From the Creaux's Nest

HOLY WEEK CONCLUDES--EASTER ARRIVES

Come Saturday, 40 days will have gone by since Mardi Gras and the beginning of 40 days of the Lenten season, which concludes on Easter Sunday. This is a special time for many to gather with family and loves ones.

ThisFriday is Good Friday, the one day of the year that more Catholics are less likely to eat meat than any other Friday.

It is also the start of Passover, which is marked by Jewish people everywhere.

In Orange County, our Jewish friends attend religious observances is Beaumont or Lake Charles.

This week, many Easter egg hunts will be held by church groups.

Check our paper for time and locations.

The city of Orange egg hunt will be Friday but the location has been changed and will be held at the Pavilion, Sixth Street and Division, on the Sabine River.

All churches will be having special Easter Sunday services.

If you don’t have a home church, pick one, we have many great churches in all denominations.

This might just be the right time to make a fresh start and renew your connection with your faith.

Have a nice, holy Easter.*****I’ve got to move on, please come along, I promise it won’t do you no harm.

THE GOOD NEWS AND THE TERRIBLE NEWS

The United States is running out of places to stack overflowing oil supplies.

Oil production has been out pacing refineries by a million barrels a day since January.

The U.S. is now the world’s number one producer of oil and natural gas liquids.

Only a few years ago we were importing 60 percent from foreign oil dictators.

Unemployment in Southeast Texas dropped more in February than any months since 2008.

Orange County is down from 10.2 percent in 2013 to 9.1 percent.

The state-wide unemployment rate fell to 4.3 percent.

The U.S. rate dropped to 5.5 percent, the lowest since the Clinton years.

Many projects are in the works for Southeast Texas.

Billions of dollars worth of new plant construction and expansions of existing facilities are in the works.

Lower gas prices and expanding workforce will benefit the citizens and retail business in our entire area.*****It has now been determined that the crash of Germanwings Flight 9525 was a deliberate act by the 27-year-old co-pilot Andreas Lubitz. He persuaded the captain, Patrick Sondheimer, to leave the cockpit then locked him out.

The captain tried desperately to get back in but Lubitz had jammed the cockpit door.

The plane crashed into the French Alps killing all 150 people on board.

It wasn’t a terrorist act, just someone who wanted to die and took everyone with him.

That kind of act must be prevented and never allowed to happen again.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10- years Ago-2005

On Saturday, April 2, Pope John Paul II died.

He was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years.

He was from Poland and had served 26 years as the spiritual leader of the 1.1 billion Roman Catholics of the world.

Due to the planned funeral of the Pope on Friday, Prince Charles and Camellia ParkerBoles wedding has been postponed until Saturday.*****Lamar freshman Michael Gauthier racked up a personal best in the 200 meters with 21.58 at the Rice Bayou Classic.

This week, he and Lamar teammates take part in the 77th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays, in Austin Gauthier will also run the 100 meters and lead the 4x100 meter team.*****Bridge City High star tennis player Kody Duplechin won his sixth title at Kirbyville and will play in the district meet at Lamar.*****Jonathan Simon, of Mauriceville, won the Tracy Byrd Big Bass Tournament with a 8.64 pound catch at Sam Rayburn.

Over 723 fishermen participated.

Simon won a Ranger bass boat.*****Junior Bruce, 89, longtime Orange County Public Works Director died.

During WWII, Junior was a member of the famous Fighting Sea Bee Veterans.

He was the pilot the of Orange County plane.

Service was held April 5, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.*****Pitcher John Patterson is on the 25 man roster with the Washington Nationals.*****Bridge City Lady Cardinal Meagan Godwin has pitched three perfect games for the seventh state-ranked Cardinals.

This past weekend, the Cards beat Hamshire-Fannett 10-0.

Godwin sent 15 straight batters to the dugout, She also beat West Orange-Stark 4-0, fanning 17 straight Lady Mustangs.

The Lady Cards are 6-0 in district.*****The Bridge City boys of Coach Billy Bryant posted four homeruns in win over Anahuac.

Hunter Hayes hit his fourth homer, followed by Ben Myers hitting his eighth and homers by Cody Sparks and Kevin Angelle.*****Kenneth Beasley, of West Orange-Stark, placed first in the triple jump, 100 meters and 200 meters to help the Mustangs win the Bobcat relays in Orangefield.*****GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Winona Lea Spivey, 75, of Bridge City, died March 28.

She was retired from BCISD where she worked in food service 26 years.

She is survived by husband Elmo and daughters Linda, Rhonda, Denise and their families.***Adam “Big” Vaughn, 24, of Orangefield, died March 28.

He was a 1999 OF graduate.

He is survived by his father Danny Waldrep, mother and step father Brenda and Doak Burke.***Sarah Ann Slone Weston Bryant, 64, of Orange died March 29.

She died at Baptist Hospital, Beaumont after complications from major surgery.***Ruby Lucille Hebert, 83, of Orange, died March 30.

She was the daughter of Ruben and Inez Curl.***Joel “J.D.” Dennin, 59, of Orange, died Wednesday, March 30.

He is survived by wife Bernadette, daughters April and Krystal and their families.***Louis A. Wade, 88, of Orange, died March 30.

He was a retired union carpenter.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years Rachel, son Freddy, daughter Cetha and their families.***Ella Mae Menard Rumery, 89, died March 31.

An Orange native, she ran LeBlanc Fish Camp for many years.

She was the daughter of Dulva and Odile LeBlanc. She was the mother-in-law of Judge Janice Menard and the mother of her late husband Bobby.***Melba Jean Stephens, 75, died April 4.

Services were held at Dorman Funeral Home April 6.***Jenna Lynn Walters, 19, died April 7, from injuries in an auto accident.

She was a 2004 graduate of Little Cypress-Mauriceville and was a Lamar Orange student.

She is survived by her mother Vicky Walters, brother Craig and sister Cheryl.

35 Years Ago-1980

Application has been made with HUD, by the Noon Optimist Club of Orange, for a $3.7 million retirement village in the Pinehurst loop.

Optimist Village will be a 99 unit complex for low income people 62 years or older and for the handicapped.*****State Rep.

Wayne Peveto named Citizen of the Year by the Opportunity Valley News. A ceremony was held in the 128th District Courtroom with a reception in Commissioner’s courtroom.

State Sen.

Carl Parker also participated.

Peveto, an Orange County native, was born on a rice farm and is now a farmer and attorney.

He was elected to the Legislature for the 63rd to the 66th session.

After many years his property tax reform was passed.

He serves on several important committees and is a partner in the Peveto-Alford Law Firm.

He and wife Sandra, have two sons, Rex Wayne and Eric Todd.*****On April Fool’s Day, Joe and Susan Kazmar celebrated their 4th wedding anniversary.

No comment from her on who the joke was pulled on.*****Beloved teacher Lela Morris retires at Bridge City.

She taught in a small, two-room school in the 1930’s and was paid $20 a week for serving as a combination principal and teacher.

She didn’t graduate from Lamar until 1963 and became an English teacher at Bridge City.

All of her years of teaching before didn’t require a college degree.

She retires May 30.*****Jerry Pennington, sun glasses and all, announces for Orange City Council.

He’s 35-years-old and married to pretty Paula.*****Shelly Pate named Best Actress for her part in “The Heart of Maryland” in UIL one-act competition.

Receiving Honorable Mention was B.C. students Darrell Gurney, David Durling and Robert Freeman.*****Court reporter Barbara Gillis is in a Beaumont hospital.*****Ed Parker is Orange County sheriff.*****Terry Burns is Orange Chamber manager.*****Honor grads announced by B.C.H.S. are Kay Michelle Emmert, valedictorian; Donna Marie Stone, salutatorian; Paul Andrew Zoch, highest ranking boy.

Magna Cum Laude grads are Nancy Bergeron, Elaine Cassens, Robin Clark, Lisa Flowers, Elizabeth Hebert, Beverly Scott, Bobbie Jean Simpson and Miles Wallace. Cum Laude grads are Deborah Backus, Brenda Braquet, Lori Broussard, Billy Bryant, Darrell Gurney, Barbara Hryhochuk, Robin Hubbard, Lori Ledoux, Judy Nixon, Shelly Pate, Chris Sheppard, Marjory Skaggs and Cynthia Thomas.*****Diana Hill, who was Miss Texas in 1961, is starring in the Orange Community Player’s adaptation of “Miracle Worker.”***** Lester “Buckshot” Winfree is elected to Orange County Port and Navigation board.

He beat incumbent Sam Naifeh for the Precinct 2 post.

Winfree received 2,948 votes, Naifeh, 1,455.

Other port commissioners are Bill Butler, Rufus Webb, Curtis Smith and John Magness.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Several months ago Jerry Davidson, former Bridge City Bank president, went to the doctor for a routine check up and while there, he mentioned that his wife Betty wanted him to tell about his night sweats.

During the dye test, he suffered a heart attack.

They lost him five times before shocking his heart to finally start. The monitor straight-line was witnessed by Jerry as well as the panicked medical workers around him.

He beat the Devil five times on that day.

Today he works out regularly, rides a bike 18 miles a day and eats healthy.

Goes to show you, I would have thought Jerry was the most unlikely candidate for a heart attack.

He never seemed over exerted to me.

All’s well that ends well and Jerry sure is thankful his Maker grabbed him from the jaws of death.*****Home boy Doyce Sherman stopped by for a visit.

He had read our piece on Ray LaCour, the retired vet from Inter-coastal City.

Doyce and he were raised four houses from each other in the swamp country.

Doyce and his bride, Ms.

Betty, have been married 62 years.

I believe he’s a 1952 Abbeville High grad and Gulf Chemical retiree.*****Last Friday, Sharon Bearden went to lunch with his longtime friend attorney Joe Alford. They were celebrating Joe’s birthday at Danny’s West Orange Deli. It’s a 60-40 bet that Joe paid for his own meal.*****We had a phone visit with Judge David Peck Saturday morning.

It was a beautiful day and Ms.

Patsy had taken him for a ride from the Galveston rehab to Houston.

The traffic was almost unbearable, bumper to bumper, doesn’t soothe the nerves much but he enjoyed the get-out.

He’s working hard in rehab.*****I see where our long ago employee Karen Fisher, who runs the Vidor Tax office for Lynda Gunstream has announced she is a candidate to replace her.

Karen is a nice lady, a real people person.

I’m sure there will be several candidates for tax assessor collector.

Lynda will be a hard act to follow.*****We heard from Ms.

Pearl, she’s a remarkable lady and senior citizen and an inspiration to all us senior adults.

This week we are publishing another of her timely poems.*****Last week the Wednesday Lunch Bunch dined at PK’s Grill.

Good food and always great service by Tammy, an experienced, lovable waitress, who makes you feel welcome and tries hard to please her customers. Commissioner Barry Burton’s mom and dad attended.

Constable Mark Philpott and his J.P. Pct.

3, judge, Joy Simonton and Constable David Cagle, Pct.

2 who also escorted his judge, Derry Dunn. The large group had a great time.

This week, TheBunch dines at Robert’s. A change next week, TheBunch will be back at PK’s and not Robert’s as previously announced.

Everyone always welcome.*****A great place for a lunch snack is Veterans Grocery, on Dupont, in the Cove since 1945.

It’s now operated by one of Tony Caillier’s daughters.

Ray Trahan introduced me to their real Cajun boudain link, different than any other.

I stopped in last week.

It’s like going back in the past.

Like me, you might even run into our friend Jim Goodman.

It’s one of our unique places.*****We ran into the lovely Donna Peterson last week.

She’s such a sweetheart. She’s not “Rosie the Riveter” she’s “Donna the Plumber.” The Peterson’s are all nice looking people but more than that, they have a strong work ethic.

You can depend on Peterson Plumbing.Donna, Sr. is the monarch.

Donna, Jr. and the boys will attest to that.

Mom is a real corker.*****The “skeeters” are coming, you can book it.

I’ve already called Pestco. They guarantee their product.

You won’t have to fight skeeters for several weeks.

Give them a call to schedule an appointment.

Get in line early.*****A few folks celebrating their special day in the next few days.

April 1, April Fools Day, babies born on this day are Tracie Ray, Pam Savoy, Elizabeth Weir, Angie Sellers, Allison Asbury and Steve Adams.

They join celebrity singer Susan Boyle, 53, actors Debbie Reynolds, 81,Ali MacGraw, 75, reality star Jon Gosselin, 37, country singer Kip Moore, 34, and wrestler Randy Orton, 34.*****On April 2, Arline Dodge celebrates as does Mack McDonald, Jason Vincent, Ed Whitrock, Dalica Marie Bienivides, Vickie Foreman and Norma Free.

They are joined by singer Emmylou Harris, 67 and actress Linda Hunt, 69.

This was also the birthday of the late Marvin Gaye (1939-1984).*****On April 3, officer Lannie Claybar celebrates, also Alan Anderson, Linda Currie, Desirea Wilson. They join Eddie Murphy, 53, Paris (Michael’s daughter) Jackson, 16, Alex Baldwin, 56, Doris Day, 90 and Wayne Newton, 72.*****Martin Luther King was killed by James Earl Ray on April 4, in 1968.

Those celebrating birthdays are our buddy Burl LaSalle, who turns 60, our longtime employee and friend Al DeRoche turns 87 and still going strong.

He don’t see too good, he don’t hear much and he pees often but he’s still going strong.

Also celebrating are Joe Perry, Rose Cormier, Jason Ballard, Kirk Jordan and Sandra McRight.

They join TV actors Craig Nelson, 70, Marty McKeon, 48 and Jamie Lynn Spears, 23.*****April 5 we celebrate Easter Sunday.

Having birthdays on this day are 2013 BCHS grad Race Dearborne, Libby Harrison, Janet Bland, Niki Viola and our dear friend and longtime recipe contributor to this publication Nancy McWhorter.

Celebrity birthdays are Pharrell Williams, 41, Colin Powell, 77, Betty Davis was born on this day (1908-1989).*****On this day, April 6, in 1917, the United States entered WWI. Celebrating today is pretty Cyndie Chauvin, David Blanton, Brenda McPherson, Helen Locklin and Shirley Hayes.

They join country singer Merle Haggard, 77, actors Paul Rudd, 45, Merilu Henner, 62 and Christian singer Kari Jobe.*****On April 7, Shelly Watts has a birthday, also Kevin Ernst, Janet Anderson, Linda Juneau, April Butler, Wayne McPherson and Billie Jo Nelson. They join actors Russell Crowe, 50, Jackie Chan, 60, football players Tiki Barber, 39, andTony Dorsett, 60, director Francis Ford Coppola, 75.

Singer Billie Holiday was born on this day (1915-1959).

Happy birthday to all.*****Amber Dunn arrived Monday evening from Ohio.

She says it has been the coldest winter in the six years she has been there.

She doesn’t know why anyone would want to live in Ohio and doesn’t plan to spend another winter there.

She came home for a short visit with family and aging grandparents but also to get her fix of crawfish, shrimp and steamed crabs.

Within an hour of landing, she was enjoying some of Richard’s spicy boiled crawfish from Peggy’s on the Bayou.*****If you’re ready for some Mexican food, I’m hearing some good things about CASA Horrnito’s in Mauriceville.

It’s under new ownership.

I’m going to check them out Thursday.

Margaritas on that day are only $1.29.

I’ve got an extra $5 for three of them.*****Caution: If you live in Bridge City, be sure and check the cost of your flood insurance. Some people have been receiving statements with as much as triple increases.

These are mistakes.

Contact your insurance agent.*****Ever since George W. was Texas governor, Republicans have been hell bent on a school voucher bill using state tax payer money to send kids to private schools.

Now, it’s a top priority of Lt.

Gov. Dan Patrick.

He promised to throw his full weight behind “school choice” and vouchers in particular.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Tracie Ray, Elizabeth Weir, Pam Savoy, James Williams, Steve Adams, Allison Asbury, Angie Sellers, James "Mack" McDonald, Barbara Riddick, Vickie Foreman, Dalica Marie Bienivides, Ed Whitrock, Jason Vincent, Kellie Fontenot, Kent Pierce, Norma Free, Mack McDonald, Margaret Richter, Michael McAllister, Mikayla Kohn, Nevella Toal, Sawyer Hogan, Arline Dodge, Mahala McClanahan, Victor Hernandex, Walter Terry, Desirea Wilson, Eddie Asbury, Geoff Rendall, Lannie Claybar, Linda Currie, Alan Anderson, Hillary Benefield, James Wroten, Ed McCracken, Debbie Kendick, Hovel Chandler, Jason Ballard, Jeremy Simmons, Joe Peery, Kathie Dorman, Kirk Jordan, Mike Callahan, Rose Cormier, Sandra McRight, Shiloh Walker, Spencer Johns, Travis Primrose, James Wroten, Al DeRoche, Brandie Fowler, Dan Domas, Jean Taylor, Niki Viola, Janet Bland, Helen Mahfouz, Libby Harrison, Lisa Coffey, Nancy McWhorter, Race Dearborne, Cora Woodard, Cyndie Chauvin, David Blanton, Helen Locklin, James Bourdier, Jean Saxon, John Green, Shirley Hayes, Bob Cummings, Brenda McPherson, Shelly Watts, Janet Anderson, Kevin Ernst, Linda Juneau, Wayne McPherson, April Butler and Billie Jo Nelson.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Clotile went to visit her new daughter-in-law Marie. She knock on da door and Marie say, “Come in.” Clotile walked in da house and was shocked to find Marie lying on da couch, buck naked.

Clotile say, “Wat you doing wit no cloth on hanh?”

Marie say, “Well, Tee-Boy like to see me like dis when he comes home him. I call it my love dress.”

Clotile, red faced and flustered turned around and headed home. On da way to da house, she tought dat might not be a bad idea to be dat way when Clovis come home. It might wake him up and dey could have some fun dem.

Clovis walk in da house and find Clotile laying on da couch wit nutten on, plum necked her. Clovis look at her and say, “Wat is dis?”

Clotile say, “Mais Honey, I got my love dress on, wat you tink, hanh?”

Clovis him shake his head and say, “Needs ironing. Wat’s for supper?”

C’EST TOUT

Tuesday, a self imposed deadline for the United States and five other world powers, negotiating with Iran on an agreement that limits Iran’s nuclear program and ensures it does not develop nuclear weapons goes down to the wire.

They are making progress but may have to extend the talks a day or two.*****The National Semi-finals: The Final Four will be played Saturday.

The number one seed, Kentucky, is going for their 39th win against Wisconsin is in hopes of winning their 40th and the national championship.

Michigan State goes up against Duke. The winner will play for the championship.

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is in his 12th Final Four.*****It’s come on a full moon.

Beware of the crack pots who have the world coming to an end and the U.S. going down the drain with a civil war and all kind of other ignorant stuff.**** Here’s hoping your Easter basket runneth over.

I’ve already received my big “Chocolate Rabbit” from Marlene Merritt.

It’s a yearly thing that takes care of my chocolate cravings throughout the year.

Take care, God bless and Happy Easter.