VIP July 2016

July 2016

Joey Blazek

Southern Gulf Coast Painter

Other Seaworthy

Artisans $1.95

tex joy’s

spicy history

Book one

get one

1/2 off EducationFirstFCU.org

409.898.3770 • 800.456.4684 For full details please visit us online at EducationFirstFCU.org/loans/BOGO. An Equal Housing Lender. Federally Insured By NCUA.

Thank you, ReShape

™

For all I’ve lost.

And all I’ve gained.

ReShape is a non-surgical approach to weight loss for people who want to lose weight and achieve a healthier lifestyle.

The ReShape Procedure includes:

+

=

New dual balloon technology

A comprehensive one-year program

Proven weight loss without surgery

Control portion size with stomach-filling balloons

Make permanent lifestyle changes

Achieve 2x more weight loss1

Are you ready to ReShape?

Are you ready to lose weight and achieve a healthier lifestyle?

Virginia lost 72 pounds with the ReShape Procedure*

Call 1.844.Previty to get started today! bellyballoontexas.com

™

*Results and patient experience may vary. 1Ponce J, Woodman G, Swain J, et al; for the REDUCE Pivotal Trial Investigators. The REDUCE pivotal trial: a prospective, randomized controlled pivotal trial of a dual intragastric balloon for the treatment of obesity [published online ahead of print December 16, 2014]. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.soard.2014.12.006.

vip magazine c o n t e n t s

Editorial Specialty Publications Manager shelly Vitanza 409.838.2849

inside july

Editor beth gallaspy

features 6

Fashion Editor tammy crutchfield

Life’s a Beach

Designer therÉse shearer

A thriving coastal artist community wiped out

by Hurricane Ike talks about creating again.

Beach-inspired artists share their stories of gaining on the losses.

Contributing Writers Beth Gallaspy Stacie Jannise Jane McBride Nicole Murray Micah Shanks Helen Sohlinger Marilyn Tennissen

10 amalgam of success

Business acumen mixed with entrepreneurial spirit and a dash of creativity is the secret sauce, or rather spice, of the Texas Coffee Co., now four generations strong.

14 shoreline finds

Wear a big brimmed hat and grab a bucket for a shoreline stroll along the beach High Island to Galveston. You’ll find some seashells, that’s for certain, but you may be surprised at what else washes up along the Texas Gulf Coast.

14

Photography John Fulbright Emily Lockard-Furry Multi Media Coordinator Tina Breland

food&entertainment

Advertising To advertise in VIP 409.880.0700

18 ’Shrooms on the Grill?

21 Libation: Berry Beachy

fashion&trends 22 Cool Chic for the

Hot Professional

24 Happy Summer Hair

home&garden

48

42

28 Coastal Comforts 34 Get and Stay Fresh

36 Seaside Home of Hope for Survivors

in the U.S.

38 Happy 100th to the Best Idea 42 Island Entertainment 44 Tides of the Past 46 Things We Love

people&places 48 Freezer Space 50 John Alden on the

Stage of Creativity

of Southeast Texas

52 The Melodious Spirit 53 SETX Writer:

Spiritual Calisthenics 54 Totally Social 58 Last Word:

Terminal Toys

18

to subscribe PLEASE call 409.838.2821 or subscribe online at www.thevipmag.com to display the magazine at your business location, please call 409.838.2821

art&culture

Contact Us VIP of Southeast Texas 380 Main Street | Beaumont, TX 77701

28 22

submissions to submit an event, organization or person for consideration in an upcoming issue, submit online at www.thevipmag.com or by usps at address above.

A Division of The Beaumont Enterprise The biggest name in Southeast Texas news!

Publisher MARK ADKINS JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! www.facebook.com/thevipmag

on the cover Joey Blazek on the Bolivar Peninsula where he has lived and learned for 60 years and now paints the landscapes of his life- wildlife, industrial, marine and agricultural scenes- as well as other southern coastal cities and towns. VIP talked with Blazek and other coastal creators about the power of the sea to inspire as well as destroy.

Photo by Emily Lockard Photography

Various works by Joey Blazek

vip feature

Coastal Expressionism:

The Power of the Sea

F

Seven Artists Talk About Recreating After Ike by jane mcbride

or centuries, artists have been drawn to the way the wind curves sea grasses into organic sculpture, the ethereal flight of shorebirds surfing air currents and the churning foam of shrimp boats chasing bounty.

The vibrant scenery that beckons creative souls is as vulnerable as it is inspiring. In a single act of violence, nature can change the landscape of the beach and break the hearts of those who love her.

Eight years ago, Hurricane Ike assaulted the Bolivar Peninsula, taking lives and obliterating entire communities. Artists who had spent decades creating works reflecting the charm and power of the seashore saw them washed away or buried in deep layers of mud. The anguish seemed overpowering, crushing their ability to work.

The night after the storm, artists Margo Holst and D.J. Kava began a survivors list, bursting electronic messages to 115 members of the Bolivar Peninsula Cultural Foundation scattered across the country. For the artists, many of whom had lost their homes, studios and art collections, it signaled the first steps toward a long walk home.

Joey Blazek

6 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

Artists of the Beach Joey Blazek www.blazekdesign.com See his work: Rockport Center for the Arts now-end of July; ARToberfest, Galveston (Oct. 17-18), Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, Pensacola, Florida (Nov. 6-8) and Three Rivers Art Festival in Covington, Louisiana (Nov. 14-15). Galleries: Burns Antik Haus, Beaumont; Estelle Stair Gallery, Rockport; Fine Home by Copper Shade Tree in Round Top; Galleria Misto in Belleair Bluffs, Florida, and Lyons Share Gallery in Fairhope, Alabama this fall.

Joey Blazek’s maternal great-grandparents made High Island their home near the end of the 19th century as truck farmers, witnessing the 1900 and the 1915 storms from their house that still stands. His father designed and built a cabin on the Bolivar Peninsula in the mid-1950s, which had young Joey wading in the Gulf of Mexico by the time he could barely walk.

“I was immediately hooked on the beach life. I fished with my father and grandfather as a young child and learned how to handle a boat. I discovered surfing and by high school wanted to be there every waking moment. I would find odd jobs in the summer like painting beach cabins, renting surfboards from a trailer and selling a line of leather goods that I designed and produced,” he said. “After college I got a more responsible job and was able to afford a sailboat. For many years I sailed up and down the Texas/

The Bolivar Peninsula Cultural Foundation operates Gallery by the Gulf, featuring works by area artists, including an artist of the month. The first gallery was destroyed by Ike. The new location opened Nov. 7, 2015.

To learn more, visit bolivarfoundation.com.

Bolivar Peninsula Cultural Foundation 1980 Highway 87, Suite A Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday,

1-4 p.m. Sunday For additional information contact Charlotte Stirling at cstirling54@gmail.com.

Louisiana coasts and did some bare boating in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, which kept me close to my love of the water.”

Blazek focuses on the abundant wildlife and its coexistence with the Gulf Coast’s industrial, marine and agricultural landscape, though he sometimes includes urban pieces from New Orleans or other southern coastal cities and towns.

“Since I paint what I have spent my life around, I try to take ordinary objects that people see every day and paint them in a way that has something of beauty, whether it is a rice dryer, pump jack or cattle egret — trying to see it from a bit different perspective,” he said. “If I am able to take common coastal themes and turn them into something pleasing and interesting on canvas and special to the viewer, I feel like I have succeeded in my work.”

Blazek was one of many artists whose lives were upended by Ike. “Ike was a ‘page turner’ for me. My boat, like most of the others at the Port Arthur Yacht Club, was washed up on the ICW/ship channel levee and that pretty much ended the sailing chapter of my life. The beach cabin that my father had built was swept away like so many others. But as a testament to his building skills, it floated across the peninsula and was found basically intact somewhere across the bay. The post-Ike building boom has been a big boost to my career as many of my paintings have found a natural home on Bolivar in rebuilt beach homes.”

Blazek spent much of his career as a graphic designer/art director, but in 2009, reverted to fine art and began painting full time.

“Jerry Newman, my painting and lifedrawing professor, encouraged me to take the fine art path, but I ultimately chose to go into the advertising business as an art director. Things have a way of working out for the best. I needed the background as a designer to make a success of my painting later in life.

I feel so very fortunate to have been able to do both, and I wish Jerry Newman were still here so I could thank him personally.”

Graphic design gave him a keen awareness of composition.

“Ultimately my work is a product of what I have lived and learned the past 60 or so years. I consider myself primarily a

Southern Gulf Coast regional painter. I try to capture movement and light, so I have somewhat of an impressionistic style of painting, adding a minimal amount of detail allowing the viewer’s eye to see it as possibly more realistic than it is. I don’t really have a classification of my style other than it is my own.”

Albert Faggard, Jr. Email: artnpoet@yahoo.com See his work: Tyler County Art League (with his artist wife Amy’s work as well); Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur this fall.

Al Faggard Jr. believes the gift of creativity is what separates humans from the rest of God’s creatures.

“Some of us are creative with painting or sculpture, music or math, science or welding, or whatever we love to do,” he said. “I feel that my gift could be drawing or painting. I approach art in the classical manner of composition, color theory, and truth to the environment or style a piece is done in, re-

Albert Faggard, Jr.

gardless if realistic or abstract. This thought is what I also teach my students at Lamar State College in Port Arthur where I’m an adjunct instructor.”

Success, he believes, comes when the viewer sees a work of art, not just a wall piece.

Influences: “I was fortunate to study with Jerry Newman in undergraduate and graduate school. I also studied with John Alexander at the University of Houston, along with other members of the Gulf Coast School.”

He earned a BFA from the University of Houston and an MA from Lamar University.

Beach connection: “I grew up in Beaumont and Gilchrist on the Bolivar Peninsula.

My grandfather helped settle that end of the peninsula; six generations of my family have been on the beach. Although I have done several portraits of ‘old-timers’ from the area, I enjoy painting the abundant wildlife and marine life that live there.”

Ike’s impact: “I was living in Gilchrist and rode the storm out in High Island. It was a pretty good ride, as they say. I lost everything except three pairs of pants, three shirts, three pairs of shoes, six paintings and my Suburban. And of course, I had no insurance. It’s not the first storm I’ve been through and won’t be the last. I believe everything we go through in life has an impact on us as artists - both the good and the bad.

The materialistic things I lost could never replace the memories of the storm, nor would I have I had the chance to meet my wife Amy, who also is an artist.”

Mark Nesmith www.marknesmith.com; www.facebook.com/ marknesmithstudio; email inquires to art@ marknesmith.com.

See his work: Davis Gallery, Austin, through July 30. Featured artist at the Gallery by the Gulf in Crystal Beach (Aug. 1-31); solo exhibition at Café Arts at Art Museum of Southeast Texas (Aug. 25-Oct. 30)

Mark Nesmith

Mark Nesmith spent his childhood roaming the woods, bayous and beaches of Southeast Texas, forming an emotional attachment that is the foundation for his artwork today, which he describes as an amalgam of observation, memory and imagination. >> theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 7

with ladders. Shortly after retiring in 1994, I visited Santa Fe, New Mexico, and saw all the adobe homes with the classical ladder on the roof and visited the pueblos where the Park Service built native-style ladders out of lodge pole pines. Upon arriving home, I dug out the ‘Dictionary of Symbols’ and discovered ladders were always a positive icon in every culture from the time of the Egyptians. So I’ve made ladders out of clay, silver and copper wire, wood and painted it for a couple of decades.”

Influences: “The only claim to fame I have is being Greg Busceme’s first apprentice 33 years ago at the Art Studio Inc. He started me in clay, and as they say, the rest is history. Essentially I’m self-taught.”

Beach connection: “Bird photography is the most rewarding thing I find at the beach.

The gliding of white pelicans is a sensuous, beautiful dance. High Island is the port of entry for perhaps 40 percent of the North American song birds; it provides opportunity to see hundreds of different species every spring. The flora is also unique.”

Ike’s impact: “The storm changed everything on Bolivar; 2,000 houses disappeared and the quaint, easy-living fishing village D.J. Kava was gone. Before Ike, Albert Faggard, Margo See his work: At varying shows and by ap- Holst and I curated the beach foundation gallery across from Crenshaw School. We pointment, email: djksetx@yahoo.com. did 20 shows before the storm and cancelled D.J. Kava has plenty of life experiences to one due to open on Ike’s weekend. The influence his art. The Oregon native grew up storm caused artist block in me and all of our beach friends. Margo hosted an afterin Minnesota, joined the U.S. Air Force and served as a weather observer in the Vietnam noon painting session for her friends and started the healing process. She suggested era, was meteorological officer and is an we attend an Andy Coughlan painting workautomotive historian. shop and after that started a short series “I’ve done large bodies of work in clay, called ‘Ghost Houses of the Bolivar.’ That bead jewelry, glass enamel, wire sculpture, series represented mourning for the lost lifefound objects, photography and more recently, colored India ink. With found objects style. After that I started working more and within a year things felt closer to normal.”

I work around the idea of minimalist surrealism - changing something to transform its form or meaning. One of the most enjoyable Margo Holst things about making art is starting with an initial idea and while proceeding, improving See her work: Her studio “The Last Resort” at Crystal Beach, 409.782.5029 for an the concept, making it better.” appointment One image that consistently marks his work is a ladder.

When Holst saw a photo of San Leon artist “In high school I worked with my father Salli Babbitt standing behind of a large paintbuilding pole barns, so there is plenty of ing of a great blue heron, her path was set. experience in scaring the hell out of myself Meeks and Lynne Lokensgard challenged my conceptions of the world and helped me learn to think critically. The enduring beauty of nature has remained my overriding influence.”

Beach connection: “There’s something powerfully sublime about sitting on the shore and staring out over the waves to the distant horizon. It seems limitless and mysterious. I feel closer to our creator in those moments. My favorite thing is the light at dawn and just before sunset. The open expanse of the coast really lets it sing. Lately I’m quite taken with the bygone traces of man, like lighthouses and pylons, all part of the unique atmosphere and culture of the Texas coast.”

Ike’s impact: “I was living in Dallas, but almost all of my family still lived near Beaumont or Houston. They evacuated and headed towards North Texas. Many were out of their homes for weeks or longer. My brother was the first to come back because he was part of a volunteer fire department.

So many people lost so much, and yet, we’re still here. We rebuild. We thrive.”

D.J. Kava

“Through the continual painting, scraping away, re-painting, scumbling, smudging, scrubbing and just playing with the brush and knife, the canvas accrues a patina-like surface rich with textures and layers of color. This is how nature creates. Trees grow, flowers bloom, mountains are formed; erosion, storms, fires and earthquakes take it away. Then it cycles around, and there is re-growth. Painting has the power to elevate and inspire the perception of the viewer, the power to still the endless stream of distractions that tug at us daily.”

Nesmith, who earned his BFA from Lamar University, teaches art at Port NechesGroves ISD. It is the serenity of “less peopled and more natural spots” like Bolivar Flats, Galveston Island State Park, and down the coast towards Padre Island that call to him.

“Everyone seems to be traveling at warp speed, constantly bombarded by information and images, rushing from one to-do list to the next. The greatest role of the artist is to get people to stop time, take a moment, breathe and really notice the world around them. We spend too much time staring at our phones and not enough time looking around us. If someone comes away from one of my paintings and sees the world a little differently, maybe has his or her eyes opened to the beauty that surrounds us, I feel like I’ve been successful.”

Influences: “The stained glass windows, sculptures and paintings of the beautiful Catholic churches in Beaumont: St. Anne, St. Anthony, St. Pius and St. Jude Thaddeus.

At Lamar I was taught by Larry Leach, a mentor whose luminous oil paintings continue to inspire me. I learned from incredible painters and professors Steve Hodges and Jerry Newman. Butch Jack, Donna 8 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

Margo Holst

Kevin Kavanaugh Facebook: Tiki Man Kevin Kavanaugh See his work: at his place at Texas 87 and Crystal Beach Road (last traffic light before ferry)

Kevin Kavanaugh

“My mouth dropped. The great blue was beautifully painted, but it was the background that caught my eye. I was so impressed I called Salli to see if she would teach me to do her backgrounds, and she agreed. Like Jerry (Newman), Salli was a real teacher. I was used to working wet on wet from watercolors, yet this wet on wet was different. Under Salli's guidance I learned to create drips, runs and movement in my backgrounds. For the next year I created 36 pieces of art that I could finally say I love and am proud of.”

Holst said she knows she’s gotten it right when her work lands in a viewer’s heart. “A friend was visiting my studio and saw my painting of a kestrel taking flight in wetlands. He walked up to it, stood for a while, then turned and said, ‘Wow.’ I realized I had found my way to good painting. During my solo show (at the Beaumont Art League, November 2015), I heard ‘wow’ a few times.

That one word is enough.”

Influences: “Jerry and Pattee Newman convinced me to start painting. D.J. Kava helped open my eyes to change. Albert Faggard was there for all the times I called for help. Salli Babbitt was the driving force to the art I created for my solo show.”

Beach connection: “My paintings are of things found near the sea, inspired by the birds and fish of the upper Gulf Coast. I sometime bring humor to birds by giving them a personality.”

Ike’s impact: “Before Ike hit my home at Crystal Beach, we packed up some of my art. The ones that were on the wall I put on the floor because I didn't want them to get broken when the house shook. The storm brought two feet of water into my home. Of course, the paintings were ruined, so I had to trash them. My studio was gone. Nothing was left but a table and nasty mud. We

Most people know him as the Tiki Man, his chainsaw wooden tikis attracting a constant flow of visitors to the beach. His sculptures are in homes, yards and gardens across Bolivar, as well as across the U.S. His philosophy is simple: "Do what you love, and they will love it as well! It's a simple transfer of energy! Also, Love Many, Trust Few, Hurt No One!" Kavanaugh jokes that he works eight days a week, saying it’s possible when you consider the hours he pours into his work.

“Sundays are the day I like to do my own thing. Most days are for creating what others desire for their vacation paradise, but that is solely my day!”

Kavanaugh grew up in Minnesota and went to music school in Texas. He later began a career in the oil fields but retired in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita, realizing he preferred the “low stress life.”

For Tiki Man, art is “an illusion best served fresh. Perspective changes any view.

My style is ‘Give me your vision, and I’ll make it come to life.’”

Influences: “Family, surfing buddies and my children. I used to keep them entertained with beach finds that I would bring home to carve. And it's not all about me. We have a consortium of artists who contribute to Tiki Loco. They are a huge part of my success.”

Beach connection: “People love the colors of the beach. That drives my style at times.

You will typically see turquoise, bright orange, lime or blues, but my favorites are natural wood tones, preferably cedar. I love the natural wood grains, and I am inspired by mermaids, fish, surfing, shells and humorous birds.”

Ike’s impact: “I left for New Braunfels.

I made some great memories while being displaced from the hurricane, as well as some good money! I didn't expect to return. Most of my life ended up in the bay.

However, I was driving back through Crystal Beach when a client needed repair work.

Next thing I know, I have more orders than I expected. I'm still behind on orders.”

printmaking medium of the luminous silkscreens for which she’s known. She earned her BFA and MFA from the University of Houston and received a scholarship for advanced studies from Gonzaga University in Washington, studying in Florence, Italy.

Influences: “Mother Nature chooses my color palette. I am an avid scuba diver and am influenced by her masterpieces, mirrored in the coral reefs and coastal areas.”

Beach connection: “Concentrating on the treasures of the ocean and our coastal area for my inspiration, I have chosen the graphic media of silk screening to express my ideas. It is a unique and tedious medium, but I love the challenge! After I draw my original design, I hand cut a stencil from a transparent film, using a separate film for each color. Then I pull the paint through the stencil onto the screen stretched with silk.

This labor-intensive process is repeated for each color.”

Ike’s impact: “When Ike hit our Crystal Beach area, I was visiting my family in New York. I did not have a chance to pack up my precious paintings and materials. I lost 20 years of inventory and all my etching presses, silk screens and art supplies. For two years, I rented a house in League City while I dealt with the lawyers and trauma of insurance battles. This time proved to be just what I needed to mentally accept the challenge of beginning all over again with new ideas and new hope. I designed my new home and made sure my studio was everything I had always envisioned. The tragedy gave me the inner strength to start again with new visions and new hopes.”

Photo by Emily Lockhard-Furry

found items for months after. One of my paintings was found by a neighbor. It broke my heart to see all the damage to my home, as well as others.”

Patricia Hagstrom www.hagstromcollection.com See her work: Gallery by the Gulf in Crystal Beach and the Back Bay Emporium in Galveston The mountains around her Pennsylvania childhood home gave Patricia Hagstrom an intuitive appreciation for nature. As strange as it seems, she said, she never studied the

Patricia Hagstrom theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 9

photography by john fulbright

vip feature

Veneration for theGenerations Texas Coffee Company is four generations strong

by CHERYL P. ROSE

Arrival of the S.S. Del Rio, first coffee to the Port of Beaumont, consigned by Texas Coffee Co., Dec. 12, 1957.

10 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

Nearly a century ago, a young man from Sicily, Italy, arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana, and made his way to Beaumont.

Barely out of his teens, he opened a grocery store in 1921 that catered mostly to other immigrants. One item he stocked was green coffee beans. As a convenience to his customers, he began roasting and grinding the beans. With two partners, Charles Fertitta launched the Texas Coffee Company in 1926.

Fertitta’s business legacy is still going strong 95 years later. His personal legacy, a crowd of descendants and relatives, has kept his entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic alive through the generations. On a family tree peppered with business leaders, entrepreneurs and artists, family values for encouraging independence and creativity have passed from father to son, uncle to nephew, grandparent to grandchild.

“We are an entrepreneurial group,” said Carlo Busceme III, grandson of the founder and current president of the company, naming cousins invested in restaurants, real

Get to know

your cup o’ joe THE LEGEND People say that the credit of discovering coffee goes to GOATS! It is widely believed that in ninth century, an Ethiopian goat herder suddenly saw that his goats were behaving strangely after munching berries from a plant. The goat looked more energetic. So, the goat herder decided to try them and... voila! Coffee was discovered.

All in the Family

Charles Fertitta started his grocery business in 1921. He later partnered with Rosario Maceo and Joseph Serio to form the Texas Coffee Company in 1926. After the coffee business was under way, they expanded to create TexJoy seasonings and spices. Descendants of those original partners carry familiar Southeast Texas names, including Tortorice, Giglio, Parigi, Messina and Busceme. Several of those family members have served as company president, including Joseph “Pep” Fertitta, Frank Messina, Carlo Busceme Jr. and R.C. Tortorice. By 1999, the extended family had grown so large that the decision was made to consolidate ownership. The other branches bought out the Maceo family. Texas Coffee Co.’s main market is Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana, though over the last decade, the online business attracts orders from all over the nation and even internationally.

The example of Charles Fertitta, our grandfather, encouraged so many other people in our family to go for it. In a family business, you stand on the shoulders of the people who came before you.”

Carlo Busceme III, grandson of the founder and current president estate and even Ultimate Fighting Championships. Carlo III works side by side with two cousins, Joseph Fertitta Jr., as vice president and treasurer, and Donald Fertitta, as vice president and general manager.

“Our family encourages entrepreneurial endeavors and ideas coming to fruition,” Carlo III said. “Our parents wanted us to have academic educations, but also the kind of education that comes from doing business in the real world. The example of Charles Fertitta, our grandfather, encouraged so many other people in our family to go for it.

In a family business, you stand on the shoulders of the people who came before you.”

Many of the members of this extensive clan have worked for the company at one time or another. Most went on to other endeavors, as there is a definite streak of independence that runs through the family.

Sterling Fertitta, 26-year-old son of Donald, is one of the fourth-generation members of the family currently working in the business while also taking classes at Lamar Institute of Technology. >>

how the NAME came The current word “coffee” is actually a very late addition. The first known name of coffee was “qahhwat al-bun” which is the Arabic for “wine of the bean.” Later the Arabic name was shortened to “qahwa.” This name moved to the Turks who twisted it to “kahve.” Then the Dutch gave some treatment and the name became “koffie.” Finally, the English men took up the name “coffee.”

SECOND IN TRADING Those who love to trade in stocks and commodities know that coffee is one of most popular commodities to trade in.

In fact, it is actually world’s second most traded commodity. Oil takes the first spot.

THE UNKNOWN COMPONENT People drinking coffee have been found to be at lower risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other health problems. Scientists are still baffled with this because there is an unidentified element that interacts with caffeine and reduces the risk of the aforementioned diseases significantly.

WHEELS ON COFFEE Scientists say that one day when fossil fuels are all consumed by us, we will look at coffee for help! They have found out that coffee beans are combustible and have the potential of replacing fossil fuel in the near future. As a matter of fact, British engineers designed a car in 2011 that ran on coffee bean fuel, and it actually broke the fastest speed record of all cars running on organic fuel!

THE WEBCAM Did you know there is a relationship between webcams and coffee? The University of Cambridge invented the webcam for the sole purpose of letting others know whether the coffee pot was empty or full.

Source: factslegend.org

theVIPmag.coM theVIPmag.coM | July | July 2016 11

There is a sense of pride to being part of a family business. It’s been around so long, you have to keep adapting and using the new tools available. You want to make your family proud.

You don’t want it to end with you. You want to leave it a little better.”

Carlo Busceme IV, great-grandson of the founder Seaport Coffee A hundred years ago, if you drank coffee, you bought green beans and then took them home to roast. Charles Fertitta changed that model by taking on the roasting and grinding. Today, Greg Busceme is the company’s master roaster in addition to being a local artist and leader of the Art Studio Inc. in Beaumont. The coffee beans come from South and Central America and Mexico and are 100 percent Arabica, “which is the best of the best,” according to Carlo III. Joseph Fertitta purchases all the coffee, but before he does, it has to pass a taste test.

The dense green coffee beans start their journey in a vacuum system that cleans them and then conveys them to the roasting room where two roasters are loaded. After roasting, the beans are cooled and then put through the “stoner” – a contraption that separates the light roasted coffee from heavier elements. It travels to holding bins and then heads for the grinders. The final step is packaging, which has changed over the years from vacuumsealed bricks to the latest experiment in K-cups. The milder Founder’s Choice and Seaport’s Dark Roast are the two biggest sellers for the business, which also does a number of custom blends for private labels for various restaurants and companies.

“There is a motivation passed down through the family to get out and make a name for yourself,” he said. “No one is riding on anyone’s coattails.”

However, that willingness to take risks is fostered within a supportive culture. Carlo Busceme IV, 27, has worked in the family business since he was 15. He has done a tour of duty in every department, but currently works in sales and merchandising. He is also an artist who regularly shows in area galleries. “Any time someone in the family is trying something new, the family is always behind you,” he said. “Seeing family members succeed lets you know you can do these things, too. I have learned a tremendous amount from my dad and cousins, but also the men on the company loading docks. They’ve all taught me about working hard and putting the best version of yourself out there.”

Carlo III said his mentor was his uncle, Joseph “Pep” Fertitta, a previous president of the company. Pep was a stickler for quality in the products, Carlo III remembers, a value the company still holds dear. “My uncle stood by what his father, my grandfather, said, which was that we eat and drink these products, so don’t put anything in them that we wouldn’t serve our family,” he said.

Sterling views Carlo III as one of his mentors, someone who brings a positive attitude to a fast-paced business environment. He also respects his father, Donald, as a business person in addition to being a dad. “My father is a great dad, a good friend and a great boss,” he said.

Inheriting a family legacy and keeping it relevant in changing times is not easy. Both the active generations feel that responsibility. “We talk about our grandfather and our fathers and what they did for community,” Donald said. “We remember how they led their lives and what kind of family men they were. They left large shoes to fill.”

Though there are no official retirement and succession plans yet, family members hope the business will stay in the family and in Beaumont after its centennial. “There is a sense of pride to being part of a family business,” Carlo IV said. “It’s been around so long, you have to keep adapting and using the new tools available. You want to make your family proud. You don’t want it to end with you.

You want to leave it a little better.”

Spicy History of TexJoy In his grocery store, Charles Fertitta sold pure spices such as black pepper, cinnamon and clove. One of his customers was his great-uncle, who owned a meat market. The uncle complained that

12 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

he didn’t have the time to blend the spices to season the meat.

Charles accepted the challenge and began making his own blends of seasonings to sell. Two of his original blends, Steak Seasoning and Bar-B-Q Special Seasoning, are still top sellers for the company.

According to Carlo III, their black pepper comes from India, Indonesia and Vietnam. Most of the spices are from the Cochin region of India, historically the center of the spice trade. The dehydrated vegetables – garlic, chilies, onion, parsley, paprika and most red peppers – are produced in the United States. Other countries that supply herbs and spices are Mexico, Brazil, Turkey and Greece.

Over time, the family has tinkered with different blends, but put a premium on keeping the products as pure as possible, eschewing additives and fillers. They also buy domestic when they can. Some adjustments include eliminating MSG from most items and reducing the overall salt content over the years. Other changes respond to taste trends, from an explosion of interest in garlic 20 years ago to the latest hot flavoring, sriracha. One of the newest blends testing successfully is Rooster Booster, which has a pinch of sriracha, “We stick to traditions and then try to add a bit new to stay flexible and fresh,” Carlo III said.

theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 13

vip feature

The Bounty of

Bolivar

What Beachcombing Can Bring

by Stacie Jannise

Ask fishermen where secret fishing holes are, and they’ll tell you with a smile and a laugh, but not likely give a straight answer.

Ask a beachcomber the best place to search for treasure, and you’ll likely get more than you want to know including tales of special finds, an abundance of tips and even a glimpse into their hearts. It is often those casual conversations between a novice and veteran beachcomber about the best place to hunt that become treasures themselves.

Although there does not seem to be a consensus on specific places, in general, more secluded areas tend to yield the best finds. Heavy traffic buries many treasures, breaks

Brenda Warren's mysterious beach find, thought to possibly be a Neolithic axe head.

14 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

delicate shells and generally makes relaxed combing a little more challenging. All beaches are fair game for treasure hunting but different beaches, and certain stretches of the same beach, often yield unique bounty.

Why? Perhaps it’s the water current during that season, the contour of the beach or just a mystery of the seashore. No matter, from High Island to Galveston, the novice or seasoned beachcomber can find an array of treasures.

High on the list of prized finds are shark teeth, many dating back thousands and thousands of years. Fossilized shark teeth aren’t the only ancient treasures found along this stretch of beach. More recently, what’s thought to be a Neolithic axe head was found.

“I found the piece while beachcombing one morning in early May of this year, in the vicinity of Gilchrist and Caplen,” said beachcomber Brenda Warren. “I was about to leave the beach when something green shimmered at the waterline catching my eye. I picked up the heavy sailboat-shaped piece with a hole all the way through it, not having any idea what it might be.”

She posted her find on the Bolivar Beachcombers Facebook page and asked for input. The comments immediately began pouring in. Speculations included a hashish pipe, an ancient fishing weight or possibly a prized and very old

Coveted ocean treasures include sand dollars, sea beans, shark's teeth and sea glass.

axe head. Through leads on Facebook, she contacted several experts in archaeological finds. At least one expert is studying it more closely to confirm this, with all contacted in agreement that it is most likely a rare and treasured find.

The type of stone is not found in this area, so it was most likely traded as a stone then fashioned into the axe head or actually traded as the axe head itself. Because of the excellent condition of this relic that is probably more than 4,000 years old, some have speculated that it may be a grave good. Once confirmed, it will join the list of prized finds along the upper Texas Gulf Coast. >>

Southern Tide Women’s Seersucker Lounge Shorts Whether you’re sleeping or relaxing, it’s all about style in these cute lounge shorts.

4393 Calder Ave., Beaumont, TX

“Trust us, we do this all the time!”

Curtis Branch – Owner

Better Business Bureau Member Licensed, Bonded, & Insured In Business for 48 Years Local and Statewide Moving Flat Rate

409-626-1113 (Cell) olliesmoving@yahoo.com

8

fabulous finds Retailers we love and their merchandise we love to have!

Cat5 is available to check out every Thursday Thursaday in the Beaumont Enterprise and it is distributed to the top locations in the Golden Triangle.

ESTATE SALE QUESTIONS

Call Mimi Hollier

@ Sentimental Journey Estate Sales for the answers • Experienced • Reliable • Professional

CeCe Caldwell: Certified Retailer & Paint Instructor For Chalk & Clay Paints & Junk Gypsy Paint

NOW AVAILABLE! MERCER’S WINE ICE CREAM

1123 Boston Ave., Nederland,TX

409-748-0867

(409) 779-8046 The best spot to find out what is going on with the latest trends in dining, night life, music, art, events, and fashion in the Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana areas. thecat5.com

Check website often for upcoming sales, consignment furniture & more.

www.estatesalesbymimi.com Also available for appraisals. theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 15

Although 4,000 years old seems ancient, it will be a mere youngster among some other finds, including shards of pottery, arrowheads and one piece dating back more than 11,000 years.

Not quite as old, but equally fun to find, are old bottle stoppers, antique bottles and pieces of china and crystal. Even though not all treasured finds are thousands or even hundreds of years old, they are fascinating and sometimes even amusing. Area beachcomber finds include money, designer sunglasses, jewelry (including class rings that have been traced back to their owners), illicit drugs, a prosthetic foot and even an ankle monitor. Just letting one’s imagination run free thinking about how some of these items found themselves basking in the sun on a sandy stretch of beach can inspire entertaining tales. Fishing tackle finds abound as do abandoned or washed away children’s beach toys. Some locals like to pick up the beach toys. They then clean them up and package them together to hand out to children who may be visiting for the day with no toys.

Many have also found the fabled message in a bottle. David Walker and his wife have been combing the shores of Bolivar beaches for 13 years, generally looking for shells and the occasional salvaged ship piece such as ropes or lights. On one walk in early May, they stumbled upon quite a few bottles washed ashore. One bottle in particular caught David’s eye. It was a Belle Glos wine bottle, distinguished by red wax on the side.

“I thought it was interesting that a fairly

16 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

expensive wine bottle was on the beach,” said David. Upon closer inspection, he noted that the cork was in place, and there was paper in the bottle. They took the bottle home and opened it, half expecting to find the paper inside to be simply someone’s trash. However, they were delighted to find a message written on an invitation to an art show on the cruise ship Brilliance of the Seas. David replied to the email address and learned it had been launched off the coast of Cuba and had taken about two months to find its way to the Bolivar shores.

Other natural treasures can evoke the same level of excitement. Among those finds include a variety of shells, each one unique, some even providing a home for hermit crabs.

Sand dollars are another sought-after find and tend to be found more frequently after the first cold front of the season. Sea beans or sea hamburgers (seeds that have fallen into a stream or river and eventually found their way to the sea) can be found in a wide array of sizes and colors and are also highly prized.

Perhaps one of the most fascinating finds is sea glass – shards of broken glass that have been frosted and polished smooth by the waves and sand. Occasionally, someone will question the love for sea glass — a love that can almost become an addiction. Perhaps it is the mystery about where each piece comes from. Or the beauty found in something that was once whole, then shattered. As it is tossed among the storms, waves and shore, it takes on a new life. Its sharp edges soften as it takes on

the desired frosted look and is resurrected into a new life. From handcrafted jewelry, to wind chimes, picture frames, mosaics, stepping stones or an artful display in a vase positioned to catch the sunlight, these jewels have a lure and mystique and speak a language true beachcombers understand.

While amber, brown, green and clear pieces abound, blue, yellow, red and amethyst are much more rare.

Beach glass enthusiast Bris Crider decided to do something unique with some of her glass finds. “It’s hard to explain to some people how the little treasures we find here bring us so much joy in the simplest of forms.” With that thought in mind, she sent her aunt three pieces of blue sea glass in varying shades. A short time later, her aunt returned those pieces mounted upon a shard of sea china (or “Chaney” as her uncle would say) found in the Virgin Islands. With wire, beads and a little chain, it was transformed into a beautiful, sentimental piece to hang from Bris’ rearview mirror — a daily reminder of joy in the simplest of forms.

Whether you find an ancient arrowhead, a shark’s tooth, a sparkling piece of blue glass or just a lonely flip flop, any time spent strolling the beach, listening to the calming sounds of the waves, feeling the breeze and sun on your skin is time guaranteed to calm your soul and help you reconnect with the joys of the simpler things in life. Beachcombing transcends generations and makes for great family time, yielding memories that are the greatest treasure of all.

theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 17

vip food entertainment

Everything’s

Grillable Meat is neat, but other options just as sweet

by Micah Shanks

Serve grilled peaches for dessert, either solo or with ice cream.

If you think grills are only used for steaks and burgers, think again. As more and more people are turning away from fatty meats to healthier choices, chefs are challenged to answer the call with recipes that incorporate more vegetables and fruits. Yes, fruits can be grilled.

“Grilling fruits and vegetables brings out the sugars and intensifies the flavors,” says Big Rich Courville, owner of Courville’s Catering. “We grill just about everything you can think of…even soup.”

Soup? Rich says take a large sweet onion, remove the paper, core the center about three-fourths down being careful not to cut all the way through. Carefully quarter the onion. Place a beef bouillon cube in the center where the core was, pack butter (salted or unsalted) all throughout the onion and tightly wrap in foil. Put the entire thing in a shallow pan and place on the grill for 35-40 minutes. Voila! French Onion Soup!

“Primitive man ate things raw, but somewhere along the line, they realized they could use seasonings, and we haven’t stopped yet. Think about layering flavors,” says Rich.

Rich’s favorite way to cook fresh corn is to pull back the husk, wrap the ear in bacon, soak it in water for a few minutes and then cook it on an open grill. “Try different types of wood on a woodburning grill,” says Rich. “Woods like plum and apple give foods different flavors.”

How about grilled watermelon? Chuck Harris, owner of Chuck’s Catering, uses grilled watermelon as a salad choice. “Grill large chunks of watermelon just till they get grill marks. Top with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese and a balsamic reduction. This is a wonderful flavor combination of sweet, char and salt,” says Chuck.

A favorite for kids of all ages is grilled pizza. Chuck says to use pita or Indian naan bread as a base. Grill large pieces of squash, eggplant, onions and broccoli with olive oil, salt and pepper and set aside. Grill some meat if you want. Then let everyone build their own pizza with pesto, tomato sauce and cheese. When the pizzas

Grilled veggies for DIY pizzas.

Portobello mushrooms are a healthy, delicious alternative to a beef patty.

18 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

Corn on the cob- "Courville" style!

are assembled, put them back on the grill and close the lid just long enough to melt the cheese.

“You can be creative with a grill. Besides the usual foods we think about, you can also make cobblers and biscuits in a cast iron skillet over an open grill,” says Chuck. “The biggest mistake people make is trying to make an all-day thing out of grilling when actually most foods don’t take that long to cook. And leave the lid open! When you close it, you have basically turned your grill into an oven.”

Debbie Bando, owner of Bando’s Catering, emphasizes using only the freshest produce and fish that can be found. “One thing to remember is that if the veggies are not really fresh, they fall apart quickly on the grill,” says Debbie. She says that with more people asking for vegan dishes, always cook the veggies first and then cook your meats. “If you cook the meat first, the vegetables will pick up grease from the meat, and some vegans cannot tolerate that.”

Debbie’s favorite way to cook fresh corn that is coming in right now is to husk and clean it, cook it over a hot grill just for a few minutes until it has grill marks, dip in butter and roll it in TexJoy Steak Seasoning and parmesan cheese. “We try to stay away from gluten and MSG in our seasonings. Try making your own marinades at home instead of using store-bought products that are high in sodium and MSG.” Still not sold on a “no meat” dish? Debbie says to try substituting a portobello mushroom for a hamburger. “Portobellos can be used in many recipes as a meat substitute. They have the heavy texture of a steak, and you can add various seasonings to bring out the flavor.”

For dessert, think peaches. Half of a fresh peach, dabbed with olive oil and grilled just until it is marked or peaches wrapped in foil with butter make an excellent finish either alone or over homemade ice cream.

Since just about anything and everything can be cooked over a grill, why stay in a hot kitchen this summer? As to what kind of grill to buy, that’s a whole ‘nother topic. theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 19

Straight teeth - healthy liveS Over the last 20 years, clinical research established the connection between certain increasingly common childhood health issues and a single likely root cause – Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). Nine out of ten children suffer from SDB symptoms.

Does your child exhibit any of these symptoms?

• ADD/ADHD • Bed Wetting • Chronic Allergies • Difficulty in School • Mouth Breathing • Snoring • Restless Sleep • Stunted Growth • Nightmares • Crowded/Crooked Teeth • Dark Circles Under the Eyes • Swollen Adenoids/ Tonsils • Aggressive Behavior • Overbite Underdeveloped Lower Jaw • Daytime Drowsiness Healthy Start is a non-invasive, all natural and non-pharmaceutical procedure that combines health issues and straightening teeth in one treatment. It provides beautiful smiles, straight teeth and a lifetime of healthy breathing. Call for a consultation.

• Sleep Disordered Breathing is a condition that can develop as a consequence of mouth breathing. Children are often cranky due to a lack of sleep. Of course the children don’t know they aren’t sleeping properly nor do the parents.

Children are consequently misdiagnosed as ADD and are put on prescription drugs or subjected to psychological therapy.

• A telltale sign that your child may be suffering from SDB is crooked or crowded teeth, bedwetting, snoring. Of course, crankiness, sleepiness during the day, lack of focus are signs as well.

“I want other mom’s to know that there is a better solution out there and it’s Healthy Start.

Not only will you have a healthy child they will have beautiful teeth. My son had perfect teeth at age 10! It is affordable, simple, and natural and the best thing you can do for your child.

These are permanent changes, it’s not a Band-Aid, it’s a cure.”

Dr. a. DON ShaW, DDS FaMily & COSMetiC DeNtiStry

3875 Laurel Ave., Beaumont, TX • 409.833.0760 • www.drshawdds.com www.thehealthystart.com 20 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

vip food entertainment

li•ba•tion \lī-’bā-shən\

Noun: a drink poured out as an offering to a deity

by Jane McBride

Strawberry

Mojito

Muddle together: 2 large strawberries 8 mint leaves 2 lime wheels

Photo by Jane McBride

Jai’ Dee Comeaux is a bona-fide BOI. For non-beach folks, that means Born on the Island. The friendly bartender at one of the most popular restaurants and bars on the peninsula spent her growing-up years in Galveston.

“I’ve lived on the beach my entire life,” she said with a smile.

When she was younger, she often ate at the old Steve’s Landing location. Now, as an adult, she works there.

“This is my first bartending job. I started as a waitress and then moved to the bar. I’ve been a bartender here for three years.”

Steve’s Landing is a spacious, beautifully designed and well-appointed space with large palm trees carved by Bolivar’s Tiki Man, Kevin Cavanaugh. The soft gray wood and large windows facing the water add to the ambience.

The restaurant offers comfortable seating on outdoor deck areas with an unobstructed view of the bay, as well as a bar downstairs.

The extensive cocktail list in the Blue Dolphin bar offers libations using freshly squeezed juices, as well as fresh fruit and herb garnishes.

The atmosphere is “very laid back and chilled,” Comeaux said. “When it’s super busy it can get a little crazy, but it’s a very nice bar with great cocktails. We’re busy all summer and every holiday.”

When things are slower in the winter, Comeaux’s customers include many regulars, whose favorite drinks she knows by heart.

“I meet a lot of cool people and have interesting conversations with them. It’s nice to form relationships with your customers. You become their friend. In the summer, tourists come from all over. I’ve met people from Maine and other New England states.”

And as for that charming, unusual name, Jai’ Dee explains that she was named after her uncle J.D. with a more feminine spelling for a baby girl.

Add: 1 oz. pure cane syrup 2 oz. strawberry rum Add to cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Pour into glass and top with club soda.

Garnish with strawberry and mint leaves. Place lime wheel on rim.

Steve’s Landing 409.684.1999 1290 Bay Vue Drive | Crystal Beach, Texas www.steveslanding.com Facebook: Steve’s Landing Restaurant

theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 21

vip fashion trends

Be a COOL Professional Even When

it’s hot

by Tammy Crutchfield

Here we are, already in July. It’s HOT out there, and this makes it very challenging to get dressed for work. After all, who wants to wear office-y clothes when it’s 90 plus degrees and 100 percent humidity outside? All we want to do is throw on a comfortable T-shirt (preferably sleeveless) with some shorts and flip flops and stay cool, but unfortunately, there are rules against this in the work place. In order to help you get through the heatwave, we have come up with some tips on how to maintain your professional look during these sweltering summer months and still look cool in the process.

For most professional office settings, the baseline casual look starts with three no-nos — no flip flops (consider putting your best foot forward with a real pair of shoes!), no shorts (no matter what the length) and no visible tattoos. Speaking of tattoos, always be mindful of the message you are sending at work. For the most part, in a businesslike situation, tattoos should stay covered as much as possible.

(Sorry millennials, but this applies to you, too!)

For our working ladies, here are a few specific things to keep in mind in the office. If you are wearing a sleeveless shirt, you should have a cardigan or jacket available at all times. You never know when you might get a surprise visit from the CEO or a special client. Skirts should never be shorter than two inches above the knee, especially this summer since the midi length and culottes are so vogue.

You should always avoid anything sheer, and for goodness sake, be sure to cover the cleavage! The “old school” philosophy is that the more skin you show, the less influence you have. So

Ladies, don’t be afraid to add a beachy summer feel to your work by wearing brighter colors and lighter fabrics, such as cotton or linen blends. When wearing bright colors, try pairing them with a more neutral shoe and bag. On the flip side, when wearing something neutral, a bright colored bag or shoe will instantly lift the outfit.

Above: Sophie Hulme ‘Holmes’ Bowling Bag Right: Coldwater Creek Sunwashed Linen Big Shirt and Vince Camuto ‘Kathin’ Mid-Heel Dress Sandals

22 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

Above: Lauren Ralph Lauren Striped Ruffle Georgette Skirt

why make it harder on yourself to earn respect from your clients, coworkers and boss? Keep in mind that you never want to wear something that can be distracting. So if you have to think about it — DON’T wear it! If people are focusing on your clothes for the wrong reason, then you are wearing the wrong clothes. One other rule of thumb is that sunglasses do not count as a fashionable headband. When you get to work, put them away.

Now for you men, we have a few tips for you as well. First of all, when in doubt, khakis and polo shirts are the way to go. As for shoes, sandals are considered a fashion faux pas in the office, so keep that look for the weekend. And I hate to break it to you, but you should also think twice before wearing loafers without socks. It should go without saying, but I am going to say it anyway…NEVER wear a tank to work!

Now that we have gotten all of the basic rules out of the way, here are some tips on what you CAN do to stay spot-on in the office this summer. You can start by working trends into your wardrobe through your accessories and shoes. This is a good way to exhibit current styles and show a little bit of your personality. When choosing your look, don’t get carried away with too much of a good thing. Too much jewelry, too much make-up or too much color can be distracting, so keep it simple. For you men, keep in mind that linen is your summertime “business casual” friend.

For all of you working men and women, whatever you decide to wear, make sure it is comfortable and sending the right message. If you are spending time adjusting something all day, you will not come across as a confident worker. Bottom line is DON’T take a vacation from professionalism, and DON’T assume business casual is a fashion free-for-all! Make it a priority to find out what your company dress code is, and don’t ignore the rules of the office. The more specific the dress code, the easier it is to figure out what to wear, which ultimately gives you more time to plan your perfect vacation!

Summer No-Nos for women: ✘ No Flip Flops ✘ No Shorts ✘ No Visible Tatoos ✘ No Sheer Fabric ✘ No Cleavage ✘ No Short Skirts for men: ✘ No Sandals ✘ No Loafers Without Socks ✘ No Tanks TREND ALERT:

The neckerchief is the perfect way to look professional yet trendy in the workplace this summer!

Bottom line is DON’T take a vacation from professionalism, and DON’T assume business casual is a fashion free-for-all!

Far left: Banana Republic Paper Bag-Waist Crop Pants Center: Matthew Williamson Flamingo DNA Silk Scarf Left: Banana Republic Timo Weiland Collection Gingham Tie-front Top and Skirt theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 23

vip fashion trends

Mane Details

for Summer Locks Products & Tools to Protect & Style Hair

by Micah Shanks

e have all heard the phrase “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.�

Most of that first impression is based on looks.

Not necessarily the looks you got from your mother, but how well you take care of yourself.

Hair is a big factor here. Do you have healthy wellgroomed hair or do you walk around with a big frizzy mess with roots three inches long? We talked to several area hairstylists for their advice on how to care for your hair, especially during the summer months when sun and swimming pool chlorine can take such a toll.

24 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

Nicole Traylor of On Stage Hair Design in Beaumont says that the best thing to do is to protect hair in advance. “It is easier to keep it from getting damaged in the first place than to repair it later,” says Nicole. “Whether you are sunbathing by the pool, gardening, basically doing anything outside, I recommend taking some time to condition your hair before you ever go out. Use a conditioner with SPF, wet your hair, slather in conditioner and put on a hat or ball cap. If your hair is long, braid it and put it in a bun first. Leaving the conditioner in while you are out in the heat is a great way to get a deep-conditioning treatment. You have created a conditioning cocktail.”

Some products Traylor recommends include: Aveda Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser, Aveda Sun Care Hair Masque, Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Masque, Oribe Signature Moisture Masque, Oribe Masque for Beautiful Color, Paul Mitchell Color Perfect Locking Spray and skin products

by Skinceuticals such as Sport UV Defense Sunscreen and Physical Matte UV Defense.

Nicole Traylor

Hair Care Products Worth the

Splurge

Billions are spent annually in the U.S. on hair care products and gadgets. The choices can be overwhelming! Prices for a basic curling iron can run anywhere from $18 to $200. So why the difference?

Ashley Paule says that the Elchim hair dryer can be purchased on Amazon for around $130 and is well worth it. “Always use the nozzle that comes with the dryer. It helps to retain moisture. So many people throw away that piece because they don’t know what it is for. If it comes in the box, use it!”

In her opinion, the Paul Mitchell flat iron is the best on the market used in conjunction with Paul Mitchell Hot Off the Press Thermal protection spray.

Stylist Rochelle Jeane uses Hot Tools Nicole Traylor curling irons and blow dryers. “The curling iron has a Kayla Falke of the Loft Hair temperature gauge.

Studio in Beaumont agrees The hair dryer is ionic that a conditioner is very which means antiimportant. “I like Pai Shau frizz. These higher-end Moisture Masque and Kevin. products are generMurphy.Damage.Manager. ally made better to last Both of these products will longer. I also like the protect against sun damMirage Keratiner flat age. You can use these beiron. For big, loose sumfore or after swimming. As mer curls, a diffuser is for styles, if you want that always helpful.” effortless, tousled beach Kayla Falke recomlook, I like the results I get mends Babyliss and Morfrom Kevin.Murphy Hair. rocanoil hair dryers and Resort.Spray.” >> curling irons. “High-dollar tools generally work faster and do less damage to the cuticle.”

What about all those commercials for gadgets that create instant long lasting waves and curls?

“Always consult with your hairdresser before purchasing TV products and tools,” says Ashley.

“It is easier to keep it from getting damaged in the first place than to repair it later.”

Kayla Falke

theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 25

Rochelle Jeane

Beach wa ves are a fun, fl irty look for the summer.

Strands Hair Spa and Boutique in Nederland uses strictly Aveda products. Owner Rochelle Jeane says that Aveda is 97 percent natural. “We have a complete sun care line that will do anything from protecting hair from absorbing too much chlorine in the first place to removing chlorine and salt after swimming. We also have humidity defense products that are great for our climate.” For hair that is dry either from overexposure to the elements, styling tools or just age, Rochelle recommends Aveda Dry Remedy Shampoo and Conditioner.

One thing all these stylists agree on is that a good cut is the most important thing you can do for your hair. Ashley Paule is a stylist at Runway Hair Salon in Beaumont. “A good cut is number one. Then make sure you keep your hair healthy with good products. If you use styling wands, be sure to use a good penetrating conditioner like Wella oil because the heat from the wands can really damage hair. The newest trend in color is the ombre look.

This will also dry out hair because there is a lot of bleach involved.

The oil will cut dry time, add moisture and smooth the ends.”

She says the best shampoo and conditioner for summer is Paul Mitchell Awapuhi moisturizing shampoo and keratin cream rinse.

For hair that is extremely dried out from the sun, use an Awapuhi intense treatment once a week.

Whether you go for the latest short blunt bob with “beach waves” look or decide to keep your hair longer, make sure your cut reflects your lifestyle. No longer is it a “rule” to cut your hair short once you turn 40. If your hair is healthy, the cut is trendy and you are comfortable with the time it takes to maintain it, go for whatever looks good on you!

26 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

Ashley Paule

theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 27

photography by john fulbright

vip home garden

Shore Escapes Three Homes Feature Amenities for

Seaside Living

by Micah Shanks

Nothing says summer like a trip to the beach. For so many residents of this area, just an occasional trip is not enough. That’s when the decision is made to build a personal beach house. Debbie and Jerry White of Port Neches have brought their children

28 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

to Crystal Beach each summer for as long as they can remember.

“We came up every summer for vacation, but when the kids went away and started coming back with their own kids, we decided to build something that we could use

whenever we want and that would be big enough for all of us,” says Debbie.

In 2014, Southern Comfort was christened. This 1,500-square-foot beach cottage has the personal touch of true beach lovers.

Debbie explains, “We knew what we looked for in rental property and built the house accordingly with seasonal renters in mind.”

The cheery walls are painted in bright corals and blues against crisp clean white. Accents of seashells, starfish, seahorses and pelican statuettes are everywhere you look.

The tray ceiling in the living area lights up big comfy sofas. The dining table nearby seats eight, which is not always enough for the constant stream of company. “You always have friends when you have a beach house!” laughs Debbie.

Jerry is quite the creative handyman.

Much of the décor and special touches are his own, down to the nautical rope and sand dollars around the widescreen TV. Looking out from the wraparound deck, you can see a baseball diamond, grass volleyball court and campfire area that he built for their three grown kids, spouses and eight grandchildren. Pictures of the family are cleverly displayed throughout the house. >>

“You always have friends when you have a beach house!” laughs Debbie.

theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 29

Weight Loss Without Surgery Over the past 20 years, ORBERA® has become the #1 weight loss balloon in the world and is the only one recognized by the ASGE for its safety and effectiveness*. No other FDA-approved gastric balloon has shown more weight loss during their US clinical studies.

*ORBERA® has met the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy’s (ASGE) Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable Endoscopic Innovations (PIVI) threshold standards for the treatment of obesity.

For patients who qualify, the ORBERATM balloon is placed in the stomach for no more than six months. During that time, you will be supervised by our experienced team to help you make and maintain major changes in your eating and exercise habits.

Get the information you need to start now at setga.com/orbera

855-ORBERA1 • (855-672-3721)

Andrew H. Barenberg, M.D. • Raja S. Chennupati, M.D. • Joseph W. Holland, Jr., M.D. Moazzam M. Sana, D.O. • Keith A. Wied, D.O. 30 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

The home of Tim and Susan Byrom was rebuilt after Hurricane Ike destroyed the original one. At 3,000-square-feet, this waterfront property boasts an incredible view of the ocean with pelicans floating just over the massive wood deck. If you are very lucky, as we were, you might catch a glimpse of the 1877 tall ship Elissa under full sail!

One of the special features of the kitchen is the center island made from one huge piece of quartz. “I looked through plenty of stone yards before I found this,” says Susan. “Found it in the last place left to look!”

Pine plank walls, a jacuzzi tub and a fireplace make the master bedroom very cozy. The five bedrooms are comfortably decorated to accommodate friends and family who come to visit. The Jack and Jill bathrooms come in handy when there are people sharing space.

The grandkids have their own special area complete with refrigerator stocked with drinks and snacks. “Besides the bunk beds and trundle beds, we have a big tent that we set up in the middle of the room when they are here,” says Susan. “They love it.” >>

theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 31

32 July 2015 | 2016 | the VIP mag.com

“I absolutely love my home,” says Cheryl.

“It’s perfect for me.”

The home of Cheryl Cross is an excellent example of how to get a lot out of a small space. At 1,500-square-feet, this house has a 13-foot solid quartz bar, a reading nook under the staircase that doubles as a bed and a coffee bar upstairs “so I don’t have to come downstairs in the morning until I’m ready,” says Cheryl.

“The screened in porch is a must in Southeast Texas,” explains Cheryl. “This is my special place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine, listen to music and unwind from the day without dealing with mosquitos.”

Cheryl helped with the design and décor of the home built in 2012.

Built-ins throughout the house provide ample storage space. She chose soft colors of nature for the walls and colors of sea glass for the accents, relying heavily on clean white and bright aqua. She personally crafted the stained-glass panel that hangs in the master bath.

“I absolutely love my home,” says Cheryl. “It’s perfect for me. Because of the great use of space, it feels much bigger than it really is!” theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 33

vip home garden

flower power

How to keep fresh-cut fabulous by shelly vitanza

Roses, hydrangeas, sunflowers, tulips and even a little bundle of freesia brighten faces and rooms. Everyone loves the beauty of a fresh-cut flower arrangement, simple or intricate, homegrown or store bought. A bouquet of fresh flowers is also a lovely gesture for almost any occasion. Nothing communicates a “thinking-of-you” sentiment better than a colorful cluster of Gerbera daisies or conveys feelings of love and appreciation more than stems of roses or sets the mood of a celebration better than gads of gangly gladiolas.

While outdoor flowers can remain beautiful and bountiful outside, once they are cut, there is a limited amount of time before they wilt and wither. But there are ways to prolong the life of cut flowers to enjoy their beauty as long as possible.

Here are some simple tips: • Choose a flower variety that lasts longer once cut.

“Some flowers just last longer – daisies, carnations, filler flowers like statice, Monte Casino asters — those last a long time; they have the longest life span,” said Gina Savoie, designer at Forever Yours Florist on Old Dowlen Road. “Orchids last a long time after cut, even not in water, and lilies do pretty good, especially if you get a bud. You’re doing good if you get seven days from a rose; stock doesn’t last long; gladiolas are mid-range; the bottom blooms of gladiolas die off, but the top stays fresh. Sunflowers are pretty good, but petals fall after they’ve bloomed out. Delphinium and iris don’t last long, and neither does tulip, but the tulip is interesting because the stem of a tulip continues to grow even after it’s been cut. It’s the only flower I know that does that.”

• Cut correctly.

Creating a large enough surface area on the stem for the uptake of water is essential. That is why florists recommend cutting the stem on a slant to expose more area to the water. If you purchase flowers in the store, recut them before placing them in water.

• Place flowers in water immediately.

Some people advocate cutting the stems while they're actually submerged in water. However, you will probably be fine if you simply recut the stems on flowers you brought inside and immediately put them in a vase of water. The key is not to let the tip of the stem dry out or close up with an air bubble, sap or other substances preventing the uptake of water.

• Place flowers in lukewarm water.

This will keep from shocking the blooms.

• Remove leaves.

Take off the leaves of the plant that would end up underwater in the vase. Exposure to the water could cause the leaves to rot and fall off, creating algae or sludge in the vase water. It also may breed extra bacteria or attract small insects to the water. However, do not to remove the thorns from roses, as this tends to shorten their shelf life.

34 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

• Choose young flowers.

Mature flowers may have peaked and begun to make room for a new round of blooms, so try to choose young buds or blooms that just opened so that you'll have an opportunity to enjoy them longer.

“Look for a rose or a daisy that is still a bud and the petals are not opened yet,” said Savoie. “If you choose a bud then you know you have a fresh flower.”

• Create a viable water atmosphere.

Once a fresh flower is cut and a stem is placed in water, bacteria and fungi can start to grow almost immediately. These microscopic organisms can clog the small tubes inside the stem that suck up water for nourishment. Many florists send home a packet of water additive to alleviate some problems in the indoor environment. The packet will contain a biocide that kills bacteria and fungi. There will be an acidifier as well as sugar. The acidifier makes the water more acidic to allow better absorption of water up the stem. The sugar is a food source for the flowers. Homeowners who cut flowers from their gardens can purchase these additives or create their own variations from items around the house. Try a penny in the water to kill the microorganisms; copper is a fungicide. An aspirin can make the water more acidic. You can also try small amounts of bleach, lemonlime soda or even antiseptic mouthwash.

• Be mindful of their surroundings.

Don't place cut flowers next to fruits, which give off gases as they ripen, causing flowers to age faster. Also, keep the flowers away from direct sunlight and try to keep them in a cool place.

• Change the water.

Keep on top of water maintenance by changing it at least every two to three days to maintain good water health. Be sure to replace the additives each time you change the water.

By following a few strategies, you can keep fresh-cut flowers lasting longer for enjoyment.

DINNER SPECIALS MONDAY-SUNDAY

HAPPY HOUR

Monday-Friday, 3-6 PM

“A GREAT TRADITION” LOUISIANA TO TEXAS

www.floydsbeaumont.com 2290 IH-10 S at Washington - Beaumont • 409.842.0686

theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 35

vip art culture

Photography by John Fulbright

Bolivar’s

Healing Home

by Micah Shanks

You may be familiar with the story of Marcus Luttrell, the U.S. Navy Seal who, along with a four-man team, was ambushed while on a mission in Afghanistan in 2005. After battling the Taliban for hours, Marcus, although severely injured, was the only one to survive. He published a book about that mission, which was made into a movie in 2013. From this grueling experience, the Lone Survivor Foundation was born.

Luttrell, knowing full well what service men and women face as they return from combat, saw a need to reach out to those who suffer from the invisible wounds of war: combat stress, PTSD, chronic pain, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual assault. Retreat centers have been established across the country that treat individuals as well as families of those who struggle to claim a “new normal.”

In 2011, Clint and Brian Byrom of Brint Construction Custom Home Builders met Luttrell at a golf tournament. The brothers were immediately impressed with the work of the foundation and eager to help in some way. After consulting with parents, Tim and Susan, a plan was born to build the organization’s first foundation-owned retreat facility at Crystal Beach.

Brian came up with the design for the 5,000-square-foot structure, which features two separate houses connected by a breezeway. The conference center/staff housing is in the shape of the Navy Cross. The veteran house, which can hold up to five families at a time, is shaped like the Pentagon. The Byrom family, along with Carl’s Jr., donated a private acre of land. The labor, building materials, cabinets, furnishings and more were almost entirely donated. Fundraisers were 36 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

held to supply what was not covered by donations.

Because of the deep commitment by so many companies and individuals, the center was built in under one year.

“The need for this kind of treatment is so urgent,” says Tim Byrom. “On average, 22 veterans commit suicide every single day. That is simply unacceptable.”

Veterans apply to the program through www.

Lonesurvivorfoundation.org. After they are accepted, they are transferred to the facility for a session that typically lasts five days. They are met by experienced behavioral consultants who help them through psychoeducational groups, stress reduction activities and a program called equine assisted learning. The entire session, including travel, is offered at no charge to the veteran and family. The foundation hopes to increase the number of sessions at Crystal Beach from the current six to eight per year to 23 each year, reaching significantly more lives impacted by the adverse effects of combat.

With more and more veterans returning home with major injuries, the foundation strives to reach as many as possible. With such a seemingly huge mountain to climb, inspiration comes from the creed of the U.S. Navy SEALs: “I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies.

If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.”

theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 37

vip art culture

Recreate, Educate

Celebrate at our National Parks-

Big Bend National Park

Texas Style!

by Elizabeth Waddill

Children have the opportunity to earn a special Junior Park Ranger Centennial Badge.

38 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

Were you aware that there is a huge, historic, once-in-our-lifetime celebration happening this year across the country and our state? The 100th birthday of our National Park Service is here and you’re invited!

“National Parks are the best ideas we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst,” said Wallace Stegner, writer and environmentalist. Our national parks are certainly worth celebrating - BIG time!

Our nation’s and the world’s first national park, Yellowstone, was created in 1872. By the 20th century, under the leadership of President Theodore Roosevelt, the national parks movement exploded. Congress soon became aware that an agency should be established to truly manage these treasures. Thus, the Organic Act was signed into law on Aug. 25, 1916, by President Woodrow Wilson creating the National Park Service.

The new agency’s mission was clearly stated: “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”

Stephen Mather, the first director of the National Park Service, said, “He is a better citizen with a keener appreciation of the privilege of living here who has toured the national parks.” His words could not be more true today as the 411 nationwide “park units” - not only national parks but also national monuments, national preserves, national historic sites, national seashores, national recreation areas and others - tell the stories of our past, provide us with living classrooms and protect and preserve our landscapes with some of our rarest plant and animal species, all while serving as economic generators for our communities.

For example in 2015, more than 125,000 people visited the Big Thicket National Preserve and spent $7.9 million in our local communities near the preserve, supporting 112 jobs with a cumulative benefit to our local economy of $10.1 million, according to the National Park Service 2015 NPS Visitor Spending Effects Report. >>

Getting to know your

Texas National Parks Maybe you would like to take a road trip this summer? Here is a complete list of Texas national parks, the dates they were established and a small teaser of what you’ll find. Get a National Park Passport at any visitors center — it’s fun for the whole family to “collect” stamps at all the park sites.

Big Bend National Park Established in 1944 432.477.2251 | www.nps.gov/bibe The state’s largest park in a remote corner of West Texas that’s bigger than the state of Rhode Island. High mountains and rugged desert define this park, and you will find some of the darkest skies perfect for stargazing. The park is planning a grand-opening celebration of its new Fossil Discovery Exhibit on Jan. 14, 2017. If it’s too far to drive, consider visiting the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin with the Journey into Big Bend exhibit from April 22 - Sept. 19.

Chamizal National Memorial Established in 1966 www.nps.gov/cham This El Paso park stands for peace, the peaceful settlement of a 100-year border dispute between nations. It highlights the culture of the borderlands and provides a center to present activities that celebrate cultural exchange.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park Established in 1966 www.nps.gov/gumo Guadalupe Mountains National Park is in the Guadalupe Mountains of West Texas. It contains the highest point in Fort Davis National Historic Site Texas, Guadalupe Peak at 8,749 feet. The park is known for Established in 1961 its extensive hiking and backpacking opportunities in one of 432.426.3224 | www.nps.gov/foda One hundred miles from Big Bend, this park at the foot of the the nation's most pristine wilderness areas and is the world's Davis Mountains represents one of the best surviving examples premier example of a fossil reef from the Permian Era. of a U.S. Army fort in the southwestern part of the United Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park States and features restored historic buildings. The famous Established in 1969 Buffalo Soldiers, African-American soldiers in the U.S. Army, www.nps.gov/lyjo served here. Step back in time with this onsite history lesson as rangers tell about everyday life here as visitors tour the of- At this presidential park, learn about the 36th president’s life ficer’s quarters, the barracks to see how soldiers lived and the and heritage. Tour his restored 1920s boyhood home, the Johnson family cemetery and the Johnson’s ranch house, known as hospital to learn about health challenges of that time. the “Texas White House,” where LBJ welcomed world leaders.

Padre Island National Seashore Big Thicket National Preserve Established in 1962 Established in 1974 361.949.8068 | www.nps.gov/pais www.nps.gov/bith | www.bigthicket.org This seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier The Big Thicket has been referred to as the biological island in the world with 70 miles of recreation, conservation and education. It is unique in that it known as a safe nesting crossroads of North America and a natural melting pot with ecological elements from the Appalachian Mountains, the ground for the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (you can witness a hatchling release into the Gulf of Mexico) and a ha- Florida Everglades and the desert. The many miles of creeks, ven for 380 bird species. Rangers armed with nets and tanks bayous and river flowing through Big Thicket National Preserve make it an ideal place to explore by canoe and kayak. Explore help visitors catch and identify a vast array of creatures. these areas on trips ranging from a half-day to several days.

Other activities to enjoy — bird watching, hiking the trails while Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument spotting carnivorous plants and, yes, even hunting. The Big Established in 1965 Thicket is special; it protects what is left of a landscape that www.nps.gov/alfl once covered more than 2 million acres and contains some of Visit and gain a sense of how integral this site was to the the world’s greatest biological diversity including 60 mammal survival, commerce and culture of the High Plains. Villages were built here as this site was a well-known place to get the species, 86 reptile and amphibian species, at least 300 bird best stone for tools for mammoth hunters 13,000 years ago. species and 1,800 species of butterflies and moths. Did you Although time has passed, the colorful flint found right here in know that in 1981 Big Thicket National Preserve was added to the list of International Biosphere Reserves? Pretty special, and the Texas Panhandle never lost its value and usefulness. it’s right here! Book a trip on the “Ivory Bill,” a covered excursion boat for educational or social events, or attend the third annual Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River Neches River Rally on Sept. 10 along the Texas Paddling Trail.

Established in 1978 www.nps.gov/rigr Lake Meredith National Recreation Area This river starts in Big Bend National Park and ends about Established in 1965 200 miles downriver. It has been described as one of the www.nps.gov/lamr great river trips in the country with rapids and canyons North of Amarillo in the high plains of the Texas Panhandle is between the border of Mexico and the U.S. an oasis on the plains. Fishing, camping, hunting, hiking and boating are popular activities every summer at Lake Meredith.

Amistad National Recreation Area Established in 1965 www.nps.gov/amis Known as a borderland paradise in Del Rio, Amistad, whose name comes from the Spanish word meaning friendship, is best known for fishing and other water-based recreation, camping, hiking, spectacular rock art viewing and its rich cultural history. Amistad is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal life above and below the water as three rivers join here.

A great app for your smartphone or tablet to help you plan, navigate, discover and socialize on your national park adventure is National Parks

by Chimani.

Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park Established in 1978 www.nps.gov/paal The park preserves the site of the battle that was the first in a two-year long war that changed the map of North America. It tells the history of the events and consequences of the U.S.Mexican War. You can attend a living history program and chat with living historians, witness musket and artillery demonstrations, and listen to stories of the Battle of Palo Alto. The living history season goes from September to May with programs usually held on the first Saturday of the month.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Established in 1978 www.nps.gov/saan Spanish missionaries built Spanish frontier missions, part of a colonization system that stretched across the Spanish southwest in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, and four are preserved here. They consist of the Alamo (owned by the state), Missions San Jose, Espada, San Juan and Conception and still function as parish churches run by the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Visitors can learn about daily life in a mission at Mission San Jose.

El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro Established in 2000 www.nps.gov/elca This historic trail extends 404 miles from El Paso, Texas, to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and once extended all the way to Mexico City. There are historic sites, museums, churches and original trail segments taking you back to Spanish colonial times.

El Camino Real de los Tejas Historic Trail Established in 2004 www.nps.gov/elte | www.elcaminorealdelostejas.org This 2,500-mile trail runs from Mission San Juan Bautista Guerrero, México, to Fort St. Jean Baptiste Nachitoches Parish, Louisiana, and is famous for routing settlers through Texas. Settlers brought the Spanish and Mexican culture north and the French and Anglo cultures south.

Waco Mammoth National Monument Established in 2015 www.nps.gov/waco For those interested in paleontology and prehistoric life, this is the spot for you. As described above, this monument houses the world’s only discovered nursery herd of Columbian mammoths - two groups of mothers and babies that died in a flood. After visiting the park, you may want to see more at Baylor University’s Mayborn Museum where the bones initially removed from the site are kept.

Helpful Information

Entrance fees in parks vary and some don’t even charge a fee. The America the Beautiful Pass is $80 with up to 100 percent of the proceeds used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services. It is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. This pass covers entrance, standard amenity fees and day use fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle (or up to four adults at sites that charge per person). It can be obtained at a federal recreation site, by calling 1.888.275.8747 ext. 3 or online at store.usgs.gov/pass. theVIPmag.coM theVIPmag.coM | July | July 2016 39

scapes. The missions were established in the 18th century by the Franciscan Fathers as an outreach of the Spanish government and the Catholic Church. Their purpose was to evangelize the regional natives, teach them skills and minister to their needs in an effort to make them active citizens of the Spanish province, Tejas. The four mission churches within the park hold regular services and are active parishes.

Convento at Mission San José

Texas has much to celebrate The National Park Service has 16 units in our state - a diverse mix of sites where visitors can climb rugged peaks, kayak beautiful waterways, discover our state’s rich history and experience an endless choice of adventures. In many ways, the story of our state’s parks is the story of Texas itself. The centennial is a perfect opportunity to put a spotlight on these treasures and celebrate Texas style.

Texas’ biggest and oldest national park at the opposite end of the state is Big Bend National Park established in 1944, decades after most states had national park sites.

Neal Baumgardner, a historian at the University of Texas-San Antonio explains, “For Texas to have a national park, first you had to buy federal land, which meant somebody had to buy it and then cede it back to the federal government.” Interest in state pride and local economics motivated people to act. They wanted national parks for Texas not just for their aesthetic and altruistic value, but because national parks were good business as they brought visitors who spent money in their communities.

Whether they are completely owned and managed by the federal government, such as Big Bend, or a mosaic of public and privately owned lands and public and private partnerships, parks give great returns socially and economically.

Speaking of great returns, Texas and the communities of San Antonio and Waco had two exciting examples within the past year, celebrating two very special historical events.

San Antonio Missions become Texas’ first World Heritage Site The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park was designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage 40 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

Committee as a World Heritage Site on July 5, 2015. This is the first World Heritage Site in Texas and the 23rd in the United States.

Many national parks are also World Heritage sites such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and the Statue of Liberty. A World Heritage designation spotlights the “outstanding universal value” and the “cultural significance” of these missions, which join the list of other important sites such as Stonehenge, the Great Wall of China and the Giza Pyramid of Egypt. There are 1,008 of these sites all over the world, including the new site in Texas.

The designation includes the four missions of San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, the Alamo, one of the original ranches and their associated cultural land-

Exhibit at the Waco Mammoth National Monument

New National Park Service Unit in Texas: Waco Mammoth National Monument Just five days later, on July 10, 2015, the Waco Mammoth National Monument, the 408th unit of the National Park System in Texas, was officially designated after years of community outreach and previous failed attempts by Congress. Texas’ newest monument provides a glimpse into the habitat and lives of Columbian mammoths and other Ice Age animals.

The story of its discovery began in 1978 when two men were searching for arrowheads near the Bosque River. They discovered the only recorded example of a nursery herd (a group of females and their babies) of Pleistocene mammoths in the United States.

From this point, researchers found the remains of 24 Columbian mammoths, some as old as 65,000 years, including a large male or bull mammoth, the remains of a camel and the tooth of a young saber-toothed cat found next to an unknown animal.

A quote by Texan and former first lady Laura Bush at the dedication in October really sums it up: “Today is a special day for Texas. President Bush and I are thrilled that the Waco Mammoth Site is America’s newest national monument. I applaud President Obama, the City of Waco, Baylor University and the National Park Service, who worked to develop, preserve and champion the Waco Mammoth Site. The Waco Mammoth Site takes visitors back in time nearly 65,000 years and reminds us of our country’s connection to the history of our planet. As we

Left to right: Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell with Elizabeth Waddill and daughter Sarah.

approach the centennial of the National Park Service in 2016, this is a great time to celebrate our nation’s parks.”

Since the site was branded with the National Park Service arrowhead, visitation has nearly tripled, and that’s some great economic news for the local economy.

Centennial celebration in the Lone Star State under way The National Park Foundation is calling all Americans to “Find Your Park.” The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), a non-profit, non-partisan voice of the National Park System has a campaign just for Texans called “Find Your Voice – Y’all!” The campaign is taking place in the state to engage, promote and inspire all to become active participants in Texas’ national parks.

It kicked off with the centennial forest planting right in our own backyard at the Big Thicket National Preserve with a goal of planting 100,000 longleaf pine seedlings in honor of the NPS' 100th birthday. From January through March, volunteers planted these seedlings replacing hundreds of acres lost to pine beetle infestations, logging and hurricanes. Armed with a dibble bar and a partner with a bag of longleaf seedlings, volunteers had the best time “dibbling.” And let me just say there is something therapeutic and satisfying about knowing you are taking an active part whether it’s planting trees, visiting and learning valuable history, or speaking up for our national inheritance. This was the sixth year for the longleaf planting. If you are inspired to participate, you will have an opportunity again in January 2017.

In April, all 16 Texas parks were represented at Earth Day Texas in Dallas, and 7,000 folks came through the exhibit organized by NPCA. Children could “visit” each Texas national park site and learn about the park. For example, they could learn about historic guns and cannons from the Rangers

of Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, the turtles at Padre Island National Seashore, and see how natives at Amistad National Recreation Area used flint to start fires. Students also had a chance to earn a special junior ranger badge.

“It is so important to get our youth exposed and involved in our parks as they are the next generation of stewards.” says Suzanne Dixon, NPCA Texas regional director.

The focus of this effort will be to draw more Texans and their families into national parks so that they can experience, learn about and engage with these parks. By connecting younger and more diverse Texans — and more Texans overall — to parks, more children will grow up ready to successfully protect, restore and strengthen national

parks for generations to come. In the long term, this will mobilize new advocates and political leaders as well as engender additional funding sources for parks — both in Texas and nationally.

Suzanne and her Texas team are also busy making young Texans aware through civic lessons. They recently brought the group's teen council from the San Antonio area to Washington, D.C., for a memorable experience in learning advocacy communication skills. They met with U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith and a staffer for U.S. Rep. Joaquín Castro where they had the opportunity to share personal stories about their connections to national parks and ask for support for needed funding for parks. “It was empowering to know that our voices matter and can make a direct impact,” said one participant.

Whether we can travel or not, all Texans can enjoy a new documentary about Texas’ National Parks, “The National Parks of Texas: In Contact With Beauty,” narrated by Kay Bailey Hutchison, former U.S. senator from Texas. This film shares how these parks were created and reveals the secrets they hold.

Free community screenings are planned all across the state, including in Beaumont on Sept. 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the historic Jefferson Theater. Viewers will travel on a trip around the state and across time to experience the past, present and future of the national parks of Texas. The Texas office of the National Parks Conservation Association and the Magnolia Garden Club are planning an evening of lobby displays and a Q&A after the movie to engage, inspire and celebrate the centennial Southeast Texas style.

Let’s get moving and explore these treasures near and far. The parks are waiting for us to be inspired.

Planting a longleaf pine seedling as part of the Big Thicket's Centennial Forest project.

theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 41

vip art culture

Take a Walk on the

Bay Side...

by shelly vitanza

Galveston.

You think you’ve been there and done that? Not so fast. While the Galveston beach and seawall offer fun in the sun, there’s way more to explore on the other side of the island. The bay side, just 2.5 miles from the seawall, offers history, culture, art, wildlife and speed. Consider these fun five for your next adventure to the 27-mile long coastal city.

1

D olphin Watch Where: The Strand District, Galveston Harbor Tours, Pier 21, 2200 Harborside Drive Cost: Adult - $10 | Youth (6-18) - $8 | Kids Under 6 - Free Contact: 409.765.8687 Surf, sunbathe and search for seashells on Galveston’s beaches, but for a different perspective of the island, go aboard the Seagull II to explore Galveston Bay and the historic Port of Galveston. The Texas Seaport Museum’s 50-foot twin-engine motor vessel is fast, stable, sheltered and built specifically for harbor sight-seeing excursions and waterborne experiential learning. The boat is U.S. Coast Guard certified and her operators are fully licensed and knowledgeable about the history and lore of her home waters. The casual hour-long cruise is narrated offering fascinating details about the wide variety of birds and marine life teeming in the bay, and yes, playful dolphins almost always show up to entertain themselves by watching the red-and-white boat and its passengers. Seagull II offers soft drinks and bottled water for sale and has a comfortable main deck sheltered from sun and rain. An open upper deck affords a full panorama of water and sky.

2

The Great Storm Where: Pier 21 at the Pier 21 Theater, 2100 Harborside Drive Cost: Adults - $6 | Students (6-18) - $5 | Kids Under 6 - Free Contact: 409.763.8808 Be mesmerized. The story of the hurricane that hit Galveston Island on Sept. 8, 1900, has been digitally restored from 42 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

its 35 mm slide presentation to an advanced widescreen, high-definition format. Called “The Great Storm,” this documentary shares the personal stories of survivors and the recovery of Galveston following the deadliest natural disaster in United States history. This new HD version shows incredible detail and clarity in the black and white photos taken after the disaster, and the state-of-the-art sound system brings visitors even closer to the story.

Showtimes are Thursday - Sunday at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

3

S unset Tour Where: Pier 21, Galveston Water Adventures, 100 21st St. Cost: Varies but is typically $25 for adults and $15 for kids 12 & under.

Contact: 409.276.6116 For those who want to savor the scenery, the Cruise-N-Time, a twin-engine, open-air tour boat, sets out on sunset cruises. The twohour tour of Galveston Harbor is perfect for couples wanting to sip champagne and watch the sunset or for a group of friends just looking to settle into the evening. Guests are welcome to bring snacks, beer or wine (no glass) aboard to make the trip more enjoyable.

4

Jet Boat Thrill Ride Where: Pier 21, Galveston Water Adventures, 100 21st St. Cost: Varies but is typically $30 a person.

Contact: 409.276.6116 For those who enjoy life in the fast lane, board a jet boat for the thrill and excitement of right angle turns, accelerated speeds, and “The Hamilton Spin,” a maneuver that spins the boat 360° on its axis throwing a head high wall of water into the air. Jet boat operators are master captains licensed through the United States Coast Guard, and the boat is ecologically friendly with internal propellers that can't damage sea grass or harm other forms of marine life. Boats hold 11 need-for-speed passengers for a 25-minute joy ride like no other.

5

ArtWalk Where: Galveston Historic District Cost: Free, unless you treasure hunt Contact: 409.763.2403 Stroll Galveston’s historic district between the Strand and Broadway for ArtWalk, a Saturday showcasing existing commercial galleries, non-profit arts spaces and what are called "other walls" (restaurants and retail stores). For over 20 years the Galveston Arts Center has organized and produced ArtWalk approximately every six to eight weeks on Saturday nights. Although not a “festival,” the GAC encourages a working relationship with both non-profit and commercial art spaces in the city by coordinating exhibition opening nights. The result allows visitors to discover a variety of unique and beautiful art, shops, music and food, so plentiful it spills out onto the sidewalks.

Upcoming Dates: July 16, Aug. 27, Oct. 8 and Nov. 26

theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 43

vip art culture

B e a ch Storie s from the Pa st

Top: Chambers Collection, Beaumont Heritage Society – Undated photo of beach cottage “The Gull’s Nest.”

Above: Chambers Collection, Beaumont Heritage Society – ca. 1908, Edith Chambers holding Ruth Chambers’ hand, standing in the surf with unidentified woman.

44 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

licia McKibben, executive director of the Beaumont Heritage Society, compiled this account of the Chambers family travels to Bolivar in the early 1900s from journals and pictures left in the historic home museum at 2240 Calder Ave. The Chambers House Museum is open for tours. For more information, go to chambershouse.org.

The Chambers family, like many other Beaumonters then and now, spent summers at the beach. Edith Chambers and the girls, Ruth and Florence, would leave in June for the beach cabin and stay until September, with Homer Chambers commuting by train to join them as often as possible. Edith always brought along her buggy and horse, Dolly, and was a familiar sight driving along the beaches and roads.

In 1915, her brother-in-law warned that a storm was coming and the family must get out, but Edith refused to leave without her Dolly. Frantic, Homer managed to hire an empty flatbed rail car, and Dolly made it home safely. The buggy washed into the bay, and the cabin was destroyed. Later, the family built a cottage at Caplen on Bolivar Peninsula, where Florence said they “spent as much time as possible.” Homer bought a used boat in 1938 and renamed it “Edith of Beaumont” after his wife. Ruth wrote, “The surf bathing is grand, and we have a boat over on the bay side and have lots of good times in it.” The whole family enjoyed long summer days swimming, fishing and boating.

Above: Chambers Collection, Beaumont Heritage Society – ca. 1908 photograph of Edith Chambers, Ruth Chambers and unidentified woman playing in surf.

Left: Chambers Collection, Beaumont Heritage Society – ca. 1940s photograph of Homer Chambers and unidentified man in boat “Edith of Beaumont.”

• FULL SERVICE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, VACATION RENTALS & REAL ESTATE SALES • LOCATED IN THE CRYSTAL BEACH PLAZA • SUPERIOR IN HOME MAINTENANCE & CLEANING • COMPLIMENTARY PROPERTY EVALUATION • RECEIVE EXTRA INCOME ON YOUR VACATION HOME

409-684-1184 CRYSTALBEACHCLUB.COM

** YOUR ONE STOP SHOPPING IN CRYSTAL BEACH! **

CUSTOM HOME BUILDER • STATE OF THE ART 3D CAD DESIGN SERVICES • COMPLETE TURN-KEY PRICING • 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE • SUPERIOR QUALITY & PROFESSIONALISM

MINWESTHOMES.COM

409-684-7233 theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 45

vip art culture

things we love 1. Top Teachers

Beaumont ISD recently named two Teachers of the Year. The elementary school teachers were chosen from a slate of 28 teachers nominated from varying campuses across the district and then voted on district wide. And the winners are - Wanda Brooks of Dishman Elementary and Melissa Chapman of Vincent Middle School.

Brooks has 25 years of teaching experience and has been working in BISD since 1991. She has a bachelor of science in education from Lamar University and is a member of the Association of Teachers and Professional Educators. Chapman has 19 years of teaching experience.

She has a bachelor’s in elementary education specializing in reading and is completing her master’s in educational administration from Lamar University.

2. waze

2

For road trips far and near, the best free app for navigating around and through traffic jams, potholes, road construction, police and accidents is Waze. It’s a real-time, community-based navigational tool. Enter your start point and destination, and Waze will provide the fastest way and alert you to any hazards immediately and along your way. Waze offers other driver-friendly info like locations for the cheapest gas and potential hindrances, like marathons.

1 3. Water…Lots of Water

It’s hot and only getting hotter so slip, slide, submerge, soak and sink in water at Silsbee’s Paradise Water Park. The family friendly tropical theme park features a 40-foot-high tower with two body slides, lazy river, a children’s play area with two slides, water cannons, dumping bucket and interactive water features. Summer fun is made easy with concessions, shaded picnic tables, lounge chairs, lockers and a volleyball area.

4. Beads that Bless

According to the World Health Organization, in 2015 there were 214 million cases of malaria and 438,000 deaths with 88 percent of the incidences of malaria in underdeveloped countries, namely sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria infects people through mosquitos and is nearly completely preventable with a simple solution - a mosquito net. A net can be bought in America for about $20 but costs a Gha-

4

3 46 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

, left, and Wanda Brooks awards. an accept their m Melissa Chap

ALL DAY MONDAY- THURSDAY

5

MARGARITAS ONLY $3.49

Tuesday Special Fajitas for 2 for $20.99 All beer for $2.99

Flavored $3.99

naian one week’s wages. However, Kairos 10 pays Ghanaian women four times the minimum daily wage to make jewelry from beautiful beads produced from recycled glass, vinyl and plastic. Necklaces and bracelets are sold for $35 covering the higher wages for women and the cost of one mosquito net. An African woman is also paid to hand sew a gift bag from purchased African fabric for each piece of jewelry. The result is sustainable income for women in West Africa, mosquito nets for at-risk children and statement-making jewelry. To order: kairos10.org

5. The Best of

Both Worlds

The annual weekend shopping extravaganza that offers boy toys and female finds is again coming to Ford Park. The Southeast Texas Great Outdoor Expo & the Peddler Show is July 22–24 featuring hunting, fishing and camping supplies and equipment, outfitters, RVs, ATVs and boats, PLUS a marketplace of inventive creators, designers and artists who have everything women want – clothes, shoes, home and garden décor, jewelry, food and more. It’s His and Hers Weekend where men and women shop together and like it.

4414 Dowlen, Beaumont, texas 77706 across from Parkdale mall theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 47

T

photography by john fulbright

vip people places

The

Coldest Places

in Beaumont

by Micah Shanks

48 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

he mercury is climbing; time to look for some places to cool off.

Start at Sub Zero Ice Cream, 3939 Dowlen Road. Sub Zero is more than an ice cream shop.

It’s a lesson in science.

Walking into the store, the first thing you notice is the enormous tank that holds 3,000 liters, or 793 gallons, of nitrogen used to freeze the ice cream before your eyes.

“We were looking for a different product.

My wife, Amber, saw this on Shark Tank,” says owner Scott Hawk. “Her parents, Mike and Sherryl Baxter, got on board, and we opened on March 12. We are only the fifth store in Texas.”

The difference is in the process. Each order is custom made. The base, flavors and toppings are mixed up in a bowl and then hit with liquid nitrogen, which is held at -321 degrees. In less than 15 seconds, you have an ice cream or yogurt product that has a denser creamier texture than soft serve.

“I’m especially excited to offer allergenfree products. Because we custom make each order, I have been able to serve ice cream to children who have never had it in their lives because of allergies!” exclaims Scott. “We have dairy free, lactose free, wheat and egg free and, of course, sugar free. Just about anything you want, we can do. We also have portable nitrogen tanks that we can take to school science classes and other locations. The kids love watching it come together.”

One of the biggest cold spaces in town is the flower freezer belonging to Johnsen’s Wholesale Florist. In business since 1938, this fourth-generation family company has steadily expanded during the years. Now serving a 150-mile radius, they were originally using cargo containers to hold flowers that come in from Thailand, Ecuador, California and other parts of the world.

“We grew so much that the cargo containers just were not enough, so about a year ago, we built our freezer. It holds the equivalent of 18 cargo containers, and we keep it at 33 degrees,” says JoBeth Johnsen.

Husband Peter Johnsen goes on to say that the freezer is 40-by-90 feet and 20 feet tall. “My grandfather descended from the gardener of the King of Denmark. He moved to New York, married and moved to Beaumont where he and my grandmother started a pear farm on what is now Major Drive near the Hindu Temple. The florist business started when they began to make corsages from the pear blossoms.

They would be amazed at how far we have come!”

Another cold space owned and operated by a multigenerational family is the huge holding freezer at Zummo’s Meat Company. This 1,000-squarefoot freezer that is held at -10 degrees can hold up to 1

million pounds of raw product used to make sausage and boudain.

“The boxes of raw materials come in mainly from the Midwest,” says Frank Zummo. “We have 25-foot ceilings, so we can stack the pallets pretty high. When we are ready to use the frozen product, we move it to a cooler and let it thaw over a couple of days.”

This is another story of rapid expansion. With 50 varieties of sausage and 20 varieties of boudain, the company produces 30,000 pounds a day.

“Thanks to national grocery chains, we are no longer just a local product. People from all over the country are discovering the flavors, and demand has grown. We had to build this freezer to keep up!” explains Frank.

While the Market is Strong

Call Us to Open New

Summer Doors for You!

Sue Meagher • 409-673-8244 Jo Ann Parigi • 409-201-0599 Cindy Woodland • 409-651-1849

SueOpensDoors.com Zummo's Meat Company Above: Sub Zero Ice Cream Opposite page: Johnsen’s Wholesale Florist

409-860-3200

theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 49

S

Photography by Andy Coughlan

vip people places

hair-raising times

Backstage

by Andy Coughlan

50 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

tepping inside Alden House in Beaumont’s Old Town is like stepping into an eclectic grotto. Old toy tractors line a shelf and photos adorn the walls. And then there are the theater posters that fill walls and even creep onto the ceiling — with many more framed, waiting to be hung.

Cosmetologist John Alden Wright is right at home as he plies his trade surrounded by memorabilia from all the Broadway touring shows he has worked on. Twenty years ago, Wright was approached by the International Alliance of Stage Employees Local 183 to work on some wigs for a touring Broadway show.

“If I don’t work the show, I don’t get a poster, so all the posters you see in here I have worked hands on,” he said.

“Sometimes they may not have hair, so I do the costumes — I try to be well rounded.”

The 64-year-old Iowa native said it’s fun to be old and experienced.

“You can become an old person and get burned out, but when you do start getting old, like me, doing these shows can keep you young because you are around these young people doing old-style hair,” he said.

Over the past 25 years, Wright has worked professional productions at the Jefferson Theatre and the Julie Rogers Theatre, as well as the Lutcher Theater in Orange. He has also done work for Beaumont Community Players and built sets for Beaumont Civic Opera.

“The Jefferson is interesting because the stage is so small and sometimes, phew, it’s close quarters backstage — but it’s fun,” he said.

The first set he built for the civic opera was for “Showboat.”

“It was a 30-foot boat and had huge wheels underneath it that rotated on the stage — a two-story showboat,” he said. “It was like building a house. I don’t know how I did it. I don’t think I could do it today. I don’t think I’d have the energy. But it was fun.”

Wright sprinkles a variation of the phrase “It was fun,” into almost every anecdote. It seems to be the theme of his life, and his personality — from the gray ponytail to his loud blue Hawaiian shirt to his ever-present smile — reflects it.

“I don’t want the glory.

It’s just me helping someone else be the best they can be.”

John Alden John has been with his husband, Bernie, for 43 years, and the pair married in Iowa five years ago.

“It was the most moving thing I have ever done; we cried all the way through our vows — it was unreal,” he said. “Some people accept it; some don’t. It’s their problem.”

When Wright isn’t indulging his passions for hair and theater, he can be found once a month cooking at First United Methodist Church’s Kairos Kitchen for people in need.

“It’s my baby, my cup of tea, my whatever,” he said. “I cook like I would for a guest in my house. If I’m ever on the other side of that door, I hope someone gives me a hug and a hot meal and makes me feel like I’m still a human being.”

He notes his best experience was working on “The Color Purple.” “(The cast) treated us like true professionals — and that goes both directions,” he said.

“Because of our experience, we know what we are doing, and they really utilized us. They were so appreciative of everything we did. ‘The Color Purple’ has always stood out as the best show for doing hair and the actors being just wonderful.”

Wright said that he would love someone to do a documentary showing the action that goes on backstage, especially during a costume change.

“It has to be choreographed beforehand to be done in between 30 and 45 seconds,” he said.

“They go out as a new person, and the audience never knows.”

Once the performance begins, Wright is always offered a chance sit in the audience, but he turns it down in favor of being part of the show behind the show.

“I’ve acted on stage, and it’s exciting, but I’d much rather be behind the scenes,” he said. “I don’t want the glory. It’s just me helping someone else be the best they can be. That’s the slap on the back — knowing you’re helping people.” theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 51

DISTANCE SHOULDN’T KEEP YOU FROM THE HEALTH CARE YOU DESERVE. Last year, 28,000 patients from 50 states and 90 countries visited Houston Methodist to receive leading care. Travel to the hospital ranked highest in Texas and experience leading medicine for yourself.

Learn more about Houston Methodist at houstonmethodist.org/travel or by calling 877.790.3627.

CANCER • CARDIOLOGY & HEART SURGERY • DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY • GASTROENTEROLOGY & GI SURGERY GERIATRICS • GYNECOLOGY • NEPHROLOGY • NEUROLOGY & NEUROSURGERY • ORTHOPEDICS • PULMONOLOGY • UROLOGY

52 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

vip art culture

SETX Writer of the Month:

Reality-Based Books Encourage Readers to Get Fit for God

by Nicole Murray Andrea' Porter’s stories are a journey from heartbreak to healing.

They are life lessons designed to encourage others to “Get fit for God.” Porter has written three novels: “Love Is All We’re After,” “To Hell with Love,” and “Second Chance at Love.”

“Getting fit for God isn’t a day at the gym; it’s being fit emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually and socially,” Porter said.

“I want to empower and inspire. I write Christian fictional novels that are relatable, thought provoking and endearing while highlighting some important issues that have weakened relationships, destroyed trust and lowered self-esteem.”

Porter currently resides in Beaumont. She says her target audience is mothers, housewives, young adults, grandmothers, avid readers, the hopeless romantics and the person who has the flair for reality based novels.

The mother of three says there is a message in each one of her novels. “So many women find themselves hurt during their journey to find love. I remember a time when I (so) desperately needed the love and attention of a man that I was willing to look for love in all the wrong places. It never occurred to me that what I so desperately seek was already on the inside of me. I don’t really think people pay attention to things that should be obvious until they hit a low point in their life. Low points in our lives tend to reveal so much more about ourselves that we would’ve missed if something tragic hadn’t occurred.”

“Although my novels are fictional, they were written with the sole purpose of addressing real life issues, demonstrating how having faith in God can change any situation and to express love through the power of forgiveness.”

In addition to writing, Porter is a motivational speaker. She offers speaking engagements in the areas of self-esteem, self-worth, self-confidence, effective communication and how to break free from toxic relationships.

She’s also founded the Christian book publishing house Bold Moves Publications. For more information on Porter’s books and Bold Moves Publications, visit www.bmpublications.net.

Low points in our lives tend to reveal so much more about ourselves that we would’ve missed if something tragic hadn’t occurred.”

Andrea’ Porter theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 53

totally social Christus LiveWell Women’s Conference 1

2

1. Keynote speaker, actress and author Jamie Lee Curtis 2. TV's Junk Gypsies, Jolie Sikes, far left, and Amie Sikes, far right, with Lawanda Hays, second from left, and Sheryl LInscomb 3. Toni Nugent, left, and Emily Lopez 4. Barbara Litton, left, and Danielle Laurence 5. Left to right: Kim Perkins, Samantha Ferrell, Shala Broussard and Brittany Sutton 6. Gina Garcia, left, and Ashley Hebert 7. Heather Spell, left, and Rosa Huisenfeldt 8. Evelyn Morris, R.N., left, and Tara Breaux, N.P. 9. Jacqueline Leibas, left, and Maria Leibas 10. Left to right: Mel Fontenot, Cambie Jenkins and Juanita Abbott 11. Karen Gilman, left, and Letty Lanza 12. Adriene Reliford, left, and Beverly Moore 13. Jennifer Bravo 14. Karen Miller, left, and Melissa Broussard

4

photography by Marilyn Tennissen

3

54 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

5

6

9

7

8

10

12

11

13

14

theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 55

Beaumont Pride Ball 1

2

4 3

1. Left to right: Tyler Hargraves, Andy Coughlan and Maggi Carter 2. Amanda Turner, left, and Jean Thomas 3. Left to right: Chelsea and Dave Anderson, Jerry Thacker and Sandra Hammerling 4. Jacob Wills, left, and Genevieve Brassard 5.

John and Monica Cobb 6. Left to right: Charly Wyatt, Chance Henson and Jes Prince

6

photography by Marilyn Tennissen

5

56 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

6

7

8

9

10

13

11

12

14

theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 57

vip people places

The Russian, the TSA

God

by Scott Renick

When you examine your life, there are moments it appears that an outside force may be controlling certain events. Whether you believe this is God or coincidence or the randomness of life- that is up to you. Regardless, there are some scenarios that seem to be inevitable. This was one of those times.

Three years ago, my family had spent eight days in New York City. I was able to experience the two things that bring me the most entertainment pleasure- major league baseball and musical theater. I do not care what you think. New York City’s inhabitants are not known to be the warmest souls. This is relevant because on the morning of our departure, we were flying out of Newark, New Jersey- regarded as one of the most dangerous cities in America. At the time, the Newark airport was undergoing significant construction. Therefore, I decided that we would skycap our bags to avoid the delays. The skycap station was outside between hazard cones and stacks of construction materials.

As we were checking our luggage, a car stopped behind us, and a woman approached my family and uttered these words, “I have a relative who is Russian.

She does not speak English. Would you help her get to her flight?” It would be wise not to accept any offer from a Russian and a stranger at an airport. Getting out of the car, we noticed an older woman trying to handle too much luggage while being overwhelmed by the disaster that was the Newark airport.

She appeared as you would imagine someone’s Russian grandmother to be -- congenial and wearing heavy articles of clothing, as if there was a blizzard coming, and she was the only one who knew. I did not have time to consider why this woman was being passed off to strangers, but my wife and I looked at each other and said “sure.” The mere fact that this Russian woman’s relative stopped her car at the Newark airport and found a family that would agree to help is remarkable. For me, the event that unfolded was even more fantastic.

I removed my phone and accessed Google translator. In English, I typed my name was “Scott,” and I would help her get to her flight. She read the message in Russian, and we were on our way. Not so fast.

My new Russian friend’s luggage was too 58 July 2016 | the VIP mag.com

heavy. She was visiting her son in the U.S. to meet her grandchild for the first time.

Her luggage was carrying the entire Moscow Toys R Us store. Eventually, she was able to remove enough toys for her luggage to meet the weight requirement. In return, she was given large black garbage sacks to carry the remaining items. The sacks were straining to contain the odd-shaped toys, creating small tears throughout the bags. I was amused at the image of trying to get an elderly Russian woman who didn’t speak English, carrying questionable looking bags, through security.

I looked at her ticket. She was in the same terminal as my flight. We carried her bags to the security checkpoint. Then, I told the gentleman operating the X-ray machine what was in the garbage sacks. He nodded and muttered something about keeping the line moving. Then, I knew there would be a problem. The TSA worker ordering people through the metal detector was too aggressive. She was speaking to everyone, including children, with a certain tone that suggested you might be Tased at any moment. I understand the seriousness of security at airports, but this reminded me of the drill sergeant from “Full Metal Jacket.” I knew that no matter what I did, this was not going to go well for my Russian friend and possibly me.

Without incident, I went through the metal detector. Mistakenly, I decided I should inform the TSA worker that I was helping this elderly woman to her flight.

Suspiciously, the worker asked if she was a relative. I said “no.” Then, I was asked if I knew her. I said “no.” To ease the situation, I said, “She needs help because she doesn’t speak English.” I was asked, “Where is she from?” (Now, I knew the next answer would sound concerning, but let’s remember that the Cuban Missile Crisis was 50 years ago and Baryshnikov lives in NYC.) I said, “Russia.”

The TSA worker’s response would have been similar if I said her last name was Bin Laden. Immediately, she yelled at the Russian woman (again, who I just told her does not speak English),

“Ma’am, you have been randomly selected to be personally searched! Step out of the line!”

Still smiling, my Russian friend went with the TSA worker. After the search revealed that this lady was carrying a ridiculous amount of baby pacifiers and toys, she was allowed to continue.

Next, I examined my Russian friend’s ticket. She was headed to Denver, and then I realized her connecting flight was Houston. She was actually on our flight. Before we boarded, I approached the gate agent to assist our new friend. She was allowed to board early, and, of course, they checked her bags of toys. She smiled, waved goodbye and was taken to her seat. Eventually, we boarded the flight. Our Russian friend was in the seat directly behind mine.

When we arrived in Houston, we verified the airline would get our friend to the next flight. Typing into Google translator, our Russian friend asked if my family’s last name was “Love.” We hugged and said goodbye. My family will never see our Russian friend again, but I will always believe that we were supposed to meet that day.

Compassionate with Patients. Tough on Cancer.

Harry Smith, MD Medical Oncologist Hematologist

Danny Chow, MD Radiation Oncologist

Ernest Hymel, MD, PhD Radiation Oncologist

Tahir Naqvi, MD Medical Oncologist Hematologist

Peter Morgan, MD Radiation Oncologist

Providing radiation and chemotherapy services right at home, from doctors you know and trust.

We believe true caring encompasses more than just cancer treatment.

It is important that our compassion and commitment to individualized care are evident in every interaction with our patients and their families.

Our physicians are a team of board-certified cancer specialists with more than 90 years combined experience, including many years at MD Anderson Cancer Center. We focus on expanding our knowledge and capabilities in order to offer the most current and appropriate care for our patients.

At the Cancer Center of Southeast Texas we keep hope alive by providing high quality care within our community. We offer personalized healing and comprehensive support for patients and their families.

Our Experience Sets Us Apart.

Cancer Center of Southeast Texas Hope - Health - Healing

Cancer Center of Southeast Texas | 8333 9th Avenue, Suite G | Port Arthur, TX 77642 Call us today at (409) 729-8088 or go online to schedule an appointment at setexonc.com/schedule-an-appointment/

theVIPmag.coM | July 2016 59

You do everything to

help your family live well.

So do we. Your family’s health means everything to you. And to us too. That’s why we

continue to grow and transform. Bringing you the highest level of care possible. With more locations, facilities and clinics. And more experienced CHRISTUS healthcare professionals committed to your family’s SOUTHEAST TEXAS complete well being, through every stage of life.

Health System We’re CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System.

And we’re here to help you live well.

Live Well

St. Elizabeth | St. Mary | Jasper Memorial Acute Care Hospitals | Short Stay Surgical Hospital | Emergency Care | Primary Health Care Services | Orthopedic Specialty Center Outpatient Centers and Clinics | Urgent Care | Rural Health Clinics | CHRISTUS Physician Group Clinics | Kate Dishman Rehabilitation Hospital | CHRISTUS Dubuis