06/13/2026
π¨ What an incredible Friday meeting at Rotary! π¨
We were treated to not one, but TWO outstanding speakers today β and we left feeling genuinely inspired.
First, we celebrated Isabella Rehberg, our 2025 Service Above Self Scholarship recipient! Isabella is a Biomedical Engineering pre-med student at Georgia Tech, where she's on the Dean's List, active in her sorority, and dedicating her time to meaningful philanthropy work through the Ronald McDonald House. This summer, she's working toward her EMT certification, with her sights set on a career in pediatric emergency medicine. Isabella is exactly the kind of young leader this award was made for β we are so proud to support her journey! π
Then we welcomed Alan Mothner, CEO of the Spruill Center for the Arts β a remarkable nonprofit right here in our community that is doing so much more than teaching art classes.
Alan shared that Spruill awarded 447 scholarships last year totaling over $132,000 β a 109% year-over-year increase β making the arts accessible to children, teens, and adults alike. Their community green space hosts everything from Salsa Sundays to yoga, family field days, and free art closets. And 60% of all gallery proceeds go directly back to the artists.
But Alan also challenged us to think bigger. He spoke powerfully about three modern forces shaping the future of arts and community:
π€ AI β While useful for brainstorming, Alan reminded us that AI strips away the soul of creation. The artist's story, context, and human connection are lost. "At what point do you give up the artist's soul for the machine?"
π The Loneliness Epidemic β In an age where friendships become followers and experiences become content, in-person arts experiences offer something irreplaceable: presence, connection, and moments that truly belong to you.
β€οΈ Art & Health β A UCL study found that engaging with the arts just once a week can actually slow the biological aging process β with effects comparable to a weekly workout. The arts aren't a luxury; they're a lifeline.
One sobering fact: Georgia ranks dead last in the U.S. for arts funding β making the work of organizations like Spruill, and the support of groups like ours, more critical than ever.
A heartfelt thank you to Isabella and Alan for reminding us why service, creativity, and community matter so deeply. This is Rotary at its best! ππ
