District 5420 Newsletter - November 2025

Governor's Message

Four months into this journey, I find myself reflecting with tears of gratitude. I’ve had the privilege of visiting 33 of our 45 clubs, and each stop along the way has left an imprint on my heart.

I’ve seen Rotarians serving meals to those who need comfort. I’ve heard laughter echo through club meetings where friendship feels like family. I’ve watched hands join to lift burdens, dreams, and each other. Everywhere I go, I see the quiet, steady heartbeat of Rotary — the kind of goodness that doesn’t make headlines but changes lives all the same.

There’s a sacredness in these visits — in the hugs, the stories, and the moments that remind me why we do what we do. It’s not about recognition or titles. It’s about connection, compassion, and the unshakable belief that when we come together, we make the world a kinder place.

As we look ahead, I’m filled with hope. On December 1st, we’ll stand shoulder to shoulder across the district for our District Day of Service — one day, one heartbeat, thousands of acts of love. I can only imagine the light we’ll bring when every club in District 5420 pours its heart into serving others, together. Look for an email in the near future for details about this project.

And as we plan for the future, please remember that nominations for our District Governor Elect Nominee-Designee are due by November 14th. Club Presidents have the nomination protocol and should send completed nominations to me. Somewhere among us is the next leader who will continue this beautiful legacy of service and love.

Thank you for welcoming me into your clubs, your communities, and your hearts. I’ve witnessed the soul of Rotary — not in the banners or the meetings, but in the way you show up for each other and for those who need us most. You are the reason hope still grows in this world.

Let’s keep shining that light. Let’s keep serving with heart. Let’s continue to unite for good.

Suzanne Leonelli, District Governor

Dgsuzanneleonelli@gmail.com

Keep on rapping with the Rotary Founders

By now, most Utah Rotary clubs have enjoyed District Governor Suzanne Leonelli's inspiring visit. And she’s brought the Paul Harris Rotary Rap video to the hearts, minds, and funny bones of so many Utah Rotarians.

My club is still talking about this unexpected treasure trove of fun. Park City Sunrise Rotary now uses the Rotary Rap video to orient new members to the great work Rotary International does; to recruit new members with our outreach programming; and to get another dose of lightheartedness.

Here’s the link to the Paul Harris Rotary Rap, so you can “sing” along with Rotary’s founders and brighten your day. It’s bound to make rappers of us all!

Lola Beatlebrox, Newsletter Editor

International News

Want to do a service project in South America?

Attend the 7th South American Humanitarian Projects Fair in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, to help you find the best project for your club in eight South American countries.

Stay at the fabulous Recanto Cataratas Hotel March 6-8, 2026. Activities include your visit to Iguazu Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World!

Rotary Clubs from Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador will be thrilled to show you their projects. You can examine each project and talk with South American Rotarians face-to-face about everything involved.

South American Rotarians await you with open arms!

What a great way to choose an international project!

UNITE FOR GOOD with a South American Club and transform lives!

For complete information go to: https://www.rotaryprojectsfair.org/

If you have questions contact Jerry Summerhays, SummerhaysGS@gmail.com

Utah Rotary’s flame burns bright in Russia

Little known facts

Rotary is the only western Non-Government Organization (NGO) left in Russia.

The Russian Rotary District Magazine highlighted Utah Rotary in a recent issue. (They only publish two issues a year.)

The USA-Russia Inter Country Committee consists of Rotarians in the USA and Russia who keep the Rotary flame burning brightly in Russia during times of conflict.

IPDG Aleksei, the magazine’s editor, is a personal friend of our District Foundation Chair Egor Shulman!

To check out the Utah Rotary article published in Russia, click here.

Rotary International Peace Fellowships

Each year, Rotary International awards up to 130 fully-funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of Rotary’s peace centers.

Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses.

Applications open in just a few short months, so it's time to start recruiting interested individuals.

More information may be found here or by contacting Kris Swanson, District Peace Chair. All applicants from our District will work with Kris and a District Committee to complete their application. Successful candidates start early!

Kris Swanson District Peace Chair

kris@kristinaswanson.com

Your club's space for news about your International Service Projects.

You are invited to use this space to describe your club's experience going abroad to help people in need around the globe. Simply submit your story along with a few pictures to the Newsletter Editor lolabeatlebrox@gmail.com by the 27th of every month.

Many, Many Thanks

1,424 Global Grants

468 District Grants

74 Disaster Response Grants

Dear Utah Rotarians,

Thank you for your dedication and support on behalf of The Rotary Foundation. As Rotarians, you play an essential role in ensuring that The Rotary Foundation programs can continue to create positive and lasting change in your community and around the globe. Last year, thanks to generous donors, the Rotary Foundation funded 1,424 global grants, 468 district grants, and 74 disaster response grants to help communities in need.

One way we can help Rotary continue to do good in the world is by encouraging you to enroll in Rotary Direct, our Foundation's recurring giving program.

Why Rotary Direct?

Rotary Direct is one of the easiest and most secure ways for our donors to support the Foundation. Because contributions are automated, you don't need to worry about sending checks or remembering to make an annual contribution on time.

Rotary Direct saves time and reduces administrative costs. Monthly, quarterly, and annual gift options are available. You can enroll at the Rotary Direct page, return a completed Rotary Direct enrollment form, or enroll by calling +1-866-976-8279.

For more information, you can refer to these frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions, send me an email or write to our Donor Engagement staff.

Thank you for your dedication to Doing Good in the World and remember that this year our goal is to have ALL Utah Rotarians contribute at least $100.

Egor Shulman

Rotary Foundation Chair 2025-2028

drfc5420@gmail.com

Celebrating Great Humanitarians in our District

Gene Banks & Mike Deputy

Every Rotarian in every club in our District is a special person who cares about bettering the world, both locally and internationally. Every club has a few Rotarians who have done this for a very long time – contributing their work and their treasure to their club and to The Rotary Foundation.

I had the privilege of celebrating two such Rotarians at the Salt Lake City Rotary Club bi-annual fundraiser on Friday, October 17. The two Rotarians honored are very well known in our district – Past District Governor Gene Banks and Mr. Mike Deputy.

Both are great humanitarians -- always having a smile on their faces, willing to help anybody in need, and very generous with the club foundation and The Rotary Foundation, attaining Arch Klumph Society status (lifetime contributions over $250,000).

Past District Governor Gene Banks, originally from Hawaii, joined the Salt Lake City Rotary Club in 1990, and served in various capacities including President and District Governor (2006-2007), and chair of the Rotary International Conference in Salt Lake City. Professionally, Gene spent most of his career with Merrill Lynch.

Mr. Mike Deputy, joined the Salt Lake City Rotary Club in 1991 and served in many roles including President. Mike founded a family business, grew it by practicing the Four Way Test, and built a reputation for integrity in the western United States.

Congratulations to Gene and Mike!

Egor Shulman

Rotary Foundation Chair 2025-2028

drfc5420@gmail.com

Our Rotary Foundation

Doing Good in the World

November is Rotary Foundation month. I like to think that for many, if not most Rotarians in our District, The Rotary Foundation (TRF) is near the top of our list of favorite charities to which we contribute our money, and for some, lots of volunteer time. Again, I like to think that for many Rotarians, if not most, contributions to The Rotary Foundation follow only contributions and commitments to our non-profit or faith organizations.

There are many reasons Rotarians become believers in and supporters of TRF and its many programs …but it all boils down to Doing Good in the World. That’s what we do, and, with our contributions, however large or small, it’s what we continue to do year after year.

In the words of Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo, “This November, let us give with gratitude, with joy, and with hope. Through our Foundation, we Unite for Good.”

A Shout Out to clubs leading the district in annual fund per capita giving through October -- Orem-Lindon at $297; West Jordan at $227; Sugarhouse at $210; Bountiful at $198. Thanks again to all Rotarians who contribute to our Rotary Foundation and for Doing Good in the World.

Lynn Hillstead, CPA

Chair, Annual Fund Sub-Committee

lynngrayh@gmail.com

Rotary Youth News

Find out about Rotary Youth Exchange at informational meetings this November

Student applications are due December 15

The Rotary Youth Exchange program is the largest and least expensive exchange program in the world. With over 9,000 students annually going on exchanges, our Youth Exchange program provides young students with the opportunity to live with people from other countries. They experience new cultures and plant seeds for a lifetime of international understanding.

To youth - Learn firsthand about all aspects of life in another country. As your concept of the world expands, you mature and develop a deeper understanding of who you are. Immersion in another country’s educational system enhances academic and personal growth.

To host clubs - Families and the entire community are enriched by extended, friendly contact with a young person from a different culture.

To learn more, students, parents and sponsoring Rotarians should attend information meetings to be held at the following times and locations:

Virtual on November 11 - https://tinyurl.com/y8efwaz5

American students who want to participate in Rotary Exchange can apply online at:

https://www.utahrotary.org/rotary-youth/youth-exchange/outbound-students/

Student applications are due Dec 15th. Questions? Please contact:

Aaron Lowe, Youth Exchange Officer

(801) 592-0913

transitreg98@gmail.com

Upcoming Events Around the District

Motivating District Leadership -

An interactive seminar for potential district leaders

The next session will be Saturday, November 15^th in St. George.

This October, Rotarians took time to explore District Rotary Leadership:

Learning about the rewards of becoming part of the future leadership in Rotary.
Focusing on their own personal reasons for becoming part of the leadership.
Opening their vision to avenues and responsibilities for leadership positions that Rotary offers from President and District Governor to Club President and more.

Comments from the attendees

“Becoming a leader is to guide the members of club, area or district to understand the importance of the Rotary Foundation and the projects we work with.”

“With ability and compassion there are needs that can be filled. Reach out and touch the lives of others.”

“Whether want to be Governor, club or district leader, the information and concepts presented will help provide a foundation for future leadership positions and a broader vision of possibilities that can come to any Rotarians.”

“The best potential I see is to be able to excite and engage others who want the opportunity to be in Leadership, our district can do more lessons. Thank you to those that came before us.”

The next session will be held Saturday, November 15 in St. George. To join your colleagues in this leadership seminar, contact Jose Velasco josevelasco5420@gmail.com

Facilitators - Past District Governor Michael and Karlene Well

Past District Governor Jose Velasco and Martha Velasco

Rotary Servant Leadership

The District is excited to offer a new leadership training course built on leadership principles useful in both Rotary and the rest of our leadership world - work, community, church, and family.

Rotary Servant Leadership received good feedback from an initial class held last spring. Our upcoming class will be targeted to Presidents, President-Elects and other club leaders.

This five-session program - about 90 minutes per class - will be live on-line, so we believe every club in the district can participate.

Club leaders, look for your invitation arriving soon!

Ken Kennedy

kennedyken77@gmail.com

Let's Talk Peace this month.

The way we communicate with ourselves and others determines the inner peace we experience. And we cannot create peace in our world until we strive to make our own lives peaceful.

Kris Swanson, District Peace Chair, has created a follow-up session to the Create Your Piece of Peace presentation offered to clubs last year.

Invite Kris to speak at your club. Both Let's Talk Peace and Create Your Piece of Peace are available!

Email Kris@kristinaswanson.com to schedule your club presentation today.

Wrapping with Love is November 14 this year

The Hispano Latino Rotary Club is organizing its annual event “Wrapping with Love” on Friday, November 14, dedicated to the distribution of jackets and coats for those in need. This heartfelt effort is made possible with the valued collaboration of the Layton Rotary Club.

Alicia Gomez

aligomusa@gmail.com

Join Rotarians from around the world on a life-changing 10-day journey into the heart of Cambodia! In partnership with Sustainable Cambodia—a trusted Rotary-based organization —you’ll witness inspiring, hands-on projects that empower rural families through clean water, education, and economic opportunity.

This isn’t just a trip—it’s an unforgettable experience of service, culture, and connection. You'll enjoy comfortable, air-conditioned hotels, enjoying local cuisine, and being guided by a knowledgeable team—all for under $1,000 (excluding airfare)!

The Rotary Club of Salt Lake City is proud to serve as the international sponsor for a new Global Grant focused on Economic Empowerment and WASH. We're expecting Foundation approval by December, with the project launching in early 2026—impacting more than 3,000 lives.

Come make a real difference—and lifelong memories—with fellow Rotarians who share your spirit of service and adventure. Invite a friend, partner, or club member and be part of this transformative experience. For more information including dates, contact Paul Stringham. pbstringham@gmail.com

Don't miss the 2026 Rotary International Convention!

Connect with Rotary members from around the world as we unite for good in Taipei City, Taiwan, for the Rotary International Convention, 13-17 June 2026.

The convention is a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and be inspired in a vibrant city rich in culture, iconic landmarks, and culinary delights. This transformative event is your opportunity to renew relationships made at previous conventions, create new ones, and share with like-minded changemakers the exciting work that your club is doing.

The Rotary International Convention is our biggest event of the year! Learn more and register today at convention.rotary.org.

The Club Hub

Get ideas, support other clubs! Send your service projects & fundraisers to

Newsletter Editor Lola Beatlebrox for this monthly section of the newsletter.

Park City Sunrise Rotary Club turned out 134 volunteers on a brisk and sunny Saturday to make sure 1410 people lifted 583 skis -- all connected!

The club's 9th annual Shotski Fundraiser sold out early. Visitors, locals, and VIPs reveled in the exhilarating experience of sipping a shot of High West Whiskey - all for charity.

The event beat Breckenridge Ski Resort once again for the most shots pouredy.

96 VIPs are now proud owners of uniquely wrapped skis with their own corporate logos or family names,

Next spring, Park City Sunrise will award grants to non-profits with the proceeds from the $80,000 gross funds raised.

The Rotary Club of Orem-Lindon recently distributed more than 400 new coats to children attending Title I schools in the Orem and Lindon area, with additional deliveries planned in the coming weeks. Extending their reach beyond Utah County, the club also provided coats, socks, and underwear to students in need on the Navajo Nation.

These efforts reflect Rotary’s enduring commitment to service and compassion, ensuring that children in underserved communities are better prepared for the winter months. Together, Rotarians continue to demonstrate the spirit of “Service Above Self.”

Southern Utah University Rotaractors recently completed a roadside cleanup project which is a great example of Rotaractors taking action within their community. Their efforts not only help keep local roads clean and beautiful, but also promote civic responsibility and environmental awareness among community members. It’s inspiring to see young leaders making such a positive local impact!

The Midvalley Rotary Club put the 5^th "Will it be Fun!" effort into action after we repeat the 4-Way Test.

The members had fun putting ribbons and bows on puzzles that will be provided for two memory care centers in Midvale.

Bountiful Rotary Club marked Halloween with a Pumpkin Hunt for children. Rotarians hid pumpkins with names on them in the woods. Children in Halloween costumes pick a name; then search in the woods for the pumpkin. After dark, with flashlights, it’s spooky and fun!

We also made sandwiches for the Road to Recovery, an organization that helps young men.

We had our first Interact fundraiser for Polio - Pickleball for Polio! Parents and Interact youth as well as Bountiful Rotarians had a great time. We see it getting even bigger going forward.

During October, the Murray Rotary Club turned out two different times for important service projects. We started the month with 14 Rotarians and guests working Sunday morning at Fill-the-Pot cooking, serving, and cleaning up after feeding brunch to 400 homeless people in downtown Salt Lake City. Again this year, there were a lot of smiling faces on both sides of the serving trays. We ended October by delivering books individually to third grade classrooms at five different Murray elementary schools. We have been doing this for many years and, according to the teachers, the event positively helps many disadvantaged students take pride in owning their own books and developing better reading skills..

The October 9th meeting of the Sugarhouse Rotary Club was great with a new member inductee - Kathleen Hanna-Millar.

We also had presentations on clothing donations for foreign communities and the Great Salt Lake Project by Beth Parker.

In October, the Spanish Fork Rotary Club visited the nearly complete Spanish Fork Recreation Center (FitCity Center). The facility will include indoor and outdoor leisure pools, a competition pool, a multipurpose gym, plus an indoor and outdoor track. We are grateful for the workers of different trades that have helped with this big project, and we look forward to getting fitter!

St. George Rotary Club’s October kicked off with two inductions bringing our total of new members since July 1 to five and married couples in our club to eight!

We also had two big projects – Aid Station #18 for the St. George Marathon and assembly of 12,000 swag bags for senior athletes participating in the Huntsman World Senior Games.

In week 3, we managed fans for the PGA TOUR at Black Desert Resort’s Hole 11 for a generous donation to our club.

Just before Halloween we readied 1,400 paperback dictionaries for third graders in local elementary schools.

Utah Valley University Rotaractors celebrated the 8th World Polio Day in October. Oliver Rosenbauer of the World Health Organization was a keynote speaker. He discussed efforts to eliminate polio globally and the causes of its existence in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Gaza. He underscored the importance of global cooperation including the involvement of Rotaractors. The World Health Organization and Rotarian partners vaccinate more 450 million children each year, resulting in a 99% reduction in global cases. Cathy Ambrose, president of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club shared Utah Rotary’s contributions to the PolioPlus initiative. The Geneva Internationale Rotary Club plans to host Utah Valley University Rotaractors during summer 2026 in Geneva.