Time to put on your Walking Shoes!

The annual March of Dimes' March for Babies will be held in Beaumont on April 24 at Lamar University. Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.
For more information, contact Donna Blanchette at (409) 835-7606.

BrAiDs N BeAdS Needs Your Help!

“BrAiDs N BeAdS” is a nonprofit organization that provides free braiding services to young girls and pre-teens in low income , in hopes of promoting self esteem and building a better self im¬age. It was founded by Kreshon Smith, center. Our next braiding mission will be held at Carver Terrace Apartments in Port Arthur, Tx (Saturday April 24,2010). We desperately need volunteers for the following tasks : Braiders, assistance with beading, sorting supplies, and picture taking. Participation will be sincerely appreciated. No amount of time is too small.
For further information visit our website www.braidsnbeads.com .Thanks for your time and remember, the children are our future and they need out attention today.

Law Enforcement Officials Gather at Lamar

Jackie Simien, KBMT Channel 12 news anchor, visits with longtime U.S. Rep. Jack Brooks at the 2010 Brooks Conference On March 25 at Lamar University. Simien served as moderator for a panel discussion on “Recent Trends in Substance Abuse: Studies and Prevention.” Other media representatives serving as moderators were James Shannon, The Examiner; Danny Reneau, Silsbee Bee; and Diane Dean, KBTV-Fox 4. Lamar’s Jack Brooks Chair in Government and Public Service, in collaboration with the Regional Alcohol and Drug Abuse Advisory Coalition, hosted the conference in the John Gray Center. Jefferson County Sheriff Mitch Woods served as the guest speaker. Seven panels of prominent speakers covered topics ranging from substance abuse to public policy. Longtime U.S. Rep. Jack Brooks, namesake of the Brooks Chair and the conference, attended the luncheon with his wife, Charlotte. Brooks served in Congress for 42 years.

Cathedral Debuts New Website

Cathedral of Faith debuted its new website on Sunday, March 21. The new website is more user friendly and interactive. As part of the debut, Best Buy sponsored a computer lab which allowed members to register on the site after services. Many thanks to Corey and Donovan with Best Buy and the computer geeks. Pens with the new church web address were also distributed. Many thanks to Tony Renfro, Second Chance Motors, for sponsoring the pens. You can check out the site at www.cofbcb.org. Members are encouraged to register on the site. Kudos to Andrea Malbrough for all of her hard work.

Judge Hatchett Empowers Parents

Judge Glenda Hatchett was in Port Arthur this weekend teaching parents effective strategies on how to raise their children in today's society. The Power Parent workshop was held at the Robert "Bob" Bowers Civic Center. More than 200 parents attended. I emceed the event. Judge Hatchett talked about the three C's--concern, consistency, and cheering. "We have to say what we mean and mean what we say," Judge Hatchett told the crowd. She also encouraged parents to communicate better with their child by asking "how was your day?", get to know who their friends are, and write a letter to their teacher to show your concern and interest in your child's education. Afterwards, the judge signed copies of her book "Say what you mean and mean what you say." The judge has also started a social networking website for parents called parentpowernow.com.

Judge Hatchett Will Host Parent Workshop in PA

PORT ARTHUR—MARCH 16—FORMER TV JUDGE GLENDA HATCHETT OF THE NATIONALLY SYNDICATED SHOW “JUDGE HATCHETT” WILL BE IN PORT ATHUR ON SATURDAY March 20 to conduct a Parent Power Workshop. The workshop is designed to help parents face the challenges of raising children in today’s society.
The workshop is a hands-on opportunity to teach them how to strengthen their families by understanding how to parent each child, identifying gaps or challenges in the relationship, setting up the proper conversations with your children’s teacher, establishing family rules, and creating family traditions.
It will be held at the Bob Bowers Civic Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Session one will focuses on the importance of keeping a watchful eye on your children’s activities, friendships, and education. Session two will focus on always saying what you mean and meaning what you say. The workshop is sponsored by the City of Port Arthur.
Hatchett is the inspiration behind parentpowernow.com, a social networking website for parents to share skills and ideas. The site also encourages parents to help their children follow their dreams.
“Judge Hatchett was here in November and now she’s back due to an overwhelming demand,” says Valecia Tizeno, city attorney. “Parents are eager to hear more about her strategies to improve their relationships with their children. We’re excited to have her in our city once again.”

What: Judge Glenda Hatchett Parent Power Workshop
Where: Bob Bowers Civic Center, Port Arthur
When: Saturday, March 20, 2010
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Support for Haiti Campaign

The SNMA International Affairs Committee will host the Support for Haiti Campaign including a Medical supplies drive, Panel discussion, Red Cross disaster relief training, and Blood drive at our Annual Medical Education Conference in Chicago, IL on April 2, 2010.

We would like all your support and donate what you can!!!!

Medical Supplies Drive: We strongly encourage local chapters to collect listed medical supplies and bring them to AMEC!! Supplies will be donated to Little by Little, which is a non-profit organization that partners with other organizations to assist those in need of adequate health-care. This organization will take those supplies to Haiti on April 4, 2010. Please go to http://littlebylittlehaiti.org/index.html to view more about this organization. There will be drop-off instructions at AMEC. Please take advantage of this opportunity to give.

Needed supplies include:
Ace bandages, gauze pads, band-aids & tape • Water purification tablets & re-hydration salts • Antibiotic and anti-fungal creams • Anti-allergy medication (i.e. Benadryl) • Anti-parasite medication • Tylenol, children's Tylenol • Cold and cough medicine • Diarrhea medication • Eye drops • Insect repellent • Hydrogen peroxide • Skin disinfectant spray• Toothpaste and tooth brushes • Soap and deodorant • Sanitary napkins · Sunglasses· Children Vitamins
Thank you!!

P.S I will pick up any items you have and bring them with me to Chicago.
Latoshabatiste@aol.com

Gospel Stage Play Set for Saturday

The Gospel Stage Play "Family Secrets" will come to Beaumont on Saturday at the Jefferson Theatre, 345 Fannin St. The play features special musical guest James Fortune and FIYA. It starts at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Beaumont Civic Center box office (409) 838-3435 ext. 1, ticketmaster, and ticketmaster.com

SU Lady Jaguars headed to NCAA

I'm so proud of the Southern University Women's Basketball Team. They recently won the SWAC championship and are headed to the NCAA Tournament. Congratulations to Coach Sandy Pugh and all the ladies. On behalf of the Golden Triangle SU Alumni Chapter, we wish them the best! Go Jaguars!

Local Author Andrea Porter Discusses Book

Local Author Andrea Porter of "Love is All We're After" was the special guest at the Yoloves' Book Club meeting. Our book club read the book and invited Porter to come and discuss it with us. The meeting was held Friday at The Grill restaurant in Beaumont. Porter says it took her about four years to complete the book which revolves around the lives of three girlfriends who are all struggling in their personal lives. She says the characters are based on people we all know. She hopes the book will serve as an inspiration for women to get their lives together. We had a very lively discussion not only about the book but other issues as well. Everyone enjoyed the meeting. If you haven't read it yet, go out and get a copy. It's a good read!

Top Ladies Honor Women of Status

The Oran-Je Chapter of the Top Ladies of Distinction held their Status of Women Recognition Banquet Saturday at the Joe Ware Plaza. I was honored to be the emcee of the event which recognized women who are making a difference in their communities. The women represented education, business, and medical professions. The honorees included Bettie J. Curtis, Evera Enard, Suzzonne Crockett, Dr. Carol McCall, Marcia DeLarue, Ebony Mitchell, Beverly Robinson, Wilhelmenia Wills, Linda Smith, Ava Gail Joubert, Delores Warnell, and Deborah Mitchell.
It was a wonderful event that included a keynote speech by Port Arthur Mayor Deloris Prince, wonderful food, and of course dynamic women. Congratulations to all of the honorees, President Dorothy Brandon and Chairperson Willie Mae Champine.

Beaumont Civil Rights Activist Dies

Funeral services for Judge Theodore Johns Sr. will be held Saturday, March 13 at Antioch Baptist Church at 1 p.m. A large crowd is expected to attend to show their respect for the civil rights icon. Judge Johns fought for equality and justice for African Americans and others. A library which is located on Fannett Road in Beaumont is named in his honor. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.I had the privilege of talking with Judge Johns on several occasions and I was always impressed by his humility and his charm.

New Sports Bar Opens in Beaumont

There's a new sports bar in town. Major League Grill opened this week. The restaurant is located next to Steinmart at 4430 Dowlen Road. I went Thursday night. It's a really upscale sports bar with lots of TVs. It reminds me of ESPN Zone. The food and the service were good. Check it out!

Tickets available for 100 Black Men Scholarship Banquet

The 100 Black Men of Greater Beaumont will host its 3rd Annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet on April 16th at 6:30 p.m. at the MCM Elegante Hotel. The guest speaker will be Albert Dotson Jr.,Chairman of the National 100 Black men of America.Individual tickets are $40 and sponsorships start at $500. For more information, Call President Vernon Durden at (409) 201-2798.

Special Fitness Offer

A special fitness offer for FRONT ROW Fans. David Bean of Elite Athletic Training is offering a one-time, group session for $25. You know it's time to get in shape! Don't put it off any longer. Do it now just in time for Spring! For more information, call David at (409) 658-8351

Financial Stewardship Workshop at Ebenezer

On Sunday, March 14, a workshop will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church to teach you about important documents that everyone should have in place. The workshop will be held at 6 p.m. You'll learn about:

1. Power of Attorney, 2. Durable Power of Attorney, 3. Medical Power of Attorney 4. Will 5. Living Will or Directive to Physicians, 6. HIPPA Authorization and Waiver and 7. Joint Tenancy.

The guest speakers will be Jefferson County Clerk Carolyn Guidry, and several local attorneys. The event is free and open to the public.

When: March 14, 2010
Where: Ebenezer Baptist Church 675 College
Time: 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Wild Hog Rally At Goodfella's

The "Babineaux Boys" greeted guests at the Wild Hog Rally reception Tuesday night. The reception serves as a kickoff for the 2010 Champagne & Ribs party which raises money for the Gift of Life Prostate Cancer Program. The "Babineaux Boys" (the handsome trio which includes Dad Danny and brothers Bret and Slate)are event chairs. Champagne & Ribs will be held on Thursday, April 22 at Cowboy Harley-Davidson in Beaumont. Honorees are Dr. Hall Clarke and Joe Domino. For tickets, call (409) 833-3663.

Houston Black Journalists Will Honor CNN's Roland Martin

CNN's Roland Martin will be among the honorees this year at the Houston Association of Black Journalists 24th Anniversary Awards Dinner on Friday, March 26 at the Hilton Americas. The other honorees include the Houston Texans' Tony Wyllie, CNN's Richelle Carey, and KCOH Radio Personality Ralph Cooper. Tickets are $150 each and tables start at $1,500. Proceeds will be used to help fund student scholarships. This is a wonderful event. I went last year. HABJ is a great organization. I'm proud to say I used to be an officer and active member of the group when I lived in Houston so it's nice to go back and see all my friends. Support their efforts! For tickets, go to www.habj.org

Mary J. Headlines Rodeo Friday

Grammy-award winning R&B Singer Mary J. Blige will perform Friday March 5 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as part of Black Heritage Day. She's one of the many stars that are part of this year's lineup including newly-minted Country Music Singer Darius Rucker and the Black Eyed Peas. The rodeo is a wonderful time. You get rodeo performances, a fair and a concert all in one. For more information, go to www.hlsr.com. The rodeo runs through March 21.

Election Celebrations

Congratulations to all of the winners of the 2010 March Primary in our area including County Treasurer Georgine Guillory, County Commissioner Bo Alfred, County Commissioner elect Brent Weaver, Justice of the Peace Duce Jones and County Clerk Carolyn Guidry. There's no clear winner in the Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 2 race. Attorney Anne Bradley will face Ben Collins in a runoff election in April since neither received more than 50 percent of the vote. I attended a few of the election parties. I had a great time. Lots of food, good music, and good people. I love election night. Next to covering elections as a reporter, attending election parties is my next favorite thing to do. In the Gubernatorial election, Gov. Rick Perry will face Former Houston Mayor Bill White.

Travis Elementary School's Musical Tribute

Travis Elementary School in Port Arthur celebrated Black History month Friday with a musical tribute from Joplin to Jackson. The children in pre-K through fifth grades performed various songs in costumes including "The Twist" and "Thriller." They did a great job! I was really excited to serve as emcee for the program. Kudos to Ms. Sandra Christian and the other teachers for all of their hard work.