Rotary Club Lafayette Georgia

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LaFayette, GA
Rotary Club Lafayette Georgia

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Mission of Rotary: provide service to others through our fellowship of business and community leaders

Lafayette Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at 12pm at the Lafayette Golf Course Clubhouse located at 1 Fred Henry Drive, Lafayette, GA 30728.

10/10/2026

Rotarian Tim Mason welcomed Dr. Dwight Watt, a highly recognized Instructor of Computer Information Systems Technology, IT consultant, and community leader, currently serving as an instructor at Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) and holding multiple certifications in networking, cybersecurity, and IT.

Dwight chose “Cybersecurity for Individuals” as his topic. He stated that social engineering poses the greatest risk to everyday uses and organizations. (Social engineering is a manipulation technique where attackers exploit human psychology to gain access to sensitive information or systems. Tactics include phishing, impersonation, and authority to deceive victims).

He provided examples such as:
• a text, email, or call in which a stranded “relative” needs money via a “green dot” card or a “boss” forgot to buy a gift and promises to reimburse cost
• any email from unknown party asking the user to click to get information, resulting in the introduction of a virus

Dwight encouraged the use of a good anti-virus software and suggested Microsoft Defender if updated frequently. Password/passphrase uniqueness is critical and given the high number of characters suggested, writing them down and storing in a safe place is acceptable.

10/01/2026

Rotary President Chaed Clements welcomed back Jimmy Gentry, Area Governor (Area 17) who provided his annual “Rotary 101”, a broad overview of the three main areas of the organization: Rotary Clubs, Rotary International, and The Rotary Foundation. There are 1.2 million Rotarians in 40,000 Clubs in over 200 countries who volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues, and address community needs as” People of Action”. Main areas of service are Ending Polio, Promoting Peace, Fighting Disease, Providing Clean Water, Supporting Education, Improving Maternal and Child Health, Growing Local Economies, Protecting the Environment, and Disaster Response. The theme for the 2026-27 Rotary International President Yinka Bablola's term is “Create Lasting Impact”. Closer to home, our District 6910 Governor is Paul Mathews.

09/22/2026

Rotarian and Club Treasurer Keith Ingram inducted a new member into the Club. Neil Mathis is originally from here and recently returned to be close to family. He is Founder and Managing Director of Sequoia Creative, a marketing agency for small- and medium-sized businesses. Previously, Neil focused on consulting in the consumer retail/shopper and industry areas, as well as Global lead for Coca-Cola advertising and brand positioning. Welcome, Neil.

Keith also welcomed Dave Silcchia, the LHS Girls’ GOLF Team Coach who also assists with the Boys’ GOLF Team. He discussed the repurposing of the top floor of the Municipal Golf Course Clubhouse into “The Roost" Indoor Golf Training Facility for the above athletes. The facility includes a lounge for team meetings/breaks, two commercial-grade simulator stations, and two practice greens. Construction of the ”shell” is well underway, with full completion of the facility slated for early November. Primary funding of $120,000 was made possible by an anonymous donor, with additional contributions needed for furnishings and season readiness. The facility is being built to help LHS achieve its goal of “Becoming a Flagship High School Golf Team in Our Region”.

Sadly, Rotarian Ted Zwegers, our truly international member from the Netherlands, today announced his move to Chattanooga for personal reasons. “Tot ziens”, our friend.

09/18/2026

Rotarian Ron Harrison welcomed Lee Bohannon (LHS Football Coach) and Tom Langford (LHS Athletic Director). highlighted Coach Bohannon's previous Rambler coaching experience and path back home.

With 36 years in education and coaching, including 28 years coordinating defenses and offenses, Coach Bohannon brings championship-level experience to our sidelines.

His stops include Gordon Lee, Cedartown, Chattanooga Christian, Ringgold, Gordon Central, Crystal River (FL), and LaFayette - and everywhere he’s been, success has followed.

Coach will also assist with Girls' basketball. He shared his expectations for the athletes: "A hard, and very good work ethic".

Rambler's 3-0 season record is a great start! Go RAMBLERS!

09/10/2026

Rotarian Dan Hudson introduced Chelsea Kovalevskiy, Assistant Director, Cherokee Regional Library System ( which includes locations in Chickamauga, Dade, Rossville, and LaFayette). She highlighted a number of service offerings, including Time with Teacher, Park & Museum Passes, and Grow with Google.

Time with Teacher provides free 1-hour tutoring sessions for K-12 grades and is made possible through a grant. The program focuses on students who are at risk of failing one or more subjects or scored below Proficient on the Milestone exam. Sessions are conducted by certified or retired teachers. A wide variety of core and specialty courses are included.

Park & Museum Passes allow free or reduced cost admissions to a number of museums, theaters, parks, the Chattanooga Zoo, and others. Check these out at the Circulation Desk and be sure you have/get a Library Card!

“Grow with Google” is a great way to build essential job skills in high-growth fields and includes flexible, online training to support career advancement and business growth. The Google Career Certificates program areas of study include cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing, e-commerce, IT Support, project management, and user experience (UX) design. The Google AI Professional Certificate builds fluency in foundational AI skills, best practices, and how to use AI responsibly. Earners will move beyond the basics with hands-on practice, gaining the in-demand skills and confidence to apply AI.

08/27/2026

Rotarian Janie Gilbert Grinnell provided an update on Rambler Football radio programming and pass purchases. She, Sallie Smith McGinnis, and Shawn “Butterbean” Green co-host the LHS Football Varsity Pregame show on WQCH one hour prior to kickoff at Home games. Content varies week-to-week, but includes Rambler Football, SEC Football in nearby states, special guest appearances, and a recap of the previous game. Sponsor is Sallie’s State Farm agency.

This season, WQCH is airing "Queen City Scoops' Rambler Coach’s Corner” (hosted weekly by Shawn “Butterbean” live from Scoops at 6PM Mondays. The show highlights LaFayette athletics by interviewing coaches and student-athletes representing the schools’ various athletic programs.

A reminder: Both Rambler season Football and All-Sport Passes are now available from the LHS office.

08/25/2026

Rotarian Henry Gilbert welcomed Sharon Evans, Walker County Tax Commissioner, and her husband Kevin. On March 25th, Sharon was appointed to fill the position until a special election to be held in November to fill the two-year unexpired term of retiring Carolyn Walker. Sharon recently learned that she faces no opponent.

The Tax Commissioner’s office serves as a collection point for tax payments on land. homes. mobile homes, and personal property. The office also takes applications for homestead exemptions and handles all motor vehicle transactions. Sixteen employees provide these services at the main office in Rock Spring and another in Rossville.

Sharon has worked in the office for nearly 16 years, with the past 7 as Chief Deputy Tax Commissioner. Her “goal is to keep the county functioning without any interruptions and for there to be a smooth transition” by maintaining established operational policies and processes.

Update: The Rock Spring Tax Office will be closed starting August 24th for renovations and repairs from an April water leak. A majority of the staff will be relocated to the Rossville location at 2012 McFarland Gap Road. Additional windows will be open to handle the increased volume of transactions.

08/12/2026

Rotarian and President of the Walker County African American Historical and Alumni Association (WCAAHAA) Beverly Foster welcomed John Culpepper, Chair of the Walker County Historic Preservation Commission. The seven-member Commission protects and documents historical sites in the county. It plays a vital role in historic preservation through Museum Operations, Preservation Efforts, Community Engagement, and oversight of the Historic Overlay District. John showed a number of past and present projects, including Interpretive Displays at coal and iron mines, cemeteries, schools, and other sites of historic importance.

The Commission and the WCAAHAA) have worked together on a number of projects.). These have included cleanup of several cemeteries and commemoration of the two Walker County Rosenwald schools, one in Chickamauga (Wallaceville) and the other in Rossville (Dewberry). [The Rosenwald Foundation Rural School Program, in a joint effort with Booker T. Washington, constructed nearly 5,000 schools for African American students in the South, 242 of which were in Georgia].

Historic Fact: Sherman’s entire army was in Villanow after the fall of Atlanta and prior to the March to The Sea. However, on May 7th, 1864, the Army of Tennessee seized Ship’s Gap on Taylor’s Ridge, allowing them to advance unopposed to Snake Creek Gap and Villanow the next day.

08/05/2026

Rotarian Albert Ellis welcomed David Hamilton, LaFayette City Manager, who gave an update on a number of projects since his last visit.

Traverse Park: a second pavilion was approved to be built near the new climbing wall and The Outpost, home base for the Outdoor Recreation Program.

West Villanow: The $6.2 million grant has been approved, with design contracting, grant administration selection, and potential further studies prior to construction.

Safe Streets: Great feedback via survey and public meetings. A Safe Streets grant will be applied for. List of projects includes 1), a sidewalk on Indiana Street to complete walking trail circuit and 2), sidewalks on Warthen from Main Street to the Bypass and Round Pond from the Bypass, past LHS, to City Lake to provide a safer path for school students and walking access to the Lake.
Street Paving: 2026 paving projects underway include work on Anthony, Pledger, Johnson, Duke, Streets, Trail Lake, and Foster Boulevard. Improvements were funded by TSPLOST along with the Georgia DOT Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant. In addition, E. Villanow Street from Main to Hwy 27 has been included to accelerate the work in advance of longer-term DOT plans for the street.

07/30/2026

Rotarian Julie Carter welcomed Marcus Veazey, incoming District 2 Walker County Commissioner and longtime Chickamauga resident. He is a highly accomplished FBI and corporate investigator, leader, public servant, and community advocate. Investigation areas include healthcare fraud, organized and white-collar crime, money laundering, and domestic and global drug operations. Public service roles include work with the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit and Walker County justice system.

He asked the Club “What makes a great public servant?”
One’s foundation or cornerstone created by cumulative experiences gained in life. The ability to listen. Patience. A Strong character. Great leaders don’t have all the answers, but they are very curious.
Service Above Self: It’s not about me.

A member asked: “Who was the finest person he ever met? Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”

When asked what priorities he brings to his new role as Commissioner, Marcus offered these responses: “Everybody matters and citizens need to know where every dollar is spent.” “Find a balance between Agriculture and Technology.” “Be accountable to the citizens of Walker County.” ”Listen like I’m wrong and get back to the person who has raised the issue.”
Fun Fact: Marcus did his homework: “Service Above Self” is the Rotary motto!

Address

Bank Of Lafayette Community Room (Behind Bank Of Lafayette ATM On N Main)
Lafayette, GA
30728

Opening Hours

12pm - 1pm

Website

http://www.rotary.org/, http://www.rotarydistrict6910.org/

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