October 2008

October, 2008

Volume 65, Number 4

This Month, the Rotopeka takes a look at our new members

From the Editor Last month, Rotary International examined ways to recruit younger members into Rotary. A number of Rotarians responded to that questions online, including myself, with thoughts on engaging young members .

Rotary on the world Wide Web

Rotary International Website— www.rotary.org

Rotary District 5710 Website— www.rotary5710.org

Rotary Club Website— www.downtowntopeka rotary.org

Rotary International Foundation— www.rotary.org/ foundation

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Whether young or old, new members in our club, or any Rotary Club, need to feel that they are a part of something bigger than just a weekly meeting. What attracted me to Rotary was a sense of belonging to an organization that does something to help others. It could have just as easily been another service club, a church or a neighborhood organization. But it was the dedication to the world in which we live, along with an invitation, that drew me into Rotary. This month, a group of new Rotarians, those who have joined the last year, met with the goal of organizing and completing a project. The idea is a great one and I look forward to the success of their efforts. Having new members get involved in Rotary makes our club stronger and harnesses their energy and desire to make the world a better place. This month, The Rotopeka is focusing on new member of our club. There are several new members profiled this month and I hope you will take some time to get to know our new members and get them involved. Ask them to help with a committee on which you serve. There are countless ways to engage new members and I hope you will take some time to do just that. So on that note, if there are new members who want to help with the Topeka Rotary Club communications, please let me know. Brent DeShazer, who joined our club last year has been very involved in the broadcasting of our club’s meetings online. His photos of some of our new members appear in this issue.

Greensburg, Kansas Building for the Future The 2007 Tornado that devastated Greensburg, KS changed the small rural Southern Kansas community from a virtual unknown to a model of community development for the Twenty-First Century. ―There is a great story going on right here in Kansas,‖ said Chuck Banks of the United State Department of Agriculture. ―Every asset that was lost has been touched in some way by our program. Infrastructure was lost, housing was lost and business assets were lost.‖ The USDA is the lead federal agency to support economic development in rural areas with over 40 programs, including infrastructure development of things like water systems.

Dedication ceremony of the Greensburg Water Tower on the one-year anniversary of the Tornado.

―We started rolling up our shirt sleeves and said, this is our Kansas Katrina,‖ Banks said. ―When this happened we knew that we were going to be involved. FEMA does not repair, they are disaster relief.‖ Greensburg was not to be rebuilt in the same way. Instead, it looked toward green and sustainable resources to create a model for community building that has garnered attention across the world. When over 800 people showed up for the first community meeting to discuss how or if to rebuild, it was evident that something big was happening. The

USDA partnered aggressively with everyone they could. Banks cited the development of the water tower as one such project in which partners came together. ―Completion of Greensburg's new water tower is a significant step forward in this community long-term recovery,‖ Banks said. ―USDA Rural Development appreciates the opportunity to be involved is such an important project, and applauds the many other partners who stepped forward to fund and complete this project in record time.‖ USDA Rural Development funding approval for Greensburg consisted of a $170,000 grant and was leveraged with $57,000 City contribution, $252,750 FEMA funding, $112,000 Insurance proceeds, $50,550 Kansas Emergency Funds, and $33,700 in KDEM funds. The total project cost was $676,000. The City’s contribution was made possible by funds donated by Rotary Club, South Central Community Foundation, and from funds donated by Kansas cities and rural water districts from across the state thru the Kansas Rural Water Association. USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs that support increasing economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for rural Americans. Since 2001, USDA Rural Development has delivered over $1.2 billion for Kansas covering all Agency programs, supporting well over $6 billion in future economic development for the Sunflower State.

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Minutes from Sept. Board of Trustees

Rotary Club of Topeka Officers

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 Alvin Dvorak Glenda DuBoise Fred Gatlin Jennifer Haller Henry McClure Joy Moser Blanche Parks Susan Mauch Past President—Joan Wagnon THE ROTOPEKA Editor—Greg Hill 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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Secretary’s Report: Henry moved to approve July minutes, Gordon seconded, passed. Treasurer’s Report: We reviewed the financial reports. Gary explained the final results for 2007-08, he then moved to accept the reports as presented, John seconded, passed. July 31 Membership: 205 New Member Nominations: Steve Newell, Rosalind Jennings, Joan moved to approve, Blanche seconded, passed. Bangladesh Project Application: Blanche reviewed a written update from Larry Dimmitt. Our club has designated $1500 for this project. Golf Fundraiser – Henry reported it will be held the first part of October at Western Hills Golf Course, he will encourage every member to bring a guest. There will be gifts donated that will serve as prizes and also for a raffle. Topeka Water Festival – Glenda reported that volunteers are needed to help with this project. She will have more information at the September board meeting. Topeka High School Interact – Susan reported there will be a meeting soon to discuss the future of this club. Meetings on Line – Greg reported that weekly club meetings video will be available on line, our club is one of the first to make this available. Pledge Class – Kirk reported that a pledge class of new members with a project is a possible new idea for our club. Meeting adjourned, next meeting will be September 10, 2008. Respectfully submitted, John Wall, Secretary

Message from the President By Kirk Johnson, President

November is Rotary Foundation Month Rotary International has designated November as Rotary Foundation month. It is a good time to recall the efforts of the International Foundation as well as our local Topeka Rotary Foundation. Regarding the International Foundation, our first goal is to keep our promise to eradicate polio. We have a special opportunity to achieve the goal of a polio-free world by raising funds for Rotary’s $100 Million Challenge. To meet this challenge, each club has been asked to raise $1000 per year for the next three years. We will put on a golf tournament next spring to raise money for this important goal. A secondary goal of the golf tournament will be to expose others to the work of Rotary and interest them in joining our efforts. For several years we have participated in international projects for which we received matching funds from Rotary International and our District. These have included polio reconstruction surgery in India, a cataract surgery project in Pakistan, and we will help finance an ambulance for a needy area of Bangladesh. Last spring we sponsored a young man who was awarded an Ambassadorial Scholarship. These programs and hundreds of others are financed through contributions to the International Rotary Foundation Locally, our Topeka Rotary Foundation has given thousands of dollars to organizations that are making lives better for individuals in our community. Local beneficiaries of the Topeka Rotary Foundation include The Kansas Children’s Service League, Sheltered Living, CASA, Mother to Mother, the Metropolitan Ballet and East Avondale School. Supporting the work of Rotary through the International Foundation and our Topeka Rotary Foundation is easy. On each quarterly dues statement, there is a place to voluntarily add $25.00 each to the International and our Local Foundation. If you have not already done so, would you please consider making a quarterly gift to the two foundations part of your regular personal gifting program? Rotary Foundation month is an ideal time to consider how you can help make our Foundations an enduring force for good in Topeka and throughout the world.

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Don Kready Don Kready was born and raised in Abilene, Kansas. He attended Grade School and High School in Abilene. When a senior in High School, he was selected to be a “Junior Rotarian.” “I was so impressed with the Rotary Club – their friendliness, as well as the informational and educational programs, I decided that when I got out into the business world, I wanted to be a Rotarian.” While working for a Duckwall’s Store, Don met a young lady, who later became his wife, Jo. To that union they had three wonderful children. Their first born, Pat Walz, lives in the Denver area. Their second daughter, Donna Kready, lives in Topeka. Their third child, Rick Kready, also lives in Topeka. Don became a Rotarian in 1953 in Russell, Kansas. He and Jo moved to Colby, Kansas in 1958 where he again became a Rotarian. He has held all offices in the Colby Rotary Club and in 1985-86 was Rotary District Governor of District 5670. That District was comprised of 33 clubs and covered an area from Washington Kansas to McPherson Kansas and West to the Colorado border. Don is a retired State Farm Insurance Agent, having been an agent for 35 years. His hobbies include flying as a private pilot and singing in a barbershop quartet.

Angela Root Angela was born and raised in Winfield, Kansas and graduated from Winfield High School. She accepted an academic scholarship to Cowley County Community College where she served as Chapter President and the State Vice President for Phi Beta Lambda. Angela worked as a compounding technician at a local pharmacy and helped keep the books for her parents’ Radioshack franchise. Angela graduated from Cowley County with an Associate of Science degree in Chemistry. After graduating from Cowley County Angela moved to Topeka to attend Washburn University and pursue a degree in Marketing and Management. As a full time student at Washburn, she served on the School of business Dean’s Student Advisory Committee, reactivated the Washburn Phi Beta Lambda Chapter, and was an active member of the American Business Women’s Association. Also, while attending Washburn, she worked for a non-profit consulting firm and once again, as a pharmacy technician. In late 2006 she was hired at the Ramada as the Director of Catering and she eagerly accepted. She loves the opportunity to interact with the community and the many challenges her work offers her.

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Nick Nickum When Nick Nickum and his wife, Donna, moved to Topeka 3 years ago to be closer to relatives, he met Doug Jernigan. Doug told him there were 2 organizations he should join. One was the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), the other was Downtown Rotary. Nick joined AUSA, worked in the local chapter, and was elected vice-president. Nick will become the president of the local chapter, due to the upcoming deployment of the president, COL Jose Davis. As Nick was preparing to join Downtown Rotary, Doug moved to Canada. Nick retired with 30 years in computer systems. He worked for Whitaker Cable Corporation, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, and his last 18 years were at Farmland Industries. He was a senior systems programmer during the last 12 years. Nick was in a light truck company in the Kansas Army National Guard beginning in his senior year in high school for three years. Then he joined the U. S. Army upon graduation from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He chose artillery and spent the next 4 ½ years on active duty with tours in Korea (1963) and Vietnam (3/66-3/67). Before he moved to Topeka, Nick was active as a volunteer. He continues to volunteer by giving blood. He is on his 8th gallon. He and his wife volunteered with a handicapped swim class at their local YMCA in Kansas City for 17 years. He served as a deacon for 10 years at Hillside Christian Church in Kansas City North. He also spent 20 years working road races in the Kansas City area and ran in those races for 10 of those years. Now his only hobby is growing flowers in his yard. Welcome Nick!

Kim Gronniger Kim Gronniger is administrative director of marketing and communications at St. Francis Health Center. Previously, she worked as publications editor for Security Benefit, as public relations manager at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., as vice president and director of marketing and communications for the FHL Bank of Topeka, as senior director of corporate communications for Westar Energy, and as a vice president for Fleishman-Hillard Inc. with SBC Kansas (now AT&T) as her account. She serves on the Hayden High School Board of Trustees, the Kansas Children’s Service League Community Council, and the YWCA Board of Directors. She teaches writing courses as an adjunct professor for Baker University and has published several personality profiles and travel pieces for publications including KANSAS!, Ingram's, Topeka magazine, and Country Inns. She has a bachelor's degree in English from Washburn University and a master's degree in journalism from the University of Kansas. She and her husband, Dan, an attorney with KVC Behavioral HealthCare Inc., have two children, Joe, 17, and Catie, 15. Kim's favorite pastimes are watching her kids play soccer and her son play baseball, reading, writing, going to movies, taking family road trips and rooting for the Dodgers, especially this month. Welcome Kim!

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 Scholarships for Washburn Students Florence Crittenden Services RYLA Vocational Day for Junior High Sponsor Ambassadorial Scholars Christmas Bureau 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

In Memorial Don F. Hogue, 88, of Topeka, passed away Sun., Sept. 7, 2008, at his home. He was born on May 14, 1920, in Pickrell, KS, the son of William and Edna Hogue. Don was a graduate of the University of Kansas with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He worked for Phillips Petroleum and later became President of Hills Packing Company. He owned and operated with Fern Hogue, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Topeka, Hills Pet Foods, Alexander Bros. Baking Company and Colorado Concrete Mfg. Company. Don has been raising Black Angus cattle for 50 years. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Rotary Club of Topeka, Optimist Club, Topeka Chamber of Commerce, Masonic Lodge #51, Topeka Scottish Rite, Arab Shrine and he received his 60 year Masonic Lodge pin this year. He was one of the founders and an ongoing supporter of the Sunflower Music Festival at Washburn University. Don married Fern Hill on June 20, 1943. She preceded him in death on Sept. 16, 2000. He later married Margie Lower. The two couples had bowled together for many years. She survives at the home. He is also survived by three daughters: Kathlyn Parker-Rodriguez of Austin, TX, a former downtown Rotary Club member; Dr. Evelyn Dowell of Torrance, CA and Daryl Hogue of Culver City, CA; three step-children and their families; two sisters: Cheryl Line and Marion Nash; six grand-

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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Travis Maurath Travis graduated from Washburn Rural H.S, attended Kansas State University and obtained his degree in 1997. He worked for Cohen Esrey Real Estate until 2004. He then founded Rental Management Solutions in 2004 managing residential property for 124 clients and over 1000 units in Topeka and Manhattan with 34 employees. Travis is married to Mindy, a pharmacist at Stormont Vail Heath Center. They have no children. Travis spends his summers at Lake Perry; spring and fall golfing; and winter waiting for the summer. Welcome Travis!

Mission of YEK To provide students with business and entrepreneurial education and experiences to help them prosper and become contributing members of society.

Vision To: Develop in students the passion and skills to succeed in the marketplace and life. By stimulating economic thinking skills By encouraging creative, intelligent risktaking By providing practical business experience, and By instilling independence and personal responsibility So: Participants are productive members of society who make their lives and the lives of others better.

Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas ―It might surprise some to know that the Young Entrepreneurs of Kansas program has been in the Topeka schools for nine years,‖ says Kylie Stupka, Executive Director of the statewide program. ―Not a lot of people Kelly Stupka, Executive Director, Youth Enknow about us which trepreneurs of Kansas is why we are trying to get in front of groups.‖ YEK teaches free enterprise fundamentals through hands-on experiences and encourages students to start their own business, enhance their business skills for future career opportunities and continue into higher education. During the class, each student writes a business plan, participates in classroom competitions, and receives school credit for successfully meeting class completion requirements. YEK graduates’ involvement is maintained through the Alumni program, which promotes continued learning opportunities and community service. Youth Entrepreneurs® Kansas (YEK) was founded in 1991 by the Charles G. Koch Foundation. It began as an eight week program at Wichita High School North, and eventually expanded to an entire school -year course. In 1997, YEK converted from a private, not -for-profit foundation to a public, not-for-profit foundation. It is a licensed program of the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and is open to all high school sophomores and juniors, but is targeted toward at -risk youth. Members of the business community offer support as mentors and all YEK graduates are encouraged to pursue higher education. Alumni stay involved with the program through opportunities for continuing education and networking, scholarships, and partnerships with local businesses.

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For more information on the program, visit www.yeks.org

Rosalind Jennings Rosalind Jennings has worked in the utility industry for 33 years. In May she was named the community relations manager for Kansas Gas Service. In her current position she is responsible for interacting with city government officials, community and civic organization leaders and local media representatives. Her territory covers 42 cities in 11 counties of which Topeka, Manhattan, Junction City, and Marysville are the largest cities. Rosalind is a member of the Greater Topeka United Way's Community Investment Committee. She has also served as a UW loaned employee, and has acted as her company's campaign coordinator. After attending Washburn University for 10 years, she is a graduate of MidAmerica Nazarene University of Olathe with a degree in Management, Human Resources. She is a graduate of Faith Builders International Ministerial Academy and is the co-pastor at Zion International Ministries in Lawrence. Rosalind and her husband Joe, who is employed by Hallmark Cards, will celebrate 38 years of marriage tomorrow. They are the parents of two grown sons, Aaron and Ryan and grandparents of six. Rosalind and Joe enjoy day trips exploring the small towns of Kansas, because you can usually find real homemade pie! Welcome Rosalind!

Jeff Hiestand Jeff Hiestand is Senior Vice President and Commercial Lender with CoreFirst Bank and Trust in Topeka. His responsibilities include assisting businesses with their liquidity needs. Previously he worked for Commerce Bank of Kansas City as a correspondent banker. Jeff graduated from Washburn University with a degree in business finance. His volunteer activities include: President of the Topeka Performing Arts Center Board of Directors, Past President and current member of the Topeka Active 20-30 Club, Stormont Vail Foundation Board, and a Graduate of Leadership Topeka.

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Rotary clubs provide clean water to 30,000 people in 20 remote villages in India (Delhi – INDIA, 1 October, 2008) --- As the United Nations estimates 2.1 million children die before the age of five each year due to a lack of clean water, Rotary clubs are collaborating with the public and private sector to provide sustainable, clean drinking water to 30,000 people in 20 villages. Rotary clubs in India and France are together providing INR 3.2 million (USD $68,000) to build four water dams in the Alwar/Sikar region, located in the state of Rajasthan in western India. ―These dams will transform this region from a poor and famished land to green fields where people and animals will have enough water to drink and enough food to eat,‖ said Sushil Gupta, president of the board of trustee of the Rotary India Water Conservation Trust (RIWCT).

260 residents in two nearby villages, and 4,800 heads of livestock. This project is jointly supported by Rotary clubs in France and India for a combined total of: INR 716,592 (US$ 15,342). The Girati Wala Dam will directly benefit two villages (Girati Ki Dhani and Loharavas) comprised of 1550 people – along with an additional 280 residents in two nearby villages, and 3,000 heads of livestock. This project is jointly supported by the Rotary clubs of France and India for a combined total of: INR 666,872 (US$14,239).

The Kemra Wala Dam will benefit five villages (Mishrala Ki Dhani, Advanya Ki Dhani, Teeba Bassi Ki Dhani, Lohia Ki Dhani and Rajgarh) comprised of 2,350 people – along with an additional 70 families in two nearby villages and 5,000 heads of cattle and other livestock. This project is jointly As part of a grassroots effort on water manage- supported by the Rotary clubs of France and Inment established by Indian Rotary clubs, the dia for a combined total of: INR 954,639 (US$ RIWCT is working with local communities, govern- 20,517). ments and the private sector to construct dams, The Tapkeshwar Wala Dam will benefit five and build reservoirs and shafts for rainwater harpanchayats consisting of 20 villages with a popuvesting. Under the leadership of RIWCT, Rotary lation of approximately 20,000 people. The long has successfully funded the following projects: term benefits from this project will result in the inThe Kaladeh Wala Dam will benefit eight villages crease in level of the sub soil water and thus filling (Kishanpura, Avinashi, Neem ka Thana, Bhag- up wells in the area.. Rotary contributed INR wanpura, Maujmed, Sodhala, Math ki Dhani and 848,186 (US$ 18,438) exclusively to support this Sanwalpura) with a total population of 6400. It is project. reported that with the benefit to livestock the milk In 2003, Rotary in India adopted the Delhi Declayield has virtually doubled. The project is jointly ration, which aims to promote proper water mansupported by Rotary clubs in France and India for agement throughout India by: a combined total of Rs INR 12,30,000 (US $ 30,000) Creating public awareness of water manageThe Buja Wala Dam will benefit two villages ment, (Brahmanon Ki Dhani and Telia Ki Dhani) comprised of 1,160 people – along with an additional (Continued on page 12)

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Educating school children and stake holders at various levels on the importance of water management, Disseminating knowledge about water conservation techniques including the traditional methods, Encouraging community participation in integrated and sustainable water management, Promoting the National Perspective Plan for interlinking of rivers for development in water scarce areas. As part of this nationwide effort, Rotary and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) will open a water kiosk in the city for pedestrians, along with sanitation facilities. In addition, Rotary signed a memorandum of understanding with the KMC to provide separate sanitation facilities for girls in 108 KMC schools across the state. The projects in India add to the growing list of collaborative water projects between local governments, communities and Rotary. ―These partnership projects demonstrate how government, business and the NGO community can engage to solve global water problems in innovative ways,‖ said Gupta. Rotary clubs worldwide are involved in an estimated 6,000 projects in rural areas of Africa, Latin America, and South and Southeast Asia - all aimed at addressing the lack of access to safe water and sanitation that claims more than two million lives each year, a majority of them children.

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—Godfather’s Pizza, 1835 N. Topeka Blvd.

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