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President's Message
Most mornings, I get up extra early to create a space of time that is mine alone. I don’t want to talk (just ask my family). I don’t want the news on. I don’t want to get fed other people’s ideas or experiences. It’s a space I reserve for quiet—listening for what God’s got for me that day, paying attention to where my mind gravitates, and what that might mean for how I should focus my efforts. The idea for The Big Connect came in one of those quiet mornings. I was musing on how I wanted to steer the tenor of this year’s Roswell Rotary experience. We repeat the motto “Service Above Self” almost reflexively at times. I wanted us to begin the Rotary year by demonstrating, in a concentrated period of time—just three hours—the kind of energy we bring to service, the joy we derive from sharing a purpose (and a beer) on a Sunday afternoon, and the dedication we have to filling the needs of those in our community who need us most. This Sunday, The Big Connect brings that vision to life. We’ll gather at our local, Rotarian‑owned breweries, supporting our members’ businesses and enjoying true fellowship. At the same time, we’ll engage in hands‑on service projects that meet real needs for our Seniors, our First Responders, and the families served by The Drake House. When we show up in our community, side by side, we’re doing more than attending an event. We’re showing Roswell who we are as Rotarians: people who find joy in service, who invest in each other, and who are willing to give up a quiet Sunday afternoon to make a tangible difference—beer in hand and purpose in heart. So here’s my ask this week:
Let’s begin this Rotary year by living our motto in full view of our city, demonstrating that our connections—with each other and with those we serve—are what give meaning to “Service Above Self.” In Service, Leslie |
Welcome Senator John Albers: Champion for Our Community
Senator Albers has long been an active and engaged member of our community. His service includes participation on numerous boards of directors for business, civic, and charitable organizations. A fourth‑generation firefighter, he served more than 30 years as a volunteer, and his sons have continued the family legacy as fifth‑generation first responders. In the Georgia Senate, Senator Albers is a respected leader, serving as Chairman of the Senate Committee and contributing to several other key committees. He has been recognized more than two dozen times as Legislator of the Year by various organizations. In 2021, Senator Albers became an organ donor, giving a kidney to his son. Following this life‑changing experience, he championed the Giving the Gift of Life Act and has since become a national advocate for organ donation, working to pass laws and raise awareness.
Senator Albers holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville and completed postgraduate programs at Harvard University and the University of Georgia. When not attending to state business, he is an executive, business owner, and entrepreneur. He and his wife, Kari, have been married for 33 years and have two sons. John is also a proud member of Roswell Rotary. |
Please Listen |
Board Member Spotlight |
New Member Spotlight |
August 9 3pm - 6pm |
Coming Up Sept. 3rd |
President's Challenge Week of July 30
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Wed. Aug 12 6:30pm |
Sat. August 22, 2026 |
Aug 26 |
URGENT - Please Help Keep YE Alive for Roswell Rotary
Roswell Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of supporting Rotary Youth Exchange and the global connections it fosters. This year, we have an urgent need for a host family for our 17‑year‑old student from Vimercate, Italy, who will be entering the 11th grade at Roswell High School. She arrives next week, and while host families are already secured for the fall and winter terms, we are in immediate need of a family to host her for the Spring 2027 semester. We are looking for a caring family willing to open their home and hearts to her for a three‑month hosting period. You do not need to have a high school student of your own to participate, just a willingness to share your family life, offer support, and embrace a meaningful cultural exchange . Families do not have to be in Rotary. If you know of a great family in the Roswell High School district, please approach them about this opportunity! The Rotary Youth Exchange Program thrives because of families who generously welcome students they have never met, creating bonds that last a lifetime. In a world that feels increasingly divided, hosting an exchange student is a powerful way to build understanding, broaden perspectives, and help our young people, and ourselves, see the shared hopes and dreams that connect us across cultures. |
Sept 14 |
Where does the Tournament Money Go?
If you were at the Roswell Rotary meeting when the charity grant checks from the Golf, Tennis, Pickleball tournament were handed out, you remember the energy and the joy from the recipients as they received their checks. Just look at what this club accomplished! How many amazing charities are stronger and able to serve more of our community because of your efforts at the 2025 tournament? This is the WHY of the tournament.
One event with far reaching effects! |
Volunteers-The Heart of the Tournament
Volunteers – The secret sauce to our day of service and fundraising for charities is our volunteers. Secure your spot now so you know how you’ll contribute…and how you’ll enjoy the fellowship the rest of the day. Volunteering has a not-so-secret side benefit of building relationships (dare I say Strengthening Connections?? ?) with fellow Rotarians! For many Roswell Rotarians, the Golf, Tennis, Pickleball Tournament is the place where they, as a new member, felt most engaged and made the most connections with their fellow club members. Volunteer, make new friends, serve our community-We all win! |
Sponsorships- The Tournament Engine
Sponsorships are the engine that drives the Golf-Tennis-Pickleball Tournament. As Rotarians, we know service above self is more than a motto — it’s a call to action. That’s why the Roswell Rotary Golf, Tennis, & Pickleball Tournaments are more than just fun on the fairways and fierce matches on the courts. They’re engines of change for our community. Every dollar raised through our annual tournaments goes directly to local charities that make a difference in the lives of children, veterans, seniors, and families in need. Corporate sponsorship helps fund programs that provide winter clothing for students, medical equipment for veterans, meals for homebound seniors, and educational support for at-risk youth — to name just a few. Thank you to the Sponsorship Committee for stepping up to serve in this critical role. But remember, the Sponsorship Committee will need the help of every Roswell Rotary member. We have to fire up this engine with our friends, neighbors, contacts, and networks. We are all part of the sponsorship team! To sponsor or learn more, visit the Tournament Website or contact Kurt Hilbert khilbert@kaufmanhilbert.com Commit early! The Big Connect event is on August 9th, and all committed and paid sponsors will get a free beer at one of our three event breweries while we perform a service project for one of the tournament charities. Great way to get your company involved and experience hands-on exactly where your sponsorship dollars go! New for Premium Sponsors (Silver and Above): Special exclusive invitation-only event before the tournament and VIP perks. Contact Kurt Hilbert khilbert@chalmersadams.com |
Upcoming Roswell Rotary Events |
SOCIAL MEDIA
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