Feeling the Fun and Energy of the Union Rotary Club

I have been looking forward to visiting the Rotary Club of Union, and we were not disappointed in any way! Kathy and I arrived a few minutes before the board meeting and had a chance to drive around Union. Union seems to be a very vibrant community despite the loss of several textile manufacturing plants in recent years. 

President Frank Hart and the board were very gracious and welcoming to Kathy and me. We felt the great energy and enthusiasm about the club during the board and regular club meeting. We really enjoyed the singing (Star Spangled Banner and Hello, Dolly) and Happy Dollar portions of the program. I was thrilled to meet several physicians in the club and to connect with PDG Jack Whitener. 

PDG Colonel William Jackson “Jack” Whitener has been a Rotarian since 1975. He has served as a Past Club President and the District 7750 Governor. He is a Paul Harris Fellow + 8, a Rotary Benefactor, and often hosts fireside chats at his home for new members. Jack is a dedicated Rotarian who is a friend to everyone in the club!He retired from U.S. Army after 30 years of service. He is a graduate of the U. S. Military Academy at West Point and has a MA Degree from Columbia University and a MS Degree from George Washington University. Jack has been married to Martha Pacolet “Packie” Whitener for 59 years!I was honored to be able to recognize Jack as the club's Notable Rotarian today! 

After the meeting, Robbie Littlejohn and Buddy Smith took me on a tour of service projects in the Union area that the club has sponsored. I was thrilled to see the Rotary Little League baseball field that received funding by a District Simplified Grant a few years ago. Kathy and I were very impressed with a park with a fitness trail that also highlighted Rotary International, the Union High School Interact Club, and the great accomplishments of the Union Rotary Club. We saw park benches along Main Street that were donated as a part of the club's Centennial Project in 2005. We even drove by their aluminum recycling plant that earned some major dollars in its early years. A commercial recycling firm has now set up shop in Union that is open every day, so this has reduced the profits of the Union Rotary Club's operation. We continued to feel the great energy and passion for their club as we toured Union with Robbie and Buddy. For clubs that are wondering how they can activate their club, I would strongly suggest a visit to the Rotary Club of Union!