Beverly Domengeaux is Rotary Citizen of the Year

Beverly D. Domengeaux, executive director of the St. Mary Council on Aging, has been named the Morgan City Rotary’s Citizen of the Year.

Also at a banquet Wednesday, Scott Melancon was named Rotarian of the Year, and the Morgan City club named its new officers.

Domengeaux, a native of Texas, worked as a registered nurse during her marriage to Louisianian Noe Domengeaux, a Navy man.

They traveled during his Navy career and even more after he entered the civilian workforce as a watchmaker.

Domengeaux eventually became CEO of an Atlanta hospital. When her husband retired, the couple moved to Franklin. At age 70, Domengeaux began working with the Council on Aging.

“Most days, you can see Mrs. Beverly driving the little white van, personally delivering meals, consoling seniors and their families, and every municipality and parish council meeting,” said outgoing Rotary President Carrie Stansbury.

Domgeaux’s work with the Council on Aging continues at age 88.

“Mrs. Beverly knows the names of her seniors and their life experiences; She knows what makes them happy and afraid,” Stansbury said. “She knows their needs and wants. Mrs. Beverly is not your typical executive director who does not have cherished relationships with the people her agency serves.”

Domengeaux was also named a Paul Harris Fellow, an honor given to a person who “offers tangible and significant assistance in furthering the understanding and friendly relations to all people in the world.”

Melancon was recognized contributions to the club, including his work with the pancake breakfast at the Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival; recommending financial assistance with the Christmas decorations in Lawrence Park; obtaining speakers at Rotary meetings throughout the year; the New Generations event with high school students; serving as treasurer; and working with the Morgan City Allied Health Department and Morgan City Medical Society on much-needed funding for the allied health department at Morgan City High School.

The theme for this year's Rotary is Create Hope in the World. The Rotary International president is asking members to focus on mental health issues in the world today.