President's Message
Two Weeks. Two Powerful Messages. One Clear Purpose.
Last week’s speaker reminded us of the power in knowing our Rotary “Why.” When we understand the deeper reason behind our service, the work takes on greater meaning. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of meetings, projects, and fundraising — but when we pause and reconnect with why we do what we do, the meaning deepens and the work becomes more fulfilling. Paul Harris once said, “Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.” Those results begin with a clear sense of purpose — the fuel that keeps us showing up, taking action, and making a difference.
That purpose is front and center as we prepare for our upcoming Golf, Tennis, and Pickleball Tournaments. This isn’t just another date on the calendar — it’s a chance to turn purpose into impact. Every single dollar we raise will go directly back into our community, where it’s needed most, to create lasting good right here in our own backyard. That’s Service Above Self lived out in real time. As I mentioned last week, I want to personally encourage you to PLEASE consider donating and getting involved with this worthy cause! The time is now to get involved and give your support. “The most effective way to do it, is to do it” -Amelia Earhart
Rotarians are not just people of action — we are people of influence. We strengthen our members, support our partners, and inspire our community. Two weeks in a row, we’ve been challenged by speakers to know our “Why” and to live it out boldly. Let’s carry that momentum forward — in our projects, in our relationships, and in every opportunity we have to represent Rotary.
To that end, this week, we’re honored to welcome Mike Linch, former chaplain for the Atlanta Falcons, as our guest speaker. Mike will share how encouragement builds excellence — and why discouragement so often precedes destruction. His message is a powerful reminder that every day we have an opportunity to lift others by the way we live and lead. “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” - John Quincy Adams
As we reflect on these powerful messages, let us remember our shared purpose of “Service above Self.” It’s what connects us, drives us, and moves us forward. When we serve with this Rotary motto in mind, we create change that extends far beyond ourselves and this club in Roswell. Together, let’s continue to embody Service Above Self — not just as a motto, but as a way of life that transforms lives, strengthens communities, and shapes a better tomorrow. The impact we make today lays the foundation for generations to come.
Sic Vos Non Vobis,
Trummie Lee Patrick III
State Farm Insurance
The Power of Encouragement: How Mike Linch Inspires Excellence
This week, Roswell Rotary is honored to welcome Pastor
Mike Linch, Senior Pastor of NorthStar Church in Kennesaw, Georgia, where he
has served for 28 years. With a career rooted in ministry
and mentorship, Mike brings a message titled Encouragement Builds Excellence,
a theme that reflects his lifelong commitment to helping others discover and
live out their purpose. A graduate of Liberty University and New Orleans
Baptist Theological Seminary, Mike’s background includes Division I baseball,
youth ministry, and leadership roles that span both spiritual and athletic
communities. He has delivered his encouraging messages to athletes at Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Atlanta Falcons, among others. Beyond the pulpit, Mike is a football chaplain and pitching coach
at Allatoona High School, continuing his hands-on approach to encouragement and
leadership. He and his wife Anne have been married for 33 years and are proud
parents of two adult children.
In his talk, Mike explores the transformative power of
encouragement not as a fleeting compliment, but as a legacy-building force.
Drawing from examples he illustrates how affirmation and belief can unlock
potential in others. Mike’s message is impactful for those in leadership,
coaching, or mentorship roles. He reminds us that excellence isn’t built on
performance alone, but nurtured through affirmation, belief, and purpose.
Recognized as one of John Maxwell’s Top 30 Transformational Leaders in America
and Acworth’s Business Person of the Year, Mike exemplifies the kind of servant
leadership that uplifts others. For those interested in hearing more, his
podcast series offers ongoing insights into faith, leadership, and personal
growth and can be found here.
Board Member Spotlight 2025-26
Alicia Hughes- Chief of Staff to President Trummie Lee
Alicia Hughes currently serves as President of W.S. Nielsen Company and has been with WSN for 19 years. Alicia’s business excellence, commitment to safety and perseverance which contributed to WSN working on local projects with The Coca-Cola Company, The Home Depot, CNN, Amazon, Turner Properties, Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, Truist Park, Porsche Cars North America, Gulf Stream, The Atlanta Braves, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and many more.
She has been a part of Roswell Rotary since the first Honor Air Flight in 2008. Alicia went on the first flight as a Guardian to three WWII vets and was on the Safety Committee for the other 10 Honor Air Trips. She serves on the Roswell Rotary Board of Directors as President Lee’s Chief of Staff. She also currently serves on the Associated Builders and Contractors Board of Directors, Membership Committee, ABC Legislative Committee, and the Leadership Forsyth Board of Directors.
Alicia has been married to her husband Kenny for 23 years and they have two children. Savannah lives in Nashville, TN and works for a Music Management Firm. Reagan lives between GA and NC as a commercial underwater diver and welder. They have two dogs, love to travel, camp and hike.
New Member Spotlight - Walter Burnotes
New Member Spotlight
"Love being a Rotarian! Prior to my recent membership, I have participated in various Roswell activities since 2013 encouraged by my wonderful sponsor Sandy Buhler. Volunteering has been part of my DNA.
It started when I volunteered to become an Altar boy while in elementary school (3 thru 8). Once in high school, I became a member of our Glee Club after which I then moved on to the Univ. of Maryland’s Mens Glee Club. But as my voice changed, I volunteered for 3 years as Equipment Manager on Maryland’s Football team. Upon graduating from the University and entering the business world, I became a US Jaycee - where I actively participated in our local Baltimore suburb’s community activities. As my sales career progressed, I soon participated in my industry’s professional organization which contributed in my successful 35 year career at 3M. Since retirement, I have become a master in eBay selling my STAR WARS collection of toys as well as my collection of Sports cards.
Family consists of one daughter and two sons. (All now living in GA) They have contributed 8 Grandchildren and 2 Great-Grandchildren.
For many years, I enjoyed snow skiing & scuba diving; but my body now prefers cruising and following my favorite teams: the Ravens, the Orioles and Maryland Terrapins. I still enjoy & support the Braves, the Falcons, the GA Bulldogs and FSU Seminoles." -Walter Burnotes
Youth Exchange: Roswell Rotary’s Global Family Grows
Roswell Rotary is thrilled to welcome Mattéo Ngoy Kalumba, our newest Youth Exchange student from France who also has roots in the Congo! Mattéo arrived on August 9 to a warm and enthusiastic welcome from Gordon and Ashley Owens, Alisia Booth, and Deb Perkins. He barely had time to catch his breath before diving into Youth Exchange Orientation, where he connected with Rotarian Peter Saddler. Mattéo will attend Roswell High School as a junior, with Gordon and Ashley Owens serving as his host family to help ensure a smooth transition. Everyone will have the chance to meet Mattéo soon, and we’re excited to learn more about his interests, including a budding enthusiasm for football.
Born and raised in Lorient, Brittany, France, Mattéo has three siblings, two of whom are in college or graduate school, and his favorite subjects are math and science. Mattéo is currently pursuing a dual high school diploma through a partnership between his school in Brittany and a high school in Florida, with aspirations to study medicine in the U.S. He enjoys basketball, football, and PlayStation, and hopes to join sports teams at RHS. We’re delighted to have Mattéo in our Rotary family and look forward to supporting him throughout this exciting journey.
For almost 100 years, Rotary International has arranged high school student exchanges around the globe. Today, the Rotary Youth Exchange program is one of the largest and most respected high school exchange programs in the world. Each year, nearly 10,000 students participate in this life-changing experience.
Last Week at Roswell Rotary
