Thursday, March 26
Tales from First Generation GRSP Family
Dr. Karl Csaky will be our guest speaker at Thursday's Rotary meeting. In 1948, Dr. Csaky's mother was a Hungarian exchange student at the University of Georgia hosted by William Watt. She remained in the U.S. for the rest of her life, after a communist takeover in Hungary.
Dr. Csaky will share more of his family's history and how Rotary and GRSP have shaped the family for generations to come.
It is sure to be an interesting presentation – we hope to see you there!
GRSP Update
Annual Giving Campaign: Please make any additional donations to the GRSP annual giving campaign by Thursday March 26 for funds to be considered for the Jake Cheatham Award at upcoming District Conference. Your donations can be dropped off at the back table at Thursday's meeting.
We will present new GRSP awards at this week's meeting.
GRSP student update: Helena, our GRSP student who was hosted by Mary Beth Donalson, will give her farewell speech reflecting on her year in Georgia on April 23.
Volunteers Needed: We are excited to be a part of the 60th annual Larry Frosteg Pelham International Student Weekend on March 26-29. Clubs from Pelham, Camilla, and Thomasville have joined together to provide a great time and learning experiences for this year’s international class of GRSP Students.
Rotary volunteer members are asked to sign up and be at the Pebble Hill Plantation-Learning Center on Friday, March 27 at 11 a.m. to set up for lunch, join the students for lunch serving as table hosts, and help with clean-up after lunch. Please let Angela Williamson know if you can help: 229-977-2657 or angelapwilliamson@gmail.com.
Questions: Contact Debbie Goodman at dgoodman@116dawson.com or (229) 227-8249.
Thursday, April 2
Fireside Chat & Wine or Whine
Fireside Chat
Gentian Creek Preserve
Thursday, April 2
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
This event is hosted by past presidents for new members and current board members. It is a required portion of all new members' red ribbon program, so if you are a new member and/or have not yet attended a Fireside Chat, please make plans to attend.
Fireside Chat will be followed by Wine or Whine.
Wine or Whine
Home of Marta and Jerry Turner
Thursday, April 2
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Appetizers and drinks will be served.
RSVP for one or both of these events here or by calling or texting Marta: (229) 221-0958.
Directions: 19806 GA-3 Alt, Thomasville, GA 31792
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JajoP2Jwp2MgJ7eo9
Please use Google Maps. Other mapping software will send you elsewhere.
When you arrive on the property, you'll see signage guiding you to the education center (Fireside Chat) or Marta's home (Wine or Whine).
Thursday, April 2
City Manager Chris White
On Thursday, April 2 Thomasville City Manager Chris White will provide an update about the city of Thomasville.
Monday, April 6
Lunch for Vashti Students
As part of our club's renewed focus on supporting the students, programming, and staff of the Vashti Center, our inaugural Spring Break Students Lunch will be held at Gentian Creek Preserve on Monday, April 6.
This event supports the 20 students who are residents at Vashti. We're looking for interested Rotarians to play games with the students, help cook the meal, and generally engage with the students.
Contact Marta ((229) 221-0958) with questions or to sign up.
District Learning Assembly
Discover the Future of Rotary
Make plans now to attend the District Learning Assembly (formerly District Training Assembly).
April 11, 2026
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Columbus Convention & Trade Center – Historic Ironworks
801 Front Avenue, Columbus, Ga.
This assembly is designed for current and incoming club leaders, committee chairs, and all Rotarians who want to strengthen their clubs and increase their impact. Connect, grow, and lead with your fellow Rotarians! Topics include:
- Rotary’s Action Plan, Membership, Public Image, Service Projects, Club Administration, and the Rotary Foundation
- Comprehensive Leadership Training
- Community Service Project Insights and Template
You need to register and attend this assembly if you will be an officer or director in 2026-2027. The Thomasville club will reimburse the fees for any of our members who attend. Some of our club members will travel to Columbus on Friday evening, and some will leave early Saturday morning. Carpooling can be arranged.
Hotel Recommendation
Hampton Inn Columbus Downtown
1201 Broadway Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901, 706-507-4204
Price Increases
To account for increasing costs, the price for lunch for guests has increased from $15 to $20 each, beginning at our first March meeting this year at the Plaza. Lunch for guests has been $15 since 2022, but our costs for lunch have increased incrementally over that time.
Additionally, international and district Rotary fees have increased, but the Thomasville club has not increased dues since 2015. The board of directors is considering a dues increase to accommodate these higher dues and higher costs of living.
