URDC 2010 Counted A Success!

The general consensus among more than 200 attendees at the Utah Rotary District Conference is that the "Rendezvous at the Confluence" was "awesome," "wonderful," a rousing success and well worth the time to attend! The weather was perfect, presenters were outstanding, and food was plentiful and tasty!

Highlights for Rotarians from 44 clubs around the state most certainly included a magnificent morning of challenging golf at Sunbrook; a visit by the 6-member District 4845 GSE team from Northern Argentina and Paraguay; the high energy enthusiasm of six youth exchange students from all corners of the world (including South Korea, Argentina, Belgium, Germany and Japan); in depth presentations on such topics as Rotary 101, recruiting younger members using social media; and impressive international service projects.

Governor Gil Trujillo gave out numerous awards:

- Drew Stroberg (Vernal Rotary Club) as "Small Club Rookie of the Year"
- Ruth Urcinole (Salt Lake Rotary Club) "Large Club Rookie of the Year"
- West Jordan Club took home both the "Project of the Year" and "Club of the Year" recognition for their fabulous "Field of Dreams"
- PDG Wally Brown was named District 5420's Rotarian of the Year
- Ray and Ruby Robinson were recognized with the Governor’s Award "for dedication and service to the Youth of District 5420"

Congratulations to Jerry Summerhays selected after intensive interviews among all candidates as the District Governor Nominee for service in 2012-13!

During the Friday luncheon session, Governor Gil and PDG Wally Brown presented District Literacy Awards to the Rotary Clubs of Richfield, Red Rock Morning, Ogden, Vernal, Heber Valley, Draper/Riverton and Dixie Sunrise. Zone Literacy Awards went to the Rotary clubs of Hispaño-Latinos of Salt Lake City, Provo, South Salt Lake, Sugar House, and West Jordan.

The Presidential Citation was awarded to clubs which met District goals for the year. Recipients were Cedar City, Heber Valley, Hurricane Valley, Kaysville, Park City, South Salt Lake, Sugarhouse, Utah Valley Sunrise and Vernal Clubs. Interact clubs at Davis High School and Wasatch High School, as well as Rotaract Clubs on the campuses of BYU, Utah State University and Salt Lake Community College also received the Presidential Citation.

In a "Service Above Self" conference project, Rotarians gave 21 pints of blood (10 were first time donors).

And, who will soon forget the touching presentation by Friday night’s keynote speaker Bryce Payne, recently returned from post-earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti . . . the extemporaneous and offtune Rotary "choir" singing "Are You From Dixie?" in the opening session . . . or the instant connection, good humor and harmony of Rick Tinucci, the RI President’s Representative and his charming wife, Diane?

During the URDC, approximately 65 RYLA students, youth exchange students and Interact members participating in a simultaneous district youth conference, hosted a great breakfast on a perfect morning at the Town Square. It took time to encourage people out of the fresh air and sunshine and into the restored 3rd floor of the St. George Art Center (original home of Dixie College); but in the end everyone admitted, the transition was well worth the effort for an outstanding presentation on Peace and Conflict Resolution by Brian Farr, one of about 500 Rotary International Peace Scholars.

"I was very happy with the content, the weather, the presenters and the attendance - particularly having 15 PDG’s taking part - in the District Conference. We also had great representation from nearly every club," noted Governor Gil as he passed along the Richard L. Evans Rotary pin to incoming District Governor Penny Atkinson.

GSE Team Tours Utah

Perhaps the last GSE team coming to Rotary District 5420 was in attendance at the district conference in St. George. Team members included two educators, two attornies, a biomedical engineer and a foundation executive. They were Team Leader Marina Petrovic, Maria de las Mercedes Machado (nicknamed “Grima”), Albertina Seillant, Ana Maria Achiette, Maria Belen Garay and Gustavo Deluca - all from District 4845 (Northern Argentina and Paraguay).

Their month in the Beehive State included the usual sightseeing and excursions, vocational days and developing international friendships. While in St. George for the district conference, the team attended and spoke at the District Conference, experienced a whirlwind of interaction with many in their vocations, spent a wild night in Las Vegas, and as a very special treat . . . enjoyed a flyover with Phil Hall of St. George Rotary sightseeing from high above the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon and, of course, Snow Canyon State Park.

In Rotary International’s new Future Vision Plan, GSE teams have been replaced by “Vocational Training Teams” which more accurately refers to ways in which Rotarians can support vocational training projects. While the focus remains on vocational service, members of a VTT do not need to work in the same profession, but will use funds provided through a global grant to support humanitarian activities addressing a singular need - such as water and sanitation projects - somewhere in the world.

According to Robert S. Scott (2007-08 Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair), this change was made because, “Being everything to everyone has left the Foundation struggling to realize its mission. This new structure allows us to build on our strengths and realize more sustainable outcomes.”

Meet the RI Representative

Utah Rotary District 5420 is pleased to welcome Rick Tinucci, RI President John Kenny's Representative to the May 13-15, 2010 conference in St. George.

PDG (Missouri District) Rick Tinucci’s Rotary career began in 1983 when he was invited to join the St. Louis Rotary Club. He chaired several committees, then served six years on the board of directors before his year as President (1999 – 2000). Rick also served on the board and as President in 1997 for the Skyway Farm Foundation, the cornerstone community service project for the St. Louis Rotary Club, serving the area’s special needs children.

On the district level, Rick served as an assistant governor (2000 - 02) and was active on several district committees focusing on community service and improving club performance. Rick served as Rotary District 6060 Governor in 2004-2005 under RI president Jonathan Magiyabe. Since then he has served on the district level as District Trainer, membership chair and as representative to the 2007 and 2009 RI Council on Legislation. Rick has also been an instructor and discussion leader and later as president of "Show Me Rotary," Missouri’s multi-district PETS - the second oldest in existence.

At the Zone level Rick has served as operations chair and training leader on the executive committee. He has been a panelist at the RI conventions in Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. Rick and his wife Diane are major donors to The Rotary Foundation and members of the Paul Harris Society.

After graduation from Purdue University, Rick built a career in the building controls industry. He is currently the Executive Vice President and COO with the Bick Group, a contractor specializing in the high tech building markets. Rick has served as a director for several trade organizations and is currently a member of the local chapter of the Green Building Council.

Rick and Diane are the proud parents of two successful adults: Andy and Karin. Andy is a happily married Chicago-based architect. Karin is a happily married physical therapist in Florida. Rick and Diane are also blessed with three wonderful granddaughters - 5-year-old Isabel, 4-year-old Abigail, and 3-year-old Olive.

An Invitation from Governor Gil

. . . to attend the "Rendezvous at the Confluence" in St. George!

Fellow Rotarians, it is time to finalize plans to attend the District Conference in St. George on May 13-15, 2010. This invitation to the "Rendezvous at the Confluence" is especially extended to new Rotarians and those who have never before attended a District Conference!

Rotarians all over the world will attest that attending a District Conference will make you a better Rotarian because you will learn what other members and clubs are doing to make their communities - and the world - better. You will have the opportunity to see what other creative clubs in the state are doing. Learn how you can help make your club grow and how you can retain members after you’ve sworn them in! Learn why the Rotary Foundation is important to your club, to District 5420 and to the world as a whole. Learn the role of District 5420 - and how you can help insure the success of your club - in Rotary International’s Future Vision Plan.

At the Utah Rotary District Conference, you will make new Rotary friends, reconnect with old Rotary friends, get inspired with new programs and projects . . . and meet the future of Rotary in youth service. Join us May 13-15, 2010 in St. George.

"Rendezvous at the Confluence" Conference Theme Announced

"Confluence" is defined as "the coming together of two or more streams" or "a gathering or meeting together; a crowd." In the case of the Utah Rotary District Conference in St. George, both definitions apply!

In reference to "the coming together of two or more streams," in 1776, the explorers Escalante and Dominquez passed near what is now Zion National Park and followed the Virgin River from its origin east of Rockville to the confluence of the North and East forks - known as LaVerkin Creek and Ash Creek - where they camped during the fall of that year. The early Spaniards called the Virgin "El Rio de Sulfureo" with reference to the nearby hot sulphur springs. Later Jedediah Smith - another of the area’s intrepid explorers - named it the Adams River for then-President John Adams, though the name obviously didn’t stick. Today, Escalante's campsite is known as Confluence Park (near Toquerville) and welcomes hikers, bird watchers, picnickers, and horseback riders to enjoy its spectacular scenery.

The second meaning - "a gathering or meeting together, a crowd" - at least in this writing, has reference to the upcoming "Rendezvous at the Confluence" otherwise known as the Utah Rotary District Conference on May 13-15, 2010 where Rotarians from all over the district will gather together to advance the Object of Rotary through fellowship, inspirational addresses, and the discussion of matters of importance to Rotary clubs and Rotary International, as well as to showcase Rotary programs and successful district and club activities. This "Rendezvous at the Confluence" will also feature music, laughter and service. Don’t miss it!

Suggestions of Local Hot Spots

While Utah Rotarians are enjoying the District Conference, others who have traveled with you to St. George may want to know what else there is to do in the area. If history is of interest to your traveling companions, there are many pioneer settlement sites to visit, including Brigham Young’s Winter Home, Jacob Hamblin’s home in Santa Clara, the St. George Temple and Visitors Center, LDS Tabernacle, St. George Social Hall and Opera House. Of course, these can be explored individually, but many are included in the very popular St. George Live! On this walking or bus tour of the downtown historic district, tourists can meet with and talk to early pioneer settlers / LDS church leaders who helped settle this part of the Utah Territory. Tickets are available at the Pioneer Art Museum located at Main Street and 200 North.

The new Water Walk, which meanders down Main Street from Brooks Pond, ends at the Town Square with its immensely popular water feature. Bring the kids, a box lunch and plenty of towels.

If there is time, tour the campus of Dixie State College; take a long walk along miles of walking trails which meander - and connect - our red rock county from Ivins to Washington City. Another popular outing is a drive up to Pine Valley, including a tour of the LDS church’s oldest - still in operation - chapel with a stop at the Mountain Meadow Massacre Site (we’re not proud of it, but sadly it is a part of our local history).

There are also wonderful opportunities to explore our famous geology, including Snow Canyon State Park, Zion National Park . . . the Dinosaur Tracks Museum or the offices of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. Shoppers will find plenty of good bargains at the Zion Factory Stores Outlet with 30 premium shops and restaurants or wander through the Red Cliffs Mall. But, if these local hot spots don’t satisfy visitors to the area - or if it’s a little too warm - there are also 22 movie screens scattered around the St. George area.

"Rotary's Got Talent!"

With the talent search open to acts from across the district, "Rotary's Got Talent" will be a variety showcase of talented Rotarians of any age, profession or club in the state. In a colorful array of hopeful stars, the competition is open to singers, instrumentalists, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians, or ventriloquists, all vying for their chance to strut and perform on stage. There won’t be a $1 million prize, but "Rotary’s Got Talent" is certain to be one of the most memorable events of the Utah Rotary District Conference, May 13-15, 2010 in St. George! Only eight acts will be selected to perform . . . so call 435-668-9988 for more information or to sign up!