2nd Qtr President Report
President's Message
President’s Quarterly/Yearly Update: The Brain, the Heart, and the Muscles of Roswell Rotary As promised in my article at the end of September, I wish to provide our members of Roswell Rotary Club a second quarterly update on three of our major focuses this year: Membership, Giving, and Community Service. As I share this quarterly update, I find myself returning to a fundamental question—one worth pausing over before we examine any numbers, milestones, or metrics: How do we truly measure success? Is success felt in the palpable energy that fills the room each week—the conversations, the laughter, the sense of belonging? Is it measured in a single life changed through a donation made or a service project carried out? Is it reflected in how we stack up against other clubs in our district or across the state? Or is success something far less tangible—an obscure, immeasurable metric rooted in purpose, connection, and personal growth? If I were to pose that question to the Club as a whole, I suspect I would receive as many answers as there are members in the room. And perhaps that is the point. The truth may lie in what each of us values most for Roswell Rotary—or it may lie in the quiet, deeply personal impact this year has had on you individually. What I can say, without bias or hesitation, is this: the first six months of this Rotary year have been an undeniable success. Not just in outcomes, but in momentum, engagement, and shared commitment to our mission. As I outline our quarterly and midyear accomplishments—our progress, our impact, and our measurable results—I want to frame our Club through a simple but powerful lens: the mind, the body, and the strength of Roswell Rotary. Together, these elements reveal not just what we have done, but who we are becoming. To help frame this report, I want to use the analogy of the human body—an incredibly complex system that thrives only when all its parts are working in harmony. In many ways, membership is our brain, giving is our heart, and service is our muscles. When those three systems function at full strength, Roswell Rotary becomes the vibrant, capable, compassionate force we are known to be. As Aristotle once wrote, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” This quarter has proven that once again. 1. Membership — The Brain That Drives EverythingThe brain is the command center of the body—it keeps everything alive, aligned, and growing. In Rotary, that is membership. Without people, passion, and participation, nothing else flourishes. This first half of the year has been historic. We have: • Added a record 24 new members in just six months. • 2 additional members are lined up to be inducted at our December meeting. • AND potentially 10 additional applications are already in process for approval in January. • Only lost four members—a turnover rate of under 2%, remarkable for a club our size. For perspective, we typically experience 15–20% attrition. This tells a powerful story: Roswell Rotary is thriving because of you. Our growth is not accidental. It is intentional. It is the result of club members actively inviting guests to our meetings, welcoming them into our culture, introducing them to our service projects, and showing them—by example—what Service Above Self really looks like. As legendary coach John Wooden said, “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” Our membership success is simply us making the best by doing our best. I ask you to continue this momentum. We are currently #1 in the district in membership growth and being recognized by Rotary International’s leadership as a club that has an incredible membership gain year. Please remember my challenge: Each member pledges to bring in at least one new Rotarian this Rotary year. And, as promised, anyone who sponsors a new member will be entered into a drawing for me to either: • Pay your next Paul Harris Fellow level, or • Cover up to $1,000 of your dues for next year. Let’s keep this brain sharp, growing, and forward-thinking. 2. Giving — The Heart of Who We AreIf membership is our brain, then giving is absolutely our heart. It is what we feel. It is where our compassion resides. It is what pumps life into every program, every child we help, every veteran we support, and every family we touch. This year, in our 75th Anniversary season, our goal is to cross $2 million in lifetime giving as a club—a milestone very few Rotary clubs ever reach. (Please see Cheryl if you would like to contribute or learn more about how giving flows through our club to make an impact.) This quarter, we recognized 29 Rotarians who either became Paul Harris Fellows or advanced to a new Paul Harris level. That is an extraordinary number and something our Club should be immensely proud of. We also celebrated the generosity of 5 Rotarians who achieved Major Donor status, representing $10,000 or more in lifetime giving to The Rotary Foundation. I am equally pleased to share that we anticipate four additional Rotarians reaching the Major Donor level next quarter—an inspiring sign of our club’s continued commitment to service and impact. With respect to our annual fund giving, we are currently showing a total of $49,370, which puts us around $215 in giving per member and solidly in second place in the district. Our PolioPlus giving has not yet reflected the full $15,000 raised during our Cornhole Tournament, but as it stands, we are averaging $31 per member, with $7,269 currently recorded on the district site. Our fundraising efforts this quarter were extraordinary: • We announced the results of the The Roswell Rotary Golf & Tennis & Pickleball Tournament total fundraising which raised over $240,000 to support local charities. • Our PolioPlus Cornhole Tournament raised nearly $15,000 toward ending polio worldwide back in Oct and Sid Disher’s challenge to the club was answered well! • Most recently, at our last meeting, we once again heard from our November Hero of the Month, Chris Cathers, who shared the stories of nine veterans in urgent need during this season. Inspired by a moving and eloquent message from William Brown, and propelled by the generous personal challenge issued by John Michael, our club rose to the occasion—and then some. In just 30 minutes, we raised just shy of $40,000 to support veterans in our community. It was an extraordinary moment of compassion and generosity, far surpassing all expectations. As Winston Churchill reminds us, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Roswell Rotary continues to live well. 3. Service Projects — The Muscles That Makes the DifferenceService is where our intentions become action—where the muscles of Roswell Rotary reach out, lift, build, clean, pack, support, and transform lives. The past 6 months have been one of the most active and impactful service seasons in our club’s history. Major Events & Achievements: • Our Golf, Tennis & Pickleball Tournament: A massive success due to countless Rotarians that gave their time and effort to make this tournament a HUGE success Thank you to each and every one of you that volunteered. Your work touched thousands of people through the charities this tournament supports. • Farm Day Honoring First Responders: A beautiful, heartfelt event—so meaningful that Fire Chief Pabel Troche called it “the greatest event he’s ever been a part of honoring first responders.” That is the impact of Rotary. • All-Star Nurses Meal Delivery: This touched hearts citywide. Because of the publicity of our ONE night of donating, Outback Steakhouse manager, after seeing Roswell Rotary’s example, stepped up and helped deliver a second dinner for the nurses. That is service that multiplies. Our Muscles in Action -- We have… • Swept the riverbanks for Rivers Alive • Packed backpacks for Huskies Helping Huskies • Packed backpacks for homeless veterans • Packed boxes for an entire platoon of sailors • Supported 14 Interact clubs, shaping future leaders • Helped bring the Roswell Youth Council back to life • Honored a Hero of the Month—first responders, veterans, teachers, healthcare professionals • Installed a Peace Pole at Roswell High School • Supported children when SNAP funds were halted due to the government shutdown, providing gift cards for snacks • Continued our commitment to Meals on Wheels • Worked with RUMC’s job fair • Hosted successful blood drives This list is long because our impact is deep. Service is what we do, but more importantly, it is who we are. As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” This quarter, Roswell Rotary has proven that again and again. Closing Thoughts Our brain is sharp. Our heart is beating with purpose. Our muscles are working harder than ever. And together, they form a Roswell Rotary that is healthy, growing, respected, admired, and—most importantly—impactful. We have so much to celebrate, so much to be grateful for, and so much more we will accomplish in the months ahead. In this season of gratitude and light, I leave you with the words of Marcus Aurelius, which speak to both our mission and our momentum: “What we do now echoes in eternity.” Thank you for what you do, who you are, and what we will continue to become—together. Sic Vos Non Vobis Trummie Lee Patrick III Tony Barnhart, “Mr. College Football,” to Speak at Rotary on December 18
We are honored to welcome Tony Barnhart, nationally respected sports journalist and broadcaster, as our featured speaker at the December 18 Rotary meeting. Known across the country as “Mr. College Football,” Tony brings five decades of insight, storytelling, and passion for the game to our podium—just as he wraps up his 50th and final season covering college football. Tony Barnhart’s name is synonymous with college football. A 1976 graduate of the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism, Tony began his career at the Greensboro News & Record before joining the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 1984. There, he became a leading voice in college sports journalism, serving as college sports editor and covering the ACC and SEC for 25 years. His broadcast career included work with ESPN’s College GameDay, CBS Sports, and the SEC Network. He also hosted The Tony Barnhart Show on CBS College Network, a program that spotlighted the personalities and traditions of college football. Tony’s influence on the sport continues through his writing and speaking engagements. Currently, Tony is a senior writer for TMG College Sports and is completing a farewell tour of Southeastern Conference schools. He is also working on his seventh book, Mr. College Football: 50 Years of SEC Memories, scheduled for release by the University of Georgia Press in December 2026. Tony’s contributions to sports journalism have earned him numerous accolades, including: - Georgia Sports Writer of the Year (1999)
- Induction into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame (2021)
- The Bert McGrane Award from the Football Writers Association of America (2009)
- The Contribution to Amateur Football Award from the National Football Foundation (2016)
He has authored six books, including collaborations with legendary Georgia coach Vince Dooley and broadcaster Larry Munson. Tony and his wife Maria, who will celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary in 2025, reside in Atlanta. Their daughter Sara is Assistant General Counsel at Cox Enterprises, and they are proud grandparents to Sloane and Beau. Join us for what promises to be a spirited and insightful conversation with one of the most respected voices in college football. You won’t want to miss this special event as Tony reflects on a legendary career and the evolving landscape of the sport he loves.
Date: Thursday, December 18
Time: 12:15
Location: Roswell Area Park
Bill Johnson Community Activity Building
10495 Woodstock Road
Roswell, GA 30075 Gratitude Wall
Thank You Roswell Rotary Members
Sid Disher: “I want to thank all of those who reached out to me with words of support and encouragement during my long, health-related absence from Rotary this year. I am especially grateful to Bob Hagan, Lee Hollingsworth and Amy Brannen who have visited me and supported me from the outset and have been essential in arranging my present living conditions. I deeply appreciate their efforts in my behalf. They represent the true meaning of ‘Service above Self’. Thank you so much!!” Gene Beckham, Elwyn Gaissert, Lynne Lindsay, and Jack Wyche: "We would like to extend our gratitude to Dave Young for his decades of service to Roswell High School athletics. Since the early 1980s, Dave has been a constant presence- on football sidelines, basketball benches, baseball dugouts, and track & field events. Through his gift of physical therapy, he has fostered a positive atmosphere and supported countless athletes, coaches, and staff members at Roswell High School. On December 11th, Dave was inducted into the Roswell High School Athletic Hall of Fame. As former coach Ray Manus reflected, “Dave became one of us. He is a coach and a blessing to Roswell High School and this community.” Greatness is not measured solely by wins, but by the lives touched. Thank you, Dave, for touching so many lives and leaving an enduring legacy at Roswell High School." Kathy Igou: "My heart has been heavy lately with the passing of close friends and the empty chairs at my holiday table. As a parent of an only child, I have been anxious and thinking about how to make my own aging and passing easier for my son. My thank you goes to Roswell Rotarian Becki Campolito. She has shared her expertise as an estate planning attorney with me, and while my son is here for Christmas we are signing paperwork for new wills, a trust, powers of attorney, healthcare advanced directives, and a medical record card to make ER visits so much easier. She has gone above and beyond to listen and present options- even laughing at Kelly's dad jokes. After our planning meeting, Kelly and I slept soundly for the first night in weeks! Though we still have the "death cleaning" project on our to-do list (if you know, you know), working with Becki has relieved so much stress and worry! Best Christmas present Kelly & I could have given each other. Thank you Becki." New Member Spotlight
Welcome Jordan Jedneski
Excited to welcome Jordan Jedneski to Roswell Rotary. See what Jordan would like for you to know about him. Read and connect! Nickname: JJ School Attended: Columbus State University Where you live and lived: From Macon, Ga lived in Columbus, Ga , living in Atlanta, Ga Major: Business Management / Entrepreneurship Spouse: Julissa Santoyo No Kids (yet) Involvements in the community: Rotary, Rotary after hours, Board of Advisors group Career: Former Co-Owner of Southern Heritage Landscaping. Currently Commercial Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Anything Interesting: Former College Basketball player. Recruited in Golf and Baseball as well. Why did you join rotary: To get involved in the community I work in, along with making life long connections. Service Project: Golf Tournament, World Cup, anything sports related, YMCA Hero of the Month-December
Sergeant Omar Braik- First Responder Hero
Congratulations to Officer Braik for being selected as Roswell Rotary Club's Hero of the Month! Sergeant Omar Braik started his career in law enforcement in 2018 with the City of Roswell. Prior to joining law enforcement, Detective Braik operated Class B CDL vehicles as a hazmat technician. Sergeant Braik worked in the Uniform Patrol Division for 3 and a half years, as a patrol officer assigned to C-Squad. During this time, Sergeant Braik became a Field Training Officer for the department. In 2022, he became a detective in our Special Investigations Section, Crime Suppression Unit, where he concentrated on street crimes, narcotics, and warrant services. Sergeant Braik also joined the North Fulton SWAT Tech Recon team in 2022. As a member of the Tech Recon, Sergeant Braik operated the armored vehicle (BATT), command bus, and assisted with perimeter positions. In 2024, he was promoted to assistant team leader for Tech Recon. In that role, he oversees operations from the technical reconnaissance side utilizing drones, robots, and vehicles to supplement the entry team for North Fulton SWAT. In 2023, Sergeant Braik was transferred to the Criminal Investigations Division, where he investigated property crimes as well as crimes against people. In 2024, Sergeant Braik was promoted to Sergeant and was assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division, C-Squad. Upon his transfer to C Squad, Sergeant Braik has been instrumental in fostering a positive environment amongst the workgroup. He understands the importance of providing positive feedback, encouraging productivity, and balancing both with coaching when opportunities arise. Officer Braik earned his nomination for 2024 Supervisor of the Year by his peers recognizing that “Sergeant Braik has been instrumental in fostering a positive environment amongst the work group. He understands the importance of providing positive feedback, encouraging productivity, and balancing both with coaching when opportunities arise.” Rotary Youth Exchange Big Reveal: Building Global Citizens 
On December 11, the Hilton Perimeter Suites was filled with anticipation as seven Outbound Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) students, ages 15 to 18, gathered for the Big Reveal. Selected from a competitive pool of more than 50 applicants, these students are preparing to embark on life-changing journeys abroad during the 2026–2027 school year. The Rotary Youth Exchange program embodies Rotary’s mission of fostering world understanding, goodwill, and peace. Through exchange, students become global citizens, peace builders, and ambassadors of goodwill. The program challenges them to develop resilience, adaptability, and leadership skills that will serve them as the next generation of leaders. The energy in the room was palpable as each student stepped forward to pop a balloon, unveiling the name of their host country. Cheers erupted with every reveal, culminating in the final announcement: Roswell Rotary’s own Kellen Pierce will spend his exchange year in Brazil! Kellen, a 15-year-old student at Innovation Academy in Alpharetta, joined his peers in celebrating this milestone moment. The journey ahead is rigorous. Over the next six months, RYE students will undergo orientation and training, complete home study assignments, and begin language acquisition. Only after meeting these requirements will they graduate into the program and obtain the symbolic blue blazer. Parents also play a vital role, contributing $6,000 to cover transportation and insurance costs. This investment of time, effort, and resources is more than preparation for a year abroad, it is preparation for a lifetime of service and leadership. Rotary Youth Exchange equips students not only to represent their communities but also to build bridges across cultures, strengthening Rotary’s vision of peace and understanding worldwide. To learn more, click here. For a complete list of our district’s RYE students, including their high schools, sponsoring Rotary clubs, and destinations, please see the table provided. 
Final Arrangements for Claire (Mrs. Darrell)Bartlett
Please share these details with friends who want to join us supporting Darrell and the Bartlett and Sinanian families, in Prayer for Claire's transition to Heaven and to be together as we say our goodbyes. Evening Wake Reception-Thursday, December 18th-6:00 - 8:00PM - Roswell Funeral Home-950 Mansell Road-Roswell, GA 30076
Funeral Service-Friday, December 19th-1:30PM - St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church-7171 Glenridge Dr NE,Sandy Springs, GA 30328
For Navigation:705 Spalding Drive Sandy Springs, GA 30328 In lieu of flowers, the Bartletts have requested a donation in Claire's memory to the Glioblastoma Foundation: https://glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/donate Cancellation of Rotary on Tap originally scheduled for this Thursday
Speaker Line up for remainder of January- Invite a guest!
Jan. 8 Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger Jan. 15 Andy Christensen-Leadership by Design Jan. 22 Insurance Commissioner John King Jan. 29 Shaun Chapas- Former UG/NFL Meeting Details - Rotary Club of Roswell
- Roswell Area Park
- Bill Johnson Community Activity Building
- 10495 Woodstock Road
- Roswell, GA 30075
Third Annual Event
ChristKindle Market Now Open
The 3rd annual Christkindle Market at Bulloch Hall is OPEN! Please come to support us. The market goes through December 23. Hours are Mon-Thurs 3-8, Fri/Sat noon-9, Sunday noon-8. Please volunteer at the Bulloch Hall Gift Shoppe as part of the Rotary participation. Click this link or contact Karen Schwank at Karen@keedesignsinc.com. If you would like more information, please click here. April 16-19, 2026
2026 District Conference- Lake Lanier Islands
Click Here to Register Reminder
Upcoming Roswell Rotary Events
Save the Date: Find Your Spot and Help Us to Unite for GOOD
Read Across America Day
Monday, March 2, 2026
Add To Calendar 75th Anniversary Party
Saturday, March 14
Add To Calendar Roswell Relays
Saturday, March 21
Add To Calendar District 6900 Conference Lake Lanier Islands
Thursday April 16 - Sunday April 19
Add To Calendar
2026 Golf, Tennis, Racketball Tournament
Monday, Sept. 14
Add To Calendar Last Week at Roswell Rotary
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