From Our District Governor

Giving Thanks ... for Our Families, Our Foundation and the Difference We Make

By Kirk Driskell

As the holiday season approaches, I am excited like you to enjoy quality time with my family. I am also grateful for all that our Rotary family is able to do in our communities and around the world. And I am reminded of The Rotary Foundation and how it helps power the work we do. It seems appropriate that the month of Thanksgiving is also Rotary Foundation Month.

The Rotary Foundation’s mission is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, good will and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education and the alleviation of poverty. Through the Foundation, our financial gifts are multiplied creating the catalyst that transforms our donations into service projects around the globe. Over the past 100 years, The Rotary Foundation has provided more than $4 billion dollars on projects funded and executed by Rotarians just like you and me. We have the ability to come together and have a huge impact.
[more]

From Our District Chaplain

Words of Inspiration

By Gregory Adams

I always like to give honor, to whom honor is due, first to God, my wife Jacqueline and District Governor Kirk Driskell and the Assistant Governors of Rotary, along with all the Presidents of Rotary especially my President Diane Adoma of South DeKalb Rotary. And honor to all whom honor is due that are in Rotary 6900 and Rotary International.

< … [more]

Serving During the Pandemic

Rotary Partners in Farmers-to-Families Food Box Program

By Angela Smith

Editor's Note: See the picture collages below the story.

Rotary District 6900, in partnership with Rotary District 6910, was given a huge opportunity to help alleviate food insecurity for counties with a designated Federal Opportunity Zone. In October, the USDA Farmers-to-Families Food Box project delivered an entire truckload of refrigerated food boxes to be distributed under the direction of a Rotary Club and food pantry at no cost, alleviating any financial burden to the food pantry. Each truckload included 1,156 boxes or the equivalent of 23,000 meals. The 30-pound boxes included over five pounds of meat, 12 pounds of produce, pounds of dairy and one gallon of milk. See how different clubs participated.
[more]

The Rotary Foundation

Our Rotary Foundation ... Helping Us Make a Difference

By Cheryl Greenway

It is Rotary Foundation Month ... a time we can celebrate all the projects that The Rotary Foundation has helped us to do in our communities and around the world. And a great time to consider how we would like to invest in that Foundation, so that it can continue to help us make a difference! Read on to see giving totals for 2019-20 and learn about the financial impact the Foundation made on our ability to do good in the world last year. And check out the photos from World Polio Day in October ... thanks to Bob Hagan  for collecting these pictures.
[more]

The Rotary Foundation

Introducing a New Monthly Feature ... "Through Rotary's International Window"

By Anne Glenn

We are beginning a brand new column for the District Newsletter during Foundation Month. With dual goals of showcasing District 6900’s International Service projects and helping every club become involved in this high impact Avenue of Service, we are eager to show you Rotary’s International Window. Our Windows view includes:

  • Global Grants, the ones in progress and the ones under development
  • Global Grant Scholarships with past and present recipient activities
  • International service projects undertaken by individuals and Clubs in our District not funded through the Foundations Grant Process.

This month, we are featuring two Global Grant opportunities. [more]

Our Rotary Foundation at Work ... From Facebook

District Grants Support Remote Learning and Our Veterans

By Jackie Cuthbert

The Griffin Daybreak Rotary Club used its District Service Grant to donate 10  educational tablets to the Fairmont Community Center computer lab. The presentation of the tablets took place during a Spalding County Board of Commissioners meeting. Daybreak Rotary President Janet Wilkerson with club Rotarians presented the tablets … [more]

Global Grant Scholarship Alumnus

Jasmine Burton Named One of Georgia Tech's Top 40 under 40

By Kathy Brandt

We are proud to report that Georgia Tech alumnus and former Global Grant Scholar Jasmine Burton was recently named one of the Top 40 Under 40 for 2020. Sponsored by District 6900 and the Rotary Club of Dunwoody, Jasmine now serves as CEO, Executive Director and Founder of Wish WASH.
[more]

Membership

RI Membership Minute - Engage Alumni to Strengthen Rotary

By Jaclyn Donovan

Each year, thousands of people become part of the family of Rotary by participating in Rotary programs, including Rotary Peace Fellowships, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and New Generations Service Exchange. After a positive experience in these programs, Rotary alumni often wish to join a Rotary or Rotaract club.

In a recent Membership … [more]

GRSP Update

Planning for 2020-21

By Ian Bond

I know that Rotarians throughout the District miss having “GRSPs” in our Club meetings, at our socials, and engaged in our service projects. Here’s a picture of our most recent GRSP class (2019-2020) last summer at Georgia Southern University, just to remind us of these amazing young people!

However, Clubs and host families and Trustees are in communication with our alumni around the world on a weekly, if not daily, basis. 
[more]

Club News

Thomasville Dedicates Memorial to GRSP Founder

By Michael Bixler

Friday afternoon, October 16, members of the Thomasville Rotary Club and others toured the Marriott Courtyard Hotel under construction at the corner of Dawson and Remington streets in Thomasville, Georgia. Developers of the new hotel are allowing Georgia Rotary to help design the entry plaza as a tribute to the Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) and the fountain as a memorial to the GRSP founder.
[more]

Rotary Leadership Institute

RLI Sunshine Training Sessions Are Now Live Online!

By Stephanie Windham

Leadership is critical for managing change. COVID-19 has presented an opportunity for all leaders to step up, and RLI Sunshine Division is meeting the challenge. The Sunshine Division is offering live online presentations with outstanding discussion leaders from all over Georgia, Florida and the Caribbean. As always, RLI is interactive discussion-based training. We are offering the same great content in a convenient, online format at the RLI Sunshine Division website.
[more]

Immediate Service Opportunity

Volunteer Opportunities with DeKalb County Students

By Jon Yaeger

DeKalb County students are sequestered at home, taking lessons online. This is very challenging for the students and their families. Deprived of normal social contact, some children are experiencing isolation, depression, and impaired learning during critical development stages.

You can help to make a positive impact in the lives of these children in our community by donating just a little of your time. Learn more about the Book Buddy Program and the Mercy Housing tutoring program - both from the South DeKalb Improvement Association Education (SDIAE).
[more]

Club News

Come One, Come All!! Come Virtually!

By Jolene Northrop

On August 8 at 8 am, President Ray Gadd of the Vinings Cumberland Rotary Club sent an email blast to start the 2020 VIRTUAL 5K RACE - the 24th year of the Vinings Down Hill 5k - "Run for the Kids.” By the time the virtual race ended at 11:59 pm on August 9, the club raised over $100,000 for children’s charities. The virtual race drew 343 participants from 18 states and seven countries. Those participants and the club's 21 committee members rose to support our Vinings Cumberland community where needs are exponentially higher this year.

The success of this race started with Charles Heinz, 24 years ago, Through hard work and constant tweaking of the race, the eventually became a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier and has carried on even after Charles died of cancer on March 3. As any good Rotarian knows, it is easy to fill the big shoes of a truly committed Rotarian with a vision. What? Wait a minute. It was NOT easy. 
[more]

Serving During the Pandemic

Emory Clifton Hosts Third Annual Health Symposium

By Alan Janssen

The Third Annual Polo and Health Symposium sponsored by the Rotary Club of Emory Clifton was held virtually on Saturday, September 26 with over 250 participants from Georgia, several other states and countries attending the event. The theme for this year’s symposium was “Overcoming the Challenges of COVID-19 to Achieve a Global Health Legacy” and focused on the challenges that Covid-19 presents to disease eradication efforts, specifically the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The program was co-sponsored by the Roswell Rotary Club, Rotary Club of North Atlanta, Morehouse School of Medicine, the Medical Association of Georgia, The United Advance Practice Registered Nurses (UAPRN) and Shriners Children’s Hospitals. Continuing Medical Education and Continuing Nursing Education credit were offered to health professional attending sessions.
[more]

Serving During the Pandemic

Roswell Treats First Responders to Drive Thru Cookout

By Trummie Patrick

Roswell Rotary served over 200 burgers and dogs at its first Drive Thru Cookout on September 19. Hosted at Fire Station #4 in Roswell, local law enforcement, fire and rescue, 911 dispatchers and first responders drove through in firetrucks and police cars to pick up packed meals that also included cookies courtesy of Rhodes Bakery and King of Pop Popsicles. Many stayed to visit. First responders also received a tee shirt with the Rotary Wheel and “Roswell Rotary has your back” printed on the back. It was a great day serving those who keep us safe.
[more]

Club News

Atlanta Virtual Fundraising Brings in Over $130,000 for Honduras Schools

By Bob Hope

The Honduras Hope annual fundraising event and silent auction of the Rotary Club of Atlanta was held on the evening of September 15. The event was virtual for the first time this year and raised over $130,000 to support the schools Rotarians have helped build in the rural Agalta Valley. The annual trip organized by Atlanta Rotary is … [more]

From Facebook

Together We Fight Hunger

By Jackie Cuthbert

See Rotarians from the Rotary Clubs of North Cobb, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Marietta, Douglas County and Moultrie in action as they partner with community resources to help make sure needy families have enough to eat. [more]

Serving During the Pandemic

Douglas County Rotary Donates Technology Fees for 400 Students

By Samantha Rosado

While members of the Rotary Club of Douglas County were grateful that the school system had acquired enough Chromebooks and laptops to provide to every student for online learning in August, they recognized that some families might have trouble coming up with the required $25 technology fee. To assist families in need and to support the education of students in Douglas County, the Rotary Club presented a check for $10,000 to the Board of Education on November 2.
[more]

Celebrating Lives Lived

Dr. Palamalai Mahizhnan, Rotary Club of Lake Spivey/Clayton County

By Ron Swofford

On June 25, 2020, when Palamalai Mahizhnan, MD died, the Rotary Club of Lake Spivey/Clayton County, the region we serve, and the broader world of Rotary lost a respected citizen, a humble and generous friend, and a quietly effective leader. About eight years ago, PM, which we called him for ease of pronunciation, was diagnosed with a crippling illness for which there is no cure. PM accepted the diagnosis with his usual positive attitude. An oncologist, he continued his medical practice until about a year and a half ago. He also continued his participation in Rotary until only a few months ago, including attending several of our virtual meetings on Zoom. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ms. Karpagam Mahizhnan, and a daughter, Ms. Madhavi Mahizhnan, of Louisville, Kentucky.
[more]

Club News

Rotary Makes the Billboard!

By Jaclyn Donovan

There's a new digital billboard in town... and the Rotary Club of Moultrie is on it!! All made possible by a Rotary connection visiting from another club with the design idea borrowed from a Rotary connection in Australia. A great example of how Rotary truly does Open Opportunities!!

From Facebook

Making a Difference in Our Communities ... From Arts and Health to Education, Fundraising and Teddy Bears

By Jackie Cuthbert

See how the Rotary Clubs of Quitman, Atlanta Brasil, Paulding County, Johns Creek North Fulton and Fayette Daybreak are touching lives in their communities. [more]

Roswell Joins in Park Cleanup

By Trummie Patrick

Roswell Rotary and Historic Roswell Beautification Project joined forces Saturday, Oct. 17 to landscape one of Roswell’s most visible parks. Volunteers spread 100 bales of pine straw, pruned, removed dead shrubs, and restored the Heart of Roswell Park back to its natural beauty with their landscaping love.

Club News

You are Invited to the Rotary Club of Atlanta ...

By Jackie Cuthbert

The Rotary Club of Atlanta has some great weekly programs planned and invites you to join in:

  • 11/16: Burke Whitman, Ret. Major General, US Marine Corps “Veterans Day Inspirations”
  • 11/23: Dr. Dwight D. Andrews, Senior Minister, 1st Congregational Church “Thanksgiving Jazz Homily”
  • 11/30: George Azih, CEO, LeaseQuery “David Cummings Favorite Entrepreneur"

These virtual webinars (in lieu of weekly in-person meetings) take place every Monday from 12PM - 1PM; the link is included on the club's website. You can also view some past programs there under the News tab. If you have questions, contact Gina Simpson at gsimpson@atlantarotary.org.
[more]

From Facebook

Here's to Fellowship!

By Jackie Cuthbert

ven in time of pandemic, Rotarians find ways to enjoy each other's company. Check out social activities for North Atlanta, Columbus and East Cobb.
[more]

From Facebook

Clubs Recognize Excellence

By Jackie Cuthbert

Join Peachtree City in congratulating its Rotaract Club's membership growth and Marietta Metro in celebrating Kim Gresh as the 2020 Association of Fundraising Professionals Volunteer Philanthropist of the year, and the Rotary Club of Albany in recognizing the late David Blitch for more than 45 years of perfect attendance. [more]

Club News

Honoring our Soldiers and First Responders

By Jackie Cuthbert

While Alpharetta Rotary provided a great barbecue lunch at the Atlanta Airport USO, Buckhead Rotary partnered with community groups to serve lunch for Atlanta firefighters.  [more]