2027 Rotascope - November 11, 2026

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In the Company of Difference Makers
President's Message

This week's Connections Challenge brought me so many stories, and they had something in common. Each one was about inspiration that turned into action, and about new service ideas taking shape.

Our best work rarely starts with someone rushing in to push an agenda. It grows on its own. A member hears a speaker's message and can't stop thinking about it. Lunch every week slowly turns into friendship. Friends start serving together. Over time, that shared service becomes part of who we are and why we're here. That's Rotary at its best. We don't manufacture purpose. We grow it, one conversation and one relationship at a time.

I saw this firsthand this week at the launch party for Vision Warriors' new documentary. The room was full of Rotarians who came to support PDG Kirk Driscoll and the cause he has given his heart to: fighting addiction and helping men live sober, accountable lives. Kirk's work shows what happens when one person's conviction meets a community willing to stand behind it.

After Dave McCleary's update last week, I said that we are surrounded by Difference Makers. I've been thinking about that ever since. It's a real privilege to watch Difference Makers in the making, at every stage. Some are just starting to put a dream into words. Some are building momentum. Others, like Kirk and Dave, are changing lives.

So I want to encourage each of you to be brave enough to talk about the difference you want to see. Don't wait until the plan is perfect or the path is clear. Saying an idea out loud in a room full of Difference Makers is powerful. Someone will lean in, and someone will offer to help. An idea one person carries alone can become something we carry together.

Let's keep connecting, keep listening, and keep turning inspiration into service.

Yours in Service,

Leslie

Learn about the Rotary Foundation with Kay Williamson and Cheryl Greenway

On Thursday, November 12, we are pleased to welcome Kay Williamson and Cheryl Greenway, our distinguished Rotarians supporting the Rotary Foundation. The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty. Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than US$6.5 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.
[read more]

Board Member Spotlight
Gabriel Prado-International Committee Chair

Originally from the Deep South—Argentina!—Gabriel is proud to call America home. His journey has been shaped by faith, family, hard work, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for the opportunities this country has provided.

Professionally, Gabriel serves as Head of Supplier Performance and Commercial Management at Fluence, bringing experience in global business, commercial management, and building strong partnerships. He holds a Global Business Executive MBA from Georgia Tech and a Master's Certificate in Commercial Contract Management from Villanova University.

Beyond his career, Gabriel is passionate about serving others and making a positive impact in his community. As a member of the Roswell Rotary Club, he believes that service is not just something we do, but a reflection of who we are.

Argentine by birth, an American by choice, and southern by the Grace of God, and above all, someone who believes in giving back.

His personal motto is simple: Never forget where you came from, be grateful for where you are, and always find a way to serve others.

Four Weeks
Connections Challenge

Bringing holiday cheer to 100 local families
Roswell Rotary Holiday Angel Program

The Purpose

Gift cards go through social workers at 9 local schools to families who need a little help. Each card can pay for a festive holiday meal, a small gift, or a bit of extra cheer.

The Ask

Sponsor a family for $25. The club gives each family $25, and your gift doubles it to $50.

Tell Leslie, Tori, Kathy Igou, or Becky Nelson how many families you can bless.

Key Dates

Nov. 19 and Dec. 3: Sign or write a note on holiday cards at the back table

Dec. 4: Volunteers deliver the cards to the 9 school social workers

Be someone's Holiday Angel this season.

Save Money Here
Veterans Resources

Here is a great list of resources for veterans compiled by Veterans Committee Board Chair Shields Blankenship. And thank you so much for your service. We owe you each a great debt.

Link for Discounts [read more]

Thursday, Nov. 19
Save the Date- Packing Boxes for Troops

Cookies for Adopt a Platoon Boxes

We are calling on our Roswell Rotary bakers to make homemade cookies to include in the holiday boxes we are packing for the troops on November 19th. If you are interested, please contact Kathy Igou text 404-408-4188 or email kligou@gmail.com. Another option is to order from our Roswell Rotary friend George Rhodes at Rhodes Bakery. On the 19th, there will be a table set up to seal and package the cookies to prep them for the box packing event that will happen directly after Rotary on the 19th.

Cookie bakers will receive specific details next week.

Wed Dec 2 5pm-7pm
Women of Rotary Holiday Social at Voo Doo

Register Here

Sat. Dec. 12
Holiday Party- Save the Date

Evite Link https://evite.me/6YAWvJYCTZ

QR Code

Nov. 20-Dec. 23
Christkindlmarket Roswell

It's that time of year! The Christkindlmarket at Bulloch Hall is Nov.20-Dec.23. We need volunteers to work in the Bulloch Hall Gift Shoppe. These are hours that help with our Rotary commitment to the City. Roswell Rotary is a partner in the market. Please get in touch with Karen Schwank karen@keedesignsinc.com to join in this fun holiday event. Or use volunteer link or QR code.

Thursday, April 22, to Sunday, April 25, 2027
District Conference Asheville NC

2027 Conference Overview

Dates: April 22–25, 2027

Location: Asheville, NC (Blue Ridge Mountains)

Host Hotels: Embassy Suites and DoubleTree by Hilton (Downtown Asheville)

Registration Tiers: Early Bird Special (July 1 – Dec 31, 2026): $350Regular Registration (Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2027): $425Late/On-site (April 1 – Apr 25, 2027): $450

You can track updates and complete registration through the official Rotary District 6900 website.