President's Message
I believe that true success begins with authenticity—with being true to ourselves and to others. At my induction, I shared that I could not know the kind of president I might have been before losing my father on January 7th, but what I do know is the kind of president I want to be now: one who leads in his honor and continues my father’s legacy. These first three months as President of Roswell Rotary have been filled with hard work, great energy, and countless moments of pride. I hope you share in that pride, because everything we’ve accomplished has been the result of our collective effort. It has truly been a privilege and an honor to serve as your President.
That said, it is important to remember that, as Peter Drucker once wrote, “Rank does not confer privilege or give power. It imposes responsibility.” With that spirit in mind, I am introducing something new: a Quarterly Report on our club’s progress. Each quarter, I’ll share updates in three key areas—Membership, Giving, and Community Service. This will help us measure our impact, celebrate our successes, and stay focused on the goals we’ve set together. My aim is not to lead with ego, but to honor the trust you have placed in me and to serve each and every one of you well in this role. #1 Membership: Strength in Numbers - “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” – Phil JacksonGoal: Add 50 new members this year (we need 35 more applicants) Where We Stand: - Total Members: 230 (Main Club -197 at start of year and 213 today. We also have 17 in Roswell Rotary After Hours)
- Losses: 1 in Rotary, 2 in RRAH
- RESULTS: New Members -15 added, net growth of 12
Courtney Lott and her team are doing an outstanding job—our pipeline of prospective members is strong. But the truth is, membership is everyone’s responsibility. It is the lifeblood of our club—the source of fresh energy, new ideas, and more hands to serve. To support this effort, we’ve been intentional about bringing in high-caliber speakers to make our meetings engaging and attractive for guests. But the most powerful invitation will always come from you. You know who makes a great Rotarian. So here’s my challenge: make a personal commitment to help us bring in at least one new member this year. If not this year, then next year under Leslie’s leadership. If every Rotarian brought just one new member, we could double our size in a single year. To make this commitment tangible, please join us by signing a membership pledge card (thank you, Mickey Deaton, for the idea). I’ll be reaching out personally in the weeks ahead, because together we can accomplish something remarkable. #2 Giving: Investing in a Better Tomorrow – “No one has ever become poor by giving” -Anne FrankThis quarter, your generosity has been nothing short of inspiring. Charitable Giving Goal: $300,000 Our Roswell Rotary Golf, Tennis & Pickleball Tournament was a tremendous success. The level of support and generosity left me inspired, rejuvenated, and in awe. We’re finalizing totals now, but it’s safe to say we’ve reached a level worth celebrating. The Rotary Foundation Goal: $20,000 This past week, more than 30 Roswell Rotarians were recognized as Paul Harris Fellows, with many moving up to higher levels. To be a Paul Harris Fellow, a Rotarian must personally give $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. These contributions fuel projects around the world—clean water, education, peacebuilding, and disease prevention—and also flow back into our own community here in Roswell. This was not just a strong beginning—it was a testament to the generosity and commitment that defines Roswell Rotary. Today we are $6,049 in new monies toward our $20,000 goal. PolioPlus Goal: $8,000 Since Rotary launched its fight against polio, global cases have been reduced by 99.9%. Over 2.5 billion children in 122 countries have been immunized, thanks to Rotary’s leadership and partnerships around the globe. But the fight isn’t finished. Experts warn that if eradication efforts stopped now, polio could paralyze up to 200,000 children every year within a decade. That’s why on October 4, Roswell Rotary is partnering with Athens-area clubs for the first-ever Rotary Polio Tailgate in Athens before the Georgia vs. Kentucky game. It’s a chance to raise awareness, generate funds, and remind the world that Rotary won’t stop until polio is gone. Please join us—or connect with Bob Hagan or Lee Hollingsworth to learn how you can help. We are $0 towards our goal. #3 Community Service: Impact at Home - “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma GandhiOur service in the first quarter has been both wide-ranging and impactful. Highlights include: - An incredible Golf, Tennis & Pickleball Tournament
- Packing backpacks with Huskies Helping Huskies
- Helping launch the Student Leadership Council with the City of Roswell
- Sweep the Hooch River cleanup
- Volunteering at the Roswell Arts Festival
- Hosting blood drives and supporting Meals on Wheels
- Memorial Day Remembrance Event
- Supporting First responders with 5k, Cops & Cars, Hero Program
Upcoming Events: - Rotary Polio Tailgate in Athens before UGA vs. Kentucky – October 4
- First Responders Family Farm Day at Gary Garrett’s farm – October 12
- Polio Cornhole Tournament - TBD
- Dinner for ER staff during National ER Nurses Week
- Youth Day Parade- October 4
- Wednesday Bloody Wednesday Blood Drive October 15
- Packing Holiday Boxes for Platoon November TBA
- Backpacks for Homeless Veterans TBA
A Reflection on Our First QuarterAs I look back, I am humbled by the energy, generosity, and dedication of this club. Whether it’s welcoming new members, giving sacrificially to our Golf, Tennis and Pickleball Tournament or The Rotary Foundation, or rolling up our sleeves to serve, Roswell Rotary continues to embody the spirit of Service Above Self. We have much to be proud of—and even more to look forward to. Together, we are not only serving today—we are building a legacy that will shape generations to come. Thank you for making Roswell Rotary the best Rotary Club in the world. Sic Vos Non Vobus Trummie Lee Patrick III
President Roswell Rotary 2025-26
Roswell Rotary Welcomes Senator Chambliss: A Statesman’s Perspective You are warmly invited to join the Roswell Rotary Club for a lunch meeting featuring former U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss. With decades of distinguished service in both the Senate and House of Representatives, Senator Chambliss brings a wealth of insight on national security, agriculture, and leadership in public service. This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of Georgia’s most respected statesmen. Our meeting will be held on Thursday, September 25 at 12:15 PM at the Bill Johnson Community Activity Building in Roswell Area Park, located at 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell, GA 30075. Visitors are welcome. Just $20 at the door covers a delicious lunch and the chance to connect with community leaders and neighbors in a spirit of Service above Self. We hope you’ll join us for an engaging afternoon of conversation, connection, and inspiration. All are welcome! [read more] Sept 23 5pm - 8pm at Lucky's
Dave Schmit Book Signing Event-Five Men: The Transformative Power of Mentorships
Come out to support Dave Schmit and his new Book Five Men on Sept. 23 at Lucky's 5pm - 8pm.. He will be saying a few remarks around 6:00pm about the book and mentorship along with signing books for people who attend. See you there. Tuesday Sept. 30
Women in Rotary Event
The picture above is of the women members of Roswell Rotary Club.(Missing a few who were absent that day) All of the North End clubs attend Women in Rotary, so it's a great chance to network with other clubs and an excellent opportunity to bring a prospective member to see what Rotary is all about! Our upcoming event will be on September 30th from 5:30 to 7:30 - Location: American Legion 201 Wills Road Alpharetta. GA
- There will be appetizers and $5 wine
- Bring a $5 Publix or Kroger gift card to support Meals by Grace
- Please RSVP to Lori Kirn lori.kirn@fairwaymc.com
Please Help with Supplies
Youth Day Parade Float
The beginning of the Interact year focuses on the Youth Day Parade! This local tradition will be celebrating it’s 75th birthday as our Roswell Rotary Club is too! Our float entry is being designed and built with a committee lead by RRC Member Joe Gillespie. Joining him: - New RRC member Jay Pittroff,
- RHS Construction Teacher Kevin Squiers and Youth Parade Veteran Jack Wyche.
- Candy/Trinket Coordinator - Priya Crumpton
- Youth Day Parade Costume Coordinator - Frederick Levy
With the competitive spirit natural to Roswell Rotary, Joe and his crew have an aggressive design that will celebrate our twin 75th anniversaries. The middle and high school student members of our Interact Clubs will be building the float after school the week prior but all clubs will be riding on or walking along the float during the parade. It is always a fun time with phenomenal community spirit. Join us! Thank you for your support! Can you help? We need Gift Cards from Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s or Walmart. Link for Candy/Trinket Wishlist: Link for Float supplies Link for 2 of these Lattice sheets:  Sunday, October 12th, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
First Responder Family Farm Picnic
Join us for the First Responder Family Farm Picnic on Sunday, October 12th, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at Gary Garrett’s “Gold & Grass” Farm. This year, we’re honored to welcome special guests: all City of Roswell First Responders—Fire, Police, EMS, support personnel—and their families. This heartfelt event celebrates the everyday heroes who serve and protect our community. Enjoy a fun-filled day with delicious food, lively entertainment, and engaging activities for kids and adults alike. Activities Include: - 4-wheeling & hayrides
- Bouncy house
- Paintball & face painting
- Cornhole
- Birdhouse building and decorating.
- Pumpkin painting
- Panning for gold and/or buried treasure along the banks of the Etowah River
Roswell Rotarians are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert, and your favorite drink. Please sign up here signup genius link Reach out to Michael Curling with questions michael.curling@gmail.com 
QR Code for Sign Up Thank you Gary Garrett for your generosity! Polio Plus Tailgate Party
Tailgating with a PURPOSE! Enjoy a fabulous tailgate in Athens while helping to raise money for Polio Plus AND meeting Rotarians from other clubs who love to tailgate. More details coming, but save the date NOW! Dave McCleary-Board Historian
Board Member Spotlight
Dave McCleary currently serves as historian for President Trummie Lee —a job made even more important with the celebration of the Club's 75th anniversary. Dave is probably best know throughout Rotary for his efforts to Stop Human Trafficking. As then-President of the Rotary Club of Roswell, Dave McCleary founded End Human Trafficking Now, focusing on business engagement, law enforcement collaboration and empowering survivors. In 2019, he was appointed Chair of Rotarians Against Slavery, aiming to mobilize over 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide. In recognition of his work, he received Rotary International’s highest honor—the Service Above Self Award. As a small business owner from Roswell, Dave and his wife Pam have two daughters, 28 and 31. Volunteering at the 2012 Passion Conference in Atlanta, he first became aware of the issue, realizing the problem existed not just globally but in his own community. With that, Dave turned awareness into action as a passionate advocate for ending human trafficking. Chairing Georgia’s Statewide Taskforce workgroup on deterring traffickers through business engagement, Dave led the 2015 World Summit on Ending Human Trafficking with President Jimmy Carter, and moderated panels at the UN and U.S. Department of Justice. He also led a national Rotary campaign to support the End Modern Slavery Initiative Act. Serving on the Super Bowl Anti-Trafficking Task Force, Dave moderated high-level discussions with major corporations and was appointed to Georgia’s GRACE Commission and the White House Round Table on Human Trafficking. Fun fact – When Dave was 8 years old, he visited Hollywood and saw a live episode of Bonanza being filmed with Little Joe, Hoss and the rest of the cast. Memorably, he was actually acknowledged by Michael Landon. Roswell Youth Council Installation
We have a new City Council installed! The Roswell Youth Council (RYC) is ready to lead the 75th Francis McGahee Youth Day Celebration on Sat, Oct 4th! The relaunch of the RYC is now a collaboration between the City of Roswell and the Roswell Rotary sponsored High School Interact Clubs. "We are exceptionally proud to be working with the City of Roswell on this exciting youth-focused leadership initiative especially this year when both entities are celebrating their 75th Birthday," Roswell Rotary President Trummie Lee Patrick. Installed last night at the Roswell City Council Meeting, a proclamation was read and each member of the City Council along with the Mayor, City Administrator, Roswell Police Chief and Roswell Fire Chief have been paired with a youth ambassador. The RYC members will participate fully in the Youth Day Celebration but they will also meet 3 more times through the 2025-26 academic year to not only learn about their own leadership style but also being a dual mentor. They will have a day after the first of the year to meet and learn from each City of Roswell Department Head. All of this will culminate in the Spring with a day to tour the "gems" of Roswell and choose the theme of the 2026 Youth Day Celebration. Applications will then open for the 2026-27 RYC year. The 17-member council reflects students from 5 Roswell private and public high schools: Blessed Trinity, Centennial, Fellowship, The Cottage School and Roswell High School. Please extend your congratulations to: - Brady Berry
- Ashley Boomhower
- Hannah Chacko
- Kayden Cheng
- Annie Etheridge
- Emily Frezell
- Julie Hernandez-Ramirez
- Caitlyn Hobby
- Ava Huebner
- Yeimi Hurtado
- Joy Jordan
- Kate Martinez
- Addison Nowakowski
- Taylor Patrick
- Malia Richards
- Jennifer Sanchez
- Mary Katherine Tucker
Roswell Rotary will host the RYC members at our Thursday, Oct 2 meeting when Mayor Kurt Wilson will update us on the State of the City. April 16-19, 2026
2026 District Conference- Lake Lanier Islands
Click Here to Register Register NOW- Early Bird Discount Ends TODAY Tuesday September 16th Last Week at Rotary
Upcoming Roswell Rotary Events
Save the Date: Find Your Spot and Help Us to Unite for GOOD
Youth Day Parade Saturday, October 4 Time: TBD
Add To Calendar UGA Tailgate w Athens Rotary
Saturday, October 4 Time: TBD
Add To Calendar Farm Day with First Responders
Sunday, Oct. 12
Gold & Grass Farms
Add To Calendar Alive in Roswell
Thursday, October 16 5pm - 8pm
Add To Calendar December 13, 2025
Roswell Rotary Holiday Party
Saturday, Dec 13
Add To Calendar District 6900 Conference Lake Lanier Islands
Thursday April 16 - Sunday April 19
Add To Calendar
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