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Lunch Meeting Friday, Sept. 12 Historic DeKalb County Courthouse 101 E. Court Square
. . . . . FRIDAY
SEPTEMBER 26 Meeting Program RYLA Experience, New Members
Classification Talks
. . . . . THURSDAY
OCTOBER 2 Thirsty Thursday
Twain's
211 E. Trinity Pl. Decatur 30030
5:30-7 pm
YOU'RE INVITED: Decatur High PTSA Social, Sept. 12
New Rotary member Jack Kirivong is co-president of the PTSA at Decatur High, and he invited club members to this week’s social, which is open to all community members.
DHS PTSA Social
Marlay House, 426 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Decatur
Friday, Sept. 12, 5-7 pm
. . . . .
Your Club Needs You!
Check out these opportunities for club service:
Club Secretary-in-Training | Because Eric starts the President-elect training soon, we need to identify someone to assume this important club role that serves as the focal point for communication for the membership and Board. Duties include such tasks as maintaining Board records, answering email inquiries about the club, sending communications to club members as needed, and coordinating with membership directors on new and existing members.
Treasurer-in-Training | Pete plans to step down from this role next summer, and we need someone to shadow him now and be ready to take over for the 2026-27 year. The treasurer processes funds collected, provides financial reports to the Board, and works closely with the President, Board, and membership. Duties include invoicing members, depositing checks, working with the accounting firm, and approving invoices. This is a big club
commitment!
Greeter Scheduler | We need someone to handle scheduling our weekly meeting greeters from October through next June. Duties are to secure volunteers, send weekly reminders, and communicate about such logistics as where to place our meeting sign, etc.
Join us for an unforgettable 2026 District Conference as we celebrate the incredible 2025-2026 Rotary Year under District Governor Steve! We’re excited to announce that we’re moving the conference to the beautiful Lake Lanier Islands Resort this year — offering a fresh, fun setting for fellowship, inspiration, and celebration. We can’t wait to see everyone there! We have made special arrangements for some fun outings Friday morning, including a scenic boat cruise, pickleball, nature walk, golf, and more.
Details: 2026 District Conference
April 16-19, 2026
Lake Lanier Islands, GA
. . . . .
PROGRAM:
Did you know Rotary supports character education in schools? The Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest asks students to select their own “Law of Life” and write about how it has applied to their lives. In doing so, students reflect deeply and write from the heart about what they think matters most. The contest celebrates the students’ stories and their often profound reflections, and offers significant cash awards to students and teachers.
Want to get involved? We need:
A CLUB COORDINATOR to be the point person with Decatur High School. Duties involve communicating with a DHS teacher about the program and deadlines.
ESSAY JUDGES to read and score essays in February 2026. Teams of 3 are assigned approximately 48 essays to read and score. Scoring takes approximately 5 to 7 hours; judges have a week to read and score. A virtual team meeting is held to discuss and select School-Level winners and Honorable Mentions.
As a judge, you will see how core values – such as generosity, courage, compassion, perseverance and grit – are experienced by a younger generation.
Marvin Fralish, 36 years
Bryan Downs, 29 years
Barbara Tedrow, 25 years
Chet Burge, 11 years
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Leo Ladefian, 8 years
Kelly Caudle, 6 years
Adam Laverack, 2 years
TES Stewart, 1 year
Dan DeWoskin, September 1
Andrea Arnold, September 2
Gyimah Whitaker, September 3
James Smith, September 8
Jason Conn, September 8
Shara Sanders, September 8
Vee Nelson, September 18
DeAnna Julian, September 21
Eric Lucas, September 22
Stacey Stevens, September 22
Last week, the Rev. Todd Speed gave the invocation. Dud Larus updated the club on the new fundraising committee and their goal of making our fundraising efforts more effective. Alison Weissinger welcomed our special guests, District Governor Steve Ivory and District Governor-Elect Cynthia Edwards, and she introduced Steve as our luncheon speaker.
DG Steve spoke about his excitement for the year ahead and covered many topics:
Member experience and engagement should be an area of emphasis for the club
The Rotary Foundation is rated as one of the best charities in the world, received highest rating on Charity Navigator
If Rotary International (RI) raises $50 million in a year, Bill Gates will match that with $150 million
Rotary International has seven areas of focus, including basic education & literacy; the environment; disease prevention & treatment; and peacebuilding & conflict prevention
Our district will focus on peacebuilding and a special effort to honor service heroes (fire, police, etc.)
Our district received some grant funding to fight the opioid crisis, such as Narcan training, opioid disposal projects
He praised our club for our good membership numbers, and encouraged us to take on more service projects and to consider adding video to our public image efforts.
Individuals are identified from left to right.
Gyimah Whitaker takes the 5 Questions quiz!
Steve Szeremeta and Leo Ladefian catch up
DG Steve, working the room!
DG-elect Cynthia Edwards joined us for Steve Ivory’s visit
OVERVIEW
