What is the theme of the August 27, 2026 Rotary Club of Clayton newsletter?

The August 27, 2026 Rotary Club of Clayton newsletter focuses on the importance of friendship, fellowship, and strong relationships within Rotary. The President’s Message highlights research showing that good relationships help people live happier and healthier lives.

What study is referenced in the President’s Message?

The President’s Message references the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which followed hundreds of people over many decades and concluded that good relationships help keep people happier and healthier.

Why does the President’s Message say friendship is important in Rotary?

The message explains that Rotary provides friendship and fellowship, which are among the basic human needs that inspired Rotary’s founding in 1905. The newsletter notes that while members may join Rotary for many reasons, many stay because of the relationships, support, encouragement, and sense of belonging they find in the club.

What will happen at the August 27, 2026 Rotary Club of Clayton meeting?

The August 27 meeting will celebrate the people and friendships that make the Rotary Club of Clayton special. The meeting will include birthday and anniversary recognitions, a trivia game, fellowship, and a Member Moment from Monte Drenner about happy retirement.

When and where is the August 27, 2026 Rotary Club of Clayton meeting?

The August 27, 2026 Rotary Club of Clayton luncheon meeting will be held at 11:30 AM in the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Rotary Community Room.

What is on the lunch menu for the August 27 Rotary meeting?

The lunch menu for the August 27 Rotary meeting is a taco salad bar with birthday dessert.

Who is speaking at next week’s Rotary Club of Clayton program?

Next week’s program will feature Tonya Bonitastibus, Executive Director of Riverkeepers.

When is the next Impact Club meeting?

The next Impact Club meeting is Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM in the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Rotary Community Room. A service project at the Food Bank will be part of the meeting.

Who was welcomed at the August 20 reception at Hamilton Gardens?

The Rotary Club of Clayton welcomed Thomas Tanabe from Brazil at a reception on August 20 at Hamilton Gardens in Hiawassee. The newsletter thanks the members who attended, lead coordinator Jef Fincher, and host families Ray and Cynthia Pagano and Scott Thompson and Alisa Norvelle.

What volunteer opportunities are listed in the newsletter?

Volunteer opportunities listed in the newsletter include meal packing for kids after the Thursday lunch club meeting, the First Responders Dinner on August 27 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, and Clayton Rotary Chefs cooking at the Rabun County High School football game on August 28 at 5:30 PM.

When is the First Responders Dinner?

The First Responders Dinner is scheduled for August 27, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

When are Clayton Rotary Chefs cooking at the Rabun County High School football game?

Clayton Rotary Chefs will cook at the Rabun County High School football game on August 28, 2026, beginning at 5:30 PM.

What local fellowship idea will be discussed at the Rotary Club of Clayton meeting?

The club will discuss the idea of bringing the Rotary Fellowship concept locally to the Rotary Club of Clayton through small special-interest groups.

Where can members find more Rotary Club of Clayton events?

Members can find more Rotary Club of Clayton events on the club calendar at claytonrotary.com/rotary-calendars/.

How can Rotary Club of Clayton members register for committees?

Members are reminded to register for committees using the committee registration form linked in the newsletter.

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, pasta sauce, beef stew, canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and cash donations. Checks may be made payable to Food Bank of Northeast Georgia with NEGA Foodbank – Clayton, GA in the memo line.

Rotary Club of Clayton: This Week’s Meeting & Member Spotlight

Rotary Club of Clayton Weekly Newsletter
Week of Thursday, August 20, 2026

President’s Message

I recently read a study by Harvard University that tracked the physical and emotional health of 700 people. These people were tested (e.g., blood samples, brain scans) for 75 years. Here’s the primary conclusion: ‘The clearest message that we get from this study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period,’ said Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development. The analysis showed a 50 percent increased likelihood of survival for participants with stronger social relationships, confirming relationships improve happiness, health, and even longevity.

Rotary experience provides one of the most basic human needs: that of friendship and fellowship. It is one of the reasons why Rotary, the world’s first service club, began in 1905 when lawyer Paul Harris and three friends met in a small office in downtown Chicago. These men wanted to rekindle in the turn-of-the-century city the spirit of friendliness they had known in their hometowns. How wise these men were. Today, we join Rotary for many different reasons, but it is likely that one of the major reasons we “stay” in Rotary has to do with the friendships formed and fellowship developed over the years. This is my personal reason for joining, and I have been so very impressed and blessed with what has evolved into deep, enduring relationships that provide emotional support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.

During our last meeting of August, Membership Focus Month, we are dedicating the day to just that!
This Week’s Meeting

Join us for a fun meeting celebrating the people and friendships that make Rotary of Clayton so very special. We’ll recognize birthdays and anniversaries, play a fun trivia game, enjoy fellowship and Member Moment shared by Monte Drenner about Happy Retirement.

August 27^th, 2026
11:30 AM – Luncheon Club Meeting
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Rotary Community Room
LUNCH MENU: Taco Salad Bar with Birthday DESSERT.

Next Week’s Program

Tonya Bonitastibus, Executive Director Riverkeepers.

Impact Club Update
Tuesday Meeting August 25^th
Note: Service Project at the Foodbank as part of the Meeting.
6:00-7:30 PM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Rotary Community Room

Service Above Self
Welcome Reception for Thomas Tanabe from Brazil –August 20^th at Hamilton Gardens-Hiawassee – Thank you to the many club members who attended– Especially our Lead Coordinator, Jef Fincher and Host Families, Ray & Cynthia Pagano and Scott Thompson & Alisa Norvelle.

Other Important Date for Volunteer Opportunity

Meal Packing for KIDS After Thursday Lunch Club Meeting
August 27^th – First Responders Dinner 5:30PM-7:30PM

August 28^th Clayton Rotary Chefs Cooking at RCHS Football Game 5:30 PM

Take a look at Rotary International Global Fellowships, which consist of people who share a common interest in recreational activities, hobbies, professions, or cultural identity. These groups help expand skills, foster vocational development, and enhance Rotary experience by exploring interests while developing connections around the world.

Click Here To Learn More: Rotary Fellowships | Rotary International

We will discuss this more during our General Assembly meeting this Thursday. Along with a desire to bring this concept locally to the Rotary Club of Clayton with Small Special-Interest Groups.

Keep our Members in Need in your Thoughts and Prayers!