President Shannon Stephens began the meeting at 8:15. David Leininger offered a blessing which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Sergeant-at-arms Brian Neumann introduced visiting Rotarians and guests, collected Happy Dollar$ and told a story about driving under the influence.
VISITING ROTARIANS:
Jennifer Stupica (Hilton Head lunch)
Ken Nykiel (Schaumburg, IL)
Richard Rorschach (Kilgore, TX)
Robin Kusumi (Willmington, DE)
GUESTS:
Janet Noonan (speaker)
Neil Castellane (guest of Greg James & Sonny Huntley)
Caroline Cauthen (guest of Mike Briggs)
Charles & Margaret Cauthen (Caroline's parents)
Jeff Kusumi (guest of Robin Kusumi)
Scout & Pelham (Shannon's kids)
Tom Donkerbrook (father of Darcie Patrick)
Hake Patrick (Darcie's son)
REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Shannon announced that today marks the "first reading" for prospective member Neil Castellane.
Darcie Patrick announced the revised schedule for Saturday's trash pickup at Hilton Head High School. Volunteers should meet in the parking lot at 4:00 p.m. for the one hour project which will be followed by complementary pizza and beer at TJ's Take & Bake which is at 35 Main Street in the J. Banks Design Group complex. This two-stage event replaces the Spring Social (all-you-could-have-eaten crab legs) party.
Shannon called Darcie to the podium to receive the Rotary District 7770 Vocational Service Leadership Award for her (and the club's) contribution to educational vocation service.
Darcie Patrick accepts vocational service award from Shannon
Mike Briggs announced that next week's meeting will take place at the International Baccalaureate School. Please use the front entrance and be directed to the meeting room for breakfast and a school update.
Mike also reported that the first of two Bike Give-a-Ways will be on June 3, also at the IB School. The second phase will be at Creative Arts Academy on a date to be announced later.
Lastly, Mike introduced Caroline Cauthen, our 2013 VanLandingham Rotary Scholarship winner. Caroline was accompanied by her parents, Charles & Margaret Cauthen. Caroline thanked the club for the award which will help with tuition at College of Charleston.
Scholarship winner Caroline Cauthen with Shannon StephensDave Pierce announced that the annual in-water boat show at South Carolina Yacht Club (Windmill Harbour) is this Saturday & Sunday from 10-5:00. Dave will be manning our popcorn wagon and will appreciate volunteer help from our ranks. Please let Dave know if you can help and tell the Windmill Harbour gate security folks you're going to the Yacht Club.
Mike Middleton reminded all that the annual Founders Night party will be at the Country Club of Hilton Head the evening of June 8. Enjoy the open bar starting at 6:00 for the hour before dinner (grouper or filet Mignon) at 7:00, as well as the hour following dinner. All are encouraged to attend this gala which also celebrates the club's 30th anniversary. Please sign up as soon as possible.
Evan Jeffords introduced our speakers, Jennifer Stupica and Janet Noonan, representing the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program. Each year since its inception in 1985 approximately 20 up and coming leaders in the community are selected to participate in this program designed to cultivate leadership resources by giving participants the opportunity to study and experience the area's history, government, economy, human services and culture. The program runs from August through May with one day-long class each month including an overnight weekend retreat and a mid-week overnight trip. Deadline for application to the program is May 31 with selection shortly thereafter. If you are interested for yourself, an employee or friend, you are encouraged to make application in the remaining days of May or wait until next year's program. For additional information or an application please call 843-341-8369, visit www.leadershiphhib.org or CLICK HERE.
Jennifer Stupica
Janet Noonan
Following the Leadership presentation Bingo was awarded and the meeting adjourned at 9:00