Building Hope: A Spring Break to Remember
On March 9th, a group of St. Mary's College students embarked on a journey that would change their spring break and make a tangible difference in the lives of a needy family. The annual college challenge for Habitat for Humanity took them to the heart of Meriwether County, where they dedicated their time and energy to building a home from the ground up.
On November 18th, the Meriwether County Rotary Club made a heartfelt contribution by donating $400 to Operation Good Neighbor.
Established in 1982 by the Brotherhood Department of First Baptist Church in Manchester, Operation Good Neighbor is a beacon of compassion fueled by the unwavering dedication of its passionate volunteers. Operating from its welcoming location at 233 West Main Street in Manchester, this remarkable program actively collects donations. It provides essential clothing, nutritious food, and vital household items to those in need within the community.
The Meriwether County Rotary Club beautifully adorned a Rotary Christmas tree for the third annual “Celebration of Trees” contest, proudly sponsored by the Manchester Development Authority at the Estate Gallery on Main Street.
On December 6th, from 12 PM to 8 PM, families are warmly invited to embrace the magic of Christmas on Main. Enjoy an evening filled with food trucks, a crafts market, a variety of vendors, joyful Christmas carolers, engaging activities for children, and the delightful presence of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Together, we can spread joy, with all proceeds benefiting Operation Good Neighbor.
On Tuesday, August 26, the Meriwether County Rotary Club donated $500 to the DORCAS Food Ministry at the First Baptist Church of Warm Springs.
To raise money for the DORCAS Food Ministry program, the Rotary Club members purchase a ticket for one dollar to win a prize. The money collected from the ticket donation is given to the DORCAS Ministry fund for the food bank.
The Meriwether County Rotary Club Foundation hosted an enthusiastic Football Kickoff Social on Thursday, August 14, at the picturesque Fitzgerald Farms. Members and guests gathered in a warm atmosphere to enjoy delightful fellowship, celebrate the excitement of the upcoming football season, and actively support the impactful initiatives of the Rotary Foundation. The event provided an opportunity to connect with one another while fostering community spirit and discussing the positive changes the Foundation aims to achieve.
As the college football season kicked off, the Rotary Club of Meriwether County, along with enthusiastic "friends of Rotary," selected their favorite teams to follow and support. Each week, members gathered at Rotary meetings to track and discuss their teams' scores, fostering camaraderie and friendly competition.
**Rotary Supports Student Fall Soccer Camp**
During the fall season, the Meriwether County Rotary Club co-sponsored a kids' soccer camp for community students. Rotarian Bob Patterson inspires students to find their passion for soccer, promotes health, and, most importantly, nurtures peace and unity within the community.
As the festive season draws near, the Meriwether County Rotarians eagerly embrace the warmth and camaraderie of Friendsgiving—a celebration centered around gratitude, friendship, and togetherness. On Tuesday, November 18th, the club was filled with cheerful conversation and lively laughter during their annual Friendsgiving luncheon. Current Rotarians and cherished guests gathered around the table to enjoy an impressive spread of homemade dishes, each one lovingly prepared and shared in the true spirit of the season.
On November 10 and 13, the Meriwether County Rotary Club proudly supported the 2025-2026 REACH Georgia Signing Day Ceremony at Greenville Middle School and Manchester Middle School.
REACH Georgia is not just a scholarship program; it’s a transformative journey that empowers students with essential academic, social, and financial support, guiding them toward graduating high school, accessing college, and thriving in Georgia's workforce. Each student has the opportunity to earn a $10,000 scholarship, providing up to $2,500 per year in assistance for attendance at a HOPE-eligible postsecondary institution in Georgia.
SAVING LIVES THROUGH PREVENTION AND RESPONSIBILITY-PARC PROGRAM
Prevention and Responsible Choices (PARC)
Meriwether Co Rotary Club Participates in High School Report Card Conference
On October 9th and 10th, and March 12th and 14th, Meriwether County Rotary Club members participated in one-on-one report card conferences with students from Manchester High School and Greenville High School. Rotarian members and other community leaders met with each student during the conferences to review their report card grades, provide career advice and support, and discuss their personal and school interests. This event aimed to offer students positive feedback and encouragement to excel academically.
The Day the World Stopped Turning: Honoring Manchester's First Responders
"Where were you the day the world stopped turning?"
That's the question asked at the start of a recent post about a powerful stair climb event held in Manchester, Georgia. The event honored the fallen firefighters, police, and paramedics who lost their lives on that terrible day in September 2001.