January 14, 2020:
Legendary football star and renowned Hollywood actor Ed Marinaro visited
our club this week. The former college and NFL running back standout and TV star, now a local resident, charmed us with stories of his football and acting past.
This week we were very lucky to be able to listen to some great stories about football, Hollywood and life in between the two, from Ed Marinaro. Ed is still acting, but decided 9 years ago to leave LA, and now lives with his wife and son on Daniel Island. Ed spoke loosely about his life in a way that was engaging and hilarious.
Ed is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and set many records as a star running back at Cornell. One that stands today, is most rushing attempts per game in a season: 39.6 rushes per game in the 1971 season. He was runner up for the Heisman Trophy that year. Ed was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings and played 6 seasons in the NFL with the Vikings, Jets, and Seahawks. He appeared in Superbowl VIII and IX with the Vikings.
After the NFL, Ed became an actor and played many roles in television and 
movies. One of his early roles was on Laverne and Shirley. In 1981 he was cast as Officer Joe Coffey on Hill Street Blues, which became a hit series that ran for seven seasons.
Ed joked that he is a non-motivational speaker because he was very lucky in his life. But he cited one of his coaches who said, “luck is where preparation meets opportunity”. One example of being prepared, and what he said was one of his best decisions, was choosing to attend Cornell. Having an Ivy League education was something he know he could always fall back on, when football was over.
Many people ask Ed how he managed to make the transition from the NFL to Hollywood. Again, it was about preparation and opportunity. Ed was a friend of Joe Namath, who put him in touch with his agent and got him a screen test in 1975 for the Six Million Dollar Man. Although, he didn’t get the part, Ed saw what the pay would have been, and it would have been significantly more than his current NFL salary of $24,000 per year. This was in 1975, and Ed would play two more years in the NFL. During his last off-season, he moved to Hollywood and took an acting workshop to seriously pursue an acting career. It was a major change to train himself to emote as an actor, where in football he was trained to never show emotion. Ed finished his final year at the Jets and moved full time to LA and began to get work.
Ed told a story about his first season on Hills Street Blues, where things could have gone differently have affected his career. NBC had ordered 11 episodes and then added 4 more due to the success of the show. In the final episode, Ed’s character Joe Coffey, was to be shot and killed. As the week of shooting went on, the producers issue revised scripts and on the last day they ended up shooting two alternate endings: one where Coffey is shot in chest, and another with an indirect shot to his side. The producer told Ed “The life of Joe Coffey is in your agent’s hands!”. The negotiations were successful, and Ed worked on the show for another 5 seasons. He did ask to be killed off in Season 6, because he knew the show was ending and he wanted to move on.
Ed took many questions from members. He was asked about playing with Fran Tarkenton, today’s NFL vs his era, and whether the Jet’s would ever get it together. He told a funny story about the old NFL, where players all had jobs, even working during the season. The kicker for the Vikings was a chiropractor who would work on the players after games. He talked about how the best teams have the best owners and let their people do their jobs. In all, it was a thoroughly entertaining talk and the club greatly appreciated hearing Ed speak.
Submitted by Jeff Webb, Keyway Committee
IN OTHER MEETING NEWS
-
- Marjorie Hanger gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.
- Stefany Ceccato welcomed all visiting Rotarians & guests.
- President Sandy Morckel presented Health and Happiness.
- Tom Leonard introduced our guest speaker, Ed Marinaro, who is a former professional football player and actor. In 1971, he finished as a runner-up to Pat Sullivan for the Heisman Trophy, and from 2010–2011 starred in the football comedy series, Blue Mountain State. He is also known as a regular cast member on Hill Street Blues, playing Officer Joe Coffey for five seasons (1981–1986).
MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY
January 21, 2019 | Issue 4953 | President: Sandy Morckel
COMING EVENTS
-
- Jan. 21 – Mac Hodgson, GEL & the Low Country
- Jan. 28 – No Meeting
- Feb. 4 – Darrin Goss, Coastal Community Foundation
- Feb 11 – Bob Smith, CEO Goodwill
- Feb. 18 – Charleston Police Department, Active Shooter
- Feb. 25 – No Meeting
- Feb. 29 – 100 Year Gala
NEWS BRIEFS
Rotary Club of Charleston History Moment
At each meeting, President Sandy plans to share some of the snippets of our club’s amazing 100 year history and our impact on Charleston and around the world. It will be a fun trip down memory lane and will also be shared in the Keyway.
The 70s (1970-73)
The Charleston Rotary Club started the 70’s still meeting at the Francis Marion Hotel with 167 members. We began by contributing to the blood bank and deciding to staff the kettles for the Salvation Army. Speakers included Palmer Gaillard who had just been elected to his fourth term.
The “Keyway” started to feature and print summaries of our first fifty years as a Club. We collected $650 for the Salvation Army. The Ladies Auxiliary known as the Rotary Anns celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1973 as a support arm of Rotary. The Club donated $2000 toward a new bus for the Cripple Children’s Society. Senator Fritz Hollings was a guest speaker. We ended 1973 with 175 members.
50/50 Raffle
The 50/50 Raffle continues at our weekly meeting. This Tuesday members will have a 1 in 7 chance to win. The pot will start at $430. Bring your cash and let’s grow the pot. You do need to be present to win. Tickets are available at meetings – 1 for $5 or 3 for $10.
Get Your Rotary 100 Anniversary Apparel
Rotary 100th Anniversary Commemorative gear is now on sale! Don Oswalt and our PR Team showcased a golf shirt and tee-shirt in varying colors and sizes, along with a baseball cap, all with our 100th anniversary logo. We encourage every Rotarian to purchase one or more of the special merchandise and wear it proudly at every Rotary function or volunteer activity in which we participate. Golf shirts will be available for $45, tee-shirts for $20 and hats for $20. You can purchase these items online here or at the Rotary Meetings over the next 2 weeks. We will place the group order for all items at the beginning of February.
January Dues Statements
January dues statements were distributed via email to all members the second week of December. Payment is due 30 days from receipt. We realize the holidays are a busy time, so if you have misplaced your statement or don’t remember receiving one, please contact Carroll.
International Project Grants
The International Committee of our club is now accepting grant applications for international projects that you may be involved. Grants will be made to build international relations that improve lives and create a better world to support peace efforts and end polio.
Areas of Rotary focus are promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and hygiene, saving mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local economies. Please reach out to Karl Riner, Committee Chair should you want to participate or receive more information.
Boat Raffle tickets now on sale
The annual Boat Raffle has begun! Tickets are now available for all Rotarians to help with our major fundraiser of the year. The prize is once again a beautiful Sea Fox boat valued at $40,000. And a cash equivalent prize of $15,000 is also an option for the winner. Tickets are $100 and no more than 1,000 will be sold – great odds!
Please get out there and sell tickets to family, friends and colleagues. This is 
the primary source of revenue for us to fund all the great work we do all year long. This year its even easier to sell tickets. In addition to the traditional printed tickets, which you can get from Doug Holmes, you can direct people to buy tickets in other ways.
By Text: simply text BOATRAFFLE to 44-321 and tickets can be purchased through a mobile device.
By web site: Log on to the Rotary web site at www.charleston-rotary.org and click on the link at the top left of the page to go to a secure web page to buy tickets
In person: at one of several Rotarian businesses selling tickets including
-
- ERA Wilder Realty, 122 Coleman Blvd. Mt Pleasant.
- State Farm Insurance: 3750 Savannah Highway, John’s Island
- NV Realty, 91 Broad, St. Charleston
The winning ticket will be drawn at our 100th Anniversary Gala Event on February 29, 2020.
Become a sponsor of the Rotary 100th Year Anniversary
As we gear up for our 100th Anniversary celebration there are are some great sponsorship opportunities to give businesses visibility and the excellent PR that come along with being associated with Rotary. Sponsorship packages range from $250 to $10,000 and include participation and visibility at our 100th Anniversary Gale Event on February 29. Go here to see the sponsorship options and you can pay for the package you chose right on the web site. And share this with other businesses or potential sponsor you think would benefit from this great marketing and community support opportunity. Remember, this is part of our fund raising effort and most of the funds will go directly back into the projects and organizations we support throughout the year.
If you want an electronic file of the sponsorship packages to email around or print out, contact Lisa Van Bergen lvanbergen0530@gmail.com
Gala Event Tickets on sale now!
Mark you calendars and get your ticket now for the event of the year: The 
Rotary Club of Charleston 100th Anniversary Gala Dinner event. The event will be held February 29, 2020 at the Francis Marion Hotel.
Tickets are $100 and there will only be 300 sold, so act now.
To purchase tickets, go here
Featured keynote speaker is Past Rotary International President John Germ, Moderator/Host PJ Browning, Publisher of The Post and Courier, along with highlights of our 100 years of impact in Charleston. Black tie optional.
6 pm: Cocktail Reception with live music
7 pm: Dinner and program
8 pm: Dancing and entertainment with Zandrina Dunning Experience
You won’t want to miss this fantastic celebration of Rotary’s 100 years of Service Above Self in Charleston.
District 7770 All Club Conference
The 2020 District 7770 All Club Conference will be held March 27-29 at Hilton Columbia Center. Registration is now open and the deadline to get the “Early Bird” rates is January 31. Our club will pick up the conference registration fee for any member who would like to attend on a first come, first serve basis. You can attend one day or the entire weekend. Throughout the weekend, you will enjoy learning more about Rotary and meeting other Rotarians from around our District. You will also have the opportunity to participate with other Rotarians in two service projects. Rotarians are responsible for their own accommodations. If you are interested in attending and need help registering on the DACdb, please let Carroll know. Members can find more information and register themselves on the DACdb database under the “Calendar” tab. Please be sure to select “Pay by Club Check” as method of payment and send your confirmation to Carroll. You don’t have to be a Board Member or even a committee chair to attend – all Rotarians are invited.
Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI): Feb 15
Would you like to learn more about Rotary? If you have never been to an RLI, or if it has been a while, we have the perfect opportunity for you.
When – Saturday, February 15, 2020 from 9:00 am to 3:45 pm. Doors open at 8:00 am for registration, coffee and mingling.
Where – Trident Technical College, Building 1000, SC Aeronautical Training Center, 7000 Rivers Road, North Charleston, SC 29406.
What – Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is frequently referred to as the Rotary Learning Institute. It is a series of fast-paced, interactive, one-day courses offered to refine a Rotarian’s leadership skills and increase their base of knowledge in Rotary. Courses are fun, topical, interactive, and geared toward busy business and professional persons who want to be more effective leaders in their vocation and club.
Why – This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about this ever-evolving organization that we are a part of. Participants will not learn everything about all of Rotary’s programs, but they will gain a greater appreciation for the avenues of service and programs of Rotary International. We believe that RLI will help you to help your club to improve and grow and stay vibrant.
Join us on February 15th. Registration can be accomplished by going here: Register NOW for RLI – Charleston, SC – D7770
You can also register on the district calendar, or at www.rli33.org.
Rotary District 7770 Cruise for CART
Rotary District 7770 is sponsoring a cruise in October 2020 to support the 
CART Fund. $100 of each ticket will be donated to CART (Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust) to fund research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s. We are inviting every Rotarian regardless of club or district affiliation to join in this opportunity to raise money for CART. Since its inception, the CART Fund has given $8.2 million in research grants. Children and non-Rotarians are also invited to participate in this cruise.
October might seem like a long way off, but deposits are due by February 10, 2020. The final payment is not due until June 25, 2020. Pricing is dependent on your choice of cabin. Every Rotarian should have received an email with an attachment with detailed information. The District website also has listed the pricing as well as the information sheet which needs to be included with your deposit.
The cruise will depart from Charleston the afternoon of Saturday, October 17, 2020 and return to Charleston the morning of Saturday, October 24, 2020. The ship will be the Carnival Sunshine, which is new to Charleston. The ports of call will be Bermuda and Princess Cays. On one of the nights at sea, we will have a party for those participating in the fundraiser.
This will be a wonderful opportunity to have a great time, enjoy the fellowship of old friends, meet new friends and support the CART Fund.
Outbound Youth Exchange Students Needed for 2020-2021
Our District’s Youth Exchange Program needs your support. The District would like to be able to send between 15 and 19 Outbound students a year on Exchange and receive the same number of Inbounds coming into our District. To do that, the District needs clubs, members and local schools to get involved that have not previously been involved. Children of Rotarians are eligible for this wonderful opportunity.
Preliminary Outbound applications are now being accepted for the 2020-21 year. Everyone’s help is needed to keep this program strong and change the lives of young people. Please contact Karl Riner, Karen Clark or Richard Sidebottom of our International Committee, if you have any questions or know of someone interested in participating.
Corporate/Family Membership
As we strive to expand our membership, the Board has discussed and approved a new membership category. We are now able to offer Corporate/Family Memberships for members of the same business, organization or family. The primary member will pay full club dues of $550 every 6 months. Associate members can also join at a fee of $225 every 6 months including a one-time $100 initiation fee. Associate members will be responsible for paying the $25 meal fee for lunches attended unless the primary member is not in attendance then there is no charge for their meal. Associate members will have all of the benefits of being a Rotarian as the primary member. If you have a co-worker or immediate family member who would like to be a part of Rotary and join as an Associate member, please contact one of our membership chairs – Digit Matheny digitrm@gmail.com or Heidi Finniff heidifinniff@gmail.com to see how they can join.
Our Club is 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
Welcome to new member, Thomas Barry! Thomas was inducted into our 
clubthis past Tuesday. He was sponsored and introduced by President Sandy and will hold the classification of Construction/Restaurant Mgmt.
Congratulations to Charlton Wieters, who received his BLUE badge! Charlton has been an active member and successfully completed all the “Red Badge” requirements.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Alan Burgreen
-
-
- JOINED: December 2019
- SPONSOR: Heidi Finniff
- MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT: Red Badge Member
- CLASSIFICATION: Construction/Management
- PROFESSION: General Construction/Vice President, Robbins Construction Group
- SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF: I am the first in my family to graduate from a 4 year university.
- JOINED: December 2019
-
Birthdays
-
- 1/24 – Jeff Webb
- 1/27 – Conrad Zimmerman & Doug McFarland
By the numbers
-
- Attendance on January 14, 2020: 71
- Not in attendance: Allen, Altman, Baggs, Carico, Chico, Coe, Coghill, Cole, Cook, Coxe, Crouch, Deavenport, Drafts, Gill, Husser, Jamme, Johnson, Jones, C., Kaynard, Morelli, Oswalt, Patrick, Peters, Ravenel, Riley, Rust, Savage, Shahid, Smith, M., Smith, P., Sottak, Strickland, Taylor, Tecklenburg, John, Tecklenburg, Peter, Triantafyllidis, Woodell
- Out of Town Make-ups: Kay Minson – Rotary Club of Raffles City, Singapore
WELLNESS TIP
Eat Berries with Breakfast
Berries are an incredible food, rich in nutrients for our brain, our digestion, and they’re disease-preventative. They’re also a fresh source of produce and keep us fuller than processed cereals with dried fruits. Add 1/2 cup of your choice frozen or fresh berries to either a smoothie, oatmeal, or just have some with some unsweetened coconut yogurt and a little chia or flax seeds. Berries are also a great source of vitamin C to kick-start your immune system.
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: Sandy Morckel
- 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