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 5th 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 34th wedding anniversary on Saturday, July 30th!
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