Hi everyone,
We're alive. I'm very busy with the daily assignments shooting the destruction caused by Hurricane Rita.
The Beaumont Enterprise set up a blog, Rita's Images, to post photos taken by citizen journalists.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Hurricane Rita
It looks like Beaumont may be spared a direct hit by Hurricane Rita. However, the low-lying areas are likely to experience some severe flooding from storm surge. Voluntary and mandatory evacuations are taking place in the next county down the coast. Chambers, Jefferson and Orange counties (the greater Beaumont area) should expect interruption of electricity and phone services.
Southeast Texas readers should check their city Web sites for evacuation instructions and routes.
For the regular readers of this blog, I'm on deck. Consequently, I'll probably be offline for a few days. More than likely, the managing editor of our paper will be keeping up with the storm and its recovery on his blog.
I'll update everyone as possible. I'm sure people will need a lot of help after the sun returns.
Enough for now,
Southeast Texas readers should check their city Web sites for evacuation instructions and routes.
For the regular readers of this blog, I'm on deck. Consequently, I'll probably be offline for a few days. More than likely, the managing editor of our paper will be keeping up with the storm and its recovery on his blog.
I'll update everyone as possible. I'm sure people will need a lot of help after the sun returns.
Enough for now,
Ron's blog
I got tangled up in Hurricane Katrina when one of my bosses started his blog Under the News. I listed it as an "irregular blog" since he didn't have much posted at the time.
Since then, he's been posting up a storm. He's moved into the "almost daily" category. I'm considering bumping him up to the daily category because he's posting several times per day.
Check out his blog.
Note: Since we work at the same office, it's fair to say I made this post of my own valition without any coaxing whatsoever.
Since then, he's been posting up a storm. He's moved into the "almost daily" category. I'm considering bumping him up to the daily category because he's posting several times per day.
Check out his blog.
Note: Since we work at the same office, it's fair to say I made this post of my own valition without any coaxing whatsoever.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Update: September 14, 2005
Cancellations:
Southeast Texas Sportsmen's Expo has been canceled due to continuing Hurricane Katrina efforts.
New posts:
Hurricane Katrina-related posts
New event:
September 17, 2005
9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
"Rock in a Weary Land" Buffalo Blonde concert to benefit Hurricane Katrina victims
Contact: Tom Wright
Hooligans, 6025 MLK Parkway, Beaumont
Phone: 409 895-4660
E-mail: twright@kfdm.com
Web: www.buffaloblonde.com
Admission: All Katrina survivors admitted free. In lieu of the usual $5 cover charge, they request $5 or more cash donations. A benefactor (very close to the band) will match the funds raised.
If you've given and given and have nothing left to give, consider it a free show as their way of saying thanks for helping.
So much suffering. So much tragedy. So much loss. It could have happened here. They are us. We are them.
All proceeds benefit the American Red Cross and the Southeast Texas Emergency Relief Fund.
© Mark M. Hancock
Southeast Texas Sportsmen's Expo has been canceled due to continuing Hurricane Katrina efforts.
New posts:
Hurricane Katrina-related posts
New event:
September 17, 2005
9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
"Rock in a Weary Land" Buffalo Blonde concert to benefit Hurricane Katrina victims
Contact: Tom Wright
Hooligans, 6025 MLK Parkway, Beaumont
Phone: 409 895-4660
E-mail: twright@kfdm.com
Web: www.buffaloblonde.com
Admission: All Katrina survivors admitted free. In lieu of the usual $5 cover charge, they request $5 or more cash donations. A benefactor (very close to the band) will match the funds raised.
If you've given and given and have nothing left to give, consider it a free show as their way of saying thanks for helping.
So much suffering. So much tragedy. So much loss. It could have happened here. They are us. We are them.
All proceeds benefit the American Red Cross and the Southeast Texas Emergency Relief Fund.
© Mark M. Hancock
Buffalo Blonde performs in concert at the Logon C@fe in Beaumont on May 14, 2005.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
The Cabin Project expanded
I'll get back to my normal posts soon. I need to get this information out and available first. If anyone has an inside route to decision makers, please get this information to them. I'll try to get it to some of the right folks as well, but there can't be too many cooks in the kitchen this time.
As many readers of my other blog know, I've covered many natural and man-made disasters throughout my career. The typical American reaction to a disaster is to clean up, rebuild and get back to normality before attention and funds wane. This process typically begins immediately after the event or within the first two to three days following a massive catastrophe.
The magnitude of Hurricane Katrina's tragedy eliminates the normal reaction cycle. The real clean up won't happen for at least five months. Rebuilding should probably only be accomplished in areas above sea level. Normality as it was will most assuredly never be realized.
I discussed earlier the usefulness of building cabins at local state and national parks. I didn't expand enough on the concept and its immediate use. I'll do so now.
The cabin project would do the following for displaced hurricane victims:
* Create temporary housing.
* Create portable jobs and income.
* Create a sense of accomplishment.
* Reduce mental stress.
* Reduce crime.
* Provide incentive to stay and succeed in the region.
* Salvage displaced family structures.
* Create a sustainable need for construction workers and increase single-family residence starts.
* Families to live with their beloved pets.
* Provide future jobs for retirees.
Additionally, it would promote regional eco-tourism and provide:
* Temporary housing for future disasters
* Future income for regional, state, national and other parks.
* Future income for regional businesses - particularly restaurants.
* Lodging for small, nature- or family-based trips of reunions.
* Community recreation.
* Additional venues for small-scale and community performances.
* Educational opportunities for regional students.
* Overflow housing for large-scale regional events and festivals.
Future posts will detail
* Matters of further consideration
Building upon historical successes
When Europeans first landed in North America, there were no skyscrapers. The pioneers worked together to establish communal towns. They cleared trees, made adequate log cabins and constructed communal facilities. During the westward push, the same process occurred - because the model was successful.
Over time, construction skills were refined and automated. Structures became more grand and the engineering became more complicated. With successful communities, businesses were built and cities developed.
The cabin project would essentially be a rapid history lesson. We already know successful designs. We also have power tools and ample supplies. Only some land and seed money are required to make this project work. In the end, the project will pay for itself 100-fold and help the region grow in a successful and sustainable manner.
Purpose
The initial purpose of the cabin project is temporary housing and jobs for folks displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Additional benefits include job training, mental health, and community adaptation and specialization. Much later, the cabins can provide self-sustaining recreational and emergency housing as well as some permanent employment.
Those displaced by the hurricane can construct relatively simple, uniform log cabins and additional communal facilities at eco-tourism locations. The construction projects would pay workers for their time. As an additional enticement, displaced survivors would be allowed to reside in completed cabins and receive communal meals for a four-month period at no charge.
This allows workers enough time to acquire money and skills as well as locate a permanent home in the area. As workers acquire skills and accumulate modest wealth, they'll be motivated to purchase new homes in the area. New homes require skilled construction workers and provide real-world income for newly-trained construction professionals.
How it works
People identified as hurricane survivors would be paid for their labor. They would be employed to construct the cabins and be paid a fair carpenter's wage and provided with three daily community meals. Once they have worked a required number of hours, they could request to temporarily occupy completed cabins for four months.
Although the cabins aren't the greatest housing option, they provide some sense of normality and privacy for the workers and their families. Furthermore, the workers could use this four-month period to accumulate enough money to pay a security deposit on an apartment or possibly a business or home.
At the same time, volunteers are invited to contribute labor, expertise, materials and money to the project. Volunteers and community service workers will not be paid. However, their labor and knowledge is needed to expedite the completion of initial cabins. Their contribution would benefit the whole community.
Create temporary housing
Currently, folks displaced by the hurricane fill all local hotels, motels, shelters, sports facilities, religious, and some school facilities and are guests in residences.
Very little space remains for displaced people or those trying to help them. This makes it difficult to reunite extended families and almost impossible to conduct significant business where travel is required. There simply isn't anywhere to put additional family members or business travelers.
The cabin project opens space as workers are provided with temporary housing outside commercial venues and shelters. This not only reduces cost to taxpayers by eliminating the current voucher system, it introduces more tax-paying workers into the system.
Again, the housing is a temporary means to relieve residential congestion until enough homes are built to accommodate the recent influx of people. The project's initial goal is to function as a four-month pressure valve for local housing. Within these four months, new housing can be planned and begin construction. This provides continuing jobs for these trained workers.
When the housing situation is eventually resolved (in about two years), the cabins remain to provide the park systems with future income, tourism and future disaster relief.
Portable job skills and living income
Some workers may already be specialized artisans. If so, these skills will be put to immediate use - most likely on the community facilities. If not, job skills will be taught to workers. In either case, these are portable job skills which can be applied to any growing community.
Construction
Since home construction is likely to increase in the area, construction workers will be needed. This is an ideal place to learn basic work skills with lumber, concrete, masonry, electrical, plumbing, construction machinery and other specialties of construction.
Food services
Additionally, such a large undertaking requires on-site food preparation. Trained food handlers can get trained as managers. Others can get trained as food handlers.
Other specialties
In addition to the specialties mentioned, workers can learn or use existing skills in timber work, heavy vehicle transportation, child care specialties, landscaping, supply, acquisitions, bookkeeping, retail services, laundry services, security and many other jobs required to keep a small town operating efficiently.
All these skills directly apply to larger projects throughout the region and across the nation.
Create a sense of accomplishment
One basic need of mankind is purpose. Sitting in a sports venue or motel is not fulfilling and demoralizing to those subjected to this lifestyle. However, constructing permanent structures allows those who have lost everything to begin to heal. It creates a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
Years from now, these same folks can return to visit the cabins or other projects they personally built. It becomes a progressive constant in their lives and source of personal pride and accomplishment.
Reduce mental stress
As mentioned above, homelessness and lack of purpose is demoralizing and stressful. Idle hands don't lead to positive results. Folks with too much time and no missions are more inclined to use drugs and engage in criminal behavior.
Meanwhile, busy folks who are tired at day's end and filled with accomplishment can visit with their family and sleep to begin a new day of work and more accomplishment. The process (work, eat, sleep) becomes a life skill and becomes constant. When it's time to move back into the private sector, the transition is not as stressful either.
Reduce crime
Again, crime is a result of too much spare time with nothing to lose. Working folks with a reasonable income, housing, food and other needs don't have as much spare time and do have much to lose. Consequently, they are less inclined to engage in criminal activity.
Provide incentive to stay and succeed in the region
Southeast Texas is susceptible to hurricanes, tornados and other natural catastrophes. However, it isn't below sea level. Therefore, it's immediately safer than the New Orleans area.
In any community, its future depends upon growth. Southeast Texas actually needs more taxpaying residents to build homes and businesses as well as raise and educate families.
Growth must have some controls to ensure sustainability, longevity and public safety. However, a large influx of lawful residents equates to increased business activity and a larger tax base. These factors allow a city to advance without disruption.
If the city provides new residents with the tools and knowledge to succeed, those folks will become active in the city and help build an enviable community. It becomes a city of destination rather than a city of last resort.
Salvage displaced family structures
Following Hurricane Katrina, families were shattered and scattered across the country. Many people don't know if family members survived or where they could be located if they did survive.
When people are lost in the forest, they must stay in one location to allow searchers to find them. The same holds true for separated families. At least one member of the family must put down roots to allow other family members to locate them and eventually bring the family back together. Southeast Texas should be the safe haven for families to reunite and begin anew.
Create a sustainable need for construction workers and increase single-family residence starts
Although the initial phase of the Cabin Project is to provide immediate work, income and temporary housing, the portable skills acquired apply directly to commercial construction.
With these skills, a modest accumulation of wealth and a motivation to remain in the area, construction workers can build homes for themselves and others. As people settle into homes, they may begin other businesses and leave the construction industry. This allows others to fill those positions.
In either case, the housing sector could experience a boom until everyone who wishes to live here is adequately housed. This boom should last five to seven years.
Families to live with their beloved pets
During the storm, many pets helped sustain the lives of their owners and vice versa. Some of these stories are beginning to emerge and more are on the way. Nonetheless, pet owners are loyal to their buddies. Some New Orleans residents still refuse to leave the city because they refuse to place their pets in shelters.
Pets are allowed at parks. Folks with pets can work and keep their pets at the cabins. Heck, each cabin can be built with a miniature pet cabin for the fuzzy family members. Yes, pet owners must clean after their pets and keep the pet on a lead line. However, it's not a problem to accommodate everything from a Chihuahua to a pet camel at a national park.
Some of the initial communal facilities could include a temporary kennels for 1st-period workers, a stable for larger animals and a veterinary clinic to accommodate the medical needs of these pets as well as injured indigenous animals.
Provide future jobs for retirees
Many folks had worked hard their entire lives to acquire enough wealth for a comfortable retirement. Their lifetime of work and sacrifice was gone in a few hours. Now, they find themselves unable to work as hard as they once could. They also feel disenfranchised by their "evacuee" status and age.
As is currently the case at other park systems, evacuee retirees can easily manage the new cabin facilities. They'll be responsible for fee collection, rule compliance, general cleanliness and communal behavior.
Most retirees are granted respect for their status and wisdom. They can say, "Pick up your trash" to guests without much argument. This is precisely what's needed to keep communal areas safe and clean.
Promote regional eco-tourism
Southeast Texas is a world destination for many eco-tourists. It is the main migratory flight path for many birds and butterflies as well as rich in its own flora and fauna. As more folks visit, it's acclaim and notoriety will spread.
Once the cabins and communal facilities are complete and no longer needed by Hurricane Katrina evacuees, the following sections are knock-on benefits of the Cabin Project.
Temporary housing for future disasters
It would be folly to think no other natural disasters will happen along the Gulf Coast. The cabins and communal facilities could be used as safe havens and rally points during any future extended regional evacuations.
Future income for regional, state, national and other parks
The various park systems can maintain and rent the facilities to vacationers during the "good times." These rentals provide tourists with nice accommodations at a reasonable price.
Moreover, it provides the park systems with an income to maintain and possibly expand the property while providing vacation and educational resources.
Future income for regional businesses - particularly restaurants
The rentals provide the park systems and the local communities with income from rental fees, support services and additional tourism-based incomes. Parks within cities can apply hotel taxes or special district taxes to these rentals to water, support fire prevention, law enforcement, sanitation and other community services provided to these facilities.
The greatest beneficiaries of these new facilities will be local restaurants and even smaller motels. Many first-time or infrequent campers aren't well versed in cooking al fresco. Occasionally, even those who know how to make a seven-course meal on an open fire may still want to celebrate a special event at a fine restaurant while camping. This is an immediate boost to local restaurants - particularly "upscale," tourist-friendly restaurants.
Local motels might be alarmed at this project. Yes, it could reduce maximum occupancy at times, but with more people moving to the area, increased business and other factors. Occupancy rates will actually increase at area hotels, motels and residence inns. Bed and breakfast venues are likely to experience maximum occupancy more often than not.
In a best-case situation, tourists without reservations will need to stay at area hospitality venues because all the cabins are occupied.
Lodging for small, nature- or family-based trips of reunions
Across America, there are many nature-based organizations and religious establishments who hold retreats. These cabin communities would provide appropriate accommodations in a pleasant setting for these large groups.
Although the largest of these organizations already have their own retreat locations, smaller groups would happily use the facilities to expand their current groups.
Community recreation
Much talk so far has focused on the needs of the evacuees and tourism. Let's remember the local communities must support these activities. In addition to the increased business and possible future employment, the local communities must be provided additional benefits to host these facilities.
As mentioned, these facilities will eventually be used as educational and recreational facilities. To ensure local support for the worthy cause, park administrators should allow free local community access to educational and special events on the property. Most currently present these activities freely to the local community as their only "clients." This must be continued once the facility requires access controls (ie. a paid guard).
Since local residents must initially support and welcome the growth, they should be allowed to present a valid drivers license and be granted access to facility programs, activities and facilities (pools, fishing, hiking, etc.).
Local residents would still need to pay to stay in the cabins, but the other benefits are provided as a fair exchange.
Additional venues for small-scale and community performances
Most communities don't have enough affordable venues for small-scale performances or the arts in general. Amphitheaters, small recreational facilities with stages, modest art museums or so-called art spaces could be included in the park system construction plans to accommodate community-based arts programs.
Educational opportunities for regional students
As is currently available at larger park system facilities, education should be a large part of the total project. From the initial phase to the long-term phase, education should be a central theme to allowing the facilities to continue and add value back to taxpayers and visitors alike.
Initial phase education
Once some cabins have been completed, evacuees will occupy them. Although most will be too tired to attend, evening classes should be scheduled each day as well as non-exclusive worship sessions for ALL various religions.
The children's courses should provide education in events typically not considered "urban" to expand their view of the world and increase their life and eventual professional skills and appreciation.
Evening classes during the initial phase could evolve into something such as:
Monday: Social service programs for evacuees / basic real estate planning for first-time buyers and basic financial programs to accumulate wealth
Tuesday: Life skills (swimming, CPR, basic first aid)
Wednesday: Introduction to reading, writing and arithmetic / advanced computer-assisted business cources
Thursday: Business skills training
Friday: Evening services (Muslim), social dance or concert
Saturday: Day - Children's courses (equestrian, tennis, golf, canoe or sailing and other fine arts); Evening - services (Jewish, Pagan), social dance or concert
Sunday: Morning - service (Christian); Afternoon - community picnic and family play time (bounce houses, horseshoe tournaments, etc...)
Long-term education
Monday: Forest safety and survival
Tuesday: Life skills (swimming, CPR, basic first aid)
Wednesday: Introduction to plants
Thursday: Introduction to wildlife
Friday: Evening service (Muslim), social dance or concert
Saturday: Day - Children's courses (equestrian, tennis, golf, canoe or sailing and other fine arts); Evening - services (Jewish, Pagan), social dance or concert
Sunday: Morning - service (Christian); Afternoon - community picnic and family play time (bounce houses, horseshoe tournaments, etc...)
Obviously, these are examples. Courses should adapt as identified and needed.
Overflow housing for large-scale regional events and festivals
As the area grows, so will the size of festivals, tournaments and other large-scale events. The cabins will augment the hospitality venues and their ability to handle tourists, vacationers, business travelers and conventioneers.
Mental Health
Peace of mind is good. If folks know they have a purpose, an income, food and shelter and - most importantly - a future, they can begin to decompress from their recent trauma and adapt to their new future.
A human's basic needs must be met before normality can be realized. Once all the needs have been met (Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs or John Gray's
"tanks"), the victims of this tragedy can find peace.
Matters of further consideration
The following matters will need further consideration as they pertain to this project and evacuees. I'll post some thoughts on them in the near future:
Public transportation
Work hours
Commute time
Pay rates and taxation
Tax incentives to businesses providing raw materials
Park system expansion for this purpose
Historical parallels as an educational study (small-gauge trains, etc)
In the meantime, some folks will start getting insurance settlements on their damaged property in Louisiana. With the Cabin Project in place, these folks can combine the insurance settlements with their other new skills to become active, meaningful members of the Southeast Texas community.
Again, if anyone knows someone who can help speed this project into realization, please send them a link to this post and let's begin healing and rebuilding.
Enough for now,
As many readers of my other blog know, I've covered many natural and man-made disasters throughout my career. The typical American reaction to a disaster is to clean up, rebuild and get back to normality before attention and funds wane. This process typically begins immediately after the event or within the first two to three days following a massive catastrophe.
The magnitude of Hurricane Katrina's tragedy eliminates the normal reaction cycle. The real clean up won't happen for at least five months. Rebuilding should probably only be accomplished in areas above sea level. Normality as it was will most assuredly never be realized.
I discussed earlier the usefulness of building cabins at local state and national parks. I didn't expand enough on the concept and its immediate use. I'll do so now.
The cabin project would do the following for displaced hurricane victims:
* Create temporary housing.
* Create portable jobs and income.
* Create a sense of accomplishment.
* Reduce mental stress.
* Reduce crime.
* Provide incentive to stay and succeed in the region.
* Salvage displaced family structures.
* Create a sustainable need for construction workers and increase single-family residence starts.
* Families to live with their beloved pets.
* Provide future jobs for retirees.
Additionally, it would promote regional eco-tourism and provide:
* Temporary housing for future disasters
* Future income for regional, state, national and other parks.
* Future income for regional businesses - particularly restaurants.
* Lodging for small, nature- or family-based trips of reunions.
* Community recreation.
* Additional venues for small-scale and community performances.
* Educational opportunities for regional students.
* Overflow housing for large-scale regional events and festivals.
Future posts will detail
* Matters of further consideration
Building upon historical successes
When Europeans first landed in North America, there were no skyscrapers. The pioneers worked together to establish communal towns. They cleared trees, made adequate log cabins and constructed communal facilities. During the westward push, the same process occurred - because the model was successful.
Over time, construction skills were refined and automated. Structures became more grand and the engineering became more complicated. With successful communities, businesses were built and cities developed.
The cabin project would essentially be a rapid history lesson. We already know successful designs. We also have power tools and ample supplies. Only some land and seed money are required to make this project work. In the end, the project will pay for itself 100-fold and help the region grow in a successful and sustainable manner.
Purpose
The initial purpose of the cabin project is temporary housing and jobs for folks displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Additional benefits include job training, mental health, and community adaptation and specialization. Much later, the cabins can provide self-sustaining recreational and emergency housing as well as some permanent employment.
Those displaced by the hurricane can construct relatively simple, uniform log cabins and additional communal facilities at eco-tourism locations. The construction projects would pay workers for their time. As an additional enticement, displaced survivors would be allowed to reside in completed cabins and receive communal meals for a four-month period at no charge.
This allows workers enough time to acquire money and skills as well as locate a permanent home in the area. As workers acquire skills and accumulate modest wealth, they'll be motivated to purchase new homes in the area. New homes require skilled construction workers and provide real-world income for newly-trained construction professionals.
How it works
People identified as hurricane survivors would be paid for their labor. They would be employed to construct the cabins and be paid a fair carpenter's wage and provided with three daily community meals. Once they have worked a required number of hours, they could request to temporarily occupy completed cabins for four months.
Although the cabins aren't the greatest housing option, they provide some sense of normality and privacy for the workers and their families. Furthermore, the workers could use this four-month period to accumulate enough money to pay a security deposit on an apartment or possibly a business or home.
At the same time, volunteers are invited to contribute labor, expertise, materials and money to the project. Volunteers and community service workers will not be paid. However, their labor and knowledge is needed to expedite the completion of initial cabins. Their contribution would benefit the whole community.
Create temporary housing
Currently, folks displaced by the hurricane fill all local hotels, motels, shelters, sports facilities, religious, and some school facilities and are guests in residences.
Very little space remains for displaced people or those trying to help them. This makes it difficult to reunite extended families and almost impossible to conduct significant business where travel is required. There simply isn't anywhere to put additional family members or business travelers.
The cabin project opens space as workers are provided with temporary housing outside commercial venues and shelters. This not only reduces cost to taxpayers by eliminating the current voucher system, it introduces more tax-paying workers into the system.
Again, the housing is a temporary means to relieve residential congestion until enough homes are built to accommodate the recent influx of people. The project's initial goal is to function as a four-month pressure valve for local housing. Within these four months, new housing can be planned and begin construction. This provides continuing jobs for these trained workers.
When the housing situation is eventually resolved (in about two years), the cabins remain to provide the park systems with future income, tourism and future disaster relief.
Portable job skills and living income
Some workers may already be specialized artisans. If so, these skills will be put to immediate use - most likely on the community facilities. If not, job skills will be taught to workers. In either case, these are portable job skills which can be applied to any growing community.
Construction
Since home construction is likely to increase in the area, construction workers will be needed. This is an ideal place to learn basic work skills with lumber, concrete, masonry, electrical, plumbing, construction machinery and other specialties of construction.
Food services
Additionally, such a large undertaking requires on-site food preparation. Trained food handlers can get trained as managers. Others can get trained as food handlers.
Other specialties
In addition to the specialties mentioned, workers can learn or use existing skills in timber work, heavy vehicle transportation, child care specialties, landscaping, supply, acquisitions, bookkeeping, retail services, laundry services, security and many other jobs required to keep a small town operating efficiently.
All these skills directly apply to larger projects throughout the region and across the nation.
Create a sense of accomplishment
One basic need of mankind is purpose. Sitting in a sports venue or motel is not fulfilling and demoralizing to those subjected to this lifestyle. However, constructing permanent structures allows those who have lost everything to begin to heal. It creates a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
Years from now, these same folks can return to visit the cabins or other projects they personally built. It becomes a progressive constant in their lives and source of personal pride and accomplishment.
Reduce mental stress
As mentioned above, homelessness and lack of purpose is demoralizing and stressful. Idle hands don't lead to positive results. Folks with too much time and no missions are more inclined to use drugs and engage in criminal behavior.
Meanwhile, busy folks who are tired at day's end and filled with accomplishment can visit with their family and sleep to begin a new day of work and more accomplishment. The process (work, eat, sleep) becomes a life skill and becomes constant. When it's time to move back into the private sector, the transition is not as stressful either.
Reduce crime
Again, crime is a result of too much spare time with nothing to lose. Working folks with a reasonable income, housing, food and other needs don't have as much spare time and do have much to lose. Consequently, they are less inclined to engage in criminal activity.
Provide incentive to stay and succeed in the region
Southeast Texas is susceptible to hurricanes, tornados and other natural catastrophes. However, it isn't below sea level. Therefore, it's immediately safer than the New Orleans area.
In any community, its future depends upon growth. Southeast Texas actually needs more taxpaying residents to build homes and businesses as well as raise and educate families.
Growth must have some controls to ensure sustainability, longevity and public safety. However, a large influx of lawful residents equates to increased business activity and a larger tax base. These factors allow a city to advance without disruption.
If the city provides new residents with the tools and knowledge to succeed, those folks will become active in the city and help build an enviable community. It becomes a city of destination rather than a city of last resort.
Salvage displaced family structures
Following Hurricane Katrina, families were shattered and scattered across the country. Many people don't know if family members survived or where they could be located if they did survive.
When people are lost in the forest, they must stay in one location to allow searchers to find them. The same holds true for separated families. At least one member of the family must put down roots to allow other family members to locate them and eventually bring the family back together. Southeast Texas should be the safe haven for families to reunite and begin anew.
Create a sustainable need for construction workers and increase single-family residence starts
Although the initial phase of the Cabin Project is to provide immediate work, income and temporary housing, the portable skills acquired apply directly to commercial construction.
With these skills, a modest accumulation of wealth and a motivation to remain in the area, construction workers can build homes for themselves and others. As people settle into homes, they may begin other businesses and leave the construction industry. This allows others to fill those positions.
In either case, the housing sector could experience a boom until everyone who wishes to live here is adequately housed. This boom should last five to seven years.
Families to live with their beloved pets
During the storm, many pets helped sustain the lives of their owners and vice versa. Some of these stories are beginning to emerge and more are on the way. Nonetheless, pet owners are loyal to their buddies. Some New Orleans residents still refuse to leave the city because they refuse to place their pets in shelters.
Pets are allowed at parks. Folks with pets can work and keep their pets at the cabins. Heck, each cabin can be built with a miniature pet cabin for the fuzzy family members. Yes, pet owners must clean after their pets and keep the pet on a lead line. However, it's not a problem to accommodate everything from a Chihuahua to a pet camel at a national park.
Some of the initial communal facilities could include a temporary kennels for 1st-period workers, a stable for larger animals and a veterinary clinic to accommodate the medical needs of these pets as well as injured indigenous animals.
Provide future jobs for retirees
Many folks had worked hard their entire lives to acquire enough wealth for a comfortable retirement. Their lifetime of work and sacrifice was gone in a few hours. Now, they find themselves unable to work as hard as they once could. They also feel disenfranchised by their "evacuee" status and age.
As is currently the case at other park systems, evacuee retirees can easily manage the new cabin facilities. They'll be responsible for fee collection, rule compliance, general cleanliness and communal behavior.
Most retirees are granted respect for their status and wisdom. They can say, "Pick up your trash" to guests without much argument. This is precisely what's needed to keep communal areas safe and clean.
Promote regional eco-tourism
Southeast Texas is a world destination for many eco-tourists. It is the main migratory flight path for many birds and butterflies as well as rich in its own flora and fauna. As more folks visit, it's acclaim and notoriety will spread.
Once the cabins and communal facilities are complete and no longer needed by Hurricane Katrina evacuees, the following sections are knock-on benefits of the Cabin Project.
Temporary housing for future disasters
It would be folly to think no other natural disasters will happen along the Gulf Coast. The cabins and communal facilities could be used as safe havens and rally points during any future extended regional evacuations.
Future income for regional, state, national and other parks
The various park systems can maintain and rent the facilities to vacationers during the "good times." These rentals provide tourists with nice accommodations at a reasonable price.
Moreover, it provides the park systems with an income to maintain and possibly expand the property while providing vacation and educational resources.
Future income for regional businesses - particularly restaurants
The rentals provide the park systems and the local communities with income from rental fees, support services and additional tourism-based incomes. Parks within cities can apply hotel taxes or special district taxes to these rentals to water, support fire prevention, law enforcement, sanitation and other community services provided to these facilities.
The greatest beneficiaries of these new facilities will be local restaurants and even smaller motels. Many first-time or infrequent campers aren't well versed in cooking al fresco. Occasionally, even those who know how to make a seven-course meal on an open fire may still want to celebrate a special event at a fine restaurant while camping. This is an immediate boost to local restaurants - particularly "upscale," tourist-friendly restaurants.
Local motels might be alarmed at this project. Yes, it could reduce maximum occupancy at times, but with more people moving to the area, increased business and other factors. Occupancy rates will actually increase at area hotels, motels and residence inns. Bed and breakfast venues are likely to experience maximum occupancy more often than not.
In a best-case situation, tourists without reservations will need to stay at area hospitality venues because all the cabins are occupied.
Lodging for small, nature- or family-based trips of reunions
Across America, there are many nature-based organizations and religious establishments who hold retreats. These cabin communities would provide appropriate accommodations in a pleasant setting for these large groups.
Although the largest of these organizations already have their own retreat locations, smaller groups would happily use the facilities to expand their current groups.
Community recreation
Much talk so far has focused on the needs of the evacuees and tourism. Let's remember the local communities must support these activities. In addition to the increased business and possible future employment, the local communities must be provided additional benefits to host these facilities.
As mentioned, these facilities will eventually be used as educational and recreational facilities. To ensure local support for the worthy cause, park administrators should allow free local community access to educational and special events on the property. Most currently present these activities freely to the local community as their only "clients." This must be continued once the facility requires access controls (ie. a paid guard).
Since local residents must initially support and welcome the growth, they should be allowed to present a valid drivers license and be granted access to facility programs, activities and facilities (pools, fishing, hiking, etc.).
Local residents would still need to pay to stay in the cabins, but the other benefits are provided as a fair exchange.
Additional venues for small-scale and community performances
Most communities don't have enough affordable venues for small-scale performances or the arts in general. Amphitheaters, small recreational facilities with stages, modest art museums or so-called art spaces could be included in the park system construction plans to accommodate community-based arts programs.
Educational opportunities for regional students
As is currently available at larger park system facilities, education should be a large part of the total project. From the initial phase to the long-term phase, education should be a central theme to allowing the facilities to continue and add value back to taxpayers and visitors alike.
Initial phase education
Once some cabins have been completed, evacuees will occupy them. Although most will be too tired to attend, evening classes should be scheduled each day as well as non-exclusive worship sessions for ALL various religions.
The children's courses should provide education in events typically not considered "urban" to expand their view of the world and increase their life and eventual professional skills and appreciation.
Evening classes during the initial phase could evolve into something such as:
Monday: Social service programs for evacuees / basic real estate planning for first-time buyers and basic financial programs to accumulate wealth
Tuesday: Life skills (swimming, CPR, basic first aid)
Wednesday: Introduction to reading, writing and arithmetic / advanced computer-assisted business cources
Thursday: Business skills training
Friday: Evening services (Muslim), social dance or concert
Saturday: Day - Children's courses (equestrian, tennis, golf, canoe or sailing and other fine arts); Evening - services (Jewish, Pagan), social dance or concert
Sunday: Morning - service (Christian); Afternoon - community picnic and family play time (bounce houses, horseshoe tournaments, etc...)
Long-term education
Monday: Forest safety and survival
Tuesday: Life skills (swimming, CPR, basic first aid)
Wednesday: Introduction to plants
Thursday: Introduction to wildlife
Friday: Evening service (Muslim), social dance or concert
Saturday: Day - Children's courses (equestrian, tennis, golf, canoe or sailing and other fine arts); Evening - services (Jewish, Pagan), social dance or concert
Sunday: Morning - service (Christian); Afternoon - community picnic and family play time (bounce houses, horseshoe tournaments, etc...)
Obviously, these are examples. Courses should adapt as identified and needed.
Overflow housing for large-scale regional events and festivals
As the area grows, so will the size of festivals, tournaments and other large-scale events. The cabins will augment the hospitality venues and their ability to handle tourists, vacationers, business travelers and conventioneers.
Mental Health
Peace of mind is good. If folks know they have a purpose, an income, food and shelter and - most importantly - a future, they can begin to decompress from their recent trauma and adapt to their new future.
A human's basic needs must be met before normality can be realized. Once all the needs have been met (Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs or John Gray's
"tanks"), the victims of this tragedy can find peace.Matters of further consideration
The following matters will need further consideration as they pertain to this project and evacuees. I'll post some thoughts on them in the near future:
Public transportation
Work hours
Commute time
Pay rates and taxation
Tax incentives to businesses providing raw materials
Park system expansion for this purpose
Historical parallels as an educational study (small-gauge trains, etc)
In the meantime, some folks will start getting insurance settlements on their damaged property in Louisiana. With the Cabin Project in place, these folks can combine the insurance settlements with their other new skills to become active, meaningful members of the Southeast Texas community.
Again, if anyone knows someone who can help speed this project into realization, please send them a link to this post and let's begin healing and rebuilding.
Enough for now,
Monday, September 05, 2005
Make Beaumont the new New Orleans
Since I'll catch heat for this post, I'll reiterate the obvious: All my blogs are personal opinions and not - in any part - related to my employer, freelance clients or any entities other than myself.
I take full responsibility for the words expressed on this blog. If you have a problem with anything I write on this or my other blogs, take them up with me personally via e-mail. I'll be happy to incorporate helpful ideas.
I'm obviously back in Beaumont. I'm proud of the valiant work the Coast Guard and others have done to rescue some people trapped in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. For those who risked everything to save others, I salute you.
Meanwhile, I am disappointed by the inadequate response from the U.S. government and others to assist folks in desperate need. Currently, people continue to die daily for lack of attention. I won't go into detail about the failures I have seen. Instead, let's talk about the future.
Specifically, let's talk about Beaumont and its ability to finally become the city it's capable of becoming. In short, it can become a newer, safer New Orleans. However, its people and government must move beyond a small-town mentality. The city must plan and act like a metropolis to achieve its potential. This will require a master plan, engineering and a commitment of the entire city. Mostly, it requires some folks to step aside and let the city grow and flourish as it should.
Similarities
Beaumont and New Orleans share a similar cultural background. Both are considered Cajun country. Both are ports. Both have about the same weather, topography and wildlife. Both seem to have similar religious backgrounds and cultures. Both have nearby timber, fishing and oil industries. Most importantly for some, both celebrate Mardi Gras. Both are even located on Interstate Highway 10 and major river systems.
Demographic Statistics
Beaumont, Texas
Pop.: 385,090
Median age: 35.6
Male: 49.86%
Female: 50.14%
White: 68.20%
Black: 24.80%
Hispanic: 8.00%
Asian: 2.10%
Native American: 0.40%
New Orleans, La.
Pop.: 1,337,726
Median age: 34.8
Male: 47.84%
Female: 52.16%
White: 57.30%
Black: 37.50%
Hispanic: 4.40%
Asian: 2.10%
Native American: 0.40%
U.S. Department of Labor location quotient calculator
Percentage of Employment calculated from Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Data
Jefferson County, Texas; Orleans Parish, Louisiana: Industry
0.38% ; 2.21% : Natural Resources and Mining
10.15% ; 3.22% : Construction
14.10% ; 3.95% : Manufacturing
24.30% ; 18.86% : Trade, Transportation, and Utilities
2.49% ; 2.58% : Information
4.49% ; 7.19% : Financial Activities
11.67% ; 17.51% : Professional and Business Services
18.31% ; 18.19% : Education and Health Services
10.53% ; 22.22% : Leisure and Hospitality
3.52% ; 3.87% : Other Services
0.06% ; 0.20% : Unclassified
Percentage of Employment: Ratio of industry employment to base-industry employment times 100.
Important statistics include Beaumont's higher construction and manufacturing capacity ratios as well as higher trade, transportation and utilities ratios. All of these particular fields would be important to a rapidly growing area.
Growth potential
Beaumont already has the natural resources and potential to be a world-class city. Some "leaders" have chosen to consolidate power and restrict growth. I don't know the history behind these decisions, but it's backwards and counterproductive in the wake of the devastation in Southeast Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
Unlike Houston, Beaumont hasn't overgrown it's capacity. There is plenty of land for growth and agriculture, water for an expanded population and access to the ocean for large-scale import/export business.
Starting points
I'm not a city planner, but I've covered enough master-planned cities to understand their basic function and how the successful ones differentiate from the failures.
Make a master plan
Although a master plan is considered socialism in nearby parts of Texas, they are very successful in North Texas. I think a solid master plan for Beaumont and the Golden Triangle would work fine.
Basically, Beaumont and surrounding cities would need to designate portions of land for specific use. The major sections in a successful master plan include civic, housing (single family and multi-family), retail, commercial, industrial, recreational, entertainment, arts and special international districts. Within each area, adequate police and firefighting resources must be planned.
This consolidates educational and/or religious resources in housing areas without the need to build schools and churches in potentially-dangerous industrial areas. Since these two particular institutions tend to be rally points in times of emergency, it's best to keep them away from industrial plants as is currently the situation in many cities outside Beaumont.
It's fine to grandfather the plan to include current residential property within retail or commercial areas as well as current commercial properties within existing housing areas. However, new construction must fall into designated areas to best utilize the land for a rapidly growing population. The plan must see into the future and expect an exponential growth to accommodate the influx of people and business.
Zoning
The first step in a master-planned community is zoning. Areas must be designated by use. This places the ideal resources where they belong without disturbing other resources. A simple mapping process would handle most of this and could be completed relatively easily (ignoring the inevitable politics).
Along with zoning, short-term tax incentives or abatements might be considered. However, if a business is using the area's natural resources (oil, gas, fish, lumber), these incentives wouldn't be considered because the business can't move these resources to another area. Let them pay proper taxes to use the area's natural resources. They will pay properly.
International tax-free zones make most city governments nervous. These areas allow businesses to operate without heavy tax burdens. Although it seems like a losing proposition, the support businesses are not tax-exempt. These companies pay proper taxes and help support the cities as well as their clients.
Again, the larger the international zone grows, the more support services it will require. It pays for itself in the long run, but it's hard for some to see.
An additional consideration would be to coax companies particularly known for community involvement into this zone. Although they don't pay taxes directly, they may voluntarily support area education, public transportation or other resources of use to the entire region.
Code enforcement
As the zones are established. Code enforcement officials must get to work. From what I've seen, additional resources should probably be designated for this purpose alone. The code enforcement officials must identify properties which do not adhere to standard safety or acceptable appearances and persuade the violators to get into compliance or sell their property to someone who would.
There are many buildings and properties around town which should be leveled or, at the very least, cleaned and maintained.
If code enforcement officials had the authority to issue citations with the potential of city-ordered corrections or eventual seizure, these properties would rapidly comply. The citation gives the offender a reasonable amount of time to comply. If they don't, the city can choose to remedy the problem and bill the company (such as cutting grass and trimming trees) or begin severe fining of the property owner until they comply or sell to someone who will comply.
If a property is abandoned (as many gas stations appear to have been), the property should be designated as such and seized by the city. It could be cleaned by the city and resold according to the new master plan to cover expenses or converted to another city-sanctioned use (such as a fire station or public park).
As a side note, if there was a reclamation incentive program to allow companies to clear land in exchange for whatever they can salvage, I think this process would progress more rapidly.
Secure land
The city must secure as much land as possible and install basic infrastructure for future use. This requires annexation of land and more political problems, but it's for a good cause and would eventually help everyone.
There are large areas along IH-10 to the Southwest and Highways 90 and 105 to the West as well as areas east of Beaumont which could be annexed and incorporated into a larger metropolitan Beaumont area.
These areas need water, sewage, electricity, fire and police infrastructure construction. This construction would employ many people and lay the groundwork for future growth.
Major street construction could be designated to construction companies as a stipulation of zone requests. These should be arranged in logical compass directions with variations within the major grids for home aesthetics and safety (cul de sacs are more safe and secure than grid-based residential streets). Additionally, adequate alleyways must accompany all construction for sanitation and emergency purposes.
Again, codes must be made and strictly enforced.
Education
The truest measure of a city's potential is its educational system. If the educational system is a failure the city will fail along with it. If the educational institution is successful, the city will thrive.
Where there is a well-educated and entrepreneurial workforce, there is business innovation. Where education is stagnant and has failed its students, there is often poverty and criminal behavior. Although this increases the need for police personnel, it's a self-destructive policy.
Therefore, not only the school district, but businesses and individuals must share the burden of education. Businesses must invest in the school district to cultivate educated workers. Individuals, particularly well-educated retirees and business professionals, must be invited to mentor students.
This cooperation places expectations upon the future generation beyond simply passing tests. It instills the future generation with a purpose to their education. They are taught that there is a rainbow after a storm and others expect them to walk down the long road to it's completion.
Students can't give up and drop out if they have strong role models and proper resources. Instead, they learn how to think critically and can expect a reward for their hard work. Students, communities and businesses all benefit from this symbiotic relationship.
Each school should be sponsored by a different business. Investing in educational resources is a tax write-off for the businesses and ensures the future growth for the businesses.
A partnership between the school districts and the chambers of commerce could easily be arranged and would be mutually beneficial. Schools could be paired with industries by size. This would not only advance education but allow some brand loyalty to the businesses.
Likewise, high-quality instructors and administrators should be courted to the area. Top-notch education draws a cohesive population. A failed educational system creates educational flight. Folks will settle in a community for it's fine education even when other resources are scarce. In the Golden Triangle, if education was a priority, it would ensure a solid tax base and guaranty growth.
Furthermore, adult literacy must get more attention. Although most of the adult literacy problems are not actually the fault of Texas educators, it's still a problem in Southeast Texas. If the city and businesses stood behind literacy programs, the workforce would become more stable and dependable.
Literacy and mathematics make a community viable. Make these resources available and if businesses would make them worthy of incentives, it could only help everyone.
Expand the airport
Although capacity could be added to existing highways, rail and shipping routes, the single largest cavity in Southeast Texas is a major international airport. The current regional airport is inadequate and underutilized.
A functional airport would be capable of converting sea, land and rail cargo into air cargo as well as getting business, tourism and pleasure travelers to their destinations rapidly.
New, light cargo airplanes are about to begin production in Jasper. This will help the area significantly. However, large-capacity air transportation to other major cities across America is required for the area to succeed. The current model is a failure as evinced by the lack of cooperation from major air carriers and the lack of forethought on the part of planners.
Of course, the expansion of the airport would also require adequate mass transit beyond the confines of a single city. Transit to and from the airport must be seamless to visitor and convention areas as well as major hubs of commerce.
Mass transportation
As mentioned above, mass transportation is basically non-existent in Southeast Texas. I tried to find a map of the city's bus routes and found no maps on the Web site. It only had a schedule. Visitors would rightly not wish to use the bus system because they don't know which streets are located near where they wish to go.
So, I tried to leave a comment for the Web site administrator. I was sent to a dead link. Consequently, it's a further failure.
Incorporate a regional area mass transit plan - which specifically includes the airport. Since all the old images of Beaumont include streetcars, bring them back. Folks are far more likely to use street cars than busses. A light rail system would work best from city to city to airport, but the street cars could handle the current inner-city bus routes.
Plan for catastrophes
Hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, wildfires and chemical spills are possible. Expect them and have plans to rapidly evacuate the population from danger. Have enough sterile food, water, medicine, generators and fuel to handle rescue and relief efforts after problems arise. Know where everyone will go and how to reunite displaced families - under any circumstance.
Katrina showed how inadequate preparation and response costs lives. Expect to use every bus, airplane and train in the region to remove the most defenseless from the area before disaster strikes.
Ensure basic needs are met during an emergency. Invest in proper equipment to rapidly clear roads of significant debris and fallen trees. Time is critical, a small investment is worth every cent when lives depend on the outcome.
Bury the wires
Let's set aside the aesthetics for a moment (although for photographers it's reason enough to bury wires). The real problem in hurricane-prone areas is downed power and telephone lines. These create inconvenience for the customers as well as potentially deadly situations following heavy winds and rain.
Additionally, much of the damage I've seen after Katrina involved telephone or power line poles falling over or being snapped. Had these lines been insulated and buried instead, restoring power (assuming it went out at all) could have been far more rapid and safe in above-flooded areas.
Again, to remove the wires from poles and bury them would create additional jobs. It would require additional forethought before digging, but a well-marked line shouldn't be too difficult to locate and avoid.
Major transmission lines would still need to be on towers, but I only saw one of these lines on the highway and the towers were all still standing after Katrina blew everything else away.
Allow gambling on the Sabine River across from Orange, Texas
Like it or not, people have different moral values. Feel free to have strict moral values, but don't impose your values on others - particularly when those values harm no others.
Yes, gambling and alcohol can become dangerous to other people if taken to extremes, but so could shopping. So, it's a moot point. Those people will spend the money somewhere. If it could be spent locally to increase the tax base to support a growing commmunity, do it.
Although it would be best if folks could gamble in Texas, I understand there are some who are vehemently against it and would rather loose the revenue to another state. Fine.
Plans are moving forward slowly for a casino to be built on the Louisiana side of the Sabine River across from Orange, Texas. The property has already been purchased and I believe the casino plans are ready. Speed it up. Build the best darn casino in the South there and get some tourists heading through Beaumont and Southwest Louisiana.
The construction would create jobs. Once the casino was complete, it would create jobs for displaced New Orleans entertainment district folks as well as hospitality, food services and transportation workers. In all cases, it'll increase local revenue for Louisiana and nearby Orange Texas.
Build more, but cleaner, oil refineries in the area
New Orleans was a bad choice for oil refineries. When the levee broke, it mixed toxic chemicals into the sewage and other waste swirling through the residential "soup bowl." I expect class-action lawsuits in years to come (attention Beaumont lawyers).
However, Southeast Texas could master plan an industrial area for refineries to safely operate away from residential areas. Yes, we may get a hurricane or flood in the area, but it wouldn't have nearly the same catastrophic effect.
This would create construction jobs, refinery jobs and increase capacity to reduce fuel costs across America. It's a good investment anyway it's considered.
Traffic engineering
Traffic light engineering in Beaumont is shameful. Other than automatic right-of-way for emergency vehicles, there is no reason for any car traveling at the posted speed to need to stop for any traffic lights. It's relatively easy calculus. Put the distances between lights and the posted speed limit in a computer. It should give all the right time calculations for traffic signals. Cars move from one light to the next safely without stopping.
At a certain point at night, the signals should convert to plate operations. It's simply silly to be caught at every red light along a major street or to sit at a light for an extended time without cross traffic because the lights aren't engineered better.
Plan a real skyline
The current skyline isn't one. Coax large enough businesses into the area and make buildings worthy of respect. Yes, I'm aware of the hurricane potential here, but so are the cities of Miami, Houston, Galveston and even New Orleans.
Expand Riverfront Park
Folks are drawn to water. It calms them and lets them escape the madness of modernity. Riverfront Park is nice when it's used. However, it could easily expand northward. Furthermore, the park could offer more to visitors when events are not scheduled.
More importantly, both sides of the river could welcome some restaurants and possibly a water taxi or gondolier service. A little romance on the Neches wouldn't hurt.
Promote the arts
Beaumont may have the most museums per capita in the state of Texas, but it isn't known for its ballet. The arts are a total package. From entertainment to high art, the entire art world must be included. The arts must be funded and nurtured. Primarily, they must have public celebrations and outlets.
Admittedly, I haven't been here long. However, I've noticed excellent venues go unused more often than not. The weather in Southeast Texas seems mild enough to support the arts year-round.
If the venues are not booked, it could support pick-up acts to build a growing base of attendees. I've seen some excellent local groups perform in less-than-ideal "venues." If they could perform in the limelight, they could gain the confidence and notoriety to move beyond this area as others have done successfully. However, it wouldn't be as difficult.
Open the stage each unbooked Friday to local bands. Charge $2 each for patrons and let the bands play. Their fans get to see them and the bands get to practice in front of a live audience. It also keeps those same younger folks entertained rather than looking for less benign entertainment.
What would be wrong with Ballet Fest at the Ford Pavillion? Why couldn't there be Shakespeare in the park all summer at Riverfront Park? Is there not a black box in town that could offer local, experimental one-act play competitions each year?
Get green
I'm amazed that people publicly litter. I'm equally amazed at how infrequently some roadways are cleaned. Many schools require a certain amount of community service time in other cities.
Likewise, minor offenders are often required to perform community service by cleaning roadways and such. If litterbugs are caught and have a choice between a clean up detail or some time in the pokey, they will gladly pick up trash and are far less likely to Mess with Texas again. Hopefully, they'll convince their friends not to do so either.
Although Southeast Texas is blessed with ample resources, it's still good to reuse and recycle. It's not difficult to start a recycling program for residences, educational institutions and businesses. The programs pay for themselves over time.
Promote eco-tourism with cabins
Southeast Texas has flora and fauna unlike most other places on Earth. It has multiple examples of different vegetation and wildlife. However, those most interested must own tents, trailers or simply stay in hotels.
Instead, build cabins for eco-tourists near the sites they wish to visit. Let them save some fuel and have a rural experience. The additional benefit would be for other event overflow. When the national softball tournament comes to town, an extra team could stay in cabins instead of hotel rooms and this would allow the tournament to be larger than it is under the current limitation guidelines.
Again, construction and maintenance would create additional jobs and additional support services. I don't know the rules at Sea Rim Park, the Big Thicket, High Island or even Tyrrell or West parks, but I'm certain it wouldn't be difficult to build a self-supporting cluster of cabins for eco tourists. Sure, lock the gate at 10 p.m., but let the folks roast marshmallows and build fond memories of their time in Southeast Texas.
During the next Hurricane to the east or west, they'll know where to go for shelter, safety and maybe even some jazz. :-)
Please see the expanded plan for the Cabin Project.
Edge your lawns
This is something every homeowner could do to make the area better. It seems like a minor chore to make the city better, but I can assure everyone an edged lawn is the distinction of success.
Many successful cities employ one person to drive around town and do nothing other than edge city medians and sidewalks with a dish pulled behind a tractor. It honestly makes the entire city more attractive when lawns end at the curbs and sidewalks rather than spilling into the street.
Folks who edge their lawns care about their neighborhood. They'll also pick up some blowing trash. Or, they will hire someone who cares enough to do both. Either way, it makes the city a better place to live.
Dream big
To make a newer, safer New Orleans in Texas, people of vision must dream big (and fast). Beaumont has it's own unique history. This can be incorporated into a larger vision, but don't let it tether growth.
Imagine the greatest city between New York and Los Angeles and it could easily become Beaumont.
Enough for now,
I take full responsibility for the words expressed on this blog. If you have a problem with anything I write on this or my other blogs, take them up with me personally via e-mail. I'll be happy to incorporate helpful ideas.
I'm obviously back in Beaumont. I'm proud of the valiant work the Coast Guard and others have done to rescue some people trapped in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. For those who risked everything to save others, I salute you.
Meanwhile, I am disappointed by the inadequate response from the U.S. government and others to assist folks in desperate need. Currently, people continue to die daily for lack of attention. I won't go into detail about the failures I have seen. Instead, let's talk about the future.
Specifically, let's talk about Beaumont and its ability to finally become the city it's capable of becoming. In short, it can become a newer, safer New Orleans. However, its people and government must move beyond a small-town mentality. The city must plan and act like a metropolis to achieve its potential. This will require a master plan, engineering and a commitment of the entire city. Mostly, it requires some folks to step aside and let the city grow and flourish as it should.
Similarities
Beaumont and New Orleans share a similar cultural background. Both are considered Cajun country. Both are ports. Both have about the same weather, topography and wildlife. Both seem to have similar religious backgrounds and cultures. Both have nearby timber, fishing and oil industries. Most importantly for some, both celebrate Mardi Gras. Both are even located on Interstate Highway 10 and major river systems.
Demographic Statistics
Beaumont, Texas
Pop.: 385,090
Median age: 35.6
Male: 49.86%
Female: 50.14%
White: 68.20%
Black: 24.80%
Hispanic: 8.00%
Asian: 2.10%
Native American: 0.40%
New Orleans, La.
Pop.: 1,337,726
Median age: 34.8
Male: 47.84%
Female: 52.16%
White: 57.30%
Black: 37.50%
Hispanic: 4.40%
Asian: 2.10%
Native American: 0.40%
U.S. Department of Labor location quotient calculator
Percentage of Employment calculated from Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages Data
Jefferson County, Texas; Orleans Parish, Louisiana: Industry
0.38% ; 2.21% : Natural Resources and Mining
10.15% ; 3.22% : Construction
14.10% ; 3.95% : Manufacturing
24.30% ; 18.86% : Trade, Transportation, and Utilities
2.49% ; 2.58% : Information
4.49% ; 7.19% : Financial Activities
11.67% ; 17.51% : Professional and Business Services
18.31% ; 18.19% : Education and Health Services
10.53% ; 22.22% : Leisure and Hospitality
3.52% ; 3.87% : Other Services
0.06% ; 0.20% : Unclassified
Percentage of Employment: Ratio of industry employment to base-industry employment times 100.
Important statistics include Beaumont's higher construction and manufacturing capacity ratios as well as higher trade, transportation and utilities ratios. All of these particular fields would be important to a rapidly growing area.
Growth potential
Beaumont already has the natural resources and potential to be a world-class city. Some "leaders" have chosen to consolidate power and restrict growth. I don't know the history behind these decisions, but it's backwards and counterproductive in the wake of the devastation in Southeast Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
Unlike Houston, Beaumont hasn't overgrown it's capacity. There is plenty of land for growth and agriculture, water for an expanded population and access to the ocean for large-scale import/export business.
Starting points
I'm not a city planner, but I've covered enough master-planned cities to understand their basic function and how the successful ones differentiate from the failures.
Make a master plan
Although a master plan is considered socialism in nearby parts of Texas, they are very successful in North Texas. I think a solid master plan for Beaumont and the Golden Triangle would work fine.
Basically, Beaumont and surrounding cities would need to designate portions of land for specific use. The major sections in a successful master plan include civic, housing (single family and multi-family), retail, commercial, industrial, recreational, entertainment, arts and special international districts. Within each area, adequate police and firefighting resources must be planned.
This consolidates educational and/or religious resources in housing areas without the need to build schools and churches in potentially-dangerous industrial areas. Since these two particular institutions tend to be rally points in times of emergency, it's best to keep them away from industrial plants as is currently the situation in many cities outside Beaumont.
It's fine to grandfather the plan to include current residential property within retail or commercial areas as well as current commercial properties within existing housing areas. However, new construction must fall into designated areas to best utilize the land for a rapidly growing population. The plan must see into the future and expect an exponential growth to accommodate the influx of people and business.
Zoning
The first step in a master-planned community is zoning. Areas must be designated by use. This places the ideal resources where they belong without disturbing other resources. A simple mapping process would handle most of this and could be completed relatively easily (ignoring the inevitable politics).
Along with zoning, short-term tax incentives or abatements might be considered. However, if a business is using the area's natural resources (oil, gas, fish, lumber), these incentives wouldn't be considered because the business can't move these resources to another area. Let them pay proper taxes to use the area's natural resources. They will pay properly.
International tax-free zones make most city governments nervous. These areas allow businesses to operate without heavy tax burdens. Although it seems like a losing proposition, the support businesses are not tax-exempt. These companies pay proper taxes and help support the cities as well as their clients.
Again, the larger the international zone grows, the more support services it will require. It pays for itself in the long run, but it's hard for some to see.
An additional consideration would be to coax companies particularly known for community involvement into this zone. Although they don't pay taxes directly, they may voluntarily support area education, public transportation or other resources of use to the entire region.
Code enforcement
As the zones are established. Code enforcement officials must get to work. From what I've seen, additional resources should probably be designated for this purpose alone. The code enforcement officials must identify properties which do not adhere to standard safety or acceptable appearances and persuade the violators to get into compliance or sell their property to someone who would.
There are many buildings and properties around town which should be leveled or, at the very least, cleaned and maintained.
If code enforcement officials had the authority to issue citations with the potential of city-ordered corrections or eventual seizure, these properties would rapidly comply. The citation gives the offender a reasonable amount of time to comply. If they don't, the city can choose to remedy the problem and bill the company (such as cutting grass and trimming trees) or begin severe fining of the property owner until they comply or sell to someone who will comply.
If a property is abandoned (as many gas stations appear to have been), the property should be designated as such and seized by the city. It could be cleaned by the city and resold according to the new master plan to cover expenses or converted to another city-sanctioned use (such as a fire station or public park).
As a side note, if there was a reclamation incentive program to allow companies to clear land in exchange for whatever they can salvage, I think this process would progress more rapidly.
Secure land
The city must secure as much land as possible and install basic infrastructure for future use. This requires annexation of land and more political problems, but it's for a good cause and would eventually help everyone.
There are large areas along IH-10 to the Southwest and Highways 90 and 105 to the West as well as areas east of Beaumont which could be annexed and incorporated into a larger metropolitan Beaumont area.
These areas need water, sewage, electricity, fire and police infrastructure construction. This construction would employ many people and lay the groundwork for future growth.
Major street construction could be designated to construction companies as a stipulation of zone requests. These should be arranged in logical compass directions with variations within the major grids for home aesthetics and safety (cul de sacs are more safe and secure than grid-based residential streets). Additionally, adequate alleyways must accompany all construction for sanitation and emergency purposes.
Again, codes must be made and strictly enforced.
Education
The truest measure of a city's potential is its educational system. If the educational system is a failure the city will fail along with it. If the educational institution is successful, the city will thrive.
Where there is a well-educated and entrepreneurial workforce, there is business innovation. Where education is stagnant and has failed its students, there is often poverty and criminal behavior. Although this increases the need for police personnel, it's a self-destructive policy.
Therefore, not only the school district, but businesses and individuals must share the burden of education. Businesses must invest in the school district to cultivate educated workers. Individuals, particularly well-educated retirees and business professionals, must be invited to mentor students.
This cooperation places expectations upon the future generation beyond simply passing tests. It instills the future generation with a purpose to their education. They are taught that there is a rainbow after a storm and others expect them to walk down the long road to it's completion.
Students can't give up and drop out if they have strong role models and proper resources. Instead, they learn how to think critically and can expect a reward for their hard work. Students, communities and businesses all benefit from this symbiotic relationship.
Each school should be sponsored by a different business. Investing in educational resources is a tax write-off for the businesses and ensures the future growth for the businesses.
A partnership between the school districts and the chambers of commerce could easily be arranged and would be mutually beneficial. Schools could be paired with industries by size. This would not only advance education but allow some brand loyalty to the businesses.
Likewise, high-quality instructors and administrators should be courted to the area. Top-notch education draws a cohesive population. A failed educational system creates educational flight. Folks will settle in a community for it's fine education even when other resources are scarce. In the Golden Triangle, if education was a priority, it would ensure a solid tax base and guaranty growth.
Furthermore, adult literacy must get more attention. Although most of the adult literacy problems are not actually the fault of Texas educators, it's still a problem in Southeast Texas. If the city and businesses stood behind literacy programs, the workforce would become more stable and dependable.
Literacy and mathematics make a community viable. Make these resources available and if businesses would make them worthy of incentives, it could only help everyone.
Expand the airport
Although capacity could be added to existing highways, rail and shipping routes, the single largest cavity in Southeast Texas is a major international airport. The current regional airport is inadequate and underutilized.
A functional airport would be capable of converting sea, land and rail cargo into air cargo as well as getting business, tourism and pleasure travelers to their destinations rapidly.
New, light cargo airplanes are about to begin production in Jasper. This will help the area significantly. However, large-capacity air transportation to other major cities across America is required for the area to succeed. The current model is a failure as evinced by the lack of cooperation from major air carriers and the lack of forethought on the part of planners.
Of course, the expansion of the airport would also require adequate mass transit beyond the confines of a single city. Transit to and from the airport must be seamless to visitor and convention areas as well as major hubs of commerce.
Mass transportation
As mentioned above, mass transportation is basically non-existent in Southeast Texas. I tried to find a map of the city's bus routes and found no maps on the Web site. It only had a schedule. Visitors would rightly not wish to use the bus system because they don't know which streets are located near where they wish to go.
So, I tried to leave a comment for the Web site administrator. I was sent to a dead link. Consequently, it's a further failure.
Incorporate a regional area mass transit plan - which specifically includes the airport. Since all the old images of Beaumont include streetcars, bring them back. Folks are far more likely to use street cars than busses. A light rail system would work best from city to city to airport, but the street cars could handle the current inner-city bus routes.
Plan for catastrophes
Hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes, wildfires and chemical spills are possible. Expect them and have plans to rapidly evacuate the population from danger. Have enough sterile food, water, medicine, generators and fuel to handle rescue and relief efforts after problems arise. Know where everyone will go and how to reunite displaced families - under any circumstance.
Katrina showed how inadequate preparation and response costs lives. Expect to use every bus, airplane and train in the region to remove the most defenseless from the area before disaster strikes.
Ensure basic needs are met during an emergency. Invest in proper equipment to rapidly clear roads of significant debris and fallen trees. Time is critical, a small investment is worth every cent when lives depend on the outcome.
Bury the wires
Let's set aside the aesthetics for a moment (although for photographers it's reason enough to bury wires). The real problem in hurricane-prone areas is downed power and telephone lines. These create inconvenience for the customers as well as potentially deadly situations following heavy winds and rain.
Additionally, much of the damage I've seen after Katrina involved telephone or power line poles falling over or being snapped. Had these lines been insulated and buried instead, restoring power (assuming it went out at all) could have been far more rapid and safe in above-flooded areas.
Again, to remove the wires from poles and bury them would create additional jobs. It would require additional forethought before digging, but a well-marked line shouldn't be too difficult to locate and avoid.
Major transmission lines would still need to be on towers, but I only saw one of these lines on the highway and the towers were all still standing after Katrina blew everything else away.
Allow gambling on the Sabine River across from Orange, Texas
Like it or not, people have different moral values. Feel free to have strict moral values, but don't impose your values on others - particularly when those values harm no others.
Yes, gambling and alcohol can become dangerous to other people if taken to extremes, but so could shopping. So, it's a moot point. Those people will spend the money somewhere. If it could be spent locally to increase the tax base to support a growing commmunity, do it.
Although it would be best if folks could gamble in Texas, I understand there are some who are vehemently against it and would rather loose the revenue to another state. Fine.
Plans are moving forward slowly for a casino to be built on the Louisiana side of the Sabine River across from Orange, Texas. The property has already been purchased and I believe the casino plans are ready. Speed it up. Build the best darn casino in the South there and get some tourists heading through Beaumont and Southwest Louisiana.
The construction would create jobs. Once the casino was complete, it would create jobs for displaced New Orleans entertainment district folks as well as hospitality, food services and transportation workers. In all cases, it'll increase local revenue for Louisiana and nearby Orange Texas.
Build more, but cleaner, oil refineries in the area
New Orleans was a bad choice for oil refineries. When the levee broke, it mixed toxic chemicals into the sewage and other waste swirling through the residential "soup bowl." I expect class-action lawsuits in years to come (attention Beaumont lawyers).
However, Southeast Texas could master plan an industrial area for refineries to safely operate away from residential areas. Yes, we may get a hurricane or flood in the area, but it wouldn't have nearly the same catastrophic effect.
This would create construction jobs, refinery jobs and increase capacity to reduce fuel costs across America. It's a good investment anyway it's considered.
Traffic engineering
Traffic light engineering in Beaumont is shameful. Other than automatic right-of-way for emergency vehicles, there is no reason for any car traveling at the posted speed to need to stop for any traffic lights. It's relatively easy calculus. Put the distances between lights and the posted speed limit in a computer. It should give all the right time calculations for traffic signals. Cars move from one light to the next safely without stopping.
At a certain point at night, the signals should convert to plate operations. It's simply silly to be caught at every red light along a major street or to sit at a light for an extended time without cross traffic because the lights aren't engineered better.
Plan a real skyline
The current skyline isn't one. Coax large enough businesses into the area and make buildings worthy of respect. Yes, I'm aware of the hurricane potential here, but so are the cities of Miami, Houston, Galveston and even New Orleans.
Expand Riverfront Park
Folks are drawn to water. It calms them and lets them escape the madness of modernity. Riverfront Park is nice when it's used. However, it could easily expand northward. Furthermore, the park could offer more to visitors when events are not scheduled.
More importantly, both sides of the river could welcome some restaurants and possibly a water taxi or gondolier service. A little romance on the Neches wouldn't hurt.
Promote the arts
Beaumont may have the most museums per capita in the state of Texas, but it isn't known for its ballet. The arts are a total package. From entertainment to high art, the entire art world must be included. The arts must be funded and nurtured. Primarily, they must have public celebrations and outlets.
Admittedly, I haven't been here long. However, I've noticed excellent venues go unused more often than not. The weather in Southeast Texas seems mild enough to support the arts year-round.
If the venues are not booked, it could support pick-up acts to build a growing base of attendees. I've seen some excellent local groups perform in less-than-ideal "venues." If they could perform in the limelight, they could gain the confidence and notoriety to move beyond this area as others have done successfully. However, it wouldn't be as difficult.
Open the stage each unbooked Friday to local bands. Charge $2 each for patrons and let the bands play. Their fans get to see them and the bands get to practice in front of a live audience. It also keeps those same younger folks entertained rather than looking for less benign entertainment.
What would be wrong with Ballet Fest at the Ford Pavillion? Why couldn't there be Shakespeare in the park all summer at Riverfront Park? Is there not a black box in town that could offer local, experimental one-act play competitions each year?
Get green
I'm amazed that people publicly litter. I'm equally amazed at how infrequently some roadways are cleaned. Many schools require a certain amount of community service time in other cities.
Likewise, minor offenders are often required to perform community service by cleaning roadways and such. If litterbugs are caught and have a choice between a clean up detail or some time in the pokey, they will gladly pick up trash and are far less likely to Mess with Texas again. Hopefully, they'll convince their friends not to do so either.
Although Southeast Texas is blessed with ample resources, it's still good to reuse and recycle. It's not difficult to start a recycling program for residences, educational institutions and businesses. The programs pay for themselves over time.
Promote eco-tourism with cabins
Southeast Texas has flora and fauna unlike most other places on Earth. It has multiple examples of different vegetation and wildlife. However, those most interested must own tents, trailers or simply stay in hotels.
Instead, build cabins for eco-tourists near the sites they wish to visit. Let them save some fuel and have a rural experience. The additional benefit would be for other event overflow. When the national softball tournament comes to town, an extra team could stay in cabins instead of hotel rooms and this would allow the tournament to be larger than it is under the current limitation guidelines.
Again, construction and maintenance would create additional jobs and additional support services. I don't know the rules at Sea Rim Park, the Big Thicket, High Island or even Tyrrell or West parks, but I'm certain it wouldn't be difficult to build a self-supporting cluster of cabins for eco tourists. Sure, lock the gate at 10 p.m., but let the folks roast marshmallows and build fond memories of their time in Southeast Texas.
During the next Hurricane to the east or west, they'll know where to go for shelter, safety and maybe even some jazz. :-)
Please see the expanded plan for the Cabin Project.
Edge your lawns
This is something every homeowner could do to make the area better. It seems like a minor chore to make the city better, but I can assure everyone an edged lawn is the distinction of success.
Many successful cities employ one person to drive around town and do nothing other than edge city medians and sidewalks with a dish pulled behind a tractor. It honestly makes the entire city more attractive when lawns end at the curbs and sidewalks rather than spilling into the street.
Folks who edge their lawns care about their neighborhood. They'll also pick up some blowing trash. Or, they will hire someone who cares enough to do both. Either way, it makes the city a better place to live.
Dream big
To make a newer, safer New Orleans in Texas, people of vision must dream big (and fast). Beaumont has it's own unique history. This can be incorporated into a larger vision, but don't let it tether growth.
Imagine the greatest city between New York and Los Angeles and it could easily become Beaumont.
Enough for now,
Friday, September 02, 2005
Thursday, September 01, 2005
September 2005 Events
September
, , , , 1 , 2 , 3
4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10
11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17
18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24
25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30
September 01, 2005
Back to top
Thursday
September 01, 2005
Sep. 1 - Oct. 30 and Dec. 26 - Jan. 4
Dove: Central Zone, regular season
Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Phone: 800 792-1112
(Web mail)
Web: www.tpwd.state.tx.us
September 01, 2005
Sep. 1 - Oct. 30
Dove: North Zone, regular season
Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Phone: 800 792-1112
(Web mail)
Web: www.tpwd.state.tx.us
September 01, 2005
Sep. 1 - Aug. 31
Javelina hunting season, (Approximately 50 counties)
Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Phone: 800 792-1112
(Web mail)
Web: www.tpwd.state.tx.us
September 01, 2005
Sep. 1 - Aug. 31
Squirrel hunting season, other open counties (see County Listings)
Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Phone: 800 792-1112
(Web mail)
Web: www.tpwd.state.tx.us
September 01, 2005
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Senior Celebration & Consumer Expo
Contact: Civic Center
Beaumont Civic Center, 701 Main Street, Beaumont TX 77701
Phone: 409 835-5951 x 117, 409 838-3435 or 800 782-3081 ext. 1
E-mail: mlee@ci.beaumont.tx.us
The Better Business Bureau presents.
September 01, 2005
8 p.m.
Dwight Yoakam concert
Event Center at L'Auberge du Lac Hotel & Casino; 2800 Nelson Road; Lake Charles; La. Tickets $50 and $30.
Phone: 866 580-7444
E-mail: (Web mail)
Web: www.ldlcasino.com
Admission: $55 for floor seating and $30 for stadium seating.
September 01, 2005
Rose of Tralee Festival
Ireland observes.
Annual. Same date each year.
September 02, 2005
Back to top
Friday
September 02, 2005
7 to 9 p.m.
Lamar Faculty Exhibition opening reception
Contact: Lamar University Department of Art
Dishman Art Museum; Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway at Lavaca Street; Lamar University; Beaumont TX
Phone: 409 880-8141
E-mail:
Web: www.lamar.edu
Admission: Admission free.
The exhibition features work by 11 members of Lamar University's art faculty.
The exhibition features Linnis Blanton and Greg Busceme (ceramics); Keith Carter; photography; Kurt Dyrhaug; sculpture and drawings; Steve Hodges; Jamie Paul Kessler and Rose Matthis; painting; Meredith Jack; sculpture; Ann Matlock; fiber; Donna Meeks; mi
Annual.
September 02, 2005
9 p.m.
Dwight Yoakam concert
Event Center at L'Auberge du Lac Hotel & Casino; 2800 Nelson Road; Lake Charles; La. Tickets $50 and $30.
Phone: 866 580-7444
E-mail: (Web mail)
Web: www.ldlcasino.com
Admission: $55 for floor seating and $30 for stadium seating.
September 02, 2005
Sept. 2 - Sept. 29
Celtic Tree Month of Vine begins
Learn more
Annual. Same dates each year based on the druidic lunar calendar.
September 03, 2005
Back to top
Saturday
September 03, 2005
Sep. 3 - 4
"Live Barn Burner Sale"
Contact: Adriene Tanamachi, Ford Park marketing manager
Ag barns, Ford Park, 5115 IH-10 South, Beaumont TX 77705
Phone: 409 833-7747
E-mail: atanamachi@fordparktx.com
Web: www.SoutheastTexas.com
Admission: Online registration required to sell.
It's a garage sale; a swap meet; and a flea market all-in-one. You can expect to find garage sale items; arts & crafts; household items; cars; boats; RVs; ATVs; lawn equipment and much more.
Nearly everything found in SoutheastTexas.com classifieds is available to buy; sell or trade during this two-day community-wide sale.
First-ever event happens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sat. and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sun. under the barns of Ford Midway.
SoutheastTexas.com (aka The Beaumont Enterprise) presents.
September 03, 2005
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Barbecue benefits Gilchrist VFD
Contact: Debbie Smith
Firehall, Hwy 87 Gilchrist TX
Phone: 409 286-5228
Event features a barbecue, auction, raffle and dance.
Gilchrist Volunteer Fire Department sponsors.
Annual. Est. 1989. Held 1st Saturday in September*.
September 03, 2005
Sep. 3 - 4 and Sep. 10 - 11
Dove hunting season: special White-Winged Dove area
Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Phone: 800 792-1112
(Web mail)
Web: www.tpwd.state.tx.us
Special season (Legal shooting hours are from noon to sunset)
September 03, 2005
2 p.m.
Mikki & Her Mates from Playboy
East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Dr., Galveston 77550
Phone: 409 762-EAST or 888 425-4753
E-mail: allenflores@hotmail.com
Web: www.galveston.com/eastbeach
Admission: Parking is $7 per vehicle, $14 for oversize vehicles.
$500 Bikini contest at 3 p.m. Thongs are acceptable.
Drinking is legal on East Beach. East Beach has a pavilion, restrooms, showers, food, video games and gifts. Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent on weekends May thru August. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The patio beach bar/band scene is open on weekend afternoons May thru August.
DJ on the Deck each Saturday at 2 p.m.
September 03, 2005
5:30 p.m.
Gulf Coast Jam
Contact: Don Ball
Logan Music Park, Pleasure Island OR Robert A. Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur
Phone: 409 985-8801 or 409 722-3699
E-mail: triangleconcert@webtv.net or pacvb@portarthurtexas.com
Web: www.portarthurtexas.com
The Jam highlights music of the Golden Triangle and Gulf Coast area.
It features live performances by area blues artists, with nationally known headliners
September 03, 2005
Sep. 3 - 4
Academy Baseball Tournament
Contact: Ford Park
Ford Fields, 5115 IH-10 South, Beaumont TX
Phone: 409 951-5400
September 03, 2005
Bolivar Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Peninsula Market Day
Bolivar Peninsula, Crystal Beach, TX
Phone: 409 684-5940 or 800-368-7863
Web: www.crystalbeach.com/chamber.html
3rd Annual
September 03, 2005
Sep. 3 - 4
Jefferson County Go Texan Labor Day B-B-Q Cook-off
Contact: Andy Barry or Kenneth Moore
Ford Park, 5115 IH-10 South, Beaumont TX 77705
Phone: 409 781-6431 or 409 550-1592
E-mail: atanamachi@fordparktx.com
Web: www.fordparktx.com
Contestants will be cooking all-day Saturday in preparation for the committee of judges at 10 a.m. Sunday morning.
Annual. Est. 2003. Held on Sunday before Labor Day (Labor Day weekend).
September 03, 2005
Sep. 3 - 5
Labor Day Tennis Tournament
Contact: Sheila McInnis
Lamar University Tennis Courts, Beaumont
Phone: 409 892-3415 or 409 735-5402
E-mail: info@beaumontcountryclub.com
Web: www.healthandfitnessmag.com/Calendar2005.htm
Annual. Est. 1920 (cq)
September 03, 2005
Sep. 3 - 4
Mineral, Fossil and Gem Show
Contact: John Sanders
VFW Hall, Jasper
Phone: 409 381-8018
Web: www.jaspercoc.org
Annual, Est. 1995
September 03, 2005
Texas Country Tonight Show
Contact: Douglas Durbin
Umphrey Family Pavilion, located next to Sam Rayburn Lake in Twin Dikes Park off RR 255; west of Hwy 69 and north of Jasper
Phone: 409 584-2432 or 409 698-2790 (location)
E-mail: pressangler@jas.net
Web: www.fishingworld.com/SamRayburnPavilion
September 04, 2005
Back to top
Sunday
September 04, 2005
Jefferson County Go Texan Labor Day B-B-Q Cook-off continues
September 04, 2005
Live Barn Burner Sale continues
September 04, 2005
2 p.m.
Labor Day Beach Party with live bands
East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Dr., Galveston 77550
Phone: 409 762-EAST or 888 425-4753
E-mail: allenflores@hotmail.com
Web: www.galveston.com/eastbeach
Admission: Parking is $7 per vehicle, $14 for oversize vehicles.
Drinking is legal on East Beach. East Beach has a pavilion, restrooms, showers, food, video games and gifts. Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent on weekends May thru August. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The patio beach bar/band scene is open on weekend afternoons May thru August.
Sunday Band on the Sand at 2 p.m.
September 04, 2005
2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Art Reception for Debby Richard
Contact: Debby Richard
Port Arthur Public Library Gallery
Phone: 409 543-6935
Web: www.design6works.com
Art by Design sponsors.
September 04, 2005
6 p.m.
Labor Day Music Festival
Contact: Adriene Tanamachi, Ford Park marketing manager
Ford Pavilion, 5115 IH-10 South, Beaumont TX 77705
Phone: 409 833-7747
E-mail: atanamachi@fordparktx.com
Web: www.fordparktx.com
Admission: Tickets to this year’s event are free, and can be obtained at participating Tri-Con, Inc. and Exxpress Mart locations throughout the Golden Triangle. Free general admission tickets are available in-store on Friday, Aug. 12.
Festival is headlined by local stars Tracy Byrd, Mark Chesnutt and Zona Jones. TruSoul (formerly Focus) will also perform. Additional acts will be announced later, along with details of the other activities available during the event.
Annual. Est. 2003. Held on Sunday before Labor Day (Labor Day weekend).
Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise
Prentice Barrow of TruSoul (formerly Focus) sings during the inaugural Cajun Zydeco Jamm Fest at Ford Arena in Beaumont on Saturday, July 16, 2005. Focus is a quartet of singers from Ozen High School in Beaumont. They recently performed at the Apollo Theater.
September 04, 2005
Academy Baseball Tournament continues
September 04, 2005
Labor Day Tennis Tournament continues
September 04, 2005
Mineral, Fossil and Gem Show continues
September 04, 2005
NFL roster final cut
Contact: National Football League
Web: www.nfl.com
Roster cutdown to maximum of 53 players.
Annual.
September 05, 2005
Back to top
Monday
September 05, 2005
Labor Day
U.S. and Canada
Federal legal public holiday. National holiday observed by state employees.
Annual. Observed on the 1st Monday in Sept.
September 05, 2005
2 p.m.
Live band
East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Dr., Galveston 77550
Phone: 409 762-EAST or 888 425-4753
E-mail: allenflores@hotmail.com
Web: www.galveston.com/eastbeach
Admission: Parking is $7 per vehicle, $14 for oversize vehicles.
Drinking is legal on East Beach. East Beach has a pavilion, restrooms, showers, food, video games and gifts. Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent on weekends May thru August. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The patio beach bar/band scene is open on weekend afternoons May thru August.
September 05, 2005
Bridge City ISD school holiday
Web site: www.esc5.net/bcisd/
September 05, 2005
Labor Day Tennis Tournament continues
September 06, 2005
Back to top
Tuesday
September 06, 2005
7th-8th Grade Football: First day for scrimmages and games.
Contact: Bonnie Northcutt
University Interscholastic League (UIL), location TBD locally
Phone: 512 471-5883
E-mail: uiladmin@uts.cc.utexas.edu
Web: www.uil.utexas.edu/admin/odd-even_cal.html
See exception Section 1478 (h) (3).
September 07, 2005
Back to top
Wednesday
September 07, 2005
1:30 p.m.
Friends of the Port Neches Public Library annual meeting
Hebert Public Library, 2025 Merriman Street, Port Neches TX 77651
Admission: Annual membership $5 per adult, $10 family, $25 business, $100 patron (deductible).
Annual. Meeting is held on the 1st Wednesday of September.
September 07, 2005
Independence Day in Brazil
Annual. Same date each year.
September 08, 2005
Back to top
Thursday
September 08, 2005
Sept. 8 - 12
NFL Kickoff 2005 Weekend
Contact: National Football League
Web: www.nfl.com
Annual.
September 09, 2005
Back to top
Friday
September 09, 2005
8 to 10 p.m.
Hawaiian Tropics Pageant
Event Center at L'Auberge du Lac Hotel & Casino; 2800 Nelson Road; Lake Charles; La. Tickets $50 and $30.
Phone: 866 580-7444
E-mail: (Web mail)
Web: www.ldlcasino.com
Admission: Open to the public.
September 09, 2005
September 9 - 11
Carlyss Cajun Bon Ton Festival
Contact: Art Little or Lyndon LeBlanc, festival co-chairs
St. Theresa Catholic Church, 4822 Carlyss Drive, Carlyss, La. 70665
Phone: 337 583-2597 or 337 583-7725
E-mail: leeroycates@camtel.net
Web: www.st-theresa-parish.org/bon_ton_festival.htm
September 09, 2005
Choxo-no-Sekku (Chrysanthemum Day)
Japan observes.
Annual. Same date each year.
September 10, 2005
Back to top
Saturday
September 10, 2005
Sep. 10 - 30
Alligator hunting season (by permit only)
Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Phone: 800 792-1112
(Web mail)
Web: www.tpwd.state.tx.us
September 10, 2005
Sep. 10 - 25 and Oct. 29 - Dec. 21
King and Clapper Rails regular hunting season
Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Phone: 800 792-1112
(Web mail)
Web: www.tpwd.state.tx.us
September 10, 2005
Sep 10 - 25 and Oct. 29 - Dec. 21
Moorhens (Common Gallinules) and Purple Gallinules regular hunting season
Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Phone: 800 792-1112
(Web mail)
Web: www.tpwd.state.tx.us
September 10, 2005
Sep. 10 - 25 and Oct. 29 - Dec. 21
Sora and Virginia Rails regular hunting season
Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Phone: 800 792-1112
(Web mail)
Web: www.tpwd.state.tx.us
September 10, 2005
6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wish'n I Was Fish'n Family Series Tournament
Contact: Robert Beam
Frontier Park, Miliam, TX
Phone: 318 315-0872
E-mail: tackletoledobend@yahoo.com
Web: www.tackletoledobend.com
Some of the proceeds are donated to "Get Hooked on Fishing not Drugs." Come fish and compete in many categories. Boat anglers compete together as do bank anglers.
Divisions include bass, bream, white perch, catfish and multi-species. There will also be night divisions and Big Fish Side Pots that pay cash for the big fish.
Be at the weigh station no later than 6:15 p.m. Sunday’s fishing ends at 3 pm. Night fishing kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday night and ends 6 a.m. Sunday morning.
There will lots of cash giveaways, weekend getaways, gift certificates and much more from our generous Toledo Bend Sponsors. Kids can participate in games, contests and face painting.
Pendleton Harbor Volunteer Fire Department will provide concessions.
Toledo Bend Media Presents.
September 10, 2005
9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
9/11 Music Festival (Christian music)
Contact: David Bellow
Ford Park, 5115 IH-10 South, Beaumont 77705
Phone: 409 656-5128
E-mail: info@TexasMusicNetwork.net
Web: www.texasmusicnetwork.net
Admission: $20 for advance day passes or $25 on the day of the show.
Promoted as the largest Christian music festival in Texas, the event features 45 bands, four stages, food booths and games. Stages include Main, Hard rock / Metal, Alternative Rock and Contemporary Rock / Worship.
Featured bands include The O.C. Supertones Farewell Tour, Kevin Max (DcTalk), Paul Colman, The Swift, Rock N’ Roll Worship Circus, One Bad Pig, plus more major and local bands
David Bellow of Texas Music Network presents.
Annual. Est. 2004. Held the 2nd Saturday in September.
September 10, 2005
Sep. 10 and 17 at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hospice New Volunteer training
Contact: Trish Nash
West Beulah Baptist Church, 6525 Bigner Rd., Beaumont TX 77708
Phone: 409 212-0020
E-mail: info@odsyhealth.com (Dallas office)
Web: www.odyssey-healthcare.com
Odyssey Healthcare and West Beulah Baptist Church sponsor.
September 10, 2005
Sep. 10 - 11
Dove hunting season: special White-Winged Dove area
Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Phone: 800 792-1112
(Web mail)
Web: www.tpwd.state.tx.us
Special season (Legal shooting hours are from noon to sunset)
September 10, 2005
2 p.m.
DJ on the Deck
East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Dr., Galveston 77550
Phone: 409 762-EAST or 888 425-4753
E-mail: allenflores@hotmail.com
Web: www.galveston.com/eastbeach
Admission: Parking is $7 per vehicle, $14 for oversize vehicles.
Drinking is legal on East Beach. East Beach has a pavilion, restrooms, showers, food, video games and gifts. Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent on weekends May thru August. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The patio beach bar/band scene is open on weekend afternoons May thru August.
DJ on the Deck each Saturday at 2 p.m.
September 10, 2005
2 p.m.
Rob Riggs book signing
Barnes & Noble, 4155 Dowlen Road, Beaumont TX 77706
Phone: 409 898-1111 (location)
Admission: Free.
Riggs is a co-author of "Weird Texas."
September 10, 2005
7:30 p.m.
AMSET Anniversary Gala 2005: "Breakfast at Tiffany’s"
Contact: Janna Fulbright
Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET), 500 Main St., Beaumont TX
Phone: 409 832-3432
E-mail: info@amset.org
Web: www.amset.org
Admission: Reservations required. “Little Black Dress” or black tie encouraged, formal attire required.
Event features The Beaumont Quartet with Jimmy Simmons & Raul Ornelas. Proceeds benefit AMSET exhibitions and education programs. Cocktails at 7:30 p.m., dinner at 8 p.m. and auction at 9 p.m.
The gala 2005 includes a seated dinner catered by Beaumont’s Katharine & Company.
Annual.
September 10, 2005
Art of Fashion
Adriene Tanamachi, Ford Park marketing manager
Ford Exhibit Hall B, 5115 IH-10 S., Beaumont
Phone: 409 951-5400
E-mail: atanamachi@fordparktx.com
Web: www.fordparktx.com
On Stage Hair Design presents.
September 10, 2005
Sept. 10 - 11
Dick Dowling Days
Contact: Michael McGreevy or Don Smart
Sabine Pass, Port Arthur
Phone: 409-866-1655 or 409-842-4094
E-mail: pacvb@portarthurtexas.com
Web: www.portarthurtexas.com
Event features a reenactment of the Battle of Sabine Pass (a Civil War battle).
September 10, 2005
Diez y Seis
Celebrates Mexican independence and Hispanic heritage.
Annual. Occurs on the same date each year.
September 10, 2005
Habitat for Humanity Interdenominational build
Contact: Uliana Trylowsky
Whittley home; 5280 Jenard St.
Phone: 409 832-5853
E-mail: uliana@beaumonthabitat.org
Web: www.beaumonthabitat.org
Beaumont Habitat for Humanity organized an interdenominational build to bring together members of various churches to build one Habitat house. Construction begins Sep. 10 and continues each Saturday as needed.
September 10, 2005
Mexican Fiesta
Contact: Zita Downs or Tony Ramirez
Robert A. Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur
Phone: 409 724-6134 or 409 985-8801 (location)
E-mail: pacvb@portarthurtexas.com
Web: www.portarthurtexas.com
Event features Mexican food, music, folkloric entertainment Queen's Coronation, novelties, crafts and programs.
September 10, 2005
Midnight Fantasies Lakefront Car & Truck Show
Lake Charles Civic Center, Lake Charles, La.
Phone: 337 478-0500
E-mail: aistre@visitlakecharles.org
Web: www.visitlakecharles.org
See hundreds of cars and trucks. Event features vendors, food and live music.
Midnight Fantasies presents.
September 11, 2005
Back to top
Sunday
September 11, 2005
Grandparent's Day
Send a free e-card from Hallmark.
Annual. Second Sunday of September.
September 11, 2005
Patriot Day 9/11
Send a free e-card from Hallmark.
Annual. Same date each year.
September 11, 2005
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Texas Hall of Flames
Contact: John Deming
Seabrook Beach Club, 3345 NASA Rd. 1, Seabrook TX
Phone: 713 695-3508
Web: www.cruisintimes.com/hallflames.html
Admission: Web site registration requested on the Web site.
Cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome, with or without flames. There is a special class for flamed vehicles.
September 11, 2005
2 p.m.
Band on the Sand
East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Dr., Galveston 77550
Phone: 409 762-EAST or 888 425-4753
E-mail: allenflores@hotmail.com
Web: www.galveston.com/eastbeach
Admission: Parking is $7 per vehicle, $14 for oversize vehicles.
Drinking is legal on East Beach. East Beach has a pavilion, restrooms, showers, food, video games and gifts. Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent on weekends May thru August. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The patio beach bar/band scene is open on weekend afternoons May thru August.
Sunday Band on the Sand at 2 p.m.
September 11, 2005
Dick Dowling Days continues
September 11, 2005
Free Admission to the Museum of the Gulf Coast
Contact: Shannon Harris
The Museum of the Gulf Coast, 700 Proctor St, Port Arthur TX 77640
Phone: 409 982-7000
E-mail: Shannon.Harris@lamarpa.edu
Web: museum.lamarpa.edu
Admission: Free.
Port Arthur Historical Society sponsors.
September 11, 2005
Terry DeRouen Solo Exhibition of western landscape paintings
Texas Artists Museum, 3501 Cultural Center Dr., Port Arthur TX 77642
Phone: 409 983-4881
E-mail: info@art-tams.com
Web: art-tams.com or www.texasartistsmuseum.org
Learn more about the artist.
September 12, 2005
Back to top
Monday
September 12, 2005
7:30 p.m.
“The Will Rogers Follies”
Contact: Amy Ehrman
707 W. Main Street, downtown Orange, Texas
Phone: 409 745-5535 or 800 828-5535
E-mail: amy@lutcher.org
Web: www.lutcher.org
Admission: Season Ticket packages are currently available and start at $73. Single ticket sales (if available) begin August 15, 2005.
The original performance was America’s first international multimedia show. Set onstage during one of the legendary Ziegfeld Follies, Will Rogers presents stories both wise and silly, wisdom both common and uncommonly timely.
The Lutcher Theater is a privately-owned not-for-profit organization. Dates, times and performances are subject to change.
September 13, 2005
Back to top
Tuesday
September 13, 2005
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Southeast Texas Business Expo
Contact: Becky Howard
Beaumont Civic Center, 701 Main Street, Beaumont TX
Phone: 409 838-6586, ext. 105 or 409 838-6581
E-mail: bhoward@bmtcoc.org or E-mail: chamber@bmtcoc.org
Web: www.bmtcoc.org
Admission: Members: $400 each, Non-Members: $500.
September 13, 2005
6:30 p.m.
Patterson discusses "Texas Border Security" with Pachyderm Club
Contact: Joyce Hebert, president
Ninfa's Restaurant, 2830 Interstate 10 E, Beaumont TX 77703
Phone: 409 886-8539 or 409 899-9600 (location)
E-mail: pachyderms@gt.rr.com
Web: www.jeffcorp.org/pachyderm.php
Texas State Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson will discuss "Texas Border Security" and issues relating to Texas Veterans.
The South East Texas Pachyderm Club (SETPC) sponsors. The club is is an auxiliary of the Republican National Committee.
September 14, 2005
Back to top
Wednesday
September 14, 2005
Battle of San Jacinto Day
Nicaragua observes.
Annual. Same date each year.
September 15, 2005
Back to top
Thursday
September 15, 2005
Gaither Homecoming Tour
Adriene Tanamachi, Ford Park marketing manager
Ford Arena, 5115 IH-10 S., Beaumont
Phone: 409 951-5400
E-mail: atanamachi@fordparktx.com
Web: www.fordparktx.com
Admission: Tickets on sale now: $21.75, $36.75 & $51.75 (includes taxes, facility and parking fees)
Annual. Est. 1996.
September 15, 2005
Independence Day in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Nicaragua
Annual. Same date each year.
September 15, 2005
Respect for the Aged Day
Japan observes.
Annual. Same date each year.
September 15, 2005
Sept. 15 - 18
Texas Gator Fest
Fort Anahuac Park in Anahuac
Phone: 409 267-4190
Web: www.texasgatorfest.com
September 16, 2005
Back to top
Friday
September 16, 2005
Sep. 16 - 17 at 7 p.m. on Fri., 4 p.m. on Sat.
La Dolce Vita
Dishman Art Museum and University Reception Center of the Mary and John Gray Library, Lamar University, Beaumont TX
Phone: 409 880-8959
Admission: Tickets are $150 per person for the dinner and $45 each for the cooking seminar and the wine pairing. Reservations are required.
Event features fine wine and haute cuisine. Events include a vintner dinner, cooking seminar and wine pairing.
The weekend begins with the dinner at 7 p.m. on Friday, as Executive Chef Michael Bomberg of San Antonio presents Vino Magnifico, a gourmet meal in seven courses. Each is served with a specially selected wine.
Guests dine in the Dishman Art Museum, where the evening begins with a reception and silent auction.
Saturday, Chef Bomberg presents a cooking seminar, Bella Cucina, from 4 to 5 p.m. in the University Reception Center of the Mary and John Gray Library. A wine pairing, Buena Sera, is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. in the reception center, offering samples of
La Dolce Vita – Italian for “the sweet life” – is the centerpiece of a campaign to create an endowment to ensure continuation and enhancement of the museum’s collections and educational programs.
Lamar University’s Dishman Art Museum in Beaumont hosts
Annual fund-raiser. Held on 3rd Fri. and Sat. in September.
September 16, 2005
Independence Day in Mexico and Papua New Guinea
Annual. Same date each year.
September 16, 2005
Mid Sept
Oktoberfest celebrations
German celebration of song, food and fun. In addition to the wursts and potato salad, there are arts and crafts, carnival rides, camel rides, a petting zoo, folk dancing and more.
Features authentic German food & drink, music, dancing, carnival rides and midway games, children's entertainment, petting zoo, camel rides, arts and crafts and more.
Held apx. weekend following Sep. 15 from Thur. - Sun.
September 16, 2005
Texas Gator Fest continues
September 17, 2005
Back to top
Saturday
September 17, 2005
Citizenship Day
Annual. Same date each year.
September 17, 2005
Sep. 17 - 25
Early Teal statewide hunting season (all counties)
Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Phone: 800 792-1112
(Web mail)
Web: www.tpwd.state.tx.us
September 17, 2005
8 a.m.
Mustang and All-Ford Show
Contact: Bob Jones
Kinsel Ford Auto Mall, 3355 Hwy 69, Beaumont TX
Phone: 409 751-3522
Web: www.wildhorsemustangclub.com
Registration from 8 to 11 a.m. Participants judge by popular vote. Awards announced at 4 p.m.
Classes include all years and makes of Ford-powered vehicles: Mustangs, Falcons, T-Birds, Trucks, Rods, Antique, and special interest. Trophies are awarded for Best of Class and runner-up plus Best of Show. Event features door prizes, 50/50 and vendors.
Wild Horse Mustang Club and Kinsel Ford Lincoln Mercury present.
Annual, Est. 2005.
September 17, 2005
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Singles Outreach Ministry garage sale to feed orphans
Contact: Rev. Lee Wagliardo or Cheri Bridges
Salvation Army, 2350 Interstate-10 E., Beaumont.
Phone: 409 892-8475 Ext. 226
E-mail: cabridges@cathedralconnect.org
Web: cathedralconnect.org
Admission: Garage sale items and cash donations accepted. It costs $1 per day to feed each child.
Singles Christian Connection, for single adults of all ages and faiths, plans a garage sale fundraiser to feed orphans at an orphanage built by the group in Sabinas Hidalgo, Mexico.
Cathedral in the Pines presents.
September 17, 2005
9 a.m. to noon
Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup
Contact: General Land Office
Sea Rim State Park, Sabine Pass (and all other Texas State beaches)
Phone: 877-892-6278
E-mail: beach@glo.state.tx.us
Web: www.glo.state.tx.us/adopt-a-beach/cleanup.html
Admission:
Help keep Texas beaches beautiful.
September 17, 2005
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hospice New Volunteer training
Contact: Trish Nash
West Beulah Baptist Church, 6525 Bigner Rd., Beaumont TX 77708
Phone: 409 212-0020
E-mail: info@odsyhealth.com (Dallas office)
Web: www.odyssey-healthcare.com
Odyssey Healthcare and West Beulah Baptist Church sponsor.
September 17, 2005
9 a.m. to noon
Nederland Art Guild Meeting one-day open show entries accepted
Contact: Doris Webb
Central Mall
Phone: 409 729-2628, or 409 722-2950
E-mail: We4Dor@aol.com
Web: www.lonestarartguild.org/NAG_homepage.html
Annual dues are $10 per adult, $15 per couple or $5 per student.
Pick up paintings the same day at 4 p.m.
September 17, 2005
Sep. 17 - 18 on Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Southeast Texas Coin & Collectibles Fall Show
Contact: Dale Richey
Beaumont Civic Center, 701 Main Street, Beaumont TX 77701
Phone: 409 246-2432
Admission: $1 for adults.
Jointly sponsored by the Beaumont, Orange, Port Arthur, and Silsbee Coin Clubs. Buy, sell, and trade. Club members offer free appraisals of coins, paper money, jewelry, sports cards and bullion. A drawing for a free gold coin will be open to the public. Y
September 17, 2005
Sep. 17 - Oct. 2 9 a.m. to midnight (see actual day schedules)
Texas Rice Festival
Winnie-Stowell Park, Winnie
Phone: 409 296-4404
E-mail: trf01@alltel.net
Web: www.TexasRiceFestival.org
Admission: Adults $7, students $5, kids 5 & under and seniors 65+ are free. Free parking. Daily carnival unlimited ride wristbands are $20.
Event celebrates everything to do with rice. Featured performers include: Cross Canadian Ragweed, Wayne Toups, Kevin Fowler, Jeff Bates, Gene Watson, and Johnny Dee & The Rocket 88s.
Other events include barrel racing (only event on Sep. 17, see Web site for exact dates of other events), barbecue cook-off, Fajita contest, horse shoe tournament, bazaar, welding contest, livestock competitions, diaper derby, Little Rice King and Sweethe
Annual, Est. 1970
September 17, 2005
Sep. 17 - 18 at 11 a.m. on Sat. and 9 a.m. on Sun.
Academy Baseball Tournament
Contact: Ford Park
Ford Fields, 5115 IH-10 South, Beaumont TX
Phone: 409 951-5400
$3 for adults, $1 for kids 2-12 and seniors, free for kids under 2
The Back to School Bash Baseball Tournament features close to 30 teams of kids 12 and under from around Texas and Louisiana participating in the event.
This USSSA State Qualifier tournament begins Saturday at with the first game at 11 a.m. and play continues until around 7 p.m. Sunday the first game starts at 9 a.m. and the championship game begins around 3:45 p.m.
September 17, 2005
2 p.m.
DJ on the Deck
East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Dr., Galveston 77550
Phone: 409 762-EAST or 888 425-4753
E-mail: allenflores@hotmail.com
Web: www.galveston.com/eastbeach
Admission: Parking is $7 per vehicle, $14 for oversize vehicles.
Drinking is legal on East Beach. East Beach has a pavilion, restrooms, showers, food, video games and gifts. Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent on weekends May thru August. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The patio beach bar/band scene is open on weekend afternoons May thru August.
DJ on the Deck each Saturday at 2 p.m.
September 17, 2005
La Dolce Vita continues
September 17, 2005
5 p.m.
Texas Star Civic Dinner & Auction
Contact: Samye Johnson, San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce
San Augustine Youth Expo Center and Barn, San Augustine TX
Phone: 936 275-3610
E-mail: info@sanaugustinetx.com
Web: www.sanaugustinetx.com
Admission: $20 per person.
Event is an old-fashioned rib eye steak cook-out with all the trimmin’s, live music, featured auction items include outdoor sports equipment and regional sports-orientated artwork. Doors open for pre-auction activity at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., auction a
Annual. Est. 2000.
September 17, 2005
7:30 p.m.
Symphony of Southeast Texas performance
Julie Rogers Theatre, 765 Pearl St (at Forsythe), Beaumont TX 77701
Phone: 409 892-2257, 409 838-3435 or 800 782-3081 ext. 1
E-mail: mlee@ci.beaumont.tx.us
Web: sost.org
Featured performer is Chee-Yun on violin.
September 17, 2005
8 p.m.
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band concert
Jefferson Theatre, 345 Fannin, Beaumont TX 77701
Phone: 409 835-LIVE (5483)
E-mail: info@jeffersontheatre.org
Web: www.jeffersontheatre.org
September 17, 2005
9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
"Rock in a Weary Land" Buffalo Blonde concert to benefit Hurricane Katrina victims
Contact: Tom Wright
Hooligans, 6025 MLK Parkway, Beaumont
Phone: 409 895-4660
E-mail: twright@kfdm.com
Web: www.buffaloblonde.com
Admission: All Katrina survivors admitted free. In lieu of the usual $5 cover charge, they request $5 or more cash donations. A benefactor (very close to the band) will match the funds raised.
If you've given and given and have nothing left to give, consider it a free show as their way of sayting thanks for helping.
So much suffering. So much tragedy. So much loss. It could have happened here. They are us. We are them.
All proceeds benefit the American Red Cross and the Southeast Texas Emergency Relief Fund.
© Mark M. Hancock
Buffalo Blonde performs in concert at the Logon C@fe in Beaumont on May 14, 2005.
September 17, 2005
Sep. 17 - 18, 2005
Bass-N-Bucks Team Championship
Contact: David & Tricia Concienne
Umphrey Family Pavilion, located next to Sam Rayburn Lake in Twin Dikes Park off RR 255; west of Hwy 69 and north of Jasper
Phone: 409 727-8941, 409 727-8941 or 409 698-2790 (location)
E-mail: (Web mail)
Web: www.bassnbucks.com
September 17, 2005
Carlyss Cajun Bon Ton Festival continues
September 17, 2005
Constitution Day / Citizenship Day
Annual. Same date each year.
September 17, 2005
Harvest Moon Festival
Crosby United Methodist Church, 1334 Runneburg Road, Crosby
Phone: 281 328-2616
E-mail: info@crosbyumc.org
Web: www.crosbyumc.org
Features family games, music, craft booths, plant booth, country store, live entertainment, bingo for baked goods, food and cooking contest.
September 17, 2005
Ragley Heritage and Timber Festival pageant
South Beauregard School Auditorium, Ragley, La.
Phone: 337 725-3444
E-mail: aistre@visitlakecharles.org
Web: www.visitlakecharles.org
Ragley Historical Society presents.
Annual, Est. 1999, held on the 3rd Saturday of September
September 17, 2005
Solid Gold Rock 'n Roll Show
Contact: Shannon Harris
Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center, 700 Procter St., Port Arthur
Phone: 409 982-7000
E-mail: Shannon.Harris@lamarpa.edu
Web: museum.lamarpa.edu
Admission: Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door.
Show features hits of 1960s teen dreams Tommy Roe; Jimmy Clanton; Billy Joe Royal and Johnny Preston.
September 17, 2005
Texas Gator Fest continues
September 18, 2005
Back to top
Sunday
September 18, 2005
Academy Baseball Tournament continues
September 18, 2005
2 p.m.
Band on the Sand
East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Dr., Galveston 77550
Phone: 409 762-EAST or 888 425-4753
E-mail: allenflores@hotmail.com
Web: www.galveston.com/eastbeach
Admission: Parking is $7 per vehicle, $14 for oversize vehicles.
Drinking is legal on East Beach. East Beach has a pavilion, restrooms, showers, food, video games and gifts. Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent on weekends May thru August. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The patio beach bar/band scene is open on weekend afternoons May thru August.
Sunday Band on the Sand at 2 p.m.
September 18, 2005
2 p.m.
Groves Pecan Festival Pageant
Port Arthur
Phone: 409 962-3631
E-mail: pacvb@portarthurtexas.com
Web: www.portarthurtexas.com
September 18, 2005
Carlyss Cajun Bon Ton Festival continues
September 18, 2005
Independence Day in Chile
Annual. Same dates each year.
September 18, 2005
Texas Gator Fest continues
September 18, 2005
Texas Rice Festival continues
Features HBHA Rice Run 3-D barrel racing.
September 19, 2005
Back to top
Monday
September 19, 2005
5 to 7 p.m.
Gumbo Dinner
Nederland High School Cafeteria
Phone: 409 722-0279
E-mail: nedcofc@nederlandtx.com
Web: www.nederlandtx.com/calendar.htm
September 21, 2005
Back to top
Wednesday
September 21, 2005
7 a.m.
See You At The Pole 2005
Contact: Local youth ministers
Local High Schools
Web: www.syatp.com
Admission: Free.
Christian youth rally at high schools to include religion on educational campuses.
Beginning in 2006, the “official” date will be the fourth Wednesday of September (September 26, 2006). The change is being made so that students locally have more time to organize See You at the Pole after their school year begins.
Annual.
September 22, 2005
Back to top
Thursday
September 22, 2005
Sep. 22 - 25
Texas Pecan Festival
Contact: Patti Wolf
Downtown Groves and Lion's Park
Phone: 409 962-3631 or 800 876-3631
E-mail: gchamberofcommer@gt.rr.com
Web: http://161.58.122.214/
Event features a pageant, carnival, golf tournament, treasure hunt, parade, antique car show, cooking with pecans, pecan toss, pie eating contest, horse shoe tournament, and pet show.
Groves Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Center sponsors.
Annual. Occurs the first full weekend of September.
September 22, 2005
Sep. 22 - 24
Orange Community Players special event (TBA)
Contact: Orange Community Players
708 W. Division St., Orange TX 77631-0442
Phone: 409 882-9137
Web: www.ocplayers.org
Admission: Ticket prices for musicals are $15 per adult and $8 per student. Ticket prices for plays are $12 per adult and $5 per student.
September 22, 2005
Texas Forest Trail Event
Contact: Susan Arceneaux
Phone: 409 835-8701
E-mail: histcomm@co.jefferson.tx.us
Web: www.thc.state.tx.us or www.co.jefferson.tx.us
Texas Historial Commission sponsors.
Annual.
September 22, 2005
Texas State Forest Festival continues
September 23, 2005
Back to top
Friday
September 23, 2005
Sep. 23 - Nov. 10 and Dec. 26 - Jan. 15
Dove hunting season: south zone
Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Phone: 800 792-1112
(Web mail)
Web: www.tpwd.state.tx.us
September 23, 2005
Sep. 23 - Nov. 10 and Dec. 26 - Jan. 11
Dove: regular hunting season
Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Phone: 800 792-1112
(Web mail)
Web: www.tpwd.state.tx.us
September 23, 2005
Sep. 23 - 24
Kirby Hill House Murder Mystery Theatre
Contact: Kirby-Hill House
210 West Main Street, Kountze
Phone: 409 246-3413
E-mail: info@kirby-hillhouse.com
Web: kirby-hillhouse.com
Admission: Tickets are $50 per person by check, cash, Visa or MasterCard.
Dinner is catered and served with elegant china, silver and lace. The menu is also late 40's and includes an appetizer, soup and green salad. A main course with rolls served with wine or water, tea upon request. Following dinner is dessert.
Doors open at 6:40 p.m., curtain at 7 p.m.
September 23, 2005
American Indian Day
Annual. Celebrated the 4th Friday in Sept.
September 23, 2005
Sep. 23 - 24
Dulcimer Festival
Contact: Silsbee Chamber Of Commerce
Silsbee / Hardin Co.
Phone: 409 385-5562
Web: www.bigthicketdirectory.com/pages/silsbeechamber.html
Annual
September 23, 2005
Sep. 23 - 27
Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Conference
Holiday Inn Beaumont Plaza, 3950 I-10 South, Beaumont TX 77705
Phone: 512 863-9400 or 409 842-5995 (hotel)
E-mail: marklord@cox-internet.com, chedtke@cox-internet.com or kmcgrath@cox-internet.com
Web: www.taaf.com
Admission: Conference registration fee is $175 per team before Sep. 1, $190 per team after Sep. 1. Friday TAAF Golf tournament $60 per team. Team information should accompany registration. Saturday bus trip to Lake Charles $10. No refunds after Sep
New member orientation is at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sep. 24. Mandatory training session is on Tuesday, Sep. 27.
Annual. Est. 1926 (cq)
September 23, 2005
Texas Pecan Festival continues
September 23, 2005
Texas Rice Festival continues
Features BBQ Cook-Off and dance, music by Jimmy & the Jokers.
September 23, 2005
Texas State Forest Festival continues
September 24, 2005
Back to top
Saturday
September 24, 2005
Sep. 24 - 25
Squirrel hunting season, Special Youth Season
Contact: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Phone: 800 792-1112
(Web mail)
Web: www.tpwd.state.tx.us
In all counties that have an Oct. 1-Feb. 5 and May 1-31 open squirrel season.
September 24, 2005
Kirby Hill House Murder Mystery Theatre continues
September 24, 2005
7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Calca-Chew Food Festival
St. Margaret Catholic Church, Lake Charles, La.
Phone: 337 439-4585
E-mail: aistre@visitlakecharles.org
Web: www.visitlakecharles.org
The Calca-Chew festival highlights the famous southern cooking in Southwest Louisiana. Complete with activities for kids, a petting zoo, games and a train ride. This is an event for the whole family.
September 24, 2005
8 a.m.
Casas for CASA 5K Run / W.A.L.K.
Contact: CASA of Southeast Texas
Entergy's Edison Plaza, downtown Beaumont
Phone: 409 832-2272
E-mail: casastlm@swbell.net
Web: www.texascasa.org
Annual
September 24, 2005
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wild Birds Unlimited Summit
Sabine Pass Battlegrounds at Sabine Pass
Phone: 409 347-3500
Web: www.wbu.com
Admission: Refreshments are served, but please bring a picnic lunch.
Celebrate our area resources and wildlife. Event features speakers from Texas Parks and Wildlife, Sea Rim Park Association, Audobon Society and others. Activities include Wildlife Walk auction, drawings and games.
Wild Birds Unlimited of Beaumont sponsors.
September 24, 2005
10 a.m.
Clouds of Glory Gospel Singing
Robert A. Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur
Phone: 409 724-7168
E-mail: pacvb@portarthurtexas.com
Web: www.portarthurtexas.com
September 24, 2005
10 a.m.
Golden Triangle Quilt Guild
Beaumont Civic Center, 701 Main Street, Beaumont
Phone: 409 838-3435, 409 838-3435 or 800 782-3081 ext. 1
E-mail: mlee@ci.beaumont.tx.us
September 24, 2005
2 p.m.
DJ on the Deck
East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Dr., Galveston 77550
Phone: 409 762-EAST or 888 425-4753
E-mail: allenflores@hotmail.com
Web: www.galveston.com/eastbeach
Admission: Parking is $7 per vehicle, $14 for oversize vehicles.
Drinking is legal on East Beach. East Beach has a pavilion, restrooms, showers, food, video games and gifts. Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent on weekends May thru August. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The patio beach bar/band scene is open on weekend afternoons May thru August.
DJ on the Deck each Saturday at 2 p.m.
September 24, 2005
Sep. 24 – Oct 1
Casas for CASA playhouse fundraiser
Contact: CASA of Southeast Texas
Parkdale Mall, Hwy 69 (at Dowlen Road), Beaumont and Port Arthur Wal-Mart, Hwy 69, Port Arthur
Phone: 409 832-2272
E-mail: casastlm@swbell.net
Web: www.texascasa.org
Casas for CASA fundraiser displays six playhouses at Parkdale Mall, Beaumont and the Port Arthur Wal-Mart. Raffle tickets are sold for the entire week at both locations to win the playhouses.
The raffle drawing for these houses takes place at Parkdale Mall, Hwy 69 (at Dowlen Road), Beaumont TX on Saturday, October 1st.
Annual
September 24, 2005
Dulcimer Festival continues
September 24, 2005
Old Timers' Day
Sour Lake / Hardin Co.
Phone: 409 287-3512
Event is a small town fair with rides, food and music. It also includes the Old Timers' Day Dance.
annual
September 24, 2005
Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Conference continues
September 24, 2005
Texas Pecan Festival continues
September 24, 2005
Texas Rice Festival continues
Features horse shoe tournament as well as music by Jason Boland, Chris Johnson & Cheap Whiskey.
September 24, 2005
Texas State Forest Festival continues
September 24, 2005
Sep. 24 - 25, 2005
Wal-Mart BFL Super Tournament
Contact: Ed Snyder
Umphrey Family Pavilion, located next to Sam Rayburn Lake in Twin Dikes Park off RR 255; west of Hwy 69 and north of Jasper
Phone: 409 698-2790 (location)
E-mail: pressangler@jas.net
Web: www.fishingworld.com/SamRayburnPavilion
September 25, 2005
Back to top
Sunday
September 25, 2005
11 a.m.
Golden Triangle Quilt Guild continues
September 25, 2005
2 p.m.
Band on the Sand
East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Dr., Galveston 77550
Phone: 409 762-EAST or 888 425-4753
E-mail: allenflores@hotmail.com
Web: www.galveston.com/eastbeach
Admission: Parking is $7 per vehicle, $14 for oversize vehicles.
Drinking is legal on East Beach. East Beach has a pavilion, restrooms, showers, food, video games and gifts. Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent on weekends May thru August. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The patio beach bar/band scene is open on weekend afternoons May thru August.
Sunday Band on the Sand at 2 p.m.
September 25, 2005
Sept. 25 - Oct. 1
Missouri Photo Workshop
Contact: David Rees, co-director of the workshop an director of Pictures of the Year International
Marshall, MO
Phone: 573 882-3635
E-mail: ReesD@missouri.edu
Web: www.mophotoworkshop.org
Encouraged for individuals who would benefit from an intense experience in research and creating a picture story. Application materials and stories from previous workshops are available on the MPW website.
Annual. Established 1949.
September 25, 2005
Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Conference continues
September 25, 2005
Texas Pecan Festival continues
September 25, 2005
Texas Rice Festival continues
Features Gospel jubilee and bazaar.
September 25, 2005
Texas State Forest Festival continues
September 26, 2005
Back to top
Monday
September 26, 2005
11:30 a.m.
The Beaumont Chamber Foundation Golf Tournament
Idylwild Golf Club, 1100 Pineshadows Dr, Sour Lake TX 77659
Phone: 409 838-6581 or 409 753-2521 (location)
E-mail: chamber@bmtcoc.org
Web site: www.bmtcoc.org
Admission: Registration required. The sponsor and player registration deadline is September 19. Free admission to watch.
Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.
The Beaumont Chamber Foundation Golf Tournament to benefits the Leadership Beaumont Program.
Annual. Held 4th Monday in September*.
September 26, 2005
Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Conference continues
September 27, 2005
Back to top
Tuesday
September 27, 2005
Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Conference continues
September 28, 2005
Back to top
Wednesday
September 28, 2005
Confucius' Birthday
Taiwan observes.
Annual. Same date each year.
September 28, 2005
Sep. 28 - Oct. 8
Lion's Club Carnival
Orange
Phone: 409 779-9932
E-mail: Info@OrangeLions.com
Web: www.orangelions.com
Annual, Est. 1941
September 28, 2005
National Teachers' Day
Taiwan observes.
Annual. Same date each year. Held on Confucius' birthday.
September 28, 2005
Sept. 28 - Oct. 1
Texas Rice Festival
Winnie
Phone: 409 296-4404
September 28, 2005
Texas Rice Festival continues
Features welding contest as well as music by Jimmy & the Jokers, Stoney LaRue, and Cross Canadian Ragweed.
September 29, 2005
Back to top
Thursday
September 29, 2005
Lion's Club Carnival continues
September 29, 2005
Texas Rice Festival continues
Entertainment features music by Randy Rogers and Kevin Fowler.
Kevin Fowler performs during Lewisville's Holiday at the Hall in Lewisville on Saturday, December 4, 2004.
© Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News
September 30, 2005
Back to top
Friday
September 30, 2005
Date TBA 8 a.m.
Port Neches Chamber Golf Tournament
The Palms golf course, Pleasure Island, Port Arthur TX
Phone: 409 722-4023
E-mail: pncoc@swbell.net
Web site: www.portnecheschamber.com
7 a.m. registration on Friday with an 8 a.m. start.
Annual. Est. 2000
September 30, 2005
Sept. 30 - Oct. 27
Celtic Tree Month of Ivy begins
Learn more
Annual. Same dates each year based on the druidic lunar calendar.
September 30, 2005
September TBA
Go Texan Barbecue Cook-Off
Contact: Mertice Weeks, city secretary
Newton TX
Phone: 409 379-5061
E-mail: newtontx@jas.net
Web site: www.newton-texas.com
September 30, 2005
Lion's Club Carnival continues
September 30, 2005
Texas Rice Festival continues
Features "Youth Day" activities, ice cream eating contest, as well as music by Hunter Yayes, Wayne Toups, and Barry Badon.
September 30, 2005
Sep. 30 - Oct. 18, 2005
Wildcatters Training Camp
Ford Arena, 5115 IH-10 S., Beaumont
Phone: 409 951-5400
Web: www.fordparktx.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)