A coach in town is building more than muscle.

Next time you're downtown on Pearl Street, walk into the Tyrrell Historical Library and look up. The stained glass in those windows goes back to when the building was a church.

This week is full of things like that, good stuff hiding in plain sight. The city's 20-year plan heads to council for a final vote. Lamar's own people say it's one of the best colleges in the country to work for. And a coach in town is building a lot more than muscle.

IN THIS ISSUE: The plan for the next 20 years · Why Lamar's people love working there · The gym where people get stronger in more ways than one

THE CITY'S 20-YEAR PLAN HEADS TO COUNCIL

The gist: The Planning and Zoning Commission voted voted unanimously Monday. to recommend approval of Beaumont's new comprehensive plan, the road map for how the city grows over the next 20 years. It covers housing, transportation, economic development, parks, trails, historic preservation, drainage, and the rest of the city's infrastructure. City Council is scheduled to take it up on October 6.

Why it matters: If you've ever wondered why a street floods, where the next trail will go, or what happens to an old building downtown, this plan helps shape the answer.

LAMAR'S OWN PEOPLE SAY IT'S A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

The gist: Lamar University was named a Great College to Work For for the second year in a row. It also made the Honor Roll, which puts it among the top 10 large four-year schools in the country. Lamar was one of just five schools nationwide recognized in all 10 categories, including confidence in senior leadership and job satisfaction.

Why it matters: The ranking is based mostly on surveys of faculty and staff. That means Lamar's own people are speaking, and many of them are your neighbors.

Things To Do

Craft & Share: Mosaic Art
Tuesday, September 22, 10 to 11:30 AM · McFaddin-Ward House Visitor Center, 1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont · Free
Adults 21 and up can make a take-home mosaic piece. Registration is not required, but seating is limited.

Science Lab: DIY Candy Diffusion
Tuesday, September 22, 4:30 to 5:30 PM · Main Downtown Library, 801 Pearl St., Beaumont · Free
Kids can experiment with candy colors and watch diffusion in action.

Wild Child Art Club
Wednesday, September 23, 11 AM to noon · Elmo Willard Library, 3590 E. Lucas Drive, Beaumont · Free
A messy, hands-on hour of abstract art and paint mixing for kids.

Pokémon Card Games
Thursday, September 24, 2 to 3 PM · Main Downtown Library, 801 Pearl St., Beaumont · Free
Bring your cards and play a few rounds, including a chance to challenge library staff.

Afternoon Adventures Storytime
Thursday, September 24, 4 to 4:30 PM · Elmo Willard Library, 3590 E. Lucas Drive, Beaumont · Free
A short afternoon storytime for little adventurers.

Basic Yoga for Kids
Thursday, September 24, 4:30 to 5:30 PM · Main Downtown Library, 801 Pearl St., Beaumont · Free
Kids can try beginner-friendly yoga with calming music. Bring a mat or use one from the library.

Art & Science of Personal Color
Thursday, September 24, 6 to 7 PM · Stark Museum of Art, 712 Green Ave., Orange · Free
Emily Lopez of Beyoutiful Color Analysis gives an interactive talk and live demonstration on personal color analysis.

Boots & Bull Celebrity Waiter Event
Thursday, September 24, 6 PM · Sevenne Hall, 10714 E. Clubb Road, Beaumont
The Nederland Chamber of Commerce brings back its celebrity waiter fundraiser with a western theme. Table reservations are available through the chamber.

Lamar Volleyball vs. LSU New Orleans
Thursday, September 24, 6 PM · McDonald Gym, Lamar University, Beaumont
The Cardinals open Southland play at home with a Thirsty Thursday match.

Spelling Bee for Young Adults and Teens
Friday, September 25, 2 to 3 PM · Main Downtown Library, 801 Pearl St., Beaumont · Free
Teens can test their spelling skills with a clue for each word.

Beaumont Farmers Market
Saturday, September 26, 8 to 11 AM · 6525 College St., Beaumont · Free to attend
Shop local produce, baked goods, honey and more under the pavilion, rain or shine.

Yoga at Cattail Marsh
Saturday, September 26, 9:30 to 10:30 AM · Cattail Marsh, 4233 Babe Zaharias Drive, Beaumont · Free
Start Saturday outside with an all-levels yoga session. Online registration is requested.

CREATE! Pumpkin Door Hanger Workshop
Saturday, September 26, 9:30 to 11:30 AM or 1:30 to 3:30 PM · Stark Museum of Art, 712 Green Ave., Orange · $10
Adults and children 7 and up can make a pumpkin door hanger. Registration is required, and anyone under 18 must attend with a registered adult.

Beginner's Quilting Class
Saturday, September 26, 10 AM to noon · Elmo Willard Library, 3590 E. Lucas Drive, Beaumont · Free
Make a custom quilted bookmark. Participants should already know how to use a sewing machine and must register in person or by phone.

Lamar Volleyball vs. Southeastern Louisiana
Saturday, September 26, 1 PM · McDonald Gym, Lamar University, Beaumont
The Cardinals host Southeastern Louisiana for Club Day.

Prost! The Art of Beer
Saturday, September 26, 1 to 3 PM · Bon Vivant inside Burns Antik Haus, 2195 Calder Ave., Beaumont
Taste four Back Pew beers with 16 grazing-board pairings while a master brewer and sommelier walk through the flavors. Reservations are required.

Encanto Character Meet
Saturday, September 26, 1 to 4 PM · The Yogurt Bar, 6025 Phelan Blvd., Suite D, Beaumont · Free with a frozen yogurt purchase
Bring the kids for Encanto character visits and froyo.

Lamar Soccer vs. Nicholls
Sunday, September 27, 1 PM · LU Soccer Complex, Lamar University, Beaumont
The Cardinals take on Nicholls in a home Southland Conference match.

On Stage

Dani LaCour Music
Tuesday, September 22, 6 PM · The Tree Restaurant Bar and Grill, 434 N. LHS Drive, Lumberton · Free
Steak night comes with live country and Southern rock from Dani LaCour.

Cardinal Jazz Orchestra Concert
Tuesday, September 22, 7:30 to 9 PM · University Theatre, Lamar University, Beaumont · Free
Hear swing-era favorites from Count Basie, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington, plus faculty guest artists.

Movie Night: Some Like It Hot
Friday, September 25, doors at 6 PM, film at 7 PM · Jefferson Theatre, 345 Fannin St., Beaumont · $4 for children 12 and under, $6 for adults
Catch the classic Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon comedy on the big screen.

Justin Alan Payne
Friday, September 25, 7 PM · For the Record, 999 Calder Ave., Beaumont · Free
The East Nashville singer-songwriter brings an alt-country and alt-folk set downtown.

Ron Barrett
Friday, September 25, 7:30 PM · Spanky's Bar & Grill, 1703 N. 16th St., Orange · Free
The Houston-based country singer brings Texas grit and modern country storytelling to Orange.

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
Saturday, September 26, 7 PM · Lutcher Theater, 707 Main Ave., Orange · $33 to $93, fees included
The 15-time Grammy winner brings Kentucky Thunder and a full evening of bluegrass to the Lutcher stage.

Parker McCollum
Saturday, September 26, 7:30 PM · Doggett Ford Park, 5115 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont · Ticket prices vary
Parker McCollum brings his 2026 tour to Southeast Texas. Parking is $15 in advance or $20 on event day.

Dallas Moore
Saturday, September 26, 9 PM · Soggy Bottom Saloon, 11325 Old Voth Road, Beaumont
Settle in for a late-night outlaw country show from a road-tested honky-tonk troubadour.

Mi Cristo Roto
Sunday, September 27, doors at 4 PM, show at 5 PM · Jefferson Theatre, 345 Fannin St., Beaumont · Ticket prices vary
Alberto Mayagoitia presents the stage play in Spanish.

Coming Up

Texas Rice Festival
Wednesday, September 30 through Saturday, October 3 · Winnie-Stowell Park, Winnie · Admission details vary
The annual celebration returns with food vendors, family activities, carnival rides, livestock events and live music.

Beaumont Comic Con
Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4 · Doggett Ford Park, 5115 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont · Ticket details to be announced
The two-day comic convention returns to Doggett Ford Park.

The Official Big Pumpkin Run
Saturday, October 3, Kids K at 7:15 AM and 5K at 7:30 AM · 1500 Lakeshore Drive, Port Arthur · $30 for the Kids K, $45 for the 5K
The scenic route follows the Port Arthur Seawall and finishes with music, pumpkin treats and drinks at Woodrow Wilson Early College High School.

An Evening With Bobby Orozco
Saturday, October 3, doors at 6 PM, show at 7 PM · Jefferson Theatre, 345 Fannin St., Beaumont · $20 general admission or $70 for a family four-pack
Bridge City native, composer and pianist Bobby Orozco takes the Jefferson Theatre stage.

Gabriel Iglesias
Saturday, October 3, 8 PM · Doggett Ford Park, 5115 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont · Ticket prices vary
Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias brings The 1976 Tour: A Fluffy Celebration to Beaumont with all-new material.

Beaumont Oktoberfest 2026
Saturday, October 10, 2 to 8 PM · Rogers Park, 6540 Gladys, Beaumont · Free
I can't wait for this one, so put it on your calendar now. The City of Beaumont's 11th annual Oktoberfest takes over Rogers Park with live music, good food, and plenty for the kids, and it doesn't cost a thing to walk in. Bring the family for the afternoon and stay into the evening with friends.

He keeps the lights on for the kids still finding their groove

In June, Grayson walked into Masters of Fitness with his hair down in his face. He wouldn't talk. He wouldn't look his coach in the eye.

Six weeks later, he was talking, feeling good, and he'd bought himself some new clothes.

His coach saw it coming. Before the first session, Thad King sat down with Grayson's dad and told him exactly how the summer would go. "It played out just like I told him," Thad says.

He knows something about starting over.

Thad is 59, born and raised in Groves. For 31 years, he worked for Jefferson County- the guy who could build anything. Back then, a cold beer was part of every day. Eventually, he'd had enough. He wanted more out of his life, so he laced up and started walking. Every day, 3.82 miles, rain, shine, sleet, or snow.

The walking led to a gym, the gym led to coaching, and in 2021 he and a partner bought the old Golden Triangle CrossFit and rebuilt it as Masters of Fitness Core Performance Gym.

Here's the part most people don't know. Five years in, the gym barely makes money. It pays its bills and carries a few loans. It costs him "a little bit of sleep, a lot of stress." So Thad pays his own way with his hands, building fences and installing doors, and running True Shine Lighting, the holiday and permanent LED lighting business he started last year. He hangs lights so he can keep the gym’s lights on.

What he gets for it doesn't show up on a balance sheet.

One woman came to him, in his words, "extremely uncoordinated." He's trained her two to three days a week for almost six years. She's lost more than 50 pounds and finished half marathons and mini triathlons. "She's completely turned her life around," Thad says, "and that's why I do what I do."

A man who couldn't do a bodyweight squat ten months ago now finishes the Saturday morning workout with everyone else. And a kid who wouldn't make eye contact in June walks in different now.

That's the real work, and it isn't really about fitness. Thad says what he wants is to help every kid he works with become "the best athletes and best human beings they can possibly be." Human beings are the part that matters. A kid who learns he can show up scared and get better doesn't leave that at the gym. He takes it to school, to his first job, to the next hard thing.

None of that makes the news. Most of it, nobody but Thad and a few families will ever see. Add it up anyway. Every kid, every client, every Saturday morning. The difference he's made is bigger than anyone is keeping count of, him included.

He used to think the athletes were the point. He doesn't anymore.

"It's not the athletes. It's the ones that aren't coordinated, the ones that aren't gifted," he says. "You bring them in, and you turn them around. That's what it's all about."

Ask him about Beaumont, and he's honest. You love it, or you hate it, he says. "But all in all, Beaumont's a good place. There's a lot of good, caring people around here."

He's one of them.

Find Thad:

If you've got a kid who could use a coach like this, or you're ready to find your own fitness groove, Thad trains at Masters of Fitness Core Performance Gym, 655 Langham Road #9 in Beaumont. Learn more at mofcoreperformancegym.com, or find them on Facebook at MOF Core Performance Gym.

And when it's time to hang lights, or you need a fence or a door put in right, that's him too. Find True Shine Lighting at trueshinelighting.com or search True Shine Lighting on Facebook.

SPOTTED

Lamar chemical engineering student Layali Abusaleh will lead the student side of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers for the whole Southwest region this year, supporting 11 chapters across Texas and Louisiana. Her advice to other students is to show up, even when you don't know where it leads. Read Layali's story

POSTMARKED

The library that used to be a church

In 1903, First Baptist Church built a grey stone sanctuary at 695 Pearl Street. By the early 1920s, the congregation had outgrown it. In 1923, Capt. W.C. Tyrrell bought the building and gave it to the city for a public library. The Tyrrell Public Library opened in 1926 and served as Beaumont's main library until 1974. Today it is the Tyrrell Historical Library, and the original stained glass is still in the windows.

See this one here

Take a look here

Tour this one here

The good stuff is out there; it's just scattered across a dozen places nobody has time to check. Gathering it up is the whole job.

Pick one thing in here and go do it. Then tell somebody about it.

See you around town.

Jenny Lee · Locally written. Community trusted.