Newsletter

Thursday, April 2
Fireside Chat & Wine or Whine

Fireside Chat
Gentian Creek Preserve
Thursday, April 2
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

This event is hosted by past presidents for new members and current board members. It is a required portion of all new members' red ribbon program, so if you are a new member and/or have not yet attended a Fireside Chat, please make plans to attend. 

Fireside Chat will be followed by Wine or Whine.

Wine or Whine
Home of Marta and Jerry Turner
Thursday, April 2
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Appetizers and drinks will be served. 

RSVP for one or both of these events here or by calling or texting Marta: (229) 221-0958. 

Directions: 19806 GA-3 Alt, Thomasville, GA 31792
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JajoP2Jwp2MgJ7eo9 
Please use Google Maps. Other mapping software will send you elsewhere. 
When you arrive on the property, you'll see signage guiding you to the education center (Fireside Chat) or Marta's home (Wine or Whine). 

Thursday, April 2
City Manager Chris White

On Thursday, April 2 Thomasville City Manager Chris White will provide an update about the city of Thomasville.

Monday, April 6
Lunch for Vashti Students

As part of our club's renewed focus on supporting the students, programming, and staff of the Vashti Center, our inaugural Spring Break Students Lunch will be held at Gentian Creek Preserve on Monday, April 6. 

This event supports the 20 students who are residents at Vashti. We're looking for interested Rotarians to play games with the students, help cook the meal, and generally engage with the students.

Contact Marta ((229) 221-0958) with questions or to sign up.  

Thursday, April 9
Easterseals of Southern Georgia

Our program on Thursday, April 9 will be presented by the Easterseals of Southern Georgia. 

Join us to learn more about the local chapter and its mission to help children, adults, and families thrive by providing access to essential services, enabling them to live, learn, work, and play in their communities.

Thursday, April 23
GRSP Student Farewell

Helena, our GRSP student who was hosted by Mary Beth and Billy Donalson, will give her farewell speech reflecting on her year in Georgia on April 23. We will present new GRSP awards at this meeting.

Questions: Contact Debbie Goodman at dgoodman@116dawson.com or (229) 227-8249. 

Thursday, April 16 and Saturday, April 18
Sort, Pack & Distribute Fresh Produce

The club will meet on Thursday, April 16 at 11:30 a.m. at Second Harvest Food Bank to pack food boxes for this month's fresh produce distribution. After we finish packing, enjoy a box lunch with the team or grab one to go. Please join us!

We'll distribute our fresh produce boxes on Saturday, April 18 at Weston Park. Set-up begins at 7:30 a.m., and distribution begins at 8:30 a.m. or as soon as we are ready. Please join us. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or trying it out for the first time, we’d love to see you there. Bring your energy, your smile, and maybe a friend or two!

District Learning Assembly
Discover the Future of Rotary

Make plans now to attend the District Learning Assembly (formerly District Training Assembly).

This assembly is designed for current and incoming club leaders, committee chairs, and all Rotarians who want to strengthen their clubs and increase their impact. Connect, grow, and lead with your fellow Rotarians! Topics include:

• Rotary’s Action Plan, Membership, Public Image, Service Projects, Club Administration, and the Rotary Foundation
• Comprehensive Leadership Training
• Community Service Project Insights and Template

You need to register and attend this assembly if you will be an officer or director in 2026-2027. The Thomasville club will reimburse the fees for any of our members who attend. Some of our club members will travel to Columbus on Friday evening, and some will leave early Saturday morning. Carpooling can be arranged. 

Hotel Recommendation
Hampton Inn Columbus Downtown
1201 Broadway Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901, 706-507-4204

Price Increases

To account for increasing costs, the price for lunch for guests has increased from $15 to $20 each, beginning at our first March meeting this year at the Plaza. Lunch for guests has been $15 since 2022, but our costs for lunch have increased incrementally over that time.  

Additionally, international and district Rotary fees have increased, but the Thomasville club has not increased dues since 2015. The board of directors is considering a dues increase to accommodate these higher dues and higher costs of living.