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Blackshear Georgia Rotary Club

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Blackshear Georgia Rotary Club

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Club 4190
District 6920
Located in beautiful Blackshear, GA this Club meets every Wednesday at 12:15 pm at Smokehouse 84 in The Cotton Exchange on Hwy 84.

Rotary’s main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and around the globe. The 1.2 million Rotarians who make up more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in nearly every country in the world share a dedication to the ideal of Service Above Self. Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service and encourages high ethical standards in all vocations.

10/26/2026

Red Ribbon Week: Educating Students, Saving Lives

The Rotary Club of Blackshear helped facilitate a Red Ribbon Week assembly at Pierce County High School, bringing an important message to students about the dangers of fentanyl.

The City of Blackshear Police Chief Chris Wright and Pierce County Family Connection Director Stephanie Bell shared information about the alarming potency of fentanyl, the dangers of counterfeit prescription pills and the unpredictability of illicit drugs, which can contain lethal amounts of fentanyl without a user's knowledge.

The presentation also highlighted Austin's Law, educating students about Georgia's legal consequences associated with fentanyl-related overdose deaths, along with national overdose statistics that underscore the importance of prevention and awareness.

The program also reinforced the importance of knowing how to respond to an overdose. Narcan, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, is available without a prescription in Georgia, with free kits offered through participating community organizations. In a suspected overdose, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available. Wright advised students to visit georgiaoverdoseprevention.org for more info.

The message was clear: One pill. One decision. One life. Knowing the risks and making informed choices can save lives.

Thank you to Chief Wright, Stephanie Bell and Pierce County High School for partnering with Rotary to educate and empower our students.

Rotary District 6920

10/21/2026

🎃 A little fall fun, courtesy of Rotary! 🍂

The Rotary Club of Blackshear was proud to sponsor a pumpkin patch field trip for elementary students from all three Pierce County elementary schools!

We're excited to help provide an opportunity for students to get outside the classroom, enjoy some fall festivities and make special memories with their classmates and teachers.

Investing in our children is investing in the future of our community! We're grateful for the opportunity to support our local schools and help make experiences like this possible.

Pictured are some of the smiling faces who benefitted from this sponsorship, along with their teachers and Rotarian Angel Knowlton during the check presentation. L-R: Chassidy Altman, Benton Peacock, Aiden Linder, Angel Knowlton, A'Zaria Russell and Nicole Johnson.

🎃🍁

10/21/2026

Child care isn't just a family issue. It's an economic development issue.

This week's Rotary program featured Megan Miller, Community Outreach Coordinator with the Child Care Resource & Referral Agency of Southeast Georgia, who shared an eye-opening presentation on the economics of child care and its impact on workforce development, business growth and our local economy.

Miller explained that while families struggle with the rising cost of child care, providers are also struggling to stay open due to staffing shortages, increasing operating expenses and limited revenue.

The numbers for Pierce County are especially concerning:

📊 Approximately 1,100 children ages 0–5 potentially need child care, but the county has a licensed capacity of just 402 slots, with actual enrollment closer to 240.

📊 That translates to an estimated 83% gap between potential child care needs and actual enrollment.

📊 Georgia loses an estimated $2.5 billion annually in economic activity due to child care challenges.

Miller emphasized that access to affordable, reliable child care directly affects workforce participation, employee recruitment and retention, and a community's ability to attract new industry.

She also introduced the CARE model - Collaborate, Advocate, Restore and Expand - a framework encouraging businesses, community leaders and economic development organizations to work together on solutions ranging from employer-supported child care to expanding local capacity.

The discussion reinforced an important message: If we're planning for industry, housing and workforce growth, we must also plan for child care.

Thank you, Megan, for sharing this valuable information and challenging us to consider child care as an essential part of Pierce County's economic future!

10/07/2026

This week’s Rotary program focused on addiction and overdose prevention as Larry Kenemore with the Rotary Action Group for Addiction Prevention introduced Project SMART.
The initiative focuses on five areas: School Learning, Medication & Drug Disposal, Awareness, Recovery and Treatment, giving Rotary clubs practical tools to support prevention, overdose response and recovery in their communities.
Kenemore shared a powerful story of one man who overcame decades of addiction and homelessness with support from his local Rotary Club. Today, he is a Rotarian, successful business owner and Project SMART board member.
Kenemore left the club with a simple challenge: “What’s your club going to do for one person?”
Representatives from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, Blackshear Police Department and Blackshear Fire Department also joined us to learn more about the initiative.

09/30/2026

💛 September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and today's Rotary program was a powerful reminder of why awareness, research and community support matter.

Today's program featured Sarah Tatum, founder of Pray for Camp Tatum - Campground Ministries, a faith-based organization created from the Tatum family's experience with childhood cancer and the loss of their son, Camp. The organization works to raise awareness, support childhood cancer research and walk alongside local families facing a diagnosis or the loss of a child.

This September alone, Campground Ministries has provided financial support to local families and donated $10,000 to CURE Childhood Cancer, while continuing to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and research focused on rare childhood cancers. The organization has also helped fund research specifically related to relapsed ATRT, the rare brain tumor that affected both Camp and another local child, Amris Bedford. Only about 75 children in the United States are diagnosed with ATRT each year, Tatum reported.

But the mission extends beyond research and financial assistance. From helping children learn about childhood cancer through painted “Camp Rocks” to supporting grieving parents and siblings, the organization strives to make sure families know they do not have to walk through childhood cancer alone. Tatum also highlighted something especially meaningful about our area: the way this community shows up.

“Being in a place like St. Jude really opens your eyes to realize that not everybody has what we have. It’s not that my family is special—it’s the community that’s special,” she said.

Thank you to Campground Ministries for sharing your story and for continuing to turn an unimaginable loss into hope, awareness and compassionate support for other families. 💛

09/17/2026

Thank you Main Street Blackshear for hosting the 912 Parade and Celebration for America's 250th birthday and the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Known around town as 'the flag club', we were honored to participate in this event!

Interested in joining our flag subscription program? Message us today for details!

09/16/2026

🏈 A winning program built on hard work, gratitude and developing young men.

Pierce County High School Head Football Coach Ryan Herring joined us today for an update on the Bears’ football program and shared why Pierce County has become home for him and his family.

During his tenure at PCHS, Herring has coached two state championship teams, but his message made it clear that success is about much more than the scoreboard. He spoke about building a team culture centered on hard work, humility, faith and putting the team ahead of individual recognition. He also praised his players for their toughness and resilience and credited their willingness to work for one another as a key part of the program’s success.

Most of all, Coach Herring expressed gratitude for the opportunity to live, work and raise his family in Pierce County.

“There’s no better job for me. There’s no place I’d rather be,” he shared.

Thank you, Coach Herring, for sharing an inside look at the program and for your commitment to developing not only great football players, but strong young men. Go Bears! 🐻🏈

09/02/2026

Big things are happening at the Okefenokee! 🌿🐊

Hunter Barber, Director of Operations for Okefenokee Swamp Park and Okefenokee Adventures, recently shared an exciting update on what’s ahead for one of our region’s greatest natural treasures.

Among the biggest news: the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has officially been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the first in Georgia and, according to Barber, the first U.S. site to receive the designation in approximately 30 years. The recognition is already helping put the Okefenokee on a larger international stage, with the park seeing an uptick in international visitors since the designation.

An economic impact assessment conducted in 2024 projected 4–8% growth over the next five to 10 years, with increased visitation expected to benefit hotels, restaurants, retailers and other businesses throughout the region.

There’s plenty happening locally, too! Okefenokee Swamp Park is preparing to celebrate 80 years in October, along with the return of fall favorites including Swamp-Tacular, sunset tours and guided camping experiences. Visitors can also check out the park’s new alligator training program, which provides enrichment and exercise for its captive alligators while giving guests an educational look at these incredible animals.

As Barber shared, the UNESCO designation creates an opportunity to “share what we already know is special with the world.”

Thank you, Hunter for sharing the latest from the Okefenokee and giving us a glimpse of the exciting opportunities ahead for our entire region. 🌎💚

08/19/2026

💙 Service that gives back in more ways than one.
This week's Club program highlighted the meaningful work of Hospice Satilla and the volunteers who help bring comfort, companionship and dignity to patients and families during some of life’s most difficult moments. Hospice Satilla is currently seeking additional volunteers to help meet the growing needs of patients and families in our community.
Hospice Satilla representatives Julie Tanner and Cathy McGee shared that volunteers are an essential part of the hospice care team, and there are many ways to serve. Opportunities range from visiting patients and families or volunteering at the Hospice House to helping with administrative tasks, community events, fundraising and the organization’s Junior Board.
Longtime volunteer and board member, McGee, shared how her own family’s experiences with Hospice Satilla inspired her to give back. After witnessing the compassionate care provided to both her father-in-law and mother, she found a new calling in volunteer service. One of her most meaningful experiences was spending seven months visiting a hospice patient each Wednesday afternoon. The two watched television, shared stories, laughed and cried together, and McGee ultimately held her hand during her final hours. Tanner also told Club members about a creative new volunteer projects, including handmade heart pillows for patients and memory pillows created from a loved one's clothing for families to take home as a keepsake.

07/29/2026

🚒 Did you know? The Blackshear Fire Department responds to approximately 500 calls each year, but only about 10 percent are actual fires. From medical emergencies and vehicle crashes to hazardous materials incidents, firefighters are ready to respond whenever the community needs them. Fire Chief Bucky Goble gave that report at this week's Rotary Club meeting.

The department maintains an ISO Class 3 rating, helping improve fire protection while potentially lowering commercial insurance costs for local businesses. The City of Blackshear continues investing in firefighter training, new equipment and water infrastructure to keep our community safe and prepare for future growth. A new municipal well and firetruck purchase are just two recent investments to strengthen emergency response capabilities.

Thank you to the dedicated firefighters and volunteers who serve our community every day! 👏🚒

Address

Blackshear, GA
31516

Opening Hours

12:30pm - 1:30pm

Telephone

+19124497044

Website

facebook.com

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