Hearing it from a hero
The city of Port Arthur hosted story time April 4 with Port Arthur Police Department Officer Johan Nakao reading to the students that reportedly – and, apparently, from the pictures of the party – enjoyed the energy the new recruit brought to the book game. Story time is held every Tuesday in April at the Port Arthur Public Library, 4615 9th Ave.
First Floor Friday
Relive the historical story at The W.H. Stark House on Friday, April 14, and other select Fridays throughout the year as the public is invited to walk the grounds and view the first floor of the historic home, which includes the library, music room, dining room and breakfast room/office. Dates for First Floor Fridays are April 14, May 19, June 23, July 21, Aug. 11, Sept. 22, Oct. 27 and Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the last entry at 1:30 p.m. Entrance to The W.H. Stark House is free of charge.
“We are excited to open the house to the community to come explore the first floor, walk the beautiful grounds and learn about our rich history,” The W.H. Stark House Director of Education and Engagement Hannah Danielson said. “We consider The Stark House the crown jewel of Orange and have gone to great lengths to preserve this historical home and the items that belonged to the Stark family. Visitors can expect to see art, rare books and treasures from around the world, as well as intricate American craftsmanship on the exterior and interior of the home.”
The W.H. Stark House was built from 1893 to 1895 in the Queen Anne Victorian style that features bay windows, a turret and an asymmetrical floor plan. All of the lumber for the framework reportedly came from the local family-operated Lutcher & Moore Lumber Company, and each board was measured and cut for a precise fit.
Materials for a self-guided First Floor Friday experience are provided for all visitors. Underwritten by the Stark Foundation, timed tickets are available at the Carriage House on a first-come, first-served basis. This experience is appropriate for individuals and groups no larger than six people. There are no age restrictions, but visitors must be able to climb stairs to access the house entrance and the spaces are not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
For more information about The W.H. Stark House, visit whstarkhouse.org or call (409) 883-0871. The W.H. Stark House is located at 610 Main Ave. in Orange.
LU alum named LSCO dean of Nursing
Lamar State College Orange announced its new dean of Nursing and Health Profession Programs on April 4, with the promotion of Mandee Tucker, RN, MSN.
Tucker, who previously served as associate dean of Nursing, will now oversee the nursing, dental assisting, EMT/paramedic, massage therapy, medic assisting, and pharmacy technology programs.
“Dean Tucker is an example of the best that LSCO has to offer. She began as a student and is now transforming lives each day through her leadership of the Nursing and Health Profession Programs. We couldn’t be prouder that she will now lead the program as dean. Day-in and day-out, she is helping us create a Talent Strong Texas,” said Dr. Thomas Johnson, president of Lamar State College Orange.
Tucker began her nursing studies at LSCO when it was Lamar University-Orange. She earned her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate in 1995, along with her Vocational Nursing degree in 1995. She earned her Associate Degree in Registered Nursing from Lamar University in 1997, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2014, and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2019.
Tucker has taught as an instructor at Lamar State College Orange since 2008.
PA celebrates 125th
The Port Arthur Quasquicentennial Steering and Publicity Committees announced that a website is live for the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the founding of the city of Port Arthur. Interested parties can visit the site now at www.portarthur125.com.
The new website will feature continuous updates to include viewer-added content, and team-member compiled historical information for the celebration. Gerry Dickert, the Public Information Coordinator for Lamar State College Port Arthur, has collected information from members including the mayor, city council and city manager, combined with Dickert’s own passion for history, to develop an interactive website that will be accessible for years to come. Just a few of the elements include a gallery of photos, a timeline of the city’s history, cultural history, a “Gallery of Notable People” and interactive historical markers.
Readers can also follow the city’s 125th anniversary celebration on Instagram-(portarthur125), Twitter-(@PortArthur125) and Facebook-(Port Arthur’s 125th Anniversary).
Students on display
Beaumont United High School senior Nathan Martin was awarded Director’s Choice over more than 800 students in Southeast Texas, with his piece earning a display at the Stark Museum of Art in Orange.
Kountze native honored with national award
A Kountze native was one of seven people presented awards as Color Of Change – one of the nation’s largest racial justice organizations – held its second annual Black History Now Awards on Feb. 27.
Terrance Spivey was presented a Black History Now Award for Preserving Truth in Education, heralding the artist’s most recent play, “An Ocean in My Bones.”
The award show honored and celebrated seven advocates, educators and change makers fighting to protect Black history.
Spivey was born in Kountze and graduated from Lamar High School in 1979; he went on to receive a B.A. in theater from Prairie View A&M University in 1984.
Let the sun go down
The Sundown Concert Series returns to the Downtown Event Centre Lake monthly from April to June for live music and fun for all. Families are encouraged to picnic around the lake, enjoy the playground, visit the resident ducks and enjoy live music as the sun sets in Beaumont. This event, now in its third year, takes place outdoors and is free and open to the public. Food trucks will be on site with items for sale.
“We are excited to continue offering this summer concert series on the hills near the Event Centre Lake,” Beaumont Event Services Director Emily Wheeler said. “This area is the perfect location for people to relax and enjoy live music.”
Sundown Concert Series lineup includes:
• Thursday, April 20, featuring local band, Sweet Fighter.
• Thursday, May 11, featuring East Texas rock band, Joint Custody.
• Wednesday, June 21, featuring hip-hop artist, NuSoul & Blacque Koffee.
Eagle soars on wings of a butterfly
Wade Simmons, in memory of Carter Reece Osborn, participated in the genesis of a Charlton-Pollard Elementary School Monarch Butterfly Garden dedicated to the slain 6-year-old student on April 6.
Simmons, as part of an Eagle Scout project, participated in the butterfly migration way station and garden planting, assisted by Osborn’s family, the Charlton-Pollard campus family, and Shangri La Botanical Gardens.
AP advances to top role at Silsbee campus
Silsbee ISD Superintendent Dr. Gregg Weiss announced April 6 that Jennifer Dauriac is the next principal at Silsbee Elementary School.
Dauriac has served as an assistant principal on campus since 2016. She will replace Dr. Gerald Chandler, who is retiring.
“My heart is Silsbee. I want to make a difference for students, staff and parents. I will be devoted to this campus, as well as the district,” Dauriac said. “My goal is for students, staff and parents to have a voice that is heard. I will strive to provide consistency and open communication among staff and the community.”