Pass the Gavel

Welcome to the 647th meeting of the Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise!

Out-going Club President Paul Gooch and In-coming Club President Marla Shelby-Drabner welcomed members and guests to an evening of recognition and reminiscing.

The reminiscing part was a fun slide show prepared by John Johnson featuring many of the numerous photos John has snapped over the past year. The slide show included photos that have made it to the blog and photos that have not. This presentation served as a back drop for the meeting reminding all of us of the opportunities we have had this past year to learn and to serve.

In addition to a number of spouses and friends in attendance, we welcomed Special Guest Glade Hamilton our Assistant District Governor and his lovely wife. Glade presented The Presidential Citation award to Paul Gooch honoring the work of Paul’s year. Of the 49 Rotary Clubs in Utah we are privileged to be among only 9 who achieved this award this year. Quite an honor. Glade officially installed the officers for the 2009-2010 year and Paul pinned the traveling President’s pin on Marla’s jacket turning the reins over to her for the next 12 months.

Paul recognized the 9 new Paul Harris Fellows. This achievement brings the Club to the status of a 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club. Also an amazing accomplishment. To learn more about the Rotary Foundation, click on the following link__________ Paul thanked the out-going Board and Officers with a small Rotary gift and presented roses to his wife Chantra for her support.

It was also Paul’s pleasure to honor long time club member, Greg Nielsen as the 2008-2009 Rotarian of the Year. Greg is one of those people who indeed practice Service Above Self always just getting things done. We thank you Greg for your service.

Assistant Governor Glade shared some words of Rotary wisdom with the group. Then, Marla presented the Past President’s Plaque to Paul and had the privilege of pining Paul’s new Past President Pin onto his jacket. At that point Paul took a deep breath, sat down and hung his jacket on the back of his chair.

Thank you to all who shared this evening with us.

Next week, the Adventures of Rotary International as experienced by President Elect Mark Heiner.

Marla Shelby-Drabner, President