Recap from Our January 8 Meeting
What a great way to kick off 2026! We enjoyed an outstanding speaker, delicious food, and terrific fellowship with 87 people in attendance.
Guest Speaker
Kyle Bryner, award-winning owner of Blue Hound Barbecue, not only spoke to our club but also catered our lunch. Kyle shared his commitment to honoring the food traditions of Appalachia and how his faith shows up in his work. Truly Service Above Self.
See our Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/
This Week’s Meeting
Thursday, January 15 | 11:45 AM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Clayton
Program Speaker
John Wilkinson
John Wilkinson has served as President of North Georgia Technical College since 2021, leading workforce and technical education across an eight-county region in North Georgia.
Prior to higher education leadership, John spent nine years as a Georgia State Senator, where he chaired the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee and helped shape education, workforce, and economic policy. He was recognized as Policy Maker of the Year for Career and Technical Education and received the ACCG Legislative Service Award.
John also devoted more than 30 years to agricultural education, including classroom teaching and statewide leadership of Georgia’s ag education programs. A proud University of Georgia graduate, he holds degrees in Agriculture and Education. John and his wife, Debbie, have been married for more than 40 years and are the proud parents of two children and five grandchildren.
This Week’s Menu
Homemade Chicken Pot Pie, salad, and dessert
Impact Club Update
Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 13 | 6:00 PM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia – Clayton
Upcoming Service Events
Meal Packing — Immediately following this week’s meeting
Food Distribution — Saturday, January 17 | 6:45 AM
Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church
Bring gloves and a warm heart — rain or snow!
Stekoa Creek Cleanup — Saturday, January 17 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wear comfortable clothes and bring gloves if you have them.
Upcoming Social Events
Comfort Crawl — Fifth Thursday Social
Thursday, January 29 | 5:30 – 8:30 PM
Rabun County Civic Center Diner
Sign up: https://forms.gle/
Next Club Meeting
Thursday, January 22 | 11:45 AM
Rotary Community Room, Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Guest Speaker: Our GRSP student, Gustav Ailie from Sweden
Important Dates
- January 29 — Comfort Crawl
- January 30 — Foxfire Cleanup
- 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
Planning Kick-off Meeting:
Thursday, January 15 | 1:00 PM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Contact: Laura Seberg — 941-799-9393
Sign up:
https://docs.google.com/forms/
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
May 28 – 31 | Tallulah Falls School
Rotarians, we need your energy and leadership! 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’re 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
Service projects are now available for sign-up
https://myrotaryconference.
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
