Women in Industry
ExxonMobil Beaumont Refinery Plant Manager Rowena Dendy was recently named 2023 Women MAKE Awards honoree. Led by The Manufacturing Institute, the program recognizes individuals who have accomplished success within their companies and have proven to be leaders in the industry as a whole.
March 23, ExxonMobil employee volunteers will welcome middle-school girls from six Beaumont Independent School District schools for Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, a program designed to inspire female students to consider careers in engineering. During the event, ExxonMobil employees will conduct hands-on experiments.
“Not enough young women and girls are considering engineering, and programs like ‘Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day’ help to narrow this gender gap present in our industry and across other fields in science, technology, engineering and math,” Michael Mustian, ExxonMobil Beaumont Chemical Plant manager, said. “Each student that participates in this annual program is able to engage with women who are currently leading highly-successful engineering careers at ExxonMobil and be inspired to build their own pathway to a rewarding future.”
According to the Society of Women Engineers, women account for only 13% of the engineering practice, which are typically high-paying and high-demand jobs.
Free bottle feeder class
For the first time ever, Beaumont Animal Care will be hosting a Bottle Feeding Basics Class for individuals interested in helping during the busy spring kitten and puppy season.
The class is 1-2 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at Beaumont Animal Care, 1884 Pine St. in Beaumont. The class will teach how to hold animals for feedings, how to mix formula, how to stimulate, and much more. Interested fosters will also receive a beginner’s kit with supplies to get started.
Seating is limited – call (409) 838-3304 to reserve your spot.
Quick action saves life
March 16, the Beaumont Police Department (BPD) was called concerning a man being attacked by a pair of pit bulls near Sprott Park in south Beaumont.
An officer arrived at the scene and saw a 57-year-old Beaumont man on the ground being mauled by the two dogs. As the officer ran to help the man, one dog turned and charged the officer, forcing him to shoot and kill the dog. The other dog ran off into the woods and was later caught.
The man was transported to a local hospital with severe injuries all over his body and underwent surgery.
BPD reported that Beaumont Animal Care is investigating the incident.
Hillebrandt Bayou Bridge is back open
The city of Beaumont announced the Hillebrandt Bayou Bridge at Fannett Road near Tyrrell Park has reopened, and the traffic signal at SH124/Walden is operational once again.
Closed since fall 2021, the bridge has been brought up to current design and safety standards, including a new pedestrian crossing.
Women of Integrity Mentoring Group hosts follow-up
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Lamar State College Port Arthur
(LSCPA) will host a second meeting for the “Women of Integrity Mentoring Group,” a free networking social featuring the author of the book “Hope Is Not a Business Strategy: How to Take Control of Your Business so It Won’t Take Control of You,” C.T. Knabusch on Tuesday, March 28, from 3 - 5 p.m. at the Golden Cup, 1336 Boston Ave. in Nederland. Attendees can purchase the book for $20 at the social.
Vietnam War Veterans Day honored
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 292 will host a Vietnam War Veterans Day event honoring local veterans on Wednesday, March 29 at 11 a.m. at the Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitors Center, 5055 I10 Access Rd., Beaumont.
Tom Hall, USAF Vietnam Veteran, and VVA Chapter No. 292 member will be the guest speaker at the annual service.
National Vietnam War Veterans Day is celebrated on March 29 in the U.S and was made a recognized holiday in 2017 when it was signed into law by President Donald Trump. March 29 is the day the last of the troops were withdrawn in 1973. All are welcome and to stay for the reception to follow.