Today's Rotary Club of Peachtree City luncheon brought together everything that makes our club special: great fellowship, exciting announcements, recognition of outstanding Rotarians, and an inspiring message about making a difference in our community and around the world!

President Tammy Soulakos opened the meeting with a preview of upcoming activities, including special service projects, an event at Legacy Theatre, our Callaway Gardens trip, and many more opportunities for fellowship, community involvement, and service.

Janette Norris offered a thoughtful opening prayer, while Dale Phenicie shared details about Friday night's Peachtree Jazz Edition at Trilith LIVE. Charles Felix kept things entertaining with our club raffle, sending plenty of lucky Rotarians home with golf balls!

And what would our luncheon be without David's always entertaining Foundation Football update? The big news: fundraising has now exceeded $11,000! A little friendly football competition is making a big difference for The Rotary Foundation!

Celebrating Our Future Rotary Leaders!

Club members nominated and approved our 2027–2028 Board of Directors! Congratulations to these dedicated Rotarians who have stepped forward to serve and lead our club.

       President: Mandy Timmons　  　 Secretary: Ryan Peurifoy

       Treasurer: Rich Thompson　　    Sergeant-at-Arms: Charles Felix

       President-Elect: Cyndi Plunkett　Vice President: Will Garner

       Foundation: Fernando Duenas　   New Generations: Kathy Halpin

       Public Image: Andy Borders　　  Club Administration: Amy Benton

       Membership: Steve Ivory　　       Community Service: Kay Shoaf

We appreciate their willingness to share their time, talents, and leadership as we continue building a stronger club and making a positive impact through Service Above Self!

Recognizing Generosity That Changes Lives!

One of today's most meaningful moments was recognizing fellow Rotarians whose generosity continues to support Rotary's mission of doing good in the world.

We were especially proud to recognize Mary Chapman for her exceptional financial commitment to Rotary's efforts to eradicate polio. Her generosity reflects the extraordinary impact one Rotarian can have in helping protect future generations from this devastating disease.

We also celebrated Jim Mothorpe, Ryan Peurifoy, and Chris Thornton for their Paul Harris recognition and generous financial contributions to The Rotary Foundation. Their continued support helps make Rotary's humanitarian and community service initiatives possible.

Congratulations to these Rotarians, and thanks for demonstrating what Service Above Self truly means!

Our Featured Program: Ending Polio for Good!

We concluded today's luncheon with an inspiring and informative presentation from our guest speaker, Paddy Sharma, who shared Rotary International's remarkable progress and continuing commitment to eradicating polio worldwide.

In recognition of Rotary's commitment to ending polio worldwide, Paddy highlighted the important role of The Rotary Foundation in supporting the global fight against polio. She discussed the accomplishments achieved to date, the partnerships that have made this progress possible, and the strategic action plan needed to finish the job.

Her presentation reminded us that Rotary's commitment to ending polio is one of the most ambitious humanitarian efforts in history. When polio is eradicated, it will become only the second human disease, after smallpox, to be eradicated worldwide.

Paddy's message was both educational and inspiring, reinforcing the importance of continued financial support, global cooperation, and the determination of Rotarians everywhere to see this mission through.

Thanks, Paddy, for reminding us that when Rotarians unite behind a common purpose, extraordinary things can happen!

This Is How We Rotary!

From planning exciting service projects and preparing our future club leaders to celebrating generosity and supporting the worldwide fight against polio, today's luncheon demonstrated that Rotary is much more than a weekly meeting.

It's about building friendships, creating opportunities to serve, and turning generosity into meaningful action.

We serve locally. We make an impact globally. And together, we make a difference. That's How We Rotary!

The Rotary Club of Peachtree City gathered at Solomon Brothers Jewelers for our weekly meeting, dinner, and great conversation with fellow Rotarians and guests. President Tammy Soulakos led the meeting and welcomed everyone for a special evening together.

Amy Leuenberger and Steve Rigo shared an exciting preview of plans for one of our most anticipated events of the year, our Holiday Party. Special thanks to the Holiday Committee: Amy Leuenberger, Steve Rigo, Gail McBride Vest, Kathy Halpin, and Paige Potter. Holiday party favors were shared with members, along with special recognition for Doug Warner, our most tenured Rotarian.

President Tammy then introduced our guest speaker, fellow Rotarian Dan Christensen of Solomon Brothers Jewelers. Dan provided an informative overview of Solomon Brothers, the diamond industry, and the many services his store offers. It was a fascinating opportunity to learn more about this outstanding local business.

Thanks to Solomon Brothers Jewelers for hosting our club and for being such a strong supporter of the local communities they serve. We enjoyed great food, great conversation, and a little extra sparkle to the evening!

Rotary Club of Peachtree City | Service, Awareness & Saving Lives

Our Rotary Club luncheon brought members and guests together for an afternoon of fellowship and an important message about compassion, hope, and helping others.

President Tammy Soulakos led the meeting, with Amos Speight leading our prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and Four-Way Test.

David O'Rear kept the meeting lively with his Foundation Football update, bringing friendly competition, plenty of Rotary spirit, and support for a great cause!

Turning from friendly competition to a powerful message of hope, we welcomed guest speaker Kenneth “Lou” Koon, a retired U.S. Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel, veteran military chaplain, author, and nationally recognized suicide intervention expert.

As President and Founder of Stop Suicide USA, Lou has dedicated his life to helping veterans, first responders, and community members facing moments of crisis. With more than 2,200 successful suicide interventions, his work is making a difference and saving lives.

Lou also serves as chaplain for the Peachtree City Police Department and Fayette County Sheriff's Office and has contributed to Georgia's statewide suicide prevention initiatives.

His message reminded us that suicide prevention begins with awareness, compassion, and the willingness to reach out. Sometimes, simply listening and helping someone find support can make all the difference.

Thank you, Lou, for sharing your powerful message and reminding us that Service Above Self means being there for others when they need us most.

People. Purpose. Fellowship. Service Above Self.

#PeachtreeCityRotary #ServiceAboveSelf #StopSuicideUSA #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness

Today's Peachtree City Rotary Club luncheon celebrated friendship, service, and opportunities to make a difference!

We were honored to welcome Sophia Wooten, Miss Georgia 2026, introduced by Past District Governor Steve Ivory. A 2026 Miss America participant and former Miss Northwest Georgia and Miss Classic City, Sophia shared an extraordinary story of resilience and determination.

Twenty surgeries over twenty years. Rather than letting medical challenges define her, Sophia has turned her experiences into advocacy for inclusion, acceptance, and belonging. Her powerful message, "You shouldn't have to earn the right to belong," reminded us that personal challenges and differences never make anyone less capable or less worthy. Her courage and positive outlook inspired our entire club!

We also welcomed Sophia's brother, Officer Noah Wooten, and Officer Greta Taylor of the Peachtree City Police Department.

Rotary in Action!

Mary Chapman highlighted the Blue Buckets Alzheimer's initiative; Amy Matusek shared the Rotary Community Corps wreath fundraiser; Dale Phenicie promoted the October 17 Moonlight Swing; Ric Thompson highlighted the October 17 Peachtree City Classic; and J.D. Holmes discussed Salvation Army Bell Ringing opportunities.

Charles Felix kept the laughter going with our raffle! Janette Norris won a bottle of wine, Marie Schlosser took home the Rotary Tray, and Chavdar Zdravkov reluctantly claimed our Halloween Ghoul!

More Ways to Participate!

   November 2: Rotary Means Business at Wild Birds Unlimited
   November 5: Bourbon & Bow Ties / Pinot & Pearls
   December 6: Callaway Gardens Christmas Outing

Whether volunteering, supporting a fundraiser, or enjoying fellowship, there is a place for everyone to get involved.

Thank you, Sophia, for reminding us that everyone has a story, everyone has value, and everyone deserves to belong.

That's the power of Rotary, bringing together People, Purpose, Fellowship, and Service Above Self!

PTC Rotary members pulled double duty Saturday, with several supporting the Rotary Club of Tyrone’s Founder’s Day 5K!

Congratulations to Evan Lovelace, Aaron Wright and Adam Glendye, who each medaled in their age groups! 🏅 And a big thank you to our 5K experts George Martin, Charles Felix, Jim Mothorpe, Fernando Duenas and Mike Lardie for helping coordinate the race and finish line.

We love partnering with our sister Rotary clubs and working together to keep #DoingGoodInTheWorld!

Today’s Thursday luncheon was another reminder that there truly is something in Rotary for everyone.

President Tammy Soulakos opened the meeting by sharing several upcoming service opportunities and encouraging members to find the areas where they can get involved and make a difference. Whether it is hands on service, supporting a project, giving to the Foundation, welcoming a new member, or simply showing up and participating, there are many ways to experience Rotary.

We also had a little early Halloween fun with this week’s raffle. Chey Holbrook was the lucky winner of a Halloween ghoul. Judging by her expression, we are pretty sure she would have preferred the bottle of wine. We can also safely say the ghoul did not make the trip home to the Holbrook household. Some raffle prizes are simply easier to leave behind than others.

There was plenty to celebrate throughout the luncheon.

Chris Thompson had the honor of inducting our newest member, Crysta Gober, Local Branch Manager with Renasant Bank. President Tammy Soulakos presented Crysta with her Rotary pin and officially welcomed her to the Rotary Club of Peachtree City. We are excited to have Crysta as part of our club and look forward to seeing the ways she chooses to get involved.

Fernando Duenas recognized Jim Mothorpe for his financial contribution to The Rotary Foundation. Contributions like Jim’s help make Rotary grants possible and provide resources that support organizations, projects, and communities both locally and around the world.

David O’Rear also shared this week’s Foundation Football update. After four weeks of college football, contributions have reached $6,430. What begins as friendly competition becomes another meaningful way for our members to generate funds that Rotary can use to support communities and organizations.

Our featured speaker was Pam Baker, freelance journalist, AI author, and instructor. Pam provided a timely and educational look at Generative AI, including what it is, how AI agents work, and how these tools are becoming part of our personal and professional lives.

Another strong example of Rotary in action came with the unveiling of the Fayette Senior Services transportation van, which was partially funded through support from the Rotary Club of Peachtree City. The van helps Fayette County seniors maintain their independence by providing transportation to medical appointments and other important destinations throughout the community.

Today’s luncheon showed just how many different ways Rotary can make an impact.

It can be service.

It can be giving.

It can be learning.

It can be welcoming someone new.

It can be fellowship and a few laughs.

And it can be helping a senior get safely where they need to go.

There is no single way to experience Rotary. Every member brings something different, and every member can find a meaningful way to contribute.

How do you Rotary?

We are proud to share that the Rotary Club of Peachtree City has been named a 2026 Citizen’s Choice Award winner in the category:

“Who helps create a stronger, more connected community?”

This award recognizes organizations that are helping make Fayette County a better place to live, work, and connect. It is especially meaningful to our club because it reflects the heart of Rotary and our commitment to service, fellowship, community involvement, and bringing people together.

Club President Tammy Soulakos, along with fellow Rotarians Cindy Plunkett and Chavdar Zdravkov, proudly accepted the award on behalf of the Rotary Club of Peachtree City and our members who give their time, talents, and energy throughout the year to serve our community.

We were also proud to have fellow Rotarians Dale Phenicie, Katy Spade, Judge David Moore, and Ellie White Stevens in attendance to help celebrate this special recognition. Thanks for representing Peachtree City Rotary and for your continued commitment to our club and community.

A special thank you to The Citizen, in partnership with the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, for this meaningful award. We are grateful for the recognition and proud to continue serving Peachtree City and Fayette County.

Service Above Self. Building a stronger, more connected community together.