3/15: Club Assembly

March 15, 2022

Last week’s meeting was Zoom only and a Club Assembly – a great opportunity to get to know some of our members better. Thanks to all who shared their personal stories and insights into being a Rotarian. Don’t forget our next club social, March 24 at Bedford Halls on Meeting Street.

Rotarians had the opportunity on March 15, to build better friendships by getting to know each other better. President Rob Dewey announced the program would feature our own members speaking about their reasons for joining Rotary, their backgrounds and interests.  He also made a formal announcement that Rotarian Digit Matheny was named Rotarian of the Year for District 7770 at a recent district conference. Digit shared that “he was surprised, honored and totally blessed to be part of everything about our club and Rotary International.”

Our first speaker was Kelsey Willey who was joined by her six-week old daughter Palmer Rose. She is a probate attorney and owns Willey Law Firms. She and her husband (also an attorney at Anastapolo Law Firm) currently have their hands full with their three children ages 5, 16 months and 6 weeks,  but look forward to traveling and scuba diving soon. They are residents of Sullivan’s Island.

Our next speaker was Robie Scott. She presented her top ten reasons for joining Rotary, that included, building deeper friendships locally and internationally, being part of an organization that strives for positive change globally, taking part in projects and programs that build more equitable communities and service above self. She is the Director of Development and Community Relations for The Post and Courier. Robie and her husband Matt Decell live on Sullivan’s Island and enjoying traveling, restoring their historic home and entertaining family and friends.

Rotarian Tom Leonard joined us from his new home in Pittsburg and said that he and his wife, Marilyn made the move to be closer to their four children and five grandchildren that live in Milwaukee, Pittsburg, New York and Raleigh. He joined Rotary in October 2011, after several invitations noting that each one was prefaced by “it will be good for you and for the community.” He explained that it indeed it has been and he has made many new friends through the club. Professionally, Tom’s career focuses on strategic planning, sales training and team leadership and coaching. He is the executive director of Trident CEO Council, a group of approximately 30 CEO’s who stand for progress to make responsible growth in the Tri-county. In his spare time, he enjoys visiting with his family, sightseeing and reading.

Leslie Fellabom spoke next and explained three reasons why she became a Rotarian. The first was service above self and being part of a group of active citizens nationally and around the world, noting that being part of the organization was much bigger than anything she could accomplish on her own. The second was learning through the weekly speakers which ultimately leads to new opportunities for service and the third was fellowship. Leslie encouraged others to visit other Rotary clubs when traveling, particularly abroad. Professionally, she works in commercial real estate and has recently represented a law firm a medical group and a tech business. She works with landlords, tenants, buyers and sellers. She enjoys gardening and time spent with her husband of 42 years, their two children and one grandchild.

Carroll Schweers was our final speaker and noted that she has now been working for the club for 23 years. She was hired the day before she gave birth to her second child Kelsey, who is a recent graduate from Clemson University. Kelsey will also be one of the first Physical Therapy students at Charleston Southern University.  She also has a son, Harrison who is 25 who recently purchased a home with the assistance of Rotarian Digit Matheny. Both Carroll and her husband work from home, but as she noted, on separate floors. He is an environmental engineer.

A recording of the Zoom meeting can be found here

Passcode:

 

IN OTHER MEETING NEWS  

• • • Dudley Katz gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.  
    • President Rob has all guests to unmute and introduce themselves.   
    • President Rob presented Health and Happiness.
    • President Rob introduced our Rotarian speakers, Kelsey Willey, Robie Scott, Tom Leonard, Leslie Fellabom and Executive Secretary, Carroll Schweers, who told a little bit about themselves and their Rotary experiences.       

MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY

3/22/2022  |  Issue 5042 President:  Rob Dewey

COMING EVENTS 

• • • March 22 – Barbara Melvin, SC Ports
    • March 23 – Monthly Social @ Bedford Fall’s, 5-7:30pm
    • March 29 – Bill Dunavant, Dunavant Enterprises (11am RCCF Grant Mtg.)
    • April 5 – Andy Brack, Charleston City Paper
    • April 12 – T Ravenel, Palmetto Railroads (ZOOM ONLY)
    • April 19 – Greg Parker, Parker’s Stores (11am Board Mtg.)

 

NEWS BRIEFS

 

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.

 

March Social: Wednesday, March 23 at Bedford Falls

Please join us at the March Social to enjoy Rotary Fellowship and support a new local business!

Please invite a friend – especially one who is interested in joining Rotary!

Wednesday, March 23rd, Bedford Falls, 430 Meeting Street

5.00 – 7.30pm

 

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!

 

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:

1. Love as a family member. The student will be a part of the family not a guest.
2. Transportation– The student will not be allowed to drive while in the US.
3. A Bed-The student does not have to have his/her own room, but we do ask that they have their own bed. 
4. 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 – Support Ukraine

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. The money collected in the buckets this month and in April will be donated to the Disaster Relief Fund at the Rotary Foundation in support of Ukraine.

 

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

Congratulations to our own Digit Matheny, who was named Rotarian of the Year at the District Conference last week.  This is a huge honor. We are all very proud of him and appreciate all his does for our club and our District! Digit was also named our club’s Rotarian of the Year last year — his dedication and commitment to Rotary and our community is to be commended. Way to go, Digit!  

Sam Skardon and his wife, Leslie, are the proud parents of identical twin sons – Lewis and Lawson, who were born March 12. Mom and babies are doing well. 

 

Proposed New Members

The following membership candidates have submitted an application and signed letter of agreement to the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston:

Lewis Edge – sponsor:  President Rob; classification:  Retired

Chappy McKay – sponsor:  Dan Ravenel; classification:  Construction/General Contractor

Candy Oliver – sponsor:  Stephanie Dasher; classification:  Eleemosynary/Executive

Ashley Shaver – sponsor: Karla Combs; classification:  Educ/Univ/Careers

In the event you know Lewis, Chappy, Candy, or Ashley, please tell a member of the Board how he will serve the ideas of Rotary.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Rotarian: Stephanie Dasher

• • • JOINED: 6/7/2021
    • SPONSOR: Skip FInk
    • MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT: New Member
    • CLASSIFICATION:  Non Profit
    • PROFESSION:   Executive Director, Warrior Surf Foundation & U.S. Navy Veteran
    •  SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF
      Stephanie is married to Jordan Dasher. Stephanie graduated from college with a Nuclear Engineering Sciences and Technology degree. She dropped out of Algebra 2 in high school because it was too hard. She was not good at math. However, Stephanie loved science. Her experience provides proof, our brains mature and work at different rates. Given enough time, we can learn to do anything. 

 

Birthdays

• • 3/22 – Adrian Cane
  • 3/26 – Jane Horetsky
  • 3/27 – Kelsey Willey
  • 3/28 – Samuel Steinberg

 

WELLNESS TIP

Limit your screen time

Our phone and computer screens emit high levels of blue light, which can negatively impact sleep. Blue light affects your circadian rhythm and melatonin (sleep) hormone levels, tricking your brain into thinking it is still daytime. While blue light glasses have become increasingly popular to combat these effects, there is limited research on their effectiveness. Instead, try to limit your screen time before bed or use apps that filter out or block blue light to help you get a better night’s sleep. Many devices allow you to set a timer, so your screen automatically reduces the amount of blue light at night and returns to normal in the morning

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, Marriott Hotel, 4770 Goer Drive, 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