september vip
TRANSCRIPT
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
1/52
the
mensissue
volume 2 issue 4 | NovemBeR 2009 | thVIPVOLUME 6 ISSUE 11 | September 2013 | theVIPmag.
complimenta
o f s o u t h e a s t t e x a s
Advice on datindenim, classic ca
burgers, festivaand ESP
Singer/songwriterPaul Anka
Alligator huntersTroy Broussard &
HarlanHatcher
Country artistMark Chesnutt
Mark Sparksbachelor pad
Gold expertMikeFuljenz
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
2/52
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
3/52
Wee s vein.Varicose veinsor heavy, painful,
swollen or restless legs?
The Modern Vein Surgery Institute at Previty Clinic
provides the latest treatments for problem veins.
The Venet pcee is ciicy pve, miimy
ivsive pcee tht tets vicse veis thei
eyig cse, ves ex, with itte pi. With
the Venet pcee, ptiets c wk wy fm the vei
pcee be bck t eveyy ctivities eithe t hme
t wk typicy withi y. Eve bette, its cvee by
mst heth isces Meice.
S stp wyig bt y egs, et the Me Vei
Sgey Istitte t Pevity Ciic hep.
pevityciic.cm | 409.835.9500
ModEl PICTurEd noT aCTual PaTIEnT. IndIVIdual rESulTS WIll Var.
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
4/52
EaEditor
DAVID [email protected]
Contributing WritersCATHLEEN COLE
LArENA HEAD
grACE mATHISjANE mCbrIDE
HOLLI pETErSENCHEryL rOSE
Editorial AssistantLAurEN mCgEE
PapContributing Photographers
SCOTT ESLINgErLACIE grANT
rEN SHEppArDLEE E. STINSON
Graphic DesignerDAVID CONSTANTINE
AveTo advetise in VIP,
409.880.0700
Cac UVIP of Southeast Texas
380 main Steetbeaont, TX 77701
to sUbsCribE
pLEASE CALL 409.838.2821 Or SubSCrIbEONLINE AT www.THEVIpmAg.COm
to disPlAy thE mAgAzinE
AT yOur buSINESS LOCATION,pLEASE CALL 409.838.2821
sUbmissions
TO SubmIT AN EVENT, OrgANIzATION Or pErSOfOr CONSIDErATION IN AN upCOmINg ISSuE,
SubmIT ONLINE AT www.THEVIpmAg.COm Or [email protected] by uSpS AT ADDrESS AbOVE.
A dv f hea newpapePublisher
mArK ADKINS
jOIN uS ON fACEbOOK!.aceook.co/thevia
on the coverCanadian singer, songwriter and actor, Paul Anka became famous inthe late 1950s and 1960s with hit songs like Diana, Lonely Boy andPut Your Head on My Shoulder. He went on to write such well-knownmusic as the theme for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, oneof Tom Jones biggest hits, Shes a Lady, Frank Sinatras signaturesong, My Way and Michael Jacksons This Is It. Anka will performThursday, Oct. 3 in Beaumont as part of Gift of Lifes annual cancerawareness fundraiser.
c o n t e n t s
vip magazine
06 viesonalit06 Meet the stars of
Swamp People
11 Mark Chesnutt: Back
in the spotlight
15 vi hoe15 Mark Sparks simple
bachelor pad
19 vi stle19 Classic cars and the
fashion they inspire
26 Perfect-tting denim
30 vi oth30 Singer/songwriter
Paul Anka34 Mike Fuljenz: Why to
invest in gold
36 ood&dink36 Beaumonts best
burger joints
39 vi sotliht39 SE Texas events
44 vi advise44 SE Texas Festival
Guide47 5 great dates
in September
48 Calendar
49 Crossword puzzle
50 vi voices50 ESPN: Every Spouses
Perpetual Nightmare
inside september
06
26
11
4 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
5/52
Were embracing the future
of surgical medicine.{ With four arms. }
CHRISTUS Hospital St. Elizabeth is proud to be the frst and only hospital in Southeast Texas to oer advanced robotic-assisted,
minimally invasive surgery. Guided by the hands o our skilled surgeons, the sophisticated da Vinci Si Surgical System
eatures our robotic arms and enhanced high-de, 3D vision enabling them to perorm delicate and complex procedures
requiring the utmost precision. In addition to smaller incisions,
patient benefts include aster healing with less pain, minimal
scarring, shorter hospital stays and better clinical outcomes.
No wonder physicians and patients welcome this amazing new
surgical technology with arms wide open.
To learn more about our da Vinci Si Surgical System, visit christushospital.org/news
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
6/52
s w a m p p e o p l e
vpersonality
Later, Gator!text by CHERYL ROSEphotography by LaCiE gRant
With more than 4million viewers
watching, the
former Stephen
F. Austin High
School football
center holds a thrashing, 10-foot alligator on a
line, his biceps popping. Maneuvering next to
him, his bare toes inches away from the snap-
ping beast, his bearded partner sights down his
gun and pulls the trigger, hitting the exact spot
to penetrate the alligators skull. Thunder andlightening! the men yell and bump sts as they
haul the heavy trophy aboard their airboat.
Born and raised on the bayous and marshesof Southeast Texas, Troy Broussard and HarlanHatcher of Fannett took their years of hard-earned alligator expertise to the big time, joiningthe Season 4 cast of the popular reality programSwamp People on the History Channel. Asyou watch these men representing Texas amongall the Louisiana gator hunters, the questionarises: Are they incredibly brave or just plaincrazy?
Swamp People
Ive never done anything half-throttle,Broussard said. Im not the kind of personyoull nd sitting watching TV.
Instead, hes appearing on TV, an experiencethat embarrasses the Port Arthur Fire Depart-ment captain a bit. Im still the same guy, hesaid. My family and God are No. 1.
Hatcher feels the same way. It hasntchanged me one drop and it never will, he said.
Both men have been hunting alligators sincethey were teenagers, so confronting the reptilesand the techniques they use on the show are al-most business-as-usual. The only thing dierent
two SE texs huerssrr Swmp Peoplesy s he rel del
6 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
7/52
is having a cameraman in the airboat with themThe camera guy wasnt an issue, Broussard
said. Wed just move him out of the way, but wedid have to get over the jitters and the pressure onot failing on camera with the world watching.
The two split the kill eorts on the show,with Broussard holding the shing line andHatcher taking the killing shot. He can do thewrassling Im 54, Hatcher said. And I dontmiss when I shoot. Im a good shot.
Both men say nothing involved in the hunt-ing is staged or scripted for the show. They use
their knowledge and tricks gained through theyears, such as Hatchers secret recipe marshmarinade and Broussards souped-up airboat.Together, the two men have between 200 and300 alligator tags to ll each season, represent-ing 10 percent or more of the tags for Texas.
On the show, the men go by nicknamespicked up in their youth, T-Roy and Bigfoot.The partners are the rst and only gator hunterfrom Texas on the show, with the majority of thcast and locations sited in Louisiana.
Troy and Harlan are wonderful charactersbecause they take pride in their work and bringan infectious excitement and passion to every-thing they do in the swamp, said Zachary Behr,an executive producer for the History Channel.With Bigfoots preference to never wear shoesand T-Roys incredible airboat, The Beast,these two are an entertaining, dynamic duo onthe water.
Partners and friends
A couple of years ago, both men were con-tacted separately by the History Channel andencouraged to come to a casting call in Louisi-ana. They both attended and were surprised tosee each other. Ultimately, the show decided tokeep the episodes conned to Louisiana thatseason. Broussard and Hatcher agreed that ifthe opportunity arose again in the future, theywould present themselves as a team, combin-
ing all their tags. Our wives were the ones thatcome up with the idea of putting us together,Hatcher said.
A year later they got another call and a sepa-rate audition in addition to an ocial castingcall in Beaumont and the rest is History.
Though there is a 12-year gap in their ages,the men have been friends since their youthbecause they both hunted nutria and sold themto the same fur buyer. Ive been knowing Troysince he was a kid, Hatcher said. I got to knowhim really good when he was about 12 years old.Weve been around each other that long.
T-Roy
According to Broussard, his rst ride on an
airboat was when he was 6 weeks old. He shothis rst duck at 4 years old. When he was 8,he would head out in his own pirogue with hisshing pole and tackle with the only admonitionfrom his parents, Donald and Connie Broussardto be back by dark. It was instilled in me by myfamily early on how to take care of yourself andbe responsible, Broussard said.
Broussard grew up in Port Acres. WhenTexas re-opened alligator hunting in 1984, hisfather was one of the rst in line. The youngerBroussard has been hunting alligators sincehe was 13 years old. He also enjoys duck >>
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
8/52
hunting and holds a commercial crabbing license, buthis favorite activity is shing. He competes in bass
tournaments and recently received sponsorship fromseveral businesses including Premier Yamaha BoatingCenters, Ranger Boats, Castaway Rods, Energy Coun-try Ford, Simon Outtters, Port Iron, Coastal Welding,and Ancelets Marina.
His various activities balance out seasonally, buthave taken a step-up in commitment with the TV showand the bass sponsorships. Nobody can get better inlife until youre challenged, he said. Just because youthink youre good doesnt mean you are. You have tohave a work ethic. If you slack o and dont work ashard, there are going to be people nipping at your feetto get your tags.
Broussard brings that same work ethic to his careerwith the Port Arthur Fire Department, where he hasworked since 1991. In my life as a reghter, I get a
lot of satisfaction out of helping people, he said, butIve also seen peoples lives changed and destroyed. Ittakes a toll on you, but you become hardened.
Broussard is a softie though when it comes to his3 -year-old daughter, Mallory. I was 38 when I hadmy rst child and she is by far the greatest achievementin my life, he said. I used to be all work, all business,didnt have time for play. Now I have a fuller life.
Bigfoot
For Hatcher, alligator hunting is his livelihood. Hesdone some other jobs along the way carpentry, driv-ing trucks and tractors but he estimates 95 percentof his income is from alligators. In addition to hunting
them himself, he also serves as a hunting guide and alicensed nuisance hunter for the state. I truly do it for
a living and I dont want to do nothing else, he said.For most people, its a hobby, but its my living. I likeanything to do with the outdoors.
Hunting is in his blood, Hatcher said, listing a longlineage of hunters, trappers and shers among hisfamily tree. An uncle rst took him gator hunting. Hegot his rst tags from the late Sydney Dupuy of LaBelleand is still hunting on some of the same property hestarted on 29 years ago. When hes not hunting alliga-tor, hes duck hunting.
And whatever Hatcher is doing, hes doing it bare-foot. I walked across my graduation stage withoutshoes, he said. I used to work on the rice farm andgo duck hunting without shoes.
His wife of 34 years, Doddie, said that he did wear atraditional suit and shoes for the wedding ceremonies
of his three daughters, but he was back in blue jeansand bare feet for the rst dance of the receptions. Noone thought anything of it because thats who he is,she explained.
In addition to their daughters, the Hatchers havea son and six grandchildren. All four of their childrenwere born in the month of February. Hatcher said ifyou do the math, they were all conceived in the springwhen the hunting seasons were over. There was nohunting underway and I was around the house appar-ently, he laughed.
Wives tales
Dana Broussard and Doddie Hatcher knew
Gator Hunting, Texas-StyleSwamp People is primarily set in Louisiana with the majority of the cast members representing Louisiana gator hunting families and
businesses. However, there are some major differences in the alligator hunting regulations for Texas and Louisiana. For example, the
Texas season is shorter than Louisianas, running only 20 days from September 10 to September 30 in the 22 core counties.
Another difference Hatcher noted is the number of lines per tag allowed. In Texas, its one baited shing line per tag, unl ike Louisiana
where the number of lines isnt limited. Also, in Texas, alligators cannot be shot free swimming or caught with a throw hook.
Another challenge for Texas hunters is that the alligator po pulation is spread further apart than in Louisiana, Hatcher explained. In the
season, we travel at least 200 to 300 miles a day from the Trinity River plum to Sabine River, to Sabine Pass to the beach and back to
High Island, he said. We might have 10 tags here, 15 tags there. Each tag has a number that is assigned to the property so we have to
catch them on that property.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) determines how many tags to issue private landowners each year based on habitat,
nest count and a count of alligators done at night, Hatcher explained. Hatcher, Broussard, other hunters and guides have relationships
with these landowners to ll their tags.
Alligators were removed from the endangered species list in 1978, but they are protected with strict regulations per the TPWD. For
more information about alligators: [email protected].
Left and middle: Troy T-Roy Broussard hunting alligators as a kid and at the re-opening of Texas alligator season in1984. Right: Harlan Bigfoot Hatcher hunting with his brother Edward in 1984.
>>
8 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
9/52
Nothing LeftLike any commodity, the price for alligato
uctuates with the market. Broussard recal
that in 1984, the price was about $20 a foo
and rose steadily until it peaked around $70
foot in 1991. Prices then bottomed out to le
than $10 a foot for a few years, and Brouss
refused to hunt. Thats wasting a valuable
resource, he said.You dont want to cash
out your stock when the price is low.We let
them mature and boost the population until
market got ripe again.
Last year, gators priced between $20 an
$30 a foot depending on size, Broussard sa
The price per foot reects the value of thewhole animal, including meat and hide. Farm
raised alligators living in controlled condition
are more likely to have unblemished hides,
there is still a market for wild hides for boot
guitar straps, suitcases and more. Broussar
attributes the rising price to the popularity o
alligator meat, directly inuenced by reality
programs such as Swamp People.
Hatcher uses every scrap of the alligator
including offering taxidermy for hunters for
bodies, heads or skulls. I dont waste nothi
teeth, meat, skin, claws it all gets used,
Hatcher said.
Tastes LikeChicken?
Whether you agree that alligator tasteslike chicken or not, alligator meat is very
similar to chicken breast nutritionally. MaryEllen Vivrett, the director of the Metabolic an
Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Institute at PrClinic, said alligator meat has 110 calories
chickens 124 in the same portions, but tha
alligator has just slightly more fat.The diet of gators in the wild consistsof sh, shellsh and small animals near the
wetlands, she said,so there is a lot of nat
protein and plant matter. Like all wild gamethere is a higher protein content and less fa
than in farm-raised animals.Keeping it healthy is all in how you cook
it, Vivrett said. Deep-frying erases the healtbenets of the lean meat, so marinating, gr
and sauting are recommended. Because itso lean, Vivrett said fat needs to be added t
make patties or sausages. The tail is the leaest cut, with the rib section offering a darke
more strongly avored meat.Local vendor Mark Porter of Porters
Processing and Alligator Farm in Anahuacsells alligator tail meat for $10 a pound. He
recommends that anyone curious to try alligmeat buy a pound to sample it or try it at on
of several local restaurants he supplies. Andyes alligator can taste like chicken, too.
Farm gators and wild gators almost have tdifferent tastes, just like farm and wild sh,
Porter noted.Wild gator tastes better to moseasoned alligator consumers because it ha
distinct avor, whereas farm gator really doetaste kind of like chicken.
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
10/52
what they were getting when they married their men. Ifshe hadnt known before, Dana got a preview on her wed-ding day at Toledo Bend in 2010.
He almost missed our wedding, she said. He caughthis largest bass ever at 11.14 pounds that morning. Heran back for the ceremony, she said, but then thought hewas going back out to do more shing. She corrected thatassumption.
He doesnt do anything halfway or little, she said.He does things that make me worry a lot putting outres, going out crabbing in thunderstorms. Thats thestu that worries me, the Mother Nature things, but he
takes precautions and he always has good stories when hecomes home.She has been gator hunting with her husband and de-
scribed it as fun, though he worked her hard and madeher pull the carcass in the boat by herself.
Doddie used to hunt with her husband when theyrst got married, before she got kicked o the boat shejokes. She remembers gator hunting one time where abait line was down, which could mean an alligator washooked or it had snagged on something. After watchingit, Hatcher decided there was nothing there and got in thewater chest-deep to slowly pull the line up. As it turnedout, there was an 11 -foot gator on the end. Doddiestarted yelling, Get in this boat right now!
Fortunately, neither man has had a serious injury fromalligator hunting, though both have been nipped or bitten
and remain respectful of the danger.
Stay tuned
At this time, it is uncertain whether the two willreprise their roles on Season 5 of Swamp People.Regardless, both men intend to keep hunting and taggingout this month. VIP
10 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
20% OFF dry cleaningPresentwith incoming order.
Trusted forover 85 yeawww.munrosinc.co
(409) 832-141
MUNROS Voted
Best CleanersReaders Choice Award
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
11/52
text by Cheryl rose
When the lights go out, Im just a man,A man in love with a woman.No matter where I go, Ill always turn aroundAnd come back home cause girl,Youre always where Im going.
And when youre there with me, layin in my arms,Up against my heart, thats who I really am,When the lights go out.
Tracie Chesnutt cried when she listened to it for therst time, sitting in their truck one evening, alone withher husband of 21 years.
But when Mark Chesnutt, a performer with 14 No.
1 songs and a string of gold and platinum albums to hiscredit, rst told his wife that he had written a song forher, her original response was a distracted thats good.
Shes been with me so many years, she dont take anyof this serious, Chesnutt said. She was with me whenall this career stu started, when I was hot in the 90s,during what we called the crazy days, when I was doing200 dates a year. So I didnt want her to hear this songuntil it was mixed, mastered and nished. She cried whenit nally hit her what the song was about.
Rollin with the fow
Chesnutt began singing and playing in honkytonksaround Southeast Texas when he was 16 years old. He
m a r k c h e s n u t t
vipersonality
love songfm a ad wai
>>
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
12/52
played regionally for more years until hesigned with a Nashville recording company.He exploded onto the country music scene,charting dozens of songs over the next de-cade and developing a solid fan base. Now,at 49, Chesnutt still works hard on the roadto please his fans. He played 86 dates last
year around the U.S. and Canada.Non-stop touring for 23 years has been
my way of life, he said. The hard part ofthis business is getting to the gig and hop-ing the bus dont break down, going throughthe grind of airport travel, trying to eat andsleep right, he said. We do all that for anhour, two hours on stage. Of course thatswhy we all do this. If youre in this businessto get rich, youre in the wrong business.We do it because we love music and thefeeling of getting on a stage, playing in frontof a live audience who are excited about youbeing in their town. It gets in your blood.You crave being on stage. Its not only play-ing the music, but also the energy you getback. Theres nothing else like it.
Though hes been performing for threedecades, Chesnutt says hes not a natu-ral songwriter. I always wanted to writesongs, but I just didnt get that talent, hesaid. My daddy (the late Bob Chesnutt)was a great songwriter.
In the mid-1990s, Chesnutts recordcompany paired him with Roger Springer,who Chesnutt describes as a country boywith roots in traditional country music.The two immediately hit it o and are still
best friends. The two collaborated on sev-eral songs, including Its a Little Too Lateand Thank God for Believers.
He could always pull a song out of me,Chesnutt said.
Though he loves playing his classic hitsfor his fans on tour, it has been a few yearssince hes released any new music. Both the
fans and Chesnutt himself were antsy forsomething fresh.
I just wanted you to know
Chesnutt met up with Springer inNashville last winter to work on some newmaterial.
I had no idea for a song when I wentNashville, Chesnutt remembered. Rogehad the idea for the opening line and meldy. He started singing it and after thinkifor a few minutes, it came to me and worstarted coming out of me. I ended up singing a song for my wife.
When the Lights Go Out (TraciesSong) is the rst single from Chestnuttsown independent label, Nada DineroRecords. The vocals were recorded at thehome of producer Jimmy Ritchey. Im anindependent artist now, Chesnutt said. dont have to answer to anyone. I dont hato worry about making anyone mad. I cantime things at my own pace. As an indepe
dent, I dont owe anybody. I dont have tosell 10 million records to stay out of the rbecause the budgets arent that big.
Chesnutt anticipates being back in thestudio this month, working on more songfor a future album. We might releasesongs as we nish them if we think they astrong enough for a single, he said.
Blame it on Texas
In one of his hits from 1991, Chesnuttsings been havin a ball since I was a boyin Beaumont, love that town but I just
On TourSeptember 9, 2013: Baton Rouge, LA
September 21, 2013: Fulton, KY
September 28, 2013: Durant, OK
October 5, 2013: Mason City, IA
October 11, 2013: Rockport, TX
October 25, 2013: San Antonio, TXNovember 9, 2013: Columbus, MO
December 7, 2013: The Woodlands, TX
ph
otographyby
ScOTTESlingEr
12 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
13/52
couldnt stay. But return he did.The Chestnutts and their threeboys Waylon, Casey and Cameron live in Jeerson County. Chesnuttdrives into Beaumont to shop at agrocery or the mall when he or hisfamily need something, just likeeveryone else.
Im just a simple old countryguy from a small town, he said.Im not any dierent on stagethan I am over here at the house
cooking on the pit or fussing at mykids.
All three of his boys play andsing with a variety of instrumentsand styles and thats OK withChesnutt. Hes a classic rock fanhimself, in addition to his love oftraditional country music.
One of his earliest mentors inthe music business was a lumi-nescent star of traditional countryand fellow Beaumont boy, GeorgeJones. George was a great friendof mine and a huge inuence,Chesnutt said. We were really
close. We became friends in the80s. We toured and recorded quitea few times together, did a lot oflive shows together.
Jones death earlier this yearwas a blow to Chesnutt. I knewhed been sick, but it was almostlike losing my daddy all overagain.
These days, Chesnutt himself isan idol young country singers wishto emulate. Rising country artistJustin Moore was recently reportedto have said, Id love nothing morethan to cut an album that sounds
like Mark Chesnutt in 1994.Chesnutt laughed when he
heard the compliment. It makesme feel like Ive done something,he said. If anybody learned any-thing from what Ive done, thatsa huge compliment. Inspiring awhole new generation is a big dealto me.
Gonna get a life
When he isnt on the road,Chesnutt loves to sneak o tohunt and sh. Whenever I geta chance, Ill be out on Sabine
Lake doing some shing for trout,redsh or ounder, he said. I liketo hunt whitetail deer. There areseveral places I travel to hunt and Itake my boys with me.
He also loves Southeast Texasfood from barbecue to crabs toCajun avors. I love Beaumont,he said. I love the atmosphere andthe people. Its authentic. You cango hear live music seven nights aweek, and you can sh nearly year-round. Its a great place to live. VIP
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
14/52
14 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
2013 SCHEDULEAUG. 31 VS. OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE STATE 7 PM
SEP. 7 AT LOUISIANA TECH 6 PM
SEP. 14 AT OKLAHOMA STATE TBA
SEP. 21 VS. BACONE COLLEGE 7 PM
SEP. 28 AT GRAMBLING STATE 6 PM
OCT. 12 AT SAM HOUSTON STATE* 2 PM
OCT. 19 VS. CENTRAL ARKANSAS** 6 PM
OCT. 26 AT SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA* 7 PM
NOV. 2 VS. NICHOLLS STATE* 6 PM
NOV. 9 AT NORTHWESTERN STATE* 3 PM
NOV. 16 VS. STEPHEN F. AUSTIN* 6 PM
NOV. 23 VS. MCNEESE STATE* 6 PM
*SLC GAME
**HOMECOMING
SEASON TICKETS STARTING
AS LOW AS $45
THE TIME
IS NOW
STAND
ASONE/LAMARATHLETICS
@LAMARCARDS
LAMARCARDINALS.COM
TICKET OFFICE (409) 880-1715
Galveston Furniture& Flooring
Galveston Furniture& Flooring
Specializing in
Furniture, Flooring, Remodels,
Draperies, Shutters, & Blinds
Delivery to Crystal Beach forOnly $9500
4214 Broadway, Galveston
GalvestonFurniture.com
409.762.3213
Custom SofaStarting @ $899
Window Fashions
2290 IH-10 S
@ Washington
Beaumont, TX
409-842-0686
DINNER SPECIALS MONDAY-SUNDAY
www.floydsseafood.com
Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7pm
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
15/52
text by CHERYL ROSE
Smooth, calm and reective on nature are probably
not how his friends would describe Beaumont
attorney Mark Sparks, but do characterize the
peaceful zen of his home. His interior decorating
is minimalist and thats the way he likes it.
A couple of years ago, Sparks had an epiphany about theamount of possessions he had accumulated. The catalyst wasselling a previous home before nding a replacement. As a tem-porary necessity, he rented storage to hold all his belongings. Ididnt like any houses I saw, so I lived on my mothers couch,he said. I was homeless and it was wonderful. There was nosound of a mortgage and property tax sucking out of my ac-count every month. Eventually, I had to face that being 38 and
A less s more phlosophyraslaes o a raqul rerea
b a c h e l o r p a d
vp home
ausery
rulesphotography by LEE E. StinSOn
>>
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
16/52
living on your mothers couch isntthe coolest thing that you can do.
However, he was determined notto take two storage pods of life detri-tus into a new home. He pulled it allout, gave family and acquaintancesrst shot, then donated the rest toGoodwill Industries. What remainsis what he honed down to a combi-nation of the most personal and thebasic utilitarian.
Smooth and soothing
Sparks new home is a two-bed-room built in the 1980s with a nod toAcadian style, having iron gates, oldbrick oors and living space surround-ing a courtyard. The brick oor runsthroughout the downstairs with theexception of the master bedroom. Theoor was one of the features that at-tracted Sparks to the home.
Once hed made some maintenanceupdates, Sparks turned to his child-hood friend, Seawillow Edwards, forguidance with the interior. I have ter-rible taste, he confessed. I enlistedSeawillow and she helped me tremen-
dously. The only parameters I gaveher were I wanted something minimaland less is more. I want very little inthe house and I want a light, open-airfeeling. Whatever classiness is in thishome is owed to her, not to me.
Edwards demurs on that compli-ment, but says it has been a fun expe-rience to assist her friend in pullingtogether his few, eclectic possessionswhile also reecting the design ofthe house. All the windows face thecourtyard with all that natural light,she said. To me, the point is to lookout onto the beautiful grounds and to
bring in the outdoors.They chose a pale green wall colorto amplify the green of the outdoorsand reections from the pool. An-other idea was to make it a smooth,consistent calm from the front doorto the back, Sparks said. Peace andcalm arent often aorded me.
Edwards wanted to help Sparkscreate a retreat from his busyschedule. Hes a really hard worker,extremely dedicated with long hours,and he travels so much, she said. Iwanted his home to be a place whereit would be calming and uncluttered.
Male dcorThe one disagreement the friends
had was on the use of the diningroom. For guys like me, a diningroom is a waste of space, Sparkssaid. I dont dine. I dont entertain. Itwould be dead space. I already had thepool table and thought it would lookcool under the chandelier. I stuck tomy guns on that, though normally I gowith what she says.
The decorative items that remainfrom Sparks purge are totemic refer-ences to his past and personality.
16 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
17/52
Over the replace is a polishedskull from an Ankole-Watusi cow. Tanimal belonged to his late father, arancher who raised exotic species.After his fathers death, Sparks alsoinherited the trophy heads from thfamilys hunting experiences. I grup deer hunting, he said. My fathwas an avid hunter as was my brothI couldnt get rid of them, so I putthem in the oce.
Several sculptures are pieces he
brought back from his travels. He pchased the Asian pieces in Thailandexcept for the Buddha that came byway of a Houston art gallery. Sparkfound the Greek helmet in Athens.One of his college majors was philophy, and the history and style of thpiece spoke to him.
The only other art on the wallsare two autographed guitars. I amaddicted to 1990s hair band rock,Sparks confessed. One is signed bSlaughter and the other is signed bWhite Lion.
He purchased both guitars and aother piece of guitar-shaped art sigby Willie Nelson. His love of hard ralso explains his favorite feature ofhome a surround-sound stereo stem that runs inside and out. I caplay my Poison throughout the houwhich may explain why no one comover to be entertained, he joked.
The neighbors did call the copshim one time though for playing hirock too loudly while lounging in hpool, his favorite thing to do the rartimes he has to relax. He recently hLandscape Solutions re-invent hisbackyard to include a water fountaiand pond. Its nice to sit in the bac
yard by the pool and listen to musiche said. The problem is the frogs ithe pond make this awful noise. Imshocked that female frogs nd thatattractive.
Unlike so many homeowners,Sparks actually uses his home gymwhich takes up a good portion of thupstairs. I use it every day Im herhe said. Hewill wake upat 5 a.m. trun ve miles on his treadmill andreturn to the weights at night.
To rest, he likes to sit in his granmothers chair and put his feet up othe ottoman to read or watch TV.
FreedReleasing so many possessions
was dicult, he admits, but also vefreeing. All of his upstairs closets acompletely empty. I kept photo-graphs, my Matchbox cars, my StarWars stu and CDs, but very littleelse, he said. I travel in CentralAmerica a lot for my job and I real-ized the excesses that I had and howfortunate we all are as Americans.Its amazing how much stu you cacollect. We can get along ne withoall of it. VIP
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
18/52
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
19/52
text and styling by Larena Head and Grace MatHisphotography by Lacie Grant
photo assistantLauren McGeemodeled by Brady Martin and tiffany MaLoney
hair and makeup by Beauty witH Grace Boy meets girl meets classic cars. From a soda shop to a dark alley, this relation-
ship showcases sexy, smart style. Whether you have a need for speed or just
like to have fun, take inspiration from these wheels. Casual and playful, bold and
daring, sultry and glamorous are the elements of this story.
f a s h i o n & c a r s
vp style
coupes&couture >>
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
Integrity from the Ground Up
7770 Gladys, Beaumont 409-860-3133
AndersonCustomHomeBuilder.com
We design spaces tailored toour customers. We create ideal
environments for husbands, wives,children, and guests. In these
havens, architecture and interiordesign are never purely aesthetic;but always have a functional role,
helping to make life more enjoyablefor the people who live there.
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
20/52
classic&coolT
ake classic elements and bring them up to date
with bold color and mixing of patterns. Stay cool
with light layers and fabrics like chambray.
THE FASHION
Womans outft From S & M Family Outlet: Floral ciga-
rette pants, $21; White camisole, $24; Open-toe wedges,
$20; Coral jacket, $26. From LUXE Boutique: Navy bubbleearrings, $13. Mans outft From Express, Parkdale
Mall: Polka dot chambray shirt, $60; Stripe shorts, $70;Reversible belt, $40; Straw fedora, $40. From From S & M
Family Outlet: Two-tone Keds, $24
Shot on location at: Mikes Old Fashioned Soda Fountain,
1302 Port Neches Avenue, (409) 985-5194
THE CAR
1957 Chevy Bel Air owned by Ross Russell
According to Ross Russell, most people with classiccars enjoy sharing those cars with other people.Its easy for a classic car owner to become jaded,
Ross explained. I keep my 57 Chevy Bel Air in my garage
at home, so every time I go out the door into the garage I
see the car sitting there. I have to remind myself that not
everyone gets to see one ever.
Russell describes how his car generates excitement
wherever he goes. I might be sitting at a stop light when
I hear beep beep and I look over and the guy next to megives me a thumbs up and says I like your car! Or, when
I go to a gas station, people will stop at the station just to
look at it.
As a teenager in the 50s, Russell learned about cars
from his dad, and dreamed of one day owning his own 57
Chevy. He just didnt know it would be 40 years before he
bought one. Just about everyone has a passion for some-
thing, Russell said. For some men its golf or bass shing
my passion is for cars. I wonder when the day is gonnacome that that passion dwindles or if that day will ever
come. Between you and I, I hope it doesnt. I really enjoy my
passion and I hope it continues the rest of my days.
20 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
21/52
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
22/52
22 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
23/52
bold&brawnS
tand out from the pack with bold simplicity. The
iconic white T-shirt and jeans speak volumes w
worn with attitude, even next to a dramatic silk t
THE FASHION
Womans outft From BCBG, Parkdale Mall: Silktunic, $228; Jewel-tone tassel necklace, $5; Neonring, $28; From LUXE Boutique: Nude Archer sandal$60; Suede snake purse, $119; Lariat necklace, $30Braided heart bracelet, $13; Embossed bangle, $17.Mans outft From Express, Parkdale Mall: Aviatosunglasses, $20
THE CAR
1929 Ford truck owned by Sterling Bradley
Sterling Bradley owns Bradleys Collision Center in Neches and has been around cars his whole life.dad had a body shop since I was 10. My uncle wo
in the performance division for General Motors, and my
ther and uncle would go hot roddin together, he explai
When I was a teenager I would build the hotrods ta car and soup it up with a pretty paint job and persona
ize it, he reminisced. Then we would cruise the drag o
Gulfway and Nederland Ave.Bradley has owned his 1929 Ford truck for 15 years
The truck found me.A guy traded it for some storage f
another vehicle. It looked like it had come out of a eldsomewhere, with grass growing through.After many
changes, including automatic power windows and brake
plus air conditioning and a ame paint job, the bed, fend
and doors are the last original remains of the old eld trOver the years, Bradley has owned over 30 clas-
sic muscle cars, including one he currently owns, a 65
Mustang Fastback. He denitely has his favorites. The I would love to have would be a 65 Pontiac GTO and I r
love the 65 Mustang.
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
24/52
lust&allureR
ough up timeless glamour by adding a sexy
edge. There is no need to try too hard when you
are this hot.
THE FASHION
Womans outft From LUXE Boutique: Black goldsequin dress, $60; Kristin Cavallari pumps, $130. From
BGBG, Parkdale Mall: Ring, $38. Mans outft FromExpress, Parkdale Mall: Red tted shirt, $60; Photographer
pant, $80; Belt $40
THE CAR
1966 Ford Mustang owned by Joe Malley
Joe Malley is not mechanically inclined, but that doesntkeep him from enjoying his black 1966 Ford Mustang.Its called a two-plus-two cause itll seat four people.
I liked them in the past, but never thought I would get one,
he recalled. But 4 years ago, he decided it was time.
I looked around and my friends looked and found one
on the Internet in Metairie, La. Malley said. My wife and I
left at 4 in the morning, saw it and loved it and decided that
was it.
The car didnt need much work, but anytime it does, heleaves it to the experts.I get a lot of pleasure in showing
the car to other people who either had them in the past or
young people who really like the old styles. I like sharing it
and taking people for rides in it, he said.
He also enjoys helping with the Raos car show, which
he helped start. Four years ago, we had 38 cars, this year
it was 120. Its growing, he said. I really like doing it, with
the help of a lot of good people. We sell links and drinks and
proceeds go to Boys Haven.Theres no judging people
just walk around and look at cool cars. And everyone has a
good time.
24 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
25/52
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
26/52
text by Larena Head
D
enim plays an
essential role in a
mans closet. A ver-
satile pair of jeans
can be worn with
everything from a
sports jacket to a tee shirt. But withan abundance of options in terms
of t, color and nish, choosing the
right pair of jeans can be a challenge.
Fit is the most important thing to
look for in a pair of jeans. Determine
what t works best for your style and
go from there. Slim t jeans oer a
clean, sharp look and dress up nicely.
They should slightly hug the thighs,
knees and calves while loosening up
around the ankles. Straight leg jeans,
a little more forgiving, are slightly
form tting through the thigh,
but looser in the knees and calves.
Classic and relaxed ts are roomier
throughout.
A pair of black or dark wash jeans
are essential because they can be
dressed up or down with ease. Want
to diversify your denim? Mix in some
color. Grey, olive and rust are subtle
but smart ways to work in a little
color without being too bold. When
it comes to details the simpler, the
better. Minimal branding and embel-
lishment has a cleaner look and
makes for a more versatile jean.
So youre ready for a new pair
of jeans, where should you start?
Express oers dierent ts, washes
and cuts. Most of their selection is
clean and modern, plus there are
plenty of dapper accessories to pull
together your look. The majority of
jeans at Buckle come in a relaxed t
but they oer some slim t options
as well. Their knowledgeable sta
makes selecting a pair of jeans a
breeze, and if the length isnt just
right, their in-house seamstress
can take care of that, free with your
purchase. For tried and true classic
denim, a pair of Levis is just the
ticket. For under $100, you cant go
wrong. Levis jeans can be found lo-
cally at Kohls, JCPenney and Macys.
Once you nd a pair of jeans that
suits your needs, be sure to make
them your own. Mix and match
denim with your favorite pieces
in your wardrobe and try out new
combinations. From casual Friday
to date night, with the right styling,
you cant go wrong with a great pair
of jeans.
Its gotta ftThe right-ftting denim is essential to a mans wardrobe
b l u e j e a n s
vip style
26 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
27/52
From Buckle, Parkdale Mall: Slim Fit Shirt,Buckle Black, $60; Charcoal Jake Jean, BKE,$70; Brown Leather Belt, Fossil, $35.
Dk TkAge: 35 Occupation: General Manager, MikeSmith Honda and Mercedes
Do for fun? I love the water, boating, sh-ing and hunting.
Ideal rst date? I think an appropriate rstdate is dinner and a movie.
Favorite way to wear a pair of jeans?
Dressed down with boots.
Look for in a partner? Compassion,loyalty, affection, and a sense of humor
Beard or no beard? No beard, I dontlike beards. I prefer a goatee that is wellgroomed.
Favorite date spot? Madisons
Dream car? A 65 Corvette Convertible
styling by larena heaDphotography by ScoTT eSlingershot atmaDiSonS
Dt autUbi Caritas, the non-prot Beaumontministry that has provided health-care to the uninsured since 1998, isholding its fth annual Date Auctionon Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. atMadisons in Beaumont. The eventfeatures an auction of date packageswith some of the areas most eligiblebachelors and bachelorettes (includingthese handsome men).
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
28/52
From Express, Parkdale Mall: Fitted
Printed Shirt, $70; Black Rocco Slim FitJean, $88; Reversible Leather Belt, $40
Andrew
ChernoffAge: 23, Occupation: WeekendSports Anchor/ Sports Re-porter, KFDM Channel 6
Do for fun? I love going tosporting events and I enjoyhanging out with family andfriends.
Ideal rst date? Dinner ata very nice restaurant, thenwhatever she wants to do.
Favorite way to wear a pair
of jeans? I like wearing themwith long sleeve shirts and
polo shirts. I think jeans arequickly replacing khakis.
Look for in a partner? Hon-esty, kindness and support
Beard or no beard? Nobeard.
Favorite date spot? Some-where on the water.
Sports star Id like to have
dinner with? Brad Stevens,the Boston Celtics head coach
28 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
29/52
From Express, Parkdale Mall: ExtraSlim Bengal Stripe Dress Shirt, $70;Photographer Blazer, $198; Rocco SlimFit Jean, $80; Brown Leather Belt, $30
Garrison
FullerAge: 21, Occupation: Adminis-trative Assistant, Taryn Hebert,RE/MAX Beaumont
Do for fun? I enjoy going tothe beach, conveniently located
just an hour away. I like to get
involved in local events andorganizations. I also really likecooking and entertaining forfriends and family.
Ideal rst date? Go to a laid-back patio bar, have a coupleof toddies to relax, then have agreat dinner, preferably Italian,followed by some live music.
Favorite way to wear a pair
of jeans? I like boot-cut jeansthat t like a glove. Not tootight, not too loose, just right.
Look for in a partner? Ambi-tion, optimism and a laid-backpersonality
Beard or no beard? I alwayslike to have a little scruff.
Favorite date spot? Herelocally, I would have to sayCarrabbas. You can never gowrong.
Describe your style: Classicand preppy, with accessories ora pop of color
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
30/52
text by CHERYL ROSE
Screamingly
popular teen
sensations
seem often
to end up on
Where Are
They Now?
programs. But for Paul Anka, whose
rst No. 1 hit was in 1957 at age 16,
the answer to where is he now? is
everywhere.
The 72-year-old global superstar isconstantly charting new forays in themusic industry, performing, produc-ing, mentoring younger singers andmanaging multiple businesses. I lovewhat Im doing, he said. Im stillvery good at it and learning somethingevery day. They throw dirt on you ifyou stand still.
The prolic songwriter and per-former has enjoyed a rare longevity inthe entertainment industry, movingfrom teen idol stardom to sought-after
lyricist. Hes performed with andwritten songs for music giants fromall genres, including Frank Sinatra,Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, BudHolly, Willie Nelson, Celine Dion anMichael Bubl. Just this year, Ankareleased both a biography that reacNo. 6 on the The New York TimesNon-Fiction Best Sellers List and anew album called Duets. ThoughAnka has pared down his tour scheule from a height of more than 200international dates a year, he still pon about 75 extravagant shows a yeHell be bringing his megawatt smiland charm to Beaumont on Oct. 3 apart of The Julie Rogers Gift of LifePrograms annual celebration event
Sensation and survivor
Born in Ottawa, Canada in 1941to a family of modest means, Ankacaught the show-biz bug early. By a12, he was taking piano lessons, performing at parties and writing poetrHis parents werent sure what to mof this desire to be a performer, buthis mother enthusiastically supporthim, serving as his rst muse.
In the 1950s, in Canada, there wno comparison to these Idolparentsgrooming their kids like grapefruitsAnka said. It didnt exist. But I kn
Former teen idol and Vegasregular Paul Anka still dazzle
Pomp Sans
Pompadour
p a u l a n k a
vip worthy
Top 10 SongsThough he has written more than 900 songs, here are 10 of
the songs Paul Anka performed that topped the charts:
1. Lonely Boy (peaked #1 in 1959)
2. Having My Baby (peaked #1 in 1974)
3. Diana (peaked #1 in 1957)
4. Put Your Head On My Shoulder (peaked #2 in 1959)
5. Puppy Love (peaked #2 in 1960)
6. Its Time To Cry (peaked #4 in 1959)
7. Times Of Your Life (peaked #7 in 1975)
8. You Are My Destiny (peaked #7 in 1958)
9. One Man Woman (peaked #7 in 1974)
10. I Dont Like To Sleep Alone (peaked #8 in 1975)
30 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
31/52
from the get-go I had a gift. I had asense of performing and a desire andhunger. I knew I wanted to write. Iwas a cub reporter for the local news-paper. I also had a paper route andworked as a caddy at the golf club. Iwould sing my songs to my mother inthe basement and test them out.
Anka received his rst record con-tract at the age of 15. His rst song,Diana, went straight to No. 1 andmade him an overnight sensation.
Anka appeared on The Ed SullivanShow and American Bandstandandtraveled with other stars of the erasuch as Buddy Holly, Chuck Berryand Jerry Lee Lewis. He had a briefromance with Disney MouseketeerAnnette Funicello, who died earlier
this year and was the inspiration forPuppy Love, another top hit forAnka.
Many of his contemporaries of50s pop disappeared after the ar-rival of The Beatles and the BritishInvasion in the early 60s. Duringthat turbulent music scene, Ankalaunched another singing career inEurope, played in Vegas clubs andwrote a steady string of hits for him-self and others.
Anka has written more than 900songs in his career, but some of the
ones he is most known for include thelegendary anthem he wrote for FrankSinatra, My Way, his own No. 1 hitYoure Having My Baby, Shes aLady that he wrote for Tom Jones,the Academy Award-nominated scoreto the movie The Longest Day andthe theme song for The TonightShow with Johnny Carson.
Integrity and longevity
Anka was able to evolve and tran-sition his career by having a versatiletalent, being a smart businessmanand steering clear of the dangeroustemptations rife among the show-bizset.
All of my life, Ive believed thatyou cant function and give a fair
share to your audience if you are nottotally in control of yourself, he said.I taught myself how to live right.Even though I was hanging aroundwith the Rat Pack and the maa, Ihad to nd a smart way to live. I sawfriends disappear from the businessfrom sickness. I cherished what I didtoo much.
Anka attributes the sensiblegrounding given to him by his parentsas the reason he was able to avoid let-ting celebrity status go to his head.I believe your character is very
Clbg
h Gf f Lf
Plan to join The Julie Rogers Gift of Life Program for an
Unforgettable Evening with Paul Anka in Concert at
the Julie Rogers Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 3, along
with featured speaker Pat Smith, the talented talk
show host and wife of former NFL superstar Emmitt Smith.
Every October, the nonprot organization heightens aware-
ness and celebrates survivorship in a month of Putting on the
Pink activities, including educational outreach, a regional mobile
mammography van, and a Promenade of Courage, celebrating
the strength of cancer survivors and remembering those who
have succumbed. Another special event is the Julie Richardson
Procter 5K Ribbon Run Color Rush in Beaumont on Saturday, Oct.
5, raising awareness of ovarian and breast cancer.The National Cancer Institute estimates that a woman in the
U.S. has a 1 in 8 chance of developing invasive breast cancer
during her lifetime. Last year, the Gift of Life provided more than
2,200 free mammograms and clinical breast exams, as well as
additional diagnostic testing, for medically underserved women in
SE Texas. Eleven of those were diagnosed with breast cancer.
Our mission of saving lives in Southeast Texas is augmented
by the local medical community which assists in our organi-
zations continuum of care that includes free breast cancer
screenings, diagnostic evaluations and case management with
navigation to cancer treatment, when necessary, explained
Regina Rogers, the founder of the Gift of Life Program.
photography courtesy ofPauL anka andassoCiated Pr
>>
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
32/52
important and its tested daily,especially in this business, hesaid. You can get carried awaywith the attention and applause.I was about three years into thebusiness when I thought, Ive gotto nd a way not to be a jerk, whatwith everyone catering to you andkissing up.
Anka believes his lifelong focuson integrity has contributed to hislongevity in the industry. Reputa-
tion is very important, he said.I would rather go to my gravewith only a penny than with a badreputation.
Quality and honesty
After his initial success withDiana, Anka points to writingMy Way as a major turningpoint in his career. The seriousballad gave him a new gravitasin the industry, allowing him toexpand to new genres and provinghis versatility for songwriting.
With the aspect of writ-ing, you live this very quiet and
segregated existence, workingwith your mind, he said. Ankaoften works alone when writing,though he has had some fun col-laborations, including two weeksworking with Michael Jackson ona song that was later released after
Jacksons death titled This is It.On his latest album, Duets,
Anka used technology to enhancehis collaborations. Willie Nelsonis in Texas and Im here in Cali-
fornia; he sits in his comfort zone,but we are communing with eachother and working and recordingtogether, Anka described. Dolly(Parton) wants to be in Nash-
ville; we do our parts like we artogether, back and forth. Thatsusing technology in a great wayby my point of view.
When he was learning his cr
32 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
STOP!!!!MISSINGAD ALERT!!!
Ad Name:BEN192776409
Size: 2.00 x 5.00
Customer: PROMOTION/RETAIL DEPT.
Whenthe job isoaspecializednature,itpaystocallinanexpert. Its justsmartbusiness.
Butwhenitcomes tocateringorbusinessunctions, toootenthosedecisionsare letuntil thelastminuteornot seriouslyconsideredatall.Withsomuchridingonthechoicesthatyoumakeinyourbusiness,thesedaysyoucantaford tomakeabaddecision.Dont letcatering
beoneothose.Calltheexperts.CallMonclas.
When itstime to cater,
dont wait tillater
call Monclas
right now!
Monclas Catering family ownedand operated,serving
the GoldenTriangle since 1918.
(409)840-90512530W.CardinalDr.
www.monclas.com
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
33/52
Anka points out that there was noenhancing technology to improvethe voice or oer lip-syncing for aperformance. Back then, you hadto study harder and be on your
game, he said. Once you wereon the stage, you had to be in key,on time and know what the hellyou were doing.
Quality and honesty are his
standards for all of his music andperformances. When he visitsBeaumont next month, he said theaudience can expect great musi-cianship, a wide variety of music
and an evening that will touchmany buttons of emotion as eacperformance is tailor-made for occasion.
His way
Ankas career and fan-base rmain strong, with albums such Rock Swings (Ankas swing interpretations of hard rock songs2005 bringing in a new generatiThe fans are constantly changi
amazingly so, he said.If he had to dub an heir ap-parent, he would choose MichaeBubl, a fellow Canadian he hasmentored and produced.
With so many accolades andsheer volume of accumulatedwork, Anka said it is his ve chidren and their successes he is mproud of. The most importantthing is family, he said. I get tbiggest pleasure from that. I feesad for people who accomplish lot, have a lot of nancial gain, blive alone, sleep alone, and donhave anyone to share it with.
After 55 years in the musicindustry, Anka feels he has earnthe right to sing My Way fromthe voice of experience. It hasmore relevance and poignancy tme than it did when I wrote it,he said.
My WayFrank Sinatras signature anthem about aging and regrets, covered by ev-
eryone from Aretha Franklin to The Gipsy Kings, was penned by a young Paul
Anka in 1968. Though his record company gave Anka some grief about not
recording the song rst, Anka realized that the lyrics wouldnt resonate coming
from a 27-year-old. Instead, he had written the song to capture the spirit of
his friend and mentor, Frank Sinatra.
Anka was barely out of his teens when he began performing in Las Vegas
alongside the famed Rat Pack, including megastars Frank Sinatra, Dean
Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. As Anka tells it, Sinatra asked him back then,
Kid, when are you going to write me a song? Anka knew that Sinatra hatedpop music. He often jokes that if he had offered up a Puppy Love tune, Sina-
tra would have thrown him out the window or put a horses head in his bed.
Several years later, the two met up at the Fountainbleau Hotel in Miami
where Anka was performing and Sinatra was lming a movie. Over dinner,
Sinatra told Anka that he was planning one last album and then intended to
retire. He reminded Anka of his promise to write him a song.
Anka returned to his then-home in New York. The rst line, The end is
near, and so I face the nal curtain, came to him and he began typing, work-
ing through the night and nishing at 5 a.m. He called Sinatra and producer
Don Costa in Las Vegas and told them he was bringing them a song.
Two months later, Sinatra called Anka and played the nished recording
over the phone. I heard it for the rst time, Anka remembered.I started
crying. Changed my life.
VIP
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
VISIT US
ON
FacebOO
girls and womenacross SoutheastTexas in donating theirponytails to womenfghting cancer.
Join
contt us t 409-981-5510 or [email protected]
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
34/52
text by Jane McBride
When Mike
Fuljenzs
grandfa-
ther, Jules
Lievens,
gave his
6-year-old grandson a silver dollar for
making the honor roll, he knew he was
helping instill respect for hard work.
What he couldnt have foreseen was the
profound impact that lone, shiny coin
would have.
Today, Fuljenz is a dynamic, pas-sionate man driven to excellence whoturned his love aair with coins intothe creation of one of the largest coinand bullion companies of Americacoinage. As president of Universal Coin& Bullion in Beaumont, Fuljenz has areputation for honesty, integrity andknowledge of numismatics.
Fuljenz is a frequent contributor tonumismatic literary publications. Hehas written numerous articles on thevalue of rare coins made of preciousmetals, as well as authoring severalnational award-winning books, includ-ing the 2010 Numismatic LiteraryGuild Investment Book of the Year,Indian Gold Coins of the 20th Century.He has provided expertise to the U.S.Mint, Federal Trade Commission, inputtoward creation of a new Texas PreciousMetal Dealer Registration, and assistedthe Texas Rangers and Runnels CountyTexas Sheris Department in locatingsuspected gold thieves. While his com-
mitment to the professionalism of hiseld is important to Fuljenz, he wouldmuch rather speak about his numberone reason for collecting beautiful andartistic coins.
Its fun.
A passion is born
Soon after his grandfather rewardedhim with that rst coin, Fuljenz headedto the local coin shop in his home town
of Lake Charles and bought a coin book.He began attending meetings at the coinclub and by the time he was 18, hadbeen a four-time president of SouthwestLouisiana Coin Club and chairman ofthe Louisiana State Coin Convention.
I did a lot of work so they gaveme an oce. Its the rule of volunteerorganizations, he laughed.
Financial reward
Fuljenz quickly learned that in addi-tion to the pleasure of discovering new
and beautiful coins, collecting oereda nancial reward. By age 12, he wasmowing yards for $5. He would take thepaper money he earned to the bank andtrade it for rolls of coins, which he wentthrough looking for ones containing sil-ver. He would keep those, replace themwith non-silver, re-roll and take back tothe bank to exchange for new rolls. Hecontinued to do that until he was 18.
Buying, selling or trading coins pro-vided money for him to buy more coins.It also changed his life.
It eventually provided the moneyfor me to date the young lady who
became my wife of 34 years.Until 1964, dimes contained 90 per-cent silver, Fuljenz notes. Todays coinsminted for circulation contain no silver and that pre-1965 dime is worth $1.50.
Thats 15 times its face value,Fuljenz said about the excellent returnon investment. And you can still ndvaluable coins in your change.
Giving back
Fuljenz and his wife, Karen, arewell-known for their generosity ofgiving, both nancially and personally.Mike was the third generation of hisfamily to choose a career in educa-
tion. His mother and grandmotherwere teachers for 30 years. The formerschool teacher and summer schoolprincipal volunteers and supports Beau-mont I.S.D. and Diocese of Beaumontschools, participates in youth sportsprograms, Julie Rogers Gift of Life, andMeals on Wheels. Karen volunteers inseveral community programs, includ-ing serving meals to the homeboundwith Nutrition and Services for Seniors,
supports Julie Rogers Gift of Life, AnyatHouse and Triangle Aids Network.
This past April, Catholic Charitiesof Southeast Texas named Mike andKaren as Humanitarians of the Year atBreakfast with the Bishop.
The Fuljenzs believe that as peopleof faith, they are called to share theirtime, talent and treasure. He creditshis grandfather and father for teachinghim the value of strong character and agiving spirit.
Through the way we parent, we
impact children and grandchildren. Iwas fortunate to have very interestedand engaged parents and grandparents.My dad, Ray Fuljenz, was very involvedwith what was then called The LionsClubs Crippled Childrens Camp. As aprosecutor, he worked with families ofkids at the juvenile detention center.That had an impact on me. He told methey needed a hand up, not a hand out.We are here to show these young menand women a better way of life whenthey get out.
Fuljenzs accomplishments includeworking with State Rep. David Simpson
and the Texas Legislature to eliminatethe $1,000 minimum expenditure forinvestors to qualify for a tax exemption.
We had an exemption for over$1,000 but none under. When I taughtschool in 1980 I made $1,000 a month.When she taught, my mother made$100 a month. Rep. Simpson and Iwanted the young investor to have thesame benet as those who could spendover $1,000.
While his success in the businessworld is fullling, Fuljenzs philan-thropic works provide somethingequally tangible.
Volunteerism is important. Its like
the story of the little boy who foundhundreds of starsh stranded on thebeach. When people saw him throwingone back in the ocean, they ridiculedhim, saying there were too many tomake a dierence.
It makes a dierence to this one,the boy replied.
We cant make a dierence to ev-eryone, but it is important to the oneswe do.
A Heart of Gold
m i k e f u l j e n z
vp worthy
VIP
34 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
35/52
photography by Scott ESlingEr
5 reass
lve cs
Mike Fuljenz, considered one ofAmericas foremost gold expertdescribes why he loves collecti
buying, selling and trading goldsilver coins:
1. Beauty This
American Silver EaObverse designed
Adolph Weinman iconsidered the mo
beautiful silver U.Scoin.
2. Artist/Designe
Augustus Saint-
Gaudins worked wPresident Theodor
Roosevelt to desigthe obverse that is
used on the AmerGold Eagle. This is
considered the moartistic U.S. gold c
3. Precious Meta
Investors and man
collectors prefer c
made of silver or glike this $10 GoldIndian from 1910.
4. Rarity $3 gold
coins were made U.S. Mints only fro
1854-1889 and avery popular due t
their historically lomintages.
5. History Theshort-lived Type II
$20 Liberty gold cseries (1866-187
is historically popugiven it is the rst
double eagle ($20to have the motto
God We Trust on
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
36/52
BEAUMONTSBEST BURGERS
text by CATHLEEN COLE photography by LEE E. sTiNsON ANd guisEppE bArrANCO
Are you craving a fresh, grilled hamburger but arent in the mood to re up the grill? Are hand-battered onion rings invading your dreams but you dont have a deep
fryer? Is a chocolate malt on your mind but youre out of ice cream? Not a problem. Beaumont has several choices for a delicious burger experience, so put on yo
comfy pants (the ones with the elastic waistband) and steer toward your burger-diner destination.
Hea to one of thee eatee fo a jcy hame mae to oe
b u r g e r s
food dining
36 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
37/52
Daddios Burger4230 Calder Ave.409.898.1977
Beaumonts newest burger diner is Daddios Burger, but the restaurant business
isnt new to owner Dave Jones who founded Novroskys in 1982. Daddios keepsthe menu simple basically burgers, fries and shakes but the deliciousness
is in the details. The juicy patties are made from Nolan Ryans all-natural beef and
you can even get a buffalo burger or a veggie burger. Top your selection off with goat
cheese, grilled onions, mushrooms, avocado, bacon or a fried egg. The fresh-cut
French fries include sweet potato fries and Parmesan trufe fries. To satisfy your sweet
tooth, order a hand-dipped Blue Bell malt or shake with whipped cream on top. Or if a
cold brew is what you need, theres a nice selection of domestic and imported beer.
Willy Burger5535 Calder Ave.409.892.3407
Willy Burger, according to the sign on the window, is where friends meat to eat.
This West-End burger joint has some retro-diner sizzle with its lunch counter
and cozy booths. Patrons can eat in the main building, in an attached and
remodeled 1971 Airstream travel trailer or on the patio. Owner Colburn McClelland is a
stickler for freshness and homemade appeal. The certied Angus beef is ground fresh
daily, and the onion rings are hand-dipped. Try the sweet potato fries for a change of
taste. If youd rather have a hot dog, theyre charbroiled. You can enjoy your meal with a
cold draft beer or savor the sweetness of a malt, oat or shake. Finish it off with a funnelcake for a satisfying sugar high!
Hamburger Depot1652 W. Cardinal Dr. 409.840.6600790 Neches St. 409.838.3700
Owner Tressy Morgan keeps Hamburger Depot chugging along with classic
burgers and southern favorites including fried pickle spears and fried okraFor the main attraction, sizes range from the Small Depot Burger a little
than half a pound to the Sissy Cheeseburger three half-pound patties with th
slices of American cheese. (With this mega-burger, the menu bids you Good Luc
The gussied-up burgers include the chili burger, the mushroom Swiss cheeseb
er and the Southwest burger with grilled onions, jalapenos and pepper jack chees
The Depot also offers hand-battered onion rings, Cajun fries and tater tots.
Burger GuysMonday at Lunch at the Lake, 700 Crockett St.Tues.-Fri. at King Arthurs Pub, 2650 N. 11th St.409.782.6606
Jake Mazzu III is the latest chef to jump on Beaumonts gourmet-burger bandwa
on with his Burger Guys trailer that he parks at two locations during the week
lunch. His Akaushi beef burgers include the Sonoma Burger, which is topped w
apple-wood smoked bacon, cheddar, avocado, arugula and aioli sauce, and the Saig
Burger, which has pate, daikon, carrots, jalapenos, cilantro and sriracha-lime aioli
sauce. Mazzus specialty is offering avors from around the world. The twice-cooke
hand-cut fries are nished in duck fat and topped with kosher salt.Add a cold drink
and youre ready to dine alfresco!
The burgers are homemade and very tasty, and I know that their
fries are homemade. I really enjoy places that make things from
scratch like my grandma Mama Lou used to. Randy Romano, Beaumont
I love Willy Burger! It is original, consistently tasty and their
breakfast is wonderful. I enjoy the gluten-free choices, and it is
the closest walk from our home! Lori Alter, Beaumont
The patties are the best part theyre fresh and juicy. My favo
ite is the barbecue cheeseburger. Reid James, Beaum
They are my standard for best burger and havent been toppe
yet. They have a wide variety of burgers, but my favorite is the
Sonoma. The duck-fat fried fries are amazing too. William Fermo, Lumbe
VIPsays: TheBlueBellshakesareway
cool, daddio!
VIPsays: Greatatmospherewith its
retro-dinermotif.Thetraveltrailerisa classictouch!
VIPsays: Fresh airandgourmetburg-ers. Deepbreath.
Big bite. Ahhhhhhh.
VIPsays: An etensiveandvarmenu. Thefrie
picklespearsartreat!
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
38/52
38 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
For Heavens Sake
4190 Calder Avenue, Beaumont
Needlepoint Baseball Caps
Balimports
collection shows aone o kind artisticstyle using specialtypes o fnishesand hardware, anda non-traditionalstyle that makes thisart collection totallydierent rom allother urniture.
Balimports oersan extensivecollection othe fnest, mostattractive and rarefurniture and rusticurniture availableat reasonable
prices.
Balimports
1290 Calder, Beaumont, TX
409-832-2254
www.burnsankhaus.com
At Burns Antik Haus, you will fnd stunning hand-selected
items rom all over Europe. You wont fnd better value or more
beautiul pieces anywhere.
Tues-Thurs 10am-5pm Fri-Sat 10am-3pm
409.835.3080
New items put out daily!At Burns Antik Haus, you w ill fnd stunning hand-selected
items rom all over Europe. New items put out daily!
Tues-Thurs 10am-5pm Fri-Sat 10am-3pm
409.835.3080
McManus CompanyHandmade Glass Crystal
Artwork. These beautiful pieces are made
with vintage glass and Swarovskys crystal.Each of these traditional crosses make their own
unique statement. Sizes range from 6" to 36".
WOW, what an unbelievable collection.
thecat5.com
HAVEY O U
BEEN
CAT5D?
4fabulous ndsRetailers we love and their
merchandise we love to have!
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
39/52
s e t e x a s e v e n t s
vip spotlight
The B-List at Madisons
Matt Maida, Michelle Norsworthy
Robyn Rayes, Chessney Mills
Michele Stone and Corey Donohue
Jennifer McDaniel. Heather Hatton Brandy Kinston, Sheldra Brigham Ashley Thorpe, Sarah Nicholas,Allora Bellanger, Brooke Berry
xx
Felicia Brodie, Dakota McNeely
Justina Jennings, Ryan Beard
Neal Riley, Chris Auster and Matt Maida
Christi Grudier, Elissa Owens and Caitlan Kruger
Amber McMillan, Ryan Mott, Lance Edwards and Leslie PerkinsRobin Broussard, Roxy Flowers Sandi Frank and Chris Willis
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
40/52
Port ArthuChamber Breakfas
Bridal Traditions
Summer Show
Rex Steele and Paige Snyder Joe Paitl
Jennifer and Morgan Simmons, Brandon Laird Helene Czudek, Natalia Mayogoitia
Anthony Leger, Floyd Gaspard
Eric Phenix and Laruen Hector
Chrissy Pelatan, Rocky Armstrong, Carlita Zumm
Tammie and Meeghan Falls
Marian Ruiz, LindaTait Gladdie and Eddie Fowler
Bryan Broussard, Rachael Ruiz,
Eloise Price and Megan Arceneaux Courtney and Sheryl Duval
Reginald Sutton, Carl Parker, Marisha
Senegal-Gonzales and Shannon Quinn
Cheyenne Williams, Kacie Williams, Martha Rezai, Chelsea Scott, and Teya Williams
scotteslin
ren sheppard
40 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
41/52
Uncle Sam Jam
Nicole Bradshaw, Desirea Wilson and Sabrina Allbritton Kade Merritt, Kelsey McElroy
Hunter Duhon and Maegan Morgan Savannah Sheppard, Michael Alfrey
Taylor Morris, Allie Chesson, Leslie Chesson and Tisha Morris
Robyn Summers, Sarah Summers and Emma Hunter
Richard and Gracie Trumps Randall Hodges and Tammy Davis
rensheppard
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
Experience the resort feeling without the price!
Te Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
Beaumont Plaza
Te Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
Beaumont Plaza
Let us share in planning your next event!Contact our professional sales department.
3950I 10 South @ Walden Road
Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 842-5995 Fax: (409) 842-7810
www.holidayinn.com/beaumont-plaza
medical spa & laser centerskinologie@ baptist hospital, 810 hospital dr., suite 100call today! 409.833.0342 www.skinologie.comseptember special: 10% off all laser hair removal packages
never shave again.
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
42/52
Hebert HighHall of Fame
Induction
A.B. Bennett, Paula McNair and Norris Bennett
Denise Spooner, Danny Jones and Melanie MoyeShirley Walker, Arlana LeBlanc, E.R. Melonson and Millie West
Annie Scott Moye, Diane Drew
Gwendolyn Walters, Phyllis Thomas
John and Casita Taylor
Bernita andBilly Jackson
Paul Owens and Patricia Bryant
Maggie Lee and Alvin Lee, Sr.
Glynis F. Glider, Graig L. Jackson, Andreaus Boise Fontenot and Horace Jennings
Tim Elzy, Janet Elzy and Jimmie Smith
sco
tt
eslinger
42 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
43/52
Bill GaitheHomecoming Tou
SouthernSummer Night
Donna Imgram, Shelia Stafford JC Modica, Kay Bowe
Scott Snyder, Matt Hubbard, Kim Hubbard Kelly and Mark Hanlon
Lilian Amboga, Enock Nyaenya
Victoria and Ryan Carr
Monette Hightower, T.J. Giammona
Scott Wareham, Krista Campbell
Mark Howard, John Senkar, Sammie Birmingham Carolyn and David Moore
VJ Harper, Cheryl Harper, Darlene Moody, Billy Harrison, Ivy Pate
Jimmy and Judy Morvent, Mary and Leon Miller
Jerry and Ellen Zimmerman, David and Jill Carriere, Brenda and Bobby Duhonlacie gra
lacie grant
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
44/52
TexsGtorfestSeptember 1215, 2013
Located in historic Fort Anahuac Park,
Texas Gatorfest offers a variety of
activities that arent seen at many
area festivals. There are three music
stages with street dances in the beer
garden Thursday through Saturday. The
kids will be thrilled to see a baby gator up
close in the Alligator Education Tent.BEST OF THE FEST: For a truly unique
experience, look for the Great Texas
Alligator Round-up pavilion. The festival
is scheduled around the opening of gator
season, and you can watch hunters from
all over Texas bring in gators for the
on-sight buyers to evaluate. Prizes are
given based on length, and some of these
critters are more than 13 feet long!
Texs ReFestvlOctober 2 6, 2013
The Texas Rice Festival has grown
from a one-day event in 1970 to
one of the most popular festivals in
the area. With pageants, a BBQ cook-off,
parades, a huge carnival and much more,
this homecoming of sorts celebrates the
impact of rice farming in Southeast Texas.
If you thought rice was just for gumbo,dont miss the Rice Education Tent.
BEST OF THE FEST: The musical enter-
tainment is denitely some of the best.
Lee Brice is big on the country charts right
now and will headline Thursday night. Pick
up a famous rice ball from the St. Louis
Catholic Church booth, right by the main
stage, and settle in for some good music.
f e s t i v a l s
vp adviser
BESTFESTS
Texs PenFestvlSeptember 19 22, 2013
In 1919, Wiley Choate planted 6,000
pecan trees over a 385-acre track.
This year, the city of Groves will cel-
ebrate the humble nut that started it all
with the 45th Texas Pecan Festival. There
will be regional food choices like gumbo,boudain balls and pistolettes, and plenty
of pecan pie. Stop by the Chambers
booth to purchase your yearly supply of
pecans. Foodies can enter the pecan-
cooking contest.
BEST OF THE FEST: On Saturday night,
put on your dancing shoes and celebrate.
The popular local band Champagne Room
will bring the theme of Stayin Alive for
45 to life with their energetic covers that
will get everybody movin and groovin.
Put tese 10 SE Texs festvls on your lendr now!text by GRacE MaThiS
44 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
45/52
South TexasState FairMarch 27 April 6, 2014
The YMBL South Texas State Faircan trace its roots back to theearly 20th century. Today, fair-goers can experience one of the
largest fairs in Texas, complete with arodeo, livestock area, live music with beergarden, a midway and some of the mosteclectic food selections of any regionalfestival. Forget the pizza and corndogs.Where else can you get a fried peanutbutter sandwich or chocolate-coveredbacon? Inside the Ford Arena, be sure tocheck out the quilt and photo competi-tions, as well as the school art exhibit.
BEST OF THE FEST: For the kiddos, andkids at heart, dont miss the exotic animalpetting zoo. Camel ride, anyone?
KirbyvilleMagnoliaFestival
April 17 19, 2014
T
his small town festival will happenin the middle of spring, when the
namesake magnolias are in fullbloom. All the proceeds from thefest go right back into the very park whereit takes place, including jogging tracks,restrooms and the playground. The locallittle league sells a memorable BBQ sand-wich that goes well with a bloomin onion.
BEST OF THE FEST: For a true small-town experience, make it to the live auc-tion on Friday night. You can also checkout the talent show and reworks display.Warm fuzzy feeling going once, goingtwice, SOLD!
MauricevilleCrawfshFestival
April 18 20, 2014
Whoever thought of pickingup a mudbug, boiling it with
corn, sausage and spices,and sucking its head was
pretty brilliant. While you may not be ahead-sucker, you can still celebrate theseiconic critters like a good Cajun SoutheastTexan at the Mauriceville Crawsh Festi-val. To get your crawsh x, look for theMauriceville Youth Football Association.They sell crawsh by the pound as theirmajor fundraiser to help kids buy equip-ment and uniforms.
BEST OF THE FEST: How fast can youpeel and eat 10 crawsh? If you havemagic ngers, enter the crawsh-eating
contest and you may be crowned the fast-est crawsh eater in Southeast Texas.
NederlandHeritageFestivalMarch 11-16, 2014
At the Nederland Heritage Festival,
its all about family. With no chargefor parking or entrance, plenty ofmusical entertainment and a free pettingzoo, this is an event that can t into anybudget. A $45 Passport to Fun providesunlimited carnival ride access during theentire event. If youd prefer to keep yourfeet on the ground, make memories at theantique photo booth, which has partici-pated for more than 20 years.
BEST OF THE FEST: Saturday morningthe chili cook-off and parade kicks off at10 a.m. For $5, you can taste as muchchili as your heartburn will let you. Walk itoff at the car and motorcycle show.
>>
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
46/52
Texas BBQ
FestivalApril 24 - 27, 2014
Taking place at Conn Park, the Texas
BBQ Festival is Vidors largest annual
party and has carnival rides and live
music all weekend. The highlight is the
IBCA-regulated BBQ cook-off.
BEST OF THE FEST: To truly satisfy yourBBQ cravings, consider being a cook-off
judge. Contact organizers if youve got
what it takes to eat lots of meat. After
youve made your discriminating judgment,
balance out all that savory sauce with a
banana split from the Cool Breeze vendor.
Port Neches
RiverfestApril 30 May 4, 2014
Its easy to forget about the abundance
of waterways in Southeast Texas, but
the Port Neches Riverfest highlights
one of our greatest resources. Testing for
the Thunder on the Neches Tunnel Boat
racing starts Friday, with races all daySaturday and Sunday. Whether your idea
of action is a speeding boat, a beer and
some washers, or a community treasure
hunt, this festival has something for
everyone.
BEST OF THE FEST: Bring a blanket to
get a relaxing view of the boat races while
still enjoying the music coming from the
entertainment complex. If you visit on
Saturday, youll also have a great spot to
enjoy the reworks display that evening.
Texas CrabFestivalMay 9 11, 2014
Give mom a Mothers Day to re-
member at Crystal Beachs annual
Texas Crab Festival with Music, Art
and Crabs Gulf Coast Style. Play some
games at The Crab Arcade, purchase art
from local artists and show mom how
strong you are at the high striker. Enjoy
soft shell crab or crab gumbo from the
booth operated by a local commercial
crabbing family, the Millenders, who haveparticipated for 28 years.
BEST OF THE FEST: Buy mom some crab
jewelry and have her put it on for good
luck. Bring her by the wine-tasting booth,
and then cheer her to victory in the crab
races. VIP
46 September 2013 | theVIPmag.com
Special tours highlighting historically banned booksPaper marbling demonstration; make a whimsical hat,hairpiece or bowtieLight refreshments & soft drinks included in cover chargWine & beer available at cash bar
$10/person; $8/SCV member
September 27, 20138-11pmLiveMusic
Mad
Maude
& TheHatters
For ages 21& ove
*SCVMembersmustpresentthemembershipcar
at thedoor.Night at theMuseumBANNED
Image by Lacie Grant Photography. 2013 Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
Located at 712 Green Avenue in Orange, Texas409.886.ARTS (2787) www.starkmuseum.org
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
47/52
Roman JourneysSeptember14The Symphony of Southeast Texastakes off on an adventure like noother with Roman Journeys at 7:p.m. at the Julie Rogers Theatre inBeaumont. With a colossal percusspresence and a lively surround soueffect, this concert is sure to beimpressive. The concert kicks off tSOSTs 61st season and is the rstin its Classics Series for 2013-201Musical selections include HectorBerliozs Roman Carnival OvertureRussell Pecks The Glory and theGrandeur, and Ottorino RespighisPines of Rome. The concert willfeature off-stage musicians from thLamar University Wind Ensemble athe brass section from Calvary BapChurch contributing to the surrounsound effect. Season tickets $77-$153; single tickets $17-$41. Senistudent and group discounts availa(409) 892-2257 or www.sost.org.
Ubi Caritas DateAuctionSeptember11The Fifth Annual Ubi Caritas DateAuction begins with cocktails at6 p.m., followed an the auctionat 7 p.m. of some amazing datepackages presented by theareas most eligible bachelors andbachelorettes and benetting UbiCaritas. Madisons, Beaumont.Tickets $10 per person; tables$75-$525. (409) 832-1924 or (409656-1157.
great dates in september
Bootleggers BallSeptember6Don you best 1920s outt at TheArt Museum of Southeast Texas26th anniversary gala inspiredby the Roaring Twenties. Eventincludes ne dining, entertainment,The Great Gatsby movies starringRobert Redford and LeonardoDiCaprio and more. Proceedsbenet the museums exhibition andeducation programs. 6:30-10 p.m.,Art Museum of Southeast Texas,Beaumont. (409) 832-3432 orwww.amset.org.
Hope for a NewDay GalaSeptember10
Annual Hope Womens ResourceClinic gala, pays tribute to Bob
and Kelli Phillips, Holiday Innand Suites, Beaumont. Keynotespeaker is Nik Wallenda, Kingof the high wire, who recentlycompleted a tightrope walk acrossthe gorge near the Grand Canyon.Dustin Ellerman, Top Showchampion on season three of theHistory Channels program, willmake an appearance. Receptionand meeting with speakers 6p.m., dinner and program, 7 p.m.Dress is business attire.Tickets$80 per person; tables for 10available at different levels. Toregister, call (409) 898-4005 or goto www.hope-clinic.com.
The Color PurpleSeptember28Perhaps one of the best musicals evermade from a movie, this is show isnot to be missed. 8 p.m., BeaumontCivic Center, Beaumont. Reservedseats $44.50 and $39.50. Tickets at
Ticketmaster outlets including H-E-BPlus, Beaumont, the Beaumont CivicCenter Box Ofce, online at www.ticketmaster.com or call (409) 838-3435 or (800) 745-3000.
Event SubmissionsDo you have an event you would like to promote? Do it with VIP for FREE! Please send us detailsdates, times, location, contact phone, web address
and a brief descriptionto [email protected]. Information should arrive at least 60 days in advance of the event.
theVIPmag.com | September 2013
-
7/30/2019 September VIP
48/52
{ September }
September 5
First Thursdays on Calder Avenue
5-9 p.m., Mildred Building,
Beaumont. (409) 833-9919.
A Salute to the Real American Heroes
6 p.m., Wesley United Methodist
Church, Beaumont. Featured speakers
are rst responders from Boston
Marathon bombings. Tickets $50, free
to active uniformed personnel and
spouses. (409) 839-2956
September 6
Don McLean
Nutty Jerrys, Winnie. Doors open at 7
p.m. Tickets $30, $45, $55. (877) 643-
7508 or www.nuttyjerrys.com.
September 6-7
Larrys Old Time Trade Days
8 a.m.-5 p.m., Winnie. 409) 296-3300or larrysoldtimetradedays.com.
How to Succeed in Business
Without Really Trying
Presented by the Beaumont
Community Players, 7:30
p.m. (409) 833-4664 or www.
beaumontcommunityplayers.com.
September 7
Walk Like MADD Dash and 5K Run
Registration 7:30 a.m.; opening
ceremony 8:30 a.m.; walk 8:45 a.m.,
Beaumont City Hall. (409) 832-5704
or www.walklikemadd.org/beaumont
Sole Connect 2013 Sneaker and
Streetwear Convention
2-7 p.m., Montagne Center at Lamar
University, Beaumont. Buy, sell
and trade sneakers, clothing and
accessories.
A Band Called Honalee
A Tribute to the music of Peter, Paul
& Mary, 7:30 p.m., Lutcher Theater,
Orange. Adults $25, students $20.
(409) 886-5535 or www.lutcher.org.
Richard Tallent Solo Exhibition and
the Group ShowOpening reception 7-9 p.m.,
Beaumont Art League, Beaumont.
Runs through Sept. 28. Free. (409)
833-4179 or www.beaumontartleague.
org.
September 11
Temple of the Brave
Memorial museum to the Texas
soldiers of all wars, will open for
Patriots Day, 2-5 p.m., Pipkin Patriots
Park, Beaumont. Free.