• Saturday, June 17 is District Assembly in Dublin, 9:30am - 3:00pm at Oconee Fall Line Technical College. Register to attend here! 
• Membership dues invoices will be coming out soon from Tony Uhrich. Please make sure your email address is up to date with Tony as he goes by the ones in ClubRunner. You can arrange for a payment plan throughout the year with Tony or Jasmine. You may also pay for all of your lunches up front for the entire year or be billed for them.

• May 25 - TEDxSavannah volunteering (bonus service)
• The May 13th service at Tharros Place was a HUGE success!

• Next social is Tuesday, May 23rd - Late Air, 2805 Bull St. (SW corner of Victory and Bull)

• May 13 - Tharros Place volunteer - Julie Wade, Executive Director
• May 25 - TEDxSavannah volunteering (bonus service)
• ASP Committee has narrowed it down to 6 finalist. Finalists will present on May 16^th, with voting ending on May 31^st.

• Next social is May 23rd at Late Air

FEATURED SPEAKER: GRSP Beatriz Hashimoto

Lexi Hengigman introduced Beatriz Hashimoto, who will be heading back home to Brazil this month.  Her hobbies include spinning classes, beach tennis. Back home she is a chemical engineer student and will be entering her 5^th year starting in June at State University of Maringa, which is one of the top ten in Brazil. She’s an only child, but her Italian mom has 10 siblings and her father is Japanese. Back home in Brazil, she participates in Rotaract and focuses on the “Friendship Forest” project as well as a partnership with the city collecting vegetable oil and then selling it for diesel- the funds they raise are used to purchase food for shelters. Her mom is a rotarian and she participates in many service projects with her. She loves going to the farm multiple times each month.

• First time trying S’Mores
• Greek Festival
• Concerts
• Meeting with a group of Serbians from Friendship Exchange, and a new GRSP will be here from Serbia with the Downtown Savannah Club 
• Sophie (last year’s GRSP) visited her in Sav.
• Phil the Park
• Birthday celebration
• Disney with her Brazilian friends.,
• DC with other GRSP
• Charlotesville
• First Thanksgiving
• Christmas Pajamas
• Parents visited between the holidays- loved that they got to meet Rotarian hosts, even though neither parents speak English.
• Glass Blowing class
• Boston- Samuel Adams, BU, MIT, Harvard

• Jasmine will announce her 2023-2024 Metro Board in May!
• If you have any interest in serving on the Board, we need a more team approach for GRSP. Needs being "house mom" help during the holidays when they can't back to their home country to visit, help with entertaining them, driving them around to special events or club meetings, etc. 

• April 23 - Forsyth Farmer's Market Farm Picnic - openings for service
• April 20 - Brightside Dancing with Savannah Stars service
• May 13 - Tharros Place volunteer - Julie Wade, Executive Director
• May 25 - TEDxSavannah volunteering (bonus service)

• The membership committee is wrapping up the current slate of members in April and induction will happen soon.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Preston Johnson Speech Contest winners from Woodville-Tompkins

Alfred introduced his two 9th grade students, Serani and Syniah, winners from the Preston Johnson Speech Competition at Woodville Tompkins. He’s honored to continue to work with wonderful students.

• Cari Phelps announced we are accepting Annual Service Partner applications - get the word out to non-profits and apply - look at groups who would align with one of our 7 Areas of Focus - deadline is April 11!
• Forsyth Farmers Market Farm Picnic on Sun., April 23 - sign up via ClubRunner
•  
  Preston Johnson Speech Contest: Will went to St. Simons Island to see our Woodville Tompkins students compete; you do not want to miss these two freshmen at our program meeting on April 18!
   

• The membership committee is wrapping up the current slate of members in April and induction will happen soon.

FEATURED SPEAKERS: Aileen Gabbey

Aileen has led organizations for over 25 years including serving as Executive Director of The Maryland SPCA and Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia. Under her leadership in Baltimore, the SPCA became no-kill, conducted a capital campaign to build a new center, and opened businesses for pet wellness, spay/neuter, and adoption. Aileen also formed and chaired an alliance of fellow organizations and served on other local Boards in Maryland before moving to Savannah. In the South, Aileen served as Executive Director of Susan G. Komen for seven years and led the expansion of its programs and services. Aileen has led teams through
transitions including improving complex operations, developing agency partnerships, evolving philosophies, communications challenges, crisis management, building new businesses, conducting major campaigns, expanding programs, and developing team cultures. She volunteers at SCORE and the United Way of the Coastal Empire. She and her husband, a teacher and writer, live in Ardsley Park with their adopted street cat Gus. Aileen challenged us to think "why do I give?" and "what do I receive?" when it comes to service. She specifically focused on serving on boards and what meaningful service looks like.

• Donate to Second Harvest  $25/1 service credit up to 3 credits (Jan-March) Email savannahmetrorotary@gmail.com to receive credit Deadline March 15^th (Link to Donate)

• Metro needs a GRSP liaison and host - we would share a student with Richmond Hill Rotary Club - please reach out to Jasmine Mills for more information
• Roastary Committee Members needed- reach out to Jessica Pedigo if you are interested.
• Annual Service Partner for next year - it's that time again! - Cari Phelps to Chair

• Read United (formerly Rotary Read-In) is coming up on Friday, February 24. Sign up to read here.
• Canned Food Drive competition with Lion's Club: Donate up to $75 by March 15 deadline to America's Second Harvest Food Bank here to receive up to 3 service credits. For every $25 donated, you will receive 1 service credit (up to 3 max). You may donate as much as you wish and every dollar will help us win the contest!  Email metrosavannahrotary@gmail.com to get service credit for your donations. 
• Preston Johnson Speech Contest (with Woodville-Tompkins Interact Club) - thank you club members Sarah Smith, Cecilia Arango, Will Gruver, Suzanne Kirk, Zerik Samples and Alfred McGuire (principal of Woodville-Tompkins HS) for judging on February 22! First place winner: Syniah Seabrain will receive $750 - Second Place: Serani Hassan will receive $500 

• 7th and 8th Grade students in the St. Andrews School Interact Club met the Kindergarten class at North Beach to help them do a beach clean up on the afternoon of February 27 as part of their Passport to Knowledge unit on sea turtles.  A beautiful day to join together for service and connection!

• Tuesday, March 7 - TEDxSavannah: The Power of Community - Brian Judson and Clinton Edminster
• Tuesday, March 21 - Beach Institute Tour - reach out to George Seaborough for more details
• Tuesday, March 28 - Social at Edgar's Proof & Provision

FEATURED SPEAKER: Courtney Rawlins - President & CEO of the Greater Pooler Chamber of Commerce

Courtney Rawlins hit the ground running when she accepted the top position at the Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce. Pooler has been Courtney's home for 17 years. She deemed her presentation to us as "The State of West Chatham Business." The growth there is not stopping anytime soon.

Growth is occurring in all industries, especially hospitality, hotels and restaurants (Crumble Cookie, Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, etc.), a senior living center, JC Lewis Ford is expanding, Big Shots (similar to Top Golf), and you heard correctly, Dave & Buster's. No sign of Trader Joe's yet. With the Hyundai plants and its subsidiaries coming in 2025, things will grow even more exponentially.

The Pooler Chamber is instituting a forward vision for growth in several key ways: 1. Creating a Member Concierge position to enhance the membership experience, 2. by growing their social media presence and strategy (highlighting events, ribbon cuttings, etc.), 3. through a series of twice monthly digital newsletters (1st week is about chamber business and 3rd week provides resources for member businesses), 4. through fresh marketing campaigns and rebranding that highlight Pooler as a gateway to many surrounding vacation destinations and contribute to the visitor economy (the train is gone!), 5. Travel Guides, and 6. New hotel ad in the Tourism Leadership Council's guide Savannah: A Southern Journey.

Courtney joined the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. She has joined and teamed up with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Sharon Dupont, Director of Visitor Economy, has taken taken her role by storm. The Chamber offers an online membership directory and they provide three core networking events: 1. A.M. Chamber Chats in the mornings (quarterly), 2. BA5's (Business Afterhours) every month for business exposure, connections, and networking, and 3. Knowledge Now Luncheons each month (February - October).

When asked about traffic and water concerns, Courtney advised us to pay close attention to the Pooler Mayoral and City Council campaigns this year. She is also concerned about workforce development and the need for public transportation. One thing is for sure, Courtney will keep her thumb pressed against these issues! 

The Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce goes by the motto "While You Are Working In Your business, We Are Working For Your Business." Join today!

• Donate to Second Harvest  $25/1 service credit up to 3 credits (Jan-March) Email savannahmetrorotary@gmail.com to receive credit Deadline March 15^th (Link to Donate)

• Foundation Goal has been surpassed for the foundation (Goal $10K, we are at $12K) but let's keep going!!
• Interact- addition of St. Andrews
• Roastary Committee Members needed- reach out to Jessica Pedigo if you are interested.
• ASP for next year- Cari Phelps to Chair
• Working on Board for next Rotary Year- reach out to Jazmine if you are interested

• Read United (formerly Rotary Read-In) is coming up on Friday, February 24. Sign up to read here.
• Canned Food Drive competition with Lion's Club: Donate up to $75 by March 15 deadline to America's Second Harvest Food Bank here to receive up to 3 service credits. For every $25 donated, you will receive 1 service credit (up to 3 max). You may donate as much as you wish and every dollar will help us win the contest!  Email savannahmetrorotary@gmail.com to get service credit for your donations. 
• Preston Johnson Speech Contest (with Woodville-Tompkins Interact Club) - Need 4-5 volunteers who would like to judge the Preston Johnson Speech contest in February (date TBA). Contact Sarah Smith (sbockelsmith@gmail.com or 912-944.7012) if you are interested.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Roger Moss- Savannah Chatham County School Board President

Roger Moss became the Savannah Chatham County School Board President on Jan. 1, 2023 and he immediately has focused his attention on putting students first. He opened by bragging on Woodville Tomkin's Culinary training program and highlighted their fried chicken, which blew him away.

• Read United (formerly Rotary Read-In) is coming up on Friday, February 24. Sign up to read here.
• Canned Food Drive competition with Lion's Club: Donate up to $75 by March 15 deadline to America's Second Harvest Food Bank here to receive up to 3 service credits. For every $25 donated, you will receive 1 service credit (up to 3 max). You may donate as much as you wish and every dollar will help us win the contest!  Email savannahmetrorotary@gmail.com to get service credit for your donations. 
• Preston Johnson Speech Contest (with Woodville-Tompkins Interact Club) - Need 4-5 volunteers who would like to judge the Preston Johnson Speech contest in February (date TBA). Contact Sarah Smith (sbockelsmith@gmail.com or 912-944.7012) if you are interested.

FEATURED SPEAKER: Derek Mallow - East Savannah United

• Check website for upcoming volunteer slots
• Brown Bag for the Elderly with Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia at 8am on January 21^st. Two shifts available: 8:00-9:30, 9:30-11:00. Children welcome.
• Lisa Colbert with Downtown Rotary and United Way presented on Rotary Reading and the literacy efforts. Read United is the name of this effort- Friday Feb. 24^th is Read United Way with a goal of reaching thousands of students. Link to sign up to follow.
• Send programing or social ideas to George for next year.

Featured Speaker: Lisa Goodman- Wilderness Southeast

Lisa Goodman is the Donor Relations Manager for Wilderness Southeast (WiSE), a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to developing an awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the natural world. Their mission is to Explore, Discover, and Understand the world around us. Founded in 1973 by Joyce & Dick Murlelss & John Crawford. One of the first organizations to offer ego-tourism starting with 3-7 day long expeditions to Central and South America. Now they offer programs throughout South Georgia led by educators, including Wassaw, Black Water Paddle (Ebenezer Creek), Salt Marsh Adventures (Butter Bean Beach), Alligators & Friends (re-opening soon!) and Costal Birding. Their signature program is “Fish Gotta Swim” which is an immersive program for Title One schools consisting of 8 sessions (5 in class & 3 trips) and is funded by their other programing. They serve around 900 students each year. Stay tuned for their 50th Anniversary Event!

Featured Speaker: Michael Sarhatt, Director - Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team

Featured Speaker: Gene Dobbs-Bradford, Savannah Music Festival

We enjoyed hearing from Gene who is the new Executive Director of Savannah Music Festival. Mark your calendars for the festival coming up March 23 - April 8, 2023. Joining him were three beloved SMF staff, Ryan McMaken (Artistic Director), Larissa Thut Davidson (Marketing Director), and Kat Clark (Development Manager).  

Gene was formerly with Jazz St. Louis for 23 years. He is an Eastman School of Music graduate and his former college roommate Marc Chesanow is a busy professional upright and electric bass player here in Savannah. When Gene was on the NEA Grants Panel in 2011 he noticed that SMF was doing great things and offered unique programming. He thought to himself he'd love to have a job leading the Savannah Music Festival and 10 years later the top job opened up and he applied for it. The board and staff welcomed him with open arms in 2021. Savannah is fortunate to have him here!

Savannah Music Festival is Georgia's largest musical arts event and one of the largest cross-genre music festivals in the country. The economic impact on the city is tremendous, with last year boasting $12M spent by festival-goers. 

Featured Speaker: Brianne (Bri) Halverson, Front Porch Improv

 We enjoyed learning and laughing about all the ways Front Porch Improv partners with a number of community organizations and businesses. This community theater consists of 20 primetime players as well as a couple hundred students. Bri told us that the core principal to any improv is saying "yes!!" They hold weekly shows every Friday and Saturday at 8pm, in addition to 12 fundraisers a year, private events in homes or place of work, as well as team building workshops.

One of Bri's brilliant programs (her brain child) is "Trauma Drama" for middle and high school aged youth. This 14 week program helps children address everything from abuse to struggles with abandonment and neglect, which she says is the biggest issue.

Another featured program from FPI is "Savannah for Morons" which is basically a trolley tour roast of Savannah's history. Oh, and if you are in need for a host or two to Emcee your event with a light hearted and fun approach, look no further- FPI has got you covered!

Want to support FPI further? Consider the following membership levels:

• $6/month: supporter
• $25/month: unlimited tickets to all shows
• $45/month- unlimited tickets to shows and classes

Featured Speaker: Dr. Alan Meglin, Advanced Regenerative Therapy

Dr. Meglin had our chapter thoroughly engaged during his presentation on cellular therapy and how he and his team work to make people "Hyper Healers." In fact, they specialize in anything that has to do with healing at their main office in Savannah. He briefly explained various therapies, including dissolving oxygen into ones blood using hyperbaric chambers, stem cell growth, differentiation, and injections, post-trauma brain regeneration, and the "bio hacks" that aid in reversing one's biological age. 

Featured Speaker: Heather Keller, District Governor 

• 1 million dollars in giving to the foundation. This averages around $333/member, and she is requesting that $100 of that be earmarked for Polio efforts.
• Increase membership, especially amongst females. The goal is to have over 30% female members.

Featured Speaker: Cristina Gibson, MPH

• Georgia Tobacco Cessation line: 1.877.270.STOP
• "This Is Quitting" text VAPEFREEGA to 88709
• Healthy Savannah: https://healthysavannah.org

Committee Reports

Featured Speaker: Bob Ohrablo

Bob is the president of the Savannah Ghost Pirates Hockey Team and is beyond excited about their presence in Savannah. He is a fellow Rotarian in Jacksonville, FL and is starting his 38th hockey season this fall. The ECHL has 28 teams and the newly formed Savannah team is affiliated with the Las Vegas Golden Knights and the Henderson, NV Silver Knights. Opening Day for the Ghost Pirates is November 5th, 2022 and Girls on the Run of Coastal GA will the charity partner for that night. (GOTR was our Annual Service Partner last year.) Bob commended the Enmarket Arena as having the best ice and spoke about the expectation that the players will be engaged in our community on many levels. The mascot was named just after our meeting, after over 4000 naming entries, we official have ourselves Davy (Jones)! When asked about regional and national recruitment, we were told that they are tapping into non-traditional markets and pulling young men from regions that would not be expected, but showing lots of passion and talent (and a propensity for fighting at times...which is completely allowed in the sport of hockey.) At the end of the day, Bob says it's all about having the "hockey mind" which, he says, cannot be taught. It's instinct and a mindset that must be intrinsic to the athlete. 

• Weekday games: 7:00pm
• Friday/Saturday games: 7:30pm
• Sunday games: 3:00pm

Featured Speaker: Whitney Shephard

Our own MetRotarian Whitney Shephard serves beyond our club as our Rotary District 6920 Assistant District Governor, serving the Area including Metro, Rotary Club of Savannah (Downtown), Sunrise Rotary, and Skidaway Island Rotary. 

• This year marks the first time Rotary International is being led by a female president, Jennifer E. Jones of Ontario, Canada.
• Jennifer worked with an Aboriginal artist to create this year's logo to capture the Imagine Rotary theme, with each dot around the circle representing the Seven Areas of Focus.
• District Governor (6920) Heather Kellen is a Physical Therapist from the Rotary Club of Perry. Her theme this year is to "Dream Big, Serve Big" and is challenging the District to raise a total of $1M roughly equivalent to $333 per member! Read more about these goals on the new District website here. 
• Kellen encourages D6920 Rotarians to "cast a line and not a net" to grow our membership. Be intentional in inviting guests and sponsoring members. Seek those who want to be Rotarians, not just members of a Rotary club. 
• Paul Harris Society, Bequest Society and the RI Foundation can be a part of your legacy as a Rotarian. 
• The newest 7th Area of Focus is Supporting the Environment in which Global Grants projects can support - the 2018-2019 RI President Barry Rassin from the Bahamas saw first-hand what hurricanes and climate change were doing to his beloved island country. 
• Rotary is proud to support girls from the local, national and international communities such as Girls on the Run (USA and Canada), Girl Scouts of the USA, and Happy Schools (India)
• When disaster happens and Ask yourself:
  • What is your purpose and your passion?
  • What is your Rotary dream?
  • How can we partner with other organizations in our community such as the Lions' Club 
• With 1.4 Millions members worldwide, 47 million volunteer hours, and $333 Million awarded in grants, we should be very proud to be Rotarians!
• Mark your calendars for two upcoming important dates:
  • Tues., Oct. 4th - District Governor Heather Kellen visiting Metro
  • April 27-30, 2023 - District Conference at Callaway Gardens (Metro is hosting the Friday night event)

Guests

Rotary Anniversaries

Highlights: Jamie Arkins, Kristen Crawley, and Jeff Brady have been members for 10 years.

 

Featured Speaker: Joe Marchese

Joe Marchese is the owner of Marchese Construction and co-founder of the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS). Highlights from his remarks: 

• He's an advocate for inclusion — he wears two different socks every day.
• 11 homeless vets will move into 35 tiny houses at 75 Dundee St. (Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless)
• Daughter Ella Marchese (16 years old) is an orange belt in karate and has down syndrome. She's now in a special needs cheerleading group.
• Dr. Ben Spitalnick encouraged Joe to start LDSS along with the Husseys, the Bogardis, and the Fields.
• He advocates for one person at a time
• LDSS Camp Buddy - directed by Molly Marchese at St. Andrews School this year
• LDSS Buddy Walk (founded by Marjorie Young, another strong Rotarian in our community) - usually every October
• LDSS Night of Champions - every May - to award differently abled individuals and their employers who employ them - very inspiration evening and no family can be turned away if they cannot afford to attend - save the day May 12, 2023 at Savannah Convention Center
• Our area needs a transportation company solely devoted to getting these devoted employees to their jobs every day
• He shared wonderful stories of Jason Thompson, who drives a sweeper scrubber, and Mikey Holton, who is a "para pro" at South Effingham Elementary School, and the difference they make at their jobs and in their co-workers 'and students' lives.

Featured Speaker: Conni Reynolds, Savannah Chamber of Commerce

Conni Reynolds is small business and events manager for the Savannah Area Chamber and is a Savannah native. She emphasized that Chamber is primarily composed of small businesses and has 2,200 members in total. She said her work focuses on connecting small businesses with the resources they need to succeed.

 

She organizes networking opportunities, ribbon-cuttings, and large events and helps members connect through service on councils and committees within the Chamber. 

Guests

Featured Speaker: Dr. Amy Williams, Savannah Philharmonic

Executive Director Dr. Amy Williams described the changes the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus has undertaken to overcome barriers to participation so that all members of the community can attend concerts, including adjusting pricing, relaxing concert dress codes, and finding additional concert locations. She explained how programs such as Phil the Neighborhood, Phil the Park, Phil the Squares, the On the Road Series, and the Subscription series are aimed at making performances more accessible to communities in our region. Williams also talked about the education initiatives the Philharmonic has launched to build programming which provides all students at every school with equitable access to high-quality music education.

Guests

Featured Speaker: Donna Williams

Donna Williams of Center Parc Credit Union talked about the organization and traced its origin back to the Atlanta Postal Credit Union, which was founded in 1925. Center Parc expanded to Chatham County in 2020 and also serves Bryan and Effingham counties. She described several of the credit union’s products and initiatives, including Renewal Checking Accounts and the Community Gardens Initiative.

Cecilia announced that Rotary has teamed up with Toastmasters to provide virtual professional development certifications in a variety of topics including building a welcoming community for people with disabilities, collaboration, developing inclusion plans, delivering speeches, leading teams, DEI resources, and resiliency. Find out more through the Rotary Learning Center.

Program Committee

Service Committee

Foundation Committee

Membership Committee 

Interact

Guests

Program Committee

President Cecilia Arango announced Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta’s Each One Bring One membership initiative. Each member is urged to invite a prospective member to a club meeting. When thinking about who you would like to invite, be intentional and consider the following: Is the prospective member service oriented? Do they have the time and level of commitment necessary to be an active Metro member? Remember, there are many local Rotary Clubs.

Membership Committee

Program Committee

• July 27 — Social at 5:30 p.m. at Taca
• Aug. 3 — Lunch meeting with Maryann Brickey, children’s librarian and branch manager with Live Oak Public Libraries.
• Aug. 3 — Program Committee meeting, 5 p.m. at Taca
• Aug. 17 — Lunch meeting with Tiffany Collins, executive director of Girls on the Run
• Aug. 24  — Social at 5:30 p.m. at Taste of India

Guests

---

Featured Speaker Leslie Mattingly of the St. Simons Island Rotary Club

 

Leslie presented on the work Rotary has been doing in Puerto Rico with a Global Grant to encourage sustainable agriculture through a partnership with Para la Naturaleza, a nonprofit that focuses on conservation of natural ecosystems, and the San Juan and St. Simons Rotary Clubs. Because the majority of food consumed in Puerto Rico is imported, supplies were severely strained during natural disasters. The project trains local farmers and workers in associated industries on ways to supply restaurants and markets. Other education programs focus on teaching about nutrition and cooking with fresh ingredients. Metro was among the clubs that supported the program.

---

 

 

Metro Mania Challenge Update

 

President Elect Cecilia Arango announced that the Mighty Mighty Bruised Bones are the April Metro Mania Champions. To earn points in the May challenge, contribute to Brags, Finds, and Whines at a club meeting, bring a guest to a meeting, attend a social or service event. If you do all three, email Cecilia.

 

Guests

Jessica moved to Savannah when she was in middle school and she graduated from Jenkins High School, but has worked in Texas for most of her career. She called working at WTOC, a station she grew up watching, an amazing opportunity. Jessica praised the station for investing in investigative journalism as it requires a lot of time and resources. She said investigative reporting can also help solve problems in the community.

 

As an example, she mentioned the recent sale of the Chatham Apartments building, which required residents to find new places to live. She was able to track down a resident who was having financial difficulties. After the story aired, someone called the newsroom offering to pay for her expenses. Later, Jessica did a follow-up story on the woman, who was able to find a place to call home at Live Oak Landing. She shared another story about how her reporting helped a resident find a long-term solution after trash and other debris was illegally dumped on his property. Jessica explained that this kind of reporting can have lasting, positive impacts in the community

 

 

Metro Mania Challenge UpdateU

 

Upcoming Meetings

Report any munch attendance to MetroSavannahRotary@gmail.com!

April 6 Announcements 

Committee Reports

 

Service Committee Chair Jordan Chase announced a service project with the Make A Wish Foundation 5K on Skidaway Island State Park on April 17. We will also be helping with Bike Walk Savannah’s annual bike and pedestrian counts.

 

Program Committee Chair Daniel Weiner announced Jessica Savage, an investigative reporter at WTOC-TV, would be the speaker at the April 20 meeting.

 

President Elect Cecilia Arango announced that Danny Chase is now a Paul Harris fellow.

 

Guests

Amy Johnson, of the Washington-Wilkes Rotary Club, was the guest of Jamie Smith Arkins.

Rick Battinger was the guest of Laura Lee Bocade.

John Rodman was the guest of Lee Perry.

Zerik Samples was the guest of Jessica Pedigo

Emily Salzer was the guest of Jordan Chase.

Chelsea Sawyer was a guest via Zoom.

Ann Shealy was the guest of Jamie Arkins.

Meagen Burrows and Katie Balthrop, who are in the new members program, attended the meeting

 

Classification Talk: Meagen Burrows

 

Meagen lived in Tulsa and attended Oklahoma State University. She moved to Seattle for Law school and started working for a firm that dissolved and eventually became GableGotwals, a full service firm where she became an associate in 2014 and a partner in 2018. She’s worked mainly in healthcare issues including day-to-day hospital legal issues and HIPAA. She is now focused on the provider side of the equation working with physicians, labs, and radiology groups. She also does corporate and human resources work, and thinks of herself as a utility player in the transactional world. She has a fantastic husband named Andrew and the best dog in the world, Zoey.

 

Featured Speaker: Bret Bell

Bret presented an update on the City of Savannah’s arena project. He explained it’s a multipurpose facility designed for concerts and sporting events. Construction began on Sept. 19, 2020 and is expected to be completed in February 2022. He explained the technology and configuration of arenas has changed dramatically since the current civic center was built in 1972, and now the trend is providing different kinds of spaces for people to use, and it’s no longer just about “sitting in your seat and watching what’s in front of you.”

 

Bret is particularly excited about the hockey team that will be playing in the arena. He said they have been meeting with the Savannah Bananas and talking about how to make the games entertaining. Bret expects about 150 nights of entertainment to be offered when the arena opens with about 25 concerts, 50 hockey games, and 75 other events.

 

The arena is located 1,200 feet away from the National Historic Landmark District, but there are wooded areas, former industrial properties, and canals in between. A lot of the master plan process looks at ways to bridge these divides and there has been a lot of interaction with stakeholders. However, the plan to connect the arena and westside neighborhoods with downtown is not fully funded and will have to be done in phases. The city remains fully committed to creating these connections so residents and visitors can safely move back and forth from the arena and surrounding neighborhoods to the historic district. The project also includes other stormwater and roadway improvements, and rehabilitation of the 19^th Century waterworks property.

 

 

Featured Speaker: David Pratt

David began the presentation by announcing that he was stepping down from his position with the Savannah Music Festival to become chief executive officer at the Austin Symphony Orchestra. He explained how the Savannah festival  is different from others in that it does not focus on a single genre. Instead, it features performers from American roots music (blues, bluegrass, etc.) international music, jazz, and classical. Pratt said that in 2019, the festival resulted in $10.05 million in direct spending, $7.65 million in visitor spending, and $852,344 in sales and hotel tax revenue. The festival generated 8,916 room nights and 1,783 flights.

 

He described how festival staff worked to pivot to bring programs — especially educational programs —online so they could continue to reach participants during the pandemic. They also studied how outdoor concerts in Florida and Tennessee were able to be staged while maintaining Covid protocols. The plan for 2021 is to use the outdoor performance space at Trustees Garden at reduced capacity. Pratt said Coastal Health District Director Dr. Lawton Davis is a supporter of the festival and has offered consultation on how to maximize safety.

 

---

Membership Moment: Jason Nielubowicz

Jason talked about his work in commercial and residential real estate at Judge Realty. As most people know, Jason is an avid live music fan and if not for the pandemic would be out seeing music every night.

 

He has had a large collection of vintage motorcycles, which once totaled 14 machines. Now he’s down to two BMWs. He said he's lucky to be alive, having been shocked with 7,620 volts of electricity from a downed power line in 2007.

Guests

Zerik Samples was a guest at the meeting. He is CEO of Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity and, before moving to Savannah, he was a member of the Rotary Club of St. Simons.

---

Featured Speaker: Jackson Evans

In a presentation featuring musical interludes, Jackson Evans talked about his work at Benedetto Guitars, which Bob Benedetto founded in 1968 to build archtop jazz guitars.

 

Jackson explained the mechanics of guitars and their evolution over the years, describing the design elements that allow louder volumes while still maintaining structural integrity. He demonstrated the features and acoustics of several guitars, including an instrument built in Chicago between 1886 and 1890.

 

Although archtops are often called jazz guitars, they are used in other genres. He cited Maybelle Carter of the Carter Family as a noted archtop player. Benedetto produces 80-100 guitars per year, with the highest end models costing $20-50,000.

 

 

 

---

Membership Moment: Cynthia Mullally

Cindy said the highest profile event she’s managed in her role as an event planner was a 2012 event focusing on the nation’s economic recovery, featuring President Bill Clinton and President George Bush.

 

She is married to Matt Toole and her most famous relative is her cousin Tommy Norden, who played Bud Ricks on the television show, “Flipper.” Cindy also talked about how much she enjoys living in Gordonston.

 

Guests

Chelsea Sawyer was the guest of Sarah Smith.

Featured Speaker: Wayne Ashford

Wayne Ashford of Ashford Tea Company explained how he built up his café business in Indianapolis. About 13 years ago he and his wife started talking about moving and created a list of the qualities they wanted in a community. Eventually they visited Savannah, explored the city, and started coming back every year — sometimes twice a year. They moved to Savannah almost three years ago.

 

He said tea has always been a constant in his life, but when he discovered loose tea, it changed his world. For the last 20 years he’s been teaching people about tea. Wayne described his business as being about a lifestyle, and not just a retail venture. He explained the health benefits of teas and said his shop on Oglethorpe Avenue now stocks more than 60 varieties.

 

 

---

Membership Moment: Alfred McGuire

Alfred McGuire is principal at Woodville Tompkins High School. He offered some facts that people might not know about him: Alfred is really excited about this year’s Metro Mania theme as he attended WrestleMania when it came to Tampa.

 

He also loves running, but is not able to at this time because he is recovering from foot surgery. Alfred said his son often picks out a tie for him to wear each morning.

Guests

Kylie Carrico was the guest of Julie Wade.

Fitz Hale was the guest of Jordan Chase.

Katie Balthrop is in the New Member Program and also attended the meeting.

Guest/Prospective Member Reminder

Metro Rotary welcomes all guests to club meetings, socials and service projects! Please introduce your guests and, if on Zoom, make sure they turn their cameras on so we can actually meet them. If your guest is interested in potential membership, please let Cari Phelps (Membership Chair) know as soon as possible. There is a vetting process for membership so everyone must go through the proper steps in order to be approved for the New Member Program. The process includes being listed in Rotary Repeats (including a headshot, preferably, their name, employer/job, and two sponsors), attending at least three meetings (including one Service Project) and submitting an application to the Membership Committee for approval. As a member of Metro, if you have a conflict with a potential new member, whether professional, personal, or otherwise, please notify the Membership Chair (Cari) or President (Jessica).

 

---

Featured Speakers: Katrina Bostick, Kate Blair, and Julie Wade

 

Katrina Bostick of Family Promise, Kate Blair of CASA Savannah, and Julie Wade of Park Place Outreach talked about their work and the realities faced by people living in poverty. The three nonprofit leaders have been collaborating and working to improve conditions in the community in different capacities. Members were reminded that conversations about poverty in Savannah must include discussion of racial equity and generational wealth. In addition, the myth that people choose to live on public assistance and can do so comfortably is a myth rooted in racism. 

 

They talked about the struggles of families living at or below the poverty line, and how difficult it is for them to stay housed and cover other expenses while working at minimum wage jobs. The loss of employment will throw people into poverty and right now almost 36% of working families with full time jobs or multiple part time jobs are living under the poverty line. The situation is made worse by systemic and structural racism, predatory lending, people who are unbanked or underbanked, high housing costs, undiagnosed mental health issues, substance use disorders, high childcare costs, and low wages. 

 

Those interested donating to these organizations and others working to improve conditions should make unrestricted donations, which allow nonprofits to be more responsive to changing conditions. View their PowerPoint presentation for more information.

 

 

---

Membership Moment: Patton Dugas

Patton shared things fellow members probably know about him and other facts they may not. Patton is market president for Truist Bank in Savannah. Before he moved to Savannah and became a banker, he founded an audio/video contracting business that allowed him to "hang out with a bunch of musicians and roadies." He described himself as a "reformed hippie" who had long hair and wore flip flops. He shared a story of attending an event shortly after arriving in Savannah and being mistaken for Robert McCorkle.

 

Guests

Metro Mania standings updated

Metro Mania standings updated

Metro Mania standings updated

The Piledriver Posse is now leading the Metro Mania standings. Power up your team's points by: 

• Arranging an unofficial Munch with five other members 
• Sending a full body photo in wresting gear to Cecilia 
• Filling out the Munch survey

And enter those September points!
 

---

Guests

Jeff Grant attended as a guest of Suzanne Kirk.

Armand Turner attended as a guest of Denise Grabowski.

 

---

Commit to a committee! 

All Metro members are expected to serve on a committee. Contact the appropriate committee chair to volunteer:

 

Service: Jordan Chase

Rotary Foundation: Patrick Phelps

Membership: Cari Phelps

Communications: John Bennett

Family of Rotary: Jasmine Mills

Program: Daniel Weiner

 

---

Featured Speaker: Beth Nelson of the Savannah Regional Film Commission 

 

Beth Nelson, executive director of the Savannah Regional Film Commission, was the speaker at the Sept. 1 meeting. Part of the Savannah Economic Development Authority, the commission works in three broad areas:

• Marketing the Savannah region as a premier filmmaking destination
• Recruiting, supporting, and retaining local film industry professionals
• Assisting with productions

Productions are looking for the best bang for their buck and SEDA has offered a number of incentives including a $25,000 bonus for hiring local crew members. The economic impact of local television and film production has grown from $18.1 million in 2014 to $125.6 million in 2019. Nelson noted MovieMaker Magazine has named Savannah the "best place to live and work as a film producer" and she said two developments that could further boost film production in Savannah include a purpose-built sound stage and direct flights between Savannah and Los Angeles. 

 

Service Partner Presentations

Caila Brown, executive director of Bike Walk Savannah, gave an overview of the organization's work to improve safety and mobility in Savannah neighborhoods that might not have received the attention they deserved in the past. Leah Kessler, executive director of Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia and Low County, described how participation in GTR helps girls build confidence, and how she is adapting to the pandemic through virtual programming. Stay tuned to hear more about upcoming service projects.

---

Guests

Jeff Grant attended as a guest of Suzanne Kirk.

Donna Pfendler attended as a guest of Mike Nadeau.

Rachel Cretella attended as a guest of Laura Lee Bocade.

---

Recordings of Previous Infinite Possibilities Webinars Are Now Available

If you missed Dr. Sylvia Whitlock speaking about being the first female President in Rotary and how her club fought RI in court and went to the Supreme Court to allow females in Rotary, you can view it here.  

 

---

 

Know someone interested in becoming a Metro Savannah member?