Check out "The Grill" Beaumont's Swanky New Restaurant

The moment you walk into "The Grill" by Arfeen, Smith, and Payne, you're transformed from Beaumont to a big-city (think Miami), ultra modern, upscale eatery that features cozy outdoor spaces and a five-star indoor dining area. It's my new favorite spot in Beaumont. You have to check it out! You'll love it. The grill is owned by Lucky Ott Sr. and his son, Lucky Ott Jr. who who formerly owned Poblano Grill. The food is as great as the atmosphere. For appetizers, I had the New Orleans Bar-b-q shrimp and the duck tenders (yes, duck). For dinner, I tried the Chilean Sea Bass with asparagus and garlic rice. It was very flavorful and light! The restaurant is located at 6680 Calder Street behind the Black Eyed Pea. For more information, call (409) 866-0039.

"A Lesson Before Dying" Coming to the Jefferson Theatre

BEAUMONT, TX – Common Ground Performing Arts Ensemble continues its 2009-2010 season at the Jefferson Theatre with Romulus Linney’s “A Lesson Before Dying”. This play was adapted from the novel by Ernest J. Gaines. The novel won the 1993 National Book Critics Award; it was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize; and Oprah Winfrey chose it to be part of her Oprah’s Book Club in 1997. Common Ground has chosen this play for presentation during February because of its portrayal of the African-American experience.

“A Lesson Before Dying” centers on a young African-American man wrongly sentenced to death in a deeply prejudiced 1940s. Through a reluctant school teacher, he is taught how to live and die with grace and dignity. “A Lesson Before Dying” is about the ways in which people insist on declaring the value of their lives, and it addresses the basic predicament of what it is to be a human being striving for dignity in a world that often denies it.

Directed by Jo Ethel Larkins, this production features local talent from the Golden Triangle.

Dress rehearsal and press interviews February 24, 2010, 7 pm.

“A Lesson Before Dying” opens February 26, 2010 at 7 pm; and February 27, 2010, 2 pm and 7 pm. Final show Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 4 pm. Tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster Box Office by calling 800-745-3000, online at ticketmaster.com, or the Beaumont Civic Center Box Office by calling 409-838-3435 or online at bmtciviccenter@ci.beaumont.tx.us. Ticket prices are $10 students/seniors; or $15/adults.

For more information, contact Melody Chappell at 409-838-2644 or mchappell@wellspeyton.com; Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more at Civic Center Box Office.

JP Candidate Hosts Fundraiser

SUPPORT THE ELECTION OF FORMER
COUNCILWOMAN BOBBIE J. PATTERSON
TO JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PRECINCT 6

“GUMBO”
FUNDRAISER


Saturday, January 30, 2010


12:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Dorie Miller American Legion Hall, Post 817
3430 W. Cardinal Drive
Beaumont, Texas
Entertainment by:
CLEF BAND
Donation - $25.00

UNCF raises more than $30,000 in SETX

Graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and others gathered at Antioch Baptist Church in Beaumont Wednesday to support the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). A program featuring a variety of talented singers and reception was held to raise money. It was sponsored by HEB. Channel 6's Nicole Murray and Former Channel 4 Anchor Erika English served as emcees. Terry Williams, HEB's Senior Vice President, says the fundraiser exceeded expectations and he thanked everyone for their support. Those attending included Regina Rogers, Rep. Joe Deshotel, Dwayne Diamond, Jackie Savoy, Tameka Humphrey, Minister Arlicia Albert, Judge Paul Jones, Constable Joe Stevenson, Virginia Crook, Larry Johnson, and Yolanda Avery. The UNCF Telethon honoring the Legendary Singer Lionel Richie debuts this weekend.

"Mattress Mack" Talks about 'Defining Moment'

Legendary Businessman Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale, owner of Gallery Furniture in Houston, is a man of faith. So on the night of May 21, 2009 ("A day I'll never forget") when his Houston warehouse went up in flames and destroyed $10 million worth of furniture, he knew he would be okay. "It was a defining moment for Gallery Furniture and I never doubted that we would build better than ever." And he did, reopening the warehouse just 44 days later. Mattress Mack who gave himself the nickname to help sell furniture spoke at the Southeast Texas Business Expo in Beaumont Thursday about how perseverance, faith in God, and family and friends helped him overcome that tragic night.
The businessman best known for his tagline "Gallery Furniture save you money" says he received more than 5,000 cards, letters, and emails from customers and residents alike telling him "don't give up."
"We were knocked down, but failure was not in our vocabulary," he says. The ordeal taught him that faith in God has the power to sustain you and he realized that he has the most loyal and hardworking staff in the furniture business.
He says when he was feeling down, he played his favorite song,Fleetwood Mac's "Don't Stop." The lyrics are "if you wake up and don't wanna smile, don't stop thinking about tomorrow."

Commissioner Bo Alfred's Campaign Kickoff Scheduled

Jefferson County Commissioner Bo "Everette" Alfred (Precinct 4)will officially kickoff his campaign on Saturday, Jan. 30 at his campaign headquarters at 2625 4th St. in Beaumont. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The incumbent who has been in the office since 2002 will face Beaumont City Councilman Jamie Smith in the primary election in March. Early voting starts in February. Alfred met with committee members and staff Thursday night to discuss campaign strategy. About the campaign, he says "I feel good. I feel comfortable that the people know how I've helped the community. And I have the experience that's been tried, tested, and proven." For more information, call (409) 813-8584.

Haitian Relief Efforts Underway in SETX

Rescue workers struggled to clear rubble and bodies Wednesday from the streets of Haiti's "flattened" capital, where a government official said the death toll from Tuesday's 7.0-magnitude earthquake may exceed 100,000. Thousands of injured people waited for care outside badly damaged hospitals, while an unknown number remained trapped inside collapsed buildings. Basic services like water and electricity were out, and Haitian President Rene Preval said his government needs help clearing streets so rescuers can reach some of the hardest-hit areas. Southeast Texans are pitching in to help. If you'd like to participate, here's are some options:
The Red Cross - To help with relief efforts, text "HAITI" to "90999" and $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross, charged to your cell phone bill. You can also give online, via phone or even through wire transfer. Donate to the Red Cross

Yéle Haiti - Founded by musician and U.N. Goodwill Ambassador Wyclef Jean, Yéle's is "a grassroots movement that builds global awareness for Haiti while helping to transform the country through programs in education, sports, the arts and environment." Donate to Yéle Haiti

Doctors Without Borders - DWB is an international medical humanitarian organization founded doctors and journalists in France in 1971. The organization currently has staff on the ground in Haiti working to stem possible loss of life. Donate to Doctors Without Borders

Mercy Corps - Mercy Corps is described as hodgepodge of about 3700 professionals working to help millions in crisis around the world. The group is sending an emergency team to Haiti to help provide food, shelter and other aid. Donate to Mercy Corps
LaTosha.Batiste@aol.com

Tips to Avoid Potential Census Fraud

I received this information from Vernice Monroe to share with my blog readers.
With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau
(BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun
verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data. The big
question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist?
BBB offers the following advice: If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have:
1-a badge
2-a handheld device
3-a Census Bureau canvas bag, and
4-a confidentiality notice.
Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home. Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information.
Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.
REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION.
The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.
AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau. Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home.
However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.
Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org

O'Jays Coming to Ford Park

The Legendary O'Jays are coming to Ford Park on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $59.50, $49.50, and $39.50 at the Ford Park Box Office. Call (409) 951-5400.

Journalists Roland Martin, Richelle Carey to be honored at HABJ Gala

The Houston Association of Black Journalists Awards Dinner will be held on March 26 at 6:30 at the Hilton of the Americas. For tickets, go to www.habj.org

Rev. Adolph Draws a Big Crowd

A big crowd turned out as Rev. John Adolph signed copies of his new book "I'm Coming Out of This." The event was held Saturday at Barnes and Noble. The crowd filled the front lobby snaking around the magazine racks. Rev. Adolph signed books, posed for pictures, and gave lots of hugs. He along with First Lady Dorrie seemed to be enjoying themselves. Congrats!

UNCF HOSTS BEAUMONT EVENT TO RAISE SCHOLARSHIPS

BEAUMONT,TX (January 4, 2010) - UNCF– United Negro College Fund– will host an Evening of Education Wednesday, January 20, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Beaumont Texas. This community event will raise scholarship dollars for deserving students from the Golden Triangle community and showcase highlights from UNCF’s national television special An Evening of Stars® (AEOS) before it airs nationally. Community members are asked to help UNCF reach its $30,000 goal through a suggested $50.00 donation. Seventy-five percent of all funds raised will stay in the community to help students seeking a college education.

“UNCF has been an advocate for minority education for 65 years. I believe in the organizations’ mission and the value of higher education. This community event is a testament to UNCF’s commitment to the Golden Triangle area. Last academic year, in the Golden Triangle community, UNCF awarded college scholarships totaling $66,000 to 17 students. However, the unmet need of students from the community was an astounding $116,000. Your support will help reduce the unmeet need of children from the community,” stated Representative Joe Deshotel.

Today, 60 percent of students supported by UNCF are the first in their families to attend college; 62 percent are from families with annual income of less than $25,000; and 92 percent qualify for financial aid. For academic year 2008, UNCF enrolled 4,000 Texans at one of its 39 member institutions. There are five UNCF Texas institutions: Huston-Tillotson University (Austin); Jarvis Christian College (Hawkins); Paul Quinn College (Dallas); Texas College (Tyler) and Wiley College (Marshall). In addition, 405 Texans received a UNCF scholarship, totaling $1.5 million.

Together we can change the lives of our children and build a stronger Texas and global economy. Attend this Evening of Education and learn more about UNCF, enjoy local entertainment, watch clips form AEOS, and enjoy catering provided by H-E-B. The first 100 guests to RSVP will be eligible to win door! To RSVP for the event at UNCFHoustonevents@UNCF.org. For more information about please contact Zarinah K. Poole at 713-8942-8623 or Zarinah.poole@uncf.org.

About UNCF
UNCF—United Negro College Fund—is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 39 private member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 18 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum/faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities nationwide. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."® Learn more at www.UNCF.org.

UNCF & the Golden Triangle community
For academic year 2008, UNCF provided 4,000 Texans with an opportunity to attend one of our member institutions by awarding 405 scholarships to Texas students totaling $1.5 million dollars. UNCF provided scholarships to 17 students from the Golden Triangle Community which totaled $66,000. However, the unmeet need of these students was an astounding $116,000. UNCF’s five Texas institutions are: Huston-Tillotson University (Austin); Jarvis Christian College (Hawkins); Paul Quinn College (Dallas); Texas College (Tyler) and Wiley College (Marshall).

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Jr. Knights of Peter Claver Fundraiser

Mattress Mack to speak at Business Expo

BEAUMONT, TX – January 7, 2010 – The 2010 Southeast Texas Business Expo, sponsored by the Greater Beaumont and Greater Port Arthur Chambers of Commerce, is set for Thursday, January 21, 2010, from 9am to 4pm at the Beaumont Civic Center. Admission and Parking are FREE!

Hear motivational speaker Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, from Gallery Furniture at 1pm. He’s been saying “Save You Money!” for over 20 years! Jim will share how his company ‘Rose from the Ashes’ of the May 2009 warehouse fire to SOAR even higher against all odds. He will speak at 1 p.m.


The expo will also include a Celebrity Meet-n-Greet, Entertainment, and Door Prizes. The Beaumont and Port Arthur Small Business Development Centers will be on-site to help you get started on a business plan for your success, especially if you are an entrepreneur or own a small business. Several agencies geared toward assisting new companies get the financing they need to get started will also be at the expo as well. Visit with hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of potential customers. Reserve your booth today; space is limited!

This is the seventh year that the chambers have joined forces to present the premier business event for Southeast Texas. They first combined their individual business showcases in 2003 to offer a bigger and better Business Expo. Now, it’s the largest business trade show in Southeast Texas!

Don’t miss the 2010 Southeast Texas Business Expo, brought to you in part by KBTV-FOX 4, Gulf Credit Union, and Total Petrochemicals. For more information, call Brandi Miller at 409/838-6581 or e-mail bmiller@bmtcoc.org. Don’t delay in reserving your booth!

Suga's Re-Opens for Lunch

This is good news for the lunch crowd. Suga’s Deep South Cuisine in Beaumont is now open again for lunch Wednesday through Friday, from 11am to 3pm. The restaurant had stopped serving lunch in October. But now it offers an all-you-can-eat buffet for $10, along with a few limited menu items. See you there!

Coach Eddie Robinson's Museum Opening

Eat Chikin, Support Breast Cancer Awareness

Eat Chikin and help support breast cancer awareness. On Thursday, eat at Chick-Fil-A from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 10 percent of food sales will be donated to the Julie Rogers' Gift of Life program.

Beaumont Attorney Running for District Attorney

January 4, 2010 (BEAUMONT)-- Cornelius Williams Jr., an attorney and former prosecutor with 15 years of experience, is running for Jefferson County District Attorney.
The Beaumont native worked as an assistant attorney general and chief of the criminal division at the U.S. Virgin Island Department of Justice in St. Croix for seven years, where he managed a $1 million budget and supervised a staff of attorneys. He also served as an assistant state's attorney in Chicago.
Williams, the democratic candidate, returned home more than a year ago so that he could use his skills and talents to contribute to the community. Since that time, he’s operated a private practice handling civil and criminal cases. He previously practiced in Beaumont 12 years ago.
“I want to provide the good people of Jefferson County with a choice on how justice is administered in this area," Williams says. "I have a different vision of how justice should be served."
His goals are to make the office more accessible, accountable, and efficient; implement a more community-oriented prosecution, and restructure the office so that there are more specialized areas such as a white-collar crime unit and a 24-hour felony review unit.
Williams is a 1984 graduate of South Park High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Xavier University, a law degree from Texas Southern University, and a master’s degree in trial advocacy from Temple University. He is a lifelong member of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church.

Media Contact--(832) 428-3461

Motivational Seminar in Houston

I saw an ad for a Get Motivated Business Seminar in the Houston Chronicle recently. I love attending motivational seminars and I thought you might be in interested in it as well. It's a daylong motivational seminar on Monday, Feb. 8 with speakers such as Author Zig Ziglar, Former Secretary of State General Colin Powell, and Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. It's only $4.95 or pay $19 and you can get an unlimited number of tickets. Talk about a bargain! The seminar will be held at the Toyota Center and Reliant Stadium from from 8 to 4:45 p.m. or more information, call 1-800-715-6471 or go to getmotivated.com

Lil Wayne Coming to Beaumont

Rapper Lil Wayne and the Young Money Crew are coming to Beaumont tomorrow. He'll be performing at Ford Park Arena. Tickets from $125 to $39. For more information, call (409) 951-5400 or go to fordparktx.com.

Local Author Celebrates Birthday

Andrea Porter, author of "Love is All We're After", celebrated her 35th birthday Saturday at Rogers' Park Community Center. Family and friends enjoyed good food and good music and serenaded the birthday girl by singing along with Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday". Happy 35th, girl!