Another TV Anchor Calls It Quits

KBMT Channel 12/KJAC Anchor Deedra Wilson is no longer with the station. Sources tell FRONT ROW Wilson resigned the week before Thanksgiving. Wilson anchored the 5 p.m. news on Channel 12 and the 6:30 p.m. news on its sister station KJAC with Beverly Brooks. No word yet on where she's going or whether she's getting out of the business. Whatever the case may be, we wish her much success in her future endeavors! Wilson is the second anchor to resign in the past month. KBTV Channel 4's Erika English also resigned this month.

Black Journalists' Christmas Party

YOU ARE INVITED TO A CHRISTMAS PARTY HOSTED BY THE SOUTHEAST TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS!!!!

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO NETWORK AS WELL AS FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION. IN THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAYS, WE ARE ASKING THAT YOU BRING A TOY TO BE DONATED TO A LOCAL CHARITY.

THE PARTY IS SET FOR TUESDAY DECEMBER 8 AT 6:30 PM AT GOOD FELLAS ON DOWLEN ROAD.

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Bayou Classic 2009

I attended the State Farm Bayou Classic this weekend as I do nearly every year. As a Southern University graduate, I look forward to our meeting with Grambling State University each year. It's great to be around my SU family and feel that Southern pride. Unfortunately this year, Grambling got bragging rights(yea they beat us), but I would like to point out that in the game's 36-year history, the schools are tied at 18 wins a piece.

New Restaurant Opens in Beaumont

Goodfella's restaurant in Beaumont opened for business Wednesday night. The restaurant is located in the former Poblano Grill. The owners Frankie Randazzo and Bryant Buck Maraist also own Madison's and Dylan's in Port Arthur. It was a lively crowd as the owners mingled with the guests at the bar while others enjoyed more private celebrations in the back dining room. The restaurant which serves Italian and Greek food has an upscale cozy feel. I also met Kevin Kearns, the interior designer for the restaurant who has outfitted it with dark colors, dark wood, and beautiful paintings. It makes for a nice place so go and check it out!

Lamar University's Career Day

Anyone who knows me knows that I am passionate about helping student journalists so I was really honored to participate in Lamar University's Career Day. The students invited various journalists and public relations professionals in the community to talk about their careers. The participants included Debi Derrick, Tracie Payne, Tamika Humphrey, Gordon Williams, and Marquel Sennett, just to name a few. The students asked good questions so I think they'll be great journalists!

Nearly $300,000 Donated for Breast Cancer

The Pink Shopping Card campaign was a huge success, raising more than $288,000. Committee chairs shared results of this year's campaign at a wrap-up party Monday at Roger's Park. Thanks to the entire community for your support of this endeavor to increase breast cancer awareness and make mammograms available for those who can't afford it. I worked on the committee and I want to personally thank everyone who bought a card or made a donation or posted a sign in your store. On behalf of the Gift of Life program and Regina Rogers, we are grateful to you!

The Great American Smokeout

(Port Arthur, Texas) – The Jefferson County Tobacco Coalition will be hosting their annual Great American Smoke Out at the Port Arthur YMCA on November 19, 2009 at 5pm.

This event will definitely take the Golden triangle by storm! The Great American Smoke Out will challenge Americans not to smoke cigarettes for 24 hours, hoping their decision to quit will last forever. The theme this year is CSI: Tobacco-Cigarette Smoke Investigation. Tobacco Coalition Chair, Dorraine Smith, says, “displays of cigarette ingredients will be set up and allow the public to investigate for themselves the harmful effects of tobacco.” Participants will be able to evaluate the scene, hear testimony, review documents and deliberate on the dangers of tobacco ingredients. The Coalition hopes that the evidence is clear- tobacco is extremely harmful!

This exciting event will be presented on:

Thursday, November 19

Port Arthur YMCA

6760 9TH Ave – Port Arthur

FREE ADMISSION!

For more information, call the Substance Abuse Division of the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission at (409)729-7692.

Jamie Smith's Campaign Kickoff

You are cordially invited to a campaign kickoff and fundraiser for Councilman Jamie Smith at the Rockin A’s Cafe in Beaumont on November 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
Cash Bar available. Soft Drinks provided with hors d’oeurves. Smith is running for Jefferson County Commissioner Precinct 4.

HBCU Alumni Mixer Showcases School Pride

There was lots of school spirit and some trash talking going on at the HBCU Alumni Association Mixer on Friday at the MCM Elegante. But it was all in good fun as alumni enjoyed chatting with old friends and meeting new ones. Participants included alumni from Southern, TSU, Grambling, Prairie View, Morehouse, and Jackson State, just to name a few. The association begin in June to help support Black Colleges by assisting in fundraising and recruitment. The goal is to increase awareness of the various alumni organizations which in turn will hopefully result in more member participation.
The next HBCU Alumni Association event is a Christmas party on Friday, Dec. 11. For more information, call (832) 428-3461.

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Pastor's Wife Seriously Injured

I received this from Felicia Young:
The wife of East Mount Olive's pastor, Carl Lewis, was seriously injured in a traffic accident that occurred on Fannett Road in Beaumont on Wednesday afternoon
and is currently in the intensive care unit. A blood drive was held on her behalf Thursday at the Beaumont Police Department.

An account has been set up to receive donations in lieu of flowers and gifts.
Account Name: Benefit of Carolyn Lewis
Account Number: 13726
Beaumont Community Credit Union
2490 IH 10 E
Beaumont, Texas 77703

Please pray for the family!

Dr. Williams' Night of Poetry

Dr. Alvin Williams, a psychologist with Family Services of Southeast Texas, signed copies of his new book "Poems about him, her, them, and me" at D'Vine Wines Thursday night in Beaumont. The book of poems is about his family and growing up in Los Angeles. During the evening, he performed a few poems from the book and Queen J, another spoken word artist, performed as well. A few bottles of wine were also raffled off throughout the night. The book will be sold at Barnes and Noble and the bookstore in mid-county. Dr. Williams says he plans to write five more books. Up next is a book of affirmations and then one on minimizing chaos in your life. Congrats to Dr. Williams!

HBCU Alumni Association Mixer, Friday, Nov. 13

The HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Alumni Association is hosting a networking mixer on Friday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. at the MCM Elegante Hotel in Beaumont. The event is sponsored by the Golden Triangle Southern University Alumni and the Prairie View Alumni. Refreshments will be served. Come and fellowship with fellow alumni from Black colleges across the country including Southern, TSU, Prairie View, and Jackson State. Reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. The HBCU Alumni Association was formed in June to help support Black Colleges, raise scholarships, and increase alumni participation. For more information, call (832) 428-3461 or go to gtjags@yahoo.com.

Judge Hatchett Challenges Parents

Judge Glenda Hatchett of the "Judge Hatchett" show brought her high-energy, no-nonsense style of justice to Port Arthur Tuesday night. After she was introduced, the judge said "I need some room" and pushed two tables that were on either side of the podium away so that she could freely walk around. After a few minutes, she left the stage altogether and moved down to the floor to be even closer to the audience. She was the keynote speaker at the city's Youth Empowerment Program at the Bob Bowers Civic Center which attracted a big crowd. The purpose of the program is to inspire and encourage young people to make good choices and lead productive lives.
Judge Hatchett challenged parents to communicate with their children. "Ask them 'how was your day?'", Judge Hatchett said when the kids return home from school. While at first their answers will be short eventually they will open it. She also said it's important to talk to your kids about their dreams. She asked students in the audience to line up and asked each one what they wanted to be. Afterwards a reception was held and Judge Hatchett signed copies of her bestselling book "Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say." I emceed the program along with a young lady named Raven who is a student at Memorial High School. Raven did a wonderful job. Judge Hatchett was very warm and personable and fiesty just like she is on her show. By the way, I didn't know she's no longer doing her show. The show has been in syndication for two years now. She spends her time speaking across the country and she's starting a parenting forum online that will provide tips on raising successful kids.
The evening also featured Motivational Speaker Kemba Smith who spent 6-1/2 years in prison after getting involved with a drug-dealing boyfriend. She cautions young people about how the wrong choices can change the course of your life forever.
Congrats to Acting City Attorney Val Tizeno for putting together a wonderful program!

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