February 15, 2022
Colonel Art Athens shared his memories and thought for a career in service. No meeting this week on Tuesday. Join us instead at the Oyster Roast on Thursday at the Citadel Boat House. Tickets are on sale for this major fundraising event. Bring along some prospective members for a Discover Rotary session before 5PM. Our Rise Against Hunger food packing event is back on for March 5 at The College of Charleston.
Colonel Art Athens shared an eloquent and inspirational speech on integrity that began with the concept that “people need to be reminded more often than instructed.” Athens graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served 16 years on active duty before transferring to the Marine Corps Reserve where he continued his service until retiring as a colonel after 30 years of total service.
He challenged attending Rotarians to determine the meaning of integrity, by asking yourself “is it in your heart, is it in your mind?” He offered his definition of integrity as the consistent alignment of values, words, and action and laid out a roadmap for success that included:
- Live a lead a life of humility “don’t think less of yourself, think about yourself less.” Noting we can have professional confidence while focusing on people, mission and service.
- Never compromise. Remember that you always have an ethical choice.
Athens went on to discuss how the erosion of personal integrity, which typically happens over time can accumulate and lead to broad and sometimes widespread critical consequences, citing several examples. He also shared the story of Admiral Jim Stockdale, a fighter pilot who in 1965 was captured and imprisoned in a P.O.W. camp. Stockdale lead the others in his command within the prison for 7 ½ years with the motto “Return With Honor,” remarking that the phrase allowed them to keep their integrity intact and should be a reminder to us all.
Colonel Athens’ talk can be found here
(Passcode: Q^+0a*CD)
IN OTHER MEETING NEWS
- Beth Meyer-Bernstein gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.
- Jon Ply introduced our visiting Rotarians & guests.
- President Rob presented Health and Happiness.
- Skip Fink introduced our guest speaker, Colonel Art Athens.
MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY
3/1/2022 | Issue 5039 President: Rob Dewey
COMING EVENTS
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- March 1 – NO MEETING
- March 3 – Oyster Roast Fundraiser
- March 5 – Rise Against Hunger Meal Packing Event
- March 8 – Marion Platt, Affordable House / 11am Board Meeting
- March 15 – Club Assembly
- March 22 – Barbara Melvin, SC Ports
NEWS BRIEFS
Rotary turns 117
Rotary International celebrated its 117th birthday this past Wednesday, 2/23. The first gathering, on Thursday evening, February 23, 1905 in Chicago, Illinois, was initiated by attorney Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
LAST CALL! RCCF Grant Applications Being Accepted through March 1
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].
LAST CALL! 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].
The deadline for the applications is March 1, 2022. If you should have any specific questions, please contact Joseph.
No Meeting this week – come to the Spring Oyster Roast Fundraiser
We do not meet for lunch this Tuesday, March 1. Instead, we hope you will 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.
Tickets on sale here.
Discover Rotary – Great opportunity to introduce prospective members to our Rotary Club!
What: Discover Rotary Event
When: March 3, 5:30-6:30pm (immediately prior to the Oyster Roast Social/Fundraiser Event)
Where: Swain Boat Center, Citadel Campus (private room, same location as the Oyster Roast)
Why: to introduce prospective members and other interested guests to our Rotary Club
On March 3, our Rotary Club of Charleston members will gather for our spring Oyster Roast Social/Fundraiser/Discover Rotary Event at the Swain Boat Center on the Citadel campus. This is a perfect opportunity to bring guests/prospective members to a Club event which highlights Rotary fellowship, fundraising for our RCC Foundation, and Membership.
From 5:30-6:00 pm, please bring your guests/prospective members to our Discover Rotary part of this event, hosted by the Membership Committee, featuring Past-Presidents Sandy Morckel and Lisa Van Bergen. Guests/prospective members will learn about Rotary and about the great works of our Club, as we explore why people join Rotary. It will be informative, and a nice prelude to the Oyster Roast Social/fundraiser that immediately follows at the same location.
In addition, we are planning to raffle a prize for those prospective members/guests who attend Discover Rotary.
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Ahead of the event, preferably by Tues., March 1, please provide the Membership Committee with the names and contact information for the guests/prospective members whom you will be bringing with you, or inviting to participate in, the Discover Rotary part of this event, by using the following Google Form link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxT8A_qAK7SMKttPKOe6X4p1lymt3zLPVDlbUbUawkEgLMKw/viewform?usp=sf_link
There will also be sign up sheets at the door of the Discover Rotary Event on March 3.
Rise Against Hunger Meal Packing Event
Due to the inclement weather on 1/22, our Rise Against Hunger Meal Packing event was re-scheduled. Please consider signing up for the new day/time/location:
MEAL PACKING ON 3/5/22 at 10 am-12 noon.
Help us pack over 10,000 meals in partnership with Rise Against Hunger (https://www.riseagainsthunger.org), the Rotary Club of Charleston-Breakfast, Rotaract and Interact. The event starts at 10am at the College of Charleston’s Science and Math building, 202 Calhoun Street. The meals we pack will be shipped all over the world to help feed those in need. To sign up [CLICK HERE]
Mitchell Elementary Educator of the Month Recognition
Keeping up with our tradition of supporting education, the Rotary Club of Charleston recognized the Educators of the Month from Julian Mitchell Elementary School this week. The educator of the month for December, 2021, is Melissa Kersey. Ms. Kersey was chosen because she has been extremely flexible in meeting the challenges and changes throughout the school term. She truly demonstrates a “whatever it takes” attitude. She is always positive and maintains a calming atmosphere for all her scholars. For January, 2022, the educator of the month is Grace Finlay. Under Ms. Finlay’s tutelage her students’ love of science has grown even with the most challenging groups. Her hands-on lessons recognizing each child’s likes and dislikes has given her students fun experiences which will remain with them long after fourth grade. With a smile always on her face, Ms. Finlay is yet another positive force at Mitchell.
Invitation from the Daniel Island Club – Quack-a-Palooza
The Rotary Club of Daniel Island invites you to join them on Thursday, March 24 to kick-off the Charleston Area Duck Race in style. Quack-a-Palooza, A Yellow Affair, will include music, Lowcountry food favorites, an open bar, and special duck drinks. Come dressed in something yellow, and join fellow Rotarians and friends from Rotary Clubs throughout the greater Charleston area. Chef Mac, a hometown favorite, will prepare savory food including Cocktail Shrimp & Grits, Pulled Pork Sliders, Carolina Meatballs, Bacon Mac & Cheese Dip and other delicious treats. The event will include fun ways to raise money for the charities of participating Rotary Clubs including a mini-duck race, raffle items, and direct giving to local charities in need.
Quack-A-Palooza, A Yellow Affair, will be held at Alhambra Hall in historic Old Town at 131 Middle Street in Mount Pleasant, from 5:30-9:00PM, $100 per person. A few table sponsorships are also available for $1200, which includes upfront seating, signage and appreciation from the stage during the event.
Paul Harris Society
Did you know that you can register for a recurring donation to Rotary Foundation through Rotary Direct, which is the recurring donation program available through Rotary.org. You can donate $75/month and then include your $100 donation through your dues to become a Paul Harris Society Member – meaning that you have committed to donating $1000/year. What an easy way to support the Rotary Foundation and become a Paul Harris Fellow!
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].
Meeting Update – RSVP Required for all Guests by Monday at 5 p.m.
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 we do ask that if you are bringing a guest (especially a prospective member), please let Carroll know by 5:00 pm on Monday. Also, if you have a dietary restriction, please inform Carroll weekly, so a special meal is prepared for you.
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
Blue Buckets will continue to be on the tables during the month of March. Be sure to bring your Happy Bucks and consider making a cash donation at an upcoming meeting. President Rob will announce on March 8 what the donations will be supporting during this next month.
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 a great weekend.
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
We continue to keep Luther Reynolds in our thoughts and prayers.
Our most heartfelt condolences to Past President Lisa Van Bergen on the passing of her former father-in-law this past week.
Welcome to our two newest Rotarians – Julianne Farnsworth & Adrian Cain. Julianne was introduced and sponsored by Leslie Fellabom. She will hold the classification of Law/Commercial Litigation. Past President Digit Matheny co-sponsored and introduced Adrian, who will hold the classification of Chamber of Commerce. We are excited to have both of these new members as a part of 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:
Alex Bourland – sponsor: Robbie Wachman; classification: Auctioneer/Personal Prop/Real Estate
William “Will” Ralston – sponsor: David Burt; classification: Construction/Commercial
Cody Callarman – sponsor: Heidi Finniff; classification: Agriculture/Retail
In the event you know Alex, Will or Cody please tell a member of the Board how he will serve the ideas of Rotary.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Rotarian: Michael Seekings
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- JOINED: 11/15/2022
- SPONSOR: Cleave Ham
- MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT: New Member
- CLASSIFICATION: Engineering
- PROFESSION: Co-owner, Barrier Island Engineering & Consulting
- SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF
In the past or currently, Michael has participated in the following service organizations and events: 4th Term City Council Member, City Council Chairman CARTA, Member of the Board – American Lung Association, and Member of the Board – American Cancer Society. Mike is a competitive runner and private pilot.
- JOINED: 11/15/2022
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Birthdays
- 3/2 – Richard Sidebottom
- 3/3 – Mike Seekings
- 3/6 – Steve Coe
- 3/7 – Matt Miller
WELLNESS TIP
Get sunlight every day
Vitamin D is one of the most important nutrients for overall health, and sunlight is one of our best sources of it. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of sunlight each day—preferably in the afternoon, and without sunscreen. Not much sunlight in the winter where you live? It might be worth supplementing with a vitamin D supplement and/or other food sources of this essential nutrient.
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
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