From the District Governor

Have Fun and They Will Come

By Court Dowis

As I continue to travel around the District, I am so proud to be your District Governor. We have fun in our social gatherings and it is great to see all the work that you are doing to make a difference in your communities and around the world. While we're just looking around the first turn in our race - with a quarter of the year behind us - we're already focused on the fun we'll have at District Conference in April, and several key destinations for our Rotary year.

We ended the first quarter with an amazing Polio Symposium organized and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Emory Druid Hills - documenting our progress to date, updating us on the challenges before us in ending Polio, and inspiring us all to continue supporting the efforts of Rotary and our partners.

So with that said, read on to learn more about a Grand Prix party you won't want to miss and what's around the next turn in this Rotary race to do good. [more]

The Rotary Foundation

Great Start to the Race!

By Margie Kersey

Wow! This has been a wonderful and busy first quarter – or should I say First Turn on the track? You have been working hard and the Foundation team and I thank you! Here are some of the things you have accomplished in the first quarter so far: [more]

Everyone from students to host families (past and present) to Rotarians across Georgia have been part of GRSP's strategic planning study. See the recap in this story.

GRSP Update

Holidays, Oslo and Strategic Planning ... Defining the GRSP Experience

By Lynn Clarke

Get a progress report on GRSP's strategic planning effort, and learn about the upcoming Savannah student weekend and the Oslo summer scholarships available to Georgia students in appreciation for what we offer through GRSP. [more]

Public Image

Promoting Rotary's Public Image

By Jaclyn Donovan

When we tell our Rotary story to the community, we can expand our membership and identify potential partners who can help us make a difference. [more]

GRSP Alumni Perspective

GRSP Helped Me Grow as an Adult

By Lynn Clarke

Before I came to United States, I was afraid. I was afraid of my Rotary sponsors, my host families, my college, and my new life. Afraid because I didn't know if I would like them and they would like me. I didn't know if I would stay all by myself at the college and how that would be. I was concerned about how I would interact with Rotarians and fit in at their meetings. I started to have dreams about the USA weeks before my departure. But I never considered going back on my decision. I was happy to come; even though afraid, I wanted it. [more]

I took my family to Beiteddine Palace - the former palace of an Ottaman-era prince who built it in the early 1800s to entertain (and impressive) passing dignitaries

Peace Fellow Update

In Full Thesis Mode ...

By Wendi Jenkins

Read what Kate has been up to as she pursues her peace studies, and share some of the scenes she enjoyed while in Lebanon. [more]

Literacy

Invest an Hour in Reading with a Child

By Brenda Erickson

In a Rotary meeting conversation with Gina Martin, MLIS, Public Service Librarian, Fayette County Public Library - we were inspired to get involved with school and library reading programs.

Gina noted that, "As a librarian, I have the opportunity to read to children to promote the library and to foster a love of reading in our … [more]

RYLA

Add RYLA to Your 2019 Plans

By Jaclyn Donovan

It’s only October, but it’s never too soon to start planning for RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) 2019.The dates for next year are June 15 – 19, 2019. [more]

Club News

Help Carrollton Support Local Community with a Chance for You to Win Too!

By Galen Hobbs

The Rotary Club of Carrollton is sponsoring its 2nd Annual Rotary Ragtop Raffle - this time to raise money to help out in their local community! Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-rotary-rag... to take a chance at winning a LOADED Jeep Wrangler 4-Door when the Club draws for it November 13. [more]

Club News

GSU Rotaract Sponsors Race to Support the Homeless - November 10

By Jackie Cuthbert

RotaractGSU/RotaryGSU is running the race, competing for the prize, the imperishable crown, one that will not fade away, and running with a purpose. The “Race To Erase Homelessness” will take place on Saturday Nov 10 at 8:00 a.m. - from the Georgia Capitol to Piedmont Park. Our goal is a 5k Race to “Feed the 5,000”, the “least among us” in a Thanksgiving Season that will truly be a “hand up” and not just a “handout." [more]

Tree Update

Revisiting Our 2016/17 Tree Planting

By Raymond Ray

D6900 Rotarians performed two wonderful service projects during the 2016/17 District Cruise/Conference. We were most pleased to be able to make a donation to Hands for Hunger and we planted trees on Earth Day at the National Art Gallery. See how those trees have grown! [more]

Rotary Leadership Institute

Deadline Fast Approaching for October Session

By Elwyn Gaissert

We are nearing our registration deadline for the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) that takes place at Gordon College in Barnesville, Georgia on October 20. We'd love to have you join us - to do so you need to register at www.rlitraining.org bymidnight, OCT 9, 2018!!! [more]

Club News

Henry County Collects Electronics and Medical Equipment for FODAC

By Lizbeth Dison

In August, the Rotary Club of Henry County sponsored its First Annual Electronics and Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Recycling Event to benefit Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC). The event was held at the First Baptist Church of McDonough, and collected almost $200,000 of gently used DME (like wheelchairs, … [more]

Club News

Dragon Boat Races Raise Money for Local Charities

By Michael Nelson

This September, the Rotary Club of Peachtree City held the 11th annual Dragon Boat Festival. Dragon Boat racing is a great team building event that doesn’t require previous training or special skills. It’s a great way to get exercise and build friendships. District Governor Court Dowis and PDG Raymond Ray joined the fun, with Court acting as the honorary starter for the Special Olympics Race. [more]

Above: Tina Philpot, Alessio Avenanti (RC Cesena, Italy) and Louise Barden; Below Charlie Augello, Tina and Louise

District Grant Opportunity

Dunwoody Rotarians Seek Partners to Support International Alzheimer’s Project

By Louise Barden

Dunwoody Rotarians Charlie and Anita Augello, David and Tina Philpot, Ron and Louise Barden attended the Multi Club Workshop (MCW) in Matera, Puglia, Italy, September 5-9, 2018. The Club is partnering with the RC of Cesena, Italy, to present a global grant to improve the care and treatment of individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s in Cesena, Italy. [more]

Club News

Save the Date - Derby Party in 2019!

By Claudia Mertl

Plan to join the Rotary Club of Lake Spivey/Clayton County for a District 6900 Family of Rotary Event on May 4, 2019. The day will feature mint juleps, Kentucky Derby style pie, maybe even a hot brown or two! Enjoy the silent auction, ladies hat contest, and men's most "dapper" contest. Bet on your favorite horse while you sip … [more]

Club Presidents Anne Marie Pitts (E Cobb), Jim Bunda (Marietta Metro) and Jesse Evans (Marietta)

Club News

Proving the Theory "Have Fun and They Will Come"

By Dale Covington

Several members of the Rotary Club of Marietta attended “Thirsty Thursday” at Hoyle’s Kitchen and Bar one Thursday in September. Among those spotted ... [more]