Good News: Week of July 7, 2022

Leaders of tomorrow

The Youth Leadership Program is welcoming interested students entering the 8th or 9th grade for the 2022-2023 school year that reside in Jefferson, Orange, or Hardin counties on Wednesday, July 20, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Youth Leadership Beaumont’s day-long program is designed to engage future leaders with a day of interactive activities that stimulate thought, promote a team mentality through small group interactions as they are encouraged to learn about who they are as individuals, and what it takes to be a leader alongside youth from multiple different counties.

To register, visit http://www.bmtcoc.org/form/view/26187.

Kountze library presents summer reading awards

The Friends of Kountze Public Library hosted the successful “On Board with Summer Reading” event in June. The program was offered live and virtually to inspire reading. Fifty-eight children submitted reading logs representing 1,030 books that were read. The top readers were Easton Tauzin (96 books), Rocky Harper (68) and Weston Tucker (60).

For grades 2-5, the goal was 30 minutes reading per week. A total of 5,435 minutes were recorded, with Adrian Townes in first place with 470 minutes, followed by Emma Yount with 433, and Aysia Warren with 403.

A weekly raffle awarded books and prizes to Champion readers: Claire Wamhoff, Emelyn Rose, Holden Sales, Eli Foxworth, Wyatt Castolenia, Noah Foxworth, Jensen Sales and Payton Sales.

Miss Kountze Carly Herrera presented the awards at a big tent ceremony held Thursday, June 30. Event sponsors included: Dollar General Literacy Foundation, MDU Resources Foundation and Knife River, Entergy Texas, the City of Kountze, Lions Club of Sour Lake, Harrison Family Foundation, Education First Federal Credit Union, Usborne Books & More, and the Foundation for Southeast Texas for e-books.

On Board with Summer Reading library staff included: Director Tami Winger, Julie Cowart, volunteer Jimmi Duhon, and the Friends of Kountze Public Library.

Planning now for successful school year

The Orange County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office is now collecting school supplies, as well as new backpacks and assorted pupil mainstays, for the upcoming 2022-23 school year. Constable Matt Ortego reports that he and his staff started this new event to provide students with school supplies. Donations can be dropped off at Constables Ortego’s office, 190 Camp St. in Vidor.

Taste of Gumbo
reincarnated

This year, in lieu of the canceled Taste of Gumbo fundraiser supporting Port Arthur ISD students, the Rotary Club of Port Arthur is hosting the newly branded “Taste of Summer,” an event that promises to include food vendors of “ALL” types and a gumbo cook-off that’s offering free samples for all attendees.

Other entertainment includes face painting and a Touch-a-Truck event, door prizes, a silent auction, live music and a beer garden.

Tickets are $10 at the gate. Free admission for children under 5. The event will be held Saturday, July 9, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center, 1800 Lakeshore Drive in Port Arthur.

Jesters do Junie

Friday, July 8, enjoy the exciting production of KIDmunity Jesters as they present “Junie B. Jones, The Musical” at the Beaumont Community Players performing arts theater, 4155 Laurel Ave. in Beaumont.

The 4th and 5th grade cast have worked all summer to perfect this production. To purchase tickets, stop by the theater Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., or call (409) 833-4664.

Spindletop Rotary selects leaders

Spindletop Rotary Club hosted its annual awards banquet and officer installation on June 28, recognizing Rotarians for: Perfect Attendance – Debbie Bridgeman, Vicky Barnes, Shannon Garrod, Alan Hefty, Rezvan Khoshlessan, Chris Lanier and Micah Leigh; Paul Harris Fellow – Karen Chapman, Bobby Chapman, Micah Leigh, Chris Lanier, and Debbie Bridgeman; Paul Harris Society – Micah Leigh; and Roll of Fame Award – Chris Lanier.

Rotarian of the Year was Debbie Bridgeman, and Vicky Barnes was awarded the Rising Star nod.

New officers and directors include President-Elect Vicky Barnes, Vice President Debbie Bridgeman, Secretary Stephanie Allen and Treasurer Chris Lanier. Karen Chapman led the 2022-23 President Installation for Micah Leigh.

The mission of Rotary is “to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.” For more information on Spindletop Rotary, visit spindletop-rotary.org or Spindletop Rotary Club on Facebook.

(Your photo here)

The Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce is holding a photo and video contest to gather pictures and short videos of the greater Beaumont area. Submit your best picture or video – no longer than 30 seconds – taken in the Beaumont area for the chance to win some Beaumont merch and to get featured on the nonprofit’s social media and other promotional materials. Submit entries at http://www.bmtcoc.org/form/view/26777.

Model behavior

Port Arthur Public Library’s annual Model Trains Show, presented by East Texas and Gulf Rail Modelers Association, will be July 8-10 in the Lucy Stiefel Gallery, 4615 Ninth Ave. Hours for the event are 9 a.m. 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 8 and 9; and from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 10.

The East Texas and Gulf Rail Modelers Association meets every second and fourth Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Hebert Library in Port Neches. The East Texas and Gulf Rail Modelers Association was originally formed in 2001, then re-formed in 2012 as a group to promote rail modeling in all scales and to disseminate prototype information on area railroads. For more details, call (409) 344-1361.

Caring begins at home

Saturday, July 9, visit the free-for-all Self-Care Fair: Beaumont event from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 855 E Lavaca St., LIT’s Multi Purpose Center, in Beaumont. Presented by the Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute for Texas Fibroid Awareness Month, the event hopes to raise awareness of the disease, as well as raise some donations for a Southeast Texas women’s shelter.

Admission to the free event is bolstered by a call for contributions to a feminine hygiene supply drive. Each guest is asked to bring a feminine hygiene product to contribute to the collection. There will be health and beauty vendors, free food, health screenings, giveaways, games and family fun.

For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/beaumont-self-care-fair-texas-fibroid-awareness-month-tickets-378554044337.

Paddling 101

Friday, July 8, join Texas Parks and Wildlife staff and volunteers as they take attendees on a kayaking learning trek from 9 – 11 a.m. at Village Creek State Park, 8854 Park Road 74 in Lumberton.

Back by popular demand, Ranger Alex will offer a guided paddling trip for beginners to launch at the park, learn some paddling basics and explore some of the wonders of Village Creek.

Kayaks and life jackets will be provided by the park at no charge, but space is limited. Standard entry fees of $4 per person age 13 and up apply. Attendees must call and register for this event prior to departure at (409) 755-7322.

Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses are highly encouraged. This event may be canceled or rescheduled based on weather/creek conditions.