From the Creaux's Nest

REMINISCING—A LONG AGO DAY

The date on a couple of pictures that Mike Louviere brought us is Nov. 5, 1960.

What is so unique about the pictures is that they were taken at a reception held for Lyndon Johnson, candidate for vice-president, held at Jefferson County Airport, three days before he and John F. Kennedy were elected.

Kennedy became the youngest and first Catholic elected president of the United States.

One picture is Johnson and Congressman Jack Brooks waving at the crowd while disembarking from the plane.

Speaker Sam Rayburn is pictured with them.

The other portrait is of Johnson holding up a newspaper while two large balloons float up high with a large banner saying “Kennedy/Johnson.” Well over 1000 people are in the audience, many holding banners.

Many faces in the crowd are familiar but one person up front is J.B. Arrington, the barbeque king, much younger of course.

LBJ and JFK carried the area with 79 percent of the vote.

That got me to wondering about those times when this area was a Democratic stronghold.

So strong in fact that Johnson made Southeast Texas one of his last stops before the historical election.

Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963 by Lee Harvey Oswald and Johnson became president and signed the Civil Rights Act.

When he did, he said, “I have just signed away the South for Democrats.” Lyndon knew politics.

The Vietnam War drove him from office and even though the conflict started under Kennedy, Johnson couldn’t win it or end it.

This is just a small but important time in our history.

The pictures are a treasure.

Today, Barack Obama, a black and white mix, is president, seeking his second term.

The GOP is battling it out in the primaries to see who will take him on in November.

A Mormon and Catholic are leading the field.

Our country keeps evolving.

The future will continue to bring the unexpected.

*****I’d best get going.

I’d appreciate it if you come along.

I promise it won’t do you no harm.

REMEMBERING WHITNEY HOUSTON

Death came to Whitney Houston, a pop music icon, at 3:55 p.m.

on Saturday, in a room in the Beverly Hills Hotel.

I was not surprised to learn she was found dead.

I was surprised however that she would be found submerged in a bathtub filled with water.

A year or so ago, I had said out loud, “That girl is a tragedy waiting to happen.” It was at a time when she didn’t even look like herself.

Lately, she seemed to be getting back to herself.

She brought joy to millions worldwide through her music.

She will long be remembered.

Few, if any, artists will ever match up to the soulful, unique voice that sold over 170 million albums.

Twenty-one years ago, she recorded the “National Anthem” that she sang at Super Bowl XXV. That song went platinum in sales.

Just an example of her ability.

Private services are scheduled Saturday in her hometown church, in Newark, N.J. Only 48-years-old, she died much too young.

Like Hank Williams, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, Whitney and many others in between, fame brought death to way too many even before their 50th birthdays.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2002

DuPont restructuring splits Orange plant.

The plant announces it would be separating the textiles production into it’s own company.

“We have two businesses here, packaging and industrial polymers, which will stay DuPont,” said plant manager Gerald Ehrmon.

The plants will initially separate the NISP into a subsidiary company of DuPont until the end of 2003.”*****Sabine Rail Service finalizes a lease with the Port of Orange.

*****Orange County Clerk, Karen Jo Vance, extended the early voting hours until 7 p.m.*****Bridge City Chamber names Don Peters “Ambassador of the Year.” He is Bridge City’s municipal judge.

*****Karen Maddox, after 25 years, retires from the Orange Public Library.

*****The winter Olympics in Utah are in full swing.

*****Murray Spector, 89, died Feb. 7.

He is survived by brothers Toby and Sammie, daughters Maureen and Judy, sons, Larry and Michael.

*****Howard Hogg, 44, also died on Feb. 7.

He leaves behind his father Orman, brothers Donald, Carl and Larry, sisters Brenda and Rhonda.

*****Charles “Dusty” Rhodes, 88, died Feb. 8.

For many years he was the voice of high school sports on radio KPAC and KOLE. *****Delta Downs has their big grand opening Feb. 13 with 1,500 slots, great food and lots of fun.

(Editor’s note: The racing and gaming establishment has really grown and is a great place to visit.)*****Ernest and Bonnie Swanson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Feb. 9.

*****The Lunch Bunch was spotted at Heath’s Golden Corral.

Having great food and fellowship were Cal Broussard, Johnny Montagne, Charlie Farris, Pete Runnels, Claude and Jerry Wimberly, Parker Thompson, Joel Steirman, Ricky Trevino, Ruby Pickard, Karen Jo Vance, Roy Dunn, Grover Haliburton, Rev. Leo Anderson, Jack Lovett and David Peck.

*****Judge Don Burgess will be roasted March 15 at the Bridge City celebrity roast.

Roasters were Sen.

Carl Parker, Judge Buddy Hahn, Ermitt Shepard and with a stroke of genius by Burgess, Sue Ball was added to the list.

Sue in another life was Sue Pate.

*****Anna Belle Rost has recovered from foot surgery and is ready to shake a leg.

*****Phil York, 64, longtime butcher, died of a heart attack.

He is survived by his wife Inelda, daughter Cindy Childress, sons David, James and Phillip Jr., and brother John.*****Avery Celeste Williams, daughter of Austin and Ciclye Williams of Bridge City, celebrates first birthday Feb. 13.*****Patrick Godwin, six foot, two inch, 290 pound football player, signed a letter of intent at Texas Southern in Houston.*****The Judice French Market, 3005 Seventh Street in Port Arthur, is celebrating it’s 75th anniversary.

Maw Maw and Pa Judice started the store in 1927.

It’s a unique store with all the Cajun favorites.

The store has had four generations of operators.

Al took over from his dad A.J. and now Al Jr.

is running the store.

(Editor’s note: The store is 85 years old and going stronger than ever.

35 YEARS AGO-1977

Bridge City School Board elections will be held April 12.

Terms expire for Gus Garza, Bill Townes and Billy Christian.

*****Current tenures, in the city of Bridge City, end for councilmen Shirley Marks, Bubba Hubbard, Gordon Harvey and mayor P.M. “Red” Wood.

*****W. T. Oliver will celebrate his birthday Feb. 15.

No one does more for mankind.

Everyday is dedicated to doing something good for people in all walks of life.

(Editor’s note: Those of us who knew and cared about this good man still miss him every day.)*****David Claybar announces that Judge Pete Runnels has expressed a desire to see what can be done to get an ambulance service for Orange County.

*****State Rep.

Wayne Peveto has the backing at home to warrant the introduction of a bill, which would create a third district court in Orange County.

*****Two young men from Bridge City, Daryl Segura and Charles Hartman, have released their first gospel album.

They are members of the group, “The Followers.”*****”Spec” Faries, longtime butcher and a true character, celebrates his birthday Feb. 15.

(Editor’s note: Spec was one of those very independent people and a master of his trade.

He was the kind of person you never forget.)

CONDOLENCES

We were sorry to learn of the passing of Joyce Young, age 78, who died Monday, Feb. 13.

Funeral services will be held at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.

Rev. Kirk Ellender will officiate.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m.

to 8 p.m.

Thursday.

Service will be held Friday, 2 p.m.

We have known our friends Joyce and husband Kenneth for over 50 years.

Together for 57 years, they had played an important part in the development of Bridge City.

Joyce was one of the sweetest ladies we had ever known.

She had a big heart and was loved by everyone who knew her.

Even though she was the quieter one in the family everyone knew she was the rock.

She loved children and made caring for Kenneth and raising her children her mission in life.

She fought the cancer battle until the Lord called her home.

We are all better off to have known her.

Our deepest sympathies to Ken, sons David and Mark, daughter Karen and their families.

May she rest in peace.

Please see obits.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Robert Montagne, Drew Domas, Inez Jones, Judy Brownlie, Mandy LeBauve, Patricia Davis, Vicky Stanley, Ann McDuff, John Chauvin, Kim Harmon, Mellisa Tuttle, Rolf Schulz, Alayna George, Tom Edwards, Lucy Pulliam, Ashley Floyd, Bernice Say, Justin Broussard, Jeremy Crocker, Betty Drachenberg, Betty Smith, Leah Gunstream, Charlotte North, Ruby Sanders, Christy Faulk, Darrin Havens, Jason Clark, Martha Pittman, Ty Broussard, Nathan Dickman, Ron Teaff, Sydney Peet, Allison Floyd, Erin Boren, Beverly Satir, Jim Izer and Amanda Newman.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Bridge City to start new method of garbage pickup starting Monday, Feb. 20.

Ninety-six gallon trash carts will be delivered to all homes by Feb. 24.

The new carts will be cost free to citizens.

Republic Services and city officials advise that no other type of container will be picked up.

*****Speaking of trash, the big Shangri La’s annual “Trash Off” is next Saturday.

Everyone will gather at Lion’s Park at or before 8 a.m.

Bring the entire family or church group.

There will be lots of fun, drinks, food and prizes.

Mike Hoke welcomes everyone interested in a clean community to come join a team and feel good about what you’re doing.

*****We are fortunate in Orange County to have many good food outlets, nice restaurants with a variety of food specialties.

You have many choices.

We suggest you try our local cuisine before going out of town.

Kathy, at the new Sure Catch Restaurant, in Bridge City, reports that they had a great formal opening.

Spotted enjoying the seafood this weekend were H.D. and Pat Pate and Mr. and Mrs. Ray LeLeux, who reported the food was great.

*****Adele picked up six trophies at the Grammy Awards show.

She matched Beyonce for the most wins in a night.

The six awards included album, record and song of the year.

Adele’s “21” was 2011’s best selling album.

She also preformed for the first time since having throat surgery.

I can hardly understand her Limey accent but she can really belt a song.

Prior to the Grammy show, Adele was featured on “60 Minutes” in an interview with Anderson Cooper.

Besides the tribute to Whitney Houston, Glen Campbell, who has Alzheimer’s, was honored for his lifetime contribution to music.

*****Not many surprises yet in local politics with the exception of Judge Pete Runnels, who has announced he will be a candidate for mayor of Pinehurst.

He previously served three terms as mayor and as city administrator.

*****I’m told to expect other unexpected filings in the city elections.

Also, some folks are waiting to throw their hat in the ring if filings reopen in state and county races.

I don’t look for reopening to happen locally however.

*****Judge Pat Clark performed the wedding of his bailiff, Trish Journey, and Sgt.

Charles Williams, on Valentine’s Day in his chambers.

Williams is with the sheriffs office parole division.

The couple makes their home in Little Cypress.

Judge Pat has a good average of his weddings sticking.

Congrats and best wishes to the new bride and groom.

*****What a crew...spotted having lunch last week was retired county treasurer Vergie Moreland, retired county clerk Molly Theriot, retired Chief Deputy Irene Pachuca and County Clerk Karen Jo Vance.

Now there’s a good start on a jury.

*****Congrats to West Orange-Stark eighth grader, Nathan Hayes, who brought home two medals from the UIL solo ensemble superior ranking and outstanding ensemble.

Proud mom is County Clerk Deputy Brandy Robertson.

*****Alan and Myra Sanders’ oldest son, Aaron, who also is Lynwood’s grandson, is starting a new church, Coastal Community Church, in Galveston.

Hopefully the first service will be on Easter Sunday.

*****CREAUX’S TIP OF THE WEEK: Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows.

This way you can tell which side has the streaks.

Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean.

Don’t wash windows on a sunny day, they will dry too quickly and will probably streak.

*****CAJUN DEFINITION: Mardi Gras (Mardi-graw), commonly known as Fat Tuesday because in Cajun that’s what the words Mardi (Tuesday) and Gras (fat) mean.

In French the order of the words are often reversed.

In English it would be Tuesday-Fat.

It is the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Roman Catholic season of Lent.

It’s also the day of the biggest parade on earth in New Orleans and many other places.

*****A few folks celebrating their special day this week.

Our old buddy Harold Forse turns 92 on Feb. 15.

He’s marching towards 100.

Here’s hoping we’re here to celebrate with him.

***Longtime school administrator Robert Montagne cuts another notch on the ladder of life on Feb. 15.

***Clint “C.W.” Britt hits a half of hundred on Feb. 16.

Best wishes for clear skies ahead.

The road is yours to travel.

***Sometimes Record sports writer Mark Walles’ eldest, Alayna Walles George turns another year older Feb. 17.***Norman Berry, a great guy, turns 72 on Feb. 18.

Keep on keeping on.

***On this day, Rev. Leo and Ivalyn would have been married 52 years.

I’m still struggling with the fact that he’s gone.

***Our friend Ray Craven turns 64 on Feb. 20.

I wish I had a dime for every nail he’s driven.

Happy birthday and keep on a-hammering.

***Michael Gilbert, chief deputy in the county clerk’s office, celebrates his special day on Mardi Gras, Feb. 21.

Happy birthday to all.

*****Ash Wednesday begins Lent which will last 40 days until Easter Sunday.

*****I just discovered that Charles “Butch” Duncan, born June 17, 1954 in Bridge City, passed away Feb. 8, at his home in Houston.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Manya Fay, daughters Shawna Talton, Carlen Duncan and Rachael Duncan and their families.

He also leaves behind his mom Julia Duncan.

Some of you in the Bridge City area might remember the Duncans.

*****

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Clotile Boudreaux went to see Dr. Desomeaux for a checkup. She told da doctor dat this is very personal and she would like to talk to him in his private office.

Da Doc said, “Okay.” He axe Mrs. Boudreaux wat da problem is.

Clotile told him she was losing her desire for sex her.

Dr. Desomeaux him, looked at her and axed, “My god, Mrs. Boudreaux, you 76 years old aren’t you?”

“Yes, “ she replied.

Da Doc said, “And you husband Clovis, he’s 79 him?”

She answered, “Dats right, he’s 79.”

Da Doc say, “Let me axe you, when did you first notice dis loss of desire?”

“Well Doc,” she answer, “Las night and again dis morning.”

C’EST TOUT

Well, I’ve come to the end of a tough week and haven’t given as much time to politics that I usually would.

I checked on the latest polls however and President Obama’s numbers are steadily going up.

A CBS poll Monday shows his approval rising to 50 percent, ten points ahead of his closest challenger Mitt Romney.

National polls favor Rick Santorum over Romney but fall way behind when pitted against Obama.

Amazingly 61 percent approve of the way the President handled the contraceptive controversy.

Ninety percent of Americans disapprove of the congress, only 10 percent approve of the job they are doing.

Las Vegas still says that Romney will win the GOP nomination but if he loses his home state of Michigan I’m not so sure.

A battle could go to the wire and a brokered convention in Tampa, in August.

Las Vegas also says 60-38 that Obama will be re-elected.

Meanwhile, here in Texas we still don’t know for sure when we will hold our primaries and what our districts will look like.

Republicans brought on the problem with gerrymandering started with Tom DeLay and Rick Perry and continued this year by all Republicans, Texas legislature and government.

The state has grown by three million minority voters yet Attorney General Abbott and the Republicans agree to only two minority congressional seats rather than the four seats that are justified.

That’s hanging up the process.

My best guess is that many Tea Party obstructionist congressmen will get beat.

*****The president has submitted his new 2013 budget.

Sixty-eight percent believe letting the Bush give-away to the wealthiest Americans should expire, 57 percent of Republicans believe the same.

Gas prices will hurt our economy.

Big oil is making the biggest profit ever, yet President Obama will get the blame.

The bus was run in the ditch yet the congress sat on their hands and said, “Just Say No.” Despite their lack of help, the economy is growing ever so slowly, but growing, today after a deep recession our future looks brighter*****Well, that’s my say and the latest on the national front.

Thanks for your time.

Read us cover to cover.

Take care and God bless.