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.”