President's Message
“Tradition cannot be inherited, and if you want it, you must obtain it by great labor.” T.S. Eliot
There is something very special about traditions, especially good, longstanding traditions. In a world that constantly changes, traditions serve as anchors. Traditions maintain consistency in action. They remind us of who we are, what we value, and why the work we do matters. The best families, religious organizations, colleges, and Rotary Clubs, to name a few, are all very intentional in how they pass traditions from one generation to the next. Tradition allows people to see beyond the individual task or single year of service and understand they are helping build something far greater than themselves, designed to endure long after they are gone.
That is exactly what makes Roswell Rotary so special. Last week, Roswell Rotary held a very cool and enduring tradition- the annual Past Presidents Dinner. For more than three decades, this gathering has brought together generations of leadership to support the incoming president and prepare for the next Rotary year. This year, 24 past presidents attended alongside our current board and incoming President Leslie Bassett. As each past president stood and introduced themselves by their year of service, they also shared words of encouragement and advice for Leslie as she prepares to lead our club into its next chapter.
What struck me most was not simply the number of leaders in attendance, but the consistency of commitment over decades. Different professions. Different personalities. Different years. Yet all connected by the same shared desire to serve this club and this community above self. The dinner serves as more than a meal. It was the passing of the torch.
Another powerful tradition was alive and well this past Saturday as I attended the Sheffield Banquet in Americus, Georgia. This three-decade event, hosted by the Americus Rotary Club, was inspired by the incredible legacy of the Sheffield family, whose leadership and service helped shape Rotary throughout Georgia and beyond. One of the most impressive moments of the evening was realizing that Roswell Rotary once again had more Rotarians in attendance than any other club represented. As I looked around the room and saw familiar faces like Nancy Alterman, David Young, Lee Hollingsworth, Bob Hagan, Dave Schmidt, Lynne Lindsay, Cheryl Greenway, Gordon Owens, and others, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. These are individuals who continue to pour their time, talents, wisdom, and hearts into making Roswell Rotary stronger. Their example creates momentum. Their commitment sustains tradition. Their leadership inspires the next generation of Rotarians to step forward.
Legacy is built year after year, hand to hand, leader to leader, tradition to tradition. Roswell Rotary is fortunate to have a foundation built by those who came before us, and it is now our responsibility to carry that fire forward for those who will come after us. Service Above Self is not just a motto……….At Roswell Rotary, it is a tradition.
Sic Vos Non Vobis
Trummie Lee Patrick III
Chris Hardman: Leading the Future of Georgia’s Hotel and Lodging Industry
Date : Thursday, June 11, 2026
Time: 12:15
Location: Roswell Area Park
Bill Johnson Community Activity Building
10495 Woodstock Road
Roswell, GA 30075
We are pleased to welcome Chris Hardman, President and CEO of the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association (GHLA), as our June 11 speaker. He serves as President and CEO of the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association (GHLA), leading advocacy, policy, and membership initiatives for the state’s lodging industry, GHLA acts as the unified voice for the 1,845+ hotel and lodging properties in the state of Georgia supporting 56,703 direct jobs . Since joining GHLA in 2017, he has strengthened statewide and national partnerships across the hospitality sector and earned multiple industry honors, including the ISHA Award of Excellence in Governmental Affairs, the GACVB Tourism Champion Award, and the STS Shining Example Award. Prior to becoming CEO, Chris served as GHLA’s Director of Governmental Affairs and Membership, representing the industry as a registered lobbyist and building deep relationships with state leaders and hospitality organizations. [read more]
Seeking Host Families for Our Rotary Youth Exchange Student
Roswell Rotary Club has a proud tradition of supporting Rotary Youth Exchange and the global connections it creates. This year, we are seeking host families for a 17‑year‑old female student from Vimercate, Italy, who will be entering the 11th grade at Roswell High School.
We are looking for a caring family willing to open their home and hearts to her for a three‑month hosting period. You do not need to have a high school student of your own to participate, just a willingness to share your family life, offer support, and embrace a meaningful cultural exchange.
The Rotary Youth Exchange Program thrives because of families who generously welcome students they have never met, creating bonds that last a lifetime. In a world that feels increasingly divided, hosting an exchange student is a powerful way to build understanding, broaden perspectives, and help our young people, and ourselves, see the shared hopes and dreams that connect us across cultures.
If you would like to explore this opportunity for global friendship, either for this school year or next, or know a neighbor or friend who would open their home, please contact Alesia Booth, Deb Perkins, or email roswellrotaryye@gmail.com.
Save the Date: June 25th
Installation Party Leslie Bassett
Join us on June 25th at Grana to celebrate the Installation of our President-Elect for 2026-27 Leslie Bassett!
Click Here for Invitation
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Summer Volunteer Opportunity
Homestretch Summer Enrichment for kids
President-Elect Leslie has committed to 33 volunteer hours for the 33 children in the HomeStretch program.
9-10 am M-F from June 8 through July 31 are available dates. [read more]
Feathered Friends & Service Above Self
Wall of Gratitude
A huge shoutout to Ken Briggs for answering a unique call to service! Our community garden and working farm at Stepping Stone Mission’s New Life Village had been in need of a rooster for over eight months for our existing hens. Ken went above and beyond by rounding one up from his own farm and delivering it post-meeting last week for transport to Conyers. Our 33-acre refuge helps homeless men heal and find stability through faith and community farming, and Ken's donation is a fantastic contribution to boosting our egg production and expanding our flock. Thank you, Ken, for stepping up for Stepping Stones Mission and epitomizing Service Above Self!
Upcoming Roswell Rotary Events
Save the Date: Find Your Spot and Help Us to Unite for GOOD
Blood Drive
Wed. June 24
The Tavern 8am-2pm
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Leslie Installation Party
Thursday, June 25 6pm - 9pm Time TBD
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2026 Golf, Tennis, Pickleball Tournament
Monday, Sept. 14
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