David Simmer installed as 2019-20 District 5495 Governor
Rotary 2005-06 District 5510 Governor Lucinda General and 2018-19 District 5495 Governor Jim Erickson (center) pass the gavel and bell to 2019-20 District 5495 Governor David Simmer of the Rotary Club of Sedona during his July 13 installation celebration at Seven Canyons Golf Club. Over 100 Rotarians from around the state attended David's Hawaiian-themed Hoohiki (oath) Party. Simmer said Sedona is the birthplace of his experience with Rotary. “It’s such a pleasure to change people’s lives in this community and this club. Rotary is so well regarded in this community.” David said his areas of emphasis will help grow Rotary for the next generation and include: strengthening and supporting clubs; growing major donations; expanding participation in Rotary Direct; and expanding foundation-funded programs for local projects.
Past President Holli Ploog passed the gavel to 2019-20 President Paul Tibbs during the club's Installation Ceremony held June 25 at Heartline Cafe. Paul said that while the club has lost some senior members and established the Rotary Club of Sedona Village, the club maintains a great foundation. "We have tremendous leadership for the big things we have done such as the Imagination Library and the Chili Cook-Off, the signature event of the Verde Valley." Paul adds, the club has the ability to reinvent. "New people can lead and become real here. My goal is to understand what is important to the club." Paul thanked Holli for her leadership and importance to the club. Also in the photo: Dick Youngberg showcases the club's presidential plaque.
Club Installation Ceremony recognizes past year successes
The Rotary Club’s Installation Ceremony also honored Rotarians for outstanding service to the club and community, recognized last year’s officers and directors, and inducted new club officers and directors including: Paul Tibbs, president; Al Barton, president-elect; Wendy Knight, secretary; Holli Ploog, past president; David Young, treasurer; and Ray Harris, Charitable Fund treasurer. Club Directors include John Terhune, Community Services; Dick Youngberg, International Services; Linda Clark, Public Relations; and Jim Bradley, Statutory Agent.
Paul Harris Fellow awards were presented to Penny Blazej, Gary Karademos, Roy Grimm, and Jean Barton. The Five Avenues of Service Award was presented to the Great Sedona Chili Cook-Off Co-chairs Dick Youngberg and John Terhune.
Past President Holli Ploog said the club survived the loss of half its membership during 2018-19 and successfully restored the Charitable Fund to $90,000 for community projects. “We successfully held our 9th annual Chili Cook-Off and raised over $33,500, the highest profit in our history,” she adds. The club also sponsored a lineup of youth services and activities for high and middle school students including Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, hosting inbound and outbound international exchange students, student scholarships and recognition, and much more. The club also received a district grant for the Verde Valley Imagination Library. The club sponsored six community services projects and contributed to four international services projects including the Navajo Water Project. In photo above: Sun Lakes Rotarians Gary Whiting (back-left) and John McKoy (back-right), co-chairs of the Navajo Water Project, provided a home installation and inspection on a Navajo Nation home in Thoreau, New Mexico.
Dates to Remember
July 17--Membership Committee Meeting, 3:30 p.m. at 210 Sunset Dr., Suite F, Sedona.
July 23--Visit by David Simmer District 5495 Governor.
July 23--Salon Piano Recital, 5-8 p.m., David & Jennette Bill's home, 20 Coburn Court, Sunup Ranch, Sedona Village.
July 29--Australian Friendship Exchange Luncheon, 12 noon, David & Jennette Bill's home (see above).
July 30--Fifth Tuesday, 3 p.m. Sedona Fire District Station 1, 2860 South West Drive, West Sedona.
Sept 22--Human Library Event, Sedona Public Library.
Past President Holli Ploog passed the gavel to 2019-20 President Paul Tibbs during the club's Installation Ceremony held June 25 at Heartline Cafe. Paul said that while the club has lost some senior members and established the Rotary Club of Sedona Village, the club maintains a great foundation. "We have tremendous leadership for the big things we have done such as the Imagination Library and the Chili Cook-Off, the signature event of the Verde Valley." Paul adds, the club has the ability to reinvent. "New people can lead and become real here. My goal is to understand what is important to the club." Paul thanked Holli for her leadership and importance to the club. Also in the photo: Dick Youngberg showcases the club's presidential plaque.
