The list of duties for the Mayor of a community is long and challenging, even under the best circumstances. But when the city is in the midst of a major crisis like Hurricane Harvey thrust on the area last year, the Mayor becomes the person everyone turns to to find solutions and remedy the problem. During "Harvey" and the water crisis that followed, Mayor Becky Ames was stoically at the helm of the City through the disaster and the continuing recovery. We welcome Rotarian and Mayor Becky Ames to speak about the events of August-September 2017 from her vantage, and how she sees Beaumont 8 months post-disaster.
Becky Ames first served as a council member beginning in 1994 and was elected as Beaumont's 41st Mayor in 2007. During her tenure, Mayor Ames has overseen an economic renaissance in Beaumont and has shepherded numerous successful projects and program initiatives which have enhanced economic development and advanced the quality of life for its residents and visitors.
It's sure to be another great day in Beaumont. Please join us.
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Head Table for May 16
Invocation:
Giselle "Gigi" Mazzola
Executive Director
Cardiovascular Foundation of Southeast Texas
Pledges to USA & Texas Flags:
Deborah Drago
Executive Director
SETX Nonprofit Development Center
Introduction of Guests:
Carly Broussard
MBA Director, College of Business
Lamar University
Rotarian of the Day:
Glenn McWherter
Vice President - Branch Manager
Wells Fargo Advisors
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.
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CALENDAR OF ROTARY EVENTS
(Club events & opportunities for meeting makeups)
MAY
22
Board of Directors meeting, 11:45 a.m., Art Museum of Southeast Texas
24 & 25
Rotary Goes to School at Martin Elementary, 9:00 a.m. - Noon
28
Flag Distribution for Memorial Day; 5:00 a.m., Dishman Scout Office on Cardinal Drive at Fannett Road
31
Rotary After Hours, 5:30-7:00 p.m.; Beaumont Childrens Museum
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Rotary Goes to School! Summer Reading for First Graders at Martin Elementary
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 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.
If you missed the first opportunity to "go to school" and help the children select books, don't worry. Chair Matt McCallon has organized dates when Rotarians are needed to label each book, personalizing it for the child, and filling the bags with the books the children selected. The bags of each child's personal library will be sent home during the last week of the school year.
Can you help? We will work at the school on Thursday, May 24 and Friday, May 25 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Let us know if you will be there even if for only an hour. Sign up at: ROTARY GOES TO SCHOOL.
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"Show Your Colors" Appreciation
On Monday, May 28, Rotarians are needed to distribute flags to our subscribers in observance of Memorial Day. Chairs Pat Anderson and Gary Moncla are asking for volunteers for this most important job to let them know they are ready for some patriotic "Service Above Self."
Please call or text Pat at 409-782-4057 if you are able to help with this project. We are grateful for your service to our Club, our subscribers, and our city!
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Kal Kincaid
May 15
Roger Bemis
May 18
Steve Grantham
May 18
Steve Gilbert
May 19
Brad Brown
May 21
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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.
Joanne Brown
Rob Glassey
Jay Johnson
Roger McCabe
Alicia McKibbin
Michael Wolf
If you know of others who should be added to this list, please advise the office staff at 409-842-1913.
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Our sympathy to family and friends of former Rotarian
You are invited to attend District 5910 Family of Rotary Social as we travel to see the Astros v. Red Sox baseball game at Minute Maid Park in Houston.
WHEN? Sunday, June 3, 2018 @ 6:35 PM
HOW MUCH ARE THE TICKETS? $66.00 per person
(Astros ticket sales are nonrefundable.)
May I invite my spouse, children, grandchildren, friends? Yes
WHOM DO I PAY? Lufkin Rotary Club
WHERE DO I MAIL MY CHECK*?
Mail to:
Jayne McCurry
1207 Wildbriar Drive
Lufkin, TX 75904
(*Lufkin Rotary takes checks only. No credit cards, debit cards, or Pay Pal)
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO GET TICKETS? May 15, 2018
YOUR CHECK MUST BE RECEIVED BY MAY 15, 2018. Tickets will then be ordered as a group and picked up at Minute Maid Park upon your arrival.
Our speaker today was Chris Draths with the Cattail Marsh and Wetlands Education Center. Ms. Draths was introduced by our President-Elect Lynn Castle.
Chris Draths is a fourth generation Beaumonter and, while trained as an RN, she has been an active volunteer in the community. She admits her most rewarding and interesting work is with foster children as a CASA volunteer. Chris is a spokesperson for the Magnolia Garden Club, a civic organization focused on conservation, education and horticulture.
Chris delivered a wonderful pictoral presentation of the various species of migratory birds, which visit, nest, and migrate here in Southeast Texas, and specifically in the Cattail Marsh. The Cattail Marsh Education Center is presently under construction and expected to be completed in 2018. Cattail Marsh has had over 358 identified species of birds identified along with otters and gators!
Several years back, the City of Beaumont began building a cost effective initiative that harnessed the power of nature while filtrating the water system. These wetlands are a result.
Located near Tyrrell Park, this location attracts an incredible diversity of waterbirds throughout the year. The 52 foot boardwalk leads to a state-of-art wrap-around classroom , with breathtaking views of the wetlands' abundant wildlife. This boardwalk provides two covered platforms, and is accessible by way of complimentary parking and pedestrian access. Groundbreaking was started in October of 2017.
Beaumont is legendary among birders, thanks to its position on not one but two migratory flyways: the Central and Mississippi. Migratory flyways are routes that birds depend on between their breeding and wintering spots. The flyways are used by our feathered friends because they are clear of mountains and offer plenty of food and water along the way.
Chris showed dozens and dozens of photos of the beautiful birds that have been identified at Cattail Marsh and then got everyone involved in a contest to name the birds. Two tables of Rotarians and guests earned high marks and were awarded a beautiful native plant to take home. Working by herself on the test, President Elect Lynn Castle, an avid birder, earned 90%!
Dean Conwell, Executive Director of the Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau, surprised everyone with a copy of a beautiful book titled "Beaumont, Texas - The Best Birding On The Upper Texas Gulf Coast " and a reference booklet called "Birding Itinerary." Some lucky members of the audience left with a "Beaumont Birdie" as another promotion for the birding opportunity in Beaumont.
Everyone left with a smile, a bit of new knowledge, and quite proud of this unique attraction found in Beaumont, Texas!
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