Honoring Maree Calcote

If you didn't know Maree Calcote, you missed out on a special lady. The late wife of the Rev. Dean Calcote was a fabulous cook, gracious hostess, gifted educator and tireless supporter of Beaumont. One of the ways she improved the city she loved was through Beautify Beaumont. She organized BB - the city's first green organization - in 1987. Her campaign against littering earned her the nickname "The Garbage Lady." It wasn't an insult but a honor.

Tomorrow morning (Tuesday, Nov. 10), Beautify Beaumont will honor Maree at 10:45 with the dedication of the Maree Calcote Greenway, two 100-foot rose gardens that grace the median at the intersection of Phelan Boulevard and Kennedy Drive. Guest speakers include former Mayor Evelyn Lord, Mayor Becky Ames and Rev. Calcote.

As a Master Gardener intern, I'm proud to say Texas Agri-Life and Jefferson County Master Gardeners donated 40 EarthKind roses for the project.

Please consider taking time out from your day to honor a woman who gave so much of her time to make Southeast Texas a better place.