6 Club Visits in 4 days

This week was a PACKED few days.  But what a GREAT time getting to know many of the Rotarians in our district.  The week started with the lunch meeting at the Rotary Club of Perry!  WOW!  I enjoyed finding out more about Rotarians that were on the board for this club.  The Rotarians of Perry have been involved in our district conference for years....they have a long time tradition of handing out the door prizes.  It is a club that has a lot of fun and they are making an impact in their community!  I was very honored to be here for lunch.  Not only did they have a few new members, they had several new Paul Harris Fellows, they made a donation to Broken Shackle Ranch in honor of my visit, they will be celebrating 75 years this year and I was up for a treat after the meeting to tour Perry.

Acknowledgement of the clubs donation to Broken Shackle Ranch in my honor.

Presenting the 75 Year patch to Club President Shrad.

Rotary Club of Perry

After the club meeting it was off to the Guardian Center in Perry.  I had never visited or even heard of it, but fell in love!  WOW.... https://guardiancenters.com/   We have a jewel in our own backyard in Georgia and I'm pretty proud to say it is in District 6920.  Disaster Preparedness on steroids!  And they have fun there too with the Zombie Run the weekend before Halloween.  If you haven't seen it take a look at the webpage or just get in your car and go find out what it is all about!  AMAZING! We went from there to the fairgrounds to see some of the behind the scene and what they are doing to get ready for the fair!  

That evening it was dinner and what a great time to share more about Rotary with a small group of Rotarians and spouses.  It was truly an evening of sharing of what Rotary means to each of us.  I was able to share more about the trip to Jamaica and the girls home project that we did on the second day of the trip.  Club President Shrad asked for each person to share something with us and it was a great evening of dialogue shared among everyone.  And all while his mother was in the hospital, because you see earlier that day his received news his mother was admitted to the hospital.  We met the police chief in the middle of our tour so he could be taken to be with his mother.  And I was surprised to see him there, but he was among friends and the support was evident.  That is what Rotary is about....it is the Family of Rotary that keeps us all focused.  It is the Family of Rotary that helps us when we need it.  

Tuesday was a two club meeting.  I had breakfast with the Rotary Club of Centerville!  A GREAT way to welcome someone in the morning!  This is the home club of Past District Governor Bob Griggers.  It is nice to be at breakfast with folks that are happy to be up early!!  They are doing some GREAT things for their community.  I received a key from the mayor, the club contributed $26.50 from every member to the Annual Fund, and they ARE making a difference in the lives around them.

What a great sign to see early in the morning!!

New member and Mayor presenting me with the Key to Centerville.

I said "no personal gifts" but they felt I needed some bling to go with the boots.

$26.50 contribution from every member to the Annual Fund.

What a GREAT breakfast club - Rotary Club of Centerville

Assistant Governor Roland Berry, whisked me away to our next meeting.  We were on the way to the Rotary Club of Warner Robins.  Another very interesting board meeting with vast knowledge of Rotarians serving the community.  And it is a club full of retired military and what a honor to be in such company of men and women that wore the uniform to fight for our country.  Their GRSP student was in attendance and many visitors too!!  I was filled with excitement.  I did try to recruit a few to join while I was there.  No, I didn't get the bomber jacket they typically give to District Governors, but they did take the money that they would have spent and presented in check form to a local charity.  I asked for clubs to take those funds and lets do something different!  They did EXACTLY that!  Thank you so much!

Rotary Club of Warner Robins

New Paul Harris Fellows awarded during the meeting today.

Loved the sign!!

After a quick stop by the Visitor's Center we headed over to the base for another tour.  LOVED being there!!

Club Visit and GRSP weekend

It is a busy week of classes starting back, but I'm working to get in at least one club visit.  The Georgia Rotary Student Program is this weekend and we are going to have one busy weekend!

The Rotary Club of Waynesboro owns their building and with that comes many challenges.  The maintenance can be a drain on the club, but they keep plugging away to make a difference in their community.  It was a great board meeting and I was able to share some information about The Foundation and other Rotary "stuff" with some new members that have stepped up to the challenge of being involved. They are a club that still sings and I had a surprise visit in Waynesboro.  My conference chair, Bill Phillips, made the drive from Augusta to be there.

Rotary Club of Waynesboro

Conference Chair, Bill Phillips, makes the drive to Waynesboro!!

Final preparations for the Georgia Rotary Student Program were well underway in Augusta.  We were getting ready to welcome over 200 Rotarians/students from around the state to Augusta University.  I was excited to have this opportunity in our district.  GRSP Class of 2016-17 consists of 51 students from 18 different countries studying at 24 different institutions.

Georgia Rotary Student Program Class 2016-17

Augusta University student, Sofie from Denmark laughing at dinner

Students walking over to the Performing Arts Theatre for the Cabaret show. 

Presentation of flags

Class 2016-17

What a great weekend filled with many memories.  From the campus of Augusta University there were many meetings, meals and new friendships formed. It started with dinner on the lawn Friday night, meetings on Saturday, country performances at the Performing Arts Theatre Saturday evening, a few social gatherings on top of the Partridge Inn over the weekend, to meeting at the fountain on Sunday for Rotarians/students to make the way back to the home cities from around the state.  It was an amazing weekend by all.  Thank you to my classmate, District Governor Kim Waters and her husband, David, for making the time to come share with us here in Augusta.  Thank you for the committee and the Augusta Rotarians that opened their homes to these students for the weekend.  It wouldn't have been such a GREAT weekend without you!

Augusta University Rotaract's Peace Pole in the center of campus.
The first to be planted on a public state institution in Georgia.

Until next time.......May Peace Prevail on Earth.

Pam Lightsey

2016-17 District Governor

And the journey continues......

Another great "home" visit to start the next week and club visit 21 to the Rotary Club of Augusta South.  It was so good to see members of my home club.  I've missed seeing them so much.

Rotary Club of Augusta South

The Rotary Club of Millen has a jewel they can be very proud of because they created a coloring book in 1992 about the 4 Way Test.  Now it is being sold all over the world!  You can order copis from Russell Hampton at www.ruh.com and use them with your literacy project!!  I'm very humbled by their contribution to Polio in celebration of my visit!  And I'm excited they are working toward being a 100% Paul Harris Club.  They are very close. The president shared this quote at the end of the meeting, "Start where you are.  Use what you have. Do what you can." Arhtur Ashe.  What a GREAT quote to think about as it applies to Rotarians all over the world.

Rotary Club of Millen

4 Way Test Coloring Book created by the Rotary Club of Millen

It was a beautiful drive to the Rotary Club of Sandersville, but a stormy one on the way home.  What an AMAZING club.  15 members received Paul Harris Fellow pins and I was humbled to announce the next level of Bequest Society by one of their members that has helped us get closer to our goal of raising $1 Million Dollars for the Centennial Million Dollar Dinner.  Thank you Rotary Club of Sandersville for your contribution to Polio in honor of my visit to your club.  President Mike is ready for Atlanta too!!  I received another surprise and that was the visit from Past District Governor Bill Strickland and District Governor Elect David Cooper from District 6910!  Thank you for coming!!

Members that received Paul Harris Fellows pins today!

Thank you Herschel for your Rotary Legacy gift.

Rotary Club of Sandersville

Thank you for your contribution to Polio!

Surprise visitors today!  District Governor Elect David Cooper and Past District Governor Bill Strickland

President Mike is ready for Atlanta 2017!!

Stay tuned...more to come!

Pam

2016-17 District Governor

www.rotarypamlightsey.com

Visits 16-20 include a trip to the Broken Shackle Ranch and ends with Rotary Leadership Institute in Augusta

As member folks around the district look forward to the beginning of another school year, I do too!  I'm lucky enough to be working and making visits, although it takes up the time I would have in the evenings to explore a little more it is my commitment to serving our student population at Augusta University.  So my visits to clubs will be more of the "local" day trips.  It was GREAT to be home on Monday at the Rotary Club of Augusta.  This club is very special to me for many reasons besides being on the Augusta clubs.  Many Rotarians in this club have been mentors to me, lead by example, and are just as passionate about service and foundation as I am. Not too mention several of the members of this club are also part of the Augusta University community which I love!

The Rotary Club of Augusta is led by Jennifer Pennington.  Jennifer is the Director for Red Cross.  She is involved with service every day of her life.  Jennifer and members of her board met with me before the club meeting and I learned some new things about members that I've known for awhile. They are one of the clubs that have already reached their 100% Paul Harris Fellow designation but continue to support the foundation.  I was honored to present two new Paul Harris Fellow pins to two special members.  This club sponsors so many things in our community and has a heart for service. They support the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library which is very close to my heart.  What an amazing club.  So much Rotary history and a club full of life!  Thank you for the contribution to Polio Plus in honor of my visit!

Rotary Club of Augusta 

I had the honor of presenting Susan with her first Paul Harris Fellow pin and
Ed with his Paul Harris Fellow +2 pin.  

I'm a walker instead of behind the podium presenter.
Yes, Dr. Keel (Augusta University President) right up front and
 yes I am very proud to represent not only Augusta but our institution!

Checking to make sure all is good!  The club's GRSP student helped take the group photo.

It was back to work after the Augusta visit to get some things done before I did hit the road.  It was not until 7 when I was able to get on the road and head to Waycross.  I was looking forward to this club meeting.  There is really not an easy way to get to Waycross from Augusta, all back roads.  I was able to see some of it but missed a large portion since it was dark.

The Rotary Club of Waycross meets at a locally owned restaurant, Jerry's J's Country Cafe.  The board was a great mix of Rotarians. Something about this club that was noticeable was many of the members wore these beautiful blue polo shirts with their club name.  I LOVE when a club brands itself. They did a great public image campaign with a newspaper ad, brochures, Be My Guest cards, and their handbook. They had two visitors and I was told after the meeting they wanted to join.  One of the visitors came up to me and I enjoyed our conversation.  He is the local commander for the Salvation Army.  They are working on becoming 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club. 

Rotary Club of Waycross

Newspaper ad for the club - GREAT public image piece

It was time to get on the road and head back to Augusta!  It was an interesting drive home since I was able to see where I was going.  There were several things I took photos of and wanted to share.

There is even a road sign - Lightsey Lane

A church sitting next to another......

Churches

Some interesting homes along the way

Welcome to Surrency

Outside the entrance of someone's farm - on the left side of the entrance

On the right side of the entrance

It was back home to take care of a few work-related items and start making my notes for the next visit.  I would be heading to Jefferson County on Wednesday.  

This club I've visited several times as my term as Assistant Governor/Georgia Rotary Student Program Trustee to share students, upcoming events, and various presentations.  The Rotary Club of Jefferson County may be small but they are contributing to so many areas of the community.  They have an ENGAGED president that is excited to serve Rotary.  One of our Alumni from the university also belongs in this club.  He is a young member with small children in his family but has been involved in the club for a little while now.   I was excited to see this! If you are in Louisville, Georgia, you need to stop by Foster's Restaurant for lunch!  GREAT group of Rotarians!  Thank you Assistant Governor Liz for taking the photo!

Rotary Club of Jefferson County

I posted on Facebook my check-in and received a comment from David at Broken Shackle Ranch that I should stop by since I was really close.  I had time to do that after the meeting before my travel to Statesboro.  I did decide to spend the night in Statesboro, since the next meeting was my first breakfast club at 7am! After the meeting with Jefferson County, on the way to Broken Shackle Ranch.  I had no clue what I was about to experience.  I had a pie to deliver from the Rotary club as well.

Broken Shackle Ranch has existed for over 30 years and has had over 8000 young men through its doors.  The Ranch is part of a process that shows young men what a family is all about!  There is love, expectations, and responsibility.  They are changing lives of so many from around our state and that is why it was so important to give back to them since they have been so freely giving to others.  I walked the Ranch with David Cobb and he took me to each area.  I met some young men from all over that were very polite and all of them were busy learning something.  They were either in school or learning their trade.  I was also able to share with David that we will have another grant comprised of clubs district money to use to purchase more needed items.  Can't wait to share with you what was in the semi we sent to the ranch.  Can you imagine going through 100 rolls of toilet paper a week? That is just at main ranch.  I left the main location and headed to Statesboro.  David was heading to Statesboro later that day and said he would lvoe to show me the new campus there.  And I DID! WOW!

Floors are repurposed for the main house.

Cabinet being built by the young men.

Welding shop

GED classroom, Carpentry, and Automotive shop at the other end.

Welding shop at Broken Shackle Ranch

New campus in Statesboro

What an amazing view for young men to heal!

How would you like this as your view!?!

These hills made a perfect slip'n'slide for the guys!

Main home at the Statesboro Campus

Firepit at Broken Shackle Ranch, Davisboro

Inside welding shop, Davisboro

Broken Shackle Ranch, Davisboro

Main house at Broken Shackle Ranch, Davisboro

Clubs packed a semi that was sent to the ranch from the All Star Seminar contributed:

Pillows 60, Paper towels 668, Toilet paper 1131, Sheets 61, Blanket 21, Tooth paste 435,

Bar soap 631, Body soap 350, Shaving cream 132, Toothbrush 757, Deodorant 233 sticks,

Razors 2000, Mini soaps 20lbs, Mini shampoos 140lbs. Clean supplies 100 bottles, Floss 550,

Combs brushes 575, Mouth wash 50 large bottles, safety glasses 165, pairs Socks 466, Pairs Boxers 221, pairs Shirts packs 50,  SunTrust shirts 26,  Onion festival shirts 162, and Button shirts 30 

WOW!!!  Thank you to the clubs of District 6920!  If you haven't had them as a program yet, call them and have them tell you a little bit about their ranch!  You can have club members bring toilet paper to send back with David.  I had dinner with David and his dad after the tour of the Statesboro campus.  

Up really early to get ready for the Rotary Club of Downtown Statesboro!!  The board meeting was after the meeting since they started at 7am.  It was a morning with much celebration.  This time last week found out that they restaurant was going to close and so the work to find a new meeting location for breakfast started.  Today was the announcement that someone local purchased the restaurant and they will continue to meet there just like they have been doing for the past 21 years!  A member of their board is the granddaughter of a member in the Rotary Club of Sylvania.  I know he is proud of her.

Rotary Club of Downtown Statesboro

As soon as the board meeting was over at the Rotary Club of the Downtown Statesboro, it was time to head back to Augusta to meet with the board of  the Rotary Club of Augusta West.  What a GREAT meeting!  A new member inducted!  A member donated his winnings from their card deck to the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library!  And this club is already 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club, but they are looking at ways to increase the Bequest Society Members!  Way to Go!!

Rotary Club of Augusta West

New member inducted -
His dad is a member of the Rotary Club of Augusta

We are the ALL STAR TEAM!

Picked the Ace of Spades to win half the pot, $422!
He donated it to the Greater Augusta Partnership for Literacy to put
books in the hands of children from the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

Adalyn's first day of kindergarten and she joined her mom at Rotary.
What a special day it was to have them there!

Saturday was another early day at 6am~!~ Rotary Leadership Institute time!  What a great group of Rotarians around the state!  Thank you for spending your Saturday at Augusta University to meet with others to learn more about Rotary!  

Graduates of the Rotary Leadership Institute Part 1