March 2009 - Web Extra - Embed

8/14/2019 March 2009 - Web Extra - Embed

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Volume 65, Number 9

March, 2009

Stacking up Literacy

March is Literacy Awareness MonthAlso: Members begin to use the new

Facebook page to promote club events


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Jim Richardson of Nati

Jim Richardson, an award winning

photojournalist for National Geo-

graphic Magazine and a native

Kansan, was the speaker at the

Topeka Rotary club on Thursday,

March 19, 2009.

Richardson, who currently lives in

Lindsborg, KS, is known for his de-

piction of small town life, particu-larly life in Cuba, KS, population

230, which he documented over

thirty years.

Richardson shared many of his

photos and stories throughout

the world, including his series on

soil and light pollution.

My challenge photographing

this story paralleled the greaterchallenge faced by all humans:

to understand that this humble

stuff beneath our feet is the

very stuff that makes life on

earth what it is. The power of

soil to formulate the building blocks of life is

miraculous, he says on his website.

Richardson began using a camera as a

youngster on his parents' wheat and dairy

farm north of Belleville, in north central Kansas.He began experimenting with his father's sec-

ond-hand box camera, photographing the

world of the farmstead for display at the North

Central Kansas Free Fair in Republic County,

Kansas. In 1971, he abandoned his psychology

major at Kansas State University to begin a

photo internship at the Topeka Capital-

Journal. In the intervening 15 years, Richard-

son's work was published in many major publi-

cations, ranging from Life and Time to Sports

Illustrated and The New York Times. In 1986 he

left a job at The Denver Post to begin a full-time freelance career.

In honor of his work documenting Kansas life

and for his landscape essay on the state's Flint

Hills in the April 2007 edition of National Geo-

graphic Magazine, Richardson was named

2008 "Kansan of the Year" by the Native Sons

Jim Richardson, a native Kansan and well known photo documentarian,

was the guest speaker at the Topeka Rotary Club.


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al Geographic Magazine

and Daughters of Kansas.

Richardson and his wife Kathy returned to their na-

tive Kansas in 1997, having lived 18 years in Denver.

They now live in Lindsborg, Kansas, where they oper-

ate Small World: A Gallery of Arts and Ideas on thetown's Main Street.

For more information on Jim Richardson and his

work, visit www.jimrichardsonphotography.com

which includes both his work and his new blog

where he shares the back stories, including many of

the technical issues and the stories of the people he

met along the way.

Clickhereor the image above to watch the video of Jim Richardson
http://www.jimrichardsonphotography.com/http://www.jimrichardsonphotography.com/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax3Iml5T4PM&feature=channel_pagehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax3Iml5T4PM&feature=channel_pagehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax3Iml5T4PM&feature=channel_pagehttp://www.jimrichardsonphotography.com/


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Rotary on the Web

Rotary International

Website

www.rotary.org

Rotary District 5710

Website

www.rotary5710.org

Rotary Club Website

www.downtowntopekar

otary.org

Rotary International

Foundation

www.rotary.org/

foundation

Twitter

www.twitter.com/

topekarotary

The Editors Blogiteracy. Its something we take for granted

Whether it is reading the morning paper,

book or even this newsletter, reading is some

thing we do everyday. Rotary has taken a positivstep by partnering with country music Legend Dol

Parton s Dollywood Foundations Imagination L

brary which provides a book each month to childre

from birth until aged five. The program is designe

to help in underserved areas. Today, the projec

which began in 1996, serves 47 states and has pro

vided more than 15 million books. (see p. 6&7)

The Topeka Rotary Club has been involved with pro

moting literacy on a

local scale for years.Each week, we do-

nate a book to

Avondale East Ele-

mentary School in

honor of the weeks

speaker. We also

d o n a t e b o o k s

through other projects like Ross Elementary School. (see photo p.

10)

When we promote literacy, we promote learning. Preschoolers who

are at least exposed to books are far more likely to finish high school

and go to college. Reading also promotes family interactivity. (see

District Governor Vickie Randel p. 11)

This month we also recognize the work we have done for our youth

in our community with the 3rd Annual Rotary Career Day at KATS.

(see p. 10 & 14). Twenty community businesses were on hand to

help provide career information to sixth, seventh and eighth graders

at Topeka 501 schools.

We also helped our community this month through a clothing driveto benefit the Topeka Rescue Mission. I commend the new mem-

ber class for working together to make a difference in our commu-

nity. (see p. 5). Hopefully the idea of the new member classes will

continue for years to come.

Have a great month,

Greg Hill,

L
http://www.rotary.org/http://www.rotary5710.org/http://www.downtowntopekarotary.org/http://www.downtowntopekarotary.org/http://www.rotary.org/foundationhttp://www.rotary.org/foundationhttp://www.rotary.org/foundationhttp://www.rotary.org/foundationhttp://www.downtowntopekarotary.org/http://www.downtowntopekarotary.org/http://www.rotary5710.org/http://www.rotary.org/


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Embers of the 2007-

2008 class of new

members of the

Topeka Rotary Club took on a

class project this year. The

goal was to help them get

more involved in their club.

That project came to fruition

last month when the club held a clothing drive to benefit the Topeka Rescue Mission. Club mem-

bers brought in dozens of bags of clothing which were loaded onto a truck and taken to the mis-

sion. "I really like helping out the community and keeping it local," Williams said.. "The Rescue Mis-

sion is a great organization." Williams, who is a financial advisor, joined Rotary at the invitation of

her father, a longtime member of the Downtown Rotary Club.

"The Rotary mission is to help people locally and globally," Kim Gronniger, a new member of the

Topeka Rotary Club, told the Topeka Capital-Journal., "This was an opportunity for our new mem-

bers to participate in a charitable activity that would benefit our community."

Members gathered items from their homes and brought them to a drop-off

point at the Ramada Inn.

M

New member class helps serve community

Kathleen Williams, member of the Topeka Rotary Club and one of the organizers of

the clothing drive, used the clubs new Facebook page to promote the project.


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Minutes from February Board of

Trustees

Secretarys Report: Approved as presented.

Treasurers Report: Accepted as presented.

January 31 Membership: 198

Resignation: was received from Jason Adair, accepted.

New Member proposals: for Mark LeNeave & Dean Patel were pre-

sented, Joan moved to approve, Blanche seconded, passed.

Leave of Absence Request: from Christel Marquardt was approved.

Rotary Class of 2007-2008: chaired by Kathleen Williams will be collect-

ing clothing for the Topeka Rescue Mission, Terry reported.

Dedicated Fax Line: for our office to be shared with the District will be

approximately $35 per month, District will pay half the cost. Terry moved

to approve, Blanche seconded, passed.

Improving the Sound System: at our weekly meetings will be discussed

at our March meeting, Mike Locke will present a proposal.

Book Distribution: to USD 501 third grade students was presented by

Glenda, assistance is needed from club members in delivery of books.

Career Day: Fred reported that we have funds for one $500 scholarship,

usually give two.

THS Interact Club: Susan reported that currently 5-6 members are par-

ticipating.

Golf Tournament Update: Henry reported will be May 7, our regular

weekly meeting will be held at the course, hamburger/hot dog menu.

Bangledesh Project: Blanche reported has been approved by Interna-

tional, waiting on the club there to complete their part.

Next board meeting: will be March 11 at the Topeka Shawnee County

Public Library

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

John Wall

Rotary Club of Topeka

Officers

PRESIDENTKirk Johnson

PRESIDENT-ELECTTerry Wages

VICE-PRESIDENTGordon

Lansford

TREASURERGary Knoll

SECRETARYJohn Wall

SERGEANT AT ARMSMike Locke

Board Members

David Beck

Alvin Dvorak

Glenda DuBoise

Fred Gatlin

Jennifer Haller

Henry McClure

Joy Moser

Blanche Parks

Susan Mauch

Past PresidentJoan Wagnon

THE ROTOPEKA

EditorGreg 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 471-

860

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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Message from the PresidentBy Kirk Johnson, President

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

The recent warm weather has fostered lots of outdoor

activities! Ive recently seen neighbors mowing theiryards, kids playing soccer, and after a winter of running

indoors, Ive enjoyed several recent outdoor runs.

Springtime is also filled with a number of opportunities to partici-

pate in Rotary activities. I hope that you will consider involve-

ment in some of these events, designed to foster friendships,

help others and to fund humanitarian efforts.

opeka Rotary Golf Tournament - May 7th. This event is de-

igned to raise money as our part of the Gates Foundation

matching grant. If you golf, please join in the fun and invites

ome friends to form a team. There are also opportunities tohelp with the tournament or be a sponsor. See Henry McClure

f you have questions or are ready to volunteer.

District Assembly and Conference May 1-3. The District As-

embly helps prepare incoming club and district leaders for the

upcoming year . The District Conference advances the ob-

ects of Rotary through fellowship and serves as a forum for a

discussion of matters important to Rotary Clubs. Registration forms can be found at the Districts website

or will be available at club meetings.

Fireside Chats watch (and listen) for announcements about upcoming Fireside Chats. Fireside Chat

are informal gatherings designed to advance friendships among Rotarians.

Group Study Exchangethe Exchange Group from the Philippines will be in Topeka from April 7 th -12t

here are still opportunities to help with this effort. Even if you only have a few hours to spare, helping wit

he Group Study Exchange is a great way to experience a different culture and make internationa

riends. Contact Staci Williams if you would like to help.

hanksto Richard Ross for coordinating our entry for the District 5710 Educator of the Year Award. Th

award is designed to honor educators from kindergarten through grade 12 who exemplify excellence

hanks also to all who helped with the annual distribution of dictionaries to 3rd graders in District 501!

T

Upcoming Programs

March 26John PeckLawrence Rotary ClubSome Water Problems in Kansas and India

April 2Cindy Miller, Alzheimers AssociationThis n That about Alzheimers

April 9Suzanne MacDonaldTopeka Correctional Facility Running Club


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By Arnold R. Grahl

Rotary International News

ountry music legend

Dolly Parton and Ro-tary clubs may seem

an unusual pairing,but their shared pas-

sion for promoting literacy more

than bridges any perceived pop

culture gap.

Rotary International today an-

nounced a groundbreaking col-laborative arrangement withPartons Tennessee-based Dolly-wood Foundation to promoteearly childhood reading. Under

the agreement, Rotary clubs inthe United States, Canada, andthe United Kingdom are encour-

aged to support the DollywoodFoundations Imagination Library

program, which provides an

age-appropriate book eachmonth to children from birth until age five, so that parents and other family members can beg

reading to them as soon as possible.

The program is especially valuable for children in underprivileged and working class families fowhom childrens books might be an unaffordable luxury in todays uncertain economic climat

Local Rotary club participation could include promoting the program within the community,

helping to identify and register the children, and paying for the books and mailings. The avera

annual cost is $28 per child (CAD$60 in Canada; 24 in the U.K).

In todays world, literacy is a basic requirement for success in life, says Rotary Foundation Tru

tee John Germ, of Chattanooga, Tenn. For decades, Rotary clubs worldwide have supportedliteracy and numeracy programs for children and adults, and this collaborative relationship withe Dollywood Foundation will help lift our literacy effort to the next level by promoting early

childhood reading.

I am thrilled about our partnership with Rotary International, says Parton, who developed a

personal love of books growing up in rural Tennessee, where she saw firsthand the toll illiteracy

C

Rotary works with entertainer Dolly Par

Rotary International is focusing on literacy during the month of March

clubs in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom are enc

appropriate book each month to children from birth until age five, so

(photo from Rotary.org)


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can take on families.

Rotarians love kids as much

as I do, so I truly believe we

can do something extraordnary together to help evenmore children love to read

and succeed.

Once a child is registeredwith Imagination Library, the

Dollywood Foundation sendthe child one book a monthbeginning with The Little En

gine That Could. The books

are chosen to match the

typical childhood develop-ment stages. Appropriately,the final title is Look Out Kin

dergarten, Here I Come.

Since its launch in 1996,Imagination Library has pro-

vided more than 15 millionbooks to preschoolers.

According to the Dollywood Foundation, research shows that preschoolers exposed to reading are

more likely to look forward to starting school, do better in class, read at or above grade level, and finishhigh school and go on to college. The program also helps to strengthen families by encouraging posi-

tive interaction between parents and children through shared reading.

About 115 individual Rotary clubs already participate in Imagination Library. That number will quicklytriple with the addition of all 204 Georgia Rotary clubs, the first to sign on under the new agreement.

Working through the Georgia-based Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy, their goal is to extend

Imagination Library into all 159 counties in the state.

In all, there are about 10,400 Rotary clubs in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, thenations covered in the new agreement. Worldwide, Rotary has more than 33,000 clubs in 200 countries

and geographical areas. Since 1985, more than 16,000 Rotary clubs have supported literacy and nu-

meracy programs throughout the world.

For more information, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com orwww.rotary.org.

o give children a head start on reading

end Dolly Parton has partnered with Rotary to promote early childhood reading. Rotary

pport the Dollywood Foundations Imagination L ibrary program, which provides an age-

and other family members can begin reading to them as soon as possible.
http://www.rotary.org/http://www.rotary.org/


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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?"

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 SurgeryPakistan

Ambulance ProjectBangladesh

Medical TeamPanama

Shelter Box

Books for Peace Corp Volunteers

And Much, Much More

10

Friday March 13, 2009 Downtown Rotary held the 3rd Annu

Rotary Career Day at Kaw Area Technical School (KATS).

Again this year all six middle schools in USD 501 sent at least

bus load of youth from 6th, 7th and 8th grade. A number oother classes from other USD 501 schools and individuals a

tended for a total of about 350 youth attended. A numbe

of Rotary members stopped by or assisted with six to ten Ro

tary members helped for extended time. KATS students an

group of young women from Highland Park also assisted.

Mike Welchs vision has become a process that can be re

peated annually, said Fred Gatlin, the clubs organizer fo

the event. It is our hope that we have touched many mid

dle school youth and broadened their options.

This year we had a lesser number of exhibitors but more pro

grams from KATS participated and more active involvemen

from the exhibitors. We feel comfortable that we are no

prepared to expand to more schools. We are considerin

moving to a later date for better weather, if we can find

date that will allow us reach out to more school districts.

We appreciate the continuing support of the Rotary Club

Gatlin said.

3rd Annual Rotary Career Day

Club donates books to Ross Elementary Schoo


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Over the years I have received many

books as gifts, and I have valued every

one of them. The first one was given to

me by a family friend when I was 12

years old. I still have it, in the book-

case in my living room, within easy reach. It is The

ncredible Journey, by Sheila Burnford. I love this

book today as much as I did the moment I un-

wrapped that wonderful present. March is Literacy

Month in Rotary, and the power of literacy is our fo-

cus.

District Literacy Chair Kathy Gross recently received

a letter from RI President D.K. Lee. President D.K.referred in the letter to the nearly one billion peoplen the world who lack the ability to read orwrite. Rotarians have been engaged in helping ex-

tend the gift of literacy to the world for years, andLiteracy remains one of the key emphases of Rotaryeadership. In our district, we have many excellent

programs that focus on literacy, including the Books

for Kids project that many of our clubs participaten, and the lovely practice that several clubs haveof giving a children's book to their weekly meeting

speakers, asking the speaker to inscribe the book,and then donating it to a local school library.

Without the ability to read and write, people arenearly powerless to improve their position inife. They are dependent; they are virtually impris-

oned, locked within the small world of their immedi-ate surroundings. They have no means to know of

the larger world beyond, and dreams of that

world do not live in their imagination.

With the gift of literacy, an impoverished motherhas a better chance of earning money to support

her family; a father can teach his children vocationsand crafts; a child can read, and dream, and ex-

plore the world in her imagination, even if not al-ways in fact. With the gift of literacy, people canforestall oppression, can protect their rights, and

can avoid exploitation. With the gift of literacy,

dreams can be made real.

Let's all try to think of ways to expand our reach in

helping people in our communities and our interna

tional partner countries spread the gift of literacy afar as we possibly can. Doors begin to open whe

an adult or child learns to read and write, anwhen they do, they will never again be closed D i s

trict Literacy Chair Kathy Gross recently received letter from RI President D.K. Lee. President D.K. referred in the letter to the nearly one billion people

the world who lack the ability to read or write. Rotarians have been engaged in helping extend th

gift of literacy to the world for years, and Literac

remains one of the key emphases of Rotary leadeship. In our district, we have many excellent programs that focus on literacy, including the Books fo

Kids project that many of our clubs participate inand the lovely practice that several clubs have ogiving a children's book to their weekly meetinspeakers, asking the speaker to inscribe the boo

and then donating it to a local school library.

Without the ability to read and write, people ar

nearly powerless to improve their position life. They are dependent; they are virtually impri

oned, locked within the small world of their immedate surroundings. They have no means to know othe larger world beyond, and dreams of tha

world do not live in their imagination.

With the gift of literacy, an impoverished mothehas a better chance of earning money to suppo

her family; a father can teach his children vocationand crafts; a child can read, and dream, and explore the world in her imagination, even if not a

ways in fact. With the gift of literacy, people caforestall oppression, can protect their rights, an

can avoid exploitation. With the gift of literac

dreams can be made real.

Let's all try to think of ways to expand our reach

helping people in our communities and our interna

tional partner countries spread the gift of literacy a

far as we possibly can. Doors begin to open whe

an adult or child learns to read and write, an

when they do, they will never again be closed.

Message from our District Governor, Vickie Randel


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12

Welcome to our new members

Dean Patel

Dean was born in Ndola, Zambia and moved to the United States when he was 11. Hehas been living in the Unites States for 18 years and in Topeka for 4 years. He has been

in the hotel industry for over 11 years. Dean and his wife are expecting their first childin September.

Employment Background:

Started working in a hotel as a part time job while attending San Jose University

Started a successful technology branch called ABC Technologies with a partner in

San Francisco, CA, but eventually ended up leaving to move closer to his family in theMidwest

Found a hotel in Topeka, KS converting it to an Econo Lodge and successfully taking itto a platinum award winning property ranking at #5 from over 750+ Econo Lodges in

the nation

Topeka Involvement:

Currently a Vice President of the Topeka Lodging Association

Treasurer of Visit Topeka Inc.


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13

Whats the Caption?

We had a hard time com-

ing up with a caption for

this photo. So we decided

that wed leave it to you.

Heres the catch though.

Youve got to leave it on

Facebook. Just visit the

Downtown Topeka Rotary

Club website, follow the

link, and share your cap-

tion.

Get Interactive

Mark LeNeave

Mark LeNeave has returned to Kansas as CEO for Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital. Originally from Ke

tucky, Mark first came to Kansas when hired by Stormont-Vail Healthcare to serve as CEO for Wameg

City Hospital in 1991. In 1995, he accepted a position with QHR (a hospital management firm) an

served as CEO for City of Milan Hospital in Milan, TN and most recently Elbert Memorial Hospital in Elbe

ton, GA.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Murray State University and a Masters in Health Ad

ministration from Saint Louis University. Mark is married to Julie and they have two grown childre

Chance and Bailey living in Missouri and Georgia, and Madeline 14, who attends Washburn Rural hig

School. The LeNeaves have three grandchildren. Marks favorite and all consuming hobby is sailing.


14/14

14

Meeting Makeups

Topeka WestWednesday, 7

AM Marriott Courtyard, 2033

SW Wannamaker

Topeka SouthFriday, 7 AM

Kansas Room, Washburn Uni-versity Memorial Union

Topeka NorthWednesday,

noonTopeka North YMCA

Board Room. 1936 NW Tyler.

Students put their News Skills to the Test

Students at the 2009 Career Fair, sponsored by the

Topeka Rotary Club, were not afraid to try out the art

of news reporting for local CBS affiliate WIBW Channel

13.

Nearly 300 students gathered for the event at the Kaw

Area Technical School on March 13th. Twenty busi-

nesses, including WIBW , sponsored a booth at the fair.

This is the third year the Topeka Rotary Club has spon-

sored this event.

Photo courtesy of WIBW.com.

This story and video report by Caroline Porter can be

found on the Topeka Rotary Clubs Facebook page.

To see the video report, visit the Topeka Rotary Club

Website and click Facebook.

Documents

March 2009 - Web Extra - Embed