Wednesday November 30th

We welcomed Judge Dan Eckstrom. Dan enlightened us about the workings of the probate court.




Joel Collins helps us celebrate an unexpectedly large club donation of over $1000 for our DJJ Blue Blazer Project. Congrats, Joel!!!





November 30, 2005
Reporter – Joel Price
President Carey called the meeting to order and Skey Caskey gave the invocation. Health and Happiness was provided by our very own Lyman Whitehead. Ray Hunt gave an update on our Christmas party which will be on December 14 beginning at 7pm at Ascot Club House - Skey Caskey and his band will be providing the entertainment. Harvey Hoots introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians.
Joel Collins gave us an update on our DJJ project. Through a contact with Belk Department Stores we will be able to purchase 25 blue blazers for $32.00 each. These normally retail for $80.00 each. Joel passed the pot around hoping that we would collect enough money to offset the total cost of $800.00. We collected $1009.00. Joel and Stacey Atkinson from DJJ invited us to attend DJJ’s All Star Banquet on December 6 beginning at 5:30pm. Stacey gave us an update on the $350.00 we gave to DJJ last year. These funds will be used to purchase black pants, black jackets, and white shirts for the girls to wear.
Terry Klosterman of the Spring Valley Rotary Club talked to us about supporting the sale of a variety of nuts. Proceeds will go to the Gift of Life Fund.
John Adair introduced Judge Dan Eckstrom, Lexington County Probate Judge, as our guest speaker. This is an elected position. Judge Eckstrom has a staff of 8 with a budget of about $500,000.00. Most of these funds come from fees collected through the court. The Probate Court administers or oversees about 1200 estates a year. The court also issues about 1200 marriage licenses per year. Dan did tell us that about 5% of the people who submit a marriage license application do not come back after 24 hours to pick them up. Cases concerning individuals with mental illness and substance abuse issues also go though this court. The decision here is to determine if an individual needs to be admitted to a treatment facility.

Fall Social November 2005

Hope you were there for the Fall Social.

Great Oysters and Fellowship

Who said the gulf had the best seafood?

Don't worry, the Christmas social is only a month away. We'll save you some.

Meeting of November 2nd

Beetle Bailey hosted our program with our speaker Angie Sisk. Ms. Sisk enlightened us about the disease "Maccular Degeneration", and asked Beetle the question that has no answer "how about those Gamecocks?" Please contact Beetle personally for his answer. Also joining Beetle for the presentation was his wife Debra (shown here closest to the flag). Full meeting report will follow on this site.


Last Meeting
November 2, 2005
Reporter – Patty Cavanaugh
President Hite brought the meeting to order with Kevin Adams giving the invocation. Molly Cousins gave a report on the dictionary project, sharing endearing thanks received from River Springs Elementary students. Ray Hunt updated us on the Fall Social Oyster Roast to be held Wednesday, November 9 at Inglewood Manor. He requested a volunteer (because of a resignation) to find sponsors and to oversee the Annual Golf Tournament. December 14 is our Christmas party, to be held at Ascot Club House. Chris Joye reported that the Harbison project is in progress. Chuck Larsen announced the Irmo Chamber’s Annual Auction to take place on November 17 to benefit five charities and Irmo High School.
Beetle and Debbie Bailey introduced Angie Sisk, an Occupational Therapist from Palmetto Health Baptist Hospital (296-5486), who presented a program on macular degeneration. MD is related to aging; the macular (part of retina in back of eye) degenerates, central vision is lost, and peripheral vision remains -- more than 10,000,000 Americans are affected. By age 75, more than 15% have MD. It is the leading cause of blindness over the age of 55. There are two types of MD, with dry MD being less severe than the wet form. Causes of MD are genetics, age related, nutrition, smoking, sunlight exposure and being Caucasian. MD limits safety – contributes to falls and injuries, limits independence and socializing. There is no cure, but treatments include laser and occupational therapy and teaching patients to use vision most effectively. Prevention of MD: 1. Wear UV eye protection; 2. diet high in fruits and vegetables, especially leafy green; 3. stop smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke, and 3. exercise regularly. Prescription antioxidants can be obtained. Avoid partially hydrogenated oils; use olive, canola, flaxseed or safflower oil. A number of community resources are: reduced bus fare, Pitts Eye Fund, MD Support Group at 779-4449, State Library talking books 734-4611, Commission for the Blind (898) 398-8787, and Shepherd’s Center on Trenholm Road. Occupational therapy is covered by Medicare and medical insurance.
After thanking Ms. Sisk and presenting her with a Rotary pen, President Hite adjourned the meeting, with a reminder that the Fall Social Oyster Roast will take the place of a regularly scheduled Wednesday meeting next week.