SOCIAL-

Wednesday February 5,   4:30 - 6:30

San Miguel's 9 Harbourside Ln, HHI 

Shelter Cove Marina

 

March social - "Souper Bowl" competition - more info to follow

 

 

Bruce Siebold (lunch club) and our own Sonny Huntley updated us on the Community Center project and the $750,000 capital campaign.  They went over the history and vision.  Vision statement: "To create a gathering place for individuals and organizations to conduct social and community activites available to all. A place where our residents and friends can participate in life-cycle events, celebrations, meeting, educational events and other activities.". The benefits to Rotary are: a place to hold weekly meetings without charge in perpetuity; Rotary special events and fundraisers; Possible naming recognition for increased public awareness; Adds to Rotary's long list of community improvememts. Community benefits: Community group usage; non-profit organization functions; fundraising events; centrally located emergency response center; other uses. Other specifics : partnership with the town, community center details, location details,, etc. A number of our members are on the capital campaign team: John Cunningham, Sonny Huntley, Lynn King, Eric Schmidt, Greg Wynn. Funds will needed to be raised, incuding opporunties for individuals to pledge $10,000 over 3 years. More info to follow.

 

Sharonica Garvin Stewart  spoke to us about the Historic Neighborhoods in Hilton Head. There are 14 Historical Neighborhoods in Hilton Head dating back to 1860.  She spoke about what the town is doing to preserve the historical areas and culture.  Gullah Geechie people owned 2500 acres of land prior to the bridge - now it is down to 960 acres.  A lot has to do with heirs property and they are working with the people to resolve some of the issues.  The Heritage Library is a good resource for research and there is a department (Home safety & repair) that helps residents of the historic areas make necessary repairs to home.  

 

Carla Raines presented information about Pay it Proudly.. Credit card processing where 10% goes to charitable giving fund.

 

Dr. Jean Fruh, Executive Director of Outside Foundation was our speaker. The Outside Foundation was established in 2014 to get kids outside and protect and preserve local environments. Dr. Fruh said that their most important work is getting 7th graders out on the water.  Kids in Kayaks has a ten year history.  There are many other programs and activities. Last year they did 20 beach and park sweeps.  The number one form of litter is cigarette butts.  They partner with the town to do clean ups in the community.  She said "Every day is Earth Day". 354 Volunteers contributed 536 hours, 1,347 pounds of litter was removed and 27 areas were cleaned including beaches, parks, schools, roadways.  Oyster shell recycling is an important part of their work.  A mature oyster can filter 50 gallons of water a day.  Oyster shells are collected, cleaned, quarantined and used to build reefs in the spring when the oysters are spawning.  Baby oyster must attach to something- preferrably another oyster or shell to grow.  

The Foundation uses a Quench Buggy at events which replaces single use plastic bottles.  

 

Their single largest Fundraiser is coming up - on February 28, it is the Page Island Oyster Roast.  It sounds like an amazing event which benefits this amazing organization.  Go to their website for tickets which are priced at $250 pp.