Rotary Club of Charleston

Keeping the Port Safe
Safety Officer Tells All

October 4, 2005 : Port Security Official, Pam Zarask, gave an informative talk about the safety story at the Port of Charleston, which is the 4th largest port in the USA and the 2nd largest on the East Coast. Each day over 15,000 containers are brought into Charleston. Operating as the Custom Border Patrol, Zarask’s organization is the largest branch of the Department of Homeland Security. Its task is to handle all evaluations and be a clearing house for people and goods. At the same time the agency dares not choke the legitimate flow of goods so as to disrupt the economy. The operation has several key phases:

The 24 hour rule prohibits any container from entering Charleston that had not been on a lading manifest for 24 hours.

A National Target Center, based in Washington, DC does an analysis of shipping.

An Auto Targeting System identifies all high risk goods, based upon prior intelligence and insures that said goods are inspected.

The Automated Commercial Environment provides enhanced detection and analysis of cargo.

A non intrusive inspection system provides radiant detection devices, both large and small. Key containers are x-rayed and the back door opened. In general trucks can roll right through the detection system without stopping. An international agreement of 37 ports, which will soon expand to 70 provides world wide inspections. This venture is a combination of private companies and the CBP.

Specialized training of agents is done in collaboration with the Coast Guard and includes both basic and advanced training.

The bottom line is “TRUST BUT VERIFY”.

In response to a questions as to how often the Charleston group has found something wrong, Zarask responded:

There have been 15 container seizures in 2005
8 million dollars in fines have been levied
Some irregularity occurs 2 to 3 times per week.

Reported by Fred Sales, Keyway Committee

The Supreme Court’s Decision on Taking Property for Public Use

September 25, 2005 – College of Charleston professor and Director of the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Institute for Urban Affairs and Policy Studies, Andy Felts, spoke to the Rotary about the recent Supreme Court decision of Kelo versus the City of New London, Connecticut. In this case, private waterfront property was taken by the city for the greater public use, i.e. the ability to generate greater tax revenue. While this case seems on the surface to be rather shocking to many people, Felts told straight out that he did not think it was a “big deal” as there is considerable precedence to support it and the court loves to uphold precedence. The key sentence in the decision states that “without exception the public good has been broadly defined”, with deference being given to legislative judgment.

In 1984 the Hawaii Housing Authority v. Midkiff, and in 1954 Berman v. Parker, the court held that taking of property for economic development qualified as a valid public use under both the Federal and the State Constitutions.

A more complex issue according to Felts is the partial taking of resources. He noted that both the State and Federal governments have mandated legislation which costs local communities thousands of dollars to comply with new regulations yet have given the locals no funds with which to do it. Many communities, like New London, have declining tax revenues and no means to fund the mandates, thus new creative avenues have had to be found.

The key solution, according to Felts rests with the state legislature to fix the problems. He anticipates that the South Carolina legislature will soon prohibit the use of property tax for the schools, to be replaced with an additional 2.5% sales tax [property tax would still continue for other local services such as trash removal, libraries, etc.] The problem with this “solution” is what the communities can do if the economy fails.

Traditionally, the state has made it very difficult for cities to annex ground, the reason being that the legislature is primarily rural oriented. The tough stance that exists is meant to stifle the growth of the cities.

In the question period members raised the issue of the recent receipt of tax bills in Charleston which have caused taxes to double and triple in some cases. A series of “speeches” rather than questions quickly showed that the Rotary members gathered were as puzzled and frustrated over the whole issue of taxation as is any other gathering.

Submitted by Fred Sales, Keyway Committee

Everybody Did Something: Charleston Remembers World War II

September 21, 2005 – Rotarians received a very interesting presentation on the exhibit, “Everybody Did Something: Charleston Remembers World War II”, at the Charleston Museum. Carl Borick, the Assistant Director of the Museum, gave great insight into the origin and his research for the Exhibit. Most importantly, the presentation showed the contributions of Lowcountry residences to the war effort and why they are remembered as “the greatest generation.”

The Exhibit commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II and presents a compelling look at the war in the South Carolina Lowcountry from many facets. It focuses on the experiences of our citizens who served in the armed forces here and abroad and gives unique insight on those unsung heroes who kept the home fires burning.

The Exhibit commemorates not just those who were active in the conflict, but also the volunteers, hospital workers, and even the children who collected money to support the war effort. It contains many interesting artifacts and images that create a nostalgic look at the contributions these Lowcountry people made to our freedom and the impact the war had on everyone’s life.

Charleston was not only a great shipyard providing repairs, but also an embarkation point for thousands of military personnel. There were also two active military hospitals that were very instrumental in caring for the injured when they returned. Its medical personnel saw firsthand the horrors of war.

Our military personnel were not the only people coming here from the war zone. Charleston housed German prisoners of war. Its first prisoners were the crew of U Boat #352. Many others from the North African Theater were housed here.

The Exhibit celebrates the spirit that banded the city and county together to defeat a common enemy. It celebrates not just the contributions, but also the individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice. A number of our own Rotary Group were recognized for their contributions and service during World War II.

The Exhibit is open through February 6, 2006. Take the opportunity to go to see it and pay tribute to those who made our freedom possible today.

Submitted by Wayne Outlaw, Keyway Committee

David deNotarius, Author/ Motivational Speaker

September 1 3, 2005- David DeNotarius is a nationally known motivational speaker, a radio personality, a consultant to the state of New Jersey, an author, and a world-class athlete. David is also blind. His many life accomplishments and awards attest to his positive outlook and his determination to live life to the fullest.

David is in Charleston to help the Gavalas-Kolanko Foundation create excitement about their November 5th James Island Connector Run. The purpose of the Gavalas-Kolanko Foundation is to make a difference in our community by working to develop concepts, resources, and ideas that affect the way we look at individuals with disabilities. David opened his talk by encouraging all Rotarians to get involved with the James Island Connector Run.

David grew up with consistent messages about how he was limited in his abilities because of his blindness. Nevertheless, and with the help of his family, David learned that it was up to him to decide what he wanted to do and then just figure out how to do it. He has used that approach as a guide for living and the template which enables him to face challenges head on and to overcome every obstacle life presents.

There are statistics indicating that 70%- 85% of people with disabilities are not employed and that almost 20% of the population has some type of disability. These numbers are significant in that they represent a huge pool of untapped talent, and in David’s mind education is the key. In his book and his speeches, David spreads the message that we must all begin to focus on an individual’s potential instead of the limitations and constraints placed on them because of a disability. Further, we must reach out to help those individuals by encouraging them to focus on what they can, instead of what they cannot do.

David reminded Rotarians that we are all blessed and that we all face challenges. David’s approach to life and his inspirational message reminds us to see potential in challenges and to remember to always try to “turn a mess into a message and a test into a testimony” when facing obstacles.

For information about the James Island Connector Run Weekend, please go to www.GKfoundation.org

Governor Ramsey Sets the Challenge
The Spirit of Rotary International

• View proposed Rotary bylaws

September 6, 2005- John Ramsey, District 7770 Governor, received his broad education at The Citadel, West Point, University of Miami and Georgetown University. He honed his skills in management in the U.S. Postal Service as a Postmaster in Summerville and a regional manager in South Carolina. Today he heads the vibrant South Carolina district of Rotary International.

Focusing on Rotary International he told us that our organization is the oldest of its kind in the world. The excitement was evident as 43,000 Rotarians from worldwide gathered in Chicago for the 2005 convention.

Looking to history for his message he told of Sgt. York of World War I fame who ranked his Rotary membership pin as equal to his Medal of Honor. The 32,000 Rotary clubs world wide demonstrate the Spirit of Rotary. This spirit focuses on three truths of what Rotary members contribute:
1. Networking and professional contacts which are essential to friendship which is critical to life.
2. High ethical standards with an emphasis beyond self.
3. Promotion of international understanding to promote world peace.

Focusing on Rotary International he told us that a committee is currently at work to expand Rotary to China; another committee is focusing on re-establishing Rotary in Cuba, remembering that in 1959 the Havana club was world famous; a third is dedicated to spread a culture of free enterprise and education throughout the Atlantic World.

The Spirit of Rotary can be summed up by a recent Wall Street Journal speaking of Rotary’s work in fighting polio which stated that Rotary “is the most effective private health effort ever; Rotary deserves the Nobel Peace prize.”

Submitted by Fred Sales, Keyway Committee