"Prisoner Reentry: Reducing Recidivism in Southeast Texas"
John B. Ross Assistant United States Attorney Eastern District of Texas
John B. Ross works for the Department of Justice as an Assistant United States Attorney for the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Texas. He currently serves as the Prevention and Reentry Coordinator for the District.
Since his appointment to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2007, Ross has prosecuted a variety of criminal cases, including racketeering, gun trafficking, narcotics trafficking, Hobbs Act robberies, bank robberies, carjacking, capital crimes, and other violations of federal law.
In 2014, Ross was recognized with the DOJ Director’s Award for Superior Performance by an Assistant United States Attorney. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ross was Assistant District Attorney for twelve years in Jefferson County, where he prosecuted a wide variety of state criminal cases.
* * * * * * *
Head Table for April 25
Invocation:
Michael Perez
Loan Originator
Gateway Mortgage Group
Pledges to USA & Texas Flags:
Chad Mason
Vice President of Administration
Mason Construction, Ltd.
Introduction of Guests:
Rebekah Maxwell
Coordinator, Reaud Honors College
Lamar University
Rotarian of the Day:
Elaine Shellenberger
President/CEO
Nutrition and Services for Seniors
Introduction of Guest Speaker:
Randy Fluke
Assistant U. S. Attorney
U. S. Government
Would you like to take part in the weekly meetings in a more active role? Don't wait to be asked. Volunteer for one of the weekly assignments! Choose your role and a date that is convenient. Contact Barry Bryant at 409-656-4108 or bbryant@billclarkbugsperts.com.
* * * * * * *
CALENDAR OF ROTARY EVENTS
(Club events & opportunities for meeting makeups)
APRIL
24
Board of Directors meeting, 11:45 a.m., Art Museum of Southeast Texas
24
OPEN meeting (all invited) of the 2018-19 Program Committee, 5:15 p.m.; location changed to: 620 20th Street
26
Rotary After Hours, 5:30-7:00 p.m.; location TBA
27-29
District Conference in Palestine, TX
* * * * * * *
Have you ever been curious about how someone becomes a speaker at one of the Club meetings? Have you heard someone make a presentation at a meeting or a workshop that really captivated the audience? If you are interested, you could be an excellent member of the Program Committee which selects and secures speakers for the weekly meetings. Plan to attend an open meeting of the committee with Chair Pat Calhoun to begin planning programs for the 2018-2019 Rotary year.
* * * * * * *
WE ARE ONLY A FEW MORE RESPONSES AWAY FROM REACHING 40% - AND APRIL 30TH IS COMING QUICKLY! ! !
Those members present at the meeting on April 11 learned what this teaser was all about. Strategic Planning Chair Craig Escamilla made the exciting announcement that the Committee is steadily making significant progress towards their goals.
The next step in their plan is to learn more from YOU, our members, about why you became a Rotarian and about why you stay in the club.
Is it the many opportunities for service?
Is it the interesting speakers?
Is it the opportunity to network with other community leaders?
Is it because of the many friendships?
Is it for some other reason?
If you didn't complete a survey yet, please complete the online version which you will find accessible through this LINK.
Put your name on your responses only if you wish to be entered in the drawing for a $100 gift certificate to Debb's Liquor. The drawing will only take place on May 2 if we have 40% or more of our members answer the survey by April 30. Encourage your fellow Rotarians to respond; as of this date we are getting close but not to 40% yet!
Questions? Call the office at 409-842-1913.
* * * * * * *
Soap Box Derby Pit Crew Needed!
Want to enjoy a great morning enjoying the beautiful weather? We've got the perfect opportunity for you to do that while you provide a great service! The Rotary Club of Beaumont has traditionally helped the Spindletop Rotary Club by providing food and beverages to the members of their club as they hold the annual Soap Box Derby.
Allan Higgins, Chair of this year's Pit Crew, is asking you to come out and enjoy providing a real service to fellow Rotarians on Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6. Only a few people are needed in the early morning hours to serve a light breakfast, with a larger group needed for the lunch shift when sandwiches are prepared and served.
According to research, students without access to books during the summer months fall behind in reading when compared to those who have easy access to books in their homes and/or visits to the local library. That theory readily asserts that children need to own books that they can read and enjoy when school is not in session and they have limited access to books. This idea caused the Board of Directors to design our next literacy project: to give students of Martin Elementary books to read to keep their love of reading alive during the long summer months. The principal has eagerly agreed to have the first grade students benefit from this project which is being funded by the Beaumont Rotary Foundation and a matching grant from Rotary District 5910.
On Friday, April 20, a group of Rotarians went to school at Martin Elementary School and one-by-one allowed every first grade child to browse an array of books and choose a number of them that he/she had an interest in reading. These books will be purchased for the child to take home as their own personal home library.
If you missed this opportunity to "go to school," don't worry. Chair Matt McCallon will organize other dates when Rotarians will be needed to label each book, personalizing it for the child. The bags of each child's personal library will be sent home during the last week of the school year.
* * * * * * *
Welcome to the Newest Rotarian in our Club!
President Tim Sudela was happy to welcome the newest member of the Rotary Club of Beaumont, Wade Floyd. Wade, Associate Pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church and an avid Astro's fan, was sponsored by Sheree Pierce. Wade was introduced by President-Elect, Lynn Castle. Welcome to the club, Wade.
* * * * * * *
Ryan Smith
April 23
Mike Stankovich
April 26
Jimmy Booker
April 28
Bill Clark
April 29
Deborah Drago
April 29
Don Thompson
April 30
* * * * * * *
We send wishes for a quick recovery to our friends and fellow Rotarians who are ill, are anticipating or recovering from surgery, or just in need of encouragement and support.
Rob Glassey
Jay Johnson
Roger McCabe
If you know of others who should be added to this list, please advise the office staff at 409-842-1913.
* * * * * * *
PROGRAM REVIEW
April 18, 2018
"Celebrating Outstanding Youth!"
by Paula Bothe
The Rotary Club of Beaumont has many rich traditions and a splendid past. This meeting provided a glimpse of the future and what a bright future it will be! The club welcomed new member Wayne Floyd, Associate Pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church.
Jim Baxter, Youth Services Lane Chair, was justifiably proud of every one of the Interact Clubs.
Four high school Interact Clubs were represented by some of the best and brightest students. The clubs included those from West Brook High School, Monsignor Kelly High School, The Central Medical Magnet High School, and Ozen High School. The Interact Club presidents of each school gave ample evidence of their involvement in public service. They also spoke about the mutual assistance and cooperation that their clubs provided for all the projects.
Marij Janjua
West Brook High School
Elizabeth Peeler
Monsignor Kelly High School
Victoria White
Central High School
Ben Harris
Ozen High School
Marij Janjua, President of the West Brook Club, Elizabeth Peeler, President of the Monsignor Kelly High School Club, Victoria White, President of the Central Medical Magnet High School Club, and Ben Harris, President of the Ozen High School Club each gave bright, articulate speeches and spoke with pride about their club’s accomplishments and goals for the future.
Following the student presentations, Rotary Scholarship Chair, Craig Hatcher presented two scholarships. These scholarships have been presented annually since the early days. The scholarships total $8,000 per student over four years. More than 54 students applied for the scholarships. This year’s recipients were Victoria White and Marij Janjua. Marij’s mother, Aishu Janjua and Victoria’s parents, Renella and Robert Sells, attended the meeting.
Today’s Interact Club members are ample proof that Rotary will have a future filled with members who truly understand and demonstrate Service Above Self.
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
