VOLUME VOLUME

2 ISSUE44ISSUE
| NOVEMBER 2009 | theVIPmag.com
5 | March 2011 | theVIPmag.com

O F S O U T H E A S T T E X A S

Jody
Nolan
Legend
of the Fall

HEART
OF BUSINESS:
CHARLIE DIXON Wayne Toups
Pioneering a
LIT Shoot-Out gets Cajun sound
ON TARGET

Hot Spots
D.J.’s Calendar of events
Boudain
a favorite We’re on

SETX eat facebook.com/vipofsetx

COMPLIMENTARY
2 March 2011 | theVIPmag.com
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 vip magazine
c o n t e n t s

06 editor’s page
6 A Q & A introduction
of Adam Brooks
08 eating&drinking
8 An amateur’s guide
to boudain: what it is,
its history and recipes
10 Beer: Wear green.
Don’t drink it.
24 totally social
24 Celebrating the
best of events, who was
46 guide
46 On target: introduction
to sporting clays
48
there and what they were 48 5 great dates in March
wearing and other event dates
42 VIPersonality
42 Wayne Toups: the king
of zydecajun

12 health&beauty
12 Getting to the
heart of business with
Charlie Dixon

20 totally worthy
20 Jody Nolan survived

8
a fall to grace

42

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4 March 2011 | THEVIPMAG.COM

 inside march Editorial
Executive Editor/Project Manager
ADAM BROOKS

Copy Editor
CATHLEEN COLE

12 Contributing Writers
CATHLEEN COLE
BRANDON EAST
MARGARET B. GARDNER
HOLLI PETERSEN
HALEY STRAHAN

Photography
Contributing Photographers
FARRAH COBB
SILVIA C. MCCLAIN
KYLE PETERSEN
CLETE PHILYAW
RENÉ SHEPPARD
LEE E. STINSON
JUDY STOKELY

46 Art
Executive Director, Advertising Services
ANNA SINGLETARY

Ad Operations Manager, Advertising Services

FRAN LINDSAY

Lead Graphic Designer, Creative Media

JUSTIN BLANE SMITH

Contributing Designers
ROSA CLARK

Jody
KRISTEN FLORES
DUONG MA
GEORGINA MONDSHINE

Advertising

Nolan’s
To advertise in VIP,
409.880.0775

Contact Us
VIP of Southeast Texas
380 Main Street

A fall to grace
Beaumont, TX 77701

TO SUBSCRIBE
PLEASE CALL 409.838.2821 OR SUBSCRIBE
ONLINE AT WWW.THEVIPMAG.COM

Photography: Judy Stokely TO DISPLAY THE MAGAZINE

Model: Jody Nolan
It wasn’t hard to get Jody to
TO SUBMIT AN EVENT, ORGANIZATION OR PERSON
smile the day we were at his
gym taking pictures. After all,
not everyone falls 300 feet off a
cliff and lives to tell about it.
AT YOUR BUSINESS LOCATION,
PLEASE CALL 409.838.2821
SUBMISSIONS
FOR CONSIDERATION IN AN UPCOMING ISSUE,
SUBMIT ONLINE AT WWW.THEVIPMAG.COM
OR BY USPS AT ADDRESS ABOVE.
COPYRIGHT © THE BEAUMONT ENTERPRISE

20 A Division of Hearst Newspapers

Publisher
BILL OFFILL

THEVIPMAG.COM | March 2011 5

 vip magazine
e d i t o r ’ s l e t t e r
FIRST, SOME PERSONAL QUESTIONS!
Are you a lifetime resident of Beaumont?
I was born here and reared in Lumberton, where my
parents still live. I went to a private school in Beaumont.
I haven’t always lived in Southeast Texas, but something
always seems to be pulling me back here.
Are you married? Children?
My wife’s name is Lisa; we’ve been married since 2009.
She chased me for months before I noticed her. OK,
maybe it was the other way around. She and my chil-
dren can always put a smile on my face. I’m the incred-
ibly proud father of two daughters, Izzabelle and Khloie.
Lisa and I are proud to have two sons together, Gaivyn
and Colton.
How about hobbies?
What do you do in your spare time?
I’m usually trying to keep up with what’s happening in
Southeast Texas. I’m always looking for a story. When
I’m not doing that, I’m spending time with my family.
As long as I’m with them, I’m happy — whether it’s
going out to eat and bowling or sitting at home playing
board games and the Wii. I’m also a musician. I play
drums and guitar. It’s my stress reliever.
Do you have any heroes or role models?
My main hero and role model is my dad, Jerry — a man
of few words, but actions speak louder than words ever
could. He always has a smile on his face and is very
patient. He has great character. He’s carefree and has a
joyful spirit and compassion for the underdog. He’s not
one to bother with typical, testosterone-fueled “male”
ego trips. Some of that used to drive me crazy, but now I
strive to be like him.
AND NOW, ABOUT YOUR NEW JOB …
As executive editor/ project manager for
VIP, what does your role entail?
I oversee the complete layout of VIP — from the stories
that are chosen, to where they go and what pictures are
used, to which events are covered. As project manager,
I just try to motivate our advertising team to really
listen to our advertisers and find out what’s important
to them. They not only provide us the ability to have
this magazine, but they’re fans, as well. Without them,
we wouldn’t be here.
How do you determine what kinds
of stories to feature?
By understanding why it would be important to make
QUICK, Musician:
Elvis was the first one I considered
my idol, but my favorite band is
ADAM! Dave Matthews Band. I do like to
put on some Ol’ Blue Eyes
and relax, too.
TELL US YOUR Book:
FAVORITE: I read a lot of nonfiction. One of my
6 March 2011 | THEVIPMAG.COM
it into VIP. Most of the time it starts with an idea or a
story I hear about that I think would interest others.
Is it inspirational? Is it a good cause? Is it an event that
people would want to know about?
What do you see in the future for
VIP magazine? Any drastic changes?
VIP has been around for three years because it’s a great
publication. Why would we change that? However, I do
believe there’s always room for improvement. VIP will
continue being the best magazine in Southeast Texas.
There’s not another magazine in this area that can come
close to VIP. Others have tried, but they don’t have the
experience or the creative team we have. I’m sure there
will be more that will come and go, but you can’t beat
the best — and we’re just going to get better. Look out!
AND ABOUT SOUTHEAST TEXAS …
VIP is about life in Southeast Texas.
How would you describe the area as a
place to live overall?
There’s no other place like it. I’ve been to bigger cities
and smaller ones, but none has just the right amount of
everything like SETX.
How has Southeast Texas changed over
the past few years?
I think we’re starting to see a demand for more enter-
tainment, fashion stores and more upscale restaurants.
What do you see in the near future
for Southeast Texas? Any trends that
you see affecting the area in the next few
years?
I think we’re already starting to see the trends change.
But, yes, we will start seeing more of the fashions
come to us faster, so we don’t have to make the drive
to Houston or Dallas. Or have them shipped from New
York and California.
AND FINALLY …
Describe yourself in four words.
Creative, ambitious, spontaneous, unique.
Describe your life in six words. Adam Brooks,
Blessed. Blessed. Blessed. Blessed. Blessed. Blessed. Editor
But, that’s the same word six times.
I know!
favorites is “As a Man Thinketh”
by James Allen. It’s an oldie but
Place to Get Inspiration:
My family is the fuel for my
ambition. Someone once told me
a goodie.
Place to Travel:
if you look for inspiration, you’ll
find it. They were right. When I see
someone successful, it inspires
Branson, Mo., for the shows.
My family and I try to go there
me! When I see those who are less
fortunate, I pray for them and thank
every summer. God for all His blessings. VIP
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theVIPmag.com | March 2011 7

 eating
c a j u n
An Amateur’s Guide to Boudain
The tasty Cajun sausage is a staple
in Southeast Texas
Howard Holst and Linda Morris.
Y
ou can travel the world and still never
find a place remotely similar to Southeast
Texas.
Even our cuisine — an eclectic mix of
cultural favorites — stands apart from the
rest. But, some of our most beloved dishes
confuse and intimidate out-of-towners,
particularly boudain.
What is boudain exactly? Where does it
come from? And, what in the world is in it?
A staple on our tables, boudain is a locally beloved Cajun sausage,
known for packing a bold and flavorful punch to the taste buds. Lo-
cals consider boudain to be a welcome element to any meal. We stuff
it into our Thanksgiving turkeys, sauté it alongside our bacon and
eggs and pack it in our breakfast kolaches.
To us, who cares what is in it when it is just so darn yummy!
But, in case you are wondering, boudin is a French word referring
to a white sausage generally made in Europe from pork trimmings
and milk. A distant cousin to the European version, Cajun boudain,
is another thing entirely. The spicier Cajun boudain is actually a
8 March 2011 | THEVIPMAG.COM
drinking
f a v o r i t e s
photography by CLETE PHILYAW
text by HOLLI PETERSEN
tasty pork-based rice dress-
ing stuff ed into pork casings.
stuffed
“Originating from Cajun
country, boudain was invented because waste was unacceptable,”
explained Linda Morris, president and owner of Beaumont-based
D.J.’s Boudain, Inc. “In order to use every part of the pig, the left-
over pork trimmings were mixed with other ingredients to create
boudain.”
At D.J.’s Boudain, the original principles of frugality are still hon-
ored with a tried-and-true family recipe. However, by using higher-
quality ingredients, D.J.’s produces a finer, juicier product, Morris
said. Its boudain mixes trimmings from premium pork roast, fresh
onion, bell pepper, rice and a unique blend of Cajun spices.
In fact, D.J.’s product is so popular that the company cannot keep
up with the ever-growing demand. After 17 years of business, the
company has grown to become the highest grossing boudain manu-
facturer throughout its long-time service area. A 12,000-square-foot
expansion of its production facility, completed at the end of Febru-
ary, will nearly triple the company’s production rates, totaling an
astonishing 150,000 pounds of boudain produced per week.
 For the Seasoned Diner

Celebrate
photography by
CLETE PHILYAW
Any Occasion
This increased production will allow its products to be even more
widely distributed throughout Texas and Louisiana. with
D.J.’s Boudain!
“We have a lot of demand but we simply can’t supply the
need,” Morris explained. “Our expansion will help meet that
demand, while creating seven to 10 more new jobs. We’re a local
company and we want to do our part to boost our local economy.”
Morris, a boudain connoisseur, prefers the dish in its truest
form — steamed and eaten plain. But, she explained that this D.J.’s is your hometown supplier
versatile sausage can be baked, grilled, smoked, sautéed or even of boudain and rice dressing.
fried. Easily paired with other entrees or a strong stand-alone
dish, boudain can be incorporated into almost any meal. Look for it at any one
However you choose to prepare and serve it is up to you. Just of your local grocery stores.
be sure to savor every single bite! VIP

Got a craving for Cajun?

Try these delicious boudain dishes from DJ’s Boudain.

D.J,’s Breakfast Burritos

Remove boudain from casing and lightly pan-fry. Add slightly
Dana’s Jewelry
beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs and boudain to taste. Fill
preheated flour tortilla with boudain and egg mixture. Add
cheese. Top with your favorite picante sauce.
March 17, 18 & 19
D.J.’s Cajun Quiche
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Grand Opening Sale
Pull apart canned biscuit dough and press into the bottom of Closeout prices
a pan. Add sliced boudain (casing removed), finely chopped
green onions, bacon bits, grated cheese and beaten eggs. 50% - 70% off
Salt and pepper if desired.
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes.
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THEVIPMAG.COM | March 2011 9
Wear Green. Don’t Drink It.

I
text by BRANDON EAST

t’s the season of the Irish! St. Patrick’s Day is the one day
that many try Guinness and typically never pick it up again
until the following year. But why?
What is the misconception about the stout style that leaves
people leery about picking it up more often? What turns many
away from a stout is the dark color, somewhat thick texture
and what they believe is a beverage just loaded with extremely
high calories. It is enlightening to many that Guinness Draught
has fewer calories than a Budweiser and is quite light. Yes,
light. It has about the same alcohol- by-volume (ABV) content
of many American lagers, about 4 percent, and has a thinner “mouth feel”
than one would expect. Calories in beer come from the alcohol and the
residual sugars. Typically, the higher the alcohol content, the higher the
caloric content.
I personally don’t like Guinness Draught because I find it too thin and,
frankly, quite dull. But, this is really a nice gateway beer. Give it a shot.
Do you drink coffee on a daily basis? You’ll find similar notes in stout that
are found in many coffee varieties including rich, roasted, creamy and
bitter flavors along with the taste of dark sugars, milk chocolate and dark
chocolate. And if you’re eating oysters, definitely pull up a Guinness — a
staple food and beer pairing.
Stouts I recommend that are available in the area include Left Hand Milk
Stout, Breckenridge Oatmeal Stout, Rogue Chocolate Stout, Deschutes
Obsidian Stout and Samuel Adams Cream Stout.
On a trip to England, Catherine the Great of Russia fell in love with the
complexity and flavors of stout. She wanted some barrels of the dark brew
shipped back to Russia, but this newly found libation faced spoilage because
of the long ship voyage through the Baltic Sea. To fight the bacteria, the
brewers had to beef up the brew with more hops (which act as a preservative
and offset rancid microbes) and a heartier roasted malt ticket to balance out
the stout. What transpired was something extraordinary — a beer about
11 percent ABV that was dessert-like with bittersweet chocolate and deep-
roasted coffee notes. This brew became an instant triumph at the Russian
Court, and this style became known as Russian Imperial Stout.
Oh, and please don’t drink green beer. Be a gentleman (or lady) and
order a proper beer or get a whiskey. Finally, cheers and Happy Mardi Gras.
Celebrate with some Abita and something fried, sauced or blackened. VIP

For beer suggestions and food-pairing recommendations, e-mail Brandon

East at Brandon@TexasBrews.org.

10 March 2011 | THEVIPMAG.COM

6 HUNDRED THREADS
ANOTHER MCMANUS CO. VENTURE

2674 HAZEL ST. BEAUMONT, TX 409-833-1965

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NEW PRODUCTS JUST ARRIVED

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 health beauty
s t a y i n g f i t f o r a c a u s e

OF CHARLIE DIXON
photos courtesy
Getting
to the
Winning the Tour of Austin in August 2010, just 10
weeks after knee surgery.

Heart of Business text by MARGARET BATTISTELLI GARDNER

Beaumont athlete and businessman Charlie Dixon knows there’s more

to the bottom line than money.
If you should see a buff, bronzed fellow traversing your ’hood
atop a penny farthing bike — you know, the tall, old-timey ones
with the oversized front wheel — by all means stop
and stare. Tip your hat, if you’re wearing one.
You can even point and giggle.
12 March 2011 | THEVIPMAG.COM
But be sure to take a minute and think
about why you’re seeing what you’re
seeing. In this case, should it happen,
that would be Beaumont businessman
Charlie Dixon trying to break a record
for the fastest cross-country ride on a
penny farthing — he says the record
stands at 29 days — in order to raise
awareness for organ donation. He’s also
thinking about trying to break the record
for the highest-altitude bike ride, which
would entail hiking up the Himalayas
with a bike strapped to his back. The
“These are things that don’t cost us anything to do.
Especially if you have a retail business and storefront,
I feel an obligation to do it. These things aren’t so much
about donating money; they’re simple and effective
things that everybody can participate in.”
journeys aren’t planned yet, but they’re
on Dixon’s radar. And he’s got a pretty
good track record for pulling off this kind
of stuff.
Dixon is a successful businessman,
owning 11 Bronze Body Tanning Centers
and holding a patent for the SunMyst
spray-tanning booth. He’s also a world-
Sadler’s Alaska Challenge welcomes world class athletes.
class athlete who climbs mountains,
has competed in more running and
biking competitions than you can shake
a starting flag at, and founded the
Beaumont-based Bronze Body/Kinsel
Ford Race Team to encourage fitness and
athletics in Southeast Texas.
Now he spends a lot of time
combining the two in order to raise
awareness for some of the charities that
are important to him. Dixon’s father died
from liver cancer in 2005. A new liver
would have saved his life, Dixon said,
— Charlie Dixon
but he died before one became available.
In his dad’s memory, organ donation and
cancer organizations are among Dixon’s
top charitable causes. Because of his
athletic background, Special Olympics
also holds a special place in his heart.
“I ask myself what I can do with my
skill set that would be extraordinary
USA Triathlon Sprint Championships in
Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
enough to call attention to the cause,”
he said. “I’m not a billionaire or a
millionaire, so I can’t use money. I’m not
famous. I’m not in politics, so I can’t use
notoriety. But I’m pretty athletic. I can
climb mountains. I’ve been riding a bike
forever. I fly airplanes. With that skill set,
how can I get creative and do something
to help?”
Dixon has been hooked on helping
good causes since the summer of 2008
when he and some friends raised $45,000
for the Lance Armstrong Foundation,
biking from San Diego to Washington,
D.C. He also flies cancer patients to and
from treatment in his personal planes as
part of the Angel Flight program.
But not every charity-related event
Dixon organizes is quite so grueling
or high-altitude. He uses his salons as
focal points for more relaxed appeals
throughout the year that the public and
his employees can take part in without
climbing a mountain or cycling 3,000
miles. >>
THEVIPMAG.COM | March 2011 13
 Getting everyone involved
In 2000, Dixon started a food drive
that allowed his tanning customers to get
a free session in exchange for a can of
food. Last year’s drive brought in 7,000
pounds of food, making a total of more
than 70,000 pounds over the past 11
years.
There’s also the annual Santa for
Seniors campaign — something like Toys
for Tots for the elderly in residential-
care programs. Each year, Bronze Body
locations set up Christmas trees with
tags that have small gift ideas written on
them, and customers take a tag, buy the
gift and return it to the salon. Bronze
Body staff members wrap the gifts and
deliver them to the intended recipients.
Bronze Body locations are also drop-
off points for the Soles4Souls program,
where customers donate new or gently
photography by XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX

worn shoes for distribution worldwide to

people in need, especially after disasters
such as the Haiti and Chile earthquakes,
Hurricane Katrina and the southeast Asia
tsunami. >>

Racing an xterra (off road triathlon)

outside of Seattle, Washington.

Charlie and friends hiking the Inca Trail

to Machu Pichu, Peru.

“...it’s also a good way to

open these young minds
to the benefits of reaching
out, giving back and
getting involved.”
— Charlie Dixon

14 March 2011 | THEVIPMAG.COM

 Antonio Melani
“Mona” two-tone jacket, matching
“Bertie” skirt and “Baylee” silk blouse;
with “Annabelle” leather shopper
and “Rona” patent peeptoe pump.
 “These are things that don’t cost us
anything to do,” he said. “Especially
if you have a retail business and
storefront, I feel an obligation to do
it. These things aren’t so much about
donating money; they’re simple and
effective things that everybody can
participate in.”
Dixon sees these on-site drives
as ways for people to get involved in
charity, even when they don’t have a
lot of money to donate. And given that
many of the 1,300 people Bronze Body
has employed in the past 19 years were
in the 17- to 25-year-old age bracket,
it’s also a good way to open these young
minds to the benefits of reaching out,
giving back and getting involved.
“After so many years, you get
into a little rut in business,” Dixon
admitted. He said he asks himself,
“How much money can I make? How
many customers can I tan?” Organizing
and participating in charity events
makes him feel better, he said. “It
motivates me knowing that I can make
a difference and help,” he said, “instead
of just going to work to make another
buck and punch a time clock.”

Taking a break during a two-week volunteer build in Romania.

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16 March 2011 | THEVIPMAG.COM
A Charitable Charlie Dixon
Business
Model
Business and charity go hand
in hand, Dixon said. Business
owners — especially those with retail
establishments that see a lot of foot
traffic — are in an ideal position to
help. If you want to get involved in
raising money or awareness for a cause
that interests you, Dixon said, do some
research and make sure
it’s a good fit for your clientele.
“Google is powerful thing,”
he said. “You just type in anything
that captures your interest. There
are a million organizations out there
you can support. Find something
you’re passionate about, but take your
clientele into consideration, too.
Look at who your customers
are and find something
they’ll support.” VIP

THEVIPMAG.COM | March 2011 17

 Photo courtesy of Hollier Photography – Kyle Hollier

Lincoln Avenue in Groves, is bustling with retail businesses.

Groves is the third largest city in Jefferson County. Shopping
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18 March 2011 | theVIPmag.com

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 totally worthy

fall
J o d y N o l a n

A to Grace
Defying death, Jody Nolan changed his life

Y
text by CATHLEEN COLE

oung men, full of bravado, often miss the

clues warning them that, indeed, they are
merely mortals. Jody Nolan, young and fit at
19, missed the clue. On a California beach 22
years ago, he and his two best friends climbed
a high and jagged cliff called Point Dume. He
didn’t know the locals called the peak “Point
Doom” and that dozens of people had fallen
from it, plummeting to their deaths. Almost
to the top, the teen lost his footing and fell,
his body bouncing and breaking as he plunged to the rocky beach below.
Nolan’s head and chest injuries were so massive that the paramedics
and trauma surgeon couldn’t believe he was still alive and were doubtful
he would survive. “I had trauma to every system
of my body,” Nolan said. He’d been in great
physical shape on March 15, 1989, and he
thinks that helped save him.
photography by JUDY STOKELY

Nolan started training in martial

arts when he was 12 years old. Fred
Simon, a ninth-degree black belt
and owner of Fred A. Simon’s
TaeKwonDo in Beaumont, was
his first instructor. The young
boy quickly progressed in the
art. Nolan remembers sparring
with Billy Singletary, now a
Beaumont firefighter and high-
ranking black belt. Singletary
L
EIB

worked out with weights and was

IDO

a big guy. Nolan, who was light

GU

y and fast, thought big meant slow.

b
oto He thought wrong. Nolan tagged his
p h opponent once in the ribs, but that
was it. Singletary knocked the cocky
20 March 2011 | THEVIPMAG.COM
young kid on his butt. “That was a pivotal moment that

e
changed my life,” Nolan recalled. “I realized you can be
big and fast. This guy was unstoppable to me.” That’s o k
“God’s got me here
when the scrappy lightweight decided to hit the weights
and bulk up.
h p right now. I’m here
a
But even though he was healthy and strong when
k until further notice.”

o
he fell, he believes there was more to it. He was a i

t
5
Christian before his fall, he said, but afterward h Jody Nolan
?
he had a deeper understanding of how God
works. If the accident hadn’t happened, he said,
he’d be a much different person today.
The day he fell from the cliff, he weighed 205
pounds. When he awoke from a coma six weeks lat-
er, he weighed 100 pounds. He looks at the accident
as a rebirth — a second chance. “It was a transforming
moment,” he said.
When he was able to start physical therapy, he
pushed himself hard. Finally, he was stable enough to g
fly home to Beaumont and spent his last two months
o

of intensive rehabilitation at Christus Hospital —

t
i

St. Elizabeth. h
Simon was unaware of Nolan’s accident until the !
young man called his home phone number. Nolan’s
vocal cords had been paralyzed from his injuries and he
talked in a raspy whisper. Simon’s wife kept hanging up
on whom she thought was a prank caller. When Simon
got home, he answered the phone the next time it rang.
Nolan managed to squeak out, “Don’t hang up! It’s me,
Jody.” Simon listened, horrified at the news, and imme-
diately went to visit his former student in the hospital.
“He had that handsome smile on his face,” Simon said.
“But I wondered if this baby would ever get well again.”
It took Nolan three years to recover from his injuries.
As part of his therapy, he worked at Gold’s Gym in
Galveston and kept training in martial arts. When he
heard about a Chuck Norris movie in the works in 1991,
he wanted to be a part of it. “I found the production
office in Houston and talked my way onto the set,” he
said. He got the part of stand-in for Eric Norris, Chuck
Norris’ son, in “Sidekicks.”
Later that year, “Rescue 911” — one of the first real-
ity television shows — produced a segment about Nolan
and his accident. Working on the show spurred his
interest in television production. “I was trying to figure
a direction for my life,” he said.
Nolan’s gym experience gave him the career impetus >>

THEVIPMAG.COM | March 2011 21

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he was looking for. In 1995, he opened his

World Gym franchise in Beaumont. But he hadn’t given up
his aspirations of a television and film career. His next movie was
“Con Games” — a 2001 action-thriller in which he acted and co-
produced with Eric Roberts. He worked on “The Alamo,” a 2004
period drama, with Billy Bob Thornton and Dennis Quaid. And he
was an actor, stuntman and co-producer of “Noble Things,” the
2008 drama that was partially filmed in Beaumont.
“The Next Dragon” is his latest project. It’s a
1 STOP SHOPPING... reality television series, created by Janell
Smith of Iron Dragon Productions, that
97% LOCAL BUSINESSES follows the search for “the next Bruce
Lee,” Nolan said. Although the pro-
gram is still in development, Nolan and
his fellow producers are ready to pitch
it to the major television networks.
“Our goal is to make a show that
the whole family can watch,” he
said. “We wanted to do a show
that promotes good values.”
If he plans to pursue a
career in television and film,
shouldn’t he head for Holly-
wood? With no wife and kids,
nothing is holding him here,
so why stay in Beaumont? He
believes God has a plan for him
and puts him where he needs to
COME OVER AND SAVE MONEY! be. “God’s got me here right now,”
he explained. “I’m here until fur-
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22 March 2011 | THEVIPMAG.COM
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Prepare for spring with everything you need for a day by the
water, complete with fun and exciting prints at the Flagship Never shave again!
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theVIPmag.com | March 2011 23

 totally social
e v e n t s

Friends of MLK Brunch

The 23rd annual brunch held at the Port Arthur’s Robert “Bob”
1 Bowers Civic Center was among a handful of activities in memory
of slain civil rights leader the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

1. Regina Drake, John J. Williams, Alicia Brown.

2. Walter Umphrey. 3. Velma Martin. 4. Kristyn Hunt and
Thaddeaus Green. 5. James and Tracie Payne.
6. Robert Turner and Jackie Simien. 7. Sharae Bassett and
Damian Reed. 8. Commissioner Michael Sinegal,
Yvette Sinegal, Thomas Sigee, Alicia Sigee. 9. Shedrick Sigee,
Toni Sigee, Dr. Cornell West, Mrs. Savoi. 10. Ronnie Turner and
Traci Vaughn. 11. Clinton McNair, Travis King.
12. Stephen Richard Trio.

2 3 4

5 7

6
JUDY STOKELY

24 March 2011 | theVIPmag.com

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theVIPmag.com | March 2011 25

 Art League Chili Luncheon 3

On February 5, the Beaumont Art League served up Board President Mark Mason’s
award-winning chili.

1. Jeff and Sherrie Branick and daughter Ellie Grace. 2. Mark Mason
and Donna Ray Wiser. 3. Konrad and Cynthia Fontenot. 4. Jeannine Faires,
Jan Allred, Shirley Wright. 5. Russell and Sheila Bergeaux.

1 2 4

Clete Philyaw
Where Business &
Pleasure Meet
Business Meetings & Conferences
Receptions & Luncheons
State-of-the Art Communications
Flexible Room Arrangements
Exquisite Decor

1776 Calder Ave. Beaumont, Texas

409.832.1621
www.broussar dscen tre.c om
26 March 2011 | theVIPmag.com
Press Club Meeting 1
1

1. Anessia Longsworth and Renee London. 2. Stephanie Molina and Christi Grudier. 3. Mike Smith.
4. James Payne and Jeterra Wallace. 5. Liz McKernan and Kara Hawthorn. 6. Mary Williams, Ava
Graves. 7. Ericka English and Raquel Duncan. 8. Savion Worthen and Mary Evelyn Collins.

2 3

2
6

4 5

judy stokely
7 8

HAVE
YO U
BEEN
CAT5’D? thecat5.com
theVIPmag.com | March 2011 27
 1 2 Mr. Habitat Mr. Habitat contestants had fun while
rasing money for Habitat for Humanity
at Goodfella’s.
Waiters 1. Chuck King. 2. Gordon
Williams. 3. Shane Howard and
Lenny Caballero. 4. Barry and Carla
3 Behannon. 5. Dee Lane
and Jacquetta Walker. 6. James
Johnson. 7. Stephen Snider, Shayla
Zuzukin and Ayna Seghal.

Lee e. StinSon
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Beaumont, TX 77706
4414 Dowlen (Crossroad Center) 409-924-7718 409.861.5762

28 March 2011 | theVIPmag.com

1
Spamalot at
Lutcher
1. Ryan Domingue, Nicole Higgins,
Jacob Higgins, William Lynch.
2. Allen Rienstra and Carol Cuccio.
3. Roy Porterfield and Katrina Harper.
4. Rita and John Richard, Howard Trotter and Angie Quienalty.
5. Judge John Stevens and Marcia Stevens. 6. John Cunningham,
Mark Ifland, Karen Cunningham, David Ifland and Kari Ifland.
7. Charlene and Danny Babineaux. 8. Winona and Alfred Peveto.
9. Dr. Larry Sanders, Ruth Byrd and Jacob Vincent. 10. John and
2 3 Lana Ostermaier, Beverly Millsap and Bob Hoepner.

7 8

10

9
Rene SheppaRd

theVIPmag.com | March 2011 29

Krewe of 1 2

Neptune
12th Night
1. Ryan and Terica Breaux, Amanda
and Bobby Hand. 2. Dan and Carrie
Cunningham. 3. Konnor, Kameron,
Christina, Kohlton, Raegan and
Kohlton. 4. Christine and Donna
Ware. 5. Cody Hanks, Monica
Hanks, Barbara Nixon and
Tanner Hanks.

3 4 5

SILVIA C. MCCLAIN
Discount Party Super Store
The
Plastic & Paper
tas
Catering Items• Pina
Holiday Decorations
Birthday Supplies
Cards • Invitations
ms
Wedding • Sport Ite
es
Candy, Toys & Novelti
Balloons & Helium
e!
Tanks and Much Mor
3970 Dowlen Rd.
(next to Hobby Lobby)
1555
Beaumont, TX • 409.892.

Complete Inventory of Party Supplies

30 March 2011 | theVIPmag.com
Cirque 1

de la Soiree
1. One of the many gravity defying aerialists wrapped
in ribbons of silk. 2. Bob and Kelli Phillips and Kristie
Young. 3. Ty and Kellye Badon. 4. Margaret Cruse and
Tom and Kim Burbank. 5. Dr. Qamar and Kelli Arfeen.
6. Barry and Michelle Barnette. 7. Mandie Peel,
Charline Dauphin and Dr. Garrett Peel. 8. Michael and 2
Janetta Clark. 9. Nancy Ginakis and Julia Dungan.
10. Jennifer Becks and Nan Broussard.
11. Glenn and Barbara Centers.

3 4 5

7 8

René SheppaRd
9

10 11

theVIPmag.com | March 2011 31

Port Arthur Chamber of 1

Commerce Luncheon
1. Pat Avery and Terry Doyle. 2. Larry, Bridgette, Alan and Patti King. 3. Don
Pumphrey and Ed Kestler. 4. Travis and Lois Woods. 5. Cheryl and Ike Akbari.
6. Wayne and Karen Moore. 7. Dane Hawkins, Kevin Nectoux, Kelvin Alvarenga.
8. Morris Carter. 9. Dr. Mark Porterie. 10. VJ Harper, Cheryl Harper, Liz Segler and
Aletha Kirkwood. 11. John Comeaux, Cynthia Comeaux and Deral Seglar.
12. Kenny Tims and Darlene Moody. 13. Betty Keith and Betty Legnon.
14. Tom Burger. 15. Wilma and Raymond Johnson. 16. Julie Broussard,
Tony Broussard, Mark Angelle, Connie Angelle and Bill Rigby.

2 3

4 5 6

8
7

32 March 2011 | theVIPmag.com

9 10

11 12

JUDY STOKELY
13 14 15

16

theVIPmag.com | March 2011 33

 Clay Buchholz 2

1 1. Clay with Linda and Murphy

McFadden. 2. Clay and Jacob Armstrong.
3. Clay signing autographsr. 4. Clay and
Bob Frank. 5. Clay with Jimmy Carpenter
and Abigail LaFleur and Nathan LaFleur.
6. Clay with Preston Jones. 7. Clay with
Trenton and Matthew White. 8. Clay with
Cole Walters. 9. Clay, Colbi and Lindsay
Buchholz. 10. Back Row: Hunter Doucet,
Clay Buchholz, Wayne Doucet. Front Row:
Tracie Doucet and Natalie Doucet.

judy Stokely

4 5

7
6

10
9

34 March 2011 | theVIPmag.com

Lamar Cardinals 1

Baseball Banquet
1. Gary Lee Love. 2. Aarina and Bronson Buell, Melissa Haynes, Cameron Campbell.
3. Garrett Steward and Brooke Jackson. 4. Head Coach Jim Gilligan and LaVerne Gilligan.
5. Shelba, Pat, and Cody Laird, Jeff Abt. 6. Richard King. 7. Scott Shimp. 8. Marry Wueller, Taylor
McInnis. 9. Ashley Nunez, Everett Phelps.10. Susan Simmons, Larry Tidwell, Jimmy Simmons.

2 3

4 5

Clete Philyaw
6 7 8 9

10

theVIPmag.com | March 2011 35

Sheila Friedeck retirement party
On January 19 at Madison’s on Dowlen, friends and colleagues honored Associate Editor Sheila L. Friedeck, who dedicated more than 30 years of service to
the Beaumont Enterprise and played an important role in the production of VIP every month. Thank you, Sheila. You will be missed!
1. Regina Rogers, Buddy Lightfoot, Roger Friedeck, Brooke
Friedeck, Sheila Friedeck, Thalia Friedeck and Scott Friedeck. 1
2. Sonja Garza, Beth Gallespy and Linda Gilchrest.
3. Bill Offill. 4. Jo and Derrick Stanley, Liz Lovett and Pam
Bush. 5. Tim Kelly. 6. Joel and Jane McBride. 7. Les
Lightfoot, Sheila Sarver and Kristi Lightfoot. 8. Adam and
Lisa Brooks. 9. Cindy Maggio, Guiseppe Barranco and
Julie Garcia.

3 4 5

6 7

8 9
Lee e. StinSon

36 March 2011 | theVIPmag.com

 commen
P Re ded
VI
ed V
hem

nd
ove t

IP
me
We l
VIOPT

Re
VIP Recom

com
Belly Dance

mended V
H OTS
SP
Extravaganza
ded
1 2

IP
en
m

R
ec
om om
men ec
ded VIP R
1. One of the many performers. 2. Kamryn and
Kendyl Trahan. 3. Andrea Studensky-Berry.
4. A glimpse into the performance. 5. Megan
and Naomi Brown. 5. Scott and Rita Ballard.

3 4

5 6

(SILVIA C. MCCLAIN
We’re half art lesson, half party!
Come by yourself, with friends,
or book a private party

229 Dowlen Road,

Suite 11A, Beaumont www.paintingwithatwist.com/beaumont • 409-866-0399
theVIPmag.com | March 2011 37
 ed
ed V
hem

nd
ove t

IP
NCS Super Bowl Party

me
l

VIOPT
e

Re
W

VIP Recom

com
mended V
at MLG
H OTS
SP

ded
1

IP
en
m

R
ec
om om
men ec
ded VIP R

1. Kevin Steele, Lacy Davis, Rae Pieper, Tom Clay,

Jack Pieper, Lisa Brooks, Adam Brooks, Janice
Lopez. 2. Cheryl and Bill Kiker. 3. Jody Nolan,
Linda Robbins. 4. Dean and Jane Fontenot.
5. Robin Dauphin, Blake Fontenot. 6. Tom Clay,
LeAnne Clay, John Rudzki. 7. Michelle and Tracy
Byrd. 8. Pam and Mike Jeansonne. 9. Derick
Nolan, Phil Smith. 10. Marie McKnight, Desi
Ramesy, Vyki Alleman, Cindy Perez.

2 3 4

CLETE PHILYAW
5 6

7 8 9

10

38 March 2011 | theVIPmag.com

1 2
Brilliance! 8
1. Adam Piper. 2. Kyle Worley, Pam Worley
and Mary Lou Call. 3. Lynn Huckaby and Taylor
Cates. 4. Shelly Duell, Bryan Shook and Kristin
Shook. 5. Charlene and Bud Leonard.
6. Kelli Worley and Lola Karnes.

4 5

judy Stokely
N AT U R A L S H A D E S

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you have to compromise
beauty or style. Tradewinds
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and reeds give you both.

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

theVIPmag.com | March 2011 39

Cancer Center 1

Ribbon Cutting
1. Dr. Garrett Peel, Irene Ramirez, Evelyn Lord, Charline
Dauphin, Beaumont Mayor Becky Ames and Todd Senters.
2. Jessica Reho, Shelly Vitanza, Renee Cox. 3. Dr. Mark
Bonnen and Norma Broussard. 4. Barbara and Glenn
Senters. 5. Katie Whitney and Mary Poole.
6. Jaylene Carr and Dr. Gwen Lavalais. 7. Darlene
Licatino, Tiffanie Williams, Jennifer Cormier, Darla Gleason.
8. Patricia Hall, Karen Jones, Katelin Boles, Mandie Peel.
9. Lisa Saulsberry, Vicky Tackett.

3 4

Judy Stokely
5 6 7

theVIPmag.com | March 2011 41

 vip magazine
v i p e r s o n a l i t y

Wayne
Toups
text by CHERYL ROSE

M
usical gumbo, spicy blend, musical fusion –

WAYNE TOUPS
regardless of what you call it, when a Wayne
Toups and ZyDeCajun song begins, your feet
will start tapping and before you know it,
you’ll be twisting, rocking and wishing you
could speak French. Ah-yee!
Charismatic recording artist Wayne Toups
photos courtesy of

is a regular visitor to Southeast Texas, pack-

ing festivals and dance halls with fans who love
the distinct musical style he pioneered. Toups
revolutionized traditional Cajun music in the early 1980s by creating a new hybrid
that mixed rock, R&B and folk into a new sound, while remaining authentic to his
Cajun roots.
Toups has recorded 14 albums, performed in more than 20 countries, and
continues to travel to about 100 shows a year. He has received numerous honors
and awards, including being inducted into the Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame in
January. These successes have brought him a long way, and yet not so far, from his
childhood in the rice fields of Crowley, La.
Toups was raised by his father, a retired rice farmer who could barely speak
English. Growing up steeped in Cajun culture, Toups absorbed the mélange of
traditions. In the evenings, people gathered on their porches in the evening to sing
a little, drink a little, sing a little, all in Cajun dialect. One day, his brother, Roger,
bought a second-hand accordion and was attempting to learn to play. He showed
the basic buttons to his 13-year-old little brother. And then the magic happened.
I took to it like wildfire, Toups remembered. The music was already in my soul.
It wasn’t that hard for me to figure out how to play. I already had the passion in my
heart. It’s a wonderful gift that God gave me. He gave me the desire and more want-
to than anyone else around.
Though he had this wonderful talent, Toups paid his dues breaking into the
business. Throughout the 1970s, he played for $15 to $20 a night, trying to make a
go of it. In 1977, he quit playing, got married and had a son, Darrell Wayne Toups
(who currently plays percussion in ZyDeCajun). He worked in the oil fields for five
years until some friends lured him back to another band. In 1985, he recorded the
explosive “Zydecajun,” and the rest, as he says, is history.

42 March 2011 | THEVIPMAG.COM

 WAYNE TOUPS
photo courtesy of

Toups lives in Lafayette, La., a

place he describes as the beating
pulse of Cajun culture. With his
honey Casey Westbrook, Toups en-
joys fishing and golfing when he isn’t
performing.
Bill Leger, KFDM-TV Channel 6
news anchor, is a longtime friend and
fan of Toups. He believes that Toups’
musical legacy cannot be overstated.
I think Wayne is responsible for help-
ing to keep Cajun music alive, Leger
said. His mixture of zydeco music
with Cajun music made it cool to be
Cajun during a time when the music
was in danger of dying. He made the
music interesting, fun and hip to a
new generation of young people.
Toups isn’t concerned about the
traditions dying away. You would be
surprised how many young people
come to my shows and speak French,
he said.
They are speaking that Cajun dia-
lect to their children, too. I think it’s
a wonderful tradition. I’ve been all
over the world and this place down
here, there’s nothing like it. VIP

Allons!
“The Mardi Gras is a wonderful time of year
March 6, 2011 • 6:30 p.m.
– everyone’s dressing up and their whole Wayne Toups and ZyDeCajun concert
identity changes,” Toups said. “Port Arthur
is one of those places we enjoy, with tons of Procter Street, Port Arthur
people, beads galore, just sharing that
moment with them is wonderful.” Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas

THEVIPMAG.COM | March 2011 43


“I bought my first Wayne Toups
CD at a truck stop and became an
immediate fan. Wayne is a one-of-a-
kind great! No one in the world can
play zydecajun the way he does. He’s
in a class of his own. Wayne came out
to see one of my shows in Louisiana
and he sat in with me; we’ve been ever
since. He’s played all of the accordion
parts on my records; he can make
that thing talk! I play his CDs “Blast
From The Bayou” and “Fish Out Of
Water” on the bus for a pick-me-up. If
you don’t know Wayne Toups’ music,
you need to pick up one of his CDs.
You can thank me later!”
–Mark Chesnutt, platinum-
selling recording artist
Q&A
FavOrITe sONg TO perFOrm?
I love to perform them all! “That’s What
I Love About My Baby,” “Take Care of
My Kids,” “Please Explain,” “Johnny Can
Dance.” I have over 100 songs recorded,
and we can only do about 30 a night. We
try to change the schedule up each time
we perform.
WHaT’s THe mOsT FrequeNT
CrOWD requesT?
“Take My Hand.”
FavOrITe meaL?
You’re talking to a Cajun – everything’s
my favorite meal! I love seared tuna. I like
meatball fricassee and fried pork chops.
I absolutely love sushi. I love cracklings,
too. Everything that makes your
cholesterol go through the roof, I love it.
BOuDIN Or CraWFIsH?
I love ’em both. Ain’t nothing like a big old
pot of crawfish.
HOBBIes?
I love to cook. I love to eat. I love to dance.
I love to play golf and I love to fish. We go
bowling. I love Playstation and Wii. I just
bought the NFL training one.
peTs?
Georgia Anne, she’s an 8-year-old boxer,
she weighs about 80 pounds, and Trixie, a
little kitty that we found when we moved
in here. She thinks she’s a dog!
a FuN eveNINg FOr me WOuLD Be?
We’d go out and eat some sushi and
then we’d go listen to a little Cajun band
somewhere like La Poussiere, an old
Cajun dance hall that’s been around since
the ’60s.
BesT parT OF BeINg aN
eNTerTaINer FOr a LIvINg?
Is being on stage and just sharing that
wonderful feeling that I wake up with
every day, and seeing the smiles on
everybody there.
musICaL INFLueNCes?
When I was growing up, accordion-wise,
Iry LeJeune, Belton Richard and Aldus
Roger. My soulful, raspy voice comes
from listening to Aretha Franklin and
Otis Redding. My Southern rock comes
from the Allman Brothers and Delbert
McClinton. I kind of pick from different
genres to help me with this musical
fusion with a Cajun flair.
mOsT meaNINgFuL aWarD?
They just dedicated the Festivals Acadiens
et Créoles (in Lafayette, La. in 2010) to
me. That’s one of the most prestigious
honors I could ever get.
mOsT peOpLe WOuLD Be
surprIseD TO kNOW?
That Wayne is not my first name.
(And he wouldn’t tell us what it is!)
WHaT kIND OF aCCOrDION DO
YOu pLaY?
I play on Falcon dual pitch diatonic
accordions.
OuTDOOr FesTIvaL Or INDOOr
sTage?
I really love playing outside at festivals.
aDvICe FOr aspIrINg
musICIaNs?
My biggest advice is just be yourself.
Everyone has their own destiny. Don’t be
like me – be better than me. I’ve paid my
dues and worked really hard to get where
I’m at. You have to start at the bottom.
There’s no overnight success. Even the
people who do get the chance at it, it’s
not a success 90 percent of the time
because they can’t handle it. Soak up and
learn everything along the way. It’ll make
you a better artist.
persONaL gOaLs?
I never quite set standards, but who
wouldn’t want to be nominated for or to
win a Grammy? If it comes, it comes. I
just continue to be the best person I can
be, make sure everyone loves who I am
and the direction I’m going in.

Winner of Reader’s Choice Award

For the past 4 years.

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44 March 2011 | theVIPmag.com

 Nickolina’s introduces a new line of unique and
Chan Luu
beautiful home decor from Arte Italica. Each piece is
Bracelets
handcrafted by Italian artisans using traditional
available at
red clay and traditional techniques. Mix and
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match platters, bowls, canisters and more
Choose from
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896.2543
www.nickolinas.com
Looking for unique accessories, clothing, shoes, or bags?
Pappagallo features a variety of hand-picked items. Featured
is our garden of dreams collection, which consists of Swarovski
crystal flowers. Come check out our large selection of Brighton
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8
3340 Dowlen Road #A Beaumont
Beaumont, TX • 409-866-1917 866-9742

We make the Hat

Fit the Person
No matter what their
life style is…Shop at
Sam’s where the
real Cowboys
shop.
The Etiquette School of Southeast Texas at Bauer Ranch PS. We have
is a stimulating, entertaining and educational program in You Covered
manners, dining, communications, and social skills. Emphasis from Hats
IT’S
on character and building self-esteem are taught in a fun and to Boots! RODEO
lively learning environment.
Classes currently offered: fabulous finds TIME
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Summer Etiquette Camp
Retailers we love and their
409-651-6644
www.etiquettesoutheasttexas.com
merchandise we love to have! Sam’s Western Store...
vbauer@etiquettesoutheasttexas.com 5090 College St.
Find us on facebook! 842-2625 • Beaumont, TX

If you’re looking for the perfect

fashionable piece, you’ll find it at
our jewelry boutique! Come to our
shop and choose from an array of
beautiful jewelry pieces; necklaces,
bracelets, rings, and more. We will
help coordinate any outfit with the
perfect accessories.

Our Body Reflections Toning Salon Southeast Texas’ highest ranking Black Belt, 9th degree Fred
features an isometric exercise that A. Simon, is offering his tae kwon do classes to beginners
firms and tones your body and can for half off through the end of March-only $25! Study martial
Whether you are hungry for a Fresh Deli-Style, Hot arts under a Texas Legends Hall of Fame and Texas Martial
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has the right sandwich for you. NOW OPEN 24 Shelby’s Rings & Things for a special discounted rate. Call now to reserve your place!
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theVIPmag.com | March 2011 45

 vip guide
s p o r t i n g c l a y s

On Target

M
text by HALEY STRAHAN

aybe you’re
bummed
about the end
of deer and
duck seasons.
Perhaps you’re
curious about
gun safety or
gun handling.
It might be that
you’re looking for a way to spend time with a
family member. It’s possible that you just want
to experience the simple pleasure of shooting
a gun without going hunting. In any case, you
might want to investigate the growing world of
sporting clays.
Sporting clays is a game of precision and payoff,
where the marksman enjoys the unpredictability of
a traditional outdoor hunt instead of the repetition
of shooting at the same target over and over again. The
game itself is described commonly as golf with a shotgun
and is played typically on a course that consists of 10 to 15 sta-
tions. Each station is different, and the machine that launches the
clays can be configured so that many different conditions can be repre-
sented. Clays are launched in “flights” to simulate the actual trajectory
of winged prey.
Sporting clays is ideal for a marksman who craves a challenge and
likes friendly competition. The sport is usually played in squads of two
to eight people, with a running tally after each station. The similarities
to golf end in the clubhouse at your local country club, where instead of
a congratulatory Tom Collins between rounds, you’ll probably be check-
ing your ear protection.
Shooters use shotguns, with a gauge no larger than .12, to shoot the
propelled targets out of the sky. Safety equipment is required, including
KS

ear and eye protection. You also can use semi-automatic or pump action, but
O

O
BR leave the sawed-off shotgun in your truck where it belongs. If all this sounds
AM a little scary, don’t worry. Gun safety and etiquette are strictly enforced, and
y AD
yb
photograph firearms must be routinely cleaned and checked for safety.
Local sharpshooter Jack Lowrance, who placed fourth overall last year at the 4-H
National Tournament, does most of his practicing at the 1 in 100 Gun Club in Lumberton.

46 March 2011 | THEVIPMAG.COM

 Aim to learn more
The National Sporting Clays Association
website at www.nssa-nsca.org has
information and an easily navigable site
with helpful links including Find-a-Shoot
and How to Play the Game. You also can
search for members or for clubs and find
find
out more about the NSCA’s national team,
Team USA, or the chances of the United
States in the next Olympics.

Established in 1957,
the 1 in 100 Club
boasts a rifle and pistol
range, six skeet fields,
two trap fields and a
15-station sporting
clays area. Equally
owned by its 100 full
members, the 1 in 100
Club offers several
membership packages
to those who would
like to use the facility.
“For a lot of people,
target shooting is a
way to compete after
you get out of the high
school athletics,” explained Matthew Garver, grounds manager.
“You get that camaraderie of playing a sport with other people that
you miss.”
Lowrance, a talented marksman, found his way to sporting clays
through a family friend after years of hunting. With five years of
sporting clays experience, Lowrance uses a Blaser .12 gauge shotgun
with under-over action. During the 4-H season, which runs from Shoot-Out at the LIT Corral
February through July, Lowrance will practice two to three times per The 4th Annual LIT Shoot-Out will be hosted at the 1 in 100 Gun
week for two hours at a time. Like any other sport, practicing sport- Club in Lumberton on April 2. The event provides scholarships for
ing clays leads to expertise. “It’s all about focus,” Lowrance said.
“When I shot my first 100 straight, a man asked me how I could students at the Lamar Institute of Technology. “At LIT we wanted
shoot 100 targets in a row. I said that I didn’t shoot 100 targets. I to do a great fundraiser to get everyone out there and have a good
shot one target 100 times.” time, but not the usual golf tournament,” explained Beth Miller,
Men, women, and even children can be found on the grounds of director or public information and marketing at LIT.Teams of four
the 1 in 100 Club. “As soon as a kid is old enough to pick up a gun, shooters visit stations on the course to try their luck at hitting
parents are encouraged to bring them out,” Garver said. “It’s a great
way to teach hand-eye coordination, and it’s one of the few sports the targets. Flights run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. To reserve a
that focuses on raising gentlemen rather than just great athletes.” VIP team, call 409.839.2983.

THEVIPMAG.COM | March 2011 47

 vip guide
c a l e n d a r

Mardi Gras
of Southeast
Texas
Port Arthur
March 3 – March 6

great dates in march

Le Grand Bal
March 19
Presented by the Lamar
University Friends of the Arts,
brings an evening of grace
and elegance to Southeast
Texas. 7:00 p.m. $150
per person, underwriting
opportunities from $750
to $10,000 Montagne
Center. For reservations
call (409) 880-8137
Taste of the Triangle
March 8
6:30 p.m. Ford Exhibit Hall
Tickets: $15 – if purchased
BEFORE the day of event
$20 – if purchased the day of
the event. For more info call
409.892.2752.

Texas Entergy
Museum
Blowout 2011
March 17
6:30 p.m. By reservation YMBL South Texas
only. Table contribution levels: State Fair
$1,000, $2,500, $5,000 and
March 24 - April 3
$10,000. Individual seats:
$100 Beaumont Civic Center YMBL South Texas State Fair
Complex. To reserve your seats 9:00 a.m. Ford Midway
call 409.833.5100

Event Submissions
Do you have an event you would like to promote? Do it with VIP for FREE! Please send us details — dates, times, location, contact phone,
web address and a brief description — to acbrooks@hearstnp.com. Information should arrive at least 60 days in advance of the event.

48 March 2011 | THEVIPMAG.COM

 { March } Southeast Texas Workforce on MARCH 12
Wheels Le Grand Bal
9:00 a.m. Willard Library The Gusher Marathon, Half Marathon 7:00 p.m. $150 per person.
MARCH 3 and 5K Underwriting opportunities from
Beaumont 55+ Luncheon 7:30 a.m. Lamar University Montagne $750 to $10,000. Montagne Center
16th Annual Go for the Gold Party 12:00 p.m. Beaumont Baptist Center
and Reverse Drawing Hospital Don Gay’s Championship Bull Ride
6:30 p.m. $100. Art Museum of Buna Redbud Festival 7:00 p.m. Nutty Jerry’s
Southeast Texas 10:00 a.m. Downtown Buna
Bus Stop
Lamarissimo! Christian Concert, Ministry Expo, Car 7:30 p.m. $20-$35. Lutcher Theater
Wind Ensemble and Bike Show for the Performing Arts
and Concert 1:00 p.m. Winnie
Stowell Park Texas Ghost Show
Bands
7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m. Julie Randy Travis $20 - $160.
Rogers Theatre. Live in Concert Beaumont Civic
409.880.8144 7:00 p.m. $25 - Center Complex.
Mardi Gras of $45. Nutty Jerry’s. March 19 – March 20
Southeast Texas 877.643.7508. All
ticket sales are Water Safety Course
March 3 – March 6
final. No refunds. 9:00 a.m. $200.
Port Arthur
American Red Cross
MARCH 4 Taste of the Triangle MARCH 14 First Course. March 19,
6:30 p.m. Ford Exhibit Hall 20, 26 & 27
Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner Foreclosures: How to
Nederland Heritage Festival Get a Good Deal Spring Break for BISD
6:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m. Downtown Nederland 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. $35. Lamar March 21 – March 25
March 8 – March 13
MARCH 5 Institute of Technology

Brazilian Carnival Party MARCH 9 Monthly Salsa Social MARCH 22

9:30 a.m. Health and Wellness Center
The 6th Annual Mardi Gras Dinner
and Dance
6:30 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. The Holiday Inn
Southeast Texas Mardi Gras for Kids
- Parade - Royalty March
6:45 p.m. Port Arthur
Mavericks vs. Louisiana United
7:30 p.m. $10. Nutty Jerry’s
Royal Comedy Tour
8:00 p.m. $37.50 - $44.50.
Beaumont Civic Center
Complex
Texas Rage In The Cage
Ford Arena
MARCH 6
Southeast Texas
Mardi Gras for Kids
Truck Parade
5:30 p.m. Port Arthur
MARCH 7
Room on the Broom
10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Lutcher
Theater for the Performing Arts
MARCH 10
Mix & Mingle at Capital One Bank
4:30 p.m. Capital One Bank
Progessive Democrats Southeast
Texas Monthly Meeting
6:30 p.m. Beaumont Club
Southeast Texas International
Spiritual Warfare
Conference
7:00 p.m. MCM Eleganté
Hotel
MARCH 11
Ballroom Dance Party
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Advance tickets: $20/person,
at the door: $25/person,
combo price: $10/person. First United
Methodist Church
8:00 p.m. City Dance Center
MARCH 17
St. Patrick’s Day
Morning Mix Tour Stop
7:30 a.m. The Patio
Texas Entergy Museum Blowout
2011
6:30 p.m. By reservation only. Table
contribution levels: $1,000, $2,500,
$5,000 and $10,000. Individual
seats: $100. Beaumont Civic Center
Complex
Roger Creager / Aaron Watson Live
in Concert
7:00 p.m. Dixie Dance Hall
MARCH 18
75th Anniversary
10:00 a.m. The Hughen Center
St. Patrick’s Dance
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. $3.00 for Arc &
Beaumont Children’s Museum Day
11:00 a.m. Chili’s
Lamar University Parents Advisory
Committee Dinner Meeting
6:00 p.m. Montagne Center
MARCH 23
Ugly Duckling
9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Lutcher
Theater for the Performing Arts
Ribbon Cutting: Homewood Suites
4:00 p.m. Homewood Suites
YMBL South Texas State Fair
9:00 a.m. Ford Midway.
March 24 – April 3
MARCH 25
Baptist Beaumont
Hospital Blood Drives
7:00 a.m. Beaumont Baptist Hospital
REO Speedwagon Live in Concert
7:00 p.m. $20 - $40 Nutty Jerry’s

Golden Triangle Republican Women
Monthly Luncheon
11:30 a.m. MCM Eleganté Hotel
Spring Break for Lamar University
March 7 – March 11
MARCH 8
International Women’s Day
The Spencers: Theater of Illusion
7:30 p.m. $20-$35. Lutcher Theater
for the Performing Arts
Happy St. Pat’s Day Fundraiser
7:30 p.m. The Phelan Mansion
Noises Off
7:30 p.m. McFaddin Ward Theatre
March 11, 12, 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26
SETX Self Advocate Members. $6.00
for non-members. $2.00 for pictures.
MARCH 19
The first day of spring
Big Thicket Bike Tour
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Big Thicket
National Preserve Visitors Center
Baptist Cajun Classic
7:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Beaumont Country Club
Beaumont Blues Festival
8:00 p.m. $37.50 - $44.50. Beaumont
Civic Center
Kountze Big Thicket Trade Days
7:00 a.m. Kountze.
March 25 – March 27 >>

THEVIPMAG.COM | March 2011 49

maRch 26 maRch 28

Bon Temps, Y’all!

Sea Rim Striders Spring 5K
8:00 a.m.
The 30th Annual Texas Bar-B-Q
Festival Tiny Tot Pageant
8:30 a.m. Vidor High School Auditorium
Marsh Madness
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. McFaddin and
Texas Point National Wildlife Refuges
Spring Has Sprung Family Day
2:00 p.m. Spindletop MHMR
North Campus
The 30th Annual Texas Bar-B-Q
Festival Queen’s Pageant
6:30 p.m. Vidor High School
Auditorium
Registration opens for LiveWell
Women’s Conference
7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Ford Park
The 8th Annual “Fore the Children”
Golf Classic Benefitting Garth House
8:00 a.m. Brentwood Country Club
maRch 29
I Can Cope
5:30 p.m. Christus Hospital
St. Elizabeth Outpatient Pavilion
Mardi Gras Schedule
The Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas held on Proctor Street in Port Arthur each
year is one of the best family-friendly events in the region. Four days of music,
parades, food and fun. mardigras.portarthur.com
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
March 3, 2011 March 5, 2011 (continued)
5p.m. Gates open 4p.m. Motorcycle showcase
6p.m. Billy Poullard 5:30p.m. Dwayne Dopsie
& Zydeco Combo Concert & Zydeco Hellraisers
8p.m. Bleu Edmondson Concert Concert
10p.m. Closing Motorcycle Run begins
8:30p.m. Brandon Rhyder Concert

April Preview
March 4, 2011 10p.m. Justin Moore Concert
6p.m. Gates open Midnight Closing
7p.m. Bart Crow Band Concert
APRIL 2 Krewe of Krewes Parade March 6, 2011
Shoot-Out at the LIT Corral Sporting Clays Fun Shoot 10p.m. Kevin Fowler Concert Noon Gates open
2:30 p.m. 1-in-100 Gun Club, Lumberton Midnight Closing 2p.m. Munchkin Parade
APRIL 12 3p.m. Ryan Foret
Gift of Life “Champagne & Ribs” March 5, 2011 & Foret Tradition Concert
6:30 p.m. Noon Gates open 4p.m. Truck Parade
Cowboy Harley 1p.m. Royalty Parade 6:30p.m. Wayne Toups
APRIL 28 3p.m. Barry Badon & & Zydecajun Concert
Lamarissimo! Cardinal Singers and Lamar Dance Company the Zydeco Playboys
7:30 p.m. Julie Rogers Theatre Concert

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50 March 2011 | theVIPmag.com
Microwave