Changing the Guard

TODAY IN ROTARY we got off to a rocky start (“couldn’t find the right note for Auld Lang Syne”) kicking off the final meeting of RY2015-16.  President Terance White, in preparation for passing the gavel to President Collin Davis (RY2016-17), expressed his appreciation to all who have contributed to another successful year for SGR. 

Congratulations, first to Jim Coleman, who is recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow + 6!  A dedicated man who gives generously to Rotary.

Perfect Attendance certificates were given to the following:

Bryan Wheat	1 year
Ted Dodge	1 year
Collin Davis	1 year
Lynn Beecher	1 year
Ken Sizemore	2 years
Linda Sappington	3 years
Janet O’Riley	5 years
Richard Isom	9 years
Nick Lang	11 years
Jim Coleman	16 years
Ray Robinson	18 years

President Terance also gave “Service Above Self” awards to the following members of SGR:

·      *  Lynn Beecher for dedicated service in helping to organize the successful 2^nd Annual Night Golf Tournament and the “first ever” Pickleball Tounament

·      *  Jim Coleman as SGR’s representative to the world

·     *   Ted Dodge for his example of selfless service to the people of Puerto Penasco, Mexico

·     *  Phil Hall for donning his chef’s hat to make 100 pizzas for our last summer party … and for his incredible generosity to the people of Guatemala and Puerto Penasco, Mexico by providing relief for their dental problems

·      *  Richard Isom for ongoing, consistent work in support of SGR and its leaders

·     *  Durant McArthur for making the 4-Way Test Essay Contest happen every year

·     *  Reed Noble for his willingness to organize, apply for and report to the District on SGR’s annual dictionary project

·     *  Ray Robinson for bringing joy to the club each week through music (although he reports he is “still looking for the right note.”)

·     *  Ken Sizemore for accepting the assignment to serve as SGR’s representative for the “first ever” multi-club Rotary Car Show

·     *  Linda Sappington for stepping up to help wherever needed and for getting SGR’s name out to the media and the community

·     *  Brandon Staples for his enthusiasm and commitment to Rotary as a “nearly new member”

·     *  Dan Strobell for countless hours given on behalf of the Guatemala Stove Project

·     *  Bryan Wheat who stepped in to serve as Club Secretary when Richard’s job as Secretary and Treasurer was divided

·     *  Greg Whitehead for lending his time and know-how to help with the pickleball tournament

Brandon Staples, a nearly new member of SGR, was presented with the “Rising Star” award for RY2015-16.  (See more in the local media).

Lynn Beecher was named 2015-16 Rotarian of the Year.  (See more in the local media).

Prior to handing over the gavel, Terance noted, “it has been a great year for me!  I have grown a great deal and now recognize the significant amount of trust our members have for their president.  I am overwhelmed by your willingness to allow me to serve in this way.”

President Collin noted he hopes to see “a bigger Rotary presence in St, George; to identify a “signature project” for SGR in the local community, and find more support for the Guatemala stove project.  I love Rotary … it is an incredible organization.  I just returned from the RI Convention in Seoul, Korea where I met and mingled with our worldwide family of Rotarians … from such places as Spain, Japan, Nepal, Virgin Islands and throughout the United States.  We can be very proud of our club because we are doing good things!”

Collin will be assisted in his duties and responsibilities this year by Terance White, Immediate Past President/ Foundation Chair; Ted Dodge, President-elect; Rulon Olson, President-elect Nominee; Bryan White, Lynn Beecher, BJ Cox, Linda Sappington as Club Secretary and Richard Isom as Club Treasurer.