Was there a Rotary Club of Clayton meeting last week?

There was no regular meeting last week, but members and guests gathered for the Fifth Thursday Comfort Crawl Social at the Civic Center Diner, enjoying food, fellowship, and community connection.

What is this week’s Rotary Club of Clayton program about?

This week’s program, Rotary Around the World, features members sharing experiences from Italy, Switzerland, and the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, highlighting global fellowship and service.

Where and when does the Rotary Club of Clayton meet this week?

The meeting is Thursday, February 5 at 11:45 AM at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia in Clayton.

What service projects are coming up in February?

Upcoming service events include meal packing, Foxfire Museum cleanup, Community Dental support, Stekoa Creek cleanup, and food distribution at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church.

How can members get involved with the Rotary Impact Club?

The next Impact Club meeting is Tuesday, February 10 at 6:00 PM at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia. Guests and prospective members are welcome to attend.

What is the 2026 Rotary Club of Clayton Annual Fundraiser Gala?

The Annual Fundraiser Gala will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Rabun County Civic Center Ballroom. The Roaring 20’s Murder Mystery event includes a $10,000 reverse raffle and requires participation from all club members.

What is RYLA and how can Rotarians help?

RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is a leadership program for high school students held May 28–31 at Tallulah Falls School. Rotarians are encouraged to volunteer as counselors or support leaders, with meals and lodging provided.

How can the community support the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia?

The Food Bank accepts donations of shelf-stable food items such as peanut butter, cereal, soups, canned meats, fruits, and vegetables, as well as cash and checks designated for Rabun County.

Discover the Heart of Rabun County: Rotary Club’s Weekly Highlights & Upcoming Events

Rotary Club of Clayton

Weekly Newsletter

Week of February 5, 2026

This past week reminded us just how special our corner of the mountains can be. A beautiful blanket of snow over the weekend transformed Rabun County into a true winter postcard, offering moments of quiet beauty, reflection, and gratitude—even as we looked out for neighbors and friends.

As we move forward together, let’s carry that same warmth, connection, and Service Above Self into the days ahead.

Recap from Last Week

There was no regular club meeting last week, but Rotary fellowship was on full display as we gathered for our Fifth Thursday Comfort Crawl Social at the Civic Center Diner. With more than 60 people in attendance, members and guests enjoyed sampling a wide variety of delicious soups—each one better than the last.

The food was fantastic, but it was the laughter, conversation, and camaraderie that truly warmed the evening. A big shout-out to Susie Howard and her decorating team for transforming the space and helping make the night such a welcoming and memorable event. Even on a cold winter night, Rotary fellowship was front and center.

See our Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/177UjtMkKT/

This Week’s Meeting — Rotary Around the World

Thursday, February 5 | 11:45 AM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Clayton

Program

Come and hear how Rotarians travel the world while building friendships and advancing Rotary’s mission:

Amy & Gerald Hulett — Italy
Elizabeth Gill — Switzerland
Laura Seberg — Rotary International Convention (Calgary)

Lunch: TBD
Trucks have been slow to resupply due to the snow. We will update the club as soon as we hear back from Sunday Diner.

Impact Club Update

Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 10 | 6:00 PM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Clayton

Upcoming Service Events

Meal Packing
Immediately following this week’s meeting

Foxfire Cleanup
Wednesday, February 11 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Foxfire Museum

Help us keep one of Rabun County’s treasured landmarks beautiful. Please wear work clothes and bring gloves if you have them.

Community Dental
Rabun County Health Department
Friday, February 13 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Support access to essential dental care in our community by assisting with this important service initiative.

Stekoa Creek Cleanup
Friday, February 14 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Stekoa Creek Park

Help us care for one of Clayton’s most visible natural assets. Gloves and work clothes are recommended.

Food Distribution
Saturday, February 21 | 6:45 AM – 9:00 AM
Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church

Help distribute food to families in need across our community. Early arrival is appreciated.

Important Dates

February 11 — Foxfire Cleanup
February 12 — Board Meeting
February 13 — Community Dental
February 14 — Stekoa Creek Cleanup
February 21 — Food Distribution
February 29 — District Governor Visit
April 2 — Rabun County Special Olympics
April 25 — Murder Mystery Gala Fundraiser
April 30 – May 3 — District 6910 Conference
May 28 – May 31 — RYLA
June 25 — End-of-Year Celebration

Announcements

2026 Rotary Club of Clayton Annual Fundraiser Gala

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Location: Rabun County Civic Center Ballroom
Theme: Roaring 20’s Murder Mystery
Fundraiser: $10,000 Reverse Raffle

Committees Needed:

Marketing / Promotions
Donors / Sponsors
Decorations
Auction
Logistics
Finance

All Rotarians are expected to participate in what is always our biggest event of the year.

Contact: Laura Seberg — 941-799-9393
Sign Up:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd73aSuUnt2q7Ghn_c_7Wd_Voe9MOruWhSTmyS4ojHlxt0MVg/viewform

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)

May 28 – 31
Tallulah Falls School

RYLA is one of Rotary’s signature youth programs, helping high school students develop leadership, teamwork, and a service mindset through hands-on activities, outdoor experiences, and meaningful conversations rooted in Rotary values.

We are seeking Rotarian volunteers as counselors, support leaders, and activity helpers. Whether you can serve a few hours or all four days, meals, lodging, and activities are provided.

Email: RYLA6910@gmail.com
Learn more: www.ryla6910.com

District 6910 Conference

April 30 – May 3
Harrah’s Cherokee

Service projects are now available for sign-up:
https://myrotaryconference.com/

Food Bank Donations

Most-Needed Items:
Peanut butter & jelly • Cereal • Soups • Crackers • Rice • Chili & beans • Pasta • Spaghetti sauce • Beef stew • Canned meats • Fruits & vegetables

Cash donations welcome
Checks payable to: Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Memo: For Rabun County