Getting to "Know Yer Ro"

OPENING: Steve Davis substituted as SGR’s Sergeant-at-Arms, in the absence of Bob Bramlage and Jack Petersen, greeting Rotarians and others visitors to the 3741st regular weekly meeting of St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in "America, the Beautiful." Terance White Holt invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Nick Lang asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Mark Armstrong conducted an energetic Horseplay with fines collected on behalf of the Guatemalan stove project, by Richard Brown.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Jeff announced Kerry Hepworth’s term on the board would be filled by Terance White. Beginning on July 1, Phil Hall will step into Linda Baker’s position on the board as she assumes responsibilities as the President-nominee. Ken Seefeld has accepted the position of treasurer with Kris Neal serving as assistant treasurer when Mark Armstrong completes his term of service.

Gary Benson solicited support in organizing the Cotton Days Parade in Washington City on Saturday, May 9. Volunteers should be at the start of the parade no later than 7:30 a.m.

Jim Coleman called for an assessment of $100 on each member who does not bring a prospective member to a club meeting in the next 3 weeks. President Jeff enthusiastically supports a membership push based on the loss of nearly 20 members this year.

PROGRAM: President Jeff introduced Jerry Rasmussen, Jenny McDowell and Kyle Case (see photo left to right), speakers asked to introduce themselves as part of a "Know Yer Ro" program. Jerry Rasmussen indicated he has been a member for more than five years, sponsored by Ray Robinson. Jerry and all his siblings were born in Salt Lake City, unusual since his father’s work required the family to move from community to community and from one coast to another. Jerry indicated he attended 11 schools before high school and he still has friends all over the U. S. After high school, he joined the Air Force, serving in Vietnam at the end of the skirmish (‘71-‘72) where he served as a ground-to-air controller working with the Air Force testing smart bombs in their early days of development. He is a graduate of Weber State University. He and his wife Donna purchased a restaurant where they worked "24/7 until we realized our children knew their babysitter better than they knew their parents." He later owned the nation’s 3rd largest Allied Moving and Storage company, specializing in electronics and trade shows, with operations in Salt Lake City, Denver and Las Vegas. He and Donna currently both work for Washington County, where he serves as the budget officer.

As a child, Genevieve McDowell was nicknamed "Billy Blue" because her mother was a hillbilly from the Ozarks and her father was a university educated "blue blood." In other words "I’m a mutt who turned out decent!" states Jenny, who has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in performing arts from the University of Southern California. After graduation, she took her talents to the New York Opera Company where she learned stage directing along with performing. In 1974, she applied for and was awarded a Rotary International Graduate Fellowship for one year of study at the Academy of Music in Vienna, then taught fulltime on the faculty of California State Polytechnic University. Jenny has traveled to Croatia and Bosnia nine times in the past decade and feels "lucky to be in America." In addition to her musical career, Jenny has also been a New York Life Insurance agent. A member of Rotary since 1991, she admits she was skeptical pursuing an insurance career, but quickly found it allowed her financial freedom and time to explore more opportunities in music. In August, Jenny plans to retire from her insurance career to teach promising young vocal students.

Kyle Case, the Executive Director of the Huntsman World Senior Games, has always loved sports. In his hometown of Ashton, Idaho, Kyle was one of four boys and two girls in his household and has the distinction of being "the only Case boy who didn’t take state in wrestling!" However, he prides himself on his ranking of 4th in his graduating class of 32 students! Following high school, he served an LDS mission in Brazil where he met his wife . . . who is from Delta, Utah. After their marriage, they moved to Cedar City where they managed an apartment house for eight years and welcomed a daughter, now age 12 and a son, now age 10. He completed a bachelors degree in communications at SUU in just three years. His senior project was to develop an advertising plan for the Utah Summer Games Extreme Sports program. He placed in the top ten of marketing students nationwide and by that time had "fallen in love with the Utah Summer Games. When they offered me the position of Executive Director, I jumped at the chance. In four years of great growth, we increased the number of participants from 6200 to nearly 9900." When Kathie Thayne decided to step down from her leadership role with the Huntsman World Senior Games, she approached Kyle who "was hesitant, but it has been an amazing experience. This year we are adding shooting, bringing the number of sports to 26 . . . and we anticipate 10,000 athletes. We have 265 softball teams signed up and we haven’t even officially opened our registration yet." 　

SGR Joins in GYSD

Rotarians Lee Sheets, Kurt Johnson, Allen Hilton, Nick Lang, Linda Sappington and Ray Robinson gave up a portion of their Saturday to join forces with members of the Rotaract Club at Dixie State College, AmeriCorps members Angie, Sheena and Billie, members of the Youth Volunteer Corps of Washington County and nine Rotary foreign exchange students on April 25 to spread 15 cubic feet of redwood mulch at the entrance to the Rotary SK8 Park.

The event was a little late for Earth Day (Wed, April 22), but perfectly timed to kick off National Volunteer Week (April 27 - May 3) and to celebrate Global Youth Service Day (Saturday, April 25), a day set aside in 1993 to recognize the contribution of youth volunteers to meeting the needs of every community! Mother Nature cooperated, delivering a cooler-than-usual late April day for the first of many service projects planned at the 2-acre, city owned and managed SK8 Park. Mark your calendar and watch for more service opportunities on National Make-A-Difference Day (Saturday, October 24) and National Family Volunteering Day (Saturday, November 21).

Students Enjoy Southern Hospitality

They came from all over Utah . . . and from all over the world . . . to enjoy Ken Seefeld’s hamburgers, Dan and Cindy Strobell’s amazing backyard and meet and greet members of St. George Rotary Club.

Stefan Brackmann, a Rotary exchange student from Germany, and Maria Piemonte from Brazil, have lived this year in Sandy. Miriam Ringström, of Sweden, has experienced life in Kaysville. Watchara Anupansawang of Thailand has lived this year and attended school in Springville. Lais Maksoud Cabral traded life in Brazil for a school year in Orem while Carmen Leoni traveled from Italy to go to school in Taylorsville. Felipe Goncalves from Brazil has been a student this year in Holladay and Armadine Michels came all the way from Belgium to shovel snow in Logan. Laurie Simkins and Isaac Puriri, who both studied abroad last year in Italy and Germany joined members of St. George, Murray and Salt Lake City Rotary clubs for this pleasant summer evening!

Rotary youth exchange students must be between the ages of 15 and 18.5 years old when school starts and attending high school with average or above average grades. Exchange students may be, but are not required to be, the children of a Rotary club member.

SGR Hears Music and Memories

Jack Petersen, one of SGR’s Sergeant-at-Arms was on duty greeting Rotarians and others visitors to the 3739th regular weekly meeting of St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir and members of Dixie State College’s Show Choir in an interesting rendition of verses 1 and 4 of "America." Jeannine Holt invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance and Gary Benson asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. A 1099 was called in place of Horseplay and Jack Petersen collected $5 on all members on behalf of the Guatemalan stove project.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Jeff Morby expressed his appreciation - and that of the club - to Reed Noble for his outstanding efforts as chairman of the 11th Annual 4-Way Test Essay Contest.

President Jeff announced Kerry Hepworth had submitted her letter of resignation from the board. A member to assume her duties on the board will be announced soon.

President Jeff reminded members of upcoming events including the barbeque at Dan and Cindy Strobell’s home on Thursday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. in honor of the Rotary Youth Exchange Students; the Southern District Assembly at the Crystal Inn in Cedar City on Saturday, April 25; and the Utah District Conference in Park City during the period of May 21-23. President Jeff also reminded members of the SK8 Park service project on Saturday, April 25.

PROGRAM: Stephen Nadauld introduced the "new, revitalized, but part of the past" Dixie Show Choir who performed a high energy set of three show tunes. Jeff Morby represented the club well with a few high kicks and an assortment of head gear while members toes were tapping to the rhythm of dance and song.

Rick Schofield introduced his long time friend and author Lynn Miller who has just released "Healing My Fractured Spirit" telling the personal story of his life from the time he was orphaned at age 3 after his mother succumbed to tuberculosis. Miller was among 400 in an orphanage where the boys were repeatedly told they would not amount to anything and all would likely end up "hopeless, homeless or incarcerated." Defying all odds, Miller was the only boy to attend college and went on to have a successful career with Upjohn where he was singled out for his successes - after only five years on the job - from among 22,000 employees! "Obstacles and hardships do not always mean failure," noted the former Rotarian who will share the proceeds from his book with the DOVE Center, Dixie Care and Share, New Frontiers and those providing support for the Lost Boys. For more on Lynn Miller’s remarkable life, see http://www.healingmyfracturedspirit.blogspot.com/ on the internet.

4-Way Test Essay Contest Winners

Bob Bramlage, SGR’s Sergeant-at-Arms was on duty greeting Rotarians and others visitors to the 3738th regular weekly meeting of St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in an enthusiastic rendition of "I’m Looking Over a Four-leafed Clover." Andy Anderson invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Byron McLeese asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Reed Noble lead Horseplay while West Martin collected fines on behalf of the Guatemalan stove project.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Board members were reminded of the meeting on Tuesday, April 14 in the office of the Association of Governments.

Gary Benson asked 15 Rotarians to help organize the Cotton Days Parade in Washington City on Saturday, May 9.

Dan Strobell announced receipt of the $5000 matching grant from Rotary International to go with $10,000 from SGR . . . which has now been matched in total by the makers of the stoves, bringing the total donation for the purchase of 200 stoves to $30,000!!!

Nancy Neff announced the grand opening of a school based community health clinic at Millcreek High School on May 12 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. This newest health clinic is through a partnership between Intermountain Health Care, Washington County School District and the Community Health Center.

PROGRAM: Reed Noble introduced the five winners of SGR’s 11th annual Four-Way Test Essay Contest and invited them to share their essays. Ashley Allen, a student at Fossil Ridge Elementary School shared the touching story of adoption of herself and a younger sister by a loving family after being in foster homes - and having the experience of having an adoption "fall through" - until she was five years old. Tracie Wyson, daughter of Dan and Launa Wyson and a student at Lava Ridge Intermediate School, spoke of her 18-year-old neighbor’s example of service, friendship, truth and fairness. Cassandra Carreon, a student at Lava Ridge Intermediate School told of her love for a father who taught her the principles of honesty, fairness, goodwill and kindness. Rachell Bingham, a student at Enterprise Elementary School, shared stories of a grandfather who has "a cool backyard and a Model A where grandchildren get to ride in the rumble seat waving an American flag!" She said her grandpa is so much fun. "He ties baby blankets and hangs up pinata’s for the grandchildren when they visit!" Danielle Hess, also of Enterprise Elementary School, spoke of her "super mom" who goes out of her way to help her children, her neighbors and her family while always practicing the principles of fairness, friendship and honesty. Each winning student received a check in the amount of $50 and each of their schools received a check in the amount of $200.

Truman Shares Stats on Personal Injury

Bob Bramlage, SGR’s Sergeant-at-Arms was on duty greeting Rotarians and others visitors to the 3737th regular weekly meeting of St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson lead the SGR Choir in an enthusiastic rendition of "You’re A Grand Old Flag." Richard Isom invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance and Gary Benson asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Jack Petersen lead Horseplay while Richard Brown collected fines on behalf of the Guatemalan stove project.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Jeff Morby read a letter of resignation from Lee Warren, citing age-related health problems as the basis for his decision. Ken Seefeld reported on Don Dunham’s health noting Don had been out to church and was still hopeful of being able to return to full activity in SGR.

Ron Haun, DSC’s head football coach, shared his enthusiasm for his players and his hope for a successful season. The spring season will be kicked off with a scrimmage on Saturday, April 11 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Haun announced his team will be made up of 11 local players and 26 recruited from around the country. "We are anxious to develop a viable booster club and support from the community through strong season ticket sales."

Ken Sizemore reminded members of SGR of the New Member Orientation on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m.

PROGRAM: Guest speaker Ron Truman spoke on the subject of personal injury law. According to the local attorney, there is a high probability of at least one member of SGR being seriously injured in an automobile accident in 2009. In 2006, St. George had 1772 personal injury accidents compared to 56,887 in the state of Utah - including 287 deaths. "No matter how careful you are, there is no way to plan for who’s in the vehicle behind us or beside us - including those talking on cell phones or impaired due to drugs or alcohol." The population most likely to be involved in a personal injury accident are those age 16-24. Road rage accounts for approximately 32% of accidents and speed is a factor in nearly every accident.

What should you do when you are involved in an accident? "Exchange information, call for police assistance, render injury assistance, take photos (even with a cell phone camera), and keep a personal journal chronicling how you feel from day-to-day during the recovery period. It is also important to review automobile insurance from time to time and consider adding "uninsured" or "underinsured coverage" to your policy.

A graduate of the J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU, Truman practiced law in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas - representing such major players as Motorola and Hughes Aircraft in personal injury cases - before returning to his St. George hometown in 1994 where he practices law and occasionally judges small claims cases.

Rotarian Honored by DSC

(Honorary) Rotarian Dr. Durrant McArthur is one of three most recently inducted of Dixie State College’s 72 Hall-of-Famers! Just as he and his wife Virginia were packing to leave for Portland, Oregon on a 1-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the son of Rotarian Eldon and brother to Rotarians Dan and Sam McArthur, was honored for a 30-year career in research with the U. S. Forest Service. For more than three decades the Dixie College alum has focused his efforts on understanding biological resources in the semi-arid desert region of the western United States. His research has been documented in approximately 430 publications, more than any other Forest Service scientist.