Governor Steve makes the leap at Alpharetta's Polar Plunge fundraiser!

Governor Steve makes the leap at Alpharetta's Polar Plunge fundraiser!

From Our District Governor

Here's to Water, Service and Camaraderie!

By Steve Ivory

Happy Belated Birthday, Rotarians! Rotary just celebrated its 121st birthday on Feb 23! I want to thank each of you for making an impact in the world. Your service projects and generosity to polio plus are making differences in so many lives. In fact, our district just exceeded over $906K total giving and we are well on our way to exceed $1M this year.

In this month’s March Rotarian Magazine, President Francesco Arrezzo discussed how critical water is to connect communities. Rotary Foundation has invested over $230M in projects on this area of focus!

Speaking of water, freezing water that is, I participated in the Alpharetta club’s annual Polar Bear Plunge and helped them raise over $230K in donations to help them make a big community impact. Overall the event raised over $800K and was a master class in partnering up and making an impact in the community! I highly recommend other clubs look at this as a fundraiser in your area and “R&D” it *(“Rip it off and duplicate it!”). Great work!!

Read on for more about how we're doing on membership, service projects, and events set up for camaraderie and fellowship - including our upcoming District Conference at Lake Lanier Island.

Thanks for all you are doing! [more]

District Conference 2026

Come for Rotary; Stay for Fun!

By Lisa Carlisle

Looking for inspiration, connection and fun, your 2026 District Conference is designed to balance meaningful Rotary content with relaxation and fellowship. Join us April 16-19, 2026 at Lake Lanier Island for all this and more! You can register now on the District 6900 website !
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Rotary's Founders: Gustavus “Gus” Loehr, Silvester Schiele, Hiram Shorey and Paul Harris

Rotary's Founders: Gustavus “Gus” Loehr, Silvester Schiele, Hiram Shorey and Paul Harris

Our Rotary Foundation

A Lot to Celebrate: Alpharetta Giving, Rotary's Birthday and PELS!

By Bob Hagan

It’s always fun to trumpet out extremely good news. Therefore, with great pleasure, I want to congratulate The Rotary Club of Alpharetta on becoming a million-dollar club in Foundation giving. It is truly quite a feat! Achieving this in 43 years as a club is a tremendous achievement. They have made an outstanding difference as a club, for our district and Rotary International. A hearty and deserved congratulations!!

As it would happen, I am writing this newsletter on February 23, 2026. A perfect date to do so as it is the anniversary of our founding. Happy 120th Birthday Rotary!!  [more]

Join Our Friendship Exchange Trip to India

By Ada Wikina

Calling on D6900 Rotarians who are ready to engage in RFE visit to D3182 in India during the first week of December 2026. 

For an unforgettable and truly inspiring Rotary Friendship Exchange, a ten-day visit (excluding travel days) would be absolutely perfect. This allows the team to soak in every moment at a relaxed yet vibrant pace—especially important for those experiencing India for the very first time. Rather than rushing from place to place, participants will have time to connect deeply, build lasting friendships, and fully embrace the warmth, color, and energy of India.

We propose exploring the dynamic state of Karnataka in South India—a region where cutting-edge innovation meets ancient heritage, and where Rotary fellowship thrives alongside breathtaking natural beauty.

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RYLA Update

LUCKY to have RYLA!

By Jaclyn Donovan

It’s getting closer to RYLA time! With all the talk this month about “lucky” things and “being lucky” we thought we’d share why we think anyone who goes to RYLA is the luckiest of all for the many positives they gain from the experience - from personal development to teamwork, collaboration, meeting like-minded people and so much more! Take time to read the rest of the RYLA story - so that the students you care about are lucky enough to share in the RYLA experience this June 6-10. All the information about registering students and paying for their RYLA experience are in the rest of this story.
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Our Rotary Foundation

Why We Give: Enduring Impact, Fellowship at Work

By Lee Hollingsworth

As we consider giving money to The Rotary Foundation, it's important to consider how that money enables us to do good in the world and the lasting relationships and friendships it builds. Here's an example of just that ... In 2022, the Roswell Rotary Club partnered with the Rotary Club of Panama Nordeste on a Global Grant bringing clean water to remote, underserved communities in Panama. The project delivered lasting impact—and lasting friendships. Recently, we were able to help those friends again.

Your contributions to The Rotary Foundation can make a difference here at home anywhere around the world to make lives better. Think about how you can help. And be sure to read the rest of this story. [more]

Laws of Life

Partnering with Kennesaw Capstone and Judging 2026 Essays

By Carol Gray Walker

Georgia Laws of Life is proud to partner with Kennesaw State University’s College of Computing and Software Engineering through its Capstone Program to analyze workflows and implement a new CRM system that will strengthen our management of school partnerships, Rotary engagement, and statewide growth. At the same time, we are on the road to selecting State Winners in this year's Laws of Life Essay Contest. Read on and stay tuned for late March/early April contest results. [more]

Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)

RLI Movement Continues to Grow

By Tracy Van Norman

2026 has continued to get off to a strong start for RLI, as 23 more members joined the District 6900 RLI movement in Marietta on February 21. There was a spirit of enthusiasm throughout the day despite the bad weather, as members learned, shared, and had fun. Members increased their Rotary knowledge while also increasing their leadership skills.  Join us to enhance your facilitation skills, connect with peers, and enjoy a full day of learning and networking at the next onsite event, which will be announced soon. Don’t want to wait? You can access RLI online at RLIsunshine.org/course-information/course-schedule/ to secure your spot!
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Our Rotary Foundation

Paul Harris Society Welcomes New Member

By Lauri Young

Governor Steve welcomed David Lighten of the Rotary Club of Lake Spivey/Clayton County to the Paul Harris Society (PHS). Members of the PHS commit to making a $1,000 annual contribution to The Rotary Foundation to further its work of changing lives every day.
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Fellowship Opportunity

Rotary Means Business

By Carter Stout

Rotary Means Business (RMB) is a global fellowship that encourages Rotarians to support one another's professional success through business referrals and mentoring. Watch the newsletter for upcoming events. If you want to get involved, please contact Carter Stout at 770.349.8201 or cstout@stoutkaiser.com

Membership

Welcome to the New Rotaract Club of Southern Crescent!

By Steve Ivory

We are pleased to announce that our district chartered a new Rotaract Club, Rotaract Club of Southern Crescent, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Griffin! 

A heartfelt thank you to faculty sponsor Dr. Shannor Huff for his leadership and dedication to empowering these outstanding students. We were honored by the presence of Dr. Irving Clark, President of Southern Crescent Technical College, along with many proud parents and supporters who joined the celebration.
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Club News

Alpharetta Polar Plunge Raises Big Money

By Gail LaFleche

The  Alpharetta Rotary Plunge , held on February 7, raised $230,000 for club community projects and almost $800,000 for the 235 causes that participated in the plunge. The temperature was only in the mid 40's when scores of fundraisers, many in costumes, braved the cold by jumping into the Wills Park Pool. Organizations that benefited that day included the Lionheart Life Center, Meals by Grace, Jafuta Foundation, Champions Community Foundation and many more. The costumes included superhero outfits, penguins, and a Bavarian theme. More than 1,635 donors contributed that day.
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Brookhaven Rotarians joined other community groups for February's Arbor Day tree planting event cohosted by the Murphey Candler Park Conservancy and Brookhaven's Tree Canopy Preservation team

Brookhaven Rotarians joined other community groups for February's Arbor Day tree planting event cohosted by the Murphey Candler Park Conservancy and Brookhaven's Tree Canopy Preservation team

Club News

Brookhaven Accepting Grant Applications

By Linda Hatten

The Brookhaven Rotary Club is excited to announce a new program designed to provide grants, through the Brookhaven Rotary Foundation, to local organizations that support the city of Brookhaven community. Club President Jennifer Yanulavich adds, "If you know of a Brookhaven non-profit organization that may have a need for financial support, you can be their Rotarian champion! Even if you're a Rotarian outside of Brookhaven." Please feel free to share this information with qualified organizations who may be interested.
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Club News

North Fulton Brightens Seniors' Valentines Day

By Lisa Gelber

North Fulton Rotarians were thrilled to share our hearts and our hands at the Crabapple Senior Center in February. The morning kicked off with helping participants create beautiful individual floral arrangements to take home, followed by crafting Valentine-themed garland to decorate the center. These creative activities were not only fun, but also great for stimulating the brain.
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Club News

Alpharetta Celebrates Annual Golden Gala

By Gail LaFleche

The Rotary Club of Alpharetta held its second Annual Golden Gala on February 13 at the American Legion; it was a huge success. Over 120 seniors attended and enjoyed music, dancing, line dance lessons, refreshments, raffles and more! The guests wore their favorite party attire and joined their friends for this free event that included fun and community. They were honored at this event because Aging is not something to hide - it is something to celebrate!
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Club News

Rotary Club of Columbus Completes Meaningful Project in Meeting

By LeighAnn DiCesaris

The Rotary Club of Columbus recently transformed its regular gathering into a hands-on act of service, demonstrating what it truly means to live out Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self. Most recently, Rotarians paused their usual weekly meeting agenda to work side-by-side filling hygiene bags for neighbors in need. The completed bags will benefit three local organizations making a direct impact in the community: Valley Rescue Mission, Stewart Community Home, and Home for Good. [more]

Club News

Atlanta West End Strengthens Youth Through School Snack Initiative

By Jared Evans

The Rotary Club of Atlanta West End (AWER) has launched and delivered multiple rounds of food support to students at Booker T. Washington High School, ensuring that students have access to nourishment during school breaks when resources might be stretched thin at home. This initiative puts Rotary's Youth Service Avenue into action in a very tangible way. Through the Booker T. Washington Snack Initiative, AWER members have already completed two major deliveries of food and gift cards this Rotary year, with a third delivery scheduled for Spring Break in April 2026 and another planned for the last day of school in May.
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Club News

Roswell Hosts Conference for Emerging High School Leaders

By Becky Nelson

Roswell Rotary Club hosted the annual Leadership 20/20 1-day conference this February with approximately 70 emerging student leaders from Roswell High School attending. Without a doubt, this over 30-year tradition was a quiet yet steady testament of collaboration between Roswell HS, Roswell HS PTSA and the Roswell Rotary Club.
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Club News

Buckhead Pairs School Kids and Shelter Dog Projects

By Shelley Hammell

The Buckhead Rotary Club brought two of its signature projects together in a Valentine’s Day effort to benefit shelter dogs and children who have experienced homelessness themselves. Rotarians visited The Boyce L. Ansley School to make dog and cat toys with the students, grades K – 6 and write Valentine’s Day messages for the animals at LifeLine Animal Project, and the club purchased more than 20 crates for the animals in the shelter.  [more]

Club News

Dunwoody Rotarians Help Anchor Place Respite Celebrate Valentine's Day

By Jackie Cuthbert

Anchor Place Respite Care in Dunwoody held a very special "Harmony and Hearts" community Valentine's Day celebration for caregivers and their family members living with memory issues - all with some help and support from Dunwoody Rotarians . Past President Louise Barden helped with event planning and Charlie and Anita Augello provided a tasty Italian lunch from the East 48th Street Market.
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Club News

Atlanta Southern Crescent Delivers Valentines

By Claudia Mertl

The Rotary Club of Atlanta Southern Crescent delivered 50 Valentines for the residents and staff of the Jonesboro Senior Assisted Living. President Mahli Lowder and Rotarian Dawn Hartman enjoyed delivering the valentines and loved seeing the joy they brought.

Club News

Alpharetta Named as Shelter Box Hero

By Clark Savage

The Rotary Club of Alpharetta has been recognized as a ShelterBox Hero Club for its outstanding commitment to providing emergency shelter and essential supplies to families displaced by disaster and conflict worldwide.  For more information about ShelterBox, its Rotary origins, and how Rotary Clubs can become Hero Clubs, visit https://shelterboxusa.org/
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Club News

North Cobb ... From McKenna Farms to Kennesaw to Women's Extension

By Jose Gonzalez

North Cobb Rotarians have been on the move in February - refreshing a closet at McKenna Farms' therapeutic play area for children with special needs, serving dinner at the Women's Extension for its recovery program, partnering with Kennesaw State University Rotaract Club to package food for needy community families. And they still found time to enjoy fellowship at an International Potluck and attend Rotary Leadership Institute training in Marietta. [more]

Club News

Griffin Daybreak Joins Read Across America

By Katheryne Fields

Griffin Daybreak Rotarians Katheryne Fields, Cresta Barber and Nicki Gore jumped at a chance to share some of their favorite stories with new mini BFFs at Moreland Road Elementary, part of the club's partnership with Griffin Spalding Schools to participate in Read Across America.
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Club News

Columbus Installs Peace Pole

By LeighAnn DiCesaris

The Rotary Club of Columbus hosted a Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony this February at the Columbus Public Library in Columbus, Georgia — a permanent symbol of our commitment to peace, goodwill, and understanding here at home and around the world. Inscribed with messages of peace in multiple languages, the Peace Pole reflects the shared values that define our community: inclusion, service, and unity. It stands as a reminder that while peace is a global mission, it begins right here in Columbus. This dedication reflects our continued commitment to building a stronger, more united Columbus for generations to come.
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Club News

Roswell's Family of Rotary Committee

By Becky Nelson

With a heart for service, Roswell Rotary Club has a heart for each other too. We are a strong club that gets inside and behind a message or a need with full vibrato. Walking in partnership with this sense of service to our community, our district and our world, is a sense of intense caring for each other. Past President Lynne Lindsay has been the point person for our Family of Rotary Committee for years.
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