President's Message
Most mornings, I get up extra early to create a space of time that is mine alone. I don’t want to talk (just ask my family). I don’t want the news on. I don’t want to get fed other people’s ideas or experiences. It’s a space I reserve for quiet—listening for what God’s got for me that day, paying attention to where my mind gravitates, and what that might mean for how I should focus my efforts.
The idea for The Big Connect came in one of those quiet mornings. I was musing on how I wanted to steer the tenor of this year’s Roswell Rotary experience. We repeat the motto “Service Above Self” almost reflexively at times. I wanted us to begin the Rotary year by demonstrating, in a concentrated period of time—just three hours—the kind of energy we bring to service, the joy we derive from sharing a purpose (and a beer) on a Sunday afternoon, and the dedication we have to filling the needs of those in our community who need us most.
This Sunday, The Big Connect brings that vision to life. We’ll gather at our local, Rotarian‑owned breweries, supporting our members’ businesses and enjoying true fellowship. At the same time, we’ll engage in hands‑on service projects that meet real needs for our Seniors, our First Responders, and the families served by The Drake House.
When we show up in our community, side by side, we’re doing more than attending an event. We’re showing Roswell who we are as Rotarians: people who find joy in service, who invest in each other, and who are willing to give up a quiet Sunday afternoon to make a tangible difference—beer in hand and purpose in heart.
So here’s my ask this week:
- Make The Big Connect a priority on your Sunday.
- Invite a prospective member or a family member to join you.
- Come ready to serve, to laugh, and to share with our community what Rotary looks like in Roswell.
Let’s begin this Rotary year by living our motto in full view of our city, demonstrating that our connections—with each other and with those we serve—are what give meaning to “Service Above Self.”
In Service,
Leslie
Welcome Senator John Albers: Champion for Our Community
Senator Albers has long been an active and engaged member of our community. His service includes participation on numerous boards of directors for business, civic, and charitable organizations. A fourth‑generation firefighter, he served more than 30 years as a volunteer, and his sons have continued the family legacy as fifth‑generation first responders.
In the Georgia Senate, Senator Albers is a respected leader, serving as Chairman of the Senate Committee and contributing to several other key committees. He has been recognized more than two dozen times as Legislator of the Year by various organizations.
In 2021, Senator Albers became an organ donor, giving a kidney to his son. Following this life‑changing experience, he championed the Giving the Gift of Life Act and has since become a national advocate for organ donation, working to pass laws and raise awareness.
Senator Albers holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville and completed postgraduate programs at Harvard University and the University of Georgia. When not attending to state business, he is an executive, business owner, and entrepreneur. He and his wife, Kari, have been married for 33 years and have two sons. John is also a proud member of Roswell Rotary.
Please Listen
Important Video
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Board Member Spotlight
Nancy Alterman- 2024 Past President
Nancy Alterman – Traveler, Rotarian, Cancer Care Advocate, Sports Fan, and Dog Whisperer
Born in Buffalo, New York, Nancy’s journey has taken her from snowstorms to seven continents. Upon earning a degree in Biology from the University of Rochester, she began her Radiation Therapy career in oncology at Strong Memorial Hospital. A move to Marblehead, Massachusetts led to an exciting role with a Swedish manufacturer of radiation therapy equipment, thus combining medicine with international business.
While pursuing her MBA at Boston University, Nancy met her husband Richard. They married, moved to Newark, Delaware, where she became Medical Affairs Director for the Delaware American Cancer Society, and welcomed their daughter, Tori.
In 1992, the family headed south to Alpharetta, Georgia, where Nancy spent the next three decades caring for cancer patients in radiation oncology at several Atlanta hospitals before retiring in 2022. Retirement, however, has proven to be just another full-time job!
Nancy has been a devoted member of Happy Tails Pet Therapy, where her beloved mutt, Millie, comforted patients and families for 14 years. Now the next generation, another lovable mutt named Millarky, is being evaluated to become a certified therapy dog and continue the family tradition.
Nancy also is a board member of the Cottage School working with the advancement committee and also Friends of Bulloch where she has chaired numerous Magnolia Balls and has been deeply involved with the Roswell Chriskindle Market.
An avid traveler, Nancy has visited all seven continents and all five oceans, always looking for her next adventure. She’s also an enthusiastic sports fan whose game-day loyalties span the country. You’ll find her cheering for the Georgia Bulldogs, Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves, and the Boston Red Sox—proof that you can successfully root for teams from both the North and the South!
Closer to home, service is at the heart of everything she does. A proud Rotarian for 16 years, Nancy served as President of the Roswell Rotary Club during 2024–25, earning the prestigious Sheffield Leadership Award while leading the club through an award-winning year. Today, she continues her Rotary journey as an Area Governor supporting four clubs.
Nancy and Richard recently traded Alpharetta for a wooded home on Cox Road in Cherokee County, also celebrated 38 years of marriage. Richard is semi-retired and now runs his own business development consulting company. Their daughter, Tori, is an ICU nurse at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Arthur M. Blank Hospital and recently married her longtime partner, Allison.
When she’s not traveling, volunteering, or cheering on her favorite teams, Nancy enjoys relaxing with a good thriller. Her favorite authors include Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Gregg Hurwitz. Practicing Tai Chi, which helps her balance an active life filled with service, travel, family and fun, believing life is best lived with purpose, curiosity, compassion, and a healthy sense of adventure.
New Member Spotlight
Welcome Kirk Wilson
Kirk Wilson joined Roswell Rotary Club in June after 15 years as a member of the downtown Atlanta Club. A Paul Harris fellow, Kirk retired as CEO of St Joseph Hospital in Sandy Springs when it merged into Emory Healthcare in 2010. He unretired twice to serve as interim CEO of two other regional medical centers as they transitioned to new leadership/ownership.
Along with his wife Monica, a retired medical technologist, the Wilsons have lived in Johns Creek since 2006 and have one son, Bret, a STEAM educator in Cobb county.
Fun facts: Kirk enjoys golf, trumpet, travel and painting. and looks forward to continuing his Rotary service focused on improving senior activities.
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.
Coming Up Sept. 3rd
US Treasurer Brandon Beach Speaking at Roswell Rotary
President's Challenge Week of July 30
Wed. Aug 12 6:30pm
Tennis-Pickleball Clinic
Sat. August 22, 2026
Run/Walk for Officer Labonte
Roswell Rotarians, join the Roswell community as we lace up our running shoes to honor a local hero. The Jeremy Labonte Memorial 5K is more than just a race; it is a community-wide tribute to a man who gave his all for our safety, and a chance for us to come together to support the men and women who wear the badge.
Running for a Cause: Every step you take, and every registration fee helps give back to the department Officer Labonte loved. All proceeds from the race will directly benefit Friends of Roswell Police and The Roswell Police Foundation.
Location: Sweet Apple Elementary (12025 Etris Rd, Roswell, GA), Date: Saturday August 22nd, 8:00 AM.
Course: Fast, Flat, and fully paved out and back on Etris Road
Who: Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome!
Sign up here: Jeremy Labonte Memorial 5K
Contact: Jason Stine 770-527-2882, Elizabeth Greer 404-510-9733, or Lynne Lindsay 404-229-4558 with questions.
Aug 26
Blood Drive
URGENT - Please Help Keep YE Alive for Roswell Rotary
Roswell Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of supporting Rotary Youth Exchange and the global connections it fosters. This year, we have an urgent need for a host family for our 17‑year‑old student from Vimercate, Italy, who will be entering the 11th grade at Roswell High School. She arrives next week, and while host families are already secured for the fall and winter terms, we are in immediate need of a family to host her for the Spring 2027 semester.
We are looking for a caring family willing to open their home and hearts to her for a three‑month hosting period. You do not need to have a high school student of your own to participate, just a willingness to share your family life, offer support, and embrace a meaningful cultural exchange . Families do not have to be in Rotary. If you know of a great family in the Roswell High School district, please approach them about this opportunity!
The Rotary Youth Exchange Program thrives because of families who generously welcome students they have never met, creating bonds that last a lifetime. In a world that feels increasingly divided, hosting an exchange student is a powerful way to build understanding, broaden perspectives, and help our young people, and ourselves, see the shared hopes and dreams that connect us across cultures.
If you would like to explore this opportunity for global friendship, either for this school year or next, or know a neighbor or friend who would open their home, please contact Alesia Booth, Deb Perkins, or email roswellrotaryye@gmail.com.
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
Sponsorships- The Tournament Engine
Sponsorships are the engine that drives the Golf-Tennis-Pickleball Tournament.
As Rotarians, we know service above self is more than a motto — it’s a call to action. That’s why the Roswell Rotary Golf, Tennis, & Pickleball Tournaments are more than just fun on the fairways and fierce matches on the courts. They’re engines of change for our community.
Every dollar raised through our annual tournaments goes directly to local charities that make a difference in the lives of children, veterans, seniors, and families in need. Corporate sponsorship helps fund programs that provide winter clothing for students, medical equipment for veterans, meals for homebound seniors, and educational support for at-risk youth — to name just a few.
Thank you to the Sponsorship Committee for stepping up to serve in this critical role. But remember, the Sponsorship Committee will need the help of every Roswell Rotary member. We have to fire up this engine with our friends, neighbors, contacts, and networks. We are all part of the sponsorship team!
To sponsor or learn more, visit the Tournament Website or contact Kurt Hilbert khilbert@kaufmanhilbert.com
Commit early! The Big Connect event is on August 9th, and all committed and paid sponsors will get a free beer at one of our three event breweries while we perform a service project for one of the tournament charities. Great way to get your company involved and experience hands-on exactly where your sponsorship dollars go!
New for Premium Sponsors (Silver and Above): Special exclusive invitation-only event before the tournament and VIP perks. Contact Kurt Hilbert khilbert@chalmersadams.com
Upcoming Roswell Rotary Events
Strengthen Your Connections Here!
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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Officer Labonte 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, August 22 8am
Sweet Apple Elementary
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Blood Drive
Wed. Aug 26 8am-2pm
The Tavern
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2026 Golf, Tennis, Pickleball Tournament
Monday, Sept. 14
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