NEWSLETTER | October 1, 2026

Dear Rotary Guest,

You are receiving the weekly Decatur Rotary Club newsletter because you have been a guest of the club recently. If you'd like to unsubscribe, click here. We hope to see you at our next meeting.
  

 
Lunch Meeting Friday, Sept. 25
Historic DeKalb County Courthouse
101 E. Court Square | 12:15 pm
OUR SPEAKER THIS WEEK:
J. Tom Morgan
Trial Attorney and Author of A Rainy Night in Georgia
 
J. Tom Morgan served as the elected District Attorney of DeKalb County, Georgia, from 1992 to 2004. Prior to his time as DA, Morgan served as an Assistant District Attorney in DeKalb County for nine years and was the first prosecutor in Georgia--and one of the first in the nation--to specialize in the prosecution of crimes against children. His book*, A Rainy Night in Georgia, is an account of the 2000 murder of Derwin Brown, the newly elected sheriff of DeKalb County, who was ambushed and murdered in his own driveway just days before taking office. He had run for office promising reform—to clean up corruption and restore integrity to the sheriff’s department—and he had defeated the powerful incumbent in a bitter runoff. Part true-crime thriller, part memoir of public service under fire, this gripping book reveals what it truly costs to hold powerful people accountable.

*Books will be available for purchase and signing by the author.
 

Thirsty Thursday: Special Edition!
Fireside Thirsty Thursday, October 1 at Bob Ettensohn’s house (see email from Bob), 5:30-7 pm  
 
 
Bob says, “Come early, stay late, come late, leave early! A variety of beers and wines will be available. Contribute to the kitty based upon what you consume to offset beverage costs. Also, my latest winnings will be available – aged Canadian whisky and a 15-year blended rum contributed by Bing, Great sippin’ stuff! There will be plenty of food provided by Gloria and Joe. I  might even throw some ribs on the smoker grill.

Rain or shine! The Thirsty Thursday will be held on the back terraced patio which is shaded in the afternoon so it’ll be comfortable. If it rains, the patio furniture can be moved to the large carport area and there is plenty of space inside.

I would love to see you there even if only for a little while! BRING a guest – especially a prospective member.

Questions? Call me at 863-838-2400 or email at Bob@Ettensohn.com."

 
 
Weekly luncheon meetings begin at 12:15 pm
on Fridays unless otherwise noted.
Friday, Oct.
9
MEETING SPEAKER
Karen Torghele
Albert Sabin and Polio Vaccine
Friday, Oct.
16
MEETING SPEAKER
Dr. Caroline Berchuck
Women’s Health
Thursday, Oct.
22
FALL FUNDRAISER
Wine Tasting Event

GREETERS THIS WEEK
 
Todd Speed and Leo Ladefian

Attend a DeKalb Rotary Council Meeting

 
The DeKalb Rotary Council meets monthly for fellowship over lunch and to discuss what’s happening with the many clubs in DeKalb County. The council also looks for ways to partner on service projects. In early 2027, the council will host a special breakfast program to recognize DeKalb County STAR teachers and students and to give out Rotarian awards. Stay tuned for more details about that event.
 
Everyone is invited to attend. Get to know other DeKalb Rotarians and expand your network! Ask Lawrence Sharp or Dud Larus for more information.
 
DeKalb Rotary Council
Every second Monday, 11:45 am-12:45 pm

Magnolia Room Cafeteria
4450 Hugh Howell Rd., Tucker, GA 30084

Next meetings: Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Dec. 14
. . . . .
Coat and Blanket Drive, Oct. 16 and Oct. 30


Bring coats and blankets to our meeting on October 16 for donation to Threshold, an outreach ministry of Decatur Presbyterian Church. This winter is predicted to be wetter and colder than average. 

Click here to learn more about Threshold Ministry.
 
. . . . .
BUY TICKETS NOW! 
Fall Fundraiser Is Thursday, Oct. 22
 
Mark your calendar, buy your tickets (or consider a sponsorship) and stay tuned for more details about what is certain to be a fun event!
. . . . .
Applications Open for RYE Study Abroad for 2027-28 School Year
 
Spread the word to your neighbors, friends, church members! Rotary Youth Exchange is an incredible opportunity for high school students to experience immersion in another culture, and now is the time to apply for the next school year. 
  • Study abroad with a $24,000 scholarship
  • Become fluent in another language
  • Build friendships and memories that last a lifetime
  • Set yourself apart on college applications
  • Open to students ages 14-17 on date of application
  • Read the journals of previous RYE students here.
  • To learn more about the program visit ryese.org.
Applications opened August 1 and will close October 15, 2026.
 
Interested students must attend a virtual information session.
 
Decatur Rotary Club sponsors Rotary Youth Exchange students abroad and hosts students who do exchange in Decatur at DHS. 
 
Learn more:
Kelly Caudle, District 6900 RYE Outbound Coordinator, kellygahum[at]gmail.com

Doug Park, Decatur YEO, dpark[at]douglasparklaw.com
. . . . .
Milestones: October
Club Anniversaries
Linton Broome, 56 years
Lawrence Sharp, 33 years
Brenda Leder, 29 years
Tim Martin, 19 years
Todd Speed, 19 years
Maria Alvarez, 4 years
Genevieve Hampton, 1 year
 
 
 
Birthdays
Doug Park, Oct. 4
Nedra White-Shaw, Oct. 6
Jennifer Topple, Oct. 10
Brian Lake, Oct. 21
Genevieve Hampton, Oct. 26
Judy Turner, Oct. 28
Rick Garnitz, Oct. 29
Douglas Tozzi, Oct. 29
 

Recap: Friday, Sept. 25
 
Charlie Lutin was our speaker; Alison presented a book we will place in the library to honor the occasion of his presentation.
 
Last week, Dud Larus introduced fellow Decatur Rotary member Charles D. Lutin by reading a humorous biography written by Charlie. He spoke about some of his experiences as a retired emergency medicine physician and a veteran of the US Air Force. His presentation featured details and stories of some emergency department patients, interspersed with beautiful images and remarks about his world travels. 
  
Todd Speed reminded the club about opportunities to support Shelter Box; Jack Kirivong urged us to buy fall fundraiser tickets!

We welcomed Rosthema Kastin, guest of Charles Lutin, last week.

Individuals are identified from left to right.
Lawrence Sharp shares good news with the club

It’s true: Bobs have more fun!!

Charlie and Lawrence appreciate their Rotary friendship

Alison appreciates Brian York’s invocation

Willie wins this week’s raffle. Congrats, Willie!

What's New in Cebu?
 
Read the latest newsletter from the Rotary Club of Cebu, Philippines, our sister club.

Thank You to Our Club Sponsors 
 
We are grateful for the support of our local sponsors, and we encourage our members to support them in return.
 
Art Rosser & Robin Hollis
 
Leo Ladefian
 
 

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Sincerely,
The Bulletin Committee
Decatur Rotary Club