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.
The role of non-profits, particularly in the area of health and human services, in the community has never been more important than it is now. Providing the necessities to meet the basic human needs of food, clothing, shelter is an overwhelming task under the best of circumstances but combine that with the economic downturn created by the pandemic and loss of employment for millions of people and the situation is dire.
This week we are going to hear from some of the leaders of non-profits in the area as they help us understand how they continue to advance their important work and continue their mission during such difficult economic times.
Carolyn Fernandez has been in her position with Catholic Charities in Southeast Texas since 2009, but prior to that was Regional Director for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, and earlier still for the Diocese of Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Jason Moore is Captain and Corps officer for the Salvation Army. Prior to accepting his assignment in Beaumont, Jason and his wife Michelle, were officers for the Corps in Lufkin, Texas, where he was also a Rotarian.
Paula O'Neal grew up right here in Beaumont and attended Lamar University where she earned her Bachelor and Masters degrees. Paula is a former social worker, educator and entrepreneur who became Director of Some Other Place in 1983.
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Head Table for September 23
Invocation:
Joanne Brown
Major Gifts Officer
Lamar University
Pledges to USA and Texas:
John Lee
Business Advisor
Lamar University Small Business Development Center
Introduction of Guest Speaker:
Deborah Drago
Executive Director
Southeast Texas Nonprofit Development Center
If you would like to serve on the head table at a date in the future, please sign up online at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904054ba5a62fa3f49-head or phone chair, Mandy Clayton at 409-718-7056 or email arclayton@lit.edu
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CALENDAR OF ROTARY EVENTS
(Club events & opportunities for meeting makeups)
September
FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR MEMBERS, CLUB MEETINGS WILL CONTINUE USING ZOOM UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
24
Rotary Socials; three different times and locations; sign up online
26
"Sleep in Heavenly Peace" project; 8:00 a.m.-Noon
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While we cannot meet as a group quite yet, some members are more than ready for some face-to-face, in-person social time with fellow Rotarians! What's the answer to this yearning? Rotary Socials or "Rotary on the Road!"
What is "Rotary on the Road" or Rotary Socials? These gatherings are a way for those who are comfortable being with others in an outdoor, public setting to spend some time together, just for fun and fellowship. With no set agenda, they are meant to be a time when members can get together and enjoy some good conversation with fellow Rotarians like we would normally do at the lunch meetings before the bell rings. They are also a good way to support some local restaurants while complying with the guidelines for social gatherings. These are dutch-treat events that earn the participating member a meeting make-up credit.
All gatherings will be held on Thursday, September 24. They will be in the restaurant's patio or outdoor space, and all will follow the guidelines required for restaurant settings. With tables restricted to only 6 guests and only 2 tables per site, you must sign up in advance in order to participate.To comply with guidelines, the host will not be allowed to add walk-up guests to the tables.
One of our sites is already full, so don't hesitate. Sign up now by going to the signup form here:
Can you imagine a child having to sleep on the floor every night? It is hard to believe that there are hundreds of children right here in our local area doing that. The request for beds is staggering. Let's do something about the large number of children in need! This is one non-profit that needs to be put out-of-business!
The COVID pandemic has almost put a stop to any work in the last 6+ months. They need help! On September 26, there will be a nationwide build called “Bunks Across America”. The goal is for all chapters of SHP (over 250 now) to build on the same day. Last year the BAA project built 3,000 beds for kids that don’t have a bed of their own. This year's goal is 5,000.
Chair John Lee has arranged for Rotarians and friends to work together on Saturday, September 26 at the assembly warehouse at 2950 Milam in Beaumont. No tools are needed and no carpentry skills are required! Wear your "Rotarian at Work" shirt and come get a little sawdust in your hair and let's see how many beds we can complete that day. Work will begin at 8:00 a.m. and last until noon. Children and teens are invited to take part too, but a parent must be present with each minor child. Cool refreshments will be served.
We need at least 15 volunteers! The work takes place in a warehouse with open doors, and social distancing is always the practice. Sign up online please at: SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE.
If you cannot work on September 26 but would still like to help, we would welcome your donation of a "bed-in-a-bag" twin-size linen set. They can be found at WalMart for $30-$35. Bring it to the Rotary office (Room 213 in the Elegante Hotel) and we will be happy to deliver it to the charity for you.
Please plan to help! We need your help!
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There are still many days of cleanup, clearing and restoration to be done in southwestern Louisiana. If you can and want to volunteer, please contact the District 5910 coordinator, Ruth Leah Finkelstein Suhler, Assistant Governor, at leahone@aol.com.
Disaster Aid USA (DAUSA) is on site and coordinating the clean up in Lake Charles. It is a moving target as to where the site crew will be on any given day as it all depends on how much gets done each day. So, there are two options:
If you are not staying overnight, email me by 5:00pm the afternoon prior to the day you plan on volunteering. I will forward your information to the site coordinator who will email you back as to where to arrive.
If you are planning on utilizing the overnight accommodations available at the First United Methodist Church, please report directly to the Church which is located at 501 North Main, Vidor Texas. You will need to bring your own cot and bedding or sleeping bag. You will get your assignment at the Church.
General information:
Be sure to wear closed toe shoes.
Bring a pair of utility gloves.
Bring safety goggles.
Be careful.
Do not touch any downed power lines or phone lines.
Remember to lift using your legs.
Bug spray and suntan lotion will be provided, but if you can bring your own, that is appreciated.
Pandemic guidelines are your personal choice.
Please bring a wheel barrel/chain saw if you own one.
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Rotarians, we really need you to become a part of the weekly meeting! Sign up for a role at the virtual head table at an upcoming meeting. Look at your calendar and select a date that is convenient for your schedule. Red Badges are strongly encouraged to volunteer for this opportunity so you can move closer to your blue badge and members can get to know you better too.
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.
Karyn Husbands
All those affected by Hurricane Laura
in southern Louisiana
We miss you and look forward to when we will be able to meet in-person again!
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
September 16, 2020
"The 2020-21 Season
of the
Symphony of Southeast Texas"
Chelsea Tipton
Music Director
Symphony of Southeast Texas
by Chris Ayers
Chelsea Tipton is the maestro for the Symphony of Southeast Texas. He conducted his annual review of the Symphony and its concert series for the upcoming season. As always, he did a great job! The first concert is Saturday, September 19 and will be conducted online and will last an hour. After that, the plan is for the Symphony to perform for a live audience. The schedule is:
September 19: Classic Series 1: Cinematic Impressions
October 24: POPS 1: Cirque Spooktacular
November 21: Classic Series 2: Soundscapes from my Homeland
December 6: Deep in the Heart of Christmas
February 20: Classic Series 3: American Musical Soundscapes
March 27: POPS 2: Broadway Divas
April 10: Classic Series 4: Pipe Dreams
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Link to the Zoom page which includes this and the recorded meetings for July-September 2020.
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