Chattanooga, August 6, 2025
News Summary
A new Rotary club called ‘Rotary Rocks Chattanooga’ is launching in downtown Chattanooga, with meetings every Tuesday at 5 p.m. This is the fifth Rotary club in the city, aiming to attract members who prefer alternative meeting times. The club focuses on community engagement, outreach, and support for local charities, complementing the existing Chattanooga Rotary Club’s work in promoting literacy and safety initiatives in schools.
Chattanooga Welcomes New Rotary Club ‘Rotary Rocks Chattanooga’
A new Rotary club, named ‘Rotary Rocks Chattanooga’, is set to launch in the downtown area with weekly meetings scheduled every Tuesday at 5 p.m. This establishment represents the fifth Rotary club in the city, aiming to cater to members who prefer a meeting time outside of traditional work hours, breakfast meetings, or late-evening gatherings. The club’s founder, Jane Bowen, intends to create a flexible environment for community members and professionals alike.
The inception of ‘Rotary Rocks Chattanooga’ aligns with a growing trend among local Rotary organizations, as they seek to engage more residents in community service and outreach activities. The club aims to broaden the appeal of Rotary membership in the area, encouraging diverse participation.
Currently, the Chattanooga Rotary Club stands as the 13th largest in the United States, comprising 328 members. Under the theme “Unite for Good”, the club has significantly intensified its community support initiatives. One of its primary efforts is the “five-mile rule,” which focuses on assisting local individuals and organizations within a five-mile radius of the club’s meeting place at the Convention Center.
Current Community Initiatives
The existing Chattanooga Rotary Club actively supports various charities, significantly impacting the lives of children and families in need. They have prioritized initiatives such as the Chambliss Center for Children’s Isiah House, which supports children in foster care. The club has also provided critical supplies, including clothes and toys, and established funds for parents with children in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Erlanger Hospital.
Promoting literacy is another vital aspect of the club’s mission. Members have distributed hundreds of books to local childcare and nursery centers and participated in reading sessions with young children, fostering a culture of learning and community engagement.
Safety Initiatives in Schools
A recent safety initiative put forth by the Chattanooga Rotary Club involves placing anti-choking devices, specifically LifeVac units, in Hamilton County Schools. By allocating $20,000 to purchase 314 of these devices, strategically positioned near food service and teacher lounges, the club aims to enhance student and staff safety. This initiative was brought forward by member Paula Henderson, who learned about the lifesaving potential of these devices.
Leadership and Future Outlook
The current president of the Chattanooga Rotary Club is Doug Thompson, marking his tenure as the 111th president. Under his leadership, the club continues to encourage community involvement as the new school year approaches. Rotary President Edna Varner has expressed the importance of giving back to the community, emphasizing the club’s commitment to service and safety as its members contribute to local schools and families.
Conclusion
The launch of ‘Rotary Rocks Chattanooga’ promises to expand opportunities for community engagement and foster a spirit of service among residents. As this new club joins the growing number of Rotary organizations in the area, it is likely to create lasting impacts on charitable efforts and local initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for Chattanooga residents.
FAQ
What is ‘Rotary Rocks Chattanooga’?
‘Rotary Rocks Chattanooga’ is a new Rotary club that will hold weekly meetings every Tuesday in downtown Chattanooga, providing an alternative meeting time for local residents.
When and where do the meetings take place?
The meetings are set to occur every Tuesday at 5 p.m. in downtown Chattanooga.
What are the main goals of the new club?
The main goals include expanding community engagement, supporting local charities, and providing a flexible meeting time for members.
What initiatives has the current Chattanooga Rotary Club been involved in?
The current club has prioritized initiatives like supporting children in foster care, supplying essential items to families, promoting literacy, and enhancing safety in schools.
How does the Chattanooga Rotary Club support safety in schools?
They have initiated the distribution of LifeVac units to Hamilton County Schools to aid in safety measures against choking incidents.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Club Name | Rotary Rocks Chattanooga |
| Meeting Schedule | Every Tuesday at 5 p.m. |
| Primary Goal | To provide an alternative meeting time for community members |
| Community Initiatives | Support for local charities, literacy promotion, and safety in schools |
| Savings Initiative | Distribution of LifeVac units for choking safety in schools |
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Remembering Kenneth Andrew Royse: A Chattanooga Legacy
Chattanooga Commemorates 110 Years of Rotary Service
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Deputy Johnathan Allen Fired Amid Sexual Exploitation Charges
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: New Rotary Group in Chattanooga
- Chattanoogan: Chattanooga Rotary Club Gives $20K
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Rotary Club Invests in Anti-Choking Devices
- WDEF: Historical Marker Honors Chattanooga Rotary Club
- Chattanoogan: Rotary Rocks Chattanooga Club Coming
- Wikipedia: Rotary International
- Google Search: Chattanooga Rotary Club
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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