VOLUME 3 ISSUE 11 | September 2010 | theVIPmag.

com

Are you man enough

for a MAN DATE?
o f s o u t h e a s t t e x a s

Kristyn Grill it Up!

Henderson Make the most
& the Lamar of your steak
Cheerleaders
The Girls Be a man:
Got Game Get the exam!
Morris Carter
spreads
the word
debonair
gentlemen VIPersonality
style fall ray Woodard
fashion Red-hot
accessories
Guest columnist
Sophisticated Scott renick

Bachelor
Pad
THE
GAME ON

MAN
WeiGHt
traininG
tipS

ISSUE complimentary
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Beaumont Plaza
Experience the resort feeling without the price!

Let us share in planning your next event!

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 “Beating prostate
cancer requires
a solid game plan
and the right
teammates.”
&KZr Phh]Zk]%
EZfZk Ngbo^klbmr A^Z] ?hhm[Zee <hZ\a'

Early detection is the surest way to defeat prostate cancer. That means manning up and going to your

doctor for an exam if you are 50 or older.* Not later. Now. Having the best players on your side helps, too.

CHRISTUS Hospital – St. Elizabeth and St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Services give you the critical edge it takes to

fight and beat cancer. Their highly skilled team of oncology physicians, nurses and specialists are equipped with

the latest technologies and the most advanced therapies available. And the CHRISTUS Mamie McFaddin-Ward

Cancer Center is one of only 18 facilities in Texas that is accredited by the American College of Surgeons as a

Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Program. It’s simple. Stick with the early detection game plan, count

on your team, and you’ll come out on top.

www.christushospital.org
1.866.683.3627

*The American Cancer Society recommends that men age 50 or older ask their doctor about the pros and cons of testing. Males 45 years or older or who have a father or brother
who had prostate cancer before age 65 should also consult a physician. If you need a family physician, a specialist, a surgeon, or just a second opinion, call the CHRISTUS Hospital
Find a Physician Referral Line any time. 1.866.683.3627. theVIPmag.com | September 2010 3
 vip guide
c o n t e n t s

06 starters
06 Letter from the Editor
40 totally worthy
40 Prostate proselytizer
Morris Carter
inside september
09 vip shelter 43 Let’s cheer it for the girls
09 Single Deluxe 46 Ray Woodard waits all
day for Saturday night
14 vip style
14 Fashionable gentlemen
17 Red season
48 vip guide
48 4 great dates
in September
09
19 health&beauty
19 Buff stuff: Weight
training tips

21 eating&drinking
21 Steak skills
25 Eat + drink = fraternity

27 totally social
27 Celebrating the best
of events, who was
19 40
there and what they
were wearing

4 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com

theVIPmag.com | September 2010 5
 vip magazine
e d i t o r ’ s l e t t e r

testosterone Editorial

A
Executive Editor
cheRYL RoSe

Contributing Writers
S THE MOTHER cathLeeN coLe
of a little boy, I’m hoLLI PeteRSeN
gaining new in- Scott ReNIcK
sights into the male DaN SheR
haLeY StRahaN
psyche all the time,
and as the mother Photography
of a daughter AND Contributing Photographers
a son, it is abun- FaRRah coBB
dantly clear that SILVIa c. mccLaIN
boys and girls are KYLe PeteRSeN
ReNÉ ShePPaRD
different in many more ways than anatomy. Lee e. StINSoN
Here at VIP, the women outnumber the men among our writers, photographers, JUDY StoKeLY
designers and business sales team. We often feature more “female” subjects, as our
readership trends toward women, too. But we love all the men who support the maga- Art
zine, so we dedicate this issue of “manly” topics to them. Executive Director, Advertising Services
aNNa SINgLetaRY
Probably the most anticipated event of the year (at least among the female VIP
staff) was our Sharp-Dressed Men feature on p. 14. It was a tough job seeking out Manager, Creative Media
some of the most handsome men in town, but such is the role of an editor. (Fake BLaNche BoND
deep sigh). Honest and deep appreciation goes to Sandy Drake, Renee Barlow and
Dana Gray at Dillard’s for coordinating all the designer clothes for our terrific models. Supervisor, Creative Media
Thanks also to our male models, all very busy professionals who interrupted hectic DoN gRaY
schedules to participate. Lead Graphic Designer, Creative Media
Many of our stories this month are playful, but there is one very serious topic and JUStIN BLaNe SmIth
that is the importance of prostate exams. Gentlemen, we know you like to put off vis-
its to the doctor, but this is too important! All the information we have says that early Contributing Designers
detection is crucial. Protect yourself and your family by getting that annual exam. KRISteN FLoReS
Ray Woodard, head football coach of the Lamar University Cardinals, is a star of IVaN gaLVaN
KatIe gUIDRoZ
the issue this month, and we all wish him, the football team, the cheerleaders and the
many support personnel a memorable opening season. Advertising
to advertise in VIP,
409.880.0700

Contact Us
VIP of Southeast Texas
380 main Street
Beaumont, tX 77701

TO SUBSCRIBE
Cheryl Rose, PLeaSe caLL 409.838.2821 oR SUBScRIBe
Executive Editor oNLINe at WWW.theVIPmag.com

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,
SUBmIt oNLINe at WWW.theVIPmag.com
oR BY USPS at aDDReSS aBoVe.

cover game plan

Photography: Judy Stokely A Division of Hearst Newspapers
Publisher
Model: Kristyn Henderson BILL oFFILL

What blows your mind the most about beautiful Kristyn

Henderson, Lamar University’s cheerleading coach, is that
she has a 4-month-old daughter! Baby Ava arrived in the
midst of the excitement of establishing a new cheer squad
from scratch. Kristyn kept her head in the chaos and her
JoIN US oN FaceBooK!
fabulous figure! Credit the combined imaginations of Kristyn www.facebook.com/vipofsetx
and photographer Judy Stokely for the creative costuming.

6 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com

 Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
names Rick Gremillion as the new President and General Manager
Port Arthur, TX – Rick Gremillion has been
hired as the new General Manager for the
Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
dealerships located at 8181 Memorial Boule-
vard in Port Arthur.
Rick, a Southeast Texas native and 1971
graduate of Port Neches-Groves High
School, is glad to be back home. “The area
has grown tremendously in the years that
I’ve been away, and we know that the Allen
Samuels dealership will help continue this
pattern of growth in the Golden Triangle,”
Rick said.
He brings more than 25 years of auto-
motive experience to the Allen Samuels
Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealerships in Port
Arthur, having worked in Beaumont, Waco
and the Dallas/Fort Worth area, with more than five years in the Allen
Samuels family of automobile dealerships.
It’s not only a homecoming for Rick, but also for his wife of 28
years, Dee Ann (Norman) Gremillion, a 1976 graduate of Vidor High
School. Dee Ann said, “I am just as excited as Rick in our return to
the area and look forward to seeing family and life-long friends.”
Rick said, “When you visit Allen Samuels in Port Arthur, you really
will find friends in the car business, with absolutely the best selection,
absolutely the best prices and absolutely the best service, and that’s a
promise!”
Rick plans to add to the dealership’s truck inventory, acknowledging
that “Southeast Texas is a truck market” and recognizing that Motor
Trend naming the 2010 Dodge Ram Truck as its Truck of the Year is
sure to encourage buyers. He also is excited about the new 2011 Jeep
Cherokee, which he describes as “a beautiful vehicle” that the
dealership sells as fast as they arrive.
Among the changes customers will ex-
perience under Rick’s management is an
expansion and enhancement of the dealer-
ship’s Internet department. “It’s going to
be expanded drastically over the next three
months. We’ve never really gotten into on-
line information like we should have, but
coming from a metro market, I realize how
important it is to be out there in cyberspace.
We’re moving into the future more and more
that way.”
Gremillion has a simply sales philosophy
when it comes to his business relationships.
“What I believe and what I’ve tried to instill
in my people is that you treat people the way
you want to be treated,” he said. “When I got
into the car business, it wasn’t like it is now,
where word-of-mouth is so important.”
Another thing Rick would like potential car buyers to know is that
they shouldn’t hesitate to buy locally. “Just because we’re in Port
Arthur doesn’t mean that we’re not going to give you a good deal
on a car,” he said. “People seem to think they have to drive north to
Silsbee or to Houston or even Dallas and not as much to Beaumont or
Port Arthur. They need to know that they can get a good deal here. I
certainly will match or beat anybody’s price, without a doubt, regard-
less of who it is.”
He said car customers today are not just looking for the best deal, they
are looking for a dealership they can have a relationship with and he’s
ready to offer that. “Today, it’s not so much about price as it is the
relationship. Buyers can have a relationship with us that extends to all
aspects of the business. We’re a full-service store, which a lot of busi-
nesses aren’t doing any more. We have sales, service, parts and even a
body shop to serve our customers.”
theVIPmag.com | September 2010 7
8 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com
 vip shelter
m a n c a v e
photography by LEE E. STINSON

Friends and family members often

ask Michael Nacol when he plans to get
married. But with his high-pressure
text by CATHLEEN COLE career heading up his Houston-based
law firm and his jet-setter lifestyle filled
with exotic travels, extreme snow skiing
and international Formula series race
car driving, the 34-year-old bachelor is
in no rush to settle down. >>
THEVIPMAG.COM | September 2010 9
 e owns a home in
Houston, but wanted
a get-away bachelor
pad. That’s where his
West End residence,
custom built in the
late 1960s in a style
similar to Frank
Sinatra’s Las Vegas
home, comes in.
What happens in Beaumont stays in Beaumont!
Nacol was told that the original owner and
builder studied with renowned architect Frank
Lloyd Wright. The house, which the young attor-
ney bought in 2004, had three bedrooms and three
bathrooms. Now the abode has one bedroom (yes,
one) and two bathrooms. Nacol previously owned
a huge, five-bedroom house and ended up using
just one bedroom. “The house was for the maid,”
he joked. Although some see his renovations as
impractical, he dismisses the notion. “I wanted to
be comfortable in it,” he explained. “This is what
I want.”
He describes the new look as “California-ranch
style meets Mexican hacienda.” The open floor
plan with its expanse of huge, full-pane windows
throughout is a claustrophobic’s dream come true.
There is no trapped feeling here, which goes per-
fectly with the bachelor-pad theme! This is where

10 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com

you can stretch out on a chaise
lounge, sip a martini and breathe a
deep sigh of relief and contentment.
Acting as his own architect and
general contractor, Nacol brought
in 10 tons of Brazilian marble to
cover the floors, including the
carport. (Who wants to park a
new turbo-charged GT
Maserati on plain-old
cement?) The counter-
tops are cool granite. The
ceilings are paneled in
cypress. The dark, sleek
interior is offset by the
clear-glass windows, walls
painted the color of gold
onyx and white accents
in the Dark Emperador
marble flooring, including
an elaborate star in the
living area.
The “fire-on-glass” fire
pit offers a warm place
to relax on cold nights.
Nacol saw one just like
it at Caesar’s Palace in
Las Vegas and wanted one for his
pad. The wall behind the fire pit is
paneled with a custom geometric
design that is carried through on
the custom-built kitchen cabinets
and the supporting pillars in the
L�ndscapes
living area. The kitchen, with its
stainless-steel appliances, is open
unlimited
and functional. “I like to cook,”
Nacol said, adding that he often
invites friends over for Alaskan
king crab boils and other feasts.
They can sit at the kitchen’s bar or
at the dining table and enjoy the
beautiful backyard view.
The master (and only) bedroom
lies off the dining area. If it were
not evident before, it is clear when
you enter this room that a man
lives here. The huge closet is more
of an open dressing room — no
doors. “It makes it easier to pack
when I travel,” Nacol explained.
Off the dressing area is the master
LANDSCAPES BY
CORY KRECHEL
409.840.4664
bathroom with its single sink sans
vanity and glass-walled shower.
One of the first things the bach-
elor did was rip the tub out!
On the other side of the house,
the theater area features acoustical
paneling and track lighting. Next
to that is an office nook to keep
the busy lawyer plugged in when
he’s away from his law firm. The
wet bar, with its fully stocked cus-
tom cabinets, is hard to resist on
the way out to the pool. And even
though there’s no guest bedroom,
Nacol did add a full, private guest
bathroom off the patio. Outside
theVIPmag.com
the guest bathroom is an open
sunken tub near the door to the
patio that guests can use before
and after swimming in the pool or
relaxing in the Jacuzzi. And don’t
worry about all that full-pane
glass. The backyard is surrounded
by 10-foot stucco walls with white
limestone columns for
privacy. A playful dolphin
design and the letter N
done in tile on the pool’s
floor add a personal touch.
Surrounded by lush
landscaping, the flagstone
patio offers several seating
areas. In the far corner, a
large slate fountain adds
elegance.
When the sun goes
down, the ambience goes
way up with highlights
and lowlights accentuating
the home’s amenities. The
warm glow draws you in,
especially around the pool
and patio. But don’t think
of showing up uninvited. There
are 20 interior and exterior video
cameras that are monitored by an
off-site security firm when Nacol
is away.
“It’s a party pad,” the bachelor
laughed. “But not a guest house!”
VIP
| September 2010 11
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12 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com

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theVIPmag.com | September 2010 13
 vip style
s t y l e g u y s

“They come runnin’ just as fast as they can, ’cause every

girl’s crazy ’bout a sharp-dressed man.” — ZZ Top

sharp-dressed

MEN text by CATHLEEN COLE

O
H YEAH, there is definitely some-
thing about a sharp-dressed man that
turns ladies’ heads. Do clothes make
the man? Maybe not. But the right
clothes can certainly make a favorable impres-
sion! Take a look at these great-looking guys
steaming up our pages with hot styles from
Dillard’s menswear collection.

RAY WOODARD
photography by JUDY STOKELY

At the ball game or in the ballroom, this major player has got the moves!
Lamar University’s football coach scores a touchdown with his formal attire. At
6-feet-6-inches tall and 290 pounds, the former NFL defensive tackle can wear
whatever he wants. Who’s gonna say no? With more than two decades of coaching
experience, including a three-year stint with an NFL Europe franchise, the native
Texan says his coaching style is energetic, positive and aggressive. His personal
style is a little more laid back, but whatever the situation calls for, he’s ready —
khaki slacks and a golf shirt, suit and tie or tuxedo! As head football coach to the
Cardinals, he has to wear a lot of different “uniforms.” But probably his favorite is
the one he wears on the playing field.

This sophisticated Hart Schaffner Marx custom-made tuxedo is 100-percent wool with satin
lapels, $895. Underneath is a crisp, white dress shirt with French cuffs. Add a black silk
bow tie and you’re in business. Get the whole look for about a grand.

14 September 2010 | THEVIPMAG.COM

 JaY
RamIReZ
This active guy likes
to hit the floor running
so no suit and tie for him.
The manager of Ramirez
Carpet and Tile wears
casual attire to work. “I’m
easygoing and relaxed,”
he said. He’s outgoing and
outdoorsy, too. When he’s
not managing his family’s
flooring business, he likes
to be outside, preferably
enjoying fun activities
with his two children,
Abigail and Aaron.
They like to hit the
theme parks in Galves-
ton and San Antonio.
Don’t expect to see
him sitting on a bench
waving at the kids as
they enjoy the rides.
He’s right up there
with them! Heading
for the beach is also
a favorite outing.
Bowling and golfing
are also on his list of
fun things to do, but
his all-time favorite
sport is saltwater
fishing in the Gulf
of Mexico.
Stay classy with linen-blend,
pleated summer-gray slacks from
Perry Ellis, $69.50. For com-
fortable flair, put on this Calvin
Klein 100-percent cotton shirt
with roll-tab sleeves, $68. The
Roundtree and York reversible belt
is practical and stylish at $32.
photography by SILVIA C. MCCLAIN
JameS
PaYNe
Order in the court! At
Provost Umphrey Law
Firm, this conservative
attorney is detail-oriented
and prefers to wear a suit
and tie. So this Perry Ellis
ensemble is a bit of
a break from his
usual look. “I am
generally more
of a suit-and-tie
kind of guy,”
he said. “Some
would argue that
I’m a little on
the conserva-
tive side.” Now,
who would that
be? “My wife,”
he admitted,
noting that
Tracie Payne
often shows
him trendier
clothing selec-
tions, which
he politely
declines. Even
his personal
tailor has tried
to get him to
lighten up with
little success.
This career-
oriented family
man sticks with
his traditionally
tailored suits in
dark colors. “I
like what I like,”
he said firmly. But
you can’t deny that he
is rockin’ those jeans
and purple shirt! Tra-
cie must be happy! >>
This Perry Ellis look starts with
5-pocket denim jeans, $49.50.
The short-sleeve purple striped
shirt is cool cotton, $48. The
blazer, $175, dresses things up
a bit and the chocolate-brown
Fossil belt, $30, brings it all
together.
photography by JUDY STOKELY
theVIPmag.com | September 2010 15
 BRET DAVID
BABINEAUX PARKUS
Fashion emergency? To
Is it hot in here or is it just me?
This A/C expert is looking cool the dressing room — STAT!
in his selection from the Ralph The medical director of
Lauren Collection. When he’s not trauma services for Chris-
helping run his family business, tus Hospital — St. Elizabeth
Air Comfort Inc., you can ditched his baggy green
catch this big guy work- scrubs for this casual Perry
ing out at the Christus Ellis look. From the movie
Health and Wellness theater to the operating
Center or out-and- theater, the California
about on Beaumont’s native and graduate of
social scene. But Atlanta’s Emory Univer-
you’ll probably sity School of Medicine
never catch him is a master of the quick
in a suit. “I’m not change. That’s prob-
conservative,” he ably because he stays in
explained. “I will shape by weightlifting
wear my shirt and running. He also
un-tucked.” He likes to snow ski. When
opts for trendy he’s not in surgery or
and designer- working out, you can
style clothing find him in casual attire
including attire — slacks, a crisp shirt
from Ted Baker and a sports jacket.
and French Con- “I don’t like to wear
nection. His wife, a tie,” he said. “And
Karen, recently never a turtleneck.” VIP
bought him a
long-sleeved,
floral Ted Baker
number in Las
Vegas that he
likes a lot. “I enjoy
variety,” he said. Don’t let
the fashionably laid-back
style fool you. Some
people say he’s “relent-
less.” When it comes to
achieving his goals, he
might even get a little
hot under the collar.
“I’m very goal-oriented,”
he said. “I don’t give up.”

Keep it cool with Stay cool with this 100-percent

100-percent cotton flat- cotton Perry Ellis ensemble. The
front Polo khakis, $75, flat-front, slate-gray slacks are
and a V-neck cranberry $69.50 and the white-and-gray
short-sleeve T-shirt, plaid long-sleeve shirt is $59.50.
$39.50. The blue-den- The Murano reversible black belt
im oxford long-sleeve with a large silver buckle ties the
photography by SILVIA C. MCCLAIN

classic-fit shirt adds a look together at $34.

preppy touch, $79.50.
photography by JUDY STOKELY

16 September 2010 | ThEVIPmAg.com

 University
cross vip style
Show your Spirit and c h e e r s e a s o n
your spirit, $39.95.
Available at Bando’s, Wallets
409.212.8445 Snazzy wallets shine.
$19.95 (left) and $24.95
(right). Available at
photography by KYLE PETERSEN AND FARRAH COBB

REDHOT
Desperite Housewivez,
409.722.2250

Look classy and cute for the Cardinals

Suit Casual but stylish, Christine Alexander
warm-up suit, $103 jacket, $85 pants.
Available at Hannah Bay’s, 409.962.3400
Toddler cheerleader costume
Kate Cobb looks adorable in this
exclusive outfit, $33.95.
Available at Bando’s,
409.212.8445

Baby bib and

socks Something for Toddler shirt
the smallest fan: bib, Spirit shirts for boys, too!
$9.95, socks, $5.95. $19.95. Available at
Available at Bando’s, 409.212.8445
Bando’s, 409.212.8445

Mercedes Arrive in style, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

with handbuilt AMG engine and 518 HP, $149,000. Available
through Mike Smith Mercedes-Benz, 409.840.2000

THEVIPMAG.COM | September 2010 17

 A Tradition
Of Excellence
We welcome the Cardinal football team back on the field and salute the
continuation of their rich history of championship traditions. As someone
who has also been winning around here for 75 years, we know a little
about being #1.

If you’re looking for a place to bank that wants to win for you, FivePoint
Credit Union is the team to choose. Go online to www.5pointcu.org and
check out our winning line up of services.

Go Cardinals.

409.962.8793 | 1.800.825.8829 | www.5pointcu.org

18 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com

 health beauty
h a r d b o d i e s

Healthy
Loves Company

R
text by HALEY STRAHAN

oxanne and Kristen Courtney

like to exercise. They like
to exercise a lot. In fact, the
account manager and stay-
at-home mom of three like to
exercise so much that fitness
magazines pay to fly them
around the country to photo-
graph their rock-hard bodies.
“When I met my husband, he
was already into working out,” said Roxanne. “He
has always done bodybuilding and was doing fitness
modeling all over the country.”
When Roxanne saw the perks that Kristen re-
ceived as a fitness model, she decided she wanted
in. “Kristen started training me about three and a
half years ago,” she said. “I had always worked out,
but I started training with him and lifting heavy
weights.”
Several magazine shoots and one baby later, Rox-
anne is still focused on maintaining a fit body. On a
regular day, the Courtneys spend about an hour in
the gym together. On days when they are working
up to a fitness show or photo shoot, it’s closer to
three hours.
And you won’t find the Courtneys at the ice
cream shop.
“We maintain a very strict diet,” Roxanne said. “We
eat a high protein, no carb meal every 2 hours. We
never eat past 8 o’clock.” While the Courtneys do
photography by LEE E. STINSON

have cheat days and allow themselves occasional

Kristen, left, and Roxanne Courtney.
indulgences, they follow this no-carb plan all year.
“Kristen doesn’t know when he will get a call to
model, so he always has to be in top shape,” Rox-
anne explained.
While the Courtneys lifestyle demands commit-
ment, they say that it helps to have someone else to
make them accountable to put in the time and make
the sacrifices. “We are each others’ motivation to
go to the gym every day,” Roxanne said. “He’s what
keeps me on track.” VIP

theVIPmag.com | September 2010 19

 Muscle Matters
Pumping iron isn't just for bodybuilders. Experts agree that
weight training is an important part of any exercise regimen.
But walking into the weights section at the gym for the first time
can be intimidating. VIP asked local fitness guru Tyler Briggs, a
certified personal trainer and general manager at Beaumont's
Exygon Health and Fitness Club, for the 411 on muscle-building.

Tone Up to Slim Down

Even if your fitness goals are only to lose weight, it’s important
to not rely exclusively on cardio for fat burning. “Weight
training is an important part of exercise to lose
weight in that it builds muscles and strength-
ens joints,” Briggs explained. “With increased
muscle mass comes increased metabolism
that helps to reduce weight.” So hop off the
treadmill and grab a dumbbell!

Get on the Circuit

“Circuit training is a great way for the average
person to do their weight training,” Briggs said.
This method involves executing a circuit of sever-
al strength training exercises with moderate weight
and repetitions. “You want to finish
finish one exercise and
move on to the next with minimal rest,” Briggs explained. “It
is not an extremely strenuous load on your body, but the fast pace
keeps the heart rate up.”

Join the Group

Group exercise classes used to be all about cardio step and kickbox-
ing. As the importance of strength training has been emphasized and
embraced, strength training classes are on the rise. A strength train-
ing class can be a great way to learn the proper form and practice
of weight training, as well as a way to shake things up if you get in
a slump.
Play it Safe
Before you start a fitness routine, you should talk to a professional.
“Definitely look for a health club or trainer who can help you set
up a routine,” Briggs said. In this climate of informercial exercise
equipment and health magazines and websites, it’s important to
remember that when it comes to health and fitness, one size doesn’t
fit all. “You need to be sure that you are getting your information
from a reliable source with the proper background so that you can
stay safe,” Briggs cautioned.

20 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com

 eating drinking
BRISKET

j u i c y b i t e s

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THEVIPMAG.COM | September 2010 21


RIB
Men are to steak as women are to chocolate. Period.
IB
ER
Post-Pick-up Prep
FOR
Once you’ve gotten the steak home, be
forewarned. A fine steak is much like a fine
woman. You might get her home, but if you
don’t know how to handle her, you could
blow it.
Don’t slather on a marinade. According to
Blanda, marinades are only appropriate for
leaner cuts of beef that require help in the
flavor department. With a ribeye, simply rub
it down with a bit of olive oil and then give it
a hearty sprinkle of dry rub seasoning.
Next, let the steak chill out in the fridge
overnight, allowing ample time for those sea-
sonings to seep into the pores of the meat.
The Morning After
Naturally, after salivating over that deli-
cious meat all night, you’re ready to cook
that bad boy.
Wait!
Quell that overanxious eagerness.
Blanda warns that the key to a stupen-
dous steak is letting it reach room tem-
perature before blasting it with heat. Get
the grill ready while the meat warms up.
22 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com
photography by LEE E. STINSON
DEBL A
AND
UCK
CH
John and Louis Blanda.
Let’s Get Sizzlin’
Now let’s talk grills. Whether you’re
using charcoal or gas, heat different por-
tions of the grill to different temperatures.
Blanda suggests heating one side of the
grill hotter than the other. When the steaks
are ready, sear them approximately three
minutes on each side and then cook them
to your favorite preference on the cooler
grates.
And, please, whatever you do, don’t
overcook the poor thing.
Lots of people mistakenly overcook their
beef, fearing a bloody dish. Letting the
steak rest ten minutes after cooking re-
distributes and congeals the juices, saving
your plate without sacrificing flavor.
A Match Made in Heaven
Well, if you followed our advice, you’re
now feasting your eyes on one hot and
tempting piece of meat. Depending on your
tastes, you might consider throwing on
some sautéed onions and mushrooms or
maybe even a few bleu cheese crumbles.
Pair it with a cabernet, and voilá! VIP
theVIPmag.com | September 2010 23
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24 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com

 eating drinking
m a l e b o n d i n g

text by DAN SHER

interested. She insists, and so begins his attempt

to find a suitable “partner.”
It’s all a very careful, choreographed dance.
Most Southeast Texas men have rules, and these
aren’t meant to be trifled with.
According to Gordon Parrish, who works as
a bartender at Easy’s Tapas & Martinis in Beau-
mont, men generally “date” in a similar fashion.
“We have guys come in, these two guys in particu-
lar come in all the time,” he said. “They have a few
beers, hang out and then go back to their wives.
There were two other men who worked together
and one guy was almost mentoring him. I guess you
could call that a type of bromance.”
Recent Southeast Texas transplant, Conrad Woo-
dring, a 26-year-old construction field engineer, has
no issues whatsoever with the concept of the man

M
en of Southeast Texas,
would you “date” another dude? We’re talking pure-
ly platonic, no outward appearance of anything remotely romantic.
Instead, this would be “bromantic,” otherwise known as a “man
date.” Let’s set the stage: this is not your average guys night out,
doing shots of lighter fluid at the Gold Club. This is an outing that
doesn’t involve flat-screens and football, either. It’s dinner and a
movie, without the goodnight kiss.
Ask that question to a bunch of red-blooded Southeast Texas
men and prepare for nervous laughter. Lots of it.
Tom Harken Jr. of Beaumont couldn’t stop giggling. “Good luck
finding someone who will admit to that.”
Sage advice. But we pressed on, and ultimately found plenty of
men secure enough to talk dating: mano-a-mano. Doing it? That’s
another story.
“I don’t think I would give or accept a ‘date’ invitation from a
guy I met at Buffalo Wild Wings watching the World Cup, even if
we were both liquored up on Lowenbrau and pulling for Germany
in the semis,” said Beaumont resident Ken Frederman. “I guess
being asked out by another guy too soon breaks a social norm or
guy code.”
There’s a “guy code?”
The 2009 film, “I Love You, Man,” seems to spell it out. The
man in that film spends way too much time with his fiancée, who
encourages him to branch out and find some male pals. He’s not
date.
“I think it’s ridiculous that two men should be
uncomfortable to share time together one-on-one,
especially doing something that they enjoy,” he said.
Not that he actually does it himself. When he moved here, his
strategy was to talk to everyone he met. Eventually, his aggressive
social plan paid off. “I met one of my best friends at a local winery.
I rolled in, started chatting, and moved on from there.”
Sounds perfect, but that still leaves some questions. What is an
acceptable venue for a Southeast Texas man date?
“I could see an instance where I would grab lunch with a guy I
have worked out with at a gym after a few months time,” said Fre-
deman. “Of course, this is provided we have commonalities and I
could tolerate 45 minutes of one-on-one time with this other guy.”
Lunch. That turns out to be the universal answer. All of the men
we spoke to agreed that lunch would be the best setting for such
an outing. It’s got a time limit, eaten during the day and provides a
socially acceptable place to try out a friendship.
And as Parrish said, “If you’re not dependent on someone else
for your emotional well-being, you’re better off. It’s really impor-
tant to be able to hang out with guy friends and not be punished
when you get back home.”
One woman we spoke to, who curiously refused to be named,
said that men who are able to share time one-on-one tend be se-
cure in their masculinity.
“And that is incredibly sexy,” she said. VIP

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
MAKE A DATE: THE ART OF BEER
Oct. 7, The Art Museum of Southeast Texas, 6:30-10 p.m.
According to Brandon East, the event chairman, the tasting represents the largest craft beer and food pairing in
Texas with 70+ beers from dozens of breweries. Food pairings provided by local restaurants including Katharine
& Company, Spindletop Steakhouse, Two Magnolias and more. Brewery representatives will be available for Q&A.
Call 409.832.3432 or visit amset.org to purchase tickets. Proceeds support the Art Museum of Southeast Texas.

theVIPmag.com | September 2010 25

 Discovery ST is an extraordinary technology
from GE Medical Systems that combines PET
and CT scans into a single medical image.
This combined image helps give your doctor
a clear picture of what’s happening inside
your body and the precise location of the
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No matter where you are in your cancer care

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26 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com

 totally social
e v e n t s

Stephen Jackson Gala 2

1. Mike Brown, Elijah Brown,

Al Harrington and Stephen 1
Jackson. 2. Ashley and Corey
Haynes.3. Kizzy Carter, Helen
Daniel and Alesha Wells.
4. Melody and Doug Romero.
5.Niondau and Jonathan
Williams. 6. Mayor Deloris
Prince and Toni Sigee.
7. Farrah Coleman and
Marlon Jackson. 8. Brian and 5
Stacy Gentile. 9. Jeff Landry
and Angie Barrows.

3 4

7
6

9
LEE E. STINSON

theVIPmag.com | September 2010 27

 Texas Chefs Association State Convention
1. L-R: Sharon Van
1 Meter, Lynn Krause, Heidi
Cramb, Chef Charles
Duit, Mary Jane Garth
Becky Ames, Michael Ty,
Rodney Ames. 2. Chef
Kevin and Stacy Jones.
3. Traci Henry and Casey
Gates. 4. Donald Floyd,
Marie Floyd. 5. Diane
Larsen and Kimberley
Wade. 6. Sallye Keith,
Jerry and Norma White.
7. Rudy and Angel Garza.
8. Rob and Raenella
Talbert.

3 4 5

6 7 8
judy Stokely

28 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com

1
Michael Sarver at
Parkdale Mall
1. Michael Sarver. 2. Yigal, Yeshara and Aline Kidd. 3. Brooklyn, Ashley and Taylor Stokey.
4. Brad and Kristy Martin. 5. Kaitlyn Sparks. 6. Kaci Drummond and Heather Kotz.
7. Kayla Bishop and Taylor Marshall. 8. Alma Friesz and Dustin McAlpine. 9. Robin and
Kelli Palumbo and Sarah Hughes. 10. Nick Kosir. 11. Katie DeLord and Logan LeBlanc.

2 3

5 6

Lee e. StinSon
7 8 9

10 11

theVIPmag.com | September 2010 29

 Troppy Studio Opening
1
1. Artists: Jamie Kessler, Rob
Clark, Nick Mackee, Darrell
Troppy, Eric Krause, Evelyn
Sibley, Nancy Dodd, Roxana
Tuff, John Fulbright, Summer
Lydick. 2. Taylor Brown and
Delanea Tallent. 3.Danny and
Charlene Babineaux. 4. John
Sims, Gina Hinson and Beth
Gallaspy. 5. Ann Icard, Don
Icard, Christina Delgadillo
and Grace Mathis. 6. John
Agostine and Kirk Gilmore.
7. Maureen and Dean
Winchell. 8. Stewart and
Kari Kile.

2 3 4

8
Rene SheppaRd

30 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com

 MAIN STREET
Madison’s
1. Sandrine Nobile and Georgiana Turk. 2. Brett and Amy Moses,
VETERINARY
Jeramy Webb. 3.Chad Wade, Adina Shirley, Mandy Barber, Carl Blaylock
and Christy Hughes. 4. Maxine Russell and Sandy Mayeux.
5. Amber Danks and Melanie Gee.
CLINIC
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theVIPmag.com | September 2010 31

Cincinnati Reds visit
MHA Wine Tasting at
1. Josh Diaz, Joey Patrick, Jared Chambers and Dalton Roblin with
Bronson Arroyo. 2. Jamie Carter, Robbie Carter and Alex Bergvall
with Jay Bruce. 3. Jonny Gomes. 4. Scott Rolen. 5. Jonny
The Beaumont Club
Gomes and Jay Bruce.
1. Jayne Bordelon-Executive Director of MHA,, Hal Ross,
Tony Ash, Bud Isakson. 2. W.L. Pate, Amber Clark and Jeff
1 Oliverio (2 past Presidents of MHA and Current President Amber
Clark). 3. Darlene Treece, Ryan Hamilton. 4. Connie and
Raymond Richard. 5. Charlie and Tara Holderr. 6. Randy Treece,
Marla Herrington.

3 4

Judy StokeLy
3 4

5 6
Lee e. StinSon

32 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com

 fabulous finds

a perso
e m ke e Looking for a subtle and
he th
W

n.

Hat fit elegant way to spruce up

t

your décor? Nickolina’s

has a great selection of
accent pillows, table
toppers, and table runners
that are made in the USA.
These Canaan Company
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table runners of lengths up to
You will always find the right fit at Sam’s Western Store 108 inches. These decorative Be fabulously western – yet, able to enjoy the comfort
where the Cowboys shop and where hats are hand shaped to fit designs will dress your home found only in flip flops! Introducing Cowboy Jewels
your head as well as your life style. Choose from the many styles for any occassion. Flip Flops at Hannah Bay’s Clothing. A little Bling for the
of George Strait Resistol, Stetson or American Hat Co. ‘City Slicker’ in all of us!

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Serving our community since 1918 with elegant to casual under a Texas Legends Hall of Fame and Texas Martial
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theVIPmag.com | September 2010 33

 George Wentz Opening at 1
AMSET 1.Michelle
Dr. Jim Jordan and Brad Bishop. 2. Terri Fox and
Fox. 3. Sue and Chuck Wright. 4. Mary and Jim
Pattonl. 5. Annier Orchard and Tiger-Landry. 5. Mary Addison
and Bill Sizemore.

2 3

4 5

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34 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com
 ded
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nd

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e the
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com
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VIPOTS

mended V
SP
ded

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Beaumont
Farmers 3
Market 4
1. Oceanna Burke and Marie Zettek.
2. Charlie Mays, Debra Daniel and
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theVIPmag.com | September 2010 35

 Ubi Caritas Date Auction
Meet these bachelors and bachelorettes at Madison’s on Sept. 15.

Augustine, Amanda
BACHELORETTES

Bentley, Brooke
Davis, Leslie
Disckerson, Haley
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Guidry, Jessica
Hecht, Tara
Kovacevich, Lindsey
Lewis, Lauren
Pena, Lisa

Sanders, Lauren
Schroeder, Shannon
Tinsley, Karisa
Zuzukin, Shayla

Brewer, Cutter
BACHELORS

Deshotel, Joe
Fasullo, Joseph
Messina, Frank
Nicks, Jason

Reneau, Landon
Reynolds, Ron
Roane, Will
Robertson, Lane
SanJuan, Angel
courtesy of uBI cArItAs?

Thompson, David
Woodring, Conrad

36 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com

Pioneering Women
1. Barbara Daniels, Cheryl Black-Fitzpatrick and Jane McBride.
2. Celia Scott, Anne Bradley and Alesha Wells. 3. Mary Williams
and Earline Gage. 4. Carolyn Kaufman and Jocelyn
Kaufman. 5. Stacey Plummer and Jane LaPoint. 6. Clinon
Kyle, Marlene Guillory and Channin Taylor.
7. Cheryl Black-Fitzpatrick and Oney Fitzpatrick. 1
8. Danny Babineaux and Phil Meaux. 9. Carla
Meaux, Charlene Babineaux and Sophia Babineaux.
10. Shelley Bass and Ava Graves.

Lee e. StinSon
2

6 7

8 9 10

theVIPmag.com | September 2010 37

Spice of the Season Jefferson County Young
Games People Play Lawyers Association
1. Robin and Lee Williams. 2. Carolyn and Dale Olivert.
3. Bobby Craig and Amanda Nallie. 4. Dee Lane and
Summer Social
James Johnson. 5. Candace Griffin, 1. Ryan Gertz, Monica Wilkins and Chris McKinney. 2. Brady McBride,
Cheryl Guidry and Tamika Humphrey. 1 Kendall Cockrell and Colin Moore. 3. Matt and Bonnie Matheny.
6. Jennifer Gibbs, Lisa Hance and 4. Craig Tahany and Andrew Norman. 5. Molly Moore, Colin Moore
Rachelle Barry. 7. Duane Joubert, and Jennifer Seale.
Sherry McCollum, Michael Warren and
Tawana Cadien.
1
2

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theVIPmag.com | September 2010 39
 vip worthy
s c r e e n s a v e r

MORRIS CARTER

B
text by HOLLI PETERSEN

STT
lessed

JU
would be
the right
word to de-
scribe Mor-

WHA
ris Carter,
recently

the
retired as

Dodcetreodr
the director
of envi-
ronmental and public affairs at the
Valero Port Arthur Refinery. He was

Or
blessed to have a dream career, a
beautiful wife, and two loving and
accomplished daughters. Even more,
he was blessed with a lifetime of
superior health.
In 57 years, Morris Carter had
never received an unfavorable
medical test result and was not pre-
scribed a single medication.
So, naturally, when he visited
his urologist following a slightly
elevated Prostate Specific-Antigen
(PSA) test result, he brought along
his golf clubs, expecting to tee off
following the routine appointment. “I expected everything to be okay,” Carter recalled.
“I expected everything to be okay,”
Carter recalled. “Imagine my shock
“Imagine my shock when the doctor told me I had
when the doctor told me I had a a ‘little cancer.’ That’s how he put it.”
‘little cancer.’ That’s how he put it.
To me, that was like saying I was a
‘little terminal.’ I was absolutely in
shock.”

Breaking the News

Following his appointment, Carter
still golfed, not for recreation but for
solitude. He felt compelled to clear
his head and determine the best way
to tell his wife, Theresa, and daugh-
ters, Chrystal and Shauntel that he

40 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com

had prostate cancer.
It took him a month to break the news. Many men like Morris Carter have chosen to advocate prostate
“In hindsight, I made a mistake not telling them right away,” he cancer awareness throughout the community. Despite a demanding
admitted. “I was just looking for the perfect time. I didn’t want to
career, Joe Domino, President and CEO of Entergy-Texas, generously
cause stress or ruin a family event. When I did tell them, my wife
lends his time and talents to the Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” program’s
took it hard but she didn’t come undone like I expected. In fact, it
was good to have my family involved. They kept me strong.” Prostate Cancer Awareness Initiative, encouraging Southeast Texas
men to take advantage of these lifesaving, free screenings.
Lifesaver
Carter had his reasons for being uneasy about the diagnosis.
Several years earlier, Carter supported his best friend and fishing
buddy as he battled the same cancer. Because his friend discovered
the cancer very late, he endured a slow and arduous road to recov-
ery. In fact, having never heard of PSA tests before, it was solely
because of his friend’s example that Carter ever began booking his
annual prostate screenings.
Because of these regular, preventative screenings, Carter’s cancer
was detected early, presenting him with several highly successful
treatment options. Carter underwent a Robotic Assisted Laparo-
scopic Prostatectomy, a state-of-the-art surgery with minimal
recovery time and tremendous outcomes.
The procedure was victorious. Carter has been cancer-free since
February 1, 2008.
“Because I was diligently watching out for prostate cancer and
discovered it early, my story is not one of the examples of the kind
of pain, suffering or heartbreak this disease can wreak upon you,”
Carter said. “That is why I’m so adamant that men should stay on
top of their yearly screenings.”

Paying it Forward
Carter’s determination to spread the message of early detection
propelled him to volunteer with the Julie Rogers “Gift of Life”
program in 2009. A newly inducted board member, Carter served
as the “Gift of Life’s” 2009 Honorary Chairman of the program’s
Prostate Cancer Awareness Initiative, continuing in that role
throughout 2010.
“Spreading the Gift of Life’s message of awareness has been a
great experience for me,” he explained. “I’ve attended testing sites
where hundreds of men have shown up to be screened. The Gift
of Life does a phenomenal job of making the screenings well-or-
ganized, efficient, and comfortable. It’s good to be there and know
that lives are being saved that day. And, Regina [Rogers, founder],
well, she is just a licensed and certified angel.”
Equipped with powerful statistics and his own survivorship,
Carter hopes that as he shares his story with other men, they will
be inspired to take prostate cancer screenings seriously, particu- be uncomfortable. But it’s a simple and fast exam that could save
larly African-American men. According to the American Cancer their lives.”
Society, one in six men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime,
and African-American men are 60 percent more likely to develop Restful Retirement
the disease. Fancy-free and cancer-free, Morris Carter particularly takes
Studies prove that preventative screenings are the key to beating pleasure in life post-retirement. As a man who enjoys an active
the odds. The five-year survival rate for men whose prostate cancer lifestyle, he’s relishing in his newly found free time. Aside from
was detected early is nearly 100 percent. devoting more of himself to family and friends, Carter’s determined
“I run into a number of men who are simply not aware of the dis- to tackle his back-burnered goals, like maintaining a strict fitness
ease,” Carter said. “I speak to them and give them examples of the regime, learning a foreign language, and even taking guitar lessons.
right way and wrong way to handle it. Prostate cancer is common “It’s because I made my health a priority that I can now partici-
and exhibits no symptoms. If you wait until you have symptoms, it pate in enjoying my life,” Carter believes. “There is absolutely no

!
can be too late. Yes, men might dread the test and fear that it might excuse for not taking care of your health.” VIP

GET IT DONE
2010 Free “Gift of Life” Prostate Cancer Screenings:
Sept. 11: Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital, Beaumont, 9 a.m.– noon
Sept. 18: Carl Parker Center, Port Arthur, 9 a.m.– noon
Sept. 25: Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital, Orange, 9 a.m.– noon
The Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” program, in conjunction with Memorial
Baptist Hospital, screens men who are at least 45 years of age (40
if African-American or if there is a family history of prostate cancer),
have limited income, and do not have medical insurance, Medicare,
Medicaid or are underinsured. For more information or to register for
these free screenings, please call the “Gift of Life” at 409.833.3663
or toll-free at 877.720.GIFT (4438).

theVIPmag.com | September 2010 41

42 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com
 vip worthy
n e w t r a d i t i o n s
photography by JUDY STOKELY

Left to right: Cesiley Cloteaux, Erin Hebert, Destini Ray, Chelsea Thibodeaux, Jacie Woodson, Samantha Briggs, Kristyn Henderson, Alexis Hollier, Hailey Young,
Shelby Plaia, Whitney Poe, Karen Lovell, Brittany Colvin, Megan Ogden and Ellen Byars

Resurrected
SPIRITS
Kristyn
Henderson
builds the
first Lamar
Cardinals

O cheer squad
N September 11, 2010, Cardinals past
and present will come together for the
first home game of Lamar University
football in over 20 years. After years
of work to rebuild the program, football fans are
eagerly counting down the days until that first
kickoff. But football won’t be the only team resur-
rected that night. As you edge into your seat at
Provost Umphrey stadium, tear your eyes away
from the gridiron and take a look at the sidelines.
There, in the spanking new uniforms and bright
white sneakers, you will see the first Cardinals
in 20 years.
cheerleaders since 1989.
Cheerleading Coach Kristyn Henderson is >> text by HALEY STRAHAN

theVIPmag.com | September 2010 43

 a Lamar Cardinal herself. She performed with
the Spirit Team, a combination cheer and dance
team, at basketball games and went on to become
assistant coach. But her eyes were always on the
prize of a full-fledged cheerleading squad in its
most natural and celebrated element — on the
football field. “I stayed on at Lamar after gradu-
ation because I knew they were going to bring
football back,” Henderson said. “There is so much
excitement on campus and in the community, and
I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”
So much, in fact, that Henderson held the first
tryout just two weeks after giving birth to her
baby, Ava. “It was crazy. I was applying for this
cheerleading job while I was big and pregnant, but
I didn’t want anyone else to do it,” she laughed.
Now, her baby gives her the drive to make the
squad great. “I want to do it for her, so that she
will have a team to look up to,” she said. She is
currently in the market for a new red uniform for
the tiniest Cardinals cheerleader.
Henderson was a natural choice to build the
new team from the ground up. With a background
in gymnastics, she went on to make the cheer-
leading squad at Lumberton High School, where
she spent much of her time competing at cheer
competitions. She started coaching an All Star
cheer squad when she was just 14 and continued
acting as coach to several teams throughout her
high school and college years, where she earned a
degree in finance. Now a certified personal trainer,
Henderson possessed the qualifications and skills
to mold the
Cardinals cheer squad in its infancy.
“I was excited to start from scratch,” Hender-
son explained. “It meant that I got to be a control
freak and choose every single cheerleader.” With
20 members, the squad will initially be all women.
“We started with an all-female team so we could
really establish our rules and build a sound team,”
she said. “Eventually, we hope to branch out and
become a co-ed team.”
Though she plans to build a competition team,
for now the squad will focus on
Cardinals football and recreating its spirit and tradi-
tion. “We want Lamar alumni to come to the games
and feel like they recognize it.” Henderson said.
“We have some girls on the squad whose parents
were Cardinals cheerleaders, and we are drawing
from them and other people who were around then
to learn some original cheers, the words to the fight
song and other traditions.”
Henderson believes that the reinvention of a
solid cheer squad will be a boon to the growing
university. “We have many girls on the team who
were planning to go to other schools so that they
could cheer. When they found out what we were
putting together, they were so excited to stay on
and be a part of it,” she said. “I think next year we
will have an even better team because people will
see us at games and want to come try out.”
This enthusiasm, says Henderson, sets the
Cardinals cheerleaders apart from any other squad
she has coached. “I have never seen a group of

Right: During practice, teammates lift

Whitney Poe as she does a heel stretch.

44 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com

“I think everyone is excited for the first game this fall.
This is all going to be really great for Lamar.”
— Kristyn Henderson
girls want to be here so badly. I
had to cancel practice one day
because the air-conditioning
went out in the gym, and I im-
mediately got texts from most of
them, wanting to practice outside
in the middle of the summer,”
she said. “They really want to
have an amazing team. They are
already making me proud.”
The cheer squad has been
practicing for months for its
debut this fall. “As a trainer, I re-
ally stress working out and being
healthy,” Henderson explained.
“I want the girls to be strong and
have fewer injuries.”
In addition to practices, the
Cardinals cheerleaders have been
making appearances around the
community, where Henderson
says the excitement is palpable.
“I think everyone is excited for
the first game this fall. This is
all going to be really great for
Lamar.” VIP

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 vip worthy
v i p e r s o n a l i t y

photography by SILVIA C. MCCLAIN

For Lamar University’s head football

coach, winning is in the cards

I
text by CATHLEEN COLE

t’s been two years coming and Ray Woodard is ready

for some football! In 2008, Woodard was named head
football coach for Lamar University’s Cardinals by
President James Simmons and Athletics Director Billy
Tubbs. He already had 20 years of coaching experience
with 12 years at the college level. He came to Lamar
after three seasons at Navarro College in Corsicana,
Texas, where he was defensive coordinator for the first
two seasons and head coach for the third season.
This former defensive tackle from Corrigan, Texas,

46 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com

has playing and coaching
experience with the National
Football League, too. Selected
in the eighth round of the 1984
NFL Draft by the San Diego
Chargers, he spent the next
five seasons with the Chargers,
Denver Broncos and Kansas City
Chiefs. He was a member of the
Broncos’ 1986 AFC Champion
and Super Bowl team. Woodard
coached the Scottish Claymores
– an NFL Europe franchise –
from 2000 to 2003. He and his
family lived in Glasgow. “We
He was a member of the
loved it,” he said. “It was a great Broncos’ 1986 AFC Champion
experience.”
But he couldn’t stay away and Super Bowl team.
from Texas! And now that he’s
back, he’s ready to put Lamar’s
football program back on the
map. VIP

You’ve been building Lamar’s new football team for two years.
Are you ready for some football?
Along with the rest of the Triangle, I can’t wait for September 4th.

The Cardinals football team will …

be an exciting team to watch and will make LU proud!

What was the proudest moment of your playing career?

When my JC head coach at Kilgore College, Jim Miller, brought me in
his office and told me that I had made the team and would be receiv-
ing a full scholarship.

What was the proudest moment of your coaching career?

While I was the head coach at Navarro College, defeating Kilgore
College in the championship game in Kilgore. It was a very special
moment for me.

Describe your coaching style:

Energetic, positive and aggressive.

As a player, what was your worst injury?

I had my right knee operated on twice in a 6-month period.

What was the best advice ever given to you by a coach?

Time and patience takes care of most problems.

The hardest part about coaching football is …

seeing a young man not reach his full potential.

The best aspect of coaching football is …

being a part of young men’s lives and helping in their development.

If I weren’t a football coach, I’d probably be a …

lawyer.

Favorite hobby:
Golfing and remodeling.

Words that describe me include …

enthusiastic, positive and outgoing.

My family includes …
my wife, Penne, my daughter, Jessica, and my son-in-law, Eric Martin.

Pets?
Two dogs, Sammy and Mason.

The biggest misconception about football players is …

that they are not complete people and are not real students.

Football is …
the greatest team sport ever invented.

theVIPmag.com | September 2010 47

 vip guide
c a l e n d a r

A Salute to the Real American Heroes

September 9
A recognition event sponsored by Lamar Institute of
Technology for the men and women in Southeast Texas
who fight fires, enforce the law, provide emergency medical
care, and put their lives on the lines as active duty military
personnel. Wesley United Methodist Church, Beaumont. 6p.m.

great dates in september

{ September }
SePtemBeR 1
George Wentz: A Retrospective
Enjoy the colorful paintings and
collages by native artist George Wentz
at the Art Museum of Southeast
Evita Texas. On exhibit through Sept. 26.
September 10 409.832.3432, amset.org

The music of Women Artists: Selections from the

Andrew Lloyd Webber Permanent Collection
and lyrics of Tim Rice A dramatic grouping from the
bring the story of Eva Peron, permanent collection of the Art
Argentina’s controversial First Lady Museum of Southeast Texas, featuring
to life in this opening production of a range of styles of artwork by women
the Beaumont Community Players’ artists. On exhibit through Sept. 26.
season. Performances 7:30p.m. 409.832.3432, amset.org
evenings, 2p.m. matinee*.
Lamar University Faculty
Sept. 10-11, 17-18*, 23-25.
McFaddin-Ward Theater.
Ubi Caritas Art Exhibition
beaumontcommunityplayers.com Date Auction Dishman Art Museum at Lamar
University. On view through October 1.
September 15 409.880.8959, lamar.edu/dishman
Twenty-four bachelors and
Earth From Space
bachelorettes have assembled
An exhibit on loan from the
packages including vacations,
Smithsonian National Air & Space
parties, event tickets and more
Lamar University to be auctioned off to the highest
Museum on view through Oct. 24.
Museum of the Gulf Coast. 2-4p.m.
Home Football Game bidders. There will also be a
409.982.7000, museumofthegulfcoast.org
silent auction and raffle. Tickets
September 11 $5. Doors open at 5:30p.m., live SePtemBeR 3
The game against Webber auction begins at 7p.m. Madison’s
International is at Provost Umphrey on Dowlen Road. 409.832.1924, Endless Summer Bash
Stadium beginning at 6p.m. ubicaritas.org Tiki Beach Bar at Crystal Beach is the

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.

48 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com

setting for live music, golf tournament,
barbecue and kids’ fishing tournament.
Sept. 3-5. bolivarchamber.org
Brewmasters International Beer Festival
Moody Gardens in Galveston hosts a
four-day celebration showcasing more
than 300 international, domestic and
Texas brews. Tastings, competitions,
live music. 713.557.5732,
rewmastersinternationalbeerfestival.com
First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue
Shopping, food and entertainment. Groves.
6–9p.m. 409.962.3631, grovescofc.com
SePtemBeR 4
91st Annual Beaumont Labor Day
Tennis Tournament
Brought to you by the Southeast
Texas Tennis Association to encourage
tennis as a lifetime sport. Sept. 4-6,
Lamar University. 409.899.0157,
beaumontsetta.blogspot.com
SePtemBeR 6
Labor Day
SePtemBeR 9
A Salute to the Real American Heroes
A recognition event sponsored by
Lamar Institute of Technology for the
men and women in Southeast Texas
who fight fires, enforce the law, provide
emergency medical care, and put their
lives on the lines as active duty military
personnel. Wesley United Methodist
Church, Beaumont. 6p.m.
SePtemBeR 10
The Beverly Hillbillies
A hilarious story brought to life
on stage by the Port Arthur Little
Theater. Sept. 10, 11, 12*, 17, 18, 19*,
24, 25, 26*. 2:30p.m. matinees* and
7:30p.m. evening shows. Admission:
$14. 409.727.7258, palt.org
Evita
The music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and
lyrics of Tim Rice bring the story of Eva
Peron, Argentina’s controversial First
Lady to life in this opening production
of the Beaumont Community Players’
season. Performances 7:30p.m.
evenings, 2p.m. matinee*. Sept. 10-11,
17-18*, 23-25. McFaddin-Ward Theater.
beaumontcommunityplayers.com
AMSET Gala 2010: Coattails,
Cocktails and Capers
A black-tie cocktail party and seated
dinner to celebrate the Art Museum
of Southeast Texas’ 23rd anniversary.
A creative game show fundraiser will
provide entertainment as local citizens
compete against each other and the
clock. 409.832.3432, amset.org
Texas Gatorfest 2010 her quest to protect these species at SePtemBeR 25
Alligators, airboats, pageants, barbecue Shangri La Botanical Gardens and
and boudain, live music, carnival Nature Center. Admission free, but Symphony of Southeast Texas
rides. Sept. 10-12. Fort Anahuac Park. R.S.V.P. required. 409.670.9799 Master Series 1 Concert
409.267.4190, texasgatorfest.com First concert of the season features
SePtemBeR 17 works The William Tell Overture,
SePtemBeR 11 Trumpet Concerto by Neruda and
Livingston Trade Days
the Brahms Symphony No. 1. Julie
Mexican Fiesta Sept. 17-19. Hwy 59 North,
Rogers Theatre. 7:30p.m. sost.org
Bob Bowers Civic Center. 409.504.3791 Livingston. 1.877.UBHOOKD
Cayman Night
Andy Ledesma Art Exhibit SePtemBeR 18 Limbo down for a Caribbean vacation
Ledesma was the winner of the 2009
Yom Kippur in Port Arthur. Carl Parker Center.
Membership Show of the Beaumont
portarthurtexas.com
Art League. Enjoy his exhibit during a
Texas Pecan Festival Parade
reception at 7p.m. beaumontartleague.org
Lion’s Park, Groves. 409.962.3631 SePtemBeR 29
Dick Dowling Days
Super Saturdays on the Avenue Texas Rice Festival
Civil war re-enactment commemorating
A shopping extravaganza in Downtown Parade, livestock show, live
the 147th anniversary of the Battle of
Port Neches on the 3rd Saturday entertainment, carnival rides, farm
Sabine Pass. Port Arthur. Sept. 11-12.
of every month. 409.722.4023, equipment display, food, and more!
Activities begin at 9a.m., battle at 2p.m.
portnecheschamber.com Through Oct. 3. 307 East Leblanc
both days. 409.866.1655
Road, Winnie. 409.296.4404,
“An Evening Amid the Stars” Gala
“Run to Remember” texasricefestival.org
Black-tie dinner, live and silent auction
Beaumont Police Officers Association
on behalf of Girl’s Haven, posthumously
sponsored 5K registration begins at A Doll’s House
honoring Wallace Domingue Jr. and
6:30a.m., run at 8:30a.m., walk at
Paula “Torchy” Salter. Tickets $100
Lamar University Studio
9:30a.m. Contact: Bryan Baker 785-3077 Theatre presents one of the most
or table sales available. MCM Elegante
or Bobby Anderson 880-1031 controversial plays of the 19th
Hotel. 7p.m. 409.832-6223
century, examining marriage,
Spindletop Roller Girls
Game starts at 7:30p.m. Ford Exhibit SePtemBeR 20 friendship, feminism and family.
Hall. Tickets $10 in advance, $13 day of Sept. 29–30, October 1, 3–5.
Bridge City Chamber of Commerce Sunday, 2p.m., all other
event. Children 2 - 12 are $5.
Golf Tournament performances, 7:30p.m.
Held at Sunset Grove Country Club,
SePtemBeR 13 with an 8a.m. tee off. 409-735-5671
409.880.2250, lamar.edu/theatre
ExxonMobil March of Dimes Golf
Tournament
The 21st anniversary of the golf event
to support the fight against birth
defects will take place at the Beaumont
Country Club, with tee times beginning
at 7a.m. 409.757.1692 or 409.835.7606
SePtemBeR 15
Ubi Caritas Date Auction
Twenty-four bachelors and
bachelorettes have assembled packages
including vacations, parties, event
tickets and more to be auctioned off to
the highest bidders. There will also be
a silent auction and raffle. Tickets $5.
Doors open at 5:30p.m., live auction
begins at 7p.m. Madison’s on Dowlen
Road. 409.832.1924, ubicaritas.org
Ribbon Cutting at Synergy
HomeCare Southeast
11:30a.m. to 12 noon, 5825 Phelan Blvd.,
Beaumont.
SePtemBeR 16
Texas Pecan Festival
Sept. 16-19. Carnival, concession booths,
parade and continuous entertainment.
Lion’s Park, Groves. 409.962.3631
Endangered Plants
Beaumont resident Vivian Todd will
highlight endangered plants and share
theVIPmag.com | September 2010 49
 vip guide
g u e s t c o l u m n
Reclaiming
National
Man Day
W
hen I was asked
to do the guest
column for the
“Man” issue of
VIP, I needed to
remove a skeleton from my closet,
and let the editor know a secret ...
something that may or may not
have been considered a basis to
eliminate me as an authority of all
things “manly.” (Pause for dramatic
effect). In the last 15 months, I have
seen the musical “Wicked” three
times. I do not care what you think.
After much deliberation, the
editor of VIP, with some trepida-
tion, decided that my “man card”
was merely on probation for having
seen “Wicked” that frequently, but
my card had not been revoked ...
yet.
After this opinion was handed
down, I started wondering what
things are considered “manly.” Last
year, there was a movement by two
men in Indiana to create a National
Man Day. The day that had been
designated was June 15th. Unfortu-
nately, that day was already taken
for Sneak a Kiss Day. This is a day
for sweethearts to “steal smooches
from their sweeties.” For the
organizers of National Man Day, it
appears planning and research is
not a manly activity.
On the Facebook page for Na-
tional Man Day, it actually says:
“Be a part of National Man Day.
Take the world by the throat and tell
them it’s OK to watch ‘Rocky’ movies
all day. Tell them it’s fine if you sit
in your favorite chair and scratch
yourself. Tell them it’s normal to go
shoot stuff or blow something up.
Why? Because YOU ARE A MAN!!!
You aren’t some Nancy that likes to
frolic in the fields, unless it’s a field
of mines and you have an AK47 and
a hand full of grenades ... then you
really are a man! Yes, on this day,
50 September 2010 | theVIPmag.com
men across the nation will be saying,
‘Screw you, salad bar, with your
salad and light dressings!’ Men will
step up and say, ‘I’ll take that 20 oz.
steak, and yes, I’ll eat it all. Because
I’m a man!’”
When it was learned that
National Man Day conflicted with
Sneak a Kiss Day, the manly orga-
nizers were outraged and posted on
their Facebook page the following:
“How can you sneak a kiss? The
object of sneaking something is to
not let anyone else know about what
you are doing. So are you guys going
to sneak into your closet and kiss
yourself without telling you?? Maybe
later you can write in your journal
and laugh about it. Here it is. We
are MEN! We don’t sneak kisses. We
kiss and make sure she knows it’s
a freaking kiss!! Let her know you
care, not by being some Nancy that
tries to play it off like it was a bug
that landed on her cheek. Be
a man!”
This post gave me confidence,
so I jumped up from the computer
to inform my wife that there was
a new sheriff in town and every
day would now be National Man
Day in the Renick household. This
moment would either be a great
victory or my Waterloo. I was at a
crossroads. It was time for me to
declare my manhood.
My manhood has been in jeop-
ardy for a few years. My wife and I
have two young daughters and my
life has become fraught with fairies
and princesses and crafts. Don’t
get me wrong, I love every minute
of it. But I realized that I loved it
because this was part of some great
left-wing conspiracy to rob me of
my mojo, my man essence. It was
time to take the power back. It
was time for me to leave old Scott
Renick behind and become the
ultimate manly man, Ron Bur-
text by SCOTT RENICK
gundy Renick.
I recalled Ron Burgundy’s
wisdom about manhood when
speaking to his lady-friend: “I’m
not a baby, I’m a MAN, I am an
ANCHORMAN. I’m a man who
invented fire, discovered the wheel
and built the Eiffel Tower out of
metal and brawn. That’s what kind
of man I am.” Now, at this moment,
this was the kind of man I had
become.
I marched into the den and
informed my wife that as a man I
had the inalienable right to declare
every day as National Man Day.
No more fairies, princesses, home
decorating shows or painting of
pottery. It was going to be 24 PLUS ATM Fee
Refunds**
onwide
hours a day of ESPN viewing, NA- • Nati Bala nc e
SCAR watching, red meat eating, inimum
• No M
talking about murdering herbivores
with high-powered weapons while
I am dressed in camouflage in a
deer blind that is nicer than my
freshmen dorm room from college,
and objectifying women at every
opportunity. After I finished my
diatribe, I realized I was eloquent.
I was persuasive. I was Vince MONTHLY QUALIFICATIONS
Lombardi-esque. My point was FOR REWARDS:
made. Make 10 check card purchases,
My wife smiled and stated, receive monthly eStatements,
“Whatever you say dear. (Pause). and have one direct deposit
Did you get tickets to take the girls or one ACH auto debit
to ‘Beauty and the Beast?’” I real- *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as
ized I had forgotten, so back to the of 8/1/10. Minimum to open a Rewards
Checking is $50. Rate tiers are as follows:
computer I rushed. 3.25% APY applies to balances of $.01 -
After the tickets were pur- $10,000 and 1.01% APY applies to portion
of balances over $10,000 as long as
chased, I realized that I had been qualifications are met each statement cycle.
tricked and my manhood had not 0.05% APY applies to all balances if
qualifications are not met. All balances will
been fully reclaimed. Maybe some- earn 3.25% APY to 1.01% APY as long as
day it will, but all was not lost. For- qualifications are met. Rates may change
after the account is opened. No minimum
tunately, I was still able to join the balance required. No monthly service
Facebook group for National Sneak charge. Available to personal accounts only.
**ATM fee refunds up to $45 per cycle when
a Kiss Day. There, I will make some qualifications are met. Patent Pending,
real strides for change. BancVue. One account per customer.
Scott Renick is an attorney in
Beaumont, Texas. VIP
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Microwave