Rotary District 5710 Eastern Kansas Rotary

PO Box 394—Gardner, KS 66030

Phone: 913-244-7548

rotary5710.org June, 2019 Special “Year-End” Edition

Dear Rotarians and Friends:

It’s the end of our Rotary year and June is a Great Month to be a Rotarian!

“It’s time to leave you, must say good-bye; these precious moments just

seem to fly…” Do some of you Baby Boomers remember that TV song?

My Friends – my wonderful Rotary journey is about to end. I have had an

exciting year and it has been an honor to serve our great District! I met all

my goals.

*What did I like best? I loved the opportunity to get out in the field, to meet Rotarians, visit the clubs;

to see projects, fundraisers and what a great district we have. I met the Best Rotarians in the “Whole

Wide World!” We still have 45 exciting clubs who have all paid their RI and District dues and are striv-

ing to follow our ‘Service Above Self’ mission and 4 Way Test.

*I not only visited every club in the District but some clubs were visited more than once for various

events.

*An exciting District Conference was provided in April with record breaking attendance. This educa-

tional conference was also FUN!

* This year, I visited three of our Interact clubs and one Rotaract Club. A new Rotaract Chair was

named and a new Rotaract Club was started at KU.

*Membership – We have 15 clubs that have gained at least one member this year and the Manhattan

clubs are leading the way as both clubs have added members this year.

*Polio – This Rotary year began with a fundraising goal from the clubs of $32,000 for Polio Plus. At the

District Conference, it was announced that the District’s Goal had not only been met but was exceed-

ed with $35,131 donated! The District sponsored the 1st Kansas State Capital World Polio Day event.

For the last 2 months of this Rotary Year, the District is issuing a “6X Matching Funds for Polio Plus

Challenge” for up to $20,000 in newly added donations from the clubs. This has been a great year for

District 5710’s support of Polio Plus! (read more in the article on page 7)

*A new Chair of Technology was appointed, who established a District YouTube Channel and an ex-

panded Facebook focus.

*Our District sponsored the first Regional Social. Thirteen clubs (13) were invited to attend this suc-

cessful event in the Kansas City area.

*A Global Rewards Chair was appointed and announced a competition to encourage participation in

the Global Rewards Program.

MESSAGE FROM DISTRICT GOVERNOR BLANCHE PARKS

*It was exciting to attend the SCRYE Youth Exchange conference and the week

long RYLA training in Lawrence.

*I attended all conference, training sessions, institutes held during this year.

*A Public Image Team was appointed and worked on various District projects.

*The Human Trafficking Chair made presentations to clubs in the District.

*RLI Classes continue to fill up as Rotarians learn all about Rotary facts and gen-

eral information. District #5710 is the first Kansas District to be RLI certified.

*International Travel – Our District continues to work abroad in countries such

as Guatemala and Panama.

*We had 28 clubs apply and get approval for 39 district grants totaling $57,625. We also had two

clubs use their grant to participate in a Global Grant totaling $3,956.00. We gave four clubs $2,450 in

discretionary funds. These grants provided their recipients everything from dictionaries to an AED,

from scholarships to RYLA to birthing kits. The Rotarians provided money, time and talent in complet-

ing these projects in their communities

To all the Committee Chairs, thank you for your excellent Service Above Self to ensure our District had

a successful year. It’s time to pass the baton to DGE Jason Leib. Jason, I wish you the very best during

your Rotary year and at least as much FUN as I had. I look forward to working with you and helping

you achieve your Rotary goals and dreams.

Fellow Rotarians, I had a wonderful journey and an exciting year.

Thanks for the Memories!! Hope you enjoy these photos of some of my favorite moments from the

past year!

Sincerely,

DG Blanche

Dear District #5710 Rotarians:

As Rotarians, we have a call to serve! We are eager to share our time, talents, and often, our treasure.

This message is meant to touch upon your generosity and the efficiency of our structure.

Thanks to you for terrific financial stewardship of our district’s leadership for many years, we have

some money in the bank. Treasure that you have raised, solicited or donated is waiting to be put to

good use. Our District Finance Committee has identified a long term strategy to do this. Our individual

clubs are the best instruments to put this money back into action – its your money.

These “Goodwill” checks have been sent to your club treasurers. Please use this money as you see fit.

The only string attached is that you need to share the message and tell about your Rotary project and

how the dollars were spent. All club members should have a voice in the project selected.

Let’s collectively use this money with diligence and enthusiasm. Share

your message and Be the Inspiration to your communities!

Thanks for all you do for Rotary!

DG Blanche

District News & Events

“GOODWILL” CHECKS DISTRIBUTED TO CLUBS

Rotary TEAM Training

August 17th ~ 8:30 am—1:00 pm

Transform your club. Engage your members.

Advance your mission. Make a Difference!

Join us at the Cider Gallery in Lawrence for this 1/2 day training! Once again the TEAM training will feature 20

minute sessions with an emphasis on “how to”.

This training will be interactive, engaging and full of ideas for you to take back to your club.

Bring a friend, they won’t want to miss it!

ROTARY CITATION

Make sure to get your goals updated in Rotary Club Central in order to achieve your 18/19 Rotary

Citation! You can use this guide to help you. If you want to check your progress, use this link.

District 5710 Disaster Response

The recent tornado in Lawrence and Linwood, KS prompted many in our district to ask about the Rotary

response to such disasters. At this time, we are still encouraging you to donate to our partner Heart to Heart

International. Donate Here.

The District is also looking to create a database of volunteers who would like to help when the need is

established. We have local Rotarians in communication with officials in the affected areas, and will call on the

volunteers when needed.

If you are interested in being in that database, please

email Mandy@rotary5710.org.

By Jim Arnett, Polio Chair

In keeping with continuing the dedicated support of Rotary’s Po-

lio Eradication Goal in prior years by the District’s 45 Clubs, this

Rotary Year began with setting a fundraising goal from the Clubs

of $32,000.00 for Polio Plus. Clubs were reminded that by donat-

ing at least $1,200.00 a club would earn the District’s coveted

“Polio Drop” for its Banner. To further promote awareness and

support for the END POLIO NOW Goal, District Governor, Blanche

Parks, working with District Polio Chair, Jim Arnett, and members

of the Topeka Clubs, successfully planned and held the First Kan-

sas World Polio Day Celebration in the Rotunda of the Kansas State Capitol. Speakers included Polio survivors

telling their stories. Approximately 100 Rotarians and guests were present as the District received a Proclama-

tion by the Kansas Governor declaring October 24, 2018 as Kansas Polio Day. The Event, which included a

“March-For-Polio” around the Capitol, was covered by Topeka NBC and ABC affiliated television stations.

In the ensuing months many of the District’s clubs planned and carried out significant fundraising special events

for Polio Plus, such as Runs, Auctions, Art Fairs, and Pancake Breakfasts to name only a few. As the District’s

Annual Conference approached, donations rolled in from the Clubs with many of the Clubs being well on their

way to meeting their individual Club Polio Goals. At the April 25, 2019 Annual Conference it was announced that

the District’s Goal had not only been met, but was exceeded with $35,131.00 donated! With this success in mind,

the District recognized the enthusiasm of Kansas Rotarians for this achievement. It was announced that for the

last 2 months of this Rotary Year, the District was issuing a “6X Matching Funds for Polio Plus Challenge” for up

to $20,000.00 in newly added donations from the Clubs. Since then a number of clubs have planned more

events. The potential for this year now represents the possibility that Club donations could reach over

$55,000.00 and with the added $20,000.00 of District Foundation Matching Funds could exceed $75,000.00.

That would lead to a total donation, including the Gates Foundation 2:1 Matching Gift, of nearly a QUARTER of a

MILLION DOLLARS to help vaccinate over 75,000 children. This has been a great year for District 5710’s support

of Polio Plus and we all agree that as the fight for eradication continues, “WE ARE – THIS CLOSE!”

HUMAN TRAFFICKING COMMITTEE FORMING

We are forming a District 5710 Human Trafficking Committee with the purpose of the sharing and collaboration of current and future human trafficking pro-jects. The committee will meet bi-monthly or quarterly depending on the inter-est of the group. We will rotate meetings to the cities of the committee mem-bers. The first meeting will be held in mid-June in Topeka. We will choose a date that accommodates the most interested Rotarians.

If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact Patti Mellard at patti@keystaffing.com.

DISTRICT 5710 MADE POLIO PLUS NEWS IN 2018-19!

The Kansas City, Kansas Rotary Club recognized outstanding educators from each of the Wyandotte County

high schools at the Club’s May 7th luncheon meeting. This annual program of the Kansas City, Kansas Rotary

Club honors teachers in the county who represent the best of our community. The teachers were introduced

by the respective school’s administrator, and the Club learned of each teacher’s unique contributions to the

individual schools. Each educator was presented a plaque of appreciation. We are grateful to these teachers

who give so much of themselves to educate and prepare our youth for the future.

Front row - Left to right:

AJ Hill, Bonner Springs High School; Jessica

Thompson, Turner High School; Stephanie Gra-

ham, JC Harmon High School; Melissa Sieben,

KCK Rotary Club President

Back row - Left to right:

Jen Wewers, KCK Rotary Club; Karri Whitney,

Sumner Academy; Shelley Madrigal, Wyandotte

High School; Andrew Turner, FL Schlagle High

School; Tyler Sisco, Washington High School;

Eric Mabie, Piper High School

Not pictured: Kevin O’Brien, Bishop Ward High School

Club News & Events

KANSAS CITY RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

This month, Overbrook Rotary Club members power-washed a town-

ship building on Highway 56. The building is being prepared for a new

mural to be painted highlighting our town—Don’t Overlook Over-

brook!

OVERBROOK ROTARY

On May 14th, 2019 Rotary Club of Holton recognized three

Holton High School Seniors with $500 scholarships

each. Sara Holaday, Grant Cawby, and Taylor Stephens were

the recipients.

On June 14th, 2019 the Rotary Club of Holton will be holding

their annual Rotary Golf Tournament, a fund raiser dedicated

to providing scholarships to graduating senior high school

students. Tee-off is 12:45 at the Holton Country Club Golf

Course. Sponsorships and 3-4 man team spots are still availa-

ble. Contact Carrie Saia for questions/interest.

Leawood Kansas Rotarians are planting a “Tree for Every Member” by creating a

“Rotary Grove” along the City of Leawood’s Ironwood Park Walking Trail. For the

2nd year of the 3-year Project, the Trail has now been planted with 40 Trees of what

will be a 60 Tree Grove. The 39th & 40th trees were planted on May 4th by 10 Ro-

tarians “digging & shoveling” as City & Chamber of Commerce officials cheered

them on. A variety of evergreen & deciduous trees were selected by City Arborist,

Dustin Branick, to provide both screening and vistas overlooking the nearby Park

Fishing Lake along which the Trail meanders. Rotary President, Chuck Udell, an-

nounced this year’s donation of 20 Trees, which were accepted for the City by Lea-

wood Mayor Peggy Dunn. She thanked the Club & emphasized the importance of

the project in the City’s commitment to beautifying the Park, providing enjoyable

leisure opportunities for residents, & making Leawood a “Tree-City-USA”.

LEAWOOD ROTARY PLANTS TREES IN IRONWOOD PARK

HOLTON ROTARY

Louisburg took on the Fly the Flag Pro-

gram for a fundraiser. The purpose of

the project is to encourage more peo-

ple to fly the American flag. The club

sold 30 flags for the first holiday and

they think it will take off from there.

LOUISBURG ROTARY “FLY THE FLAG” PROGRAM

Not Rain, Cold, Wind, or Tornados could stop the 2019 Village West Rotary Club Gar-

den. Members of the club gathered the first Saturday in May to prep and start plant-

ing the garden. Produce raised in the garden is donated to Cross-Lines which serves

the homeless and low income folks in Kansas City, KS. The produce helps fill a gap in

that there is no longer a “neighborhood” grocery store in the area.

Created in the shape of the Rotary Wheel, the

Village West garden is going on its fourth year

and is led by Club Member, Dr. Russ King. The

garden is right behind his medical office building

and luckily is right next door to a popular “watering hole” for refresh-

ments after night work or Saturday work.

Even with the monsoons we’ve been having, the May plants have taken

root as evidenced by the picture below of Dr. Russ adjusting cages on to-

mato plants.

VILLAGE WEST ROTARY GARDEN

The Kansas City, Kansas Rotary Club announced the win-

ners of its annual Student Scholarship Contest at the

Club’s May 21st luncheon meeting.

The Club awarded $1,000 college scholarships to each of

three area high school seniors: Megan Dorantes from

Sumner Academy, MacKensi Freese from Bonner Springs

High School, and Amiel Green II from Washington High

School. The Club awards these scholarships to the top

female and male students who participate in the Club’s

scholarship speech contest. Due to a tie for the female

students, the club opted to award both top place females

this year. These students competed with oth-

er outstanding high school students from Wyandotte County schools. All the students exemplify the highest

academic, service and character standards in our community. We can all be proud of what Wyandotte County

has helped produce in these students. The Kansas City, Kansas Rotary Club congratulates them and wishes

them the best in their pursuit of higher education.

Pictured left to right: MacKensi Freese, Bonner Springs High School; Megan Dorantes, Sumner Academy; John

Freshnock, Vice-President of the KCK Rotary Club

- not pictured: Amiel Green II, Washington High School

KANSAS CITY AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS

On Monday, April 29, 2019, over 80 Rotarians represent-

ing the Jayhawk Breakfast Rotary Club, Lawrence Rotary

Club, Lawrence Rotary Prime, and Kansas University Rota-

ract participated in a "Rise Against Hunger" service pro-

ject.

In less than an hour, the group packed 12,312 meals that

will be distributed to the world’s most vulnerable. Each

meal packet consisted of soy protein, rice, dehydrated vegetables, and a vitamin-mineral packet. The event was

held at Maceli’s Banquet Hall and Catering.

JAYHAWK ROTARY PACKS MEALS FOR RISE AGAINST HUNGER

The Overland Park South Rotary has

had a busy spring. Here are our

highlights:

On May 4th we held the 19th Annual

Village Crawfish Festival and Raffle

at which we raised $40,000 for

Growing Futures.

On April 17th, we awarded three scholar-

ships in our CAPS Scholarship program. This

years recipients were:

Amanda Epperson - 1st Place - $1000 award

Hanna Strombom - 2nd Place - $500 award

Manav Mehta - 3rd Place - $500 award

On April 13th, our members participated in a Yard Cleanup Project for The Whole Person. (picture below)

On March 28th, our members volunteered for Greater KC Day and

collected $4828 for the Rotary Youth Camp and our Future of

Hope Fund.

We also supported Growing Futures with attendance at their An-

nual Fundraising Luncheon, supported local entrepreneurs with

our monthly Startup Rewind Program, held several club social

events, and found fellowship in our weekly morning breakfast.

OVERLAND PARK SOUTH SPRING HIGHLIGHTS

The Rotary Club of Leavenworth recently named its 2019 scholarship recipi-

ents. Pictured here left to right are President Elect Maria Minchew, Colton

Findeisen (Lansing HS) who was awarded a $1000 VOTECH scholarship, Claire

Schmidt (Pleasant Ridge HS) and Annelise Holland (Lansing HS); both Schmidt

and Holland were awarded a $2000 Academic scholarship, and Rotary Scholar-

ship Chair, Tamara Sevcik. Our third $2000 Academic scholarship awardee is Aus-

tin Shoffner (Leavenworth HS); he is pictured below.

Leavenworth Educators of the Year were recognized at a recent Rotary meet-

ing. Cara Lake, 3rd-grade teacher from Anthony Elementary is the district’s Pri-

mary Educator of the Year and the district’s Secondary Educator of the Year

is Jennifer Morgan Beuchat, Director of Theatre, Leavenworth High School. Both

teachers were awarded our local Service Above Self Award and presented a $250

gift card. They will compete at state level later this year. Pictured left to right are

President Elect Maria Minchew, Lake, Beuchat and Educator if the Year Chair, Tama-

ra Sevcik. Congrats to both Cara and Jennifer!

Several Paul Harris Fellows have been named in our club - they are shown in the following photos left to right:

Ellen Bogdan, Karen Prather-1st, (Simon Boutet), Chris Prather-1st, (Larry Martin), Mike Suozzo-1st, (Paul Kittle),

(Larry Martin), Tim Vandall-1st, (Karel Sigtenhorst), (Larry Martin), Simon Boutet-1st, (Larry Martin), Maria

Minchew, (DeEtte Lombard), (Jim McKinney), Terry Wojtalewicz-1st, Tony Kramer, Mary Gregerson, (Shari Han-

sen), Gary Cordes-1st and (Maria Minchew); presenters/donors are annotated with parentheses.

COL (R) Pat Proctor presented the Rotary Service Award to Cadet Samantha Lendo at the annu-

al Leavenworth High School JROTC Awards Ceremony in May-a great servant leader in a great

program!

Our club conducted our bi-annual Non-Perishable Food Drive in April; shown

here are Gary Cordes, Jeff Pittman and Brian Voorhees; we collected approxi-

mately $300 in cash donations and over 1500 pounds of non-perishable food for

the Catholic Charities organization in our community.

Our club conducted our 8th bi-annual OTC Med Drive

partnering with the Lansing Lions Club in early May; it was a big suc-

cess as we collected $738 in cash donations and almost $4800 of OTC

Meds for our local Saint Vincent Clinic.

Several Rotarians (and friends) participated in the city-wide clean up;

our area that we tended to was on 20th Street Trafficway.

President Larry awarded the 2019 President's Award to Treasurer Tony Kramer; congrats Rotarian Tony.

LEAVENWORTH ROTARY

GARDNER BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER FOR SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE

On March 28, Santa Fe Trail Rotary Club along with other KC area Rotary Clubs sold

the special addition of the KC Star at a variety of location throughout the metro.

Santa Fe Trail Rotary Club raised about $1800, with the proceeds split between the

Rotary Youth Camp and the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund of Olathe.

At left, Cortland Bolles, President of the Santa Fe Trail Rotary

Club of Olathe welcoming new member Howard Cripes to the

club. Howard joins Dianne Schemm and David Sharpes as new

additions to the club in 2019.

OLATHE SANTA FE CLUB STAYING BUSY