Lunch Meeting Friday, June 16 Historic DeKalb Co. Courthouse
101 E. Court Sq. | 12:15 pm
Program Preview:
Decatur Rotary Foundation Community Grant Awards
Dan Dewoskin is the Decatur Rotary Foundation Grants Committee Chair.
In our ongoing mission to support non-profits of DeKalb County that focus on literacy in the community, now is the time we award grants. At our Friday meeting, checks will be presented, and representatives from each organization will speak on how they plan to use the grant to improve literacy.
According to one of the organizations, “. . . fewer than 42% of DeKalb County Schools third graders are reading at or above grade-level targets. Only one out of eight children in Doraville reads on grade-level. Being able to read before middle school is extremely important in saving the kids of DeKalb County and the United States.”
The Rotary Club of Decatur actively supports Rotary International’s initiative to increase literacy and education world-wide. According to Rotary International, more than 775 million people above the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population. Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. We support education for all children and literacy for children and adults.
Upcoming Meetings and Events Mark those calendars!
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FRIDAY JUNE 23 MEETING
Club Assembly: Changing of the Guard
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FRIDAY JUNE 30 NO MEETING
Enjoy the July 4 holiday!
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THURSDAY JULY 6 THIRSTY THURSDAY
Paolino Italian Restaurant & Gelateria
Meeting Recap: July 28
Guests
• Laura Jason
• Adam Laverack, guest of Lawrence Sharp
Lawrence Sharp (left) and guest, Adam Laverack
. . . . . Invocation
Luis Abularach provided the invocation inspired by an article in Rotarian Magazine.
. . . . . From the Podium
President Tozzi reminded the club about Rev. James Brewer-Calvert’s memorial service. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 5 at 2 pm at First Baptist Church of Decatur (FBC) who is generously hosting on behalf of First Christian Church of Decatur.
The address for FBC is 308 Clairemont Ave., Decatur GA 30030.
James L. Brewer-Calvert
February 10, 1960-July 18, 2023
Rev. Dr. James L. Brewer-Calvert, champion for justice, builder of community, pastor, wordsmith, sports fan, clown, family man, and friend died on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. James was a city kid, loving the vibrant energy, diversity of people, and variety of art, culture, and cuisine of urban living. At the same time, he enjoyed the outdoors, particularly running and camping.
James giving the invocation and telling one of his great stories or lessons.
Tim Martin Announces New Focus for Decatur Rotary Foundation
Tim addressed the club with a recap of the results of the fundraiser this past spring, and discussed the kick-off of the new year for the Decatur Rotary Foundation. The foundation board comprises board chair Dudley Larus, Pete Pfeiffer, Tim Martin, treasurer Doug Tozzi and Dana Rickman who met prior to the club meeting. The board set a budget for the new year and considered maintaining – and even increasing – the reach of the foundation for the coming year. In Tim’s remarks to the club, he challenged all to support the foundation and make 2023-24 a record-setting year of Rotary giving.
Atlanta's Compassionate Crusaders for Animal Welfare
Lifeline Animal Project CEO Rebecca Guinn
In the heart of Atlanta, an organization dedicated to the well-being of animals has been making significant strides in transforming the lives of countless furry friends. Lifeline Animal Project, a nonprofit animal welfare organization, has been at the forefront of Atlanta's animal rescue and adoption efforts, ensuring that every animal receives the love, care, and second chance they deserve. With their unwavering commitment and innovative programs, Lifeline Animal Project has become a beacon of hope for both animals and animal lovers alike. When Lifeline was started by Rebecca 85% of animals were put down in the shelters. Now, they have achieved a remarkable 92% save rate.
Rescuing and Rehoming
Lifeline Animal Project's primary mission is to rescue homeless and abandoned animals from the streets and overcrowded shelters, providing them with a safe haven. They provide temporary shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation to animals in need. No animal is turned away, regardless of age, breed, or medical condition.
Moreover, Lifeline Animal Project takes an innovative approach to increase adoption rates through their "foster" program. This program allows members of the community to become foster parents, providing temporary homes to animals until they are adopted. By involving the community directly in the rescue and rehoming process, Lifeline Animal Project has dramatically increased the number of successful adoptions and reduced euthanasia rates in the Atlanta area.
Medical Care and Rehabilitation
Recognizing the importance of providing comprehensive medical care, Lifeline Animal Project operates low-cost veterinary clinics to ensure that all animals receive necessary vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and other essential medical treatments. They believe that quality veterinary care should be accessible to all, promoting responsible pet ownership and reducing the number of unwanted animals in the community.
In addition to medical care, Lifeline Animal Project focuses on rehabilitating animals with behavioral issues or medical conditions. Their compassionate team of professionals and dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to address these challenges, giving every animal the opportunity to find a loving forever home.
Community Engagement and Education
Lifeline Animal Project firmly believes that creating a more compassionate community starts with education. They actively engage with the community through various initiatives, such as educational workshops, outreach programs, and partnerships with local schools. By raising awareness about responsible pet ownership, the importance of spaying/neutering, and the benefits of adoption, Lifeline Animal Project empowers individuals to make a positive impact on animal welfare.
Lifeline Animal Project stands as a shining example of compassion and dedication in the field of animal welfare. Their unwavering commitment to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals has made a profound impact on the lives of countless animals in Atlanta. Through their innovative programs, community engagement, and education initiatives, they have not only transformed the lives of individual animals but also fostered a more compassionate and responsible community.
President Yorker presents a book to be placed in the DeKalb Public Library in honor of Rebecca Guinn