Mayor Roy West has designated January 17 as 'Eloise Milam and Melody Maids Day' in Beaumont, celebrating a group whose musical legacy uplifted both the community and U.S. troops worldwide.

 

The Melody Maids, guided by music teacher Eloise Milam from 1942 to 1972, performed for soldiers across the globe, earning admiration as symbols of hope and unity in times of conflict.

 

Their story is captured in a new documentary, 'The Melody Maids Movie,' directed by Kai Jai Conner. The film, featuring rare photos and personal stories, shows their remarkable impact.

 

The premiere at the Jefferson Theatre on January 17 includes a Q&A with former Melody Maids and a live musical tribute.

 

Presented by the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, the event highlights the enduring influence of Eloise Milam’s vision—morals, manners, and music—that shaped generations in Beaumont.

Beaumont will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy with the 57th Annual MLK Parade on Monday, January 20, 2026.

 

The Martin Luther King Jr. Support Group of Southeast Texas will organize the event, kicking off at 10:00 AM in downtown.

 

Schools, churches, civic groups, and families from across the region will gather for the festive procession.

 

Spectators can expect lively floats, high-energy marching bands, and dance teams celebrating Dr. King's message of unity and equality.

 

This year introduces a new community service initiative.

 

Participants are asked for a $5 vehicle donation, with proceeds benefiting the Southeast Texas Food Bank after parade costs.

 

Walkers and attendees can also give voluntarily, with all donations supporting local hunger relief.

 

Parade lineup begins at 8:30 AM at Beaumont City Hall, and contributions may be made on-site or at partner locations.

 

Celebrate Dr. King's vision and help uplift neighbors in need.

Beaumont is set to come alive as Pardi Gras 2026 brings its high-energy celebration to the Beaumont Civic Center this Saturday, January 17, from 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM.

 

The annual event, hosted by Southeast Texas Circle of Hope, fuses Mardi Gras festivities with a compassionate mission—supporting local families facing medical hardships.

 

Guests can enjoy vibrant decorations, lively music, and spirited dancing, all while making a difference in the community.

 

A silent auction will showcase unique prizes, with proceeds directly benefitting residents in need.

 

Attendees can also savor a spread of local dishes and refreshing drinks, adding to the event’s festive atmosphere.

 

The Circle of Hope continues its dedication to helping families through difficult times, embracing the motto “Helping one family at a time.”

 

Tickets are available now, promising a memorable night for a great cause.

Many women notice subtle shifts as menopause begins—like forgetfulness, restless nights, and sudden warmth—but these changes are often dismissed as stress or overlooked.

 

Menopause and perimenopause can arrive without clear signals, leaving symptoms to quietly blend into everyday life.

 

Lack of awareness may cause months or years of uncertainty before the real reason becomes clear.

 

Historically, topics like puberty and pregnancy are openly discussed, yet menopause remains a quiet subject, leaving women with unanswered questions and insufficient support.

 

Beaumont WELLness for Women at 6755 Phelan, Suite 24 A, is closing this gap by providing personalized care and resources for women navigating menopause.

 

Virtual and in-person support options—such as programs from Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas and Novant Health—help women find community and expert guidance.

 

Recognizing these signs is the first step; support and understanding are always within reach in Beaumont and beyond.

Beaumont, Texas will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Spindletop oil discovery with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at Spindletop Park on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

 

This landmark moment from 1901 ignited the modern petroleum era and forever changed both the local community and the global energy landscape.

 

The Beaumont Heritage Society, together with Jefferson County organizations, will unveil new interpretive panels featuring historic photographs and firsthand accounts from the Spindletop era.

 

These engaging displays are free to the public and available year-round.

 

Co-author Judith Linsley, known for “Giant Under the Hill,” will offer her perspective during the anniversary event.

 

All are welcome to attend and enjoy light refreshments, remarks from local leaders, and the chance to reflect on a story that put Beaumont on the map.

 

As 2026 begins, Beaumont, Texas, is buzzing with flavorful festivities that spotlight the city’s culinary spirit.

 

The Southeast Texas Whiskey Festival returns to the Beaumont Civic Center on January 10, offering whiskey enthusiasts a chance to sample over 400 top-shelf selections from more than 100 distillers.

 

This immersive tasting experience also supports Cure Rare Disease, channeling all proceeds to genetic medicine research.

 

The energy continues January 17 as the upbeat Beaumont Pardi Gras takes over the Civic Center, blending live music, dancing, and a silent auction for a cause, thanks to Southeast Texas Circle of Hope.

 

Barbecue lovers will gather at Terrell Park on January 24 for the Golden Triangle Pitmaster/Foodfest, featuring smoky local favorites, live entertainment, and community fun.

 

Beaumont’s early-year events let locals and visitors savor the region’s rich food culture while giving back.

As Southeast Texas welcomes the New Year, local officials are urging residents to be cautious with fireworks due to ongoing wildfire concerns.

 

Jefferson County recently lifted its outdoor burn ban after improved drought conditions, but leaders emphasize that dry grass and wind remain major wildfire risks.

 

Firefighters warn that just one stray firework can spark a blaze when it lands on parched vegetation.

 

Celebrating safely means choosing public fireworks shows hosted by professionals or non-flammable alternatives at home.

 

If using personal fireworks, residents should stay in open areas, keep away from dry grass, have water handy, and never leave fireworks unattended.

 

By following these precautions, families can enjoy New Year festivities while helping protect their neighborhoods from dangerous wildfires.

For too long, menopause remained a quiet, often overlooked chapter in women’s lives.

 

Now, that silence is breaking as conversation blooms with honesty, humor, and fresh understanding.

 

Women in Beaumont are speaking up, openly discussing everything from hot flashes and shifting identities to laughter, grief, and new freedoms during this transition.

 

Local groups and organizations are responding, with dedicated events, workshops, and specialized healthcare services offering real support to women navigating menopause.

 

This collective openness is forging deeper connections and understanding throughout the community.

 

The result is a welcoming space for sharing real stories and learning together—reminding everyone that no one is alone on this journey.

 

In Beaumont, women’s health is finally center stage, and this growing dialogue is lighting a path for others to follow.

Beaumont’s culinary scene is buzzing with new arrivals, bringing fresh flavors and unique dining experiences to the community.

 

The first Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Jefferson County has opened on Phelan Boulevard, transforming the former Apricot Lane Boutique into a welcoming spot for signature sandwiches.

 

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is now serving up smoothies, Açaí bowls, and healthy eats at 249 North Dowlen Road, with owner Damien Cope eager to enrich local dining options.

 

Looking forward, Sultan Mediterranean Grill and Lounge will launch on January 3, 2026, at Calder Avenue, inviting guests to enjoy authentic Lebanese cuisine and a relaxing hookah lounge.

 

Meanwhile, Hearsay Beaumont readies for its May 2026 debut on Bowie Street, blending historic charm with creative cuisine.

 

These openings highlight Beaumont’s dynamic, ever-evolving food landscape, giving locals even more to savor.

In a touching moment at the Beaumont City Council meeting, Frances Bowman, a longtime resident, presented each council member, along with city officials, a single rose as a gesture of love for her community.

 

Bowman’s act underscored the importance of kindness and unity, especially as Beaumont faces ongoing challenges.

 

Her heartfelt words, delivered personally to each official, reinforced the bond between the city’s leadership and its residents.

 

Council members received the gesture warmly, recognizing Bowman’s decades of community involvement.

 

This inspiring act followed the Council’s approval of stricter short-term rental rules—requiring safety inspections and extending hotel taxes to Airbnb and VRBO—along with new regulations for gaming and fire department staffing.

 

Bowman’s small action stood as a reminder of unity and mutual respect as Beaumont continues to grow and adapt.