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District 6900 News for October, 2023
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From Our District Governor
By André Marria It is time to begin the process of selecting our District Governor for the Rotary Year 2026-2027. The elected individual will become District Governor on July 1, 2026. Rotary International requires that the person nominated follow a two-year process of training and preparation before assuming the role of District Governor. During the 2024-2025 Rotary year, the selected individual will be the District Governor Nominee (DGN). This role includes observation and training, and participation at District events. It also includes participation at the Rotary Zone 33-34 training institute 2024-2025 and Presidents-Elect Training Seminar and participating as a non-voting member of key district committees. During the 2025-2026 Rotary year, the selected individual will be the District Governor-Elect (DGE). Training and observation activities continue, including participation at the Zone training institute and at the Rotary International Assembly (an assembly and training program for District Governors-Elect from over 500 Rotary Districts in the world) in Orlando in January 2026. Our district utilizes a Nominating Committee process. Your help in identifying those qualified applicants would be appreciated. Please look within your club and within your Rotary network to identify those Rotarians who met the qualifications and have the desire to get involved at the district level. Interested applicants must have the support of their club indicated by resolution and submit it along with their completed application and including a brief resume to District Executive Secretary, Teri White by November 1, 2023. Interviews of selected applicants, by the committee, will take place on Saturday, November 18, 2023. [more] |
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The Rotary Foundation
By Will MacArthur World Polio Day unites Rotarians, public health advocates, and everyone else who envisions a world free from polio. It is a time for us to come together recognizing and honoring our progress in the fight to end polio. And it is a time to commit to the actions we must take now and end Polio forever, worldwide.
Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious viral disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5 years. Typically the virus spreads person to person through contaminated water. It can attack the nervous system and, in some instances, lead to permanent paralysis. Please honor World Polio Day 2023 on October 24 and recognize that Polio is still only one plane ride away from all of us and our families. You can support our efforts by advocating, fundraising and educating everyone you know continually until Polio, in all forms, is eradicated from this earth.
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District Conference 2024
By Barry Oxford Let me tell you, our District Governor André loves music and loves to sing! If you have had the privilege and pleasure to have her speak at your club’s meetings, then you know what I am telling you is true. André and I are members of the International Fellowship of Rotarian Musicians. I have had great fun singing with André at a couple of International Conventions. Maybe you sang with us too in 2017 at the Atlanta Convention. Singing together as a group or choir can be so much fun. André has asked me to help her to Amplify Rotary in song at our District Conference on beautiful Jekyll Island, March 21-24, 2024. Editor's Note: Remember registration is open from the home page of the District website - and you can link to our hotel blocks from there. Now read on about the choir. [more] |
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By Gordon Owens We have combined District Assembly with the District Conference weekend this year. This gives you a weekend of your life back! If you will serve in club leadership for the 2024-25 Rotary year plan on arriving Thursday night and join us Friday morning for a leadership development and vibrant club workshop. District Assembly will start with lunch on Friday, followed by breakout sessions to help your club become irresistible in your community.
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Membership
By Gordon Owens Congratulations to Dunwoody Rotary for trying something new to grow Rotary in their community! The club is using its 40 years of history to highlight the impact they have had both locally and globally to help build a sense of pride in the great work they have done. Between a concise message and being proud of the club, members are well equipped to talk up Rotary to people in their community who are Rotarians but aren't members yet. They even made up business cards to use to invite prospects to come to meeting. [more] |
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GRSP
By Katheryne Fields Adaobi Princess Nwofor spoke
so highly of her year with Georgia Rotary Student Program that her brother
Obinna Kingsley Nwofor was quick to apply himself. Princess participated in the
Class of 2018-2019 and attended Oglethorpe University. She was sponsored by the
Rotary Clubs of Midtown Atlanta, Sandy Springs and Tucker. She … [more] |
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By André Marria Auntie André and the district leadership team need your help. If you've ever wanted to serve Rotary beyond your club now is your chance! In addition to nominations for the 2026-2027 District Governor we have several opportunities to serve the district over the next few years. We are looking for all types of expertise; administrative support, public image, finance, foundation and leadership roles are available. Click [more] below to see if you might be a good fit for one of the roles. [more] |
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GRSP Update
By Katheryne Fields Riding the rapids along with a space shuttle simulation were two of many highlights for 41 Georgia Rotary Student Program scholars in Columbus for the GRSP Tony Wright Student Weekend September 15-17. The weekend was hosted by Rotarians from the Columbus, North Columbus and Muscogee Rotary Clubs. Two GRSP alumni members who were sponsored by the Rotary Club of Columbus - Laury Petit (Class of 22-23) and Sebastian Villa (Class of 15-16) helped in the efforts, including Bafa' Bafa', a cultural simulation game.
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By Gordon Owens The Rotary International Convention will be in Singapore from May 25 to May 29, 2024. We hope you will consider joining the Rotarians from our district who are already registered and can't wait to go. These conventions bring together 10's of thousands of Rotarians from around the world in a unique destination. There are unique opportunities to experience local culture, see the sights around town and explore the surrounding countries before or after the convention. We have a hotel room block setup so we can stick together, we will host a district dinner during the convention and have a suggested trip for afterwards. Visit the convention page for more information.
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Club News
By Shanna Skeen The Rotary Club of Thomasville is proud to sponsor Allen-Amin Hollander, a promising young student from the vibrant island of Curaçao, for this year’s Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP). Amin Hollander will be pursuing his higher education at Thomas University, marking a significant step forward for both him and the university.
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Be the Voice
By Holly Davanzo What an awesome
day at Booth Middle School recently with the kick-off of Be THE Voice (and
anti-bullying campaign) sponsored … [more] |
 President Tekmekia Gilchrist is pictured with Rotary Counselor Zachary Adams, Alexsis Alfred, Nicholas Allen, Krista Brown, and NMHS Counselor and Interact Club Sponsor Pamela Cummings |
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Club News
By Nell Boggs The Rotary Club of Douglas County has had some great programs this year. We enjoyed hearing from the three students they sponsored for this summer's RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) leadership camp. And we heard from our own Past President Samantha Rosado, assistant conference center and tourism director for the city of Douglasville, who updated us on the new GreyStone Amphitheater and Town Green.
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Amplifying Rotary
By Jonathan Rudolph What a day it was! On August 5 at the McClesky YMCA, East Cobb Rotary marked the 22nd anniversary of our Dog Days 5K event with an extraordinary show of unity, determination, and support. We had a fantastic turnout of 552 runners that helped us raise over $100,000 to go toward local charities. This event is a testament not just to one day's achievement but to over two decades of our community coming together to make a difference for local charities in the typical Rotary way: service above self.
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Club News
By Patrica Goodman Cuthbert Rotary Club sponsored the first ever Southwest Georgia STEM Charter School Senior Breakfast which was held in the Private Dining Hall at Andrew College. Rotary Club President Patricia Goodman shared briefly the purpose of Rotary emphasizing service above self. Andrew College President Dr. Rusty Kennedy welcomed the students to the college and shared various opportunities available at Andrew College. School Leader Mrs. Ginger Almon (far right) is pictured with the senior class in front of the dining hall.
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Club News
By Julie Bond Rotary Club of Columbus member Lamar Johnson received guests, accolades and a Georgia Rotary Student Program award for his 90th birthday. About 80 of his family and friends toasted to Lamar’s longevity last week including Rotarians from his current club, his good friend PDG Steve Stanfield, his prior North Fulton club along with two GRSP alumnae sponsored by Columbus, Bjorg Kilmarsdottir, Class of 2010-11 from Iceland and Olga Cajaichin of Moldova, Class of 2013-14. Bjorg and GRSP Vice Chair Ian Bond presented Lamar with the Kendall Weisiger Fellow, which represents cumulative donations of $5,000 or more to the GRSP Foundation. Donations were made in his honor as well. Bjorg also sang for the occasion.
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Club News
By Becky Nelson It was a beautiful afternoon when the fourth annual 9-11 First Responders Cookout was held Saturday, September 16th at Roswell Fire Station #24. Over 300 Roswell First Responders were served hamburgers/hot dogs & brats by over 20 Roswell Rotarians and 12 Interact students representing the Blessed Trinity and Roswell HS Interact Clubs. During the September 11, 2001, attacks, 2,977 people were killed and more than 6,000 others were injured. Of the 2,977 fatalities, 2,753 were killed in the World Trade Center and surrounding area, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 in Pennsylvania. These deaths included 265 on the four planes. The attacks remain the deadliest terrorist act in world history. We need to thank the Roswell Rotary Club 9-11 Committee Dave Young, Gene Beckham, and Jack Wyche. [more] |
 Susan Bonds McCulloch, Executive Director of Dress For Success, Club President Matt Jarrard, Betty Smith, Jolene Northrop, Brenda Borden, Ross Henderson |
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Rotary Foundation at Work
By Ross Henderson The Vinings Cumberland Rotary Club
presented Executive Director of Dress for Success Susan Bonds McCulloch with a $2500 check recently - $1750 from Rotary International Foundation community grant funds. The grant
funds are for technology resources available for women to visit Dress For … [more] |
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Laws of Life
By Linda Hatten To kick off the 25th year of the Georgia Rotary Clubs Laws of Life Essay Contest, we hosted our annual Teacher & Rotarian Luncheon. It's always a joy to reconnect with the educators and Rotarians who ardently support student writers and the contest. Keynote Speaker Brick Johnstone, PhD shared his research into the Neuropsychology of the Self which explores the biological factors that influence a person's sense of self and their resulting empathic response. As Director of Brain Injury Research at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, his findings will further enhance recovery for patients at Shepherd and beyond. We also heard 6900 DGE Gordon Owens shared a humorous tale of how his grandfather motivated him to aim high, “You might amount to something yet.” Lassiter High School GLL Chair Anne Blanchard McGreggor, PhD shared how ,over the years, she has motivated colleagues in the English Department for the contest. Student winners Arik Tsfati (Lassiter High School) and Journey Allen (George Walton Academy) shared their inspiring essays that moved many in the audience. If your Rotary club is interested in bringing the Laws of Life Essay Contest to your local high school's students, we’d love to come and share contest info with your club at a meeting. Contact District 6900 Laws of Life Chair Linda Hatten at linda@georgialawsoflife.org. [more] |
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Club News
By Debby Daniel-Bryant Rotary International District 6900 Governor André Hadley Marria discussed succession planning, building teams and growing membership when she addressed the Griffin Daybreak Rotary Club. She emphasized the importance of working together with financial resources toward a polio-free world. She also shared her passion for creating a more inclusive club that is a reflection of the community’s demographics.
In keeping with RI President Gordon McInally’s theme to “Create Hope in The World” and remove the stigma regarding mental illness and addiction, the club made a donation in Marria’s honor to The Heritage Foundation, Inc., “Maya’s House,” a residential program for women with addiction and their children. In line with Rotary International’s quest to End Polio Now and upcoming World Polio Day October 24, an additional donation was made to The Rotary Foundation’s PolioPlus Fund in Marria’s honor. [more] |
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By Zac Boswell Sandy Springs Rotarians - including President Rollin Richmond, Ashley Napier, Nancy Schroeder, Joe Jones, Gene Jordan - recently went to Ison Springs Elementary School to help distribute glasses to third and fourth grade students. The ability of young students to read is a major issue in our country and state. If you have trouble seeing words and letters, having glasses can make a big difference. The Ison School students were happy to have new glasses as you can see in the photo.
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Club News
By Vickie Butler The Rotary Club of Fayetteville's Senior "Citizen" Prom & Fundraiser at Whitewater Creek Country Club was created to honor and celebrate senior citizens in the community. The 2023 theme for the Prom was Reflections Ball–A Moment In Time, capitalizing on the desire for attending seniors to have a “glittering night of reflections”.
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Club News
By Nicholas Ramey In 1952, the Newnan Rotary Club hosted its very first Georgia Student Rotary Program (GRSP) student from Korea. What began as an effort to engage with a younger generation and learn more about other cultures has now, more than 70 years later, become an annual tradition for the club. Each year, the club has hosted these students with partner clubs and will partner once again this year with the Senoia Rotary Club. Newnan has hosted students from 35 countries in every continent with the exception of Antarctica. This year, that number has reached 36. [more] |
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Club News
By Holly Davanzo See how Peachtree City Rotary grants are impacting people served by the Real Life Center, the students at Spring Hill Elementary as they learn about the environment, and The Bloom Closet focused on providing youth and teens with clothing options. [more] |
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Club News
By Lisa Gelber The Rotary Club of North Fulton is helping Holy Innocents Episcopal School Habitat Club on a Habitat for Humanity Build this fall. The school club was charged with raising $120,000 of the needed funds to build the home and they have made great progress on their goal. Rotary Club of North Fulton was happy to provide a donation as well as a group of members to help with the exterior painting. The house should be complete this month, at which time, the new owner will move in with her two young daughters. We love working with young people who have a passion for service!
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Upcoming Key Dates
| Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 | DG Official Visit- Marietta | | Friday, October 6th, 2023 | DG Official Visit-Dunwoody | | Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 | DG Official Visit-Dougherty County | | Wednesday, October 11th, 2023 | DG Official Visit-Columbus | | Sunday, October 15th, 2023 | Rotary Youth Exchange scholarship applications close | | Tuesday, October 17th, 2023 | DG Official Visit-Thomaston-Upson County | | Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 | DG Official Visit-East Cobb | | Thursday, October 19th, 2023 | DG Official Visit-Bremen | | Thursday, October 19th, 2023 | Monthly call of Rotary Youth Exchange volunteers | | Saturday, October 21st, 2023 | Zone Institute-Bahamas | | Friday, October 27th, 2023 | Rotary Youth Exchange scholarship candidate in-home interviews deadline | | Monday, October 30th, 2023 | DG Official Visit-Buckhead | | Tuesday, October 31st, 2023 | DG Official Visit-Midtown Atlanta | | Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 | DG Official Visit- Brookhaven | | Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 | DG Official Visit- Forsyth |
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