Close to home in Clinton, South Carolina

Kathy and I enjoyed the brief 30 minute drive to Clinton and even had a chance to stop by our son and daughter-in-law's home to visit our special granddaughter, Christina, before going to meet with the Rotary Club of Clinton. We arrived a few minutes early and found Club President Amy Thomason and another club member arranging furniture, hanging banners, and preparing the room for our board meeting and regular meeting. 

Several board members engaged in a good discussion about the club's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The board felt that the Clinton Rotary Club was the premier civic club in Clinton, had great fellowship, and was involved in their community. I was pleased to see that the club plans to grow its membership from 31 to 37 using a new membership committee and active involvement from all club members. The club will participate in a joint project with the Laurens Rotary Club, support the Christmas Luncheon for the Laurens Memorial Home, and distribute dictionaries to 3rd graders. The club's major fundraiser is the Rotary Radio Rodeo made possible by a club member who works at the local radio station. I was pleased that the club elected to provide a check to the Good Shepherd Free Medical Clinic in Laurens (see photo above).

I was pleased to recognize the late Ed Sadler, a prominent member of the Clinton Rotary Club who passed away on July 27, 2011, as the club's Notable Rotarian. His wife, Nancy, was present to accept the certificate. Ed was a charter member and past President of the Clinton RC, a Paul Harris Fellow, and had 30 years perfect attendance with many international make-ups. He served in the Marine Corps with the 6th Division 'China Marines‘ in WWII and as mortar platoon leader in Korean War. He was a highly decorated veteran who earned the Bronze Star and later retired as a Colonel. Ed was a graduate of Presbyterian College (1951). He managed and was a partner in the Home Wholesale Company, formerly Laurens District Company, a family business. He retired in 1987 and he and Nancy began traveling all over the U.S. in their R.V. They also cruised extensively, circling the globe many times. I could tell today that he was a very special Rotarian that meant a great deal to this club!