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! 

A year of great growth at the Rotary Club of Woodruff

Kathy and I enjoyed a beautiful drive through rural South Carolina to Woodruff, our 54th official club visit of the year. President Keith Kelly has done a terrific job leading the Rotary Club of Woodruff this year. The club has already increased membership by 10% (2 new members including a younger member who is working on the club web and Facebook sites), and every member of the club agreed to contribute at least $150 annually to The Rotary Foundation. Club secretary Curtis Dillard expressed excitement about taking club members on a field trip to Water Mission International in Charleston for a service project (assist in assembling a water filter). The board also shared about their great service projects -- The Rotary Night of Singing that supports 4 local students at the college of their choice ($800 per semester for up to 8 semesters); the annual Christmas program; and iPast President Theron Willis now teaching English in Korea. Thanks to the new member, Brandon Leonard, the club was able to connect via Skype with IPP Theron Willis in Korea. The Woodruff Rotary Club is clearly on the move and has some great ideas that other clubs in our district could use!

The club meets at the Woodruff Leisure Center, a great facility for a club of 20 members. We enjoyed a great meal catered at a local restaurant and brought each week to the club by Notable Rotarians Pat Taylor and Ron Dean. President Keith had the club's aging banner thoroughly dry cleaned last year, and each member had a professional badge with their name and classification. The meeting was well run and finished exactly on time despite a slightly long-winded District Governor presentation!

I was pleased to present certificates to Notable Rotarian Ron Dean and Pat Taylor.  Ron Dean has been a member of the club since 1999 and served as club president in 2009-2010. Ron is an investment advisor, a graduate of the University of Tennessee, and is married to Ava. Pat Taylor has been a member since 2004, served as past club president, and works as the office manager for a local water utility company. She is married to Bob, and they have two married sons.  Pat cooks a homemade dessert every week to accompany the catered meal brought to the club by Ron. Both Ron and Pat have done this yeoman's work for years without recognition! I am so pleased to be able to recognize these valuable members of the Woodruff Rotary Club!

DG Official Visit #53 at the Rotary Club of Inman

Kathy drove to Inman, SC today while I participated in a teleconference with our residency program directors in the South Carolina AHEC system. The 1.5 hour trip seemed so much shorter! We arrived early at the Pancake House and had the opportunity to meet with President Holly Foster, Treasurer James Pace Jr., and Secretary Cathy McMillan. They are excited about increasing membership from 20 current members to 25 members this year. The board also supported putting a new emphasis on Rotary Foundation giving by encouraging members to donate at least $25 per quarter. The club supports a women's shelter, the Rotary Peace Park, CART, PolioPlus, dictionaries for 3rd graders, providing Christmas presents for the needy, reading to local elementary school children, providing scholarship for Chapman High School students, and the Adopt-A-Highway project. 

President Holly announced today that the club now has a President Elect who will attend PETS in March 2012. Holly has now served for two years, and many club members have already served as president. This announcement was followed by a lot of applause! 

My presentation went well and PDG Ted Hammett expressed his appreciation of our ambitious goals for the 2011-12 year. PDG Ted and Juanita plan to join us for the Council of Governors meeting on December 9th in Greenville. 

I  I was very pleased to recognize Dr. David Stokes as the club's Notable Rotarian. Dr. Stokes is the first physician recognized this year as a Notable Rotarian. I also learned that he was the founding program director of the Spartanburg Regional Family Medicine Residency Program! I was so pleased to see a family physician continue to be active in Rotary and a physician leader in South Carolina. Dr. Stokes has been a member of Rotary since 1980 (31 years) and has served as club president. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, Sustaining Member,  Benefactor, and Major Donor. Dr. Stokes has truly paved the way for others to follow his leadership.

   Many members stayed to talk with Kathy and me after the meeting. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting with this very friendly club with such a rich history. I thanked President Holly for her service and congratulated the club's President Elect.

Good times at the Rotary Club of Easley

President Robert Sams was waiting for Kathy and me when we arrived at the Carr Conference Center in Easley. The clubs meets in a very nice former school renovated by the City of Easley. I met with the club's board upstairs in the United Way conference room and learned about their strong desire to be an active club with hands-on service projects. The club has many long-time members, but I was pleased to see several young, energetic members today. I had the opportunity to meet Miss Teen Clemson and her mother, a potential new club member! The club focuses on literacy and is the lead club for our district's literacy work in Haiti. Dr. Sara Mansbach gave an excellent presentation during the meeting of her recent work with 20+ libraries and literacy training in Haiti. We enjoyed a great meal and had the opportunity to speak with many club members during and after the meeting. My presentation went well and several members thanked me for the information not heard in the past. 

Club Secretary Terry Garrison has worked with several scholarship pageant students in the past. I was pleased to recognize him today as the club's Notable Rotarian. Terry has been a member of the club since 1977 (34 years ago!) and has perfect attendance since 1984. He has served as Club President (1994-95) and the club secretary for the past 18 years. As a former recipient of the Service Above Self Award, he is dedicated to improving club membership and attendance, consistently brings interesting guests that brighten and beautify an otherwise normal Tuesday, and is a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Double Sustaining Member, and Benefactor.

A full Rotary Day -- Visiting the Seneca Rotary Club, Our District Foundation Event

After interviewing an outstanding medical student whose career seemed amazing similar to mine (private pilot, interest in medical missions, ROTC and military health professions scholarship), Kathy and I departed about 9:15 AM for Seneca again. Kathy drove to Seneca (at or below the speed limit) while I participated in a teleconference with the South Carolina Medical Association Continuing Medical Education Committee, provided a job reference for a former colleague, and answered a few calls and e-mails. We located Jimmy's Family Restaurant where the Seneca Rotary Club meets. The energy and excitement present in this club was apparent from the moment we walked into the meeting room. Longtime club and former District Secretary Steve Sokol and President Helen Westmoreland greeted us warmly. I meet with the board initially and was excited about their plans to increase membership from 45 to 55 members this year. They are well on their way and even had a visitor interested in joining the club and starting a new Young Professionals Rotaract Club. The club had great service project plans for the year -- install a bus shelter at the community medical center, participate in Salvation Army bell ringing at Christmas, make home repairs for indigent clients through their Rotary Repair Force, host a Holiday Party for a local children's home, continue the annual Community Appreciation Day, and assist in infrastructure improvements in a school in a depressed country. The club was certainly aware of the difficult economic conditions and challenges for the club, but I suspect their "can do" attitude will move this club forward with many new members and projects to benefit their community and the world.

I was pleased to recognize Rotarian Curt Davis as the club's Notable Rotarian. Curt has been a member since 1975 and has served as the club president. He has been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. He is very involved with the Salvation Army and organizes the Bell Ringing for the Rotary clubs in the Seneca area. Curt always finds “good” locations for club members so they can make a difference! He also directs the "Rotary Repair Force" that assists the elderly, disabled or less fortunate to have some assistance with light home repairs and maintenance. Curt has turned many of his fellow Rotarians into "gold miners" by leading several "mining" expeditions and sharing with others the art and addiction of "gold mining“. He is married to the love of his life, Whyoma.

Kathy and I had a great time with the Rotary Club of Seneca. Despite the lack of much sleep the night before, my presentation went amazing well. Rotarian Steve Sokol reminded me after the meeting that he was always direct and blunt. However, Steve told me he could sit through my presentation a second time because he enjoyed the detail and interesting information about our Rotary world. Thanks for a great compliment, Steve!

I drove back to Greenwood (please go back and review my first blog about my driving at the Atlanta Motor Speedway) so I could get a little rest, catch up on a few e-mail messages, and prepare for our District Foundation Banquet and Seminar at the Arts Council at the Federal Building. A few Rotarians called during that time asking if they could come without being registered. I made an executive decision and told them to come on. We had a wonderful seminar led by PDG Rich Waugh and banquet featuring Rotary Foundation Trustee and RI Director Elect Anne Matthews. Anne's message was an inspiration to everyone. I was honored to be able to spend some time with this decisive and innovative leader with good down-home Southern charm. As I think about the highlights of this year as District Governor, the privilege of meeting so many outstanding leaders at the RI, Zone, District, and Club levels has been remarkable. Tonight I head home ready for a good night's sleep!

Visiting our District Governor Elect's club -- Seneca Golden Corner

After a wonderful day supporting my home club's major annual fundraiser, Election Day BBQ, on Tuesday, November 8th, Kathy and I elected to drive to Seneca, SC and spend the night before meeting with the Seneca Rotary Club the following morning. Our hotel was next to the Seneca Family Restaurant where the club meets, so we had no problem being on time. We enjoyed great fellowship with President Steve Willis and the club's members. I was pleased to see District Governor Elect Kim Gramling and Assistant Governor Patrick Lee. We had a short lived panic when my presentation would not project, but quickly discovered that the wrong cable was connecting the computer and video projector. 

My presentation seemed to go well, and we finished on time after some great Happy Dollar comments and club announcements. The club actually met in the center of the restaurant, so I had an even greater audience of non-Rotarians sitting in the restaurant. As I was talking about the future of Rotary and my goals for the district, I could not help but wonder whether anyone in the restaurant hearing my talk might develop an interest in Rotary. Several club members told me about the difficult economic conditions in this area. I hope my visit today will stimulate growth in membership and Rotary Foundation support. 

I had the opportunity to recognize Paul Porter as the club's Notable Rotarian. Paul has been a club member with perfect attendance since1996. He has served as Club President and is a Paul Harris Fellow, Sustaining Member, and Paul Harris Society member. He has worked tirelessly in the area of member recruitment and retention.  Many of the current members remain in the club due to Mr. Porter’s diligence in this crucial area.

the club presented a donation to Volunteers in Medical Missions, and I was honored to be able to present this check to Kathy Cater, the Associate Director and Trip Coordinator that has worked with me for many years. 

This is an exceptionally busy week for me. I quickly left Seneca and returned to Greenwood (1.5 hour drive) for a hospital meeting and nursing home rounds. DGN Lorraine Angelino and PDG Isaac Shaffer met me at my office to drive to the District 7690 Foundation Banquet in Greensboro, NC (4 hour drive) where we met RI President Kalyan Banerjee, RI Director John Smarge, RI Director Elect Anne Matthews and about 800 other Rotarians and spouses. AG Jeff Updike connected with us in Concord, NC and was the first person dropped off on the return to Greenwood. We arrived back in Greenwood definitely ready for bed at 2 AM! My day starts tomorrow (Thursday) at 8:30 AM with a medical student interviewing for residency training. 

DG Official Club Visit #49 at the Rotary Club of Mauldin

Club president Jonathan Whitehead and the Rotary Club of Mauldin board was ready to go well before our scheduled start time! They shared the club's exciting plans for the 2011-12 year including distributing dictionaries to all 3rd graders in Mauldin, ringing the Salvation Army bell at Christmas, preparing food for the Mauldin Miracle League, working with Habitat for Humanity, arranging a meal and kickball tournament at the Generation Home, and preparing packets to prevent cholera in Haiti. The club is also actively working on increasing membership with more female and minority members. They are also doing a good job supporting The Rotary Foundation and have given generously to the PolioPlus fund. I was also very impressed by their efforts to make a real impact in the Mauldin area. We met today in the Mauldin Cultural Center, a renovated building that houses a well-equipped Rotary Room for use by the club and many other local organizations. The club contributed over $30,000 to renovate this building!

I had the privilege of recognizing Norton Cater as the club's Notable Rotarian! Norton has been a member since 1981. He now serves as the club treasurer and is a past club president and Multiple Paul Harris Fellow. He attends all club meetings and participates in nearly every community event! In addition to being a Rotarian, Norton founded and is very involved with an organization called Carolina Free Personal Computers. He and a few other guys rebuild scrap computers and donate them to people who do not have a computer in the home.
 
During the club meeting today, I also had the privilege of recognizing James Moore, the club's Membership Committee Chair, as a new Paul Harris Fellow. James, I'm excited about your commitment to The Rotary Foundation and thank you for your work in serving as a leader in growing your club's membership!

Visiting Furman Paladins Country -- The Rotary Club of The Foothills

I had the pleasure of visiting the Rotary Club of The Foothills just before departing for the Rotary Zone 33-34 Zone Institute in Reston, Virginia. Kathy elected to teach her Calculus students for two days this week since we will be in Reston for the remainder of the week. We will depart for Reston tonight after the final Membership Seminar is completed at the Innovate Building in Greenville.

President Robyn Harmon, an attorney by education and now a professional volunteer, and her board were well prepared for the district governor visit and have exciting plans for the 2011-12 year. Furman University has a clear presence in this club! The Rotary Club of The Foothills is involved in the Rotary Reader program in a local Title 1 elementary school, provides supplies to the Crossroads Group Home, and supports the local YMCA. The club has plans to increase membership by 3 members this year and increase their Rotary Foundation donations. I was also impressed by their desire to increase publicity of the club's service projects.

I was pleased to recognize Helena Travis as the club's Notable Rotarian. Helena has been a member since 1989, a Charter Member and Past President. She now serves as the club's Fundraising and Social Chair. She always leads by example. Her family’s business purchases the nuts used for club’s major fundraiser that allowed the club to make donations to four community organizations. She dealt with her husband’s major illness last year. The nomination stated that she is “a real force to be reckoned with in the club and community” and an inspiration to other club members. She has hosted a grand evening for the Club at her home, the "Hugo" party (named because the club was founded the year Hurricane Hugo struck South Carolina, and a major club event was scheduled for the evening that the hurricane came aground). 

The Rotary Club of Greater Greer -- On fire for Rotary!

I came to Greenville to participate in the Health and Happiness Hour for Greenville Metro Clubs on Monday night, October 17th and had a great time meeting many loyal Rotarians at the Blue Fish Grill near Woodruff Road. PDG Myles Golden and PDG George Fletcher invited me to dinner after the Health and Happiness Hour, and we had a great time talking about various issues, the great time enjoyed during my official club visits, and our recent Afghanistan trip. Terry and Pam Weaver were gracious in allowing me to stay in their home overnight, and I was only 0.7 miles from the Thornblade Club where the Rotary Club of Greater Greer was meeting today. The club meets at 7 AM, so I was up early to prepare for the meeting and find the Thornblade Club since PDG George Fletcher mentioned that this was a difficult location to find. The GPS did indicate the club location, but all I could see were large houses that could have easily been a club. Fortunately I did eventually find the actual Thornblade Club building and toured a good portion of the building before finding the actual meeting room. 

President Wanda Moore did a great job directing the club meeting and was truly excited about my visit today. I was thrilled to be able to induct 6 new members to the club today. Wanda would like to see her club's size double this year, and she is well on her way. The club has ambitious plans to expand membership, increase scholarships to local high school students, participate in the Friends of Lake Robinson Day of Celebration, and continue supporting the literacy and agricultural work in Haiti. The Greater Greer Rotary Club is the #1 club in our district for per capita donations to The Rotary Foundation (over $500 per capita!), and I was excited to hear about how they have created a culture of giving to the foundation. Rotarian Tom Faulkner, partner to PDG Becky Faulkner, is the club's Foundation Chair and he believes in The Rotary Foundation. Tom has led efforts to install water systems in El Salvador and promote the good work of the foundation. This club that had 11 members at the beginning of this year is growing rapidly and on fire for Rotary. I can't tell you how thrilling this is for a District Governor! Wanda sent me a very nice note thanking me for inspiring their club, but I believe they inspired me more! As I told the Greater Greer Rotary Club, their size is relatively small now, but they are making a huge difference in their community and our world. Look for great things to happen with this club. President Elect Benjamin Buck is a young and enthusiastic Rotarian who understands social media and how to appeal to the younger generation. The club's future is bright, and we can all learn something from such great clubs. 

I was honored to recognize Tom Faulkner as the club's Notable Rotarian today. Tom has been a member since 1986 and has served as a Charter Member and Past Club President. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, Sustaining Member, Benefactor, and member of the Paul Harris Society. He has perfect attendance since 2003 and is a graduate of the Rotary Leadership Institute. Tom's classification is housing development. I see Tom as a leader who has motivated his club members to donate very generously to The Rotary Foundation and be actively engaged in the club's activities.

Finishing out the week in Laurens

We enjoyed a short 40 minute drive through Clinton and Waterloo to Laurens. President Angela Marlett and the board met in the Mayor's Office for Laurens. The club is proud of their friendly fellowship, great programs, networking, and weekly meals. Club members read to elementary school children each week (Rotary Reader's Program), participate in Adopt a Highway, and fund several scholarships for Lauren's County residents going to Piedmont Technical College. I had a little fun with PDG King Dixon today when he came in during my presentation. King had a meeting at his bank today, and they had already talked about what a great job he does with the Happy Bucks portion of the program. King also promotes The Rotary Foundation, and the results are excellent. The board hopes to pursue great publicity of club and other Rotary events. 

We had a fabulous pasta meal prepared by a Rotarian chef in the club. I was pleased that the club provided a check for the Haiti Literacy Project and actively works with the Good Shepherd Free Medical Clinic. They provided me with a t-shirt from the town's major event for the year, Squealin' on the Square, a major BBQ event that brings in over 20,000 people to the town each year. My presentation went very well today with no demons loose in the computer! I enjoyed meeting with PDG King Dixon and some other friends in the club including Rich D'Alberto, CEO of the Laurens County Health Care System. 

I was pleased to recognize Price Kennedy as the club's Notable Rotarian. Price has been a member since 2003 and served as the 2009-10 Club President. He is a Paul Harris Fellow and RLI graduate. Price exemplified Service Above Self by developing detailed manuals for each Officer and Chairperson for each of our five committees to ensure goals were met. He also tackled an attendance issue present for some time and enforced RI attendance requirements. As a result of his efforts the club's attendance percentage is now much higher, and he qualified the club for the Governor's Award and the Presidential Citation. The club also donated $2,000 to Polio Plus, co-sponsored a Matching Grant project in Honduras, and was awarded a District Simplified Grant for assistance with the Dolly Pardon Imagination Library in the Laurens area. Price also developed a membership plan to enlist new club members after some left due to attendance policy enforcement. Price, thank you for all that you are doing for Laurens, District 7750, and our world!

Reaching out to the mountains of Pickens

Kathy and I had an enjoyable 1 hour and 40 minute drive to Pickens, a thriving community north of Greenville. President Brian Dooley was dressed in his finest tuxedo t-shirt and was excited about the good work of the club in their community. The board was pleased with the great fellowship, fun activities, and projects conducted by club members. I was very impressed with their great meal of pulled pork and chicken BBQ, some of the best I have ever consumed! 

The club sponsors a Spaghetti Dinner and silent auction to benefit the only children's home in Pickens County that is in dire need of an upgrade. The club has also been a co-sponsor of a Matching Grant water project in El Salvador. This year the club plans to update town limit Rotary signs and install a pedestal clock in the new downtown park. 

Linda Cassell was recognized as the club's Notable Rotarian. Linda has been a member since 1992 and is a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow. She has written and secured several district simplified grants that have gone to help with an ongoing water project in El Salvador and also in building a playground for Mary's House, an abused women's shelter in Pickens County. Linda is always full of optimism with respect to Rotary and truly exemplifies Service Above Self.

I will always remember the Pickens Rotary Club is the place where my PowerPoint presentation did some really strange things. When I wasn't pushing any buttons on the presenter, my presentation would suddenly skip back to the beginning. A few slides were in different locations than usual, and some slides simply didn't show up. Fortunately I have this presentation down and could move ahead without seeing the slides. I am convinced that someone was doing another presentation in the building with a presenter on the same frequency or some demons were pushed to my computer and presenter!

Overlooking a cloudy Greenville area from the Greenville Evening Club

Knowing that we would be meeting with the Rotary Club of Greenville Evening at the Commerce Club, Kathy decided we needed to go back through Greenwood en route to Greenville so she could dress up more. We were making great time in getting to Greenville until heavy traffic slowed us down significantly in the last 1.2 miles. We arrived about 2 minutes late, but President Bryn Brutosky had the board assembled in correct order with a 3 page handout outlining the club's strengths, weaknesses, and major events in each of the Avenues of Service. Each board member had an assigned presentation, and you could feel the excitement about their club. The Greenville Evening Rotary Club reminds me so much of my home club, the Emerald City Rotary Club. Since these two clubs have each been named the #1 club in the district for the past two years, their bold plans for such a relatively small club were not surprising. The Greenville Evening club is the primary sponsor for the Greenville Reedy River Duck Derby, the Joust for Fun Event, Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Days, a Nursing Home Visit During the Christmas Holiday, Macy's Shop for a Cause, Dictionaries to Cashion Elementary School,  PolioPlus fundraising, Early Act First Knight (EAFK) for two Middle Schools (Powdersville Middle and Wren Middle). They have created new Interact Club and actively participate in the Coins/Check/Cash for Alzheimer's Research Trust (CART) program. The club members also generously contribute to The Rotary Foundation and are working hard to attract new members to this very active club! 

I had the pleasure of recognizing Ann Golden, partner for PDG Myles Golden, as the club's Notable Rotarian. Ann has been a member since 2003. She was a Charter Member and past President (2009-10) in the Greenville Evening Rotary Club. She is a Paul Harris Fellow, a member of the Paul Harris and Bequest Societies, Sustaining Member, Benefactor, Major Donor, and RLI Graduate (3 Sections). Anne truly exemplifies Service Above Self. She has lead a sponsorship committee,built catapults for our EAFK students, painted a Habitat for Humanity home, taught club members about the Foundation, and often shares the message of Rotary with a potential member. Her nomination stated that "her passion inspires all of us to be better!"

We even met a proposed new member of the club whose daughter was one of Kathy's middle school math students a few years ago in Greenwood. Despite the fact that we could not see the mountains from the club's 17th floor meeting place due to so many clouds and fog, we had a great evening of fellowship and saw one of our district's great clubs in action!

Close to home in Clinton, South Carolina

Kathy and I enjoyed the brief 30 minute drive to Clinton and even had a chance to stop by our son and daughter-in-law's home to visit our special granddaughter, Christina, before going to meet with the Rotary Club of Clinton. We arrived a few minutes early and found Club President Amy Thomason and another club member arranging furniture, hanging banners, and preparing the room for our board meeting and regular meeting. 

Several board members engaged in a good discussion about the club's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The board felt that the Clinton Rotary Club was the premier civic club in Clinton, had great fellowship, and was involved in their community. I was pleased to see that the club plans to grow its membership from 31 to 37 using a new membership committee and active involvement from all club members. The club will participate in a joint project with the Laurens Rotary Club, support the Christmas Luncheon for the Laurens Memorial Home, and distribute dictionaries to 3rd graders. The club's major fundraiser is the Rotary Radio Rodeo made possible by a club member who works at the local radio station. I was pleased that the club elected to provide a check to the Good Shepherd Free Medical Clinic in Laurens (see photo above).

I was pleased to recognize the late Ed Sadler, a prominent member of the Clinton Rotary Club who passed away on July 27, 2011, as the club's Notable Rotarian. His wife, Nancy, was present to accept the certificate. Ed was a charter member and past President of the Clinton RC, a Paul Harris Fellow, and had 30 years perfect attendance with many international make-ups. He served in the Marine Corps with the 6th Division 'China Marines‘ in WWII and as mortar platoon leader in Korean War. He was a highly decorated veteran who earned the Bronze Star and later retired as a Colonel. Ed was a graduate of Presbyterian College (1951). He managed and was a partner in the Home Wholesale Company, formerly Laurens District Company, a family business. He retired in 1987 and he and Nancy began traveling all over the U.S. in their R.V. They also cruised extensively, circling the globe many times. I could tell today that he was a very special Rotarian that meant a great deal to this club!

Encouraging the Rotary Club of Golden Strip Sunrise

Kathy and I arose early this morning (5 AM) to travel to the Golden Strip Sunrise Rotary Club meeting in Simpsonville. Since our daughter-in-law is still recovering from recent surgery, we again brought our precious granddaughter Christina to the meeting. I had the pleasure of meeting a new member of the club and introducing the club to Christina, a future New Generations Rotarian! Morning clubs are generally filled with Rotarians full of energy and ready to fellowship after getting their cup of coffee. The Golden Strip Sunrise Rotary Club was no exception. 

We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Carolina Fine Foods. One of the members acquainted me with the high and low cholesterol bars in the restaurant. The "low cholesterol" section had huge biscuits, some "healthy" Southern gravy, eggs, bacon, and a few other items. I didn't bother to check out the "high cholesterol" section! 

President Todd Nichols made a few announcements, and a good joke was enjoyed by all. Members updated their activities and shared some great Happy Bucks comments. I  then had the opportunity to share my presentation with the club. Several members were very complimentary and felt inspired to seek new members and increase Rotary Foundation giving. I then meet with the board after the meeting to discuss their progress and offer suggestions for dealing with several issues. 

Longtime club member Marshall Nichols was recognized today as the Notable Rotarian. Marshall has been a member since1998 and was a Charter Member of the club. I have known Marshall for several years and know that he is the driving force behind the Rotary Night of Singing now conducted at Brookwood Church in Simpsonville. I had the pleasure of attending this event twice when they met at Furman's McCalister Auditorium a few years ago. Marshall was very surprised today when I announced the Notable Rotarian. I am honored to recognize such a great Rotarian and make a contribution to The Rotary Foundation in his honor!

The Singing Club of Simpsonville

I am not a good judge on the best singing club in District 7750, but the Rotary Club of Simpsonville did a good job in singing "America the Beautiful" at the start of their meeting. Several members asked me if other clubs also sang, and I commented that morning clubs rarely sing and very few lunch and evening clubs sing. After hearing some great singing and even a lip syncing trumpeter in Union yesterday, I believe the Simpsonville and Union Rotary Clubs should have a contest judged by able musicians to determine the best singing club! 

The Simpsonville Rotary Club has another special feature. They meet in their own meeting hall (Rotary Hall) in downtown Simpsonville that is decorated with banners, awards, and other special memorabilia from the club activities. The club celebrated their 50th Anniversary this year. The club's rich history and contributions to our district are numerous. PDG Clarence Buurman has been a Rotarian for 41 years. He shared his District Governor speech used in the 1979-80 year with me today as well as many stories from his wonderful years associated with Rotary International. 

President Tammy Bagwell had an impressive group of board members assembled when we arrived in Simpsonville. The board is excited about their club and has great plans to increase their presence in the community and continue to support projects with the Center for Community Development, the Christmas Parade, literacy, the Salvation Army, and water projects in Honduras. They hope to add 7 new members (net) this year, an admirable goal! The club has also been a great supporter of The Rotary Foundation, and they plan to continue that effort. I was very pleased with their decision to make a donation to the local free clinic. The clinic's director was present today to accept the donation.

Kathy and I added a little excitement to the meeting today since we brought our only grandchild, Christina Joy Goforth, to the meeting since our daughter-in-law is recovering from a recent surgical procedure. Christina was not particularly excited about hearing her grandfather speak, so Kathy got to spend some time with her outside. We enjoyed a great meal, an exciting round of Happy Dollars and fines, the induction of two new members, and great fellowship with the club members. I look forward to returning to the Simpsonville club in the future and know that this club has a very promising future!

Darryl Imperati was recognized as the Simpsonville Rotary Club's Notable Rotarian. Darryl has been a member since 2007, has served as Club Treasurer for the past 3 years, and is involved in many club activities. He serves as the Principal of Woodmont International Baccalaureate High School where he encourages his students to be involved in club activities. Darryl's students have sang and played instruments at club functions and even assisted in the creation of the 50th Anniversary Edition of the club directory. He also established and vigorously promotes a new Interact Club at his high school.