VOLUME 2VOLUME

ISSUE 44 ISSUE
| NOVEMBER 2009 | theVIPmag.com
8 | June 2011 | theVIPmag.com

O F S O U T H E A S T T E X A S

Why you
should stay in

HOT
BEAUMONT
this summer
summer WINNING
swimsuit WINES
fashions that don’t
break the
SE Texas’ most bank
luxurious
backyards TV star &
Vidor native
The latest JOSEPH
in denim LYLE
fashion TAYLOR
(it’s not blue)
Real estate icon Hester Bell
Making the perfect summer drink

7
great 5 gift ideas for Father’s Day

hotel pool We’re on

getaways facebook.com/thevipmag

COMPLIMENTARY
 The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
Beaumont Plaza
Experience the resort feeling without the price!

Let us share in planning your next event!

Contact our professional sales department.
3950 I 10 South @ Walden Road
Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 842-5995 Fax: (409) 842-7810
www.holidayinnbeaumontplaza.com
Gianni Bini “Nell” cotton blouse, $88;
“Freedom” twill short, $68;
“Willow” denim satchel, $139.

Exclusively at

theVIPmag.com | June 2011 3

 vip magazine
c o n t e n t s

06 vip style 39 vipersonality

06 Four hot swimsuit trends 39 Vidor native and TV star Editorial
for summer Joseph Lyle Taylor Executive Editor
08 No need to get the denim DaVID coNStaNtINe
blues with designer jeans 43 vip adviser Contributing Writers
43 Great dates in June cathLeeN coLe
10 vip home maRgaRet gaRDNeR
10 How to create modern 46 vip voices hoLLI PeteRSoN
haLeY StRahaN
outdoor oasis 46 Father’s Day: Memories
of a father lost Photography
15 vip viewing Contributing Photographers
SILVIa c. mccLaIN

inside june
15 7 hotel pools to make KYLe PeteRSeN
you feel like you’re on a ReNÉ ShePPaRD
Lee e. StINSoN
tropical island JUDY StoKeLY

20 eating&drinking Art
Executive Director, Advertising Services
20 Make the perfect aNNa SINgLetaRY
poolside drink
22 Our favorite wines that Ad Operations Manager, Advertising Services
FRaN LINDSaY
don’t break the bank
Lead Graphic Designer, Creative Media
25 totally worthy JUStIN BLaNe SmIth
25 Beaumont real estate Contributing Designers
icon Hester Bell RoSa cLaRK
28 Beaumont Director of eSmeRaLDa DaVILa
KRISteN FLoReS
Tourism Elizabeth IVaN gaLVaN
Eddins on why you

15
KatIe gUIDRoZ
should stay-cation this DUoNg ma
geoRgINa moNDShINe
summer RIcK SteIN

31 vip spotlight Advertising

to advertise in VIP,
31 Celebrating the best of 409.880.0700
SE Texas events
Contact Us
VIP of Southeast Texas

39
380 main Street
Beaumont, tX 77701

TO DISPLAY THE MAGAZINE

at YoUR BUSINeSS LocatIoN,
PLeaSe caLL 409.838.2821

SUBMISSIONS
to SUBmIt aN eVeNt, oRgaNIZatIoN oR PeRSoN
FoR coNSIDeRatIoN IN aN UPcomINg ISSUe,

on the cover SUBmIt oNLINe at WWW.theVIPmag.com

oR BY USPS at aDDReSS aBoVe.

Model Jessica Montalbano sports a retro summer copyright © the Beaumont enterprise
swimsuit look, with hair and makeup by Grace Mathis
and Coco Rave bikini from Dillard’s ($104). Accessories
were provided by YaYa Club (beaded hoop earrings, A Division of Hearst Newspapers
$9.95; Mudpie black hat, $22.95; Jackie O Fashion Publisher
BILL oFFILL
Shades, $12.95.)

Photography: Silvia C. McClain

Hair, makeup & styling: Grace Mathis
Shoot Location: Home of Gaile and Kelly Henry
BECOME A FAN ON FACEBOOK!
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4 June 2011 | theVIPmag.com

theVIPmag.com | June 2011 5
 2011
Hot! Hot! Hot! f a s h i o n
vip style
t r e n d s

&TRENDS
text by HOLLI PETERSEN

Chances are, if you live in Southeast Texas, then, in

the summertime, you live in a swimsuit. Whether
sunbathing poolside or just trying to beat the
heat, a fashion-forward swimsuit is the season’s
absolute must-have. Break out of the black bikini
rut and look for these hot trends, straight off the
fashion runways of NYC.
photography by SILVIA C. MCCLAIN

Take a walk on the wild side with swimwear inspired by exotic

cultures. Available in bold, earthy hues, tribal swimwear can be
found in a variety of styles and patterns – from colorful animal
prints to abstract Native American art. These bold,
interesting
ing patterns create interest in all
the right places.
Antonio Melani
Giraffe Halter with Skirted
Bottom. Available at
Dillard’s. Top: $67,
Bottoms $65

There’s a reason men are still drooling over 50’s pinup starlets.
Those classic vintage styles masterfully wielded the art of seduc-
tion, without being too racy. Leave a little to the imagination with
It’s the year of 3D. But, it isn’t just movies getting a wonderfully retro swimsuit. Look for higher-waisted
those enhanced dimensions. Swimwear with unex- bottoms and full coverage bras, with flirty
flirty
pected texture is all the rage. Look for beading, accents and color-blocking.
ruching, studs, braiding and embroidered Coco Rave Bandeau
applications. Even better – these fun Bra with Ruffle Bottoms
extras disguise bumps and bulges. Available at Dillard’s.
2 Bamboo Top: $50,
Embellished Halter Bikini. Bottoms: $54
Available at Dillard’s.
Top: $52,
Bottoms: $39

6 June 2011 | THEVIPMAG.COM

 Available Exclusively at Purse Strings
In Sizes XS-L

• Washable
• Wearable
• Affordable
Available in Linen and Gauze

Take a tip from Mother Nature and make your suits

as bright as your world. From bright, sunset ruby-
reds to deep twilight indigos, swimsuits are more
color-saturated than ever before. While tropical
tones will always be trending, don’t be
afraid to experiment with playful 6385 Calder
pastels and rich earth-tones.
Miraclesuit Camila 866-9742
One Piece in
Electric Blue
Available at Macy’s.
$146

Don’t forget to accessorize!

Forget that extra change of clothes! This
season, no beach bag is complete without

5-+01.1)+'
a sprinkling of stylish accessories. The right
accessories are the easiest way to take your
look from the sand to the store. Pair your pool
picks with fashion-forward maxi dresses. Add
a little sparkle to your halter with chandelier /'&+%#. 52# n .#5'4 %'06'4
earrings and a flirty heel. Or stave off sunburn
with a wide-brimmed hat and Jackie-O
sunglasses. VIP LEN *152+6#. &4TX 56' ENN
u $#26+56 *152+6#.
HNMTLGGTNGHF
/;5-+01.1)+'T%1/

PIN       ^

/+%41&'4/ 9+6* (4'' 5-+0 %1057.6

theVIPmag.com | June 2011 7

 e je a n s
vip style

u
f a s h i o n t r e n d

Not just bl Text b

y MELIS
SA MAGSAYSAY

Jeans
for this summer have gone from
basic blues and intense indigo to
Technicolor versions of play-
ful Crayola shades. It’s all very
1980s a la Esprit or Benetton,
but this time there’s nothing
junior about colored denim. It’s
coming in sleek skinny shapes
and cropped lengths that liven
up simple T-shirts or button-
downs and work well with
neutral sandals or flats rather
than a pair of old-school high-top
Reeboks.
The most popular color seems
to be red. Celebrities such as
Rihanna and Rachel Bilson have
been seen sporting attention-
grabbing skinny reds. For colder
months, red jeans look saucy
paired with leopard accessories
and a sharp black blazer. But
for summer, they’re good with a
simple white T-shirt or black-
and-white striped tank top and
black flats. The colorful jeans
are the focal point for an outfit,
and you don’t have to do much
else in the way of styling. Too
much pattern or additional color
worn with brightly colored pants
will have you looking like a box
of crayons that’s exploded and Jeans for this summer have gone from basic blues
perhaps melted. and intense indigo to Technicolor versions of playful Crayola shades.

RYAN
AVE
by
D Labels including Rag & Bone, simple top that’s mostly solid will
phy Paige, 7 for All Mankind, J Brand and work, though there are some excep-
a
gr Current/Elliott are serving up an array tions — be conservative when pairing
o

of rainbow shades for spring and sum- bright jeans with a patterned top
ot
ph

mer. Besides red, many of them are
also doing hues such as teal, lemon
yellow, lavender and salmon pink.
Colored jeans make it easy to wear
denim-on-denim, as is the current
trend. Any of these styles would look
great with a basic blue jean jacket or
simple chambray shirt. Try dress-
ing up a pair with a crisp white shirt
tucked in, a skinny belt and a sexy
pair of heels or wedge sandals. Any
or accessory. A graphic pattern can
work, but make sure it’s not too busy.
Stripes would be the best bet.
And don’t wear a color in your top
or accessories that matches the color
of the jeans. Colorful pants with any
kind of matching top will make you
look like you’re clad in a trendy ver-
sion of a Hot Dog on a Stick uniform
rather than taking a spin on summer’s
denim color wheel. MCT

Above: J Brand, $176, available at www.jbrandjeans.com

Left: City Streets, $36, JCPenny, Parkdale Mall
Not pictured: BeloRag & Bone, $165, available at www.rag-bone.com
8 June 2011 | theVIPmag.com
 be colorful.
Plus Size Linen

Exclusively For You

“Full
Figured
Divas”

LA-TEE-DA
Men’s and Women’s Boutique
4004 Dowlen
next to Hobby Lobby 4343 Lincoln Ave., Groves, TX 77619 • 409-962-3400

COOL.
CLEAR.
CAPTIVATING.
whatever the season, no other
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contemporary style and a view to
the outside like Aurora.

7396 College St. Beaumont, TX 77707 409.866.4055 Toll Free 877.281.9717 The Blind Factory
theVIPmag.com | June 2011 9
 vip home
d e s i g n e r b a c k y a r d s

How to create a stylish and welcoming

outdoor oasis text by HALEY STRAHAN

LAIN
M CC
C.
IA
LV
SI
ph y
yb
ra
tog
pho

Home of Nathan and Chelsea Brandimarte

Y
ou’ve remodeled the kitchen, updated the
bathroom and put on a fresh coat of paint. The
interior of your house is just like you always wanted
it, and as you sit down to survey your perfect home,
you catch sight of … a bare patch of grass in your treeless
backyard? Time to call the contractor! You have forgotten the
hottest new area in home design, right out your back door.
Today’s most stylish and functional homes make use not only of
indoor square footage, but the grounds as well. Not just for pools anymore,
though fabulous swimming pools certainly figure in, outdoor space is allocated
for seating areas, televisions and even full kitchens. And as the days grow longer and the nights
warmer, many people are thinking of adding an outdoor oasis to their own backyard. >>

10 June 2011 | theVIPmag.com

 Poolside Paradise

When it comes to making an addition to the grounds, most homeown-

ers begin by putting in a swimming pool. In the warm climate of Southeast
Texas, pool owners get months of use out of their pool each year, making it
a practical and fun investment.
There are more options than ever for the style and features of a swim-
Home of ming pool. No longer are you confined to the basic rectangular or kidney-
Wyatt and shaped pool. Builders have become adept at designing free-form pools in
Scarlett Snider almost any size or shape. Add waterfalls or rock formations to create a
truly striking scene.
Other popular features of today’s swimming pools include low-grade
beach entries in place of slippery steps and fiber-optic lights, which cast
rainbows of color across the water. Add an infinity edge or glass tile to cre-
ate a high-end resort look. >>
THEVIPMAG.COM | June 2011 11
If you are concerned about the maintenance cost and health effects of chlorine, a
saltwater pool may be the right choice for you. Easier on the skin, hair, and eyes,
saltwater systems cost more to install, but will be more cost-effective over the
long run.

Cooking al Fresco

We’ve come a long way from the charcoal grill on the back porch. Today,
many homes have incorporated full kitchens, complete with stove, oven and
granite countertops into their backyards.
“We are getting a lot of interest from people wanting to add a comfortable
place to entertain outside,” said Sam Bevilacqua, owner of Bevilacqua Construc-
tion. “Especially this time of year, people want to enjoy the weather.”
The only limits to designing an outdoor kitchen is your imagination, with re-
frigerators, gas stoves, wood-fired pizza ovens, and kitchen cabinets all marketed
for use outdoors.

Lounging Around

Throw away the plastic lawn chairs and bring all the comforts of home
outside. Today’s outdoor furniture is almost indistinguishable from the indoor
variety. Sofas, armchairs and even outdoor lounge beds are all popular patio fur-
niture. Gone are the scratchy vinyl covers. Look for indoor/outdoor upholstery
that feels soft and natural, while still providing protection from the elements.
One of the most common elements to a comfortable and functional outdoor
seating area is a television. Wall-mounted flat-screens allow you to watch the
game outdoors in comfort.
Adding an outdoor oasis is a great way to encourage your family to spend
more time outdoors together. By creating a beautiful, functional backyard, you
can make use of outdoor space and build the perfect area for entertaining and
celebrations. VIP
photography by Silvia C. MCClain

12 June 2011 | theVIPmag.com

theVIPmag.com | June 2011 13
 /an-ush-ka/ n. like no other. Unique
fine leather handbags and wallets that blend art and
functionality. Each is hand-painted with passion, and can
be found at select boutiques world wide. A feast for the
eyes, with vibrant colors, and a wide range of styles, makes
each a timeless work of wearable art. Available in the
Golden Triangle at Kizmet Studio, Lincoln Shopping District,
Groves Texas.
Vacation time and the living is easy! Take time to
book that summer get-away with the experienced Serving our community since 1918 with elegant to casual
agents at Airport Travel Agency. catering from small to large businesses. Weddings, social,
corporate catering and more. Our attention to detail makes your
event memorable. Call our specialist at 409.840.9051 ext.1
Airport Travel Agency
6000 Airline Drive, Ste. 104 409.722.5699
Jack Brooks Regional Airport

8
Kizmet Studio (Formerly Southeast Texas Regional Airport) Moncla’s Catering. 2530 W. Cardinal Dr., Beaumont, TX
4343 Lincoln Ave Inside Jerry Ware Terminal Bldg. 409.840.9051 ext.1. www.monclas.com
Groves 409.962.9300
Southeast Texas’ highest ranking Black Belt, 9th
Come by to explore degree Fred A. Simon, if offering his taekwondo
our large selection
classes to beginners for a 3-month trial period for
of plants, home décor,
half off – only $25! Study martial arts under a Texas
and more. We have a
wide variety of
Legends Hall of Fame and Texas Martial Arts Hall of
tables, chests, Fame Member. Adult classes are also offered MWF at
and accent pieces. noon. Call now to reserve your place!
The chest *Member of the Better Business Bureau
featured is
currently
25% off!

fabulous finds
Retailers we love and their
Ellis Home Décor & Garden
3737 Calder, Beaumont, TX merchandise we love to have!
Fred A. Simon’s Tae Kwon Do
(409) 839-8473 6385 Calder (next to Purse Strings)
www.ellispottery.com Beaumont, TX 409.860.5744

From hand shaped Hats,

Add a few
To Saddles and Tack...
You will find everything
Find the baggallini vintage touches of
French country
you need at, that’s right for you! flair to your modern
Sam’s Western Store outdoor oasis
where the real Cowboys with unique findings
Shop. at Urban Habitat.

Off to college, summer travel, Although this

or just around the town – be store specializes
fashionable & organized with in renewing home
baggallini! These bags are décor items, they
designed by flight attendants also have a variety
to be lightweight and spacious. of furniture and
Get yours now, exclusively at accessories that
will provide an
Nickolina’s!
eclectic look to
your outdoor space.

Nickolina’s
Visit the store to view all of their extraordinary pieces.
1257 W. Lucas,
Urban Habitat
Sam’s Western Store... Beaumont, TX 77706
409-896-2543 2405 Calder Avenue (@ 8th Street)
5090 College St. • 842-2625
Beaumont, TX www.nickolinas.com Beaumont, TX • (409) 833-7417

14 June 2011 | theVIPmag.com

 vip viewing
s u m m e r r e s o r t s

Don’t have a luxurious

backyard pool? Don’t
worry. These hotel pools
are within driving distance
and promise to transport
you to your own tropical
vacation ... as long as you
book a room.

7 Hope Blvd., Galveston

409.741.8484
Enjoy a lazy day at this “Texas-sized” tropical pool. Surrounded
by lush gardens, guests can enjoy refreshments served poolside
or at the swim-up bar. PERFECT FOR: Relaxing while the kids hit
the nearby (and newly expanded) Moody Gardens Palm Beach
water park or one of Moody Gardens’ many other attractions.
DON’T MISS: The indoor lap pool. THEVIPMAG.COM | June 2011 15
 1080 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston
713.418.1000
Modeled after an Italian villa, a day at this pool with its lush
cabanas and landscaped verandas and courtyards will make you
feel like you’ve vacationed in Italy. PERFECT FOR: Located a
short distance from the Galleria, it’s the ideal spot to relax during
a weekend shopping spree. DON’T MISS: The Billiard Room is
sure to keep the man in your life busy while you lounge or shop.

16 June 2011 | THEVIPMAG.COM

photography by ROBERT MIJARES

Unquestionably the largest and most lavish

hotel pool in the region. Spend a day exploring
the various pools and lounge areas, floating the
lazy river or enjoying a drink at one of three bars
(including one swim-up bar). For a more private
experience, try the adult-only pool or reserved
cabanas. PERFECT FOR: taking a break from
the casino floor or tricking your body into thinking
it is on a tropical vacation. DON’T MISS: thursday
pool parties feature live bands and later turn into
pool-side dance parties.

777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles

337.395.7777

Located in West houston’s citycentre

development, hotel Sorella’s monnaLisa Bar
800 W. Sam Houston Parkway, Houston
spills onto an open-air courtyard and upscale
713.973.1600
deck, complete with infinity pool draped with chic
cabanas and luxe loungers. PERFECT FOR:
Sitting by a pool with a cocktail after a day of
exploring houston’s citycentre. DON’T MISS:
the bar’s signature drink, the monnaLisa.

5222 Seawall Blvd., Galveston

409.744.1500
With a relaxing waterfall, grotto spa and swim-up bar, this pool is a hit with adults while kids
of all ages enjoy the waterslide and plunge pool. and yes, you can also walk to the beach.
PERFECT FOR: a weekend with the family or the girls. DON’T MISS: the poolside lounge
with plush seating, fire pit and open-air sushi bar.

theVIPmag.com | June 2011 17

 2024 Seawall Blvd., Galveston
409.765.7721
With ample lounging area and a nice swim-up bar, hotel galvez’s
quaint pool is one of our favorites on the island. But we like any
hotel located close enough to the beach to take a dip in the gulf.
PERFECT FOR: Relaxing with a sea breeze, without the sand.
DON’T MISS: hotel galvez celebrates its 100-year anniversary
on Saturday, June 11 with a festival and fireworks.

2355 I-10 South, Beaumont

409.842.3600
Why waste the gas money, when you can enjoy
the ultimate Beaumont stay-cation. Book a suite
with a balcony overlooking the pool and you
never have to leave the room. PERFECT FOR:
Free WiFi at the pool means you can “work from
home” and get a tan. DON’T MISS: Whether
you want a cocktail (tradewinds tavern), caffeine
(Starbucks) or just want to be pampered
(getaway Day Spa), you can do it all here. VIP

18 June 2011 | theVIPmag.com

 June 14th thru - August 4th
Every Tuesday, Wednesday
& Thursday
Classes arranged by
Kids Bake two age groups:
Camp 5 – 8 years & 9 – 12 years
Comfort Along Choose From Two Different Half Day Classes
With Style... Cake Decorating and Cookie Baking & Decorating

4440 Dowlen Road 3504 Hwy. 365

(Across from Parkdale Mall) (Across from Central Mall)
Beaumont, TX 77706 Nederland, TX 77627
6915 Cypresswood Dr.
Suite F
Spring, TX 77379
Register Now!
6755 Phelan, Ste. 17 Register in person at our office:
Beaumont, TX 550 North 10th Street, (from 8:30 – 3:00)
409.861.5762 or email us anytime through our website
www.raosbakery.com

Where Business &

Pleasure Meet
Business Meetings & Conferences
Receptions & Luncheons
State-of-the Art Communications
Flexible Room Arrangements
Exquisite Decor

1776 Calder Ave. Beaumont, Texas

409.832.1621
www.broussardscent re.com
theVIPmag.com | June 2011 19
 food dining
s u m m e r b e v e r a g e s

Iced
GreenTea
with Ginger
and Mint
Ingredients:
3 ounces ginger,
unpeeled and sliced
6 cups water
1 cup mint leaves
6 green tea bags
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons
lemon juice

Directions:
In a large saucepan over high heat,
combine the ginger and six cups of
water and bring to a boil. Remove from
heat and add the mint (reserving a couple
for garnish) and the tea bags. Cover and let text by PETER M. GIANOTTI
steep for 15 minutes. Strain the liquid into
a large pitcher or other container. Add the
Whether you are lounging poolside
honey and lemon juice. Stir. Refrigerate until
chilled. Serve in tall glasses over ice cubes, or just trying to beat the heat, try
with extra mint leaves. Makes 6 servings. these festive and low-octane sum-
mer beverages. >>

Lemonade
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1 cup hot water
2 cups fresh lemon juice
1 gallon cold water
1 lemon, sliced
Mint springs, for garnish

Directions:
In a 1-gallon container, place sugar and hot water. Stir until
sugar dissolves. Add lemon juice and cold water to make 1
gallon. Stir until well mixed. Pour lemonade over glasses of
ice. Squeeze slice of lemon on top of each glass. Garnish
with mint sprig. Makes enough for a crowd.

20 June 2011 | theVIPmag.com

 Rumless Rickey
photography by REBECCA COONEY

Ingredients:
1 ounce lime juice
1 dash grenadine
1 dash bitters
Club soda
Lime

Directions:
Add juice, grenadine and bitters to ice-filled
old-fashioned glass. Top with club soda.

Sangria
Stir and garnish with a long twist of lime.
Makes 1 serving.

Ingredients:
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup sugar
4 cups grape juice
1/2 fresh lemon, sliced
1/2 fresh orange, sliced
1 small apple or peach, cut into wedges
4 cups club soda or seltzer

Directions:
In a large pitcher, combine orange juice, sugar
and grape juice. Add all cut fruit.
Stir until sugar is dissolved.
Refrigerate until cool.
Add club soda or seltzer just before serving.
Makes at least 8 servings.

Allegria
Ingredients:
1/2 ripe mango, peeled, cut and diced
1 2/3 ounces carrot juice
1 2/3 ounces pineapple juice
1 2/3 ounces fresh orange juice
2/3 ounces fresh lemon juice
Ice cubes
Noncarbonated mineral water
Orange slice and maraschino cherry, for garnish

Directions:
Put mango pieces into blender. Add
juices and a scoop of ice cubes.
Blend. Using lid to stop ice tumbling
into glass, pour mixture into a goblet
filled with fresh ice. Fill to three
quarters. Add water to dilute mixture
to taste. Stir. Garnish with a slice
of orange and a maraschino cherry.
Serve with a straw. Makes 1 serving.

theVIPmag.com | June 2011 21


inning Wines
Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.
When it comes to selecting wine, the sheer magnitude
of possibilities can prove to be overwhelming even
for the most brazen of browsers.
What wines pair well with what foods?
What flavor profiles appeal to large
crowds? What exactly defines a fine wine?
And, more importantly, how much is
this going to cost?
While the old adage – “you get what
you payw for” – might be true of most
purchases, economical consumers, with
a little research, will discover an array of
tasty, budget-friendly choices.
“It is certainly possible to find
wonderful and affordable wines,” says
Terri Martinez, Wine Manager of Spec’s
Beaumont.
photography by KYLE PETERSEN
22 June 2011 | THEVIPMAG.COM
food dining
b u d g e t w i n e s
text by HOLLI PETERSEN
“Everything depends on your personal
taste. Whatever your preference, good
wines are balanced – without any one
flavor overpowering another.”
Wherever you fall on the fruity or dry
spectrum, look for a wine that features a
complexity of complementing flavors and
aromas. And, when in doubt, test it out.
Buying a glass before you buy the bottle
might save you money in the future.
Finding your favorite wine can be as
easy as a taste test, but the task becomes
trickier when purchasing spirits for a
larger gathering. >>

Painless for the Pocket,
Pleasant for the Palette
Patti Standley, co-owner of D’Vine
Wine of Beaumont, advises party
hosts to consider their audience when
selecting an appropriate wine.
Generally, she finds that younger
generations prefer fun and fruity
flavors,
flavors, while more mature
palettes enjoy bold,
full-bodied bever-
ages.
Both Terri
Martinez and
Patti Stand-
Where to Taste Test?
Spec’s
5876 Eastex Freeway – Beaumont
Offers theme-driven taste tests the first
Tuesday of every month, from 6 to 8 pm.
D’Vine Wine
6755 Phelan Boulevard – Beaumont
Offers taste testing every day by appoint-
ment or during regular hours of operation.
Call ahead for more details.
Spec’s Top Picks:
Ranging in price from $9 - $13
Santero Puglia Moscato
ley agree that the most effortless (and Wonderfully sweet with hints of apricots,
enjoyable) method for choosing wines honey and melon
is through a taste testing. Conducted Morande Pinot Noir
by experienced wine purveyors, taste Smooth and balanced with lively bright fruit
testing sessions are instructional par- and a light finish
ties for the palette. This “try Rex Watson Unwooded Chardonnay
before you buy” meth- Tropical, with hints of pineapple and melon
and clean finish
od guarantees you’ll
never again go Vina La Rosa La Capitana Cabernet
Ripe cassis, cherry and blueberry hints
home with with silky smooth chocolate traces
a bottle of
overpriced Top Suggestions from D’Vine Wine:
rubbish. D’Vine Wines are bottled and fermented in
Beaumont and can be customized with
your personal flavor choices or even labeled
with customizable designs for that perfect
keepsake or gift. With a wide range of
prices, shoppers can find the perfect
wine for their budget.
For a great summer spirit, select light red
and white wines with invigorating flavors,
like a fruity Sauvignon Blanc.
Grilling out? The light-bodied Pinot Noir
complements grilled delicacies as well as
most seafood.
At picnics and pool-side parties, think outside
of the box – literally – with frozen wine
drinks like a Cosmo-Rita or a Peach Bellini.
Combined with water and ice, these fun
and fruity options stretch the buck a
bit farther. VIP
www.paintingwithatwist.com/beaumont
theVIPmag.com | June 2011 23
 • HOME BUILDING June 14th thru - August 4th
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24 June 2011 | theVIPmag.com
 vip worthy
H e s t e r
To Buy or Sell . . .
When it comes
to real estate,
Beaumont icon
Hester Bell has
seen it all
text by CATHLEEN COLE
“ To buy or sell, call Hester Bell.” The catchy
slogan is hard to forget and, of course, that’s
the point. It has helped keep the Beaumont real
estate icon in business for decades. In her 36-
year career, Bell has sold thousands of houses,
always in the Beaumont area. “It’s just one
house at a time,” she said.
A Pinto station wagon and determination
Bell didn’t begin her career in real estate. The Lamar University
graduate was an elementary-school teacher, first in Liberty, where
she grew up, and later in Beaumont. When her husband’s work took
her family to Holland and Germany, she put her teaching career on
hold. But the marriage fell apart, and Bell came home to Texas with
her two children. She didn’t want to teach anymore, she explained.
Instead, she wanted to do something with adults.
Bell decided to go into real estate and passed the Texas real estate
B e l l
photography by JUDY STOKELY
exam, got her license and went to work for a broker. Being a single
mother with two young children didn’t make it easy, but that didn’t
stop her. She’d load up her kids with toys and games in her Ford
Pinto station wagon and take them with her to show houses. “I was
pretty determined,” she said.
She remembers her first sale. She had gotten a call from a couple
who’d driven by a home she had listed. They came into the office
to discuss the house and were ready to hand Bell an earnest-money
check, without even seeing the inside of the house. They were very
busy, they explained, and didn’t know when they’d have time to tour
the home. Bell wouldn’t take their money and convinced them to
make an appointment to see the inside of the house. When she told
her broker what had happened, he told her she’d made a mistake and
that she should always take the money when it’s offered. He pre-
dicted that the couple wouldn’t be back. He was wrong. “They came
back, and I sold the house,” Bell said.
As part of her on-the-job education, she watched what successful
agents were doing and emulated them. “I never thought about not
being successful,” she said. When she married Milton Bell, a local
architect, her iconic slogan was born. Her husband also gave her a >>
theVIPmag.com | June 2011 25
 new perspective on home design, making her more aware of
the details, such as functional spaces and built-in cabinets and
bookcases. Whenever she has a question about a home’s design,
he’ll give her plenty of information. “I love being married to an
architect,” she said. What are Bell’s personal tastes in a home? “I
like a lot of light,” she said. “I have to have space.”

A new business venture

Bell eventually went to work at American Real Estate and
became a top seller for the business. Her career was going great,
and that’s when some of her colleagues approached her about
buying a RE/MAX franchise. As the No. 1 seller at American at
the time, she wasn’t sure she wanted to leave. “It’s hard to get
off a rolling train and start all over,” she said.
Her colleagues convinced her, and Bell, Virginia Brown, Sally
Bundy, Sandra Hathaway, Nedra Magee and Mary Jane Mouton
opened RE/MAX Beaumont in 1988. “We were scared, but it was
an adventure,” Bell said. “It’s been wonderful.”
Bundy remembers the competition between them when they
were at American. The relationship changed when they bought
the business. “When we started RE/MAX, we became partners
— working on the same team to create a successful company changed, especially with the new technology available. “I feel
with a congenial working environment,” Bundy said. like I’m kind of a dinosaur,” she said about some of her struggles
with new cell phones, websites and computer programs, “but
Changing times and hard sales I’m not dead yet!” She touts the Internet for helping to market
properties with quick access to information and virtual tours.
Over the years, Bell kept selling houses and winning awards
But she still has some tough sales. Most recently, her hardest
for her work. “I am competitive,” she said. Being honest and
sale involved an estate on Major Drive in Beaumont. Five sib-
trustworthy are important attributes for the job, she claims.
lings had inherited the property, and they were not agreeing on
“Just show up every day and don’t promise something you can’t
terms of the sale. All of them had their own attorneys. “It just
deliver,” she advised. “It does help to have a lot of energy.”
went on and on,” Bell said.
Although much in the business has stayed the same, a lot has
Instead of looking at the situation in a negative way, the real
estate professional took advantage of the prime location and put
up a huge “Hester Bell” sign. It was much cheaper than paying
for a billboard advertisement, she noted. Finally, after almost
two years, the property was sold. Dealing with difficult people is
all part of the business, and she’s had her share of clients acting
rudely. She always makes an effort to remain gracious and pro-
fessional. “If I only dealt with really nice people, I wouldn’t have
this much business,” she laughed.

Busy equals happy

Last year, the real estate maven and her business partners
decided to slow down, just a little bit. They sold RE/MAX Beau-
mont in October to Charlie Foxworth of Foxworth Real Estate
Co. Bell explained that she and her long-time colleagues wanted
to focus on their own businesses and no longer wanted to man-
age other agents.

26 June 2011 | theVIPmag.com

 “Hester has always

Buying Guide
been the consummate
professional, put-
ting her clients’
needs in front hester Bell has helped clients buy and sell homes for 36
of everything,” years. “texas is still in good shape,” she said. “We’ve had
Bundy said. our share of problems, but less than others.”
“Her focus
If you’re in the market to buy, and it is a buyer’s market,
has always
here are her tips:
tended to-
ward real • Find a competent and experienced real estate agent
estate rather who knows the area well and who is looking out for you.
than running • Do a lot of shopping – look at lots of houses.
a company, and
• get comps. Your real estate agent will prepare a
she has never
comparative market analysis.
wavered from it!
We all stand in awe • Become familiar with the area and visit the
of her.” neighborhoods you’re interested in at different times of
The self-described the day. Is traffic heavy during morning and evening rush
health nut still gets up at 6 hours? Is it a quiet neighborhood at night or is there a lot
of activity going on? Find out.
a.m., eats fruit for breakfast and
exercises for 30 minutes before heading to work. She tries to
get home at about 6 p.m. to cook dinner or go out to eat with
her husband. She works Saturdays and Sunday afternoons too.
For relaxing, she likes to plant flowers at her garden home, but
she’s happiest when she’s busy, she explained.
Bell has no plans for retirement, she insisted. Her assistant,
Katie Wallis, concurred. “She’ll be doing this till she’s 100,” she
laughed. “She has more energy than I have.” Hearing this, Bell
shrugged. “I have to be doing something,” she said, “so I might
as well be doing this.” VIP

Beau Visage
Salon & Day S p a
Nederland, TX

Many Pearls
Lumberton, TX

theVIPmag.com | June 2011 27

Gators,
gardens,
gushers
and great
food
text by MARGARET BATTISTELLI GARDNER
ph

og
ot

SE

ra I
p R PR
hy TE
cou EN
rtesy NT
28 June 2011 | THEVIPMAG.COM
of THE BEAUMO
Day trip? Stay-cation?
this well-rounded town is the
perfect destination.
Just ask elizabeth eddins.

E
lizabeth Eddins stares wistfully at all that
traffic on I-10, one of the most heavily traveled
highways in Texas, thinking about how to get
drivers to pull over and set a spell
in Beaumont.
Maybe she doesn’t exactly sit and stare at passing cars,
but as director of tourism for the Beaumont Convention
and Visitors Bureau, Eddins does spend a lot of time
thinking about how to attract visitors to the area.
“When I do my pitches [at travel/recreation shows,
etc.],” Eddins said. “I tell people Beaumont has gators,
gardens, gushers and great food. It’s a tagline that gets
people talking about what we have to offer here.”
While the flaccid economy has posed challenges for
everyone in the tourism industry, Eddins sees it as an
opportunity to hone her messaging and get it to just the
right people. It’s not likely that folks planning their big,
once-a-year vacation will make Beaumont their single
destination. But it’s a great side trip for anyone on the way
to The Alamo, New Orleans, even Disney World. It also
works as a destination for day-trippers from Houston and
other nearby areas. Beaumont is becoming popular as a
“mystery tour” destination, as well, where travel organiz- CVB is combating the misperception their interest,” Eddins said.
ers tell people what they’ll be getting — two nights in a is by educating local residents who In its push to push Beaumont,
hotel, dinners and entertainment, for example — but not hold “front line” positions that allow the CVB dove headfirst into social
where they’re going to get it. them to engage tourists — those who media, giving the public the oppor-
And, of course, there’s a lot to be said for people re- work in hotels, for example, car- tunity to “interact” with the city, as
discovering their own hometown during the increasingly rental offices, restaurants, etc. well as share thoughts about their
popular “stay-cation.” These workers are encouraged Beaumont experiences on sites like
The vast variety of things to do and see in Beaumont to take a special edition of a popu- Facebook and Twitter.
certainly gives Eddins and her team plenty to work with. lar motor coach tour of the area to It’s all part of painting a picture
But it’s still a tough sell. immerse themselves in all Beau- of Beaumont as both hip and his-
Eddins said, first of all, storms that get big media play mont has to offer, with the idea that toric, cool and quaint and, above all,
leave outsiders with the impression that “the whole Gulf they then can have ready answers welcoming.
Coast is closed for business,” which of course isn’t the when a visitor asks, “What is there “Social media has turned ac-
case. to do in Beaumont?” It’s especially countability into a 24/7 responsi-
Also, she said potential visitors think if you’ve done important since Beaumont is seeing bility,” CVB Director of Marketing
Beaumont once, there’s no need to go back. Also not true. growth in convention and business Stephanie Molina said. “Between
“People drive through Beaumont [on I-10] on their way visitors who might be encouraged our websites and social-media chan-
to Florida or Louisiana and they think they’ve seen Beau- to return with their families. That nels, we are accessible just about
mont,” Eddins said. “Or someone visited a cousin once is, of course, if they get the proper anytime to help people with a ques-
who lived in Beaumont, or they say, ‘I went to Lamar in information. tion. No longer is visitor and guest
1962; I don’t need to go back to Beaumont. I’ve seen it.’” “If someone asks you what there service a Monday to Friday, 8 to 5
What they don’t know is that Beaumont is in a con- is to do here and you say, ‘I don’t job; we’re always ‘on’ and always
stant state of growth and change — something even many know,’ then you’ve lost an opportu- cheering for Team Beaumont.”>>
of its own residents don’t realize. One of the ways the nity to engage someone and capture VIP

theVIPmag.com | June 2011 29

 the Se texas Social
media connection
According to Director of Marketing Stephanie Molina, the Beaumont CVB
has been recognized as an industry leader in using technology and social
media for tourism purposes and recently was nominated for a Texas Social
Media award.
The beaumontcvb.org site is rich with detail, but the CVB also relies on
sites like Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Foursquare, Gowalla, Yelp and Flickr
to announce events and engage the public; and it uses QR [Quick Response]
codes in printed promotional pieces that take people instantly to its online
content.
Social media, Molina said, “is a bit like fishing — you try all sorts of lures
to attract a bite, and you get a good feel for what grabs people’s attention.”
It’s also about engaging in a two-way conversation with your audience, as
opposed to the old-school way of just throwing information out there and hop-
ing they’ll pay attention. Yes, it wrests absolute control of the conversation out
of the organization’s hands, but it pays off in more involved fans who will use
their own friends or connections lists to spread the word about the cool event,
incredible restaurant or gorgeous park they experienced in Beaumont.
In an age when consumers are relying more heavily on their friends to
recommend everything from books to eats to vacations, it’s essential to keep
the conversation around Beaumont lively.
Molina nixed the idea that social media is only effective as a communica-
tions venue for the young, adding that there are 28 million people age of 45
or older with Facebook accounts. So whether trying to reach students or
their grandparents, social-media is an essential part of the Beaumont CVB’s
marketing toolkit. VIP

30 June 2011 | theVIPmag.com

 vip spotlights
e v e n t s

Neches River Festival

Coronation Ball
Morgan Meadows,Caroline Meadows, Brooke Terriel, Caroline Wied

Tosh and Tammy Anderud Hannah, Gillian and Gates Jenkins Madison Cansler, Tanya Cavness

Gerri Christopher, Olivia Daleo Cheryl Jones and Sydney Jones

Kathy Gober and Madison Gober

Marvin and Chris Broussard with

daughter Queen Laura Broussard

Debra and Terran Harken Hannah Stark, Parker Meek Cadien Myrick and Maddie Kiker

FARRAH COBB
Harvey and Monique
Steinhagen

theVIPmag.com | June 2011 31

 Beaumont
Boys Bash Casey Wheeler, Jennifer Teel and Clarissa Lateff
RENÉ SHEPPARD

Daryl Denison, Cameron Barry and Joe Pitre

Lexi Minton and the band, Mix Fixer Bobby Thrailkille, Jada Dryden, Cruzz Thrailkille, Wesley and Kelli Lowe Staci Harken and Scott Ali

Brandon Gonzales, Blue Broussard, Kathy Catalano and Chris Foster

Luke, Victoria, Jake, Wendy and Kelly Osburn Henry and Sherry Norris Riley Brock and John Livingston

Lamarissimo!

Lara Strawther, Melinda Stanton Lucile Gilbreath, Taylor Rainbolt, Tammy Rainbolt, Tim Rainbolt
KYLE PETERSEN

32 June 2011 | theVIPmag.com

 Beaumont
Chamber
of
Ryan Skinner Linda Sterling, Travis Lindow

Commerce
Awards
Banquet
Ann Scoggin, Mary Milligan and Shelly Vitanza Nathan Cross
JUDY STOKELY

Rhonda O’Neill, Rodney Robichau Patti Standley, Dee Lane, Terri Shields Laura Kressman

Chuck Bounds

Trevor Powell, Bobby Craigue

Desi Ramsey and Vyki Alleman

DeAndré Hewitt, Michael Guillory, Dorian McCoy Jonathan McCollum, Michael Broussard, Douglas Benton

theVIPmag.com | June 2011 33

 Willie
Tracey Burk, Willie Nelson,
Nelson
Jenifer Lack, Hunter Eppes and Delilah Harthcrock KYLE PETERSEN

Connie Broussard, Bobbie Broussard Jeff Borden, Christine Gartner Mona and Michael Richard, John and Crystal Burton

Eric and Mary Bevil Michelle Dean, Liz Worwley, Jacob Worwley Troy and Brittany Robinson

rty Super Store

The Discount Pa
Plastic & Paper
tas
Catering Items • Pina
Holiday Decorations
Birthday Supplies
Cards • Invitations
Wedding • Sport Item
s
es
"
Candy, Toys & Novelti
Balloons & Helium
e!
Tanks and Much Mor
3970 Dowlen Rd.
(next to Hobby Lobby)
1555
Beaumont, TX • 409.892.
VIP magazine is looking for male and female
models to shoot for future covers and fashion
spreads. If you want to work with some of the best
photographers in Southeast Texas while
Complete Inventory of Party building your portfolio and gaining important
modeling experience, send a photo of yourself and
Supplies contact information to vipnews@thevipmag.com.

34 June 2011 | theVIPmag.com

 Live Well Republican
Conference Women’s
Luncheon
Rashonda Davis and Sharon LaBrie

Abby Lowe, Jenny Reeves, Jacquelynn Conger, Teri Cardenas Jim Rich June White, Bettie Nixon

Ria Odom and Angela Brown Anita Brown and Fern Savoy Sheri Arnold, Judy Ware, and Billy Oliver

Billie Sue Johnson, Linda Menefee Gail Shook, Karen Manske

Lana Cosby,Jackie Jackson, Carolyn Pineda and Karen Eddingston

Latha Schrapps, Sharon Mason and Darlene O’Neal Cathy Shoemaker, Jan Riley, Diane Rogers and Evangeline George

RENÉ SHEPPARD RENÉ SHEPPARD

theVIPmag.com | June 2011 35

 Neches River Festival

Wren, Amanda Sue

Wycoff, Brittany Alisha
Young, Jori Genele
Zummo, Morgan Olivia

36 May
36 June 2011
2010 || theVIPmag.com
theVIPmag.com
Afshar, Yasmine
Amons, Yuri Jewell
Babin, Hannah Christine
Basha, Shelby Nicole
Batte, Allison
Bean, Annie

Bean, Sara Glyn

Boutté, Parys Seymonne
Bridgwater, Brittany Lee
Broussard, Laura Christine
Cain, Lauren Leigh
Campbell, Alexis Nicole
Clark, Carroll Camille
Clark, Mary Catherine
Coffman, Mary Carson
Collazo, Cynthia Gabriella

Cross, Lindsey Elise

Cross, Mallory Brooke
Dees, Emily Carolyn
Dick, Amanda Cartwright
Dixon, Jordan Janay
Dykeman, Amanda Claire
Englis, Anne Ellis
Fazio, Kalley Rebecca
Finch, Jessica Anne
Fontenot, Magan Catelyn

Fournier, Torie Louise

Freeze, Lynde Danielle
Gerard, Paris Nicole
Harken, Terran Alexis
Hart, Kiera Shauntall
Hayes, Roxanne Ava
Holland, Lauren Elizabeth
Horning, Madeline Elizabeth
Humble, Morgan Elizabeth
Jackson, Braela J’Nai
Kinchen, Haley Jo
Lacson, Maria Carla
Landry, Lauren Delane
LeMasters, Mary Margaret
Loza, Colleen Alexandra
Luquette, Lillian Elizabeth
Miller, Lauren Ashley
Morris, Michele Therese
Nejad, Layla
Parker, Rachel Adrienne

Petetan, Kayla Reneé

Phelan, Kathryn Elizabeth
Prewitt, Lucy Angela
Stout, Lauren Nicole
Straughter, Lauren Nicole
Swain, Hannah Grace
Ware, Kinaya Tanasha
Weighmann, Sara Elizabeth
Wilson, Alexus Kristine
Wolfrom, Taylor Leigh
courtesy of neches river festival

Bancroft, Chelsea Danielle

Grohn, Rebekah Michelle
Sauer, Hayley Patricia
Shipman, Haley Brooke

theVIPmag.com | June 2011 37

 Jason Antik Haus
Sneak Peek
Aldean Opening
concert Madison Zickefoose, Christina Leicht
LEE E. STINSON RENÉ SHEPPARD

Kelsey Haynie, McKayla Anderson, Gabriel Manuel and Taylor Quinalty Connie and Arthur Berry Nancy, Skylar and Dr. Frank Kramer

Justin Williams, Rebecca Morgan Julie Burns, William and Melissa O’Mara

Buck, Tiffany and Chesleigh Hamilton

Kelli Pennington, Cecilia Kelley Ashlee Floyd and Josh Quebedeaux Elaine Jabbia and Melissa Cavallero Joey Blazek and Paula Blazek

Life’s a Beach!
CRYSTAL BEACH
IS BACK!!! Sales Staff: BB Wilson & Christy Leblanc
Beach Properties Sales & Rentals
Locally Owned • Locally Operated
Serving Bolivar more than 50 years
VACATION
Experienced & Knowledgeable Staff
RENTALS Loyal Customer Base
www.swedesrealestate.com 2840 Hwy. 87
Crystal Beach 409-684-3345 • 800-624-0071
38 June 2011 | theVIPmag.com
 vipersonality
x x x x x x x x x x x x x
photography by LEE E. STINSON
F
amous American poet Robert Frost
urges readers to venture down the road
less travelled, unhindered by the social
norms that often restrain us.
Film and television actor, Joseph Lyle
Taylor, did just that and is a testament
that the unexpected path really does make all the
difference.
Taylor is not unlike any native Southeast Texan you
text by hoLLI PeteRSeN
might encounter at the grocery store. He is a graduate
of Vidor High school. He played sports – baseball and
football – and participated in scouting. He enjoyed
spending time with his friends at local parks and his
weekends on the shores of Crystal Beach. And, he had
the normal college-bound aspirations as all his fellow
classmates.
It was not until his sophomore year of high school, on
that all-too-common endeavor for the “easy A,” that >>
theVIPmag.com | June 2011 39
Taylor joined his school’s drama class and discovered something that made
him stand apart from everyone else.
He could act.
“I saw ‘Equus’, which was a play directed locally by my drama teacher,”
Taylor said. “Immediately, I was blown away. I had never seen anything so
phenomenal. The lighting was incredible. It was beautifully staged. That’s
when I realized how much I loved theater.”
By his senior year, Taylor was playing the lead in local plays, even
performing in summer productions for Coushatta Casino Resort. His
talent and dedication even earned him a theater scholarship to Sam
Houston University in Huntsville. Eventually, he transferred to The
Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts in California, where he earned an
associate’s degree in theatre.
Shortly thereafter, Taylor moved to Manhattan, where he was cast as “Al”
in an off-Broadway, Tony Award-Winning play, Sideman.
The new world – from Vidor to Manhattan – only strengthened Taylor’s
resolve to make it as an actor, pursuing each new role with vigor.
“I’m not so sure we can help the path we take in life,” Taylor reminisced.
Joseph Lyle
“Certain doors open and you can either go through them or not. I wanted
to go through them.” Taylor’s
Acting Chops
Taylor went on to study at the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse in New
York City, where he completed a two-year program. Eager to learn more
ways to perfect his craft, he also studied with Wynn Handman for two
years at Carnegie Hall.
“They say it takes 10,000 hours of doing something before you can consider Television
yourself a master at it,” Taylor said. “Have I put in my 10,000 hours? “Justified” – FX drama series, starring Timothy
Probably. But, I still feel like I have so much to do and to learn.” Olyphant and Erica Tazel
Quite steadily, Taylor’s career began to expand. As his roles increased, “100 Centre Street” – Directed by Sidney Lumet and
so did his reputation for hard work and skilled talent, qualities which he starring Alan Arkin
generously attributes to his Southeast Texas upbringing.
“Growing up in Vidor affected every part of my life,” Taylor recalled. “In Other television credits include “Dexter”, “Numbers”,
this business, everybody is always telling you how great you are, and so “Lie to Me”, “CSI”, “CSI Miami”, “CSI New York”,
many actors buy into that false sense of grandeur. But, growing up, I dug “Grey’s Anatomy”, ‘House M.D.”, “Life, Studio 60”,
ditches and built houses. I know how much sweat goes into the value of a “Close to Home”, “Law & Order”, and “Law & Order
dollar. That’s a reality check and a reminder to continue working hard.” SVU”.
Though his roles have spanned theatre, film and television, these days, Film
Taylor stays busy playing the role of “Doyle Bennett” on his current, “Seven Days in Utopia” – Directed by Matt Russell and
highly-acclaimed FX series, “Justified,” a gun-slinging Western drama set starring Lucas Black, Melissa Leo and Robert Duvall.
in rural Kentucky.
Long hours on set devour his time. But, “Girl 6” – Directed by Spike Lee and starring Isaiah
whenever the show goes on hiatus, Washington
Taylor travels from the rural-staged set “He Got Game” – Directed by Spike Lee and starring,
in Hollywood to visit family in his real Denzel Washington and Rosario Dawson
hometown of Vidor.
“Summer of Sam” – Directed by Spike Lee and starring,
“Returning home, I’m basically just the
John Leguizamo, Adrien Brody and Mira Sorvino
same kid, only with a beard,” Taylor
remarks. “I’m always anxious to get “Bamboozled” – Directed by Spike Lee and starring
back. I miss my family and I also miss Damon Wayans and Jada Pinkett Smith
authentic barbecue. You can’t get food “Anything Else” – Directed by Woody Allen and
like that in LA and New York.” starring Jason Biggs
Taylor agrees that no matter where
his acting roles take him in the world, Other film credits include “The Contender”,
his heart will always stay in Southeast “Washington Heights”, “The Break Up Artist”, “Borough
Texas. VIP of Kings”, “Lost Souls”, “Heaven’s Fall” and “La Soga”.

40 June 2011 | theVIPmag.com

Want to know
more about
Joseph Lyle Taylor?
Favorite music: Jazz
Favorite Southeast Texas food: Barbecue!
Best thing about living in LA: The weather
Worst thing about living in LA: Traffic
Biggest misconceptions about actors: That we’re all rich!
Funniest on-set story: One time I had a car in reverse, instead of drive, and on “action” I
went backwards. We all had a good laugh!

Southeast Texas is unique because… of the honest, hard-working people.

Best advice for a local, aspiring actor: Be honest and work hard… and pray!
Best way to memorize lines: There is no easy way, just keep reading it over and over again.
Best acting tip: Keep it real
Never give up on your dreams because... your dreams might come true

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theVIPmag.com | June 2011 41
 vip adviser
F a t h e r ’ s D a y g i f t s

MAN UP to skincare
text by DAVID CONSTANTINE
Men’s skincare has come a long way from cans of shave foam and bricks of musky-smelling
soaps. For Father’s Day, consider introducing the men in your life to the wide range of skincare
products now catering to the other half. VIP

Some of our favorites:

Anthony Vitamin A Facial Treatment: Zirh Botanical Pre-Shave Oil: Clinique for Men M protect SPF 21: “A dual-
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rejuvenate cells for firmer and for shaving and reduce razor improves skin’s condition.”Available at Ulta,
more youthful looking skin.” friction.” Available at Ulta or Macys, Dillards or clinique.com, $23
Available at Ulta and zirh.com, $18.50
www.anthony.com, $35

photography by DAVE RYAN

Lab Series Age Rescue Eye
Therapy: “Lightweight gel cream
diminishes the appearance of lines,
wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness
around the eyes.” Available at
Macys, Ulta and labseries.com, $26

Dermalogica for Men Daily

Jack Black Supreme Cream Shave Clean Scrub: “A gentle exfoliat-
Lather:“This barber-shop style shave ing cleanser for brightening and
cream has no artificial fragrances or preparing for a close shave.”
colorants and is certified organic.” Available at Ulta or
Available at Ulta or dermalogica.com, $25
getjackblack.com, $22

42 June 2011 | theVIPmag.com


great dates in june
Zachary
Breaux
Jazz Festival
June 10-11
Held in honor of Port
Arthur native and Jazz musician
Zachary Breaux, this year’s
music festival will include
performances by All Star Band,
Brian Best, Mark Towns, George
Hill & Friends, Big Red & The
Zydeco Playmakers, James
Francies Quartet, Texas Brass
Band, Still Cruisin, Perry Richard,
Tatiana Mayfield’s Quintet,
Michael Ward, Kyle Turner, Tru
Soul, Dean James and HOU
Band. Friday, 6 p.m. to midnight,
Saturday, 12:30 p.m. to midnight,
The Pavillion, 500 Procter St.,
Port Arthur. (409) 982-8394 or
zacharybreauxjazzfestival.com.
Event Submissions
Do you have an event you would like to promote? Do it with VIP for FREE! Please send us details—dates, times, location, contact phone,
web address and a brief description—to vipnews@thevipmag.com. Information should arrive at least 60 days in advance of the event.
Mid-Summer Classic
Wakeboarding
Tournament
June 25
The ninth annual wakeboarding
event has gained in popularity
in recent years, featuring local
and regional wakeboard riders.
The tournament is open to
anyone and is divided into
novice, advanced, expert,
wakeskate and outlaw divisions.
Whether you compete or join
the hundreds of spectators,
you’re sure to have a great time.
8 a.m. until the last rider, SETx
Wakeboarding Lake, (409) 781-4786,
setxwakeboarding.com
Larry’s Old Time
Trade Days
June 10-12
With as many as 500 vendors, this
flea market has quickly become
the largest anywhere around.
Here you’ll find a wide sampling
of antiques and collectibles, arts
and crafts, home and yard decor
and boutique items, including
clothing, jewelry, purses, and lots
of other surprises. And with more
than 20 food vendors, it’s easy
to make a whole day out of the
trip. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., I-10 at Exit
820, Winnie. (409) 296-3300 or
larrysoldtimetradedays.com
Lotus and Bamboo Festival
June 4-5
Come experience the beauty of the
Buu Mon Temple water lilies and
a wide variety of bamboo. Four
gardens surrounding the temple are
home to over 30 varieties of lotuses,
20 varieties of water lilies and 30
varieties of bamboo. Festival features
tours, lectures, entertainment and
food. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Buu Mon
Buddhist Temple, 2701 Procter
St., Port Arthur. (409) 982-9319 or
buumon.org
Farmer’s
Markets
June is perhaps the height of
Farmer’s Market season, and
Southeast Texas offers many options
for you to get your fresh produce,
meat and dairy products.
HEB Farmer’s Market
Every Wednesday, 4 to 6 p.m.,
HEB Plus parking lot on Dowlen,
(409) 866-2007
Beaumont Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday, 8 to 10
a.m., Beaumont Athletic
Complex, 950 Langham Rd.,
beaumonttxfarmersmarket.com
Orange County Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday, 6:30 a.m., In front
of Big Lots, MacArthur Drive, (409)
745-4017
theVIPmag.com | June 2011 43

{ June }
JUNe 2
First Thursdays at the Mildred
5-9 p.m., Mildred Building, Beaumont
McFaddin-Ward House
Free Movie Night
Film: “Miles of Smiles, Years of
Struggle, 8:30 p.m., 1906 Calder
Ave., (409) 832-1906
JUNe 4
Spindletop Spin Bicycle Ride
7 a.m.-4 p.m., 290 Crockett St.,
Beaumont. Four routes: 16, 30, 52
and 100 miles. Cost $30 per person,
$40 per family. spindletopspin.com
(409) 839-2332
44 June 2011 | theVIPmag.com
Spindletop Rollergirls
7:30 p.m. Ford Exhibit Hall, 5115
Interstate 10 South, Beaumont.
Advance $10, $13 at the door,
children $5. (409) 951-5400 or
fordpark.com
Kountze Blueberry Festival
9 a.m.-1 p.m., Kountze.
(866) 456-8689
Randy Travis
7 p.m. Isle of Capri Casino, Lake
Charles, La. Tickets start at $25.
(877) 475-3847
JUNe 4-5
Lotus and Bamboo Festival
9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Buu Mon Buddhist
Temple, 2701 Procter St., Port
Arthur. (409) 982-9319 or
buumon.org
JUNe 6
“The Logon Loves Theatre,
Theatre Loves Logon”
A night of theater and
Broadway, 7-11 p.m., the
Logon Cafe, 3805 Calder Ave.,
Beaumont. Admission $5.
(409) 832-1529 or logoncafe.net
JUNe 7
Band of Heathens
$30, includes dinner,
Courville’s, 1744 Rose Lane,
Beaumont. For reservations, call
(409) 860-9811 or cajunflavors.com
or email bigrich@cajunflavors.com
JUNe 10
Robert Earl Keen
The Texas Longhorn Club, 2378
Highway 109 South, Vinton, La.
Advance tickets $20, $25 at the door.
(337) 589-4618 or (337) 589-5647 or
thetexaslonghorn.com
Larry the Cable Guy
9 p.m. Coushatta Casino Resort, 777
Coushatta Drive in Kinder, La
Golden Triangle Raceway Relay
8 p.m., Golden Triangle Raceway
Park, 16583 Hwy. 90, Beaumont.
Tickets $5-15. (409) 752-7200
Wade Bowen and Kristen Kelly
7 p.m., Nutty Jerry’s, Winnie. Tickets
$15, $20, $25. (877) 643-7508 or
nuttyjerrys.com
JUNe 10-11
Zachary Breaux Jazz Festival
The Pavillion, 500 Procter St.,
Port Arthur. (409) 982-8394 or
zacharybreauxjazzfestival.com
JUNe 10-12
Larry’s Old Time Trade Days
8 a.m. – 5 p.m., I-10 at Exit
820, Winnie. (409) 296-3300 or
larrysoldtimetradedays.com
JUNe 11
Sammy Kershaw and Daryle
Singletary
Nutty Jerry’s, 18291 Englin
Road, Winnie. Tickets $20, $45.
(877) 643-7508 or nuttyjerrys.com
Texas Blueberry Festival
8 a.m.-4 p.m., 200 E. Main
St., Nacogdoches. Free.
texasblueberryfestival.com
Babe Didrikson Zaharias
Foundation’s Centennial Celebration
of Babe’s Birthday
Golf tournament at 8 a.m. at
Brentwood Country Club.
Dinner and auction at 6:30
p.m., Holiday Inn Hotel, I-10
at Walden Road.
JUNe 12
Opening of Hurricane
Restrospective exhibit
2 p.m. exhibit opening,
Running daily through
July 24, Museum of the Gulf
Coast, Tickets $2-4, (409) 982-
7000, museumofthegulfcoast.org
JUNe 13
Beaumont Public Schools
Foundation Inc., Golf Tournament
Brentwood Country Club,
Beaumont. (409) 617-5134 or
beaumont.k12.tx.us/golf
Juneteenth Celebration
4 p.m., Tyrrell Park, Beaumont
JUNe 15
Bubble Day
10:30 am. – 12:30 p.m., Northend
Community Center in Beaumont.
Sponsored by the Texas Energy
Museum. Free program for children
of all ages.
JUNe 16
Rick Danna
7 p.m., D’Vine Wine Winery,
6755 Phelan Blvd, Beaumont.
(409) 861-0400
JUNe 17
Eddie Money
Nutty Jerry’s, 18291 Englin Road,
Winnie. Concert after the bull ride.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets $20,
$25, $30 and $35. (877) 643-7508 or
nuttyjerrys.com
JUNe 17-19
Orange Trade Days
200 Turrett St., Orange.
(409) 883-4344 or orangetradedays.
com
JUNe 18
Cayman Night
6-11 p.m., Robert A. “Bob” Bowers
Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center
Drive, Port Arthur. (409) 985-8801.
Coffee and Cars
8-10 a.m., Sertino’s Café, 5657 Eastex
Freeway, coffeeandcarsbeaumont.com
JUNe 20
Nutty Jerry’s, 18291 Englin Road,
Winnie. Tickets $25, $45, $65, $100.
(877) 643-7508 or nuttyjerrys.com
Vince Gill
8 p.m., L’Auberge du Lac Hotel &
Casino, 777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake
Charles, La. Tickets $70 and $85.
(800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com
JUNe 24-25
Texas Star Music Festival
Vidor Chamber of Commerce, 510 Main
St., Vidor
JUNe 24-26
Kountze “Big Thicket” Trade Days
next to Super 8 Motel, Kountze.
(409) 880-5667
JUNe 25
Mid-Summer Classic Wakeboarding
Tournament
9 a.m., SETx Wakeboarding Lake,
(409) 781-4786
JUNe 30
Michael Lee Art Exhibition
Opening of exhibit running through
August 28. Art Museum of Southeast
Texas, 500 Main St., Beaumont.
(409) 832-3432 or amset.org

July Preview
Night and Day Orchestra
8-10 p.m., Logon Café, 3805
Calder Ave., (409) 832-1529
JUNe 23
The Oak Ridge Boys
Nutty Jerry’s, 18291 Englin Road,
Winnie. Tickets $25, $30, $45.
(877) 643-7508 or nuttyjerrys.com
JUNe 24
Johnny Rivers and Delbert
McClinton
///////////////////
JULY 4
City of Beaumont Fourth of July Celebration in downtown Beaumont.
Includes performances by local groups, a concert by the Symphony of
Southeast Texas and a fireworks show. (409) 838-3435
JULY 8-10
The Peddler Show and Southeast Texas Great Outdoors Expo, Ford Park,
peddlershow.com
JULY 17
Bridal Traditions Summer Bridal Show, Beaumont Civic Center.
(409) 769-7599, bridaltraditionstexas.com

For the Seasoned Diner

Celebrate
Any Occasion
with
D.J.’s Boudain!
D.J.’s is your hometown supplier
of boudain and rice dressing.
Look for it at any one
of your local grocery stores.

theVIPmag.com | June 2011 45

 vip adviser
g u e s t c o l u m n
I
am addicted to
sticky notes and
calendars. My
refrigerator door
is my day planner.
My husband
says I’m impatient
and high-strung. In
my younger years,
I thought these
traits came from my mother who
was always a bit on the jittery
side. But I finally realized that
my “tightly wound” personality
came from my father. He was
definitely Type A — a list maker,
an organizer, a planner, a num-
ber cruncher, an achiever. Before
Post-it Notes and home com-
puters, Dad had his notepads,
reports and spreadsheets.
My dad was on or off, full
speed or nothing. He’d wake up
early and make himself a glass
of chocolate Carnation Instant
Breakfast. (Does anybody re-
member that concoction?) He’d
always save the last few sips for
our dog. He’d put in a full day
at work, be home in time for
dinner and then go to his desk
to “do his homework” as my
mother referred to it — filling
out reports and sales orders. My
mother helped me memorize
what my father did for a living.
46 June 2011 | theVIPmag.com
text by CATHLEEN COLE
“My father is a factory represen-
tative for Buick Motor Division,
General Motors Corporation.”
He sold cars, lots of them, to
dealers all over Florida.
When he’d finished his home-
work, he’d join the family for
some prime-time television —
“Barney Miller,” “Happy Days,”
“All in the Family,” “Welcome
Back, Kotter.” He used to fall
asleep in his overstuffed chair at
about 8:30 at night. “Richard,
go to bed,” my mom would say.
He’d awaken, startled. “What?
I was just resting my eyes.” My
mom would laugh. “Well, you
were snoring while you were
resting your eyes,” she’d reply.
“Go to bed.”
When my older sisters were
little, they shared a room and
my dad would read bedtime
stories to them. My mom finally
nixed that routine because he’d
fall asleep before they did. My
oldest sister would climb over
his prone body and go find my
mother. “Mommy, Daddy fell
asleep in my bed and he’s snor-
ing.”
He slept through a tropical
storm once. Thunder crashed.
Lightning flashed through
the night sky. Water flooded
in through the sliding-glass
doors as my mom, my sisters
and I soaked it up with towels.
Even our dog woke up for the
event. Dad slept through the
whole thing. I don’t remember
if my mom tried to wake him
so he could help. She probably
thought it was better to let sleep-
ing dads lie.
Although my father wore
conservative suits to work
during the week, the weekend
opened up a whole different
closet door of fashion options.
He was an avid golfer. Have you
seen “Caddyshack” with Rodney
Dangerfield? Red slacks, white
belt, green golf shirt — that was
a typical outfit my dad wore.
If he were actually going golf-
ing, he’d top it off with a golf cap
emblazoned with some country
club’s logo or sometimes he’d
wear his New York Yankees cap.
When the weather was really
hot, he’d wear Bermuda shorts
with black socks and loafers. (He
polished his shoes weekly and
organized his sock drawer.)
The man never owned a pair
of jeans or sneakers in his life.
After a vacation in Mexico with
my mother, he proudly displayed
his new red-white-and-blue
leather shoes that he’d bought in
Acapulco. He’d wear them with
ichard
father R
n Cole’s
Cathlee
red Sansabelt slacks and a navy-
blue golf shirt. He wore those
shoes out, but not soon enough
for the rest of the family.
As the father of three girls,
he made it clear that when he
sent us to college it was not for
“M.R.S.” degrees. He expected
us to earn bachelor’s degrees in
something and get jobs, prefer-
ably away from home. It’s not
that he didn’t love us. He wanted
us to be independent. We did as
he wished. We earned degrees,
got jobs and moved away. But
all three of us kept some of his
Type-A personality that we’d
inherited.
My dad died July 14, 1997,
after a long illness. I like to
think of him in heaven helping
Saint Peter check in new arrivals
at the gates. He has his clipboard
with him and he’s filling out
forms and checking off names.
When the workday is done, he’ll
go to his desk to finish up the
spreadsheets. Then he’ll watch
some television programs, his
head nodding, until Saint Peter
says, “Richard, go to bed!” Of
course he’ll reply, “What? I was
just resting my eyes.”
Rest in peace, Dad. Happy
Father’s Day. VIP