Rotary Club of Clayton Weekly Newsletter
Week of Thursday, October 15th, 2026
OCTOBER Rotary Area of Focus is Economic and Community Development.
President’s Message
Rotary identifies Community Economic Development (CED) as one of its seven Areas of Focus. The goal is to empower communities—especially underserved populations, through training, financial access, and sustainable development initiatives. Last year, the Rotary Club of Clayton contributed $5000, along with 16 other Rotary Clubs across the world, in fundraising a combined total of $362,000 for a grant titled “Thrive at home: keeping families together through living dash wage employment.’ This grant works to establish a community economic development hub in the remote western Highlands of Guatemala. The grant backs the Guatemala thrive initiative, which claims to create 500 living wage jobs in the region, initially benefiting approximately 2500 underserved indigenous residents in the next three years. The initiative has a five-year goal of generating 2000 jobs and providing affordable healthcare for 10,000 individuals, enabling young people and their families to thrive safely at home in their own communities.
More projects like this can be found at the following website: Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development (RAGCED) which is a global network of experts supporting Rotarians in designing and implementing sustainable economic development projects. Its mission is to provide knowledge, training, and project assistance to create lasting change in underserved communities.
Click Here: Home Page | Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development
Although this is a global example, we are also challenging ourselves to find local service projects supporting our local economic and community development. We have invited three of our Rotary Club of Clayton members to provide a five-minute overview of the status in the City of Clayton. At the Impact Club Meeting, Tuesday, October 13th, Sonya Shook, board member of the Downtown Development Authority and The Clayton Merchants and Business Association (CMBA) will share resources and support provided to our local business owners. Then, at this Thursday’s Lunch Club Meeting(s), October 15th, Trudy Crunkleton, Clayton City Manager, followed by next Thursday, October 22nd, Karen Bacon, Vice Chair of the Downtown Development Authority, will provide insight into the management, planning and current status of our city’s business district. I am confident that opportunities of how we can provide further support will emerge!
This Week’s Meeting
Guest Speaker:
October 15th, 2026
11:30 AM – Luncheon Club Meeting
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Rotary Community Room
LUNCH MENU: Grilled Chicken, Creamy Pasta with Roasted Vegetables, Salad , and Banana Pudding.
Next Week’s Program
Special Motivational Speaker – October 29th – NOT A regularly SCHEDULED MEETING – PLEASE REGISTER
Register using QR Code above of Click Here: RSVP to ATTEND
Meetings on Tuesday, October 13th Business Meeting and 27th Social &/or Service: Both start at 6:00 PM for the Fellowship 6:15 Meeting
Service Above Self
Rotary Club of Clayton is making a lasting impact in Rabun County! 
Our first-quarter service results demonstrate the incredible dedication of our members and their commitment to serving our community!
17 Community Service Projects
187 Volunteer Participations
464 Hours of Service
Introducing our Rotary Service Star Recognition Program!
To celebrate our members who go above and beyond, Rotarians who participate in community service projects will receive a special Service Star to proudly display on their Rotary name badge! 
Each star represents more than volunteer hours—it symbolizes compassion, commitment, and the power of working together to make a difference.
Small acts of service create lasting impact!
Rotary Chefs in ACTION at the Rabun County High School Football Game!
- Meal Packing for KIDS After Thursday Lunch Club Meeting this week
- Other Important Dates for Volunteer Opportunity
Stekoa Creek Clean-up November 13th 10AM
Rotary Cooks October 30th at 5:30 PM
Community Dental: October 16, 19, & 23rd at 8:00 AM -12:00 PM; Denture Clinic Oct. 22nd @ 2:00PM -4:00PM
Food Distribution October 17th
Our Rotary Club of Clayton and Rabun Pickleball Club are teaming up for a fun day of pickleball, with all proceeds going to Rotary’s Polio Plus efforts to help end polio worldwide.
Rabun County Recreation Department Outdoor Pickleball Courts
5-Game Round Robin
Two sessions: 9:00–11:00 AM & 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Beginner through Advanced levels
Registration: $50
Maximum 60 players per session
Ready to play? Registration or Donate: Pickleball Poker for Polio Plus
Mark your calendar for a Fun Fellowship – Thursday evening October 29th – 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Bring your Ghoulish Goulash or Soup to share and a Carved Gourd for competition. Costumes Optional.
We need your feedback for a new element of Fellowship by offering Rotary Club of Clayton with Small Special-Interest Groups.
Please provide your input of interest and small group ideas at the following link:
Click Here for Survey
Keep our Members in Need in your Thoughts and Prayers!
Find these events and more at:
https://claytonrotary.com/rotary-calendars/
Reminder to please register for committee(s) Click Here
Keep an eye out for an email for updating member contact information.
Food Bank Donations
Most Needed Items
- Plastic Grocery Bags
- Peanut Butter & Jelly
- Cereal
- Soups
- Crackers
- Rice
- Chili & Beans
- Pasta
- Pasta Sauce
- Beef Stew
- Canned Meats
- Fruits
- Vegetables
Cash Donations Welcome
Checks Payable To: Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Memo: NEGA Foodbank – Clayton, GA
Yours in Rotary Service,
Laura Seberg
President
Rotary Club of Clayton
www.claytonrotary.com
October 15 Newsletter FAQs
What is the October focus in this Rotary Club of Clayton newsletter?
October’s Rotary Area of Focus is Economic and Community Development. The newsletter describes the Guatemala Thrive initiative and local discussions about supporting Clayton’s business community.
When and where is the October 15 Rotary luncheon meeting?
The luncheon meeting is Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 11:30 AM in the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Rotary Community Room. Lunch includes grilled chicken, creamy pasta with roasted vegetables, salad and banana pudding.
Which local speakers are highlighted?
Sonya Shook is featured at the October 13 Impact Club meeting, Trudy Crunkleton at the October 15 luncheon, and Karen Bacon at the October 22 luncheon.
What were the club’s first-quarter service results?
The Rotary Club of Clayton reports 17 community service projects, 187 volunteer participations and 464 hours of service.
What volunteer opportunities are listed?
Opportunities include meal packing for kids after Thursday’s luncheon, Community Dental on October 16, 19 and 23, the October 22 Denture Clinic, October 17 food distribution, Rotary Cooks on October 30 at 5:30 PM, and Stekoa Creek cleanup on November 13 at 10 AM.
How can members register for the October 29 special speaker event?
Use the RSVP to ATTEND link or QR code in the newsletter. This is a special event rather than a regularly scheduled meeting.
What is Pickleball Poker for PolioPlus?
The Rotary Club of Clayton and Rabun Pickleball Club are organizing a five-game round robin at the Rabun County Recreation Department outdoor courts. Proceeds support PolioPlus. Registration is $50, with sessions from 9 to 11 AM and 11 AM to 1 PM, limited to 60 players per session.
When is the October 29 fellowship gathering?
The gathering is Thursday, October 29, from 6 to 9 PM. Bring goulash or soup to share and a carved gourd for the competition. Costumes are optional.
