Bulletin for September 9-22, 2011

Provo Mayor John Curtis (in the suit) with fellow Rotarians Frank Gardner (left), Tom Powell and Stan Miller.

Upcoming Provo Rotary Luncheon Meetings and Events

September 8: Provo Mayor John Curtis

September 15: Annual Provo Rotary Golf Party at Wasatch Mountain State park Sept 22: United Way Report. Speaker Bill Hulterstrom

September 29: Speaker James Endrizzi of KeyBank about the current lending environment

December 1: Kevin Garlick, Head of Provo City Power, speaking on cost-effective initiatives at PCP.
December 8: David Hall, President of Novatek, speaking about his innovative firm and its Vista program for efficient housing.

Provo Rotary Social Schedule for 2011

September 15: Annual Club Golf Party at Wasatch Mountain State Park

December 15: Annual Club Christmas Party at Riverside Country Club

Report of the Weekly Luncheon Meeting held September 8, 2011

     Today's luncheon meeting was held at Riverside Country Club. President Steve Densley conducted with Ron Roberts at the piano and Jill Moon leading the crowd in singing the Anthem and reciting the Pledge. An invocation was offered by Alan Blom.

     Guests: Dr. Vaughn Park introduced his new veterinary associate Dr. Tara Erickson. Robert Redd introduced his wife Mary Allen. Victoria Garrow, UVU Director of Development, was visiting.

     Dean Jackson announced an interfaith memorial service to be held this Sunday evening, September 11, 2011, at the Seventh Day Adventist church. Mayor John Curtis will MC the event. The speaker will be UVU President Matt Holland.

     Ricky Hood reminded everyone that there will be no regular luncheon meeting next week, Thursday, September 15, because of the club's annual golf party at Wasatch Mountain State Park. Even if you don't golf, everyone is invited to the 5:30 barbecue at the Cottonwood Pavilion of the Wasatch Mountain State Park campground.

     Lee Gallagher's husband has been ill. Vic Ludlow's mother passed away this week.

     Ricky Hood served as sergeant for the day.

     Ray Beckham introduced today's speaker, fellow Provo Rotarian and Provo Mayor John Curtis who has been mayor now for nearly two years. The mayor refers to Provo as a "Great City." He mentioned he had a number of items about which he wished to comment, but when the ending time came 35-minutes later he said: "Holy Cow, I barely got started!" He commented about:

     Public Works Director Merrill Bingham.

     Provo's fiber optic network which he calls a "successful failure." After selling it twice to companies who could not make it operate profitably, the city is taking it back and assuming the $32 million balance on the bonds.

     The formation of a new Customer Service Initiative (CSI) which will take over the empty lobby of the city center. Most city departments are closed on Fridays but this one will be open Fridays to help with any city business.

     Rebranding of Provo's logo and changing the way the city does business.

     The status of the Provo Tabernacle which burned in a fire nearly a year ago. The LDS Church has been exhaustive in its research of the building's contents which were destroyed and has purchased some surrounding property, but has not yet announced plans for demolition or restoration.

     The recycling "opt-out" program. Currently only about 25% of Provo households have recycling containers. This program will bring that number to around 65-70%.

     Ground was recently broken for the new Provo Recreation Center and community gathering place. It will open in March 2013.

     The Provo Police Department was experiencing low morale and has had some bad publicity in the past year or two, but after a lengthy nationwide search has recently hired Rick Gregory as Provo's new police chief. Chief Gregory is "outstanding." Incidentally, Chief Gregory joined the Provo Rotary Club last week.