When and where is the next Rotary Club of Clayton meeting?

The next meeting is Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:45 AM. It will be held at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia in Clayton.

Who is the guest speaker for the February 12th Rotary meeting?

The guest speaker is Stewart Harvard, owner of the Harvard School of Dog Training. He has over 47 years of experience in animal training and was the #1 racing pigeon breeder in America in 2017.

What are the upcoming community service opportunities in Rabun County?

Upcoming service events include the Foxfire Cleanup (Feb 11), Community Dental at the Health Department (Feb 13, 19, 20), the Stekoa Creek Cleanup (Feb 14), and Food Distribution at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church (Feb 21).

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

The 'Roaring 20’s Murder Mystery' Gala and $10,000 Reverse Raffle will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Rabun County Civic Center Ballroom.

How can I support the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia through Rotary?

You can donate most-needed items like peanut butter, jelly, cereal, and canned meats, or provide cash donations via check payable to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia with 'For Rabun County' in the memo.

What is the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) and when is the next session?

RLI is a leadership development program for Rotarians. The final session of the year is Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Georgia Highlands College in Cartersville. The registration deadline is February 28.

Rotary Club of Clayton Weekly Newsletter February 12, 2026

Rotary Club of Clayton

Weekly Newsletter

Week of February 12, 2026
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re reminded that the most meaningful way to spend our time isn’t on cards or chocolates, but on caring for others. Rotary gives us countless opportunities to turn goodwill into action—whether through service projects, fellowship, or simply checking in on a neighbor. In a season that celebrates love, there’s no better way to express it than by giving our time, talents, and compassion in Service Above Self.

Recap from Last Week

We had a fantastic meeting last week, starting with a crowd-favorite lunch of fried chicken and baked chicken with all the sides. We then recorded the whole club singing “Happy Birthday!” to Tony Penrose, who celebrated his 55th birthday on February 8th.

Our featured speakers—Elizabeth Gill, Amy & Gerald Hulett, and Laura Seberg—gave us a wonderful recount of their recent travels overseas with visits to local Rotary Clubs and the International Rotary Convention. Elizabeth shared photos from Switzerland, including her visit to the Lausanne Rotary Club. Amy and Gerald told stories from their trip to Italy and their visit to the Rome Nord Rotary Club. Laura capped it off with highlights from attending the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

At the end of the presentation, they presented flags from the clubs that they visited. They received these in exchange for flags from our own club, which we provide for anyone traveling to another club here or abroad. This tradition goes back years and our club has dozens of flags from all corners of the world. Their stories reminded us that we belong to a worldwide fellowship of Rotarians—and how meaningful and fun it is to connect with people from other countries and cultures.

See our Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/16tfVAEpCL/

This Week’s Meeting — Guest Speaker

Thursday, February 12 | 11:45 AM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Clayton

Program

Stewart Harvard, owner of the Harvard School of Dog Training, will be our guest speaker.

Stewart Harvard is a lifelong animal lover and world-class professional animal trainer with more than 47 years of experience. His career spans training, showing, and competing at the highest levels of dog sports, including participation in the World Championship in Nijmegen, Netherlands, and earning multiple national championships across disciplines.

Stewart has traveled to Europe more than 30 times, training alongside some of the most accomplished dog trainers in the world. His expertise has also led him to import hundreds of dogs for law enforcement, sport, and breeding programs throughout the United States.

Adding to his impressive résumé, Stewart became the #1 racing pigeon breeder in America in 2017, further showcasing his deep knowledge, discipline, and passion for animal training.

His presentation promises to be fascinating, informative, and inspiring, offering insight into a lifetime dedicated to excellence in animal training and competition.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewart.harvard

Lunch Menu

Barbecued Pork (bun, sauce, pickles)
Baked Beans
Cole Slaw
Salad
Dessert
Grilled Chicken Breast available for those who do not eat pork

Impact Club Update

Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 10 | 6:00 PM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Clayton
We’ll be stocking shelves at the food bank and assembling Valentine treats for the residents of Traces of Tiger, sharing love, care, and support with our neighbors right here in Rabun County.

Upcoming Service Events

Meal Packing
Immediately following this week’s meeting
Impact Club — Food Bank Pantry Support
Tuesday, February 10 | Immediately following the Impact Club meeting
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Clayton

Impact Club members will be stocking shelves in the food bank pantry, helping ensure our neighbors have access to nutritious food. This hands-on service opportunity is a great way to put Service Above Self into action right here in our community.

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

Help us keep one of Rabun County’s most treasured landmarks clean and 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
Thursday, February 19 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Friday, February 20 | 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 Leadership Institute (RLI)

Saturday, March 14
Georgia Highlands College – Cartersville

We are excited to offer our final Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) training of the year on March 14 in Cartersville. Whether you are new to RLI, looking for a refresher, or ready to complete the full RLI journey, this is a valuable opportunity to grow as a Rotarian and a leader. Our Club will be organizing car pools to leave from the Food Bank to drive to Cartersville and back.

Please review the attached RLI flyer for full details.

REGISTER HERE:

Register NOW for RLI – Cartersville D6910

Registration Deadline: February 28
Limited seats available — early registration encouraged

Courses Offered

We will offer all levels of RLI, including:

Part I
Part II
Part III
Graduate Course: “FOUNDATION”
Facilitation Techniques Course
(Approval from the RLI Director is required prior to registration)

Part One: The Rotarian

Your introduction to the RLI experience. Begin the day by meeting fellow Rotarians and Rotarian Discussion Leaders. Emphasis is placed on understanding Rotary programs and developing ideas participants can take back to their clubs.

Courses include:

Object of Rotary
Rotary — The Bigger Picture
Membership Retention
Rotary Opportunities
Ethics & Vocational Service
Rotary Foundation I

Part Two: The Rotary Club

Building on Part I, this session goes deeper into club leadership and effectiveness. Participants will analyze their own Rotary Club and explore ways to strengthen impact and engagement.

Courses include:

Analyzing Your Rotary Club
Leadership & Team Building
Strategic Planning
Service Projects
Membership Attraction
Public Relations

Part Three: The Rotary Journey

The final phase of RLI offers an in-depth look at Rotary at the district and international level. Learn how to maximize Rotary resources and apply leadership strategies to better serve your club and community.

Courses include:

Rotary History
International Service
Leadership: Effective Strategies
Rotary Foundation II
Communication Techniques
Making a Difference

Graduate Courses (For RLI Graduates Only)

Two graduate-level courses are offered: Foundation and Facilitation Techniques.

These courses are only available to RLI Graduates who have successfully completed the full three-part RLI curriculum. Each graduate course is comprehensive and focused on a single topic for the day.

Current graduate topics include:

Membership
The Rotary Foundation
Public Speaking
Facilitation Techniques
Managing Change

Additional topics are added periodically. Please check the RLI calendar for offerings near you. Graduate courses are not offered online at this time.

RLI is an outstanding opportunity to deepen your Rotary knowledge, develop leadership skills, and strengthen our club’s future. We strongly encourage all members—new and seasoned alike—to consider attending.

If you have questions or need help determining which course is right for you, please reach out to club leadership.

Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (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

We have 264 Rotarians and guests registered for conference and RC of Canton is leading with 18 Rotarians and guests. RC of Clayton and RC of Lanier-Forsyth are tied with 17 Rotarians and guests. We have registered members from 46 of our 68 clubs registered. Remember this is a celebration of your club and district!!

EXCURSION REGISTRATION IS OPEN! We will have Golf in the mountains, Fly Fishing, Oconaluftee Indian Village Tour, Hiking in the Smokies, Annual Conference 5K and on Friday evening there will be a social with a bowling tournament!!

If you are a Caeser’s Reward Member, please save any complimentary rooms you may have for another occasion.

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