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.
PLEASE make a reservation if you are planning to attend the meeting in person before 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 26 by linking to the reservation form here:
If you are unable to complete the electronic form and would like to be added to the reservation list, please call the Rotary office at 409-842-1913.
ALERT: Please do not attend a meeting or function of the club if you have been exposed to COVID or are exhibiting any symptoms of the illness. Members are strongly encouraged to wear a facemask. Masks will be available if you do not have one. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance to the room.
- - - - - - -
MEETING PREVIEW
October 27, 2021
"Preparing Future Port & Marine Terminal Leaders"
Erik Stromberg
Executive Director
Center for Advances in Port Management
Erik Stromberg became the first Executive Director of the Center for Advances in Port Management at Lamar University in May of 2016. In that capacity he is responsible for developing curriculum and courses for the fully accredited Masters in Port and Terminal Management degree while also recruiting students, guest lecturers, and adjunct faculty. Stromberg proudly teaches the Center’s flagship course, Introduction to Port and Marine Terminal Management, which helps acclimate working industry professionals back in to the academic world while also providing key knowledge necessary to navigate both the master’s program and the industries they serve. Stromberg continuously promotes all aspects of the Center and has been successfully identifying and implementing industry relevant research projects from the onset.
Mr. Stromberg initiated Lamar University partnerships including the American Association of Port Authorities and the Port Management Association of the Caribbean, and signed an MOU with both organizations. Under his leadership, the Center is currently overseeing 20+ internally funded research projects. The Center also has externally funded research projects and collaborations within multiple areas of the port and terminal industries including, but not limited to, the Houston Ship Channel, Lone Star Harbor Safety, and the Ports of Houston and Oakland.
* * * * * * *
Head Table for October 27
Invocation:
Misty Fountain
AVP - Business Development Officer
First State Bank of Texas
Pledges to USA & Texas Flags:
Chad Mason
Vice President of Administration
Mason Construction, Ltd.
Introduction of Guests:
Denise McLean
Director, Community & Media Relations
Beaumont Independent School District
Introduction of Speaker:
John Lee
Business Advisor
Lamar University Small Business Development Center
Please volunteer for Head Table responsibilities through the sign-up at:
Board of Directors monthly meeting; 11:30 a.m., Eleganté Hotel
27
Deadline for Vocational Excellence Award Nominations; 5:00 p.m.
27
Deadline for applications for Executive Director position
28
Rotary After Hours; 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., at Sharen Kirksey & Leonard Juncker's home, 165 Ridgeland
29
Fall Festival of Fun at Martin Elementary; 8:30 a.m.- 2:55 p.m. (see article and signup)
* * * * * * *
END POLIO NOW!
While ending the pain of crippling polio from the world is our primary focus year-round, we still must pause and recognize October 24 which is designated as World Polio Day around the globe. We ARE close to ending the disease which only remains in two countries. Please give to our main focus by donating now to the Beaumont Rotary Foundation (designating for End Polio Now) or to The Rotary Foundation. All gifts up to $1,000 to our Foundation will be matched two-to-one by a generous Rotarian. Please give now; link to the donation page here.
* * * * * * *
You're Invited to Rotary After Hours!
You don't want to miss Rotary After Hours on Thursday, October 28 when Rotarians and friends will gather at the home of Sharen Kirksey and Leonard Junker at 165 Ridgeland. Come for the fellowship and enjoy the lovely hospitality of these two very special Rotarians! See you there!
* * * * * * *
Fall is in the air and it's time to celebrate! Martin Elementary students will be celebrating with the annual Fall Festival on Friday, October 29 with treats and other fun activities. As a business partner for this great school, the Rotary Club of Beaumont will help by providing some treats and having some fun too! We need pre-wrapped candy and treats, pencils, stickers, or other "trick-or-treat" items to give to the children. And we need some fun volunteers who love seeing those smiling little faces! Please volunteer to help at either of the two morning shifts, the afternoon shift, or all-day if your schedule allows!
On Wednesday, November 17, the Rotary Club of Beaumont will recognize and honor individuals who exemplify a "service above self" attitude in their vocation and daily work. The annual meeting when Rotarians recognize Vocational Excellence Award recipients is a wonderful time to applaud the good work of others in their chosen profession and in our community.
These coveted awards are given annually to community members who demonstrate exceptional service, honesty, and friendliness in performing their jobs. Some past recipients describe receiving this honor as "a treasure," "very special," and "the only time I've received anything like this." If you are observant when patronizing some local businesses, you will see a Vocational Excellence certificate awarded to a recipient in a previous year still hanging proudly where all can see.
We appreciate your nominations of deserving people who you have come in contact with through your business transactions. Now is the perfect way to say thank you to someone who demonstrated to you excellent service in the workplace. Please find a nomination form below; download it and return it to the Rotary office no later than Wednesday, October 27. The committee will review and make selection of those who will be honored and then will allow you the privilege of inviting them to attend the Rotary meeting on November 17 and introducing them to the members and guests.
On Saturday, October 23rd, members of the Rotary Club of Beaumont were joined by the Rotary Club of Port Arthur, 100 Black Men of Greater Beaumont, Lamar University Rotaract Club, and Praise Church to deliver and setup beds for children in our community.
The October 23rd service project coordinated by Service Co-Chair, John Lee, helped support the mission of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. SHP believes that all children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads. There were dozens of volunteers involved who helped make this effort a huge success.
Look at the many photos taken by volunteers and you are guaranteed to smile as you can quickly see the happiness and joy of each child and teenager, but also that of the volunteers who were a part of making a dream come true.
* * * * * * *
The Board of Directors has appointed a Search Committee and approved the search process for a new Executive Director of the Rotary Club of Beaumont.
All interested candidates should submit a resume by October 27, 2021 in order to be considered. A formal application will be requested from all candidates selected for an interview.
Resumes can be submitted to the Search Committee through the email address rotaryedsearch@gmail.com or by mail to 2355 IH 10 South, Ste. 213, Beaumont, TX 77705.
* * * * * * *
Meet the Newest Rotarian in the Club!
It was another great day at Rotary on Wednesday, October 20 when we were able to welcome our newest member, Shelby Brannan, to the Club!
Shelby is the Executive Director of the Beaumont Heritage Society and many Rotarians met her when we enjoyed a wonderful Rotary After Hours at the John Jay French Museum. She is a graduate of Lamar University in Theatre and Dance and earned a Masters degree in Strategic Communications from Texas Tech University. As you can imagine, she loves acting, singing and dancing. Sign this lady up for the Rotary Chorus!
Shelby is a newlywed! She and her husband, Rodney, will celebrate their first anniversary on November 20th.
Why did Shelby join Rotary? She said it is because of the record of service and wonderful members!
* * * * * * *
New member
Proposed by
Status
Barbara Newhouse
Teresa Simpson
welcomed on 7-21-21
Deborah Tomov
Leonard Juncker
welcomed on 7-21-21
Joey Kressman
Sheree Pierce
welcomed on 8-04-21
Jacquetta Walker
Jay Wilson
welcomed on 8-04-21
Amy Wilson
Jay Wilson
welcomed on 8-04-21
Rebekah Patin
Cindy Cherry
welcomed on 8-04-21
James Kersh
Diane Bass
welcomed on 8-04-21
Marco Born
Craig Escamilla
welcomed on 8-18-21
Erika Harris
Teresa Simpson
welcomed on 09-01-21
Nicholas Ganjei
Dana Timaeus
welcomed on 09-01-21
Shawn Javid
Dana Timaeus
welcomed on 09-01-21
Misty Fountain
Kevin Reed
welcomed on 09-22-21
Brian Shajari
Ty Coudrain
welcomed on 10-06-21
Angie Hebert
Joanne Brown
welcomed on 10-06-21
Shelby Brannan
Deborah Drago
welcomed on 10-20-21
Kym Johns
Dee Lane
awaiting Orientation
Matt Ueding
Uliana Trylowsky
awaiting Board vote
Do you know that when asked why they aren't a Rotarian, many people say that no one has asked them to join!
Haveinvited someone to become a Rotarian?
* * * * * * *
What does a Rotarian need most? A "Rotarian at Work" shirt!
If you joined the Club in the past year and did not receive a shirt, or perhaps were given one in the wrong size, let's take care of that! We have a new stock of shirts and will be happy to trade the wrong size for the correct one. Bring the unworn shirt to any meeting and see the Executive Director for a different size, or come by the Rotary office to make a trade. If you do not have a shirt, please also see the ED to get one so you will be ready to be a "Rotarian at Work!"
* * * * * *
Chad Mason
October 28
Paul Skinner
October 29
Paul Freitag
October 30
Robert Kocot
October 30
Toby Castro
October 31
Dean Conwell
October 31
* * * * * *
ROTARY ANNIVERSARIES
We celebrate your
membership in our Club!
Randy Shelton
October 25, 2006
15 years
Honorary
Charlie Weinbaum
October 26, 1949
72 years
Dan Jeans
October 28, 2009
12 years
Tim Sudela
October 28, 2009
12 years
Randy Shelton
October 25, 2006
15 years
Joe Fisher
November 1, 1981
40 years
* * * * * * *
PROGRAM REVIEW
October 20, 2021
“DD6: Making Arks Obsolete!"
Dr. Joseph Majdalani, P.E.
Managing Director
Jefferson County Drainage District 6
by Kara Timberlake
Joseph Majdalani has held the title of Jefferson County Drainage District No. 6 General Manager since January of 2020. With over 35 years of experience in the private and public sectors, Majdalani has held other titles such as Civil Engineer, Water Utilities Manager, Senior Assistant Director, and City Engineer, with his most recent position as Public Works Director for the City of Beaumont.
A registered professional engineer in Texas, Louisiana, and California, Majdalani holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette. He graduated with his Engineering Doctorate from Lamar University in Beaumont, where he served on the Lamar University Civil Engineering Advisory Council, and is also a Certified Floodplain Manager in the State of Texas.
Majdalani explained DD6's efforts in reducing the risk of flooding and improving the overall performance of the Jefferson County drainage system. Assets, maintenance, and projects were three pillars Majdalani discussed being important to these efforts.
With a service coverage of about 500 square miles, DD6 covers about 52% of Jefferson County, which is approximately 988 square miles. In comparison, Houston has a service coverage of roughly 669 square miles. DD6 comprises four sections - North Jefferson County, West Jefferson County, South Central Jefferson County, and South Jefferson County. The District's drainage network consists of over 1,000 miles of channels, 34 miles of concrete-lined channels, 40 detention basins, and 80 alert stations.
With a budget of $22.5 million, Majdalani explained that Jeff Co DD6 utilizes millions of dollars in federal and state grants to fund numerous drainage projects throughout Southeast Texas.
DD6 faces many challenges including flat terrain, a service coverage of 500 square miles, high annual precipitation, high-intensity rain events, and a complex and aging drainage system.
Majdalani outlined some of the measures taken prior to storm events. DD6 ensures all crossings are free of debris, verifies all water control structures are in good working condition, and mobilizes equipment in strategic areas throughout the DD6 service area. Throughout the year, DD6 staff inspects channels for debris.
Due to the dedicated staff at DD6 who work hard to minimize the risk of flooding, citizen complaints have been substantially reduced, Majdalani said.
To learn more about DD6's list of ongoing projects or to view their interactive maps, Majdalani encouraged the audience to check out their updated website, dd6.org.
.png)
.jpg)
Fall is in the air and it's time to celebrate! Martin Elementary students will be celebrating with the annual Fall Festival on Friday, October 29 with treats and other fun activities. As a business partner for this great school, the Rotary Club of Beaumont will help by providing some treats and having some fun too! We need pre-wrapped candy and treats, pencils, stickers, or other "trick-or-treat" items to give to the children. And we need some fun volunteers who love seeing those smiling little faces! Please volunteer to help at either of the two morning shifts, the afternoon shift, or all-day if your schedule allows!
vocation and daily work. The annual meeting when Rotarians recognize Vocational Excellence Award recipients is a wonderful time to applaud the good work of others in their chosen profession and in our community.
What does a Rotarian need most? A .jpg)
