Rotary Club of Clayton — Weekly Newsletter
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Recap from Last Week
Meeting Notes – November 6
We heard from Dr. Jim Bruce, who shared about his ongoing work with Xela Aid and the important role Rotary has played in improving the health of the Mayan people in the Guatemalan highlands.
Our club participated in a global grant that multiplied our $10,000 contribution into $28,000 through matches from District 6910 and The Rotary Foundation. The total grant grew to over $200,000, funding the expansion of a health clinic that continues to make a significant impact in this region.
Dr. Bruce and his team are now focusing on economic development to help residents earn a living locally instead of migrating north under cartel control. Rotary clubs are preparing an economic impact grant, and our club will explore how we can support this vital initiative. Stay tuned!
Facebook Reel:
Watch the reel on Facebook
Service Above Self
Stekoa Creek Cleanup
Rotarians Matt Freeman and Monte Drenner joined the cleanup at Stekoa Creek Park, clearing invasive plants and helping preserve this local treasure. This collaboration with the Headwaters Master Gardening Club happens every second Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
See our post on Facebook
Rotary Impact Club Food Drive Scores Big!
The Rotary Impact Club of Clayton organized an incredible food and fund drive at Walmart last Saturday, benefiting the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.
- Impact Club staffed from 9:00–12:00 with 75% of their members participating.
- Lunch Club staffed from 12:00–3:00.
- In total, twenty-five Rotarians participated — on a football Saturday!
Together we collected 4,836 pounds of food (2½ tons) and $1,724 in donations — all thanks to the generosity of Rabun County residents. Special thanks to Walmart for hosting us and to everyone who helped make Thanksgiving possible for many local families.
See our post on Facebook
This Week’s Menu
Hamburger steak, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, and salad.
This Week’s Program
We’re excited to welcome McCalister Russell of Providence Farmstead — a fifth-generation farmer leading one of the region’s most innovative agricultural ventures.
McCalister and her family raise premium American Wagyu beef and dairy cattle across their farms in Otto, NC and Demorest, GA. Her work blends family tradition, sustainability, and farm-to-table excellence — a story of entrepreneurship and community impact.
Let’s also extend a warm welcome to the Rabun County High School Interact Club, who will be joining us this week.
Impact Club Update
Next Meeting: Tuesday, November 11 at 6:00 PM
Location: Rotary Community Room, Food Bank of NE Georgia
All are welcome — bring a guest and help our Impact Club grow!
Upcoming Service Events
- Stocking shelves at the Food Bank pantry after Thursday’s meeting.
- Rotary Chefs — Friday, Nov 14 • 5:30–8:30 PM, RCHS
Support our Wildcats in their first playoff game! - Food Distribution — Saturday, Nov 15 • 6:45–9:00 AM, Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church
Get your Saturday off to a great start by helping your neighbors in need and helping ensure Thanksgiving meals for local families.
Christmas Parade Float & Parade — Dec 4 & Dec 6
- Decorate the float during our meeting on Dec 4.
- Assemble Saturday at 10:00 AM and meet for the parade at 4:30 PM.
- Help take down afterward.
👉 Sign up here
Upcoming Social Events
Rotary Night at Clayton’s Chicken & Chophouse
Thursday, Nov 20 – Bring your Rotary badge for 10% off food & drinks!
(Thank you to Sandi Simon for hosting.)
Christmas Dinner at The Dillard House
Thursday, Dec 19 at 6:30 PM
Save the date for an evening of fellowship and holiday cheer.
(Insert image: Rotarians dining or holiday dinner setting)
Announcements
New Interact Club at Rabun Gap–Nacoochee School!
We’re thrilled to welcome our third Interact Club, joining Rabun County High School and Tallulah Falls School. These clubs introduce students to Rotary’s core value: Service Above Self.
A big shout-out to Amy Hulet, Youth Services Chair, for making this happen.
Board Meeting — Thursday, Nov 13 at 10:00 AM
FBNEGA Conference Room — all Rotarians are welcome to attend.
District 6910 Conference
Dates: April 30 – May 2, 2026
Location: Harrah’s Cherokee Resort, Cherokee, NC
Only 3 spots left for our club members!
- $375 for guests that want to participate in the activities (members reimbursed; hotel not included).
- Fee increases January 31.
Register here
Food Bank Donations
Please bring food donations to help local families in need.
Most Needed Items:
- Peanut butter & jelly
- Cereal
- Soups
- Crackers
- Rice
- Chili & beans
- Pasta (dry or canned)
- Canned ham, chicken, tuna, or salmon
- Spaghetti sauce
- Beef stew
- Canned fruits & vegetables
Cash donations are also welcome.
Make checks payable to Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Memo line: “For Rabun County”
Veterans Day Reminder
DON’T FORGET!! Tuesday, November 11th is Veterans Day.
See You Thursday!
Join us Thursday, November 13 at 11:45 AM
at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Yours in Rotary,
Matt Freeman
President, Rotary Club of Clayton
