President's Message
It's easy to say what we value. It's harder, and more meaningful, to show it. At our First Responders Farm Day, Roswell Rotary showed it, and we showed it in a big way.
Our First Responders run toward danger so the rest of us don't have to. They give up holidays, sleep, and time with their families to keep our community safe. Saying "thank you" matters. But on a beautiful fall day at Gold & Grass Farm in Ball Ground, we said it with hayrides, ATVs, art projects, laughing kids, and enough food to feed a small army. Several of our guests went home with dinner for their families for days. That's appreciation you can taste.
None of it would have happened without Gary Garrett, who welcomed all of us to his farm with the kind of warmth that makes everyone feel like family. Gary didn't just open the gate. He jumped right in, and there he was on the tractor, pulling the hayride for the kids. If you know what Gary has been through with his health these past several months, you know how much that moment meant. It was more than a hayride. It was a comeback, and a picture of dedication in action. Gary, thank you. You set the tone for the whole day.
To our Farm Day Committee: you made it look easy, which is how we know how hard you worked. Every detail, from the activities to the art tables to the spread that kept coming, was thought through and carried out so smoothly that our guests just got to relax and enjoy themselves. That kind of seamless day doesn't happen by accident. It happens because a group of committed Rotarians plans it, sweats it, and shows up early and stays late. Well done.
And to every member who volunteered, served food, wrangled kids, set up, cleaned up, or just showed up to shake a hand and say thanks: you are the reason this club means something in our community. You turned our values into memories that First Responder families will be talking about for a long time.
That's who we are. We don't just talk about Service Above Self. We put on our boots, head out to the farm, and live it.
Let's keep that momentum rolling. There's more good work ahead, and I can't wait to do it alongside you. Next up: World Polio Day Cornhole Tournament this WEDNESDAY at LUCKY’s. Bring on the competition!
Yours in Service,
Leslie
Meet the Longest Serving Member of the USO - Mary Lou Austin
Mary Lou Austin is the accomplished Executive Director at USO Georgia with a rich background in non-profit management and leadership. With over five decades of experience, she has successfully led initiatives for military service members and their families. Her expertise spans management, operational planning, and team building, making her a pivotal figure in the non-profit sector. Her academic foundation includes a bachelor’s degree in education and social sciences from Misericordia University and a master’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University.
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Oct. 21
Cornhole for Polio
Sign Up today at Volunteer Table!
- Date: Wednesday, October 21st
- Start time: 6:00 PM
- Location: Lucky’s Burger & Brew
- Entry fee: $100 per team or $50 per person – we can pair up anyone who signs up individually.
Contact Bob Clarkson for more info bobc@c21connectrealty.com
November is Foundation Month
November is The Rotary Foundation month! Take Your Paul Harris Fellow Giving to The Rotary Foundation to the Next Level!
Roswell Rotary Club wants to help you reach your next Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) recognition level!
As part of our commitment to Rotary’s mission and Service Above Self, the club will make a matching contribution of up to $300 per member toward your next PHF giving level this Rotary year.
Here’s how to participate:
1. Contact Cheryl Greenway to find out how much you need to reach your next PHF level for this giving year.
2. The club will match your contribution up to $300 toward your next recognition level.
Each Paul Harris Fellow recognition level represents $1,000 in cumulative giving to The Rotary Foundation.
Your contribution may be tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your individual circumstances.
Let’s continue making a difference in our community and around the world through Rotary’s commitment to Service Above Self!
This Saturday Oct. 24
Fall Gala for Homestretch
A few tickets left! Reach out to Bob Hagan 770-587-40241 678-576-4838 or Lee Hollingsworth.
Oct. 28
Blood Drive
Click HERE to donate
Questions? Hal Schlenger 770-335-0077 and Darrell Bartlett 470-436-4045
Peace Pumpkin Patch
Roswell Rotary Boo Ya'll Scarecrow
It’s that time again - time to vote for your favorite Canton Street Scarecrow
President Leslie Bassett and the scarecrow team of Kathy Igou, Kenneth Briggs and Jackie Jordan crafted our Peace girl ✌
Rotary District 6900’s District Governor Cynthia’s motto this year is “Peace through Economics, Culture, and Education" ☮️
Find the Peace Scarecrow on Canton Street - *hint* it may be near a certain Rotarians business.
Click Here to Vote for the Peace Pumpkin Patch
Nov. 7th
Collecting Medical Equipment
Contact Al Nash 404-867-8287 or Jonathan Crooks 770-841-8686
Buy a Box!
Adopt a Platoon Oct. 19 Packing Day
Sign up to buy a Box for the Troops at the Meeting Volunteer Table or contact Kathy Igou 404-408-4188
Sat. Dec. 12
Holiday Party- Save the Date
Evite Link https://evite.me/6YAWvJYCTZ
QR Code 
Thursday, April 22, to Sunday, April 25, 2027
District Conference Asheville NC
2027 Conference Overview
Dates: April 22–25, 2027
Location: Asheville, NC (Blue Ridge Mountains)
Host Hotels: Embassy Suites and DoubleTree by Hilton (Downtown Asheville)
Registration Tiers: Early Bird Special (July 1 – Dec 31, 2026): $350Regular Registration (Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2027): $425Late/On-site (April 1 – Apr 25, 2027): $450
You can track updates and complete registration through the official Rotary District 6900 website.
What a Day!
First Responder Farm Day
What a wonderful day! Take a moment to experience what this day was all about courtesy of Story and photos by Stanley Leary, StanleyLeary.com.
Click Here
Upcoming Roswell Rotary Events
Strengthen Your Connections Here!
Cornhole for Polio
Wed. Oct. 21 Lucky's 6pm
Add To Calendar
Gala for Homestretch
St. Ives 5pm-9pm
Add To Calendar
Medical Equipment Collection
Sat. Nov..7
Add To Calendar
Adopt a Platoon Packing
Thursday Nov. 19
Add To Calendar
Holiday Party
Sat, Dec. 12 6pm-9pm
Add To Calendar
District Conference Asheville NC
April 22-25, 2027
Add To Calendar
