Spinnings Volume 87 Issue 3

dancing with the stars winners & event photos

JLB’s ONGOING LEGACY +

children & families

DaY IN THE LIFE

+ meet the teachers

Beaumont native Katie Baker is the 2022-2023 President of the Junior League of Beaumont and has been a JLB member since 2012. A Registered Dietitian with clinical and school food service experience, Katie earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas and her Master of Science degree from Lamar University. Katie and her husband Clarke have one daughter, Mary Grace (5), and one son, Jeb (2).

2022-2023

board of directors

President

President-Elect

the President

Happy

2023! As we find our stride in this new year, I am filled with excitement thinking of all that lies ahead for the Junior League of Beaumont. I can’t reflect on this year’s theme of “Advancing the Legacy of Building a Better Beaumont” without first thinking about our members. They are the heart and soul of our organization. Our 2023-2024 JLB Provisional (new member) applications are open on our website, and now is the time for anyone who has ever been interested in joining the Junior League of Beaumont to take the next steps. JLB members were encouraged to “bring a friend” and prospective new members to our General Meeting on February 21st. We loved having this opportunity to share what the League does for our members and how it positively impacts our community, and our membership is undeniably the greatest way we advance the legacy we are leaving on Southeast Texas.

I hope that when you think of JLB and our legacy, some of our Signature Projects come to mind. Our newest Signature Project “The O.N.E.” (Our Non-profits Elevated), which we adopted in 2020, is a partnership in which we work alongside a local nonprofit for one League year and assist in as many ways as possible. The O.N.E.’s goal is to empower our partnering non-profit by providing any tools the League can in order to help them take their passion to

the next level. We are thrilled to announce that our partner next year will be Make Ends Meet of Southeast Texas, which is a non-profit organization created to support single-parent families, which comprises approximately 40% of Jefferson County. Stayed tuned to watch this partnership flourish.

In other exciting news our not to be missed event, Dancing with the Stars of Southeast Texas, was a huge success. Our DWTS committee had been hard at work for months to ensure that this year’s event was one to be remembered. We would not be able to do all the meaningful work in our local communities if it were not for the success of our fundraisers and support of generous donors, and I am sincerely grateful for all of the support we have received this league year. Believe me when I say that our members will take those dollars and spin them into gold.

Cheers to 2023. Let’s make it a great year!

With much appreciation,

Katie O’Neill Baker, Junior League of Beaumont President 2022-2023

Treasurer ..........................................................

Treasurer-Elect

Communications Council Director ..............

Community Council Director

Membership Counci Director .......................

Planning Council Director

Corresponding Secretary

Recording Secretary ........................................

Past President

Sustaining Advisor ..........................................

Katie Baker

Sara Norman

Rebecca Tatum

Kate Eckhart

Sarah Wells

Ashley Willis

Ashlee Garrett

Kate Thorne

Amanda Yarbrough

Lindsay Brake

Brenna Rodriguez

Kara Hawthorn

Katie O’Neill Baker

Member Spotlight

Meet JLB members Deanna “Dee” Bessler and Megan Moss

Day in the Life

Read about the daily life of some of our wonderful local educators, whom are also members of the JLB

Volunteering in the Community

Check out what our JLB members have been doing to give back to the community

The Ongoing Legacy of Building a Better Beaumont

The Junior League continues to provide assistance and support to children and families in our community

Dancing with the Stars

Check out the photos and sponsors from this years event and read about what happens behind the scenes

Creamy Poblano Enchiladas

Try out this warm, comforting meal that is full of flavor

What’s Happening at BFM

Starting its 14th season, the Beaumont Farmers Market provides fresh, authentic, local goods and service to the community

SPINNINGS

In Recognition of Beaumont’s Historical Spindletop Oil Field.

An internal publication of the Junior League of Beaumont, Inc.

Distributed Fall, MSM Special Issue, Winter, DWTS Special Issue, Spring, and Summer

EDITOR

Kellsey Fairchild

CO-EDITOR

Margaret Victores

STAFF WRITERS

Lauren Reicis Kaylee Allen

Sonni Shell Karley Zummo

Laura Victores Wyman

SUSTAINING ADVISOR Dr. Marleen Swerdlow

AD SALES

Laura Victores Wyman

DESIGN/LAYOUT

Lori Bane

Tax Tips

As tax season continues, here are a few tips to help you be more prepared

DWTS Member Spotlight

Meet Allie Kelley, JLB member and former DWTS dancer

Main Street Market Recap

The MSM committee thanks all those who supported this years market

Provisional Corner

The Provisional class share the projects they are currently working on

What Have We Been Up To

See what fellow JLB members have been up to the past few months

CAF Granting

on the cover

Congratulations to this years Dancing with the Stars Mirror Ball trophy winners Everett Green & Sadé Chick! Check out more photos from the event starting on page 12.

SUBMISSIONS

Do you have an idea for a story? Would you like to be a featured or guest writer? Send ideas or articles for consideration to the 2022-2023 SPINNINGS Editor, Kellsey Fairchild, at spinnings@juniorleaguebeaumont.org. We welcome your input!

TO SUBSCRIBE

If you or someone you know is interested in receiving a hard copy of our publication, please email the 2022-2023 SPINNINGS Editor, Kellsey Fairchild, at spinnings@juniorleaguebeaumont.org to be added to the mailing list. You will also see SPINNINGS all over town. Feel free to pick one up at your favorite boutique, hair salon, or Headquarters!

MISSION STATEMENT

The Junior League of Beaumont is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

JUNIOR

SPOTLIGHT

Hometown Granger, Indiana Education Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from University of Charleston

What are some of your hobbies? Anything my kids are into, and some things of my own initiative: photography, planting, cosplay, gifting, crafts, home improvement, light carpentry, shopping.

What is one of your favorite things about SETX?

The people, especially neighbors! We are transplants but have found it very easy to meet people and get involved–we were even invited to dinner a day after moving in and are now regularly involved in many neighbors’ family events. We absolutely love the weather and it is fun to be able to plant and to go to the beach year-round. We have seen pretty awesome things at Crystal Beach: oyster shells, seaweed, an exceptional amount of sea foam, hermit crabs, jellyfish, and Portuguese man o’ war! We frequent Bridge City for crabbing and area waterways for exploring and fishing and seeing all the birds, herons, and alligators together at one of the Shangri La’s lookouts was extraordinary. Additionally, I

Family husband Derek, son Bowen, daughter Katherine “Kate”. The rest of our family lives out of town in Indiana, Illinois and South Carolina

Pets Scully (passed- aka “lives at own house”), Cedar (passed - aka “lives at Scully’s house”), Bear- my miniature schnauzer baby

appreciate SETX’s local boutiques and art scene and that anything we need is just a short drive.

What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

Vacation with husband to Maui, Hawaii. We rented a Northside house on a cliff during February, the peak of whale migration. Just to sit on the property and watch humpbacks interacting in the water below was magnificent.

What is one thing you can’t live without?

Coffee.

What are you hoping to get out of your League experience this year? Impactful volunteering experience. I want to leave a place or organization and myself changed for the better. Like sustaining change.

Occupation Mom and household manger, aka “I work for my kids”

What are you currently watching / reading / listening to?

Watching = The Chosen / reading = That’s not My.. (Lion), toddler series / listening = Hal Elrod podcast.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Progress over perfection.”

What would you do with 8 extra hours in the day?

I would aspire to spend the extra hours doing something for the overall good. Maybe I could do more learning, planning, engaging, or even meditating. If I could be the best and most informed version of myself, I believe that version could make the best impact in the world. I would aspire to better serve the world around me and make a larger influence of good. Then, I would teach all of that to my kids. However, it’s likely I would become overwhelmed and spend the time napping on the couch with my dog, with TV in the background.

Deanna “Dee” Bessler

Megan Moss JLB

MEMBER

Hometown

Beaumont Education

Graduated from West Brook High School in 2002 and Baylor University in 2006

Family Husband, Blake

What is your favorite thing about living in SETX?

I love that there is such a small town feel! Plus the majority of my family and my husband’s family are here, so we never have to travel for holidays!

What is a unique fun fact about you that some may not know?

I don’t have any cousins!

If you had an extra 8 hours in the day, what would you do? Finish the classes to get my broker’s license

Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

Reese Witherspoon or Julia Stiles

What is the best vacation you’ve been on?

Oh gosh–so many great vacations! Most recently we went to Greece - we took my Grandmother in October for her 85th birthday and it was incredible to experience that with her.

Hobbies

Volunteering, reading miniature schnauzer baby

Occupation Realtor

What was your favorite placement and why?

I loved being on the Abolish committee! It’s hard to beat helping with such a worthy cause and I had great committee members both years!

I would also just like to thank everyone who voted for me for the Beaumont Enterprise’s Best of the Best this past year. It was such an honor to win Best Volunteer, especially being surrounded with so many in the League!

From Ordinary Looks to Outstanding Living

Ready to elevate the way you experience your space? From detailed touches to timeless centerpieces, Coburn’s delivers the home accents you need to breathe new life into your living areas. Each product is elegantly styled and functionally sound — a testament to the fact that quality manufacturing is always a necessity in great design.

Coburn’s. Your Project Partner.

2912 Eastex Freeway Beaumont, TX 77703 Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (409) 899-9911

day in the life of...

Meet some of our wonderful educators of the Junior League of Beaumont! From classroom teachers, to college professors, to special education advocates, the Junior League of Beaumont has many educational leaders whose passion for teaching and learning alike drive them make a difference in the lives of our children and our communities.

Meet the Teachers!

Maegan Collins

Title: College Professor

Years in the field: 5

Teaches: Undergraduate Government and Graduate Public Administration

René Ford

Title: Educational Diagnostician

Years in the field: 26

Qualifies students for: Special Education Services

Sarah Fox

Title: High School Teacher

Years in the field: 8

Teaches: 9th and 10th Grade Biology

What made you choose this career?

• I always wanted to be a teacher from the time I was very little. However, I also had equal passion for government and politics because my parents always educated me on its importance. I was blessed to be able to work in both the government and higher education student support fields before being given the opportunity to teach full-time. Being a full-time university faculty member is my dream job because I get to continue my love for political science, but also get to go in the classroom every day and live out my childhood dream. - Maegan

• Our family friends included some children with special needs. They were my heroes...Special Education as a career was due to their inspiration! - René

• Working with high schoolers on ACT and SAT prep when I was in college! - Sarah

Mandy Street

Title: Elementary Teacher

Years in the field: 10

Teaches: 4th Grade Math and Science Karley Zummo

Title: Middle School Teacher

Years in the field: 6

Teaches: 7th and 8th Grade English Language Arts

Melaney Villery-Samuel

Title: College Professor, Distance Learning Administrator

Years in the field: 8

Teaches: Business Law and Government

• My grandmother and aunt were both teachers. I really love to learn and be in a learning environment.

- Mandy

• I have a lot of family in education. My mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, several cousins…I come from a long line of educators! I grew up playing “teacher” in my mom’s classroom. I always knew I wanted to do this.

- Karley

• I was an undergrad majoring in journalism at Tennessee State University and I had this English teacher, Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis, who inspired me so much that I added an English minor just so I could take more of her classes. Her magical charm as a teacher was infectious to the point that she passed the bug on to me. I think I realized since grade school that good and caring teachers make a difference, and I wanted to be part of that. Dr. Morgan-Curtis made me want to work for a University and teach young adults the skills they needed to change their lives. - Melaney

How do you start and end your day at work?

• Contrary to what people may think, university faculty work long hours! I start my day by getting to the office at least an hour before class starts, where I get caught up on emails that may have been sent overnight. I also check recent news to see if there's anything I can use as lecture examples because I like to keep my class very relevant. I then teach for a couple hours, meet with students, and tackle other administrative tasks. I leave the office around 6:00 p.m., where I then go home to work on research or writing that I didn’t get to finish at the office since I’m also a full-time doctoral student. I usually end my work day around 9:00 p.m.! - Maegan

• My work day begins with a commute. During the commute, I listen to podcasts that have to do with the Bible Verses that were read as part of my daily study. After the short podcast my coffee and prayer time begins as mental preparedness for the meetings that were planned and prepared and meetings that pop up because of issues (that's where the prayer comes in handy). I end my day with the radio off and contemplate issues during my commute home. - René

• First and last thing I do when I arrive and leave my classroom is feed our class fish, America. - Sarah

• I start my day in my classroom prepping for my day and going through materials that will be taught for that specific day. I end my day with car or bus duty.Mandy

• My day begins with a classroom full of rambunctious 13 year olds and a hot cup of coffee! I end my day by making sure all of my materials and presentations are prepped for the next day. I drive home in silence most days to unwind from all of the excitement, questions, decisions, and the many “Mrs. Zummo!’s” of my day.

- Karley

• Post COVID isolation years, I've started most of my days with exercise at 6:00 a.m. on youtube with my rescue dog Cleopatra standing by in wonder and judgment as I do my best to hold my planks. After that, I make a hearty breakfast, shower, dress, make a chai tea, and then head off to work. I end my day with meetings in one of the five community organizations I'm in and dinner and t.v. with my husband, or by running outside with my dog for evening exercise (got to get those steps in), and then dinner with my husband. After dinner, I usually listen to audiobooks as I shower for the night, and then continue that into bedtime while playing mindless solitaire until Mr. Sandman finds me. - Melaney

What do you wish your students’ parents knew ?

• I know that parents worry about their young adults when they are in college, and I want them to know that it is completely normal to do so. I want to reassure them that their students are being the kind, compassionate, and strong individuals that they taught them to be. Let them design their own path and have grace with your students when they do not earn the grade(s) you believe they should be making. I promise that they are still learning in their courses and are receiving a ton of life lessons along the way. Mental health and personal development are way more important than that "A"! - Maegan

• My biggest wish for my students and parents is that the students become and feel successful. - René

• I want the parents to know that they are raising good people. A lot of parents get tied up in a students’ academic performance, but at the end of the day, what matters most is that they are turning into great young adults for our communities. - Sarah

• I wish parents know that we love their children and only want to help them become the very best! - Mandy

• I want all parents to know and remember that teachers choose this profession because they love kids. Teachers wear many hats, we love our students, and we only have the very best of intentions for them! - Karley

What time do you eat lunch?

• I usually eat lunch on the go! I do not have a set lunch hour due to the most popular class times spanning from 11:00 to 2:00. - Maegan

• My lunch time varies depending on the needs of students, parents, teachers, paraprofessionals, service providers and administrators. Most of the time lunch happens alongside my preparations for the next meeting or report. - René

• 11:00 am - Sarah

• 10:40 am - Mandy

• Luckily, I eat lunch around noon. In previous years I’ve had to eat lunch at 10:30, which never felt like lunch!

- Karley

• I don't generally stop for lunch until 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. Sometimes, I even work through my lunch because there is just so much to do, and I'm anal about my calendar being set and my inbox being empty when I leave work each day. - Melaney

What is the most memorable thing you’ve learned from this profession?

• College students have kind hearts and are so empathetic towards others. Students have come to me asking how they can help other students and the community, which resulted in them organizing a work day at the Humane Society, collecting a whole office full of canned goods for the food bank after the latest hurricane, and writing thank you notes to support staff who kept us afloat during the pandemic. I will always be grateful for getting to see this side of college students that is not often portrayed.

- Maegan

• The most memorable thing I have learned from this profession is collaboration with others to problem solve in order to see students (parents, other teachers, administrators, etc.) succeed is very rewarding! - René

• Mercy. The importance of giving kids mercy when they make mistakes and the grace to come back from those mistakes. No one is defined by their mistakes alone.

- Sarah

• The light bulb moments. When a student understands something for the first time and their face lights up and a big smile appears! - Mandy

• I shared this realization with my principal just the other day. I do not have children of my own yet, but the most valuable thing I’ve learned from this profession is what kind of parent I want to be one day. - Karley

Would you choose this career path again?

• Absolutely! I love getting to interact and know each student because they have life testimonies that encourage me to be a better leader and person. I could write about this at length, but I have incredible students that I am honored to teach every day.

- Maegan

• Yes, this would be my choice as a career path again! It is rewarding to see students succeed. - René

• I choose it each and every day and will continue to choose it. - Sarah

• Yes! I get to share my love for learning daily. - Mandy

• Oh yes, I would! Teaching may not be the perfect profession (what job is?), but not all jobs can fulfill you the way teaching can. - Karley

• I feel like I'm in the right place to become a legend like Dr. Morgan-Curtis and I would choose this career path again and again if given the chance! - Melaney

What industry changes have you experienced , good and bad?

• The pandemic has greatly impacted higher education institutions across the nation and unfortunately has not ended. Enrollment and retention numbers are down at many institutions, students lack academic preparation due to online pandemic learning (which should not be blamed on teachers), and the financial burden of college has become too much to bear for many. However, the pandemic has also brought a lot of positive changes to higher education, such as improving online learning, increasing student support services, having meaningful connections with students, and focusing more on access and equity. -

Maegan

• Industry changes...bad subject. Lawmakers do not have a good grasp on what it takes to make a difference in special education, but educators have a heart for what they do and do the best they can anyway! - René

• Good: Community support has seemed to increase for teachers and schools since the pandemic. Bad: Student attention span seems to gradually be getting shorter and shorter each year, which requires new approaches in the classroom. - Sarah

• The industry has changed tremendously in the past 10 years. I have learned to embrace change. Education is continually changing - technology, teaching methods, students…Every year is a new year with new challenges.

- Mandy

• BAD: Having to teach in a mask for 8 hours straight during the pandemic! With little to no physical contact or close proximity to my students to assist their educational needs or build on relationships! GOOD: Two words. Google. Classroom. Amazing technology I wish I had access to as a student! - Karley

smartlab

What sets All Saints apart from other schools in Southeast Texas?

It is the forward-thinking, strategic planning of our Board, and the growth mindset of our Administration, faculty and staff.

Only school in Southeast Texas with a smartlab!

Science, Spanish, Art, and Music Labs

11 acre campus

Full athletic fields and facilities

4 playgrounds

High Academic Standards - High School Credits

Earned

Focus on Educating the Whole Child - Body, Mind, and Spirit.

Leading edge technology, curriculum, and programming

Daily Chapel

PK3-8th Grade

These are the four pillars of 21st century learning, incorporated in the smartlab , allowing students to experience Student-centered learning, Discovery-based learning, and Project-based learning.

We know we are preparing students for future possibilities and jobs that have yet to be invented.

volunteering IN THE COMMUNITY

Cooking for the homeless

Boots & BBQ with Jenna Bush

Some Other Place

MADD Walk of Life

Boots & BBQ with Jenna Bush

JLB Members representing at the Bob Hope School Choice Breakfast Boots & BBQ with keynote speaker Jenna Bush

The Ongoing Legacy of Building a Better Beaumont

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

TheJunior League of Beaumont’s history is as entwined with helping children as an organization’s can be; from its inception through the present the League has made it a priority to be champions for children, providing assistance and support within our community.

During the 1938-1939 League year, under the tenure of our first president Isabel Camp Jackson, the League assisted in organizing and operating the Crippled Children’s Clinic and donated funds and volunteered time to provide school lunches at the Family Welfare Bureau. Under our next president, Bernice Blair Dickinson, the League continued this legacy, instituting classes in hydrotherapy for crippled children, donating baby incubators to Hotel Dieu, and assisting the Y.W.C.A. in establishing “Stay at Home” Camp. During the 1940s the League supported the Beaumont Children’s Home, helped establish the Children’s Theater, equipped the Isolation Nursery at the new Baptist Hospital, assisted Boys’ Haven and Helbig Negro Nursery,

and much more. As the League grew, so did its reach and its ability to give back—and in the decades since, the Junior League of Beaumont’s support of children and children’s services has remained steadfast. More recent projects like Lemonade Day and Jr. Junior League have continued this legacy, as well as the financial assistance provided to organizations such as the Shorkey Center, the Women and Children’s Shelter, Girls’ Haven, the Beaumont Rainbow Room (formerly the Beaumont Community Partnership for Children), and scores of others. Current Junior League of Beaumont community projects aimed towards helping children, and their missions, include:

• Healthy Behaviors (Project 5210)To combat childhood obesity and diabetes through health education, encouraging healthy eating habits and physical fitness

• Transitioning Youth - To work with Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southeast Texas, Inc. (CASA) and Child Protective Services (CPS) to help ease children’s transition out of foster care and prepare them for independent living

• Service Squad - To make a difference in the community by assisting with 1-2 day projects, including the Art Museum of Southeast Texas’s Family Art Days and CASA’s annual Kids Carnival

“Children are the legacy we leave for the time we will not live to see.”

- Aristotle

Beaumont Children’s Home / Buckner

The Junior League of Beaumont began a lasting partnership with the Beaumont Children’s Home in 1946, when it funded new playground equipment and interior decorations. The League supported the Beaumont Children’s Home every year from then until 1970, when the home became the Beaumont charter of Buckner International, operating under the name Buckner Children & Family Services. The Junior League continued to assist the new organization over the years through volunteering as well as financial assistance until Buckner relocated its services from Southeast Texas in 2021.

Garth House - Mickey Mehaffy Children’s Advocacy Program

The cause championed by the 19901991 league under president Becky Dickson Mason was “Children at Risk.” In collaboration with Catholic Charities and local law enforcement agencies, the League helped to establish and open a Children’s Advocacy Center. Mickey Mehaffy, a provisional League member and assistant district attorney, worked tirelessly on the project. When she was tragically killed in an accident in the spring, the decision was made to honor her service; shortly after, the center’s

doors opened under the name Garth House - Mickey Mehaffy Children’s Advocacy Program, Inc. Since its opening, Garth House has worked with over 11,000 children and their families, offering a safe space for victims of child abuse.

Southeast Texas Family Resource Center

In celebration of sixty years of service to the community, the Junior League of Beaumont endeavored to create something lasting: a Family Resource Center. The League reserved funds, raised community interest in the center, and coordinated with MobilOil for a land grant. Work on the project began under president Suzanne Wolfrom’s stewardship (1997-1998) and continued over the next few years under presidents Marleen Roosth Swerdlow, Johnnie Slovak Broussard, Joanne Brown Adams, Melanie McAllen Heartfield, Julie Alyssa Richardson, and culminated in a ribbon cutting during Elizabeth Brandes Pratt’s presidency. The Family Resource Center continued to be a major focus for the League over the next few years, including Done in a Day volunteering and additional CAF Grant funding until it became selfsufficient. The SETX Family Resource

Center is still open, serving more than 200 children each year through after-school programs and summer educational enrichment.

Beaumont Children’s Museum

In 2008, a group of Beaumont citizens including Junior League members formed a board of directors and created a nonprofit with the intention of creating a children’s museum. The Junior League of Beaumont became instrumental in helping to establish the Beaumont Children’s Museum, making it the League’s signature project beginning with the 2007-2008 year. The League assisted with and contributed to the museum’s capital campaign to purchase a location and offered volunteers for their “Museum without Walls” traveling exhibits to raise awareness. The museum opened in 2015 and that year the Junior League of Beaumont was presented with a Community Partner Award for continued support and recognized as a Visionary partner in the creation of the museum. The League’s contributions haven’t stopped there—JLB’s Service Squad continues to assist the museum onsite and in community outreach drives and programs.

& choreographers

...who performed at this years Dancing with the Stars of

event!

Southeast Texas

Kadie Lancaster Dornak Lancaster Dance Academy

Donta Miller Dr. Kristine Banks Dahl & Chris Kovatch

Amy Peevey &

Chad LaPray Courtney White & Morgan Walker Kathryn Messina &

Courtnie Mercer & Farren Morris STRUTZ Fitness

Bekah Guedry Exygon Health and Fitness

Christi Thayer Kovatch Thayer Dance Academy

Monique Zummo Steinhagen, Tammy Anderud, & Megan Anderson Marsha Woody Academy of Dance

and the winners are...

Everett Green & Sadé Chick

mirroball trophy winners:

Andrew McClusky & April Tolbert

fan favorite:

star couple:

star couple:

Andrew McKlusky & April Tolbert

Everett Green & Sadé Chick

star couple:

star couple:

Elton Hollis and Alli Doty

Representative Nick Lampson & Ines Alvidres

star couple:

star couple:

Morgan Walker & Kathryn Messina

Chad LaPray and Courtney White

star couple:

star couple:

Chris Kovatch & Amy Peevey

Donta Miller & Dr. Kristine Banks Dahl

day in the life of...

THE DANCING WITH THE STARS COMMITTEE

Describe your specific DWTS Committee placement duties.

Responsibilities for the year are overall planning of the event. We’re also responsible for overseeing the DWTS committee, ensuring that every person on our team is engaged and handling their specific duties so the event runs smoothly the day of.

Responsibilities the week and day of are a little bit more in depth. We coordinate our move into the Civic Center for event prep, oversee Atmosphere Chair and all work that is being done for set up, work with the tech crew on lighting and sound, work with Co-Chair on table arrangements, and oversee the Star rehearsals.

What time frame do you begin and end preparations for DWTS?

We immediately started planning for our upcoming year as soon as placements were announced in May. In all reality, planning actually starts as soon as the previous year's show ends. We have to have our formalized list of stars ready to announce at our Star Reveal event in October.

What does a typical day look like for you the week of DWTS leading up to the show?

Wednesday 8:00 am-5:00 pm

• As a committee, we move all of our things into the Civic Center

• We have the committee split up to start working on their different duties. Things like table set up, flowers, decorating lobby area, etc.

• We work on finalizing table and seating arrangements. We then verify that we have all of the catering numbers finalized to send to the caterer

Thursday 8:00 am-9:00 pm

• Atmosphere starts decorating tables and finishing the lobby area.

• We start rehearsals usually around noon on this day. Each of our stars get the opportunity to run through their dance on the big stage.

• I also work with our sound and lighting company on what we are wanting for show day.

Friday 8:00 am-11:59 pm

• SHOW DAY

• We handle any last minute atmosphere items that need to be taken care of.

• Get the Green Room ready for the stars.

• Dress rehearsals start after lunch.

• Committee gets ready for show around 3:00 pm.

• Cocktail hour starts at 6:00 pm.

• Show time at 7:00 pm!

• As soon as the show is over and people start leaving the Civic Center, we get into rush mode to clean up and move out by 11:59 pm.

What is your favorite part about this event?

This is tough. There isn't a part that we haven't loved! The best part is being able to raise money for the JLB to feed back into our Southeast Texas community through grants and community projects. This fundraising event continues to be successful for the League. I think our second favorite thing is to watch the Stars evolve from "I'm a terrible dancer" to "Hey Everybody, Watch This" mentality. They are the real MVP's with this event. Our committee works extra hard to plan a show that people want to come to, but our Stars are the ones that bring the entertainment.

What advice would you give to JLB members interested in joining this committee in the future?

Come to one of our committee meetings! We would also encourage anyone interested in this committee to volunteer to work a couple of shifts during event week.

Allison Wright (Chair) Erin Godina (Co-Chair)

2023

DWTS Committee with JLB President

Past Chairs with Chair and Co-Chair

Sustaining AdvisorKathryn Fuller & Chair Allison Wright

A SPECIAL THANKS to all of our sponsors!

JAY & HANNAH BRUCE

KATHRYN & BRENT MESSINA

COURTNEY WHITE

A warm and comforting meal full of flf lavor!

creamy

Poblano Enchiladas

This recipe can be made with shrimp, crawfish, or chicken—or load up on extra veggies for meatless Monday.

Ingredients

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

• 1 large poblano, minced*—set aside 2 tablespoons

• ¾ cup sour cream

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• salt and pepper

• 2 cups shredded Monterey or pepper jack cheese— the consistency will be better if you grate your own, but pre-shredded will work too

• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped*—this can be skipped for those that have an aversion

*Set some additional aside for garnish, if you’d like

For the filling:

• 1 lb protein of your choice—see below

• 1 tablespoon oil

• ½ cup white onions, diced

• 4 teaspoons minced garlic

• 1 ½ cups shredded carrots

• 3 cups packed fresh baby spinach

• hot sauce to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375⁰F.

CREAMY POBLANO SAUCE: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes or until it just begins to brown. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and cook. You want to whisk continuously so you don't have any lumps, about 2-3 minutes. When the sauce begins to thicken just a bit, add in the sour cream, whisking if necessary. Next, add garlic powder and the poblano. Simmer and allow the sauce to thicken for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste and stir in 1 cup of cheese. When the cheese melts, remove from stove and stir in cilantro. Set aside.

ENCHILADA FILLING: Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a large saucepan and cook the onions for 1-2 minutes or until they just being to turn translucent. Add the garlic along with the 2 tablespoons of reserved poblano and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the carrots and baby spinach and a couple of dashes of hot sauce. Allow the spinach to just barely begin to wilt and remove from stove. Add your chopped shrimp/ crawfish tails/shredded chicken and stir to combine.

ASSEMBLY: Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Lay the tortillas on a flat surface such as a cutting board and spoon the filling in the center, about ⅓ cup. Sprinkle some of the remaining cheese on top, roll the tortilla, and place it seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Drizzle the tops of the tortillas with the creamy poblano sauce, cover the casserole dish with foil, and allow to bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tortillas heat all the way through. Remove from the oven and garnish.

• 12 flour tortillas

Protein options:

• Shrimp: peeled and deveined, fresh or thawed from frozen. Season with salt and pepper or a cajun blend of your choosing and sauté in oil or butter for 1 minute per side. Chop.

• Crawfish: thawed, pre-cooked tail meat, whether left over from a boil or store-bought. As with the shrimp, season with salt and pepper or a cajun blend of your choosing and sauté in oil or butter for 1-2 minutes per side.

• Chicken: place chicken breast in a pot and season with salt and pepper or a cajun blend. Cover the chicken with 1 inch of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the chicken simmer until it reaches 160⁰F (likely 10-15 minutes, but varies depending on the thickness of the chicken). Remove with a slotted spoon. Chicken can be shredded in a stand mixer, using forks, or any other preferred method. For a quicker dinner, skip the extra cooking and use a rotisserie chicken.

• Veggies: get creative! Corn, black or pinto beans, bell peppers, and/or zucchini could all be welcome options for these enchiladas.

PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.feastingathome.com/roasted-poblano-enchiladas-with-chicken-or-cauliflower/

What’s Happening at BFM

The Beaumont Farmers Market has just begun its 14th season! The market opened the season with three new bakers joining the vendor ranks, featuring sourdough bread, sweet breads, and Guatemalan and Mexican breads. Many farmers were hit hard by the freeze in December so they are replanting and slowly returning to market over the next few months; however, Donna’s farm was able to harvest root vegetables and winter squashes before the freeze that they are bringing to market now.

SNAP is back and swipes were strong at the end of December and are off to a great start since the market reopened. The SNAP Education booklet is well underway and is soon to be joined by a program called Veggie Bucks to pair with the booklets. Students that complete their booklets can return to market to receive Veggie Bucks to spend on fresh fruit and vegetables.

BFM just launched a sponsorship program, with four annual sponsors to be featured on the market’s first annual Art Poster. They are also offering weekly sponsorship opportunities to small local businesses. In coming weeks and months they will launch more fundraising initiatives to diversify their income streams, such as a Sustainer program for individual donors and an inaugural event coming this summer. Check out their newly-designed website to keep up with the changes and be included in the action!

Coming up: The market has several new vendors in the works as well as coffee and food trucks being added later this year!

Want to show the market some love? Stop by the market and pick up yard signs and posters to show off at your home or business around town.

Know Your Terminology

A tax return is the form you file with the IRS listing income, deductions, tax payments, etc. A refund is the amount paid back to you by the IRS when the tax credited to your account during the year exceeds your tax liability. The tax credited to your account is primarily composed of tax withheld on your wages, estimated tax payments you’ve made, and tax credits that you’re entitled to, such as for childcare.

Tax Day is April 18, 2023

The statutory due date for tax returns is April 15, which falls on a weekend this year. Because of this, Washington, D.C.’s Emancipation Day (April 16) and Tax Day will be observed on April 17th and 18th, respectively.

Contribute Towards Retirement

There are a handful of options for funding your retirement at tax time— and some of them will even reduce your tax burden. Contributions to self-employed or traditional IRAs may be tax-deductible, while Roth IRA contributions may help diversify your retirement savings. Income limitations and other restrictions can impact eligibility for the different options, so it’s recommended to speak with your tax professional before making any contributions.

TAX TIPS

‘Tis

the (Tax) Season!

Get ready to file with these tips:

Families May See Smaller Refunds

The Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and Child and Dependent Care Credit were temporarily increased in 2021 through the American Rescue Plan in response to COVID-19, but in 2022 they went back to their former amounts so families may feel a pinch.

Find Your Best Filing Method

Paper-filing your return may lead to delays due to IRS backlog so it’s best to e-file, whether through software or a tax preparer. Most simple returns can be filed without professional help through TaxAct or similar, but more complicated returns can benefit from the work of an EA, CPA, or other tax preparer.

Consider an Extension

If you’re still waiting on documents to come in or if you want extra time to make a decision on contributing to retirement you have until Tax Day to apply for an extension to file. Be aware: it’s an extension of time to file, not to pay—so if you think you owe, you should pay in an estimated amount with the extension request.

Buy Savings Bonds

Series I U.S. savings bonds became a hot item in 2022 due to their high interest rates, but purchases are capped at $10,000 per person per year. An exception to this limit is an allowance to purchase up to $5,000 in paper I bonds with your tax refund by filing Form 8888 with your tax return.

Plan Now for Next Year

If your refund or tax bill was a surprise this year you may be over- or under-withholding on your wages; adjusting your W-4 now could save you another headache next year. If you have significant non-wage income (capital gains, for instance) it may be worth getting set up to make estimated tax payments during the year.

SPOTLIGHT

MEMBER & FORMER DWTS STAR

What is your hometown?

Beaumont

Tell us about your family: I have been married 7 years this July to my wonderful husband Thomas Kelley. We have two boys, Keats (2) Haines (4).

What year were you a dancer? 2022

What current JLB Committee are you on? The ONE!

Tell us about the preparation that goes into the DWTS performance. Our team practiced twice a week up until the big event. We started in late January up until the first week of March. Our choreographers, Haley and Kiley, were wonderful! They made sure we felt comfortable with everything but also pushed us to nail down some tricky choreography. I practiced at home and listened to our songs on repeat, constantly counting 8-counts while I did laundry or cooked dinner.

What was your most favorite part of being a DWTS dancer and the most challenging part?

My favorite part was getting to know my team and seeing our hard work pay off. The big night was the cherry on top. I enjoyed watching everyone’s dances! The

most challenging part was getting on stage in front of 800+ people and trying to stay confident while remembering the routine.

What did you learn about yourself during the whole process? Things are only scary if you say so. Being fearful can hold you back from having a lot of fun. I learned that I’m a lot braver than I thought I was.

If given the chance, would you dance again or have you hung up your dancing shoes?

If I were guaranteed my team again, and they were onboard….I’d say yes! I know what a huge fundraiser this is for our community!

What piece of advice would you give to future JLB dancers?

Say yes! Take the chance. Practice and have fun! And most importantly be proud of yourself. And order your costume well in advance–having it arrive one hour before showtime isn’t ideal.

Allie Kelley

JLB

MAIN STREET MARKET

ThankYou!! We want to say thank you to every single person that came out to Main Street Market this year! Thank you to our vendors, sponsors, and donors—you made this market incredible. Thank you to our Junior League volunteers—you ladies did a great job! Thank you to our community volunteers and everyone at the Beaumont Civic Center and City of Beaumont—you made this possible! And thank you to all of our performers for their stunning performances!

Lastly, HUGE HUGE HUGE kudos to the amazing ladies that made up this year’s Main Street Market Committee. This group of women put in countless hours over the last six months to make this year’s market the absolute best it could be. Thank you does not say enough for what these ladies did. You are all amazing, and congratulations on a successful market! Until next year!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year here in beautiful Southeast Texas!

DeceMBer 1-3, 2022

Until next year!

MSM Committee

Dots for Diamonds winner

Darice Jackson Farris

Purse Raffle

congratulations to JLB’s courtney White & eastex Urgent care’s chad LaPray for the 2023 Dancing with the Stars!

PROVISIONAL CORNER

Eachyear the Junior League of Beaumont’s provisional class chooses and organization in our community that could benefit from their focus and creates a community project intended to benefit the organization. The League supports Beaumont and the surrounding area through community projects that focus on self-esteem for youth, parenting skills, promoting health lifestyles, and other personal development goals. With the community’s support, the Junior League of Beaumont will be able to continue its vision of enriching the lives of families in Southeast Texas.

This year’s provisional class has been hard at work on their “Pack It” Project! Provisionals have been collecting donations of personal hygiene items to benefit Vincent Middle School 6th graders and will be presenting their donation to the students during the spring student assembly. If you would like to help make this project a success please consider donating to their Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/ hz/wishlist/ls/8ZCCFVFLGYR6?

WHAT HAVE WE BEEN

UP TO

We hope you all had a long and restful winter/holiday break.

Here’s what our members have been up to since our last issue:

Biguita Hernandez-Smith organized the inaugural Evangeline’s Stocking Drive through Kindred Promise

Junior League hosted a Beaumont Heritage Society happy hour at the league house

...and more volunteering than we can list!

Tania Castelán opened DAR studio, a community center featuring events, classes, training, and more

CVB Awards Dinner

JLB past-president Mary Sue Stout retired from Baptist Hospital after 21 years

Casie Harris, Main Street Market chair, was honored by the Beaumont, Texas Convention & Visitors Bureau for increasing tourism

Sustainer Courtney Horton and Education and Training Chair Anna Papa hosted a book swap

We are pleased to announce the recipients of our fall Community Assistance Fund (CAF) Grants:

• Anayat House

• Art Museum of Southeast Texas

• Augusta’s Angels

• Bob Hope School

• Bridge City Middle School Library

• Greater Orange Area Literary Services

• Lamar University Spindeltop

-Gladys City Boomtown Museum

• Orangefield Elementary School

• RISE Center for Independent Living

• Shorkey Center

• Stable Spirit

• The Salvation Army of Beaumont, Texas

• United Board of Missions

JLB KIDS CLUB newest addition

sympathies

Sustainer and past-president Diana Miles on the loss of her father-in-law Leroy Miles

Sustainer Jennifer Gordy on the loss of her father Marvin Gordy, husband of past-president Susan Gordy

Sustainer Lula Potter on the loss of her husband James C. Potter

Sustainer Mrs. Cornelia Heartfield on the loss of her husband, and Sustainer and past-president Melanie Heartfield on the loss of her father-in-law, Judge Thad Heartfield

Sustainer and past-president Becky Mason on the loss of her husband Charles “Chuck” Mason

Megan Kingrey welcomed Myles Alexander