Friday, January 29, 2010

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

Monday, January 25, 2010

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


Wednesday, January 20, 2010

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

Sunday, January 10, 2010

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.

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Today's Rotary International News

A Brief History of Dixie Sunrise Rotary

  • The first meeting of the provisional club was held May 9, 1996 at the Hampton Inn in St. George. There were 4 attendees: Gerald C. Harrison, Chapin Burks, David Prink and T. Robert Cochran.
  • The second meeting was held at the Hampton Inn with 3 attendees: Gerald C. Harrison, Chapin Burks and T. Robert Cochran. (What were they thinking?)
  • Subsequently, attendance grew until there were 25 attendees, and Rotary International issued the club’s charter on September 5, 1996, four days short of four months after the first meeting.
  • Charter Members were:

Bryan “Chuck” Barton, Chris Jones, Annette Basso, Jill Jones, Gregory F. Basso, Peggy Lynch, James L. Brownell, Fay McFadden,Chapin Burks, James G. Mersman, T. Robert Cochran, Rick A. Parker, Rick Evans, David J. Prink, Christine Evans-Burks, Evan J. Racker, Darrin Hallman, Sean Ray, Gerald C. Harrison, Lynn R. Spafford, Brad Hasty, Nate Staheli, Kerry K. Hepworth, David B. Turner, John L. Johnson

  • Founding Officers and Directors were:

Gerald C. Harrison President, Chapin Burks President-Elect, T. Robert Cochran Secretary/Treasurer, David J. Prink Club Service Dir, Christine Evans-Burks Community Service Dir, Bryan “Chuck” Barton International Service Dir, Kerry K. Hepworth Vocational Service Dir

  • Presidents:
      • 1996-1997 Gerald C Harrison
      • 1997-1998 Chapin Burks
      • 1998-1999 David J Prink
      • 1999-2000 Gregory F Basso
      • 2000-2001 Vardell H Curtis
      • 2001-2002 Paul R Gooch O.D.
      • 2002-2003 Rhys Weaver
      • 2003-2004 Margaret S Shakespeare
      • 2004-2005 Rocky E Neal
      • 2005-2006 Todd Watts
      • 2006-2007 Joseph Christopher
      • 2007-2008 Joseph H Bowcutt III
      • 2008-2009 Paul Gooch
      • 2009-2010 Marla Shelby-Drabner
      • 2010-2012 Jeff Wilcox

  • Member Census at Rotary Year-End (June 30):

1997: 27, 1998: 48, 1999: 50, 2000: 45, 2001: 58, 2002: 66, 2003: 57 All-time High: 72, 2004: 59, 2005: 43, 2006: 43, 2007: 41

  • Attendance by Rotary Year:

1996-1997: 72.09%, 1997-1998: 75.78%, 1998-1999: 78.06%, 1999-2000: 70.09%, 2000-2001: 72.38%, 2001-2002: 71.51%, 2002-2003: 73.05%, 2003-2004: 73.40%, 2004-2005:, 2005-2006: 60.31%, 2006:2007: 60.62%