The Rotary Club of Beaumont, TX, is a large and diverse fellowship of inspired business, professional, and civic leaders with significant community connections that foster the ideals of Service Above Self and high ethical standards.
PLEASE make a reservation if you are planning to attend the meeting in person before 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 19 by linking to the reservation form here:
If you are unable to complete the electronic form and would like to be added to the reservation list, please call the Rotary office at 409-842-1913.
ALERT: Please do not attend a meeting or function of the club if you have been exposed to COVID or are exhibiting any symptoms of the illness. Members are strongly encouraged to wear a facemask unless seated at a table. Masks will be available if you do not have one. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance to the room.
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MEETING PREVIEW
October 20, 2021
"DD6: Making Arks Obsolete!"
Dr. Joseph Majdalani, PE, CFM
General Manager
Jefferson County Drainage District 6
Joseph Majdalani began his career in engineering working in Louisiana, Illinois, and California before becoming the Water Utilities Engineer and later Manager for the City of Beaumont Public Works Department. He was tapped as the Assistant Director for Wastewater Operations for the City of Houston Public Works and Engineering Department and was promoted to Senior Assistant Director. In March of 2011, Joe returned to Beaumont to serve as City Engineer in the Public Works Department, and he was then named the Public Works Director. In January of 2020, Dr. Majdalani assumed the duties of General Manager for Jefferson County Drainage District No. 6.
Joseph is a Registered Professional Engineer in Texas, Louisiana, and California. He holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette. He graduated with his Engineering Doctorate from Lamar University in Beaumont, where he served on the Lamar University Civil Engineering Advisory Council. Joseph is also a Certified Floodplain Manager in the State of Texas.
Please join us at the Rotary Club of Beaumont meeting to welcome Dr. Joseph Madjalani who will share information about the plans and progress DD6 has made to minimize the risk of flooding in Jefferson County.
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Head Table for October 20
Invocation:
Gig Langston
Past District Governor
Rotary District 5910
Pledges to USA & Texas Flags:
Virtue Alexander
Grant Writing Manager
Communities in Schools
Introduction of Guests:
Dee Lane
Senior Commercial Sales
Vector Security
Introduction of Speaker:
Dana Timaeus
Managing Partner
The Timaeus Law Firm
Please volunteer for Head Table responsibilities through the sign-up at:
Sleep in Heavenly Peace delivery project; 8:00 a.m., 2950 Milam Street
24
WORLD POLIO DAY!
26
Board of Directors monthly meeting; 11:30 a.m., Eleganté Hotel
27
Deadline for Vocational Excellence Award Nominations; 5:00 p.m.
27
Deadline for applications for Executive Director position
28
Rotary After Hours; 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., at Sharen Kirksey & Leonard Juncker's home, 165 Ridgeland
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END POLIO NOW!
While ending the pain and crippling polio from the world is our primary focus year-round, we still must pause and recognize October 24 which is designated as World Polio Day around the globe. We ARE close to ending the disease which only remains in two countries. Please give to our main focus by donating now to the Beaumont Rotary Foundation (designating for End Polio Now) or to The Rotary Foundation. All gifts up to $1,000 to our Foundation will be matched two-to-one by a generous Rotarian. Please give now.
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Building beds is so much fun but delivering the completed bed to a child or several children in a household is so rewarding. On Saturday, October 23, Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Beaumont and the Rotary Club of Port Arthur will be joined by members of the 100 Black Men of Greater Beaumont and Lamar Rotaract members to deliver dozens of beds! Volunteers will meet at the assembly warehouse at 2950 Milam in Beaumont. Wear your "Rotarian at Work" shirt and be ready to work in a small team to make personal deliveries until around Noon.
On Wednesday, November 17, the Rotary Club of Beaumont will recognize and honor individuals who exemplify a "service above self" attitude in their vocation and daily work. The annual meeting when Rotarians recognize Vocational Excellence Award recipients is a wonderful time to applaud the good work of others in their chosen profession and in our community.
These coveted awards are given annually to community members who demonstrate exceptional service, honesty, and friendliness in performing their jobs. Some past recipients describe receiving this honor as "a treasure," "very special," and "the only time I've received anything like this." If you are observant when patronizing some local businesses, you will see a Vocational Excellence certificate awarded to a recipient in a previous year still hanging proudly where all can see.
We appreciate your support by your nominations of deserving people who you have come in contact with through your business transactions. Now is the perfect way to say thank you to someone who demonstrated to you excellent service in the workplace. Please find a nomination form below; download it and return it to the Rotary office no later than Wednesday, October 27. The committee will review and make selection of those who will be honored and then will allow you the privilege of inviting them to attend the Rotary meeting on November 17 and introducing them to the members and guests.
The Board of Directors has appointed a Search Committee and approved the search process for a new Executive Director of the Rotary Club of Beaumont.
All interested candidates should submit a resume by October 27, 2021 in order to be considered. A formal application will be requested from all candidates selected for an interview.
Resumes can be submitted to the Search Committee through the email address rotaryedsearch@gmail.com or by mail to 2355 IH 10 South, Ste. 213, Beaumont, TX 77705.
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New member
Proposed by
Status
Barbara Newhouse
Teresa Simpson
welcomed on 7-21-21
Deborah Tomov
Leonard Juncker
welcomed on 7-21-21
Joey Kressman
Sheree Pierce
welcomed on 8-04-21
Jacquetta Walker
Jay Wilson
welcomed on 8-04-21
Amy Wilson
Jay Wilson
welcomed on 8-04-21
Rebekah Patin
Cindy Cherry
welcomed on 8-04-21
James Kersh
Diane Bass
welcomed on 8-04-21
Marco Born
Craig Escamilla
welcomed on 8-18-21
Erika Harris
Teresa Simpson
welcomed on 09-01-21
Nicholas Ganjei
Dana Timaeus
welcomed on 09-01-21
Shawn Javid
Dana Timaeus
welcomed on 09-01-21
Misty Fountain
Kevin Reed
welcomed on 09-22-21
Brian Shajari
Ty Coudrain
welcomed on 10-06-21
Angie Hebert
Joanne Brown
welcomed on 10-06-21
Shelby Brannan
Deborah Drago
awaiting Orientation
Kym Johns
Dee Lane
awaiting Orientation
Do you know that when asked why they aren't a Rotarian, many people say that no one has asked them to join!
Haveinvited someone to become a Rotarian?
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What does a Rotarian need most? A "Rotarian at Work" shirt!
If you joined the Club in the past year and did not receive a shirt, or perhaps were given one in the wrong size, let's take care of that! We have a new stock of shirts and will be happy to trade the wrong size for the correct one. Bring the unworn shirt to any meeting and see the Executive Director for a different size, or come by the Rotary office to make a trade. If you do not have a shirt, please also see the ED to get one so you will be ready to be a "Rotarian at Work!"
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Wine Down With Rotary will take place on January 27, 2022! Please support the businesses who are supporting us!
Thank you to our sponsors!
CHAMPAGNE LEVEL - $3,000
JK CHEVROLET-SUBARU
MASON CONSTRUCTION
PINOT NOIR - $2,000 Level
American Valve & Hydrant
MERLOT - $1,000 Level
Common Cents Credit Union Tri-Oak Financial
PINOT GRIGIO - $500 Level
Advanced Pediatric Care - Diane Bass & James Kersh
Bobbie Applegate
H. A. Cherry Enterprises, LLC
Laura & Craig Escamilla
Joe J. Fisher, Jr.
Sharon & Roger McCabe
Patti & Floyd McSpadden
RIESLING - $300 LEVEL
IN-KIND DONORS
AlphaGraphics (formerly The Printery)
Art Museum of Southeast Texas (Lynn Castle)
It's not too late! Become a sponsor for the January 2022 event!
How would you like to see your business or your personal name listed? Please remember, sponsorships for this event are deposited to the Beaumont Rotary Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization and are tax-deductible. The proceeds fund the projects of the Club which include college and LIT scholarships; literacy/reading projects at Martin Elementary; the layette project for Nicaragua; sending students to the youth leadership training called Camp RYLA, and more. Call Sponsorships Chair Cindy Cherry at 409-673-3113 or the Rotary office at 409-842-1913.
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Earl Hines
October 18
Cheryl Bilyeu
October 21
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ROTARY ANNIVERSARIES
We celebrate your
membership in our Club!
Chelsea Tipton
October 19, 2011
10 years
Mark Hall
October 20, 2015
6 years
Cheryl Williams
October 20, 1999
22 years
Peg Towers
October 21, 1987
4 years
James Henges
October 22, 2014
7 years
Sylvester Hill
October 22, 2013
8 years
Glenn McWherter
October 22, 2013
8 years
Dana Timaeus
October 22, 2014
7 years
Randy Shelton
October 25, 2006
15 years
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PROGRAM REVIEW
October 13, 2021
“What ARE Digital Assets?"
Chris Montoya, CFA
Executive Vice President
First Financial Trust
Trent Martin, CFA, CAIA
Vice President & Equity
Portfolio Manager
First Financial Trust
by Marianne Laine
On October 13, Rotary had the privilege of listening to two experts from First Financial Bank, Executive VP Chris Montoya (Abilene) and VP Trent Martin (San Antonio), who explained the basics of cryptocurrencies.
Cryptocurrency is digital currency designed to be used over the internet. There are many different crypocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and others. Bitcoin, which launched in 2007, is by far the largest and best-known. Because a bank or government is not involved, blockchain is a method that is used to keep track of all transactions and ensure security. Each currency has its own blockchain, which is an ongoing record of every transaction made using that currency. Currently, cryptocurrencies are fairly unregulated and are not considered legal tender (rather they are considered securities). As a result, it is more realistic to use cryptocurrencies as an investment rather than as a payment method for use in everyday life.
As with any asset, the value of cryptocurrency is tied to its scarcity and utility. Cryptocurrencies are limited, for example, 90% of Bitcoin has already been mined. It’s a utility to investors, however, depends upon the specific needs of that person.
Mr. Martin and Mr. Montoya highlighted the numerous facts about cryptocurrencies that should be thoroughly considered before investing in them.