Adopt a Highway April 28 2007

We began our morning early with a traditional Blount Shepard breakfast of oysters, grits, and shad roe. Interestingly Kelly Payne and the Interact Club missed that one (not old enough to develop the taste) - but we had doughnuts for them. President Molly not wishing to appear ungrateful polished off a doughnut or two. After the breakfast we donned our gear, found Kelly and the Interact Club and began our clean up of Farming Creek Road. It was such a beautiful morning it hardly seemed like work, and thanks to all the help took only about half an hour to finish. From there it was on to Irmo Town Hall to help with a clean up project.

April 25, 2007

Last Meeting
April 25, 2007

Reporter – Chris King
Photos - by John Adair

President Molly called the meeting to order, followed by the invocation by Barry Johns and the Pledge of Allegiance. Lyman Whitehead provided us with some early morning Health and Happiness.

Special guests were four students from Dutch Fork High School who will be interviewing for Rotary Scholarships.

Joel Collins reported that the “Alive at 25” at Dutch Fork High School was a huge success. Approximately 500 students have signed up for the program.

Ginny Barr invited our membership to the DJJ International Fair next Wednesday.

Larry Stohs announced to the group that he’s updating our Rotary Directory and asked for updates on addresses, phone numbers, etc.

This Saturday is our “Adopt-a-Highway”. We will be coordinating with the Irmo Clean-up Day and also helping with lawn maintenance for senior citizens in Irmo.

Jim Jeffers announced that he is retiring and moving to Hilton Head. President Molly assured him that he would be greatly missed.

Eddie Robinson introduced our speaker – Irmo High School Principal Eddie Walker.

Mr. Walker said that he learns much from the students that he is around. Mr. Walker has had several heroes in his life – his father, his mother, his high school football coach (Mooney Player) and the father of an elementary student in Pelion. Mr. Walker gave examples of life stories about how each of these people influenced him and impacted the way he deals with others now.

Mr. Walker said one of the biggest dangers students face today is drug abuse. It can be life altering for young people. Mr. Walker also said the biggest issue in high schools in South Carolina is safety and security. Irmo High school and District 5 are making great strides to improve the security of all of its schools. The biggest academic problem is 9th grade failure rate. This seems to be a nationwide problem, and the District is addressing ways to improve this rate.

The meeting was concluded with Happy Dollars and was adjourned.


Ski Caskey
Bill Danielson
Si Amick
Jim Jeffers
Eddie Walker and Eddie Robinson

April 18th 2007 - Club Day

Last Meeting
April 18, 2007

Reporter – Johnny Jeffcoat

President Molly called the meeting to order, followed by the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. As always, Lyman Whitehead provided us with a few laughs to get the morning started with Health and Happiness.


President Molly announced this meeting day, as “Club Day.”

Joel Collins introduced his guest, the new Executive Director of the SC National
Safety Council, Brooke Russell. Joel feels confident that Brooke will do a great job for the Council.
Joel Collins


John Hanson announced that the Town of Irmo will have a Clean-up Day on
April 28th. It will be a day to clean-up the town and to help elderly citizens rake, cut grass, etc.



Our club will join in the Irmo Clean-up Day following Adopt-A-Highway which is being held that same morning.

Herb Harrison inducted new member, Greg Downs into our club. Patty
Cavanaugh assisted Herb with the induction. WELCOME GREG!
Herb Harrison with New Member Greg Downs and Patty Cavanaugh

John Adair presented a check for $1500.00 from our club to Brian Haley of
the Irmo Fire District. The money will be used to purchase a utility trailer. The trailer will be used to transport evidence from fires for investigation.
John Adair with our much missed and former Health and Happiness Jokemeister Brian Haley


Dutch Fork High Interact Club Advisor, Kelly Payne, announced a media blitz kick-off planned for the club’s Alive @ 25 project. It is schedule at 11:00 a.m. this Saturday morning at Dutch fork High. Club members were invited and encouraged to attend.

Ginny Barr introduced two officers from the DJJ Interact Club; President, Rashawn and Sergeant-of-Arms, Aldermar. They shared with us the service project the club has completed, as well as projects they are currently working on and planning for the future. The DJJ Interact Club has also hosted 2 guest speakers from our Rotary Club, Joel Collins and John Wilkins.
DJJ Interact Leaders with Ginny Barr

The Happy Dollar funds from last year and this year are available for a worthwhile project. President Molly asked for some ideas for projects. President Molly also asked all present to call any members who were absent and invite them to our next meeting.
The meeting concluded with a flurry of Happy Dollars and was adjourned.
Happy Dollars

Harry Hafer

Danny Morales and Samantha
Lyn Richards
Ritchie Tidwell

Greg Downs and Samantha
Jim Gadsden

April 11, 2007

Last Meeting
April 11, 2007

Reporter – Mickey Epting

President Molly called the meeting to order. After the invocation and pledge, guests were introduced. Lyman Whitehead provided a few laughs with a list of “Male Rules”. He concluded by saying that sleeping on the couch is really not that bad. I am sure that comes as a result of constantly repeating the rules to his wife.

Bob Berry auctioned off some tickets for the BBQ at Saluda Shoals. John Adair and Carey Hite were the successful bidders. The funds went to the Cart Fund.

Carey Hite introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Michael Rowe. Dr. Rowe had a background in engineering and as an ER Physician. He now operates a unique medical practice where he is available to his patients 24/7.

Dr. Rowe’s talk focused on the “Things to Ask Your Doctor” which included: What is your philosophy? What level of service can I expect from you and your staff? What is your availability? Can I get to someone after hours? Can I get my medical records easily even on weekends? What do I do if I have an emergency?

Dr. Rowe also talked about “What to Tell Your Doctor” which included: Tell the Doctor why you are there and be succinct. Tell the Doctor what you expect from his practice. Tell your Doctor what you will and will not do. Tell the Doctor if you are afraid of certain tests or exams – there may be other alternatives. Tell the Doctor your secrets. He is the keeper of secrets. Tell the doctor what your wishes are in regards to life support. Tell the physician when you are satisfied and dissatisfied with his services.

President Molly closed the meeting by reminding us that there is going to be a special club meeting next week.

Weekly Fellowship/Attendance Reminder: A Rotary member must attend or make up at least 60% of meetings during each six-month period of the Rotary year and cannot be absent four consecutive weeks in a row without a make-up.

April 4 2007

April 4, 2007

Reporter – Ritchie Tidwell


President Molly called the meeting to order and the invocation was presented by Ginny Barr. Guests were introduced including 3 USC students who are applying for Rotary scholarships.

It was announced there will be a BBQ on April 14th at Saluda Shoals. Music will be provided from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; tickets are $10.00.

Ginny Barr reported that Attorney John Wilkins spoke at the DJJ Interact Club and he was so well received by the youth that they want him to return for a second visit.

Lynn Campbell posed questions to the group from the most current issue of the Rotary magazine.

Tameka Simms from Sister Care was presented with 31 Easter baskets to provide to children of the families they serve.


Sister Care Presentation and Sue Oliver

Molly cousins and Sue Oliver


John Adair introduced Sue Oliver, Director of Voices for Children. Sue was the founder of EdVenture, the children’s museum in Columbia. Her daughter, Elizabeth, is a Rotary exchange student in Finland who will return in June. Voices for Children is a public policy group which advocates legislation on behalf of children and youth. Seatbelt legislation was an example mentioned. Sue also presented data from Kids Count and commented about the number of companies who do not locate in S.C. because of the illiteracy rate and taxes. She pointed out there are 100,000 kids in the state without health insurance and 90,000 who live in extreme poverty (family income is less than $9,000/year). She said that for youth to be eligible to receive Medicaid, they would have to be at 150% of the poverty level, which is one of the three lowest Medicaid reimbursement rates in the country. Voices for Children also partners with Prevent Child Abuse S.C. and the Children’s Trust Fund on the issue of child abuse and Sue pointed out there are 10,000 confirmed cases of child abuse in S.C. each year.

After presenting the speaker with a “coveted gift from our club,” President Molly adjourned the meeting.


John Adair and Sue Oliver

Tamika Sims and Harry Hafer

Rotary District Conference 2007

Rhonda, Joel, Cynthia, and Eddie
Robinsons and Collins
Sea Side Fun
John and Ellen Adair
Jeff and Libby Baldwin
Beetle and Debra
Eddie and Cynthia

Jeff and Libby
Jerry and Jeanette
Judy and Mike
John and Kris
Luther, Molly, and katie