September 28, 2021
City Councilman Mike Seekings joined our meeting and gave us some informative updates on the population growth of Charleston, plans to address
our flooding issues, and the state of mass transit in the Lowcountry. Mike even brought along his completed membership application so we look forward to him joining our club soon. Don’t forget to sign up for the October social event, a boat cruise on October 13, and the upcoming Adopt-A-Highway community service project on October 23.
Mike Seekings, City Councilmember serving District 8, spoke to us this week on several topics of interest in the city. He also informed us that he has submitted his application and is now a prospective member of the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston!
Mike shared a map of the City and its Council Districts. District 8 encompasses the lower part of the peninsula including the neighborhoods of Harleston Village, South of Broad, and Radcliffeborough. The city has grown geographically to nearly 200 square miles since it first expanded into West Ashley in the 1960’s. Mike
shared some population statistics from the 2020 Census. The city has grown 25% from 2010 compared to 7.4% increase in US population. The African American population has decreased from 26% in 2010 to 17%. Looking at population change in City Council Districts is also interesting. District 1 which includes Daniel Island and Cainhoy, and District 5, encompassing Johns Island and outer West Ashley, have the most population growth at 73% and 154% respectively.
Mike shared slides of some interesting things that are going on in the city. One of those was the recently completed rehabilitation of the Limehouse Street tunnel system. This is a brick arch system, built by hand in the 1850’s. It is some amazing work that has stood the test of time but needed repair and rehabilitation. There was a recent collapse at Coming and George Street on the upper end of the system that caused the road to be closed for several days while repairs were made. The rehabilitation project involved cleaning and stabilizing the system, approximately 1,700 linear feet, from Calhoun Street to the battery.
The US Army Corps of Engineers recently completed the “3X3X3 study” for a water barrier to protect the peninsula from storm surge. The original plan was for a single-use wall at an estimated cost of $1.75B. The proposed cost would be shared 65/35 between USACE and the City. But there would be additional costs for easement acquisition and maintenance by the city will be required. One concern is that the wall is single use designed for storm surge only and not for the more frequent flooding events that the peninsula experiences. Another concern is the aesthetics and impact of the wall. How will access and views to the water be maintained?
Mike shared some renderings of what the wall might look like at various locations around the peninsula. On September 10th of this year, USACE issued optimized plans. The plans added living shorelines, reduced impacts to wetlands, added aesthetic mitigation, and refined pump sizes and locations. The cost of the optimized plans was lowered to $1.1B. The wall will be 12’ above mean sea level (NAVD 88 datum) which is about 8’ higher than existing grade around the peninsula. Mike shared the timeline going forward. The plan is for the City to agree to Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with USACE in December of this year and for a final report to be issued in August 2022. Comments on the plan can be emailed to chs-peninsula-study@usace.army.mil.
Another major development regarding stormwater and flooding in the city was
the adoption and implementation of the Dutch Dialogues. One of the facilitators of the dialogues was Dale Morris who is now the Chief Resilience Officer for City. The overall recommendations were to develop a City-wide Water Plan. But the Peninsula should be highest priority. That is because it is the area with the highest density and is the most built-out. How do we adapt and fit solutions in this high-density area? One of the solutions is raising of structures that has become more common and accepted since the dialogues were enacted.
Phase 5 of the Crosstown drainage system, which includes the pumping station between the Ashley River bridges is under construction. There are also plans for the next phase, deep tunnel system for the Calhoun West drainage basin which includes the Medical District.
Mike talked about King Street and how it is the driver of so many things in Charleston. Property taxes comprise the largest component of the City’s $215M operating budget. Mike shared a map with graphics indicating property value per acre and King Street and the peninsula are significantly higher than other areas and thus make up a major component of the tax base. The King Street Shopping District was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of visitors per day dropped significantly in 2020. We are seeing a rebound in visitors this year, but the city needs to do everything possible to make sure the district thrives and continues to be an economic engine for the city.
After his talk Mike took some questions from members. One was related to his responsibilities as Chairman of the Board for CARTA. Mike talked about the Lowcountry Rapid Transit project that is going to connect Summerville to the Medical District with dedicated high-speed lanes for modern buses. This will be South Carolinas first mass transit system
Click here for a recording of last week’s meeting.
IN OTHER MEETING NEWS
- Hugh Lane gave the Invocation and led us in the pledge.
- Past President Sandy Morckel introduced our visiting Rotarians and guests.
- President Rob Dewey presented Health and Happiness.
- Steve Dopp introduced our speaker, Charleston Councilman Mike Seekings, who serves District 8.
MORE IN THIS WEEK’S KEYWAY
October 5, 2021 | Issue 5022 President: Rob Dewey
COMING EVENTS
-
- Oct. 5 – Gloria Gaynor (ZOOM ONLY)
- Oct. 6 – New Member Orientation, 4:30pm @ Caldwell Banker Realty
- Oct. 12 – District Governor Paul Walters
- Oct. 13 – Boat Cruise Social
- Oct. 19 – Ernest Adnrade, Chalreston Digital Corridor
- Oct. 23 – Adopt-A-Highway Service Project
- Oct. 26 – Mary Howell, Water Mission
NEWS BRIEFS
ZOOM Meeting this Tuesday
Our meeting this Tuesday, October 5 will only be offered on ZOOM. Do NOT go to 5 Faber – we will NOT be there.
Zoom info:
https://ls3p.zoom.us/j/89867736582?pwd=bFpBUCttSzk2Zmk2RklKanh4Um9iZz09
- Meeting ID: 898 6773 6582
- Passcode: 198166
Important – Masks Required at Meetings
In alignment with the new CDC recommendations, the Rotary Board has determined that the club needs to make adjustments to our Rotary meeting procedures. Effective immediately, we will be requiring all guests (vaccinated or unvaccinated) to wear a mask except when eating or drinking. We will not be taking temperatures upon arrival or requiring attendees to sign a waiver at the door.
The staff and servers at Hall’s will continue to wear masks and seating will appropriately social distanced.
For the safety of our members and guests, we ask all members to please comply with the CDC guidelines and our protocols.
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION SESSIONS
OCT. 6 and Nov. 16
Join Past-President and current District Membership Chair Digit Matheny and Past-President Brian Johnson for an upcoming Rotary Club of Charleston New Member Orientation/Information session. Attending one of these sessions will provide you with the information and tools to help you make the most of your Rotary membership.
Two of these sessions will be offered in Oct. and Nov., so that you can choose the one which best fits your schedule, as follows:
- Oct 6, at 4:30 pm, Caldwell Banker Realty, 1127 Queensborough Blvd., Mt. Pleasant; parking is also available behind the building.
- Nov. 16, at 11:15am, prior to our regularly scheduled Rotary meeting at Hall’s 5 Faber St.
Please use the following link to the Doodle Poll to indicate which one of these sessions you would like to attend:
https://doodle.com/poll/rrw2gcuharmphdfp?utm_source=poll&utm_medium=link
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Membership Chair, Cleave Ham.
Adopt-A-Highway Volunteer Meeting
Our next Adopt-A-Highway pick up is Saturday, Oct. 23rd. All Adopt-A-Highway volunteers should plan to meet for a very short meeting immediately following our October 12th luncheon. Any questions, please contact David Cohen @ cohen8282@gmail.com.
Congratulations to the first class of the LDI
The Leadership Development Institute, a program supported by a $50,000 grant from our Rotary club, graduated its first ‘class’ recently with several members of the Charleston Police and Fire Departments having successfully undergone the extensive program. We are proud that our fellow Rotarians CPD Chief Luther Reynolds and CFD Chief Dan Curia made the commitment to implement a program that will strengthen their forces’ leadership and community service skills. Special thanks to our Rotarian of the Year Digit Matheny who was the lead liaison on this project for our club.
October Social – Boat Cruise
Bring your spouse or guest and join us for a boat cruise aboard the Daniel Island Ferry on Wednesday, Oct. 13 from 5pm-7pm. The boat will leave from 10 Wharfside Street (downtown). The number of attendees is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot by responding to the Evite. If all slots have not been filled by our membership by the end of October 5th, we will open up the reservations to other guests.
TY (Thank You) Pin to Prewitt and Nettles
Our Rotary Club is continuing to recognize former and long-time retired Rotarians, so we may present them with a lapel pin. The pin was designed by Rotarian Don Oswalt. In the middle of the pin the initials “TY” = Thank-You. On the outside of the pin states that the TY is from your Club – The Historic Club of Charleston – Rotary.
This past Tuesday, Membership Chair Cleave Ham was honored to recognize and thank for their many years of service two long-time, dedicated Rotarians – Bill Prewitt and Bill Nettles. Bill Prewitt served our club for 33 years until resigning in 2020. He served as a Board Member and actively participated on various committees. He was a Paul Harris Fellow + 8, Rotary Benefactor and had many years of perfect attendance. Bill Nettles is a current “Excused” member of our club and has been an active Rotarian for over 35 years. He is a Paul Harris Fellow + 3 and Rotary Benefactor. He led a Group Study Exchange to Scotland in 1994. It is important to note that both of these Rotarians also served our military – Bill Prewitt, USMC and Bill Nettles, USAF. It was wonderful to have both of these outstanding Rotarians back with us!
Our Board feels it is imperative to show appreciation to our former, retired Rotarians, who have given so much of their time, talents and treasure over the years towards making our Club ‘Even Better’.
Contact Membership Chair, Cleave Ham CleaveHam@msn.com with others whom we need to recognize.
Social & Fundraiser for Hurricane Ida Relief
Thanks to everyone who participated in the raffle at our social last Tuesday. There were lots of great prizes and $650 was raised in support of Hurricane Ida Disaster Relief. A silent auction is still open through October 12 and includes a great donation of a stay at Jeanne Jamme’s mountain home in North Carolina.
No cash? No problem. We now take Venmo!
Thanks to overwhelming demand by our younger, cash-fee members, the club will now accept Venmo payments. Venmo can be used to pay dues, meals for guests, contribute happy dollars and conduct other transactions which previously required cash, check or credit cards. Simply add @rotaryclubofcharleston as a payee on your Venmo account. Thanks Joseph Tecklenburg for helping us reach this incredible technology milestone!
Rob Dewey is now looking into how we can use Bitcoin to pay our dues.
Charleston 50: Year Two
Charleston50, a fundraising campaign launched by the Rotary Club of Charleston to fund community grants, has already reached 58% of its 2021-22 goal during the first 24 days of our fiscal year!
Begun last year when traditional events were canceled due to COVID, the project is continuing thanks to the overwhelming response by members who donate $500 annually to support deserving non-profits in our club’s service area.
The Rev. Rob Dewey, club president, said, “Charleston50 was a surprise success for us. After decades of supporting projects by selling tickets and sponsorships, we quickly learned that our members value the impact our club has in the community and the easy way they can give through Charleston50.”
Charleston50 members receive several visibility benefits including being listed on the club’s website and on a slide deck visible for 20 minutes before each meeting; a pin; a sticker; and an opportunity to briefly greet club members. Donations to Charleston50 are made through the non-profit arm of our club and are 100% tax-deductible.
Please download and complete the Pledge Form here, and return it via email to Phoenicia Miracle at PMiracle@MiracleStrategies.com.
Support The CART Fund
It is easy for club members to make individual contributions and support The CART Fund electronically. The CART Fund has a new portal www.mycartfund.org, which you can easily access. As a Rotarian and a DACdb user, you automatically have an account already set-up in your name. Your user name and password are the same as it is for the DACdb.
Become a PHF & Support the Rotary Foundation
Do not forget your opportunity to be recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. Eighty-five dollars a month gets you there. Please reach out to Karl Riner, Club Foundation Chair, to sign up or ask questions.
Our Club is on Social Media
Members are encouraged to follow all of our social media channels and share posts with their followers too! We also need members to send us pictures 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 sent to Mike Sottak, mikesottak@gmail.com, or Rob Byko, rob@bykorealty.com.
MEMBER NEWS
Congratulations and best wishes to Rosalinda Loredo and her husband, Carlos, on the birth of their son, Charles, on September 26. Charles weighed 8lbs 7oz. Mom and baby are doing well and at home.
Congratulations to Dave Echols & our Charleston Riverdogs – Low-A East Champions!! This is a franchise first for the Riverdogs and the city’s first minor league baseball title in nearly a century.
We are excited to have a new member! Elizabeth Hills was inducted by President Rob this past Tuesday. Elizabeth was sponsored and introduced by President-Elect Virginia Lee and join under the classification of Maritime Services. Welcome to our Rotary family, Elizabeth!
Proposed New Members
The following membership candidates have submitted an application and signed letter of agreement to the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston:
Tracy Christopher – sponsor: Cleave Ham; classification: Mortgage/Executive
Mike Seekings – sponsor: Cleave Ham; classification: Law/Construction
Robbie Wachman – sponsor: Digit Matheny; classification: Construction/Roofing
In the event you know Tracy, Mike or Robbie, please tell a member of the Board how he will serve the ideasl of Rotary.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Rotarian: Daniel West
-
- JOINED: 8/23/2021
- SPONSOR: Cleave Ham
- MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT: New Member
- CLASSIFICATION: Financial Advisor
- PROFESSION: Financial Services
- SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOURSELF: A native of Erie, PA but for the last 20 years my wife Jen and I have called Charleston home. Over that time I have spent 14 years in hospitality management until I made a career change to the finance industry. For over six years I have been able to utilize the skills I acquired during my previous career to develop genuine relationships while learning the necessary financial acumen to offer sound advice to my clients
- JOINED: 8/23/2021
Birthdays
- 10/3 – Stavros Triantafyllidis
- 10/5 – James Yanney
- 10/8 – Dan Curia
- 10/9 – Cleave Ham
WELLNESS TIP
Avoid the pumpkin spice latte trap
You know it’s fall when the pumpkin spice latte makes its debut. Though they might get you in the autumnal spirit, they’re sky-high in fat and sugar, which add up to hundreds of calories. Make your drink healthier by choosing low- or non-fat milk instead of whole, say “no” to whipped cream, and ask for less flavor syrup. Cinnamon is a great fall spice that has health benefits and can also be used instead of the sweetener.
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: 7:30AM Hall’s Signature Events, 5 Faber, 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: Rob Dewey
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