Weekly Newsletter
Week of Thursday, April 2, 2026
President’s Message
Our club continues to stay active and engaged, finding new ways each week to make an impact in our community. This past week was another great example of what makes the Rotary Club of Clayton so special. After our meeting on Thursday, we came together to pack 80 meals for those in need—turning fellowship into immediate impact. Over the weekend, our Impact Club carried that momentum forward with a successful service project, continuing to expand our reach in the community.
Looking ahead, we have a full and exciting week in front of us. On Thursday alone, we will have three service opportunities—supporting Special Olympics, packing meals after our meeting, and participating in the “Hoppy to Help” fundraiser.
In addition, we are excited to celebrate the grand opening of the Women of Worth (WOW) Recovery Center on Tuesday—a meaningful milestone for our community. See below for more details.
We’re also looking forward to hearing from Chef Inger Smith as our speaker this Thursday. It promises to be a great program you won’t want to miss. Moments like these remind us that when we stay engaged and show up, we truly live out Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.
Recap from Last Week’s Meeting
Last week, we had the opportunity to hear from Habersham EMC President and CEO Brian Ferguson, who shared an informative update on the many initiatives underway to strengthen and modernize the electrical grid. His presentation highlighted ongoing efforts to improve reliability and resiliency across the system.
He also noted an added benefit of these upgrades—the installation of high-speed fiber optic lines. These lines are being leased by Trailwave, allowing them to expand access to high-speed internet for HEMC customers throughout the region.
Brian also walked us through the extensive response efforts following the recent ice storm, outlining the tremendous work required to restore power to affected areas. We are truly grateful for the dedication and hard work of the HEMC team, whose efforts keep our homes and businesses powered every day.
We also celebrated our Star Student, Charlotte Stafford from Tallulah Falls School. Her incredible scholastic accomplishments have allowed her to enroll at Georgia Tech, majoring in Mechanical Engineering, where she wants to work on creating clean fusion energy. GO JACKETS!
This Week’s Meeting
We’re excited to welcome Chef Inger Hoovestol Smith as our guest speaker this week.
Chef Inger brings more than 30 years of culinary experience, with a focus on nutrition, wellness, and performance-based cooking. Throughout her career, she has worked with elite athletes—including the Atlanta Falcons and PGA Tour professionals—creating meals designed to fuel peak performance.
Her journey highlights the powerful connection between farm-fresh ingredients, proper nutrition, and high-level results. Chef Inger’s story is one of passion, purpose, and making a meaningful impact through food.
We will also be hearing from two students from Rabun Gap Nacoochee School about their upcoming French Diner event. Their instructor and Interact Faculty Representative, Anne Shook, will be presenting them.
Thursday, April 2, 2026
11:45 AM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Clayton
Lunch Menu
- Baked Potato Bar with all the fixings
- Green Salad
- Dessert
Next Week’s Program
We will hear from Steve Carruth of Victory Home.
Victory Home is a faith-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation program that has been serving men with addictions since 1959. Their recovery program emphasizes the importance of faith and family in the recovery process. They believe that men with addiction struggles can find forgiveness and experience a better life through faith and by applying biblical principles daily.
Their approach focuses on helping men experience sustained freedom from addiction and maximizing their God-given potential. The program includes spiritual guidance, counseling, and support to help men overcome their addiction struggles.
Thursday, April 9, 2026
11:45 AM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Clayton
Impact Club Update
Tuesday, April 14 | 6:00 PM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Clayton
The Impact Club organized a very successful clothing drive that took place this past Saturday.
Thanks to an amazing group of volunteers and a community that never hesitates to step up, more than 300 pieces of children’s clothing—valued at over $3,000—were collected in support of First Impressions.
But this effort was about more than just the numbers—it was about people.
People who gave their time, energy, and heart to ensure that local children have what they need to feel confident, cared for, and ready to take on the world.
And the impact didn’t stop there—at the end of the morning, volunteers even helped someone safely to their car after a fall. That kind of kindness and compassion can’t be measured.
That’s what service looks like. That’s what community looks like.
To everyone who showed up, donated, sorted, and supported—thank you for making a real difference.
Service Above Self
We have three great opportunities to serve this Thursday, and we encourage everyone to get involved!
- Special Olympics will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Rabun County High School. Even if you didn’t sign up in advance as a volunteer, you’re still welcome to come out and cheer on these incredible athletes.
- We will be packing meals at the Food Bank immediately following our meeting—an easy and impactful way to give back together as a club.
- Join us in the evening for the “Hoppy to Help” fundraiser at Currahee Brewery from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m., supporting the RCHS Band program. Proceeds will help provide instruments for students who otherwise would not have access. The event will feature a Kitchen of Dana food truck and live music by Steve Bryson, making it a fun way to support a great cause.
Let’s show up strong and continue making a difference in our community.
Member Highlight
The Rotary Club of Clayton proudly recognizes Sonya Shook as a leader making a lasting impact in Rabun County.
A Clayton native, Sonya continues her family’s legacy at Reeves Hardware while dedicating her time and leadership to strengthening the local community. She currently serves as President of the Clayton Merchants & Business Association (Visit Clayton), is actively involved with the City of Clayton Downtown Development Authority, and is a valued member of the Rotary Club of Clayton.
Through her commitment to supporting local businesses, fostering economic vitality, and serving others, Sonya truly exemplifies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.
We are grateful for her continued leadership and the positive difference she makes across Rabun County.
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Women of Worth (WOW) Recovery Dorm Grand Opening
Two years ago, the Rotary Club of Clayton raised $180,000 to help get this important service to the women of Rabun County started, and we are excited to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Women of Worth (WOW) Recovery Dorm on Tuesday, March 31, from 1:00–3:00 PM.
This special day marks the beginning of a new chapter for women in our community, providing a place rooted in faith, hope, healing, and new beginnings through recovery.
Guests are invited to stop by anytime during the event to enjoy food, fellowship, dorm tours, and a visit to the WOW What a Deal Thrift Store. The event will be held at 5989 US-441 in Tiger, with parking available at Tabernacle Baptist Church and shuttle service provided by F.A.I.T.H.
This is a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the incredible impact this ministry will have in the lives of so many.
Girls’ Empowerment Rotary Action Group (RAG4GE) Invitation
Rotarians and friends are invited to be part of a meaningful global initiative through the Rotary Action Group for Girls’ Empowerment (RAG4GE). This special gathering is an opportunity to celebrate the progress made in advancing girls’ empowerment worldwide—and to look ahead at the important work still to come.
Wednesday, April 8
9:00 AM Eastern Time
https://go.girlsempowermentrag
This meeting will highlight the continued momentum of this powerful global movement and will recognize the contributions of Global Ambassadors and supporters who helped advance the Rotary International Presidential Initiative for Girls’ Empowerment (2021–2024).
A special guest, Past Rotary International Director Elizabeth Usovicz, will join the session to share insights and reflections.
We are proud to be sponsoring our first Mental Health First Aid Seminar on April 17th.
Please contact Willa Presmanes, Elizabeth Gill or Laura Seberg should you have any questions.
Friday, April 17
8:30 AM Eastern Time till 4:00 PM
Important Dates
- March 31 — Women of Worth Recovery Grand Opening
- April 2 — Special Olympics
- April 2 — RCHS Band Fundraiser (Currahee Brewery)
- April 8 — Girls’ Empowerment Rotary Action Group MeetingApril 17 — Mental Health First Aid Seminar
- April 23 — Offsite visit to tour Providence Farmstead
- April 25 — Murder Mystery Gala
- April 29 — Paper Shredding
- April 30 – May 3 — District Conference
- May 7 — Offsite visit to Rabun Gap Nacoochee School
- May 16 — District Assembly, Brasstown Resort
- May 28 – 31 — RYLA
- June 25 — End-of-Year Celebration
Roaring ’20s Fundraising Gala
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Rabun County Civic Center Ballroom
Theme: Roaring ’20s Murder Mystery
We are closing in on our Roaring ’20s Fundraising Gala, and the momentum is building! To date, we have sold 135 event tickets and 231 raffle-only tickets. Our goal is to reach 500 total tickets sold, so let’s keep pushing to get there!
Dress to Dazzle — 1920s Style Encouraged (or COME AS YOU ARE!)
Sponsors
Platinum Speakeasy Sponsors
- Reeves Hardware
- Jennifer Kyle – Luxury Lake Living & Mountain Properties
- Chuck & Jeanne Rowland
- Ray & Cynthia Pagano
Gold Gatsby Sponsors
- Life Point Medical
- Farmstead Market
- Lake Burton Civic Association
Silver Jazz Age Sponsors
- Vicky Darrah & Co. + Tom & Becky Callahan
- Gerald & Amy Hulett
- Tim Ranney & Friends of Community Dental
- Mountain Laurel Legacy – Laura Seberg
- Sandy & Christie Simon
Bootlegger Sponsor
- Stonewall Creek Winery – Program Sponsor
Laura Seeberg — 941-799-9393
https://docs.google.com/forms/
Please remember to bring in your ticket stubs!
Let’s finish strong and make this our most successful fundraiser yet!
Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA)
May 28 – 31
Tallulah Falls School
Volunteers needed:
- Counselors
- Activity helpers
RYLA6910@gmail.com
www.ryla6910.com
District 6910 Conference
April 30 – May 3
Harrah’s Cherokee
- 264 attendees registered
- Clayton has 17 — let’s grow that number!
Activities include:
Golf • Fly Fishing • Hiking • 5K • Bowling Social • Cultural Tours
https://myrotaryconference.com
Food Bank Donations
Most Needed Items:
Plastic grocery bags
Peanut butter & jelly • Cereal • Soups • Crackers • Rice • Chili & beans
Pasta • Sauce • Beef stew • Canned meats • Fruits & vegetables
Cash donations welcome
Checks payable to: Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Memo: Rabun County
