Creating Lasting Impact
For the 2026-27 Rotary year our Rotary International President is Olayinka (Yinka) Babalola, who has introduced this year's theme Create Lasting Impact. At the same time, District Governor Cynthia Edwards has asked all clubs in District 6900 to consider projects through the lens of peace. Our North Fulton Rotary Club sees a clear way to embrace both priorities.
One initiative our club is exploring is a partnership with the Johns Creek Veterans Association to assist local veterans with small home repair and landscaping projects, including accessibility improvements. By helping veterans with practical needs around their homes, we hope to bring greater comfort, stability, and peace of mind to those who have served our country.
Beyond these hands-on projects, we also hope to promote peace through education, by sharing veterans' stories and fostering a deeper understanding of military service and sacrifice within our community.
We're excited about the potential of this initiative and will share more details as plans develop. Stay tuned for updates on opportunities to get involved and help our local veterans.
June 23, 2026 Meeting Recap
The June 23 meeting marked the final official meeting of President Erik Bykat. The meeting opened with Happy Dollars led by Richard Matherly, with members sharing good news that included celebrating our nation’s Independence, new members, new babies, new jobs, a healed foot and upcoming travel. During his recap, President Erik advised that our club raised nearly $2000 in Happy Dollars throughout his year!
President Erik took attendees on a retrospective of the year, highlighting the club’s projects and accomplishments. He also recognized and thanked his board members:
- Dan Jenkins, President Elect
- Steve Siders, Secretary
- Mike Mudd, Treasurer
- Lisa Gelber, Public Image
- Doug Higgins, Foundation
- Jeff Esterkes, Membership
- Amie Blanton, Service Projects
- Rick Clark, Fundraising
- Joy Manbeck, Interact/Youth
- Joseph Powell, Companion Club
President Erik presented three awards to recognize outstanding service this year:
- Rookie of the Year: Jim Murphy
- Service Above Self: Steve Cory and Marc Gelber
- Rotarian of the Year: Lisa Gelber
Next, President‑Elect Dan Jenkins introduced his incoming board. The Past Presidents of the club in attendance lined up in the order of their service to pass the gavel down to Dan: Richard Matherly, Steve Siders, Mike Mudd, Joy Manbeck, Lisa Gelber, Rick Clark, and our newest Past President, Erik Bykat. Several of our members who have served as President were not in attendance including Doug Higgins, Ben Hunter, James Marosek and Cliff Wilcox. It's also worth noting that some of our members have served as Rotary Club President of other clubs prior to joining ours, including Brad Serff and Bob MacDonald.
President Dan Jenkins took his first official action as President by awarding Immediate Past President Erik Bykat a plaque and a gift certificate to Ray's on the River as a token of the club's appreciation and gratitude for his leadership.
The meeting provided a warm, celebratory close to the year and a smooth transition to the club's incoming leadership.
First Thursday Social — July 7 at Bobby G's
The First Thursday Social is scheduled for July 7 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Bobby G's (12990 Highway N, Milton).
- Date: July 7
- Time: 6:00–8:00 pm
- Location: Bobby G's, 12990 Highway N, Milton
- Food & drink: The club will provide appetizers; members will buy their own beverages
We hope members can join for an evening of conversation and connection!
July 14 Service: Pack Backpacks for NFCC
Our first service project of the Rotary year is a quick, hands-on opportunity to support students in our community.
- What: Stuffing backpacks with grade-level school supplies for North Fulton Community Charities
- When: July 14th, immediately after our first meeting of the new Rotary year (approximately 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.)
- Where: Brimstone
Can you spare a few minutes to help with this? If so, please sign up here: Backpack Stuffing
RCNF Provides Support to Roswell Rotary at Blood Drive
On June 24th, members of the Rotary Club of North Fulton provided support to the Roswell Rotary Club at their Red Cross Blood Drive. Our members volunteered their time and some also donated blood to help meet the community's needs.
Volunteers from RCNF included:
- Carolynn DeSandre
- Jeff Esterkes
- Mark Hutchins
- Regina Orlick
We are grateful to the members who donated blood—this contribution is much needed and appreciated by those served by the Red Cross and the wider community.
Thank you to Mark Hutchins for organizing our volunteer efforts and helping make our club's participation possible.
Membership Minute: Fresh Energy
Submitted by Jeffrey Esterkes, Membership Chair
A new Rotary year begins! Let's bring fresh energy by welcoming new members and re-engaging those who have been away.
Companion Club Update
Reminder that our companion club meeting is July 16th at Thrive, 44 Milton Avenue, Alpharetta (located above Minnie Olivia Pizza) at 6:30 pm.
The Companion Club is organizing a service project to gather household items for individuals who are transitioning from temporary housing into a more permanent situation. Stay tuned for further details.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Joseph Powell, (912) 662-2246.
In addition, our Companion Club members, Tom and Stacy Georges, have scheduled their annual golf tournament for their non-profit, Special Needs Respite. The tournament is October 5th at Iron Horse Golf Club. Please save the date if you'd like to participate in this tournament or consider sharing the sponsorship information with your sphere.
