No one wants to think it is a possibility, but all too frequently now there are situations that require citizens to know what to do to live through a situation with an active shooter. It is a horrible thought, but as recently as last week, it was confirmed again that this a new reality here in the United States. One can no longer take safety and security for granted or be complacent about knowing how to handle the worst of situations.
We are fortunate to have secured Sergeant Ken Carona as our speaker. Sgt. Carona has been actively teaching the public about ways to remain safe in the most dangerous of situations. He is the Public Information/Media officer with the Port Arthur Police Department where he has been employed for thirty-one years. Sgt. Carona is a trained Critical Incident Stress Management team member.
Regrettably, this is serious, timely and pertinent information. It is not meant to frighten; it is meant to equip you with life-saving information. Be present to listen and learn.
The meeting on Wednesday will be in the Fountainview Room. If you are planning to bring a number of guests with you, please let the Rotary Office know so that we can arrange for additional seating. Call 409-842-1913. Thank you.
The election of four new Board members and one Foundation trustee will take place at the meeting on Wednesday, December 9. In order to exercise your right to vote, you must be in attendance.
A sample ballot can be reviewed by linking on the image (right) or below:
The Holiday Party will be Tuesday, December 15 at the Lamar University Reception Center, Mary & John Gray Library, 8th Floor. Social will begin at 6:00, followed by dinner at 6:30 and an entertaining program. Tickets will be $50 per person and are on sale now through the online reservations (click here). Of course, you may also make your reservations and purchase tickets at any upcoming meeting.
As is the custom, the President Nominee will be announced on this special occasion. Mark your calendar now for this "don't miss" event to celebrate the holiday!
That's right. You can personally underwrite the donation of a layette bag for a mother and child in Nicaragua and though you will never meet them, you can be assured that your gift is much appreciated.
For only a $50 donation per bag, we will purchase all the required items and see that it reaches someone who needs a hand up.
Make your donation at a meeting and we will supply a gift card so you can let someone know you made the donation in their honor this holiday season!
We will make this opportunity available after the holidays, but offer it now for those interested in the gift-giving option.
We encourage "shopping local" whenever you can but if this holiday finds you doing some online shopping and you plan to purchase through Amazon, please sign up and use an Amazon Smile account.
Anything purchased through AmazonSmile earns 0.5% for the Beaumont Rotary Foundation.
It's easy to start a "Smile" account. Go to: https://smile.amazon.com/. Afterwards, when you start ordering, make sure you log-in through smile.amazon.com instead of Amazon.com for your purchases to add to the Foundations's credits.
One of the newest Rotarians in the world is Jim Malain! Jim is in Claims Management with Entergy, and is eager to get involved and give Service Above Self. (He immediately volunteered and helped with bell-ringing on Saturday!) Jim was welcomed to the club by President Pat Anderson as he was presented with his membership certificate and Rotary lapel pin. Joining Jim (pictured on the right) was John Weitzel, his sponsor. Welcome, Jim!
Friday, December 4 was a wonderful day! The weather was perfect for an outdoor workday, and Rotarians were eager to get it done! With both skilled and unskilled volunteers, the team worked shoulder-to-shoulder to construct a large ramp with a 180-degree turn mid-way. The finished project looks fabulous and functions well. Nothing feels better than a day of good hard work with friends!
Thank you to Shannon Williamson for organizing the project in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity and recruiting volunteer workers. Thank you to all the Rotarians who gave Service Above Self to a worthy project. See all the photos of the day by linking here.
Parkdale Mall was an exciting place to be on Saturday, December 5th! Many people were out doing holiday shopping, and members of the Rotary Club of Beaumont were out helping with the Salvation Army Red Kettle drive.
Every shift reported having a good time and good response with coins making a great noise as they hit the bottom of the kettle. Douglas Fair brought his talent to the scene and enticed some donations by entertaining shoppers with sounds of the season!
Thank you to Michele Cobb for organizing this project and recruiting the volunteers. Thanks also go the Shannon Williamson for overseeing the day of work.
Do YOU know a young professional between 18-30 years old? The Beaumont Rotaract Club is looking for new members who want to serve their community.
If you know someone with a heart for service, please email Lionel at lberry@co.jefferson.tx.us with that individual's contact information. OR invite them to attend the next meeting on December 8th at 12pm at the Beaumont Club (590 Orleans Street, Beaumont).
Invoices for January-June 2016 dues will be sent this week and payment is due by January 1. There will be a link built into the emailed invoice so you need only click on the link in order to be automatically directed to your personal payment page. Please watch your email inbox.
Printed copies will be mailed to those who have requested that form of invoicing; call the Rotary Office at 409-842-1913 now if you do not have that directive in place.
You are asked to please consider a tax-deductible donation to the Beaumont Rotary Foundation for "Service Above Self" at the same time. Your generous donation helps to fund the many projects of the club in our community. Simply add the extra donation to your dues payment and do so before December 31 if you would like the deduction in 2015.
If you would like to process your payment right away, please click on the image above and you will be automatically directed to the secure payment page. And if you would like to mail your check, please send to:
Rotary Club of Beaumont
MCM Elegante, Suite 213
2355 Interstate 10 South
Beaumont, TX 77705
If you need a printed copy of your invoice emailed or mailed to you, or a copy forwarded to another person/office, please phone the Rotary office at 409-842-1913.
Today's Rotary speaker was Doctor Ray Woodard, Lamar Cardinals Football Coach.
Ray Woodard is one of the very few college head coaches to have earned a doctorate degree. Dr. Woodard was eloquently introduced by W.L. Pate who elaborated on the many accomplishments of Ray Woodard.
Ray characterized this past year as the most emotional season of his career:
winning in Waco;
winning over Sam Houston;
rotating the play-time of two significantly injured quarterbacks;
losing the Homecoming game; and
finishing the season at 8-4.
Recruitment for next year is going "very well, and (the coaching staff) will continue to work on the quarterback situation." Initial recruitment is based on the players talents. Having said that, Ray went on to say that the potential recruit is then evaluated during a "home-visit." Equally important to their talent is how the recruit treats and interacts with their family and community.
When asked about athletes academic achievement, Ray mentioned that newer NCAA rules require that the athletes achieve at least 20% of their degree/course-work each year in order to be eligible to play. The two "big money games" for 2016 and 2017 will be University of Houston and North Texas.
Accompanying "Doc" Woodard, and listening intently, was Kade Harrington. Kade played his first two seasons with the Cardinals while injured. This year, Kade was named as one of 3 finalist for the FCS Player of the Year!
With pride, Ray spoke of having the top rushing defense. Listening to the Head Coach speak, anyone could tell that he is very comfortable with his coaching staff as well as the core of his players.
You could feel his optimism about the 2016 season.
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