Happy 105!!
Beaumont resident Dorothy Williams was celebrated March 12, as she worshipped alongside parishioners at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 855 Sherman St. in Beaumont, just shy of her 105th birthday.
Mayor Robin Mouton was one of many well-wishers in attendance to bring greetings, congratulations and a proclamation from the city in Williams’ honor.
Rev. Renard Stevens, the pastor, led the tribute.
The president of the Hebert High Alumni Association also spoke, as the centenarian remains a favorite attendee at Hebert's reunions, as well as the oldest living student to graduate from the school.
Williams still lives independently, cooks, cleans, does her own laundry, and bakes favorite desserts for family members.
Organist offers live score of silent film at Jefferson
The City of Beaumont will present a screening of the 1923 silent classic film, Safety Last, featuring a live score by organist Brett Valliant and the Robert Morton Organ at the Jefferson Theatre, Friday, March 24. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com or in person at the Beaumont Civic Center box office.
The Robert Morton Wonder Organ, voiced particularly for the acoustics of the Jefferson Theatre, was installed on a platform that allows the organ to rise majestically from the orchestra pit to the stage level. The organ’s 778 pipes and many percussive effects produces a variety of sounds rivaling those of an actual orchestra. Hearing the organ in the theatre is a magical and unique opportunity.
Brett Valliant, a native of Wichita, Kansas, began piano studies at age 4, continuing through organ instruction at Wichita State University. Valliant’s professional career began at age 11, and, by the age of 15, he was playing concerts around the United States. Since then, Valliant has appeared in Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, in the U.S. Brett has performed for the American Film Institute, as well as conventions of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS) and the American Guild of Organists (AGO).
Camp director announced
Bishop David Toups has announced that Jeffery Penning has been named director of Christ Central Camp as of March 6.
Penning is a native of Southeast Texas and attended St. Mary School in Orange, St. Anne School in Beaumont and graduated from Msgr. Kelly Catholic High School in Beaumont, before graduating from Texas State University, where he was active in a Catholic fraternity, with a degree in business management and an emphasis in human relations.
Penning said he is looking forward to helping and encouraging the next generation of Southeast Texans.
“This is an opportunity to give back to the community that raised me,” Penning said.
As a teen, Penning worked the diocesan Summer Camp as a counselor; he is excited to now be the director of Christ Central Camp.
The diocesan Summer Camp in July will be the first camp activity. Also in July will be the dedication of Blessed Carlos Acutis Chapel and an open house to celebrate the 40th year of Summer Camp and the opening of Christ Central Camp.
LU scholarships awarded to area seniors
Full scholarships from Lamar University were awarded to several area high school seniors on March 9.
Southeast Legends scholars and Presidential scholars receive a full scholarship for four years covering tuition, fees, room and board, and books. Recipients were required to have a minimum grade-point overage of 3.9 and be in the Top 10% of their class with a record of demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, service and/or creative endeavors.
Port Neches-Grove High School seniors Peyton Jones and Alyvia Ott. Jones was one of four area seniors to receive the Southeast Texas Legends Scholarship, while Ott was one of 10 chosen for the Presidential Scholarship.
Two Silsbee High seniors were also awarded scholarships. Robert (Bobby) Barton III received the Legends Scholarship and Jenny Tu received the Presidential Scholarship.
Vidor High senior Logan Morris received the Presidential Scholarship and Little Cypress-Mauriceville High senior Cole Watson was honored with the Presidential Scholarship.
About 130 students were interviewed for these two scholarships.
According to Lamar University, they award more than 2,000 scholarships providing more than $10 million in assistance to students. A university representative noted the two high honor scholarships are not very common to award to students on the same campus.
Law enforcement appreciation luncheon set
A Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon is Tuesday, March 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First Pentecostal Church Academy, 1420 North 5th St., Silsbee.
The event is dedicated to those who protect and serve the community. All active and retired law enforcement officers are invited to an appreciation event in their honor, hosted by the students of FPC Academy.
Silsbee High floral teams shine at HRLS
The Silsbee High School Tiger Lillies, a floral team, competed in the Horticulture Competition Dining Duets Division at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
The Lillies competed in teams of two in a centerpiece competition. Five teams competed and three placed in the top 10.
The results were Heather McMillan and Reanna McMillan, first place; Cheyenne Cooley and Natalie Steltz, second place; and Matti Potter and Rhaliegh Cox, fourth place.
Also competing were the teams of Rylee Brooks and Kylee Champagne, and Madison Konstantine and Erin Byars.
Mustang Car Club presented donations
The Wild Horse Mustang Car Club presented four organizations with $7,000 in donations during the March monthly meeting held at Joe's Italian Grill.
The recipients were Katie Durio of Stable Spirit, Zack Shelton of the 100 Club of Hardin County, Anna Hackler for Anna's Angels Dog Rescue, and Jeanine Christian and David Norton for Furever Homes Dog Rescue of Southeast Texas.
Silsbee Ford is the club sponsor and proceeds from two car shows held annually make the donations possible. The next show is Saturday, May 6 at Silsbee Ford.
Silsbee High student second at art show
Silsbee High School senior Logan Walker placed in the 37th Annual Protege Competition and Exhibition 2023 Art Show presented at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas.
He was also awarded a four-year art scholarship to the Lamar University Department of Art forthe amount of $750 per semester and a $150 gift certificate for art supplies.
Touch a Truck is March 18
Sour Lake's Annual Touch a Truck is Saturday, March 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the downtown area. Vehicles will be on hand for people to learn about the careers that build, protect and serve Southeast Texas. There will also be a live deejay, face painting, balloon artist, food trucks and more.
Designer Purse and Pistol Bingo set
Silsbee High School's Operation Graduation 2023 will host Designer Purse and Pistol Bingo on Saturday, March 18 at the YYAFA Building in Silsbee. Doors open at 4 p.m. and games start at 5 p.m. Participate in 10 games and a taco bar is included. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information, call (409) 782-9603, (409) 352-5434 or (409) 550-5080.
Movie night at church
The Big Thicket Baptist Church will host a Movie Night at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 18. Tickets are $10 and include a movie, popcorn and a drink. The featured movie is "God's Not Dead." This is a fundraiser for the church's youth group. For more information, call (409) 382-3058.
Sour Lake Trade Days scheduled
Sour Lake Trade Days is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 18 at the Community Center, 250 South Anne Street. For vendor information, call or text (409) 351-5560.