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!