PANDEMIC TAKES TOAL AT HOME

It's amazing to me how many people won't accept the COVID surge that is right now spreading like wildfire throughout the country. The Thanksgiving spike is expected to arrive later this week. The Christmas Holiday will again grow the surge to new heights. A vaccine is coming but most Americans will not receive vaccinations until late March or April if they are still alive by then, over 500,000 people are expected to die by April. Millions of citizens will contact the virus, but many will die of other causes related to the virus, such as heart disease, etc. Many others will be long haulers, with adverse side affects. It's so frustrating that people don't care about their fellow citizens, won't wear a mask or take proper measures to help prevent the spread of the virus because it just isn't macho. Here at home many of our people are getting sick. Thank God so far we have been speared many deaths but 50 deaths are still way too many. More people have been affected locally than has been reported. At this time, Gary Stelly is still in a Houston hospital battling Coronavirus. As of Tuesday morning Gary felt he has turned the corner but still doesn't have enough breath to make a whistle. He and his wife, Angie, both became sick at the same time. I understand despite fighting other medical problems, she has faired better than Gary. Our prayers go out to this fine couple who have given so much of themselves to the betterment of our community.***Harry Corbert, who was hospitalized and experienced a blackout period, is now out and recovering.***Lion Tamer Randle Morris was rushed to hospital Sunday night. His sister had died a few days earlier from the virus.***Our friends Al and Michelle Judice are weathering the illness at home.****Many businesses have sick employees. Tax Assessor Karen Fisher is operating with a skeleton crew in her Orange tax office. I've also heard that some people are suffering side affects of kidney problems and have been put on dialysis.***Our longtime friend Ted Townes is in Mid-Jefferson hospital with heart problems. I don't know if its virus related. Many others are getting sick everyday. It's not anything to clown around with. God speed for a complete recovery to our friends and all our neighbors affected. *****I have to move on. Come along, I promise it won't do you no home.

CONDOLENCES

We were saddened to learn of the death of Mayor Dan Mohon, age 80, who served as mayor in both Orange and Pinehurst. Dan retired from Dupont 23 years ago. Tommy Gunn, Pinehurst City Attorney, said, "Dan definitely improved the quality of life for all of us in Orange County." Personally for me, Dan was one of the finest, kindest and most honorable men I've ever known. He was a thoughtful person and always remembered me during peach season, with a bag from his place in the hill country. He will be missed by everyone who ever dealt with him. Our condolences to his wife Manon and family. Funeral services are being handled by Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Visitation will be held Thursday, Dec. 10th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, December 12, 2020 at their family cemetery in Hye, Texas. Funeral services are set for 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 14, 2020, at Trinity Baptist Church in Orange.

TRUMP'S CASH COW

Most people are not aware that only one political candidate gets to keep the money left in the coffers when he leaves office. That's how presidential candidate Ron Paul, with multiple runs, has become a multimillionaire. Rick Santorum has been living on the $4 million he had left after his run. Trump has taken the money gimmick to new heights. He knows he's lost to Biden, but he's using his false claims to raise money for future court battles. So far, he's taken in $210 million. As long as he keeps the fight alive he can keep cashing in. That's why he got upset with A.G. Bill Barr saying it was over,

Biden won. Trump saw that as hurting or slowing donations. In the small print, he gets to keep 60 percent of funds raised for his own use. A fundraiser to challenge electoral results is the real fraud. Trump claims to be an expert on winning. His actual area of expertise is how to profit from losing, even if it means assault on our democracy. After an almost comically inept career in business that saw multiple bankrupt cases being filed, Trump again is losing by losing an election. He is turning unreality in reality, in a bid to rewrite the script. In the coming months, Trump could use money from his new PAC, called Save America, to travel the country and stage rallies, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. He could promote candidates who were loyal to him and make donations to their campaigns. And, if he wanted to, he could place his family members and former administration officials on payroll, and continue to host lavish events at his properties without tripping up campaign finance law. In the end though, there is a word for people who lose elections. It is the same for people who repeatedly fail at business. We call those people losers.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2010

Don Meredith, age 72, died December 6, in Santa Fe, N.M. from a brain hemorrhage. He also had emphysema. The Vernon, Texas native played college ball at SMU and I was fortunate enough to have watched him play. He was the first Dallas Cowboy quarterback from 1960 to 1968. He threw for over 17,000 yards and 111 touchdowns. He played in the Ice Bowl in the 1967 championship game against Green Bay in -13 degree temperatures. He lost the game 21-17 with a Bart Starr quarterback sneak. At age 31, on top of his game, he told Coach Tom Landry to shove it and was gone. He reappeared in 1970, at the start of Monday Night Football on ABC. He first appeared with Keith Jackson, then Frank Gifford, who replaced Jackson, and Howard Cosell. He made Willie Nelson's song "Turn Out the Lights" famous. He left announcing and went on to television and movies. He played Sgt. Foley of "Police Story," and several television movies, including Banjo Hackett and Roamin' Free in 1976. His film credits include "Express to Terror" in 1979, Wyatt Earp: "Return to Tombstone" in 1994. He recorded songs such as "Travelin' Man" and "Them That Ain't Got It Can't Lose." Then there was the Monday night the Oilers were losing 34-0 to Oakland, the cameras caught an angry fan flashing the obscene finger. Meredith seriously said, without batting an eye, "He thinks they're number one in the nation." What a guy he was. I'm glad he was in my generation. Monday Night Football, with Don, Howard and Frank was so popular it knocked the "I Love Lucy" show off Monday nights. *****Auburn and Oregon meet in the BCS championship game to be played Jan. 10 at Glendale, Ariz. The Sugar Bowl, Jan. 4, pits Arkansas against Ohio. In the Orange Bowl, on Jan. 3, Virginia Tech faces Stanford. In the Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29, Oklahoma State will face Arizona. On New Year's Day the following bowls will be held. Fiesta Bowl, Oklahoma vs. Connecticut; Rose Bowl, TCU vs. Wisconsin; Ticket City Bowl, played in the old Cotton Bowl, Texas Tech vs. Northwestern. The big game in these parts will be the Cotton Bowl with Texas A&M and LSU, to be played Jan. 7. The Texas Bowl, Baylor vs. Illinois, on Dec. 19; The Holiday Bowl, Dec. 30, Nebraska vs. Washington. There's more but that's enough.***** They're going to put the little pot in the big one on Thursday, Dec. 16, for retiring Judge Joe Parkhurst, Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1. After 12 years, Judge Parkhurst is retiring from his county post. The Judge says, "Serving as a Justice of the Peace has been an exciting and demanding trip. He is thankful to the citizens for allowing him the opportunity to serve as their judge. It has been a very gratifying experience." Judge David Peck will assume the judgeship on Jan. 1, 2011. *****Tom DeLay, who was convicted of money laundering, a felony, was due to be sentenced on December 20. He has asked for the judge, not a jury, to sentence him Jan. 10 instead. He could get probation to life. I don't believe he will serve any jail time but if he does, it won't be for long. The bigger crime was what they did with the money to the rural people of Texas with mid-term redistricting.*****Fish and shellfish, now more often served at meals, could help older people protect their eyesight longer. According to a new research published last week, eating more seafood, rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as oysters, crabs, sardines, tuna, lake trout and salmon is very helpful.*****A few special people celebrating their special day this week. The oldest, longtime friend, Sid Callivet, Jr. will reach age 81. I remember when his dad, Judge Sid was much younger than Sid Jr. is today. We thought the judge was so old didn't we Sid? ***Lucy Hanks, the first lady of Starks, Louisiana, celebrates another one and she's still a fox. ***Our longtime buddy Doug Harrington will be celebrating another one. I recall his birthdays in years past, even surprised him once. The big parties are gone, now it's just a quite day marking a year older. (Editor's note: Doug has since passed away.)***Attorney Tommy Gunn, West Orange Valedictorian, the pride of Baylor Law School, successful attorney and chairman of the board of Sabine Savings Bank, is another year older this week. Did I mention he's Mary Lou's little boy? ***Danny Blacksher is also getting older. Not the young stud he was just a few years back. ***David Claybar has a birthday coming up. I never know which one of the David's. One should be a senior and the other a junior. I believe its senior's birthday. .*****We were sorry to learn that State Rep. Mike Hamilton recently returned to the restaurant business in Beaumont and in January the Legislature is scheduled to face a tough redistricting battle. Those two things are enough to give anyone heart problems. We wish him the best.

22 Years Ago-2010

The Record Newspapers "All Orange County Football Team of 1998" was selected. Beaux Deville, of Orangefield, was selected as "Player of the Year." Orangefield's Randy Theriot, selected "Coach of the Year." His team's 8-4 season put them in the playoffs for the fist time in a decade. Orangefield was picked to finish last in the district. Deville gained 2,101 rushing on 273 carries for 7.69-yard average and 25 touchdowns. Gaylord Allen, West Orange-Stark's was "Defensive MVP. He anchored the state's number one defense as linebacker. The rest of the players picked from the five county teams are Derrick Thibodeaux, WO-S, Dathan Juneau, B.C., Ray Farias, OF, Jeremy Stolfa, B.C., Billy Ford, LC-M, Richard Morris, WO-S, Jared Williams, B.C., Todd Marbrough, WO-S, Robert Cormier, OF, Charles Crochet, WO-S, Kevin Norwood, B.C., Kenneth Bryan, Vidor, Kelton Taylor, WO-S, Jeremy Buckley, B.C., Vito Agerton, OF, Johnny Montagne, B.C., Paul Burman, LC-M, Charlie Higgingbotham, B.C., Bo Shafer, OF, Gerald Robinson, WO-S, Raun Bryant, (kicker) B.C., Herbert Winston, LC-M, Jason Menard, B.C., Tyler Thibodeaux, WO-S, Jermaine Feathers, WO-S, Paul Thomas, W.O.-S, B.J. Bishop, OF and Darren Denbow, Vidor.*****Coach R.C. Slocum's "Never Quit" Aggies beat a great Kansas team 36-33.*****Moon Mulligan is recorded in the historical music book as an East Texas pioneer songwriter/singer, best known for his honky-tonk piano. The old piano sits quietly in a room in Vidor, the pedals are broken, and some keys are missing. It is stamped in back 1897. Moon played with Gov. Jimmie Davis and accompanied him when Davis was elected governor of Louisiana. ***Some of Moon's hits included, "I'll Sail My Ship Alone," "Mona Lisa," "Goodnight Irene," "You Don't Have to be a Baby to Cry," "Southern Hospitality" and "Cherokee Boogie." (Editor's Note: I wonder if that old piano is still in Vidor. It should be in the Gulf Coast Museum in Port Arthur.)*****Some folks having birthdays. Lucy Hanks, Vernon Davis, David Claybar, Fay Speer, Bobby Talbert, Donnie Stanton, Leah Hubbard, Judy Young and Cindy Briggs. *****Newly elected state senator David Bernsen is preparing to take his seat in January. *****The Montagne's recently moved into the new Economy Insulation office building at Roundbunch and Stewart in Bridge City. *****Little Jimmy Skadowski is home from Texas Children's Hospital, learning to live with diabetes. (Editor's note: Jimmy is Pattie Hanks' 30 year old now.) They live in Las Vegas. Jim fights diabetes everyday but  has really improved over the years. *****Darrell Lee Trahan turned 18 on Dec. 3. *****Karissa Rene' "Reesy" Kordish, turns three on Dec. 11 and Grace Dumesnil celebrates Dec. 7.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

I'm constantly amazed at the speed of life. On December 14, five years will have gone by since Shirley Roccaforte passed away, the day before her birthday. What a gal. If you ever knew her you will never forget her.*****Dec. 11 is the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, a day of rededication. We extend best wishes to our Jewish friends, Joel Steirman and his family and also to Richard and Arlene Turkel and their family.*****Early Christmas present arrives via FedEx bringing 50 pound box of paper-shell pecans from Wanda and Coach Les Johnson. The pecans were in a sack that was created by Wanda. My partner fell in love with the sack. Thanks to those longtime friends for their annual supply of pecans. I'll spend my days shelling.*****I also received my first Christmas card. It came from our friend Senator Robert Nichols. He always sends a Texas scene card. This year's card is from artist Craig Routh's collection. Craig, a Denham Springs, Louisiana resident, started his career at age 17. He and wife Leslie own their own art studio and Craig has exhibited in many of the finest art events in the country, including Walt Disney World's "Festival of the Masters." Many of his watercolor art pieces are included in private and corporate collections throughout the U.S. and other countries. Thanks Senator for the caramel recipe and thanks for your service and friendship.*****Our friend Phillip Welch scored a big jar of honey at Bo Handley's for us. It's the best. Phillip and his family went to Estes Park, Colorado over Thanksgiving holidays. Their young son got to play in six inches of snow for four days. By the way, I just heard Phillip will be sworn in as a new member of the Appraisal District in January. Phillip is a great choice for any assignment.*****I got a call from our friend Robert Ramirez and really enjoyed visiting with him. He sold his Waterwood home and had moved to the country. He sold off his cattle and plans to restock in the spring.*****I've been out of the loop and was surprised to learned that Patsy and David Peck had split the blanket. David is living with friends in Starks. I believe Patsy is still booking trips. I wish the best for both. *****My buddy, "T-Ray" Joshua Sehon turns 24 on Dec. 10. If you haven't seen him around lately it is because he is living in Nesbit, MS. By the way, his dad George Sehon turns 63 on Dec. 12. A year closer to he and Janelle's retiring to the lake.*****A West Texas friend tells me that even cowboys will soon be extinct. Ranchers are replacing range riders and cowboys with drones.*****Thanks to Dr. Chris Penning I'm feeling much better. Penning is a real optimist about the new COVID vaccine. I miss work but mostly I miss my friends at the Lunch Bunch. Some of the world's finest folks. Hopefully this spring we can all get together again. I said I would report on a political Election Day predicting system but our computers were down and the technician didn't show up until late Tuesday, making me late of deadline.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

Natives celebrating birthdays in the next few days. Keri Michutka, David Claybar, Lucy Hanks, Berry McKenzie, Bobby Couthran, Elissa Kern, Sharon Johnson, Michelle Watson, Bonnie Hopperton, Sean Ureta, David Claybar, Cindy Briggs, Kerri Piccone, Kent Sarver, Kristing Cortez, Cody Caples, Tara Fountain, Zackery Anderson, Joel Fruge, Scott Derouen, Daniel Bates, Melissa Poydence, Melinda Swares, Kristy Kidwell Dennis Lee, Keri Michutka, Kandy Sartin, Danny Blacksher, Danny Prosperie, Linda Easley, Jeff Harrington, Ken Pittman, Maac Hughes, Alex Harner, Brent Burris and Dale Armand.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Leo Desormeaux and "Teney" Leblanc were sitting around at da trailer park, drinking beer one evening after getting off work at da crawfish processing plant at Breaux Bridge. Leo said he was looking forwards to going deer hunting next weekend.

Da two mens downed a couple of 12 packs wen "Teneg" said, "Leo, while you are deer hunting you, if I walk over to you trailer and me and your Clotile made woope and in nine months she had a baby her would dat make us kin, hanh?"

Leo him, crooked his head sideways, scratched his head, took anutter drink, tinking real hard about da question. Den finally he said, "Well me, I don't rightly no bout da kin, but it would make us even."

"THE DONALD" WENT DOWN TO GEORGIA

President Donald Trump held a rally in Valdosta, GA., Saturday. I believe that's where longtime Leader reporter Bob Axleson was from and where he is laid to rest. I'm sure Bearden and many others will remember the "Post Script" guy. Anyway, between 3,000 and 4,000 attended, jammed together, without a mask in the bunch. In a few days watch how Trump helped COVID spike in the area. By the way, Rudy Giuliani has become the latest to get the virus and be hospitalized. I believe he is the 50th in the Trump gang, plus, like Trump, Rudy has been contributing to making people sick around the county. Trump was in Georgia to help promote Republican senators in the Jan. 5, runoff election. He gave them six minutes and spent over one hour on himself and his failed attempt to overturn Biden's win. He never once mentioned COVID deaths. Trump continues to pressure governors and secretaries of state to help him steal the election from the voters.

C'EST TOUT

We have been receiving some very positive response for our publications The Penny Record and The County Record and I thank you for that. I also appreciate your loyal readership for all these many years. Take care of yourself, your family and especially shield your elderly folks as much as possible. Things will get worse in the short run but someday we will come out on the other side. I'm optimistic about our future leadership and the road ahead. God bless.