Two remarkable artists provided a front row seat's view of Transcendence Theater's rapid ascent as Sonoma County's Regional story.  Rebekah Pearson, a county native, and Stephan Stubbins, a seasoned Broadway performer recounted the journey from restless actors to committed community performing arts outreach leaders and successful producers.

The gruelling schedule of 8 shows a week, thousands of audience, and the intensity of cast responsibilities left a void of connection to the community at large Stephan recalled.  In 2011, with a core of 14 peers, Stephan began brainstorming on what the group wanted to become, and where.  Navigating Sonoma County's rules on outdoor performances seemed insurmountable until an inspiration to check out regulations on state owned land.  Presto!  As providence would have it, Transcendence Theatre met State of California Parks Superintendent and the just announced closure of Jack London State Park provided the backdrop to Transcendence' now famous Broadway Under the Stars outdoor seasons in the Park.  The relationship has earned the Park over $200,000 and much humble pie to the naysayers. Given just 6 weeks to organize their first show, the artists have not slowed down since their premier in 2012.

Complimenting their performing, artists simultaneously sponsor a summer camp for nascent youthful artists, and maintain a strong community outreach to schools and youth supporting organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club, Becoming Independent and Sonoma Wine Country Auction.

Surpassing and exceeding expectations defines transcendence.  Transcendence Theatre began with restless, creative individuals looking for further fulfillment.They certainly exemplify that concept here and now!!

For more information, see their web site http://www.transcendencetheatre.org

On a regular basis, our resident photo pros Warren Smith and Jack Strange submit pictures of what is going on at the weekly meetings. You can always find the most recent pictures at the websites photo journal called "Meeting Sighting" Please note that all the meeting photos for the entire Rotary year are at this location with the most recent on the last page.

Thanks for all the great pictures Warren and Ross! Link to Meeting Sightings. The most recent are on the last page!

Additional photos may be found on the SR Sunrise Facebook Page.

Not smoke and mirrors:  Membership Director Marty Behr briefs members on our upcoming Greatest Guest Day, December 1. County Airport Manager Jon Stout will offer an insider's update on the future of aviation at Sonoma County's Charles M. Schulz Airport.

You've Got Mail!!  President Merle is faithful in recognizing members and loved one's birthdays and anniversaries.  

Rich Randolph accepts birthday greetings and confections for his wife Betsy.  Additional recognition for sitting during the delivery is likely~~ oops!

Merle hears from Mike that he and spouse Lou Ann have more years together than anniversaries.  Ask Mike about his Winter Coat Drive!

Max Childs accepts solace on his half century mark! Still a mere child.

Recognition collector Kent Seegmiller appears to be cooking at the table~ a closer look reveals the inorganic greens are going to Sgt @ Arms Noel Glab for proper accounting.  

Special Kudos were given to Culinary Classic Chair Steve Herron for his job exceedingly well done!

Belated birthday greeting and cookies for Steve Worthen.  Steve holds the position of Director at SAY, Social Advocates for Youth. Ask Steve about their upcoming exclusive outdoor sleep out!

"When words fail, music speaks"~~H.C. Andersen.  &, "Music can change the world because it can change people." ~~Bono

The Club is dark next week.

   H a p p y   T h a n k s g i v i n g ! !

Here is your opportunity to make a headline!

Send your suggested caption for this photo of Sgt. @ Arms Tom Eakin and Noel Glab.  In addition to the head-byline, you will receive a priceless recognition from the Editorial Staff of Sunriser.

Send your entry to rjurny@gmail.com.  All entries will be seriously considered and rigoursly scrutinized, whether accepted or rejected.  Decisions of the judges will be arbitrary, but in keeping with the spirit of the Four Way Test.