News

ROTARY CLUB HEARS FROM MICHAEL FLEISCHBEIN AND INDUCTS TWO NEW MEMBERS AT OCTOBER MEETING.

RICHMOND HILL, GA – Rotary Club of Richmond Hill met on October 1, 2015 for weekly meeting and heard from guest speaker Micheal Fleischbein; Financial Advisor with First Command Financial Services in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Fleischbein was introduced by Rotarian Howard Rush and shared stories of his father’s journey during World War II, and of his Polish heritage.  His father was one of thousands that experienced and survived Auschwitz; a concentration camp that was a German Nazi concentration and extermination camp. After surviving horrific conditions, including being shot; Fleischbein brought his family to the United States.

The Fleischbein’s were the sole surviviors of their lineage. Michael their son, still shares the incredible story of survival to carry on the legacy of his family history. His mother and father both marked by an identification number on their left forearms, beat incredible odds and still managed to find love and build a life in America.

New members were inducted into the Rotary Club of Richmond Hill, both were present and pinned by their sponsors. Rotary welcomed Emily Markesteyn-Ogeechee Riverkeeper and Executive Director; sponsored by Lesley Francis, former Rotary Club President. Chuck Dickson, Retired was also inducted and sponsored by Rotarian Jimmy Burnsed and Jimmy Norris .

Pictured L to R: Rich DeLong, Jimmy Burnsed, Jimmy Norris, Chuck Dickson, and Emily Markesteyn

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Rotary of Richmond Hill is proud to share its participation in Pacing for Polio 2015!

ROTARY CLUB HEARS FROM BAILEY GREEN ON CAMPUS CRUSADERS FOR CHRIST MOVEMENT AT GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Rotary Club of Richmond Hill met on September 10, 2015 for lunch and meeting at the Richmond Hill City Center. Guest Speaker Bailey Green shared her personal testimony of how she came to know Christ through a campus organization at Georgia Southern University. Now, she serves in the ministry that changed her life.

 “There are less than 2,000 involved in campus ministry out of the 20+ thousand enrolled this year,” said Green. These are not good odds. Despite these low numbers students on campus have resources through the CRU ministry which holds bible studies and events all over campus.

In 1951 CRU was established at UCLA by Bill and Vonette Bright with a focus on connecting people to Jesus and sharing the Gospel. Now, in 2015 this ministry is thriving across the nation. For more information on CRU visit www.cru.org

Rotarians were honored to hear from Green and learn how they can get involved. Dates to remember were discussed. Saturday, September 26^th is the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Ellis Square in Savannah. For more information or to register for this event visit www.georgiawalk.org

Members were also encouraged to participate in this year’s Pacing for Polio coming up on October 3^rd, sponsorship information and details were available for members. October 23^rd is World Polio Day.

Rotarians read program is under way and soon Rotarians will be reading to students within Bryan County Schools.

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ROTARY CLUB HEARS FROM JOE MARCHESE, 10^TH ANNUAL LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY BUDDY WALK 2015

RICHMOND HILL, GA – Rotary Club of Richmond Hill met on September 3, 2015 to hear from Joe Marchese of the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society. He gave insight on the 10^th Annual Buddy Walk that will take place on October 3^rd. The event will be held at Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the event, and the walk starts at 10:00 a.m. Festival of Fun will run from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

For more information on the walk and how to participate visit http://www.ldssga.org/ or Contact John and Candy Bogardus at 912-728-8505. Donation options run from $25.00 up to $500.00.

“The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society is a family support group to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership, outreach, education and advocacy to champion and celebrate acceptance and inclusion,” according to www.ldssga.org/

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ROTARY CLUB ATTENDS SAND GNATS GAME AND DONATES TO WORTHY CAUSE

RICHMOND HILL, GA-Members of the Rotary Club of Richmond Hill joined over 100 local Rotarians at the Savannah Sand Gnats game on August 21^st.

Rotarians Christopher Lea, President Rich Delong & wife Jennifer, Melissa & Derrick Smith, as well as Debbie & Whit Hollowell of Richmond Hill.

Other Clubs represented were Savannah South, Savannah Metro, Savannah East, West Chatham and Pooler. Club members gathered to enjoy the game and contribute to St. Mary’s Home sponsored by St. Joseph Chandler Hospital. Members donated personal goods items such as; Kleenex, paper towels, tooth paste/brushes, mouthwash, etc.

Rotarians also welcomed and shared the experience with incoming GSRP Students who also attended the game.

Pictured L to R: Rotarian-Christopher Lea, President-Rich De Long, GSRP Student-Elizabeth McGhee, Scotland, Rotarian (green shirt)-Derrick Smith, GSRP Student-Harry Vickers, England, GSRP Student-Nipuna Ambandpola, Sri Lanka, and Rotarian Whit Hollowell (back right) 

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ROTARY CLUB ANNOUNCES NEW MONTHLY EVENING SOCIAL

RICHMOND HILL, GA – Rotary Club of Richmond Hill announces new monthly meeting format to start on August 27^th. The evening gathering will be located in the Red Bird Creek Dining Room at the Richmond Hill City Center. This will be in lieu of regular lunch time meetings.

Rotarians are welcome to invite prospective members and guests, as well as spouses to the social. The meeting will take place from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The theme is tropical and there will be music and refreshments.

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ROTARY CLUB HEARS FROM MICHAEL WINCKLER, CEO FOR THE GOODWILL OF THE COASTAL EMPIRE

RICHMOND HILL, GA – August 20, 2015 last Thursday Rotarians gathered at the Richmond Hill City Center to hear an outstanding presentation on Goodwill of the Coastal Empire. Michael Winckler, CEO shared on Mission Services, Donated Good/Retail Services, Business Services, G-Star Staffing, and G-Force Technologies.

Goodwill celebrates their 50^th Anniversary of service to people and communities across the country. The company started in 1965 with eight employees and a $60,000 budget in a time when there were few community organizations helping people with disabilities.  Today, they have more than 850 employees and a budget of $27+ million.

In 2014, Goodwill provided services to 9,885 people and placed 2,421 people into employment through various programs offered throughout the region. Goodwill served more than 320 veterans in various programs; by providing classroom employability training, job search assistance, job placement for veterans, life skills and money management training, and referring veterans to housing programs.  From offering meaningful services for individuals with disabilities and their families to fostering a sense of community among these groups, Goodwill of the Coastal Empire makes a difference in the community it serves.

Rich De Long conducted the meeting and announced upcoming opportunities for make-up meetings. Rotarians can gather for music, food, and beer on August 28^th at Coastal Empire Beer Company. Register online or at the door, price $30.00.

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ROTARY CLUB SUPPORTS OGEECHEE RIVERKEEPER WITH $300 DONATION FOR EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAMS
RICHMOND HILL, GA – August 24, 2015 At a regular weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Richmond Hill, President Rich DeLong presented Ogeechee Riverkeeper, Emily Markesteyn with a check for $300. This donation will go towards funding the many educational outreach programs that the Riverkeeper provides to protect and preserve our community’s waterways.

Ogeechee Riverkeeper applied for this Rotary community grant and the donation was made from funds raised by the Richmond Hill Rotary Club throughout the year, particularly at the club’s annual fundraisers. These funds are ring fenced and then donated to selected community projects and local charities.

Marketsteyn commented “I’m so grateful that Rotary has continued to help us in our vital work over the years and we really appreciate the tremendous support from the Richmond Hill area. Our educational outreach program is one of our most important because we have to educate our youth about the changes they need to make to ensure the river remains clean and healthy for us all.”

For more information, become a member or to support the work of Ogeechee Riverkeeper visit www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org
and www.rotaryofrichmondhill.org for more information about Rotary.

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Media enquiries to [email protected] or on (912) 429 3950 or [email protected] or on 912-220-2976

RICHMOND HILL, GA – August 13th 2015 last Thursday members of the Rotary Club of Richmond Hill were honored to have special guest Erica Aklan; soon to be recipient of “Jake” a newly trained dog courtesy of SD Gunner Fund. SD Gunner Fund owners Britnee and Hamilton Gunner were on hand to share in the presentation of the second donation of $1000. Total donation equates $2000. The Gunner’s attended with special guest “Gunner” their trained dog; he was sporting a gold Rotarian t-shirt.

Erica Aklan currently lives in Pooler, Ga. with her two sons, while husband John is deployed. “Jake” will be trained to meet the needs of the Aklan’s two autistic sons. After completing Basic Obedience  and Task Training; “Jake” will join his family in Pooler.

Pictured left to right: Rotarians Bill Eberlein, Teresa Merritt, President-Rich DeLong, Britnee & Hamilton Gunner of SD Gunner Fund, recipient Erica Aklan, and Rotarian George Haborak.

Rotary members gained insight on the “Top 10 Tips to Keep Businesses Law Suit Safe” presented by Attorney, Charles Bowen.

Bowen educated Rotarians on the importance of establishing an LLC/LLP, buying insurance, transferring key assets, keeping business contracts simple, always engage in good business practices, put every agreement in writing, take time to look up-read-and understand the laws that relate to your business, communicate when a problem arises, forge a relationship with an attorney, and lastly avoid crazy people.

“In reality; 9 times out of 10 clients acknowledged they had a bad feeling about that person. Continue to use your best judgment and gut instincts”, says Bowen.

Pictured left to right: Charles Bowen, President-Rich DeLong, and Emily Rice, Paralegal, Bowel Law Group.

Rotary club donated a book in honor of Charles Bowen for the Rotarians Read Program.

Rich De Long conducted the meeting and announced upcoming opportunities for make-up meetings. Members can join other local Rotarians at the Sand Gnats game on August 21st, or gather for music, food, and beer on August 28th at Coastal Empire Beer Company. Register online or at the door, price $30.00.

Rotarians Read Program is set to launch after Volunteer training at Richmond Hill Primary School, August 18th at 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.

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ROTARY CLUB HONORED BY GUEST SPEAKER, AUTHOR AND WORLD WAR II VETERAN, PAUL C. GRASSEY

RICHMOND HILL, GA – August 10th 2015 last Thursday members of the Rotary Club of Richmond Hill enjoyed a special guest speaker at their weekly meeting at the Richmond Hill City Center. Members were honored to hear from legendary World War II Veteran and Author of “It’s Character that Counts”; Paul C. Grassey.

Grassey of Savannah, Georgia, now in his 90’s, explained the six pillars of Character in his book while sharing stories about his friends and fellow soldiers. He currently speaks and serves as a tour guide at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Savannah. Proceeds from his book “It’s Character that Counts” contribute to the Museum’s work. For more information or to purchase a copy of his book visit www.shop.mightyeight.org

Grassey donated a copy of his book “It’s Character That Counts” to the Rotary Club of Richmond Hill. He is pictured here presenting the book to President, Rich DeLong.

The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force and the Chatham County School District has developed a partnership to help local schools implement a new educational initiative – Character Counts. The museum raises funds to help support the program which promotes the importance of character to students. Grassey is an advocate for Character Counts and hopes to see this program expand in other school systems in the area. Rich De Long conducted the meeting and announced new initiatives to take place throughout the upcoming quarter. Next meeting is scheduled for 12.30pm on Thursday August 20th at the Richmond Hill City Center and will feature speaker Charles Bowen who will present on ‘Tips on keeping your business lawsuit proof’.

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