Southern Utah Housing Market Improving? What?

The Sunrise Rotary Club had the distinct honor Thursday of hearing from our former President and member Vardell Curtis. He has been the CEO of the Washington County Board of Realtors since 1996 and seems to know what he is talking about. He gave us an encore presentation from his break out session at the Economic Development Summit and he is cautiously optimistic that the housing market has bottomed out and is on an up tick. You wouldn't know it by looking at the graph of building permits over the last five years, but as you look at the last two bars you see that they are on the rise. Like I said, cautiously optimistic. It was great to have Vardell back in the club and we hope he considers coming back to us soon. Thanks Vardell for your expertise, knowledge and wisdom.

In other club news, Carl is seen in this picture presenting a certificate of appreciation to Shayne for his participation with the Marine Corp. League in the Toys for Tots campaign and other philanthropic endeavors. Nice job Shayne.

Sheriff Pulsipher Gives His Progress Report

The Dixie Sunrise Rotary Club had the honor of having Sheriff Cory Pulsipher pay us a visit on Thursday the 19th of January. He expressed his appreciation for our clubs support of the Search and Rescue team (called out twice over the weekend) and told us how much our efforts mean to WCSR. He has been actively involved in Search and Rescue since joining the Sheriff's Office over 20 years ago when he was 16. He also did something that was very refreshing for a public servant and that was to give us a progress report on the platform he ran on for Sheriff. He went through what he promised to do if elected as Sheriff and by golly he is doing what he said he was going to do. He reported on the changes at the Jail and with his deputy's not being allowed to drive their vehicles when they are off duty. He also said he answers his own phone and his home phone number is published. Now there is a Sheriff for the people. It was great having him and we are thankful for our partnership with WCSR.

Reps from Metcalf Mortuary Discuss one of the Sure Things in Life!!

The Dixie Sunrise Rotary Club had the privilege of hearing from two well respected members of the community on one of the only two sure things in life--and it wasn't taxes! Ron Metcalf and Todd Bonzo gave us a very informative presentation on Aftercare Plans which help families prepare for the ultimate demise. It is less stressful on families dealing with the loss of a loved one if there have been plans put in place and arrangements made for the final event. They shared some interesting stories from their long careers in the funeral arrangement industry and they also gave us some good advice for advanced planning when it is our turn. Very good information from two who know what the heck they are doing. Now I am off to plan for my demise.