District 5420 Newsletter - October 2026

Governor's Message

Happy October!

Dear Rotarian Friends:

Every month, we focus on one new challenge to build community.

The October challenge: Sit next to someone you don’t know as well at one of your Rotary meetings this month.

I fly a lot. When I board the plane, my instinct is to throw on my headphones and become unavailable as a chat partner. A few weeks back, a woman sat next to me and started yapping away. I thought, “Oh no – I didn’t get my headphones on fast enough!” But, as it turned out, we had a great time getting to know each other and even laughed together throughout the flight. I rediscovered something important – chatting with strangers is AWESOME!

The geeky professor side of me even found some interesting research about it. A few researchers carried out a series of experiments in which some people were told to talk to other commuters on buses and trains rather than sit in solitude. The research revealed a few interesting things. First, people believe they will be happier in solitude (that’s me!). Second, they’re wrong! It turns out that people end up much happier if they’ve spent time talking to a stranger as they commute.

So, mix it up at your Rotary Club meetings this month. Sit next to some people you don’t know as well. Put on your curiosity hat and really get to know them. Get out of your comfort zone. 😊

Different seat, stronger club. Let’s make it happen!

Thanks for all you do. Service Above Self!

Peter Cardon, District Governor, 2026-2027

petercardon@gmail.com

Source: Epley, N., & Schroeder, J. (2014). Mistakenly seeking solitude. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 143(5), 1980–1999. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037323

International

Helping people help themselves

How your club can support global enterprise projects

In a 2014 Rotary Magazine article, Howard G. Buffett, son of the famous Warren Buffett, wrote about how he became committed to ending world hunger by 2046. After receiving $1 billion from his father, Howard Buffett traveled the world to study the work of hundreds of nonprofit organizations.

Buffett observed that lasting progress requires more than temporary assistance. Communities need opportunities to build self-reliance, trust, cooperation, and hope. Buffett concluded that rebuilding a society begins by creating camaraderie, developing trust and strengthening social responsibility. His conclusion - “Rotary clubs do that.”

Rotary Enterprise Zone Global Grants have evolved from these insights.

SLC Rotarian Mark Maxfield is offering you a slam dunk:

Your club’s own global grant project!

Rotary Enterprise Zone Global Grants help vulnerable people become self-reliant. Local governments identify people in their communities to develop their own small business enterprises.

People receive business training, mentoring for up to a year, and 50% of start-up capital. Local governments provide the other 50% of capital. Participants give back by assisting with annual community-service projects.

Mark Maxfield, a member of the Salt Lake Rotary Club, has completed a number of these capital grant, self-sufficiency projects with host Rotary clubs, local governments, and NGOs around the world.

Graduates have been given a bakery stove, welding equipment, avocado seedlings, Guinea pigs, hydroponic materials, washing machines—whatever the graduate needs to start their business.

Neighboring governments have learned of the business successes and decreased poverty. They have asked for the program for their communities, too. They are promising that they will fund 50% of each enterprise grant.

The in-country host Rotary clubs are waiting for you to say, “Yes, we would like to help you do this global grant project.” We urgently need Utah Rotary Clubs to serve as international partners in Peru, Honduras, Colombia, Uganda, and India.

So, communicate with Mark Maxfield, choose your host club, and become the international sponsor. The in-country host club uses the Global Grant application template used to write the previous global grant applications, and writes the Rotary application for their community under the Area of Focus “Community Economic Development.” Mark and I will help you, even with the finances. If you want, you can visit your host Rotary club and community. It’s a slam dunk!

Mark Maxfield, markallenmaxfield@gmail.com

Jerry Summerhays, SummerhaysGS@gmail.com

Utah Rotary Global Grant Subcommittee Chair, International Service Chair

Foundation News

A higher level of impact

Triple Crown & Grand Slam Recognition

At our District 5420 Foundation Dinner on March 19, 2027 (save this date), we will introduce two special recognition pins honoring Utah Rotarians whose generosity reflects an extraordinary commitment to The Rotary Foundation.

The Triple Crown Donor Pin recognizes Rotarians who have achieved all three of these milestones: Major Donor status with at least $10,000 in lifetime giving; Paul Harris Society membership with the $1,000 annual commitment fulfilled during either the 2025–26 or 2026–27 Rotary year; and Bequest Society membership through an estate commitment of at least $10,000 to The Rotary Foundation.

Want to hit a Grand Slam? Meet all three Triple Crown requirements and become a PolioPlus Society member by contributing at least $100 annually to PolioPlus.

These pins represent much more than levels of giving. They recognize Rotarians who support our Foundation today, every year, and into the future—while helping Rotary finish the historic job of eradicating polio.

If you are close to qualifying, there is still time to complete the requirements! Please contact me or your club foundation chair.

Join us March 19 in the Salt Lake City metro area as we celebrate our Major Donors, Paul Harris Society members, legacy givers—and our first class of Triple Crown and Grand Slam Rotarians!

Together, We Create Lasting Impact

Egor Shulman

D5420 Rotary Foundation Chair 2025-2028

drfc5420@gmail.com

A hand up creates lasting change

October is Rotary’s Economic and Community Development Month, a time to celebrate projects that create opportunity, strengthen local economies, and help people build better futures.

Booker T. Washington said, “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” That idea captures what Rotary does so well.

Throughout Utah, District Grants help clubs identify community needs and turn local ideas into meaningful action. Around the world, Global Grants allow Rotarians to address larger challenges through sustainable projects designed to create lasting change. Your Rotary Foundation contributions at work.

The goal is not simply to provide a handout—it is to provide a hand up: education, vocational training, tools, equipment, and opportunities that help people become self-sufficient. We have many great projects done by our Utah Rotarians – thank you ALL for your efforts!!

One outstanding example comes from Mark Maxfield of the Salt Lake City Rotary Club, who has spearheaded multiple economic development Global Grants in Peru. These projects have combined the leadership and financial support of his club with funding from The Rotary Foundation and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help individuals and families improve their economic futures.

When we help people develop the ability to help themselves, the impact spreads—from one person, to one family, to an entire community.

That is Rotary Creating Lasting Impact

Egor Shulman

drfc5420@gmail.com

435-619-1317

News from Around the District

Charles H. McLeskey, MD

District Youth Chair Goals

Dr. McLeskey, who has enjoyed a wide variety of distinguished roles throughout his career in medicine, has announced three important goals as District Youth Chair.

Assisting District leadership in gaining a clear understanding of all youth-related activities currently ongoing in the district.
Elevating the importance of youth-related activities to the leadership of every Club in the district.
Discovering synergies that may exist among various youth-related functions across the district and beyond.

Contact him by email with questions or suggestions.

Dr. Charles McLeskey

District Youth Chair

charles.mcleskey@comcast.net

Public Image Tip of the Month

Make a big noise about World Polio Day!

October is a great time to show our communities Rotary in action - just check out that humongous Teddy Bear!

With World Polio Day on Saturday, October 24, please share a photo, story, or message about why ending polio matters to your club members.

Also share everyday moments—friendships, service projects, and the people whose lives are changed when your club shows up. These stories help others see themselves in Rotary.

Need help with a post or the Rotary logo? I’m happy to lend a hand!

RuthAnn Beardsley

District Public Image Chair

Ruthannsellshomes@gmail.com

Rotary has returned to Sanpete County!

Years ago, the original Rotary Club of Sanpete County disbanded, leaving a void in the heart of Utah. The good news is that the Rotary Club of Sanpete County was re-chartered as a new club on September 11, 2026, with 16 members. They started as a satellite club of Richfield in October of 2025 with eight members.

Congratulations to Area Governor Dan Bradshaw, Charter President Holly Bradshaw and the Rotary Club of Richfield for their efforts to re-form the new club and for bringing Rotary back to Sanpete County!

We have a similar situation in Carbon County where there used to be two clubs, one in Price and another in East Carbon.

Here’s a challenge – who is willing to try re-starting a club in Carbon County?

It takes one or two dedicated individuals like Dan and Holly and a club willing to sponsor them. Perhaps you are someone who spends time in Carbon County or has contacts with people there who would be willing to find out if there is sufficient interest?

If so, I can help you through the process and provide you with useful resources. As a reminder, the district also has funding to help start new clubs. Let me know if you are interested!

Scott Florence

District New Club Development Sub-Committee Chair

srf2624@yahoo.com

2026-27 Foundation Annual Fund Giving Goals

Club Presidents and Foundation Chairs – Please submit your club foundation annual fund giving goals. The Foundation committee aims for Every Rotarian a Sustaining Member by donating at least $100 to the annual/share fund. Use the following guidelines to set your club’s goal amount. Take the number of Paul Harris Society members in your club times $1,000 and add that to the remaining number of club members times $100 = your club giving goal. Of course, this is just a place to start, and it is up to you Club Presidents and Foundation Chairs to make that decision. For some clubs that amount may be too little.

How to Set Rotary Goals

In a browser, go Myrotary.org. Sign in (or register)
Click on MyRotary on top
Click on Rotary Club Central
Click on the top left menu item – Club Goals
Select the 2026-27 year
Click on the blue Edit button which should allow you to submit foundation giving goals, as well as other club goals

Thank you to those clubs who have already submitted an annual fund giving goal and please bring your club goal(s) to the attention of your club members periodically to monitor your progress.

Lynn Hillstead,

Annual Fund Sub-Committee Chair

lynngrayh@gmail.com

Have a seminar on personal peace at your club

As Rotarians it’s not hard to agree with the idea that “Peace begins with you.” After all, we follow the Four Way Test every day. But is there more to supporting your own personal peace?

The fact is that personal peace can be as hard to maintain as peace around the world. And we – personally – can work on that.

Our Utah Rotary Peace Chair Kris Swanson offers three presentations to strengthen our ability to maintain personal peace. And through that process, a way to strengthening peace in our clubs, our family life, and even the world.

Create Your Piece of Peace - a 25-minute introduction to the three keys to how you may begin to control the peacefulness of your life: Identifying your desire for peace, deciding to improve that area of life, and overcoming your fear so you can move forward.

Let's Talk Peace - a 25-minute overview of how we create peace results in our lives and two important tools that help us change our peace results: Gratitude and Dignity.

Starting with Dignity - a 25-minute introduction to the critical importance of dignity and how we can use The Dignity Index to begin easing divisions, prevent violence, and solve problems by choosing dignity over contempt.

Contact Kris Swanson today to reserve your club’s date for a session full of peace and wisdom.

Kris Swanson

District Peace Chair

Kris@kristinaswanson.com

Upcoming Events in the District & the World

Holladay Rotary Club to

Honor Councilman Jim Brass

Please join us for A Celebration of Service, our annual fundraiser on Tuesday, October 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cottonwood Club, with emcee David James of The Zone Sports Network.

Six years ago, four-term Murray City Councilman Jim Brass began the distribution of summer food boxes to local schoolchildren who might otherwise go without.

Today, the all-volunteer Murray Children’s Pantry he founded feeds families across the valley--nearly 200,000 meals last year alone. Jim puts it plainly, “We’re dealing with your neighbors, people who never thought they’d need help.”

On Tuesday, October 6, the Holladay Rotary Club will honor him with an evening of celebration, and we would love you to be part of it. For tickets contact Christie Vanderhoof at (385)515-9242 or christievanderhoof@wsdpc.org.

Check out Rotary's Rose Parade video! Click here.

Rotary International Convention in Barcelona June 26-30, 2027

The 2027 Rotary International Convention will take place in Barcelona, Spain, from June 26–30, 2027, at the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via.

Event and Venue Facts

Location: Fira de Barcelona Gran Via (L'Hospitalet de Llobregat), Spain.

Dates: June 26–30, 2027.
Convenience: General sessions and the House of Friendship are housed in the same building for easy transit.

Important Registration information

31 March 2027: Last day for preregistration discount.
30 June 2027: Last day for onsite registration.

You can sign up for updates and future booking details directly through the Official Rotary Convention Site.

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.

Murray Rotary Club's Balloon Festival

The skies over Murray came alive during a very early, beautiful morning at Murray Rotary Club's annual Magic Over Murray Hot Air Balloon Festival at Cottonwood High School! Between 700 and 800 attendees gathered at dawn to watch breathtaking sunrise balloon launches against the backdrop of the Wasatch mountains.

Powering the early morning crowd, twelve dedicated volunteers from the Murray Rotary Club worked the griddles starting at 5:30 am. Under bright blue Rotary canopies marked by a giant inflatable "BURRITOS" sign, our team served up 120 piping-hot breakfast burritos loaded with scrambled eggs, sausage, and shredded hashbrowns, along with fresh coffee and juice.

All proceeds from breakfast sales directly fund Murray Rotary’s local projects including Operation Santa throughout the coming year.

Events like Magic Over Murray highlight how high-visibility community participation and fellowship fuel our core mission of Fun with a Purpose. Thank you to our energetic volunteers and everyone who came out on this gorgeous morning!

In September the Richfield Rotary Club helped serve breakfast to 140 riders plus guides & others at the ATV Jamboree in Richfield. On September 23 our Rotarians helped with Snow College Richfield annual scholarship dinner’s auction, raffle by obtaining, making and bidding on auction items. Enough funds were raised for more than 100 scholarships for rural high school graduates to attend any of Snow College campuses.

The Spanish Fork Rotary Club hosted Pat and Tracy Frandsen. Tracy has been involved in Rotary for 30+ years. Both he and his wife have hearts of gold. They have been very involved in their community and church and are currently serving as Service Missionary Advisers, which means they oversee several service missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They also returned from a service mission in Spain and reported on their experience to us. We are grateful to rub shoulders with them.

St. George Rotary’s September included a bidding war for the chance to sit next to Donny Osmond during a local community theater performance of a tribute show about the world-famous Osmond Brothers. During Horseplay, two club members took the bidding to more than $450 per ticket to generate almost $1000 for future Service above Self projects.

September also brought the opportunity to “meet and greet the community” when St. George Rotary got “Rev’d Up 4 Rotary” with classic cars, hot rods and a few amazing motorcycles, music, food trucks and D5420’s iron lung on display in the local Red Cliffs parking lot during our 4^th Annual Car Show fundraiser.

In September Utah Valley University Rotaract President Megan Ashcraft attended a service project with Cherise Armstrong and Cathy Ambrose, both Orem-Lindon Rotarians, delivering coats and other items to local schools. They donated 13 bags of children's clothing to Centennial Elementary, where Maria Chaparro, the Community Outreach Coordinator, expressed how grateful the school is for these kinds of donations, especially the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club’s continued support. At Cascade Elementary, 65 coats and 15 birthday kits were donated. Rotarians met Debbie Velasquez, parent liaison, and Amy Seastrand, head secretary, who explained that these birthday kits have a big impact on students. This opportunity allowed the Orem-Lindon Rotarians and Utah Valley University Rotaractors to strengthen ties with the local community.

Hurricane Valley started giving dictionaries to local 3^rd Graders in September. After receiving the shipment of the dictionaries, club members place Rotary Four-Way Test stickers on the inside cover and stamp them with the club’s name. “We like giving the kids a chance to know about the Four-Way Test early on,” said club president Bruce Cole. “It’s such a good way to share with them positive attributes for life.”

Club members visit the five area elementaries to personally give dictionaries to the students. Even in this digital age, a book in hand makes a positive impression on the kids. It’s a great treat for the Rotarians, too!

The Holladay Rotary Club speaker, Lannie Chapman, Clerk Salt Lake County gave an Interactive discussion. The highlights included how to register with same day registration, who can vote: all legal citizens, how to vote: in person, by mail and drop box, and what kind of ID: passport, Driver's License, Official ID Card. She informed us of the proper mail in ballot procedures and the importance of everyone voting. Our Ryla Student Amy VanDam shared her experience at the RYLA conference. She implemented the leadership program with her student body at her private high school. Everyone received some vote-labeled spices from Penzeys Spices.

Sugar House Rotary welcomed international award-winning author Karla M. Jay to discuss her historical fiction novels. She told a full house what inspires her to write, where she gets her ideas, and the deep research she does to create her nine books. She specifically spoke of the Utah connection to her first book When We Were Brave. One of our best speakers to date!

What a morning! Members of the Bountiful Rotary Club and Bountiful High School’s Interact Club rolled up their sleeves and gave Bountiful Veterans Park some much needed love as part of the National Day of Service.

These Rotarians and volunteers showed what community really looks like — neighbors caring for a place that honors those who served. Thank you to everyone who came out and made a difference. Your efforts keep our city beautiful and remind us that service is the best way to say thank you.

The Park City Twilight Rotary Club kicked off September with our annual Bark City 5K. We had over 200 runners and 50+ dogs and some of the most creative dog costumes you could ever imagine.

The weather was perfect and good times were had by all. Just last week for the Rotary Day of Service, 12 volunteers helped at the Peace House build meal kits for families in transition.

What an amazing organization! To top it all off, our small but mighty Twilight Rotarians dominated in the number of donors pledging for the KPCW Rotary Rally.

On August 31st, the Rotary Club of Orem-Lindon proudly supported Hope4Orem's Annual Mental Wellness Resource Fair, uniting our community around vital mental health resources. We helped set up over 25 service providers, including Wasatch Behavioral Health, The Sharing Place, I Love You Bro Foundation, Levo, BYU, and the Orem Police Mental Health Crisis Team. Presented free to the community, the fair featured keynote speaker Noah Canon, live music, snow cones, face painting, balloon art, and fun character visits. Mental health remains a core Rotary priority, and we are honored to help connect local families with these resources!

Park City Rotary raised $100,000 with golf balls on Main Street!

On September 7, Park City Rotary brought Miners Day (Labor Day) to life with the 2026 Running of the Balls—15,000 golf balls racing three blocks down historic Park City Main Street. Months of planning, sponsorships, prize donations, ball sales, track construction, coordination, and day-of teamwork by Rotary members made this beloved fundraiser possible. New this year, the Big Ballers Club and a special 100-Year-Old Ball run with the Egyptian Theatre added new ways to participate. Most importantly, the event turns fun into impact: proceeds support grants for local nonprofits. Running of the Balls raised more than $100,000, helping Rotary provide nearly $50,000 in grants to 12 community organizations in 2026. Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, and community!

New ways to access the District Newsletter

The Utah Rotary District Newsletter goes out by email to more than 1400 Utah Rotarians on the first of every month.

But some Rotarians never receive it. Unfortunately, their email platforms automatically block “mass mailings.”

That’s why there are three alternative ways to access the District Newsletter:

Visit the Utah Rotary website

Go to utahrotary.org
Click on For Members - a menu will drop down
Select District Newsletter
Click on the link of the issue you want to read

Ask your Club President for the link

On the first of every month, Club Presidents will receive the District Newsletter link.

They’ll include the link in their communications to your club membership and publish it on your club’s website, if you have one, and your Facebook page, if you have that!

Facebook

Look for the link on your club’s Facebook page

Or the Utah Rotary Facebook page