RECORD HEAT-NO RAIN IN SIGHT

It’s been over three weeks since we have had a drop of rain at my place.

We are in a drought.

Anything in containers must be watered daily.

With temperatures in the 94 degree range, bumping up to record heat, expected to continue all week, with a slight cool down expected next week.

The garden must be watered every couple of days.

My major problem with that is the Armadillos.

They raid my garden every night.

I’ve tried different suggestions.

None have worked.

Seven Dust won’t keep them away, I even scattered human hair that I was told would keep them away, shooting them means staying awake from midnight to 4 a.m.

and then waking up the neighbors with a shot gun blast.

If you have any other suggestions I’m willing to try anything.

*****Neighbor Cox used to have a large garden.

He plowed up the sod and Ms.

Ginny planted.

She had the green thumb.

Now since Ginny has been at the “Golden Years Nursing Center,Cox doesn’t have much of a garden.

He still has to water his little crop though because of lack of rain.

It’s hard to quit something you have done all of your life.***** I understand a Farmer’s Market will open in Bridge City at the City Park, starting this Saturday.

I’m anxious to see what kind of produce the gardeners have been able to raise with no rain and only city water.

Some may have a well.

I need rain and a way to get rid of Armadillos or I won’t have a crop.

*****I’d best get going.

Come along, I promise it won’t do you no harm.

FRIENDS CELEBRATING

In this week’s birthday list I find some special people I’ve known celebrating their special day.

Someone who has been very special to me, in most of a lifetime, is longtime judge Pat Clark, who celebrates today, May 16.

How long have I known Pat? His dad, Easuel Clark Jr.

and I became friends when we both worked in the campaign of Joe Runnels, Jr., in 1952.

Joe was running for mayor of Orange.

Clark, a great guy from East Texas, was pure county.

He came from a large family with several boys and a couple of girls.

Throughout his life he was a carpenter.

He and wife Lillie had one son, Pat, who has been a valued friend for many years.

Pat and his wife Rosalie, who I’ve also known since her and her late twin sister, Mary Ann, worked in their dad, Frank Todora’s store, has been married many years and raised two girls and a son.

Pat and Rosalie are true Orangietts, devoted Catholics and a great example to everyone who knows them.

If my memory serves me right, Pat and Sam Lucia went off to college together and both celebrate birthdays on the same day.

So Happy Birthday to those two great guys.

Also best wished to Margaret Toal, whose birthday is May 22.

Medicare and SS is now hers for the asking.

Several years have gone by since she was editor of The Record and her friend Amelia Feathers was a writer.

Ms.

Phyl’s youngest, daughter Karen Gros, celebrates on May 20.

What a ride that has been.

Also happy 63rd anniversary to Coach Les and Wanda Johnson on May 19.

CONDOLENCES

We were sorry to learn of the death of Ernie Willey, 89, who passed away May 11.

Service will be held Wednesday, 2 p.m.

at Claybar Funeral Home, Orange.

We had known this good man for many years.

Ernie had a sack full of stories and was an expert on land ownership.

He knew who owned what in this part of Orange County.

I never met one person who didn’t hold this good man in high esteem.

To wife Winnie, son Luther and his siblings and family we extend our deepest sympathy.

*****Mary Ann Stanley, 87, passed away May 10.

We had known her and her late husband Bill Stanley since the early 1960’s.

They raised a large family, including a personal friend, daughter Joyce Dowdle. Our condolences to Joyce and her siblings and family.

Please see obituary.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2008

Our buddy city councilman David Rutledge tells us the Bridge City Farmer’s Market will open Saturday, May 31, and each Saturday through June.

Venders are invited.

Doctor Joe Majors says he can’t wait, he can’t stomach another store-bought tomato.

*****The Bridge City class of 1968, joined by some 1967 and 1969 grads, held their 40th class reunion this past weekend.

Marilyn Bailey came the farthest arriving Friday from her home in Australia.

She is the daughter of the late Joe and Evelyn Bailey.

Raised on Cow Bayou, she keeps up with the area by being a regular reader of our website.

She was thrilled with the Cow Bayou Bridge being designated as a Historical Bridge.

She cites the importance the bridge played in the lives of Bridge City youth in her early days.

Joe Bailey’s grounds and the bayou drew many families for weekend outings.

She was saddened by the death of her aunt Sue, who was her strength after her parents died.

Johnny Montagne hosted and prepared a barbecue for the class Saturday.

The music man Lyle Overman furnished the entertainment.

The class gathered for a big outing at the KC Hall Saturday night.

Most grads said former teacher Moe Litton hadn’t changed much.

I agree.

Also his daughter, pretty Mickie a ’68 grad, still looks great.

Amy Lapeyrolerie, always a great gal, drove down from Dallas.

She could write a great book.

Johnny appointed ‘Buckshot,’ Barbara and Roy Dunn chaperones.

When Roy walked up one guy said to the other, “I don’t recognize that classmate.

The other said, “Me either.” The lady standing nearby whispered, “Whoever he is, he has really aged.”*****Three great guys sworn into office at Pinehurst, Mayor T.W. Permenter, councilmen Bob Williams and John Zerko.John is a true historian about the Pinehurst area.

He wrote a poem a few years ago about school classmates.

*****Last week the Lunch Bunch met at Robert’s.

Roy left me a partial list of the good folks breaking bread.

Tommy Willy, Judge Don Peters and pretty court clerk Juanita Tripp, new drainage board member Jimmy Scales and lovely wife Donna, the county’s parks director.

Also Judge Carl Thibodeaux, who visited with Dickie Colburn. The two will write a book about Carl’s fishing experiences.

It will be called, “Why I gave up fishing for golf.” Constable Dee Aven, who had been worrying about her boy in the thick of fighting in Iraq, was there, along with Joel Steirman, who was celebrating a special day.

Judge Janice Menard looked lovely as ever but Roy says she had him wondering about that sheepish grin.

She wasn’t telling.

Judge Derry Dunn has been pulling double duty at Justice of the Peace Court and in Pinehurst Municipal Court. Judge Joe Parkhurst was traveling alone.

His sidekick, Capt.

David Peck, had just gotten out of a hospital that morning due to a kidney attack and didn’t feel well enough to attend.

Judge Claude Wimberley was also alone.

Big brother Jerry was at his lake house.

Incoming sheriff, Constable Keith Merritt was accompanied by his lady, Ms.

Marlene. She’s a good one.

Corky Harmon brought Sprad. It was Corky’s turn to buy.

We reported Spradling’s birthday wrong last week.

It’s this week, Friday, May 25.

Demo chairman Mark Carter, says this is the year of the Democrats, but he might have a hard sell.

Cal Broussard says he’s found out that old age is made for cuddling, very little of anything else, even big meals are cut down to little ones.

Ronny Herrera came down from Vidor, of course everyone asked about the police chief’s job.

Pinehurst city councilman John Zerko stopped by.

Mayor Pete Runnels got hung up at the office and others were out of pocket.

Cochise was honey-doing for Ms.

Judy. *****Birthdays: Bill Pope, longtime Record employee, celebrates May 21.*****Still one of Orange County’s prettiest and sexy, Jean Moreau will reach her 65th on Monday, May 26.

***** Patti Hanks stopped in for a short visit.

She was in from Vegas for a four-day stay.

She visited daughter Jamie, parents and grandparents.

We couldn’t strap her to the editor’s chair even for one day.

***** On July 1, St. Henry Catholic Church will have a new pastor.

Father Leger is a native of Port Arthur.

*****The 16th.

Annual Ed Peveto Crawfish Boil will be Saturday, May 24, starting at 1 p.m.

at Jewell Cormier Park.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Obituraries-10 Years Ago-2008

Joe Anne Smith, 74, of Orange, died May 15.

Funeral Services were Monday, May 19.

Smith graduated from the University of Texas and was the director and teacher at the First Presbyterian Day School then for many years taught at Community Christian School.

She is survived by her husband, Clinton L. Smith, her sons, Clinton L. Smith Jr.,Eric M. Smith, daughter, Leigh Anne Saperstein, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.***** Joseph James Gary, 83, of Bridge City died May 15.

Funeral service was held Tuesday, May 20.

Gary was a U.S. Navy Veteran who served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was a member of VFW Post 2775 in Orange and a Past Post Commander.

He retired from Texaco Port Arthur.

He is survived by sons Rodney Gary, Jeffery Gary, Stuart Gary, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

*****Rena Mae Lobb, 85, of Bridge City, passed away Saturday, May 17.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 19.

She was a member of the Grand Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Orange serving as president and past president of the Ladies Order.

She is survived by her sons, Larry and Tommy, daughters, Judy and Shirley Doiron, six grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.*****Robert Lee Prosper, 91, “Mr. High Pockets” of Bridge City, died May 17.

Funeral service was held Tuesday, May 20.

He served in the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy.

He was retired from American Bridge, U.S. Steel in Orange.

He is survived by daughters, Catherine Miller and Charlotte Kimball, one granddaughter, and four great-granddaughters.

40 Years Ago-1978

Beth and Louis Dugas ventured to Dallas over the weekend to hold their newborn grand baby while parents; son Clay and wife Nina, received their diplomas at University of Dallas.

*****Tammy Sue Titus, the 8-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Titus of Bridge City, was crowned ‘Imperial Miss Golden Triangle’ in Beaumont.

*****A 13 cent commemorate stamp honoring Jimmie Rogers will be issued May 24, marking his 81st birthday.

The stamp bears the familiar pose of the ‘Father of Country Music.’ The singing brakeman was a native of Meridian, Mississippi.

He was born James Charles Rodgers on Sept. 8, 1897.

He made his last record May 24, 1933, and died two days later on May. 26.

His mother died when he was 4-years-old of tuberculosis.

He quit school at age 11 and became a water boy on the M&O. Most laborers were black, so Jimmie picked up elements of their music and they ‘learned’ him how to play the guitar and banjo.

TB ended his life.

His first Blue Yodel, ‘T for Texas’ sold a million copies.

He sold over 20 million records during the Depression.

*****Julie Jorgenson was installed as president of the Pilot Club.

Other officers installed were Pat Garrett, first vice president; Betty Jo Hurtley, second vice president; Hester Perkins, secretary and Inez Goodman, treasurer.

Anna Jean Caffey was installing officer.

*****Pretty Connie Gunn Gray and Coach Gray are the proud parents of a baby girl born May 20.

She weighed in at 10 pounds, 3 ounces.

*****Last week Dayle and Buzzie Gunn celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary.

Can you imagine how much advice she has had to listen to in those years? (Editor’s note: Buzz suffered a heart attack at a very young age.

This writer still misses him.

He was a kick.)***** Bridge City grads from the class of 1978 honored fellow classmates as superlatives.

They include Cynthia Solieau and David Jones, ‘Best All-Around,’ Robin Caillouet and Brian Truncale, ‘Most Likely to Succeed,’ and Melissa Harmon and Brian Huckabay, ‘Most Friendly.’

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Up to 60 racers from surrounding states will participate in the 5^th annual ‘Shootout on the Sabine’ drag boat races on Saturday, May 19 and Sunday May 20, at the City of Orange Boat Ramp, 11 a.m.

to 6 p.m.

There is no charge for this family event.

Entertainment begins at 6 p.m., Saturday, featuring music by Jamie Talbert and The Band of Demons.

For information contact the Orange Convention and Visitors Bureau at 883-1011.*****Congrats to a fine young man, Hunter Uzzle, who graduated last Thursday from Northwestern where he was on a baseball scholarship.

Hunter plans to teach and coach.

‘The Hustler’ will be good at both of those careers.

Any parent would be proud to have such a great son.

Proud parents are Capt.

Chuck and Leslie Uzzle. ***** Our friend Pinehurst city councilman John Zerko came by for a visit.

He was extremely proud of his grandson Nathaniel Lane Zerko, who graduated from Lamar Orange last Friday, May 11.

John has good reason to be proud; Nathaniel is listed four times in the graduating class program, Associate of Applied Science degree, Information Technology Support specialist, CISCO Network Cyber Security technician, plus Networking and Software Development.

Best of luck to this young man and all of his fellow students.

May they have a good, productive life.

***** The Lunch Bunch dines at Novrozsky’s this week and at JB’s Barbeque next week.

Everyone always welcome.

Several from the Bunch have played hooky lately, hope to see them soon.*****Last week, President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Iran Nuclear deal and reinstate sanctions against the oil-rich country will constrain global supplies pushing up crude and gas prices at the pump.

The United States average price is $2.89 and headed up.

Don’t count your self a winner on Trump’s small tax break, higher gas prices taketh away.

*****The Preakness will be run Saturday.

‘Justify’ must win to have a chance at the Triple Crown.

He’s still the favorite but ‘Good Magic,’ the runner up in the Kentucky Derby, is expected to make it exciting in an eight horse, uncrowded race.*****Today we had a visit from Sidney Longron, 86, a native who knows many stories of the area.

Most all us old boys remember Sidney running with J.W. “Kid” Henry in or around Orange.

Sidney said he hasn’t been able to locate “Kid.” Eddie Sutton is hiding out at Nibletts Bluff, on the Sabine River, in LA. Sidney is old school, not many of us left.

BIRTHDAYS

A few folks we know celebrating birthdays this week.

May 16: Celebrating today are Mark Simmons, Pat Clark, Samuel Lucia, Sondra Taliaferro and Clay Sims.They are joined by pop singer, Janet Jackson 51, actors Megan Fox 31, Pierce Brosnan 64 and Tori Spelling 44.***** May 17: Today Nickie Wall,Angelea Breauxand Berry Hunt celebrate.

Joining them are actors Bob Saget, 61 and Nikki Reed, 28, basketball player Tony Parker, 35 and dancer Derek Hough, 32.

*****May 18: Denise, Kim Hanks, Ron Hutchison and Wilson’s better half, V.J. Roberts are a year older today.

They are joined by country singer George Strait, 65, basketball player Reggie Jackson, 71 and actor Zain Imam, 30.***** May 19: Cheryl Stone, Harry Dodge, Jean Duplantis, Justin Knight, Leon Carter, Mark Watts, Niki Bennett and Dalayna Sandlin share birthdays on this day.

This is also is the 63rd wedding anniversary of Coach Les and Wanda Johnson.

Celebrities celebrating today are singers Sam Smith, 25, Grace Jones, 69, actress Eleanor Tomlinson, 25, and football player Archie Manning 68.***** May 20: Today is the birthday of Garrett, Sean and Collin’s mom and our favorite girl Karen Dunn Gros. Also celebrating are David Jones, Patty Dupuis, Kathy Chase Anders and our longtime friend Bill Pope.

Celebrating also are pop singer Cher, 71, race care driver Tony Stewart, 46 and country singer Jon Pardi, 32.*****May 21: Babette Philpott, Hannah Dupuis, James Brous and our friend, pretty June Gregory celebrate today.

Joining them are actors Mr. T, 65, Hutch Dano, 25, driver Tom Daley, 23 and actor Kevin Quinn, 20.***** May 22: Celebrating birthdays today are Margaret Toal, and Orange County tax office employee Jackie Tate. They are joined by wrestler Daniel Bryan, 36, model Naomi Campbell, 47, singer Johnny Gill, 51 and actress Maggie Q, 38.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Norris Premeaux, him, married the ugliest and laziest of Otis Comeaux’s three ugly daughters.

He got himself a job as a long-haul truck driver.

He had been on da road two and a half months and still had two weeks to go before he could head home to Breaux Bridge.

He first had to deliver a load from California to St. Louis, pick up a load at Youngstown, OH, den he could head home.

As he was driving through Nevada, he stopped into a house of ill repute just outside of Vegas.

Norris him finds da madam and drops down $500 and says, “Me, I want da ugliest woman you got in da house, and a bologna sandwich.” Da madam her is astonished, “But sir, for dat kind of money you could have one of my finest ladies and a three-course meal.” Norris him, replies, “Listen Cher, I know wat I wants me.

I ain’t horney, Cher, I’m homesick me.”

CES’T TOUT

Don’t expect sports betting in Texas. The United States Supreme Court is clearing the way for states to legalize betting on sports events. Expanding gambling in Texas has been a non-starter for many years. Religious leaders, conservative groups and Republican legislative leaders have kept the lid on expansion.*****I’ve run out of time, thanks for yours. Please read us cover to cover. Tell our advertisers we sent you. Take care and God bless.