Events Book: SETX Events

TAKE ONE MAY 2015

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celebrates

80 YEARS Increases Assets & Technology for the Next Generation

PLUS COMPLETE SUMMER KID CAMP GUIDE CRAB, MAYPOLE & CRAWFISH FESTIVALS MOVIES & CONCERTS IN THE PARK TRIBUTE TO MOMS & TO SOUTHEAST TEXAS’ “MOM OF MOMS”

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features MobilOil Federal Credit Union Invest in You No Summer BoredomKid Camp Guide Why Southeast Texas Kiddos Love Their Moms

3827 Phelan Boulevard PMB 112 Beaumont, Texas 77707 409.201.9934 SoutheastTexasEvents.com

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PUBLISHER Paul Chargois

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EVENTS

31 D E PA RTM E N T S Infographic On this Date in Southeast Texas Word of the Month Wining Pin-Tested Southeast Texas Somebody Social Seen Hobby Time Classified Pick of the Month SoutheastTexas.com Stats Sneak Peek Cartoon Corner The Last Word

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Performing Arts Visual Arts Food & Beverage Charity Entertainment Free Fun Kids Corner Festivals Sports & Recreation Health, Wellness & Education Business & Networking Event Listings

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EDITORINCHIEF Shelly Vitanza EDITOR Beth Gallaspy CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tina Breland ART DIRECTOR Therése Shearer WEB CONTENT MANAGERS Dominique Delgado Amy Dowdy Kathleen Gantner ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Renee Cox CIRCULATION Don Shellenberger PHOTOGRAPHER Jim Debes

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from the COVER MobilOil Federal Credit Union customer Beau Hansen, 25, represents the next generation of credit union customers. The credit union celebrates 80 years of hometown service this year while also increasing assets, offering new technologies and helping millennials, like Hansen, an entrepreneur, establish credit, improve credit scores and borrow and save money. Read about MobilOil Federal Credit Union’s history and plans for the future, page 6.

Subscribe to the EVENTSBOOK If you would prefer to receive your copies of the EventsBook in the mail for one year, please send $19.95 to: SoutheastTexas.com, 3827 Phelan Blvd., PMB 112, Beaumont, TX 77707 Include your mailing address.

We list all events for Free. We are the one calendar for Southeast Texas.

For the latest and most exciting events, visit us at

www.SoutheastTexasEvents.com.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Beth Gallaspy Chrissie Mouton Gerald Patrizi Scott Renick Melissa Tilley Emily Wheeler Advertising Information: For advertising, please contact Renee Cox at 409.781.3603 or rcox@southeasttexas.com.

To list your event on Southeasttexas.com: Visit Southeasttexas.com, click events. Under the Calendar tab, click “Submit an Event,” or email us at events@southeasttexas.com.

Copyright 2015, SoutheastTexas.com. All rights reserved. All contents copyright 2015 Virtual Communities, Inc, The Events Books, SoutheastTexas.com.

All rights reserved. EventsBook is a monthly publication. Events shown are from SoutheastTexasEvents.com. Priority listing is given to SoutheastTexasEvents.com’s member organizations. Other events are listed as space allows.

For additional information on the events listed in the EventsBook and other events not listed, visit SoutheastTexasEvents.com.

SoutheastTexas.com is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes that may have occurred since the publishing of this issue. Every effort has been made to ensure accurate information at the time of publication, however, this cannot be guaranteed. SoutheastTexas.com recommends visiting SoutheastTexas.com or contacting the represented companies to determine availability of service and to confirm date, time, location and other related event information. All submissions of editorial, photography, advertising and event information are accepted only without risk to the publisher for loss or damage.

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Mom’s Rock n the occasion of my mother’s 70th birthday in February of this year, our 13-year-old son, Joshua, toasted his grandmother and then presented her with one of his lifelong collected and most symbolic of gifts, a rock.

Since walking age, Joshua has collected rocks.

In his early years, he would bring them to me always saying, “I found a boo-tiful wock, mommy.”

Even when we walked in wildflowers or on a beach of seashells, Joshua found rocks, almost oblivious to the other natural treasures to be collected.

When Josh started preschool, I had to check his pants pockets before laundry to make sure they weren’t full of rocks, and most days they were. I added them to his collection, fearful that he’d look for his new ones and not find them. Somehow he kept up with rock identity – day and place of collection. I began filling boxes and baskets in his room with the variety of jagged, smooth, brown, black, slate, polished, tiny and large, heavy rocks.

Family and friends recognized Joshua’s affinity for rocks and gave him pebbles, stones, gravel from what they’d collected and bought. A Boy Scout friend found a stash of petrified wood and donated it to Joshua. Aunts, uncles and cousins found rocks when they traveled or purchased polished colored rocks from souvenir stores, animals made from rocks, rock paperweights and other rock items. It became the norm when shopping that Joshua would find a bin of rocks to sort through and beg to purchase a sack of rocks.

By the time Joshua was in kindergarten, he had a substantial rock collection, so that when the teacher announced children needed to bring 100 items on the 100th day of school, rocks seemed, at least in Joshua’s mind, the only reasonable choice. I suggested Skittles, pennies, M&Ms, anything small and easy to carry, even promising he could keep whatever it was that we took if we didn’t have to haul the rocks. But on the 100th day

of kindergarten, Joshua selected his favorites, and my husband I loaded two boxes of rocks into the car, along with the dolly I use to move houseplants, and took them to school. Of course all of the other little children had their 100 items in Ziplocs in their backpacks – clovers, chocolate chips, Lego pieces.

The most recent rock, the purplish, fist-sized jagged-edged rock presented to my mother upon her birthday, Joshua had purchased in January at a garage sale along with an entire coffee can of other rocks. He immediately identified the purple rock as one he would give to his “Bebe” for her birthday because it was amethyst-colored, the birthstone for February.

During his toast he listed all of the things he loves about Bebe – her ability to make animal-shaped pancakes, build gingerbread houses, play Mah Jong and golf and take him to the beach, movies, etc. Then he brought the crowded room to tears saying, “I present you with this rock, because you are the rock of our family.”

I pass Joshua’s toast on to all moms this May. For all you do for your families, mostly unnoticed but vital to keeping life moving forward from serving oatmeal in the mornings to driving carpool, wiping tears, listening to heartaches, celebrating birthdays, making ponytails, grocery shopping, working and sacrificing your time and desires for the health and happiness of others – you are the rock of your families! I only wish I could share/distribute the real rocks in my household.

In this EventsBook you’ll find many ways to celebrate Mother’s Day most notably the Mediterranean Festival, May 2, the LiveWell Women’s Conference, May 9, “Listen To Your Mother,” production, May 9, the Texas Crab Festival, Mother’s Day weekend... And if you’re looking for a good Mother’s Day gift item, look no further than the Lutcher Theater and tickets for Mamma Mia, June 17, which you’ll find in our sneak peek, page 35.

This book also includes the most comprehensive listing of kiddo summer camps as well as details about the Beaumont Children’s Museum opening and gala, page 27. Great things for moms to know, right?

We start this issue with celebrating MobilOil Federal Credit Union’s 80th Anniversary investing in the Southeast Texas community. Did you know you don’t have to be an employee of ExxonMobil to gain the benefits/dividends of membership? Get all the company history and more beginning on page 6.

Hope your Mother’s Day ROCKS!

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celebrates

80 YEARS by letting members have cake...

t a e d ...an it, too!

By Shelly Vitanza

M

obiloil Federal Credit Union is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2015, but there won’t be any big hoopla events, not even a day of cake. Instead, look for the credit union to invest more in Southeast Texas than ever before. Take last year as an example of what’s to come.

The homegrown not-for-profit credit union, with eight branch locations, architecturally distinctive buildings and a matrix of competitive financial services, actually invested resources in more than 110 local non-profit agencies last year while also paying out dividends to all members. In addition, they provided seminars and consulting services to members in an effort to help them improve their financial positions and have even opened the main branch to free musical concerts on occasion.

Likely, the founders of Magnolia Employees Beaumont Texas Federal Credit Union would never have envisioned a time when their financial institution would be able give so generously to members and the communities it serves.

In 1935, when the credit union was chartered for the benefit of around 1,000 employees working for the Magnolia Plant, a refinery that would become Mobiloil, and ultimately ExxonMobil, they never imagined the role the credit union would play in the overall economy of Southeast Texas. With $10,000 in assets in the early days, they set out to serve their members with small loans at 1 percent interest. The average annual income of members was just $1,500, the average price of a new home was $6,300, average price of a car was $580 and gasoline to fill it - 19 cents a gallon.

One of those early members was Marian Godwin, 91, a native of Beaumont who quit what is now Lamar University early to go to work to help her family make ends meet. She started at the refinery as a clerk and more than 40 years later ended her career there as a supervisor of the cost and yield section.

“I joined (the credit union) immediately because I started trying to save but also bought my new car through them, a 1942 Ford Coupe, for $1,200,” recalls Godwin. “They were trustworthy and friendly back then, and they’re still the same today. You get everything you need through them. Haven’t known the new officers and board like I did back then, but it’s a safe place to put your money, and I’ve trusted them with everything. These last few years I’ve not needed anything from them except I bought every car through them…love to drive so I keep a good car.”

Through the years credit union charter expansion opportunities opened the door for memberships to be not just refinery workers as in the early days.

Today Mobiloil Federal Credit Union (Mobiloil FCU) is a financial cooperative with $565 million in assets warranting a national ranking. Mobiloil FCU is ranked in the top five fastest loan growth credit unions in the country for a five-year period and currently serves more than 43,000 members in Jefferson, Hardin, Orange, Newton and Jasper counties.

In the 2014 annual report, Mobiloil FCU CEO/President Bob Hamer noted that in 80 years the company had gone from 700 members and assets of $10,000 to more than 43,000 members with sights set on the next goal – attaining assets of $1 billion, a goal Hamer says is imperative in order to provide services customers expect, keep up with rising costs of doing business and to remain competitive in the marketplace.

“We want to remain competitive. One of the big ticket items that keep costs rising is electronics and the ability to deliver services in the way people want them delivered – online, telephone and every other arena. Just because you deliver one way, 15 or 20 years ago, customers don’t want that method to go away, but they also want online or mobile services and pretty soon accessibility on a watch to all be available,” said Hamer. “The other rising cost is seen in human resources. We want our employees to be paid well and well-trained, and we want to provide retirement benefits. Then we have the regulatory burden; it’s harder and harder to stay in compliance. One billion dollars in assets, in overall scope of things, doesn’t make us a huge financial institution in today’s world, but among credit unions it is large. We have to compete, and in order for us to compete and give what members really want for us, size does matter, and this goal of $1 billion in assets is critical to that goal.”

Mobiloil FCU has members, not customers. It has a community charter, therefore the members do not have to be affiliated with a specific corporation

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or be employees of a particular organization.

“In order to be a member you have to purchase one share of the credit union, and you can do that by opening a share savings account with $25; you’re a member. Now who can’t do that?” said Tabetha Franklin, director of marketing. “There needs to be a general awareness that people can join. It’s not just for Mobil or ExxonMobil employees. Mobiloil Federal Credit Union is for anyone who lives, works, goes to school or worships in Jefferson, Hardin, Orange, Newton and Jasper counties.”

When Beau Hansen, 25, began banking, he became a member of Mobiloil FCU. The married co-founder of Vera Largo, a men’s clothing company, and the non-profit organization Crescendo, which organizes a flag football game annually for varying causes including Some Other Place, believes hometown banking is important.

“I knew I wanted to work with a credit union to build credit early, and I want to be able to pick up the phone and talk to someone I know, and that’s why I work with MobilOil Federal Credit Union,” said Hansen.

All members, whether holding a share savings account with the minimum $25 or $25,000, receive the same benefits and services of the credit union including the right to vote and receive dividends and to borrow money with rates that are usually better than other types of financial institutions.

“Yes, that dividend just rolls right into my account every year, direct deposit,” said Brent Walters, owner and principal of the Walters Insurance Agency with Allstate, who attributes his business growth from one office to eight locations to the services of Mobiloil FCU. “As I grew, I had to increase lines of credit and needed money to purchase things, and they just took care of it every time.”

Walters became a credit union member more than 10 years ago when he was attracted to Mobiloil FCU for an auto loan. At first a personal account holder, he became a commercial account holder and one of the reasons Mobiloil FCU grew its business lending portfolio 41.71 percent in 2014 at a time when other financial institutions cut back on small business lending.

“I didn’t have any ties to them, but they had a great auto loan rate,” said Walters, a native Southeast Texan. “We also deal with a bank, but I recommend the credit union for local service, better rates and more competitive fees, plus you get money back and the people just take care of you immediately.”

Credit unions are financial institutions like banks but with numerous differences. Banks are for-profit entities paying taxes on profits and distributions to stockholders who retain ownership and control. Credit unions by comparison are not-for-profit, paying dividends to voting - one-vote, one-member - controlling members. The board of directors of a bank are paid; credit union board members are volunteers and reflect the diversity of the members. Bank lending rates are unregulated; credit union lending rates are capped at 18 percent. Both are insured to $250,000, but credit unions are known for offering more favorable rates and services because they’re driven by a desire to maximize service to attract and keep members versus maximizing profits for shareholders.

“Some people may think, ‘I need to do business with a bank because it gives greater access to my funds due to the large network of locations,’” said Franklin. “But we have what’s called shared branching, which basically means we’re part of a network of credit unions whereby you can go to over 5,000 credit union branches and 30,000 ATMs across the US and make a deposit or get cash without fees. It’s a national network.”

Although homegrown and down home, Mobiloil FCU is not old fashioned when it comes to technology. All account holders have access to their accounts’ online services including downloadable account histories, bill pay, stop pay, quick transfers, real-time balances, a personal financial management tool called OnTrack as well as text and mobile access features including an app and snap deposit. New technology is around the corner as debit cards will become EMV chip cards to better protect members from fraud and identity theft.

Last year Mobiloil FCU launched Smart Change which exemplifies the company’s efforts to invest further in the community.

Smart Change is a free service dedicated to providing resources and tools to help the community better understand their personal finances. In addition to offering free credit score analysis, where individuals sit with a knowledgeable associate to determine steps to boost their credit score, Mobiloil FCU also offers classes each month and works with local businesses to implement Smart Change programs for their employees.

MAY 2015

MOBILOIL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

SERVICES Savings, Checking and Investment Products LOANS • • • •

New & Used Auto Loans Personal Loans Lines of Credit Other Collateral Loans: Motorcycles, ATVs, Boats, Recreational Vehicles, Farm Equipment and more

CREDIT CARDS

2.99 percent Introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for six months from account open date on retail purchases and cash advances. When discounted period expires, APR will be 8.9 percent - 18 percent, based on credit worthiness. 5.9 percent Balance Transfer Annual Percentage Rate for the life of the balance with a 1 percent or $5 minimum balance transfer fee.

MORTGAGE

Keep your mortgage at home, Mobiloil FCU does not sell your loan to out-of-town lenders. That is right, your loan stays in Southeast Texas so getting information or processing insurance checks is a breeze.

• Home Purchase • Home Equity • Refinance • Home Improvement • Land (unimproved property) • Interim Construction Financing • VA loans

MOBILOIL FINANCIAL GROUP

Investment and insurance products are not deposits or federally insured and involve investment risks. The Summit Brokerage registered representatives associated with this site may only discuss and/or transact securities business with residents of the following states: Texas and Louisiana.

Mobiloil Financial Group is an independent firm with securities offered through Summit Brokerage Services, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC

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This community-wide resource is for members and non-members as a way to teach financial well-being.

(See Seminar dates below.)

“From a big picture standpoint while we might be able to understand an individual’s situation, there are rules and regulations that require us to make sure our members are able to take on financial responsibility, that they can, in a regulatory sense, after receiving money take care of the money and are responsible,” said Hamer. “One of the ways to make sure people have that capability is helping them improve their credit situation, not just for us but for their employers, merchants and family members. We want to help people achieve good, clean credit scores, help them become responsible so they know how to manage money and are financially literate.”

And that’s how Mobiloil FCU celebrates 80 years – giving to its members and the community at large. There will be no big party with embossed invitations. There will be no champagne. Mobiloil is proud of recognitions received, like being awarded the Raddon Financial Group’s Crystal Performance Award for growth, income, efficiency and margin management for the past twp years.

Supervisors credit dedicated employees who understand that service is the cornerstone of who the credit union is and its responsibility to be good stewards of member resources. Employees always ask “Is it good for our members?” when designing programs, products and planning for the next 80 years. Franklin also credits members for choosing Mobiloil as their primary financial institution. “Our members don’t just do their banking here; they belong,” she said.

MAY SEMINARS CREDIT SCORE MANAGEMENT SMART CHANGE PROGRAM Would you like to learn how to improve your credit score? At Mobiloil Credit Union, the goal is to help as many people as possible learn how to manage, protect and improve their scores. The Credit Score Management seminar, part of the Smart Change financial education program, will show you what a credit score is, how it impacts you and ways to improve. You will learn how raising your score by even a small margin can save you money!

Call for information 409.924.5228

“Of course we’ve evolved over the years, but at the core of who we are is our volunteer board of directors. We were founded by plant workers from the refinery, and to this day we have a volunteer board, strictly volunteer, which don’t get paid, and have worked or work or have relatives who have worked at the refineries.” said Hamer. “The board’s responsibility has always been to do right by their fellow workers and members, and they are very involved in the institution. For many of them it’s a lifetime commitment – 10, 15 and 25 years or more – for free, never asking a dime for it, and they want the institution to thrive for the benefit for their friends, family, community, co-workers.

Therefore they put in place policies and make decisions based on information they gather, and they don’t take irresponsible risks with money or let managers take risks with money. They have provided for succession since the beginning, and their policies and decisions are now time-tested. What a great job they’ve done over the years! You know the true test of leadership is how you serve others, and they have truly served our members and our staff.”

Mobiloil will continue to give resources to local organizations, like the 110 organizations it gave to last year including American Cancer Society and Girls’ Haven, the Shorkey Center and the Symphony of Southeast Texas, to name a few. It will continue to be a financial institution that cares about its members and the communities it serves, helping them both achieve what matters to them. Essentially the credit union will let its members have their cake and eat it, too, which is really what their new marketing slogan can be interpreted to mean: Investing in You.

MOBILOIL

FEDERAL CREDIT UNION BRANCH LOCATIONS BEAUMONT Delaware, 1810 N. Major Drive, 77713 Treadway, 4285 Treadway, 77706 Carroll Street, 2050 Carroll St., 77701

JASPER 465 East Gibson St., 75951

MID COUNTY 1131 U.S. 69 S., Nederland, 77627

LUMBERTON 604 S. Main, Lumberton, 77657

May 19 at 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Major Drive Branch 1810 N. Major Drive, Beaumont May 29 at Noon-1 p.m.

Treadway Branch 4285 Treadway, Beaumont

SILSBEE 408 Business U.S. 96 S., Silsbee, 77656

VIDOR 1100 N. Main, Vidor, 77662

CALL CENTER Monday-Wednesday & Friday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Thursday 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

W W W. M O B I L O I L C U . O R G

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SOUTHEAST TEXAS OFFERS A KIDDIE CAMP FOR EVERY INTEREST UNDER THE SUN!

BY SHELLY VITANZA

eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got fun, lots of fun, for every age and interest of Southeast Texas kids this summer. Tot to teen youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find painting and soccer, acting and football, band and dance, exploring and engineering, swimming, reading, bubbles, movies and history! Whatever your offspring likes, or whatever you want them to try, Southeast Texas has got it in the form of summertime kid camps.

Find the listings here by organization and online at www.southeasttexas.com/events. Click â&#x20AC;&#x153;Events,â&#x20AC;? then â&#x20AC;&#x153;Calendarâ&#x20AC;? and then select â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kid Campsâ&#x20AC;? from the dropdown menu. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to choose the dates that you are most interested in reviewing.

SoutheastTexasEvents.com

Beaumont Community Players Kidmunity Theater camps resulting in four productions based on age. All rehearsals begin June 8.

- Players, grades 2 & 3; Performances of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bugz,â&#x20AC;? June 25 & 26 - Jesters, grades 4 & 5; Performances of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Grunch,â&#x20AC;? July 2 & 3 - Krewe, grades 6-8; Auditions May 11 & 12; Performances of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Little Mermaid, Jr.,â&#x20AC;? July 9-11 - Troupe, grades 9-2015 graduates; Auditions May 4 & 5; Performances of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Pajama Game,â&#x20AC;? July 23-25 Contact: 409.833.4664 Lamar University Theater/Film Camp July 20-24, 8 a.m.

Contact: 409.880.7244 Lamar University Musical Theatre Camp July 20-24, 8 a.m.

Contact: 409.880.8137

Painting with a Twist: Kid Paint for All Ages 1-3 p.m.

June 6, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 30 July 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23, 25, 29, 30 Aug. 1, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 19, 20, 22 Contact: 409.866.0399 Summer Art Ventures 2015 at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas Culture in Colors, ages 8-11, June 15-19, 9 a.m.-noon Sculpture-iffic!, ages 8-11, June 15-19. 1-4 p.m.

POW! Comic Art! ages 8-11, June 22-26, 9 a.m.-noon Clay Creations, ages 8-11, June 22-26, 1-4 p.m.

ModLife, ages 12-14, June 29-July 3, 9 a.m.-noon Let Me Make a Selfie, ages, 12-14, June 29-July 3, 9 a.m.-noon Young Art Adventurers I, ages 4-7, July 6-10, 9 a.m.-noon Young Art Adventurers II, ages 4-7, July 6-10, 1-4 p.m Young Art Adventurers III, ages 4-7, July 13-17, 9 a.m.-noon Young Art Adventurers IV, ages 4-7, July 13-17, 1-4 p.m.

Contact: 409.832.3432 Art Quest at the Stark Museum of Art Bird is the Word, K-2nd grades, June 16-19, 9 a.m.-noon iDraw, 3rd, 4th & 5th grades, June 23-25, 9 a.m.-noon Sculpture Matters, 3rd, 4th & 5th grades, July 21-23, 9 a.m.-noon Do You Want to Be a Sculptor, K-2nd grades,

July 28-30, 9 a.m.-noon Mix It Up, K-2nd grades, Aug. 4-6, 9 a.m.-noon Me, Myself & 1, Aug. 11-13, 3rd, 4th & 5th grades, 9 a.m.-noon Contact: 409.886.2787 Explore the Mysteries of the Museum at the Museum of the Gulf Coast, ages 3-10 July 7, 14, 21, 28, 10 -11 a.m.

Contact: 409.982.7000 EnviroKids at the Museum of the Gulf Coast June 8-19, 9 a.m. -12:30 p.m., 2nd & 3rd graders June 22 -Jul. 3, 9 a.m. -12:30 p.m., 4th & 5th graders Contact: 409. 982.7000 Beaumont Art League Kids Summer Art Camp, ages 6-13 Jul. 27-31, Aug 3-7 Contact: beaumontartleague.org/summer-art-camp Lamar University Pre-College Art Program July 20-24, 8 a.m.

Contact: 409.880.8141

Raoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bake Camp 1-4:30 p.m.

Making Cakes, Ages 5-8 June 9, 16, 25; July 8, 14, 21 Making Cookies, Ages 5-8 June 10, 23, 30; July 9, 16, 28 Making Cakes, Ages 9-12 June 18, 24; July 1, 15, 22, 29 Making Cookies, Ages 9-12 June 11, 17; July 2, 7, 22, 30 Contact: raos.bakecamp@yahoo.com Two Magnolias Cooking Camp, ages 5-12 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas Kids Cuisine, June 16-18 Fiesta Time, June 23-25 Time to Party, June 30-July 2 Grillin & Chillin, July 7-9 Deep in the Heart of Texas, July 14-16 Baking Basics, July 21-23 Time to Party, July 28-30 Contact: 409.833.5913

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Learn and Grow Day Camp at the Sterling Pruitt Center, ages 5-11 June 15-Aug. 13, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Contact: 409.838.3613 ARC of Greater Beaumont Summer Camp, ages 5-21, at Westgate Memorial Baptist Church

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Day Camp, July 13-17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Teen Camp, Aug. 3-7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Contact: arcofbmt@arcofbmt.org

Beaumont Public Library Summer Reading Program June 5-July 17 at all libraries in the city system Contact: 409.981.5911 Beaumont Children's Museum Critter Camp, ages 7-12, June 8-12, 9 a.m.-noon Girls in Engineering, ages 8-12, June 22-26, 9 a.m.-noon Ready for Math, 1st & 2nd grades, July 6-10, 9 a.m.-noon Ready for Math, 3rd & 4th grades, July 6-10, 1-4 p.m.

Contact: 409.347.7919 Sign Language for Kids at the Miller Library Mondays, June 8-Aug. 10, 2-2:30 p.m., ages K to 2nd grade Mondays, June 8-Aug. 10, 2:30-3 p.m., ages 3rd-6th grade Contact: 409.866.9487 Camp Invention at Regina Howell, 1st-6th graders June 15-19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Contact: campinvention@invent.org Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center EcoRanger Camps Flocks of Feathered Friends, 5th & 6th grades, July 7-10, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Mad About Mammals, 3rd & 4th grades, July 14-17, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Picture This: Nature Photography, 7, 8 & 9 grades, July 21-24, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Water Wonderlands, 3rd & 4th grades, July 28-31, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Flowers, Trees, Plants & Seeds, 5th & 6th grades, Aug. 4-7, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Contact: 409.670.9113 Beaumont Heritage Society Camp Lookinback, ages 6-11, at the John Jay French Museum July 14-17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Contact: 409.832.4010 Texas Energy Museum Space Camp, 3th, 4th & 5th grades July 28-31, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Contact: 409.833.5100 McFaddin-Ward House Summer Camp, ages 8-12 July 28-30, 10 a.m.-2p.m.

Contact: 409.832.1906

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Texas Karate Academy Day Camp June 8-Aug. 21, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Contact: 409.892.9352 Southeast Texas Basketball School at Westgate Memorial Baptist Church June 8-11, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

July 6-10, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Contract: 409-656-2785/409-673-8207 Health & Wellness Center Youth Club, 2nd-6th grades, June 8- Aug. 14 Activity Class: Mon., Wed., Friday, 10 a.m.

Tennis Club: Intermediate, Tues. 5 p.m.; Beginner, Thurs. 5 p.m.

Swim Club: Advanced, Tues. & Thurs. 3 p.m.; Beginner/Intermediate, Tues. & Thurs. 4 p.m.

Contact: 409.899.7777 Aces Tennis Academy at the Health & Wellness Center June 8-29, July 13-Aug. 3 Ages 6-8, 4 p.m.

Ages 9-11, 5 p.m.

Ages 12-17, 6 p.m.

Contact: 409.899.7777 Health & Wellness Center Summer Day Camp June 8-14, ages 6-12, 8 a.m.

Contact: 409.899.7777 Lamar Football Camp Youth Camp, June 8 & 9, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

High School, July 18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contact: 409.880.7157 www.lamarvbcamps.com/Breakthrough

SoutheastTexasEvents.com

Basketball Camp at Vidor High School June 9-11, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Contact: 409.533.6779 breakthroughbasketball.com

Games People Play Junior Golf Clinics boys and girls, ages 7-16, 9-11 a.m.

Jun 8-11, Jun. 15-18, Jun. 29-Jul. 2 and Jul. 13-16 Contact: 409.866.3883, staff@gppgolf.com

Lamar Boys Basketball Camp June 9-12, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

June 22-25, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Elite Camp, June 27, 1-4 p.m.

Contact: www.lamarmensbasketballcamps.com

Zumba for Kids at Rogers Park Community Center, ages 5-13 June 9-30, 11 a.m.-noon Contact: 409.866.9487

Lamar Tennis Camp ages 10-18, 9 a.m.-noon June 9-12 June 16-19 June 23-26 July 21-24 July 28-31 Contact: 409.880.8056 Lamar Volleyball Camp Individual Skills Camp, 7th-9th grades, June 8-10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Youth Camp, 3rd-6th grades, June 10-11, 9 a.m.-noon Setting & Attacking Clinic, any age, June 15 & 16, 5-6 p.m.

Serving & Defense Clinic, any age, June 15 & 16, 6:15-7:15 p.m.

Individual Skills Camp, 6th-9th grades, July 6-8, 9 a.m-3:30 p.m.

Skills & Game Series, 10th-12th grades, July 8, 15 & 22, 4:30-6 p.m.

Skills & Games Series, grades 6th-9th grades, July 8, 15, 22, 6:30-9 p.m.

Advanced Skills, grades 9th-11th grades, July 13-15, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Contact: www.lamarvbcamps.com

Lamar Girls Basketball Elite Camp, June 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Individual Basketball Camp, June 16-19, 9 a.m-4 p.m.

Team Basketball Camp, June 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Contact: www.lamarwomensbasketballcamps.com Jim Gilligan Baseball Camps, ages 6-12 June 15-19, 9 a.m.-noon June 15-19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Contact: www.jimgilliganbaseballcamps.com/ summer-camps.cfm Lamar Boys & Girls Soccer Camp, ages 4-17 Half Day Soccer Camp, July 6-10, 9 a.m.-noon Full Day Soccer Camp, July 6-10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Half Day Soccer Camp, July 20-24, 9 a.m.-noon Full Day Soccer Camp, July 20-24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Contact www.lamarsoccercamp.com/boys-andgirls-summer-day-camps.cfm Lamar Speed & Power Camps ages 12 & over, July 7-10, 9 a.m.-noon ages 5 & over, July 7-10, 10:30 a.m.-noon Contact: www.lamarspeedandpowercamp.com/ summer-day-camps.cfm

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Swim Like a Fish at the Health & Wellness Center Divided by age and skill level, 8 classes for 2 weeks, Mon.-Thurs., 45 minutes June 1-11, 9 a.m., June 15-25, 10 a.m., July 6-16, 11 a.m., July 20-30, 6 p.m., Aug. 3-13, 7 p.m.

Contact: 409.899.7777 City of Beaumont Swim Lessons at Magnolia Pool June 9-19 for kids beginning at age 5; June 23-26 for adults $10 per person Times Vary Contact: 409.838.3613

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Lamar Band Camp Middle School, June 14-19, 8 a.m.

High School, June 21-25, 8 a.m.

Contact: 409.880.8147 Lamar All-State Choir Camp, July 13-16, 8 a.m.

Contact: 409.880.8144 Lamar Summer Dance Intensive, July 13-17, 8 a.m.

Contact: 409.880.8037

Lamar Drum Camp, 6-12 grades, July 13-15, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contact: 409.651.4346

St. Stephenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church Jul. 6-10, 9 a.m.-noon Contact: 409.892.4227

Saint Anthony Cathedral Basilica June 8-11, 9 a.m.-noon Contact: 281.889.0006 Calvary Baptist Church June 15-19, 9 a.m.-noon Contact: 409.898.7074 Calvary Baptist Church North June 15-19, 9 a.m.-noon Contact: 409.755.4100 Lumberton First Baptist Church June 15-19, 6 p.m.

Contact: 409.755.4213 First United Methodist Church June 22-26, 9 a.m.-noon Contact: 409.832.0295

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Wesley Church Beaumont VBS 2015, age 3-6th grade July 27-31, 8:45 a.m.-noon Contact: 409.892.7733

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Y M To prove that Southeast Texas moms rock, we took to the streets – actually to the parks – to ask kids what’s so great about mom. Quite a few youngsters were willing to take time out from playing to share their favorite things about mom.

Cali Noble, 6, Bridge City Elementary School She cooks bacon for me.

William Spivey, 3, Kids R Kids, Houston Blowing bubbles and going to the movies.

S K C O R David Noble, 8, Bridge City Intermediate School She loves me, gives me ice cream and gets me out of school sometimes.

MY MOM IS A NEVERENDING SONG IN MY HEART OF COMFORT, HAPPINESS, AND BEING. I MAY SOMETIMES FORGET THE WORDS, BUT I ALWAYS REMEMBER THE TUNE. ~TERRI GUILLEMETS

Waylon Mayes, 7, Regina Howell She gives me surprise, and she is pretty cool, and my dad is pretty cool, too, because they take me to the park. When she went to a funeral and a wedding she was very pretty, and they had a dance. I really love getting to see her push my sister in the swing for the first time. My sister will be this many in July. (Holds up one finger.)

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Brooklyn Harrison, 2 (Although Brooklyn was way too busy to talk, she was so happy to be with her mom at the park, we took her photo anyway. Happy Mother’s Day, Brooklyn’s mom.)

Jayden Guerrero, 4, Wesley Mother’s Day Out She takes me to the park and lets me play soccer. She cooks macaroni, and I’m giving her hearts and roses for Mother’s Day.

Half Sisters: Mykia White, 6, Regina Howell Elementary School and MaKenzie Mitchell, 4, Bingman Head Start Pre-K Mykia: She is so nice and gives us popsicles, takes us to the mall and cooks a lot of gumbo, crawfish and noodles. She cooks cereal, too. We’re giving her chocolate for Mother’s Day. MaKenzie: She wears heels – red, white and blue ones.

Selina Sathyaraj, 3 I like her cold arms that move around a lot and when she lays with me to sleep. Sometimes we play games – Tic Tac Toe. I will give her shiny shoes for Mother’s Day. She cooks pork chops and wears pretty shoes – her flip flops.

Jason Carter, 5, Lucas Elementary School I love hugging her. She cooks chicken and macaroni and cheese, bacon, and we watch TV together and with my brother. For Mother’s Day I’m giving her a heart.

Charis Burtick, 5, Trinity Day School She makes me peanut butter and jelly sandwiches so I don’t have to. We play outside. I really, really like to play outside with her. She likes dresses. I’m making her a card for Mother’s Day.

Brooklynn Simon, 4, Wee School, Baytown She cooks noodles. My mom wears a rainbow dress and black heels, and it is really pretty. She plays Barbies with me. I’m giving her blankets for Mother’s Day. I will make blankets.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

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1985

FUN IN A

The first year of the Texas Crab Festival, the band that agreed to play for the festival was paid in seafood since most people involved were shrimpers or had fish houses.

PINCH: NO NEED TO BE

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The number of years Ann Willis with Swedes Real Estate has been involved with the Crab Festival. She might be considered the Queen Crab!

Last year Food Network’s series “Iron Chef” launched “Eating America With Anthony Anderson” and named Bolivar Peninsula’s Texas Crab Festival among one of the top 10 festivals in the United States. Anderson said the top 10 festivals “combine the best of both worlds: a chance to explore a new place and to eat some incredible food.”

And why does he pick the Texas Crab Festival specifically? For the same reason we Southeast Texans race to the Gulf every Mother’s Day weekend- the crab, of course. Anderson said, "They prepared it all kinds of ways. There was a crab-guacamole dish, and garlic, butter and crab rice with crab meatballs wrapped in bacon and a crab pie."

Because of the Food Network distinction and the festival’s 30th year, May 8-10, we wanted to give some crab (not crabby) facts to further entice you to this unique Southeast Texas eating event.

90 Percentage of funds raised from the Crab Festival, which is a charitable organization, that go to the Peninsula.

90 Types of crabs that live in the Gulf Coast Region

2 Types of Gulf crabs that have economic value, meaning they’re ediblerock and blue crab

120 Calories in one cup of blue crab meat along with 24 grams of protein and 19 grams of fat

2 Million eggs are laid when crabs spawn.

6.9-11.7 Million pounds of crabs are harvested a year in the U.S.

3 Years is a crab’s life span.

10 Number of legs of blue crab- 2 are claws, 6 are walking legs and 2 are flippers

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TOP 10 FESTIVALS IN THE U.S. ACCORDING TO FOOD NETWORKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ANTHONY ANDERSON: New Orleans Wine and Food Experience New Orleans

World Championship Steak Cook-off Magnolia Blossom Festival Magnolia, Arkansas

Texas Crab Festival Bolivar Peninsula, Texas

Huckleberry Festival Trout Creek, Montana

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Fernandina Beach, Florida

Ribfest Chicago

Blue Ridge BBQ Festival Tryon, North Carolina

L.A. Taco Festival, Boyle Heights, California

Long Grove Strawberry Festival Long Grove, Illinois

Rockwood Ice Cream Festival Wilmington, Delaware

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WORDof theMONTH Hissy Fit

When it comes to fits, break downs, meltdowns or distress of the most personal kind, Southerners have what is called a hissy fit.

A true hissy fit is very personal, usually not harmful to others, but observably communicates discontent, frustration, anger or rebellion.

It can include screaming and spitting, arm and leg flailing, stomping, crying, headshaking and even throwing oneself on the ground. Hissy fits target close friends and family. Southerners, including Southeast Texans, would never pitch a fit publicly targeting a stranger. There’s no need to pitch a fit about someone who is of no consequence – bless their hearts. Instead we just walk away and never speak to them for as long as we both live and may we live longer…bless our hearts.

Most often hissy fits are pitched (Southerners pitch fits; they do not throw them.) by children demanding their way oftentimes in public places like retail outlets, swimming pools and movie theaters. However, adults are not above pitching a good ol’ hissy if warranted – the husband calls you by the ex-girlfriend’s name during relations; the kids make mud pies and then bring them in the house and slice them on the couch; the wife runs into the mailbox with the SUV for the third time in three weeks, for example.

A hissy fit can escalate to a wall-eyed hissy fit, a fit named after the wall-eyed fish that when caught violently shakes and moves to try to escape capture. Therefore, a hissy fit becomes a wall-eyed hissy fit when an observer tries to soothe the fit pitcher but makes the situation worse either saying something perceived as inflammatory or by trying to constrain moving body parts resulting in increased anger and possibly causing harm to soother and fit pitcher. Hissy fit pitchers – child and adult – are best left alone.

There is one other type of fit worth mentioning – a conniption fit.

This type of fit is “thrown” by others, not just Southerners. New Yorkers, Bostonians and even LAers throw conniption fits. The difference between a conniption fit and hissy fit is that a conniption is thrown at anyone friend or foe, loved one, total stranger, subway rider, taxi driver, neighbor or sales clerk. A hissy fit is pitched targeting someone with whom the Southerner has a personal relationship. Conniption fits can be screaming bouts, arm and leg flailing, cursing, red-faced, stomping matches that seldom include tears but can become violent quickly.

ON THIS DATE

in Southeast Texas May, 10, 1973 Lamar University's College of Liberal Arts lists 73 candidates for bachelor's degrees in the 21st annual spring graduation ceremonies.

May 24, 1986 Grand opening of Red Cloud Water Park in Silsbee takes place.

May 3, 1991 Last episode of the TV series "Dallas" airs.

May 7, 1991 Audwin Samuel, Lulu Smith and Guy Goodson are sworn in as city council members.

May 27, 2000 A lack of lifeguards kept the city's swimming pools at Alice Keith and Magnolia Parks closed for the first time on Memorial Day weekend.

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May brings sunn y days, celebratio Crawfish and crab, yum yum. These crustaceans are some of Southeast ns and cheer.

With graduation parties every wee Texas' best known delicacies only made better washed down with a good k, Mother's Day an d summer break beer. Perhaps, but what about wine? Bet you knew that was coming! The just around th e corner, you're wine solution for crab and crawfish feasts is "Torrontes!" bound to be in the market for Produced only in Argentina, "Torrontes" is the country's signature white a quick gift in a pi nc h. Here are a few varietal and was conceived by crossing the mission grape with muscatt off Alunique gifts for that are perfect exandria. The mission grape was introduced from Spain Spa p in to the for anyone... grandm a to graduate! western coast of North and South America by Catholic attho holic New DIY Photo Book World missionaries for use as sacramental wines. Muscat mark Th is Do It Yourself of Alexandria is considered to be one of the oldest st gebookmark is perfe ct for the bookwor netically unmodified varietals still in existence, tracing cing m or chef in yo ur lif e.

Ta ke its roots to the ancient Egyptians. The grape resulting ng a photo of your children (great fo r gr g andma), a favorit from this marriage produces a light golden wine withh e pet, flowers or an ything thhe recipi th aromas reminiscent of jasmine flowers, citrus, peach e photo to be ab ent would like. Pr out 5 inches long int an na n ted. Cut the ph and herbs. d cut it out. Hav oto out again, leav e the photo lam iin g a border. Use a ho The "Torrontes" produced by Alamos from the 1/4 inch of the la minated plastic as le punch to crea te a hole in the top of Salta region in Argentina is a perfect example of this a tassel or your fa the plastic. Insert vorite ribbon. Vo ila! wine. Produced from vineyards that are between 3,000 Su S mmer Hoste ss Gifts and 6,000 feet in elevation, these high-altitude vineyards La L ntern of Trea ts help translate tra the wines into the charOne trip to the acterist acteristic bright floral aromas and crisp grocery store and this last-minute ho p ete! Grab an ou pl stess gift is comacidity. Alamos handpicks and destems tdoor lantern (a box, crate or bask to o) an d fil l it et with items to com the gra grapes before pressing, and the wine will work well, plete a theme. Su screen, a citronella mmer items like su is cold fermented in large upright tanks. ca nd le , lo tio nn, etc. or the host work well. Pictur s' favorite drink w ed are items to cr The wi wine sees no oak aging, preserving its fresh ould age with the liquo eate an adult beve r, mixers and stra rfruit ta tastes. The inherent acidity aids it in holding up ws included.

Citronella Candl e to spicy crawfish dishes, and the pureness of the A citronella cand le is the perfect ffruit makes "Torrontes" a great partner to crab summer gift that will be warm ly welcomed at and a delight to drink on its own. The 2013 Althe next outdoor party you attend. The host amos "Torrontes" is selling for around $9.99 in ess will be so grateful because she probably forg stores, so it is a great bargain and a clear favorot to buy one, and the Southeas t Texas mosquito ite with our Southeast Texas cuisine. Salute! alutte! es are in full effeecct The candles com t.. e in fun designs alr eady, but you can always add a stick er mon o ogram or a fun Bright Future bow.

Craft stores mak e money-gifting much more fun with th ese light-bulb-shap ed jars. Typically available for abou t $2, you can pu rcha h se a gllass bulb jjar, fill it with fold ed bills and pres ent it as a creativ aand thoughtful gi e ft to the graduate in your life. Add fun tag with nice a ribbon, and you w in the prize for th cutest and most e valuable gift at th e party!

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SOUTHEAST TEXAS SOMEBODY

SMORE OF WHAT’S NEEDED: GAIL SHOWALTER MINISTERS TO MOMS It seemed only fitting the month of Mother’s Day to feature the “Mom of the Moms” here in Southeast Texas – Gail Cawley Showalter.

Showalter was born and raised in Port Neches and has a speech degree from Lamar University and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Texas at Austin. She taught special education for 18 years and ended her teaching career teaching braille.

Gail Showalter (left) and Mary Simon, Director of Single Parents at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, having fun at SMORE's Vintage Style Show for Single Moms at Calder Baptist Church.

It wasn’t Showalter’s education or her teaching experience that readied her most for her life’s calling. It was the unplanned path of life – divorce and 16 years of single parenting three children - that led her to found SMORE - Single Moms Overjoyed, Rejuvenated & Empowered, an organization she says is the culmination of her life’s journey, and why we call her the “Mom of the Moms.”

Although Showalter was traversing the earth this spring promoting her new book, “Living Learning Loving, Lessons of Insight and Encouragement on the Path of Motherhood,” the 67-year-old paused to share her life’s journey and the mission of SMORE. Q: Why an organization ministering to single moms?

A: I was a single/divorced mother of three for 16 years before remarrying. I’m familiar with the potholes, pests and perils that single mothers face. My personal journey brought me over many rough roads. Plus the staggering number (over 10 million) of single moms in the U.S. deserve our attention. They are raising 21 million children. I am passionate about this as I see it “face to face,” and the stories are disturbing and heartbreaking. So many that I see were abused as very young girls. The results of that abuse led to the circumstances they face today.

Q: What is SMORE and what are its goals?

A: SMORE is an ecumenical alliance of women whose goal is Single Moms Overjoyed, Rejuvenated, & Empowered! It is a Texas non-profit association. It is an alliance of women. We are not a relief organization. We are here to encourage moms to cross the bridge from dependency to empowerment. Once in a while we are able to direct moms to a place where they can receive relief, and we do have a “resource” page that lists many options: www.smoreforwomen. org/resources.html.

My goal is to make people aware of this need. To do this I speak to area groups for the purpose of motivating others to join our efforts to assist mothers who struggle to overcome major life disappointments.

Our vision is to encourage single moms by inspiring them to reach their highest potential.

The ultimate goal is to have a Buckner Family Place established in Southeast

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Texas, near one of the college campuses: www.buckner.org/family-transitionprograms. Buckner’s family transition programs give single moms an opportunity to pursue education or vocational training and become self-sufficient. I so hope to see one here in my lifetime.

Q: In your work, what has surprised you most? What’s been the most unexpected outcome?

A: I’ve been amazed to see mothers with several children, working a full-time job, return to college and earn a degree. I went to UT during the summers and could do that as a teacher. The moms who impress me are the ones who make it through while they are working a full-time job, managing a household, not receiving child support and parenting their children.

Q: What are some of the activities that you do through SMORE? A: We are an ecumenical group, and though many of our activities take place at Calder Baptist, we have moms from a wide variety of denominations. In fact we have seven different denominations represented on our board and three different ethnic groups.

We offer a monthly support group on the second Sunday of the month at Calder Baptist Church in Beaumont, 1005 N. 11th St., from 9:15-10:15 a.m. It is facilitated by Mary Simon who is the Director of Single Parents at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. She is also a social worker and a parole officer.

We offer a Moms Night Out – Fourth Friday Fun with SMORE - on the fourth Friday of the month. Children, infants through fifth grade, go to the Calder Baptist Church nursery while the moms go out with others to eat and visit. The fee is $2 per child.

Once a year in early November (Nov. 13-14, 2015) we host a retreat. It is a life-changing event for some single moms. There are often funds donated that make it possible for some moms to attend who could otherwise not afford it. Each retreat has a theme that is appropriate for single mothers. We have one-on-one sessions on various subjects like finance, boundaries and personalities. We have massage therapists, and the moms leave with a “rejuvenated” outlook.

We have created a model for hosting a Day of Blessing for a few single mothers at a time. I’ve published a guidebook that lays out all the “how-tos” for hosting a day: www.smoreforwomen.org/store/p1/SMORE_Guidebook.html. Last year we were able to incorporate some of the activities into the retreat, and we will continue to offer more of this at our retreats in the future.

Q: How can someone plug in?

A: • Follow our blog at www.smoreforwomenblog.org; • invite me to speak to your group to learn more and possibly become a SMORE Supporter; My personal site is www.gailshowalter.com; • get a group of women together and host a Day of Blessing; • sponsor a mom for a retreat this November and; • share with others.

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62&,$/ 6((1 1. Angie McClelland, Tammy Crutchfield, Mandie Peel and Kelly Jackson celebrate fine arts at Lamar University's Le Grand Bal. 2. Neches River Festival Social Chairwom an Stephanie Daleo and Festival President Steve McGrade wait for the 67th Neches River King to arrive.

3. Special escorts to the Neches River Festi val King - Grip Gripon, Gilbert Adams and Jackson Meadows.

4. Father and son team Philip and James Durh am pick out plants at the Jefferson County Master Gardeners Sprin g Plant Sale.

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5. Mike, Heather and Phoenix Henneberry make the Beaumont Farmers' Market a family affair.

6. Meredith Perry with her mom, Stacy Ishee , shop the Beaumont Farmers' Market together.

7. Sherrie Parker purchases herbs for her gard en at the Master Gardener sale.

8. Lamar University student and artist Gon zalo Alvarez was on hand at Le Grand Bal to discu ss his exhibited works.

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PERFORMING ARTS

DIRTY ROTTEN TALENT

By Beth Gallaspy Escape to the French Riviera this month with Beaumont Community Players’ production of “Dirty Rotten

Betty Greenberg Center for Performing Arts 7:30 p.m.

May 8-9, May 15-16 & May 21-23 2 p.m.

May 16 Tickets $25 www.beaumontcommunityplayers.com or 409.833.4664

Scoundrels.” The musical comedy based on the 1988 Steve Martin movie of the same name opens May 8 at the Betty Greenberg Center for Performing Arts and runs for three weekends.

“It’s a funny show. The music is great, and the lines are well written,” said director Bryan Brassard. He said he enjoyed the show when he saw it on Broadway a few years ago and thinks Southeast Texas audiences will appreciate it, too.

“Audiences can expect a good night of laughs. There are a lot of one liners, so you have to listen for the comedy. Just come to the theater and expect a fun night of great entertainment,” Brassard said.

As in the movie, the story centers on a pair of con artists in the French Riviera competing to separate wealthy women from their money. In the end, the duo find themselves the victims of a con instead.

The talented cast includes faces familiar to local theatergoers with Sean McBride and Nolan Thornal as the con men and Genevieve Brassard (the director’s wife) as the female lead. Brassard said he casts by committee and defers to his committee for all casting decisions involving his wife. This is the second time he has

directed her in a BCP production.

“It’s different. You just have to take a step back. I tell her on stage, you’re just one of my actors; don’t take anything personally,” Brassard said.

With a cast of 31 actors and plenty of show-stopping production numbers, this final show of the Beaumont Community Players season is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

FEATURED PERFORMANCES STUDENT Lamar University Studio Theatre, 4400 S. MLK Jr. Parkway, Beaumont, 409.880.8888 The Last Night of Ballyhoo May 3 at 2 p.m.

James M. "Jimmy" Simmons Music Building, 4400 S. MLK Jr. Parkway, Beaumont, 409.880. 7187 Day of Percussion May 9 at 9 a.m.

Dishman Art Museum, 1030 East Lavaca, Beaumont, 409.880.8144 A Cappella Choir and Grand Chorus May 3 at 3:30 p.m.

COMMUNITY Betty Greenburg Center for the Performing Arts, 4155 Laurel Ave., Beaumont, 409.833.4664 The Pajama Game Auditions2015 Kidmunity May 4, 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels May 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 at 7:30 p.m. & May 16 at 2:30 p.m.

The Little Mermaid, Jr. Auditions2015 Kidmunity May 11, 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Logon Café, 3805 Calder Ave., 409.832.1529, divergenttheater.com Divergent Theater: Birth May 29 & 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Lamar University Theatre, 4400 S MLK Jr. Parkway, Beaumont, 409.673.1715 Listen to Your Mother May 9 at 7 p.m.

Port Arthur Little Theatre, 4701 Jimmy Johnson Blvd., Port Arthur, 409.727.PALT On Golden Pond May 1, 2 at 7:30 p.m. & May 3 at 2 p.m.

Edison Plaza, 350 Pine St., Beaumont, 409.892.2257 Symphony of Southeast Texas: SOST On The Town May 7 at 6 p.m.

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VISUAL ARTS

AMSET PAYS HOMAGE TO LOCAL ART LEADER

By Melissa Tilley Southeast Texas is fortunate to have a vibrant arts community that continues to grow. Many committed artists and art lovers worked tirelessly to develop that community, build the museums and cultivate the talented artists our area is home to. One of the major figures in the development of Beaumont’s art scene was Will-Amelia Sterns Price. A painter herself, Sterns Price was a charter member of the Beaumont Art League in 1943 and the organization’s first president, and she also assisted in the founding of the Beaumont Art Museum in 1950, which is now the Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET).

Sterns Price was born in Denison, Texas, in 1907 and studied under numerous influential art teachers and critics, most notably Frank von der Lacken at the University of Tulsa, Jacob Getlar Smith and Dimitri Romanovsky in New York, Walter Ufer in Taos, N.M., and also studied at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts.

Sterns Price is described as an artist in every sense of the word, seamlessly moving throughout her career between subjects and styles, striving for a heightened sense of naturalism in her landscapes and focusing on the lyrical play of light and shadow over the arid desert mountains.

She credits learning those principals during the summer of 1934 in Taos, when she studied under a lauded artist of the Southwest, Walter Ufer. Sterns Price devoted the rest of her life to creating art and cites her time in Taos (where she lived from 1967–1986) as her most formative years.

To celebrate her life and artistic contributions, AMSET is hosting a retrospective exhibition of the artist’s work giving

particular attention to her time in Taos. “Will-Amelia Sterns Price: Mike’s Road to Taos” will be on view through Sept. 6.

“We are honored to feature this seminal exhibition showcasing the art of Will-Amelia Sterns Price,” said AMSET Curator of Exhibitions and Collections Sarah Beth Wilson. “She was an integral figure in the Beaumont arts community. We owe the success of our present arts community to Will-Amelia and her colleagues and are privileged to exhibit her life’s work, focusing in particular on her time in Taos.”

In conjunction with the exhibition, AMSET has published a full color catalogue featuring accounts of Sterns Price’s life written by her grandson, Stanley K. Price, as well as letters by Sterns Price, vividly capturing her life as an artist and the influence of Taos and Ufer on her career. This catalogue and exhibition serve as the most comprehensive examination to date of the artist’s life, highlighting her importance to early Texas art and impact on the current artistic climate of Southeast Texas.

Also currently on view at AMSET is their annual summer permanent collection show, this year focusing on abstract works donated to and acquired by the museum over the years. “Abstraction: Selections from the Permanent Collection” highlights the strength and diversity of the museum’s permanent collection and features a wide range of Texas artists. From modernists, such as Arthur Turner and Dorothy Hood, to abstract works by contemporary artists such as Beili Liu and Dan Rizzie, AMSET strives to collect and exhibit significant works showcasing the breadth and originality of Texas art and has selected this group of abstract works to captivate viewers this summer.

Both exhibits are on view through Sept. 6, with an opening reception on Friday, May 1 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. AMSET is located at 500 Main St. in downtown Beaumont. For more information, visit www.amset.org or call 409.832.3432.

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FEATURED EXHIBITS Art Museum of Southeast Texas 500 Main, Beaumont, 409.832.3432

Artwork by Leonardo Castillo in Café Arts, May 2-30 Will-Amelia Sterns Price: Mike's Road to Taos, through Aug. 30 Selections from the Permanent Collection, through Aug. 30 OPENING RECEPTION: Will-Amelia Sterns Price: Mike's Road to Taos, May 1, 6 p.m.

Spring Family Art Day, May 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. gARTage Sale, May 15, 7 p.m.

Beaumont Art League 2675 Gulf, Beaumont, 409.833.4179

Barney Stinnett Exhibit, opening May 9 Summer Breeze Show, opening May 9 Dishman Art Museum 1030 East Lavaca, Beaumont, 409.880.8959

Student Thesis Exhibit, May 1-18 OPENING RECEPTION: Student Thesis Exhibit, May 8, 6:30 p.m.

Iron Pour Workshop and Fundraiser, May 2, noon Museum of the Gulf Coast 700 Procter Street, Port Arthur, 409.982.7000

Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow: Living With the Atomic Bomb, 1945-1965, through May 24 Orange Riverfront Board Walk & Pavilion Riverfront, Orange, 409.883.1011

Art in the Park, May 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Stark Museum of Art

Above: Will-Amelia Sterns Price, “Arroyo,” oil on canvas, 18 x 24 in., 1977.

Below: Arthur Turner, “Damita Sunset,” oil on canvas, 60 x 70 in., c. 1970.

On Friday, May 15, from 7-10 p.m. AMSET will host its biannual gARTage Sale, a garage sale with an artistic twist. The unique shopping event blends an art sale with a traditional garage sale and even includes a pre-sale dinner and musical entertainment.

While enjoying the air conditioning, shoppers can choose from a wide selection of decorative art, home décor and fine home furnishings. In addition, AMSET will offer guests a chance to buy higher-quality items in a silent auction.

Admission is $30 per person or $25 per person if you donate items to sell for this fundraising event.

Proceeds benefit exhibitions and educational programs at AMSET. The sale continues from 7-11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, with free admission, as all unsold art and home décor items from Friday night’s gARTage Sale will be sold at a discounted price. Current AMSET members will also receive a 10 percent discount on all sales, excluding silent auction items.

For reservations or more information, call 409.832.3432 or visit www.amset.org.

712 Green Avenue, Orange, 409.886.2787

Drawn to Life: Audubon’s Legacy, through Jul. 17 The Legacy Lives On, through Jul. 25 Daily Scavenger Hunt: Bonkers for Birds, May 1-2 Daily Scavenger Hunt, May 5-30 Gallery Conversations: Artist and Educator, Learning with Audubon, May 9, 11 a.m.

Flower Power Workshop, May 30, 10:30 a.m.

Texas Artists Museum 3501 Cultural Center Dr., Port Arthur, 409.983.4881

Nederland Art Guild Meet to Paint, Every Saturday, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

W.H. Stark House 601 West Main, Orange, 409.883.0871

How Does Your Garden Grow?

May 2 Mother’s Day Special Guided Tour, May 9

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FOOD & BEVERAGE

CRAWFISH CRAZY FOR 30 YEARS Boys’ Haven Hosts Annual Event & Invites the Community to Eat for Their Cause Pile. Peel. Pop. Boys’ Haven hopes these three words are your action items Saturday, May 9.

For $10 at the 30th Annual Crawfish, Food & Music Festival at Parkdale Mall, you’ll get a pile of crawfish, with corn and potatoes, that you can then peel and pop in your mouth.

Since 1985 this Boys’ Haven mudbug event has been the primary fundraiser for the programs and personal needs of the boys who live at Boys’ Haven.

Currently there are 19 boys, ages 6-18, who live in three cottages. One cottage is for boys ages 5-14; older boys, ages 15-18, live in a separate cottage, and the third cottage is for transitional living or those young men who are moving into a more independent phase of their lives.

“Last year’s festival raised more than $33,000 and set a record for the largest profit in one day for Boys’ Haven,” said Tony Castillo, Boys’ Haven CEO. “We had 2,000 people last year and fed them more than 6,000 pounds of crawfish, and we hope to have a repeat of that this year and then some.”

The one-day festival from 10 a.m.–7 p.m. is not just a day to pick and eat crawfish. For those who don’t eat crawfish, Texas barbeque briskets and chicken as well as pork kabobs will be served. The day also hosts a variety of music from zydeco and country to Texas rock and oldies with a line up including Longneck Road, Illusion Five, the Port Arthur Playboys, Jerry Mullin and the Fanatics.

The kids area has been expanded, and, at no charge, kiddos can play on inflatables, fish in the catch-and-release fishing tank and enjoy the zipline, petting zoo, face painting and many, many more kiddo activities.

While kids are entertained, adults can peruse a giant car show and extensive silent auction. Classic Chevrolet is sponsoring the car event featuring all makes and models of cars. Registration is $25 and available online at www.boyshaven. com/events. Prizes will be awarded for varying classes of cars. According to Castillo, the Boys’ Haven silent auction will feature sports memorabilia signed by the biggest names in the games like Tony Romo, Lance Berkman, Nolan Ryan and even Johnny Football - Johnny Manziel.

Win big on the silent auction and purchase a raffle tickets for more opportunities to score. Tickets will be available for $5 for one or $25 for six tickets for a chance to win a two-night stay at a beach house on Crystal Beach or 40 one-ounce American Silver Eagle coins, valued at $650.

The boys of Boys’ Haven will have their own concession stand selling soft drinks and water for their activity fund, so come thirsty.

Advance tickets are not being sold, but the Boys’ Haven website has a tab for sponsorships ranging from $250 to $25,000 at www.boyshaven.com.

For more information about Boys’ Haven, call Castillo at 409.866.2400.

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CHARITY

BEAUMONT CHILDREN’S MUSEUM MAKES THE BIG REVEAL AT ANNUAL GALA The Museum without Walls is no more. The Beaumont Children’s Museum not only has walls but 79,000 square feet and 40 exhibits at the Beaumont Civic Center, and it’s all being revealed May 14 at “A Night at the Museum” gala.

The black-and-gold coat-and-tie event that includes bar, live music, super science activities, silent auction and dinner precedes a June grand opening, a summer of children’s camps, daily admission and traveling exhibits.

“At ‘A Night at the Museum,’ in addition to showing everyone what we’ve been working on, we want to really make an effort to honor those who have supported this idea for years,” said Brooke Hall, co-chair of the event with Liza Waddell. “It’s our third gala, but the first one in the space, in the real physical museum space, so we want to show it and make a big tribute to our donors.”

The new museum with walls includes some interactive exhibits targeting kids ages 0 through 12. For example, the “Our Town” exhibit, houses a standalone bank, grocery store and doctor’s office. Little ones, age 0-3, will be challenged in the new worldclass Ph.D.-designed toddler area, filled with soft sculptures and exploration spaces inviting kids to take risks, hone their fine motor skills, tour different texture paths and have experiential interaction with themselves in mirrors and with other babies. In the Imagination Playground kids will play with giant engineering blocks with tubes and shapes of different sizes that make slides and ramps. A massive Lego area has already been tried and found to be true fun and great learning. In February, the Beaumont Children’s Museum hosted a Lego Activity Day, and more than 60 kids spent the entire day making Lego creations now on display in the museum.

“The truth is any museum is always changing; they are always going to be fluctuating and changing the program,” said Beth Schreck, museum founder and interim executive director. “It’s not

Local American Red Cross Chapters to Hold 27th Annual Hurricane Party Fundraiser The American Red Cross of Southeast and Deep East Texas is pleased to announce that Joe and Shelley Tortorice of Jason’s Deli will serve as honorary chairs of the 2015 Cocktails-and-Camo-themed Hurricane Party.

For more information about tickets or sponsorships, please visit redcross.org/tx/Beaumont or call Chester Jourdan at 409.832.1644.

just about what’s here to see, but what you come here to do. That will be changing.”

The museum, a signature project of the Junior League of Beaumont, plans to have traveling exhibits and new programming always tied to its main themes - science, technology, engineering and math – to keep the museum fresh and fun for repeat visitors.

“So the vision is we’ll be a venue for fields trips and have a traveling exhibit room and a multipurpose classroom/lab,” said Schreck, a mother of four school-aged children. “Teachers can bring children on field trips and discover something new each visit. Plus on any given Saturday in the summer, we’ll have programming in the middle of the day where we meet in the room. The activity will always be different.”

Earlier this year the museum hosted 2- to 4-yearolds - 52 of them - affiliated with the Catholic Diocese Hispanic Ministries, keeping them entertained for eight hours with exhibits and programming similar to the types of programs planned for the museum’s summer camps - Number Sense, Girls in Engineering, Critter Camp and Lego Camp.

“We’re in our space, and now we’re going to have fun,” said Schreck, who has been working for this launch date for five years since proposing the idea of a children’s museum to the community and specifically the Junior League of Beaumont. “Kids need it; Beaumont needs it; Southeast Texas needs it; and we should have it. We’re called the museum capital of Texas, but we’ve had nothing for kids…not anymore.”

The community is invited to come and see what’s for kids the night of the gala. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased at www.beaumontchildrensmuseum.org.

“There have been so many in our community who have supported the vision of bringing a children's museum to Beaumont,” said Hall. “This year at the gala, we plan to honor each and every person who has committed their time, money and efforts for the past several years as we celebrate this idea finally coming to fruition.”

The following individuals and companies have made significant financial investment, at least $10,000, in the Beaumont Children's Museum. Each will be recognized at the gala May 14.

Junior League of Beaumont Chuck and Becky Mason Garrett and Mandie Peel

Will and Joy Crenshaw Msonthi and Charlotte Levine Helen Bell

ExxonMobil Foundation H.E. And Kate Dishman Foundation (Current at print time.)

Delivering the Difference D Nutrition and Services for Seniors, the non-profit org ganization that operates Jefferson and Hardin County M Meals on Wheels, will host the fourth annual Deliver the th Difference luncheon on May 7 at the Event Centre in downtown Beaumont to honor those seniors who have contributed to the diversity, strength and unity of Southeast Texas, namely Marie Broussard, Shirlene S. Cook and Pete Shelton.

Luncheon check-in and silent auction will begin at 11:15 a.m. with lunch and program to start at 11:45 a.m. The mid-day event includes a social, music by The Flava Band and special recognition of the honorees and a tribute to Honorary Chairman Pat Anderson, an advocate of Nutrition and Services for Seniors. Tickets for the fundraising event are $50 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available by calling 409.892.4455.

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ENTERTAINMENT

ALDEAN: A THREEPEATER, BURNIN’ IT DOWN Well before winning Best Country Song of the Year for “Burnin’ It Down” at the 2015 iheart Radio Music Awards, country and western singer Jason Aldean had done just that – packed the park and brought the house down – twice in Southeast Texas.

Guess what? He’s gonna do it again!

Friday, May 15, doors open for Jason Aldean for a third time at Ford Park. Aldean sold out Ford Arena with Luke Bryan in 2010 on the Wide Open Tour. On his next tour, My Kinda Party Tour with Eric Church in 2011, Aldean performed in Ford Pavilion, building a fanfriendly stage that thrust out 10-feet into the audience, and sold even more tickets than he had in the arena.

This year he’ll perform in the pavilion, and tickets are available for reserved covered seating and general lawn seating on the grassy hill.

Since his last performance in Beaumont, Aldean has been nominated by the Academy of Country Music as Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for “Old Boots, New Dirt.” At this writing with the ACM Awards on the horizon, Aldean may well have more titles by the time he takes the stage in the Golden Triangle, living out his latest song title, “Just Getting Started.”

The married dad of two daughters and Macon, Ga., native, who first made billboard charts with songs like “Why,” “Amarillo Sky,” “Hicktown,” “Big Green Tractor” and “Johnny Cash,” began his career at the age of 15 in hometown bars, then moved to Nashville where he struggled for five years before getting a record deal with Broken Bow Records, a small record label that represents Joe Diffie. At the time Broken Bow called him, he was applying for jobs back home and planning a move back to Macon from Nashville. Aldean was the label’s first superstar.

Not only does every song he sing seem to go to the top of the billboard charts, but so do his front runners.

His previous opening acts, Bryan and Church, are now major headliners themselves. Aldean’s opening act on May 15 is Cole Swindell, arguably country music’s current golden boy with three consecutive number one hits – “Chillin It,” “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight” and “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey.” Swindell also has been nominated for the 2015 ACM Best New Artist. In addition to touring with Aldean, Swindell has opened for Kenny Chesney and Bryan.

Also joining Aldean are Tyler Farr and Dee Jay Silver.

Tickets are $29.75 on the lawn and $59.75 under the pavilion. Get tickets online at www.fordpark.com or by calling 409.951.5400.

Southeast Texas is set to host a special performance of the Listen To Your Mother (LTYM) Series just in time for Mother's Day. The event features live readings by some of the region’s most talented writers and bloggers about the joys, trials and occasional absurdities of motherhood. Beaumont is one of 39 cities across the country selected to host a performance that is produced, directed and pperformed by local communities, for local communities. The performance will be at the Lamar University Theatre in Beaumont on May man 9 at 7 pp.m. For tickets and more information, contact Jennifer Williams at 409.673.1715 or email her ltymsoutheasttx@gmail.com.

FREE FUN

POP ON IN FOR THIS TREAT It’s a law of the universe - every home project requires at least three trips to the hardware store. First you underestimate the amount of floor sealer you’ll need, for example, and have to go back for more. Then you realize you forgot to get a face mask, and the fumes are making you light headed. Finally, you need an oscillating fan to make the floor dry quicker. Plumbing projects may take more than three trips because they’re always more involved than expected. Once the faucets are taken apart or the yard dug, there is always a teeny, tiny part or two needed that you didn’t know existed, so you go to the store and then when you get back you discover another little rubber piece is corroded. But the good news for Southeast Texans making hardware store runs is we have M&D Supply, our neighborhood retailer, that not only has all of our

DIY project needs covered but also always has fresh, free popcorn. With every trip you can grab another bag. The more you go, the more popcorn you can have. DIY projects mean free popcorn in Southeast Texas.

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KIDS' CORNER

MOVIES, MUSIC & MORE SUMMER TIME FUN The days of free love and rock and roll are over, but the days of free movies and neighbors and concerts in the park are just beginning.

The City of Beaumont Recreation Division’s summer and special event schedule is packed with great kiddo entertainment that’s fun for all members of the family.

Save the date for four outdoor movie nights. Gather before dusk with your blankets and picnics, bug spray and lawn chairs and all your kids, neighbors and neighbors’s kids for big screen entertainment on the lawn of Beaumont’s parks.

A Bug’s Life One of Disney Pixar’s most successful animated adventures will be shown at Central Park, 640 4th St.., on May 16.

Muppets Most Wanted Kermit, Miss Piggy and the whole muppet crew fill the big screen at Wuthering Heights, 3650 Delaware, on June 13.

Babe: The Gallant Pig The party starts early at Rogers Park at 1455 Dowlen Road for the July DATE?

movie, “Babe: The Gallant Pig.” Beginning at 3 p.m. the city will host a free Neighbors and Concert in the Park and as the music winds down the movie screen comes alive, making Rogers Park the coolest hotspot to be midsummer.

The Wiz The final movie “The Wiz” rounds out the summer series of movies and Neighbors and Concerts in the park with a day of music on Aug. 15 at Magnolia Park, 2980 Gulf St. Enjoy music all day long, first with local bands and then with the movie that features fantastic musical performances by Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. The concert is from 3-9 p.m. followed by the movie.

Summer Specials Moonlight Madness Kickstands go up on May 8 for Beaumont's annual Moonlight Madness community bicycle ride. Pedal down beginning at 10 p.m. from Rogers Park, but the gathering starts as early as 7 p.m. for music, fellowship, pre-ride games and registration. All

ages, cycling paces and skill-leveled riders are invited for the familyfriendly 14-mile trek escorted by the Beaumont Police Department.

Juneteenth Celebration One of the biggest summer celebrations coincides with the observance of June 19, the African American Emancipation Day, and commences at Tyrrell Park, June 20 from 2-9 p.m.

It’s a day of food and music, vendors, games and family time.

R. C. Miller Memorial Library 1605 Dowlen, 409.866.9487 Theodore R. Johns Library 4255 Fannett, 409.842.5223 Elmo Willard Library 3590 E. Lucas, 409.892.4988 Check these libraries for additional programs and special events free for children during the summer months.

Other Summer Fun Learn to Swim Magnolia Pool June 9-19 for kids beginning at age 5 June 23-26 for adults; Times vary $10 per person Summer Day Camp Sterling Pruitt Activity Center June 15- Aug. 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. $50 per child per session Summer Reading Program June 5-July 17 Beaumont Public Library 801 Pearl, 409.838.6606

FESTIVALS

BIGGEST MAYPOLE CELEBRATION UNDER THE MOON & THE STARS

Internationally renowned artist David Cargill with event organizers Sandra Hammering and Rhett Browning prepare rallying around the maypole before it goes up. Cargill holds the topper he has designed in honor of Torchy .

If you’ve never danced around a maypole, this month you’ll get your chance. The Beaumont Council of Garden Clubs is hosting a Maypole Festival & Picnic, May 16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to celebrate spring and to show off the newly erected and painted maypole on the grounds of the Beaumont Botanical Gardens and to honor one of Southeast Texas’ late citizens, Paula “Torchy” Salter.

The event is a long time coming, according to Sandra Hammerling, committee chair, because it has taken a group of dedicated citizens, known as the Moon and the Stars Committee (named for Torchy’s Boutique Committee), two years to raise $10,000 needed for the 17-foot, 450-pound pole crafted from one continuous piece of a fir tree.

“We’re dedicating the maypole in honor of Torchy beginning at 11 a.m.,” said Hammerling. “She was all about fun and had such a good spirit. Her attitude was - if someone falls, help them up. That’s the kind of spirit that she spread in this community and the kind of spirit we’d like to see carry on and that’s what this maypole will represent.”

Local artist Summer Lydick primed and painted the pole, and sculptor David Cargill created a topper for the maypole in the likeness of Torchy, a fashion maven, entrepreneur and supporter of the

arts who lost a courageous battle to cancer in 2010.

The topper is a small fairy with wings and a wand.

After the dedication, the maypole will be wrapped the traditional way, 12 ribbons of 12 different colors representing 12 months of the year, intertwined over and under one another, symbolical of a blessing for the summer crops.

Festivities continue throughout the day on the grounds adjacent to the maypole including live music, food trucks, vendors, children’s games such a three-legged races, pie toss and raw egg relays and all kinds of carnival-like fun.

“The gardens at Tyrrell Park are gorgeous. There are all kinds of bird species, so people should bring their binoculars,” said Hammerling. “The bands start at 1 p.m. We’ll have Katharine’s food truck for lunch and maybe some others, or you can bring a blanket and picnic. Plus we’ll have plant vendors, artists, farmers and other kinds of vendors set up.”

The event is free. A cash bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available, and tickets will be sold for carnival games.

For more information email torchymaypolemoonandstars@yahoo.com or call Hammerling at 409.658.0470.

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SPORTS & RECREATION

CONTEST CALLS YOUNG ATHLETES TO RACE AGAINST THE CLOCK On May 23 at 8 a.m. children can participate in the fourth annual Phoenix Group Fitness Daisies & Dragons Duathlon for Kids at the Beaumont ISD Dr. Carroll “Butch” Thomas Educational Resource Center.

A duathlon is a run-bike-run event where participants, in this case kids, race against the clock. The shortened distance for the kiddo contest is 1K run, 2-mile bike and a final 1K run. A 1K run is .6 miles.

The event is open to all kids, ages 12 and under, wearing helmets with chin straps. Parents are allowed to accompany their young athletes as long as they don’t hinder other participants. Training wheels and some tricycles are allowed. All participants earn a finisher’s medal.

Kids are also invited to try out more than 100 pieces of unique juggling and balancing equipment, fun toys and sports gadgets not likely seen before, extending the message that fitness is play.

Sports Society for American Health is the 501(c) 3 behind this event as well as events like the Exygon & Baptist Hospitals Gusher Marathon, the Sabine Causeway 5K and the Pleasure Island Bridge Half Marathon.

The local non-profit strives to improve health, fitness and quality of life through direct opportunities like the children's duathlon, which introduces children to a sport they can enjoy for life.

Find 5Ks, half marathons, group bike rides, triathlons and duathlons to participate in as adults and get more information about the Daisies & Dragons Duathlon at www.sportssocietyforamericanhealth.org.

Register online for the duathlon at www.athletepath.com/daisies-dragonsduathlon-for-kids/2015-05-23. The cost is $26.05 and includes a T-shirt.

YOGA ON THE LAWN BYO for a little Y-O-G-A! That’s bring your mat for yoga.

The last Monday of every month, now until it’s either too hot or too cold, LoveYoga, namely studio owner, manager and teacher Tiffany Maloney, is hosting Mondays at the Museum in partnership with the McFaddin-Ward House. Mat gathering begins at 6:45 p.m. on the east lawn of the McFaddinWard House where the grass is thick and the birds provide natural tunes. The one-hour yoga sessions are open to all with a suggested donation of $10 for a charitable organization.

All levels welcome. For more information contact the McFaddin-Ward House at 409.892.1906.

GET YOUR RED ON FOR LAMAR SOFTBALL May 1 Lamar Softball vs. Nicholls 6 p.m. Lamar Softball Complex 2 Lamar Softball vs. Nicholls 3 p.m. & 5 p.m.

Lamar Softball Complex 8 Lamar Baseball vs. Stephen F. Austin 6 p.m. Vincent Beck Stadium 9 Lamar Baseball vs. Stephen F. Austin 2 p.m. Vincent Beck Stadium 10 Lamar Baseball vs. Stephen F. Austin 1 p.m. Vincent Beck Stadium Ticket Office: 409.880.1715, www.lamarcardinals.com Making Wakes in Orange Deep South Racing Association boat races are back in Orange, May 30 and 31.

Call for details, 409.883.1011.

SAVE THE DATE… …June 6 for Spindletop Spin in memory of the honorable Tom Mulvaney at the Event Centre, 700 Crockett St. Registration is $30 for an individual. Routes are 96, 52, 29 and 13 miles long. Go to www.spindletopspin.com to register and get more details.

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HEALTH, WELLNESS & EDUCATION

IMPROVE YOUR LIFE WITH A PET City of Beaumont Hosts Animal Adopt-A-Thon Looking to improve the quality of your life? Get a pet.

Research shows pets can ease loneliness; reduce stress, anxiety and depression; promote social interaction; encourage exercise and playfulness; and provide unconditional love and affection. While animals offer valuable companionship for older adults, caring for a critter can help children grow up more secure and active.

Convinced? Then head out to the City of Beaumont’s Animal Shelter at 1884 Pine St. in Beaumont for Adopt-A-Thon Weekend, Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday, May 31 from 12-4 p.m.

Although the city shelter is open for adoptions Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., since 1995 city officials have participated in a national movement to adopt out as many animals as possible in two days, hosting an Adopt-A-Thon.

“It’s a life-saving event for these animals,” said Matthew Fortenberry, supervisor of animal services. “We’ll have animals inside and outside and all kinds of adoptable animals for people to see.”

Fortenberry said the city shelter is typically full with about 50 to 70 dogs and 20 to 30 cats, roosters, snakes, rabbits, guinea pigs and even pigeons on

occasion, that have either been picked up because of abuse or abandonment or people moving and/or unable to keep them for a variety of reasons.

There is a one-time adoption fee ranging from $30 to $45 depending on the age of the animal and shots given while at the shelter. In addition new parents have to complete an application and sign a contract committing to animal spaying or neutering at the vet of their choice. All intending to adopt should bring a leash or animal carrier. Most animals adopted can go with their new families the day of the adoption.

Animal Services, an agency within the Beaumont Police Department, invites everyone out for refreshments, fun and games and the opportunity to improve lives with the love and companionship of an animal.

See the animals up for adoption in advance at facebook. com/beaumontanimalservices, and if you’re serious about adopting, fill out the animal adoption application in advance at beaumonttexas.gov.

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HOBBY TIME

SHALL WE DANCE? Have a Toe-Tapping Good Time

By Chrissie Mouton It’s time to dance the night away! Whether you’re getting ready for prom, celebrating graduation or just want to move like your favorite celebrity on “Dancing With The Stars,” it’s time to put on your dancing shoes and bust a move.

“If they can tap their foot or snap their fingers to music, they can learn to dance,” said Ronnie Johnson, owner of Ronnie and Lou Ann's Bayou Barn in Sour Lake.

Johnson boasts that he and his childhood friend and dance partner Evelyn Fontenot can have you jitterbugging in no time.

Bayou Barn offers lessons for couples in a variety of styles, including the twostep, waltz, East Coast swing, jitterbug and Cajun dancing.

“In two hours we can have them where they can go dance,” Johnson said.

“After one private lesson, they’re gonna be dancing.”

So what’s Johnson’s favorite type of dance? “I don’t think I have a favorite,” he said. “I like it all.”

Johnson sways toward country-western style two-step, which incorporates elements of both the traditional foxtrot and swing dances.

By nature, dancing is an expression of emotions and feelings and has been an important component in celebrations, ceremonies and rituals that date back to prehistoric times.

Bayou Barn’s past mirrors the history of country-western dancing. As pioneers from the east began to move west, the religious taboo of worldly pleasures such as dancing moved with it. When not altogether banned, dancing

was designed to keep contact at a minimum, so the minuet, cotillion, pattern dances, courtly processions and “safe” folk dances were favored by the early settlers. The wide-open spaces of the West allowed these settlers to organize barn dances, cowboy balls and get-togethers. Invitation was by word of mouth, and those who heard the call came to dance.

After seeing a friend transform an old barn into a dance floor, Johnson decided if he built it, they could hear the call and come. “I gotta build me one of these for me and my friends to enjoy” he said.

At the time, Johnson was teaching agriculture at Hardin Jefferson High School and was able to share his love of dance with his students in the cafeteria. “But the cafeteria and boom box weren’t enough,” Johnson said. “It started growing. I didn’t want to quit. I was having fun with it.”

His own wide-open space of 41 acres was the perfect home for his own dance floor, to teach and enjoy the company of his friends.

But dancing is more than just fun; it’s good for the soul. “It’s good for people physically and mentally,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun, and we have a good time.”

Bayou Barn offers private lessons for $40 a couple and six-week sessions that allow extra time for students to learn turns that require more instruction.

Every second and fourth Friday, the Bayou Barn hosts a dance for its past and present students. Everyone brings a covered dish or dip, and they dance the night away.

Bayou Barn

845 Nevada, Sour Lake, 409.656.7773

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What better song to danc e to than a song about dancin g?

Cheek to Cheek Fred Astaire Hippy Hippy Sha ke Chan Romer roo Dance the Night Away Van Halen n The Twist Chubb y Checker I’m Happy Just to Dance with You The Beatles Ballroom Dance with JP “Couples dancing is really about learning too move as one with a partner,” said J.P. Richards.

Richards teaches ballroom/country-western dance at City Dance Center in Beaumont and has more than 20 years experience in the art of dance. That experience includes ballroom, Latin, swing, country-western and tango.

“People spend time and money on gym memberships repetitively doing the same motions over and over again to build muscle and attain fitness,” Richards said. “Yet they could be getting exercise and developing a lifelong skill that they could enjoy with their partner or socially.”

Richards offers ballroom/country-western classes, in four-week sessions for $50 and $15 for drop-ins. City Dance is at 3015 Dowlen Road #270, Beaumont.

Call 409.833.7772 for more information or register online at www.citydancecenter.me/locations/beaumont-location/.

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BUSINESS & NETWORKING

HATS OFF TO JIM RICH Service Organization Salutes Business Success Local service organization Quota International of Southeast Texas is all business Tuesday, May 12 when its members take off their hats to honor retiring President of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Jim Rich at their annual banquet.

“Jim Rich is retiring in June after

Jim Rich

serving over 15 years at the chamber, and since we are oriented out of Mid County, we realize that he has played a major role in getting a regional and almost global role for Southeast Texas,” said Nancy Currie, Quota International of Southeast Texas treasurer.

“Jim has worked diligently with the county and the little cities – Lumberton, Sour Lake, Silsbee, Port Neches, Groves, Nederland – and brought the region together, and we want to honor those efforts, especially.

He has helped the entire area not just the Golden Triangle, but what is known as Southeast Texas, too.”

The gala banquet will be held at the Holiday Inn on Walden Road starting at 6:30 p.m. with cash bar and silent auction comprising donations from generous merchants and friends including everything from restaurant packages to zoom teeth whitening gift certificate to spa and gym packages, collegiate baskets, trips, flat screen TV's and more. Quota allows the honoree to choose the

beneficiary of the auction proceeds, and Rich has selected Lamar University's new Center for Innovation, Commercialization & Entrepreneurship. A program including dinner and musical entertainment followed by tribute to Rich starts at 7:15 p.m.

Quota International is a worldwide service organization formed in 1919 with a chapter in Port Arthur that was chartered in 1946. Originally, the membership consisted of women only but more recently men have joined the organization. The Southeast Texas chapter has 41 members, including three men. The club meets the first Tuesday of every month at the Port Arthur Public Library. The only requirement for membership is a willingness to serve.

In addition to providing resources to the speech and hearing impaired, disadvantaged women, children and veterans, Quota makes sleeping mats for the homeless. Using plastic bags, members of Quota crochet mats and distribute them to people in need.

Annually the local Quota chapter awards four to five scholarships of $500 to $1,000 each to area students based on academic achievement and need.

Take off your hat to Rich and support Quota by securing an individual seat for the banquet for $75. Tables for the event are $2,000 and $1,500.

For more information on reservations for the banquet or underwriting or sponsorship opportunities, contact Currie at 409.626.4735 or nancycurrie@yahoo.com. For information on Quota, the International website is www.quota.org and the local organization web site is www.setx.quota.org.

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SOUTHEASTTEXAS.COM BY THE NUMBERS

KEY WORD “KID” This time of year SoutheastTexasevents.com is the ultimate hub for information about kid camps, but our main site SoutheastTexas.com also has an assortment of kid-centric activities and information.

For example if you’re looking for bouncies and inflatables for a party, you’ll find business information about Extreme Bouncers and Slides, Twist and Bounce Party Rental and more. How about a petting zoo for your next event?

Beaumont Exotics, the Animal Ambassadors of Texas, with all of their information is at your fingertips.

From daycare to kids clothing, party ideas and accessories like photo booths and clowns to toys and kid ATVs and go carts, SoutheastTexas.com is a great resource for finding kid activities and entertainment.

For optimum searching go to SoutheastTexas.com and try some specific drop down categories on the left-hand side like “party supplies,” “go carts,” “toys/games.” You can also search by keyword and type “kids,” “parties,” “inflatables” and other words in the top “keyword search” box.

The community is invited to place

ONE AD A MONTH FOR FREE! Call for information, 409.832.9869 If you want to buy and sell local, YOUR best choice is SoutheastTexas.com.

Contact live support at www.southeasttexas.com/help/index2.cfm or call 409.832.9869, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

CLASSIFIED PICK OF THE MONTH

STUFFNFLUFF TRAVELING TEDDY BEAR WORKSHOP

By Dominique Delgado Pool parties, birthday parties and all special kid events are even more fun and exciting with Clover Olden and her furry animal friends Plush Pals.

Olden, a full-time elementary school teacher in Port Arthur, combines her love for children with an innovative business idea that brings smiles, giggles and magical memories.

In November 2014, Olden became a part-time Plush Pal party leader with her own traveling teddy bear workshop. The idea for Plush Pals came to her when looking for a way to celebrate her own 4-year-old daughter’s birthday party. Plush Pals are furry unstuffed animals ready for a party “stuff n’ fluff” activity. Here’s how it works.

Olden arrives aat a birthday party, child care center, fundraiser, fund scout troop, summer camp, country c club, corporate ev event, team building acttivity or other event or venue and performs a sskit, which she leads and perso personalizes to the customer’s request. The T skits and types of animals chosen aare customized according to party themes and parental preferences and exemplify subject su matters like friendship ship, sharing and teamwork.

Children get the bear or animal like a dog, cat, monkey, farm animal or magical animal like a unicorn, the stuffing, a star to make a wish

upon before sealing, a birth certificate and a carry bag.

Olden’s teddy bear workshops offer different stories and lessons for young children.

“As a certified teacher for grades Pre-K-5th, I appreciate the character building, learning, motor skills and emotional development components of a “Noah's Ark” workshop and the “Book Buddy” workshop is one of my favorites,” said Olden. “There are micro-lessons that build character on topics like ‘Say No to Bullying,’ ‘Helping Others’ and ‘Making Mistakes Right.’ I can also customize lessons based on the core six pillars of character building.”

Cost per party attendee ranges from $13-$15. For more information contact Olden at 409.728.6187 or visit her website www.noahsarkworkshop.com/affiliate/19496.

Are you a Southeast Texas artisan who advertises on SoutheastTexas.com?

Contact us to be featured in this section. Call 409.201.9934 or email shelly@southeasttexas.com.

SoutheastTexasEvents.com

SNEAK PEEK june Taking the Summer Stage “The Other Mozart,” a one-woman show about Amadeus’ forgotten composer/performer sister Nannerl, opens in early June at the Betty Greenberg Center for Performing Arts, featuring the actress who won acclaim in the role in New York and New Orleans performances.

Then take the “Mamma Mia” challenge…sitting still during “Honey, Honey” and “Money, Money, Money” and all your favorite ABBA songs during the Lutcher Theater’s production of the stage musical – June 17.

Like Clock Work… …every Saturday at 8 a.m. the bell rings at the Beaumont Farmers Market at the Langham Athletic Complex, and local producers offer fruit, vegetables, breads, jams, jellies, meats, soaps, eats and more. Also on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. the Ivory Bill, a pontoon boat, loads and goes on a tour of the Neches River. Ride along for sights of animals, plants and stories of the Neches. First Thursdays at the Mildred Building and extending down most of Calder is June 4. Eat, drink,, dance, sing, shop!

Get Physical The first Saturday in June – June 6 – the Jefferson County Bar Associases ranging tion hosts the Spindletop Spin, a bike ride for all ages with courses ear at Nutty from 13 to 96 miles. On June 13 take the MOJO Challenge this year ally or Jerry’s Rodeo Arena and experience extreme obstacles individually as a team but compete for a $2,000 purse.

Movie Time ding The Jefferson Theater is rolling the classics this month including nd “Fri“Ghostbusters,” June 4, “Caddyshack,” June 11, “Jaws,” June 19 and day,” June 26.

Charitable Causes al ExcelThe Press Club of Southeast Texas will host the 24th Annual lence in Media Awards and Newsmaker of the Year Banquet Junee 5 at the nition for MCM Elegante Hotel. Not only will area journalists receive recognition ceive the outstanding work during 2014, but one of five nominees will receive Newsmaker of the Year distinction. Proceeds from the banquett benefit Lamar University scholarships. fast with Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas invites all to have Breakfast d benefit b fi Catholic C h li Charities.

Ch i i the Bishop – Bishop Curtis Guillory – at St. Jude, June. 13. Proceeds Historic Home Events A partnership between the Beaumont Heritage Society and Giglio Distributing Co. has created sippy socials – Heritage Happy Hour. The event highlights a historical exhibit, time period or landmark, as well as a craft beer or brewery showcased by Giglio Distributing Co. On June 4 the tasty time gets underway at 5:30 p.m. at the Chambers House Museum.

The Kirby-Hill House in Kountze opens its doors June 11 to Dr. Jeffery Graham who will present the second in a four-part neuroscience lecture series. The title of the June lecture is “Alzheimers, Dementia and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases and How to Prevent Them.”

Adore Some Outdoors Buu Mon Garden Festival at the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple in Port Arthur is the first weekend in June.

Enjoy tours of lotus, bamboo and rose gardens, koi pond and more.

The last Saturday of the month Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center hosts an Up Close with Nature event, exciting and informative programs, that let you “meet” local critters, learn about their adaptations, what they eat and what might eat them.

Songs of Summer Everyone knows the songs of the Southeast Texas summer are jazz tunes, and you can hear them at the Port Arthur Pavilion at the Zachary Breaux Jazz Festival June 12 and 13.

See all of these events and more at southeasttexasevents.com.

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EVENT LISTINGS WEEKLY MONDAYS 11:30 AM Intentional Eating Group Class, Nutrition Solutions, 409.454.0417 TUESDAYS 12:00 PM Great Speakers Unlimited (GSU) Toastmasters, Nutrition Solutions, 409.659.3559 FRIDAYS 7:30 AM Beaumont Business Connection, MCM Elegant Hotel, 409.842.1913 10:00 AM ARC of Greater Beaumont Mom's Talk, S.T.A.R.S. Pediatric Center, 409.838.9012 SATURDAYS 8:00 AM Beaumont Farmers Market, Langham Municipal Athletic Complex 10:00 AM Neches River Adventures, Riverfront Park, 409.651.5326 1, 2 & 3 9:00 AM Port Neches Riverfest, Port Neches Riverfront Park, pnriverfest.com 1 8:15 AM Southeast Texas Suicide Prevention Regional Summit, Medical Center, 409.839.2251 1:00 PM Alzheimer”s "A Round to Remember" Golf Tournament, Tyrrell Park, 409.833.1613 1:00 PM Art Trip to Paris with Art History Professor Dr. Julia C. Fischer, Miller Library, 409.866.8497 5:30 PM Iron Pour Workshop and Fundraiser, Dishman Museum of Art, 409.880.8141 6:00 PM Classic Movie Nights: Grease, Jefferson Theatre, 409.838.3435 6:00 PM LobsterFest 2015 Dinner/Dance, Beaumont Civic Center, 409.838.6581 2 7:00 AM Downtown Beaumont Community Junk Days, 660 Fannin St., bawresale@ yahoo.com 8:00 AM 11th Annual Mustang & All Ford Show, Silsbee Ford, 409.225.2906

9:00 AM How Does Your Garden Grow?, W.H. Stark House, 409.883.0871 9:00 AM 4th Annual Clay Shoot - Benefiting Children's Programs, 1 in 100 Gun Club, 409.727.6400 x 12 9:00 AM Art in the Park, Orange Riverfront Board Walk & Pavilion, 409.883.1011 9:00 AM HSA Beaumont Teacher Job Fair, Harmony Science Academy Beaumont Campus, 409.838.4000 9:00 AM Beaumont Trash-Off, Beaumont Event Centre, 409.880.8311 10:00 AM Saturday Adventure Series: Frog Safari, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 409.670.9113 12:00 PM Iron Pour Workshop and Fundraiser, The Art Department at Lamar University, 409.880.8141 12:00 PM Free Comic Book Day at the Lyons Den, Lyons Den, 409.767.5051 3:00 PM Beaumont Community Players: Run for the Roses, Betty Greenberg for Performing Arts, 409.833.4664 6:00 PM 27th Annual Hurricane Party Fundraiser Honoring Shelley & Joe Tortorice, Jr. of Jason's Deli, Event Centre, 409.832.1644 3 8:00 AM American Valve March of Dimes Golf Tournament, Wildwood Resort Golf Course 4 8:00 AM Trinity United Methodist Church 11th Annual Bruce Allred Golf Tournament, Beaumont Country Club, 409.892.8121 9:00 AM BISD Career Fair, BISD Administration, 409.617.5093 5:30 PM Termite Awareness Seminar, Wesley United Methodist Church, 409.898.3224 5 10:00 AM "Masters of Hospitality" Beaumont Bowl & Travel Rally, Crossroads Bowling Alley, eeddins@ci.beaumont.tx.us

5:30 PM Better Business Bureau: 18th Annual Torch Award Banquet, Beaumont Civic Center, 409.835.5951 x. 117 5:30 PM Free Community Yoga, Miller Library, 409.866.9487 6:00 PM Turtle Races benefiting the American Cancer Society, Madison’s, 409.924.0576 6:30 PM Seminario de Credibilidad, Education First Training Building, 409.898.3770 6-10 8:00 AM National Women Build Week, Habitat for Humanity, 409.832.6768 6 11:00 AM Critiquing & Self Publishing, Miller Library, 409.866.9487 11:30 AM Lamar Small Business Development Center: Making Sense of the Numbers, Lamar University College of Business, 409.880.2367 7-9 6:00 PM Lagnaippe Film & Music Festival, Jefferson Theatre 7 11:00 AM Nutrition and Services for Seniors Deliver the Difference Luncheon, Event Centre, 409.898.4455 5:00 PM First Thursdays on Calder, Mildred Building 6:00 PM SOST On the Town, Edison Plaza, 409.892.2257 8, 9 & 10 10:00 AM 30th Annual Texas Crab Festival, Bolivar Peninsula, texascrabfestival.org 8 8:00 AM HealthSouth Stroke Classic, Brentwood Country Club 9:00 AM National Public Gardens Day, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 409.670.9799 10:00 AM Moonlight Madness 2015, Rogers Park, www.facebook.com/pages/ Moonlight-Madness-Beaumont 9 8:00 AM Education First FCU Annual Shred Day, Parking Lot of Rosedale Branch, 6885 Eastex Freeway, 409.896.8561 8:00 AM Christus LiveWell Conference, Ford Park, www.christushospital.org

9:00 AM The Giving Field Work Day, The Giving Field, www.facebook.com/TheGivingField 9:00 AM Mother's Day Special Guided Tour, W.H. Stark House, 409.883.0871 9:30 AM The Battle of Sabine Pass Lecture, Clifton Steamboat Museum, 409.842.3162 10:00 AM 30th Annual Crawfish Food and Music Festival benefiting Boys’ Haven, Parkdale Mall (by Kaplan College), 409.866.2400 10:00 AM Saturday Adventure Series: RePurposed Planters, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 409.670.9113 11:00 AM Blood Drive, Sneaky Pete's, 409.963.1241 10 2:00 PM Cyclofemme SETexas, Ana's Mexican Bakery, 409.656.3372 11 8:00 AM Girls Haven Golf Tournament, Beaumont Country Club, www.facebook. com/GirlsHavenInc 11:30 AM Lamar Small Business Development Center: Business Start-Up Check List, Lamar University College of Business, 409.880.2367 5:30 PM Book Signing and Reading: "Dangerous When Wet," Art Museum of Southeast Texas, 409.832.3405 6:00 PM Texas Gulf Coast Writers Association, Miller Library, 409.866.9487 12 3:00 PM Lamar Small Business Development Center Credit Score Management, Lamar University College of Business, 409.880.2367 5:30 PM The After 5 Book Club, Miller Library, 409.866.9487 6:00 PM Quota International of Southeast Texas: Hats Off to Jim Rich, Holiday Inn & Suites, 409.626.4735 6:30 PM The Return of Conservative Investing - Education First Training Bldg, 5680 Old Dowlen Rd.., 409.898.3770

SoutheastTexasEvents.com

13 3:00 PM Lamar Small Business Development Center: Exporting - Don't Miss Out on the Global Marketplace, Lamar University College of Business, 409.880.2367 14 8:00 AM 2nd Annual Golden Triangle Charity Golf Tournament benefiting Adaptive Sports for KIDDS, Brentwood Country Club, 409.899.2878 11:30 AM Volunteer Recognition Lunch, Holiday Inn & Suites Beaumont Plaza, 409.838.6581 6:00 PM Beaumont Children's Museum Annual Gala: A Night at the Museum, Event Centre, 409.347.7919 15, 16 & 17 9:00 AM Orange Trade Days, Downtown Orange, 409.883.4344 15 8:00 AM Cajun Classic Golf Tournament benefiting Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Foundation, Beaumont Country Club, 409.212.6110 9:00 AM Lamar Institute of Technology Spring Graduation, Montagne Center, 409.880.2292 6:00 PM Jason Aldean in Concert, Ford Park, 409.951.5400

6:00 PM Classic Movie Nights: The Blues Brothers, Jefferson Theatre, 409.838.3435 7:00 PM AMSET gARTage Sale, Art Museum of Southeast Texas, 409.832.3432 16 8:30 AM Harmony Science Academy Golf Tournament, Bayou Din, 409.838.4000 11:00 AM Maypole Festival & Picnic, Beaumont Botanical Center, Tyrrell Park, 409.658.0470 7:30 PM City of Beaumont Movies in the Park: A Bug's Life, Central Park Community Bldg, 409.838.3613 18 5:30 PM The Miss Fearless Women's Film Series featuring â&#x20AC;&#x153;Miss Representation," Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Youth Center, 3920 W. Cardinal Dr., 713.534.4726 19 8:00 AM 2015 Dementia Conference, LIT Multi-Purpose Center, 409.833.1613 20 2:00 PM Book Bunch, Miller Library, 409.866.9487 21 11:30 AM Press Club of Southeast Texas Meeting, Cafe Del Rio, pressclubofsoutheasttexas.org 12:00 PM Pink Power Network: Are You a "Foodie!," Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas - Cancer Center, 409.833.3663

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6:00 PM Pink Power Network: Are You a "Foodie!," Julie Rogers, 409.833.3663 22, 23 & 24 8:00 AM Kountze Big Thicket Trade Days, Kountze Trade Days Grounds, 409.880.5667 7:00 PM Fozzy with Sons of Texas, Jefferson Theater, 409.838.3435 23 10:00 AM Texas Frog Fest, Crystal Beach, 409.791.4131 25 6:00 PM Alzheimer's Support Group Calder Woods Senior Living, Calder Woods in the Library, 409.861.1123 6:45 PM Monday at the Museum, McFaddinWard House, 409.832.1906 7:30 PM Beaumont HAM Radio Club, North End Baptist Church 26 4:30 PM Parental Partners Reception 2015, MCM Elegant Hotel, 409.838.6581 27 6:00 PM Lamar Small Business Development Center Business Start Up Checklist, Lamar University College of Business, 409.880.2367 28 11:30 AM Better Business Bureau Lunch & Learn with Chris Partin, MCM Elegante Hotel, 409.835.5951 x. 117

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6:00 PM Sales and Marketing Executives Club of Southeast Texas Banquet, Holiday Inn, 409.842.9442 29 9:30 AM The Battle of Sabine Pass Lecture, Clifton Steamboat Museum, 409.842.3162 12:00 PM Women in Networking (WIN), Nutrition Solutions, 409.454.0417 6:00 PM Classic Movie Nights: Rocky, Jefferson Theatre, 409. 838.3435 7:00 PM BISD The Celebration of Excellence Gala: Teacher of the Year Gala, MCM Elegante Hotel, 409.617.5042 30 8:00 AM Kids' Triathlon for Ages 6-17, Health & Wellness Center, 409.899.7777 9:00 AM Flower Power Workshop, Stark Museum of Art, 409.886.2787 10:00 AM Anything That Rolls Crawfish Cookoff & Car Show, Whites Memorial Park, 281.424.1300 2:00 PM Up Close with Nature, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 409.670.9799

For more events, go to southeasttexasevents.com.

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CARTOON CORNER

THE LAST WORD

DO NOT READ THE SEQUEL UNLESS YOU HAVE READ THE ORIGINAL

By Scott Renick If you have recently walked through a bookstore, you are aware that the sequel to “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which was published 55 years ago, will soon be released.

Recently, while in our local Barnes & Noble, I told a friend that my favorite book was “To Kill a Mockingbird.” This is not a unique response. Many people feel this way. My friend’s response was, “I have never read it.” My mouth fell agape. This novel is a staple of American classrooms. I blurted, ”How has anyone not read this book? It has so many life lessons.” My friend- disbelieving- responded, ”Life Lessons? Like what?”

First, before you try to answer that question, you have to remember that the book is from the perspective of Scout, the young daughter of Atticus Finch, a lawyer and a widower raising two small children. Atticus Finch is the lawyer every lawyer aspires to be. The book is set in the Deep South during the Depression in the 1930s. Finch accepts the defense of an African-American man possibly wrongly accused of attacking a young white wom-

an. During this period, Jim Crow laws were alive and well, and civil rights for minorities in the United States did not exist. The setting is important to fully appreciate the book. So, what did I learn from reading “To Kill a Mockingbird”? Here’s my response.

1. Let your conscience be your guide.

In the book, many of the people in town believe it is wrong for Finch to be involved in the aforementioned case. He tells his daughter, Scout, that he has to take the case. If he were not to take the case, he tells his daughter, “I could never ask you to mind me again.” Finch believes that you have to follow your own moral code, regardless of what others believe. “The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.”

Finch did not have one set of morals for weekdays and one for weekends. He would not broach the sanctity of his conscience. “This case, Tom Robinson’s case, is something that goes to the essence of a man’s conscience – Scout, I couldn’t go to church and worship God if I didn’t try to help that man.”

2. Be morally courageous.

Do not be afraid to stand up for what is right.

Courage comes from within. Finch tells his children, “I wanted you to see what real courage is instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand.”

Moral courage supplied Finch with the strength to fight for something he knew he could not win.

He knew that he would not be able to save Tom Robinson. When Scout asked why he continued to defend him, Atticus responded, “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.”

3. People are people regardless of race or social class.

People are complicated. Learn about their lives before judging them. Treat everyone equally. Finch

had superhuman empathy. When his children felt angry at the behavior of the individuals in Maycomb, he would remind them to see the other person’s view of the situation facing their community, reminding them that they are no better than anyone else. “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

4. Atticus Finch is an example of how to be a good parent.

Teach your children by example. Throughout the book, Atticus Finch is guided by his conscience and his values. Clearly, he lives his life in a manner that he wants reflected in his children. In many ways, that is the essence of the book. Finch never yells and always speaks to his children with respect and in an approachable manner. He takes times to answer his children’s difficult questions and speaks truthfully to them. “When a child asks you something, answer him for goodness sake. But don’t make a production of it. Children are children, but they can spot an evasion faster than adults, and evasion simply muddles ‘em.”

5. Bad things happen.

Accept it and work with it. Never give up.

“It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what.”

6. Keep calm in a crisis.

Perhaps Finch’s greatest quality is what Scout describes as her father’s quality of “an infinite capacity for calming turbulent seas.” Outwardly, Finch seems to be unflustered by the chaos around him.

When one character, Bob Ewell, curses him, threatens him and spits in his face, Finch’s response is “I wish Bob Ewell wouldn’t chew tobacco.”

“To Kill a Mockingbird” may be the great American novel. Regardless, it is timeless. I first read it in the ninth grade. It still influences me today. Of course, I am going to read the sequel.

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