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Comunidad Connect is a nonprofit organization that creates programs in Nicaragua and Dominican Republic that improve community health, empower youth through sports, and support sustainable community development.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Jon graduated in 1997 from Centre College in Kentucky with a degree in history. He first visited Nicaragua in 1998, returned every year thereafter, and met there the woman who would become his wife, in 2002. That same year, Jon obtained his Masters of Social Work degree, with a concentration in Community Partnerships, from Georgia State University.
In 2005 Jon and his wife, Arelis, moved to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, full-time, and Comunidad Connect was founded shortly thereafter. After 10 years in Nicaragua, they returned to Atlanta, where they now live with their children.
GREETERS THIS WEEK
Bryan Downs and Todd Speed
Weekly luncheon meetings begin at 12:15 pm
on Fridays unless otherwise noted.
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THURSDAY
FEBRUARY 6
Past Presidents Reception
at Bench Warmers
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FRIDAY
FEBRUARY 7
PROGRAM: STAR Students
* * * NOTE * * *
Early start time
at 11:30 am
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FRIDAY
FEBRUARY 14
SPEAKERS: Shaakira Silvera
& Michelle Kuperman The Global Village Project
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FRIDAY
FEBRUARY 21
SPEAKER: Gretchen Hiley CISO Data Security
Randstad
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FRIDAY
FEBRUARY 28
SPEAKERS: Frances Holt & Duane Sprull Be The Voice Implementation
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THURSDAY
MARCH 6
Thirsty Thursday: Location TBA
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Meet Our Newest Members
Earlier this month, we inducted three new members into the club: Danielle Jones, Nichole Simms, and Elizabeth Sullivan. Scroll down to read more about two of them, and be sure to introduce yourself to each of them! (Coming next week: get to know Nichole Simms.)
Danielle Jones Originally from Vauxhall, NJ, Danielle serves as the Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator at Decatur High School, where she is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers through meaningful community partnerships. Danielle holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Education and a master’s in Education from Valdosta State University.
In her professional journey, Danielle has made significant contributions to Decatur High School, including serving as Cheerleading Coach, DHS Webmaster, FBLA Sponsor, Junior Class/Prom Sponsor, Learning Commons Intern, and School Store Supervisor. Her leadership and creativity have enriched both the school community and student experiences.
Passionate about service, Danielle volunteers with Meals on Wheels, her church's food pantry, and senior living facilities, offering companionship and support to residents. She also mentors girls of color, leads voter registration initiatives through school organizations, and has provided a warm and supportive presence as a greeter at Wellstar Kennestone Cancer Center. Danielle’s professional expertise and commitment to empowering youth reflect her drive to make a positive impact both in and beyond the classroom.
She is a neighbor of member Lawrence Sharp.
Elizabeth Sullivan
After growing up in Stone Mountain, Elizabeth attended the University of Georgia, graduating with a degree in criminal justice and speech communication, with a minor in Spanish. She went on to attend Georgia State University College of Law, obtaining her law degree in 2015.
Elizabeth currently runs her own firm, the Law Office of Elizabeth Sullivan LLC, where she practices workers’ compensation law, representing injured workers throughout the state of Georgia. She is a member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, and Atlanta Bar Association. She has served as a panelist at the State Board of Workers' Compensation Regional Seminar.
Apart from her law firm, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her twin girls and husband, Bret, traveling, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs in football and basketball.
Elizabeth is member Mac Willett’s daughter.
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Bring Canned Goods to Rotary on Friday
Please bring canned food to our meeting this week to support our canned food drive. Other non-perishable food items are also welcome. Contact Maria Alvarez or Bob Ettensohn with any questions. Thank you!
Our club will host an exchange student for the 2025-2026 school year, and we need to identify Decatur host families by January 31. Three families within the City of Decatur School district are needed to host – the student spends about three months at each home and will attend Decatur High. Let John Bennett, Kelly Caudle, or Doug Park know if you or a friend are interested.
David Ewing, 29 years
Doug Robinson, 12 years
Bryan Markowitz, 10 years
January Birthdays
Brian Deutsch, 6 years
Charles Lutin, 3 years
James Herndon, 1 year
Pete Pfeiffer, Jan. 1
Bill Mealor, Jan. 4
Alan Dishman, Jan. 19
Lawrence Sharp, Jan. 23
Doug Robinson, Jan. 27
FRIDAY | MARCH 21, 2025
Speaker Sarah Woodard (left) and Herb McCoy
Rick Garnitz gave the invocation. Dudley Larus introduced our speaker, Sarah Junkin Woodard, of Jubilee House Community. She spoke about the work Jubilee House is doing for the poor in Nicaragua. They pursue projects community members want, and look for sustainable approaches. Rotary Global Grants and Rotary clubs in Nicaragua support Jubilee House projects.
Visitors included Isabelle Cogburn, guest of Selma Doganson; Linda Curry, guest of Maria Alvarez; Gwendolyn Milner, guest (and mom!) of TES Stewart.
Scenes from our March 21 lunch meeting.
Eric Lucas, Dudley Larus, and Maria Alvarez at March board meeting
Kelly Caudle and Selma Doganson
Congrats to Stacey Stevens, winner of this week’s whiskey raffle!
TES Stewart and her mom, Gwendolyn Milner
. . . . . Scenes from the Be THE Voice event at Decatur High School on March 17. The first crew talked to students during lunch, and the second crew served pizza to students at the girls lacrosse game.
Alison Weissinger, Kelly Caudle, Brennen Dicker
Tim Martin
Guest Brennen Dicker and speaker Dov Wilker
Tes Stewart and Luis Abularach
Speaker Dov Wilker and Dudley Larus
Congrats to Luis, winner of this week’s wine raffle!
zabeth Sullivan
Our club will host an exchange student for the 2025-2026 school year, and we need to identify Decatur host families by January 31. Three families within the City of Decatur School district are needed to host – the student spends about three months at each home and will attend Decatur High. Let John Bennett, Kelly Caudle, or Doug Park know if you or a friend are interested.
Speaker Sarah Woodard (left) and Herb McCoy
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