February 18, 2025
Barbara Melvin, the person who keeps our ports moving, safe and growing, gave us an update on this critical part of the transportation and economic infrastructure in the Lowcountry and beyond. As head of SC Ports, Barbara has overseen tremendous expansion and growth on the waterways, rail tracks and highways that are used to get goods in and out of the region. She detailed the current operational scale and growth trajectory of the ports, gave updates on future plans to expand the physical operations, offered her views on the recent Union Pier deal, and outlined the challenges of running one the top 10 busiest ports in the US. All on the same day that the largest ship to call on the Port of Charleston arrived just hours earlier.
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
IN OTHER MEETING NEWS
- Clara Heinsohn gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.
- Jennifer Flannigan welcomed and introduced our visiting Rotarians and guests.
- Health and Happiness was presented by President-Elect Karla Combs.
- DJ Hampton introduced our speaker, Barbara Melvin, who gave us an update on SC Ports.
MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY February 25, 2025 | Issue 5158 President: Robert Sullivan
UPCOMING EVENTS
- 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
- 3/1 – Bikes for Africa collection: sign up
- 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
CFD Community Impact Award to Assist. Fire Chief James Richardson
President-Elect Karla Combs had the honor of welcoming and recognizing fellow Rotarian Chief Dan Curia and several members of the Charleston Fire Department this past Tuesday, who were attending for our Community Impact Award presentation.
When describing Community Impact Award recipient Assistant Fire Chief James Richardson, it was said that he is simply the “go to” person in the Charleston Fire Department to make sure anything of significance gets completed. He has 12 direct reports within the Charleston Fire Department but his division is comprised of 380+ members of a 449 member fire department. Chief Richardson exemplifies a “servant leader” mindset and makes sure his team is properly trained and has the correct equipment to handle Charleston’s fire and medical emergencies. The time and effort he puts forth to ensure the safety of the community definitely speaks to his commitment of “service above self”.
Chief Richardson lives the “Four-Way Test” every day. He is engaged with the Fire Department, speaks the truth, is the fairest person most will ever meet, and acts in the benefit of all. He builds goodwill and friendships by his guidance of Fire Department personnel, his community involvement, his social interactions with more formal Fire Department events, such as award recognition of team members, and his off-duty involvement with family and friends. He is the first to assist with any project and aids any firefighter in need. His focus is to create a safer Charleston for all who live, work and visit our city. We congratulate Chief Richardson and were honored to present him with a Community Impact Award.
February Social: Saltwater Cowboys: Feb 27
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
Service Project: Lowcountry Orhan Relief Feb 28
Low Country Orphan Relief needs our help again. We are looking for 10 Rotarians to come help out an important organization in our community. The Low Country Orphan Relief appreciates the time and funding our Club has already provided their organization. Please sign up below if you have some free time Friday afternoon! 1. Parking: There is designated volunteer and guest parking in the front of LOR’s office (brick building). If all parking spots in the front of the office are filled, please park on the side of LOR’s office in the grass/gravel area labeled “volunteer parking.” To access this area turn left immediately upon entering the gate and follow the driveway to park next to our box truck. 2. Signing In and Out: All guests are required to enter through the front door of LOR’s office (front of brick building). Look for our “Volunteer & Visitor Check-In” sign. This is where you will sign in. We do ask that all guests also sign out as well. 3. How to dress: Dress in comfy clothes and closed toe shoes. You will typically be moving around and standing a bunch while volunteering with us, so we want to make sure you are comfortable during your shift. 4. Directions: LOR’s entrance is one way in and one way out right off of St. John’s Ave. & Truxtun Ave. We are located on the old navy base in North Charleston: 1850 Truxtun Ave. North Charleston, SC 29405. Be on the lookout for our large white LOR sign at the entrance.
When: February 28th (Friday), 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Where: 1850 Truxtun 1850 Truxtun Ave, North Charleston, SC, 29405
President Robert certified at RLI
Our fearless leader and president Robert Sullivan was certified at the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) this past weekend in Bluffton. 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. Thanks to Robert for taking advantage of this great opportunity to meet new people and learn about Rotary in the process. And thank to Jerry Kozel for helping manage this aspect o four Membership and Training for the club, which is open to all members.
Cheer on the Stingrays! March 12
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
Welcome new members! Elliott Williams was sponsored by Megan Fink and introduced at the meeting by Michael Pruitt. He will hold the classification of Eleemosynary/Executive. Michael Smith introduced Charlie Jablon, who will hold the classification of Insurance/Rick Advisor. We welcome both Elliott and Charlie into 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:
Tyler Jones – sponsor: Karla Combs; classification: Non-Profit/College Athletics
In the event you know Tyler, please tell a member of the Board how he will serve the ideas of Rotary.
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
- 2/26 – Karen Parson
- 2/27 – Hamer Darby
- 3/2 – Stacy Ware & Richard Sidebottom
- 3/3 – Mike Seekings & Justin Ross
WELLNESS TIP
Manage dry skin
Cold air and low humidity can cause dry, itchy skin. Protect your skin by wearing lip balm, using a humidifier in your room, limiting your time in the shower or bath and immediately applying lotion after you dry off.
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