December 8, 2020:
We held our last regular meeting of 2020 and welcomed Dr. Dondi Costin of 
Charleston Southern University who spoke about the challenges Covid-19 has posed for universities. We also inducted two new members and presented more RCCF funds to worthy community groups. Don’t forget our Holiday Party at Hall’s, December 15. And best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season. See you in 2021
Dondi Costin, President of Charleston Southern University, spoke to us this week about how CSU has faced the challenges of operating in a pandemic. Dondi’s goal for the fall semester was for CSU to make it to Thanksgiving, which is the end this year, and doing so made him very thankful. When the outbreak started in March, CSU was on spring break, and the decision was made to just extend spring break by a week until things returned to normal. Well, that week was extended again and again and ultimately the tough decision was made to cancel the remainder of the semester including commencement.
There are four principals of crisis management that CSU used to guide them in decision making. The first is to maintain operations in the safest manner possible. Second is to effectively educate the students. This was especially challenging for faculty who had to use technology and try and keep students engaged online. Dondi said that the most exhausted people on campus at end of semester were faculty. The third concern is the financial well being of staff and faculty. From March to October, 560,000 jobs in higher education have been lost. There is significant revenue loss when students are not living and eating on campus. In addition, CSU usually hosts high school students at camps through the summer. This generates revenue and helps in recruitment. That did not happen this year. In May, CSU put together a University Pandemic Task Force and one of the first questions asked was “Are we going to open in August?”. That was an open question for the summer through early August as they monitored the virus and the guidance from the CDC. The fourth concern that the Task Force is addressing is the long-term financial health of the university. One of the ways to do that is to continue to recruit students. Staff did that virtually and was able to meet their goal for fall enrollment. They found that students and their parents were eager to be on campus and out of their homes after the long spring and summer.
CSU developed a game plan for the fall semester: open early, no holidays or breaks, and finish before Thanksgiving. There we many questions that had to be answered: how many students in classrooms? How many in dining hall? How much plexi-glass is needed for dividers? Another concern is that 18- to 21-year-olds do not go to college to be socially distant from each other. Also, since most are at low risk, students may not be as concerned about contracting the virus. But they obviously can spread the virus to others that are at higher risk. CSU encouraged them to “Love their neighbors” and to follow masking and social distancing practices.
Dondi talked about how he thought of how people approach the virus as being on 3 axes, or spectrums. One is Faith to Fear. Some are very afraid and have effectively been in isolation at home since March, while others may have faith that God will protect them and not have much concern about the virus. Another is Freedom vs. Safety. Many view the safety and prevention measures as an infringement on their freedom. Unfortunately striking a balance on this was made more challenging due to political pressures of this being an election year. Another axis is People and Mission. There are some people who just cannot be put at risk of in person learning. But there are others that can and want to be on the front line in furthering CSU’s Mission in a safe and effective manner. The leadership at CSU made the decision that we are people of faith, but God has given us the intelligence to study the statistics and risks of the virus and made informed decisions about how we address it. Dondi mentioned that when this started in March, and the NCAA Basketball Tournament was canceled, he took a slogan from March Madness and applied it to CSU approach to the pandemic: “Survive and Advance”. Take victories where you can and sometimes that is just getting to the next day. CSU started Engineering and Aviation programs and continued construction projects in support to those through the pandemic. Also, the new Chaplaincy program, funded by Rob and Kathy Dewey, is also moving forward with a director recently named. Dr. Ron Harvell recently retired from 34 years as a North American Mission Board missionary to the U.S. Air Force and was called to lead this important program.
Dondi took some questions from members about the effectiveness of virtual learning and what changes are going to be part of the “new normal” in higher education post-pandemic.
Go here for a recording of the meeting.
Submitted by Jeff Webb, Keyway Committee
IN OTHER MEETING NEWS
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- Past President Paul Stoney gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.
- Karla Combs welcomed all visiting Rotarians & guests.
- President Lisa presented Health and Happiness.
- David Baggs introduce our keynote speaker, Dondi Costin, President of Charleston Southern University, who discussed “How Local Universities are Dealing with COVID-19”
MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY
December 15, 2020 | Issue 4989| President: Lisa Van Bergen
UPCOMING EVENTS
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- Dec. 15 – Holiday Luncheon @ Hall’s (MEMBERS Only)/ Write cards for Sr. Giving immediately following
- Dec. 22 – NO Meeting
- Dec. 29 – NO Meeting
- Jan. 5 – Mayor John Tecklenburg, State of the City
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NEWS BRIEFS
Holiday Luncheon at Hall’s This Tuesday
Our annual Holiday Luncheon at Hall’s Chophouse is this Tuesday, Dec. 15. Please note that this luncheon will start at 12:00 noon. The RSVP deadline has passed, so we are not able to take additional reservations at this time. We hope everyone will enjoy this fun, festive time and mingling with their fellow Rotarians. We will continue with our COVID protocols to keep everyone safe — masks will be required when not eating, temperatures taken at the door and tables/seats will be appropriately socially distanced.
COVID: In-Person Reminder
As we go back to attending meetings in person, we wanted to again share the below from the District. Members are asked to keep this in mind.
It has come to my attention that we need to set some ground rules for dealing with Rotarians who contract COVID-19 and how we deal with this in our clubs. First, for the Rotarians themselves. We MUST maintain absolute confidentiality for ANYONE who tests positive for COVID-19 unless they give us permission to share their information. That said, we MUST also ask, even require, that any Rotarian who has been to an in-person Rotary meeting or other function and later suspects they have COVID-19 report this to their Club President as soon as possible. This could be due to being in close contact with a person who tests positive or that they show symptoms. And, they absolutely must let the Club President know immediately if they test positive. Then, keeping confidentiality, the Club President MUST let all who attended that event know that there was someone at the event or meeting who came down with symptoms or tested positive. This will, at least, give all those notified the option of being tested immediately. And, it gives them a warning that maybe they should limit their contact with others until it is proven that they are not infected.
Newly Elected Board Members
We are pleased to announce that Stefany Ceccato, Cleave Ham, Stavros T. and Kelsey Willey have all been elected to the 2021-2022 Board of Directors. On July 1, 2021, they will join President-Elect Rob Dewey, Rob Byko, Jeanne Jamme, Virginia Lee and Joseph Tecklenburg on the Board. We had a strong slate of candidates and sincerely appreciate all candidates’ willingness and desire to serve our club. Congratulations to all!
Salvation Army Bellringing
Our long-standing holiday tradition of ringing the bell for the Salvation Army took place this past Friday! Rotarian volunteers (and some special family members) rang the
bell at two stations – one at King/Market and one at Meeting/Market. Thanks to our Salvation Army Chair (and new member), Denise Kaufman, for coordinating this service project for our club. It was a wonderful way to serve our community while safely social distancing outdoors.
Holiday Senior Giving
We are gearing up for our Annual Senior Gift Giving for the residents of the Ansonborough House. We are again very proud to have the opportunity to make sure all 80 residents of the Ansonborough House has a wonderful holiday. Just like much of 2020, this project will be a little different this year. In lieu of the normal holiday party and gift giving, we will be providing a meal that will be delivered by the senior center staff to each senior’s apartment and we will include a Harris Teeter gift card with each delivery. We would like to include a personal card with each delivery and gift. This is where Rotarian volunteers can help! We will be writing the cards immediately following our Holiday Lunch at Hall’s on 12/15. If you would like to help with this project, please plan to stay after the luncheon. It shouldn’t take more than an hour.
Operation Warm Completed
This year things look different in this COVID environment, but we are happy to report children at Mitchell Math and Science Elementary School still received coats and socks through the Operation Warm project supported by your funds at the RCCF. It is an annual program where in past years, volunteers have gone to 2-3 elementary schools and distributed coats to children in need. Due to Covid, we weren’t allowed to physically go and give out coats as no one is allowed in at Mitchell besides CCSD employees. Kelsey Willey and Stefany Di Manno Ceccato who lead the Operation Warm team ordered the coats to be shipped directly to the school. Socks were shopped for and dropped off with Alison Johnson, Guidance Counselor at Mitchell and wife of long-time Rotarian Brian Johnson. Coats and socks were given to 120 children in CD Kids, Kindergarten, First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades. The children were thrilled to receive them. Perfect timing too as it is starting to get cold out!
RCCF Grant Recpients Recognized
On behalf of our club and the RCCF, Past President and RCCF Chair David Burt recognized two local organizations with RCCF grants.
Stephen Skardon, Executive Director of the Palmetto Project, accepted the grant on behalf of his organization. Our club’s donation will be used to purchase a laptop to use by one of their 6 Insure SC licensed insurance agents. As a part of the nation’s first statewide nonprofit insurance agency, agents are helping residents in Charleston with health insurance and access applications and enrollment for Medicare, Marketplace, Medicaid, dental and vision coverage.
David White (center), Executive Director of Real Talk Real Action Real Results, Inc., and Eric Jackson (left) attended on behalf of that organization. Our funds will go to support Laundry Matters and free laundry services for residents on the east side of Charleston. This is the neighborhood’s only laundromat as most residents do not own washers or dryers. The convenient and affordable access to clean clothes is necessary in this community.
Congratulations to both Palmetto Project and R3! We are pleased to support their efforts in our community.
Charleston 50
All club members have the chance to join The Charleston 50, a special group of generous supporters who contribute $500 annually to the Rotary Club of Charleston’s community grants program. This group offers exclusive benefits, and all funds will support local charities. Your donation is 100% Tax-Deductible. The group will never exceed 50 donors, and this is your opportunity to join the inaugural class of The Charleston 50! Donating before 12/31/20 obtains you a tax benefit for this year, but memberships will be accepted until 50 are obtained, through June 30, 2021. At that point Year Two will start! Please download and complete the attached Pledge Form, and return it via email to Phoenicia Miracle at [email protected].
As benefits (through June 30, 2021), each Charleston 50 member will annually receive:
- Their logo or name on the website with a hot link
- Recognition at a meeting
- Right of first refusal for 2021-22
- A Charleston 50 lapel pin
- A frameable certificate for office
- A decal
- Permission to use The Rotary 50 on their website and email
- Automatic enrollment in and recognition at other Rotary events
- Name association with every good deed Rotary funds
- Special event post-Covid
Volunteer Opportunity with the SHIFA Clinic
The SHIFA clinic, which we have been supporting, is making this a ” December to Remember”. They are planning their last giveaway for the Holidays to about 300-350 families on Dec 19th 2020. at RB Stall High school. They will be giving out Food boxes, Chicken, stuffed Toys, Brand new Blankets, Hygiene items, Diaper and Diaper bags. DHEC will be doing COVID testing and getting national guard for it. They will also be providing Flu shots.
Needless to say this is a huge endeavor and requires a lot of organization planning and packing. As always they rely heavily on our volunteers and donors. You can sign up to assist at the links below:
Volunteer to pack gifts: https://shifaclinic2020.as.me/volunteertopack
Volunteer at the Event; https://shifaclinic2020.as.me/holidaygiveaway2020
Donate a gift : https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Holidaygiveaway2020
Please go directly to these websites to volunteer.
Support The CART Fund
It is easy for club members to make individual contributions and support The CART Fund electronically. The CART Fund has new portal www.mycartfund.org, which you can easily access. As a Rotarian and a DACdb user, you automatically have an account already set-up in your name. Your user name and password are the same as it is for the DACdb.
Support the Rotary Foundation
Just a reminder as we enter the season of giving not to forget the Rotary Foundation! There is the District 7770 Million $ Campaign and dinner to be held on May 5th 2021 at the Francis Marion Hotel. Our own Sandy Morckel is the Chair for that event. $10,000 spread over 3 years or a Bequest gets you an invite.
And do not forget your opportunity to be recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. Eighty-five dollars a month gets you there. Please reach out to Karl Riner, Club Foundation Chair, to sign up or ask questions.
You can also donate to Rotary’s efforts to end polio now: https://endpolio.org/donate
District Governor Nominations Being Accepted
As the Immediate Past District Governor of Rotary International District 7770, Johnny Moore, serves as Chair of the District 7770 Nominating Committee. In that capacity it is his responsibility to publish this call for nominations, to receive nominations, to present the nominations to the Nominating Committee and to Chair the Nominating Committee during the interview and voting process.
We are seeking nominations for the Office of District Governor of Rotary International District 7770. Nomination data forms must be returned to Johnny at [email protected] no later than 31 December 2020. Included in the attached packet is Article 16 of the Rotary International Manual of Procedure explaining the qualifications for District Governor. The applicant must read, understand, agree to and sign this section in order to be considered. The Club Secretary must sign the nomination form prior to submitting it to me.
Though not required it is suggested that the candidate meet with the Board of their Club to seek Board support for their nomination.
The Nominating Committee will meet on January 29th, 2021 with interviews starting at 9:00 AM. The location or method of meeting will be determined at a later time and meeting via virtual means is a distinct possibility. Those nominated will be informed of the method for meeting as much in advance as is possible and will receive their interview time at that point.
If you have questions, you may contact me at [email protected].
Official Rotary Club of Charleston Statement on Racial Inequity and Business Support
The Rotary Club of Charleston Board of Directors has adopted an official statement on Racial Inequity and Business Support in light of the recent unrest in our community and across the nation and the world. Rotary International had adopted an official statement on June 1, and we felt it was important for our Rotary Club to take a stand to condemn racial injustice and also show support for our small businesses who were affected during the recent rioting. While this has been a very challenging year for our community and our members with this pandemic and the resulting economic effects, we feel hopeful that a shift is occurring for the pandemic that has plagued our country for 400 years. In both our words and our actions, we have a chance to be a part of changing our future to one that allows all of our citizens to have a chance to live up to their fullest potential. With all the amazing and transformative impact the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston has had on our community and milestones that we have celebrated throughout this 100th anniversary year, you can be proud to be a part of an organization that lives up to our vision of uniting to create lasting change in our world, our communities and in ourselves.
The statement in its entirety can be found on the lead page of our club’s website.
Club/District Emails
As a Rotarian and a member in District 7770, you are receiving emails from our club and the District. Both the club and the District try to minimize the number of emails being sent, but in today’s world of staying at home and no contact, emails are the main way to get information out and keep Rotarians connected. Please do not unsubscribe from District emails as this also affects your ability to receive club emails. If you unsubscribe from the District emails, then you are also unsubscribing from receiving club emails.
Our Club is on Social Media
Members are encouraged 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 sent to Mike Sottak, [email protected], or Rob Byko, [email protected].
MEMBER NEWS
Congratulations to our newest Rotarians – Eddie Phipps and Mackie Moore! Eddie was sponsored and introduced by President-Elect Rob Dewey and will hold the classification of Law/Criminal/Civil/Business. Eddie is a former police officer and now an attorney. Mackie Moore was introduced and sponsored by Past President Sandy Morckel. She will hold the classification of Eleemosynary/Executive. Rotary is in her blood as she is the granddaughter of We welcome both Eddie and Mackie into our Rotary family!
Stay safe and continue to stay connected as we help those who are most vulnerable in our community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to fellow Rotarians if we can help you in any way in the days and weeks to come!
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Rotarian: Dan Curia
- JOINED: 11/17/20
- SPONSOR: President-Elect Rob Dewey
- MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT: New Member
- CLASSIFICATION: First Responder/Fire
- PROFESSION: Fire Chief, Charleston Fire Department
- SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF: I play the drums. Until I moved to Charleston in 2018, I played in a rock and blues band for years.
Birthdays
- 12/9 – Johnny Stuhr
- 12/9 – Heath Ward
By the numbers
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- Attendance on December 1, 2020 (In-Person and Zoom): 61
- Not in attendance: Baus, Berry, Bickley, Bini, Cohen, Cook, Coxe, Crain, DeGraff, Echols, Fason, Fellabom, Finniff, Gill, Howard, Humiston, Husser, Jones, Z., Kaynard, Loredo, Lucy, Moring, Oswalt, Rust, Savage, Shahid, Smith, P., Strickland, Tecklenburg, John, Tecklenburg, Joseph, Wackym, Walters, Woodell
- Out of Town Make-ups: None
WELLNESS TIP
Keep up healthy habits.
Make a pact with yourself during the holidays. For example, decide that you’ll move more and do something active every day over the next three weeks. Take it a step further, and pledge to start the day with a healthy breakfast, limit the sweets and get at least seven hours of sleep each night. If you don’t completely give up your healthy habits, you won’t feel like you have to start over once the holidays are over..
ARE 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: 7:30AM Hall’s Signature Events, 5 Faber, 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: Lisa Van Bergen
- 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