February 11, 2025
Mayor William Cogswell joined us for the traditional state of the City report from our standing mayor of Charleston. The Mayor detailed many of the exciting and needed developments in the works in our City, including Union Pier, a new city operations facility, road works, and developments in West Ashley and John’s Island. He discussed the on-going challenges presented by the remarkable growth of our city, such as traffic, scaling education, and affordable housing, but noted that it is better to have growth oriented problems than the types of issued faced by cities in decline. He was optimistic for the future of Charleston and committed to maintain the economic prosperity, safety and livability of our city.
Some fun social and volunteer opportunities coming up in February and March. Check the Keyway from important meeting and events information.
To join an upcoming meeting by Zoom use this link and the passcode: Rotary
To see a recording of this week’s meeting, go here
Passcode: x@70h=z=
IN OTHER MEETING NEWS
- Chrissy Copple gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.
- Theresa Adkison welcomed and introduced our visiting Rotarians and guests.
- Health and Happiness was presented by President-Elect Karla Combs.
- Past President Rob Dewey introduced our speaker, Mayor William Cogswell, who discussed the “State of the City”.
MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY February 18, 2025 | Issue 5157 President: Robert Sullivan
UPCOMING EVENTS
- 2/18 – Barbara Melvin, SC Ports Update (New member orientation: 11AM)
- 2/25 – Bob Leventhal, How to Manage Big Life Changes
- 2/27 – February Social: Saltwater Cowboys
- 2/28 – Low Country Orphan Relief Project: Sign up
- 3/1 – RCCF Grant applications due
- 3/4 – NO MEETING
- 3/11 – George Greene IV, Water Mission (Board Meeting 11 AM)
- 3/12 – Stingrays Hockey Game
- 3/27 – March Social. Edmunds Oast
New Member Orientation – February 18 at 11am All New Members who have not attended a previous New Member Orientation Meeting are encouraged to attend our next orientation session on Tuesday, February 18 at 11am upstairs at 5 Faber. These sessions are offered quarterly and attending one of these sessions is a requirement for all new members. It is also a great opportunity to meet fellow new members and learn about the history and events of Rotary on an international and local level from Past Presidents of our Rotary Club. New Members can also learn about the various committees and how to get involved in our club. Please contact Conner Spangler to let him know you are attending or with any questions – [email protected].
Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) – Bluffton, SC on February 22
The Rotary Leadership Institute, RLI, has an in-person event coming to Bluffton SC and you are invited to participate. RLI is intended to help Rotarians learn about Rotary and develop leadership skills. Courses are fun, topical, interactive, and geared toward busy business and professional people who want to become more effective leaders in their vocation and club. There will be a Part 1, a Part 2, and a Part 3 RLI session during the event on February 22, 2025. Each part is a prerequisite for the next. The Saturday event will be held at the Technical College of the Lowcountry New River Campus, 100 Community College Drive, Bluffton, SC 29909. Bluffton is about 90 miles from Charleston (not too far!). Doors open at 8:30 am and classes begin at 9:00 am. Lunch and all materials are included and we finish at 3:30 pm. The registration fee is $95. Join us for a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about Rotary in the process. Learn more about RLI: https://www.midatlanticrli.org Registration link: https://Registrations.DACdb.com/Register/index.cfm?EventID=77802487&NoCaptcha Let me know if you have any questions – Jerry Kozel, [email protected]
February Social: Saltwater Cowboys
Join us February 27 at 5PM on Shem Creek for our monthly social at Saltwater Cowboys. Contact Elijah Melendez ([email protected]) or Madison Hancock ([email protected]) for more information
Cheer on the Stingrays! March
Get ready for an fantastic evening filled with laughter, camaraderie, and excitement! We invite all friends, family, and members of the Rotary Club of Charleston to join us for a thrilling game night on March 12th at 7:05 PM.
Secure your tickets through exclusive this ticket link below and enjoy our special group rate. You’ll be seated with fellow club members, ensuring a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Plus, a portion of each ticket sale goes back to support the Rotary Club you cherish!
Let’s make this night one to remember. Grab your tickets now and be part of something special!
Get your tickets here
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, Rob Dewey at [email protected].
Volunteer and Help Raise Funds for the RCCF
It’s College of Charleston Basketball season!! Our Club members have thee unique opportunity to not only attend the Cougar games but RAISE FUNDS FOR THE CLUB by volunteering at the game!! Positions will include ticket scanners, ID scanners, ushers and up to 7 of the positions can be filled by volunteers aged 16-17 for those community service credits through Rotary!!
Parking is FREE at the St. Philip St Garage!!! Your shirt is provided and khaki pants complete the uniform. Complete details, dates and
SIGN UP on the link below: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945A4AA2AA7F5C52-50046538-epifunraising
Be “Spotlighted” at a Meeting
The Rotary Club of Charleston will be highlighting a member of the club twice a month through June of 2025. Members who want to be spotlighted need to let me know of your interest and I will assign you a date. At the assigned meeting, you will have approximately 2 minutes to tell the Rotary Club membership about yourself. You can use visual aids and/or just talk about yourself. Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to “spotlight” you and your personal and professional achievements. Contact Julianne Farnsworth at [email protected] if interested or for more information.
Rotarians Against Human Trafficking (RAHT)
One of Rotary’s big initiatives this year is to combat human trafficking. It’s a prevalent, but also oftentimes unspoken issue. Past President Alissa Leitzow is the RAHT Ambassador for our club, so please reach out to her for more information on how to get involved. [email protected]
Rotary International 2024/2025 Theme: Create the Magic of Rotary
This year’s Rotary Presidential Theme is “The Magic of Rotary”. You will see the themed banner hanging on the podium every meeting. Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick encourages members to recognize and amplify the organization’s power to save lives. Clubs are encourage to celebrate the magic of Rotary that is created with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member of Rotary.
Support The CART Fund
It is easy for club members to make individual contributions and support The CART Fund electronically. The CART Fund has 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.
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 picture 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 send to Mike Sottak, [email protected], or Rob Byko, [email protected]
MEMBER NEWS
Our most heartfelt condolences to Past President Brian Johnson and his family on the recent passing of his mother-in-law. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Brian and his family.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Steve Morse Rotarian Steve Morse was in the spotlight and he shared his various brushes
with fame in the movie business. Steve has worked as an extra in several films, including The Legend of Bagger Vance, and the scenes pictures of his experience on set and meeting with celebrities like Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Richard Dreyfuss. Thank you for the talk, Steve
Birthdays
- 2/19 – Tom Feeney
WELLNESS TIP Put a banana on it. A diet rich in potassium can help offset some of sodium’s harmful effects on blood pressure. Add bananas to everything from breakfast cereal to nighttime desserts to PB&J sandwiches. While you’re at it, squeeze in more sweet potatoes, tomatoes and oranges.
OTHER AREA ROTARY CLUBS
Mondays
Summerville – Oakbrook: 7:30 a.m., Monday, Westcott County Club, 5000 Wescott Club Drive, North Charleston
North Charleston: 12:30 p.m., Monday, Hilton Garden Inn, 5265 International Blvd, North Charleston, SC
Summerville Evening: 5:30 p.m., Monday, Montreux Bar and Grill, 127 W. Richardson Ave., Summerville
Tuesdays
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
Cainhoy: 6PM, on the first and third Tuesday of the month, King’s Cross Church, of Clement Ferry Road. https://www.cainhoyrotary.com
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 302 Hibben St
Summerville: 1pm-2pm on 1st & 3rd Wednesday. Hilton Garden Inn-Homewood Suite/Lowcountry Conference Center, 406 Sigma Drive
Thursdays
North Charleston Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Marriott Hotel, 4770 Goer Drive, 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: Robert Sullivan
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