Elwyn Gaissert Sr Service Above Self Award, Marie - GRSP Student Recap 

This program, brought by Esther-Marie Lawrence, will feature Jill Taylor, director of community partnership and 2Gen Outreach for the Quality Innovations and Partnerships Division at Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL).

Location:

St. David's Episcopal Church 

1015 Old Roswell Road, Roswell, GA

Please join us for our Rotary Social on Thursday, May 1 from 5pm-7pm for Complimentary Appetizers, Reduced Price Drinks and Live Music with your Rotary Family!  It will be a great time!!

Major Sean M Minton US Army Public Affairs, and former Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarship Recipient.

This week, join us at the Embassy Suites to hear from Major Sean Minton, a 2019-20 Rotary Global Grant Scholar who pursued a Master’s at King’s College London in International Peace and Security under the Rotary focus on Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution. His dissertation addressed how NATO, the institution, adapts as warfare and the environment change.

Sean is a U.S. Army Public Affairs officer who graduated first in his class of 56 Army Majors from the Command and General Staff Officer College campus at Fort Belvoir, Virginia just 10 days ago. He will next serve as a Public Affairs Officer in the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs (OCPA). OCPA advises the Secretary of the Army and Army Senior Leaders in strategic communications, and crafts and disseminates communication for Army policy.

Sean is originally from Florida and enjoys sunshine and close proximity to the ocean. In October 2018, Georgia Rotary District 6900 in the United States selected him to represent our district as a 2019-2020 Rotary Global Grant Scholar at King's College London in the United Kingdom. His course of study at King's was International Peace and Security MA in the renowned War Studies Department.

Major Minton completed a Master’s in Professional Studies in public Relations and Corporate Communication at Georgetown University in 2020. He graduat3d from the US Military Academy at West Point in May 2013. He lies in Alexandria , VA with his wife and two sons.

Together, we see the world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through our network of business, professional and community leaders.

Dave and Jose will update us on last minute details for Smoke on the Lake

Britt Shiver is the Director of Programs and Engagement at Thomasville Center for the Arts. There, she cultivates relationships with community members, partners, artists, and instructors, and is responsible for shaping the vision for day to day programming. 

Britt has established 5 new programs in the past year, all of which are open and accessible to a wide-ranging audience, including newcomers and beginners. 

With a background that includes small business ownership, classroom teaching, community building, and journalism, Britt utilizes her diverse knowledge and experience to catalyze positive change and nurture long-term community growth.

When not working on developing strong, sustainable programming, she is writing a book of essays on being a Mother in the Deep South. 

Sam McCoy is the Director of Exhibitions at Thomasville Center for the Arts where she works with artists and is part of the curatorial team that brings shows to our main building as well as Wall Space at Grassroots Coffee Co.  She works with established artists who showcase contemporary exhibitions three times a year, with emerging artists to develop and build their professional practice as fine artists, and our local collective of artists, the THOM Collective, in juried exhibitions.  With a mission to make lives brighter through the arts, Sam connects with artists who connect with our community through engaging programming and thoughtful shows while offering encouragement to aspiring creatives in our region.  

Sam is also an instructor in the Interior Design and Architecture department as Florida State University, as well as a contemporary painter with her MFA from FSU.  Her work focuses on contemporary landscapes with a focus on hyperlocal flora and fauna.  She’s interested in how tourism has shaped our ecology and the roles of curated gardens and the ecotourism industry.  You will find her work at this year’s Wildlife Arts Festival, Venvi Gallery, and showcased around the South – and you might find her painting locally en plein air, enjoying the beautiful Red Hills Region.  

George Students and Recipients of the Laws of Life Competetion to Read their Winning Essays. 

Melissa Carter is a Clinical Professor of Law at Emory Law School and the Executive Director of the Barton Child Law and Policy Center, a multidisciplinary child law program seeking to promote and protect the legal rights and interests of children involved with the juvenile court, child welfare, and youth justice systems. In that role, she is responsible for the administration of the Center’s four clinics and other programming, directing the public policy and legislative advocacy clinics, and teaching child welfare and family law courses. Melissa brings more than 20 years of experience leading system change work through policy development, professional education, and legislative advocacy, including efforts that resulted in a comprehensive revision of Georgia’s Juvenile Code and dozens of state child welfare laws. She consults with state child welfare executives, judges, attorneys, and advocates across the U.S. and is a frequent presenter at local and state trainings and national conferences. She has published multiple book chapters and articles on child and family law and policy advocacy topics. Melissa also holds an appointment as a Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Morehouse School of Medicine.

Before joining Emory Law in 2010, Melissa served in various governmental roles and represented children, parents, and caregivers in adoption, fertility law, dependency, and delinquency matters while in private practice.

Buckhead Rotary Volunteers Needed for Movie Night at Shepherd Center!

We're looking for volunteers to help host a special Movie Night for the patients at Shepherd Center. This is a great opportunity to bring joy, connection, and a little fun to those undergoing rehabilitation. If you're available to assist with setup, snacks, and making the evening special, please let us know!

? Date: May 9th
? Location: Shepherd Center

Your time and kindness will make a meaningful difference. Sign up today!

No meeting today, but please register for the Club Social on Tuesday here: Thirsty Tuesday Club Social

Join us on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at RUMC Job Networking for workshops, dinner, and other activities starting at 1:00 PM. An enriching day filled with informative workshops, a delicious hot meal at 5:30 PM with an inspirational dinner message, along with workshops and other activities from 7:00-8:00 PM, Volunteer opportunities are plentiful including table hosts for the dinner segment. RUMC Job Networking would love to have you attend in a volunteer capacity or as an employer.

Our workshop leaders aren't just dynamic and professional - they're your secret weapon in navigating the job search journey. Their expert skills and unwavering dedication are tailored specifically to arm you with the vital knowledge you need to secure your next career move. Trust in their proven methods, and you'll find the transition to your future career path smoother than you could ever imagine. 

For complete information, full agenda, and to register, visit rumcjobnetworking.com" or contact:

Karen Griggs Medley

RUMC Job Networking Coordinator

770-261-1739

kgriggs@rumc.com | rumcjobnetworking.com

FLINTSIDE GRILL AT LAKE BLACKSHEAR

Come Celebrate & Rejoice

Each year, we proudly recognize and celebrate the brave men and women who protect and serve our communities.  At this special event, we will honor outstanding Firefighters and Police Officers of the Year from the Atlanta Airport, College Park, East Point, Forest Park and Hapeville Police and Fire Departments. 

Cost is $75 to attend the event and sponsorships are available.  Please contact Kathy at 404-391-2450 / kathy@thekwrealtygroup.com for more information.

Event: Buckhead Rotary Club Social
Date: May 13
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Burtons Grill & Bar, Buckhead
Address: 3365 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

Description:
Join your fellow Rotarians for an evening of great conversation, delicious food, and community spirit at our Buckhead Rotary Club Social! We’ll gather at Burtons Grill & Bar in Buckhead—known for its inviting atmosphere and exceptional service. This is a perfect opportunity to connect with new and longtime members in a relaxed, social setting. Guests are welcome!

Gathering Room at Johns Creek United Method Church

Come join us as we cuddle with our furry friends before they are transported to their new home!

Location:  Lake City Animal Hospital, 3671 Cobb Pkwy, Acworth

Location: American Pride Bank, 6503 Northpoint Pkwy, Alpharetta

Dave and Jose will lead a post-event discussion about 2025 Smoke on the Lake

PHF Presentations 

Join us for Thirsty Thursday at  Louisiana Bistreaux - May 15, 5:30-8:30PM!

Parking: 1123 Hammond Dr Ne, Dunwoody  - Park as close to the front of building as possible and go up one level to restaurant.

PARKING -  Parking is located under the building on the main level. access from Hammond Drive (address above).

Upon entering the garage, stay to the right where you will pull a ticket to access retail parking area.

When exiting the garage, insert your parking ticket in the exit pay station. If under 2 hours, there is no charge.  

See you there!

Socials at Six Bridges Brewery: 11455 Lakefield Dr #300, Johns Creek, GA 30097

Jerry Bruce has been a parent attorney, guardian ad litem, prosecuting attorney, delinquency and adult defender, Special Assistant Attorney General representing DFCS, and a juvenile court judge – essentially every job an attorney can do in Georgia’s juvenile courts. He led the Georgia Supreme Court’s Court Improvement Program for five years. In June of 2021 he was appointed by Governor Brian Kemp to be Georgia’s Child Advocate, leading the Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children. He is an adjunct faculty member at the Emory University School of Law, co-lead faculty for Georgia’s Multi-Disciplinary Child Abuse and Neglect Institute, and is co-author of Georgia’s The Guardian ad Litem in Dependency Proceedings: A Guide to Best Interest Advocacy. He regularly writes, speaks, and trains on child welfare issues in Georgia and nationally. 

 see Rick Woods for details.

Please join us for the Family of Rotary Picnic at the Cochise Club, 3773 Cochise Drive SE, Atlanta, GA, from 12pm-4pm with BBQ, Games, Pickle Ball Tournaments and FUN!!! 

We will have a club lunch and service project (garden enhancement) at the regular time, but at the Shepherd Center (2020 Peachtree).  We need to have a good headcount so please click on the Will Attend button if you will be there to help.

Rotary Club of Dunwoody Annual Charity Golf Tournament & Auction

See more details at:  

https://rcdgolftournament.com/

Board Training Session following adjournment

The Rev. Deacon Geri Nelson currently serves at Calvary Episcopal Church in Americus, after serving in Florida, North Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. Ordained at Trinity Church, Asheville in 1999, she has been active in issues of Human Trafficking, Family Violence, Youth Ministry, Feeding the Hungry, Serving the Homeless and several years as a  Chaplain in a Domestic Violence Shelter.

Deacon Geri was elected as President of SAMA in 2024 and will serve until 2027.

2024-2025 Club President -Dr. Louise Barden will send out the Zoom Link and Agenda to the Board Members prior to the Monthly Meeting. 

If any member in Good Standing, not on the Board, wishes to attend the Board Meeting please Contact Club Secretary, Alison Norris at CallingDunwoodyHome@gmail.com

Christine Beam, Executive Director Wellstar Health Parks

Please join us to review our committee updates for our highlight event of the year - Vinings Cumberland Run for the Kids 5 K Race! 

Fellowship with fellow Rotarians – no agenda, no program, just an opportunity to fellowship over coffee before you start your workday. 

Questions? Contact Morgan Bailey.

Kathryn Jones, Regional Development Officer with the Wellstar Foundation, will provide updates on what the Foundation is doing in the Marietta and North Cobb communities.

Andre’ and Walter Marria fulfilled a dream during their travel to India earlier this year. They’ll share their experience of administering polio vaccines to children there. 

Join us this Friday at the Embassy Suites to welcome Kyle Wingfield, President & CEO of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation. 

Kyle Wingfield is a native of Dalton and graduate of the University of Georgia. He joined the Foundation as president and CEO in April 2018 after spending nine years as an opinion columnist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has also worked for the Wall Street Journal, based in Brussels, Belgium, and for the Associated Press, based in Atlanta and Montgomery, Ala. Kyle’s weekly column continues to appear in newspapers around the state.

Kyle is a graduate of the AEI Leadership Network and Leadership Georgia. He serves as a trustee of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation and is a past member of the University of Georgia’s Board of Visitors. An Eagle Scout, he remains a volunteer in Scouting. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and their two sons.

Heather Rowles is the Executive Director of the Multi-Agency Alliance for Children (MAAC) and has held this role since 2004. Prior to being selected as the Executive Director, she served on the MAAC Clinical Team from 1998-2004, and has over 21 years of experience in Child Welfare. Since becoming the Executive Director of MAAC in 2004, the agency has grown from one full-time staff serving 60 youth to over 80 full-time staff serving over 1500 youth at any given time. MAAC is a statewide program and partner agencies located across the state and has been recognized through the state and nationally for its work in child welfare that includes increased graduation rates for students in foster care and a 42% permanency rate (compared to 8% nationally). MAAC has eleven programs innovatively addressing the needs of youth and families including parenting teens, life skills training for youth in foster care and educational support and coordination.

Heather has a master’s degree in Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She is a 2011 graduate of the Stanford Graduate School of Business - Center for Innovation (CSI) Fellowship Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders and 2018 graduate of the Harvard Business School Executive Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management. She has served on numerous Boards and committees including appointment to the Child Welfare Reform Council, Teen Parent Connection, Embrace Operating Committee, and the Child Placement Conference Committee. She is a seasoned presenter and trainer at child welfare-related conferences around the United States. MAAC has won Top Workplace by the Atlanta Journal Constitution for 5 years in a row including the Meaningfulness Award two years and Heather won the Leadership Award for Small Business. Heather currently serves on the board of directors for the Atlanta Film Society as the Treasurer, is a member of The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, and lives in Atlanta with her husband Matt and their son.  

Kyle Wingfield, President & CEO, Georgia Public Policy Foundation

Join us this Friday at the Embassy Suites to welcome Kyle Wingfield, President & CEO of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation. 

Kyle Wingfield is a native of Dalton and graduate of the University of Georgia. He joined the Foundation as president and CEO in April 2018 after spending nine years as an opinion columnist for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has also worked for the Wall Street Journal, based in Brussels, Belgium, and for the Associated Press, based in Atlanta and Montgomery, Ala. Kyle’s weekly column continues to appear in newspapers around the state.

Kyle is a graduate of the AEI Leadership Network and Leadership Georgia. He serves as a trustee of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation and is a past member of the University of Georgia’s Board of Visitors. An Eagle Scout, he remains a volunteer in Scouting. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and their two sons.

Tang's Oriental Asian Pub - Sports Bar & Grill inside Politan Row at Ashford Lane - Dunwoody

Gathering Room at Johns Creek United Method Church

Come join us as we cuddle with our furry friends before they are transported to their new home!

Location:  Lake City Animal Hospital, 3671 Cobb Pkwy, Acworth

Bin Lee - "A Life in One Year - My Year as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student"  Presented with Mike Irvin and Rick Woods