Stories
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Big Oak Ranch President & CEO Speaks to Athens RotaryBrodie Croyle, President & CEO of Big Oak Ranch, spoke to the Athens Rotarians on August 19, 2022. |
WAFF-48 VP & General Manager Speak to Athens Rotarians |
2022 Athens Rotary Awards Luncheon![]() On June 24, 2022, Athens Rotary Club held its annual luncheon ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments from the previous year and also to look ahead to the next year.
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Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley speaks to Athens Rotarians![]() Myra Sanderson, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley, spoke to Athens Rotarians on June 10th about the expansion of their services into Limestone County. Habitat for Humanity of North Alabama was established in 1987 as a Habitat for Humanity International affiliate. In the 1990s the name was changed to Habitat for Humanity of Madison County. It has most recently rebranded the name to Habitat for Humanity of the River Valley to coincide with the expansion of Limestone County. |
Andrew Dollar speaks on Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building in Athens![]() Andrew Dollar, with Athens State University, spoke to Athens Rotarians regarding his research, findings, and plan for an entrepreneurial ecosystem building in downtown Athens.
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Athens Rotary Club Honors Freddie Martin & Jim McClaryToday, the Athens Rotary Club held a special recognition ceremony for Freddie Martin and Jim McClary. Freddie has been an ACTIVE member for 64 years. Jim celebrated 50 years of perfect attendance.
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Athens Rotary Club Completes Service Project at United Way of Athens-Limestone County![]() On Saturday, April 23, 2022, members of the Athens Rotary Club donned their gardening gear to refresh the landscaping at the United Way of Athens-Limestone County office. This project helped to restore the outside façade after the removal of the overgrown and diseased landscaping several months ago. From planning to planting, the Athens Rotary Club played a major role in ensuring that the corner of Marion and Lee Streets looked its best. |
Athens State University unveils plans for workforce innovation center to Athens Rotarians![]() In front of several prominent community and business leaders at the weekly Athens Rotary Club meeting, Athens State University President Dr. Philip Way discussed a long-term plan for an innovative workforce center.
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Limestone County Archivist Speaks to Athens Rotary Club![]() Limestone County Archivist Speaks to Athens Rotary Club for our first meeting in February.
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Make a Way Foundation Founder Speaks to Athens Rotary![]() Stacey Givens, Founder and Board President of Make a Way Foundation, told fellow Rotarians of her mission to have a sensory room in every city and county school in Limestone County.
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Update from Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist AssociationTami Reist from Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (Visit North Alabama) provided an update on regional tourism efforts in North Alabama.
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An Update from the Athens-Limestone County Public Library![]() Happy New Year Rotarians! We had an exciting and informative first meeting of 2022 with a great presentation from librarian Jennifer Baxter and library garden manager Emily Clem. |
Athens rotary, high school jazz band combat hunger |
North Alabama Zoological Society's Christie Woodruff Speaks to Athens RotariansChristie Woodruff with the North Alabama Zoological Society (NALZS) spoke to the Athens Rotary Club on December 3, 2021.
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Athens Baseball Coach Chuck Smith Speaks to Athens Rotarians |
Rocket City Trash Pandas' Josh Caray Speaks to Athens Rotary Club |
Bill Strain Honored with Martin-Young Achievement AwardOn Friday November 16, 2018 the Athens Rotary presented its Martin-Young Lifetime Achievement Award to Bill Strain. The Martin-Young Fellowship is awarded by the Athens Rotary Club to one of our very own for lifetime achievement in the service of our community. The Martin-Young Fellowship also includes a donation by Athens Rotary to The Rotary Foundation in the amount of $1,000 in honor of the recipient. ![]() ![]() ![]() |
United Way Week of CaringAthens Rotary participated in the United Way’s Week of Caring on September 21, 2017 by washing buses for the Athens Limestone Counseling Center. ![]() ![]() |
Suporting the Trinity Community CenterThe Athens Rotary Club is proud to support our community and the Trinity Community Center. On September 24th the Club presented a $15,000 check to the Athens-Limestone Community Association which oversees the Trinity site. The funds will assist in the completion of landscaping at the site and the Club will assist with some of the landscaping efforts, including tree planting.
The site is home to the Union built Fort Henderson, where escaped slaves fought for the Union and were captured by Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest. It is also home to Trinity School, which served as the county's only all black high school until integration. The site tells the story of slave to soldier to student.
The new community center which will open later this year will serve youth and adults with job training skills and other educational training opportunities.
Athens Rotary Club presents a check for $15,000 to members of the Athens-Limestone Community Association at the Trinity site (Photo courtesy Lora Scripts)
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Athens Rotary Serving The CommunityDuring the month of December, Athens Rotary Club filled bags for the Athens City School Full Tummy Project. Rotary then distributed them to each city school each Friday in January (Athens Intermediate, Athens Elementary, Julian Newman, Cowart and Brookhill).
The second portion of the project was to distribute food items to the county schools for their weekend backpack food programs for elementary children at risk for hunger. Packages were delivered to West Limestone, Blue Springs Elementary, Owens Elementary, Johnson Elementary, Tanner, Creekside, Cedar Hill and Piney Chapel.
All totaled Athens Rotary Club provided over 12,000 servings of food items such as granola bars, cheese crackers, peanut butter crackers, fruit cups, beef ravioli, juice boxes and pop tarts.
Photo courtesy of Tere Richardson:
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Service Above SelfThe Athens Rotary Club acted quickly to purchased and delivered supplies to those in need the day after the devastating April 28, 2014 tornado in Limestone County. The club also donated $500 to an area food bank. As we pray for and support our neighbors, this is a good reminder of Rotary’s motto in action…”Service Above Self.” ![]()
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Rotarians Volunteer at Pecan ParkOn Saturday March 5th, volunteers from the Athens Rotary Club worked on the new “Pecan Park” located at the corner of Marion and Green Street. Rotarians planted trees, flowers, shrubs, and assisted with landscaping in the new green space that the City of Athens prepared beneath the old tree. ![]()
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Athens Rotary Welcomes Three New MembersAthens Rotary Club welcomed three new members on January 31, 2014: Wayne Kuykendall (proposed by Doug Logan), Louis Tominack (Jeff Hodges), and Jennifer Williamson (Sally Marks). |
Athens Rotary Welcomes Lee Noah |
Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson - November 9, 2013Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson updated the club on activities within the APD. The department recently rounded up drug dealers as part of a six-month undercover operation known as Operation Harvest Festival. APD also recently began operating four SUVs that run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) from the cities CNG station.
Only one card remains in the deck…the elusive Joker!
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Curtis Farm Hosts Athens RotaryDonna Jo and John Curtis hosted the Athens Rotary club at their farm on November 1, 2013. The Limestone chapter of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association provided lunch. The fall weather and colors could not have been more beautiful!
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October 18th Meeting at Leak CityDon't Forget: The October 18th meeting will be at the Athens Gas "Leak City" training facility at 807 East Sanderfer Rd off of Hwy 31 South. For directions call Mason Matthews at 256-434-6122.
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Athens Rotary Welcomes Dr. Patrick Boyett and Dr. William LawrenceAthens Rotary Club is proud to welcome new members Dr. Patrick Boyett and Dr. William Lawrence. The doctors practice sports medicine and orthopedic surgery together at OrthoSports Athens, LLC. Dr. Patrick Boyett (left) and Dr. William Lawrence (right) |
Tracy Guidry - Athens Boys and Girls ClubAthens Rotary heard a stirring presentation from Tracy Guidry, Director of the Athens Boys and Girls Club. Five Key Elements for Positive Youth Development
https://www.bgcnal.com/locations/athens-club/ Denver Betts and Tracy Guidry |
Everett Osborne Recognized as 2013 Paul Harris FellowThe Athens Rotary Club recognized Everett Osborne as its 2013 Paul Harris Fellow. Judge Jimmy made the presentation and they were joined on stage by approximately seventeen previous Paul Harris Fellows from the Athens club. Everett Osborne Left to Right: Judge Jimmy Woodroof; Everett Osborne; 2013-2014 Club President Jim Moffatt
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Huntsville Botanican Garden - Aug 16, 2013The Huntsville Botanical Gardens is celebrating its 25th year of operation in 2013. Athens Rotary was proud to welcome Paula Steigerwald (CEO) and Harvey Cotten, (VP and Chief Horticulturist) to update the club on the gardens. Judge Jimmy Woodroof also brought several excellent examples of Bonsai trees from his personal collection. Left to Right: Paula Steigerwald, Judge Jimmy Woodroof, and Harvey Cotton Judge Woodroof's Bonsai Examples
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Trey Holliday - Athen City School SuperintendantNew Athens City School superintendent Trey Holliday updated the club on the state of the City school system, including the status of is 45 day entry plan. Mr. Holliday also briefed the club on changes coming to the school systems, which includes the “Power Up” program designed to place technology in the hands of all City school students and teachers. Athens City Schools is home to: 3,180 students; 418 employees; and 222 teachers.
Trey Holliday Left to right: Sanders Woodroof, Trey Holliday, and Jim Moffatt |
Bill Hightower and Curtis Grissom Celebrate Rotary AnniversariesThe Athens Rotary Club recognized two very special people for years of Rotary service on August 2, 2013. Bill Hightower celebrated 40 years of Rotary service and Curtis Grissom was recognized for 25 years. The club response with a standing ovation Congratulations to these fine gentlemen! Curtis Grissom (L) and Bill Hightower (R)
Left to right: Athens President Jim Moffatt; Curtis Grissom; Bill Hightower; District 6860 Governor Tom Greene.
Link to Photo Gallery |
District Governor Tom Greene Visits AthensThis past week our speaker was our Rotary District Governor, Tom Greene. Mr. Greene spoke to the club about his definition of leadership and how that relates to being a Rotarian and building stronger communities. Tom Greene
Athens Rotary Club 2013-2014 President Jim Moffatt ad Jim Greene
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Blake McDaniel - How a Gig Becomes a Record Deal |
Dr. Bob Glenn on Sherlock HolmesDr. Bob Glenn, a Sherlock Holmes scholar, shared his knowledge of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous character and why he endures to this day.
Fredrick Martin promised to pose for the camera if he had a chance! 2009 - 2010 Past President Frederick Martin (Left) is presented a long overdue President's Pin from 2012 - 2013 Past President Jason Thomas (Right).
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Athens Rotarians Work To Help The High Cotton Art IncubatorEighteen Athens Rotarians and friends gathered on Saturday morning, June 8, 2013 to clear brush and debris from the former W. E. Estes & Son property. A portion of this property will be used for the new High Cotton Art Incubator. Pictured: Front Row (L-R) Jimmy Woodroof, Mac Martin, Chris Paysinger, Paul Mammana, Jerry Batts, Charles Woodroof, Barry Hickman Back Row (L-R) Curt Grissom, Billy Ward, John King, Sanders Woodroof, Doug Gates, Tim McCormick, Henry Griggs, Carl Hunt Not Pictured: Jim Moffatt, Trisha Black, Chris Seibert, Jason Thomas
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Dr. Bob Glenn Update on Athens State UniversityAthens State University President Dr. Bob Glenn updated the club on the growth of the University including renovations on campus, the Alabama Center for the Arts, and the Athens State Center for Lifelong Learning. Please visit the links below to learn more about these exciting additions to Athens State. Athens State Center for Lifelong Learning |
Athens Rotary Club Awards Night is June 29, 2013The Athens Rotary Club will host its annual awards night on Saturday June 29th, 2013 from 6pm-9pm at the Limestone County Events Center. Please RSVP by 5pm Monday June 24th to: Martha Jo Leonard (256-777-2903) Sandy Thompson (256-998-6688) or RVSP online via the club calendar on this website. |
Stephen Black InspiresDr. Stephen Black shared his inspiring vision for, and insights to, community service with the Athens Rotary Club. Dr. Black is the director of Impact Alabama. Since 2004, Impact Alabama’s Focus First initiative has trained thousands of student volunteers from over 20 colleges and universities across the state who have screened over 48,000 children for vision problems.
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Steve Maples Shares Insight and Memories from 37 Years at the Von Braun CenterSteve Maples, Executive Director of the Von Braun Center (VBC), shared 37 years of memories from the Center. Steve shared many interesting facts regarding the history and operation of the VBC including some of the more interesting artists to visit over the years. Steve Maples (left) and Jimmy Bryan (right) ![]()
The Athens Rotary Club also had the pleasure of welcoming Tenson Mangwinyana from the Rotary Club of Victoria Falls (District 9210) located in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Tenson told the club about his home, which included several photos of their local Rotary Club. Tenson has a passion for Rotary and it’s vision and we are honored to have him in Athens. Tenson Mangwinyana |
Athens Rotary Club Beautifies Jefferson StreetRotarians and friends gathered on the afternoon of March 17, 2013 to improve our city. They planted more than 50 trees and shrubs on Jefferson Street between Green Street and Forrest Street. This projected was lead by Doug Gates and Barry Hickman. It was a resounding success! |
Gary Knotts Talks BaseballOn March 1, 2013, Gary Knotts, former Major League Baseball Pitcher visited the Athens Rotary Club. Gary discussed many aspects of his baseball career including his time with the Florida Marlins and Detroit Tigers. We thank Gary for taking time to be with us. Gary Knotts (Left) is shown here with Athens Rotarian, Charles Morrison (Right).
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40 Years of Service Recognized!![]() Our new Four Way Test Banner was donated in honor of Bill Hightower for his 40 years of service to the Athens Rotary Club. Club President, Jason Thomas (Left) and Bill Hightower (Right) are shown here with the new banner. Thanks to Bill for his dedication and service to our club!
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Athens Rotary Club Welcomes Austin SmithThe Athens Rotary Club would like to welcome Austin Smith. Austin is the General Manager of Jimmy Smith Buick GMC, where he has worked for over twelve years. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in Business. Austin is the son of fello Rotarian Jimmy Smith. In his spare time Austin enjoys golf, coaching his children’s basketball and baseball teams, as well as spending time on the river. Austin and his wife Amelia have four kids: Blake (8), Emily (6), Hayden (5), and Kyle (3). The Smith family attends Lindsay Lane Baptist Church. Ausin was proposed by John Stockton Pictured (L to R): Jimmy Smith, Austin Smith, Jason Thomas |
Auburn University President Jay Gogue visits Athens Rotary Club |
H. K. Derryberry Back In AthensH. K. Derryberry and Jim Bradford shared their inspiring story of friendship with the Athens Rotary Club on February 8, 2013. Jason Thomas presented H. K. with an honorary membership in the Athens Rotary Club. Mayor Ronnie Marks presented H. K. and Jim with Keys to the City. |
H. K. Derryberry Honorary Citizen of Athens, Alabama - February 8, 2013 |
Quote of the Week - Who Said It?
We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.
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Thought for the Week - Who Said It?
An optimist is the human personification of spring.
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Mark Your Calendars!
Here you can post little tidbits of information, reminders, or anything else!
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District Governor Visits Athens Rotary Club
Rotary District 6860 Governor Phil Williams inspired Athens Rotarians with his presentation on August 10, 2012. Governor Williams discussed many aspects of how Rotary is making a difference in the world and in our communities. He encouraged the membership to tell what Rotary is doing.
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Busy Week for Athens RotaryIt has been a busy week in our club and for our club in our community. "Just Down the Road" performed at our October 3rd meeting just in time for the Fiddler's Convention. The club also had an international visitor. Thompson Yin, a 23 year veteran firefighter from Ghana, Africa was in Athens learning about our firefighting techniques to take it back to his home department. Athens Rotary also presented checks to the Alabama Veterans Museum and the Limestone County Archives. Thompson Yin visiting from Ghana Check presentation to the Alabama Veterans Museum
Check presentation to the Limestone County Archives Jim Hays, Tony Anderson, Billy Craig, Julie Estes, Jim Holland, Guinn Laxson, Tammy Laxson, Dave Thier and Juls Weatherford are the "Just Down the Road" Band |
District Governor Jerry Sheppard Visits AthensAthens Rotary Club Board with District 6860 Governor Jerry Sheppard and Assistant Governor Sue Mitchell: Left to Right: Jerry Sheppard, East Limestone Rotaract Leaders Amber Watford, Hayden Norwood, Maggie McNamara, and Athens Club President Amy Golden Trisha Black and Doug Gates display the Main Street Alabama award for Excellence in Public/Private Partnerships which has been awarded to the Athens Rotary Club |
Rotary wins AwardThe Athens Rotary Club & The Spirit of Athens have won an award of Excellence from Main Street Alabama. The Excellence in Public/Private Partnerships recognized Athens Rotary and SOA for their joint efforts to beautify downtown Athens though project such as "Pecan Park." Spirit of Athens Director Trisha Black and Athens Rotary Club President Amy Golden accept the award from Alabama Lt. Govenror Kay Ivey, |
Rotary Welcomes Three New MembersThe Athens Rotary Club welcomed three new members on August 22,2014: (L to R) 2014-2015 President Amy Golden, David Pryor, Lora Scripps, Kenny Baskin, and Judge Jimmy Woodroof |
Rotary After HoursJoin us for the first "Rotary After Hours" on Thursday September 18th from 5:30pm-7:30pm. We will meet at Limestone Bay Trading Co. in Mooresville. Bring your spouse or significant other and meet Rotarians from the Huntsville and Decatur clubs. This event will count as a meeting makeup for the Athens Club. |
Thank You Bill Perkins!Thank you Bill Perkins, for going above and beyond the call of duty at CASA Mud Volleyball! |
Rotary Volunteers NeededVolunteers are still needed to help with CASA Mud Volleyball (Saturday July 19th), and the Rotary International Day of Service at the Birdie Thornton Center (Tuesday July 29th). Please e-mail Tere Richardson at tereannr@aol.com if you are able to serve. |
HK Deryberry on FacebookOur club was fortunate to have a visit from HK Derryberry and Jim Bradford this past week. HK wants to keep in touch with all of his friends via facebook. He currently has about 1,100 followers and is looking for more. If you are a facebook user you can follow him at www.facebook.com/hk.derryberry. (Photo courtesy of hkderryberry.com) |
Rotary Awards Night...Featuring "Simon Sez"Rotary Awards Night will be held Saturday June 28th. The evening begins with dinner and awards at from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, followed by live entertainment from the band “Simon Sez.” The band plays a wide range of music from Motown to current day, and they will perform until 11:00pm. Simon Sez are: Drew Carter; Andy Clem; Greg Young; Whitney Young; Jim McDole; and Buddy Carter. |
Don't Forget...Don't forget that our April 25th meeting will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church in support of the Veterans Museum Fish Fry. |
Coach Jeff Pugh on Faith, Family, Education, and FootballEast Limestone head football coach Jeff Pugh discussed his love of growing up in Athens and Limestone County, mentoring young men though football, and the Athens/East Limestone rivalry. Coach Pugh instills in his players that God, family, and education must come before football. Coach Pugh has a little fun with John Hubbs
Dr. Lynn Hedgepeth and Coach Pugh
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Baron Huber Talks FootballBaron Huber shared his entertaining, and inspirational, story of determination and perseverance in following his dream to play Division I football. Baron's athletic career culminated in a 2009 BCS Football National Championship with the University of Alabama. Baron Huber (left) and Griff Redmill
Baron entertaining the club
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Security and Integrity of Your Data![]()
ClubRunner secures all your private information using the latest security technologies. Hosted in a world class data centre with redundant power, Internet backbones and 24/7 security and monitoring, you can rest assured that your club data is safe and protected. Your members' contact information is secured behind unique logins and passwords. Access to information is also restricted, for example, a member can only view the list of members, but can modify his or her own personal information.
Data on the server is protected by TCP/IP filtering, firewall and anti-virus software that protect against any unauthorized intrusion. Backups of data are made daily and stored off-site. |
Integrated eBulletin for Easier Communication![]()
ClubRunner makes it easy to publish your weekly Club eBulletin, and send to all members and friends of the club, by incorporating home page stories and events with the push of a button.
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Welcome to our new website! |