Rotary Club of Clayton
Weekly Newsletter
Week of February 12, 2026
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re reminded that the most meaningful way to spend our time isn’t on cards or chocolates, but on caring for others. Rotary gives us countless opportunities to turn goodwill into action—whether through service projects, fellowship, or simply checking in on a neighbor. In a season that celebrates love, there’s no better way to express it than by giving our time, talents, and compassion in Service Above Self.
Recap from Last Week
We had a fantastic meeting last week, starting with a crowd-favorite lunch of fried chicken and baked chicken with all the sides. We then recorded the whole club singing “Happy Birthday!” to Tony Penrose, who celebrated his 55th birthday on February 8th.
Our featured speakers—Elizabeth Gill, Amy & Gerald Hulett, and Laura Seberg—gave us a wonderful recount of their recent travels overseas with visits to local Rotary Clubs and the International Rotary Convention. Elizabeth shared photos from Switzerland, including her visit to the Lausanne Rotary Club. Amy and Gerald told stories from their trip to Italy and their visit to the Rome Nord Rotary Club. Laura capped it off with highlights from attending the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
At the end of the presentation, they presented flags from the clubs that they visited. They received these in exchange for flags from our own club, which we provide for anyone traveling to another club here or abroad. This tradition goes back years and our club has dozens of flags from all corners of the world. Their stories reminded us that we belong to a worldwide fellowship of Rotarians—and how meaningful and fun it is to connect with people from other countries and cultures.
See our Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/share
This Week’s Meeting — Guest Speaker
Thursday, February 12 | 11:45 AM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Clayton
Program
Stewart Harvard, owner of the Harvard School of Dog Training, will be our guest speaker.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewa
Lunch Menu
- Barbecued Pork (bun, sauce, pickles)
- Baked Beans
- Cole Slaw
- Salad
- Dessert
- Grilled Chicken Breast available for those who do not eat pork
Impact Club Update
Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 10 | 6:00 PM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Clayton
We’ll be stocking shelves at the food bank and assembling Valentine treats for the residents of Traces of Tiger, sharing love, care, and support with our neighbors right here in Rabun County.
Upcoming Service Events
Meal Packing
Immediately following this week’s meeting
Impact Club — Food Bank Pantry Support
Tuesday, February 10 | Immediately following the Impact Club meeting
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Clayton
Impact Club members will be stocking shelves in the food bank pantry, helping ensure our neighbors have access to nutritious food. This hands-on service opportunity is a great way to put Service Above Self into action right here in our community.
Foxfire Cleanup
Wednesday, February 11 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Foxfire Museum
Help us keep one of Rabun County’s most treasured landmarks clean and beautiful. Please wear work clothes and bring gloves if you have them.
Community Dental
Rabun County Health Department
- Friday, February 13 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Thursday, February 19 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Friday, February 20 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Support access to essential dental care in our community by assisting with this important service initiative.
Stekoa Creek Cleanup
Friday, February 14 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Stekoa Creek Park
Help us care for one of Clayton’s most visible natural assets. Gloves and work clothes are recommended.
Food Distribution
Saturday, February 21 | 6:45 AM – 9:00 AM
Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church
Help distribute food to families in need across our community. Early arrival is appreciated.
Important Dates
- February 11 — Foxfire Cleanup
- February 12 — Board Meeting
- February 13 — Community Dental
- February 14 — Stekoa Creek Cleanup
- February 21 — Food Distribution
- February 29 — District Governor Visit
- April 2 — Rabun County Special Olympics
- April 25 — Murder Mystery Gala Fundraiser
- April 30 – May 3 — District 6910 Conference
- May 28 – May 31 — RYLA
- June 25 — End-of-Year Celebration
Announcements
2026 Rotary Club of Clayton Annual Fundraiser Gala
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Location: Rabun County Civic Center Ballroom
Theme: Roaring 20’s Murder Mystery
Fundraiser: $10,000 Reverse Raffle
Committees Needed:
- Marketing / Promotions
- Donors / Sponsors
- Decorations
- Auction
- Logistics
- Finance
All Rotarians are expected to participate in what is always our biggest event of the year.
Contact: Laura Seberg — 941-799-9393
Sign Up:
https://docs.google.com/forms/
Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)
Saturday, March 14
Georgia Highlands College – Cartersville
We are excited to offer our final Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) training of the year on March 14 in Cartersville. Whether you are new to RLI, looking for a refresher, or ready to complete the full RLI journey, this is a valuable opportunity to grow as a Rotarian and a leader. Our Club will be organizing car pools to leave from the Food Bank to drive to Cartersville and back.
Please review the attached RLI flyer for full details.
REGISTER HERE:
Register NOW for RLI – Cartersville D6910
Registration Deadline: February 28
Limited seats available — early registration encouraged
Courses Offered
We will offer all levels of RLI, including:
- Part I
- Part II
- Part III
- Graduate Course: “FOUNDATION”
- Facilitation Techniques Course
(Approval from the RLI Director is required prior to registration)
Part One: The Rotarian
Your introduction to the RLI experience. Begin the day by meeting fellow Rotarians and Rotarian Discussion Leaders. Emphasis is placed on understanding Rotary programs and developing ideas participants can take back to their clubs.
Courses include:
- Object of Rotary
- Rotary — The Bigger Picture
- Membership Retention
- Rotary Opportunities
- Ethics & Vocational Service
- Rotary Foundation I
Part Two: The Rotary Club
Building on Part I, this session goes deeper into club leadership and effectiveness. Participants will analyze their own Rotary Club and explore ways to strengthen impact and engagement.
Courses include:
- Analyzing Your Rotary Club
- Leadership & Team Building
- Strategic Planning
- Service Projects
- Membership Attraction
- Public Relations
Part Three: The Rotary Journey
The final phase of RLI offers an in-depth look at Rotary at the district and international level. Learn how to maximize Rotary resources and apply leadership strategies to better serve your club and community.
Courses include:
- Rotary History
- International Service
- Leadership: Effective Strategies
- Rotary Foundation II
- Communication Techniques
- Making a Difference
Graduate Courses (For RLI Graduates Only)
Two graduate-level courses are offered: Foundation and Facilitation Techniques.
These courses are only available to RLI Graduates who have successfully completed the full three-part RLI curriculum. Each graduate course is comprehensive and focused on a single topic for the day.
Current graduate topics include:
- Membership
- The Rotary Foundation
- Public Speaking
- Facilitation Techniques
- Managing Change
Additional topics are added periodically. Please check the RLI calendar for offerings near you. Graduate courses are not offered online at this time.
RLI is an outstanding opportunity to deepen your Rotary knowledge, develop leadership skills, and strengthen our club’s future. We strongly encourage all members—new and seasoned alike—to consider attending.
If you have questions or need help determining which course is right for you, please reach out to club leadership.
Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA)
May 28 – 31
Tallulah Falls School
RYLA is one of Rotary’s signature youth programs, helping high school students develop leadership, teamwork, and a service mindset through hands-on activities, outdoor experiences, and meaningful conversations rooted in Rotary values.
We are seeking Rotarian volunteers as counselors, support leaders, and activity helpers. Whether you can serve a few hours or all four days, meals, lodging, and activities are provided.
Email: RYLA6910@gmail.com
Learn more: www.ryla6910.com
District 6910 Conference
April 30 – May 3
Harrah’s Cherokee
We have 264 Rotarians and guests registered for conference and RC of Canton is leading with 18 Rotarians and guests. RC of Clayton and RC of Lanier-Forsyth are tied with 17 Rotarians and guests. We have registered members from 46 of our 68 clubs registered. Remember this is a celebration of your club and district!!
EXCURSION REGISTRATION IS OPEN! We will have Golf in the mountains, Fly Fishing, Oconaluftee Indian Village Tour, Hiking in the Smokies, Annual Conference 5K and on Friday evening there will be a social with a bowling tournament!!
If you are a Caeser’s Reward Member, please save any complimentary rooms you may have for another occasion.
REGISTER NOW!
https://myrotaryconference.com
Food Bank Donations
Most-Needed Items:
Peanut butter & jelly • Cereal • Soups • Crackers • Rice • Chili & beans • Pasta • Spaghetti sauce • Beef stew • Canned meats • Fruits & vegetables
Cash donations welcome
Checks payable to: Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Memo: For Rabun County
