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The Rotary Club Of Meriwether County held their annual President and officers induction meeting on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at the Williow s Eatery Restaurant in Greenville, Georgia. The event began at 5:30 with Cocktails. At 6:00, Lisa Thompson presented the Robert Kellum Community Service Award to Laurie Lewis, the Raleigh Althisar Vocational Service Award to Robert Prater, and the Brent Kersey Rotarian of the Year to Robert Griffin. After Dinner, President Thompson presented the Rotary Year in Review and Presentation of thank you gifts for serving Rotarians this past year. After Dessert, Rotary District Governor Elect, Mary Ligon gave the Induction of Meriwether Co New Officers for the 2021 – 2022 Rotary Year. Officers for 2021-2022: President ~Al Griffin Secretary/Treasurer ~Lisa Thompson Public Relations ~Kay Williamson Foundation Chair ~Laurie Lewis Youth Programs ~Bob Patterson Membership ~Dawn Woodard Community Service ~Barbara Nolan

Carolyn McKinley, Executive Director Meriwether County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, spoke to the Rotary Club of Meriwether County on Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Mrs. McKinley discussed the many eco-tourism initiatives that the Meriwether County Tourism Division team put into fruition that gave rise to the experiences created for outdoor enthusiasts throughout Meriwether County. The latest updates and additions include expanding Lake Meriwether, growing the Flint River Water Trail, and incorporating Gravel Travel throughout Meriwether County. Lake Meriwether Lake Meriwether is a picturesque 144-acre lake located in Woodbury. The lake is a perfect example of fun and relaxation with expanded outdoor activities, including Disc Golf, Canoes/Kayaks, Walking trails, ADA-accessible Lake Overlook, multiple campsites for primitive camping, and drive-through sites with hook-ups, and renovated restrooms/showers. Flint River Water Trail The Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism Product Development awarded Meriwether County Tourism Division a grant to install a water trail in the 25 miles of Flint that flows through Meriwether County. Water trails enable healthy outdoor activity and increase the visibility of and knowledge about local bodies of water while promoting stewardship and conservation within the community. The Flint River Water Trail supporters have worked hard to: 1. Study – learn– talking to others. 2. Secure support from Lake Meriwether Advisory Board to serve as sponsoring entity. 3. Support from Meriwether County – resolution supporting trail project. 4. Publicise accessible areas to be safe and secure and Identify all entry/exit points. 5. Access sites are spaced apart. 6. Identify any public camping spots. 7. Promote Website and maps for www.flintriverwatertrail.com. 8. Create/update signage/kiosks placed at the access points to include information on river etiquette and paddling safety. 9. Promote Shoal Bass- Georgia's Native Riverine Sport Fish. Meriwether County is the first county to become a "designated" water trail by Georgia River Network standards. The Riverside Country Store, located at River Cove Rd in Woodbury, has just opened to offer river enthusiast kayaking and canoe rentals with a transport shuttle to the launch location and at the pick-up location. The Country Store also offers live bait, tackle, beer, ice, and most anything you would need for your day on the river. Gravel Travel in Meriwether County Cyclists are gravitating to gravel paths to escape the hustle and bustle of cities without going too deep into the wild. It's about solace and scenery, along with a great workout. The first Gravel Race in Meriwether County was the Kissing Bridge Classic 60/30 bring over 200 cyclists into Meriwether County. The Kissing Bridge course began just north of Woodbury, GA, at Fitzgerald Fruit Farm and in a fast course across the rolling hills of Meriwether County. Check out the 33 Gravel Travel routes designated in Greenville, Gay, Warm Springs, Hogansville, and Woodbury to include but not limited to: Greenville/Odessadale Loop, Greenville 32.41 mi. route, Cook Road to Tiggs Road, Malcom Road, Overby Road, and Arbor Chapel. For more exciting information on Meriwether County Tourism, please get in touch with Carolyn McKinley at 706.655.2558.

Pictured above, Rotarian and Program Chairman, Faye Purdue and Rotarian, Carolyn McKinley, Executive Director of the Meriwether County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism division, .

2020-2021 Year

On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, the Rotary Club of Meriwether County hosted the Georgia Rotary Clubs Laws of Life Essay Contest winners. At the meeting, the Rotary Club presented the local school and grade winners for the 2020-2021 contest. Rotary Club of Meriwether County partners with Greenville High School for the contest "Every Student Matters, Every Moment Counts," commented School Principal Mr. Thaddeus Jackson and Department Contest Chair Patissia Childs. Andrey Ferrell, 10th grade, is named School Winner, and Za'niya Partridge, 11th grade, is the Grade Winner. Honorable Mention of student writers includes Diamond Slaton, 12th grade, Rebecca Bryan, 12th grade, Amantavious Ogletree, 11th grade, Tymeshia Mitchell, 11th grade, Amelia Phillips, 10th grade, Kailyn Bynum, 10th grade, Gage Manship, 10th grade, and Tanyja Sessions, 9th grade. Rotary Club of Meriwether County has partnered with Greenville High School on the contest for two years. "Strive for progress because perfection is hard to improve," said Patissia Childs, who serves as contest chair for the club. For the 2020-2021 contest, a total of 25,112 students wrote essays. Georgia Laws of Life and 48 participating Rotary clubs throughout the state awarded over $17,000 in cash prizes. Awards go to 135 school winners and grade winners from 48 high schools. Additional students receive honorable mention recognition. Throughout the spring, winning students will share their essays to enthusiastic audiences at local and district-wide Rotary Club meetings and regional Rotary conferences. Georgia Laws of Life will also feature in social media, winning students reading their essays. Rotary clubs across Georgia conduct the Laws of Life Essay Contest in partnership with local high schools through the nonprofit Georgia Rotary Districts Character Education Program, Inc (GRDCEP). Rotarians volunteer to read and judge essays, serve on the contest's Board of Directors, and volunteer their professional expertise to help build character and ethical literacy among students. "The essay contest is an opportunity for Rotary clubs to share their service above self motto with local students and schools," said Carol Gray Walker, Executive Director for Georgia Laws of Life. Since 1999, the Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest has impacted over 750,000 students. Inspired by the power of simple quotes, or Laws of Life, Sir John Templeton established the writing competition in the 1970s to encourage young people to embrace the wisdom of these sayings, which he believed, when followed, helps everyone live their best lives. In their essays, students use the law to reflect on values that mean the most to them – values such as generosity, courage, perseverance, honesty, integrity, and compassion. The Georgia Rotary Clubs Laws of Life Essay Contest is made possible through local Rotary Clubs, individual donors, corporations, and a grant from the John Templeton Foundation. Pictured below: (front row)(left to right): Laws of Life students; Anantavious Ogletree, Gage Manship, Kailyn Bynum, Tanya Sessions, Za'niya Partridge, Diamond Slaton, Ahmad Ferrell. (back row) Barbara Nolan, Greenville High School Contest Chairperson Patissia Childs, Bob Patterson, Cliff Elliott, Aaron Mabon, Dawn Hill Woodard, Robert Griffin, Cynthia Sanford Kilby, Faye Clark Perdue, Greenville High School Principal Thad Jackson, Kay Williamson, and Lisa Bennett Thompson

Harrison Summerour spoke to the Meriwether County Rotary Club on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. Harrison explained that he and his family are the new owners of the Cotton Pickin' Fair and he is excited about the Fair opening the first weekend in May. He also talked about the exciting news of the Grand Opening of the Towerhouse Farm Brewery this weekend (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) from 12-6 pm at "The Farmstand" Harrison invited everyone to come out to the town of Gay, GA and enjoy a beer on a beautiful piece of our property featuring food and games. All ages are welcome (and dogs) so bring your family and friends to 91 Germany Road, Gay Georgia. You can find more info on the website at www.towerhousebrewing.com/the-farmstand Pictured below is Faye Clark Faye Clark Perdue and Harrison Summerour.

On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, the members of Meriwether Co Rotary Club assembled 79 Christmas Gift Bags for the residents of the Warm Springs Nursing Home at Warm Springs Medical Center and The Mountain Side Assisted Living Center. We have Heart for our Seniors.

Great Visit with District Governor Kirk Driskell on September 15, 2020.   We were so glad to share a Rotary smile!