Rotary Conyers

Club of Rotary Conyers

This Week....David Mitchell, Atlanta Preservation Birthdays

The Atlanta Preservation Center is the City�s private non-profit preservation organization. It was founded in 1979 to promote the preservation of Ron Smith Atlanta's architecturally, historically and culturally significant buildings, neighborhoods and landscapes through education and advocacy. January 28th Thua G. Barlay January 28th Sam Crowe February 3rd Tisa Smart- Washington February 12th Bennett E McCumber February 17th Bryan Hilburn February 17th Wendy A. Bear February 25th Mark Chris Bowen February 25th

Wedding Anniversaries

Sandra Cowan Etheredge January 31st Dorothy Bala February 1st Bruce C. Ahlstrand February 11th

Years of ??Throughout its operation the Atlanta Preservation Center (APC) has Service worked to make a richer environment in the City by advocating for Atlanta�s historic resources. We have sought to bring an awareness of the existence and value of a diverse range of treasures and to propose ways in which they can be made viable assets for use and purpose in the life of Edward L Cowan the City. 02-01-1973 48 Years In cooperation with the Atlanta Urban Design Commission; the Historic Preservation Division, Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Easements Tommy O. Morgan Atlanta; the Atlanta Regional Commission and many other organizations and individuals, the APC has helped to preserve and revitalize countless 02-01-1981 resources throughout Atlanta. Our interests have involved us in the local and national designation of Historic Districts such as Fairlie-Poplar, 40 Years Auburn Avenue and Grant Park and in the protection and redevelopment of individual buildings including Ivy Hall, the Castle, the Georgian Terrace, the Biltmore and the Glenn Hotel. We have put our efforts into concepts as comprehensive as the BeltLine and as specific as the restoration Thua G. Barlay of the Sidney Lanier Monument in Piedmont Park. 01-14-2010 11 Years The 1856 Lemuel Pratt Grant Mansion in the Grant Park Historic District was once described by City historian Franklin Garrett as the City�s "most Dorothy Bala historic building," but the L.P. Grant Mansion nearly lost the battle for survival until the APC restored it to purposeful use as our headquarters. 02-10-2011 10 Years Our website is a tool to learn about APC�s current advocacy projects including the Circle Wye Railroad Junction and proposed adjacent historic Wendy A. Bear district, Memorial Drive Corridor, Judge Wilson House and English Avenue School, our list of Atlanta�s Most Endangered Historic Places, as well as 01-12-2012 exciting preservation successes such as the Atlanta Daily World, Clermont Hotel and the Peters House/ Ivy Hall, along with efforts to expand the 9 Years State tax credits to stimulate preservation-based redevelopment. Michael Macchione 01-10-2013 In addition, the APC seeks to create a climate for preservation through education. Our nine guided historical Walking Tours raise consciousness 8 Years and present the history of Atlanta to residents and visitors alike. These showcase the unique sense of place created by our historic resources. Our Kenneth Gaylord education programs introduce concepts of history, preservation, architecture and civics to students in grades kindergarten through 12. The annual 02-14-2013 Phoenix Flies Celebration is a capstone event which presents many entities that contribute to preservation and to the life of the City. The APC�s 8 Years website, internet outreach and newsletters provide information and insight throughout the year. Ermel E Forrester 02-18-2016 5 Years Next Week...Karen Beavor, Executive Director GA Center for Non Profits Moses G. Kabia 02-18-2016 5 Years Upcoming Programs... Clarence Cuthpert 02-18-2016 5 Years Tisa Smart- Rotary Announcement Washington 01-26-2017 Marty and Dr. Boyle, in conjunction with Lynn Vineyard Miller, are participating in providing breakfast and lunch meals to 30-40 people at 4 Years Rockdale and Newton Hospitals a couple of times a week. We have about $900 leftover from raising money for first responders that we are Bryan Hilburn contributing to the program. If you wish to donate to this cause please send Kim a check marked for first responders and let myself or Marty 01-08-2019 know your are sending the donation. 2 Years The Chamber is also sponsoring a program to support our healthcare heroes. They are requesting that you donate snacks (premade individually wrapped) that will be placed in the hospital breakrooms. To minimize visits to the hospital you can drop the snacks off at the Chamber (936 Club Leaders Green Street) through the end of January between 9-4 on Monday - Thursday. The Georgia Laws of Life need volunteers to read essays for the competition. All they need to do is CLICK HERE to sign up to read. We know Scott G. that this is one of the most rewarding parts of a Rotary Club's sponsorship. Slaughter We will have a workday at Lighthouse Village on March 27th. Please go ahead and put this date on your calander. President Rotary Golf Tournament - April 23, 2021 - Cherokee Golf Club The Rotary District Conference scheduled for April 22 thru April 25 at the Jekyll Island Conference Center has been CANCELLED. ?? The Rotary Leadership Institute is now presenting their programs online. This is a great way to learn more about Rotary and provide yourself Moses G. with the tools to succeed in leading Rotary to a greater future. Please sign up online at https://www.rlitraining.org/? Kabia doing_wp_cron=1597950466.4333369731903076171875 . The club will reimburse your training fees. President- Elect ?? Sandra Membership Roster 2020 - 2021 Cowan Etheredge First Secretary Last Name MemberType Classification Pref. Email PData Code Participation Name ?? Two Way PHF,B,PP,PAS 2005,ROTY 2003, ALUMNI or Bernard Ahlstrand Bruce Active-R85 [email protected] ALU Radio Industry 2010,PHFn,4106,4107 Rotary Stanford Insurance-Life PHF,PP,PAS 2005,ROTY Treasurer Andersen Beth Active [email protected] B Benefactor & Health 2007,PHFn,4106 ?? Printing PHF,BS,PP 2017-18,PAS Wendy A. Bala Dorothy Active [email protected] BS Bequest Society Services 2012,ROTY 2014,4106 Bear Barksdale Wales Honorary [email protected] PHF CM Charter Member Membership Chair Corporate- ?? Distinguished Barlay Thua Active Attorney [email protected] PHF,B,PP 2014-15,PHFn,4106 DSA Ermel E Service Award D6910 Forrester Double Membership Bear Wendy Active Insurance [email protected] PHF DSM Sustaining Retention Member ?? Chair Georgia Rotary Dave Religion- Benson Dave Active [email protected] GRSP Student Benson Methodist Program(GRSP)+ Family of Education- GRSP Hue Rotary Bloodworth Tonya Active Director Family [email protected] PHF,4106 4107 Thomas Fellow ?? Engagement Jr. Al A. Myers GRSP Ronnie Jr. Bowen Jimi Honorary [email protected] PHF,PP,ROTY 2006 4108 Waller Fellow GRSP Chair GRSP Will Watt ?? Bowen Mark Active-R85 Cemetary [email protected] PHF,4106,4107 4106 Fellow Albert A. Surgeon - Meritorious Myers III Boyle Stephen Active-R85 [email protected] PHF,PP,PRY 22,4106 MSA Retired Service Award Rotary Past District Gov Foundation Investment ?? Brown Andrew Honorary [email protected] PHF,PP PDG / District Chair Advisor Served: Shane Persaud Cabe James Active [email protected] PP Past President Public Financial Consolo Joseph Active [email protected] PDRI Past RI Director ?? Relations Advisor Chair Hardware- Paul Harris Cowan Edward Active-R85 [email protected] PHF,PP,PHFn,4106,4107 PHFn William T. Retailing Fellow (PHF)+ Rogers Perfect Attorney - Bulletin Crowe Sam Active [email protected] PHF,4106 PAS Attendance Trial Editor Since: ?? Attorney - PHF - Paul Harris Beth Cuthpert Clarence Active General [email protected] PHF Fellow Andersen Practice Literacy / Military - PHS- Paul Harris Digby Daniel Active [email protected] PHF,PP,PHFn,4106 PHFS Past Reserve Society ?? President Corporate- Previous Rotary Real Estate Dorothy Duncan Heather Associate [email protected] PRY Years in other Development Bala D6910 Clubs: On-To Hardware- Rotarian of the Conference Etheredge Sandra Active [email protected] PHF,4106 ROTY Retailing Year: ?? Chair Pharmacy - Service Above District Evans Vince Active [email protected] PHF,4106 SAS Retail Self Award Events Religion- Coord Cooperative Sustaining Wayne Forrester Ermel Active [email protected] SM Baptist Member Robinson Fellowship Sergeant- Banking - at-Arms Gaylord Kenneth Active [email protected] PHF,SM ?? Commercial Vince G. Executive Evans George Ann Active Director Non- [email protected] Club profit Fundraising Financial ?? Grace Lewis Honorary [email protected] PHF,PP 2015-16,ROTY 2012 Chair Advisor Michael Harper John Active-R85 Airline Pilot [email protected] PHF,4106 Hutcheson Hedrick A. Active-R85 Dentistry PHF,4106,4107 Community ?? Service Dentistry - Hedrick Aubrey Active [email protected] PHF Chair Sedation Martin Jones Private School Hilburn Bryan Active [email protected] Club Service - Headmaster Chair Non-Profit Hutcheson Michael Active Children & [email protected] ?? Families Shelli Economic Siebert Jones Martin Active-R85 [email protected] PHF,4106,4107 Development Club Programs Kabia Moses Active Banker [email protected] ?? Chair Insurance - PHF,PP,PAS 1980,ROTY Suchet L. Lassiter Michael Active-R85 Retirement [email protected] 2013,PHFn,4106,4107 Loois Planning International Lavigno Bethany Active [email protected] Service Sustainable ?? Chair Loois Suchet Active-R85 [email protected] PHF,ROTY 2009, 2015,4106 Dev. Michael Municipal Macchione Lucas Tony Active [email protected] PHF,4107 Director Vocational Investment Service Macchione Michael Active [email protected] PHF,SM ?? Broker Chair Massey Terry Honorary Attorney [email protected] PHF,PP,ROTY 2011,4106,4107 Bryan Hilburn Insurance Mathews Wilson Active-R85 [email protected] PHF,PP 2012-13 Youth Medical ?? Services Electrical Maxwell James Active-R85 [email protected] PHF,4106 Chair engineer Thua G. Education - Barlay CEO, Rockdale McCumber Bennett Active [email protected] iPast Career ?? President Academy Attorney- PHF,PHFS,SM,B,BS,MD,PP,DSA,PDG Kim Glaze Moore Garland Active-R85 [email protected] Judicial 6910,SAS,PHFn,4106,4107 Club Executive Public Safety- ?? Secretary Morgan Dan Active Fire and [email protected] Rescue Dorothy Bala Public Safety - Morgan Tommy Active-R85 [email protected] PHF,PP,4106,4107 Assistant Fire Consultant Governor Pastor- PHF,PP,PAS 1993,GRSP ?? Myers Al Active-R85 [email protected] Presbyterian 5,4106,4107,4108 Attorney - Myers Albert Active [email protected] PHF,PP,PAS 2000,4106 Family Law Superintendent Oatts Terry Active Rockdale Co [email protected] Schools Architecture - Persaud Shane Active [email protected] Building IT-Information Robinson Wayne Active-R85 [email protected] PHF,ROTY 2018,4106 Technology Insurance- Rogers William Active-R85 Wholesale [email protected] PHF,PAS 1984,4106,4107 Student Executive Siebert Shelli Active Director - Arts [email protected] PHF,ROTY 2016 Council Corporate- Plumbing - Simpson Brian Active [email protected] Commercial D6910 Director of Sistrunk Laura Active Community [email protected] Relations Accounting - Slaughter Scott Active [email protected] PHF,4106 Tax Local Smart- Tisa Active Government - [email protected] Washington Taxes Smith Ron Honorary [email protected] PHF,ROTY 2005,4106,4107 Banking - Stanford Bernard Active [email protected] Commercial

January 2021

Happy New Year

By DG Tina D. Fischlin on Friday, January 1, 2021

Welcome to the NEW YEAR! 2020 went out with a roar, and 2021 has arrived with a bang!

A HUGE thank you�as of December 31, you had provided over 779,000 meals to families in our communities. You have stepped up to the plate with our District challenge of providing 1 million meals in this Rotary year � with 6 months to go!

We have also extended the deadline to February 28 for clubs to apply for the District�s $500 COVID Relief Matching Grant. Better hurry�there is only $25K available.

It is exciting to report that we now have three new EarlyAct clubs: Rotary Club of Martinez-Evans, Rotary Club of Greene & Putnam Counties, and the Rotary Club of Lawrenceville.

We also have a new Rotaract club sponsored by the Rotary Club of Jasper.

Looking to the future, DGE Mike Berg will soon attend International Assembly where they will announce the Rotary theme for 2021-2022. Club Presidents are also planning to attend PETS at the end of February with both virtual and in-person training.

The District Conference Committee will be heading to Jekyll Island to continue preparing for the Fun In the Sun District Conference. Rest assured, the conference team is working to ensure that your conference experience is awesome! Registration is OPEN!

In closing, our thoughts and prayers go out to those in our Rotary family who have lost loved ones this year. It has been a trying time for so many. But we must remain strong.

Thank you all for your commitment to Rotary and to serving humanity.

Let�s make 2021 the BEST year ever! DG Tina

Vocational Service Month

By Debby Ciccone on Friday, January 1, 2021 ?? Vocational Service is rooted in the Second Objective of Rotary, which calls on all Rotarians to �encourage and foster� 1) high ethical standards in business and professions; 2) the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; 3) the dignifying of each Rotarian�s occupation as an opportunity to serve society.

Click here to open this month's Vocational Service Flyer.

VOCATIONAL SERVICE AWARD NOMINATIONS DUE JANUARY 31

Every club in District 6910 is encouraged to submit a nomination for both the Robert Stubbs Guardian of Ethics Award and the Lee Arrendale Vocational Excellence Award. Click on the Vocational Service Flyer link above for more information. Click here to find the nomination forms.

January 31 Deadlines for Vocational Award Nominations

By Sallie Boyles on Thursday, December 31, 2020 January 31 is the deadline for two of District 6910�s annual vocational awards: the Guardian of Ethics Award and the Lee Arrendale Award for Vocational Excellence. Both honors will be presented at the 2021 District Conference from April 22-25 in Jekyll Island.

First given in the 2007-2008 Rotary year, the Guardian of Ethics Award, named for Canton Rotarian Robert S. (Bob) Stubbs II, distinguishes a Rotarian who �exemplifies the attributes and passion for ethics in his or her vocation, business and personal life.� Bob Stubbs (1922�2002) was a WWII, US Marine Corp. (Lt. Col., JAG) veteran, an Emory Professor of Law (1960s�70s), and the Executive Assistant Attorney General of the State of Georgia (1970s�80s). A prolific legal author, he further wrote Under the Gun, a novel.

Jerry Cooper, who chairs the selection committee, shares the following considerations for nominating a candidate:

Contributions made to foster ethical practices Record of achievement through ethical and vocational contributions Exemplifies the tenets of the 4-Way Test Reputation within and outside peer group Community contributions relating to ethics and vocation Other leadership roles�civic, religious, charitable, trade, professional, political, government, or military�where ethics have been exemplified

Recipients must also have been a member of Rotary for at least three years.

Past Guardian of Ethics Award recipients are as follows:

Past Robert S. Stubbs II Guardian of Ethics Award Winners 2007-2008 David Roper Martinez-Evans 2008-2009 Lt. Gen. DeWaye Patrick Thomson 2009-2010 Lyons J. Heyman Rome 2010-2011 Stewart Manley Etowah 2011-2012 Nancy Bills Rockdale 2012-2013 Norman Fletcher Rome 2013-2014 David Cooper Rockdale 2014-2015 Stacey Cotton Covington 2015-2016 Fred Snell Jasper 2016-2017 Dennis Still Braselton 2017-2018 Sollace "Mike" Freeman Gainesville 2018-2019 Tom Burgess Lanier-Forsyth 2019-2020 George Bailey Canton

January 31, 2020 is a firm deadline for 2020�2021 Guardian of Ethics nominations. As of this writing, the committee has received 18 nominations. If you have any questions, please email Jerry at [email protected].

The nomination form is available here. https://dacdb.com/Rotary/Accounts/6910/Downloads/0/Forms/StubbsGuardianofEthicsNominationForm.pdf

The W. Lee Arrendale Award for Vocational Excellence, established in the 1990�1991 Rotary year, honors a Rotarian�s notable achievements in his or her vocation, community, and academics.

W. Lee Arrendale, recognized as an outstanding leader and worker in the poultry business and associations, greatly influenced and served his industry. His business, community, and Rotarian leadership roles were extensive. �He started from ground zero and took the risk,� says David Foster, who chairs District 6910�s selection committee. A charter member of the Rotary Club of Habersham County, W. Lee Arrendale also served as President (1967�68) and contributed to numerous committees.

Distinguished honorees of the W. Lee Arrendale Award for Vocational Excellence are as follows:

Past W. Lee Arrendale Award for Vocational Excellence Recipients 1990-1991 Alton Story Clayton 1991-1992 H. Randolf Holder, SR. Athens 1992-1993 Robert G. Hill Winder 1993-1994 William P. Flatt Athens 1994-1995 Dr. Truman T. Atkins LaFayette 1995-1996 Robert E. Knox, JR. Thomson 1996-1997 W. H. Nesmith, JR. Athens 1997-1998 William L. Chandler Madison Co. 1998-1999 Lt. G. Burton D. Patrick Thompson 1999-2000 Betty Anne O'Neill Rome 2000-2001 William Self Georgia 2001-2002 William Balliew Calhoun 2002-2003 Jim Hinshaw Gwinnett 2003-2004 John Smith Greene Co. 2004-2005 Jim Kent Gwinnett 2005-2006 Dennis Still Braselton 2006-2007 W. Everett Bennett Johns Creek 2007-2008 Roy G. (Joe) Satterfield Union Co. 2008-2009 W. Norris Little Dalton 2009-2010 Paul Chambers Athens 2010-2011 W. Gardner Wright, JR Rome 2011-2012 Edwin C. Watters Rome-Seven Hills 2012-2013 Milton Masciadri Classic City Athens 2013-2014 Michael H. McDougald Rome 2014-2015 Dent M. Thompson Cartersville 2015-2016 Jerry Boling Banks Co. 2016-2017 Thomas Bagwell Forsyth Co. 2017-2018 Jeff Downing Jasper 2018-2019 Dalton T. Sirmans Habersham Co. 2019-2020 Alexander Cua Town Lake

The 2020�2021 recipient will be chosen based on the following attributes: * Nominee�s achievements in his/her vocation * Nominee�s achievements in the community

The nominee�s academic achievements may further be included for consideration, but as David emphasizes, �This award is about entrepreneurship.� While individual clubs can certainly honor members from areas like academics or public service, the District�s W. Lee Arrendale Award for Vocational Excellence is reserved for businesspeople.

Typically, about 20 club presidents will submit a nomination. If any clubs need additional information or time to complete an application, please contact David at [email protected]. The January 31 deadline for this nomination is somewhat flexible, but the committee will require ample time to select a winner before District Conference.

The form with submission guidelines is available here.

Understanding the District COVID Relief

Sunday, January 3, 2021 Last spring the District leadership team recognized that some members and some clubs were financially challenged as they encountered the early onset of the COVID lockdowns. In response to that challenge the Board voted to send $78,500 to the clubs from the Disaster Relief fund. These funds were allocated based on club size, ranging from $1500 for smaller clubs to $500 for extra-large clubs.

There were no restrictions placed on these funds as clubs could use them as they saw fit to support individual members and the club. The only requirement was that the clubs must report back to the District when and how the funds were used.

The second COVID relief monies that are currently available is the $500 matching grant funded by The Rotary Foundation. Pete McDonald has been handling the process. This is a GRANT and is treated exactly as the normal district grant that clubs apply for every year. The requirements were two- fold: 1) provide food in the local communities and/or 2) provide PPE to organizations in the local community. This is not to be used to support club operations. For information on applying for a COVID grant, click here.

Are You Ready to Take the Plunge?

By Paige W Havens on Friday, January 1, 2021

?? Help us finish the fight to eradicate polio, save lives, and give children a chance at a healthy future by taking the Plunge for Polio at the 2021 District Conference at Jekyll Island this April. Rotarians committed to the cause will plunge into the chilly waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and enlisted sponsors will donate to support our courageous efforts. One-hundred percent of our sponsorships will go to the Rotary Foundation Polio Fund, and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match donations 2-to- 1. Rotarians will receive Foundation recognition points for donations of $25 or more. Sponsors donating $100+ will receive a special polio coin. Start enlisting your sponsors today! Click here to download a Sponsor Form!

Heavy Hearts

Sunday, January 3, 2021

?? ?? ?? Silvia Shortt Terry Gordon George Gaines

It is indeed with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to three dedicated Rotarians this month, Silvia Shortt (Rotary Club of Athens), Terry Gordon (Rotary Club of Gwinnett County) and George Gaines (Rotary Club of Elberton). Both were very active in Rotary at both the local and district levels and will be sorely missed not only for all of their hard work but also because of the joy that they brought to life. Click read more for a short write up about Silvia, Terry and George as we mourn their passing. SYLVIA SHORT

Our dear friend, Athens Club Rotarian and GRSP Trustee, Sylvia Shortt passed away last week. Sylvia was a world class ?? human being with a remarkable spirit and deep commitment to education, students and GRSP.

Sylvia served as a Trustee for District 6910 since 2017. She was a past Assistant Governor and a dedicated volunteer. Sylvia�s work with Rotary and education had an impact on the lives of thousands of young people from around the world.

If you would like to honor Sylvia or express your condolences, please consider a contribution to one of the funds below:

International scholarship fund Sylvia set up several years ago at the University of West Georgia. Click here for information.

Also consider a contribution to the GRSP Foundation in Sylvia�s name: Click here.

Our thoughts & prayers are with her family and friends. Sylvia will be greatly missed!

TERRY GORDON

Our hearts are heavy as we lost another key District leader this week. Terry Gordon was a Rotarian that truly embodied "Service Above Self" in all that he did. He was a gentle giant and will be greatly missed. Please keep the Gordon family close in thought and prayer in the days ahead.

Terry Gordon, 77, of Norcross, Ga. Peacefully died on December 30, 2020 at Piedmont Hospital after a short illness.

??He is survived by the �love of his life� of 52 years, Jane Lowe Gordon; a son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Kristy Gordon of Lilburn; daughter, Cindy Gordon of New York City and significant other, Mike Ingenthron; grandchildren, Nathan and Amelia Gordon; brother, Denny Gordon of Tallahassee, Fla.; and a host of extended family and close friends.

After high school in Fitzgerald, Terry graduated from Georgia Southern College, and was called to active duty for over a year with his Air Force Reserve unit, serving at Dobbins Air Base. During this time, he and Jane were married.

His professional life began with the Touche accounting firm. He later joined Ashworth Overall and Company of Tucker before beginning his own CPA practice. He specialized in auditing and extensive tax services for firms large, small and for individuals. He had his offices in Peachtree Corners.

He was a founding charter member of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. Terry was active in many activities in Gwinnett, including the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and was a member of its Chairman�s Club.

He was a member and former president of the Gwinnett Rotary Club. He was especially active in statewide Rotary activities. He represented his Rotary district on the Georgia Rotary Student Program, which brings students from overseas for a year�s study in Georgia colleges. He served for many years as GRSP treasurer, and for five years was vice president and five more years was president.

He was also on the board of the Atlanta Zoo as he advised it raising money as it moved to new facilities. For more than 30 years, he was on the board at Annandale at Suwanee. He also served for years as a member of the Hudgens Arts Center. He was also a founding member and board member of Gwinnett Community Bank of Duluth.

In lieu of flowers, those wanting to commemorate Terry�s life may make a donation to the Georgia Rotary Student Program at Box 61327, Savannah, Ga. 31420; to Annandale at Suwanee, 3500 Annandale Road, Suwanee, Ga. 30024; to Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 1400 Killian Hill Road, Lilburn, Ga. 30047; or to their favorite charity.

A private celebration of life for Mr. Gordon is planned at a later date at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. George Gaines

This week the City of Elberton and Rotary lost a treasure after the passing of 101-year-old George Gaines. A Rotarian of 61 years, George served on the board of directors for many years and as club president in 1971. One of his greatest passions was to fight for the eradication of polio. He also loved attending the annual Rotary district co nferences. George was a Paul Harris Fellow. ??

A World War II veteran, having served in North Africa, Italy and Austria, he came home after the war and began what would become a decades-long career in the granite industry. After working for 17 years as a business partner with Atlas Granite Company, he went on to become quality control manager for the Granite Association.

George was a strong community supporter and was a member of the local board of education. He volunteered regularly at church.

Sadly, he was greatly looking forward to celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Rotary Club of Elberton on May 1, 2021, when the club turns one-hundred years old.

George Gaines was the focus of a very special feature article that appeared in the D6910 monthly District Newsletter in October 2020. For access to read that story, click here.

2020 Hindsight: What Opportunities Did Rotary Open for You?

Friday, January 1, 2021 ?? By Peter Gleichman, District Community Service Chair

When Rotary International President Holger Knaack selected Rotary Opens Opportunities as his theme for Rotary Year 2020- 2021, he could not have been more prescient in picking a theme more fitting for the global pandemic that the Rotary World encountered with the rest of humankind. Could there have been a set of circumstances that would challenge Rotarians more to turn threats into opportunities?

Rotary clubs and Rotarians across District 6910 have risen to the innumerable challenges raised by the coronavirus pandemic and not only found but created the vast array of opportunities that define us as servant leaders. What Opportunities did Rotary open for you and for your Rotary club? It may have been starting or participating in one of the dozens, if not hundreds, of food drives and food distributions that have provided hundreds of thousands of meals across North Georgia. Or maybe it was creating face masks that play such a crucial role in helping to minimize the spread of COV ID-19. Was it repurposing the club funds usually spent on club meals and venue rental to support local restaurants struggling to stay afloat with takeout sales or outdoor dining? Did your club buy meals or personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders?

One Rotary club I know that usually reads in person to students in the elementary school with which it partners during an annual event shifted gears and went to virtual reading, actually allowing more students to be read to than would normally take place during the live reading event! What about that bell-ringing for Salvation Army this holiday season that your Rotary club does every year? Didn�t that take on new meaning this year because of all the people in need due to reduction or even loss of employment? And wasn�t there an even greater need for holiday toys for kids because their parents couldn�t afford to buy as many, or even any, presents this year? Wasn�t that an opportunity that Rotary opened for you?

We�d love for you to look back at 2020 and share with us what Opportunities Rotary Opened for You! Please email your stories to me at [email protected] with a subject line Rotary Opened Opportunities, and we�ll share them in the next issue of the District 6910 Newsletter!

EarlyAct: Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow

By Kimberly S Reynolds on Saturday, January 2, 2021 ?? Have you heard of EarlyAct? What about RotaKids? Maybe Interact?

EarlyAct is for students ages 5�13 EarlyAct may be known as RotaKids in clubs that have had long-established programs prior to EarlyAct. Interact is for students ages 13�18 Action is key, which is why �Act� is part of both age groups� names. Rotarians are people of action, and teaching students about being people of action is an important part of being a future Rotarian!

Since Interact will be covered in other articles, let�s explore EarlyAct.

EarlyAct is a school-wide service club for elementary students from ages 5 to 13. It is sponsored by one of the local Rotary clubs in the community where the school is located. Husband and wife dynamic duo David and Leslie Foster, Habersham and E-Club respectively, have been very active in launching ��EarlyAct clubs this past year.

David and Leslie put together a comprehensive, easy-to-read overview of EarlyAct: Click here.

As David and Leslie outline in the presentation, EarlyAct teaches caring, respect, empathy, responsibility, tolerance, citizenship, compassion, friendship and leadership. EarlyAct members get first-hand experience in being involved in the community and being people of action by completing service projects.

Follow this Vimeo link to watch the video presentation led by David and Leslie Foster to learn how EarlyAct fosters service to the community and nurtures leadership development: Click here.

Want to see EarlyAct in Action? Read about these creative, service-minded clubs and see the great work they are doing!

Level Grove Elementary School�s EarlyAct Club, sponsored by Habersham County Rotary, held their first meeting and inducted their officers in March, making them the first EarlyAct Club chartered in the District.

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Hasty Elementary School�s EarlyAct Club, sponsored by Rotary Club of Canton, launched in February of this year and was featured in the local newspaper for sewing masks for healthcare workers at the beginning of the pandemic.

The Baker Place Elementary Eagles EarlyAct Club, sponsored by Martinez-Evans Rotary Club, formed in October of this year and held their officer installation outdoors while donning masks for safety. ??

The Baker Place Elementary Eagles EarlyAct Club has even put together a podcast to continue their mission during the pandemic. Listen to this outstanding podcast by these future Rotarians: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/vWp5mPqJWbdGKP2p6

Last month, the Eagles EarlyAct Club kicked off the Epic Light Show and collected donated socks. Watch the Epic Light Show by clicking the link to their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/earlyact6910/videos/434620157706912

Calhoun City Schools� RotaKids � A long-standing tradition

Prior to EarlyAct, there was RotaKids, and Calhoun City Schools� RotaKids have been an active club for many years in northwest Georgia. Before the pandemic, Calhoun City Schools� RotaKids Club members, accompanied by teacher/sponsor Angie Gravitt, presented their year of service to the community at the Calhoun Rotary Club meeting, hosted by superintendent Dr. Michele Taylor at the newly unveiled Calhoun City Schools administrative complex. ??

Addison Serritt, daughter of Rotarian Nathan Serritt, spoke about their clubs' accomplishments during the year.

Would you like to find out more about EarlyAct? There are some great resources available to you about the program, how to start an EarlyAct Club, and many ideas for community action projects EarlyAct Clubs have done across the District. http://www.rotarydistrict6910.org/youth-service-earlyact.php

Plus, Rotary District 6910 EarlyAct has its own Facebook page. Be sure to visit this Facebook page to see what these amazing future Rotarians are doing! https://www.facebook.com/earlyact6910/

Feed10Million Update: Feeding Lots of Families this Holiday

By Randy Redner on Friday, January 1, 2021 ??Thank you for taking care of so many families in need this holiday season. In this year like no other any of us have lived through, our work to feed families in our communities has never been more important. Click "more" for a current update on our progress so far this year.

AS OF TODAY, DISTRICT 6910 HAS PROVIDED 775,005 MEALS THIS ROTARY YEAR!!! As we give a quick shout to a few clubs that are leading the way, don�t forget you have until June 30th to enter your projects into the Feed10Million database. But ... as always, the sooner the better.

Covington Club � President Thomas Kephart - 127,508 meals Braselton Club � President Hardy Johnson - 107,260 meals Duluth Club � President William Edwards - 93,716 meals

Remember, DG Tina challenged us to provide 1 million meals this year, so we are well on our way. I�m pretty sure she told me she is willing to take a pie in the face from the Club that provides the most meals...or maybe that is just the rumor going around. J

Here are the two things your club can be doing right now to support the Feed10Million campaign:

$500 District Matching Grant � Don�t forget this first-come-first-served opportunity to get a $500 matching grant from the District to provide food or PPE in your community. The grant deadline is December 31st. Click on this LINK to learn more. The link will take you to the webpage about applying for a District Grant, and this new opportunity is #10 on the list. I have also attached information about the grant and how to apply to this email. Log your meal projects -- Remember, in Rotary it doesn�t count until the paperwork is done, so click here to log your meals each time you complete a project.

Thanks again for providing almost 800,000 meals so far this year to families in need. Now, with the matching grant, your Club can do even more. If you have any questions just reach out to me at [email protected] or on my cell at 404-273-1292.

Wishing you and your family a very HEALTHY New Year!!

Randy

P.S. Check out the pictures below of Rotarians being people of action! ??

?? Rotary Club of Braselton

?? Rotary Club of Hartwell

?? Rome Rotary Club

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Literacy 2021

By Denise Leeson on Saturday, January 2, 2021 ?? Make literacy a big part of your club's New Year's Resolution! Start by making a plan and check off your calendar with events and activities that foster reading all year long. For lots of great ideas how you can do this click the "read more" link below. As we enter a new year it is a great reminder to mark the calendar for all things literacy. Seeing adults read, and having books of their own fosters reading in every young student. As Rotarians we know how important reading is for everyone�s future and want to set the best examples. The first notation for your calendars should be National Reading Month in March. Clubs could celebrate this year by donating books to your local library as Rotary of Lake Chatuge/Hiawassee and Lanier Forsyth Rotary have done.

March 2nd is the annual celebration of Dr. Seuss� birthday with Read ?? Across America. Dress up and read virtually to classrooms in your district.

In April clubs might celebrate World Book day. April also boasts Reading without Walls to encourage children to read about people unlike themselves. Many clubs have donated books to their favorite elementary school or non-profit.

May is for Rotary high school scholarships. These scholarships help to send our next generation of possible Rotarians out into the world. Devote a club meeting in September to International Literacy Day on September 8. September is also National Library Card sign-up month. Make sure your community knows about the free services provided by your library.

The Last Thursday of October is the annual day for Jumpstarts Read for the Record an annual event for Canton Rotarians. What a record we could set if all our clubs joined them to read this year. November celebrates Children�s book week. Clubs can partner with Scholastic Literacy Partners. This allows a Rotary club to buy books for individual students at any school.

??If your club is looking for year-long projects to foster literacy, consider mentoring students with your local school systems or non-profits. Promote Adult literacy by furnishing books to jails, or helping to fund GED testing for adults. Become Mystery Readers at your local elementary schools. Help your local library to host an author event, record book talks, or sponsor a Reading Drive In. Build a Storywalk, Free Library or reading obstacle course in your local community.

Clubs throughout the district have shared how they helped foster literacy in their communities in the past. Please send us your stories and photos to share all throughout 2021.

#District6910Literacy

GRSP Turns 75 in 2021

By James McCoy on Friday, January 1, 2021 The Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year. Some important and exciting changes are in the works following a challenging year in 2020 with students prohibited from participating as the result of the global pandemic. GRSP will be back up and running, welcoming students for the 2021/2022 year. The program will be introducing a new, full-time Director of Marketing & Development and testing a pilot program that could help grow the number of host clubs and number of students engaged in the program.

Since 1946, the Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) - with the support of Rotarians in all 3 Georgia Rotary Districts � has welcomed over 3,600 students from every populated continent on earth. GRSP facilitates ambassadorial and cultural scholarships to international college-aged students to attend a Georgia college or university for one academic year. The participating international students are sponsored by Georgia Rotary Clubs and Rotarian �Host Families.� Students must also be recommended by a Rotary Club in their home country to be eligible to apply for the scholarship. Happy 75th Anniversary GRSP! - GRSP will return to its roots by hosting the 75th Annual Conclave ?? in Thomasville, Georgia, the home of the program�s founder, Will Watt. Your club can join GRSP in making this 75th year a celebration by a) sponsoring or co-sponsoring a student, b) having a GRSP student and GRSP and Trustee deliver a program; and c) increasing your club�s GRSP giving by 5% over last year. As a reminder, each of these three initiatives earns your club 2 points (for a total of 6 points) towards the Governor�s Citation. GRSP�s roots run deep in Georgia. Be sure to check out the GRSP video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zQ7ezzKKP5k An Unwelcome �First� for GRSP: The response to the global pandemic prohibited the 2020/2021 class from becoming a reality. For the first time in nearly 75 years, there was no alternative other than to put the program on hold. All accepted students were invited back for the 2021/2022 class year. Host Rotary Clubs and Host Families can host the same students they selected from the previous year if the student chose to participate again in 2021/2022. Growing Global Student Interest: Remarkably, global interest in GRSP increased this year. Thirty-three students from the 2020/2021 class year reapplied for the year�s class in addition to 65 �new� students applying for open seats. Within District 6910, there are 56 host Rotary Clubs sponsoring 16 students for this coming academic year. New Dedicated Marketing and Development Resource: Despite the challenges of 2020, GRSP continues to evolve and grow. The organization is actively executing its Strategic Plan. A Search Committee is now in the final stages of hiring a new position for the organization, Director of Marketing & Development. The job was contemplated in the Strategic Plan as facilitated by UGA�s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development in 2018. The new Director of Marketing & Development will be responsible for increasing investment in the GRSP Foundation and growing the endowment to offset the expense of Clubs hosting students. The new Director of Marketing and Development will also create and execute strategies to grow the footprint of GRSP in Georgia and around the world. The Search Committee will have an announcement regarding a candidate in January 2021. Pilot Program for the Future: GRSP is also actively exploring ways to grow the program despite the increasing tuition costs associated with sponsoring a student. A new pilot program is being deployed to test a way of supplementing the established GRSP program. Host clubs in the pilot program will select students from international students already accepted at a Georgia college closest to their club. Students will meet the established GRSP qualifications regarding age. The scholarship amount will be determined in collaboration with the club, trustee, college, and GRSP with one or more students hosted by a club. The host club and GRSP would share the scholarship costs with the college and/or the student. The student would be expected to meet all the other expectations of the GRSP program and participate in sponsored activities. If the pilot program is successful, it could introduce a new way of clubs hosting students at a lower cost, opening the door to more clubs and international students engaged in GRSP. Growing the Endowment: It is not surprising that contributions to the GRSP Foundation have been lower than previous years. The GRSP Foundation remains strong and continues to grow. Proceeds from the GRSP Foundation are used to offset club costs for sponsoring students. The Foundation is managed by Georgia Rotarians, for Georgia Rotarians, for benefit of every GRSP student. As GRSP moves into its 75th year as a unique Rotary gem, this is the year to make giving to the GRSP Foundation a priority for you as a Rotarian and as a Club. As noted above, your club can earn 2 points by increasing giving to the GRSP Foundation by 5% over last year. To learn more and make your investment, visit www.grsp.org. ??

Milestone Event: Rotary Club Madison County Completes Ramp #800

Saturday, December 12, 2020

On Saturday morning, December 12, roughly 25 years after the Rotary Club of Madison County built their very first ramp, what is now known as the legendary "#1 Ramp Crew" assembled to construct ramp number 800! It will be a day that these Rotarians will long remember. It was particularly momentous for a few of the original Rotary Ramp Crew members that were on hand at both events: Jerry Bond, Roy Gandy and Pat Quinn. What a phenomenal legacy that this Rotary Club has built over the decades, a true testament of "service above self" and an inexorable force for good in the community. Click below to read more and see lots of pictures from this amazing event.

Charter Member Roy Gandy told the story about that first ramp the club built back in 1995 when he and a couple of Rotarians were installing an air conditioner in a home for a Madison County man that suffered from polio. Gandy said the gentleman had a terrible time getting in and out of his house, as he literally had to crawl. He said it became obvious to them that he needed a ramp! And so, that became their first ramp project. According to Gandy, it was a 24-footer, and it took them almost a full day to build it!

Over the course of twenty-five years, you could say the "Ramp Crew" has perfected their craft. On this day what started out as a beehive of activity and what appeared to the casual observer as controlled chaos quickly turned into to a very well-organized, methodical and efficient undertaking. The team is so well experienced that everyone seemed to know who was doing what and when. It all fit together like a well-oiled machine!

Ramp number 800 took less than one hour to build! It was amazing!

Reaching this milestone was worthy of reflection. After the ramp was completed, all the Rotarians, volunteers and local citizens on hand gathered around for a few speeches and presentations. Matt Berryman, club president, started things off and then turned the program over to Rotarian Ed Brown, who is currently the club's ramp coordinator. Brown, with the help of Roy Gandy and Jerry Bond, presented several Honorary Rotary Memberships to individuals that have worked on the "Ramp Crew" for an extended period of time. "It amazes me the people who are not a part of Rotary who are still a part of this project. It's a real community effort," said Brown. Honorary Memberships were presented to Artry Bishop, Johnny Minish, Johnny Westmoreland, David McGinnis, Mitchell Hill, Walton Hill, and Alan Phillips.

President Matt recognized three "Ramp Crew" members for having achieved 30 years of perfect attendance. Roy Gandy, Wesley Chandler and Pat Quinn, all charter members, were presented with ?? very impressive, custom-made steel Rotary wheels Original Ramp Crew Members (l to r): Jerry that they can proudly display at home or work. Bond, Roy Gandy and Pat Quinn.

When it was all said and done, Ed Brown reminded everyone that the work continues. He said they have never been without a waiting list for ramps. "I added two more to the list yesterday. I've got to visit sometime this weekend and see where they're going to be placed on the list," said Brown. For today's project, Brown and the team worked with home owners Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy and Sonya King. Sonya has terrible knee issues, and the new ramp will make it much easier for her to get in and out of the house. Originally, the ramp was also supposed to benefit Jimmy's mother who was very ill. Unfortunately, she passed away in November before the ramp could be ?? built. Although still grieving, the Kings were overjoyed at the outpouring of help, volunteers and President Matt Berryman presents Roy Gandy, hard work from the Rotary Club of Madison County. Jimmy said, "The ramp is such a blessing. I Wesley Chandler and Pat Quinn with their 30- can't get over how many people came together to help us!" Year Perfect Attendance awards. RAMP #800 ??

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The Rotary Club of Madison County celebrated their thirtieth anniversary on June, 26, 2020. Click here to read a historical narrative of the club.

Braselton Rotarians Meet the challenge of Christmas during COVID

By Hardy B. Johnson on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 ?? At our regular Thursday morning Rotary Meetings, we often ask, �Why are we Rotarians?� Sure, there�s the fellowship of close friends who are genuinely concerned for one another. We�ve had a lot of concern in 2020! There�s the opportunity for networking, mentoring, and business contacts to explore. But there�s so much more to Rotary and the Braselton Rotary Club.

Again, in this year of 2020, the year of COVID, The Braselton Rotary Club has insured area's needy children will have a wonderful Christmas to remember. This is thanks to the generosity of Braselton area citizens and the hard work of Rotarians.

Planning for the annual Martha Martin Braselton Rotary Reverse Raffle began months ago with planning for a virtual silent auction and reverse raffle. So many Braselton Rotarians participated in the planning of the Raffle, but special appreciation goes to Chad Bingham and Martha Martin, who spent countless hours planning the event. COVID was rampant in our community to in-person event as impossible.

The raffle tickets were distributed early November. Each member of the Braselton Rotary Club had a challenge to sell 10 tickets for $100 each-�NO in-person party, just the satisfaction of helping kids at Christmas. There is no more noble a mission than demonstrating to needy children that people in their community are concerned for their well-being at Christmas time.

The Rotarians proved to be up to the challenge by selling 550 raffle tickets, which is dramatic testimony to the generosity of Braselton area residents. Words cannot express adequate appreciation to all who bought tickets to support this annual effort.

With much angst and trepidation, the virtual raffle went live on December 6 via YouTube. The silent auction was also a virtual event and proved to be highly successful. When you consider the absolute necessity of supporting children at Christmas and the challenge of the COVID virus, this effort must be viewed as an amazing success�-truly, A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE!

This is the reason we are Rotarians! Over 100 area children experienced Christmas. Many of these children asked for and received basic necessities, and ?? the Rotarians saw that they received toys and had Christmas fun. The children and their families enjoyed Christmas meals of ham, turkey and all the fixings. All Namesake of the event and "Queen" of this happened because of your generosity and the hard work of Braselton of Reverse Raffles, Martha Martin Rotarians. Thank God for Rotary and thank God we could meet the challenge in helps to make it happen. 2020.

?? From the 2019 event, the reverse raffle provided plenty of drama and excitement. While a little different this year, the resilient efforts of the Rotary Club of Braselton still raised $60,000.

?? Gifts and surprises for 100 Children are organized and ready to go!

?? Some of the volunteers and organizers in the background as gifts are ready to be delivered and picked up. ?? Plenty of food boxed up and ready to go!

?? The team is in a great mood as they prepare to move the goodies out! ?? What beautiful gift wrapping!

?? Whatever you do, don't forget the Hula-Hoop! ?? Martha Martin, shown at the 2019 event!

Creating a Community of Young Leaders in Gwinnett

By Logan Serrano on Saturday, January 2, 2021

?? The Rotaract Club of Gwinnett has been hard at work this year, despite the challenges of 2020. The revitalized club picked back up in May and began planning an entirely new experience with exciting goals and a streamlined mission: to create a community of young leaders to impact Gwinnett.

We then established our club values in which we base everything that we do.

Love - We want more for people than from people Integrity - We are who we say we are, and we do what we say we�ll do Fun - We take our mission seriously, but we don�t take ourselves too seriously Ownership - We take responsibility for our attitude and actions Humility - We think of others before we think of ourselves

We held our first general interest meeting in September at Slow Pour Brewing Company with over fifty 21-35-year-olds registered to attend. Since then, we have held monthly workshops and even a social outing at TopGolf.

Our monthly interactive workshops have been a big success drawing 15-20 Gwinnett young professionals each session to discuss topics of growth, leadership, and personal & professional development. We have heard from Derek Higgs, Co-Founder of Higgs Leadership Development, on the leadership �x-factor;� Andy Brightbill, 12Stone Director of Church Planting, on living in your �shadow mission;� and even our Rotaract President, Brad Scarberry, on overcoming insecurity.

�I personally think that I was living in my shadow mission when Andy came to speak. I would constantly follow other people�s opinions of what I should be doing with my life instead of thinking for myself. Now I�m on my way out and finding myself in the process,� said Chris Maloney, Rotaract Club of Gwinnett member. Chris is one of the many members who expressed how one of our monthly workshops helped him grow and make changes to become a better leader and a healthier person.

We look forward to continuing our work into the 2021 year and have already begun planning new workshops, social outings, networking opportunities, and charity events. You can follow along with our ?? journey on Facebook (@RotaractGwinnett) and Instagram (@rotaractgwinnett) or join our email list at Rotarians and Rotaractors at networking http://eepurl.com/hgdHfX. event at the Georgia Gwinnett College. Johns Creek Rotary Club Makes this Time of Year a Little Easier for Those in Need

By John Salter on Sunday, December 20, 2020 ?? With the focus on the holiday period this time of year, sometimes we forget that many people are hungry throughout the year. We have heard from food banks that they expect to be unable to help many of those in need by the end of January. Their shelves are expected to be nearly empty by then. With this in mind, Johns Creek Baptist Church and Johns Creek Rotary Club combined to have a January Food Drive to help four local food banks restock their shelves. It started with JCBC and JCRC each pledging $1,000 and was quickly followed by two Johns Creek Rotary club members each pledging $1,000 from their businesses�Emory Johns Creek Hospital and Andersen, Tate & Carr.

We weren�t done yet � two other Rotary Club members challenged the club by offering to match up to $1,500 of other members' contributions. The club came through �in spades� by contributing an additional $3,857 from its individual members.

Checks totaling $9,357 are being sent to the four food banks: Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, The Place of Forsyth County, Meals by Grace, and North Fulton Community Charities. These donations will make it just a little easier to fill those empty shelves.

A special thank you for the generosity of the members of Johns Creek Rotary Club for making the success of this project a reality!

We didn�t forget the Holiday Season! In recent years, The Place of Forsyth County � Holiday House has helped provide holiday joy to children by holding a toy drive. Again, JCRC stepped up to the plate and hit it out of the park! We are honored to support this cause in the 2020 holiday season by contributing $3,000 to this very worthwhile cause. Happy Holidays! ??

Photos from Around The District

?? Duluth Rotarian Mark Tyrrell, a.k.a. Santa Claus, attended the Rotary Club of Duluth�s last meeting before the holidays on December 16 and read �Twas the Night Before Christmas.� (Photo Credit: Randy Redner) For more great District 6910 photos and memories made during the month of December, click the link below.

Rotary Club of Braselton ?? Incredible publicity in the Braselton News, highlighting the great work of the Rotary Club of Braselton. Classic City of Athens Rotary Club

?? Becky, Tammy, Jay, Sissy & Marilyn delivered stockings to all the residents at Denny Towers today. Another great service project completed by Classic City Rotary! Rotary Club of Conyers

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?? Rotary Club of Conyers prepares backpacks for homeless population � December 17, 2020 - Every community faces challenges with finding long term solutions for homeless families. We do the best we can, and the Rotary Club of Conyers always finds a way to lend a helping hand by donating resources to those in need. On December 17 club members and Interact students enjoyed fellowship as we filled backpacks with blankets, shirts, socks, gloves, hats and assorted drinks and snacks. Dental care items were also added, thanks to a donation from Hedrick Family Dentistry. Close to 100 backpacks were delivered on Friday morning to Turning Point Ministries to be distributed in the community later that day. A special thanks to Rotarians involved in this project - Scott Slaughter, Suchet Loois, Dotti Bala , Wendy Bear, Shelli Siebert , Michael Hutcheson, Beth Anderson, Sandra Cowan Etheredge, Moses Kabia and Bryan Hills. And, Thank You to our interact students from Hills Academy.

?? ?? Empty Stocking Fund Program - The Rotary Clubs of Conyers and Rockdale County continued their annual tradition of partnering with Rockdale Emergency Relief for the Empty Stocking Fund program. This program provides assistance for families in need. With the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the Rockdale community, families are potentially experiencing hardship like never before. Christmas in 2020 was of the utmost importance as families were desperately searching for something positive for their children to look forward to during these tough times. Rotary, Interact Club members and volunteers came out and had a great time shopping at the local Walmart Store for toys on December 5. Rotary Club of Covington

?? Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Covington, voted best Civic Club in Newton County again! Click here for a PDF version of this flyer! Rotary Club of Duluth

?? Duluth Rotarian and Salvation Army Pastor, Minkee Kim was pictured and quoted in a December 30 Atlanta Journal-Constitution article about the growing need to feed the hungry. Rearranging cones in the parking lot, he said, �Way too many people are coming.� As the AJC stated: �Two hundred food boxes were prepared in advance, but [Kim] had to turn people away long before the event was scheduled to end.�

Duluth Rotarian and Director of the Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church Food Pantry, Ryan Jones was also quoted in the same piece. �This year we have an overwhelming need for efficiency,� he said. The article noted that the church was serving more than 600 families a week by December, compared to 180 families a week last year. The article further noted: �Before the pandemic, it would have been impossible for metro Atlanta workers to foresee what lay ahead, said Jones, whose day job is banker. �There�s no rhyme or reason to it. You would have no way of knowing that you would be in the industry that was decimated.�� South Hall Rotary Club

?? District Governor Tina Fischlin helps President Amanda Groover display their District Conference beach towel! Rotary Club of Hartwell

?? With the help of the school counselor at South Hart Elementary, the Rotary Club of Hartwell was able to fulfill the Christmas wishlists of 10 students. Club members quickly signed up to purchase the items needed or donated money so other Rotarians could purchase the items on the wishlists. Rotary appreciates the opportunity to help students and their families in the community. Oconee County Rotary Club

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?? Members of the Oconee County Rotary Club teamed up with area 5th graders for a bulb planting project. It was a learning experience for all!

Rotary Has Heart

By Paige W Havens on Friday, January 1, 2021 On or around Valentine's Day, Rotary clubs are encouraged to engage in a hunger project and "Rise Against Hunger." Each club may decide for itself how it wants to participate. It could be something as simple as donating money to an established hunger program, to organizing a full- fledged meal event as a club service project. This is first and foremost an effort to put food on an empty plate, to fill a stomach, to bring a ray of hope to the hungry. It is also a chance for us to show throughout our communities what Rotarians do when we are inspired to rise up against hunger. This effort is fully consistent with and can support our Feed10Million year-long initiative. ??

On the Horizon - Planning Ahead

Saturday, January 2, 2021 Since there is still a great deal of uncertainty in the world as it relates to COVID with immunizations, social-distancing guidelines and the like, it is difficult for all of us to make plans and lock things in as we don't necessarily know what the rules or limitations might be. With that in mind, here is an update on some scheduled events on the horizon and where they now stand.

Scheduled Event Location Status Date(s) On schedule and District Jekyll Apr. 22-25 expected to take place Conference Island as planned. Lanier If allowed by the school District Tech - and the state, the event May 15 Assembly Cumming will take place as Campus planned.

Meanwhile, here is a list of reminders to make sure are on your radar.

Link (if Reminder applicable) President-Elects: Have you added the slate of 21-22 officers in MyRotary.org and DACdb? Presidents: Be sure to document your great Rotary projects and events in the Rotary Showcase! Showcase Presidents and On-To Conference Chairs: Be House of sure to register for the House of Friendship at Friendship District Conference by April 8. Form Presidents and Vocational Service Chairs: Submit your nominations for the Robert Nomination Stubbs Guardian of Ethics Award and the Lee Forms Arrendale Vocational Excellence Award by January 31.

Pic of the Month

Saturday, December 12, 2020 Click here to see this month's "Pic Of the Month"!

?? "Let me show you fellas how this is done!" District Governor Tina Fischlin drives in the ceremonial final nail to wrap up construction of Rotary Club of Madison County Ramp number 800!

Important Dates & Deadlines

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Communication Pipeline

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