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

March 28, 2007

Last Meeting
March 28, 2007

Reporter – Bob Berry

President Molly called the meeting to order and the invocation was provided. Sergeant-at Arms, John Hanson introduced our guests.

President Molly told us that some 950 Rotarians from around the state attended last week’s statewide District Conference. At the conference, we were awarded Service Citations. Molly also announced that April 19th is the District Assembly in Florence, SC for all incoming officers.

Our Club has approved 25 student scholarships for the “Alive at 25” program at
Dutch Fork High School. Ben Herritage is leading our golf tournament and if
you can help, please let him know.

Patty Cavanaugh introduced Gary Watts, Richland County Coroner, as our guest
speaker. Mr. Watts explained that the Coroner’s Office is used for five identification processes. These processes are: visual id., fingerprint, dental records, x-rays and DNA. One of the most important duties of the Coroner’s Office is the Care Team which is made up of faith-based and mental health professionals in our community. They are sent to survivors to just listen and provide assistance as required.

The Coroner’s Office has a $1,100,000 annual budget and spends approximately
$600,000 per year on pathology. The office has 18 investigators and handles about 2,500 cases a year. Mr. Watts said, “A child’s death is the most difficult time in dealing with families.” Child abuse cases are everywhere. Typically, SIDS has been linked to child abuse in many cases.

Other duties of the Coroner’s Office are to pronounce death in the absence
of a physician; confirm no signs of life; estimate the time of death; and the cause and manner of death. He also told us that whenever there is a single-vehicle accident related death, that an autopsy is required. We were privileged to have Mr. Watts as our speaker.

President Molly adjourned the meeting.

March 21 2007

Last Meeting
March 21, 2007

Reporter – Kevin Adams

President Molly called the meeting to order and Dr. Lynn Campbell brought the invocation. John Hanson, our new Sergeant at Arms, introduced our guests: Bill Zeigler from the Chapin Club and a smattering of Interact members. He also informed us that our YTD CART Fund contributions were “Not real good.” Let’s see what we can do to help the cause. Lyman Whitehead then shared some health and happiness.

Saturday, 04/28/07, is our Adopt-A-Highway clean-up day and Irmo’s clean-up day. More details to follow. April 18 will be our scholarship presentation day with participation from the DJJ’s Interact Club and their efforts towards an International Day.

Our own Kelly Payne was our guest speaker this morning. She brought a very informative discussion regarding a program called “Alive at 25." The Dutch Fork High School Interact Club has spearheaded this project in the school which is a 4-hour driver’s awareness class presented by the National Safety Council (our own Joel Collins is on their national Board). The program teaches teens good decision making skills like saying “Slow down” or “Please stop and let me out of the car.” and driving skills such as how to handle a hydroplaning car. It also highlights the high correlation between fatal teen driving accidents and alcohol/drug use. Last year, three DFHS students lost their lives in auto accidents: Grant Gallagher, Francis Nyguen and Megan Preston. Alcohol or drugs played a part in all three accidents. The Interact Club has already been getting involved and promoted a pledge not drink and drive. To date, some 300 DFHS students have made such a pledge. A handprint from each student who made that pledge is featured on a mural in the school.

Jim Taylor, the principal at DFHS, appeared before Scott Andersen, District 5's Superintendent, and requested this course be mandated in order for students to acquire a parking pass on campus. It is expected other schools in the District will follow DFHS’s lead. Considering there are only 500 parking passes, 620 seniors and 580 juniors, these parking passes are in high demand. Mr. Taylor was also instrumental in basing the delivery of the parking passes to those with the highest grade point averages.




On April 21 (Saturday) from 11:00-1:00, there will be a media blitz at DFHS promoting 10 class sessions coming up in May. DFHS Cheerleaders, band, ROTC, various clubs on campus and the Interact Club plan to participate in the event. Some local businesses have provided scholarships for these training classes but more assistance is being sought.
Four states in the US require students to complete this course in order to get a driver’s license. Colorado is one of those states. After the meeting, Kelly said Colorado estimates that there has been a 96% reduction in the fatality rate among the course participants. An effort is being made in SC to make the course a requirement here. So far, there has been support from a number of state politicians and other public officials to adopt such a requirement.

Our Location Has Changed to The Cotton House

Lake Murray-Irmo Rotary Club meets at The Cotton House 7777 St. Andrews Rd. Irmo SC (between Lizards Thicket and the Irmo Post Office). We meet Wednesday mornings at 7:30. Click on the X block for directions to and a map of our new location.

March 28 2007

President Molly with our speaker Coroner Gary Watts

March 14, 2007

Last Meeting
March 14, 2007
Reporter – Lyn Richards

The meeting was called to order by President Molly. The invocation was given by Irvin Ott. We are saddened to learn of Harvey Hoots’ resignation from our club due to business concerns; John Hanson will be trying to fill his shoes indefinitely. John introduced our guests, Alan Rey from Interact Club and Chuck Baer, our speaker. Lyman Whitehead gave us a few chuckles. Herb Harrison reminded everyone that the Chapin Oyster Roast is coming up on Saturday. Molly reminded us of the Board Meeting at Three Rivers Medical at 7:30 am on Thursday, and that our scholarship deadline is approaching. Jim Jeffers led several tables in a four-way test quiz.

Our speaker was introduced by Ginny Barr. Chuck Baer comes to The Club at Rawls Creek from Augusta, Georgia to be the new club manager. Formerly Coldstream Golf Club, The Club at Rawls Creek has been re-acquired by Dr. Yarrid, and extensive renovations are being done to reopen the golf course and provide a country-club type entity for this area.

Chuck is married, and has a 15 year old son who is learning to drive. He has a degree in Corporate Finance. After spending years in the corporate finance world, he “dropped out” to the golf world. After spending a few years in Myrtle Beach, he relocated to Augusta where he built The Applewood course from the ground-up from an abandoned apple orchard.


Chuck reminded us that the old Coldstream golf course is now 30 years old, which is near the end of any golf course’s natural life span. In addition, the course had been abandoned for a full year. As such, renovating and reopening the course has a lot of challenges. The largest challenge is the irrigation system for the course, which is fed by a reservoir; the dam of which recently was breached. Reconstructing the dam, dredging the reservoir, and determining the adequacy and overall health of the pipes in the current irrigation system is currently underway. Weed removal has been completed. Green re-construction is underway, with several holes undergoing some corrections. Fairways are being upgraded by narrowing the seven varieties of grass down to just one or two, and through landscaping. Many traps are being moved, eliminated or renovated to speed up play.

There will be tennis and pool memberships available through a country club membership and the banquet facility will be used for various community events. Early membership discounts will be available. Rates will remain much the same as they were. A senior citizen discount will also be offered during week-day play.

Anticipated opening date is optimistically set for July 1st, more likely it will be August 1st. All eighteen holes will be open.

The meeting concluded with happy dollars from Beetle, Skey, Irvin, Lyn, Chris Joye, Molly, Ritchie, and Chuck.

March 7, 2007

Last Meeting
March 7, 2007

Reporter – Jason Brown

President Molly Cousins called the meeting to order and the invocation was given by Roz Browning, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Lyman Whitehead entertained us with his usual brand of Health and Happiness.

Herb Harrison made an announcement about an upcoming oyster roast in Chapin this coming week-end and invited members to attend.

Si Amick and Jim and Connie Jeffers presented our Rotary Club’s Excellence is Vocational Service to Bobby Keough for his tireless efforts with Jeffers Hand Bell Supply.

Jim Jeffers also introduced and inducted Kevin Kuper, our newest member, to the Lake Murray-Irmo Rotary Club.

Fire Marshall Jeff Allen was introduced as our guest speaker. Mr. Allen has been with the Irmo Fire District since 1994. He moved to this area in 1991. He and his wife are both committed to the safety and welfare of our community. Mr. Allen’s wife is a paramedic for Richland County. The Irmo Fire District is located behind the Bi-Lo Shopping Center at the intersection of St. Andrews and Piney Grove Road.

The Fire Marshall spoke to us about the excellent job the Irmo Fire Department does for our community and how they get out in the community to educate about public safety. In 2006, the Irmo Fire Department went on 1,800 calls. They serve 43,000 people over 22 square miles with two stations. Of the 1,800 calls, 600 were vehicle related, 550 were medical related, 105 were fires, and the remaining were related to educational duties.

Through extensive training and educational programs, we are getting the most out of our tax dollars from the Irmo Fire District. A well equipped, well run fire department offers the community the highest possible quality of life. The Irmo Department’s main benefit to the community is their availability and reliability when called upon in a time of need.

Fire Marshall Allen feels that a fire department is in a different situation then other agencies, such as police departments. If more police officers are put on the streets, the feeling is that crime should go down. But putting more firefighters on the streets will not eliminate fires. What more firefighters will do is decrease the value of the loss to property, and most importantly the loss of life. A well trained and equipped fire department that can respond quickly from a nearby station will confine a fire to the room of origin before it quickly consumes the building, thus we experience less significant property loss and loss of lives.

Out of 104 fires with estimated values of potential loss of property totaling $21,500,000 last year, only $640,000 in losses occurred because of the great work of Fire Marshall Allen and our local fire department.

The meeting was adjourned by President Molly.

Feb 28, 2007

Last meeting
February 28, 2007

Reporter – Tim Williams

President Molly Cousins called the meeting to order and asked John Adair to lead the invocation. Chuck Larson, acting Sergeant-at-Arms, introduced guests. Lyman Whitehead provided Health and Happiness. Lyman also informed all members of the passing of Dr. Carey Hite's father. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Carey and his family. The funeral is to be held today at 3:00 p.m. in Florence.

President Molly reminded all members of the up coming District Conference and requested assistance with the display. Barry Johns passed around a sheet to sign up to volunteer for the morning invocation. Jim Jeffers spoke about the "4 Way Test." Ron Funderburk recited the "4 Way Test" and won the Hawaiian door prize.

President Molly introduced our guest speaker, Mary Pat Baldauf, the Executive Director of Keep the Midlands Beautiful. Mary Pat is the proud owner of a black lab named Winston.

Mary Pat stated Keep the Midlands Beautiful is a non profit organization interested in mainly these areas.
1. Litter Prevention
2. Recycling
3. Beautification

She shared 9 Ways we can help the environment without giving up a Saturday, selling your SUV, or radically changing your way of life.
1. Kick Butt
If you smoke, please dispose of cigarette butts properly. If you don't smoke, help us educate smokers by starting those you know.
2. Bust a Litterbug
Use Palmetto Pride's Litter Busters Litter Hotline to report litterbugs on highways and by-ways in the Midlands and throughout SC.
3. Recycle Your Old Mobile Phone(s)
Recycle your old mobile phones through Keep the Midlands Beautiful or another organization that reuses them or disposes of them correctly.
4. Recycle Your Phone Book
Telephone books are not accepted in any curbside recycling programs in the Midlands; your only chance to recycle them is during Keep the Midlands Beautiful special telephone book recycling program now through March 15.
5. Buy Recycled
Use your purchase power to buy products made from recycled materials and items packaged in recyclable packaging.
6. Be Republican, Be Democrat: Just don't be a Pollcat
Pollcat: a litterbug who puts posters and signs on polls and trees before an election and doesn't remove them when the election is over.
7. Make the Switch
The next time you need to buy a light bulb for your home, take a moment to look at the variety of compact fluorescent bulbs (CFBs) available - your electric bill and the environment will thank you for it.


8. Choose to Reuse
Before you discard something, think about how you or someone else may be able to use it again.
9. One a Day
You don't have to Adopt - A - Highway to make a difference; you can help by resolving to pick up at least one piece of litter each day.

Mary Pat noted the up coming event "Midlands Makeover," which is to be held March 1st thru May 1st.

President Molly thanked Mary Pat for speaking today. After Happy Dollars, President Molly adjourned the meeting.

February 7 - Shadow Day

Keith Dorman and Cory Todd Shadowed Chip Lyerly


Our Speaker, Brian Boger



Jeanette Coulter and Ginny Barr

Jan 31 2007

Sonny White - Midlands Technical College

Last Meeting
January 31, 2007

Reporter- Scott Moseley

The meeting was called to order by Madame President Molly. Kevin Adams gave the invocation followed by the introduction of our guests by John Hanson. Special recognition was given to the many Interact students in attendance. Health & Happiness (joke telling time) was given by the illustrious Lyman Whitehead.

Past President Joel Collins recently spoke to the new Interact group at DJJ and he read a thank you note from that group he received this week. Chip Lyerly reminded us that our next meeting, February 7, is Shadow Day. The students and the Rotary members will meet for breakfast at 7:30 and return to the Cotton House at 12:30 for lunch. February 10th is Adopt-a-Highway. Blount Shepard will provide further details.

Past President Chris Joye introduced our speaker Sonny White, PHD. For the past 11 months Dr. White has served as President of Midlands Technical College. He grew up in York County and attended Clemson University. Dr. White informed the club of the growth that Midlands Tech is planning in the area. Ground has just broken on a new facility in Batesburg-Leesville and plans are being made to expand the Harbison Campus. Midlands Tech is well known for its Nursing program. Approximately 85% of the area nurses and technician-level health professionals prepare for their careers at MTC. The school is focused on helping different companies find capable employees through technical training. 90% of MTC graduates find employment after college in our three county area.

The meeting was adjourned following the donation of several celebratory Happy Dollars.











Kelly Payne and Dutch Fork Interact Club

January 24th 2007

Last Meeting
January 24, 2007

Reporter – Theresa Miley

The meeting was called to order by President Elect Beetle Bailey. The invocation was given by Blount Shepard. Interim Sergeant-at-Arms John Hanson introduced our visitors. Dr. Lynn Campbell tested our knowledge of The Rotarian. Lyman Whitehead provided our humor of the day using the comparison between a newborn baby and three elderly gentlemen!

Dr. Judy Johnson reminded the committee chairs of a brief art auction meeting after our meeting today. Bob Berry solicited ads (our business cards) at $25.00 for our art auction program. Great marketing strategy, especially since he would be waiting at the only exit door when you leave. Way to go Bob! John Adair is doing a full ad and auctioning a piano at a great bargain. Thanks John.

Kelly Payne updated our group on the status of Dutch Fork's desire to do the "Alive @ 25" program through the Interact Club. They are awaiting approval from the School Board.

Chip Lyerly updated us on Shadow Day, to be held February 7th. We still need
volunteers and he passed around a sign up sheet. This will begin with breakfast and end with a 12:30 luncheon.

John Wilkins introduced our guest speaker, Jose Monge. Mr. Monge is an attorney who specializes in immigration law. Mr. Monge shared his views and work efforts in regards to immigration. He feels immigration is an economic issue. He talked about the difference between migration and immigration. Migration is the moving from one place to another and immigration is the system to control migration. He reminded us that at one time there were no rules-if you wanted to move, you could move. Now, due to increase in population, there are rules to try to attempt to control peoples' movements.

Lately, he feels immigration has been politicized and is often linked to terrorism. These are two separate issues. He addressed two specific issues:

1. Undocumented Immigration: Due to supply/demand, there are 15 million estimated undocumented workers in U.S. In Mexico, workers do same type of work for $25/week and in U.S. they make $12.00/hour. Many Americans do not want to work for $12.00/hour, but immigrants desire to do work. There is a demand for labor and the supply of labor is the illegal immigrants.

2. The system for documenting people is broken. It is a patchwork system that is under funded and unrealistic. There is no streamline system for becoming a legal citizen and no easy answer to make find workable solution.

Mr. Monge ended by saying there is a human element to the problem, as well as
an economic element.

To conclude the meeting, Ginny Barr indicated we can continue to bring magazines for the DJJ interact Club next week. Chris Joye reminded us of our speaker for next week. John Adair informed us that our next District Governor will be Allan Walter from Pawley's Island.

TEST POST

TEST

Jan 17 2007

Michael Biediger, Administrator of Lexington Medical Center was the guest speaker at Wednesday's meeting. He was introduced by Lyman Whitehead who is a member of the hospital board. Accompanying Mr. Biediger was Barbara Willm who also is employed with the hospital. It was a most interesting and educational meeting at which no Rotarian left early or fell asleep.



Last Meeting
January 17, 2007

Reporter – Stan Bugner

The meeting was called to order by President Molly Cousins. Dr. Lynn Campbell gave the invocation. Interim Sergeant-at-Arms John Hanson introduced our visitors. Lyman Whitehead provided a little health and happiness with a religious comparison of ham and cheese. Dr. Judy Johnson talked about the Art Auction on February 15th at the River Center of Saluda Shoals Park. She reminded us to pick up our ten tickets to sell and solicited our help by introducing each committee chairperson and requesting that if we are not signed up to help, to see one of these chairpersons. Judy also announced that a meeting of the chairpersons will be held immediately after next weeks meeting. President Molly encouraged us to participate in Shadow Day on February 7th.

Ginny Barr introduced the attending members of the Interact Club at DJJ. She told us that this newly formed Club was presented their charter during the previous week by Joel Collins. Antonio, the Secretary of the club, told us that their first project was to seek the donation of magazines, so those at DJJ youth would have something entertaining to read. He also mentioned a couple of other projects: securing the donation of six new, different colored coolers, that can be assigned to each dorm by color, and securing more trash cans to reduce litter on campus. John Adair stepped-up and donated the first new cooler. Kelly Payne and a large contingency from the Dutch Fork Interact Club were also in attendance.

Lyman Whitehead introduced Barbara Willm and Stephen Wessinger, who were accompanying our speaker Michael Biediger, President and CEO of the Lexington Medical Center. Michael is a graduate of both Clemson and USC. He has extensive experience in medical administration and has received several awards. He came to Lexington from Florence, where he was the Vice President of the McLeod Regional Medical Center. Michael disclosed the mission and vision of the Medical Center and the strategic plan for success. The facility opened as a hospital in 1971. The Lexington Medical Center now has facilities throughout Lexington County, a conscious effort to locate services close to the community through the deployment of out-patient facilities. It employs over 4,400 individuals, with an operating budget of $400 million. The Medical Center has a much smaller shortage of registered nurses than the national average and it compares very favorably when benchmarked against a standard that includes 800 hospitals around the country. The Hospital operates the 3rd busiest Emergency Room in the State and the Medical Center includes the largest nursing home in the State. The recent construction at the Hospital was planned to accommodate projected growth over the next 15 years and cost $146 million. The Hospital now has 340 private rooms, which can expand to 470, and the 21 new operating rooms are state-of-the-art facilities. Over 600 physicians have access to the hospital and the medical center employs 122 physicians in 38 locations. Another hospital is not foreseen in the near term. There is enough room at the Hospital facility to allow constructing a couple of towers for future expansion.

Jan 10, 2007

Last Meeting
January 10, 2007

Reporter – Chip Lyerly

President Molly Cousins called the meeting to order. Ervin Ott provided the invocation and led our club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Lyman Whitehead read a humorous storey and said a few other funny things!

President Molly Cousins reminded members of the Board meeting on January 18th at Three Rivers Medical, 7:30 a.m.

Dr. Judy Johnson spoke briefly about the upcoming Art Auction which will be held at Saluda Shoals Park on Thursday, February 15th from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. The club is looking for personal/corporate sponsorships ($25) and members were informed that each of us will be given 10 tickets (you can have more) to sell for $10 each. You will keep the money, as you will be charged (sale them or not!) on your next Rotary bill. We hope to have a large turnout for the auction, as this is our main money raiser for the year. (Note to Bill Danielson: please make sure you are there!)

Our guest speaker, Peter McKee, was introduced by Dr. Judy Johnson. Mr. McKee is an electrical engineer whose career began with Intel Corporation when Intel was first getting started (he was the 8th employee). McKee’s career eventually led him to Europe where he and his family lived in a number of different countries. There, he made his permanent home in Brussels, Belgium. Now “retired” from the corporate world, McKee devotes most of his time to the development of “social work places” for handicapped individuals. He has been instrumental in the opening of 32 different factories all over the European continent that currently employee over 3,700 people. These factories take discarded computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices and “disassemble” various components which are then recycled and sold to manufactures that put them back into new electronic products. McKee explained that the components from which the parts are harvested do not cost anything, and as a result, there is 100% profit on all the parts sold. However, he indicated that the goal was not to make a large profit, but to provide meaningful employment to handicap employees. It really doesn’t matter how handicapped the person may be, only that they have “fire in their belly,” as someone with this determination can me taught how to dissemble.

In conjunction with Vocation Rehabilitation, McKee has established three facilities in Columbia. This is how he and Judy Johnson crossed paths, as a number of these employees are from the Babcock Center. In addition to South Carolina, McKee helped establish a large disassembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, adjacent to a regional rehabilitation hospital. This facility has won a national award from the US Department of Labor for its mission and productivity. McKee is currently working with a number of state governments throughout the country to implement similar factories in those states.

Jan 3 2007 Happy New Year

Last Meeting
January 3, 2007

Reporter – Rosalie Browning

The first meeting of 2007 for the Lake Murray‑Irmo Rotary Club was called to order by President Molly Cousins. Barry Johns led the invocation. Lyman Whitehead presented some items of Health and Happiness.

President Molly discussed the wonderful opportunities our club provided for service and for fellowship in December, 2006. A Christmas donation to Homeworks supplied heating units for needy families. Everyone enjoyed the Christmas party hosted by Joel and Rhonda Collins and coordinated by Patty Cavanaugh. Another treat was the delightful Christmas program coordinated by John Adair at the December 20th meeting.

The next few months will provide even more opportunities for service:
· The first Wednesday in February will be Shadow Day, with activities coordinated by Chip Lyerly.
· Judy Johnson is coordinating the Art Auction, which is now scheduled for February 15th.
· Scholarship applications are going out soon to Dutch Fork High School students.
· The District Conference will take place at Hilton Head from March 23‑25 and will be a joint conference with the District from the upstate.
· Ben Herritage is coordinating plans for our Golf Tournament.
· The Interact Club is planning to coordinate the Father's Day Fishing Tournament.

Beetle Bailey requested suggestions for speakers for future meetings.

Happy Dollar Time brought good news from several of our Rotarians.

The meeting was adjourned by President Molly.

Dec 20th 2006

Last Meeting
December 20, 2006

Reporter – Michael Seguin

President Molly called our special Christmas/Holiday meeting to order, and explained what we were in store for. She led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and then called upon Jim Gadsden who led us in a very special Advent prayer. Harvey Hoots introduced our many guests; beginning with my wonderful wife Christy Seguin, Nicole Price, daughter of Joel Price, Katie Cousins, daughter of Molly Cousins, Joanne Whitehead, wife of Lyman Whitehead, Jim Browning, husband to Ros Browning, Caroline Staples, granddaughter to George Staples, Ted King, husband to Kris King, and Alex Moseley, son of Scott Moseley. Visiting Rotarians were all from the Five Points Rotary; Fred and Marcie Medway, and Bentley Murrell. Thanks go out to all our guests and visitors.

As always, Lyman Whitehead provided us with a good laugh with some Health and Happiness.

A big round of thanks and applause went out to Joel and Rhonda Collins for opening up their doors to their beautiful house and hosting one of our best holiday parties to date.

President Molly introduced a small bit of Rotary business as she announced our upcoming slate of officers to lead us in 2007-2008; Beetle Bailey as President, Eddie Robinson as President Elect, Ginny Barr as Vice President, and Judy Johnson as Secretary. A motion was introduced and voted unanimously by our group, accepting the incoming slate of officers.

President Molly then turned the meeting over to John Adair who introduced all who were to perform the special Christmas program that he and his wife Ellen assembled for our holiday meeting enjoyment. John introduced Director Windy Wimmer and her student performers from Ridgeview High School. Windy explained that The Polar Express, the production which we were about to see, was being used as a Holiday out-reach program to promote the true meaning of Christmas. The student actors and singers, as well as a trumpet trio were definitely enjoyed by all. Laura Adair then sang a tremendous solo. Also enjoyed by the group was a sing along of several wonderful Christmas carols.

President Molly and our group then stood and gave thanks to all of the performers for a wonderful show and to John and Ellen Adair for their hard work in arranging this special holiday production for us. In closing, Molly quickly reminded us that we would not be meeting again until January 3, 2007 and wished us all a very Merry Christmas and safe holiday season.

December 6 2006

Last Meeting
December 6, 2006

Reporter – Si Amick

President Molly called the meeting to order. Scott Moseley provided the invocation and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Lyman Whitehead provided the Health and Happiness which always helps us start our day with a smile. Kelly Pain was in attendance with several Interact students. Thank you, Kelly for your efforts in getting the students here each Wednesday morning. Great to have them!

Chip Huggins is scheduled for surgery at Providence Hospital on Friday, December 8th. Our prayers are with Chip and his family for his speedy recovery.

Parking at the Cotton House has been a problem, but remember we can park next door and enter through a back door. This should help tremendously.

Molly noted that our community project for December is to provide heaters to Hank Chardos of Homeworks to be distributed to people in need. On December 7th, The Board approved the purchase of 4 heaters.

On December 20th John Adair will be providing a Christmas Cantata for our listening pleasure at our weekly meeting. Our Christmas Social will be held on December 13th at the home of Joel Collins.

Harry Hafer was introduced as a new member of our club by Harold Crawford. Harry is Past President of the Pisgah Forest Rotary Club in North Carolina.

Judy Johnson had asked Molly to leave this meeting open for her to present on “Service Above Self” and Judy did a wonderful job. She shared with us her life as a child which captivated all present. Her point was that if not for the special people in her community, willing to give their time to make a difference, things may have been very difficult for her.

Once Judy had our attention we were putty in her hands …before we knew it, we were all signed up to work the upcoming Art Auction. This is a difficult project to organize and pull off and I know Judy appreciates everyone that came to her aid. If you have not signed up for a committee please do so!!!!

And don’t forget her 80-20 presentation. How many times did you stand?????

Great job Judy!