Meeting Notes, April 25, 2017

President Tim Ridge called the meeting to order at 8:10. Brian Goode offered a blessing followed by the pledge of allegiance.

 

Past president John Farrenkopf, filling in for sergeant-at-arms Jennifer DeHart, introduced visiting Rotarians and guests, collected Happy Dollar$, and turned the Rotary spotlight on member-in-waiting Jim Baden. Jim has been a Hilton Head Islander since 2002 having moved from Hamilton, Ohio, where he was an active Rotarian. After a stint in the air force he was a practicing surgeon in Hamilton for 33 years. Jim was posted for membership this morning.

 

Ken Nykiel (Schaumburg, IL)
Jim Baden (Hamilton, OH)
Richard Rorschach (Kilgore, TX)
Steve Riley (Hilton Head lunch)

 

Andre Naniche (guest of John Cunningham)
Ellie Pierce (guest of Dave Pierce)
Jan Kirk (guest of Lou Benfante
Lauri Davis (guest of Ivan Bennett)
Tim Kenny (guest of Ray Makalous)
 

 

 

ADG Nancy Riedel reported that several members attended the district training assembly and are now super proficient in all things Rotary.

 

Last week's bulletin highlighted our participation at the Heritage golf tournament. Photos can be viewed by CLICKING HERE.

 

This past Sunday several VanLandingham Rotarians took part in the dedication of The First Tee of the Lowcountry, recipient of our 2017 auction proceeds.

 

 

See all of Ivan Bennett's First Tee photos at THIS LINK.

 

Membership Chair Ben Shelton reported that Ken Meyer has submitted his resignation and Jim Baden was posted for membership.

 

Tim Ridge introduced today's speaker, Steve Riley, Town Manager. Steve has served the Town of Hilton Head Island since 1991; initially as the Community Development Director and, since 1994, as Town Manager. In this capacity he is responsible for the daily operations of the town government. Steve previously served as a planner for both the City of Beaufort and Beaufort County.

 

Steve shared a PowerPoint presentation about the effects of Hurricane Matthew. This powerful storm cost the Town $55 Million (and counting); produced 2.5 million cubic yards of debris (amounting to an incredible 93 cubic yards per acre of land on the Island. By comparison, the debris for the rest of Beaufort County only totaled 2.5 cubic yards per acre. The number of fallen trees was between 150,000-200,000 on the island with 50,000 on or leaning over roadways. While much of the cost will be reimbursed by FEMA, the Town hasn't seen the first dollar and Steve estimates another 5 or 6 months will pass before monies are received.

 

Following the presentation Bingo was awarded and the meeting adjourned at 9:00

 

 

End note: the VanLandingham Rotary scholarship committee met immediately following the meeting to select finalists for interviews. Pictured below clockwise from bottom left: Lou Benfante, Lauri Davis, Alicia Taylor, Ray Makalous, Ivan Bennett