Purpose, Focus, and the Power of Legacy
President's Message
Dear Roswell Rotarians,
Last week’s meeting was one for the history books. We had the rare privilege of hearing from five iconic figures who shaped not only the landscape of high school football in Georgia but also the very fabric of our community. Coaches Ray Manus, Tim McFarlin, John Coen, Pete Poulos, and Wayne Smith didn’t just win games—they built character, cultivated leadership, and passed on values that endure far beyond the scoreboard.
Their stories reminded us that leadership is not defined by titles, but by impact. That legacy is not measured in trophies, but in lives changed. It was a powerful illustration of what can happen when individuals commit to a larger purpose—something that resonates deeply with who we are as Rotarians.
This week, we continue that theme of purpose and legacy with a timely and important message from Jenn Gray. Jenn will speak to us about the challenges of burnout and disengagement—real issues not only in our personal and professional lives, but also in organizations like Rotary. Too often, clubs struggle when members lose sight of their “why.”
As Rotarians, our “why” is crystal clear: Service Above Self. But even the most dedicated among us can become weary when the day-to-day clouds our long-term vision. That’s why staying connected to our purpose is essential—not only to our personal fulfillment, but to the health and vitality of our club.
The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” That statement could not be more relevant to Rotary. When we are anchored in purpose, we find the resilience to continue serving—even when the path gets tough.
Zig Ziglar once said, “Outstanding people have one thing in common: an absolute sense of mission.” Jen’s message is designed to help us reflect, reset, and reignite that sense of mission. Her podcast, Navigating Burnout, inspired this week’s talk, and I believe her insight can empower us to stay focused not just on what we do—but why we do it.
And let us not forget the wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi, who said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” When we remember that our actions—no matter how small—are part of something much bigger, we move from routine to meaningful service. If we all buy into this idea. We not only become a club that is more enjoyable and impactful, but one that is contagious to new members and an example to all Rotary Clubs.
Our Rotary year has just begun. Let’s recommit to the purpose that brought us here. Let’s continue building on the legacy of leaders—like those five remarkable coaches—who remind us that service, like coaching, is about lifting others up.
See you Thursday,
Trummie Patrick
President, Roswell Rotary Club
Feeling Stuck? Discover Your "Why" with Jenn Gray’s "Navigating Burnout"
This
week’s speaker, Jenn Gray, brings a powerful and timely message to our club
with her keynote, Navigating Burnout. As a podcast host, coach, and
authenticity advocate, Jenn shows leaders and teams how to leverage
authenticity as a competitive edge. She challenges us to rethink burnout, not
as exhaustion, but as disconnection from our deeper purpose. Jenn asks bold
questions: What dream are you chasing? Who are you impacting? Where do you
want to be in five years? Her insights remind us that burnout often begins
when we lose sight of our “why,” and the passion that once fueled us fades into
routine as we forget the bigger cause we’re serving.
Jenn’s own
journey of rebuilding her life at 40 and helping others do the same is a
testament to the power of showing up, even when progress feels invisible. She
now teaches organizations and individuals how leading with authenticity drives
deeper connections, stronger cultures, and lasting results, both personally and
professionally. Jenn’s message resonates deeply with our Rotary values of
service, purpose, and perseverance. Join us on Thursday, August 7, to hear her
inspiring message. You can find her podcast episodes by searching Be Jennuine
on YouTube.
Roswell Rotary Board Spotlight-Nancy Alterman- Immediate Past President
Joining the Roswell Rotary Club in 2015, Nancy quickly became an integral part of the organization through active service and leadership. Serving as Membership Chair in 2019, Service Projects Chair in 2020, Treasurer in 2021, Secretary in 2022, and President-elect in 2023, Nancy proudly led the club as President during the 2024-2025 Rotary year. Continuing to serve on the board as Immediate Past President, her dedication to Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self is reflected in a hands-on approach, innovative programming, and commitment to engaging all members in impactful service.
Fun fact: Nancy is a "seven-continent traveler", having visited her 7th continent, Antarctica in 2023!
Wed. Aug. 6 at Brookfield CC 6:30pm
Free Tennis Clinic
This is a fun fellowship time and warmup for the Hagan Cup Classic which will be held Sept. 8 NOTE: The clinic on Aug. 6 will be held at Brookfield CC.
Add To Calendar
For More info, contact Lee Lee@leehollingsworth.com
This Tennis/Pickleball Clinic is so much FUN!!
Check out this video-Click Here
Fun Youth Services Meeting!
The Fun Youth Services Committee had a great gathering at Variant on Thursday night. We had some really great conversations about how to partner with the youth of our community to instill the Rotary values of Service Above Self. So many great ideas came from this meeting along with many laughs and even a few tears. What an impactful evening for all!
Look for the Youth Services committee to be outward focused in all that we do this year. We are asking ourselves with each project, how can we take this to the community at large instead of focusing only on Rotarian participation? This focus will drive more awareness of Rotary, more engagement from current members and more new interest in Rotary membership. We are very excited to get to work!
To become a part of the FUN and help with youth projects, contact Angela Medley angelamedley@atlantafinehomes.com.
