We began our week with a beautiful drive to the Rotary Club of Walhalla. Walhalla is the county seat of Oconee County and began as a settlement for German immigrants. Its name means "Garden of the Gods". Walhalla is also called the Gateway to the Blue Ridge. As we drove around the town prior to meeting with the club, I was impressed with a fountain and several signs proudly displaying the Four Way Test on College Street, the main street in Walhalla. I was later told that this was the club's centennial project. 
Club President Mike Thorsland has a bold plan for the year that has their board and members excited! Mike will use a new fundraising idea (Scripts) to help the club make a minimum $100 per capita donation to The Rotary Foundation. Mike represents the New Generation well, and I suspect that the club will see growth with many young professionals. I was also pleased to see some old friends, Lamar and Rosemarie Bailes. Lamar has served as the Walhalla mayor for many years, and has worked with Volunteers in Medical Missions (VIMM) with me in the past. We last traveled together with VIMM to Nicaragua a few years ago.
Our Notable Rotarian for the Walhalla Rotary Club, Jordanie Mertil, is a great example for all of us. After a difficult childhood in Haiti, she came to Miami and to Oconee County in the early 1990's. She worked diligently to earn her GED degree, obtain US citizenship, and advanced from the housekeeping department to the Catering and Production Manager at Oconee Medical Center. She is an active member of Straight Paths Church and she has been instrumental in our club’s support of Love a Child Ministry, an orphanage in Haiti. Jordanie Mertil is truly an excellent example of “service above self.” Her initiative, positive attitude, and strong work ethic are an inspiration to the club!
DGE Kim Gramling and AG Patrick Lee came to the meeting today. I had the opportunity to present Immediate Past President Stan King (photo above) with the club's Silver District Governor's Award from the 2010-11 year. Although I was a bit verbose today, the club listened carefully and even asked for a copy of the presentation. We enjoyed meeting at the restored train depot located in a beautiful park where the annual Oktoberfest is conducted. As we left one member told me that the visit today was one of the most positive in their history. Thanks for your wonderful hospitality and willingness to share your beautiful community!
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