The Power of a Weekly Meeting: Inside the Heart of Rotary in Greene and Putnam Counties

Every Thursday at noon, tucked inside the warm, welcoming walls of The Glen in Greensboro, Georgia, something powerful takes place. For one hour, the Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties transforms lunch into leadership, conversation into collaboration, and ideas into impact.

This weekly meeting isn’t just a calendar event, it’s a cornerstone of civic life in the region. With members from all walks of life, business owners, educators, retirees, volunteers, and civic leaders, it’s a dynamic space where purpose meets action.

At first glance, a Rotary meeting might seem like any other civic gathering. There's coffee brewing, light chatter, and plenty of laughter. But sit down, listen in, and it becomes clear this is no ordinary meeting. It’s a vibrant hub where service, strategy, and community spirit collide, and where ideas don’t just get discussed; they get accomplished.   

Fellowship That Fuels Purpose

At the heart of the Rotary experience is fellowship, and that’s especially true in Greene and Putnam Counties. Walk into any Thursday meeting and you’ll feel it immediately: warm greetings, lively table talk, and a true sense of connection. It isn’t just small talk, these are deep, meaningful connections that build a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

Members greet one another with genuine warmth. Some have been part of Rotary for decades; others are new faces just getting started. Everyone has a seat at the table and a story to share. Rotarians here don’t just know each other, they support, encourage, and challenge one another. That camaraderie fuels the club’s success. These relationships make more than just good conversation, they make great teamwork.

“Fellowship is what keeps us coming back,” says longtime member and past Assistant District Governor Micki Tanner. “You know you’re not just working on projects, you’re doing it alongside friends who care.”

Dynamic Speakers, Global and Local Impact

One of the most engaging parts of each Thursday meeting is the guest speaker. From regional leaders and educators to national advocates and international humanitarians, local students and teachers, the speaker series brings fresh ideas, compelling stories, and new perspectives to the club.

One week, members might hear from a local nonprofit tackling housing insecurity. Next, a healthcare professional shares updates on global disease prevention. Speakers are chosen not just for their expertise, but for their ability to inspire, educate, and activate. They ignite ideas, stir emotions, and often lead directly into new Rotary initiatives.

“Our speakers keep us connected, to what’s happening in our community and the wider world,” says Club President Jennifer Pennington. “They help us stay informed, inspired, and focused on where we can make the biggest difference.”

From Brainstorm to Boots-on-the-Ground

After the applause for our speakers dies down, the real action begins. The club transitions into project planning mode, mapping out the details of upcoming fundraisers, service initiatives, and community partnerships.

Whether it’s organizing scholarship awards for local high school students, adopting local families at Christmas, organizing monthly Second Harvest food distributions, or supporting international efforts like PolioPlus and Alliance For Smiles, this is where ideas turn into action. It’s a roll-up-your-sleeves, boots-on-the-ground mentality that defines the Rotary spirit.

“It’s one thing to identify a need in our community,” says Dr. Donna O’Neal, Club Service Chair.  “It’s another to have a room full of dedicated, caring Rotarians who are willing to address the need.  We walk in with a mission – and we walk out with an action plan!” 

Rotary planning sessions are collaborative, focused, and always infused with a sense of mission. Members pitch in with time, expertise, and heart, each one playing a role in making the club’s vision a reality.

Celebrating Every Step Forward

No Rotary meeting is complete without celebrations. Birthdays, anniversaries, completed projects, and new members, everything is a reason to pause and recognize progress. The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties believes strongly in honoring both personal milestones and collective wins. Members cheer each other on, not just for the big accomplishments, but for the consistent effort and spirit they bring to the table. 

Applause is frequent, laughter is encouraged, and humorous jokes sometimes make an appearance. These celebrations are more than tradition, they’re a way of reinforcing community and showing gratitude.

“We work hard,” says past Club President Ed O’Neal, “but we also take the time to enjoy each other and celebrate what we’re building together.”

More Than a Meeting, A Movement 

To an outsider, a Rotary meeting might just look like another item on a calendar. But for those in the Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties, it’s something much more. It’s where fellowship grows, leadership is cultivated, service projects are born, and purpose is renewed.

The Club embodies Rotary International’s timeless motto: Service Above Self. And every Thursday, that commitment is visible in action, right here in Greene and Putnam Counties.

The next time you see a Rotary sign or hear about a fundraiser in the community, know this: it likely started around a table, with a group of dedicated Rotarians, coming together to make a difference, one meeting at a time.

Why It Matters

For over a century, Rotary International has lived by the motto Service Above Self. The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties proudly upholds that tradition, meeting every Thursday from 12:00 to 1:00 PM at The Glen in Greensboro, Georgia, and proving that even one hour a week can change lives.

To some, it may just look like a lunch meeting. But to those in the room, it’s so much more: it’s connection, commitment, and a call to serve, local roots with a global reach.

So, if you’re looking for a way to get involved, meet incredible people, and make a real difference in our community and beyond, stop by The Glen on a Thursday afternoon. There’s always a seat at the table, and always a reason to serve.

For additional information about our local Rotary Club, contact Club President Jennifer Pennington at jennifercpennington@gmail.com or 706-474-0708.