March 29, 2006

President Carey accepts an award on Behalf of the Lake Murray - Irmo rotary Club. The award presented by Jerry Adger, Deputy Director of Rehabilitative Services for DJJ was for "Ongoing service and partnership with DJJ through the support of numerous projects such as the All Star Banquet, Blue Blazers and Pants Suits Project, Earning Your Back Project, DJJ Scholarship Project, Young Craftsmen/Prison Industry Projects (Adirondack Chairs)." Also pictured is our speaker of the day, Nykia.









Joel Collins receives an award from DJJ presented by Jerry Adger and Nykia. The award given to Joel was the "Champions of Children Award" given for his leadership and passionate dedication to the betterment of the youth involved in our juvenile justice system.


Last Meeting
March 29, 2006

Reporter – Skey Caskey

President Carey opened the meeting and George Staples led us in the
invocation. John Hanson introduced our guests.

Beth Olivier, our exchange student, said a few words about her upcoming visit
to Finland and how grateful she is to have this opportunity. She will be
leaving August 5th and is from Irmo High.

Lyman Whitehead gave us another dose of his endless supply of Health and
Happiness.

The annual golf tournament has been rescheduled for July 24th, so please mark your
calendars. Chris Joye shared a letter he received from The Friends of Harbison
thanking the club for all our help in restoring Midlands Mountain Trail.

If anybody wants to go to Wales talk to President Carey. He has all the information.
The group will be departing on May 13th.

Ginny Barr introduced a contingency from the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) that included Jerry Adger, Stacey Atkinson, Mike Gannon, and Loretta Neal. Jennifer Gamble, a Guidance Counselor from Columbia College, was also introduced. Ginny then introduced our speaker, Nykia. Nykia read a poem she had written and shared some of the trials and tribulations she had experienced during her young life. With the help and support of others, Nykia has now turned her life around and is a college freshman at Columbia College. She spoke about how opportunities “are everything” and that a good education is paramount to success.

Jerry and Stacey presented President Carey with a plaque expressing gratitude
for our Club’s partnership with DJJ and our efforts to help rehabilitate the young people involved with DJJ. Jerry also presented a plaque to Joel Collins for his ongoing support and leadership in establishing our Club’s relationship with DJJ.

President Carey then opened the floor for “Happy Dollars” with a good number
of Happy Rotarians, none happier than John Adair (ask him about the fire
alarm thing if you missed the last meeting).

Meeting adjourned @ 8:30

March 15, 2006

Reporter – Lynn Campbell
3/15/06

President Carey called the meeting to order and called upon Theresa Miley to bring the invocation.

Guests were introduced and as usual Fred Splittgerber was one of our most appreciated guests. Lynn Whitehead, as expected brought us much happiness with his much-needed humor. Lynn Campbell was called upon to share the great intellectual abilities of the club with the Rotary Magazine quiz. The club members were consistent in knowing very little about the current issue!

Beetle Bailey reported on the up-coming Golf Tournament to be held at Wood-Creek Farms, requesting those members that had not signed-up to try to participate.

Ambassadorial Scholar, Tina Shah was introduced. Tina is currently attending USC Honors College with a double major. She intends to go into medicine.

Molly Cousins introduced our speaker, Mike Daniels from the S.C. Employment Security Commission, who has lead the Research and Planning Administration for 17 years.

S.C.E.S.C. is the state agency that aids job seekers and employers in employment related services. It was reported that the unemployment rate at 6.2% is the lowest since October 2002 and the economy is strong and growing.

S.C. has the 4th highest unemployment rate in the country, the highest being Mississippi at 8.4%. He reported S.C. is one of the top 10 states for small business climate, the leading state being North Carolina.

The economy continues to improve with home building on the rise along with Professional Business Services.

South Carolina continues to have several counties with double-digit unemployment, but much effort is being given to bring these areas back into more favorable employment opportunities.

President Carey thanked Mr. Daniels for his presentation. He then asked for Happy Dollars. Several members contributed to the fund, including “Biker” Caskey reporting on his trip to Daytona Beach



Pictured here Rod Funderburk with Tina Shah.











Mike Daniels pictured here with Patty Cavanaugh.

March 8 2006

Our newest member, Jim Wellman, is inducted by Johnny Jeffcoat and Patty Cavanaugh.



Linda Wells of Carolina Sunshine is presented by Herb Harrison. Also pictured is Jim Gadsden.

Last Meeting
March 8, 2006
Reporter – Si Amick

President Carey called the meeting to order and asked John Adair to lead us in prayer. Harvey introduced our only guest, Fred Splittgerber, and reminded all of the Coins for Alzheimer's. Lyman followed with the Health and Happiness until President Carey asked him to, “Wrap it up.” Patty Cavanaugh presided over the induction of newly approved member Jim Wellman, who was nominated by Johnny Jeffcoat.

Announcements:
Chuck Larson announced that at the Chamber meeting this week the speakers will be Don Murphy and Ross Rucker both with Home Land Security. The Chamber meets at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 11:45 on Wednesday morning. Carrabba’s will be providing the meal.

Noveita Roe and Jeanette Coulter invited all to the Chamber Gala and had tickets available for $100.00. Our own Skey Caskey’s band will provide the music, less Skey. A raffle will include 2 sets of box seats to Carolina football, a Diamond necklace and a plasma TV.

President Cary encouraged all to visit the blog site to see pictures from the Harbison trail clean up. Also he noted that we have a jewel in the Harbison State Park.

Skey Caskey is working with the National Stripe Bass Association regarding a fishing tournament. Warren Turner with the NSBA will meet with the Board to discuss what our club can do to promote this in our area. Skey noted this not only is a fishing tournament, but will provide fun and learning opportunities for children. This will take place June 17th which is Father’s Day weekend.

Ray Hunt stressed this is a critical time as we need commitments for the Golf Tournament which will be March 20th.

Molly Cousins noted two opportunities. First, the golf tournament is a great time to introduce new members to our club and we will have a special guest from DJJ on the 29th who will present a story that will amaze you and touch your heart.

Herb Harrison introduced Linda Wells, our guest speaker. Linda is a person who has truly made a difference in our state. The room was noticeably silenced during her presentation. Linda, a professional nurse, was very instrumental in the founding of Carolina Sunshine in1984. She is also co-founder of Camp Chemo at Palmetto Richland.

Carolina Sunshine provides children with life threatening illnesses the opportunity to fulfill their greatest wish. These wishes range from trips to Disney World to shopping sprees worth $1200.00 to $1500.00. Ms. Wells said that it is our responsibility to seek out and provide these children, rich or poor with their wish. These wishes can be a life changing opportunity for the children and their parents. She said there is no greater joy than to see the smiles on the faces of these children. These children and their families need these diversions and it does make a difference.

Carolina Sunshine is for children 3 to 18 years of age. Over 600 wishes have been granted. The amazing thing is that 100% of all monies contributed goes directly to the children. All administration is voluntary by the members and is managed out of their homes or current offices.

Ms. Wells said they also make the wish as memorable as possible. They add special touches such as limo rides and dinners at fine restaurants to the trip. She said these could be “life changing events” in the lives of these children. She shared with us the mother with two children battling cancer and their trip to Disney World. After the trip the mother told Ms. Wells that it was the happiest time of their lives. That mother later lost both children.

Ms. Wells closed with the following thought, “If you think you are having a bad day, please think of these children.”


At today's meeting we inducted our newest member, Jim Wellman. Linda Wells spoke to us about Carolina Sunshine - an organization that helps children with cancer. Full report to follow.

We Help Cut a Trail at Harbison State Forest

Saturday March 4th - we're out early to move some dirt at Harbison State Forest. Thanks to the Dutch Fork Rotary Interact Club for lending their young backs.



Summer Gaither Blount Shepard and Patty Cavanaugh
Mark and Chris Joye


Joel Price

Blount Shepard and Gary Williams dig deep

These Kids don't sleep in on Saturday - Thanks for your help.

Not pictured Rosalie Browning, Jason Brown, Patty and Carolyn Joye, Carey Hite

March 1 2006

Left to Right Harold Crawford, Heather Hornsby, Jim Jeffers

Full report to follow.

Last Meeting
March 1, 2006

Reporter – Jeff Baldwin

President Carey opened the meeting, followed with prayer by Chris Joye and the
Pledge of Allegiance. Guests and visitors were introduced along with a
welcome to our new transfer member, Ben Harrison. Lyman Whitehead and
President Carey offered some Health and Happiness.

Announcements:
Molly Cousins noted our Golf Tournament coming up 20 March, shot gun start at
noon. Get your teams signed up and we also need additional corporate
sponsors. Beetle Bailey is our lead.

Saturday is the date of Harbison Forest Trail maintenance project. Chris Joye noted our effort would be in two shifts, 9am and 1pm.

Herb Harrison offered a correction to last week’s Bulletin - gang presence at
Sonic is an urban myth. Bulletin should have read “no gang activity at the
Sonic…” Chapin Chamber of Commerce sponsoring Oyster Roast on St Patrick’s Day and upcoming Golf Tournament. Herb has information on both.

Jim Jeffers provided details of the upcoming GSE Team visit from Brazil. Lake
Murray cruise on Southern Patriot scheduled for Thursday, April 13th, which
will be our meeting for the week. Host families still needed - see Jim. Jim
introduced Heather Hornsby of the Lexington Club who was a GSE Team member on recent trip to India. Heather discussed the selection process and the overall GSE program, from speaking to Rotary Clubs, living with host Rotarians, and immersing yourself in another country and culture. India’s diversity and
difference from our own country were clear as she described their utility
systems, transportation experiences, the constant presence of masses of people
regardless of the hour, debris and poverty, and the haggling over the price of
everything.

President Carey initiated a discussion on our present location as it relates
to attracting and keeping our membership. Possible alternative sites were
discussed as were opinions on the state of the membership, both in numbers
and attendance. Our membership has slipped from 67 to 62 over the past year
but even worse is the attendance of 60%. More to come on all of these issues.

Si Amick noted the recent break-in and robbery of HomeWorks including all of
their equipment and supplies. He urged individual as well as Club
consideration of assistance to this vital community organization that helps so
many in need.