Spinnings May 2021 Issue - Volume 85 Issue 5

SPINNINGS A PUBLICATION OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BEAUMONT

VOL 85 ISSUE 5 MAY 2021

Celebrate!

Let’s

JLB’s 75th Anniversary

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Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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Earth & Mothers Day

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Another successful year with the JLB

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CoburnShowroom.com/Beaumont

Letter from the president

S

o here we are. At the end. And at the beginning.

Did everything go according to plan?

Absolutely not.

Did we end up ok in the end? Yes, I think so. Arguably better.

Maite Broussard

Despite your own “personal struggles, you

showed up to serve. You should all be beaming with pride for the work you’ve done.

”

Look at all we accomplished! We volunteered over 5,000 hours, held more than 35 Community Project events benefiting hundreds of SETX families (events including Beaumont Children’s Museum virtual Storytime, Healthy Behaviors yoga and basketball clinics at Girls/Boys Haven, donation drives to SETX Food Bank, Human Trafficking Awareness campaigns with Harvest House, parades and letter collections for local nursing homes, and more), executed two successful fundraisers, gave over $44,000 in CAF Grants to local nonprofits who desperately needed the assistance, helped our partner organizations thrive in extremely difficult conditions, and most importantly we brought our community together despite circumstances trying to keep us apart.

In my line of business, I’m often reminded that caring for my kids isn’t taking away from the important work, it is the important work. And I think the same applies to JLB during crises. Hurricanes, storms, disasters, and COVID didn’t take us away from our important community work, it

2020-2021

board of directors President............................................................ Maite Broussard President-Elect.................................................. Brenna Rodriguez Corresponding Secretary ................................ Stephanie Cassels Recording Secretary......................................... Meghan Scurria Treasurer-elect/ways & Means Chair............ Valerie Lewis Planning Council Director.............................. Sarah Norman Communications Council Director............... Nicole MacCallum Communications Council Director............... Cheri Dickerson Sustaining Advisor........................................... Dana Babineaux Membership Council/Nominating Chair..... Jen Phelan Treasurer........................................................... Ashlee Garrett Past President.................................................... Shannon Figueroa

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SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

is the important community work.

There is always work to be done in our community but it’s during these disasters when our neighbors really need us to show up. As difficult as it is, it’s our true calling to lead during these times.

And boy did we lead – all the way through a PANDEMIC, TWO hurricanes, and a once-in-a-century SNOW/ICE/WINTER STORM that affected the entire state of Texas! The tremendous effort put forth by our Members to contribute to the security and well-being of the most vulnerable in our community has been incredible to witness. Despite your own personal struggles, you showed up to serve.

You should all be beaming with pride for the work you’ve done.

I consider this year, complete with its challenges and its successes, a fitting tribute to our Sustainers who should be especially proud as we celebrate The Junior League of Beaumont’s 75th Anniversary of serving this community. A Diamond Anniversary, representative of the decades of pressure and stress that built this radiant organization. Congratulations to you all, and cheers to the next 75 years!

With love and so much gratitude,

SPINNINGS

contents

8

In Recognition of Beaumont’s Historical Spindletop Oil Field.

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An internal publication of the Junior League of Beaumont, Inc. Distributed October, November, February, April & May

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CO-EDITOR Nadine Ona

6

14

in each issue

18 Healthy Behaviors

30 34 34 35 35

20 Fun Rolling Through Summer

Healthy Behaviors hosted multiple successful events including the Lifeshare Blood Drive and yoga with Girls’ Haven.

Member Spotlight Advertisers Index Birthday Calendar Volunteer Opportunities Schedule of Events

Check out the events happening this summer at the Beaumont Children’s Museum.

22 The Mash: Mother’s Day Edition

Read about these great gift ideas to spoil your mom this Mother’s Day.

features 6

Celebrating our Earth

23 Mom’s are the BOMB!

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The Importance of Recycling and What its Like to Work at a Paper Mill

25 Abolish

Do your part to help protect our earth.

Lindsay Brake provides insight into recycling efforts and discusses what it is like to work at a paper mill.

10

Working for a Refinery

11

Service Beyond the League

JLB member, Ashlee Garrett, takes us inside her world as the Superintendent of Turnaround Planning at Valero.

Meet Amelie Cobb, JLB member and devoted community volunteer.

12

Letter from the Editor

13

CAF Grant & Annual Fund Donations

EDITOR Melaney Whiting Villery-Samuel

Spinnings Editor, Melaney Villery-Samuel, reviews and reflects on the year.

Congratulations to those who received CAF grants this year.

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Easter Smiles for Nursing Home Residents

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Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage

16

Escalation of Anti-Asian Violence in America

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Day in the Life

JLB members participate in a drive-by Easter parade to bring cheer to nursing homes.

Join us in celebrating Asian & Pacific Islander women who have made significant contributions to American history.

Join us in celebrating all of our Junior League moms.

Abolish committee members participate in multiple events to help bring awareness to human trafficking.

26 Summer Bar-be-quick

Enjoy the outdoor weather with this Instant Pot Barbecue Sandwich and Tex-Mex Pinto Beans recipe.

27 The O.N.E.

Read about JLB’s newest signature project.

28 Cinco de Mayo

Learn about the celebration of Cinco de Mayo.

28 April General Meeting

Members participate in a meeting held at Pour Brothers Brewery.

29 Press Club

2021 Excellence in the Media Contest is now open!

33 Ramadan Mubarak

The Junior League wishes a blessed Ramadan to all of our community celebrating this religious festival.

Nadine Ona, JLB member, discusses the increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans.

Meet Jessie Goodman, JLB member, photographer, and mother of two.

STAFF WRITERS

Kirksey Reynolds Kellsey Fairchild Margaret Victores Lauren Reicis SUSTAINING ADVISOR

Kara Hawthorne

AD SALES Maegan Collins DESIGN/LAYOUT

Lori Bane

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 2020-2021 SPINNINGS editor, Melaney Whiting Villery-Samuel 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 2020-2021 SPINNINGS editor, Melaney Whiting Villery-Samuel 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 promote volunteerism, develop the potential of women and improve communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

on the cover

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BEAUMONT

Join the JLB Board of Directors & Spinnings Staff in celebrating another successful year and the many important observances in May!

2388 McFaddin | Beaumont, TX 77702 409.832.0873

Women building better communities

CELEBRATING OUR EARTH Earth Day April 22nd

Arbor Day April 30th

E

arth Day is about demonstrating support for environmental protection and is celebrated on April 22.

10 Simple Things You Can Always Do to Help Protect The Earth:

Arbor day is an internationally recognized day of planting trees with the goals of conservation and forestation. This year Arbor day was celebrated on April 30th, but it was originally celebrated on April 10th when it was started by Nebraskans J. Sterling and his wife Caroline Morton in 1872. Basically, Arbor day is a chance to protect the trees we have and bring trees to places without them.

3. Educate Others about the importance of protecting the environment and the value of our natural resources.

Even with our Earth and Arbor Day celebrations, it is important to remember this year’s earthday.org motto that “as the world returns to normal, we can’t go back to business-as-usual.”

1. Reduce, reuse, and recycle the things you throw away.

2. Volunteer for cleanups in the community.

4. Conserve water because the less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually ends up in the ocean.

5. Choose more sustainable food items and or garden your own food items.

6. Shop wisely by buying less plastic and bringing reusable shopping bags.

7. Use long-lasting energy efficient light bulbs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and always remember to switch them off when you leave the room.

8. Plant a tree because trees provide food and oxygen to the planet, fight climate change, save energy, and clean the air.

With the Pandemic, I hope that it has reminded most of us of three things:

9. Don’t send chemicals into our waterways and choose non-toxic chemicals in the home and office.

1.That humans aren’t above nature, we’re part of it.

10. Bike more and drive less.

2.When nature is erased, how can you ever get it back?

3. It is more important that people realize we preserve and respect the nature we still have around us because we are more dependent on its preservation than we truly comprehend.

Mallory Cross on The Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau Mission to Protect the Natural Resources Around Us:

F

or the Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau (“CVB”) and the community, it is important that we protect the natural resources around us.

Not only do the vast ecosystems around Southeast Texas bring in an abundance of wildlife, but they give both visitors and community members the chance to enjoy what our area provides; such as the Big Thicket National Preserve, which is the densest forest region in Texas or the Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands, Beaumont Botanical Gardens, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, and many other nature preserves and wildlife refuges in the area.

The Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands has become one of the most important attractions within the last few years for

the CVB due to the hundreds of species Amid the pandemic, individuals from of migratory birds that make landfall all over are wanting to travel safely and during spring and fall migration, find fun things to do, leading them making it a birding hot spot for birders to state parks, nature centers, and from all over the world. Because of this, outdoor opportunities. This has caused the Beaumont CVB utilized funds to a newfound appreciation of nature build the boardwalk overlooking the for many, and we can offer people marsh, and were granted the that right here in southeast keys to the Cattail Marsh I think there is Texas.

Education Center by the no better way to I think there is no better Magnolia Garden Club. commemorate way to commemorate Earth By taking care of these Earth Day than Day than to spend it with natural attractions like But, perhaps the to spend it with nature.

Cattail Marsh and nurturing most important thing for nature. them, our community can people to keep in mind is welcome visitors coming into that Earth Day matters not our city to see the beauty only because it is right to celebrate and our area exudes, which leads them to show appreciation for our planet, but spending money, and boosting our because cleaning up and protecting the economy. An added bonus to taking environment is the right thing to do, or care of our Wetlands here in Southeast as the saying goes here in the Lonestar Texas is that the wetlands are our most state “Don’t Litter and Don’t mess with natural defense against hurricane Texas!” property damage.

“

”

Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands

Big Thicket National Preserve

Beaumont Botanical Gardens

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

Lindsay Brake on Why Recycling is More Important Than Ever This Earth Day and What it’s Like to Work for a Paper Mill in The Modern World:

do you work and what is your Where position at the Paper Mill?

I work for a company called Solenis as a Key Account Manager for specialty chemicals at the area paper mills.

When did you start working at the Paper Mill?

August 2017 What is a typical day like for you at the Paper Mill?

Every day is different but I always start my day with a meeting 6:30 am to discuss what happened with the night shift.

What do you love most about your job?

I love that my job has so much variety, I’m always learning and doing new things and it has a nice blend of office and field work.

Is there anything you wish you knew or did before entering into the Paper Mill business?

In my next house I’m going to make sure I have a bigger, more luxurious bathtub. This is a dirty job!

What is family life like for someone who works at a Paper Mill?

Family life can be hectic sometimes because I’m on call 24/7. Luckily my husband has a lot of flexibility in his job. We make a great team!

What impact have environmental changes had on the Paper Mill business, and how do you think Paper Mills will adjust going forward?

The area mills have been severely impacted by the weather events affecting the area including the freeze, flooding, and windstorms. We are still seeing impacts in the supply chain from the freeze last February.

What is it like working at the Paper Mill when there is a pending tropical storm on the gulf coast?

When there is a pending tropical storm and the county judge has issued and evacuation order, 8

SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

the mills will do a controlled shut down which takes about 48hrs and only a few volunteers stay to monitor critical systems.

Have any of the past storms that caused flooding had any severe implications on Paper Mills?

Absolutely, of course there are personal impacts when many employee’s homes are damaged.

This can lead to understaffing and a distracted workforce.

In addition to equipment damage and power interruptions, when the ground is too wet the loggers cannot get to the trees. We have had to shut down for low tree supply in the past.

How many people living in Beaumont or SE Texas do you think work for the Paper Mill?

There are four paper mills within 100 miles of Beaumont, the industry employs thousands of people locally.

Have you noticed any changes in the paper business since you began working for them?

Newsprint was already on decline when I joined but I have also seen a decline in printer paper and rise in packaging demand since working in the paper industry.

We all felt the pain when the COVID-19 Pandemic began, and toilet paper went missing on store shelves. Have you noticed any changes to the Paper Mill business since the pandemic began?

Packaging demand went way up because of online shopping and disruptions to the supply

chain in Europe and Asia. Although, there was a run on toilet paper, people don’t use it any faster so it’s a very stable market sector.

What has the Paper Mill done recently or in the past several years to aid in improving the environment?

Sustainable forestry is very high stakes for paper companies because if the trees are gone, so is the business. Recently, the paper mill partnered with Texas Forestry Association to pass out trees to residents of Orange. People were able to choose from Bald Cypress, Elm and a variety of other trees to take home with them to plant. In total, the Texas Forestry Association brought approximately 1,500 trees to provide local residents. This spring they are giving out caterpillar and sunflower kits to local schools and employees. My dad worked for the Department of Natural Resources in my home state of Michigan and he says the paper companies were great partners in forestry management.

Last year was the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and many of the ways people can participate in earth day have shifted due to the coronavirus.

We know Paper Mills need recyclable materials to keep up with increases in demand, how do you think the SE Texas Community can better contribute to this effort?

I think there’s a prevailing belief that when you recycle your boxes they are taken to the landfill, but actually they come here! We have a recycling plant onsite and your old boxes are given a new purpose. There is an economies of scale with recycling, so when more households sign up for recycling, services it can be cheaper

for everyone, and if the city sees widespread support of recycling, they can work to negotiate better contracts. Where I grew up, we had free recycling and had to pay for trash!

Explain the significance of recyclables to Paper Mills, the process of recycling, and how easy it is for SE Texans to recycle.

Until recently “virgin” fiber was cheaper than recycled fiber and most of our recycling was getting shipped overseas. This has changed over the last several years and companies are trying to use more recycled fiber than ever before.

Explain the significance of feedstock and its role in aiding recyclers in their efforts to keep up with an increase in demand for certain products.

Recycling is separated into grades based on what the original product is and each grade has a treatment protocol before it can be reused. Box board (like cereal), food packaging (like pizza boxes), non-food brown cardboard boxes, coated liquid packaging (orange juice, coffee cups, freezer boxes), mixed office waste, newspaper all have different re-purposes. Please follow the directions from your recycler!

How do you see the Paper Mill business adapting to technological advances and environmental regulations in the future?

Most paper mills are built on rivers because the process takes lots of water. Paper mills are increasingly able to be “closed loop” systems from advancements in treatment chemical technologies. Part of my job is to help the paper mills reach their water sustainability goals.

What do you want your community to know most about the Paper Mill business?

The paper industry in the area actually pre-dates the Lucas gusher by 70 years. The Lutcher and Stark families in Orange were lumber tycoons. Southern Yellow Pine, which is our predominant tree species, is considered the strongest softwood in the world, which is why it is used for building materials and paper applications like shipping boxes.

What are your thoughts on Earth Day?

I try and reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as I can in my household and I believe we should all do our part to preserve our planet. However, we also need to be writing our congress people and supporting environmental policies and goals. We can all turn off our water while we brush our teeth, and we should, meanwhile paper mills use millions of gallons of water per day at each facility. Industries have a lot of really smart people working with them who can rise to the occasion of sustainability if we demand it of them.

Congratulations

LaSan

Congrats to LaSan Hunter-Gilder on being honored by the Black Business Professionals of SETX for Women's History Month!

LaSan HunterGilder is the owner of Looks Couture Boutique and co-owner of De Luxe Cheveux Salon in Beaumont. She's also co-owner of Magnificent Hair Designs in Kirbyville.

LaSan is very active in her community and loves giving back. She, along with her business partner, has hosted several community events at De Luxe Cheveux Salon. She is a member of several community organizations including Junior League of Beaumont. Mrs. HunterGilder has adopted a two-mile stretch of highway in Jefferson County to do her part in keeping the community clean. Every month LaSan, along with her business partner, gives complimentary makeovers to deserving women and teens who have given their time for others.

What it’s Like to Work for

Refineries

in the Modern World An Interview with Ashlee Garrett Where do you work and what is your position at the refinery?

I work at Valero in Port Arthur, TX as the Superintendent of Turnaround Planning When did you start working at the refinery?

I have been with Valero for eight years. I was in Mechanical Engineering for five years, Capital Projects for two years, and I have been in the Turnaround Group for one year.

What is a typical day like for you at the refinery?

This is a tough question. One of the best things about working in a refinery is that everyday is a new day. Working in a refinery never gets repetitive because there is so much to see, do, and learn. Somedays you come in and are focused on certain projects.

Other days, you are getting to participate in training classes, on another day you may work on presentations, and the following day you are in the field all day watching one of your projects be executed.

What do you love most about your job?

The best part of my job are the people that I get to work with. I genuinely love getting to come to work every day and getting to work along side so many great people. In my current roll, there is a lot of collaboration among the different departments within Valero and companies outside of Valero. I love that my job allows me to work outside of my group and get insight from many people all with different backgrounds. I enjoy the relationships that I have created over the eight years I have been with Valero.

Is there anything you wish you knew or did before entering into the refinery business?

I wish I would have known what all it takes to make up a refinery. There are so many different key players in a refinery to make it successful. Coming into a refinery, I only knew the small engineering piece. It’s been the greatest experience seeing how everyone works together to make a place this size run.

It’s a small community inside the fence.

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SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

What is family life like for someone who works at a refinery?

Employees are the greatest asset to Valero and the refinery fosters a culture that supports diversity and inclusion and provides a safe, healthy, and rewarding work environment with opportunities for growth. Refineries operate 24/7, so some roles require shift schedules and work during nights and weekends. My job duties are mostly accomplished during the day shift, which allows me to be home with my husband in the evening.

Forbes magazine recognized Valero as one of the World’s Best Employers, America’s Best Large Employers and Best Employers for Women!!!

What is it like working at the refinery when there is a pending tropical storm on the gulf coast?

The refinery evaluates and prepares for physical risks to its facilities from natural disasters and other threats and works to mitigate risks to employees, assets, surrounding communities and the environment. Safety is our foundation for success.

The teamwork inside of the refinery in a pending storm, whether a hurricane or winter weather, is like nothing that anyone has ever experienced before. Every employee is working towards a common goal and that is protecting our refinery. It shows how much pride everyone has in our refinery. I have been fortunate enough to be on the start up crews for every storm since I have been at Valero. This is such a wonderful opportunity. It has bettered my communication skills, leadership skills, organizational skills, and collaboration skills.

Have you noticed any changes in the refinery business since you began working for them?

Valero has made significant investments in low carbon fuels and is the world’s 2nd largest renewable diesel producer and corn ethanol producer. Renewable diesel reduces life cycle Green House Gas (GHG) emissions up to 80%.

What have refineries done recently or in the past several years to aid in improving the environment?

Valero is using innovative solutions to recycle, reuse, reclaim, and reduce; and is producing renewable fuels, reducing GHG emissions, reducing energy consumption, reusing waste streams and recovering usable materials. The Port Arthur refinery hosts a 1-million-ton-per-year carbon capture project, an amount equal to the benefits of planting and growing ~15 million urban trees over 10 years.

How do you see the refinery business adapting to the production of more electric vehicles in the near future?

According to research studies, a vehicle running on renewable diesel emits over 40% fewer emissions than an electric vehicle. Valero is applying our liquid fuels manufacturing expertise to optimize our renewable diesel business. Valero will continue to be a best-in-class producer of fuels and products that are essential to modern life.

What do you want your community to know most about the refinery business?

The Valero Port Arthur Refinery hosts the largest workplace campaign on behalf of the United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County and projects to donate $1.5 million to the organization in 2021. Since 2005, Valero and its Port Arthur employees have collectively raised more than $10 million for the United Way. The Valero Benefit for Children, the Valero Energy Foundation’s annual charitable golf fundraiser focusing on children in need, follows the annual Valero Texas Open. Net proceeds from the Benefit for Children event are distributed to children’s charities in communities where Valero has major operations, such as Port Arthur. The result is a network of strong, well-supported agencies with the means to help thousands of disadvantaged children. Locally, the Port Arthur site has been able to donate more than $10 million to charities serving children in the Southeast Texas region since 2005.

Valero volunteers work countless hours every year helping organizations and residents in our community. Last year, 20 charities benefitted from Valero’s volunteerism and more than 8,400 hours of service was provided, despite limitations from COVID-19.

SERVICE beyond the league melie Cobb’s devotion to service goes far beyond her involvement with the Junior League of Beaumont. Her volunteer resume includes the Beaumont Housing Authority Commissioner; the Beaumont Art Museum, where she was a board member and a kaleidoscope volunteer and chair; the Beaumont Women’s Symphony League, where she has been a volunteer and served as President; St. Anne church, where she has also been a choir member; All Saints School; and Kelly High School.

Amelie has also been a door-todoor volunteer for the Republican Party, served on the Republican State Executive Committee, and became a part of the state campaign committee for President H.W. Bush, delegated at three National Republican Conventions, chaired a Beaumont mayoral campaign, and

served a six-year term as Regent for Lamar University.

Despite her unwavering devotion to her community, Amelie’s true passion project has been with the Magnolia Garden Club where Amelie is a member of Garden Club of America and has served on national committees and traveled the country visiting gardens and serving as a garden club judge. Amelie has a life-long love of gardening and loves sharing her knowledge—and learning more along the way. She has tended gardens of every size, from an acre and a half to the small garden she currently tends.

Amelie’s special interest is in old garden roses and other old, native flower varieties in addition to the birds and butterflies they host. She is an eclectic gardener who has a difficult time leaving negative space—open dirt, she says, just begs for a new plant!

AMELIE COBB

A

...a Natural Touch to Gardening

Amelie’s greatest piece of gardening advice for the JLBers out there with green thumbs: No weed and feed, no petroleum-based fertilizers, no chemical sprays. “Healthy soils will prevail over most problems and our waters will be only the better for it.” And even then, she eyes the opportunity for those interested in service: “I would love to see more community interest in clean water and clean soil and feel it is a great opening for some dedicated volunteers.”

Thank you, Amelie, for your years of continuing service to the Junior League and to our Beaumont community at large.

&

EDUCATION TRAINING

E

ducation and Training unfortunately had to cancel the Cattail Marsh Excursion that was scheduled for April. However, they are determined for it to take place soon, and encourage everyone to keep an eye on Digital Cheetah for further details.

April was busy for Education and Training Chair Mallory Cross. In April, she organized the April Mini Meetings event at Pour Brothers Brewery. Ines Alvides did a live art painting that everyone in attendance got to paint with her on, and which will have a home at Headquarters. Attendees also got to paint their own “mini paintings” as an activity. They also wrote notes of well wishes for Transitioning Youth, along with Transitioning Youth Chair Sharita Gardner. There was beer, pizza, a popup shop from Alter’s Gem Jewelry with Michelle Coon, and a movie showing that night. Overall, it was a great night!

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SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

Spinnings Co

mmittee 2020

-2021

Letter from the editor

“

It has been my pleasure to serve as your editor this year even amidst the pandemic and the challenges it presented.

I

t has been a year since the former Chair and Editor of Spinnings, Kate Broussard Thorne wrote a Letter as Editor in the April edition of Spinnings to acknowledge the changes the league was facing due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

When I took up the mantle as Spinnings Chair and Editor this League year, I wondered how I would manage as editor during a pandemic where we had to socially distance. It felt like what I imagine taking a step into the twilight zone probably feels like. So much was still unknown about Covid-19 when my journey as Spinnings Chair began, and at one point, I even questioned whether the league would be able to serve its community in the 2020-2021 year.

The vaccine was still months away from being accessible. Many of us were at home, trying to keep connections to our community and workplace, to relatives and friends while practicing social distancing. A lot of us were working remotely for the first time and dealing with the challenges of work and family in the same physical space.

But even with this year’s challenges, I am proud to say we did it! The League masked up and did not let the virus keep them down! This year I feel the League truly lived up to our namesake of being a Volunteer Powerhouse

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SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

because we banded together to adapt, thrive, and navigate this pandemic!

”

Throughout this year, the League has taken measures to ensure the safety of its members and work to navigate through the changes the pandemic has created socially. The League continued in its mission of improving and supporting our community. While remaning cognizant of the pandemic, Mainstreet Market raised over $60,000 and the Julie Richardson Proctor Scholarship Endowment with Lamar University was Established with a gift of over $71,000. The League also offered assistance towards nutrition services for seniors, the Southeast Texas food bank, human sex trafficking, the Children’s Museum, our frontline COVID-19 healthcare workers and facilities, in addition to offering assistance when hurricanes and winter storms caused power outages within the community.

When it came to the magazine, my committee and I were able to work cohesively to ensure the work of the League was properly acknowledged and documented. We stepped up in terms of providing more content. My committee was simply phenominal and surprised me at every turn with their commitment, creativity, and incredible written work product for the magazine.

I could not have done it without them.

Together we achieved so much, even under the circumstances, and I think all League members deserve a pat on the back for ensuring the league remained a powerhouse this year. After all, this was the Junior League of Beaumont’s 75th year milestone of providing unwavering service to the community, and all of the fantastic women who have been involved in the league’s success deserve to be recognized.

I am proud to be among them, and as I make my exit as Spinnings Chair after the publication of this May issue, it is with the hope that the Junior League of Beaumont sees many more years of service, and continues to overcome, acknowledge, and learn from any obstacle it may face.

It has been my pleasure to serve as your editor this year even amidst the pandemic and the challenges it presented. It is my hope that I have produced content that highlight’s the league’s achievements and all it stands for in a way that is fun, moving, and meaningful. I welcome the new chair and Editor of Spinnings, Nadine Ona. As always, thank you for reading.

Melaney Villery-Samuel 2020-2021 Spinnings Editor

CAF Grant In Fall 2020, the CAF committee was able to award CAF grants to the following organizations: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Art Museum of Southeast Texas Boys and Girls Club of Hardin County CASA of Southeast Texas Chambers Community Health Centers, Inc. Christus Foundation for Southeast Texas Fire Museum of Texas Girls Haven Mental Health America of Southeast Texas Orange County Disaster Rebuild Orangefield Elementary Silsbee Ice House Museum and Cultural Center South East Texas Food Bank Stable Spirit Vidor Independent School District

In Spring 2021, the CAF committee was able to award CAF grants to the following organizations: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Birthright of Beaumont Family Services of Southeast Texas Friends of the Kountze Public Library Hardin County Strong Help on Purpose Everyday Hope Women’s Resource Clinic IEA – Inspire, Educate, Achieve Nutrition and Services for Seniors Orange Community Action Association Orange Lions Club Port Arthur Little Theater Recovery Council of Southeast Texas RISE Center Samaritan Counseling Center Sleep in Heavenly Peace Southeast Texas Family Resource Center The ARC of Greater Beaumont United Board of Missions

For our Fall grant cycle, we were able to award over $22,000 in grant money. For our Spring grant cycle we were also able to award over $22,000 in grant money. This year, we increased our goal of awarding more money to localnonprofits and were able to award over $44,000 in grant money!

Annual Fund Donations Spring 2021 • • • • • • • • • • •

Melissa Byrd Allison Heare Brook Morrow Barbara Broussard Lauren Cavett Karen Collins Judy Dishman Rebecca Holland Allison Hughes Carole Jones Paula Lovoi

• • • • • • • • • •

Becky Mason Mary Matthews Cindy Partin Hillary Shanning Diane Shaver Jennifer Shaw Denise Smith Christine Stetson Mary Sue Stout-Carrington Betty Wells

Junior League Members Bring Easter Smiles to Nursing Home Residents

O

n April 1, members of Junior League spread some Easter cheer to residents in Beaumont nursing homes. A drive-by parade was held to celebrate Easter, and volunteers were asked to decorate their cars and dress in their Easter best.

“It was great to see all the residents so happy to see the parade that was put on for them. The residents and staff also dressed up, which made for a fun morning for all,” Jessica Irvin said. Irvin is the chair of the Service Squad and has been an active member since 2019.

The group of volunteers visited 5 nursing homes in Beaumont: College Street Healthcare, Spindletop Hill, Arden Place, and Beaumont Nursing and Rehab.

“Many of the residents until recently have been stuck in their rooms due to Covid restrictions in the nursing homes,” Irvin explained. “They loved it and [it was] such a beautiful day to celebrate outside.”

Irvin encourages other Junior League members to consider participating in a drive through parade the next time there is an opportunity.

“…Don't pass it up! It will certainly lift your spirits. The residents’ smiles and excitement is infectious. Best feeling ever!”

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month The United States is a melting pot; it is filled with a diverse, multi-cultured, unique portfolio of history. In the month of May, we want to recognize the month as a celebration to Asians and Pacific Islanders.

T

o further point out the specific cultures, Asian/Pacific includes all of the Asian continents and the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month was dedicated to the month of May to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States (May 7, 1843) and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which used Chinese labor. Although the Asian American and Pacific Islanders initially had a bill passed that would recognize them for the first ten days in May, President George H.W. Bush signed a bill to extend the celebration to one month. This month celebrates and pays tribute to the contributions of generations of Asian/Pacific Americans who have impacted American history, society, and culture.

Here we recognize Asian Pacific and Islander women who have made notable contributions to our history.

Grace Lee Boggs Grace Lee Boggs was a Chinese American author, philosopher and social activist.

She received her Ph.D. in 1940 but was unable to secure a job due to her gender and race. She eventually relocated to Chicago where she was able to secure a low paying position in the philosophy library. In Chicago, she came in contact with the African American community for the first time and was able to see first hand what she read about and understood as “statistics.” In 1941, she participated in the March on Washington, which led her to be active in the Civil Rights Movement.

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SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

Kalpana Chawla

Kaohly Her

Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian-born woman in space. She holds a Bachelors of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College, India, as well as a Masters of Science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas, and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado. Chawla served as the mission specialist for the Columbia shuttle. Sadly, on February 3, 2003, a piece of insulation broke and damaged the craft’s wing, causing the shuttle to break apart while reentering the atmosphere. All crew aboard the shuttle perished.

Kaohly Her currently serves the Minnesota House of Representatives for District 64A. She is a mother, wife, refugee and a member of the Minnesota Asian Pacific Caucus (MAP – Caucus). She has authored multiple bills including legislation to increase funding for English language learners.

Josefa Llanes Escoda Josefa Llanes Escoda was born in the Philippines and known for her civil work, defending women’s suffrage and work with the resistance. She came to the United States to continue her study in social work during which she also represented the Philippines at the Women’s International League for Peace and the International House. When the Japanese occupation of the Philippines began in 1941, she taught members of the National Federation of Women’s Clubs (NFWC) how to set up emergency aid and prepare food.

She used the network to gain information about prisoners of war and connect them to their families.

Akiko Fujimoto Fujimoto joined the Minnesota Orchestra as assistant conductor in September 2017, and later went on to become the associate conductor in September 2018. She conducts the Young People’s Concerts and Symphonic Adventures for High Schools, among other programming. She was born in Japan and moved to the United States at 14.

Pahoua Yang Hoffman Pahoua Yang Hoffman joined the Citizens League in May 2014 to lead all efforts related to developing and advancing policy recommendations with the League’s members and partners. In December 2017, she became the seventh executive director of the Citizens League.

Prior to joining the Citizens League, Pahoua served as the manager of government affairs and content administration with Twin Cities Public Television (TPT).

Yuna Kim Yuna Kim aka “Queen Yuna” is from South Korea and was named one of the world’s most influential people

by Time Magazine in 2010. She became the first female figure skater to win the Olympics and is currently well known for her philanthropic work.

Erika Lee Erika Lee is one of the nation’s leading immigration and Asian American historians. She is the author of the awardwinning books At America’s Gates: Chinese Immigration during the Exclusion Era, 1882-1943, Angel Island: Immigrant Gateway to America (coauthored with Judy Yung), and The Making of Asian America: A History, recently published to wide acclaim.

Yuri Kochiyama

Miné Okubo

Bo Thao-Urabe

Yuri Kochiyama was a lifelong activist.

After the events at Pearl Harbor, she and her family and thousands of other Japanese Americans were forced to relocate to internment camps. She met her husband in relocation, and they moved to New York City after World War II, where she would hold weekly activist open houses at their apartment. A friendship with Malcolm X influenced her work. She and her husband were advocates for reparations and for a formal apology for the internment of Japanese Americans through the Civil Liberties Act. She dedicated her life to advocacy for civil rights for marginalized communities.

Miné Okubo was born June 12, 1912 in Riverside, California. While living in the Tanforan Assembly Center internment camp, she created work that depicted daily living and her everyday experiences.

Her most famous work, Citizen 13660, is a collection of 206 drawings and is noted as the first published account of the experiences of an internee. The number 13660 refers to a collective “family number” assigned to those interned.

Bo Thao-Urabe is the executive and network director of the Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) in Minnesota.

She was previously a co-founder and COO of RedGreen Rivers, a member of the President’s White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders under the Obama Administration, as well as the senior director of Capacity Building and Organizational Learning at Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP). Her experience as a Hmong woman whose family fled to Thailand from Laos at the end of the Vietnam War before being resettled in the United States, influenced her creation of Building Our Future, events for Hmong women in cohorts around the world. She is an activist, a social entrepreneur and a leader.

Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink is a Hawaiian born, third-generation Japanese American.

After being denied the ability to take the bar due to being married and having a child (considered illegible then). She challenged the sexist statute and won. She passed the bar and opened her own office in Chicago in 1953 after completing law school. She most notably ran for a seat in the House of Representatives and won becoming the first Japanese American (and WOC) to serve in the House in 1956.

Mai Nguyen Mai Nguyen is a farmer and farmer organizer in California.

Mai started her career studying atmosphere and soil in Berkley, CA and documenting environmental damage. Her research took place in California, Alaska and several areas of Southeast Asia. She is the co-founder of the Asian American Farmers Alliance, a member of the Farmer Justice Collaborative which in 2017 passed a groundbreaking farmer equity act in California.

Josephine Santiago-Bond Josephine SantiagoBond is a FilipinaAmerican who leads NASA’s Advanced Engineering Development Branch. Born in the United States and raised in the Philippines, she grew up in a family of scientists. She recalls that her first interest in science began when she played with an acid indicator kit that her mother brought home and loved the colors she created.

Evelyn Yoshimura Evelyn Yoshimura is a Japanese American activist whose parents survived Japanese internment camps. As a young activist, she saw the commonalities among marginalized communities and learned from the political movements in the African American and Latino American communities in California.

At California State University, Long Beach, she advocated for and helped develop an Asian American Studies program. She was one of the founding editors of the Gidra; the first Asian American Activist Magazine.

Serena Sumanop Serena Sumanop is the executive director of The Voice, Inc. In Papua New Guinea. She runs a partnership program with universities including the University of Papua New Guinea. The Voice focuses on empowering young people to give back to their communities. They work with 200 youth, helping them understand their own legal rights and work on leadership development with the partnering universities.

Junko Tabei Junko Tabei was a mountaineer and the first woman to summit Mount Everest, which she did in 1975.

She then went on to complete the Seven Summits in 1992, which is to ascend the highest peak on each continent. Tabei was also an author and environmentalist and authored seven books during her life. Through her environmental work, she studied the impact of garbage left behind on mountains by climbers.

Miné Okubo Sun Yung Shin was born in Seoul, Korea, during Park Chung-hee’s military dictatorship, and grew up in the Chicago area. She is the editor of the best-selling anthology A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota, author of poetry collections Unbearable Splendor (finalist for the 2017 PEN USA Literary Award for Poetry, winner of the 2016 Minnesota Book Award for poetry); Rough, and Savage; and Skirt Full of Black (winner of the 2007 Asian American Literary Award for poetry), co-editor of Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption, and author of a bilingual illustrated book for children, Cooper’s Lesson.

Zarina Zarina is a contemporary Indian American Artist, who is best known for printmaking. She became famous for illustrating her families experience during the Partition. Rather than illustrating violence, she created work that intersected emotion and politics. In 2011, She was chosen to be represented at India’s first-ever Venice Biennale pavilion. Her works have also been featured at The Guggenheim, The Art Institute of Chicago and most recently the St. Louis Pulitzer Arts Foundation.

Article reprinted from the YWCA Minneapolis website: https://www.ywcampls.org/ all-our-voices-blog/20-asian-american-andpacific-islander-women-to-know/ 15

SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

NADINE ONA on the

Escalation of AntiAsian Violence in America What is your name and tell us about yourself:

I was born and raised in Alief, in SouthWest Houston. I moved to Beaumont in 2017, which is when I started working for Germer PLLC. I’m currently Co-Chair for Spinnings and also sit on the Board of Directors of the Jefferson County Young Lawyers Association.

How long have you and your family been American Citizens?

My parents immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in the early 1980s. My mother, a nurse, had accepted a job offer in America.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about Asian American culture?

Being able to live the American dream, while getting to maintain Filipino traditions at the same time.

What are you and your family most proud of as Asian Americans?

Living the American dream while preserving our heritage through language, food, and other traditions.

According to my mom—hard work, perseverance, family support, and friendliness!

What are you and your family most proud of as Asian American residents?

We’ve always felt welcomed and included by our communities in Houston and Beaumont.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Awareness month, and a lot of Anti-Asian racism has been occurring in America over the past year. According to an April 3rd New York Times article, people of Asian descent have been pushed, beaten, kicked, spit on and called slurs.

The violence has known no boundaries, spanning generations, income brackets and regions. What are your opinions on how Anti-Asian racism has begun to escalate in America?

There’s a lot of sadness, pain, and frustration.

According to the New York Times, more than 110 episodes since March 2020 have occurred in which there was clear evidence of race-based hate. What are

What would you like for others to know about hate crimes targeting Asian Americans across the country?

your concerns given these statistics?

Racism against any group is not okay.

It’s very concerning, and the number is likely a lot higher in reality (but not reported).

What is your involvement in the Asian American Community and the Community here in Beaumont?

According to the New York Times, half of the racially charged crimes against Asian Americans were in reference to the Coronavirus. What do you want

I’m a homebody in general, but I like to frequent local Asian restaurants and shops. I especially love Vietnamese food and Thai food, and LOVE tapioca drinks.

people to know about the Coronavirus, its correlation to Asian Americans, and why it shouldn’t “give people permission” or make it ok to engage in Anti-Asian racism or racism/ hate of any kind across the nation?

It’s never “just a joke.” It’s racist.

What are your thoughts on the brazen shootings that took the lives of six women of Asian descent at a spa in Atlanta in late March 2021?

A lot of issues are present, not just racism. My thoughts are with the families of all of the victims.

In San Francisco, a 75-year-old Asian American woman Xiao Zhen Xie was punched in the face by a white male and then proceeded to beat her attacker with a stick this past March. What are your

How have the hate crimes affected the Asian American community?

There have been a lot of conversations about how this is not necessarily new to the Asian American experience.

How have the hate crimes impacted you and or your family?

My family and friends haven’t been affected personally, but we have had a lot of conversations about everything going on.

What do you hope that your community and people across the nation get out of Asian American and Pacific Islander Awareness Month and this article?

Asian Americans are Americans too.

thoughts and feelings on the bravery of that woman?

She is around the same age of my own grandmother, and it’s heartbreaking that she had to go through that.

New York Times article reference: https://www.nytimes.com/ interactive/2021/04/03/us/anti-asianattacks.html?auth=login-google

What are your thoughts on how the $1 million raised after her attack will go towards fighting racism against the Asian American Community?

She has shown so much strength, and I’m in awe of her.

KATHERINE TAI Congratulations to Katherine Tai who was appointed United States Trade Representative after confirmation at the Senate Finance Committee hearing on March 17, 2021. Tai, a 46-year-old daughter of Chinese immigrants, makes history as the first Asian American and first Woman of Color to serve in the role. As an organization full of skilled women leaders, we know that diverse and inclusive teams produce better outcomes and that wellqualified women are ready to lead. #ShatteringTheGlassCeiling

DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

JESSIE GOODMAN photographer

“

The beauty of this job I adore and love so much is watching families grow.

y typical day starts and ends with Mhit the my two littles (and normally we ground running). I try to wake

up before them to get lunches and myself ready. If I’m lucky, they sleep just long enough for me to get some editing in and sessions out the door to my clients or a few minutes of social media housekeeping. Between breakfast, the occasional left-over homework from the night before and feeding the animals on our small makeshift “farm”, my mornings are normally packed to the brim without a minute to spare. After I get them off to school, I either swing by my current studio for morning sessions or hustle home for editing (mixed with laundry). Some days I have multiple sessions all the way through to sunset, mixed with school pick-ups, drops to grandmother, baseball, soccer and homework. Other days I do nothing but get caught up on the messages that have begun to flood my email, social media inboxes and text messages. All days end with dinner, bath, books, and bedtime for them. And for me, most

days end with several more hours of editing.

I eagerly said YES, OF COURSE to writing this article (in true me fashion), but I quickly discovered how difficult explaining my everyday life is; mainly because my days are NEVER the same. I am constantly juggling mom life, work life, and currently contractor life as I build my new studio- searching for the long sought after “balance,” but never actually finding it. The last year has been a true learning experience for me. I spent the last 4 years working almost every weekend, saying no to hardly nothing, trying to grow both my party business (which I am part owner of with my sister-which is now solely based in San Antonio), as well as my photography business. There is an obvious difference between owning a growing business and owning a thriving business (which I am so proud to say I now have on both accounts).

”

But in the end, my goal is always to be there for my children while still maintaining a close relationship with all my clients. I don’t strive for speed during my sessions or after. I spend time with families during their sessions, and then I spend hours after the fact pouring my heart into their edits. I always shoot for delivering quality images they will love for years to come. The beauty of this job I adore and love so much is watching my families grow. I have photographed things like people’s births to their milestones, to extended family sessions, and everything in between (including business headshots). The babies, children (including fur babies which I always welcome with open arms), and their parents all bring so much joy to my life. I may never actually find the perfect balance, but I know most days I go to sleep feeling fulfilled and proud (even on days I drop 100 different balls trying to balance it all).

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SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

HEALTHY

behaviors

Lifeshare Blood Drive The Healthy Behaviors committee hosted a blood drive on February 9, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The goal of the blood drive was to encourage community members to donate blood or plasma to help boost the dwindling local supply in SouthEast Texas. The event conveniently took place locally on the LIT campus; who hosted the event at their Multipurpose Center.

All in all, the turnout was decent despite this being a new event for the committee. At 16 donations, the event was very well received, and each donor received a LifeShare Krewe t-shirt as a thank you for donating. The most enjoyable thing about the event seemed to be that the donors were proud to give back to their community in a way that could potentially save lives.

This new event was developed based on community need because the COVID-19 pandemic created a shortage in blood supply within SouthEast Texas. In the future, Healthy Behaviors will be looking to host this event at other locations, including the Lamar University campus in an effort to encourage even more donations and broader involvement from the community. Donating blood is such a vitally important part of keeping our community healthy and safe. The donations are critical because they go on to someone battling cancer, enduring sickle cell anemia, undergoing surgery, or suffering through a traumatic accident. Thus, the need for more people to share their life-saving blood with Lifeshare.

A Year in Review

Yoga With Girl’s Haven!

Covid-19, coupled with hurricanes and a winter storm made this a year for the record books. And like most Junior League Committees, it forced the Healthy Behaviors committee to get creative with service to the community.

Healthy Behaviors committee had a fantastic time doing yoga with the girls at Girl’s Haven! Huge thank you to Michael Garrison Fuller at Beaumont Power Yoga for teaching such a fun class and to Aily Powell for making all the healthy snacks!!

“The team… was determined to create unique solutions to match the unique year,” said Healthy Behaviors Chair Michelle Coon.

The committee which includes Michelle Coon, Kaitlyn Koch, Cristina Lawson, Marie Murray, Amy Pinnt, Aily Powell and Kara Timberlake were committed to their outreach goal of teaching others about healthy choices.

Throughout the year, the group partnered with Girl’s Haven, Boy’s Haven, the Salvation Army Boys’ and Girls’ club of Port Arthur along with other nonprofits. Some of the highlights included the Yoga and Yogurt event, Pumpkin Painting Party and more.

The pumpkin painting party “was a favorite among the girls and Junior League members alike,” Coon said.

“2020-2021 may have been a memorable year for many but the Healthy Behaviors Committee is grateful for the chance to give back to the community,” Coon said.

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SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

After Linda beat breast cancer, she got back her body.

And her confidence.

Linda is a business owner, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. But breast cancer was a struggle. After the chemo and hair loss and surgery, she felt like less of a woman.

So she turned to Dr. Mark Larson at the state-of-the-art Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center at CHRISTUS for reconstructive surgery.

“It was exactly what I needed to give me the confidence and courage I needed. My love for myself is where I needed to be.”

Face Lifts | Mommy Makeovers | Breast Augmentations | Tummy Tucks | Liposuction Schedule your initial consultation today: 409.833.0193 | ChristusSETX.org/Plastic

Shawn Hanley Atkins & Steve McGrade

Beaumont Children’s Museum is Keeping The

TH RO UG HO UT TH E SU MM ER

T

he 2020-2021 year has looked a bit different for the Beaumont Children’s Museum (“BCM”). Long running events like Touch-a-Truck, Dia de los Muertos, and the 2nd annual Casino Gala all had to be either canceled or postponed in order to keep everyone healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Program participation decreased by 77% during this time.

But that in no way meant the fun had to stop at the museum. Curators are presently preparing to roll right into the summer.

“This year has had its challenges but we have also started a new tradition in order to cater to the virtual world,” Junior League Children’s Museum chair Amanda Heironimus said.

Junior League members have been graciously “taking over” the BCM facebook page every Sunday evening for story time take over.

“This was a fun activity that we chose to do to inspire SETX kids to READ,” Heironimus continued.

With the lifting of most Covid-19 restrictions, the Beaumont Children’s museum has been able to resume many of the day-today activities.

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SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

Fun Rolling

Here’s what you can expect: •

Toddler Takeover: Each Wednesday from 9:30AM – 11:00AM BCM staff and volunteers will engage young children ages 0-5 with stories, crafts, science experiments, music, and movement. The museum believes in learning through play. BCM strives to help develop and improve gross and fine motor skills and other educational aspects such as the alphabet, number recognition, shapes, and colors.

•

Beaumont Children’s Museum’s 6th Birthday!!

Saturday June 12, BCM will celebrate its 6th birthday. After surviving a tough year, we are excited to suit up with our masks and caps for the most SUPER Birthday Party! Join Amanda H. and the museum as they plan for a day of SUPER fun, magnifying science, and smashtastic excitement at the Beaumont Children’s Museum!

•

Summer Camp: Open for registration and will include 8 FULL weeks of different S.T.E.A.M topics. Camps will start June 14th.

Week 1 – Robotics 1.0 Week 2 - Imagineering Week 3 – Kidz Art – Art through the Ages Week 4 – Critter Camp Week 5 – Space Rangers – Race to Space Week 6 – Robotics 2.0 Week 7 – BASF’s Kids’ Lab – We Do Chemistry Week 8 – Harry Potter – The Magic of

S.T.E.A.M.

Looking Ahead on The Calendar: *The 2nd Annual Casino Gala, Circus Circus, will take place in early fall on Friday, August 27th.

“Circus Circus will need lots of help from volunteers to help bring new excitement to the night through the event’s planning committee and requesting donations for the silent auction,” Heironimus explained. *Touch-A-Truck, a family-favorite, will be rescheduled for Saturday, October 16th at the BCM and Civic Center. “Volunteers will be needed to help the day go off without a hitch but just as important, volunteers are needed to help with the planning of this event and other fundraising events like it,” Heironimus said. *Dia de los Muertos will take place on Saturday November 6th at the Beaumont Civic Center.

“We are excited to be bringing new musical entertainment to the day and hope to see you at the event. Volunteers are all welcome to join this planning committee as it quickly grows to include many Hispanic business owners,” Heironimus said.

Although it’s been a tough year there is so much to look forward to! Keep in-touch and follow the BCM on Instagram or Facebook!

Mash THE

Mother and Child, Assouline

by Margaret Victores Spring 2021 Edition

MOTHER’s DAY EDITION

T

his year marks our second Mother’s Day celebrated during the pandemic and as such, our Mother’s Day might look different once again. However, the best Mother’s Day gifts ideas can still show our moms our love and appreciation for them – whether you’re spending it at home together or miles apart. I’ve got a range of goodies to elevate your Mother’s Day and make mom feel pampered and loved on her special day.

The perfect coffee table book encapsulating the special relationship between mother and child. The bright pink hue looks great in any living room and the beautiful photography filled with dreamy landscapes and high fashion will make you miss your mom instantly.

Le Creuset Signature Dutch Oven This is a perennial favorite for any moms who love to cook. The oven serves so many purposes in the kitchen, is durable for years on end.

Sleeper Feather Trimmed Pajamas

Dr. Sturm Glow Kit

I’ve long adored the hand-made brand’s aesthetic and these feather-trimmed pajamas really take the cake. Imagine mom lounging around the house glamorously while her family pours her another cup of coffee on her special day.

The feathers are removable and the pieces do double duty as separates. I’d pair the top with some chic jeans and kitten heels for a night out on the town.

This Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare kit will revitalize your mom’s skin with a cleanser, facial scrub, face mask, super anti-aging serum, face cream and glow drops. I really enjoy using Sturm skincare as the ingredients are great, backed by science, and really work in harmony with each other.

Refa Caray Ray Face Massager I’ve used this facial massager for a few years and it’s an indulgent habit to sculpt and tighten facial contours and depuff using a gentle microcurrent that is charged by the solar panel. It can also be used on the body as a gentle massager. It mimics the deep-kneading movements of aestheticians during a facial to release muscular tension in the face and body. This device is platinum-coated and waterproof, making cleanup and maintenance easy.

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SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

Williams Sonoma Apron This classic apron looks so chic in the kitchen, and the best part is that it can be monogrammed with mom’s name or initials! It comes in several colors that can be coordinated with oven mitts and tea towels, for an entire kitchen ensemble.

Eternity Bathrobe, Frette This robe is made of soft cotton-terry from Frette, a longtime leader in luxurious fine linens.

Mom will be able to wrap herself up in a cloud of cotton on lazy mornings with this thoughtful gift.

Artifact Uprising Customizable Gallery Frames Just upload your favorite pictures to their website and you will be sent framed prints that arrive ready to hang.

It’s a seamless process with a personal and satisfying result. Better yet - book a family session with mom from Jessie Goodman Photography (featured in this issue’s Day in the Life) and surprise mom!

BOMB!

MOMS

are the

M

ay is for mothers and the Junior League of Beaumont would like to make sure all the mom bombs in the League get a big pat on the back for all the love and support they give!

You’re not like regular moms you're cool moms!

Olivia von Halle Nika Striped Silk Eye Mask Guarantee sweet dreams for mom – and these would look great with the feather-trimmed pajamas!

CLASSIC JEFFERSON THEATRE

6PM DOORS | PM MOVIE

MOVIE NIGHTS MAY TANGLED MAY THE NEVERENDING STORY MAY BLADE RUNNER

For tickets + more information visit beaumonteventstx.com.

MAY

JEFFERSONTHEATRE

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH

T

T R A N S I T I O N I N G Youth

he Junior League of Beaumont would like to take a moment to acknowledge the tireless efforts of our Members who dedicate themselves to bringing positive change to our community. From the bottom of our hearts, the League thanks you for your care, energy, bright ideas, dedication, weekends, evenings, mornings, and everything in between! #NationalVolunteerMonth #JLBetterTogether #JuniorLeague #voluntarism #volunteer #volunteers #JLBTogether #Together #whyijlb

ABOLISH

The Transitioning Youth Committee’s mission is to work with the Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (CASA) staff and Child Protective Services (CPS) staff for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the foster care system. Through their mission, Transitioning Youth provides support to help ease the transition out of foster care and prepare youth for independent living.

In April, Transitioning Youth got together with Education and Training to write notes of well wishes during the April Mini Meetings Event at Pour Brothers Brewery.

As spring wraps up, Transitioning Youth will host one last event on May 12. Be sure to keep a close eye on Digital Cheetah as the event details are finalized and confirmed!

On March 24th, forensic nurse Angela Dillahunty shared her experience working with trafficked youth and discussed how best to recognize and respond to signs of human trafficking.

On March 27th, the League helped Harvest House Ministry paint several rooms on campus.

One City Church of Beaumont hosted a local version of a national women’s conference where Harvest House Ministry had an information table set up for Harvest House from March 25-26th.

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SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

SUMMER he month of May marks the end of the Junior T League of Beaumont’s year. It’s a time to reflect on the accomplishments and begin planning and preparing for the fall. It’s also a great time to relax and re-set from months of hard work.

The long days and the warm Southeast Texas weather make evenings the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and relax. Without the obligations of school, homework, extra-curricular activities, and volunteer work, the evenings can be filled with stress-free dinners and more time for fun.

The Junior League of Beaumont’s Dining Without Reservations and Lagniappe cookbooks offer a variety of elegant recipes that can be modified for quick preparation. Recipes like Barbecue Sandwiches and the Tex-Mex Pinto Beans can be cooked in an Instant Pot or slow cooker. Both recipes could be used for a classic BBQ meal or Taco Night! The set-it-and-forget-it cooking method cuts down on time in the kitchen and gives you more time to enjoy the evening.

Instant Pot INGREDIENTS: Texas is known for some of the best barbecue.

While a road trip to the Texas Hill Country for slow smoked brisket would be amazing, the JLB’s Barbecue Sandwiches recipe on page 134 of Dining Without Reservations will satisfy your craving for BBQ with little time and minimal prep. This recipe is versatile and can be served as tacos or on top of a baked potato, rice, or pasta. The original recipe calls for lean sirloin roast. Lean cuts of meat can be tricky when cooking in a pressure cooker. Use a chuck roast, shoulder roast, or rib-eye roast to ensure the meat retains its moisture and is tender. Super short on time? Use precut, cubed stew meat and your favorite bottled BBQ sauce!

SUBSTITUTIONS: Homemade BBQ Sauce – Store Bought BBQ Sauce Tomato Paste – Tomato Sauce or Tomato Puree Worcestershire Sauce – Soy Sauce Dry Mustard – Yellow or Dijon Mustard Chuck Roast – Any marbled roast Hamburger Buns – Tortillas, Taco Shells, Baked Potato, Rice, Pasta 26

SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ½ cup packed brown sugar ¼ cup chili powder 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1 cup water 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 pound chuck roast, cut into cubes 2 cups chopped onions Tabasco sauce to taste Red pepper flakes and black pepper to taste 10 hamburger buns Mix first 7 ingredients in a bowl. Turn Instant Pot on to Sauté. Add olive oil, onion, and meat to the Instant Pot. Salt and pepper to taste. Brown meat on all sides. Add BBQ sauce mixture. Secure lid on the Instant Pot. Select Manual Setting, adjust pressure to high, and set cook time to 45 minutes. When finished cooking, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Shred meat with a fork and serve!

Don’t have an Instant Pot? This recipe can be cooked in a slow cooker! Add onions, meat, and BBQ sauce mixture to the slow-cooker. Cook on low until tender.

Instant Pot

If you’ve never cooked beans in an Instant Pot, prepare to be amazed! Gone are the days of soaking beans overnight and cooking for hours. You can literally cook dry, unsoaked beans in the Instant Pot in 45 minutes. It really is a sight to be seen. This recipe, from page 99 of JLB’s Dining Without Reservations, can be used for a variety of dried beans. You can use kidney beans, red beans, navy beans, black beans, white beans, or Great Northern beans. It’s a perfect side dish for BBQ, Tex Mex, or add it to rice for an accompaniment to any Cajun dish.

INGREDIENTS: 1 pound dried pinto beans 1 (32 oz.) container of chicken broth 1 bunch cilantro, trimmed 1 medium onion, chopped 2 (10 oz.) cans tomatoes with green chilies 2 to 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 tablespoons TexJoy steak seasoning 1 tablespoon cumin Pepper to taste Rinse and sort beans. Combine beans, chicken broth, onion, tomatoes, garlic, chili powder, TexJoy, and cumin in the Instant Pot. Secure lid on the Instant Pot. Select Manual Setting, adjust pressure to high, and set cook time to 30 minutes. When finished cooking, allow pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes.

Don’t have an Instant Pot? This recipe can be cooked in a slow cooker! Add ingredients to the slow cooker.

Cook on low for 6 hours.

SUBSTITUTIONS: Pinto Beans – Another variety of dried beans Canned Tomatoes – Fresh Tomatoes, chopped Tomato Paste – Tomato Sauce or Tomato Puree Potato, Rice, Pasta

Introducing our newest

signature project

W

e are proud to announce the JLB’s newest signature project, Our Nonprofits Elevated (The “ONE”), which will allow us to closely partner with one local non-profit organization for a full year! Applications will open in September 2021 and will be due by January 15, 2022. Top finalists from the written submissions will go through to a final interview phase and the chosen organization will be announced in February 2022. Each year, the new nonprofit’s one-year JLB partnership will begin around May-Aug and wrap up in May the following year.

The Junior League will assist in many ways, such as providing: volunteers, grant funding, public relations assistance, mentoring, meeting space, education and training opportunities, assistance filling vacant Board seats, access to JLB member resources & professional skills, and increased publicity through JLB media outlets. The Junior League has dedicated a 5-7 person committee specifically for The ONE to ensure the nonprofit receives first-class support. Our goal is to offer a $5,000 grant to empower our partnering organization to advance their initiatives, and we know our JLB membership has the wide-ranging skill set that is sure to benefit other organizations in the Jefferson, Hardin, Orange, Chambers, and/ or Liberty counties.

It has been a pleasure chairing The ONE Committee this year as our team developed the procedures and processes to ensure future success of the program. I am ecstatic to see how we can partner with others in our community to meet the central needs of greater Southeast Texas. Should you have any questions regarding this information, please feel free to contact us at theone@juniorleaguebeaumont.org.

Sincerely, Kelsie Mitchell 2020-2021 The ONE Committee Chair

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SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

Reconociendo Cinco de Mayo Porque Nos Encanta Celebrar Cinco de Mayo en Beaumont “Recognizing Cinco de Mayo because We Love to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Beaumont”

C

inco de Mayo is a holiday we know today as a celebration of Mexican American pride filled with piñatas, margaritas, tacos, maracas, sombreros, and the like. But what many do not know is that Cinco de Mayo is not actually a celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day (which is on September 16th), but a celebration of Mexico’s show of solidarity against Franco rule during the American Civil War on May 5, 1862. Cinco de Mayo was first celebrated in the United States in Southern California in 1863, to commemorate the day Mexico defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. While Cinco de Mayo, also known as the Battle of Puebla Day is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, it has gained a bi-national flavor, and its

celebrations have even acquired corporate sponsors, taking on a commercial flavor.

Unfortunately, the pandemic put a pause on Cinco de Mayo celebrations last year.

For the league, the Cinco de Mayo style dinner tradition that the Junior League of Beaumont began in the 2018-2019 League year (an event hosted by the League’s Transitioning Youth Committee) has been unable to take place since its inception.

Still, the League hopes to continue this event in the near future because here in Southeast Texas, our Mexican American pride is fanatical!

Editor’s note: Cinco de May took place before this issue went to print, but the JLB still wished to recognize the significance of this wonderful holiday.

April General Meeting Tuesday, April 13th, The Junior League of Beaumont’s April General Meeting took place at Pour Brothers Brewery, Beaumont’s first craft Brewery at 585 Wall St. Beaumont, Texas from 6-9 p.m.

Mallory Cross and the Education & Training Committee put together a great evening that included: •

•

• • •

Local artist Ines Alvides, who did a collaborative art piece with everyone in attendance. Upon the work of art’s completion, it will have a home at headquarters. Attendees also were able to paint their own "mini painting" as an activity if they wished to do so.

Writing notes of well wishes for Transitioning Youth participants in anticipation of their upcoming graduations.

Beer and pizza!

A pop-up shop from Alter's Gem Jewelry A movie showing from 7:30 - 9 p.m. for those who wanted to stay and mingle later!

2021 Excellence in the Media Contest now accepting entries The Press Club of Southeast Texas is pleased to announce the 30th Annual Excellence in the Media Awards competition. Each year, the Press Club receives hundreds of entries from individuals and media outlets from across the region, including print, electronic media, magazines/trade press and Each public relations categories.

Eligibility

The contest is open to members and potential members of the Press Club—full-time and part-time journalists and public relations professionals in Chambers, Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Newton, Orange, Polk and Tyler counties.

Work published, aired or released between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, is eligible for entry.

Benefits of membership include reduced contest entry fees. Individuals may check their membership status, join or update their memberships online at PressClubofSoutheastTexas.org. Membership dues can be paid online using the PayPal link provided.

Organizations may make arrangements to pay multiple memberships by check. If doing so at contest time arrangements MUST be made at least TWO WEEKS before the contest deadline.

Awards Ceremony & Banquet

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the awards banquet has been canceled. Stay tuned for an alternative way for us to honor our winners.

Proceeds benefit the Lamar University Press Club Memorial Scholarship.

DEADLINE FOR UPLOAD OF ENTRIES is May 30, 2021 at 11:59 p.m

Entry Submission

Entries are uploaded at PressClubofSoutheastTexas.org/enter-contest Some categories, such as PR Campaign, may not be practical in digital-only format.

Entry Fees and Payments

Each entry must be covered by an entry fee.

Contest entries will NOT be released for judging until entry fees have been received. After each successful entry, the “Official entry form & label” will be presented. You should print a copy for your records.

Entry fees are $10 per entry for Press Club members, $30 per entry for non-members. For organizations submitting 20 or more entries for members, the fees are $8 per entry. For example, 19 entries will cost $190 while 20 entries will cost $160. Twenty-four entries will cost $192.

Non-members DO NOT receive a discount for multiple entries.

Official Call for Entry For full details including the General Rules, Contest Categories, and more, visit http://pressclubofsoutheasttexas.org/resources/Documents/ Call_for_Entries_2021.pdf

member

SPOTLIGHT PROVISIONAL

KARLEY ZUMMO

...on Family Owned Businesses

“Ikey” Irwin, took over the management of the DeQuincy store.

By 1967, the store was expanded to encompass a post office building, a furniture store, a bakery, a hardware department, as well as various other dry goods departments. In 1970, the Irwins’ son, Layton L. “Rusty” Irwin II, joined the family business after serving in the Air Force. It was after this time that the store relocated to an even larger storefront in town to accommodate many new lines of merchandise as well as a family owned pharmacy. In 1988 the Irwins’ daughter, Tricia Irwin Busceme, joined the family business and in 1996, their son, Layton L. Irwin III, joined in as well.

Today, Nichols is considered one of the finest, family owned businesses in southwest Louisiana. The store carries wide selections of sporting goods products, workwear, boots, camo, hardware, home decor, and gifts; it is truly a unique place that has something special for everyone. The Nichols store in DeQuincy is still owned and operated today by the fourth generation of family, Tricia and Layton.

As far as my immediate family goes, my mother has been an educator for 30 years and I have one younger brother.

I’m newly married to a Beaumont native, Taylor Zummo. He and his wonderful family have a long-standing local business here in town called Zummo Meat Co. The history of Zummo Meat Company goes back to the early 1900s when Mr. Frank Zummo immigrated to the United States from Sicily, Italy. As a new American, he gained many skills working as a butcher’s apprentice in New Orleans, Louisiana, and in 1908 Mr. Zummo moved to Beaumont, Texas where he organized Zummo Meat Packers.

Where is your hometown?

DeQuincy, Louisiana How long have you lived in Beaumont?

9 months - I am newly married to a Beaumont native!

Where did you go to school?

Graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in English What do you do for a living?

Middle School English Teacher What are your hobbies?

Cooking, kayaking, reading, & traveling.

Tell us about your family: My father runs our family business, Nichols department store, in my hometown; it has been in my family since 1914. The store was founded by my great, great grandfather Mr. Harry Nichols in DeQuincy, Louisiana. As the story goes, after accumulating savings from working at a sawmill for $1.50 per day, Mr. Nichols was finally able to start his own retail business. What initially began as a humble wagon operation, eventually grew into a storefront location, thus bringing in even more revenue for Nichols and the charming railroadbased community.

Mr. Nichols and his wife, Virginia, along with their children, Truman and Barbara, all had a hand in making the business successful. Approximately thirty years after initially opening the first location, Mr. Nichols established a chain of stores throughout the state of Louisiana. At the time of his death in 1949, his daughter, Barbara, and her husband, Layton L.

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SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

The business grew from a horse and wagon operation to a larger-scale plant for production of more products in a matter of a few decades. In 1952, the Zummo family built a smokehouse, sausage room, and sales room, further expanding the operations of the company. In 1961, a $500,000 plant became the culmination of the Zummo dream and the fulfillment of years of growth and planning, which also tripled the plant’s previous capacity.

Today, Zummo Meat Company’s sausage and boudin products are distributed to grocery stores throughout 40 states in the US, and they continue to be recognized for their high quality and great taste both locally and nationally. The Zummo family is in the process of expanding their plant, yet again, to accommodate their still-growing company. The business is still family owned and operated by Frank, Greg, and Mark Zummo and the fourth generation of sons including: Steve, Ryan, Brett, Austin, and Taylor Zummo.

What does your family business of over 100 years mean to the great, great granddaughter of Nichols’ founder?

Growing up with a family business has taught me the importance of shopping locally, working hard for your American dream, supporting your community, and the significance of working alongside your closest family members day-in and day-out. It definitely takes commitment to keep a business running for over a century. I loved growing up playing in the stock room of the store on Saturdays. As I got older, I helped gift wrap and stock shelves as a teenager, I dabbled with contributing to the store’s marketing and advertising, I helped buy at market a few times, and I even filmed a few commercials for the store in college! It’s like a second home to me. I’m truly so proud of our store and how far it has come over the past 107 years. I know that my great, great grandfather would be so very proud of my grandparents, my aunt, and my dad for their dedication to his dream.

What does your family business of over 100 years mean to the great grandson of Zummo’s founder- your husband Taylor Zummo?

It’s special to be able to carry on my great-grandfather’s legacy.

He was committed to traveling to the United States to start a business of his own and it’s evolved so much from then into what it is today. I worked for the business as a teenager, loading trucks and placing orders, and after college I joined the company to oversee sales and operations. It’s come a long way since 1908, and it’s a privilege to see my generation continue to grow the business.

As a provisional, what do you hope to contribute and/or gain from the League?

Through the Junior League of Beaumont, I hope to find ways to become involved in my new community, contribute to meaningful projects, and gain long-lasting connections with the wonderful women of this league.

Do you have any Pets?

My husband and I have one dog named Ranger.

SUSTAINER

What other volunteer or community organizations are you involved in and why?

While at LSU, I was a member of the Delta Kappa Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta, where I volunteered for our philanthropy, CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates.

CHRISTINA CRAWFORD ...on Hosting Special Events During Covid-19

What did you aspire to be as a child?

I’ve always known I wanted to become a teacher, just like my mother!

Where is your Hometown?

Favorite movie or book?

Movie - The Godfather; Book - Outlander;

Where did you go to School?

Port Arthur

University of Texas. I majored in Government with a minor in History.

Paper or e-reader?

I enjoy a paper copy of the book if I’m at home, but I love listening to audiobooks in my car!

Who has influenced your life the most?

Although my parents have had the biggest hand in my life, I’d definitely say that my great-grandmother was a significant contributor. She taught me the importance of a home-cooked Southern meal, reading a good book, faith in God, American history, and regularly making time for your family.

Favorite thing about Texas?

BUC-EES!!! And the awesome Tex-Mex food!

What inspired you to join the League?

My aunt is a member of the Lake Charles JL. She has had wonderful experiences through her chapter by giving back to the community, getting involved in meaningful projects, and meeting wonderful friends - all things I hope to similarly gain and contribute!

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

Grey’s Anatomy What is your favorite quote?

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” - Willie Nelson If you had to pick a cocktail that best describes you, what would it be and why?

A French 75 - classic with a kick!

What is the best vacation you have been on?

My husband and I recently took a beautiful vacation to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Every view was breathtaking, and the people were so friendly, always finding a way to invite God into their conversations. While we were there, we rode horses on the beach and kayaked with sea turtles! It was such a refreshing trip.

What is one thing you cannot live without?

My eye mask - I sleep with it every night!

What is your idea of de-stressing?

An ice-cold glass of champagne and a bubble bath after a long day.

What do you do for a living?

I own a banquet facility, The Beaumont Club, but because of COVID, I stopped leasing my building for special events.

I work on campaigns and assist my husband with his company, Beaumont Blinds & Shutters.

What are your hobbies?

Watching classic movies. I’m only 12 away from finishing the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Best movies. I also love entertaining and having friends and family over for dinner.

Tell us about your family:

My husband and I have been married for 7 years. He’s a great supporter of the League. In addition to his wife and mother being past members, his grandmother, Mary Edna Crawford was a JLB President.

Tell us about your pets:

We have a cat named Charlie, aka “Sir Charles”, because he thinks he is the king of the house - and he’s right! We lost both of our dogs last year and are looking forward to getting a puppy soon.

What other volunteer or community organizations are you involved in and why?

I serve on the Board of Directors of The Neches River Festival. I am very proud to have been asked to be one of the first women to serve on this 73 year old Board. The other two women were JLB sustainers as well! I have also served as an NRF committee chair for many years. I love celebrating our city’s youth and helping to educate them about our city before they go out into the real world. I am Past President and current Treasurer of the Beaumont Heritage Society. I love being involved in preserving our city’s rich history. I have served on the Jefferson County Tourism Commission for over 20 years. I enjoy supporting our county tourism attractions via our grant program and encouraging locals to tour the sites in our own backyard. I am a longtime Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board Member.

I love interacting with other business owners to develop 31

SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

our city. I also serve on the boards of the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, the Oaks Historic District (aka Old Town) and the Downtown Cultural Arts District.

A lawyer.

The best vacation- Going back to Spain after studying abroad there during college (twenty years prior). My now husband and I had just started dating and this was our first big trip together. We went to Salamanca where I had studied and took the train to the coast; stopping in small cities and Madrid along the way. It was the best two weeks ever!

Favorite movie or book? Paper or e-reader?

What is one thing you cannot live without?

What did you aspire to be as a child?

Gone With The Wind. Definitely paper.

Who has influenced your life the most?

My mom. She set the bar high when it comes to working hard and helping others. She also was a great example of proving women could be paid as much as men for the same job and could own real estate.

Favorite thing about Texas?

That Texans are so proud of being from Texas.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

I’m proud to have served on the staff of both a Democrat and a Republican State Senator representing Jefferson County. I loved working on legislation that impacted our area and helping the constituents. I’m also proud to have organized and directed two local Political Action Committee campaigns to pass bonds dealing with the Neches River waterway. The first was in 2001 dealing with a countywide bond for the Sabine Neches Navigation District and the second was in 2017 dealing with a citywide bond to fund projects for the Port of Beaumont.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about making a difference in my community by getting politically involved. I started working on campaigns in high school. I feel that if we want to elect good leaders to facilitate change and promote development then we need to help those public servants get elected. That is why I’ve personally been a campaign manager, staffer or volunteer of campaigns from city council to a Presidential campaign and everything else in between.

What inspired you to join the League?

I had just moved back to SE Texas after living in Austin for ten years and was eager to meet new people. The JLB seemed like the best place to do that and have fun at the same time.

What is your favorite project and why?

My favorite JLB committee to chair was the Cookbook Committee - which is ironic because I’m a horrible cook!

My committee and I did an “Around the Clock” walking tour of five fabulous homes all on one street. We featured food from a different part of the day at each home. We also set up many “pop up” stands at businesses and events which was really fun.

What is your favorite thing to do in South East Texas?

My husband and I like to support the arts in SE Texas. We have season tickets to the Symphony and support local artists. We love going to dives and checking out the local band scene and going to local festivals.

What is the last thing you binge watched?

The West Wing on Netflix.

What is your favorite quote?

Work hard and play harder!!

What is your dream vacation? What is the best vacation you have been on?

Dream Vacation- Going dove hunting in Argentina is on the top of my list.

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SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

My friends. While I am extremely close to my family, I love spending time with my close friends. Having tried and true friends to let loose with is good for balancing the soul.

What is your idea of de-stressing?

Walking in my neighborhood while listening to audiobooks.

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

Salma Hayek - she’s a short & feisty Latina like me!

If you were a superhero, what would be your superhero name and power?

The Tornado! I’d have the power to move like a cyclone throughout my house picking up and cleaning at light speed!

Notable Lamar University Alumni amar University LHistory celebrated Women's Month by highlighting some of their outstanding alumnae who have made a difference in their communities, and professions, as well as at Lamar University!

Our President Elect Brenna (Gordon) Rodriguez, was recognized by Lamar because she is a 2004 alumnae who graduated with a BBA in Marketing and served as a Regional Director for Harbor Hospice covering the East Texas and Louisiana sites. In addition to her employment with Harbor for over 15 years in various roles, Brenna is a stand out in the community due to her service with the Harbor Foundation Board, Ambassador for the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation volunteer team, a member of the Lamar University Alumni Advisory Board, and the 2018-2019 Junior League of Beaumont Chair of Lemonade Day in partnership with the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce.

Brenna also oversees the Harbor Foundation events such as the Butterfly Release and Dinner for Life Gala.

She received the Star Award for Outstanding Employee at Harbor Hospice in 2011, the Junior League of Beaumont’s Provisional of the Year Award in 2013, and Beaumont Enterprise’s 40 Under 40 Award in 2014. She resides in Port Neches with her husband, James who graduated from Lamar in 2007 and 2017, along with their two children.

Ramadan Mubarak The Junior League of Beaumont would like to say Ramadan Mubarak- ”blessed Ramadan” to all of our community celebrating the religious festival!

PROTECTING ALL THAT IS PRECIOUS SINCE 1957

got pests?

Celebrated from Monday, April 12 – Wednesday, May 12, Ramadan is about much more than abstaining from food and drink between the hours of dawn and sunset. For those who celebrate, it is a time for spiritual reflection, separation from negative thoughts, and bringing yourself closer to the Muslim faith.

We’ve Got The Answers BILLCLARKBUGSPERTS.COM 409‐898‐3224

Chair Training Chair training took place at The Junior League of Beaumont’s Headquarters on April 19, 2021.

Strong Women in the Legal Community Supporting the Mission of the Junior League of Beaumont

HOUSTON | BEAUMONT | SAN ANTONIO | AUSTIN

Texas Roots. Regional Experience. National Recognition. www.MehaffyWeber.com

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SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

ADVERTISERS INDEX Bill Clark Pest Control.................................33 CASA.............................................................11 Christus..........................................................19 City of Beaumont.........................................24 Coburns.........................................................02 Gift of Life.....................................................03 Mary Jane Mouton.......................................36 Mehaffy Weber.............................................33 St. Anne Catholic School.............................09

HOPE Women’s Resource Clinic

Thank you

for advertising with the Junior League of Beaumont!

If you are interested in advertising in any upcoming JLB magazines, please contact Resource Development at 409.832.0873 or JLB@juniorleaguebeaumont.org!

Granny Bingo

The Junior League of Beaumont volunteers at Hope Women’s Resource Clinic:

Lemonade Day JLB Volunteers at Lemonade Day Kickoff Celebration at Beaumont Children’s Museum

CONGRATULATIONS!

Stephanie Cassels on the birth of your son, Brooks Clayton Cassel 11oz 20 on 1/28/21 at 9:57a.m.

Emily Wilson on the birth of your son, Brock Hubert Wilson “Hugh”.

Hannah Stark married Colby Plaia on April 10, 2021.

34

SPINNINGS | MAY 2021

2020-2021

UPCOMING EVENTS GENERAL MEETINGS

6:00 pm Social, 6:30 pm Meeting Tuesday, May 4, 2021

FINANCE COUNCIL

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES MAY 4 12

May Dinner Transitioning Youth Event/Meeting

Wednesday, May 19, 2021 @ 5:30pm

SUSTAINER FAREWELL The Junior League of Beaumont would like to offer a special farewell to the 2021 Sustaining members:

• • • •

Thank you

J

LB would like to recognize the following members who sent in donations to the league: Barbara Broussard Melissa Byrd Cile Childress Karen Collins Mary Matthews Jennifer Shaw Jerome Dick Judy Dishman Allison Hughes Carole Jones

Shannon Figueroa Lila Stephens Nicole MacCallum Andrea Stephenson

Patricia Klein Becky Mason Patti McSpadden Mary Matthews Cindy Partin Sara Lou Pipkin Ida Pyle Louis Ann Stanton Michele Smith Christine Stetson

IN MEMORIAM

MAY

It is with regret that the League sends its sympathies to the following JLB members and their families.

•

Whitney West Stiles on the loss of her Grandfather.

•

Megan Gibson Moss on the loss of her Grandfather.

•

Michelle Coon on the loss of her Grandfather.

•

Katy Baker on the loss of her uncle.

5

Vivian Pieternelle Julie Weldy

6

Judith Black Loni Lilley

8

Jerome Dick

10

Sara Brooke Burnside

• Editor’s Donna Harris on the loss of her Father-in-law Joseph Note: Denton Harris Events displayed in III. the calendar are subject to change, please check Digital Cheetah for updates.

• Jessica Irvin on the loss of her Neice Shanna Milton.

11

Terri Sherlock

•

12

Jan Marie Rugg

Katheryn Messina on the loss of her brother David Guillory.

•

14

Polly Butler

Cat Griffin on the loss of her Grandmother Olga Elwood.

15

Carolyn Ruddy

16

Brenna Rodriguez

20

Rachael Roane

22

Cheri Dickerson

23

Alicia Horn-Daleo

25

Anne East Colene Hansen Elizabeth Howell

29

Maite Broussard

31

Susan Lampson

This Spinnings magazine is recyclable through your local recycling program!

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