Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

CHAMBER BANQUETS ORANGE and BRIDGE CITY

Dec. 19 at noon is the deadline for reservations to the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting and awards banquet. The 2024 Citizen of the Year and the Non-Profit and Business Community Service Awards will be presented Jan. 7, 2025 at the Orange County Convention and Expo Center. Sponsorship tables are $650, while individual tickets are $60 per person. Contact GOACC to reserve your spot. The GOACC is currently seeking sponsorships for the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series scheduled for later this year.*****Sponsorships and tickets are also available for the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce for their annual banquet scheduled for Jan. 27, 2025 at the Bridge City Community Center. Tables that seat eight are available for $300, while individual tickets are $35. They are still accepting nominations for Business and Person of the Year. You can email nominations to [email protected] or drop off suggestions in sealed envelopes at the Chamber office.*****The Record early Christmas issue will be out Tuesday, Dec. 24. Kaz always sent greetings to nearly 300 people each year. He took out the names of those who had passed and added new ones. We plan to give out a few awards and recognitions in that issue.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2014

The West Orange-Stark Mustangs will make their presences known when they stampede into Cowboy Stadium at high-noon Friday. Coach Cornell Thompson’s “Little Ol’ Team” of Mustangs have proven in the last few weeks that they can run the pastures with anybody. What a great season WO-S has had, making it all the way to the state championship. The Gilmer Buckeyes are loaded with experienced talent. On paper, they are the best 4-A team in Texas with 15 wins. In 12 of those wins they scored 50 or more points. However, they haven’t played Thompson’s flying Mustangs. The shootout at high noon will be televised on FOX Southwest. If I get to watch it I will probably turn the volume down and listen to Stelly and Kimbrough on the radio.*****Gone but not forgotten: We were sorry to hear about the death of longtime attorney Lynwood Sanders, 83, who died Friday, Dec. 12, 2014. Services were held Dec. 15. We had known Lynwood since he arrived in Orange in the 1950’s. A native of Dry Creek, LA, he was raised and graduated from DeQuincy High School and LSU Law School. Over the years, Lynwood was licensed to practice law in both Texas and Louisiana. He was the owner of Sabine Title. He served as Orange County Democratic Chairman from the late 1980’s through the 90’s. He was Orange County campaign chairman for Congressman Charlie Wilson for over 20 years. Deepest sympathy to daughter Ann, sons Alan, Jim and Steven and their families.*****Juanita Dunn Perry, 74, of Mauriceville, passed away last Saturday, Dec. 13, 2013. Services held Thursday, Dec. 18, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Juanita was a daughter of Wilson “King” Dunn and wife Eloide. Juanita was a retired school teacher from the Orangefield ISD. To her son Greg, daughter Liska and their families, as well as her brothers Andy, Derry, Danny and Tommy and sister Nancy and their families, we extend our sincere condolences.***** We were glad to learn that Justice of the Peace David Peck is doing better after having surgery last week. An accident, the results of a 3 a.m. fall in his bathroom, caused head injury necessitating surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain and to stop the bleeding. The doctors plan to wake him up Tuesday and bring him out of the coma in order to have a better diagnose of his condition.*****It was no surprise that Marcus Marieta won the Heisman award. The Oregon Ducks quarterback received twice as many points as second place finisher Melvin Gordon, running back at Wisconsin. Alabama receiver Amari Cooper finished third, Marieta is the first Hawaiian native to win the Heisman.*****A coalition of liberals and conservatives introduced a proposal in the Texas House Monday to make possession of a small amount of Marijuana in Texas a civil infraction instead of a crime. House Bill 507 was filed by Rep. Joe Moody. Those caught with an ounce or less would get a $100 fine. I believe something like that might work. It’s a long way from the 1960’s when a guy could be sent to the joint for 35 years for holding a match box full of weed. A small match box at that.***** On Dec. 20, a long ago Port Arthur beauty, longtime Bridge City Market Basket fixture, Annie Hargrave celebrates. Also our good friends Kenny Pigg and Phillip Welch, who we met back in the mid-1970’s, and there is no one we have more respect for. On Dec. 21, Judge Buddie Hahn celebrates his birthday. He and lovely Ms. Carol celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary two days later on Dec. 23.*****On Dec. 23, our buddy Chris Gunn celebrates as does Sue Cowling.*****Micha Thibodeaux is home after having heart surgery. She came home Tuesday and is recovering nicely. She is very sore but all is going well with everything.*****I understand Gerald Morris is due to come home this week from Houston hospital and will be home for Christmas. (Editor’s note: Our neighbor Gerald passed away Feb. 7, 2015 at age 76.)

20 Years Ago-2004

County commissioner John Dubose is named Citizen of the Year by the Bridge City Chamber. Dubose started his political career in 1989 as a Bridge City city councilman, served as mayor in 1995 to 2000 before being elected commissioner in 1999. He received the American Hometown Leadership award.*****Gone but not forgotten: Week for Homeboys. We were saddened to learn that so many of our homeboys passed away in the past week. Uncle Jim McKay, who lived to be 100, used to say that many deaths occurred in winter when the sap was down, like the oak tree. The friends we lost were mighty oaks. On Dec. 13, 2004, we were saddened to learn that Bridge City city councilman and friend of many years, Robert “Bob” Bucklin, had died of a heart attack at age 64. “Buck” was a good Christian man. Louis Gay, 75, a friend spanning 50 years also left us on Dec. 13. Curtis C. Brown, 76 and Bill McCauley, 75, died on Dec. 13 as well.***Bill Thrilkill, 73, Orange native and Genoa Werth, 76, Melba Lobb, 84 and Icam Henry “Mack McCullough, 83 died Dec. 14.***Johnnie Nicks, 80, died on Dec. 15.***Claude Bell, 76, died Dec. 16 as did Sue Boone, 88, Melba Berkheimer, 68.***John Roy Lawrence, 34 and O’Neil Bornette, 64, died Dec. 17.***Donnie Holden, just 57 years old, died Sat. Dec. 18. We also lost Lawrence Jacobs, 45, on Dec. 18.***A longtime friend, banker Phil Womack, 69, checked out on Dec. 19. What a guy.***Louis Foreman, 85, Dec. 20. (Editor’s note: It has truly been a sad week. I can’t remember when we had so many deaths in a one week period.)*****Coach David Williams is calling it quits as A.D. and head football coach at LC-M. Throughout the years Coach Williams has always been a class act.*****Congrats to Bridge City Cardinal Doug Carlton who was named All-State Honorable Mention on both offense and defense on the 3-A All State football team.*****Everyone had a great time at the Bridge City Rotary’s 30th anniversary gathering Friday night. I understand ten of the original charter members were present. Bill Weisman, Bubba Hubbard, H.D. Pate, Roy Dunn, Bill Nickum, Wilson Roberts, Don Cole, Dr. Joe Majors, Dr. David Olsen and first president of the club Jerry Pesson all attended. Coming from Beaumont was former member Mike Hatton and lovely wife Nancy. Thanks to Lou Raburn, who put the reunion together. Five charter members, Joe Fields, Tim Lieby, Louis Linder, Rev. Ed Robinson and Butch Lusignan all passed away before the 2004 reunion. Only Bill Nickum, Dr. David Olson, Roy Dunn and Mike Hatton remain today in 2024.

45 Years Ago

A look at a few of the people who are the movers and shakers around the community. They are planning on celebrating the Christmas holidays with family and friends. Joe Blanda, Dewey “Teddy Bear” Cox, Judge Sid Caillavet, Joe Runnels, Cecil Beeson, Earl Bishop, T.L. Gunn, J.K. Conn, Judge James Neff, Henry Stanfield, Jackie Harmon, Bill Townes, Ovie Harmon, Frank Zeto, Martin and Doug Ardoin, Fred Gregory, Elmer Newman, Gus Harris, Morris Collier, Sally Frazier, P.M. “Red” Woods, Bob Bucklin, Arthur Simpson, Raymond Gould, Ernest Willard Frank, judge Graham Bruce, Alvin Keown, Jimmy Segura, Mead Graves, Charlie Grooms, Major Inman, Johnnie Nicks, Larry Gunter, Bob Montagne, Jim Gilliam, Mayor Glenn Seales, Cal Peterson, Larry Ward, Leland Morrow, Marlin Thompson, Malcolm Dorman, Davis Cooper, Charlie Patton, Patsy Fisette, Bill Cunningham, Bill Hughes, Henry Houseman, Ed Bacon, Huey Simon, Tim Lieby, Les Samms, Alton Williams, Dick Bevins, Tony and Frank Giarratano, Frank Manchac, Charles Fredrick, Grover Halliburton, Lowell Scribner, Houston Baker, Lewis Gay, Bill Thrilkill. W. T. Oliver, Bill Butler, Bob Axelson, Beth Dugas, Butch Johansson, Bobby Menard, Buzzie Gunn, Jimmy Tupin, Nolton Brown, Arthur Anderson, Hal Ridley, Steve Williamson, Donald Gunn, John Montagne, Sr., Snuffy Smith, Jewel and Paul Cormier, Jewel Stevens, Louis Linder. (Editor’s note: All of the above mentioned folks have one thing in common 45 years later. Today none of them are still living. We join their families and friends in remembering them during this Christmas season. I had a personal relationship with many of them, including Bob Axelson, who I helped run out of the newspaper business. Otherwise they were the greatest folks I’ve ever known.)

A FEW HAPPENINGS

I always enjoy visiting with Judge Chad Jenkins. He informs me that it will probably be February before it is cold enough to make Top Hog Sausage. In fact, I used our last pack this weekend. I made a special gumbo with ducks, a gift from Cpt. Chuck Uzzel, Andouille sausage and shrimp. I could patent it but sausage and wild duck are not always available. Wendee and Chad’s middle boy Tyler became engaged on Thanksgiving. They think that’s great, Chad calls it growing the family.***** The GOACC is currently seeking sponsorships for the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series scheduled for later this year.*****Dow Anderson sent me a sad message. The frost a few days ago put an end to his LSU okra for this year but I can expect plenty next summer. I love it.*****Lugi Mangione has been indicted by a New York Grand Jury for murder of United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson. It’s unbelievable but now Mangione is getting plenty of public support. That’s absolutely wrong.***** Orange's Kevin 'Pup' Smith was honored with a big banquet and ceremony in Las Vegas at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino as he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. The former WOS Mustang set all kinds of records playing for Texas A&M and then went on to a career with the Dallas Cowboys. His mother, Ora Mae Smith and his friend Russell Bottley from Orange attended the event.*****Elva and Craig Couvillion are off on another tropical cruise. Seems they are cruising so much they come home to get their land legs back.*****Patricia Kemp is staying busy non-stop during this holiday season. She worked at the VFW party, plus helped with the OC Sheriff's Office Blue Santa party and she's doing lots of volunteering for the local Salvation Army.*****When Amie Smith wants a fire, her hubby Trey goes all out to go to a convenience store to pick up some wood.*****Retiring County Court at Law Judge Troy Johnson got serenaded by singers from Orange Community Players, including Orange City Councilor Paul Burch. You can hire the OCP singers to do caroling on December 20 and 21 by going to their Facebook page or calling 979-4550-3254. Donations from the caroling go toward remodeling the old movie theater into a playhouse.*****Sheila Faske does a lot of traveling and loves Buc-ee's so much she got a Buc-ee's Beaver waffle iron. Lady Whistlebreaux thinks Keith might get special waffles for Christmas breakfast.*****The Stark Museum of Art staff put on another great family day this past Saturday, setting an attendance record of nearly 1,500 visitors for a family day. The live reindeer were a big hit with the kids and coordinated with the museums display of reindeer cutouts decorated with designs by local artists. Did you know the late Lutcher Stark brought live reindeer to town back in 1953 to help pull Santa in the annual downtown Christmas parade?*****Judge Derry Dunn hasn’t made it to the top of the mountain yet but with a stick he’s going to make this week’s LCM board meeting. By the way, one of my favorite people, Jane Dunn, has retired from teaching. She loves teaching but helping Derry through rough times is more important.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

 A few folks celebrating birthdays in the new few days. Dec. 18: David Claybar, Mandy Hoffman, Tracey Lynn Broussard, Dyann Schiler, Jill Vaughn, Julia Alleman.*****Dec. 19: Kenneth Pigg, Phillip Welch, Ellisia Smith, Christina Carpenter, Marcu McLellan, Mitch Hidalgo, Raymond Hughes, Shelby Vogt, Stacey Bates, Andrew, Havens.*****Dec. 20: Annie Hargrave, Jeremy Granger, Jeffery Huebel, Majed Jaarah, Marion Martin, Matt Reeves.*****Dec. 21: Buddie Hahn, Daniel Perry, Rick Deutsch, Rachel Guidry.*****Dec. 22: Phyllis Broussard, Rodney Harmon, Yvonne Veillon, Clevie Fontenot, Charlee Lemons, Dale Burns, Debi Foster.*****Dec. 23: Chris Gunn, Rodney Petty Sr., Jane Holton, Sue Cowling.*****Dec. 24: Holly Bryan, Mindy Granger, Toni Thompson, Terri Estes, Helen DeRoche, Lewis Sims, Mary Jane McCune, Mike Dillion.***** Happy birthday also to Lee Clark on his 91st and Robert Lanning on his 90th. They are making Jack McKinney and Jimmy Mooney look young at 86. Hoping Jack recovers quickly from his fall and leg injuries that needed staples. Other birthdays recently included Richard Teague, Laura Brown, Nic Provost,Ellen Watters Wiemers, Ricki King, Peggy Wells, Ruthie Landry, Charles Darden, Cody Caples, Davin Bergeron, Sam Dunn, Frederick Robinson, Cheryl Sharpton-Stalnaker, Pam Hughes, and Johnny Mallory.*****Happy Anniversary to Becky and Mark Messer on Dec. 21, and Carol and Buddie Hann, who celebrate 58 years Dec. 23.***Chris and Linda Gunstream celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, while Mike and Betty Garrison had No. 7 and Paul and Raul Burch have been married nine years.

WORLD’S 10 RICHEST PEOPLE

Here are the World’s 10 richest people. 1. Elon Musk: $320 billion; 2. Jeff Bezos, $235 billion; 3. Mark Zuckerberg: $205 billion; 4. Larry Ellison, $203 billion; 5. Bernard Arnault, $164 billion; 6. Bill Gates, $162 billion; 7. Larry Pages, $161 billion; 8. Sergey Brin, $151 billion; 9. Warren Buffett, $148 billion; 10. Steve Gallmer, $148 billion.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK 

My cuzzin Sostan is da papa of six chillums and he is, like most Cajuns, very proud of his achievement. Sostan is so proud him, dat he started calling his wife, Sugar Bee, “Mudder of Six.”

At first Sugar Bee jus try to ignore it but in time she started objecting an axe him not to call her dat no moe.

Last week, dey went to a pre-Christmas party at Tee-Boy’s Bar and Grill, wat Tee-Boy was having for all his customers and friends.

Sostan, after drinking nearly a dozen beers noticed the old clock on da wall said 10:45 p.m. Having to go to work early da next morning, he deside him, dat was

time for him and Sugar Bee to go home.

Da place was loud and he look around an don’t see Sugar Bee so he stand on a chair and shouts at da top of his voice, “Mudder of Six” we gotta go home us, are you ready, hanh?”

Sugar Bee is really irritated by Sostan’s lack of discretion and for not honoring her wishes so she shouts right back, “Anytime you ready, “Father of Four.”

Sostan him turn bright red, climb down from da chair and head for da door.

ORANGE IN THE 1950s-WHAT A TOWN

We received a text message from an unknown sender about a story written by Mike Louviere and published in The Record, April 14, 2021. Sharon, (no last name) must have found it while scanning the net. That happens. We hear from people around the world. She remembers Orange the way I do. We haven’t heard from Mike in several years. Maybe we will if he reads this. The last we heard he was at the Lake, near Conroe. We would also like to have Sharon’s last name. The article went like this. “What a walk down memory lane to read your article! I lived in West Orange just across the street from the ABC Grocery store, now Danny’s, owned by Raymond Hubbard, father of Tommy Hubbard. He was a few years older than me and during the summer, he operated a snow cone machine in the store. They lived on Western Ave a block from the store. My father was shop foreman at Livingston Shipbuilding on Front St. Some of my favorite places were Wood’s Toy Store, The Mercantile, Zack’s Burgers, Pop’s gas station & Strand Theater. I moved away and returned several times and the last time I moved was in 1969. The 50’s in Orange were like a Norman Rockwell painting. A lost era….thanks for the memories.”*****I’ve gotta go now. Thanks for coming along. Look us over and read us cover to cover. Don’t forget our Christmas issue will be out a day early next Tuesday, Dec. 24. Take care and God bless.