The Buzz is the is going to have the best year ever!

september 2015
volume 80 | number 1
a publication of the Junior League of Beaumont
The Buzz is the
JLBee
is going to
have the best
year ever!
I’ve moved
to a new place
and I’d love
to help you
do the same!
Mary Jane
Mary Jane Mouton
409.350.4663
409.860.2900
Put my 32 years of
experience to work for you!
www.maryjanesteam.com
president
table of contents
Bee
message from the
t’s a bit ironic that I have always been drawn
visually to ANYTHING adorned with a bee, I will
be the first one running and squealing the second
one is buzzing around me.
There is no creature more industrious than a
bee. They are master pollinators that play a key
role in the balance of the ecosystem. Bees work together in their
colonies/hives and must coexist in harmony to get the job done.
The bee’s power to build their colonies and carry out their other
responsibilities come from each individual bee’s contribution –
not from the power of one.
To me this is symbolic of the women of the Junior League. We all
play an integral part of making it a success and must work together in harmony to be productive. It’s the perfect
example of teamwork and community and I am honored to a part of
such a magnificent organization.
Now, let’s get busy volunteering!
Thank
you
for all of your work
with our children!
Dr. and Mrs. alvin Prause
www.juniorleaguebeaumont.org
The Power of the
departments
20
President’s Message
Healthy Visions
Education & Training
Member Spotlights
A Day in the Life...
Recipes of the Month
The Latest Buzz
Volunteer Opportunities
Advertising Index
Save the Date
Calendar
features
Annual May Dinner Recap
6,7
Sustainer Farewell
8
New Provisional Welcome:
The League in Bloom
11
Children's Museum Update 16,17
4
12,13
14
18,19
19
20,21
22,23
24
25
26
26
6
In Recognition of Beaumont’s
Historical Spindletop Oil Field
An internal publication of the
Junior League of Beaumont, Inc.
Distributed monthly September-May.
Amber Woodard Norris
Editor
Emily Wheeler
Co-Editor
Therése Shearer
Design/Layout
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 2015-2016 Spinnings editor,
Amber Norris at amwoodard@gmail.com.
We welcome your input!
Spinnings has gone green!
All provisionals and active members will continue to receive Spinnings via email. If you or
someone you know is interested in receiving
a hard copy of our publication, please email
the 2015-2016 Spinnings editor, Amber Norris at amwoodard@gmail.com to be added
to the mailing list. Spinnings is also all over
town, so feel free to pick one up at your favorite boutique, hair salon or headquarters!
Mission Statement
16
2015-2016 Board of Directors
Dana Babineaux
President
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.
Diana Miles
President Elect
Angie McLaughlin
Finance Council Director
Kathryn Fuller
Treasurer Elect
Susan Reese
Recording Secretary
Jamie Due
Corresponding Secretary
Maite Broussard
Communication Director
Kara Hawthorn
Community Council Director
Lindsay Zummo
Membership Council Director
Joslyn Geis
Planning Council Director
Jennifer Byrd
Past President
Michele Smith
Sustaining Advisor
2388 McFaddin | Beaumont, TX 77702
409.832.0873
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september 2015
september 2015
Provisional of the Year, Laine Morrison
Sustainer of the Year, Betty Wells
Active of the Year, Lauren Martin
Neches River Princesses Victoria Johnson and Abby Hall
with their mothers, Sustainers Kerri Abshire and Melanie Hall
May Dinner
Our fabulous Annual May Dinner took place on Tuesday May 12, 2015 at The Laurels. Congratulations to
Sustainer of the Year, Betty Wells, Active of the Year,
Lauren Martin, Provisional of the Year, Laine Morrison
and all other award recipients.
A great time was had by all! Looking forward to another one this year!
Past President, Jennifer Byrd and President Dana Babineaux
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september 2015
september 2015
Sustainer
Farewell
Introducing the
2015 Sustainer Class
Book the perfect
venue for your next
gathering now-...
the holidays will
be here before
you know it!
Starting at just $100 for members
and $200 for non-members, our
After 10 years with the League as an
Active member in good standing or after
reaching the age of 40 with a minimum of
five years of service as an Active in good
standing, JLB Actives may opt to become
a Sustainer. Our Sustainers are an integral
part of the League and demonstrate the
true spirit of the League. These ladies have
certainly done their part to be true to our
mission statement in promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women,
and improving communities through effective action and leadership.
Thank you ladies for your service.
Volunteers do not necessarily have
the time; they just have the heart.
Elizabeth Andrew
Cindy Dinkins Partin
Cindy was a provisional in 2004, Her JLB activities include: Main Street Market Committee, Project Research & Development, Ways
and Means Committee, Planning Council
Director, Nominating Placement Co-Chair,
Membership Council Director, Membership Development Mentor, President Elect,
President, and most recently Past President
and Children’s Museum. Thank you Cindy
for your heartfelt leadership.
newly-renovated facility
is not only beautiful, but
surprisingly affordable.
Non-profit organizations and community
individuals, along with provisional, active,
or sustaining members may rent the house
for wedding receptions, meetings, showers,
birthday parties and other special events.
• Full Kitchen
• Bathroom Facilities
• Seating and Tables
• Wheelchair Access
Junior League
of Beaumont
Headquarters
2388 McFaddin at 8th Street
For appointments or more ­information:
409.832.0873, Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm, or
e-mail jlb@juniorLeaguebeaumont.org
www.juniorleaguebeaumont.org/headquarters.htm
Scarlet Burton Snider
Carole Lee Jones
Scarlet was a provisional in 2004. Her JLB
activities include: Resource Development
Committee, Cookbook Co-Chair, Spinnings
Staff Writer, Main Street Market Publicity
Chair, Nominating, Meeting Arrangements,
and the Children’s Museum. Thank you
Scarlet for all your hard work.
Carole was a provisional in 1999. Her JLB
activities include: Gift of Giving Committee, Gift of Giving Chair, Cookbook Co-Chair,
Cookbook Chair, Tour of Homes, Nominating
Committee, Community Council Director,
KIK Chair, and most recently Project 5210
Chair. Thank you Carole for your dedication.
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The League in
2015-2016 Provisionals
Kristen Burkett
Kellie Chen
Kristin Davidson
Emily Dula
Lynsie Fontenot
Ashlee Garrett
Angela Gill
Julie Goodrich
Gina Guillory
Misti Korry
Leigh Ann Kuchera
Ashlyn Larcade
Valerie Lewis
Meghan Lovell
Jackie Martinex
Ana Montoya
Kaci Olson
Lauren Smith
Lindsay Smith
Rebekah Stanley
Alice Teeler
Janette Tweedel
Kendra Walters
Sarah Welch
Janice Williams
Heather Wise
Katie Zoldak
Is the League a
family tradition?
We would love to know
how many generations of
your family have enjoyed
giving back through
League involvement,
Beaumont or abroad.
ature
Fe
We are proud to welcome our new 2015-2016 Provisional members. We look forward to watching them grow as ladies of the
League. Welcome to the hive!
comin
p
U
g
Bloom
If your family’s love of the
League spans generations,
contact Amber Norris at
amwoodard@gmail.com.
Provisional
Meetings
JLB
April 14th
August 25th
September 29th
October 27th
November 7th
December 8th
January 26th
February 23rd
See page 26
for details.
11
461 Bowie @ Park | downtown Beaumont
409.813.1808
www.sugasdeepsouth.com
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Healthy Visions
Building
BALANCE
By Amber Norris
Runners are everywhere these days! Not just the kind that sign
up for the 5k or the marathon that is coming through town; but
the moms and wives that are running from one activity to the
next. The everyday people who have full calendars and racing
minds, the ones that can forget what they are doing at the drop of
a hat and have not a single speck of free time, those are the runners that can be spotted.
Are you stuck in this hectic and hurried lifestyle? Change can
be easy, just give yourself permission to take a break, a real break!
There comes a time when you can actually accomplish more by
doing less and slowing down. Don’t think twice or feel guilty about
sneaking away for a bubble bath, taking time out of your day to
attend a fitness class, meet a friend for a walk outdoors, or even
scheduling yourself a long massage.
Just be sure that when you take the time to treat yourself,
do yourself a favor; leave your calendar, phone, and your frantic thoughts or worries behind you. Enjoy the silence and your
surroundings so that you leave refreshed and rejuvenated. Notice how it becomes easier to focus, live in the moment, and get
through your daily routines with a little bit of added mental clarity.
DIY Custom Bubble Bath
Essential Oil Uses
Ingredients:
• ½ cup of unscented Castile soap in a liquid form, not solid
• ¾ cup water
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil
1. Pour soap into a medium mixing bowl and slowly add the
water so it won’t bubble over.
2. Stir very gently until mixed.
3. Add sea salt and stir slowly until the consistency of a light gel.
4. Add the essential oil or oil blend that you chose and keep
stirring slowly until well blended.
5. Pour into a pretty bottle with a snug cap
6. Fill a tub with some hot water and pour some of the
bubble bath in and relax.
Here are some suggestions on which
essential oils you may want to choose:
Stress Relief: Chamomile, Lavender,
Lemon, Orange, Vanilla
Anxiety: Chamomile, Cedarwood,
Jasmine, Lavender, Rose, Sandalwood
Self Esteem: Jasmine, Orange,
Grapefruit, Rosemary
Sadness/Grief: Chamomile,
Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender,
Lemon, Orange, Rose, Sandalwood
Fatigue: Ginger, Grapefruit, Peppermint,
Jasmine, Lemon, Rosemary, Sandalwood
Agitation: Chamomile, Lavender,
Orange, Sandalwood
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september 2015
Harnessing the Power of Voluntarism
Adapted from The Association of Junior Leagues International
Decade after decade, the
inspirational service and advocacy of Junior League volunteers not only has helped bring
about many of the privileges
we now take for granted—from
free school lunches to domestic violence shelters and clean
water—but has shaped the
way people think about serving
their local communities, their
nations and the world.
Over the years, The Junior
League has had a profound effect on what it means to live in
modern society. The League experience cultivates women into
thoughtful and seasoned lead-
ers and teaches them how to
take on the toughest problems
of the day and work collaboratively with all involved to arrive
at pragmatic and sustainable
solutions that have enhanced
the quality of life in our culture.
By populating the pipeline of
qualified leadership, they have
enhanced the ability and expanded the capacity of agencies and institutions to care for
the sick, the poor, the abused,
the uneducated and the underrepresented. This is the gift the
women of The Junior League
have given to their communities and it is the message they
have imprinted upon the world.
Among the many reforms in
which The Junior League has
played a role, either in name or
behind the scenes, are:
• Access to vaccinations
for children
• Education and provision
of healthy food and
nutrition for children
• Securing the right to
vote for women
• Providing access
to the arts
• Advancing literacy for
children and adults
• Building awareness for
the inadequacies of the
justice system for adults
and juveniles
• Establishing museums
for children
• Legislation to secure
safe drinking water
• Awareness for the
problem of alcohol abuse
• Support for victims of
domestic violence,
human trafficking and
cyberbullying, and
education of the public
about the issue
To learn more about the legacy of the Junior League, visit
our website at juniorleaguebeaumont.org or alji.org
15
september 2015
Beaumont
Children’s
Museum
The Beaumont Children's Museum
is a community-wide investment in our
children. We are building a museum that is a safe and welcoming place for all children, all families, and for all who care about
children. The hope of the Beaumont Children's Museum is for children to walk through the doors and become part of the interactive
exhibits, dream about what they want to be, and discover new
things. Children will leave curious, inspired, and wanting to learn
more about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Feature Exhibit: Imagination Playground (Photo) This area of
our museum encourages unstructured free play allowing children's imagination to grow. With a focus on
loose parts, the Imagination Playground
offers a changing array of elements
that allows children to constantly reconfigure their environment and to
design their own course of play.
Giant foam blocks, noodles, and
ramps overflow with creative
potential for children to play,
dream, build, and explore
endless possibilities.
september 2015
Touch-A-Truck Day
Saturday, October 17, 2015
10am-2pm
701 Main Street | Downtown Beaumont
Visit our new location inside the Beaumont Civic Center!
Trucks! Fun! Science! Food! Activities!
...and Trucks!
• Hands-on Learning • Fun-Family Time • Community Involvement & Pride
Touch-A-Truck is a community event offering children of all ages a chance to touch, climb, explore
and ask questions about their favorite truck! See dump trucks, police cars, ambulances, utility
vehicles, delivery vehicles, transportation and many other cool vehicles. Meet policeman, fireman
and other community personnel to learn about equipment and how these machines are used to
help keep us safe and serve our community. Crafts, activities, community organization booths, and
kid-friendly food make this a perfect day for the entire family!
beaumontchildrensmuseum.com
16
Museum
Information:
701 Main Street
Beaumont, TX
North Entrance
409-374-7919
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday, Wednesday,
Friday & Saturday
10am to 4pm
Admission:
$5 per person
$4 with Military I.D.
FREE if under
1 year old
17
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september 2015
september 2015
active
Jennifer Phelan
By Emily Wheeler
Stephanie, one of the League's beloved
Past Presidents, enjoys volunteering, travel, reading, shopping, and planning events.
She is starting her second year teaching at
St. Anne Catholic School and she absolute-
ly loves it! Stephanie has been married for
23 years to her wonderful husband, Lanny
Keith Vanskike, and they have a handsome,
kind-hearted son, Lanny James, who is 14.
Your Hometown: Kinda hard to pin point
since I was a military brat. I was born in Ft.
Stewart, GA but moved around a lot. I graduated from Wayne County High School in
Jesup, GA. We lived all over the US, Georgie,
and Japan when I was young, several years
in Savannah, so I usually just say Southeast
Georgia.
Education: Graduated with a BS and a
MEd from Lamar University
What did you aspire to be as a child?
That changed a lot! I actually never thought
of being a teacher when I was a kid. I wanted to be a stewardess or travel agent and
I started my college career in international
marketing, but a certain Texan swept me
off my feet to Beaumont,TX & I changed
my degree a couple times before deciding
on teaching.
Favorite movie or book: Gone with the
Wind is by far my favorite for both but
mostly film
My favorite book... The Awakening or Scarlet Letter
Your favorite guilty pleasure: Jewelry! I
LOVE jewelry!!
The best life lesson you have learned:
You never know the impact you will make
upon others even when you think you are
doing nothing.
People would be surprised to know
that you… spoke Japanese first before
English. We lived in Japan for a few years
when I was younger, and lived in the middle
of rice fields with other Japanese families.
No other American families in our area. I
only played with other Japanese children,
so I picked up the language first. My mom
would become frustrated because she
couldn't understand me. LOL! Unfortunately, I don't speak it now, but wish I did.
Jennifer Phelan, a Beaumont Native and
Texas A&M and University of Texas Medical
Branch graduate, was inspired to join Junior
League because she knows how important it
is to serve our community. Not only is Junior
League an outlet for Jennifer to give back, but
she is heavily involved in St. Anne's church,
serving as the Secretary of the St. Anne's Ladies Board, and she is also a member of the
Beaumont Heritage Society.
Lauren Smith
provisional
sustainer
Stephanie Vanskike
Jennifer is a Physician Assistant and lives
in Beaumont with her husband, Mark, their
two dogs, one cat and four chickens!
What did you aspire to be as a child?
A Dairy Queen worker who could make dip
cones all day :)
Favorite movie or book: Finding Nemo
Your favorite guilty pleasure: Pizza and
wedding cake- I like to think I am a connoisseur of both
Who has influenced your life the most?
My parents- they are great examples of
how I want to be as a parent, spouse, and
friend to others.
The best life lesson you have learned:
To be thankful for everything God has given me. I am beyond blessed.
People would be surprised to know
that you... My husband and I became good
friends with Carlton, from Fresh Prince (Alfonso Rivera), and his wife after being on
our honeymoon together on a small island.
Favorite thing about Texas: Tex-Mex,
Kolaches, and Whataburger- I like food
What are you passionate about?
I am a bit of a nerd and find the human
body fascinating. I always love learning
new things about medicine.
Lauren is a Beaumont Native, Texas A&M
graduate, and wife to Zachary, who she
married in April 2014. She spends her days
teaching swimming lessons and substitute
teaching to give her a more flexible schedule so she can travel with her husband.
Pets: My 2 year old Goldendoodle, Gus, is
my pride and joy. Please ask to see pictures.
I love to show him off at every opportunity!
Favorite movie or book: I'm such a reader. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty was one
of my most recent favorite reads.... Along
with every other book by that author!
Your favorite guilty pleasure: Eating?
Can I say eating?? French fries are my favor-
ite food and I try to order them everywhere I
go! Also, online shopping. That is addicting.
Who has influenced your life the most?
I'm from a very close knit extended family.
I was raised going to lunch every Sunday
at my great-grandmother's. It was a tradition that began when my mom and aunt
were small children and my Mimmie kept
the tradition alive until she passed away at
94. My Mimmie was one of the most Godfearing, loving people the lord ever created
and I was very lucky to be raised with her
as the matriarch of our family. My cousins
are like sisters and I text my grandma almost every day. We still have lunch every
Sunday and not a Sunday goes by that we
don't talk about Mimmie.
Favorite thing about Texas: The ability
to hop from the beach, to one of the biggest cities in the country, to a small farm
town all within less than 90 miles is one of
the greatest things about Texas. It's fun to
have been raised getting to experience all
the different aspects of life that our great
state has to offer.
What inspired you to join the League?
Being from Beaumont, it's nice to be able
to get involved with a group of strong, independent women and have the opportunity to give back to the community that
shaped my life.
19
A Day
in the Life of...
Andrea Stephenson
I joined the Junior League in 2010. My
first placement was Pedi Pals. That year
we finished decorating the Teen Room
at Baptist Hospital, helped Santa take
pictures with NICU babies, made waffles and cocoa for families in the hospital on Christmas eve and decorated
and gave out treats for holidays. I've
been the chair of Transitioning Youth
with CASA and also Membership Development Chair. I just finished serving
on Nominating and Placement Committee and next year I'm looking forward to
getting back to a community placement
as a member of the Transitioning Youth
with CASA committee.
A regular day for me consists of waking up around 6:30, getting ready and
making a cup of coffee on my way out
the door. I'm the Director of Advising,
Counseling and Testing at Lamar State
College-Orange so I spend my days
doing administrative work and helping
students with their academic dreams.
My volunteer job as Chapter Advisor
for Alpha Chi Omega Sorority is where
I spend a lot of time outside my paying
job since I serve as a sister, friend, mom,
mentor, educator and rule enforcer to
nearly 60 college-aged women.
I've been married for six years. When
I have free time I like to plant things in
my garden and tend to the plants on my
patio. I love cooking and having friends
over. On my days off, I like to stay in my
PJs all day while I watch Catfish and
paint my nails.
20
september 2015
september 2015
21
Coriander Pepper Pork Tenderloin
Dining Without Reservations, page 141
Serves 4
simple but
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 tablespoon coarsely ground pepper
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
Combine the garlic, coriander seeds, pepper, brown sugar and soy sauce in a small bowl
and mix well. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade. Pour the remaining marinade into a
heavy sealable plastic bag.Pierce the pork several times with a fork. Place in the bag and
seal, turning several times to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the
refrigerator for 2 hours. Drain the pork, discarding the marinade. Place the pork on a grill
rack. Grill, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat (350-400 degrees) for 12 minutes
on each side or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 160
degrees, basting with the reserved marinade.
Delicious
Beef Tenderloin
Dining Without Reservations, page 125
Serves 8 to 10
4 to 5 pounds beef tenderloin, trimmed
3/4 tsp pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp grated lemon zest
The slow days of summer are drawing to a close. It's time
for busier days, and that means less time to cook! To help
make dinner prep quick and easy here are a few delicious
entrees with a short list of ingredients from Dining Without
Reservations. I'm looking forward to an exciting year of Junior League, as well as working with the Cookbook Committee members, Alicia Kuebodeaux and Julie Weldy.
2015-16 JLB Cookbook Committee
Alicia Kuebodeaux
Julie Weldy
Chair
Co-Chair
Sustaining Advisor
Junior League Cookbooks make wonderful gifts!
Please contact Rachel Scott at rachel.annette@gmail.com
or find one at the following local businesses that
support the League by stocking our cookbooks:
Bando's
Baptist Hospital Gift Shop in Beaumont
Cocomo Joe's
For Heaven's Sake
Fred Miller's
Heartfield Designs
Icing on the Cake- Burns Antik Haus
Veal Marsala
Dining Without Reservations, page 136
Serves 4
Australian Chicken
Dining Without Reservations, page 146
Serves 6 to 8
8 chicken thighs, boned
1 (12 ounce) can apricot nectar
1 envelope onion soup mix
Hot cooked rice
Place the chicken in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the onion soup mix. Pour the
apricot nectar over the chicken.
Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 1 1/4 hours or until cooked through. Bake, uncovered,
for 15 minutes or until the top is brown. Serve over hot cooked rice.
1.5 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter, softened
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
Sprinkle the beef with the salt and pepper. Mix the butter, garlic, parsley and lemon zest in
a bowl. Rub over the beef to cover. Cover with waxed paper. Chill for 1 to 2 hours. Unwrap
the beef and place in a foil-lined 10x15 inch baking pan.
Bake at 400 degrees for 50 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the
thickest portion registers 145 degrees. Remove from the oven. Let stand for 15 minutes
before serving.
Rachel Scott
Rachel Scott
1 tablespoon coriander seeds, crushed
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1.5 pounds pork tenderloin
4 (5 ounce) cuts of veal or pork loin, 1/2 inch thick
Salt and pepper to taste
Flour for dredging
1/4 cup butter
4 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup dry marsala
1/2 cup sweet marsala
1 tbsp butter
Pound the veal to flatten. Season with salt and pepper and dredge in flour. Melt 1/4 cup
butter in a skillet. Add the veal. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Remove to a platter
and keep warm. Add the mushrooms to the skillet. Saute for 2 minutes. Add the dry and
the sweet wine. Bring to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon butter. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper. Return the veal to the skillet. Simmer for 3 minutes
or until heated through.
22
september 2015
september 2015
The Latest
BUZZ
Congratulations to:
Jennifer Breann Abney on her June 13th
marriage to Adam Bell.
Kara and Zack Hawthorn on the birth of
Miller Paderas Hawthorn. He was born on
July 2nd weighing 7 pounds 1 oz. and was
welcomed by his big brother Columbus
John Hawthorn.
Our deepest
sympathies to:
Suzanne Wolfrom and family,
on the passing of her father in
law Rupert Stanton Wolfrom Jr.
The family of Jean Gonsoulin,
past president 1975-1976.
Emily and Jeffery Wheeler welcome Miss
Sofie Helen Wheeler, born on June 11, 2015
at 5:04pm weighing 6lb, 9oz, 20in
Mommy, Daddy and Big Sister Haddie are
so in love!
Lauren and Cash Williams on the birth of
Miss Vivian Nola Williams born June 4, 2015
7lb-9oz, 20.5"
Gillian Maness Jenkins and her husband
Will as they welcome their fourth child, a
daughter, Mary Ellis Jenkins. She is loved by
big sister Hannah and brothers Gates and
Roy Thomas. Mary Ellis is the granddaughter of sustainer Kelli and Tom Maness.
Lindsay, Steve, Zee and Way Zummo welcome Franklin Reimers Zummo born on
June 25, 2015 weighing 9 pounds 2 oz, 21
1/2" long. The family is so excited to welcome another boy!
Jean Elizabeth Johnson Gonsoulin, 78, passed away Wednesday,
June 17, 2015, at Christus Hospital
St. Elizabeth, after a brief illness,
leaving behind a legacy of love for
the family and friends she touched
and service for causes that were
meaningful to her.
She had been a lifelong resident
of Beaumont, Texas, born in 1936 to
her father, Richard Gerald Johnson,
and her mother, Lois Bodemueller
Johnson, and sister to Richard Gerald Johnson, Jr., M.D. Jean lived a joyful life doted on by her loving family.
She graduated from Beaumont High
School and kept up with many of her
childhood friends through the years.
Jean went on to Randolph Macon
Women's College for her freshman
year, and then transferred to The
University of Texas where she joined
the Pi Beta Phi sorority and completed her degree in 1958 in Home
Economics. She forged a lifelong
friendship with her roommate and
sorority sister, Carol Corley Nelson,
of Austin, and they continued to
travel together through the years.
Jean returned to Beaumont following her graduation and shortly
thereafter met Dewey J. Gonsoulin, of
Houston, on a blind date. They quickly
realized they had met their perfect
match and three months later got
engaged. They married April 25, 1959,
in Beaumont, at St. Anne Catholic
Church, and embarked on a fifty-six
year love story that was filled with
experiences they cherished each
and every day. They had three children, Jean Elizabeth Gonsoulin, of Los
Angeles, California, Anne Gonsoulin
Figueiras, of Beaumont, and Dewey J.
Gonsoulin, Jr., of Houston, who were
the joys of their lives. Jean took such
pride in each of their accomplishments and devoted herself to raising
them and supporting them with a
ready ear to listen, a solid shoulder to
lean on, and unwavering love to sustain them long after they left home.
She was thrilled when her family expanded to include daughter-inlaw, Karen Krueger Gonsoulin, wife
of Dewey Gonsoulin, Jr.; and eight
grandchildren, Caroline Elizabeth de
la Houssaye, of Santa Barbara, California, Catherine Anne Figueiras, of
Beaumont, Mark Anthony Figueiras,
of Beaumont, Michael Dewey Figueiras, of Beaumont, Elizabeth Rose
Figueiras, of Beaumont, Dewey Jude
Gonsoulin III, of Houston, Emily Ruth
Gonsoulin, of Houston, and Robert
Griffin Gonsoulin, of Houston. Her
grandchildren are a reflection of the
unimpeachable character, dignity and
compassion she herself modeled.
Beyond her dedication to her family, Jean was committed to giving her
time and talents to causes that were
meaningful to her. She was a longtime member of the Junior League
of Beaumont, where she served as
president, Beaumont Symphony
League, Beaumont Heritage Society, Neches River Festival, Buckner
Village, and was a strong supporter
of her sorority Pi Beta Phi and Randolph Macon Women's College as an
alumnae. Jean adored horticulture
and took great joy in her involvement and leadership in the Garden
Club of America and the Magnolia Garden Club. She was an active
member of Trinity United Methodist
Church and took joy and comfort in
the spirit of her church family.
It's always difficult to sum up the
entirety of one's life in a memorial
tribute and feel that adequate justice
is done for the impact they made
while here on this earth. Fortunately,
those whose lives were touched by
Jean throughout her seventy-eight
years know what an extraordinary
woman she was, beautiful inside
and out, with a grace and dignity
that served her through to her last
moments. While she, as well as we,
wish she were here for even a few
moments more, our memories of
her are burnished forever in our
minds and in our hearts.
23
Memorial contributions may be
made to Trinity United Methodist
Church, P.O. Box 5247, Beaumont,
Texas 77726; Magnolia Garden
Club, 148 South Dowlen Road, #642,
Beaumont, Texas 77707; or to a
charity of one's choice.
Published in Houston Chronicle on June 21, 2015
24
september 2015
september 2015
Ongoing
advertiser
Advertiserindex
Index
Opportunities
Some Other Place
Soup Kitchen
1155 McFaddin, Beaumont
Tuesday-Friday, 8:30am-12pm
Saturdays, 10-11:30am
Meals on Wheels
Vehicle required, some in-town driving.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday &
Friday, 10:30am-1:30pm
Community Center
1240 McFaddin, Beaumont
Call 409-892-4455 for details.
Maurine Gray
Literacy Depot
1205 Franklin Street, Beaumont
Monday-Thursday, 9am-8pm
Friday, 9am-5pm
Call 409-835-7294 for details.
Volunteer screening process required.
Contact: Barbara Beard at
bbeard.ci.beaumont.tx.us
ARC of Beaumont
700 North Street, Beaumont
Adult Social Club
3rd Thursday of the month, 6-8pm
Call 409-838-9012 for details.
Southeast Texas
Food Bank
3845 S. MLK Jr. Parkway, Beaumont
Family Box Day
2nd Saturday of the month,
8:30-11am
OASIS, A Repsite Ministry
Trinity Methodist Church
3430 Harrison, Beaumont
Seniors with Alzheimer/Dementia
Thursdays, 9:30am-1:30pm
Call 409-892-8121 for details.
Catholic Charities
Hospitality Center
3959 Gulfway Drive, Port Arthur
Soup Kitchen
Monday-Friday, 10:30am-12:15pm
Call 409-924-4406 for details.
All dates and locations are determined by
the organizations and subject to change.
If your organization would like to list a
volunteer opportunity please contact
Spinnings to submit the information.
Out & About
for your
Real Estate
Needs
Albert Nolen
409-866-9129
409-656-5100
3550 Dowlen Road
Suite A
Beaumont, Texas
www.americanrealestate.com
Air Comfort, Inc.
Beaumont Children's
Museum
Bellard DDS
Bill Clark Pest Control
Blooms by Claybar
Christus Hospital
Classic Forms
& Products
Clinical Pathology
Laboratories
Coburn's Kitchens
& Baths
Coffman Law Firm
For Heaven's Sake
Gift of Life
Harbor Hospice
10
22
22
12
7
26
12
25
9
25
16
3
28
Hope Center
The Laurels/K&K Designs
Mathews Jewelers
McManus Co.
Mary Jane Mouton
Mehaffy Weber
The Meridian Day Spa
at HWC
Munro's Dry Cleaning
Albert E. Nolen
Dr. Alvin Prause
Southeast Texas
Vein Clinic
Suga’s Deep South
Cuisine
Clark White
Zummo Meat Co.
24
21
18
15
2
23
13
13
24
4
17
11
4
23
The Junior League of Beaumont would
like to extend a sincere thank you to
our advertisers for your support.
We appreciate you!
For information on how you can advertise with us, contact Resource Development at
409.832.0873 or jlb@juniorLeaguebeaumont.org
25
september 2015
september 2015
2015-2016 Sch ed ul e of E ven ts
26
General Meetings
Council Meetings
Communication Council
Budget Hearings
6 pm Social, 6:30 pm Meeting at the Laurels
September 8th
October 13th
Neighborhood
November 10th
December 3rd
MSM, Civic Center
January 12th
February 9th
March 22nd
Placement, TBA
April 12th
May 10th
May Dinner
5:15 pm before General Meetings
6 pm at Headquarters
November 10th
January 12th
March 22nd
Finance Council
October 5th
Finance Council & Committee
November 2nd
Finance Council
November 30th
Finance Council & Committee
January 4th
Finance Council
February 1st
Finance Council & Committee
February 29th
Finance Council
April 4th
Finance Council & Committee
May 2nd
Finance Council
Board Meetings
at Headquarters
September 1st, 6 pm
October 6th, 11:30 am
November 3rd, 6 pm
December 1st, 11:30 am
January 5th, 6 pm
February 2nd, 11:30 am
March 1st, 6 pm
April 5th, 11:30 am
May 3rd, 6 pm
Transitional
March 7th
Communication, Membership,
Planning & Community Councils
March 8th
Finance Council
Membership Council
11:30 am at Headquarters
October 7th
December 9th
February 3rd
April 6th
Planning Council
6 pm at Headquarters
September 21st
November 9th
February 8th
April 11th
Fundraiser:
“A VERY MERRY MAIN STREET MARKET!”
Provisional Meetings
6 pm Social, 6:30 pm Meeting at Headquarters
September 29th
October 27th
November 7th, 9 am
Super Saturday
December 8th
January 26th
February 23rd
Thursday, December 3rd, 2015, 4-9 pm
Friday, December 4th, 2015, 10 am-7 pm
Saturday December 5th, 2015, 10 am-5 pm
Main Street Market is the Junior League of Beaumont’s annual
fundraiser. All proceeds support the League’s continual work
throughout the community through projects, community assistance funds and scholarships.
september 2015
Sunday
M onday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1
Board Meeting
6pm Social, 6:30 pm Meeting
at JLB Headquarters
2
T hursday
Friday
Saturday
3
4
5
9
10
11
12
Happy Birthday
Cindy Partin
Happy Birthday
Aily Powell
6
7
8
General Meeting
6pm Social, 6:30 pm Meeting
at The Laurels
Happy Birthday
Alison Berry-Low
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
21
22
23
24
25
26
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Celeste Ramsey
Jennifer Wright
Happy Birthday
Julie Goodrich &
Chaysen Wischnewsky
20
Planning Council
Meeting
6pm at JLB Headquarters
27
28
Happy Birthday
Chrystal Peplinski
29
Provisional Meeting
6pm Social, 6:30 pm Meeting
at JLB Headquarters
30
Happy Birthday
Joan Do
27
2388 McFaddin • Beaumont, Texas 77702
Permit No. 22
Beaumont, Texas
PA ID
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage