St. George Sunrise Rotary Club (Aug. 25, 2026)

Greetings St. George Sunrise Rotarians! I am both honored and delighted that you all have put your faith in me to lead this great club for the coming year. I hope to live up to all of your expectations! (No pressure, right?) One expectation that I have is that we continue to increase the fun we have together as Rotarians. Many of you say over and over again that you joined Rotary for the service, and that is a very noble thing, no doubt. However, I have found that people STAY in Rotary for the friendships, the camaraderie, and the FUN they have with other service-oriented people! That's why I have titled the theme this year, "MORE FUN!"

I hope that all of you will continue to make suggestions on how we can increase the fun - and our membership - while we continue to increase the service. (We don't want to be all work and no play, do we?) I am also hopeful that we can focus our sights on projects even outside of Southern Utah as we consider projects and grant opportunities to impact global communities that need our help and resources. Let's think about where we can expand our boundaries.

I hope that all of you will support our goal of "Every Rotarian Every Year" (EREY) by making an effort to contribute at least $25 in 26-27 to the Rotary Foundation. We also have a bigger goal of every member becoming a Sustaining Member, if possible, by contributing $100 over the course of the year. That can be accomplished by signing up for a minimum $8.50 monthly contribution through Rotary Direct (https://my.rotary.org/en/rotary-direct). Many are able to give more, and we thank them immensely for their generosity, but many give with their time and volunteer service and that is A-OK, too. If you have any questions about giving to Rotary, be sure to track down Art or Egor.

This year I am starting what I hope will be some new traditions that I have seen become very successful in other clubs. One that I think will help us strengthen friendships within the club is if every Rotarian would get in the habit of taking a few minutes before each meeting and walk around the room, shake some hands at each table, and especially greet and get to know members that you don't know well. Maybe we can think of some incentive - not a fine, LOL! - that would encourage us to do that. Send me your ideas!

Thanks to each and every one of you who have said yes to head a committee or a project this year or to serve on the board. Board meetings will be open (unless specified) to anyone who wants to come sit and listen and see how decisions are made. In addition, we'll be having a "Club Assembly" meeting once per quarter, and that's where we'll take care of any club business or provide major updates. However, I am always available after the meetings or by phone or email to chat.

I look forward to a GREAT year! Now, let the MORE FUN begin!

In Service Above Self,

President Cathy