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The Foothills Humane Society and its President, Susan Wallahora, are proud to award Bertie Phayer the Second Wind Hall of Fame award. This award is too long in coming. Bertie has been here over thirty years, and each year she has lived here she has earned this distinction.

Bertie and her husband, Joe, came here from Saudi Arabia where Joe was an executive with Exon Oil. Between the two of them, their contributions have been many.

Joe became involved with Ron Smith and Hospice, to bestow to the area “The Smith-Phayer House.”

Bertie went on to serve for many years on the board of the Humane Society, almost from its conception, and was one of their most successful fund raisers. She has served on the boards of many organizations including, Carolina Carriage Club, Hunting Country Association, Meals on Wheels, and the FAR Circle. I am sure I have missed many others.

She enjoys watching the birds, squirrels and deer on her lovely farm which has provided a welcome to other animals large and small, in need of a home. She has remarked her yard often looks like a Christmas card with all the animals around the feeder.

Along with her critters, Bertie loves antiques and likes to do needlepoint. Best known for her gathering, she is a relaxed and accomplished hostess and with exceptional recall has stored an amazing amount of Tryon-Landrum history which she shares, including dates, places, and names…Her tales can leave you crying with laughter.

Her family includes two rescues, a dog named “Snoozy,” and an elderly King Charles Spaniel, “Truffles” who it is said to have a heart condition and needs dentures.

Bertie has been tireless in her many endeavors, and still going strong. She is a devoted friend and once counted as a friend, you are for life.

We often ask effective, accomplished people what they would like to be known for, so I have added my two cents. ”Her compassion for ALL of God’s Creatures”.

The Second Wind Hall of Fame is a 501C-3 Organization that seeks to identify those outstanding volunteers over the age of 60 who contribute so much to the quality of life in our community.

 

Submitted by Liz Norstrom