Rise and Shine at Aiken Sunrise!

After a busy day at my office in Greenwood, Kathy and I headed to Aiken at the last possible moment to meet with the Aiken Sunrise board at 6 PM. My GPS was set to take us to 1900 Houndslake Drive, but we ran out of road at 900 Houndslake Drive. In a rare moment of wanting to ask for directions, I went into the building and immediately saw President Gary Coxon and knew we stumbled on the correct meeting place right on time! An enthusiastic board was assembled ready to tell us about this fun, action-oriented club. The Aiken Sunrise Rotary Club has some well-known district leaders like PDG Rich Waugh and former District Treasurer Don Skinner. After congratulating the club on their contributions to The Rotary Foundation (over $240 per capita last year), PDG Rich Waugh reminded everyone that they could do better. I think that may be why our district set a new record last year in Rotary Foundation donations – over $421,000 to the Annual Program Fund and PolioPlus! Rich has done a great job encouraging us to support The Rotary Foundation!

Kathy and I enjoyed spending some time with Gary and Janet Coxon at their home after the board meeting. We awoke early the next morning to pack and attend the club meeting. I was struck by the excellent crowd for this early morning meeting (7 AM), the fun bantering among the club members, and a host of banners filled with club banners from around the world. I learned that Don Skinner has made up throughout the world and has brought most of these banners back to the club. The club named three new Paul Harris Fellows and two multiple Paul Harris Fellows. I was pleased with an additional donation to The Rotary Foundation in my honor. Gary efficiently handled the meeting agenda and gave me plenty of time for my presentation that seemed to be well received.

Don Skinner was recognized as the club’s Notable Rotarian. Don was inducted March 1, 1986 as Charter Member and has perfect attendance for 25 years with worldwide makeups. His support of The Rotary Foundation is impressive: a Paul Harris Fellow x 39, Sustaining Member, Benefactor, and Major Donor. He has been named Rotarian of the Year in 1990-91, 2002-03, and 2007-08. Don has served as Secretary/ Treasurer for many years in the club and district. As the Aiken Sunrise Club historian, he has acquired a vast amount of information on every aspect of our club which he gladly shares with all who will listen.  Don proudly served as the “1st husband” during his late wife (Harriett) term as District Governor and travelled the District with her. Sadly I learned today that the club meeting date today was the 5^th anniversary of Harriet’s passing. Don is active in the Salvation Army and the local Purple Heart organization.  He is a tremendous asset to the Rotary Club of Aiken Sunrise and truly exemplifies “Service above self”.

Kathy and I had a great time at the Aiken Sunrise Club today and know that this club will continue to excel in 2011-12! We departed about 8:30 AM so I could drop Kathy off in Greenwood before departing to the GSP Airport for a trip to Kansas City this weekend. The transitions between Rotary work and my regular job as a residency director and family physician are becoming easier. We begin our recruiting for 10 new interns for the residency Class of 2015 this weekend at the AAFP National Resident and Student Conference in Kansas City, transition for one day at home, and then travel to Walhalla, Fair Play, Winnsboro, Lancaster, and Electric City (Anderson) next week. In the midst of all this activity, Kathy and I need to celebrate our 34^th wedding anniversary on Saturday, July 30^th!

Enjoying Peach Country in Batesburg-Leesville!

Sam Coker and Cheryl Burgess, Presidents of the Batesburg-Leesville and Twin City of Batesburg-Leesville Rotary Clubs, did a superb job making Kathy and I feel at home today in their community known as the Gateway to the South Carolina Midlands. I had the opportunity to meet with the boards of both clubs at lunch and before dinner, and they are committed to increasing membership and continuing to support the Rotary Foundation, literacy efforts in their community and Haiti, the CART (Coins/Cash/Checks for Alzheimer's Research Trust) fund, and many other initiatives.

I was very impressed with a program shared by Lancer Shull, the Vice President and Literacy Chair for the Rotary Club of Batesburg-Leesville. Lancer and his wife returned close to their home after working in L.A. (Los Angeles and Hollywood, not Lower Alabama) as actors. Lancer has a home studio and is now working with Rotarians willing to read children's books with passion. When schools have those days when the weather doesn't allow recess, the children can enjoy hearing and seeing on video their favorite books read by local Rotarians that they know.

During a joint meeting of both clubs tonight at an outstanding restaurant in Ridge Springs called Juniper's, I had the opportunity to participate in honoring five new Paul Harris Fellows and in honoring two Notable Rotarians. Furman Cantrell Ph.D. and Dr. Laura Walls were selected as the Notable Rotarians from the Batesburg-Leesville and Twin City Rotary Clubs. Furman Cantrell has served as club president and club foundation chair, and he is serving this year as the District Public Relations Chair. Dr. Laura Walls has served her community through some incredible literacy initiatives as well as by being an exemplary dentist and community leader. We tried to call Furman Cantrell about his recognition tonight, but found his relaxing on the golf course. President Sam Coker accepted his award, and will make this presentation at the next club meeting. 

Kathy and I experienced a high level of enthusiasm, optimism, and desire to truly make an impact on their community and world. Building membership and increasing donations for humanitarian work is very difficult in these tough economic times especially in small towns like Batesburg-Leesville, but I am confident that these clubs will do everything in their power to make a huge impact this year.

In the shadows of the Augusta National Golf Club

Kathy and I had a wonderful visit with the North Augusta Club. After a great discussion with the board at President David Thompson's house, we went to the Manuel's Bread Cafe in a very nice community near the Savannah River for dinner. As I spoke with the various board members at the dinner, I discovered that club member Chuck Smith grew up in Alabama, graduated from Carroll High School in Ozark one year after me, and served in the first Gulf War. We shared lots of good memories of L.A. (Lower Alabama) and our military days. 

The club meeting was also held at Manuel's Bread Cafe, but we learned that the club will be changing to a lunch time period at a different location next week. When we get back to this area, I can assure you that we will visit Manuel's Bread Cafe as the food and staff are great! The club and a visiting PDG enjoyed the presentation and are committed to growing the club in membership and Rotary Foundation support this year. 

I presented 3 Notable Rotarian certificates today to some outstanding Rotarians --  Arnold Silvert, George Nelson, and Mike Pereyo.

Arnold Silvert is 90 years old and has been a Rotarian for over 60 years. He has made a huge impact on our world and has served in multiple Rotary Clubs from West Virginia to Florida!

Rotarian George Nelson is a Charter member Rotary Club of North August and has served as club president, secretary, and board of directors. He has perfect attendance since 1978! 

Mike Pereyo Joined the El Vigia Rotary Club of Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1968 and served in many positions including President. He is the former District 403 District Secretary and Conference Chair. Mike has been involved in many international projects to include providing hearing aids in Puerto Rico, new rural  and sewing schools  in Dominican Republic, hospital supplies, water project in Guatemala, and dictionaries in Brazil.

Visiting beautiful horse country -- The Rotary Club of Aiken

Kathy and I were warmly received by the Rotary Club of Aiken, the 3rd largest club in District 7750! President David Jameson and the board shared their plans for the 2011-12 year. I was pleased to hear that they planned to continue their great history of membership growth and generous Rotary Foundation giving. AG Carmen Landy joined me today and did a great job interacting with the board and sharing ideas for the future. 

I was pleased to recognize a surprised Joe Shields as the Aiken Rotary Club Notable Rotarian. Joe has been a club member since March 11, 2006 and served as Chair of the club’s Foundation Committee. He led the way in setting and reaching lofty goals in Foundation contributions.  In addition, through presentations and other activities, he educated the membership in the vision, mission and accomplishments of the Rotary Foundation.As a result of Joe's leadership, the club posted some amazing statistics for the 2010-11 year: $28,489 in Annual Fund Giving ($162.79 per member), $1,000 in Permanent Fund Giving,$11,119 in Polio Eradication for a total of $45,497 donated to The Rotary Foundation, 16 new Paul Harris Fellows (PHF), 8 new multiple PHF’s, and 9 new Benefactors.

 The club provided a generous donation to the Aiken Free Medical Clinic in my honor. We had plenty of time today and actually finished a few minutes early. Several longtime Rotarians shared a very positive response about my presentation and their willingness to promote the 20/20 Vision for our district. 

Many thanks to PDG Rich and Jan Waugh who showed Kathy around Aiken during the board meeting today. David Jameson predicted that we would be buying some property in Aiken after two more visits. David, I'm not sure so sure that Kathy won't be talking about buying property in Aiken after one visit to this beautiful area of our state.

 At the close of the meeting, the club presented a generous check to the Aiken Free Clinic. Thank you so much for helping with this valuable service for the less fortunate!

Experiencing Newberry like never before!

Our official club visit to nearby Newberry (45 minutes from Greenwood) was packed with action! President Melvin Evans and his board are excited about the 2011-12 year and have my kind of plan for the year -- net membership growth by 10%, 12 service project, stretch Rotary Foundation goals, and plans to improve their community and our world! The club is now meeting at the Helena Community Center, a good meeting place, but not quite the same as their usual meeting place in downtown historic Newberry that is now under renovation. Kathy and I hope to return to Newberry when they return to their stately meeting place in the next few months. 

The club meeting was packed with recognitions for four new Paul Harris Fellows, a generous donation to the Newberry Free Clinic in my honor, and my presentation. We struggled to finish the meeting on time with all these activities. I was very appreciative of several club members who thanked me for my presentation and the perspective it gave them about membership and foundation growth. 

I recognized their Notable Rotarian, Gordon Henry, who has been a Rotarian for 44 years and a member of the Newberry club since 1969. He Served as the District Chair of the Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee from 1975-1998 (23 yrs) and as Club Treasurer from 1996 to now (15 yrs). He is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and was named as the Newberry Rotary Club Rotarian of the Year in 2000. Gordon Retired from Newberry College on on June 30, 2011 after 42 years of service (last position as Archivist).

I was so pleased to participate in the donation of $300 to the Newberry Free Clinic. I am a strong advocate of free medical clinics and have helped start three clinics over the last 14 years. The Newberry Free Clinic is providing great care for the less fortunate in Newberry County, and I appreciate local Rotarian's support of these clinics! 

President Melvin Evans is going to be a great club president. During my presentation, I mentioned that $20 will allow you to purchase a set of pliers or wrenches from Sears. The club members seemed to think this was funny, and I was perplexed about what was said to bring that reaction. After the meeting I learned that Melvin is the local Sears of Newberry store owner. I do enjoy Sears stores, but didn't know I was advertising for Melvin today during my presentation. I hope the Newberry club members see some wrenches in Melvin's store and remember to donate $20 a month to The Rotary Foundation! 

A passion for clean water projects in York, SC

Our final official club visit this week was in York, South Carolina. We had a pleasant drive to the historic city of York and met with the club at the First Baptist Church in downtown York. President Eric Johnston did a great job in leading the board in discussion and in leading the club meeting. I was impressed with the club's interest in raising funds to develop water projects to assure clean water for thousands of villagers. I was asked to participate in awarding Joe Johnson a special award today from the Rotary Club of York recognizing him for his excellent work in Honduras over the past few years. The club also provides funding for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and they supply Rotary Readers at local Head Start Center. The club recognizes a Student of the Month for every school in York School District One, provides a Rotary Scholarship for a York Tech student coming from York Comprehensve High School, and provides financial support for athletic fees for 10 disadvantaged students to participate in high school sports. I was pleased to see that the club wants to grow its membership, increase diversity, and continue to donate generously to The Rotary Foundation.

I was also pleased to recognize Immediate Past President Russell Propst as a Notable Rotarian. Russell led the board's efforts to get the budget balanced and costs under control. He is a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow and a RLI Graduate (3 sessions). 

  Kathy and I are happy to be back home in Greenwood tonight. I need to function as a family physician for the next week and do a little Rotary work on the side!

Welcome to Clover, SC

I have traveled extensively around South Carolina for the past 17 years, but have never had the pleasure of visiting Clover until yesterday. After leaving Blacksburg on Tuesday, AG Jeff Updike called to tell me that Clover did not have any motels or hotels. We therefore elected to stay at a Holiday Inn Express about 14 miles from Clover just off I-85 in North Carolina. The drive to Clover was very pleasant, and we were surprised to find such a delightful town with many churches, thriving businesses, and friendly people. I checked out the town's web site and discovered that they are the town with "love in the middle". We quickly saw this fact in the town's name (Clover), but in the people met in the club and community. Kathy and I arrived early in Clover and quickly found the club's meeting place at First Baptist Church in downtown Clover. The town is located primarily on two streets, so we explored for a few minutes before going back to the church. I knew that the Rotary Club of Clover had done several projects in this area after reading their Planning Guide for Effective Rotary Clubs. My hat is off to a club that is truly making a difference is a city located away from interstate highways and large cities. 

We had a great board meeting that grew in attendance to most of the club members. I was very impressed with their plans for the 2011-12 year, their involvement in local and international service projects, willingness to donate generously to The Rotary Foundation (goal of about $200 per capita to the Annual Program Fund and PolioPlus), and leadership plan. Service projects for this year include helping with the Clover Area Assistance Center, the Adopt a Block program, the Roosevelt Community building renovation,  improving the Clover town park facilities, donating to the Dolly Parton Imagination Literacy Program, and participating in the Salvation Army Christmas Red Kettle program. I was honored with the club donating $1,000 towards the Roosevelt Community Building renovation. The club has many great community leaders including the Town Administrator, and they clearly understand the Rotary world! Club President Bill Jenkins was a former member who has come back to lead the club to an even higher level! Increasing membership is a challenge in a small community like Clover, but I suspect that the club will grow with their fun, action packed, and service oriented club that impacts Clover and the world! 

We recognized 3 Notable Rotarians in the Clover Rotary Club today.William "Bill" Boyd (owner of Boyd Tire and Appliances and not the former District 7750 District Governor nor the RI President) is a charter member of the club who has donated or provided many items at or below cost for club fundraisers and community projects. Franklin Pendleton II is an attorney, charter member of the club, past president, and longtime bulletin chair for the club. Franklin is very active in the community and serves as the Chairman of the Clover School District Board of Trustees. Vance Stine is also a charter member of the club who is serving as the Membership Committee chair, a past president, and involved in all club activities. He has served as the Clover Mayor and on the Town Council. These are outstanding Rotarians and community leaders who are truly making a difference in their club! 

After visiting the Clover Club, Kathy and I took a short break by visiting the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte. Billy Graham's ministry changed my life 46 years ago, and I fought back a few tears yesterday going through the library. Cecil Pruette, a great friend, former National Guard colleague, and medical missions leader with Volunteers in Medical Missions, volunteers at the Billy Graham Library. He has been encouraging me for years to visit the library, so I finally got an opportunity yesterday. We are blessed to be living in an area with one of the world's greatest evangelists. Don't miss an opportunity to visit this outstanding library! 

The Small but Mighty Rotary Club of Blacksburg

AG Jeff Updike, Kathy, and I had a great time visiting with the small but mighty Rotary Club of Blacksburg this evening! This club of only 11 members makes a huge impact in their community! Their first major fundraiser of the year will be held on Thursday night, July 14th, and features over 20 talented performers from the area. Over 500 people will attend the annual New Talent Night fundraiser associated with the Peach Festival. The admission fees will allow the club to provide several scholarships to local students. The club also hosts a major BBQ event that assists the local Senior Center. They have also been able to purchase a Shelter Box for Japanese tsunami victims. 

 Two club members were nominated as Notable Rotarians. David Roark, a member since 2002 and past president, almost single-handedly organizes the annual BBQ Fundraiser for the Cherokee County Senior Centers. Ed Elliott, a club member since 1977 and former club president, has served as the key leader for the annual New Talent Night fundraiser. 

Since all club members have served as club president, President Megan Anderson has elected to serve a second year. She is very interested in increasing female membership in the club and even invited a former member to attend tonight. Megan, don't be surprised if your female membership doubles soon! I expect to see great things this year from the Blacksburg Rotary Club! 

Meeting old friends in Gaffney

After seeing the Gaffney giant peach water tower on I-85 today, we had the pleasure of meeting with the Rotary Club of Gaffney at Limestone College. President Cameron Hamrick presented an impressive book containing the club's plans and leadership plan for the 2011-12 year. The club will continue to offer scholarships to Limestone College students, but I saw a sparkle in several board members' eyes when discussing starting a new Rotaract Club at the college. I was pleased to hear the discussion about increasing membership and Rotary Foundation donations this year. 

 Today was also very special to me since I had a chance to visit with COL (Retired) Roy Mathis, a member of the Gaffney Rotary Club and a friend of our family for the past 40 years! Roy served with my father as a U.S. Army chaplain when I was in high school at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. I have fond memories of Roy and Nancy Mathis and was so glad to see him doing well today! 

Our Notable Rotarian for the Gaffney Rotary Club was Martha "Sissy" Brock, a member since 2008 who now serves as the Sgt. at Arms and Greeter. Sissy has been honored as a Teacher of the Year with the Cherokee County School District, served on the Cherokee County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse for 39 years, appointed by Senator Harvey Peeler to serve on the local 7B Foster Care Review Board, named the Duke Power Citizen of the Year x 2, and a host of other accolades! Sissy, thanks for exemplifying Service Above Self in your club and our Rotary world!

I was pleased to present a 2011-12 theme banner to President Cameron Hamrick to encourage the club to focus with 20/20 Vision to "Reach Within to Embrace Humanity". AG Jeff Updike joined me today in Gaffney and Blacksburg, and I know he will be a great help in encouraging these clubs to strive to make a difference in our world.

Another enjoyable day in Clemson, SC!

After working a few hours at my office and rushing a security system installer out the door at our home in Greenwood this morning, Kathy and I headed to Clemson again to visit the "large" Rotary Club of Clemson. President Susan Hilscher had the board assembled and ready to meet when we arrived! This club has a great history - 5 Past District Governors, many shakers and movers in the community, and a great history of service to their community and world. I learned today that they have sponsored 9 Shelter Boxes last year to help disaster victims in places like Haiti and Japan. I also heard about an innovative approach to the Coins for Alzheimer's Research Trust (CART) in which local businesses and other special groups sponsor/match the donated funds each month. 

Our Notable Rotarian today was Past President Lance Young. I had the pleasure of traveling to Marcala and Copan, Honduras last year with Lance  on a Rotary Medical Brigade, to visit a water project, and assist with a Chagas Disease prevention project. Lance is an academic advisor and lecturer at Clemson University. He exemplifies Service Above Self in his club and is a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow and TRF Sustaining Member. 

The Clemson Rotary Club has a bright future! I am confident that they will make significant progress towards my 20/20 Vision by increasing membership and donating generously to The Rotary Foundation. I was pleased to accept a check from the club for our district's literacy work in Haiti. Go Tigers!  

Go Tigers!

With the exception of one avid University of South Carolina Gamecocks fan, I saw lot of orange and met many Rotarians associated with Clemson University this morning for the 7 AM Clemson-Calhoun Rotary Club meeting! Club President Crossie Cox has exciting ideas and plans for the 2011-12 year, and I know that the members understand the importance of increasing membership and supporting The Rotary Foundation.

Retired veterinarian Jim Eidson was recognized as the Clemson Calhoun Rotary Club Notable Rotarian this morning. Jim was a charter Member of the Clemson-Calhoun Club on July 16, 1986.

He attended Clemson College in the late 50s and Georgia School of Veterinarian Medicine in early 60s. He owned and operated Clemson Animal Hospital for 30+ years and was much loved by many pet owners. Jim has been a strong club supporter and Board member -- membership chairperson for many years and is now the “New Member Orientation Representative” and assists the Sgt. at Arms without being asked with the set up and take-down of each meeting. He has 20+ years of perfect attendance and participates in all fundraising projects. He is a strong Rotary Foundation supporter as a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and Benefactor. In his spare time, Jim has been very active in his Fort Hill Presbyterian Church and is known for “fixing things”. He is an avid gardener and shares his vegetables and flowers with many people around own (including some tomatoes now at our house!). As an avoid sportsman Jim loves all Clemson sports, enjoys fishing at his sister’s Georgia property, and giving away the fish to the local veterans. Jim recently married again. I was honored to meet such an outstanding Rotarian this morning who has clearly exemplified Service Above Self in his community and Rotary club!

Club President Crossie Cox is an inspiration to me! Kathy and I enjoyed eating dinner with the Cox's last night and meeting with the board at her home. She has only been a Rotarian for about a year and is taking her new responsibility very seriously. I suspect we will see some great things come out of Clemson this year and maybe even have a great Clemson football team!

Another beautiful day in Anderson, SC!

Today was another beautiful day in Anderson, SC for Kathy and I! We had a great visit with the Rotary Club of Greater Anderson and were so excited to hear about the impact that this club has in the community. I encouraged them to post some of their great projects on our new district blog. This club raised over $70,000 with their signature event, Dancing for our Heroes. Most of the club members volunteer to read for a local elementary school class, and their class had some of the highest achievement test scores in the school district! The Greater Anderson Club is excited about the new year, and I expect to see their membership grow dramatically! I was also pleased to hear that 6 new Paul Harris Fellows will be named this year. The response to my presentation today was very positive despite me going past the meeting closing time! Sorry! I just had so many great examples from this club to share in my presentation and did not detect anyone nodding off or leaving. 

AG Bill Harley joined me today and did a great job with the introduction. Bill is an outstanding Assistant Governor and a great resource for this area.

Barb Baptista, the Director of the Anderson Free Clinic, attended the meeting today and accepted a generous donation from the club for support of the free clinic. I really appreciate this donation and know that the less fortunate in Anderson will benefit.

Wanda White, a club member for just four years now serving as the club secretary, was recognized as the Notable Rotarian today. Wanda is the Annual Giving Coordinator for Hospice of the Upstate and has exemplified Service Above Self in her club and community! By the way, Wanda will be getting married soon to Jim and brought him to the club meeting today! Wanda, I am very proud of you and thank you for your service to Rotary!

Kathy and I are on to Clemson to meet with their board tonight and regular meeting tomorrow morning.