Past President Ben Shelton filled in for President Steve Stauffer.
Kevin Courtney offered the prayer and led the pledge to the flag.
Announcements:
Board Meeting will be next Thursday at 5:30 at Mangiamos
Social - Savannah Bananas trip is on Wednesday June 12. So far 23 have signed up - have 15 spots left. The bus will leave at 5:00. A sign up sheet is being passed around.
June 13 - noon - members are needed to set up, serve and tear down the Pig Roast at Honey Horn A sign up sheet was circulated. The event will have 75 to 80 people so we need help!
Founders Night will be June 29 at the Sonesta at 6:00 pm
photo credit - John Farrenkopf
Dr Frances Farrene (wife of member Otto) was honored at the IB school on May 21 for her creation of the Rotary Reader Program. Otto Farrene, first President of VLR got the club members involved in the program.
Ivan introduced Dominique Tsironis who had received a scholarship in the past from VLR. She recently graduated with honors from Clemson, majoring in architecture. She is going to take a year to work on her portfolio and is looking for an internship before going to grad school. She thanked the club for the $10,000 scholarship which made it possible for her to attend Clemson which is a highly ranked school for architecture.
John Farrenkopf filled in for Sergeant at Arms Alicia Powell. He welcomed guests and visiting Rotarians and collected Happy $$.
Visiting Rotarian: Paul Miller from Orangeburg
Speaker:
photo credit Barry Davis
Speaker at the May 21 meeting was Jim Becker, Auditor of Beaufort County. Mr. Becker brought several brochures detailing taxes and programs in Beaufort County. He spoke specifically about two - Homestead Exemption and Motor Vehicle. The Homestead Exemption takes off up to $50,000 of the value of the property. There are 165,000 vehicles registered in Beaufort County. They are valued right now but it is for the next year's tax. Problem is doesn't take depreciation into consideration. One can appeal the tax and about 98% do get a reduction. You can appeal online, however you have to do it every year. Any vehicle over 15 years old has $50 value. For the Homestead Exemption, you must go in person and cannot do online. More can be found out at the South Carolina Department of Revenue of by contacting the Beaufort County Auditor at auditor@bcgov.net.