Christmas in February

This past Thursday the 676th all time meeting of the Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise and the 30th of this year was an opportunity for our club to offer needed equipment to the incredible valuable Washington County Search and Rescue Service.

The annual "State of Our Safety" report

This week we were privileged to hear from Marlon Stratton, Chief of Police for St. George City. As always, it was a pleasure to have him join us and also, as always, it was very informative.
He began by sharing with us the terrific news that St. George has been named by State Farm Insurance as The Safest Place to live in the category of communities under 150, 000 population. In addition we heard the good news that type 1 crime is down 23% in our city and that there were less motor vehicle accidents in Washington County in 2009 than there have been in 12 years (1,500, down from 2,500).

While St. George has faced declining revenues like the rest of the country cuts have been made in other areas allowing the Police Department to retain its full compliment of officers which right now is 103 with 5 motorcycles and 2 cars assigned to traffic management, and 12 officers in local schools.

We heard that drugs continue to be a problem in our area with continued marijuana grows in the Pine Mountain area. Chief Stratton also confirmed what many of us have heard that the drug(s) of choice on the streets these days are prescription drugs obtained by various criminal methods including convincing people with legal pain medication prescriptions to sell the drugs for very inflated amounts. Sadly we continue to have a gang presence in the area. Currently there are approximately 35 gangs with give or take 700 members. However, the gang task force continues to focus on both the problem and prevention and has been successful in keeping the numbers as they are rather than growing.

A final word from our Chief was a warning about the dangers of text messaging while driving. The results of the distraction of texting are not only as bad a drunk driving, but probably worse. Distracted driving is UNSAFE.

Chief Stratton, we thank you and your officers for keeping us safe.

Marla Shelby-Drabner, President
Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise

2010 Tax Update: Facts, Myths, & Opinions

Welcome one and all to the all time meeting No.: 672, and the 27th of the 2009-2010 year of the Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise.

News/Announcements for this meeting included the Birthdays of Herb Van Vliet and Trish 'the dish' Sheffield, as well as the Club Anniversaries of Carl Kulyk and Dan Rak.

This weeks meeting started out with a real bang as Joe Christoper and Todd Watts identified themselves as twins. How lucky can 2 guys be to find the same shirt at the DI!!!!!


Our guest and presenter this morning is one of our own. Mr. James E. Sippel who kept us on the edge of our seats by dispelling any/all myths about the tax changes for the year 2010 and beyond.


Jim's passion about financial planning and knowledge regarding the Internal Revenue Code was evident from the start. He provided us with detailed information about 2010 Tax Filing Deadlines, Individual Tax Rates, the allowed and quasi allowed Deductions and Exemptions as well as providing insight on how the current system of Capital Losses v Capital Gains needs to be re-engineered to better benefit the tax payers.


He also brought into the light a topic most of us don't wish to speak of and that is preparing a Tax Strategy and Estate Planning for financial security after your death.

Jim, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Public Accountant, maintains a local office known as Sippel & Company, P.C., and can be reached at (435) 656-8407

On a side note, we had a slight miss-communication with the Washington County Sheriff Search and Rescue members who also joined us today, however the presentation to them is scheduled for February 4, 2010. While with us, the representatives from WCSSAR gave us an update on certain WCSSAR members who have traveled to Haiti to assist in matters there.

Join us next week as St. George City Chief of Police Marlon Stratton will be joining us, unless you have any outstanding warrants against you. ;-) Following Chief Stratton it will be our pleasure to present the WCSSAR with specialized equipment that will greatly benefit the recipients of their efforts/service.

Thanks for your attendance today and for your Service above Self!!

Yours in Rotary,

-M Heiner

Another Road Trip!

Last Thursday we hit the road again for a most interesting vocational tour. John Johnson arranged for us to visit Southwest Marble and Granite Custom Slab Fabrication plant and showroom. Owner/Manager Jeff Eggertz made us most welcome and introduced us to the processes of mining, cutting, and finishing the beautiful granite that those fortunate enough to have them enjoy in kitchens and bathrooms throughout the St. George area.

The selection and possibilities were amazing and viewing the huge cutting tools that turn a slab of granite into a counter top was VERY interesting.

Please visit Southwest's web site http://www.swtilesupply.net/ to learn more.

And, thanks Jeff for your hospitality. Thanks to Grandma Toblers for the yummy breakfast treats enjoyed here by Herb as well as the rest of us.

Next week, Jim Sippel on tax matters.

Jan. 28, St. George City Police Chief, Marlon Stratton

Yours in Rotary,
Marla Shelby-Drabner, President

Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise

Not your Father's Navy!

This week we were held captive by retired Navy Commander Eric deVita. Commander deVita does not sail ships, he is a Naval Aviator.

In case you thought the Navy was only about boats and ships, you have much to learn. We learned from Commander deVita that Naval Aviators fly some of the worlds most exclusive and technical planes. And, unlike the Navy’s Air Force counterparts, these ladies and gentlemen often have to take off and land from moving targets – namely those ships (aircraft carriers) one thinks about when thinking of the Navy.

Only a small group of those in the Navy are able to fly for the Navy. Pilots must be officers, which means they must first have attended Annapolis or West Point, must have gone through ROTC, or must have completed post college Office Candidate School.

We learned about the Super Hornet (FA18EF) which Commander deVita flies. This plane is built at a cost of $40M EACH. However, they maintain at much lower cost than planes such as the ones we saw in Top Gun. This plane can be used for combat or peace keeping. The video we had the opportunity to watch of this plane had us riveted to the screen. This plane can do amazing maneuvers. The decision to build and operate this specialized aircraft is a balance between immediate and future needs. It can fly up to 2 ½ hours without re-fueling and, if necessary, can be refueled in the air.

One final AMAZING piece of information I must share. Did you know that an aircraft carrier can launch the Super Hornet at a rate of 40 planes and 30 minutes! And can land them at the same rate! Holy Cow! Talk about precision work.

We also held election of our President Elect for next year and the President Elect Nominee for the following year. Congratulations and thank you to Jeff Wilcox our Preisdent Elect and Shayne Wittwer our President Elect Nominee. We look forward to working with you.

Next week we have a vocational tour. John Johnson has arranged for us to visit Southwest Tile at 1512 S. 270 E. (off Riverside Drive behind Rainbow Sign and Banner) to learn about granite countertops and other applications. As always, breakfast will be served at 7:00, the tour will start at 7:30. Please join us should be very interesting.

See you then,
Marla Shelby-Drabner, President
Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise.

We "missed" you a Merry Christmas

Our Christmas Party was wonderful! Great food - thank you Shayne and the Abbey Inn - the room was lovely, the fellowship great always, and the entertainment was Spectacular! For those of you who missed this evening of Holiday Feasting, I'm attaching a whole batch of photos to entice you never to miss a Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise social again.

Lots of great food, as I said.

Lots of great fellowship, as I said.

And, Lana Jo Holt is a most talented and lovely young lady. She shared her lovely voice with us and I'm sure I can speak for one and all, it was wonderful . Lana Jo, thank you for sharing your gift. And, for the gifts of music we took home.

Maria and Calvin, again we thank you for putting up with us week after week after week. You take very good care of us! And feed us very well!

A reminder that we will not meet on Dec. 24th or 31th. Our next meeting will be January 7th at the usual time and place.

May I conclude with my sincere wishes that the Holiday Season finds you with much to be Thankful for. I hope your Christmas is full of what matters to you most.

Merry Christmas and a Happy Propsperous HEALTHY, New Year.

Marla Shelby-Drabner, President

Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise.

Can you do it?

Welcome to the BLOG of the Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise! Last week we had our 667th meeting all time meeting and the 22nd meeting of this year.

This week we were – with visions of many aches and pains – educated about the newest St. George major event the Ironman! On May 1st of 2010, St. George will debut the 7th venue for Ironman in the U.S. This event has so much potential that 750 tickets were sold with the introductory announcement.

Kevin Lewis, event coordinator working with St. George City and Jeff Gardner, an event survivor gave us an insider’s view of the event which is slated to bring 10,000 people to St. George next spring. With 2,500 participants – the event is fully sold out – our economy should see a positive bottom line from this. And, the even will donate up to $50,000 to local charities. Rotary has jumped in to help, so we could share in this donation!

Our event will be extremely unique and should grow each year because of the very unique terrain over which the event – of swim, bike and run – is staged. Most, such as Florida’s Ironman run on flat ground. Not here! Elevation everywhere!

For more information go to ironmanstgeorge.com.

Next week, Christmas Feast! 6:30 p.m. Grab your best guest and join us for an evening with friends, good food, and GREAT entertainment.

Remember your gift bags!

Marla

Finally a name tag!

Jim, we are glad to have you with us!

Including another of John Johnson's great shots. Great eye John!

So, Mark and Todd, awfully deep conversation here........

See you all Thursday

St. George has an Igloo!

At the all time 667th meeting of the Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise last week, we learned of the about to open IGLOO Ice Rink! What an exciting addition to our community. James Mitchell, part owner or the facility, and John Crosier, Director of Hockey for Dixie Igloo and Kids on Ice were joined by Kids on Ice Board Member, Shannon Walker to introduce this new addition to our city to our members.

While the Igloo will indeed be open to the public for figure skating and other open skating, the goal of the Kids on Ice Board is to offer young people the ability to spread their wings in athletics. Their goal is to encourage young people to be athletes rather than single sport players who then have a narrow focus as adults. The Kids on Ice Program follows the American Developmental Model – Play LOTS of sports and BE KIDS! Visit http://www.kidsonice.org/ for more information.

The new facility is slated to open before Christmas and will be a welcome addition for families looking for healthy opportunities for kids and families.

Next week: The Ironman!

Followed by our Holiday Feast! We will have our annual Christmas Party at the Abbey Inn on December 17th at 6:30 p.m. (No, no breakfast meeting.) We look forward to a delicious Abbey Inn menu and entertainment by Lana Jo Holt. Sign up at this week’s meeting.

Marla

RYLA report

Our meeting on November 19th was our wonderful opportunity to hear from Justin Gooch and Levi Spafford about their experience wtih the Rotary Youth Leadership Award experience. For anyone who is not familiar with RYLA, it an opportunity for high school juniors to have an intense experience in leadership principles with youth from around our State. These young men told of the lessons learned, the experiences, the great Northern Mountain location AND the number of girls who attended RYLA! It was great to hear the enthusiasm of these young men as they start their journey into Rotary and Leadership.

Remember, no meeting on Thanksgiving!

December will bring exciting events - stay tuned!

Marla Shelby-Drabner, President

Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise

A picture is worth 1,000 words!

Wade and Vicki returned! Great fun!

Did you notice the average age of the our club attendance dropped geometrically this week?

Next week, RYLA! Hear from the kids who were there!

Marla

The Rotary Foundation

This week the Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise joined with our fellow clubs; The St. George Rotary Club, The Red Rock Club, and The Hurricane Rotary Club to hear Past District Governor, Fred Berthrong's update on the Rotary Foundation. If you were not able to be with us - we missed you! If you were not able to be with us, please go to the RI web site to view the new Future Vision Plan for the Foundation. Many opportunities to give of ourselves and the ways to do so just got easier. Please check it out!

Thank you PDG Fred for your visit and thank you St. George Club for hosting us all!

Remember, we won't meet on Thursday this week, BUT next week The Snake Lady will be our program. You won't want to miss this. Bring you kids, they'll love it.

See you on the 12th!
Marla Shelby-Drabner, President

Shayne, how does luncheon compare with our breakfast?

Nature Captured

We have among us a member with a great camera and an eye for the capture. Here is a sampling of the Fall colors courtesy of John Johnson

Enjoy!

The Amazing Dixie Center

Wow! Our meeting last Thursday was held at the Dixie Center where we were not fed a delicious breakfast we got the “back lot” tour of the operations of the Dixie Center and for those of us who hadn’t done that before it was eye-opening!

JoAnn Gordon, Dixie Center Marketing Director for 19 years, Cindy Curtis, Sale and Decorating Coordinator, for 12 years and Susan Duncan who is 1 of 3 event Coordinators welcomed us to the insiders look at the Dixie Center.

Did you know the Dixie Center began at Dixie State College and was originally comprised of the Burns Arena, Cox Auditorium and Smith Convention Center? The current facility opened 11 years ago – we were there on the anniversary! – with 31,000 sq. ft of meeting space. Today the Dixie Center encompasses 32,000 sq. ft of flexible meeting space and 46,500 sq. ft. of column-free exhibit space! Trade shows may host as many as 240 booths. The facility can accommodate small meetings or weddings or events the size of the largest user, What Woman Want. And the center includes a full theater.

The center is managed and funded in an amazing shared manner by The City of St. George (32%) and Washington County (68%). Each entity has a Director and City/County Representative. Marketing staff, Convention and Tourist Office is the responsibility of the county, operations including set up staff, event coordinators, custodial staff, etc. All in all quite, an extraordinary operation.

Remember, we will be participating in the All Clubs Luncheon next Monday, November 2, 2009 at the Holiday Inn on Bluff Street at 12:15. Please plan to attend to hear PDG Fred Berthrong tell us about the amazing work of the Rotary Foundation.

We will NOT be meeting on Thursday. However, next week, Nov. 12th ,The Snake Lady returns. Be sure to bring your kids, it is really great fun.

Marla Shelby-Drabner, President
Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise.

Laughter, the BEST Medicine

This week’s meeting was the 662 all time and 17th of the year meeting of the Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise. And what fun this one was! We bent down, we stood up, we stretched out, and we laughed and laughed.

It was treat to hear this week from Ronald Harrison, a lifelong student of the “all things funny.” Ron’s path to living has taken him from a biologist by education, to a former medical student and a former stand-up comedian. For 30 years is worked in the information systems industry then in 2004 he started studying the use of laughter in the wellness process and in the spring of 2009 he was certified as a Laughter Yoga Leader. This past summer he began a collaboration with the Huntsman Cancer Center to add laughter therapy to the mix for cancer patients. His company, Laughter Unlimited, is expanding this form of wellness to the workplace.

We learned some science this week. For instance, laughter is innate, all mammals are born with the ability. We learned there are 3 elements in life that have the potential to make us sick: genetics (cancer, for example); environment (flu, for example); and stress which has the potential to suppress the immune system making us vulnerable. We learned that STRESS IS POISON but LAUGHTER IS THE ANTIDOTE. We learned that laughter is 80 times more powerful than morphine!

Halloween is coming! Can you say "Thriller"?

The science is now being offered in Laugher Yoga Clubs, Laugher Social Clubs, and workplace programs that focus on starting the day with the laugh. The two gems of advice from Ron that stuck in my mind, are 1) start your day with something funny and 2) end your day with something funny – you’ll sleep much better.

Thanks Ron for sharing.

Don’t forget next week we have a vocational visit to the Dixie Center. Same day, same time, different location. Come join your fellow Club members to see and hear things you probably didn’t know about the Dixie Center. Breakfast will be served.

See you next week!
Marla Shelby-Drabner, President