VOLUME VOLUME

2 ISSUE34ISSUE
| NOVEMBER 2009 | theVIPmag.com
5 | March 2010 | theVIPmag.com

O F S O U T H E A S T T E X A S

How to +boot-ilicious
flirt footwear
+Horse around at
3 local stables
Inside the +Special guest
Bauer Ranch columnist:
SCOTT RENICK
in Winnie

Joy
The
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Pain
the
VIPersonality
Zona Jones

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 vip magazine

inside march
c o n t e n t s

06 starters
06 Letter from the editor,
as well as reader feedback
08 Jessica McMakin,
our cover cowgirl

10 vip shelter
10 The Bauer Ranch:
Western flair and
Southern charm

15 vip style
15 Leather lust: Boots
16 Ride’em Cowboy or
Watermelon Crawl, but
come dancing

18 health&beauty
18 Flirting is fun!

21 eating&drinking
21 A Texas sampler

23 totally social
23 Celebrating the best
of events, who was there
16
and what they were
wearing
35 totally worthy
35 Life at the rodeo
42 Stables & steeds
44 VIPersonality
Zona Jones

47 VIP guide
47 4 great dates in March,
44
plus a spring festival
preview!
50 Scott Renick hits the
highlights of March

Corral Vintage
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4 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com

Adrianna Papell floral print dress with rosettes, $138. Vince Camuto “Fallon” woven sandal, $120.
 vip magazine
e d i t o r ’ s l e t t e r

deep in the heart

W
Editorial
Executive Editor
cheRYL RoSe

Contributing Writers
HEN MY cathLeeN coLe
family aShLeY gReeN
moved mIcah LINDSaY
to Texas, hoLLI PeteRSeN
having Scott ReNIcK
haLeY StRahaN
never
visited Photography
the state Contributing Photographers
before, we came with some preconceived notions Pete chURtoN
about Texas being all cattle and cowboys. We FeLIcIa JeteR
SILVIa c. mccLaIN
were a bit chagrined to find palm trees and crawfish instead. As I’ve been here a bit tammY mcKINLeY
longer, I’ve discovered that if you get off Dowlen Road, you’ll find that the ranching KYLe PeteRSeN
and cowboy life I always associated with Texas is alive and thriving in our region. Lee e. StINSoN
Last fall I interviewed one of our local rodeo stars, Zach Dishman (VIPersonality, JUDY StoKeLY
October 2009). Listening to Zach, I realized that rodeo is a lifestyle for a large seg-
ment of our community, even if they never attempt to go pro. It’s a family tradition Art
Director, Digital Solutions
passed on from one generation to the next. (Congratulations to the Dishman family teD FISheR
on the arrival of the latest generation!)
I’m as fascinated as the next person watching these competitors do amazing stunts Manager, Creative Media
with horses and bulls. I kind of think they must be a little bit crazy … but judge for BLaNche BoND
yourself starting on p. 35. We’ve rounded up seven local individuals who participate in a
variety of events to share a bit about their experiences. Supervisor, Creative Media
DoN gRaY
As March 2 is Texas Independence Day, we’ve included some other features on
Texan topics such as country-western dancing, food and cowboy boots. This cityslicker Lead Designer, Creative Media
now has a serious hankering for some boots. They are amazing pieces of art and fash- JUStIN BLaNe SmIth
ion — it’s just so hard to choose.
Also, I want to take lessons from Zona Jones on how to balance so many different Contributing Designers
KRISteN FLoReS
roles. He was gracious in sharing his time with me. While we visited, we chatted about IVaN gaLVaN
the rich musical tradition in Southeast Texas. I asked Zona about any up-and-comers KatIe gUIDRoZ
to watch. He said he thinks the Blue Broussard Band has a bright future, working very RIcK SteIN
hard at it.
Lastly, we are loving seeing your faces on our Facebook page! What a good- Advertising
looking group you are too — it won’t be hard to find models in the future! As we go to to advertise in VIP,
409.880.0700
press, we have 842 fans and counting. Join us as a fan of VIP of Southeast Texas
at www.facebook.com/vipofsetx. Contact Us
VIP of Southeast Texas
380 main Street
Beaumont, tX 77701

TO SUBSCRIBE
PLeaSe caLL 409.838.2821 oR SUBScRIBe
oNLINe at WWW.theVIPmag.com
Cheryl Rose, TO DISPLAY THE MAGAZINE
Executive Editor at YoUR BUSINeSS LocatIoN,
PLeaSe caLL 409.838.2821

SUBMISSIONS
to SUBmIt aN eVeNt, oRgaNIZatIoN oR PeRSoN
FoR coNSIDeRatIoN IN aN UPcomINg ISSUe,
SUBmIt oNLINe at WWW.theVIPmag.com
The Blue Broussard Band has a new oR BY USPS at aDDReSS aBoVe.
recording, “Do This Again” releasing next
month, though several songs such as
“Undercover Lover” are already out. A Division of Hearst Newspapers
Publisher
Read an interview with Blue Broussard JohN e. NeWhoUSe II
in VIP’s December 2009 issue
on www.thevipmag.com

Become a FaN oN FaceBooK!

www.facebook.com/vipofsetx

6 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com

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 vip magazine
c o v e r g i r l
Jessica McMakin,
Cutting Horses
text by cheRYL RoSe
“On the day I was born, my mom had
been riding before she went to the hospital,”
said Jessica McMakin of Sour Lake, a lover of
horses, a prize-winning competitor, a college
student and self-professed tomboy. “I was
riding by myself when I was 2 years old.”
Last year, McMakin and her horse Moose
won $25,000, ranking in the top 15 of the
National Cutting Horse Association in the
non-professional division. McMakin took a se-
mester off from Blinn College to pursue show-
ing full-out. “I thought I wanted to be a horse
8 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com
how ’bout them
cowgirls
trainer, but when I saw the everyday stresses
of what those trainers go through, it got to be
where it wasn’t fun,” she said. “I didn’t want
to lose the love I had for horses, because it was
turning into work rather than fun.”
She and Moose compete most weekends,
judged on how well they can cut energetic
cows from the herd in just 2 ½ minutes fol-
lowing strict rules. “When everything is just
right, it feels like you’re hovering over the
ground,” she described. “The motions are so
smooth and quick, it’s unlike any other feel-
ing. When the horse is right there with the
cow, it’s like a dance.”
McMakin almost lost Moose as a mount
when he was injured in 2006. After he had
four surgeries, McMakin had given up hope
that they would ever ride together again.
Her mother, Ann Bankston, took Moose as
letters
e-mails
Hello VIP,
The monks and I at Buu Mon
Buddhist Temple thank you for
including us in your January
issue of VIP Magazine. It was a
pleasure working with Cathleen
Cole and Lee Stinson. Together
they produced an excellent
article, one that has led to very
positive feedback from your
readers. The article has gotten
Buu Mon Buddhist Temple off to
a good start for the Lunar New
Year's celebration of the Year of
the Tiger. Again, thank you for
an excellent article.
With Metta (loving-kindness),
Danny Dubuisson
We love to hear from you!
Letters to the editor should be sent
to: VIP Editor, c/o VIP of Southeast
Texas, 380 Main Street, Beaumont,
TX 77704 or via email to vipnews@
thevipmag.com. Please include
your contact information and the
city in which you live. Letters may
be edited for space.
her charge and spent a year and a half doing
rehab work with him. In 2009, Moose was
ready to compete and the pair was better
than ever.
McMakin is now a Lamar University
student, having transferred this semester,
studying for a teaching certificate and major-
ing in history. Since she has been riding cut-
ting horses for 11 years, she doesn’t plan on
quitting any time soon. She’ll be competing
in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
this month. She juggles classes with compet-
ing and spending time with her beloved
horses. “I know this sounds weird, but I
really like the way their breath smells,” she
said. “They are completely different from
other animals, their body language and how
they communicate. It’s a special relation-
ship.” VIP
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 vip shelter
h o m e s t e a d

Leather and Lace

photography by LEE E. STINSON

T
text by HALEY STRAHAN

he moment you walk into Vicki and Tim

Bauer’s house, you feel right at home. Located
on their ranch near Winnie, the Bauer’s
home effuses gracious Southern charm with a
generous dollop of Western flair.
Built in 1951 by Tim’s parents, Patricia and
Leroy Bauer, the ranch-style house was renovated
in 1998, when Vicki, an elementary school principal
and Tim, a financial planner, took up residence in his
childhood home. Though the house is stylishly modern-
ized and elegantly appointed, the Bauers managed to stay true to the history of
the home. “When this house was built, it was really a grand home,” said Vicki. “I
tried to use a lot of the original features of the house, and re-imagine them. I wanted to

10 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com


I wanted to honor the integrity of the home.”
To retain the farmhouse feel of the home, the Bauers left the orig-
inal wood flooring, salvaged crown molding from remodeled rooms
and replaced them elsewhere, and even refinished and reused the old
brass doorknobs. Much of the furniture is original as well, recovered
and rearranged to fit the updated styling of the house.
Though the Bauer’s home is set on the rolling fields of a working
ranch, the interior is by no means rustic. Guest rooms feature stately
king-sized beds, piled high with luxurious comforters and rich
fabrics. Each bedroom now has its own full bath, where evidence of
Vicki’s Southern hospitality is in every detail, from the thick robes
hanging on the doors, to the soft music playing throughout. The
remodeled kitchen boasts every modern convenience, all situated
around a huge granite-topped island.
But the true center of the Bauer home is not the kitchen or even
the den, but a special place they call the “hunt room.” Once you
enter this room, you understand the name, as you come face to face
with an enormous buffalo staring back at you from its mount above
the fireplace. Standing in the hunt room is like waking up in a John
Wayne film, complete with its own saloon.
Evidence of Tim’s passion for hunting is all over the room, from a
massive elk head to fox hides and a mounted bobcat. “I shot that one
right out the front door,” Tim said.
The decor of the room is masculine and unequivocally Texan,
with oversized chairs covered in tooled leather and rawhide. >>
theVIPmag.com | March 2010 11
 Most of the pieces were picked up by
Vicki when traveling in Santa Fe, Den-
ver, Dallas and towns around the state.
“I’d rather do without something until
I find the perfect piece,” she said. “And
then wherever I go, when I see it, I’ll get
it.”
Tim’s father’s and grandfather’s
saddles are displayed in the hunt room,
as well as a child’s pony ride from 1952
that Vicki found in Canton. When she
puts in a quarter, the little horse bucks
away to the title tune from “Bonanza.”
“You’d be surprised who has taken
a ride on that horse at parties,” she
laughed. “Whether you’re 8 or 80, that
thing will put a smile on your face.”
Putting a smile on their guest’s face
seems to be the goal of the Vicki and
Tim Bauer, whether by pampering
them with deluxe accommodations or
encouraging them to belly up to the
hunt room bar like a character straight
out of the Old West. “I want this house
to be a haven of hospitality,” Vicki said.
“I want you to comfortable.” Overnight
guests do have to adhere to Vicki’s rules,
however. “This most important one is
‘don’t make the bed’,” she laughed.
When Tim’s mother became too ill to
care for her ranch home, her children
originally put it on the market. But
when Tim thought of selling his fam-
ily’s land, he realized the importance of
holding on to his childhood home. After
extensive remodeling, Vicki and Tim
Bauer now have a home that honors its
past while embracing the future. All of
Vicki and Tim’s three children and their
spouses plan to make their own homes
on their family’s
acreage. “This is my
father’s legacy,” Tim
said. “I plan to pass it
down for generations
to come.” VIP

12 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com

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theVIPmag.com | March 2010 13

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 Lucchese Patchwork
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m a d e f o r w a l k i n g

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Country
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 vip style
t w o - s t e p

photography by LEE E. STINSON

e r o f th e state
N
b
s a mem e, shuffling
TRAHA
HALEY S
text by p . A
- s te
w h o w to two try music scen
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s , y o u should knand thriving cou an’s birthright. t in the mid-90s wchoeunntry
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n old Ge ze in thumping popbomyubsoicots are de msoeugnad. Now cluobotss hoafvceountry muSsicouinthTeast Texas.a large crowd on
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p an tr n ig T e b an ow
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ars ont. “W e said. “W nd e have a
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at Whis arn to country 60 year old far m
want to lelds all the way to
20 year o from the plant.”
s
engineer

16 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com

come for the country,” said Trish
Bujard of The Texas Longhorn.
“People love to get out there and
dance to the country music, es-
pecially line dancing. We always
have a lot of people on the floor
when there is a line dance going
on.”
Broussard says that people
are interested in learning to
country-western dance for all
kinds of reasons. “We’ve got
guys who want to meet girls,
young couples, people who do it
for exercise, and those who come
to hone their skills and compete
in dance competitions.” Indeed,
Broussard dances with several
dancers who travel the country
for competitions.
Sharon Shepherd of Dew-
eyville began country-western
dancing with her husband after
seeing some accomplished danc-
ers one night at a local club. “We
hadn’t ever done much social
dancing before, but when we
saw them, we really wanted to
learn to do what they were do-
ing.” After six weeks of classes,
she eventually began dancing
in competitions with a profes-
sional dancer from Houston.
She recently returned from the
World Championship competi-
tion, where she placed second in
her division.
While many people think of
country-western dancing as a
phenomenon occurring strictly
south of the Mason-Dixon Line,
people from all over the country
attend country-western dance
competitions. “There are compe-
titions in New York, California,
Colorado, really everywhere,”
Shepherd said.
When they are not competing,
many serious country western
dancers go to clubs like Whiskey
River and The Texas Longhorn
on the weekends, where the
music is typically exclusively
country until about 11 p.m.
Perhaps it’s the image of Bud
and Sissy twirling around the
dance floor in “Urban Cowboy”
with Charlie Daniels singing in
the background, or the rising
influence of the Texas country
scene on college campuses across
the state, but country-western
dancing is still a meaningful part
of the culture in Texas. VIP

Baptist Beaumont Hospital has received the

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Get With The GuidelinesSM –
Stroke Bronze
Performance Achievement Award.
The award recognizes Baptist Beaumont Hospital’s
commitment and success in implementing a higher
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accepted standards and recommendations.

Baptist Beaumont Hospital is part of a not-for-profit health system that does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or disability.

theVIPmag.com | March 2010 17

 health
f l i r t a l e r t
It’s Time to Get Your Flirt On
text by ASHLEY GREEN
ir ting
t of fl
h e ar
You don’t ha r in t
ve to be a Casanova to majo of th e o u
as you can l es s
relax and have a good time, regard
Flirting 411
Contrary to cliché connotations
about flirting, this social interaction
is simply one person indicating inter-
est towards another. While being out-
going does help, you don’t have to be
a “lady’s man” or a “confident woman”
in order to be a good flirt.
Flirting could be romantically or
sexually motivated, or playful, natural and in-
nocent. It all depends on the flirters intentions.
Adjunct instructor of psychology at Lamar University
Brooke Hall said flirting is a way to socially connect to someone
else, even if it’s at a shallow level. “I watched my 2-year-old son
flirt shamelessly with a woman in church,” she said. “When he
became too chatty, she said ‘Shhh,’ while winking at him. I wasn’t
18 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com
beauty
ng et.
slo ll s
. A a
ou ’re
,y
m e
tco
able to quiet him, but she sure was.”
Flirting is also a safe way to “feel out” another person, without
a direct rejection of feelings, Hall explained.
photography by KYLE PETERSEN
Are You Fit for Flirting?
It’s human instinct to want to connect with other people. Your
personality will determine at what level you feel comfortable flirt-
ing.
“People with outgoing personalities may flirt more naturally,
but like any social skill, flirting can be learned,” said Hall. “If
someone’s personality is more introverted, their flirting may be
more subtle, while extremely outgoing people may have boundary
issues, and may push flirting too far, making others uncomfort-
able.”
Contrary to what some flirting-phobs may think, Greek god-
like looks are not a prerequisite. “While appearances aren’t unim-
portant, good flirts may or may not be attractive,” flirting opportunities, and you can get away
Hall said. “Their personality makes people feel at with more teasing banter, which is riskier with a
ease and good about themselves. That’s a big part stranger.”
of what makes a successful flirt.” Flirting also provides a way to express feelings
towards your spouse, Hall said.
Flirting: A Learned Art Whether you were born to flirt or shudder at
While flirting may be second nature to some, the thought, the Flirting Fundamentals can help
it may feel quite foreign to others. According to you spice things up in the romance department.
Hall, observational learning is a great way to get With a little courage,
started. “Find a good flirt, watch them, assess it’s so easy a 2-year
what you’ve learned, and observe the feedback old can do it.
you get for your approaches,” Hall said. So, get
your flirt on!
Married and Flirting?
Flirting is typically put into motion to initiate
a new relationship. Is there life for flirting after
marriage or is it left at the altar?
“I think flirting with your spouse is a differ-
ent kind of flirting because the marital bond is
already established,” Hall said. “It’s a way to
enhance an already existing relationship versus
initiating a new one. In marriage, you also have
many shared experiences, which offer prime

FLIRTING FUNDAMENTALS up-to-date with current events, best-selling

Eye Contact – The most effective, direct tech-
nique, which can establish intimacy and the
level of conversation. Caution – don’t stare,
giving misinterpreted (creepy) signals.
The Double Take – Doing an intentional
double-take at your flirtee, versus a stare, says
something caught your attention.
Sincere Flattery - Use genuine flattery by
telling the object of your affection something
unexpected, that they don’t hear all the time.
Hello & Handshake – Your “hello” and hand-
shake should be full of energy, confidence and
genuine happiness to see that person. Keep
your tone low, and never portray fear or anxi-
ety. The handshake may be your only chance
to touch hands.
Rules of Conversation – People love talking
about themselves. Ask uncommon questions,
or prompt their life story by telling yours first.
Sharing inner thoughts establishes an immedi-
ate bond.
Stay In the Know - Conversations with new
people can be intellectually stimulating. Stay
books, music and movies.
Rhythm that Riles – Play with anything
rhythmically. Dangle a shoe. Play with an
earring. Apply lip gloss. Swirl your straw.
Run your finger around the rim of your glass.
Guys, slightly swirl your entire glass, stroke
your hair, or adjust your cuffs. It’s not about
what you do, but the rhythmic movements you
make.
Whisper – Use a partner, preferably of your
same sex. To get the object of your flirtation’s
attention, face their direction, then whisper in
your friend’s ear. Then smile at the flirtee. In-
voking intrigue, and making them wonder, will
get their attention. Whispering directly to the
person you’re flirting with is also very sexual.
Leave Them Wanting More – When you’re flirt-
ing, give your undivided attention. There is
nothing more flattering. However, people want
what they can’t have. An expert flirt will flirt
until they get a response, and then back off.
When things are going well, leave. Don’t wait
until the conversation lulls. You’ll be sure to
hear from them again. VIP

THE DON’TS OF FLIRTING

• Don’t depend on others to make things happen.
• Don’t tease.
• Don’t cling.
• Don’t dwell on flirting (do it and forget it).
• Don’t fidget (it’s annoying and shows nervous tension).
• Don’t ask ‘So tell me about yourself’. This comes across as a demand
to perform, and puts them on the defensive.
• If the location is crowded or loud, don’t exchange life stories.
• Don’t discuss politics.
• Don’t ask yes or no questions.
• Ladies – don’t powder your nose or check your mirror.
• Don’t use whispering unless you like the person, or it could lead them on.

theVIPmag.com | March 2010 19

 For the Seasoned Diner
COPD
can be a devastating disease.

Celebrate Let Jordan Health Services play a key role in the Care and Management
of your COPD needs.

Any Occasion Jordan Provides:

with Cardio-Respiratory assessments

Prevention strategies
Safe use of Oxygen
Healthy eating

D.J.’s Boudain!
Medication teaching focus Symptom management
Self care managment

D.J.’s is your hometown supplier
of boudain and rice dressing.
Look for it at any one
of your local grocery stores.
If you or a family member suffers from COPD call us today to see how our
Home Care staff can help you.
3415 Laurel, Beaumont, TX 77707
409.899.9053
Legacy of Caring 800.64.NURSE (800.646.8773)
www.jhsi.com

MAURICEVILLE
0th Crawfish
We are excited to 3nnua l Festival!
announce the formation of a

THE GERTZ ADAIR

LAW FIRM APRIL 16, 17, 18
The Crawfish Capital of Texas
905 Orleans @ College • Beaumont, TX 77701
FOOD • CRAFTS • FUN • CARNIVAL
409.833.6400 (P) • 409.833.6401 (F) PARADE • MUSIC
Performers: Cheap Whiskey, Slow Rollin Lows,
www.gertzadair.com Jamie Talbert Band, Abbey Schulze, Zydeco
Band, Cody Riley Band, Kelly Cordova and
Ryan W. Gertz • Criminal – Family the Whole Shootin’ Match
General Litigation • rgertz@gertzadair.com
Fri. 5 pm – 11 pm
John L. Adair • Business Litigation – Criminal
Family – Oil & Gas • jadair@gertzadair.com
Sat. 10 am – 12 am
Sun. 11 am – 5 pm Hwy 62 Fairgrounds
Sunday: Battle of the Bands Mauriceville, TX
For more info 409-782-3488
20 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com
Texas Treats
A sampling of Lone Star tastes
Republic Tequila Anejo
“Anejo” means “aged” or “vintage.”
Austin-based Republic Tequila ages 100
percent blue agave tequila in charred
American oak barrels for 20 months
for a serious sipping beverage. $51.99,
available at Debb’s Liquors in Beaumont.
TexJoy Seasonings
Hometown favorite TexJoy spices up any dish with their
incredible line of seasoning rubs. Steak Seasoning is
their best seller, $3.75, available at most local grocers.
Meme’s Jams n’ Jelli
Made nearby in Dayton and La Porte, Meme’s has a wide
variety of flavors. She recommends using the wine jellies
as meat marinades, particularly the Blackberry Merlot
Jelly on pork chops. Available at Kroger.
eating drinking
t e x - z i n g
photography by PETE CHURTON
Chocolates
Let your sweet tooth bring you to Boston Avenue where truer words were
never spoken - there is never enough chocolate. Chocolate Twinkie, $3.50.
Chocolate Pringle, Chocolate Oreo and Chocolate Nutter Butter, $2 each.
Available at Never Enough Chocolate in Nederland, 409.724.0111
Paula’s Texas
Premium Liqueurs
There is a lot of buzz about these handmade liqueurs
from Austin. Not too sweet or too bitter, these liqueurs
provide a fresh, zesty citrus flavor to margaritas,
cosmos, sangria and other classic cocktails. Available
by special order from Spec’s in Beaumont.
Burnt Orange Habanero Sauce
Starts sweet and then kicks in with habanero
pepper bite. Handcrafted in Beaumont. $4.98,
available at texasauce.com.
theVIPmag.com | March 2010 21
 Vibrant Mosaic wall art can be used as an accent piece in
your favorite room or on the patio. Whimsical colors and
Flagship Mail Room proudly introduces Stephen Joseph style sets the mood and makes each piece an inspiring
Have you been missing your favorite skin care line and can’t
rain gear! Just in time for rainy spring days, your little one conversation starter. Choose from our local collection or
find it anywhere locally? Cynthia’s Day Spa now carries
will love wearing these fun designs. Featuring lady bugs place an order for a custom design. Desperite House-
Jeneal International skin care products! Find out which
and butterflies for girls, or pirates and sports for boys. wivez did it again! We “Give Them a Lil’ Something to
products are right for YOU by treating yourself to a relaxing
Talk about!”
day at the spa. By appointment only.

8
Flagship Mail Room.
Cynthia’s Day Spa. Beaumont, 148 S. Dowlen, 409.866.4643 Desperite Housewivez.
6422 Phelan Blvd. (inside Glo Salon) Port Arthur, 4700 Hwy. 365, 409.724.0474 213 12th St (off Boston Ave), Nederland
Beaumont, TX 409.899.9100 Lumberton, 88 N. LHS Drive, 409.755.6245 409.722.2250

Feelin’ lucky this Night’s Downtown

month? Try signing Beaumont is the oldest
up for Taekwondo Dickies dealer in the
or Aikido classes at area. They have more
Simon’s Taekwondo! colors, sizes, and styles
9th degree to choose from, even
Grand Master Fred the sizes you can’t find
A. Simon has over 50 anywhere else. When
years experience in it comes to quality,
martial arts training. Dickies just can’t
Classes are offered be beat.
Monday through
Saturday for ages 5 and
up. Best of all, there’s
fabulous finds
fabulous
no contract!

Night’s Uniform Company.

Fred A. Simon’s Tae Kwon Do.

Retailers we love and their Downtown Beaumont Since 1921
479 Crockett @ Park
6385 Calder (next to Purse Strings) merchandise we love to have! Beaumont, TX
Beaumont, TX 409.860.5744 409.833.4252

Some people need to

write. They are driven
with an urge as strong as
hunger or thirst to put
words to paper. Jane
McBride is such a
writer. She is a master
of the rhythm and flow
of words, hearing
the syncopation
of her sentences
in her mind as
she writes. Hers
is a writer’s
soul. This work
reveals bits
of that soul as she It’s every Texas fisherman’s dream…to catch a speckled
Serving our community since 1918 with elegant to trout, a red fish, and a flounder, all in the same day. Known
explores, very publicly, her personal journey
casual catering from small to large businesses. Weddings, from a childhood of challenging circumstances to an adulthood as The Texas Slam, not everyone will reach this goal, but
social, corporate catering and more. Our attention to of joy and wonder, filled with the grace, gratitude and you can catch this beauty at Nickolina’s. Featuring beautiful
detail makes your event memorable. Call our specialist at generosity she seeks - and offers to others. - Sheila Friedeck, renditions of these three fish, this signed & numbered print
409.840.9051 ext.1 Book Your Holiday Parties Now! Associate Managing Editor, Beaumont Enterprise. measures approximately 20" x 22". What a catch!
Nickolina’s.
Moncla’s Catering. You can get your copies today for only $19.95 each plus shipping 1257 W. Lucas
2530 W. Cardinal Dr., Beaumont, TX and tax. Supplies are limited, so hurry and order yours before they’re Beaumont, TX 409.896.2543
409.840.9051 ext.1. www.monclas.com gone. Order online at http://janemcbridebook.com www.nickolinas.com

22 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com

 totally social
e v e n t s

La
1. Micah Lindsay, April Lindsay and
1 Barrett Lindsay. 2. Stephanie and 5
Bernie Daleo. 3. Mitzi Burns and Mi-
chelle Smith. 4. Autumn Minton and

Soiree
Renee Wiggins. 5. Marianne Cowan,
Melissa Cornwell and Susan Reese.
6. Toby and Regina Strother.

4
2
6
3

SILVIA C. MCCLAIN
commen
P Re

SETX Business Expo

VI ded
ed V
hem
nd

ove t

IP
me

We l
VIOPT
Re
VIP Recom

com
mended V
1. Greg Treml, Brad McGowan and Tiffanie Fykes.
2
2. Pam Trosclair, Patrick Helveston and Jessica Sanchez. H OTS
SP
3. Molly Dugas and Debbie Bridgeman. 4. Jill Thomas and
ded

Aaron Plaunty. 5. Rachel Bobb, Patrick Sanders, Victoria Caston. IP

en
m

R
ec
om om
men ec
1 3
ded VIP R

4 5
FELICIA JETER

theVIPmag.com | March 2010 23

 Kitana’s Bellydancing 3

Extravaganza
1. Kitana & The Kitana Blades. 2
2. Kitana. 3. La Bella Florita.
4. Victoria Morris, Nick and
June Burns. 5. Shana Trent and
Decresha Gilbert. 6. Sarah Ford
and Teresa Henderson.

lee e. stinson
1

5
4

Jason Aldean 1

W h e n flo o rs concert
are m a d e f or 2

living ! lee e. stinson

2390 North Main 3

1. Jason Aldean.
2. Brittany Bean,
Vidor, TX Whitney Fuselier,
Kellie Tilley and Julie
4

769-4845 Thomas. 3. Brandie

Richard and Todd
Sherley. 4. Taylor
842-8280 Blount, Paige Blount
and Paige Broussard.
24 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com
 Showcase
Turn your home into a

Property
Artistic plantings
Ponds
Rock gardens
Retaining walls
Masonry
Walkways & paths
Expert transplanting
Irrigation systems
Swimming pools
Pergolas
Outdoor kitchens

Rette W. Browning
Architectural Landscape Design
Rette_B2000@yahoo.com • 409-284-0394

BEST GREAT FOOD*

BUFFET GREAT PRICE
IN TOWN *
LUNC
incluH SPE
LUNCH : 11am-4pm
Adults $7.35 Children $5.35
DINNER : 4pm-9:30pm des e C
ggro IALS $
p and 5.95
Adults $9.95 Children $6.95 l l , so u
For special events reserve one of rice
our private meeting rooms seating
up to 100 people.

CHINESE JAPANESE SEAFOOD CHINESE AMERICAN SEAFOOD

C AT E R I N G DINNER C O C K TA I L S BEER & WINE
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* Best Chinese Food • Best Take Out Steamed, Black Pepper and Butter, Ginger & Onion
Serving Duck Daily
4328 Dowlen Rd. (next to Conn’s) Beaumont, TX • (409) 898-3338
3135 Calder Avenue • Beaumont, TX • (409)833-0537

theVIPmag.com | March 2010 25

 AMSET
Opening
African-American Art: Highlights
from Hans Molzberger:
RETURN / RÜCKKEHR and the
Dr. Hervy Hiner Collection
1. David and Kim Willard. 2. David
Cargill, Mary Ellen Hunt, Tanner Hunt.
3. Elena Sandovici, Summer Lydick,
Grace Mathis. 4. Joyce Alexandre,
Orianna Quijada, Olivia Alexandre.
5. Hans Molzberger.
2 Mr. Travis Brisco and Mrs. Lara Jageneaux.
3 18. Miss Hannah Catherine Holtzman, daughter of
4 daughter of Dr. and Mrs. James Thomas Molina.
felicia jeter
5 providing scholarships for young people and financing for community
26 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com
1
1. Miss Elizabeth Claire Alexander, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. H. Scott Alexander. 2. Miss Katherine 1
Ann Alexander, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Scott
Alexander. 3. Miss Leah Frances Anderson, daughter
of the late Dr. Rodney Dean Anderson and Mrs. Tenna
Anderson. 4. Miss Mary Caroline Austin, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Alan Austin. 5. Miss Tara
Montgomery Austin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory
Alan Austin. 6. Miss Marina Mackenzie Bassana,
daughter of Mr. John Bassana and Ms. Renee
Womack 7. Miss Mary Claire Benning, daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. William Giesecke Benning.
8. Miss Madison McKenzie Brisco, daughter of
8
9. Miss Madison Amelia Cansler, daughter of
Mr. Jason Lloyd Cansler and Mrs. Paige Logsdon.
10. Miss Tabitha Louise Cormier, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Thomas Frederic Cormier. 11. Miss Savannah
Isabella Olivetti-Cowan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Talbot Rothwell Cowan, Jr. 12. Miss Emily Claire
Craft, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert William Craft
Jr. 13. Miss Alexandria Jo Egan, daughter of Capt.
and Mrs. Michael Menton Egan. 14. Miss Emily Ruth
Fisher, daughter of Mr. Joseph Jefferson Fisher II
and Ms. Kathy Fisher. 15. Miss Kylie Kay Foley,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Keith William Foley. 15
16. Miss Samantha Sue Halliburton, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Grover Cleveland Halliburton Jr.
17. Miss Margaret Claire Heartfield, daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Jude Thaddeus Heartfield.
Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Mickey Holtzman. 19. Miss
Kristen Paige Humble, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. John
T. Humble. 20. Miss Emily Elisabeth Lee, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Lee. 21. Miss Jaclyn Elizabeth
Logsdon, daughter of Darren Wade Logsdon and
Ms. Jane Elizabeth Mize. 22. Miss Victoria Ashley
Margolis, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Wayne Margolis. 22
23. Miss Mary Claire Rose McGinnis, daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Connell McGinnis.
24. Miss Hannah-Katherine McMahan, daughter
Brent christopher
of Mr. and Mrs. John E. McMahan IV. 25. Miss Sara
Elizabeth Messina, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James
M. Messina. 26. Miss Jamie Lauren Molina,
27. Miss Lauren Olivia Powers, daughter of Dr.
and Mrs. James Thomas Molina. 28. Miss Madison
Leigh Prause, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Alvin H. Prause.
Alpha Omega Omega Chapter has served Southeast Texas since 1933
and is best known for their Fashionetta Program, which is a fundraiser
projects. The 2010 Miss Fashionetta Pageant, “Pearls of Elegance,” will
be presented at 7 p.m., Friday, March 19, in the MCM Eleganté Ballroom.
Donations are $20 per person and everyone is invited and welcome.
Officers are: Phyllis Freeman-Stewart, president; Mary A. Sparks,
vice-president; Stephanie Alfred, secretary; Nicole Williams-Dunn,
assistant secretary; Sherry M. Ryals, treasurer; Mary T. Doucet, graduate
advisor; Deborah Hanson, financial secretary; Nicole Byerly, corresponding
secretary; Lottie Stewart-Daniels, membership chairman; Marquel Sennet,
Ivy Leaf reporter; Dolly Payton, chaplain; Sandra C. Henson,
parliamentarian; and Erica Fontenot Johnson, member-at-large.
 Symphony BELLES
2 3 4 5 6 7

9 10 11 12 13 14

16 17 18 19 20 21

23 24 25 26 27 28

Alpha
Alpha
Omega
theVIPmag.com | March 2010 27
 d
ed V

m!

nd

IP
e the
Sister Party

me
ov
GEO Burrito

Re
We l
OT

VIP Recom

com
P H
VI OTS

mended V
at the Pub SP
1. Julie Mooneyham and Patty Murray. 2. Reggie Orchid. 3. Charlie
Jones, Dave and Suzanne Jones, Julie Hebert, and Taylor Jones. 4. Will

ded
Gier and Barbara Nixon. 5. Shawn, Myah, Gabriella and Stephanie Molina.
1. Birthday girls Cindy Bloodsworth

IP
en
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and Wendy Robbins. 2. James Grant om om
and Rebecca Yakel. 3. Judy Kuhn and 1 men
ded VIP R
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Sam Hudgins. 4. Sherrie Farr and 2

James Bloodsworth. 1
2

4 3
3

SILVIA C. MCCLAIN

commen
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1 Texas SP
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Longhorn IP
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Concert
om om
4 men
ded VIP R
ec
5
1. Eddie Money and Trish Bujard.
2. Eddie Money and Tina Cotton.
3. Rocker Eddie Money performs live.

3
LEE E. STINSON

28 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com

 “Gift of 1 2 3

Life”
program
1. Singer Dwight Wagner, principal of
Dick Dowling Elementary (PAISD).
2. Kevin and Sue McCollough.
3. Lelsea Kelley. 4. John Cassimere, 5
Oralee Cassimere. 5. Carrie Morris,
Georgie Volz (Spirit of Love award
recipient), Chip Volz.

judy stokely
Hemorrhoid Treatment

HELP Education
Cure
Center Support

First Minimally Invasive Treatment in Southeast Texas!

Call 409.835.9500 to Schedule Your Appointment
Dr. Garrett K. Peel is Senior
Surgical Consultant and Colon
and Rectal Surgeon at Previty--
Clinic for Surgical Care. He
received his training and was
Chief Resident at the Mayo
Clinic. Dr. Peel holds degrees
from The George Washington
University and Johns Hopkins 740 Hospital Drive, Suite 280, Beaumont, Texas 77701
School of Public Health. www.prevityclinic.com

theVIPmag.com | March 2010 29

 Different Mr. Habitat for Humanity
Sizes
1. Contestants for Mr.
Habitat for Humanity. 2.
Ivan Lemus. 3. Bryant
“Buck” Maraist. 4. Chuck
Harris. 5. Jerry Ayres.
6. Bryan Denison.
Different 7. Jody Nolan. 8. Brian
Glenn. 9. Hershel
Shapes Manley. 10. Daylyn
Turner. 11. Marcello
Molfino. 12. Shelley
Filla, Habitat for
Humanity volunteer and
Uliana Trylowski, Habitat
for Humanity executive
director.
Hand
Painted

2 3 4 5
High
Quality

Many
Colors
6 7 8 9

lee e. stinson
Anne
Artist
Designer
10 11

Design your own

12
to match your
Office or Home.
Joy Pruitt

ONLY ONE VASES

1455 Calder Ave
“The Mildred Building”
Beaumont, TX 77701
409.454.2216
onlyonevases.com

30 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com

1 Gulf Coast 1 2

Music Hall

Kevin Born
of Fame
1. Jamie Coker and Beth Boren.
2. Elizabeth Foley and Alena Smith.
3. Darryl Stone and Amy Peck.
4. Cheryl Light, Linda Simoneaux. Jo Stanley’s
5. Kevin and Rebecca Menard
2 birthday bash
3 3 1. Linda Wall and Jo Stanley.
2. Sylvia and Eugene Quibedeaux.
3. Lester and Linda Stanley.
4. Barbara and Richard Bryan,
Karen Smith, Brian Sticker.
5. Deborah Severs.

4
5
4
felicia jeter

OW
le N
ilab
Ava
Your Beaumont Builder.
,, Our new Compass Pointe Home Liberty Hybrid at $361,636
is very energy efficient. It will produce OW
an average annual energy savings l eN

,,
ilab
Ava
of $2,400 this year over
our last home.
-TheRobinsonFamily
The Navarro at $346,527

OW
le N
ilab
Ava

The Briscoe at $422,755

$8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers

Major Rd.

10

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or $6,500 tax credit for current homeowners ends April 30, 2010.
90

Diamond D Ranch (409) 861-1426 15151 US Hwy 90, Beaumont, TX 77713 Diamond D
Ranch

Christina Doguet (409) 790-3395 10

www. compasspointehomes.com

theVIPmag.com | March 2010 31

 L�ndscapes
Stuff your EASTER BASKET
with goodies from

unlimited

Gund • Adorable Originals • Trumpette • Mud Pie

4026 Dowlen Road

LANDSCAPES BY (Next to Hobby Lobby)

CORY KRECHEL
924-0505

409.840.4664 Mommy owned & operated

RE/MAX On The Water-Bolivar

Rentals – Sales – Property Management
Call us today to find “Your Home Away From Home”

2080 Hwy. 87, Crystal Beach, TX

(409) 684.3377 • Toll Free: 888.514.1068
Outstanding agents. Outstanding results.
RemaxOnTheWater.com • BeachBayVacationRentals.com

32 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com

Friends 1 2

of MLK
Brunch
1. Rev. Rickey Guillory. 2. Benicia
Byrd, Jori Young, DaVonna Malveaux.
3. Quintinella Johnson, Georgine
Guillory, Virginia Sigur. 4. Jessie
Payne and James Payne 5. Tracie
and Joshua Payne.
6. Dennis Scypion 3
and Dwight Baker. 4
7. Dwight Wagner.

5 6 7

judy stokely
Port Arthur 1. Lance Dejohn and Amanda Bryant. 2. Liz Sigler, Mayor Deloris
3

Chamber Prince, Darlene Moody, Judge Bob Morgan. 3. Marilyn Smith and
Rhonda Glover. 4. Mary Ann Reid, Micah Shanks, Kaprina Frank.

of Commerce 2
annual meeting
1

4
felicia jeter

theVIPmag.com | March 2010 33

 0%
FINANCING
ON SELECT TRACTORS AND
HAY & FORAGE EQUIPMENT

DON’T MISS OUT! NEW HOLLAND PRE-SEASON SAVINGS END MARCH 31, 2010.
“In the United States:
For commercial use only – not intended for personal, family or household use. Customer participation subject to credit qualification and approval by CNH Capital
America LLC. Not all customers or applicants may qualify for this rate of term. Upon expiration of the promotional period, CNH Capital American LLC standard terms and
conditions will apply. See your New Holland dealer for details and eligibility or cancellation requirements. Depending on model, a down payment may be required. Offer good
through March 31, 2010, at participating New Holland dealers in the United States. Texas, freight, setup, delivery, additional options or attachments not included in suggested
retail price. Offer subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Example – 0.00% per annum for 48 months: Based on a retail contract date of January 15, 2010, with a suggested retail price on a new BR7050 Round Baler of
C$26,735.00, customer provides down payment of C$5,375.00 and finances the balance of C$21,360.00 at 0.00% per annum for 48 months. There will be 48 equal monthly
installment payments of C$445.00 each. The total amount payable will be C$26,735.00, which includes finance charges of $0.00.Texas, freight, set-up, delivery, additional
options or attachments not included in suggested retail price. Offer subject to change or cancellation without notice.

©2010 CNH America LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland and CNH Capital are registered trademarks of CNH America LLC.

Test Drive a Tractor Anytime

During the Month of March OIL CITY
and Receive a FREE New
Holland Cap!
TRACTORS, INC
3900 S. • 11TH STREET
BEAUMONT, TX 77720
Mon - Fri, 8-5:30 • Sat 8-12
*CNH Capital Financing W.A.C 409-842-3666

34 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com

 vip worthy

Rodeo
g o l d i n t h e b u c k l e

And They Call The Thing

photography by JUDY STOKELY

Rodeo (noun) – derived from the
Spanish word, “rodear,” meaning
to surround or roundup
You might think Romo’s a cowboy, but we’ve
got news for ya — he wouldn’t last a second in
the rodeo ring.
Real cowboys eat courage for breakfast. Quint-
essential cowboy John Wayne said courage is about
being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.
Saddled up and raring to go, these local competitors
risk their lives to daringly reenact, with athletic dexter-
ity and meticulous training, many skills that early ranchers and
cowhands were forced to master in order to survive on the range.
Their passion for the adrenaline-pumping sport of rodeo is
steeped in family tradition and a personal connection with
Texas history.

Darrell Petry, ing at

Steer Wrestling
text by HOLLI PETERSEN
Darrell Petry, 40, knows
how it feels to wake up each
morning and take the steer by
the horns. In fact, he’s made a
career out of it.
Competing since the age
of 19, Petry, a Cheek resident,
developed an early passion for
the rodeo’s fastest sport of steer
wrestling. By sheer strength
and technique, Petry jumps
from his galloping horse onto a
steer, and then quickly wrestles
that 400-600 pound animal to
the ground, sometimes impact-
speeds
mph.
of 30
From a large
family of rodeo aficiona-
dos, Petry ultimately chose
a career in steer wrestling,
deeply connecting with the
physical and mental stimula-
tion of the competition. “I love
a challenge,” Petry said. “While
there is risk involved, steer
wrestling is in my system. I
can’t help but love it.”
Petry asserts that his par-
ticipation in this form of rodeo
honors his heritage, giving him
a greater appreciation of the tri-
als experienced by his Old West
ancestors. In fact, he bristles
at stereotypes that insinuate
rodeos
abuse
riage and children in order to
pursue his dream. He intends
animals,
explaining
to fully devote himself to es-
tablishing his own family after
that the steers are retirement.
trained beforehand However, retirement only
to be team players in looms in the far-distant future,
the sport. Together, the not at all impacting Petry’s cur-
team of steer, horse rent athletic endeavors. With
and cowboy pay hom- high hopes of competing in the
age to early settlers. 2010 National Finals Rodeo, he
“A true cow- intends to rank within the top
boy respects and loves 15 of professional steer wres-
animals and never intends to tlers, qualifying him to compete
hurt them,” he explained. “My in the “Super Bowl” of rodeos.
animals are my kids and are “I’ve still got plenty of fight
treated better than I treat some in me,” Petry assured. “I know
people.” I’m not going to be doing this
Because of his devotion forever but I don’t plan to retire
to rodeo, with its rigorous any time soon. When I do
demands and extensive travel, retire, it will be while I’m at the
Petry admits to putting off mar- top of my game.” >>

THEVIPMAG.COM | March 2010 35

Robert “Blue”
Jeanes,
Bullfighter
text by CATHLEEN COLE

The wild bull charges from

the chute bucking and twisting as
the cowboy tries to hang on. In
seconds, he’s flung to the ground.
He scrambles to avoid the pierc-
ing horns and sharp hooves
too dang close to his head. The
bullfighter is there, putting
himself in the bull’s line of sight.
It charges the other man and the
cowboy scrambles to safety.
Rodeo bulls are mean. “Never
put your guard down,” said Rob-
ert “Blue” Jeanes, a professional
bullfighter from Winnie. “Always
expect them to hurt you.” In ro-
deo, there’s an old saying: If you
mess with the bull, you will get
the horns. Jeanes has gotten the
horns. At the 2008 Fort Worth
Stock Show and Rodeo, his
bovine-induced acrobatics were
captured on video and posted on
youtube.com.
Bullfighters are not rodeo
clowns. They don’t wear face
paint or do gags for laughs. Their
job is to distract a bull from a
fallen rider so he has a chance to
get away safely. “It can be a mat-
ter of life and death any time you
do it,” Jeanes said. A member of
the Professional Rodeo Cowboys
Association and the Professional
Bull Riders, he went pro in 1996.
Jeanes’ father, Bob Jeanes, was
a rancher and a longtime rodeo
announcer who took his son
along to his jobs. His dad wanted
him to rope calves and be a team
roper, but Jeanes wanted to fight
bulls and begged his father to
let him. The elder Jeanes finally
relented and sent his son to a
bullfighting school when he was
14 with the hopes of him getting
run over, getting scared and quit-
ting. “I did get run over but I got
up,” Jeanes recalled. “I loved it.”
He loved it, but his family
photography by SILVIA C. MCCLAIN

didn’t. “My mother hates it to

this day,” he said. And he admits
his career choice played a part
in his divorce. At rodeos when
he’s bullfighting, his 5-year-old
daughter, Graci, will be in the
stands with friends. They tell
Jeanes she doesn’t watch. Maybe
they’ll never understand the
addiction. “The adrenaline rush
is like no other,” he explained.
“There’s no time out. No whistle.
Nobody can help you but you.”

36 March 2010 | THEVIPMAG.COM

Bebe Bertino, Barrel Racing and Calf Roping
text by CATHLEEN COLE
The horse explodes into the arena at
full speed as the cowgirl aboard maneu-
vers it around three barrels in a clover-
leaf pattern. After the last turn, the pair
races to the finish line.
In barrel racing, it’s not just about
speed, but agility, as the goal is to get
close to the barrels without knocking
them down. It’s primarily a cowgirl’s
sport, and one Bebe Bertino has been
doing most of her life.
Born and raised in Kountze, Bertino
started riding at 4. She attended Sam
Houston State University on a rodeo
scholarship and graduated with a degree
in education. In her 30s, she belonged
to the Women’s Professional Rodeo As-
sociation and competed in barrel racing
and calf roping, the major rodeo events
for cowgirls.
Today she still goes to events to
run barrels and rope, but not as a pro
cowgirl.
She teaches in the Texas Department
of Criminal Justice and lives on a ranch
in Nome with her husband, David Ber-
tino Sr., who goes with her to competi-
tions. “He’s a big supporter,” she said.
“Rodeo’s been a very positive thing in
my life. It’s a family affair.”
Her biggest win was $3,000 at the
World Barrel Racing Productions Finals
in Waco in 2007. And she won big in
team roping too. “I’ve won saddles,
buckles and thousands of dollars,” she
said of her former days as a team roper.
Even though she’s ridden all her life,
she still practices regularly. “Weather
permitting, I ride every day,” she said.
She has two Quarter Horses, an 8-year-
old named Rolex and a 3-year-old named
J.B. 063. Her goal is to retire from teach-
photography by JUDY STOKELY
ing in about four years and train more
horses.
According to Bertino, the hardest part
of being a cowgirl is the labor-intensive
work involved. “I do it all by myself,”
she said. “It’s a lot of commitment and
responsibility.” The best part of being a
cowgirl is when all the hard work pays
off with a win. Does she foresee an end
to her cowgirl days? “When I cannot
ride, I will quit,” she said. “I don’t plan
on doing that any time soon.” >>
THEVIPMAG.COM | March 2010 37
 Ben Goodman,
Steer Wrestling
text by CATHLEEN COLE

The steer bolts but the

cowboy and his steed are hot on
its heels. Within seconds, the
horse catches up and the big man
reaches for the steer and slides
from his mount. With a handful
of horns attached to a half-ton
bovine, the cowboy digs in his
heels and turns the animal’s
head, throwing it to the ground.
“Steer wrestling is known
as the big-man’s event,” Ben
Goodman said. At 6 feet 2 inches
and 240 pounds, the profes-
sional cowboy certainly qualifies.
Born in Beaumont, Goodman
was raised on his family’s small
ranch. His father, Joseph Good-
man, was a bull rider and a calf
roper and his five siblings rode.
“It’s a family trait,” he said. “It’s
kind of bred into you.”
As a younger man, Goodman
started with calf roping and then
tried bull riding.“It didn’t work
out too good,” he said, recall-
ing the three broken ribs he got
from that experience. He decided
bull riding wasn’t his event and,
because of his size, gave steer
wrestling a try. “I got really good
at it,” he said, adding that he
turned pro in 1997. He belongs to
professional cowboy associations
including the Anahuac Saltgrass
Cowboy Association, a largely
African American group, and
Cowboys Professional Rodeo As-
sociation that named him 2003
Steer Wrestling Champion.
Competing in about 60 rodeos
a year with his Quarter Horse
named No Limit, his annual
winnings are about $30,000.
His best time in his event was
2.78 seconds and his biggest
win was $11,000 at the World’s
Richest Steer Wrestling Jack-
pot in Oklahoma City in 2003.
Do his winnings outweigh his
expenses? “Sometimes,” he said.
“Some years it does; some years
it doesn’t.” He owns a small
Beaumont-based trucking com-
photography by FELICIA JETER

pany so he doesn’t have to rely

on competitions for his income,
which works for his wife, Reecie,
and two children, Jasmine and
Ben Jr. Having a professional
cowboy as a husband and a father
hasn’t always been easy for them.
Goodman travels a lot and, when
he’s home, he rides every day.
“It’s pretty hard on everybody,”
Goodman said. “It’s hard on me
being gone a lot.”

38 March 2010 | THEVIPMAG.COM

Kody Curry, Tie-Down Roping
text by HOLLI PETERSEN
Living a peacefully unas-
suming lifestyle in Buna,
Kody Curry, 29, brags about
his beautiful wife and two
young sons (ages two and five
months) like any proud papa.
While the dusty boots and
no-frills jeans might allude
to his love of the down-home
country life, most would not
suspect that Curry is an inter-
nationally renowned competi-
tor — ranking as the 18th best
professional tie-down roper in
the world.
Heralding back to the prac-
tices of early cattle ranchers
methods of quickly immobiliz-
ing sick or injured cattle from
the herd, tie-down roping
is widely honored as one of
the rodeo’s most challeng-
ing sports. When competing,
Curry gallops toward a calf
on horseback, dismounts
and ropes the calf, flanks (or
wrestles down) the animal,
and then ties together three
of the calf’s legs in a matter of
seconds. With so many oppor-
tunities to err, Curry meticu-
lously practices to improve his
speed and precision.
“Roping takes a lot of abil-
ity,” Curry explained. “You
and the horse must perform
perfectly. With so many
variables, roping can be the
hardest to conquer.”
Curry’s secret to success is
simple. Practice makes perfect.
Having joined the sport at the
age of eight, he certainly has
plenty of practice under those
ornate, prize belt buckles.
Curry’s love of tie-down
roping traces back to his first
childhood experiences of
admiring his father, a competi-
tive team tie-down roper. Like
many of these modern day
cowboys, the dusty ring of the
photography by JUDY STOKELY
rodeo remains a home away
from home, representing the
embrace of culture and family
history.
“Rodeo is who I am,” he
says. “When I’m not at a ro-
deo, then I’m practicing or out
riding horses. Yes, it’s a lot of
work, but I love every minute
of it.” >>
THEVIPMAG.COM | March 2010 39
 Beau Schroeder,
Bull Rider
text by HOLLI PETERSEN

Perhaps it is the closest thing

Let’s Go
to the Rodeo!
If you want to see some rip-snortin’
ropin’, ridin’ and wrestlin’, you don’t
a traditional Southeast Texan
family has to a rite of passage.
At 5 years old, China resident
Beau Schroeder persuaded his
father to saddle him up on his
first calf and teach him the art
of bull riding. Five might appear
to be a premature age to attempt
such a dangerous activity, but
for the rodeo-loving Schroeder
family, ingraining professional
techniques during their son’s
formative years remained an es-
sential rule.
Now 22, this early training has
proven to be a vital component of
Schroeder’s success as a pro bull
rider. “The more I trained and
the more I kept getting back on,
the better I got at riding bigger
bulls,” he explained. “That’s the
reason I’m successful and why I
win titles. Each year I try doing
even better than ever before.”
While prizes of money and or-
nate belt buckles can hold allure
for young competitors, Schroed-
er’s passion for bull riding comes
from the pride of competing and
the realization that he is living
the dream that so many others
have spent their lives pursuing.
After all, not just anyone can
jump into a ring and physically
conquer a one-ton beast.
A requirement of this un-
orthodox career path, Schroeder
travels throughout the United
States 10 months out of every
year. Though sometimes monoto-
nous and wearing, meeting new
people and experiencing new
places appeals to Schroeder’s
adventurous spirit. Such achieve-
YMBL Chute Out Bull Ride
Aug. 13, 14
ment does not come without
substantial risk.
Ford Park Arena
5115 IH-10 South, Beaumont
In 2008, Schroeder broke his
leg and reluctantly took time off
to recuperate. More recently,
Young Men’s Business League -
he suffered a close call when a
409.832.9991 - ymbl.org massive bull stepped on his head.
photography by SILVIA C. MCCLAIN

have to wait too long or go too far.
µµµµµµµµµµµµµµ
South Texas State Fair
YMBL – PRCA Rodeo
March 25-27
Ford Park Arena
5115 IH-10 South, Beaumont
Young Men’s Business League -
409.832.9991 - ymbl.org
Were it not for his helmet, his ca-
Trinity Valley reer, and possibly his life, would
Exposition Fairgrounds have been shattered in seconds.
But it’s all in a day’s work for
321 Wallisville Road (FM 563), Liberty
this intrepid cowboy.
936.336.7455 - tvefair.com “Every now and then I worry
(Call or check online for upcoming events.) about the risks,” Schroeder said.
“But it doesn’t do any good to be
Texas Longhorn Club scared. If I die, it will be because
IH-10 exit 4 Toomey Starks, Vinton, La. I’m doing what I love and not
because I’m sitting at home being
337.589.1618 - thetexaslonghorn.com careful. This is my life. This is
(Call or check online for upcoming events.) my career.” VIP

40 March 2010 | THEVIPMAG.COM

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of your life.

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theVIPmag.com | March 2010 41
 vip worthy
r i d i n g h i g h
tammY mcKINLeY
photography by

Saddle
Up! text by CATHLEEN COLE

T
Megan Curewitz urges her horse over the jump during training at the Tailgate Stables in Rose City.

rot
around
an arena
on a
prancing
Arabian.
Lope
through
a field on
a laid-
tammY mcKINLeY

back Quarter Horse. Fly over a

fence on a sturdy Thoroughbred.
You can do it all right here in
Beaumont. Pick a stable, saddle
up and enjoy the ride!

High-Stepping Steeds
photography by

Chris Morrill grew up with

horses. He saved his birthday and
Christmas money and at 7 bought
his first horse — a half Paint — for
$250. He credits Mr. Blue, who
died at the farm in 2008 at 30, for
Margot Fischer watches as her students practice jumps during training. starting his passion for training.
42 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com
“That’s why I do what I do,” Morrill reminisced. “I did it with Mr.
Blue.” Beautiful Land and Horses
Although he started riding on Quarter Horses and Paints, his
mom, Dianne Morrill, bought an Arabian, which spurred the young “I have always loved horses — always,” Susan Conn McCurry said.
horseman’s interest in that breed. He worked for an Arabian trainer “They are absolutely beautiful.”
in his hometown of Baton Rouge while attending high school and McCurry, whose father was C.W. Conn Jr. of Conn’s Inc., started
Louisiana State University. In his third year of pre-med, he decided riding at 5 at her grandfather’s farm on a Shetland pony named
he didn’t want to be a doctor. He wanted to be a horse trainer. He Brown Eyes. In middle school, she took hunt seat lessons at Tyrrell
quit school and became a full-time assistant at the training barn he’d Park Stables. Although her family had a ranch in West Texas, her
worked at since high school. parents didn’t keep a horse for her in Beau-
In 2002, he moved here to marry mont and she eventually stopped riding. But
Beaumont native Angie Arrington she never stopped dreaming of horses.
whom he’d met on the show circuit and Terra Bella Stables is her dream come
established Chris Morrill Training Cen- true. Opening its barn doors for business in
ter, which caters to Arabian and Half- February 2009, the equine facility is situ-
Arabian show horses. Morrill special- ated on 38 acres adjacent to her house built
izes in English saddle seat riding but by Compass Pointe Homes in the Diamond
also trains hunter pleasure mounts in D Ranch community. McCurry and her staff
the covered and outdoor arenas on the offer western and English hunt seat rid-
40-acre farm. He takes his clients and ing lessons in a covered arena, training and
their horses to regional and national boarding. Riding camps are held in the sum-
competitions and brings back plenty of mer and children’s birthday parties can be
blue ribbons. booked throughout the year.
Of the Arabian breed Morrill said, She’s always wanted plenty of pets and
“They’re sensitive and intelligent now that she has the land for it, she’s gotten

photography by Lee e. StinSon

animals that can be molded into agile off to a good start. Her current personal me-
athletes, and that’s in addition to their nagerie includes five horses, two micro-mini
extreme beauty.” And why saddle seat? pigs and several barn dogs and cats. She’s
“It’s like driving a sports car,” he said thinking about getting some sheep with the
of the high-headed, high-stepping idea of starting a petting zoo for the birthday
steeds ridden this way. “It’s a blast to parties.
ride.” Although her father passed away in 2004,
McCurry’s mother, Dorothy Anne Conn,
is doing well and living in Beaumont. “My
mom tells me every day that Daddy would be
proud of me,” she said. VIP

Susan Conn McCurry

and her Friesian mare. Chris Morrill and a winning
Half-Arabian show horse.
photography by lee e. StinSon

Go Ahead and Jump!

For Margot Fischer, it all started
with a little Quarter Horse mare
named Susie that a cousin gave
to her when she was about 8. Her
mother, Mary Lib Fischer, taught
her how to ride, but back then she
rode western style. “I grew up with
it,” she remembered. “When I out-
grew Susie, we gave her to another
cousin and I got another horse.” It
wasn’t until she started taking lessons at Tyrrell Park Stables that she made
the switch to hunt seat riding.
After graduating with a degree in animal science from Texas A&M, she
decided to open her own barn and become a professional hunter-jumper
photography by Judy Stokely

trainer. Her Tailgate Stables opened in 1980 in Beaumont but eventually

moved to Rose City, where it remained for more than 25 years. She built a
new facility on 90 acres in Beaumont and moved there in February. She of-
fers lessons, training and boarding and takes her riders to horse shows too.
Hunter-jumpers don’t have to be a specific breed, but they are primarily
Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods or crosses of the two. Taking horses over jumps
is thrilling, she contends, “And it’s really good exercise.”
Running a stable and being a professional horse trainer is physically
demanding, but Fischer intends to keep at it as long as she can. “I like being
outside,” she explained. “I like being around the animals. I’m 55 now — the
day I can’t lift a hay bale is the day I’m going to have to quit!”

theVIPmag.com | March 2010 43

 vip worthy
v i p e r s o n a l i t y

Zona Jones Two Loves, One Heart

text by CHERYL ROSE

Zona Jones is packing two high-powered careers into one lifetime.
By day, he’s a civil litigator with esteemed law firm Provost-Umphrey
in Beaumont. By night, he’s an up-and-coming country-western star
recording in Nashville and playing stages across America.
Jones, who was named for the Arizona rodeo, was born in
Corpus Christi but grew up mainly in small West Texas
towns. His father was a manager for the King
Ranch, so young Jones grew up as a working
cowboy. During high school, the family moved
to Florida, but Jones came back to Texas for
college at Baylor. With a law degree from
St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, he
was recruited to Beaumont in 1989.
“I took a job in Beaumont because it was one of the best places to
pursue a legal career in the field I wanted to work in,” Jones said. He
now specializes in multi-party product liability litigation, which has
taken him all over the country and as far away as Croatia.
Parallel to his budding law career, Jones also was playing guitar,
singing and writing songs. Over the last 16 years, Jones has
averaged 100 shows a year, cut two CDs and established
a loyal fan base.
“I’ve been fortunate to be able to do both for
a very long time,” he said. “I have good people
I work with and they help me to keep both of
these things going.”

Favorite make of boots? just sitting around playing guitar with him. I’m
Lucchese. My favorite pair is alligator. taken aback by his talent.

Favorite brand of jeans? Who are the members of your band?

Wrangler.
Your dad was a rodeo guy – did you try
rodeo?
I always liked team sports better. I liked
football. One of my childhood friends was Tuff
Hedeman (a multi-world champion bull rider).
I’d go with him to the shows, but I didn’t care
to do it. I’d say, “I’ll just leave that to you.”
going to lunch. What’s really strange is to be
off in some really different place like Boston
and to turn the radio on and hear your song.
That’s still very strange to me.
Keith Watkins is the last original member of
our first band. He’s our band leader and more
importantly, a kind of our spiritual advisor for
our group. Laine Thibodeaux has played steel
guitar with me for years. Also part of the team
are Jason Burk, Robert Herridge, Bret Nunez,
Mike Calley, Jeff Smith, Cory Chenoweth,
Lupe Alvarez, Christy Cornelius and Danny
Pearcy.

Musical influences?
My grandmother on my mom’s side. She
grew up in the Depression era in southern
Oklahoma. She had a singing group with
her siblings and sang live on the radio. She
noticed that ability in me and tried to cultivate
it. She played all kinds of music for me.
What does it feel like when you’re per-
forming on stage for a live audience?
It’s different every night. There are nights
when it’s perfect and you play every note the
right way, sing every note the right way, and
the crowd is into what you’re doing and then
there is no better feeling. It’s a huge blessing
to be able to do it night after night.
Favorite make of guitar?
Taylor.
What does it feel like to hear your song
on the radio?
Weird. I get used to it hearing it on the radio
in Beaumont as I’m driving to the office or
How do you decide what songs to
record?
I probably listened to 3,000 songs to get
down to the 12 songs on “Prove Me Right,”
the most recent CD. We cut 20 songs, but
only used 12. When you’re a songwriter, if
you’re intellectually honest, you throw your
songs into the mix and try to pick what you
think is best. My natural reaction is that if a
song doesn’t grab me at the first line, I’m
probably not as inclined to like it.
If you could play a jam session on your
front porch with any artists living or
dead, who would you invite?
Hard to pass up the chance with Elvis or
George Strait, either one. On the other hand,
I’ve had the chance to do just that with some
of my friends like Mark Chesnutt and Tracy
Byrd. To me, Mark is one of the greatest
singers in the business. Playing guitars with
Mark is like playing with a human jukebox –
you can call out any song and he can play it.
Some of the most amazing nights have been
What are you reading these days?
A two-volume series by Tom Lea about the
King Ranch. I wanted to re-read it. I lived it
in the modern day, but its history goes back
to the 1850s and is an amazing part of the
history of this state.
Life heroes?
My mom and dad are on the top of my list for
heroes in my life. Roger Staubach was my
football hero. George Strait is a musical hero.
When it comes to the practice of law, I’ve had
the chance to work with some of the best –
Walter Umphery, Joe Jamail, Wayne Reaud.
Whether they know it or not, they’ve had an
influence on me. Mark Chesnutt and Tracy
Byrd, both musically and as friends.
Simple pleasures?
It’s nice to sit at home and watch “Saturday
Night Live” on occasion. But the best is the
time I get to spend with my daughter, Kay,
who is 3 years old. She’s the most amazing
thing I’ve ever known in my life.

44 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com

photography by SILVIA C. MCCLAIN
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great dates in march
Texas Energy
Museum Spindletop
Blowout 2010
March 23
Special guest speaker Former
First Lady Laura Bush. Tickets
$87.50, table sales available.
Beaumont Civic Center.
409.833.5100
Event Submissions
Do you have an event you would like to promote? Do it with VIP for FREE! Please send us details—dates, times, location, contact phone,
web address and a brief description—to vipnews@thevipmag.com. Information should arrive at least 60 days in advance of the event.
llen
na
rga
mo
The Beaumont Ballet Theatre under
the artistic direction of Miss Bonnie
Cokinos proudly celebrates its
contribution to fine arts education
in the art of dance. Cinderella is a
much loved tradition and celebrates
Cinderella Ballet
March 5
its 26th season this year. Two shows
at the Julie Rogers Theatre: Friday,
March 5th, 7:30p.m. and Saturday,
March 6th, 2p.m. 409.892.0169 or
800.782.3081
vip guide
c a l e n d a r
photography by LEE E. STINSON
South Texas State Fair
and YMBL Beaumont
March 25
Runs March 25-April 4. Midway
rides, fair food, livestock
competitions and games.
Also, a quilt show, a photography
contest, a school art contest, dozens
of vendor booths, livestock auctions
and the 4H and FFA livestock show.
409.832.9991, ymbl.org/fair.htm
Le Grand Bal 2010:
A Night in Casablanca
March 27
Presented by the Lamar University
Friends of the Arts, a gala/fundraiser
celebrating the “Renaissance of
Lamar University.” Evening will
feature a silent art auction and
reception in the Dishman Art
Museum from 7 - 9p.m., followed
by fine dining, dancing and
entertainment in the Montagne
Center from 8p.m. - midnight.
409.880.8137, lamar.edu/cofac
theVIPmag.com | March 2010 47
 { March }
maRch 2
Texas Independence Day
Primary Election Voting
Magnolia Garden Club of Beaumont
Presents STARSTRUCK
The 2010 Garden Club of America
Flower Show. Categories in the garden
club show include flower arranging,
horticulture, conservation/education,
photography, and botanical jewelry
and embellishments. Free. 2-5p.m.
on March 2, 9a.m.-3 p.m. on March 3.
Julie Rogers Theatre. 409.892.5370
*The Garden Club will host a
reception and special showing from
6-7:30 p.m. March 2 in conjunction
with the Lamarissmo! Jazz Concert.
This pre-performance event, featuring
hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, will
be open to holders of season or
individual tickets to Lamarissimo!
Lamarissimo! Jazz Concert
Lamar University’s acclaimed series
of off-campus performances shine the
spotlight on the best and brightest
in student and faculty talent. Season
ticket holders or individual tickets for
$15 available at the box office. 7:30p.m.
Julie Rogers Theatre. 409.880.8144
2010 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Runs from March 2-21 at Reliant Park.
Rodeo Houston features bull riding,
parades, carnivals, BBQ, wine tasting
competitions, and loads of shopping!
Livestock show features cattle auctions
and cattle judging. March 16th is Go
Texan Day, March 14 is Go Tejano Day.
houstonrodeo.net
Legacy Christian Academy 2nd
Annual Jubilee Banquet
Guest speaker Sean Tuohy, the real
adoptive father whose family’s story is
told in the recent movie “The Blind Side.”
Tickets $100. Holiday Inn Beaumont
Plaza. 7p.m. legacychristianacademy.org
maRch 4
First Thursdays at the Mildred
A monthly event with live music and
shopping. 5-8p.m. Mildred Building,
Beaumont.
maRch 5
Chicago
Beaumont Community Players presentation
of the musical set the roaring twenties.
Show dates: March 5, 6, 11, 12, 13*, 13, 18,
19, 20, 7:30p.m. evenings, 2 p.m. matinees*.
409.833.4664
First Friday’s on Lincoln Avenue
Shopping, food and entertainment.
6p.m.-9p.m. Groves. 409.962.3631
48 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com
Golden Triangle Home Show
Ford Park. 409.951.5400
Cinderella Ballet
The Beaumont Ballet Theatre under
the artistic direction of Miss Bonnie
Cokinos proudly celebrates its
contribution to fine arts education in
the art of dance. Cinderella is a much
loved tradition and celebrates its 26th
season this year. Two shows at the
Julie Rogers Theatre: Friday, March
5th, 7:30p.m and Saturday, March 6th,
2p.m. 409.892.0169 or 800.782.3081
maRch 6
Remember the Alamo
March 6, 1836
Cardinal Cruises
Spring launches the new season
of Neches River tours given each
Saturday. Tickets $15 for adults,
children under 12 and seniors,
$10, children under 3, free.
Cardinal dock at Riverfront park.
nechesriveradventures.org
maRch 7
The 82nd Academy Awards
Co-hosted by Alec Baldwin and
Steve Martin. What red carpet fashion
will become a trend?
maRch 9
Nederland Heritage Festival
March 9- March 14. 409.724.2269
maRch 10
Jasper Azalea Festival
409.283.2632
maRch 12
Beaumont Blues Festival 2010
Tickets $37.50-$44.50. Beaumont
Civic Center. 8p.m. 409.838.3435 x1
Livingston Trade Days
March 12-14. Hwy 59 North in
Livingston. Free admission and
parking. 1.877.UBHOOKD
maRch 13
48th Annual BAL National Show
Opening Reception
Of 131 entries to the Beaumont Art
League’s National Show, 64 were
selected for the exhibition. 2675 Gulf
Street, Beaumont. 7-9p.m. On view
through March 31. 409.833.4179
Blooms: Floral Art in the Stark Collections
The flower as an inspiration for the
visual arts. On exhibit through June 12.
Stark Museum of Art. 409.886.2787
Rotary “Taste of Gumbo”
Bob Bowers Civic Center, Port
Arthur. For more info call Perry Snell
409.982.2222
Spring is full of festival fun
text by MICAH LINDSAY
Southeast Texas prides itself on its numerous grand festivals full of fun, food
and an assortment of activities. Each celebration varies in theme, but all offer
a great time and bring local residents and visitors coming back every year.
Bring the whole family or a group of friends, and enjoy the excitement and
local flair. Southeast Texas has many things to celebrate and each festival has
something different to offer. With so many to choose from, there’s something
for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s a celebration of great food, beautiful
flowers or if you just love a parade!
March 9- March 14
Nederland Heritage Festival – Held in the heart of Nederland, this annual
festival features a carnival, pageants, golf and softball tournaments, a chili
cook-off, a craft show, live music and more. 409.724.2269
March 10
Jasper Azalea Festival – An event held each year dedicated to celebrating the
colorful burst of springtime azaleas. Come to the historic downtown square
for entertainment, arts invitational, classic car show, poetry contest, cake
decorating contest, arts and crafts booths. 409.283.2632
March 13
Buna Redbud Festival – Join in on “Buna on the Bayou,” held at one of
the most beautiful times of year. This celebration includes lots of live
entertainment, the Little Miss Buna Pageant, a great parade and the
Redbud Rodeo. 409.994.5586
March 20-April 3
Tyler County Dogwood Festival – This festival has a spectrum of celebration
including a festival of the arts, western weekend complete with a rodeo, and
the Queens weekend with the Queen’s coronation, parade, pageant
and fireworks display. Three weekends of fun in Woodville.
Festival of the Arts: March 20-21
Western Weekend: March 26-27
Queen’s Weekend: April 3
April 15-17
Village Creek Festival – The Lumberton Chamber of Commerce invites you
to this celebration full of carnival rides, games, food, live entertainment,
Miss Village Creek Pageant, a classic car show and the Village Creek
Parade. 409.755.0554
April 16-17
Mercado Days Festival – Come join the party in downtown Port Arthur for
activities for all ages and an amazing presentation of talent celebrating the
Hispanic and Latino presence in Southeast Texas. 409.960.1699
April 16-18
Mauriceville Crawfish Festival – The Texas Legislature named Mauriceville the
“Crawfish Capital of Texas” in 1983. The 30th anniversary of the festival
has all the usual highlights of parade, rides, crafts, battle of the bands and
BBQ cook-off. Check out the crawfish races or the crawfish eating contest.
Hwy 62 Fairgrounds in Mauriceville. 409.651.6358
April 13-24
Neches River Festival & Parade – As one of Beaumont’s biggest celebrations,
there are several days of merriment and activities beginning with the king’s
arrival at Riverfront Park. This festival brings Beaumont’s largest parade
downtown, and ends with the Queen’s Ball and Coronation. 409.835.2443
Kings’ Arrival & Media Party: April 13, 5:30p.m., Riverfront Park
Citizen of the Year Presentation: April 15, 10a.m., MCM Elegante
Parade: April 17, 11a.m., Downtown Beaumont
Queen’s Coronation: April 24, 7p.m., Julie Rogers Theatre
Coronation Ball: April 24, 9p.m., Beaumont Civic Center
April 29- May 2
Port Neches RiverFest & Classic Car Show – This four day festival brings
all types of entertainment together including carnival rides, arts and
crafts, food, fireworks, a classic car show, a battle of the bands, fishing
tournament, talent show, beauty pageant, pet show, mother of the year
presentation, a treasure hunt and even more. 409.722.9154
maRch 13
The Texas Ghost Show
Presented by the Texas Society of
Paranormal Investigators with Brian
Harnois from “Ghost Hunters,”
Christopher Moon from Haunted Times
Magazine, Father Andrew Calder,
Ken Gerhard, cryptozoologist, Dash
Beardsley, The Ghost Man of Galveston,
and Ericka Boussarhane, Oprah of
the Paranormal! Tickets $20 general
admission, $35 with lunch included.
8a.m-6p.m. Beaumont Civic Center.
Buna Redbud Festival
409.994.5586
West Brook’s Annual Autorama
All makes and models of cars, trucks
and motorcycles are welcome. 10a.m.
West Brook High School. 409.617.5534.
maRch 17
St. Patrick’s Day
maRch 18
15th Annual “Go for the Gold” Party
and Reverse Drawing
The price of the $100 ticket buys
you admission, dinner and cocktails
for two along with one entry into the
most exciting drawing in town. Three
lucky ticket-holders get a chance to
win, turning $100 into $10,000 for
the first place winner in a reverse
drawing where the winner is the last
ticket drawn. Proceeds benefit the
museum’s exhibitions and education
programming. 6:30p.m. Art Museum
of Southeast Texas. 409.832.3432
maRch 20
Big Thicket Bicycle Ride
A family-oriented bicycle ride with
five routes, from 14 to 100 miles. Ride
through the scenic Big Thicket. There
will be manned rest stops with restrooms,
snacks and drinks. All routes will start/
finish at the Big Thicket Visitors Center.
8a.m. to 4p.m. 409.626.2168
Trade Days on The Avenue
Antiques, crafts, art. Saturday 10a.m.-
5p.m., Sun. 1-5p.m. Port Neches.
409.722.4023
Family Secrets
The hit gospel stage play about a family
that exposes all their secrets after a
tragic event. Tickets $28. Julie Rogers
Theatre. 6p.m. 409.838.3435 ext. 1
maRch 23
Texas Energy Museum
Spindletop Blowout 2010
Special guest speaker Former First
Lady Laura Bush. Tickets $87.50,
table sales available. Beaumont Civic
Center. 409.833.5100
maRch 25
South Texas State Fair and YMBL
Beaumont
Quality Floor Covering…
Runs March 25-April 4. Midway rides,
fair food, livestock competitions and
Where Customer Satisfaction and Quality Come Together!
games. Also, a quilt show, a photography
contest, a school art contest, dozens
of vendor booths, livestock auctions Save Money
and the 4H and FFA livestock show.
409.832.9991, ymbl.org/fair.htm on Your Next
maRch 26 DIY Project by
Baptist Hospital Cajun Classic Golf
Tournament
Choosing Quality!
maRch 27 Choose from our
Art in the Park fine line of leading
The Stark Museum of Art in Orange
will host an art-making booth at products in...
Art in the Park and will sponsor
family activities inside the Museum.
409.886.2787 • FLOORING
Le Grand Bal 2010: A Night in
Casablanca
• COUNTERTOPS
Presented by the Lamar University
Friends of the Arts, a gala/fundraiser
• BACKSPLASHES
celebrating the “Renaissance of Lamar
• SHOWERS
University.” Evening will feature a www.qualityfloorcoveringinc.com
silent art auction and reception in the
Dishman Art Museum from 7-9p.m.,
followed by fine dining, dancing and 409.838.4471 • 175 N. 11th St. Beaumont, TX
entertainment in the Montagne Center
from 8p.m.-midnight. 409.880.8137,
lamar.edu/cofac
maRch 28
Palm Sunday
The Man Who Planted Trees
A unique blend of comedy, puppetry
and inspiring storytelling in an
unforgettable story that shows us the
difference one man (and his dog!) can
make to the world. Two shows, 2p.m.
Crawfish are Back!
and 5p.m. Lutcher Theater. lutcher.org
maRch 29
DRINK & BUCKET BEER SPECIALS!
7th Annual “Fore the Children”
Golf Classic
Golf tournament benefitting the
Garth House’s work with child
victims. Brentwood Country Club.
409.838.9084. garthhouse.org
Industrial Carillon Concert
Contemporary music from Grammy
Award-winning composer Libby
Larsen with guest performers Lamar
vocal music faculty members Debra
Greschner and Kerry Jennings,
professor and clarinetist Kim Ellis, and
guitarist Lance Beaumont, who teaches
at Howard Payne University. Free.
Mobil Oil Federal Credit Union, 1810 N.
Major Drive, Beaumont. 409.880.8144,
lamar.edu/music, 7:30p.m VIP
HAPPY HOUR: M-F 4PM-7PM
2290 IH 10 South at Washington Blvd. • (409) 842-0686
theVIPmag.com | March 2010 49
 vip guide
g u e s t c o l u m n
M March:
arch is the
month that
reminds many
of us that Spring
is around the
corner. This has always seemed
odd to me considering that
the name of March comes via
Ancient Rome and the Roman
god of war, Mars. Although the
Alamo and the battle of Gallipoli
occurred in the month of March,
no one associates March with
war, but we do associate it with
St. Patrick’s Day — possibly the
strangest of all holidays. Every
March 17th, we celebrate the life
of St. Patrick, the patron saint
of Ireland, by wearing green,
becoming intoxicated and kissing
strangers. I have been unable
to find any suggestion that St.
Patrick, who lived from 387 – 461
A.D., participated in any of these
activities in excess. Of course,
there is the legend that St. Patrick
banished snakes from Ireland.
If this is true, my guess would
be that drinking was somehow
involved.
For others, March brings
thoughts of “March Madness” or
the “Big Dance.” Unless you are
member of an indigenous people
without any communication to
the outside world, you know that
this is a reference to the NCAA
Men’s Division I Basketball
Championship. This is the annual
single elimination tournament
held each spring featuring the
best 65 college basketball teams
in the United States. Of course,
I also like to refer to this time as
my annual examination as to why
I hate Duke University so much.
I have close friends who at-
tended Duke, and it is a stellar
university. Regardless, at this
time of year, nothing brings bas-
ketball fans together in a sports
bar more than rooting against
Duke. It’s absolutely amazing
how many people despise Duke.
I am unsure of the exact cause
for this hatred, but when tourna-
ment time arrives, the country is
galvanized behind Duke’s opening
round opponent as if we were
cheering for the 1980 U.S. Olym-
pic hockey team and Duke were
the Russians being led by Nikita
Khrushchev himself.
Over the last few years, in the
opening round, Duke has played
50 March 2010 | theVIPmag.com
Drunkenness,
Basketball and
Invasive Medical
Procedures
Southern, VCU, Belmont and
Binghamton. These are not teams
that cause people to run into the
streets, riot and turn over police
cars. This hatred for Duke does text by SCOTT RENICK
not have any justification or make
sense, but it is real. It affects
most of the country. At this time,
there is no known treatment.
Another March Madness is the
fact that March is the month in
which more men schedule vasec-
tomies than any other time of the
year. The thought is that while
you are recuperating, why not
watch hours of basketball?
In my birthplace, New Or-
leans, La., Dr. Neil Baum, (yes,
you guessed it) a urologist, runs
a special every year --- a March
Madness vasectomy special. If
you schedule your vasectomy in
the days leading up to the bas-
ketball tournament, you receive
a bag of frozen peas, a copy of
the Sports Illustrated swimsuit
issue (which just seems wrong)
and a free pizza delivered to your
house.
Of course, Dr. Neil Baum also
claims to be a part-time magi-
cian and a huge Duke University
basketball fan. For me, these two
things do not build confidence
in prospective patients. It does
create images for me of a doctor
wearing a top hat and cape saying
things like “now, I will make the
sperm disappear.” Really, what
else can you expect from a Duke
University basketball fan.
Scott Renick is an attorney in
Beaumont, Texas. VIP