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Thomasville Today
By the People, for the People
Rotary Club Welcomes Five New Members in Thomasville
The Rotary Club of Thomasville inducted Gretchen Bickel, Tony Lloyd, Marcy Sizemore, John Taylor, and Tia Turner as its newest members.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:04pm
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The induction of five new members into the Rotary Club of Thomasville reflects the organization's commitment to growth and community service.Thomasville TodayThe Rotary Club of Thomasville welcomed five new members during an induction ceremony on Thursday afternoon. The new members - Gretchen Bickel, Tony Lloyd, Marcy Sizemore, John Taylor, and Tia Turner - were each introduced by their sponsors and recited an oath of passage before being pinned. The new Rotarians were reminded of the club's motto of 'service above self' and received a warm welcome from the existing members.
Why it matters
The induction of new members is an important milestone for the Rotary Club, as it helps to ensure the continued growth and vitality of the organization. The new members bring diverse backgrounds and skills that can contribute to the club's community service initiatives and philanthropic efforts.
The details
Each of the five new Rotarians was introduced by their sponsor. Gretchen Bickel was sponsored by her son, Chandler Giddes, and has a history of community involvement. Tony Lloyd was introduced by David Sofferin, who has known Lloyd for over 30 years through their work at the Florida Department of Children and Families. Marcy Sizemore was sponsored by Donna Tanner and Arthur Wigfall, and is the owner of Olive Orchard Lab. John Taylor, known as 'JT', was introduced by Stephan Thompson, who met him at a local fundraising event. Tia Turner was introduced by Esther-Marie Lawrence and recently moved to Thomasville from Atlanta, where she served in ministry.
- The induction ceremony took place on Thursday afternoon, March 30, 2026.
The players
Gretchen Bickel
A third-generation Thomasvillian who was sponsored by her son, Chandler Giddes. Bickel has a history of community involvement and has joined her son in Rotary service projects.
Tony Lloyd
A Thomasville resident who was introduced by David Sofferin, with whom he previously worked at the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Marcy Sizemore
The owner and founder of Olive Orchard Lab, a coaching business, and co-owner of Loblolly Lamb, a grass-fed sheep farm. Sizemore was sponsored by Donna Tanner and Arthur Wigfall.
John Taylor
Also known as 'JT', Taylor was introduced by Stephan Thompson, who met him at a local fundraising event. Taylor's mother is a state representative.
Tia Turner
Recently moved to Thomasville from Atlanta, where she served in ministry. Turner now works as the Communications Manager for the Thomasville Center for the Arts and was introduced by Esther-Marie Lawrence.
What they’re saying
“I'm tickled pink to now sit across from her and have lunch with her once a week and see what she's going to do as part of this club. She has raised me to love this community, and I hope you guys welcome her heart of service.”
— Chandler Giddes, Sponsor of Gretchen Bickel
“Marcy is thoughtful, authentic, genuinely service-minded, open to perspectives beyond her own, and she's grounded enough to work hard, but not to take herself too seriously. She truly embodies the service leadership Rotary stands for, and I know you all will enjoy working with her as I have in the past.”
— Donna Tanner, Rotarian
What’s next
The Rotary Club of Thomasville will continue to engage its new members in community service projects and social activities, helping them to fully integrate into the club and contribute to its mission.
The takeaway
The induction of five new members into the Rotary Club of Thomasville demonstrates the organization's commitment to growth and community involvement. The diverse backgrounds and skills of the new Rotarians will help to strengthen the club's ability to make a positive impact in the local area.
