Rotary Club of Charleston

How The Charleston Miracle League Came to Be

April 12, 2005 — Channing Proctor, a newly inducted Rotarian gave a heartfelt and moving talk about the events which led him to start the Charleston Miracle League, an organization devoted to giving mentally and physically challenged children the chance to play baseball.

Channing graduated from the Citadel in 1991 where he played baseball. Upon graduating he admitted to having the same goals as most just entering the workforce: “to make as much money as possible in as short a period of time as possible.” Channing moved to Atlanta and proceeded to do just that. Within 10 years he was running a medical sales operation covering the entire Southeast, and he and his wife were living in a great house, driving nice cars and seemed to have all the trappings of wealth and success. One day, Channing was escorting visitors through a local hospital when he happened to run into one of his former high school teachers. It was a bittersweet reunion. His friend and former teacher happened to be a patient in the hospital because she was dying of breast cancer. This event caused Channing to begin re-evaluating his life’s goals.

In the process of self-examination Channing identified three goals which were impor- tant to him. The first was his desire to be a good husband and father. The second goal was his long-held wish to write a book about an athletically talented young boy who leaves the game of baseball but who eventually returns. He already had the title, The Seasoned Rookie. Finally, Channing wanted to bring his family to live in Charleston. With these three goals in mind, Channing approached his wife who eventually agreed and supported the changes.

While Channing was writing his book, he happened to catch a news story which captured his imagination. The story was about a baseball program in Conyers, Georgia where handicapped children could play baseball on a special field. Because of his passion for the game, he tracked down the leaders of the program and offered to donate $1.00 from every book he sold. In turn, they urged him to come watch a game. It was while watching the children in Conyers play baseball that Channing recognized the passion to which he wanted to devote his energies. He wanted to give mentally and physically handicapped children an opportunity to share and participate in the game he loves so much, baseball.

At first Channing could not get anyone interested in his idea. Nobody would even agree to serve on his board. Undeterred, he hit on an idea guaranteed to generate a lot of attention and get the ball rolling. He decided to donate his beloved 1965 Ford Thunderbird as a means to raise the money to start the Miracle League. Channing aired the Live Five news clip of that fundraising effort in which $25,000.00 was raised. In late summer 2004, the Charleston Miracle League broke ground on their new baseball field, and Opening Day took place in November 2004. Sixty kids showed up to play along with 500 spectators and volunteers. The television news coverage showed the smiles, excitement, and joy on the faces of everyone involved.

The Miracle League sponsors an eight-weekend spring and fall season. Children ages 5 to 18 who have a physical or mental challenges are invited to play. There are six teams, and games are held on Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.. Each player is assigned a special buddy to help them while they play.

Channing urged anyone who might be interested to come out and watch a game. Joe Griffith Miracle Field is located west of the Ashley off Play- ground Road. There are many opportunities to volunteer, and to do so in any capacity that one might wish. One member asked whether opportunities exist for businesses to get involved and Channing answered affirmatively. Business involvement could range from sponsoring a team to donating much needed equipment such as team t-shirts. More information and registration forms can be obtained on their website: www.charlestonmiracleleague.org.

In other business. . .

Amy Jenkins gave the invocation and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and David Ginn welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests. Bucky Knowlton offered Health & Happiness, and President Mark made an announcement regarding the upcoming Open House. He also acknowledged and reciprocated a toast from the Rotary Club of South Africa. Bill Eaton asked for support for the Alzheimer’s Educational Support program. Three new members were inducted: Kenneth Fox, Dan Parker, and Channing Proctor. Earl Walker introduced our speaker (and new member) Channing Proctor.

— Helen Harloe, Keyway Committee

The Democratic Party in South Carolina
We all have responsibilities no matter what our party

April 5, 2005 — Our speaker, Joe Erwin, is the new Chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party. He spoke to Rotarians today about the Democratic Party, what needs to be done within the Party, and what it means to have the kind of responsibilities we have today as a free citizen of South Carolina and the United States.

Erwin’s speech was not necessarily motivated by a “Democrat versus Republican” mindset; rather he noted that we are all quite similar because we discuss our is- sues in reasonable formats such as debates, unlike many countries around the world who kill each other over sim- ple policy differences. Republican or Democrat, we all have responsibilities to our state and country, even if we are not in the military.

Erwin earned his position by wanting to make a difference for South Carolina, although the state Democratic Party at the time was deeply in debt and its candidates were not doing well in recent elections. However, he felt this was the time to fight hard for the Party and make changes. He stated, “when things look their bleakest, that is the time for greatest opportunity.” With that said, he ran for the position (after being talked into it by his wife, a self-described

“Independent”) and now he is charged with rebuilding the Party and recruiting “good men and women”. He will also be charged with finding a Democratic candidate to run for Governor in next year’s election. He even mentioned a few names as possible candidates, including Senator Tommy Moore from Clearwater and Senator Anson McGill from Kingstree. Erwin also offered his thoughts on Howard Dean as a national party leader who understands grassroots politics.

Erwin admits the issues are different between Democrats and Republicans, but
ultimately we all have a responsibility to elevate democracy for everyone.

In other business. . .

Jake Burrows gave the invocation and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Jim Geffert welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests. Richard von Werssowetz offered Health & Happiness, and Ellen Jackson made an announcement regard- ing the upcoming Open House. Four new members were inducted: Jeremy Cook, Gordon Jones, Wayne Outlaw, and Chaun Pflug. Andy Brack introduced our speaker, Joe Erwin.

— Amy Riley

Wendt noted that the Social Security website is rich with historical material dating back to the founding of the system that during the depth of the Great Depression. Among the principles of Roosevelt outlined were that the plan would be tied to work and that the program would be funded. His intention was to soften the blow of the “vicissitudes of life.” The plan was to start collecting taxes in 1937 and start paying benefit to 1942, after accumulating assets. In 1938, a group of Republicans changed the law to start paying out benefits and added disability as a benefit. The result is a mix of a trust and a pay-as-you-go system. In 1983, several changes were enacted to shore up the program, such as slowly increasing the retirement age, increasing the payroll tax, and scaled back benefits.

The real issue, Wendt says, it that human behavior does not lend itself to private accounts. The experience with 401(k) plans has been people make poor investment decisions and use retirement funds for current needs. In addition, the stock market entails risk and timing is everything. If someone has a bad fortune to retire during a down market, they could be left with considerably diminished retirement income.

Wendt thinks that the outcome will be similar to the federal retirement system, which has three or more index funds to choose from and purchase an annuity at retirement. There would be a minimum payout guaranteed by the government. The funding for these plans differs – Graham’s would increase the payroll tax, while Shaw’s would rely on current taxpayers.

Wendt also noted that the key question is what are expectations and whether this will work. The federal government would be the biggest investor of the private stock market, which has enormous ramifications. In addition, there are increased costs administrative costs of transition of politics, which will the objections to what companies are invested in such as tobacco companies, while cigarette so on: the public pressure for exemptions, which is already happened in 401(k) plans; and the impact of risk the role of government in the stock market or a lot in our lives in general.

Regardless of what we do, Wendt concluded, it will cost.

In other business. . .

Patterson Smith gave the invocation and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Sue Sommer Kresse welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests. John Bleecker offered Health & Happiness, and Paul Welborn made an announcement regarding the 2006 District Conference. Joan Ustin introduced our speaker, Robertson Wendt.

— Amy Riley

Report from Japan, details of Spring social
President-elect Smith offers glimpse into convention trip

JUNE 1, 2004 – The Club held a Spring Social this week at the City Gallery in lieu of its normal business meeting. Attendees were treated to good food, good art, and good company. Because there was no speaker on which to report, the Keyway is instead including the following report from Mark Smith, who attended the Rotary International Convention in Japan this month.

Mark’s Report:

My wife, Elayne and I recently attended the 95th Annual Rotary International Convention in Osaka, Japan on May 23-26th. The Convention Committee and Host Organization Committee did an excellent job with the agenda, programs and social events considering there were 45,560 Registrants and 111 Countries represented and in attendance.

The opening Plenary Session was most impressive. We were welcomed by the Prefecture Governor and the Mayor of Osaka, followed by the Presentation of the Flags of the Rotary World. The past presidents were introduced, and then Rotary International President Jonathon Majiyagbe (from Nigeria) delivered a wonderful presentation and recap of Rotary’s good work in vocational and international service, water management, population and health concerns, literacy and education. There were lots of celebrations of Interact and Youth Exchange, RYLA, The Rotary Foundation, and the family of Rotary, as well as several other causes and programs close to Rotarians’ hearts.

The second plenary session spotlighted the Centennial and the many ways Rotarians can celebrate this Rotary milestone while preparing for a new century of success. There was a Centennial book signing by all the past presidents present and the author, and a president and president-elect recognition luncheon.

The third plenary session opened with a presentation of the Rotary World Peace Award for Understanding and Peace to the Tim Parry Jonathan Ball Trust. Then the Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair, James Lacey, addressed the convention with an inspirational overview of the Foundation’s work to do good in the world.

The fourth and last Plenary Session looked to the future of Rotary, and President-elect Glenn Estess addressed the convention about the areas of focus for the Centennial Year of Rotary.

I would encourage everyone to get involved this year in our club in some capacity. I could not be more honored than I am to lead us into the Centennial Year of Rotary as your President-elect. I look forward to working with each and everyone one of you as we celebrate together the 100th Anniversary of Rotary. God Bless all of you and all the good work Rotarians do in our community, country, and world.

— Amy Jenkins

Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy
Pastoral care and counseling for those who risk their lives for us

July 27, 2004 – – Rob Dewey, Senior Chaplain and Founder of Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy, spoke to Rotarians about the counseling needs of our fire, police and EMS rescue professionals and the stress they undergo everyday in the line of duty. CCC ministers to these fire, police, and EMS professionals, but also to others including their families, rescue crews and emergency victims themselves.

Founded in 1990, CCC also provides on-scene early intervention at emergency scenes by responding with trained clergy. Oftentimes, if a victim of an accident or other emergency situation requires ministering, the patient’s priest from his/her church can be called by a Chaplain. CCC’s 15 current volunteers also network with Chaplains from area hospitals and Chaplains at the Citadel. Emergency personnel and their families also benefit from CCC counseling for on-the-job stress and pressure. According to statistics, suicide takes more emergency personnel’s lives than duty, so this ministry is especially important.

CCC responds to emergencies locally, statewide, and nationally. Locally, Chaplains respond to automobile accidents, suicide attempts and other emergency situations in the Charleston region thanks to a team of local clergy, volunteers and networks of other area Chaplains. Through the South Carolina Association of Chaplains and SLED, Rob and his team also respond to events on a statewide level, such as the recent death of an Orangeburg police officer. Staff Chaplains helped the Orangeburg Police Department and supported its officers during this time of grief at the loss of one of their own. CCC even responds nationally, and this was evident when Rob went to New York after the attacks of September 11, 2001. Among his many other hats, Rob is also a Chaplain for the FBI and ATF where he routinely trains for potential terror attacks and hostage crisis negotiations.

We are proud of our fellow Rotarian who has formed the first Crisis Chaplaincy program in South Carolina, which is only among 100 other programs in the U.S.!