Our July 22nd meeting provided so much interesting information! Our guests included Lee Hollingsworth from the Roswell Rotary Club and Sara Spring Weston and Sandy Holiday from North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC). Sandy advised that there has been a 70% increase in food pantry need since last year. To serve this increased need, NFCC is opening a satellite pantry on Holcomb Bridge Road. Over 1000 families registered a need for school supply-filled backpacks this year (500 high school, 300 middle school, 300 elementary).

Our member Suzanne Swain "graduated" from her red badge to a white badge. Suzanne stated that she really appreciates the warm and welcoming atmosphere of our club as well as how we follow the Four Way Test.  We are happy to have you in the club, Suzanne!

Immediate Past President Rick Clark presented William Bennett with a much deserved recognition for all the support he provided in the area of club administration last year. Thank you for your service, William!

This week, it was member Mark Hutchins' turn with the Member Mic. Mark and his wife Shirley are from Michigan and have two sons and two granddaughters who live in Michigan. Mark attended Michigan State University and has spent the bulk of his career in banking and mortgages. Prior to joining our Rotary club (at the invitation of Cliff Wilcox), Mark was a member of the Lions Club. Mark serves as a mentor and is training to be a coach with the regional Christian Businessman's Connection. When asked to provide our membership with some 'News we can use', Mark said "go ahead and take on the mortgage and don't waste your time waiting for things to change."  Thank you for sharing a little bit about yourself, Mark.

Our guest speaker was Tom Burgess, owner of Christian Brothers Automotive (one in Alpharetta and one in Cumming) and Airforce Veteran. Tom's topic centered around the unique challenges of fighting a war in the desert (Desert Storm) and the incredible Airforce plane that was critical to the US success in Desert Storm, the E-8 Joint Star. This aircraft was equipped with amazing communication and navigation technologies that served to protect American soldiers on the ground by ensuring protected delivery of critical weaponry resources during Desert Storm. Tom is a Rotarian in Forsyth County and embraces his commitment to serve by providing repaired donated cars to help North Fulton residents in need. He partners with numerous local charities in North Fulton and even does a monthly free oil change for single mothers in need. To date, Christian Brothers has donated 37 cars to families in need over the last two years. 

After our meeting concluded many members remained to help organize and compile school supplies and backpacks to support North Fulton Community Charities. Many thanks to our Service Project Chair, Amie Blanton, for leading the charge on this important project! 

Special thanks to member Carolynn DeSandre for taking the notes for this meeting recap!