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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

Posted by Leslie Bassett
October 20, 2026

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