roy Frederick, David Cagle and the many others we lost in this last year come to mind. Also read the Harry Choate story. He was born this week in 1922.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS Celebrating birthdays on Dec. 25 are Earline Russell, Velma Theriot, Janelle Deutsch also singers Annie Lennox, 65, Jimmy Buffett, 73, and actress Sissy Spacek, 70*****Dec. 26: John Podnewich and Kent Broussard celebrate along with actor Kit Harington, 33, actor and singer Jared Leto, 48 and singer Chris Daughtry, 40.*****Dec. 27: Bobby Sibert and Max Pelham celebrate. Also celebrating are actors Emilie DeRavin, 38, Shay Mooney, 28 and Olivia Cooke, 26.****Celebrating on Dec. 28 are Jacob Broussard, Stacy Roberts and actors Denzel Washington, 65, TV show host Seth Meyers, 46 and R&B singer John Legend, 41.*****On Dec. 29, Pam White, Jacklyn Bradberry and Donna Self celebrate. Joining them are actors Jude Law, 47, Ted Danson, 72, Jon Voight, 81.*****Dec. 30, Kari Stringer and Paula Aven celebrate also golfer Tiger Woods, 44, basketball player LeBron James, 35 and boxer Laila Ali, 42.*****Dec. 31, Celebrating on this day are Holly DeRouin, Brenda Amy, LaSanda Williams and actors Anthony Hopkiins, 82 and Val Kilmer, 60.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK Da tree Premeaux old maid sisters inherited da old plantation place, between Abbeville and Perry, from dere dad. Dey sold some of da land, lease some and kept some to live on. Dey stay in the big old house. Dose girls never was much to look at, da boys never came around, now dey was old dem. Sometimes dere age is comical. Verna May is 96, Edna Mae, 94 and Agnes, da youngest, is 92. One night Verna May draws some bash waters upstairs, puts her foot in and yells to Edna Mae, “Was I getting in or out of da tub me?” I’ll come up and see,” says da 94 year old. She gets to da stairs and shouts at Agnes, who is sitting at da kitchen table drinking her tea and listen to her sisters, “Agnes, was I going up or coming down.” Agnes says, “I hope I never get forgetful like dem me.” Den she say, “Knock on Wood.” Again da 94 year old yell, “Agnes.” “Edna Mae,” Agnes says, “I’ll be coming to help you boat as soon as I see whose at da door.”

C’EST TOUT Note of Interest We are hearing all the spin about our great economy from Trump’s ads his crones at FOX News are pushing. Here’s an examination of what is really happening with out economy. Trump’s big tax cut, $1.6 trillion, to the super rich and corporations have failed to deliver. Employees were promised bonuses plus their annual salaries would go up $4,000 a year but records show only 10 percent got those benefits. Trump promised the tax give away would bring back many manufacturing jobs and all those rusty buildings would be replaced with new, shiny ones. He said, “We’ll have so many jobs we won’t be able to fill them.” Just the opposite has happened. Manufacturing jobs are on the decline. A real problem for all of us in that the deficit this year is nearly one trillion and expected to be over a trillion in 2020. That’s the largest deficit since WWII. Our national debt continues to rise while the rich get richer. Consumer prices at the store have gone up 22 percent in the last three years, fees have doubled. Let’s explain how much Trump has really grown the economy. When Trump took over unemployment was at 4.6 percent, today its 3.6 percent. It has dropped one percent. Here’s a real fact, Obama added more jobs in his last 33 month than Trump has added in his first 33 months. Trump inherited a strong economy, he didn’t build it, and it just kept growing like the last administration said it would. Trump hasn’t done anything magical, in fact, when you factor in the deficit, we are going backward. The economy is healthy but it has been in the past 10 years when it recovered from the Great Recession. In fact unemployment came down from 10.2 percent under Obama. *****That’s it for me for this year. Next week we will again distribute this publication on Tuesday, with our New Year issue. Have a great and safe Christmas. Please read us cover to cover. Take care and God bless.

CMYK

The Record • Week of Wednesday, December 25, 2019 •

Golden K Kiwanis Club meetings e Golden K Kiwanis Club, for those age 50 and above, meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the Orange Salvation Army Main Building, 1950 MLK Drive, Orange 77630, across the street from a Shell service station, except for holidays on Wednesdays. ere will be no meetings on Wednesday, December 25, nor on Wednesday, January 1. Meetings will resume on Wednesday, January 8, with Diane Grooters continuing Part 2 of her recent trip to Eastern Europe. Grooters is a retired English teacher from Bridge City High and both West Orange-Stark Middle and High Schools. For further Golden K information, email: annieoakley1116@gmail.com.

Good Shepherd Lutheran to hold Christmas Eve service Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will be holding a Candlelight Worship Service with Holy Communion on Tuesday, December 24. e service will start at 5:45 pm. e church is located at 945 W. Roundbunch Road, Bridge City. Come and enjoy a joyous celebration of our Lord's birth!

Orange County Beekeepers Group Meetings e Orange County Beekeepers Group meets the first Tuesday of each month 6 pm at La Cantina Restaurant 2709 McArthur Drive in Orange. Anyone interested in Honeybees or Beekeeping is welcome to attend our meeting. We are a group of local beekeepers interested in spreading information about honeybees and the pollination service they perform. is group works with the Orange County Ag Agent to expand beekeeping opportunity in Orange. We also strive to aid and assist fellow beekeepers, any new beekeepers and the general public. Officers of the Orange County Apiary Committee are normally in attendance to answer questions and assist Orange County residents. For information or assistance with Honeybee removals please contact the Orange County Agrilife office 409-882-7010, Len VanMarion 409-728-0344 Texas Master Beekeeper, Christie Ray 409550-9195 owner of QueenBee Supply in Orange or Brian Muldrow 713-377-0356, owner of Muldrow Bee Farm.

Community Christian School Golf Tourney Community Christian School has rescheduled their Golf Tournament at Sunset Grove Country Club to April 4th. e tourney will cost $100 per player / $350 foursome and the deadline to enter is Nov. 9th. ere will be a $50 Ball Drop, $25 Strokes, $1200 Grand Prize, a Hole in One for hole #14 sponsored by Sabine River Ford with a new truck the prize with other prizes as well. Please call 409-883-4531 or email karad@ccorange.org for registration details.

Dementia Care Givers' Support Group e Dementia Care Givers' Support Group meets at St. Francis

of Assisi Catholic Church, Canticle Building, 4300 Meeks Drive in Orange on the following days and times: Second Wednesday of every month at 10:00 a.m., and Second ursday of every month at 6:30 p.m..

Seek & Find Resale Store e Seek & Find Resale Shop is open on ursdays from Noon to 6:00 pm, Fridays from 12 noon to 3:00 pm and Saturdays from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm. We are selling all types of used items - clothes, toys, books, household items,etc. Our proceeds help fund our music programs at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Please come and see us at 985 W. Roundbunch Road, next to Happy Donuts.

please contact Cindy at 409-749-9036 or Mike at 409-718-0333.

Pinnacle Music Academy Pinnacle Academy oﬀers private music lessons for Piano, Vocal, Guitar, Drums, Bass Trumpet, Ukulele, and more for all ages. Learn all musical styles including Pop, Rock, Country, Metal, Jazz, Blues, and Hip Hop. Pinnacle Academy is located at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 945 W. Roundbunch, Bridge City. Come and discover this opportunity to learn an instrument in the local area. For more information, call 409-241-3920 or visit www.PinnacleMusicAcademy.com.

Orange County Beekeeping Group e Orange County Beekeepers Group is a group of local beekeepers interested in spreading information about honeybees and the pollination service they perform. e group also strives to aid and assist fellow beekeepers, any new beekeepers, and the general public. For information or assistance with honeybee removals, please contact Len VanMarion 409-728-0344 or Brian Muldrow 713-377-0356.

Pathway to Freedom - AA/NA Meeting every Wednesday Pathway to Freedom is an Open Discussion Fellowship of men and women who have been aﬀected either directly or indirectly by the use of any mood altering chemical or codependent behavior. We believe that as we look to a loving God for help, and put into practice those principles for living which He has given in His Word, we shall ﬁnd both the strength and freedom we need to live productive and happy lives. We believe that our "higher power" is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. While we do believe that Jesus is the Christ, the resurrected and living Son of God, the meeting holds no view concerning denominational preference or beliefs. Join us at Cove Baptist Church located at 1005 Dupont Drive in West Orange each Wednesday at 7pm for Pathway to Freedom. For more Information call 409-883-4155 between 9 AM and 4 PM. You can leave a message, if no answer and we will call you back.

Orange Al-Anon meetings Al-Anon can help if someone close to you has a drinking problem. Al-Anon meets Sundays & Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., North Orange Baptist Church, 4775 N. 16th St. (Rear), Orange, TX 77632. Call 474-2171 or 988-2311 for more info. Calls are kept Conﬁdential.

Bridge City Al-Anon Meetings Al-Anon meetings are held on ursday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Library at St. Henry's Catholic Church Education building, located at 475 W. Roundbunch Road, Bridge City. For more information,

POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Precinct 3 Orange County Commissioner

LeBlanc announces for commissioner race Carl LeBlanc of Bridge City is proud to announce his candidacy for Orange County Precinct ree Commissioner as a Republican. An Orange County native, he graduated from Bridge City High School, has been married to Sherry for 42 years. and raised a family in the community. He has two sons and two grandchildren. LeBlanc is a working man, having worked for 42 years in the local petrochemical industry. Being retired currently, LeBlanc states that he would not need to divide his time between running a business and the people’s business. “e Precinct would be my

business,” LeBlanc stated. Carl also believes in giving back, having served over 20 years in the Bridge City Volunteer Fire Department. Carl stated, “I believe that changes are needed in the Commissioners’ Court. Being that I have never been in politics, I feel a fresh perspective would be good for Orange County.” Carl opposes vehemently the raise that the Court gave itself and promises to not take it when he wins. He points out that state law gives the court the right to even cut their pay and suggests that until the county is growing and meeting the needs of its citizens, the court should roll back its pay

to the 2016 levels. LeBlanc opposes unfunded mandates handed down to counties by the state and will work with local and state officials to end the practice. Carl also believes in supporting our Sheriff department. “e Sheriff along with his deputies is the supreme law enforcer of the county in Texas and should be supported by the court 100 percent”. Carl has a facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/CarlLeblancPct3/) where voters can ask questions and support his campaign.

Carl LeBlanc

Farewell Angelina Tour plays Lutcher e Lutcher eater presents, Farewell Angelina in their highly acclaimed Women & Wine Tour, Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $30 and are available now at www.lutcher.org. Named among Rolling Stone’s “New Artists You Need To Know” and Roughstock�s “Ones To Watch” with a tour schedule to prove it, Farewell Angelina has opened shows for the likes of Kenny Chesney, Old Dominion, Jake Owen, Billy Currington and Maroon 5. After hearing the undeniable magic of their voices together, the band couldn’t wait to take their show on the road. “is project was fully funded by our fans! We co-produced, some-

thing that truly captured our musical sisterhood, while working alongside the best musicians and engineers in the business. ankful and excited to bring this music on the Women & Wine Tour.” Farewell Angelina's chemistry lives in watching each other shine, and most of all, creating moments every night with the Country Music fans they love so much. e relationship they share with their fans won them the fan-voted "Hot Seat" spot of the Taste of Country 2017 "RISERS" Program by over 20,000 votes. “Wickedly smart songwriting delivered with a healthy dash

See TOUR, Page 7A

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6A • The Record • Week of Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Bridge City Chamber seeking Business, Citizen of the Year

The Bridge City Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for Business & Citizen of the Year through January 8, 2020. Nominations can be dropped off or mailed to the Chamber at 150 W. Roundbunch Rd., Bridge City, TX 77611 in a sealed envelope to the attention of the Nominating Committee. A mail slot is available on the front door of the Chamber after hours. Criteria for the Business of the Year -The narrative and supportive materials should stress how the business’ volunteer efforts benefited the quality of life within the community, and describe how the nominee displayed exemplary: • Staying power • Growth in number of em-

ployees • Increase in sales and/or unit volume • Current and past financial reports • Innovativeness of product or service offered • Response to adversity • Evidence of contributions by nominee to aid community oriented projects Include specific projects or committees on which the business was involved, such as an advisory board, recreation project, or other activities. Criteria for the Citizen of the Year - The narrative and supportive materials should stress how the individual’s volunteer efforts benefited the quality of life within the community, and describe how the nominee displayed exemplary:

• Commitment • Support Skills • Leadership • Outreach to Other Citizens • Desire to Make a Positive Impact in the Community Include specific projects or committees on which the volunteer was involved, such as an advisory board, recreation project, or other activities. The Business of the Year & Citizen of the Year awards will be given to a deserving business and citizen in recognition of their outstanding contributions directly to the City of Bridge City/Orangefield Area during the past year(s). The award recipients will be honored at the 60th Annual Chamber Banquet to be held February 3, 2020.

Deaths and Memorials Jo Ann Carter Goodwin, 85, Houston Jo Ann Carter Goodwin, 85, of Houston, died Wednesday, December 18th, 2019 at Apex-Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care. Jo Ann was born May 10, 1934, in Port Arthur, Texas to Lawrence J. and Pearl (Heard) Carter. She grew up in Pear Ridge, was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Port Arthur where she played on the church softball and basketball teams and graduated from omas Jeﬀerson High School. Jo Ann married Earl Goodwin May 31, 1952. After starting their family Jo Ann went back to school and graduated from Lamar University in 1974. She worked as a Math teacher at West Orange Junior High and then transferred to Lamar University – Port Arthur, where she initiated their Mathematics Department and taught math there until her retirement. Jo Ann was a member of First Baptist Church of Bridge City where she sang in the choir and served in the Sunday School program. She was also a member of the Bridge City Chapter of the Eastern Star. Jo Ann loved to cook and bake, especially for Earl. She enjoyed working in the rose gardens she and Earl had at their home. She also loved to read "thoughtless" novels, sewing clothes, working crossword puzzles with Earl, watching tennis and basketball, as well as all other sports, and playing dominos. She and Earl served two summers with Volunteer Christian Builders in the Paciﬁc Northwest building churches. After Earl passed, she moved to Houston in 2008 to be

closer to her family and became an active member of First Baptist Church of Cypress where she sang in the choir. She was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Earl Goodwin, her parents, Lawrence and Pearl Carter, and her brother L.J. Carter Jr. JO ANN She is survived by CARTER GOODWIN her daughters Sheila and husband Bruce Humphreys of Arvada, CO; and Patricia and husband Donald Franklin of Houston, TX; grandchildren Alan Humphreys, Joanna and husband Christopher Juergens, Colleen Franklin and Cody Franklin; as well as many nieces and nephews. ere was two services: A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, December 21 at 3:00 p.m. oﬃciated by Dr. Joe Blair at First Baptist Church of Cypress, 14515 Cypress N Houston Rd, in Cypress. e Funeral Service was in Bridge City at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 22, oﬃciated by Reverend Dale Lee at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City, 800 Highland Ave. Interment followed at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange. A visitation was held prior to the funeral service, beginning at 1:00 p.m., at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.

Rotary Club Student of December

The Bridge City / Orangefield Rotary Club awarded Kent Michael as their December Orangefield Student of the Month. Pictured are Carissa Bonnin, OFHS Counselor, Cody and Cristin Michael, Parents, Kent Michael, Student and Karen Collier, Rotary President.

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The Record • Week of Wednesday, December 25, 2019 •

Thankful for family, friends at Christmas From childhood Christmas to present, it’s been quite a ride Roy Dunn For e Record e joy of Christmas for me has taken drastic turns as I’ve traveled down this life’s highway. Raised a very poor youngster in south Louisiana, I had very little to look forward to on Christmas morning. We lived in a small, one-room shack, raised by a single mom. A lot of people were poor but real poverty, hanging at our door Christmas morning, brought very little. A fruit, a piece of rock candy or maybe a three-inch piece of a big peppermint stick. e highlight of my Christmas, which I’ve written about before, was midnight Mass at St. Mary Magdalene Church that sits on a knoll, on the banks of the Vermillion River, in downtown Abbeville. e beautiful mass was said in Latin, the Gospel spoken in both French and English. e large choir sang beautiful hymns. e service was that of the Old Catholic faith. My grandmother and I would brave the weather to walk the two miles down the dirt roads to attend the service. Little did I know then that my lasting memories of my childhood Christmas would be that midnight service. As a child in that poor situation I had no idea where life would take me. Back then, we just lived it day to day without much expectations. Poverty is an awful ordeal, much worse for a youngster. Even though I couldn’t express myself in English until age seven, which caused me to fail the ﬁrst grade; I was blessed with a quick mind and early childhood talents. I also had a burning will to succeed. I still can’t stand losing. I had a loving mother and grandmother even though mom and I were more like a brother and sister because I was born when she was so young. ose two beautiful women were my blanket in those formative years. I still miss them today. We had nothing but I wouldn’t trade the love they gave me for all the great toys of the world or the Christmas trees we never had. I survived those Depression years and my youth and just after my teen years, I met and married Phyl and we started a family of our own. Christmas for our youngsters wouldn’t have any resemblance to the ones I spent as a child. Maybe we went a little overboard but I always wanted them to have the

Tour e Tony Award®-winning Broadway revival of e Color Purple will play at Lutcher eater for the Performing Arts in Orange, Texas on ursday, January 2, 2020. Tickets start at $55 and are available at lutcher.org. Group rates are available by calling the Lutcher Box Oﬃce at 409-886-5535. Based on the Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and the Warner Bros. / Amblin Entertainment motion picture, e Color Purple is adapted for the stage by Tony- and Pulitzer-

things I couldn’t have. Christmas gift giving today has gotten ridiculous however. I see with my grandchildren and other youngsters. One gift is considered a poor Christmas even if it were a $300 gift. ese youngsters have been robbed of the appreciation because it comes so easy. I just wonder what memories they are making of their childhood Christmas. Despite my early beginning, life has been very good to me. I wouldn’t trade it. At this time of year however, I miss family. Over the years we had large family gatherings, at Christmas time, now our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles are all gone. So many friends we spent this season with are also gone. It’s hard to comprehend that the poor little boy, in the small Cajun town, is now the senior monarch of the family that came along. is Christmas Day we are truly blessed. Phyl and I, now in our 80’s, are indeed fortunate to still be around and for our family, having us around is something to be thankful for also. is year we won’t have the big gathering of years past. Some of our oﬀspring have scattered and can’t make it home this holiday season. Our granddaughter Amber and her two boys, Luke and Liam, came for a few days two weeks ago. She and husband Clay have moved their practice from Kansas to Florida and are still trying to move into their new place. A Christmas surprise, Amber has informed us they are expecting another healthy boy, three boys in four years. Meanwhile, granddaughter Jenna and Robby have recently moved from New Hampshire to northern Massachusetts where they purchased 75 acres of mostly underdeveloped wooded land. Jenna wants to raise her family to appreciate the simple life, cows, chickens, etc. eir four children are Nate, a high school senior, our oldest great grandchild, two girls Delilah and Willow and two-year-old Chase. We are thankful that Amber and Jenna’s families are

Roy doesn’t stray too far from his roots. The pump is the actual one he drew water from as a boy. both doing well and are healthy. With us this Christmas will be our three children Mark, Allen and Karen and our three grandsons, Garrett, Sean and Collin. Also, of our eight great grandchildren, Garrett’s two children, Leland and Juliana will be with us. As you get older each Christmas becomes more special. We’re thankful for our many friends and wish them and their families a very merry and blessed Christmas. May the birth of the Christ Child be forever in our hearts. Merry Christmas to all from the Dunn family.

From Page 5A winner Marsha Norman with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. e Color Purple is the 2016 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival! Hailed as “a direct hit to the heart” (e Hollywood Reporter), this joyous American classic about a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South has conquered Broadway in an all-new “ravishingly re-conceived production that is a glory to behold.” (New York Times)

e revival of e Color Purple opened to great acclaim in summer 2013 at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory, followed by a Broadway bow on November 10, 2015 at the Bernard B. Jacobs eatre. e Color Purple went on to win two 2016 Tony Awards®, including Best Revival of a Musical, two Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Revival of a Musical, the 2017 Grammy Award® for Best Musical eater Album and a Daytime Emmy®.

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8A • The Record • Week of Wednesday, December 25, 2019

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Merry Christmas The Record • Week of Wednesday, December 25, 2019 •

A Christmas Story: A new rod for Gramps Robert Vail For e Record Young Cris had been going fishing since he was old enough to walk. Gramps, as he had called him, was raising Chris as best he could, living on a fixed income. Cris’ parents were taken from him in a car crash wen he was only six months old, and his Gramps was just like a dad to him. Gramps had lost his wife to cancer a year before Cris was born, so the two of them needed each other very much. Living within a mile of one of Texas’ largest bays, Cris enjoyed the time he and his grandfather spent on its shores. Gramps had spent many hours schooling him in the finer art of angling for redfish and he always admired the pretty copper-colored battlers that his gramps caught and later cooked for dinner. Cris fished with push-button reel on a rod that was tattered and missing an eye or two. Limited as to what he could catch on his smaller outfit, he was just as happy catching croakers for Gramps to use for cut bait to lure the redfish they ate. Gramps fished with an old knucklebusting reel that had no drag and direct drive mounted on an old six-foot rod that was a little stiffer than he would like, but it was all he had, and he couldn’t afford a newer model, so he made do. In the spring of Cris’ eighth year, he accompanied Gramps to a local pawn shop where Gramps was going to try to sell his old shot gun to help pay for some of his medical bills. Gramps reasoned that since he was too old to tromp the salt marsh after ducks any more, he might as well use the gun for something good. While in the pawn shop, Cris noticed his grandfather wander over the rack of fishing rods in the corner and pick up a shiny seven-foot rod with a new, bright red Garcia reel on it. Gramps held the rod admiringly, sighting down the length of it. He tested it for balance and made several casts before setting it back in its place. Cris knew then what he wanted to give his Gramps for next Christmas. All summer long Cris did as many

him. Reeling for all he was worth, he had the huge fish wallowing in the shallows at his feet before he knew it. He reached down and gently slid his hand under the gillplate of the huge red, hefting it to better admire it. When he lifted the fish, he noticed a shiny new hook in the opposite corner of its mouth. String was still attached to the hook and it dipped into the water. Laying the fish on the bank, he grabbed up the string and began pulling. He felt a resistance from something on the other end of the line. Tugging harder he saw the tip of a rod break the mirror surface. Giving a final yank, he couldn’t believe his eyes when a new rod and Garcia reel--just like the one in the pawn shop-emerged from the water. What luck! Turning his attention back to the huge redfish, he found that it was gone. Somehow that fish had thrown that hook and disappeared. Did it flop back into the bay? How on earth did that fish vanish without so much as a splash? Cris looked around for signs telling how that fish had disappeared when he noticed a short, round man in a red suit with black knee boots disappear into a stand of sea cane nearby. Cris paused. Could it be ... you know who? Maybe ... Nah! Probably not. One thing he knew for sure: that redfish had delivered a brand new, shiny rod with the bright red Garcia reel that he had worked so hard for all summer long. He gathered his things and started for home on his bicycle knowing--kind of--what had just happened. Arriving there, he hid the new rod and reel in the garage and slipped back inside just as Gramps was stirring from his nap. On Christmas morning, he was up before Gramps, placing the now clean, shiny new rod and bright red Garcia reel under the evergreen tree with the glittering golden star attached. e smile that lit Gramps’ face when he saw the new rod and reel was the best Christmas gift Cris could have received. He knew he and Gramps would spend plenty of quality time together in the days to come, sitting on the edge of the bay in pursuit of the mighty redfish.

odd jobs as he could, saving every penny he earned mowing grass and washing cars. In between fishing trips with his Grandfather, he carried out the neighbor’s garbage, and as summer turned into fall, he raked leaves all over the neighborhood. Finally two days before Christmas, he had enough money saved. Cris hopped on his bicycle and pedaled down to the pawn shop ... only to find that the rod and reel that his Grams had so admired had been sold only hours before. Disappointed and with his gaze fixed on the ground, Cris slowly rode his bicycle back home. He knew he did not

have enough money to buy Gramps a brand new rod and reel. He needed time to try and figure out what to do, and he knew no better way to think things over than go fishing. Grabbing his push button reel and rod, he quietly slipped out the back door as Gramps napped in his chair. He figured he would be back before Gramps even knew he was gone. When he arrived at the edge of the bay, he noticed that the tide was unusually high and the bay as calm as glass. Only the occasional swirl of a passing mullet dimpled the surface. Cris had brought only one piece of cut mullet, because he didn’t really

that I know she’ll want us to enter. LAMAR UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC DIRECTOR MARCO BORN— A Hit List of the university’s head coaches so he can keep up his Grim Reaper status of surprisingly firing coaches who don’t deserve it like Mike Schultz and the two softball coaches he unceremoniously canned before he even had his bags unpacked. NEW LAMAR HEAD FOOTBALL COACH BLAINE MORGAN—A Trio of Bodyguards to protect his backside from Born much like those who protect the kicker in punting situations. FORMER SUNSET GROVE GOLFER BOB HOOD—A Duplicate Bridge Studio that’s closer than an hour from his home in San Antonio. He has just played party bridge there and hasn’t played much duplicate since leaving Orange four years ago. HOUSTON TEXANS HEAD COACH BILL O’BRIEN—A Trophy for leading his team to four division championships in his six years as coach. 2019 HOUSTON TEXANS—e Weird Pattern Award in winning the AFC South Division for the fourth time in six years. e Texans lost the first game of the season and won the next two, lost the fourth game and won the next two, lost the seventh game and won the next two, lost the tenth game and won the next two and lost the 13th game and won the last two. eir 23-20 win Saturday at Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers clinched the championship for the Texans. Now, Sunday’s season finale against second-place Tennessee is meaningless, but a loss is not a good way to go into the playoffs. GRANDSON LOGAN SMITH—A

For Christmas, Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback Dak Prescott should get a manual describing the right way to call a coin flip as one of the team captains.

think he would catch anything, but he enjoyed the peace and solitude. Mainly he wanted to try and figure out what to do about Gramps’ Christmas gift. Casting out his piece of bait, he held onto his rod but let his mind wander. Watching a lone seagull glide effortlessly overhead, he pondered what to do. Suddenly he felt a sharp thump on his line. en it slowly began to move to one side. Reeling in the slack, he set the hook into what he instantly realized was a bigger fish than he had ever hooked. He pulled on his flimsily rod and reel as hard as he dared, and to his amazement, the fish began to swim toward

’Tis the night before Christmas ...

KAZ’S KORNER JOE KAZMAR

FOR THE RECORD A quick look up at the North Pole on the day before the night before Christmas reveals Santa checking all of his ﬂying equipment, his gifts to be delivered, his map of the world and of course his list. In fact, he’s checking his list twice. However, in all the commotion with his cadre of elves putting presents in Santa’s sleigh, the list he treasured slipped out of the pocket of the jolly fatman. His revered secretarial elf, Joe Chevadeck, scooped it up and faxed it to me and then handed it to Santa with the explanation he dropped it while monitoring the work of his elves. I received the fax which had this information on it: BALTIMORE RAVENS SAFETY EARL THOMAS III—A bottle of 7Up to commemorate his selection as the NFL’s National Conference All-Pro Free Safety for the seventh time that he was healthy enough to play the entire season, even though it was on a team other than the Seattle Seahawks. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS HEAD COACH PETE CARROLL—A huge green and blue crying towel for refusing to re-sign two of his Super Bowl All-Pros—Earl omas III and Richard Sherman—and letting them get away to diﬀerent teams. e result—Earl made All-Pro with Baltimore while Sherman made All-Pro with the San Francisco 49ers. e two former Legion of Boom teammates could very well meet again in the Super Bowl at Miami in early February. BRIDGE TOURNAMENT PARTNER SUSAN PENNINGTON—A gold emblazoned itinerary list of the upcoming Sectional and Regional bridge tournaments planned for 2020

shiny medal for making great grades during his 3½ years at West Point and for being named as one of the captains for the 2020 Army baseball team. He also was assigned the branch of his choice—Infantry. HAMLIN HIGH—A high school with the clever nickname Pied Pipers who just lost to Mart 25-20 in the state championship game ursday in the Class 2A Div. II football playoffs. eir mascot should be a rat. WEST ORANGE-STARK HEAD FOOTBALL COACH CORNEL THOMPSON—A record of the song “Hold at Tiger” to give the Mustangs the incentive to beat Silsbee in the state football playoffs. ose pesky Tigers knocked his Mustangs out of the state playoffs in the fourth round two years in a row. DALLAS COWBOYS’ QUARTERBACK DAK PRESCOTT—A manual describing the right way to call

a coin flip as one of the team captains. In the game against the LA Rams last Sunday instead of telling the referee whether he wanted to receive the football or defer to the second half, Dak told the game official twice that the Cowboys wanted to kick with the wind to their backs. As a result, the Rams received the kickoff at the start of both halves. SUNSET GROVE COUNTRY CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS— e latest edition of the Webster’s Dictionary that features their picture as a definition of the word “Extortion,” based on their new rule that a nonmember player must pay an extra $25 to ride with a member on the member’s personal golf cart. SUNSET GROVE GOLFER CRAIG COUVILLION—A Life-Sized Dummy to ride with him during his rounds of golf so he won’t miss his usual partner too much. But he must

be prepared to cough up that precious $25 for the rider. KROGER PHARMACY MANAGER KYLIE RICHARD VIDRINE—A huge LSU banner to signify she’s the type of Tiger fan who will hop a jet to watch her team play. HOUSTON ROCKET’S STAR PLAYER JAMES “THE BEARD” HARDEN—A replication of a machine gun to verify his league-leading 38.9 scoring average and the fact he’s topped the 50-point barrier ﬁve times despite the opponents’ defenses geared to stop him. Harden also broke Calvin Murphy’s franchise record for career assists. ORANGE BRIDGE CLUB DIRECTOR ED RASMUSSEN—Soft violin music to be played while he gives a detailed and perfect explanation of an intricate bridge rule to a

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See KORNER, Page 5B

2B • The Record • Week of Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Waterfowl hunters hitting the road in search of a cure for second split blues CAPT. CHUCK UZZLE OUTDOORS WEEKLY FOR THE RECORD

For months the faithful waited in anticipation for opening day and in what seems to be the blink of an eye the 2019-20 duck season is just about gone. With a few weeks to go before the end, many water fowl hunters have resorted to road trips to get that last little ﬁx in before the party’s over. For many hunters the coast has been the destination, especially the Rockport and Port O’ Conner areas since they have been covered up with ducks for most of the season. e stories about rafts of redheads that black the sky are more than most hunters can stand, especially hunters who have had slow years. Don’t discount the reports because they are true, the ducks along the coast are thick and are absolutely amazing to watch. e opportunity to hunt ducks in a diﬀerent type environment is always a welcome change of pace and sheer numbers of birds down there right now is worth the trip. Perhaps the biggest draw is the fact you can hunt so much public water and have success doing it. With a little bit of effort a resourceful hunter can make a great trip down there and not break the budget. It’s far more acceptable down along the coast to hunt ducks in the open water along the bays than it is anywhere else so just about any hunter who can put together a blind can set up on some prime real estate. Plenty of ducks and places to hunt equal a good time for any water fowl hunter. Another popular venue for the water fowl hunter is the Katy prairie and Eagle Lake areas as well as the surrounding El Campo and Garwood. ese towns are smack in the middle of some prime agriculture and are just absolute magnets for ducks and geese. Rice is the key to this part of the world and when you have food and

Let Santa do the planning CAPT. DICKIE COLBURN FISHING WEEKLY FOR THE RECORD

Small play lakes and ponds in the Texas panhandle are magnets for quality ducks. water the ducks and geese won’t be far behind. is season has been strange for many hunters in that area due to the fact the snow geese have acted funny all season, typical patterns have gone out the window and made it tough to get consistent results. e one thing that has remained the same is that if you get weather like fog or good low clouds and a stiﬀ south wind you can really work the birds over. Duck hunters on the other hand have had great success as it seemed like the green winged teal just won’t leave and the pintails are plentiful. Many hunters are reporting limits of ducks along with a handful geese

being the norm. Last but certainly not least on the water fowl hunters road trip list is the panhandle, places like Amarillo, Dumas, and Knox City are all hot spots that you may or may not know about. Easily the biggest draw for hunters to this area is the opportunity to shoot Canada geese. e panhandle area of Texas aﬀords hunters the best shot at taking these beautiful birds in big numbers. With miles and miles of open agricultural country to choose from the geese in that area have a steady diet and little hunting pressure which translates into some great shooting opportunities for anyone who makes the trip.

Also what many folks don’t know or maybe don’t hear about is the fact that the snow geese up there receive even less hunting pressure than the Canada geese do. Once the snows reach the panhandle they get a chance to rest because very few if anyone hunts them until the special conservation starts at the end of regular duck season. e panhandle is probably one of the best places you can go during the special season simply because the snow geese have not been hunted and are much easier to decoy. If you are considering a late season hunt I would certainly think about this area and put it near the top of any wish list.

Tyler Ancelet was standing outside of his truck with one foot on an envelope while stuffing hundred dollar bills in another when I ran into him earlier this week. After rescuing the windblown envelope pinned under his foot, I wished him a Merry Christmas and asked, “What the heck are you doing?” “I am keeping Christmas much simpler than last year’s fiasco” he replied. “No more helping Santa surprise the family for me.” After both envelopes were sealed and labeled with his daughter’s names, he shared his failed attempt at a surprise Christmas the previousyear. It all started when he stumbled up on a present that he never expected his wife to buy him. “Had I not dropped the coffee pot on the floor I would have never even opened the door on the utility closet,” he said. “Claire knew I would never look in there because everything in that closet is somehow connected with cleaning or ironing.” “Much to my surprise I discovered a tube-shaped present already wrapped that could be only one thing ... a very expensive fly rod that I had talked about time and again, but would never buy myself. In that instant, I knew the bar had been raised and I needed to upgrade my gift to her.” “Sooooo ... I rushed out and bought her a necklace that cost more than my four-wheeler and decided it would be a great surprise along with the two-month old yellow lab that I had bought for the twins.” After picking up the lab at his parent’s house, he tied a bow around his neck and put him under the tree with a bowl of treats. Having already spotted his rod, he hid the necklace in his coat pocket and closed the door before rushing in to wake the family. “e girls were already awake so it could not have taken more than two minutes to spring the surprise on Claire and see the look on their faces when they met Tucker,” said Tyler. “It was two minutes too long!” When they excitedly opened the door they discovered that their new puppy had peed on every present that he hadn’t already torn open. “All I could do to save face,” laughed Tyler, “was hand Claire her necklace and assure them that while they may be a little damp, Tucker hadn’t broken anything in the boxes.” “All things considered,” I was pleased with the way things had turned out until I noticed Claire wiping away the tears while pointing in the direction of my new rod. Unfortunately, they weren’t tears of joy.” “Much to my chagrin, in the midst of his delirious state, Tucker had folded my much anticipated rod right in the middle while peeing on the card that included a guided trout trip to New Mexico.” “At that moment, Tucker had no chance of ever being loved and acquired several new names that had the girls covering their ears while doing their best to protect him. When I could finally look at the dog without wishing him a life time of bad luck, I assured the girls that he would not suspiciously run away in the middle of the night and that the whole thing was really my fault.” “I didn’t really mean it, but it eased the tension and Tucker seemed to sense that he may have found a new home.” “Not surprisingly, the warranty didn’t cover a dog biting the rod in half and peeing on it,” said Tyler, but it still worked out pretty well for me. As it turned out, Tucker is a little too rambunctious for the girls and Claire decided she would pay to have him turned into a duck dog for me this Christmas.” I am not sure as to what that means Tyler has to buy Claire for Christmas, but it looks like the twins are getting money and anything that Mom helps Santa pick out. I hope that you left the shopping and surprises to Santa this year and that you and yours enjoy a Merry Christmas and the best of New Years!

CMYK

The Record • Week of Wednesday, December 25, 2019 •

The Wednesday Lunch Bunch met for their annual Christmas Lunch at Robert’s last Wednesday. It was a great turn out but many faces were missed. The loss of some dear friends this year and those that had prior commitments. A special thank you to Robert Ramirez for hosting the annual gathering. Pictured, front from left, Cherry & Cedric Stout, Alice Cole Hartsfield, Roy Dunn, Karen Fisher, Cary (our favorite waitress), Stephanie Roberts, Rex Peveto, Dr. Tom Johnson, Pam Honeycutt; and back from left, Joel Steersman, Shirley Zimmerman, Michael Catt, Judge Carl Thibodeaux, Commissioner Kirk Roccaforte, Judge Chad Jenkins, Brad Frye, Judge Derry Dunn, Judge Troy Johnson and Zach Johnson.

On Wednesday, December 18, 2019 the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Wellspring Credit Union to celebrate the completion of remodeling their Bridge City branch. Branch Manager Misti Carpenter cut the ribbon to officially start the celebration. Wellspring Credit Union was chartered in 1958 as Orange Firestone Employees Federal Credit Union. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, membership is open to individuals and their immediate families, who live, work, worship, or attend school in Orange, Newton, Jefferson, and Hardin Counties in Texas. Wellspring is dedicated to helping its members achieve their financial goals by offering quality financial products and services at competitive rates. They have personal and business checking and savings accounts as well as Mastercard credit cards, loans for auto, home, land, boat, RV, farm and so much more. For more information on everything Wellspring can do to “create your financial happiness”, call (409) 697-2461 or stop by one of their convenient locations in Bridge City, Mauriceville, Newton and Orange or visit their website: www.wellspringcu.com.

My First Christmas in Heaven I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below, With tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reﬂecting on the snow. e sight is so spectacular; please wipe away that tea, For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring, For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart, But I am not so far away. We really aren't apart. So be happy for me, dear ones. You know I hold you dear, And be glad I'm spending Christmas

with Jesus Christ this year. I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above. I send you each a memory of my undying love. After all, love is the gift, more precious than pure gold. It was always most important in the stories Jesus told. Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do, For I can't count the blessings or love He has for each of you. So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear. Remember, I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. [Editor's Note: is poem by an unknown author is dedicated to all the friends, family, neighbors and notable citizens that we've lost over the past year.]

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4B • The Record • Week of Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Harry Choate & ‘Jolie Blon’: Cajun Music's Founding Father By Tim Knight For e Record Harry Choate was the total and complete musician and entertainer. All of this life he ate, drank and slept music. It is sometimes very difficult to unravel the facts and myths surrounding the life and times of the man who wrote what has been called the Cajun national anthem, "Jolie Blon." What Jimmy Rogers was to country music, Harry Choate was to French music. Little is known about his early life other than he was born in Rayne, Louisiana the day after Christmas in 1923. He had no formal education or musical training. He played the fiddle, guitar and as he called it, "An Abbeville Air Compressor," or as the layman would call it, the accordian. In his youth he moved with his mother to Port Arthur, where it is believed they lived on the corner of Mobile and Nederland Avenues. During the hard times of the depression, Harry would wander around on the 100 and 200 blocks of Procter Street and wander into bars, crawl under a table and listen to the music. Even then it was his passion. He was always small, so he would slip in and out of these establishments almost undetected. At the age of 13 he started playing in bands; in most cases they were playing the typical Cajun French music composed of a fiddle, guitar and accordian. As the years passed, French music was confined to mostly family gatherings. ere were a few attempts at recording Cajun music in Lafayette, Louisiana but nothing of any significance until 1946 when Harry recorded the infamous "Jolie Blon" at the Quinn Recording Studios in Houston. For the French people of this area it was an instant success. Harry began to receive fan mail, none of which he ever answered. He had a naive innocence about himself, and said he was only interested in making people happy. according to his daughter Linda Cable, "My daddy just loved people with an almost childlike trust." With "Jolie Blon" a hit, he recorded other popular French songs as "Big Mamou," "Catting Around," and "Poor Hobo." His

music was directed at the audience, it had good rhythm and was just right for dancing. Harry even danced as he played his fiddle. Harry had no interest in financial gain. He sold the rights to "Jolie Blon" for $100 to Quinn Studios. His one burning desire and interest was to please the crowds of people who would come to listen to his music. In the early part of his career he played at such night spots as Speedy's Broken Mirror in Sulphur, Louisiana, e Old Kentucky Inn and the Old Light House, located in Port Arthur on 16th Street. As his fame grew he teamed up from time to time with such local musicians as Earl Rebert, Louis Oltremari and Ivy Gaspard. In 1950 he and his band traveled to San Antonio and played one night stands in Kerrville, Austinand Banderas. His famous "Crying Fiddle" became very popular throughout the Austin Hill Country. Not only did he play French Music but the special brand of music known as Texas Swing, which had been made famous by Bob Wills. All of this he accomplished with a borrowed fiddle; in fact, he never owned a musical instrument of any type. e dark side of his life was that he drank, but this never seemed to diminish his ability as a musician. While appearing on KOAI-TV in San Antonio, on the Red River Dave Country & Wester Show. some of the members of the studio band attempted to write down the lyrics of "Jolie Blon." To their surprise they were unable to put his special brand of French music down in standard notes. In 1951 Harry ran afoul of the law and ended up in jail in Austin, which during the late 40's and early 50's was very serious for the lawbreaker. e events of his death are both sordid and shrouded in mystery. On July 17, 1951, Harry Choate was beaten to death in a hot Austin cell block. His family was given no information as to the circumstances of his death, and to add to the tragedy they had no money to bring him back to Port Arthur for burial. Gordon Baxter, then with KPAC radio, went on the air and raised enough money from

Harry Choates, in the dark suit on the left, is considered the Father of Cajun Music after popularizing the genre’s seminal song ‘Jolie Blon’, roughly translated to ‘Pretty Blonde’. He tragically died at a young age and is buried in Port Arthur thanks to legendary disc jockey Gordon Baxter and The County Record owner Roy Dunn. Harry's many fans to bring him back hom for a decent burial in Greenlawn Cemetery. Today there is no marker on his grave, just the small bronze funeral home marker. But then perhaps that's the way Harry would have wanted it; he was just a simple Cajun boy ﬁlled with love for his music and his hundreds of fans and friends. Harry Choate is gone now, but his name is legend among the French people of this area. His famous "Crying Fiddle" was never played after his death and was destroyed in 1961 when Hurricane Carla brought havoc and destruction on Jade Avenue in Groves. His old recordings are all that is left, but if one can just listen to these old records, one can appreciate the pure talent of his Acadian music. If you are apt to like this brand of music, just sit back and listen and let the good times roll. [Editor's Note: Harry Choate is buried in Port Arthur. Gordon Baxter was responsible for getting his body from Austin where he died in the jail cell. Years later, Tim Knight and Roy Dunn raised the funds to place a marker on the unmarked grave.]

Harry Choates was a native of Southeast Texas, growing up in Port Arthur. At the height of his popularity, he was well known for his call “EhHa-Ha!” He struggled with alcoholism and while in jail in Austin, he died under still uncertain circumstances.

CMYK

The Record • Week of Wednesday, December 25, 2019 •

Korner player who has either broken a rule or is inquiring about one. FORMER HOUSTON ASTROS’ STRIKEOUT KING GERRIT COLE—A PinStriped Money Belt after officially becoming a New York Yankee last week. His agent, Scott Boras, negotiated a nineyear, $324 million contract but couldn’t over-ride the Yankees’ clean-shaven policy. So, Cole had to get rid of his 10-year-old beard. HOUSTON TEXANS’ WORKHORSE RUNNING BACK CARLOS HYDE—A ank-You Card to be sent to the Kansas City Chiefs for trading him to the Texans earlier this season. Hyde has already surpassed the 1,000-yard milestone for the first time in his career. SUNSET GROVE GOLFER KEN RUANE—A 2020 Calendar that will give him more golfing days than in 2019. Inclement weather and some health problems limited his play. He normally plays four or five times a week. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS’ TIGHT END TRAVIS KELCE—A Gigantic Bottle of Glue to verify his sure-handedness on the gridiron. Kelce recently became the first tight end in NFL history with four straight 1,000-yard seasons. McNEESE FOOTBALL PROGRAM—A manual entitled “How Not to Recruit Lunkheads” should help future Cowboy football teams after being ruled ineligible for the 2020 postseason last week by the NCAA as a result of its Academic Progress Rate not meeting the 930 threshold. McNeese football recorded APRs of 942, 948, 892 and 892 over the past four years. “Teams lose access to postseason competition the first time they earn a multi-year APR below 930,” the NCAA explained. DR. WILLIAM KRAMER— A huge thank-you card from ME for the great job he did surgically repairing my broken right wrist with a titanium plate and some well-placed screws. Look, I’m writing my column again!!!

From Page 1B

AND A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO Mike Lemons, Archie McClelland, Mark Dunn, Jeff Thomas, Johnny Montagne, Jerry Triggs, Ronnie Hutchison, Julie Mouton, Pierre De la Fosse, Chris Trout, Gwen Whitehead, Troy Manuel, Missy Pillsbury, Susan Pennington, Brad Prejean, John Morris, Larry Moerbe, Judy Arnaud, Andy Conner, Tom Toal, Steve Betz, Jerry Windham, Bill Van, Rodney Barrett, Gail Beckett, Larry Ancelot, Bobby Nelson, Carl Sanders, Matt Purgahn, David Thompson, James Denmon, Mike King, Durwood Bennett, Bob Cockerill, Chris Allen, Matt Morgan, Sid Caillavet, Doug Patterson, Mike Shuff, Jim King, Tiki Russell, Alex Morrow, John Cochran, David Benoit, Bart Corder, Roy Peterson, Jimmy Sichko, Ken Ruane, Joe Murphy, Walter Cox, David Ess, John Dubose, Lacy Hale, Derry Dunn, Mark Williams, Gary Cook, Bobby Eddings, Tommy Gunn, Mac Guillory, Buddy Hahn, Glynn Aldredge, Jim Rodda, Pat Bell, Kerry Lamb, Brian Hudson, Stephen Patterson, Mike Poutra. Joe Ely, Trez Sichko, Ella Mulhollan, Allen Beauchamp, Harley Bennett, John Patterson, Wanda Peveto, Larry Duhon, David Sand, Milton Newton, Mike Parish, Robert Baca, Jim Brown, Ruth Hancock, Mark Hebert, John Toomey, Stacy Hoffpauir, Tina Lawrence, Richard Duffee, Tammy Torrez, Derry Dunn, Mike Shahan, Wes Duvall, James Vidrine, Bob Hollier, Ken St. John, David Bridges, Jim Matthews, Tommy Reed, Alan McDade, Sandra Hall, Wayne Brint, Raquel Goodboddie, Jajemi Plut, V.L. Grimes, David Loden, Brian Waguespack, Manuel Ryan Chandler, Godina, Joseph Droddy, Wayne Baker, James Thurman, Mac Patterson, Bill Belcher, Shanna McCallon, Don Olivier, Jerry Ling, Brenda Buxton, Regina Edwards, Frank Hatton, Willow Simpson, Kathy Gunn, Dean Crooks, J. D. Quarles, Wade Gillet, Jerry McDonald, Jerry Pennington, Chrisleigh Dal Sasso, Cathy Day. Lindsey Nelson, Jim Sharon Bearden, Dan Perrine, Billy Burrow, Dan Cochran, Ken Bridgers, George Crawford, Michelle Broussard, Jim Simon, Jack McClelland, J.R. Edmondson, Scottie Wilson, Willie Bednar, James Lopez, Dennis Powell, Bobby Duhon, Carlos Vacek, Roy Locks, George Toal, Mike Lucia, Jim Dunaway, Jack Tindel, Ray Pousson, Jim Ehlert, Bryce Conner, Mike Mazzola, Faye Parish, Gilbert Myers, Kathy Polansky, Sweet Helen Ed-

wards, Pat Murphy, Leo Simpson, Mike McKown, Clint Hathaway, Jerry Decker, Mike Holbrook, Lee Roy Boehme, Jr., Jerry Ann Trouard, Jimmy Boyd, Donnie Mires, Connie Woods, Bobby Swan, Noel Griffith Larry Hammett, Tom Day, Bryan McKinley, Donny Ratcliff, Don Lormand, Robert Dunn, Violet Branch, Robert Roesler, Wayne Iles, Raymond Guilbeaux, Johnny Dugas, Paula Burton. Martha Rogers, Robert Burris, Jerry Caillier, Carolyn Lemons, John Scofield, Carol Perry, Kenny Lalonde, Linn Cardner, Mike Catt, Pete Runnels, Russell Bottley, James Luna, Dick Powell, Billie Carter, David Teague, Carl Floyd, Skip Moore, Pete Sterling, Brian Murphy, Montie Moran, Doug Rogers, Rick Keszeg, Cary Bresie, Scott Garvie, Pat Key, Rodney Townsend, Bob Byerly, Bart Williams, Loretta Edwards, Brooks Hill, Sandy Withrow, Janet Lemoine, Benis Lee, Diane Grooters, Lynn Smith, Ebb Moore, Daisy Arnett, Steve Pomeroy, Jerrod Bland, Barry Thibodeaux, Charles Broussard, Sharon Bearden, Bob Hoepner, Ferral Ashby, Joe Doucet, J.B. Arrington, Bill Ellison, Dana Cruse, Pat Bell, Dennis Lee, Jerry Ann Trouard, Teresa Caraway. Dennis Bishop, Gus Beuershausen, Leon Delome, Grant Gipson, Jeep Colburn, Jerry Nichols, Kevin Hebert, Brian Mingle, Loretta Hughes, Dwayne Mims, Johnny Grooters, Oscar Smith, Pete Gresham, Charlie Miller, Chris Gunn, Ed Dyer, Bill Jackson, Bill Bromley, Mike Bernard, Ken Wernig, Todd McLane, John Tate, Hal LaPray, Bob Campbell, Roderick Robertson, Buddy Hahn, J.R. Edmondson, Mark Foreman, Manuel Solis, Neil Watts, John Martinez, Terry Childers, Joan Quartermont, Jeff Mathews, Tiffany Rochelle, Dempsie Jaynes, Kyle Walker, Randy Brown, Clay Dugas, Ellis Boyd, Ron Cowling, Ruth Corder, Billy Bayliss, Andre Robertson, David Montagne, Earl Collier, Dewey Scott, Robert Tywater, Louise Savoy, Darrel Latiolais, John Cash Smith, Mary Beth Benoit, Jimmy Verrett, Angelique Catt, Russell Cronin, Al Granger, Kris Cherry, Richard Turkel, Rodney Townsend, Jr., Mark Williams. David Dunn, Cecil Byers, Ollie Halten, Waymon Sibley, Rufus Flurry, Aaron Burke, Kris Olsen, Wayne Sparrow, David Hoelzer, James Bloodworth, Ron Roberts, Mike Hebert, Tim Hughes, Phillip Madar, Myrt Myers, Lou Garriga, Becky Grant, Vicki Landry, Gene

Steele, Ken Reeves, Jimmy Ray Burris, Brenda Morgan, Robert Mortimer, Mark Meadows, Jody Gray, Ruby Collins, Chris Hyde, Gloria McKee, Clifford Bray, Darline Zavada, Todd Marburgh, Dawn Collins, Stacy Caillavet, John Broussard, Greg Choate, Dave Walsh, Williard Lanier, Calvin Collins, Lynae Sanford, Greg Smith, Jerome Wilkerson, Joyce Prescott, Keith Hogan, David Piland, Lana Stogner, Kevin Philen, Vernon Davis, David Hollier, John Lister, Anthony Padilla, Erin Godina, Greg Turbeville, Gail Griffith, Danny Blacksher, Terry Myers, Johnny Trahan, Curt Leger, George Nevarez, Patrick Toomey, Larry Fisher. Gary Pollock, Sandy Walker, Anita Vidrine, Bud Martin, Natalie Simon, Jerry Meads, Gary Mainero, Steve Taylor, Richard Scott, Lisa Dies, Mark Netherly, Barbara Hayes, Derrick Jones, Dale Peddy, Todd Hoffpauir, Terry Steubing, Donna Evans, Jack Burke, Teresa Schreck, David Davis, Shirley Walker, Larry Woods, Steve Champion, Rex Ansley, Connie Burnitt, Greg Willis, Pat Anglin, George Baker, Dan Mohon, Steve Issacs, Susan Nimmo, James Blair, Troy Burton, Homer Stockton, Nita Duffee, Vic Arceneaux, Rick Keszeg, Don Burgess, Tommy Carroll, Barbara Bergeron, Brenda Campbell, Paula Legate, Connie Lemaire, Debbie Perry, Scott Swearingen, Camilla Richard, Phyllis McCall, Brandon Prouse, Steve Griffith, Carolyn Schramm, Jessie West, C.A. Keasler, Betty Merchant, Ronnie Moody, John Young, Kay Morris, Jim Dwight, George Mortimer, Larry Willette, Leon King, Hughie Allen, Gail Griffith, John Rowland, Leon Evans, Preston Fuller, Karl Eason, Jim Mouton, Kerry Franks, Dean Granger, Peggy O’Leary, Bret Johns, J.D. Willis, John Hurn, B.J. Morgan, Wayne Iles. Bob Campbell, Ralf Mims, Louis Manuel, Richard Roddy, Sandy Turner, Shea Simon, Chris Cartwright, Sam Lucia, Jack Jones, Shirley “Fuzz” Ware, Tim Stelly, Gary Ware, Warren Claybar, Charlie Greenwell, Gary Mulhollan, J.C. Sea, John Hardin, Gene Tannehill, Anne Foster, Matt Murphy, Mike Collins, Sam Hudson, Aubrey Welch, Virgie Thomas, Charlotte Guillory, Elray Henson, Marilyn Malvo, Chad Havens, Wendy Rost, Josh Smalley, Jeff Elliott, Art Mason, Marcelle Adams, Mike Reed, Ray Tilley, Keith Doucet, Chad Bryant, Victor Enard, Violet Branch, Roddy Richards, Hugh Granger, Toby Foreman, Gary Thibodeaux, Stephen Lee, David

Winfrey. Doug Posey, Rick Sand, Joe Raburn, Wallace Culps, Angie Simar, Bryant Calcote, Wayne Lowe, Connie Powell, Jack Horton, Tony Perry, Gene Dixson, Joy Haney, Bruce Savoy, Becky Rhoden, Dean Priddy, Randy Vayon, Heath Martin, Ed Freiberg, George Sepulvado, Johnny Dorman, Ronnie Puckett, Brenda Campbell, Lori Thompson, Madge Rogers, Travis Ashworth, Marty Monogue, Dave Young, Jeremy Green, Harry Sharpless, Ronnie Puckett, Bobbie Murphy, Jill Williams, Brandon Seaman, Jodie Pledger, Richard Terry, Marla Zoch, Quincy Procell, Donna Nichols, John Gradnigo, Judy Lowe, Richard Porter, Bart Williams, Joyce Drake, Buddy Miller, Jim Rawls, Bill Nicholas, Mark Berton, Ray “Mario” Dal Sasso, Jane Couvillion, Mickey Bergeron, Cheree Benoit, Jakie Stine, Tom Edwards, Pat Clark. Jonathan Vandagriff, David Haney, Ron McPherson, Gene McCormick, Delle Bates, Ray Montagne, Wayne Outlaw, Carl Thibodeaux, Julie Hurn, Mike Bernard, Paul Mott, Kermit Richard, Ray Pousson, Charlie Blalack, Dick Alexander, Jeff Dalton, Craig Corder, Pancho McGill, Roland Wolfford, Dave Maddox, Robin Brooks, Katie Mulhollan, Shirley Almazan, Marlynne Edmondson, Paul Vaughan, Vernon Myers, Billy Denham, Reggie Parker, Louis Willey, Clyde Davis, Bob Brown, Laurie Modisette, Bob Baptista, Jay Brown, David Williams, Russell Covington, Mike Kelley, Jerry Montgomery, Harold Gross, Glenda Bass, Russell Turkel, Larry Fisher, Steve Pesek, Charles Liggio, John Garrett, Brown Claybar, Larry Warner, Shelby May, Dickie Colburn, Virgis Benoit, Dwight Bickham, Howard Minor. David Claybar, J.L. Vincent, Ross Smith, Dave Pederson, Peggy Vincent, Charlotte Montgomery, Sleepy Smith, Gwen Barton, Ron Sigler, Pat Brown, James Sanders, B.K. Ware, Leonard Brown, Don Covington, Jeremy Hogg, Alicia Hebert, Reanna Morris, Ronnie Rost, Gay Richardson, Jim Turpin, Kelly Alford, Alan Whipkey, Jane Dunn, Ann Lieby, John Harrell, Max Staudt, Charlotte Tucker, Glenn Hill, Maurice Mueschke, Martha Oliver, John Young, Tommy Ewing, Ernie Dyer, Carroll Holt, Shane Johns, Denise Himel, Pat Fountain, Sid Caillavet, Paul Patin, Lona Vasquez. Dennis Duhon, Calvin Parker, Jimmy Sattler, Rodney Dove, Lawrence Hunt, Eddie Faulk, Cornel Thompson, Sam Kittrell, Dick

CMYK

Behnke, Huel Fontenot, Dora Lorimer, Ronnie Burton, Robert “Woody” Wood, Vicky Walters, Mike White, Frank Skeeler, David Payne, John Hersey, Dee Payne, Haazen Kenney, Bonnie Mingle, John Kimbrough, Wayne Peveto, Gene Alsandor, Bubba Lanning, Wayne Morris, Dale LeBlanc, Sammy Owens, Heath Mouton, Harold Fuqua, Roger Hall, Joe Peery, Rocky Mize, Bob Hood, James Rigler, Robert Sims, Joe Sanders, Bill Modisette, Mark Oldham, Mackey Clasby, Vernon Collier, Michael Arnaud, Jay Ayers, Jeanette Cleaver, Ray Burch, Gerhard Hommel, Walter Landisch. Jimmy Sims, Joe Ware, Roy Dunn, Phyllis Ryan, Eric Hinton, Debbie Fusilier, Penny Leleux, Debbie Buckalew, Ricky Trahan, Melinda Gipson, Jet Toohey, James Stringer, Alan Sanders, John Cooper, Glenn Toohey, Sam Lucia, Lon Craft, Margaret Peeples, Mike Abbott, Charles Gant, Oliver Seastrunk, Earl Geis, Mike Leonard, Van Vandervoort, Jack Burney, Brandon Landry, Randy Crouch, Ray Rogers, Gary Stelly, Pat Johnson, Andy Allen, Keith Staudt, Brandon Fisher, Fred Zoch, Troy Burke, Bubba Brown, David Clary, Joey Campbell, Robert Query, Gary Thibodeaux, Tim Bonnin, Jay James, John Griffith, Randy Jarrell, Jimmy Jones, Joe Payne, Donald Moss, Betty Melton, Doug Nelms, Cecil Sylvester, Roy Knolley, Wade Smith, Jerry Priddy, Shea Brown, Sam Ambers, John Raughton, Pat Leverne, James Scott, Ann Harner, Jenny Taylor, David Trahan, Rick Southard, Donnie Shockley, Jr., John Crawford, Jim Gordon, Jim Colley, Sue Rathburn, Keith Lyons, Wayne Franklin, Mandy Rogers, Terry Landry, Billie Rogers, Albert Gore, Betsy Phillips, Trent Cooper, Steve Toal, James Ray, Mike Hughes, Mark Magnuson, Ed Rasmussen, Gary Mulhollan, Miles Hall, Bobby Tanner, Jason Gipson, Jade Saucier, Georgia Corder, Ron Logan, Ken Manuel, Don Harmon, Sanford Lummus, Hunter Sheridan, Lewis Sims, Tommy Carroll, Van Wade. And a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS to my e-mail readers Dick and Gail Kazmar, Bobbie, Dick and Joe Wechter, Don and Linda Bivens, Karen and Brian Smith, Earl Thomas, Brock and Glenna Bult, R.C. Slocum, Paul Groncki, Jim Rodda, Joey Robins, Bobbie Earle, Wayne and Kaye Morris and for anyone I may have missed, especially you, my loyal readers who have been with Kaz’s Korner since its inception Sept. 12, 1966.

6B • The Record • Week of Wednesday, December 25, 2019

ORANGE COUNTY CHURCH DIRECTORY

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel JOHN PIPER Founder & Teacher desiringgod.org This translation of an anonymous Latin hymn doubles as a prayer for the first and second coming of Christ. It takes us into the mind of old Israel, longing for the first coming of the Messiah. And it goes beyond that longing by voicing the yearning of the church of Christ for the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to consummate the history of redemption. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we put ourselves in the shoes of Zechariah, Elizabeth, Simeon, and all the preChristian saints. We ponder the promises. We strain to see the dawn of salvation. But we know that when it comes, the waiting will not be over. When Emmanuel arrives — when the Dayspring rises — we learn that redemption has only begun. To be sure, it is a magnificent only. The final blood is shed. The debt is paid. Forgiveness is purchased. God’s wrath is removed. Adoption is secured. The down payment is in the bank. The first fruits of harvest are in the barn. The future is sure. The joy is great. But the end is not yet. Death still snatches away. Disease still makes us miserable. Calamity still strikes. Satan still prowls. Flesh still wars against

the Spirit. Sin still indwells. And we still “groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:23). We still “wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:7). We still wait for final deliverance “from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10). We still “wait for the hope of righteousness” (Galatians 5:5). The longing continues.

Still Longing at Christmas The common tune, linked with these lyrics in 1851 by Thomas Helmore, captures the plaintive mood of longing. It is not the same as the exuberant “Joy to the world, the Lord has come,” or the vigorous and bounding, “Hark the herald angels sing, glory to the newborn King.” It is an excellent musical match to the mood of the song. Longing. Aching. Yearning. Hoping. The Christian life oscillates between these two poles: the overflowing joy of the “already” redeemed (Ephesians 1:7) and the tearful yearning of the “notyet” redeemed (Ephesians 4:30). Not that we ever leave the one or the other in this life. We are “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” (2 Corinthians 6:10). It is good to have Christmas carols that capture both dimen-

sions of life. My guess is that, as we move toward Christmas, most Christians experience sadness and excitement. We must never let the sadness ruin the simple joy of the children. Most of them have not lived long enough to suffer. Let them see as much brightness as they can in Jesus. But let’s not think that Advent must be all jolly and jingle bells. The Serious Sorrow in Our Joy About 3.7 million people will die during Advent worldwide, half a million of them children. About 105 persons every minute. Most of them without hope. A tiny fraction of these make the news — like some victims of terrorism. The vast majority groan and die unknown except to a few close at hand. Such sorrows touch every Christian. We know someone who is dying, not to mention the hundred miseries that make living hard. It is a wonderful thing that there are Christmas carols that are written for the real world of sorrowful joy, as well as the real world of exuberant joy. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is one of them. You can hear it in the “O” that begins ever verse: “O come, Emmanuel.” “O come, Rod of Jesse.” “O come, Dayspring.” “O come, Key of David.” “O come, Desire of nations.” This is the

“O” of longing.

Emmanuel’s Names And every name for Jesus is full of hope. As Emmanuel (Isaiah 8:8) — “God with us” — he will pay the ransom that only a God-man can pay. As Rod of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1), springing from a dead stump, he will free his people, by death and resurrection, from Satan’s tyranny, and make them free forever. As the Day-spring (Luke 1:78) — the dawn of God’s kingdom — he will be the light of the world, and banish the hopelessness of darkness. As the Key of David (Isaiah 22:22), he rescues us from hell, locks the door behind us, unlocks the door of heaven, and brings us home. And as the Desire of nations (Haggai 2:7), he will draw the ransomed from every people and make them a kingdom of peace. This is who Jesus is. This is what he already achieved and will complete. And so with every verse, the refrain reaches down musically into our weak hearts and pulls us up, in faith, to see the certainty of the end.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Artistically, the rhythm of plaintive longing in the verses, punctuated with powerful bursts of joy in the refrain, are, to my mind, just about perfect. The mystery and the wonder of Christian living are captured. Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.

Triangle Baptist Church 6446 Garrison at Hwy. 408 Orangefield “Come Worship With Us” 409-735-2661 Pastor: Bobby Oliver 409-659-5027 Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m. Wednesday Service 7 p.m. We are a KJV independent Baptist Church

Winfree Baptist Church 19525 Hwy 62 S • 409-735-7181 Jon Brinlee, Pastor

Sunday:

Wednesday:

“Full Gospel Church”

9:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship in the Family Life Center 11:00 a.m. Service - Traditional Worship in the Slade Chapel Sunday School For All Ages 10:00 a.m.

3212 Concord Drive Orange Tx 77630 Pastor Carol Lee Sunday Worship 10AM Friday Bible Teaching 6PM

www.fumcorange.org

Pastor: Rev. Lani Rousseau Director of Music and Fine Arts: Caroline Dennis

COWBOY CHURCH OF ORANGE COUNTY

673 FM 1078 • Orange • 409-718-0269 Sunday Services: 10:30 AM

Bible Studies for Men and Women • Monday 6 p.m. Co-Ed Bible Study • Sunday 9:15 a.m. Ladies Bible Study • Tuesday 10:00 a.m. Bible Studies & Youth Activities • Wed. 6:30 p.m.

Cove Baptist Church 1005 Dupont St. • Orange

Sunday: Life Groups 9:15 AM / Worship 10:30 AM Sunday Evening: 5 PM Wednesday Evening 6 PM / Wed. Youth Meeting 6 PM Charles Empey - Interim Pastor We Love You And God Loves You.

200 W. Roundbunch 735-3581 www.fbcbc.org

Sunday schedule: Bible study 9:15 a.m., Sunday worship: 10:30 a.m., Adult, Youth, Children Discipleship Classes, Sun. 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Schedule 6:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting Youth & Children’s Activities Pastor: Keith Royal

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH ORANGEFIELD 9788 F.M. 105 Orangefield 409.735.3113 Sun: Bible Study 9:30 a.m., Worship Service 10:30 a.m., Wednesday evening services: Youth and Children 6:00 p.m., Praise and Prayer 6:00 p.m., Pastor Cody Hogden Email: office@fbcof.com / Website: www.fbcof.com

Colony Baptist Church

West Orange Christian Church 900 Lansing Street • West Orange • 409-670-2701

Sunday school 9:30 a.m. / Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m. Bible Study Sunday and Wednesday at 6 p.m. Pastor: Dr. Dusty Garison

“Our church family welcomes you!”

In His Steps

Not Your Average Church 2656B Mac Arthur Dr. • Orange • 409-221-2431 Saturday (Sabbath Day): 10:00 am Bible Class 11:00 am Worship / 6 pm Worship Tuesday: 7:00 pm Open Bible Study PASTOR: STEVE NEAL “We are here for lost souls, not noses and nickles.”

PASTOR SAM ROE Music Director: Tim McCarver Sunday School: 9:30 am Sunday Service: 10:30 am / Sunday Evening: 6 pm Wednesday Bible Study: 6 pm

1155 W. Roundbunch • Bridge City • 409.735.5546 Sunday Morning Traditional Worship: 8:30 a.m., Sunday school 9:30 a.m., Praise Worship 10:45 a.m. (Nursery provided) Wednesday SPICE 5:30 p.m. Includes meal, bible studies, children and youth activities. (Nursery provided). Rev. Mark Bunch Email: office@stpaulfamily.org

GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH

945 W. Roundbunch • Bridge City • 409-735-4573 Worship Services: Tradition 9 a.m., Sunday School 10:15 a.m., Contemporary Service 11 a.m., Tuesday Bible Study 10 a.m., Wednesday ‘Compassionate Friends’ 10 a.m., Thursday Bible Study 10:00 a.m. Pastor Paul Zoch 409-988-3003 - golutheran.org Our church family invites you to join us. We are a friendly, caring church of the future.

Orange First Church of the Nazarene 3810 MLK Drive, Orange

Lead Pastor Rev. Brad McKenzie Worship Director: Alyssa Click Co-Youth Pastors: Kenneth and Andrea Lauver Children’s Pastor Rebekah Spell. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Worship Service 10:45 a.m. / Wednesday Service 7 p.m.

Ofcnazarene.org or find us on Facebook

First Christian Church Disciples of Christ

Church of God in Christ 2800 Bob Hall Road • Orange • 886-4366

611 N. 9th St. • Orange

Pastor: Ernest B Lindsey

Sunday School 9 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Night Supper 4:45 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study 5:30 p.m.

Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wed. Bible Study - 6 p.m. Worship 7:30 p.m. VIM Youth 6 p.m.

Intercessory Prayer Daily 9:00 a.m. www.slcogicorange.org

Faith United Methodist Church

8608 MLK• Orange • 886-1291

Mid-Week Service - 6:00 pm Children & Youth Activities - 6:00 pm

St. Paul United Methodist Church

Starlight

TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH ORANGE 1819 16th Street • Orange • 886-1333

Pastor: Keith Tilley Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. Nursery Provided. (www.faithorange.org)

We Welcome You To Join Us. Sunday Morning Worship 11 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Nursury Provided

CORNERSTONE

MACARTHUR HEIGHTS BAPTISH CHURCH

BAPTIST CHURCH

13353 FM 1130 • Orange

Sunday School for all ages - 9:15 am Morning Worship - 10:30 am Evening Worship - 6:00 pm

Nursery Provided

First United Methodist Church Orange 502 Sixth Street 886-7466

The Tabernacle

Already. But not yet. Fulfillment of glorious promises — yes! But consummation in the new earth with new bodies and no sin — not yet. We are left confident, but still crying out: “O come, O come, Emmanuel.”

3600 Nightingale • Orange • 409-883-4834 Sunday School: 9:45-10:30 am Sunday Worship - 10:45 am Sunday Disciple Training- 6 pm Tuesday Morning Men’s Coffee 9:30 am Wednesday Night Service 7:00 pm

2537 FM 1078 • Orange • 883-8835 Sunday School 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. Sunday Services: 10:50 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Patronize ‘The Record’ Church Sponsors

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62 Auto Salvage LIKE NEW AUTOMOTIVE 4799 Winfree Rd. COLLISION SPECIALIST

Orange • 221-2431 STEVE NEAL - OWNER

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• The Record • Week of Wednesday, December 25, 2019 7B

THE RECORD

• Just $10 For A 30 Word Ad In Both Papers And The Web • Classified Newspaper Deadline: Monday 5 P.M. For Upcoming Issue • You Can Submit Your Ad ANYTIME Online At TheRecordLive.com

Community Classifieds Call 735-5305

Your ads published in both newspapers, the County Record and the Penny Record plus on our web site TheRecordLive.com APPLIANCES HARRY’S APPLIANCES - Used appliances starting at $99.95, 302 10th. St. (10th. & main) Orange, We also buy used appliances, Call or come by 409-886-4111.

FOR RENT For Rent at #15 Circle P, a 3 Bedroom, 2 bath w/ den & large living room. Please call 409670-6166

LAND FOR SALE 29 Acres For Sale on FM 1442, 800’ Cow Bayou frontage, plus 2 acre pond. Nice location for beautiful home / ranch in Orangefield ISD. Call/Text Libby Mitchell @Regency Real Estate Professionals 409718-1933

SERVICES Free Scrap metal removal. Do you have any old appliances? We will haul them away at no charge. Please call or you can text us at 409-330-1422.

HELP WANTED Local Established company is seeking a front office person. Some computer experience is helpful since payroll processing, data entry and other office duties are included. Please submit your resume to Penny Record PO Box 1008 Bridge City, TX 77611

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HELP WANTED FULL TIME & PART TIME GROCERY STOCKERS GROCERY CHECKERS - DELI WORKERS APPLY IN PERSON ONLY - NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE!

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Apply in person at 1265 Texas Ave, Bridge City

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RAPE AND CRISIS CENTER of SETX provides critical services for those in crisis due to sexual assault, rape, suicide or general crisis. The 24 Hour Hot line is provided for crisis intervention at anytime, 24/7. Our number is 1-800-7-WE-CARE or 1-800-793-2273. Please do not hesitate to reach out to someone whom can help you during a crisis. The Lloyd Grubbs American Legion Post #49 located at 108 Green Avenue in Orange, meets on the second Saturday of each month at 2 p.m., please join us. The Dementia Care Givers Support Group meets at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Canticle Building, 4300 Meeks Drive in Orange. The second Wednesday morning of every month at 10:00 am and also on the second Thursday evening of every month at 6:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. Pathway To Freedom - AA/NA meeting every Wednesday at Cove Baptist Church 1005 Dupont Dr., Orange, TX at 7:00 PM. Call 409-883-4155 between 9 AM and 4 PM. Leave a message if no answer and we will call you back. Al-Anon can help if someone close to you has a drinking problem. Al-Anon meets Sundays & Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., North Orange Baptist Church, 4775 N. 16th St. (Rear), Orange, TX 77632. Call 4742171 or 988-2311 for more info. Calls are kept Confidential.

SEWING

Costumes Hemming Jean Hems Stockings Alterations 409-238-1230

American Legion Post 49 Hall Rentals Call for info @ 409-886-1241

TRACTOR WORK • Bush Hogging • Water • Dirt & Shell • Sewer • Electrical • Digging Services

LOCAL

409-670-2040

Bridge City AlAnon meetings are held on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Library at St. Henry’s Catholic Church Education building, located at 475 W. Roundbunch Road, Bridge City. For more information, please contact Cindy at 409-7499036 or Mike at 409-718-0333. NOTICE: Vehicle stored at Gilbeaux’s Towing and Transport Inc. 058449 VSF 16527 Hwy 62 S. Orange, TX 77630 PH (409) 886-0007 Total charges cannot be computed until the vehicle is claimed, storage charges will accrue daily until the vehicle is released. Must demonstrate proof of ownership and pay current charges to claim vehicle. www.tdlr.texas.gov

Vin#1N4DL01D1XC142141 99 NISSAN Owed $673.35 Vin#3HGCM56447G701978 07 HONDA Owed $310.40

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters ofTestamentary for the Estate of RAYMOND LEE LELEUX, Deceased, were issued on the DECEMBER 18, 2019, in Cause No. P18564, pending in the County Court at Law of Orange County, Texas, to: Marvin Leleux.

• Penny Record Office: 333 West Roundbunch, Bridge City • County Record Office: 320 Henrietta, Orange Note: Offices Closed On Wednesday

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ACROSS 1. Taken where? 6. Vegas bandit’s body part 9. Titian’s Venus or Collier’s Godiva 13. Indian metropolis 14. Flapper’s neckwear 15. E-cigarette output 16. Galsworthy’s “The Forsyte ____,” pl. 17. Bovine hangout 18. UV light absorber 19. *Scrooge’s late partner 21. *December 26th, a.k.a. ____ Day 23. Ideas worth spreading, acr. 24. Great deal 25. *Like Santa’s suit 28. “____ Las Vegas,” Presley song 30. 1/100th of a ruble 35. Pupil’s place 37. *Sleigh bell sound 39. Fairytale dustsprinkler 40. German Mrs. 41. Chose between competitors 43. Type of ballistic missile, acr. 44. Not a gregarious one 46. Castaway’s home 47. Fungal spore sacs 48. Pencil end, often 50. ____-a-Sketch 52. Summer color

53. Cuckoo 55. “____ the ramparts...” 57. *Santa’s call 60. *Welcoming holiday decor 63. Bird of prey’s hunting tool 64. 16th birthday gift? 66. Engages the services 68. Skirt shape 69. Beehive State native 70. Bikini, e.g. 71. Bibliophile’s concern, sing. 72. D.C. bigwig 73. Australian Aboriginal’s war club DOWN 1. *Do holiday ones start earlier every year? 2. Show pleasure 3. Aquarium organism 4. Navigational aid 5. *Hanukkah month 6. Competently 7. Wade’s 1973 opponent 8. Not yes, nor no 9. Like Hitler’s Germany 10. Second word in fairytale 11. *Ding follower in “Wonderful Christmastime” 12. *”But I heard him exclaim, ____ he drove out of sight...”

• Garage Sales • Birthdays • For Sale • Weddings • Rentals • Memorials • Services • Engagements

15. Public opinion, in Great Britain 20. Changes to a manuscript 22. Sturdy tree 24. Telephone part 25. *Ralphie’s wish 26. Trial’s partner 27. Late Princess of Wales 29. IV+IV 31. Type of cotton fiber 32. Exit plus s 33. Around 34. *Macaulay’s famous character 36. Takes to court 38. *Hanukkah gift 42. “Magnolia” ware 45. Not in its original form 49. Pep rally syllable 51. TV variety show classic 54. Concentrate 56. Yogurt-based dip 57. *Manger’s glow 58. Dish of stewed meat 59. “____ if you...,” on a bumper sticker 60. Small songbird 61. Trampled 62. In custody 63. Coca Cola’s first diet drink 65. *What Whos did to roast beast? 67. Silvester Stallone’s nickname

BUSINESS CARD LISTING

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All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

409-886-7183 409-735-5305

ORANGE’S OLDEST HOMETOWN APPLIANCE DEALER

SI NCE 1963

HARRY’S

APPLIANCE & SERVICE, INC.

c/o: Tommy Gunn Attorney at Law 202 S. Border Street Orange, TX 77630

• FREEZERS • DISHWASHERS • REFRIGERATORS • WASHERS & DRYERS • RANGES • AIR CONDITIONERS We sell parts for all major brands - We service what we sell! FREE LOCAL 302 10th St. DELIVERY Orange

Dated the 19th day of December, 2019.

409•886•4111

Tommy Gunn Tommy Gunn Attorney for: Marvin Leleux

State Bar No.: 08623700 202 S. Border Street Orange, TX 77630 Phone: (409)882-9990 Fax: (409)882-0613 Email: tommy@gunnlaw.org

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Te s t a m e n t a r y for the Estate of JACK WALKER ETHEREDGE,JR., D e c e a s e d , were issued on OCTOBER 29, 2019, in Cause No. P18566, pending in the County Court at Law of Orange County, Texas, to: Charlotte Ellia Etheredge .

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of CALVIN W. STAKES, SR., Deceased, were issued on APRIL 17, 2019, in Cause No. P18381, pending in the County Court at Law of Orange County, Texas, to: Kellie Marie Muckleroy .

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Te s t a m e n t a r y for the Estate of JEANMARIE R O G E R T A L A V E R A , Deceased, were issued on JULY 9, 2019, in Cause No. P18382, pending in the County Court at Law of Orange County, Texas, to: Lois Talavera.

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o:

Charlotte Ellia Etheredge 450 Gilmer Street Bridge City, TX 77611

DATED the 29th day of October, 2019.

David Dies David Dies

Attorney for:

Charlotte Ellia Etheredge

State Bar #:00797206 1703 Strickland Dr. Orange, TX 77630 Phone: (409)883-0892 Fax: (409)670-0888 Email: rherford@dieslaw.com

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o:

Kellie Marie Muckleroy 190 Farnsworth Place Sequim, WA 98382

DATED the 17th day of April, 2019.

David Dies David Dies

Attorney for:

Kellie Marie Muckleroy

State Bar #:00797206 1703 Strickland Dr. Orange, TX 77630 Phone: (409)883-0892 Fax: (409)670-0888 Email: rherford@dieslaw.com

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o:

Lois Talavera 2580 North Tram Vidor, TX 77662

DATED the 9th day of July, 2019.

David Dies David Dies

Attorney for: Lois Talavera

State Bar #:00797206 1703 Strickland Dr. Orange, TX 77630 Phone: (409)883-0892 Fax: (409)670-0888 Email: rherford@dieslaw.com

Stakes Electric COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL OLD HOMES • LED UPGRADES ALL UNDERGROUND

409-749-4873

Licensed Customer: #25151 Master: #14161 Great Rates & Better Quality, Guarenteed.

Thibeaux’s Lawn Service Call for free bids

409-679-3748 Troy Thibeaux

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• The Record • Week of Wednesday, December 25, 2019

How to Declutter Your Child’s Room to Make Way for Play Organization is more conducive to playtime, which is why Wilmot and The Genius of Play, an initiative whose mission is to raise awareness about the importance of play and help parents make it a critical part of raising kids, are offering eight tips to clean up the inevitable clutter: • Provide Bins: Use bins to help kids organize toys, art supplies and games, keeping size in mind -- the bigger the bin, the harder it is to locate specific toys or objects. While clear bins are great for closets by making it easy for kids to identify their contents, color-coded or decorative bins are more visually appealing options for the playroom.

(StatePoint) While all the gear, clothes and toys your kids possess are signs of a joyful childhood, keeping it all organized is essential for health, safety and even fun. “Too many toy choices that are unorganized can make it difficult to find a toy to play with at all,” says Keri Wilmot, pediatric occupational therapist and an expert contributor to TheGeniusofPlay.org. “What’s more, the chaos can pose various safety hazards.”

• Make Smart Furniture Choices: Shelving lets children see what’s available to play with, however toys that require adult assistance are best stored in closed bins inside a cabinet or closet that’s inaccessible to kids. Closed cabinets have the added benefit of reducing the appearance of clutter. Make sure to secure shelves or furniture to the wall for safety so they can’t tip over. • Rotate Toys: Rotating toys’ placement inside storage areas will remind kids of all the fun toys they have, and is an excellent boredom-prevention tool. • Donate: Before holidays, birthdays or other occasions when kids are showered with gifts, talk to your child about what toys

Harmon

are no longer used, and give them a second life by passing them on to a neighbor or friend with a younger child or by donating them to a charitable organization. Throw away any toys that are broken, hazardous or recalled. • Use Space Wisely: While big toys like kitchens and playhouses offer up fun, they can take up a lot of playroom real estate. Opt for alternatives that can be taken down when not in use, like pop-up tents, tunnels and playhouses. • Schedule Clean-Up: Set a clean-up schedule that gives kids a role in sorting and putting items back into their correct places. Make a game of it by turning on tunes and seeing who’s the fastest. • Get Toys off the Floor: Stepping on certain toys can be painful. A child-sized table offers a stable surface for building brick structures and other creations, plus it gets small toys off the floor. • Use Walls: Maximize space and creativity by installing a whiteboard or chalkboard to use as an art surface. Walls are also a good place to store shelving for books. Parents searching for more play ideas and expert tips like these can visit TheGeniusofPlay.org or follow @GeniusofPlay on Facebook and Instagram. Decluttering play areas pays off, giving kids more opportunities to play and learn safely.

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2006 Dodge Durango SLT

Thank You To All Of Our Customers and Friends For A Great Year.

2011 Smart ForTwo

Merry Christmas

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Harmon’s Price

3,950

Blue, Auto., Power, Leather, Loaded, 83K. Stock No. 986P

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BUY HERE! PAY HERE! OPEN: MONDAY-FRIDAY 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. CLOSED SATURDAY & SUNDAY.

CORNER OF MACARTHUR AND HENRIETTA STREET, ORANGE, 409-670-0232 All Prices Plus TT&L. Photos For Illustration Purposes Only

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