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Lona Pope was named Rotarian of the Year at the recent annual banquet of the Rotary Club of Hall County Sunset. Having previously served as a district governor and active in Rotary for some 20 years, this was Pope's first time as recipient the award.
President Kim Waters presented past district governor Dianne Cammarata with the Distinguished Service award. Cammarata also recently received the Service Above Self award at Rotary District Conference in Asheville, N.C.
The club raised more than $7,000 during the past year helping to fund among other causes, the transport of medical equipment to the Dominican Republic, where local Gainesville doctors travel annually for surgeries on impoverished patients.
The gavel was passed to Melody Marlowe, president for 2011-12, who commented that over the past year she has come to realize "my fellow Rotarians are my family." The club meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Poor Richards in Gainesville. www.Facebook.com/RotaryClubofHallCountySunset
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The Gainesville Jaycees continued their long-standing commitment to the betterment of Gainesville/Hall County by presenting checks worth $1,250 each to three community nonprofit programs.
The Jaycees' donations went to Gateway House and Randy's House, as well as joining past winners of the annual Young Man/Young Woman of the Year award in presenting a check to Rehabilitation Industries of Northeast Georgia.
RING provides vocational services to individuals with disabilities through training, support and advocacy.
Gateway House provides shelter, counseling and direction for victims of domestic abuse.
Randy's House provides homes for handicapped adults and helps them to live independent, fulfilling lives.