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
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