Rotary Club of Clayton — Weekly Newsletter
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Recap from Last Week
Meeting Notes – November 6
Our own McCalister Russell and the Russell Family of Farmstead Market and Providence Farms joined us and delivered a fascinating presentation about their cattle ranch, which produces Wagyu-grade beef, and their efforts to bring their new dairy operation online.
She shared plans for a public greeting facility in Otto, where they will host educational tours of the dairy farm. She also outlined the renovation of the old Piggly Wiggly in Dillard into a dairy and beef processing facility, which will greatly expand their capacity.
It is exciting to see the next generation of farmers and ranchers investing in our community. We hope these efforts will help ensure that we remain the “Farm to Table Capital of Georgia” for decades to come!
Facebook Reel:
Watch the recap
We also welcomed the Rabun County High School Interact Club. Ten students, along with their sponsors Ms. Paff and Ms. Watts, participated in our meeting. It was a pleasure to see their enthusiasm for the concept of Service Above Self.
After the meeting, we restocked the Food Bank Pantry with food collected during the Impact Club Food Drive. It is wonderful to see the shelves fully stocked as we approach the holiday season.
Service Above Self
This past Friday, we once again supported our RCHS Wildcats, who won their first playoff game 56 to 21! Eight Rotarians cooked hamburgers and hotdogs.
We will need your help again this week for the second playoff game. We need 20 volunteers.
Facebook Photos:
View photos from the game
Sign-up link for this Friday’s game:
Volunteer sign-up form
Saturday brought a tremendous turnout: a dozen Rotarians, all three Interact Clubs, and other community volunteers participated in the Food Distribution at Rabun Gap Presbyterian Church. Despite the cold, we enjoyed serving more than 40,000 pounds of food to 199 households—supporting 580 people, including 210 under 18 and 282 over 65.
Facebook Photos:
View photos from the food distribution
This Week’s Menu
Chicken and Beef Taco Bar and salad
This Week’s Program – Club Assembly
We have our monthly Club Assembly this week. Topics include:
- Nominations for Club Officers
If you or someone you know is interested in serving in a leadership role, please submit their name to Matt Freeman (mlfreeman59@gmail.com) or Laura Seberg (laura.seberg63@gmail.com). - Updating Our Bylaws
We will be presenting an updated set of bylaws to align with our District and Rotary International. These will be sent to the club soon, and members will vote on them at our December 4 meeting. - Committee Breakouts
This is where the action happens! Join a committee and discover how you can best serve the club and our community.
Impact Club Update
Next Meeting: Tuesday, December 9 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
- Packing lunches at the Food Bank after Thursday’s meeting
- Community Dental — Thursday, November 20, 1:00–4:00 PM and Friday, November 21, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
- Rotary Chefs — Friday, November 21, 5:30–8:30 PM at RCHS
Wildcats won their first playoff game 56–21!
Help support the team by signing up to cook or work concessions. We are in need of 20 volunteers.
Sign up using this link:
Volunteer sign-up form
Christmas Parade Float & Parade — Dec 4 & Dec 6
- Decorate the float during our meeting on Dec 4
- Assemble Saturday, Dec 6 at 10:00 AM
- Parade lineup at 4:30 PM, Dec 6
- Help with teardown afterward at 8:30 PM, Dec 6
Sign-up link:
Christmas Parade volunteer form
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 Sandy Simon for hosting.)
Reel:
Watch the reel
Christmas Dinner at The Dillard House
Thursday, Dec 19 at 6:30 PM
Save the date for a wonderful evening of fellowship and holiday cheer.
Announcements
Board Meeting — Wednesday, Nov 19 at 11:00 AM
We will be reviewing and voting on the new club bylaws.
Location: FBNEGA Conference Room — all members welcome.
Foxfire Cherokee Hut Mudding
This Wednesday, Nov 19, 1:00–3:00 PM. Bring gloves and play in the mud! Enjoy hands-on learning about our region’s Cherokee heritage.
Toy Drives
- Food Bank of NE Georgia
Bring toys to the Rotary Community Room. James Brim will distribute them to families in need. - Toys for Our Town
Thursday, December 4 at Currahee Brewery — Bring a toy and enjoy a free beer. - Rabun County Sheriff’s Office Toy Drive
Donate new, unwrapped toys for children 12 and under. Drop toys off at the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office.
District 6910 Conference
All twelve club slots are filled, but you can still attend.
Registration fee: $375 (hotel not included).
Location: Harrah’s Cherokee
Dates: April 30 – May 3
Register here:
myrotaryconference.com
Food Bank Donations
Please bring food or monetary donations to help local families in need.
Most Needed Items:
- Peanut butter & jelly
- Cereal
- Soups
- Crackers
- Rice
- Chili & beans
- Pasta
- Canned meats (ham, chicken, tuna, salmon)
- Spaghetti sauce
- Beef stew
- Canned fruits & vegetables
💵 Cash donations welcome.
Checks payable to Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Memo: “For Rabun County”
NO MEETING THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27
I am thankful for my faith, family, friends and fellow Rotarians. Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday!
See You Thursday!
Join us Thursday, November 20 at 11:45 AM
Location: Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
Yours in Rotary,
Matt Freeman
President, Rotary Club of Clayton
