President's Message
Encouragement That Echoes
This past week, we enjoyed an unforgettable program as Mike Linch took the mic and brought his A-game—not just in delivery, but in heart. His message was simple yet profoundly moving: encouragement matters. Our words and actions carry the power to lift others higher than they imagined possible—or to weigh them down without us even realizing it. Mike reminded us that a well-timed “You can do this” or “I believe in you” can change the course of someone’s day—or even their life. True to form, he didn’t just tell us to be encouragers; he encouraged us in the process. It was a powerful reminder that kindness and belief in others are forms of leadership everyone can practice. At my first meeting, I quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Mike’s words inspired us to live that out—challenging us to be more mindful in how we speak into the lives around us, and stirring us to take meaningful action. The power of encouragement lies not just in what we say, but in the way we choose to live each day. Emerson also said, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” So I encourage each of you to decide today to be that encouraging voice for someone who needs it. This week, our podium welcomes someone who knows a thing or two about encouragement and making a difference—1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel. From leading the Florida Gators to national glory, to the NFL, and on to his enduring work through Desire Street Ministries, Danny has shown that true greatness is measured by what you give, not just what you win. Now, back in 1995, when I was a sophomore frat boy at UGA, Danny Wuerffel came to Athens with his orange and blue and didn’t just beat my Bulldogs—he turned Sanford Stadium into his personal highlight reel. As “The Ol’ Ball Coach” famously put it, the Gators “hung half a hundred” on us. The five touchdowns Danny threw, before the end of the third quarter I might add (ugh), still live in the hearts (and nightmares) of Dawg Nation. But as big as that performance was, it pales in comparison to the impact Danny has made off the field—changing lives in under-resourced neighborhoods and inspiring young people to reach for more. Muhammad Ali once said, “Don’t count the days, make the days count.” Danny lives that every day. Expect Danny to challenge us in that same spirit, reminding us that a meaningful life comes from intentional choices—whether it’s leading a team, serving a community, or inspiring the person right in front of you. And if history is any indication, we might get a few locker-room laughs along the way—hopefully not at my Bulldogs’ expense this time. SO, from Mike’s heartfelt plea for uplifting to Danny’s example of leadership and service, one theme rings clear: encouragement fuels achievement. Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi said it best: “Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence.” Our challenge as Rotarians—and as human beings—is to spread the former like wildfire. Let’s come ready next week—not just to hear a great speaker, but to leave with a renewed commitment to be that source of confidence for others. Because sometimes the most powerful way to encourage someone is to simply live in a way that says, “You matter, and I believe in you.” Sic Vos Non Vobis, Trummie Lee Patrick III
State Farm Insurance From Gridiron Success to Community Impact: Danny Wuerffel to Speak at Roswell Rotary on August 21
Danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman Trophy winner and College
Football Hall of Fame inductee, will join us as our featured speaker on August
21. Known for leading the Florida Gators to four SEC titles and their first
national championship, Wuerffel’s athletic career spanned the NFL (Saints, Packers, Bears, and Redskins) and NFL
Europe, where he won the World Bowl with the Rhein Fire. But his legacy extends
far beyond the field. After retiring in 2004, he turned his focus to service, eventually becoming
Executive Director of Desire Street Ministries, a nonprofit dedicated to
empowering leaders in under-resourced neighborhoods across the Southeast. Wuerffel’s journey into service began while he was still
playing in New Orleans, volunteering in the city’s Upper Ninth Ward. After
Hurricane Katrina, he helped relocate and expand Desire Street’s mission from
New Orleans to Atlanta, supporting spiritual and community development in some
of the country’s most challenged urban areas. His commitment to excellence and
compassion is reflected in the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, awarded annually to
the college football player who best combines athletic achievement with
academic and community service. In 2020, he launched the Wuerffel Foundation to
further inspire unity and grassroots leadership.
Danny is also a
competitive pickleball player, a team owner, and the host of PickleBowl, a
celebrity charity tournament. Through speaking engagements and nonprofit
leadership, Danny Wuerffel exemplifies the Rotary spirit of “Service Above
Self.” We invite all members and guests to join us for this inspiring event and
hear how a life of service can be the most meaningful victory of all. Red Cross & WellStar
Blood Drive August 20
Thursday August 21
Alive in Roswell
Alive in Roswell - This Thursday evening August 21st - RRC member Becky Nelson, Capital City Home Loans is sponsoring the food and fellowship for this month. Join us at Hagan Corner for grilled Sliders/“dogs” and beverages from 5-8:00. 995 Canton Street * Roswell We need a full tent!!!! Last Alive in Roswell before the Golf-Tennis-Pickleball Tournament. This Saturday
Roswell PD Officer Jeremy Labonte Memorial 5K Run/Walk
Roswell Rotarians are invited to register for this walk. We would love to have a big group wearing their Rotary t-shirts to show support for Roswell PD and the Labonte family . Proceeds go to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.. More details to follow about where to meet, etc .Register HERE Any questions, pls contact Lyn Lindsay lynnehlindsay@outlook.com RRAH - Golf & Tennis Pop-up Fundraising event!
Saturday, Aug. 23rd Roswell Rotary & After Hours will be having a pop-up charity fundraiser for the Golf/Tennis/Pickleball Tournament.
Stop by Gate City between 11 am - 1 pm and donate $20 and get a free beer!
Tournament Update
We Need Sponsorships!
The Power of Corporate Sponsorship: Making a Local Impact Through Golf, Tennis, & Pickleball As Rotarians, we know service above self is more than a motto — it’s a call to action. That’s why the Roswell Rotary Golf, Tennis, & Pickleball Tournaments are more than just fun on the fairways and fierce matches on the courts. They’re engines of change for our community. Why Do Corporate Sponsorships Matter? Every dollar raised through our annual tournaments goes directly to local charities that make a difference in the lives of children, veterans, seniors, and families in need. Corporate sponsorship helps fund programs that provide winter clothing for students, medical equipment for veterans, meals for homebound seniors, and educational support for at-risk youth — to name just a few. What Do Sponsors Receive? Each corporate sponsor gets recognition through signage, marketing, and social media. Yes, a corporate sponsor receives a foursome to enjoy a day of networking and camaraderie on the course, or a team on the tennis and pickleball courts. But the impact of each sponsorship is more than that. Sponsors gain something money can’t buy: the intrinsic satisfaction of knowing their support is transforming lives right here in our own backyard. It’s More Than a Logo — It’s a Legacy By committing to sponsor, it’s not just promoting a business or brand. It’s about committing to Legacy of our Club and taking part in investing in the well-being of our community. That’s a win-win we can all rally behind. Join us. Be a corporate sponsor. Swing for a cause. Serve up some good. And help us continue the legacy of giving that defines Roswell Rotary. Join me and be a corporate sponsor for the 2025 Roswell Rotary Golf, Tennie & Pickleball Tournament. To sponsor or learn more, visit the Tournament Website or contact James Stone james@stonelaw.com or Ryan Gehricke rgehricke@lanternrealestategroup.com Board Spotlight 2025-26
Michael Curling-Chair Service Project Committee
Since joining Rotary in May 2018, Michael Curling first served as Chairs for Youth Services as well as Social Events. Now chairing Project Services, he also currently sits on the Board of Directors for Roswell Economic Development and Tourism and Roswell Next. Michael and wife Randi live in East Cobb with their three daughters, Avery 11, Emerson (Emmy) 7 and Collins (Coco), 6. A UGA grad, he is also a proud third-generation Hokie, and holds a MBA from Virginia Tech. As Vice-president of New Kent Capital, he develops and implements portfolio investment strategies while serving as the Financial Officer for Variant Brewing Company. Fun fact: Michael speaks Spanish, a residual gift from time spent living abroad in Nicaragua. Hero of the Month- August
Hero Officer Thomas Chandler Honored by Roswell Rotary
On Thursday, August 14, Roswell Rotary Club honored Roswell Police Department’s Officer of the Year for 2024, Thomas Chandler, as part of President Trummie Lee Patrick III's Hero of the Month Program, which honors the heroes in our Roswell Community- fire, police, EMT's, teachers, veterans, active duty military. Officer Chandler’s name may be familiar to you. Around this same time last year, he bravely placed his patrol car into the path of an intoxicated wrong-way driver on GA 400, undoubtedly saving the lives of others present on the roadway that night. You can revisit that moment here: https://ow.ly/NwSo50WGcPs While that incident is a dramatic display of Officer Chandler’s ethic, it is also just one moment among many reflecting his consistent dedication to protecting and serving the Roswell community. When given the opportunity to speak today, Officer Chandler humbly took the spotlight off himself and placed it back onto this community, thanking the residents of Roswell for their support that empowers and encourages his work of service. We’re incredibly proud to honor one of Roswell Police Department's finest. Thank you RPD for keeping us safe. Membership Summit Held In Jonesboro over weekend
Reporting back to you on an amazing event I experienced this past weekend- Membership Summit! In the picture see me, Courtney Lott, Membership Board Chair, President Trummie Lee, Past District Gov. & Past president Gordon Owens, Past President Dave McCleary , and District Governor 6900 Steve Ivory. We learned about: - Intentional membership strategies
- The importance of classification talks & truly knowing our members
- Innovative club types & companion models
- New member orientation & engagement ideas
- Success stories from presidents who have driven significant growth
Everyone walked away inspired and equipped to help our club Grow More & Do More. Can't wait to share with you. Hoping you are already looking for potential members for Roswell Rotary! #Rembership #growmoredomore #innovate #membershipmatters We are going to Rock Membership for 2025-26 but I really need every one of you to help. Questions? Contact me courtney.lott@kw.com Your body is asking for this
Walk with a Doc: Community hike after Pain Mgmt Specialist Dr K talks
Pain Mgmt Specialist Dr Joseph Kundukulam with Roswell's Align Spine and Pain Institute will discuss how to manage your aches and pains. It's not always obvious. Location: "Meet at the covered bridge. Free parking. Dog friendly. A couple of hills to challenge you getting to a beautiful waterfall. Short and medium distance trails. Contact Hal Schlenger or Dr Betty Price for more info. Reminders
Last week President Trummie contributed $50 to Happy Dollars for First Responders as he recognized the Club for following the guidelines for announcements and introducing guests. He reminded us that only Roswell Rotarians should use the mic during guest & visitor introductions and that any announcements should be cleared by him before the meeting. Each meeting is carefully timed to insure that the speaker has ample time for their presentation and that other parts of the program can fit into the meeting timeframe. It is much harder than it looks! One awesome thing about our club is our enthusiasm and our dedication to service. We are ALL wonderful servant leaders, and it's hard not to shout out about all of the projects that are near and dear to us. Thank you for your consideration as President Trummie tries to manage time each week. The speakers are so great and we don't want to cut their time short! Last Week at Roswell Rotary
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