On behalf of the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all our April celebrants. Happy Birthday to Carol Phillips and Happy 27th Wedding Anniversary to Udaya Shrivastava —we hope your day was filled with love and joy! We are grateful for all the ways you contribute to the success of our cl
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A special shoutout to Honorary Member and Past President, Gerald Crane, and to his beloved wife, Lynn, who sadly passed away in 2022, as we celebrate .jpg)
Gerald's 60th Anniversary with the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain. Gerald, your unwavering dedication and leadership have been instrumental to our success over the years. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to service and the lasting impact you and Betty have made on our community.
As we look forward to our 60th Anniversary Jazz Brunch on June 7th at Smoke Rise Country Club, I encourage all members who are able to come out and join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone together. It’s an opportunity for fellowship, to celebrate the incredible work of our club, and to recognize the dedication of those who have helped shape RCSM over the years. Let's come together as a community and make this a celebration to remember!
Finally, thank you to everyone for being part of the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, a birthday, or simply your role in our family, your dedication to service and to each other is what makes us stronger and more united.
With gratitude,
Darlene Smith Daly
President
Rotary Club of Stone Mountain
We are excited to introduce D
r. Ariel Rosita King as a candidate for membership in the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain. Dr. King is no stranger to our club—she and her daughter have visited our meetings and participated in several RCSM activities when they were in the United States and in our area. Her continued involvement with our club reflects her passion for service and her deep connection to our community.
Dr. King is the founder of The Ariel Foundation International (AFI), which focuses on children’s and youth leadership globally, and Dr. King Solutions, a consultancy that creates public-private partnerships. With more than 30 years of experience in international affairs, human rights, and youth empowerment, Dr. King has worked with major global organizations such as the United Nations and the European Parliament. She is also the author of "Humanity Unveiled" and serves as a visiting professor at several prestigious universities around the world, where she lectures on topics related to international health, policy, and children’s rights.
Dr. King’s extensive experience in diplomacy and global development makes her a valuable addition to RCSM. She has been a Rotarian in various countries, and we are looking forward to formally welcoming her into the club.
Read Dr. King's full bio here to learn more about her impressive career and the impact she continues to make across the globe.
We are excited to introduce Dr. Ariel Rosita King as a candidate for membership in the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain. Dr. King is no stranger to our club—she and her daughter have visited our meetings and participated in several RCSM activities when they were in the United States and in our area. Her continued involvement with our club reflects her passion for service and her deep connection to our community.
Dr. King is the founder of The Ariel Foundation International (AFI), which focuses on children’s and youth leadership globally, and Dr. King Solutions, a consultancy that creates public-private partnerships. With more than 30 years of experience in international affairs, human rights, and youth empowerment, Dr. King has worked with major global organizations such as the United Nations and the European Parliament. She is also the author of "Humanity Unveiled" and serves as a visiting professor at several prestigious universities around the world, where she lectures on topics related to international health, policy, and children’s rights.
Dr. King’s extensive experience in diplomacy and global development makes her a valuable addition to RCSM. She has been a Rotarian in various countries, and we are looking forward to formally welcoming her into the club.
Read Dr. King's full bio here to learn more about her impressive career and the impact she continues to make across the globe.
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RCSM Meeting Schedule Reminders
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May 29 – Board Meeting via Zoom at 5:00 PM
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June 3 – Club Meeting (Online Only) via Zoom
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June 10 – Club Meeting with Guest Speaker: [Insert Name] (In-Person at FODAC); Online Access Available
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June 21-25 – Rotary International Convention, Calgary, Canada
Reminder: Please be sure to also attend and participate in the Satellite Passport Club meetings, and keep up with this club's monthly newsletter. For more information, visit the Satellite Passport Club's website.
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NEW ZOOM MEETING LINK:
Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89495965146?pwd=4wGr8oJMztY2tsQIGJTSwnSecz1ai9.1
Meeting ID: 894 9596 5146
Passcode: 232014
RCS
M members had the privilege of volunteering at The Smart Place Adult and Children Services, Inc. (SPACS), a Certified Autism Center™ in Ellenwood, where we were warmly welcomed and given the opportunity to tour the expansive facility, meet the staff, and interact with participants. It was clear that The Smart Place is truly a "Happy Place"—a vibrant and uplifting environment for all who come through its doors.
SPACS provides community-based educational and training programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, offering services such as vocational training, life skills instruction, counseling, and support to help participants succeed in work and live independently.
Rotarian Teresa Punzi, co-founder of The Smart Place, graciously gave us a tour of the facility, showing us the various rooms and programs that make this place so special. We were then joined by Cynthia Edwards, our District Governor Nominee, who led a heartfelt prayer, adding meaning to the occasion.
President Darlene Daly had the honor of cutting the celebratory cake for our club’s 60th anniversary, followed by a non-alcoholic toast to mark this significant milestone and reflect on the journey of our club.
During our visit, Marlene Randall, our President-Elect, recorded a children’s book for the SPARC Living Library—an incredible initiative that collects voice recordings of stories to inspire and educate children. Members interested in contributing can record stories from anywhere—at home, in a park, or wherever they feel comfortable—and submit them for inclusion in the Living Library.
In addition to this, we had the honor of serving as judges for a fun and memorable pie baking contest. Special thanks to Teresa Punzi for her dedication to the autism community and for making our visit so meaningful. Learn more about The Smart Place and ways to volunteer or donate.
At our M
ay 6 club meeting, we had the privilege of hosting students from Redan High School who read their inspiring essays via Zoom to our members. This was an event you simply didn’t want to miss! The students, along with their dedicated essay contest coordinator, Ms. Marcia Wiltshire, shared powerful reflections on the values that guide their lives:
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Emily Applewhite – 10th Grade Winner
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Guy Moo – 10th Grade Honorable Mention
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Ku’ualoha Schmidt-Kaanaana – 10th Grade Honorable Mention
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Yohany Cruz-Andres – 10th Grade Honorable Mention
As a proud sponsor of the 2025 Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest, the Rotary Club of St
one Mountain continues its tradition of supporting young voices. This year, Rodney Finkley, a Redan High School teacher and fellow Rotarian, played a key role in coordinating the participation of students in this meaningful event.
The students captivated us with their talent, perseverance, and strength. We are confident that these remarkable young people will continue to excel in all their future endeavors. To show our appreciation, each student and Ms. Wiltshire, their dedicated essay contest coordinator, received a gift card and a 4-Way Test coin.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this incredible program in the future—members are encouraged to become judges for upcoming contests. For more information about the contest, visit Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest.
Our club recently collected essential items for children in need for the Foster Children’s Program initiative led by Ms Queen of Positivity Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The donations included suitcases, clothing, personal care items, and monetary contributions. These items were collected at FODAC and will help support foster children who often face instability and hardship in their journey through the system.
We want to express a heartfelt thank you to all the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain volunteers who helped organize and contribute to this program. Your generosity and commitment to serving others make a real difference in the lives of these children. If you wish to continue contributing items or make monetary donations, contact 678-460-6464.
NEW ZOOM MEETING LINK:
Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89495965146?pwd=4wGr8oJMztY2tsQIGJTSwnSecz1ai9.1
Meeting ID: 894 9596 5146
Passcode: 232014
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RCSM member Darlene Evans has previously attended this training and recommends it to fellow members who are interested in enhancing their skills and knowledge. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to grow your business!
Dear Rotarians and Peace Builders,
In place of our regularly scheduled Zoom meeting on Tuesday, December 10, we invite you to connect with fellow Rotarians and Peace Builders worldwide by participating in the online global gathering on December 9-10, 2024.
The Rotary Clubs Mega Meeting Team invites you to the 2024 End of Year Interactive Session – a special Mega Meeting that brings together top Rotary International leaders, peace builders, global leaders, and change-makers to raise awareness on the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. Also commemorating the United Nations International Human Rights Day and to promote Global Peace Initiatives.
The Rotary Districts & Clubs Joint International Online Mega Meeting Platform is usually one of the largest gatherings of Rotarians, friends of Rotary and Peace Builders from all around the world, bringing together hundreds and thousands of Rotarians from over 300 Clubs in 180 districts from over 70 countries.
Date:
Dec. 9th 2024. Time: 6PM (PST)- United States - Los Angeles California.
Dec. 10th Dec. 2024. Time:1PM (AST) - Melbourne - Australia.
Dec. 10th Dec. 2024. Time: 7AM (IST)- New - Delhi India.
Please click and check your time https://www.timeanddate.com
Join us here with Zoom
Meeting ID: 857 5889 5063
Passcode: 12345
OTHER SPEAKERS ARE...
Dr. Ira Helfand, MD
Past President of IPPNW,
The Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Topic: Stepping Back from the Brink of Nuclear War. Protecting the Rotary 7 Area of Focus.
Dorothy Gilmour
Founder/Chair Rotary SAFE Families. Co-Chair Inclusive Communities Initiative
Topic: "Changing the Global Story of Violence Against Women and Girls?"
Robert Fisher
Executive Mentor & Counselling Consultant
Topic: D9800 End Polio Now 2024- The Inspiration and the Experience.
Laura M. George, J.D.
Foundering Mothers Movement
Executive Director Oracle Institute
& Peace Pentagon USA.
Topic. A Global Movement for planetary Partnership and Peace
Arthur Kenegis.
Executive Director
President Future Wave
Executive Director & Pod Caster
The World is my Country
Topic: Human Rights & Peace building
Meet & Listen to Tahera Khadimi the 15 Years old Afghanistan girl defying all odds calling for Peace and for the End of Gender-based Violence Against Women and Girls.
Click the link below to register and send your Questions in advance to the Guest Speaker.
https://forms.gle/
Join us and together let us take Action for Peace and for Humanity as Partners in our upcoming International Peace Projects in your communities or other communities around the world.
The meeting room will open 15 mins before time, for Interaction, Sharing Goodwill Messengers and Friendship Exchange.
Click the link below:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/
to join the Rotary Districts & Clubs Joint International Online Mega Meeting Platform or follow on Instagram on @
or Join through Mega-meeting.com
Watch the meeting recording - Reply on Mega-meeting.com if the meeting room is full or you want to watch a replay.
It’s essay judging season for the Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest, and your participation can make a meaningful impact! As a Rotary Club Contest Sponsor, members of the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain are invited to join the judging process, which kicks off with the essay submission deadline of February 10, 2025.
What Does an Essay Judge Do?
- Work in teams of three to review and score 30-48 essays from one or more high schools.
- Dedicate approximately three hours over a one-week period to read and evaluate essays.
- Submit scores 48 hours prior to your team’s GoTo meeting.
- Collaborate during the team meeting to select school-level winners and Honorable Mentions.
How to Volunteer:
- Complete the Volunteer Sign-Up Form at your earliest convenience.
- Choose your preferred training option and sign up for your Team Meeting using the Essay Judge Team Meeting Sign Up Genius.
- Once signed up, receive a Google Calendar invite for your training session. If you cannot attend live training, a recording will be available.
Printable Sign-Up Option:
Prefer a paper sign-up? Download the sheet, fill it out at your next club meeting, and email it to the contest organizers.
Why Volunteer?
This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with students, support literacy, and promote the values of Rotary in our community.
If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. Let’s make a difference together!
For more information, visit the Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest. Contact Rodney Finkley, Director, Service Projects for information on other ways to sign up, e.g., hard-copy sign-up form provided at club meetings.
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Discover the many benefits of Rotary membership, from making a positive impact in your community to connecting with like-minded leaders worldwide. Rotary offers unique opportunities to serve, grow, and thrive, just as highlighted during Dr. Thomas Smith’s presentation on September 10th. His talk emphasized the power of Rotary to transform lives, including our club’s support for scholarships benefiting girls in Tanzania. This initiative, shared during the presentation, exemplifies how Rotary members can create lasting change globally.
If you're interested in a recording of Dr. Smith’s presentation, which includes testimony from a Tanzanian scholarship recipient who joined via Zoom, email our Club Secretary for a copy.
Here's where you can find out more about Rotary’s benefits and opportunities to serve your community..png)
The Rotary Club of Stone Mountain is excited to announce the receipt of a $6,000 grant from former DeKalb Super District 7 Commissioner and newly elected DeKalb County CEO, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. This generous funding will support two upcoming workshops hosted by our Rotary club. Details about these workshops will be shared soon, with facilitation by club members Darlene Evans and Cynthia Dorsey Edwards.
Club President Darlene Smith Daly and Director of Membership and Fundraising Cynthia Dorsey Edwards expressed deep gratitude to Cochran-Johnson for her ongoing support of the club’s commitment to community service.
Cochran-Johnson remarked, "Supporting organizations like the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain is vital to ensuring that our communities thrive. I am honored to contribute to initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen our community."
Stay tuned for more information on the upcoming workshops and how these initiatives will further our mission of community service and support.
We encourage you to share your Rotary stories with fellow members, Rotarians and friends through our weekly RCSM bulletin. How are you, your committee, or the club making an impact locally and internationally?
Please follow these guidelines to ensure your submission aligns with our publication standards:
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Topic Relevance: Your article must be Rotary-related and should highlight opportunities, achievements, or the impact of our club’s work.
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Content Focus: Articles should emphasize Rotary or our club's contributions to the community, both locally and globally.
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Visual Content: High-quality photos are encouraged to accompany your article. Rather than posing, the photos should show members in action. Ensure you have permission to use any images or videos, preferably by submitting content you've captured yourself. Avoid embedding images in Word or PowerPoint documents; instead, attach them separately to your email.
Please keep in mind that while we appreciate all submissions, not every piece can be published. To increase the likelihood of your story being included, please adhere to the guidelines and submit your content by the weekly deadline—Thursday at 6:00 p.m. This allows us to share news items with members promptly.
For further assistance or to discuss your submission, please contact Lorna Thomas, Director of Public Relations/Image, at [email protected]. She will guide you on uploading your stories to DACdb for content review and approval.
We extend a warm welcome to all our new members, board members, and standing committee members. Congratulations on your new roles! Special thanks to Udaya Shrivastava for recently accepting the role of Assistant Director, Service Projects Committee.
Upcoming Orientation Sessions
To ensure everyone is fully prepared for their roles, we have scheduled a series of Orientation sessions throughout July for new members, new board members, and standing committee members. Current members are strongly encouraged to attend. Details about your specific roles and responsibilities will be provided separately.
Here is the schedule:
- Tuesday, July 9: Intro to Rotary, Online Resources, and Building a Club of Excellence
- Tuesday, July 16: Member, Board, and Committee Roles, Responsibilities, and Creating Plans, Budgets, & Year-End Reports
- Tuesday, July 23: Intro to DACdb and other online training resources; Permissions, Recordkeeping, Documentation, Newsletters, Reports, and Communication & Social Media
- Tuesday, July 30: No meeting scheduled. This week will be dedicated to directors drafting short- and long-term committee goals, plans, and committee budget for discussion on August 6.
Each session will be held via Zoom and will run from 12:15 pm to 1:30 pm, with 15 minutes allocated for Q&A if needed. A Zoom link is included in this bulletin. Additional training sessions will be arranged in the future.
The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6 at 11:00 a.m., followed by the Regular Club Meeting at 12:15 p.m. Details about the location of these meetings are forthcoming. Our regular meeting room at Georgia Piedmont Technical College recently sustained some damage and is undergoing repairs.
Moving Forward
Further training sessions will be organized to enhance our collective effectiveness.
Thank you all for your dedication to the success of our club. We eagerly anticipate your active participation and valuable contributions.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Darlene Daly
President
District Governor Gordon will be attending the DeKalb Rotary Council meeting at Magnolia Cafeteria in Tucker tomorrow, Monday, August 12 at 11:30 a.m. During the meeting, DG Gordon will express his gratitude to the Council for their dedication and efforts in the recent FODAC service project. This project has made a significant impact, and DG Gordon's attendance underscores the importance of our collective service.
We encourage any available members from our club to attend and represent us at this important event. Your presence would demonstrate our continued commitment to the initiatives that make a difference in our community.
Let's continue to show our support for Rotary's mission and the work we do together!
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Please note that the regular club meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 13, at 12:15 p.m. will be convened as a meeting of the board of directors to continue important business discussions and decisions. Members are invited to attend.
President-Elect Marlene Randall will preside over the meeting. This session will be held via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the bulletin and is also available online at stonemountainrotary.org.
Thank you for your participation.
Dear Co-hosts, Inductees, Officers, Honorees, Volunteers, Band Members, Tucker Brewing Company, Special Guests, Family, and Friends of the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain and Rotary Club of Stone Mountain Passport,
I am writing this open letter to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your invaluable contributions to the 3rd Annual Champions of Education Celebration last night. Your participation, enthusiasm, and support were instrumental in making the event a success.
To our co-hosts, thank you for your exceptional coordination and dedication. Your efforts ensured a memorable evening for all attendees.
To our new inductees, congratulations and welcome to the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain family! We are excited to see the positive impact you will undoubtedly make as you embark on this journey of service and leadership.
To our officers for the 2024-2025 Rotary year, congratulations on your new roles. Your commitment to guiding our clubs towards achieving our goals is deeply appreciated. We look forward to a year filled with growth, service, and community engagement under your leadership.
To our honorees, we celebrate and commend you for your remarkable achievements and contributions to education. Your dedication and hard work inspire us all, and it was a privilege to recognize your efforts.
To the volunteers, your tireless work behind the scenes made this event possible. Your selflessness and willingness to give your time and talents are what make our community strong.
To Eric Moore and Friends, your musical talents added a special touch to our celebration. Thank you for sharing your gift and creating an enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
To Tucker Brewing Company, your generous support and partnership were vital to the event's success. We are grateful for your contribution.
To Cory Thompson, our Emcee, your energy and enthusiasm kept the event lively and engaging. Thank you for guiding us through the evening with such professionalism and warmth.
To our special guests, family, and friends, thank you for joining us and celebrating the champions of education. Your presence and encouragement mean the world to us and to those we honored.
Together, we have demonstrated the power of community and the impact of collective effort. Let us continue to work towards creating better communities and improving lives through our shared commitment to service.
Once again, thank you for making the 3rd Annual Champions of Education Celebration a night to remember.
PS: If you still need to view or download the event program, please use this link before it expires: 3rd Annual Champions of Education Event Program Booklet. Please share this letter to extend our thanks to everyone involved.
With deepest gratitude,
Darlene Smith Daly
President 2024-2025
Rotary Club of Stone Mountain
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Reminder: You can kick off the July 4th holiday by attending our Diamonds & Denim event celebrating Champions of Education at Tucker Brewing Company this Saturday at 6:00 p.m.!
We will not meet next Tuesday, so on the Fourth of July, be happy and safe!
Monday, July 29, 2024
Please be advised that there will be no meeting of the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain on Tuesday, June 30.
Our next gathering will convene on Tuesday, August 6, starting with the Board meeting at 11:00 a.m., followed by the regular club meeting at 12:15 p.m. Details regarding the location of the next meeting will be shared later. Both meetings will be held in person and via Zoom to accommodate all members.Your participation is highly encouraged.
Please share this flyer with your friends, family, and coworkers to help make our fundraising event a tremendous success!
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Muriel Abdulsamad
Muriel Abdulsamad is originally from Tuskegee, Alabama, and has since had thepleasure to call several states home, but now calls Atlanta home. Muriel is an HR
professional with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Muriel has a Master of Arts in Gerontology from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Clark Atlanta University.
In addition, she has 23 years of experience advocating for older adults, of which 14+
years include volunteer experience advocating for older adults and championing their
needs and concerns.
Fourteen years of volunteer experience in the field of aging includes advocating for
older adults living in nursing care, memory care, visually impaired older adults, fraud prevention, and veterans. With a deep-rooted commitment to enhancing the quality of life for seniors, she has amassed a wealth of experience in advocacy, volunteer work, and community engagement.
Driven by a profound sense of empathy and a desire to make a meaningful impact,
Muriel has actively worked with organizations and initiatives focused on aging
populations. Her journey began 23 years ago when she became involved and actively advocating for older adults. Subsequently, she has been unwavering in her efforts to raise awareness and promote policies that address the unique challenges that older adults face.
Muriel was co-owner of an independent living community for active and retired adults, in Northwest Florida, and supported low-income older adults through her not-for-profit organization. While in graduate school, she served as an executive leader with Sigma Pi Omega National Gerontology honor society and led an initiative to highlight the Jessie Hill Food Pharmacy – food as medicine for individuals with chronic illnesses, at Grady Hospital.
Additionally, Muriel solicited her local senator to support GA HB 247 (2019-2020 session), protecting vulnerable and at-risk adults from elder abuse and exploitation. Owners face criminal charges as elder abuse. Complementing her advocacy work, Muriel is deeply committed to direct engagement through volunteerism. She has dedicated countless hours to directly supporting older adults in various capacities, including involvement with the Memory Disorder Clinic of Northwest Florida Hospital, Atlanta 9-1-1, Center for the Visually Impaired, AARP, Long-Term Care Ombudsman,
and created a Community Caregiver Support group on her job for employees who are caregivers.
Through these experiences, Muriel has forged meaningful connections, gained invaluable insights, and witnessed firsthand the transformative power of compassion and support. With a relentless drive to create a world where older adults are respected, empowered, and able to thrive, Muriel continues to advocate and ally for aging
populations.
To further support her advocacy and passion for older adults, Muriel is establishing a business where she will offer consultation services to older adults and their families by providing them with guidance and access to resources. This initiative is driven by her commitment to empowering seniors to maintain their independence and quality of life as
long as possible.
Lastly, Muriel is an active member of the Hillside International Truth Center and has several hobbies that include hiking, kayaking, and bowling, to name a few.
Sunday, July 14, 2024
The annual FODAC (Friends of Disabled Adults and Children) equipment drive event is coming up on Saturday, August 3rd. This significant project involves all the clubs of the DeKalb Rotary Council, including the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain. The event has been highly successful in the past thanks to the dedication of our club members, and we hope to continue that success this year.
Urgently needed are more trucks, trailers, and volunteers, so any assistance you can provide is greatly appreciated. This hands-on service project is an excellent opportunity to introduce prospective and new members to Rotary. They will have the chance to contribute, see the tangible results of their efforts, and interact with Rotarians from several clubs.
If you are interested in participating, please complete the volunteer questionnaire. This questionnaire is crucial for the volunteer coordinator to ensure that they have the appropriate number of volunteers and vehicles at each equipment pickup location.
As a reminder, this project has collected approximately $2,000,000 worth of durable medical equipment from local residents and businesses in the metro Atlanta area. This equipment is refurbished and redistributed to those in need in our community by FODAC. Flyers with additional details about the project are included in this announcement.
To volunteer or if you have any questions, please contact Ralph Sims at 770-778-1907 or [email protected]. We look forward to your participation on Saturday, August 3rd. Let's show up and support FODAC!
Please remember to take good pictures of you performing this community service project - our first for the 2024-2025 Rotary year. These photos will be used by our Public Image/Public Relations Committee to help spread the word about our club and Rotary. We will let you know how and where to submit your photos.
Thank you for your continued support!
Rodney Finkley, Director & Udaya Shrivastava, Assistant Director
Service Projects Committee
read more
Lorna Thomas
Lorna Thomas has played a pivotal role in managing her family-owned real estate investment company, and she holds a license as a realtor. Her diverse skill set is further enhanced by her background in education, teaching at the elementary level as well as homeschooling her own children. She also worked in accounting, having studied at the College of Arts, Science, and Technology (CAST), now University of Technology, Kingston, Jamaica, and earning a diploma in Accounting from Durham College of Commerce in Kingston, Jamaica. Lorna also holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Women and Leadership from Mercer University.In addition to her business and educational endeavors, Lorna has been at the helm of Success For Global Impact, LLC, as CEO, for the last three years. Under her leadership, this social enterprise operates with the mission of offering mindset and trauma coaching services, aiming to have a significant social impact. The organization focuses on personal growth and the empowerment of individuals, especially women, by helping them overcome personal challenges and achieve their full potential. Further, she works on facilitating mindset shifts and setting strategic goals for both individuals and groups. Her efforts contribute to mental health and wellness, positioning her organization as a key player in the field of social entrepreneurship with a focus on trauma recovery.
Along with her coaching and leadership roles, Lorna is preparing to publish her book, "Breaking Free from Trauma: Empowering Moves to Embrace Resilience, Rewrite Your Narrative, and Live a Liberated Life," along with a companion course, “Rise and Thrive: Transforming Your Life After Trauma.” These forthcoming publications encapsulate her commitment to aiding others in their journey towards resilience and liberation.
Through her diverse experiences and dedication to social betterment, Lorna Thomas continues to make impactful contributions to personal development and social wellness.
Monday, July 29, 2024
Attention RCSM Members!
We are proud to sponsor the Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse for their Game Night on Friday, August 9, from 4 pm - 6 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with staff and Side by Side members. Side by Side is the only work-oriented day program in Georgia that specifically supports adults with brain injuries - and their families - for as long as they choose.
If you are interested in attending, you must first contact the director of Service Projects, Rodney Finkley, not later than August 6. Rodney is coordinating our club's visit and needs to know and manage the number of attendees to ensure smooth planning with the Side by Side staff and members.
Side by Side is located at 1001 Main Street, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. We look forward to participating in their activities. Your support and presence will make a significant impact.
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Betty Pickett Stuckey
Stuckey is a native Texan, who has resided in DeKalb County for 30+ years. She has a Master of Business Administration Degree from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Accounting from the University of Houston.Betty has over 40 years of experience in financial services and accounting. She retired in 2016 from Fannie Mae, a Financial Services company where she was a Senior Portfolio Manager, after working for 30 years in various management positions. Betty had responsibility for managing a servicing portfolio of $40 Billion, providing leadership, and strategic consulting while influencing best in class servicing performance. Throughout her career at Fannie Mae, she received several leadership awards for excellence, including the Atlanta Office Leadership Award and the Effective Leadership for Mentoring Award.
Betty has served in several leadership roles in various community service organizations. She was the President of Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated® from 2014 – 2017. The chapter’s membership of approximately 425 has provided service to the DeKalb County, GA community for the past 48 years.
read more
Saturday, April 13, 2024
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During the special holid
ay gathering at the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain (RCSM) on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, District Governor Andre' Marria proudly unveiled the exciting news that Cynthia Dorsey Edwards, RCSM's current Director of Membership and Fundraising, has been chosen by the District Nominating Committee to assume the esteemed position of Rotary District 6900 Governor for the term 2026-2027. The title immediately bestowed upon her is District Governor Nominee Designee. Cynthia was interviewed along with others nominated by their clubs on November 18, 2023 in Columbus. GA. Cynthia's remarkable dedication to service is evidenced by her continuing commitment and tenure as President of the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain, where she served two impactful terms in 2013-2014 and 2020-2021.
Cynthia's exceptional contributions and tireless efforts in various roles underscore her deep-rooted commitment to Rotary's values and mission. On this joyous occasion, the entire membership of the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain extends our heartfelt congratulations to her. We stand ready to provide unwavering support to ensure her success in this new and influential role.
President Irv
ine Weekes presided over the event, graciously introducing and welcoming a distinguished gathering including past, present, and future district governors. In addition to DG Andre', other District 6900 leaders attending included District Governor- Elect, Gordon Owens; District Governor-Nominee, Steve Ivory; Immediate Past District Governor George Granade. Esteemed Past District Governors in attendance included Blake McBurney, Claudia Mertl, Alex Smythe, and Jim Squire. Elected officials include Mayor of Clarkston, Beverly Burks, and Mayor of Stonecrest, Jazzmin Cobble. Other distinguished guests, including members of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the National Council of Negro Women, visiting Rotarians, RCSM and RCSM-Satellite Club members, as well as cherished family and friends, graced the event 
with their presence.
The gathering was enriched by the enlightening speeches from guest speakers, Willie Anthony, Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of South DeKalb, and Ron Bivins, CEO of Ours Studios. Moreover, the audience was treated to a captivating musical performance by CreativeTone, adding a delightful classic live jazz sound to the celebratory occasion.
Happy holidays 
to all!
The 2025 Rotary International Conference will be held from June 21 to June 25, 2025, at Stampede Park in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Register by May 29, 2024 and save!
Temporary Meeting location:
FODAC (1st & 2nd Tuesday each month at 12:15 p.m.)
4900 Lewis Rd,
Tucker, GA 30083
Note: Smoke Rise Country Club is under renovation
The Smoke Rise Country Club located at
4900 Chedworth Dr,
Stone Mountain, GA 30087
Meeting ID: 899 2727 6248
Password: 835333
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/
We are excited to announce the 3rd Orientation Session for new and returning members of the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain. This session is scheduled for Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 12:15 p.m. via Zoom. The link is included in the bulletin and available online at stonemountainrotary.org.
The focus of this session will be DACdb training facilitated by Margie Kersie, former district governor and current member of the Satellite Club of Stone Mountain Passport. DACdb is the club's software database system for Rotary Districts and Clubs. It is essential for managing all aspects of club communication and membership. Please visit DACdb.com to ensure your login credentials are set up before the session.
We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, July 23rd.
Dear Members and Friends,
A draft of our concept for RCSM's Rotary Means Business was shared with our leadership team and attendees at the last board meeting. If approved for implementation, it will progress in stages over time. To ensure its success, we will need additional members to assist in refining and implementing the concept.
One suggestion is for our club to begin visiting other Rotary Means Business events. Please save the date for April 23, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm, as this coincides with our designated Rotary Means Business week. We will be attending the Rotary Club of Tucker's event at Ironhill Brewery and Restaurant - Perimeter, located at 1224 Hammond Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30346. The draft of our Rotary Means Business will be shared with all members after this meeting.
Furthermore, District 6900 hosts monthly Rotary Means Business events open to Rotarians, Rotaractors, and prospective members. The event schedule can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RMBDistrict6900. Active participation in these gatherings, along with collaboration with event organizers, offers opportunities to refine our Rotary Means Business concept progressively. Let's proudly represent RCSM at Tucker's Rotary Means Business and other club opportunities. Don't forget to bring your business cards. I eagerly anticipate seeing you there!
Yours in Rotary Service,
Darlene Smith Daly
President
Join us on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 12:15 p.m. for a club meeting hosted at the office of Rotarians Donna and Durl Jensen, conveniently located at CDI World - USA, 4897 Lewis Road, Suite A, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 (across the street from FODAC). We will be gathering to label dictionaries for 3rd graders in local elementary schools. Your assistance in this meaningful project is highly appreciated, and lunch will be provided. Dr. Thomas Smith is actively coordinating with schools for the delivery of dictionaries in early February. If you're available to help with deliveries, please inform him. Capture the moments by taking pictures during labeling and delivery, as these will be submitted to Rotary International to validate the grant issuance.
Additionally, we have the following discussion items on the agenda:
- Club Committees
- Partnership Opportunities
- Other Topics
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Dear Members,
We are looking forward to seeing you at the next scheduled Orientation session for new and existing members. It will be held via Zoom at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16. The meeting link is available in this bulletin and also on the website.
The topic for this session will be about roles and responsibilities within our club. Members can access the 2024 Member Handbook via this link: RCSM 2024 Member Handbook. Please review it and come prepared with your questions. Reminder for new members: You must first establish a DACdb account (https://www.dacdb.com) to log in and access secure documents and other information saved within this member-only database.
See you on Tuesday!
Warm regards,
Darlene Smith Daly
President
Rotary Club of Stone Mountain
This week, there will not be a speaker. Instead, due to time constraints for planning purposes, members are encouraged to gather in person to discuss and actively contribute to the planning of the Celebrating Champions of Education Fundraising Event.
Room A-159 has been requested at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, 495 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston, GA 30021. Upon confirmation, you will receive an email notification of the exact meeting room. Please remember to bring your own lunch!
We appreciate everyone who responded to the email seeking input; your insights have been invaluable. Based on your feedback, we have decided to shift our plans from a black tie fundraising event to a Diamonds & Denim themed fundraising event at Tucker Brewing Company (https://tuckerbrewing.com/). More details will be shared during the meeting. Please mark your calendars for this event, which is scheduled for Saturday, June 29, after 5 p.m.
Additionally, note that we may still host a black tie event, albeit later this year.
As a reminder, after the meeting, please consider lending a hand packing items starting at 1:30 p.m. for the Foster Students Luggage Project at Forest Park High School, 5452 Phillips Drive, Forest Park, GA 30297. Please let Carol Phillips ([email protected]) know of your availability today. We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday!
Happy New Day Members of the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain,I trust this email finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to extend my heartfelt gratitude to you and the esteemed Rotary Club of Stone Mountain, Georgia, for your invaluable support of the Foster Children and A Suitcase project, facilitated by the Ms Queen of Positivity Foundation INC nonprofit organization. Your dedication has profoundly impacted elementary, middle, and high school foster students within our community.
Your steadfast support has been truly exceptional. The commitment of your volunteers and the generosity of your contributions, including suitcases and essential items, have significantly improved the lives of foster students throughout our county.
Your unwavering dedication to aiding those in need, exemplified through your collaboration with the Ms Queen Of Positivity Foundation Foster Care Luggage program, is deserving of utmost praise. The collective efforts of your organization have provided these children with a sense of belonging and support during a critical juncture in their lives.
On behalf of the Ms Queen Of Positivity Foundation, I extend a special acknowledgment to Mrs. Carol Phillips. Her
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unwavering support, volunteerism, and exemplary professionalism have been instrumental in our endeavors. Mrs. Phillips, your commitment and promptness are truly commendable.Once again, please accept my sincere gratitude for your tireless dedication and the positive impact you continue to make within our community.
With warm regards,
Linda Bell
CEO, Ms. Queen of Positivity INC
[email protected]
+1 470-437-8410
Website: Ms. Queen of Positivity Foundation
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Just a friendly reminder that the 4th Tuesday of each month is our Rotary Means Business networking event. This month, we encourage all members to join the District 6900 Rotary Means Business event on Tuesday, April 23rd. You can find updated location information on Tucker's website: https://tuckerrotary.org/event/7539. Looking forward to seeing you there!
PS: Our Diamonds & Denim event planning team will also be meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, April 23rd, at 12:15 p.m.
In celebration of International Women's Day, the Rotary Clubs of District 6900 Women of Impact Awards Ceremony shines a spotlight on extraordinary women who are driving progress across various fields, serving as role models and catalysts for positive change.
This black-tie event is set to take place on Saturday, April 27 at 4:30 pm at the Hotel Marriott, located at 246 Perimeter Center Pkwy NE, Atlanta 30346.
By honoring their achievements, we acknowledge not only their individual successes but also the collective power of women to shape a better world. Amidst opera singing, music, dance, selfie booths, and dinner, we will pay tribute to exceptional women while committing to making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. Let's also address the underlying challenges women face, from gender-based violence to economic inequality, by supporting programs that empower women to overcome obstacles and thrive. Coupled with fundraising for NGOs tackling women's issues, this event promises to be a meaningful opportunity to create positive change.
As Rotarians, it is incumbent upon us to support events like these with enthusiasm and dedication. By purchasing a table at $1000 (seats 8) or a chair for $150 for this event, we can demonstrate our unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women. If you are interested in purchasing a table or a seat from an RCSM member, please contact us at [email protected]. Together, let's make a real difference in the lives of women and girls around the world, fostering a more inclusive future for all.
Saturday, January 27, 2024
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nied by her husband, Evangelist Walter Marria, District Governor André Marria graced the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain (RCSM) as the distinguished guest during her Official Club visit on January 23. The event featured insightful presentations on RCSM by club leadership (see attachment), followed by a warm reception at The Vibrary, attended by Assistant Governor Villard (Ardy) Bastien, RCSM members, the Satellite Club, and honored guests. The following day, DG André embarked on illuminating tours of Side-by-Side Brain Injury Clubhouse and Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC), with deep thanks expressed to both organizations for their gracious hospitality.
On January 24, DG Andre captivated RCSM members and guests with an inspiring presentation, sharing her life, passion for music and family, and the focal points of Rotary for the 2023-2024 Rotary Year. Reflecting on her early Rotary journey as the sole black female Rotarian in a male-dominated and culturally homogeneous club, DG André also shared heartfelt personal experiences of loss. Now, as the Governor of District 6900, she emphasized the importance of mental health, drawing from her own commitment to the cause.
The Lady with a Song, DG André, uplifted the spirits of RCSM members with inspirational and melodious songs. She underscored the significance of fostering club leadership and membership, which mirrors the community's diversity in race, culture, thought, age, gender, backgrounds, and experiences. In a gesture of appreciation, President Weekes and Cynthia Edwards presented DG André, an avid reader, with a contribution to her favorite charity and books highlighting the rich history and diversity of Stone Mountain and DeKalb County. Explore more of the remarkable moments captured during DG's visit.
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