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Brian Lake was sworn in as a member of the DeKalb Superior Court in 2023. Lake is a DeKalb native who graduated from Decatur High School and then attended the University of Georgia for both undergrad and law school.
Before taking the bench, Lake was a partner at Robbins Alloy Belinfante Littlefield LLC in Atlanta where he spent several years focusing his practice on complex civil litigation, representing clients in state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate level.
Upcoming Meetings and Events Mark those calendars!
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FRIDAY FEBUARY 23 Meeting/
Program:
Mayor Patti Garrett
State of Decatu
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FRIDAY MARCH 1 Meeting/
Program:
Melita Easters, Executive Director, GA Win List
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FRIDAY MARCH 15 Meeting/
Speaker:
Sarah Hunkin Woodward
Jubilee Housing Community
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FRIDAY MARCH 22 Meeting/
Speaker:
TBA
Get a sneak peek at upcoming speakers on the website HERE.
MEETING RECAP Decatur Rotary Hosts the Annual PAGE STAR Event
Decatur Rotary members are ready to welcome guests to the STAR event.
It was an exciting and festive day at Rotary as the club welcomed STAR students, teachers, parents and dignitaries to the Historic DeKalb Courthouse.
The room begins to fill with STAR students and their award-winning teachers.
Over lunch and congratulations by dignitaries such as Andrea Arnold, City Manager of the City of Decatur, the students and teachers received their STAR certificates, Chik-Fil-A gifts and each high school winner had their pictures taken. Ms. Arnold acknowledged the thought on everyone’s mind that afternoon that these students and teachers are wonderful representatives of our community.
Honored guests included Dr. Gyimah Whitaker, Superintendent, Decatur City Schools and Dr. Devon Horton, Superintendent of DeKalb County Schools, as well as many school board members from Decatur and DeKalb.
Each student was given a few moments to thank their STAR teachers that they nominated for making an impact on their education and lives. They also told the large crowd about their next steps as students as well as what they enjoy doing when not studying.
Rev. Dr. Todd Speed provides an invocation for the packed hall.
President Tozzi welcomed students, teachers, parents and honored guests to the event.
City Manager of Decatur, Andrea Arnold, one of the sponsors of the event, thanked everyone for attending.
Rotary Chair of the event, Tim Martin, starts the awards portion of the program.
Larrell Oliver, Member Services Manager of PAGE (Professional Association of Georgia Educators), explains what the STAR event is all about.
Our first winner was Tim Nguyen with his STAR teacher, Shenica Bridges Mathieu, from Arabia Mountain High School.
STAR student Erin Yoo with STAR teacher Tania Murphy from Lakeside High School.
Club Announcements
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Decatur Rotary Remembers Rev. James Brewer-Calvert
Jason Conn talks about the legacy of Rev. James and what he meant to the club.
Last summer, our Rotary club lost one of its most beloved members when the Reverend James Brewer-Calvert died. He was an active member of this club, the Decatur community, and the 1st Christian Church of Decatur, where he served as minister for 25 years.
Our board thought it was fitting that the club remember James, and his contribution to building community. One of his passions was the Toy Park across from his church. The church owns and manages this wonderful in-town park which, on Saturdays, Sundays, and throughout the summer, is filled with children. James’s wife (the Reverend Betty Brewer-Calvert) suggested doing something with the Toy Park as an appropriate (and useful) memorial to his work.
Several benches in the park are beyond repair and need to be replaced. As a club, we wish to purchase five-foot benches, each with a plaque honoring James. We are asking for contributions from club members for this tribute. Your contributions in whatever amount you feel you can and wish to provide – are requested. On Friday, 9, Jason Conn will be able to accept credit card payments. If you would prefer to send a check, please note it as being for “The Rev. James Brewer-Calvert Memorial” send checks to our PO Box (attention: Pete Pfeiffer, our treasurer), by February 16.
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Come Home to Rotary Friday March 8
On March 8, Decatur Rotary invites all its members – current and former, active or inactive to come home to the club and say hello. It’s a homecoming event where we will honor the history of the club and reflect on many of our great members, past and present.
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District Conference Schedule and Dates Announced
District Conference and Assembly | March 21-24
Jeckyll Island
Join The Lady With A Song on Jekyll Island, Georgia for a fun weekend celebrating the great work clubs have done during the 2023-2024 Rotary year. From Thursday night's karaoke beach party to Sunday's celebration, the weekend will be packed with fun, fellowship, learning opportunities and amazing speakers. We hope to see you there!
We have combined the annual District Training Assembly with the District Conference weekend this year. If you will serve in club leadership for the 2024-25 Rotary year, plan on arriving Thursday night and join us Friday morning for a leadership development and vibrant club workshop starting at 8 am. District Assembly will start with lunch on Friday, followed by breakout sessions to help your club become irresistible in your community.
This n' That
Scenes from around the room at our most recent meeting. Individuals are identified from left to right.
Lawrence Sharp with Kevin McNair.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We are grateful for the support of our local sponsors, and we encourage our members to support them in return.
City Manager of Decatur, Andrea Arnold, one of the sponsors of the event, thanked everyone for attending. 
Rotary Chair of the event, Tim Martin, starts the awards portion of the program.
Larrell Oliver, Member Services Manager of PAGE (Professional Association of Georgia Educators), explains what the STAR event is all about.
Our first winner was Tim Nguyen with his STAR teacher, Shenica Bridges Mathieu, from Arabia Mountain High School.
STAR student Erin Yoo with STAR teacher Tania Murphy from Lakeside High School.
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