Newsletter

Rotary Fact

What are Rotary’s Six Areas of Focus?

1. Peace
2. Disease
3. Water
4. Health
5. Education
6. Economy

Oct. 29 and Nov. 6
GRSP

Our program on Thursday, Oct. 29 will feature our two GRSP students: 

• Sophie Petersen, from Denmark, whose host parents are Wilson and Jill Carraway; and
• Karahan Akinci from Turkey, whose host parents are Scott and Peggy Rich.

Sophie and Karahan are Thomasville's 101st and 102nd GRSP students. They'll let us know more about their backgrounds and how their Rotary year in Georgia is progressing so far. 

Then, the following week, the two will be back in town for Thomasville's GRSP student lunch, part of the 61st Annual Larry Frosteg Pelham International Student Weekend, on Friday, Nov. 6 at the Pebble Hill Learning Center.

We need members to sign up to participate. Volunteers are needed for set up and clean up as well as to sit at tables with groups of GRSP students. Set up begins at 11:15 a.m., and the event is expected to end around 2 p.m.

Sign up here or talk to Debbie Goodman.

Thursday, Nov. 5
Hannah M. Palmquist to Speak on Domestic Sex Trafficking of Minors

Our Rotary program on Thursday, Nov. 5 will focus on the domestic sex trafficking of minors, both at the state level and more broadly across the southern United States. This is an issue many do not expect to find in our own backyard, but sadly, it is not an uncommon problem in Thomasville.

We are pleased to welcome Hannah M. Palmquist as our speaker. In 2019, Attorney General Chris Carr appointed Hannah to establish the state's human trafficking prosecution unit. Prior to that appointment, she developed a specialty in prosecuting cases that are notoriously difficult to prosecute, particularly special victims cases. She stood up the human trafficking unit and has recently moved into a new role within the Attorney General's office.

Here is more information about Hannah and the human trafficking unit:

• An overview of the Human Trafficking Unit
• Hannah’s Background
• Recent Announcement

Monday, Nov. 9
Board Meeting

The board will meet Monday, Nov. 9 at 5:15 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce. All directors and/or their deputies should attend and send reports to their fellow board members at least a day in advance for review.

Members are welcome to attend. In fact, all red-ribbon members are required to attend at least one board meeting during their time as a red-ribbon member.

Thursday, Nov. 12
Annual Thanksgiving Celebration at Vashti

On Thursday, Nov. 12, we'll host our annual Thanksgiving meeting at Vashti. Since our club's founding in 1921, we've supported Vashti in various ways, including this traditional Thanksgiving meeting. Members who choose to do so often make a contribution to the center for children. 

Please join us to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. 

Thursday, Nov. 19
Wine or Whine

November's Wine or Whine will be Thursday, Nov. 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at President Joe Tarver's home. 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.