Strobell Reports on Guatemalan Stove Project

Bob Bramlage, SGR’s Sergeant-at-Arms was on duty greeting Rotarians and others visitors to the 3727th regular weekly meeting of St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in the patriotic "America." Lee Warren invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Steve Radmall asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Shar Heitkotter brought her usual infectious sense of humor to Horseplay while Richard Brown collected fines on behalf of St. George Musical Theater.

President Jeff Morby reported on Don Dunham’s condition following two strokes last week resulting in several days in the ICU at Dixie Regional Medical Center followed by time spent on the nursing floor. It is anticipated he will soon be moved to a rehab center. Cards and visitors are very much appreciated by this longtime and popular Rotarian.

Steve Davis, Chief Operating Officer at Rainbow Sign and Banner, has been proposed for membership by Jim Coleman. Any comments relating to this proposed membership should be directed to any member of the board.

Paula Bell announced the upcoming Soup-N-Bowl fundraising event on behalf of the St. George Arts Museum. Tickets are available from Paula for the event which will take place on March 6.

As one of 535 DGE’s, Gil Trujillo called his recent training as the upcoming Utah District Governor "the most awesome week of my life!" He announced the theme for 2009-10 as "the Future of Rotary is in Your Hands" and shared his excitement about the recent donation of $255 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help eradicate polio from the earth. This most recent donation is in addition to $100 million donated last year by the Gates Foundation and matched through contributions from the worldwide society of Rotary.

Richard Isom showed off the completed and ready-for-sale DVD highlighting the Dixie Rotary Bowl, including the game between the Vikings of Western Washington University and Orediggers of Colorado School of Mines. The DVD, which contains some never-before-seen footage and special features, is on sale for $19.99. Members of SGR can pick up their copy at a discounted rate of $10.

PROGRAM: Dan and Cindy Strobell shared their 2008 adventure in Guatemala where they helped build two homes, a school and installed 75 stoves to reduce the incidence of smoke inhalation deaths among Guatemalan women and burns among their children. 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 sometime in May, 2009. The cost - which includes airfare, accommodations and food - is approximately $2500 per couple. See Dan for more information about this life-changing experience.