It's common knowledge that mosquitos are abundant in southeast Texas. Protection against the annoying bites, welts and itching is a part of any excursion outdoors during "mosquito season." With the latest news of the spread of the Zika virus by the mosquito, a person is justifiably more wary of the insect.
What do we know about Zika virus and what can be done about it? What impact will it have on us? What can be done to reduce mosquito populations around my home?
To present information on this timely topic and answer those questions, we welcome Dr. Bart Foster. Dr. Foster earned a Bachelor of Science and Ph.D. in Entomology from Texas A&M University. He worked as a Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant at Texas A&M University and has 13 years experience in pest management.
March 23 is the much anticipated Rotary Goes to School when Rotarians spread across all schools in Beaumont to deliver each 1st grader their own copy of an awesome Dr. Seuss book. Sign up for your school choice.
On March 30, we will learn tips for planting and growing a home garden. Come learn from the Masters.
Promoting literacy is a goal of Rotary International and a favorite project of the Rotary Club of Beaumont. Each spring, Rotarians flood the first grade classrooms across Beaumont and share the love of reading and delivering a book for every child to keep for their very own. You will want to be a part of this.
Sign up to take part in "Rotary Goes to School!" Instead of the normal lunch meeting on Wednesday, March 23, you'll enjoy a truly rewarding visit with a young child. The sign-ups are going strong so indicate your choice of school soon!
To sign up for the school you would like to visit, click on this link: "ROTARY GOES TO SCHOOL" There will be paper sign-up lists at the meeting on Wednesday.
Volunteers should arrive by Noon at the school office. Bring a photo ID in order to clear a security check if needed. You will be given a Dr. Seuss hat and escorted to the classroom where you will find the books ready to be shared with each child.
Rotary After Hours: A Lovely Evening on the Neches!
There was a big crowd aboard the Ivory Bill last time we took a cruise, and all will tell you it was a LOT of fun! Whether this is your first trip or you've been many times, you are sure to enjoy this Rotary After Hours which will take you down the Neches River on a pleasant early spring evening.
Mark your calendar and plan to reserve your spot on the Ivory Bill on Thursday, March 24for a two-hour tour. Snacks and drinks will be available. Tickets are $10 per person and we can only take 35 people (spouses and guests are welcome), so don't delay.
Kenny enjoys sports including playing a little golf. He is a big history buff and loves researching, teaching and honoring the contributions of the "Greatest Generation."
William "Will" Carlton, Division Controller, Republic Services
Will has been a Rotarian in two other Clubs before so he is certainly a Rotarian ar heart. An ordained minister, he loves restoring cars and working on houses. Moreover, Will is a member of the Dallas Dance Hall of Fame and a professional Swing Dance Instructor.
Casie Harris, District Executive, Three Rivers Council, BSAClassification: ASSOCIATIONS – SCOUTING
Proposed by Shawn Pierce
Until recently, Casie was a member of the Hardin County Rotary Club but her promotion brought her to our club because of proximity to the Dishman Scout Center. Casie has three children and enjoys traveling, especially cruising. Hobbies include crafting, riding motorcycles and watching the Astros and the Lumberton Raiders football team.
Derina Holtzhausen, Dean, College of Fine Arts & Communications, Lamar University
CLASSIFICATION: "UNIVERSITY – EDUCATION – FINE ARTS"
Proposed by Kristie Young
Derina is a native South African and a naturalized U.S. citizen. The award-winning author is Dean of Fine Arts & Communications at Lamar. She is editor of the Handbook of Strategic Communication, a collaborative work of 65 scholars from 15 countries and continents!
Sean Martin, Administrator, The Wood Group
Proposed by Monique Sennet
Classification: MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES -ADMINISTRATION
Sean grew up on his family's rice farm and cattle ranch. He enjoys traveling, hiking, kayaking, fishing and spending time with family and friends. He holds a Master's degree in counseling and education.
After singing a little rendition of "You are my Blue Badge" written especially for her, a well-earned Bachelor of Rotary Science degree from Rotary University was presented to Alicia McKibbin by Dean Lynn Castle! Helping with the presenation was President Pat Anderson (pictured on left.)
In case you are not aware, even long-time Rotarians can earn advanced degrees. Who will be the next Master or Ph.D. degree candidate?
The Big Thicket Association's tree planting for the Centennial Forest project in 2016 was successful! They had weeks and weeks of teams of volunteers planting thousands of seedlings, and we are proud of a number of Rotarians who joined in the effort. Their work will help restore the native Long Leaf Pine forest in the Big Thicket.
Among the volunteers were President Elect Ted Moor and his wife, Barbara.
Other photos can be enjoyed by linking to the album under Service on the homepage of the website.
District 5910 Conference Committee Seeking Sponsors
The Committee planning the 2016 District 5910 Conference is seeking sponsors and underwriters for this year's event. If you would like to see your company's logo added to conference materials, please find more information on the pamphlet (link here) and contact:
Mark Stevens or Audrey Blevins-Winkle
Mark: (936) 442-4525 Audrey: (936) 203-0209
We send wishes for a quick recovery to our friends and fellow Rotarians who have been ill, had or are facing surgery, or just need our thoughts and prayers. We hope you are better soon!
Gene Arnold
Lee Freeland
Cheryl Williams
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Please let us know if you or another Rotarian should be included in our weekly good wishes article!
Our speakers for Rotary were Lionel Berry, President of the Beaumont Rotaract Club, and Ryan Nunez, President of the Lamar University Rotaract Club. Both were introduced by Rebekah Maxwell who is currently a member of the Beaumont Rotaract and serves as Advisor to the Lamar club.
Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. Rotaract clubs are either community or university based. They are sponsored by local Rotary clubs throughout the World.
As one of Rotary’s most significant and fastest-growing service programs with more than 8,400 clubs in about 170 countries and geographical areas, Rotaract has become a worldwide phenomenon and is continuing to grow as a New Generations program. This makes them true "partners in service" and key members of the family of Rotary.
Mayor Becky Ames eloquently read "The City of Beaumont Proclamation of World Rotary Week" to Rotarians.
Celebrating World Rotaract Week, Ryan and Lionel each spoke about their respective Rotaract Clubs, mentioning several current as well as past projects including:
End Polio Now
Bike Rodeo
The Giving Field
The Layette Project
The Cattle Baron's Ball
Some Other Place
Treasurer Kahdeadrah Stone found it difficult to contain her excitement when she spoke of some of the community projects that she has been involved with.
Ryan and Lionel expressed pride and gratitude to the Rotary Club of Beaumont for their continued encouragement and support.
A Rotaract website post states, "We are a dynamic student-led organization with a passion for giving back to our campus and community. Becoming involved with Rotaract is also an inspiring avenue through which young professionals get the opportunity to interact with some outstanding leaders in our community."
Beaumont Rotaract President Lionel Berry described Rotaract members as "ready to accept the baton for the next leg of the race." With selfless service, "We want to make a difference in a very meaningful way."
Have you considered becoming an advertiser in the RotaryGrams and on the website for the Rotary Club of Beaumont? What a great opportunity to support the club and have your business name in front of hundreds of potential customers or supporters every day.
THANKS TO OUR CURRENT ADVERTISERS!
The ads can be linked to your company's website to increase your visibility and customer service. The ads will be shown at weekly meetings as well as in the weekly RotaryGrams that reaches every Rotarian and a number of non-member subscribers.
For $600 per year, your company's ad will run continuously on the homepage and on every subsequent page of the website. (New subscribers missed having their ad at work during January of this subscription year so join now for $550 for February - December 2016.)
If you would like to pay in quarterly or semi-annual installments, please phone the Rotary office so we can accommodate your needs.
To see your company ad on the website, phone the Rotary office!