Newsletter

Shaping our Impact:
We need your input on our Club’s Activities and Operations

Hi Fellow Club Members:

As we look toward the next Rotary year, we want to ensure our club’s energy and resources are focused where they matter most – both for our community and for you.

Our club supports more than 20 different service projects. To make sure we aren’t spread too thin and that we’re still tackling the most relevant needs, we are conducting a brief SPRING 2026 MEMBER SURVEY.

Your feedback will help the incoming Board for Rotary Year 26/27 decide:

• Which projects should be expanded because of their high impact?
• Which projects should we evolve to fit our current membership better?
• Which projects (if any) should be retired to make room for fresh, new initiatives?

We are also asking for your input in our Club Operations, Membership, and Engagement, as well as your Personal Experiences.

And finally, we are looking for your great ideas to enhance the public perception of our 105 Year Club.

Please note that this survey will remain anonymous to everyone in our Rotary Club. I am planning to present the results at one of the early meetings in July.

Please respond by Thursday, May 7.

Thanks,

Joseph A. Tarver
President Elect 26/27
Rotary Club of Thomasville

Survey
Fun Facts

Dear Members,

In anticipation for next year’s programs under President Joe Tarver, the incoming Program Committee would like to add what we hope will be an entertaining element called “Name That Rotarian.” During this part of the programs, our Club Members can attempt to guess the identities of other Members by seeing early photos along with some fun facts about them.

To make this happen, we are asking each and every one of you to participate by providing us with any of the following: baby photos, elementary or high school photos, military photos, etc. as well as the completed questionnaire attached to this email.

Please know we are busy preparing for next year already and are attempting to respond to some of the things we are hearing you would like to see in the programming.

Please forward all photos and questionnaires to Anna Lee either in person or via email at ansav123@msn.com.

Thank You,

Anna Lee

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.

Wednesday, April 15
Coffee Chat

Join us Wednesday, April 15, at Grassroots Coffee anytime between 7:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. for a cup of coffee and a casual conversation with fellow Rotarians! Stay long enough to enjoy breakfast and get to know your fellow Rotarians better or grab your coffee to go. No agenda, no program. 

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!

Volunteers Needed
Rose Show Set Up

Rose Show setup will be Wednesday, April 22 from 8:45-ish to about 11:30 a.m. at the Rose Show tent on Remington Avenue next to Subway. Bring sharp scissors, a heavy-duty staple gun and staples if you have them. 

This group of volunteers will assemble tables and cover the top with white paper. New members are encouraged to volunteer for continuity of the program.

Please RSVP to Bill Dickey at (229) 224-0189 (via call or text).

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. 

This Saturday
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