March 2, 2021:
Charleston Police Chief and fellow Rotarian Luther Reynolds was the guest speaker at our meeting, bringing with him Captain Cretella of the CPD and Assistant Chief Kostyrka of the CFD. They gave us an update on the Leadership Development Insitute, a program our club helped launch with a $50,000 grant last year. The first responders talked about the importance of leadership in their organizations and how the LDI is helping enhance citizens’ safety and strengthen community relationships in Charleston.
Chief Luther Reynolds, Captain Cretella and Assist Fire Chief Kostyrka joined us as guest speakers to give an update on the CPD Leadership Development Institute. As some of you might remember, our club made a donation to this program as part of our Centennial Year celebrations. Chief Reynolds started by thanking the Rotary for their partnership in helping to support the program. John Vincent and Deb Fortin of The Submarine Way, the leadership consultant working with the CPD Leadership Development Institute, gave a summary of the program thus far. They have completed five of eight courses with the Institute, training that reaches to all ranks of Charleston Police, Fire and Safety Departments. They have just begun the Mastermind training, where they train the trainers in the departments. Chief Reynolds, they pointed out, is present at every course and checking in on a regular basis.
You don’t change mindset and behavior by doing training sessions on Equity and Inclusion, you instill in people their own unique talents and have them partner with people with their unique talents, building the interdependent collaboration needed to accomplish more. That is how a submarine crew works, a group of twenty-somethings just out of high school working at a much higher level. You recognize each other’s talents and collaborate to those strengths, once you do it internally, you turn it externally and show that collaboration outward. Captain Cretella, explained how part of the goal is for the Police and Fire Department is to be regarded, not just as service agencies for public safety, but to be seen as leaders in the community.
Chief Kostyrka, also indicated how this is an opportunity to improve the customer service of the fire services so that when they do respond to a need in the community, it is not the first time the community is seeing them.
Chief Reynolds concluded with the goal of providing the fire and police with the training and protection they need so that parents want their sons and daughters to be part of the public safety services and leadership is part of the goal. He ended by again thanking the Rotary for their support as they continue to grow in this process. This is just the beginning of creating a growing and learning organization.
Go here for a recording of this week’s meeting
Submitted by Don Baus, Chairman, Keyway Committee
IN OTHER MEETING NEWS
-
- Past President Digit Matheny gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.
- Dwayne Green welcomed all visiting Rotarians and guests.
- President Lisa presented Health and Happiness.
- Past President Digit Matheny introduced Chief Luther Reynolds, who was joined by Captain Cretella and Assistant Fire Chief Kostyrka to discuss the CPD Leadership Development Institute, which our club help fund with a donation during our centennial year celebrations.
MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY
March 9, 2021 | Issue 4998 President: Lisa Van Bergen
COMING EVENTS
-
- March 9 – Todd Lant, Blackbaud
- March 16 – Dr. David Cole, “The Latest on COVID-19”(ZOOM ONLY)
- March 23 – Dr. Mary Thornley, Trident Technical College
- March 30 – John Darby, “How the Beach Company makes our region even better”
- April 6 – John Warren, President/Kiawah, PGA Championship (ZOOM ONLY)
NEWS BRIEFS
Happy 101st Birthday, Rotary Club of Charleston!
This past Monday, March 1, our club celebrated 101 years of “Service Above Self” to our community. From our official chartering on March 1, 1920, our Rotary members have been the epitome of dedicated community servants. Our members dedicate hundreds of volunteer hours and tens of thousands of dollars each year to support causes that are important to the Lowcountry and relief efforts around the world. Our members have played an important role in mentoring youth, supporting the elderly and those in need, impacting our environment and improving the lives of our citizens. We will continue to live up to the ideals of Rotary International in our vision: Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Happy Birthday, Rotary Club of Charleston! We look forward to making a difference in our community for the next 101 years!
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.
Rotarian/Non-Rotarian Volunteers Assist With COVID Vaccine Rollout

The Rotary Club of Charleston is playing a critical role in a Covid Vaccine public/private partnership with Rotary District 7770 and all 3 local hospital systems . Our most recent event was last Wednesday and Thursday at The Galliard Center which was supported by Past presidents Sandy and Patterson, as well as Rob Byko and wife Karen.
On the ground report from Rob: “During our shift, 1,200 doses dispensed, and so many of the patrons came up to us afterward to thank usRotary Club of Charleston, Gaillard Center and of course Harris Teeter for hosting the event, making it so easily accessible and organized. Many, many positive comments on the warm & friendly greeters, HT staffers and Rotary volunteers…quite a few Rotarians & former Rotarians stopped by our station just to say ‘Hi!’ and thank Rotary for their involvement. All-in, a greatly beneficial event for all concerned.”

Charleston 50
The Charleston 50, a special group of generous supporters who contribute $500 annually to the Rotary Club of Charleston’s community grants program, is almost 50% filled! What a great opportunity to continue our decades-long tradition of grant-making while also building brand awareness and visibility before a group that values local businesses, generous leaders, and community-minded professionals. This group receives 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! Memberships will be accepted until 50 are obtained, and benefits continue 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 hotlink
- Recognition at a meeting (Recognize two at a time)
- 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
Share The Warmth – Coat/Warm Clothing Drive
Fellow Rotarian, Joel Cardwell, is coordinating a Rotary “Share the Warmth” coat drive, for the next FOUR weeks!
Donations can include coats, blankets, socks, sweaters, hats, gloves, or any warm clothing our less fortunate brothers and sisters could use to keep warm this winter. Donations can be for men, women or children.
These donations will also be used for outreach in the streets by Slums to Slumber, and Uplift Charleston to help transition those suffering from homelessness into safe housing and care.
Joel will collect items brought to meetings, and is also happy to come to your location to pick up donations. You can contact him at 317.850.0853 or www.joelcardwell.com.
Thank you for supporting our needy neighbors!
PR Committee Seeking Volunteers
Our club’s PR Team is looking for additional members to join their committee. Specifically, volunteer photographers are needed to take photos at our meetings. If you are interested in serving on the PR committee and helping in this role, please email Mike Sottak at [email protected]. Fancy cameras are not required, an iPhone will do! It would be wonderful to have a couple of volunteers alternating the weekly duty.
Support The CART Fund
It is easy for club members to make individual contributions and support The CART Fund electronically. The CART Fund has a 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
The District 7770 Million $ Campaign and dinner will be held on May 5th 2021 at the Francis Marion Hotel. Our own Sandy Morkel 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.
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 pictures 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
Welcome to our newest member, Robie Scott. Robie, who is a former long-time member of the Rotary Club of North Charleston, was introduced and sponsored by Past President Sandy Morckel. Robie will hold the classification of Media. We welcome Robie into our Rotary family!
Karl Riner, our Rotary Foundation Chair, recognized several of our members with Paul Harris Fellows this past Tuesday.
- Ricky Bailey – PHF + 1
- Leslie Fellabom – PHF + 1
- Alan Uram – PHF + 1
- Bill Nettles – PHF + 3
Congratulations to these Rotarians! Your continuous commitment and support of the Rotary Foundation and of our club is to be commended.
Past President and former member of our club, Mark Smith (SC Representative Dist. 99) obtained a full SC House of Representatives Resolution to recognize and thank the Rotary Club of Daniel Island and the Rotary Club of Charleston for their leadership and execution of volunteer coordination to support public vaccinations across the state and through the Rotary Ready COVID19 vaccine distribution.
Past President Sandy Morckel is featured in “Live a Girl: Dare to Dream”, a new exhibition by artist Fer Caggiano, on view at the City Gallery from 3/11-5/2/2021. Featuring portraits of more than 35 SC women, Like a Girl brings attention to women who have excelled, each with unique and inspiring stories. A small group from our club will go on March 23rd to view, walking down after our meeting. Please inform Lisa Van Bergen or Patterson Smith, if you want to join this group.
Congratulations to Amy Chico on her recent appointment to Senior Vice President at HLA. Inc.. With over 26 years of experience, Amy’s leadership has been integral to HLA’s continued success.
Proposed New Member
The following membership candidate has submitted an application and signed letter of agreement to the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston:
Jan Luth – sponsor: Denise Kaufman; classification: Retired/Museum
In the event you know Jan, please tell a member of the Board how she/he will serve the ideas of Rotary.
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: Robie Scott
- JOINED: 3/2/2021
- SPONSOR: Past President Sandy Morckel
- MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT: New Member, Membership Committee
- CLASSIFICATION: Media
- PROFESSION: Director of Development & Community Relations, Post & Courier
- SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF: I served on the first co-ed Rotary Group Study Exchange to Scotland for Rotary District 7770. At the time, women in Scotland were not allowed in Rotary. I maintained my relationship with my host families (nine total) for many years and three of them visited me in the US. I have also hosted a GSE Rotary Ambassador from Tokyo.
Birthdays
- 3/10 – Ruthie Ravenel & Joseph Tecklenburg
- 3/14 – Rich Dukes
By the numbers
-
- Attendance on March 2, 2021 (In-Person and Zoom): 51
- Not in attendance: Allen, Barton, Baus, Berry, Bickley, Bini, Brack, Burgreen, Ceccato, Coghill, Cohen, Cole, Cook, Crouch, Coxe, DeGraff, Diminich, Donaldson, Drafts, Echols, Fason, Fink, S., Finniff, Galizia, Gill, Hanger, Holmes, Howard, Husser, Imam, Jones, Jones, Kaynard, Loredo, Lucy, Miracle, Moore, Moring, Oswalt, Palmer, Patrick, Plotner, Ravenel, Rust, Sidebottom, Smith, H., Smith, M., Staley, Strickland, Taylor, Tecklenburg, Joseph, Teller, Tonney, Vanek, Wackym, Webb, Weston
- Out of Town Make-ups: None
WELLNESS TIP
Sweat every day
Aim to sweat in some way each day—whether that’s via running, biking, dancing, hot yoga, or any other physical activity you enjoy.
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