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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.
Speakers
Oct 01, 2025
Judge John Stevens
Judge, Criminal District Courts
Oct 08, 2025
No Meeting- Wine Down With Rotary Week
Oct 15, 2025
Dr. Robert Sotolongo
Southeast Texas Cardiology Associates Vascular and Vein Clinic
Oct 22, 2025
Fire/EMS Special Recognition
Oct 29, 2025
Polio Program
Nov 05, 2025
Kenneth Williams
City Manager, City of Beaumont
Nov 12, 2025
Veterans Day
Nov 19, 2025
Vocational Excellence Awards
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Walk to End Alzheimer's
Oct. 04, 2025
 
Wine Down With Rotary 2025
700 Crockett St
Oct. 09, 2025 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time (UTC-05:00)
 
Wine Down With Rotary Sponsorships
700 Crockett Street
Oct. 09, 2025 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time (UTC-05:00)
 
Sleep In Heavenly Peace
Oct. 18, 2025
 
Holiday Party
Dec. 16, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
 
View entire list
Sponsors

American Air Systems

Wathen DeShong & Junker, L.L.P.

ExxonMobil

TriOak Financial Group

Mason Construction, Ltd.

Entergy

Beaumont Enterprise

Interested in being a sponsor?
Download the website sponsorship guide
Subscribe to Bulletin
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Click here to sign up!
October 1, 2025
Vol. 113, No. 14
2355 IH 10 S
Beaumont, TX  77705
Phone: 409-842-1913
If you are attending in person, we ask that you use this link to make a reservation by Monday, September 29, 2025. 
  
 

JOHN BURCH STEVENS JR.

EMPLOYMENT

Since 2007 Judge – Criminal District Court for Jefferson County, Texas

2006           Contract Attorney at Law

1985-2005 Assistant United States Attorney, Eastern District of Texas

                  Beaumont, Texas

1993-2002 Criminal Division Chief; Chief of the Beaumont Division

2005           Trial Attorney for the Capital Case Unit, Criminal Division

                   United States Department of Justice

1981-85     Associate Attorney with Provost, Umphrey et al., Attorneys at Law

                  Port Arthur, Texas

1979-81     Assistant Criminal District Attorney, Jefferson County, Texas

                  Beaumont, Texas

 

EDUCATION

2001        Syracuse University - Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

                Master of Social Science

1979       University of Houston College of Law

               Doctor of Jurisprudence

1974-76 University of Texas at Austin

               Post Baccalaureate Study in Business Administration

1974       Lamar University

               Bachelor of Arts in Government

               Secondary Teaching Certification in Government and History

 

AWARDS AND HONORS

United States Department of Justice's Highest Commendation, the Attorney General's Award for Exceptional Service - 2000

United States Department of Justice Special Achievement Awards for Sustained Superior Performance of Duty

United States Department of Justice Special Commendation Award for Outstanding Service

Martin Luther King Award Honoree presented by the MLK Support Group – January 2016

Humanitarian Award presented by the National Conference for Community and Justice - 2000

Saint Thomas More Award 2010, presented by the St. Thomas More Society of SE Texas

Capital Crimes Unit of the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C. – 2005

Commencement Speaker at Syracuse University College Graduation - Spring 2005

Commencement Speaker at Lamar Institute of Technology Graduation – Fall 2013

Detail to the Republic of Georgia on behalf of the Justice Department's Overseas Professional Development and Training Office to assist and train Georgian Judges and Prosecutors - 2004

Assisted Bangladesh Officials in Developing Money Laundering and Drug Trafficking Laws in Conjunction with the Justice Department's Overseas Professional Development and Training Office

Prosecutor of the Year Award presented by the 100 Club of Jefferson and Hardin Counties

Commitment to Our Community Award presented by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office – 2013-14

Associate Editor of the University of Houston Journal of International Law

Honor Court Justice for the University of Houston College of Law

Optimist Club Award for Saving a Life

Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow Honor, and Silver Beaver Award - Boy Scouts of America

“Gift of Life” Champagne and Ribs Honoree – May 2009

American Red Cross – Beaumont Chapter “Hurricane Party” Honoree – 2010

Boys and Girls Club Honoree – 2015

Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of Criminal Division Chiefs

 

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Selection Committee for Qualified Counsel for Death Penalty Cases for the Second Administrative Judicial Region of Texas

Advanced Criminal Law Course Planning Committee and Seminar Speaker, State Bar of Texas

Constitutional Day Program Leader for the Jefferson County Bar Association

Texas Rules of Evidence Committee Member, State Bar of Texas

Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Responsibility Committee Member, State Bar of Texas

National Advocacy Center, United States Department of Justice Instructor of Criminal Issues including Hate Crimes, Juvenile Prosecutions, and Trial Procedure

U. S. Justice Department's Evaluation and Review Staff for United States Attorneys' Offices

Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee Training Conferences Speaker on Criminal Issues

Judge - Baylor Law School Top Gun National Mock Trial Competition

Criminal Justice Legislative Subcommittee, State Bar of Texas Judicial Section

 

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Boy Scouts of America Advisory Board Member

Lamar University Instructor in the Criminal Justice Program

Salvation Army Advisory Board Member

100 Club of Southeast Texas Advisory Board Member

100 Club Lifetime Board Member (First Law Enforcement 100 Club Member)

Beaumont Catholic Diocese Review Board Member

Nederland Independent School District Trustee (Appointed in 1984 - Elected in 1985)

President of Crimestoppers for Mid and South Jefferson County, Texas

Paralegal Instructor for Lamar University

Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board Member

Numerous Public Presentations on Hate Crimes and Other Social Issues

Basketball Official for the Southwest Basketball Officials Association

CASA Fund-Raising Committee

Assisting Fund Raising for Girls Haven and Triangle Aids Network

Parish Member of St. Jude's Church, Beaumont, Texas

Young Men’s Business League (YMBL), Lifetime Member

Co-recipient with Marcia Stevens of the 2015 Southeast Texas Arts Council’s Rex and Ruth Goode Award for Outstanding Support of the Arts and Humanities

Special Commendation from the Southeast Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

_____________________________
October 1, 2025
Invocation
 
Stephanie Harris
VP, Marketing & Communications
Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas
 
Pledges to USA & Texas Flags
 
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
Uliana Trylowsky
Associate Vice President- University Advancement 
Lamar University
 
Please volunteer for Head Table responsibilities through the
sign-up by clicking HERE.
__________________________________________________
September
23Board of Directors, 11:30 AM- John Gray Center at Lamar University
24Dr. Shannon Allen, BISD Superintendent
October
1Judge John Stevens, Judge- Criminal District Courts
2Rotary After Hours, 5:30-7:00 PM at Madison's on Dowlen
4Walk to End Alzheimer's
8No Meeting- Due to Wine Down for Rotary 10/9/25
9Wine Down for Rotary
15Dr. Robert Sotolongo
18Sleep in Heavenly Peace- Delivery Day
22Fire/EMS Special Recognition
29Polio Program
___________________________________________
ROTARY AFTER HOURS 
 
We would love for you to join us at Rotary After Hours on October 2 at 5:30 PM at the Madison's on Dowlen. It’s a great opportunity to network, catch up with fellow members, and enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation and camaraderie.

We look forward to seeing you there!
SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE 
 
We have an opportunity to serve our community with Sleep In Heavenly Peace. Please join us as we help build and deliver beds to children in our community. Click HERE to sign up.
 
______________________________________________
WINE DOWN WITH ROTARY
 

🍷 Wine Down With Rotary – An Evening of Music, Wine & Giving Back!
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Beaumont


Thursday, October 9, 2025 | The Event Centre | Beaumont, TX
Evening festivities begin at 6:00 PM

Join us for an exciting night at Wine Down With Rotary! Sip and savor a curated selection of fine wines, indulge in delicious hors d’oeuvres, and sway to the smooth sounds of the Night and Day Orchestra.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a sophisticated night out for a great cause, this is the event you don’t want to miss!

Tickets include wine tastings, food, and entertainment.
🎟️ Must be 21 or older to attend. Valid ID required at entry.

Proceeds support the community programs and service projects of the Rotary Club of Beaumont.

Please use this link to purchase tickets or to purchase a sponsorship. 

 
 

Help make a lasting impact in our community by becoming a sponsor of Wine Down With Rotary! Sponsorships offer an opportunity to showcase your business or organization while supporting the charitable initiatives of the Rotary Club of Beaumont. Click the link above or scan the QR code to view sponsorship levels and benefits and join us in creating a wonderful evening of wine, music, and service.

 

 
 
 
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WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S 
 
Please mark your calendars to join us on Saturday, October 4th for the Walk to End Alzheimer's at the Great Lawn at the Event Center located at 700 Crockett St. We will have a booth again this year and there is the option again this year to walk the 1 mile or the 3 mile course. 
 
You can register for the walk and also make a donation using the follow link:
 
 

The Walk to End Alzheimer's is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide and is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.

Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk® ; now the Alzheimer's Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer's.

While there is no fee to register for Walk, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a cure.

You can find more information and resources for Alzheimer's and other forms of Dementia at www.alz.org.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Michele Cobb or Amanda Ellis.
________________________________________
 

 

James Henges
September 29
James Marshburn
September 29
 
Charles Wall
September 30
Van Greer
September 30
Lane Olson
October 4
__________________________________________
Hamza Jabbar
Oct. 4, 2022
3 years

____________________________________________
 
PROGRAM REVIEW
September 24, 2025
 
Dr. Shannon Allen
Superintendent, Beaumont ISD
 

The Rotary Club of Beaumont meeting covered various updates and announcements, including guest introductions and remarks about upcoming events like a garage sale, Wine Down with Rotary, and recognition for the Beaumont Fire Department. Dr. Shannon Allen, the superintendent of Beaumont ISD, presented the district's vision and goals for the 2025-2026 school year, highlighting the need for community support and academic excellence. Dr. Allen provided an overview of Beaumont ISD's current state, discussing challenges such as enrollment decreases, teacher shortages, and low-performing schools, while also presenting changes to the school bus system and efforts to create a cell phone-free learning environment.

Rotary Club Updates and Events

The Rotary Club of Beaumont meeting covered several updates and announcements. President Uliana Trylowsky led the meeting, which included an invocation by Bruce Lancaster, the pledge of allegiance by Virtue Alexander and introduction of guests by Sheree Pierce.  Amanda Ellis and Debbie Bridgman spoke about the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer's event on October 4th, which is a partnership between Spindletop Rotary and Beaumont Rotary. Cheryl Bilyeu provided an update on Wine Down with Rotary, highlighting the need for more ticket sales and donations for the event on October 9th. The meeting also announced a recognition event for the Beaumont Fire Department on October 22nd, for which lunch tickets and donations are needed.

Beaumont ISD's Vision for 2025-2026

Dr. Shannon Allen, the superintendent of Beaumont ISD, introduced her focus for the 2025-2026 school year, emphasizing the need for community support to ensure students' success. She highlighted the district's vision of creating an inclusive environment of academic excellence and its mission to inspire and prepare students for lifelong success. Allen also shared a brief history of educational changes over the past 30 years, comparing classroom disruptions and tools from 1995 to present times, emphasizing the impact of technology on modern education. She also presented an overview of Beaumont ISD's current state, highlighting a 5.7% decrease in enrollment over the past three years due to increasing homeschooling and charter school competition. She emphasized the district's focus on preparing students for college, career, military, or workforce through expanded 2025-2030 goals, including early literacy, math proficiency, college readiness, community trust, and improving the number of students attending A and B rated campuses. The district showed a 3 percentage point increase in overall accountability scores, with 16 out of 22 campuses showing growth in their scores, though some campuses still struggle with student performance. Dr. Allen discussed the challenges of teacher shortages and low-performing schools in Beaumont ISD, highlighting efforts to recruit and support certified teachers, including those from the Philippines. She mentioned the implementation of new curricula, literacy programs, and scheduling changes to improve student outcomes. She also shared that the district adopted a lower tax rate for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and is working to become a Teacher Incentive Allotment District to attract and retain teachers with higher salaries, contingent on student growth and economic disadvantage. Dr. Allen discussed changes to the school bus system, including a transition to a two-tier system to increase efficiency and reduce wear and tear on buses. She highlighted ongoing challenges with bus driver shortages and the implementation of a new app for tracking bus locations and student arrivals. She also addressed the recent legislative ban on cell phones in schools and the district's efforts to create a cell phone-free learning environment through the use of magnetic pouches for students in grades 6-12. She emphasized the importance of limiting screen time for children and the challenges faced by both students and parents in adjusting to this change. Dr. Allen presented on the challenges facing Beaumont ISD, highlighting low attendance rates and the struggles of educating disadvantaged students. She discussed the positive impacts of policies like cell phone bans in schools and emphasized the need for community support through programs like Roar Louder, Be the One Mentor, and the Campus Champions Program. Dr. Allen also announced upcoming opportunities for community members to visit schools and learn about the district's efforts firsthand.

Photographer: Tim Sudela

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Office: 409-842-1913 admin@beaumontrotaryclub.org Fax: 409-842-5613