This Week's Speaker
Mike Carlson, Chief of Police, City of Dunwoody
Join us this Friday at Maggiano's to hear from our own Mike Carlson, Chief of Police for the City of Dunwoody.
Mike became Chief of Police for the Dunwoody Police Department on April
12, 2024. He has a Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University
and a BA in Organizational Leadership/Public Safety from Reinhardt University. Chief
Carlson is a graduate of the 276th Session of the FBI National Academy, the Georgia
Command College, Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange (GILEE) and the
Senior Management Institute for Policing (SMIP).
In 1994, Chief Carlson began his
military career in the USMC Reserve and ultimately retired as a Captain with the
Georgia Army National Guard in 2022. During his tenure, he was deployed to
Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2014, where he was
awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Meritorious Unit
Commendation and Meritorious Service Medal. Chief Carlson is committed towards
strengthening the partnership with our community, fostering innovation, and
providing the best training and equipment for our officers and staff.
Fellowship Opportunity
Wine Fellowship Goes Irish - Sunday, March 15
Join us for a cup of St. Patrick's Day cheer at the Barden's home on Sunday, March 15 from 3-5 pm. Jud Shumway will be playing some Irish music, and we'll be serving Irish coffees and wine. Bring a bottle of wine and an appetizer to share. You'll find the Bardens at 5576 Colbert Trail in Peachtree Corners. Please RSVP by text or phone call to Louise at 404 423-8236, or by email to lbarden@comcast.net.
Next Week - Two Meeting Opportunities
The Rotary Club of Dunwoody is honored to be hosting The Honorable Chris Carr, Attorney General for the State of Georgia, at our March 13, 2026 meeting at Maggiano's. Our meeting will start at 7:15 am, and we encourage you to attend and invite any friends or prospective members who might want to hear this speaker.
It is also the date of the rescheduled annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast for the DeKalb Rotary Council, scheduled at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021. Rotarians and their guests are invited. This event was rescheduled after we confirmed Chris Carr's invitation to speak. The keynote speaker for the Council breakfast will be Nicole M. Golden, Dekalb County Tax Commissioner. Breakfast is catered by Edible Heirloom and will be served beginning at 7:30am. Please let Rick Woods know this week if you will be attending next week's breakfast.
Golf Tournament Update
Your Quick Tournament Checklist
While there’s still time available between now and our May 18 FORE! The Memories Golf Tournament and fundraiser, you might find this 5-item checklist handy NOW!
- Mark your calendar … May 18, 2026 – St. Marlo Country Club – golf and volunteering in the morning, dinner, fellowship and auction late afternoon!
- Make a contribution … for as little as $25 you can be a friend of the tournament, and other sponsorship opportunities abound. Make your contribution at FORE! the Memories – Rotary Club of Dunwoody Charity Golf Tournament website or with a check payable to the Rotary Club of Dunwoody Charitable Fund
- Volunteer for tournament day jobs … Alison Norris can help you find just the right job for the day
- Think about possible sponsors … Bob O’Brien can help you make the “ask” or you can direct potential sponsors to our tournament site - FORE! the Memories – Rotary Club of Dunwoody Charity Golf Tournament
- Let us know if you have an auction item … Neal MacDonald and his team are looking for trips, dinners, tickets, and more to help boost our fundraising
Other questions about the tournament? Contact Bob O’Brien or visit the website.
We Want YOU for District Conference 2026
District Conference 2026 is fast approaching ... at the beautiful Lake Lanier Resort. Join fellow District 6900 Rotarians and your Dunwoody Family of Rotary from April 16-19 for fun, fellowship, and learning opportunities. Check out our District Conference "cheat sheet" for more details and register today. Let me know if you have any questions!
Getting to Know You
Chris Gutschenritter, Past President and Almost Charter Member
Since joining our club in 1984 just months after the Club was founded, Chris Gutschenritter has been a cornerstone of our Rotary family. His journey began in Sandy Springs, where his neighbor and friend, Gary Lane—one of our club’s founders—encouraged him to attend a meeting. At the time, Chris was serving as the Director of Taxes for Siemens Alice. With control over his schedule and a desire for camaraderie, Chris jumped in, seeking a way to socialize and connect with his community.
Over the last four decades, Chris has been a dedicated leader. He stepped up as Treasurer in the club’s early years, returned to the role in the mid-1990s, then served as our Club President in 2004-2005 for Rotary International's centennial celebration, and later dedicated three years to serving as the District Treasurer.
When asked about his favorite Rotary memories, Chris points immediately to the Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) weekends. For Chris and his wife, Jane, hosting students has always been a highlight. While they’ve had a short break from hosting recently, they were eager to open their home again this year and sad when the weekend was cancelled because of weather. "It’s always been a good thing to do," Chris notes, reflecting on the joy of meeting students and participating in the weekend’s social festivities.
Looking at the club today, Chris is energized by our current momentum. He is particularly pleased with the "relative youth and enthusiasm" of our membership, citing our work with Anchor Place, the success of the fundraisers, and the social bond of "Thirsty Thursdays" as highlights of our modern era.
Outside of Rotary, Chris started the firm Ashford Financials LLC and continues to manage it along with his son, Peter. He also remains an avid traveler, having recently returned from a two-week Tauck river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam. His next adventure is deeply personal: this September, he and his four surviving siblings will take a river cruise together to visit their sister in Sweden. It is a special trip designed to celebrate family and honor the memory of their sister who passed away earlier this year.
Chris and Jane are seen celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary while on a river cruise in France in May 2024.
Cast Your Votes for Best of Perimeter by March 15
It's that time of year again, when Appen Media Group conducts its 2026 Best of Perimeter competition. We are proud to have several Rotarians and friends of RCD who have been nominated for 2026 recognition. Topping the list with six nominations is Charlie Augello and the E.48th St. Market. You can help by voting for these businesses between February 15 and 18 - just go to Best Of Perimeter 2026 | appenmedia.com and scroll down to cast your votes in a variety of categories.
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Service Opportunity
Sprucetarians Unite! March 14 at Bounds Gardens
The traffic island across from the Dunwoody Library is calling for Rotary attention as we get ready to welcome spring! Join us on Saturday, March 14 at 9:00 am at Bounds Gardens - bring your garden gloves, your favorite garden tool and your love of Rotary fellowship! The more the merrier - and the quicker the work is done!
Sunshine Revisited
A Club of Many Talents (and a Few Brave Stomachs!)
Our Rotary meetings aren't just about business— early last month we took a fun look into the diverse backgrounds and "bucket list" adventures of our members. After a quick survey of the room, it’s clear that while we all call Georgia home now, our roots and experiences span the globe.
From Far and Wide
We are a well-traveled bunch! The majority of our members were born and educated outside the Peach State. We also caught a glimpse of our club’s future: while most of us have a few more miles on the odometer, our exchange student and one other member are proudly representing the "Post-2000" generation. ### Thrills, Chills, and... Ant Hills? When it comes to adventure, this club doesn't shy away:
- On Land & Sea: Most of us have laced up for a 5k or organized race, and several have explored the depths while scuba diving.
- In the Air: Only one member has braved the leap of skydiving!
- On the Plate: Our culinary courage is... questionable. While almost everyone has tried sushi, a brave few have sampled insects (specifically ants). Even more rugged? A couple of our members have actually hunted and eaten rattlesnake!
Service Above Self
Beyond the adrenaline and odd snacks, the spirit of Rotary is alive and well. At least half of our members currently serve or have served on the boards of other non-profit organizations. This commitment to leadership and community service is truly the heartbeat of our club.
It’s an honor to serve alongside such a multifaceted group of people. Whether we’re running races or leading organizations, we certainly keep things interesting!
