Ending on a high note in Spartanburg with the Rotary Club of Spartan West

Kathy and I met an impressive group of Rotarians at the Rotary Club of Spartan West! President Matt Dickart was well prepared for our visit and had his young, enthusiastic board ready to go. This club is growing so fast that they are worried about running out of space at the current meeting place. They are excited about The Rotary Foundation and contributed about $150 per capita last year. I heard about plans for a District Simplified Grant and several great local service and fund raising projects. The club has an annual Radio day, sponsors a pancake breakfast, supports the United Way Day of Caring, and has a strong relationship with a local Interact Club. They were so "hot" with enthusiasm today that the restaurant could not get the room to cool down! (Sorry, that doesn't meet the Four Way Test, but it makes a good point!) Many clubs have told me that a major threat is the economy, but I never even heard the economy mentioned today. I was pumped up after leaving this club!


The Notable Rotarian for the Spartan West Rotary Club had to be out of town today, but I recognized John Connors Jr. for exemplifying Service Above Self in his club. John is a retired insurance executive who has been a member of this club since 1994 and a Rotarian for 27 years. He is a Past President, Rotarian of the Year (2006), Paul Harris Fellow and Bequest Society member, and heavily involved in the club's literacy initiative at Arcadia elementary School.  He reads at least once a week to several classrooms and helps out the club in every possible way he can whether it be socially, financially, or administratively. John, I am proud to recognize you as a Notable Rotarian! 

Kathy and I have thoroughly enjoyed our 24 club visits over the past 5 weeks. We have logged 2,309 miles in Upstate South Carolina, spent 4 nights in hotels and 2 nights in Rotarian homes, and met many wonderful Rotarians in our district. I return to my real job tomorrow at the hospital, and we depart for Afghanistan on August 19th where we will promote a polio free world with celebrity Ramesh Ferris from Yukon, Canada.