The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

I got over-full on news shows Saturday. I really needed a break so at noon I turned the radio on and tuned in on Cajun Cuisine, with Janet. It was just what the doctor ordered. Cajun music from my youth brought back many memories of a calmer time. The Swamp Pop tunes reminded me of the 50's and 60's and the boys I knew who played this music. Several were friends, some even classmates. Janet is easy to listen to. For several years she has been one of my favorite radio personalities. She's natural and doesn't try to impress, like a good neighbor she's down to earth. She played Jalopena Lena that brought a smile. I believe I had an encounter with her once. I enjoyed the two hours then tuned into the SpaceX launch with a different attitude. I had known a few Chauvin families when I was a boy in Louisiana. I wondered if Derek Chauvin was kin to them. He has become the most despised man in America. The image of him kneeling on George Floyd's neck and choking the life out of him is seared in my mind as well as millions of other people. What could Derek have been thinking? I don't believe he set out to kill Floyd. NBC reports that the Minneapolis police had used the same choke hold 44 times in the last five years and no one had died. It just rendered the victims unconscious. Maybe through ignorance, Chauvin played that deadly game way too long, while Floyd begged that he couldn't breath. In his last breath he called out to his mother. The outcome, intentional or not, is that he was murdered and all three of the other officers let it happen. They too must pay a price. That one policeman's violence has once again opened a sore of prejudice, like Rodney King and others that followed. This has brought our country to a place we have seen far too often. "I can't breath, Sir," will be a cry that haunts this great country into the future. *****I have to move on. Come along, It won't do you no harm.

THE HEIGHT OF HYPOCRISY

President Donald Trump walked through Lafayette Square with his lap dogs trailing ten yards behind. He stood in from of St. John Church for a photo-op, using the Bible as a prop. He took a few pictures with the Bible up-side-down before he was advised about it. In quoting the Bible, Trump once said, "Two Corinthians" instead of "Second Corinthians." Howard Stern, his friend of many years, says, "Donald doesn't have a religious bone in his body." Trump's first wife says, "In 20 years, he never set foot in a house of worship." Two weeks ago, he ordered that all churches should be open on Sunday and then he went golfing. In over three years, during his presidency, I know of no time that he attended a religious service. Besides his Jewish daughter and her children, no one else in the family are church goers. During the Civil War, President Abe Lincoln walked alone to St. John Church every evening to pray. Row 11 has become the Lincoln row because that's where he always sat to pray. Trump has made a mockery of religion. Good Christian people have been conned into believing Trump is a great religious leader. He's a fraud..

SPACEX LAUCHED ASTRONAUTS MAY 30

A new era of human space flight began Saturday, May 30. A billionaire's black and white rocket, with a capsule on top, propelled NASA astronauts into orbit for the first time in nine years. The SpaceX was founded by Elon Musk in 2002. This was the company's first time launching humans. Astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behakon were on board. The SpaceX Falcon's crew, Dragon, blasted off at 2:22 p.m. CDT and arrived at the space station 19 hours later. There is no doubt times are changing. This historic launch is only the first that will some day, in the not too distant future, see citizens hop a ride into space. At first space travel won't be cheap. I'm glad I was able to witness this takeoff and now it's on to Mars. It may happen in my life time. It will definitely happen in most people's lifetime.

RUSH ON TO COMPLETE SOME OF TRUMP'S WALL

The rush is on to get as much of Trump's border wall built before the November presidential election. Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushiner has stepped in to oversee the efforts. The administration has acquired just 10 of the 213 miles needed from Laredo to the Rio Grande Valley. The increased litigation against the land owners is evidence of Trump's sense of urgency to deliver on his monument for the wall. Many of the property owners are still enlisting lawyers to negotiate, hoping to delay the process beyond the election, when construction of the wall may not be as much of a priority. Trump's goal is to build 450 miles of wall. Less than 200 miles of that has been built. Most is repaired or replaced fencing. The Trump Administration has brought 78 lawsuits against land owners to survey, seize and begin construction. Some in the Rio Grande Valley believe the border wall race is on because the administration fears Trump may not be re-elected and they want his name on the wall they call "The Great Southern Border Wall."

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2010

We were sorry to hear about the death of Adolph Hryhorchuk, 83, who passed away Wednesday, June 2. Services were held Sunday. Coach Hryhorchuk was one of the great guys that we went back with 40-plus years. What most people will not recall, and his obituary didn't cover, was that he served as athletic director at both Stark High and West Orange High at the same time. For several years after the West Orange and Stark school districts merged, the two schools continued to operate independently. Neal Morgan was head coach at Stark and when controversy broke out involving black athletes he left. Hryhorchuk convinced Dexter Bassinger to take the head coaching job at Stark. Bassinger stayed six years. Neal had hired Wade Phillips, who stayed with Bassinger one season before joining his father Bum at Oklahoma State. When Hryhorchuk left during those turbulent times, longtime coach Ted Jefferis was brought back as AD at Stark. Lonnie Tryler, principle at West Orange, also served as AD. Coach Green was head coach but for the only time in history Hryhorchuk was AD at both schools. I recall way back when Adolph was a young basketball coach at Orangefield. After a few years he went into administration and spent his last working years as a school superintendent. The Hryhorchuks from Deweyville were some of the finest people I've known. ****** We all had hoped Orangefield would make it all the way. It just wasn't meant to be. Jasper ended their climb in two games. I still believe, in the long run, both the Bobcats and the Bridge City Cardinals were better teams. Jasper created their breaks and took advantage of them. Orangefield wasn't the same team on those two losses that I had watched play in three games before. However, they gave their fans a great ride. It won't surprise me if Jacob Felts is a starter at Texas as a freshman. The major leagues could be in his future. Jace Statum will make his mark at Texas A&M. Some say as a centerfielder. His speed will take care of him. Congrats to Coach Bennett and his tribe of fighters. Statum was named MVP by District 21-3A coaches. Felts offensive MVP and Matt Menard, of Bridge City, joined them as defensive MVP.*****We were sorry to learn about the death of Harry Land, 66, who lost his life whole riding his Harley on Texas Avenue in Bridge City Sunday, June 6. The bike/car accident happened near Walmart. Harry was a likable guy and talented taxidermist. A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 10, at Winfree Baptist Church, 10 a.m. Our deepest sympathies to his mom Mary, daughter Cristal and husband Beaver Dubois, siblings Rickey, Dorothy, Candy and Becky and grandchildren Camden and Caleb DuBois. ***** Ford pulls the plug on Mercury after 72 years of production. It's really been dying for a long time but for the last few years it's been on life support. One of the many cars I've owned was an older model 1946 Mercury Coupe. It was a great car. I recall Harry Waddell had a 1951 model, a sharp car with lowering blocks. The back bumper would touch the pavement when loaded with youngsters. James Dean drove a modified two-door in the movie "Rebel Without a Cause." I'm sure many of you have a Mercury car story from out of your past. *****Our friend Judy Hidalgo is still in Houston battling lung cancer. She has been awfully sick at times and still has many treatments to go. (Editor's note: Judy passed away in 2011.)*****Our buddy Daniel Jacobs is undergoing experimental therapy for Leukemia in Houston. As of Sunday he was holding his own and not going backwards which was good news. He's a tough guy who just plays the hand dealt to him.***** The dedication of St. Henry Catholic Church in Bridge City will be Saturday with a mass officiated by Bishop Guillory at 5 p.m. The church was damaged by Hurricane Ike and has been totally repaired ready for services to resume.***** Rene Hanks, mayor of Starks and his brothers Ernest and Dwight, Cajun boys and members of the "Backyard Band" have been entertaining at nursing homes lately.*****The Wednesday Lunch Bunch dined at Robert's where Roy was surprised with a birthday party. His family joined over 30 friends. *****SUMMER FOOTBALL: Saturday, June 12, the "Southeast Texas Classic" will be played at Port Neches-Groves stadium. Coaches Dan Hooks and Curtis Barbay will coach opposing teams. The first "Classic" should be a good one. It's sponsored by the Ford dealers.*****Congrats to Little Cypress-Mauriceville weight-lifter Megan Fontenot, who appears in this month's issue of Sports Illustrated.*****A speedy recovery to two great friends: J.B. Arrington fell Sunday and hit his head requiring surgery at St. Elizabeth to relieve pressure on his brain. Also lovely Margie Stephens was at Baptist in Beaumont Tuesday undergoing treatment for kidney stones. Best wishes to both. *****Margaret Toal wrote a "Preparing for Hurricane Season" story and the Enterprise ran Don "Cochise" Shockley's picture on the front page. He'll be hard to get along with now; he thinks he's a star. (Editor's note: Don died a few years ago.) Also featured was Tammy and Shaun Davis' lovely daughter, Carly Thibodeaux, who spends her days in Mauriceville with Commissioner Owen Burton and deputies. ***** Automart is celebrating 30 years in business. Great bargains on a large selection of pre-owned cars and trucks can be found. Al Granger, for 30 years, has built a reputation for handling only the best and largest selection of first class cars.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Obituary 10 Years Ago-2010

Chelsa Lee Keys, 67, a native of Orange, passed away on Friday, June 4. She was a nurse for many years working at St. Mary's Hospital and Ultimate Home Health of Orange. She is survived by her husband, Henry Allie Keys; son, Aaron Ham; sister, Sue Bailey; brother, Carl Bailey.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

40 Years Ago-1980

Eight Orange County teams participated in the inaugural Bum Phillips Celebrity Golf Tournament. Members of each team are as follows: Gulf Chemicals, Bob Walker, Bob Rowatt, Bud Ewy and Dr. George Eastman. Owens Illinois, Harmon Beauchamp, Jim Turpen, Eual Norwood and Bill Falcone. No name team, Homer Stark, Earl Nugent, John LaCroix and Joe Griffies. Dupont, Frank Riddick, Don Garrett, Don Viguat and Howard Slatter. Smith Lee Olds-Cadillac, Carmon Davis, John Smith, Benis Lee and Pat Foster/Larry Kennon. Dal Sasso Enterprise, Ron MacDonald, Jeff MacDonald, Bob Swan and Tony DalSasso. Norstock Steel, Dexter Bassinger, Larry Moerbe, Les Patin and Ronny Logan. Orange Bank, Johnny Smith, Brooks Hill and Danny Zoch. ***Celebrities attending, Terry Bradshaw, Ken Stabler, Mike Barber, Danny White, Billy Joe Dupree, Tony Dorsett, Willie Alexander, Carl Mauck, Dave Elmendorf, Robert Newhouse, Robert Brazile, Little Joe Washington, Greg Pruitt, Jim Zorn, Dan Pastorini, Earl Campbell, Gifford Nielsen, Benny Barnes, Durie L. Harris, Dick Nolan, King Hill, Ed Biles, Joe Wolley, Andy Bourgeois and many others. (Editor's note: The tournament was the creation of W.T. Oliver. It and the Bob Hope Birthday Bash benefited Hughen School. Two guys I found nice and congenial were singers Johnny Nash and Johnny Desmond, who was chauffeured by Martha Hughes. I bet Martha remembers that day. County Judge Pete Runnels presented a plaque to Coach Phillips in recognition of his birthplace. Sandi Mobley was seen cuddling up to Oiler Mike Barber. It's hard to believe 40 years have gone by since that first celebration.)*****In 1980, Doris' Crazy Kitchen, prepared fresh Sabine catfish, seafood, short orders and homemade pies. The Kitchen was located in Mauriceville on Hwy. 12. *****Jerry Vale headlines a Las Vegas-style evening of song and dance at the Frances Ann Lutcher Theater June 11. A headliner in Vegas for many years, Vale was a frustrated baseball player. The New York Yankees and other parks in the Major League use his version of "The Star Spangled Banner." (Editor's note: Do you remember Jerry Vale and were you at that great show? Do you remember him on Johnny Carson, Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin or "Password?" That was only 40 years ago. A big hit I remember is "Time Alone Will Tell."

A FEW HAPPENINGS

I was glad to hear that our friend Gerald Leleux is doing well after major heart surgery. Lisa has been subbing for him, delivering the Penny Record to a special route Gerald created. The folks love him and he's looking forward to visiting with them weekly before long. *****"Neighbor" Cox is still in rehab after breaking his neck. Outside of the collar being uncomfortable, and his wanting to go home, they treat him good at Oak Grove Nursing Home in Groves. We miss him and look forward to when we can visit again. ***** A few folks we know celebrating birthdays in the next few days. Harold Trantham and Herman Dupuis mark a birthday on June 3. ***Pete Sterling, Sandra Hoke and Donna Rogers celebrate June 4. ***A bunch of folks celebrate on June 5, which is considered the perfect Gemini day. Tim Hughes, Joyce Dowdle, Roy Dunn, Britt Godwin, Gena Guyote, Brenda Howard and Chris Andes all celebrate today. Roy is the oldest at 86, followed by Tim at 85. ***June 7, finds longtime friend, the lovely Shirley Zimmerman celebrating. She is joined by Logan Smith and Ashley LaRose. ***June 8, Walter Riedel celebrates on this day. For over 30 years we have been wishing him a happy birthday. We haven't heard much about him since he resigned as head of the Stark Foundation. ***Celebrating on June 9 is Kirli Choate, Paige Olive and Debbie Vidrine. Happy Birthday to all. Please see complete list. *****Jane Dunn finally had her shoulder surgery. In a few weeks she will be able to throw a left hook. *****I've been impressed with Keisha Lance-Bottoms, mayor of Atlanta. She will rise on the national scene, wait and see. *****A new ABC Washington Post poll has vice president Biden leading Trump 53 percent to 43 percent with registered voters. Biden leads with Independents 56 to 39. With women Biden holds a 28-point advantage. Black voters 89 percent; 69 percent with Hispanic voters. Trump's approval rate is 44 percent, disapproval, 53 percent. Times like these require exceptional leadership. It's not coming from the White House. President Trump's repulsive statements on Twitter pour gasoline on the nation's fire. He has totally failed in his leadership with Coronavirus. America stands at a perilous moment; it is exactly five months before the nation's presidential election. Hopefully the four year chaos will all end.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

June 3: David Lopez and Matthew Jagoe celebrate.*****June 4: Brittany Yu, Brittany Chalmers, Glenn Fisher, Paige Ousley, Jade Ousley, Brooklyn Goldsmith, Aaron McNeil and Donna Benefield.*****June 5: Hunter Puckett, Patricia Mires, Nancy Ramsey, Aaron Bland, Jessica Freeman, Kevin Doss, Mary Jennings.*****June 6: Ryan Gunstream, Lorrie LeBlanc, Ed Worthy Jr., John Bertrand, Sherilyn Brister, Lynn Fields, Gail Griffith, Kelsey Miller, Linda Sims, Sarah Williams.*****June 7: Richard Granger, Billy Frank Bradberry, Billy Killman, and Penny Robards.*****June 8: Shon Jones, Tana Hightower, Walter Riedel, Aubrey Reynolds, Crystal Wells, Billie Wood and Carolyn Sexton.*****June 9: Elizabeth Barfield, Gavin Birmingham, Deane Moran, Alston Reynolds, Dixie Armstrong, Charlie Blalack, Jessica Hilliard, and Paige Olive.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS

June 3: Anderson Cooper,  53,  TV Host; Anne Winters,  26,  Actress; Sean Berdy,  27,  Actor; Rafael Nadal,  34,  Tennis Player.*****June 4: Angelina Jolie,  44,  Actress;

Russell Brand,  45,  Actor; Josh McDermitt,  42,  Comedian; Joyce Meyer,  77,  Novelist. June 5: Mark Wahlberg,  49,  Actor; Kenny G,  64,  Saxophonist; Brian McKnight,  51,  R&B Singer.*****June 6: Robert England,  73,  Actor; DeAndre Hopkins,  28,  Football Player; Jason Isaacs,  57,  Actor.*****June 7: Liam Neeson,  68,  Actor; Tom Jones,  80,  Pop Singer; Mike Pence,  61,  Politician.*****June 8: Kanye West,  43, Rapper; Bonnie Tyler,  69,  Pop singer; Julianna Margulie,  54,  Actress; Nancy Sinatra,   80,  Singer.*****June 9: Johnny Depp,  57,  Actor; Michael J. Fox,  59,  Actor; Natalie Portman,  39,  Actress; TD Jakes,  63,  Religious Leader.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Da TV, it say dat da government was bringing one of dem new nuclear power ship to help wit da oil spill in da Gulf. 

LuLu LaBouf him, say to his wife Clotile, "Babe, git da chiluns, we gone to New Orleens us, to look at dat big nutria power ship wat is tied up at da Poydras Street warf.

Wen LaBouf got to New Orleens he bought hisself to a dead stop by a policeman and he say, "Ma Frien, Mr. Policeman, can you tole me where I can find dat nutria power ship? Me, I'm from Church Point and jus got to see how dem lil rat animals can run dat dere big boat all by deyself."

C'EST TOUT

The combination of an ongoing pandemic and what has been forecasted to be a busy hurricane season is a catastrophic scenario. As many as 19 named storms will form, 10 will be hurricanes. The more active the season, the more likely we will have one hit the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana. The nation's ability to keep people safe is going to be severely tested. With a fall spike in Coronavirus, flooding, wild fires, stress over the economy, the pandemic and everyday living, will take its toll. So far, two storms have already formed. A tropical storm entering the Gulf near southern Mexico could be in our future by next weekend. The scramble will then begin to find shelter and make sure the old folks are taken care of. Let's all pray we will dodge an early storm. If you have to shelter don't be conned into believing the virus is not still circulating. *****My time is up. Thanks for yours. Be safe and continue to wash your hands and wear mask. Take care and God bless.