rotary club of south gwinnett 30th...

Rotary Club of South Gwinnett

30th Anniversary

September 27, 2012

Rotary Club of South Gwinnett 30th Anniversary

September 27, 2012

1982-1983 1983-1984

Charter President

Dr. Jim St. John

Rotary International President:

Hiroji Mukasa William Skelton

Rotary International Theme:

Mankind is One – Build Bridges Share Rotary – Serve People Of Friendship Throughout the World

District 6910 Governor:

William McWilliams

Club Board of Directors: Dr. Jim St. John, President Tom Andersen, Vice President Emmett Lawson, Secretary Doug Langley, Treasurer Bill Lawson, Club Service Dennis Norton, Vocational Service Bill Sanders, International Service Mike Berg, Community Service Dave Hopkins, Bulletin Editor Rich Panyik, Program Chair Mike Hayes, Sergeant-At-Arms

GRESSETTE SENATE OFFICE BUILDI G P.O. BOX 142

COLUMBIA. SC 29202 (B03) 212-6200

THE REV. DR. JAMES I. ST. JOHN (803) 699-0536 HOME CHAPLAIN OF THE SENATE (8031 5 0-9394 CELL

Reminiscences of the Rotary Club of South Gwinnett: Start-Up Years and Onward

Brain cell/memory capacity being what it is these days, it's a challenge for me to recall in detail those earliest weeks and months back in 1982 as like-minded folks chose to begin another Rotary Club in Gwinnett, one for the southern sector of our county. Without a doubt, those early years in the Club made my tenure in Snellville, as pastor and head of staff at Westminster Presbyterian Church, even that much more special.

Zeroing in on Summit Chase Golf and Country Club as our base-and with marvelous guidance from friends like Hart Wash and Elliott Brack and others in the Gwinnett County Club and from the istrict-the Rotary Club of South Gwinnett was chartered on. September 17, 1982. Many, many projects, meals, speakers, parties, and friendships later, it's gran.d that the Club is still going strong: 30-years strong!

Most of all I fondly recall the Rotary friendships made over the time I was in the South Gwinnett lub. Plus, serving as President (two terms, I remember), being honored by colieagues as a Paul

Harris Fellow, heading off to the Georgia coast and to Callaway Gardens for conventions (being entertained by Lewis Grizzard on one occasion!), developing a posse of running-buddies, sipping Foster's with visiting Rotarians from Australia, and making "Service Above Self' into more than just a slogan-l cherish it all.

I truly pray that the South Gwinnett Club has another thirty-plus years! And far more.

We II actually be returning from Nantucket while you're having your celebration meeting. I sincerely regret that I can't join you on September 27th. Nonetheless, I wish you all my very best!

Cordially, 12 N1(//<.. tJ~ .

0im S1. John

August 28, 2012


September 27, 2012

1984 - 1985

President

Tom Andersen


Carlos Canseco


Discover a New World of Service


William Clary

Club Board of Directors: Tom Andersen , President Mike Berg, Vice President Parker Blount, Secretary Steve Williams, Treasurer Rich Panyik, President-Elect Hartwell Wash, Club Service Joe Wingo, Vocational Service Jim St. John, International Service Dave Hopkins, Community Service Dave Hopkins, Bulletin Editor Rich Panyik, Program Chair Larry Walton, Sergeant-At-Arms


September 27, 2012

1985 - 1986

President Rich Panyik


Edward Cadman


You Are the Key


G. B. Pollard, Jr.

Club Board of Directors: Rich Panyik , President Joe Wingo, 1st Vice President Dave Hopkins, President-Elect Al Lipphart, 2nd Vice President Robert Andrews, Secretary Larry Walton, Treasurer Larry Anderson, Club Service Parker Blount, Community Service Hartwell Wash, Vocational Service Tom Andersen, International Service

ROTARY CLUB OF SOUTH GWINNETT

YEAR 1985-1986

RICH PANYIK, CLUB PRESIDENT

It was a year to remember! We moved from the Western Sizzler in Snellville to The Little Gardens Restaurant in Lilburn which greatly added a positive atmosphere and cohesiveness to the club.

Key Projects

• We started the Golf Tournament that year and actually had two events. One was in July 1985 with 40 players and we made a net of $3,439. The second was held in April 1980 with 80 players and we made a net of $7,757

• Held an Auction at the Gwinnett Fairgrounds as a fundraiser. • Supported financial Contributions to the Boy Scouts, a Drug Abuse Program in

Gwinnett and contributions to the Leukemia Society.

Social Events

• 2 cookouts with good participation • House Christmas Party with entertainment and great fun • A parent-child canoe trip in north Georgia

The Board Members were:

• Rich Panyik, President • Dave Hopkins, President-elect • Joe Wingo, 1st Vice President • Al Lipphardt, 2nd Vice President • Robert Andrews, Secretary • Larry Walton, treasurer • Hartwell Wash, Director Club Service • Larry Anderson, Director Club Service • Tom Anderson, Director International Service • Parker Blount, Director Community Service

We started the year with 33 members and added 16. Jim Gwatney, a Snellville florist, was Sgt-at-Arms and he added a lot of levity to start the meetings with a positive tone and much enthusiasm.

One significant program (blooper) that stood out was a visit by a lady from the Atlanta Zoo. She brought several small animals for illustration and when two started mating the group became almost uncontrollable with laughter. Then, when she became flustered it added to the humor of the situation.

Well, thanks for the memories!


September 27, 2012

1986 - 1987

President Dave Hopkins


M.A.T. Caparas


Rotary Brings Hope


James Smulian


September 27, 2012

1987 - 1988

President Hartwell Wash


Charles Keller


Rotarians – United In Service – Dedicated to Peace


Joe Whittemore

Club Board of Directors: Hart Wash, President Mike Hayes, Vice President Steve Williams, VP Administration Jim St. John, VP Club Development David Kendall, Secretary Robert Andrews, Treasurer Rich Panyik, Club Service Al Lipphart, Community Service Jim Johnson, Vocational Service Dennis Still, International Service Kent Ryan, Sergeant-At-Arms


September 27, 2012

1988 - 1989

President Jim Crawford


Royce Abbey


Put Life into Rotary – Your Life


Bates Thomas

Club Board of Directors: Jim Crawford , President Doug Langley, Vice President Robert Andrews, President-Elect Al Lipphart, Secretary Bob Huttman, Treasurer John Keim, Sergeant-At-Arms Bill Sanders, Club Service Johnny Canup, Community Service Randy Litton, Vocational Service Dennis Still, International Service


YEAR 1988-1989

JIM CRAWFORD, CLUB PRESIDENT

We started the Rotary year off with a survey of the South Gwinnett Rotary Club membership. The average age of the member was 41.8 years of age with one member who was 29 years old and only two who were older than 65. The club added 7 new members during the year.

During his scheduled official visit to South Gwinnett Rotary Club on October 12 and 13, 1988, District Governor Bates Thomas said my general impression of this club is that it is a relatively small club, six years old with an average age of under 43, which is bursting with energy, enthusiasm, ideas. The result is the most exciting club in the district.” He rated the South Gwinnett Rotary Club as “Excellent”. Obviously, this wasn’t a one year phenomenon as the club had developed excellence in its young history (previous six years).

Key Projects

• Started a Gwinnett County Council of Rotary Clubs to improve relationships with all clubs and pool resources and talents to accomplish more in the Gwinnett community.

• Completed a World Community Service Project with the “Phillipines Hareclip Operation”. • Provided for sponsorship of two Interact Clubs at Brookwood and Central Gwinnett High Schools. • Conducted a series program on labor and international issues for a Vocational Service project. • Conducted two workdays with 24 members participating in building fishing piers at Tribble Mill Park. • Continued the successful Foster Children’s Christmas party. • We continued with the successful Golf Tournament. Even though it was postponed one week due to

rain, it still grossed more than $18,000.

Social Events

• Three club social events, one at Stone Mountain Inn and one including the Christmas Party. The Rotary Club meeting itself was a social event. I found a letter from me to the club dated 9-17-88 which said “fellowship within the club surely can’t be a problem. Our usual excellent fellowship continues to grow and the usual harassment from the Sargent-at-Arms is on par for the year.”

• Many Rotarians attended the Rotary Club Oyster Roast at B.B. Parks Ranch.


• Jim Crawford, President • Robert Andrews, President-elect • Doug Langley, 1st Vice President • Al Lipphardt, Secretary • Bob Huttman, treasurer • John Keim, Sargeant-at-Arms • Bill Sanders, Chairman Club Service • Randy Litton, Chairman Vocational Service • Johnny Canup, Community Service • Dennis Still, Chairman International Service

There were three specific situations that were very memorable for me as President of South Gwinnett Rotary Club in the 1988-89 year. First, we had H.R. Hermes Abrantes as our GRSP student. Hermes was very entertaining and was a blessing to me and my family. We took him to the mountains for a weekend and provided him his first opportunity ever to see snow. He fell down and just rolled in it and was amazed at the snow.

The second event was the privilege of drafting a Resolution on behalf of the South Gwinnett Rotary Club to recommend Richard L. Panyik, better known as Rich, to be considered as a candidate for District Governor of Rotary District 691 for the Rotary year 1991-92. The rest is history for the best District Governor ever.

Lastly, on June 24, 1988 as incoming President of South Gwinnett Rotary I had the opportunity to accept the gavel from President Hartwell Wash. As soon as that was complete I had the unique opportunity to lead the club in a “Roast of Hartwell Wash” and drafted a resolution on behalf of the Rotary Club of South Gwinnett pronouncing his new name of BUBBA WASH.

What an awesome time we had at South Gwinnett…making fun of ourselves.


September 27, 2012

1989 - 1990

President Robert Andrews


Hugh Archer


Enjoy Rotary!


David Roper


YEAR 1989-1990

ROBERT ANDREWS, CLUB PRESIDENT

This was an outstanding year for South Gwinnett Rotarians! The meetings were held in the new addition to The Little Gardens Restaurant in Lilburn which added much dignity to the club meetings in a more sophisticated atmosphere.

Key Projects

• Induction of the first women in the Rotary Club of South Gwinnett. • Supported the Polio Plus Project. • Funded a pig farm in the Philippines to pay for cleft palate operations for youngsters

there. • The number of Will Watt and Paul Harris Fellows was increased. • Continuation of the golf tournament for scholarships to deserving Gwinnett County

students.

Social Events

• Annual Christmas party with Santa Claus (Jim Gwatney). • Western style end of year banquet at the courthouse in Lawrenceville.


• President, Robert Andrews • President-elect • 1st Vice President • 2nd Vice President • Secretary • Treasurer • Director Club Service • Director Club Service • Director International Service • Director Community Service

The club’s success in 1989-90 was due to the outstanding men and women who worked hard to achieve the goals set forth and knew the meaning of “Service Above Self.” With the help of these individuals and the previous administration and past-presidents who left such great road maps to follow and a structure which ensured successful club operations, it was easy to be president of this fine organization. It was my honor and privilege to serve with such incredible Rotarians!


September 27, 2012

1990 - 1991

President Bill Sanders


Paulo V.C. Costa


Honor Rotary with Faith and Enthuisasm


Jim Kent

Club Board of Directors: Bill Sanders , President Mike Hayes, Vice President Doug Langley, President-Elect Bob Huttman, Secretary Tom Karr, Treasurer Bud Workman, Sergeant-At-Arms Larry Anderson, Club Service “A” Steve Williams, Club Service “B” Chris Dyer, Community Service Charles Mason, Vocational Service Dick Allen, International Service Rob Ponder, Bulletin Editor Carolyn Collins, Program Chair Glenn White, Program Chair


YEAR 1990 – 1991

BILL SANDERS – CLUB PRESIDENT

It was the year of club extension. The Rotary International theme was “Faith & Enthusiasm”. Key Projects:

• Formed a Rotary Club in the City of Snellville • Sponsored the Gwinnett County Foster Children’s Christmas Party • Sponsored joint golf tournament with Snellville Club – Gross revenue of $25,640.00 –

South Gwinnett portion $11,086.00 • Supported the Bone Marrow Drive • Helped host the Group Study Exchange from Norway • Sponsored a senior citizens outing at the Atlanta Braves game • Participated in building a dock at Tribble Mill Park • Fenced the playground at the Gwinnett County Children’s Shelter • Participated in Snellville’s First Annual Citizens Appreciation Day • Co-sponsored Francisco Welhelm of San Tiago, Chile, to the University of Georgia • Participated in the District World Community Service Project • Co-sponsored the United Way Kick-Off • Donated $1,000.00 towards the operation of the Gwinnett County Children’s Shelter • Donated $400.00 to the Boy Scouts • Participated in “Project Speak” at the high schools • Continued our previous Paul Harris Sustaining Membership Contributions • Recognized the Scoutmaster of the Year • Awarded a four year - $2,000.00 a year University scholarship for Brian Beam to attend

Georgia Tech • Maintained two Interact Clubs • Sent two students to the RYLA Annual Program ($500.00 commitment) • At District Conference, won small club awards for Best Conference Attendance, Best

Youth Program, Best Community Service and Best Club Service Social Events:

• December 22nd – Annual Christmas Party • May 11th – Club Social – Collins Hill Park • June 21st – End of the Year Banquet – Chateau Élan Winery

Board of Directors:

Bill Sanders, President Bob Knowles, Club Service “A” Doug Langley, President-Elect Steve Williams, Club Service “B” Mike Hayes, Vice-President Charles Mason, Vocational Services Bob Huttman, Secretary Chris Dyer, Community Service Tom Karr, Treasurer Dick Allen, International Services Bud Workman, Sergeant-at-Arms Rob Ponder, Bulletin Editor Carolyn Collins, Program Chairman Glenn White, Program Chairman

We started the year with 44 members and lost 12 to the formation of the Snellville Club and added 7 new members ending the year with 39 total members. The Highlight of the year was the student we sponsored from San Tiago, Chile whose family was in the grocery business. Everywhere we went with him, he had to take pictures of the various grocery stores enroute.


September 27, 2012

1991 - 1992

President Doug Langley


Rajendra Saboo


Look Beyond Yourself


Buck Lindsay


YEAR 1991-1992

DOUG LANGLEY, CLUB PRESIDENT

Our club met at the Little Gardens restaurant that year; a good venue and I always enjoyed meeting there because of the privacy and separate room we had. Apparently all my scrapbook and information for the year has been lost or discarded (probably in a move) and my recollection is very limited as my age advances. I have done the best I can to remember.

Key Projects / Happenings

• We had adopted the Foster Childrens Christmas party sponsorship as a signature project several years earlier and it continued to grow. Jim Guatney served as our Santa Claus and we even had a special chair for him to use to personally see all the children one at a time that came to the celebration (we usually averaged over 100 kids attending and the club purchased 200 – 300 gifts)

• Our club was down in the dumps and “floundering”; so to spur enthusiasm and get our attendance numbers up, Rich Panyik was our Director of club services and he introduced “Rotary Andy” and “Rotary Ann” – two blow up dolls that members who missed meetings and did not make up had to take with them. There were way too many stories related to these dolls that we cannot cover (or reveal them) in a short narrative

• Because of the commitment and enthusiasm for youth by one of our members, Chris Dyer; we participated in a high school youth exchange where a high school student came and lived with club Rotarians and went to high school for a year. We sponsored a delightful young lady from India and she spent time in my home as well as several other Rotarians during this year

• We also appointed Hal Greene as our sgt at arms and this was a big step (in my opinion) to this position evolving to one of upmost respect and dignity to our members and visitors that extends even to today. Hal’s reports were entertaining, to say the least

• Yellow River cleanup was a key project; don’t know how we ever got involved with that, but I do know I did it once during my year and don’t ever have to do it again!!

• Buck Lindsay was district governor and he introduced the “points system” for club recognition at the district level; a version of which is still in use today. We adapted to the contest very well and very quickly and were awarded “Medium size club of the year” for district 6910

Social Events

• 2 cookouts with good participation (one in the rain at Stone mountain; a mess at the time but still one of my fondest Rotary memories; cooking steak with Mike Hayes up under a tarp)

• Christmas Party with entertainment and great fun

The Board Members (that I can remember) were:

• Doug Langley, President • Mike Hayes, President-elect • , 1st Vice President • Hal Greene, SGT at Arms • , Secretary • , treasurer • Rich Panyik, Director Club Service • , Director International Service • Chris Dyer, Director Community Service


September 27, 2012

1992 - 1993

President Mike Hayes


Clifford Dochterman


Real Happiness Is Helping Others


Worth McDougald

Club Board of Directors: Mike Hayes, President Buddy Duckett, Vice President Charles Mason, President-Elect Joe Harrison, Secretary Rich Panyik, Treasurer Robert Andrews, Sergeant-At-Arms Rob Ponder, Club Service Jack Moore, Community Service Sam Richmond, Vocational Service Bob Huttman, International Service Chris Dyer, Youth Service Hal Greene, Bulletin Jackie Addington, Program Chair Dave Reichard, Program Chair


September 27, 2012

1993 - 1994

President Rob Ponder


Robert Barth


Believe In What You Do – Do What You Believe In


Bob Miller

Club Board of Directors: Rob Ponder, President Hal Greene, Vice President Bob Huttman, President-Elect Bill Cooper, Secretary Greg Stroupe, Treasurer Jack Moore, Sergeant-At-Arms Sam Richmond, Club Service Glenn Riggs, Community Service William Peeples, Vocational Service Jackie Addington, International Service Scott LeCraw, Youth Service Neal McCullohs, Bulletin

ROTARY CLUB of SOUTH GWINNETT for the year 1993-1994

CHARLES MASON...... I mean......ROB PONDER, PRESIDENT

About three weeks before the 1993-94 Rotary year was to begin, then President-elect Charles Mason notified the club that he would be taking a new position in a town near Birmingham, Alabama. He would not be able to fulfill his year as president of the club. Official Rotary policy is that the immediate past president takes over for a president that leaves during their year, since the past president is already trained for the job. Then president Mike Hayes asked (actually more like begged) Rob Ponder to step up a year early and take over the 1993-1994 year as president (Rob was scheduled to be the club president the next year). Rob graciously accepted, extorting free maintenance on his Dodge and Chrysler vehicles for life, for the favor of Mike not having to serve two consecutive years as president.

The Rotary International theme for this year was, “Believe in What You Do – Do What You Believe In”. Ponder knew he would

never be able to memorize that long of theme, so he came up with one of his own for the club....”Keep the Magic in Rotary”. This played off of the fact that Ponder was an amateur magician. To support the club theme, the new president organized a magic show at the installation banquet that was performed by Ponder along with all of his board members (held at the newly renovated historic courthouse in downtown Lawrenceville). The 1993-94 Officers were: Rob Ponder – President, Bob Huttman – President Elect, Hal Greene – Vice President, Bill Cooper – Secretary, Greg Stroupe – Treasurer, and Jack Moore – Sergeant at Arms. The Club Directors were: Sam Richmond – Club Service, William Peeples – Vocational Service, Glenn Riggs – Community Service, Jackie Addington – International Service, and Scott LeCraw – Youth Services. Neal McCullons agreed to produce the weekly bulletins. Fun was had by all at the induction ceremony including outgoing District Governor Worth McDougald who participated in the magic show as a “volunteer” for one of Rob’s tricks.

The club started out the new Rotary year with the following District set Goals: Attendance – 94.8%, Club size by the end of the

year – 50, Foundation Giving - $1,974, GRSP Giving $7,290, Conference attendance – 13 people, and new Foundation Benefactors – 2 people. The proposed club budget was $61,760. President Ponder gaveled his first club meeting to order on July 1, 1993. He started that first club meeting the same way he started every meeting from that point forward, with a magic trick. The first trick happened to be poking a very large needle through a clear balloon without popping it. What Ponder did not realize when he pledged to do a new magic trick at the beginning of each meeting was that he would end up spending over $500 at “Eddie’s Trick Shop” in Stone Mountain coming up with that many tricks. Ponder inducted Ron Ledden as a new member into the club at this first meeting. The Club’s “Georgia Rotary Student” arrived for school at the University of Georgia. She was Julia Adamik from Moscow, Russia.

Other highlights during the year included: a program entitled “How to Survive the Clinton Administration” (it must have worked...

because we did), a program entitled “What’s new at the Zoo” (during which Ponder tried on one of gorilla Willie B’s shirts that had a ten foot wide “wingspan”), and announcing Doug Langley as the first “Rotarian of the Month” (imagine that). In that year’s “Best of Gwinnett” issue of “Gwinnett” Magazine, three of our club members were listed: Susie Hite – Best Dressed, Glen White – Banker You Would Turn to for a Much Needed Loan, and Helen Tapp – The Friend Whose Advice You Can Always Count On. Our meeting on August 19th was the District Governor’s visit. We were very happy to welcome Bob Miller Sr. and his wife Decie to our club for a visit. September 8th found us at the annual United Way kick-off breakfast and September 25th found us up to our necks in the Yellow River doing our annual “adopt-a-steam” project in conjunction with our high school Roteract students.

On October 9th we conducted our first club “outing”. The trip was to Zoo Atlanta and was well attended with 50 people. We were

able to see lot’s of the regular “stuff” and some of the “behind the scenes” kind of things that you only get to see on a special tour. On October 14th, Pat Brown was inducted into the club and James (Jim) Roach was inducted into the club in December. The Rotary Club kept up their annual tradition of throwing a party for all of Gwinnett’s Foster Children and of giving them all a unique gift picked out just for them. The party was held in the cafeteria of Central Gwinnett High School (as it always was). Ponder arranged for a professional magician to put on a show for all of the children before Santa made his appearance. The club’s Christmas party was held at La Petite Auberge (french restaurant) on North Druid Hills. Many attended and there was a little “magic” in the air (and at the front of the room) as everyone anticipated the holiday season.

Greg Stewart became the first new member of the club in 1994. Helen Tapp became the first club member to get married in

1994, on January 29th. She used the marriage as an excuse for not making-up that week’s missed meeting. Later in the year, Jack Moore became the second club member to get married....it must have been the “Malibu Classic” that won Lisa over. Tom Ferrin, of Troop 506, was named by the Club as the Scoutmaster of the year for Gwinnett County. Rotarians of the month, since Doug, included Bill Cooper, Mike Hayes, Richard Allen, and others.

District Governor Bob Miller Sr. returned to our club on February 17, 1994 to recognize the Rotary Club of South Gwinnett as the second club ever to obtain 100% of their club members as “Benefactors” to the Rotary Foundation (pledged $1,000 to the Foundation in their wills). A big thanks went to Rich Panyik for all of the hard work he put in to obtain that status. The Foundation will be the big winner...in the future. On February 22nd, President Ponder underwent 8 hours of medical testing as a “level three” potential bone marrow donor. He was scheduled for the procedure of donating his bone marrow to a “stranger” on March 23rd. Unfortunately, the recipient-to-be passed away about a week before the transplant could be made. District Governor Bob Miller Sr. and Past District Governor Jim Kent got over 500 people to sign up to be tested as possible donors. Rob was one of only two people who signed up that had a “match”. The other “match” found by the Rotary “drive” was able to complete their donation and save a life.

In March, Ron Kersey was Rob’s fifth induction of the Rotary year. By this point, President Ponder had established a strong

record of messing up something on every induction he made. Unfortunately, the “messed-up” induction was something that stuck with many of the presidents that followed Rob. In fact, it was not until Tom Tate was president, that a “flawless” induction was again made in the club. Susie Hite was nominated by the club as their “Lee Arrandale” nominee. This was to recognize her vocational excellence.

The 1994 District Conference was held in Savannah, Georgia at the Marriott hotel from April 29th to May 1st. South Gwinnett

Rotary was represented by 16 people including Rotarians and their spouses. Those present saw the Club win it’s third “Club of the Year” award for medium sized clubs. Congratulations were in order for President Rob, his Officers, and his Directors for the leadership they exhibited. The efforts of these people, along with the entire club are recognized through this award. The Club received seven additional awards at the conference. For Medium Clubs, they included: Best Overall Vocational Service Program, Highest overall Club Attendance (95.73%), Best “Preserve Planet Earth” Program (Adopt-a-stream), Most Rotary “Volunteers” on international list (3), Most GRSP Program Benefactors, Most Rotary Foundation Benefactors (the club had 49 out of the total 169 Benefactors for the entire district – 25% of the entire District which is made up of 56 clubs), and the “Presidential Citation” for Balanced Club Activities. Individual recognitions went to Jim Crawford and Rich Panyik for being Lieutenant Governors for the District (2 of 10 “Assistant” Governors), to Rich Panyik for his amazing support of the Rotary Foundation (specifically, for getting our club to the point of being the second club in the world to have 100% of their club members put Rotary in their wills – become “Benefactors” of the Rotary Foundation), and to Rich Panyik for being South Gwinnett’s “Rotarian of the Year”. To recognize him for the distinction, the club completed Rich’s “Hugh Thomas Fellowship” (completed his giving to the $2,500 level for the GRSP) and gave him a pair of new Rotary Pajamas...heavy starch, of course (the club really did have a pair of light blue pajamas plastered with Rotary logos and then heavily starched by a commercial laundry so that they stand up on their own). What they wouldn’t do for their “Rotarian of the Year”!

On May 9th, the club held it’s annual Golf Tournament to fund a four year, $2,000 a year, college scholarship for a deserving

young, local high school student. The tournament was held at Summit Ridge Country Club in Snellville and raised a total amount of $10,670. After expenses, the club netted $7,270 to fund the scholarship. With interest over the next four years, the tournament completely funded the $8,000 scholarship. This year’s scholarship went to Eric Cochling who will be attending the University of Georgia. Out of surplus funds, the club also gave a $500 a year, four year scholarship to Natalie Wheeler, that year’s “runner-up” student.

Rich Panyik led the club’s effort at the annual “Relay for Life” fundraiser bringing in $1,020 for the Cancer Society. The team of

12 people (11 club members and Rich’s daughter) walked a total of 398 laps around the track (right at 100 miles in 24 hours). In May, Rob inducted South Gwinnett’s only “Honorary” club member ever. At the time, Rotary did not have a way for retired

people to join a club into “active” membership. Jack Koegel had been a Rotarian in the same club in Marion, Indiana for 54 years including being their president in 1944. He wanted to stay involved in Rotary after having moved to Gwinnett to live with his daughter. Jack visited all seven of the Gwinnett clubs and then chose South Gwinnett to try and “volunteer” at. The club used the “Honorary” membership method to let Jack be a “member” in the club and not just someone who “visited” every week. He was very happy with the recognition, and served the club by “manning the desk” for several years after joining.

On June 25, 1994, the club held it’s “End-of-Year” Banquet at Kurt’s restaurant in Duluth, Georgia. President Ponder recognized

the club’s accomplishments and it’s leaders. Awards were also given to many club members for perfect attendance, completion of several Paul Harris Fellowships, completion of Will Watt Fellowships, etc.... The president performed a complete magic show for those gathered doing most of the best tricks he had performed for the club members during the year. Ponder announced to the club that the next year’s GRSP student was going to be Georg Steiner from Graz, Austria.

The 1993-1994 Rotary year was finally over. When asked what his biggest accomplishment of the year was, Ponder quickly

replied, “We finally got rid of Hal Greene” (he resigned in April because of a work commitment). Only kidding Hal.... :) We miss you!


September 27, 2012

1994 - 1995

President Bob Huttman


Bill Huntley


Be a Friend


David Stovall

Club Board of Directors: Bob Huttman, President Dick Allen, Vice President Jack Moore, President-Elect Chris Dyer, Secretary Ron Kersey, Treasurer Donna Marietta, Sergeant-At-Arms Bill Cooper, Club Service Deb Roberts, Community Service Neal McCullohs, Vocational Service Gale Hulme, International Service Scott LeCraw, Youth Service

South Gwinnett Rotary 1994 – 1995 Congratulations, South Gwinnett Rotarians, on celebrating your 30th anniversary. I was South Gwinnett Rotary’s President during the 1994-1995 term and have many fond memories of my times with the Club. To give you a perspective of what was happening in our world during my term, here is a brief summary: • Rotary International’s 90th Anniversary (February 23, 1995) • O.J. Simpson trial begins (but didn’t end during my term) • Michael Jackson marries Lisa Marie Presley • MLB baseball strike cancelled the 1994 baseball season • “ForrestGump” movie wins Best Picture in the 67th Annual Academy Awards South Gwinnett’s ’94-95 theme was “Be a Friend” and as a memento of our appreciation to each guest speaker, I presented them with a little Teddy Bear, reminding them to “be a friend” in their every-day activities. I remember the global battle to eradicate polio throughout the world and Rotary International was playing a major role with pledges and contributions. I remember mostly the friendships, camaraderie, community projects and fun we had together. Some of our activities included painting the kitchen of a new Women’s Shelter in Lawrenceville; sponsoring the Foster Children’ Christmas Party at Central Gwinnett High School; and sponsoring a Brookwood High student through the Youth Exchange Program to study near Lyon, France. Everyone’s willingness to participate and contribute their time and talent was graciously appreciated. Bob Huttman President 1994 – 1995 Other Board Members: President-elect – Jack Moore Vice President – Dick Allen Secretary – Chris Dyer Treasurer – Ron Kersey Sergeant-at-arms – Donna Marietta Club Service – Bill Cooper Vocational Service – Neal McCullohs Community Service – Deb Roberts International Service – Gale Hulme Youth Service – Scott Lecraw


September 27, 2012

1995 - 1996

President Jack Moore


Herbert Brown


Act with Integrity, Serve with Love, Work for Peace


James Lyle

Club Board of Directors: Jack Moore, President Deb Roberts, Vice President Bill Cooper, President-Elect Gale Hulme, Secretary Bill Shaver, Treasurer Doug Langley, Sergeant-At-Arms Susie Hite, Club Service Greg Stroupe, Vocational Service Rob Ponder, International Service Scott LeCraw, Program Chair Tom Tate, Program Chair


YEAR 1995-1996

JACK MOORE, CLUB PRESIDENT

My year as President began in March instead of July when Bob Huttman, our President abruptly left town for a new job. We called this “pulling a partial Mason,” after Charles Mason, who left town for a new job just as his year began (“the full Mason”), causing Rob Ponder to start a whole year early.

Key Projects

• My first job was to get rid of the Rotary stuffed bears that were previously given as gifts to our incredulous guest speakers, who uniformly received them with a look that said “this is a joke, right?” Our new gifts were spiffy metal rulers bearing the Four-Way Test, a major emphasis for the year.

• This was the first year we chose to end our meetings by reciting the Four-Way Test, to ingrain these principles into our own memories and share them with our guests.

• We netted more than $10,000.00 for our Rotary Scholarship Golf Tournament that year at Northwood Country Club.

• We raised more than $5000.00 for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. • We hosted the DFACS Foster Children’s Christmas Party. • We emphasized vocational awareness the entire year. Scott LeCraw, Program Director

extraordinaire, aided greatly in this endeavor by choosing programs that spotlighted different professions.

• We hosted a Group Study Exchange team from India, whose members were especially interested in Atlanta during the year we hosted the Olympics.

Social Events

• Christmas Party • Year End Banquet at Northwood


• Jack Moore, President • Bill Cooper, President-elect • Deb Roberts, Vice President • Gale Hulme, Secretary • Bill Shaver, Treasurer • Susie Hite, Director Club Service • Rob Ponder, Director International Service • Greg Stroupe, Director Vocational Service • Doug Langely (“Mr. Sensitive”), Sgt. at Arms

We ended the year with 42 members, 14 of whom are still with us (Dick Allen, Joe Allen, Bill Cox, Ron Kersey, Doug Langley, Scott LeCraw, Jack Moore, Rich Panyik, Rob Ponder, Bill Shaver, Vicki Sweeny, Tom Tate, Jack Wilson, and Richard Winegarden).

A great year with great memories!


September 27, 2012

1996 - 1997

President Bill Cooper


Luis Vicente Giay


Build the Future with Action and Vision


Jim Hinshaw, Sr.


September 27, 2012

1997 - 1998

President Susie Hite


Glen Kinross


Show Rotary Cares For Your Community, For Our World, For Its People


Tom Richardson

Club Board of Directors:

Susie Hite, President Rob Langley, Vice President Scott LeCraw, President-Elect Joe Allen, Secretary Raymer Sale, Treasurer Robert Waller, Sergeant-At-Arms Angelo Harris, Club Service Richard Winegarden, Vocational Service Jim Brown, International Service Jack Wilson, Community Service Vicki Sweeny, Youth Service Mike Hayes, Program Chair


YEAR 1997-1998

SUSIE HITE, CLUB PRESIDENT

It was a terrific year with many great accomplishments, new friendships, and special memories! Our meetings were held at Northwood Country Club and our Rotary International theme was “Show Rotary Cares (for our community, our world, and its people)”.

Key Projects

• Our fund raising efforts included our annual golf tournament ($10,000), weekly door prize donations ($2,000), and community service projects ($3,500) to support our scholarship and other club service projects in our community.

• Our Annual Foster Children’s Christmas Party was a very special event. • Teamed with Outback Steakhouse in Suwanee to invite and serve lunch to Annandale

Village residents who were unable to return home for the Christmas holidays. • Teamed up with Mercer University Alumni Board of Directors to clean the grounds at the

Gwinnett Children’s Shelter and also made a financial donation. • Teamed up with Hayes Chrsyler-Plymouth-Dodge to sponsor Operation Outreach –USA. • Member finished project started prior year to refurbish the chapel at Annandale Village. • Financial contributions to many community organizations including: disaster relief funds

to Rotary Club of Gainesville after tornado; events for American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, United Way in Gwinnett, Adult Literacy Program & GOAL Program at Gwinnet Tech, Gwinnett Coalition for Health & Human Services, Boy Scouts.

• Sponsored two students from our Interact Clubs to attend the RYLA annual conference and contributed $2,700 to the Georgia Rotary Student Program.

Social Events

• Cookouts with good participation and our 15th Anniversary celebration at Northwood. • Christmas party and year end party with entertainment and great fun. • Classification talks by many club members “mirrored” social events.

The Board Members were: The Chair Members were:

• Susie Hite, President Joe Winter, Bulletin Chair • Scott LeCraw, President-elect Mike Hayes, Program Chair • Rob Langley, Vice President Ron Kersey, Social Chair • Joe Allen, Secretary Robert Waller, Sergeant-at-Arms • Raymer Sale, Treasurer • Angelo Harris, Director Club Service • Jack Wilson, Director Community Service • Jim Brown, Director International Service • Richard Winegarden, Vocational Service • Vicki Sweeney, Director Youth Service

We achieved our new membership goal of eight (8) new members with a total of forty-seven (47) members just prior to the District Conference at Jekyll Island in April 1998. We concentrated on membership growth and development and exceeded the District-wide goal of 90% attendance at weekly meetings. Robert Waller was our Sgt-at-Arms and he presented many inspirational “history lessons” in addition to many humorous presentations. The “Rotary Minutes” were also informational, educational, and entertaining. We enjoyed a variety of speakers which included scuba divers, political leaders, talk show hosts, local entrepreneurs, and an expert on the Kennedy Assassination.

We celebrated our 15th Anniversary at Northwood Country Club and invited all past presidents of the club to attend our fabulous celebration.

Thank you for your many contributions, your enthusiastic support, and the many special memories!


September 27, 2012

1998 - 1999

President Scott LeCraw


James Lacy


Follow Your Rotary Dream


Jack Lindsay

Club Board of Directors: Scott LeCraw, President Doug Langley, Vice President Angelo Harris, President-Elect Greg Stroupe, Secretary Joe Allen, Treasurer Raymer Sale, Sergeant-At-Arms Tom Tate, Club Service Jack Wilson, Vocational Service Bob Clark, International Service Jim Brown, Community Service Joe Winter, Youth Service


YEAR 1998-1999

SCOTT LeCRAW, CLUB PRESIDENT

It was a fun year! The Rotary International theme was Follow Your Rotary Dream and we certainly did that.

Key Projects

• We started the Guatemala textbook project that year under the guidance of a new Rotarian named Ed Hanley. What started as a local club project to send a few thousand dollars to buy textbooks soon expanded to include contributions from nine clubs in our District, seven other US clubs and two Japanese clubs. Bolstered by matching funds from District and RI, we eventually sent over $75,000 to the project in the first year alone.

• We moved the golf tournament that year to Pineisle Resort at Lake Lanier Islands. We had 63 players and raised a net of $9,150 toward our scholarship fund.

• We established a sister club relationship with the Rotary Club of Mysore in India.


• Scott LeCraw, President • Angelo Harris, President-elect

• Doug Langley, Vice President • Greg Stroupe, Secretary

• Joe Allen, Treasurer • Raymer Sale, Sergeant-At-Arms

• Tom Tate, Director Club Service • Jim Brown, Director Community Service

• Bob Clark, Director International Service • Jack Wilson, Director Vocational Service

• Joe Winter, Director Youth Service Late in the Rotary year, Angelo Harris left the club and Rotarian Joe Allen stepped into the role of President-Elect. Our membership climbed into the 50’s, with a number of good, new energetic Rotarians. District Governor Jack Lindsay held District Conference in Charleston, SC. The most memorable event from that conference was the formal dinner onboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. Unfortunately, a storm came up just as everyone was crossing the long pedestrian causeway to go aboard, drenching everyone and ruining all the carefully coiffed hair on both ladies and gentlemen. It was a pleasure and a privilege!


September 27, 2012

1999 - 2000

President Joe Allen


Carlo Ravizza


Rotary 2000 Act with Consistency, Credibility, Continuity


Rich Panyik

First District Governor from Rotary Club of South Gwinnett

Club Board of Directors: Joe Allen, President Jim Brown, Vice President Raymer Sale, President-Elect Tom Tate, Secretary Preston Bennett, Treasurer Raymer Sale, Sergeant-At-Arms Jack Wilson, Club Service Vicki Sweeny, Vocational Service Ed Hanley, International Service Victoria DeBord, Community Service Bob Clark, Youth Service


YEAR 1999-2000

JOE ALLEN, CLUB PRESIDENT

The Rotary International theme was Rotary 2000: Act with Consistency, Creditability and Continuity.

Key Projects/Initiatives

• Created first club Web site (went live March 31, 2000). • Continued Foster Children’s Christmas Party, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, United Way

Kick-off, Guatemala textbook project, Annandale Christmas Eve lunch. o Raised $100,000+ for Guatemala textbook project. Ed Hanley traveled to

Guatemala. • Cleaned section of the Yellow River as part of RI’s Preserve Planet Earth Initiative and

did a clean-up day at Gwinnett Children’s Shelter. • Recognized BSA Troop Leader and Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year. • Hosted a literacy program event and book donation. • Quarterly vocation service program on ethics. • Implemented a character development program in a Gwinnett school and worked with

five middle schools to recognize students for leadership, dependability and service. • Supported two active Interact Clubs (Brookwood and Parkview High Schools). • In concert with the Snellville Rotary Club, sponsored GRSP student Pablo Miguel

Troccoli of Argentina. • 100% of members were Paul Harris/Will Watt sustaining members and Rotary

Foundation benefactors. • Maintained 95%+ average club attendance. • 70 attendees from South Gwinnett Rotary attended District Conference to show support

for DG Rich Panyik. • Won Medium Club of the Year • Golf Tournament at Northwood raised $12,000; Raffles raised $6,000 and business

sponsorships raised $3,600 for various club community service projects. • Began strategic planning process for 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 board leadership.

Social Events

• UGA tailgating/football game. • Christmas dinner hosted in the “under construction” Hudgens Center for the Arts

followed by a performance of The Nutcracker Ballet in the Performing Arts Center. • End of year banquet at Vines Botanical Gardens with a special visit from Elvis.


• Joe Allen, President • Raymer Sale, President-elect

• Jim Brown, Vice President • Tom Tate, Secretary

• Preston Bennett, Treasurer • Sergeant at Arms: Jack Moore

• Jack Wilson, Director Club Service • Victoria Thomas, Director Community Service

• Ed Hanley, Director International Service • Vicki Sweeny, Director Vocational Service

• Bob Clark, Director Youth Service


September 27, 2012

2000 - 2001

President Raymer Sale


Frank Devlyn


Create Awareness – Take Action


Steve Jenkins

Club Board of Directors: Raymer Sale, President Victoria DeBord, Vice President Tom Tate, President-Elect Vicki Sweeny, Secretary Preston Bennett, Treasurer Jack Moore, Sergeant-At-Arms Greg Stroupe, Club Service Ron Craddock, Vocational Service Jack Wilson, International Service Bill Cox, Community Service Ed Hanley, Youth Service

2000-2001 Create Awareness… Take Action

I. Club Leadership A. President B. President Elect C. Vice President D. Secretary E. Treasurer

II. Club Membership

A. Goal 10% = 9 new members ii. Russ Crosio iii. Javier Menendez iv. Walid Nannis

III. Attendance: 92%

IV. District Conference 33 Rotarians and Sponsors Attended

V. Fundraising A. Golf Tour 20K B. Raffle 10K C. Bell Ringing $457.00 D. Alzheimers $205.00 E. Average per Club Member $682.00

VI. Community Service

A. Cleaned Yellow River B. Salvation Army C. United Way D. Foster Children’s Christmas Party E. Collected 1,000 cans of food for needy family F. Great Day of Service

VII. RYLA Sponsored 2 Interact Students

VIII. Ambassador Scholarship Jody Lynn Jackson appreciation accepted

IX. GRSP Student – (co-sponsored with Snellville)

A. Krista S. Matilla- Finland B. Richard & Carolyn Allen host C. South Gwinnett Club Members contributed $4,900 to GRSP

$104.26/member

X. Rotary Foundation Benefactor: 100% XI. World Community Service Project

A. 3rd year raised $193.00 B. Purchase and distribute textbooks to 20,000 children in Guatemala C. Sister Club: Guatemala

XII. Rotary Foundation

A. Donated $6833.36 B. Average $145.39/member

XIV. Club of the Year- 3rd Consecutive


September 27, 2012

2001 - 2002

President Tom Tate


Richard King


Mankind Is Our Business


Kay Miller

Club Board of Directors: Tom Tate, President Jack Wilson, Vice President Vicki Sweeny, President-Elect Ed Hanley, Secretary Preston Bennett, Treasurer Jack Moore, Sergeant-At-Arms Bill Cox, Club Service Curtis Lau, Vocational Service Javier Melendez, International Service Pat Schultz, Community Service Victoria DeBord, Youth Service


YEAR 2001-2002

TOM TATE, CLUB PRESIDENT

This was another successful and enjoyable year for The Rotary Club of South Gwinnett. The Rotary International theme was Mankind is Our Business, which was somewhat controversial in that Womankind felt left out.

Key Projects

• Our “sweat equity” project involved planting shrubbery and trees at the Beaver Springs Housing Project, as part of the Gwinnett Great Days of Service. Beside the valuable contribution made to our community that day, this event was also historically significant as the original “drive-by” participation in a Rotary service project by Victoria Thomas.

• On December 4, 2001 we had our annual Christmas Party for the Foster Children of Gwinnett County at Central Gwinnett High School.

• Continuing the tradition begun during Scott LeCraw’s year as President, we again participated in the Guatemala textbook project. With the help of matching funds from Rotary District 6910 and The Rotary Foundation, over $200,000 was raised in the 2001-2002 Rotary year for this wonderful cause.

• Our annual golf tournament was organized by Ed Hanley, and held at the Northwood Country Club; this was a very successful tournament, with over 100 golfers participating.

• With the assistance of the Brookwood and Parkview Interact Clubs, we organized a cleanup project along the Yellow River to remove litter and debris.

Social Events

• A fall cookout was held at Berkeley Lake, with strong turnout by members and their families.

• The Christmas Party was held at The 1818 Club in December. • The District Conference was at the Marriott Bay Point Resort in Panama City, at which

we were once again awarded Medium Size Club of the Year.


• Tom Tate, President • Victoria Thomas, Director Youth Service

• Jack Wilson, Vice President • Ed Hanley, Secretary

• Preston Bennett, Treasurer • Jack Moore, Sergeant-At-Arms

• Bill Cox, Club Service • Pat Schultz, Director Community Service • Javier Melendez, Director International

Service • Curt Lau, Director Vocational Service

While we had many informative and enjoyable programs during the year, the most memorable one occurred on the Thursday after 9/11/01, when we engaged in an open club wide discussion about the impact and implications of the terrorists’ attacks on our nation. We certainly recited the Pledge of Allegiance with renewed vigor and meaning that day. 1705752_1.DOC


September 27, 2012

2002 - 2003

President Vicki Sweeny


Bhichai Rattakul


Sow the Seeds of Love


Scott Parmenter

Club Board of Directors: Vicki Sweeny, President Curtis Lau, Vice President Ed Hanley, President-Elect Bill Cox, Secretary Preston Bennett, Treasurer Doug Langley/JoAnn Pinder, Sergeant-At-Arms Victoria DeBord, Club Service Jim Chisolm, Vocational Service Pat Schultz, Intl. Service Al Karnitz, Community Service Joel Taylor, Youth Service


YEAR 2002-2003

VICKI SWEENY, CLUB PRESIDENT

This was another successful and enjoyable year for The Rotary Club of South Gwinnett. The Rotary International theme was Sow the Seeds of Love.

Key Projects

• We had a fantastic “Another Man’s Treasure” sale at Pat Schultz’s warehouse where we sold donated clothing, yard and office equipment, furniture, toys and sporting goods. We incorporated our two Interact Clubs into the project and raised approximately $2,500 for Polio Plus and had fun doing it.

• We raised another $2,500 for the Unity Place project through a raffle supported by all club members but especially Mike Hayes’ donation of a NASCAR display.

• On the first Monday in December, we had the Foster Children’s Christmas Party. • On Christmas Eve, we hosted a number of villagers from Annandale Village for lunch at

Outback Steakhouse. • We initiated the Red Badge Program to enhance the experience of new Rotarians and

improve retention.

Social Events

• We held a 20th anniversary birthday party for the club in September where previous members, including Past Presidents, were invited to join us. This event was well attended by wives, husbands, children, Assistant Governors, Past District Governors and wives, and past members. We had a photograph display and memory books, party favors, a special cake, and a roast by our sergeant at arms as well as special remarks by past presidents.

• The Christmas Party was held at The 1818 Club in December. In addition to live chamber music, we enjoyed a dramatic reading by our own JoAnn Pinder.


• Vicki Sweeny, President • Joel Taylor, Director Youth Service

• Curtis Lau, Vice President • Bill Cox, Secretary

• Preston Bennett, Treasurer • Doug Langley/JoAnn Pinder, Sergeant-At-Arms

• Victoria Thomas, Club Service • Al Karnitz, Director Community Service

• Pat Schultz, Director International Service • Jim Chisolm, Director Vocational Service

• Ed Hanley, President-Elect •


September 27, 2012

2003 - 2004

President Ed Hanley


Jonathan Majiyagbe


Lend a Hand


Lona Pope

Club Board of Directors: Ed Hanley, President Gene Davis, Vice President Bill Cox, President-Elect Victoria DeBord, Secretary Preston Bennett, Treasurer Joel Taylor, Sergeant-At-Arms Curtis Lau, Club Service Libby Blackwell, Vocational Service Al Karnitz, International Service Jim Chisolm, Community Service Greg Whitlock, Youth Service


YEAR 2003 - 2004

ED HANLEY, CLUB PRESIDENT

Prior to my joining Rotary during the 1998 - 1999 year, I knew nothing about Rotary. I was recruited by Scott LeCraw. With some doubt and reservations, I decided to join. Being part of Rotary was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I will be forever grateful for the experience and to the great men and women that I served with.

Key Projects

• We continued to support the Guatemala Textbook Project. This was year 5 of our involvement in supporting such a worthwhile cause. By this time, Rotary Clubs from all over the world were contributing to the project. To put this into perspective, by year 5, we had raised over $330,000.Our goal during the first year was to raise $10,000. We actually raised $75,000. The enormous generosity of clubs all over the world was overwhelming.

• Continued the Annual Golf Tournament to support college scholarships for deserving High School students. Over 100 players came out to support the project

• Continued support for a variety of ongoing projects from previous years.

Social Events

• Year end banquet. • Annual Christmas Party.


• Ed Hanley President • Bill Cox President-elect • Gene Davis Vice President • Victoria DeBord Secretary • Preston Bennett Treasurer • Sergeant At Arms Joel Taylor • Curtis Lau Director Club Service • Al Karnitz Director International Service • Libby Blackwell Director Vocational Service • Greg Whitlock Director Youth Service • Jim Chisolm Director Community Service

Club membership rose to 56 during the year. I believe this was and continues to be a club record. Many thanks to those members who contributed to our membership growth.

We also lost a Charter Member, Thomas James. Sadly, Thomas lost his battle with cancer.


September 27, 2012

2004 - 2005

President Bill Cox


Glenn Estess, Sr.


Celebrate Rotary


James Maughon

Club Board of Directors: Bill Cox, President Bill Cooper, Vice President Victoria DeBord, President-Elect Curtis Lau, Secretary Gail Griffith, Treasurer Jack McElfish, Sergeant-At-Arms Al Karnitz, Club Service Gene Davis, Vocational Service Joel Taylor, International Service Libby Blackwell, Community Service Greg Whitlock, Youth Service


YEAR 2004 - 2005

BILL COX, CLUB PRESIDENT

President Elect was Victoria Thomas Vice President was Bill Cooper Secretary was Curtis Lau Treasurer was G. Griffith/Tom Carr Sergeant at Arms was Jack McElfish Club Service was Al Karnitz Community Service was Libby Blackwell International Service was Joel Taylor Vocational Service was Gene Davis Youth Service was Greg Whitlock Our club won Gold Club of the Year and Community Service of the Year. Helen Westman from Sweden was our exchange student; we treated her as our daughter that year and still keep in touch with her today.


September 27, 2012

2005 - 2006

President Victoria DeBord


Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar


Service Above Self


Dianne Cammarata

Club Board of Directors: Victoria DeBord, President Doug Langley, Vice President Curtis Lau, President-Elect Al Karnitz, Secretary Tom Karr, Treasurer Richard Winegarden, Sergeant-At-Arms Greg Whitlock, Club Service Chris Stallworth, Vocational Service Joel Taylor, International Service Tim Simpson, Community Service Gene Davis, Youth Service

Rotary Club of South Gwinnett Year 2005 – 2006

Victoria DeBord Thomas, Club President

This was the year of Hurricane Katrina and prelude to The Rotary International 100th year Anniversary, 1905 – 2005, commemorated with introduction of the RI license plate, issued with our year’s Rotary theme “Service Above Self” on the plate. Dianne Cammarata was Governor for District 6910. The Rotary International President was Carl Wilhelm Stenhammar of Sweden. The RI Convention was held in Chicago, IL at the McCormick Place Convention Center.

Victoria DeBord Thomas ‐ President Curtis Lau – President Elect Doug Langley – Vice President Tom Karr ‐ Treasurer Al Karnitz ‐ Secretary Richard Winegarden ‐ Sergeant of Arms Greg Whitlock – Club Service Chair Gene Davis ‐ Youth Services Chair Chris Stallworth – Vocational Chair Joel Taylor – International Service Chair Jack Wilson – Membership Chair Barbara Grastat – Public Relations Chair Rob Ponder – Rotary Foundation Chair Libby Blackwell – Program Chair Service Project Highlights

• Hurricane Katrina Relief – on a local level, we found that people were traveling east out of storm torn Louisiana and Mississippi to find help. In partnership with area Rotary clubs, we set up a center in the old Lawrenceville Walmart center where victims could register to receive help and find resources in the area to meet their needs. We also held food can drives to help stock the food pantries in Gwinnett County to support this initiative and support citizens of need in Gwinnett County.

• Water Project – Contributed to a Safe Drinking Water project for children at a school in Karnataka, India, in RI District 3170. Our club partnered with the Peachtree Corner’s Rotary Club.

• 2 Book Projects – Password Project – we collected books and money to help with District Governor Dianne’s project for school children in Turkey. Guatemala Book Project ‐ Continued to support this project, originally founded by club member, Ed Hanley.

• Gwinnett Foster Children’s Christmas Party – As a tradition for many years, SG Rotarians hosted the Gw Foster Children’s Christmas party at the Central Gwinnett High School cafeteria. This year there was a need of gifts for 400 Gwinnett County foster children.

• Storm Drain Stenciling Project – a joint project with the local Interact Club. Storm drains in Gwinnett neighborhoods were spray painted with stencils to increase awareness of not placing non‐environmentally friendly detergents and other liquids down storm drains.

Additional Highlights

• GRSP Student – Susana Ochoa of Columbia, South America. She attended Georgia State University as an engineering student. We shared Susana with the Snellville Rotary Club. As of September 2012, Susana is in London working on the Urban Flood Project for 3 years while working on her PhD in Engineering.

• Christmas Party – fun night at Tim Simpson’s house, topped with “Elvis in the House” by Jack Moore. • Record Giving ‐ $9,125 to the Rotary Foundation for a total of $190.10 per person (our highest to date)

and a total of $4,875 to GRSP for a per person contribution of $101.56. Both exceeded our goals. • Year‐end club membership was noted as 52 members.


September 27, 2012

2006 - 2007

President Curtis Lau


William Boyd


Lead the Way


J.V. Vlass

Club Board of Directors: Curtis Lau, President Doug Langley, Vice President Al Karnitz, President-Elect Joel Taylor, Secretary Tom Karr, Treasurer Rosanna Szabo, Sergeant-At-Arms Jack Wilson, Club Administration Greg Whitlock, Rotary Foundation Barbara Karnitz, Public Relations Tim Simpson, Membership Gene Davis, Service Projects


YEAR 2006-2007

CURTIS LAU, CLUB PRESIDENT

It was a transitional year for our club. We implemented the Club Leadership Plan to re‐organize club leadership, and updated the club bylaws for the first time. We formed a strategic planning committee, which recommended that we make significant changes to the traditional programs that the club had supported for many years. The RI theme was Lead the Way, and we tried to lead the way to the future for our club. Key Projects

• We established a sister club relationship with the Rotary Club of Matamoros 1984 in Mexico. We obtained a grant from The Rotary Foundation and we put in a water system in the village of Laguna in Mexico, so that all residents would finally have running water at their houses, and would no longer have to walk up to two miles to obtain water from a well.

• We participated with the other Gwinnett clubs in the financing and construction of a Habitat for Humanity house in Duluth.

• As part of the Great Day of Service, we landscaped and did needed repairs for the Lawrenceville Handicapped Housing building.

• We put on the club’s last Foster Children’s Christmas Party. It was covered by the AJC with a seven picture spread.

Social Events

• Scott LeCraw hosted our Christmas Party. It was a fun event and was well attended. • We participated in a reception and art auction at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center. The

purpose of this event was to raise funds for the Habitat for Humanity project, and it was successful. • Al Karnitz hosted the year‐end party. The food was great, and the event drew a good turnout.


• Curtis Lau, President • Jack Wilson, Director Club Administration • Doug Langley, Vice President • Greg Whitlock, Director Rotary Foundation • Joel Taylor, Secretary • Gene Davis, Director Service Projects • Tom Karr, Treasurer • Barbara Karnitz, Director Club Public Relations • Rosanna Szabo, Sergeant‐At‐Arms • Tim Simpson, Director Membership • Al Karnitz, President‐Elect

Membership held steady in the low 40’s. One of our guest speakers was Truett Cathy Sr, founder of Chick‐Fil‐A. When I told him our chef had prepared a chicken lunch for him, he said “that’s fine, as long as it didn’t come from the Colonel”. The club sent Javier Melendez and me to Mexico to participate in the celebration of the completion of our water project there. The people in the village prepared a feast for us, consisting of barbequed goat and a soup named manulo, which is made from cow’s organs. There were speeches made in Spanish for about an hour – I did not understand a word. I asked Javier later what was said, and he told me “they said thanks”. It was an honor to be president of this great club, and I will always treasure the experience.


September 27, 2012

2007 - 2008

President Al Karnitz


Wilfrid Wilkinson


Rotary Shares


Nathan Carmack

Club Board of Directors: Al Karnitz, President Joel Taylor, President-Elect Jack Wilson, Secretary Doug Langley, Treasurer Chris Stallworth, Sergeant-At-Arms Greg Whitlock, Club Administration Gene Davis, Rotary Foundation Barbara Karnitz, Public Relations Louis Young, Membership Tim Simpson, Service Projects

HIGHLIGHTS FROM AL KARNITZ’S YEAR AS PRESIDENT, 2007‐2008 KEY PROJECTS – Rotary and Ace Truck Repair refurbished a 22‐passenger bus for Trinity Life church of Lawrenceville to enable the church to minister to the homeless and hungry. We took on a clean water project with our sister club in Matamoros, Mexico. ROTARY NEWS EVENT – Joe Allen became an Assistant Governor for District 6910. Nathan Carmack, our District 6910 was our club guest. NOTABLE GUEST SPEAKERS – Mike Plant, V. P. of Atlanta Braves visited our club. Punchy Powell, decorated WWII pilot, visited, regaled and charmed us with his stories. Jennifer Lewis, our Scholarship winner, spoke to us. SOCIAL EVENTS – We celebrated 25 years of “Clubdom” by having Mike Hayes, Doug Langley and Rich Panyik dress up in beards, canes and a walker. The Caribbean business delegation as well as our club and several other clubs came to our home for a cook‐out. The Christmas party was held at Raymer Sale’s home. All remained sober!

SOCIAL EVENTS (CONTINUED) Year‐End banquet held at Tim Simpson’s home and we were serenaded and treated to live music performed by Norcross’ Mayor Bucky Johnson and his band. Began a tradition of meeting for dinner every other month. NEW CLUB TRADITIONS – Started the Sgt at Arms position being performed by multiple members instead of just one member. Al’s Principal for a Day involvement with the Gwinnett Chamber began our tradition of partnership with Corley Elementary School. We now do our Student of the Month awards and our members read to Corley students. Board Members: Gene Davis Doug Langley Barbara Grastat Karnitz Joel Taylor Louis Young Chris Stallworth Greg Whitlock Jack Wilson


September 27, 2012

2008 - 2009

President Joel Taylor


Dong Kurn Lee


Make Dreams Real


Gary Moore

Club Board of Directors: Joel Taylor, President Scott LeCraw, Vice President Jack Wilson, President-Elect Greg Whitlock, Secretary Doug Langley, Treasurer Chris Stallworth, Sergeant-At-Arms Gene Davis, Club Administration Tim Simpson, Rotary Foundation Barbara Karnitz, Public Relations Jack Wilson, Membership Julianne Thompson, Service Projects


YEAR 2008-2009

JOEL TAYLOR, CLUB PRESIDENT

It was an eventful year! The Rotary International theme was Make Dreams Real. The President, Rotary International was Dong-Kurn Lee. Gary Moore was our District Governor.

Key Projects

• Began the transition of providing golf tournament scholarship dollars to students pursuing technical and college education in Gwinnett County.

• Enhanced the Club’s partnership with Annandale to include a nature trail project. • Reestablished an Interact Club at Parkview High School.

Social Events

• Club family event at the Aurora Theater in Lawrenceville. •


• Joel Taylor, President • Jack Wilson, President-elect

• Scott LeCraw, Vice President • Greg Whitlock, Secretary

• Doug Langley, Treasurer • Chris Stallworth, Sergeant-At-Arms • Julianne Thompson & Pauline Shannon,

Directors Club Service • Gene Davis, Club Administration

• Barbara Grasat Karnitz, Public Relations •

• Tim Simpson, Rotary Foundation It was a pleasure and a privilege!


September 27, 2012

2009 - 2010

President Jack Wilson


John Kenny


The Future of Rotary Is In Your Hands


Shane Burr

Club Board of Directors: Jack Wilson, President Mike Hayes, Vice President Greg Whitlock, President-Elect Gene Davis, Secretary Bill Shaver, Treasurer “All Star Rotation”, Sergeant-At-Arms Tim Simpson, Club Administration Andy Copeland, Rotary Foundation Barbara Karnitz, Public Relations Rosanna Szabo, Membership Chris Stallworth, Service Projects

ROTARY CLUB OF SOUTH GWINNETT COUNTY

2009-2010

JACK WILSON, CLUB PRESIDENT

Key Projects

• FINISHED the Annandale Nature Trail with plenty of sweat equity • Hosted GRSP Student Emilie Gorransen from Sweden • Hosted GSE team from Manchester, England • Boys and Girls Club, Salvation Army Bell Ringing; Corley Reading and Service;

Annandale Christmas Eve luncheon • Supported financial contributions to the Boy Scouts, Nutrition for Guatemala, Trinity

Church Homeless Program • Restored standing as 100% Benefactors for Rotary Foundation

Social Events

• First Open House for potential new members • First Christmas Party to be visited by Gwinnett Fire and EMS

Officers Mike Hayes—Vice President Gene Davis—Secretary Bill Shaver—Treasurer Greg Whitlock—President Elect Board of Directors Andy Copeland--Foundation Barbara Karnitz—Public Relations Tim Simpson—Club Administration Chris Stallworth—Community Service Rosanna Szabo--Membership Sgt. at Arms All Star Rotation—Richard Winegarden, Jack Moore, Doug Langley & Rosanna Szabo.

Highlights Programs included a Rhodes Scholar, a Beauty Queen, The Sweeney/Oxendine debate (she crushed him), and the Iditarod musher. District Conference took us to Jekyll Island where Chris Stallworth hosted the first unofficial District 6910 Scotch Tasting on the veranda of the Jekyll Island Club with members of the GSE exchange team from England (and was as good as it sounds).

For his efforts as Webmaster, District IT Guru, Host to visiting GSE Team, Alternate GSE Team Leader (he was robbed), and the promise of becoming the youngest District Governor ever, the Rotarian of the Year was Chris Stallworth.


September 27, 2012

2010 - 2011

President Greg Whitlock


Ray Klinginsmith


Building Communities – Bridging Continents


Gene Windham

Club Board of Directors: Greg Whitlock, President Bill Cox, Vice President Gene Davis, President-Elect Chris Stallworth, Secretary Bill Shaver, Treasurer Jack Wilson, Sergeant-At-Arms Chris Stallworth, Club Administration Ron Kersey, Rotary Foundation Joe Allen, Public Relations Gene Davis, Membership Andy Copeland, Service Projects


YEAR 2010 to 2011

Greg Whitlock, CLUB PRESIDENT

This Rotary year was the 3rd year of membership decline lead by the poor economy. The goal of the board was to focus on projects that had little to no costs. With this limitation, the club successfully completed 9 service projects throughout the year.

Key Projects

• Corley Elementary Reach Project: 12 Rotarians volunteered to reach to kindergarten classes twice a month. The purpose of the project was to promote literacy, but to also expose children from lower income minority areas to the professional world. As the school Administrator stated, “the kids need to feel comfortable around men and women in suits.”

• Boys & Girls Thanksgiving Dinner: Rotarians served the children and the staff of the Lawrenceville Boys & Girls club for a Thanksgiving Feast. Club members also provided much of the food.

• Adopt-A-Family for Christmas: Corley Elementary Counselors identified a needy family that the club adopted for Christmas. Each club member selected items to purchase that included clothes, shoes, jackets, under clothes, and of course a few toys. The family was made up of a single mom with 3 girls and one boy ranging from age12 to 6

• Corley Elementary Clean-Up Project: Rotarians and school volunteers cleaned areas of the playground that have become over grown and installed drainage pipes to improve water run-off.

• Corley Elementary Career Day: Our largest volunteer turn-out. Rotarians joined other professionals to discuss their careers and education requirements with 4th and 5th graders

Social Events

• Membership dinner • Christmas party was held at Northwoods Country Club • Year-end banquet – Olde Town Tavern in Lawrenceville

Vocational Tours

• Blue Mood Cycles • Duluth Public Safety


• Greg Whitlock, President • Gene Davis, President-elect • Bill Cox, Vice President • Chris Stallworth, Secretary • Bill Shaver, Treasurer • Jack Wilson, Sgt-at-Arms (with special appearances by Jack Moore) • Chris Stallworth, Club Administration • Joe Allen, Public Relations • Andy Copeland, Director of Service • Ron Kersey, Director of Rotary Foundation • Barbara Karnitz, Director of Family of Rotary

We started the year with 29 members and added 2.

The most significant memory from the year is the dedication of the lobby at Corley Elementary School to Al Karntiz. I will always remember Al’s surprise when he received the recognition at the year-end banquet and the day the lobby was dedicated.

Adopting the family at Christmas was rewarding in many ways. Chris Stallworth and I delivered the presents on Christmas Eve night and filled their apartment with needed clothes and toys for fun. We also purchased clothes for the mother that she could use for interviewing. The most significant achievement is that the mother started a program to get her GED, so she could be a better provider and role model for her family.

It was truly an enjoyable year!


September 27, 2012

2011 - 2012

President Gene Davis


Kalyan Banerjee


Reach Within to Embrace Humanity


Bill St. Clair

Club Board of Directors: Gene Davis, President Doug Langley, Vice President Chris Stallworth, President-Elect Andy Copeland, Secretary Bill Shaver, Treasurer Jack Wilson & Jack Moore, Sergeant-At-Arms Mike Hayes, Club Administration Mark Abrams, Rotary Foundation John Winters, Public Relations Mike Hayes, Membership Louis Young, Service Projects

ROTARY CLUB OF SOUTH GWINNETT COUNTY

YEAR 2011 - 2012

GENE DAVIS, CLUB PRESIDENT

This was a key transitional year for our Club. Over the last few years our membership had fallen to 28 Rotarians at the start of this Rotary year. A Strategic Plan had been completed in December, 2010, which was instrumental in guiding our rebuilding efforts during this year.

Key Projects

• The Club, under the guidance of Scott LeCraw, conducted a luncheon on Veterans Day to honor World War II survivors in our community at the Gwinnett Marriott. We honored over 40 veterans and their guests. This one project did more to bring the club together than did all other activities during the year. Scott LeCraw was named Rotarian of the Year for his outstanding efforts.

• Jointly funded a project through D6910 and other clubs to improve a septic system serving a hospital in earthquake ravaged Haiti .

• Continued and grew our relationship with Corley Elementary through reading and clean up projects.

Social Events - Chair – Richard Panyik

• Outstanding Christmas Party hosted by Vicki Sweeny and entertainment by “Elfis”. • Spring outing to Gwinnett Braves was well attended with families. • Year-end party at 1818 Club with local Thespians providing entertainment. A good time

had by all!


Gene Davis, President Jack Wilson & Jack Moore, Co-Sergeants-At-Arms

Chris Stallworth, President-elect Mike Hayes, Director - Club Adm & Membership Doug Langley, Vice President Mark Abrams, Director – The Rotary Foundation Greg Whitlock, Immediate Past President Louis Young, Director - Service Projects Andy Copeland, Secretary & Pres. Nominee John Winters, Director – Public Relations Bill Shaver, Treasurer

We increased membership by 5 members to 33 and had no losses during the year. We were awarded “Gold Club” at District Conference in Hilton Head, SC. Also received Membership, Literacy, and Presidential Citation. Earned EREY and 100% Sustaining Member status for TRF.

Significant to the success of the Club this year was that every Rotarian was engaged in some role in the Club. The joint contributions helped to accomplish the goals we set early on. It was distinct pleasure to be a part of the Club this year and to lead it as President. Thank you!


September 27, 2012

2012 - 2013

President Chris Stallworth


Sakuji Tanaka


Peace Through Service


Margie Eddy-Forbes

Club Board of Directors: Chris Stallworth, President Rich Panyik, Vice President Mike Hayes, President-Elect Andy Copeland, President-Nominee Mike Hayes, Secretary Bill Shaver, Treasurer Dick Allen, Sergeant-At-Arms Ron Kersey, Club Administration Barbara Myers, Rotary Foundation Scott LeCraw, Public Relations Tom Tate, Membership Mark Abrams, Service Projects

rotary club of south gwinnett 30th...

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