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December 10, 2015 at 6:30 PM
Dinner and Cash Bar
Black Tie Optional

Guest Tickets: $40
RSVP to Morgan at 404-213-3752
or morgan.morse.hay@gmail.com by December 7.

Special Guests:

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During the Rotary Club of Peachtree City on Thursday, October 8, 2015, new Chief of Police for Peachtree City, Janet Moon, the First Female Chief provided a very informative presentation including questions and answers on her style of policing along with an overview of her law enforcement background, hobbies and interests.

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Attention Residents: The 2015-2016 Rotary Club of Peachtree City Smart Phone Books are now available and are being delivered to your driveway.

Also the phone book can be found at various mini publication racks at local Delta Community Credit Union Branch Offices as well as Banks plus numerous other locations.

Make sure you "Scan the QR Code to Download Our New App With Business & Residential Listings Plus Valuable Coupons."

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The Rotary Club of Peachtree City is once again sponsoring this year's 8th Annual Dragon Boat Races and International Festival at Lake McIntosh Park in Peachtree City, Georgia. Come join in the fun of watching the dragon boat racing competition and enjoy the food and events provided at the International Festival! This event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2015, rain or shine.

For more details, including directions to the event, visit the event website at: ptcdragonboats.org »

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On Thursday, August 27, 2015 Rotary Club of Peachtree City featured 3 speakers from Fayette County School System's recently opened Center of Innovation (COI) located at the former Fayetteville Intermediate School on Hood Avenue which houses the Dual Enrollment Program.

(New Dual Enrollment High School Curriculum offers students a high school diploma and vocational school training skill sets upon completion and graduation.)

In partnership with Southern Crescent Technical College the dual enrollment high school program allows students to select a Career Path Offering courses in:

• Health Sciences, which includes certified nursing assistant (CNA), emergency medical responder and sports medicine.
• Culinary Arts vocational training located on the Sandy Creek High School Campus offers a variety of culinary arts classes.

The expanded Dual Enrollment Curriculum is still being formulated.

The 3-featured speakers were:

Lakisha Bonner, the Coordinator of Counseling and Career Development for Fayette County Public Schools. She received her Masters degree from Winthrop University and her Educational Specialist from West Georgia University. As a dedicated educational professional, she has built and maintained a successful career as a result of her ability to work enthusiastically with school staff and administrators in an effort to ensure students are college and career ready. As a former lead guidance counselor, she has counseled thousands of students in several schools and fulfilled administrative level responsibilities that include master scheduling, curriculum development and enrichment, and facilitating dynamic school programs. Since 1993, she has consistently championed requirements to achieve academic proficiency of all students, and the operational efficiency of public and private schools. Mrs. Bonner resides in Fayetteville with her husband Travis. They have two children, Taylor and Noah.

Lisa Collins is the Director for Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) for Fayette County Public Schools. She received her Master’s degree from the University of Albany and her Educational Specialist from Lincoln University. Mrs. Collins has 28 years of educational experience spanning grades 3-12 with specific concentrations in business education, instructional technology, and leadership.

Through the collaboration of all stakeholders, the CTAE Department has expanded existing programs in the areas of animation, broadcasting, culinary arts, engineering, and health science. Mrs. Collins resides in Senoia, with her husband Jerry. They have 2 children, Kyle and Branden.

Virginia Gibbs retired last December after a decade as President and CEO of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce. She is now the Coordinator of Innovative Partnership Development, Work- Based Learning, and Youth Apprenticeships for the Fayette County Board of Education. She has an undergraduate degree in Mechanical and Materials Engineering from Duke University, and an MBA from West Virginia University. Virginia has lived in Peachtree City with her husband Dan since 1991. Their daughter Morgan is a sophomore at UGA (and an avid member of the Redcoat band), and their son, Harrison is a senior at McIntosh HS. Virginia is excited to be back to visit with her many PTC Rotarian friends this week!

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Recently, Mr. John Lynch, of the Fayette County Historical Society, spoke to the Peachtree City Rotary Club. He talked about Civil War events in and around the Fayette County area. He entertained the audience with stories about how the Fayette County courthouse was spared from being burned by Union forces, and the major cavalry skirmish at Shakerag by the retreating Federal Army.

The Fayette County Historical Society was chartered in 1971 as a non-profit corporation to discover, collect, preserve and make accessible to the public, materials which establish and illustrate the history of the county, its towns and villages.

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At a recent meeting of the Peachtree City Rotary Club, Jenny Stanley of Kidsandcars.org, a national organization, spoke about the dangers of leaving children in hot cars. Tragically, Ms Stanley speaks from experience about the loss of her daughter. Telling her mother that she was going next door to a neighbor's house, six-year old Sydney Marie instead climbed inside their unlocked car and could not get out. She died of heat stroke.

A very attentive audience heard Ms Stanley state that Georgia is among 16 states that has passed a Good Samaritan Law regarding people who break into a car to save a child. Kidsandcars.org is dedicated to spreading awareness, and educating the public about how to keep our children safe in and around motor vehicles. They also lobby for improved vehicle safety measures. She advised those in attendance to always lock their car when they park it, even at home. Also, be sure to "Look again" inside your car before you leave it.

See the website for: KidsandCars.org »

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Recently, the Rotary Club of Peachtree City conducted its annual Laws of Life Essay contest among the Fayette County schools. What’s a Law of Life? It’s a saying or maxim that summarizes an ideal, a character value, or a principle about life. If followed by everyone, the Law of Life would make the world a better place.

The Georgia Laws of Life contest invites students to select a Law of Life and to use it as a prompt to write about a core character value such as honesty, generosity, courage, compassion, or perseverance. As a program of Rotary clubs in Georgia, the contest reflects Rotary’s emphasis on values, high ethical standards, and service to others.

The winners this year from McIntosh High School are James "Duffy" Weldon, Josh Hamlin, Camille Faraldi.

Duffy Weldon won 2nd Runner-up at the State-level contest, making his essay third out of 45,000 essays written. Read his essay about being “Jere Good”, and the other statewide winning essays by going to:

Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest 2015 »

[L-R: Ed Outlaw, Rotary President; Kathy Tulley; Cathy Berggren, Director of Real Life Center]

The Rotary Club of Peachtree City recently presented a $1,000 check to Real Life Center. Rotary is a sponsor of the Real Life Center, which was established in 1998 to help people who are facing life’s unexpected challenges by offering them hope, guidance, and encouragement.

The Real Life Center has become one of the most highly respected and recognized non-profits in the South Atlanta Metro area. Their mission is to walk with those who are hurting in Fayette and Coweta counties by providing a safe environment in which to receive encouragement, access needed assistance, and obtain referrals to additional county resources.

The primary goal of the Real Life Center is to keep families stable in their home. Stability leads to healthier families and communities.  This program has a 90% success rate of stability in the home, and 75% success rate of families meeting goals.

The Real Life Center thrift stores provide provides a place for the community to donate their gently-used items to help families in need.  All of the money the stores raise, after expenses, goes back to the Real Life Center to help the local families they serve.

Real Life Stores are located in Tyrone, Peachtree City and Fayetteville, and are open Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Real Life Center »

[Pictured L-R; Secretary of State Brian Kemp & Chris Thompson, Rotary Vice President]

Hon. Brian Kemp, the Secretary of State of the State of Georgia, spoke to the Peachtree City Rotary Club recently. His talk centered on the role of the Secretary of State’s office and its duties, including the administration of voter registration, and the process of registering business entities in the State. Secretary Kemp served in the Georgia State Senate from 2003-2006, and has been Secretary of State since January 2010.

Among his accomplishments, Kemp established a national model for election security. The My Voter Page (MVP) voter education website allows voters to view a sample ballot, find early voting locations and times, find their Election Day polling location, and verify registration status. Georgia’s military and overseas voters can use MVP to electronically receive ballots.

He reminded all business owners to renew their corporation registration with the State not later than March 31st!

My Voter Page (MVP) »

[Pictured L-R: Raymond Ray, Ass't. District Governor; Ed Outlaw, Rotary President;
Pota Coston, Linda Banks, & Diana Roman]

The Rotary Club of Peachtree City recently inducted three new members: Ms Pota Coston, Ms Linda Banks, and Ms Diana Roman. Assistant District Governor Raymond Ray administered the ceremony. These three new members brings to eleven the number of new members inducted within the last two weeks. The Peachtree CITY Rotary Club meets every Thursday at the Wyndham Conference Center.

Pictured [L-R]: Charlie Nelson, Raymond Ray (AG), Krystal Thompson, Allen Arant,
Brandon McCuin, Mary Chapman, Lacy Curry, Jim Davis, Bob Carty, Jonathan Fralick
and Amy Leuenberger (Immediate Past-President)

The Rotary Club of Peachtree City recently inducted eight (8) new members into Rotary International. The names of the new inductees are Krystal Thompson, Allen Arant, Brandon McCuin, Morgan Hay, Mary Watts, Lacy Curry, Jim Davis and Jonathan Fralick. RI Assistant Governor Raymond Ray installed the new members. Cyndi Plunkett is the local Membership Chairman for 2014-15.

Healing 4 Heroes founder, Piper Hill, spoke at a recent meeting of the Peachtree City Rotary Club. Piper told Rotary members about her personal story dealing with PTSD and traumatic brain injury after returning from several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As a result of the help that a dog provided her, Hill founded Healing 4 Heroes, a non-profit organization, to train rescue dogs to work as service dogs to help veterans heal and lead more productive lives. H4H has a dual purpose as it connects unwanted dogs with physically and/or mentally wounded military veterans in a way to provide a way for both to help each other enjoy happy and healthy lives together.

Healing 4 Heroes »

[Pictured lL-R; PTC Mayor Vanessa Fleisch, Speaker, and Ed Outlaw, Club President]

Recently, Peachtree City Mayor Vanessa Fleisch spoke to the Peachtree City Rotary Club. Mayor Fleisch did an outstanding job updating us on the activities of the City, including the dam at Lake Peachtree, new retail developments, the City landscaping crews, and road construction. Having the Mayor of Peachtree City speak at our club near the beginning of each year is a long-standing tradition of our club.

[Pictured lL-R; Ken Koons, Speaker, and Ed Outlaw, Club President]

Recently, Kenneth Koon, founder of Armed Forces Mission, spoke to the Peachtree City Rotary Club. Headquartered in Tyrone, AFM was established in 2012 with the primary focus of developing the Office of Suicide Intervention and Training to address the high rate of suicide within the active military of all branches, including the Reserves and National Guard, and our veteran community.

Koon’s personal story, and the stories he told about others, gave us insight as to how common suicide is, particularly with war veterans. He also told us about a two-day suicide awareness workshop he conducts to train people how to recognize and intervene to prevent suicide. The emphasis is on teaching suicide first-aid to help an at-risk person stay safe, and seek further help as needed. If you are interested in attending one of their two-day training sessions in Tyrone, please call 678-283-4293.

Armed Forces Mission »

[Pictured L-R: Club President Ed Outlaw & John Belizaire]

This past weekend, over 25 members of the Peachtree City Rotary Club helped with the Christmas Tree Recycling project at Home Depot and Kroger. Most of the trees were ground up into mulch; some were taken to area lakes to provide nesting for fish. While it was a free service to the community, $970 was raised for the Real Life Center through donations. The Real Life Center is a local non-profit organization that provides food and other resources to the needy. 

In addition, we handed out White Pine seedlings provided by the Southern Conservation Trust.

Recently the Peachtree City Rotary Club met at the Midwest Food Bank to help package food for distribution to food banks across the country. The Midwest Food Bank is a faith-based organization whose mission is to alleviate hunger and poverty by gathering and distributing food donations to non-profits and disaster sites without costs to the recipients. During this event Rotary Club members bagged 2,000 pounds of black beans into over 700 individual bags.

Midwest Food Bank »

[Judge Jason Thompson (Rotarian) is pictured recently with 3rd Graders
at Sara Harp Minter Elementary School]

Last month, Rotarians of Peachtree City spread out to the fourteen Fayette County elementary schools to distribute dictionaries to about 1,300 3rd Graders. Each Rotarian was asked to address the class where they explained the importance of literacy, and showed them how to use their dictionaries. In many cases this becomes the first book that these children have ever owned, and it is exciting to watch the expressions on their faces. This is an annual activity for the Peachtree City Rotary Club.

At its October 16th meeting, the Peachtree City Rotary Club presented an $11,100 check to the Breast Cancer Survivors’ Network. The BCSN provides support to people impacted by breast cancer. These funds were donated from the net earnings of the Rotary Club's 11th Annual Dragon Boat Race that was held on Saturday, September 27th. Janet Beebe received the check on behalf of the BCSN organization.

Jim Pace, CEO of the Group VI Companies, spoke to the Peachtree City Rotary Club recently.  Pace was very instrumental in bringing Pinewood Studios to Fayette County, and he outlined the brief history of how Pinewood decided to select Fayette as their Atlanta home.

Jim talked about the economic benefits that Pinewood is bringing to Fayette County, and future prospects for growth. Group VI built the initial studio and sound stages in record time, and they have been tasked with constructing additional stages during the next six months as Pinewood continues to expand their presence here.  In addition to being one of the largest employers in the county, they are also good neighbors, and invite citizen groups to tour the facilities.

Mr. Pace was introduced by Brent Randolph, President of Group VI Real Estate.

Mary Frances Bowley, founder of Wellspring Living, spoke at a recent meeting of the Peachtree City Rotary Club.  Wellspring Living is a non-profit organization dedicated to confronting the issue of childhood sexual abuse and exploitation through awareness, training, and treatment programs for women and girls.   Bowley has been acknowledged as a leading voice in America on the fight against domestic sex-trafficking, which is one of the missions of Rotary International.

Mary Frances found herself working with marginalized women.  As a result of this work and the massive need it represented, she founded Wellspring Living in 2001.  She and volunteers began working with women who had been sexually abused or exploited as children. Today, Wellspring Living provides survivors with a recovery home and safe house, an education program and counseling for survivors, ages 12-25, of trafficking and those at risk both residentially and in a community-based program.

Helene Prokesch from the National Lekotek Center spoke recently at the Rotary Club of Peachtree City. Lekotek is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides an array of services to improve the lives of children with special needs through the utilization of toys and play. Lekotek Centers offer therapeutic PLAY-based family sessions for families of children with disabilities structured to help children learn, develop and thrive in a world that presents them with many unique and complex challenges.

TOYS and PLAY are the vehicles used to provide children with an understanding of and an ability to relate to the world around them. PLAY is also utilized to increase interactions within the family, especially between siblings, and the community as a whole.

The Peachtree City Rotary Club presented Ms Prokesch with a check for $500 in support of the Lekotek programs.

Lekotek of Georgia »

[Pictured L-R: Ed Outlaw, (PTC Rotary President), Mark Williams, Rep. Matt Ramsey, Joel Cowen]

The speaker at the October 2, 2014 Peachtree City Rotary Club luncheon was Mark Williams, Commissioner of Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the State of Georgia.

Commissioner Williams explained to the Rotarians in attendance exactly what role DNR plays.  With 2,300 employees, DNR has statewide responsibilities for the management and conservation of Georgia’s natural, historic and cultural resources.  DNR protects and conserves Georgia’s diverse wildlife populations, and provides quality outdoor recreation through its management of more than one million acres of public lands in state parks, natural areas, public fishing areas and wildlife management areas.

From 2006-2010 Mr. Williams represented the 178^th district in the State House of Representatives; and is a former high school teacher and football coach.  A veteran of the Army National Guard, he now owns Harris Real Estate in Jesup, GA.

Born in Valdosta, Commissioner Williams received a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Georgia College & State University.  Mr. Williams, his wife Pam, and their two daughters reside in Jesup in Wayne County.

The 2014-15 Rotary Phone book is now available. If you do not receive your free copy, you may pick one up at many local businesses, including Fitness 54 and Executive Suites at Aberdeen Corners.

Every year each Rotary Club in Georgia sponsors a foreign student to study for a year in the United States through its Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP).  This year the Rotary Club of Peachtree City is sponsoring Christoffer Tolstrup from Denmark.  Chris is studying pre-law at Georgia State University.  His host family is Steve & Becky Butler.

Recently, Christoffer gave a talk to the Peachtree City Rotary Club showing photographs of Denmark, and explaining what his country is like.  The crowd was entertained with his factual, yet humorous, presentation. For example, we learned that Danishes (the pastry) were not invented in Denmark!  And that Danes are regularly ranked the “happiest” people in the world.  His explanation for this: “We have such low expectations.”

Left to Right: Ed Outlaw (Club President) and Jonathan Fralick

The speaker at a recent weekly luncheon of the Peachtree City Rotary Club was Jonathan Fralick, the new General Manager at the Peachtree City Tennis Center. Jonathan has spent over 20 years guiding tennis players and facilities, developing their skills and business strategies needed to reach their maximum potential.

Fralick kept the audience’s attention as he outlined his plans to turn the tennis center into a world-class facility, bringing world champion tennis players into this area. His plans include adjusting fees and schedules such that a wider range of players can participate; conducting coaching clinics; and sponsoring regional and national tennis tournaments. The tennis center is a magnet that benefits the local economy and hospitality industry, including hotels and restaurants.

The Peachtree City Rotary Club meets at the Wyndham Conference Center every Thursday at Noon.

Ralph Boston speaking before the Peachtree City Rotary Club on August 21, 2014

Peachtree City is home to a lot of famous people. Ralph Boston is one such celebrity. In 1961, Ralph broke the long-jump world record that had been held by Jesse Owens for 25 years. He was the first human to jump over 27 feet (27 ft 1/2"). He won the gold metal at the Summer Olympics in Rome. He followed up with Silver and Bronze metals in the 1964 and 1968 Olympics respectively before retiring.

After his "first" retirement, Boston worked for the University of Tennessee, and then CBS Sports Spectacular. He was inducted into the USA Track & Field Hall of Fame in 1974, and the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1985.

Last week, Ralph spoke to the Peachtree City Rotary Club. He shared his trials and adventures, and the lessons he learned during his athletic career. He speaks at many schools to encourage youngsters to stay in school and be responsible.

Recently, Tony DellaTorre, Director of Business Operations of the Great Georgia Air Show (GGAS), spoke to the Peachtree City Rotary Club. He talked about the 16th Annual GGAS that will take place at Atlanta Regional Airport - Falcon Field, in Peachtree City on October 11th and 12th. There will be helicopter rides, static displays, and aerobatic flights. It is fun for the entire family. DellaTorre said there will be a Saturday night show, which will include fireworks, and a dazzling display of pyrotechnics-in-flight.

Recently, the PTC Rotary Club met at the Midwest Food Bank to help package food for distribution to food banks across the country. The Midwest Food Bank is a faith-based organization whose mission is to alleviate hunger and poverty by gathering and distributing food donations to non-profits and disaster sites without costs to the recipients.

L-R: George Martin, Rotarian; Chip Walker, Head Coach Sandy Creek HS; Lee Belknap, Head Coach McIntosh HS; Mike Davis, Crying Towel Winner and Head Coach Fayette County HS; Chad Phillips, Head Coach Starr’s Mill HS; Amos McCreary, Head Coach Whitewater HS; Ed Outlaw, PTC Rotary President.

The Peachtree City Rotary Club recently held its “Crying Towel” program.  The purpose of this annual event is to give the five Fayette County high school football coaches a chance to explain what happened last year, and to boast about what they’re going to do this coming school year.

The coach with the most compelling story receives the Crying Towel award.  This year’s award went to Head Coach Mike Davis of Fayette County High School.  With a 2-8 win/loss record in 2013, he evoked the most sympathy, while assuring the crowd he would do better in 2014.

Other head coaches in attendance were Lee Belknap of McIntosh, Amos McCreary of Whitewater High, Chad Phillips of Starr’s Mill, and Chip Walker of Sandy Creek.

George Martin was the Master of Ceremonies for the program.

New Peachtree City Rotary President for 2014-15 Ed Outlaw

How great was that...having Marianna, our GRSP student from last year, at the meeting? Thanks for your help ringing the bell to start the last meeting of the 2013-2014 Rotary year.

Wilton Moulder, THANK YOU for that beautiful and generous prayer, your words were touching and meant the world to me.

It is hard for me to believe my year as President has ended...it seems like yesterday we were celebrating the 2013-2014 incoming Officers and Directors at Mary Chapman’s. It is true, “time does fly when you are having fun”! It was truly my pleasure to serve our Club and Rotary this year, with the outstanding Board of Directors it really made for a wonderful and productive year.

I want to thank you all for your kind words, thoughtfulness, and generosity, it was totally unexpected and I am so very grateful for what you all did...from the Beach Boys Concert Tickets and backstage passes, the breathtaking floral arrangement, the Champagne, wine (Thank you John Belizaire – you are so gracious), the lovely corsage ( Thank you Marie- you think of everything), the beautiful Artwear scarf from the Rotary Convention in Australia ( Thank you Ed Outlaw) and the Sack of Concert “Goodies” ! (Thank you Marcia and Frances) you are the best!

But most of all thanks for the memories, I will treasure and cherish them for the rest of my life. It was fantastic working with each of you, accomplishing “good things” for Rotary, Our Club and the Community.

A few members who were not at last week’s meeting for their awards, were in attendance yesterday.  As I mentioned last week, RI President Ron Burton in one of his letters in the Rotarian talked about “leaving the woodpile just a little higher than you found it”...

We recognized and awarded Gail McBride-Vest for doing an outstanding job as PR Director and “leaving the woodpile higher than she found it”, with her timely submissions and constant communication she brought awareness to our Club thru her unbelievable PR campaign.

Articles placed locally and in the District Newsletter and Foundation News.  Fayette Woman’s Magazine featured article showcasing Rotary in Fayette and Coweta Counties and created our Award winning Yearbook. Thank you, Gail!

Maisie Walker and her friend Samantha rang the bell to start our meeting. Thank you girls you did a great job.

Brett Vincent led the meeting off with the prayer, pledge and four way test. Thanks, Brett!

What a meaningful and lovely way to memorialize Margie. Yesterday Wilton Moulder was recognized for his gift to the Rotary Foundation in memory of his late wife Margie. A gift that will give hope and change lives of those in need around the world by providing clean water, basic education and literacy, disease prevention and promoting peace.

Past District Governor Bill MacDonald performed a terrific induction of our newest member, Willie Whitehead. It has been tough to nail down a date for Willie’s induction due to his travel schedule, Willie is sponsored by Marie Schlosser and his classification is Communications- Professional Speaker. Willie is our 15th new member this year and joins our outstanding Class of 2013-2014. Welcome Willie!

Induction of new member Willie Whitehead

Larry Kelley, Senior Law Enforcement Attache U.S. Dept. of Justice Embassy Kathmandu, Nepal visited our Club yesterday and presented us with a flag from the Rotary Club of Kathmandu. After the meeting we gave Larry our Club Flag to bring back to Nepal.

Yesterday was probably the most important program of the year: thanking and recognizing the outstanding job our members have done to make it a successful year for Rotary, our Club and the Community.

During the past year it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to be a leader of the most dynamic community service Club in the world, and a privilege and pleasure to serve as the 2013-2014 President of the Rotary Club of Peachtree City.

Our members, who have increased in number since the beginning of the year, from 85 to 90, have brought with them creativity, diversity, youth, enthusiasm, talent and passion that has and will continue to “Engage Rotary and Change Lives”.

Our membership has participated in numerous projects and devoted countless hours of service.   We have constantly placed the name of Rotary in the headlines of our community.  We have dreamed of new ways to better the world. Most of all we have made a priority of extending the gift of Rotary membership throughout our community.

Together with this year’s outstanding Leadership Team of Officers and Directors we have indeed “Engaged Rotary and Changed Lives” and we are all better for it.

Thank you, Mike Nelson for leading the meeting with the prayer, pledge and four way test.  Great Job!

2013-2014 Rotary International President Ron Burton, is honoring every member who sponsored a new member with a Rotary pin and colored backer designating the number of new members a member has sponsored. Each sponsor will join other Rotarians committed to membership on the New Member Sponsor gallery on the Rotary website.  Yesterday we recognized

Ed Outlaw – 2 member sponsor (pin with bronze and blue backer) – Will Garner and JD Holmes.

JD Holmes became a Paul Harris Fellow for his donation to the Rotary Foundation. He was awarded a PHF pin and certificate. Varner Holmes (a past member of our Club) was present to do the honors of pinning JD as the Club congratulated him.  

Thanks to Gail McBride Vest and Ed Miller, our 2013-2014 Photo Club Directory is complete...we will be sending it out to the entire membership no later than June 26th.

We had another great turnout to hear one of our newest members, Will Garner speak to us about the wonderful work of the Midwest Food Bank. Who knew?!

Ed Outlaw (just back from the International Convention in Sydney) introduced Will, who grew up in Florida and graduated from the University of North Georgia.  He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1983 and spent 26 years on active duty at various duty assignments including Fort Stewart Georgia, Germany, Aberdeen Proving Ground Maryland, Pentagon, Fort Bragg North Carolina, Korea, Kuwait, and Fort McPherson Georgia.  He retired in 2009 at the rank of Colonel.   After retiring, he worked for Department of Defense contractors including working in Northern Afghanistan from 2010 to 2012.  He assumed his current role as the Executive Director of the Midwest Food Bank -- Georgia Division in September 2013.  He and his wife Jenny have been residents of Peachtree City for the past eight years.  They have been married for 30 years and have 2 adult sons.

Midwest Food Bank is a faith based organization whose mission is to alleviate hunger and poverty by gathering and distributing food donations to “not for profits” and disaster sites at no cost to the recipients. They have 5 locations around the country with one right here in Peachtree City, which began operating October 2011, donating food to over 80 agencies within a 200 mile radius of Atlanta and distributing over 1.5 million dollars of product a year. Volunteers providing time and talent is what has made the Midwest Food Bank such a success. For more information about this outstanding organization and how to get involved by donating food, funds or your time please visit their website http://peachtree.midwestfoodbank.org/home

It was a busy meeting, with the prayer, pledge and four way test led by one of our “new” members, Elaine Gaillard, who returned to the Club in March; having her back makes me realize how much we missed her fun spirit and willingness to get involved.  Thanks Elaine!

We do apologize for the tight quarters, seems there is a new hire at the Wyndham who did not realize we hold our meetings every Thursday and booked the room for another group! Tables were arranged for their meeting, once they realized the mistake it was too late so they kept the set up the same and served us their menu! Needless to say, I did stop by the office before leaving the building!

A few thank you’s:

Phil Hamilton, George Martin and Marcia Cole for May’s Dine Around Fayette at Big Daddy’s Oyster Bar; 34 attended, including one of our newest members Pat Hawthorne and her family and business partner.  Thanks everyone, it was lots of fun! Make sure to RSVP for our June Dine Around at the Downtown Grill on June 24.

Gail McBride-Vest, who in September contacted Fayette Woman Magazine with pitch for cover “Women in Rotary”, and the opportunity to showcase the four area Rotary Clubs and the unique year having all four women presidents.  Joyce Beverly and her staff did an outstanding job for Rotary, the District and our 4 Clubs in the June Edition of Fayette Woman Magazine.

Steve Ivory who as mentioned at the May 29th  meeting and bulletin was awarded the Community Service Award by his employer Eaton’s for his community involvement through his work with Rotary and his wife’s involvement in the Community through Piedmont Newnan. Steve received a check for $500.00 and donated it to the Alzheimer’s Association.

We had a terrific turnout, with 115 present (50 guests) including District Governor Blake and Debi McBurney, District Governor Elect Alicia Michael and District Governor Nominee Elect or as we know him ADG Raymond Ray, Fayette County School Superintendent Dr. Barrow and our Jr. Entrepreneur Contest winner Ellie Klarl. It was a high energy and an all around Rotary “Feel Good” meeting. Thank you all for attending.

Ronnie Ross led the meeting off with a lovely heartfelt prayer followed by the pledge and four way test. Great job, Ronnie. Thank you.

One of our “Partner in Education” projects with the Chamber was the Junior Entrepreneurship Contest, designed to encourage and recognize students with an entrepreneurial spirit who desire to start a business someday. Each Fayette County high school was invited to create teams of students tasked to develop a new business idea, write a business plan, create promotional material and present the projections of running their particular business venture to a mock panel of directors/investors.

Student teams competed with one another on an individual high school level, selecting a winning team to compete at the county level. Ellie Klarl of Sandy Creek High was the student winner of the county competition for her business plan for Paws & Claws Pet Ranch and thanked the Club at the May 29th meeting. She used her $250.00 winnings to purchase supplies to take on her mission trip this summer. WOW!

George Martin did an outstanding job with the Grand Prix Race Series 10 year Celebration program. Including the history on Tom Rolka and his board members who helped get the project started was just great and meaningful to those of us who have not been in the Club that long.

Adam Shoemaker led the meeting with the prayer followed by a moment of silence to remember those who gave their lives for this great country while serving in the United States Armed Forces, pledge and four way test. Thanks Adam!

Our “Pay it Forward” plan this year continues to generate contributions to the Foundation, yesterday we recognized Jessica Walker and awarded her a PHF+2 pin.  Congratulations Jessica and Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the good work of the Rotary Foundation.

Once again Jim Dalton is available to sit with you if you are interested in learning more about the Foundation and to answer any questions you may have.

In honor of Memorial Day our speaker retired Brigadier General Joe Frazar gave an outstanding program remembering the men and women who fought and died for our freedom. General Frazar served two tours of duty in Vietnam, and in the two Iraqi wars, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. General Frazar shared personal stories of his time in the military, what it means to serve, his visits to the Vietnam Memorial Wall honoring the names of those listed on the wall. It was a somber presentation, however Jim Dalton managed to add quite a bit of levity during the question and answer period.  General Frazar was a delight to have as a speaker and indicated he really enjoyed his visit to our Club.

Thank you all for another well attended meeting.  We had a few hurdles to overcome with Major General Jim Butterworth falling ill early Thursday morning. We were honored to have Major General Thomas Moore, Assistant Adjutant General - Air  Georgia National Guard, present the program.  Major General Moore supervises the Georgia State Air Guard staff and command of 2.844 Georgia Air Guard members.

Thanks to the members who brought guests. It was wonderful to see Gil Williams Mom, Alruth Williams, who is visiting from out of town.

Thank you Mike Nelson for making the change in the bulletin on such late notice, I appreciate it.

David Moore led the meeting with the Prayer, Pledge and 4 Way Test. Thank you.

The following members were recognized yesterday for their continued support in giving to the Rotary Foundation: David O’Rear PHF+1; Marcia Cole PHF+3; Dale Phenicie PHF+3; Al Brown PHF+5; Joel Norris PHF +5; Donna Turner PHF+6 and Ed Outlaw PHF+6. We extend congratulations and sincere appreciation for their commitment to Rotary’s common goals of world understanding and peace.

To date for this Rotary year our annual giving to the Foundation is $35,526.00 or $417.96 per capita.  Our plan this year was $18,011.00...that is a 197% increase. We also achieved a 100% PHF Club for the second time  (first was 2006-2007). This year we put in place a “Pay it Forward” plan... this has generated interest and additional giving from our members. Thank you all for your support of the Foundation, which allows us to do good work locally and internationally.  As mentioned yesterday Jim Dalton is available to sit with you if you are interested in learning more about the Foundation and to answer any questions you may have.

We had a full house with 75 in attendance at the May 8th “feel good” meeting.

We had lots to cover; Jim Dalton led the meeting with a beautiful prayer in memory of our dear beloved member Past President Charlie Landrum. It was just lovely. Thank you, Jim.

Our guests included Alexandra Vlachakis from Sandy Creek High (Teacher of the Year), David Spearman from Starr's Mill High (runner up), Dr. Kelly Jackson from Crabapple Lane Elementary (runner up),  Principals: Doe Evans, Crabapple Lane Elementary, Audrey Toney, Starr's Mill High Dr. Darrell Evans, Sandy Creek High and Fayette County School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Barrow and Deputy Superintendent Sam Sweat.

As you may or may not know, our support was generous this year, awarding the Teacher of the Year $1000.00 and the two runners up $250.00 each. In addition, we contributed $200.00 toward the Teacher of the Year Award Dinner on April 24, where Chris Boehm made the presentation for our Club.

On May 8th we moved closer to a more peaceful world as Jim Dalton designated a Paul Harris Fellow to his wife Virginia in celebration of her birthday, and whose life demonstrates a shared purpose with the objectives and mission of the Rotary Foundation to build world understanding and peace. Happy birthday Virginia and congratulations.

Steve Ivory presented Corporal Terry Blackburn of the Peachtree City Police Department with the Rotary Officer of the Year Award. With the department for 17 years, Corporal Blackburn leads the department in arrests, DUI apprehensions, cart path patrol time and traffic enforcement actions. A professional in the field and courtroom, he is a team player with a positive attitude. Congratulations!

March is LITERACY Month.

Our GRSP student Eva Forslund and her parents, who are visiting from Sweden, rang the bell at the start of the March 20th meeting. This was followed by George Martin, who led us in the prayer, pledge and the 4 way test.

We drew a crowd of 88 to hear Congressman Lynn Westmoreland. Jason Thompson did a wonderful job introducing the Congressman. Thank you, Jason.

Congressman Westmoreland gave a very direct and topical overview of the issues currently facing the nation.

Thanks to Scott Bradshaw for a wonderful program and for extending an invitation to our local elected officials; in attendance Mayor Vanessa Fleisch, PTC City Council members Kim Learnard, Terry Ernst, and Mike King, Chairman-Fayette County Board of Commissioners Steve Brown, and Vice Chair Charles Oddo, and Fayette County Board of Commissioners member Allen McCarty.

Thank you to all the members who invited a guest to the March 20th meeting. Pat Hawthorne and Elaine Galliard who attended Rotary Information on March 13 were present. Both were board approved for a 7-day letter, which went out to the membership on March 19 and 20.

We welcomed back Ronnie Ross who was on a medical LOA for Knee Surgery. It is great to have you back Ronnie.

Past President Mary Chapman performed an induction in the true spirit of Rotary, of our newest member Adam Glendye, sponsored by Jeff Truitt. Adam’s classification is Family Therapy. Please be sure to welcome Adam at our next meeting. Thank you, Mary.

New Member Induction: Adam Glendye

March is LITERACY Month!

Brett Vincent led us off with the prayer, pledge (the correct way!) and 4 way test. Thank you, Brett!

We had a room full of members and guests, including from the Fayette County Development Authority President/CEO  Matt Forshee and Emily Poole, and John Munford from the Citizen.  ADG Elwyn Gaissert from the Roswell Club dropped by to give us an update on the District Conference and encouraged everyone to sign up for what promises to be the “BEST” Conference ever. Please use this link to register: http://www.rotarydistrict6900.org/Home_Page.php Our Club number is 4138.

Bookmarks compliments of Jim Dalton were distributed to each member yesterday. Jim did a wonderful job creating them. On March 20th Jim will have the distribution packets ready for those who want to help distribute the bookmarks to the elementary schools. Jim created over 5000 bookmarks as an add-on item to this year’s Dictionary project. The kids are going to love them!

Frances Meaders presented Cathy Berggren, Executive Director of the Real Life Center with a $1000.00 check from the donations collected during the Bring one for the Chipper, tree recycling event held January 4.

We presented our $2,400.00 Club contribution to Pam Young, Executive Director of the Southern Conservation Trust for the Starr’s Mill/Nesmith Outdoor Classroom Project. This project includes creating a 200 ft. boardwalk, sampling platforms, soft trails, spillway bridge and accessible entry ramps. It will provide hands-on environmental education for 9,000+ students annually in our middle and high schools.  We will begin this project when the weather warms up...and will need volunteers to help begin clearing the soft trails area.

Sign Up Today! »
2014 District Conference
April 24-27, 2014
Sandestin Resort

There will be lots of fellowship all weekend. Dress to Impress for the Opening Parade of Clubs. Sign up for the Low Country Boil on Thursday night. Brag on your club with a Museum display. Watch the Flyover with Rotary friends at lunch on Saturday. Pack boxes, light candles, and, of course, have fun at the hospitality suites or participating in the meaningful, entertaining and inspiring Crusade Sessions.

February is World Understanding Month

Today’s meeting was well attended, Thank you all for coming.

Thank you to Chris Thompson who led the meeting off with the prayer, pledge and four way test; and Past President Joel Norris who welcomed our guests in Ed Miller’s absence, among our guests were Fayette County School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Barrow and Fayette County Board of Education Chairman Leonard Presberg.

Our GRSP student Eva Forslund arrived today with two guests from her hometown in Sweden.

Brent Randolph presented a check to Michael Sorrow, Executive Director of Southwest Christian Care, a nonprofit for hospice patients, special needs children and senior care giving.

Welcome Luci McDuffie, who is sponsored by Marcia Cole, her classification is Banking- Commercial Lender. Luci’s induction was performed by Past President David O’Rear.

Past President Jeff Warlick got everyone’s attention today with the wonderful video he put produced on this year’s District Conference. It is going to be one of the BEST conferences ever, Governor Blake has planned a wonderful weekend to celebrate this year’s Rotary International theme Engage Rotary...Change Lives. Panel discussion speakers include former Mayor of Atlanta and Civil Rights Leader Andrew Young, and University of Georgia’s former football coach Vince Dooley. “Stop Hunger Now” Service Project, “TeamUP for Missing Children” Candlelight Vigil. First Timers Reception for those attending District Conference for the first time.  

REMEMBER to sign up before next week’s meeting (March 6) to be eligible for our District Conference Registration Drawing. 2 lucky winners will have their registration fee reimbursed!

February is World Understanding Month and Rotary turns 109 on February 23rd

It was great being back in our Thursday groove after last week’s “snow day”! With lots to cover we managed to fit it all in, in one hour! Whew!

On February 6th we welcomed back Carolyn Wilkinson who has been out on medical leave. Carolyn did not miss a beat, she is already preparing for the middle school Laws of Life Essay Contest. We are thrilled to have her back.

We had return guests Adam Glendye and Bob Gasko in attendance yesterday, both attended Rotary Information January 30th. Keep an eye out for their seven day letters which will appear in your inboxes after our February 18th Board meeting. Remember, our Board meetings are open to the entire membership...all are welcome to attend, it counts as a make up!

Thank you to Jeff Truitt, who led the meeting off with the prayer, pledge and four way test.

Bob Carty presented a check to Bill Wangerien, President of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul which was used to help feed over 1500 people locally.

Past District Governor Cheryl Greenway visited our Club on February 6th to recognize our Club and present the 2012-2013 100% Rotary Sustaining Member banner and the Every Rotarian Every Year Club banner. Each year our Club generously donates $100.00 in each of our members’ names (from the previous year’s phonebook budget) to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund to achieve the EREY status. Our donations come back to us tenfold through District Grant monies and Global Grant monies we are awarded. This year our Dictionary Project and our SOUNS Global Grant in SW Georgia are two examples of this.

Thank you all for attending our recent Club Assembly meeting. With such a full agenda time is not always on our side...my apologies to Al Brown who was scheduled to speak on Financial Advisement...we promise to reschedule Al in the not so distant future. Craig Epps will be reporting on the next Family of Rotary event very soon.

I would like to thank our newest member (inducted Jan. 16) for leading the program  with the prayer, pledge and 4 Way Test. Thank you Gil Williams for stepping up. Gil’s Mom was visiting from Milwaukee and joined us at the meeting.

Congratulations to Gil on his recent promotion at Delta, he is now a Pilot Instructor.

See what joining Rotary will do!!!

We recognized those members with 100% Perfect Attendance for 2012-2013 and presented them with their Certificates, with still have a few certificates left to award. Thank you Tom Rolka for preparing this year’s certificates.

We are in our 7^th month! And in 2 months our Awards submissions are due – which is our opportunity to report the Club’s accomplishments and Service over the past 9 months to the District. Every Officer and Director has done an outstanding job this year for Rotary, the Community and Our Club. We are grateful for their leadership

We had a full house at the January 16th’s meeting- approximately 85 were in attendance to hear our newly elected Mayor Vanessa Fleisch deliver her State of the City address. Past President Jeff Warlick introduced the Mayor who spoke of the accomplishments of the past year and funding for the City’s needs going forward. I think the biggest take away was her positive approach in working with her Council members.

Induction ceremony for our newest member Gil Williams was conducted by Past President Dale Phenicie. Gil  is sponsored by Amy Matusek; classification Airline Pilot.  Please be sure to welcome Gil at our next meeting.

Jim Pennington presented a check to Sheryl Watford of the Fayette C.A.R.E. Clinic. Sheryl spoke of how the money will go to good use at the facility that provides healing and hope for the low-income, uninsured population of Fayette County.

We had a full house at the January 16th meeting- approximately 85 were in attendance to hear our newly elected Mayor of Peachtree City Vanessa Fleisch deliver her State of the City address. Past President Jeff Warlick introduced the Mayor who spoke of the accomplishments of the past year and funding for the City’s needs going forward. I think the biggest take away was her positive approach in working with her Council members.

Induction ceremony for our newest member Gil Williams was conducted by Past President Dale Phenicie. Gil  is sponsored by Amy Matusek; classification Airline Pilot.  Please be sure to welcome Gil at our next meeting.

Jim Pennington presented a check to Sheryl Watford of the Fayette C.A.R.E. Clinic. Sheryl spoke of how the money will go to good use at the facility that provides healing and hope for the low-income, uninsured population of Fayette County.

January is Rotary Awareness Month –

What  is Rotary?

Founded in Chicago in 1905 as the world’s first volunteer service organization, Rotary quickly expanded around the world. Today 1.2 million business and professional leaders unite worldwide to provide humanitarian serviceand help build goodwill and peace.

Rotary is the world’s largest private provider of international scholarships.  The Foundation helps more than 1000 students each year study abroad and serve as cultural ambassadors.

PolioPlus initiative to eradicate polio will see $850 million dollars in member contributions with countless volunteer hours to immunize more than 2 billion children in 122 countries.

This is ROTARY!  Share it with a friend...

Bring a guest...Sponsor a member

Counterpane Interact Students held an open house Wednesday January 15th for a preview of their Rotary designed END Human Trafficking presentation, which they will be showing during the teen breakout session at the Symposium Feb. 1st.

END Human Trafficking Symposium, cohosted by the 5 Rotary Clubs in Fayette and Coweta Counties, needs your support by attending and helping out during the event. Volunteer opportunities have been sent out to each member and will be on the sign in table at the next few meetings. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend Saturday Feb. 1st. Spread the word, send out the invitation/flyer. We are expecting at least 200 attendees. Our keynote speaker will be Brandi Harvey, Executive Director of the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, committed to fostering excellence in the lives of children and their families. Their key initiatives address education, health and social well-being.

The support from the community was overwhelming for the Pinewood Studios/non-profit Gala on January 18th... it appears, the event was sold out.

January 21 - Board meeting 5:30pm Wyndham – all are welcome- this is a good way to make up a missed meeting. Please remember to turn in your make ups on a timely basis to Ed Miller emiller4@bellsouth.net

January 25 - GRSP selection Process Savannah, GA

January 25 - RLI - Rotary Leadership Institute Training – Thomasville, GA

January 28 - Dine Around Fayette 6:30pm Khalifa  - RSVP to  Phil Hamilton – alicephilhamilton@msn.com

January 30 - Rotary Information Meeting 6:00pm Jeff Warlick’s – RSVP to Marcia Cole accenttravel@earthlink.net

February 1 - END Human Trafficking Symposium

January, 2014  -  The Rotary Club of Peachtree City would like to give a " BIG Thank You" to all residents that came out, despite the cold weather, to drop off their Christmas trees for recycling as part of the annual "One for the Chipper" project chipping.  Both locations at Kedron Shopping Center and Home Depot were busy all day. Donations collected totaled $900. that will go to help support the Real Life Center.

 

PHOTO: L-R     Rotarians: Ed Miller, Pam Young, Wilton Moulder, Amy Leuenberger and Gail McBride-Vest

Did you know? 100,000 American children are trafficked each year. 300 per day are in Georgia. The average age is 12-14 years old. It’s not just girls, it's boys too.

You can help stop it. Come to the event and find out how...one person can make a difference!

Saturday February 1st, 2014
9:30 AM Until 12:45 PM

Cornerstone United Methodist Church
2956 Sharpsburg McCullom Road
Newnan, GA 30265

Light lunch provided.

Special Keynote Speaker - Brandi Harvey  (Executive Director, The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation)

Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back. Over a meal or coffee, you'll:

Become a Sponsor...We Know You Know

Someone that would make a great Rotarian, a friend, family member or colleague from your business or profession who has all of the qualities of a good Rotarian. If you know someone suited to Rotary, then consider referring them for membership.

All members are invited to submit a qualified new member lead on the back of their business card or on a Membership Referral Form. Please submit all referrals to Marcia Cole  accenttravel@earthlink.net

Remember...Membership is every Rotarians responsibility!

Successful to Significant...

 

District Assembly is an annual learning event for Rotarians – think of it as Rotary School.

This is where you can learn about all the different aspects of Rotary from serving as Club Secretary to how to attract new members. Every year programs are offered on all of the basic functions of a Rotary club. If you are a new club officer, this is the place to learn how to be successful. Also offered are new programs every year about things that matter to our clubs. This year there will be special workshops on Preventing Human Trafficking and working with New Generations. Even if you have attended District Assembly before, there are new programs and information for you. Are you a new Rotarian and want to learn more? This is the place. Are you thinking of volunteering to serve as an officer or committee chair for our club? Come to District Assembly to learn more about that position.

District Assembly is for Everybody– not just club officers

Why attend District Assembly?

Great information Sharing ideas with other clubs and Rotarians

Great fellowship Build a stronger club

Meet the incoming District Governor

Great Team Building opportunity for our club (as we car pool down to Columbus!)

Cost: $35 per person (paid for by the Club) – includes breakfast and snacks

Registration (packet pick up) opens at 8, programs begin at 9, the day concludes at 1:00

If you are interested in attending and have not contacted me yet, please do so as soon as possible so I can register everyone.

aplatlanta@bellsouth.net  or 770 632 8733

 

 

 

We have just been notified by Rotary International that our club is a 100% Paul Harris Club.

Chris Thompson, a Safety Ofrficer and Security Manager, is stationed in Kuwait until November. He would love emails.

We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.

An optimist is the human personification of spring.

Here you can post little tidbits of information, reminders, or anything else!

                      

 

 

                                            

           

Rotary at Work for Literacy  

Rotary Club of North Atlanta listens to Clark Howard"Consumer Literacy"

On January 9th, Clark Howard, Consumer Advocate, Radio and TV Personality and community philanthropist, was the Guest Speaker at the Rotary Club of North Atlanta*. Pictured are Clark Howard and Club President, Mike Henson.

Clark spoke on today's economic situation, including how we got here and, from his typically practical, yet optimistic perspective, the opportunities that are and will present themselves as we move forward.  He related how the population's psychology reflects much the same attitudes that it has in past periods of economic turbulence, wherein the future of the U.S. was heavily in doubt, and how the country has emerged stronger from the lessons learned during those times.

To read the rest of this artical and more click here!

Only in PTC!

This guy gives new meaning to recycle, he brought his tree straped to his electric golf cart! talk about save the planet.

Thank you to all our volunteers for braving the wet recycling day.

Grand Prix 5K races begin in January

JANUARY, 2009 - Need that little bit of extra motivation to make that New Year's resolution happen? Want to begin that process by acting on the desire to improve your health? And, does supporting local schools while having a fun time sound worthwhile? If "YES" is your answer, then the Rotary Elementary School Grand Prix series of 5K (3.1 mile) races is exactly the ticket you need to make it all happen.

The series began back in September and will continue with 9 more races scheduled throughout the remainder of the school year so mark your calendar with the following Saturday dates and locations: January 10, St. Paul Lutheran School; February 28, Kedron Elementary; March 7, Robert J. Burch Elementary; March 14, Oak Grove Elementary; March 21, Fayetteville Intermediate; March 28, Crabapple Elementary; April 18, Huddleston Elementary; April 25, Inman Elementary; and May 16 Brooks Elementary.

Peachtree City Rotary Clubmember, Coleen Stinson,assists with Club sponsored Souns classes free to families of infants and toddlers at the Peachtree City Public Library. 
 

More info on Rotary for Literacy

Rotary Club of Peachtree City Honors 2008 Police Officer of the Year

December 13, 2008  -  Corporal James "Jay" Hughes, was honored as the 2008
Peachtree City Rotary Club Officer of the Year, Saturday evening at a
festive banquet.  Each year the Rotary Club of Peachtree City selects an
outstanding officer for this distiguished award.  Corporal Hughes was
selected for this award because he has proven himself a positive role model
for others to follow.  He is the type of police officer that others choose
to emulate and has been instrumental in helping launch the careers of
several officers under the police department's field training program.
Hughes has a unique ability to balance the needs of the community with
enforcement responsibilities.

2008 Rotary Christmas Party!

 

Meet our newest Inductees!

Lisa Johnson, Chris Allessio, and David Benavent

Souns for literacy

Souns for literacy, a Rotary literacy project that was introduced to
Rotary International by Rotary Cub of Peachtree City, was in LA for a
second time this year. The first time was the Rotary International
Convention in June. This time was for conference focusing on children
from birth to three by a very elegant organization - Zero to Three.
Souns for literacy was exhibited and drew the attention of many of the
2000 attendees.  One of those was Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, founder of
The Brazelton Institute and author of numerous publications on best
practices with children. Please get to know Dr. Brazelton at
www.brazelton-institute.com/berrybio.html. Rotary's work in literacy
with Souns was shared. What an extraordinary opportunity for all.

More info on Souns 

2008 International Literacy Awareness Competition Winner

Rotary Spread Holiday Cheer!

Booth Band Director and George

George and Shriner

Holiday Helpers

Pregnancy Resource Center and Frances

    

6/25 - Officer Installation for Rotary year 2009-2010

Thanks to everyone that came out to the Holligsworth House on Monday night and supported Christian City's Chair-ity Event.

Congrats to Paul Harris Fellows!

Souns

AG Mary Chapman celebrates the gift of Souns to the Senoia Public
Library. Souns is an informal, hands-on, literacy program that focuses
on letter-sound knowledge, the most direct link to reading. Souns was
first pioneered by our club through a District Simplified Grant in
2006/07. Last year it was a District 6900 literacy initiative, and
this year it is listed by Rotary International as a global literacy
option. It is currently the only hands-on, instructional, literacy
program listed by Rotary International's Literacy Resource Group.

Peachtree City Rotary started a wave of literacy activity that now
reaches from Georgia to England, Madagascar, and South Africa. Other
District 6900 clubs are now giving the gift of literacy through Souns.
The gift to Senoia Public Library was from Newnan Rotary.
Coweta-Fayette Rotary gave the gift of Souns to the A. Mitchell Powell
Jr. Public Library in Newnan. Roswell Rotary gave the gift of Souns to
the Roswell Public Library. North Dekalb Rotary gave four sets of
Souns to the Metro Atlanta YMCA for after school programs with ESOL
students. The Buckhead Rotary Club gave Souns to the Buckhead Public
Library. Henry County Rotary gave Souns to the McDonough Public
Library. Lake Spivey Rotary gave Souns to Battlecreek Branch of the
Clayton County Libraries. Five other libraries in the Fulton County
Library System are pending training for their gifts of Souns to be
implemented in their youth programs in January.

Home-schooled students form Interact club

From her vantage point as a public librarian in Norman, Oklahoma, USA, Basha Hartley could see how hard home-schooling parents work to educate their children.

She also noticed how home-schooled children can become isolated from their peers at public high schools.

"I began noticing these great kids who are kind of invisible in our community," says Hartley, a member of the Rotary Club of Norman. "I don't think most of our club was aware of this fairly large group of home-schooled children."

After three years of talking to home-schooling families, Hartley was able to persuade a group of teens to begin an Interact club in August 2007. The Norman Home School Interact club meets monthly in the library -- with Hartley and Joe Gil, of the Rotary Club of Norman-Cross Timbers, as sponsors -- and held its charter banquet in June.

"Parents, for a whole variety of reasons, decide on home schooling their children," says Hartley. "I thought it would be really great to get these kids involved in Rotary because Rotary is all about helping our kids."

One of the first

Hartley and RI staff believe the club is one of the first, if not the first, for home schoolers. In addition to its regular meeting, the club takes part in a service project every month with the Interact club at Norman High School, creating valuable bonds between the students.

Rotary Club of San Francisco turns 100

On 12 November 1908, the Rotary Club of San Francisco was chartered at a formal banquet attended by founding members Homer Wood, Chester H. Woolsey, and Roy R. Rogers.

Wood, a young attorney who'd arrived in San Francisco only the year before, learned about Rotary from Manuel Muñoz, who was in town on business. Muñoz was a new member of the Rotary Club of Chicago and a close friend of its founder, Paul P. Harris.

As a member of the Union League Club and other organizations in San Francisco, Wood was intrigued by the idea of Rotary. He wrote to Harris for more information, which he shared with Woolsey and Woolsey's friend Rogers.

Wood was elected the club's first president and became known to Rotarians as the father of Rotary on the Pacific Coast. He went on to found clubs in Los Angeles, Oakland and Seattle.

The San Francisco club's primary purpose was promoting the business interests of its members, but by World War I, the focus shifted toward engagement with the global community. 

To learn more about the San Francisco club, read "Second to None" in the November issue of The Rotarian

A Warm Thank You to our recent speakers
 

Darrell Cutts, CEO of Piedmont Fayette Hospital

 

Elizabeth H. Johnston Senior Vice President - Human Resources Delta Air Lines, Inc.

RI general secretary addresses impact of U.S. financial crisis

Dear Rotarians,

Given the troubling news from Wall Street over the past several weeks, we have received many inquiries about the impact these events will have on Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation. Although our investments have lost value in the short term, we believe they will recover when the financial markets stabilize. In addition, Rotary maintains a diversified portfolio that includes investments outside of the markets that were adversely impacted by recent events. Rotary's investment policies have proven to be sound through past down markets. This prudent management should allow our programs and projects to continue as planned.

Many Rotarians have asked specifically about our investment holdings, insurance coverage, and reserves, so I would like to note the following:

Steel Magnolis on CNN

The Winners of last years Dragon Boat race were recently featured on CNN.com.  Watch below.

http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/health/2008/10/04/fortin.dragon.boat.racing.cnn

If you can not view use the scroll under the video to find "Rowing for Recovery"

SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN CARE CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC

Southwest Christian Care is one of the charitable organizations Rotary Club of Peachtree City supports. For over 25 years, they have compassionately served our community with the highest quality hospice care for terminally ill patients, respite services for children with special needs and adult day services for seniors all at no cost to the patients and families they serve.  They depend solely upon the loving gifts of individuals, churches, civic groups, businesses and foundations to operate.

You are invited to join Frank and Terri Wren and many of the Atlanta Braves, as well as other current and former major league baseball players and celebrities for a day of golf and fellowship on Monday, October 27, 2008 for the JIM BEAUCHAMP MEMORIAL CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC at Canongate Golf Club, Sharpsburg, Georgia.

Floy Farr

At a recent Rotary Club of Peachtree City luncheon, Memory Walk co-chairs, Iola Snow and Fred Brown were honored for their work and were presented with a $3,478.81 check from the Rotary Floy Farr Foundation to support the Southern Crescent Alzheimer's Memory Walk . The Memory Walk is an annual event that raises funds for Alzheimer's research and was started in Peachtree City in 2000 by the encouragement and direction of the late Floy Farr.  Considered to be one of the "Fathers of Peachtree City" Floy lived a modest life always following the Rotary motto "Service Above Self" so it was fitting to honor him with a foundation that will help others. 

 The Rotary Floy Farr Foundation was founded in 2004 by Eric Maxwell to honor Floy Farr (a charter member of the Rotary Club of Peachtree City) and his mission to raise funds that would support research needed to find a cure for Alzheimer's, a debilitating disease that Floy was all too familiar with.The Rotary Floy Farr Foundation began with an initial grant of $10,000 from the Rotary Club of Peachtree City and has continued to grow to an endowment of close to $70,000 thanks to contributions by area businesses as well as a large contribution from Floy Farr's will.    All interest generated by the endowment funds is donated to the Memory Walk each October.    Since his passing in 2006, Floy Farr's memory lives on through both the foundation and the Southern Crescent Alzheimer's Memory Walk.

Please sign-up for phonebook delivery to one of the neighborhoods in Peachtree City on October 11, 2008.  The signup sheets will be placed next to the attendance sheet at this Thursday's meeting.

The phonebooks will be available for pick-up at "THE MOBILE STORAGE DEPOT" which is located at the intersection of Kelly Dr. and Hwy 74.

We need a volunteer to help Carolyn Wilkinson in the delivery of phonebooks. She has a truck.

We plan to finish loading the phonebooks by 12 or 12:30 PM.

Thank You to all the people that made Dragon Boat Possible

 

What a Day.......Bigger and Better

#1 Drunken Dragon

 

Many thanks to Charlie Landrum, Wilton Moulder, Frank Kimble, Craig Epps, and Kim Frederking for helping with the Rotary Booth at the Fayette Expo this past weekend. Joining us in our booth was Rachel from Counterpane Interact. We had a productive and fun two days promoting our Club to the Fayette Community.
Thanks again for your time and commitment to Rotary... 

Amy Leuenberger

Thank You Top Level Sponsors

Dragon Boat Gold Sponsors and event Steering Committee stand

with Mayor Logsdon, Honorary Chair of the Rotary Club of Peachtree

City Dragon Boat Races and International Festival

Rotary Supports Boy Scouts

PHOTO: L-R    Sam Chapman, Rotary Club member presents donation check to
Scott Rowland, Boy Scouts Training Chairman, and Marshall Steinman,
Assistant Scout Executive.

International Literacy Day

PTC Rotary celebrates ILD!

Last Thursday our club celebrated International Literacy Day, September 8th, by having Brenda Erickson and Coleen Stinson give a very informative talk about our club's activities using the Souns for literacy program. I am sure we all walked away with a deeper understanding of SOUNS and our club's work with Souns. PDG Bill Woulfin also joined us, and surprised Brenda with an award for the amazing things she does for literacy through Rotary.

Toga Trot 5K and 1 Mile Walk

This Saturday, Sept. 6, the Rotary Club of Peachtree City will join forces with the Fayette Daybreak Rotary Club and the Coweta/Fayette Rotary Club to co-host the first annual "Toga Trot 5K and 1 Mile Walk". This event is our primary fund raising event for the Polio Plus Foundation this year.

We are looking for volunteers to help for about 2 hours, early Saturday morning.

This will be a FUN event, with runners and walkers running and walking in Toga's to raise money for our most visible project! We are beginning and ending the race at the national headquarters of Phi Mu Fraternity, located on Westpark Dr. in Peachtree City.

And if you have time after the race, volunteers and participants will be meeting at Partners Pizza (just a few blocks away) for the traditional pizza breakfast !

If you can spare about two hours, from 7:15 until about 9:15 this Saturday morning, please email me at r2sun98@mindspring.com for details. It will be guaranteed to be a good time and just a little work for a worthy cause.

George Martin

County Commission Chairman Smith Speaks to Rotarians

August, 200 8   -  Photo:  L-R    George Martin, President of the Rotary Club of Peachtree City, gives a big thank you to Jack R. Smith, Fayette County Commissioner and Commission Chairman for presenting a brief "State of the County" talk and answering questions asked by Club members at a recent luncheon.

Dragon Boat

International Literacy Day
Monday, September 8, 2008

If you haven't planned a celebration in honor of International Literacy Day (September 8th) between now and February 15th, it is urgent that you do so now if you wish to have your club recognized for their literacy work this year. Please call me if you have questions or need ideas. Be creative...it is your celebration! Read D.K. Lee's letter about ILD on our District Database under View District Newsletter.

Major Donor seeks no special recognition

Richard Barton stands at the street intersection, waving his sign and shouting encouragement for runners helping to raise funds for a cancer care center. 

Hours later, he's still there, cheering on the walkers, some of whom are cancer patients. He's been up since dawn on this October morning. 

Barton's framed portrait hangs in the Hall of Honor on the 17th floor of Rotary International's World Headquarters, among the other US$1 million donors. His was the 28th such gift in Rotary's history. 

Dragon Boat

Saturday 27

Races begin at 9:30

Georgia Rotary Student Program 

A reception and BBQ dinner was held forAris Tzanis, our Club's Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP)participant from Greece, on August 4th at the beautiful home ofKaren and Dan Stephens.  Everyone had a great time meeting Aris and welcoming him to Georgia.  A big "Thank you" goes to the Stephen's for hosting this wonderful event.

Representative Ramsey Speaks to Rotarians   

August , 200 8   -  Matt Ramsey took time out of his busy schedule to speak to the Rotary Club of Peachtree City at a recent luncheon.  He described his new responsibilities as representative and how he enjoys giving back to the community where he grew-up.  And, what a privilege it is to now be the voice for our community.

Matt Ramsey was born in Atlanta, Georgia and grew up in Fayette County.

Community Service

Adopt-a-park

The next adopt-a-park will be on Saturday the 13th of December.

The team for pickup is

David Grensens, John Hall, Cabbot Hardwick III, Ken Harris, Robin
Hartzog, Kirk Thornburg


We will meet at the parking lot Luther Holt Park on Willowbend Road
behind the library at 8.oo a.m. We expect to finish by 8.30 a.m.

If for some reason you will not be able to attend please
email Ulrich Wolter at opaptc@gmail.com

December 4, 2008
Today's Program
Membership
 
Sunshine
Charlie Landrum
 
Lottery Seating
 
Induction Ceremony
Today we are honored to have Assistant District Governor Carol Stallings here to induct the following new members into our Club.
 
New Member Inductees and Sponsors:
Lisa Johnson   Information Technology Sales    Amy Leuenberger
David Benavent  Environmental Sales               Amy Leuenberger
Chris Allessio     Financial Planner                    Tom Rolka

FOUNDATION DINNER AND SEMINAR

Welcome to the 2008-2009 Rotary Year!

Communication issues are the nemesis of great plans.
In honor of your good plans and mine, I will send out monthly newsbriefs on literacy news, options, and recording expectations from District 6900 and from Rotary International.

I appreciate all you do for Rotary, and I know time as well as up-to-date information are essential in your work to
make dreams real through literacy.

Read More about Rotary and Literacy!
Brenda Erickson
District Literacy Chair
berickson@counterpane.org
770-335-2743

Join Friends and fellow Rotarians for an evening
of fellowship and membership development during
August:  Rotary Membership Month!

"Dinner with the Governor"
Our district is hosting interactive fun workshops to help us grow our clubs.  "Dinner with the Governor" evenings will be held throughout the district to enable DG Ted to meet with all district Rotarians who care about membership development.  Anyone can attend one or more dinners of their choice.

Excerpt from Rotarian Magazine !

Bridging Worlds

Barefoot and tired from a 20-mile trek, the young Ethiopian farmer nimbly descends a line of steep cliffs and jagged black rocks leading to the Blue Nile's edge.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Adopt-a-mile

The next adopt-a-mile will be Saturday the 26th of July.
The team for pickup is
Cyndi Plunkett
Leslie Philpot
Dale Phenicie
Ed Outlaw

We will meet at the K-mart parking lot close to the
Peachtree Parkway exit at 8.00 a.m.
The pickup alongside Peachtree Parkway will take approx. 45 min.
If for some reason you will not be able to come please email
Ulrich Wolter  at opafla@gmail.com

AUG , 200 8   - Photo:  L-R     At a recent luncheon, Malin Roghelia and Amy Luenberger were honored by the Rotary Club of Peachtree City as their '07-'08 "Rookie Rotarian" and "Rotarian of the Year" recip

Charitable trust to give more than US$500,000 to the Foundation

"I'll have zero personal wealth at the end of my life," says Rotarian Carole Kralicek proudly.

Kralicek, 67, explains that her late husband, Eugene, established a 20-year charitable lead trust that is generating a substantial sum of interest to be donated to charity before passing his assets on to his children.

"The principal stays there for Eugene's children, and the interest is donated to various charities every year," she says.

A Quick Thank You to Dawn Scharbourough for coming out and speaking at Rotary last week.

 

Southwest Christian Care's 16^th Annual Benefit Dinner and Auction Gala

Southwest Christian Care is one of the charitable organizations Rotary Club of PTC supports. They have compassionately served our community for over 25 years with the highest quality Hospice care for terminally ill patients, respite services for children with special needs and adult day services for seniors all at no cost to the patients and families they serve.  They depend solely upon the loving gifts of individuals, churches, civic groups, businesses and foundations to operate.

 

RI President Dong Kurn Lee

Make Dreams Real - Dong Kurn Lee, RI president - "In 2008-09, I will ask you all to Make Dreams Real for the world's children. This will be our theme, and my challenge to all of you."

Funds established for residents affected by Iowa floods

Funds have been established to assist Iowa residents who have been battered by this month's record-setting floods, which have caused billions of dollars in damage and forced the evacuation of nearly 40,000 Iowans from their homes.

A message from

RI president

Dear fellow Rotarians,

I wish that every Rotarian could have the opportunities to see Rotary in action that Joan and I have enjoyed over the past months. From India to France, Hong Kong to Brazil, the Philippines to Turkey, we witnessed Rotarians demonstrating, with great compassion and ingenuity, just how much Rotary Shares.

Drive to end polio gets huge boost from WHO

The drive to eradicate polio will have the full operational power of the World Health Organization behind it, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan announced at the RI Convention in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Rotarians in the plenary hall cheered as Chan continued: "I am making polio eradication the organization's top operational priority on a most urgent, if not an emergency, basis. "

Paddle Georgia

 "Starting this Friday afternoon, Ed Outlaw and Phil Jones are participating in the canoe venture,  "Paddle Georgia", down the Flint, and looking for sponsors.  The funds raised will be used to help form a Flint Riverkeeper, with the assistance of the Georgia River Network.  Assisting them under the Rotary water umbrella will be one of the projects for this coming year, and we'd like to kick off the effort with some help from our friends. You can to support Phil and Ed at any level per mile you wish;  Ed will be doing the first 25 miles, and Phil the 95 mile journey. Find out more at www.garivers.org, where you can pledge online, or e mail pjonesandco@msn.com and contribute your IRA, first born, etc.  And you can find out about the trip and a whole lot more about Georgia at www.Brownsguides.com. "

Elementary School 5K Grand Prix Winners

Rotary District 6900 Zone 34

NID TRIP - India - Feb 2009

Thanks You

Second Wind Dreams

A quick Thank You for the amazing people at Second Wind Dreams for coming out and informing us of there group.  Remember they are always in need of frequent flyer miles to keep granting wishes to "The Greatest Generation"

follow the link to there web site to make a donation or learn more.

http://www.secondwind.org/

ShelterBox and Rotarians reaching out to aid Chinese earthquake victims

Four hundred ShelterBox containers will reach China's Sichuan Province this weekend to help alleviate the acute housing shortage after a 12 May earthquake there left 50,000 people dead and more than five million homeless. Another 400 containers are en route to the area.

MEET AND GREET THE CANDIDATES

The "Get Out The Vote Committee" of the Rotary Club of PeachtreeCity is sponsoring a public  "Meet and Greet the Candidates Night" on June 17, 2008  from 7 pm to 9 pm in the McIntosh Ballroom at the WyndhamPeachtreeConferenceCenter. 

See the Stars in Los Angeles at the Rotary International Convention. Go to http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/c08_brochure.pdf to download a brochure that highlights what's in store for June 2008!

Resources for Rotarians

Rotary International offers myriad resources to help Rotarians build effective clubs. Effective clubs are able to achieve the Object of Rotary by 

• Sustaining or increasing their membership base
• Implementing successful service projects that address the needs of their community and communities in other countries
• Supporting The Rotary Foundation through both financial contributions and program participation
• Developing leaders capable of serving in Rotary beyond the club level

 Explore the tools listed below, and share your favorite RI resources in the comments section. 

As the humanitarian crisis worsened in Myanmar's delta region after a powerful cyclone hit on 3 May, a response team of four specially trained volunteers moved into devastated areas on Thursday to distribute more than 800 ShelterBox containers. 

Fun was had by all this year's convention in San Destin.  The Club won a number of awards (see below).

 

Congratulations to the all the winners in this year's contest.

Pictured below are: Ted Lombard (Principal), Blake Carter, Ryan Avidano, Katie Trusty, Melissa Markhardt, Abby Todd, Nora Wilfong, Carolyn Wilkinson, Jack Cantlon,  David O'Rear (President).

Yes, you can help change the world, One child at a time by joining our Project
Medical and Non-medical volunteers needed!

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Focus: Orphans and vulnerable children
Dates: September 20-October 4, 2008
Cost: Approx. US $3,000 per person (subject to change depending upon cost of airfare)

Nairobi is home to one of the largest populations of children orphaned due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Most of them experience extreme poverty in child-headed or adolescent-headed households. Or they live with grannies, who have no means of
supporting themselves or the children.

A painting by British artist Rosa Branson, commissioned by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI), was unveiled 19 March by Baroness Helene Hayman, the Lord Speaker, in the River Room at the House of Lords.

Don't we look pretty!

Korean Rotarians keep Mongolian eco-project blossoming

For five years, Korean Rotarians have been working to build a green spot on one of the driest places on earth. Concerned about the Gobi Desert sandstorms emanating from Mongolia, Korean Rotarians from 16 districts developed a unique project that has built a natural windbreak forest there. The forest, made up of hippophae trees and black currant bushes, reduces sand particles that can travel for hundreds of miles, causing health and environmental damage.
The Keep Mongolia Green got a recent boost with a US$350,000 Matching Grant from The Rotary Foundation for the latest phase of the project, in which Korean and Mongolian Rotarians teamed up with local residents to plant 52,000 trees in Choir, in Govisumber Province. Mongolian Rotary clubs, as well as Mongolian government and provincial agencies, also pitched in.
In addition, Korean Rotarians have begun construction of an eco-park in Choir, which will demonstrate the use of clean reusable energy, waste recycling, and the reclamation of land used for mining. Plans for the park include orchards, vegetable farms, and nurseries, and a permanent field station for ecological and biological research that will serve five Mongolian provinces.
Since the project began, Korean Rotarians and Rotaractors have planted some 220,000 trees and have contributed to the US$1.03 million total cost of the project. The first phase of the Keep Mongolia Green project began in 2005, as a multidistrict Rotary Centennial Community Service Project.This story was adapted from a recent edition of The Rotary Korea, the certified regional magazine serving Korean Rotary districts.

 

PTC ROTARY IN VIET NAM

Scholarships, Uniforms, and Workbooks 

Warren Williams, Mary Chapman, her husband Bubber, and Phil Jones are takeing a trip to Viet Nam in May, there have been substantial donations from the community to support the service portion of the trip.

 

     

Rotarians,
 
Ending this week on Saturday April 19th is your LAST CHANCE to register online for our Rotary District Conference next week at a lower cost! 
 
Registration costs will go to $175 after this Saturday, so register today and join in on all the Rotary fun!

You still can be the BIG WINNER in our drawing of two DELTA first Class Round tickets that good for anywhere Delta flies in the Continental US including the Caribbean, if you register!
 
See you on the beach in Destin!
 
Ron Redner, Harvey Smith and Jack Stephens
Co-Chairs Rotary District Conference

Paul Harris Fellow awards

Paul Harris Fellow awards At the April 10th meeting the following were recognized as new Paul Harris Fellows: 

Denise Outlaw (wife of member Ed Outlaw)

Ulrich Wolter. 

In addition,  several members were recognized for additional contributions of $1000 as Paul Harris Sustaining Members: 

Marie Schlosser PHF+3
Brenda Erickson PHF+2
Virginia Gibbs PHF +1 

Get your Sandestin Costumes ready!

It's a Small World is the theme for the big party at Sandestin, and the PTC club turns it out every year and this year is no different so start thinking and get coordinated with Denise Statham at denises@southernmills.com or Gail McBride-Vestgmvptc@bellsouth.net

 

Thank You CISV!

A quick thank you to CISV and Tait Anberg for coming out and talking to us about all the wonderful things they do to bring our world closer to peace through children.  Remember if you are interested in getting involved or just want to donate to help those kids get to Braves Stadium on 4th of July you can contact them at http://www.cisv.org/

Photo Day!

 

Make sure you are as presentable as you want to be for our annual group photo at next weeks meeting. April 17

It's NEVER TOO LATE to Sign Up for Sandestin!

There's still time to join your Rotary Family in Sandestin from April 24-28 as we celebrate "It's a Small, Small World" and Governor Bill and Les's amazing year leading District 6900. You can sign up right now -- just click on the District website link in the left navigation and, once you're there, on the District Conference link at the top of the page. It's a wonderful time at the beach -- Richard Lawry and your Family of Rotary would really like to share the celebration with you!

 New polio Web site!

Rotary has launched a new "mini" Web site to give the general public an opportunity to help end polio by contributing to Rotary's US$100 Million Challenge from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

View the three-page site at www.rotary.org/endpolio. The new site will be marketed throughout North America starting this month. All funds raised will go directly to The Rotary Foundation in support of polio eradication, helping Rotary fulfill its pledge to match the $100 million challenge grant received from the Gates Foundation in November 2007.

Rotarians should continue to contribute through the Member Access Portal at www.rotary.org, but are encouraged to help spread the word about the new Web site within their communities.

Water For Ethiopia Project Launched!

The leadership of our District has chosen to show that "Rotary Shares" by undertaking a three-year $2.2 million water and sanitation project in Ethiopia.  Current estimates are that about 78% of the people of Ethiopia lack access to clean water.  One in six children die before reaching the age of three years, due to intestinal illnesses brought about by contaminated water.  Over the next three years, our goal is to make a difference in Ethiopia. 

 

 Somalia scores 'historic' polio-free achievement

In a triumph over violence, poverty, and poor infrastructure, Somalia has once again become polio-free. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) announced on 25 March that the West African nation hasn't reported a case of polio since a year ago. Although it eradicated the disease in 2002, Somalia became reinfected in 2005 by poliovirus originating in Nigeria, resulting in an outbreak of 228 cases.

The Georgia River Network (visit http://www.garivers.org/) has this year selected an incredibly scenic, endlessly fascinating, and abundantly diverse river for it's annual float trip; the one in our backyard, the Flint.

 

Experienced canoeist or can't recognize one, You GOTTA put this on your calendar!
 
From June 21 - 27, you have an opportunity to enjoy any or all of this 95 mile journey, from Thomaston to Montezuma, and know in so doing you are assisting in the birth of a Flint Riverkeeper, an organization dedicated to protecting the vast economic, environmental, and recreational benefits provided by individual rivers and their surrounding watershed.
 
The Rotary Club of Peachtree City has taken a vital lead role in this effort, and we can certainly use your support.  If you have questions or wish to donate directly or through your estate, please see Phil Jones, Dale Phenicie, or Ed Outlaw.

Speaker John W. Oxendine
 
John W. Oxendine was born April 30, 1962 in Tennessee, then moved to
DeKalb County, Georgia, where he grew up and graduated from Tucker
High School. While attending Mercer University, he received his bachelor degree in
1984 and his law degree in 1987.  In 1994, Oxendine was elected for Commissioner of Insurance. In addition to being Georgia's Insurance Commissioner, Oxendine is also
the Safety Fire Commissioner, Industrial Loan Commissioner and Comptroller General.

St Patricks Day/Sign up for Destin Party

Membership held it's St. Patrick's Day/ Sign up for Destin Party on Friday March 14 at the Hollingsworth House. The idea to promote and educate our entire membership, and specifically our new members about the District Conference in San Destin and encourage their participation was a success. We had a terrific turnout and managed to get members excited, motivated and registered for this fun filled event in April. We had over 50 attendees and signed up 7 people to join the 44 already registered for the District Conference.

2008 Rotary District 6900 Assembly

The 2008 Rotary District 6900 Assembly will be held at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center in Columbus, Georgia on Saturday March 29, 2008.

The Peachtree City Club will have one of the largest, if not the largest, delegations at the Assembly with 15 members signed up to go.

2008 ROTARY DISTRICT CONFERENCE

It is time to start planning now for the Rotary District 6900 Conference in Sunny Sandestin, Florida. Mark your calendar now for April 24-27, 2008 when Rotarians, their families and guests will convene at this wonderful resort for three days of fun, fellowship, and entertainment. This is the one event each year that just cannot be missed!

As you know, one of the main objects of Rotary International is promoting world peace through good will and better international understanding.  Many of our Rotary programs promote this goal and in April 2008, RI President Wilf Wilkinson will be hosting a Rotary Peace Summit in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

New Inductee

While the United Nations designates 22 March as World Water Day, Rotarians worldwide are focused on the issue throughout the year. They volunteer their time and resources to provide safe water and sanitation to communities wherever there is need.

F. Ronald Denham, general coordinator for the 2007-08 Water Resource Group, estimates clubs are involved in at least 6,000 projects in several countries, all aimed at addressing the lack of access to safe water and sanitation that claims more than two million lives each year, a majority of them children. Denham, member of the Rotary Club of Toronto Eglinton, Canada, says Rotary is committed to help achieve the UN Millennium Development Goal that calls for a 50 percent reduction by 2015 in the number of people with insufficient access to safe water and sanitation.

Give Literacy Your Voice!!! Please Help!!

We are SO CLOSE to 100%! Please help us to stand up and shout "LITERACY!" in a unified voice. Let our district give literacy an undeniable place as a major frontier. Our 94% participation is fantastic; but, imagine 100% for District 6900!
Only four clubs to go!

 

You have until March 20th to confirm your intentions!
If you aren't on the club list to the left, please consider  a commitment of $100 to support this project and get added as a PARTICIPANT. It is not too late. Every single club matters. It is a literacy project for your club and a priceless testimony to RI about District 6900. You will be making a statement for your club, our district, and the work of literacy.

more info

Those who knew Ann Johnson -- formerly Ann Henderson -- remember her for so many reasons-dedication, kindness, always serving others, assisting other Rotarians, a friend to everyone, generous and truly living the motto of Service above Self. Ann was compassionate and very generous in her support of The Rotary Foundation. She was a Major Donor Level IV and a member of the Paul Harris Society. Rotary lost a wonderful person and a valuable member last week. Ann Henderson Johnson died of heart failure last Thursday, March 20th.

Member Classification Talks

Today we will be having Member Classification Talks as our program. I have invited five of our members to give a 10 -15 minute talk about themselves. This is an ideal way for the membership to get to know it's newest members. The following members will have the opportunity to share their brief bio's with us:

Member Classification Company Sponsor Inducted Lana Hendrickson CPA Hendrickson & Kline Marie Schlosser Sept. 07 Ryan Bickel Banking Mgmt. Bank of Georgia Matt Justice Nov. 07 Lyn Wenzel Asst. Superintendent Fayette County Board of Education David O'Rear Sept. 07 Phil Jones Pilot - Retired Delta Airlines Jeff Warlick Oct. 07 Wilton Moulder Clergy - Retired United Methodist Church John Vogel Nov. 07

Nine countries and two World Health Organization regions have received The Rotary Foundation's first distribution from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's $100 million challenge grant for polio eradication. Made in January, the US$40 million disbursement is being used by WHO and UNICEF to carry out immunization activities in the four remaining polio-endemic countries - Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan - plus five others where "imported" polio cases have been reported. Surveillance and technical support are also being funded in WHO's African and Eastern Mediterranean regions.

Past Rotary International Director, Dan Mooers, who chaired RI President Wilf Wilkinson's Presidential Conference in Villanova, Pennsylvania last summer will be the featured speaker at this year's District 6900 Membership Conference in Columbus March 29th.  Outstanding clubs from all over the District will share their success stories.  Register at the District website, or talk to George if you can go.  The conference lasts from 8:30-1:45.  This is a good way to meet outstanding Rotarians from all over our district.  Agenda follows.

Please help to create a miracle!

We are SO CLOSE to 100%! Please help us to stand up and shout "LITERACY!" in a unified voice. Let our district give literacy an undeniable place as a major frontier. Our 89% participation is fantastic; but, imagine 100% for District 6900!
Only seven clubs to go!

more info!

From advertisements on taxicabs in Japan to billboards around Antigua to TV spots in New Zealand, Rotary clubs and districts are using creative public relations initiatives to enhance Rotary's public image.

Rather than waiting for public relations opportunities, Rotarians at all levels are proactively seeking ways to tell the world about Rotary's accomplishments and programs. Public information campaigns are crucial to the success of the organization, which is why this PR effort is one of seven priorities in RI's 2007-10 Strategic Plan.

It was 40 years ago this month that the first Rotaract club was chartered. During World Rotaract Week, 10-16 March, Rotaractors and their Rotarian sponsors can conduct joint activities and be recognized by RI President Wilf Wilkinson.

This week we will hear from Gail Sparrow, President of Honor Flight Fayette Foundation.

Honor Flight Fayette's board is a group of citizens who came together to honor our heroes from WWII. They knew the citizens of Fayette County are a generous people and felt an organized approach was needed to bring the dream of flying these men and women to see THEIR memorial absolutely free to realization.

You can learn more about ways to support their efforts and volunteer at  http://www.honorflightfayette.org/index.shtml

 

The Counterpane Interact Club, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Peachtree City, attended this year's District 6900 Interact Conference and came away with a clearly established bar for next year's work. Of six possible awards, they took three: second place in SERVICE PROJECT; second place in BEST OVERALL CLUB: and best SCRAPBOOK.  For their first year as an Interact Club, they have definitely made a mark in Service Above Self.

Each year through the Literacy Committee, our club honors the Teachers of the Year from the eleven Peachtree City Schools.  These teachers are selected by their peers as exemplary teachers.  It is our custom to host these teachers and their principals for lunch at one of our meetings.  We recognize and honor the principal and teacher from each school and present each of the teachers with a $35 gift card from Staples, so they may purchase extra supplies for their classrooms.  On January 10^th we hosted Crabapple Lane Elem. and Peeples Elem.  On February 28^th, we honored Kedron Elem., Huddleston Elem, Braelinn Elem., Peachtree City Elem., and Oak Grove Elem.  On March 13^th we will honor BoothMiddle School, RisingStarrMiddle School, McIntoshHigh School and Starr's MillHigh School.

This weekend we are training over 400 President Elects and President Nominees and will have several important Rotarians including RI Director Barry Rassin. This is an opportunity for us to shine and I really need your help. We have worked hard to bring this event here for the last several years and our Club and Peachtree City get a lot of recognition, as well as it brings in over $200,000.00 into the City each year.

So please please Volunteer to be a Sergeant At Arms for this event we are really needing so extra people on Sat Morning.

Rotary Club of Peachtree City invites you and a guest

to attend a.....

St. Patrick's Day & District Sign-up Party

Come and enjoy a relaxing evening filled with food, drink, music and fellowship. Also, this will be a last chance opportunity to register for the District Conference.

Friday, March 14, 2008   6:00 P.M. 8 10:00 P.M.

Hollingsworth House

200 W. Stonewall Ave.
Fayetteville, GA 30214

Attire : Holiday Casual

Please RSVP by March 10th to:
Gail McBride-Vest, 404.483.6639 or gmvptc@bellsouth.net

DAVID W. HOWE   David is a New England native, receiving a BA in Economics from St. Lawrence University (Canton NY) and an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.  After graduation, he entered Naval OCS and was commissioned a Supply Officer, serving on a San Diego-based destroyer that supported carrier operations in the Vietnam theater.  

After discharge from the Navy and a three-year stint with the Trane Company serving in several management capacities, David moved to Atlanta to join a fast growing company providing technical HVAC services.  Pursuing an interest in corporate finance in small and medium-sized companies, he formed a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) in 1980 and later was a partner in Crescent Ventures, a venture capital fund investing in startup and early stage companies in the Southeast.  In 1990, he was a founding employee of Lynk Systems, an electronic merchant transaction processor, which became one of the top five providers of ATM and merchant processing services in the U.S.  Lynk was purchased by the Royal Bank of Scotland in 2004.  He continues to provide financial consulting services to select small growing companies.  

David is a 1,600-hour commercial pilot and certified flight instructor.  He is a member of the American Bonanza Society, the Atlanta Venture Forum, Roswell United Methodist Church and is an active volunteer with Angel Flight of Georgia, speaking frequently to public interest groups about the mission of Angel Flight.  He and his wife Peggy live in Sandy Springs, GA.  January 2008

These conferences are open to all Rotarians interested in membership.

More Info

 

According to United Nations estimates, some 2,000 people are killed or maimed by land mine explosions each month. More than 110 million active mines - many of which remain active for 50 years - are still scattered in 68 countries. Most land mine victims receive little help or therapy, and face a life of pain and poverty.

What a dynamic District 6900!
The day was amazing: elbows rubbing, minds charged, goals defined, projects and ideas shared. If you missed, here are some visuals. Participants will be receiving  recognition as a club and a DVD to revisit key ideas. Please enjoy, as you plan your club's participation next year. Give literacy a roaring voice!

More info

Rotary International has received a US$3.5 million challenge grant from the Google Foundation, a nonprofit managed by Google.org, in support of Rotary's top goal to eradicate polio worldwide. Rotary will raise funds to match the Google Foundation grant dollar-for-dollar over one year.

More info here

 

Thank you to each of you who has volunteered to bring or drop off food for the Literacy dinner this Friday night at Mary's house.

We STILL NEED a few more hands! If you were thinking about doing this, there is plenty of time to get on board! I promise it is easy (and will qualify as a makeup if I'm not mistaken.)

You can email me:
elainegaillard@yahoo.com

Celebrating Rotary International's 103rd Birthday Saturday, February 23, 2008

Rotary at Work for Literacy is on Saturday, February 23, 2008.

 

This is an appropriate date as it is Rotary's 103rd birthday and a time for celebration and sharing. It is a District 6900 project to share the work of literacy and to celebrate 103 years of Rotary. This event is a one-day gathering of literacy representatives from each club. We are delighted that it is being held in the Cyprus Room at The Carter Center in Atlanta.  The primary purpose of Rotary at Work for Literacy is to highlight, cross fertilize, and inspire the work of literacy in District 6900. Each club is being asked to display, in a choice of designated formats, a favorite literacy project. Presentations will also be made on an assortment of projects, and "roundtable" discussions will be offered. This event will be a literacy buffet. Abstracts of the various projects will be compiled in a publication which will be distributed to each club in the district.  

Rotary's Literacy Month is March, and this February gathering of literacy people will arm each club with new ideas, opportunities, and tools that will positively affect the work of literacy in the district during Literacy Month.  

Rotary's 103rd Birthday! Saturday, February 23, 2008
The Carter Center

Find the Schedual for the days events below

http://heartisfound.com/res/rotary/FW Act Now! There is still time!!.htm

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with Rotary leaders and praised Rotarians for their commitment to polio eradication in a recent visit to Chicago.

"Rotary International has led a worldwide campaign to wipe out polio. Sometime soon, their work will be done. Polio will be history, like smallpox," Ban said in an address to the Economic Club of Chicago on 7 February.

At a private ceremony in downtown Chicago earlier in the day, Rotary International President Wilfrid J. Wilkinson presented Ban with the Rotary International Award of Honor in recognition of his support for polio eradication and his dedication to furthering peace and cross-cultural understanding. Past recipients of this high Rotary honor include Kofi Annan, Bill Clinton, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Nelson Mandela.

The secretary-general also met with Foundation Trustee Chair Robert S. Scott, RI General Secretary Edwin H. Futa, and RI President-elect Dong Kurn Lee. Ban and Lee, both South Koreans, are friends.

Rotary's close ties with the UN date back to 1945 when 49 Rotarians helped draft the UN charter. Rotary continues to collaborate with the UN through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a partnership with the United Nation's Children's Fund, the World Health Organization, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

 

President David O'Rear, Past President Mary Chapman,Club Extension Representative, Denise Statham, and Extension Committee member, Warren Williams were present at the Tyrone Depot, February 9th as District 6900's newest Club, Coweta-Fayette Rotary, celebrated its charter celebration.  The club, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Peachtree City, meets at the Georgia Cafe on Monday nights from 6:30-7:30. 

The club, which began its organization one year ago this month, represents a growing trend in Rotary to provide more accessible meeting times and reach more potential members.  The club, with appoximately 20 new members, already has completed a District Simplified Grant, and participated in the Dragon Boat Races. 

Also representing District 6900 at the event were PDG Barry Smith, District Extension Chair and his wife, Vivian, PDG Steve Stanfield, and wife Jeanie, PDG Robert Hall, and wife, Charlene, PDG Fran Milberg, PDG Claudia Mertl and husband Tom Mertl, President of the Clayton County Club, PDG Tom Kent, DGE Ted Propes, Assistant Governor, Carol Stallings of Fayette Daybreak, President David Galloway of the Newnan Club, President Elect, Marvin McCoy, of Newnan, President Jeff Hamilton, and wife, Michelle of Fayetteville Rotary, President Brenda Jones and Husband Dennie of Fayette Daybreak Rotary, partners and friends of club members including Dr. Gala Davis,wife of charter member, Ernie Johnson.

The Rotary Club of Peachtree city has sponsored three clubs: Fayetteville in 1980, Fayette Daybreak in 1994, and Coweta-Fayette. Rotary International considers the sponsoring of new clubs one of the premier mandates of strong and successful clubs. The Rotary Club of Peachtree City was sponsored by Newnan.<

Thank you to all the people that support the Fayette County Jail GED program.  It is a wonderful opportunity to help those that are interested to turn their lives around with education.

Pictured below are: Virginia Gibbs (Rotarian), Judy Cook-Snider (Griffin Tech), Beth Brooks and John Reeves (Leadership Fayette), and Lt. Steve Coker (Fayette County Sheriffs Dept.).

The Safety Town Team is getting organized for this year...and you can be a part.

We need a City Manager!  Someone to help take overall responsibility for the program.

This is a great program designed to educate children on safety issues like fire protection, stranger safety, safe riding and walking, and more.  It is a program designed to help small children PK to begin to learn the principles that will help them as they enter their elementary school years.

Send an email to jeff@jeffwarlick.com to let us know you will join the team!

This Thursday, February 7th, from 10 am to 2 pm, Counterpane's Interact Club is sponsoring a Life South Blood Drive at the Wyndham Conference Center. We have made it convenient for you to give blood before lunch or after lunch. Bring a friend! You will be giving the gift of life for Valentines Day. Chocolate "kisses" will be a tasty treat to say "Thank you!"

District 6900 is SHARING literacy as it gathers together in this District-wide literacy project - one amazing club at a time. It is simple and it is not too late.

Rotary at Work for Literacy  is the easiest and possibly the most far-reaching literacy project available. It is simple for your club to be a participant. Do it now! Click on "Application" below or just send a check for $100 to Rotary District 6900 in care of Brenda Erickson, 839 Hwy 314, Fayetteville, GA 30214.  Your club will gain in every way from this dynamic day of literacy. Attendance is not required for your club to be a participant....but we will miss you!

   Do not let your club be missing due to lack of action!

http://heartisfound.com/res/rotary/FW%20Make%20sure%20your%20club%20is%20a%20participant!.htm

Drop-Out Rate in Georgia Schools!
A panel will inform Rotarians of the serious drop-out rate in Georgia. Following the presentation, Rotarians are invited to join the panelists in a breakout session to develop strategies that clubs may adopt to help counter this trend.

To learn more follow the link below!

http://heartisfound.com/res/rotary/FW%20A%20panel%20of%20speakers%20not%20to%20miss!.htm

Marie and Ric Schlosser are proud to see their daughter Amy recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow.  They are pictured here with Bill Wolfin, District Governor.  Congratulations to Amy.

Abby Jordan of the Southern Conservation Trust Came to speak with us last week,  She enlightened us with all the local nature preserves they have helped create with land owners, and much of the benefits of the work she does.  Make sure you check out all the beautiful places they have saved for us and generations to come by visiting.

http://www.sctlandtrust.org/

Please join us on Thursday January 24 in welcoming the following new inductees into our club.  District Governor Bill Woulfin will perform the induction ceremony.

New Member Inductee and Sponsor:
Mark Walker             Hospital Admin (Philanthropy Exec)     Amy Leuenberger
Lacie Banks              Credit Union Management                   Marie Schlosser
Rob Duckwall           Banker                                              Marie Schlosser

Calling all Interactors!!! Come join the fight for literacy!  On Saturday, February 23rd, at The Carter Center, District 6900 Rotarians and Interactors will see how Rotarians are at work for literacy. This will be an interactive workshop to share your club's projects, successes, and goals. Don't miss out - sign up today! I will see you there!"

learn more here

http://www.heartisfound.com/res/rotary/FW%20Interact%20Representatives%20invited%20to%20Rotary%20at%20Work%20for%20Literacy.htm

I had the overwhelming joy of having our club's literacy project,
Souns, chosen as one of twenty projects in the country to be exhibited
at Rotary's International Assembly in San Diego, CA. Future District
Governors from Rotary Districts all around the world were there for a
week of training and inspiration.  Projects were exhibited to present
options for the DGE's as they begin the work of their pending year.
What an opportunity for Souns.

Mark your calendar for our district-wide celebration of literacy. Sharing is magical in the best district ever. District 6900 will make a mark for Governor Bill and all those who believe so much in our work in literacy. Watch next week for the official announcement of our keynote speaker. Go District 6900!

Counterpane Interact Club Performing at Rotary at Work for Literacy

The Photos from the Holiday party of the kids with Santa were sent out a few weeks ago, if you had them taken and did not recieve them via email please send me a message at info@heartisfound.com and I will send them again. Malin

The Mayor of Peachtree City, Harold Logsdon, gave his State of the City address to the Club during this week's meeting.

The Mayor's speach was extremely informative and very much appreciated.

Thank you Mayor Logsdon for taking the time to visit our Club.

After the presentation, Bill MacDonald gave the Mayor a special award for the City's support of the First Annual Dragon Boat Races and International Festival.

Thanks to everyone that came out to help with the recycling of trees on Saturday.  We had Rotarians at both the Kedron Kroger and the Home Depot helping the City grind up and recyle trees.  At the same time, we took up contributions for the Fayette Samaritans and this year the total was over $200.  Thanks to all.  Picture below is some of the activity at the Kroger.

Thank you to Karen Spangler (CARE) and Helen Rickman (Holiday Helpers) for sharing with us the wonderful service they provide to the community.  The Angel Tree program of the Holiday Helpers is a fantastic program to provide nontraditional needs for families.  Instead of toys the program gives such things as home repairs, band instruments, eye care, and school scholarships to name a few.

Pictured below are Helen and Karen with David O'Rear and Robert Morton.

The Red Cross Bloodmobile visit planned by the Counterpane Interact Club has been moved to February, 7  10-2.  Mark your calendars and plan to come and give blood...it can save a life.

This past week we welcomed 4 new members.  Please make sure that the feel at home our club.

The new members are: David Gresens, Ryan Bickel, Wilton Moulder, and Steve Roberts.  Welcome All!!  They are pictured below with their sponsors.

Thank you Officer Bentley for joining us for lunch.  We sincerely appreciate everything the public servants of Peachtree City do to make this such a wonderful place to live.

Thank you Sarah Gibbons for sharing so much information about the High Museum.  It was a wonderful presentation and great information about the exhibits that are currently on display and those to come.  The High is certainly a special place and we appreciate the efforts of all involved in making it what it is.

Pictured below is Sarah with David O'Rear, Club President, and Robert Morton, program chairman.

Thank you to everyone that came to the 40th Anniversary and Holiday party.  A wonderful evening was had by all.

It was great hearing about the the history of the club and reminiscing about the founding.  We have a fantastic club with a long history of service to the community and fellowship with one another.

CAMILLA   ROTARY CLUB

"QUAIL FLAIL" 2008

  A Team Competition Quail Hunt for Pride & Prizes

Camilla , Georgia Read more...

PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN ROTARY INTERNATIONAL & THE BILL & MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

This is a historic day for Rotary. It is our great pleasure to inform you of a new partnership between Rotary International and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that will provide a much needed US$200 million in support of our top goal of a polio-free world.

Rotary District 6900 Clean Water Bulletin

 

Greetings Rotarians:

I hope those Rotary Water Projects are going well for all the District 6900 clubs.  Certainly with the notoriety our Southeast drought conditions have received, everyone's attention has to be focused on our precious water resources.  And, this provides great opportunities for our clubs.

 

The new Club, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Peachtree City, The Rotary Club of Coweta-Fayette was notified that it's official charter was issued on November 15th. 

Congratulations!!

Sam Morris, club President, tells me that the official ceremony will likely be scheduled the last half of January.  Sam says:"Thanks to everyone that helped make our club become a reality.  We now have 22 active members and we are growing."

Here are some wonderful pictures related to the books we sent to Zimbabwe as part of a matching grant with the 3 Fayette County Clubs

 

From:        DG Bill Woulfin

Sent: October 31, 2007

Subject:     YOUR VOTE COULD WIN SUMTER REGIONAL HOSPITAL IN Americus, Georgia AN MRI!

 

On March 1, 2007 a devastating tornado destroyed many homes and businesses in Americus, Georgia. Sumter Regional Hospital suffered a direct hit by the tornado resulting in its subsequent closure. The community is now rebuilding the hospital including the replacement of many pieces of very expensive damaged equipment. We have a unique opportunity to help them.

The recent Counterpane Golf Tournament was well attended by PTC Rotarians.  Leah Kuenzi, President of the Interact Club thanked the Club for it's support.  In addition, Kira Minvelle and her mother Karen explained how the Counterpane Interact Club was usnig the SOUNs system at the International Rescue Committee Center in Decatur to teach illiterate refugees.

 

We had two great visiting Rotarians from England last week.  David O'Rear and Bill MacDonald extend a welcome to Robert Brough, Tarpaint Eddystone-Cornwal, and Ken Wlaker, Woking.

Thanks for visiting with us!!

 

Everyone that went to the YMCA Mystery day had a great time.  There were scary stories and lots of costumes.  Thanks to the YMCA for also making it a Family of Rotary event.

A big thanks to Roland Haas for sharing many of the stories in his new book about his life as a CIA Assasin.  We appreciate him taking the time to visit our club and for his service to our country in a very unusual way.

If you missed his presentation you can still buy the book.  Here is the link to the book on Amazon ...just CLICK HERE.

It has been a great year for the stock market.

Remember one option of supporting the Endowment Fund

of the

Georgia Rotary Student Program

  is to

make a gift of appreciated stock to

GRSP.

On September 24th Mary became the first female Rotarian in the state of Georgia (all three districts) to graduate from the Rotary Leadership Institute. This is a picture of her graduating class in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.   PDG Bill MacDonald was the first person in Georgia to graduate last summer.  Rotary Leadership Institute, a series of discussion courses about Rotary for Rotarians, led by Rotarians will be available for  Rotarians in District 6900 next year.

The final event of the Dragon Boat Races has been completed when Bill MacDonald paid Scott Bradshaw $500 for the Rotary Foundation.

There will be continuing discussions about the wager for some time.  The wager involved whose boat would win in the Dragon Boat Races.  Scott's Boat won overall, but Bill's boat recorded a fast heat time....next year the specifics will count!  But, Bill took it in good stride.  There is an undercurrent however, that because of the ambiguity that both boats actually won/lost and therefore perhaps Scott should also ante up.  To be continued.....

David and Liz O'Rear are please to announce the birth of their daughter at 6:00 AM this morning, September 25, 2007. Evelyn weighed 9lbs 3ozs and was 21 inches long. Mother and baby are healthy and doing well. David is recovering.

 Thank you to Dr. Stuart Gulley to sharing information about LaGrange Collete with us at the last meeting.  The presentation was excellent ...who would have know that the College began as the oldest private school in the State.  The college was started as a girl's finishing school in 1831.

George Martin, Incoming President, presents Dr. Gulley with a gift following the presentation.

 

Brenda Ericson receives a check from Jeff Warlick in support of her literacy projects.  Thank you Brenda for all you do to support literacy in the community, the District, and the world!

 

 

The event was a fantastic success.  Hat's off to all the folks that worked so hard to make it come together.

 

Don't miss our meeting October 4. Sonja Strickland, Executive Director of Promise Place will be our guest speaker.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month; did you know...Fayette County has the highest documented rate of domestic abuse in the Griffin Judicial District? Sonja will be speaking to us on this very important issue and about the new Emergency Shelter that has recently opened...Last year more than 500 women and 630 children came to Promise Place, a safe haven for those experiencing violence in the home.

There will be a practice session for the Club's Dragon Boat team on Lake Peachtree this evening at 3:30.  The races are rapidly approaching and this is an important practice session.

If you signed up for the boat you NEED to be there.  If you did not sign up ...there is space available.

DO NOT MISS TONIGHT'S PRACTICE.

PS: Wear something that can get wet!!

Officer D. Allen joined us for our meeting last Thursday.  We appreciate the men and women that serve in our community and thank them for taking the time to join us for lunch and say Thank You.

Mary Chapman was presented a special crystal award for becoming a Major Donor Level IV supproter of the Rotary Foundation.

Past District Govenors Bill Mulkey and Bill MacDonald, along with current District Govenor Bill Woulfin present the award.

This past Saturday began the Rotary Elementary School Grand Prix Series.  The race in Tyrone was well attended with over 170 runners participating the the 5K (3.1 mile) race.

The races will raise money for individual elementary schools.  Last year over $100,000 was raised for the schools in total with less than $5,000 of seed money from the Rotary Phone Book.

Leslie Merriman, Executive Director of the Newnan-Coweta Habitat for Humanity, spoke to the Club at last week's meeting about the good work that Habitat for Humanity is doing in our community.

She was joined by Regina Hunter who told a wonderful story of her Habitat Home.  Regina, along with her husband, mother and autistic son, were living in what she called substandard housing until Habitat gave her the opportunity to own her own home.

 

District Governor Bill Woulfin performed the Induction Ceremony at Thursday's meeting as we brought in 6 new members.

District Govenor Bill Wolfin visited the new Rotary Club on Monday night.  The Club now has 17 members and they are growing.  They will be filing in the near future for their official charter.  If you know of anyone interested in joing the new club, please contact Sam Morris (770-487-3552).  The Club meets Monday evenings at 6:30 at the Georgia Cafe on Huddleston Road.

Eight more people received their awards for perfect attendance for the past year.  A total of 43 members of our club had perfect attendance last year.  From left to right was Costas Soulakos, Debbie Webb, Virginia Gibbs, Ed Ahneman, David O'Rear, Frances Meaders, Tom Rolka, Donn Cobb, and Rita McMaken.

 

 

Dean Roach, Director of Fayette Community Council, spoke to the club last week about the work that organization does with developmentally handicapped people.  There is an opportunity for businesses to have repetitive work functions done at a very inexpensive cost and provide much needed work to these individuals and Mr. Roach appealed to the club members to be on the watch for such work. From left to right:  George Martin (President Elect), Dean Roach, and David O'Rear (Club President).

 

 

 

 

Thanks to everyone that helped make last night's Forum a great success.  The forum sponsored by the Rotary Club was well attended by Peachtree City Voters.

 

There were some great questions and some very good answers.  It was very useful to those that attended in shaping their thoughts on how to vote in the upcoming elections.

 

Hi Y'all!

 

 

First of all I have to apologize that I haven't written anything since I arrived home (which was a bit more than a month ago...)

 

But if you think about what could I have written? Something like this: "Hi Y'all, I arrived home, the flight was long and I'm very tired. I'm sure I will sleep for a whole week..."

 

On Saturday, September 29, we need all Rotarians to assist in the delivery of our 2007-2008 Rotary Phonebook.  We will begin at 7:45 am and hope to be done that morning. Two hours shifts are available throughout the morning.  

A big thanks to Richard Whiteley for sharing his experiences in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Wow the videos was just like riding in the cockpit of a Super Hornet.

It was a great presentation that took us to the scene and we appreciate Richard sharing his time as a Naval Aviator with us.

Thank you to Corporal Rob Todd for joining us for lunch last week.  We really appreciate our police department and many people that serve.

Thanks again and keep up the great work!

The Rotary Club of Sandy Springs was inadvertently left out of the list of top clubs for membership growth last year.  Sandy Springs grew from 45-55.  That is quite an accomplishment! 

Tears were falling like rain at this year's Crying Towel Luncheon!  The coaches of all 5 county high schools explained in painful detail the challenges they faced this year.  It seemed like each coach tried harder thisi year to gain the sympathy of the group.

In the end it was Coach McCreary to earned the distinction of receiving the the Crying Towel.  His was a heart-felt story that included goats eating the football field ..it was touching.

Thanks to all the great coaches for taking part in this year's event.

Pictured below are (L to R): Chip Walker (Sandy Creek), Dwight Jones (McIntosh), Amos McCreary (Whitewater), Mike Earwood (Starr's Mill), and Tommy Webb (Fayette County).

District 6900 Membership Numbers have been  posted for 2006-2007.  The District gained 99 members for a final number of 4779, according to District Membership Director, Steve Stroud.

Smyrna had the most new members.  They began the year with 22 and ended with forty for a net gain of 18 members.  Others who did well were Roswell with a net gain of 13 members (194-207), Dunwoody with a net gain of 9 members (78-87), Jackson-Butts, a club that grew from 31-39 (net 8), and Buckhead (153-161).

Peachtree City was in the top five for retention.  Other Best retention clubs were Columbus, Atlanta, Decatur, and Americus.  According to Rotary International, the Rotary Club of Peachtree City has had positive membership growth for all of the last five years.  This is an outstanding accomplishment, especially since we have sponsored a new club in the area at the same time.

The seventh and final Presidential Conference to address membership challenges convened last weekend in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, with Rotary International President Wilf Wilkinson as featured speaker.  Rotary, as an organization grew in 2006-2007, but in North America, we saw a decline.  President Wilf believes that we can craft a plan to turn those numbers around.

Past President Mary Chapman with Rotary International President Wilfrid J. Wilkinson

PP and AG Mary Chapman of our club was a featured panelist in both Philadelphia and Ft. Lauderdale. PDG Bill MacDonald was a program participant in Nashville. All of these seven conferences, designed to give people skills to "Share the magic of Rotary", were attended by over 400 participants in each location.  Mary and Bill were invited because of the extraordinary growth success of this club.

Help fight Alzheimer's Disease by participating in the Southern Crescent Memory Walk.
This is a community based event for family and friends to come together for a morning of fun, festivities and to pay tribute to those affected by Alzheimer's disease. Locally the money raised through Memory Walk goes back into the community through the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association's programs and services.

Join the Rotary Club of Peachtree City Team for the 2007 Memory Walk on Oct.6th.

Register, set up your own online website, pick up your pledge envelope, and let the fundraising begin. You can download  pre-printed emails and send them out to friends and family. Ask for your first donation today...it is easy and rewarding.

For more information go to our team page at http://southernmemorywalk.kintera.org
under team rank click on "more", find our team and click on it...
Please email or call me aplatlanta@bellsouth.net / 770 632 8733 and I will help you get started.

At last weeks meeting we had a fantastic presentation about the Dragon Boat Races and the Touch the World Festival on October 6th.

There are plenty of opportunities to help!

There is also plenty of room for more teams.  Talk about the event with anyone you know and encourage them to either join a team or create one of their own.  Another great way to be involved is to sponsor a team.

Pictured below is the leadership group with the Mayor of Peachtree City.

Left to right: David O'Rear (Club President), Ann Hogan and Marie Schlosser (Touch the World), Mayor Harold Logsdon, and Scott Bradshaw and Bill MacDonald (Event Co-Chairman).

Last week was the final session of Safety Town.  The inaugural event was a great success and will provide a solid foundation for next year.

Thanks to everyone that participated.  A special thanks to:

• Pam Young for coordinating the entire program
• Craig Epps for building the town
• Kim Frederking for her hard work to get sponsors
• James Bacon for his financial analyses and accounting work
• Joe Domaleski for a great web site  www.RotarySafetyTown.com
• Karen Stephens for recruiting the volunteers

Also a special thanks to our "Town Manager" Lindsey Miller for her outstanding leadership.  Lindsey works with the YMCA and was on loan to Safety Town.  In the picture below she receives a handshake for a job well done from Peachtree City Mayor Harold Logsdon as Pam Young, Director of the Fayette Family YMCA, looks on.

 

New Membership Packets

Membership is putting together New Membership Packets and would like to include short testimonials from our membership on "Why I am a Rotarian". If you would like to submit your testimonial please email aplatlanta@bellsouth.net or fax 770 632 8735.

Thank you...Remember, Membership is every Rotarian's responsibility

The new club membership committee has a great idea for recycling.  We need everyone in the club to lend a helping hand.  Please bring in your past issues of the Rotarian.  Membership will be collecting these each week at the sign-in table.  Collected issues will be "recycled" by placing in prospective member packets.  Thanks for your help in this earth friendly effort. 

 

David O'Rear, our new Club President presents outgoing President Mary Chapman with a plaque in appreciation of her hard work for the Club over the past year.

Congratulations to Mary for a great year and good luck in your new position as Assistant District Govenor.

Let's all welcome David and give him our support so we can have one of our best year's ever!!

The new Rotary Year has started and we have new Directors.  The following are the Directors for 2007-2008.

• Amy Leuenberger - Membership
• Jeff Warlick - Community Service Projects
• Ed Outlaw - International Projects
• Virginia Gibbs - Rotary Foundation
• Joan Velsmid - Public Relations
• Elaine Gaillard - Club Administration
• Phonebook Operations Chairman - George Martin

Next week will be the first of two sessions of Safety Town to be held at Bralinn Elementary School.  Rotary is working with the Fayette Family YMCA to present this important program to 5 to 7 year olds.

The program will include presentations on:

• Stranger Awareness
• Drug Awareness
• Police
• Vehicular Safety
• Water Safety
• Home Safety
• Fire Safety

If you want to help please call Jeff Warlick at 770-378-9747.  We still need a few volunteers to help set up.

        

There is still time to register a team and to be a participant in the Touch the World International Festival.

Save the date October 6th on Lake Peachtree.

Plenty of opportunities left to help.  Let Bill MacDonald or Scott Bradshaw know what you would like to do.

The Parade on the 4th was a great success.  This year we had two floats in the Parade. One float featured the Club and the Phone Book.  The other float consisted of 2 dragon boats. 

Thanks to everyone that showed up!  The streets were packed with spectators and everyone had a great time.

Mary Chapman and Donna Turner present Paul Harris Society Fellow awards to: Victor Daniel, Jeff Warlick, Tom Arsenault, Balazs Toth, and Bill MacDonald.

Congratulations to all for your support.

Balazs Toth our fantastic GRSP student and friend bids the Club good-bye.

Balazs shared with us his thoughts and observations in a great presentation.  It was good to hear a friend share his observations about many aspects of life in the US.

Thank you Balazs for a wonderful year!

Ed Outlaw, Director of International Service Projects, presents both Balazs and Steve Butler, the hosting Rotarian, a gift to remeber the year with as Mary Chapman,  in here last meeting as President, looks on.

                                         

 

 

2007-2008 Membership Satisfaction Survey Results

Peachtree City Rotary Club

We are pleased to publish the results from our 2007 - 2008 Membership Satisfaction Survey.

Thanks to all that took the  time to be a part of this important initiative.