Visiting Furman Paladins Country -- The Rotary Club of The Foothills

I had the pleasure of visiting the Rotary Club of The Foothills just before departing for the Rotary Zone 33-34 Zone Institute in Reston, Virginia. Kathy elected to teach her Calculus students for two days this week since we will be in Reston for the remainder of the week. We will depart for Reston tonight after the final Membership Seminar is completed at the Innovate Building in Greenville.

President Robyn Harmon, an attorney by education and now a professional volunteer, and her board were well prepared for the district governor visit and have exciting plans for the 2011-12 year. Furman University has a clear presence in this club! The Rotary Club of The Foothills is involved in the Rotary Reader program in a local Title 1 elementary school, provides supplies to the Crossroads Group Home, and supports the local YMCA. The club has plans to increase membership by 3 members this year and increase their Rotary Foundation donations. I was also impressed by their desire to increase publicity of the club's service projects.

I was pleased to recognize Helena Travis as the club's Notable Rotarian. Helena has been a member since 1989, a Charter Member and Past President. She now serves as the club's Fundraising and Social Chair. She always leads by example. Her family’s business purchases the nuts used for club’s major fundraiser that allowed the club to make donations to four community organizations. She dealt with her husband’s major illness last year. The nomination stated that she is “a real force to be reckoned with in the club and community” and an inspiration to other club members. She has hosted a grand evening for the Club at her home, the "Hugo" party (named because the club was founded the year Hurricane Hugo struck South Carolina, and a major club event was scheduled for the evening that the hurricane came aground).