St. George Rotary Club

St. George Rotary Club celebrates milestones in fight to kill Polio

2012-02-02T19:49:00.001-08:00

St. George Rotary Club President, Linda Baker, is shown next to a poster used to track funding toward the club's PolioPlus assessment following the Club Assembly on Monday, January 30. The club surpassed their assessment raising $10,483.95.

St. George, Utah — During their quarterly Club Assembly, members of the St. George Rotary Club celebrated local and international milestones in the fight to eradicate polio. Locally, the club marked fulfillment of their obligation to raise $200 million in funds as part of two challenge grants totaling $355 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to Rotary International.

The club raised $10,483.95 toward the effort since 2008 and surpassed their assessment of $10,036.05 well before the June 30 deadline.

“It is exciting to have met our goal,” exulted club president, Linda Baker, during the meeting. “This assessment came when we had 118 members before the start of the recession, but we met the goal even though our club membership is almost half.”

Nearly half of the funds were raised by club member contributions made since April of 2011 in two donation drives that brought in nearly $5,000.

“It took some real leadership by our club presidents these past two years not to let us hang our heads in discouragement when we had only achieved half of our assessed goal and had half as many members,” club secretary, Richard Isom pointed out to those in attendance at the meeting. “Instead, they inspired us to reach deep and finish what we had started.”

Rotary International’s PolioPlus effort began in 1979 with a five-year commitment to provide polio vaccine to children in the Philippines. In 1985, the program was formally established with a goal to vaccinate all children in the world against the crippling and deadly disease with a goal of eradicating it completely. The efforts and commitment of Rotary is credited with rallying the global health community whom have been partners with Rotary in this effort.

This is not the first time the St. George Rotary Club has stepped in to provide significant funding to this effort. In 2002, the club raised over $16,000 to support the effort as part of an $80 million campaign to close a funding gap at that time.

Polio eradication has been Rotary’s top priority since 1985, with more than $1.2 billion contributed to the effort. Rotary International also announced this month that they had retired their obligation under the challenge grants having raised $202.6 million as of January 17. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation committed an addition $50 million in January.

Since 1988, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99 percent, from about 350,000 cases annually to fewer than 650 cases reported so far for 2011. The wild poliovirus is now endemic in only four countries: Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan. However, India on 13 January marked a full calendar year without a case, paving the way for its removal from the endemic list.

St. George Rotary Club presents awards for distinguished service to youth

2012-02-01T11:30:00.000-08:00

Dr. Allen Hilton (left) and Eldon McArthur (right) receive their Cliff Dochterman Award medals and certificates while Linda Baker (right), club president reads the letter of citation honoring them for their service.

St. George, Utah — Dr. Allen Hilton and Eldon McArthur, members of the St. George Rotary Club, were presented with the Cliff Dochterman Award on Monday, January 30 in a ceremony conducted at the quarterly Club Assembly of the St. George Rotary Club.

The Cliff Dochterman Award is Rotary’s highest award for service to youth through the Boy Scouts of America. The presentation is made by local Rotary clubs to recognize members who perform outstanding service to youth as volunteer scouting leaders.

The award was presented by Linda Baker, president, who cited Mr. McArthur’s decades of distinguished service to youth in numerous positions and Dr. Hilton’s numerous years serving youth in unit, district and sector volunteer positions.

The Cliff Dochterman Award consists of a medal suspended on a blue and gold ribbon presented along with the award certificate.

Mr. McArthur has been a scout leader and supporter for nearly three quarters of a century including responsibilities for staffing and supporting BSA units as a chartered organization representative and service as a long-time merit badge counselor. He is a past-president of the Rotary Club of St. George and a past district governor for Utah’s Rotary District 5420.

Dr. Hilton has been a member of the Rotary Club of St. George since 1987. He is currently serving on a club committee to start and sponsor a BSA Venturing Crew. His service as a scout leader began in Texas in the late 1970s when he served as a Varsity Scouts leader. Since1987, he has served continuously as an adult leader in numerous positions including chartered organization representative, scoutmaster, varsity scout coach, Order of the Arrow assistant adviser and adviser, district roundtable commisioner, and district commissioner. He currently services as sector commissioner and assistant council commissioner for the Utah National Parks Council.

Both Mr. McArthur and Dr. Hilton are actively involved in the St. George Rotary Club’s dictionary project each year. Dr. Hilton is active in international service including travel to Haiti to provide dental care to orphans. Mr. McArthur is renowned for his bread. He provides loaves regularly to friends, guests, and others. He has an excellent memory for history of St. George and events and regales listeners with stories about events long past.

SGR welcomes 2011-12 club leadership

2011-07-19T22:56:00.000-07:00

The St George Rotary Club is pleased to welcome our 2011-12 President Linda Baker and our Board Members Phil Hall, Durant McArthur, Grant Carter(Past President), Jenny McDowell, Janet O'Riley, Lowry Snow, Richard Isom, Ken Seefeld.

This year promises to be an enriching year filled with service, to include community and international projects, youth activities and our continued support of Rotary International.

The St. George Rotary Club was established and chartered in 1931 to further the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. Our St. George Rotary Club continues to attract an amazing group of people who give their time and talents to benefit those less fortunate.

Service Above Self is the Rotary Motto. If you would like more information about the St. George Rotary Club, please visit our website at http://www.stgeorgerotary.org meetings are held every Monday at 12 noon at the Lexington Hotel.

(as published in St. George Area Chamber Business News 7/19/2011)

Letter from PDG Penny Atkinson

2011-07-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to thank everyone for the honor of being your District Governor this year. WOW! You have all been the most incredible Rotarians in the entire world and you can be so proud of the accomplishments you have made to make this world a better place. Thank you for all your support! I know I have just been the "cheerleader" and you've made it all happen, but I felt your commitment and support and I can't tell you how much I appreciated that.

Just to let you know some of the things you have accomplished:

You paid off our Polio commitment a full year ahead of schedule (that was about $175,000) and you did it with community and youth involvement so all the money did not have to come out of YOUR pockets!!! (thanks to all those who did the Torch Run and Pinkies for Polio which helped bring in a significant portion of the $175,000)
You accomplished getting the EREY per capita for the entire District above $100, even with all the Polio $$$ you raised. (RI is saying some of the monies won't be accounted for until mid-July so we will be well above the $100 mark)
This means in DGNN, Steve Skinner's year as District Governor our District will have money for District and Global Grants available.
You turned around our membership downward trend over the past 5 years. Not only was our base membership UP but two new clubs chartered (Northern Wasatch Front and Pleasant Grove) which will put us above the 1800 mark for the first time in 3 years!!!!! WAY TO GO.....keep that going for Rick's year.
You added 13 new Interact Clubs and one new Rotaract Club. Everyone one of those Interact Clubs were formed by last year's RYLA participants. WOW can't you just feel the energy!!!!
You helped send over 90 Interactors and Rotaractors along with their leaders to Mexico to do an International Project. They all came back ready to do more humanitarian work to make this wold a better place!!! Thanks to Mike Wells and the Youth Committee....they created miracles. Visit thier Facebook to see what they accomplished. www.facebook.com/utahinteract
You supported Trent Colvin and PDG Gil Trujillo's idea of the "License Plate Program" to support Youth Rotary Programs. This will be a huge help to fund our Rotary Youth many years into the future. Make sure you order yours now if you haven't already!!!
I COULD GO ON FOREVER.....

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for enriching my life and being such an inspiration to me. You have made miracles happen and I know there will be even more to come after tomorrow when District Governor Rick Cambra takes the helm! I know you will give him the same support and commitment you gave me and as a result will continue to make Rotary

BIGGER, BETTER AND BOLDER

YIRS

Penny Atkinson, DG 5420

100 Years of Service in Utah

Update from Georgetown - Linda Sappington finds a Rotary Club

2011-07-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

In December, I left the warmth and friendship of RI Club #1079 / District 5420 - the Rotary Club of St. George (the original Washington County club chartered January 1931 with a current membership of 66). In July, in the usual spirit of this international service club, I found the same warmth and friendship in Club #6810 / District 7030 - the Rotary Club of Georgetown (the original club in Guyana chartered May 1959 with a current membership of 68)!

Read Linda's full post on her blog. Congratulations Linda on finding a club to join while you are away from us. We look forward to your return.

New Club Facebook Page

2011-05-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

First, my apologies. I (Richard) have never been a great blogger. I have always been much better at social media like Facebook. I will do better though to keep this up-to-date for those who rely on it with posts about our weekly meetings.

We have had a Facebook presence as a club for some time now. It was a group and Facebook is changing things. I have put together a Facebook Page that will provide a fun place for us to connect and share on Facebook. You can connect by clicking "Like" when you visit our Facebook Page. I have posted photos there from our GSE BBQ last Wednesday.

I will regularly post photos on this Facebook page and will also post our club events there as well as on our club website.

SGR tours AllConnect with Rotary friends from Canada

2011-03-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

It was an exciting week for SGR as we gathered with our Rotary friends from Canada at the Five County Association of Governments offices for lunch before our tour of AllConnect. We had with us members of the Lethbridge, Lethbridge Sunrise, Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie Sunrise, and Grand Prairie Swan City clubs. It was a packed room with 46 in attendance. In honor of our guests, we sang three songs to open the meeting including "My Country 'Tis of Thee," "O Canada," and to properly welcome them, we finished with "Are You From Dixie?" to provide a proper St. George welcome.

After finishing our opening and enjoying some socialization over boxed lunches, we headed across the parking lot for our vocational tour of AllConnect.

We gathered outside their front entrance where we received an overview of the company before being divided into two more manageable groups for the facility tour.

AllConnect provides consultative services to help customers have a one-stop shop for setting up their utilities including phone, internet, and TV. There is no cost to the customer as the utilities pay a commission to AllConnect.

AllConnect focuses on helping the customer choose the right service for their needs. Power companies sign-up with AllConnect to work with their customers because they have found it increases customer satisfaction by providing convenience and knowledge about the various options for TV, phone, and internet.

Our Rotary friends from Canada were passing through on their way to Mexico to deliver fire and rescue vehicles and busses. This is their annual humanitarian international project. This is the second year we have enjoyed having them join us during their journey and we look forward to many more.

As they prepare to leave, we get a look at the vehicles they are delivering.

Highlights of Club Assembly Reports

2011-03-08T22:10:00.000-08:00

SGR started out the Monday, March 7 meeting, a Club Assembly, in the usual manner, with Ray Robinson leading the singing of "I'm looking over a 4 leaf clover," Sam McArthur leading the reciting of the 4-way Test, Kip Bowler leading the club in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Kurt Johnson providing the invocation.

President Grant Carter read a thank you card sent from Taylor Seegmiller expressing thanks for the YouthLinc sponsorship. Ray Robinson announced that on March 24-27 that all the Youth Exchange students in the district would be in town and requested a couple of hosts, but Dan Strobell quickly resolved the need by offering to host all the students. Continuing and incoming board members were reminded of the District Assembly being held in St. George on March 26. The District Conference is May 12-14 in Cedar City and the Rotary International Convention is May 21-25 in New Orleans. Dan Strobell announced the Guatemala project trip is scheduled for May 20-27.

Phil Hall kicked of the board member reports talking about the Foundation. He noted the importance of EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) contributions of $25.00 per quarter that help fund the work of Rotary through the Foundation. He noted the opportunity with a matching grant of up to $1000 by May from the LDS church and $15.00 quarterly contributions from each club member that our club could get back on track to fulfill our obligation for PolioPlus of $10,000. We currently have contributed about $4500. Currently 33 of 65 members of our club are Paul Harris Fellows ($1000 or more of lifetime giving to the foundation). Club and District are willing to match points on a 50/50 split to help members reach the next PHF level for donations by May 1.

Ken Sizemore reported about upcoming club activities including a yet to be scheduled spring planting project at the St. George Sk8 park, a planned family picnic at Dean Terry's Enterprise ranch sometime in June, All Clubs meeting with Fred Berthrong on April 14, the announced District Conference and Stove Project trips, and the AllConnect tour for next week's meeting. He also provided an update of the club's 501(c)3 foundation transition from the former Rotary Bowl organization.

Ken Seefeld first filled in for Quinn Hadley who is seeking club members to take 1 month each to help schedule programs for the club's meetings. He also told club members to submit program ideas to Quinn. Kris Neal then explained the quarterly billings. Ken noted that shortly they would have each member complete a pledge card showing their willingness to participate in EREY and PolioPlus. Ken finished by noting the improved financial health of the club over last couple of years.

Jenny McDowell reported on the February attendance statistics noting there are 65 members of the club, 50% attendance at the weekly meetings, and 33% of members that didn't attend one meeting in February. She noted our Challenge of 80 goal to have 80 club members by the end of 2011.

Richard Isom, club secretary, then quickly shared a few membership statistics he had put together before taking club members on a quick tour of the new club website. He finished by showing the new club trading flags scheduled to arrive shortly. You can view Richard's Slides here.

SGR has a new website!

2011-03-05T23:16:00.000-08:00

Come check out the new SGR Website. We got it launched today. It includes a public side with lots of fantastic Rotary information and a private Members Only section. All club members should have received an e-mail detailing how to log-in. Let me know what you think of the new site.

SGR learns about Education and Domestic Violence

2011-03-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

OPENING: On the last day of February, Don Pendleton welcomed Rotarians and Guests from his usual post. Ray Robinson led the singing of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” and Sheldon Banks started off the recitation of Rotary’s 4-way Test. Jack Peterson led the pledge and Durant McArthur invoked the blessings of Heaven upon the meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Former member, Lee Phillips, visited to return the original President’s pin that he had found amongst some positions. This pin is traditionally passed down from President to President each year. President Grant Carter announced the change in regular meeting time for the board to the first Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. to be held at the WCF building. This Wednesday is the first time for the new schedule. If Rotarians have lost their Rotary lapel pin, replacements are available for $5.00. See club secretary, Richard Isom, to get a replacement.

TRIP: Dan Strobell is working to nail down the final travel dates for the Guatemala Stove Project trip. Interested club members should contact Dan and provide their feedback for the best dates in May for them. Dan estimates a cost of about $2000.00 per person.

PROGRAM: The program was a combined presentation from Dixie State College and the Dove Center. DSC is working with the Dove Center to host a benefit fundraising event featuring author and humanitarian Greg Mortensen. Mortensen has built 120 schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan with the requirement that the schools educate the women as well as the men. It was noted that the people strongly desire this to strengthen their society.

Del Beatty, dean of students at DSC, kicked off the program talking about the college’s philosophy of providing both an academic and a social education. He attributes the growth at DSC to this because today’s students are struggling with communication skills and this dual focus helps them learn to socialize in society. DSC is committed to getting students involved in service and invited the club to involve students as partners on projects.

DSC homecoming queen, Jessica, presented about the recent Women’s Conference she put together and was put forward as an example of the quality of student DSC has.

Katy Peterson from the Dove Center finished the presentation and talked about the prevalence of domestic violence in the community. She expressed a belief that it is important for the community to help by making it more acceptable to seek help.

Rotarians invited to support Art Museum

2011-02-17T15:11:00.000-08:00

The Annual Soup N' Bowl Fundraiser supports the permanent collection at the St. George Art Museum. This year's event will be held March 4th at the Social Hall. Cost is $20.00 which includes a handmade pottery bowl. Shar Heitkotter has tickets for anyone who is interested and you can learn more by visiting this link: http://www.ci.st-george.ut.us/artmuseum/events.php

DHS Madrigals provide SGR with a Valentines treat

2011-02-14T18:24:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton offered Valentine's day greetings to Rotarians, their spouses, and guests as they arrived. A special Valentine's musical presentation by the Dixie High School Madrigal Choir directed by Sheryl Snow (Lowry) provided enjoyment to start the meeting. Following their performance, Eldon McArthur led members in a recitation of Rotary’s 4-Way Test. Reed Noble invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Lee Sheets asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: For members who have lost their Rotary pin, replacements are available for $5.00. See Richard Isom to get your replacement. George Whitehead from Dixie State made presentation about the 24th Annual Sears Dixie Invitational Art Show and Sale to be held starting February18 through March 27 with Gala dinner on Friday Feb. 18. Two lucky Rotarians, Steve Radmall and Richard Isom, won Giclee prints of past purchase prize winners. [More Information]

CLUB BUSINESS: Two new members were inducted. Welcome to Greggory Zemp and Clayton Denos.

PROGRAM: Barbara and Gary Kermott from the Silver Spur Therapuetic Riding Center opening in April in New Harmony educated Rotarians about the center and how it provides help to people with disabilities. They pointed to the unique motions of horseback riding that help participants develop core body strength. Their center is the only NARHA certified facility in southern Utah and one of only four in Utah. It is a non-profit facility and one of their needs is for volunteers. They noted that it usually takes three trained volunteers per horse. They keep the cost to participants low but do have a small fee to promote the participants valuing the experience. Sessions are 6 or 8 weeks each for 1 hour per week.

Ogie Shaw shares secrets to being fit

2011-02-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Rotarians and guests were greeted at the door by Don Pendleton. To start the meeting, Ray Robinson led members in a rousing “A Grand Ole Flag” before Ken Seefeld led members in a recitation of Rotary’s 4-Way Test. Kris Neal invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance and Lowry Snow asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal.

CLUB BUSINESS: President Grant Carter read the name of Clayton Denos for proposed membership in the club. Jon Pike was then inducted to membership in the club.

PROGRAM: Ogie Shaw, with 35-years experience as a fitness consultant, shared insightful information about the fitness problems in our country. He noted only 10% of adults are actually fit while 40% proudly avoid exercise. He predicts we are raising the first generation that will die younger than their parents and grandparents. This is because kids fitness patterns are influenced by the key adults in their lives.

An interesting tidbit, $80 billion was lost last year due to lower back pain. This is generally due to excessively tight back muscles (not weak back muscles) due to our office jobs. They cause weak abdominal muscles which result in the back problems. The key to fixing low back pain is to strengthen the abdominals.

He also noted it is easier to exercise everyday than it is to exercise only 3 days a week. 3 days creates a decision. "When you start negotiating it's over."

The following video is his demonstration following the meeting. It was so interesting I recorded it to share here. Enjoy! (Oh, and if you want to buy one of these devices for your exercise program, let me [Richard] know so I can share the discount information. 8 orders from our club meeting will get the school of our choice a donation of this equipment)

USA Today Article Highlight Bill Gates Commitment to Wiping Out Polio

2011-01-31T18:11:00.000-08:00

Bill Gates has partnered with Rotary and other organizations committed to wiping out polio. Today, an article appeared in "USA Today" highlighting the effort.

"We are on the threshold of eliminating polio once and for all," the Microsoft billionaire and philanthropist says in his 2011 annual letter, given in advance to USA TODAY and slated for public release in New York on Monday. In an interview, Gates warns, however, that outbreaks in Nigeria, Tajikistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo provide a "scary" reminder that decades of progress will be lost without sustained action.

You can read the full article on USA Today

Helping Haiti - Challenges and Successes

2011-01-18T09:49:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton provided a friendly greeting while noting the attendance of Rotarians and guests. Ray Robinson led members in “America the Beautiful” in honor of Human Rights Day. Quinn Hadley led members in a recitation of Rotary’s 4-Way Test of the things we think, say and do. Gil Trujillo invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Sam McArthur asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal.

PROGRAM: Allen Hilton, his daughter Julia, and Dr. Scott Bulloch reported on their recent trip to Haiti to provide dental care. Julia was struck by the lack of infrastructure. She noted there was no power, no water, and no waste disposal. Dr. Bulloch mentioned on one trip how he had been horrified to watch a child simply drop a wrapper on the ground. He went to pick it up and then noted there was no trash receptacles, and even if there had been, there was no infrastructure to collect and dispose of it. He noted that helping Haiti can be frustrating, a lot like "trying to eat an elephant." It feels like little changes from year-to-year. He has been making trips for 8 years. He noted that he was pleased to see some progress this past year with building of new roads and he noted the introduction of heavy equipment which he had not seen before. He directly attributed the lack of infrastructure and the government for the poor living conditions. He noted the resilience and hard work ethic of the people. Allen Hilton provided several photos which give a feel for the conditions taken during their recent trip and a selection of those photos are shown above.

A New Member, a new Paul Harris Fellow, and the Second Ammendment

2011-01-11T19:18:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was at his post, providing a friendly greeting while noting the attendance of Rotarians and guests. Ray Robinson led members in “Let There Be Peace.” Kent Dallmeyer led members in a recitation of Rotary’s 4-Way Test of the things we think, say and do. Ken Sizemore invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Jenny McDowell asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ray Robinson introduced David Moore and Robin Jones from the American Cancer Society who shared a request for Rotarians to participate in the upcoming Relay for Life by putting together teams or other avenues. The relay is to be held the last weekend of April. New club secretary, Richard Isom, shared announcements related to the coming weekend's All Clubs meeting including a final plea for RSVPs and a request for help Pat Trujillo make table centerpieces reflecting the spirit of our club. Mayor McArthur reminded members of the grand opening of the new airport Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. and also invited all to attend the city's birthday celebration on Saturday including free root beer floats at the Opera House, free swimming at the Aquatics Center a free rides on SunTran.

CLUB BUSINESS: Phil Hall honored the club's latest Paul Harris Fellow, Les Stoker, for his contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Jenny Lee was inducted as the newest member of the club by board member, Jenny McDowell.

PROGRAM: Allen Hilton introduced Brent Jensen, whom, he joked, "had forgotten more members names than he had ever known." Brent shared about the Southern Utah Shooting Sports Park which provides a facilities for safe training and practice with firearms for sport and for protection. He highlighted the importance of our Second Amendment right to bear arms in preserving freedom, quoting from several founding fathers on the subject. He cited statistics that also show that a citizenry with unrestricted access to guns reduces violent crime. He noted that 38 states have an agreement to honor each other's concealed carry permits. He debated the benefits of requirements for proper training and permits balanced with the need to not infringe on the right to bear arms. He noted that since hunter education was instituted in Utah in 1957 that hunting related deaths dramatically decreased. Last year their were no hunting related deaths in Utah. Education is also a key in teaching kids to be safe around guns and Brent pointed to the Eddy Eagle program which teaches kids to "Stop. Don't Touch. Leave the Area. Go Tell and Adult." He shared a story where this training had protected a little girl and her younger siblings.

All About the New Airport

2011-01-03T19:52:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was at his position as Sergeant-at-Arms, noting the presence (or absence) of members attending SGR’s first weekly meeting of 2011. Ray Robinson led members in “Jingle Bells.” Kyle Case led members in a recitation of Rotary’s 4-Way Test of the things we think, say and do. Durant McArthur invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance and Terrance White asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Grant Carter read a letter of resignation from Dean Terry thanking the club for their friendship and inviting members to visit individually or as a group at his ranch. It was also announced that the change of the former Rotary Bowl organization to a St. George Rotary Club foundation was nearly completed. PDG Gil Trujillo made an announcement regarding the All Clubs meeting January 15th to be held at the University of Utah. DG Penny Atkinson would like all who can attend from our club to join them and has shared a video at http://www.youtube.com/user/UtahRotary. Nancy Neff shared thanks to all those who helped as bell ringers for the annual Salvation Army drive.

PROGRAM: Our own, Mayor Dan, began with a poem encouraging us to step out and do what others say can't be done and then related that to the long journey that will culminate with the opening of the new St. George airport on January 12. He noted that there are a lot of rumors about the airport and that one of his goals was to help dispel the rumors with truth. A copy of the latest issue of "Inside St. George" was displayed and it was noted that most members had likely already received a copy which highlighted the history of the airport project.

The site for the new airport was also the site of a former airstrip built in the 1940's. It was selected because it was the most ideal spot due to lack of surrounding building, proximity to the industrial parks, and that a large chunk of the needed land was already owned by the city, in addition to geographic and geologic factors. The bulk of the funding for the new airport came from the FAA from funds they receive on ticket purchases and other fees. As a requirement to receive the funds for the new airport, the city must close the existing airport site. This is due to limitations at the existing site that create violations to FAA safety rules.

The airport was built with an eye to accommodating future needs including jet service and air freight service. The city is currently actively marketing to get flights to other locations. SkyWest will continue to provide daily flights to Salt Lake City and recently announced flights to Los Angeles.

The airport will open January 12th with a dedication ceremony to be held at 2:30 p.m. It was announced that President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints First Presidency will give the dedicatory prayer. He was an aviator prior to his church call.

Stratton Speaks on Crime Issues

2010-12-20T13:55:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was at his position as Sergeant-at-Arms, noting the presence (or absence) of members attending SGR’s last weekly meeting of 2010. Ray Robinson led members in “Silent Night.” Bob Bramlage led members in a recitation of Rotary’s 4-Way Test of the things we think, say and do. Debbie Justice invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance and Steve Radmall asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: PDG Gil Trujillo presented a check in the amount of $15,000 which represents unexpended funds from the Utah Rotary District Conference in May. These funds will fund such Rotary youth programs as Youth Exchange, RYLA, Rotaract and Interact.

Ken Sizemore and SGR’s nominating committee conducted election of officers to serve with Linda Baker during FY2011-12. Durant McArthur was selected to serve as President Elect-nominee. Board members elected are Janet O’Riley and Lowry Snow. Quinn Hadley will serve on the Youth Committee.

PROGRAM: Marlon Stratton, Chief of the St. George Police Department for more than 10 years, shared information about his agency, which includes 104 officers, 45 civilian employees and 30 volunteers. Working together, the department strives to deal with issues of crime not visible to the community through five divisions: patrol, investigation, special enforcement, traffic, and administrative services /communications.

The chief noted he is frequently asked how the downturn in the economy has affected the local crime rate. According to the law enforcement administrator, the economy has created a decrease in the population, but there has been an increase in thefts and burglaries. The newest challenge for the department is prostitution, which always involves drugs and violence. Fighting drug use “is like trying to drink from a fire hose,” notes the chief. “It is a fulltime problem requiring a lot of manpower.” Prescription drugs, heroin and marijuana are the three biggest addictions and implicated in criminal activities at least 99% of the time. Gangs are a continuing problem, too, with more than 600 gang members in Washington County.

On the positive side, graffiti is down by 42% because of the city’s policy of removing it within 24-48 hours. VIPS (Volunteers in Public Service) are a real boon to the city’s efforts to control crime during a time when the SGPD’s budget has been cut by 18%.

Santa Comes to SGR

2010-12-13T11:22:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was at his position as Sergeant-at-Arms, noting the presence (or absence) of members and spouses attending SGR’s annual Christmas party at the Holiday Inn. Ray Robinson led members in a festive rendition of “Joy to the World.” PDG Gilbert Trujillo led members in a recitation of Rotary’s 4-Way Test of the things we think, say and do. Eldon McArthur invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance, after which Jim Coleman asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal.

PROGRAM: The food was sumptuous and plentiful, there was animated conversation at every table and gifts for everyone distributed by Santa Claus. Members of SGR were entertained by Jenny McDowell who brought her hat to the keyboard for a couple of lively ragtime piano numbers and Jan Gardner, accompanied by Marilyn Hickman, sang “My Grown Up Christmas List.” The party ended with the presentation of Rotarian of the Year to Ray Robinson, who serenaded Ruby as his partner in all-things-Rotary; and, the presentation of a gift from members of SGR of a digital camera to Linda Sappington who will be leaving the club after next week for 18 months in the West Indies LDS mission. Everyone appeared to go away filled with good food, good company and an enhanced holiday spirit.

SGR Hears Economic Forecast

2010-12-06T06:58:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was at his position as Sergeant-at-Arms, noting the presence (or absence) of members attending SGR’s weekly meeting at the Holiday Inn. Ray Robinson led members in a festive rendition of “Jingle Bells.” Kyle Case lead members in a recitation of Rotary’s 4-Way Test of the things we think, say and do. Dan Strobell invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance, after which Allen Hilton asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Carl Riek conducted a spirited Horseplay while Greg Basso collected fines on behalf of The Learning Center for Families.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: June McAfee and Reed Noble pronounced the dictionary project “done” for 2010.

Ken Sizemore announced the nominating committee will be ready on Monday, December 20 for the election of a president-elect (nominee) and two directors to serve in 2011-12.

Nancy Neff expressed her appreciation for Rotarians who have already taken a turn ringing the bell for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, but she still needs more volunteers. Please contact her if you can help in this worthy cause in support of such local agencies as the Community Health Center, the Doctors’ Volunteer Clinic, Dixie Care and Share and the Hope Pregnancy Center.

The Rotary Christmas party will be held on Monday, December 13 (noon - 2 p.m.) Please notify Linda Sappington with the number of guests you will be bringing.

PROGRAM: Allen Hilton introduced Dan Wyson, a local investment counselor, who shared information on the current economic outlook for the community, calling “investments, an art . . . not a science.” He noted “a recession is a good thing because it is an economic diet, although this one has been painful.” Right now, according to the financial expert, there are “billions on the books of large corporations across America, but no one is spending because everyone is scared because they don’t know what the government is going to do next!” His predictions for the future? “Unemployment rates are not going to go down very quickly, but this is a great time to invest.”

SGR Meets DSC Coaching Staff

2010-11-29T06:35:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was at his position as Sergeant-at-Arms, noting the presence (or absence) of members attending SGR’s weekly meeting. Ray Robinson led members in a spirited rendition of “You’re A Grand Old Flag.” Debbie Justice lead members in a recitation of Rotary’s 4-Way Test of the things we think, say and do and Greg Basso invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance, after which Eldon McArthur asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Terance White conducted a spirited Horseplay with Jack Petersen collecting fines on behalf of Coins for Kids.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: June McAfee is still looking for volunteers to deliver dictionaries to 3rd grade students at Horizon, Red Mountain and Washington Elementary schools.

Nancy Neff needs volunteers to ring the bell for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign which raises approximately $45,000 annually to support such programs as the Community Health Center, Doctors’ Volunteer Clinic and Dixie Care and Share.

A representative from DSC’s Rotaract Club was on hand to promote the upcoming Santa Breakfast, a fundraising event for local literacy programs. See Janet O’Riley for more information.

The nominating committee is putting together a slate of officers for next year. See Nick Lang, Jeff Morby, or Reed Noble for more information or to “throw your hat in the ring” for a board position.

Ray Robinson shared thank you letters from 3rd grade recipients of Rotary dictionaries. Cute!!!

INDUCTION: Benjamin Carter (“Ben”) was inducted into SGR to become our 66th member. He is sponsored in his membership by his brother Grant Carter.

PROGRAM: Steve Johnson, a former member of SGR and the PR director for Dixie State College introduced the school’s new sports directors including mens basketball coach Jon Judkins, womens’ basketball coach Angie Kristensen and Jason Booth, Athletic Director. Booth noted the womens’ team is currently undefeated on the road and has had an amazing amount of success without much support from the community. Admittedly, the football team has not done as well, “but they will be back!”
Kristensen shared her story of her introduction to the team, where she was told, “half are LDS. I had never heard that term before and came to the wrong conclusion it meant they were learning disabled. This is a great team and there’s not a shot we don’t like!” Kristensen encouraged members of SGR to “talk to your daughters about the possibilities for an education and sports at DSC. We’d love to recruit them.”

Judkins noted, “I wish my team had her record” referring to Kristensen. Although DSC won the conference playoff last year, “we lost 5 of our players so we are basically starting over! We recruit a lot of great kids from Utah and California, but we are anxious to recruit locally, as well. Attendance is improving but scheduling is tough. We want to be #1 at the end of the season.”

The AD concluded with the hope of adding more womens’ programs over the next several years, including golf and LaCrosse.

30th Jubilee of Trees Welcomes SGR

2010-11-22T14:01:00.000-08:00

Sixty Rotarians and guests enjoyed the community’s official kick-off to the holiday season at the 30th Annual Jubilee of Trees on Monday, November 22 at the Dixie Center. A delicious luncheon was followed by a fashion show and a short program focusing on the importance of early detection for breast cancer in the state ranked 49th in the nation for mammography - a horrifying statistic in our great state!!! As always, the Jubilee of Trees - which began in 1982 with Linda Sappington as the event’s “birth mother” - featured beautifully decorated new and recycled trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, gifts, baked goods and candies, music, drawings, and “special events within the event.” Thanks to Rotarians for supporting this important cause to increase the survival rate of wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and even about 20% of the members of SGR against this terrible disease.

Hirschi Updates on What's Up Down South

2010-11-15T13:55:00.001-08:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was at his position as Sergeant-at-Arms, noting the presence (or absence) of members attending SGR’s weekly meeting. Ray Robinson led members in a spirited rendition of “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” Kent Nobis lead members in a recitation of Rotary’s 4-Way Test of the things we think, say and do and Gil Trujillo invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. Dean Terry asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal.

President Grant reminded members of next week’s Jubilee of Trees luncheon at the Dixie Center. Anyone who has not yet notified Linda Sappington of their intent to attend, should do so immediately.

Dan Strobell announced the Antiqua, Guatemala Rotary Club will now serve as the stove project’s host club.

June McAfee is still looking for volunteers to deliver dictionaries to 3rd grade students at Horizon, Red Mountain and Washington Elementary schools.

Dean Terry announced the sale of the Holiday Inn and as such volunteered to match any funds raised today in Horseplay on behalf of the Coins for Kids program.

Patti Deming, Jo Davis and Ken Seefeld (“Diggum Deaper”) dressed for the occasion of telling members of SGR about the upcoming Class Act Senior Theater Company performance of “Murder by Poker,” a comedy - melodrama at SunRiver. Tickets are free. The show runs all this week at 6 p.m. (with a Wednesday afternoon matinee).

PROGRAM: Scott Hirschi, Washington County Economic Development Director spoke on efforts to bring more “value-added” industries into the St. George area. Value-added companies bring in new money to the county, make large capital investments to the area and create diversification. Such projects as the WalMart Distribution Center (built in 1991) and the Fort Pierce Industrial Park are examples of such companies. Through the SeedDixie (“Stimulating the Expansion of Entrepreneurial Development”) program, prospective entrepreneurs prepare to seek financing, operate more profitably, and connect with other statewide resources. Scott also encouraged attendance at the upcoming Economic Summit which he guarantees will be a sell-out. Register on-line at www.whatsupdownsouth.com.

SGR Hears of Senior Games Successes

2010-11-08T19:54:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was at his usual place as Sergeant-at-Arms noting the presence (or absence) of members and guests. Ray Robinson lead a (near) perfectly pitched rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.” A recitation of Rotary’s 4-Way Test of the things we think, say and do was lead by Richard Isom. Ken Sizemore invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. Sheldon Banks asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Lee Sheets conducted a lucrative Horseplay on behalf of the Coins for Kids holiday fundraiser while Sam McArthur collected the fines.

Ken Seefeld reminded members of the upcoming Jubilee of Trees luncheon on Monday, November 22 and Linda Sappington asked members who will be attending to let her know for a head count.
Reed Noble reminded those who had committed to delivering dictionaries to the five remaining elementary schools (Red Mountain, Horizon, Washington, Enterprise and Arrowhead) to stop by his office to pick them up.

Eldon McArthur will be the guest-of-honor at an open house on Saturday from 2 - 6 p.m. in celebration of his 90th birthday. All are invited to attend.

Ken Seefeld encouraged members to attend the upcoming “Murder by Poker” performance by the Class Act Senior Theater Company at Sun River. Dates are Monday, November 15 through Friday, November 19 with a matinee on Wednesday. All performances are free-of-charge.

Jim Coleman announced a trip to India in February and encouraged any interested club members to talk with him for more details. Currently 18 in the Utah Rotary District have expressed interest in this trip to innoculate children against polio.

PROGRAM: Kyle Case, Executive Director called the Huntsman World Senior Games “the largest annual multi-sport event in the world.” Currently, 48 states host senior sporting events, but St. George is the largest with more than 10,000 participants compared to the 2nd largest in Florida with 3500 participants. Although event organizers anticipated a drop in attendance due to the ongoing problems in the world economy, the HWSG’s actually saw an increase in new athletes (2403 in ‘10 compared to2006 in ‘09), an increase in the number of softball teams (339 this year), an increase in the number of volleyball teams (162) and basketball teams (to 77). Most participants are from Utah, California, Washington, Arizona and Michigan.

The economic impact of the games is estimated at approximately $13,708,500.

SGR Learns of TRF

2010-10-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was at the Abbey Inn, in his position as Sergeant-at-Arms, noting the presence (or absence) of members attending the All Clubs Breakfast. Ray Robinson led (surprised) members of SGR, Red Rock and Dixie Sunrise Rotary in a cheery rendition of “America.” A recitation of Rotary’s 4-Way Test of the things we think, say and do and the Pledge of Allegiance was assigned to a member of Red Rock Rotary.

PRESENTATION OF PAUL HARRIS FELLOW AWARDS: TRF chairman Phil Hall presented Paul Harris Fellow Awards to Greg Basso (his PHF+1) and to Gil Trujillo (his PHF+1). (Donors of US$1,000 or more to the Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, or the Humanitarian Grants Program, or people who have that amount contributed in their name, can be recognized as Paul Harris Fellows. Each new Paul Harris Fellow receives a commemorative certificate and a pin).

PROGRAM: Fred Berthrong, district chairman of TRF, spoke of the beginnings of Polio Plus in 1985 when a doctor in the Manila, Philippines Rotary Club suggested this dreaded disease should and could be eradicated from the earth, but “finishing the job is the hardest part because Rotary works through ‘boots on the ground.’” Noting the amazing accomplishment of inoculating 175 million children around the world in just one week, Berthrong shared recent (as of this morning) statistics on the progress being made by this, “the largest public health campaign in the history of mankind.” The last countries which are still reporting new cases of polio are Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. To reach the Bill and Melinda Gates Challenge goal of $200 million raised by members of Rotary, Berthrong estimated District 5420 needs to raise $264,000 in the next four years. That would mean every one of the district’s approximately 1815 members would need to donate only $145.45 each!!!

The new Future Vision Plan (District 5420 is one of only 300 Rotary districts involved in this pilot program worldwide) includes local and international needs (i.e., literacy, water, youth and the aged, health, shelter, disaster recover and peace and conflict resolution).

A Busy Rotary Week

2010-10-23T20:21:00.001-07:00

The third week of October was busy for members of St. George Rotary Club with “service above self” the focus of three projects.

“It seemed like a good idea at the time,” said Ken Sizemore, who decided to create a mock Guatemalan stove at the Huntsman World Senior Games 3rd Annual International Festival on the weekend of October 15-16. After tracking back and forth from his car to the Rotary booth at the Town Square, Sizemore realized carrying a dozen cinder blocks for the project was probably not the best idea he’d ever had. Just the same, the booth was a hit, with lots of interaction with individuals interested in SGR’s international project which helps install stoves in Mayan villages where women still cook over open flames. In addition to comments about the stove, Ken, Ray and Ruby Robinson, and members of Rotaract collected $51 in donations and a number of visitors expressed interest in joining Rotary!

The 8th annual SGR dictionary project came to an end on Friday, October 22 when the last of 1700 dictionaries were delivered. Third graders in approximately 72 classrooms in 19 schools in Washington County received this gift of literacy bringing the overall project total of books delivered since 2003 to13,837. Thanks to all who helped make the project, funded by a Rotary matching grant, a success including chairwoman June McAfee, Reed Noble, Linda Sappington, Phil Hall, Janet O’Riley, Mike Welker, Ray Robinson and Andy Anderson, West Martin, Kris Neal, Lee Sheets, Jim Coleman, Nick Lang, Greg Basso, Shar Heitkotter, Allen Hilton, Grant Carter, Sheldon Banks, Terance White, Jenny McDowell, Don Pendleton, Bob Miller, Nancy Neff, Durant McArthur, Jeff Morby, Debbie Justice, Kip Bowler, Richard Isom, Steve Radmall, Ken Sizemore, Les Stoker, Laura Taylor and Linda Baker.
After a night of substantial rainfall, the sky cleared on the morning of Saturday, October 23, as Rotarians gathered to take part in a tree planting at the SK8 Park. Gil Trujillo, Grant Carter, Reed Noble, Linda Sappington, Greg Basso, Ken Sizemore and Linda Baker, along with approximately a dozen members of DSC Rotaract Club, dug deep into the thick, clay-laden mud to plant ten pine and other types of trees. Despite the slip-slidding around, the social interaction was pleasant and the minimal amount of effort by many willing hands will one day produce large shade trees and beautiful pines.

Thanks, on behalf of a grateful community, to all who supported these projects.

CAYA Goals Outlined for SGR

2010-10-21T00:44:00.001-07:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was in his usual place as Sergeant-at-arms noting the presence (or absence) of members and visitors to SGR. Ray Robinson led members in a decidedly offbeat rendition of “Home on the Range” Ken Sizemore lead members in a recitation of Rotary’s 4-Way Test of the things we think, say and do. Bob Bramlage invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. Richard Isom asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ken Sizemore expressed his gratitude to members who participated in the International Festival last weekend noting the mock-up of the Guatemala stove project was well received. Donations amounted to $51 - an afterthought on his part to ask for contributions to the project - and several names of those interested in more information were collected. National Make-A-Difference Day on Saturday, October 23 will include a tree-planting project at the SK8 Park from 9 a.m. - noon. Plan to bring sunscreen, hat, bottled water, gloves, shovels and/or a pick and wear close-toed shoes.

Vayla Mitchell, a member of DSC’s Rotaract Club, announced 9 students have been accepted for an international service experience with YouthLINC. Sponsors are needed for 2 students. In true Rotary fashion, a few members stepped up to offer funding support.

Benjamin Carter, sponsored by Grant Carter and Jenny Lee Taylor, sponsored by Jenny McDowell have been proposed for membership in SGR. Please contact a board member with comments relating to these new members.

PROGRAM: Dwight and Kathy Andrus and Jay Lane from the Cougar Adventure Academy, a new Christian based school for children age 8-11, shared their plans and enthusiasm for helping kids in a family home environment. According to Kathy Andrus, more and more single parents are struggling economically while needing to leave their children unsupervised for long periods of time each day. Some children suffer from reactive assistive disorder, particularly those who have been adopted. Many are disenfranchised. In a multi-faceted program which uses computer learning as well as hands on disciplines such as gardening and equine therapy, swimming, sports and support from parent coaches, 48-60 students will participate in 6-9 month stays at a cost of $3000-$5000 a month.

Columbus Day is "Know Yer Ro"

2010-10-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was in his usual place as Sergeant-at-arms noting the presence (or absence) of members and visitors to SGR at the Holiday Inn. Ray Robinson led members in a harmonious rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Bob Bramlage led members in a recitation of the 4-Way Test of “the things we think, say and do.” Bob McMillan invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. Terance White asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Reed Noble conducted a lucrative Horseplay, on behalf of the Guatemalan stove project, while Janet O’Riley collected fines!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: PDG Gil Trujillo explained the process for amending club bylaws, after which Grant Carter asked members to vote to accept $10,000 in unexpended funds from the Utah Rotary District Conference in May to be used exclusively for official Rotary youth programs (i.e., Interact, Rotaract, RYLA and Youth Exchange). Voting was unanimous in the affirmative to create the Linda Sappington Youth Scholarship Fund.

June McAfee reported Rotarians are invited to meet at Reed Noble’s office to put stickers in the dictionaries after which they will be ready for distribution to 3rd graders throughout the school district. Members are also invited to call her for information about the project.

Ken Sizemore asked members to sign up for a shift on October 15-16 at the International Festival as part of the Huntsman World Senior Games. Volunteers are needed to man the booth. The city of St. George has also approached Ken about helping on Saturday, October 23 (National Make-A-Difference Day) to plant trees at the SK8 Park.

Greg Basso introduced the Challenge of 80 wheelchair project. Chairs cost approximately $150 each. Over the next 15 months (until December 31, 2011) members can donate $10 per month to reach the goal of 80 wheelchairs.

PROGRAM: Today’s “Know Yer Ro” features two relatively new members: Bob McMillan and Bob Miller. McMillan, the oldest of 6 children, grew up in Layton, Utah. He served an LDS mission in Calgary, Canada before taking a job with Lindquist Mortuary in Layton. He attended school in Kansas City, KS, graduating with a degree in Mortuary Science then relocated to Flagstaff, Arizona. In 2006, he and his family moved to St. George where he took a position with Heideman Mortuary. In 2008, he opened McMillan Mortuary and is gradually getting used to the summers in Dixie. He and his wife Sue have four sons ages 20, 17, 15 and 7. Together the family enjoys sports of all kinds, including basketball in the back yard.

Bob Miller notes he “has been visiting SGR longer than many members have been members!” A Rotarian from New York state since 1975 - with 13 years of perfect attendance - Bob has spent a portion of every year since 1995 attending St. George Rotary Club. A world traveler, Bob reports he has “made up meetings in England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Norway, Finland, Singapore and France.” For 42 years, Bob has been involved in education - first in elementary schools and later teaching teachers at the State University of New York, which he calls “the most rewarding job ever!” Bob and his wife Sally are the proud parents of three who have produced 7 “grands” and 3 “greats.”

Rotary Does Tuacahn

2010-09-30T06:21:00.000-07:00

On an extra warm night in late September, approximately 35 Rotarians and their spouses, friends and family members enjoyed dinner provided by the Golden Corral Restaurant and a performance of "Crazy for You" at Tuacahn. Thanks goes to Immediate Past President Ken Sizemore (now serving as chair of the Community Service committee) for organizing this "Broadway in the desert" opportunity to socialize under the stars in the spectacular "Canyon of the Gods" - as one of 80 outstanding activities and programs in our "Challenge of 80" celebration of 80 years of SGR.

DSC Celebrates 100 Years

2010-09-28T06:35:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was in his usual place as Sergeant-at-arms noting the presence (or absence) of members and visitors to SGR - held this week at the Eccles Fine Arts Center on the campus of Dixie State College. Ray Robinson led members in a touching rendition of “America” and a spirited chorus of “Are You From Dixie?” accompanied on the piano by Heidi Mitchell, a talented DSC music student. Bob Bramlage invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. Durant McArthur asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Christina Schultz conducted a lucrative Horseplay, on behalf of Dixie State College, while Terance White collected fines!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: June McAfee reported the dictionaries are in and will soon be ready for distribution to 3rd graders throughout the school district. She will be in contact with those who have signed up for this service.

Ken Sizemore announced there are still a half dozen tickets available for tonight’s performance of “Crazy for You” at Tuacahn. Tickets are discounted to $22 each and the meal, provided by the Golden Corral Restaurant will be paid for by SGR. He also announced two upcoming service projects: October 15-16 is the International Festival as part of the Huntsman World Senior Games. Volunteers are needed to man the booth. The city of St. George has approached Ken about helping on Saturday, October 23 to plant trees at the SK8 Park.

PROGRAM: Dixie State College President Stephen Nadauld spoke of the excitement on campus surrounding the 100 year anniversary of the school, noting enrollment has increased by 60% in the past three years as bachelors degree programs have been introduced bringing the head count to more than 9000 students. He also noted outreach to China has resulted in the enrollment of 2 students and the hope of up to 200 more in future years. On that note, the president added the number of minority students has increased by 120%.

Exciting things are happening on the campus. The recent DOCUtah was the first introduction to the community of this exciting documentary film festival. On February 5, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra on Temple Square will perform on campus. A new 170,000 square foot library will soon be under construction. The current library will be renovated to become Math and Science Building and the building known on campus as “the NIB” (North Instructional Building) will be renovated to become the Education Department. A Centennial Pavilion will soon be completed with activities to include sand volleyball; and, the college is replacing the astro-turf on the football field. The college has recently signed an agreement with a California film company to produce infomercials, commercials and movies in partnership with DSC’s media center, which now includes KCSG-TV. The Public Broadcast System (PBS) is working on a documentary about DSC which will be aired in December . . . “and we are well on our way to becoming a college town!” said the president.

Rotarians, who enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by DSC Campus Dining, were invited to enjoy the display of memorabilia reflecting the successes and changes on the college campus over a century.

SGR Meets News Entrepreneurs

2010-09-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was missing from his usual place as Sergeant-at-arms so Jack Petersen assumed responsibility for noting the presence (or absence) of members and visitors to SGR. Ray Robinson led members in a tribute to the end-of-summer rendition of “In the Good Old Summertime.” Richard Isom led members in a recitation of the 4-Way Test. Bob Miller invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. Eldon McArthur asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Bob Bramlage conducted a spirited Horseplay, on behalf of the Guatemala stove project, while Jack Petersen collected fines!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Next week’s meeting of SGR will be held at the Eccles Fine Arts Center where Rotarians will enjoy lunch and a display celebrating the 100-Year Anniversary of Dixie State College.

President Grant announced the “Challenge of 80" program which will celebrate the 80 year anniversary of SGR (chartered January 1931) in increments of 80 (see a list of goals on the right side of the blog at http://stgeorgerotaryclub.blogspot.com).

Ken Sizemore announced Rotary Night at Tuacahn on Tuesday, September 28. SGR will pick up the dinner tab. Tickets for the performance of “Crazy for You” will be discounted to $22 each. He also noted the upcoming 3rd annual International Festival in the Town Square will be held on Friday, October 15 and Saturday, October 16. SGR will have a booth focusing on Guatemala, including a stove and information about the stove project.

Ray Robinson announced the recent introduction to Rotaract at DSC had more than 50 students in attendance thanks to the efforts of Lauren Christensen, Rotaract president.

June McAfee announced the dictionaries will soon be ready for distribution to 3rd graders around the school district.

Ken Seefeld reported on the Chamber of Commerce expo last week where 10 people signed up for more information about Rotary.

PROGRAM: West Martin introduced Jenn Watkins and Chanda Gunter from Dixie Press, the new online newspaper and radio news program. Jenn, the former editor of Today in Dixie, noted the rise and fall of newspapers in the country due to new ways to market businesses and products. According to the entrepreneur, people believe this industry has been dying for 60 years - consolidating 2-3 small newspapers into 1 in communities all across America. The threat in the ‘70's was TV news . . . and today, the traditional newspaper boy has been replaced by Comcast and Google. The high cost of doing business and the need to cut staff has also had a serious impact on the newspaper business.

The young women’s new business venture is Dixie Press which can be found online at www.sgnews.com or on radio station KZNU / 1450 am on Thursday afternoon at 4:30 pm.

Tuckett Shares Vision for DOCUtah

2010-09-13T19:55:00.001-07:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was in his usual place as Sergeant-at-arms noting the presence (or absence) of members and visitors to SGR. Ray Robinson led members in an offbeat rendition of “Shine On Harvest Moon” Christina Schultz led members in a recitation of the 4-Way Test. Bob Bramlage, back after several months away, invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. Kyle Case asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Dan Strobell conducted a spirited Horseplay, on behalf of the Guatemala stove project, while Jeff Morby collected fines!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Linda Baker reported a successful RYLA with 142 students from all across Utah, including 4 teens sponsored by SGR

PROGRAM: President Grant introduced West Martin, Program Chairman, who introduced Christina Schultz, Executive Director of the DOCUtah project who introduced Phil Tuckett, the brains and brawn behind the first ever International Documentary Film Festival at Dixie State College. An associate professor at DSC, director of the Dick Nourse Center for Media Innovation; the producer, director and writer for NFL Films; a former player for the San Diego Chargers football team; and the winner of 30 Emmy Awards for outstanding television, Tuckett shared his vision for DOCUtah. “Doing it for the love of the game,” was his answer when asked why he and college had decided to jump into this enormous project which “accepts diversity outside of our community.”

Approximately 150 films - from 487 submissions from film makers in 36 countries - will be at the centerpiece of DOCUtah, which will run from an opening night at Tuacahn on Thursday, September 16 to a closing event at the OC Tanner Amphitheater in Springdale. The documentary films will be shown at several local movie theaters in St. George, at venues in Kanab and on the college campus. Tickets are on sale at the Dixie State College box office.

Rigby Shares Past and Future of Heritage Choir

2010-08-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was in his usual place as Sergeant-at-arms noting the presence (or absence) of members and visitors to SGR. Ray Robinson led members in an upbeat rendition of “You’re A Grand Old Flag.” Janet O’Riley led members in a recitation of the 4-Way Test. Tom McArthur invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance. Kurt Johnson asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Allen Hilton conducted a spirited Horseplay while Jack Petersen collected fines on behalf of this year’s Dictionary Project!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Paul Harris Fellows were awarded to several members - and family - of SGR, for a donation of $1000 each, including Cindy Strobell (Dan), Lois Lang (Nick), Linda Baker, Jenny McDowell, and to Allen Hilton - his 4th PHF!

PROGRAM: Ray Robinson introduced Floyd Rigby, Director of the 200+ Southern Utah Heritage Choir who conducted the 13 years before he “retired” and has now been enticed back to the assignment. For at least the next year, Floyd plans to commute back and forth between his home in Highland and the choir assignment in St. George due to the demands of his familybusiness. According to the director, the choir is now larger and better than it has ever been with vocalists from all walks of life. “We have mothers, fathers, doctors, teachers and plumbers!”

Floyd had high praise for Dr. Nancy Allred, the choir's amazingly talented accompanist who, at Dixie State College, is teaching, an unprecedented, 27 piano majors.

“The purpose of chorale music is to develop talent, discipline and responsibility; highlight our cultural heritage, share values, increase knowledge . . . and of course, our gifts are all we get to take with us into the next life,” he said.

Founded in 1994 by Rigby and Dixie Leavitt, then president of the St. George Temple Visitor Center, the Southern Utah Heritage Choir has now become a musical voice in the region. The choir has toured and performed in the Czech Republic, Armenia, Mexico, England, Scotland, Washington DC, New York’s Carnegie Hall and most recently in China. The Choir was involved this week in the dedication of the newly remodeled St. George Catholic Church and is preparing for upcoming concerts including the Choral Festival Concert (Saturday, September 11 at the Cox Auditorium); the Heritage Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 9 in the St. George Tabernacle and on Saturday, September 11 and Sunday, December 12 in the Cox Auditorium. For more information, call 673-3740.

SGR Goes to Church

2010-08-23T18:28:00.000-07:00

Don Pendleton did his best to keep track of members and visitors gathering in the vestibule of the St. George Catholic Church. In its second week of festivities in celebration of the church’s recent renovation / remodel, members of SGR enjoyed a tour lead by Catholic historian Lorraine Boyce. Rotarians viewed the rose window created by a dying church member, the stations of the cross, statuary including St. Jude, St. Francis of Assisi, St. George and the Virgin of Guadelupe above the podium. There was also a great deal of Catholic art work on display, as well as a list of contributors to the project.

The week’s events include a fundraising dinner with LDS Apostle M. Russell Ballard.

Interaction between Catholics and those of the LDS faith go back in history to the height of activity in the mines at Silver Reef, where the population explosion of those seeking fame and fortune, included Reverend Lawrence Scanlon.

According to “History of Washington County” by Dr. Karl Brooks and Dr. Douglas Alder, relations with the gentiles at Silver Reef were "cautious.” One well-known exception was a friendship which developed between John Menzies Macfarlane (who wrote the American hymn “Far Far Away on Judea’s Plain”) of St. George and Father Scanlon, the Catholic priest in Silver Reef. Both residents of the same boarding house, the two conversed at length and became friends - with a mutual problem. Father Scanlon wanted to celebrate high mass with a choir for his congregation, but his church was still unfinished and he had no choir. Macfarlane proposed the mass be held in the St. George LDS Tabernacle where he was the director of a 30-voice choir. The memorable event which included devout Catholics and curious Mormons was held May 25, 1879. Father Scanlon is reported to have started the mass by saying, “I think you are wrong and you think I am wrong, but this should not prevent us from treating each other with due consideration and respect.”

Following the tour, Rotarians dismissed to Kuzy Hall (named in honor of Father Paul Kuzy who lead the congregation for 13 years and was a member of St. George Rotary Club) for box lunches, drinks and the business portion of the meeting.

President Grant announced receipt of a district grant in the amount of $3000 in support of the dictionary project.

Dan Strobell announced another district grant in the amount of $8800 in support of the Guatemala stove project.

Announcements included Gil Trujillo noting Linda Sappington had underspent nearly $10,000 in preparation for the Utah Rotary District Conference in May. “Since the district doesn’t know what to do with extra funds, they have voted to give it to our club on the condition that it be spent on developing strong youth programs,” noted the former Utah Rotary District Governor.

Student Tells of Thailand Trip

2010-08-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Ray Robinson led the SGR Choir in a spirited rendition of “I’m Looking Over A 4-Leaf Clover” Debbie Justice led members in a recitation of the Rotary 4-Way Test. Stan Gubler invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. Quinn Hadley asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. June McAfee conducted a lucrative Horseplay while Nancy Neff collected the filthy lucre on behalf of this year’s dictionary project.

Nick Lang introduced Lauren Christensen, this year’s president of Rotaract at Dixie State College.

PROGRAM: Vayla Mitchell, a student at Dixie State College, has just returned from two weeks in Thailand with YouthLINC. With a mission to “create lifetime humanitarians” YouthLINC recruits students 16-24 for local and international service in such faraway places as Mexico, Kenya, Peru, Thailand and most recently in Cambodia.

Locally, Vayla volunteered at Kolob Care Center where she met and was befriended by an elderly resident who has now become one of her dearest friends. A member of YouthLINC’s medical committee, Vayla secured 318 toothbrushes, 237 tubes of toothpaste and 144 containers of floss to take to Thailand. In this Asian country, Vayla and 40+ other young people installed two drainage systems for sinks and toilets. The young humanitarians put in a walkway which required 70 batches of cement they mixed themselves in a wheelbarrow. They also installed sinks, hygiene kits, clothes and shoes collected before the trip, created a playground for Thai children, taught English, distributed school supplies, taught dental hygiene, and organized a carnival for the children.

Vayla’s impression of Thailand? “It was hot and humid, but the children are respectful, disciplined, loving and giving. I want to be them.”

DC&S Shares Stats

2010-08-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was in his usual place as Sergeant-at-arms noting the presence (or absence) of members and visitors to SGR. Ray Robinson led members in an upbeat rendition of “You’re A Grand Old Flag” June McAfee led members in a recitation of the 4-Way Test. Shar Heitkotter invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance. Kip Bowler asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Nick Lang conducted a spirited Horseplay while Jack Petersen collected fines on behalf of this year’s Dictionary Project!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Jenny McDowell invited members to donate to a kidney transplant for a single woman with five children. Jenny will match funds up to $250.

President Grant presented Ken Sizemore with a book chronicling his year as president of St. George Rotary.

PROGRAM: President Grant introduced Robert Schaefer, operations manager at Dixie Care and Share who announced Ruben Garcia has been selected, after a long search, to serve as Executive Director.

Citing recent data about DC&S, Schaefer reported 11,025 nights of lodging in the 54-bed homeless shelter; 29,900 meals to short term residents; 1,500,000 pounds of food distributed to homeless individuals and working poor families. The 17 employees and numerous volunteers at the St. George and Hurricane locations also distributed 1175 packages of diapers and 5000 hygiene kits; as well as bus tickets and emergency car repairs provided by funds from the Salvation Army through the holiday Red Kettle Campaign (which last year raised $45,000). Grants provided another $84,000 in rental assistance and utility deposits.

“I’ve never seen a more giving community, but every month is a struggle,” states the operations manager.

Kelly Knowles, a former resident of the homeless shelter who now works as the food bank manager added, “the lines begin to form by mid morning.”

Schaefer added the program is looking for funding to double the size of the current facility. 70% of those seeking assistance through DC&S are from outside the county and 2/3 are men. “However, our greatest need is for baby food and diapers,” notes Shaeffer, “and cash! We really, really need cash donations.”

SGR Welcomes DG Penny Atkinson

2010-08-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Ray Robinson led the SGR Choir in a pensive rendition of “My Country, Tis of Thee.” Durant McArthur invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. Phil Hall asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Greg Basso led members in a recitation of the Rotary 4-Way Test. Terance White conducted Horseplay while Laura Taylor collected the filthy lucre on behalf of the club dictionary project.

PROGRAM: District Governor Penny Atkinson shared her appreciation for the long history of service among members of SGR, including service by five members as Past District Governors (Gil Trujillo, Jim Coleman, Sterling Spafford, Doug Quayle and Eldon McArthur). She also expressed affection for Ray and Ruby Robinson for all they have given in support of the district’s youth programs; and, to Gil and Pat Trujillo and Linda Sappington for the outstanding district conference in May.

PDG Kelly Atkinson introduced his project as the district’s “first dude” - the Rotary license plate. Currently, the district is working to find 750 Rotarians who would be willing to purchase the license plate - in support of youth programs - if it were produced by the state of Utah.

DG Penny outlined “Eight Out of the Gate” - her goals for the district during her year as district governor. Her 8 goals include (1) a stable and growing budget; (2) membership (“grow or die”); (3) strong clubs (with effective meetings planned well in advance); (4) support for the Rotary foundation; (5) expand clubs; (6) support for youth programs; (7) 15% of club membership attending the district conference (May 12-14 in Cedar City); and, (8) attendance at the All Clubs Celebration of 100 Years of Rotary in Utah (January 15, 2011 in Salt Lake).

YVC Teaches SGR to "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle"

2010-07-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Sergeant-at-arms Don Pendleton was on duty greeting members and visitors to St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson led the SGR Choir in a harmonious rendition of the first and last verses of “America the Beautiful.” Kris Neal invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance. Ken Sizemore asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal and Don Pendleton led members in a recitation of the 4-Way Test. Sam McArthur took to the podium for a spirited Horseplay while Dan Strobell collected fines in support of Kris Neal’s feral cat program.

President Grant Carter announced next week’s meeting will feature Utah Rotary District Governor Penny Atkinson.

Phil Hall indicated some members have asked whether it is too late to take advantage of matching funds for Paul Harris Fellows. He will check and report back next week.

Greg Basso asked for volunteers to help with his backpack project on Friday, July 30 at 10 a.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Methodist Church.

PROGRAM: Linda Sappington introduced the program which featured members of the Youth Volunteer Corps of Washington County with team leaders Becky Cox, an AmeriCorps member assigned to Community Education and Kayla Shenfeld, a VISTA Summer Associate at the Volunteer Center of Washington County. More than 30 youth volunteers between the ages of 11-14 are taking part in the Summer of Service “100 Hours in 100 Days” program where they are learning to “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” and sharing their knowledge and expertise through the production of public service announcements currently running on Canyon Media’s Planet 94.1 radio station; TV ad spots and power point presentations explaining the problems associated with nearly 40,000 pounds of discarded plastic, metal, glass and paper per year for every American! The kids have taken a field trip to the landfill, learned marketing techniques at the Dick Norris Communication Center at Dixie State College and are planning a tour and service project at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and will make a presentation to the Washington County Commission in early August. St. George City Mayor Dan McArthur answered the students’ questions about the city’s recycling efforts. At the end of their 100 hours, each student will receive a $500 education award from the Corporation for National and Community Service which can be used anytime in the next ten years at a college or university of their choice.

New Members Introduced

2010-07-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Ray Robinson conducted the SGR Choir in a rousing rendition of “Home on the Range” in honor of Pioneer Day. Gil Trujillo invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. Terance White asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Rick Schofield led members in a recitation of the Rotary 4-Way Test.

President Grant asked for volunteers to serve as the club’s CANstruction team. See Linda Sappington for more information or to volunteer.

Durant McArthur conducted an hysterical Horseplay while Reed Noble collected funds in support of Kris Neal's Feral Cat Program.

PROGRAM: Grant Carter introduced new members Richard Luekenga, Jr. and Kip Bowler who reported on their lives and times! Richard Luekenga noted his name is of German origin, while he is from Richfield; served an LDS mission in Argentina; and, as a former student at Utah State University, he is proud to call himself an Aggie. He studied for a career in audiology in Louisville, Kentucky, then moved to St. George in 2005 where he joined with three other healthcare professionals to create the Dixie Hearing and Balance Center, 630 S. 400 East. In his practice - closely tied to Intermountain Health Care - he treats hearing and balance disorders in infants to adults of all ages.

In his spare time, Richard enjoys basketball, football, water and snow skiing, and golf (“I’m a sandbagger of sorts”).

Luekenga was brought into the club by Ray Robinson, but introduced to the principles of Rotary as a child by his father who “was the 4-way test in action!”

Kip Bowler, a loan officer at the Village Bank, has “lived in St. George my whole life.” Descended from pioneers who came to this region in the late 1800's, Bowler is a graduate of Southern Utah University who lives in Gunlock with his wife and three children. In his spare time, he is also involved in the livestock industry and enjoys roping and riding.

Sponsored by Phil Hall, Kip has Rotary in his blood. His grandfather, Truman Bowler was a longtime member and served as president of St. George Rotary in 1978.

Carter is SGR's 80th President

2010-07-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Sergeant-at-arms Don Pendleton was on duty greeting members and visitors to St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson led the SGR Choir in a happy rendition of “In the Good Old Summer Time” (otherwise known as the “Tootsie Wootsie” Song. Lee Sheets invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. Nick Lang asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal.

President Ken Sizemore welcomed PDG Gil Trujillo home after a year of running up and down the freeway visiting everyone of Utah’s 44 clubs.

PROGRAM: President Ken called his “a great year. Despite the impact of the economic downturn which resulted in a major loss in membership, we have ended the year with a half dozen new and enthusiastic members bringing the total from 63 to 69 with 2-3 more putting in applications!” Ken also noted how much he and Barbara enjoyed the opportunity to attend the RI Convention in Birmingham, England “where members become Rotarians!”

During the year, the club enjoyed a Halloween Social at Staheli Family Farm and a memorable Christmas party planned by Shar Heitkotter and Greg Basso. “The low point in my year as president was when the decision was made to do away with the Dixie Rotary Bowl . . . the high point was the accomplishment of my personal goal to have ‘boots on the ground in Guatemala.’”

President Ken also recognized Linda Sappington for chairing the Utah Rotary District Conference in May then distributed Distinguished Service Awards, as follows:

* Doug Seefeld (for giving up his two week vacation to review and reorganize SGR’s bookkeeping)
* June McAfee (for taking the Dictionary Project to a whole new level)

* Dan Strobell, Jim Coleman, Dan and Sam McArthur, Reed Noble and Lowry Snow for “boots on the ground in Guatemala"

* Ray and Ruby Robinson (a decade of service to Rotary youth)
* Linda Sappington (SGR’s “go to” girl / seretary)

President Ken also awarded nine members with Perfect Attendance certificates totaling 100 years of “service above self”, as follows:
* Eldon McArthur (36 years)
* Donald Ira Pendleton (22 years)
* Ray Robinson (12 years)

* Jim Coleman (10 years)

* Linda Sappington   (5 years)
* Nick Lang    (5 years)
* Gil Trujillo    (4 years)
* Ken Sizemore    (3 years)
* Richard Isom    (3 years)

New president Grant Carter indicated his #1 priority is to develop a successful and sustainable fundraiser as he accepted the president’s pin for 2010-11. On behalf of a grateful club, he expressed gratitude for Ken Sizemore’s outstanding leadership this year. Those who will assist President Grant in his year in the club’s top spot include:

~ Linda Baker youth service

~ West Martin programs

~ Jenny McDowell membership / directory

~ Kyle Case                               public relations
~ Ken Sizemore                         community service
~ Ken Seefeld                            treasurer
~ Kris Neal                                assistant treasurer
~ Linda Sappington                     secretary

SGR Learns Art of Negotiation

2010-06-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was in his usual place as Sergeant-at-arms noting the presence (or absence) of members and visitors to SGR. Ray Robinson led members in a patriotic rendition of “Star Spangled Banner” including a flag ceremony featuring military veterans Andy Anderson, Greg Basso and Don Pendleton. Richard Luekenga invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. June McAfee asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Terance White conducted a lucrative Horseplay while Kevin McBride collected fines on behalf of CANstruction!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Foundation chair Phil Hall reminded members who wish to take advantage of the opportunity for matching funds for a Paul Harris Fellowship, the deadline for payment is today.

President Ken Sizemore reminded members of the opportunity to purchase Rotary license plates then shared the president’s plaque for K. D. (Kumin) Williams, president of SGR in 1952-53. His family found it among his belongings and decided to donate it back to the club.

Ray Robinson announced he has been notified of an incoming Youth Exchange member. He does not have any information on this young lady but encouraged members to consider sharing their home with her while she is in St. George for the upcoming school year.

INDUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS: New members Kevin McBride, sponsored by Grant Carter and Sheldon Banks, sponsored by Dan McArthur, were inducted into the club.

PROGRAM: Linda Baker introduced Jinks Dabney of the law firm of Dabney and Dabney who addressed the topic of “how to negotiate a raise!” According to the attorney, learning how to negotiate is a skill which can be developed by “knowing what you want, knowing your options / priorities, knowing how much time you have, knowing who the players are; and knowing when, where and how to ask.” Dabney went on to share his ten successful negotiation secrets. “The first is preparation . . . get your ducks lined up!” He then added “listen to what other players are saying, keep talking, remember ‘everything is negotiable,’ and always allow others to win a few points.” Finally, “avoid polarization (‘you might have a question about your opponents parentage, but never, never say it’), deal with your leverage, and use humor whenever appropriate (‘it is always welcome and takes the edge off the situation’), dissect your options, and always remember to ask ‘what can I do to help US work this out?”

Ironman St. George Comes to SGR

2010-06-21T05:59:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was in his usual place as Sergeant-at-arms noting the presence (or absence) of members and visitors to SGR. Ray Robinson opened the meeting with a harmonious rendition of “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” Debbie Justice invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance. West Martin asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Jim Coleman conducted a lucrative Horseplay - helped along by the sale of DRB ball caps identified as “illegal contraband” by President Elect-nominee Linda Baker - while Quinn Hadley collected fines on behalf of CANstruction!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Foundation chair Phil Hall reminded members who wish to take advantage of the opportunity for matching funds for a Paul Harris Fellowship, the deadline for payment is Monday, June 28.

PROGRAM: Linda Baker introduced Kevin Lewis from the Washington County Convention and Visitor Bureau who began planning the “first ever” Ironman St. George more than 2 ½ years ago. The event, which included a 2.4 mile swim at Sand Hollow, a 112 mile bike race and a 26.2 mile marathon, all on Saturday, May 1, drew nearly 2000 participants from all over the country. In addition to the Ironman competitors, the event had 4300 volunteers, drew 9080 visitors to the area (52% who were in the St. George area for the first time); reported 12,250 hotel room nights and had an economic impact on the county totaling $7.85 million. Considered by Ironman competitors to be “a great race” because of the challenge, scenery and friendly people, the 2010 event generated more than 150 media impressions in its first of five Ironman St. George events.

SGR Hears Sheriff Candidate

2010-06-14T05:12:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was in his usual place as Sergeant-at-arms noting the presence (or absence) of members and visitors to SGR. Ray Robinson opened the meeting with a spirited rendition of “You’re A Grand Old Flag.” Kris Neal invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance after which SGR’s newest member Kip Bowler asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Lee Sheets took the reins for a boisterous Horseplay while Kurt Johnson collected fines on behalf of CANstruction!

INDUCTIONS: Two new Rotarians were inducted by Prez-elect Grant Carter. Laura Taylor (classification: Real Estate) is sponsored by Jenny McDowell. Richard Luekenga (classification: Audiology) is sponsored by Ray Robinson, bringing the current total of members in SGR to 68!

PROGRAM: With Grant Carter conducting, in the absence of President Ken Sizemore, Linda Baker introduced Rob Tersigni, candidate for the office of Washington County sheriff. Tersigni, who attended “played basketball at all the BYU’s (Provo, Rexburg, ID and Hawaii)” graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. He is currently serving as Chief Deputy over field operations with the Sheriff’s Office managing a $14 million budget and “is serious about the problems associated with illegal immigration. Right now, the numbers are down slightly due to our poor economy, but they’ll be back! We need more ICE agents doing their jobs and we need more officers on patrol.” Tersigni is also concerned about the activities of more than 500 known gang members in the county. The former Ivins City police chief promises “strong enforcement of the laws relating to criminal activities.” Elections take place on Tuesday, June 22. Don’t forget to vote.

Meet New Rotarian Quinn Hadley

2010-06-07T15:54:00.000-07:00

New member Quinn Hadley (Classification: Funeral Director) didn’t know much about Rotary when he joined last month at the encouragement of his employer at Metcalf Mortuary but "it seemed like a good opportunity."

Quinn graduated from Dixie State College with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration but didn’t know exactly which direction to go with his college education until he met and married Nicole Metcalf, daughter of Ron and Cindy Metcalf. Quinn decided to take a look at his father-in-law’s funeral business and was soon intrigued by what he calls "an interesting profession." He worked as an apprentice at Metcalf Mortuary before he went to mortuary school in New York City, living in "an awesome downtown apartment in Manhattan where Nicole and I lived it up for a year" before returning to St. George. Admittedly, Quinn says, "this profession took some getting used to - and the hours can be inconvenient - but I find it very rewarding!"

Quinn says his most memorable experience in life is memorable for all the wrong reasons. The event which changed his life forever was the loss of his father - who he describes as "my very best friend" - from a sudden heart attack in January 2009. "It has been hard to watch my mother struggle with the loss which flipped our whole world upside down. I am trying to deal with it, but it is still very hard to realize he is gone!"

Quinn, who learned Portuguese serving an LDS mission in Brazil (1999-2001), recently vacationed in the South American country with his wife. "I was a little nervous about being able to speak the language, but it came back pretty quick. I was able to get us from the extreme north to the extreme southern tip of Brazil - from Manaus near the Amazon River to Iguacu Falls and to Salvador and Porto Alegre."

Sounds like Quinn Hadley will be a perfect new addition to SGR’s International Service committee.

Meet New Rotarian Alan Paxton

2010-05-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

Alan Paxton found Rotary through US Bank, his employer which encourages community service and club affiliation for the members of their management team. “I was actually looking into the Kiwanis Club when our Hurricane branch manager suggested I look into Rotary. He has been a Rotarian for several years and has loved it. He also said it has greatly aided in his position with the bank because, through Rotary he has been able to connect with prominent members of the community.”

Alan’s roots are deep in southern Utah (his ancestors helped settle Beaver / Fillmore areas), but it was not until he returned from an LDS mission in El Salvador and enrolled at Dixie State College that he actually lived in the Beehive State. Born in Fort Hood, Texas, he grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ... a place he came to know as home. While living in the suburbs of Philadelphia (Valley Forge to be exact) he was driving with a friend when his car was hit by an oversize passenger van. The fire department had to remove the door to get him out of the vehicle, and then rushed him to the hospital in an ambulance. “When the shock began to wear off for me I remember the doctor stating it was nothing short of a miracle that I survived the crash since the impact of the accident was directly on the drivers door where I was sitting. Even more amazing, neither my friend nor I experienced only minor cuts from the windshield breaking. Days later my mother and I visited the junk yard to see the extent of the damage of my vehicle and were surprised to see how much damage there was - particularly to the drivers side. I tried to sit in the drivers seat and could not fit as it had been crushed and shrunk, much like a tin can, and was now significantly more narrow than I was.”

Alan’s two years in El Salvador gave him a second language skill; the great experience of living in another culture; and, the chance to experience life from a different perspective. “When I heard about our club's recent return from Guatemala I must admit I was quite jealous, as Guatemala and El Salvador are neighbors, and the cultures are very similar,” states the new Rotarian.

When Alan first moved to St. George, he took the first job he could find, working 4 12-hour night shifts at the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Factory on the Arizona Strip. He worked there for only a few short months before the schedule became too much to deal with while attending school full time. A friend suggested he look for a bank teller job. He found work at US Bank as a part time teller where he became friends with the bank’s loan officer. After 6 months of working for US Bank this loan officer was offered a branch management position at Deseret First Credit Union. He asked Alan to come with him, particularly because of his Spanish language skills. “I compromised with him that if he would train me to do new accounts and loans then I would move with him at the credit union. Shortly after making the transfer my manager made good on his promise and promoted me to be the new accounts specialist and trained me in processing loans. Meanwhile back at US Bank, another acquaintance I had made while working there had become the branch manager and had asked me to apply for their personal banker position. I applied and received the job and remained in it for 2 years at which point I was promoted to the branch manager. So in short, I kind of fell into banking by accident, but have found I love it.”

SGR Hears from the Speaker of the House

2010-05-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was in his usual place as Sergeant-at-arms noting the presence (or absence) of Rotarians at the 3782nd meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson opened the meeting with a spirited rendition of “My Country, Tis of Thee.” Tom McArthur invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance after which Allen Hilton asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Bob Bramlage took the reins for a boisterous Horseplay while Jack Petersen collected fines on behalf of Polio Plus!

CLUB NEWS: President Ken Sizemore called Allen (Hilton) forward to spin the Rotary wheel in celebration of his birthday on May 28 and newly inducted member Alan (Paxton) also stepped up because his birthday is on the same day . . . and they were sitting side-by-side at the table. A case of "a small world."

Tom McArthur announced he and his wife will be leaving soon for a two year mission for the LDS Church to St. Petersburg, Russia.

Lowry Snow has been appointed to the board of the Utah Economic Development Council.

PROGRAM: Linda Baker introduced Dave Clark, Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives and a member of SGR who shared some of the details of the recent legislative session. Clark stated, “Utah is considered the #1 state in the union for the possibility of a quick rebound from the current economic situation in the nation and the only state with an A rating in the Pugh survey. As a legislature, we try very hard to go after problems before they become catastrophic! We know we can’t tax ourselves to prosperity, so we need to look for ways to build our infrastructure of strong businesses.”

The Speaker expressed his concerns over the current situation in Washington DC, noting “I have never seen so much confiscation of state’s rights, including health care, gun control . . . our government needs to slow down and consider what’s best for America.” He also noted the overhaul of the state retirement program and expressed his concerns over the future of Social Security and Medicare. “By 2014, we will be required to cover everyone up to 200% of Medicaid and insurance providers will not be able to take into consideration any pre-existing conditions. Regardless of what we have been told, it is my belief we are going to see costs go up dramatically!”

SGR Hears from Band of Brothers

2010-05-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Sergeant-at-arms Don Pendleton was on duty greeting members and visitors to St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson led the SGR Choir in a rousing rendition of "Let There Be Peace on Earth." June McAfee invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance. West Martin asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Jim Coleman stirred members into a frenzy of donations on behalf of the upcoming Utah Rotary District Conference with Nancy Neff collecting the filthy lucre for Polio Plus.

Grant Carter conducted the meeting in the absence of President Ken Sizemore. The Prez-elect had high praise for the content and presenters at the recent Uah Rotary District Conference. Jeff Morby reported the URDC golf tournament raised $2200 for Polio Plus.

New members will be inducted next week. Keep recruiting!

PROGRAM: Dan Strobell shared his enthusiasm for the people of Guatemala. He noted they are changing the circumstances for - particularly - children, but placing stoves in homes where women have traditionally cooked over an open fire. Girls in these homes are required to leave school in the early grades to look for wood and water every day. Jim Coleman, Reed Noble, Sam McArthur, Dan McArthur and Lowry Snow, who traveled with Dan spoke of the life-changing adventure they shared with Dan.

District Conference a Success

2010-05-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

The general consensus among more than 200 attendees at the Utah Rotary District Conference is that the "Rendezvous at the Confluence" was "awesome," "wonderful," a rousing success and well worth the time to attend! The weather was perfect, presenters were outstanding, and food was plentiful and tasty!

Highlights for Rotarians from 44 clubs around the state most certainly included a magnificent morning of challenging golf at Sunbrook; a visit by the 6-member District 4845 GSE team from Northern Argentina and Paraguay; the high energy enthusiasm of six youth exchange students from all corners of the world (including South Korea, Argentina, Belgium, Germany and Japan); in depth presentations on such topics as Rotary 101, recruiting younger members using social media; and impressive international service projects.

Governor Gil Trujillo gave out numerous awards:

- Drew Stroberg (Vernal Rotary Club) as "Small Club Rookie of the Year"
- Ruth Urcinole (Salt Lake Rotary Club) "Large Club Rookie of the Year"
- West Jordan Club took home both the "Project of the Year" and "Club of the Year" recognition for their fabulous "Field of Dreams"
- PDG Wally Brown was named District 5420's Rotarian of the Year
- Ray and Ruby Robinson were recognized with the Governor’s Award "for dedication and service to the Youth of District 5420"

Congratulations to Jerry Summerhays selected after intensive interviews among all candidates as the District Governor Nominee for service in 2012-13!

During the Friday luncheon session, Governor Gil and PDG Wally Brown presented District Literacy Awards to the Rotary Clubs of Richfield, Red Rock Morning, Ogden, Vernal, Heber Valley, Draper/Riverton and Dixie Sunrise. Zone Literacy Awards went to the Rotary clubs of Hispaño-Latinos of Salt Lake City, Provo, South Salt Lake, Sugar House, and West Jordan.

The Presidential Citation was awarded to clubs which met District goals for the year. Recipients were Cedar City, Heber Valley, Hurricane Valley, Kaysville, Park City, South Salt Lake, Sugarhouse, Utah Valley Sunrise and Vernal Clubs. Interact clubs at Davis High School and Wasatch High School, as well as Rotaract Clubs on the campuses of BYU, Utah State University and Salt Lake Community College also received the Presidential Citation.

In a "Service Above Self" conference project, Rotarians gave 21 pints of blood (10 were first time donors).

And, who will soon forget the touching presentation by Friday night’s keynote speaker Bryce Payne, recently returned from post-earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti . . . the extemporaneous and offtune Rotary "choir" singing "Are You From Dixie?" in the opening session . . . or the instant connection, good humor and harmony of Rick Tinucci, the RI President’s Representative and his charming wife, Diane?

During the URDC, approximately 65 RYLA students, youth exchange students and Interact members participating in a simultaneous district youth conference, hosted a great breakfast on a perfect morning at the Town Square. It took time to encourage people out of the fresh air and sunshine and into the restored 3rd floor of the St. George Art Center (original home of Dixie College); but in the end everyone admitted, the transition was well worth the effort for an outstanding presentation on Peace and Conflict Resolution by Brian Farr, one of about 500 Rotary International Peace Scholars.

"I was very happy with the content, the weather, the presenters and the attendance - particularly having 15 PDG’s taking part - in the District Conference. We also had great representation from nearly every club," noted Governor Gil as he passed along the Richard L. Evans Rotary pin to incoming District Governor Penny Atkinson.

SGR Introduces Rotary to Prospective Members

2010-05-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Sergeant-at-Arms Don Pendleton was at his usual post meeting and greeting Rotarians and guests to the 3780th meeting of the Rotary Club of St. George. Ray Robinson lead the Rotary choir - including more than a dozen prospective members - in a touching version of "America." Jim Coleman invited citizen Rotarians to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. Steve Radmall asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Dave Clark guided those in attendance in a spirited Horseplay while Chris Coons collected the filthy lucre on behalf of Polio Plus.

PROGRAM: President Ken reminded board members of their upcoming meeting - on Monday, May 10 (rather than Tuesday, May 11) at the Holiday Inn, since there will be no regular club meeting.

President Ken also shared a letter of thanks from Chad Clayton, Snow Canyon High School Sterling Scholar in General Scholarship. "This program has been a tremendous blessing in my life and at its foundation lies the support of donations like yours . . . which shows an interest in and committment to the rising generation and pushes us to work harder to bevome true scholars."

Jeff Morby reminded members and guests there is still time to sign up for the Rotary golf tournament on Thursday, May 13.

In a meeting devoted entirely to educating prospective members in attendance, Dan Strobell spoke of his most recent trip to Guatemala - which also included Reed Noble, Jim Coleman, Lowry Snow, Dan McArthur and Sam McArthur - who left as Rotarian friends but returned as brothers. In the poorest country in the world, according to Strobell, women and children have an extremely high death rate due to longterm smoke inhalation and burns resulting from cooking over open fires. Strobell, supported in part by members of SGR, have no placed more than 500 cinder block stoves . . . thus saving hundreds of lives.

Sam McArthur bore testimony of the power of Rotary to do good in the world - particularly in countries where governments are in turmoil.

Glade Hamilton, Asst. District Governor in Region 10, shared his belief Rotary can make a difference - a fact he did not know until he studied and immersed himself in its concepts.

Ken Seefeld shared the details of Rotary finance - how much, how often and for what?

The meeting ended with cake being shared while answering questions for prospective members.

SGR Learns to Laugh for Health Sake

2010-04-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Sergeant-at-Arms Don Pendleton was at his usual post meeting and greeting Rotarians and guests to the 3779th meeting of the Rotary Club of St. George. Debbie Justice invited all citizens of the United States to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. Durant McArthur asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Rick Schofield guided those in attendance in a spirited Horseplay while Jack Petersen collected the filthy lucre on behalf of Polio Plus.

PROGRAM: There has always been a sense - even before a lot of research and expensive studies verified it - that a good belly laugh makes one feel better! But now is a proven fact! Laughter is a simple but revolutionary exercise which lowers blood pressure; helps chucklers worry less; defuses fear, anger and boredom; and changes who we are for the better. Perhaps a sign of the stress most Americans - and the world - are under, more than 6000 Laughter Clubs have sprung up all over the globe since 1995 - the brainchild of Dr. Madan Kataria of Mumbai, India. Even TV personalities Oprah Winfrey, Ellen deGeneris and others have explored the benefits of giggles hosting Laughter Club members on their shows and, in the process, creating stress free audiences. During the Monday, April 26 meeting of SGR, Ron Harrison, a member of the Las Vegas Laughter Club, had Rotarians and guests on their feet to exercise the health benefits of a good laugh! According to today’s presenter, "laughter puts us in the ‘here and now’ of life, helps us intensely experience the moment, and, well . . . it’s just darn fun!"

SGR Learns of WCSD Foundation for Students

2010-04-19T17:46:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Sergeant-at-arms Don Pendleton was on duty greeting members and visitors to the 3778th meeting of St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson led the SGR Choir in a rousing rendition of "You’re A Grand Old Flag." Reed Noble invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. Lowry Snow asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Sam McArthur stirred members into a frenzy of donations on behalf of the upcoming Utah Rotary District Conference with Jack Petersen collecting the filthy lucre.

President Ken reported on the excellent training provided at the District’s Southern Assembly held in Cedar City on Saturday, April 17.

Janet O’Riley introduced Kristen Nelson, Rotaract President at Dixie State College.

Dan Strobell was pleased to announce Jim Coleman, Reed Noble, Sam McArthur, Dan McArthur and Lowry Snow will be leaving with him for Guatemala on Friday.

President Ken announced District Governor Gil Trujillo also leaves this week for Bolivia with other representatives of the district.

Members are encouraged to bring prospective members to the meeting on Monday, May 3 when the entire program will be devoted to sharing the message of Rotary.

Jeff Morby reported on the upcoming Utah Rotary District Conference Golf Tournament. He is looking for hole sponsors at a cost of $100 - $300 each. All proceeds will benefit the Polio Plus Challenge.

PAUL HARRIS FELLOWS: Mike Heitkotter and Gai McArthur were named Paul Harris Fellows through a gift of $1000 each to The Rotary Foundation by donors Shar Heitkotter and Sam McArthur. Mike Heitkotter and Gai McArthur each received a commemorative certificate and a pin.

PROGRAM: Pam Graf, Department Director of the Washington County School District Foundation for Students shared her enthusiasm for the organization’s mission noting the Foundation supports students by providing resources required for a quality education which is not provided through traditional funding sources. Through the efforts of a strong board, the foundation is promoted within the community; student needs are responded to; the efforts of the foundation are orchestrated; educators are informed about the inner workings of the foundation; fundraising on behalf of student needs is coordinated and potential donors are educated about the benefits of giving.

Graf also outlined the successes of the foundation including $30,000 which supports the Sterling Scholar Program; $850,000 which has provided level libraries in most of the district’s elementary schools; and, generating $80,000 for a fine arts endowment. Graf said their work alongside SunRiver Development to coordinate the Kite Festival has, in its 11-year history generated $166,000 for the foundation.

Other successes include the development of a second Community Health Center clinic at Millcreek High School where most patients seeking health care have no insurance; support of the Backpacks for Kids program which provides school supplies to more than 650 students each year in the district. Bob Green, who shared the lecturn with Graf, noted the number of children who are classified as homeless in the district has jumped substantially due to the downturn in the economy. 467 students have "doubled-up" (living with relatives or friends), 26 are living in motel rooms; 22 live in shelters such as Dixie Care and Share; 6 live in a car; and 24 are classified as "unaccompanied minors" who have essentially been "thrown away" by their family. "Times are tough," said Green. "There are lots, and lots of stories I could tell about difficult situations in the community. We all need to do what we can."

SGR Visits DXZ

2010-04-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

OPENING: The 3781st meeting of SGR started and ended on a bus! Don Pendleton asked for the blessings of heaven on the travel to the new St. George Replacement Airport and on the box lunches provided by Jimmy Johns.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken encouraged current and next year’s board members to attend the upcoming District Assembly on Saturday, April 17 in Cedar City. He also encouraged attendance at the upcoming Utah Rotary District Conference the weekend of May 13-15 in St. George.

PROGRAM: In a bus on loan from the college - and Asst. City Manager Marc Mortensen as the tour guide - members of SGR traveled five miles southeast of downtown St. George to tour the new St. George Replacement Airport - the nation’s second green-filled airport (Denver was the first) and the largest project in the history of Washington County at a cost of $160 million. The airport will temporarily be identified with call letters DXZ until the current mesa top airport is decommissioned. At that time, the 1203-acre facility will be known as St. George Regional Airport - with a catchment area including seven counties (Washington, Iron, Beaver, Garfield, Kane, Clark and Lincoln) and will once again claim SGU as its call letters.

The location was selected out of 15 sites in Washington County considered in the beginning, despite the initial lack of water, sewer, electricity and access - and an overabundance of blue clay. The project has involved more than 15 contractors in the region and includes a new terminal building which is 2.5 times the size of the existing terminal.

From its first day of operations in January 2011, the new St. George Municipal Airport will be able to accommodate planes up to the size of a 737. Negotiations are currently in progress with airlines based in Denver, Phoenix, Dallas/Fort Worth and in parts of California to carry passengers to Salt Lake City and a number of other regional destinations currently not available. Around the perimeter of the new airport, thousands of acres of developable property is also expected to produce long-term economic development growth in the county.

SGR Hears of Other Rotary Successes

2010-04-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

OPENING: The 3780th meeting of SGR found Don Pendleton greeting visitors and guests as Sergeant-at-Arms. To open the meeting, Ray Robinson led the SGR Choir in a patriotic rendition of "America, the Beautiful." June McAfee invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance and Carl Lamar asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Dan Strobell conducted Horseplay while Greg Basso collected fines on behalf of the Rotary District Conference golf tournament.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken Sizemore announced Jim Coleman, Reed Noble and Lowry Snow will be traveling to Guatemala in May, in what Dan Strobell calls a "guys getaway week!"

President Ken encouraged current and next year’s board members to attend the upcoming District Assembly on Saturday, April 17 in Cedar City. He also encouraged attendance at the upcoming Utah Rotary District Conference the weekend of May 13-15 in St. George.

It is time to consider a candidate to serve as Utah District Governor in 2013-14.

Rotary license plates are now available for sale.

Greg Basso announced all monies have been collected for the purchase of wheelchairs. Anyone interested in purchasing chairs are encouraged to contact Greg at 680-5178.

Terance White encouraged participation by all members in a new program to increase membership. Current club members have been divided into four teams (Team Truth, Team Fair, Team Beneficial and Team Goodwill). Teams which bring in the most number of new members in the next 30 days will win prizes, including dues paid for a designated period of time and to the individual club member who brings in the most new members will win two movie tickets and a $50 gift certificate for a local restaurant. Points will be given for new members by age, those recruited to fill vacant classifications or bringing former members back into activity. FMI, call Terance at 669-2125.

PROGRAM: Linda Baker introduced Marla Shelby-Drabner, president of Dixie Sunrise Rotary Club which meets on Thursday morning at the Abbey Inn and Ed Rogers, representing the membership of Red Rock Rotary Club which meets on Wednesday morning at the Abbey Inn (new location). Shelby-Drabner, president for the second time in her 19-year Rotary history, noted her club is heavily involved in fundraising for charitable giving locally, and particularly in the area of public safety. Dixie Sunrise is responsible for the purchase of equipment for the SGPD Bike Patrol and for the local search and rescue organization, including ropes, scuba gear and a drug dog. International service focuses on eye health in Mexico where the Washington County club gathers and distributes used medical equipment. Last year, they were also the "unofficial" host to the GSE team and have recently become involved in humanitarian service in Costa Rica. According to the president, her club has collected books for Purgatory Correctional Facility; been involved in trail clean-up; created and distributed Christmas baskets for those receiving Meals-on-Wheels; created a blog to chronicle the history of the club (see http://rotaryclubofdixiesunrise.blogspot.com) . . . and 100% of its membership are Paul Harris Fellows.

Ed Rogers called his "the little club that could!" Washington County’s newest Rotary Club, chartered 7 years ago, has monthly service projects with most members participating. The most profitable is valet parking at the Washington County Fair which generates enough funding to provide small grants in support of local organizations with a focus on youth. This year, Red Rock Rotary Club will distribute approximately $7000 in grants. Other projects supported by Red Rock include the Utah Academic Decathlon, a dictionary project and the Red Rock Music Festival, scheduled this year on Saturday, May 8 in the Town Square. 　

SGR Learns of Social Media

2010-03-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Back at the Holiday Inn after two weeks away, members and visitors to the 3779th meeting of SGR were greeted by Sergeant-at-Arms Don Pendleton. To open the meeting, Ray Robinson led the SGR Choir in a quirky rendition of the (very) golden oldie "Wait Til the Sunshines, Nellie." Terance White invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Allen Hilton asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Allen Hilton conducted Horseplay while Dan Strobell collected fines on behalf of the Rotary District Conference golf tournament.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken Sizemore encouraged current and next year’s board members to mark calendars for the upcoming District Assembly on Saturday, April 17 in Cedar City. He also encouraged attendance at the upcoming Utah Rotary District Conference the weekend of May 13-15 in St. George.

Kyle Case reminded members of the upcoming NJCAA tournament and asked members to consider serving as host families (providing information and directions to local "high points" as well as cheering on players) during the tournament held May 19-22. FMI, call Kyle at 674-0550.

President Ken encouraged club members to attend their Public Forum being held on Monday afternoon at 3 p.m. and read letters of thanks from Sterling Scholar award winners.

Terance White introduced a new program to increase membership through an identified "army of recruiters." Current club membership has been divided into four teams (Team Truth, Team Fair, Team Beneficial and Team Goodwill). Teams which bring in the most number of new members in the next 30 days will win prizes, including lunches paid for 4 weeks and the individual club member who brings in the most new members will win two movie tickets and a $50 gift certificate for a local restaurant. Points will be given for new members based on age, gender, representatives from unfilled classifications or bringing former members back into activity. FMI, call Terance at 669-2125.

PROGRAM: Richard Isom, of Vive Studio, Inc and a member of SGR, gave an interesting and timely presentation on social media, noting such internet sites as MySpace, Twitter and Facebook are all steadily becoming an important aspect of marketing strategies as businesses of every size and focus, try to engage with their customers and generate new business leads. Studies show dramatic increases in business by those using these (almost) free methods of reaching customers. Citing statistics relating to use, Richard noted there are more than 400,000,000 Facebook users; 200,000,000 blogs and countless "tweeters." The object of social media is "to get the customers talking about you and your business."

Reach Out and Read is Brown's Message

2010-03-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Bob Bramlage stepped in as Sergeant-at-Arms meeting and greeting members and visitors to the 3779th meeting of SGR, held this week at the Abbey Inn as the year’s second All Clubs meeting hosted by Dixie Sunrise Rotary. Jeff Morby led members of Dixie Sunrise, Red Rock and SG Rotary Clubs in the 4-Way Test.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Rotarians were invited to sign up as volunteers for the upcoming Ironman competition on May 1 by going to the City of St. George website.

Jeff Morby encouraged participation in the Utah Rotary District Conference Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 13. Registration forms are available on the utahrotary.org website. All proceeds will go toward the Polio Plus Challenge.

Linda Sappington, Chair of the Utah Rotary District Conference took questions from those present about the upcoming annual event and distributed registration forms.

District Governor Gil Trujillo enthusiastically encouraged participation in the URDC, noting he did not become a Rotarian until after he had participated in his first district conference.

PROGRAM: Today’s speaker was Wally Brown, District Literacy Chairman who spoke on the problems of illiteracy and its negative impact on families and communities. He noted, in the first year of the dictionary project, approximately 13,800 books were given away free-of-charge to 3rd graders around the state. Including this year’s distribution of about 50,000 books, Rotarians have now purchased and distributed 265,810 books in Utah. The PDG noted 2/3 of those who are illiterate in the world today are women who pass their lack of education and laissez faire attitude about learning on to their children - no doubt, among the more than 130 million children who are not in school.

In the Washington County School District - the district consistently considered to have the nation's lowest per-pupil expenditure and with 13 Title 1 schools - 22% of children are reading below grade level and 30-50% (depending on the neighborhood) are second language learners. Adding to the problems of the local community, 65% of prisoners at Purgatory Correctional Facility can’t read.

Comparatively, in Guatemala 90% of children have no books and only 5% have ever even seen a computer. Wally encouraged Rotarians to read Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen, form scrabble clubs, read with your children and grandchildren and organize literacy related events on September 8 (International Literacy Day), February 2 (Dr. Seuss’ birthday) and October 16 (Noah Webster’s birthday). For more information on literacy, see http://www.betterworldbooks.com/ and http://www.booksinside.com./

SGR Visits Habitat ReStore

2010-03-15T19:32:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Bob Bramlage stepped in as Sergeant-at-Arms meeting and greeting members and visitors to the 3778th meeting of SGR, held this week at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. To open the meeting, Ray Robinson led the SGR Choir in a gentle rendition of the first and last verses of "America." Jim Coleman asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Allen Hilton conducted Horseplay while Dan Strobell collected fines on behalf of the Rotary District Conference golf tournament.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken Sizemore reminded members of the All Clubs meeting on Thursday, March 25 at the Abbey Inn. The meeting, hosted by Dixie Sunrise Rotary, begins at 7:30 a.m. (7 a.m. for breakfast for which Ken Seefeld has arranged to pay). As such, there will be NO MEETING on Monday, March 22.

PROGRAM: Speakers for today’s meeting were Dave Huber, immediate past chairman of Habitat for Humanity of SW Utah’s board of directors; Michelle Hill, executive director of the non-profit Christian ministry; and, Tracy Sahleen, Asst. Manager of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Dave Huber noted more than 2/3 of Habitat affiliates across the United States have ReStores, a great resource for deep discounts on new and gently loved home improvement materials and supplies. Michelle Hill shared her enthusiasm for the mission of Habitat to eliminate substandard housing for families in Washington County, announcing the recent dedication of Habitat’s 15th home in a dozen years. Tracy Sahleen shared her own personal story. Her sister-in-law, a Habitat homeowner, had the opportunity to return to school to get a degree in pharmacy. Following her graduation, she accepted employment out-of-state and Habitat allowed Tracy and her family to purchase the home. She also encouraged Rotarians to come to the ReStore . . . and to come back frequently because "new merchandise is coming in every week! If you can’t find it today, come back in a few days." The program ended with a tour of the ReStore.

Fire Trucks and Baby Care Themes for SGR Meeting

2010-03-08T18:53:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton managed his post as Sergeant-at-Arms meeting and greeting members and visitors to the 3777th meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson led the SGR Choir in a spirited rendition of "Oh, Canada!" in honor of 13 visiting members from Swan City, Edson and Grande Prairie, Canada Rotary Clubs. Members and visitor also followed Ray’s lead in singing "Home on the Range." Nancy Neff invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance and Sam McArthur asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Bob Bramlage conducted Horseplay while Dan Strobell collected fines on behalf of the Rotary District Conference golf tournament.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken Sizemore reminded members of the All Clubs meeting on Thursday, March 25 at the Abbey Inn. The meeting, hosted by Dixie Sunrise Rotary, begins at 7:30 a.m. (7 a.m. for breakfast).

SGR will move the meeting next week offsite to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Watch e-mail for more information and directions.

PROGRAM: Rotarians from Canada shared the details of their 6-year service project. In a town with an approximate population of 55,000 residents, members of three Rotary clubs have worked to secure and renovate used fire trucks, ambulances, school buses, wheelchairs and other equipment for transport more than 1500 miles from Canada to Mazatlan, Mexico. "It’s amazing what four Rotarians will do to get out of the office!" joked Allen Giersch from Grande Prairie Rotary Club. "We are stopped frequently driving to our destination in Mexico, but a stop in Las Vegas is always mandatory."

Debbie Justice, Executive Director from The Learning Center for Families, took a portion of the meeting to share information about her organization. The Learning Center for Families, is located at 1192 W. Sunset Blvd. "in the back where no one can find us! It’s so bad, we’ve had new staff people tell us they can’t find their way back after lunch." TLC, which began in 1993 with 18 infants and toddlers, is a private, non-profit agency contracted by the Utah Department of Health for families who reside in Washington County and Colorado City/Centennial Park/Cane Beds, Arizona. TLC has provided care for more than 8000 children in its 17-year history through two programs: Early Intervention, serving families of children birth-to-three years of age who are showing any kind of developmental delay; and Early Head Start, for low-income pregnant women and families of children birth-to-three. "How can you help us in our efforts? We always need diapers (sizes 1-4) and pull-ups. We need volunteers, such as handymen and clerical support. We need you to support legislation to help this population, we need your help to build a new building and you can also take part in the 10th annual Run4Kids Sake on April 10."

SGR Board Outlines Activities

2010-03-01T06:45:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Don Pendleton was back at his post as Sergeant-at-Arms meeting and greeting members and visitors to the 3776th meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson led the SGR Choir in a spirited rendition of "Grand Old Flag" because no one knew the words to "Oh, Canada!" as the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia are now history. Linda Baker invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance and Chris Coons asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Kris Neal took her very first turn at conducting Horseplay while a high energy Jim Coleman collected fines on behalf of the Rotary District Conference golf tourament.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Bob Wallace from the Grande Prairie Rotary Club in Alberta, Canada (District 5370) spoke of his club’s efforts to raise funds to purchase fire trucks, ambulances and school buses for Mazatlan, Mexico. A parade of these vehicles, on their way south, will be passing through St. George soon.

President Ken Sizemore reminded members of the All Clubs meeting on Thursday, March 25 at the Abbey Inn. The meeting, hosted by Dixie Sunrise Rotary, begins at 7:30 a.m. (7 a.m. for breakfast).

President Ken also announced he had received letters of resignation from Sandee Card and Kerry Hepworth (bringing club membership to 65) . . . but was pleased to announce Chapin Burks, a former member of SGR, has asked to come back into membership.

A meeting is being scheduled to discuss the future of the Huntsman World Senior Games’ International Festival and Rotary’s involvement in its success. Watch for more information.
Greg Basso announced the last call for donations to send wheelchairs to Haiti.

PROGRAM: President Ken announced today’s meeting will be a club assembly with speakers selected from the board. Grant Carter (President-elect) reported on his joint role with Terance White to increase membership. Grant noted he, as with all board members, is frustrated by the downturn in membership and is planning some kind of competition to build membership. Watch for more information.

Linda Baker (President-nominee) indicated she has struggled some to find speakers this year and would welcome suggestions from the membership. Upcoming meetings include a visit to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and presentations by Debbie Justice from The Learning Center for Families and by representatives from other local Rotary clubs, are being planned.

Dan Strobell reminded members of the opportunity to travel to Guatemala (April 23-30). The trip will be "part work, part vacation and part motivational!" He encouraged members to contact him as soon as possible to indicate interest in traveling with him.

Jeff Morby announced he and Reed Noble will be working with Phil Hall on developing district and global grants through RI’s Future Vision Plan. He is also enthusiastic about the upcoming Utah Rotary District Conference golf tournament and April’s Youth Service Day project at the SK8 Park.

Kyle Case (Service) asked members to call him with ideas for service projects and Phil Hall expressed his hope for a district or global grant to purchase utensils for a Haitian orphanage which will in turn allow them to be recipients of food from the "Feed the Children" Foundation.
Terance White encouraged members to "keep looking" for potential members of SGR.

Ken Seefeld expressed his gratitude to Kris Neal for her efforts to manage the Accts. Receivable function in the club, and noted, "we have been living off ourselves for too long and need to develop a succesful fundraising project."

Linda Sappington (District Conference) outlined plans for the Utah Rotary District Conference (May 13-15) and encouraged members to sign on for the fun!

Ken Sizemore wrapped up the meeting with a heartfelt request for members to help build SGR back to what it has been in the past and can be again. "Ours is a great tradition, although this year’s downturn in membership has been a real challenge." He also noted, "attendance at district and international conferences ‘made me a Rotarian.’"

Governor Gil Shares the Podium with NJCAA Tourney Organizers

2010-02-24T20:41:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Terance White assumed the position as Sergeant-at-Arms meeting and greeting members and visitors to the 3775th meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson led the SGR Choir in a patriotic rendition of "America" in honor of Team USA’s success in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. Bob Bramlage invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Chris Coons asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Carl Lamar conducted Horseplay while Sam McArthur collected fines on behalf of the Washington County School District’s Sterling Scholar Program.

In the absence of President Ken Sizemore, Grant Carter (president elect) conducted the meeting announcing an All Clubs Meeting on March 25. Wally Brown from the District 5420 will be present to talk about literacy issues. The meeting, hosted by Dixie Sunrise Rotary, will be held at the Abby Inn beginning at 7 a.m. for breakfast.

Grant also announced changes to the RYLA program which will be held six weeks earlier this year and at the Heber Valley Camp. Each club is encouraged to identify 3 candidates for this youth leadership opportunity.

Ken Seefeld, rested and relaxed after a cruise to the Panama Canal, announced - after several weeks of going through the financial books, "everything balances including EREY donations. However, there is more than $11,000 in uncollected funds and the board agreed to begin sending notices of unpaid balances. Club members will soon be receiving an invoice for voluntary donations to Haiti relief."

PROGRAM: District Governor Gil Trujillo expressed his amazement that his year is already half over. He also noted the district’s biggest issue is membership. "We can get them, but we can’t seem to keep them," said the Governor about new Rotarians. "The solution is to get them involved immediately. The state’s most successful clubs have meaningful projects, everyone serving on a committee and grants to move them along toward the accomplishment of their mission." Governor Gil also announced he has closed down the Price Rotary Club and the West Valley Rotary Club because they are no longer functioning as they should. He also reported on a recent meeting with Utah State Governor Gary Herbert where he presented a "State of Rotary in Utah" address. He indicated strong support from the state’s top official who believes, "civic clubs can do things faster, better and more efficiently than government!"

Former SGR member Steve Johnson introduced Steve Bingham, St. George City Director of Recreation who shared information about the upcoming NJCAA Women’s Fast Pitch Softball World Series. "The 16 best junior college teams have elected to play in St. George (May 17-22) because of the quality of our facilities and our community." Bingham also announced Michelle DeLoso, the national marketing director for Adidas and a resident of Ivins, will be the keynote speaker at the tournament banquet. For more information about how individuals or the club as a whole can help make this event a success, call Steve Bingham at 627-4572.

SGR Learns of Mongolian Health Issues

2010-02-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Donald Ira Pendleton was at his post as Sergeant-at-Arms meeting and greeting members and visitors to the 3774th meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson led the SGR Choir in a rousing rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In" in honor of the New Orleans Saints win over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV (or 44 for us non-sports fans). Jeff Eggertz invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Jeff Morby asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Reed Noble conducted a profitable Horseplay while Shar Heitkotter collected fines on behalf of the Washington County School District’s Sterling Scholar Program.

President Ken noted the date for the Guatemala trip is set for April 23-30. The estimated cost is $1700-$2600. Club members planning to travel with Dan Strobell must commit by mid-February.

President Ken read a letter from Wally Brown which noted "we are very, very close to Rotary International’s goal of eradicating polio from the earth. In 2009, there were only 388 new cases of polio in Nigeria. In India, only 732 . . . and there have been no new cases in either country since January 5, 2010!!!"

Greg Basso asked members of SGR to consider donating wheelchairs to new amputees in Haiti. A small case contains 110 chairs, a large case contains 280. There is an immediate and pressing need for help in the country ravaged by a deadly earthquake last month. Chairs can be purchased at a cost of $75 each. For more information, see Greg.

Jeff Morby announced Les Stoker is recuperating at home from open heart surgery following a heart attack. He would welcome cards or phone calls.

PROGRAM: Linda Baker introduced Marta Heap, a Rotarian snowbird from the 12-member Star Valley, Wyoming Rotary Club who has traveled several times to Rumania and Mongolia to share her medical expertise as an RN. Her particular specialty is OB/Gyn. She shared her experience in Mongolia, noting neo-natal care is 50-60 years behind the times. In a 600-bed hospital, which specializes in childbirth and female health issues, "they are still using equipment which was developed in the 1700's." She also noted jaundice is a particularly deadly to newborns in that country where the infant mortality rate is approximately 20 per 1000 live births (compared to 63 a few years ago). She also reported medical education is about the equivalent of an associates degree in the United States and the nation’s "top health experts are hungry for education, information and supplies of any kind."

DSC Scholarships Change Lives

2010-02-01T21:31:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Donald Ira Pendleton was at his post as Sergeant-at-Arms meeting and greeting members and visitors to the 3773rd meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson led the SGR Choir in a rousing rendition of "Let There Be Peace on Earth." Linda Sappington invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance and Lee Sheets asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Terance White conducted a energetic Horseplay while Greg Basso collected fines on behalf of the Washington County School District’s Sterling Scholar Program.

Carl Lamar reported on his attempts to get to Haiti, noting there are a lot of politics going on in the recovery process. Rick Schofield indicated there is a great need for wheelchairs and encouraged members of SGR to donate to this cause.

Greg Basso asked for support of the Backpacks for Kids project, now in its 6th year with a history of helping 660 kids. His organization needs volunteers to help with all aspects of the project, but he particularly needs someone to serve as a secretary and the vice president.

President Ken noted the date for the Guatemala trip is set for April 23-30. The estimated cost is $1700-$2600. Club members planning to travel with Dan Strobell must commit by mid-February.

PROGRAM: Linda Baker introduced Dwight Monson who heads up the Dixie State College Scholarship Association, originally formed in 1991 to provide full tuition scholarships to deserving recipients. More than 100 scholarships have been awarded over nearly twenty years based on each students personal vision and goals; life altering challenges; desire to give back to the community and need for a helping hand. Three scholarship recipients shared their personal stories of struggle and success. Michael Lemond dropped out of high school because he "thought I knew it all." Throughout the years, his limited skills have found him going from job to low paying job while moving his family in and out of his parents’ home. With a scholarship from DSC Scholarship Association, he has gone from "homeless to law school."

Jeannette Stratton is a married mother of three who grew up in a home where education was considered "a waste of time." She is the first in her family to attend college and expects to be the first college graduate with a degree in mathematics.

Jarom Foster recalled "the shame I felt growing up with only a 3rd grade education. My father didn’t see the value of school and when my brothers reached the 7th or 8th grade, he would pull them out and put them to work." Because he missed his father and siblings who were working in Moab, he took his mother’s offer to drop out in the 3rd grade and go to work. Although he considered himself "smart and ambitious, I routinely felt embarrassed and scared people would find out." Through a DSC scholarship, Jarom is now on his way to a degree in engineering.

For more information on how to support the DSC Scholarship Association, go to the Dixie College website or call 652-7500.

Local Dentist Shares Haitian Experience

2010-01-25T20:10:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Donald Ira Pendleton was at his post as Sergeant-at-Arms meeting and greeting members and visitors to the 3772nd meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson helped members find the right pitch for a rousing rendition of the BYU fight song . . . "When the Saints Go Marching In." Bob Bramlage invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Phil Hall asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Richard Brown conducted an expedited Horseplay while Nancy Neff collected fines on behalf of Community Education’s Kids Space program.

PROSPECTIVE NEW MEMBERS: President Ken Sizemore read the names of Terri Kane as a prospective member of SGR who he hopes to induct in the next week or two. Other prospective members include Jeff Norton, Andy King, Tiffany Cox and Don Shelline.

President Ken noted the date for the Guatemala trip is set for April 23-30. Commitments must be made to Dan Strobell by mid-February.

PROGRAM: Phil Hall introduced his friend and dental professional Scott Bulloch, DDS who shared his affection for and experiences in Haiti. The father of 12 - soon to be 14 children (2 adopted from Guatemala and 2 - about to be 4 - adopted from Haiti), noted the Haitian government is in disarray, education is almost unheard of in some parts of the country and the people have little or no health - or dental care. "There are millions of children who have been orphaned by the earthquake, and many parents are trying to deliver their malnourished and injured children to orphanages in hopes they will get the help they need, because the children in orphanages are the lucky ones!"

Dr. Bullock, who visits Haiti at least once each year, reports he and those who travel with him, work around the clock for two weeks at a time, "but we feel we are barely scratching the surface of the need (for dental care). Some of the children have never even seen a toothbrush. We work in difficult conditions with no power, no lights with temperatures ranging from 70-90 degrees and 100% humidity." Of the people in Haiti, Dr. Bulloch notes, "most are hardworking, beautiful people, but it is a nation with a corrupt government, no public works and 80-90% unemployment."

According to the dental professional, "what we are trying to do is not always long lasting, but change is happening . . . a little at a time. Health is gradually improving and little by little children are getting some education. Many of the children can read a little, while their parents and grandchildren can’t."

In a plea for support from SGR, Bulloch notes, "Feed the Children (a non-profit relief organization which delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to children and families in need throughout the world, has made a commitment to provide food to the children, if there is a facility where they can eat and utensils." The cost for utensils in the village where Dr. Bulloch works would be approximately $2000. The board will consider whether SGR can make such a commitment.

SGR Responds to Haiti Disaster

2010-01-18T15:32:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Donald Ira Pendleton was at his post as Sergeant-at-Arms meeting and greeting members and visitors to the 3771st meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson led members in a cheerful rendition of "I’m Looking Over A 4-Leafed Clover" on a dreary, rainy Monday afternoon. Jeff Eggertz invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Terance White asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Richard Isom conducted Horseplay while Kyle Case collected fines on behalf of Community Education’s Kids Space program.

PROSPECTIVE NEW MEMBERS: President Ken Sizemore read the names of four prospective members to SGR, including Jeff Norton, Teri Kane, Andy King and Julie Williamson. Don Shelline and Tiffany Cox are also in the process of completing applications.

PROGRAM: On this Martin Luther King holiday, President Ken felt it appropriate to discuss ways in which members of SGR could assist in the recovery effort in Haiti following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday, January 12. Government officials in the impoverished nation estimate as many as 200,000 are dead and millions more injured. The strongest quake to hit Haiti in more than 200 years, also crumbled government buildings, hospitals, schools and shantytowns. Most of the capital city of Port-au-Prince is in ruins.

In response to the overwhelming magnitude of the Haitian disaster, RI has established the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, a donor advised fund within The Rotary Foundation, for Rotarians who want to donate toward recovery efforts.

President Ken suggested funding 2 shelter boxes - at a cost of $1000 each - from SGR funds. The Shelter Box contains a 10-person tent designed to withstand extreme temperatures, high winds and heavy rainfall. Each tent also has privacy petitions which allow recipients to divide the space as they see fit. Every box also contains survival equipment including thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets, mosquito netting, water purification tablets; a basic tool kit containing a hammer, ax, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters; and a children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens. Every item is durable, practical and brand new.

The box itself is lightweight and waterproof and has been used for a variety of purposes in the past - from water and food storage containers to a cot for a newborn baby. A key piece in every box is either a wood burning or multi-fuel stove - capable of burning anything from diesel to old paint as well as boiling water and cooking food. In addition, there are pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers.

June McAfee suggested a voluntary $100 assessment to members of SGR for the purchase of Shelter Boxes or other supplies desperately needed in Haiti. Members will hear more about how they can help at next week’s meeting when, coincidentally - Dr. Scott Bulloch will speak on his international service project in Haiti.

Ugandans Helped by Rotary Dreamer

2010-01-14T02:50:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Donald Ira Pendleton was at his post as Sergeant-at-Arms meeting and greeting members and visitors to the 3770th meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson helped members struggle through a shaky rendition of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Andy Anderson invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Dan Strobell asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Richard Brown dazzled members in his "first ever" Horseplay while Phil Hall collected the fines on behalf of Community Education’s Kids Space program.

PROGRAM: Linda Baker introduced Drew Cahoon, a retired dentist and visiting Rotarian from the Raymond, Alberta Rotary Club who spoke on the "Power of a Dream and a Commitment" project to bring much needed dental care to the people of Uganda. He joined Rotary after a near fatal accident and got involved immediately in a project to collect books for the African country. "20,000 books later, I was hooked and began researching the country’s other needs," noted Cahoon. What he found was shocking - to himself and to everyone who heard his story! There are currently only 156 dentists practicing in a country of 27 million people.

Through the Rotary 3H program (Health, Hunger and Humanity), Cahoon was able to begin the process of finding additional financial support as well as dentists and other technicians willing to help him in his efforts. Through such organizations as Rotary International, the LDS Church, DentAid and others, the Rotarian and others were able to raise nearly $500,000 to replace equipment and enhance the services provided by the Makawere University Dental School - including 20 new chairs and state-of-the-art x-ray equipment. Cahoon also noted he has made a commitment to travel three times a year for a period of three weeks each visit to Uganda and extends an invitation to any Rotarians to come along. For more information, Drew Cahoon can be reached at dgcahoon@gmail.com.

Hall Elected . . . Baker, Neff Classified

2010-01-04T20:13:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Donald Ira Pendleton was steadfast in his role as Sergeant-at-Arms meeting and greetings members and visitors to the 3769th meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson was in fine form as he led the SGR Choir in a couple of verses of "America." Terance White invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Nick Lang asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Jeff Morby conducted an energetic Horseplay while Linda Baker collected the "filthy lucre" on behalf of Community Education’s Kids Space program which provides academic hope and help to approximately 160 children in after school programs at Red Mountain, Sunset, Coral Cliffs and East Elementary Schools.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Jeff Morby, chairman and members of the Nominating Committee distributed ballots for election of officers. Phil Hall was named President Elect (Nominee) to serve in 2012-13. West Martin and Jenny McDowell were elected to two positions on the SGR board and Linda Sappington will serve another year as club secretary.

PROGRAM: Classification talks were given by Nancy Neff and Linda Baker. Nancy, born in Independence, Missouri, grew up as a member of the Reorganized LDS Church where her father served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. From age 11-15, Nancy and her family lived in Japan where her father worked to grow the membership of his church. Her family’s international experiences also took them to Italy, the UK, France and Nashville (which she describes as another foreign country). Nancy has a BS in recreation and a Master’s in health. In her spare time, she has always enjoyed hiking, biking and spelunkering. During her 25 years in Salt Lake City, Nancy worked for Intermountain Health Care’s community health centers and for the state Public Health Department where she had responsibility for the "Healthy Utah" program. Currently, she is the executive director of the St. George Community Health Center.

Linda Baker grew up in Centerville, Utah but came to St. George 14 years ago to open the southern Utah office of Workers Compensation Fund, where she was encouraged by her supervisor to "join the Rotary club." Today she is a Paul Harris Fellow and the current President-elect (Nominee). Linda has four grown children and two grandchildren. She has worked for WCF for 36 years (joking that she started her employment at age 10). At the company’s new offices on Dixie Drive, Linda oversees the work of 13 employees who manage effective loss control programs and proactive claims services.

Christensen Shares GSE Experience

2009-12-21T08:03:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Donald Ira Pendleton was steadfast in his role as Sergeant-at-Arms meeting and greetings members and visitors to the 3768th meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson was back - after an unnerving bout with something-or-other which resulted in a hospital stay - leading the SGR Choir in a couple of verses of "Silent Night." Ken Seefeld invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Les Stoker asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Greg Basso conducted Horseplay while Kris Neal collected the "filthy lucre" on behalf of 2108 children who will have a Christmas thanks to Coins for Kids.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Jeff Morby, chairman of the Nominating Committee announced elections on Monday, January 4. Terance White and Phil Hall are running for the office of President Elect (Nominee) to serve in 2012-13. West Martin and Jenny McDowell are running unopposed for two positions on the SGR board and Linda Sappington is running unopposed for the office of secretary. Jeff opened nominations from the club, but none were made.

Ken Seefeld explained the new billing process for dues and voluntary donations, noting billings are now in advance to improve cash flow. Members will soon be receiving invoices for January, February and March. Any questions relating to this change in procedure may be discussed with Ken Seefeld or with President Ken Sizemore.

PROGRAM: Linda Baker introduced speaker Skyler Christensen, who recently returned from travel to Brazil as a member of Utah’s GSE team.

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-15T18:59:00.000-08:00

President Ken Sizemore welcomed members and guests - whether they have been naughty or nice this year - to the annual Christmas party, also the 3768th meeting of St. George Rotary held this week at the Courtyard Marriott. Sandee Card invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance. Carl Lamar Rieck, in his second consecutive club meeting in at least a year took time off from his efforts to raise more than $125,000 for Coins for Kids to ask for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal.
President Ken Sizemore announced Ray Robinson is home from the hospital recuperating while being treated with an aggressive regimen of antibiotics.

Jeff Morby announced the slate of candidates for the election scheduled for January 2. Candidates for the office of president in 2012-13 are Terance White and Phil Hall. Members nominated for a position on the board of directors include June McAfee and West Martin. Linda Sappington will run unopposed - unless there are nominations from the floor - for the office of secretary.

There will be no meeting on Monday, December 28.

When the meal was over, Shar Heitkotter and Greg Basso took over for a rollicking good time. Their creative minds resulted in the purchase of a gift for everyone - including a Geezer comb for Lee Sheets; a rubber mallet for Sam McArthur; disco earrings for Kerry Hepworth; New Testament flash cards for Debbie Justice; and, a bound copy of the club blog (with a few additions) chronicling his year as president for a grateful and somewhat emotional Jeff Morby.

Strobell Tells of International Project

2009-12-07T20:32:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Donald Ira Pendleton conducted his Sergeant-at-Arms duties, including meeting and greetings members and visitors to the 3767th meeting of SGR, with his usual good humor. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in "You’re A Grand Old Flag" in recognition of Pearl Harbor Day. West Martin invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Richard Isom asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Sam McArthur conducted Horseplay and Debbie Justice collected the funds on behalf of Coins for Kids.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken read a few choice "thank you" notes for dictionaries sent by students at Diamond Valley Elementary School.

Chairman Greg Basso reminded members of SGR’s Christmas party which will be held at the Courtyard Marriott on Monday, December 14. Time is 11:45 a.m. - 2 p.m. Spouses are invited.

PROGRAM: Linda Baker introduced Dan Strobell, Chief Operating Officer at Sun First Bank and a longtime member of SGR who shared his experiences in Guatemala where he, his wife Cindy, their children and many friends have built homes and schools and put in hundreds of O’Niell stoves to help reduce the mortality rate among women and young children due to smoke inhalation and burns. Dan and Cindy, who have created the La Casita Foundation, believe the stove project is one more way "Rotary can change lives" and encouraged members of SGR to consider traveling to the central American country in May or June, 2010. The cost - which includes airfare, accommodations and food - is approximately $2500 per couple. See Dan for more information about this life-changing experience.

SGR Hears Optimistic Economic Forecast

2009-11-30T07:43:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Jack Petersen managed Sergeant-at-Arms duties meeting and greetings members and visitors to the 3767th meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in the Christmas carol "Joy to the World." Christina Schultz invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance and Sam McArthur asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Jeff Morby conducted Horseplay and Jack Petersen collected the "filthy lucre" on behalf of Coins for Kids.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken reminded board members of the upcoming meeting on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:15 a.m.

SGR’s Christmas party will be held at the Courtyard Marriott on Monday, December 14. Time is 11:45 a.m. - 2 p.m. A head count of members and spouses is required. Please call Shar, Ken or Linda Sappington to report the number.

PROGRAM: Ken Sizemore introduced today’s speaker. Lecia Langston, Southwest Utah economist from the Department of Workforce Services, shared her optimistic view of the economy, noting "the recession appears to have ended in the 3rd quarter of this year. We’re not all better yet, but we are in the recovery period." Quoting US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Lecia said of the painful downturn in the local economy, "we’ve always known heedless self interest is bad morals, but now we know it is also bad economics." Among the local employment sector, the hardest hit for job losses were construction (with 2500 laid off) and manufacturing (with 650 jobs lost). Washington County, which for many years was Utah’s fastest growing county and one of the top ten fastest growing counties in the U.S., is now Utah’s slowest growing with the state's highest number of foreclosed homes and housing permits down by more than 50% from 2008 with only 443 permits issued through September 2009. For more information on the economic future for Washington County, see http://www.jobs.utah.gov/ or contact Lecia by e-mail at mailto:lecialangston@utah.gov.

SGR Hears of DRMC's Success and Needs

2009-11-23T06:41:00.000-08:00

OPENING: The 3766th meeting of SGR was held at the Dixie Center where the Jubilee of Trees was in its final day. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in a rousing rendition of "America, the Beautiful." Donald Ira Pendleton asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken reminded board members of the upcoming meeting on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:15 a.m.

PROGRAM: Terri Draper, Rotarian and Public Relations Director at Dixie Regional Medical Center, introduced CEO Terri Kane, recently named Intermountain Health Care’s Manager of Distinction. Of her boss, Terri Draper noted, "Terri gives tirelessly to the hospital and doesn’t ask her staff to do anything she wouldn’t do!" The CEO noted, of Dixie Regional Medical Center’s goal to raise sufficient funds to own their own Life Flight helicopter, "98% of ill babies and cardiac patients can be treated right here, but we still make 400-600 flights to the Wasatch Front every year." She also noted the attention Intermountain Health Care has received from the White House in the current discussions on health care reform. "We measure everything we do," states Kane. "Our primary C-section rate has dropped from 20% to 8% because we discourage early inductions." Looking at the Utah model for health care, Kane indicated "coverage is the key, but payment reforms are essential and we are looking at ways to reduce administrative costs while strengthening our ability to provide health information through technology and must address the Medicare physician payment formula. Utah is at the bottom for reimbursement from Medicare."

Kane also reviewed the number of national awards and recognitions received by Dixie Regional Medical Center, including the Health Insights Quality Award for achievements in improving patient care. DRMC, recipient for three consecutive years, is the only hospital in Utah and Nevada to receive this award. The hospital has also been recognized among the Top 30 US hospitals for cardiac care and was in Soliant Health’s Top 20 "Most Beautiful Hospitals."

Club Assembly Reports Board Activities

2009-11-16T19:27:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Bob Bramlage managed Sergeant-at-Arms duties greeting Rotarians and guests to the 3765th meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in a rousing rendition of "You’re A Grand Old Flag." Richard Isom invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Terance White asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal.

Ken Sizemore conducted Horseplay on behalf of the dictionary project. Fines were collected by Ken Seefeld.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken Sizemore read a thank you card from Ada Ann Pratt for kindnesses shown her family by members of SGR following the death of Rotarian Lee Pratt.

Kyle Case was elected to fill the board seat vacated by Jerry Rasmussen.

Greg Basso reminded members of their opportunity to purchase wheelchairs during the holiday season. Last year, SGR members donated 28 chairs. See Greg for more information.

Reed Noble expressed appreciation for help in distributing dictionaries to 3rd graders throughout the district and encouraged members who have still not completed their assignment, to do so before Thanksgiving.

PROGRAM: Because the scheduled speaker did not show up, President Ken called for a Club Assembly asking board members to report on activities relating to their assignments. President-elect Grant Carter announced plans for a competitive membership drive.

Terance White explained the process for nominating new members and encouraged the club to consider those within their circle of influence for membership.

Bill Fowler, who oversees club PR, noted he has scheduled announcements about Rotary meetings, including the date, time and scheduled speaker, on the Spectrum’s community calendar.

Jeff Morby was enthusiastic about ongoing plans to landscape the SK8 Park and his hopes for expanding membership. He also announced the Utah Rotary District Conference golf tournament on Thursday, May 13, 2010 and encouraged members to put a team (or two) together, with proceeds going to Polio Plus to meet the polio challenge.

Linda Sappington reminded SGR the club’s all time high was 118 members. Today there are 73 members with 4 honorary members but about 20% of club members have not participated in any club activities this year. She also reminded members of the upcoming Utah Rotary District Conference, May 13-15, 2010 in St. George and asked for support for the event.

Ken Seefeld acknowledged Kris Neal for her efforts to organize the club’s financial records - noting bills for the first quarter of 2010 will be sent electronically on December 1. He also reminded members of their opportunity to donate above and beyond their dues by making a voluntary contribution to EREY ("Every Rotarian, Every Year") and to Polio Plus.

SGR Learns of HWSG's Success and Future Plans

2009-11-09T20:06:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Sergeant-at-Arms Donald Ira Pendleton greeted Rotarians and guests to the 3764th meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir through both verses of "Home on the Range." Richard Brown invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and President-elect Grant Carter asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Nick Lang was pleased to introduce Kristen Nelson, new Rotaract President at Dixie State College.
President Ken Sizemore read a note of thanks from Jan Dunham for Rotary support during this difficult time following the death of her husband and Rotarian Don Dunham.

Ken also noted he and board members Phil Hall, Terance White and PDG Jim Coleman all flew to Provo for Saturday’s foundation meeting. He shared with members of SGR the award received for club support of the Polio Plus Challenge to match the Gates donation of $355 million. Only four countries remain with new cases of polio: Nigeria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India. Club members are invited to consider traveling to India for an immunization day program. See Ken for more information.

June McAfee announced receipt of the dictionaries. The books are labeled and ready for distribution before Thanksgiving. See June for school assignments.

PROGRAM: Linda Baker introduced Kyle Case, Rotarian and Executive Director of the Huntsman World Senior Games who shared details about the recent 21st annual games (October 4-18) involving "a higher risk" group of athletes. Calling his second year as the Executive Director "incredible" Kyle reminded SGR the games began in 1987 when John and Daisy Morgan were looking for an event which would fill their hotel with participants. In the first year, the number of participant athletes was somewhere between 150 and 200! "Today we are the largest multi-sports event, for people over age 50, in the world." The Games include 26 sports and this year, 8971 athletes "slightly down from last year," 317 softball teams, 127 volleyball teams and brought 2006 new athletes to St. George for the first time. Athletes come from all 50 states, with Utah the #1 state based on the number of athletes competing, followed by California, Washington, Arizona and Colorado. The #1 country, based on the number of participants is Canada, followed by Venezuela, Barbados, Russia and Germany.

Kyle (front row, in blue t-shirt) noted he is very pleased with new innovations in 2009, including a redesigned website and an online registration system, new medals and 3 new countries (Bolivia, Estonia and Virgin Islands) bringing the total number of countries participating, to date, to 61! Based on the state’s formula, Kyle believes the games provided an economic impact of more than $9,300,000 this year. He will be recruiting in China this year in preparation for the 2010 games and his staff is busy preparing for a volleyball "friendship tour"

Members of SGR can help in several ways. According to Kyle "first, you can compete!" Go to the website at http://www.seniorgames.net/ to sign up. Other ways to help include volunteering, being a supporter and a spectator, being an ambassador sharing information and enthusiasm, or being a sponsor. For more information, call Kyle at 674-0550.

All Clubs Hear Future Vision Plan

2009-11-02T20:12:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Sergeant-at-Arms Donald Ira Pendleton greeted Rotarians and guests to the 3763rd meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in a spirited rendition of "America, the Beautiful." Bob Bramlage invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and PDG Jim Coleman asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal.

PROGRAM: President Ken Sizemore welcomed members of St. George Rotary, Dixie Sunrise Rotary, Red Rock Rotary and Hurricane Rotary, in attendance to hear from Fred Berthrong, Chairman of the District Rotary Foundation. The PDG from Logan noted The Rotary Foundation logo and the Rotary International logo are equal size and shape, indicating the importance of each to the other. Since its inception, TRF has provided funding to support 40,000 Ambassadorial Scholars, 400 Peace Fellows; 30,000 matching grants averaging about $20,000 each; and, inoculated more than 2 billion children to bring about a 99% reduction in the incidence of polio worldwide. "In one day, Rotarians throughout India inoculated 175,000,000 children. We are the ‘boots on the ground,’" said an enthusiastic Berthrong. "But we aren’t doing everything right!"

According to the state leader, Rotarians do not have enough direct control over foundation funds. Processing of grants is slow. Rotarians have good projects, but many are not self sustaining; and, there is not enough partnering between other organizations.

The Future Vision Plan, involving 100 pilot districts - including District 5420 which Berthrong called "a dinky little place in the middle of nowhere but where things get done!" - is a 3-year trial program (2010-2013). The Future Vision Plan will provide for improved efficiency in getting funds into the hands of those who can do the most good; create larger, more sustainable projects; use Rotary’s credibility capital; and, partner with big players around the world.

The six areas of focus in the Future Vision Plan are:
- peace and conflict resolution
- water and sanitation
- mother and children
- basic education and literacy
- disease prevention and treatment
- economic development

Funding to meet the goals of the Future Vision Plan will come from EREY (Every Rotarian, Every Year giving $100 extra in voluntary contributions), more Paul Harris Fellows ($1000 each); an increase in membership in the Paul Harris Society ($1000 or more annually); and, meeting the Polio Challenge to match the $355 million donation from the Gates Foundation.

For more information about the programs of The Rotary Foundation or where the most need is in the world, Fred Berthrong can be reached at pdg5420@gmail.com.

Harding Says Slow Down and Hang Up

2009-11-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

OPENING: Sergeant-at-Arms Donald Ira Pendleton greeted Rotarians and guests to the 3762nd meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in a gentle rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" in honor of Don Dunham and Lee Pratt, both who passed away this week. West Martin invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and PDG Sterling Spafford asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Bill Fowler conducted a fast-paced Horseplay with fines, in support of the Dictionary project, collected by Shar Heitkotter.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Grant Carter, conducting in the absence of President Ken Sizemore, reminded members Fred Berthrong will speak on the subject of the RI Foundation at an All Clubs meeting at the Holiday Inn on Monday, November 2.

Nominees to fill the vacated seat as Service Chairman include West Martin and Kyle Case. Elections will be held next week.

YouthLINC has 9 applicants from southern Utah so sponsors are needed to send students to Thailand, Peru, Mexico, Kenya. For more information or to sponsor a student, contact Mike Welder or YouthLINC.

PROGRAM: Jeannine Holt introduced Craig Harding of the SGPD. He shared some graphic and occasionally disturbing videos taken of accidents involving speed, or where drivers were distracted with cell phones (which increase the incidence of accidents by 400%), or when drivers were not wearing seat belts. According to Harding, his job is to convince drivers to change their behavior to reduce injury accidents. "Stop trying to make it through the yellow light! Stop using cell phones behind the wheel. Watch for motorcycles and other oncoming vehicles by looking left, right and left again. Back off, slow down and wear seat belts!"

Saying Goodbye

2009-11-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

St. George Rotary lost two fine members in October. Leland ("Lee") Pratt, who became a Rotarian in May 1994, passed away on Monday, October 19. Donald ("Don") Dunham, a member since April 2005, passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2009.

Don was born and raised in Los Angeles. He served in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean War. After his time in Korea, he used his GI benefits to study and graduate from Los Angeles State College, then in 1963 he joined Life Circulation Company, a subsidiary of Time, Inc. The firm later changed its name to DialAmerica Marketing. In his 25-year career with the company, Don became Senior Vice President of Marketing. In 1964, he met and married Janet Dial Nowling. They had two sons, Robert and Richard. Throughout his lifetime, Don was actively involved with several service organizations including Civitan International, Exchange Club and Rotary Club. Don was an ordained deacon and active member of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church of St. George, Utah which congregation he and Jan joined after retiring to southern Utah in 1989.

Lee was raised by his grandparents and educated in California, then joined the U.S. Air Force in 1950 where he attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (Rtd). He served in the Air Force for more than 27 years, including a tour of duty in Korea and 3 tours in Vietnam, where at one time he was the wingman to Air Force legend Chuck Yeager. Lee earned many ribbons and medals during his military service and also spent 17 years overseas with his family in Germany, England, Turkey, and other locales. After Janice, his wife of 36 years, passed away, he met and married Ada Ann Pendleton Wulfenstein and in their 20 years together they successfully blended their family of "military and missionaries." Lee loved to bar-be-que and was most happy when everyone in the family stopped by for dinner. He also loved family reunions, Dutch oven cooking, gardening, hunting with his favorite gun (he called "Old Meat in the Pot"), being a Salvation Army bellringer, garage sales, libraries, genealogy, a good joke, community service in the Huntsman World Senior Games, Ducks Unlimited, Rotary; and, his church. He taught gun safety and wilderness survival, was an avid reader, always a gentleman; cherished his wife and family; and never met a stranger!

As Rotarians, it was our great pleasure to enjoy the company of these two fine men for several years. They will be missed.

SGR Makes A Difference at SK8 Park

2009-10-24T18:08:00.000-07:00

Rotarians Allen Hilton, Dan McArthur, Jim Coleman, Reed Noble, Grant Carter, Sam McArthur, Bill Fowler, Richard Isom, Grant Carter, Jeff Morby and Linda Sappington gave up a portion of their Saturday, October 24 to "Make A Difference" at the St. George skate park, also known as SK8 George Park. When the dust had settled, 23 trees had been positioned along the road and many shrubs had been planted at the entrance around the beautiful new Rotary SK8 Park sign.

Make-A-Difference Day is one of several national service days held annually in communities all over the United States. Held on the last Saturday of October every year since 1990, Make-A-Difference Day is an opportunity for Americans of every age and interest to do good in their community. Other national service days include Martin Luther King / Civil Rights Day (the third Monday in January), Global Youth Service Day (either Saturday during April’s National Volunteer Week), Join Hands Day (in late May or early June), DoGood Day (September 11 since 2001 in memory of those who died in the attack on America) . . . and Family Volunteer Day, the next opportunity to join in a national volunteer initiative (held annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving).

Thanks, once again, for your willingness to give "service above self" in the community. Watch for information about National Family Volunteer Day on Saturday, November 21.

SGR Meets More Candidates

2009-10-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Sergeant-at-Arms Donald Ira Pendleton greeted Rotarians and guests. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in a gentle rendition of "America, the Beautiful" to open the 3761st meeting of SGR. PDG Doug Quayle invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and PDG Eldon McArthur asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Greg Basso conducted a lucrative Horseplay with fines, in support of the Dictionary project, collected by Jack Petersen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President-elect Grant Carter noted district funds for the dictionary project have been received. June McAfee encouraged participation by club members is distributing the books to assigned schools.

Grant also reminded members Fred Berthrong will speak on the subject of the RI Foundation at an All Clubs meeting at the Holiday Inn on Monday, November 2.

Board members are encouraged to attend the District Membership / Foundation Workshop on Saturday, November 7 in Provo. Watch for more details.

Greg Basso showed his framed Paul Harris Fellow certificate and medallion indicating a local framer did the work and is willing to do the same for other interested Rotarians.

PROGRAM: Terance White introduced three of four candidates running for a seat on the St. George City Council. First to speak, incumbent Suzanne Allen commented on SGR’s "dwindling club membership" and expressed her desire to return to membership in the club in the future. Now in her 4th term in office, "I was in my 1st term when plans for the new replacement airport were put into place . . . and I want to see it finished!" She also noted receipt of $70 million in federal dollars for the completion of an overpass from Dixie Drive to the Dixie Center. "We are players now and we have a seat at the table," said Allen of St. George’s place in Utah government. "We received government stimulus money because we were prepared to receive it with ‘shovel ready’ projects, but we (the city council) still has unfinished projects and ideas we’d like to develop."

Gail Bunker has served six years on the city council and considers herself to be "an advocate for the citizens of this community. I have no regrets about the decisions I’ve made . . . the votes I’ve cast, even when I’ve been the lone voice on the council." Bunker indicated she has been involved in the "Art Around the Corner" project in the historic downtown district and in encouraging the city to hire a fulltime curator at the St. George Art Museum, but "the economy continues to be a huge community problem."

Jimmie Hughes, the challenger for a seat on the city council, is a cattle rancher and a lifetime resident of Washington County. "I think we can all appreciate what our local elected officials have been able to accomplish, but it’s OK to vote for a new face who can see things with a new set of eyes and who has new ideas for the future of the city." Referencing Rotary’s 4-Way Test, Hughes indicated "especially 'is it beneficial to all concerned' should be a litmus test for the city council as well as for Rotarians."

SGR Hears from Mayoral Candidates

2009-10-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Sergeant-at-Arms Donald Ira Pendleton greeted Rotarians and guests. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in a tender rendition of "My Country, Tis of Thee" to open the 3760th meeting of SGR. Andy Anderson invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Linda Sappington asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Bob Bramlage conducted a rousing Horseplay with fines, in support of the Dictionary project, collected by Kurt Johnson.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken Sizemore reminded members Fred Berthrong will speak on the subject of the RI Foundation at an All Clubs meeting at the Holiday Inn on Monday, November 2.

Board members are encouraged to attend the District Membership / Foundation Workshop on Saturday, November 7 in Provo. Watch for more details.

PROGRAM: Jeannine Holt introduced St. George City mayoral candidates Dan McArthur and Ed Baca. The challenger, Baca is a former police officer who was named Officer of the Year by a Rotary club in his California community after he arrested members of a local gang. His career in law enforcement began at age 20. He has a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and throughout his career he helped organize such programs as "Community First," "Neighborhood Watch" and a victims assistance program. He says if elected he would probably not change much, but would have a completely different approach in administrative techniques. "I would check and double check, evaluate every department and would be the city manager’s new best friend. And, I have a lot of concern about the city council’s practice of rubber stamping every decision the mayor makes."

Incumbent Dan McArthur, seeking a 4th term as mayor, has deep roots in the community, has learned a great deal as he has watched the city grow up around his family and still has "fire in my belly" for the work of city government. In his 15 years as mayor - and 10 years before that on the city council - McArthur has guided the city’s growth, including the development of a new 1200 acre replacement airport. "Why switch horses in the middle of the stream? Look around you. If you like what you see, I stand on my record. If you have concerns, I’d like to hear about them. Just don’t forget to vote on November 3."

Meet Rotarian Debbie Justice

2009-10-14T19:07:00.000-07:00

One of the newest members of SGR is Debbie Justice, the Executive Director and principle grant writer for The Learning Center for Families. A fluent Spanish-speaker - who also speaks a little Japanese -Justice has a great sense of humor and a penchant for fun.

This petite professional woman with a Masters in Family Support Studies is a Paul Harris Fellow and a former secretary of the Red Rock Rotary Club. She was sponsored by Linda Sappington with a classification of Social Services.

Justice, whose hobbies include "volunteering and work," is a transplanted Californian who came to St. George in 1993 to oversee the private, non-profit agency which provides support services through an Early Intervention program to families of children birth to three years of age with signs of developmental delay. Contracted by the Utah Department of Health, The Learning Center for Families works with low-income pregnant women and families who reside in Washington County, Utah, and Colorado City/Centennial Park/Cane Beds, Arizona. She currently serves on the Utah State Interagency Coordinating Council overseeing services for toddlers and the Utah State Head Start Association.

What's Up at Dixie is Program Theme

2009-10-08T19:19:00.000-07:00

Donald Ira Pendleton greeted visitors and Rotarians to the 3759th meeting of SGR. After a rousing rendition of "Are You From Dixie" led by Sam McArthur, Paula Bell invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance. Steve Radmall asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Grant Carter took the podium for an energetic Horseplay while Jack Petersen collected fines on behalf of Operation School Bell.

The program included Christina Schultz,Vice President of Institutional Advancement; George Whitehead, Assoc. VP of Advancement and Cultural Arts; and Janet O’Riley, Director of Community Education who shared the podium for a presentation on “What’s Happening at Dixie.” They reported the following:

ENROLLMENT
DSC has experienced unprecedented enrollment growth.
Total budget-related FTE is currently at 25% ( highest percentage increase in the Utah System of Higher Education).
Upper division FTE (from spring 2008-2009) was up 46%.
DSC has the largest ever freshman class.

DEGREES
President Nadauld and Academic Vice President Donna Dillingham Evans, have developed a comprehensive plan to roll out degrees over the next few years.
Start date of Fall 2009: (1) music (2) respiratory therapy
Anticipated start date of January 2010: (1) physical therapy assistant (2) psychology
Anticipated start date of Fall 2010: (1) theater (2) theater education (3) music education
Spring 2010 (Regent Submission): (1) math/math education (2) CIT redesign
Nursing has been successfully accredited for 8 years.
Operations Management is underway with a $2.1 million grant and being delivered as part of a DSC/DXATC/SWATC partnership.
Green Construction Management which is a tri-county (Washington, Kane, and Iron) initiative and partnership between DSC/DXATC/SWATC is currently seeking funding.

FACILITIES
Renovations to the O.C. Tanner Amphitheater have been completed due to a generous grant from the O.C. Tanner Foundation.
Sculpture Garden is nearing completion.
New testing center renovation has been completed.
Jennings Communication Building ribbon cutting took place on Sept. 24th. Communication is the fastest growing degree at DSC. It now has 260 majors (more than any other Communications program in the state of Utah).
DSC has a new classical music station (KXDS 91.3 FM).
Dick Nourse Center for Media Innovation is a production company run by students under the direction of DSC faculty. It is the only one of its kind in the United States.
CEC has acquired a new mobile TV production truck which is used to broadcast athletic events around the country and to train students in a hands-on way.
The new Centennial Commons will be the “hub” of the DSC campus and be a cornerstone for advancing DSC to university status.

ATHLETICS
Teams are playing well as evidenced by a very close game with Montana State.
The new Red Storm logo was shown.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Hall of Fame will be held on Oct. 10th at the Tabernacle. Corey Dillon and Patricia Holland will be honored.
Homecoming will be held on Oct. 10th (parade, tailgate, football game, alumni banquet). Jeffrey R. Holland will be the banquet speaker.
The “Business of Art” is a one-day FREE seminar to be held in Kanab for artists and aspiring artists. This will help them enhance their business skills. Speakers from Salt Lake City, Cedar City, St. George, and Kanab will be presenting.
DOCUTAH – The Southern Utah International Documentary Film Festival – will be held from Sept. 16-25, 2010 in St. George and Kanab. The opening gala will be at Tuacahn. There will be a special screening at the O.C. Tanner Amphitheater.

DSC INVOLVEMENT
There are many involvement opportunities with DSC. Christina invited all those involved in the following to stand up: Rotary Bowl, Athletics, Alumni, Scholarship Associates, NAC, Adjunct Faculty, Dixie College Foundation, and Institute for Business Integrity. DSC has involvement opportunities for everyone in any area of interest.

Rotarians at Play

2009-10-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

On the community’s busiest weekend of the year, SGRotarians brought their "best ghoul" (or guy), lots of little ghosts and goblins, and their own "inner child" to enjoy the fall evening of October 2 in "agri-taining" play. At the Staheli Family Farm, there were things to ride, things to pet, and things to eat, including a great dinner by Staheli Catering, but the most fun was getting lost in the darkness of a 20-acre, 3-in-1 Corn MaiZE.

Corn mazes actually began in 17th century Europe as formal garden mazes for the wealthiest castles and palaces to amuse kings and princesses. In 1996, Brett Herbst, a BYU graduate in agribusiness, took the concept to a whole new level when he introduced THE MaIZE, the largest human-size cornfield maze in the western United States. In 13 years, he has designed more than 1200 mazes, including the Dixie Lions Round-up design at Staheli Farm. Each design challenges visitors seeking to find their way through the twists and turns. Thrillseekers fortunate enough to stumble onto the correct pathways have exited the maze in less than 30 minutes, but the more directionally-challenged - including the Sappington and Isom families - have wandered the puzzle for up to 3 hours.

In the cold darkness of Saturday morning, October 3, a few hearty Rotarians also enjoyed the chance to take part in the 23rd Annual St. George Mayor’s Walk, as part of the activities of the St. George Marathon. Though the crowd - including business people, school mates, friends, families and lots of dogs - was much smaller than usual, they were no less enthusiastic as Rotarian and St. George City Mayor Dan McArthur sounded the horn at 7 a.m. at Bluff Street Park and led the walk to the finish line at Vernon Worthen Park - only slightly ahead of the winning wheelchair racer.

Playing together is another benefit of membership in St. George Rotary and a great way to "build goodwill and friendship!"

School District Tells of Flu Precautions

2009-09-29T21:08:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Sergeant-at-Arms Donald Ira Pendleton greeted Rotarians and guests. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in a spirited rendition of "You’re A Grand Old Flag" to open the 3759th meeting of SGR. Richard Brown invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Paula Bell asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Grant Carter conducted an rousing Horseplay with fines, in support of Operation School Bell, collected by Nick Lang.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken reminded members of the Rotary Family Party at Staheli Farm / Corn Maze to Friday, October 2. Watch for more details.

Rotarian Gene Jones has two pinched nerves in his back and is unable to drive.

Fred Berthrong will speak on the subject of the RI Foundation at the Monday, November 2 meeting of SGR.

Ken Seefeld told members the Holiday Inn charges per plate. Members who may take 2 plates cost the club an additional $12 per week.

Board members are encouraged to attend the District Membership Workshop on Saturday, November 7 in Provo. Watch for more details.

NEW MEMBER: Darrell Wright, sponsored by Steve Radmall and initiated by Ken Sizemore, became SGR’s newest member in a ceremony before club members. Darrell is the 76th member of the club.

PROGRAM: Dr. LuAnn Forrest, Students Services Director for the Washington County School District shared the district’s planning for the H1N1 flu pandemic. With more than 25,000 students and 1300 teachers and faculty in five cities, it is imperative for the district to "mitigate, prepare, respond and recover. Every classroom is equipped with a backpack, a go kit and a flipchart outlining emergency procedures," notes the educator. "We are currently dealing with a flu pandemic Level 6 which means you can’t go anywhere in the world without being exposed."

Forrest noted the district is currently taking all necessary precautions, but schools remain open. As the virus continues to affect students, faculty, families and neighbors, the district will take a more aggressive approach such as screening students at the classroom door, increasing time spent at home after diagnosis, keeping family members of infected students home, or dismiss at-risk students (even if they have no symptoms).

H1N1 is highly contagious with the highest death rate among those in the 15-55 age groups, particularly those who are pregnant, obese or with chronic respiratory problems.

Symptoms include a fever of 101 or higher, cough, sore throat, aches and joint pain, fatigue and weakness, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, stuffy nose or any combination thereof.

To reduce the possibility of contamination or contaminating others, cough into your shoulder or sleeve, wash hands regularly and get a flu shot. The seasonal flu shot is available now. The H1N1 shot will be available in late October or early November. For more information, see http://www.wcsd.org/ on the internet or contact the Southwest Utah Public Health Department.

SGR Learns It's Not Easy Being Green

2009-09-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Sergeant-at-Arms Donald Ira Pendleton greeted Rotarians and guests. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in a harmonious rendition of "America, the Beautiful" to open the 3758th meeting of SGR. Richard Brown invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Allen Hilton asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Terance White conducted an energetic Horseplay with fines, in support of Operation School Bell, collected by Jack Petersen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken announced a date change for the Rotary Family Party at Staheli Farm / Corn Maze to Friday, October 2. Watch for more details.

PROGRAM: Linda Baker introduced Jim Coleman, a former Utah Rotary District Governor, the former Executive Director of the Dixie Rotary Bowl, and most recently designated as a Green Realtor. According to Jim, "we, as a community and a nation, must do a better job of managing our resources and our energy." The principal broker at ERA Brokers Consolidated Real Estate indicated the Southern Utah Home Builders Association has offered two course in green building, with "green" defined as energy efficient and environmentally friendly practices to lessen the impact of society on the earth. Calling "green the new gold," Jim noted it is currently more expensive to build green because of the add-on requirements for builders. "Is it worth it," the realtor questioned. "The jury is still out!" But, he added, "the time is coming when, in order to sell a home, an evaluation will be required to determine the level of green!"

What are the benefits of Green Design?
- Lower insurance rates because of reduced risk of mold and other environmental hazards
- Flexible design cuts cost of moving employees
- Interactive, well-planned design can avoid errors and delays
- Enhances the existing built environment leading to higher rent
- Green features increase the asset value and brings a higher sales price

For more information on local efforts to go green, see:
* sgcity.org/conservation/
* sgcity.org/energyservices/
* SGSunSmart.com
* Dixiepower.com
* washco.utah.gov/energy.php
* Swenergy.org

Rotarians Honored

2009-09-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

Rotarians Linda Baker, Jeannine Holt and Linda Sappington were recently recognized as "Women of Excellence" by the local chapter of Business and Professional Women. Linda Baker was honored as the Professional Woman of the Year in her position as Vice President of Workers Compensation Fund. She currently serves on the board of director for the Southern Utah Home Builders Association, the Washington County Economic Development Council and has been involved for many years with the Chamber of Commerce. Jeannine Holt was recognized in the area of Philanthropy for her lifetime of service to the Republican Party. Linda Sappington was named Public Service Woman of the Year for her efforts as the director of the Volunteer Center of Washington County; as the "mother" of the Jubilee of Trees, and for her ongoing support of numerous community organizations. Congratulations to these three Rotarians who exemplify the true Rotary spirit of "service above self."

Esplin Addresses Planning Myths and Truths

2009-09-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in two verses of "America" to kick off the 3757th meeting of SGR. June McAfee invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance and Dan Strobell asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. In the interest of time and a full agenda, President Ken called for a 1099 in the amount of $2 per member in support of Operation School Bell.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken announced receipt of $1221 in funding for this year’s dictionary project. June McAfee will chair the project again this year and distributed a sign up sheet inviting members to participate in getting dictionaries out to 3rd graders in the community.

Thursday evening, October 1 has been tentatively set as the date for the club’s summer family party. This year, it will be held at the Corn Maze at Staheli Farm. Watch for more information.

Thanks to Donald Ira Pendleton for accepting the assignment to serve as the club’s Sergeant-at-Arms.

President Ken was pleased to distribute Paul Harris awards to five members of the club. Grant Carter and Phil Hall received their first Paul Harris award. June McAfee and Ken Seefeld were honored for the second time, and Ruby Robinson was awarded through the payment of $1000 to RI’s Annual Programs Fund by her husband Ray.

PROPOSED NEW MEMBER: Darrell Wright has been proposed for membership by Steve Radmall. Any comments regarding this new membership should be directed to a member of the board.

PROGRAM: Jeannine Holt introduced Gary Esplin, the longest serving City Manager in the state of Utah. He reported difficult economic times have been hard on the city which has seen a drop of $100,000 in car sales and the overbuilding of commercial properties, many which are standing empty. He noted, too, this situation has been "a wake up call for the city and we are working hard to keep the city on track." He reported the city will host the Iron Man competition for the next five years and "we are working to bring more baseball and soccer to the area."

He reported, too, that stimulus funds from the federal government have been used to re-do Blackridge Drive and to develop a "significant exchange as part of the new airport project." He also noted "the passage of the cap and trade bill will significantly affect St. George due to the city’s use of coal fire energy." Other projects on the books or in process include a firestation at the Atkinville interchange. The new airport is on schedule for completion in January 2013 and expected to come in below the original projected cost of $125 million, which includes federal funds and proceeds from the $43.6 million sale of the old airport. The 1200 acre airport will support regional jets, 737 aircraft and the airbus 319, "but never was intended to be an international airport." Quoting Josiah Charles Stamp, the city manager said the city tries to look forward in its planning because "its easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities."

Five Named Paul Harris Fellows

2009-09-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

Five members of St. George Rotary Club received the Paul Harris award during a ceremony at the Holiday Inn on Monday, September 14. This recognition brings the total number of current active and honorary Paul Harris Fellows to 44! Grant Carter and Phil Hall received their first Paul Harris award. Ken Seefeld and June McAfee were honored with a second . . . and Ruby Robinson was designated through a gift to RI from her husband, Ray.

A Paul Harris Fellow - named for Rotary’s founder - is awarded to anyone who contributes - or in whose name is contributed - a gift of $1,000 or more to the Annual Programs Fund. In today’s ceremony, each new Paul Harris Fellow received a commemorative certificate, a Paul Harris Fellow pin, and a medallion.

Funds donated to the Annual Programs Fund enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. Congratulations to all for achieving this Rotary milestone!

Meet Gene Jones

2009-09-07T08:45:00.001-07:00

Eugene ("Gene") Jones found his way back to southern Utah in 2002 after retiring from 17 years with Allstate Insurance in Houston. Prior to the move to Houston with his wife Elna Zohner Jones, this native Texan was elected to serve as Washington County Sheriff (1979-1982) after eleven years with the Las Vegas Police Department. He has a degree in Law Enforcement and was stationed at Nellis during a 4-year stint in the Air Force. When he is not involved in Rotary activities, Gene enjoys substitute teaching at any of the local middle and high schools, weightlifting, riding his motorcycle and spending time with the couple’s two daughters Karen Blake and Kimberly Meinkey, their 8 grandchildren and their first great-granddaughter. Sponsored by Jeff Morby, this Bloomington Hills resident was initiated on August 10 as the 77th member of St. George Rotary Club.

YouthLINC Visits SGR

2009-08-31T19:35:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in a rousing rendition of "4-Leafed Clover" to kick start the 3756th meeting of SGR. Chris Coons invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Don Pendleton asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Les Stoker conducted Horseplay with fines collected by Gene Jones.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken read a letter of thanks from former Dixie State College student body president Brock Bybee who recently underwent brain surgery and a letter of resignation from Dean Nixon who finds it necessary to leave the club because of business and family obligations.

Steve Nadauld, president of Dixie State College announced the largest student body in the schools history with 7400 students representing 24% growth over last year. He also announced a football game on Thursday between longtime rivals, Dixie State College and SUU - the first such gridiron faceoff in 47 years!

President Ken reminded board members of the upcoming meeting on Tuesday morning, September 8 and reminded club members there will be no meeting on Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

PROPOSED NEW MEMBER: Darrell Wright has been proposed for membership by Steve Radmall. Any comments regarding this new membership should be directed to a member of the board.

PROGRAM: Linda Baker introduced Judy Zone, representing YouthLINC; Laura Shrader, past president of DSC’s Rotaract Club and Chelsea Goold, director of DSC’s Campus Service program and the state’s 2006 YouthLINC Humanitarian Scholarship winner. Judy reminded members of SGR that September is Rotary’s "New Generations" Month, noting youth are the future of this nation and of Rotary! According to Zone, her program has 130 young men and women from all over the state who do 80-100 hours of service in their local communities and travel to Mexico, Peru, Kenya and Thailand as "quiet doers" to help those in need. Zone said with noticeable pride only about 5% of those who apply to YouthLINC have a background in service, but 93% of the program’s alums continue to serve in remarkable ways. Another benefit, according to Zone, is the increased knowledge about Rotary among YouthLINC participants. "About 40% of them have ever heard of Rotary in the beginning, but according to a survey at the end of their year, 100% of YouthLINC participants consider their knowledge of Rotary to be ‘good’ to ‘excellent!’" Laura Shrader, recently returned from two weeks in Thailand, shared her power point presentation, her memories and her belief "Rotarians are a great help all over the world!"

Speaker Speaks to Health Care Reform

2009-08-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

OPENING: On Monday, August 24, Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in two verses of "America, the Beautiful"to open the 3755th meeting of SGR. Debbie Justice invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance and Allen Hilton asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Jeff Morby conducted Horseplay with fines collected by Paula Bell.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken announced he had received notification SGR has met its obligation to the Guatemalan stove project, which also included some hospital equipment, as well. He also noted there is potential in the future for additional support to families in Guatemala and encouraged members to consider a continuation of this project.

President Ken noted receipt of the membership report which shows SGR has a current membership of 78 active and 4 honorary members. Although SGR has seen some substantial drop in membership, the club is beginning to grow once again. In comparison, other local clubs have maintained level growth including Red Rock Rotary which has a current total of 40 members; Hurricane has 16, and Dixie Sunrise has 34. The state’s fastest growing club is American Fork.

President Ken also announced the recent passing of Don Taylor, a former member of SGR, at the age of 92.

A final announcement was the recent decision of the board of trustees to cancel the 2009 Dixie Rotary Bowl due to the significant shortfall in funding, which has resulted over the past several years, in a financial drain on the DRB foundation’s endowment fund. According to Ken, the event needs a minimum of $90,000 to be successful and to date, sponsorships have resulted in less than $40,000. President Ken assured members the DRB board would continue to pursue a positive outcome next year or would consider other options.

PROGRAM: Dave Clark, Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives, shared his experiences and thoughts on the current economic situation and its impact on Utah’s taxpayers and human service programs. According to the speaker, the House revenue estimating committee has indicated tax revenues will be $300 million below expectations. Rotarian Dave Clark indicated the state will have a projected shortfall of $1.8 billion in 2010 despite all attempts to cut the budget in every conceivable way. He noted the Legislature was successful in taking back approximately $220 million from 53 agencies which had not spent their state funding - but "there are no good choices in 2009 because we are operating the state at the same level as we were in 2007 . . . and we have a $700 million shortfall in meeting our future expenditures!" According to Clark, the state has the option to spend down up to half of the "rainy day" fund, and legislators are considering the possibility of bringing back the tax on food, "but its only a one time fix!"

On the subject of the nation's current health care debate, Clark said our existing system of health care, if left unchecked and unreformed, will require 100% of our paychecks within 18.6 years.

Health Care Issues Discussed

2009-08-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

OPENING: On Monday, August 17, Terance White took responsibility as SGR’s Sergeant-at-Arms greeting Rotarians and other visitors to the 3754th regular weekly meeting of St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in a harmonious rendition of "America the Beautiful." Phil Hall invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Nick Lang asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Rick Schofield conducted Horseplay with fines collected by Jack Petersen.

PROGRAM: Jessica Kendrick from the Utah Health Policy Project spoke on the need for "quality, affordable, comprehensive health care coverage for all Utahns through research, policy innovation and civic participation."

According to Kendrick, over 442,000 Utahns live without health insurance of any kind while a similar number are underinsured. Utah businesses are burdened by health care costs, and families can easily be financially devastated by illness or injury.

Sixty percent of the $2 trillion Americans will spend this year on health care will come from state and federal taxes, making the American taxpayer the world’s most generous in paying for health care programs.

These facts combine to make health care policy the most difficult and perplexing domestic issue in our state and nation. Optimal change in Utah’s health care system will occur only if the public is informed about basic health policy and economics.

According to Kendrick, the objectives of the Utah Health Policy Project are to develop and implement visionary and systematic solutions to Utah’s health care crisis; incrementally expanding access to affordable health coverage in ways which further systematic solutions. Continue to build community / small business support for comprehensive health system reforms designed around a concept of a Health Insurance Exchange.

Kendrick noted, we must also ensure sustainable and cost effective financing of state and federal resources such as Medicaid, CHIP, and other health programs and low-income clinics; and develop the statewide infrastructure and capacity to improve quality of care and reduce health disparities. For more information about the future of health care in Utah, call 801-433-2299.

Governor Gil Visits SGR

2009-08-16T19:16:00.001-07:00

OPENING: On Monday, August 10, Jack Petersen took a turn as Sergeant-at-Arms to greet members and visitors to the 3753rd meeting of St. George Rotary Club. Ray Robinson lead the SGR choir in a rousing rendition of "My Country Tis of Thee." Nick Lang invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Jim Coleman asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal.

INDUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS: It was with great pleasure, President Ken Sizemore inducted Gene Jones, sponsored by immediate past president Jeff Morby and Debbie Justice, sponsored by Linda Sappington as the two newest members of SGR, bringing club membership to 77!

PROGRAM: President Ken introduced Utah District Governor Gil Trujillo and his wife Pat who were welcomed to their home club with a thundering round of applause. After three years of moving up the ranks of leadership in Rotary’s Utah District 5420, Gil is currently serving as Utah's 94th District Governor overseeing the activities of 44 clubs and more than 2000 members.

As the fifth district governor selected from among the nearly 90-members of St. George Rotary Club, Gil outlined the goals for his year as DRG, including encouraging all Utah Rotarians to more fully engage in service in their club, community, state and in the world. He also reported on his plans to coordinate an international project involving all 44 clubs working together for greater impact; develop a workable plan for the active recruitment of young men and women leaders into Rotary clubs around the state; continue in support of RI’s global partnership goal to eradicate polio in the world; and, encourage Rotarians throughout the Beehive State to dig deep into their pockets to fund water projects to bring clean drinking water to many of more than 2.6 billion people in 3rd world countries who currently live without this precious commodity.

The 72-year-old native of Taos, New Mexico and former Marine also wants to promote micro-credit programs in impoverished populations worldwide enabling people to make a living with an investment of as little as $30; and to continue supporting literacy programs in the state and worldwide.

Pat Trujillo, in support of her husband's year of service in Utah Rotary's top spot, encouraged members of SGR to attend and participate in the Utah Rotary District Conference which is being planned on the weekend of May 13-15, 2010 in St. George. She indicated this is expected to be one of the best district conferences ever and asked for the support of the full membership in planning and preparations. For more information or to offer time and service to the conference committee, call Linda Sappington at 668-9988 or see www.utahrotaryconference.blogspot.com on the internet.

TNR Program Works to Reduce Feral Cat Population

2009-08-03T21:15:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Terance White took responsibility as SGR’s Sergeant-at-Arms greeting Rotarians and other visitors to the 3752nd regular weekly meeting of St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in a upbeat version of "Yankee Doodle Dandy." Dean Terry invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Nick Lang asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Ken Sizemore conducted Horseplay with fines collected by Jack Petersen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken offered information relating to a Rotary Mastercard through Bank of America. A donation of $25 for each member who signs up will be made to the club.

Utah Rotary District Governor Gil Trujillo will pay an official visit during the regular luncheon meeting of SGR on Monday, August 10. Members of the board will meet with the RDG for approximately an hour following the luncheon.

PROPOSED NEW MEMBERS: In the second reading of their names, Gene Jones has been proposed for membership by Jeff Morby. Debbie Justice is proposed for membership by Linda Sappington. Any comments relating to this action may be referred to any member of the board. Inducting of these two members will take place on Monday, August 10.

PROGRAM: Linda Baker, Vice President and manager of the local office of Workers Compensation Fund, introduced Kris Neal, president and founder of the One More Chance Animal Rescue Program. Managing 15 large feral cat colonies in St. George, Kris’ program is a 501 ( c)(3) public non-profit organization which has trapped, neutered and released more than 1100 animals in the five years of its existence and which has been responsible for the steady decline in the number of unwanted cats in Washington County. One More Chance raises funds for local Adopt-A-Friend advertisements appearing in local shopping guides; and, operates an animal food bank which has distributed more than 15,000 pounds of food to low-income pet owners who might otherwise be forced to abandon their animals. According to Kris, there are an estimated 100 million free roaming cats in the United States. It is believed a female, producing two litters of five kittens annually will be the start of 11,801 kittens in a period of five years. With the support of organizations such as Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, a no-kill facility based in Kanab, and with funding from the City of St. George and other agencies, her organization is getting positive results in efforts to eliminate the feral cat problem in St. George, including no new litters, less roaming and night howling, a reduction in disease and savings of tax dollars.

"Be Careful Out There" is WCF Message

2009-07-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Jack Petersen assumed responsibilities as SGR’s Sergeant-at-Arms greeting Rotarians and other visitors to the 3751st regular weekly meeting of St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in two verses of "Home on the Range" in honor of Pioneer Day. Jeff Morby invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Phil Hall asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Steve Radmall conducted a high energy Horseplay with fines collected by West Martin on behalf of the CANstruction project.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Ken read a letter of thanks from a recent Sterling Scholar recipient and announced the upcoming SGR board meeting on Thursday, July 30, 7:15 a.m. at his office.

Utah Rotary District Governor Gil Trujillo will pay an official visit during the regular luncheon meeting of SGR on Monday, August 10. Members of the board will meet with the RDG for approximately an hour following the luncheon.

PROPOSED NEW MEMBERS: As membership continues to decline - there are currently 76 active members of SGR with 5 honorary members - President Ken noted he is pleased to announce the names of two prospective members. Gene Jones has been proposed for membership by Jeff Morby. Debbie Justice is proposed for membership by Linda Sappington. Any comments relating to this action may be referred to any member of the board.

PROGRAM: Linda Baker, Vice President and manager of the local office of Workers Compensation Fund, introduced David Brogley, WCF’s 13-year Senior Safety and Loss Consultant who shared tips on staying safe in the home and the workplace noting there are more than 27 million injury accidents a year in the U.S. resulting from poor safety choices. According to Brogley, "the pain and anguish of injury can be avoided with just a minute of thought." He also encouraged members of SGR to "be careful out there!"

RI Convention Report

2009-07-24T09:30:00.001-07:00

OPENING: Terance White served as SGR’s Sergeant-at-Arms greeting Rotarians and other visitors to the 3750th regular weekly meeting of St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in "God Bless America." Richard Brown invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Kyle Case asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Grant Carter conducted a spirited Horseplay with fines collected by Jack Petersen in support of CANstruction.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Gary Benson reported on a $500 corporate sponsorship for the Dixie Rotary Bowl. Through a partnership with Dixie State College, local businesses and individuals can get a full sponsorship package - including advertising in the local media - for this low price.

Additional "Perfect Attendance" awards were distributed by Jeff Morby to Jim Coleman and Don Pendleton.

PROGRAM: New SGR president Ken Sizemore reported on his experience attending the Rotary International Convention in Birmingham, England. In recognition of the historic moon walk on July 20, 1969, Ken showed a video clip of the event which astronaut Neal Armstrong called ". . . one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind!" President Ken also shared video clips of the presentations made during the opening plenary session at the RI Convention by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and RI President Dong Kurn Lee; and a tour of the House of Friendship. President Ken then reflected on his conversion to the Objects of Rotary through attending conventions and assemblies; and, distributed the Proposed Committee structure spreadsheet.

Sizemore Is SGR's 79th President

2009-07-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Terance White is beginning to put names and faces together in his new assignment on SGR’s board. To accomplish his goal of getting to know everyone, he took attendance and greeted Rotarians and visitors to the 3749th meeting of SGR. Ray Robinson conducted the SGR choir in a particularly harmonious rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Shar Heitkotter invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance. Phil Hall lead members in a recitation of the 4-Way Test. Lee Sheets asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. President Jeff called for a 1099 vote in the amount of $3 per member in lieu of Horseplay.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Jeff announced an increase in monthly dues from $50 to $60 since the club has been losing money monthly due to the increase in RI fees and voluntary contributions for Polio Plus, EREY and other Rotary costs. Greg Basso voted against the action, but all other members voted in favor.

PROGRAM: President Jeff shared a retrospective of his year in the form of a power point presentation, reminding members of the fun and service provided to the club and the community since July 2008. “It wasn’t all good news. We lost 17 – but gained 8 new members - bringing our total membership to 82. On the other hand, we met our commitment to Polio Plus, improved the Rotary Bowl in numerous ways; held an orientation for new members and reactivated a few others; and had 75% of our members fulfill their commitment to EREY.” According to Jeff, “this year we strengthened our Interact clubs, purchased another 22 wheelchairs, contributed $30,000 to the purchase and installation of stoves in Guatemala and distributed 2100 dictionaries to 3rd graders in 74 Washington County classrooms.”

Perfect attendance awards were distributed to Eldon McArthur (34 years), Don Pendleton (19 years), Jim Coleman (9 years), Gary Benson, Andy Anderson, Linda Sappington, Shar Heitkotter, and (the complete list will have to wait until I get home from Denver).

“Service above self” awards were given to Gary Benson for his efforts to organize the Washington City Cotton Days parade and for his service as the Rotary chauffer; Shar Heitkotter and Greg Basso for being Santa's elves. Shar was also recognized for her service as chair of the DRB committee and Greg was recognized for his efforts to promote the wheelchair program. Linda Sappington was recognized as the club's Super Blogger. Gil Trujillo received an award as southern Utah's Rotary ambassador (and the rest of the list will have to wait until I get home from Denver).

Special recognition was given to Ken Sizemore, Grant Carter, Linda Baker, Linda Sappington, Ken Seefeld, Kris Neal, Mark Armstrong, Terance White, Kerry Hepworth, Bob Bramlage, Reed Noble and Allen Hilton were given special thanks for their support of Jeff Morby during his year as president in 2008-09. Linda Sappington was named 2009 Rotarian of the Year.

Ken Sizemore was inducted as 2009-2010 president. Board members who will help him meet his goals include Ken Seefeld as treasurer, Kris Neal as assistant treasurer, Linda Sappington as secretary, Linda Baker with responsibilities for club administration. Terance White and Grant Carter will oversee recruiting and retaining members; with Phil Hall with responsibilities for the programs of the Rotary Foundation; Jerry Rasmussen coordinating service in the community and the world; and Bill Fowler managing duties relating to public information.

What's Black and White and Read All Over?

2009-07-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

OPENING: Jack Petersen assumed responsibilities as SGR’s Sergeant-at-Arms greeting Rotarians and other visitors to the 3748th regular weekly meeting of St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in "Let Me Call You Sweetheart. Stan Gubler invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and June McAfee asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Dan Strobell conducted a high energy Horseplay with fines collected by West Martin on behalf of the Guatemalan stove project.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Gil Trujillo was welcomed back from the Rotary International Convention in Birmingham, England where he was impressed by talks by Desmond Tutu, Jane Goodall and other outstanding world and Rotarians leaders.

There will be no meeting on Monday, July 6, but members and spouses are invited to attend the installation of officers on Monday, July 13.

PROGRAM: Donny Welch, publisher of The Spectrum and Daily News, gave an impressive power point presentation relating to readership and new features being planned for his newspapers. He noted the current adult readership of the local papers is up 3.5% - higher than it has ever been in their entire history; and, 75% of the 18-34 year old demographic are regular readers - outpacing all other Gannett publications in most categories. In addition to the print products of the paper, http://www.spectrum.com/ sees 135,000 unique visitors every month and there is a substantial increase in Sunday readership, "probably due to coupon clippers in a bad economy!" His staff of 117 full time equivalents is working hard to develop quality products to attract and meet the need of new businesses as far north as Beaver. Welch also indicated they are working on a program to "giveaway $150,000-$200,000 in advertising over the next few months."