President's Message
John F. Kennedy once remarked, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” This profound insight resonates deeply with the mission of Roswell Rotary as we commemorate our 75th anniversary—a milestone marking decades of dedicated service and community building. This weekend, we proudly join the city in celebrating another significant milestone: the 75th Annual Roswell Youth Day Parade & Celebration on Saturday, October 4th. This dual anniversary presents a unique opportunity—not only to honor cherished traditions but also to reaffirm our steadfast commitment to investing in the future of Roswell through its young people. A Legacy Rooted in Hope The origins of Roswell Youth Day trace back to 1950, when a visionary group of parents sought to create a day dedicated exclusively to celebrating and uplifting the city’s youth. What began as a modest community gathering has, over seven and a half decades, flourished into an enduring citywide tradition. By 1951, this vision gained formal recognition when the mayor designated the second Saturday in October as Roswell Youth Day. Since then, the parade has evolved into a vibrant expression of civic pride, with local schools, clubs, and youth organizations collaborating to build floats, march, and celebrate together. Roswell Rotary has proudly partnered in this tradition for many years. Our sponsorship of floats, provision of vehicles, donation of materials and candy, and assistance with logistics exemplify how this event serves as one of our most visible connections to the broader community. Importantly, it reminds us that service to youth is not peripheral but central to Rotary’s mission. The 75th Anniversary: A Milestone and a Promise This year’s 75th celebration, themed “Growing Together,” carries profound significance. The theme encapsulates both the unity within our community and the boundless potential of our young people to emerge as tomorrow’s leaders. The convergence of these events is intentional and symbolic, underscoring Roswell’s identity as a city deeply committed to the partnership between civic institutions and its younger generation. As one Rotarian aptly noted, “We are exceptionally proud to collaborate with the City of Roswell on this youth-focused leadership initiative, especially during a year when both entities celebrate their 75th anniversaries.” Building Tomorrow: The Roswell Youth Council & Rotary’s Role An exciting development this year is the formal relaunch of the Roswell Youth Council (RYC), a collaborative initiative between the City of Roswell and the Rotary-sponsored high school Interact clubs. At a recent City Council meeting, each youth council member was paired with a city official or representative from the mayor’s office, fostering a mentorship and civic immersion program. Throughout the 2025–26 academic year, the student council—comprising representatives from five public and private Roswell high schools—will: 1. Serve as youth ambassadors during the Youth Day Parade 2. Participate in leadership workshops focused on styles, collaboration, and civic service 3. Tour city departments to gain firsthand insights into municipal operations 4. Visit Roswell’s cultural, historical, and civic landmarks 5. Collaboratively select the theme for the 2026 Youth Day Parade alongside Rotary and city leadership The RYC will convene regularly, bringing fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and vision to Roswell’s ongoing development. This initiative transcends ceremonial participation; it functions as a dynamic educational platform fostering civic leadership and community ownership. By engaging youth directly in decision-making processes, we affirm the value of their voices and sow the seeds for sustained civic engagement. Looking Forward: Youth as Our City’s Greatest Investment At the heart of Rotary’s philosophy lies the principle of Service Above Self. Yet, service, in its most profound sense, also signifies investment—investment in individuals, relationships, and the promise of tomorrow. The 75th Youth Day is more than a parade; it is a powerful symbol and platform for that investment. As we embark on this landmark 75th year, coinciding with Rotary’s own milestone, let us view Youth Day not merely as a moment to look back but as a launchpad toward the future. Let us renew our dedication to ensuring that every young person in Roswell has the opportunity, voice, and purpose to thrive. May the 75th Frances McGahee Youth Day Celebration stand not only as a tribute to our rich history but as a bold declaration of confidence in the future of Roswell and its youth. Sic Vos Non Vobus Trummie Lee Patrick III
President Roswell Rotary 2025-26 Young People of Roswell
Mayor Kurt Wilson-Youth Day Parade, Youth Council, Your Role Mayor Kurt Wilson will be the featured guest speaker at the Roswell Rotary Club’s luncheon on October 2, 2025, where he will speak about the amazing focus the City gives to the Youth of Roswell- our future leaders. All community members are invited to hear his presentation on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 12:00 at Roswell Area Park, Bill Johnson Community Activity Building, 10495 Woodstock Road. A $20 fee is required for the lunch and the speaker presentation. [read more] Board Member Spotlight
Joining Rotary in 2004, Dave Schmit served as President 2013-2014, then spent many years at the district level as Assistant Governor and advisor to three district governors. His career has been focused on managing complex projects in the construction and real estate development industry. His company, Schmit+ Associates, develops walk-able communities in and around town centers and works with community leaders searching for holistic solutions to create transformational change. Married to Rena for 44 years, they have 2 sons, Conner and Jared. Conner works as a project manager in Dave’s company and Jared is working on opening a restaurant/bar next year. Fun fact: A sports buff, Dave has spent 12 years of marathon/10k running, for 10 straight years finishing in the top 1000 at the Peachtree Road race. He has also coached a nationally ranked high school team out of East Cobb Baseball, recognized nationally as a premier youth baseball program. 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? Please bring three bags of candy to the meeting Thursday. (not chocolate because it melts!) Thank you so much!!! 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! 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! RRAH - Monday Night Football, Oct. 13th
Join Roswell Rotary After Hours in our Monday Night Football & Cornhole social event at Gate City!
Monday, Oct. 13th at 7 PM. Gate City Brewing. See you all there!
Oct 15
Bloody Wednesday Blood Drive
Scarecrow Roto-Lee on Canton St.
Roswell Rotary’s new member Bill Sawin and Mary Trapp put lots of hours into “RotaLEE”. President Trummie Lee Patrick III invites you all to walk down Canton Street view all of the creations, and take a pic with RotaLee and VOTE for RRC! 100 Gift Boxes-Packing Nov. 6
Collecting for Naval Personnel
Ralph Rowland is heading up this project.404-641-5671 Need supplies as well as volunteers to fill the boxes at the Nov. 6th meeting. Plus four people to assemble the boxes before the meeting so they are ready to fill. Great project and looking forward to your support! This project was formerly known as Adopt a Platoon, and this year we are focusing on the Navy! April 16-19, 2026
2026 District Conference- Lake Lanier Islands
Click Here to Register Register NOW- Early Bird Discount Ends TODAY Tuesday September 16th Upcoming Roswell Rotary Events
Save the Date: Find Your Spot and Help Us to Unite for GOOD
Youth Day Parade Saturday, October 4 Time: 10am-2pm
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 Bloody Wednesday Blood Drive
Wed. Oct. 15 8am - 2pm
Add To Calendar Alive in Roswell
Thursday, October 16 5pm - 8pm
Add To Calendar
Anchors Away- Boxes for Navy
Thursday, Nov 6 Before & After meeting
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 Last Week at Roswell Rotary
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