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Date: January 10, 2017
Mount Vernon's January Meeting
Event Link | Meeting Photos | Audio Presentation


Attendance
41 members and guest attended the January meeting!

Georgia Society President Allen Greenly attended the January chapter meeting at Aldo's Restaurant. His tenure as President comes to a close soon but he reviewed his goals and accomplishments, which included a new database for the State of Georgia Society and website. This will allow for users to log into the State website, and renew their membership to the SAR online, using an online form, credit card or Paypal payment, and funds dispersed back to the local Chapters. This will make renewals easily accessable and timely.

He also spoke about "The 14th Colony" during the Revolutionary War, which was a divided Florida between the West (the panhandle) and the East (settlement around Saint Augustine).

Chapter President Shep Hammack conducted the meeting. Guest were introduced, then Chapter business, which included the financial and membership reports. A vote was taken to keep or move the next meeting date, which is February 14th - Valentines Day. The majority of attending members voted to keep the regularly scheduled meeting day.



Dates: January 27-28, 2017
GASSAR Annual State Conference with Awards
Event Link | Photo Links Below



Wayne Brown
2017 Georgia SAR State President
The Annual GASSAR State Conference was held in January, and saw Wayne Brown of the John Collins Chapter sworn in as the State SAR President. Also attending were National President General J. Michael Tomme Sr. and the 1st Lady, Cilla Tomme.



Shep Hammack
Chapter Spotlight
The Mount Vernon Chapter received The President General's Award - Chapter of Distinction 2016 (National award), and the Georgia Society Membership Award 2016 (State award).
Chapter of Distinction Photo | GA Membership Award Photo

Member Spotlight
2017 Mount Vernon President Shep Hammack won the Patriot Award, the Good Citizenship Medal, and the Robert B. Vance Sr. Membership Trophy (State).   See Awards


Dates: February 10-12, 2017
SAR Reenactment of Kettle Creek and Ceremonies
Event Link | Photo Links Below


Each year, the American Revolutionary War General Elijah Clarke, nicknamed "Hero of the Hornet's Nest", is remembered with his fellow patriots in Washington, GA. SAR Chapters from around the Southeast participate in a Memorial Service, Parade and a Battle Field Reenactment to honor those patriots that fought at Kettle Creek.
Note: This is now recognized as a National event by the SAR.


Washington GA - Parade  |   Kettle Creek Reenactment  |   War Hill Ceremony

(Each Link opens new window. Close it when finished viewing and return here.)


Date: February 14, 2017
Mount Vernon's February Meeting
Event Link | Meeting Photos

President Hammack called the February Mount Vernon Chapter meeting to order at 6:30 pm, followed by Rusty Redding leading the members in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the SAR. Guest and visitors were introduced as well. Special prayers were asked for the family members of Randy Polllard & Rev. Bill Floyd. Shep & Montez thanked the group for the thoughts, prayers, flowers and cards received. There were 37 members and guest attendeding the February meeting.
Guest Speaker - Lee Dunn, DAR
Our guest speaker was Lee Dunn, who has researched southern history, garden and landscape history, and genealogy for over twenty years. She spoke about her book, "Cracking the Solid South", which tells of the life of John Fletcher Hanson who was an industrialist & union laborite that created many jobs in the depressed South after the Civil War. It was his idea of a technical college that trained southerners how to run the industries that led him to creating Georgia Tech. Through her investigation about him, Lee also discovered he was a great grandfather. She is also a member of the Martha Stewart Bulloch Chapter of the DAR.

Chapter Business
  • Treasurer's Report: John Cunningham gave the chapter balance.
  • Registrar's Report:
  • President Hammack also showed the group two Certificates awarded to the new Mount Vernon Chapter, along with flag pole streamers received at the Annual GASSAR State Conference.
    1. The President General's Award - Chapter of Distinction 2016 (a National award) | See Award
    2. Georgia Society Membership Award 2016 (a State award) | See Award
  • We all appreciate Shep's hard work to organize a new chapter and do so well that he is recognized on both the State and National level. Congrats Shep!
  • Announcements
Announcements were given, the SAR recessional was read, followed by the Benediction, and the meeting was adjourned.


Date: February 20, 2017
Flag Certificate for Cheek Spruill House, the "Dunwoody Farmhouse"

Event Link | Saved Image of Dunwoody Crier Article

"Members of the Mount Vernon Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented a flag certificate to Dan Griffin on behalf of the Dunwoody Preservation Trust (DPT) on Monday, Feb. 20th. The certificate was awarded to recognize DPT for properly displaying the American Flag at the Cheek Spruill House, "Dunwoody Farmhouse" in Dunwoody, Georgia.


See Larger Image Version

Those attending included (L-R): Tom Chrisman (militia uniform) Registrar and Flag Committee Chairman, Mount Vernon SAR Chapter; Paul Prescott (continental uniform), State SAR Flag Committee Chairman; Shep Hammack, President of the Mount Vernon SAR Chapter; Dan Griff in, Dunwoody Preservation Trust; Dunwoody Mayor Denis Shortal; Councilman Jim Riticher; Councilman Terry Nall and Larry White, photographer for the Mount Vernon Chapter (not pictured).

This is the first in a series of flag certificates the Mount Vernon Chapter plans to present to businesses and organizations in the Dunwoody and Sandy Springs Communities as recognition for properly displaying the American Flag."



Date: March 14, 2017
Mount Vernon's March Meeting
Event Link | Meeting Photos
  •   INDUCTION of 1 New Member - H. Mitchell (Mike) Hill

The meeting of the Mount Vernon Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by the Chapter President Shep Hammack. The invocation was led by Chapter Chaplin David Wiley, followed by The Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the SAR led by the Chapter Sergeant-at-Arms Rusty Redding. As customary, guests and first time visitors were recognized by Chapter President Shep Hammack. There were 41 members and guests in attendance.

Introduction of Guest Speakers
Chapter Vice President Jim McDonald introduced Dr. David A. Nobles and Richard Marsh, co-authors of the book "Patriots in Georgia Revolutionary War Engagements 1776-1782" & "Kettle Creek Battle Field." Of the 28 battles in Georgia the book identifies 22 of the battles in Georgia. The book is in two sections, chronology of the battles and an alphabetical listing of the Patriots. Chapter Vice President Jim McDonald presented certificates of appreciation to Dr. David A. Noble and Richard Marsh.


Chapter Business
  • Treasurer's Report - by Chapter Treasurer John Cunningham, Jr.
  • New Member Induction - Chapter President Shep Hammack and Tom Chrisman conducted the induction of Mike Hill into the chapter.
  • Police/Fire/EMS medals were laid out for the chapter to view by Chapter President Shep Hammack. These medals will be presented to members of the three branches for outstanding service to the community.
  • JROTC Presentation - 3 medals will be presented to cadets chosen by their school for outstanding service. Committee Chairman Chuck Olson will present these medals.
  • Annual Picnic - The location will be announced by Chapter Vice President Jim McDonald.
  • >Christmas Party - Chapter Secretary announced that the chapter is looking at the Indian Hills Country Club for our Christmas Meeting. Date to be announced.
  • Bereavement Fund and Educational Fund - Baskets were passed around and we collected 118.00 for the Benevolence fund and $112.00 for the Educational fund.

  • Announcements
  • Member's Questionnaire
  • Attendance Check in Sheet
  • Bereavement Fund and Educational Fund - Baskets were passed around and we collected 118.00 for the Benevolence fund and $112.00 for the Educational fund.
  • The NASSAR Congress will be in Knoxville Tn. on July 7th thru the 13th.
  • The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, April 11th at Aldo's Italian Restaurant in Sandy Springs.

The SAR Recessional was led by the Chapter Sergeant-at-Arms Rusty Redding.
The Benediction was given by Chapter Chaplin David Wiley.
President Hammack then adjourned the meeting.



Date: April 11, 2017
Mount Vernon's April Meeting
Event Link | Meeting Photos

President Hammack called the April Mount Vernon Chapter meeting to order at 6:30 pm, followed by Rev Bill Floyd giving the Invocation. Rusty Redding lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the SAR. Guest and visitors were introduced as well by Shep and VP Jim McDonald. 37 members and guest attended the April meeting!

Our April Guest Speaker
Our guest speaker was the Honorable Rusty Paul, who served as Sandy Springs founding Mayor. He also served many other positions with the Republican party in the State government of Georgia.

Topic: the 100th Anniversary of World War One.

"Mayor Paul was elected mayor in November 2013 and brings more than 35 years of federal, state and local public policy and public administration experience to the job. He was elected to the founding city council for Sandy Springs in November 2005 and served one term. He chaired the city's charter review commission and the Sandy Springs Development Authority."

Chapter Vice President Jim McDonald presented a certificate of appreciation to Mayor Rusty Paul. Then Chapter President Shep Hammack presented Mayor Rusty Paul The Silver Good Citizenship Medal and a certificate.


Chapter Business / Announcements
  • Shep Hammack - Mount Vernon will be participating in the Dunwoody, GA. 4th of July Parade
  • Jim McDonald: This years picnic is set for July 22nd.
  • Bill Floyd: This years Christmas party is tentatively set at Indian Hills Country Club.
  • The next Chapter meeting is May 9th. Meeting again at Aldo's Restaurant.
  • The next State SAR BOM meeting is April 29th
  • The Annual NASSAR Congress is July 7th-13th in Knoxville TN.

Rusty Redding led the members in the SAR Recessional.
Chaplain Bill Floyd led the Benediction.
President Shep Hammack adjourned the meeting.



Date: May 9, 2017
Mount Vernon's May Meeting
Event Link | Meeting Photos

President Shep Hammack called the Chapter meeting to order at 6:30 pm, followed by Chaplain David Wiley giving the Invocation. Rusty Redding lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the SAR. Guest and visitors were introduced as well by Shep and VP Jim McDonald.
There were 37 members and guest attendeding the May meeting!
Guest Speaker: The Honorable P. Harris Hines
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia
Topic: "The Georgia Supreme Court"

Update: Read about the tragic death of Chief Justice Hines
Click AJC Article - Click Here (PDF)

Chapter Business / Announcements
  • Members were reminded to check their spam filters for Chapter eMail and allow it to go to the Inbox.
  • Mount Vernon will be participating in the Dunwoody 4th of July Parade.
  • The NASSAR Congress is July 7th-13th in Knoxville TN.
  • The annual Chapter picnic is July 22nd at Lost Corners Preserve in Sandy Springs.
  • - The tentative date for the December Christmas Party is 12/12 at Indian Hills Country Club.
  • The next Chapter meeting is scheduled for June 13th at Aldo's Restaurant.
  • The next Mount Vernon Board of Managers meeting is at J Christopher's Restaurant-Dunwoody May 16th at 11:30 am.

Rusty Redding led the members in the SAR Recessional.
The Benediction was given by Chaplain David Wiley.
The meeting was adjourned by President Shep Hammack.


Judge P. Harris Hines

Date: June 5, 2017
Mount Vernon Flag Certificate to Northside Hospital
Event Link | Saved Image of Crier Article

The Mount Vernon Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented a Flag Certificate to Northside Hospital on Monday, June 5th, in recognition for properly displaying the American Flag on the hospital campus.

Recognition of businesses and organizations in Dunwoody and Sandy Springs for properly displaying the American Flag is an ongoing function of SAR and part of the mission statement to promote and support patriotism.



Those attending included: (L to R) Shep Hammack, Chapter President; Tom Chrisman, Registrar, Flag Committee Chairman; Jim McDonald, Chapter VP; Mr. Carl Waller, VP, Supply Chain Management for Northside Hospital; Robert McCleskey, SAR Colorguard; Katherine G. Watson, Senior PR Specialist for Northside Hospital; and Randy Pollard, SAR Colorguard Commander.   Larger Version


Date: June 13, 2017
Mount Vernon's June Meeting
Event Link | Meeting Photos  (photos by Tom Hughes)
  •   INDUCTION of 1 New Member - William "Chip" Floyd III

Members of the Mount Vernon Chapter met at Aldo's Restaurant and welcomed guest speaker and past President of the Georgia Society - Ed Rigel, who spoke about George Washington ~ The Early Years. To see his presentation transcript Click Here

Dr. Rigel was introduced by Chapter VP Jim McDonald, who also gave Dr. Rigel his Certificate of Speaker Appreciation. 39 Chapter members and guest attended the meeting to hear Dr. Rigel.

A new member was also inducted to the Chapter at the June meeting. Rev Bill Floyd and his wife Carey welcomed their son and new SAR member Bill "Chip" Floyd to the Mount Vernon Chapter. Carey attached the SAR rosette to his lapel.



Pictured (l to r) Carey & Bill Floyd, son 'Chip', and President Shep Hammack

President Hammack went over the Chapter business. He also announced that the Annual Convention of the SAR will be in Knoxville Tennessee this year, where dual chapter member Larry Guzy will be named President General of the SAR for the 2017 - 2018 year. We congratulate Larry sand wish him well.

Bill Floyd gave the Secretary's Report and the Treasurer's Report. The Invocation and Benediction were given by David Wiley. Rusty Redding led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, the Pledge to the SAR, and the SAR Recessional.



Dr. Ed Rigel


Larry Guzy - SAR
President General 2017 - 2018



Date: July 4th, 2017
The Dunwoody 4th of July Parade
Event Link | Meeting Photos | Parade Route

The Mount Vernon Chapter - Voted Most Patriotic in 2017!
by the pararde organizers of the 2017 Dunwoody 4th of July Parade.
(The Dunwoody Homeowners Association)

Mount Vernon Chapter members participating in the parade were Shep Hammack, Tom Chrisman, Ted Fricke, Bob McClesky, and Randy Pollard. DAR members attending were Montex Hammack, Lisa Tobin, Lena Wiley, Linda Jacoppo, Courtney Reilly, Beth St. Jean, Kathy Hellming and Jean Robertson.



History of Parade:   (http://www.dunwoodyga.org/History-of-the-Parade)

The Dunwoody 4th of July Parade began in 1976 in response to retired President Dwight D. Eisenhower asking the American people to celebrate the nation's Bicentennial. Georgia Senator Herman Talmadge was the Grand Marshal and arrived by helicopter. Effie Carpenter, the oldest living Dunwoody resident was Honorary Grand Marshal of the parade.

The Independence Day parade became an annual event, and both participants and spectators alike grew in numbers and variety. The current parade, led by the national colors, has over 120 entries. Some 2,500 cheering spectators lined the streets. With the end of the WSB parade in downtown Atlanta, the Dunwoody July Fourth parade is the largest in the state of Georgia.

The 2017 Grand Marshall of the pararde was Alan Mothner (Director, Dunwoody Nature Center)



Date: July 22nd, 2017
Mount Vernon's 1st Annual Picnic
Event Link | Picnic Photos  (photos by Larry White)

The Mount Vernon Chapter Picnic was held on the evening of July 22nd from 6 pm to 9 pm. Many members attended, including the newly appointed President General of the National SAR, Larry Guzy and his wife and first lady, Karin.

The cottage was beautifully appointed and tucked into the "Lost Corner Preserve" at 7300 Brandon Mill Road in Sandy Springs.


We all thank Shep Hammack for selecting an air conditioned venue.

Our Picnic Dinner Included:
  • Pulled Pork and Pulled Chicken by Pig'n-Chik BBQ
  • Baked Beans
  • Southern Coleslaw
  • Potato Chips
  • Banana Pudding
  • Drinks (Iced Tea both Sweet and Unsweet, Lemonade and Coca-Cola products)


No August Meeting   (summer hiatus)

September Meeting Cancelled   (Due to severe weather damage in the Dunwoody area due to Hurricane Irma.)

Date: October 10, 2017
Mount Vernon's October Meeting
Event Link | Meeting Photos  (by Tom Hughes) | Meeting Photos  (by Larry White)

  •   INDUCTION of 6 New Members - John Bivins, John Elwood, Tom Hughes, Nicholas L. Fetter,
      Gabriel Warchol & Michael Warchol

Mary Wiliams
The October meeting of the Mount Vernon Chapter was held at the new location in Dunwoody. Shep found that Vintage Pizzeria had a side room for our meetings that was larger than the previous site and they also were eager to have us meet there.

Guest Speaker: Mary Williams
The guest speaker for the evening was Mary Williams, Past President of the Georgia Toastmasters and she spoke about the women who found unusual ways to help in the quest for America's freedom.


Chapter Business
  • Chip Floyd received his Charter Membership Certificate in the Chapter
  • Induction Ceremony with Membership Certificates for John Bivins, John Elwood, Tom Hughes, Nicholas L. Fetter, Gabriel Warchol & Michael Warchol
  • Chuck Olson awarded the Robert E. Burt Boy Scout Volunteer Award
  • A Streamer was awarded to the Mount Vernon Chapter for the Wreath President Shep Hammack presented on behalf of the Chapter at Kings Mountain on Oct. 7th.
  • President General Larry Guzy welcomed the new members, and congratulated Chuck Olson


Date: November 14, 2017
Mount Vernon's November Meeting
Event Link | Meeting Photos  (by Tom Hughes) | Meeting Photos  (by Larry White)

  •   INDUCTION of 6 New Members - Carling Brackey, and his grandsons Cooper, Charles and Cason Hillard.
      Also Gene Martin and David Smith

Linda Bhame
The November meeting was held again at Vintage Pizzeria in Dunwoody.
The meeting had 43 chapter members, wives and guest that night

Guest Speaker: Linda Bhame
Our guest speaker was Linda Bhame, Past Regent of the Cherokee Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter. Her presentation was on George Washington's Family.

Chapter Business
We welcomed 6 new members into the Mount Vernon Chapter in November. Several were out of state, however Lynn Brackey accepted the paperwork from National for her brother Carling and his grandsons who live in Florida. We also welcomed Gene Martin and David Smith in person.

Date: December 12th, 2017
Mount Vernon's Christmas Dinner Party
at Indian Hills Country Club
Event Link | Photos

A wonderful Christmas dinner with fellow compatriots and wives was had by all at the Indian Hills Country Club. The evening began at 6 pm and lasted until 9:45 pm.

The menu included a mixed green salad, choice of braised top round or citrus salmon, roasted mixed vegetables, rice pilaf and for desert, an rich chocolate mouse cake. An cash bar was available, along with tea or water.

Chapter members & wives were entertained by the singing group 'Above & Beyond', who sang traditional Christmas music.



See & Hear 'Above & Beyond' - Click Here



Date: December 16th, 2017
Wreaths Across America
at Marietta National Cemetery
Event Link | Photos link below

"What began in 1992 with a trailer load of wreaths, decorated by volunteers and laid at the graves of fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery has now become a national organization with over 1100 participating locations - all focused on the mission to Remember - Honor - and Teach."

Mount Vernon chapter members Bill Floyd, Randy Pollard and Shep Hammack participated in the Wreaths Across America event at the Marietta National Cemetery. There were also events at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton Georgia, and at several old cemeteries in Roswell Georgia.


Additional Photos from Canton GA:
The Georgia National Cemetery



Larger Version

Photo by Rick Reese Jr.

Marietta National Cemetery   -   Photo by Randy Pollard

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