What is the message from the Rotary Club of Clayton for Memorial Day week?

The Rotary Club of Clayton reflected on the Memorial Day holiday by honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the country. The message connected their sacrifice to Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self and encouraged members to continue serving the community with gratitude and compassion.

Who spoke during last week’s Rotary Club of Clayton Club Assembly?

During last week’s Club Assembly, the Rotary Club of Clayton heard from five new members: Beth Thomason, Molly Williams, Chris Steely, Mark Stovin, and Kevin Quinn.

Who is the guest speaker for the May 28, 2026 Rotary Club of Clayton meeting?

The guest speaker for the May 28, 2026 Rotary Club of Clayton meeting is Patti Duckworth, Executive Director of the American Red Cross. She will share her experience in leadership, community engagement, disaster preparedness, and service throughout Northeast Georgia.

What is on the lunch menu for the May 28, 2026 Rotary meeting?

The lunch menu includes grilled pork chops, white cheddar macaroni and cheese, grilled chicken for non-pork eaters, salad, and dessert.

When and where is the May 28, 2026 Rotary Club of Clayton meeting?

The May 28, 2026 Rotary Club of Clayton meeting will be held Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 11:30 AM in the Rotary Community Room at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.

How can Rotary Club of Clayton members nominate candidates for club awards?

Members can nominate candidates for club awards using the online Club Awards Nomination Form. The awards will be presented at the June 4 meeting.

What Rotary Club of Clayton awards are open for nominations?

The Rotary Club of Clayton is accepting nominations for awards including the Wheel Award, J.C. Dover Wheel Award, Jean Harris Professional Award, Golden R Award, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Police Officer of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, and EMT/Paramedic of the Year.

What is the next Rotary Club of Clayton program after May 28?

The next program will be the Rotary Club Awards presentation on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 11:30 AM in the Rotary Community Room at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.

What will be discussed at the next Impact Club meeting?

Sheriff Mark Gerrells will speak at the next Impact Club meeting, and the club will review plans to begin a trash pickup initiative on June 9.

When is the Free Paper Shredding Event?

The Free Paper Shredding Event will be held Friday, May 29, from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Civic Center parking lot. The event is free to the community, but donations are appreciated to help cover the cost.

When is the Sound the Alarm smoke detector distribution project?

Sound the Alarm training will take place Thursday, May 28, at 2:00 PM at the Food Bank. The smoke detector distribution will take place Saturday, May 30, with volunteers meeting at Clayton Church of God, 255 Stekoa Falls Road, at 8:00 AM.

What volunteers are needed for Sound the Alarm?

The Rotary Club of Clayton needs approximately 20 volunteers for Sound the Alarm and is especially seeking volunteers who speak Spanish.

When is Rotary Youth Leadership Academy?

Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, also known as RYLA, will take place Thursday, May 28, through Sunday, May 31, at Tallulah Falls School. Volunteers are needed as counselors and activity helpers.

What is the Camp Tanglewood Augusta Service Project?

The Camp Tanglewood Augusta Service Project will take place June 4 through June 6. Volunteers will support hurricane recovery efforts through hands-on service work such as carpentry, planting, debris removal, and preparing new cabins.

When is the Rotary Club of Clayton End-of-Year Celebration?

The Rotary Club of Clayton End-of-Year Celebration will be held Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at The Dillard House. The club will install new officers, celebrate the year’s accomplishments, and look ahead to the new Rotary year.

What items are needed for Food Bank donations?

The Food Bank is requesting plastic grocery bags, peanut butter and jelly, cereal, soups, crackers, rice, chili and beans, pasta, sauce, beef stew, canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and cash donations. Checks may be made payable to Food Bank of Northeast Georgia with Rabun County in the memo line.

Explore Rotary's Latest Initiatives & Celebrations This Week

Weekly Newsletter

Week of Thursday, May 28, 2026

President’s Message

As we pause this week to observe the Memorial Day holiday, we are reminded of the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice stands as the ultimate example of putting others before self — an ideal that closely reflects Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self.

We honor their courage, their dedication, and the freedoms they helped preserve. As Rotarians, may we continue to serve our community with gratitude, compassion, and a renewed commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Recap from Last Week’s Meeting

We had a great Club Assembly last week as we heard from five of our new members: Beth Thomason, Molly Williams, Chris Steely, Mark Stovin, and Kevin Quinn.

We also celebrated some significant birthdays and anniversaries. Congratulations to the following:

See our Facebook Reel:
Facebook Reel

This Week’s Meeting

This week, we welcome our guest speaker, Patti Duckworth, Executive Director of the American Red Cross.

Patti brings a wealth of experience in leadership, community engagement, disaster preparedness, and service. From supporting lifesaving blood collection efforts with the Red Cross to leading regional response initiatives and serving with MedLink Georgia and Barrow County VOAD, Patti’s passion for helping others is truly inspiring.

We look forward to hearing her story, her heart for service, and learning more about the incredible work being done throughout Northeast Georgia to strengthen communities and support those in need.

What’s on the Menu?

This week’s lunch menu includes:

Grilled pork chops
White cheddar macaroni and cheese
Grilled chicken for non-pork eaters
Salad
Dessert

Thursday, May 28, 2026

11:30 AM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia — Rotary Community Room

Nominations for Club Awards

We are asking for your nominations for club awards. We will present these awards at our meeting on June 4.

Go to the online form to make your nominations:
Club Awards Nomination Form

Club Awards

Wheel Award — Given annually to individuals or groups in the community who have demonstrated the spirit of Rotary’s “Service Above Self” through service benefiting the welfare of the community. Their efforts may include work with churches, family services, medical facilities, and educational institutions. (Non-Rotarian)
J.C. Dover Wheel Award — The top Wheel Award, named in honor of Dr. J.C. Dover, a member of the Rotary Club of Clayton who practiced medicine in Rabun County for more than 66 years and was an active church, civic, and community leader. This award was adopted as part of Clayton Rotary’s award program as a tribute to Dr. Dover for his years of unselfish service to the citizens of Rabun County. (Non-Rotarian)
Jean Harris Professional Award — Honors the accomplishments and achievements of a woman in the community who works to improve the quality of life for others. (Non-Rotarian)
Golden “R” Award — Conferred upon the Rotarian judged to be the most contributing citizen toward improving community standards, facilities, and educational institutions. The recipient should have a high attendance record at club meetings, serve as a leader in club functions and projects, and be a living example of the principles embodied in the Four-Way Test. (Rotarian)
Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award (Sheriff’s Office)
Police Officer of the Year
Firefighter of the Year
EMT/Paramedic of the Year

Next Week’s Program

We will be presenting our Rotary Club Awards. Please be there to show your appreciation to all of the people who have helped make our community such a great place to live.

Thursday, June 4, 2026
11:30 AM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia — Rotary Community Room

Impact Club Update

Sheriff Mark Gerrells will be speaking. We will also review plans to begin a trash pickup initiative on June 9.

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia

Service Above Self

We are still packing meals this Thursday and every Thursday through the end of May.
Free Paper Shredding Event — Friday, May 29, from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Civic Center parking lot. Bring your old bills and records, and we will shred them for you. This event is free to the community, but donations are appreciated to help cover the cost.
SOUND THE ALARM! Smoke Detector Distribution — Thursday, May 28, at 2:00 PM and Saturday, May 30. We will join the American Red Cross to install smoke detectors for neighbors who cannot afford them.Training will take place Thursday, May 28, at the Food Bank at 2:00 PM. Distribution will take place Saturday, May 30. We will meet at Clayton Church of God, 255 Stekoa Falls Rd., at 8:00 AM. We need approximately 20 volunteers.We are in special need of volunteers who speak Spanish.
Sign up here:
SOUND THE ALARM Volunteer Sign-Up
Contact Elizabeth Gill for details: (404) 358-4089
Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) — Thursday, May 28, through Sunday, May 31. If you are interested in volunteering, learn more at:
RYLA 6910
RYLA6910@gmail.com
RYLA Dinner — Friday, May 29. Contact Dave Farrington for details: (404) 713-6160
Camp Tanglewood / Augusta Service Project — June 4–6There are moments when service stops being an idea and becomes something you can see, touch, and build with your own hands. This spring, Rotary District 6910’s Disaster Relief Committee is offering an opportunity to do exactly that.The project begins June 4 with a $50,000 check presentation supporting hurricane recovery efforts, followed by hands-on service work. Volunteers will assist with carpentry, planting, debris removal, and preparing new cabins.
No experience is required — just a willingness to serve.
This collaborative effort will include volunteers from Districts 6900 and 6920. Housing is available for Rotarians who would like to be matched with a host family in Augusta during the project.
Sign up here:
Camp Tanglewood Volunteer Sign-Up
This project represents Rotary at its best — showing up, stepping in, and making a lasting impact in communities that need us.

End-of-Year Celebration!

We will hold our End-of-Year Celebration at the newly renovated The Dillard House on Thursday evening, June 25, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

We will install our new officers and celebrate all that we have accomplished this year while enjoying a great meal. We will also look ahead to what is in store for the new Rotary year beginning July 1.

If you would like to help plan this fun event, please contact Susie Howard at (404) 310-0469.