The Literacy Legacy
December 2025
1st Edition
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving as we turn the corner for Christmas. The first half of my year of Governor is just about over. It has passed a lot quicker than I expected. I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people along the way, and I know that District 6840 is in great hands going forward. It’s all about the members and y’all keep us strong.
 
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to travel to Honduras to visit some schools that the District 6840 supports through Lunches for Learning. What an amazing trip. I was able to see firsthand the direct impact we’re having on the lives of children and families. As RI President Francesco Arezzo wrote in Rotary Magazine, “Literacy is more than the ability to read and write. It is the key to human dignity, economic mobility, and peace”
 
That is especially true in a country as poor as Honduras.
 
There are a couple of things coming up right after the first of the year that I want to draw
your attention to. First is the Paul Harris Society Gala. It will be held on January 9,
2026 at the Great Southern Club, Hancock Bank Building, Gulfport. An email went out
last week with a link to the registration. The registration is also available on the District
6840 website and this newsletter.
 
Secondly, on January 10th we will hold the Mid-Year Review at the Bay Waveland Yacht Club, Bay St Louis. A link will be available soon to register.
 
And finally, mark your calendars for May 1-2, 2026, as that will be the District 6840
District Conference. More details to come on that.
 

Rotarians strive every day to make the world a better place 🌍, and the Rotary Foundation is the heart ❤️ of that impact.
Each year, we gather to honor the generous individuals who help make this work possible 🎉.

Join us for District 6840’s Annual Paul Harris Gala 🏛️ on Friday evening, January 9th at The Great Southern Club in Gulfport.

Registration is now open on the District website 📝.
Let’s come together to celebrate our Foundation, our donors, and the good we’ll create in the year ahead ✨🤝!
Register Here

✨ It’s time for all club presidents to share what makes your club Magical! ✨
We’ll also have exciting updates from district and Rotary leaders. 🌀
Breakfast and lunch are provided. 🍳🥗 There’s no cost to attend — we just need you to register so we can plan for food. 📝

⏰ Registration is required and will close on SATURDAY, January 3, 2025.

Can’t wait to see everyone there! 🎉
Register Here

ATTN President-Elects & President-Nominees:
PETS is calling your name!

This is your chance to meet the classmates who will spark new ideas, the teammates who will strengthen your plans, and the leaders who will walk beside you throughout your year.

Your registration is already covered in district dues for two attendees per club—just come ready to learn, lead, and laugh.

Natchez is waiting. Let’s build a powerful year together… and all that jazz! 🎷

Feeding the Needy 2025
Help Feed Local Families This Christmas

When school meals stop for the holidays, many children go hungry. Feeding the Needy provides full Christmas dinners to families across the Northshore—1,500 families were served last year.

$50 feeds a family of 8+ with:
• Cooked turkey (16–18lb)
• Sides
• Dessert

FTN Christmas Luncheon

Dec. 9 • 12 PM • Saint Paul’s Brigg Center
Featuring Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser

• Tables: $1,000 (8 seats)
• Individual: $100

How to Give

Check: Covington Rotary Foundation (501(c)(3))
PO Box 541, Covington, LA 70434

Sponsorships/Volunteers: covrotary@gmail.com
Online: GiveButter

If you’d like to help provide gifts for patients in the psych ward at Northlake Behavioral Health Hospital, please check out the attached Amazon wish list. Drop-off locations are also included.

You can learn more or give a monetary donation using the QR codes on the flyer.

These essential items mean so much to patients during the holidays.
✨💚❤️✨
Every contribution helps - thank you in advance for your kindness! 💙💛
Join the FB Group
District 6840
District-Sponsored Events
Covington Club Visit
St. Paul's School
Dec. 09, 2025
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
 
Paul Harris Society Gala
Jan. 09, 2026
 
Legacy Dinner Team Training 1
Jan. 09, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
 
PAUL HARRIS SOCIETY GALA 2026
Jan. 09, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
 
MidYear Checkup
Jan. 10, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
 
View entire list

🌟 December is Rotary Disease Prevention & Treatment Month! 🌟

This month, Rotary shines a light on one of our key areas of focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment. Rotarians around the world work to improve access to essential healthcare, support medical professionals, promote mental health, and continue the fight against diseases like polio.

We’d also love to spotlight the great work happening right here at home!   Send in any local projects your club is doing so we can highlight the good!
💡 DON'T FORGET TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS! 💡
 
Got an awesome event coming up? Just send the details over to Ashley Mayley-Yarber at ashley.mayley.5@gmail.com, our newsletter guru. She'll work her magic and make sure your event gets the spotlight it deserves!