May 29 2008

May 28, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 7:48AM by President Beetle Bailey. John Adair gave the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance followed.

John Hanson introduced visiting Rotarians, Dr. Fred Splitberger from the St. Andrews Club, and guests, Joel Price’s grandson.

Lyman Whitehead provided the group with “Health and Happiness”.

Blount Shepard announced that the Okra Man traveled to New York City, but has returned safely to his office.

John Adair mentioned that LMIRC has copyrights on the Okra Man’s image and name.

Patty Cavanaugh informed the group that the 20th Anniversary kick-off will be held June 21st at Chestnut Hill Plantation. More details will follow.

President Beetle Bailey asked for Happy Dollars.

Eddie Robinson introduced our speaker. Ms. Marsha Atkins serves as the Director of Sharing God’s Love. A video was shown that gives more details about the program. Sharing God’s Love was formed in 1984 to provide food, clothing, and financial and spiritual support to needy families of the Irmo/St. Andrews/Ballentine areas. Sharing God’s Love does not receive government money to run their program. Individuals, businesses, schools, and churches donate items and time to Sharing God’s Love. The purpose of the program is to help clients become independent. They are eligible to receive food and clothing every three months and financial support once a year. Sharing God’s Love is located at 147 Friarsgate Blvd in Irmo.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:23AM by President Bailey.

Reporter: Emilie Keene

May 21 2008

Our speaker, Chris Jenkins, Public Affairs Specialist with Social Security Administration.



May 21, 2008

Reporter-- Jim Wellman


President Beetle called the meeting to order with the clanging of the bell. John Adair gave the invocation, after which followed the Pledge of Allegiance.

John Hanson introduced our visiting Rotarians. He also introduced our other guest Beetle Bailey’s wife Debra.

Lyman Whitehead entertained us with his usual message of humor and good cheer.

Larry Stohs reminded all of us that we would soon need to update our information for the upcoming directory. He indicated that he particularly needed the information on our new members. John Adair volunteered to take any pictures necessary. Larry stated that his assistant Tina would assist in this undertaking. He and Tina can be reached at 772-1617.

President Beetle reminded us that June 21, 2008 would begin the 20th year anniversary of our Club. He will keep us informed as details become available. He did announce that as a result of this celebration there will be no meeting June 25th.

Larry Stohs introduced our speaker Chris Jenkins, a Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration. He gave an energetic and entertaining presentation on Social Security. He stressed the following points in his presentation:

At this point the SSA takes in more than it pays out. The excess revenue is invested in Treasury notes. These notes are what constitute the Trust Fund we hear so much about. Sometime around 2017 with the influx of the “baby boomers” the system will need to draw upon the interest earned by the Trust Fund. In the years 2028-2029 it is anticipated that in order to meet its obligations the SSI will need to begin to draw upon the principle in the Trust Fund.

Social Security was never designed to be a pension. It’s original goal was to help supplement the retirement savings of Americans. Over the years the objective has been expanded to provide supplemental income to survivors of contributors and disability payments for those who become unable to work.

He indicated that identity theft strikes over 500 South Carolinians daily. This can be reduced if we are more careful in who we give our social security number.

He indicated that most Americans can conduct almost all business with the Social Security Administration through the web or by telephone. Thus reducing the wait time in trying to conduct business in person.

There are many options available to us as to how benefits are paid out. He encouraged us to search out the option that is best for us and make an informed decision.

There are over 800,000 people in South Carolina who receive benefits from SSA.

In closing he stated that perhaps the best way to look at Social Security was that it’s a pool of money designed to help people help each other.



President Beetle adjourned the meeting and wished us a good week.

May 14 2008

Special Olympians
Dianna Poiletman
Kenneth Whitaker
Eric Brown


Richland County Sheriff's Department - Heroes Helping Heroes
Retired Deputy Debo Hayes
Captain Joseph Pellicci
Special Olympians
Dianna Poiletman
Kenneth Whitaker
Eric Brown
President Beetle in background

May 7 2008

Subject: May 7, 2008 Rotary Meeting - Reporter Joel Z. Price President Beetle Bailey called the meeting to order and called on Kevin Adams forthe invocation. John Hanson introduced our visitors, which included two of ourscholarship recipients and visiting rotarians from Chapin, St. Andrews and SpringValley clubs. Skey Caskey dutifully hung our Rotary Banners only to have one falllater. Kelly Payne was the first to jump into action to fix the problem. Skey,with his observant eye, jumped to his feet to assist Kelly. They quickly noted thatthe hook had come out of the ceiling and proceeded to roll it up. The good news is,3 of the banners did not fall. Stephen Caldwell was inducted as our newest Rotarian by Eddie Robinson. Stephen wassponsored by Joel Collins. Joel pointed out that he had sponsored our currentPresident, Beetle Bailey, our incoming President, Eddie Robinson. so therefore aprecedent has been set for Stephen. Stephen works with the Department of JuvenileJustice. After Stephen was inducted, it was noted that our District Governor,George McConnell, was visiting with us today. Lyman Whitehead provided our Health and Happiness entertainment and brought aboutsome smiles and some laughter. Jim Gadsden day was held at one of his formerchurches and according to Lynn Campbell he can still preach. Paula Matthews from the Spring Valley Club presented President Beetle Bailey hiscrystal and pin for becoming a member of the Quest Society. This recognition isaccomplished by leaving $10.000.00 or more in your will to the Foundation. She alsonoted that if you want to be a member of the Benefactor Society you may make adonation of $1000.00 to the Foundation or leave that amount in your will to theFoundation. Happy Dollar Time - What can I say? A lot of people were happy about a lot ofthings. While I don't remember what everyone was happy about, I can at least tellyou who shared their joy: Chris Joye, Skey Caskey (3 happy dollars), Jim Gadsden,Jenny Barr, George Staples, Joel Collins (2 happy dollars), Harry Hafer, LarryStohs, Lynn Campbell, Elizabeth Ray (Interact Student), Beetle Bailey, HaroldCrawford and Joel Price. Our speaker was Mr. Timothy Davis, Founder of Spotless Lamb Ministries. Mr. Davisis a retired Law Enforcement Officer and is a Deacon at Irmo Family Worship Center. The program began with Mr. Davis giving a scenario of domestic violence in the homeand telling us that we have the tools in our hands to help someone in this situationand then asking us what we will do with this tool. Part of his ministry isproviding Senior Citizens, the Disabled, and Battered Women with Free Emergency CellPhones. They receive phones from another ministry after they have been sanitized. Every phone is set to call 911 before they are dispersed. If you have a old cell;phone, or any attatchments to a cell phone they can be taken to the THRIFT STORELOCATED BEHIND LIZARD's THICKET on St. Andrews Road in Irmo. If you do not have acharger to go with the phone, they will still accept the phone as they have peoplewho turn in chargers but do not have the phone. Beetle adjourned the meeting with the ringing of the bell.

April 30 2008

Meeting was called to order by president Beetle Bailey. Lynn Richards gave the invocation. Lyman Whitehead followed
with Health and Happiness. Patty Cavanaugh and Bob Berry awarder Paul Harris fellow awards to Bill Brooks and Howard Crawford. Congratulations !

Patty Cavanaugh, Bob Berry, and new Paul Harris Fellows Bill Brooks and Harold Crawford.



Bill Danielson introduced our speaker, Jane Brundage of Pets Inc. Jane accentuated the problem of pet overpopulation in our local counties. When abandonded pets are found there are two primary choices : animal control or Pets Inc. Pets Inc. will place 3000 animals in 2008 at $90/ animal. Their budget is $1,100,000 annually. Pets Inc is responsible for funding their budget themselves. There are two major sources of self funding . Te first is running a thrift shop. The thrift store generates $170,000 / year. Pets Inc also runs a non-profit pet shop. 100 % of the money goes to support the missipn of Pets Inc. The pet food is the best quality available according to Jane. She hopes the public will support the pet store , and adopt a pet whenever possible.

Beetle adjourned the meeting.



Bill Danielson and our speaker, Jane Brundage of Pets Inc.

April 23 2008

Meeting was opened by President Bailey

Visitors: Reid Danielson, Jerry Coulter, Dr Fred Splitberger(St Andrews Club),

Rotary Scholars: Samantha Martin, Ashley Rhoderick

Health and Happiness: Lyman Whitehead: "Religion day w/ Sister Mary"

Stan Berger reported that Clean Up Day was a success with over two dozen interact students participating.

Judy Johnson announced the Babcock Center " Hole in One " tournament scheduled for this weekend.

Rod Funderbuck introduced our Rotary Scholars to address the club.

Samantha Martin will be going to London"Derry", Republic of Ireland for advanced studies. She presently resides in Jacksonville, Florida. Her focus during her trip is to explore the culture of the Emerald Isle/UK, make friends, examine conflict theories and explore solutions. Her challenges: culture shock, to be a real Ambassador not just a tourist/traveler/student, really understand "English", to tolerate the not too sunny climate and to try to learn to like beer.

Ashley Rhoderick will be going to Cairo, Egypt as a Cultural Scholar for three months. She is a senior at USC and a native of Middleton, Md. (pop: 2,668, founded: 1767) She is a chemical engineer, member of AICE, Campus Crusade for Christ, Tau Beta Pi honor society.

She said that Cairo is a city of 16 million people, primarily Muslim(90% Sunni, 9% Christian). Egypt has a population of 74 million. She will study at the American University in Cairo, Arabic Language Institute, with 4 thousand students 81% are Egyptian. She will be staying with an Egyptian family looking for Engineering opportunities abroad. Ashley will intern with the Campus Crusade for Christ, Middle East for 7 months.

Shortly after President Beetle adjourned the meeting.

More pictures from our April 16th meeting

Adopt a Highway April 2008

April 16 2008

Richard Eckstrom, Cultural Scholar Candidate Courtney Gibson, Rod Funderburke


Carey Hite and Maria Hargrave - our newest Rotarian

Jeanette Coulter presents husband Jerry with a Paul Harris Fellowship

Interact Sponsor Kelly Payne Keeps the Kids Involved

DUTCH FORK AND IRMO HIGH SCHOOL PUT ASIDE THEIR RIVALRIES FOR A GREAT CAUSE

On April 12, 16 students from the Dutch Fork High School Rotary/Interact Club and
Irmo High School paired with Union Methodist Church and the Home Works of America
program for a great cause. Together the teens and adults replaced a roof on a local
Irmo residents home. Building character and communities is the mission of this
program that restores hope to the elderly and disadvantaged homeowners in our state.
This program allows various church groups and community service organizations to
join forces not only in prayer but also in action by allowing individuals to share
their faith with one another, to work together and to pray together.

Dutch Fork High School Rotary/Interact Sponsor Kelly Payne
Home Works of America Executive Director and founder Hank Chardos

Home Works
PO Box 102
Irmo, SC 29063
(803) 781-4536

April 9 2008

MINUTES OF

THE ROTARY CLUB OF LAKE MURRAY-IRMO

APRIL 9, 2008



The meeting was called to Order by President Beetle Bailey



Rod Funderburk gave the innovation



Lyman Whitehead provided some health and happiness



Bill Brooks introduced the guest speaker, Jan Cox, Executive Director of the South Carolina Cotton Museum located in Bishopville, South Carolina which also happens to be the home of the legendary Doc Blanchard. The Cotton Museum also does a number of things for veterans including helping create a digital tape history by veterans which is sent to the library of congress. Jan pointed out that 86% of all cotton fiber in SC is now being shipped to China. The museum maintains the records of the history of cotton in SC. The first cotton is SC was grown on Sea Island. First Cotton farmer in SC was Joseph West. Eli Whitney was a school teacher in SC. He stated that SC cotton was just as good as Egyptian cotton. He invited the members to visit the museum in Bishopville.



There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

April 2nd 2008

Teresa Miley, Paula Matthers, President Beetle


Dutch Fork Interact

Our speaker, Jeff Davis with President Beetle

Kevin Meetze, Darin Bouknight, Mary Lou Stenson, Eddie Robinson

March 26, 2008

Rotary Minutes

March 26^th 2008

President Beetle Bailey opened our meeting and Chuck Larson delivered the invocation. John Hanson introduced our guest and Lyman Whitehead gave us another dose of health and happiness. President Bailey opened the meeting for Happy Dollars and we had several. Joe with the South Carolina Golf Association thanked our club for supporting Jr Golf here in SC over the last few years. He also discussed their fundraising efforts and what the funds go towards. He also mentioned the new Golf First license plate available for residence of SC. President Bailey made a donation of $1,500 to the SC Golf Foundation from our club. President Bailey also mentioned the Rotary license plates that are available. Please see President Bailey for more information.

Stan Bugner introduced our speaker, YaKima Rhinehart, the executive director of College Summit South Carolina. College Summit of SC is an organization that assists at risk high school students with the application process and financial aid process. They hold workshops around the state to guide these students and mentor them in the college application process.

To find out more about College Summit you can log on to there website: www.collegesummit.org.

The meeting was adjourned.

March 12 2008

Holly Jones from Riverbanks Zoo entertained us with Reptiles Up-close-and-personal.


President Beetle opened the meeting and Joel Price delivered the invocation. Sergeant-at-Arms John Hanson introduced our guests: Kevin Meetze, Darren Bouknight, John LaFond of the Chapin Sunrise Club and the District Foundation Advocate, and Carey Hite’s special guest, Maria Hargrave, of the Palmetto Health Foundation. Lyman Whitehead presented our health and happiness which included mention that Jeanette Coulter’s husband, Jerry, is in the hospital and Lynn Campbell has his 69th birthday on Monday, March 17. Patty Cavanaugh reminded us of the GSE event with the team from South Africa. President-Elect Eddie Robinson informed us that there will be no speaker at next week’s meeting, March 19th, instead, it will be a Club Day.

Eddie then introduced Holly Jones, a herpetologist with the Riverbanks Zoo, and her husband, Stan. Holly is from Maryland and has always had a passion for reptiles. She secured her degree from Towson University and worked at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, before coming to Columbia. Holly’s presentation was about the reptiles that live at Lake Murray.

She started by reviewing the turtles: the Eastern Box, the Eastern Mud, the Common Musk, the Common Snapping, the Yellow Belly Slider, the Eastern River Cooter and the Eastern Spiny Softshell. The Eastern Mud Turtle is the smallest, the Common Snapping Turtle is the largest, the Eastern Spiny Softshell is the fastest swimmer and the Eastern River Cooter is the most common turtle seen in the lake.

Holly then moved to lizards: the Eastern Glass, the Green Anole, the Broadhead Skink, the Five-lined and Eastern five-lined. The Eastern Glass Lizard is often mistaken for a snake because it does not have legs, however it has ears, which makes it as a lizard. The Broadhead Skink is the second largest lizard in the country and the Green Anole is the common one that you see around your house. It has the ability to change colors.

Snakes were the last reptile that Holly presented: the Northern Brown, the Eastern Garter, the Black Racer, the Rat, the Corn, the Eastern King, the Eastern Hognose, the Eastern Milk, the Red Belly Water, the Banded Water, the Copperhead, the Canebrake Rattler, and the Cottonmouth Water Moccasin. The Black Racer, Rat and Corn snakes are good climbers. The Black Racer is a non-constrictor, can grow to 6 feet and is very fast, thus its moniker, while the Rat and Corn snakes are constrictors; all are good rodent eaters. The Eastern King eats other snakes and is grumpy, and the Eastern Hognose feeds on toads, hisses loudly and rolls-over to emit a very bad odor as a defense. The Banded Water snake is often mistaken for a Cottonmouth or a Copperhead. The three poisonous snakes are the Copperhead, the Canebrake Rattler and the Cottonmouth. Cottonmouths do not live in Lake Murray.

In response to a question, Holly told us that there are a few alligators in the canal along the Broad River. She invited us to the Desert Gallery at the zoo, the display that she manages, to see the Puff Adders, the Green Mamba and the King Cobra, among some of the reptiles in the display.

The meeting concluded with Kelly Payne telling us that Dutch Fork High School will conduct the 6th class of Alive at 25.

March 5 2008

Minutes to Rotary meeting of March 5, 2008

Today’s guest speaker was Dr. Jeff Warren (PhD) who is the President and CEO of The Warren Group which located in Irmo. The Warren Group provides forensic engineering services to a variety of industrial clients, attorneys, and the insurance industry. Basically the company conducts accident investigations in order to help determine liability. The company has investigated over 1700 accidents since its inception. With a staff of 20 engineers (electrical, mechanical, and industrial engineers) plus support staff, The Warren Group has been engaged to investigate accidents, including product liability claims throughout the Southeast. The company is on-call 24/7.

Dr. Warren began his power point presentation with a picture (circa 1950’s) of a small boy standing beside an old gasoline powered reel lawn mower. He explained that the father allowed his son to help push the mower on occasion. Once while momentarily being distracted the father did not see his son attempt to dislodge a small rock that had been stuck between the cutter blade and the reel. The small boy attempted to remove the rock as he had seen his father do on previous occasions. The result was that the son lost his index finger. Dr. Warren said that this type of accident was preventable if 1) the father had not allowed his small son to operate the machinery, particularly unsupervised even if it was only momentarily. Secondly, the reel lawn mower lacked any type of safety guards preventing someone from sticking their hands near the blade when the motor is still running.

“Safety through Design” is a term that The Warren Group has copy written and is based on the premise that workplace injuries are preventable. Dr. Warren explained the investigatory techniques his team of highly trained engineers used to determine the root causes of these accidents (the term used by the industry is “incidents”) of which many have resulted in deaths. They attempt to gather the forensic evidence at the scene, interview witnesses, and to reconstruct the accident. Dr. Warren explained that it is very important not to jump to conclusions as he showed pictures of an industrial accident which involved a forklift and a scissors lift in which a person was killed after being knocked from the top of the scissors lift. He pointed out that the logical conclusion was that the accident was clearly the fault of the forklift operator who hit the scissor lift. However, the final investigation revealed that a certain electrical component on the scissors lift had not been properly repaired which had caused it to protrude beyond the normal “footprint”. This was a “contributing” cause of the deadly accident and therefore may have been preventable in the first place had the equipment been repaired properly in the first place. Dr. Warren explained that the purposes of their investigations are to determine “who else owns this loss”. As shown by this particular “incident” investigation blame can be assigned to more than one party.

Dr. Warren concluded his remarks by revealing the he was the little boy in the picture who had lost his index figure. This resulting injury motivated him to study engineering in college and ultimately start his own company with the mission that The Warren Group’s forensic investigations may result in the implantation of safety through design changes.

Submitted by Chip Lyerly

Feb 27, 2008

The February 27 meeting of the Lake Murray-Irmo Rotary Club was highlighted by a presentation entitled "Generational Differences." Speaker was Emmett Scully, president of Synergetic Inc. The present work force is composed of four distinct generations--Traditionalists (over 60), Baby Boomers (ages 45-60), Generations X-ers (ages 30-45), and Millennials (under 30). Many differences are found among these groups as a whole, although individuals within these groups may vary from the stereotypes. Areas of differences include work ethic, desire for time away from work, technological capability, and team orientation. Being aware of these differences can be helpful in creating a positive work environment and building loyalty for employees of all ages. Reporter - Rosalie Browning

Feb 20 2008

Rick Moore Presents a Rotary District matching check to President Beetle.

Our speaker, Gene Mellow, with Blount Shepard, President Beetle, and Stan Bugner

ROTARY CLUB MINUTES

2/20/08

Meeting called to order by President Beetle Bailey. John Hanson introduced visitors Ben Harley (Chapin Club) and Steve Caldwell (guest of Joel Collins). Steve is an employee of D.J.J.

Lyman Whitehead shared his thoughts and wisdom with stories of Health and Happiness. Carey Hite announced that he had just celebrated his 29^th wedding anniversary.

Patty Cavanaugh announced that the GSC Cruise on the Patriot had been changed to an event at the Night Harbor Club House.

Rick Moore, title????, for District 7770, reviewed information about simplified grants and our District’s participation.

Beetle presented plaques of appreciation to John Adair and Carey Hite.

Blount Shepperd introduced speaker Gene Mellow who shared a wealth of information with respect to alternative fuels. He is an engineer with Linde Corporation. His business focus is on hydrogen fuel technology. He also shared technical information and possible alternatives for energy and transportation for the future.

President Beetle Bailey adjourned the meeting.

Feb 13 2008

President Beetle Bailey called the meeting to order. After initial invocation and the pledge of allegiance, president Beetle Bailey announced about the availability of foundation points for the Paul Harris Award and thanked Lynn (I believe he meant Lynn Campbell) for 20 years of service to the foundation. Perfect attendance awards for 2007 were then given to several recipients. Beetle then announced about the upcoming state meeting and the board meeting. While the audio-visual apparatus was being set up, one member raised the need for a portable screen rather than using the wall for image projection. Ms Kelly payne of Interact Club mentioned that Chapin and Irmo high schools did not participate as enthusiastically as Dutch Fork high school in the Interact Club activities. "Road Clean up " event was mentioned and members were encouraged to participate in the next such event.

John Wilkins then introduced the speaker, Nancy Tuten of the Animal Protection League(APL). Ms. Nancy Tuten, who is a professor at Columbia college, then educated the attendees about APL. APL was started in 1982. The biggest concern for the APL was to address the undesirable option of euthanasia to control explosive growth of cats and dogs over a few years into hundreds of thousands before spaying and neutering clinics intervened to control growth of cats and dogs. APL developed "no kill" shelters. APL is a non profit organization and its animal shelter is currently located in a rather old rented facility outside the city. When neglected and abandoned animals are picked up by the APL staff, there is a laborious process of record keeping and systematic way of housing these animals. This is done with a fairly meagre annual budget of $150,000.00, coming mostly from various grants, donations, black pearls, USC concessions and annual auctions. While recognizing medical care for these animlas to be the biggest expense, Ms. Tuten acknowledged free care from several veternarians. Ms. Tuten then told some sad stories of human cruelty towards animals and also some happy endings for other animals as a result of some caring persons who adopted these animals. Ms Tuten then mentioned websites http://www.aplsc.org/ and http://www.petfinders.org/ for those interested in additional information.

There being no further business, president Beetle Bailey rang the bell for adjournment.

Your Rotary Interact Club

Adopt a Highway Feb 9 2008

A beautiful day as nature cooperated and we had a great Rotary turnout for our Adopt a Highway event. Blount Shepard prepared the usual feast. Kelly Payne roused a dozen teenagers out of bed before 8 am on a Saturday. How does she do it? Thanks to all involved for our project's success. Pictures by Kelly Payne.

More Adopt a Highway Feb 9 2008

Feb 6, 2008

February 6, 2008

Reporter Si Amick

President Bailey called upon Kevin Adams to open the meeting with a word of prayer followed by the pledge of allegiance. John Hanson asked that all remember to contribute to the cart fund each week and then introduced the visitors. He also called upon Chris Polson to introduce his guest Ms. Hargrove. Our own Lyman Whitehead did a wonderful job with health and happiness as usual.

Kelly Pain announced there will be a need for host families in March for the SC Student Council Meetings. Please contact Kelly if you have an interest in helping out. She also asked for our support at the next School Board Meeting in supporting the activation of the Alive at Five program at both Irmo and Chapin High Schools. The meeting will be Monday the 11^th at Dutch Fork High School.

CONGRATULATIONS to Kelly for her 2^nd Lt. appointment with the South Carolina State Guard.

There will be a GSE trip to England this year so all that have an interest please let President Bailey know at your earliest convenience.

Adopt a Highway is Saturday so please plan on being there for the work, fun and fellowship. A special thanks to Blount for always providing a nourishing breakfast.

Dr. Carey Hite introduced the guest speakers from Pelion High School’s FFA (Future Farmers of America) Club. The students covered many topics to include identification and aging of wildlife in South Carolina. This group of students was not only very knowledgeable and did a great job presenting their topics, but have been at the top of their class in State and National competitions. They placed 1^st this year in the State and 2nd in the State Soil CDE which will qualify them to compete in the National Competition.

The FFA stresses leadership skills in the community and community support through community service. It also teaches valuable skills that young people will need to be successful leaders as adults. If more of our young men and women would get involved in quality programs like this, what a difference it would make not only in their lives, but in society as a whole.