January 22, 2024
Meeting Minutes
President Bill Keogh rang the bell and called the meeting to order.
Brittany Burnett gave the pledge and invocation.
Matt Barrett introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians.
Brenda Durant gave the sunshine report.
Announcements
President Bill began by taking a moment to recognize the distinguished life of Dr. Jim Becton who passed away this week.
President Bill reminded the club that that Dat Hoang has arranged a tour of the Savannah River Site on January 30. The reservation link has been shared with the club.
Our schedule of speakers/topics for the coming weeks include,
- January 29 – Dennis Carr, CEO/President of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
- February 5 – Jill Brown, Executive Director of First Tee of Augusta
- February 12 – Jared Williams and Bobby Christine, local District Attorneys
- February 19 – NO Meeting for Presidents Day
President Bill called on Mickey Williford, Chair of the Speech Committee, to share details of the upcoming speech contest that is available to all area high schools in Richmond and Columbia counties. The application deadline is February 16. The winners will present their speeches to the club on March 4.
Young Professionals of Augusta (YPA) will host a speed networking event February 13 at the Crown Plaza Hotel.
Everyone is encouraged to use the DACdb website and app. It is a great way to stay connected with fellow Rotarians.
President Bill called on Surrendra Gupta to discuss two global grant projects the club is participating in that will benefit communities in India. One is a mobile cancer screening van that will screen approximately 5000 patients per year and the second is a hygiene project that will improve toilet and sanitation facilities. More details will come out closer to the start of these projects.
Past President Dustin Young gave an update on our Signature Fundraiser hosted by the Horizon Foundation and benefiting the Hale Foundation. We have committed to selling 500 tickets and if each club member sells or buys 3 tickets we will exceed our goal. Anyone wishing to purchase tickets can see Dustin after the meeting.
Paul Harris Fellows
Kevin Wade presented Paul Harris Fellows to the following individuals;
- James Hefner
- Anne Catherine Murray
- Dora Hogg
- Mark Gilliam
These recognitions were made possible with the donation of points provided by Billy Franke.
CART: President Bill asked everyone to please continue to contribute to the blue buckets on the table or online at mycartfund.org using the same login credentials you use with DACDB. Also, please complete our club’s Google form to sign up to be a Cart Challenger.
Guest Speaker/Program
Club member Ashley Whitaker, Director of Development for Junior Achievement of Augusta, and Sharee White, Director of Volunteerism, were our guest speakers today. Both spoke about the brand new Junior Achievement Discovery Center located in Columbia County.
The Discovery Center is a partnership between Richmond and Columbia County school systems and will host tours from all 6th and 7th grade schools in the two counties. Once the program is at full capacity it will include all surrounding counties within a one hour drive of Augusta.
The 6th graders participate in the Biztown program which simulates a city environment. Students must complete 20 hours of classroom assignments before attending. The “city” includes representations of the county government, public safety, and a town hall to help students understand the communities they live in.
The 7th graders participate in the Finance Park program that focuses on real life careers and experiences such as balancing a household budget, shopping needs, and career placement.
The Discovery Center needs 18 volunteers on a daily basis and anyone wishing to participate should reach out.
President Bill led us in reciting the four-way test and then adjourned the meeting.
Easy links to pages on our website
Rotary schedule of meeting dates and speakers
Member Proposal Form
Online directory - Find a member or update your information
Bulletins - Weekly bulletins from 2014-current
