Two Decades-Plus of Service

Richard Robson

Richard Robson’s long-term membership in the Cashiers Valley Rotary Club has strengthened his commitment to service.

Richard M. Robson, MAI, SRA, of North Carolina Appraisal Company, has been living in Cashiers since 1995 and has been a Rotarian since 2000, having been invited to join by Jim Zoller of Zoller Hardware. In those 22 years, he has seen changes in the Cashiers Valley Rotary Club’s membership, and growth in the organization’s community support. He explained, “At the time (2000), most of the year-round business people belonged, about 40 members then. Then membership grew as high as almost 80. But the economic conditions in 2008 caused big changes in Cashiers and we lost some people. Only one member, Vanna Cameron, has been in the club longer than I have.”

He added, “The Cashiers Valley Rotary Club has raised and given back to the Cashiers’ community at least $1 million over the last 20-plus years for projects, including at the area schools, scholarships for area students, and monies to the library, hospital, Humane Society, Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, Cashiers Literacy Council, and numerous other nonprofit organizations.” Robson, a past president and member of various committees during his time as a Rotarian, noted that main fundraising activities for which he has been involved encompass everything from the 4th of July symphonies in Sapphire to craft shows on the Village Green. “My father never belonged to a club like Rotary, but long after his death my mother shared with me that he always told her that if he had joined a club, it would have been Rotary because ‘they always did what they said they would do,’ according to him. So, I am proud to be a member of the Cashier Valley Rotary Club.” Further, Robson informed that the club is comprised “of a diverse group of both working and retired people, male and female, with all types of backgrounds. Some of our members have traveled abroad for our club so the experiences for our membership is very interesting.”

by Deena Bouknight

The Captain of Our Ship

The steadfast courage and indefatigable positivity that Gary Maddox displayed throughout his career have earned him the presidency of the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society’s Board and the 2022 CHHS Humane Hero of the Year Award.

Some of you may remember George Steinbrenner. As a longtime owner of the New York Yankees, he was the longest-serving owner in club history and the Yankees won seven World Series championships and 11 American League pennants under his ownership. He was also a successful thoroughbred horse owner and a major player in the shipbuilding industry, especially in Tampa Bay. One day Mr. Steinbrenner wanted to move an especially large ship that was docked at the Port of Tampa. Bad weather was moving in. A young, 20-something voice called out over the radio and said, “No sir, you cannot move your ship.” That young voice was the harbor ship pilot and he was in charge of ensuring safety above all else.

Well now. George Steinbrenner, whose nickname was “The Boss,” was not used to anyone telling him “no.” His response over the radio was well…not G-rated. He demanded to see in person the young man who dared to defy him. Long story short, Gary Maddox and George Steinbrenner met that day and they became fast friends until Mr. Steinbrenner’s passing in 2010. I share this story because it’s just one example of Gary’s leadership, courage, and stewardship. He has been piloting a different ship these past three years through turbulent times and unchartered waters. That ship is the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society Board of Directors. And that captain is our Board President, a 2022 CHHS Humane Hero of the Year Award recipient, and someone I am honored and blessed to call my friend. Gary and his wife Linda celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary this year. They are proud pet parents of CHHS rescue alums Willie and Lucy. All of us at CHHS are grateful and thankful for Gary’s leadership of our board, and his compassion for the animals entrusted to our care.

Established in 1987, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization located at 200 Gable Drive in Sapphire, one-and-a-half miles east of the Cashiers Ingles in between Cedar Creek Club and Lonesome Valley on Highway 64 East. Our no-kill shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. For more information, visit us online at chhumanesociety.org or call (828) 743-5752.

by David Stroud, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society photo by Marty Boone