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.