November 2008

November, 2008

Volume 65, Number 5

Rotary Youth Programs

Make a Difference

From the Editor Our Youth, Our Future

Rotary on the world Wide Web

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Rotary International Website— www.rotary.org

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Rotary District 5710 Website— www.rotary5710.org

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Rotary Club Website— www.downtowntopeka rotary.org

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Rotary International Foundation— www.rotary.org/ foundation

I recently discovered something about myself. It was a gray hair. Now I know that for many of you, that is probably not a big deal and truthfully it is not for me either. But it did make me recognize that I am aging and while in the professional world I might be considered relatively young, I too need to think about our future leaders. This month, The Rotopeka is looking at the various youth programs of Rotary. President Kirk Johnson this month talks about the Rotary Youth Exchange (p.5) and on page 10, we feature on article about World Interact Week. It’s important for all of us to look toward the future and help promote and encourage young people to take on leadership roles in society. And speaking of young people, the annual Holiday Party is a great opportunity to share the spirit of Rotary and the joyous and festive occasion with family and fellow Rotarians. Once again, we have a great lineup of fun activities during the December 18th Meeting. Bring your family and plan to join us. Watching the excitement in young children when they see Santa Clause is one of those precious moments of life. This month, we also remember two Rotarians who passed away, Bob Adams and Frank Oppitz. A memorial to Frank follows on page 3. A memorial to Bob Adams is scheduled at a later meeting and then will appear in the Rotopeka. Finally, December is always hectic and the past few years, we have opted to publish a double issue in December and January to save on postage and printing cost. We’ll likely do that again this year. So I would like to wish all of you a wonderful and save Holliday Season.

We Remember Frank J. Oppitz, Jr., 84, Topeka, died Friday, Oct. 24, 2008 at Brewster Place. He was born February 26, 1924 in Topeka, the son of Frank J. and Eugenia Hilderman Oppitz. Frank graduated from Topeka High School and attended Washburn University. He owned his own business, Central Recording Studio for all of his working life, along with MuSed Background Music Service. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Orient Lodge #51 AF&AM, Scottish Rite Bodies, York Rite Bodies and Arab Shrine for over 60 years and where he served as Potentate in 1970. He also was a member of Royal Order of Jesters, Court #125. He belonged to and enjoyed the downtown Rotary Club for many years. Frank loved his children. He took pride in the stone house on Grove in the Potwin area that he and his son Larry built together, using limestone trim from the old Roosevelt Junior High School. Frank loved music and as a musician played the trumpet. During his younger years he played in several traveling bands, made up of local musicians. He was a member of the Santa Fe Band from the age of 14. From the age of 21, he was a member of the Arab Shrine Marching Band and was its leader and organizer for many events and trips. He particularly enjoyed march and dance band music. He married Patricia Ann Chew of Hutchinson, KS on February 1, 1951 and celebrated 57 years of marriage. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, Lawrence W. Oppitz and wife Garrie and their son, Richard J. Oppitz of Topeka; Michael E. Oppitz and wife Laura of Gardner, KS; two daughters Constance C. Oppitz of Leawood, KS and Jeanette Surratt and husband Phil of Branson, MO. He is also survived by a niece and nephew both of San Jose, CA, Shannon Bracy and Dr. Marc Bracy. His extended family includes a step-granddaughter, Sylvia Hogan and husband Terry and four great granddaughters, all of Manhattan, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents of Topeka and his sister, E Lorraine Bracy of San Jose, California. A celebration of life was held at the First United Methodist Church with interment in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Heart of America Hospice, 3715 SW 29th St., 66614; Arab Shrine Temple Travel Fund (transportation for children to receive care), 1305 S. Kansas Ave, 66611; or to Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 NW Rochester Road, 66617.

He was also a donor to the Topeka Rotary Foundation and the Downtown Rotary Club memorial will be given to the Topeka Rotary Foundation.

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Minutes from October Board of Trustees Rotary Club of Topeka Officers

Secretary’s Report: Alvin moved to approve September minutes, Blanche seconded, passed. Treasurer’s Report: We reviewed the financial reports. September 30 Membership: 205

PRESIDENT—Kirk Johnson PRESIDENT-ELECT—Terry Wages VICE-PRESIDENT—Gordon Lansford TREASURER—Gary Knoll SECRETARY—John Wall SERGEANT AT ARMS—Mike Locke Board Members David Beck

Resignations: Vince Weber, accepted. Frank Ybarra, Alvin will check with Ned Nusbaum regarding Frank’s resignation. Lanny Brown, Mike and Henry will contact him regarding senior status. Golf Fundraiser – Henry reported on the Golf Fundraiser, it will be May 7, 2009 at Western Hills. Our regular weekly meeting will be held there that day also. Memorial Contributions: will be discussed at the November board meeting.

Fred Gatlin

Website Meeting Attendance Proposal: There appears to be no guidance from International regarding this idea. They will discuss it in 2011. We will discuss it again at the November board meeting.

Jennifer Haller

Pledge Class – will meet October 9 to discuss a project.

Henry McClure

Disposal of Old Computer: John moved, Gordon seconded to give Dick Knoll the authority to dispose of this obsolete equipment. Passed.

Alvin Dvorak Glenda DuBoise

Joy Moser Blanche Parks Susan Mauch Past President—Joan Wagnon THE ROTOPEKA Editor—Greg Hill

Foundation Banquet: will be November 8, as reported by Henry.

Meeting adjourned, next meeting will be November 12, 2008.

Published Monthly by the Downtown Rotary Club of Topeka Downtown Ramada Inn, Suite 110 Topeka, Kansas 66607 Subscription $2.00 per year Periodicals Postage Paid at Topeka, Kansas USPS 471860 POSTMASTER: Send address change to Rotopeka 420 SE 6th, Suite 110 Topeka, KS 66607 Rotopeka deadline is two weeks prior to the first Thursday of the month

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Respectfully submitted, John Wall, Secretary

Message from the President By Kirk Johnson, President

Rotary Youth Exchange For over 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons through Rotary Youth Exchange. More than 80 countries and over 8,000 students participate in this program each year. The Youth Exchange Program is part of Rotary’s emphasis on youth and the promotion of world peace. While a student in a foreign country, Youth Exchange participants also spend time as ambassadors, teaching others about our country, culture and ideas. The program is administered at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary Clubs. In providing local administration, the program costs are kept low for both students and their host families. Students are responsible for their travel expenses as well as the cost of incidentals. This year District 5710’s Youth Exchange Program welcomed sixteen inbound students, and have eleven students from our district who are studying abroad. We are currently looking for applications for outbound students, as the application deadline is December 1. Remember, this is one of the few programs where children and grandchildren of Rotarians are eligible to participate. If you know of someone who might be interested, please get them in touch with David Beck, our board member responsible for International Programs.

About Rotary’s Youth Programs

Participants in the District 9810 (Australia) Rotary Youth Leadership Awards workshop in July form the letters RYLA to show their appreciation for the program, which many participants called "life changing." Photo courtesy District 9810.

As a Rotary Youth Exchange student, you’ll spend up to a year living with a few host families and attending school in a different country. Whether you participate in Rotary’s long-term or short-term Youth Exchange programs, you’ll learn a new way of living, a great deal about yourself, and maybe even a new language. You’ll also be an ambassador, teaching people you meet about your country, culture, and ideas. You can help bring the world closer – and make some good friends in the process. More than 8,000 young people each year have experiences like these through Rotary Youth Exchange. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. Are you ready for it?

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Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is Rotary's leadership training program for young people. RYLA participants can be ages 14-30, but most clubs and districts choose to focus on a narrower age range, such as 14-18 or 1930. RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth, and aims to

Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18 to 30. Rotaract clubs are either community or university based, and they’re sponsored by a local Rotary club. This makes them true "partners in service" and key members of the family of Rotary.

Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders

As one of Rotary’s most significant and fastestgrowing service programs, with more than 7,000 clubs in about 163 countries and geographical areas, Rotaract has become a worldwide phenomenon.

Encourage leadership of youth by youth

How does it work?

Recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities

All Rotaract efforts begin at the local, grassroots level, with members addressing their communities’ physical and social needs while promoting international understanding and peace through a framework of friendship and service.

Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth

Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 14 to 18. Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are selfgoverning and self-supporting. Club membership varies greatly. Clubs can be single gender or mixed, large or small. They can draw from the student body of a single school or from two or more schools in the same community. Each year, Interact clubs complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill. Through these efforts, Interactors develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs and learn the importance of

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Developing leadership skills and personal integrity Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others Understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work

What are some other opportunities available to Rotaractors? Rotaractors may also 

Assist in organizing Interact clubs or mentor Interactors

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Participate in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

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Become Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholars or Group Study Exchange team members

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Seek membership in their local Rotary club

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Advancing international understanding and goodwill As one of the most significant and fastestgrowing programs of Rotary service, with more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas, Interact has become a worldwide phenomenon. Almost 200,000 young people are involved in Interact.

Kathleen Hein What does Rotary Do? The next time you are asked what our club does, remember all the wonderful projects we have helped make a reality. Here are several of those projects:

Christmas in April Help with TARC Winter Wonderland Dictionaries in School Dental Screenings

Kathleen Hein is a native Topekan. She graduated from Washburn Rural High School and attended the University of Kansas, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi. She was introduced to Rotary at an early age. Her grandfather, Dr. Harry Lacy, was a Member of the Iola, KS Rotary Club for over 60 yrs. He served as its President in 1944. Kathleen has been is sales for most of her professional career, and is an Executive Recruiter with Premier Executive Recruiting. She gets great satisfaction from assisting candidates advance their careers and helping to solve critical needs for her clients.

Sponsor Ambassadorial Scholars

She has been married to Larry Hein for 29 years. They have three children; Matt, Reed and Lacy. Kathleen is a high school and college sports enthusiast who enjoys football, golf, and basketball. She is a member of Society of Human Resource Managers, Topeka West Booster Club, and enjoys delivering Meals- On -Wheels. She was reportedly also a cheerleader for the University of Kansas .

Christmas Bureau

Welcome Kathleen!

Scholarships for Washburn Students Florence Crittenden Services RYLA Vocational Day for Junior High

Sponsor East Avondale Activities Polio Reconstructive Surgery— India Cataract Surgery—Pakistan Ambulance Project—Bangladesh Medical Team—Panama Shelter Box Books for Peace Corp Volunteers And Much, Much More

Of the things we think, say or do: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"

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Welcome New Members Steve Newell Steve Newell, is a lifetime Topeka resident, graduated from Seaman High School in 1987 and joined Central National Bank in 1992 as a drive0-through teller and proof operator. Steve has held several positions with the bank until he was named Market President in 2006. Steve's most important title is "dad". Steve is married to Heather Newell, co-owner of Trinity Marketing Group and proud parents of sixteen month old, Alexander Newell.

Steve also has a soft spot in his heart for dogs, so in 2006 he joined the Board of the Helping Hands Humane Society to help them with their capital campaign. Steve is also a member of the Associate Member Council for the Topeka Home Builders, past Vice-President of Alpha Delta Alumni Association, and long standing Chamber of Commerce Member: Steve is excited to add Rotary to his list of Civic Organizations. Welcome Steve!

Jamie Dultmeier Jamie graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor’s in Social Work. She worked as a travel agent while attending college. Found her love of travel! (Europe, Antigua, Curacao, Jamaica, Mexico, Key West and Vegas). After graduation ―real world,‖ she started out at Clare Bridge, a Memory Care Community for seniors in Topeka and Emporia. She was responsible for the overall sales and marketing for both regions. Next opportunity was the Apartment Director for the Independent and Assisted Living at McCrite Plaza Retirement Community. Pat McCrite created a Sales and Marketing position at McCrite’s. (They had never had this position before.) Since January 2008 she has been developing and creating the Sales and Marketing position and also creating a sales culture within McCrite’s. True nitch -- the senior population and sales! Jamie is on the Board and VP of special events of the Sales and Marketing Executives of Topeka, she is the 2008 Media Chair for the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk, and Member of Topeka Area Continuity of Care (TACC). Some of Jamie’s interests are reading (almost any type of book) usually the ones my grandma gives to her, travel (Viva Las Vegas), and spending time with family and friends.

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Celebrate World Interact Week By Ryan Hyland Rotary International News

During World Interact Week, 3-9 November, Interactors and Rotarians worldwide commemorate the charter of the first Interact club in 1962. By completing four designated projects, Interact clubs and their Rotary club sponsors can receive special recognition from Rotary International. Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club program for young people ages 14 to 18. The program gives teens an opportunity to participate in meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills. "Rotary's commitment to youth will not be complete if we do not also nurture healthy social values such as civic consciousness, caring for others, and concern for the environment at an early age, which is possible Interactors from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA, build bio-sand water through support for the formation of more filters for a village in Cambodia. Photo courtesy of District 5440 Interact clubs," says Mark K.Y. Wong, chair of RI's Interact Committee. "This way, we will have a ready pool of future Rotaractors, and Rotarians too." Here are just a few projects highlighting Interactors' commitment to service: Six Interactors from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA, spent their spring break in Cambodia building bio-sand water filters for two underdeveloped villages. Interactors also taught English and created art projects with schoolchildren. Members from the first Interact club of Croatia organized a letter campaign encouraging other Rotary clubs to incorporate Interact. In one of their first community projects, the Interactors raised money and collected toys for a charity that supports 85 disabled children. All 55 members of the Interact Club of T.V. Nagar, India, helped to create a hygienic environment by cleaning the Pillayar Temple. Interactors spent a day cleaning the roof and floor, as well as painting and whitewashing the walls.

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Annual Holiday Party Thursday, December 18, 2008 Join us for the annual Rotary holiday party. This year, the event will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a photographer available to take photos for $15 a sitting. This year, we will offer a new gourmet menu for the adults which will begin at 11:30 along with the standard fare for the children. A plated/served lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m.. The cost is $11 for adult guests, $5 for children and free for children 3 and under. 

Santa hats, cookies and candy will be provided for the children

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Combo background music by the Heart Strings

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Featuring: "Bags of Reindeer Party activities. Food" for each child and stories for the children presented by Kitty Fapp of the Topeka Library

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Songs with Topeka's popular Kyler Carpenter of the Library on his guitar

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Holiday group singing with Hurst at the piano

Rotarian William Beteta as a willing participant in last year’s Holiday

Sign-up sheets will be on the tables on and after November 20. We hope that all of you can attend so that this party will continue to be a success. Bring your families if possible, but otherwise please come anyway as for your usual Thursday luncheon.

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David Beck (center), his wife Lynette were presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship by the Topeka Rotary Club. Club President Kirk Johnson presented the award at the October 23, 2008 Topeka Rotary Club meeting.

Meeting Makeups Topeka West—Wednesday, 7 AM Marriott Courtyard, 2033 SW Wannamaker Topeka South—Friday, 7 AM— Kansas Room, Washburn University Memorial Union Topeka North—Wednesday, noon—Topeka North YMCA Board Room. 1936 NW Tyler.

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