February 27, 2026
KeyWay Report on Our AWER Club Assembly February 27, 2026
The Atlanta West End Rotary Club held a productive Club Assembly focused on leadership transition, strategic priorities, and club sustainability for the coming Rotary year. As the club prepares for a new Rotary year, leadership continuity, thoughtful decision-making, and visible service in the West End remain central priorities.
President-Elect Christopher Hempfling opened the meeting and introduced AWER member Mark Newman to introduce his guest speaker. Mark introduced The Reverend John Vaughn, Executive Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist. John then, at Mark’s request, offered the invocation for the AWER meeting. Following the invocation Chris requested Marilyn Jackson to present the DEI report. Following a lengthy conversation about a plethora of important matters arising from the DEI report, Chris then launched into the business of AWER which centered on the election of AWER Officers and Directors, plus otter matters.
Leadership Elections for Rotary Year 2026–2027
The club selected officers to serve beginning July 1, 2026:
Members expressed appreciation for those stepping into leadership roles and emphasized the importance of consistent attendance and active participation to sustain the club’s effectiveness and momentum.
Membership Chair Sonia Hantman joined the meeting virtually from snowy Sweden and shared that she will be stepping back from AWER due to anticipated family relocation later this year. Her son has been accepted into a Master’s Program at San Diego State University after his graduation this May 2026 from Georgia Tech. So Sonia will be relocating this summer to California.
Financial Report from Rose Caplan, Treasurer . Rose reported “AWER finances are good– as long as members pay dues in a timely fashion. Rose also stated that Ms. Melonia Sewell, AWER member and finance director of Atlanta Technical College, has agreed to serve as treasurer and has taken all steps needed to assume Treasurer responsibilities effective July 1, 2026. Members expressed appreciation for Rose’s service and for Melanie’s willingness to take on this critical role, and encouraged her to attend AWER meetings in person when possible.
District 6900 Grant for Peace Pole – AWER Treasurer Rose Caplan reported that Our Rotary District Office approved a grant of $2000, several months ago, for our club’s Rotary Peace Pole project install two peace poles somewhere in or near the West End. Successful completion of a District Grant requires submission of receipts and photographs documenting the completed installation and community dedication ceremony by March 31st. Members discussed several potential locations, including Atlanta Technical College, a BeltLine-adjacent site at Trees Atlanta, and the possibility of coordinating with another Peace Pole initiative connected to the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery, who is working on a peace pole installation in Liberty Plaza in advance of the FIFA World Cup here in 2026.
Members also discussed the broader opportunity to leverage the Peace Pole dedication as a visible expression of Rotary’s commitment to peace, inclusion, and community partnership. Bridgette Long agreed to help advance the project to completion within the required timeline.
No site was finalized at this meeting.
Possible relocation of AWER’s Weekly meeting from GA Tech Hotel and Conference Center - AWER Member Carolina Ramos and AWER Secretary Neil Shorthouse have been charged by AWER President Victoria to proposal for AWER Membership’s approval of a new location for AWER’s weekly meetings. Neil and Carolina presented a report that included a way to assess, qualify and vote for a new location. This report -one page- has been sent to the entire AWER membership.
Members reaffirmed the desire to meet in the West End while recognizing the advantages currently offered by Georgia Tech. Discussion centered on long-term sustainability, accessibility, parking, and the importance of securing durable commitments before making any transition. Carolina Ramos and Neil Shorthouse are continuing to research potential sites, such as Lee and White establishments, the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, and others. Members acknowledged that future developments, such as the Mall West End and others, development may bring suitable meeting spaces online in a number of years.
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AWER Keyway Speaker Reporters: Christopher Hempfling, Jared Evans and Neil Shorthouse