This year, the three quarter mile meander around the PACWalk lakeside course is named The Sam White Stroll as a dedication to one of The Pacolet Area Conservancys most stalwart supporters. White was officially dubbed The Leader of the PAC for his cheerleading the cause of conservation in our area. One of the original founders of PAC in 1989, White helped shape the organizations mission of conserving and protecting our areas natural resources.

Its hard to imagine PACWalk without Sam, says PAC Executive Director Sally Walker. Sam was always a distinct positive presence from PACWalks inception, enthusiastically walking and talking with his wife, Stephanie, friends and his beloved Wheaton terrier. His style was jaunty, and you could just feel that 100-watt smile coming down the home stretch of the walk.

Back by popular demand, this years PACWalk will be held at Tryon Estates lakeside and woodlands course in Columbus on Saturday, May 1. Registration opens at 9 a.m., shuttles begin service at 9:30 a.m., and the first walk starts at 10 a.m.

There are three ways to support the conservation efforts of The Pacolet Area Conservancy through this years PACWalk, says Walker. One, supporters can enter the easy-breezy Sam White Stroll. Two, participants can embark on the two mile slightly more rigorous PACWalk around the lake and through woodlands. Three, as a Phantom Walker who simply wants to support conservation in the foothills region and watch from afar.

Official sponsors for this years PACWalk are the staff and residents of Tryon Estates, an ACTS Retirement Life Community; Natures Storehouse health food store in Tryon; First Citizens Bank in Tryon and at Tryon Estates, Watson Flooring in Columbus; Edward Jones investing, in Columbus and Lynn; Pro Physical Therapy Health and Fitness in Columbus; Owens Pharmacy in Tryon and at Tryon Estates, Mast General Store in Hendersonville. Supporting sponsors are Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital in Columbus, and Costco Wholesale in Spartanburg, S.C.

The first 100 PACWalk entrants will receive discount coupons for Mast General Store, and all participants are invited to enjoy a free meal, starting at 11:30 a.m. at the awards ceremony in the Tryon Estates Dining Room after the event.

Entry forms can be picked up between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the PAC Office at 850 North Trade Street in Tryon. For more information call PAC at 828-859-5060.