Welcome to the Rotary Club of Alpharetta.

Rotary started in 1905 and is the world's first service organization. Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders in over 32,000 clubs in more than 168 countries. Rotarians provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. 

The Rotary Club of Alpharetta was chartered in 1983. Our Club has approximately 85 members consisting of the business, professional, civic and governmental leaders of our community. The Rotary Club of Alpharetta has been strengthening our community for more than twenty-five years, and we have fun and fellowship in the process. We are committed to the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self". Please check out our website to learn more about our Club, and feel free to contact one of our members to join us Friday morning for the best breakfast in Rotary.

Sincerely,

William Perkins, President

Who We Are and What We Do

 

Worldwide Eradication of Polio

NOVEMBER IS ROTARY FOUNDATION MONTH!

The fact that November is Foundation Month in Rotary is no accident. November is traditionally a time for reflection and as the calendar year winds down to a close, Rotarians often find themselves asking, "Have I done enough? What more can I do to help?"

Your simple gift to the Annual Programs Fund provides hope and opportunity to people in worldwide, in nations where little hope and opportunity exist. If by your birth, you were born in a shanty, sent at the age of three to forage in the garbage dump for food to help feed the family, and were lucky to live long enough drinking contaminated water, what kind of a life could you expect to lead? Without an opportunity for basic education, how would you even know that another world existed outside of your realm?

UNICEF, one of our partners in the global eradication of polio, publishes the fact that over one-half of the world's population (three billion people) live on less than US$2.50 a day. Too, we often hear in Rotary that most of us are quick to spend more than that on a cup of Starbucks coffee every day or we spend our money on something else that we really don't need. Maybe we can think about question number four on the Four-Way Test, "Is it beneficial to all concerned?"

In Rotary, our motto is to do good in the world. You can do just that by making your gift to the Annual Programs Fund before 2009 comes to a close. By doing so, you will provide a source of funding from which all Rotarians can work together to save lives and change lives through our Rotary Foundation.

"The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands." So is the life of someone in need. Concern yourself with being beneficial by being extraordinary this year. Make your annual gift today.

Please go the link below for instructions on how to complete the contribution forms.  Also, please make yourself familiar with the 2009 Annual Giving Challenge Match. 

http://rotarydistrict6900.org/index.php?pr=Foundation_Giving

I have been a Rotarian for 9 years and am a member of the Roswell Rotary Club. I am a Paul Harris Fellow, Member of the Paul Harris Society and a Major Donor. The last 18 years I was the President and CEO of Sharp Investments, Inc., a Real Estate Acquisition and Management Firm that owned and managed 2,000 apartment units throughout the Southeast. I sold those all off over the last 4 years due to the downturn in the market. I currently work to help local businesses use the internet to market to their local customers utilizing Search Engine Optimization and Social Media. I am married with 2 kids  and reside in East Cobb. My speech is based on the bestselling book "Success is Not  An Accident" by my close friend Tommy Newberry from Atlanta. It will cover general success principles such as goal setting, visualization, surrounding yourself with successful people, personal development and living a high energy, healthy lifestyle.

I look forward to speaking to your Club!

J. Sharp Gillespy V, CPM

AdzZoo Campaign Director

www.tryadzzoo.biz

678-697-8245

Sally Platt brings us up to date on the Foundation

Mark Orr presides over the Blue Badge turnover

Karen Nolan and Jack Mcmanus join the family of Rotary

President Elect Steve presents his wife Pat with her Paul Harris Fellow

Alpharetta Rotarians William Perkins, Steve Corder, Steve Gillard, Nick Born, Charles Hendricks, Lyman Louis, Chris Weeber, and Mark Meckes gathered at North  Fulton Community Charities November 7th and assembled shelving as one of our clubs community service projects coordinated by Community Service Director, James Benson. Fun was had by all, excepting the donuts, that unfortunately are no longer with us.

Now thats using your head

Although the shelves did present challenges... great minds ultimately prevailed

OK... lets try not to drop anything on those volunteers below us

The final quality control inspection 

Rotarians serving those who serve us

Soldiers lounge at the USO

Serving lunch to our Soldiers 

Follow this link to view current and archived District 6900 Newsletters

http://rotarydistrict6900.org/index.php?pr=Newsletters

GRSP Student Alice Overton-Lamb Alice is from Winchester England.

From left to right mother Abigail Lamb, Rotary Club of Winchester President Denis Welstead, GRSP scholar Alice Overton Lamb, and father Richard Lamb. Alice will attend North Georgia College and plans a career in law.

You can view the Rotary Club of Alpharetta's E-Yearbook submitted at the district conference by following the link to http://2008rotaryyear.blogspot.com/

An Award Winning Year


District Conference returns to Jekyll Island

The Rotary Club of Alpharetta had one of its most successful years ever in 2008-2009.  We accomplished many things in the areas of service and fellowship and we left a lasting impact on our community. 

There are 71 clubs in our district, and our accomplishments were recognized repeatedly at the District Conference.  In all, the Alpharetta Rotary Club received 23 separate awards in Category III ranging from Bronze to first place Platinum awards.  We finished at the top in many categories including the Platinum Award for Community Service!

Rolling Out the Green to Fight Cancer

Last Friday, we completed the third round of Putt for Life.  For a $5 donation to Alpharetta Relay for Life, each participant has three chances to make a 15 foot putt and each person making a hole-in-one qualifies for a drawing at the May 1st Relay for Life to win a round of golf for four at the Trophy Club of Atlanta.

After three rounds, here is your leader board:

Double Qualifiers:
David Belle Isle
Sam Gordon
John Hipes
Rick Kenny

Single Qualifiers
Steve Corder
Eric Douglas
Joon Yup Lee
Bruce Longmore
Charlie Petry
Wayne Robinson
Charlie Swahn
Ted Schwartz

Bring your putters on Friday and step up to the green as the Alpharetta Rotary Club helps to fight cancer.  Thanks to our greenskeeper Buddy Lollis for organizing Putt for Life.

South Korea Meets Alpharetta

South Korean GSE Team with Mayor Letchas at City Hall

The Alpharetta Rotary Club had the privilege of hosting the GSE Team from South Korea from April 9th to 12th.  The Alpharetta Club, and our co-hosts from the North Atlanta Rotary Club, showed the GSE Team members some southern hospitality.  The busy weekend included visiting Bulloch Hall in Roswell, met with Mayor Letchas, ate barbeque at Smokejack, visited the Carter Center, attended the Braves home opener, and went to the Atlanta Zoo.  Saturday afternoon the GSE team went shopping at Lenox Mall and that evening we had a cook out at Sam Gordon's house.

Special thanks to Mike Hart for organizing the weekend, William Perkins for chaperoning on Saturday, and the Gordon, Hipes and Weeber families for hosting our guests.

Alpharetta's New Fire Safety House


Rotarians show their support for the Fire Safety House

A large crowd turned out at Alpharetta Fire Station No. 1 on March 25th for the unveiling of the new Fire Safety House.  Politicians, dignitaries, school children and a large contingent of Rotarians were on hand to witness the ribbon cutting and presentation of the ceremonial check for $59,000 to the City of Alpharetta.  The Rotary Club of Alpharetta has been associated with the Alpharetta Fire Safety House ever since we donated the original one in 1993. 

On hand for the unveiling were Phil Baldwin, David Belle Isle, Kirk and Knox Driskell, Gary George, John and Karen Hipes, Joe Kralovec, Arthur Letchas, Mike Lowry, John Monson, Jim Paine, Lynne Riley, Keith Sanders, and Bill Weeks.  

The Rotary Club of Alpharetta is proud to be a sponsor of Alpharetta's Fire Safety House and to help educate childen about fire safety and fire prevention.

Home Sweet Home

John Hipes and Buddy Lollis with Ms. Lyons

Volunteers and sponsors gathered on a beautiful Saturday morning, March 21st, at Centennial Village for the dedication of four homes built by Habitat for Humanity.  The Alpharetta Rotary Club sponsored the Lyons family home.  Ms. Lyons, and three other families, received the keys to their new homes, along with a Bible and a toolbox.  President John Hipes accepted the sponsors plaque on behalf of the Alpharetta Rotary Club from Habitat for Humanity North Central Director of Development and fellow Rotarian Buddy Lollis.

Spreading the Words

Bridgeway Academy says thanks

Alpharetta Rotary donated dictionaries to third graders at Bridgeway Christian Academy as part of the Club's literacy program.  The third graders appreciated receiving a brand new dictionary that they could use for years to come.  Thanks to Bill Weeks and Phil Kingry for initiating and carrying out this project.

Rotary Really Digs Habitat



Alpharetta Rotary turned out in force on Saturday, March 7th, to provide landscaping work for the Lyons' Family home sponsored by the Club and for the other adjacent Habitat homes under construction.  It was a beautiful day to shovel mud, rake dirt, lay sod, plant trees and bushes, and sweep up the dirt.  It was a wonderful service project organized by Buddy Lollis and it was great to see the smile on Ms. Lyons' face.

Don't forget that the house dedication and key ceremony is scheduled for the morning of March 21st.

Road Warriors

Adopt-A-Milers ready to role

Show me a sign ... Alpharetta Rotary Club Adopt-A-Mile  

The Rotary Club of Alpharetta had a great turn out Saturday, February 21st to help keep our city beautiful.  One by one, young and old, club member and family member arrived at the Burger King to don the orange vest and walk the mile on Old Milton Parkway between Haynes Bridge and Highway 400.

Thanks to Chris Weeber for organizing the troops.

AIDS Awareness Program 

The Rotary Club of Alpharetta sponsored an AIDS awareness program to Hopewell Middle School on February 12th.  A large group of students filled the gymnasium to listen attentively to straight talk about personal responsibility.

Rotary Supports Habitat for Humanity 


Alpharetta Rotary donates $3,500 to Habitat for Humanity  
 
Alpharetta Rotary is proud to continue its support of Habitat for Humanity by making $3,500 donation to Habitat for Humanity CEO, Russ Hayes at our meeting on January 30th.

Charter Night - Celebrating 26 Years of Service  





Hall of Fame recipient Joel Canada and Rotarian of the Year Mike Lowry

The Rotary Club of Alpharetta held Charter Night on Friday, January 16th at the Metropolitan Club.  District Governor Ted Propes and his wife April, and Assistant District Governor Vince Clanton and his wife Cynthia joined us as we celebrated 26 years of service.  Rotarians and their spouses enjoyed an evening of good food, drink, music and entertainment.  There was even an appearance by the Village People led by Ben "six shooter" Easterling.

The highlight of the evening was Joel Canada receiving the Hall of Fame award and Mike Lowry being named the Rotarian of the Year.

Calendar of Rotary Events

November  24:  Ushers  needed @ Alpharetta Presbyterian Church

November  24:  Adopt-A-Mile

Projects and Programs We Support

The Rotary Club of Alpharetta is pleased to provide support and assistance at home and abroad for the following projects and programs:

Our New Paul Harris Fellows . . . .

Congratulations to our newest Paul Harris Fellows: Mark Buelow, Cindy Corder, Kirk Driskell, Phil Kingry, Dan Merkel, William Perkins, Mark Orr, Lynne Riley, Mark Romzick, and Chris Weeber.  Thank you for supporting the Rotary Foundation.

Our Rotary Foundation Supporters

  THANKS TO OUR 2009-2010 SPONSORS

Bronze Sponsors - $1,000
Southern Resources
Alpharetta Athletic Club
Cousins Properties

Friends of Rotary - $500
Wal-mart
Wells Fargo Advisors-William Perkins
Minuteman Press
Marietta F

Thank you for visiting our website.  If you are interested in joining us for a meeting or joining Rotary, please contact John Hipes at 770-664-4087 or jhipes@bdhlawfirm.com.