AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE BEAUMONT ENTERPRISE ■ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010 ■ 1D

Dining and entertainment: 2-3D

Cajun eateries offer gum- bos almost as good as A good mix of bars quenches even the Grandma’s: Fine-dining establishments bring a richer most unconventional of thirsts: 2D 3D food experience closer to home: 3D Health and recreation: 4-6D

New spine and orthopedic cen- Race organizers hit the ground There’s more on the menu ter works to heal mind, spirit running with Beaumont’s first than salad for a healthy and, of course, body: 4D Gusher Marathon: 5D meal out: 6D Business and retirement: 7-11D

What do seniorsdowhen the Tourism officials hope for full- Retirees roll up their job is done? Three share se- service hotel options to cater to sleeves for volunteer work crets of post-work success: 7D conventions: 9D at Shangri La gardens: 11D

Is there a cheaper 401(k) option than mutual funds? 8D SEC examines 12b-1 mutual fund fee: 10D 2D Wednesday, March 24, 2010 BeaumontEnterprise.com Have a spirited adventure Unusual cocktails please the taste buds with surprising flavors

By Beth Rankin But you don’t have to be a ite drinks, or just ask them to [email protected] regular to taste off the beaten surprise you. (409) 880-0787 path. But be sure to be clear Forall the good that can The key is to try a variety aboutwhat ingredients you come of havingaroutine, of bars and restaurants, and don’t imbibe. And as always, find the bartenders who like sometimes it helps to shake tip well, because that extra things up abit. a good challenge. What better waytodothat Chat up your bartender dollar or twomight lead to than with a cocktail? and remember, they’re the the bartender tippingyou For those looking to taste experts. Ask for recommen- back in the form of new drink outside their comfortzone, dations based on your favor- adventures. localbarsand bartenders make it easy to embark on an eveningadventure without having to skip town. WINE At Easy’s Tapas and Mar- tinis on Calder,bartenders constantly are searching for the nextgreat cocktail. And, WEDNESDAYS like any good business, they invest in research and devel- opment. (A NICE BREAK ON YOUR MID-WEEK BREAK) Regulars often are in- volved in adrink’s creation, whether through taste-test- Join us at Carrabbas’s tonight and ing or by helping to create a new drink from scratch. let our food and hospitality Such was the case a few weeks ago when — finding remind you that the most themselves knee-deep in an overabundance of Bacardi important things in life Peach Red — bartenders don’t always happen sought peachy drink sugges- tions from customers. between9and 5. That collaboration be- tweenbartender and patron is how the Memphis Belle came to fruition. Ablend of peach Schnapps,cranberry juice, half-and-half and peach rum, this soft pink martini Youmade it to mid-week, — topped off with a sprig of mint—iscreamy, fruityand celebrate with abottle of vino. pleasantly sweetwithout an overpoweringsugarytaste, We’llget things started with making it an ideal dessert martini. But don’t sip on this one $10 off too long. As with most alco- holic cocktails that include anybottle of wine likeour milk products, the cream and alcohol eventually sepa- rate,leavingafluffy film on Estancia Pino Grigio or the top that will need to be stirredbackintothe drink. Coppola Claret. Easy’s also offers the Champagne Martini, made with Razzmatazz, peach It’sjust that good.TM Schnapps,champagne and orange juice — a mixture that creates a light, bub- bly concoction that dances pleasantly on the tongue. For traditional martini Beth Rankin/The Enterprise drinkers or those who enjoy Bartender Gordon Parrish pours a Memphis Belle at Easy’s Tapas & Martinis on Calder. gin, the Lohitoismade with vodka, lime juice, simple al drink that can’t be found venturouscrowd,some folks it’s hard to believe it’s mixed syrup and lemongrass Dry on the menu. alwayswill have ingredients with onlyKahlua,Frangelico Soda,anall-natural soda that “I have two questions,” she on their no-pour list. Vocal- and cranberry juice. gives the martini apleasant, said as she made her wayto izing tastes you can’t handle The cranberry gives it a dry kick. the rows of bottles lining the might spare you from having pleasant, softly sweet jelli- Thereal adventureinlocal bar. “Are you allergic to any- to send a drink back. ness, while the combination imbibing, however, lies in thing and is there anything At Easy’s, those in the of Kahlua and Frangelico sippingcocktails not offered you don’t like?” knowcan order the peanut creates a peanut butter taste on an establishment’smenu. Thesetwo questions are, butter and jelly martini, a that slowly creeps in from the At Madison’sonDowlen, in fact,exactlywhat needsto concoction that’s not listed corners of your mouth. The 1550 IH 10 South •Beaumont bartender Kandis Brown be addressed before embark- on the menu. mix creates a surprisingly ac- didn’t bataneye when asked ing on a spirit-filled adven- This drink has such an in- curate PB&J taste as it crawls 409.842.5561 to present an unconvention- ture. Even amongst the ad- terestingand complex taste, across your taste buds. [email protected] BeaumontEnterprise.com Wednesday, March 24, 2010 3D Forupscale appetites Sit down to an elegant dinner at these restaurants beaumont seared halibut with wild herb and white wine sauce, or By Jemimah Noonoo [email protected] treatyourself to shrimpwith (409) 880-0754 sundried tomatoes. And with almost1,000 There was once a time bottles of wine in their selec- when fine diningmeantan tion, you won’t leave thirsty. A lamb chop dinner is among the offerings at Bryan’s 747. 80-mile trek to Houston. Kids should be happytoo, Those days are no more. with achildren’smenuthat SEE WHAT’S NEW AT Want proof? Check out offers spaghetti and meat- PINE ARBOR Bryan’s 797, a five-star res- balls, personalpitza and NURSING CENTER taurant in Midtown. chicken tenders for $5. “Culture Change” Chefs Marcus Bruner and Goodfella’s has a relax- Most people have never heard the phrase DenaturaFontenot canget ing atmosphere and self- before, but at Pine Arbor,weare you started with their savory playingbabygrand piano embracing it! crab bisque or wild mush- to help make the restaurant What exactly does this mean for our room soups, for example. the “prettiest one in town,” residents? It means that they have a Save room for the main Randazzo said. choice in their care. It means that meals courses on the menu, which The restaurant is open will be served restaurantstyle. It means could include lambchops that bath time will be at their choosing Monday through Wednesday and with fluffy bath robes and warm with amintpesto or seared from 3:30-10 p.m., Thursday pacific salmon with a “whis- towels. Please stop by to find out more through Saturday from 3:30- per of pecan.” about this exciting new program. Ask for Sandra Womack •Admissions Director • (409) 385-0033 If you arefeelingbeefy, 11 p.m.,and from 10:30 a.m. sink your teeth into a juicy until 4 p.m. on Sunday. PINE ARBOR steak tenderloin. So, even if you don’t have your Italian down, you can HEALTH CARE CENTER Entrees generally run from 705 FM 418 WSilsbee, Texas $25 to $40. still enjoy the company and a •Short Term &Long Term Care Beyond the fancyeating, fine meal, too. •Rehabilitation Care customersare surrounded by elegant decor. The restau- Photos by Tammy McKinley/ The Enterprise rant is in atwo-storyrestored house, complete with a fire- Blake Olmsted polishes the silverware before dinner at Bry- Scrapbook All Scrapbook Easter Plush & Wooden & place and beautiful portraits. an’s 747 in Beaumont. Albums &Refill Papers Stuffed Animals Metal Easter Pages OVER 200 TO Packaged& INCLUDES BUNNIES, Fresh flowers adorn the CHICKS, DUCKS &MORE Decor including the $3,500 bottle of effort to be a quality dining CHOOSE FROM! Single Sheets tables and dinners areserved EXCLUDES EK SUCCESS, SANDYLION, Romanee-Conti, Domde La experience,and we don’t K&COMPANY AND PHOTOALBUMS by candlelight. The seating SPECIALTY PAPERS TO CHOOSE FROM! Romanee-Conti. have to rip your head off EXCLUDES ART DEPARTMENT area fits about 100 people. Hours are 5-10 p.m., Mon- with the prices,” said owner And classical music is Stickers Polystone & day through Saturday. The Frankie Randazzo. FEATURING STICKABILITIES, DOODLEBUG, played to “set the mood,” said KAREN FOSTER, PEBBLES, 7GYPSIES, SEASONAL Ceramic Easter Tanya Hampton, manager restaurant is locatedat797 N. So, lift your fork for some &MORE. EXCLUDES 3D EMBELLISHED STICKERS. Figurines & Easter Baskets, and wine steward at Bryan’s. Fifth St. in Beaumont. pollo mamasala, which are Table Decor Grass&Shreds Reservations are sug- GoodFella’s,3350 Dowlen chickencutlets dredged in Scrapbooking Photo Easter gested, not required.But Road, also offers a qual- seasoned flour with a mush- Categories Shown Storage Crafts &Decor call first, because Bryan’s itydiningexperience with room marsala wine sauce Boxes fills up for privateparties. meals rangingfromabout $9 served with fettucine alfredo. % ASSORTED Categories Shown And thereisawine selection to $31. If you feel likeeatingfish, 50 Off STYLES for the pickiestofpalates, “We’ve made aconscious you might want to try the pan % the Paper Studio® &Stampabilities® 50 Off All Stamping Sale! FEATURING RUBBER STAMPS, Spare CLEAR STAMPS & INK PADS Parts® ALSO INCLUDES SETS &CLEAR MOUNTING BLOCKS Embellishments Easter Eggs Entire Stock of ALL SIZES by Scrapbook ALL MATERIALS All the Paper Studio® Easter CHOOSE FROM Page Kits by the Paper Studio® Crafts HUNDREDS OF BRADS, EYELETS, Furniture FLOWERS AND OTHER OVER 60 TO INCLUDES WOOD, GLASS, DECORATIVE ITEMS! CHOOSE FROM! 30% Off PAPER MACHE &PLASTER Garden Mobiles Polystone &Ceramic Aloha! OUR EVERYDAYLOW PRICES Aloha! FURNITURE AVAILABILITY & & Garden Decor & Spring Splash SELECTION MAYVARY BY STORE. Bird Feeders Statuary Robert Stanley &Outdoor Dining Gazing Balls & Garden Themes Glass Garden Decor Categories Shown 40% Off 50% Off Photos by Dave Ryan/The Enterprise Garden Garden Zydeco Diner on Crockett Street serves up a variety of Cajun fare. Nylon Flags, Wall Decor Pedestals & % Wind Socks & & Gazing Ball 30 Off Wind Spinners Thermometers Stands All 32”x40” Matboard Custom Frames Realistic Fruit, Flowering&Greenery Marbles, Gems, &Pre-Cut Mats (APPLIES TO FRAME ONLY) Vegetables, Garlands, Swags, Riverstones, EXCLUDES CUSTOM MATS. THIS OFFER AVAILABLE Cajunflavors flourish ONLY AT STORE OUR EVERYDAY ADDRESSES LISTED BELOW. Bread &Cheese Wreaths&Bushes ITSY-BEAD-SIES LOW 1.57-7.99 INCLUDES PICKS &SPRAYS &Dazzlers By Christopher Dabe “People often say, ‘I make said, is a selection of quality Framing Floral [email protected] my ownroux,’” Romano ingredients. The fresher the Open Back Categories Shown Posters & Categories Shown (409) 880-0746 addedabout abasic gumbo better, Romano said. Readymade Frames % MattedPrints % ingredient made of flour “The slightest little ingre- 50 Off Floral 50 Off One Southeast Texas res- and oil and gives the dish dient can make a world of Stems Floral taurantowner figuresatleast INCLUDES Ribbon By the Roll its darkened color. “They difference in Cajun food,” Photo Frames Shadow Box Frames, FEATHERS AND Arrangements one Cajun dish is responsible INCLUDES OUR ENTIRE ALL STYLES INCLUDES ALL RIBBON BY THE ROLL INCLUDES start talking about how they Romano said. SELECTION OF TA BLE TOPAND Display Cases & &VARIETIES IN IN OUR WEDDING, SEASONAL, FLOWERING &GREENERY. for much debate. The source NOVELTY PHOTOFRAMES AS WELL AS ALL Flag Cases OUR STEM FLORAL &FABRIC DEPARTMENTS. EXCLUDES CUSTOM DESIGNS process it or make it, and we Many Cajun dishes were WOODEN PHOTOSTORAGE DEPARTMENT. EXCLUDES RIBBON BY THE YA RD. &POTTED TREES. of the debate haslesstodo actuallybakeour roux.That’s originated by people livingin Candles, Entire Stockof Painted Wilton® ,Make nMold, Craft Washable UnfinishedCeramic Hen with the quality of the result Candle Holders, Decorative Wood Decor not a secret.” the Louisiana swamplands, Crosses Sunny Side Up Sequins & &Goose Eggs &Egg butmoreabout the process Reed Diffusers INCLUDES &LoRann Cake, Cookie Stand A more common roux- Romano said. FEATURING METAL, WALL & Paillettes &LED Pillars FINISHED WOOD & TA BLE &Candy Making with which it is made. POLYRESIN. PIECES. All Woven making methodistomakeit “Ifyou think back to EXCLUDES TEALIGHTS, EXCLUDES SEASONAL. Supplies “Everybodyyou talk VOTIVES &CANDLE Baskets, in afryingpan, Romano said. people 20, 30, 40 yearsago, VALUE PACKS Home Accent Storage Crafting Sale! to — it’s something every Baskets & The results differ, but the people didn’t eatboiled Categories Shown Categories Shown Southeast Texan loves — preference is personal. crawfish, so there had to be Hampers % everybody believes they have Anyrestaurantworth its someone who said, ‘Let’s try % the best gumborecipe,”said 50 Off Glassware 30 Off salt offers its own twist on this,’”Romano said. “Ithad to INCLUDES GLASS Randy Romano, co-owner Ceramics, Pottery WITH DECORATIVE Foam, what have become tradition- be people in Southwest Loui- ACCENTS &GLASS Balsa & All Felt Origami of Zydeco Diner on Crockett &Polyresin Metalware FROM OUR CRAFT & al food items.Which method siana. They tried something INCLUDES TA BLE TOP, BLUE &WHITE, INCLUDES ITEMS WITH FLORAL DEPARTMENTS. Boxed Squares Paper& Street in downtown Beau- ORIENTAL, SOUTHWEST & DECORATIVE BEADED ACCENTS. ITEMS $1.99 &HIGHER. is preferredisupfor debate, out of necessity. Let’s try MUCH MORE! INCLUDES SEASONAL. EXCLUDES FURNITURE. EXCLUDES STAINED GLASS &Shapes Kits mont. butwhat cannot be argued having something to eat. The Romano’s buffet-style eat- Artist Pencils, Pastels All Airbrushes, “In Bloom” & JewelryShoppeBase is that all food preferences same thing goes back to the &Markers ery is open for lunch Monday Construction Compressors, “Bead Design Co.” Metal JewelryFindings are different and commonly unique Cajun dishes.” INCLUDES SETS &INDIVIDUALS. Paper& Airbrush Paint ALSO INCLUDES “PLASTIC EXCLUDES FEATURING GRAPHITE, WATERCOLOR, BEADS” &“ACRYLIC BEADS” STERLING SILVER. through Friday and special- Poster Board BY CRAFTS, ETC! based on upbringing. PopularCajun dishes % izes in foods with a Louisiana “We know we’re not going arecommonly barbecued, Artist Supplies 30 Off JewelryMaking influence.And the restaurant to beat your mother or your baked, grilled, boiled or is hardly the only place in Categories Shown Categories Shown grandmother, but we’ll come cooked in their ownjuices. % % SoutheastTexas to offer such close,” Romano said. “All we Common dishes include 30 Off 50 Off variety. want to do is come close. boudin, gumbo and jam- Jewelry Charms Many localrestaurants “I’ll get that a lot, where balaya. Several local res- All Tempra Metal Gallery have similar menuoptions. Paint, Window FEATURING CHARM ME &Base Metal customers say, ‘This is really, taurants have alsobegun to % % (INCLUDING ABEAD STORY), 50 Off Writers &Poster % WATCH US &LAZY CANYON JewelryBeads Hair Floyd’sCajun Seafood and 50 Off ONLY. EXCLUDES really good, but it’s not better offer boiled crawfish in the Markers EXCLUDES STERLING SILVER. STERLING SILVER. Accessories Texas Steakhouse,located than my grandmother’s.’ And late-winter and spring sea- at 2290 I-10 South in Beau- even if it was, you wouldn’t sons,when crawfish aremost % All Ribbon & All Plastic ILove All Foam, montisanother.There’salso Pique & 30 Off Trim Spools Canvas Little This Yarn! Smart Foam say it was.” OUR EVERYDAYLOW (excludes ribbon/trim &Solids plentiful. 4.99 -6.99 P/YD. Britches 5&7OZ. Pads Larry’s French Market and Seersucker sold by the yard) •45" WIDE Sheets The secret to any suc- As for whichisbest, that’s •100% COTTON 4OZ. PRINTS &SOLIDS % •INCLUDES APPAREL 7MESH SHEETS CLEAR % CajunRestaurantat3710 50 Off COTTON PRINTS &COLORS 3.88 2.99 30 Off cessful restaurant, Romano for the eater to determine. OUR EVERYDAYLOW 1.99 -4.99 OUR EVERYDAY IS OUR EVERYDAY OUR EVERYDAYLOW Pure Atlantic Road in Groves. 30% Off 3/1.00 LOW 5.39 LOW PRICE 1.99 -21.99 Eachoffersgumbo,which Fashion Fabric OUR EVERYDAYLOW OUR EVERYDAYLOW 45¢ -49¢ 54" Home 2.99 -8.99 P/YD. Needleart Colonial Packaged Full Categories Shown maybeamostpopular menu Ser DecFabric Categories Shown Stamped Cross vice Bar Prints, Solids Spring Apparel Blanks option. Happy &Sheers Broadcloth Entire Stock of Fabrics Hour Carded &Tubed Flour Sack Towels Pillowcase Vintage PREVIOUSLYREDUCED ITEMS & Batiste FEATURING TUTTI FRUTTI, All Latch 3-7 NOT INCLUDED •POLY/COTTON Buttons, Threads SMOCKED COTTONS 2&2.5 OZ. 2PACK Pair Towels PM •45"WIDE &DAISY KINGDOM Hook Kits 28 x28 33 x38 18 x28 LIFEGUARDS •ASSORTED COLORS &Zippers % Your % % % 30 Off Choice... 1.99 P/YD. 40 Off 30 Off 1.57 30 Off 4.99 5.99 7.99 5.99 OUR EVERYDAYLOW OUR EVERYDAY OUR EVERYDAYLOW OUR EVERYDAY OUR EVERYDAY OUR EVERYDAY OUR EVERYDAY OUR EVERYDAY OUR EVERYDAY NEEDED OUR EVERYDAY LOW 5.99 2.99-44.99 P/YD. LOW 1.99 -2.99 P/YD LOW PRICES 4.99 -13.99 P/YD. LOW 1.89 -1.99 LOW 9.99-59.99 LOW 6.99 LOW 9.99 LOW 6.99 FOR SMITH LAKE

WATER PARK AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD IN AFESTIVE ATMOSPHERE •SALES SUBJECT TO SUPPLYINSTOCK •SELECTION MAYVARY BY STORE NEW SPECIALS •THIS AD DOES NOT APPLYTOPRE-REDUCED ITEMS Monday Kids Eat Free w/any adult meal. STORE HOURS: 9-8 MONDAY-SATURDAY•CLOSED SUNDAY •OFFERS NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE (Not Valid w/Any Other Offer) BEAUMONT Red Cross Tuesday Corona $199 all day 3990 N. Dowlen Rd. Certified Classes Begin April 10th Wednesday House Margaritas $199 Check (WITHIN THE SHOPS AT Out Our 409-832-1644 (Frozen or On The Rocks) Custom 409-883-2322 “Homemade Tortillas” DOWLEN SHOPPING CENTER) Framing 4414 Dowlen Dept. Call Smith Lake (Crossroad Center) (409) 924-7718 STORE HOURS: 9-8 MONDAY-SATURDAY at Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm •Fri-Sat 11am-11pm •CLOSED SUNDAY 409-769-8200 www.hobbylobby.com 4D Wednesday, March 24, 2010 BeaumontEnterprise.com Spa touches soften clinical setting Design of orthopedic center reaches beyond medical care

By Sarah Moore [email protected] (409) 880-0730 Anewlyremodeledunit at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospi- taljustmight shift apatient’s attitude toward orthopedic surgery from dread to antici- pation. The Spine and Orthope- dic Speciality Center,which openedMarch 1, combines spa-likesurroundings with an emphasis on providing information and education to easepatients’concerns and speed healing, Heather Bullard, unit director,said duringthe center’s first week in operation. Spine, hip and knee sur- gery areoffered at the center, with anew discreplacement Photos by Dave Ryan/The Enterprise procedure among the tech- Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital has opened a new Spine and Orthopedic Speciality Center. niques.Itreplaces damaged Every detail of the center is meant to promote healing of mind, body and spirit. discs in the neck with stain- less steel implants, helping to restore rangeofmotion, relieving pain and shorten- ing recovery time. Also, each patient is as- signed awellnesseducation coachtoassisthim or her in the processfromsurgery to recovery. Lynn Wohler, director of Heather Bullard points out a shower bench that folds out of nursing services, said every the way for patients who use wheelchairs. detail of the centerhas been designed to promote healing Village Creek Rehab &Nursing Center — in mind, body and spirit. Even the artwork hanging Services Include: on walls throughout the cen- tershows healingimagery, The staff at village creek continually •24hour Skilled Nursing Care strives to exceed the expectations of the blooming plants and water. residents, families and the medical professionals we serve. We provide “Wewantedthe artwork •Status Post Surgical Rehabilitation Service effective treatment to our residents while to depict life and the impor- motivating them to participate in daily •Physical Occupational and Speech Therapy activities. To better serve our residents tance of life,” Wohler said. we offer aprogressive approach to Bullard, Wohler and the treatment that combines resident and •Short-term Rehabilitation stays family education, collaboration with rest of the staff radiated pride An activity room gives dining room. Christus got the idea for primary physicians and individualized •Specialized Wound Care treatment plans. in their new facility. patients and family members A Healthy Living Mar- the center from a similar Theunit consists of 19 ••••••••••• computer access,movies, ketplace features a coffee facility in Florida that was •Activities designed to cater to our residents, Village Creek is aproud recipient rooms,mostly private, with of an AHCA 2008 Step One music and other diversions. bar, personal care items,gift having great success with the easy-access tiled bathrooms. supported by community organizations Quality Award. Patients step off the Adding a touch of conti- cards and more. concept. elevator into a hotel-like nental elegance, the center “We’ve tried to think of “Our executiveleadership •Psychological Counseling atmosphere, complete with will offer “high tea”each every single thingapatient wanted a program like this,” •Discharge Planing and Family Support marble-toppedconcierge’s afternoon. Buffet dining is mightwantorneed and tried Bullard said. “It’s great for 705 North Main Street ~Lumberton, TX 77657 desk. in asleek,modern common to address it,” Wohler said. patients. We’re thrilled.” Tel:l: 409-755-0100FaFax:x:409-755-4200409-755-4200 Texas Medical Providing comfort, compassion Enterprises,Inc. and care since 1994 Home Health Agency Jasper Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year 2010 nner Wi 2009re the Ca d of ar Home Aw Home of the Elite ‘HOPE‘HOPE FAFAMILMILY’Y’

“Home Health Care from the Heart... *Our nurses are local to serveyou in your home *Medicaid &Medicare pay100% *Workers Comp &Insurances

Percentage for State National Quality Measures TEXAS MEDICAL Average Average ENTERPRISES, INC.

HIGHER PERCENTAGES ARE BETTER Percentage of patients who get better at walking or moving around 58% 43% 46% Percentage of patients who get better at getting in and out of bed 62% 46% 54% Percentage of patients who have less pain when moving around 87% 56% 64% Percentage of patients whose bladder control improves 98% 39% 47% Percentage of patients who get better at bathing 97% 62% 65% Percentage of patients who get better at Serving the following counties: taking their medicines correctly (bymouth) 86% 41%43% Jasper,Newton, Sabine, Tyler,Hardin, Percentage of patients who are short of breath less often 87% 48% 60% San Augustine, Polk, Angelina, Jefferson and Orange Counties Go to Medicare.govSearch forHome Health Comparetofind Home Health &CareRatings 254 Ethel P. O. Box 2086, Jasper

Jasper Hemphill Nederland 409-384-5995 •800-661-9047 409-384-5050 409-787-1407 409-729-1100 www.lakesareahospice.org 409-384-7654 Fax 409-787-1427 Fax 409-729-1104 Fax BeaumontEnterprise.com Wednesday, March 24, 2010 5D Race planners go the distance Legwork leads way for Beaumont’s first marathon, set for May 1

BEAUMONT By Johnnie Walters [email protected] (409) 880-0744 It wasn’t a simple process. Forrace coordinators planning the Gusher Mara- thon, some would agreeit wasoften challenging. But they all put in the time to make sure the race will be an enjoyable experience.Ithas scenic,engagingand even adventurous points through- out the flat 26.2-mile race course. “Weput in 100 man-hours to getthe coursetogether,” said Gusher Marathon race director Richard James. “We hadseveral differentroutes so that we could come up with the best race course for runners.” James thought it was the least they could do for Beau- mont’sfirst marathon, which is scheduled for May 1. They ran, droveand rode bicycles on various routes before they agreed on the perfect course. “Thereweremanythings to consider,” James said. “We Guiseppe Barranco/The Enterprise hadtothink about traffic, Runners train along Dowlen Road for Beaumont’s upcoming Gusher Marathon. 1,500 to 2,500 participants are expected. road surface,and we hadto make sure we showed the marathons that identify with Texas cities and 18 different unteers alone help out. An QUALITYMEDICAL city’s attractions along the the city likeHoustonand states registered.Weexpect event of this magnitude takes way.” Boston.” 1,500 to 2,500 participants hundreds and hundreds of Themarathon, whichis Participants,who will for this year’s event.” volunteers. So we appreciate hosted by Sports Society for mainly run on Martin Luther Wheneach participant everyone that will help out.” King Parkway, will alsowind crossesthe finish line,text James urgesschools and 963 -1196 American Health, is sched- 4249 Lincoln •Groves, Tx uled to begin at 7:30 a.m. around the Lamar Univer- messagesand e-mail alerts corporaterelayteams to May 1 at Lamar’s Montagne sitycampusand through will be sent to thosethat participate. Prizes include Center. There will also be downtown Beaumont. The register for the service. A overall winners,age group NURSE CONSULTANT a half marathon and a 5K course will remain open for finish camera will provide awards and shirts. HELPSATTORNEYS WIN CASES race. The marathon and half seven hours. The time will a30-second clipwithin 48 “Wehopetohavehigh marathon will both startat allowmarathon walkers to hours of the finish.Run Wild school bands and cheerlead- the same time followed by compete at least a 15-minute Sports Timing of Houston ers throughout the entire NEW CONSULTING PRACTICE SERVES the three-mile race at 8 a.m. pace with afew shortrest will provide disposable chip race cheer on runners as they BEAUMONT LEGAL COMMUNITY “Every city that is the size breaks. timing and results. compete,” James said. “We of Beaumontorlargerhas “If you can walk three “Theseeventswould not will also have music bands CJ Legal Nurse Consulting, LLC has launched Beaumont’s a marathon,” said James, miles then you can partici- be possible without our at the finish line perform first independent legal nurse consulting practice to help whose non-profit organi- pate,” James said. “We have many sponsors and volun- during and after races. It will attorneys win medical related cases. zation began the process 700 registeredrunners so far. teers,” James said. “Lamar be a lot of fun for the entire last June. “They all have We have participants from 30 University will have 100 vol- family.” For moreinformation call 409-751-0596, cell 409-656-5626 or email cjcrosby60@ yahoo.com Advantage Plus Homecare believes in giving back to our Community

•Halloween Carnival •Christmas •Christmas Parade Parade •Supplying Water after Hurricane Ike •Toysfor Tots • Senior Celebration •Relayfor Life •Relayfor Life •Cast forKids •Azalea Festival •Fall Festival •Rodeo Parade •Business Expo and much more!! ADVANTAGEPLUSHOMECARE Jasper: 409-489-1496 •Beaumont: 409-899-1665 Orange: 409-883-9902 •Toll Free: 866-489-1496 Proudly serving Jasper and surrounding areas with Home Care Excellence 6D Wednesday, March 24, 2010 BeaumontEnterprise.com Skip the salad without the guilt

glucoselevel, she said, which Be aware of dining selections for a healthier, balanced meal helps you feel full. Formoretips and to By Heather Nolan develop a healthy eating plan [email protected] cateredtoyourneeds, Vivrett (409) 880-0724 recommended visiting the Attention calorie con- U.S. Department of Agricul- scious diners: Next time ture’s MyPyramid.gov Web you’re out at your favorite site. restaurant, try ordering from The site allows consumers acategory other than salad. to enter personal informa- “You can eat out health- tion, like weight, age and av- fullyand economically,”said erage daily amount of physi- Mary Ellen Vivrett, a regis- calactivity and averagefood tered dietitian and clinical intake to develop a healthy nutrition manageratBaptist eating plan to maintain, lose BeaumontHospital. or gain weight. “Ifyou’restrugglingwith health and weight tryingto Advertisement eathealthier foryourheart, you caneat outeasily, but you have to be awareofwhat you’re eating,” she said. Themain advice Vivrett said she gives her clientsis this:Skipthe super-sized meals, buffets and all-you- can-eat options at restau- rantsand reachfor grilled, baked or broiled foods. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends Americans balance healthy eating choices with daily physical activity to maintain or loseweight. Here aresome of Vivrett’s tips on how to mange healthy eating while dining at your favorite restaurant: • Know the difference between a serving size and a portion size. Aservingsizeis the amountyou want to eat to achieve weight mainte- nance.Aportion size is what theyserve at arestaurant. Just because they serve it to you,doesn’tmean you have to eatitall. Vivrett recommended orderingoff of the children’s Photos by Dave Ryan/The Enterprise menu to get smaller serving At left, MaryEllen Vivrett, aregistered dietitian and clinical tions at restaurants. At right, Vivrett displays a portion plate and portion sizes. nutrition manager at Baptist Beaumont Hospital, recom- for a balanced meal. A portion size is the amount served • Skip the secret sauce mends her clients choose grilled, baked or broiled foods at a restaurant, while a serving size is the amount to eat to and the cheese. Nixing the instead of super-sized meals, buffets and all-you-can-eat op- achieve weight maintenance. mayonnaise and the cheese on yourhamburger can with meatand the other ¼ Having alcohol with a Be sure to stick to appetiz- A good tip to remember is save you about 150 calories, with starch. meal or an appetizer slows ers that are grilled, baked or the lighter color the meat, the Vivrettsaid. The vegetables can be raw down the absorption in your broiled. lower the fat and calories. When you’re ordering or cooked,and the meat can stomach, she said but alco- If you order a soup, stick • It’s best to walk away pasta, remember that creamy be substituted with foods like hol also lowers your glucose to one that is broth-based or from dessert …but if you sauces arehigher in fatand cottage cheese, eggs,peanut level. That’s what makesyou water-based. Tomato-based just can’t resist,Vivrettsaid calories than tomato-based butter and tofu. hungry and is why you’re soups aresometimes OK,but try to share one dessert with sauces. Starchescan include foods more likely to overeat if those sometimes are higher the whole table,and tryto Also, trytoget vegetables likebread, potatoes,rice and you’redrinking. in fat because they’re made order dessertsmade with mixed in with your sauce pasta. • Appetizers areagood with heavycreams,Vivrett or topped with fresh fruit instead of meat. • Drink alcohol in mod- waytohelp you eatless. said. instead of chocolate or other • Try to eat a balanced eration. That’s twodrinks(12 You can order a couple of Keep in mind that soups high-calorie sweets. meal. Vivrett said she recom- ounces of beer,fourounces appetizers to share at the tend to be high in sodium, • If you have trouble mends her clients divide of wine or 1½ ounces of table and alsoorder asoup and if they contain meat, like overeating, Vivrett suggests their plates into three, filling liquor) for men and one for or salad for yourself,Vivrett sausage, it will have morefat having a piece of fruit before half of it with vegetables,¼ women aday,Vivrettsaid. said. and moresodium. you go out. Fruit raises your Oriental plate Hamburger plate Sandwich plate

Rodolfo P. Sotolongo, M.D.

Paris P. Bransford, M.D.

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dayI’ll tryit… WhenIreached Retirees about seventy I realized ‘one day’ was here,” she said. sharesuccess “Ifyou want to do it now’s stories of life the time.” after work Snapshots in time Randy Welborn, 66, of By Rachael Hartman Kountzestays young at heart [email protected] by painting memories of life (409) 755-4912, ext. 3 in Beaumont in the 1950s. Inspired by Norman Rock- SoutheastTexas seniors well, his collection “Moments arenot waitingfor life to pass to Remember” features15 them by.Theyare engagingin localscenes and include his their community and giving friends and family, his first backtothe nextgeneration. car—a1941 Cadillac,and Allowustointroduce you lots of meaningful details, to three strong seniors on such as personallyimportant the move: a kick butt granny datesput on licenseplates from Mauriceville,ahistorical and signs. painter from Kountze and a There is a reason for every Silsbee beautifier. detail Welborn puts into his Rachael Hartmann/The Enterprise paintings, and he strives for Randy Welborn, 66, of Tae Kwon Do granny historic correctnessineach Kountze keeps history alive Tammy McKinley/The Enterprise scene. through his paintings. Clarrell Williams works out at the Vidor Tae Kwon Do Academy in Vidor. Twice aweekClarrell “I’ll pickaday and go find Williams, 71, of Mauriceville out what movie was play- Porter planter takes her grandson Jacob Al- ing that day. I picked out my red, 14, to Vidor TaeKwonDo 12th birthday and looked on After almost 40 years of lessons.But,she doesn’t sit the Beaumont Enterprise’s full-time work as aRegistered on the sidelines cheering him microfilm to find outwhat Nurse, Ludessa Porter, of MARYFADHLI on — she gets out on the floor movie wasplaying. It was Silsbee still cares for those and kicks it with him. ‘Twist of Fate’ with Ginger around her. “She is really very grand- Rogers,” he said. “I worked all of the time, EARNS PROMOTION TO motherly. Shehas arealsweet He titled that painting butIpromised myself if I demeanor,someone you “Evening at the Jefferson.” ever retire I’m going to give think should be baking cook- “It turned out to be a lot of something back to the com- EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT ies,” Glenda Carroll, senior fun doing the painting,” he munity,”Portersaid. instructor at Vidor TaeKwon She first made the promise explained. Do Academy said of Williams. as a30-year-old working16 Artisn’tjustaway to Thegreat-grandmother is hour days; now at age 67 she preserve memories, but it is still fulfills her commitment. on her second belt since start- one wayWelborn connects ingTae Kwon Do lessons in “I made that promise and I to people.His son, BryanS. July of 2009. kept it.And Ifeelgood about Williams was a stay-at- Welborn, worked with him on it.” home mom,then worked five of the paintings. Porter is involved in mul- at Sam’sClub for about ten To insure accuracy, Wel- tiple localand stateprojects, years. At the age of 51, she bornalsotalkstopeople that but her pet project is the graduated with a Bachelor of remember details from the beautification of Silsbee. Science in Education from 1950s. After spinal surgeryand Lamar University. “All the research is so much knee problems left her walk- Butthe TaeKwonDodidn’t funand interviewingpeople. ingwith acane,Porter still come until much later. I’ll ask them,‘What color do picks up trash in city clean- “I alwaysliked to watch it you remember these things ups, coordinates landscaping in the movies then when my being?’ The consensus will and adds the final touch of grandson started taking it giveyou the closestanswer,” home around the city. alittle over twoyears ago, it he said. “I can’t do alot of things, MaryAnne Fadhli has been promoted to Executive Vice looked interestingand looked Other paintings in the col- but I can do what I can do. If likeitwould be fun,”Williams lection feature ThePigstand I would have stopped after I President of MCT Credit Union effective January1,2010. said. in South Park, “Dragging the had my surgery, and not done “So my daughter gave me Circle,”the GaylynnTheatre, anything, as so many people Tae Kwon Do lessons for my and the South Park drive-in do, I would have been prob- She began her employment at MCT Credit Union, formerly birthday.” theatre. Welborn alsopaints ably in awheelchair by now. Mid-County Teachers Credit Union, in June,1979. She has Williams said she was a scenes from Village Creek. Thedowntowngazebo, bit intimidated in joining the Welborn started painting flower boxes and holiday held numerouspositionsduringhercareeratthe CreditUnion. adult classdue to her age. when he was 7 years old. His decorations are all a result of “I don’t learn as fastas artwork took the back burner the beautification efforts. These positions included managing the Member Services the younger people in the when he began working “I’m proud of Silsbee. Have class. It takes me longertogo at Westinghouseatage 18. you ever seen some of those and Lending Departments, as well as holding Administrative through acycle than it does He received new paints for small towns that you drive the younger people. Christmaswhen he turned25 through that aresoclean it Assistant, Branch Management and Chief Lending Officer “Even the younger ones are and hasn’t stopped painting looks like you could eat off willingtohelp me outwith since. of the street? That’s what I’m positions. anythingIneed.Everyone is He said he is busier now hoping for and striving for in really supportive,” she said. working on personal projects Silsbee,” she said. MaryAnne is agraduate of Port Neches-Groves High School Shefacedthe intimidation for friends and his church, Porter is the Chairman of and feels great about her vic- than when he was working the Silsbee Beautification and a2000 graduate of the Credit Union National Association tory both in mind and body. full-time. Committee. Sheisinvolved “If there is something Welborn retired in 2003 with Team City, is a direc- Management School. you’vealwayswantedtodo after working42years at tor at Silsbee Chamber of and you kept saying I’m going Westinghouse, nowcalled Commerce, is on the School to put this off, eventually one Industrial Apparatus Service. Health Advisor Council, the MaryAnne is the daughter of Lillie Joyce Moore and the Community Advisory Com- mittee, and a member of late John Paul MooreofGroves. She resides in Groves with Leadership SoutheastTexas. Porter alsostays involved at her husband Adam and daughter Carli Carrier.She also has her church: Simon’s Memo- rial Church of GodinChrist. daughters Courtney Carrier of Dallas and Kaitlen Garyof She is alicensed Evangelist Huntsville. Missionary, President of the Home and Foreign Missions Boardand StatePresident of the Texas South East3rd Jurisdiction Widow’s Circle and Mother’s Board. “Life hasbeengood to me, and Ijustalwayswantedto give something back. Every- Rachael Hartmann/The Enterprise one should give something Ludessa Porter,67, of Silsbee keeps a 37-year-old promise back. I enjoy doing this,” she and spends her time giving back to the community said. mctcu.org

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Deutsch, director of collec- president of Axia Advisory Nuevas tarifas más bajas. Low-fee option could be tivetrustsfor Morningstar. Corp., an Indianapolis retire- (No necesitas ser rico yfamoso para tener tu propio agente.) Some plans replace mu- mentplanconsultantand tual funds with CITs while manager. Para recibir tarifas bajas sin tenerque sacrificar la cobertura, comunícateconmigo 24/7. coming to your 401(k) others add the trusts as an Mutual funds charge an option, he said. average of 1.25 percent of Recibe un estimadohoy ycompáralo contuseguro. By David Pitt 88 such funds were created Estimates show collec- assets,twice the average0.63 The Associated Press in the 1980s,but morethan tivetrustshold about$1.6 feelevel of collectivetrusts, Bette ADavidson, Agent Randy PFontenot, Agent They’ve been around for three times that number trillion in assets, about half said Adam Baranowski, a 1104 Magnolia 8791 9th Avenue decades; they’re cheaper startedupinthe 1990s. in pension plans and half in Morningstar data analyst. Port Neches, TX 77651 Port Arthur,TX77642 Since 2000, morethan Bus: 409-722-5102 Bus: 409-724-1337 than mutual funds, yet few 401(k)-type plans. That’s a Trust fees also are more [email protected] [email protected] companies offer collective 770 collective trusts were small chunk of the estimated negotiable, and many plan investment trusts in their launched. $13.4 trillion in United States providers significantly pay 401(k) plans.That seems to Though exact numbers retirement market assets. less than the average. Fees be changing. are hard to track, industry Adownside is workers can be as low as 0.25 percent. Similar to mutual funds, experts estimate there are don’t receive extensive per- statefarm.com® That much of a savings Las pólizas, formularios ynotificaciones de State Farm están escritas en inglés. Este documento ha sido traducido CITs pool money from par- about 2,000 CITs. formance documentation, on fees could increase ac- para su conveniencia. En el caso que surja un conflicto de interpretación, la versión del idioma inglés dominará ticipants and invest in stocks, Collectiveinvestment and they can’t use a ticker count balances by tens of P070323 09/07 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company •State Farm Indemnity Company •Bloomington, IL bonds and other alternatives. trusts are available to insti- symbol to look up collective thousands of dollars in the A major appeal is that they tutional fund managers who trusts to compare perfor- working years of the average do so at amuchlower cost. set 401(k) plans for employ- mance the waytheycan with saver. Companies with thou- ers. That means individuals mutual funds. sands of employees in their can’t buy shares. Your com- Workers with a collective retirement plans are catch- panyadds them as options trustintheir retirementplan ingonand addingCITsat within your 401(k) plan. typically get a quarterly re- an increasingpace.Apple, About45percentof401(k) port. They can log into their Dell and ExxonMobil are a plans include CITs. You’re accountonthe provider’s few that offer this cheaper more likely to have collec- Web site and get perfor- option. tivetrustsinyourplanifyou mance information. Expenses are lower work for acompanywith To closethe information becauseCITsare managed morethan1,000 employees. gap, analysts are finding by abank or trustcompany. About 70 percent of larger ways to track CITs and offer Oversight falls tofederal companies offer CITs, Morn- performance ratings. banking regulators so col- ingstar said. Morningstar said it has lectivetrustsavoid the costs Many federal employees more than 1,150 in its data- that come with adheringto and members of the military base. regulationsofthe Securities are familiar with collective Workers would be better 2490 IH-10 East and Exchange Commission. trusts because the govern- off if collective trusts were For instance, record-keep- ment’sthrift savings plan, more widely used because Beaumont, TX 77703 ing costs are lower and, be- a401(k)-typeprogram, of the straightforward and Ph.: 409-899-1035 •www.bmtccu.com causeCITsaren’t promoted is completely invested in lowerfee structure, said like mutual funds, marketing collective trusts, said Steve Keith Shadrick, founder and costs areeliminated. “Focusing on your Future” What’s more, managers arenot required to mail all Afull service not-for-profit financial institution. We invite you to the documents mutual funds must, further reducing costs. ABS take advantage of the many products &services we have to offer Createdinthe late 1920s, Certified you. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships collective trusts are often fa- or attends school in Jefferson County. voredbypension managers 7Day Week becauseoftheir lowfeesand 24 Hr Service flexible investmentchoices. FULLYINSURED AND BONDED NO CREDIT? BAD CREDIT? 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Tourism officials would like ‘full-service’ options to cater to conventions Opening soon Five years ago, Beau- By Kyle Peveto their construction plans. mont had about 3,000 [email protected] A year ago, Motiva hotel rooms. Soon, it will (409) 880-0737 delayed a $7-billion plant have 4,394. The most recent hotels Southeast Texas nears project. Then, in June, being built are: the end of a hotel build- Valero paused its $1.7-bil- ing boom that has created lion expansion of its Port n An 81-room Holiday Inn hundreds of new rooms in Arthur refinery. Express at 7140 Eastex Beaumont, Port Arthur and Freeway soon will open Despite the economic and is projected to cost Orange. downturn, the new rooms With three new ho- $3.2 million. provide plenty of space for n The recently opened tels soon coming online, families that travel to Beau- Beaumont will have more Red Roof Inn behind mont’s Ford Park complex Floyd’s Cajun Seafood than 4,000 rooms available, for softball tournaments and Steakhouse cost mostly “limited-service” throughout the year, said $4.7 million. hotels that offer rooms but n In the Walden Road not restaurants, bars and Freddie Willard, director of sales for the Beaumont area near the Tinseltown convention rooms. movie theater, Homewood Tourism officials would Convention and Visitors Bureau. Suites, at 3745 Interstate like to see a different type of 10 South, will cost about hotel in the area. With about 12 events a $3.2 million. “At this point, the way the year, they can take up to n Next to it, the Staybridge economy is, we are over- 2,500 rooms for a tourna- Suites, 5730 Clearwater built with limited-service ment. Court, a four-story building, property,” said Dean Con- In Orange, five new will cost $3.8 million, ac- well, executive director of hotels are being built along cording to City of Beau- the Beaumont Convention Interstate 10, said Darline mont building permits. and Visitors Bureau. Zavada, administrator of “I would rather have one the Orange Convention and more full-service hotel like the Holiday Inn or El- Visitors Bureau. SHUTTLES egante.” The construction will The economy has been bring Orange’s number of To Houston Airports tough on the entire hotel rooms to more than 800. Only $29.99/person industry, said Conwell, who “There’s not only con- Book online TODAY! expects the industry to re- struction bringing more cover some in the summer people to town, but it’s the months. casinos next door,” Zavada When the industry im- said. proves, Conwell would like to see a full-service hotel move into the area near Ford Park or near down- OFFICE POSTAGEHIGH? town Beaumont. “Downtown’s looking WE SAVE YOUPOSTAGEON better every day,” Conwell said. ALL YOUR DAILYMAIL OR Near the Beaumont Civic Center or Ford Park, a “full- STATEMENTS BY service” hotel with meeting space could attract con- PRESORTING TO GET ventions that might bring thousands of professionals POSTAL DISCOUNTS for days or a week. Photos by Pete Churton/The Enterprise “Conventions will stay a TOP: Red Roof Inn & Suites at 2310 Interstate 10 South. BELOW: Holiday Inn Express on US 69. THERE’S NO COST TO YOU couple of days, eat lots of meals and spend money in to the area for short-term Motiva in Port Arthur. In years. this area,” he said. construction work at several turn, hotel owners began However, the national re- B&LMAIL PRESORT INC. Thousands of workers Jefferson County refiner- constructing a number of cession caused most of the were expected to move ies, including Valero and properties in the past three oil companies to suspend 838-0587

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SEC evaluates 12b-1 expense About ‘12b-1’ fees $1,000 invested. What are they? The SEC How much does the that cuts into investors’ returns adopted a rule — called industry collect? About 12b-1 — that allowed mu- $9.5 billion last year, down By Mark Jewell shareholder advocacygroup. tual funds to begin charg- from $11.6 billion in 2008. The Associated Press ing the fees to investors Last year’s figure was Bullardisaformer assistant in 1980. The rule allowed chief counsel at the SEC. about 18 percent of fund Many investors mightskip 12b-1s to be assessed expenses, excluding sales theline on their mutual fund The challenge for regula- alongside management charges. TIRES disclosurestatements that tors and the industry is to de- and other expenses that What costs do they FROM reads, “12b-1 fee.” sign a fee system that inves- funds pass on to custom- cover? Typically, the fees These fees are the money tors understandand that also ers to oversee investment cover compensation for that many funds collect to fairly compensates advisers portfolios and provide other advisers who sell the fund services. offset avarietyofexpenses, and other intermediaries. or other financial intermedi-

How many funds charge P155/80R-13 from advertisingtobrokers’ Besides compensating bro- aries who provide follow-up commissions.Theyalsocan 12B-1s? About 65 percent EA kers,12b-1s were createdto of fund share classes. services. An industry survey cut into investors’ returns. found that more than 90 The fees, whose name help athen-strugglingfund How do I find out if I’m TOURINGTPERFORMANCE RUCK/SUV percent of 12b-1 revenue is alegacyofthe Securities industryrecover from tough being charged? A fund’s and Exchange Commission times in the 1970s.Schapiro prospectus and other dis- went to ongoing share- rule that created them three said the fees might have closures list a breakdown of holder services or initial decades ago, broughtin$9.5 made sense when they were the charges that make up a sales assistance. Another 6 percent went to other fund billion for fund companies introducedin1980. Butnow, fund’s expense ratio. last year. What’s a typical charge? services, with 2 percent P185/65R-14 P195/60R15 P255/70R-16 she said, “it is past the time to 12b-1s range from $1.50 for fund promotion and That amountisequal to reassess their need and their P195/70R-14..$58 P185/65R-15..$53 P265/75R-16..$96 to $3 per year for every advertising. $ $ $ 18 percentoffund expenses, effectiveness.” P205/65R-15 .. 59 P205/60R-15 .. 53 P265/70R-16.101 not countingsales charges, P195/65R-15..$53 P205/55R-16..$63 P265/70R-17.$119 according to the fund indus- P225/60R-16..$63 P275/55R-20..$119 LT285/75R-16 . $155 try’s Investment Company Institute. The12b-1 fees typicallyamounttoaround $2 ayearfor every$1,000 invested. The SEC is questioning whether investors should be $ paying them. Chairwoman Mary Scha- piro asked her staff to pres- entarecommendation on Signal International is aleader in the Gulf of Mexico 12b-1s for the commission to 70MAIL-IN consider this year. for marine and fabrication services. “Investors mayhaveno REBATE idea these fees are being Signal International has two facilities in Texas: OFFERVALID 3/21/10TO4/3/10. deducted, what services they SEESTORE FORDETAILS. ON ANYSET OF 4MICHELINTIRES! are paying for or who they Orange Yard -91West Front Street, Orange, TX are ultimately compensat- ing,” Schapiro said. North Yard -2350 S. Gulfway Drive, Port Arthur,TX Broadly, the SECsaid 12b-1s aresupposed to coverfund distribution, Signal Personnel Office and in some cases, share- holder services.Afund that 905 Pier Road doesn’t compensateadvisers Orange, TX through a 12b-1 is prob- 409-291-5093 Fax: 409-980-5486 ably collecting that money elsewhere. Increasingly, 12b-1s have become revenue Personnel Office email: [email protected] AMERICA’SLARGESTINDEPENDENT TIRE DEALER substitutes for the growing number of funds that don’t Drug Free Workplace discounttire.com charge “loads”orsales fees. US Citizen/National or Lawful Permanent Resident SHOP•FINDASTORE •MAKEANAPPOINTMENT “Itdoesn’tmakesenseto Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer use12b-1s alone as atool OR SEETHE YELLOW PAGES FORLOCATIONS NEAR YOU. to screen outfunds,” said M-F: 8:00-6,SAT.: 8:00-5•OVER750 STORES NATIONWIDE! Mercer Bullard, president STATEORLOCAL TAXESAND,WHERE REQUIRED OR CHARGED, STATEENVIRONMENTALORDISPOSAL FEES AREEXTRA. of Fund Democracy, afund

At Gander Mountain, we have everything you need for your next outdoor adventure. That’sbecause we love the outdoors as much as you do. It’sonly natural that we carry all of the top-notch gear you’ll need, wherever the outdoors may take you. $10 OFF Any $50 Purchase! Expires 4/30/10. This coupon is good for $10 offany purchase $50 or more. May not be used in conjunction with any other coupons, offers or associate discount. Not valid on prior purchases, licenses, or gift cards. Limit one per customer per day.Valid at Gander Mountain retail locations only.No duplicates or photocopies accepted.

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PARKDALE MALL Beaumont Gander Mtn. DOWLEN ROAD 5855 Eastex Freeway Beaumont, TX 77706 69 (409) 347-3055 www.GanderMtn.com BeaumontEnterprise.com Wednesday, March 24, 2010 11D retirees find their niche at the garden

something every time I’m “It’sreallypersonal to Volunteers keep in touch with nature, community at Shangri La here.” each person,” she said. Others said their time in Volunteers can register orange Shangri La, as a working online at shangrilagardens. By Margaret Toal volunteer, is a treat for them- org or by calling (409) 670- [email protected] selves to be close to nature. 9113. (409) 838-2860 Charlie Rothrock remem- bers his father and grandfa- ther were alwaysbusy, even after they retired. 2007 “Ifyou retire, you can’t stopworking. If you just stop, you’ll die. As long as you’re 2008 productive, you’re fine,” he said. 2009 Rothrock, 60, is in a wheel- chair after a motorcycle ac- Adults •Children •Adolescents •Family cident30years ago. He stays “Ministering to All Your Needs Since 2003” busy as a volunteer at Shan- •“1Day at aTime” •Sexual Abuse •Teen &Adolescent Drug and Alcohol •Eating Disorders Problems griLaBotanical Gardens and Program® •Grief Counseling •Marriage and Family •Individual Counseling Intervention Nature Center in Orange. www.inneedcc.org Though he lives in Port Neches,hedoesn’t let distance getinthe wayofhis 751-4080 time at Shangri La. 1015 SMain •Lumberton “I drive 22 miles to come over here to volunteer,” he said at the gardens. Margaret Toal/The Enterprise Rothrock is one of more Volunteer Jerry Reedy greets visitors to Shangri La and helps give directions. She is one of than 200 volunteers at Shan- more than 200 volunteers, most retirees, who give time in the gardens and nature center to do griLa, mostofthem retired. a variety of jobs. Shangri La also gives parties and special benefits for the volunteers. They rangeinagesupinto WeWe’re’re makingmaking loans.loans. the 80s. He startedout helpingto tion center and manage the ates Shangri La. By using Holly Hanson, volunteer catch birdsinspecialnets projector for Shangri La’s volunteers in the gardens, coordinator,said the retirees and then banding them for introduction film. the foundation saves money inin areperfect for the gardens scientific tracking. Volunteers, including to invest in other charitable WeWe’re’re openopen toto anyoneanyone and nature center. The first time he saw the women, drive pontoon tour projects in the community, “When you work 40 hours aweonachild’s face when boatsalongAdamsBayou, Hanson said. aweek, raisechildren and go he showed them a bird in his Hanson said. And Shangri La appreci- Count.Count. to soccer games and dance hand, he knew he hadfound Drivingthe boatsrequires ates the volunteers. OrangeOrange lessons, you don’t have time something he loved. special training, and the “We try to treat them really to volunteer,” she said. He also takes care of Max- drivers must meet certain well,” Hanson said. Thevolunteers canwork ine,Shangri La’s barredowl standards, she said. Volunteers get free mem- anumberofdifferentjobs who was injured as a baby Rothrockusesanelectric bership to ShangriLawith and as many hours as they and can’t fend in the wild. At scooter chair in Shangri La free entry and a discount in choose. some of the events,Meadows and leads tours. the garden store. They also Hanson said Shangri La will have Maxine out for chil- “I like being the tour guide get advance notice of special asks volunteers to work at dren, and parents, to see. the best because you meet programs. least30hours ayear,which Some of the volunteers people from all over the Hanson said Shangri La averages to less than three work in the greenhouseand world,” he said. “I’vemet hosts a luncheon for volun- hours a month. with plants. people from Russia,England, teers in June along with a Talbert Meadows, 66, a re- Director Michael Hoke Australia and nearly all the Christmas party in Decem- tired chemicalplantworker, said that after Hurricane Ike states.” ber. At the events, prizes and Proud of Our Past, Committed to Our Future is the first volunteer to mark flooded Shangri La, six vol- Though most of the vol- awards are given. Volunteers www.sabinefuc.org 1,000 hours. He is known as unteersrebuilt and improved unteers are from the Orange canearn items likeshirts and “The Bird Man” and worked the children’s garden. area, some drive from Beau- jackets, but the intangible with the West Orange-Cove Volunteers serveas mont, Sulphur,Groves and benefits are the most valu- 1939 Strickland Drive P.O. Box 3000 school district’s Nature docents and guides in the Sabine Pass. able. Orange, Texas 77630 Orange, Texas 77631 Classroom before Shangri La gardens and work in offices. Thenon-profit Stark Hanson said volunteers (409) 988-1300 1-888-319-SFCU opened in 2008. They also are in the educa- Foundation owns and oper- are always telling her “I learn Sabine River Basin

Date of Creation: The Sabine River Authority of Texas (SRA) was created by the Legislature in 1949 as an official agency of the State of Texas. The SRA was created as aconservation and reclamation district with responsibilities to control, store, preserve and distribute the watersofthe Sabine River and its tributary streams for useful purposes.

Source of Funding: The SRA receives no appropriations and is not empowered to levy or collect any kind of Texas. Operating funds are primarily derived from the sale of raw water, hydroelectric power,water equality services, and recreational and land use permit fees. 2010 Board of Directors Stan Mathews, David Koonce Connie Ware President, Pinehurst SecretaryPro Tem Marshall Don Covington Center Cliff Todd Vice President, Orange Connie Wade Carthage EarlWilliams Longview Mac Abney Secretary/Treasurer J. D. Jacobs, Jr. Marshall Orange Rockwall

www.sratx.org PO Box 579 •Orange, TX 77631 SABINE RIVER AUTHORITY OF TEXAS (409) 746-2192 •Fax (409) 746-3780 12D Wednesday, March 24, 2010 BeaumontEnterprise.com

Let BEL help make your new house ahome

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Education: 14-15D

Career and technologypro- gram teaches students valu- able real-world job skills: 14D

Groundbreak- ing deaf education program at LU prepares stu- dents for grow- ing field: 15D Real estate: 16-17D

Mid-County’s Golden Corri- dor booms, while downtown Port Arthur is poised for a comeback: 17D

Downtown Beaumont’s living options are on the upswing: 16D

Orange cashes in on Texas U-turns at Texas 62: 17D

Tax credit key for many home buy- Beaumont’s commercial develop- Foreclosed homes might or ers, according to Realtor: 16D ment goes west: 16D might not be a bargain: 17D Industry: 18D

How did billions of dol- larsworth of planned expansion projects fare in the face of the Great Recession? 18D 14D Wednesday, March 24, 2010 BeaumontEnterprise.com Mixing core subjects, job skills Today’s BISD student can get head start on college and career at Taylor center

By Ryan S. Clark Many dis- and Blair Dedrick Ortmann tricts offer [email protected] career tech (409) 880-0723 programs. When Ozen senior Court- FAR LEFT: ney Bushnell thinks about a At BISD’s trip she made to Domino’s Taylor Ca- Pizza her face lights up. reer Center, Her response has nothing Maryalice to do with getting a good slice Sam, right, of pie. Herexcitementstems culinary art from the fact she noticed hospitality something wrong. educator, “I remember watching the watches managerwash her hands, as student and Itold my mama she did Ja’corian it the wrongway,” Bushnell Harmon said. “She still washed her hands, but she did it the adds in- wrongway.Ionlyknowthat gredients because of what I’ve learned to a butter here.” cookie mix. “Here” is the Taylor Career LEFT: Glen- Center, where Bushnell is one da Shaw, of many students enrolledin left, food BeaumontISD’s career and production technologyprogram. instructor, Thesedual enrollment works with courses, in which the stu- Mary Carre- dents get college credit for on on the the work as soon as they are correct way accepted to a college, give the to slice by students a chance to explore rolling the their futures now instead of knife on its waiting until after graduation. blade. Schools always have offered some kind of tech Photos by Pete program, such as home Churton/ economics or shop.But The Enterprise those were electives that only “I’vealwayswantedtogo ing. It’s kind of a security credit for tech courses,” he collision repair, these are learned at home is a lot dif- touchedthe surface.Today’s in the Navy since I’ve beenin blanket to have already com- said. skills needed in every com- ferent from how they do it in classes are longer and more ROTC,” Bushnell said. “Now pleted college-levelcourses,” The dual credit track fo- munity.” the real world.” in-depth. that Iknowhow to cook and he said. cuses on giving the students Subas Stevens, aWest In the future, Calhoun sees Take Bushnell’s restaurant do other things, it gives me Some of those classes are both skills and college credit, Brook junior, said his culi- more blending of the career managementclass.She’s another skill that I can take even taught by Lamar Insti- meaning they can enroll in nary arts class helped him and technology classes learnedhow to do things into the Navy.” tute of Technology profes- LIT with six or nine credits realize he wants to be a chef and college courses so that ranging from preparing a ForPat Calhoun, BISD’s sors,Calhoun added. alreadyinhand. In turn, that and runhis ownsteak house. students can take even more meal for alarge groupto career and technology edu- In the past, career and makesgettingadegreeabit It also has shown him there’s classes that can go on a col- correctlyslicingmeatand cation director,the classes technology classes have less expensive while giv- more to being a chef than lege transcript. vegetables for a party tray. give students an opportunity focused more on things like ing them the skills to enter cooking. Bushnell, who is in the to either try out something woodworking and home eco- the work force and support “We’ve learned things like “Thesestudents arenot ROTC class at Ozen, said she they might be interested in or nomics and not on getting themselves through college, howtoproperly cleanupso going in with lower expec- wasgoingtoenlistinthe U.S. getahead startonachosen students into college. Calhoun said. we avoid cross-contaminat- tations,” he said. “They Navy this fall and the restau- path without having to pay That’s changed, Calhoun “Our goal is to have our ing foods,” he said. “I knew graduate with the recom- rant managementclass has forthe classes. said. students successful and be I always wanted to be a chef mended credits so they have given her the goal of being “A lot of students are the “The lines have been productive and find an oc- and I even did some cooking the opportunity to go on to a a chef or cook while in the first in their family to go to blurred because of the ability cupation,” he said. “Culinary at home. But coming here four-year college if they make military. college and that’s intimidat- for students to receive college arts,autotechnology, auto has shown me that what I the decision to do so.” THANK YOU JoeDeshotel Voters of Jefferson County Pct. 6 House of Representatives

Thank you for letting me serve you. In order to serve you better, Iamever reminded of the old saying Ineed to hear from you. Contact me at: “Wedrink from wells Capitol Office/Austin Mailing District Office we did not Room EXT E2.306 OnePlaza Square, Suite 203 dig and we are P. O. Box2910 Port Arthur,TX77642 warmed by fires Austin, TX 78768 (409) 724-0788 we did not kindle.” (512) 463-0662 (409) 724-0750 Fax (512) 463-8381 Fax www.joedeshotel.com

Judge Ransom “Duce” Jones Thank you for the honor of serving you once again as Justice of the Peace Pct. 6. Victoryisalways sweet; moreover your decisive and resounding support is humbling and greatly appreciated. As your Justice of the Peace, Iremain committed to serving with integrity, compassion, and fairness. Indeed “It takes avillage to raise achild”. Iamone of those children. Thank you for agreeing… “IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT!!” Thank you again for your support, Judge Ransom “Duce” Jones BeaumontEnterprise.com Wednesday, March 24, 2010 15D Program a sign of things to come LU’s groundbreaking deaf education curriculum prepares students for growing field

By David Henry [email protected] (409) 880-0735 Tony Martin wasatypical senior in high school, not particularlysureabout what he wanted to do in life. He noticed a sign language interpreter at church one Sunday and asked him some questions. “I asked questions,got answers,and then had morequestions,” Martin, 52 recalled. “Bythen, IdecidedI wanted to major in the field.” Martin, who graduated from Nederland High School, received his bachelor’s de- gree from Lamar Universityin 1979 and master’s in ’80 and worked as adeafeducation teacher for seven years before goingbacktoget his Ph.D. He took over Lamar University’sdepartment of deaf education and deaf studies in 1989. Martin and Lamar gained national fame in 2006, when theystarted the university’s bachelor’s degree program in American Sign Language, the first of its Dave Ryan/The Enterprise kind in Texas, and only one of Tony Martin is the department chair and professor of the Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education at Lamar University. seven nationally. “I’m pleased to see where it’s at now,”Martin said. “I for teachersofAmerican Sign field. ment has three deaf faculty had been pushing to get the Language,” Martin said. “The In Texas, the Univer- members. program for a while. We start- number of interpreters in the sity of Houston, Texas Tech, To recruit students for ed the process of developing field has increased.” Stephen F. Austin, Texas the program, Martin and anew degree proposal about Students in the track can Women’s University and Bay- the faculty go to high school five years before we began the either take extra interpreting lor all offer classesinthe field, career days and junior col- program.” classes and then take an ex- butnot enough for amajor. leges. Martin is working on Your One Stop Pet Shop Theprogram hasgrown amination to become a certi- Teaching American Sign Lan- agreements with junior col- fied interpreter, or get their guage as an academic study leges that will allow students We don’t charge extratolove, careand playwith your pet. every year since and now All breed dog +cat Grooming, 4groomers to serve includes 52 students. The teachingcertificatetoteach often is met by resistance to take interpreting classes youwith acombined exp. levelofover30years. program had its first graduat- deafeducation in grades from linguists. there that will satisfy the Voted Hardin County Best Groomer 2009. Prices from ing class in August with three K-12. They have the option to “Generally, they see it as a requirements at Lamar. $20.00 and up. students, and another one do both and areencouraged. gesturalformand saymost “Any time someone sees PetBoarding large spacious runs, 10 exerciseplay graduatedinDecember. The curriculum focuses on languages have to have a an interpreter that came from yards, voted Hardin County Best Boarding Kennel All four have found jobs teaching a second language written component,” Martin our program, that also is a 2004-2005-2006-2007-2008-2009. Price starts at as interpreters.Martin said and pedagogy, managing a said. “There are grammars good recruiting tool,” Martin $12.00-$16.00 there is a high demand for classroom, a base knowledge and syntactical structures of said. Obedience Training onsite now available deaf education teachers and of sign language, and inter- American Sign Language. It The students in the pro- interpretersand not enough preting. is found to be rule-based.It gram aremostlyfromTexas, FREE FLEA Bath with programs that offer training Lamar also offers a mas- meets all the parameters.” but a couple are from out of All Full Groom Services —only 70 in the nation. ter’s degree program and Lamar’s deaf education state. Five of the students in 2454 Hwy.69@Mitchell Rd. “There’s a real strong future doctorate program in the and deaf studies depart- the programare deaf. Lumberton (409) 755-2548 “We’re SOLD on Jasper”

Wayne Stephenson Realtors ...... Serving Jasper and the Lakes Area, with “Real Service in Real Estate” since 1966 16D Wednesday, March 24, 2010 BeaumontEnterprise.com Realtor: Taxcreditopens doors for home buyers

By Ken Fountain Texas, since home sellers [email protected] aren’t necessarily privy to (409) 880-0729 that information. For decades, owning your But, he said, there is an- ownhome hasbeencalled ecdotal evidence suggesting the American Dream. the tax credit has played a In the past couple of role in the area. years, however, that dream “In talking to agents as a has for many seemed in- whole, it seems that more creasingly elusive, with the people are using the tax housing bubble becoming credit,” Hemmings said. “It the leadingedgeofwhat seems to be having a ben- hasbeencalledthe Great eficial impact.” Recession. Nationally, the Hemmings said area housingmarketbottomed title companies estimate out as credit dried up. approximately 40 percent of While economists say area home sales in the past that drop didn’t hit Texas year have been driven by quite as hard as other parts of the nation, it has been the tax credits. That tracks felt. And like in the rest of with the national estimates the United States, a fed- done by the National Asso- eral tax credit for first-time ciation of Realtors, of which home buyers has played a the Beaumont board is a Tammy McKinley/The Enterprise role in increasing activity in member, he said. Claudette Alexander stands on the roof of her loft apartment at the Neches Electric Company building in Beaumont. Southeast Texas, according Hemmings said area to one area Realtor. home sales have increased The Worker, Hom- since Januaryasthe April30 eownership and Business deadline approaches.But, Assistance Actwas enacted he added, the deadline only last year under the Obama requires a home buyer has Administration to encour- a signed contract in hand — age qualified people to buy closing doesn’t have to be their first homes. More complete until June 30. recently, the benefits were In addition to the tax cred- extended to include home its, Hemmings said, there Downtown purchases made between are two other factors driving Jan. 1, 2009, and on or be- home sales.First,interest fore April 30, 2010. ratesare at an all-time low, The act provides for first- at 5 percent for a 30-year time homeowners(with mortgage and 4.5 percent for some income limitations) to receiveatax credit up to a15-year mortgage. Second, $8,000. It also provides for with the drop in home sales atax credit of up to $6,500 at the heightofthe recession, for existing home buyers to there’s a lot of excess inven- grows up purchase a new home. tory that sellers want to sell at Andy Hemminngs, presi- bargain prices. dentofthe BeaumontBoard For more information on of Realtors, said thereisno the tax credits, visit Feder- hard data available on how alHousingCredit.com, an many people have taken informational Web site of advantage of the home the National Association of Number of loft and apartment residents rises with development buyertax credit in Southeast Home Builders. beaumonT BeaumontMain Street began Thesplurge hasincluded Obtaining a historical By Mike D. Smith its campaign in 1992. renovations at the Jefferson tax credit can mean time- [email protected] That year,Main Street Theater, HotelBeaumont consumingpaperwork and (409) 880-0753 kickedoff its downtown and SteadmanBuilding, and strict guidelines for what can living campaign by arrang- has contributed to a gain of and can’t be modified, which Call it one of the best kept ing a mock loft setup on the about1,400 jobs,Howard Howard admits can discour- secrets in downtown Beau- top floor of HotelBeaumont said. age some investors. mont:the view from Clau- done by J.C. Penney Co. Ventures such as the But Howard contends the dette Alexander’s third-floor The idea wasn’t warmly Crockett Street Entertain- interest is thereand growing. apartment. received, Main Street direc- ment District, which refur- So is the demand for The12-foot ceilings and tor Carolyn Howard said. bishedarow of dilapidated downtown living, which if polished wooden floors of “When we startedin buildings alongone block, developersstrikethe right her loft apartmentinthe old 1992, people laughedat areproof that historical balance of creating lofts and Neches Electric Co. building us,” Howard said. “Now, we buildings don’t have to be re- apartments for purchase and at Forsythe and Pearl streets have clearly over 200 living placedtobeuseful, Howard draw the eyetoarched for rent could evolveinto downtown.” said. other developments such as windows, which open to a Guiseppe Barranco/The Enterprise sweeping panorama of Tyr- What sparked laughter in “You don’t want to destroy hotels and moreretail and rell Historical Library, the 1992 hasslowly givenway to the very thingthat makes eateries. Andy Hemmings, president of the Beaumont Board of Real- ArtMuseum of Southeast a stoking interest by inves- this such a special neighbor- Whatever happens,don’t tors, said there is no hard data on how many people have taken Texas, Crockett Street in the tors that has caught on. hood, and living is a huge expect overnight changes. advantage of the home buyer tax credit in Southeast Texas. distance and the Jefferson In other words, down- part of this,” Howard said “Thesethings taketime, Theater. town’s moment to shine of the downtown historic theyreally,really do,” “It was awesome to be able has arrived, and the trans- district. Howard said. “Obviously, to come here,” said Alexan- formation is visible in the Other buildings would whatever happens,you want TOPLACE der, a historical architecture popularityofCathedral be perfectfor mixed use: it to succeed.” AN AD CALL student, as she described SquareTownhomes and commercial first floors and Alexander and Audrey St. The Journal Classifieds “urban livingatits best” Lofts, which has sparked a residential upper floors. Andrews, property manager 409 - 838-2888 while the eveningsun set commercial developmentat TheGoodhueBuildingat and resident at the Neches and downtown’s streetlights Neches Plaza. Crockett and Pearl streets Electric buildinglofts,said flipped on. Since 1992, Howard said and the Nathan Buildingat they would like to see a phar- Personals Mobile Home Garage Sales 181 Alexander rents one of the therehas been about$110 Laurel Avenue and Orleans macy, a bakery and a grocery 34 Space Rentals 300 28 units in the three-story million in building acquisi- Street would be ideal, How- store open downtown. 7th Annual Sale historic building, one of five tion and new construction ard said. “I just think that will do so All Kinds of Singles Faith Tabernacle Church Browse & Respond FREE! Rose City 4/2 dou- 10169 Hwy 69 S., Pt. Arthur historical buildings that have in downtown Beaumont As ahistoricdistrict, much forthe buildingand 409-812-0322 Straight blewide $850 +$850 3/26, 8-6; 3/27, 8-11. Baked 409-812-0333 Gay & Bi Call 409-835-5552 goods, links, boudain,drinks been restored for residential about evenly split between several federal tax credits are the economic development Use FREE code 7482 18+ use in the Downtown Beau- the private sector and the available to potential inves- of this area,” St. Andrews Livestock mont Historic District since government. tors. General 355 said. For Sale 217 152 Boarding

Wanted 29 Serious Hobson Equine Center NEW 12x40. 2br. new fur- peopletoworkfromhome located in SilsbeeTX niture & appl. Disability using a computer up to Horse Boarding and More beaumont’s westward expansion bath. $12,900. (409)988-9336. $1500-$5000 PT/FT. www. Prices starting at $150. ValleyIncomeOnline.com Call Marcie at 409-651-7599. Commercial hopes an economic turn- 170 Classes Commercial progress mirrorshousing growth 252 Tree Service around will getthe project 587 back on track. Carillon Center By Teresa Mioli “We want to make sure Retail Space Available! MEDICAL CAREER Tree Work & Stump [email protected] 6465 Calder 409-860-1931 TRAINING! Grinding Local, insured the market starts to warm up Tr ain as a Medical Best Prices, free est. (409) 880-0745 before we proceed,” Lee said. Assistant,Dental 409-466-3193 Condos and Assistant,orMedical Commercial development Lee said he hopes the 172 Office Specialist! High RV Space Rental in Beaumont has headed development will benefit the Townhouses School Diploma or 634 and will continue to head community by creating more GED required. Call Now! jobs.  :HOOLQJWRQ  ILUH 800-983-8644 dept. 264 Gulf Coast RV Resort west,accordingtolocal SODFH OLYLQJ DUHD NLWFKHQ *Swimming Pool Kaplan College *Exercise room (new!) industry professionals. “Beaumont is a hometown ZDVKHU GU\HU IULGJH 6115 Eastex Freeway PR GHS *Free breakfast,WI-FI “If you just look at the way for us,sowe’re just tryingto  Beaumont, TX 77706 Call (409)842-2285 things moved, as soon as do ourlittle part beingagood Amoco openeduptheir land business citizen,” Lee said. on Dowlen, everythinghas Foxworth said commercial Beaumont Enterprise gone in a northwest direc- developmentisdependent tion,”said Charles Foxworth on population growth and of Foxworth Real Estate the demand for consumer ✔ Newspaper Carriers Company. Pete Churton/The Enterprise and retail goods. BryanLee,owner of Bryan’s One hot spot for commercial development in Beaumont is the “The morerooftops you needed in 797 in Old Town and Bistro properties on Texas 105 and Major Drive near Ritter Lumber. get, the morepeople you get, Le Monde on Dowlen Road, the morelocal demand right •Lumberton •Jasper said the westward commercial ue.Hesaid redevelopment However, Foxworthsaid in that areayou’regoingto development is a natural pro- by localentites or businesses the volume of new devel- get,” Foxworth said. •Kountze •Woodville gression in line with the city’s mightoccur downtown on opments has considerably High traffic locations, like •Buna •Evadale expansionsofDowlen Road streets likeCalder Avenue, slowed in light of the eco- the intersection of Majorand •Silsbee •Kirbyville and MajorDrive. butnot on the scale of what nomic recession. Folsom drives or the area In 2005, Leepurchased will happen at intersections “There’salackofdemand around the new multimil- If you would like to earnextra money and can get up the old site of the West End likePhelanBoulevardand on the consumer’s partand lion dollar athletic complex early in the morning, this could be an ideal job for you. YMCAonDowlen Road and Major DriveorMajor and lack of financing for major and football stadium along intends to build aplanned Folsom drives. commercial developersso Interstate 10, will draw Our carriers areindependent contractors who run their community, Metropolitan “The infrastructureis what you end up with is ev- national chains and tenants own business. We also deliver The Houston Chronicle in Park, on the site. His plan in- already in place.Theybuilt erybody with hands in their lookingfor high traffic and Lumberton Kountze &Silsbee Areas. cludes retail and office space (Major Drive) whereit’snot pockets waitingtosee what large housingdevelopments, as well as corporatehousing, going to have the problems happens,” Foxworth said. Phelan said. If you areinterested in adding to your income please call homes and condos. that DowlenRoadhad as Lee said the economic re- “Where the housing Zone Manager, Dade Phelan with Phelan far as traffic flows.It’smuch cession hadnegativeeffects developments go, so will Investments agreed that the moredeveloper-friendly,” on the building progress of the commercial properties,” Jack Robinson 409-838-2813 westward trend will contin- Phelan said. Metropolitan Park, but he Phelan said. BeaumontEnterGoprise.comlden CorridorbooWednesday, Marchms24, 2010 17D FM 365, U.S. 69 area is hub of development; downtown PA is poised for a comeback

By Ken Fountain businesseswerenowhereto [email protected] be seeninthe area. (409) 880-0729 But while the Mid-County There are a number of area’s recentgrowthhas bright spots poppingupin been in the “Golden Cor- MidCounty, with bigretail ridor,” Reid said downtown growth in the “Golden Cor- Port Arthur is poised for a ridor”alongFM365. comeback. “That’s where the traf- Reid said members of the fic is,” said Mary Ann Reid, Chamber of Commerce have president of the Port Arthur teamed up with represen- ChamberofCommerce. tatives of the Port Arthur The area immediately Economic Development surroundingCentral Mall Council and City Council to at the nexus of U.S. 69 and develop arevitalization plan, FM 365 has been booming which she said will soon be for the past severalyears, rolled out. largely driven by the traffic “Thereare alot of things of employees of area pet- that are going to happen,” rochemical plants who live she said. “Itreally is theheart elsewhere, Reid said. Aside of the city.” from Port Arthur,Grovesand To that end, Reid said, the Bridge City, workers also Chamber will soon introduce commutefromasfar away as ChamberUniversity,aseries Hardin and Orange counties. “We love having those of seminars that will intro- workerscome down here. duce the public and business But we also like to see some owners to the importance of of those dollars stay in the the Port of Port Arthur to the area,” Reid said. southeast Texas region. Retail and food establish- With the expansion of the ments have noticedthe trend Panama Canal, she said, the as well, she said, accounting Port of Port Arthur will be- for the boom in new busi- come an even more impor- nessesalongthe corridor. tant hub of shipping for the Guiseppe Barranco/The Enterprise She noted that about four or nation, as well as the Texas five years ago, many of those Gulf Coast. With the addition of a shopping strip near U.S. 69, FM 365 will house a Best Buy,several fast food chains and retail stores. Orange on highway to development

Street and the Strickland/ Plans call for an outdoor Texas 62, other major roadways pick up traffic, business MacArthur Drive area pavilion alongFifth Street shared by Orange, West near the LutcherTheater. ORANGE Orange and Pinehurst. Then there would be use Strickland and MacAr- By Mike D. Smith of the old Jack Tar Hotel on [email protected] thur drives handle major the waterfront to anchor a (409) 880-0753 traffic loads daily, with ro- “Kemah-type” boardwalk on bust shopping activity dur- the Sabine RiveralongFront “Texas U-turns” have ing the day and an active Street, Trahan said. made all the difference for restaurant scene at night, Trahan expects things to Texas 62 in Orange. Pinehurst City Manager continue movingforward Since the Texas Depart- Robert Ewart said. though there will be a few mentofTransportation built The development has “growing pains” in com- the smooth curve in the exploded in recent years ingyears —alsorelated to service road beneath Inter- with all three cities reaping Interstate 10. state 10 near Womack Road, the rewards. The transportation drivers have had easier ac- “Anything that happens cess to the highway, Orange departmentwill begin a$32 in Orange or West Orange economic development million project to improve director Jay Trahan said. affects us to our benefit,” the interstate between Texas The extra traffic helped Ewart said. 62 and Adams Bayou. transform the highway, on Attractingrestaurants to There still is the proposal the western rim of Orange, the area tops the list of eco- to continue reworking the from cattle pastures with a nomic pursuits, Trahan said. freeway entirely through the lone truck stop into a strip “That’s what our sur- city to the Louisianaborder, of hotels and restaurants. veys and feasibility studies whichwould deconstruct The perfect trap for indicate are that people the interstate’s tricky inter- catching some of the are really wanting a nice section with 16th Street. estimated 70,000 vehicles medium-priced dining ButTrahanseesabenefit gliding through that stretch Guiseppe Barranco/The Enterprise experience when they come to the almost certain traf- of Interstate 10 daily. Once housing a single truck stop, Texas 62 at Interstate 10 now has restaurants and hotels. to Orange,” Trahan said. fic delays: guiding drivers “It just makes it more Leaders are developing through detours that might convenient,” Trahan said. destination instead of just whether for a meal, shop- for the feeder roads along another corridor that will lead them through the city’s “It’s more inviting for a avoiding us.” ping or the area’s museums. the interstate, Texas 62 and bring activity back to the streets and right into stores family to get out on the It’s about getting folks That’s the mantra driving the city’s already buzzing heart of downtown Orange. and restaurants. interstate and go to their to stop and stay a while, the push to seek investors retail corridors such as 16th "I've got Use caution on foreclosed deals the keys to your Real Estate needs!" By Teresa Mioli Instead of footingthe cost [email protected] of a survey, Cheek recom- (409) 880-0745 mends asking the title com- RE/MAX PRO Therecessionhas been pany if they have a survey on (409) 299-0065 touted as creating a home- file. She said that will save buyer’s market, especially buyers about $750 to $1,000. ATASHA QUEBEDEAUX www.vidorrealty.com with loads of foreclosed Gaines said that until last homes for sale. But, buyer year, Texas had pretty well beware: Sometimes a fore- avoided national foreclosure Brock Badger trends,yet the statecaught closed home isn’t as good a Dave Ryan/The Enterprise up with the rest of the nation 781-9543 deal as it sounds. in 2009. He said increased JimGaines with the Texas A buyer purchased this house, at 105 Read Street in Silsbee foreclosures are tied to job Buying or Selling? A&M Real EstateCenter said through Betty Cheek of ERA Real Estate for $59,000. loss, atrend that is relevant buyers of foreclosed homes in the Beaumontand Port Call your Southeast Texas Realtor will often come away with a $16,500. purchase one yourself and it Arthur area. To view Quality &Affordable Homes low price, but less informa- Foreclosed homes are is very wise,” Cheek said. For more research on tion about the property for posted on the first Tues- Cheek said you can foreclosures, visit the Texas go to: sale. dayofeachmonth.Gaines purchase a one-year home A&M Real Estate Center’s “A lot of times you don’t recommends the first-time warranty through a Realtor Web site at Recenter.tamu. www.BrockBadger.com know exactly what you’re foreclosed homebuyer for about $450. edu. getting,” Gaines said. visits properties on this day Gaines said perspective without making an offer. He buyers often won’t be able said to observe and find any The Area’sFirst Public Vehicle,RV, Motorcycle and ATVAuction! to view the interior of the available information on the property and won’t be able property. to access property records. Gaines said buyers who Beaumont Dealers Auction “Sometimes,not always, purchase foreclosed homes you canget areally good on a regular basis know the TuesdayMarch 30 at 7PM deal,”said BettyCheek with traps of the business. He ERA Realtors in Beaumont. recommended asking those Individual, bank, credit union, dealer and county consignments will be available Therealtorsaid she has buyers for advice. Wide variety of years, makes and models •Pre-Registration is required sold three foreclosures in Another pitfall in buying a the last month. She recently foreclosed home is that buy- closed on a3-bedroom, ers might not get a full war- BUY,SELL OR JUST BROWSE! 2-bathroom brick home rantywith their purchase, in Silsbee for $59,000 and Gaines said. www.beaumontdealers.com Financing assistance available is workingonthe contract “The foreclosed company 12151 Highway 90 •Beaumont, TX •409-866-5677 for qualified individuals through for a 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath- is not going to give you a Laura Sattler,TXlicense #16412 DuPont Goodrich FCU. room Beaumont home for home warranty,but you can 18D Wednesday, March 24, 2010 BeaumontEnterprise.com SABINE PILOTS

Dave Ryan/The Enterprise AIn$7 billionduexpansionstwill makrie MotivaalEnterprises’prPortojArthur refinerecy the tsnation’s largest. keep economy alive Expansion helped shield effects of nation’s recession

By Dan Wallach refinery, once estimated at “The recovery is under [email protected] $1.7 billion, is on indefinite way in the United States,” (409) 838-2876 hold. The Eastman Chemical said Robert W. Gilmer, vice Industrial expansion in Co.industrial gasification president and senior econo- SoutheastTexas forgesahead plantplanned for Beaumont mist of the Federal Reserve in several places, while some and expectedtocost$1.6 Bank of Dallas. “Can the stand pat in another, and billion was canceled. Gulf Coast getout in front? some failedtocome through Themajor projects That depends on developing in yet another. scheduled or under way in Asia.” While much of the United SoutheastTexas helped to He referredtocountries States begins a slow recov- cushion the area from the like China, Japan, South Ko- eryfromadeeprecession, recession. rea and India, and he’s opti- mistic about their chances. Sabine Pilots are serving the SoutheastTexas enjoyed The amount of construc- “Recoveryishere, and the prospect of at least$11 tion activity associated we’resharing in it,” he said. billion in new projects, with hurricane recovery “Whether it’s fast or slow includingthe MotivaPort — supported by insurance shipping industry and the public depends on the developing Arthur refineryexpansion at claims—alsohelped to keep Southeast Texans working world. Otherwise, we’ll be $7 billion and the Total Port the tail dragging behind the Arthur refineryexpansion at and spending. ports of Beaumont, Port Arthur Therecession threw sharp dog for a while.” $2.2 billion. Theprospectof6,500 There are also the Che- elbows on its way into the UpperTexas Gulf Coast. On industrial construction jobs niereEnergy Corp.liquefied at Motivawill draw workers natural gas terminal in Cam- the bright side, the region and Orange as well as the private could help to lead the rest from near and far. eron,La.,and the Golden Exactly how many local Pass LNG terminal on the of the nation out of reces- sion, a Federal Reserve Bank workers will get jobs is un- Texas side of Sabine Pass. known at the momentand oil terminals and the industrial Theterminals costatleast economist recently told a group of business leaders in depends on aBaton Rouge, $1 billion apiece. Cheniere La., company called Perfor- is operational, and Golden Southeast Texas. For that to happen, how- mance Contractors. Pass is expectedtoreceiveits Thecompany wonthe first complex of Southeast Texas. The first shipment by September. ever,developingcountries in A third possible LNG Asia must recover as well. Industry, next page terminal could be built by Sempra Energy further Sabine Neches Waterway is the upstream in the Sabine- Neches Waterway near PRECISION AIRE its intersection with the Air Conditioning Co. Inc. economic lifeline and the gate to Intracoastal Waterway, but a Sempra executive recently said the site could be for sale •Sales &Service the world commerce. It is the duty if abuyer wantsit. TheSan SpringA/C Diego-basedcompany has •New Construction Special the appropriate permits to build the terminal. &Modernizations A/C Inspection g of the Sabine Pilots to maintain Expansion at the Valero •WeServe all Brands andCleanin Energy Corp. Port Arthur $69.50 •Ask About Our 10 Year Reg. $79.50 Parts &Labor Warranty VOID AFTER the safety and the environmental •Ask About Our Maintenance 4-30-10 Secure, On Site Agreements integrity of the waterway. Document Destruction

409-727-SHRED We have done so since 1881 and (7473) It’sHardToStop ATrane® Large or Small Jobs, pledge to continue. Routine or One-Time Service. Locally Woman Owned &Operated 409-385-9779 -CALL TODAY! Texas HUB Certified **WeProudly Support our Troops** www.amorshred.com TACLB009183E Want the best in HVACRParts, Service, Equipment, and Technical Training? Then youwant Nance. •Industrial, Marine &Commercial Applications •Surveys, Maintenance, Parts &Equipment •Affordable One-to-Ten Week Training Programs •Certification of Technicians to handle refrigerants GROVES, TEXAS •Call for your placement now 5148 W. Parkway Dr. Groves, Tx Phone: (409) 722-3126

INTERNATIONAL Fax: (409) 962-9223 2915 Milam St./Beaumont, TX 77701 409-838-6127 •1-877-626-2322 •FX409-838-6219 www.sabinepilots.com Email: [email protected] WEB SITE: www.nanceinternational.com BeaumontEnterprise.com Wednesday, March 24, 2010 19D

Coastal Roofing Specialists industry: Global economy, uncertainty cancels one plant 1318 Hwy 96 South Lumberton, Texas77657 Continued from page 18D Off: (409) 751-5454 Fax: (409) 751-3939 of Motiva’s major contracts to build a significant piece of Cell: (409) 466-7500 its expansion project that will Nobodybeats our quality...Nobody! www.CoastalRoofingSpecialists.com double the refinery’s capac- ityto600,000 barrels aday, Member:Lumberton, Silsbee,Beaumont, and Port Arthur making it the largest refinery ChambersofCommerce in the United States. JerrySonnier Motiva’sexpansion project Owner directorNickSmallwood estimated that the project will employ about 6,500 con- struction workersatits peak. BIG RED The refinery expects activity to intensify this year. CLEANING CONTRACTORS Total Port Arthur refinery FULL SERVICE ALL-PHASE continues with its expansion called the Deep Conversion CONSTRUCTION CLEANING Project, which began a year Job-Site Clean Up &Haul Off ago. Job-Site Clean Up &Haul Off It will allow Total to refine Demo Gutting –Finalinal Cleaning heavier sulfur crude, which is Make Readies –PreressureWashing cheaperthanthe lighter and Garage/Attic/Storage Clean Out more expensive crudes. Re- fineries hope to improve the RAVEN ANDERSON –409-293-9315 spread betweenhow much RAVEN ANDERSON –409-293-9315 their rawmaterialcosts and how much they can sell their wwwwww.bigr.bigredcleaning.bizedcleaning.biz finished products. Therecession did claim at least one casualty when East- man canceled its plans for an Call about NEW tax credit, industrial gasification plant that would have turned a up to $1500! refining product called coke into higher-value gases. Energy Efficient .Double Hung .Premium White The cancellation eliminat- ed as many as 1,500 prospec- VINYL REPLACEMENT WINDOWS tive industrial construction jobs and 250 permanent $ ANY SIZE operating jobs. INSTALLED It also would have contrib- 189 uted to future tax receipts for Some additional charges may apply. the BeaumontIndependent SolarZone® Low E(Add $45) School District,which had to meet Texas Energy Regulations granted its third-ever tax abatementfor the project •Reliable Service when it was announced July •Professional Installers 2007. Property taxes also •4WindowMinimum would have been paid to Jef- •Insulated Glass ferson County and the city of •Tilt-InSashes Companyofthe Year Beaumont and other smaller taxing entities. •Fusion Welded The company blamed its •Transferable Warranty withdrawal on worsening •All Styles Available global economics,squeezed *Max mfg. 48”wx78”h Financing Available margins for the product itself •Hurrican Proof Glass — making gases like ammo- nia and hydrogen from crude oil refiningleftovers —and uncertainty swirlingaround Window World proposed carbon-limiting federal legislation since Free estimate: 409.212.8856 • www.windowworldinfo.com Eastman executives unveiled Showrooms: Houston •Lafayette •Baton Rouge •New Orleans Dave Ryan/The Enterprise their expansion plans in July The Total Petrochemicals refinery in Port Arthur is getting a $2.2 billion upgrade. 2007.

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