District Conference a Success

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.