Orange Living Magazine January 2020 by The Orange Leader

JAN ZUNIGA:

“I NEEDED TO SEE... THE AMAZING CLOSENESS OF ORANGE.”

SUNSET GROVE COUNTRY CLUB GREAT GOLF AND FUN

COUNCIL MEMBER MCKENNA

GIVES A TOUR OF HER HISTORIC HOME Winter 2020

2020

OPEN EVERY SECOND FRIDAY & SATURDAY 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Tours are free, but require online reservation. Visit

starkculturalvenues.org/whstarkhouse

to reserve your tour.

TABLE CONTENTS OF

CULTURE

Sunset Grove Country Club offers great golf and fun...............................................6

RECIPE

DAY TRIP

Exploring the Big Thicket..........................................15

HOME

Holiday party menu ideas for the grill..........................10

Mary Mckenna’s house reflects years of memories, history..................................................16

HEALTH

RESTAURANT

FEATURE

ON THE SCENE

A Healthy Heart for Life............................................11 Jan Zuniga: “I needed to see... the amazing closeness of Orange.”...........................12 On the cover: Jan Zuniga, Captain with Salvation Army, as she participates in the annual Toy Coffee event in Orange.

Paul’s Seafood brings great food and atmosphere..19 See who was seen out and about..............................21

WHY I LOVE ORANGE COUNTY

Russell Bottley.............................................................31

Your Comfort Is Our Business • Number one choice for AC and heating in Southeast Texas

409-883-9616 i-airsolutions.com 2435 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr, Orange, TX 77630

• A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau • Installation of reliable residential and commercial HVAC systems • Servicing all brands • Modern solutions for improving indoor air quality

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ORANGE NEWSMEDIA, LLC GENERAL MANAGER Dawn Burleigh

DESIGNER Dawn Burleigh Design2Pro

PHOTOGRAPHY Dawn Burleigh Van Wade

EDITOR’S LETTER

Christmas is past as we set our sights on the new year and snuggle into winter. As I look towards the winter months and countdown to Spring, I thought I would reflect on some winter activities. Apparently, whoever created the lists of winter activities for adults did not live in Orange County. Here are just a few suggestions, so you may enjoy the laugh as well:

Holly Westbrook

1. Build a snow fort in your backyard. For a shortcut use your picnic table to get started.

WRITERS

2. Go sledding. (Don’t forget to take a big carafe of hot chocolate with you!)

Dawn Burleigh

3. Ice skate on a frozen pond. (Sure, it might be bumpy but the ambiance is worth it.)

Van Wade Holly Westbrook

AD TRAFFIC AND SALES Candice Trahan Ginger Broomes

ABOUT Orange Living is published and distributed by Orange Newsmedia,

4. Go ice fishing. Can you imagine enough snow to build a fort? Or to go sledding? Where would we even attempt to sled? Where would we find ice skates if we could find a pond frozen enough to support a bunch of adults attempting to ice skate? Now, ice fishing did cause me to ponder a moment. Fishing from a pier at near freezing temperatures is pretty close to ice fishing, so not on my to-do list. So, I researched for indoor activities. Here are a few suggestions, and much easier to try in oour area. 1. Make chili—a classic cold weather dish!

LLC for Orange County residents

2. Read a book by the fireplace.

promoting and encouraging

3. Knit or crochet a scarf or start learning how if you don’t already know how to knit or crochet.

the cultural and social scene in the Greater Orange Area. For

4. Make Charles Dickens’s Punch.

information about advertising, to

Charles Dicken’s Punch? Yes, I was curious as well.

ask a question or make a comment about our magazine, contact Orange Newsmedia, LLC at 409-883-3571 or by email at news@oarngeleader.com.

Charles Dickens’s Punch From Punch by David Wondrich Rind and Juice of 3 Lemons 6 oz by weight Demerara Sugar Cubes (see note below)

16 oz Pusser’s Rum 10 oz Remy Martin Cognac 40 oz Boiling Water Yield: 8 Cups Peel all three lemons with a swivel-head vegetable peeler, leaving behind as much of the white pith as possible Add rinds, sugar, and spirits to a fire-proof bowl Place a warm spoon of spirits over the bowl and light on fire Slowly pour the flaming contents of the spoon into the bowl, igniting it Let the contents of the bowl burn for 3 – 4 minutes, gently stirring occasionally (be careful not to put out the flame) Cover the bowl with a lid or metal pan, extinguishing the flame Add the juice of the lemons and the boiling water Stir, cover for five minutes, and stir again Place content of bowl into a loosely covered sauce pan and simmer on the stove for 15 minutes Serve Note: Dickens called for a “double-handfull” of lump sugar, which we’re assuming meant his sized hand. Wondrich recommends 6 oz and rough cubes; however, he does not state whether those ounces are by weight or volume. With sugar cubes, we always weigh, and indeed 6 oz by weight of La Perruche sugar cubes is two good handfuls for me. It’s also about 10 oz by volume. This produces a lovely, mellow, balanced punch. At 6 oz sugar cubes by volume, we found the punch too tart. Obviously, loose sugar measures differently by volume but should be roughly the same by weight. - http://12bottlebar.com/ 

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www.unitedwayorangecounty.org â€˘ 409-883-2591 Find us on:

SUNSET GROVE COUNTRY CLUB OFFERS GREAT GOLF AND FUN

By Van Wade

There is no question that Orange has an amazing golf course at Sunset Grove Country Club. The golf pro there is Kerry Lamb, who is always eager to help with everyone that wants to tackle the course. The course at Sunset Grove was designed by famed Scottish-born golf architect Donald Ross (1872-1948; donaldrosssociety.org.). Ross designed over 400 courses in the United States, but only three in Texas. Rossâ€™ most famous course is Pinehurst 2 in North Carolina. Rossâ€™ goal for each course was to make each golf hole present a different problem; to arrange the course so that every stroke must be

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made with full concentration and the attention necessary to good golf, and to build each hole in such a manner that it wastes none of the ground at one’s disposal and takes advantage of every possibility. The story of the building of the course is worth re-telling. The two oil and timber magnates in early Orange were Edgar Brown and W.H. Lutcher Stark. Brown owned the only golf course. Due to a disagreement, Stark was banned from playing on Brown’s golf course. To remedy the problem, Stark contacted Donald Ross in 1923 to design and build a golf course. The last nine holes were completed in 1926, for a total cost of $740,000 over $9 million in 2007 dollars. A rustic clubhouse was built in 1927 but was destroyed by fire in 1959. Another, more modern clubhouse took its place. In

2005, Hurricane Rita badly damaged the newer clubhouse. It was remodeled and refurbished to give us the clubhouse that we have today. The wooden pro shop was damaged beyond repair. A new pro shop stands in its place. The course, after Rita hit, had 400 more fewer trees. The course is the only Donald Ross course left in Texas that still uses the original design. The original Donald Ross plans are framed and hang in the Club House. After the death of W. H. Lutcher Stark in 1965, the course and all facilities were sold to the membership. Today, it is a non-profit corporation owned by its shareholders. The only changes that have been made are the addition of a watering system. The Sunset Grove Country Club Pro Shop

is open to the public with a wide variety of inventory and selection. Players can register in the golf shop before starting. Maximum group size is a fivesome. A single player has no standing on the golf course. Threesomes and foursomes are preferred. Each player must have a set of clubs. Tee times are required on Saturdays and Sundays. Golf carts are available through the Pro Shop. Golfing is certainly not the only perk that Sunset Grove Country Club has to offer. It also has a swimming pool and tennis court and a Reel Cajun restaurant that offers fine dining and a plethora of different kinds of food and drinks. Kerry Lamb is the general manager of the golf course and Pro Shop. For more information to find out about the amazing golf Sunset Grove Country Club has to offer, call (409) 883-9392. 

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JEANS FOR THE MODERN COWGIRL

GET BACK IN YOUR FAVORITE JEANS with these weight loss tips

(StatePoint) Do you have a favorite pair of jeans sitting in your closet with the hopes that one day they will fit again? You’re not alone! American women want to lose an average of 16.8 pounds to fit into their favorite pair of jeans and nearly 39 percent say they like to keep jeans in their closet that don’t fit to motivate them to lose weight, according to a survey by Nutrisystem. And while trying on jeans that don’t fit from the back of your closet or even a new pair at the store can be frustrating, being equipped with the right tips can help you get on the weight loss track and back in those jeans. 1. Eat Smart and Often. Aim to eat smaller meals every two to three hours, six times a day so that you don’t binge or overdo it. You’ll feel full and satisfied, which will help you make smarter choices. 2. Keep the Good Stuff Where You Can See it. It may sound overly simple but it’s true, you are more likely to eat healthy foods if you put them in a visible, easy-toreach location. And for the fridge? Don’t put your fruits and veggies in the produce

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bin! The middle shelf is the sweet spot. That’s where to keep your celery, carrots, apples, oranges and all that good stuff. 3. Don’t Go It Alone. Losing weight isn’t exactly a cakewalk. But it doesn’t have to be impossible. Find a weight loss plan that works for you and fits in with your lifestyle. Programs like Nutrisystem ensure you feel satisfied throughout the day and take the guesswork out of dieting, making it easier to stick with the plan and drop those pounds. 4. Drink Up. Hunger and thirst are easily confused, so stay hydrated. But don’t make the mistake of drinking your calories,” says Courtney McCormick, dietitian at Nutrisystem. Opt for water. If you’re looking for a more flavorful option, add fresh fruit slices, a few squeezes of lemon or some sprigs of mint leaves. 5. Find Your Routine and Stick With it. It’s important to make a plan for what you’ll eat and when you’ll exercise each week. Carve out part of your day that works for your schedule and you’ll be much more likely to follow through. You owe it to yourself to focus on your health. Making changes is never easy at first, but hang in there. Your results will fuel your continued commitment. For more information and more great tips, visit theleaf.nutrisystem.com. Remember, making healthy changes can help you solve your denim dilemma and get you back into your favorite jeans in no time! 

Presents

Follies 2020

Orange Ole' Days April 17th 2020 at the Lutcher Theater

Gold Rush

March 14th 2020 at the Shahan Center Lamar State College

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Bing Cherry Holiday Salad

DIRECTIONS: In a large bowl, stir together all except Jell-O, Coke, and boiling water. Be careful not to damage the cherries too much while stirring. In a medium bowl, pour 2 cups boiling water over the Jell-O mix, and then add Coca-Cola. After thoroughly stirring the Jell-O mixture, add to the large bowl with all of the other ingredients and stir well until combined. Then pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate for at least 8 hours prior to serving.

Sometime in the mid to late 1960s, my motherin-law started making a tasty Bing Cherry Salad. Original recipe is by Loree Sparks Payne, updated by Anne Hardy Payne. EQUIPMENT NEEDED: 1 large mixing bowl 1 medium mixing bowl Measuring cup Large spoon for stirring Large Jell-O mold 1 cake platter with cover INGREDIENTS: 1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 cup finely chopped pecans 1 large or 2 small cans Bing Cherries, round dark-pitted. (Can only get at HEB)

1 cup diced celery (or more cherries instead of celery, if preferred) 1 large can crushed pineapple, drained 1 large or 2 small cherry Jell-O pkgs. 2 cups boiling water 2 cups Coca-Cola

Note: to remove from the mold, turn the container over onto a large platter and run a little bit of warm water over mold with platter underneath until the salad comes out. Careful, it will be quick and is a little tedious. Return to refrigerator until ready to serve. I use a covered cake platter with cover to make certain mold is covered in fridge. 

Holiday party menu ideas for the grill

Wow your friends and family by using a wood pellet grill and smoker to create every dish on your holiday party menu this season. With these tips and recipes from the chefs at Louisiana Grills, you can craft festive gourmet dishes infused with sophisticated hardwood flavor.

APPETIZER COURSE Smoked cheese is a savory delicacy that offers a delicious flavor profile when served alongside crackers or bread. Unfortunately, the “smoked” flavor of store-bought cheese typically only comes from liquid smoke. With a cold smoking cabinet on your wood pellet grill, smoking cheese the oldfashioned and authentic way is uncomplicated, particularly when using one from Louisiana Grills, as it produces layers of delicate flavor by circulating cool smoke around the cheese, and eliminating the need for rotation. COLD SMOKING CHEESE TIPS: • Let it reach room temperature before smoking. • Keep the temperature inside the cabinet below 90 degrees F. • Smoke outside in cooler temps for two to four hours. • Wrap well and let rest refrigerated for at least 24 hours. MAIN COURSE Purchasing high-quality meat can make a

significant difference in the overall flavor of your dish, so be sure to select locally-raised, grass-fed meat. Livestock raised on grass-fed farms have lower amounts of lactic acid in their muscles, which offers superior taste and texture. For your party’s centerpiece, consider this Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Blackberry Sauce recipe for a gorgeous roast that’s rich in holiday flavor.

• Fire up your Louisiana Grill and set the temperature to 225 degrees F. Place the pork tenderloin directly on the grill grates and smoke for 1-2 hours, flipping once, until the temperature in the middle reaches 145 degrees F. • Remove from the grill and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Slice thinly and serve with the fresh blackberry sauce.

INGREDIENTS: • 1 pound pork tenderloin • 1 Tablespoon olive oil • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt • 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder • 6 ounces thinly sliced bacon • 1/2 cup fresh blackberries, washed and dried • 1/4 cup seedless blackberry preserves • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard INSTRUCTIONS: • Pierce the pork tenderloin all over with a fork and rub with olive oil until fully coated. Season well with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Then, wrap in bacon and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. • Next, puree the fresh blackberries in a blender and strain into a saucepan. Add in seedless blackberry preserves, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, stirring frequently over medium heat until thickened.

A SWEET FINISH End the night on a sweet note by smoking your favorite cobbler or pie. Place it in the grill and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. Add a festive touch by serving with your favorite gourmet holiday ice cream. For more tips and recipes for holiday meals and more, visit louisiana-grills.com. By preparing your holiday party menu with a wood pellet grill this year, you can impress your loved ones with an extraordinary wood-fired feast. Source: StatePoint 

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A HEALTHY HEART FOR LIFE By Angels Care Home Health

Our heart is a powerful organ that constantly works, never pausing to rest. Having a healthy heart gives us more energy, helps our organs function better, keeps our bodies stronger, and ultimately helps us live longer. The better care we take of our heart, the more physically and emotionally happy we will be now and in the future. The reality is that people young and old develop heart disease. As we get older, however, we become more susceptible to suffering from heart disease. There are some risk factors that are in our control and if you have them and choose not to attempt to control them, you are more likely to develop heart disease and have a heart attack. As part of its Community Classroom education series, Angels Care Home Health strives to educate the community on how to maintain a healthy heart and prevent heart disease. Following are some helpful tips and information that go a long way in helping you protect your heart because heart healthy living is beneficial to your overall health.

KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEART ATTACK: • Chest pain or discomfort • Upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach • Shortness of breath • Nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats RISK FACTORS: • Are a senior • Have a family history of heart disease • Smoking • High blood pressure • High blood cholesterol • Being overweight or obese • Eat an unhealthy diet • Don’t exercise • Have high blood sugar due to insulin resistance or diabetes TAKE THESE STEPS NOW TO PROTECT YOUR HEART: • Follow your doctor’s instructions and stay on your medications • Get regular heart health screenings (adults should get one screening per year from their

primary physician) • Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in a healthy range • Eat a healthy diet that is low in salt, total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and rich in fresh fruits and vegetables • Take a brisk 10-minute walk, 3 times a day, 5 days a week; make sure to consult your physician before starting a new exercise program or increasing activity level • Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible f you have or are at risk of having heart disease, there are resources available to help you take control of your health and minimize your risk of heart attack. Most importantly, talk to your health care provider, follow the instructions they give you and find support in friends and family. The health of your heart is in your hands. When you follow a heart healthy living plan, you are taking steps to ensure a healthy, active, productive and independent lifestyle. Angels Care Home Health specializes in serving the health care needs of the senior population. As a trusted health care provider, we offer skilled nursing care and restorative therapy services in the home that emphasizes disease management and education for a healthier and more independent patient. If you or a loved one are 65 and older, and have a disease or condition that makes it difficult to leave home, you may be eligible to receive health care services in your home. Please call our Liberty office at 936-336-2224, visit angelscarehealth.com for more information, or ask your doctor about home health care services. 

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JAN ZUNIGA:

“I NEEDED TO SEE...THE AMAZING CLOSENESS OF ORANGE.”

By Holly Westbrook

“Last year He took it all away from me. I had no energy.” Salvation Army Core Officer Jan Zuniga needed a tonsillectomy badly, yet, she speaks of her ability to serve through ministry and not her illness. Jan is very passionate about her role in the Army as a Captain and admitted that letting other’s help in coordinating events, such as the Angel Tree, is difficult for her due to the many years of serving. But she needed rest and healing before and after the surgery.

Feeling that she let down the community when the perfectly planned surgery hit a roadblock and was unable to attend Toy Coffee brought the mother of two down even more. But “everyone was helping,” she said, yet this too, was hard. “I kept getting up to do things and people would tell me to sit back down. I put everything, everyone first above me.” “I needed to see last Christmas to see the amazing closeness of Orange. It wasn’t just one group of people that came out to help when I was sick, but many groups and individuals

showed just how much this community cares for each other.” “When we moved here to Orange, I needed healing. Yet, Orange needed us at full capacity at that point.” Harvey devastated even those who came to help.

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Jan put herself on the backburner and to cope became a workaholic giving more of herself than was healthy. “I was falling apart more and more, losing and losing. Reality is last year I totally was broken apart emotionally, relationship wise, socially and physically.” Now thanks to the community within Orange County, she now is finding herself once more and able to serve others at the capacity she previously did. Orange, she said, reminds her of the small communities she’s lived in while “flitting everywhere” with her family, in college and with the Army.

“I know I’m busy, but I’m still mom. It’s a priority to have my kids to know I’m here for them.” Not always having the time to bake and cook with her two girls one on one with them outside work and community service, Jan takes every opportunity to be with them. The girls come to service every Sunday. Jan’s most prominent years, her teens, were spent in Little Rock, Arkansas and she said segregation was still an issue in the ‘90s. This also helped Jan later on in life to be open-minded in her determination that everyone deserves love and respect. “You wouldn’t think that this (separation of race and gender) would happen today (talking about in the 1990’s).

She’s glad that her daughter, Sophia, gets to “experience the same small-town closeness” that she had in her childhood. With neighbor’s feeling like friends and children playing from house to house. “The heartbeat of the Army was a significant part of who I was growing up. Here (my girls) get to experience the small-town feel.” Right now, she is on the PTA for her oldest daughter and a room mom.

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“But because of the history of the city and the segregation law, it is still there (for the community),” Jan explained, going on to tell a story of how a school almost wouldn’t accept her brother but would her because there wasn’t a spot for a Caucasian male, yet one for a female in the preforming arts school. Reading to relax and traveling are two of her passions. Before coming to Orange, they had not long returned from another trip for the Army.

The latest trip outside the U.S. sent her back to South Africa where she was immersed in local culture in the outskirts of Johannesburg. There Jan was able to experience to of the largest Sowetos while giving of herself in return. “I love to travel. If you want to know me outside of the Army, then travel (would be the best way.) Her first opportunity with the Army to help internationally was in the Republic of Georgia, formally of Russia. After that it was to Cape Town, South Africa for a conference, Mexico City, Mexico to visit a Salvation Army run children’s Home and on to Canada later.

Within the Salvation Army both men and women have equal rights to minister, and you move from congregation to congregation. When you move on depends on your assignments.

As a person, Jan has a bad habit of downplaying herself and her accomplishments. “I under rate that I have a voice.” She dislikes the fact that she doesn’t speak up on what The Salvation Army needs are because in the long run it hurts the community. “I truly care about the kids in the Boys and Girls club and hope they grow and reach the moon. You can do anything you want to do.”

“People may call it (being a minister) a job, but for (me) this is not a job. Everyone’s got something to give. Love is shown not just with words but with action. I will always have the freedom to minister. I’m not going to get caught up on where I am, so I’m given the freedom just to serve.” This coming up year Jan will be a Core Officer, meaning a minister for the Salvation Army, for 12 years. “Even if I wasn’t in the Salvation Army,” Jan said, “I think I would still give back to others in another way. It’s just the type of person I am.” 

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Day Trip

Exploring the Big Thicket Photo courtesy of NPS Source: https://www.bigthicket.org/

Big Thicket National Preserve protects 113,121.96 acres of land and water spread over seven counties in southeast Texas. While public roads connect the units of the preserve, few roads lead into it; the best way to explore and experience this area is by foot or by boat. Approximately 40 miles of hiking trails and countless miles of creeks, bayous, and the Neches River wind through the Big Thicket. Most visitors come to walk, birdwatch, canoe, and kayak. The best place to start your trip is at the Big Thicket National Preserve Visitor Center. Educational displays and a 15-minute orientation film provide about the early settlers

of the Big Thicket and why this area became protected as a national preserve and preserve staff can help you plan your visit. At the visitor center you can find trail maps and talk to a ranger to find recreational options. While there are no developed campgrounds or designated campsites in the preserve, people may backpack into many areas or camp on sandbars along the Neches River and Village Creek. There is no road or hiking access to sandbars; these are accessible only by boat. Permits are required for camping in the preserve. These are free and must be obtained

in person at the visitor center within 7 days of the start of the trip. Campers must call the visitor center at the completion of their trip to check out. Call the visitor center at 409-9516700 for more information on camping. Camping is permitted year-round in the Turkey Creek Unit, the Canyonlands Unit, and along the Woodlands Trail, as well as on sandbars along Village Creek and the Neches River, including those in the Neches Bottom and Jack Gore Baygall Unit. It is permitted throughout the Beaumont Unit, Big Sandy Creek Unit, Beech Creek Unit, Lance Rosier Unit, and Neches Bottom and Jack Gore Baygall Unit outside of hunting season, which generally runs October through February. ď ´

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INSIDE THE NEYLAND-GILMER HOUSE Councilmember Mary McKenna gives a tour of her historic home By Dawn Burleigh

â€˘

Photos by Dawn Burleigh

A pink house in the historic district stands out among others. Known as the Neyland-Gilmer House according to a historical marker, it is the place City of Orange Councilmember Mary McKenna calls home. The exact construction of the original house has not been found, according to a program from the dedication of the marker. Presumedly, Albert and Louisa Neyland built it after their marriage on May 20, 1875. Alexander Gilmer purchased the home on July 30, 1877. Gilmer owned several sawmills in Texas and other states. He was also one of the most influential citizens in this part of Texas. Gilmer, during the Civil War, owned several vessels, ran the blockade several times and was on the G.H. Bell in the battle of Sabine Pass.

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The United States Navy blockaded the Texas coast beginning in the summer of 1861, while Confederates fortified the major ports. Union interest in Texas and other parts of the Confederacy west of the Mississippi River resulted primarily from the need for cotton by northern textile mills and concern about French intervention in the Mexican civil war, according to Texas State Historical Association.

Wainscoating is wooden paneling that lines the lower part of the walls of a room. In McKenna’s home, it is has a distinctive pattern of the Victorian area.

Each room of the house is constructed to have ventilation from three side and roof gable is decorative, distinct and different in its decoration.

Throughout the home, you can see the decorating touches of both mother and daughter.

The original floor is preserved in the library and is three inch wide pine flooring. “Notice the bullseye decorations used in the door way,” McKenna pointed out at the corners of the trim work around the doors. “In the hallway you can see the wainscoating.”

McKenna’s parents bought the house in 1975. “The dining room is the oldest part of the house,” McKenna said. “They added the square nails.”

“Mother collected clocks,” McKenna said. “I collect crosses.” One clock is a reproduction of one found in the Louvre, also known as the Louvre Museum, is the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris, France. The clock now graces a mantel which McKenna’s mother had built.

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“She found it in a barn and had it built,” McKenna said. “The brass clock belonged to a great aunt in Dad’s family. It is a model of a clock in the Louvre.” During a tour of her home, McKenna points out pictures her great grandmother painted which are framed and hanging on the wall. “Notice there are no nails in doors,” McKenna said. “They are pegged.” While the home is not the one McKenna grew up in, there are many memories in the place she calls home. “In 1975, Mom wanted a house to match the antiques she collected,” McKenna said. “I moved back here after getting my Masters in 1979 to help get the hospice started.” McKenna describes her home as ‘a nice old house that is warm and feels friendly.’ “There are lots of good memories over the years as the family adds spouses and babies,” McKenna said. 

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Paul’s Seafood offers tremendous food and a friendly atmosphere led by owner Maan Darwish along with Dewanda Carter and Christian Carter.

PAUL’S SEAFOOD BRINGS GREAT FOOD AND ATMOSPHERE

By Van Wade

•

Photos by Van Wade

VIDOR – If a family wants to get a quick getaway to find some amazing seafood in a relaxing atmosphere, then Paul’s Seafood in Vidor is a superb place to make the taste buds rise up and take notice and the atmosphere and service is top-notch as well. Paul’s Seafood, located at 7226 Highway 12 between Vidor and Mauriceville, was started by the late Paul Malin in 2010. Malin passed away of cancer shortly after Hurricane Harvey in 2017 but his fiancé Dwanda Carter and family has kept the business going and flourishing. “This restaurant was Paul’s dream and we continued to help my baby’s dream stay alive,” said Carter. “He would be so proud of us.” Carter is selling the business to long-time family friend Maan Darwish, who will look to keep the business thriving.

Christian Carter stands in front of the lunch specials of the day at Paul’s Seafood in front of a nice aquatic setup.

“We’re going to keep it going, business as usual,” said Darwish. “We have the freshest seafood around and we will continue to keep our customers satisfied.”

When you get inside, there is a superb looking aquatic mural and a nautically themed totem pole, which makes you feel like you are right at home or even on a fishing boat.

“Maan will do great things with the business,” said Carter. “He knows what it is all about. Paul was the most amazing man ever and he took half my heart with him. My son Christian (Carter) is going to still be involved here at the restaurant and he just loves this place.”

There is so much that is offered on the menu that can fill up anyone in the family, even a hungry dad.

Paul’s also serves sandwiches such as patty melts, Philly cheese steak and BLTs and they also have wonderful salads like chicken salad and garden salad.

“We’ve always offered a wide variety, that’s for sure,” said Carter. “The seafood platter has always been the favorite, and it will definitely fill anyone up.”

There are plenty of “starters” as well like boudain balls, cheese sticks, cream cheese poppers, egg rolls and fried pickles.

Diners can kick back on the porch of the log cabin-styled design of the restaurant or they can dine inside.

Paul’s Seafood also has a Seafood-To-Go Market as they sell items raw by the pound and crawfish boiled or live in season by the pound.

The porch is larger than the inside of the structure and there are plenty of picnic tables in the open-air dining area. The aroma of fried shrimp and fried fish awaken the nose senses, making you want to bite into the amazing seafood as soon as you enter.

They also make some delicious Po-Boys that include shrimp, oyster, catfish, mahi-mahi and scallop.

All of their dinners come with two sides and hush puppies. Some of Paul’s featured dinner plates include catfish, shrimp, oysters, scallops, frog legs, BBQ crabs, stuffed crabs, boiled shrimp and crab cakes. They also have seafood combo meals along with family meal deals. They are well-known for their crab cakes along with their fish tacos. Also available are the non-seafood items such as hamburgers and steak dinners. The Surf N Turf is popular that features an eight-ounce sirloin and six shrimp.

Paul’s is also known to play host to several local bands that come and set up on the porch to play for patrons. It’s been the first Thursday of each month but when crawfish season comes along there are even more live performances as customers get their bellies full of the mudbugs. Many people across the area know how nice and quaint dining can be at Paul’s. It may be off the beaten path but the atmosphere is superb, the food is great, and it’s a tremendous restaurant to just kick back and enjoy a staff with amazing hospitality. Paul’s Seafood hours are generally 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday. For more information and to get pick-up orders, the phone number for Paul’s Seafood is (409) 745-3379. 

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ON THE

SCENE

Coffee with the President is held once a quarter in LSCO President’s Conference Room.

Jessica Jaeger and Jamie Due

9.27.19

Stacy DeMontmollin, Camie Colley, Colleen Baker, Lacey LeMoine

Standing - Eric Owens, Elias Jureidini, Tara Lanphar, Dr. Gwen Whitehead. Seated Dr. Al Barringer, April Henderson

Karen Johnson and Patty Collins

Photos courtesy of Lamar State College Orange Want to see your event On The Scene? Send us the name and date of your event and pictures with persons named left to right. Email us at news@orangeleader.com

January 2020 | 21 m

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ON THE

SCENE BC National Night Out

Jacob L. Trahan and Kai Baldwin

Brantley and Graison Court

Stephen Hudnall, Leah Hyde, Stephen Gault, and Daniel McLemore

Caitlin and Eric Andrus

10.01.19

Robert Currie and Kacey Burnitt

Trace Fitzgerald, James Fitzgerald, William Trahan and Jacob L. Trahan

William Trahan and Ayden Yasin

Sandra Hoke and Deborah Bednar

22 | January 2020 m

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ON THE

SCENE Breakfast Connection

Rita Ballard and Mary McKenna

Michael Catt, Chris Kovatch and Brad Childs

11.7.19

Rex Peveto and Pastor Jeff Bell

Tad McKee and Ida Schossow

Kacey Burnitt, Robret Currie, Honey Staudenmier and Jennifer Corrao

January 2020 | 23 m

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ON THE

SCENE

Lutcher Theater 40th season open

David Jones and Ida Schossow

Gielsa Houseman and Tad McKee

Joshua Cole and Rose Simar

Wendy Elliott and Chelsea Fountain

10.3.19

Cris McLeod, Jenny Kiser, Brinna Compos, and Jennifer Dickinson

24 | January 2020 m

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ON THE

SCENE Special Angels Rodeo

Richard, Kameron, and Angie Lane

Jeff, Kayden, and Elizabeth Walker

Jo Harris, Cynthia Bellard, and Reagan Pitre

11.9.19

Joy the Clown, Jimmy Lane Mooney, and James Sutton

Marnin Harris, Courtney Douresseau, and Tina Shelton

Clowns Banjo, Big Buddy, Jumbo, Biskit, Squiggly, Tiny, and Kid Flicky

January 2020 | 25 m

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ON THE

SCENE Cajun Fest

10.19.19

Miss Le Cajun IIVI Sarah Sommers Rep. All CFMA Chapters

Daniel Trahan and Troy LeJeune

Ms. Cajun Music Ashley Robin Rep. Lake Charles Chapter

Paula Fontenot, Mary Ann Licatino, Barbara Gilchrist

Reggie Ezell, Terri Childs, Dayle Foreain, Debborah Dabaj

26 | January 2020 m

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ON THE

SCENE Chili Cookoff

Akrotex Jana Clark, Bruce Byerly, Lanny Harrison, Terri Fonville and Kaela Johnson

Chevron Phillips Simon Duck and Liz Prejean

OCARC Becca McCormack, Jo Benson, and Sandy McCormack

11.7.19

Chem 32 William Goergie and Morgan Vrana

Four Amigos Keith White, Angie McDonald, and Matt Doiron

The Lab Rats Don McCollough and Lacey Garder

January 2020 | 27 m

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ON THE

SCENE Breakfast Connections

10.3.19

Rex Peveto and Robert Currie

Copper Kotz and Joe Medulla

Dr. Al Barringer and Tad McKee

Maureen McAllister and Kristen Placette

Christi Moerbe and Beth Arnold

EJ Sherlock, David Thornhil, Terry Daniels and Rev. Jeff Bell

28 | January 2020 m

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ON THE

SCENE

Special Angels Rodeo Fundraiser

10.10.19

Jake, Ms French, Joker and Scootch

Clark Slacum and Gil Mazzola

Jorisha Lewis and Cody Dunaway

Keith and Shelly Wallace and Matt Ortego

Lu Harris and Kevin Norton

Teresa Blevins and Bob Keffer

Tony Strother and Jimmy Mooney

January 2020 | 29 m

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ON THE

SCENE Taste of the Holidays

11.12.19

Terrie and Brad Childs

Jessica Hill and Kirk Roccaforte

Todd Duhon and Johnny Trahan

LaToya Overstreet and Percy Johnson

Tricia Stroud and Leigh Ann Dallas

Wally and Lanie Brown

Linda and Woody Dollar

30 | January 2020 m

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WHY I LOVE I

ORANGE COUNTY

By Russell Bottley

I was fortune enough to be born in Orange, Texas in Orange Memorial Hospital where my mother worked for over 50 years, and I guess I had no choice but to start my love of Orange, Texas right there.

Orange is a pretty unique place geographically because of its central location in the United States, its not far from the east coast and not to far from the west coast, hugged up along the Gulf of Mexico. I love telling people from other parts of Texas that ask “where is Orange, Texas?” and I will respond, we are located where the sun rises in Southeast Texas on the Texas/Louisiana border and we are also known by some locals as the “fruit city”. The city of Orange has really grown since my childhood in grade school in the 70’s in the West Orange Cove Consolidated School District. There is so much to offer for families and the citizens that live here. One of my favorite teachers, the late Michael Hoke, who taught me science in middle school, was responsible for the reopening of Shangri La Botanical Gardens along with the help of the Stark Foundation. This place is a hidden gym nestled inside of our city that can rival many other tourist destinations in the country. Another thing I love is one can visit downtown Orange from the Stark Museum, Lamar State College Orange to the Riverfront Park and learn a lot about our history here in Orange and it’s unique citizens.

The people of Orange and it’s surrounding counties band together like no other when one of its own is in need of help or disasters occur. I have witnessed and been on both sides of the helping when one is need in Orange. We become a tight knit family and put our heads down and pick up the pieces and rebuild one another spirits, hope, homes and whatever else needs to been done until the job is complete. The recent natural disasters such as the flood of Deweyville and Hurricanes Rita, Ike, Harvey and Tropical Storm Emelda only made Orange stronger at it core when it seemed after those events occurred that it would be hard to rebuild but look at us now. I have had the honor of serving for the people of Orange, being able to be apart of Orange County Disaster Recovery Board has been humbling and very rewarding being able to help our citizens get back in their homes effected by disasters. Michelle Tubbleville, the executive director of the board, is a diamond for the citizens of Orange County and is a “fruit of city”. Also, being apart of the Chamber of Commerce committee for national fishing events has a dream for me. I have fished on the Sabine River since I was a 7-year-old kid with my late Uncle Joseph Ray and never once did I think the Bassmaster professional fishing tournament tour would fish the Sabine River.

Dreams do come true, because I have gotten to help with the tournament which is coming back again in June of 2020 and made many new friends because the vision of John Gothia and David Jones. I personally have seen this city support our youth from the little league sports to high school events and extra curricular activities. The people of Orange love their sports and will support each other, from the green and gold, orange and white, blue and silver to the red and white, we become one. I am the community liaison for West Orange Stark High School and coach football and boys and girls track. During our state championship run in 2015 and 2016, this city bonded like I have never seen. I loved seeing this for everyone involved. I can remember my dad, Russell Bottley Sr., telling me stories as a youth about how people of Orange followed Emma H. Wallace Dragons football team, coached by the great Wille Ray Smith during there great years and it still holds true today in Orange. I will continue to call Orange, Texas the Fruit City not for the orange groves that use to grow here but for the people which are the fruit of the city and the love that I have for this place. The sun rises and sets in my favorite place, Orange, Texas. As far as I am concerned, there is no better place. 

January 2020 | 31 m

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February 23, 2020 59th Courir de Mardi Gras/ Church Point 1036 Easty Ebey-Saddle Tramp House Church Point, LA 70525 337-684-6009

February 25, 2020 20th Carnival d’Acadie (Mardi Gras) Down Town Crowley LA 70526 337-783-0824

April 25, 2020-April 26, 2020 18th Cajun Woodstock (Benefit for St. Jude Hospital) Church Point City Park 100 East Darbonne Street Church Point, LA 70525

Kelly’s Landing 1109 Robert’s Cove Road Crowley, La. 70526 337-788-0546

Crowley Motor Co. & Ford Building 425 North Parkerson Avenue Crowley, La. 70526 337-788-0824 www.crowley-la.com

Le Vieux Presbytere Rue Ivy LeJeune & south Rogers Street Church Point, LA 70526 337-684-5692