January 25, 2022
Dr. Tonya Matthews, director of the highly anticipated International African American Museum, gave us an overview of what we can expect from this world-class facility when it opens later this year. Don’t forget the new member orientation this coming Tuesday. And tickets are now on sale for the March 3 Oyster Roast we’ll be hosting as a major fundraising event.
This week our guest speaker was Dr. Tanya Matthews, Director of the International African American Museum (IAAM). She gave us a detailed update on the status of the museum, slated to open later this year, as well as an overview of the programs and exhibits we can expect to see at this beautiful facility.
To access a recording for this week’s meeting, click here.
IN OTHER MEETING NEWS
- Dan Moses gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.
- Joseph Tecklenburg introduced our visiting Rotarians & guests.
- President Rob presented Health and Happiness.
- Past President Lisa Van Bergen introduced our speaker, Tonya Matthews of the IAAM.
MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY
February 1, 2022 | Issue 5035 President: Rob Dewey
COMING EVENTS
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- Feb. 1 – Matt Martin, Federal Reserve/11 am New Member Orientation Mtg.
- Feb. 8 – Will Shirey & Keith Freeman, VerdeSol
- Feb. 15 – Steve Palmer, Indigo Road (ZOOM ONLY)
- Feb. 22 – Col. Art Athens
- March 1 – NO MEETING
- March 3 – Oyster Roast Fundraiser
NEWS BRIEFS
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION SESSION: This Tuesday!
All new members who have not attended a previous New Member Orientation Meeting are encouraged to join Past Presidents Sandy Morckel and Lisa Van Bergen on February 1 for our next New Member Orientation/Information session. Attending one of these sessions provides new members with the information and tools to help them make the most of their Rotary membership.
Our next session is Tuesday, February 1 at 11:15 am (prior to our regularly scheduled Rotary luncheon) upstairs at Hall’s Signature Events, 5 Faber Street.
Spring Oyster Roast Fundraiser
Join us for an Oyster Roast Fundraiser on Thursday, March 3 from 6-9 pm at the Swain Boating Center at The Citadel. Individual tickets are $35 and can be purchased on-line. Tickets include oysters, hot dogs, chili, beer, wine and soft drinks. There will be entertainment by the Bluestone Ramblers. Sponsorship opportunities are also available and can be purchased on-line. Proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of Charleston Fund. All members should have email notification of this event.
Ticket on sale here.
Educator of the Month Award
Once more the Rotary Club of Charleston has stepped to the front in supporting education in our community by recognizing the educators in the front lines of our schools. This year we have partnered with Julian Mitchell Elementary School and this week we presented awards to the October Educator of the Month and the November Educator of the Month. For October we honor Sara Thompson who teaches first grade.
Ms. Thompson is always positive and strives to provide what is best for her students. Few work harder than she does and she shows her love for her kids daily. She ensures that all curriculum is implemented with absolute fidelity. She is rocking SEL, which we learned stands for social emotional learning.
Mary Beth DiNunzio who teaches are was our November honoree. She keeps the school beautiful with all the artwork she displays. She helps all grade levels bring life into their lessons, such as when she helped Ms. Ferguson turn her classroom into a rainforest and she created a model of the layers of the atmosphere to help Ms. Finley teach this to her students. And she goes beyond the bounds of the school mentoring other related arts teachers.
Special thanks to Allison Johnson for helping coordinate this great recognition program for our community’s; outstanding teachers and students!
Ambassadorial Global Grant Scholars
Please help us identify potential candidates for the Ambassadorial Global Grant Scholarship through the International Rotary Foundation!
This is an ideal opportunity to build global leadership opportunities for our impressive students pursuing graduate work abroad from our local colleges and universities. Our undergraduate, graduate and honors programs of our four-year colleges and universities often provide excellent outreach/access to students who may be eligible.
Eligible candidates previous work or volunteer experience, academic program, and career plans should be strongly aligned with one of the six areas of focus:
- Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
- Disease Prevention and Treatment
- Water and Sanitation
- Maternal and Child Health
- Basic Education and Literacy
- Economic and Community Development
For more information, please contact Chloe Tonney at [email protected].
RCCF Grant Applications Being Accepted
The Rotary Club of Charleston Fund (RCCF) is accepting requests for grants. Interested organizations are required to submit a Letter of Inquiry and complete a grant application prior to March 1 to be considered. The application and other details regarding the grant process can be found on our club’s website — www.charleston-rotary.org. For more information, please contact RCCF Chair, Alex Dallis at [email protected].
International Grant Applications being accepted through March 1
The International Grant application process is officially open for organizations to apply to receive an International grant from our Club. Our Club focuses on projects for people in need in developing countries throughout the world. We have funded projects in the past few years that concentrate on creating infrastructure for basic needs such as potable water, nutrition, sanitation, children’s health, and many others. Our impact has expanded to places such as Liberia, Dominican Republic, Kenya, Paraguay, and Peru.
If you have any contacts with organizations that are doing this kind of important work in the world and could benefit from a grant from our Club, please send them our application form. The application was emailed out last week, but if you don’t have it, please contact Joseph Tecklenburg at [email protected]. Or access the grant application form here.
The deadline for the applications is March 1, 2022. If you should have any specific questions, please contact Joseph.
Youth Exchange Host Families Needed
The Rotary Club of Charleston needs local families to host an exchange student (that our club will sponsor), age 15-18 1/2, for a period of 3-5 months in 2022/2023. The families are grouped together and organized through the Rotary Club. This great opportunity to volunteer and change the life of a young person and expose your family to a different culture!
The exchange student will attend the same high school locally for the entire year so it is important that the host families are in the same school area (and it is convenient to travel to and from). Our inbound student will attend the Charleston Charter School for Math & Science which is located at: 1002 King Street, Charleston SC 29403.
A host family needs to have the desire to provide the following:
- Love as a family member. The student will be a part of the family not a guest.
- Transportation– The student will not be allowed to drive while in the US.
- A Bed-The student does not have to have his/her own room, but we do ask that they have their own bed.
- Food– We ask that you provide food for the student, including lunch while at school. Again, treating the student as you would your own.
If you are able to volunteer for this opportunity, please go to http://yehub.net/SC1-hfapp and complete the online Host Family Application. This can be done on your smartphone, tablet or PC. You will also need to consent to a background check as part of this process. Please note the following:
- You will need two references (emails, street addresses & phone numbers for each)
- Also, to include photos of your home including: student bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, family room, exterior of home & a casual family photo (smaller sizes work best) in the application.
- Please review the attached checklist for an overview of the process and timeline.
- Once you complete the application, we can schedule a time for me to visit you and your family at your home to go over some additional information and also address any questions or concerns you may have.
Rotary Youth Exchange Dates to Remember
2022
- June: Training- Host Families & YEO/YEC in Charleston
- August : Inbound Student Orientation Training Weekend- Charleston, SC
- December: Disney World Trip! Mandatory for all Inbounds
2023
- March: District 7770 Rotary Conference, Columbia, SC (All Inbound and Outbound Students MUST attend)
- June: Rotary Western Tour (optional
If you have questions or need further information, please reach out to one of our club’s Youth Exchange Officers/Counselors – Karen Clark or Richard Sidebottom.
Blue Bucket Collections
Thank you to everyone who dropped money in the Blue Buckets during January. We were able to raise $493 in support of those in Kentucky affected by the recent tornados. Bring continue to bring your Happy Bucks and consider making a cash donation at an upcoming meeting.
District 7770 All Club Conference
Registration for The District 7770 All Club Conference is now open. All Rotarians are invited to attend. Our club will cover registration fees on a first come, first serve basis for those wanting to attend. Individuals are responsible for their own accommodations. The link for The All Club Conference may be found in DACdb under the calendar tab.
Our Family Reunion promises a weekend full of fun, service opportunities and fellowship for everyone. This will be a time to renew old acquaintances and make new friends. Celebrate all that District 7770 has achieved in 2021/22!
Join us at the beachfront Sonesta Hotel on Hilton Head Island March 11-13, 2022. Rooms may be secured at $179 per night by calling 1-843-842-2400 or 1-800-766-3782. Alternatively go on line at www.sonesta.com/hiltonheadisland using group booking code 0324Rotary. If you would like to explore Hilton Head further, the same room rate is available for March 9, 10 and March 14. This rate is only available until February 16, 2022. After that date, no rooms will be guaranteed to be available or at that rate. As this is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade weekend on Hilton Head Island, rooms will be at a premium!
The Opening Luncheon will kick off The Family Reunion Weekend on Friday, March 11, 2022.
District Governor Paul Walter, the Conference speakers and the entire All Club Conference Committee look forward to great weekend.
Meeting Update – NO EVITES or RSVPs Required
As those of you who have attended recently are aware, we have returned to a buffet-style luncheon. Our attendance numbers have consistently returned to pre-COVID numbers, so as we move forward into 2022 there will be NO EVITE or need to RSVP to weekly luncheons. We have been printing nametags for guests, so if you are bringing a guest (especially a prospective member), please let Carroll know. Also, if you have a dietary restriction, please inform Carroll weekly, so a special meal is prepared for you.
Important – Face Masks Optional
At its meeting this past Tuesday, your Board re-evaluated our current mask policy. Due to the decline in COVID cases, 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.
For the safety of our members and guests, we ask all members to please comply with the CDC guidelines and our protocols.
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 [email protected].
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.
MEMBER NEWS
Welcome to our newest members – Jay Gibson, Mark McMath and Garrison Rudisill. Jay was sponsored and introduced by Michael Smith. He will hold the classification of Accounting/CPA. Mark, who was introduced and sponsored by Jan Luth, is a former member of the Rotary Club of Memphis and joins us under the classification of Medical/IT. Michael Smith also introduced and sponsored Garrison, who will hold the classification of Insurance/Marine. We are excited to welcome these new members into our Rotary family!
Our thoughts, prayers and well wishes continue to be with Luther Reynolds and Stefany Ceccato, who are both recovering from recent surgeries.
Proposed New Members
The following membership candidate has submitted an application and signed letter of agreement to the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston:
Harry Camferdam – sponsor: Harry Staley; classification: Real Estate
In the event you know Harry, please tell a member of the Board how he will serve the ideas of Rotary.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Rotarian: Allen Tate
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- JOINED: 11/8/2021
- SPONSOR: Michael Smith
- MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT: New Member
- CLASSIFICATION: Insurance
- PROFESSION: Insurance – Independent Insurance Agency, Hood Hargett & Associates
- SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF
Allen is a Charlotte, North Carolina native. In the past, Allen served the following organizations: Boy Scouts of America (Eagle Scout); 5th Quartey Program in Tuscaloosa, AL; Yearly participant in United Way donation campaigns; active member of the Charlotte Young Professionals Group; and, volunteered for mission trips through Myers Park Methodist church in Charlotte. Allen moved to Charleston to help grow Hood Hargett & Associates insurance agency. Allen is the founder of the Charlotte Young Professionals Group. The networking group’s membership is 360 strong.
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Birthdays
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- 2/3 – Skip FInk
- 2/6 – Tom Leonard
WELLNESS TIP
Take the stairs
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator is a simple way to get a little more physical activity in your daily life. It also strengthens and tones your legs and core while you’re at it!
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, Mt Pleasant Presbyterian Church. 302 Hibben St. 29464.
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: Rob Dewey
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