Best Breakfast in Rotary

"Home of the Famous Rotary Waffle"

We meet Fridays at 7:15 AM
Alpharetta Presbyterian Church
180 Academy St
Alpharetta, GA  30009
United States of America
VenueMap
Venue Map
 
Upcoming Events
Club Officers and Directors
President
Will Daniel
President Elect
Kile Lewis
Immediate Past President
Robin McIntire
At-Large Director
Bill Schaude
At-Large Director
Joe Wargo
At-Large Director
David Cochran
At-Large Director
Emily Metallo
Secretary
Katie Rocco
Treasurer
Tom Darr
Community Service Director
Mickey Rogers
Foundation Director
Jason Binder
International Service Director
Olga Narvaez
Vocational Service Director
Casey Robinson
Youth Service Director
Heather Terry
Club Service Director
Deborah Pittman (Swofford)
Communications Director
Clark Savage
Meeting Service Director
Clark Savage
Membership Director
Sue Kinker
Sergeant-at-Arms
Rory Young
Sergeant-at-Arms
Michael Gordy
Speaker Co-Chairman
Paul Slavik
Speaker Co-Chairman
John Hipes

 

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Club News
President's Message 05/29/2020
“People who cannot find time for recreation are
obliged sooner or later to find time for illness.”
– John Wanamaker
 
Friday morning, the Club will Zoom meet at 7:30 AM.  The link is: https://zoom.us/j/960101367
 
This Week's Speaker:  Mr. Morgan Rodgers, Director
Alpharetta Recreation, Parks and Culture Services
 
 
Mr. Rodgers has 44 years of experience in the Recreation and Parks field, including City of Dalton, Moore County (NC), Rome/Floyd County Recreation Authority, Jekyll Island State Authority, Georgia Lockheed Employees Recreation Club, and the City of Roswell (28 years).
 
Native of Marion, South Carolina, and a graduate of Clemson University.
 
Morgan is married to Janet Rodgers (President and CEO of Alpharetta Convention & Visitor’s Bureau) with two adult children Colby (Sarah) & Jade, and one Grandchild, Rylee.
 
ROTARY SHOUT-OUT!
 
Memorial Day Celebration, Thank You to William Perkins, Scott Doll and everyone that worked to coordinate, organize, and execute the event.  A special Thank You to Grant McGarry our featured speaker.
 
Tanzania & Uganda District 9211, Congratulations to Arusha Mount Meru Rotary Club who won a District Service Award for the school water and well pump project. Well done Bob Koncerak and Jerry Urmanski!
 
Congratulations! Wayne & Lynn Robinson on their 47th Wedding Anniversary on May 19th!  
(My apologies for omitting from last week’s bulletin.)
 
 
Deadlines, Cancelations & Upcoming Dates
 
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) scheduled for June 20-24th is cancelled.
 
2020/2021 Hard Copy Club Directory – DEADLINE June 1st!
Time to update the directory. Questions? Contact Rob Johns at rob.johns1957@gmail.com
Summary is below:
  • New Members:  Please give me your personal information (hobbies and vocation)
  • Current Members:  Please make sure your personal information is accurate  
  • Current and New Members:  Your Sponsorship is welcomed and appreciated
District 6900 Celebration – June 20, 2020. 11:30 AM
Time to Register! Link for event: https://rotary6900.org/event/4906
Bibb Mill Event Facility, Columbus, GA
  • 11:30 AM Jimmy’s Fish Camp with Happy Hour
  • 12:30 PM Lunch and Awards Ceremony
 
Service Projects & Club Awareness
 
Alpharetta CVB's Initiative - Downtown Alpharetta: OPEN FOR YOU!
While keeping the health and safety of Alpharetta residents and visitors in mind, many Downtown Alpharetta businesses are opening their doors to once again welcome patrons. The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau is keeping the most up-to-date Downtown Alpharetta opening information on a dedicated webpage titled “Downtown Alpharetta: OPEN FOR YOU!” where Downtown Alpharetta business opening details are updated daily. Whether in-person, online or curbside pickup, the community can help support these local businesses in the most comfortable way for them.
 
If you hear of a Downtown Alpharetta business that would like to be included and is not on the list, please tell them to email their business update to info@awesomealpharetta.com.
 
 
Ongoing Rotary Meeting Project
Find and share stories, ideas, or lessons about:
PASSION – SERVICE – IMPACT
 
Stories about person, group, or cause that you or someone else was PASSIONATE about doing.
 
How you or someone else felt a call to SERVICE to help a person, cause, or project.
 
How something you or someone else’s actions had a positive IMPACT on a person, cause, or project.
 
Use the Four-way Test as your guide.
  1. Is it the TRUTH?
  2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  3. Will it build GOODWILL & BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
  4. Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
Utilize any available media as a resource: Past history, news story, personal experience…
Please send these stories, ideas or lessons to Clark Savage at csavage1@mindspring.com
 
Update:  The Volunteer Surge program continues to grow and mature.  Members of the Rotary Club of Alpharetta are engaged in connecting the program to our local needs such as providing TeleSupport and perhaps safe in person support to our senior and disadvantaged citizens.  If you are interested in this area of service, please contact Rob Johns or Becky Cottingham. 
 
 
Non-Profits That Need Our Help
 
The Drake House Donations: https://thedrakehouse.org/donate/
 
Senior Services North Fulton: www.ssnorthfulton.org
This past week we have seen a new trend in calls from senior citizens who are afraid to go out and shop for groceries.  We foresee adding many new temporary Meals on Wheels clients in the coming weeks/months.  Also, to limit volunteer contact with our current clients, we will be ordering bulk from our supplier to deliver 2-week supplies at a time.  We do not need food donations, just financial help for us to order more meals from our supplier.
 
North Fulton Community Charities: https://nfcchelp.org/nfcc-response-to-covid-19/
The Food Pantry is open, and you can make financial donations via their website
Fresh Market OPEN – NFCC NEEDS OUR HELP LIKE NEVER BEFORE!  If you have not participated before, the sign-up sheet is passed around each meeting. This is an easy way to serve those in need by taking breads and other items from Fresh Market to NFCC to be given to those in need. Contact Lee Doernberg.
 
MEMBER BIRTHDAYS
  • Kimberly Lounsberry – May 24th.
  • Dwayne Waxer – May 29th.
  • Jennifer Owens – May 30th.
  • Michelle Coleman – May 31st.
  • Jerry Urmanski – May 31st.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
  • Dennis & M.J. Mitchell – May 25th (29-Years!).
  • Roger & Tiffany Santi – May 27th (31-Years!).
  • Erin & Stephen Doiron – May 30th (11-Years!).
 
SMILES ( Please submit jokes, quips & jpegs to Clark at csavage1@mindspring.com )
 
"Humor is an antidote to all ills."
-Patch Adams
 
Quarantine has turned us into dogs. We roam the house all day looking for food. We are told “no” if we get too close to strangers. And we get really excited about car rides.
- Mike Lowry
 
-Wayne Robinson
 
 
Stay Well.  Stay Strong.
Will Daniel, President 2019-2020
Rotary Club of Alpharetta
President's Message 05/15/2020
“It is our duty to love the unloved, help the helpless,
and bring hope to the hopeless.”
– A.D. Williams
 
Friday morning the Club will Zoom meet at 7:30 AM.  The link is: https://zoom.us/j/960101367
 
This Week's Speaker:  Ms. Nesha Mason
Executive Director, The Drake House
 
 
Nesha Mason brings diverse skill set with more than 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Nesha worked as operations director in the private sector before transitioning to public service serving as Mayor for the City of Abilene, KS. After her tenure as an elected official, Nesha served as Program Director for a county-wide non-profit developing programs that united the medical and early childhood communities. Upon relocation to the Atlanta area in 2013, she served as a Fulton County educator then transitioned to executive director of a state-wide educational foundation focusing on unifying education and workforce development. A graduate of Florida A & M University, Nesha holds a B.S. Journalism specializing in Public Relations, as well as numerous certifications in public administration.
 
 
Rotary Shout Out!
A big thank you goes to Olga Narvaez, for authoring and executing two international grants during the pandemic.  The first grant was to Panama City in Central America for $41,500.  The second grant was to Colombia in South America for $56,824.
 
The scope of both grants was to:
"Buy essential PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) for Health Workers, currently fighting COVID19, provide food for people that due to lockdown are unable to work, and supply the Department of Health with needed equipment for the hospitals (ventilators and others) so that the current disease mitigation efforts may continue."
The Rotary Club of Alpharetta's contribution was $5,000. The rest of the grant contributions were provided by the Districts, cash contributions, and the Rotary Foundation.
 
GREAT Job Olga!
 
 
District 6900 Celebration – June 20, 2020. 11:30 AM
Bibb Mill Event Facility, Columbus, GA
  • 11:30 AM Jimmy’s Fish Camp with Happy Hour
  • 12:30 PM Lunch and Awards Ceremony
 
Alpharetta CVB's Initiative - Downtown Alpharetta: OPEN FOR YOU!
While keeping the health and safety of Alpharetta residents and visitors in mind, many Downtown Alpharetta businesses are opening their doors to once again welcome patrons. The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau is keeping the most up-to-date Downtown Alpharetta opening information on a dedicated webpage titled “Downtown Alpharetta: OPEN FOR YOU!” where Downtown Alpharetta business opening details are updated daily. Whether in-person, online or curbside pickup, the community can help support these local businesses in the most comfortable way for them.
If you hear of a Downtown Alpharetta business that would like to be included and is not on the list, please tell them to email their business update to info@awesomealpharetta.com.
 
Rotary Club of Alpharetta Swag
Below is the latest Swag Catalog which includes some great new options along with our Signature Favorites!
 
 
**Please submit your orders by Noon on Monday, May 22nd** 
 
Any questions, please contact Heather Demis!
 
 
You have heard that The Global Impact Group and Volunteer Surge are recruiting and training Rotarians as volunteers to serve a variety of in-person and TeleSupport needs in our communities impacted by Covid-19.  Several Alpharetta Rotarians have completed training. A non-profit organization providing shelter and services to the homeless, has an urgent need for 40 volunteers here in Atlanta.
 
Urgent - Atlanta Homeless Opportunity: Built to Zero
 
We have recently partnered with an organization called Build to Zero that supports homeless shelters in 81 communities around the country.  Built to Zero will have opportunities for those who have taken the Volunteer Surge Community Health Workers course, and in the future, TeleSupport course trainees, throughout their national network. Immediately, however, they have a pressing need for volunteers in Atlanta, to work in person with their teams.  The work place will provide Personal Protective Equipment and will not involve direct contact with homeless clients. CHW Volunteers will support the Built to Zero organization staff as they provide services.  If you would like to volunteer in Atlanta, please click here to apply:
 
Should you or your Club members have any questions, please ask them to reach-out to Scott Doll (b.scottd001@gmail.com) or David Cochran (dscochran1@gmail.com ).
 
 
United Way Atlanta is broadcasting the 211 Resource Center information above as broadly as possible. We never know who may be in need. Or, who someone may know who is in need and simply doesn’t know where to turn. Please let everyone know, they are not alone. We are here. And will do all we can to help minimize the personal impact of this pandemic. And while this card is for the Greater Atlanta area specifically, the 211 phone number spans the USA. Beyond Greater Atlanta, each local United Way (typically by county) will have a local team of responders. By calling 211, folks will connect with local resources wherever they are.   
 
In Greater Atlanta, whatever the issue, please ask folks to reach out to 211, 24/7/365. I am advised, due to a very high call volume, it is best to TEXT 898-211. We are experiencing levels of immediate need like we have never seen in Greater Atlanta. We ask that folks be patient, yet persistent when they contact 211. There is no other organization with the breadth and depth of resource connections as United Way of Greater Atlanta.
 
 
Non-Profits That Need Your Help!
 
 
 
The Drake House Donations: https://thedrakehouse.org/donate/
North Fulton Community Charities: https://nfcchelp.org/nfcc-response-to-covid-19/
The Food Pantry is open, and you can make financial donations via their website
 
Senior Services North Fulton: www.ssnorthfulton.org
This past week we have seen a new trend in calls from senior citizens who are afraid to go out and shop for groceries.  We foresee adding many new temporary Meals on Wheels clients in the coming weeks/months.  Also, to limit volunteer contact with our current clients, we will be ordering bulk from our supplier to deliver 2-week supplies at a time.  We do not need food donations, just financial help for us to order more meals from our supplier.
 
 
Fresh Market OPEN – NFCC NEEDS OUR HELP LIKE NEVER BEFORE!  If you’ve not participated before, the sign-up sheet is passed around each meeting. This is an easy way to serve those in need by taking breads and other items from Fresh Market to NFCC to be given to those in need. Contact Lee Doernberg.
 
 
MEMBER BIRTHDAYS
  • Charlcie Forehand – May 16th.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
  • Marian & Jonathan Stelling – May 11th (24-Years!).
  • Mark & Carla Sullivan – May 12th (36-Years!)
 
Stay Well.  Stay Strong.
Will Daniel, President 2019-2020
Rotary Club of Alpharetta
President's Message 04/10/2020
“Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.”
– John Wayne
 
Tomorrow morning the Club will Zoom meet at 7:30 AM.  The theme of this meeting is “Show your Favorite Coffee Mug.”  
 
 
Cancellations:                     
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RLYA) is canceled until next year.
2020 District Conference is canceled. A District Celebration at The Bibb Mill Event Center in Columbus, GA is scheduled for Saturday, June 13th.
                            
 
Upcoming Rotary Events:
 
 
Virtual After-Hours Party – April 14th at 5:00 PM. (Updates to follow)
 
 
 
Donation Derby – May 2nd, 5:00 PM Cocktails, 6:00 PM Derby.  A virtual fundraiser and Derby Day Party to celebrate community and support the organizations dedicated to helping people in these challenging times.
 
We now have a path for you to help fight the COVID 19 Virus. Volunteer Surge, a nonprofit consortium, announced Monday, April 6 the launch of a new initiative to recruit, train and deploy 1,000,000 volunteer health workers to address surging health care needs during the COVID 19 epidemic.  As people of action, Rotary, their family, friends and networks are getting this message out and signing up.
 
The COVID 19 epidemic is pushing the American healthcare system to the breaking point—and leaving our frontline medical providers overwhelmed and exhausted. But there's hope. Many of the most basic caretaking tasks can be performed by volunteer assistants, so the professionals can focus on tending to the most acute needs.
Please see the attachments to learn more or follow the instructions below:
  1. Go to – www.theglobalimpactgroup.org or TGIG.org
  2. Select LEARN MORE & TAKE ACTION
  3. Select TAKE ACTION to show interest and build a volunteer profile
  4. There are two tracts available to take:
    1. Become a HOME BASED Telehealth Volunteer.
    2. Become a Community Health Worker and work in the field.
  5. To become a Telehealth Volunteer, you will complete an 8-10-hour online course available April 8.
  6. To become a Community Health Worker, you will complete a 30-35-hour online course available now.
 
 
United Way Atlanta is broadcasting the 211 Resource Center information above as broadly as possible. We never know who may be in need. Or, who someone may know who is in need and simply doesn’t know where to turn. Please let everyone know, they are not alone. We are here. And will do all we can to help minimize the personal impact of this pandemic. And while this card is for the Greater Atlanta area specifically, the 211 phone number spans the USA. Beyond Greater Atlanta, each local United Way (typically by county) will have a local team of responders. By calling 211, folks will connect with local resources wherever they are.   
 
 
 
Non-Profits That Need Your Help!
 
Senior Services North Fulton: www.ssnorthfulton.org
This past week we have seen a new trend in calls from senior citizens who are afraid to go out and shop for groceries.  We foresee adding many new temporary Meals on Wheels clients in the coming weeks/months.  Also, to limit volunteer contact with our current clients, we will be ordering bulk from our supplier to deliver 2-week supplies at a time.  We do not need food donations, just financial help for us to order more meals from our supplier.
 
 
 
North Fulton Community Charities: https://nfcchelp.org/nfcc-response-to-covid-19/
The Food Pantry is open, and you can make financial donations via their website
Fresh Market OPEN – NFCC NEEDS OUR HELP LIKE NEVER BEFORE!  If you’ve not participated before, the sign-up sheet is passed around each meeting. This is an easy way to serve those in need by taking breads and other items from Fresh Market to NFCC to be given to those in need. Contact Lee Doernberg.
 
 
MEMBER BIRTHDAYS
  • Sid Browning – March 25th.
  • David Cochran – March 29th.
  • Kirk Driskell – March 30th.
  • Ted Schwartz – April 2nd.
  • Phillip Bartolacci – April 3rd.
  • Sumeet Shah – April 7th.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
  • Jack & Beth Hausmann – April 5th (35-Years!).
  • Kerry & Karen Singley – April 5th (35-Years!).
  • Rex & Olivia Grizzle – April 7th (46-Years!).
 
Stay Well.  Stay Strong.
Will Daniel, President 2019-2020
Rotary Club of Alpharetta
President's Message 03/20/2020
“Fear of the unknown can keep you up all night, but faith makes one fine pillow.”
– Philip Gulley, Pastor
 

Throughout our history, nothing brings our nation closer together than disasters or threats to our national security.  We are Americans by choice and the Grace of God.  We don't run from a fight; we run toward it, regardless of the cost.  Take pride in our women and men that are tirelessly battling this virus head-on.  In these uncertain times, it is okay to be afraid; it's okay to be nervous.  But, be assured that we will prevail.  We always have, and we always will.

While many of us have opinions on the impact of the Covid 19 virus, one fact is clear, the less fortunate, the hungry, and the homeless will pay a very high price.  Let us pull together and donate to the organizations below.  They need all the help we can muster.

I would like to ask everyone for one last favor.  In a crisis, it is easy to become center focused.  Take a moment out of your day and call a family member or check on a neighbor.  See how they're doing.  Remember, it's the little things that make a difference in our lives. 

 
 
North Fulton Community Charities: https://nfcchelp.org/nfcc-response-to-covid-19/
The Food Pantry is open, and you can make financial donations via their website.
Fresh Market OPEN – NFCC NEEDS OUR HELP LIKE NEVER BEFORE!  Scheduled deliveries are being completed.  Contact Lee Doernberg.
 
 
MEMBER BIRTHDAYS
  • Jim Zavorski – March 21st.
 
ROTARY HAPPENINGS
 
Club Breakfasts March 20th & 27th. - CANCELLED
 
 
District Training Assembly – Saturday, March 21st. - CANCELLED
 
 
Adopt-A-Mile cleanup of Old Milton Pkwy Saturday, March 21st. – CANCELLED
 
 
St Paddy O’Pedal Ride To Conquer Childhood Cancer March 22nd. – CANCELLED
 
 
UNITED WAY OF GREATER ATLANTA SPARK PRIZE AWARDS
The live event is canceled which had three components.  SPARK PRIZE will continue on a virtual basis with video conferencing.  A live presentation will be done before a panel of judges with no audience.  Winners will be announced around April 6th.
 
The North Fulton Child Wellbeing update and Community Awards ceremony will be rescheduled for the Summer or early Fall, depending on the circumstances at the time.
 
 
2020 District conference – Jekyll island – April 30 – May 3, 2020.
 
Stay Well.  Stay Strong.
Will Daniel, President 2019-2020
Rotary Club of Alpharetta
President's Message 03/13/2020
“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.”
– Thomas Watson, Chairman of IBM, 1943
 
This Week's Speaker:  Ms. Rena Youngblood
Executive Director, Computer Museum of America
 
 
Rena Youngblood is the first Executive Director of the Computer Museum of America (CMoA) located in Roswell, Georgia.  The museum opened to the public in July 2019.
 
Rena leads and directs all aspects of the organization, including finances and fundraising; communications and marketing; education and programming; stewardship and management of facilities and collections; and building positive working relationships with the Board of Directors, community, external partners, stakeholders, visitors to the museum and donors.  
 
Before joining CMoA, Rena served as a Senior Director of Charter School Services for the Association of American Educators and as Director of Member Services at the Georgia Charter Schools Association.  She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and minor in Communication Studies.  
 
 
MEMBER BIRTHDAYS
  • John Hipes – March 10th.
  • Tina McKenna Poland – March 11th.
  • David Belle Isle – March 13th.
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
  • Shawn & Bess Allen – 17 Years!
 
ROTARY HAPPENINGS
 
USO Volunteering at Hartsfield Jackson 
Huge Thanks to Steve Corder, Paul Ray, Lisa Schefer and Chris Weeber!
 
 
District Training Assembly – Saturday, March 21 – CANCELLED
Based on an abundance of caution and in response to the genuine concerns of several of our members, we have decided to reschedule the District Assembly from Saturday, March 22 to Saturday, August 29. More details will be coming but for now, please mark your calendars for this new date. We are excited to announce that we are working with DG Jim’s conference team to have a breakout session for the PE’s and their team. We are looking forward to seeing everyone and having fun in the sun at the District Conference.
 
 
Red/Blue Badge Opportunity
Adopt-A-Mile cleanup of Old Milton Pkwy  Saturday, March 21st.
NEW MEETING LOCATION: Chick-fil-A Avalon  2720 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta GA (click the link for a map). We will meet at 8:00 am for breakfast/fellowship....then depart for the cleanup around 8:30am. We should be finished NLT 9:30-10am.  Family members and friends are welcome too!  Please note the following : the City of Alpharetta has now restricted participation to those 13 years of age and older. Bring work gloves if you have them.  See Chris Weeber! Sign-up will be passed around Friday.
 
 
Donation Opportunity: NFCC Toiletry Drive Thank you to Tina McKenna who recognized that NFCC needs toiletries.  A bin is set up to collect.  Please bring in regular and sample sizes.  Diapers and toilet paper are also needed.
 
 
Proceeds go to CHOA for a foundation started by the presenting sponsor in honor of their daughter whom they lost to cancer.  Mark Murphy, David Barnette from The Old Blind Dog Cycle Club, in Milton, started this event.
 
Mark Murphy and David Barnette have nurtured this event to where it is of the caliber of The Mayors Corporate Challenge or The Polar Bear Plunge.  Mark Murphy has agreed to gift this event to the Rotary Club of Milton under a few fair conditions over a three year transition period starting now.  He is including Rotary in his marketing and is asking only for volunteers in this first year.  Additionally, we are planning to use the Rotary VR to attract and engage the community in Rotary.   Here is a website for the event:  https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/GA/Milton/SPOP
 
Clean-up, motorcycle support, and VR are areas we need to solicit volunteers. Folks can do motorcycle and VR and still participate in the clean-up.   Here is the sign-up location:   https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/GA/Milton/SPOP
 
 
UNITED WAY OF GREATER ATLANTA SPARK PRIZE Thursday, March 26th.  9:00 am – 11:00 am, The Legacy Theater, 12150 Morris Rd. #7, Alpharetta, GA 30005   See Morris Cowan.
Register Here: http://bit.ly/NFUnited
 
 
2020 District conference – Jekyll Island – April 30 – May 3, 2020.
 
Fresh Market – If you’ve not participated before, the sign-up sheet is passed around each meeting. This is an easy way to serve those in need by taking breads and other items from Fresh Market to NFCC to be given to those in need. Contact Lee Doernberg.
 
See You Friday Morning! 
Will Daniel, President 2019-2020
Rotary Club of Alpharetta
 
 
President's Message 03/06/2020
“No man is above the law and no man is below it: nor do we ask any man’s permission when we ask him to obey it.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
 
This Week's Speaker:  Mr. Tom Salata
Attorney at Law, P.C.
 
J Thomas Salata, “Tom” began career in the legal community in 1990 as a State Licensed investigator and firearm preparedness instructor, known for his ability to locate people “living off the grid.” He first earned his reputation after locating the Lawrenceville Two, a pair of teens that disappeared from Gwinnett County in 1991. The teens were found on a small remote island in Puget Sound outside of Seattle, Washington, by Tom and Nancy Killian, his partner of many years.
 
Fascinated by the skilled advocacy of well-known criminal defense lawyers, Tom decided to attend law school while running T.S.I. & Associates, his own investigative and consulting firm specializing in criminal defense, investigator certification and preparedness training. While attending law school full time, Tom worked with several of the state’s greatest trial lawyers, learning the art of trying cases by staying teachable, a virtue he still holds close after 19 years criminal and civil trial system.
 
Having graduated with honors from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School in 1998, Tom elected to remain an additional semester working with the Honorable Hurl Taylor, John Marshall Law School’s esteemed Director of Legal Aid in the area public interest law. He counts as his most honorable areas of service his participation in Operation Stand Down with the United States Veterans’ Administration, identifying and helping homeless veterans. Tom began trying criminal and family law cases in 1999, his first year out of law school. By 2005, he had a significant number of criminal and civil trials in Fulton, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Dawson, Lumpkin, Cherokee, Cobb, Towns, White and Union Counties, as a private attorney and as an appointed public defender for the Atlanta, Cobb and Enotah (Lumpkin, White, Union and Towns) judicial circuits.  His wide range of investigative experience served him as a trial lawyer in a variety of cases from superior court capital crimes to juvenile court termination of parental rights and  DFACS cases. Tom has become known throughout legal circles as an experienced and seasoned trail lawyer, having been interviewed and consulted over the years by local television stations WXIA and WSB. Since his early trial days, Tom has expanded his practice to include bankruptcy, personal injury, and commercial litigation. Most recently, Tom has been certified as a domestic and civil mediator by the Georgia Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
 
Tom makes his home in Alpharetta, Georgia, with his wife Lori and their two children, where he endeavors to find a peaceful balance with work and family and his love of the outdoors. He remains an avid adventurer having taken up high attitude mountaineering. To date, he has climbed several of the highest and most beautiful mountains in North America including Rainier, Ixtaccihautal, and several peaks in the Colorado and Canadian Rockies.
Tom is a graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College.  He holds a B.A. in Economics, B.A. in Government, and a J.D. from John Marshall Law School.
  • Past President of the North Fulton Bar Association
  • State Bar of Georgia Family Law Section
  • Sustaining Member of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District and Middle District of Georgia.
 
MEMBER BIRTHDAYS
  • Paul Ray – March 1st.
  • Warren Soltis – March 3rd.
  • Suellen Daniels – March 6th.
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
  • Jo Ann & Glenn Sheppard – 26 Years!
 
ROTARY HAPPENINGS
 
District Training Assembly – Saturday, March 21
To ensure each Club has the proper tools to "DARE TO BE BETTER" in 2020-21, we invite all Club Membership Chairs, Foundation Chairs, Public Image Chairs, Club Secretaries, Club Treasurers, Club Officers and Directors – and interested club members - to register for the District 6900 Training Assembly at the Columbus Ironworks, located at 801 Front Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901 on Saturday, March 21. We will have meaningful and focused training for all who attend from each club. Registration is open to all Rotarians within the district. We will have breakfast at 8 am. The registration fee is $35 per person. The Assembly will begin at 9:00 am and end about 12:30 pm.
 
Registration for the training event is online now on the district website:  https://rotary6900.org/reservation/create?event=4595
 
This year, we have added a District Service Project option in the afternoon. For those participating, there will be a cookout at 1:00 pm at Stewart Homes in Columbus. There will be no charge for lunch, but registration is required to be sure there is enough food.
 
 
Donation Opportunity: NFCC Toiletry Drive Thank you to Tina McKenna who recognized that NFCC needs toiletries.  A bin is set up to collect.  Please bring in regular and sample sizes.  Diapers and toilet paper are also needed.
 
 
Special Pops Tennis  Saturday, March 7th.  10-1 Country Club of the South Tennis Center  We will have 24 Special Pops Athletes participating and we need 24 Rotarians and Volunteers to make this is great day of Tennis!  Some of these athletes participated in the University of Virginia Top 50 Invitational as well as the National Adaptive Tour in Orlando.  They are ready to play Tennis.  Any level of player is welcome.  Non-players are encouraged to come and cheer us on!  CONTACT: Jack Hausmann 404-906-6412
 
 
Happy International Women’s Day, March 8th!
 
 
UNITED WAY OF GREATER ATLANTA SPARK PRIZE  Thursday, March 26th.  9:00 am – 11:00 am, The Legacy Theater, 12150 Morris Rd. #7, Alpharetta, GA 30005   See Morris Cowan.
Register Here: http://bit.ly/NFUnited
 
 
2020 District conference – Jekyll island – April 30 – May 3, 2020.
Fresh Market – If you’ve not participated before, the sign-up sheet is passed around each meeting. This is an easy way to serve those in need by taking breads and other items from Fresh Market to NFCC to be given to those in need. Contact Lee Doernberg.
 
See You Friday Morning! 
Will Daniel, President 2019-2020
Rotary Club of Alpharetta
President's Message 02/28/2020
“Growth is inevitable and desirable, but destruction of community character is not. The question is not whether your part of the world is going to change. The question is how.”
– Edward T. McMahon
 
This Week's Speaker:  Mr. William de St. Aubin
CEO, Sizemore Group
architecture with a higher purpose
 
 
William de St. Aubin is the CEO of Sizemore Group and guides the firm’s strategies while providing expertise on Heathy Town Planning and Architecture to the development industry. He is a founding board member of the Atlanta Chapter of the Congress for New Urbanism and a subject matter expert for the United States Green Building Council (USGBC LEED ND – for Neighborhood Design). Bill has published several papers, conducted seminars and received design awards for his work in transforming suburban communities and actual sites into vibrant Town Centers. Local experience and publications include:
  • City of Alpharetta 10-Year Master Plan
  • City of Duluth Town Center (National Award Winner)
  • Perimeter Center CID Master Plan, including Mall Retrofit
  • Crabapple Master Plan for a Rural Walkable Village
  • Oakland City/Fort Mac LCI Master Plan, including Tyler Perry Studios (GPA Award Winner)
 
MEMBER BIRTHDAYS
  • Bo Boshell – Feb. 26th.
  • Scott Doll – Feb. 26th.
  • Dan Merkel – Feb. 28th.
MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
  • Jason & Nicolette Binder – 13 Years!
  • Karen & John Hipes – 15 Years!
 
ROTARY HAPPENINGS
 
Rotary After-Hours Party  Tuesday March 3rd @ Salt Factory 
102 S. Main St.  Alpharetta 5:00-7:00
 
 
Donation Opportunity: NFCC Toiletry Drive Thank you to Tina McKenna who recognized that NFCC needs toiletries.  A bin is set up to collect.  Please bring in regular and sample sizes.  Diapers and toilet paper are also needed.
 
 
Special Pops Tennis  Saturday, March 7th.  10-1 Country Club of the South Tennis Center  We will have 24 Special Pops Athletes participating and we need 24 Rotarians and Volunteers to make this is great day of Tennis!  Some of these athletes participated in the University of Virginia Top 50 Invitational as well as the National Adaptive Tour in Orlando.  They are ready to play Tennis.  Any level of player is welcome.  Non-players are encouraged to come and cheer us on!  CONTACT: Jack Hausmann 404-906-6412
 
 
2020 District conference – Jekyll island – April 30 – May 3, 2020.
Fresh Market – If you’ve not participated before, the sign-up sheet is passed around each meeting. This is an easy way to serve those in need by taking breads and other items from Fresh Market to NFCC to be given to those in need. Contact Lee Doernberg.
 
See You Friday Morning! 
Will Daniel, President 2019-2020
Rotary Club of Alpharetta
 
 
 
 
 
 
President's Message 02/21/2020
 
“A live concert to me is exciting because of all the electricity that is generated in the crowd and on stage.  It’s my favorite part of the business.”
– Elvis Presley
 
This Week's Speaker:  Mr. Trevor Ralph
VP of Operations, Live Nation Atlanta
 
 
     Trevor Ralph is Vice President of Operations for Live Nation Atlanta and General Manager of both Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park and Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, Georgia. Trevor has been active in the concert business since 1998 where he started his live event career with regional Ohio promoter Belkin Productions Ohio as Senior Director of Marketing and Operations. He has operated venues in Ohio, California and Georgia and has been with Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta since before its official opening in May of 2008.
 
Trevor has been an International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Certified Venue Professional (CVP) since 2010. His venues have consistently been acknowledged as some of the best in the world for customer service and overall operation by industry organizations Pollstar and Venues Today.
 
Trevor has been married to his wife Erika for 24 years and they have raised two children in Georgia, Sophie (17), who will be attending the University of Georgia in the Fall, and Colin (15), both ‘A’ students at Denmark High School.
 
 
ROTARY HAPPENINGS
 
Donation Opportunity: NFCC Toiletry Drive Thank you to Tina McKenna who recognized that NFCC needs toiletries.  A bin is set up to collect.  Please bring in regular and sample sizes.  Diapers and toilet paper are also needed.
 
Special Pops Tennis  Saturday, March 7th.  10-1 Country Club of the South Tennis Center  We will have 24 Special Pops Athletes participating and we need 24 Rotarians and Volunteers to make this is great day of Tennis!  Some of these athletes participated in the University of Virginia Top 50 Invitational as well as the National Adaptive Tour in Orlando.  They are ready to play Tennis.  Any level of player is welcome.  Non-players are encouraged to come and cheer us on!  CONTACT: Jack Hausmann 404-906-6412
 
2020 District conference – Jekyll island – April 30 – May 3, 2020.
Fresh Market – If you’ve not participated before, the sign-up sheet is passed around each meeting. This is an easy way to serve those in need by taking breads and other items from Fresh Market to NFCC to be given to those in need. Contact Lee Doernberg.
 
See You Friday Morning! 
Will Daniel, President 2019-2020
Rotary Club of Alpharetta
 
 
Downtown Alpharetta Businesses are 
"Open For You!"
 
 
District Celebration
Saturday, June 13th
Columbus, GA
 
 
Memorial Day Tribute
Monday - May 25, 2020
 
Mayor’s Corporate Challenge
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020
     
 
Polar Bear Plunge
Cook Your Butts Off
Sat. - Feb. 6, 2021
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