Doc Utah Visits Dixie Sunrise

As horseplay began to lag on Thursday, John Johson turned to our standy, the one and only Dan Rak, and he once again delivered for Mr. Johnson.  Dan, the professional orator, gave us a verbal disertation on who he is, how he came to be, why he is like he is and a list of accomplishments that would make anyone envious.  Thanks Dan for the insight into your mind.  We have had a lot of questions answered.

 Our presenter for Thursday was Lani Puriri from Doc Utah.  She is a frequent visitor to our club and we always appreciate having her with us.  She brought a documentary with her that was very enlightening and informative.  Carbon for Water was the movie and it tied in very well with our Rotary efforts to help with clean water projects around the world.  Even though this is a private venture, it mirrors Rotary's efforts in helping improve drinking water around the globe.  Thanks Lani for being with us again.  Below are a few scenes from Carbon for Water.

Lots of Stuff Happening in Rotary

Our Rotary meeting on the 16th of August had something for everyone, or so it seemd.  Here on the left is Carl presenting a Marine Corp League Certificate of Appreciation to Lynn Spafford for his involvement with the flags for funeral ceremonies.  Lynn is always good about donating his time and resources to great causes and this one is no different.  Thanks Lynn.

Butch Jentzsch (can I buy a vowel) was volunteered for our Rotary Minute and he gave a fascinating presentation on how the Rotarians were involved at the Olympics and spreading the good word about polio eradication.  He was off the charts with his minute and has raised the bar for the rest of us who have aspirations of presenting a Rotary Minute.  Strong work Butch.

In other exciting news, we see here in this photo Presidente Wittwer inducting our newest member into the club, Bob Flowers.  Bob is seen here with Shayne and John Johnson and took the oath to become the newest member of our club.  In an effort to keep the carbon monoxide levels at a minimum, President Wittwer decided to skip three paragraphs of the indcution speech and boy was it a quick one.  Anyway, welcome to the club Bob.  We are grateful to have you as our newest member.

Our speaker on Thursday was Dr. Ken Lord.  He is the owner of the Retina Associates of Southern Utah and is the only locally based Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon in Southern Utah.  Home grown in Kanab, Dr. Lord is very familiar with our community and is actively involved in helping treat diseases of the eye and helping his patients achieve a better quality of life and vision.  He is working on procedure to implant rose colored corneas in this blogger's eyes so I will have a better outlook on life.  I will let you know how that goes.  We appreciate Dr. Lord and his time and information on Thursday.  A very good meeting in deed.

A Visit From Jerry and Cherie Summerhays: District 5420 DG

The Dixie Sunrise Rotary Club hosted the top brass of District 5420 on Thursday the 9th of August.  After a very short Horse Play, our ADG Paula Bell had the honor of introducing our District Governor and his wife Jerry and Cherie Summerhays.  DG Summerhays began his presentation with a presentation to ADG Paula Bell.  He gave Paula a plaque in recognition and as a token of his appreciation for serving as an ADG during his Rotary DG year.  This was given to her at the beginning of the year so she could enjoy it all season.


DG Summerhays and ADG Paula Bell



District Governor Jerry Summerhays presents to the Dixie Sunrise Rotary Club



Cherie Summerhays

The Summerhays' presentation was very well done and covered all the facets of Rotary.  They discussed the Rotary Foundation, Matching Grants, International Projects,  EREY, the public relations campaigns and how to get prospects excited and ultimately involved in Rotary.  We saw examples of projects other Utah Rotary clubs have been involved in and how they exponentially grew their seed money into mega amounts for projects in the state and internationally as well.  Thursday was a great day for motivation and re-dedication to the cause of Rotary.  Thank you Jerry and Cherie Summerhays for spending time with our club.

The Dixie Sunrise Rotary Club has had some great meetings and events since the last time the blog was updated which was President Wittwer's first meeting.  I won't give the actual date.  In the photo to the left, Dave Higbee is seen getting his Paul Harris Award.  The story that Dave tells us is that he was strong armed by his sponsor Carl in to becoming a Paul Harris Fellow and he was more than happy to pay the money.  Carl is also in the photo making sure Dave's wife pins his award on properly.  Congratulations Dave and we welcome you as our newest Paul Harris Fellow.

In other blog news, our meeting on August 2nd featured none other than our popular Mark Heiner.  Mark discussed his life and his career path and the why's and how's of how he chose to be a funeral director and then the why's and how's of how he left being a funeral director and the why's and how's of coming back and being a morutary owner/operator.  He also discussed making plans for your funeral before your demise to take the pressure and mental anguish off your family and loved ones as they prepare to say their final goodbyes.   It is always good to be prepared, just ask the Boy Scouts, and this is a big one to be prepared for .  Thanks Mark for your insight and expertise.  Now lets go see the Creamatorium.  (sp)