YVC Teaches SGR to "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle"

OPENING: Sergeant-at-arms Don Pendleton was on duty greeting members and visitors to St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson led the SGR Choir in a harmonious rendition of the first and last verses of “America the Beautiful.” Kris Neal invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance. Ken Sizemore asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal and Don Pendleton led members in a recitation of the 4-Way Test. Sam McArthur took to the podium for a spirited Horseplay while Dan Strobell collected fines in support of Kris Neal’s feral cat program.

President Grant Carter announced next week’s meeting will feature Utah Rotary District Governor Penny Atkinson.

Phil Hall indicated some members have asked whether it is too late to take advantage of matching funds for Paul Harris Fellows. He will check and report back next week.

Greg Basso asked for volunteers to help with his backpack project on Friday, July 30 at 10 a.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Methodist Church.


PROGRAM: Linda Sappington introduced the program which featured members of the Youth Volunteer Corps of Washington County with team leaders Becky Cox, an AmeriCorps member assigned to Community Education and Kayla Shenfeld, a VISTA Summer Associate at the Volunteer Center of Washington County. More than 30 youth volunteers between the ages of 11-14 are taking part in the Summer of Service “100 Hours in 100 Days” program where they are learning to “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” and sharing their knowledge and expertise through the production of public service announcements currently running on Canyon Media’s Planet 94.1 radio station; TV ad spots and power point presentations explaining the problems associated with nearly 40,000 pounds of discarded plastic, metal, glass and paper per year for every American! The kids have taken a field trip to the landfill, learned marketing techniques at the Dick Norris Communication Center at Dixie State College and are planning a tour and service project at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and will make a presentation to the Washington County Commission in early August. St. George City Mayor Dan McArthur answered the students’ questions about the city’s recycling efforts. At the end of their 100 hours, each student will receive a $500 education award from the Corporation for National and Community Service which can be used anytime in the next ten years at a college or university of their choice.

New Members Introduced

OPENING: Ray Robinson conducted the SGR Choir in a rousing rendition of “Home on the Range” in honor of Pioneer Day. Gil Trujillo invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. Terance White asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Rick Schofield led members in a recitation of the Rotary 4-Way Test.

President Grant asked for volunteers to serve as the club’s CANstruction team. See Linda Sappington for more information or to volunteer.

Durant McArthur conducted an hysterical Horseplay while Reed Noble collected funds in support of Kris Neal's Feral Cat Program.

PROGRAM: Grant Carter introduced new members Richard Luekenga, Jr. and Kip Bowler who reported on their lives and times! Richard Luekenga noted his name is of German origin, while he is from Richfield; served an LDS mission in Argentina; and, as a former student at Utah State University, he is proud to call himself an Aggie. He studied for a career in audiology in Louisville, Kentucky, then moved to St. George in 2005 where he joined with three other healthcare professionals to create the Dixie Hearing and Balance Center, 630 S. 400 East. In his practice - closely tied to Intermountain Health Care - he treats hearing and balance disorders in infants to adults of all ages.

In his spare time, Richard enjoys basketball, football, water and snow skiing, and golf (“I’m a sandbagger of sorts”).

Luekenga was brought into the club by Ray Robinson, but introduced to the principles of Rotary as a child by his father who “was the 4-way test in action!”

Kip Bowler, a loan officer at the Village Bank, has “lived in St. George my whole life.” Descended from pioneers who came to this region in the late 1800's, Bowler is a graduate of Southern Utah University who lives in Gunlock with his wife and three children. In his spare time, he is also involved in the livestock industry and enjoys roping and riding.

Sponsored by Phil Hall, Kip has Rotary in his blood. His grandfather, Truman Bowler was a longtime member and served as president of St. George Rotary in 1978.

Carter is SGR's 80th President

OPENING: Sergeant-at-arms Don Pendleton was on duty greeting members and visitors to St. George Rotary. Ray Robinson led the SGR Choir in a happy rendition of “In the Good Old Summer Time” (otherwise known as the “Tootsie Wootsie” Song. Lee Sheets invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. Nick Lang asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal.

President Ken Sizemore welcomed PDG Gil Trujillo home after a year of running up and down the freeway visiting everyone of Utah’s 44 clubs.

PROGRAM: President Ken called his “a great year. Despite the impact of the economic downturn which resulted in a major loss in membership, we have ended the year with a half dozen new and enthusiastic members bringing the total from 63 to 69 with 2-3 more putting in applications!” Ken also noted how much he and Barbara enjoyed the opportunity to attend the RI Convention in Birmingham, England “where members become Rotarians!”

During the year, the club enjoyed a Halloween Social at Staheli Family Farm and a memorable Christmas party planned by Shar Heitkotter and Greg Basso. “The low point in my year as president was when the decision was made to do away with the Dixie Rotary Bowl . . . the high point was the accomplishment of my personal goal to have ‘boots on the ground in Guatemala.’”

President Ken also recognized Linda Sappington for chairing the Utah Rotary District Conference in May then distributed Distinguished Service Awards, as follows:

* Doug Seefeld (for giving up his two week vacation to review and reorganize SGR’s bookkeeping)
* June McAfee (for taking the Dictionary Project to a whole new level)

* Dan Strobell, Jim Coleman, Dan and Sam McArthur, Reed Noble and Lowry Snow for “boots on the ground in Guatemala"

* Ray and Ruby Robinson (a decade of service to Rotary youth)
* Linda Sappington (SGR’s “go to” girl / seretary)

President Ken also awarded nine members with Perfect Attendance certificates totaling 100 years of “service above self”, as follows:
* Eldon McArthur   (36 years)
* Donald Ira Pendleton  (22 years)
* Ray Robinson  (12 years)

* Jim Coleman   (10 years)

* Linda Sappington   (5 years)
* Nick Lang    (5 years)
* Gil Trujillo    (4 years)
* Ken Sizemore    (3 years)
* Richard Isom    (3 years)

New president Grant Carter indicated his #1 priority is to develop a successful and sustainable fundraiser as he accepted the president’s pin for 2010-11. On behalf of a grateful club, he expressed gratitude for Ken Sizemore’s outstanding leadership this year. Those who will assist President Grant in his year in the club’s top spot include:

~ Linda Baker                             youth service

~ West Martin                             programs

~ Jenny McDowell                      membership / directory

~ Kyle Case                               public relations
~ Ken Sizemore                         community service
~ Ken Seefeld                            treasurer
~ Kris Neal                                assistant treasurer
~ Linda Sappington                     secretary

SGR Learns Art of Negotiation

OPENING: Don Pendleton was in his usual place as Sergeant-at-arms noting the presence (or absence) of members and visitors to SGR. Ray Robinson led members in a patriotic rendition of “Star Spangled Banner” including a flag ceremony featuring military veterans Andy Anderson, Greg Basso and Don Pendleton. Richard Luekenga invited members to follow him in the Pledge of Allegiance. June McAfee asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Terance White conducted a lucrative Horseplay while Kevin McBride collected fines on behalf of CANstruction!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Foundation chair Phil Hall reminded members who wish to take advantage of the opportunity for matching funds for a Paul Harris Fellowship, the deadline for payment is today.

President Ken Sizemore reminded members of the opportunity to purchase Rotary license plates then shared the president’s plaque for K. D. (Kumin) Williams, president of SGR in 1952-53. His family found it among his belongings and decided to donate it back to the club.

Ray Robinson announced he has been notified of an incoming Youth Exchange member. He does not have any information on this young lady but encouraged members to consider sharing their home with her while she is in St. George for the upcoming school year.

INDUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS: New members Kevin McBride, sponsored by Grant Carter and Sheldon Banks, sponsored by Dan McArthur, were inducted into the club.

PROGRAM: Linda Baker introduced Jinks Dabney of the law firm of Dabney and Dabney who addressed the topic of “how to negotiate a raise!” According to the attorney, learning how to negotiate is a skill which can be developed by “knowing what you want, knowing your options / priorities, knowing how much time you have, knowing who the players are; and knowing when, where and how to ask.” Dabney went on to share his ten successful negotiation secrets. “The first is preparation . . . get your ducks lined up!” He then added “listen to what other players are saying, keep talking, remember ‘everything is negotiable,’ and always allow others to win a few points.” Finally, “avoid polarization (‘you might have a question about your opponents parentage, but never, never say it’), deal with your leverage, and use humor whenever appropriate (‘it is always welcome and takes the edge off the situation’), dissect your options, and always remember to ask ‘what can I do to help US work this out?”

Ironman St. George Comes to SGR

OPENING: Don Pendleton was in his usual place as Sergeant-at-arms noting the presence (or absence) of members and visitors to SGR. Ray Robinson opened the meeting with a harmonious rendition of “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” Debbie Justice invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance. West Martin asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Jim Coleman conducted a lucrative Horseplay - helped along by the sale of DRB ball caps identified as “illegal contraband” by President Elect-nominee Linda Baker - while Quinn Hadley collected fines on behalf of CANstruction!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Foundation chair Phil Hall reminded members who wish to take advantage of the opportunity for matching funds for a Paul Harris Fellowship, the deadline for payment is Monday, June 28.

PROGRAM: Linda Baker introduced Kevin Lewis from the Washington County Convention and Visitor Bureau who began planning the “first ever” Ironman St. George more than 2 ½ years ago. The event, which included a 2.4 mile swim at Sand Hollow, a 112 mile bike race and a 26.2 mile marathon, all on Saturday, May 1, drew nearly 2000 participants from all over the country. In addition to the Ironman competitors, the event had 4300 volunteers, drew 9080 visitors to the area (52% who were in the St. George area for the first time); reported 12,250 hotel room nights and had an economic impact on the county totaling $7.85 million. Considered by Ironman competitors to be “a great race” because of the challenge, scenery and friendly people, the 2010 event generated more than 150 media impressions in its first of five Ironman St. George events.

SGR Hears Sheriff Candidate

OPENING: Don Pendleton was in his usual place as Sergeant-at-arms noting the presence (or absence) of members and visitors to SGR. Ray Robinson opened the meeting with a spirited rendition of “You’re A Grand Old Flag.” Kris Neal invited members to follow her in the Pledge of Allegiance after which SGR’s newest member Kip Bowler asked for the blessings of heaven on the meeting and the meal. Lee Sheets took the reins for a boisterous Horseplay while Kurt Johnson collected fines on behalf of CANstruction!

INDUCTIONS: Two new Rotarians were inducted by Prez-elect Grant Carter. Laura Taylor (classification: Real Estate) is sponsored by Jenny McDowell. Richard Luekenga (classification: Audiology) is sponsored by Ray Robinson, bringing the current total of members in SGR to 68!

PROGRAM: With Grant Carter conducting, in the absence of President Ken Sizemore, Linda Baker introduced Rob Tersigni, candidate for the office of Washington County sheriff. Tersigni, who attended “played basketball at all the BYU’s (Provo, Rexburg, ID and Hawaii)” graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. He is currently serving as Chief Deputy over field operations with the Sheriff’s Office managing a $14 million budget and “is serious about the problems associated with illegal immigration. Right now, the numbers are down slightly due to our poor economy, but they’ll be back! We need more ICE agents doing their jobs and we need more officers on patrol.” Tersigni is also concerned about the activities of more than 500 known gang members in the county. The former Ivins City police chief promises “strong enforcement of the laws relating to criminal activities.” Elections take place on Tuesday, June 22. Don’t forget to vote.

Meet New Rotarian Quinn Hadley

New member Quinn Hadley (Classification: Funeral Director) didn’t know much about Rotary when he joined last month at the encouragement of his employer at Metcalf Mortuary but "it seemed like a good opportunity."

Quinn graduated from Dixie State College with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration but didn’t know exactly which direction to go with his college education until he met and married Nicole Metcalf, daughter of Ron and Cindy Metcalf. Quinn decided to take a look at his father-in-law’s funeral business and was soon intrigued by what he calls "an interesting profession." He worked as an apprentice at Metcalf Mortuary before he went to mortuary school in New York City, living in "an awesome downtown apartment in Manhattan where Nicole and I lived it up for a year" before returning to St. George. Admittedly, Quinn says, "this profession took some getting used to - and the hours can be inconvenient - but I find it very rewarding!"

Quinn says his most memorable experience in life is memorable for all the wrong reasons. The event which changed his life forever was the loss of his father - who he describes as "my very best friend" - from a sudden heart attack in January 2009. "It has been hard to watch my mother struggle with the loss which flipped our whole world upside down. I am trying to deal with it, but it is still very hard to realize he is gone!"

Quinn, who learned Portuguese serving an LDS mission in Brazil (1999-2001), recently vacationed in the South American country with his wife. "I was a little nervous about being able to speak the language, but it came back pretty quick. I was able to get us from the extreme north to the extreme southern tip of Brazil - from Manaus near the Amazon River to Iguacu Falls and to Salvador and Porto Alegre."

Sounds like Quinn Hadley will be a perfect new addition to SGR’s International Service committee.