Jan 16 2008

Report for January 16, 2008 Meeting of Lake Murray-Irmo Rotary Club:

President Beetle Bailey brought the meeting to order. John Adair gave an invocation, followed by The Pledge of Allegiance. John Hanson announced Five Points Rotarian Fred Medway was present. Also present was Emily Keane, Administrator at Parkridge Medical. John Wilkins introduced his daughter, Hayley Grace, as his guest.

Emily Keane has been approved for membership and her induction will occur this month.

Lyman Whitehead provided us with some Health and Happiness. Happy Dollars were: President Beetle, for his birthday last Monday and Lyman and Joanne’s 35th wedding anniversary.

Patty Cavanaugh announced that she is coordinating with the Chapin Sunrise Rotary Club on the GSE Cruise, which will be Thursday evening, March 13, 2008.

President Beetle said that Paul Harris Fellow pins are available.

Ginny Barr requested donations of gowns, all sizes for the DJJ – Willow Lane second annual Miss Willow Lane contest.

Rod Funderburk thanked the Club for its support in sponsoring him for the position of District Governor. A former Assistant Governor was selected.

Harold Crawford introduced our speaker, Bobby Stepp, of the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra (SCP) Board. Mr. Stepp began by informing us that “philharmonic” means an orchestra devoted to music. The SCP was founded in 1964, with a membership of about 110 musicians. It is the only professional orchestra in the Midlands. The musicians are paid on a per service basis, with performances at the Koger Center. Seven Master Series are being presented this year. The SCP has an annual budget of approximately one million dollars and there are about 920 season ticket holders. Attendance is around 1600 at the Master Series. The Koger Center has a capacity of 2250. Mr. Stepp said they are looking for more support from the business community, with a goal of $250,000.00.

The SCP also has a major education program, consisting of three youth orchestras. The education program is headed by Harold Crawford. The goal of this program is to educate new generations of listeners, to foster better appreciation of orchestra music and the beauty of music. They have a partnership with Richland School District I and hold classroom performances and school performances such as “Peter and The Wolf” and “The Carnival of Animals,” where the students and instruments take on the role of animals. A Kids’ Concert Series is also held, with free concerts for underprivileged children.

The SCP is currently in the process of auditioning seven guest conductors for the position of conductor for the new season. There were over 250 applicants from all over the world for the position.

Estimates by the Cultural Council show 2,206 positions are created and $38 million dollars is paid to households as a result of arts organizations.

There are opportunities for Board membership, sponsorships and other involvement in the Philharmonic to help make our community a better place.

Mr. Stepp was thanked for his presentation and given a Rotary bookmark by President Beetle.

Happy Dollars were from Dr. Carey Hite for his daughter, Melissa, being back in the United States, John Wilkins for his oldest son, Zach, lettering in cross county at Dutch Fork, his daughter, Hayley Grace, making the Razzle Dazzle team and his son, North, for his rendition of “Smoke on the Water” on his electric guitar. Lyman Whitehead gave a Happy Dollar celebrating his 35th wedding anniversary with Joanne. George Staples’ Happy Dollar was for his delight at having Rod Funderburk submitting his name for consideration as the District Governor. Beetle’s Happy Dollar was for his officially being on Social Security disability.

There being no further business, President Beetle adjourned the meeting.

Reported by Patty Cavanaugh
1/16/08