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Friday, Feb. 27 Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser 7 to 9 pm
Historic DeKalb County Courthouse 101 E. Court Square
(Note: No lunch meeting)
OUR SPEAKER THIS WEEK Patrick Bryant City Manager, Avondale Estates
Patrick Bryant has served as the City Manager of Avondale Estates since 2018. Previously, he served as city manager for Talladega, Alabama, and he worked for the city of Santa Clarita, California. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in public administration from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Most recently, Patrick has overseen the “complete streets” project as well as major infrastructure improvements for Avondale Estates.
Weekly luncheon meetings begin at 12:15 pm
on Fridays unless otherwise noted.
Thursday
March
5 THIRSTY THURSDAY Marlay House
426 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.
5:30-7 pm
Friday
March
6 MEETING SPEAKER
Patrick Bryant
City Manager, Avondale Estates
Friday
March
13 MEETING SPEAKER
Larry Padilla, CEO, Decatur Housing
ANNOUNCEMENT:
DeKalb Rotary Council Joint Breakfast, March 13
All are invited to attend the joint breakfast meeting of the DeKalb Rotary Council on Friday, March 13, 7 to 8:45 am at Georgia Piedmont Technical College.
We will be honoring “Show Rotary Cares” recipient Doug Robinson and “You Are the Key” nominee Dud Larus, along with Decatur Teacher of the Year Erika Leach. Join us!
. . . . . MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Register Now for the 2026 District Conference!
Join fellow Rotarians for an unforgettable 2026 District Conference as we celebrate the incredible 2025-26 Rotary Year under District Governor Steve Ivory! The conference will take place at the beautiful Lake Lanier Islands Resort this year — offering a fresh, fun setting for fellowship, inspiration, and celebration. Lots to do, including a scenic boat cruise, pickleball, nature walk, golf, and more.
Details: 2026 District Conference
April 16-19, 2026
Lake Lanier Islands, GA
. . . . . Milestones: February
Anniversaries Harl Pike, 40 years
Art Rosser, 19 years
Stacey Stevens, 12 years
Tim Moore, 10 years
Julian Fitts, 3 years
Luis Abularach, 3 years
Shara Sanders, 2 years
Andrea Arnold, 2 years
Birthdays
Stephen Szeremeta, Feb. 2
RJ Jawanda, Feb. 6
Danielle Jones, Feb. 12
Laura Brookshire, Feb. 15
Brenda Leder, Feb. 24
Meeting recap: Feb. 20
Speaker Davidson Hepburn (left) was introduced by Nick Villaume
Last week, Nick Villaume introduced our lunch speaker, certified financial planner Davidson Hepburn, of Bernstein Wealth Management. Davidson discussed how the realm of investing and financial planning has evolved since the 1980s, using popular music to define the general “theme” of each decade. For instance, he characterized the ‘80s as the “Money for Nothing” (from the Dire Straits song) era, when the relationship between client and financial advisor was transactional, closing the deal was valued more than long-term outcomes, and advice centered on products and commissions. By the 2000s, investors reacted to the dot.com bust by prioritizing risk management and diversification, and valuing trust over excitement. Davidson described the current period as “As It Was” (Harry Styles song), one of financial decisions being more directly tied to personal life, family, and values, and of the advisor considered to be a long-term partner. A very interesting and informative talk!
We had some visitors last week: • Jarvis Adams, guest of Lawrence Sharp
• Ellie, youth exchange student, guest of the club
• Corey Brackins, guest of Nick Villaume
We hope to see you again soon!
Scenes from around the room at our most recent meeting. Individuals are identified from left to right.
Jack Kirivong and Rick Garnitz greet welcome visitor Jarvis Adams (center)
Lawrence Sharp (left) gives the invocation. High school student Ellie thanks the club for her upcoming exchange opportunity in Italy
New member Brian Lake takes President Alison’s 5-question quiz
Genevieve and Bob encouraged all to come to the Murder Mystery Dinner Party this Friday night!
Tom Adams, Steve Szeremeta, and Charlie Lutin trade numbers
We donate a book to the Decatur Library in honor of each speaker. Last week’s book selection, How to Say Babylon, happened to be written by one of Davidson’s favorite poets, Safiya Sinclair. We love when that happens!
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.
Patrick Bryant has served as the City Manager of Avondale Estates since 2018. Previously, he served as city manager for Talladega, Alabama, and he worked for the city of Santa Clarita, California. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in public administration from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Most recently, Patrick has overseen the “complete streets” project as well as major infrastructure improvements for Avondale Estates
Lawrence Sharp (left) gives the invocation. High school student Ellie thanks the club for her upcoming exchange opportunity in Italy
New member Brian Lake takes President Alison’s 5-question quiz
Genevieve and Bob encouraged all to come to the Murder Mystery Dinner Party this Friday night!
Tom Adams, Steve Szeremeta, and Charlie Lutin trade numbers
We donate a book to the Decatur Library in honor of each speaker. Last week’s book selection, How to Say Babylon, happened to be written by one of Davidson’s favorite poets, Safiya Sinclair. We love when that happens! 
