Teresa Larsen - mom, real estate agent, 'food police', & humanitarian - to join Rotary Club of Millcreek

A message from Teresa Larsen: First and foremost, I am a mother. I believe that when one becomes a parent, they are obligated to prioritize this gift, and in so doing, make the necessary sacrifices while raising their children, in an effort to guide and prepare them to be the best citizens that they can possibly be.

I was born in Oregon, but living nearly all of my life in the Salt Lake Valley, I am thankful for a comfortable life with my high school sweetheart of 30 years (did I mention he's STILL my husband?) and our two wonderful daughters, now ages 16 & 13.

In my pre-childbearing / toddler-aged children years, I enjoyed a rewarding career as a successful independent real estate broker and a Franchise / Marketing Consultant (for RE/MAX International) in the SLC area. I've owned my own brokerage for over 20 years.

In the more recent years, when not mothering or indulging in volunteering, I work as a real estate consultant for property acquistions (eminent domain), dispositions, and property analysis. Upon request (when appropriately begged, wined and dined), I gladly help friends and relatives buy or sell homes.

I should mention that my secret obsession (next to raising responsible children and service work) is optimum health and nutrition. I am the "Junk Food Chief of Police", so I'm told, and a bit of a fanatic about eating right and prioritizing one's health, often to the point of being downright annoying - just ask my kids ("our pantry is soooo boring" - yada yada yada).

My inner core and heart strings are yanked by helping people (not unlike the real Mother Teresa!) especially disadvantaged youth, whether it be child abuse victims, homeless teens, or those struggling just to get through school. With nearly one-third of high school students dropping out every year in this country, I believe we have a severe "youth well-being / life skills deficit" epidemic, with no immediate end in sight, and believe that we need to first take care of our young people here in this country who are struggling, and then secondly, take care of struggling populations elsewhere in the world.

The majority of my humanitarian service efforts continue to involve working with 19 local philanthropies with my 13-year old daughter, through the Salt Lake Chapter of the National Charity League, where this year I am serving on the Board as Assistant VP of Membership.

Aspiring Rotarians: Get ready to discuss service & leadership next week!

Demonstrating that a ‘Happy Hour’ Rotary Club is great idea, 29 aspiring Rotarians met at Lugano’s Loggia (3365 S. 2300 E. in the Millcreek area of Salt Lake City) to make new friends, business network, and talk about service. A total of 53 people have expressed interest in joining Rotary Club of Millcreek. Wow! Many members will be bringing friends next week.

Much thanks to Gerry Smith, Terry Palmer, Miriam Kramer, Megan Dunn, and Judy Zone who briefly addressed Rotary International’s Five Avenues of Service.

Next week’s meeting (Thursday, Sept. 1, 5:15-6:15pm at Lugano’s Loggia) will be committee work around these Avenues which are briefly explained below. Come prepared to join a committee, discuss these issues, elect a committee chair, and prepare notes for the next meeting on Thursday, Sept. 8.

Of course, the cash bar will be open (wine and beer $5, soft drinks $2.50, water: free!). Come with a $5 bill to leave on the table for the lovely appetizers Greg Neville, owner of Lugano’s is preparing for us.

Now, here are the committee descriptions to point discussion in the right direction next week. Be sure to send Judy Zone judy@youthlinc.org your preference for a committee!

Club Service: Members of this committee strive to make the club FUN. This is the group that plans the social events, thinks about how every meeting can be a friendship opportunity. This committee looks to recognize members for their accomplishments, and razz members when appropriate! Rotary Clubs have a tradition of ‘Sergeant at Arms’ who might lead club members in joke and story telling, with the aim of raising some ‘Happy Dollars’ for club projects.

Vocational Service: Rotary began as a business networking opportunity. Those serving on the Vocational Committee will look for ways we can recognize the professions of everyone involved in the club and make more connections within our community. Rotarians need to be role models of their professions, and this committee will find ways to mentor young people and educate each other about their businesses.

Local Service: There are so many needs-- and so many needy-- within our community. The challenge of this committee is to decide what local service projects Rotary Club of Millcreek will focus on, and how these projects will be presented and selected. Each member brings a favorite local cause. How can we balance the causes of our members with the limited funds, time, and attention of our members?

Terry Palmer and Dave Jones discussed their involvement with Salt Lake City Youth Government and homeless youth aging out of foster care.

Sonia Woodbury discussed City Academy’s GreenIt workshop on Saturday Oct. 8 from 9-Noon. An opportunity of high schoolers to develop their own ‘green project’ and get some funding.

International Service: There is a reason it’s called Rotary International. With 1.2 million members and 34,000 clubs worldwide, you are never very far from a Rotary Club. Fellowship with Rotarians around the globe is one of the huge benefits of Rotary membership. Rotarians in industrialized nations also have a responsibility to help those living in poverty in other lands. Like Local Service, this committee will face the challenge of deciding what international projects, of the many which will undoubtedly be presented by members, should the club focus on.

Youth Service: Rotary Clubs worldwide are suffering from a problem: aging membership. Luckily, many of those who are joining Rotary Club of Millcreek are 20 and 30-somethings. Yay! However, this committee needs to make sure that young people in our community receive the most positive impression of Rotary International, and are integrated into our ranks early and often.

Youthlinc Local Service Director Julia Wee is a 20-something with a passion for service

The oldest of 6 children, Julia Wee was born in southern California and raised in Sandy, Utah. She attended Juan Diego H.S. where she says her “personal joy in service began.” She volunteered as a summer camp counselor, the 2002 Olympics, and the Utah Food Bank.

While working on her degree in International Studies and Sociology at the University of Utah, Julia was employed by the Lied Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake. She interned at the International Refugee Committee and studied abroad in Oviedo, Spain. Her volunteer work included UNICEF RED, Student Orphan Aid Program, national Links to Literacy project. All of these experiences had a link between local and international service, so she says, they led naturally to her service through Youthlinc, now as the Office Manager & Local Service Director.

Julia’s sister Olivia was a student on the 2009 Mexico team, and her stories of service led Julia to become a mentor on the 2010 Thailand team. Says Julia: “I was incredibly impressed by the passion and willingness to serve that came from everyone on that team. I am so lucky to be able to continue to work with Youthlinc and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to do what I love full time!"

Maggie & Brett: Service minded young married professionals to join Rotary Club of Millcreek

Maggie Mulder Crockett has been in the field of special education since 1999, first as a classroom teacher for students with severe disabilities, and then as faculty in the special education department at the University of Utah. She has been involved with Youthlinc since 2002 when she went to the Mexico site at Piedras Negras to work in the school for students with disabilities.

She and her husband Brett have two kids, Lily (6) and Zeke (3 1/2) who she loves spending time with and is a frequent volunteer in their classrooms. In her rare spare time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and reading.

Brett is an attorney at the firm of Morriss, O'Bryant, and Compagni and specializes in patent, copyright, and trademark law.

He has also been a Shriner's clown since 2005 and enjoys entertaining the children at Shriner's hospital as well as volunteering to bring donated items to the children receiving treatment at the hospital and their families. His desire to volunteer brought him to become a Shriner and has made him interested in being a part of Rotary as well.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing with his kids, Lily and Zeke, cooking, and reading.

Business broker Ron Stevens to join Rotary Club of Millcreek

Ron Stevens joined United in 2003. Prior to joining the firm, Ron had 30 years of corporate management experience, including Director of Sales for an international corporation with $1 billion in annual revenue. Through his positions, Ron has developed strong skills in marketing and management which better help him meet the needs of his clients.

His wife is the lovely and talented Barbara Stevens, and she may join Rotary Club of Millcreek too. They have three kids, seven grandkids and no pets. None of their children live in Salt Lake. They are in Portland, Oregon, Chino Hills, CA and Lower Manhattan, NY. According to Ron, “They say there is a reason they don't live here...We don't get it!!!!”

Ron has climbed Mt. Rainier and Mt. Hood in the Northwest and has run many 10 Ks but not recently and says he doesn’t plan on it in the future.

Founder & Director of Charter School, City Academy, to join Rotary Club of Millcreek

Sonia Woodbury is a founding partner and executive director of City Academy, a charter school that opened in 2000 serving students in grades 8 – 12 in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. City Academy is a First Amendment Schools’ project school, committed to establishing a learning environment for students that embraces diversity and fosters academic excellence, democracy, service, and community.

Sonia would like to promote a special event at City Academy on Saturday, Sept 24 from 9am- Noon at City Academy: GreenIt. Her students won a prize last year for being a green school. They are using some of their prize money to offer mini grants to students, teachers, parents at other schools who want to start green school projects. The Saturday morning workshop includes sharing of "how to's" for projects, guest speakers, and a Jane's Walk to look for more ideas.

City Academy is located at 555 South 200 E. Contact Sonia to register or for more information soniawoodbury@cbrei.org She will have flyers at the Thursday Aug 25 Rotary meeting.

Over the past 30 years Sonia has been involved most directly with mathematics education and educational reform. She has been a classroom teacher in secondary public schools as well as holding a teaching and research position in the department of Teaching and Learning at the University of Utah.

Sonia grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, but has spent the majority of her adult life in Salt Lake City. Sonia and her husband, Jeff have 4 children, 3 grandchildren, and 1 dog who is very much a part of the family. Throughout her life, Sonia has been actively involved with her passions: tap dancing, mathematics education, and traveling to interesting new places.

Int'l service, Arabian horses are interests for Greg Miller, recently retired from the medical device industry

Gregory Miller recently retired from the medical device business, where he spent 40 years in the marketing of these devices. His expertise is in IV products and his niche is start-ups.

He is originally from Michigan and has lived in Salt Lake City for 33 years. Greg and his wife Sandy raise Arabian Horses. Greg also enjoys skiing, snowboarding, mountain climbing, whitewater kayaking and mountain biking. Kristen, Greg’s daughter lives in Denver.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Wise Foundation for Vascular Access Education and Research and Bell Canyon Irrigation Company. Sandy and Greg have been involved in Youthlinc since 2004 and have traveled with Youthlinc to Peru and Cambodia, serving as mentors for the latter Service Year trip.

Sheila Gelman, active in the community & Realtor with The Group, to join Rotary Club of Millcreek

Sheila grew up outside of Philadelphia, PA. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Utah. Sheila began her real estate career in 1979 representing buyers and sellers in Salt Lake and Park City. Nominated for Salt Lake Board of Realtors Salesperson of the Year in 1989, Sheila has received her CRS, Certified Residential Specialist designation and was awarded Lifetime Member of Salt Lake Board of Realtors Million Dollar Club. Today she works with The Group Real Estate continuing to make personalized service a priority.

Sheila is a member of Temple Kol Ami, the Jewish Community Center, the Holladay Rotary Club and was appointed by John Huntsman to the State Building Board. She adopted a rescued dog, Panda Bear, who is now part of the Intermountain Therapy Animal Team visiting hospitals, seniors and participating in children’s reading programs. Married with 3 children and 6 grandchildren, Sheila and her husband love to travel, ski and enjoy this amazing state of Utah.

Next meeting Rotary Club of Millcreek: Thursday, Aug 25 5:15-6:15pm Lugano’s Restaurant 3364 South 2300 East We’ll meet in the Loggia private dining building behind the restaurant.

RSVP to judy@youthlinc.org so we can have a name tag for you!

Owner Greg Neville has been kind enough to offer us $5 cash bar (bartender tips at your discretion), $2.50 non-alcoholic drinks, water free! $5 per person will cover the meeting’s appetizers, so best to bring cash to this meeting to make things easy as possible.

Brief program: Community service, youth service (Gerry Smith, Terry Palmer, Miriam Kramer: speakers)

PLEASE:
• Send a brief bio and your photo to judy@youthlinc.org so we can include you in our blog!
• If you have a cause (local or international) that you would like to get in front of the club, send judy@youthlinc.org some information about it, and we’ll post it on the blog too. As we begin to organize, the club will develop a process for incorporating member causes.
• LIKE Rotary Club of Millcreek Facebook page.

Here's a one page reading assignment from the rotary.org website :-)

Here's a little bit about Lugano's:

Lugäno Celebrates Ten Years of Awarded Regional, Rustic Italian Fare focused on Local, Sustainable, Organic and Imported Italian Ingredients.

Celebrating ten years in the Millcreek area of Salt Lake City, Lugäno continues to offer award-winning Italian fare to residents and guests of the Wasatch Front.

Chef/Owner Greg Neville, awarded Best Chef by Salt Lake Magazine, creates and recreates seasonal menus that thrive on locally grown organic produce and the freshest ingredients available. Lugäno offers one of Salt Lake's best wine lists with featured monthly wine flights from regions of Italy.

Lugäno combines a cozy bistro-style neighborhood atmosphere with the rich textures of Italy. The open-air kitchen features a wood-burning oven and is centrally located to allow nightly diners and private party guests to enjoy the view as their meals are prepared to perfection.

Former Rotaract (College Rotary) President Joins Rotary Club of Millcreek

Miriam Kramer has always had a passion for travel, whether that be working at a dude ranch in Teton National Park, with foster children in San Diego, or serving in the Peace Corps in Guatemala. She believes, “Traveling keeps adventure alive within us and gives us the perspective needed to appreciate our own cultures, traditions and relationships.”

At Salt Lake Community College, Miriam raised money for 9-11 victims, served on the Student Life and Leadership Board, as the service-learning representative, and as Student Body Vice President. She was also recognized as the Salt Lake Community College’s Humanitarian of the Year.

At the University of Utah, she worked as the Public Relations Director for the Lowell Bennion Center, working with clubs and planning campus-wide events, also graduating with the Service-Learning Scholar designation and a degree in International Relations.

Miriam has a Master’s in Human Development and Social Policy from the University of Utah. For her research, she focused on how service might be improved for the local refugee community, and how we might improve resettlement services. for these people. She believes that the empowerment of women is the key to sustainable community development, both locally and internationally.

Last year, she served as the President of Salt Lake based Rotaract, and is now moving up to Rotarian status. Welcome, Miriam. See you Thursday, August 25 5:15pm at Lugano's Loggia. Miriam will be speaking about youth service, one of the 5 Avenues of Rotary Service.

Financial Advisor, Jason Collier, joins Rotary Club of Millcreek & boy, do we need his advice now!

Jason L. Collier, CFP, ChFC, is a Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner with Ameriprise Financial Services in Sandy, Utah. He is a graduate of the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.

He is married to Lisa Collier and they have two daughters, Ava and Ari. He resides in Riverton and enjoys skiing, golf, and traveling. Jason is on the Youthlinc Board, and has sponsored Youthlinc students for the past few years.

Occupational Therapist, Outdoor Enthusiast, & Int'l Traveler joins Millcreek Rotary Club

Sarah Grant has been an Occupational Therapist since 2005 and currently works for DDI Vantage, an early intervention program in Salt Lake City that provides developmental services to children age birth to three years of age. Sarah has spent a lot of time traveling, and leading groups in international service travel. She participated in her first international service project more than a decade ago. She has been on several Youthlinc trips as a volunteer, mentor and team leader.

Sarah has done a lot of local service as well, leading wilderness trips, serving as a group facilitator, working as a team member and supervising others.

During her time away from work and volunteerism she enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, time with pets, friends and family and skating in roller derby. She was in Peru during Rotary Club of Millcreek’s first meeting, but is looking forward to meeting the group on August 25.

Our first woman member to post on our blog! Welcome Nanette Benowitz!

I am a native of Utah, graduated from University of Utah with a BS in physical education. I'm married with two grown children. I have been an active volunteer in the community with leadership in the League of Women Voters and the Junior League.

I own Intermountain Clinical Nutrition, a medically-monitored weight management program since 1988. I am an avid golfer.

I missed the first meeting, but am excited to see everyone on August 25!


‘A little bit of agitation gives motivation to the soul, and what really makes the species prosper is not peace so much as freedom.’ Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Dave Baugh, Director at Tanner LLC, Utah's largest CPA firm, to join Millcreek Rotary Club

Dave is a Director at Tanner LLC, Utah’s largest locally-owned CPA firm. He has over 20 years experience is public accounting and business and serves companies in various industries including manufacturing, software development, banking, retail, wholesale distribution, mining, medical products technology, transportation, and employee benefit plans.

Dave grew up on a cattle ranch in northern Utah and still looks for opportunities to put on his cowboy boots and hat and get back to his roots. Dave graduated from Utah State University with a Masters degree in accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Dave and his wife Linda have four children and live in Bountiful. In their spare time, Dave and Linda enjoy travel, backpacking, camping, golf and Dutch oven cooking.

Dave is incoming Board Chair for Youthlinc. He and his daughter Madison participated in a Peru Service Year in 2007.

Long time Rotarian to join Rotary Club of Millcreek

Gerry is Managing Director of Gerry Smith and Associates, L.L.C., Sandy, Utah,providing consulting services to financial services and accounting industries.

Gerry is a CPA with over thirty years of financial services experience including extensive interaction with various regulatory bodies, and several senior level financial services executive positions including serving as President & CEO of multiple organizations (two banks in Utah, two banks in Arizona, two banks in Michigan). He has a diverse banking and financial background, including Certified Public Accountant designation, and is a graduate of Multiple Professional Leadership Programs.

Over twenty five years of financial services experience including extensive interaction with various regulatory bodies, Gerry has led several companies to record levels of growth and profitability.
Gerry holds a B.S.in Business Administration, Accounting major (graduated cum laude), Bowling Green State University, 1980 where he served as Vice President of Beta Alpha Psi (honorary accounting fraternity) and was the recipient of Michael King Scherzer Memorial Academic Scholarship. He is a graduate of the Ohio School of Banking.

Gerry is active in several professional associations, including the Utah Bankers Association, Utah Society of Certified Public Accountants, Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce, and the Association for Corporate Growth. He is active in educational and community organizations, has been a member of both Holladay Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Lehi, where he has served as both a member and Chair of Community Service Committees.

23 Inquisitive, Service-minded, Socially Oriented Folks Gather to Get More Information about Rotary

The National Weather Service sounded a Severe Thunderstorm Warning just before 5pm. Skies darkened, but moods were light, as a group of varied and very interesting folks assembled at Judy Zone's house on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011 to talk about this organization called 'Rotary.'

There was an investment advisor, several physicians, a hairdresser, a business broker, a horse enthusiast, a real estate agent, an auditor, an architect, two college professors, a legislator, a non-profit executive director, some retired folks, a couple of twenty-somethings, some other business types, and a person who had to leave early for a tennis match. Half women, half men. A nice mix of nice folks. And there are nine people who couldn't make this meeting, but will be there next time: Thursday, Aug. 25 5:15pm Location TBA.

After beverages ranging from wine, beer, lemonade, and water and some snacks, Judy started the meeting, saying we should begin as we intend to proceed: As a social & business networking club, each person briefly introduced himself or herself. It's interesting to get to know new people, and there was a lot of laughter as we all recalled the 'two degrees of separation' in this 'small town', small state.

2011-12 Utah Rotary Governor Rick Cambra said a few words about Rotary membership and service, the 1.2 million members worldwide, the 40+ clubs in Utah, and talked about the Public Relations campaign Utah Rotary hopes to receive a grant for in 2012. Billboards, online Tribune ads, psas can raise awareness of the significant local & international service done by Utah Rotarians.

Question/Answer time followed:
-- Rotary International provides a statewide and worldwide network of professional people with high ethical standards, and membership in Rotary provides access to clubs for grants to do local and international service.
--So what kind of service will the Rotary Club of Millcreek do? In a member-driven club, members decide what kind of service gets done. Those discussions await.
--Service doesn't usually cost much, and if members decide to do service that comes with a price tag, they will have to agree to a 'buy-in' that involves both sweat equity and cash.
--Though the Rotary motto is 'Service Above Self', the Rotary Club of Millcreek wants to remember that business networking and fellowship are as important now as they were when Paul Harris (Rotary's founder) decided in 1905 to have regular lunches with business associates.
--This is Utah's only 'happy hour' club. Structurally, our weekly meetings (for which there is no attendance requirement) may take this monthly format: two monthly business meetings (with 15 minute discussions of Rotary business), one dinner social, and a service project or service planning meeting.
--The Rotary Club of Millcreek will need to have a regular meeting time (Thursdays at 5:15pm) and a regular meeting place (a restaurant that won't charge us for the room and will let us buy beverages and appetizers) before it can be a 'provisional' club with Rotary International.
-- 25 folks have got to agree to pay minimal dues & Rotary fees monthly ($16.80) before the club can be 'official'.
--And we will be wearing name tags till we all know each other's names.

With a great group of people like this, it will probably not be long before the Rotary Club of Millcreek is 'official'. At our next meeting on Thursday, Aug. 25, we will discuss required club leadership positions and committees, and start to figure out how members can present proposals for service opportunities.

Financial Planner Ladd Tanner will be one of the chartering members

Ladd Tanner is currently the Managing Partner of Pioneer Insurance Brokerage, Managing Director of Government and Municipal Systems and owner of Tanner Financial and Insurance Group. Born in Tacoma, Washington, with current residence in Salt Lake City, Utah, Ladd’s professional life began in 1988 upon graduation from Brigham Young University with a BA in Economics. Ladd later moved to Los Angeles and entered the insurance business selling group and individual life, health and disability products. After a couple years in the business he joined Associates in Financial Planning Group (AFP Group) located in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles, where he greatly benefited from the mentorship of Arthur Kraus and Robert Levine for several years. At this time he went through an extensive financial services training program, subsequently passed the Series 7, and began selling securities in combination with insurance products. Over time Ladd built a loyal client base in the financial planning industry.
In 1993, Ladd opened an office for AFP Group in Park City, Utah and began building a new client base for the firm. At the time, Park City was a small town. Ladd introduced many big city ideas and strategies to this local market through CPAs and attorneys in the area. In 1995, Arthur Kraus sold AFP Group to become CEO of NAIFA. Arthur asked Ladd if he wanted to purchase the Utah office and continue building his clientele as an independent. Ladd was confident this opportunity was the beginning of future success.
As a result, Tanner Financial & Insurance Group, Inc. was opened with the purpose of providing exceptional financial planning services to existing and future clients. Several years later, Tanner Financial & Insurance Group had grown to include ten full-time employees who support that mission. Although the firm was started with a retail focus, much growth has occurred as a result of profitable General Agent relationships with several highly-rated insurance carriers and agents around the country.. Consequently, we have earned a stellar reputation for back-office ability to underwrite and place financed and/or advanced-strategy life insurance sales for our own clients and those of other agents. This expansion has allowed Ladd to further add value to wealthy individuals in all investment categories.
Pioneer Insurance Brokerage is a national life insurance brokerage firm that underwrites life insurance coverage with the major life insurance carriers in support of several hundred insurance agents spread throughout the country. Specializing in complex life insurance and pension strategies that most agents cannot handle by themselves, this business was an off shoot of Tanner Financial as Ladd saw an opportunity to work with agents that did not want to work for a large firm but needed help with larger projects. Pioneer has worked with Government and Municipal Systems (GAMS) for some time to develop life insurance and pension products with several major life insurance carriers that are ground breaking in the application of insurance products into the public sector. Ladd has been asked to represent these products on behalf of GAMS and as a result he recently accepted an appointment as Managing Director. In that capacity Ladd works with his staff at Pioneer to obtain quotes and develop strategies that will address pension liabilities within the public sector. This work has become a industry changing opportunity that has created an entirely new market for insurance products that often requires new ways of looking at insurable interest and pension analysis. .
Ladd is active in the local community and a member of several civic organizations including the Park City Sunrise Rotary Club. He has continued his quest for learning and can often be found taking courses that increase his ability to better solve his clients’ needs. His two children, Marcus and Tess are 9 and 7 years old and he has been married to his wife Laura for over 10 years.
Ladd was the founding Treasurer for the Park City Sunrise Rotary club when it was chartered and served in that position for three years before becoming President. He attended the Rotary International convention in Barcelona as President elect for the club and has attended many Rotary District Conferences in Utah on behalf of various causes. Under his leadership the Park City Sunrise Rotary Club was the sponsoring club that started the RYLA program for the youth of Utah. He also worked with Judy Zone to get the Park City Sunrise Club to sponsor the Peru project for Youthlinc that has helped so many young people in Utah live up to their potential through community service both in Utah and in the various countries Youthlinc serves.

And off we go!

I've been a Rotarian since 2001. It's a great organization and Rotarians, here in Utah and all over the world, are the best people I've ever known. There is so much good you can do in this world, and Rotary membership makes that service easier by giving you a network of 1.2 million members worldwide, plus access to Rotary Foundation and District Grants for local and international projects.

There are over 40 Rotary Clubs in Utah, each with its own personality. Most are lunch clubs, some are breakfast clubs, one is a dinner club. These meeting times don't work for many people, and the high cost of membership (often over $100 month) doesn't work for many people either.

I've always thought it would be a great idea to have a 'happy hour' club --an afterwork 'before dinner' meeting time with an emphasis on socializing, business networking, and service. These are the reasons Rotary's founder, Paul Harris, started a club in 1905. So I'm very pleased and very honored to take the initiative to start the Rotary Club of Millcreek.

Once we have 25 people willing to join and pay monthly dues of about $16.80 (1/5 of the cost of most Rotary Clubs), we can apply to Rotary International for a charter, and begin to benefit from all that Rotary has to offer. I've posted a link to Rotary Basics on the Rotary Club of Millcreek Facebook Page. Check it out. The video is one minute, and the links to other information are very useful.

The best part of Rotary for me are the friends I've made all over this state and all over this world. Often, in very structured club meetings, there is no time to socialize. Let's turn that around, have fun, get to know each other, engage in absorbing conversation, and do some good things for this state, nation, and world!