Vision: A strong America, safe communities, and unified people.
Mission: Exchange, inspiring communities to become better places to live.
Motto: Unity for Service
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February 2021
Buzz Wachsteter (Rome)
Editor
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WARNING OF A SCAM TO ALL MEMBERS
We have learned that some of our Georgia District members are receiving an email request that supposedly is from our President, Fussell Hughes, asking them to purchase gift cards, send them to an address, and the District will reimburse you.
This is a SCAM. Our President, nor any of the other officers, would send you an email asking you to purchase cards or anything else with the promise of getting your money back.
DO NOT REPLY TO THESE EMAILS
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COVID Vaccine slowly rolled out across the District
Get Yours...
Exchange Needs You!
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At the time of this writing, COVID vaccine shots are slowly being made available through local health departments and some pharmacies. Don't take the chance. We have already lost too many Exchange members. Also don't forget this year's regular Flu shot is very important too. They are separate shots. |
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There's nothing political about it. It's a matter of life and death. If you don't care about yourself, THINK OF THE OTHER PERSON! |
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Georgia Needs Exchange NOW More Than Ever |
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Fussell's Footnotes
Fussell Hughes
President, Georgia District
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I just got back from a visit to the Savannah club. Listen to their President tell you how that club continues their Community Service Projects and attract new members. It can be done successfully and SAFELY. (Just click on the picture to start the video)
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you this year. I would love to visit your club, either live or Zoom, and let's talk Exchange.
Fussell
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Don't Reinvent The Wheel
Albany Sets Car Show &
Arts & Crafts Show Rescheduled For
April 30 - May 1
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COVID may have forced a rescheduling...but from creation of classics to a demolition derby banging and slamming, it will all be there. It should be some weekend at the fairgrounds in Albany as the club promotes a huge car show and arts & crafts fair. Trying to replenish their projects fund do to the COVID forced cancellation of their fair, the club has been learning from a long established similar event in Moultrie. They are using the expertise of the Moultrie event promoters to help guide them in the development of their show, which keeps them from having to reinvent the wheel.
What is wonderful about this Albany project, all expenses for this project have already been covered by the advanced sale of sponsorships so this show is already in the black before the first person has shown up. Exchange ingenuity!!!
The club plans to have something for everyone be it looking at old cars, shop at the Arts and Crafts Festival or eat Fair Food... they will have it all. To add to this, they will have the infamous Exchange Club Demolition Derby. What more can you ask? So, join them and enjoy!!
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Oops...we made a mistake. In last month's issue we featured Rome's Clocktower Race and suggested if your club was looking for a fundraiser...try a race. Sorry, I listed Gail Johnson's phone number incorrectly. Her correct number is 706-346-9348. She has years of experience. |
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Holidays are over…NOW THINK VACATION.
What better place to have that vacation than at
the Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens?
June 3-6, 2021
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This year’s convention is centered around having FUN! Sure, there will be officer’s election and Exchange education, but with all you have had to put up with, our schedule has been rearranged with your enjoyment in mind. Unwind and have a good old fashioned good time at Callaway Gardens and the surrounding area.
Get a jump on what you and the family can do by taking a look at the suggestions of the Pine Mountain Tourism Board. Plan on what you want to see inside and outside the gardens plus recommendations for where to dine on Friday night of the convention since it is open time. Info is a click away: Pine Mountain Tourism
Use the links below for full information on how to make your room reservations at the lodge, or in one of the Cottages if you are pairing up with another couple or for your children. Just click on links below on the Lodge/Cottage tab for info and the telephone number so you get the cheap rate, $120 per night per bedroom. download the Convention tab below for the form to sign up for the sessions and Golfers don’t forget golfers to click on the Golf Team tab and download the sign up form for the golf tournament that funds the District's Child Abuse Prevention grants.
See you all June 3-6 and contact me if you have questions.
Yours in Exchange,
Jess Lucas
404-713-7740
Jlucas2016@att.net
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Your Business Can Help Exchange's Child Abuse Prevention Program
By Sponsoring A Hole At The District Convention At Callaway Gardens
It's a simple thing to do. Just fill out the form from the link below and your company's donation to the Georgia CAP Foundation - Hole Sponsor (501c3 corporation that is tax deductible) will benefit Georgia's accredited CAP center plus affiliates throughout the state.
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Georgia District's Youth And A.C.E. Awards
WILL NOT Be Victims Of COVID
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It's no secret, local clubs throughout the District are having to make adjustments. The Georgia District's youth awards, A.C.E., Accepting the Challenge of Excellence, and Youth of the Year, are on track. Both awards and their accompanying scholarships will be awarded in June at the District Convention.
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District A.C.E. Chair Ginger Larrabee has Program
Well Underway.
Does Your Club?
During this time of social distancing, many of our clubs are looking for ways to engage in their communities while managing their budget and at the same time, continue to offer recognition and scholarships.
Your club can use this opportunity to reward students by participating in the ACE Award. ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE OF EXCELLENCE describes students who are overcoming social, emotional or physical obstacles and are now eligible for high school graduation or a GED. These are the students who are often overlooked for their accomplishments. This special recognition serves as a powerful example to all students that hard work and perseverance pay off.
Local clubs can the recognition it wants to offer these deserving students. A plaque, money or both. Your winner selected by your club and their applications are due to the District Chairperson no later than April 16, 2021.
The District winner will win a scholarship award of $1,500 and will move forward to National be eligible for a scholarship award of $15,000 as a National winner!
I look forward to working with you all to establish this unique and special program. I am available to present this program to your local club in person or discuss by phone. I would love to see an ACE Award candidate from each club!
Please reach out to me at 912-237-2512 or encourageace@gmail.com
Ginger Larrabee
District Chair
ACE Award
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A Student From Your Community Could Be
"The Best Of The Best" And Georgia's Youth Of The Year.
District Youth of the Year Robert Lindsey wants all members and club officers to be aware that the Youth of the Year Program will be held for 2020-2021.
District winners will be recognized at the District Convention.
The District Convention is currently scheduled for June 3-6, 2021 in Callaway Gardens at The Lodge. However, unfortunately COVID-19 will determine if this Convention will be held or if we
have a Virtual Convention again this year.
The winner of the District Youth of the Year will be submitted to National to compete for the National Youth of the Year. The District Youth of the Year receives $1,500 and the National Youth of the Year receives $15,000.
The 2020-2021 essay topic selected by our National President Cathy Mize is as follows:
“I recognize my responsibility in shaping America’s future. I have stepped out of my comfort zone during uncertain times and made a difference. I am part of history and here is where it started.”
NOTE TO CLUB PRESDENTS AND YOUTH OF THE YEAR
CHAIRS: Club Presidents were sent information in November
2020 via e-mail from me and should have received the information from National Exchange. Entry date is April 15, 2021 to:
Robert E. Lindsey
1292 Hubbard Road
Columbus, GA 31904
E-Mail: iluvallmycats@aol.com
Phone: 706-324-1025
Any questions, please contact
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This Is What We Do...Georgia's Service Club |
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Macon Kicks Off Youth Recognition Program |
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The Exchange Club of Macon is not letting a virus condition stop them from recognizing outstanding youth of middle Georgia in preparation for the selection of the Youth of the Year. The candidates for the Youth of the Year Award/Contest were selected from “32” applicants representing “9” Middle Georgia schools. The “9” students will be recognized through the next several months by the club at its meetings.
The “9” students will receive a Certificate of Accomplishment and $50.00. They will compete for Youth of the Year – the winner will be awarded with a Certificate of Accomplishment and a $500 scholarship to the college of their choice. The Club’s winner will be in competition for the Georgia District Youth of the Year – winning
the District, the student will be competing at Exchange National with an ultimate scholarship for $15,000. ( Pictured (L)Bethany Jackson & YOY Chair Debbie McCreary and (R) Aman Boricha-Masand (center) with the ACE Counselor Esterine Stokes (left) and YOY Chair Debbie McCreary.
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Rome Club High 5's In Member
Fundraising Campaign For
Local CAP Center
Each year in addition to community fundraising, contributions by the Exchange Club of Rome and it's Coosa Valley Fair Association, Exchange members are urged to support Georgia's only accredited Exchange Child Abuse Prevention Center on a personal basis. This year contributing members received a "High 5" t-shirt for increasing their own personal gifts to the Family Resource Center by $5 per month. New member contributors also could join the program and receive their t-shirt by pledging at least $5 per month to the FRC's Partners In Prevention campaign. Remember, Child Abuse Prevention is Exchange's National Project all clubs and all members should participate in.
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Brunswick Club Hears About
School Safety
Of course COVID safety is on the mind of all parents, but Rod Ellis, Glynn County's Chief of Police for the school system, briefed members of the Exchange Club of Brunswick on the protection of students while in school. Pictured from left to right Pres. Gary Wise, Chief Rod Ellis, Vice Pres. Mitch Strickland, Pres. Elect Bill Foster
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Albany Donates Fairgrounds Facility For Virus Testing
In a great service to the people of Albany and Dougherty County, the Exchange Club of Albany is donating space in the club's fairground for a drive-thru COVID-19 testing site.
The Floyd County Health Department has been conducting drive-thru testing at the Exchange Club of Rome's fairgrounds for several months.
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Savannah Club Produces Another Video
(Click Picture To View)
Savannah continues to build on technology to tell the story of Exchange to the community. The Exchange Club held their first meeting in January and welcomed United States Representative Buddy Carter to brief members on the new Congress as well as learning about the continuing Community Service work of the club.
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Milledgeville Learns About Camp For Foster Children
The members of the Exchange Club of Milledgeville were introduced to a unique camp for foster children. Artist Jeniffer Sams spoke to members about camps for foster children that also teach self-expression through art. Jeniffer also discussed conservation efforts in the art world.
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March 27th Is Our Birthday
Plan A Service Project
Get Your Community To Proclaim
National Exchange Week
Celebrate America's Service Club
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Flag Dedication Ceremony Conducted
By Rome Club For Seniors Housing Complex
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Known throughout the community for its strong Americanism program, the Exchange Club of Rome was again requested to participate in a special community event, this time by a local senior adult housing complex. The club was asked to help in the dedication of a new flag pole and American flag for the complex.
Highland Estates a senior living home and apartment complex that had installed a new flag pole and had a purchased a new flag, it was to have been dedicated on Veterans Day 2020, but due to COVID concerns it had canceled. The properties CEO and district property manager did not want the year to end without the dedication, so December 30 was selected as new date, they contacted the Americanism Committee of the Rome Club and all of the details were worked out including a plaque that was mounted on the wall to show their support for the Veterans who live there along with the over 180 residents.
The Americanism Committee headed by Exchange Club member John Fortune arranged for the cadets of the Northwest Georgia Young Marines to be the flag honor guard for the ceremony, as well as including two veterans who live in the complex, one active duty soldier, and Exchange Club members to participate in the ceremony.
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Congratulations To Georgia's National Service Award Winners...So Far
A special "clang" of the Exchange bell to those clubs who, in spite of the pandemic situation have achieved the National Service Award for working in their communities.
(Newest in red)
- Exchange Club of Macon
- Exchange Club of Albany
- Exchange Club of Milledgeville
- Exchange Club of Tifton
National Exchange awards the National Service Award and patch to those clubs who have completed and reported one project each in the Programs of Service areas of Americanism, Youth, Community Service, and our National Project the Prevention of Child Abuse, plus two other projects from any of the POS categories including fundraising.
Curious what your club has reported? Click the link below to see the National Headquarters report by club.
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- February is NATIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE MONTH
- February is NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH
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March is NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH
- APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION (CAP) MONTH
Now that you know, get your club to plan activities and programs around the monthly topics.
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We know...this is not Exchange but neat to just watch. A pair of Eagles have returned to the nest at Berry College in Rome where the female has laid two eggs. Check in and watch live. NEAT!
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Help Is Just A Mouse Click Away |
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