August 24, 2021
Pat Kelsey, head basketball coach at the College of Charleston, entertained us
with his talk to the club this week. Coach is optimistic about the upcoming season for the Cougars in his first year as head coach. A reminder that applications for this round of RCCF grants are due September 1. Don’t forget the cocktail networking event at Five Faber on September 21 at 5 PM.
Coach Pat Kelsey head basketball coach of the College of Charleston joined us last week. Kelsey began his career as an assistant coach at Wake Forest University and later Xavier University. During his time as an assistant coach, his teams earned an ACC regular season championship, five NCAA Tournament berths, an NIT berth, and a No. 1 national ranking in two different seasons. In 2010, College Bound Hoops ranked Kelsey eighth in the nation among college basketball assistants. He was sought after by some of America’s top programs and has been a candidate for multiple head coaching positions. Chris Mack, former A-10 and Big East Championship head coach, considered him to be one of the best assistant coaches in America.
As head coach at Winthrop University, Kelsey resurrected a winning tradition and became one of the winningest coaches in the history of the Big South Conference (ranked 2nd all-time with 110 conference wins). During his nine seasons, no other Big South program had more conference wins or wins overall. The program made four straight Big South Conference Tournament title games (2014–17) and the Eagles claimed the 2017, 2020, and 2021 Big South Conference Championships. The 2017 team claimed a share of the Big South regular season championship and then defeated Campbell University to earn Winthrop’s 10th trip to the NCAA Tournament. In 2020, the team secured the Big South regular season championship and defeated Hampton University in the conference championship game to earn what would have been Winthrop’s 11th trip to the NCAA tournament. However, the 2020 NCAA tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the Eagles started the season 16–0 and had a cumulative 21-game winning streak dating back to the prior season, which were both program records. They defeated Campbell in the conference tournament to earn their 11th NCAA Tournament bid. Following the season, Kelsey was named a finalist for the Jim Phelan Award (national coach of the year) and the Skip Prosser Man of the Year Award
Under Kelsey, the program broke multiple school records and produced some of the best players in its history, including Keon Johnson, Winthrop’s all-time leading scorer,[5] and Xavier Cooks, Winthrop’s all time leading rebounder and shot-blocker
On March 25, 2021, Kelsey announced that he was leaving Winthrop to become head coach at the College of Charleston (Wikipedia)
C of C finished their summer training session where the players got in shape but more importantly introduced them to the Culture which is more important than strategy. Culture is how we act and how we work. You can identify a C of C basketball player by A, B, C. Academics-they are serious about getting a degree. B-basketball, have a passion for basketball and C-Care, they are selfless. It is extremely important how they carry themselves on and off the court.
The roster this year includes both young and older players and they had to sign 10 players in the first eleven weeks which is very difficult. You don’t have to be the smartest in the room, just have the smartest room.
The greatest impact in his life was in the classroom with the great Skip Prosser who said he was a teacher, not a coach. It is great as a coach to win games but it is more important to have an impact on your players. We don’t have to do this, we get to do it.
To access the recording from this week’s meeting, go here.
IN OTHER MEETING NEWS
- Karen Clark gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.
- Hugh Lane introduced our visiting Rotarians & guests.
- President Rob Dewey presented Health and Happiness.
- Past President Paul Stoney introduced our speaker, Pat Kelsey, who discussed College of Charleston basketball.
MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY
August 31, 2021 | Issue 5017 President: Rob Dewey
COMING EVENTS
-
- August 31 – Tom Leonard on Leadership
- September 1 – RCCF grant applications due
- September 7 – Diane Hamilton, Town of Maryville (Zoom only)
- September 14 – Mark Holyfield, Vantage Point Foundation
- September 21 – Social @ Hall’s Signature Events 5-7pm
NEWS BRIEFS
Important – COVID Meeting Protocols Updated
In alignment with the new CDC guidelines, the Rotary Board has determined that the club needs to make adjustments to our Rotary meeting procedures. Effective immediately, we will no longer take temperatures upon arrival or be required to sign a waiver at the door. Face masks are now optional for all Rotarians and visitors, who are fully vaccinated. Those Rotarians and visitors, who are not yet vaccinated, are encouraged to continue to wear masks. Name badges will again be worn at meetings.
The staff and servers at Hall’s will continue to wear masks.
For the safety of our members and guests, we ask all members to please comply with the CDC guidelines and our protocols.
Grant Deadline Approaching: September 1!
The Rotary Club of Charleston Fund grant deadline for the fall is fast approaching. If you know of any nonprofit organizations in our community that would benefit from a grant from our club, please let them know. The grant process is explained on our website, and the link is: https://www.charleston-rotary.org/guidelines-for-grant-applicants/.
This is an important part of our club’s efforts to support those making our community a better place for all. The deadline is September 1, 2021.
Run with Bernie Polio Challenge
Many years ago Rotarians made a promise to the children of the world that they would not have to suffer from Polio. We are getting SO close to keeping that promise.
Fellow Rotarian Don Oswalt is inviting you to be a part of the “Run with Bernie” Polio Challenge.
If you walk, run, swim, bike, row, count your steps via your watch then YOU QUALIFY! Or if you want to start doing any of those activities YOU QUALIFY!
This is open to Rotarians and non-Rotarians.
Starting date is July 1st and runs through October.
The goal is to raise money and awareness for the Fight Against Polio, have fun and maybe just get a little healthier.
If you are interested in joining Don and other fellow Rotarians from our club, please email Don Oswalt don.oswalt@proforma.com
No cash? No problem. We now take Venmo!
Thanks to overwhelming demand by our younger, cash-fee members, the club will now accept Venmo payments. Venmo can be used to pay dues, meals for guests, contribute happy dollars and conduct other transactions which previously required cash, check or credit cards. Simply add @rotaryclubofcharleston as a payee on your Venmo account. Thanks Joseph Tecklenburg for helping us reach this incredible technology milestone!
Rob Dewey is now looking into how we can use Bitcoin to pay our dues.
Charleston 50: Year Two
Charleston50, a fundraising campaign launched by the Rotary Club of Charleston to fund community grants, has already reached 58% of its 2021-22 goal during the first 24 days of our fiscal year!
Begun last year when traditional events were canceled due to COVID, the project is continuing thanks to the overwhelming response by members who donate $500 annually to support deserving non-profits in our club’s service area.
The Rev. Rob Dewey, club president, said, “Charleston50 was a surprise success for us. After decades of supporting projects by selling tickets and sponsorships, we quickly learned that our members value the impact our club has in the community and the easy way they can give through Charleston50.”
Charleston50 members receive several visibility benefits including being listed on the club’s website and on a slide deck visible for 20 minutes before each meeting; a pin; a sticker; and an opportunity to briefly greet club members. Donations to Charleston50 are made through the non-profit arm of our club and are 100% tax-deductible.
Please download and complete the Pledge Form here, and return it via email to Phoenicia Miracle at PMiracle@MiracleStrategies.com.
Next Rotary Social: Hall’s Signature Events, Sept. 21
Our next social event will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 21 at Hall’s Signature Events from 5-7pm. This event will be held in lieu of our weekly luncheon that day. It will be a great opportunity to join your fellow Rotarians for fun and fellowship. Look for your Evite in your inbox.
A fun evening at Saltwater Cowboys
Thanks to everyone who tuned out for the great social event last week at Saltwater Cowboys. Big thanks to Micahel Smith and Leah Donaldson for organizing!
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.
Become a PHF & Support the Rotary Foundation
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.
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, mikesottak@gmail.com, or Rob Byko, rob@bykorealty.com.
MEMBER NEWS
Proposed New Members
Our most heartfelt condolences to Kay Minson and her family on the passing of Kay’s father last week. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kay and her family.
Welcome to our newest Rotarians – Beth Meyer-Bernstein, Sam Skardon, Dan West and James Yanney! These 4 members were inducted this past Tuesday.
We are excited to have these Rotarians join our Rotary family!
Proposed New Members
The following membership candidates have submitted an application and signed letter of agreement to the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston:
Elizabeth Hills – sponsor: Virginia Lee; classification: Maritime Services
Marion Platt – sponsor: Past President Sandy Morckel; classification: Non-Profit Executive
In the event you know Elizabeth or Marion, please tell a member of the Board how he will serve the ideals of Rotary.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Rotarian: Travis Ronk
-
- JOINED: 7/19/2021
- SPONSOR: Steve Morse
- MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT: New Member
- CLASSIFICATION: Banking/Business Development
- PROFESSION: Business Development Officer/Beacon Bank
- SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF: I enjoy being in the outdoors with my wife, Lauren, and our Boykin Spaniel, Ruby. I like to get out on the water fishing and once in a great while catch something!
- JOINED: 7/19/2021
Birthdays
- 9/1 – Barb Walters
- 9/4 – Charlie Patrick
WELLNESS TIP
Start taking a Vitamin D supplement.
We get most of our Vitamin D from the sun, so our intake decreases when the weather is colder since we spend most of our time inside during the fall/winter seasons. If you find you are not getting outside much, a Vitamin D supplement can boost your mood and immune system!
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: 7:30AM 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 don@sgaarchitecture.com
Executive secretary: Carroll Schweers, carrollschweers@gmail.com
Mailing address: Rotary Club of Charleston, P.O. Box 21029, Charleston, SC 29413-1029
Copyright 2018, Rotary Club of Charleston. All rights reserved