While Waiting for Santa, SGR Meets New Members

Three days before Christmas, Bob Bramlage, SGR's new Sergeant-at-Arms was on duty greeting Rotarians and other visitors to the 3723rd regular weekly meeting of St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in the holiday favorite "Silent Night" followed by "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Our very own Flag Man Lee Warren 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. Reed Noble conducted a lucrative Horseplay in support of Coins for Kids while Durant McArthur collected fines.

President Jeff expressed the thanks of the entire club to Greg Basso, Shar Heitkotter, and Bob Bramlage for a great Christmas party held last week.

Reed Noble indicated the nominating committee had found "a glitch in the bylaws" and asked the board to review the changes which will reflect the election for two years of a secretary and treasurer. Linda Sappington will continue as secretary for a second year, but Ken Seefeld will assume responsibility as Treasurer when Mark Armstrong steps down. Nominations for two new 2-year board positions and for president in a couple of years, will take place on January 5 with the election to follow on January 12. Thanks to Reed and his committee including Byron McLeese, Ken Sizemore and Nick Lang.

President Jeff also reported a check in the amount of $550 has been received from Rotary International. This simplified grant supports the Dictionary Project.

Gil Trujillo reminded members of the upcoming All Clubs Luncheon in Salt Lake City on January 6. Former RI president Frank Devlin ("Create awareness . . . take action!") from Mexico City will be the featured speaker.

Ken Sizemore reminded members to complete the Member Satisfaction Survey. To date, only 19 from among SGR’s 93 members has been returned. Although most comments were positive, Ken indicated there is a shortfall in areas of "member orientation and education, public relations and concerns about the increasing level of fines during Horseplay." He also indicated some of the surveys suggest a need for more information about the Rotary Foundation, current opportunities for club service and the need for a better microphone. Ken also indicated some members’ spouses were concerned about the amount of time required to be a Rotarian.

The program involved Classification Talks by Chad Michaeli, Carlos Mercado and Richard Brown. See the blog page to "Meet Chad Michaeli" and "Meet Richard Brown" and watch for "Meet Carlos Mercado!"