May 26:  Adopt-A-Mile           

May 31:  Mayor's Run & Fun Committee Mtg @ Lionheart School

Jun 07:   USO Service Day      

Jun 07:   Mayor's Run & Fun Committee Mtg @ Lionheart School

Jun 08:   Alpharetta Rotary "After Hours" @ TBD

Jun 12:   Alpharetta Rotary Board Mtg

Jun 14:   Mayor's Run & Fun Committee Mtg @ State Bank

Jun 21:   Mayor's Run & Fun Committee Mtg @ Lionheart School
 
 

*Please see "Club Events" for a complete list and further information

Alpharetta Rotarians Chris Weeber, Wayne Robinson, Chris Powell & Jackie, and Lyman Louis




Wayne Robinson & Lyman Louis

Recently Chris Weeber had the opportunity for a meeting make-up with the Rotary Club of Angkor in Siem Reap. The Club is two years old and presently has nine members. Their focus is on improving education and health in the local community. As a member of Rotary you always have friends wherever you travel. Click here to locate any Rotary Club in the world.

Marilyn and Chris Weeber presenting our banner to President Sam of Rotary Club of Angkor

On February 16^th, while working in Vargas, Honduras, Alpharetta Rotarians Rex Grizzle, John Hipes and Karen Hipes helped distribute more than 25 umbrellas donated by the Alpharetta Rotary Club.  The umbrellas are providing women and children with relief from the sun and protection from the rain, and they greatly appreciate their “sombrillas”.  Thank you for your generosity.

Fred Denkman acknowledges the support from the club with the recent passing of his wife Jackie.





The guest speaker Bill Chapman discussed the positive effects that Camp Highland can have on reaching young people.

Once again we return to the Gwinnett Arena on March 10 for a night of Rotary fellowship and hockey. Click here to download all the information and to order tickets. The deadline for ticket orders is March 7. See Dan Merkel for details.

Alpharetta Rotary participated in the annual Alpharetta Arbor Day celebration at Wills Park. The ceremony included planting a ginkgo biloba tree after Alpharetta Mayor and Rotarian, David Belle Isle, read the Arbor Day Proclamation. The event concluded with a brunch at the Mansell House provided by the city to thank the many community organizations involved for their efforts.
 

James Benson returns as the our "resident" Sunshine presenter with a joke appropriate for "all ages"




President Nominee Dan Merkel introduces Dr Randy Overbeck, our guest speaker

For many years the Fresh Market in Alpharetta has donated their surplus food (primarily baked goods) to North Fulton Community Charities' (NFCC) food bank. This has been made possible through a long term partnership with the Rotary Club of Alpharetta and its members. At noon each weekday an Alpharetta Rotarian volunteer drives to the Fresh Market, sorts and bags the food items, and delivers them to the NFCC facility. The whole process takes about one and a half hours and is repeated 260 times each year.
  

Alpharetta Rotarian Lee Doernberg

Fresh Market Bakery Manager Ashley Mann & Lee

The Fresh Market
3005 Old Alabama Rd
Alpharetta, GA 30022

Heather Demis, Chris Weeber, & Karen Nolan

Three Alpharetta Rotarians attended the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) training session in Duluth, GA on Saturday, February 11. Heather Demis and Karen Nolan completed RLI part 1 and Chris Weeber completed RLI part 2. A total of eighty-four Georgia Rotarians participated in parts 1, 2, & 3 making this the largest ever attendance for a Georgia RLI training session.

While RLI is not an official program of Rotary International, it seeks to provide a quality education in Rotary knowledge and leadership skills for voluntary organizations. Registration for each course is $95. This fee includes breakfast, lunch, course material, and lots of Rotary fellowship. The next two RLI training events will be in Savannah and Roswell. For more information please see, the "Events" calendar, any board member (plus Heather and Chris) and the RLI website at http://www.rlitraining.org/.

February's Alpharetta Rotary "After Hours" location was at Chef Boyd Rose's "Milton's" restaurant in Crabapple. A great venue for drinks, appetizers and Rotarian fellowship. Another perfect choice by coordinator Charlcie Forehand.

Charlcie Forehand and Mary Williams

At this meeting the Alpharetta Rotary Club was presented with a plaque by the Alpharetta Police Athletic League for our support for their annual "Shop With A Cop" project. Additionally, President Sam Gordon acknowledged club members who participated in last week's "Trade Fair" by awarding "Hearts for Humanity" pins. He also awarded pins and expressed appreciation for the large turn out at the recent Mayor's Challenge committee meeting which is our main fundraiser for the year.

Club Community Service Director, Wayne Robinson; Alpharetta PAL Board Chmn, Jim Paine; PAL Board members, Janet Rodgers and Robin McIntire




President Sam discusses the long list of up coming events

This meeting was a Club Assembly and our first "Trade Fair". Fifteen club members manned tables presenting their businesses/vocations for the rest of the club to see. The concept proved very successful and insures that there is a future for this type of Club Assembly thanks to President Sam Gordon.

View the slide show below or click on it to go directly to the web album for larger pictures. Having trouble?....... please click here

 Thanks to Steve Gillard and Mary Ulich for allowing the Raffle pot to continue to grow!

From January 24 to January 29 Alpharetta Rotarians, President-elect Bill Weeks and Lee Mohler, joined a cadre of Roswell Rotarians on an international service project trip to Haiti. The group utilized a specialized optical instrument to measure individuals and match them for donated prescription glasses in the Port au Prince area. They also distributed sunglasses and participated in construction/painting projects during the six day trip.

Lee Mohler and "friend"

Bill Weeks measuring for prescription glasses 

  View the slide show below or click on it to go directly to the web album for larger pictures. Having trouble?... please click here

 Interested in learning more about Rotary and developing your leadership skills at the same time?

The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a multi-district, grassroots leadership development program of member districts organized into regional divisions in various parts of the world. While, RLI is not an official program of Rotary International, it seeks to provide a quality education in Rotary knowledge and leadership skills for voluntary organizations.

Registration for each course is $95. This fee includes breakfast, lunch, course material, and lots of Rotary fellowship. Making this a good investment for you and the Club.

Alpharetta Rotary teamed with the City of Milton, Boy Scouts, and the Milton Chapter of Young Men's Service League this Saturday to distribute tree seedlings in conjunction with Milton's Christmas tree recycling. There were three locations accepting trees and our volunteers helped to unload over 300 trees at Milton High School. This is the first of three club "tree projects" organized by Community Service Director Wayne Robinson. The other two will be on Earth Day and Arbor Day.

In total Alpharetta Rotary will distribute almost one thousand redbud and dogwood seedlings. This effort is in support of RI District 6900's challenge to plant at least one tree per district Rotarian and RI President Kalyan Banerjee's call to plant 25 trees per each worldwide Rotarian this year.

Alpharetta Rotarians supporting the effort were Mary Williams, William Perkins, State Rep Lynne Riley, Chris Weeber, Milton City Manager Chris Lagerbloom, Mike Connell, President Sam Gordon, Dan Merkel, and Wayne Robinson. Members of the Milton City Council present were Bill Lusk, Karen Thurman, and Matt Kunz.

 

 

Mike Connell (left) becomes the club's first Blue Badge recipient for 2012. Mike recieves a congratulatory handshake from Mentor, Steve Gillard as Membership Director, Kirk Driskell looks on. Mike's Sponsor was Steve Beecham. 

This year the annual tradition of  Alpharetta Rotary giving seniors at Dogwood Square apartments holiday fruit baskets continued. Once again Lawrence Mulkey reprised his role as organizer and was assisted by club members, four of his grand children, and "Santa" Steve Gillard. One hundred baskets were first assembled and then distributed to the residents by the volunteers.  Santa was available for pictures with those who requested them. The prints will be delivered to Dogwood Square before Christmas.

Thanks to Lawrence Mulkey, Steve Gillard, Phil Kingry, Eric Douglas, Harvey Crouch, Rob Mendenhall, Chris Weeber and Lawrence's grandchildren Everett, Jonah, & Andrew Jones and Katie Mulkey for giving their time for this rewarding effort.

Rob, Everett, Lawrence, Jonah, Katie, "Santa" Steve, & Andrew 

Fundraising Director, Mary Ulich, secured another opportunity for our club to raise capital with the help of Eric Douglas, fellow club member and Executive Director of North Fulton Forsyth Touchdown Club. Alpharetta Rotary volunteers sold admission tickets, "t"shirts, and programs at the third annual Chamber Bowl Senior All-Star Game held at Johns Creek HS. The game gives outstanding senior players from North Fulton and South Forsyth public and private high schools a chance to demonstrate their skills to invited college coaches and scouts.

Thanks to Nick Born, Karen Nolan, Steve Gillard, Charlie Swahn, William Perkins, Lee Doernberg, Mark Orr, and Chris Weeber for giving their time. NFFTD Club will make a donation to Alpharetta Rotary for their efforts. Final score of the game was South All-Stars 49 / North All-Stars 0.

Karen Nolan, Charlie Swahn, Chris Fitzgerald (NFFTD Club) & William Perkins

This was the last meeting for 2011. Chef Doug was recognized for his culinary talents that make this "the best breakfast in Rotary". 

We returned to Smoke Jack for our December "After Hours" meeting. Good appetizers, drinks and fellowship.

 

President-elect Bill Weeks (left) congratulates guest speaker and fellow club member, Nelson Karpeh, after he related his inspirational story of leaving his home in Liberia for the United States.

Saturday, December 3, the club manned the Salvation Army Kettle at Macy's entrance in North Point Mall from 9:45am until 8:00pm. The weather was perfect and the "giving spirit" was successfully conveyed to the many shoppers by our volunteers...so much so, that a second kettle was needed by early afternoon because the first had been filled. Thanks to the many Rotarian volunteers and family members: Lauri Young, Steve Gillard, Ted Schwartz, Johnnie Andrews, Lee Doernberg, Mark Orr, Alan & Austin Palmore, Steve & Cindy Corder, Robin & Jim McIntire, Karen Nolan, Chris Weeber, Phil Kingry, Jason, Cecelia & Nicolette Binder, Wayne Robinson, David & Colton Bell Isle and Sam Gordon. Special thanks to Club Service Director, Rory Young, for organizing the effort.

December 2011

My dear brothers and sisters in Rotary,

In late August, Binota and I were in Ghana, where Rotary Foundation Trustee Vice Chair Sam Okudzeto and enthusiastic local Rotarians took us to the ribbon-cutting for a water project in a little village, Abutia Teti, about 60 miles from Accra. We arrived at about 11 a.m., and the whole village seemed to be there. Everyone had been waiting since early morning to welcome us. In the past, the women had to walk over 3 miles to carry pails of water from a river. Now they had a supply of safe, clean water from tube wells in the village itself. It was a simple but effective project in which Rotary and USAID had worked together. But what struck us most that day was family: The men, the women, the children were all there together, dancing, singing, and welcoming us. It made me think about how everywhere around the world, people come together in families, and families join together as communities.

President Elect, Bill Weeks announced his choice for Secretary, Phil Kingry, and Treasurer, Mark Buelow, for the 2012-2013 year. Both were voted in by acclamation.

2nd LT Kevin A'hearn (pictured top left) and his platoon in Kunar Province, Afghanistan

Club Foundation Director, John Hipes, gave a presentation about Rotary Foundation followed by the recognition of two of our Paul Harris Fellows. Steve Gillard received a PH pin with two sapphires and Mike Lowry received a PH pin with one sapphire signifying their increased level of giving.

November 2011

My dear brothers and sisters in Rotary,

In 1885, the London Times ran a series of editorials honoring the 100th birthday of Sir Moses Montefiore, the British financier and philanthropist knighted by Queen Victoria. The editorials commented on his honesty, his generosity, and his willingness to come to the aid of anyone in need. One story was particularly telling.

 Good news!  The first ever GRSP Cookbooks are in. They will make excellent Christmas gifts and can be ordered by clicking on the book image below.  It will be fun to see all the recipes that have been collected from the students and Rotarians. You won’t want to miss owning this FIRST EVER GRSP COOKBOOK, and the profits benefit the GRSP endowment.

Janis Comer, Administrator

GRSP  

 

Another successful Cafe Rotary took place this Saturday. Thanks to hosts Steve and Cindy Corder, John and Karen Hipes and Mary and Bob Ulich and to Rory Young for organizing the evening. DG Margie Kersey was a special guest at the Corders'.

At the Ulich's

"Magic" presentation by Zac Gillard at the Corders 

Cafe Rotary at the Hipes', Cue style

 More Cafe Rotary Pictures

A morning low temperature of 32^o F didn't dissuade our hardened cadre of "Road Warriors" from answering the call for the quarterly clean up of Old Milton Pkwy last Saturday. Our new vests made the group highly visible. Thanks to (pictured below) Rick Leaman, Charlie Swahn, Chris Weeber, Nick Born, Maddie Merkel, Dan Merkel and William Perkins (picture taker).

Under the leadership of Membership Director Kirk Driskell our club continues to grow with the addition of three new members. Lindsey Harber, William Schaude and Jason Werner received their red badges presented by their respective sponsors Arthur Letchas, Wayne Robinson and ADG Doug Higgins. Club membership now stands at 79. Also three club members, Jim Lee, Nelson Karpeh and Charles McMillan transitioned to blue badge status.

 

November's venue was Bistro 52. Another great pick by Charlcie Forehand. The night was cool but the fellowship, as always, was warm.

Our Club's Paul Harris Fellows

Forty one of this year's 56 GRSP students gathered together in the Atlanta area this past weekend. Host families from Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, and Windward Rotary Clubs met the group when they arrived for dinner Friday evening in the cafeteria at Sandy Springs Charter Elementary School. After dinner and pairing up with the host families it was on to the home of Sandy Springs Rotarian, Fran Farias and husband Phil, for a large bonfire. The hot chocolate, s'mores, and fellowship made the evening complete. Next it was on to the host families' homes for more conversation and hopefully some sleep before the following day's activities. Host families from our club were, Mike Lowry, Mary Ulich, Chris Weeber, Steve Beecham, and Steve Corder.

Last Thursday, November 3rd , a number of Alpharetta Rotarians went down to the USO at the Atlanta airport. While we were there we provided lunch to over 140 Soldiers and Marines. Our Club served up 30 pounds of Bar b Que, 25 pounds of buffalo wings, 20 pounds of potato salad and a wide assortment of sides, drinks and deserts.

Besides setting out lunch we were able to speak with many troops coming home and going back out. Being able to interact with our Nations heros was an honor. The following Rotarians spent the better part of a day there at the USO; Lynne Riley, Chris Weeber, Rick Leaman, Mark Meckes, Steve Gillard, Jerry Urmanski, Lauri Young and Nick Born. It was a very positive day being able to serve those that serve us. Our Club will continue with it's committment to our military with another USO service day February 7th 2012.

President  Sam Gordon thanked all who helped with the recent Atlanta Marathon Cheering for HomeStretch and USO Service. Those participating who have not already received a "Hearts For Humanity" pin will do so. 

Members of our club as well as those from Rotaract and Interact had the fun opportunity to cheer on the 1300+ runners of the 2011 Atlanta Marathon on behalf of HomeStretch. In doing so we helped Homestretch secure a maximum $7500 donation from the Atlanta Track Club. The morning started early at 6:30am as we carpooled to downtown Atlanta. Some of us wore "special" costumes to cheer the runners on and we also manned the water station at mile 13. We also learned that President Sam has a very unusual talent of making the exact sound of a fire truck siren! It was a unique time for fellowship as we helped to support Homestretch's important role of helping homeless families get back on their feet and into permanent, sustainable housing.

 

James knows how to "work a room"!

 

Rotarians … in the business of making a difference 

Heather Demis and Jason Binder became the latest members to receive their blue badges. Guest speaker Brandon Beach from the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce explained the advantages gained should the upcoming transportation tax referendum pass followed by an informative Q and A exchange. Visiting Rotarian Art Hoffman from Luddington, MI exchanged banners with President Sam.

This month Taco Mac was the venue for our "After Hours" get together. Thanks again to Charlcie Forehand for organizing this monthly evening of fellowship.

Is it the Truth?

Will it be Fair to all concerned? 

Will it build Good Will and Better Friendships?

Will it be Beneficial to all concerned? 

Members were briefed on future projects by the Directors during the Club Assembly meeting. Upcomming activities include a January 2012 project in Haiti in conjunction with Roswell Rotary, senior citizens dinner, AIDS awareness for middle school students, Homestretch fundraiser, and Santa's delivery of fruit to the seniors. Congratulations to Norum Cannon who became our most recent Blue Badge recipient. Members of the Milton Interact Club were also present: Interact Adviser, Sr. Sonya Breaux,and students Ryan Rogowski, Jonathan Gill, Matt Gray, Hannah Smith and SofiaDuran with Alpharetta Rotary advisor Lyman Louis.

October 2011

My dear brothers and sisters in Rotary,

In the pages of this month’s magazine, you will be introduced to the marvelous city of Bangkok, Thailand, which will play host to our 2012 Rotary International Convention. Please consider this my personal invitation to join me, my family, and our fellow Rotarians at what promises to be an incredible event in one of the world’s most fascinating locations.

Thailand is a spectacular destination, truly the Land of a Thousand Smiles. I would particularly urge Rotarians who have never visited Thailand before to consider this as your chance. You’ll be surrounded by gracious Rotarian hosts and friends, old and new, from around the world. Bangkok is a fantastic gateway for those wishing to explore Southeast Asia, and a wonderful experience on its own. For those who hail from countries closer by, take the opportunity to visit a major cultural capital, with all it has to offer – including shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Indeed, Bangkok will give you a wonderful value for your time and money.

Fifteen members of the club came together to construct our entry in the 6^th Annual Alpharetta Scarecrow Harvest. Lead by Mike Hart the group fabricated superhero "Captain Rotary" (complete with Rotary cape) in less than 45 minutes, strapped him to a utility pole at in front of the Alpharetta Visitors Center, and then retired to Smokejack to celebrate their accomplishment. It was definitely a fun time and may become an annual club event.

September 2011

My dear brothers and sisters in Rotary,

We have a color for the 2011-12 Rotary year, and that color is green. Why green? Because green is the color of spring, of new life, of bright leaves bursting forth from spreading branches. And there is no doubt that it is time to “green” Rotary – to lift our deepening pallor of gray and replace it with brighter shades of green.

This past Sunday, 25 September, Rotary Club of Alpharetta partnered with the Lionheart School and the Marist cross country team to plant 18 large trees in Wills Park. Mary Ulich, Lionheart Director of Operations and fellow Rotarian provided this opportunity for club service. The tree planting was a result of an agreement between Lionheart and Alpharetta to replace trees cut down during the construction of their school. Jack Keller, a Boy Scout from Marist and member of the team, had a fundraiser and arranged for his teammates to help plant the trees. Several Lionheart donors also contributed. Eric Milley, Alpharetta Parks and Rec, helped coordinate the project, Bob Ulich assisted, and club members Chris Weeber, Sam Gordon, Steve Corder, and Wayne Robinson participated. This is the first of several tree planting events to be held by Alpharetta Rotary in support of both DG Margie Kersey's and Rotary International President Kalyan Banerjee's initiatives for Rotarians to plant trees this year. Our next "tree event" will be the Tree Give Away at Milton Round-Up – Saturday, October 15.

The Future of Rotary   by DG Margie Kersey

Rotary changes the world. We all know this and it is part of the reason we are Rotarians – we want to be part of that change. We want a voice in the change. We are changing the future of millions of people. In some cases we are making sure that a person has a future at all.

But so many Rotarians ask, what is the future of Rotary?

Zoe Benson presented Steve Beecham with a plaque on behalf of her gymnastic club, Gymsations, for the generous support provided by Hometown Mortgage. This is another example of Steve's continued involvement with our community exemplifying his commitment to "Service Above Self". Proud father, James, made a special effort to attend the meeting even though he was on crutches due to a painful back injury. All were disappointed that his late arrival prevented him from participating in his favorite meeting event, Sunshine. 

A 911 WE REMEMBER Memorial Service was held September 11, 2011 at Alpharetta Public Safety Headquarters Memorial Park. Rotary Club of Alpharetta volunteer participation was organized by John Hipes, BillWeeks, and Phil Kingry with lunch provided by the club for the first responders afterward. The services were lead by Rotarian and Chief of Public Safety Gary George and included laying of a memorial wreath and the release of doves. Among the guest speakers were Rotarians State Representative Lynne Riley and  Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas.

Last Saturday and Sunday under perfect weather conditions the Alpharetta Rotary Club provided volunteers and refreshment concessions for the Alpharetta IRONKIDS competition. More than 1500 entrants ages 16 and under from all over the country descended on Alpharetta's Wills Park for this event that comprises swimming, bike riding, and running. Mary Ulich provided leadership for this fundraising/service opportunity. Two concession stands were manned both days as well as volunteers helping with registration, sales, and course monitoring. Many thanks to all our participating club members.

President Sam Gordon presented Interact pins to this year's incoming Milton HS Interact Club officers. Pictured are: Megan Darnell, VicePresident, Alex Lynch, President, Lyman Louis, Alpharetta Rotary advisor, and Sam.

Douglas and Aimee Seip, nephew and niece of Rory and Lauri, were guests visiting frim Allentown, Pa. Douglas demonstrated his luck by picking the Ace of Spades out of a deck of 51 cards to win the raffle. Dennis Gardin spoke about the mission of the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.

  

On Thursday, September 1, members of our club had the privilege of serving lunch to over 200 members of our armed forces at the USO at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport as they prepared to embark "down range" to Afghanistan and Iraq. The menu consisted of traditional southern fare including barbecue (pork and chicken), wings, cole slaw, potato salad, beans, sweet tea and soft drinks, with key lime pie and chocolate cake for desert. William Perkins coordinated the day along with Mark Meckes and Nick Born. Volunteers included John and Karen Hipes, Phil Kingry, Kirk Driskell, Bill Weeks, Jerry Urmanski, Rick Leaman, and Chris Weeber. Added to this event was the opportunity for Rick, Bill, Phil, and Kirk to make a "Salute to the Troops" video for CNN HLN which aired on Labor Day.

In terms of turnout numbers this Adopt-A-Mile was close to historic and continues our club's 11 plus year commitment to keep Old Milton Parkway clean. Thanks to Wayne Robinson, John Hipes, Charlie Swahn, Nelson Karpeh, Lyman Louis, Bill Hamilton, Nick Born, Miller Connell, Phil Kingry, Price Connell, Mike Connell, Rick Leaman, Jason Binder, and Chris Weeber (picture taker) for their participation. Special welcome and thanks to new club members Nelson and Mike for joining us....Miller and Price, too!

Our speaker was Ms. Abby Mohler who gave a multimedia presentation on "Homelessness". Her interest this compelling topic grew out of research for a Language Arts project last year at Johns Creek HS. As a result she now volunteers in the community with several organizations. Wayne Robinson, our Director of Community Service complemented Abby on her poise and the fact she is probably the youngest person ever to speak to our club.

Executive Director of the Drake House, Kathy Swahn, detailed their progress in serving the community since opening 7 years ago. They recently welcomed their 200th family to the program.

Kathy received a $500 check from the club presented by Wayne Robinson, club Community Service Director. This represents only a portion of Alpharetta Rotary's ongoing support of the Drake House. Our own Phil Baldwin was recognized for his long time involvement with the Drake House.

We welcome three new members to the club.

 Charles McMillan

Mike Connell

 Nelson Karpeh 

A good turnout at Smokejack this month. Thanks to event coordinator Charlcie Forehand.

Our Backpack project was completed with the delivery of 150 backpacks to NFCC last Tuesday. The backpacks were assembled at Arbor Terrace before delivery and each included a Rotary ID tag with our club name and the Four Way Test. Heather Demis, Jason Binder, Lee Moler, and Jenifer Heal were on the committee. Congratulations to them and all who helped make this effort so successful.

Ian McDermott, Hannah Demis, and Jordan Merriman assembling the ID tags.

 

Bill and District Governor Elect Cheryl Greenway

President Elect Bill Weeks and Foundation Director John Hipesattended the District 6900 Foundation Seminar in Columbus, Georgia on August 6^th. District Foundation Chairperson Bill Woulfin reported that while contributionswere down slightly last year, District 6900 continues to be one of the topDistricts in the world in annual and per capita giving.  The seminarplaced an emphasis on Every Rotarian Every Year contributing to the RotaryFoundation, and having members in our Clubs becoming Paul Harris Fellows. The money contributed to the Foundation is used to fund district andglobal projects.  In District 6900, we are part of the Future Vision pilotprogram that enables Clubs in our District utilize these funds to participatein district grant projects, global grant projects, and scholarship grants athome and abroad, as well as vocational and humanitarian grant projects. When you contribute to the Rotary Foundation, you are eradicating polio,fighting thirst and hunger, reducing child mortality, providing education andliteracy, and directly contributing to Rotary’s humanitarian efforts at homeand abroad.  Giving comes from the heart.  Thank you for yourcontinued support of the Rotary Foundation.

Club Assembly was a part of this meeting and several Directors made presentations on current and future activities.

Wayne Robinson detailed several Community Service Projects in the works for the coming year. We will be participating with South Forsyth Rotary in a clean water project on Lake Lanier, coordinating with the Boy Scouts in a tree planting with the goal of planting 25 trees per Rotarian, continuing our support of the Drake House, and participating in District 6900's signature project sponsoring an Adopt a Cottage Campaign to restore historic cottages at the Warm Springs National Historic Landmark District. 60 out of approximately 70 Rotary Clubs in the district have commited to this effort. Our club has already donated $500 and Bill Weeks and Ben Easterling are coordinating our club's participation.

Our GRSP student from Poland, Kinga Gruscezka has arrived. She will be hosted this year by Chris Lagerbloom and family. Our club will be sharing these responsibilities with the Rotary Clubs of Windward and Sandy Springs. She will attend Southern Polytechnic University in Marietta. 

I am Polish. As I could observe during my 22 years of lifePolish love to complain. So I’m not typical. In Lublin where I spent all mylife I studied culture’s study and international relations.

President Sam welcomes Alfred "A" from North Fulton Roteract  

Coach DeChristofaro speaks about his new job. 

Club member Chris Lagerbloom's email to our members re: the arrival of this years GRSP Student.

Tonight was a great experience! Arriving through the Concourse T doors; Kinga Gruscezka (of Poland) was greeted by the Swagos (of the Windward Club) and the Lagerblooms. After a day of safe travels, she arrives to start her GRSP experience.

This month's gathering was held at Durty Kelly's. Thanks to this year's host, Mary Ulich for starting this tradition in our club and also to Charlcie Forehand for taking over the duties for the coming year.

District 6900 Governor Margie Kersey visits our club.

Thanks to James Benson, Roxanne Dimon, the Mayor's Challenge Committee, Janet Rogers, and all volunteers for another successful Mayor's Challenge event. The rain held off and the runners enjoyed a perfect morning for running.

Please enjoy the pictures. Also additional pictures are in the photo journal "2011 Mayor's Challenge" and  posted on the web link below:

 Alpharetta Rotary - Mayor's Challenge - May 14, 2011 

This month's get-together at Smokejack was well attended. As usual good conversation and fellowship as we anticipated the next day's Mayor's Challenge. Thanks once again to Mary Ulich for organizing the event!

Each year the Rotary Club of Alpharetta recognizes those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to our community through their service. This year's recipients were recognized at our May 13, 2011 meeting. They are:

Glancy Charlemagne,  Communications Officer of the Year, City of Alpharetta

Jeremy Reifsnyder, Firefighter/EMT of the Year, City of Alpharetta

Michael Schulman, Police Officer of the Year, City Of Alpharetta

Lisa Cherry, Employee of the Year, City of Alpharetta Parks and Rec Dept.

Ms. Shelby Steinhauer, Teacher of the Year, Milton High School 

Sue Levine, Volunteer of the Year

All are most deserving of our thanks through this recognition.

  Keith Sanders, Gary George, Officer Reifsnyder

Rick Leaman, Mike Perry, Lisa Cherry, Bob Regus

Rick Leaman, Mark Speigel, Sue Levine

ROAD WARRIORS

Many thanks to our volunteers : Lyman Louis, Bill Hamilton, Rick Leaman and Lizzie, Jason Binder, David Belle Isle and Colton, and Chris Weeber (picture taker).

The "Prize Find" of this outing goes to Lizzie Leaman and her fully operational spray can marking device. Rick says he is sure to find some use for it and that there may be a place for it on the mantle. You never know what you will find on Old Milton during Alpharetta Rotary Adopt-A-Mile. 

Wayne Robinson Receives Presidential Recognition

As announced at last week's meeting, Wayne Robinson was recently awarded a President's Volunteer Service Award.  Below is information from the press release.  Congratulations to Wayne for his continued service to ShelterBox and the Rotary Club of Alpharetta

The President's Volunteer Service Award is a special recognition presented on behalf of President Barack Obama. The award is part of a national recognition program created in 2003 through the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation for individuals of all ages who contribute a significant amount of time to volunteer activities.

Alpharetta Rotarian Wayne Robinson has been recognized by President Obama and ShelterBox USA with a Presidential Volunteer Service Award for his efforts during 2010 to provide shelter, warmth and dignity for survivors of natural disasters worldwide.

In the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake, many watched on the television wishing they could make a difference. Robinson knew ShelterBox, an international disaster relief charity, would be on the scene delivering it's iconic green box containing a family tent, water purification, a cook set and stove along with other essentials.  Through Robinson's efforts of raising awareness and fundraising for ShelterBox, the organization was able to provide more than 28,000 ShelterBoxes which accounted for one-quarter of all of the tented shelter in Haiti.

Robinson, currently serving as the ShelterBox USA treasurer, is also a ShelterBox Response Team member (SRT) who volunteers his time to deliver ShelterBoxes following disasters worldwide. Twelve minutes after the devastating earthquake hit Haiti, Robinson got the phone call to be a member of the first Response team on the ground. Less than 48 hours later, Robinson entered Port-Au-Prince and began what became ShelterBox's largest deployment to date.

"In 2010, ShelterBox responded to 22 disasters in 17 countries providing more than 45,000 ShelterBoxes," said Emily Sperling, interim executive director for ShelterBox USA.  "Because of the efforts of volunteers like Wayne we were able to provide emergency shelter to those in need around the world."

Since 2000, ShelterBox has provided shelter, warmth and dignity following more than 140 disasters in more than 70 countries. ShelterBox instantly responds to earthquake, volcano, flood, hurricane, cyclone, tsunami or conflict by delivering boxes of aid. The organization provided shelter for 250,000 survivors of the Haitian earthquake and is currently delivering lifesaving aid in Brazil, Colombia, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

Information: http://shelterboxusa.org .

On Thursday, 30 December members of our club had the opportunity and privilege of hosting and assisting 200 of our servicemen and servicewomen at the USO at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. Most were returning to Afghanistan after a stateside R&R. Thanks to William Perkins for organizing our participation which included supplying 30 pounds  of barbeque. We had a great crew of volunteers: Jerry Urmanski, Lawrence Mulkey, Sue and Joe Kralovec, Phil Baldwin, Phil Kingry, Lynne Riley, Yvonne Chrimes, William Perkins, Chris Weeber, Nick Born, Charlie Swahn, and James Benson. Special thanks to James for arranging the use of Verizon cell phones for the troops.

What a difference a year makes! Last year RAIN:

This year: SUN

Thanks to the FunFest Committee, our volunteers, sponsors, and especially Bill Weeks for a very successful 2010 Funfest.

To see more FunFest pictures click on the link below: 

Rotary FunFest Sept 2010

After months of planning, minor setbacks, and much perseverance the Hope 4 Guatemala Project has been successfully completed. This success is due in large part to Mike Lowry and his counterpart from Guatemala Rotary Club Norte, Josef Fischer. Together they coordinated a proposal for a "state of the art" computer lab for Hope 4 Guatemala consisting of 12 computers, a server, and a networked printer. Funds from District 6900, our club, and Rotary Club Guatemala Norte made the hardware acquisition possible. Jose Armas and his team from "Hope" had already prepared the lab with work stations and internet access.

Last week Mike, Rick Leaman, and Chris Weeber traveled to Guatemala City to build and install the lab network. Members of the Guatemala Rotary Club, Interact Club and selected children from Hope 4 Guatemala also helped. The lab will be available to the children before or after their half day of public school. The goal is to give the students the opportunity to acquire skills that will provide for a better life.

To see more pictures go to the photo journal on the main web page or follow the link below:

Alpharetta Rotary International Project - 2010

We Welcome Our Newest Members

Jamie Dixon

Jennifer Heal

Roxanne Dimon

PLUS.........

Roger Wise presents Chef Doug with a letter of appreciation from Governor Perdue

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: