June 4, 2019: John Read, CEO of the Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative (TCCC) presented our club with a 5-year progress report on TCCC. TCCC is comprised of 3 Counties, (Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley), 4 School Districts and over 100,000 students in spaces within the system, (K-12) or system less spaces (0-5yrs old). In short, he indicated that very little progress has been made in improving the educational system as aligning all of the different parties involved has proved difficult. He did say the educational 
system is, in fact, doing exactly what it was designed to do: educate white children during the year who are then released to work in the fields in June. The systemic racism in the education system is preventing countless children, through no fault of their own, from reaching their full potential. The system was not designed for the needs of today’s children. It was designed around the idea that getting the answer right was more important than how you find the answer and today, team-working is even more important with the proliferation of personal devices. A glimpse at some of the statistics he presented brings a stark reality to the failings of the educational system.
Almost 60% of children entering Kindergarten are not ready for Kindergarten.
50% of 3rd graders do not meet reading expectations and 40% don’t meet math expectations.
55% of 8th graders do not meet reading expectations and 60% do not meet math expectations.
60% of high school graduates are not ready for college.
He offered 4 points that need to be addressed to fix the system:
- Delivering entitlement through this antiquated system is no longer acceptable-the system is failing. We need to work in the continuum of education- to intervene at particular points in a child’s education and not follow up isn’t working.
- Blame placing is inefficient and ineffective. The system is failing principals and teachers as much as it is failing students.
- We need to own it-we elect the board members who oversee the system. Businesses also need to own it as part of the infrastructure of the region.
- Thinking and acting outside of the box is what we need to do as individuals.
More information on the report can be found at www.TriCountyCradletoCareer.org.
Submitted by Don Baus, Keyway Committee Chair
IN OTHER MEETING NEWS
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- Rob Dewey gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.
- Robert Sullivan introduced visiting Rotarians & guests.
- President Alex Dallis presented Health and Happiness.
- Jim Geffert introduced our keynote speaker, John Read with Cradle to Career Collaborative.
MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY
June 11, 2019 | Issue 4931 | President: Alex Dallis
COMING EVENTS
- June 11 – No Meeting
- June 18 – No Meeting
- June 25 – Presidential/Board Transition & Installation
- June 25 – 11am Board Meeting
- July 2 – No Rotary – Happy 4th of July!
- July 9 – Barbara Melvin, The Port
- July 16 – Rev. Kylon Middleton, The Illumination Project
NEWS BRIEFS
RCCF Grant Presentations
On behalf of the RCCF and our club, Past President and In-Coming RCCF Chair, Alissa Lietzow recognized two organizations, who received RCCF Grants this giving period, at our meeting.
Our own club member, Jamie Cooper, attended on behalf of Communities In Schools. RCCF Committee members visited Sanders-Clyde Elementary recently to present the actual grant check and see first-hand how Communities In Schools assists children in our community. Jamie thanked fellow club members and shared that our club’s generous donation will be used to purchase the curriculum and support materials to provide anti-bullying programming to 90 students (65 at Mitchell and 25 at Sanders-Clyde), grades K-5, during the upcoming school year.
The RCCF Committee was out in the community again at the end of last week and visited James Island Outreach to tour their new facility and present a RCCF grant check on behalf of the club. Scott Graule, who is the Executive Director of James Island Outreach, joined us at our meeting this past Tuesday to thank the club for the donation, which will be used to provide financial assistance for 12 families in need (over a month’s worth of assistance). In addition to food assistance, the JIO provides financial assistance to about 10 families per month through their Financial Assistance Program. This allows them to provide crisis support for electric/gas, water, medication or housing financial needs. This support can be given once a year and provides the families the means to avoid eviction, utility shutoff or lack of medical treatment or a prescription.
We are pleased to support both of these organizations and their efforts in our community.
US Army 244th Birthday Celebrated
Veterans Committee Chair, Skip Fink, recognized the US Army as they celebrate 244 year of service this week. To celebrate the occasion, club members enjoyed a special cake in their honor.
United States Army (USA) is the land warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is one of the seven uniformed services of the United States and is designated as the Army of the United States in the United States Constitution. As the oldest and most senior branch of the U.S. military in order of precedence, the modern U.S. Army has its roots in the Continental Army, which was formed (14 June 1775) to fight the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783)—before the United States of America was established as a country. After the Revolutionary War, the Congress of the Confederation created the United States Army on 3 June 1784 to replace the disbanded Continental Army. The United States Army considers itself descended from the Continental Army and dates its institutional inception from the origin of that armed force in 1775.
Facts About the United States Army
- Twenty-four U.S Presidents served in the United States Army
- George Washington chose the colors of the modern U.S Army uniform
- The U.S Army is older than the United States
- Over the past 10 years, Green Berets have been deployed in over 135 countries worldwide
- The U.S Army is the second largest employer in the U.S
- End strength including Nation Guard and Reserves is over a million strong
Wish a soldier a Happy Birthday!
Adopt-A-Highway Pick Up Service Project
On Saturday June 8th, Rotarian volunteers picked up trash and litter along Bee Street as part of the Adopt-A-Highway program. Cigarette butts, chicken bones, metal screws and even clothing were among the items removed. Thanks to Brett Barry, Kay Minson and Karl Brady for taking time out of their Saturday to keep our section of Bee Street clean!
Change in Membership Status Deadline
If you plan a change in your club member status by July 1, 2019 to Excused, Leave of Absence or if you are planning to resign, please notify Carroll in writing NO LATER THAN June 21, 2019. This change will affect July billing. All current members who officially resign after June 21 will be billed $65 to cover Rotary International dues, which are paid the first of each billing cycle. If you have any questions, contact Carroll.
Rotary (District 7770) Night at the Segra Ballpark in Columbia
Save the date – July 26, 2019 – Rotary Night at the Ballpark …. Rotarians like to have fun and enjoy the friendship of fellow Rotarians. What better way to have fun than with Baseball, Hotdogs and Rotary?
You are invited to a night out at the ballpark. Friday, July 26, 2019 has been designated as Rotary Night with the Columbia Fireflies. Put mark this date on your calendar for the Segra Ballpark in Columbia. This will be an opportunity for Rotary club members to have a great social time. Tickets are $9.00 each and food vouchers are $5.00. We will sit together along the first base line and have a great time. An email with an attached flyer was sent to all Rotarians with information about the event and how to purchase tickets.
Our Club on Social Media
Members are encourage to follow all of our social media channels and share posts with their followers too! We also need members to send us picture of anything they do that relates to Rotary – service projects, meetings, events, etc. We would love to keep our accounts full of smiling Rotarians! Photos can be send to Mike Sottak, mikesottak@gmail.com, or Rob Byko, rob@bykorealty.com.
MEMBER NEWS
Member News
Jeff Weber has accepted a position as General Manager of 6 radio stations in Albany, NY. He is looking forward to this opportunity that will also put him closer to his children. Tuesday was his last meeting with us. We wish him all the best and will miss him!
Jeremy Divis and his family are relocating to Washington in a few weeks. This is a wonderful opportunity for Jeremy and we wish him all the best! He will be missed!
Thanks to Doug Holmes for publicizing Rotary and our club in his recent issue of “Lowcountry Notes and Charleston Housing Update”. We need everyone to be a part of our PR committee and publicize our club.
Our Youth Exchange student, Lucia Violani, attended our meeting this past week and exchanged Rotary banners with President Alex. Lucia has completed her school year at Charleston Charter School for Math & Science and will be joining other Youth Exchange students on a trip out west next week before leaving to return to her home the first of July. Lucia always has a home at the Rotary Club of Charleston. We have enjoyed hosting her throughout her exchange year and will miss her!
Proposed New Members
The following membership candidates have submitted an application and signed letter of agreement to the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston:
Madison Altman – sponsor: Ruthie Ravenel; classification: Banking/Private
Stavros Triantafyllidis – sponsor: Heidi Finniff; classification: Education/Military/College
In the event you know Madison or Stavros, please tell a member of the Board how he/she will serve the ideas of Rotary.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Conor Bini
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- Joined: 2019
- Sponsor: Heidi Finniff
- Membership Involvement: None as of now, but open to suggestions
- Classification: Banking/Business Services
- Profession: Assistant Vice President, BB&T
- Something Unique About Yourself: I was on the cover of a Japanese surfing magazine when I was younger
Birthdays
- June 8 – Sam Applegate
- June 10 – Nick Galizia
- June 11 – Trent Drafts & Vito Scarafile
- June 18 – Mark Smith & Patterson Smith
- June 19 – Erica Taylor & Conor Bini
- June 22 – Jimmy Stuckey
- June 24 – Cheryl Kaynard
By the numbers
Attendance on June 4, 2019: 69
Not in attendance: Allen, Baggs, Bailey, Barry, Beam, Brack, Burt, Buzon, Carico, Channell, Clary, Coe, Coghill, Cohen, Cole, Cook, Cooper, E., Cooper, M., Crouch, Deavenport, Fellabom, Gill, Holmes, Husser, Jones, C., Kaynard, Kohli, Lucy Morckel, Morris, Plotner, Prewitt, Ravenel, Raver, Ruettiger, Rust, Saboe, Savage, Seguer, Shahid, Sidebottom, Smith, H., Smith, P., Stoney, Strickland, Taylor, Tecklenburg, John, Tecklenburg, Joseph, Teller, Thomas, Whitaker, Wieters
Out of Town Make-ups: None
WELLNESS TIP
Give Your Diet a Berry Boost
If you do one thing this summer to improve your diet, have a cup of mixed fresh berries — blackberries, blueberries, or strawberries — every day. They’ll help you load up on antioxidants, which may help prevent damage to tissues and reduce the risks of age-related illnesses. Blueberries and blackberries are especially antioxidant-rich.
A big bonus: Berries are also tops in fiber, which helps keep cholesterol low and may even help prevent some cancers.
AREA CLUB MEETINGS
Mondays
- Summerville – Oakbrook: 7:30 a.m., Monday, Westcott County Club, 5000 Wescott Club Drive, North Charleston
- North Charleston: 12:30 a.m., Monday, Hilton Garden Inn, 5265 International Blvd, North Charleston.
- Summerville Evening: 5:30 p.m., Monday, Montreux Bar and Grill, 127 W. Richardson Ave., Summerville
Tuesdays
- East Cooper Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Cooper River Room at Waterfront Park, Mount Pleasant
- Charleston: 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Hall’s Signature Events, 5 Faber, Charleston
- Goose Creek: 12:45 m. Tuesday, Gilligan’s, 219 St. James Ave., Goose Creek
Wednesdays
- Daniel Island: 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Daniel Island Club, 600 Island Park Dr., Daniel Island
- St. John’s Parish (John’s Island): 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, 2817 Maybank Highway, Unit 1, John’s Island
- Mount Pleasant: 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Harbor Breeze Restaurant, 176 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant
- Summerville: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sticky Fingers, Summerville
Thursdays
- North Charleston Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Embassy Suites, 5055 International Blvd., North Charleston
- Moncks Corner: 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Gilligan’s Restaurant, Moncks Corner
- St. Andrews (West Ashley): 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Bessinger’s BBQ, 1602 Savannah Highway, Charleston.
Fridays
- Charleston Breakfast: 7:30 a.m., Friday, Harbour Club, 35 Prioleau St., Charleston
SOCIAL MEDIA
Our Rotary club actively uses social media — and we encourage you to interact with us through social media.
- We’re on Facebook. Take a look at our page and be sure to “like us”.
- We’re on Twitter. You can follow us @chasrotaryclub.
- We’re on Instagram. You can follow us @ChasRotaryClub.
ABOUT THE KEYWAY
The Keyway has been published weekly as a newsletter for the Rotary Club of Charleston for more than 90 years.
- President: Alex Dallis
- Keyway editor: Don Baus don@sgaarchitecture.com
- Executive secretary: Carroll Schweers, carrollschweers@gmail.com
- Mailing address: Rotary Club of Charleston, P.O. Box 21029 ,Charleston, SC 29413-1029
- Copyright 2018, Rotary Club of Charleston. All rights reserved.