May 29 2008

May 28, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 7:48AM by President Beetle Bailey. John Adair gave the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance followed.

John Hanson introduced visiting Rotarians, Dr. Fred Splitberger from the St. Andrews Club, and guests, Joel Price’s grandson.

Lyman Whitehead provided the group with “Health and Happiness”.

Blount Shepard announced that the Okra Man traveled to New York City, but has returned safely to his office.

John Adair mentioned that LMIRC has copyrights on the Okra Man’s image and name.

Patty Cavanaugh informed the group that the 20th Anniversary kick-off will be held June 21st at Chestnut Hill Plantation. More details will follow.

President Beetle Bailey asked for Happy Dollars.

Eddie Robinson introduced our speaker. Ms. Marsha Atkins serves as the Director of Sharing God’s Love. A video was shown that gives more details about the program. Sharing God’s Love was formed in 1984 to provide food, clothing, and financial and spiritual support to needy families of the Irmo/St. Andrews/Ballentine areas. Sharing God’s Love does not receive government money to run their program. Individuals, businesses, schools, and churches donate items and time to Sharing God’s Love. The purpose of the program is to help clients become independent. They are eligible to receive food and clothing every three months and financial support once a year. Sharing God’s Love is located at 147 Friarsgate Blvd in Irmo.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:23AM by President Bailey.

Reporter: Emilie Keene

May 21 2008

Our speaker, Chris Jenkins, Public Affairs Specialist with Social Security Administration.



May 21, 2008

Reporter-- Jim Wellman


President Beetle called the meeting to order with the clanging of the bell. John Adair gave the invocation, after which followed the Pledge of Allegiance.

John Hanson introduced our visiting Rotarians. He also introduced our other guest Beetle Bailey’s wife Debra.

Lyman Whitehead entertained us with his usual message of humor and good cheer.

Larry Stohs reminded all of us that we would soon need to update our information for the upcoming directory. He indicated that he particularly needed the information on our new members. John Adair volunteered to take any pictures necessary. Larry stated that his assistant Tina would assist in this undertaking. He and Tina can be reached at 772-1617.

President Beetle reminded us that June 21, 2008 would begin the 20th year anniversary of our Club. He will keep us informed as details become available. He did announce that as a result of this celebration there will be no meeting June 25th.

Larry Stohs introduced our speaker Chris Jenkins, a Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration. He gave an energetic and entertaining presentation on Social Security. He stressed the following points in his presentation:

At this point the SSA takes in more than it pays out. The excess revenue is invested in Treasury notes. These notes are what constitute the Trust Fund we hear so much about. Sometime around 2017 with the influx of the “baby boomers” the system will need to draw upon the interest earned by the Trust Fund. In the years 2028-2029 it is anticipated that in order to meet its obligations the SSI will need to begin to draw upon the principle in the Trust Fund.

Social Security was never designed to be a pension. It’s original goal was to help supplement the retirement savings of Americans. Over the years the objective has been expanded to provide supplemental income to survivors of contributors and disability payments for those who become unable to work.

He indicated that identity theft strikes over 500 South Carolinians daily. This can be reduced if we are more careful in who we give our social security number.

He indicated that most Americans can conduct almost all business with the Social Security Administration through the web or by telephone. Thus reducing the wait time in trying to conduct business in person.

There are many options available to us as to how benefits are paid out. He encouraged us to search out the option that is best for us and make an informed decision.

There are over 800,000 people in South Carolina who receive benefits from SSA.

In closing he stated that perhaps the best way to look at Social Security was that it’s a pool of money designed to help people help each other.



President Beetle adjourned the meeting and wished us a good week.

May 14 2008

Special Olympians
Dianna Poiletman
Kenneth Whitaker
Eric Brown


Richland County Sheriff's Department - Heroes Helping Heroes
Retired Deputy Debo Hayes
Captain Joseph Pellicci
Special Olympians
Dianna Poiletman
Kenneth Whitaker
Eric Brown
President Beetle in background

May 7 2008

Subject: May 7, 2008 Rotary Meeting - Reporter Joel Z. Price President Beetle Bailey called the meeting to order and called on Kevin Adams forthe invocation. John Hanson introduced our visitors, which included two of ourscholarship recipients and visiting rotarians from Chapin, St. Andrews and SpringValley clubs. Skey Caskey dutifully hung our Rotary Banners only to have one falllater. Kelly Payne was the first to jump into action to fix the problem. Skey,with his observant eye, jumped to his feet to assist Kelly. They quickly noted thatthe hook had come out of the ceiling and proceeded to roll it up. The good news is,3 of the banners did not fall. Stephen Caldwell was inducted as our newest Rotarian by Eddie Robinson. Stephen wassponsored by Joel Collins. Joel pointed out that he had sponsored our currentPresident, Beetle Bailey, our incoming President, Eddie Robinson. so therefore aprecedent has been set for Stephen. Stephen works with the Department of JuvenileJustice. After Stephen was inducted, it was noted that our District Governor,George McConnell, was visiting with us today. Lyman Whitehead provided our Health and Happiness entertainment and brought aboutsome smiles and some laughter. Jim Gadsden day was held at one of his formerchurches and according to Lynn Campbell he can still preach. Paula Matthews from the Spring Valley Club presented President Beetle Bailey hiscrystal and pin for becoming a member of the Quest Society. This recognition isaccomplished by leaving $10.000.00 or more in your will to the Foundation. She alsonoted that if you want to be a member of the Benefactor Society you may make adonation of $1000.00 to the Foundation or leave that amount in your will to theFoundation. Happy Dollar Time - What can I say? A lot of people were happy about a lot ofthings. While I don't remember what everyone was happy about, I can at least tellyou who shared their joy: Chris Joye, Skey Caskey (3 happy dollars), Jim Gadsden,Jenny Barr, George Staples, Joel Collins (2 happy dollars), Harry Hafer, LarryStohs, Lynn Campbell, Elizabeth Ray (Interact Student), Beetle Bailey, HaroldCrawford and Joel Price. Our speaker was Mr. Timothy Davis, Founder of Spotless Lamb Ministries. Mr. Davisis a retired Law Enforcement Officer and is a Deacon at Irmo Family Worship Center. The program began with Mr. Davis giving a scenario of domestic violence in the homeand telling us that we have the tools in our hands to help someone in this situationand then asking us what we will do with this tool. Part of his ministry isproviding Senior Citizens, the Disabled, and Battered Women with Free Emergency CellPhones. They receive phones from another ministry after they have been sanitized. Every phone is set to call 911 before they are dispersed. If you have a old cell;phone, or any attatchments to a cell phone they can be taken to the THRIFT STORELOCATED BEHIND LIZARD's THICKET on St. Andrews Road in Irmo. If you do not have acharger to go with the phone, they will still accept the phone as they have peoplewho turn in chargers but do not have the phone. Beetle adjourned the meeting with the ringing of the bell.