July 23, 2026
Rotary Fact

Rotary was founded on Feb. 23, 1905, in Chicago, Ill., by Paul Harris, an attorney, and three associates: Gustave Loehr, a mining engineer, Silvester Schiele, the president of Schele Coal Company, and Hiram Shorey, a merchant tailor.

Hiram Shorey, from left, Silvester Schiele, Gustave Loehr and Paul Harris.

The organization was named “Rotary” because the members initially rotated meeting locations among their offices. The first meeting was in Loehr’s office. The original purpose was to allow professionals with diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas, form friendships, and give back to their communities.


Thursday, July 23
Dr. Marla Golden

Dr. Marla Golden, dean of Benedictine College School of Osteopathic Medicine in Atchison, Kan., will be our speaker this week, on Thursday, July 23. 

At Benedictine, Dr. Golden focuses on rehumanizing the practice of medicine and developing doctors who treat the patient with mercy and understanding.

She'll be discussing doctors of osteopathy and various pain management therapies.  

Update Your Directory Profile

Please take a moment to review your contact information in the Rotary directory to ensure it is accurate and current. 

Keeping your information up to date helps the club communicate effectively. If you have questions or need support, please reach out to Sally.


Thursday, July 30
Blood Drive

The OneBlood Blood Mobile will be onsite at the Plaza on Thursday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All donors will receive a prize along with a wellness checkup, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening. 

Appointments are encouraged, please visit oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code 17630.

Don't forget to bring your ID when you arrive for your appointment.


Thursday, July 30
Echoes of the Gavel

At the regular meeting on Thursday, July 30, a panel of former club presidents will trace the development of our "Big Impact Project." Panelists will discuss how the project has evolved over time and reflect on the intentions and hopes they held for its future.

The conversation is intended to provide historical context and perspective for current members, highlighting milestones in the project's journey and the thinking that shaped its direction. Hearing from past leaders can help the club better understand the project's foundations and the aspirations of our leaders. The panel also will consider where the project was hoped to go from here, offering insight that can inform how the club approaches the project's next chapters.

All members are encouraged to attend, listen, and bring their own perspectives as the club looks back at the project's evolution and forward to possibilities for its future.

Thursday, Aug. 6
Wine or Whine

August’s Wine or Whine will be Thursday, Aug. 6 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Wilson Carraway's home at 203 Junius St. (Parking is behind the house; please enter from Watson Street.)

Please RSVP by logging into thomasvillerotary.org or text Sally Bowman at 229.220.8123.

We look forward to gathering together and enjoying a relaxed evening with friends.


Saturday, Aug. 29
Save the Date: Golf Tournament

Mark your calendars!

The Rotary Club of Thomasville and United Way Golf Classic is Saturday, Aug. 29 at Country Oaks Golf Course.



Mark Your Calendars
Rotary Online Auction

Planning is underway for our third annual online auction.

More details to come, but please consider whether you or your friends and family members have any high-end items that could be added to this year's auction. For example, a large percentage of our proceeds in both 2024 and 2025 came from vacation rentals – do you have access to a phenomenal vacation spot? If so, please connect with Marta Jones-Turner. 

The auction will end on Thursday, Dec. 3 at our annual holiday party. Proceeds from the auction will help fund our club's community service, youth projects and other programs throughout the year. 


Calendar

Calendar is subject to changes. Find the most updated Rotary calendar anytime: