Oconee County Rotary Club

10/12/2026

October 13, 2026: Athens Crush

This week our guests are President and CEO, Mike Sammond (right), and Head Coach, Rob Keefe (left), from Athens's newest Indoor Football Team, Athens Crush.

Veteran coach Rob Keefe has been named the inaugural Head Coach and Director of Football Operations for the Athens franchise, which is set to begin play in 2027 at Akins Ford Arena. One of the most accomplished coaches in indoor football, Keefe most recently led the Bay Area Panthers to the 2023 IFL National Championship. Overall, he has won seven professional indoor football championships including three as a head coach.

Mike Sammond is a seasoned sports executive and award-winning broadcaster with extensive experience across professional, collegiate, and international sports. He has held leadership roles with multiple franchises, including Minority Owner, President, and CEO of the Columbus Wardogs (arenafootball2); President of the Montgomery Maulers (National Indoor Football League); and Vice President of Business Operations for the Birmingham Steeldogs (arenafootball2) and Birmingham Bulls (East Coast Hockey League). He has also driven corporate sponsorship and broadcasting initiatives for the Georgia Force (Arena Football League) and Atlanta Knights (International Hockey League).

10/08/2026

Today’s the day! ❤️🩸

You can make a difference today. Join the Rotary Club of Oconee County and the American Red Cross for our Blood Drive at Athens Academy.

🕐 1–6 PM
📍 Athens Academy
1281 Spartan Lane, Athens, GA 30604

Schedule your appointment at RedCrossBlood.org using sponsor code AACADEMY.

Those who come to give blood during the promotional period can also receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. 🎁

Join us today and help make a difference. ❤️

10/07/2026

Tomorrow’s the day! ❤️

There’s still time to schedule your blood donation appointment and make a difference in the lives of those who depend on donated blood.

🗓️ Thursday, October 8, 2026
⏰ 1–6 PM
📍 Athens Academy
1281 Spartan Lane, Athens, GA 30604

Schedule your appointment at RedCrossBlood.org using sponsor code AACADEMY.

Plus, those who come to give blood during the promotional period can receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. 🎁

Give blood. Help change a life.

10/06/2026

October 6, 2026: Brian Barfield

This week, our guest speaker is Brian Barfield with AT&T. Brian serves as the Regional Director of External & Legislative Affairs with responsibility of 43 North Georgia Counties, with 30 years of experience in Telecommunications and 27 years’ service with AT&T where he has held numerous positions within Network Operations. In his current role he is responsible for advancing AT&T’s public policy and community engagement.

Beyond professional achievements, Brian is deeply committed to community engagement. He currently serves on the Athens Technical College Foundation Board, Athens Chamber Board, Greater Hall Chamber Board and Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Board, reflecting the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self”.

When not working, Brian enjoys spending time with his Wife and 2 Daughters, and everything the outdoors has to offer.

10/05/2026

Your blood donation matters. ❤️

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood—and one donation may help more than one life. All blood types are needed, and you don’t need to know your blood type to give.

Ready to make a difference? Join the Rotary Club of Oconee County and the American Red Cross for our upcoming Blood Drive.

🗓️ Thursday, October 8, 2026
⏰ 1–6 PM
📍 Athens Academy
1281 Spartan Lane, Athens, GA 30604

Schedule your appointment at RedCrossBlood.org using sponsor code AACADEMY.

Give blood. Help change a life.

10/04/2026

We are proud to call you a member, Cindy.

🎉 Five Facts Friday! 🎉

This week, we’re getting to know a Rotarian whose commitment to service is truly a family affair! 💙👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🤝

👩‍👧 Making Rotary history: She and her daughter, Christina Pierce, are the first mother/daughter members of their Rotary Club! 🎉🏆💙

🌟 A family of Rotarians: Christina joined Rotary on July 14, 2026, and her children, Alexander and Calleigh, also became Paul Harris Fellows that day. Talk about a proud family moment! 👏💙👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🎂 Creative partners: She loves baking and decorating cakes with her daughter, who has also helped behind the scenes with events and service projects for nearly two decades. 🧁🎨🤝

📸 Family photographer: Her favorite hobby is photography, and her favorite subjects are her daughter and two grandchildren—Alexander, 9, and Calleigh, 4. ❤️📷👧👦

🎄 Christmas enthusiast: Her favorite holiday is Christmas, thanks to her love of colorful lights and decorations! ✨🎅❤️

💙 Why Rotary? 🤝🌎

“I love Rotary because it inspires us to give back—and hopefully inspires the next generation to do the same.” 🌟🙌👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

💫 For her, service isn’t just something you do—it’s something you share, model, and pass on. We love seeing Rotary become a family tradition! 💙🤝🌎

🎉 Stay tuned for next week’s Five Facts Friday! 📅✨

10/01/2026

Give blood. Help change a life. ❤️

The Rotary Club of Oconee County is partnering with the American Red Cross for a Blood Drive at Athens Academy on Thursday, October 8 from 1–6 PM.

📅 October 8, 2026
⏰ 1:00–6:00 PM
📍 Athens Academy
1281 Spartan Lane, Athens, GA 30604

Ready to give? Visit RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code AACADEMY to schedule your appointment.

Plus, those who come to give blood can receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. 🎁

Your donation can make a difference. Schedule your appointment today!

09/30/2026

Our club joined the Athens Rotary and Classic City Rotary Clubs at Wire Park for a social this week. We truly appreciate our fellow Rotarian and South Main Brewing owner, Brock Toole, for hosting the event. Classic City of Athens Rotary Club Classic City of Athens Rotary Club

09/29/2026

September 29, 2026: Barbara Rivera Holmes

Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes was appointed by Governor Brian Kemp and sworn in as the 11th Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) on April 4, 2025, becoming Georgia's first Latina constitutional officer. She leads the agency at a critical time for the state's workforce and economy.

Since taking office, Holmes has launched GDOL's bold strategic plan — a transformative blueprint focused on innovation, operational excellence, and elevated public service. Under her leadership, GDOL is partnering with state leaders, employers, and communities to build the Top State for Talent. The department delivers vital services including unemployment insurance, job placement, labor market data, and workforce development, ensuring Georgia's labor market remains strong and competitive.

09/23/2026

📣New member inductions! Meet our new members: Joe Lockman (sponsored by Deedee Gaines), Luke Wyatt and Mason Banks (sponsored by
Cindy Hadden). 👏🏼