Gallatin Rotary Club

#JustAWeekLate

Today as we move through another round of the Mystery Rotarian quiz, we want to look back to January 9th and thank Frank Freels Jr of Volunteer State Bank for carrying our program.

Mr. Freels led us through the caution of our online lives that open us to financial fraud. Frank had great notes of caution and a healthy dose of skepticism when you receive a call that seems not quite right.

Pictured are Steve Sudbury, President Mark Kimbell, speaker Frank Freels, and Bill Kemp.

Our Club offers a major pat on the back to our own Susan Johnson, as she announces her retirement from Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County.

We know you’ve given it your all!

Johnson to Retire from Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County; Board of Directors to begin search for new ED

Susan Johnson, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County (HFHSC), has announced her retirement from the non-profit affordable housing organization, a post she has held since 2012.

Prior to her tenure with Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County, she served as the head women’s basketball coach at Georgetown College for 33 years. During her coaching career, Johnson had served on the Scott County KY Habitat for Humanity board of directors for eight years. One of her first actions as executive director for the Sumner County affiliate was to open the new ReStore in Gallatin. Johnson’s other achievements include overseeing the fundraising and building of 27 new homes and the initiation and oversight of the Critical Repair Program—a program serving low income veterans, seniors and disabled homeowners in Sumner County.

Johnson also initiated several periodic theme builds including the Apostles Build, Raise the Roof Build, Sumner Realtors Build, and Home Builders Blitz. She oversaw several other events including the annual Raise the Roof Luncheon, Women Building the Community After-hours event, and Habitat Volunteer Recognition/Christmas Party.

“Under Susan Johnson’s leadership, Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County has grown tremendously, especially with the opening of the new ReStore in Gallatin, which significantly improved the organization’s financial footing,” said Rick Morrison, Board of Directors President for HFHSC. “More importantly though, Susan’s advocacy has enabled dozens of Sumner County families fulfill their hopes and dreams of homeownership. The impact of this feat will be felt by those families and our community for generations to come.”

“It has been an honor and privilege to have spent these years with such a great organization”, commented Johnson. “We have accomplished so much, from helping many area families find affordable housing, to the successful opening of our current retail outlet, the Restore, just seven years ago.”
“I have loved my experience in Gallatin and the Sumner County community,” Johnson said. “I’ve made good friends, found a great church home and plan to remain involved in the community.”

In addition to her Habitat responsibilities, over the years Johnson has been an active member of Gallatin Rotary, Gallatin and Hendersonville Chambers of Commerce, and First Presbyterian Church of Gallatin. Her retirement plans include further pursing her love for travel, golf and basketball and look for other ways to serve the community.

Habitat’s Board of Directors has established a search committee to identify a new Executive Director. The Board plans to name a new ED this Spring. Johnson’s last day will be determined when the position is filled. Those interested in applying for the Executive Director position should visit www.HabitatSumnerCounty.org/careers for details. ... See more

Happy New Year, Gallatin and Rotarians everywhere. We look forward to doing great things with you in the next 366 days. That's right, one extra day in 2020 to say, "It's a great day to be a Rotarian!"

Join us soon, often, and on this journey.
- Promoting peace
- Fighting disease
- Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
- Saving mothers and children
- Supporting education
- Growing local economies

Great night loading baskets with lots of help to prepare for our annual Christmas for Kids event. Shout out to GMS Softball team for helping for the second year in a row & the Gallatin Satellite Club for their turnout in year one! Great Job Rotarians! See you in the morning!

Rotarians, please take note that the memorial services for Jim Hawkins have been set by Betsy and their family.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
Visitation from 4:00 - 8:00pm at Family Heritage Funeral Home

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
Funeral Service at Gallatin First United Methodist Church at Noon with burial to follow at the Gallatin Cemetery

Funeral service for Jim Hawkins is scheduled for Wednesday, December 11 at Gallatin First United Methodist Church, beginning at 12:00 noon, with burial to follow immediately afterwards in Gallatin Cemetery.
Visitation is the day before, Tuesday, December 10 at Family Heritage Funeral Home, 100 Albert Gallatin Ave, Gallatin, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
-Betsy Hawkins

Rotarians...

Our Club sends its collective love tonight to Betsy Hawkins and Jim’s family.

Jim passed away this evening in Nashville. We will share more news as the family makes arrangements.

We love you, Jim. Our city, our Club, our lives are better because of your influence.

Dear friends,
My dear husband, Jim Hawkins, passed away peacefully at 6:37 p.m. on December 6, 2019. Thank you all for your many prayers and love and support.
-Betsy Hawkins

Who is today's speaker at our weekly Rotary meeting? See you at lunch when President Mark Kimbell and Program Chair Bill Kemp help reveal the life story behind today's MYSTERY ROTARIAN!