VIP - December 2010

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4 | NOVEMBER 2009 | theVIPmag.
com
VOLUME 4 ISSUE 2 | DECEMBER 2010 | theVIPmag.com
Interfaith spirit
O F S O U T H E A S T T E X A S Bringing traditions
together
VIPersonality
Kara Hawthorne EVERGREEN
Have an
Chief Elf eco-friendly
of SETX holiday
No-fuss
party treats
+Sequin style
+The best
event party
Are your lips pictures
merry
MISTLETOE- +Salon tips for
smooth hair
READY?
&br
bright
ight
Richard Gagné
Mission in Uganda
GUEST COLUMNIST
Tamika Humphrey
COMPLIMENTARY
The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
Beaumont Plaza
Experience the resort feeling without the price!
Merry as
ristm
Chris
Let us share in planning your next event!

Contact our professional sales department.
3950 I 10 South @ Walden Road
Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 842-5995 Fax: (409) 842-7810
www.holidayinn.com/beaumont-plaza
5(*,1$ )28*+7 :(,*+7 352%/(06 KHU HQWLUH OLIH 6KH DYRLGHG VFDOHV DV ZHOO DV UHFUHDWLRQDO DFWLYLWLHV ZLWK
KHU FKLOGUHQ ,W ZDV QRW WKH OLIH VKH ZDQWHG $IWHU D IUHH RQHRQRQH FRQVXOWDWLRQ ZLWK D ZHLJKW ORVV VXUJHRQ DW
WKH &+5,6786 6RXWKHDVW 7H[DV %DULDWULF &HQWHU 5HJLQD XQGHUZHQW /$3%$1' VXUJHU\ 6LQFH WKHQ VKH KDV

ORVW SRXQGV DQG JDLQHG WKH HQHUJ\ VKH QHYHU KDG 1RZ VKH VSHQGV PRUH WLPH RXWGRRUV UXQQLQJ DQG
SOD\LQJ JDPHV ZLWK KHU NLGV &DWFKLQJ XS RQ WKH DFWLYH OLIHVW\OH WKDW KDG DOZD\V HOXGHG KHU 7R PDNH VXUH VKH
VWD\V RQ WUDFN 5HJLQD WDNHV DGYDQWDJH RI RQJRLQJ DGYLFH DQG VXSSRUW IURP KHU RZQ WHDP RI EDULDWULF GRFWRUV
QXUVHV DQG GLHWLWLDQV 7R VHH LI ZHLJKW ORVV VXUJHU\ LV ULJKW IRU \RX YLVLW RXU :HE VLWH IRU WKH GDWH RI RXU QH[W
IUHH VHPLQDU 2U FDOO IRU D IUHH RQHRQRQH SK\VLFLDQ FRQVXOWDWLRQ
www.setxweightloss.org
409-839-LOSE (5673)
vip magazine
c o n t e n t s
inside december
04 starters 38 totally worthy
6 Reader feedback 38 O, Come, O, Come
8 Letter from the Editor Together
40 Do they know it’s
12 vip style Christmas?
12 Beauty bright 42 Everybody’s waiting
15 health&beauty
15 Bold red lips
for the woman with the bag
44 vip guide
44
16 Blow out your hair 44 Go green: Trim your
worries footprint when you
trim your tree
19 eating&drinking 47 4 great dates in
19 Holiday hors d’ oeuvres December
50 Making a
22 totally social memory
22 Celebrating the best is the
of events, who was there best gift
and what they were of all
wearing
40
19
Where Business &

Pleasure Meet
Business Meetings & Conferences
Receptions & Luncheons
State-of-the Art Communications
Flexible Room Arrangements
Exquisite Decor
1776 Calder Ave. Beaumont, Texas

409.832.1621
www.broussar dscen tre.c om
4 December 2010 | THEVIPMAG.COM

Anne Klein
ruffle-front walk coat, $149.
Call 1-800-345-5273 to find a Dillard’s store near you.

letters e-mails
Editorial
Executive Editor
Dear VIP, CHERYL ROSE
Just wanted to email and say how much I love the magazine!
You do an awesome job! I am an artist/photographer... graphic web Contributing Writers
CATHLEEN COLE
designer… all self taught. I learn a lot from your photos and how TAMIKA HUMPHREY
they are set up and shot. I think you do a great job — creative and HOLLI PETERSEN
HALEY STRAHAN
imaginative. I always love getting the latest VIP! There’s always so
much info wrapped around creativity and fun!!! Thanks VIP! Photography
Contributing Photographers
FARRAH COBB
S! Sincerely,
ITEM
SILVIA MCCLAIN
487
Sabrina Edwards KYLE PETERSEN
RENE SHEPPARD
LEE STINSON
JUDY STOKELY
I love the publication! Good job and Art
such a treasure for Beaumont and the Executive Director, Advertising Services
entire area. ANNA SINGLETARY
Judi Johnston Benoit Manager, Creative Media
via Facebook BLANCHE BOND
Supervisor, Creative Media

New DON GRAY
European Lead Graphic Designer, Creative Media
Thanks for the opportunity to be in
Shipment
JUSTIN BLANE SMITH
this month’s issue, enjoyed meeting
Contributing Designers
Silvia, Judy, and Cathleen!!
Just Also, thanks to Dillard’s for making us
ROSA CLARK
ESMERALDA DAVILA
Arrived look nice. Great magazine,

writers and photographers!!!
KRISTEN FLORES
IVAN GALVAN
KATIE GUIDROZ
DUONG MA
GEORGINA MONDSHINE
Jay Ramirez RICK STEIN
via Facebook
Advertising
To advertise in VIP,
409.880.0700
Dear VIP,
Contact Us
Many thanks for the great article by Cathleen Cole! I really VIP of Southeast Texas
appreciate the time and effort it takes to do this kind of article 380 Main Street
Beaumont, TX 77701
and I thank you for it.
Carlo Busceme, president TO SUBSCRIBE
PLEASE CALL 409.838.2821 OR SUBSCRIBE
Texas Coffee Company ONLINE AT WWW.THEVIPMAG.COM
TO DISPLAY THE MAGAZINE

AT YOUR BUSINESS LOCATION,
Dear VIP, PLEASE CALL 409.838.2821
Thank you for covering the Beaumont Farmer’s Market! I had SUBMISSIONS
no idea that so much was available there until I went! I would TO SUBMIT AN EVENT, ORGANIZATION OR PERSON
FOR CONSIDERATION IN AN UPCOMING ISSUE,
have never gone if I hadn’t seen how much fun everyone was SUBMIT ONLINE AT WWW.THEVIPMAG.COM
having there! OR BY USPS AT ADDRESS ABOVE.
Yours, Copyright © The Beaumont Enterprise
Debbie Smith
A Division of Hearst Newspapers
Publisher
We love to hear from you! BILL OFFILL
Letters to the editor should be sent to: VIP Editor, c/o VIP of
Southeast Texas, 380 Main Street, Beaumont, TX 77704 or via e-mail
to vipnews@thevipmag.com. Please include your contact information
and the city in which you live. Letters may be edited for space. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!
www.facebook.com/vipofsetx
Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vipofsetx.

Heartburn
& Reflux
HELP
Center
40% of Americans
experience heartburn
once a month
If you have chronic heartburn

or reflux and have tried everything,
GERD LIVE
WITHOUT
THE
Call 409.835.9500 today.
BURN
“Visit the only

comprehensive surgical
center for heartburn and
reflux disease in
Southeast Texas. Our
minimally invasive
approaches can alleviate
GERD, and reduce and
possibly eliminate
medications.”
740 Hospital Drive, Suite 280 Beaumont, Texas 77701
Garrett K. Peel, MD, MHS www.prevityclinic.com
Minimally Invasive Surgeon
Previty--Clinic for Surgical Care
vip magazine
e d i t o r ’ s l e t t e r Gotcha Covered
Photography: Silvia C. McClain
W
share smiles Model: Kara Hawthorne
ORKING ON this Cover photo:

issue, I couldn’t get Available at Dillard’s, 409.899.9800
two pop seasonal
songs out of my
Guess CanaryYellow Pea Coat
head – “Do They Black Kenneth Cole New York Mock Neck
Know It’s Christ- MEK Denim Jeans
mas?” and “We Steve Madden multi-color scarf and gloves
Are the World.” Black Gianni Bini Shoe Booties
Cheesiness factor
10, I grant you,
but the lyrics just seemed to suit the stories so well. In Inside photo:
both classic collaborations, individually famous musi- Available at Jackie’s, 409.861.5762
cians and singers combined in a group performance to FLORES & FLORES dress
encourage all of us to reach out to others at this special Rodrigo Otazu earrings
time of year.
When we seem so divided as a nation, as a world,
as people, it’s reassuring to hear of the many individu-
als who cross borders every day, unwilling to let false
boundaries deter them. Take the example of the interfaith
support shown by the volunteers from Temple Emanuel
in Beaumont. Rather than letting the hullabaloo of
Christmas overtake their beliefs, they have found a way to serve their faith and others by a
meaningful gift of volunteer service. Or people like Richard Gagné, who step into unfamiliar
territory to find a passionate purpose.
There are many ways you can reach out to others this season. In my family, we like to
choose children the same age as ours from the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. We have fun shop-
ping as a family for the boys’ and girls’ wishes. If shopping is your idea of fun, you can reach
out to others by going to Main Street Market and supporting the Junior League, which in turn
supports many important needs in our community.
I leave you with this thought, penned by the late Michael Jackson in his collaboration with
Lionel Richie:
We are the world, we are the children

We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day
Just you and me
It may be 25 years since it was written, but it still rings true. Best wishes for a joyous holiday
season.
Cheryl Rose,
Executive Editor
“My days as a television news reporter did
not alleviate my fear of being in front of a still
camera,” Kara Stevens Hawthorne told us, but
you would never believe it as she styles two
seasonal looks to cover your holiday sartorial
Pick up our sister magazine needs: A sparkling holiday dress from Jackie’s
in Beaumont and a colorful cold weather
Be Healthy of Southeast Texas outfit from Dillard’s. “I did enjoy the excuse to
in professional offi
offices
ces and wear sequins,” she said, with her smile that
sparkles brighter than the bling.
rack locations around town.

Nickolina’s proudly presents
Mark Roberts limited
edition fairies and elves.
With a joyful & expressive
face, the Sparkling
Christmas Elf stands
approx. 3 feet tall. The
Deck the Halls Fairy
Stocking is ornately
decorated and can
be filled with all your
special gifts. Limited
quantities are available,
so don’t miss a chance
Leather cuff bracelet featuring a sterling silver cross to add some whimsical
Serving our community since 1918 with elegant to casual magic to your holiday
catering from small to large businesses. Weddings, social, with gold rivets
décor!
corporate catering and more. Our attention to detail makes your New collection by Colorado designer Christy Lea Payne,
event memorable. Call our specialist at 409.840.9051 ext.1 Book featured in the Sundance Catalog
Your Holiday Parties Now! Nickolina’s wishes everyone a “magical” Christmas!
8
Moncla’s Catering. 2530 W. Cardinal Dr., Beaumont, TX Purse Strings Nickolina’s
409.840.9051 ext.1. www.monclas.com 6385 Calder Ave. 1257 W. Lucas, Beaumont, TX
409.866.9742 409.896.2543 • www.nickolinas.com
This 4 1/2 ft. tall
fabulous finds
fabulous
Cloth Santa is ready to
come to your house and
spread a little
Christmas Joy. Warm outerware is making a statement on Lincoln Ave, in
Come by our store
Groves, at Hannah Bay’s Clothing. Black jacket and Gray
today!
long sweater-jacket with fur collar both by Tricotto will keep
Ellis Home Decor & Garden you both warm and stylish this holiday season.
3737 Calder, Beaumont, TX Retailers we love and their
409-839-8473 Hannah Bay’s Clothing
www.ellispottery.com merchandise we love to have! 4343 Lincoln Ave
Groves 408.962.3400
Surgical Expertise…
Board Certification…
Compassionate Care
Specializing in laparoscopic,
gastrointestinal, endocrine, cancer,
spider veins and breast surgery.
We perform surgery at Christus-St
Elizabeth and Memorial Hermann Baptist.
Dayze Creations is on online boutique catering to whimsical
wearables and gifts! Holiday items include a “Girls Night S E T S A Southeast Texas’ highest ranking Black Belt, 9th degree
In” Basket, Muffin Mixes, Handcrafted Bags, Bling T-Shirts, Southeast Texas Surgical Associates Fred A. Simon, is offering his taekwondo classes to
and much more! With over 50 years of sewing experience beginners for a three-month trial period for half off – only
and superior craftsmanship, they offer a wide variety of Emmett R. Mackan, M.D., F.A.C.S.
$25! From January through March, study martial arts
customized products using a variety of fabrics, including Kevin L. Dean, M.D., F.A.C.S under a Texas Legends Hall of Fame and Texas Martial Arts
denim. Check out their website or catch them at a local trade S. Scott Kacy, M.D., F.A.C.S. Hall of Fame Member. After the trial period, join the class
show during the month of December. Iumy Torres-Barja, M.D. for a special discounted rate. Call now to reserve your
place! (Member of the Better Business Bureau)
Dayze Creations 2900 North, Suite 200
Beaumont, TX 77702 • (409) 892.0099 Fred A. Simon’s Tae Kwon Do.
www.dayzecreations.com 6385 Calder (next to Purse Strings)
dayzecreations@yahoo.com • (409) 656-6546 www.setsaonline.com • Hablamos Espanol Beaumont, TX 409.860.5744
10 December 2010 | theVIPmag.com
Give a Spa Gift Card this
We’ll Make Holiday and
Your Holiday Season
Extra-merry!
Buy a gift card for someone special and you’ll be
rewarded!* The more you give the more you get!
Give the Gift of:

$50 or more and receive a $10 Murad Reward Card
$10
Signature $40 Signature
$25
ard Savings Reward
Savings Rew Signature Save on your next Murad ®
r next Murad
®
Save on you
Service. Savings Reward Signature Spa Service.
Signature Spa
Sav e on your next Mur
Signature Spa Serv ad
®
ice.
emed Must be redeemed

Must be rede 1 by 2/28/2011
by 2/28/201 details See back for details
See back for
Must be redee
med
by 2/28/2011
See back for details
Call 409.899.7SPA (7772)

or visit christushospitalspa.com for promotion details!
CHRISTUS Outpatient Pavilion, 1st Floor
755 North 11th Street, Suite D1300, Beaumont, TX 77702

409.899.7SPA (7772) | christushospitalspa.com
© Murad, Inc. 2010
*Limited time gift card promotion valid at the CHRISTUS Healthy Living® Spa, Beaumont, TX through December 25, 2010 or while supplies last. Reward card can be
used toward the purchase of your next Murad® Signature Spa Service until February, 28, 2011. Reward card may not be combined with any other offer, discount or
promotion and cannot be applied toward the purchase of gift cards. Limit one reward card per customer.
theVIPmag.com | December 2010 11

vip style
g l i t t e r g l a m
body
tinselSparkling sequins
the style this season
B
ling is still going
strong with the
fall fashion runways
positively glittering
with sequined accessories and
star-spangled attire. Though
sequins are festive for holiday
dress, current fashion allows
for glitzy style in even
casual outfits.
Long tank top by Chan Luu. Tank dress by Joyous

Amber Venz necklace with pearls and Free in “Gold Rush.”
Paired with a necklace by Liza Kim.
Available at Hannah Bays,
and vintage Chanel chains. 409.962.3400
Available at Jackie’s, 409.861.5762
Rings
from the Otazu
Revolution collection
Earrings with Swarovski crystals.
by E Design.
Available at Jackie’s,
Available
409.861.5762
at Jackie’s,
409.861.5762

Earrings
by E Design.
Available at
Jackie’s,
409.861.57622
409.861.576
Tricotto tunic dress

has a removable necklace.
Available at Hannah Bays,
409.962.3400
Clutch purse by Cristal in black satin.

Marilyn Monroe top

by Simon Chang paired with sequined
skirt by FLORES & FLORES.
Nina
“Erna”
Pump
Available
at Dillard’s,
409.899.9800 or
Ed Hardy dillards.com
“Iceland” Boot.
Available at Dillard’s,
409.899.9800 or
dillards.com
Skechers Women´s
“Glamville Smooch” Sneaker.
Plum Radzoli sweater with Available at Dillard’s, 409.899.9800
embellished neckline. Available at or dillards.com
Hannah Bays, 409.962.3400
THEVIPMAG.COM | December 2010 13
health beauty
LIPSERVICE
m i s t l e t o e m o d e
text by Haley StraHan VIP tips for hot holiday lips

“Everyone should have red for the
holidays...it’s a must!”
Lisa Dishman, an esthetician at Beaumont’s On Stage Hair
Design and Day Spa, said that though red is a year-round color
for lips, it is especially popular for the holidays. But while bold
lips are de rigueur, chapped lips are a winter “don’t.” Before you
pucker up, make sure your lips are perfectly kissable.
In the Red
The hottest hue of the season is sophisticated red. “The focus is
on the lips this year,” said Sheila Ingham of The Skin Salon & Day
Spa in Nederland. Along with pencil skirts and nipped-in waists,
bold lips hark back to the Old Hollywood glamour that is all the
rage in fashion. If you are looking for the perfect red, Ingham sug-
gests comparing potential shades with the inside of your bottom lip.
“The right red will complement the color there,” she explained. From blue-reds
to orange-reds, the options can be daunting. “If you have any hesitation, ask a
professional makeup artist to help you pick a shade,” she said. “Nothing can ruin
your outfit like the wrong red lip color.”
Not sure you can pull off this bold look? Try dabbing frosty gloss on top of the
red lipstick to tone it down. “Rather than lining with a red pencil, choose a natu-
ral shade to line and fill in lips and then use the red sparingly on top,” Ingham
suggested. “This will give you a more subtle color.” Don’t try out the red lipstick
on your way out the door. Instead, Ingham suggests experimenting with several
colors well in advance of your event. VIP
Put Your Lips On

• Pat some base onto your lips to create a blank canvas.
• Lightly dust powder over the base to fill in lines and cracks.
• Line lips over natural lip line. Fill in lips with lipliner for a bolder
color.
• Dab a bit more powder on top.
• Use a brush to apply lipstick evenly and accurately.
• Apply gloss for a little shine.
y
photography by Judy Stokel
• For a bee-stung look, dab a bit of frost in the center of your

bottom lip.
- Sheila Ingham, The Skin Salon & Day Spa

&
health beauty
u n - f r a z z l e d
Chic S l e e k VIP uncovers the secrets

to the ultimate blow-out
text by Haley StraHan
Want that “fresh from the salon” look? Paul Traylor, owner of to avoid that, and they are made on a metal base which heats up
Beaumont’s On Stage Hair Design and Day Spa, gave VIP a step-by- and acts almost like a curling iron.” In fact, many stylists use round
step guide to the perfect blowout. Whether you suffer from flat hair, brushes to create any style from straight to curly.
frizzy hair, or hair somewhere in between, we have the recipe for a
great hair day.
Hairapy
Repeated exposure to thermal devices like blow dryers, straight-
Product Power eners and curling irons can wreak havoc on your locks. Make sure
The products and tools you use on your hair can make or break to take care of your stressed tresses to avoid weakened hair and
your style. “You want to utilize your product carefully,” Traylor breakage. “Hot off the Press is a great new product by Paul Mitchell
explained. “For fine hair, try a volumizer. For curly hair, use a that I use to protect my clients’ hair,” Traylor said. “You put it on
straightening balm to control curl and promote shine. People with before applying any kind of heat to the hair.”
normal hair might try a mousse.” Other ways to avoid damaging the hairs’ delicate cuticles include
It is important to use a light hand with the product to avoid “hel- shampooing with mild products, using conditioner, and skipping
met head.” “I see too many people with over-structured hair,” said drying occasionally. “Most people wash and style their hair every
Traylor. “You want to look like you just woke up this beautiful.” day, so they really need to be using the right products,” Traylor
Also important are the styling tools you use to create your said. “If you have coarse, curly hair, try skipping shampoo for a
blowout. A high-quality hair-dryer will help you control the direc- couple of days. Your hair will look so much better if you stop strip-
tion of the hair. “I use an Elchim dryer, which is very powerful, ping the natural oils away.”
but has a small nozzle so that I can really direct the stream of air.” Traylor recommends consulting with your stylist before trying
Round brushes are another professional must-have. “In the past, a any new thermal device. “You have to use these tools correctly or
lot of people didn’t like round brushes because they got caught in you can seriously damage your hair,” he explained. VIP
peoples’ hair,” Traylor explained. “Today’s round brushes are made
{ “You want to lo
you just woke
ok like
up
this beautiful.”
16 December 2010 |
{
THEVIPMAG.COM
Blow it Out
• Any good blowout starts with the foundation.
Get a good haircut.
• Begin with clean, conditioned hair.
Apply product thoroughly from root to end.
• Section the hair in two inch pieces.
photography by Judy Stokely model

• Starting at the bottom, blow about 60 percent of the
moisture from the first section.
• Use a round brush to control the hair while you aim the
nozzle of the dryer onto the brush.
To achieve volume, hold the brush at the crown of the head.
To straighten, elongate the hair away from the scalp with
the brush.
• Repeat, going in two inch sections toward the crown of
the head.
• After the hair is set, remove the nozzle from the dryer and
tousle the hair to make it look natural and lived-in.
• Use a finishing spray, aiming short bursts of the product at
Brittany aldrich
the roots only. This will hold volume at the crown while
allowing movement at the ends.
• Use a small amount of spray shine all over the hair to close
the cuticle down and avoid frizz.
MAKING NAUGHTY... NICE

O h ! O h ! Happy holidays!
Oh!
number one in fantasy and fun!
3773 college st.

Just in time for the holidays...Beau Visage Salon & Day
A Sweet Deal for the Holidays.
Spa offers a complete menu of services which include
What a great way to start off the new year, as your own
facials for women, men & teens, massage therapy,
boss! Call the owner, Eric Wright, to find out how this Texas Home Health has been preserving the health
manicures, pedicures and hair services, including the
one-of-a-kind holiday gift can be tied up with a red bow for independence and quality of life of seniors for forty years.
new Keratin Straightening treatments! Glo Mineral
the perfect gift giving this Holiday Season! They are licensed and insured to provide home health
Makeovers! Gift certificates available for the most
Local Business for Sale! services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
important people on your Holiday list!
Mail it Wright – Postal & Shipping Center Texas Home Health

1513 South Highway 69 Beau Visage Salon & Day Spa 195 North 11th St., Bmt. 409-839-8166
8
Nederland • 409.727.5804 3015 Nederland Avenue, Suite E. Nederland 409.724.1213 1455 South Hwy 69, Ned. 409-722-3189
www.mailitwright.net www.beauvisagesalon.com 1105 N 5th St., Silsbee 409-385-5890
For that unique

Christmas Gift…
…for Someone
Special
or just a little
something
for Yourself,
Heaven’s Korner’s
wide variety of
special gifts are sure
to please. Select
fabulous finds from our best sellers
like windchimes and
Texas theme
specialties.
Where they have 150+ vendors of cute, unique finds on
Boston Avenue. They are your one-stop for personalized
one-of-a-kind designs.
The Rustic Door - Craft Mall

décor, designs, & stylish finds
1344 Boston Avenue
Nederland 409.722.6255
Nederland Heaven’s Korner
(located inside Holland House)
1205 Boston Avenue
Nederland 409.721.9900
With so many choices in skin care a gift certificate from

Whether you just Lexi VanHorn, is a perfect Gift choice. Facials include:
love to embroidery or Chemical Peels, Facial Infusions, and Microdermabrasion.
have always wanted Massages include: Hot Stone, Raindrop, Therapeutic, and
Exquisite jewelry to start your own so many more. Glo Mineral Makeovers, Ear Candling,
and fine gifts business, Sew Much Permanent Makeup and more.
create a unique More has the right
shopping machine for you! With
experience at the right machine,
Burkett’s Emporium, anything is possible!
a family owned
business for
three generations.
Lexi VanHorn
Certified Medical Aesthetics Provider
BURKETT’S EMPORIUM & Licensed Massage Therapist
1517 S. Highway 69 SEW MUCH MORE
(Located in Beau Visage Salon & Day Spa)
Nederland 409.722.5111 1336 Boston Avenue 3015 Nederland Avenue, Suite E.
www.burkettsemporium.com Nederland 409.853.4387 Nederland 409.724.1213

eating drinking
p a r t y s t a r t e r s
text by HOLLI PETERSEN
’
T
is the season for holiday socials,
cramped calendars and an over-
whelming gift list.
With the entire weight of the holi-
days resting squarely on your shoul-
ders, you shouldn’t have to overthink
your next cocktail party.
Instead, prop up your feet, sip
some eggnog, and let the experts fi ll you in. We
fill
promise your next successful social will be as easy
as it is fun!
Catering vs. Do-It-Yourself

It is the classic decision all party hosts must
eventually address. When do you go it alone and
when do you call in reinforcements?
“The holidays are busy for everyone,” said Ken
Moncla, co-owner of Moncla’s Catering. “Every-
body’s having events, so you really have to think
about what’s best for your party. If it’s a bigger
ELY
event, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle if you go

with a caterer.”
K
TO
And, catering doesn’t always mean expensive.

YS
Caterers, like Moncla’s, specialize in everything from >>

J UD
by
ph
y
a
togr
o
ph

Ken’s Words to Eat By
• Make time for socializing by
carefully preparing and prioritizing
your time before the event.
• Select foods that can be served cold
or room temperature. Also, choose
items that can be baked at the last
minute so you’re not slaving away
in the kitchen as your guests
are arriving.
• Save money by stocking your buffet
with fun and easy filler items, like
hot dogs to beef Wellington and can plan gourmet popcorn made with truffle
menus based upon your budget. Even oil or fresh crudités and fruit trays.
better, full-service caterers take care of • For décor, keep it simple. Make the
everything – from set up to clean up –
leaving you time and energy to socialize most of your Christmas ornaments
with guests. with some clever placement. Or,
Moncla recommends hiring a caterer
for any event with over 70 guests. How- visit your backyard for wintry holly
ever, even a small party can benefit from branches or pinecones.
the assistance and expertise of respected
and affordable caterers.
Ken’s Classic Holiday Recipes

Asparagus Straws
24 asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed

6 sheets of phyllo dough, thawed if frozen
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
12 thin slices prosciutto (about 6 ounces total), Marinated Shrimp
cut in half crosswise Wrapped in Snow Peas
4 ounces parmesan cheese, grated on the
medium holes of a box grater 1 bay leaf
1 pound medium shrimp,
Place the asparagus in a steamer basket over 1 peeled and deveined, tail on
inch of boiling water. Cover tightly and steam until 1 tablespoon champagne
just al dente and bright green, about 2 minutes. vinegar
Transfer to a colander to cool. Preheat the oven to 1 tablespoon rice wine
450°F. with the rack in the center. Line a baking vinegar
sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Place 1 ¼ cup olive oil
sheet of phyllo on a dry surface. Keep the remain- 1 large garlic clove, crushed
ing sheets covered with a clean, slightly damp 15 to 20 tender, young snow peas
towel. Brush lightly with melted butter and cut into
4 rectangular pieces, each 5x7 inches. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and
add the bay leaf. Add the shrimp and cook just Crab Salad with Belgium Endive
Place 1 piece of prosciutto on the phyllo, lining it until the shrimp is pink and cooked through,
up along one short edge of the rectangle. Arrange 1½ to 3 minutes. Do not overcook. Drain the Makes approximately 35
an asparagus spear on top of the prosciutto along shrimp, immerse in ice water to stop the cook-
the same short edge of the rectangle, letting the ing, and drain again. Transfer to a shallow, non- 1 lb. lump blue crab meat
tip lay exposed beyond the top edge of the dough reactive glass or stainless-steel dish. Combine ¾ cup mayonnaise
by ¾ inch or so. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon parme- the vinegars, oil, and garlic. Pour the mixture ½ stalk celery, finely diced
san. Roll up and secure the edge of the dough with over the shrimp, and stir to coat well. Cover the 1 medium shallot, finely diced
additional butter, if necessary. dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 Salt and pepper to taste
days, tossing the shrimp every 12 hours. 4 heads of Belgian endive
Repeat with the remaining ingredients, transferring
the straws onto the prepared baking sheet. The String the snow peas and blanch in boiling Lightly mix first five ingredients in a bowl. Cut the
straws may be made 1 to 2 hours ahead up to this water for 30 seconds. Chill in ice water, drain, stalk off of the Belgian endive and pull the leaves
point, covered with plastic wrap, and refrigerated. and dry thoroughly. Split the pods lengthwise, apart. Fill each leaf with a teaspoon full of the
Before baking, sprinkle the top of the straws with so that you have enough separate halves for salad at the cut off end.
the remaining cheese. Cover the asparagus tips each shrimp. Wrap a pea pod around each
with foil to protect them from the heat. Bake until shrimp, and fasten by piercing with a round Arrange on a tray or you can put the crab salad
golden brown, 5 to 8 minutes. Serve warm, either natural wood toothpick. Serve cold or at room in a bowl and arrange the Belgian endive around
whole or sliced into bite-size pieces. temperature. the bowl.

OUR VISA CHECK CARD OFFERS:
The Wow Factor CONVENIENCE SECURITY
REWARDS
This time of year, you

can expect your holiday party
Mid County Location
to be just one of many commit-
ments on your guest’s calendars. 4700 Hwy 365 Unit J
So, how do you turn up the sizzle 409.729.0513
factor for your party?
Tabetha Franklin, owner of Main
Dish, feels the pressure to wow guests
Tabetha’s Cups of Cheer
each season. “Because of my career,
people always expect me to come up Cranberry-Pomegranate Punch
with something new and delicious,”
Franklin explained. “So, I had to cre- Makes 16 cups
ate ways to stand out and be differ-
ent.” 6 cups chilled cranberry-pomegranate juice blend sfgtrj
Franklin decided to steer clear of 3 cups chilled orange juice

heavy holiday staples, like ham and 1/2 cup pomegranate liqueur
turkey, and stick to a themed holiday ¼ cup lemon juice
spread full of items her guests won’t 1 (750ML) chilled vodka
likely find anywhere else such as bar- 1 (750ML) chilled sparkling white wine
becue shrimp and chowder. “People
already have enough traditional meals In a large punch bowl, mix all ingredients. Add wine last
during the holidays,” Franklin said. and pour slowly. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with fresh
“Picking something unusual is always cranberries. Freeze the cranberries and toss a couple into
a nice change from the norm.” VIP each glass to keep cocktail chilled
Your Texas Fir st
Visa® Check Card!
Coffee Bar
Here’s why…
Instead of dessert, create a coffee bar, allowing 1. Faster Checkouts
guests to customize with various syrups, creams,
and whipped toppings. It’s the perfect time of – No need to write checks or
year for coffee and your guests will love this fun hassle with identification
way to enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage. and the money comes directly
from your checking account.
Select and prepare two different holiday-fl
holiday-fla-
a- 2. Simplified record keeping
vored coffees (Tabetha recommends pumpkin – Every purchase is detailed
spice or toffee) and put into thermal carafes. on your monthly checking
Also brew a pot or two of fresh regular coffee. account statement or can be
Arrange a variety of flflavored
avored creamers or viewed online.
syrups (available at coffee shops or at the
grocery) for guests to create custom blends. 3. Convenient cash access
Make a quick mocha by putting a packet of – Get cash back at the
hot chocolate mix into a cup, then add- point-of-sale when you
ing coffee and stir. Top any with whipped make purchases.
cream for that special fifinish.
nish. 4. Increased safety
– Using your card is safer
than carrying cash, plus
you’ll have zero liability for
any unauthorized purchases.
Covers U.S.-issued cards only. Visa’s

Zero Liability policy does not apply to
ATM transactions or PIN transactions
not processed by Visa and certain
commercial card transactions. Cardholder
must notify issuer promptly of any
unauthorized use.
WWW.TEXASFIRSTBANK COM

totally social
e v e n t s
Julie Rogers 1
“Gift of Life” 2
Putting on the Pink

1. Nell McCallum Morris and Charline Dauphin.
2. Laura Broussard. 3. Michele Harrington and Janci 2
COURTESY “GIFT OF LIFE”
Kimball. 4. Buddy and Cindy Domingue. 5. Melinda

McWherter and Sheree Pierce. 6. Michele and Tracy
Byrd. 7. Ray and Penne Woodard. 8. Charlotte Mains
and Maureen Winchell. 9. James Black, Judy Black
and Steve Ford. 10. Gary Godwin, Scott Young and
Steve Routhier. 11. Cindy Nelson, Dottie Johnson and
Toni Mulvaney. 12. Joe and Linda Penland, Lourdes
and Joseph Kong. 13. Dawn Robertson,
Amy Dubea and Ronda Holmes.
3 4
6 7
8
COURTESY GIFT OF LIFE

9
Chef’s Delight
1. Antoinette Mays, Willie Broussard Jr...2. Moe Corral and Jill Chatelain. 3. Rustin, Jade,
Kingston Guarnere. 4. Tina Sweatt and Steve Pieper. 5. Alan and Cherrie Hefty, Carlo
Busceme. 6. Julie Walker, Amber Phillips, Jamie Dunnigan, Kodi Noonkester.
1 2
10
Kyle PeterSen
Silvia C. MCClain
3 4
11
12 5
CourteSy Gift of life
13 6

commen
P Re ded
VI
ed V
nd
ove t
hem
Senior Celebration Expo
IP
me l
VIOPT
e
Re
W
VIP Recom
com
mended V
H OTS 1
SP
ded
IP
en
m
R
ec
om om
men ec
ded VIP R
1. Celebrity models for the Dillard’s

Style Show. 2. Belinda Durham
and Sam Henry. 3. Debra Harken,
Peyton Jones, Katie Cole, Noreen
Wilson, Bessie Manuel and Beverly
Sennet. 4. Raquel “Elvira” Denton
and George Garza. 5. Amanda
Leifeste and Hershel Manley.
COURTESY OF THE BETTER
BUSINESS BUREAU IN SETX
DOGtoberfest
1. Sam and Deborah James (and
4 6
Bluebell). 2. Tommy and Brenda 2

Martin (and Duke). 3. Ansel Jones
and Tiki Habib. 4. Gina LaRocca
and Kim Reese. 5. Jimmy and
Kim Williams. 6. Tyler and Amber
Dupree (with Maggine and LouLou).
7. Todd and Michelle Webb.
7
3
KYLE PETERSEN

2 3 4
Judy Stokely
1. Laura Kressman, James Johnson, Robin Williams and Angela Stinson.
Neches Federal 2. Dee Lane and Terri Shields. 3. Judie Garland, Roger Godeaux and Kerry Kisslinger.
4. Jennifer Lofton, Buffie Champagne, Dale Champagne and Vanessa Messina.
Credit Union Mixer 5. Dr..Paul Szuch and Connie Szuch. 6. Barbara Faulk and Lynn Picard. 7. Kathleen
Leboeuf and Amy Collins.
1 2
3
6
5
lee e. StinSon

2
Lamar Homecoming
1
Kickoff Event
judy Stokely
1. Michelle McCalope. 2. Alan and Julie Coleman.
3. Anissa Downer and Paige Grianti. 4. Donna and Dick Ferchak.
5. Erika and Erron Saucie. 6. Ralph and Judy Night.
7. Charlene and Danny Babineaux. 8. David and Lettie Weaver.
9. Steve and Suzye Doblin.
3 4
6
9
Art of Beer 1 2
1. Keith McClain and Darin Johnson.

2. Katie Barnes and Amy-Beth Morrison.
3.Terri Shields and Lisa Pickett. 4. Jake
Rodgers and Deanna Cannatella.
5. Anne and Brandon East. 6. Tim
Silvia C. MCClain
Shepley and Katie Caillavet.
3 4 5

Spindletop 2 3
Awards 1
1. Bruce and Melissa Whitaker.

2. Laura Rice and Margaret Broussard.
3. Brad and Monica Mason. 4. Jarred
and Monica Demore. 5. Rajan and
Sunitha Krishnan. 6. Kimberlee and 4 5
Barry Bryant and Shelly Rao.
7. Kathy Roche and Lois Coco.
6 7
Judy Stokely

Heather Graham Benefit 1
1. Caitlyn Green, Marlee Revia, Stephanie Green, Kamryn Green
and John Green. 2. Norma Sampson, Heather Graham, Regina Rogers.
3. Gina Plaunty and Lisa McAnelley. 4. Haley Walters and Landen Crass.
5. Bobby and Vicki Rector. 6. Sherry McCollum, Darlene Thomas,
Kim Hernandez. 7. Doug Prewitt, Jacody Coleman, Ryan Jones.
This benefit was organized to help offset the family’s medical
expenses. Heather passed away on Nov. 10, 2010.
2 3 4 5
6 7
Kyle Petersen
1 2 Spirit of Southeast Texas
1. Chelsea Martinez, Cheryl
Stansbury and Carolyn 3
Martinez. 2. Yvette Morgan
and Kelly Ellis. 3. Ed
Wheeler and Nathan Bib.
4. Linda Phelps, Judith
Miller and Betty Bid.
5. Nancy Marchetti and
Carol Weeks. 6. Linda
Trahan, Carolyn Hudler and
Cindy King.
4 5 6 farrah cobb

6
fabulousfabulous
finds finds
Retailers we love and their

merchandise we love to have!
“Looking for the perfect Christmas gift.”

Bojangles
offers large variety of Yellow Box Shoes, Candles, Jewelry,
Home Decorations, & much more. Urban Habitat specializes in renewing home décor items
with a French country flair. They specialize in custom
Yellow Box Shoes, are famous for bringing together classic
French upholstery, industrial furniture, and unique accessories
boutique styling with a modern twist.
for any home or office setting. Visit their new Old Town location to
Build your pool in the Winter... view all of their extraordinary pieces. From wall art to lighting fixtures
Bojangles Less stress and less expense. Custom in-ground pools at to plush seating, you’re sure to find something that suits you.
2486 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. discount prices. Bonded • 30 yrs. Experience • Insured Urban Habitat
Orange, TX 77630 2405 Calder Avenue (@ 8th Street)
409-670-0279 Pool Super Deals... Beaumont, TX
409-299-7142 (409) 833-7417
The Painted Wall, a Southeast Texas

based luxury faux finishing and fine
arts company, has been creating
decorative environments for homes
and businesses since 2005.
Offering an array of stunning finishes
ranging from Old World to contemporary
plasters, custom murals, boutique cabinet and
furniture finishes, and fine art, The Painted Wall
delivers a unique quality product that
envelopes and inspires the client.
The Painted Wall

Give yourself or a loved one a beautiful smile this holiday season.
thepaintedwall1@gmail.com
Skinologie Medical Spa’s Laser Teeth Whitening employs the
www.thepaintedwallinc.com
same technology used in top cosmetic dentist offices to remove stains The Lucchese Cowboy Collection square cut toe is a 409.293.0999
and discolorations to make your smile look its best. This safe and revolutionary new cowboy boot that combines comfort and
effective treatment works on virtually anyone, providing immediate and functionality while staying true to the cowboy way. Whether
lasting results. Cost: $200 you like Caiman Exotic, Smooth or Quill Ostrich, you will find
Skinologie Medical Spa & Laser Center your perfect fit at Sam’s Western Store…where the
810 Hospital Drive, Suite 100 @ Baptist Hospital Cowboys and Cowgirls shop.
409.833.0342 • www.myskinologie.com
Call today to make an appointment or ask about our gift Sam’s Western Store 842-2625
certificates. 5090 College St. • Beaumont, TX

Lamar Homecoming 1
2010
1. Garland Chenier and Lauren Austin (2010 LU Homecoming King and Queen).
2. Jennifer Schroeder and Kandis Sims. 3. Crisesth and Kacy Compton.
4. Valerie Brammer and Kellye Perez. 5. Gary Linthicum, Jennifer and Mark
Devillier. 6. Bailey Goins, Megan Welborn and Meagan Doubt. 7. Trish Ancelet
and Cammie Rodriguez. 8. Crystal Lynch and Chuck Harris. 9. Felicia Wenah
and Deandré Dixon. 10. Paeton Landry, Cole Clabourgh, Carl Carlton and Garrett
McNeely. 11. Mark and Rhonda Storey. 12. Alyssa Holmes and Ali Barlow.
13. Kyle Ebner, Ginger Provost and Christie LaFleur. 14. Jennifer Beebe and
Nancy Dallas. 15. Kristen Cruz and Brooke Varnum. 16. Gene, Jennifer, Gillian
and Jacob Beebe.
2 3 4 5
6 7 8
10
9

11
12
For the Seasoned Diner
Celebrate
Any Occasion
with
13
D.J.’s Boudain!
D.J.’s is your hometown supplier
of boudain and rice dressing.
Look for it at any one
of your local grocery stores.
14 15
16
Party With Us!
Reservations are Available!
Book Your Holiday Parties Now!
“Take Outs” are Welcomed!
Gift Cards Available.
HAPPY HOUR: M-F 2PM-7PM

2290 IH 10 South at Washington Blvd. • (409) 842-0686
Lee e. StinSon
Sun - Thur 11am-10pm • Fri - Sat 11am-11pm

��
Children’s Etiquette Class (Grades 1-5)

This six-lesson program for young children is designed to create an
awareness of proper dining etiquette and good manners.
Teen Etiquette Class (Grades 6-9)
Boys and girls classes are held separately in order to effectively teach the
tools needed for gracious behavior, leadership, common courtesy and kindness.
Young Adult Etiquette Class (Grades 10-12)
At a time in life when leadership skills become paramount, young adults are
taught the importance of first impressions and general behavior mores as well as
provided interview skills and other social graces needed to become successful in life.
Prom Etiquette Savvy (High School)
Focused on the prom experience and how etiquette can enhance the quality of
this once-in-a-lifetime event for both boys and girls, this course helps develop self
Architectural confidence that translates into a memorable prom experience positive self image.
Classes start January 2011. Space is limited.
Landscape Design
Providing a cultural edge...
& Consultation confidence, kindness, and social graces.
FOR ALL YOUR LANDSCAPE NEEDS
409-651-6644
www.EtiquetteSoutheastTexas.com
Ric Arena • 409.866.1211 or 409.781.0978 Vicki Bauer
Founder and President, Vicki Bauer, is a certified etiquette consultant
Locally Owned & Operated • Bonded & Insured
of the prestigious American School of Protocol in Atlanta, Georgia.
WOOD BLINDS & SHUTTERS
Experience the Difference
Christmas is the time

for traditions.
This year start with custom-built
Graber Traditions wood window
treatments. Constructed with an
attention to detail designed to last
a lifetime, their unmistakable beauty
is only enhanced by Graber’s
commitment to quality.
The Blind Factory

7396 College St. • Beaumont, TX 77707
409.866.4055 Toll Free 877.281.9717

Symphony Ranch Party 1
1. Catherine Klein, Sue Messina, Karen Cunningham. 2. Nima Motiee, Norma

Motiee, Crayton Strouse and Julie Strouse. 3. Sonya and Carson Coffman.
4. Gramm Klein and Laura Broussard. 5. Herbert and Toni Straughter.
6. Hannah Swain and Laura Cain. 7. Mike Messina, Doug Almond and Clay
Cunningham.
2 3 4
5 6 7
Silvia C. MCClain
CLOTHING • ACCESSORIES
6755 Phelan, Ste. 17

Beaumont, TX 77706
409.861.5762
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
TUSCANY PARK - BEAUMONT

AND STRICKLAND DR.
ORANGE
RODRIGO OT A ZU
Bark 1 2 3
for Life
1. Gaylynne Jones and Mayor Becky
Ames (and Johnny). 2. Rob and
Katherine Santos (and Jack).
3. Shannon, Millie, and Corey Lecoq.
4. Lindsey Landry (and Sue) and
MaryLou La Rocca. 5. Charlotte
Zoch and Elisha Killian (and Britta and
Hampton). 6. Denise Romero and
Rhonda Glanzer (with Mac, Wrangler,
Hank and Waylon).
4 5 6
farrah cobb
COMMUNITY. SPIRITUALITY. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.
SAVE THE DATE: Admissions Testing for PK3,
PK4 & Kindergarten for the 2011-2012 school
year will be held January 25th and
January 27th. Be a part of the All Saints
experience and put your child
on the path to success.
Call for an application packet or schedule
a tour today!
All Saints Episcopal School is open to qualified students of any race, color, gender,
religious affiliation and national or ethnic origin. Tuition assistance available. Ask
about our Merit Scholarship program for 3rd-8th Grade.
4108 Delaware St. • Beaumont, TX

409-892-1755
www.allsaints-beaumont.org

e V
nd
hem
ove t
IP
me
l
VIPT
e
Re
W 1
VIP Recom
com
Beaumont
mended V
HO TS
SPO Art League
ded
IP
en
Membership Show
m
R
ec
om om
men ec
ded VIP R
1. Elizabeth Lea, Mary Addison and Bill Sizemore.

2. Cynthia and Chris Perkins. 3. Joe Winston.
4. Debra Daniel and Danny Dubuisson. 5. Ann Le and Dr. Tri Le.
6. Ana Lara and Rosa Gonzalez. 7. Axle Wisor.
2 3 4 5
RENE SHEPPARD
6
+ROLGD\ 2SHQ +RXVH Grow your business at Parkdale Mall

Beaumont, Texas
' ( & ( 0 % ( 5 ' ( & ( 0 % ( 5 3 0
Exclusive Contest
for VIP Magazine
readers!
Win a FREE
ONE MONTH SPECIALTY
LEASING CART to
advertise your business or
sell your product
at Parkdale Mall*
*Cart must be placed Jan-Oct 2011
Reach an audience of 11 million

shoppers throughout
the year!
Drawing to be held
January 14th...
Contact: Gwen Berry

409.898.2224 ext 227
REGISTER by e-mailing your Business Name, Contact Name & Phone Number to
(QWUDQFH &DUULDJH +RXVH DW :HVW 0DLQ $YHQXH 2UDQJH 7H[DV Gwen_Berry@cblproperties.com. Winner to be announced on ParkdaleMallTX.com
(YHQW LV IUHH WR WKH SXEOLF
PARKDALE MALL
)RU LQIRUPDWLRQ FDOO RU YLVLW ZZZZKVWDUNKRXVHRUJ 409.898.2224| 6155 EASTEX FREEWAY SUITE #200 | BEAUMONT, TEXAS 77706

Halloween 2010
1. Brian and Meagan Dungan. 2. Justin Johnson and Jeremy Solis. 3. Kelly Bigbee and Troy Bolser.
1
4. Jamie Hebert and Kory Brandon. 5. David and Cheri Newsom. 6. Wendy Scribner, Lee Portie
and Lori Wallace. 7. Chris Rose. 8. Cint Dungan and Nikki Mott.
2 3 4
Silvia C. MCClain

“Redefining Granite”
Fusion
Granite
Over 175 Different Colors of Granite In Stock
2634 Hwy 69, Nederland, TX 77627

409-729-0307
SUBARU
Share the love EVENT
Get a great deal and

support a great cause.
Get the best deal of the year on any new Subaru and $250 gets donated to your choice of five charities.
Now through January 3, 2011.
2010 SUBARU 2011 SUBARU 2011 SUBARU

FORESTER OUTBACK LEGACY
2.5x Premium-AFF 2.5i-BDB 2.5i-BAB
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• 2010 IIHS Top Safety Pick1 • 29 mpg hwy3 • 31 mpg hwy3
• 27 mpg hwy4 • 2010 IIHS Top Safety Pick1 • 170-hp SUBARU BOXER® engine
• 170-hp SUBARU BOXER® engine • Built in our zero landfill plant • 2010 IIHS Top Safety Pick1
• 1.9% Financing • 1.9% Financing • 1.9% Financing
$
349 PER MONTH / 72 MONTHS $
329 PER MONTH LEASE/
42 MONTHS
$
20,899+ Fees
$2,800 Down Payment $2,800 Down Payment MSRP:$22,020
$0 Security Deposit
$330 First Month’s Lease Payment
$3,130 Total Due at Lease Signing
AH917435 B3341735 B3218856
JK SUBARU Beaumont Orange

Hwy
1800 HWY 69, NEDERLAND, TX 77627

Houston 69
I-10
JK
OPEN: 9A.M. - 7P.M. SUBARU
409-723-1111 www.jksubaru.com MON-SAT Hwy

365
Port Arthur
Subaru, Forester, Outback, Tribeca, Legacy, Impreza, WRX, STI and SUBARU BOXER are registered trademarks.
(5)Claim based on cumulative awards won since 1997 from Car & Driver (5 Best Trucks), Edmunds.com(Editor’s Most Wanted), and RL Polk & Co. (Polk Automotive Loyalty Award). *ALL PRICES PLUS TTL AND FEES, SUBJECT TO AVAILABLITY. PRICES GOOD ON IN-STOCK VEHICLES ONLY. ALL ADVERTISING SPECIALS ARE
SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALES. INCENTIVES ARE GOOD UNTIL 01/01/2011. 1.9% IS AVAILABLE ON SUBARU VEHICLES THRU CHASE W.A.C. SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS. *MPG BASED ON EPA HWY RATINGS. LEASE BASED ON 12,000 MILES PER YEAR AVERAGE.

vip worthy
o n e w o r l d
“We understand the importance of

increasing understanding and respect.
I think that’s what motivates Jews.”
– Joshua Taub, rabbi of Temple Emanuel
Rabbi Taub
ENTWINING TRADITIONS
Jewish volunteers serve up Christmas cheer
photography by FARRAH COBB

text by CATHLEEN COLE
Susan Schultz and Michael Wolf When Mary and

Joseph finally arrived in
Jerusalem after their long
and tiresome journey,
they were told there was
no room at the inn. The
innkeeper was sorry, but
the weary couple had to
find some other place.
Paula O’Neal, executive director of Some
Other Place, knows how the parents of Jesus
probably felt. She and her staff help people
every day who have nowhere else to turn. The
Beaumont-based ecumenical mission meets
the unmet emergency needs of local residents
who are told by other organizations to seek
help elsewhere – in other words, at “some
other place.” And, as with most charities,
the mission relies on the help of >>

For Joshua Taub, rabbi of that was fair since his father
Temple Emanuel, Jewish people didn’t go to work on Jewish
volunteering on Christmas holidays. The rabbi doesn’t
day is nothing new. According see a contradiction in being
to the rabbi, it happens all supportive of Christians and
over America. “We’ve always their faith. “We understand
wanted to do our part,” he said the importance of increasing
of the Jewish community. It’s understanding and respect,”
just another day to Jews, but it he said. “I think that’s what
means everything to Christians, motivates Jews.”
he explained, so it just makes Cynthia Wolf, chairwoman
sense. “It’s a logical thing,” he of the temple’s Social Justice
said. “We’re giving them the Committee, agrees. She’s
opportunity to be home with volunteered for charitable
their families.” causes most of her life,
Taub’s parents owned a including working with her
retail pharmacy that was open father when he sold Christmas
Christmas Day, and he and his trees for the Optimist Club.
siblings would take over for “My daddy knew how
Jenni Cooper and Miriam Cooper the employees so they could important they are in the homes
have the day off. He thought of our Christian neighbors and
volunteers. “This is a place where volunteers come together to how important the funds raised
put their faith to work, whatever their faith may be,” O’Neal said. at that time were in helping
photography by TEMPLE EMANUEL

People of all faiths become partners to help at Some Other boys,” she said.
Place, but one of the best examples of an interfaith partnership Wolf and her troop of
is the relationship the mission has with members of Temple volunteers serve food to the
Emanuel. On Christmas Day, Jewish volunteers help welcome guests at Some Other Place on
guests and serve the holiday meal so Christian staff members and Christmas Day, but they also
volunteers can have the day off to spend with their families. provide blankets and snack
“To me, it’s such a wonderful example of how people of foods for the adults and gifts for
different faiths can come together for a common good,” O’Neal the children. Another project
said of the temple volunteers who have been helping out at she spearheads is the collection
Christmas since the 1980s. of necessities for the “seasoned
citizens” in the mission’s
Meals-on-Wheels program,
which delivers meals to senior
citizens in their homes. “We
collect such items as new fleece
throws, toiletries, flashlights,
healthy snacks and cans of food
and fill the bags, which we also
provide,” she said. “It is so
satisfying to see how many of
the faith-based organizations
Cynthia Wolf and Matthew Swerdlow send the necessities and gift
items to Some Other Place that
are designated for the seasoned
citizens.”
Why do Wolf and other
Jews feel so strongly about
volunteering, especially
across faith lines? “Within
the Torah of our faith are the
values that define us,” she
explained. “We are commanded
to live mitzvot – to do acts of
Paula O'Neal and Cynthia Wolf loving kindness, to help those
who cannot help themselves
and to do it in such a way as
to provide them dignity.” She
noted a passage in the Book of
“We are commanded to live mitzvot – to Deuteronomy: Justice, justice
do acts of loving kindness, to help those shall you pursue! “We go forth
to do that at home and beyond,”
who cannot help themselves and to do it Wolf said.
O’Neal is thankful for
in such a way as to provide them dignity.” the temple’s fellowship and
support, saying, “It makes me
– Cynthia Wolf, chairwoman of Temple Emanuel’s feel so good to be with people
Social Justice Committee who are different from me and
Clyde Shields, Ida Duplechin and to find out how much we are
"The Big Dog" alike.” VIP

vip worthy
s p r e a d i n g s m i l e s
Out of Africa: Richard Gagné

text by HOLLI PETERSEN
photography courtesy of RICHARD GAGNE
W
hen visitors step into A Higher Calling
Richard Gagné’s wealth Perhaps it was always meant to be.
advisement office in “I was born with a deep desire to make a positive difference
Beaumont, they may in the life of a child,” Gagné described. “I believe that is what
experience a dislocating, I was destined to do.”
“we’re-not-in-Texas- Gagné began searching for meaning in his life at an early
anymore” feeling. age. In 1961, while in high school, Gagné became a juniorate
Welcomed by the cool in the Brothers of Christian Instruction – a Catholic order
blue furnishings and vowed to care for and instruct some of the poorest people in
sandstone Cape Cod orna- the world. Had he continued with the Brothers of Christian
ments – a nod to Gagné’s childhood in Fall River, Massachu- Instruction instead of branching out into the business world,
setts – the ambience of the office shifts to an unexpected hue, it would have likely brought him to Kisubi, Uganda – a lushly
tinted with the rusty reds, royal blues, and energetic oranges beautiful, yet depressingly destitute community near Lake
of another, exotic culture. A rustic sign says simply, “Greet- Victoria, which serves as headquarters for the Order’s educa-
ings from Uganda.” tional training facilities and schools.
Therein lays the surprising journey of Richard Gagné, an Instead, Gagné did move forward in business, accumulating
unassuming, studious man, who developed a whole new life in awards and accolades for his achievements and founding his
the jungles of Africa. own 38-year-strong financial planning business. Throughout
his career, Gagné regularly donated money to the Brothers of
More than Meets the Eye Christian Instruction, hoping to alleviate financial strain on an
Gagné is not someone you’d expect to have such an adven- already humble organization.
turous life. He’s prone to pausing in thought, speaks intently In 2000, Gagné learned that all his donations were being
with measured sentences and exudes the serious diligence of sent elsewhere. Visiting with Brother Francis Blouin of the
someone who values the weight of stewardship. He is, in fact, Order, he learned that his contributions had been forwarded
the stereotypical financial to Uganda. Sensing his annoyance, Brother
and investment analyst. Blouin encouraged Gagné to travel with him
But when he speaks to Kisubi to see for himself what had been
of Africa, and his tone done with the money.
becomes steeped with
passion and his eyes The Trip of a Lifetime
water, the dichotomy of The trip, made in 2003, proved to be a
the décor suddenly makes life-altering one.
sense. That’s when you “I was living with some of the poorest
realize that Gagné is not people in the world,” Gagné recalled. “Yet,
at all whom you believed it was so rewarding. Though I had always
him to be. He is much, striven to make a difference, I saw that I
much more. could really make a bigger impact in the
lives of the people I met there.”

“ When I hear their laughter in the
schoolyard, it is the same laughter I hear when
I see children playing in America. These
children - they are the same. Yet, in
Africa, their needs are more critical
”
and immediate. Their needs are
life and death.
ELY
K
TO
YS
J UD
by
h
y
ap
gr
hoto
p
children for human sacrifice. Without family to protect them,

the orphans are prime targets for this barbaric practice some
superstitiously believe brings good fortune and a bountiful
harvest.
Gagné saw that his donations had built a water purification “I became attached to these children,” Gagné said. “Some
plant for a deeply impoverished area in Kisubi. He also trav- of them are five years old and they’re caring for their younger
eled with Brother Blouin across the Ugandan nation, cultivat- siblings because malaria killed their parents. Many of them
ing a deep connection and understanding of the fascinating are in despair. I simply cannot let them down.” He visits them
culture. frequently and, when he arrives, they flock to him, anxious
Touched and determined, Gagné began quietly seeing to to show him what they’ve accomplished in his absence. They
the immediate needs of some of the world’s most poverty- even named a schoolhouse “Richard House” in his honor.
stricken individuals – making donations to improve schools’ “When I hear their laughter in the schoolyard, it is the
facilities, paying the salaries of local teachers, planting trees, same laughter I hear when I see children playing in America,”
building better facilities and erecting a critical pit-latrine sys- Gagné explained. “These children – they are the same. Yet,
tem. Brother Blouin even negotiated a deal with a charitable in Africa, their needs are more critical and immediate. Their
organization in Montreal, Canada – Terres Sans Frontieres, or needs are life and death.”
Countries without Borders. This organization began matching Gagné is currently working diligently to raise $1.25 million
Gagné’s donations, increasing the impact of each dollar. for the Mbabaali Memorial School for Orphans, enough money
to rebuild the orphanage next to the school, eliminating that
Caring for the Children deadly walk home each night, as well as a protective wall to
While Gagné helped many schools under the jurisdiction secure the school from murderous kidnappers. Though the
of the Brothers of Christian Instruction, he became devoted price tag is steep, hearing Richard Gagné speak with hope and
to a very special project – the Mbabaali Memorial School for enthusiasm, you know he will make it happen.
Orphans. Most of the orphans walk a half a mile to school “These children, though they have so much responsibility
from their villages. This walk is quite deadly. According to and have experienced so much, live every day to the fullest,”
James Kyeyune, the school’s director, it is not uncommon to Gagné said. “They have hopes and dreams, just like any child.
lose one child per day to tribal kidnappers seeking to steal the I find that most people have given up on Africa, but we simply
can’t give up on it. If we can educate these children and show
them how to make changes in their country, that will be the
Join the Mission solution for Africa. We must never give up.”
Whether walking the hot and dusty roads of Uganda or
If you would like to help Richard Gagné fulfill his mission dressed in tailored, designer suits as he attends the needs of
his clients, one thing is for sure. Richard Gagné will not give
to help the children at the Mbabaali Memorial School for up on the children in Africa.
Orphans through a donation to his nonprofit charity, The After all, it is his destiny. VIP
Richard Albert Gagné Foundation, call 409.860.9007 for
more information.

vip worthy
v i p e r s o n a l i t y
Santa’s
Helper
Kara Hawthorne leads this year’s
A Very Merry Main Street Market
text by HALEY STRAHAN
F
or Kara Hawthorne, Christmas is a year-
round event. As the chairwoman of the Ju-
nior League of Beaumont’s annual A Very
Merry Main Street Market, Hawthorne and
her committee have spent months planning
Christmas decorations, choosing vendors
and lining up prizes and donations. All her
hard work will pay off this December 2-4,
when thousands of shoppers will flood the
Beaumont Civic Center, searching for that
perfect Christmas gift.
Now in its 15th year, Main Street Market is the only fundraiser
held by the Junior League of Beaumont, a volunteer organization
that supports many local charities. “All of Main Street Market’s
profits go directly to supporting the community projects that the
Junior League funds,” Hawthorne explained. “Projects like the
Family Resource Center Summer Camp, Baptist Hospital’s Chil-
dren’s Unit, the Beaumont Children’s Museum — all of these phi-
lanthropies are supported by our Main Street Market Event.”
Hawthorne, who works as a public relations planner, first
joined the Main Street Market Committee as the public relations
chairwoman. Last year, she helmed the event for the first time,
implementing new ideas with an eye towards profit, resulting in
a Main Street Market that raked in double the earnings of previ-
ous years. “We talked a lot about how we could expand the event
photography by SILVIA C. MCCLAIN
and publicize it more effectively,” Hawthorne said. This year,

Hawthorne expects more vendors and more shoppers to make
this Main Street Market the most successful yet. “We hope to
have around 6,500 shoppers come through that weekend,” Haw-
thorne said.
As Hawthorne was gearing up for the count-down to A Very
Merry Main Street Market, VIP sat down with her to learn a little
bit about the woman behind this year’s event.

What’s your favorite part of A Very What is the best use for a fruitcake? our home during the holidays. Each tree
Merry Main Street Market? I have seen where some cities have a represents my personality. They have lots
Not only does it support our community fruitcake chunking event where you can of lights and hundreds of ornaments. I
charities and projects, but it is a great take your fruitcake to the landfill and put would guess if I was a tree, I would deco-
way to get your Christmas shopping done it on a catapult. I would like to see that rate myself like the trees at my home. I
in one place while supporting our local implemented in our area. Maybe that is an would be bright and colorful and covered
merchants. event we should consider adding to Main in accessories. VIP
Street Market.
Do you decorate for Christmas at home,
or does the Market sap all your holiday Favorite holiday tradition?
energy? I enjoy spending time with family and
Main Street Market puts me in the friends during the holidays. It is a very
holiday spirit! We begin planning for the special time of year that reminds me how
Market in January, so we are celebrating lucky I am to have such a wonderful fam-
and planning for the holidays the entire ily and amazing friends.
year. I should leave my holiday decora-
tions out all year. The sad truth is that by What holiday chore would you pay
Main Street Market, my Halloween deco- someone to do for you?
rations are usually still displayed. This I would pay for someone to clean up my
year I decided to change it up and skip house after the holidays. I feel sad when I
decorating for Thanksgiving. I went from put away the decorations. I look forward
Halloween directly to Christmas decora- to the holidays all year and I feel sad
tions. It has put our family in the holiday when they are over. While I put away the
spirit, and after the Market I will take a decorations, I begin looking forward to
few days to rest. the next holiday season.
Favorite Christmas carol? “A Christmas Story” or

I enjoy all Christmas carols. I am guilty of “It’s a Wonderful Life”?
listening to holiday music throughout the “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
year. There is something about Christmas
carols that puts me in the holiday spirit. If you were a Christmas tree,
how would you decorate yourself?
White lights or multi-colored? I go overboard with Christmas decora-
I love white lights and lots of them! tions! We have several Christmas trees at
A Very Merry Main Street Market

What? Main Street Market features more than 90 vendors with When? December 2-4, 2010
a variety of unique items. Featuring local merchants and vendors Market Hours:
from across the country and as far away as Italy, the Market is a Thursday, 4p.m.-8p.m.
one-stop shopping event for every gift on your holiday shopping Friday, 10a.m.-7p.m
list. There will be a prize-drawing for a 2011 BMW 328i. Only Saturday, 10a.m.-6p.m.
500 BMW tickets will be sold at $100 per ticket. Events include For a full schedule, visit juniorleaguebeaumont.org.
a style show and luncheon, and pictures with Santa. A new event
this year is a Children’s Workshop on Saturday with arts and Where? The Junior League of Beaumont will transform the
crafts for children of all ages. Parents and children can work Beaumont Civic Center into a winter wonderland shopping mall.
together to decorate ornaments and holiday keepsake items.

vip guide
e v e r g r e e n
Forget Bing’s white or Elvis’ blue.

Think Kermit’s green this year.
text by CATHLEEN COLE
Y
ou might be dreaming of a white Christmas or maybe you’re worried you’ll have a
blue Christmas. But nature lovers around the globe are hoping you’ll have a green
Christmas.
Michael Hoke, managing director of Shangri La
Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange, is photography by LEE E. STINSON
planning an environmentally friendly celebration
with the “Dreaming of a Green Christmas” event.
“We are trying to show people how to have a greener
Christmas,” he said. “Everything will be green.”
Efforts include making as many decorations as possible from recycled
products and using LED lights in every situation. The staff >>

Noelle Jordan, Ellen Wiemers, Michael Hoke, Stephanie Davidson, Mel Moreau and Sarah Hill Michael Hoke
“We are trying to show people how to have a greener Christmas.”

– Michael Hoke, managing director of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Centera
will use topiaries made of living materials and sponsor Construction. The designation verifies that the design and
activities highlighting the making of Earth-friendly construction of Shangri La reached the highest green building
ornaments. and performance measures.
“We are not cutting trees for our Christmas trees,” Hoke Hoke’s advice for going green is simple. “Do the easy things
said. “Instead, we are using live trees that will be planted after first,” he said, such as using compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Christmas. When I was a child, we used this method and, at “Then you can tackle the harder things.”
my old home, there is a forest of these trees. It was a great Beaumont resident Adrian Farris reuses gift bags and
tradition.” sometimes doesn’t wrap presents at all. “It gets to be sort of
Hoke noted the great Christmas-tree debate: Live or fake a joke how many years a bag can circulate or whose name is
– which one is more environmentally friendly? Some people, on the tag from last year,” she said. “We also rarely use the
most notably tree growers, claim that buying a real tree is extra gift tags and just write the recipient’s name directly on
more Earth-friendly because when one tree is chopped down, the bag.” One year, Farris made recycling bins and gave them
another tree is planted in its place. The dead tree can be to her youngest son, Reid. “He really enjoys doing our own
turned into mulch after the holidays. The fake-tree supporters home recycling center,” she said.
believe they are saving real trees that might not be replaced. Recycling will be easier for Beaumont residents now that
“If you can get it to last a long time, there’s no debate,” he said curbside recycling is back. And as for discarding Christmas
of fake trees. “You have to be practical.” Hoke promotes the trees, the City of Beaumont and many cities in Southeast
live-tree idea: Buy one with roots and plant it after Christmas. Texas have a recycling program where trees are picked up and
“That’s a wonderful green idea,” he said. ground into mulch for public landscaping projects. Beaumont
Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is the first residents are also welcome to get compost at the municipal
project in Texas and the 50th project in the world to earn landfill on Saturdays.
the U.S. Green Building Council’s Platinum Certification for With a little effort, you can make a big difference when it
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New comes to making your Christmas green. VIP
Dreaming of a Green
Green Christmas List Christmas Event
Here are some tips to keep your holiday green:
Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
Wrap gifts in recycled wrapping paper, newspaper or grocery bags. December 11, 2010 • 10a.m. to 4p.m.
Save gift bags and reuse them. Fun for the family with a visit from Santa, free photos, wreath and
Make decorations from recycled materials. ornament making, choirs singing and Christmas trees on display.
Use energy-efficient LED lights.
Buy a live tree in a pot with roots and plant it after Christmas.
Keep a small tree as a house plant and decorate it during the holiday season.
Buy quality wooden toys and games that last longer rather than cheap plastic toys that break easily and end up in landfills too quickly.

MorganStanley
SmithBarney
Providing a Complete Continuum of Care RETIRING RIGHT
• Independent Living Apartments & Townhomes Courtesy of Brock Carlin, Financial Advisor
• Assisted Living Apartments
• Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Wealth alone is no guarantee of a secure retirement. It’s time to start
• The Harbor for Alzheimer’s & Memory Care thinking about what you’ll need.
Even if you are doing well, plentiful assets and a good income are probably
Beaumont’s #1 Choice not enough to get rid of your worries about retirement—at least not
according to new studies of high net worth investors. Thousands of affluent
for Senior Living boomers and Gen Xers studied by Wharton and State Street Global Advisors
expressed fears about outlasting their money. You may be worried about
(409) 861-1123 preserving your standard of living in the face of market downturns, inflation
and health care costs during a retirement that may last 30 years. In fact,
7080 Calder Avenue 57% of those surveyed cited rising health care costs as their number-one
concern. And if you’re in the younger half of those surveyed, a lack of
Beaumont, Texas 77706 traditional pensions and Social Security and Medicare safety nets is probably
also on your mind.
www.bucknercalderwoods.org Experts agree that wealth alone is no guarantee of retirement security;
saving too little “runs up and down the income scale and wealth scale,” says
Olivia S. Mitchell, an insurance and risk-management professor at Wharton.
Comfortable living inevitably translates to spending. Though the wealthy
save, Mitchell explained in the Wharton study, “people with high earnings
also spend a lot” to keep the lifestyle they enjoy going.
L�ndscapes
Reasons for concern
Serving
License @ #100189 All Faiths
Your retirement isn’t likely to be the same as it would have been 50 years
ago. The old adage was that you needed 80% of your current income
when you retire—but nearly half of the 1,800 millionaires surveyed by the
2007 Phoenix Wealth Survey said they will need more than 100%. You may
even be thinking of working indefinitely, at least part-time, in order to stay
engaged and support a comfortable lifestyle. Also, your life expectancy has
increased, even from just a generation ago. Determining your retirement
goals is a complex process—one that means taking the time to figure out
unlimited
what it is you really want now and down the road.
The plan
Worried as you may be, you may not have begun planning. 59% of high net
worth investors have no formal written plan for their retirement goals—but
a retirement analysis can help. We can run this analysis to assess your
financial situation, your potential annual retirement income, your savings
and investments and your tax situation.
Then, it’s time to analyze your retirement goals. Once you know what you
want, we can determine ways to help you get there, whether that involves
altering your investment strategy, changing the amounts you contribute
or something else entirely. The retirement analysis will provide you with a
full report, including savings recommendations and sources for retirement
income.
Talk to your Financial Advisor about how a retirement analysis might benefit
you.
Brock Carlin is a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
located at 4055 Dowlen Rd., Beaumont, TX and may be reached
at 409-899-8026 or brock.carlin@mssb.com.
LANDSCAPES BY
CORY KRECHEL
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. To the extent
that this material or any attachment concerns tax matters, it is not intended to be used and cannot
be used by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Any
such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an
independent tax advisor.
409.840.4664 © 2009 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

vip guide
c a l e n d a r
Beauty &
the Beast Christmas parades
December 4 Lumberton: December 2
The classic story of Orange: December 3
Belle and a young
Beaumont: December 4
prince, cursed by an
enchantress. Lutcher Groves: December 4
Theater. Dec. 4-5. Port Neches: December 4
Matinee at 1:30p.m, Silsbee: December 4
evening show Winnie: December 4
at 7p.m.
Port Arthur: December 11
409.886.5535,
lutcher.org Livingston: December 11
Nederland: December 14
great dates in december

A Very Merry
Main Street Market
December 2-4 { December }
Come get your holiday shopping
“The done with unique gift options and DecemBeR 1
Nutcracker win a BMW. A holiday market
featuring dozens of vendors. Annual “Cards for a Cause” Project
Ballet” fundraiser for the Junior League The Arc of Greater Beaumont’s
December 11 & 12 of Beaumont. Dec. 2-4. Beaumont holiday cards showcase the artistic
A talent of their clients with disabilities
Annual family tradition presented o Civic Center. 409.832.0873
fa Cards on sale through Dec. 24 at
by the Beaumont Ballet Company. ex local retailers. $10 for a set of 10.
Performances Dec. 12 and 13, Un
Be 409.784.5556, arcofbmt.org
2:30p.m. Julie Rogers Theatre. you
409.832.2722 to Artwork by Sedrick Huckaby
uplif
A celebration of African-American
A
heritage using unique “quilt paintings” as
backdrops for portraits. On view through
Handel’s Messiah Jan. 9. Art Museum of Southeast Texas.
Sing Along 409.832.3432, amset.org
December 12 Books of Hours Selections
Co-sponsored by the First United Stark Museum of Art. Through Jan. 8,
Methodist Church of Beaumont 2011. 409.886.2787, starkmuseum.org
and Opera Beaumont, this musical Moody Gardens Festival of Lights
classic includes performances by Santa Claus will kick off the festivities
local soloists. Come to sing and/ by parachuting in to switch on a mile-
or listen, free to the public but long trail of more than one million
donations appreciated. This uplifting lights. Thursdays through Saturdays
favorite opens Opera Beaumont’s until Dec. 15, then daily Dec. 16–
season. First United Methodist Jan. 2, 6–10p.m. Light displays,
Church of Beaumont. 3p.m. ice skating, photos with Santa,
operabeaumont.org and holiday-themed films at the
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.

IMAX. Admission to the Festival of DecemBeR 4 John Jay French Christmas Port Neches Chambers of Commerce.
Lights is $5.95, and tickets to additional Candlelight Tour Pompano Club, Port Neches. 5:30–7:30p.m.
attractions can be purchased for $5 each Beaumont Christmas Holiday Enjoy delightful holiday music and
with a Festival of Lights ticket. Festival & Parade refreshments, while celebrating DecemBeR 11
The City of Beaumont rings in the the Christmas season in a mid-19th
Hanukkah holidays in Downtown Beaumont. century style. 1–4p.m. 409.898.0348, Bethlehem on the Boardwalk
Eight nights, December 1–9 jjfrench.com Downtown Port Arthur. 409.548.0178,
800.392.4401
409.985.7822, portarthur.com
6p.m. Street Parade Lamarissimo! A Cappella Choir and
DecemBeR 2 Cultural Lighted Parade
6:30p.m. Outdoor Movie and Grand Chorus Holiday Concert
A Very Merry Main Street Market Lamar University’s A Cappella Choir Downtown Port Arthur. 409.963.1107
Popcorn (Riverfront Park)
Come get your holiday shopping and Grand Chorus will usher in the The Nutcracker Ballet
done with unique gift options. A 7p.m. Lighted Boat Parade Yuletide season. Jefferson Theatre. The annual holiday tradition for local
holiday market featuring dozens of (Riverfront Park) 3p.m. 409.880.8144, lamar.edu/music families has two showings, 2:30p.m.
vendors. Annual fundraiser for the on Dec. 11 & 12. The Beaumont Civic
Junior League of Beaumont. Get your Groves Lighted Christmas Parade Fire Museum of Texas Christmas
Ballet presentation occurs on the
$100 ticket to win a 2011 BMW 328i! Annual nighttime parade with bands, Open House
stage of the Julie Rogers Theatre.
Only 500 tickets will be sold. Through floats and Santa. 409.962.8631 Free dessert social and vintage photograph
Tickets $5– $15. 409.838.3435, ext. 1
Dec. 4. Beaumont Civic Center. opportunities. 3–5p.m. 409.880.3927
Beauty & the Beast Livingston Hometown Christmas
409.832.0873
The classic story of Belle and a young DecemBeR 8 & Lighted Parade
Area Museum Children’s Festival prince, cursed by an enchantress. Entertainment, Christmas Train
& Tree Lighting Lutcher Theater. Dec. 4–5. Matinee Open House Tea Party at the BCVB
Village, photos with Santa, arts and
at 1:30p.m, evening show at 7p.m. Beaumont Convention and Visitors’
On the grounds of the Art Museum crafts, food vendors, petting zoo,
409.886.5535, lutcher.org Bureau offers tea, refreshments and
of Southeast Texas and the Energy pony carousel, train, wagon and
prizes at their office from 3:30-5:30p.m.
Museum. 3:30–5:30p.m. Free. carriage rides, quilt and car shows.
Bookmaking Workshop
Senior/Master Thesis Art Exhibition The Stark Museum of Art, in DecemBeR 9 Dreaming of a Green Christmas Event
A presentation of senior thesis projects, partnership with Lamar State Earth-friendly approach to the holiday
ranging from graphic design and College– Orange, hosts a workshop Merchant Soiree
excesses. Fun for the family with a visit
painting to ceramics and sculpture. on basic bookmaking techniques and This traveling art sale sets up at the
from Santa, free photos, wreath and
Dishman Art Museum. Dec. 2–16. participants will create their own Jerusalem Hookah Café this month.
ornament making, choirs singing and
409.880.8959, lamar.edu/dishman You can expect to shop handcrafted
personalized sketchbook or journal. Christmas trees on display. Shangri La
items ranging from photography, mono
1–4:30p.m. $45 registration, RSVP Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.
Christmas at the prints, paintings, jewelry, felt work and
required, spaces limited. 409.882.3321 10a.m.–4p.m. shangrilagardens.org
McFaddin-Ward House knitted items. 5–9p.m. Free.
Throughout December. Visit the The Road to Bethlehem Texas Rage in the Cage
1906 Beaux Arts Colonial Revival Annual Awards Meeting
An interactive re-creation of the The Greater Orange Area Chamber Texas Rage in The Cage is as real
house decked in Christmas splendor, Christmas story. Dec. 4 & 5. Wesley as it gets featuring 10 MMA action
as it would have looked in the 1930s. of Commerce will present awards
United Methodist Church in Beaumont. including Citizen of the Year and packed fights. Main Event: TRCAA
Most items on display are from the 6:30–8:30p.m. 409.892.7733 145lb Champion Cody Williams
family’s collections. On Thursdays other community service honors.
Sunset Grove Country Club. 6p.m. (American Top Team) 5–1 VS #1
in December, stop by for traditional Christmas in the Big Thicket Festival Contender Joey Montiel (Progressive
eggnog and cookies from 5–7p.m. 409.883.3536, orangetexaschamber.org
Downtown Silsbee festival with Scientific Fighting) Doors open at
409.832.2134, mcfaddin-ward.org entertainment, crafts, food and fun. Mid-County Chambers After Hours Mixer 6p.m. Ford Park. 409.951.5440,
Begins at 9a.m. 409.385.4831 Social for the Groves, fordpark.com
DecemBeR 3 Nederland
Holiday Shop-A-Rama
White Christmas and
Extravaganza Art Sale
A beloved, seasonal classic just in 11a.m.–5p.m. Reception 7–10p.m.
time for the holidays. Port Arthur Exhibit runs Dec. 4–Jan. 1. The Art
Little Theater Playhouse. Dec. 3–5, Studio, Inc. 409.838.5393, artstudio.org
10–12. 2:30p.m. matinees, 7:30p.m.
es
evening shows. 409.727.7258, 37th Annual Dickens on The Strand
palt.org, squarespace.com A holiday festival where bobbies,
g D e adlin
Beefeaters and the Queen herself will be
ipp in
y Sh
First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue on hand to recreate the Victorian London
Shopping, food, and entertainment of Charles Dickens. Characters from
H o l i d a ILITA4R
Y:
2010
in Groves. 6–9p.m. 409.962.3631, Dickens novels walk the street. Food
T O M
TS
IPME9N3 Dec.
grovescofc.com and entertainment fill the area with
P O S H ec. 1
0
Babes in Toyland sights and smells that take you back to
A P O & F POAE zips nd cards DDec 18
0
another era. Dec. 4 & 5. Galveston. For or APO/F O letters a service S:
ERVI5CE
Southeast Texas Ballet Co. presents
galvestonhistory.org/Dickens_Festival F P ry
a holiday favorite for young and her A milita I C S
All ot s mail for ES T
old alike. Two public performances
DecemBeR 5 Expre
s
E R V I C E DOM Dec 1
Dec 2
0
at the Julie Rogers Theatre. Dec.
O S T A LS 2 1
US P arcel post ail
3 at 7p.m. and Dec. 4 at 2p.m. D e c
Chambers House Museum
409.838.3435, ext. 1 P m :
class
RVICEDSec. 18
Christmas Tour
First S E
Orange Christmas Parade Experience Christmas at the
Pr io r it y
EST IC
S DOmMe Deliverylivery Decc..222
1
The Orange Jaycees sponsor the Chambers House Museum,
& U P
62nd Annual Christmas Parade on decorated in its authentic 1920s style FEDEXround and H r, 3rd Day D
o e De
Friday, Dec. 3, at 6:30p.m. This and exhibiting Ruth and Florence G ve
ss Sa
year’s parade theme will be “A Chamber’s childhood toys. 1–4p.m. Expre y Delivery
a
Cowboy Christmas.” 409.289.6459 409.832.4010, chambershouse.org 2nd D

DecemBeR 12 DecemBeR 21
Etch and Sketch Alumni & Friends Adventure Early
The reception and exhibition of Booking Deadline
Lamar University Art Department’s Lamar University initiates its travel
Mexican antina
Advanced Drawing and Printmaking program in May 2011 with a nine-day
classes. Beaumont Art League. 7–9p.m. trip to Normandy and Paris. Travelers
409.833.4179, beaumontartleague.com will encounter the life, people, history,
estaurant&C
DecemBeR 14
art, architecture, food, wine and
culture of the region and city. Early R
EST....
W.H. Stark House Annual Holiday booking discount of $250 applies for
g U s B
�n
Open House those who sign up before Dec. 21.
Open house includes holiday tours, The inaugural tour in the program is
� �� s F�r Vot��t�’s
Th M�rg
music and refreshments. Dec. 14 & 16. limited to 36 travelers. 800.323.7373,
��r
5–8p.m. 409.883.0871, whstarkhouse.org 409.880.8419, lamar.edu
y H
H�pp �� 3-7PM
Stark Museum Holiday Exhibition DecemBeR 25
Celebration
M��-F
The Stark Museum of Art event hosted Christmas Day
on two evenings: Dec. 14 and Dec. 16
from 5–8p.m. The Lone Star Pipe Band DecemBeR 26
will perform traditional Celtic music
on Tuesday and local high school band Kwanzaa Dec. 26-Jan. 1
musicians will play holiday music on Shopping!
Thursday. Refreshments will be served All the post-Christmas sales begin!
and admission is free. 409.886.2787, Make sure to buy a newspaper to find
starkmuseum.org the best deals and bring your coupons.
DecemBeR 16 DecemBeR 31 Lunch Buffet Daily

Cherryholmes Christmas New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet Friday-Sunday
This popular bluegrass band is known
for instrumental virtuosity and New Years Eve Extravaganza
explosive vocal harmonies, featuring
a mixture of original band songs and
Ring in the New Year at Crockett
Street’s outdoor celebration with AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD
favorite classics. Lutcher Theater. live music, confetti, and lots more.
409.832.2944
Homemade Tortillas Made Fresh Everyday!
7:30p.m. 409.886.5535, lutcher.org
4414 Dowlen (Crossroad Center) 409-924-7718
The Discount Party Super Store

Plastic & Paper
Catering Items• Pinatas
Holiday Decorations
Birthday Supplies
Cards • Invitations
Wedding • Sport Items
Candy, Toys & Novelties
Balloons & Helium 3970 Dowlen Rd.
Tanks and Much More! (next to Hobby Lobby)
Beaumont, TX
409.892.1555
Complete Inventory
^^^YP]LYKHUJLJVT of Party Supplies
vip magazine
g u e s t c o l u m n
giving the gift

of Holiday
photography by SILVIA C. MCCLAIN

Memories
A
text by TAMIKA HUMPHREY
s the only princess Ramsey and with many more profession, I work with many athletes
female in the family and friends, finding special gifts and their nonprofit organizations and
family, I am for this many personalities can be chal- other Southeast Texas organizations that
outnumbered lenging. give back to the community. NBA great
3-to-1. When Our family loves to show we care Stephen Jackson has the Jack 1 Founda-
it comes by gifts, but some holidays we look for tion that provides community initia-
to buying ways to switch things up. This year, one tives that focus on youth development,
holiday gifts, of my best friend’s daughters, Elise, gave while NFL pros Jordan and Jonathan
my sons us all an idea for repackaging the tradi- Babineaux have the Babineaux Family
Nathaniel, tional holiday. Her plan is for the entire, Foundation that works to provide com-
Josh, and Adrian Humphrey tend to buy extended family to ditch the turkey munity development and lupus research.
me what they think a girl would like. and dressing, leave Texas entirely, and The two foundations work year-round to
The only thing is it’s usually a gift a girl see the Statue of Liberty for the holi- give back to those in need. Beaumont’s
closer to their age than mine would like. days. I feel it’s a stunning idea and will own Anthony Collins of the Cincin-
My sons gave me one of the funniest bring the family together in an exciting nati Bengals and Port Arthur’s Jamaal
gifts I’ve ever received a few years ago change-from-the-usual holiday plan. I’m Charles of Kansas City Chiefs both re-
when they were younger. They asked sure this adventure will be a Christmas turn to Southeast Texas to help out with
my mother to take them shopping and memory talked about for many years in annual events as well. Some Other Place
were so excited to find a Barbie doll their family. and the Salvation Army are other great
named “Performer Tamika.” It was so One of my absolute favorite movies is services that help those in need during
cute because their thought process was “The Blind Side,” which tells the true- the holidays.
to get a girl’s gift that a girl of their age life story of Leigh Anne Touhy and of a Whether you come together in gift
would like, but they found a way to special holiday experience that changed giving, travel, hobbies or giving back
make it special by getting something her life. I find it to be an outstanding to the less fortunate, make memories
that included my name. In fact, the doll act of kindness for people to give time that you will turn into traditions for the
was so special to me that I’ve kept her in or money to the less fortunate. My generations following. Love and enjoy-
the original packaging instead of taking mother and sister, for example, help ment of the time spent together is what
her out. their church to host clothing giveaways matters the most.
I enjoy giving gifts and quite honestly, monthly. Particularly for that person
still have a kid’s heart for the holiday who has everything or insists they don’t Tamika Humphrey is the owner of CEO
season. When I can find a way of com- want anything, making a donation to a Public Relations, a sports and entertain-
bining gift giving and making a new hol- worthy organization in that individual’s ment firm that specializes in working with
iday memory, I feel like I have achieved name can be meaningful to the donor professional athletes, authors, speakers
an extra bonus. Though as the mother of and the receiver. and events. A native of Beaumont, she’s
three sons, a daughter of a woman that There are many Southeast Texas non- the mother of three sons and currently
has it all, a sister to a woman that likes profit organizations that give back to the lives and works in the area. VIP
the simple things in life, the aunt to my community to help those in need. In my

VIP - December 2010

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

VIP - December 2010

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4 | NOVEMBER 2009 | theVIPmag.

Let us share in planning your next event!

Where Business &

1776 Calder Ave. Beaumont, Texas

4 December 2010 | THEVIPMAG.COM

Call 1-800-345-5273 to ﬁnd a Dillard’s store near you.

Supervisor, Creative Media

Arrived look nice. Great magazine,

TO DISPLAY THE MAGAZINE

6 December 2010 | THEVIPMAG.COM

If you have chronic heartburn

“Visit the only

ORKING ON this Cover photo:

We are the world, we are the children

8 December 2010 | THEVIPMAG.COM

This 4 1/2 ft. tall

Give the Gift of:

emed Must be redeemed

Call 409.899.7SPA (7772)

CHRISTUS Outpatient Pavilion, 1st Floor

755 North 11th Street, Suite D1300, Beaumont, TX 77702

theVIPmag.com | December 2010 11

Long tank top by Chan Luu. Tank dress by Joyous

12 December 2010 | THEVIPMAG.COM

Tricotto tunic dress

Clutch purse by Cristal in black satin.

Marilyn Monroe top

text by Haley StraHan VIP tips for hot holiday lips

Put Your Lips On

• For a bee-stung look, dab a bit of frost in the center of your

- Sheila Ingham, The Skin Salon & Day Spa

THEVIPMAG.COM | December 2010 15

Chic S l e e k VIP uncovers the secrets

photography by Judy Stokely model

MAKING NAUGHTY... NICE

3773 college st.

THEVIPMAG.COM | December 2010 17

Mail it Wright – Postal & Shipping Center Texas Home Health

For that unique

The Rustic Door - Craft Mall

With so many choices in skin care a gift certificate from

18 December 2010 | theVIPmag.com

text by HOLLI PETERSEN

Catering vs. Do-It-Yourself

event, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle if you go

And, catering doesn’t always mean expensive.

Caterers, like Moncla’s, specialize in everything from >>

THEVIPMAG.COM | December 2010 19

Ken’s Classic Holiday Recipes

24 asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed

20 December 2010 | THEVIPMAG.COM

This time of year, you

Franklin decided to steer clear of 3 cups chilled orange juice

Covers U.S.-issued cards only. Visa’s

THEVIPMAG.COM | December 2010 21

Putting on the Pink

Kimball. 4. Buddy and Cindy Domingue. 5. Melinda

22 December 2010 | THEVIPMAG.COM

theVIPmag.com | December 2010 23

1. Celebrity models for the Dillard’s

Bluebell). 2. Tommy and Brenda 2

24 December 2010 | THEVIPMAG.COM

theVIPmag.com | December 2010 25

1. Keith McClain and Darin Johnson.