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District 6900 News for December, 2024
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The Okra Brothers
By Gordon Owens During my official visits to the Columbus area, I was impressed by how the local clubs are working together to serve those in need. Food insecurity, proper medical care and working to reduce violence are just a few challenges Rotarians are tackling in their neighborhood. AG Cedric Hill and I were nicknamed the Okra Brothers because we saved a couple cases of okra from the compost pile at the Merci Med garden, but that's only half the story. While it may have been a bit past its prime size to sell, we were convinced it could be put to good use. Cedric made a call to a friend at another non-profit at a local school that teaches students how to grow their own food and how to build a business selling that produce. The director of that program said, "I was just asked if I had okra to use to teach families how to prepare fresh, seasonal produce." After dropping the okra off on the other side of town, it turns out, it will be used for a cooking demonstration in a neighborhood just a couple blocks from where it was harvested. As simple as a couple case of okra may seem to us, by these clubs working together to leverage every available resource, those in need in Columbus are experiencing the Magic of Rotary.
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District Governor Nominee Designate
By Gordon Owens It's official, Buck Buchanan from the Rotary Club of Marietta Metro is our District Governor Nominee Designate. Buck will serve our district as governor during the 2027-2028 Rotary year. The governor team and several past district governors were on hand to make the announcement to the Marietta Metro club. We look forward to working with Buck as he prepares to lead our district. Please join me in congratulating Buck Buchanan on this great honor.
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January 6-11, 2025
By Chris Brand Teams of volunteers from all three Rotary Districts in Georgia will be headed to the Augusta area or up to Western North Carolina to assist with disaster recovery the week of January 6 through January 11. We will clearing debris from yards or removing storm damaged contents from houses. There is plenty of work for all skill levels. Feel free to come for a day or stay for the whole week. Fill out this quick form to let us know when and where you can help. We will be in touch with more details about accommodations and travel to each area as we fill out the teams. Thank you for volunteering to help!
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Monday, December 9 @ 5:30PM
By Dave Schwickerath Santa is coming early to your club membership team. Join the next Membership Action Plan (MAP) webinar for some great breakout sessions and take a deeper dive into: - Issues Challenging Small Clubs
- Creating Membership Types
- Continuity In Club Leadership
- Energizing Existing Members
- Membership This & That
Join this webinar for great ideas to grow Rotary in the new year. [more] |
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Rotavette.com
By Will Daniel The Rotavette Raffle is a great opportunity to help us raise money for the Rotary Annual Fund from outside of our membership. Everyone has a friend, neighbor or family member who is a car guy, that would love a 1 in 3000 chance to win a Corvette C8. Asking "that guy" to buy a $100 raffle ticket is a much easier ask, than saying, "will you give $100 to our Rotary Foundation." The money we raise this year, will come back to us in 3 years in the form District Designated Funds to support community grant, competitive grant and global grant projects. The more we raise, the more impact we will have in the future. Thanks for helping us share this fun opportunity to support the Annual Fund.
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January 6-11, 2025
By Chris Brand Teams of volunteers from all three Rotary Districts in Georgia will be headed to the Augusta area or up to Western North Carolina to assist with disaster recovery the week of January 6 through January 11. We will clearing debris from yards or removing storm damaged contents from houses. There is plenty of work for all skill levels. Feel free to come for a day or stay for the whole week. Fill out this quick form to let us know when and where you can help. We will be in touch with more details about accommodations and travel to each area as we fill out the teams. Thank you for volunteering to help!
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Disaster Relief Trailer
By Chris Brand Our combined Rotary Zones 33 & 34 have raised over $1,000,000 to support Rotarian led relief efforts from the recent storms. Our Zone Director Patrick Eakes encouraged all the District Governors to apply for grants to help use this funding to assist areas in need of recovery in our zone. While our district was not hard hit this time around, several of our neighboring districts will need help for months or years to come. We applied for and were awarded a $20,000 grant from Zones 33/34 to purchase and equip a Disaster Relief Trailer that can be quickly mobilized to help those in need. The trailer will be ready in December and our first trip is planned for the Rotary Week of Service in January.
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Our Rotary Foundation
By Bob Hagan The quote you see to the left from founder Arch C Klumph is circa 1916. It is every bit as true today as it was when he first uttered it. It is also no more profound than it is at the end of the year. How we close out a year sets the stage for what we wish to accomplish in the ensuing year. December is the time of year when we consider what other tax benefits we hope to employ. Our first thought is always going to be about what positive impact we can have with our gifts this year on the world of today. However, we are also aware of the charitable tax deduction available to us for our outright gifts. There are a number of ways we can do so. Are you aware you can gift using your Individual Retirement Account (IRA)? [more] |
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Thursday, December 19 @ 6PM
By Bob Hagan Mark your calendars for the third Thursday of the month at 6PM EDT and join us for the “Foundation Matters” Webinar. We know you want to have an amazing year at your club, so we’re bringing you experienced leaders to share how to structure your Foundation Committee so you will create an exceptional year of foundation giving. Don’t miss this series! The “Foundation Matters” Webinar Series was developed especially for you-Club Presidents and Club Foundation Chairs. These monthly webinars will provide “bite-sized chunks” of valuable insights and actionable strategies that really work to increase club engagement in The Rotary Foundation.
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April 24-27, 2024 | Jekyll Island, GA
By Ryan Swertfager We hope you've booked your hotel room for our first-ever joint district conference by now as there are only a few rooms left in our block. Now it's time to get registered. Registration will include meals from lunch on Friday to breakfast on Sunday, our beach tailgate party on Friday afternoon, live entertainment on Saturday night and a few adult beverages along the way. We are using DACdb for registration and most of you don't have a login, so click on the "Guest Registration" tab at the top of the registration form to get started. Visit GeorgiaUnitedDC.com for more information.
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Tuesday, December 17 @ 6PM
By Mandy Timmons Need help with all things public image? This webinar is for you. The zone's public image and communications team will be on hand to answer all of your questions. From getting the most engagement from social media or how to use canva to make your message pop, come prepare to ask them anything to help your club promote all the great work your club is doing to impact your community. Visit ElevateRotary.org to register.
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Planning Your Year End Giving
By Lee Hollingsworth As you plan your year-end giving, consider a gift of appreciated securities to The Rotary Foundation. This is an effective way to fulfill your giving goals and help maximize your tax savings. You may be able to: Deduct the fair market value of your gift; Avoid capital gains tax on the appreciated stock. You can donate appreciated securities through your broker or by mail. You can use our stock transfer form to make a gift today. To learn more, see our Securities page. If you are 70½ years or older, you may get extra tax benefits by giving through an IRA charitable rollover gift. Contact Lee Hollingsworth with any questions. Let’s continue Doing Good in the World together. Your actions today will shape our Foundation’s future.
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December 5, 2024 - 10AM
By Lee Hollingsworth Gifts to Rotary's Endowment play a vital role in providing districts with a reliable income stream to support projects and grants. Join us this December to explore how Rotary's Endowment complements Annual Giving to enhance district sustainability and support impactful initiatives. Panelists will discuss how a well-funded Endowment contributes to membership growth and community engagement by funding scholarships, humanitarian grants, and district grants. Additionally, the session will cover strategies for engaging your district leaders and club members in raising awareness of the Endowment's importance. Discover how effective use of Rotary's Endowment can drive long-term success and amplify your district's impact.
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Thank You For Supporting Laws of Life
By Carol Gray Walker We are delighted to announce that the Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest has exceeded its Meet Our Match campaign goal, raising an incredible $80,911—far surpassing our $60,000 target! This success is a testament to the generosity and dedication of our donors, Rotary Club sponsors, and corporate partners who believe in the power of strong character values. As Helen Keller wisely said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Your support inspires students to embrace character values that lead to lifelong success. Together, we are making a difference—one essay, one student, and one life lesson at a time.
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Friday, December 6 @ 2PM
By Ada Wikina North Cobb Rotary peace builder Club invites you to the second 'Rotarians promoting Peace Summit. This will take place on the 6th of December 2024 via zoom. Use Meeting ID 810 9789 3217 and passcode PEACE to join the summit. Our conversation is with the Rotary Club of Umuahia, district 9142 in Nigeria ably represented by PDG Grace Okaro who is also an IEP peace ambassador and PAG Jude Ohanele, also an IEP ambassador. Details are in the flyer below. We hope you can join the conversation. [more] |
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Support Thomasville Rotary
By Mary Beth Donalson Rotarians, friends, and business associates donated a wonderfully eclectic mix of high-end items for our first annual BIG IMPACT AUCTION. We’re asking friends and neighbors near and far--to place your bids. Everyone is invited to participate! Rotary Club of Thomasville does good work in the community and around the world. Auction proceeds will help fund those good works. Club projects range from monthly fresh produce market for those in need to honoring first responder heroes to celebrating those who serve in the National Guard and other branches of service to supporting senior adults. Youth projects, scholarships, and recognition programs also are a priority. Our aim is to make a big impact in as we work to make our community a better place for all. [more] |
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GRSP Update
By Katheryne Fields Norwegian Rotarians will partner with Georgia Rotary Student Program to sponsor two college students from Georgia to attend Oslo International Summer School. Dates will be June 28-July 15, 2025. Application is now open and closes Jan. 15, 2025. Applicants must have completed their first year of college by Spring 2025 and have the recommendation of Georgia Rotarian. For questions regarding requirements or obtaining the Rotarian endorsement, please email grsp@grsp.org for assistance. Please reference the attached Oslo flyer for more information, dates for the summer session and the January 15, 2025 application deadline. Visit GRSP website: www.grsp.org to apply. [more] |
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Club News
By Sarah Powell To honor local veterans this Veteran's Day, the Carrollton Dawnbreakers Rotary Club recently collected clothing and hygiene items and delivered them to the Trinka Davis Veterans Village. The village offers primary care and specialty health services, including dentistry, treatment for lung disease, and more to US veterans. One of the most heartwarming aspects of the event was the involvement of Rotary members' children, who played an active role in sorting and organizing supplies for the Veterans Village. By engaging the next generation in hands-on service projects, the Carrollton Dawnbreakers Rotary Club is fostering a sense of responsibility, compassion, and leadership in young people. [more] |
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Club News
By Mandy Timmons The Rotary Clubs of Peachtree City, Senoia, Tyrone, and Fayetteville joined forces to celebrate a significant milestone at the Healing Bridge Clinic in Peachtree City. Together, we proudly dedicated The Rotary Room, a project made possible through grants and the collective service of our clubs. The day’s highlight was the unveiling of a Peace Pole, symbolizing Rotary’s unwavering commitment to global peace and understanding. Built and coordinated by DG Gordon Owens, the Peace Pole serves as a poignant reminder of our mission to foster peace locally and globally. DG Gordon shared his heartfelt thoughts, saying, “As Rotarians, we are out in our communities creating peace…. Think about the people that are coming here for healing.” [more] |
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Club News
By Kathryn Igou As the Roswell Rotary Club prepared for our own DG Gordon Owens visit in November, we knew that we couldn’t just have lunch and a program. Gordon is a Rotarian of ACTION and nothing is better to honor him than a solid service project. So we took our club meeting “on the road” and met at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, bringing along our traditional fried chicken lunch. While there, we built ADA accessible picnic tables and installed a peace pole. [more] |
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Club News
By LeighAnn Dicesaris The Rotary Club of Columbus had the honor of hosting Dan Amos, CEO of Aflac, at their weekly meeting. Attendees were captivated by Mr. Amos's presentation, which detailed Aflac’s incredible journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a globally recognized brand with a remarkable 90% name recognition rate. Mr. Amos highlighted Aflac’s roots in Columbus, Georgia, where the company was founded in 1955 by three visionary brothers—John, Paul, and Bill Amos. What started as a small insurance business grew into a powerhouse in the industry, transforming lives with its innovative supplemental insurance policies. Despite its global success, Aflac has remained deeply connected to its hometown, continually investing in the community and exemplifying the spirit of giving back. [more] |
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Our Rotary Foundation at Work
By Kathryn Igou Grants from the Rotary Foundation have enabled Roswell Rotary Club to take on significant projects this year, including providing warm winter gear for children in Star House. This month we have continued to highlight the incredible impact of the Rotary International Foundation and how, with generous contributions from Rotarians, we can fund meaningful service projects in our community and beyond. Thanks to grant support, Roswell Rotary received the maximum grants this year: a $2,000 community grant and a $5,000 competitive grant. [more] |
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By Carter Stout Rotary Means Business will not meet in December, but watch for more about when and where we are meeting in January 2025. It's a great opportunity to network! In the meantime, enjoy your holidays! |
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Club News
By Mandy Timmons The Peachtree City Rotary Community Corps, made up of enthusiastic and caring young adults with special needs, just completed a heartwarming service project! They packed stockings full of treats and toys for dogs and cats in local shelters, bringing joy to our furry friends this holiday season. On top of that, they made a generous donation to our Rotary Foundation, with fellow Rotarians matching their gift to bring the total to $1,000! We’re so proud of this group and their dedication to service. Thank you to these amazing young adults for their kindness, spirit, and community support! [more] |
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Club News
By Jackie Cuthbert The Rotary Club of Dunwoody continued its holiday tradition of helping fill food baskets for local Kingsley Elementary families in need. Led by Honorary Member Anita Augello and her daughter Claudia, our efforts included the purchase of 89 turkeys (in a Publix visit we've come to know as the Turkey Trot), pick up of a massive quantity of food at Costco, assistance with packing the boxes AND with loading very heavy boxes into recipients' carts. The baskets contain a full Thanksgiving dinner and more. Rotary is one of the community groups who come together to deliver these baskets. All Kingsley students will also receive a brand new book this holiday season - as part of another Dunwoody tradition that's been around for nearly 30 years. [more] |
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Club News
By Jacob Southerland Professional Chefs Emma and Ean McShane were welcomed again by MUST Ministries - volunteering for the monthly lunch service provided by the Rotary Club of Marietta at MUST and whipping up a fiv-star lunch for 153+ residents and the homeless. They organized and trained willing-but-not-highly-skilled Rotarian cooks (with the exception of father, Harold). Have you witnessed ten pounds of potatoes peeled in less than ten minutes and on the stove cooking? Working together, [Rotarians take note, this teamwork stuff really works]; Chefs Emma and Ean utilized only the freshest ingredients - no canned soup, canned vegetables, canned meat, or fruit cocktail for these two. [more] |
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Club News
By Nell Boggs Members of the Rotary Club of Douglas County enjoyed hearing from the two students the club sponsored for RYLA! Aaliyah Mason and Amiah Jackson are both members of the Interact Club at New Manchester High School. The girls enjoyed forming friendships and participating in team-building and leadership activities with students from around the state. The program took place June 8-12 on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University. The Rotary Club of Douglas County paid all expenses for the two students to attend the camp, including bus transportation from Atlanta to Americus. Pictured along with Aaliyah and Amiah are Rotary Club President John Baker and New Manchester High School Counselor Pamela Cummings. [more] |
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Club News
By Debby Daniel-Bryant The Rotary Club of Griffin Daybreak is spreading Christmas cheer and raising money for all it does in the community with its annual wreath sale. Debby Daniels-Bryant and Jackie Wilson helped get the truck loaded at Georgia Farmers Market with wreaths to deliver. [more] |
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End Polio Now
By Bob Hagan The Paul Harris quote to the left is certainly well known as it leads us into our Rotary International History page. It hits the reader squarely between the eyes with the fact that no matter what we might think about the things we do, the world will judge us by what they see us do and how it affects the world. Truly a huge responsibility does each of us have as Rotarians. It is up to us to live up to the words of Paul Harris and the ever-critical eyes who keep watch over us. It has been a tougher year in many ways in that area of the world we are most concentrated on as we fight to end Polio on a worldwide basis. Civil unrest compounded by cultural mores make our task ever the harder climb to success, but success is what we still achieved this year, even in the war-torn areas of our very personal fight against the spread of Polio. [more] |
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Club News
By Mandy Timmons The Rotary Community Corps of Peachtree City had an incredible experience at Fire Station 81! They learned about the intense 16-week training required to become a firefighter and got up close with some of the essential tools used on the job. One of the firemen even suited up in under one minute, demonstrating just how quickly they need to respond to emergencies! [more] |
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By Mandy Timmons Two Sparrows Village, Inc. (located at Christian City) is a dedicated organization that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing safe, inclusive housing and supportive services to help residents lead independent, fulfilling lives. At the 2024 Bird Bash, two Peachtree City Rotarians received top honors for their dedication to this impactful mission: Steven Newton earned the Wayne Damron Community Champion Award for his community involvement, and George Martin received the Terry Chapman Humanitarian Award for his compassionate commitment to service. [more] |
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Club News
By Kathryn Igou In October, Roswell Recreation & Parks collaborated with Roswell Rotary to host a Multigenerational Fishing Derby. Bamboo fishing rods being made to the left while catch/release fishing was going on to the right. This first-year event encouraged teams comprised of a youth, a parent-aged person and a grandparent-aged person to work together to build a bamboo fishing rod and then use in the pond at the back of the Roswell Area Park on Woodstock Road. It was a beautiful morning for about 100 folks from all over Roswell to come together to learn how to tie knots, hold a fishing pole and laugh. [more] |
LEADERBOARD |
Check out the full district scoreboard |
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| Here are the clubs that are leading the way in our district for membership, annual fund and polio plus. |
| Category |
NET MEMBERSHIP |
ANNUAL FUND |
POLIO PLUS |
| I |
Atlanta Metro |
North Atlanta |
Henry County |
| II |
Johns Creek North Fulton |
Johns Creek North Fulton |
Vinings Cumberland |
| III |
Midtown Atlanta |
Dunwoody |
Decatur |
| IV |
North Cobb |
Peachtree City |
Columbus |
Upcoming Key Dates
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