The Cheraw Rotary Club has honored Pat Smith with the Blondie Pate Four-Way Test Award. Smith, who has been instrumental in reviving the Cheraw On-Stage Theater group and known for spearheading a community-wide Veteran’s Day program, was ultimately chosen for living life by the club’s credo of “service above self.”
“Blondie Pate always put others before himself, thereby exemplifying the Rotary Club Creed, ‘Service Above Self,’” said past-president Ron Bartley, a former Rotarian who was also one of the club’s founding members.
“Pate’s legacy is allowed to live on through this award,” he said.
The Blondie Pate Four-Way Test Award is given annually to a community member who lives up to the Four-Way Test, a checklist for ethical behavior, which is recited at the end of each Rotary meeting. The test reminds Rotarian’s that of everything they say or do, the following four questions should be asked; Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
When Pat Smith, and her husband Joe, moved to Cheraw in 2003, the Theater on the Green was suffering from a lack of community interest. With the theater in need of leadership, maintenance and total revitalization, Smith took an active interest in the project and became a major role player in its success over the past decade.
As president of On-Stage, Smith developed several successful plays, brought in new members and reached out to school age and minority actors. She worked with town leaders to secure funding for new carpet, painting and lobby furnishings. Smith’s efforts to re-energize the theater continues to pay dividends today, as the theater sees more amateur productions and continuing improvements.
Smith was also recognized for her efforts in honoring local veterans with an annual ‘Salute to Veterans” production. The inspirational musical takes to the stage each year around Veterans Day, this November will mark its seventh year.
“Smith has been a one-woman crusade for remembering, honoring and educating local citizens of the sacrifice by the county’s veterans,” said Bartley.
“For a number of years she has spearheaded the community-wide program with the assistance of On-Stage, the Cheraw Arts Commission, area veterans, churches, local singers and performers,” he said.
For more information about the Rotary Club of Cheraw, contact President Sherrie Chapman at schampan@NETC.edu. The club meets weekly on Monday at 1 p.m. at the Country Kitchen Restaurant in Cheraw.
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