In the Rotary world February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month. How great is it to be part of an organization that is recognized around the world as one that treasures and promotes peace among all nations and peoples of the earth! And, our District takes this seriously. We make a significant contribution from our District Designated Funds to the Rotary Peace Centers each and every year. And, we often send Global Scholars to study for advanced degrees in peace and conflict prevention and resolution.
In addition, many of our clubs are involved in humanitarian efforts that have delivered, as a collateral impact, goodwill and understanding that leads to more peaceful communities. Never forget the importance of what we do and that it can have a lasting impact on peace.
Who do you know that can help us increase this impact? It might be your neighbor. Invite them to join us on this journey!
Have a great February! And remember, “Rotary Connects the World!”
Johnny Moore
District 7770
District Governor 2019-2020
Ken Lam has been Music Director of the Charleston Symphony since 2015.
He has conducted throughout the US and Asia. In recent seasons, he led performances with the symphony orchestras of Cincinnati, Baltimore, Detroit, Buffalo, Hawaii, Memphis, Meridien, as well as Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Seongnam Philharmonic, Guiyang Symphony and the Taipei Symphony Orchestra, collaborating with many of the world’s leading artists including Leon Fleisher, Yo-Yo Ma, Stephen Hough, Sir James Galway, Ricky Skaggs, Neil Sedaka and Steep Canyon Rangers.
Maestro Lam also holds the posts of Music Director of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Resident Conductor of the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina, Artistic Director of Hong Kong Voices and Conductor Laureate of the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras. Previous positions have included posts as Associate Conductor for Education of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Assistant Conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Principal Conductor of the Hong Kong Chamber Orchestra.
Richard Gordon started his educational career as a high school math and computer science teacher (in both Colorado and South Carolina). Prior to being named Executive Director of Career and Technology Education for the Charleston County School District, he served as a high school Assistant Principal and Principal.
Richard Gordon is also a U.S. Army Veteran who currently serves as a Battalion Commander in the South Carolina Army National Guard.
Larry Dandridge is our guest speaker today. He is from Charleston, SC and is a retired Army Aviation Lieutenant Colonel and a highly decorated Vietnam War wounded warrior. He served in the Army as an enlisted Infantryman, Warrant Officer Attack Helicopter Pilot, and a Commissioned Officer for 24 years.
Larry is also a well-known LowCountry military history writer and motivational speaker. His leadership and aeronautical articles have been published in the USA, Germany, Canada, and England, in over 23 magazines and newspapers and three books. His latest book, the award winning and all five-star reviewed, BLADES OF THUNDER (Book One) was written to raise money for Fisher House Charleston. His book sales and speeches have raised more than $70.000.00 for Fisher House Charleston.
Larry is also an ex decorated police officer, past owner of the most successful hospice in Missouri, a retired Aerospace Company Regional Manager, college business and aeronautics instructor, and the owner of Tigers, Vikings, and Vipers Publishing LLC. Most of his time these days, he serves as a volunteer Patient Adviser for our local VA Hospital, the Good Will Ambassador for Fisher House Charleston, and the Vice President for Veteran Affairs for the Charleston Chapter of the Army Association.
A certified Veterans Service Officer, Larry is married to his beloved wife, Judi Dandridge, and has five children, nine grandchildren, and one great granddaughter —– and a miniature Italian Greyhound.
The North Charleston Rotary Club’s volunteer day at the Lowcountry Food Bank is the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 4:30pm – 5:30pm for volunteering. Our group usually stays an hour or so.
Please join us for community service.