We are proud and honored to welcome John Sharp, Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, as our guest speaker this week.
Chancellor Sharp leads the 19-member system, which includes 11 universities, seven state agencies, two service units and a health science center. Sharp brings with him more than three decades of public service, and a passion to make the A&M System the best system of higher education in the country.
The weather has kept us from "digging in" and getting the project started at Nutrition and Services for Seniors, but don't get discouraged! Maybe this Saturday, June 6, will be the day we can get to work! Watch for email blasts later in the week.
The Club will be providing expertise and a labor force to help Nutrition and Services for Seniors as they build a garden to plant, grow and provide fresh produce for seniors and the homebound who receive meal delivery. Such a great project and we are excited to have the opportunity to assist with this effort as our quarterly undertaking!
Plan to bring work gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and a power screwdriver if you have one.
Monday, May 25 was a great Memorial Day with the beautiful American flag on display all around Beaumont. We were hesitant and worried about the weather for no reason.
Thank you to all who volunteered and helped with the distribution: Rotarians Pat Anderson, George Pate, Shawn Pierce, John Neely, Charlie Cox, Michelle Cobb, Gene Arnold, Phil Dunlap, Dana Timaeus, Bridget Johnson, Scott Droddy, Rene Greenwald, Tim Sudela, Scott Hatcher, Rob Glassey, Shannon Williamson, Alan Higgins, Jim Henges, Fred Kristiansen, Harland Merriam, Leonard Juncker, Sharen Kirksey, Hubert Oxford, Chad Blanchard, Slate Babineaux, David Heinz, David Locke, Carol Fernandez, Lane Olson, Linda Williams, and Gary Hidalgo; and Rotaract member Rebekah Maxwell, and friend Keith Giblin.
The members who made it to Rotary After Hours on Thursday, May 28 at D'Vine Wines had a terrific time! Thanks to Rob Glassey for organizing this event and for serving as the evening's host. Check out all the photos here.
Three Beaumont Rotarians Honored by Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Dr. Robert A. Swerdlow Small Business Person of the Year was awarded to Ted Moor and Len Forey of Higginbotham Insurance & Financial Services.
The 29th Annual ATHENA Award, sponsored by the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, was awarded to Ivy Pate, Regional Vice President of CHRISTUS Health of Southeast Texas.
The Leadership Beaumont Distinguished Alumnus Award was presented to Jim Rich.
Our Rotary speaker today was Dr. Mary Scheer, Chair of the History Department at Lamar University. Dr Scheer was introduced by Paula Bothe, President of Four Alarm Productions.
Dr Scheer shared her presentation, "The History and Future of the Lucas Gusher and Spindletop," aka "Beaumont's Forgotten Historical Site."
Dr Scheer stated, "You can learn so much MORE about history if exact sites are visited. In 1901, off West Port Arthur Road, the earth began to shake, near a 'wildcat well' in an area that was to become known as the Lucas Gusher...and the rest is history!"
The gusher was named after Captain Anthony Lucas. There had been other oil discoveries prior to the Lucas. Rockefeller found oil in Pennsylvania and named his company Standard.
The Lucas and Spindletop Gushers produced so much oil that they took the lead nationally after 1901. This discovery allowed our nation to convert from coal to oil, and led to the creation of Exxon, Mobil, and Gulf Oil."
The Spindletop-Lucas Gusher monument is located in Gladys City which is on the grounds of Lamar University. Gladys City was the location that accommodated newcomers as our area grew in leaps and bounds.
Dr. Scheer presented a strong argument for improving the original site, including paved roads, daily upkeep, adequate signage, and a knowledgeable moderator. After all, this is THE most important event that ever happened to our area and that which put Beaumont on the map, altered the way of life here in Beaumont and throughout the world!
Sponsor ads appear on the website continuously and are included in the sidebar of the RotaryGrams each week. One is spotlighted weekly to express our appreciation.
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