From Our District Governor

Gratitude

By André Marria

We find ourselves at the beginning of another month and with that comes thanksgiving and gratitude for the blessings we have received. Thank you so much for all that you've done to Amplify Rotary! Thank you for your dedication, your commitment, and your determination to make a difference in the world, especially in our district!

Let us ever be mindful of those who are less fortunate than we are as we serve humanity in our Seven Areas of Focus. Let me challenge you to continue to work towards our Foundation, Membership, and especially our commitment to our Mental Health Goals, beginning with ourselves. We have so many reasons to do this work. Most importantly, we need to consider ourselves just as valuable.  Take time during this season to reflect, reenergize and we recommit to better self-care; this will aid us in providing care to others.

I'm appreciative of ALL of our programs, specifically: Be the Voice, Interact, Laws of life, RYLA, Rotary Youth Exchange, GRSP, DEI, CART, ROTARACT, and Human Trafficking just to mention a few.   WE ARE AMPLIFYING ROTARY! Your efforts to Tell Your Rotary Stories, Projects, Public Image Post and special programs you have shared with me, and Walter have been EXCEPTIONAL l!!!   I may not have mentioned you in the work you have done, BELIEVE ME, IT HAS NOT GONE UNNOTICED, I praise your efforts!!!!! [more]

Peach State PETS

By Mary Ligon

If you will serve as a club president for the 2024-2025 Rotary year, be sure to register for PETS and book your hotel room. If you are a leader of a program and want to have a booth at PETS, vendor registration is open as well. We have some great speakers and programs on the schedule and look forward to hosting you for weekend of fun, fellowship and learning.
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Carol Lipphardt Recognized for Dedicated Service to District 6900

By George Granade

Since Carol Lipphardt was not able to attend the 2022-2023 District Conference in April, PDG George Granade along with PDG Margie Kersey and PDG Raymond Ray visited Carol and PDG Al in their home on November 14.  PDG George presented Carol with recognition for her 18 years of dedicated service as the District Secretary/Manager. Carol was also presented with a thank you book containing letters from each of the DGs she served beginning with PDG Claudia Mertl, 2005-2006, through PDG George Granade, 2022-2023.  PDG Margie expressed regrets to Carol from the PDGs who could not attend.
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District Conference 2024

Register Now for 2024 District Conference in Jekyll Island, Georgia AND 2024 District Training Assembly

By Stephanie Windham

Join us as we Amplify Rotary and feature the Lady with a Song, none other than our District Governor André Marria. The conference will be at the beautiful Jekyll Island Convention Center March 21-24, 2024 - and it will be filled with music, laughter, fun and fellowship.  Let’s celebrate all the ways our clubs make Rotary BIGGER, BETTER, AND LOUDER!

To register, login to rotary6900.org and click on “Register for the 2024 District Conference at Jekyll Island.” The registration fee is $295 for Rotarians, with special rates for guests, Rotaractors, and children. [more]

Service Opportunity

Why should you go on the Rotary Wilderness Team trip to Honduras in March?

By Paul Ray

Cabin fever is getting to you. After a long, gloomy January and February you are still looking at probably most of March before life begins to bloom, right?

Our trip to beautiful/ tropical Honduras is from March 2-9, 2024. You can start your tan in the beautiful Honduran sunshine, meet 59 new friends, and do a lot of good in the world! And it's the 25th anniversary of the start of this work in Honduras. [more]

Laws of Life

Recognize a Teacher in the Honor Roll Giving Society

By Linda Hatten

Our teachers – past and present – hold a very special place in our hearts and often have a life-long impact. No matter how old we are, or how far removed we are from our formative school years, most of us never forget the teachers who made the greatest impression on us.

Georgia Rotary Clubs Laws of Life Essay Contest (GLL) proudly dedicates our 25th Anniversary to the teachers who have shaped young minds and ignited a passion for learning. We cannot think of a better way to show our appreciation to every teacher who has devoted their life’s work to education.

In keeping with this spirit, we invite you to celebrate the special teacher(s) in your life through Georgia Laws of Life’s newly minted Honor Roll Giving Society. Your tax-deductible contribution of $25 or more will support our mission to transform lives by engaging Georgia high school students to reflect upon, express and affirm strong character values. It will also pay tribute to the very heroes in education who have given so much. Learn more about how you can contribute. [more]

Alpharetta Celebrates Success of Multi-Club Brazil Project

By Bob Koncerak

The Rotary Club of Alpharetta is celebrating the shared success of a global grant and construction project made possible by clubs from D6900, New England D7780 and Pelotas, R.S. Brazil D4680.

 

In all, 14 Rotary clubs across three districts have partnered financially and with in-kind contributions to establish a $70,000 Down Syndrome occupational therapy program and construction of a 6,200 sq.ft. education and headquarters facility for APADPEL – The Association of Parents of Down Syndrome Persons in Pelotas.

 

KUDOS to the Rotary Clubs of Roswell, Dunwoody, Stone Mountain, Peachtree City and Atlanta-Brazil for supporting this international success! [more]

GRSP News

Spend A Summer In Oslo

By Katheryne Fields

Norwegian Rotarians will partner with Georgia Rotary Student Program to sponsor three college students, one per district, from Georgia to attend Oslo International Summer School. Dates will be June 24-August 2, 2024. Application is now open and closes Jan. 5, 2024. Applicants must have completed sophomore year of college by Spring 2024 and have the recommendation of Georgia Rotarian. The application deadline is January 5, 2024. For more information to apply, visit GRSP.org
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One of the Thomas Peace Award recipients for 2023, Kathryn Gunning, sponsored by the Bainbridge, Camilla, and Pelham Rotary Clubs (from L to R): James Eubanks (Pelham), John Carruth (Roswell), Kathryn Gunning, PDG George Granade, David Cooper (Camilla), and Melinda Taylor (Bainbridge).

One of the Thomas Peace Award recipients for 2023, Kathryn Gunning, sponsored by the Bainbridge, Camilla, and Pelham Rotary Clubs (from L to R): James Eubanks (Pelham), John Carruth (Roswell), Kathryn Gunning, PDG George Granade, David Cooper (Camilla), and Melinda Taylor (Bainbridge).

GRSP News

Applications Open for the 2023-24 Barbara M. AND Donald L. Thomas Peace Award

By John Carruth

Since 2002, the Rotary Club of Roswell has administered an annual award recognizing a deserving GRSP student from the current class who exhibits the spirit of GRSP and is in need of financial assistance.

We are pleased to announce that applications are open for the award for the 2023-24 Rotary Year. Each Club President will receive a copy of the application form and instructions. Forms are to be returned to the Peace Award committee chair, Roswell Past President John Carruth at jcarruth46@gmail.com by the January 31, 2024 deadline included on the form or in the email. John can be contacted directly by phone at 404-245-4915 for clarification and assistance.
[more]

RI Convention In Singapore

By Gordon Owens

The Rotary International Convention will be in Singapore from May 25 to May 29, 2024. If you are considering joining us, get registered today as the rates will go up next year. 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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Register For District Assembly

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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RLI Update

Consider Visiting Thomasville This February

By Tracy Van Norman

The next in-person opportunity to participate in Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) will take place January 13, 2024 in Thomasville, GA at Southern Regional Technical College.  Parts 1, 2, and 3 will be offered, along with a Graduate Class.  You can sign up online at RLItraining.org … [more]

Visit MAP International While You're at Jekyll

By Stephanie Windham

“MAP International is a Christian organization providing medicines and health supplies to those in need around the world so they might experience life to the fullest.  MAP serves all people regardless of religion, gender, race, nationality or ethnic background.”  MAP is a registered 501c3 … [more]

Rotary Foundation at Work

Celebrating Our Global Scholars

By Mike Emanuele

District 6900 is fortunate to have two wonderful Global Scholars.  Both are from Japan and pursuing a Master’s in Public Health at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University.

Tetsuro Sato - sponsored by the North Atlanta Rotary Club - is pictured here with his family and host, Club President Mike Emanuele. His family is living here for the two-year Master's program. Dr. Taiko Nakazawa is sponsored by Decatur Rotary Club.  Art Rosser is the Decatur Rotary Club contact for Ms. Taiko Nakazawa. Mike Emanuele is North Atlanta Rotary Club contact for Mr. Testuro Sato. [more]

GRSP News

UGA Dean Welcomes GRSP Scholars

By Katheryne Fields

Such an honor to witness Georgia Rotary Student Program Class of 1993-94 alumna Dr. Anna Westerstahl Stenport of Sweden in her newly appointed role as dean of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Georgia. Stenport hosted current GRSP students at UGA in November and expressed her appreciation via her LinkedIn post:
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Club News

Busy Fall for North Cobb Rotary - from Real Crime Center Tour to

By Nancy Prochaska

North Cobb Rotarians recently sponsored the coffee at the first-ever City Foster Friendly event in Acworth, hosted and served a luncheon for 200 veterans and their families, and made time to tour the Cobb County Police Department's Real Time Crime Center. 
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Rotary Foundation at Work

East Cobb Shops for 300+ Veterans

By Brenda Beshara

The Rotary Club of East Cobb recently demonstrated its commitment to community service by successfully executing a heartwarming project in collaboration with United Military Care, a non-profit organization based in Cobb County. This impactful endeavor was made possible through the generous support of a Rotary Foundation Grant and the unwavering dedication of East Cobb Rotary's members, to grow local economics and help veterans through a rebound relief program after the devastating impact of COVID-19 and the economic aftermath. In this noteworthy undertaking, the club shopped on behalf of 308 homeless veterans, ensuring that their essential needs were met.  [more]

Club News

Dunwoody Spearheads Local Fundraising for Maui Relief

By Jackie Cuthbert

In September, the Rotary Club of Dunwoody initiated a community fundraiser for the Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii fire victims, chaired by Charlie Augello. The club enlisted the support of Dunwoody's vibrant culinary and retail community to raise funds  - by sharing part of their receipts for September sales and encouraging patron donations … [more]

Club News

Columbus Presents Nearly $7,000 and In-Person Support to Community Groups

By Julie Bond

The Rotary Club of Columbus recently completed two projects that work with local organizations to serve local youth in Columbus. First, the club presented grants totaling $6,860 to five local nonprofits to support their work in the community. Second, 16 Rotarians, including the District Governor, collaborated with Cure Violence, Girls Inc, and Parks & Recreation to provide a program to youth at the Frank D. Chester Recreation & Senior Center on Wednesday, October 11.
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Club News

Thomasville's Fresh for You Hits New High

By Shanna Derby

In November, the Rotary Club of Thomasville made the BIGGEST IMPACT to date since starting its “FRESH FOR YOU - Free Produce Market” project in partnership with Second Harvest of South Georgia and the Marguerite Neel Williams Boys & Girls Clubs by serving 396 households in one day!

In addition, the club "harvested" $50,000 in their annual golf classic to help with their big impact project, which includes their work with Second Harvest and helping the United Way in its efforts to provide for 18 agencies that serve all the socio-economic citizens and groups throughout Thomas County. [more]

Club News

Douglas County Brings Thanksgiving to School

By Nell Boggs

The Rotary Club of Douglas County partnered with The Pantry to provide Thanksgiving baskets complete with a turkey and all the trimmings for 17 families in need at South Douglas Elementary and Fairplay Middle School. Rotary member Joe Williams headed up the project. He is pictured with fellow Rotary members and staff from each school.
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District Conference 2024

The Secret of the Jekyll Island One-Day Pass

By Stephanie Windham

Did you know that Jekyll Island is a state park?  In 1950, the Jekyll Island-State Park Authority was established by the State of Georgia to govern and manage the island. The Jekyll Island Authority serves as steward of the island, overseeing all natural areas and commercial operations of the island.

When you cross the bridge onto the island you will pay a $10 entry fee.  The receipt shows it’s a “1 Day Pass.”  The truth is, as long as you remain on the island all you will pay is $10.  Whether you stay one night or ten nights, you will only pay if you leave the island to visit a nearby attraction away from Jekyll and then return. 

There's a lot to learn and enjoy about Jekyll Island. Read on ... and join us in March! [more]

Club News

Marietta Metro Celebrates Veterans

By Rene Lanier

Last month, the Rotary Club of Marietta Metro hosted a special Tribute to Veterans at the First Presbyterian Church of Marietta. The free event was hosted by Senior Pastor Joe Evans who gave the invocation. The program celebrated the contributions of all veterans, past and present.
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Club News

Roswell Hosts Veteran’s Bus Trip

By Becky Nelson

Roswell Rotary honored 50 veterans, their family members and Rotarians with a day at Ft Moore (formerly known as Ft Benning). We want to ensure that our community knows that we value and appreciate our veterans and the service they provided.  We left Roswell with a Georgia State Patrol and Roswell Police escort early on Friday. We had front row seating to a US Army Ranger Demonstration which was amazing, lunch at the Heritage Hall and a tour of the impactful infantry museum. American Legion Post 201 provided dinner, capping off a really special day for all who attended and fully supported this event.
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GRSP Update

Alpharetta Combines Service with Recreation for GRSP Weekend

By Katheryne Fields

Georgia Rotary Student Program scholars were hosted by the Rotary Club of Alpharetta as they toured Alpharetta and vicinity for a packed weekend of fellowship, service and fun in early November. From Angry Steer BBQ and a bonfire on Friday night, courtesy of Rotarian Mickey Rogers, to a service project at Wills Park, team-building exercises and Laser Tag, our international college students combined service and recreation for an action-packed student weekend. GRSP appreciates our Trustee and weekend coordinator John Norton for putting on a stellar weekend and thanks the 15-plus host families for their hospitality.

Students will spend the holidays with host families, guests and traveling.  Students will gather February 9-11, 2024 for the GRSP Leadership Weekend in Dunwoody. [more]

Club News

North Fulton Brings Art to the Big Creek Greenway

By Lisa Gelber

Rotary Club of North Fulton began a project to beautify the Big Creek Greenway in Alpharetta, while also sharing the importance of "Clean Water for All". Club member Richard Matherly's home overlooks the Greenway and he walks the trail often - which led him to envision the idea of bringing art to cover the large cement manhole covers along the trail.

Local high school students provided the art concepts around the "Clean Water for All" theme and were mentored by a professional muralist, Annalysa Kimball. One of the newer members of the club, Thomas Nolfa, played a key role in coordinating the necessary approvals from Fulton County Public Works, City of Alpharetta Parks Recreation & Cultural Services, as well as Alpharetta's Arts Commission. [more]

Club News

Dunwoody Brings Food, Books and Toys to Local Homes

By Jackie Cuthbert

As we celebrate 40 years of the Rotary Club of Dunwoody, this year members are participating in three projects that have become Dunwoody traditions - Harvest Baskets for 86 needy families at Kingsley Elementary, books for more than 900 elementary school students and the Marine Toys for Tots Drive.
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