On to Winnsboro, SC --" the Charleston of the Upcountry"

Kathy and I loaded our Suburban later referred to as "Big Bertha" and head two hours up the road to Winnsboro that is apparently often referred to as the “Charleston of the Upcountry” according to the city's web site.  Winnsboro, located in the upper Piedmont region of South Carolina, was named in honor of the Winn family, whose members fought in the Revolutionary War, and abounds with historic and architecturally interesting homes and buildings. Winnsboro’s entire central core is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sites to see in Winnsboro include the Greek Revival Fairfield County Courthouse, designed by South Carolina’s Robert Mills. The Town Clock, modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia, is believed to be the longest continuously running town clock in America to colonial buildings. The Fairfield County Museum houses collections spanning the area’s pre-history through to the early twentieth century.

 The board and club met at the Fairfield Motel located near the Fairfield Memorial Hospital. Larry Dozier, the CEO and President at Self Memorial Hospital in Greenwood, when I first arrived in 1994 later served as CEO of Fairfield Memorial Hospital and a member of the Fairfield Rotary Club. Club President, Arthur Lathan, was very welcoming and assembled a large board to discuss their plans for the year. The clubs plans modest membership growth and continued involvement in the local community. The club has done a great deal to support the local school system with scholarships and hands-on projects. I encouraged the club to increase their donations to The Rotary Foundation so we could make a bigger impact in the world. 

The Winnsboro Notable Rotarian was Tony Perez. Tony, a member since August 15, 2006, epitomizes the theme of Rotary of "Service above Self". He is the current treasurer and past president of the Winnsboro Rotary Club and can be counted on to be directly involved in Rotary club projects and take leadership roles. He takes a very active role in the community and has responded with tremendous kindness and cooperation over the years. Tony serves as a Board member and secretary of Palmetto Health Cancer Center, a board member of the Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce, and served four years as chairman of the Fairfield County United Way Campaign, each time exceeding the goal of the campaign.

 I had the opportunity to present the Past President plaque to Rotarians William Frick who did a great deal to better organize the club last year. Kathy and I were very impressed with the club's diversity, great meeting place and food, and a welcoming spirit throughout the meeting. I have great faith that the Winnsboro Rotary Club and President Arthur Lathan are going to have a great year as they seek to have "20/20 Vision".