Rotary Club of Clayton Weekly Newsletter
Week of Thursday, October 22, 2026
OCTOBER Rotary Area of Focus is Economic and Community Development.
President’s Message
When we look at our Economic and Community Development opportunities in Rabun County, it is extremely important to understand our demographics for insights into who we desire to support.
Here are some insights. The median age is 50.1 years, 51.2% Female/48.8% Male with 60% Married. The ethnic population is made up of 87.0% White, 9.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Asian, 1.0% Black or African American, and 2.0% from two or more races.
Rabun County has a population of approximately 17,312 and a median household income of $67,493 per estimated for 2026. The county’s economic indicators show a poverty rate of 13.1% and an unemployment rate of 3.3%, reflecting a relatively stable economic environment. Our economy is primarily driven by the real estate, tourism, and agriculture sectors. Additional diverse sectors include textiles, distribution, e-commerce, and food processing. This is led by the real estate and rental industry with GDP contributions at $190.3 million in 2024, followed by retail trade $84.8 million and government services.
Last week both Sonya Shook and Trudy Crunkleton highlighted the complex challenges in our economic and community dynamics. Post-covid years of growth have left difficulty in balancing the local improvements with a multitude of issues. A few mentioned were the infrastructure and utility strains, such as roads, water, sewer, electricity and internet resources. Primarily being a tourism community, we struggle with seasonal volatility, tourism prices, and friction with locals not shopping downtown, which counteracts the tremendous need to spend locally. In consideration of local business and staff, there is a seasonal fluctuation in demand and shortage of affordable housing. Housing affordability is also a problem for locals due to the surge of investors and short-term rentals driving up median home prices, leading to higher rent, house values, and associated tax values.
As we continue our local focus on Economic and Community Development this week, Karen Bacon, Vice Chair of the Downtown Development Authority, will provide an update on the LEADS, a community leadership development program designed to educate, connect and inspire current and emerging leaders who are committed to the future of the City of Clayton.
To Learn more about the Rabun County Census, Click Here
This Week’s Meeting
Guest Speaker:
October 22nd, 2026
11:30 AM – Luncheon Club Meeting
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Rotary Community Room
LUNCH MENU: Smoked Chicken, Roasted Butternut Squash, Collard Greens, and Cucumber Tomato Salad
Next Week’s Program
Special Motivational Speaker – October 29th – NOT A regularly SCHEDULED MEETING LITE LUNCH & LISTEN
Register using QR Code above of Click Here: RSVP to ATTEND
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Meeting on Tuesday, October 27th Social &/or Service at 6:00 PM Fellowship 6:15 Start
So far this year, we have 60% of our Lunch Club and 90% of Impact Club members have volunteered for a Service Project! Congrats!
Service Above Self
Taking small steps to focus on the environment and sustainability:
Dental Clinic Support last Friday. October 16th
Food Bank Distribution at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 17th
- 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 19th & 23rd at 8:00 AM -12:00 PM; Denture Clinic Oct. 22nd @ 2:00PM -4:00PM
Interact Student Mentorship Opportunities: Contact Allison Beck!
PLEASE START BRINGING CANNED GOODS TO OUR MEETINGS! For more details contact: Amy Hulett
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
ONE session: 9:00–11:00 AM
Beginner through Advanced levels
Registration: $50
Maximum 60 players
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.
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
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
October 22 Newsletter FAQs
When and where is the October 22 Rotary luncheon meeting?
The luncheon meeting is Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 11:30 AM in the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Rotary Community Room.
Who is the guest speaker for October 22?
Karen Bacon, Vice Chair of the Downtown Development Authority, will provide an update on LEADS, a community leadership development program for current and emerging leaders committed to the City of Clayton.
What is the October 22 lunch menu?
Lunch includes smoked chicken, roasted butternut squash, collard greens, and cucumber tomato salad.
When does the Impact Club meet next?
The next Impact Club social and/or service meeting is Tuesday, October 27, with fellowship at 6:00 PM and a 6:15 PM start.
How can members register for the October 29 special speaker event?
Use the RSVP to ATTEND link or QR code in the newsletter. The special motivational speaker event is a Lite Lunch & Listen, not a regularly scheduled meeting.
What are the Pickleball Poker for PolioPlus participation details?
The Rotary Club of Clayton and Rabun Pickleball Club are organizing a five-game round robin at the Rabun County Recreation Department outdoor pickleball courts. There is one session, 9:00–11:00 AM, for beginner through advanced levels. Registration is $50, with a maximum of 60 players. Proceeds support PolioPlus.
When is the October 29 fellowship gathering?
The gathering is Thursday, October 29, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Bring goulash or soup to share and a carved gourd for the competition. Costumes are optional.
What service opportunities are listed?
Opportunities include meal packing for kids after Thursday’s luncheon, Community Dental on October 19 and 23 from 8:00 AM to noon, the October 22 Denture Clinic from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, Rotary Cooks on October 30 at 5:30 PM, Stekoa Creek cleanup on November 13 at 10:00 AM, Interact student mentorship, and canned-goods donations.
