Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

CHRISTMAS THE BIRTHDAY THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

It’s come on the Christmas season, a joyous time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. On Dec. 25, many people who attend church just once a year will attend religious services. The youngsters will wake up to the joy of gifts under the tree, many not yet realizing why this day of gifts from Santa Clause and the big feast mom has planned is a special day and why we celebrate. Many youngsters are happy that they are going to Grandma’s house, where all the aunts, uncles and cousins come together. The children enjoy a fun filled day while the adult rehash old stories about their youth, like how Uncle Tommy got in all that trouble with Papa when he started a fire that nearly spread to the house. It’s a great day for the generations to renew the love of the family unit. As the years go by, one at a time they move on to meet their Maker. New babies arrive to take their place. The conversations change to those good Christmas times at Grandma and Papa’s place. Aunts and uncles are now the old folks and the cycle continues. Memories are made at Christmas gatherings that are everlasting. Christmas, the birth of Christ, is a time to give thanks for family and our many blessings. May you have a very Merry Christmas. We give thanks to you, our loyal readers and supporters. I must move on. Please come along, I promise it won’t do you no harm.

ENDING ANOTHER YEAR

This time of year is usually hectic but worse this year with an early paper deadline, plus we put off too much and now it’s all bottlenecked. We haven’t had time to make phone calls or return any. This holiday is not going to be the big gatherings of the past. Our folks are scattered far away. After the first of the year, I will have to be visiting several doctors, now-a-days all specialists. Dr. Morbia at Gulf Coast Cardiology and Dr. Chris Penning have kept me alive for the last 30-plus years but now I have to have a specialist for each aliment. When visiting doctors you get to rest and waste time a lot. You spend two or three hours in the lobby, then another hour in a little waiting room, then the doctor takes three to five minutes to recommend you see a specialist. The year 2024 started in the hospital with COVID so I’m looking forward to welcoming a better, heath-wise, 2025.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2014

 Gone but not forgotten. Don Harmon was a good and generous man. Don and I go back to when we were both in our young 20’s and in all those years I’ve never known a fairer, kinder, caring, straight-shooter. Don helped countless people, many needing just a little help. He would travel Texas and Louisiana visiting car dealers who became his friends throughout the years. When he worked South Louisiana, he would often return to Orange with a trunk full of fresh baked, hard crust French bread and would then pass it around to friends.  Don had been a football star at Stark High and as a fleshly halfback was offered a scholarship to McNeese but went into the Army during the Korean conflict. On his return joined his dad and brothers in the car business and married Dorothy Bonin. Don and Ms. Dorothy raised two fine young men, Donnie and Kevin. Dorothy, was sick for a long time. Don took care of her diligently, even though he was having some health problems himself. He didn’t see a doctor until after her death. Finally it was too much to overcome. Don, who had maintained his high school football playing weight was a sticker for good health, hadn’t smoked, drank or abused his body and was an unlikely candidate for cancer. There were a lot of car dealers and wholesale buyers around that Don probably has reunited with. Charlie Wickersham, Bill Bell, J.T. Harrison, Leo Brown, Bill Kizer, Leon Slayter and many others and his longtime friend banker Elmer Newman. It will be quite a reunion. Don also will again be with Dorothy, the love of his life. As for me, like so many others, I loved the guy. Donald Cecil Harmon, Sr., 83, passed away Dec. 20, 2014. Dorothy died two years earlier on Dec. 14. Funeral services were held at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Since then his brother and partner Corky passed away May 3, 2017.)***** Up jumped the rabbit and like that Karen Jo is gone, didn’t waste much time packing. After 40 years in the County Clerk’s office, she has hung it up. She says, “God’s plan for our lives is sometimes a complete surprise.” She said she never expected to retire. “My 60th birthday is Dec. 28th and retirement is the best gift God could have given me and it truly was a surprise. *****Bridge City ISD Athletic Director Richard Briggs released a list of 52 applicants for the head football coaching job. Applicants came from all over the country and locally. Indiana, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana and Arizona were some out-of-state applicants. Many applied throughout Texas, some assistants at large schools. ***** Seen at Denny’s were the Johnson boys, Kenny and Steve, celebrating birthday breakfast for big brother David, who turned 71 on Saturday, *****Also spotted was Jody Raymer, escorting two lovelies, Beverly and mother-in-law Ms. Pearl, who looks good and getting around like a pro with her walker.*****For 20 years, a couple of days before Christmas, the late Dot Eshbach brought homemade fudge to us. We were surprised last week when the mail brought a package of fudge from Cal and Connie Eshbach, of Kernes, TX, in “Honor of Dot.” Thanks, she was a special lady. *****Tuesday our Cajun buddy Jessie Domingue came by with some French bread from LeJeune’s Bakery in Jeanerette. Ironically, he also brought a loaf for Don Harmon, unaware that Don’s funeral was going on at the very time. Jessie also treated us with Cajun mirliton and quail eggs from Darrell Broussard in Gueydan. Jessie is not only a talented musician but also is one heck of a great Cajun.

50 Years Ago-1974

The Harmon brothers, Jackie, Carlton and Don have purchased 22 acres of commercial property on MacArthur Drive. *****The Lynn Emerson’s have moved into their new magnificent home in Bridge City. Neighbors across the street are Helen and Doug Harrington. *****Attorney H.D. Pate is enlarging his law office to accommodate former assistant district attorney Don Burgess. (Editor’s note: Don went on to become a district judge and appellant court judge. Thanks to Tom DeLay’s redistricting, the Judge will be pursuing other avenues. He chose not to run for re-election.)*****The Orange County Bar Association installed new officers at a party held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Cash “Jack” Smith. Buddie Hahn was installed president, H.D. Pate vice-president, Don Burgess, sec/treasurer.*****Getting special honors at the Bridge City football banquet were Charlie Hildabrant, outstanding back; Craig Morris, outstanding lineman; Randy Fults and Hildabrant were named most valuable players.*****Betty Williams is one of the sweetest, sexiest gals in the country. The young bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dick Bevins and runs the front end at Texas Ave. Grocery, a family business. *****District Attorney Sharon Bearden warns folks who will party over the holidays not to drink and drive. If you can’t find someone to take you home, leave your car parked and locked and call a cab.*****Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1 Judge James “Stick” Stringer becomes a private citizen come Jan. 1.*****Larry Gunter is Pinehurst city judge.*****Orange city secretary is Mavis McClure.*****Wayne Baker is named new sales manager at Butler-Baker Pontiac/AMC.*****Dr. Paul Willis is West Orange school superintendent.*****The New Year’s eve party will again be at Laverne and Hal Ridley’s place in Victory Gardens. Laverne throws a good party. *****Phyllis and Roy Dunn will mark their 20th anniversary Dec. 31. It should be another one of those sunset to sunrise celebrations bringing the New Year of 1975.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

People, businesses, and industries across Orange County showed their big hearts and generosity to help families in need have a nice holiday. Orange Mayor Larry Spears on Monday afternoon gave out more praises as 55 gift requests from senior citizens in nursing homes were still hanging on a tree. The mayor credited Renee Chitty, Megan Hogan, and Kristin West for gathering up the general people here to raise more than $600 to help senior citizens get a present.*****Looks like Santa may need to make sure Rudolph's nose is lit in Oranges County because the forecast is calling for clouds and rain on Christmas Eve into Christmas Day. But the temps will be mild. A little rain and wet ground has never kept a kid away from playing with new toys. Yikes. Lady Whistlebreaux just realized how age is creeping up. Are most of Santa's gifts electronic these days? Balls and dolls, bicycles and scooters are still popular, just as they were through the 20th Century.*****Shangri La Gardens once again put on a huge holiday light show to draw thousands to the attraction. Some people went on nights you had to bundle up against the cold, and some had to put mosquito spray on during the warmer humid nights. Traffic seemed to move a bit easier with the sidewalk the city of Orange built with money from the hotel occupancy tax. Kudos to the Stark Foundation, Shangri La employees, and local volunteers who keep this event as one of our greatest local attractions.*****Michael Catt along with John and Patrick Bell, went to Austin to see the Longhorn win against Clemson on Saturday.*****The local schools are out for the holidays and when classes start up in January, the last semester will fly by. Bridge City High School has already announced the royal court members for the Winter Formal on January 18. Senior royalty are Rylee Armand, Hallie Bearden, Allison McAllister, Isabella Weeks, Merik Aras, Jagger Carlin, Peyton Doucet, and Tucker Flatt. Junior court members are Isabel Parker, Alexa Soto, Juan Garcia, and Adison Wood. Sophomore royalty are Paisley Brown, Jensyn Yeaman, Elijah Akers, and Reece Skinner. Freshman court members are Rylee Hebert, Eliabeth Liingston, Joshua Luna, and E'ythen Wiley.*****Roderick Robertson can still get a powerful swing with a baseball bat at the age of 56. However, Lady Whistlebreaux wonders if his wife, Brandy, had to get out the liniment.*****Our buddy, Sharon Bearden took a fall last Thursday and broke his right hip. He was operated on Sunday at St. E’s to replace the ball. He went into surgery at 1:00 p.m. and be 4:00 p.m. they were serving him one of those famous St. E’s chicken meals. He was in good spirits and looking forward to being home Tuesday. He wishes everyone a very “Merry Christmas.” Before long he will be back on the trail defending his innocent clients. As long as I’ve known him he never had a guilty client. That’s according to him.*****After producing last week’s papers, Mark and Ethel Dunn left Vero Beach, Florida, arriving Saturday evening. By Sunday Mark started working on this issue of the County and Penny Record with one day less work time Papers for the next two weeks will be published Monday night for early Tuesday morning delivery. He brought his dad a half bushel of Indian River County grapefruit. He and Ethel personally selected each one. For next week’s paper he will be back in Vero Beach, leaving the day after Christmas.***** We send out congratulations to Makenna Knight from Bridge City ISD, made the All State Volleyball Team.*****Philip Welch and 8-year-old Sterling attended the high school state championship game at AT&T stadium, home of the Cowboys. Thanks to the help of former Bridge City school superintendent Jamie Harrison, who is now the second in command of all Texas public schools, Philip and Sterling were able to roam the sidelines and even took pictures on the big Texas star. They saw some great high school athletes, many who will go on to college and pro football. Philip is making memories for his young son.

BREAUX BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

Christmas Day birthday celebrations are always special. Dec. 25: Judge Flo Edgerly, Ronnie Hutchison, Velma Theriot, Janelle Deutsch, Louise Buker, Mary Frances Hartley, Randy Wuske, Christy Thompson and Orange City Councilor Terrie Salter celebrate.*****Dec. 26: Ashley Burris, Emily Glover Jennifer Ferguson, Laura Floyd. Harry Choate was born on this day in 1922.*****Dec. 27: Sharon Bearden turns 85, Coach Russell Bottley, Bobby Fillyaw, Rebecca Johns, Bobby Sibert, Lorraine Bonin, and Max Pelham celebrate today*****Dec. 28: Commissioner Kirk Roccaforte, Karen Jo Vance, Lynda Montagne, Jacob Broussard, Stacy Roberts, Debbie Taylor, Harriet Dubose, Kenneth Wiemers, Linn Cardner, Raymond Costilla.*****Dec. 29: Pam White, Slade McClanahan Sam McLellan, Jacklyn Bradberry, Larry Padget, Sherrie Reid, Lauren Leger.*****Dec. 30: Kari Stringer, Kyler Walron, Paula Aven, Madison Ranee Hanusch, Marie Perkins, Rebecca Hannegan.*****Dec. 31: Richard Hunter, Jessica Anderson, Sandra Hovind, Hayden George and Norma Fusilier, all celebrate today.***Lucy Parker Terry had a birthday and anniversary this past week. She turned 60 years old and her Lucy's Cafe and Bakery marked 24 years in business.***Others marking recent birthdays include Jack Dallas, Brown Claybar, Gene Breaux, Angela Howeth, Sue Louviere Ryder, Theron Pool, Chason Burch, Debora Harmon Lanciaux,  Ellisia Carpenter, Chip DuChamp, Angie Hill McClelland, Hallie Jo Picard, Eddie Welch, Lauren Leigh Lakatta, Janis Woodard, and Christy George.*****Thomas and Phyllis Hennigan, who have retired to the lake, had their 49th wedding anniversary. Also celebrating an anniversary were Brandon and Alexis LaBarbera.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Da Catolic Priest Fatter Paul was making his annual Christmas week rounds visiting wit his parishioners and checking out der devotion to Jesus Christ, who’s birthday would be celebrated in a few days. He stopped for a visit wit old man Alsid Comeaux, wat still live in da old place at Indian Bayou. He’s a poor ex-farmer him.

Da Priest axe po Comeaux, “Mr. Comeaux, if you had a horse would you give it to da Lord, hanh?”

“Maise, I sure would me,” Comeaux answer.

“If you had a cow?” Fatter Paul axe.

“Absolutely I would,” said Comeaux.

“Wat bout a goat?” da Priest axe.

“Sure would,” Comeaux answer.

Den Fatter Paul say, “Well, let me axe you wat bout a pig, hanh?”

Comeaux him, he come rite out of dat old chair and he say, “Now dats not fair Fatter, you know I got a pig me.”

Editor’s note: There’s a Christmas message in there somewhere. 

C’EST TOUT

SPECIAL AWARD TO CAREING PEOPLE

People I’ve found throughout the year, good Samaritans, who reached out to help others. Pete Lista, from Coastal Landscaping and his wife Lori lost their home and all their possessions in a house fire. Many were irreplaceable, historical items. I know about total fire loss, for years you think of things you lost. I walked away, leaving nothing but the ashes. Despite their disaster Pete reached out to help others. He looked out for an elderly couple’s lawn care and made sure the old folks place stayed groomed. Pete will do to ride the range with. He and Lori are good folks. ***Thelma Sterling and Kay Williams are good Christian sisters. Throughout the year they make life a little better for their elder neighbors.***For doing good deeds we recognize Candi Gaspard, a resident of Turner Road, in Bridge City. She is an offspring of the Howard Morse family, grocery pioneers in Bridge City, Vidor and Orange County. Howard once owned Howard’s Super Market and for many years was on the Bridge City Bank board. His son, Wayne, former Bridge City resident, was deeply involved in the family business. He now lives in downtown Beaumont and is not very mobile, however, his daughter Candi sees that he gets The Penny Record, a must read for Wayne. For dropping him a paper each week of the year Candi is a Good Samaritan, a very caring person.***My final Christmas award goes to J.W. Dalton, for being the most accommodating person I know. He will volunteer to help anyone trying to find a solution to a problem. He really gives it his full attention and is sincere about it. That’s why my most accommodating Christmas award goes to this good guy. J.W., a homeboy from the Cove, who now has his full attention set on the betterment of Mauriceville.***Finally, two great guys who you can always count on to have your back. These two long ago Union labor guys have never lost their caring for others. Kenny Pigg and Quincy Procell, whose shop is now part of Lamar State College Orange. The above are just a few. Orange County is loaded with some of the world’s best folks, past and present.*****I’ve got to go. Take care and God bless. May you have a great Christmas.