Honoring PDG Jim and Jo Ann Futrell as Major Donors

I returned to the Winnsboro Rotary Club on December 20th to honor a longtime friend, PDG Jim Futrell, and his lovely wife, Jo Ann. PDG Jim and Jo Ann made a decision to become Major Donors to The Rotary Foundation this year. They were recognized publicly at our Foundation Banquet in November, but they were traveling at that time. I wanted to personally recognize them in a special location and encourage other club members to contribute generously to our wonderful foundation. 

Despite this meeting happening only a few days before Christmas, they had great attendance and we enjoyed some exuberant singing of Christmas carols by club members led by Rotarian Jim Baughman's wife, Esther. Esther is a real estate agent, but also works with her church choir. Most Rotarians are not good choir members, but Esther clearly had command and brought out the best in everyone! 

I enjoyed a great meal, fellowship, and spending some quality time with PDG Jim and Jo Ann Futrell. Club President Arthur Lathan is doing a great job leading his club, and I know they are going to have a great year!  

My last Official District Governor Club Visit in Westminster!

After interviewing a top candidate for my residency program in Greenwood, I quickly drove to Westminster, South Carolina for my final official club visit for the 2011-12 year! Club President Amy Childress, President Elect and Treasurer Jack Newby were excited about the visit and very proud of their club! I was very pleased to see that the club grew by 4 members last year, significantly increased their donations to The Rotary Foundation, and have some remarkable service projects. In response to my question to the board about whether the club was the premier service club in Westminster, they enthusiastically answered "yes"! Area citizens recognize the club for their great scholarship program for area high school students and their participation in the city's Apple Festival. The club provides canned goods for local food pantries, fruit baskets for elderly in community, dictionaries to 6th graders, area trash pick‐up along with Interact club and support for local school needs in their community. They have assisted communities in other countries by providing shelter boxes  and funding for Haiti projects. 

From the web site for the City of Westminster: 

Located in Oconee County in the Upstate Region of South Carolina 950 feet above sea level, the City of Westminster is in the foothills of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. With a diversified economic base, ranging from modern industry to the quaint shops along Old Main Street -- and surrounded by rivers, lakes, forests, mountains and golf courses, Westminster offers a wide variety of occupational and recreational opportunities. A treasure trove of wonderful architecture, Westminster, SC boasts more than one hundred homes that are unique to the late 1800's and turn-of-the-century. Our residential and business historical districts offers a visual smorgasbord for the sightseer along our Crape Myrtle-lined streets.

I was very pleased to recognize Rotarian and Past Club President Reba Butts as the club's Notable Rotarian. She was cited for her service to the club since 2004. Reba always puts others before self, gives selflessly of her time, and is always willing and available to help with any projects and events. I learned after the meeting that Reba's husband was a brigadier general in the South Carolina National Guard where I served for many years. I recalled meeting her husband and enjoyed hearing many of her stories about their many friendships and activities with the SC National Guard. 

My final DG presentation went well and several club members and a new prospective member told me that the presentation really helped them understand better the tremendous impact that Rotarians make in our world. District Governor Elect Kim Gramling, Assistant Governor Patrick Lee, and PDG Bob Hanson also attended the meeting today, and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them during this special club visit. I was thrilled to receive a very kind note from club President Elect Jack Newby thanking me for coming. I can't think of a better way to end this very special part of my year as District Governor!