A Thanksgiving Reflection
President's Corner (Repost from 11/26/25)
(Editor's Note: We are republishing President Trummie's Gratitude message from last week for those who missed it while traveling and hosting family during Thanksgiving. We received so much positive feedback about the message and how it is a powerful way to enter the holiday season. May we all give and receive deep gratitude during the weeks ahead.) “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessing.” — William Arthur Ward As we gather with family and friends this week, I want to pause and reflect on something that rests at the very heart of this season: gratitude. It is one of the greatest powers we possess. It steadies us, lifts us, and reminds us—sometimes gently, sometimes profoundly—of just how blessed we truly are. Thanksgiving isn’t simply a holiday on the calendar. It is a sacred invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and notice the abundance that is found in our everyday lives: the people who love us, the opportunities before us, the freedoms we enjoy, and the small, quiet blessings that often go unseen. Even in the midst of hard seasons, gratitude has a remarkable way of shifting our perspective. It reveals what is good, what is beautiful, and what is worth holding on to. As Rotarians, we have even more to be grateful for. We belong to a club that believes in serving and strengthening our community. We live it and that’s awesome! This year, together, we have changed lives in meaningful ways—honoring our heroes , supporting students, and investing our time, resources, and hearts into making Roswell a better place. We are blessed to serve—because not everyone gets that opportunity. This Thanksgiving, I hope each of you will take a quiet moment to reflect on the blessings in your life and the impact we’ve made together. When we give, we grow. When we serve, we love. And when we love this community the way Roswell Rotary does, we discover a deeper meaning of gratitude. I recently heard a story, a true story, that made national news because it captured something deeply human. In a small rural school, a teacher asked her students to write down something they were thankful for. Most children wrote what you’d expect: pets, sports, family, or technology. But one little boy wrote just seven words: “I am thankful for my school lunch.” Nothing more. Just the one meal each day he knew he could count on. When the teacher gently asked him about it, he explained that dinners weren’t always certain, and sometimes that warm tray in the lunchroom was the brightest part of his day. That moment changed her—and everyone who heard the story. It reminds everyone that gratitude often lives in the simplest places…in the things we overlook…in the things someone else might be praying for. That little boy taught us something profound: thankfulness isn’t measured by abundance—it’s measured by awareness. As Scripture reminds us in Psalms, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name…. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”” Not for some circumstances—but in all circumstances. Even the difficult ones. Even the heartbreaking ones. The season invites us to notice the blessings right in front of us: a warm home, a familiar table, a steady job, laughter in the next room, and the people who show up exactly when we need them. Gratitude, at its core, is rooted not in what we possess—but in the unshakable goodness of God. Which leads me to write about a more personal matter. This Thanksgiving, that truth carries deeper meaning for me. For the first time in 50 years, I will celebrate without my father—my best friend, my mentor, and the man whose steady love shaped my life. There’s no denying that this year will feel different. He adored Thanksgiving. It was his holiday—full of family, food, laughter, a lot of red wine…and most of all, togetherness. My dad loved family above all else. What an example he set for all of us. Anyone who knew him, knew his love for his family. And what says family more than Thanksgiving. Last week at the CMA Awards, one of my favorite artists performed the song “Stand By Me.” But he also wrote a song that has carried me through one of the hardest and emotional years of my life. Stephen Wilson Jr. wrote a song about his own father’s passing, describing grief as a “passenger” he carries with him every day—one he never understood until now. His lyrics cut straight to the truth: “Grief is only love that’s got no place to go.” This year, my father’s chair will be empty. But he will not be absent. His love will be felt and his legacy will echo in our hearts. Not to change the subject, but as I write these words about gratitude amidst loss, I am reminded of a story I recently read about the legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden. Toward the end of his life, he was asked what Thanksgiving meant to him. He didn’t talk about championships. He didn’t talk about fame. He didn’t talk about success. Instead, he told a small, quiet story. One Thanksgiving years earlier, after his wife Nell had passed, Wooden came home from dinner with friends. The house was dark, painfully quiet. Her chair was empty. Her glasses were still on the side table. Everything felt hollow. He sat down on the floor beside her rocking chair — the place she always sat to read — and he cried for the first time in a long time. He said he felt two things at the exact same time: a grief so heavy it stole his breath… and a gratitude so deep it held him together. “I missed her,” he said, “but I thanked God for every year I had with her. You can hold sorrow and gratitude at the same time. In fact, that’s when gratitude means the most.” Every year after that, Wooden spent part of Thanksgiving in the quiet, sitting by that chair. Not to be sad — but to remember. To give thanks for what love gave him, and even for what loss taught him. Thanksgiving isn’t powerful because everything is perfect. It’s powerful because we choose gratitude even when life isn’t easy…because we remember the people whose chairs are empty…because we give thanks not only for what we have, but for what we ONCE HAD! Wooden reminds us that gratitude is often intertwined with grief — and that the very weight of our sorrow is proof of how deeply we’ve been blessed. This season, may we all find the courage to sit in our own quiet places…to remember the people who shaped us…and to be grateful — fiercely, fully, honestly — even when our hearts ache a little. Love doesn’t leave us. Influence doesn’t fade. Those who shape us most remain with us—in every act of kindness, in every story retold, in every tradition we keep, and in every moment we gather as a family. Yes, the ache will be real. But so will the gratitude. Gratitude for the 50 years I got to share with him. Gratitude for a family that loves fiercely. Gratitude for health, opportunity, and the simple gifts that make life meaningful. And gratitude for all of you—the members of Roswell Rotary. Serving as your President has honestly been one of the most surprising honors of my life. I am so thankful for you, this club and the work we are doing. I have often said that “I didn’t know what kind of President of Roswell Rotary I wanted to be before losing Dad, but I can tell you the kind of President I want to be now”….In our 75th year, I believe we are truly living out the very best of what Roswell Rotary can be, and I am grateful for you—today and every day. SO, as we step into Thanksgiving week, may your Thanksgiving table be filled with joy, laughter, and the people who matter most. And may your heart be filled with thankfulness for the life you have, the memories you hold, and the difference you make every single day. Thank you for being part of my life, my journey, and a part of OUR family of service that lives a life of “SERVICE ABOVE SELF.” Sic Vos Non Vobis Trummie Patrick III Roswell Rotarians Helping Each Other
Gratitude Wall
This is a new section of the Rotoscope- highlighting a few of the many acts of service our members give to each other: Hal Schlenger: Thanks to Sam Lane of Jarvis Tree Experts who did more than fix numerous troublesome tree issues at my home. In true Rotarian style, Sam took the time to explain why he was doing what he was doing, suggest that something I requested wasn’t best for the tree, and educate me on things to watch for in the coming years. True value (and done safely). Darrell Bartlett: The Bartlett’s have been so very blessed with love, support and prayers during these difficult times. Claire and I cannot express enough our gratitude! We love all of our Rotarian brothers and sisters and can’t wait to see them soon! Special thanks to the "cooler on the porch" team. We feel so blessed each time we receive your text that you have left your special casserole or dessert or other meal for us. Thank you for your prayers and for the prayer circle video. We feel your arms around us. Trummie Lee Patrick: I would like to thank Alicia Hughes. Every month, every week, every day, Alicia Hughes is hard at work behind the scenes making sure Roswell Rotary runs smoothly. I simply could not be president of this great club—or have any success leading it—without her. Thank you, Alicia. You are truly an amazing Rotarian and the steady heartbeat of our club. Leslie Bassett: I would like to thank Joe Mazzeo of Expert Plumbing Service. Joe came out to the house to do a quick plumbing repair and went above and beyond service. He unclogged things that were not part of the job and even went so far as to explain to me in great detail and with patience how to avoid future problems. Thank you, Joe Mazzeo. Farrell Middleton: Championing Growth Through The Bell Curve of Life
Join us December 4, when Farrell Middleton, the founder and president of The Bell Curve of Life, provides a transformative program to inspire personal and organizational excellence. With a mission to cultivate A-Level Performers and A-Level Environments, Farrell has engaged hundreds of individuals through interactive workshops, keynote presentations, contractor accreditation classes, and small group sessions. His approach blends practical tools with high-level discovery, guiding participants to identify what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve in the areas that matter most. Farrell’s second career as a teacher, speaker, and author follows a distinguished 36-year tenure in residential land development and homebuilding. A Georgia Tech honors graduate, he held senior leadership roles in both private and public sectors, including Vice President and Director of Operations positions in the Atlanta housing market. Known for his ability to lead diverse teams and navigate complex dynamics, Farrell transitioned at age 57 to pursue his long-held passion for mentoring and leadership development. In 2025, Farrell published his first book, A Performer/A Environment, a practical roadmap for enhancing performance and upgrading workplace culture. The book anchors The Bell Curve of Life framework and introduces the “20/60/20” principle, recognizing that while 20% of individuals consistently excel, the majority perform adequately, and a final 20% struggle. Farrell’s goal is to help individuals rise into that top tier through self-discovery, mindset shifts, and actionable strategies. His signature offerings include: - “60-Minute Saturdays”: No-prep, interactive workshops open to all
- Small group sessions: 90-minute deep dives into personal and professional growth
- Keynote presentations: Tailored talks for audiences of all sizes.
- Debut book: A Performer/A Environment: Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kindle, and Audible
Farrell’s leadership philosophy emphasizes self-compassion, goal-setting, and celebrating small victories, daily habits that build the confidence required for exceptional achievement. His work resonates with seasoned professionals, emerging leaders, and organizations seeking clarity, consistency, and purpose. A native of Savannah and the youngest of four siblings, Farrell met his wife Kathy in high school. Married since 1986, they’ve raised two daughters, Pfeiffer and Collier, who now live in the Atlanta area. Farrell continues to serve the community through his writing, speaking, and mentoring, helping others discover their best selves and build environments where excellence thrives. TOMORROW Wed. Dec. 3 5:30pm
Women of Rotary Social
RSVP NOW to Lori Kirn loriakirn@gmail.com Saturday, Dec. 13
Holiday Party-Register NOW!
Special December Opportunity
President Trummie will speak to the Club on Thursday about a special opportunity that has been presented to help three veterans in the month of December. Our club is so generous and it can feel at times that there are just so many asks for our donations, but when an extraordinary opportunity presents itself, our club is nimble and generous. Third Annual Event
ChristKindle Market Now Open
The 3rd annual Christkindle Market at Bulloch Hall is OPEN! Please come to support us. The market goes through December 23. Hours are Mon-Thurs 3-8, Fri/Sat noon-9, Sunday noon-8. Please volunteer at the Bulloch Hall Gift Shoppe as part of the Rotary participation. Click this link or contact Karen Schwank at Karen@keedesignsinc.com. If you would like more information, please click here. Get Your new Rotary Shirt!
Starting Thursday, Nov.13, Roswell Rotary will be taking pre-orders for men's and women’s polos with the 75th anniversary logo on them and ladies blingy shirts! Be ready to place your order for you and your significant other! Pricing details to come. See Karen Schwank to order.
April 16-19, 2026
2026 District Conference- Lake Lanier Islands
Click Here to Register Speaker Line up for remainder of December- Invite a guest!
Dec. 4 Farrell Middleton - The Bell Curve of Life More Info Dec. 11 Chancellor Sonny Perdue Dec. 18 Tony Barnhart - College Football Update Meeting Details - Rotary Club of Roswell
- Roswell Area Park
- Bill Johnson Community Activity Building
- 10495 Woodstock Road
- Roswell, GA 30075
Upcoming Roswell Rotary Events
Save the Date: Find Your Spot and Help Us to Unite for GOOD
Women in Rotary Holiday Social
Wed. Dec 3 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Add To Calendar
Roswell Rotary Holiday Party
Saturday, Dec 13
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District 6900 Conference Lake Lanier Islands
Thursday April 16 - Sunday April 19
Add To Calendar Two Weeks Ago at Roswell Rotary
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