July 16, 2019: Reverend Dr. Kylon Jerome Middleton, a long time educator and community activist, provided an overview of the Illumination Project that has as 
its mission to foster better police and citizen relationships. He provided insightful examples of the work the program supports and the results it is achieving to better our community.
Reverend Dr. Kylon Jerome Middleton is the son of Vertelle M. Middleton and the late James Middleton, II. He has one son, his pride and joy, Kylon Joshua Middleton, a graduate student at East Carolina University. Reverend Dr. Middleton was born, reared and educated in the public school system in Charleston County. He graduated from Burke High School and matriculated to the College of Charleston graduating at age 18 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications. His passion for education led him to receive the following graduate degrees: Master of Divinity, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary; Master of School Administration, Educational Specialist, and Doctor of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy, Duke University. Reverend Dr. Middleton is a retired school administrator, where he has served as a transformational leader on the middle school, high school, and central office administration levels. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Beta Mu Sigma Chapter serving as President and received the 2018 Sigma Man of the Year Award. Reverend Dr. Middleton is the Junior Warden of Boaz Lodge #309.
Reverend Dr. Middleton has enjoyed a successful pastoral career and serves as Senior Pastor of Historic Mount Zion AME Church in downtown Charleston. “We are soaring” is his theme and vision as he oversees all ministries leading the congregation to new heights in social justice, racial reconciliation, and community outreach initiatives.
Reverend Dr. Middleton’s love of community radiates as a committed activist, leader, visionary, and volunteer. He continuously engages organizations and 
activities that see to improve the lives of Charleston citizens. In 2018, he took the helm of Charleston’s Illumination Project to foster better police and citizen relationships. (The Illumination Project has been picked as a national model).
Dr. Middleton encouraged all the Rotarians present to shake hands with our tablemates, in order to demonstrate the connections they try to build among Charlestonians in the Illumination Project. This project was the brainchild of former City Police Chief Mullen. In response to the Emmanuel Tragedy in 2015, listening sessions were held starting in 2016 to bring all voices together to explore the tensions between the important societal values of Public Safety and Individual Rights. 857 individuals including 290 youth participated in this, and an 86 Point Strategic Plan was developed. Recommendations that were enacted in 2018 include:
- Citizen Police Advisory Council formed and met Tuesday, July 10th at Gaillard Center
- De-escalation concepts reflected across the board in police trainings
- Cite and Release Program to reduce the number of physical arrests.
- Official liaisons with diverse communities to increase cultural consciousness
- 90% of Police policies online
- Civil Rights history classes about Charleston, SC
- Job Shadowing for new police officers in schools and Camp Hope
- Officers get written consent for all searches not based on reasonable suspicion or probable cause
- Non-traditional police actions:
- Free Vehicle Inspections at Police Garage providing bulb replacements, etc
- “Farmacy” Team Initiative: information, education, fruits and vegetables
The Citizens Police Advisory Council is currently seeking new members and 
any interested party can check on the City of Charleston website. The mission is to bring together people of diverse backgrounds encompassing ethnicity, academia, business leaders, faith-based organizations, elected officials, media, and/or law enforcement to create an open dialog and understanding. Contact Steve Ruemelin with questions at [email protected].
Dr. Middleton knows personally how terrifying police interactions can be for people of color, as he was subject to a violent search while in seminary in Columbia, SC.
The Illumination Project assisted in the recommendation for the ongoing Racial Bias Audit being done of the CPD, and the results should be available in August. The Racial Bias Audit will provide insights, information and context that the Department will use to increase our capabilities to deliver the best outcomes possible. The Department is looking forward to the chance to learn and improve through this audit. This audit will also allow the Department to show its continued commitment to transparency and engagement with the community.
In addition, in 2019 the project accomplished the following:
- Advised and assisted with planning and logistics for the Charleston Police Department’s Hate Crime Forum in February 2019 at the Charleston Museum.
- Organized, planned and moderated first Illuminate Charleston Summit: An Interfaith Dialogue on Discrimination in March 2019 at Central Mosque of Charleston.
- Presented the Illumination Project at the City of Charleston’s Annual Youth Summit in March 2019 at The Citadel.
- Organized, planned and facilitated first “Cops and Kids” listening session for 5th and 8th graders in March 2019 at Simmons-Pinckney Middle School.
- Planned, coordinated and facilitated the Annual National Police Week Law Enforcement Appreciation Worship Service in May 2019 at Mother Emanuel AME Church.
Listening sessions are ongoing and members are encouraged to communicate. You can also contact the police department to ride along with an officer to learn more.
CPD is also offering Police Citizen’s Academy as a way to further engage community members. It starts in October and you can apply online: https://www.charleston-sc.gov/303/Police-Department
Here is a link to Dr. Middleton’s Ted Talk on how to foster trust between communities and police: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnPGYxZBW1U&authuser=0
Submitted by Lisa Van Bergen, Keyway Committee
IN OTHER MEETING NEWS
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- Rob Dewey gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.
- Leslie Fellabom introduced visiting Rotarians & guests.
- President Sandy Morckel presented Health and Happiness.
- Jim Geffert introduced our keynote speaker, Kylon Middleton, who discussed The Illumination Project.
MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY
July 23, 2019 | Issue 4934 | President: Sandy Morckel
COMING EVENTS
- July 23 – Mike Graney, CRDA
- July 30 – Helen Hill, Charleston CVB (@ HIGH COTTON)
- August 6 – Dr. Jane Josephs, Alzheimer’s
- August 13 – Jamie Schoen, Opioid Epidemic
- August 20 – No Meeting
NEWS BRIEFS
Rotary Club of Charleston History Moment
At each meeting, President Sandy plans to share some of the snippets of our club’s amazing 100 year history and our impact on Charleston and around the world. It will be a fun trip down memory lane and will also be shared in the Keyway.
The 1920s: By the end of 1920, there were 30 members, 49 within a year, and membership increased steadily through the decade. By the beginning of the 1929 Club year, membership numbered 82.
Projects and Community Service: The Club immediately began with ambitious plans for service projects and support of programs to improve the quality of life in the community. This set a precedent for the club for its future. Included among the projects, members: · Sold $50,000 of stock in the new Francis Marion Hotel. · Pledged to improve streets and roads in the area. · Strongly advocated bridges across the Cooper, Ashley and Santee rivers. · Organized the Boy Scout Council in Charleston. · Helped establish recreational playing fields in Hampton Park. · Supported formation of the Community Chest (now United Way). · Led planting of palm trees at Union Station and along Vendue Range. · Spoke out for repeal of blue laws. · Provided support for hurricane victims in Florida. · Endorsed the state’s first workers’ compensation laws.
Program Committee Meeting
Our Program Committee will have a short meeting next Tuesday, July 23. This will happen directly following our regular meeting. All are invited to join us. Direct any questions to Rob Dewey, who is serving as the chair of the Program Committee this year. Contacts: [email protected] or 843-693-2718.
Meeting at High Cotton on July 30th
Our Rotary luncheon on Tuesday, July 30th will be held at High Cotton, which is across the street on East Bay. Everyone should plan to park in their normal parking spots and walk across the street.
Dues Statements Emailed
Dues statements for the July 1-December 31 period were distributed via email on June 10. Past due statements were emailed this past week to those who haven’t made a payment. Please be sure to pay from this statement. If you did not receive a statement, please let Carroll know.
Rotary (District 7770) Night at the Segra Ballpark in Columbia
Save the date – July 26, 2019 – Rotary Night at the Ballpark …. Rotarians like to have fun and enjoy the friendship of fellow Rotarians. What better way to have fun than with Baseball, Hotdogs and Rotary?
You are invited to a night out at the ballpark. Friday, July 26, 2019 has been designated as Rotary Night with the Columbia Fireflies. Put mark this date on your calendar for the Segra Ballpark in Columbia. This will be an opportunity for Rotary club members to have a great social time. Tickets are $9.00 each and food vouchers are $5.00. We will sit together along the first base line and have a great time. An email with an attached flyer was sent to all Rotarians with information about the event and how to purchase tickets.
Our Club is on Social Media
embers are encourage to follow all of our social media channels and share posts with their followers too! We also need members to send us picture of anything they do that relates to Rotary – service projects, meetings, events, etc. We would love to keep our accounts full of smiling Rotarians! Photos can be send to Mike Sottak, [email protected], or Rob Byko, [email protected].
MEMBER NEWS
Member News
Former member, Paul Welborn, was admitted to Roper Hospital last weekend extremely sick. He is suffering from a form of cancer. Paul’s wife Catherine reports that he is now at home and sends along her thanks for everyone keeping him in your thoughts & prayers.
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Molly Greene, co-founder of Water Mission and fellow Rotarian. Molly died in an accidental drowning this past Wednesday in the Bahamas. Her husband, George Greene, is a former member of our club. Molly was a long-time dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Charleston-Breakfast and a dear friend of our club. Please pray for George and their family.
Words cannot express the impact of Molly’s good work on thousands of lives and communities throughout the world. She truly lived a life dedicated to Service Above Self.
We will share details about the service when they are available.
With much regret, the Board accepted the resignation of Michael Saboe at its meeting last Tuesday. We will all miss Mike and wish him the best.
Proposed New Members
The following membership candidates have submitted an application and signed letter of agreement to the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston:
Ken Morelli – sponsor: Heidi Finniff; classification: Retirement Community Mgmt.
Tiffany Vanek – sponsor: Sandy Morckel; classification: Retirement Community/Mgmt.
Dave Eckert – sponsor: Digit Matheny; classification: Real Estate/Development
In the event you know Ken, Tiffany or Dave, please tell a member of the Board how he/she will serve the ideas of Rotary.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Charlie Patrick
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- JOINED: 2019
- SPONSOR: Past President Alissa Lietzow
- MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT: New Member
- CLASSIFICATION: Attorney-At-Law
Charlie Patrick - PROFESSION: Owner & Lead Attorney, Patrick Law Firm
- SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF: Charlie is a lifelong Charlestonian (with a short stint in Atlanta for law school) and has been practicing law for 5 years. He is an amateur cyclist and wine enthusiast. He enjoys both activities with this wife, Hamida, who is also a lifelong Charlestonian and small business owner.
Birthdays
- July 24 – Stefany Ceccato
- July 26 – Andy Brack
By the numbers
- Attendance on July 16, 2019: 57
- Not in attendance: Allen, Bailey, Barry, Baus, Beam, Bini, Carico, Channell, Chico, Clark, Coe, Coghill, Cohen, Cole, Cook, Cooper, E., Cooper, J., Crouch, Deavenport, DeGraff, Diminich, Donnellon, Dopp, Drafts, Embry, Fink, Finniff, Frume, Gill, Hanger, Holmes, Husser, Kaynard, Lucy, Minson, Mitchell, Palmer, Plotner, Prewitt, Raver, Rich, Rust, Seguer, Shahid, Sidebottom, Smith, M., Strickland, Sullivan, Taylor, Tecklenburg, John, Thomas, Webb, Youngs
Out of Town Make-ups:
Owen Clary – On board RMS Queen Mary 2
WELLNESS TIP
Get Outside to Exercise
Pick one outdoor activity — going on a hike, taking a nature walk, playing games such as tag with your kids, cycling, roller blading, or swimming — to shed that cooped-up feeling of gym workouts.
And remember, the family that plays together not only gets fit together — it’s also a great way to create bonding time.
AREA CLUB MEETINGS
Mondays
- Summerville – Oakbrook: 7:30 a.m., Monday, Westcott County Club, 5000 Wescott Club Drive, North Charleston
- North Charleston: 12:30 a.m., Monday, Hilton Garden Inn, 5265 International Blvd, North Charleston.
- Summerville Evening: 5:30 p.m., Monday, Montreux Bar and Grill, 127 W. Richardson Ave., Summerville
Tuesdays
- East Cooper Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Cooper River Room at Waterfront Park, Mount Pleasant
- Charleston: 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Hall’s Signature Events, 5 Faber, Charleston
- Goose Creek: 12:45 m. Tuesday, Gilligan’s, 219 St. James Ave., Goose Creek
Wednesdays
- Daniel Island: 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Daniel Island Club, 600 Island Park Dr., Daniel Island
- St. John’s Parish (John’s Island): 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, 2817 Maybank Highway, Unit 1, John’s Island
- Mount Pleasant: 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Harbor Breeze Restaurant, 176 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant
- Summerville: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sticky Fingers, Summerville
Thursdays
- North Charleston Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Embassy Suites, 5055 International Blvd., North Charleston
- Moncks Corner: 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Gilligan’s Restaurant, Moncks Corner
- St. Andrews (West Ashley): 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Bessinger’s BBQ, 1602 Savannah Highway, Charleston.
Fridays
- Charleston Breakfast: 7:30 a.m., Friday, Harbour Club, 35 Prioleau St., Charleston
SOCIAL MEDIA
Our Rotary club actively uses social media — and we encourage you to interact with us through social media.
- We’re on Facebook. Take a look at our page and be sure to “like us”.
- We’re on Twitter. You can follow us @chasrotaryclub.
- We’re on Instagram. You can follow us @ChasRotaryClub.
ABOUT THE KEYWAY
The Keyway has been published weekly as a newsletter for the Rotary Club of Charleston for more than 90 years.
- President: Sandy Morckel
- Keyway editor: Don Baus [email protected]
- Executive secretary: Carroll Schweers, [email protected]
- Mailing address: Rotary Club of Charleston, P.O. Box 21029 ,Charleston, SC 29413-1029
- Copyright 2018, Rotary Club of Charleston. All rights reserved.