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.
Weekly meetings are being held using Zoom. If you need to learn how to use Zoom, please read the article that follows in the RotaryGrams, the club weekly bulletin.
Sign into the meeting early, between 11:30 and Noon, and you can enjoy some social time with other members before the meeting starts at Noon. Bring your own lunch!
PROGRAM PREVIEW
May 6, 2020
"What to Expect During the 2020 Hurricane Season"
Chris Hebert
TropicsWatch Manager
StormGeo, Houston
So much has been on our minds lately with COVID-19 invading our every thought that you may not realize it is May! And May means it is the start of hurricane season! Beaumont Rotarians get to be among the first in the area to hear just what the forecasters are anticipating, Chris Hebert's visit to the Rotary Club of Beaumont has become an annual tradition and though he will forego the drive to Beaumont this year, he will still convey a look back at 2019 and a thorough look at what can be expected for 2020. And everyone has a front row seat to see his graphics and photos!
"Developing an interest in tropical weather from an early age, Chris remembers plotting hurricane charts with his mother at the kitchen table before he was in grade school. Chris graduated from Texas A&M University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology. He then joined a small weather company specializing in offshore weather. Soon after, Chris moved to Universal Weather and Aviation. Chris joined the ImpactWeather team in 1998. ImpactWeather was purchased by StormGeo in 2012. Chris has been with StormGeo and former parent organizations since 1981.
Chris’ main objective is to lead the TropicsWatch team to be the best in the industry by providing the most advanced weather forecasts while also helping clients understand how the weather will impact their facilities."
Update to Using Zoom or A Lesson Learned from Using Zoom!
A large number of Rotarians encountered a problem when trying to join the Zoom meeting on 4/22/20. We determined the problem for many was that the link for a previous meeting was stored in the computer browser and the Zoom account "remembered" the link stored in the history and automatically linked to it.
Those who logged in directly using the meeting number and password had no trouble at all.
Therefore it is suggested that users:
a. Clear the browser history in the chosen browser.
b. Rather than using the direct link to the meeting - that is, the long https://link, log into Zoom (https://zoom.us/), click on "Join a Meeting" use the meeting ID and password which will be in the email sent to you, just after the long link, like this example:
(THIS IS AN EXAMPLE FROM A PREVIOUS MEETING. Each meeting has a new and unique Meeting ID and Password. It will not work for you this week. It is shown as example only.)
The meetings have been successful and thoroughly enjoyable. Join us!
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Head Table for May 6
Invocation:
Henry Venta
Professor of Management, College of Business
Lamar University
Pledges to USA & Texas Flags:
Deborah Drago
Executive Director
Southeast Texas Nonprofit Development Center
Introduction of Guest Speaker
Vernon Pierce
Executive Director
Southeast Texas Emergency Relief Fund
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. Link to the online signup systemor contact Jennifer Burch, Chair, at409-201-3016.
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CALENDAR OF ROTARY EVENTS
(Club events & opportunities for meeting makeups)
MAY
5
Rotary After Hours celebrating Cinco de Mayo!; 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., online using Zoom
"Show Your Colors" Flag Project for Memorial Day; 5:30 a.m., Dishman Scout Office (Watch for details on the methods we will use to stay within the Coronavirus restrictions.)
26
Board of Directors meeting; 11:30 a.m. online in Zoom meeting; members who would like to join in the meeting live, please send an request to receive the link by email to: admin@beaumontrotaryclub.org
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Wherever you may be, please plan to attend
Rotary After Hours
ON ZOOM
on Tuesday, May 5!
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Hosted by
Mellie Bevilacqua & Deborah Drago
Fix your favorite dish and mix up a favorite beverage and join us!
District 5910 is planning a Cinco de Mayo event
that evening also that begins at 7:00 p.m.
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Time to Serve!
The demand for food has been great in Beaumont and Southeast Texas for some time now. We heard that in detail from Dan Maher, President/CEO at Southeast Texas Food Bank, when he spoke to the Club in the fall of 2019. He told of many, many people suffering from food insecurity on a daily basis right here in our hometown. However, with many people having had their workload drastically reduced or perhaps being completely out-of-work due to the Coronavirus, the need for assistance has grown even more. After looking into how Rotarians can be of service in the community, the Board of Directors did not have to look far to know that the Southeast Texas Food Bank can use financial support which we are providing, and they also need volunteers to help prepare the boxes of food to be distributed to the individuals and families who are living with great need.
Is it time to serve? Are YOU personally ready to serve? In light of the health crisis still affecting the area, the answer to this question has to be left to you to answer for yourself. What are you comfortable with doing?
Members of the Club will serve from 8:30-11:30 on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 at the Southeast Texas Food Bank. You are welcomed to join us if you are comfortable with doing so. Volunteers should wear face coverings and will be working a safe distance from others.
c. click on "Register for An Event" to complete a volunteer profile page;
d. click on the calendar for a list of dates/times and indicate which day you would like to serve.
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Flag Project for Memorial Day
We may be practicing "social distancing" now but we still have an obligation to our subscribers to put out flags on Memorial Day to commemorate those who have died in military service. Using the recommended practices in place now we think we can fulfill our obligation without difficulty. With staggered times for volunteers to get the flags needed from the Scout Office, with face coverings, and with reduced routes where needed, we think we can deliver on our "Show Your Colors" Flag Project. Volunteers may choose to drive separately, bring family members to help, or request to do their route alone. We are happy to accommodate your requests if you feel comfortable serving with us! Please phone or email Pat Anderson or Gary Moncla to let them know if you are able to serve.
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Meet the Newest Rotarians in our Club!
We are not able to have our normal, personal Orientation sessions for new members but President Elect Cindy Cherry conducted a great Orientation session for them and we welcomed them at the weekly meeting using Zoom. Moreover, we have promised them a big welcome when we are able to meet in person.
Zach Celeste is an attorney with Wells, Peyton, Greenberg & Hunt, LLP, and was proposed by Mellie Bevilacqua. Zach was born and raised in Beaumont, attended St.Anne Catholic School, Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School, and Lamar University, where he earned a degree in accounting. He then attended Texas Tech University and earned a law degree. Zach and his wife, Renee, have a young daughter, Audrey, who he describes as "the best part of me."
Mandy Clayton is Director of Development & Foundation at Lamar Institute of Technology and was proposed by Tim Sudela. Mandy worked at 5 Point Credit Union for more than 16 years before joining the LIT team just a few months ago. Mandy is also a Board member of Junior Achievement for the Golden Triangle and serves as Treasurer of the Board. She is a 2011 Leadership Beaumont graduate and a Board member with the Nederland Educational Foundation. Mandy also serves the Greater Chamber of Commerce in the Leadership Development Division.
Josh Davis has a passion for promoting and fundraising for health care. He is Senior Director of Major Gifts (East Region) for Legacy Community Health organization. A longtime volunteer with the American Cancer Society, he has managed fundraising events and launched a new project idea for them in the past. Josh is from Beaumont and even purchased a home near where he grew up. He a Lamar graduate (bachelors and masters), and was proposed for membership in the Club by Deborah Drago.
Dr. James Han knows many Rotarians already, and many feel like they know him. Why? Not only is he Director of Choral Activities at Lamar University, he has been the Director of the Rotary Chorus for two years! How fortunate for us that he has agreed to become a member so he can continue to develop the talent he found in that group! Dr. Han's youth was spent in Seoul, Korea but he found his way to Lamar 11 years ago. He is also performs with the Symphony of Southeast Texas and is a member of the Chorus of the Beaumont Interfaith Choral Society. When not teaching at Lamar, performing, or directing the Rotary Chorus, he is busy giving private lessons from his home in Houston. He was proposed for membership by Becky Mason.
Debbie Maxwell grew up in Beaumont and graduated from French High School before attending Texas Woman's University to earn her degree and become a Registered Nurse. For 43 years, she has worked at St. Elizabeth and teaches Prenatal Classes. She also had a home business for 19 years to provide services to new mothers and their babies. Debbie is not unfamiliar with serving others as a community volunteer. She is a member of the Woman's Club of Beaumont and a new member of the Herb Society. She serves as a docent at the McFaddin-Ward House Museum; and as an Adult Leader with the Jefferson County 4H youth program. She has volunteered throughout Southeast Texas such as Gladys City, Boy Scouts, the Children's Museum, and Lamar University. She was proposed for membership by Rebekah Maxwell and says, "Our family has always been interested in community service & that is one of the main things that attracted me to Rotary!"
For twelve years, Terri Potter has been Executive Assistant to the President of the Market Basket Corporation. When not at work, you will find Terri doing some sort of volunteer work as she describes that as her passion. She has volunteered with the American Cancer Society for quite a number of years and is the 2020 Cattle Baron's Ball Chair. A member of the Christus Southeast Texas Women's Conference Core Committee, she has also been a member of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. For the Chamber, she was Lobsterfest Committee chair, Total Resource Campaign Team Captain and Campaign Chair. She is a graduate of Leadership Beaumont but went on to be Co-Chair, Chair and Alumni Chair of the program also. Terri was proposed for membership by Rebekah Maxwell.
Eric Sims, a 4th generation native of the Golden Triangle, graduating from PNG HS in 1999. He has lived and worked in Houston for Higginbotham for the past several years, but when the opportunity to carry "the Torch" for Ted Moor became available, he saw it as an opportunity to come home. Because he is moving back to the area, he sees membership in the Club as a great opportunity to meet, get to know, and serve with new friends. His most enjoys time he can spend with his family. Eric was proposed for membership by Ted Moor.
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We have returned to regular weekly meetings, so we are looking for volunteers for the positions at the virtual head table. We need volunteers to lead the invocation and lead the pledges. Please consider serving for a May or June date. You'll find the link here:
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HONORING THE HEROES
Marking that one month had passed in the battle against the Coronavirus, the Rotary Club of Beaumont took great pride in honoring and expressing thanks to all who have been front line workers in Jefferson County with two displays of the United States flag. The beautiful displays were seen at the Jefferson County Courthouse, headquarters for the officials managing the response to the crisis, and at the Jefferson County airport, the main testing site. A team of Rotarians, led by Vernon Pierce, Pat Anderson and Gary Moncla, posted almost 100 flags to honor the workers and volunteers. The eye-catching displays were beautiful and drew much attention including a television spot on KFDM Channel 6 News. Watch it below.
photo by Sheree Pierce
"The Rotary Club of Beaumont displays American flags at the Jefferson County Courthouse in honor of heroes -- including first responders, medical workers and essential employees -- on the front lines in the fight against Covid-19
The flags were the idea of Vernon Pierce, who is running unopposed for Jefferson County commissioner Precinct 1.
The Rotary Club put up a total of 95 flags at the courthouse and at the Jacks Brook Regional Airport, where the drive-through coronavirus test site is located."
You can still see the television spot on Channel 6.
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Bel Morian
May 5
Joe J. Fisher
May 5
Debbie Frazier
May 9
Gary Moncla
May 9
Todd Simoneaux
May 10
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CELEBRATING ROTARY ANNIVERSARIES!
We celebrate your membership in our Club!
Joanne Brown
May 4, 2016
4 years
Tommy Hebert
May 4, 1988
32 years
Stephanie Shoemaker
May 4, 2016
4 years
Ken Dollinger
May 7, 1997
23 years
Charles Cox
May 11, 2005
15 years
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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, support and good wishes.
Larry Beaulieu - recovering from surgery
Rosie DeLano - recovering from COVID-19
If you know of members who should be added to this list, please advise the office staff at 409-842-1913.
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PROGRAM REVIEW
April 29, 2020
"Leading the Horse to Water:
The Rule of Law in Afghanistan"
Brit Featherston
Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney
United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Texas
by Chris Ayers
Assistant United States Attorney Brit Featherston discussed his role and experiences from his time in Afghanistan in 2017/18. Brit initially volunteered to work overseas as an attaché but soon realized that the position would be in Afghanistan, a less than fun place to visit. He was tasked to participate in the nation building efforts and to help build the judicial landscape in the eternally broken country. His facts about Afghanistan are both fascinating and sad.
Afghanistan is the size of Texas with many mountain ranges and varieties of climates. Its neighbors include Iran, China, Pakistan and other "stan" countries. Afghanistan has a population of around 30 million people although that is an estimate since no official census has taken place due to ongoing wars over its entire history – Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, the British, Russians, Soviets and ongoing civil wars. Three fourths of the county has no running water or electricity and as a result the pollution is the worst in the world since the people burn trash and camel dung for heat. The main agriculture crop is poppy flowers that is the root of heroin that ultimately finances the Taliban’s efforts. The national sport is Bezkhashi – a best analogy is rugby that is played on horses that uses a goat as a ball (what?). Afghan life for women is extremely difficult since marriages are still arranged and there are virtually no rights. 60-70% unemployment rates are normal.
As a result of these bleak statistics, changing life and the future for Afghanistan is difficult. The U.S. has spent $900 billion to date. Brit’s travel around the country required security from Special Forces soldiers, Army Rangers and Navy Seals. He worked with the FBI and DEA on ways to counter terrorism and enhance law enforcement capacity. In 2018, the U.S. helped the Afghan government pass legislation outlawing child abuse.
Finally, Brit made it vividly clear that we are beyond lucky to live and work in America. The Rotary Club of Beaumont is grateful for Brit’s time and service.
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The demand for food has been great in Beaumont and Southeast Texas for some time now. We heard that in detail from Dan Maher, President/CEO at Southeast Texas Food Bank, when he spoke to the Club in the fall of 2019. He told of many, many people suffering from food insecurity on a daily basis right here in our hometown. However, with many people having had their workload drastically reduced or perhaps being completely out-of-work due to the Coronavirus, the need for assistance has grown even more. After looking into how Rotarians can be of service in the community, the Board of Directors did not have to look far to know that the Southeast Texas Food Bank can use financial support which we are providing, and they also need volunteers to help prepare the boxes of food to be distributed to the individuals and families who are living with great need. 
Zach Celeste is an attorney with Wells, Peyton, Greenberg & Hunt, LLP, and was proposed by Mellie Bevilacqua. Zach was born and raised in Beaumont, attended St.Anne Catholic School, Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School, and Lamar University, where he earned a degree in accounting. He then attended Texas Tech University and earned a law degree. Zach and his wife, Renee, have a young daughter, Audrey, who he describes as "the best part of me."
Josh Davis has a passion for promoting and fundraising for health care. He is Senior Director of Major Gifts (East Region) for Legacy Community Health organization. A longtime volunteer with the American Cancer Society, he has managed fundraising events and launched a new project idea for them in the past. Josh is from Beaumont and even purchased a home near where he grew up. He a Lamar graduate (bachelors and masters), and was proposed for membership in the Club by Deborah Drago. 
Dr. James Han knows many Rotarians already, and many feel like they know him. Why? Not only is he Director of Choral Activities at Lamar University, he has been the Director of the Rotary Chorus for two years! How fortunate for us that he has agreed to become a member so he can continue to develop the talent he found in that group! Dr. Han's youth was spent in Seoul, Korea but he found his way to Lamar 11 years ago. He is also performs with the Symphony of Southeast Texas and is a member of the Chorus of the Beaumont Interfaith Choral Society. When not teaching at Lamar, performing, or directing the Rotary Chorus, he is busy giving private lessons from his home in Houston. He was proposed for membership by Becky Mason.
For twelve years, Terri Potter has been Executive Assistant to the President of the Market Basket Corporation. When not at work, you will find Terri doing some sort of volunteer work as she describes that as her passion. She has volunteered with the American Cancer Society for quite a number of years and is the 2020 Cattle Baron's Ball Chair. A member of the Christus Southeast Texas Women's Conference Core Committee, she has also been a member of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. For the Chamber, she was Lobsterfest Committee chair, Total Resource Campaign Team Captain and Campaign Chair. She is a graduate of Leadership Beaumont but went on to be Co-Chair, Chair and Alumni Chair of the program also. Terri was proposed for membership by Rebekah Maxwell.
Eric Sims, a 4th generation native of the Golden Triangle, graduating from PNG HS in 1999. He has lived and worked in Houston for Higginbotham for the past several years, but when the opportunity to carry "the Torch" for Ted Moor became available, he saw it as an opportunity to come home. Because he is moving back to the area, he sees membership in the Club as a great opportunity to meet, get to know, and serve with new friends. His most enjoys time he can spend with his family. Eric was proposed for membership by Ted Moor.
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