Chris Bartol, a longtime Tryon Fine Arts Center board member, was recently inducted into the Second Wind Hall of Fame.

Marianne Carruth, TFAC’s executive director, surprised Bartol by awarding the certificate from the stage before the opening night audience of the Tryon Summer Youth Theater production of the musical James and the Giant Peach. 

The award read in part “in recognition of a useful and productive life, continuing beyond retirement while others paused to rest.  These dedicated persons caught a ‘second wind’ and began a new career of service to the community and to mankind.”

Bartol was born in West Orange, New Jersey, and grew up in Tryon.  He graduated from the McCallie School Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1960. He was a part of the National Championship Rifle Team while attending the Citadel in 1964. In 1968, he graduated from the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara.

Bartol returned to Tryon from High Point, North Carolina, in 1986.

He has been active in many capacities with the Tryon Concert Association and as a photographer for the Pacolet Area Conservancy since 2007. Bartol has served as a part of TFAC’s board since 2013. 

While on the TFAC Board, Bartol has served as vice president of operations, sharing his photography skills for a multitude of projects and events, as well as contributing to the film committee.

His hobbies include fixing things, home-brewing and acting. Bartol has also been very active for many years with Tryon Little Theater, most recently in last year’s two-man show, “Greater Tuna.”

Bartol lives with his wife, Carole, with whom he shares six children and six grandchildren. When asked what he would like to be remembered for, he answered “inspiring his kids to ‘figure it out.’”

Second Wind Hall of Fame is a 501 (c)(3) organization that seeks to identify outstanding volunteers over the age of 60 who contribute to the quality of life in the community.

– Submitted by Michelle Fleming