Unites the Community Against Cancer
Transcription
Unites the Community Against Cancer
take one october 2014 S o u t h e a s t American Cancer Society Unites the Community Against Cancer: plus Fall Food: Beer, Chili & Farm-to-Table Halloween Happenings & Senior Celebrations An Artful Montage Dogtober Fest & Depot Day T e x a s E v e n t s october 2014 10, 11 features a publication of SoutheastTexas.com 3827 Phelan Boulevard PMB 112 Beaumont, Texas 77707 409.201.9934 SoutheastTexasEvents.com ACS Uniting the Community 6 Against Cancer Portraits of Hope: Southeast Texas 8-9 Women Talk of Survival Fall for Food with Season's 10, 11 Edible Events Publisher Paul Chargois events 24, 25 Performing Arts Visual Arts Entertainment Sports & Recreation Charity Health, Wellness & Education Something for Seniors Praise & Worship Business & Networking Food & Beverage 22 23 24, 25 26, 27 28, 29 30, 31 32 32 33 33 d e pa rtm e n t s Facebook Friends Poll Recipe Pin-Tested Social Seen Southeast Texas Somebody Wining Brew Review Classified of the Month SoutheastTexas.com Stats Cartoon Corner Sneak Peek The Last Word 12, 13 14, 15 15 16, 17 18 20 21 34 36 37 37 38 Editor-In-Chief Shelly Vitanza Editor Beth Gallaspy Creative Director Tina Breland Art director Therese Shearer Web Content Manager Amy Dowdy Account executive Renee Cox circulation director Nickey Accardo photographer Jim Debes 15 from the cover Jim Debes, photographer for the SoutheastTexas.com EventsBook, was privileged to take this photo of Cindy Lucas on Sept. 8, the day she rang the bell at the Julie and Ben Rogers Cancer Center on Stagg Drive for the third time symbolizing the finality of her breast cancer treatment. Wearing purple, the color that represents all cancers, Lucas stands bald (having lost her hair to chemotherapy treatment) and brave for all Southeast Texans who are fighting to survive this devastating disease and in celebration of those who like her are survivors. Lucas and five other women share their stories of faith, hope and courage to encourage others during October, breast cancer awareness month. They are what the American Cancer Society calls “Pillars of Hope.” Read each of their journeys on pages 8 & 9 and learn how you can contribute to finding a cure through two causes- Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk and the Cattle Barons’ Ball, page 6. Cover generously sponsored by Subscribe to the EventsBook If you would prefer to receive your copies of the EventsBook in the mail for one year, please send $19.95 to: SoutheastTexas.com, 3827 Phelan Blvd., PMB 112, Beaumont, TX 77707 Include your mailing address. We list all events for Free. We are the one calendar for Southeast Texas. For the latest and most exciting events, visit us at www.SoutheastTexasEvents.com. contributing writers Monica Cobb Dominique Delgado Brandon East Beth Gallaspy Amie James Courtney Mleczewski Gerald Patrizi Kate Strickland Melissa Tilley Emily Wheeler Advertising Information: For advertising, please contact Renee Cox at 409.781.3603 or rcox@southeasttexas.com. To list your event on Southeasttexas.com: Visit Southeasttexas.com, click events. Under the Calendar tab, click “Submit an Event,” or email us at events@southeasttexas.com. Copyright 2014, SoutheastTexas.com. All rights reserved. All contents copyright 2014 Virtual Communities, Inc, The Events Books, SoutheastTexas.com. All rights reserved. EventsBook is a monthly publication. Events shown are from SoutheastTexasEvents.com. Priority listing is given to SoutheastTexasEvents.com’s member organizations. Other events are listed as space allows. For additional information on the events listed in the EventsBook and other events not listed, visit SoutheastTexasEvents.com. SoutheastTexas.com is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes that may have occurred since the publishing of this issue. Every effort has been made to ensure accurate information at the time of publication, however, this cannot be guaranteed. SoutheastTexas.com recommends visiting SoutheastTexas.com or contacting the represented companies to determine availability of service and to confirm date, time, location and other related event information. All submissions of editorial, photography, advertising and event information are accepted only without risk to the publisher for loss or damage. october 2014 Editor's Letter From God to Dog in 14 Days W ithin three weeks of welcoming an 8-week-old Boston terrier into our home last Christmas, the entire family – two cats, one dog, husband, kid and me, a life-long cat person – fell completely in love and became irrationally focused on our puppy, Buddy, subtly losing our free will and becoming subjects in “Bud Nation.” Not one of us can identify an isolated incident signifying our unconscious allegiance to the shorthaired, pug-nosed, black-and-white dictator but rather a series of events resulting in an absolute adoration for the larger-than-Great-Dane-personality that led to an obsessive state we now call Bud Mania. We think it started with Buddy’s food requirements. He refused to eat unless someone sat with him. Then he wanted a little something poured over his food, like chicken broth or a little cheese. Next he demanded multiple play times. Early morning runs and walks became a necessity to maintain household order, lest he jump on, chew up and terrorize all subjects. He raced and chased all other creatures, mid-morning after his nap and again mid-afternoon, requiring a 25 to 30 throws game of catch with a ball or Frisbee. On walks of at least two miles, “Budacious” pulled as far ahead as the leash allowed, yanking and dragging us. No amount of force, yelling or stopping reined the 17-pound muscular brute to heel. Our precious “Budalicious” demanded to go in and out of the house, requiring someone to open and close the door, day in and day out. We installed a dog door in a low windowpane, acquiescing to our “Bud Astaire” and aesthetically changing our den. Next came the chewing, which was just another habit we catered to, purchasing chew toy after rawhide after deer antler after rubber bone after pig’s hoof, searching for something to occupy and satisfy other than our personal effects. But Bud’s chewing seemed insatiable and ultimately led to the end of his reign. The worst occurred. The final straw or rather the final shoe. The beginning of the end of “Bud Nation” was the destruction of a beige patent leather espadrille. Budster munched it. Then he gnawed a brown leather wedge. For the grand finale, he completely demolished my favorite shoes – black, white and yellow heels. Not my son’s shoes, not my husband’s shoes, even though both are as accessible as mine. JUST MINE. Needless to say, Momma Nation revolted and enrolled “Budnoxious” in 14 days of dog obedience – “Buddy Camp.” At drop off I learned that Buddy viewed me as his subject. He was the leader, and I was a member of his pack. I was given more than 50 pages to read, teaching how to love “The Bud” but also set boundaries, essentially how to teach Bud he was not god. During the two-week overnight camp, Bud learned simple commands and positive reinforcement, and at pick up, my husband, son and I learned to be the leader of Bud with posture, voice and commands. Bud is still the “Bud Man,” always the bully, always trying to exert his will over the rest of us, but thanks to some very good training, we rule Bud, and my shoes are racked and intact. It was at last year’s Dogtober Fest that our son met a Boston terrier and began begging for one, so we can’t wait to show off our fabulous Buddy on the red carpet during the dog parade this year. We pay tribute to dogs with our poll, pages 12 & 13. We also recognize the importance of healthy living this month during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, celebrating survivors including our cover girl Cynthia Lucas on pages 8 & 9, but also uniting the community against cancer with two American Cancer Society events, page 6. We love new events in Southeast Texas, and this month there are two – an arts festival, called Montage, page 22, and an art charity dinner at the Reaud House, page 29. And of course it’s Halloween, which means St. Anne’s Carnival and haunted houses, page X. Fall in Southeast Texas also means great food, and we’ve got the line up from the Art of Beer to Chef’s Delight, Chili at St. Mark’s and farm-totable at The Giving Field, pages 10 & 11. From Bud Nation, have a great October and Happy Halloween. 6 2014 october EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com ncer by findainst breast ca ag ht fig e th h is am. dividuals to fin walk uniting in run individually or join a te a or t ru ACS is hosting St . re ing a cu ause this year ec b rte et b e k- the more th st! Don your pin e content will all be ings and wigs uals. costumtig ai p ce fa s, ht iv d s, ra r in id , bling, tutus, tia ams and also fo Creative, bright cond and third place for te ainment st, se eness of the judged for fir musical entert for ar y jo aw e En is c. ra si s, u m ivor h fun activities es strides and st cancer surv ams and help Celebrate brea east health and mammogr ay, Oct. 25 This walk mak d after the walk along wit rvivors. rd br an f su importance of arch when you step out Satu n Athletic before, during ts and special recognition o rg hi o se p en k. re al au m r h D w he es e es rt fr id th fu re tr fund e kids, makings ration) at on st at gi st re ed ju . lv is m s vo a. er in xa 0 Get regist . at 9 a.m. (7:3 ar University. Southeast Te 9.835.2139 to ACS 40 e ll th t ca r or o m p p La su at e who will Complex ities nationwid of 300 commun American Cancer Society Unites the Community Against Cancer For more than 100 years the American Cancer Society (ACS) has been kicking cancer contributing to a 20 percent decline in the cancer mortality rate since the early 1900s. That decrease means that 1.3 million more birthdays have been celebrated in the United States because of the efforts of The Society. More than $4 billion has been spent on research since 1946; currently The Society funds 60 full-time researchers who conduct large-scale, nationwide cancer studies, documenting and publishing all aspects of cancer prevention, detection, causes and occurrences to make this deadly disease preventable and curable. ACS is constantly raising more money for more research, which is at the core of the organization’s mission to eliminate cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. However, monies are spent in a variety of ways to prevent cancer and support those who are diagnosed. Seventy-two percent of the dollars raised go to program services, cancer research, patient support, prevention information and education and detection and treatment; the remaining 28 percent is spent on supporting services such as management and general expenses as well as fundraising expenses. Funding for The American Cancer Society is not contributed by one large corporation or wealthy benefactor but donations from individuals, companies and families. The average donation contributed to ACS is $50, demonstrating that every dollar makes a difference and adds up to save lives. Dollars raised here in Southeast Texas save lives in Southeast Texas making it paramount that Southeast Texans support ACS events this fall namely Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk Oct. 25 and the Cattle Barons’ Ball, Nov. 8. Cowboys and Angels are invited- that’s you- for a night of boot scootin’ fun-raisin’ at the 25th Annual Cattle Barons’ Ball. The silver anniversary event will honor the Doguet Family, the first family of rice here in Southeast Texas, and feature country music entertainer John Anderson at the Ford Park Stockyard Barns on November 8. Dust off your cowboy boots for this premier party for a cause that features fabulous food, an extensive silent auction, including wine pull, bid board, raffles for jewelry and furniture and spectacular live auction, games, plus a Texas-sized dance party. Private Barons' Reception 6:00pm Jimmy Kaiser Performs Cattle Barons' Ball 2014 Opens 7:00pm Including: The Classics Recovered Band Live Auction & Silent Auction Midway Games, Bid Board & chance Drawings Angels of Inspiration Tributes John Anderson Performance General admission tickets with no reserved seating are $150 and Barons’ tickets that include reserved seating, admission to the VIP reception and entertainer meet and greet as well as VIP parking are $200. All tickets, as well as sponsorship opportunities, available up to $50,000 are available on line until Nov. 6 at setxcattlebaronsball. com or by contacting Kathy Chessher at 409-835-2139 or email at kathy.chessher@cancer.org. After Nov. 6, tickets can be purchased at the door. SoutheastTexasEvents.com EventsBook october 2014 7 8 EventsBook Cindy Lucas 2014 october How old were you when you were diagnosed? I was 61. How did you discover you had cancer? I was at Beaumont Imaging for an MRI on my hip, and they had a sign on the counter for mammograms. I had postponed mine for several years because I had fibromyalgia and just didn’t think I could handle anything else, but that day I decided to do it. They called me back for a more extensive screening. Type of cancer/breast cancer? Stage 2. What were your initial thoughts/feelings when you heard the words “you have cancer?” What went through your mind? I thought, I have to deal with it; I have no other choice and will do whatever it takes. Who became your support group/caregiver? My husband, Michael, of 41 years of marriage. He has attended every treatment except for being with me the day I was diagnosed. What got you through your darkest moments throughout the cancer journey? Prayer and support of my family and friends. Really it was unreal the support we got, and I knew my kids were lifting me up in prayer every day too. What treatment did you go through? Lumpectomy- Dr. Peel (Previty Clinic) removed the tumor, and afterwards I had 10 radiation treatments in two weeks and then four cycles of chemotherapy three weeks apart. I was diagnosed in April; we did surgery in May; radiation in June and chemotherapy right after. They wasted no time. Was the American Cancer Society involved as a resource for information or support during your battle with cancer? I received support items like a pillow after surgery. They were super about giving me educational materials that were so helpful and I was honored to be chosen as a “cover girl” and hope I can now minister to those on the cancer journey. How has cancer affected your life? It strengthened me in that I can handle more on my plate than I thought I could. When you have no choice you have to make that step to get it done if you want to live. Any words of hope for breast cancer patients today? Don’t hesitate; move forward and know that there is an end to treatment and a lot of life afterwards. I’m looking forward to a cruise in the spring and just getting out of the house again and being with people. Also I was advised by people to go to Houston. I’ve gone to Houston for 26 years for treatment for fibromyalgia, but when I was diagnosed with cancer and heard about the treatment that would require me to be in Houston every day I decided to stay here. I had a team of people- Dr. Peel was the surgeon but it was a team effort- and they got together and collectively talked about my case and decided what to do. What are your plans now? I’m going to travel and I’m going to spend more time with my children and grandchildren. Beverly Perry Cheryl Bilyeu How old were you when you were diagnosed? I was 57. I am proud to say I’m a 20-year survivor! How did you discover you had cancer? Through my annual mammogram. Twenty years ago, I still recall the day I saw the announcement on Good Morning America about a new medical practice called a mammogram. It still amazes me that the American Cancer Society was instrumental with bringing that life-saving procedure to life. Type of cancer/breast cancer? Stage 1 and it had not spread to my lymph nodes. What were your initial thoughts/feelings when you heard the words “you have cancer?” What went through your mind? I thought, it’s my turn, because other women have had it; somebody has to get it. I just thought well, it’s just my turn. My children were grown, so in a sense I didn’t worry too much about raising them. Who became your support group/caregiver? I stayed very active in my community in Bridge City, and everyone embraced me, so that really helped get me through my trials. I always had a project through the Chamber of Commerce. I continued to work, etc. What got you through your darkest moments throughout the cancer journey? My faith in the Lord. I knew I was in His hands and He was in control. I had a friend who told me: “It’s a win-win situation... if I don’t succumb to this, I get to stay with family, grandbabies, friends... but if do not survive this, I get to be with the Lord.” What treatment did you go through? Mastectomy then chemo. Was the American Cancer Society involved as a resource for information or support during your battle with cancer? I received a Reach-to-Recovery visit from two precious ladies. At the end of my visit, I told them, “I want to do what you are doing. How do I get trained?” Twenty years later, I am still a Reach-to-Recovery mentor! Any words of hope for breast cancer patients today? I want you to believe and understand there can be joy after breast cancer. Those words were given to me a long time ago, and I share these with women all the time. Don’t let anything stop you from doing the walk on Oct. 25. We need people to understand how important it is and get involved. We are getting so close to a cure- we can’t stop now! So sign up, raise money and walk! Anyone can do this; it’s not a race! The most important thing is to be part of the amazing progress. Do it for your friend, your daughter, sister, aunt, etc. How old were you when you were diagnosed? 51 How did you discover you had cancer? Through my annual mammogram Type of cancer/breast cancer? Yes, invasive ductal carninoma; ductal carcinoma insitu What were your initial thoughts/feelings when you heard the words “you have cancer?” It’s strange, because I didn’t cry. Everyone around me was emotional, and I was the one holding it together for them. The first time I cried was when I was asked to be a “Portrait of Hope” honoree! Who became your support group/caregiver? My boyfriend, Ray. He went to every appointment with me. He had done so much research that he was essential at my appointments in understanding what the doctors were telling us. What got you through your darkest moments throughout the cancer journey? I had a strong network of support from family and friends, but the main thing was that I wanted to feel normal. So for me, work was how I maintained a sense of normalcy. What treatment did you go through? Two lumpectomies within six months of each other, then high dose radiation, Arimidex hormone therapy. Was the American Cancer Society involved as a resource for information or support during your battle with cancer? Yes, I reached out to obtain information, a personal health manager kit. This was great because it helped me stay organized with all of my medical records. How has cancer affected your life? I feel I’m the same, but I’m also more aware of my health and the importance of eating right, exercising, etc. And it’s made me more connected with my family. We’ve all bonded again, even though many are spread out across the country, miles away from each other. Have you been given a clean bill of health? Because I was recently diagnosed, it’s still a little early, but I know I’m very fortunate, and I’m looking forward to the day when my doctor tells me “I’m done with you!” Any words of hope for breast cancer patients today? Lean on your friends and family for support, ask lots of questions to your doctors, caregivers, nurses, etc. What would you say to someone who is considering the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk? I say do it because it’s fun! If you raise $100 or $1,000, you can feel great knowing you are helping a great cause and helping others. Get out there and get your team together! It’s more fun with a team! SoutheastTexasEvents.com Portraits of Hope: Southeast Texas Women Talk of Survival Six courageous women, including SoutheastTexas.com October EventsBook cover girl Cindy Lucas, talk about their fight and survival against cancer. Their stories of faith, strength and determination are to be celebrated and also recognized as victories for our community. When we raise money that goes to research, new medical techniques, medicines and prevention education, we are all adding birthdays to men, women, moms and dads, daughters and sons, sisters and brothers- cherished loved ones. Celebrate these stories, these lives and the increasing number of lives being saved through the American Cancer Society’s work in Southeast Texas and the nation. Glenda Lynette Roberts Hilda Malveaux How old were you when you were diagnosed? 42 How did you discover you had cancer? I found it- it was noticeable to me. Type of cancer/breast cancer? Stage 2 A What were your initial thoughts/feelings when you heard the words “you have cancer?” I was devastated. I didn’t know what to do. I was in denial for a while after I found the lump. I think it was because my mother had passed away from breast cancer, and I didn’t want the same fate for myself. Who became your support group/caregiver? My children really helped me each day. What got you through your darkest moments throughout the cancer journey? My faith in God kept me going every step of the way. There were some days I wanted to stop fighting, but I kept going through my faith and through the love for my children. What treatment did you go through? Lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. I am also taking Tamoxifen. Was the American Cancer Society involved as a resource for information or support during your battle with cancer? I was offered all their services. How has cancer affected your life? It gave me a much better outlook on life. Every day I wake up, I just enjoy life to the fullest. I truly believe the phrase “here today and gone tomorrow” because none of us knows how long we have. Have you been given a clean bill of health? April was my last checkup, and all is good. What does your life look like now because of breast cancer? I’m just grateful for each moment I have, and I have a much higher appreciation for all my blessings in life. Any words of hope for breast cancer patients today? Keep your faith- you can do it! Even if you have a few stumbling blocks, keep going because God is with you always. How old were you when you were diagnosed? I was 78. How did you discover you had cancer? I felt it, and my friends kept urging me to go to the doctor, and I finally did. What were your initial thoughts/feelings when you heard the words “you have cancer?” There was a brief moment of sadness, but I knew it had to be done and I was in God’s hands. Who became your support group/caregiver? I didn’t have one! What got you through your darkest moments throughout the cancer journey? To tell the truth, I just went through it with a smile and just did what my doctors said do. What treatment did you go through? Mastectomy, weekly chemo treatments, Arimidex Was the American Cancer Society involved as a resource for information or support during your battle with cancer? No, but I’m a Pillar of Hope. Have you been given a clean bill of health? I rang the Cancer Center bell in April of 2013. It was a wonderful moment and everyone congratulated me and I cried! What does your life look like now because of breast cancer? I just prayed and gave it to God. Any words of hope for breast cancer patients today? Be strong through God; give all your worries to Him and keep moving forward. What would you say to someone who is considering the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk? It’s good for you to exercise and be fit, plus you are helping somebody by being part of it. I support other people that way. Susan Whalen EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com 9 How old were you when you were diagnosed? Two months after my 50th birthday. How did you discover you had cancer? I found the lump on the right side and went to my doctor; they checked it out. Once I was diagnosed, I gave it to God because I knew that he would not give me more than I could handle. Type of cancer/breast cancer? I chose a lumpectomy to remove the tumor. What were your initial thoughts/feelings when you heard the words “you have cancer?” The first thing I thought about was my mother, who had passed from cancer a couple of years before. I was afraid to talk to my children because I didn’t want to frighten them, so I shared it with my husband, and we told our children through a conference call. There were so many people who were praying for me as I went through this journey. Who became your support group/caregiver? My husband was my main caregiver. I also had many, many “angel friends” as I call them- nurses, friends. Both my daughters live in other states, so I didn’t want them to feel bad about not being able to be here. What got you through your darkest moments throughout the cancer journey? My faith in God. What treatment did you go through? Lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. Was the American Cancer Society involved as a resource for information or support during your battle with cancer? The biggest thing was being involved in the Making Strides walk. I really enjoyed the butterfly release. I felt so special, and the level of support was so encouraging. How has cancer changed your life? I think you have a new normal, a different respect for family, friends, etc. You don’t worry about the little stuff anymore. Have you been given a clean bill of health? It’s been one full year that my reports have come back clear, so YES!!! What does your life look like now because of breast cancer? My house is more pink!!! Pink clothes too! Any words of hope for breast cancer patients today? I would think that if you have a goal for your life, don’t stop... keep going. I wanted to obtain my BSN in nursing and in December of 2013 I earned my BSN, and I look forward to helping other women who are walking down this road through my experience with breast cancer. Be Breast Self-Aware! Know what is normal for you and see your health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes: • Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area • Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast • Dimpling or puckering of the skin • Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast october 2014 • New pain in one spot that doesn't go away • Change in the size or shape of the breast • Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple • Nipple discharge that starts suddenly 10 2014 october EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com Southeast Texans FALL with season's edible events By Beth Gallaspy outheast Texas foodies will find a feast of palate-pleasing events to fall for this season. And the bonus? They benefit a variety of worthwhile causes. Calories don’t count if they’re for charity, do they? Here are highlights on a few of the meal-time events to mark on your calendar in the weeks ahead. for SoutheastTexasEvents.com Chef’s Delight 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14 At Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza $60 per person For reservations, call Chef Charles Duit, 409.781.3477. The Southeast Texas Area Restaurant Association and the Golden Triangle Chefs Association are joining forces to create a gourmet meal and raise money for hospitality education. Guests will enjoy a four-course meal with wine prepared by area chefs assisted by hospitality students from Lamar University. The menu includes maple bourbon smoked pork belly, beef loin with cream cognac sauce and mushroom risotto, to name just a few of the tempting treats. “It’s great experience for the students and allows them to raise money for scholarships,” said Duit, chef instructor at Lamar and a long-time member of both sponsoring organizations. The 26th annual event will also feature a live auction with dinner packages, travel packages and sports packages including tickets to Houston Rockets and Houston Texans games. Taste of the Chamber 6 p.m. Oct. 21 At the Beaumont Civic Center $40 per person For reservations, call 409.838.6581 or visit bmtcoc.org. The annual meeting of the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce offers a chance to network with business leaders, honor an outstanding business as winner of the Spindletop Award (Ritter Lumber is this year’s honoree.) and sample an array of delicious food. Attendees can mix and mingle their way past an assortment of food stations- sliders, Asian food, seafood, charcuterie and a carving station. Each seating area will include a variety of desserts to be enjoyed during the program that kicks off the chamber’s new year. Spooky Spud Sale Oct. 30 At Nutrition and Services for Seniors 4590 Concord Road $8 per person Preorder no later than Oct. 29 by calling 409.892.4455. Celebrate the day before Halloween with a giant baked potato loaded with all the fixings, including barbecued beef. This annual fundraiser helps Nutrition and Services for Seniors provide 1,600 meals a day to senior citizens in Jefferson and Hardin counties through both home delivery and social meals at 17 group locations. The organization also provides rides to medical appointments and grocery stores. The loaded potato fundraiser keeps growing in popularity with more than 2,000 orders last year. Preorders are required at least one day prior with pickup beginning at 11 a.m. Oct. 30. Delivery is available for orders of 10 or more. Real Food Feast, A Gluten-Free Meal 6:30 p.m. Nov. 5 At Nutrition and Services for Seniors 4590 Concord Road $30 per person For reservations, call 409.892.4455. With more and more people choosing to eliminate gluten from their diet, Nutrition and Services for Seniors is teaming up with Chef Charles Duit and Lamar University hospitality students to show the community how full of flavor a gluten-free meal can be. Among the many menu items for this semiannual event are grilled eggplant with tomato goat cheese relish, artichoke and quinoa salad, Swiss chard and kale saute with raisins and pine nuts, meatloaf and mashed potato cupcakes and lemon melt aways. Proceeds from the event will go toward establishing an on-site garden to provide senior clients with free fresh produce. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Chili Supper and Bazaar Lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner from 5-8 p.m. Bazaar from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 6 At St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 680 Calder Avenue $12 all you can eat; Frozen chili for $6/pint, $12/quart For details, 409.832.3405. Add 375 pounds of meat plus 75 pounds of onions plus 60 cans of tomatoes and you get thousands of dollars for local charities. The Episcopal Church Women of St. Mark’s will serve up their famous, traditional chili to raise money for local charities like Ubi Caritas, Some Other Place and Nutrition and Services for Seniors. This year, the group provided more than $40,000 in grant money to local non-profits, said Nancy McGrade, president. Along with the chili, anyone can browse the bazaar at no charge for decorations, toys, hand-crafted furniture and delectable baked goods. “You can eat chili with all the fixin’s and do your Christmas shopping all in one stop,” McGrade said. EventsBook october 2014 11 The Giving Field Farm-to-Table Dinner 6 p.m. Nov. 8 In the garden at The Giving Field $85 per person For reservations, contact Sharon Begnaud at 409.201.8702 or sebegnaud@gmail.com. With only 100 seats available, this casual but elegant outdoor dinner returning for its second year is sure to sell out quickly again. Guests will enjoy appetizers and a tour of the community gardens beginning at 6 p.m. Then in traditional farm-totable dinner style, everyone will gather around a single long table for a communal meal served family style and starring the best of what the garden has to offer. “The menu will depend on what’s being harvested at the time, things like broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage and sweet potatoes,” said Sharon Begnaud, co-founder and volunteer coordinator. Organic chicken and wine and beer will round out the feast prepared by Katharine Carmichael of Katharine and Company. Proceeds from the dinner will go toward Giving Field operations. Founded just two years ago, the garden has already provided more than 12,000 pounds of fresh produce to Some Other Place in Beaumont and the Hospitality Center in Port Arthur. 12 2014 october EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com What kind of dog(s) do you have? 40% 60% ta s e F r e b er g g DOGtoa a W l i Real T We asked our SoutheastTexas.com Facebook friends to PAWS for the love of their dogs and in preparation for Beaumont Main Street’s DOGtober Fest, and let us know the level of canine craze in Southeast Texas. The PUP-lished results below seem to indicate many can be expected on the hydrant-lined red carpet for DOGtober Fest’s Strut Your Mutt parade, October 4. The one-day event on the green area next to the Julie Rogers Theatre and the Public Library in Downtown Beaumont begins at 8 a.m. with pooches and pancakes and then features Bone-A-Fido contests like Master/ Dog Look Alike, Cutest Dog, Best Howlin’ Dog, Best Dressed Dog. For more information about Dogtober Fest and Beaumont Main Street’s Yappy Hour, go to their website at www.dogtoberfestbeaumont.com. Do you have a dog? Yes No, I'm a cat person. We know they are out there, but we're guessing their cats wouldn't allow them time away from petting them and catering to them in order to participate in the poll. How many dogs do you have? It's e ted on estima gs in the do d million been name y in e r v a a i U.S. h ary benefic . ill im the pr ir owner's w the 75% 25% Purebred Your dog is... southeast te x fetching fig ans unleash ures about man's best friend 100% 0% Heinz 57/Marvelous Mutt 1-3 4-6 20% 15% 95% 5% 5% 15% ...security. ...an exercise partner. ...my best friend. The d name “ og Fido” is fr and me om Latin ans “fid elity.” ...a working or service animal. ...a fashion statement; purse accessory. ...just a dog; doing my part to care for God's creatures. My dog has been through obedience training. 10% 90% Yes No The worst habit(s) my dog has... 30% 10% 40% 20% 15% 5% 15% 5% Dog were s the dome first anim a sticat ed by ls peopl e. ...chews personal items. ...chases other animals. ...barks at nothing. ...drools. ...snores. ...bites. ...runs forever if he/she gets loose. ...Other Some of our survey takers canine complaints: Chews EVERYTHING!; Trash picker; ignores me when she doesn't want to do something I tell her; Jumps up on us & people; licks loudly and constantly; BULLIES YOU TO PET HER ALLLLLLL THE TIME. EVEN WHEN YOU CAN'T.; sheds; Shy; None; Gassy and loves to lick SoutheastTexasEvents.com The best habit(s) my dog has… It has been sh own that own pet people who s less stre live longer, hav e ss and h heart at ave fewer tacks. 45% 80% 70% ...travels well. 35% 50% 20% ...home security. 25% ...Other Some of our survey takers canine compliments: Loves no matter what; Loves unconditionally; Unconditional Love Providers; Cute and loving; loves unconditionally ...snuggles. ...greets me when I get home. ...listens without giving advice. ...exercise accountabilitydemands walks/runs. ary Contr ular p to po s do not , dog ing. belief by salivat h the g t swea eat throu et. w fe s r i y The s of the pad Congratulations to Princess Shafer-Kimball! She's the winner of two tickets to the Dam B Haunted Village and shirts and ball caps for DOGtober Fest. Watch for next month’s contest and your chance to win on facebook.com/southeasttexascom. It myth 's a dog that colo blind. Th s are co lo r, e It's just no y can s r t as like ee in our v visio ividly a n at s us. dusk . EventsBook october 2014 13 14 2014 october EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com Harvest Time Is a Fine Time It's that time of year: harvest season, when we till up the summer’s last bits of goodness and all of our fall vegetables are coming into bloom, herbs are blossoming and fall is in the air. We eagerly anticipate the cool weather, and the kids are running like wild banshees after school snatching up snacks and rushing through homework hurriedly to catch the last of the day’s sun set. All the squirrels are busily storing their acorns and nuts for the long winter ahead. As a chef, I find this to be my favorite time of year. This time of year I am able to plan ahead for at least six months with my local farmers, local pastured meat purveyors, local fisherman and local foragers. One thing is for sure, I always have a rotation of fresh vinaigrettes in mason jars stored in my refrigerator at all times. This is a great way to utilize leftover vegetables, herbs, oils and vinegars. If you can name it, you can infuse it and brighten up any vegetable, protein or salad with it. I always keep fresh citrus, shallots, garlic and a plethora of vinegar and oil on hand. I call this culinary insurance. Meat/proteins will come and go, but oil and vinegar is my preservation station in my pantry, i.e., way of life on the farm. Whether you're in the city, in a high-rise apartment, in a humble home in the suburbs or just in your dorm room, try this recipe out. Make it; store it; eat it. Most importantly, take some time for yourself. Find a piece of nature and some dirt, take your shoes off and sink your toes into the earth. Chef Monica’s ⅓ cup olive oil ⅓ cup avocado oil 1 tsp finely grated fresh lemon zest 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar 2 tsp fresh chopped thyme 1 tsp fresh chopped basil 1 tsp fresh chopped mint 2 tsp finely chopped shallots 1 Tbsp lemon zest 1 tsp fresh minced garlic ½ tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper ½ tsp honey *optional Harvest Herb-Lemon Vinaigrette Combine all ingredients in a glass jar. Shake well. Allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before using to meld the ingredients. Store in a tightly covered jar in the refrigerator. SoutheastTexasEvents.com EventsBook october 2014 15 Vinaigrette Time Enjoy the sounds Mother Nature has to provide. The birds will guide you, the sun will show you the way and if it's night the moon will move you. All of these things are nature’s gifts to us, so that we may collect our own bounty of goodness for our heart and soul — for the long winter ahead. It’s Mother Nature's prescription for happiness. Be a part of your food; let your food nurture you, and you will be able to nurture your loved ones. “The Only Thing That Is Constant Is Change ” Heraclitus From our corner of Beaumont to yours, and from our kitchen to yours, Happy Harvesting! Chef Monica Cobb Tips & tricks fro m By Emily Wheel er my Pinterest bo ards Boos and Brew s! Haunts and Ho mecoming... it's October! Here are a few fu n ideas to compl ement the fall festivities on your calendar. Tap in with an App! If you're planning to attend the Art Museum's Art of Beer event on O ct. 10, be sure to download the U tappd app on yo nur phone. This ap p allows you to ke a log of beers yo ep u've tried, make tasting notes and share with your even friends. This is a gr eat app for beer ers and really he lovlps when you're on the beer aisle searching for "th at really great be er...now, what's it called?" A Chilly Hand For a chilling ha unt, spruce up your punch bowl with this fun frozen tr ick. Freeze water in a latex gl ove. Once frozen, remove the ice from the glove an d place the froze n hand-shaped ice in your punc h bowl. See phot o. PUP-kin Carving Stencils Visit Better Hom es and Gardens website for FREE pumpk in-carving stenci ls of your favorite pup! I've carved the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and it's so much fun! Watch the video of Chef Monica Cobb making vinaigrette dressing, garlic cloves and all. Download the AURASMA app for free. Search for SoutheastTexas.com using the search tool and then “follow” SoutheastTexas.com. Click the triangle on the bottom of the screen and hold it over the photo (above) and watch the video come to life. Boo Aware! Create Breast Can cer Awareness th is October with a pink pumpkin on your door step. Paint a pumpkin pink or glue on accent s like ribbon and sequins. Your pink pumpkin will ad d pizzazz to your fall decor and will ha ve your neighbors thinking pink al l month long! SoutheastTexa s. compatible wit com is h Pinterest! 16 2014 october EventsBook 1 SoutheastTexasEvents.com 2 3 4 5 social seen was a family 1. Some Other Place’s Tasting ods, Chloe, Wo r affair for Clint and Heathe . Reese and Peyton and 2. Steve and Nancy McGrade to the n liste ks dric Kathe and Jim Hen d at the Ban ns mo Sim my Jim the tunes of stal Ball. Cry as Tex ast the Art Museum of Sou 3. Dr. Suijin Yu, Pr esident of Victory Hospital, Bob Helms and Dr. Erwin Lo and Sal Lo celebrate at the ribbon cutting of Spine Tech. 4. Some Other Pla ce Tasters include d Cody and Bridge tt Balliviere. 5. Elder Gilbert an d Kleinman- Latte r Day Saint servers at Some Other Pla ce. SoutheastTexasEvents.com EventsBook october 2014 17 18 2014 october EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com southeast texas somebody Dr. Benjamin Beckert is a Doctor Giving Time Giving is important to Altus Cancer Centers. In partnership with Thairapy Salon & Spa, the center is hosting one of its biggest events this month – the second annual ponytail donation program Strands of Strength on Oct. 18, benefiting the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program and the Altus Foundation. The health system also is an ongoing sponsor of a program called Doctors Giving Time. The program launched in May of this year, and already more than 50 physicians and providers in the Baytown, Beaumont and Houston markets have volunteered to see uninsured patients who otherwise would not receive the healthcare they need, donating more than $30,000 of services to patients in need. Dr. Benjamin Beckert with Beaumont Plastic Surgery Associates, P.A., is one of the physicians in the program, giving more than expected and caring for those who otherwise would not be cared for here in Southeast Texas. Q: What is your specialization and what kind of practice do you have? A: I’m a board-certified plastic surgeon, and we truly perform the entire spectrum of plastic surgery from breast reconstruction and breast reduction to facial trauma to hand injuries to treatment of complicated skin cancers to such cosmetic procedures as face lift, tummy tucks and liposuction. Q: Why do you participate in Doctors Giving Time through Altus? A: I believe that most physicians are dedicated to helping others, and the Altus Foundation provides an excellent opportunity to do just that.....provide services to those in need who are unable to afford the care they deserve. Q: How often? How much time? A: It varies from month to month. The demand is always there, and we try to help as many as we can. The good thing about the foundation is that they are able to tailor the amount of time you are able to commit to Doctors Giving and are flexible and understanding that our schedules may change. Q: What’s the benefit to you? To patients? A: The main benefit to me is a patient who is grateful in receiving the care that he/she needs. I know it is cliché, but it feels good to do something for someone. Q: What kind of care do you provide through the program? Do patients present with a wide variety of medical needs or is it more specific? A: It varies, though the majority of patients we have helped through the program have come through Altus Cancer Center and have involved treatments of skin cancers. Q: Is there a reoccurring medical issue you see that is preventable? If so, what is it and can you provide some health tips/suggestions for avoiding the medical condition you see most often – be it aging or cancer? A: Skin cancer is highly impacted by exposure — that of ultraviolet radiation. For heaven’s sake, stay out of tanning beds and when outside, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Ultraviolet damage is detrimental to elastin in our skin as well and will lead to premature aging. Q: Any other health-related advice to help Southeast Texans avoid needing medical care? A: General wellness is a lifestyle change. A healthy lifestyle includes proper diet/nutrition, exercise, exposure protection, appropriate mental health and seeking medical care early when the need exists. SoutheastTexasEvents.com EventsBook october 2014 19 20 2014 october EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com wining Macho Blanco By Gerald Patrizi Wine Manager at Debb’s Liquor Red wines are not the only type of wine that can have big, bold flavors like the ones I talked about in the September EventsBook. There are white wines that can be big and fullbodied and flaunt some attitude. So what does it take for a white wine to be characterized as such? Rich and complex flavors, viscosity and long lingering finish in the mouth. High alcohol levels are the base this is supported on. It gives the wine the viscosity and is the difference between light-bodied and fullbodied. Think about the difference between water and honey; both are liquids but one is obviously more viscous than the other. High sugar levels in the grapes fermented to dryness will give the wine its higher alcohol levels, and quality grapes will give the intense flavors and long finish. Now a lot of wine makers can make big wines, but the secret is to keep the high alcohol levels in balance with the fruit and acidity. That is the hard part and what can turn people off from this style of wine. Gerald Patrizi Light- and medium-bodied wines do not reach high alcohol levels, ranging from 8.5 percent to 12.5 percent, so they stand a better chance of being balanced. Full-bodied wines will be from 13 percent to 15.5 percent giving them quite the attitude and challenging both the grapes and the winemaker to achieve balance. So here are a few wines made from several different white varietalsChardonnay, a white blend, and Sauvignon Blanc. I have also included a Riesling from Alsace in France. Riesling is not normally considered a fullbodied wine, but with the way it is fermented to dryness, it meets the criteria. Think Macho! 2011 Schieferkoph Riesling 13.5 percent $22.99 2012 Flora Springs Sauvignon Blanc "Soliloquy Vineyard" 14.5 percent $23.69 2012 Orin Swift "Mannequin" White Blend 15.5 percent $32.99 2013 JAM Cellars "Butter" Chardonnay 14.8 percent 15.99 2012 Simi Russian River Reserve Chardonnay 14.5 percent $25.49 2012 Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay 14.5 percent $28.99 SoutheastTexasEvents.com brew review Oktoberfest: The Tradition Continues By Brandon East Munich's Oktoberfest was started by Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (who later became King Ludwig I) because he wanted the entire city of Munich to celebrate his marriage to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on Oct. 12, 1810. Forty thousand guests showed up to party hard and to watch a horse race that Ludwig had organized. After the massive celebration, the town of Munich decided to repeat the horse race the following year in conjunction with their Bavarian agriculture fair, which gave rise to Oktoberfest. Beer prices are climbing to rates of 9.5 Euros per liter, i.e., $4.25 per 12 oounces at Oktoberfest, but this isn't very likely to reduce the expected 6 million avid beer drinkers who attend this event in Munich between Sept. 20 and Oct. 10. All this equating to an estimated 7.5 million liters of beer! Oktoberfest still holds to tradition, only allowing the "Big Six" breweries of Munich (Löwenbräu, Hofbräuhaus, Augustinerbräu, Paulaner, HackerPschorr, and Spaten) to serve beer at Oktoberfest. Those breweries are also responsible for setting prices and for their massive tents. More importantly these breweries also produce their beer according to the 1516 German Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot) that banned any beer not solely made with water, barley, hops, and yeast. This is important because these brews do not contain any of the chemical additives nor adjuncts like corn and rice found in many of today's mass-produced lagers. Oktoberfest is as much about the food as it is the beer. OK, maybe not, but you'll definitely need something hearty to soak up those copious suds. Having an enjoyable Oktoberfest party food is fairly simple. Brats or natural-case hot dogs with homemade pretzel buns, sauerkraut, mustards, whole roasted chicken, pork schnitzel, roasted pork and German potato salad will pair nicely with the quaffable Oktoberfest beer style. Schnitzel restaurant in Vidor dishes out authentic, home-style German fare, so make a quick trip there soon. Oktoberfest beer, also known as Märzen is a cold, bottom-fermented lager that can vary from a light amber color to a dark brown, but all typically have a nice toasty or bready flavor, a medium to full body, and a crisp semi-dry finish. These beers are extremely easy to find in Texas and are available locally from Texas breweries: Karbach Karbactoberfest (my pick), Real Ale, St. Arnold, Rahr & Sons, and Shiner. In most liquor and grocery stores around Southeast Texas you'll also be able to find German Oktoberfest/Marzen and hearty seasonal lager beers like Hofbrau, Paulaner, Späten Munich Dunkel, Ayinger Späten Oktoberfest, Warsteiner and Hacker-Pschorr. I recommend picking up at least one sixer from Texas and one from Germany, plus you'll walk out spending less than $20. Brandon East Art of Beer benefiting the Art Museum of Southeast Texas is Friday, Oct. 10 from 6-10 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person presale and $50 per person at the door. Presale tickets will be sold until 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9. Enjoy some of the finest craft brews from around the world paired with complementary food dishes, cheeses, beer floats, entertainment and much more. As an extra special bonus, this year AMSET will offer patrons an opportunity to participate in a premium VIP beer tasting session from 5-6 p.m. with VIP tickets for $60 per person. This session will allow you admission an hour early, an exclusive selection of rare craft beers and an opportunity to chat with local beer experts. Buy your tickets at AMSET.org or call 409.832.3432. EventsBook october 2014 21 22 2014 october EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com featured performances performing arts montage recognizes the arts By Beth Gallaspy Montage: a work of art made up of several different kinds of things. The definition sums up what the Southeast Texas Arts Council plans to create with Montage: A Southeast Texas Arts Festival on Oct. 17-18 at Beaumont Community Players’ Betty Greenberg Center for Performing Arts. Everyone is invited to sample the arts in Southeast Texas at this two-day festival and encouraged to express their own creativity by arriving in costume on Saturday. A kids costume contest is planned during the day while a costume contest for adults, Festillusion, will cap off festivities with cash prizes totaling $3,000. “We wanted to bring attention to the arts and humanities, and October is recognized as National Arts and Humanities Month,” said Sue Bard, executive director. With Halloween later in the month, “the general pubFriday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. $5 per show or $20 evening pass Saturday, Oct. 18 at 12 p.m. $10 entry or $10 entry plus theater pass Betty Greenberg Center for Performing Arts 4155 Laurel Ave., Beaumont www.montageartsfest.com lic is tuned in to the idea of becoming something other than what you are, which is certainly something that an actor does or that a painting might portray or a story might tell.” Montage kicks off Friday evening with Beaumontage, five short comedic performances by area theatrical groups including Orange Community Players and Port Arthur’s Act 1 Scene 1. Tickets are $5 per performance or $20 for an evening pass. Saturday’s festivities begin at noon with a full day of family-friendly arts and entertainment. Southeast Texas arts organizations and artists will set up booths on the grounds with displays, demonstrations and items for sale. Street performers, or buskers, will appear in the crowd throughout the day, Bard said. A costumed family or group of friends might stop by one booth to watch a painter at work, stroll a few feet to listen to an opera singer, wander a little further to see clay pots being pulled from a raku kiln and then catch a sword fight between costumed knights. Additional theatrical performances are planned inside Saturday afternoon. On Saturday evening, entrants in the Festillusion costume contest will compete for their share of $3,000 in prize money. Prizes will be awarded for best period, best character, best fantasy, best creature/thing and best with the least. The overall “best of the fest” winner will receive the Paula “Torchy” Salter Award and a $1,000 prize. “I’m expecting this to be very cool,” said Bard, who envisions Montage as PROFESSIONAL Julie Rogers Theatre, 765 Pearl, Beaumont, 409.892.2257 Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts, 707 W. Main, Orange, 409.886.5535 Nice Work If You Can Get It Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. Smokey Joe’s Café Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Berenstain Bears (Kids Show) Oct. 21 at 11:30 a.m. Anything Goes Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. COMMUNITY Port Arthur Little Theatre, 4701 Jimmy Johnson Blvd, Port Arthur, 409.727.7258 AUDITIONS: It’s a Wonderful Life Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. The Skull Oct. 3-5, Oct. 10-12 at 7 p.m. Kirby-Hill House, 210 West Main Street, Kountze, 409.246.8000 The British are Coming Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Orange Community Playhouse, 708 Division Street, Orange, 409. 882.9137 Shipwrecked! Oct. 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 at 7:30 p .m. & 26 at 2:30 p.m. Betty Greenburg Center for the Performing Arts, 4155 Laurel Avenue, Beaumont, 409.833.4664 Twelfth Night Oct. 3 & 4 at 7:30 p.m. Bat Boy, The Musical Oct. 25, 30 & 31 at 7:30 p.m. & October 25 at 2 p.m. STUDENT Murder Me Always Oct. 3 & 4 at 6:30 p.m. Symphony of Southeast Texas at Calder Baptist Church, 1005 N. 11th, Beaumont, 409.892.4251 Lamar University Studio Theatre, 4400 S. MLK Jr. Parkway, Beaumont, 409.880.2250 Chamber Musicians: A Little Evening English Music Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Anton in Show Business Oct. 2, 3, & 4 at 7:30 p.m. & Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. an annual event in the tradition of Kaleidoscope, a long-gone but fondly remembered Southeast Texas arts event. For additional information plus contest rules and entry forms, please visit www.montageartsfest.com. something new for october Southeast Texas has a brand new art festival- Montage. Enjoy this family-friendly, one-of-a-kind event. The SoutheastTexas.com staff liked the idea of doing something new in 2014 so much, they've made it a DAILY activity. For their list of new things to try in 2014, go to their blog: www.southeasttexasevents.com/blogs.cfm and to get the "daily" update, follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/southeasttexascom SoutheastTexasEvents.com Bal Membership Show Above: 2013 BAL Membership Show Best in Show, Andy Coughlan, “Curl” Below: 2013 BAL Membership Show First Place, Victor Higginbotham, “Coyote Noon” october 2014 23 featured exhibits visual arts By Melissa Tilley The Beaumont Art League (BAL) will host its Membership Show from Oct. 11-25. The annual show features the work of the talented and diverse artists who support the BAL’s mission and EventsBook bring creativity to the organization. The Membership Show is always a fascinating opportunity to view the current culture of local art. Dating back to 1943, the Beaumont Art League is the oldest art organization in Southeast Texas and was instrumental in the development of the arts in Southeast Texas. The BAL works hard to engage local artists and art lovers with exciting programs, educational opportunities and exhibitions of notable local and national artists. The exhibition gives BAL members, who help support and guide those programs, their own platform to display their artwork. The Membership Show is open to all artists who are currently members of the BAL. They can submit original artwork they have completed in the last two years. The artwork on view is judged, and prizes are awarded to first, second and third places. A Best Art Museum of Southeast Texas 500 Main, Beaumont, 409.832.3432 Dornith Doherty, through Jan. 4 Celia Eberle: In the Garden of Ozymandias, through Jan.4 Artwork by Zach Dubuisson in Café Arts, through Oct. 26 EVENT: Art of Beer, Oct. 10, 6 p.m. FAMILY ART DAY: “Eat a Bug,” Oct. 25, 10 a.m. The Art Studio 720 Franklin St., Beaumont, 409.838.5393 OPEN STUDIO: Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. BAND NITE: Oct. 18, 7 p.m. The Beaumont Art League 2675 Gulf Ave., Beaumont, 409.833.4179 Membership Show, Oct. 11-25 RECEPTION: Oct. 11, 7-9 p.m. Dishman Art Museum 1030 E. Lavaca, Beaumont, 409.880.8959 Mark(ing) Time: Works on Paper Invitational, through Oct. 1 Patrick Martin- Visions in Glass, through Oct. 1 Faculty Exhibit, Oct. 13-Nov. 21 Museum of the Gulf Coast 700 Procter, Port Arthur, 409.982.7000 Mysteries of the Museum, Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Stark Museum of Art 712 Green Ave., Orange, 409.886.2787 Women, Botany, and Art Exhibit, through Oct. 4 Women, Art, & Social Change: The Newcomb Pottery Enterprise, through Jan. 3 FAMILY ART DAY: Celebrate Ceramics Family Art Day, Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. DISCUSSION: "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin, Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Texas Artists Museum 3501 Cultural Center Dr., Port Arthur, 409.983.4881 Nederland Art Guild Meet to Paint Every Saturday 3:30-5:30 p.m. Fall Painting Classes, through Oct. 10, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Victoria House 2110 Victoria St, Beaumont, 409.351.4496 Je Suis Ame Solitaire Collages by William Elliott, Oct. 11, 7-10 p.m. W.H. Stark House Tall Tales: Storytelling through the Mail, through Nov. 16 FAMILY ART DAY: Unlocking the 610 West Main Ave., Orange, 409.883.0871 in Show winner is also chosen and is honored with a solo exhibition the following year. The 2013 Best in Show winner was Andy Coughlan, who just debuted his solo exhibition “Boadi- cea in Albion” in September. An opening reception for the Membership Show will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 7-9 p.m. The BAL is located at 2675 Gulf St. in Beaumont. Reflecting Times through Mar. 7, 2015 24 2014 october EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com entertainment More Treats than Tricks! By Courtney Mleczewski Dress up your ghosts and deck out your goblins. St. Anne Catholic School will host its annual Halloween Carnival on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. on its campus at 375 North 11th St. in Beaumont. Admission to the event is free, but make sure to clean out your pantry before hand. Donations of canned goods will be collected to support Some Other Place. The carnival will feature delicious food and fun attractions. Wristbands are $30 for unlimited visits to most attractions, or tickets may be purchased for $1 each. The little kids in your crew will love the traditional carnival activities like spin art, sand art, face painting, balloon darts, a moonwalk and a petting zoo. A mechanical inflated bull, inflatable jousting, an inflatable obstacle course and a haunted house are just some of the exciting attractions for tweens and teens. The confetti eggs and the cakewalk will be fun for kids and parents alike. Of course, no Halloween celebration would be complete without treats! Decorate your own Rao’s cupcakes and feast on gumbo, Zummo's links and boudain, pistolettes, homemade tamales and Frito pies. In addition, more traditional carnival fare such as hot dogs, pizza, pork kabobs, ice cream, snow cones, cotton candy and desserts from local businesses will be served. The costume contest will be at noon, and the party will continue on into the afternoon with local kids bands, local dancers, and a DJ on hand throughout the day. The Halloween Carnival is great fun. Come celebrate with the community, enjoy tasty treats, and win prizes while supporting local organizations. October in Southeast Texas is about more than pumpkin-flavored coffee and football! Get into the fall frame of mind with these other exciting events. Halloween Happenings & Spooky Spots Every Friday and Saturday 7:30 PM Dam B Haunted Village, Woodville, 409.786.1463 1-31 9:00 AM Wesley United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch, 409.892.7733 4 9:00 AM 38th Annual Fall Festival, Jasper County Courthouse Square, 409.384.2762 5-31 12:00 PM 2nd Annual Pumpkin Patch, Nederland Apostolic Church, 409.344.1389 13-31 2:00 PM Pumpkin Patch, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Port Neches, 409.722.6238 25 10:00 AM St. Anne Catholic School Carnival, St. Anne's Catholic School, 409.832.5939 10:00 AM FAMILY ART DAY: “Eat a Bug” 28 6:00 PM 3rd Annual Cosmic Costume Bowling Tournament, MAXBOWL, 409.963.1107 30 4:00 PM Frankentoys, Elmo Willard Library, 409.892.4988 6:00 PM Fall Festival, Christus Health and Wellness Center, 409.924.3953 31 5:00 PM Beaumont PD Trunk-or-Treat & Haunted Jail, Beaumont Civic Center North Parking Lot, 409.880.3825 5:30 PM Trick or Treating for the Kids at Dam B Haunted Village, Woodville, 409.786.1463 6:00 PM Trunk or Treat, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Port Neches, 409.722.6238 7:30 PM Dam B Haunted Village, Woodville, 409.786.1463 SoutheastTexasEvents.com EventsBook october 2014 25 entertainment events Daily Saturdays 8:00 AM Beaumont Farmer's Market, Beaumont Athletic Complex Basketball Court 10:00 AM Neches River Adventures, Riverfront Park, 409.651.5326 1-4 9:00 AM 45th Annual Texas Rice Festival, Winnie-Stowell Park, 409.296.4404 1-18 10:00 AM Face, Fiction & the New World: The Role of Books in the Making of America, Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown, 409.880.1750 2 5:00 PM First Thursdays on Calder, The Mildred 4 10:00 AM Saturday Adventure Series: Endangered Animals, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 409.670.9113 10:00 AM Fire Prevention and Family Safety Festival, Fire Museum of Texas, 409.880.3927 10:00 AM Pure American Pageants Texas/Louisiana, 904 Mimosa Drive, 409.719.1385 10:00 AM Unlocking the Mysteries of the Museum, Museum of the Gulf Coast, 409.984.6453 11:00 AM Discussion of "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin, Stark Museum of Art, 409.886.2787 7:00 PM The Symphony of Southeast Texas Chamber Musicians, "A Little Evening English Music," Calder Baptist Church, 409.892.4251 7:00 PM Elvis Tribute Artist Jake Rowley & The Blackwood Quartet, Nederland PAC, 409.720.9517 7:00 PM Liberty Opry, 877.729.9103 8-Nov. 1 9:00 AM Scarecrow Festival 2014, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 409.670.9113 11 10:00 AM Saturday Adventure Series: Tracks & Scat, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 409.670.9113 10:00 AM CavOILcade parade, Downtown Port Arthur, 409.983.1009 10:00 AM Big Thicket Day- 50th Anniversary Celebration, Big Thicket National Preserves Visitors Center, 936.274.1181 7:00 PM Liberty Opry, 877.729.9103 16 12:00 PM Golden Triangle Quilt Guild, Northwood Christian Church 6:30 PM Shangri La Lecture Series: Sharks of our Southern Waters, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 409.670.9113 7:00 PM Golden Triangle Quilt Guild, Northwood Christian Church 7:00 PM Poetry Renaissance- Live Poetry at The Art Studio, 409.363.3444 17 7:00 PM Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure, Beaumont Civic Center, 409.838.3435 rT ains, Games y r o t s i h & Above left: Depot currently Left: Depot after proposed renovations 7:00 PM Montage: A Southeast Texas Arts Festival, Betty Greenberg for Performing Arts, 409.835.2787 7:30 PM Classic Movie Nights: La Dolce Vita, Jefferson Theatre, 409.838.3435 17-19 9:00 AM Heritage Village Museum Harvest Festival, Woodville, 800.323.0389 18 8:00 AM Annual Fall Plant Sale, Jefferson County Airport- Hanger, 409.899.2761 10:00 AM Saturday Adventure Series: Monarch Migration, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 409.670.9113 10:00 AM Trade Days on the Avenue, Port Neches Avenue, 409.722.4023 12:00 PM Montage: A Southeast Texas Arts Festival, Betty Greenberg for Performing Arts, 409.835.2787 7:00 PM Band Night at The Art Studio, 409.838.5393 7:00 PM Liberty Opry, 877.729.9103 19 1:00 PM Wedding Preview, MCM Elegante' Hotel, 409.658.5515 4:30 PM Twenty Seventh Annual Beaumont Junior Cotillion, Broce Hall, 409.892.8839 23-26 9:00 AM 24th Annual Village Creek Festival, Lumberton City Park, 409.755.0554 23 8:30 AM The 15th Southeast Texas SENIOR CELEBRATION and Consumer Expo, Beaumont Civic Center, 409.835.5951 24 5:00 PM McFaddin-Ward Fall Picnic, McFaddin-Ward House, 409.832.1906 24-26 8:00 AM Kountze Big Thicket Trade Days, Kountze Trade Days Grounds, 409.880.5667 25 9:00 AM A Day in the Dirt- Handicapable Rodeo, Jasper County Cowboy Church Arena, 409.384.5335 9:00 AM Dinosaur Day, Texas Energy Museum, 409.833.5100 10:00 AM “Eat a Bug” Family Art Day, Art Museum of Southeast Texas, 409.832.3432 10:00 AM Saturday Adventure Series: The Nature of Snack Time, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 409.670.9113 10:00 AM First Annual Western Trade Days, Jasper County Cowboy Church Arena, 409.384.5335 7:00 PM Liberty Opry, 877.729.9103 26 10:00 AM American Legion Car Show, American Legion Post 7, 409.983.6931 4:30 PM Twenty Seventh Annual Beaumont Junior Cotillion, Broce Hall, 409.892.8839 5:00 PM Home Free Crazy Life Tour, Nederland Performing Arts Center, 409.727.2741 30 7:30 PM Classic Movie Nights: Rocky Horror Picture, Show, Jefferson Theatre, 409.838.3435 31 12:00 PM Shop Til U Drop Extravaganza, Ford Exhibit Hall, 409.951.5400 By Courtney Mleczewski Join the Friends of the Orange Depot on Saturday, Oct. 18 for the first “Depot Day,” a day of fun and games while supporting the revitalization of a true jewel in the history of Southeast Texas. The Friends of the Orange Depot is the volunteer organization working to raise funds necessary to renovate the historic Southern Pacific depot. The Victorian-style depot will be transformed into a multi-use building, providing a reception room, a museum, a gift shop and a conference room for use by various organizations in Orange, as well as becoming an attraction for tourists. Located at the corner of Eleventh and Green Avenue, the depot is right at the beginning of the historic district of Orange. A variety of activities are planned to appeal to all ages, including a car show, talent show, face painting and model train exhibit. A highly anticipated event for the day will be the rides for the kids on the small scale train the Trail Master. An art show will feature work by local students. Winners in all categories will receive a certificate and gift cards, and artwork from winners in each category will be displayed on a special wall in the depot after renovations are completed. The community is encouraged to join in the excitement while supporting the revitalization of a once bustling part of Orange. This free event will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the City of Orange Boardwalk & Pavilion, 601 W. Division Ave. in Orange. 26 2014 october EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com sports & recreation racechair becomes source of strength and inspiration By Amie James Race Director, The Gusher Marathon Sports Society for American Health amie@thegushermarathon.com sportssocietyforamericanhealth.org Editor’s Note: When contributor Amie James saw Facebook pictures of her friend Chad Dupuis with his father in a wheelchair earlier this year, she asked if they might be interested in a racing wheelchair, or racechair. Here, Chad shares the story of what that racechair meant to him and his father, Keith, who he called by his first name because “He was my friend as well as my dad.” Keith Dupuis was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life like fishing, hunting, and enjoying time at Crystal Beach. He loved nature’s finest gifts: sunsets, rainstorms, clear and cloudy skies. Keith loved riding bikes, cruising around the neighborhood in our neon green golf cart, and throwing horseshoes and washers at the beach. He had a carefree spirit that truly drew people of all ages to him. You couldn’t be around Keith and not laugh. He loved his wife of 34 years, who had been his high school sweetheart. My sister Shelli and I were born to great parents. One day, Keith and I were sitting on the back porch having a beer after work when he started complaining about his left hand bothering him. He mentioned that he couldn’t even open his beer with it anymore. Later, I noticed he was limping on his left side. I jokingly told him to go see a doctor because he might have something wrong with the right side of his brain. The joke became reality when he went to his primary physician, and they discovered a twoinch tumor in the right side of his brain. Two days later, Keith was scheduled for emergency brain surgery at MD Anderson in Houston. The surgery went well, but they could only remove 90 percent of the tumor because of its placement. After a two-week stay in Houston, we returned to Beaumont, and he began six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. He also took speech, physical, and occupational therapy. After the surgery and rehabilitation was complete, he was able to return to his job as a dispatcher at a local concrete company on a part-time basis from August to late January. On Jan. 23 his right side weakened causing him to fall and break his shoulder. From that day forward he had to remain in a wheelchair. An MRI later revealed the tumor had started to grow back. We all hated to accept that Keith was losing this battle. We all understood that dad wished to live out the rest of his life treatment free. We promised him we would continue to do everything we could to make each day the best it could be We went places. It was beautiful. My friend Amie saw pictures of dad in his wheelchair on Facebook and asked if we would be interested in a racechair. She connected us to Marsha Reed and David Lisenby, who direct the Southeast Texas chapter of Ainsley’s Angels, a non-profit that raises money to provide racechairs to those in need. This was the best thing that could have happened to us. Keith was reluctant and even complained the first time he got in the racechair for a test cruise, but the attitude of the members was truly encouraging. It only took a few runs for us to realize how great of an idea this was. We hoped to encourage others to not give up and search for new, exciting activities. The chair was a blessing from day one, and although Keith struggled getting in and out of the chair, the benefit that we gained from the experience outweighed any difficulties we faced. Some days he was tired and weak, and so was I, but we fought to make it to every run we could, and I am so thankful we did. Sometimes I felt I was pushing him to go to the runs, but he almost always gave in. He knew that running with the group was not only for his enjoyment, but for mine as well. We were also creating another way a great man would be re- EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com october 2014 27 sports & recreation events Weekly Wednesdays 6:30 PM Golden Triangle Strutters Weekly Run, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt 7:00 PM Conversational Bike Ride, Bicycle Sports Parking Lot, 409.860.5959 Thursdays 6:00 PM JC3 Ropin Practice, Jasper County Cowboy Church Arena, 409.384.5335 Fridays 6:00 PM Legal Street Racing, Royal Purple Raceway, 281.383.2666 Saturdays 8:00 AM Group Bike Ride, Colonnade Shopping Center Parking Lot 2 10:00 AM Rally For The Cure Golf Tournament, Bayou Din Golf Club, 719.431.3991 4 7:45 AM Driving for Rotary Golf Tournament, Wildwood Resort Golf Course, 409.781.0778 8:00 AM Shootin for a Miracle, 1 in 100 Gun Club, 409.755.6648 7 5:30 PM FREE Community Yoga, Miller Library, 409.866.9487 11 7:00 AM 4th Annual Julie Richardson Procter 5K Ribbon Run/Walk, Beaumont Civic Center Complex, 409.833.3663 10:00 AM Big Thicket Day- 50th Anniversary Celebration, Big Thicket National Preserve Visitors Center, 936.274.1181 7:00 PM Lamar Cardinal Football vs. Southeastern Louisiana, Provost Umphrey Stadium, 409.880.1715 membered by an amazing new group of people. We ran every Monday and Wednesday with the Golden Triangle Strutters. We made numerous new friends and acquired a few volunteers to help push the racechair, which helped me through the hot summer months. It made perfect sense that at the end of his life Keith made brand new friends. In June, we signed up for the Calder Twilight 5K. I will always remember the start of that race. The feeling of competition among fellow runners and the chance to 17 7:30 AM Swingin for a Miracle, Bayou Din Golf Club, 409.899.7555 18 7:00 AM The 16th Annual Clays For Kids, Sporting Clay Shoot, One in 100 Gun Club, 409.833.3860 9:00 AM Junior Achievement "Clays for Kids," 1 in 100 Gun Club, 409.755.6648 2:00 PM 1st Annual Rope For Kids Benefiting the Advocates for Children, Cowboy Church of Orange County, 409.670.2001 6:30 PM Hurricane Pro Wrestling, Beaumont Civic Center, 409.626.2194 19 8:00 AM BASF TOTAL Petrochemical United 5K Run, 409.981.5000 do something we had never done before was electrifying. With the help of a family friend, Ike Adams, we placed third in Keith’s age group. The three of us — Keith, Ike and myself — got so caught up in the feeling that we could have run for miles. We were looking forward to our next race. Brain cancer couldn’t stop us; we were still doing things that most people would never dream of in his condition. Little did we know how much the third place medal and T-shirt from that run would mean to us. 25 8:00 AM Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk, Lamar University, Dauphin Athletic Complex, 409.083.5021 8:30 AM Village Creek Festival Fun Run & Kids K, Village Creek State Park, 409.755.0554 9:00 AM A Day in the Dirt - Handicapable Rodeo, Jasper County Cowboy Church Arena, 409.384.5335 10:00 AM 3rd Annual Beaumont Buddy Walk, Event Centre, 409.838.9012 10:00 AM First Annual Western Trade Days, Jasper County Cowboy Church Arena, 409.384.5335 6:00 PM JC3 Team Ropin, Jasper County Cowboy Church Arena, 409.384.5335 Calder Twilight 5K proved to be his last official race. We had a few more runs with the group until Keith became too weak to continue getting into the racechair. On July 21, my dad passed away. He was only 54 years old. Before he died, he taught my sister Shelli and me to slow down and enjoy life. He taught us that small things such as sunsets, the sound of the ocean and a cool summer breeze matter most. I have made new friends through running and will continue to run in memory of my father and in hopes to become a better runner myself. 28 2014 october EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com charity Paint the Town Red Studio 54 Style: TAN Goes Retro By Courtney Mleczewski Nothing says party like disco, and nobody did disco better than Studio 54! Get your groove on for a good cause at the Triangle Area Network (TAN) Paint the Town Red Studio 54 event. TAN will hold its annual fundraiser Nov. 6 at the Beaumont Country Club with a retro feel. What better way to celebrate one of the most active healthcare clinics in Southeast Texas than by commemorating the most famous nightclub of all time? The Studio 54 themed evening will start at 6:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails followed by dinner and dessert. The evening will feature a silent and live auction, which always features the most unique and extraordinary items. After dinner, the musical group The Innovators will perform for a night of dancing. Emcee Ayna Parsons will provide entertainment throughout the night. “It really is the best party in the area,” said Kathleen Feldschau, case management services coordinator. As the largest fundraiser for TAN, Paint the Town Red helps bridge the gap between funding received from federal, state and local grants and the needs of clients TAN serves. Money received 2014 Reaud Guest House Art Show Auction Fundraiser The Albert E. and Gena Reaud Guest House will host its first art show auction fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 23 from 6:30-9 p.m. benefiting families facing medical crises. “Scenes of Southeast Texas” will feature famous local artists and one-of a-kind works of art for auc- tion. Artwork will be showcased in a catalog and on display during a cocktail reception with live music and hors d’oeuvres. Afterwards, all art will be auctioned, and all monies raised will go to support the Reaud Guest House, which provides hotellike accommodations for families who need a place to stay while their loved ones are in area hospitals. “The guest house is not simply a place to come sleep at the end of a long day. Not only do our guests find rest for their bodies, but peace of from local donors is especially important to TAN because funds from government sources have many restrictions. These local funds are available for things that clients need that are simply not covered or anticipated by grant funding. TAN is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community-based organization that was founded in 1987 in response to the growing health crisis of HIV/AIDS in Southeast Texas. However after more than 27 years TAN has expanded the scope of its services to be a clinic to include “all care for all people” regardless of the ability to pay. TAN is now “A Southeast Texas Community Health Center.” Located in Beaumont at 1495 N 7th Street and in Orange at 1911 N. 16th Street and serving Hardin, Jefferson and Orange counties, TAN offers a variety of services and resources to its clients primarily specializing in women’s care, management of chronic illness, some pediatrics (age 15 and above but not vaccines), nutritional counseling, testing, diagnosis and treatment for HIV/ Hepatitis C and sexual transmitted diseases and referrals. Paint the Town Red is a gratifying way to support all the good that TAN does in Southeast Texas and have a great time doing it. Get your disco-era style – big hair, sparkly bling – jewelry and clothes and go to Studio 54; all the famous people will be there. For more information and to purchase tickets, call TAN at 409.832.8338 and follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/Triangle-Area-Network. SoutheastTexasEvents.com mind and renewed mental and spiritual strength,” said Beverly McCartney, executive director. “Our very special team of volunteers and security greet guests with a positive attitude, offer words of encouragement and even a shoulder to cry on during the toughest of times. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve families in this area every day, an opportunity that is made possible by the outstanding individuals and organizations in this community who provide ongoing financial support and resources.” Seating is limited to the first 100 guests. The cost to attend is $100, and reservations can be made by calling 409.212.6500. charity events Daily 8:00 AM Put the Brakes on Child Abuse 2014, Garth House, 409.838.9084 1-4 10:00 AM CASA Playhouses on Display, Parkdale Mall by JC Penney, 409.832.2272 2 10:00 AM Rally For The Cure Golf Tournament, Bayou Din Golf Club, 719.431.3991 6:30 PM Yappy Hour, Edison Plaza, 409.838.2202 4 7:45 AM Driving for Rotary Golf Tournament, Wildwood Resort Golf Course, 409.781.0778 8:00 AM 5th Annual Open Car, Truck & Cycle Show, Silsbee Ford, 409.225.2906 8:00 AM Shootin for a Miracle, 1 in 100 Gun Club, 409.755.6648 9:00 AM Beaumont Main Street DOGtober Fest, between the Julie Rogers and the Beaumont Library, 409.838.2202. 3:00 PM CASA Playhouse Drawing, Parkdale Mall by JC Penney, 409.832.2272 5 12:00 PM 4th Annual Holtzclaw Memorial Hoedown Featuring Folk Family Revival, Courville's, 409.860.9811 10 6:00 PM AMSET: Art of Beer, Art Museum of Southeast Texas, 409.832.3432 6:30 PM Harbor Foundation Dinner, MCM Elegant Hotel, 409.842.3600 11 7:00 AM 4th Annual Julie Richardson Procter 5K Ribbon Run/Walk, Beaumont Civic Center Complex, 409.833.3663 8:00 AM 2014 Baytown Walk to End Alzheimer's, Bayland Park, 713.314.1343 9:00 AM Beaumont Children's Museum Touch-ATruck, Event Centre, 409.651.8435 9:00 AM The Giving Field Work Day, The Giving Field, 409.201.8702 14 5:00 PM Fundraiser for the Beaumont Rainbow Room at McAlister's Deli, 409.861.3354 6:00 PM Chef's Delight, Holiday Inn, 409.842.5995 16 6:00 PM Lamar Institute of Technology Scholarship Banquet, MCM Elegante Hotel, 409.839.2956 6:30 PM Temple Emanuel Love Thy Neighbor, Event Centre, 409.832.6131 17 7:30 AM Swingin for a Miracle, Bayou Din Golf Club, 409.899.7555 9:00 AM Big Wheels for Meals, Nutrition and Services for Seniors, 409.892.4455 18 7:00 AM The 16th Annual Clays For Kids, Sporting Clay Shoot, One in 100 Gun Club, 409.833.3860 9:00 AM Junior Achievement "Clays for Kids," 1 in 100 Gun Club, 409.755.6648 10:00 AM Depot Day at Pavilion, Orange Riverfront Pavillon, 409.833.1411 10:00 AM Altus Cancer Center's Strands of Strength, Altus Cancer Centers, 409.981.5510 2:00 PM 1st Annual Rope For Kids Benefiting the Advocates for Children, Cowboy Church of Orange County, 409.670.2001 Charity 18 7:00 PM Medical Benefit for Chuck Kalkbrenner, Golden Triangle Powersports, 409.838.6581 19 8:00 AM BASF TOTAL Petrochemical United 5K Run, 409.981.5000 21 6:00 PM Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting: Taste of the Chamber, Beaumont Civic Center, 409.838.6581 23 6:30 PM Scenes from Southeast Texas, Albert E. and Gena Reaud Guest House, 409.212.6500 24 6:30 PM Girls' Haven Stars Dinner, Event Centre, 409.832.6223 25 8:00 AM Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk, Lamar University, Dauphin Athletic Complex, 409.083.5021 10:00 AM 3rd Annual Beaumont Buddy Walk, Event Centre, 409.838.9012 10:00 AM St. Anne Catholic Church Carnival, St Anne's Catholic School, 409.832.5939 26 10:00 AM American Legion Car Show, American Legion Post 7, 409.983.6931 28 6:00 PM Hope Women's Resource Clinic Annual Gala, Holiday Inn Plaza, 409.898.4005 30 10:00 AM Spooky Spud Sale, Nutrition and Services for Seniors, 409.892.4455 EventsBook october 2014 29 30 2014 october EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com health, wellness & education Girl, We’re Talking About You! CHRISTUS LiveWell Women’s Network Hosts Free Girls’ Night Out Google and YouTube are great for quick get-it-and-go, how-to info but when it comes to been-theredone-that and live-to-tell know-how, nothing beats girlfriends. So girl, listen up. The girlfriends are gathering and sharing wisdom. Don’t miss it. CHRISTUS LiveWell Women’s Network is hosting a special event called GirlTalk focused on women’s health issues Tuesday, Nov. 4 beginning with a reception at 5:30 p.m. at the Beaumont Event Centre. The relaxed and intimate television or TV studio setting will allow you and all your girls to ask questions and have candid conversation about your most pressing health issues. Local media personality Shelly Vitanza will host this free event focused on women’s bodies and their health and wellness from arthritis to arrhythmias, headaches to hot flashes. Plus four physicians specializing in women’s health will be on hand to answer specific questions from a medical perspective, giving tips, quips and lifestyle suggestions for a healthier you. GirlTalk docs include Keith Hill, MD, orthopedic surgeon; Angelica Motta, MD, cardiologist; Kimberly Pitts, DO, family medicine physician; and David Smith, MD, obstetrician/gynecologist. You know an evening out with the girls always does you a lot of good, but CHRISTUS LiveWell Women’s Network is taking that good-girlfriend feeling to a new level offering hors d’oeuvres and beverages, swag bags to grab, special door prizes and a chance to visit the CHRISTUS Healthy Living Spa Beauty Bar. GirlTalk is just one event of the CHRISTUS LiveWell Women’s Network, a free organization for women providing: • Membership card to use for discounts at places such as the CHRISTUS Healthy Living Spa and early access to special events • LiveWell screenings • Educational seminars • Special invitations to fun and entertaining activities Join the conversation at GirlTalk on Nov. 4. It’s free (registration required), and it’s all about girls. RSVP by Oct. 28 at christushospital.org or call 1.866.683.3627. Tuesday, Nov. 4 Beaumont Event Centre 5:30-8:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Reception 6:30 p.m. GirlTalk 7:30 p.m. Meet & Greet physicians SoutheastTexasEvents.com Health, Wellness & education events Weekly Mondays 11:00 AM E-Book Training, R. C. Miller Memorial Library, 409.866.9487 11:30 AM Introduction to Spanish for Business, Lamar University Galloway Bld. Room 132, 409.880.2367 4:00 PM Stroke Support Group, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Beaumont, 409.839.3345 6:00 PM Support Group for Survivors of Domestic Violence, Family Services Counseling Center, 409.833.2668 6:00 PM Batterer's Intervention and Prevention Program Port Arthur, Project Hope, 409.833.2668 6:00 PM Civil Air Patrol Meeting Youth Program, Jack Brooks Regional Airport, 903.335.9998 6:00 PM ESL Classes, Miller Library, 409.866.9487 6:45 PM Belly Dance Choreography, Belly Dance Studio, 409.790.7669 Tuesdays 12:00 PM Toastmasters International Great Speakers Unlimited, Health & Wellness Center Meeting Room, 409.659.3559 2:00 PM BIPP and Anger Management Orientation, Family Services Counseling Center, 409.833.2668 5:30 PM Knitting Circles, R. C. Miller Memorial Library, 409.866.9487 6:00 PM Anger Management For Men, Family Services Counseling Center, 409.833.2668 6:30 PM Belly Dance 101, Belly Dance Studio, 409.790.7669 7:00 PM Belly Dance 102, Belly Dance Studio, 409.790.7669 Wednesdays 9:00 AM Work it Out Wednesday - Zumba at Mannings Texas on Wheels Skating Rink, 409.363.1351 11:30 AM Introduction to Spanish for Business, Lamar University Galloway Bld. Room 132, 409.880.2367 12:00 PM E-Book Training, R. C. Miller Memorial Library, 409.866.9487 2:00 PM Anger Management For Women, Family Services Counseling Center, 409.833.2668 4:30 PM Triangle Community Children's Choir, First United Methodist Church, 409.832.0295 5:30 PM Girls with Balls, Belly Dance Studio, 409.790.7669 6:45 PM Work it Out Wednesday- Zumba at Mannings Texas on Wheels Skating Rink, 409.363.1351 7:00 PM Burlesque Class, Belly Dance Studio, 409.790.7669 Thursdays 9:15 AM Free Chair Yoga in Nederland Texas, Wesley United Methodist Nederland, 409.722.7065 1:30 PM Learn French, R. C. Miller Memorial Library, 409.866.9487 6:00 PM Batterer's Intervention and Prevention Program Beaumont, Family Services Counseling Center, 409.833.2668 7:00 PM Intentional Eating, Christus Health and Well- ness Center, 409.454.0417 7:30 PM Citizens Police Academy, Beaumont Police Station, 409.730.4433 Fridays 10:00 AM Grow & Play Program- Mommy & Me Class (Kids ages 0-3), STARS Pediatric Center, 409.838.9012 1:00 PM Intentional Eating, Christus Health and Wellness Center, 409.454.0417 1 12:00 PM E-Book Training, R. C. Miller Memorial Library, 409.866.9487 5:00 PM How to write a business plan, Lamar University Galloway Bld. Room 132, 409.880.2367 2 3:30 PM Credit Score Management, Lamar University Galloway Bld. Room 132, 409.880.2367 4 10:30 AM Zills Workshop, Belly Dance Studio, 409.790.7669 8 3:30 PM Business Start up Checklist, Lamar University Galloway Bld. Room 132, 409.880.2367 9, 16 & 23 7:00 PM Rumba Dance Lessons, Health & Wellness Center, 409.899.7294 10 8:00 AM Franklin Covey: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Lamar University College of Business, 409.880.8604 7:00 PM Monthly Drumming Circles- 2nd Fridays, Unity Southeast Texas, 409.842.0271 14 2:00 PM BIPP and Anger Management Orientation, Family Services Counseling Center, 409.833.2668 15 3:00 PM Bookkeeping 101, Lamar University Galloway Bld. Room 132, 409.880.2367 16 12:00 PM Pink Power Network Support Group, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas- Cancer Center, 409.833.3663 3:00 PM Exporting- Don't miss out on the Global Marketplace!, Lamar University Galloway Bld. Room 132, 409.880.2367 6:00 PM Pink Power Network Support Group, Julie Rogers Gift of Life Program, 409.833.3663 17 8:00 AM Franklin Covey: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Lamar University College of Business, 409.880.8604 7:00 PM Ballroom Dance Party, Health & Wellness Center, 409.899.7294 19 4:30 PM Twenty seventh Annual Beaumont Junior Cotillion, Broce Hall, 409.892.8839 20,21 & 22 11:30 AM Quickbooks Beginners, Lamar University Galloway Bld. Room 113, 409.880.2367 26 4:30 PM Twenty seventh Annual Beaumont Junior Cotillion, Broce Hall, 409.892.8839 EventsBook october 2014 31 32 2014 october EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com something for seniors Free Adult Fun- Senior Celebration Every day is a good day for a celebration, but Oct. 23 has been designated as the day to celebrate seniors in Southeast Texas. The Consumer Education Foundation of the Better Business Bureau with headlining sponsor Home Instead Senior Care is hosting the 15th Southeast Texas SENIOR CELEBRATION and Consumer Expo, Thursday, Oct. 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Beaumont Civic Center. “Just show up and have fun,” said Debbie Bridgeman, communications director for the BBB in Southeast Texas. This exciting day for adults of all ages features health screenings, live music, celebrity style show, bingo, special presentations, refreshments, classic cars, clowns and door prizes, lots of information and more than 100 vendor booths plus free parking and shuttle service via golf cart to the door. Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas is providing the health screenings, and Bridgeman suggests that those who want to do the screenings and receive the most accurate results refrain from eating that morning and come early to complete the screenings first thing. Those who complete all 10 health screen- ings will be entered to win additional door prizes. Also it’s a good idea to bring address labels to the event. Not only are attendees required to give their addresses for the health screenings, but many of the vendors give away door prizes that require contact information. Instead of having to write an address over and over, a simple label can be affixed, which is not only more efficient but ensures legibility. Many of the 100 booths, such as Calder Woods, American Lift Aids, Lumberton Funeral Home, Altus, Classic Southeast Texas and more, have snacks and pick up foods that they are giving away but concessions will also be open for purchase and include sandwiches and gumbo, light lunch fare. Live on the Cigna Health Spring stage "Texas Country Reporter" Bob Phillips will share a celebration of the Texas way of life and a tribute to the "real" heroes of our time- the everyday men and women who make our state such a special place. Entertainment from the stage will start at 9:30 a.m. and end with bingo at 1 p.m. For more information or to reserve a booth, call 409.835.5951 x117 or email debbiebridgeman@ bbbsetexas.org. Entertainment Schedule 9:30 a.m. Britt Godwin & Friends 10 a.m. Home Instead Senior Care Program 10:30 a.m. Dancing- Happy Steppers, Golden Foxes & the Boot Scooters 11 a.m. Bob Phillips, Texas Country Reporter 11 a.m. Bob Phillips, Texas Country Reporter 12 p.m. Celebrity Style Show 12:30 p.m. John Paschall- BBB Scam Alerts 1 p.m. Health Screening Winners Announced & Bingo praise & worship 6:00 PM, Oct. 4 Blessing of the Animals Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Port Neches, 409.722.6238 5:00 PM, Oct. 5 Blessing of the Pets St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 409.832.3405 Sundays 8:00, 10:15 AM & 6:00 PM Worship Service St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 680 Calder, 409.832.3405 8:15 & 10:30 AM Worship Service Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Port Neches, 409.722.6238 8:15 & 10:30 AM Worship Service Trinity United Methodist Church, 409.892.8121 9:00 AM Worship Service Jasper County Cowboy Church, 409.384.5335 10:00 AM & 6:00 PM Worship Service Golden Triangle Church of Christ, Nederland, 409.722.6121 10:00 AM Worship Service McLewis Church of Christ, Orange, 409.658.3618 10:30 AM Worship Service First Christian Church, Beaumont, 409.892.3212 SoutheastTexasEvents.com business & networking business & networking events Weekly Tuesdays 11:30 AM SETX Networkers- BNI, Holiday Inn, 409.651.0340 12:00 PM Toastmasters International Great Speakers Unlimited, Health & Wellness Center Meeting Room, 409.659.3559 Fridays 7:30 AM Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Business Connection, MCM Elegante' Hotel, 409.838.6581 1 1:30 PM Colonel George Moffett Chapter NSDAR Monthly Meeting, McFaddin-Ward Visitor Center, 409.832.2134 2, 3, 4 & 5 8:00 AM United Daughters of the Confederacy Annual October Texas Division Convention Holiday Inn Plaza Conference, 804.355.1636 2 7:30 AM Better Business Bureau "Morning Mix Tour" Bill Clark Pest Control, 409.835.5951 9:30 AM Baytown Business Expo, Baytown Community Center, 281.422.8359 4 8:00 AM Texas STEM Conference, Lamar University Science Auditorium, 409.880.7947 9:30 AM Stepmoms of SETX Brunch & Basics!, Rao's Bakery, 409.460.3431 10:00 AM "Shred It & Forget It," Kaplan College, 409.835.5348 5 4:00 PM Arc Autism Support Group Meeting, Foundation for Southeast Texas, 409.838.9012 7 5:00 PM Cowboy's Bike Night, Indian Motorcycle of Beaumont, 409.781.4095 8 6:00 PM 26th Annual Texas Crime Stoppers Conference, Event Centre, 866.220.4357 9 11:30 AM “Growing Your Business Right Now," Better Business Bureau, 409.835.5348 6:30 PM Progressive Democrats of Southeast TexasMeeting, The Beaumont Club 14 5:30 PM YPO Happy Hour, Madison's, 409.838.6585 16 7:30 AM Better Business Bureau "Morning Mix Tour " at National Networks in Nederland, 409.835.5951 7:30 AM Morning Business Connection, Museum of the Gulf Coast, 409.963.1107 21 6:00 PM Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting: Taste of the Chamber, Beaumont Civic Center, 409.838.6581 23 8:30 AM The 15th Southeast Texas SENIOR CELEBRATION and Consumer Expo, Beaumont Civic Center, 409.835.5951 28 6:00 PM 3rd Annual Cosmic Costume Bowling Tournament, MAXBOWL, 409.963.1107 31 12:00 PM WIN Monthly Meeting (Women in Networking), Health & Wellness Center Meeting Room, 409.454.0417 food & beverage food & beverage events Weekly Mondays 11:00 AM Lunch at the Lake, Event Centre, 409.838.3435 Thursdays 7:00 PM Intentional Eating, Christus Health and Wellness Center, 409.454.0417 Fridays 1:00 PM Intentional Eating, Christus Health and Wellness Center, 409.454.0417 4 7:00 PM Bebeaux's Cajun Food- Launch Into Fall Party, Madison's On Dowlen, 409.350.9012 6:30 PM Real Food Feast, Nutrition and Services for Seniors, 409.892.4455 9 5:00 PM The Greenlight Kitchen Ribbon Cutting with Oktoberfest Beer Tasting, Greenlight Kitchen, 409.347.7284 10 6:00 PM AMSET: Art of Beer, Art Museum of Southeast Texas, 409.832.3432 6:30 PM Harbor Foundation Dinner, MCM Elegant Hotel, 409.842.3600 14 5:00 PM Fundraiser for the Beaumont Rainbow Room at McAlister's Deli, 409.861.3354 6:00 PM Chef's Delight, Holiday Inn, 409.842.5995 16 11:00 AM International Food Testing, The Woman's Club of Beaumont, 409.892.8125 30 10:00 AM Spooky Spud Sale, Nutrition and Services for Seniors, 409.892.4455 EventsBook october 2014 33 34 2014 october EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com classified pick of the month Custom-Made Tables By Dominique Delgado Are you in need of a perfect table that fits your home just right? Or maybe one that accommodates your whole family for an upcoming holiday meal? Look no further. Custom Farm House Tables are your answer. The tops are made out of reused boards from a factory giving it a rustic one of a kind look. The tables can be any size, have any color finish and can be adjusted according to the customer’s need, allowing for complete customization. Prices vary depending on extent of customization and size. Unfinished tables start at $500, and finished tables begin at $825. Custom benches to go with the table can also be made to your desire. Unfinished benches start at $200, and finished benches start at $250. Craftsman and owner, Parrish DeWall, who also is proprietor of Grassland Grand Tile, builds tables out of his home. To purchase tables, contact DeWall at 409.718.0980. He will meet with you and draw out your dream table. Orders usually take seven to 10 days and are delivered to your home. Stop searching so hard for the perfect table and design your own custom farm house table. Are you a Southeast Texas artisan who advertises on SoutheastTexas.com? Contact us to be featured in this section. Call 409-201-9934 or email shelly@southeasttexas.com. SoutheastTexasEvents.com EventsBook october 2014 35 36 2014 october EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com SoutheastTexas.com by the numbers Big Strike is for Winners Whenever you see “Big Strike” within SoutheastTexas. com’s classifieds, click it, you never know what you may win. Big Strike is SoutheastTexas.com’s contest feature, and we regularly give away tickets, discount coupons, dinners, t-shirts, CDs, desserts, gas money and this month we’re gifting a $100 credit card! In the past few years we’ve given away Ringling Bros. & Barnum Bailey Circus tickets, Steve Miller concert tickets, dinner for two at The Grill, $1000 gas cards, 100s of tickets to the His and Hers Weekend, tickets to Blue Man Group and tickets and t-shirts to Dam B Haunted Village, which is another give away in the offing for October. Winning is easy and happens one of two ways. Sometimes all you have to do is click the “Big Strike” notice and you win instantly. Other contests require registration including your name, address and email. Many contests are trending this fall so stay close the classifieds and click “Big Strike” when you see it. Also up on the site: 6500 classifieds 280 motorcycles 1400 real estate listings 4400 auto ads 1000 jobs 17,000 singles If you want to buy and sell local, YOUR best choice is SoutheastTexas.com. Contact live support at www.southeasttexas.com/help/index2.cfm or call 409.832.9869, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The community is invited to place one ad a month for FREE! Call for information, 409.832.9869 SoutheastTexasEvents.com EventsBook october 2014 37 cartoon corner sneak peek november 1 • Cashan Grotto Car Show at The Shorkey Center • Shop Til U Drop Extravaganza at Ford Park • Lamar University Homecoming Parade on the Lamar University Campus • Wildcatter Weekend: Yount-Lee Equestrian Day at Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum • Lamar Cardinal Football vs. Houston Baptist at Provost Umphrey Stadium • Bat Boy, The Musical at Betty Greenberg for Performing Arts 1, 2 • Fall Rose Show at the Beaumont Botanical Center at Tyrrell Park 4 • CHRISTUS LiveWell Women's Network GirlTalk at the Event Centre 5 • Real Food Feast at Nutrition and Services for Seniors • Classic Movie Nights: Dirt! The Movie at the Jefferson Theatre 6 • Better Business Bureau "Morning Mix Tour" at MobilOil Federal Credit Union in Vidor • St. Mark's Chili Supper at St. Mark's Episcopal Church • 12th Annual Harvest of Hope at the MCM Elegant Hotel • Triangle Area Network “Paint the Town Red: Studio 54” at the Beaumont Country Club 6-9 • Once Upon a Mattress at Lamar University Studio Theatre 8 • American Heart Association Heart Walk at the Montagne Center at Lamar University • 5th Annual Bark for Life at Tyrrell Park • Saturday Adventure Series: Mushroom Hunt at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center • 4th Annual Walk Like MADD 5KGlow Walk at Lumberton High School • Sister Act at the Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts • Farm to Table Dinner at The Giving Field • Symphony League Debutante Ball at the MCM Elegant Hotel • American Cancer Society's Cattle Barons’ Ball at Ford Park • Oxford City FC Texas Major Arena Soccer League vs. Hidalgo La Fiera at Ford Park 12 • Junie B. Jones In Jingle Bells Batman Smells (Kids Show) at the Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts 13 • 3rd Annual Veteran Job Fair at the Beaumont Civic Center Complex • Photographing the Living Waters of Texas at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center 14 • Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation Fashion Night: NY State of Mind at Howell Furniture • 100 Club Annual Dinner at the MCM Elegant Hotel • Classic Movie Nights: Awaara (Bollywood) at the Jefferson Theatre • Night at the Museum: Glazed at the Stark Museum of Art 15 • Beaumont PD Southeast Texas Motorcop Rodeo at Ford Park • Out of Darkness: SETX Suicide Awareness Walk at Tyrrell Park • Trade Days on the Avenue on Port Neches Avenue • Saturday Adventure Series: Thanksgiving Décor at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center • India Fest at the Beaumont Civic Center • YWCA Gala at the MCM Elegant Hotel • Lamar Cardinal Football vs. Incarnate Word at Provost Umphrey Stadium • Band Nite at The Art Studio 18 • Third Annual Family Portrait Luncheon Benefiting the Alzheimer's Association at the Beaumont Country Club 19 • School House of Rock (Kids Show) at the Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts 20 • Better Business Bureau "Lunch and Learn" at the MCM Elegante' Hotel • The Garth House Pour Les Enfants at The Garth House 21 • Lamar Opera Theatre presents Opera Scenes at Rothwell Recital Hall 21 & 22 • 22nd Annual Milam Settlers Day Weekend at El Camino Park • Fall Dance Concert at Lamar University Theatre 21-30 • It’s a Wonderful Life at the Port Arthur Little Theatre 21-29 • Oliver! The Musical at the Betty Greenberg for Performing Arts 22 • Women, Art & Social ChangeA GirlTopia Journey for Seniors at the Stark Museum of Art 21, 22 & 23 • Kountze Big Thicket Trade Days at the Kountze Trade Days Grounds • Lamar Opera Theatre presents Opera Scenes at the Rothwell Recital Hall 24-28 • Senior Thesis at the Dishman Art Museum 27 • 24th Annual Triangle Therapeutics Turkey Trot at the Event Centre 29 • Jasper's Christmas in the Park Festival at Sandy Creek Park 30 • A Cappella Choir and Grand Chorus at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica 38 2014 october EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com the last word Jake LaMotta Loves Me... Maybe By Scott Renick Have you ever wanted to attend an event with 10,000 white guys and six women who do not want to be there? If you do, then you should join my father and me as we return next summer to the National Sports Collectors Convention. I have not been around that many old white guys since... well, since never... and I’m not really attending totally for the collections but rather the conversation. Without knowing what strange world we were entering, my father and I agreed to meet at that vacation Mecca- Cleveland, Ohio- to see what this convention had to offer. It was more than I hoped. Hundreds of vendors selling more sports memorabilia/junk than you could see in a week, and retired athletes willing to sign anything you want for an extravagant fee. The vendors. If you cannot find it at this convention, it probably does not exist. Do you want an advertising sign with Stan Musial promoting the health benefits of smoking? It is here. Do you want an autographed tank top worn by MC Hammer at a softball game benefit? It is here. Do you want to buy a game bat used by Babe Ruth? It is here. Do you want to buy a pair of shoes Albert Pujols wore during a game? It is here. Do you want trading cards from the O.J. Simpson trial? It is here. This is not the crazy part. The crazy part is that people are buying these things. They are buying everything. Autographs. While all of this selling and buying is occurring around you, there is a section where they bring out different athletes every day, every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. to sign autographs. Who appears? Glad you asked- Dr. J, Mike Tyson, Ricky Williams, Tony Dorsett, Sugar Ray Leonard, Pete Rose, Cal Ripken, Jim Brown, Reggie Jackson, Franco Harris, Deion Sanders, Dennis Rodman, etc. Each autograph costs from $30 to $190. They should have someone there to offer home equity loans. Now typically, I am not an autograph hound. I have very little interest in paying another human to sign something for me, but my attitude changed when I saw one person’s name on the list- Jake LaMotta, the “Raging Bull.” Yes, the 93-year-old former middleweight champion who fought Sugar Ray Robinson five times; suspended from boxing for fight fixing, which he admitted; stand-up comedian; felon; actor; suspected mobster; and how-inthe-world-is-he-still-alive man. This now became my only real goal- get LaMotta’s autograph and hope he lives long enough for the signing to occur. Immediately, I bought my ticket and a magazine from 1951 with a drawing on the cover of one of LaMotta’s fights with Sugar Ray Robinson. What happened was not simply getting an old boxer’s autograph, but having the greatest conversation of my life. On Saturday at 4:45 p.m., Jake LaMotta, the last signer of the day, was going to begin signing autographs. His table was sandwiched between David Justice, who was once married to Halle Berry, and Ricky Williams, who physically looks like a statue. Unfortunately, this setting did not make LaMotta appear as the pretty girl at the party. LaMotta was brought to the table via golf cart, and he was wearing a black suit and black cowboy hat. This guy is from the Bronx, New York; I doubt he has led many cattle drives. LaMotta sat at a small table with a blonde woman sitting to his left. Due to their familiarity, I suspected this was a relative. Each person walked up to this table through a roped off area covered in black drapes. You approached the table, handed the woman the ticket and the item you wanted signed, received the item after he signed it and continued on your way. LaMotta did not even glance or offer any pleasantries to the people paying $50 for his signature. I was the 29th person in line. For the 28 people in front of me, this pattern did not change. As I approached the Raging Bull, I handed my ticket and the magazine for signing to his handler, and I said, ”This is a really neat experience to meet you, sir.” I was not expecting any acknowledgement from LaMotta. Then he responded, “I like you. Are you married?” I was completely caught off guard. I have been married for 15 years, but, for that moment, I was unsure how to respond. I was confused. Why is he asking me? I responded, “Yes.” Then, the conversation continued: LaMotta:Do you have children? Me: Yes. LaMotta:Do you have pictures? Me: Yes. (I clumsily try to get my phone out of my pocket to show him, but the questions keep coming in rapid succession.) LaMotta:Do you drink? (Now, he is signing my magazine.) Me: A little. LaMotta:Do you like Scotch? Me: Sure. LaMotta:Are you married? (He has just finished signing.) Me: Yes. (Didn’t he just ask me this?) Then, LaMotta hands me my autographed magazine, turns to his handler and says: “How many more of these @##&^%! things do I have to do?” I walk away, and I realize this was the greatest conversation of my life. I wondered if people felt this way after they met the Dalai Lama. Next summer, my father and I will be going to Chicago to again attend the National Sports Collectors Convention. (My wife will be learning this as she read this article.) Every day, I hope Jake LaMotta lives one more year and that he will be at the convention again. If so, I will be ready for our next conversation. SoutheastTexasEvents.com EventsBook october 2014 39 40 2014 october EventsBook SoutheastTexasEvents.com