From Our District Governor

Whirlwind of Activity as We Unite for Good ... and for Fun!

By Steve Ivory

I hope all of you were safe and sound as the US, including GA, experienced major weather events recently including sleet, snow, rain, snow. I hope none of you had too much hardship from the rough conditions. DGE Cynthia Edwards completed her International Assembly Training a few weeks ago so congrats to her! She also conducted training for district leaders in Peachtree City. And I survived another Rotary Youth Exchange trip to Disneyland - with 16 teenagers, participated in service projects at Bainbridge and Rotary on the Flint, and recognized Rotary Foundation supporters and long time member Don Millen. There's so much more you should know ...
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District Conference 2026

Join Us at Lake Lanier Island - April 16-19, 2026

By Lisa Carlisle

Join us for an unforgettable 2026 District Conference as we celebrate the incredible 2025-2026 Rotary Year under District Governor Steve! We’re excited to announce that we’re moving the conference to the beautiful Lake Lanier Islands Resort this year — offering a fresh, fun setting for fellowship, inspiration, and celebration. We can’t wait to see everyone there! We have made special arrangements for some fun outings Friday morning. Get more information and sign up now on the District 6900 website .
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District 6900 Opportunity

Showcasing Rotary International at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

By Dave McCleary

Rotary District 6900 has an exciting opportunity to play a visible and meaningful role in one of the world’s largest global events—the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coming to North America from June 11–July 19, 2026. Rotary International is exploring ways to strengthen Host City Leadership in key areas that align closely with Rotary’s mission, including hospitality, human trafficking prevention, housing support, event services, and public image. This effort positions Rotary to demonstrate Service Above Self on a global stage.

Rotarians interested in learning more or serving on the World Cup Host City Leadership Committee are encouraged to complete the World Cup Volunteer Google Form. Read more about the opportunity.
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Our Rotary Foundation

The Foundation’s Work Continues to Reach Further

By Bob Hagan

As usual, there is lots to talk about and share with you all. I had the opportunity to put together some halfway through the year numbers of our DG Steve Ivory and he was extremely excited about where we found ourselves at this point in the year. So let me share them with you now. For District 6900, our annual fund goal for the year is $307,000, and as of end of December we are already at $347,000, which is 113% of the goal. Our Polio Plus goal for the year is $158,000 and we are already at $184,000 which is 116%! And there's much more good news ... including a global grant by the North Atlanta club that focuses on preventing birth defects associated with spina bifida in Ethiopia. [more]

In Memoriam

Celebrating the Life of Will MacArthur

By Margie Kersey

Rotary’s world shines a little less brightly today with the passing of William “Will” MacArthur of Sandy Springs, Georgia—a devoted Rotarian, a joyful servant leader, and a beloved friend to many.

Will’s Rotary journey was marked by unwavering dedication and an infectious spirit. Most recently a member of the Rotary Satellite Club of Stone Mountain Passport, he served as Foundation Chair and resident champion of good humor, lifting spirits as naturally as he lifted service projects. Before joining the Passport club, Will contributed profoundly to the Rotary Club of Sandy Springs, where he faithfully served three years as Treasurer, four years as Foundation Chair, and ultimately as Club President in 2017–18. His commitment only deepened after his presidency, as he continued to guide and encourage fellow Rotarians through three years as Assistant Governor, helping clubs across the district reach new heights. [more]

GRSP Update

GRSP’s Biral, Jin Honored Duo for Thomas Peace Awards

By Katheryne Fields

Julia Carlotto Biral of Brazil and Guang 'Loski' Jin of China were recently announced as the winners of the 2025-2026 Barbara M. and Donald L. Thomas Peace Award. The awards were presented in December by Rotary Club of Roswell Committee Chair John Carruth, alongside GRSP Executive Director Katheryne Fields and Past District Governor Cheryl Greenway.  Following a mission trip to Costa Rica in 2000, the Thomases were inspired to establish this award to support GRSP students in financial need who exemplify the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self." Since 2002, the Rotary Club of Roswell has administered this annual award, which has grown to two scholarships with $3,000 per recipient.

Why were these students recognized? [more]

Why I Love RYLA

By Jaclyn Donovan

If you know me, you know that RYLA is something that I am 110% passionate about. RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is a summer camp that aims to give our District 6900 teenagers the opportunity to build their leadership skills. You can read more about the program on our RYLA page or check us out on Facebook and Instagram. Read on here to learn why I love RYLA ... and how you and your club can get involved! The time to take action is now!
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RLI

Join the RLI Learning Opportunity: February 21 in Marietta

By Tracy Van Norman

2026 has kicked off RLI with a bang! 37 members attended the RLI event in Thomasville on January 10. Great learning, sharing, and fun was had by all. They increased their knowledge of Rotary while also increasing their leadership skills. Many thanks to Joe Tarver, Nate Tyler, and the other members of the Rotary Club of Thomasville for hosting … [more]

Our Rotary Foundation at Work

R.I. President Arezzo to visit North Atlanta’s Global Grant Project in Ethiopia

By Jon Yaeger

“When spiders unite, they can tie up a lion” – Ethiopian Proverb

When Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo and wife Anna Maria visit Rotary Ethiopia this month, they will see the Rotary Club of North Atlanta’s (RCNA) global grant project first-hand – the sole project chosen for their visit.

Joined by two Rotary clubs in the United States and two in Addis Ababa, the RCNA is beginning the third year of a five-year initiative to prevent serious birth defects such as spina bifida, which are associated with a lack of an inexpensive vitamin (B9, or folic acid) in maternal diets. [more]

Laws of Life

Once a Laws of Life Student - Now a UGA Bulldog

By Carol Gray Walker

More than two years after writing his Laws of Life essay in 10th grade, Georgia Laws of Life alumnus CJ Allen, linebacker for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, recently reminded us just how lasting one moment of reflection can be. CJ reposted his essay on Facebook with a simple caption: “My 10th grade project on Laws of Life. Lol read this. Moral of the story—keep going.” His Law of Life — “Everybody goes through something. It’s all about persevering.”

Do you want to read more of CJ's story? Are you and/or your club ready to work with schools, sponsor the program or judge this year's essays? Keep reading ... [more]

Club News

Vinings Cumberland Cleans Up Community!

By Thomas House

The Rotary Club of Vinings Cumberland recently came together for a hands-on community clean-up, and the results were immediate and meaningful. More than 50 bags of trash and bulky debris were collected, helping make local streets cleaner and safer for all who live and work in the area.
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Club News

North Cobb Rotarians Busy Making a Difference!

By Jose Gonzalez

North Cobb Rotary Club President Jose Gonzalez used the first meeting in January to present a mid-year review. He shared that the club has already gifted over $30,000 to local and global non-profit organizations and completed many of its goals. The review set the stage for the rest of January, where the club joined in a unity walk with the City of Ackworth for the Martin Luther King holiday, painted the learning center that sponsors the Acworth Achievers Program, and restocked the Kennesaw State University food pantry. There's more to the story. [more]

Club News

North Atlanta Celebrates Don Millen, 58 Years of Service

By Steve Ivory

North Atlanta Rotarian Don Millen has been a Rotarian for 58 years and was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the District and a Service Hero coin by DG Steve Ivory. Don became a Major Donor Level 2 and was recognized by PDG/DRFC Bob Hagan and Steve Ivory. He has been a huge service leader and has helped out so many people and organizations with his generosity and selfless methods to get things done. He does not seek out recognition and yet he has impacted so many lives. We all were entertained by the amazing stories told about Don’s service.
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Club News

North Fulton Serves Schools on MLK Day of Service

By Lisa Gelber

On January 19, MLK Day of Service, members of Rotary Club of North Fulton cleaned and sanitized classrooms at Children’s Development Academy. During this severe flu season, it is more important than ever to do what we can to keep children safe and healthy. When children become ill, their parents often must miss work, placing additional … [more]

Griffin Daybreak Supports Backpack Food for Kids

By Debby Daniel-Bryant

Griffin Daybreak Rotary members and friends, including Erin Mulder Director of Stepping Stones, and William Wilson from Griffin Rotary , participated in a morning of packing food bags for needy children in the local school system. Led by Will Doss of Backpack Foods for Kids, Daybreak Rotarians packed over 100 bags of non-perishable foods to help sustain children over weekends who do not have a consistent source of food because they lack financial resources.
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Club News

North Cobb Rotarian Serves City of Acworth

By Kimberly Haase

The North Cobb Rotary year kicked off with an inspiring celebration of service as North Cobb Rotarian Judge Jaret Usher proudly swore in fellow Rotarian Kimberly Haase to the office of Alderwoman for the City of Acworth. Judge Usher, whose decade-long commitment to the county, and as a State Court Judge since 2022 exemplifies the very spirit of “Service Above Self” helped mark a historic moment on January 2nd in the heart of Acworth, GA. This milestone not only highlights the leadership rising within our clubs, but also showcases how Rotarians continue to shape our communities with integrity, dedication, and purpose. Cheers to a year of impact, fellowship, and bold new beginnings!
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Club News

Roswell Recognizes Hometown Hero: Fire Division Chief Cavender

By Becky Nelson

Roswell Rotary and President Trummie Lee Patrick III was proud to honor Roswell Fire Department Division Chief Christopher Cavender.  ivision Chief Cavender is a veteran of the fire service with nearly two decades of experience and a strong track record of leadership, keeping a focus on firefighter health/wellness and professional development.
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Club News

Clayton County Issues End Polio Now Proclamation

By Claudia Mertl

At a public Board meeting, the Chairwoman of the Clayton County Board of Commissioner, and all the Commissioners representing Clayton County, presented an "End Polio Now" proclamation to the Rotary Club of Atlanta Southern Crescent . The Rotary Club of Lake Spivey/Clayton County joined in the celebration. The proclamation was read to the audience and presented to President Mahli and President Gerriann. The professional photography was done by Warren Bond.
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Club News

Roswell Adds Gratitude Wall to Weekly Newsletter

By Becky Nelson

With a focus on Service Above Self, the Roswell Rotary Club realized that it was not publicly recognizing fellow Rotarians when they showed up professionally for another member! In December President Trummie Lee Patrick III asked Kathy Igou (Rotascope Editor) to add a new section to our weekly newsletter after a conversation with Roswell Rotarian Hal Schlenger who was complimenting fellow RRC member Joe Mazzeo, a master plumber, for his prompt and professional response for a personal matter. Thus, The Gratitude Wall was added.
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