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Life-Long and Far-Reaching – Rotarian Robert Smith
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: 2020/11 - November
For Robert Smith, joining Highlands Rotary was an easy way to weave himself into the fabric of the community.
In some ways, once a Rotarian always a Rotarian. Robert Smith has been a Rotarian since 1996. Because of many years of involvement, he identifies with the intentions of Rotarians everywhere.
Smith and his wife, Susan, moved to Highlands from Alabama in 1994 to work at The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center. When someone invited him to a Rotary Club of Highlands meeting, he jumped at the chance.
“I wanted to meet more people in Highlands. I felt right away that it would be fun and help me know the community better outside of work…a way to get involved.”
Getting involved, as a volunteer and in leadership roles, including president in 2002-03, helped Smith solidify Highlands as home. “And now we’ve lived here longer than any other place.”
Although Smith said he tries to step up no matter what is asked of him, his current “niche” focus is the CART Fund, providing funds for cutting-edge research to cure Alzheimer’s disease. CART stands for Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust and was started in 1996. Rotarians throughout the United States voluntarily empty their pockets and purses of change at weekly meetings.
“Fortunately, I don’t focus on CART for any personal reasons, but it started growing on me as I read some of the research about Alzheimer’s. The club needed someone to oversee CART. It’s been interesting to learn about this. Those opportunities come when you get involved. This is just one of many things that gets done by Rotarians, who raise funds for important issues locally and globally.”
Smith said he can count many Rotarians as his best friends. “When you work with other people for a common good, that just happens.” He remembers visiting a friend in Bellevue, Washington, and dropping in on a Rotary Club meeting there. Members were immediately welcoming.
“Before long we were engaged in great conversation and comparing notes. Knowing that there are Rotarians all around the world is impressive. I can always find people I have something in common with.”
