President Message
“Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” — Brené Brown
Last week’s Connections Challenge reminded us of something simple but powerful: meaningful connection does not happen by accident—it happens when we choose it. Across the club, Rotarians leaned into purposeful conversations with members they may not have known well, and in doing so, discovered stories, families, businesses, and “Rotary Whys” that might otherwise have remained unseen. What began as a small challenge quickly became a spark, and for many, the reward was far greater than expected.
I experienced that firsthand in my time connecting with Chris and Tracy Archer, as well as over coffee with Deb Perkins. Despite serving alongside these incredible Rotarians, I realized how much more there was to learn. With Chris and Tracy, it was the first time I truly understood how they met, their personal and professional journeys, and even details about their grandchildren. And with Deb, I had the opportunity to hear about her travels, her Rotary “Why,” and her family—each story adding depth to a relationship I already valued. More than the facts, it was the experience itself—seeing smiles, hearing voices, and simply being present together—that left the deepest impression. That is the kind of connection that strengthens not only friendships, but the very fabric of our club.
The Connections Challenge is also helping us see Roswell in a new way. As we gather in different spaces, we are appreciating the environments that bring people together and the business owners who make those spaces possible. And beyond our own club, we are reminded that Rotary’s reach is wide and deeply interconnected. I was struck by this when I ran into Joe Wargo, President of the Alpharetta Rotary Club, serving at the End Human Trafficking event at Piedmont Park. His presence and commitment reflected the shared heart for service that unites Rotarians everywhere—people who show up, give generously of their time and talents, and inspire others to do the same.
As we move into this next week, I encourage every Roswell Rotarian to commit to the Connections Challenge. What may seem like a small act—starting a conversation, sharing a story, showing genuine interest—has the power to spark something much larger. If last week is any indication, we will all be pleasantly surprised by how much richer our Rotary experience becomes when we simply choose to connect.
Together in Service,
Leslie
Janelle King: Political Strategist, Media Voice, and Civic Leader
On Thursday July 23, Roswell Rotary Club will welcome Janelle King. Ms. King serves on the Georgia State Election Board, the body responsible for investigating election‑related concerns and establishing rules that guide how elections are conducted statewide. She is also a media personality with her own podcast, The Janelle King Show, and a panelist on The Georgia Gang television show. [read more]
This Thursday, July 23
Backpack Packing Party After Meeting
Wish list . Easy to order online. All items will be there at our July 23rd meeting. Priya Crumpton is your contact for questions.
Sept 14
Tournament Time is Here
Weekly Golf, Tennis, Pickleball Tournament Meetings Begin This Week!
Meet in gym at 11:15 before the lunch meeting. Weekly updates on tournament. All new members encouraged to attend!
Link to Website
Download Golf Flyer
Download Tennis-Pickleball Flyer
Download Golf Tri-Fold
Download Tennis-Pickleball Tri-Fold
Where does the Tournament Money Go?
If you were at the Roswell Rotary meeting when the charity grant checks from the Golf, Tennis, Pickleball tournament were handed out, you remember the energy and the joy from the recipients as they received their checks. Just look at what this club accomplished! How many amazing charities are stronger and able to serve more of our community because of your efforts at the 2025 tournament?
This is the WHY of the tournament.
One event with far reaching effects!
Volunteers-The Heart of the Tournament
Volunteers – The secret sauce to our day of service and fundraising for charities is our volunteers. Secure your spot now so you know how you’ll contribute…and how you’ll enjoy the fellowship the rest of the day. Volunteering has a not-so-secret side benefit of building relationships (dare I say Strengthening Connections?? ?) with fellow Rotarians!
For many Roswell Rotarians, the Golf, Tennis, Pickleball Tournament is the place where they, as a new member, felt most engaged and made the most connections with their fellow club members. Volunteer, make new friends, serve our community-We all win!
Sign Up to Volunteer
August 9 3pm - 6pm
The Big Connect
The Big Connect – Strengthening Connections Campaign accelerator!
On Sunday, August 9 from 3 pm – 6 pm. Roswell Rotary will sponsor a crowd-pleasing volunteer event – three impactful projects at three of our beloved breweries – Gate City, Variant, and Voo Doo. We will hit each brewery for an hour, have fellowship, and complete a service project at each – for 3 of our local charities! It will be a fast-paced service accelerator afternoon demonstrating our commitment to Service Above Self. And a fun way for us all to connect as club.
Bonus: If you have sponsored Golf, Tennis, or Pickleball and paid, you receive a free beer at one of the breweries.
Thank You Golf Tournament Sponsors
Thank You Tennis & Pickleball Sponsors
Wed. Aug 12 6:30pm
Tennis-Pickleball Clinic
Board Spotlight
James Stone
Having previously served as Events Chair, Charitable Giving Chair and Youth Services Chair, James Stone is now a returning Board Member, serving as Treasurer for Leslie, his “Rotary classmate,” joining Rotary with her in 2020
One of five kids in his family, James originally hails from Blakely, a small town in southwest Georgia (most likely you passed through or around it while going to the Emerald Coast on the Florida Panhandle). He attended UGA as an undergraduate, where he met his wife, Rachel, and then graduated from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in 2013
A fifth-generation attorney, James and his law practice focus on helping clients receive compensation for injuries caused by others, primarily from medical malpractice or other catastrophic instances. He practices in the firm’s Atlanta office located in Sandy Springs
James and his family moved to Roswell in 2017. Seeking to become more involved in the community, he attended several Rotary functions before finally formally applying for membership. Coming from a small town, he understands and appreciates how communities benefit from strong relationships combined with a shared common purpose. It didn’t hurt that Gordon Owens frequently mentioned the connect between Roswell Rotary and the local breweries, as it seemed function found its way to Gate City in some way or another, which was not a bad sell either.
While 2020 and COVID did not exactly serve as a recipe for expanding community involvement, James nevertheless stuck with Rotary through the Zoom meetings (even getting inducted via Zoom) and jumped at the opportunity to join past-president John Carruth’s Board, which served as a springboard for getting involved in other facets of the club, like Youth Services.
Spending his down time hanging out with their two sons, Jacob (7) and Eli (4), James participates in most anything recreational sports-related, tinkering with residential electronics and the occasional “twin-date” to the movies to catch the latest blockbuster (or Marvel movie)
Honored when President Leslie asked him to join her board and assume Michael Agurkis’s “hatchet man” role, James hopes the well-oiled machine will not require a new and enhanced version of the hatchet man. Time will tell, though.
Fun Fact: James is an identical twin and spends a fair amount of time explaining to and convincing those who do not know his identical twin brother, John, also lives in Roswell. (Or perhaps he is pretending to be his brother, for a laugh…just ask Andy Williams about his experience with it…
Connection Challenge #2
Favorite Leadership Book
Upcoming Roswell Rotary Events
Strengthen Your Connections Here!
Huskies Helping Huskies Backpacking Project
Thursday, July 23
Wish List Link
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The Big Connect
Sunday, August 9th
3pm - 6pm
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Tennis Pickleball Clinic
Wednesday, August 12
6:30pm - 8:00pm Country Club of Roswell
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2026 Golf, Tennis, Pickleball Tournament
Monday, Sept. 14
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Last Week at Roswell Rotary
