If you are attending in person, please you usethis linkto make a reservation by May 18, 2026.
Our speaker this week is someone whose life changed because of a single decision-a decision that most of us might never expect to face.
Kayla West is a wife of nearly 16 years, a proud mother of two, and a full-time hygiene coordinator here in Southeast Texas. She is also the founder and Vice President of SETX Leukemia Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing awareness about bone marrow donation and supporting local families facing leukemia and lymphoma.
What began as one simple act of willingness grew into a mission that is now impacting lives throughout our community.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Invocation
Diane Thompson
Executive Director
Big Thicket Association
Pledges
Brooke Morrow
Executive Director
Reaud Guest House
Introduction of
Guests
Gigi Mazzola
Physician's Liaison
SETX Cardiology Associates, Vascular Center & Vein Clinic
Introduction of
Speaker
Stephanie Harris
VP, Marketing & Communications
Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas
Please volunteer for Head Table responsibilities through the
Board of Directors at 11:30 AM- Foundation of SETX
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Carrie Meyers, Boys and Girls Club of America
Rotarians are going to Martin Elementary for our literacy project! The first step was for students to pick 10 books out of 40 options, which took place May 5. Now, we will go back to fill those bags and distribute them to the students on May 22, 2026 at 8:30.
The May 13 Rotary Club meeting was a heartfelt tribute to the men and women of the Beaumont Police Department, celebrating their dedication, professionalism, and vital role in keeping the community safe.
President Uliana Trylowsky opened the program by thanking the Rotary Club for its ongoing support of the Beaumont Police Department and emphasizing the importance of publicly recognizing those who perform extraordinary service, often without fanfare. The program chair, Shannah Quinn, did a fantastic job on pulling everyone together to help the Rotary Club show their appreciation to the police department. She introduced Chief Tim Ochnacek, who has more than 40 years of law enforcement experience, including military service and multiple roles within the Beaumont PD. A presentation on Chief Ochnacek’s distinguished career set a tone of deep appreciation for the department’s leadership and long-term commitment to the city.
Ride-Along Experiences
Attendees gained insight into the daily realities of policing through personal accounts of ride-along experiences. Dena Hughes shared her time spent with Officer David Neal, describing the complexity of calls officers handle and the meaningful connections formed with community members. Hughes also recounted her own ride-along, highlighting the challenges officers face, the split-second decisions required, and the critical need for empathy, trust, and partnership between law enforcement and the public. She encouraged more community leaders and residents to participate in ride-alongs to build stronger understanding and relationships.
Awards Ceremony
The heart of the program was the recognition of outstanding service:
Life-Saving Awards were presented to officers whose quick thinking and decisive action prevented a potential suicide.
The Special Response Team received a unit award for their professionalism and community-oriented approach to managing public gatherings.
Tia Antwine, Dispatch Supervisor, was honored for her excellence in public safety communications.
A special remembrance was given to Canine Drax for his dedicated service and lasting impact on the department and community.
Closing and Donation
Mayor Roy West delivered closing remarks, expressing gratitude for the courage and humility shown by Beaumont police officers in their daily work.
The meeting concluded on a high note with the presentation of a $3,000 donation from the Rotary Club to the Beaumont Police Department’s Take Me Home program. Carolyn Lewis from the department explained how the program uses a confidential registry to help quickly locate individuals with cognitive disabilities who may wander from home. The registry is accessible only to dispatch, responding officers, and the Real Time Crime Center, making it a vital safety net for vulnerable residents.
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