From Our District Governor

It’s time to Soar Like the Eagle

By André Marria

We are moving into the home stretch of our Flight! You have done an amazing job of collaboration, building new friendships, and relationships!  I am so proud of all we have accomplished! Let’s Finish Strong!

To encourage you along the way, let’s examine a few lessons we can learn from the Eagle.

The Eagle is mighty and majestic; so are we!!

Eagles fly alone or with their Kind. We too are looking for likeminded individuals as leaders.

Jennifer Jones, PIP, has said: “We are on a journey in Rotary seeking leaders who have different talents, abilities, and values, and when we allow them the opportunity to work together, we work in a more inclusive and welcoming community for people.” [more]

District Conference 2024

Jekyll Island: Don't Miss Out on All You Can Explore

By Stephanie Windham

There's a lot to do in your free time on Jekyll Island - especially after brunch on Saturday, March 23 when there is a break built into the District Conference schedule until 4:30 pm.  If you’re looking for something to fill those hours, this article is for you! 

Read on to learn about the possibilities ... from golf or tennis ... to bike rentals, local history, sea turtles and even a tour of MAP International, a long-term Rotary District 6900 partner in Brunswick, Georgia. Who knows: you might want to extend your stay after District Conference.

And if you haven't signed up for District Conference yet, what better time than now. To register, head to rotary6900.org today! [more]

The Freedom Series This Friday, February 2 at 2:00 PM via Zoom

By Gillian Leggett

I want to invite you to some very special Zoom meetings that I know are going to be very exciting! The Rotary Satellite Club of Stone Mountain Passport with the RLI Sunshine Division started sponsoring a series of 4 presentations called the "Freedom Series" which began on November 6, 2023.  At that meeting, we heard from WWII Pearl Harbor Veteran, Herb Elfring.  The event was well attended, and Herb shared his memories of what it was like to be near the action when Pearl Harbor was bombed.  We received fantastic feedback from attendees.

The second speaker is scheduled for Friday, February 2, 2024 (via Zoom from 2 pm to 3 pm EST and you won’t want to miss hearing him speak!  We are honored to have Lt. Col. Harry T. Stewart – Legendary Tuskegee Airman!  Please do everything you can to attend and support this event. This event is a collaboration between a D6900 Satellite/Passport club and RLI Sunshine Division to bring history making leaders to our District sharing their stories.  

Because of the high demand for this series, you are asked to preregister by following this link. When you have registered, you will receive an email with a Zoom link before the event this Friday. We look forward to seeing you there. [more]

Laws of Life

Laws of Life Helps Teachers Build Relationships

By Linda Hatten

The Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest has become a key lesson for English Language Arts classes, fostering meaningful connections and understanding among students and their teachers at many participating high schools. Amanda Howell of Rome High School shared her initial perception of the essay contest, admitting that she initially viewed it as just another assignment for grading. However, upon reading the first essays, she was amazed by the depth and uniqueness they brought.

“Our relationships with our students have become so much richer and our ability to connect with those 180 students has been made so much better” Howell states. Reflecting and writing the essay has led to life-changing perspectives, from student stories of resilience in overcoming challenges in foster care to discovering purpose through simple moments with family. [more]

Engaging Your Members

By Mandy Timmons

Please make plans to join the Zone 33 & 34 Membership teams (including some special guests from District 6900) for a webinar on February 12 at 6 pm EST to learn more about how to ENGAGE your new members - unlock your potential - increase impact and enhance participation!  Let's all work together to find out how to develop ROTARIANS (and not just members)!!!

Use this link to register for the webinar - https://Registrations.DACdb.com/Register/index.cfm?EventID=77666881&NoCaptcha [more]

Laws of Life

Congratulations to Georgia Laws of Life Honor Roll Nominees

By Carol Gray Walker

It is our pleasure to announce that Patissia Childs of Greenville High School has received the most nominations for the first year of the Georgia Laws of Life Honor Roll Society. In all, 14 teachers were nominated to the society.

In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the contest, GLL looked to honor the teachers who have shaped young minds and fostered a passion for learning. The Honor Roll Society was established to allow individuals to express appreciation for the influential educators in their lives. Georgia Rotary Clubs along with friends of the contest were invited to make a tax-deductible contribution of $25 or more to GLL to nominate a deserving teacher. The Honor Roll Society closed its donations and nominations on January 12. [more]

RYLA Update

It's Time to Think About RYLA 2024

By Jaclyn Donovan

It’s a new year and that means it’s time to start thinking about RYLA!! Not that we ever really stop thinking about RYLA… If you’ve never heard of RYLA, here’s a quick introduction:

  • Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive training program that targets young adults, ages 15-18, to further develop character and leadership skills and learn about Rotary.  RYLA in District 6900 is a 5-day summer camp experience.
  • RYLA 2024 will be held June 8-12 on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University. Cost per student is $475, and this covers all necessary expenses related to attending RYLA. For any students riding our charter buses from the Atlanta area, there is an additional $50/per student cost.
    • [more]

GRSP News

GRSP Honors Teri White as First Frank Bentley, Sr. Fellow, Selects 24-25 Class

By Katheryne Fields

At the mid-January GRSP Trustees Winter Business Meeting in Savannah, the GRSP Foundation inducted the first Frank Bentley Sr. Fellow to Teri Hurst White. Teri is a member of the Rotary Club of Thomasville and a GRSP Foundation Director. Cumulative contributions of $25,000 or more earn the Frank Bentley, Sr. Fellow designation, honoring this past GRSP Endowment Chairman. Bentley guided the Endowment Fund in the 1990s to successful campaigns that established financial stability for GRSP. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Sandy Springs.

Trustees also selected students for scholarships for the Class of 2024-25. [more]

Rotary Means Business

Join Us for Rotary Means Business on February 22

By Carter Stout

Rotary Means Business will meet Thursday, February 22 from 6-8 PM at Ironhill Brewery – Perimeter.  The Rotary Club of Roswell … [more]

RLI: A Wealth of Information ... Sign Up Now

By Stephanie Windham

The RLI Sunshine Division would like to thank the Rotary Club of Thomasville (and especially PE Marta Turner) for their hospitality and assistance in making RLI a success on January 13, 2024.  We had a great group of Rotarians – participants and Discussion Leaders – and are looking forward to hosting additional onsite … [more]

District Conference 2024

Coming to Jekyll? Where to Stay ...

By Stephanie Windham

Several hotels have room blocks reserved for us through February 21, 2024.  BUT OUR BLOCKS ARE SELLING OUT QUICKLY!!! There are still rooms available, though, so make your reservations now to take advantage of these group rates. When making your reservation, please be sure and reference Rotary District 6900 2024. We have still have room blocks available with the Courtyard by Marriott and The Residence Inn, which have a free island-wide shuttle; Hampton Inn & Suites; Seafarer Inn & Suites; Holiday Inn Resort; Villas by the Sea, and the Beachview Club Hotel.  Our room blocks at The Westin and Home2Suites are sold out, but you can ask to be placed on the waiting list in case of cancellations.

Read on for specific hotel information ... [more]

Our Rotary Foundation

Challenge Accepted, DG Andre!

By Mandy Timmons

At the beginning of the new Rotary year, the Rotary Club of Peachtree City was given what seemed to be an unattainable goal for Foundation Giving for this year.  Due to our record-setting year in 2022-2023 of $97,000, our goal for this year was set at $100,000 to be eligible for any district citations for the year.  President Amy and Foundation Chair Will knew this would be one of the biggest challenges for the year and would need 100% participation from our club and our community to reach this goal.

As with most things in Peachtree City, though, we did not shy away and simply put our heads together to come up with some creative ways to reach the new goal. We are proud to say that we have reached 110%+ of our goal for the year (over $110,000 in Foundation giving) already by January 1 through these efforts and the commitment of our entire membership and the extended community! [more]

Our Rotary Foundation at Work

North Fulton Provides Elementary School Art Kits to Help Students Express Emotion

By Lisa Gelber

Rotary Club of North Fulton partnered with a local non-profit, ArtsAlpharetta, to create nearly 500 Take Out Art Kits for elementary students in North Fulton. Did you know that art helps children express their emotions? This is critical with younger children who may not have adequate vocabulary to work out their feelings. This project is funded by a competitive grant awarded by Rotary District 6900 and has positively impacted the mental health of hundreds of elementary students in need. 
[more]

Celebrating Shared Success in Brazil

By Bob Koncerak

Alpharetta Rotary is proud to announce the ‘grand opening’ celebration on Saturday, April 13th of the APADPEL Down Syndrome Training and Education Center in Pelotas, R.S. Brazil.

14 Rotary clubs and 3 Interact clubs spanning three districts and two countries have partnered with universities, companies, local governments and the state of Rio Grande do Sul to construct a 6,600 sq. ft. facility to house occupational therapy and education for APADPEL –The Association of Parents of People with Down Syndrome of Pelotas.  Training and education will be underwritten through a $70,000 Global Grant approved by Rotary International in 2022. [more]

Vinings Cumberland Supports LaAmistad

By Brenda Borden

Vinings Cumberland Rotary celebrated the holidays in a special way at their annual party this year! Members brought over 60 new unwrapped presents to be given to LaAmistad in addition to a $1000 gift to such a worthwhile organization. LaAmistad is a non-profit founded in 2001 with the mission of preparig Latino students and families for success through academic and life enrichment program. Vinings Cumberland Rotarians also tutor and teach ESL in their center.
[more]

Club News

Roswell Police and Fire Chiefs Share State of Departments

By Becky Nelson

Roswell Rotary started 2024 with hosting the Roswell Police Chief Jim Conroy and Roswell Fire Chief Joe Pennino in their annual State of the Departments update. Their collaboration, competition, and support of each other is enviable while we citizens continue to feel safe in our community. They are great examples of leadership for Roswell, Georgia. 
[more]

Our Rotary Foundation at Work

Marietta and North Cobb Team Up with Community Grant That Says Aloha to Aging

By Nancy Prochaska

The Rotary Club of Marietta and the Rotary Club of North Cobb have teamed up, and partnered with "Aloha to Aging, Inc." to provide educational and program resources to our area of 13 counties!

District 6900 offered a Special District Grant to address mental health needs of our aging population.  "Aloha to Aging, Inc." established in 2009, provides music and art therapy, day respite, caregiver support, and educational programming for those facing dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and general aging issues.  The District Grant money is being used to purchase supplies and equipment so that "Aloha to Aging, Inc." can continue this important work. Click AlohaToAging and scroll down to Day in the Life for more information and the full schedule of programming.
[more]

Club News

DG Uplifts Stone Mountain Club with Her Song and Her Story

By Darlene Daly

Accompanied by her husband, Evangelist Walter Marria, District Governor André Marria graced the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain (RCSM) as the distinguished guest during her Official Club visit on January 23. The event featured insightful presentations on RCSM by club leadership (see attachment), followed by a warm reception at The Vibrary, attended by Assistant Governor Villard (Ardy) Bastien, RCSM members, the Satellite Club, and honored guests. The following day, DG André embarked on illuminating tours of Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse and Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC), with deep thanks expressed to both organizations for their gracious hospitality.RCSM members, the Satellite Club, and honored guests. The following day, DG André embarked on illuminating tours of Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse and Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC), with deep thanks expressed to both organizations for their gracious hospitality.
[more]

Club News

Roswell Brings Presents to Local Community

By Becky Nelson

Roswell Rotary is proud of all we accomplished in December! Man, have we been busy: We partnered with the Friends of Bulloch Hall to bring Christkindlmarket to Roswell from Nov 24-Dec 24. Strolling the authentic German Village on the historic Bulloch Home campus has brought what we hope will be a new annual tradition to our … [more]

Club News

Peachtree City Hosts Only Winter Half Marathon on Atlanta's South Side

By Holly Davanzo

The only half marathon on the south side of Atlanta during the winter months led to an amazing event hosted by the Rotary Club of Peachtree City!  The frigid temperatures for an 8:00 start time didn’t stop 600+ runners from showing up for our first (of many to come) half marathons in PTC!  With the history of the club hosting the Grand Prix Series for the last 18 years, it was an easier than expected transition into a Half Marathon.  “Run the Paths” was the theme as 90%+ of the course was across the golf cart paths of Peachtree City.  With support from over 100 local (non-Rotarian) volunteers and ALL of the club members, it was a very successful event – raising funds for our charity partners and bringing our community together in a big way! 
[more]

Club News

Griffin Daybreak Speaker Underscores Rotary's Focus on Mental Health

By Debby Daniel-Bryant

Johntavious Jones, owner of CEED Community Enrichment, presented a program on mental health to Griffin Daybreak Rotary recently. He highlighted definitions of mental health as well as some common problems and treatments. Addressing mental health is a special focus for Rotary International President Gordon McInally this year. 
[more]

Club News

Douglas County High School Interact Club Serves Community

By Nell Boggs

Rotary Club of Douglas County believes in investing in young people. Part of this commitment is demonstrated through the sponsorship of several Interact Clubs in local middle and high schools and the funding of two or three students to attend RYLA each summer.

This year the Interact Club at Douglas County High School collaborated with Keep Douglasville Beautiful in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service project at their school. Volunteers mulched and pruned more than 60 trees planted along Campbellton Road on the school campus.  [more]

Club News

Peachtree City Wears Blue

By Holly Davanzo

#WearBlueDay was established by the US Dept of Homeland Security and is a way to help raise awareness of the Human Trafficking crisis in the US and around the world.  As we have learned over the years through the End HT Now platform, human trafficking happens everywhere – rural areas, cities … [more]