Speaker:
Rob Johnson
A Home for Everyone in DeKalb
Rob Johnson retired in 2016 after 29 years of service through the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB). He then launched a part-time “encore career” of serving as a change agent with individuals, organizations, and communities that are committed to making the world a better place. “Compassionate Capacity Building” is the by-line for his Rob R. Johnson Ltd. Co. coaching, facilitating and consulting practice.
During his tenure as COO of ACFB, he guided the organization’s winning the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta’s “Managing for Excellence” award multiple times. He’s a Leadership Atlanta alum whose non-profit priorities today are A Home For Everyone In DeKalb, Inc and Community of Hospitality, Inc. He also was a founder of Compassionate Atlanta, Inc. and is thrilled that the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has recently voted to endorse the international Charter for Compassion. Stay tuned for DeKalb becoming more compassionate!
His M.S. in Social Psychology and 30+ years of learning and leading within the professional “OD” community through the Organization Change Alliance and the Georgia Chapter of the Institute of Management Consultants have him primed for addressing food insecurity, affordable housing, racial justice, and other poverty-factors through best-possible collaborations!
Marriage to Carolyn for 53 years and supporting his daughter Leah’s family (especially two grandsons) up in Massachusetts are THE priorities. robjohnsonconsulting.net.
Upcoming Meetings and Events Mark those calendars!
Get a sneak peek at upcoming speakers on the website HERE.
Member Announcements and Meeting Recap: Jan. 26
President Tozzi welcomes the club and guests.
Guests
Caroline Ficken, Publisher of Decatur City Lifestyle Magazine,
Guest of Maria Alverez.
Maria Alverez introduced her friend, Caroline Ficken, who talked about her publication.
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Decatur Rotary to Honor Rev. James Brewer-Calvert
Rick Garnitz talks about the memorial project for our dear member, James Brewer-Calvert.
Last summer, our Rotary club lost one of its most beloved members when the Reverend James Brewer-Calvert died. He was an active member of this club, the Decatur community, and the 1st Christian Church of Decatur, where he served as minister for 25 years.
Our club board thought it was fitting that Decatur Rotary remembers James, and his contribution to building community. One of his passions was the Toy Park across from his church. The church owns and manages this wonderful in-town park which, on Saturdays, Sundays, and throughout the summer, is filled with children. James’s wife (the Reverend Betty Brewer-Calvert) suggested doing something with the Toy Park as an appropriate (and useful) memorial to his work.
Several benches in the park are beyond repair and need to be replaced. As a club, we wish to purchase five-foot benches, each with a plaque honoring James. We are asking for contributions from club members for this tribute in any amount you feel you can and wish to provide. On Friday, Jan. 26, and again on February 2 and 9, Jason Conn will be able to accept credit card payments. If you would prefer to send a check, please note it for The Rev. James Brewer-Calvert Memorial. Send checks to our PO Box (attention: Pete Pfeiffer, our treasurer), by February 16.
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PAGE STAR Event Is Feb. 9 with Special Start Time at 11:30
Tim Martin talked about the upcoming STAR event on February 9. He reminded all Rotarians that the event starts promptly at 11:30 am, so Rotarians who attend that day need to alter their schedules. It will not be good to show up at the regular time. Also, Tim asked for a show of hands of people planning to volunteer to be Rotary hosts for the event.
Host Volunteers: Please arrive at 11:15 am and be ready to greet our guests.
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Decatur Rotary Honors the Passing of James W. Ewing Jr
We were saddened to learn that Rotarian David Ewing’s father passed away on January 22, 2024. His service is scheduled for Feb. 10 at 2 pm, at Gainesville First United Methodist Church.
Jason Conn provided our invocation and talked about our Home Coming Event and the meaning of being a Rotarian.
On March 8, Decatur Rotary invites all its members – current and former, active or inactive to come home to the club and say hello. It’s a homecoming event where we will honor the history of the club and reflect on many of our great members, past and present.
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District Conference Schedule and Dates Announced
District Conference and Assembly | March 21-24
Jeckyll Island
Join The Lady With A Song on Jekyll Island, Georgia for a fun weekend celebrating the great work clubs have done during the 2023-2024 Rotary year. From Thursday night's karaoke beach party to Sunday's celebration, the weekend will be packed with fun, fellowship, learning opportunities and amazing speakers. We hope to see you there!
We have combined the annual District Training Assembly with the District Conference weekend this year. If you will serve in club leadership for the 2024-25 Rotary year, plan on arriving Thursday night and join us Friday morning for a leadership development and vibrant club workshop starting at 8 am. District Assembly will start with lunch on Friday, followed by breakout sessions to help your club become irresistible in your community.
Speaker recap: Dr. Todd Golde, Provides Hope About Alzheimer’s Research Progress
Art Rosser introduced Dr. Golde
Dr. Golde's Alzheimer's disease research helped lay the foundation for the amyloid hypothesis and has made major contributions to the understanding of amyloid and tau pathologies, as well as the immune system's role in the disease.
In an effort to develop innovative new therapies to combat Alzheimer's disease (AD), his laboratory is exploring a large number of proteins that accumulate alongside amyloid; investigating the use of antibodies to target psychological stress pathways, thought to contribute to AD and many other diseases; and evaluating ways in which the immune system might be harnessed for beneficial effects in AD.
Dr. Golde talked about progress on treatments as well as early detection.
Early Intervention Strategies: Dr. Golde talked about the importance of early intervention. Researchers are focusing on identifying and treating Alzheimer's disease in its earliest stages, often before symptoms manifest. Early detection and intervention offer the best chance of slowing disease progression and preserving cognitive function.
While these advancements represent significant progress in Alzheimer's research, much work remains to be done. Collaboration among scientists, clinicians, caregivers, and policymakers is crucial to accelerating progress toward better understanding, treatment, and ultimately, prevention of this complex and devastating disease.
President Tozzi thanks Dr Golde and presents a book to the DeKalb Library in his honor.
This n' That
Scenes from around the room at our most recent meeting. Individuals are identified from left to right.
Tom Adams with Pete Pfeiffer
Dan DeWoskin with Allison Weissinger
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We are grateful for the support of our local sponsors, and we encourage our members to support them in return.
Maria Alverez introduced her friend, Caroline Ficken, who talked about her publication.
Rick Garnitz talks about the memorial project for our dear member, James Brewer-Calvert. 
Jason Conn provided our invocation and talked about our Home Coming Event and the meaning of being a Rotarian.
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