President's Message
“A society grows great when old men plant trees in the shade of which they know they will never sit.” I heard that line recently while watching a Netflix series. In the scene, a woman was sitting on a bench in a cemetery, talking quietly with someone, reflecting on life. She followed it with something even simpler: “Happiness is amazing. It’s so amazing it doesn’t matter if it’s yours or not. Good people do things for other people. That’s it. The end.”
It is hard to improve on that. It also feels like a pretty accurate description of what we try to do in Rotary, whether we say it that plainly or not. Rotarians do good for other people. That’s it. The end!
Last week, we heard from Rick Jackson, and his story brings that idea into focus. He grew up without the stability most of us would consider basic, moving through orphanages and foster homes, facing the kind of early adversity that can easily define a life. Instead, he chose to define it himself. Over time, he built Jackson Healthcare into a billion-dollar organization. But what stood out was not the size of the business. It was what he has chosen to do with it. Rick spoke candidly about owning your failures, not passing blame, and making a deliberate decision to put others first. Much of his time and energy now goes toward his charity that helps young people, who started life the way he did, and gives them access to education and opportunity.
Going back to the Netflix series quote…..Rick’s charity is what planting trees looks like in real life.
And then yesterday, I heard a question on a podcast that has stuck with me. The guest on the podcast asked, “What if God showed up this week and said 'yes' to every prayer you made last week?” He continued, “Would anything around you actually be different? Or would it mostly mean that your day went a little smoother, your goals at work were met, your child did well on a test, you found a parking spot, and/or maybe your sports team won a close game?” I would never presume to define anyone’s prayers, hopes, or dreams for them and their family. I simply invite you to reflect on what you're asking for and whether it's meant only for yourself or if it also carries something meaningful for others.
It is not a comfortable question, because it gets right to the point. What are we really asking for? What are we hoping for? And are we thinking beyond ourselves? If everything we hoped for came true, would it touch anything outside our own immediate circle? Would it ease suffering, cure the sick, feed the hungry, restore relationships, or make life better for someone who cannot return the favor?
If not, then it is worth asking whether we are aiming high enough. I am simply pointing out that in our lives and through our work with Rotary, each of us has the chance to shape something that lasts longer than we do. The only real question is whether we are thinking big enough, and whether what we are building is meant only for ourselves, or for people we may never meet.
Because finding the kind of shade worth planting is what makes us great…..
Sic Vos Non Vobis
Trummie Lee Patrick III
A Conversation with Georgia Supreme Court Justice Charlie Bethel
Date : Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 12:15
Location: Roswell Area Park
Bill Johnson Community Activity Building
10495 Woodstock Road
Roswell, GA 30075
We are pleased to welcome Justice Charlie Bethel of the Supreme Court of Georgia as our speaker on May 7. Justice Bethel brings to the state’s highest court a rare combination of legal experience, legislative service, and community involvement. Justice Bethel was appointed to the Supreme Court of Georgia on September 4, 2018, by Governor Nathan Deal, following his service on the Georgia Court of Appeals. In 2020, he was elected to a full six‑year term. His judicial career is marked by a steady adherence to the rule of law and to the principle that judges must set aside personal preferences and follow the law as written, even when the outcome may be unpopular.
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Free Headshots for Rotary Directory
Don't forget to have your picture taken on Thursday, May 7 or May 14. New members, this is the perfect time to get your first picture in the directory. And long-term members, let's get a picture that really looks like you today! And it's FREE!
Save Date Mon May 25
Memorial Day Celebration
The 27th award winning Roswell Remembers Memorial Day Ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 25th at 11:00 A.M. at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street.
The grounds open at 10:00 a.m. with music by the Roswell New Horizons Band, followed by a moving program featuring a highly decorated guest speaker, the Presentation of Colors, Honor Guard display, National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, POW/MIA tribute, and laying of the wreath.
A BBQ lunch will be available for purchase on-site following the ceremony.
Contact Past President Dave Young, Committee Chair at nfultonpt@juno.com with questions. This is a great opportunity for ALL Roswell Rotarians to serve those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today. Donations may be made via billing to your club account, check, or credit card. The deadline to donate is Thursday, 14th to be listed as an in-kind sponsor in our program.
Nancy Alterman at nancyhalterman8@gmail.com or 404-509-1700 will be taking names of volunteers every Thursday at Rotary.
Special thanks to our 2026 Hometown Hero Sponsors for their generous support. Jim & Sherry Broadway, Gunnison Tree Service, Robert W Hagan W.S. Nielsen, Carl Black GMC Roswell, Slopes BBQ, and Wellstar Health System.
Click Here for more information on the 27th Annual Roswell Remembers Memorial Day Ceremony.
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Memorial Day
Volunteer!
Volunteers Needed for Memorial Day Service Project ??
Roswell Rotary is partnering with the City of Roswell for our annual Memorial Day event, and we need your help!
We’re looking for volunteers on:
• Sunday (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) for setup
Bonus: Pizza will be provided after the Sunday setup shift!
• Monday shifts:
• 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
This is a great opportunity to come together, serve our community, and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.
To sign up or learn more, please contact Nancy Alterman at 770-262-6300. We’d love to have you join us for this meaningful tradition!
Save the Date: June 25th
Installation Party Leslie Bassett
Join us on June 25th at Grana to celebrate the Installation of our President-Elect for 2026-27 Leslie Bassett!
Click Here for Invitation
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Upcoming Roswell Rotary Events
Save the Date: Find Your Spot and Help Us to Unite for GOOD
Memorial Day Roswell
Monday May 25 grounds open 10 am
Roswell City hall
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Leslie Installation Party
Thursday, June 25 6pm - 9pm Time TBD
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2026 Golf, Tennis, Pickleball Tournament
Monday, Sept. 14
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