Well that’s another LifeLine at Open Hand pet food delivery in the books. We delivered 16 bags of cat food and 46 bags of dog food. Thanks to Kari Kirkley for organizing and to members and their friends and families; Brent Adams, Sam Alston, Jim Coleman, Daniela Demaria, Matt Frost, Dietrich Logan, Jay Shirley, and Youri Wims-Rico.

Congratulations to our Laws of Life winner Lydia Bryant, Atlanta Classical Academy, who read her heartwarming essay at Monday’s meeting. A Law of Life is a short, saying or quotation that points to a core personal value or ideal. Oftentimes, a Law of Life serves as a memorable and meaningful moral compass on a person’s journey through life. The Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest asks students to select their own Law of Life, and to write about how it applies to their lives. In doing so, students reflect deeply and write from the heart about what they think matters most. The contest celebrates the students’ stories and their often profound reflections, and presents cash awards to students and teachers.

We were also treated to the end of the year report from our very own RYE, Rotary Youth Exchange student Leo Klein Kraneberg and celebrated his upcoming birthday. We also showed appreciation to the host families who made Leo’s exchange possible; Patty and Tim Webb, Richard and Paige Hill, Kevin and Stefani Glass.

I was honored to receive the Rising Star award for the large club category from District Governor Steve Ivory. Thank you to each and everyone of you for making this a great year and contributing to this win.

Congratulations to Paul Harris winners, Cort Neirmark for PH+1 and Mark Meltzer for PH+5. Welcome to newly inducted member Jonathan Blalock and to Blue Badge recipients Molly Guenther and Dirk Ledford.

Best regards,

Shelley Hammell