Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Sep 26 2007

Picture - Skey Caskey and Danya Jordan


Rotary Meeting Minutes 9/26/07
Rod Funderburk - reporter

President Beetle Bailey presided over the meeting. Theresa Miley led in the invocation, and John Hansen introduced the visitors and guests. Lyman Whitehead provided some words of wisdom for Health and Happiness. Chuck Larsen invited everyone to the grand opening of the new Chamber of Commerce offices Thursday at 5:30 P.M.
Kelly Payne introduced the Rotary Interact sponsored candidate for Dutch Fork Homecoming Queen. Jim Wellman made a plea for participation in the Okra Strut ticket booth, Okra Man display and parade. A reminder for those who signed up will be posted on the blog site.
Patti Cavanaugh introduced the guest speaker, Danya Jordan, who spoke on “Safe Water for a Thirsty World.” Danya is with Water Missions International, which is a Christian Non-Profit Engineering Firm. The firm provides safe water solutions in developing countries and disaster areas. According to Danya 1.1 billion people in this world do not have access to safe drinking water. 25,000 people die each day from contaminated water. A child dies every 15 seconds from water related diseases.
The Water Missions International living water treatment system was originally designed to supply safe drinking water to Honduras after Hurricane Mitch in 1998. There are currently 370 living water treatment systems in place around the world. These systems can treat 10,000 gallons of water per day at a cost of $3.00 per 1,000 gallons. Danya suggested that those interested could contribute their time, their talent and their money to improving the access to safe water around the world.
President Beetle Bailey thanked Danya for her remarks and declared the meeting adjourned.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

September 19 2007

Joel Collins presents a Paul Harris Fellowship to Kelly Payne





President Beetle with Senior master Sgt Jeffery Duncan United States Air Force
Meeting notes for 9/19/07 Lake Murray-Irmo Rotary Meeting:



President Beetle Bailey called the meeting to order. John Adair gave our invocation, followed by our Pledge of Alliance. Lyman Whitehead presented some Health and Happiness. John Hanson announced Ron Althoff as a guest from St. Andrews Rotary Club. Dr. Carey Hite introduced his guest, Dr. Minhas. Dutch Fork High School Teacher Kelly Payne spoke about the completion of our Club’s successful Interact Dictionary Project. She spoke of Dutch Fork’s Valet Day next Friday, which is for parking pass rewards for the Alive @25 Program. We had Interact students as guests at this meeting as well. Joel Collins proudly awarded Kelly Payne a Paul Harris Fellowship Award, noting some of her accomplishments. Kelly received a standing ovation from the Club. Jim Wellman asked for assistance with ticket sales for the Okra Strut and gave an update on volunteers. Ben Herritage gave an update on the October 29 Annual Charity Golf Classic at Golden Hills Country Club. President Beetle said our Club’s DSG project in Mississippi was back to an active status. He also announced publication of a picture on the front page of the September 13, 2007 The Irmo News of our Club’s participation with the Dutch Fork Interact Club 2007 Kickoff on September 10, 2007 at Gatsbees World’s Fair Soda Fountain in Irmo. Herb Harrison told the Club about the MSKP Foundation for Kyle Page and other families with spina bifida and other serious diseases. John Wilkins introduced our speaker, Senior Master Sergeant Jeffery Duncan of Why We Serve, Office of the Secretary of Defense. Sergeant Duncan is the Squadron Superintendent of the 15th Maintenance Operations Squadron at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. He serves as the senior enlisted manager for 486 military, civilian, and Hawaii Air National Guard Technicians. His responsibilities include advising the Commander on all matters affecting the health, morale, and welfare of assigned personnel. He has been in the USAF for 21 years and has served in the United Arab Emirates, in Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa. Among his many accomplishments are his assistance with tsunami relief and other world disasters. Sgt. Duncan spoke about his and others’ military service and also explained about the refueling of jets in flight. Among his many major awards and decorations are the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and six oak leaf clusters, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border and one oak leaf cluster and three Bronze Stars. President Beetle thanked him for speaking to our Club and presented him with one of our special Rotary bookmarks. Bob Berry presented a Rotarian Magazine quiz and information on the Four-Way Test. President Beetle then adjourned the meeting.

Reporter Patty Cavanaugh

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

September 12 2007

The Rotary Club
Of
Lake Murray-Irmo
Meeting Minutes


September 12, 2007

Reporter: Tim Williams


President Beetle Bailey called the meeting to order.

Ginny Barr gave the invocation.

John Hanson welcomed all guest.

Lyn Richards filled in for Lyman Whitehead and provided Health and Happiness. Lyn also gave an update on the Rotary Foundation and stated there are 15 members who can become Paul Harris fellows for less than $500.00. Lyn stated this year’s goal is $15,500.00

Larry Stohs reminded all that dictionaries are being delivered today by the Dutch Fork High School Interact Club. Larry stated that Kelly Payne needs help driving students back to the High School this morning and requested volunteers.

Jim Wellman gave an update on the Okra Strut and stated additional volunteers are needed for the ticket booth. Jim reminded all that free “T” shirts are provided.

Ben Heritage gave an update on the Golf tournament and stated He has received information from some of the teams but many of the teams have not responded.

Eddie Robinson introduced today’s guest speaker, Byron A. Wiley who is the Director of the Office of Access & Equity for Clemson University. Eddie stated he first heard the phrase: “A chain is only as strong as the weakest Link” from his band director when he was in school. Eddie stated that he did not fully understand the phrase at that time but his experiences at Clemson University have provided some insight into its meaning. Eddie elaborated by saying this phrase can be applied to many situations in life, one of which will be addressed today, which is South Carolina’s weakest link within the K through 12 public education system commonly know as the “Corridor of Shame” . Eddie stated Mr. Wiley heads up the Emerging Scholars Program at Clemson University which provides hope for effecting change for the students who live in this area in the lower part of the state up and down I-95.

Mr. Wiley stated he has been at Clemson University for eight years. He stated the Emerging Scholars Program was started in the summer of 2001. He made reference to a “Tale of Two Highways” as it pertains to South Carolina’s K through 12 public education system. Mr. Wiley stated it is a known fact that when there is a higher tax base in a county the public school system is better and when there is a lower tax base the public school system is poorer. Thus Mr. Wiley stated that this fact is the case in South Carolina. He stated the industrial I-85 corridor has a higher tax base and the more rural I-95 corridor has a lower tax base thus creating some economically deprived counties in the lower part of the state. Mr. Wiley stated the I-95 corridor includes Allendale, Bamberg and Hampton Counties. Mr. Wiley stated he proposed the Emerging Scholars Program not to change the schools within these counties but to change the “product” attending these schools.

The Emerging Scholars Program is a 3 year program that begins at the end of the 9th grade. Students spend one week at Clemson University after their 9th grade year, two weeks after their 10th grade year and 3 weeks after their 11th grade year. The program also provides assistance to students throughout their 10th, 11th and 12th grade years. The cost for this three year program is $5,000.00 per student and is funded through donations and supplemented by Clemson University. The three week summer session creates a college freshman environment where students actually attend classes taught by the University faculty.

Mr. Wiley stated during the program, he actually reveals to these students the secret to success in college which is being able to read and write on the college level. Mr. Wiley stated that 70% of the students that begin this program will complete the program. He stated that 90% of that 70% will apply to different Colleges and Universities. Mr. Wiley stated there are 4 students attending Clemson University that are products of this program.

Mr. Wiley concluded his talk by saying that the drop out rate in Allendale, Bamberg and Hampton Counties can be as high as 20% and in six years there have only been two students who completed this program to drop out of school. Mr. Wiley stated, “I can’t change schools but I can change students.”

President Beetle thanked Mr. Wiley for speaking to the club. After many “Happy Dollars”, President Beetle adjourned the meeting

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

President Beetle Out and About

first photo is RI President Wilf Wilkinson and President Beetle

second photo is President Beetle exchanging banners with Sergeant at Arms of the Rotary Club of Key West, FL



Interact Club Launch

The Dutch Fork Interact Club had their kickoff on Monday, September 10 at Gatsbee's. First photo is of everyone there, students and Rotarians. Second and third photos are tables of students putting Rotary Club labels on dictionaries. Last photo is John Wilkins eating a giant pickle (not sure how you want to label this one!)

Rotarians present were Bill Brooks, Larry Stohs, Nathan Ballentine, John Wilkins and Beetle Bailey

Nathan and Kelly, I'll forward you another email with a few other pictures if you want them for anything. Kelly, let me know which pictures we should send to the Irmo News.

Thanks for an entertaining evening!

Beetle



Sunday, September 09, 2007

Sep 5 2007

Chip Lyerly, Stan Bugner, Ellen Shuler, Executive Director S.C. Center for Chidren's Books and Literacy

President Beetle Bailey called the meeting order. Kelley Payne brought numerous Interact Club members from Dutch Fork High School. Lyman Whitehead offered some Health and Happiness.

A sign-up sheet for members wanting to volunteer for the Okra Strut was again circulated. We will need members to work the ticket booth and the Okra Man picture taking booth. The Okra Strut will be held September 28-29.

Eddie Robinson encouraged members to contact him with suggested speakers.

Stan Bugner introduced the speaker, Ellen Shuler. Ellen Shuler is the Executive Director of the SC Center for Children’s Books and Literacy. The SC Center for Children’s Books and Literacy is located in the South Carolina State Library located at the intersection of Senate Street and Bull Street. The SC Center for Children’s Books and Literacy also has facilities in the University of South Carolina’s Children Center. The SC Center for Children’s Books and Literacy mission is to improve literacy among children in South Carolina. South Carolina has one of the lowest literacy rates in the country.

Ben Herritage gave an update on the golf tournament. President Beetle reluctantly turned over the signed Spurrier visor to Ben so that it can be auctioned off or awarded as a prize at the golf tournament.

President Beetle dismissed the meeting after thanking our speaker.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

August 29 2007

August 29, 2007

Reporter: Scott Moseley

Substitute President Eddie Robinson called the meeting to order. Nathan Ballentine led us in prayer. There were no visiting Rotarians. We welcomed Kelly Payne who brought several Interact Club members from Dutch Fork High School. Lyman Whitehead offered some Health & Happiness.

Larry Stohs passed around a sign-up sheet for members wanting to volunteer for the Okra Strut. We will need members to work the ticket booth and the Okra Man picture taking booth on Friday night. We will also have a float in the parade on Saturday morning. The Okra Strut will be held September 28-29.

The meeting was then turned over to Ben Heritage. Ben is the Golf Tournament Chairman this year. The Golf Tournament will be held October 29 at Golden Hills CC. This will be our one big fundraiser for the year. Our goal is to profit at least $15,000. Proceeds will be used to support our scholarship program with Dutch Fork High School and other Foundation / Special Projects. Club members have been broken up into 4-person teams. Each team is responsible in getting 2 hole sponsors, 2 team sponsors & 1 individual sponsor.

Dr. Robinson adjourned the meeting.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

August 22 2007




Rotary meeting notes: August 22, 2007

Our meeting was called to order today by President Beetle Bailey. Invocation was given by Blount Sheppard. John Hanson recognized our visitors, Kelly Payne and members of the interact club.

Lyman Whitehead shared with our group that Chuck Larsen’s recent surgery did not go as well as anticipated and reminded us to keep Chuck in our thoughts and prayers. He then shared some of his entertaining commentary.

Rod Funderburk was pleased to announce to our club that both of our candidates were awarded scholarships recently. Way to go!

Jim Wellman informed us that the volunteer sign up sheet for the Okra Strut would be available in the near future. This year, the club is seeking children/grandchildren of our members to ride on our float in the parade. Please let Jim know if you have children available/interested. Look for more details on assistance needed for another successful Okra Strut.

The excitement heated up when Beetle asked Skey Caskey to do a quick auction for an Authentic Steve Spurrier signed visor. If you were not present, words cannot describe the fun had by all. Needless to say, the club is $200.00 richer thanks to the generosity of Bob Mosely and Joel Collins and the good nature of our President, Beetle Bailey. If you missed our meeting, call or sit by a fellow Rotarian that was present and ask for details.



Steve Spurrier lands experienced placekicker after recruiting trip to Lake Murray - Irmo Rotary. Beetle Bailey, formerly partial to a different in-state University, shows off his autographed Carolina hat. Beetle says - Go Cocks!!

Eddie Robinson introduced Chip Huggins and our own Nathan Ballentine who provided legislative updates as well as community items:
• They invited us to attend the upcoming Prayer Breakfast at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church on September 27, 2007 at 7:30. Tickets are $8.00 or a table for $250.00.
• There is a Memorial for CPL David Weinmontz(sp?) on August 30th. David was a Dutch Fork Graduate killed at war.
• New law surrounding Gang Violations
• Underage Drinking Laws
• Programs beginning in Middle School for credit, checking acct, etc. Asked for volunteers to assist.
• Department of Revenue errors and its impact on School programs as well as other programs
• Cigarette Tax
• Discussion of our roads and bridges given the recent Bridge Collapse
• Discussion of toll roads--pros vs. cons-status of our toll roads in SC
• AND last but certainly not least the status of the GREEN BEAN Museum

President Beetle dismissed the meeting after thanking our speakers for the opportunity to visit with them.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Aug 15 2007

John Hanson introduced our guest and Lyman Whitehead gave us his normal very funny health and happiness. Lynn Richards gave us a Rotary Foundation update. Eddie Robinson introduced, our speaker, Thornton Kirby, the President and CEO of the South Carolina Hospital Association. Mr. Kirby attended Irmo High School. He received his undergraduate from University of Virginia and his Law Degree from the University of South Carolina. Mr. Kirby discussed the state of Healthcare in 2007. There are approximately 100 hospitals in SC of those 67 are acute care facilities and 33 specialty hospitals. The SC Hospital Association was founded in 1921 and currently has 33 employees. The member hospitals either directly or indirectly have a 10.7 Billion dollar impact on our state. The member hospitals employ directly and indirectly approximately 158,866 employees. The member hospitals pay approximately 435.1 million dollars in taxes to SC.

Currently there is a dramatic shortage of healthcare workers and the emergency rooms are overcrowded. South Carolina hospitals hire 3000 nurses per year and half of all those come from out of state.

A few questions were asked and then President Bailey dismissed our club.


Ray

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Rotarians photo op with John McCain


August 8, 2007

Weekly Meeting Minutes
August 8, 2007
Reporter – Stan Bugner

President Beetle convened the meeting and Skey Caskey opened with a prayer. John Hanson introduced our guests: Fred Midway, Dolly Patton, and Brooks and Brice Miley. Lyman Whitehead had Skey lead us in singing Happy Birthday to Jeannette Coulter and Lynn Richards informed us that this was the 25th anniversary of her family moving from Santa Monica, CA. to Columbia.

Rob Funderburk briefly spoke on the scholarships offered by Rotary, the organization that sponsors more scholarships than any other organization in the world. The primary focus of these scholarships is to be an ambassador to the area being visited. The scholarships are administered by the Districts and a very intense interview process is employed in awarding them. Our District awarded two cultural scholarships last year and five ambassadorial scholarships. Our club sponsored one recipient for each of these scholarships.

Rob introduced our guest speaker, Andrew Schwark, the 2005 scholar that we sponsored, who spent 2006 in Senegal. Andrew is a graduate student at USC in the International School of Business. He applied for the scholarship because he values the educational experience of studying abroad and wants to learn about other cultures. He chose Senegal because he speaks French, their primary language, has always been fascinated by Africa and he wanted to view an emerging economy, first hand. Senegal is one of the most democratic states in Africa. He wore a Korite’, the attire worn by men of Senegal for special occasions. In addition to the university study, which he did at the Universite of Gaston Berger in St. Louis, he focused on the study of two native languages/dialects, Palaar and Wolof. He arrived in Dakar, the capitol and urban center of Senegal, where he spent the first month and a half with its 3.5 million inhabitants. Dakar is very crowded, suffers from pollution and much petty crime, and has poor infrastructure. Power outages are a normal part of life in Dakar, which made things uncomfortable in the rather intense heat.

Andrew then went to St. Louis to pursue his university study. St. Louis has colonial architecture, much like Charleston. He primarily lived in university housing and spent weekends with his host family. The mother of this family is a doctor and is president of the local Rotary Club. The Club only had 15 members. However, it was very active, sponsoring many local activities, such as cancer screening. Being a member of Rotary is a status symbol in Senegal.

Andrew found the people of Senegal, who are primarily Islamic, to be very aggressive, outgoing, hospitable, honest and frank. He also learned that the price of everything in Senegal is negotiable, including a taxi ride. He traveled the entire country, visited Morocco and Guinea Bissau, and attended a Rotary district meeting in Cape Verde. Andrew enjoyed the people and the food, rice is the staple of their diet, and feels the experience stimulated personal growth. He concluded his presentation with a slide show of some of his experiences in Senegal.

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

July 25 2007

Last Meeting
July 25, 2007

Reporter – Chip Lyerly

After the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, Lyman Whitehead humored us with his weekly Health and Happiness. Joel Collins introduced Ryan who is a graduate of Dutch Fork High School and was a recipient one year ago of one of our club’s Rotary Scholarships. Ryan is beginning his second year at USC and is Biology major.

President Beetle Bailey asked new members Dr. Bill Brooks (PhD) and Dr. David Isbell (MD) to give classification talks about their careers and profession. Bill is a graduate of The Citadel and is now retired from the South Carolina Agriculture Department where he was the Director of their research laboratory. David is a cardiologist practicing in Columbia and a graduate of Duke University and the University of Virginia Medical School.

Dr. Eddie Robison introduced our guest speaker Mike Dawson who is the Executive Director of The River Alliance. Mr. Dawson presented a slide show and spoke to the group about the various projects that have been completed since their formation in 1994. Prior to this time there had not been any comprehensive plans to develop and preserve the natural resources of the three rivers that have their confluence in heart of downtown Columbia. The Three Rivers Greenway was first proposed in 1998 and is a master plan that encompasses approximately 90 miles of river frontage. The first project was the Granby Park which opened in 1998. In 2002 the Ginyard family gave approximately 2½ miles of Congaree River frontage which has lead to the development of the West Columbia and Cayce Riverways. Dawson said that on a typical weekend day 450-500 people per hour are using these walkways for walking, running, biking and other recreational activities. The Riverfront Park in West Columbia opened in 2004 followed by the Mill Village Riverlink in 2005. The Mill Village connects the Olympia Mill area with paths to the USC Strom Thurmond Wellness Center and the USC Greek Village. He said that all of these walkways will eventually be interconnected. The next major thrust for the River Alliance will be the development of the river front walkways from the Gervais Street Bridge on the Columbia side of the Congaree going down past the Cayce rail road bridge south of Blossom Street. In the future the River Alliance would like to develop a pathway all of the ways up the Saluda River to the Lake Murray Dam.

Dawson pointed out to the many upscale residential developments that are underway in the Vista area as a testament to the quality of life people are experiencing with much of the credit being given to the public parkways that have been developed by The River Alliance. Columbia and surrounding municipalities are still in the infant stages of seeing the riverfront be a strong drawing card to tourist and residences back to the downtown are of our Capital City.

President Bailey reminded the Club that this was the last meeting that Molley Cousins would be attending before her corporate transfer to Virginia. Many members gave brief testaments to her leadership of our Club as past President and wished her continued success in her new role with Snelling Personnel.

President Bailey also reminded the Club that next week (August 1st) we will be visited by our new District Governor Mary Martin of Little River and asked that we all try to b in attendance for this important meeting.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

July 18, 2007

Reporter: rosalie Browning

President Beetle opened this meeting of the Lake Murray-Irmo Rotary Club. Former President Skey offered the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. John Hanson introduced visitors. Lyman Whitehead gave some Health and Happiness.

Bob Berry presented the Rotary Magazine quiz, and he obtained much better results than he had with the previous quiz.

Bill Brooks was inducted as a new member.

Ginny Barr introduced the speaker of the morning. Mitch Journey talked about his retail business, which is located in Forest Acres, and which is a branch of the non-profit organization Ten Thousand Villages. Headquartered in Akron, PA, Ten Thousand Villages is a sixty-one year old business based on the concept of fair trade as poverty reduction. Buyers from the home office travel to different third world villages and interview artisans who select products to be made. Eighty percent of the products are crafted by women. The articles are paid for before they are sold, with half of the money given at the time of the order and the other half at the time of delivery. Different stores stock different items, based on the market. Most items featured for sale are related to home decor, with toys and women's accessories also available. All items are handcrafted.

Volunteers are extremely important to the Ten Thousand Villages concept. The business also supports local charities, offering fundraisers, including off-site sales, in which twenty percent of the sales revenue goes to the local charity. The Columbia store is currently looking for a new site with higher visibility.

After Happy Dollar opportunities, President Beetle adjourned the meeting.

Ros Browning

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

July 11, 2007

Last Meeting
July 11, 2007

Reporter – Barry Johns

President Beetle opened the meeting followed by the invocation by Rod Funderburk. John Hanson introduced several guests. Lyman Whitehead delivered our Health and Happiness and recognized several birthdays and anniversaries.

Chuck Larson made an announcement about the Irmo Chamber’s outing at Pine Island Wednesday evening. He also complimented the performances of Haley Hendrix, “Miss Irmo” and Katie Love, “Miss Teen Irmo” in the Miss South Carolina pageants.

Molly Cousins announced that she had accepted a new assignment with Kelley that would require her to move to Lynchburg, Virginia.

Lyn Richards challenged us with local, regional, national, and international statistics about Rotary fund raising projects. A particular emphasis was placed on becoming a Sustaining Member to help support the Polio Drive.




Carey Hite inducted two new members, Jeff Allen and David Isbell. Beetle Bailey announced two resignations, Jim Jeffers and George Staples.

Our newest members with their sponsors Carey Hite, Dave Isbell, Jeff Allen, Ben Heritage

Eddie Robinson introduced Andy Cabe, Curator of Horticulture for Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Over 95,000 visitors enter the Gardens each year from the West Columbia entrance. We learned that the Horticulture Department has 17 people and operates with at $750,000 budget. Five of the 17 employees work at the Zoo and the other 12 work at the Gardens.

The Horticulture Department conducts education activities for children, garden clubs, and individuals. They host tours, programs, and other outreach activities such as Sprout Camp, Junior Master Gardener Programs, and Master Gardener Programs. The Botanical Gardens also hosts several events each year such as “Chili Pepper Fiesta”, “Bamboo Day”, “Old Rose Festival”, “Orchids on the River”, and “Language of Flowers”. They also set up two offsite exhibits. One exists at the Charleston Garden Festival and the other is at Brookgreen Gardens. Additionally, Riverbanks has worked in partnership with Clemson University since 1997.

The Horticulture Department has 4 large greenhouses for growing their own plants. They conduct several plant sales to generate revenue during the year. Last year, they raised $21,000. from the plant sale, $17,000 from the bulb sale, and $14,000 from the plant cart.

A major local project for the Horticulture Department is the repopulation of the Rocky Shoal Spiderlily that grows in the Saluda River. To learn more about this project visit their web site at www.riverbanks.org.

Bettle Closed with Happy Dollars of which several were given in honor of Molly.



Our Speaker (courtesy of Eddie Robinson) Andy Cabe, Curator of Horticulture, Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

June 27, 2007 Pres. Molly turns over the gavel to new Pres Beetle

Last Meeting
June 27, 2007

Reporter – Si Amick

President Molly opened her last official meeting followed by the invocation by Jim Gadsden and the Pledge of Allegiance. John Hanson introduced a host of guests including Beetle’s family which included his wife Debra, daughter Catherine and son James. In Lyman’s absence, Joel Collins delivered our Health and Happiness with a great courtroom story and we all agreed, the husband should be there for both events. Molly also announced we would be inducting 3 new members on July the 11th : Mr. Bill Brooks, Mr. Jeff Allen and Dr. David Isabell. Several birthdays were acknowledged, including Herb Harrison’s BIG “50”.

Molly opened her review of the past year from her hand written notes. Lightning hit her house and they were forced to spend the night in a hotel. She had her laptop, but no printer. Well Molly, the “old fashion” way worked fine, job well done and we are thankful your family is OK.

Dr. Lynn Campbell presented Glen Landry and the Irmo Little League’s Challenger Program with a check for $550.00. What wonderful program!

Eddie Robinson did a wonderful job with Paul Harris presentations to Catherine and James Bailey. This completes Beetle’s family, as they now have four Paul Harris fellows. What a commitment to Rotary!

Molly thanked all for a successful 2006-2007 year. Molly, thank you for your leadership and a successful year as marked by the following:
1. The establishment of an Interact Club at DJJ
2. Growth in the Dutch Fork Interact Club
· 2 college scholarships awarded
· “Alive at 25” sponsor that may have saved a young life
3. Dictionary Project
4. Harbison State Forest Project
5. Charity Golf Tournament and Art Auction
6. Great social events including Fall Oyster Roast, Christmas Social, and Summer Social at Pine Island
7. Scholarships for 2 elementary students to travel with the District Choir to Disney World
8. Home Works heater project
9. Awarded an Ambassadorial Scholarship
Note: This short list and does not include all the successful projects for 06-07.

Also presented were awards for perfect attendance: 1 yr. Jim Gadsden; 2 yrs. Patty Cavanaugh, Larry Stohs and Ginny Barr; 3 yrs. Beetle Bailey; 10 yrs. John Adair; 12 yrs. Lyman Whitehead; 16 yrs. Jeanette Coulter; and 18 yrs. Lynn Campbell. Molly asked all to stand and give a round of applause to each other for a successful year.

George McConnell then confirmed Beetle as President for the Lake Murray- Irmo Rotary
Club for the 2007-2008 Rotary year.

The meeting was concluded with Beetle’s first official act by presenting Molly with the Past Presidential pin and plaque.

We all will agree the 2006-2007 was another successful Rotary year.

Club officers and board members sworn in

New president Beetle gives outgoing President Molly a past Presidents' pin.
Past President Molly

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Your new club officers
George McConnell, District President
Rotarian of the year, Rod Funderburk, with President Molly.
Posted by Picasa
George McConnell swears in new club President, Beetle Bailey.
Lynn Campbell presents Glen Landry and the Irmo Little League Challenger Program with a check for $550
This is what you might look like after 18 years of perfect Rotary attendance.
Beetle Bailey presents Paul Harris fellows to Catherine and James Bailey. Also pictured - Debra Bailey and Eddie Robinson
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Molly, Patty, Si, Judy, Larry

Thursday, June 21, 2007

June 20, 2007

Lt. Scott Frier and Johnny Jeffcoat


Last Meeting
June 20, 2007

Reporter – Jeff Baldwin

President Molly opened the meeting followed by the invocation by Bob Berry and
the Pledge of Alliance. John Hanson introduced our visiting Rotarians and
guests. Lyman Whitehead provided Health and Happiness.

President Molly congratulated Beetle on his plans for next year, noting the
installation of Beetle and his new officers is next week. She also drew
everyone’s attention to the three proposed members in the Bulletin. Bob Berry
gave the quiz on The Rotarian Magazine, supplying all but one answer - not one
of our better showings. President Molly announced a total of $550 was donated
to the Irmo Little League’s Challenger program.

Johnny Jeffcoat introduced guest speaker, Lt. Scott Frier, Deputy Commander of
the Major Crimes Unit of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. He has over 20
years service in multiple roles with our Sheriff’s Department. He described
the Major Crimes Unit, covering its major areas including Violent Crimes,
Domestic Violence, Gang Investigations, Financial Crimes, Victim Assistance
and Arson. He discussed each area in depth, giving us an appreciation of the
scope of each and the impact of these crimes on the victim as well as the
community in general. In closing he described the close cooperation between
Richland and Lexington County Sheriff’s jurisdictions as well as the role of
the Lexington County Sheriff as the Director of Public Safety, permitting one
call for any type assistance needed.

President Molly closed the meeting by announcing the long awaited arrival of
the new name badges - note the bar code on the bottom of the badge, yes Big
Brother will be tracking you.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

June 13 2007

Last Meeting
June 13, 2007

Reporter – Greg Downs

President Molly called the meeting to order. Chris Joye provided the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Lyn Richards delivered Health & Happiness.

A rundown on our June 6th Summer Social/barbecue at Pine Island was given.

At our May 30th meeting, Glen Landry, Executive Director of the Irmo Little League had mentioned the need to recruit $500 sponsorships for the League’s Challenger Program. At the beginning of meeting, we held just over $250 toward such a sponsorship. A special bucket was then passed around for donations.

Joel Collins introduced our guest speaker, Gregg Morton, President of Southeastern Division of AT&T. Gregg graduated Clemson University in 1978. He opened by giving an update on his daughter, Katie.

Gregg recently spent time in Washington, DC office for AT&T. Gregg’s message partially entailed the recent merger of BellSouth and AT&T. He also described the many competitors now in the communications industry and the upcoming product lines in television, internet and telephone. Gregg spoke about the conflict involving “Net Neutrality” and the idea of government vs. private management of the internet. Gregg’s assistant, Henrietta Baskins, helped him in his presentation.

By end of meeting, our goal to raise a full $500 for sponsorship for Challenger Program was met and surpassed!

President Molly adjourned meeting.

Friday, June 08, 2007

Note from Pres Molly - Ambassadorial Scholarship Success

See below - a memo from RI regarding the Ambassadorial Scholarship Programs and the Universities that partner with local Rotary Clubs to produce candidates. I attribute the success of our own USC's candidates to the in-depth partnership our own club has built and the time, attention, coaching and guidance our club members - specifically Rod Funderburk and George Staples - have provided these students! Congratulations!!! Your hard work (and your contributions, Rotarians, to the Foundation) has given many young people incredible opportunities!! This - to me - is what Rotary is about! GREAT JOB!!

Molly

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Renée Stephenson, Educational Programs (847) 866-3314 or click here for information

DATE: 24 May 2007



New class of Rotary Scholars selected to spread goodwill and understanding

(EVANSTON, Ill. USA-) – More than 850 university students from 50 countries have been selected to receive a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship. The program, designed to promote international understanding and goodwill, is one of Rotary’s leading efforts to bridge cultures and promote peace around the world. The students will study abroad during the 2007-08 academic year.

The scholarships give students the opportunity to study in one of the almost 170 countries where Rotary clubs are located. While abroad, Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholars speak to Rotary clubs and districts, schools, civic organizations, and other forums where they act as “ambassadors of goodwill” in addition to providing community service.

Through scholarships totaling approximately US$15 million, recipients from some 60 countries studied in more than 80 nations in 2006-07.
The top five alma maters of the 2007-08 Ambassadorial Scholars are:

1. University of South Carolina (9 scholars)
2. Northwestern University, University of California-Berkeley (8)
3. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (7)
4. Georgetown University and University of Florida (6)
5. University of Georgia, Brown University, Stanford University, College of William and Mary (5)

The Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships program is the world’s largest privately-sponsored international scholarship program for university-level studies. Focused on humanitarian service, personal diplomacy, and academic excellence, the program has sponsored more than 38,000 Rotary Scholars abroad since it began in 1947. The program’s alumni include Paul Volcker Jr, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Philip Lader Former Ambassador to the UK, David Mulford, US Ambassador to India, and Roger Ebert, popular Film Critic.

For additional information visit: http://www.rotary.org/foundation/educational/amb_scho/index.html