Artist Francesco Montefiore's work on the mural he is donating to the West Broad Street YMCA is complete. Francesco will has put over 100 hours into the project, valued at approximately $6,000. The unveiling ceremony is set for 12 noon on November 10th. Our club president, Dodie, will deliver remarks along with other WBSY supporters. All Savannah Sunrise members are invited.

On November 3, Francesco was our guest speaker described his experience in planning and painting the mural. YMCA Director, and Sunrise member, Peter Doliber, arranged for our meeting to be at the West Broad Street Y, so members and guests could see the painting first-hand. Club President, Dodie Gay, and Francesco pose in front of the 5 ft x 8 ft piece. The unveiling ceremony on November 10 featured comments by Franceso, Peter Doliber, Dodie Gay, and members of the YMCA Board of Directors. In addition to the actual unveiling, a highlight was a children's rendetion of the 60s hit "The Lion Sleeps to Tonight." Other examples of Francesco's work can be viewed at www.ArtClassico.com

Rotarians who donate $1,000 or more to the Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, or the Humanitarian Grants Program are recognized as Paul Harris fellows.Gifts of more than $2,000 qualifies a donor as a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow. There are giving levels within the Multiple Paul Harris Fellows designation, and we have two Savannah Sunrise members who have reached the $7,000-7,999 level. During our September 22 meeting, District Governor Gordon Matthews presented Pam Brandt and Mike Skinner their new pins mounted with two rubies. Congratulations to both of these Rotarians whose generosity continues to make a substantial humanitarian impact in the world.

District Governor, Gordon Matthews welcomes Lex Bailey to the family of Rotary at the September 22nd meeting as his wife, Maria, and his sponsor Marty Harrell stand with him. Lex is in sales with Gas South.

On August 5, 2011, Gov. Nathan Deal filled two judicial vacancies in the House Chambers at the State Capitol.

Judge Gregory V. Sapp, left, was sworn-in as judge for the State Court of Chatham County. Prior to his appointment, he was a solo practitioner in Savannah and served on the Savannah-Chatham County School Board since 2005. Judge Sapp fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Ronald E. Ginsberg. Judge D. Todd Markle, right, was also sworn-in as judge for the Superior Court of Fulton County.

On Saturday, August 20th, Rafe was injured doing yard work at his home in Midway. He sustained a broken ankle and will be convalescing over the
next few weeks at home. We will miss him. Email best wishes can go to rafe_semmes@yahoo.com. There will be "guest" Sergeants at Arms until Rafe
is back on duty.

Left: District Foundation Chair, Jeanette Caneega presents
the Blankenship Cup to club president,Dodie Gay and immediate past president, Clete Bergen
as Doug Foran, Rafe Semmes, John Vandaveer, and Mick McCay look on.

August 12, 2011 - Five members of Savannah Sunrise attended the District 6920 Annual Seminar at the Heart of Georgia Technical College in Dublin. In addition to two general sessions, our delegates were able to choose from five breakout sessions.

At the closing general session, our club was honored by being awarded The Blankenship Cup which goes to the Rotary club with the highest three year per capita average of Annual Programs Fund contributions to The Rotary Foundation. There were nine other district clubs listed in ascending order. Savannah Sunrise, due to the "above and beyond" contributions of our members, had an average of $212.66. The club placing second was at $181.27. Everyone in Savannah Sunrise is to be commended.


Members in attendance: Dodie Gay, Doug Foran, Rafe Semmes, John Vandaveer, and Mick McCay.