There is no meeting on Tuesday April 14. We will be working at the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament. If you are at the Tournament, visit us at the concession stand at # 9 tee. Our world famous popcorn wagon will also be there selling hot freshly popped corn.
John Farrenkopf furnished the following:
Jon Lundin – Celebration of Life
The Jazz Corner, Hilton Head Island
Jon Lundin’s celebration of life was held at The Jazz Corner—one of his favorite places and a fitting venue to honor his love of music. Many were surprised to learn that Jon’s connection to music went back many years, as he sang in the choir during his time at the military academy.
Jon was a longtime member of our Rotary Club and a dedicated supporter of the Rotary Foundation. For years, he faithfully contributed $84 each month, reflecting his deep commitment to the Rotary Foundation. He had a Major Donor Status
Even after resigning from the club, Jon remained so valued that he was named an honorary member—an honor rarely given.
During the six months he spent each year in Hilton Head—escaping the harsh Minnesota winters—Jon was a tireless worker and enthusiastic participant in club activities. He played an integral role in our annual auction, Heritage events, food booth, and popcorn wagon, along with countless other community projects. No task was too small—whether it was detailed work or simply picking up trash, Jon approached everything with care, dedication, and pride.
Jon’s passion for music, and especially for The Jazz Corner, inspired the club to make a meaningful tribute in his honor. The Rotary Board approved a $1,000 donation to the Junior Jazz Foundation of Hilton Head in Jon’s name.
This donation was presented during his celebration of life at The Jazz Corner on Monday, April 6.
A touching moment from the event was when Jon’s daughter, Liv Brown, was presented with his Rotary name badge—the very one he wore at meetings and events. She wore it proudly during the celebration, a symbol of his lasting connection to the club.
Pictured are Lois Mastellar, Liv Brown, and Jon’s Rotary friend, John Farrenkopf.
Jon was a great Rotarian, but this is a favorite image of him!
New member Jason Ashley was inducted at the March 31 meeting by Membership Chair Bruce Yeager. Jason is a CPA who was sponsored by Sonny Huntley. Make sure to meet and welcome Jason to the club.
On March 31, VLR presented a check for $1000 to Monarch Express. Pictured above are PE Henry Criss, Mira Scott and Club President Joe Rowey
President Joe Rowey presented a check for $1000 to the speakers from Pocket Full of Sunshine on April 7, 2026
President Joe Rowey was recognized by Foundation Chair Greg Wynn for achieving PH+2
Congratulations, Joe and thank you for supporting our charity, The Rotary Foundation.
SOCIAL:
April 22 - Sundown Saloon - Port Royal Plaza 5:00pm - 7:00 pm
SPEAKERS:
4/7/2026
We had speakers from Pockets Full of Sunshine.
It is a Hilton Head Island based non-profit dedicated to creating vocational and social opportunities for adults with disabilities (known as “Rays”). Based at the Sunshine House on Arrow Road they offer vocational training, crafts, and community events. Their mission is to provide life long social and vocational opportunities for adults with special needs. We viewed a short video (there is a longer version on their website). The organization is years old and started at the First Presbyterian church once a month. Now it is busy every day and operates out of the Sunshine House. Currently there are 130 participants and they can attend various programs and socials. The programs are free, however there is a cost for socials. They have a sporting clay shoot fundraiser and also raise frunds from sales from their store. They create various items and bake cookies. Visit their website for more information. www.pocketsfullofsun.org
3/31/2026
Mira Scott presented information about the Monarch Express which is a Mobile Art and Poetry experience. It is the second mobile art initiative, the first being the Loggerhead Express.
It features Butterfly inspired art and is hosted by Breeze Trolly with the partnership of the Town of HHI, Breeze, the local art community and the local business community. It offers a way to educate people about the island and promotes Hilton Head Island's unique identity, highlights environmental awareness, makes art accessible to everyone and is a creative way to tell the island's story.
3/24/2026
Charlie Clark, VP of Communications from the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton Chamber of Commerce provided an interesting presentation. Tourism is our #1 economic driver and has a $3.1 billion economic impact on our local economy. We have one of the highest repeat visitor rates. She talked about visitor demographics. Tourism generates tax revenue and creates jobs for area residents. Statistics show that 89% of residents are extremely/very proud to be residents of Hilton Head Island and 84% agree that it is a very safe place to live. In 2025 there were over 2400 mentions and stories about Hilton Head in major media sources. Charlie showed a video which makes us all proud to be residents of this great Island. Visit the chamber website (over 3 million visited it last year) www.hiltonheadchamber.org
Visit us at USCB-Hilton Head Island Campus
VLR Videos
Choosing a Beneficiary, part I
