Events

FROM THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSES.COM WEBSITE:  In the heart of St. Goerge stands a treasured symbol of community courage and civic life.  Built in 1870 from locally quarried red sandstone and adobe brick the Historic Pioneer Courthouse has watched over generations - serving as a center of justice, governance, and gathering for a century and a half.

Today, after a thoughtful and essential restoration, its doors are open once again.

Not simply an historic site, but owned by Washington County and managed by United We Pledge, the courthouse will remain a place where our community gathers, learns, celebrates and plans for the future while honoring the past.

This 1st of 4 "away from home" talk and tour gatherings will include a box lunch.  Bring a neighbor, a friend or a co-worker.

St. George Rotary is a fan of the Utah Food Bank and thanks to Rotarian Paul Tikalsky we get to spend the 5th Monday of March (actual date is Monday, March 30) helping feed the hungry in the five county region.  Box lunches will be served before we get going on this important work.  11:39 a.m. at 4416 S. River Road.  

This is SGR's 2nd of 4 "away from home" gatherings.  Come one, come all ... and bring along an interested friend, neighbor or co-worker to get a feel for what "service above self with friends" is all about!  

Back in 1905, even Rotary founder Paul Harris and his crew weren’t exactly formal.  They rotated meetings just to keep things interesting.

SGR has been invited to a talk and tour at the newly up and running firestation #1 - at 400 E. 100 South - compliments of Chief Robert Stoker.  Lunch will be provided by the club ... tour by Chief Stoker.  Bring along a friend, neighbor or co-worker for this interesting update on what's happening here in our city.

This is the 3rd of 4 "away from home" meetings ... so, don't get lost!

This year's 4-Way Test Essay Contest will be held in the board room of the WashCo School District office ... and this year our chairman is new Rotarian and retired educator Lisa Shaw!  Lunch provided by the Pizza Factory is certain to be a special treat  We expect - as always - this will be another great event as we hear from and introduce local intermediate school students - and their proud parents, grandparents and friends - to Rotary!

This is the 4th of 4 "away from home" events for SGR ... so don't get lost!  

Utah Rotary District 5420 is driven by passionate individuals who don't just imagine a better world ... they want to help make it a reality!  With St. George Rotary's support, we can supercharge our legacy of service by creating a lasting impact which will transcend generations.  

For decades, D5420 SHARE has been about $75,000 annually to be divided among as many as 45 clubs .... approximately $1600 per, if all clubs apply.  

With the $10,000,000 Endowment-SHARE DG Suzanne Wilhelm has charged an ambitious committee to find, our SHARE of the interest on $10,000,000 would likely be around $330,000 to be divided among our 46 clubs ... or approximately $7250 per, if all clubs apply!!!

One of SGR's members has very recently committed to writing a check in the amount of $10,000 as seed money toward a St. George Rotary Named Account. Bring your questions and learn more on Monday, April 20 about where this is going to take us as we each consider how deep into our wallet we can go for the good of the world.

Join SGR and friends of Rotary in Pine Valley on Saturday, April 25.  Also known as National Arbor Day, on this day we will plant at least 250 trees - thanks to a generous donation from the non-profit TreeUTAH organization - after last year's Forsyth fire destroyed 15,000+ acres of beautiful ponderosa pine in June 2025.

We will stage at 295 Cliff Rose Circle (turn right at the Branding Iron Restaurant, then bear right on every turn thereafter until you arrive in a cul-de-sac where you'll see the Rotary sign) for a short program, information to guarantee the success of the planting ... and a photo because "it didn't happen if there's no picture." 

We will spend this glorious spring morning enjoying the clear blue sky and sunshine, getting better acquainted with current and new friends, socializing ... and of course, planting trees in honor of our nation's semiquincentennial (the 250th year) since the signing of America's Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 - celebrated just 3 days into Rotary's 122nd year of doing good in our community and the world!  

Please bring gardening gloves, a small shovel, sunscreen and bottled water.   

Lunch will be served to all volunteers at the conclusion of the project, courtesy of St. George Rotary Club!!!

We will be pleased to hear from Neil Walter, Republican representative for Utah's House District 74, which covers the western part of Washington County, serving since January 2023. He will share the happenings in the recent legislative session.  Bring your neighbors, friends, co-workers ... and you questions!

NO LUNCHEON MEETING because we're celebrating Latin Appreciation Day 2026 and you're all invited.  We are expecting nothing less than a beautiful early spring afternoon as well as music, food trucks, and a few surprises as we celebrate this uniquely-SGR holiday at the South Pavilion at Tonaquint Park, adjacent to Thunder Junction.  Bring your family, friends and co-workers.  It's going to be lots of fun.

The excitement surrounding America's 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is palpable (especially visible if you've been to the new Hobby Lobby store - as we approach July 4, 2026.  We know fireworks will light up the night sky but what else is happening around this once-in-a-lifetime event?  Washington County Commissioner Gil Almquist will pay a return visit to SGR on Monday, May 11 to share what other plans are in the works as the county, St. George City and numerous other partners join together to make this event a real red, white and blue EVENT!!!  Bring a friend, neighbor, co-worker or in-law to hear what's happening as we get closer to America's semiquincentennial ... including a big surprise which will be in the WashCo building on July 4! 

Dr. Patrick Carroll is the Intermountain Regional Associate Chief Medical Officer for Acute Care, Chief Medical Officer at St. George Regional Hospital, and a neonatologist. In preparation for his work in the NICU and hospital leadership, Dr. Carroll received a Master of Public Health degree at Ohio State and an Honorary Doctorate from Utah Tech University. He has served on governing boards at the hospital, at Doctors' Volunteer Clinic, and at George Washington Academy.

You are encouraged to bring a neighbor, friend and co-worker to hear what's happening in our medfical community.

Whether you are posting flags at the St. George or Tonaquint cemeteries ... building stoves and latrines in Guatemala ... or picnicing with family and friends, enjoy you Memorial Day weekend while you take a minute or two to remember who serve and protect around the world!!!

On Saturday, October 3, the St. George Marathon will run for the 50^th time from the starting line in Veyo to the finish line in downtown St. George.  Michelle Graves, our speaker on Monday, June 1 will share a little bit of the history of this amazing event as well as ideas on how the city plans to celebrate it!  This is certain to be a memorable meeting, so please bring a neighbor, friend or co-worker for the memories.  See you at the Abbey Inn!

Michelle Graves serves as Assistant Director of Parks and Community Services for the City of St. George, where she helps support parks, recreation programs, and community services contributing to the city’s high quality of life. She is passionate about creating welcoming public spaces and opportunities bringing people together and strengthening the community. Michelle is known for her dedication to public service, her collaborative approach, and her commitment to serving St. George residents with care and professionalism. Having moved to St. George 21 years ago, she values the outdoor lifestyle and strong sense of community which make southern Utah such a special place to call home.

In the evening of Monday, June 1, St. George Rotary Club invites Washington County’s voting public to “Cookies with Candidates,” a community forum prior to the upcoming primary election for open positions on the Washington County Commission. The event is designed to give residents an opportunity for conversation and engagement through face-to-face meetings with candidates.  This free activity will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Best Western Abbey Inn.  Please join us.

On Monday, June 8 we will welcome Rotarian – and CEO Kyle Case who will update us on the who, what, when and where of this year’s Huntsman World Senior Games which – for many of our Rotarians (technically) begins on Wednesday, September 30 at the Dixie Convention Center where we will stuff nearly 12,000 welcome bags … and runs through October 17.  You won’t want to miss this fun and informative program … and yes, he will have prizes!  This is another opportunity for you to bring a neighbor, friend or co-worker to try on Rotary for themselves!  See you at the Abbey Inn.

On Monday, June 15, some of our 25 Rotarians and friends of Rotary who have recently returned from travel to the central American country of Guatemala … will report this year’s trip which SGR has made more than 20 times to build more than 3400 simple, cinderblock stoves in the homes of Mayan villagers.  However, this year, there may be a slight twist to this important project … since club members and others will also be building two latrines.  This is another opportunity for you to bring a neighbor, friend or co-worker to try out Rotary for themselves!  See you at the Abbey Inn.

The St. George Children’s Museum, located at 86 S. Main Street (on the SE corner of Town Square), needs volunteers on Saturday, June 20 for their annual LEGO Derby.  This fun and exciting event is similar to a Pinewood Derby but with LEGO cars instead … and every racer has a chance to win prizes, no matter how fast their cars go!

Two shifts:

• Morning (10:30 a.m. – noon)
• Afternoon (2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.)
• Volunteers need to arrive 30-60 minutes before shift begins to get the details of the assignment

Volunteers will assist with:

• Scoring and race organization
• Directing kids and families to activities
• Helping children at the LEGO building station
• Manning craft stations for children not participating in the derby
• General assistance wherever extra hands are needed

Volunteers are asked not to bring children they must care for so they are able to fully focus on helping with event activities and guests.

For more information, contact Anahi at 435-986-4000 or email to anahi@sgchildrensmuseum.org.

On Monday, June 22, SGR will gather at 568 W. Telegraph in Washington City - the home of the Salvation Army where we will enjoy another 5^th Monday service project under the director of our own Bob Schmig.  A box lunch (or pizza) will be waiting when you arrive at 11:47 a.m.  Feel free to bring a friend, neighbor or co-worker!  

There will be NO LUNCH MEETING on Monday, June 29 because we will be gathering at 6 p.m. at the St. George Social Hall for the induction of our new President Kolby Traveller … and our other officers for RY2026-27.  Please be sure to bring your +1 for a wonderful and fun evening ... and your favorite salad, desert, drinks or "other" to share.  The main course will be provided by SGR!

On Monday, July 6, our regular lunch meeting will include a report from board members outlining their successes from RY2025-26 and their plans for RY2026-27 … and this after our board(s) have met for the first time in the new year under the direction of President Kolby Traveller and new Foundation Chair LaRene Cox.  Surely you’ll want to know what they have in mind for the next twelve months.

On Monday, July 13, our four RYLArians and two who returned to RYLA this year as alums will be reporting their exciting and impactful experience at the 2026 Utah Rotary District Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.  This is certain to be a fun program.  See you at the Abbey Inn.

On Monday, July 20, SGR will meet at the McQuarrie Memorial Pioneer Museum at 145 N. 100 East for a “talk and tour” as the DUP celebrates 125 years of caring for Utah history and Pioneer Day on Friday, July 24.  It’s surprising the number of Rotarians who have reported “I’ve never been there before” so this is going to be a good introduction after which you can take your kids, grandkids, neighbors, friends and co-workers.  Lunch will be provided.

The St. George 911 Communications Center is the dispatch center for every police, fire and ambulance agency in Washington County. Thousands of 911 calls are received as well as many more non-emergency calls, then all disseminated to the appropriate agency. Things of an emergency nature where injury or death could be the result should be a 911 call to the Communications Center. 

Over it all is the 911 Center's manager Justin Grenier who began his career with the center in 2004. Justin has a bachelor's degree in Emergency Management from Ashford University and a master's degree in Organizational Management from Arizona State University.  In his personal time, he is an avid historian and amateur radio operator, but also enjoys daily hikes and is a husband and father of three.

Fun fact: Justin bet his wife no one would hire him in Saint George, so he applied to three places in Washington County which he found remotely interesting and the third application was the 911 center.

Bring a neighbor, friend or co-worker for this informative program about how to get help when you need it.

The Lions Club has had a unique presence in St. George, particularly as the driving force behind the annual Dixie Roundup Rodeo, for many years held on the third weekend in September.  From the first one on Veterans Day (November 11,1935), the Roundup has been two hours of calf-roping, team tying, kid calf riding, wild cow milking and bronco riding, and which drew a crowd of 1200.  The Dixie Roundup has since become a popular - and enthusiastically anticipated - annual community event with added features, including parades and a queeen contest.  But over the years, the permanent site of the Dixie Roundup Rodeo, has deteriorated until St. George Cty decided it was time to update!  

We are pleased to have Shane Moore, Director of St. George City Parks and Community Services (who wears LOTS hats) as today's speaker to share this exciting project with members of SGR.

Bring a neighbor, friend or co-worker for this exciting report.

It's more than a destination!  It's the adventure of a lifetime and there is simply nothing else like it on the planet. 

What's a Jamboree?  It's not camp ... it's 360-degrees of fun, friends and fellowship with hands-on adventure designed to take scouts places they never thought they'd go and challenge each to try things they never thought they could do!  It's the beginning of a heroes' journey which challenged all participants who travelled to Nashville, TN to reach deeper and lift higher to become the best version of himself!

Our speaker, Charles Dahlquist - as the former Young Men's General President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and now CEO of "Saints in Scouting" - has first hand experience and a strong "testimony" of scouting .....

On Monday, August 31 at 11:37 a.m., SGR members and friends are invited to gather at Switchpoint for the first of five 5th Monday "service above self" projects in RY2026-27.  

The location at 948 N. 1300 West (off Sunset) in St. George began in 2014 with just an emergency shelter and soup kitchen. Today, it serves as the heart of the St. George campus, a place where hundreds of families and individuals each year can find immediate support and long-term guidance toward housing stability. 

Box lunches will be served. Bring a neighbor, friend or co-worker.

KDXU Radio's on-air talent Dale Desmond will be joined on Tuesday, September 8 by SGR's dictionary project chair Reed Noble and Kathy Hall, literacy specialist for the Washington County School District.  

This is the 3rd program in RY2026-27 relating to the activities and projects of the St. George Rotary Club.  Set your radio dial for 890 AM or 92.5 FM for the fun, banter and important information about what's happening in Washington County.

Brian Dial is the Director of Energy Services for the City of St. George.  He stepped into the position as interim in July 2023 before assuming the permanent director position in which he oversees local power and utility operations.