Weekly Newsletter

Week of Thursday, June 18, 2026

President’s Message

As we look ahead to another exciting week, we have plenty of news, opportunities, and announcements to share with our Rotary family. This past week, we enjoyed an inspiring presentation from Eric Vogelbacher, who shared stories from his mission work in Africa and recounted his remarkable journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. His experiences reminded us of the power of service, perseverance, and the impact that one person can have on communities around the world. Be sure to read on for important club updates, upcoming events, and ways you can stay engaged as we continue living out Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION THIS SATURDAY

Due to construction and paving of existing and new parking areas, Rabun Gap Presbyterian’s Food Distribution will be held in Clayton in the parking lots of Beck’s Funeral Home, 898 US-441, Clayton, GA 30525!

Recap from Last Week’s Meeting

Our own Eric Vogelbacher came in and spoke about his mission trip to Africa, which culminated in his ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania near the border of Kenya. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). It was fascinating to hear about the necessity of acclimatizing to the altitude because the oxygen level at the peak is half of what it is at sea level. It took over a week to make the ascent, which passed through rainforest, alpine zone, and high-altitude desert. Although Mount Kilimanjaro is only 211 miles (340 kilometers) from the equator, Eric’s water froze in the bottle on the summit push, which started at 1:00 a.m.

See our Facebook Reel: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1P4b9pEJk4/

This Week’s Meeting

This week, Clayton Mayor Roy Quilliams will be speaking to us for the first time. He will be updating us on the exciting things that lie ahead for the City of Clayton.

What’s on the Menu?

This week’s lunch menu includes:

Ribs
Baked Beans
Slaw
Dessert

Thursday, June 18, 2026

11:30 AM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, Rotary Community Room

Next Week’s Program

NO MEETING: YEAR-END CELEBRATION
SEE DETAILS BELOW AND BE SURE TO RSVP

Thursday, June 25, 2026
5:30 PM
Dillard House Convention Facility

Impact Club Update

No meeting — Service Project Instead!

June 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM, the Impact Club will be leading a trash pickup and then going for Mexican food afterward.

For details, contact Jon Tuck at (678) 617-5150.

Tuesday, June 23
7:00 PM
Food Bank of Northeast Georgia

Service Above Self

Food Distribution

Saturday, June 20
7:00–9:00 AM
Beck’s Funeral Home

Trash Pick Up

Tuesday, June 23
7:00 PM
FBNEG

Stars Over Clayton

Wednesday, July 1
5:30–7:00 PM or 7:00–8:30 PM
Clayton City Hall Complex

End-of-Year Celebration!

Come CELEBRATE! Click HERE to RSVP or call Susie Howardat (404)310-0469 or email her at susienjeffhoward213@gmail.com

We are going to have our End-of-Year Celebration at the newly renovated Dillard House on Thursday evening, June 25, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM. We will be installing our new officers and celebrating all that we have done this year while enjoying a great meal. We will also get a look forward at what we have in store for the new year starting July 1.

If you would like to help us plan this fun event, please contact Susie Howard at (404) 310-0469.

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Thursday, June 25
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
The Dillard House

Stars Over Clayton

The City of Clayton and CMBA are hosting a 250th Celebration. This will be a drone presentation that promises to be amazing!

The Impact Club is asking for volunteers to help cook and serve hot dogs and hamburgers.

July 1
5:30–7:00 PM or 7:00–8:30 PM
Clayton City Hall

All profits will be used to support CART – Alzheimer’s research.

Organizer: Amy Hulett

ANNOUNCEMENT!

We now have the newest addition to our Rotary family!

The Rotary Club of Clayton is delighted to celebrate one of our own, McCallister C. Russell, on the arrival of her beautiful daughter, Lucia!

A precious new baby brings a world of joy, love, and endless possibilities, and we couldn’t be happier for McCallister and her family as they begin this wonderful new chapter together.

Please join us in congratulating the Russell family and welcoming sweet Lucia to the world. May your days be filled with laughter, treasured memories, and countless blessings.

Congratulations, McCallister, and welcome, Lucia! We are so excited for your growing family and the beautiful journey ahead.