President's Message
This Week at Roswell Rotary: DG Visit, Our Values, Heroes, Fall Action
This week, we are honored to host District Governor Steve Ivory of Rotary District 6900 as he visits our club and shares his vision for Rotary. The position of District Governor is one of the most important leadership roles in Rotary International. A governor doesn’t just hold a title — he/she serves as the bridge between Rotary International and the local clubs that carry out Rotary’s mission on the ground. Roswell Rotary has had three past District Governors who served from our club: Cheryl Greenway, Bob Hagan, and Gordon Owens. We are proud of them and proud to welcome DG Steve to our meeting. The role of a District Governor is grounded in service, support, and vision. DG Steve provides guidance to dozens of clubs across our State, helping presidents and members align with Rotary International’s priorities, while inspiring us to continue serving our communities with energy and purpose. He is charged with visiting every club in the district, listening to our challenges, celebrating our successes, and encouraging us to dream big about what Rotary can achieve. As Arch Klumph, founder of The Rotary Foundation, once said: “The Rotary Foundation is not to build monuments of brick and stone. If we work upon marble, it will perish; if we work upon brass, time will efface it… but if we work upon immortal minds… we are engraving on that which is eternal.” For Roswell Rotary, DG Steve’s visit is more than ceremonial — it is a reminder that our work in this community is part of something much bigger. As we reflect on DG Steve’s visit, we are reminded that the true measure of Rotary lies not just in ceremony, but in the tangible good we create—through service, building friendships that transcend differences, and focusing on a shared vision of a better world. These foundational values are not confined within club walls; they ripple outward, offering guidance for how we engage with the broader world. As Paul Harris, Rotary’s founder, wrote: “Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.” Just as Rotary calls us to elevate service above self and to cherish understanding over discord, so too does our daily life demand a commitment to genuine communication and empathy. In a time when listening is rare and conflict too easily found, Rotary’s principles invite us to be bridges—connecting not only communities, but hearts and minds. By embracing the spirit of Rotary, we can choose dialogue over division, compassion over contention, and, ultimately, become agents of the positive change our world so urgently needs. In today’s world, authentic communication is more important than ever. We live in a time when too often people talk over one another instead of truly listening. We live in a time when many would rather argue than seek peace, when opinions are valued more than understanding, and when violence is too often chosen as the solution to disagreements.
Rotary reminds us that we are at our best not when we shout louder, but when we listen with respect and come together for a common cause of service. As Stephen Covey put it: “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” Rotary asks us to do better —calling us to lead with listening, empathy, and the courage to act—demonstrating that service is not just a value, but a living practice. Rotary challenges us not only to aspire to higher principles but to bring them to life through our actions, big and small. Today, our club puts these values into motion as we recognize an individual who personifies the courage to act. As part of our monthly program of recognizing our local heroes, we are proud to honor our Roswell Rotary Hero of the Month, Captain Jeff Mealor, from the Roswell Fire Department. He represents the courage and dedication of all who serve, putting Service Above Self each day by protecting our families and our community. We are grateful for his commitment and sacrifice, and we celebrate him as an example of what it truly means to serve others first. Join me in honoring him and let's let him know what he means to our community! And finally, with the golf tournament behind us (Great job Ryan Gehricke, the committees, and all the volunteers), we look ahead to a busy fall of service and fellowship:
• Polio Awareness Tailgate – October 3 at the UGA vs. Kentucky football game in Athens. • Roswell Youth Day Parade – October 4, celebrating our community and showcasing Rotary’s impact. • First Responders Family Farm Day – October 12 at Gary Garrett’s farm, honoring those who protect and serve us daily. • Roswell Youth Council – recently launched in partnership with the City of Roswell, empowering the next generation of leaders. • Backpacks for Homeless Veterans – Rotary Community Grant project to support those who have served our nation and now need our care. Next week, Senator Saxby Chambliss will be speaking to our club. Please remember to invite your friends and colleagues. Sic Vos Non Vobis, Trummie Lee Patrick III
State Farm Insurance District 6900 Governor Steve Ivory to Visit Roswell Rotary Club Join us this Thursday as Roswell Rotary proudly welcomes Steve Ivory, our District 6900 Governor. Please plan to attend this meeting to show the District Governor our support as he shares updates on Rotary International and District 6900 goals and initiatives.
A committed Rotarian since 2001, Steve began his journey with the Rotary Club of Peachtree City, where he quickly took on leadership roles including Club Treasurer, Vice President, and GRSP Host Family. As Club President during the pandemic year of 2020–2021, he led with innovation and resilience, achieving a 254% increase in Foundation giving. His leadership continued as Assistant Governor under District Governors George Granade and Andre Marria, and he now brings his vision and energy to clubs across the district. [read more] THIS THURSDAY Sept. 18
Alive in Roswell
Sat Sept 20
Rivers Alive- Need Volunteers
Rivers Alive is an annual tradition in Roswell and sparks renewed pride in our unique riverside city. The event, co-hosted by Keep Roswell Beautiful and the City of Roswell, is part of a statewide campaign to clean and preserve Georgia’s 70,100 miles of rivers and streams. It is a fun and rewarding way to spend a morning! THIS SATURDAY September 20, 8:30 AM till Noon! Annual Statewide River cleanup, locally sponsored by Keep Roswell Beautiful and City of Roswell. Call or text Dutch Earle 770-403-0755 for more details and to sign up. Great project for families! Tuesday Sept. 30
Women in Rotary Event
The picture above is of the women members of Roswell Rotary Club.(Missing a few who were absent that day) All of the North End clubs attend Women in Rotary, so it's a great chance to network with other clubs and an excellent opportunity to bring a prospective member to see what Rotary is all about! Our upcoming event will be on September 30th from 5:30 to 7:30 Location: American Legion 201 Wills Road Alpharetta. GA There will be appetizers and $5 wine Bring a $5 Publix or Kroger gift card to support Meals by Grace Please RSVP to Lori Kirn lori.kirn@fairwaymc.com
Polio Plus Tailgate Party
Tailgating with a PURPOSE! Enjoy a fabulous tailgate in Athens while helping to raise money for Polio Plus AND meeting Rotarians from other clubs who love to tailgate. More details coming, but save the date NOW! April 16-19, 2026
2026 District Conference- Lake Lanier Islands
Click Here to Register Register NOW- Early Bird Discount Ends TODAY Tuesday September 16th Your body is asking for this
Walk with a Doc: Apple Picking in Ellijay plus Phy Therapist Dr Kim Richards speaks
Physical therapist Dr Kim Richards of All Points of Health Physical Therapy speaks about balance to avoid unnecessary trips, slips and falls.
Then the joy of tasting and picking the freshest apples at R& A Orchard is at 5505- GA 52 East, Ellijay GA 30536 Details at https://randorchards.com/ Additional walk and talk to follow the apple picking. Contact Hal Schlenger or Dr Betty Price for more info. Upcoming Roswell Rotary Events
Save the Date: Find Your Spot and Help Us to Unite for GOOD
Alive in Roswell Thursday, September 18 5pm - 8pm
Add To Calendar Rivers Alive- Sweep the Hooch
Saturday, Sept 20 8:30 am
Add To Calendar Walk with a Doc
Saturday, Sep 20 8:30am - 1130am
Apple-picking in Ellijay with Dr Kim Richards, Phy Therapist
Add To Calendar Youth Day Parade
Saturday, October 4 Time: TBD
Add To Calendar UGA Tailgate w Athens Rotary
Saturday, October 4 Time: TBD
Add To Calendar Farm Day with First Responders
Sunday, Oct. 12
Gold & Grass Farms
Add To Calendar Alive in Roswell
Thursday, October 16 5pm - 8pm
Add To Calendar December 13, 2025
Roswell Rotary Holiday Party
Saturday, Dec 13
Add To Calendar District 6900 Conference Lake Lanier Islands
Thursday April 16 - Sunday April 19
Add To Calendar
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