RECORD HONORS SMITH

This week the Record celebrated its 60^th anniversary at the Lunch Bunch gathering at Robert’s Restaurant.

Jack Smith was honored as “Person of the Year” and Roy will celebrate his 85^th birthday.

You can view it all on our web site therecordlive.com Wednesday afternoon.

We congratulate John Cash Smith on this selection.

Jack is well-deserving and is a great example of the fact that our citizens can stay active and contribute to the community well into their senior years.

Remember 80 is the new 65. We hope you were able to make the party.

Next week, the Lunch Bunch will dine at JB’s Barbeque.

Everyone always welcome.

*****I have to move on.

I’ve been out of pocket so this week I fell behind on a few happenings.

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

RECALLING D-DAY AND REAGAN

I recall where I was 75-years ago, June 6, 1944, D-Day, the day that changed the world.

I had ridden my bike downtown and started to notice men gathering on street corners.

When I got home my grandmother was saying her rosary.

She said in French the terrible war had ended.

She praised the Lord.

I also remember 15 years ago, 2004 that Sgt.

George Cruse, of Bridge City, participated in the mock Normandy invasion.

As far as I know George is still in the service.

He was a Bridge City High track and football star.

I’ve seen his wife on national television a few times.

She became famous for inventing and selling purses made from military material.

He’s the son of George and Kirby Cruse.*****On June 5, 15 years ago, President Ronald Reagan, the nation’s 40^th chief executive, died at age 93 after 10 ears of battling Alzheimer’s disease.

The American flags around the world flew at half mast for 30 days.

He served as president from 1981-1989.

His accomplishments were done without polarizing our country as it is today.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2009

The Press Club of Southeast Texas honored County Judge Carl Thibodeaux, Bridge City Mayor Kirk Roccaforte and BCISD Superintendent Jamey Harrison as “Newsmakers of the Year.” Mark Dunn, Record photographer, captured an overall first place in photo documentary for his photo layout following Hurricane Ike, published Oct. 1.

That award-winning edition can still be purchased at our offices or by contacting us at our Web site, HYPERLINK "http://therecordlive.com/" \t "_blank" therecordlive.com.

Mark is Bridge City Chamber president.

Robert Hankins won first place news story (non-daily) for his piece about a failed pre-Ike levee issue, published Dec. 3.

The Record’s Penny LeLeux took a second place in the environmental category for her bio-fuel story.

The Record Newspapers was third in overall excellence.

The Record had few entries and did quite well.

***** We had known Juliet and Charlie Patton’s daughter Janet since she was an 8-year-old who hung around the family business, Patton Power, the Gravely dealer.

Since childhood Janet had always had some health problems but it didn’t hold her back.

She was friendly and caring.

A few years ago she lost her sister Susan, then her mom and dad and finally her husband Billy Braus.

Janet Patton Braus, 50, passed away June 6.

She is survived by two sisters Marilyn and Kathryn.

The Patton’s had four girls and were active civic leaders in Bridge City.

Janet was the keeper of the family history.

A great family we were honored to know.

***** Congratulations to the West Orange-Stark Mustang track team for being the best 3-A team in the state.

Coach Toby Forman, the incoming offensive coordinator for Coach Hook’s football staff, did a great job preparing the team for the state championship.

The team won state by 14 points over second place Waco LaVega and Argyle who were tied.

The foursome of Josh Gloston, Trey Franks, Phillip Jones and James Haynes won the 400-meter relay in an all-time best time of 41.31 seconds.

They won by 30 meters.

The team also won the 800-meter race.

Jones ran a personal best time of 14:21 to win the title in the 110 high hurdles.

Franks ran a personal best of 10:36 to win the 800 meters.

Frank then anchored the 800 relays.

Gloston, Ed Ivory and Hayes ran a 1.27.02 second place.

Also congrats to Danyale Thomas and the 400 meter relay team.*****No surprise to jockey Kent Desormeaux, who predicted that fellow Cajun Calvin Borel would not win the Belmont on Derby winner, “Mine that Bird.” Instead, Kent won it on “Summer Bird,” a long shot that had run sixth in the Derby.

Borel was attempting to win all three of the big classics.

At least the Cajuns continue to dominate.

The two South Louisiana boys won all three of the big ones.

*****North Korea, a very dangerous bunch of bandits, have sentenced two American, female journalist to 12 years hard labor.

Euna Lee, 36 and Laura Ling, 32, both work for Current TV, a television venture founded by Al Gore.

Gov. Bill Richardson has offered to negotiate as well as Gore. The fear, as I see it, is the reporters will become bargaining chips in North Korea’s escalation of its nuclear program.

*****Friday, 12:01 p.m., the U.S. switches to digital TV. There will be problems.

Consumers will be angry despite having a year to prepare for this day.

*****Next week, Apple’s Zipper iPhone 3-G5 goes on sale for $199.

The phone offers faster speed, longer battery life, video camera and much more.***** Dr.

Amber Dunn, after shipping her furniture to Cleveland, Ohio, where she will be in residency, drove from El Paso to Bridge City to spend time with her family.

She arrived in time for her grandfather’s birthday Saturday.

She leaves for Cleveland Wednesday morning for the 19-hour drive.

***** Some folks have all the luck.

Chris Gunn will be going to Jamaica.

The big deal is that he gets to be on the beach with Cindy. That has got to be a sight that’s good for the eyes.

They have been working real hard since Ike, rebuilding the studio and building Cindy’s beauty shop.

They’re taking the kids with them.

We wish them all a great trip.

Mama Dayle is holding the fort down

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Obituaries 10 Years Ago-2009

Thomas (Tommy) Martin Downey Jr., 71, died, May 31.

Funeral Services were held Wednesday, June 3.

Tommy was a long time resident of Orange and Bridge City, having been employed by Sabine Supply and Firestone in Orange, also King Fisher Marine Service of Port Lavaca.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Billie Sterns Downey, daughters, Tina Nezat, Nina Birdwell and Nanette Graham and son, Keith Downey and six grandchildren.*****David W. Watson, 52, died Monday, June 1.

Funeral services were held June 4.

A native of Orange, he was retired from Burns Security.

He served his country in the United States Army.

David is survived by his sons Bryan, Brandon and Blake Watson, daughters Heather Watson and Ashley Watson, parents Charles and Victoria Watson.

40 Years Ago-1979

On Monday, June 11, at age 72, John Wayne passed away.

He was a great American and beloved entertainer respected by all.

Many people throughout the world mourned his death.

This writer believes Wayne will grow in stature as the years go by.

(Editor’s note: That prediction came to pass.

Many people we know are John Wayne collectors.

None loved and admired Wayne more than my buddy the late P.T. Thompson.

Almost everywhere I go, even 40 years later, I see pictures of “Big John.”*****Linda Ricks Sutton became the bride of Clarence Dale Newton on June 11.*****Janice Overman, a great gal and bride of Lyle, is in St. Elizabeth Hospital, recovering from foot surgery.*****Mike Pipps, of the Bridge City Boxing Club, will be going to the AAU national finals in North Carolina.

Mike became eligible after winning the regional title.

Two other Bridge City fighters, J.J. Carter and Kevin Reeves, won bronze medals at regional.

*****Two former Bridge City students were among this year’s Texas A&M graduates.

Receiving bachelor degrees are Mark Hryhorchuk, meteorology; and Joseph Bell, physics.

*****Bryan Ward, of Bridge City, was named high school athlete of the year.

Bryan is only a sophomore.

Pat Meeks was named outstanding baseball player.

*****Gene and Flo Edgerly recently moved into a home, with a swimming pool, located on Cow Bayou.

The pool is no use to Gene however, as he is having back problems and is trying to avoid surgery.

(Editor’s note: The Edgerly home was destroyed by Ike. They have sold the 30 year old home and moved away from water.

They had some great years on that Bayou.

*****Bill Lapeyrolerie will be 17-years-old on June 15.

*****Cindy Boone, age three, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chester Boone of Orange, is the 1979 Muscular Dystrophy Poster Child.

Cindy is just now able to stand with the help of a leg brace.

She’s a pretty and friendly child who loves to talk.

45 Years Ago-1974

Barbara Gillis has been in the hospital.

*****Ed and Joan Lovelace are back from South America.

*****Bill Clark is selling Sunbeam Bread.

Taking a break from radio.

*****Larry King and Neil Kelly will be leaving for Uncle Sam’s Marine Corps.

(Editor’s note: They were sure nuff characters.

I wonder what they are up to 45 years later.

*****Pretty Claudia Conway, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Preston Conway, will be competing in Miss Texas World contest in Houston.

She is presently “Miss Orange.”*****Allen “Buck” Patillo is Orange County Sheriff.

The Sheriff’s Posse will sponsor Wally Fowler and the International Gospel Music Festival of Nashville.

Ten acts will perform, including J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet.

The group backs up Elvis.

J.D. is acclaimed as the world’s deepest voice.

Barbara Runnels Waits will emcee the show.

Seventeen-year-old Kathy Grey is rodeo queen.

Gus Alborn is Posse president.

*****Orange County’s Chief Deputy is Charlie Morvent,Jr.*****Betty Kazmar, a great teacher at Stark High, has filed for a seat on the Orange City Council.

Mrs. Kazmar is a 1965 graduate of McNeese.

The 31-year-old has been a resident of Orange eight years.

60 Years Ago-1959

Thomas E. Huff named principle of West Orange High School. *****James D. Gilliam is candidate for Orange City Council. *****Old Timers hold reunion.

County Judge Sid Caillavet was master of ceremonies.

Mollie Boswell, 89, was the oldest person and Henry Stakes, 87, oldest man.

(Editor’s note: Sixty years ago that was very old.) Ivy Norwood’s string band provided music for dancing.

*****Teen idol Dick Clark, age 29, will begin a new television show on Sunday nights.

Clark has a daily afternoon show for teenagers.

*****Full scale cleaning of a 34-acre site for construction of MacArthur Drive Shopping Center has started.

(Editor’s note: 60 years ago that was “in the country.”)*****Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong is gravely ill and in a coma.

(Editor’s note: He is one of my all time favorites.

I still enjoy his music.)***** Wilson Waits resigns as Stark High coach.

Poor health and extreme pressure was given as reasons.

*****Ingemar Johansson becomes heavyweight champion of the world after defeating the champ Floyd Patterson.

He won 2:03 minutes into the third round with his “thunder and lightening” right hand.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

I got my first home-grown tomato last Friday when Judge Derry and Jane Dunn brought a couple of nice ones from their first batch of the season.

Earlier Derry furnished us with some of his new crop of potatoes.

We really enjoyed them also.

Home-grown is best.*****I got the opportunity to visit with our longtime friend Judge Joe Parkhurst this week.

He’s feeling much better but has to do dialysis three times a week for four hours a treatment.

He’s learning to go with the flow. Because of scheduling he’s unable to attend the Lunch Bunch.

He says he misses visiting with the gang and hopes down the line can make a schedule change.

The Bunch also misses Joe.

He has been a regular for many years.

We pray for his continued improvement.*****Those born on June 5 are said to be the “Perfect Gemini” because the date falls in the middle of the sign.

A few people we know born on this day are Tim Hughes, Joyce Dowdle, Roy Dunn, Britt Godwin, Carrie Prouse, Brenda Howard, Chris Andes, Gene Guyote and Karen McDuff.

Happy Birthday to all born on this day.***** St. Mary’s Hospital, in Port Arthur, is shutting down completely next month after 89 years of service.

Many people in the area, especially Bridge City folks, were born at that hospital.

My mate, two of my children and one grandchild were born at the hospital.

If you were born there and want to take a picture in front of it you have until July 15, then the beautiful old building will be blown up, leaving only a vacant lot*****Also closing is Tequilas, my favorite Mexican restaurant in Bridge City.

The restaurant will be closing soon and will, after remodeling, reopen as a first class club.

I’ll miss Tequilas’ good Mexican food plus it was very convenient.*****Trump is calling for a boycott of AT&T because as owners of CNN, they should see to it that they broadcast only Fox News type news.

That is really unpresidential, also against all conservative reasoning.

Meanwhile, over at Fox, Sean Hannity is still running against Hillary and wanting A.G. Barr to open investigations into Hillary’s e-mail.

It’s a diversion from Trump’s obstruction problems.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few friends celebrating birthdays in the next few days.

On June 5: Hunter Puckett, Branda Howard, Patricia ires Gene Guyote, Tim Hughes, Chris Andes, Joyce Dowdle, Carrie Prouse and Britt Godwin all celebrate.

Joining them are Mark Wahlberg, 47, saxophonist Kenny G, 62 and R&B singer Brian McKnight, 49.*****June 6: Sonia Smith, Amanda Rainwater, Harold Fisette, Lynn Fields, Gail Griffith and Linda Sims are a year older today.

Also older are actor Jason Isaacs, 55 and football player DeAndre Hopkins, 29.

*****June 7: Billy Frank Bradberry, Logan Smith and Shirley Zimmerman celebrate.

Celebrities celebrating are US VP Mike Pence, 59, actor Liam Neeson, 66 and singer Tom Jones, 78.*****June 8: Having birthdays today are Walter Riedel and Billie Wood. Also joining them are rapper Kanye West, 41, Pop singer Bonnie Tyler, 67 and actress Julianna Margulies, 52.*****June 9: Celebrating are Debbie Vidrine, Deane Moran, Charlie Blalack, Karli Choate, Dennis Monk and Paige Olive.

They are joined by actors Johnny Depp, 55, Michael J. Fox, 57 and Natalie Portman, 37.*****June 10: Jennifer Roberts, James Ardoin, Tyler Derouen, Caroline Hennigan and Chris Riedel celebrate today.

Also UK’s royalty Prince Phillip, 97, actors Elizabeth Hurley, 53 and Carolyn Hennessy, 56.*****June 11: Judge Mandy White Rogers, Lacey Wallace and Dorothy Breaux have birthdays today.

Celebrating also are actors Shia LaBeouf, 32, Hugh Laurie, 59 and football player Joe Montana, 62.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Fatter Broussard listens to Tommy’s Confession...

“Bless me Fatter, for I have sinned, me. I have been with a loose girl.

The Priest asked, “Is dat you, little Tommy Hebert?”

“Yes, Fatter, it is,” replied Tommy

“And who was da girl you were wit?” asked the Priest.

“I can’t tell you Fatter, I don’t want to ruin her reputation me.” Tommy answered,

“Well, Tommy Hebert, I’m sure to find out her name sooner or later so you can tell me, you,” said Fatter Broussard. “Was it Teresa Thibodeaux?”

“Me, I’ll never tell,” replied Tommy.

“Was it Nina Boudreaux?” asked da Fatter.

“I’m sorry me, but I cannot name her,” said Tommy.

“Was it Cathy Breaux?” da Priest asked.

Tommy replied, “My lips are sealed Fatter.”

“Was it Nina Boudreaux?” asked da Fatter.

“Can’t tell you Fatter,” Tommy said.

“Was it Rosa Robicheaux, then?” Fatter Broussard asked.

“Please Fatter, I cannot tell you, me,” answered Tommy.

“Da Priest sighed in frustration. “You’re very tight lipped Tommy Hebert and I admire dat but you’ve sinned and have to atone. You cannot be an alter boy now for four months. Now you go and behave youself.”

Tommy walked back to his pew and his friend Jimbo slides over and whispers, Wat you get, hanh?”

Tommy replied, “Me, I got four months vacation and five good leads.”

C’EST TOUT

Trump again strokes his base

Trump threw a monkey wrench in the new North American Trade Deal this past week when he threatened a five percent tariff on Mexican imports unless Mexico cracks down on Central American migrants trying to cross the U.S. border.

Trump says he will raise the tariffs every month until it reaches 25 percent in October.

Influential business groups fear that Trump’s threat against Mexico could derail the proposed trade agreement that has been worked on by both Republicans and Democrats.

“The last thing we want to do is put that landmark deal and the two million manufacturing jobs that depend on North American trade in jeopardy,” said Jay Timmons, president and CEOof the National Association of Manufacturers.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said it was considering legal action to block tariffs from going into effect.

Sen.

John Cornyn of Texas said the tariffs would be a big blow to Texas.

Mexico is the Lone Star State’s largest trading partner.

Prices on goods from Mexico would rise throughout the country.

Consumers would be paying for the tariffs that are really a tax on the American people.

The immigration problem in no way should be tied to goods coming into the country.

The two are not connected in any way. I see it as a political statement, an action that makes him appear tough to his base.

All during the 2020 campaign Trump will remind his base that Mexico will pay for that wall one way or another.

That’s just another of his con jobs.

What Mexico is charged in tariffs will be transferred to me and you, the consumers, on all tariffs Trump will claim that we have been taken advantage of and that won’t happen anymore.That to is not true; experts say that all present trade deficits equal out.

It’s just good spin for the Macho crowd.*****That’s all folks; Don’t forget the Farmer’s Market on Saturday.

Come early for tomatoes.

Take care and God bless.