New SU Coach Receives Big Welcome

Southern University's New Head Football Coach and former Washington Redskins' Assistant Coach Stump Mitchell received a big Texas-sized welcome this weekend. First, the Golden Triangle Southern University Alumni Chapter (which I'm proud to say I'm president of) hosted a dinner for him and his coaching staff along with Athletic Director Greg Lafleur. We also welcomed Alumni Staff. The event took place at Madison's on Friday. The visit is part of a regional alumni tour to get folks excited about the upcoming football season and to raise money for a new football field. Our chapter presented a check to kickoff the fundraiser. This was followed by the HBCU Alumni Mixer which was attended by community leaders and graduates from the various Black colleges including Grambling, Jackson State, TSU, and Prairie View, just to name a few. The next day, the SU group attended the Houston Alumni chapter's annual Crawfish Boil and Fish Fry at Kitty Hollow Park. The event which I also attended is one the chapter's biggest fundraisers which draws hundreds of people. The weekend turned out great for alumni and coaching staff. We want Coach Mitchell to know that the Jaguar Nation is behind him 100 percent and we're looking forward to a great season!

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Want to Run a Marathon?

It's Beaumont's first-ever qualifying Marathon and it will be held on Saturday, May 1 at Lamar University. The Gusher Marathon features a marathon, a half marathon, and a 5k so there's something for everyone. I'm running the 5k. I challenge my friends and FRONT ROW fans to join me. It'll be fun! For more information, go to www.gushermarathon.com

Southeast Texas Outdoor Spring Clean

This Friday, April 30th, the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission (SETRPC) is organizing its annual region wide clean up event called the Southeast Texas Outdoor Spring Clean. During this event, area businesses and residents are encouraged to take a small portion of the day to clean up trash and cigarettes from lawns, parking lots, and driveways. Participating businesses will be recognized in advertisements following the event.

Businesses interested in participating in the Southeast Texas Outdoor Spring Clean should contact Kara Stevens at (409) 899-8444 ext. 6603 or kstevens@setrpc.org.

The SETRPC is trying to promote this event to all southeast Texas businesses and organizations. Please forward this information to any business or organization you think might be interested in participating. This is a great way for businesses and organizations to be recognized for their efforts in improving the appearance of our community.

Elvis Sightings at Champagne and Ribs

The King is still alive. Elvis performed at the Champagne and Ribs fundraiser Thursday night at Cowboy Harley-Davidson. In fact, there were several Elvis impersonators and they entertained the crowd. Hundreds showed up for one of the biggest and best parties of the year. The champagne flowed and the ribs were plentiful! The Babineaux family served as event chairs. The event raises funds for the Gift of Life Prostate Cancer program. Those attending included Paul and Alberta Jones, Van and Alea Greer, Carol Dixon, Audwin Samuel, Pat Avery, Kevin and Jill Roy, Carl Griffith, Ashley Gaston, Tracie and James Payne, Sheldra and Scott Brigham, Alice Ramsay, Teresa Hanson, Tracy and Michelle Byrd, W. Joe Deshotel, and Mario Watkins.

HBCU Event is a Party with a Purpose Friday, April 23

The HBCU Alumni Mixer which will be held on Friday, April 23 at Madison's at 7 p.m. is a party with a purpose. It's purpose is to unite and promote Historically Black Colleges and Universities and to increase alumni participation at the respective schools by bringing together graduates in the Golden Triangle. All HBCU graduates are invited to attend! The role of HBCU's is as important as ever and we need to make sure they continue to help educate and produce tomorrow's leaders. We need your support by attending this event and becoming involved in your local alumni chapter. Please spread the word to your alumni and friends. Lamar University grads are invited as honorary members! We're asking for a $5 donation at the door. Our special guest is Southern University Head Football Coach and Former Washington Redskins Assistant Coach Stump Mitchell.

100 Black Men Celebrate Service To Others

At the 100 Black Men Banquet Friday, it was all about service to others and helping to make the community better. Members say that's what being a part of the organization means. The banquet was held friday at the MCM Elegante. It featured scholarship presentations to area high school students and special presentations by BISD Supt. Dr. Carrol Thomas on the state of the district and Regina Rogers' various programs, IEA Ben's Kids and the Gift of Life program. It also featured a keynote address from its national president Albert Dotson. Additionally, the group also presented a special award to Terry Williams, a vice president at H-E-B, for their support.

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Links' Brunch is an Elegant Affair

It was quite the elegant affair as you would expect at the Golden Triangle Links' annual jazz brunch. The brunch was held Saturday at the Holiday Inn in Beaumont. Hundreds of fashionably dressed women and a few men attended the event which featured a great brunch spread and great entertainment. Those attending included Tracie Payne, Georgine Guillory, Chandra Pegues, Carla Allen, Hargie Savoy, Sondra Louis, Michelle Joseph, Nicole Murray, and Cheryl Black Fitzpatrick, just to name a few.

More Links' Pics

Bradley Wins JP Primary

The second time was the charm for Attorney Anne Bradley. She defeated Ben Collins in the runoff election for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2 on Tuesday. Bradley received nearly 70 percent of the vote. She watched election returns with friends and supporters at home.But it's not over yet. Bradley faces Beaumont City Councilwoman Nancy Beaulieu in the general election in November. Bradley told her supporters her victory proves that "with hard work you can accomplish your dreams."
Meanwhile Tawana Cadien was elected Precinct No. 26 Chairman. She defeated Mary Kirkwood receiving nearly 86 percent of the vote.

Tickets still available for Links' Jazz Brunch

Tickets are still available for the Golden Triangle Links Jazz Brunch on Saturday, April 17 at the Holiday Inn on Walden from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $35. For more information, call (409)212-1111.

HBCU Alumni Mixer Hosts Special Guest

WHAT: HBCU Alumni Association Mixer
WHEN: Friday, April 23, 2010
TIME: 7p.m to 10 p.m.
WHERE: Madison’s on Dowlen
SPECIAL GUEST: Southern University’s New Head Football Coach and Former Washington Redskins Assistant Coach Stump Mitchell.
The HBCU Alumni Association is hosting a networking mixer on Friday, April 23 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Madison’s on Dowlen.
The purpose of the mixer is to bring together alumni from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to assist in recruiting and fundraising for their respective organizations. Representatives include members from Southern University, Grambling State University, Prairie View, Huston Tillotson, Texas Southern, Jackson State, and Howard.
Our special guest is Southern University Head Football Coach and Former Washington Redskins Assistant Coach Stump Mitchell.
Come reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Wear your school colors! A $5 donation is requested.
Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (409) 892-2383 or (832) 428-3461 or go to gtjags@yahoo.com

BAABSE Showcases Talent

Ike and Tina Turner along with the Temptations and a host of other Motown greats made an appearance in Beaumont Friday at the Compro Event Center. Well not the actual singers, but their impersonators at the first annual Beaumont Area Alliance of Black School Educator's talent show. Educators performed songs and dances from Motown and other periods. All I can say is that Southeast Texas has a lot of talented folks. The performances were great and so was the event. Those participating included Joe Stevenson, Jessie Haynes, Camille Briggs, Thurman Bartie, Denise Spooner, and a host of others. Congrats to the committee on a great event!