Out and About

Neches River Fest events lead up to coronation, ball

A royal good time … Once again, our fair city kicks off spring with magnificent Neches River Festival events. Beginning with the unmasking of King Neches LXIII at the Collier Ferry Dock on April 5, guests were thrilled when social chairs Melanie Heartfield and Tracy Bean revealed NRF King Thad Heartfield. Observing the presentation were Cornie Heartfield, Knights of the Neches and princes and princesses of the royal court.

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Phelan Mansion event helps Anayat House

“There’s no place like home” … A fundraiser for the Anayat House proved to be a sensational success under the reins of Robin Gerhardt and her tireless committee, who donned ruby slippers to greet guests arriving in costumes from the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz.” The Phelan Mansion made for a perfect venue for this fantastic event. Mid-Life Crisis with the vocals of Jennifer Parker (fab when she sang Barbara Lynn’s song “You Lose A Good Thing”) was followed by the terrific sounds of Three Car Garage.

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Le Grand Bal a pattern for future success

So grand … If you’re holding a fundraiser in the future, the surefire recipe for success would be to honor Judy and James Black and have Michele and Mitch Smith serve as the co-chairs of the event. This past Saturday evening, Lamar University’s College of Fine Arts and Communication hosted the 2011 Le Grand Bal: “Rhapsody in LU” at the Montagne Center. The evening began with cocktails, conversation and perusing of LU student/faculty art available for purchase.

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Spring fundraisers offer ray of hope after winter

Swing into spring … The Arc of Beaumont will sponsor an “Arc Family Spring Fling” for the entire family. Families are invited for an afternoon full of fun activities including an Easter egg hunt, pictures with the Easter bunny, painting flower pots, volleyball and other family games. These springtime events take place on Saturday, March 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Spindletop Center North Campus in Beaumont. There will be a $3 fee for Arc individual participants, $10 fee for Arc families of four or more and a $6 fee for non-members.

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Final tally taken as 2012 gold rush begins

Gold strike … The Art Museum of Southeast Texas held the annual “Go for the Gold” fundraiser last week, and it was a golden success. More museum supporters attended the reverse drawing than ever before. Dynamic duo and GFTG chairs Carla Allen and Linda Foutz did a fantastic job rounding up so many folks to attend this terrific event.

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Hunk of burning love named Mr. Habitat

His royal highness … Everyone’s friend Brad Klein, by channeling Elvis at the Mr. Habitat 2011 competition, won the crown. His first costume was as Elvis in white, and the second Elvis costume was in black and silver — with blue suede shoes! First runner up with his beer-can tool belt was Clark Winslow, and coming in second and third were Ronnie Ramirez and Mike Blueitt. People’s Choice award went to Kevin Steele. Also working their stuff on stage were Gordon Williams, Chuck King, James Johnson and Shane Howard.

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Habitat hunks are in the house

I’m too sexy for my clothes … In the name of fundraising (or is that fun-raising?) nine generous gentleman will vie for the title of Mr. Habitat 2011. Our divine diva Barbara Quinn will emcee, making sure the audience is aware of all of the contestants’ attributes as she keeps the show moving along. It all happens Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Rockin’ A Café. Plan to attend as you support your favorite Habitat guy — Clark Winslow, Mike Blueitt, Gordon Williams, Shane Howard, Kevin Steele, James Johnson, Ronnie Ramirez, Chuck King and Brad Klein.

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Beaumonters show they have heart at AHA benefit

Beaumont has heart … Saturday night, Feb. 12, at the MCM Eleganté Hotel, the third annual Golden Triangle Heart Ball was held in a packed house. The 2011 Heart Ball — “I Left My Heart in San Francisco: A Golden Gate Affair” was chaired by Christina Delgadillo.

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Symphony debs, escorts have a ball

Dazzling debs ... Feted at a slew of stellar parties over the last several months, the 2010 Symphony League of Beaumont presented the 21 beautiful debutants at the 49th Debutant Ball at the Beaumont Country Club this past Saturday evening. The BCC was decorated from floor to ceiling - Who would expect anything less from ball chair Nicole Saba? - and debs, escorts, family and friends were truly impressed.

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