School District Tells of Flu Precautions

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

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

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

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

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

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.