St. George Rotary eBulletin (Jul. 20, 2026)

On Monday, July 20, St. George Rotary will meet at 11:57 a.m. at the Pioneer Courthouse on the corner of St. George Blvd. and 200 East (now home to "United We Pledge"). A box lunch will be followed by a "talk and tour" at the DUP Museum (this year celebrating 125 years) as we remember southern Utah's earliest settlers on Pioneer Day (July 24). Questions? Contact Club Secretary Linda Sappington.

Three of five RYLArians shared their experiences with SGR as participants in the June 24-27 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards - considered the first of RI's programs for future leaders - on Monday, July 13. First timers Peyton Talbot, Monica Gubler and Kael Gavin along with RYLA alums MJ Anderson and Lucy Ruiz were unanimously enthusiastic.

MJ noted, "as an alumni, it was a more meaningful experience the 2nd time and I feel I made connections for life. As an alum I was assigned to make sure everyone got to where they were supposed to be ... and helped them adjust. I encourage present students to come back as alumni next year."

Lucy (on vacation with her family) said, "what I loved most was the people. I got to make many meaningful connections and being an alumni was very fulfilling. It was amazing to see my students grow throughout the week as they stepped outside their comfort zones. I definitely plan to attend again next year, if I am able."

Kael (who also had a prior commitment on Monday) reported, "I didn't know what to expect, which was a little intimidating, but RYLA was a great experience. I particularly enjoyed Tabitha's presentation, the culture walk and the dance though I would have liked more opportunity to interact with kids from all over Utah."

Peyton and Monica enjoyed learning about effective communication and developing leadership skills which they learned from alumni. They were also excited about participating in a zoom call with a Russian Rotary Club.

RYLA was introduced to Utah Rotary District 5420 by Jim Coleman when he was District Governor in RY2000-01.

Thanks to Youth Committee members Bryan Thiriot, Ray Absher and Brady Barker! Good job, guys.

Nick Lang, a former longtime member of SGR, passed quietly into eternity in the late night hours of Monday, July 13. Nick leaves behind his devoted wife Lois and their large family including six children.

He loved Rotary where he met Lee Sheets, Randy Wilkinson, Dick Whitehead, Jim Coleman, the McArthur’s and the Jennings’, and took his turn being the club president in RY1987-88. He particularly loved their motto “Service Above Self,” the “Four-Way Test” and their annual humanitarian trips to Guatemala with Dan Strobell, Reed Noble and Ken Sizemore. Nick was strongly resistant to the idea of women as members of Rotary, but eventually became friends with Linda Sappington, the first woman south of Murray, UT brave enough to join.

Born and reared in St. George and a graduate of BYU, Nick went on to establish a successful career as a well-respected CPA and President of Lang and Company. In his limited spare time he also enjoyed teaching at Dixie State, volunteering and choral singing.

In lieu of flowers, Nick asks you to vote, join Rotary, make a budget, go on a family trip, attend the church of your choice and join a ward or community choir.

This is Rotary's Code of Conduct. Because last week's trivia question was the "first ever" for which no one had the answer, here it is for your review!

Throughout SGR's nearly

96-year history, many past members who have distinguished themselves in humanitarian efforts or have otherwise exemplified Rotary's values and Avenues of Service - including Nick Lang who passed away this week - have been identified by this Rotary designation.

Another case of wild polio with paralysis has been diagnosed this week in Pakistan bringing our worldwide total for the year to 10 so we have not yet crossed the finish line in this battle.

Please consider joining the PolioPlus Society at a cost of just $8.50 PER MONTH - or an annual donation of $100 to save children around the world from this dreaded disease.

FMI, contact Foundation Chair Dave Prisbrey or Club Treasurer Collin Davis to make your wishes known!