Dear Fellow Rotarians,

Last Thursday, Vern Henricks and Katharine Hensler warmly welcomed members and guests who braved a thunderstorm to attend Rotary. Charlie Hughes introduced his guest, Monte Miller, who has returned to live in Manhattan.

Vice President Chris Culbertson shared recent global Polio statistics, emphasizing the ongoing battle against polio in Afghanistan and Pakistan. He urged club members to sustain their annual support for Polio Plus and announced a matching gift of $500 for members who contribute this month.

Andy Bowen was reintroduced by George Ham following his return to Manhattan from Colorado. Andy, a former active member who served as Club Treasurer and sat on the Board of Directors, has resumed his role as a lead tax accountant with Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk & Loyd, LLC. All welcomed Andy back and look forward to his continued Rotary leadership.

Sue Maes introduced our program speaker, Aaron Stewart, Manhattan Parks and Recreation Director. Aaron discussed the department's efforts to address community recreation needs while managing escalating expenditures, highlighting the potential for expanding program revenue. He shared public data supporting the construction of an Aquatic Center and ongoing efforts to identify a suitable location within Manhattan City Park. Members engaged in a discussion about the Aquatic Center's scope, timeline, and potential impact on tax revenues. In honor of Aaron's presentation, we will donate the children's book "Bears are Best" to the Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School Library.

In other news, our Rotaract Club was recognized as the Kansas State University Outstanding Student Organization of the Year by the Staley School of Leadership. Congratulations to Rotaract Club Officers Grace, Tanna, and Emi, along with Deans Claudia Petrescu and Chris Culbertson!

Announcements included the continued pause of the Community Cares Chest program, with volunteers to be notified via email upon the next product delivery. The MANHATTAN ROTARY CLUB SURVEY link remains open for membership input and ideas as plans for the new year beginning in July are made.

We extended gratitude to all GROW GREEN MATCH DAY donors for their contributions to the GMCF Rotary Fund supporting local nonprofit services.

Thursday's program speaker will be Daphne McNelly from ATA Bus/Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency.

Wishing you all a productive week ahead!

Mitzi

P.S. This week's greeters are Mike Heylin and Eric Higgins.

1. Mail it to Manhattan Rotary Club, PO Box 331, Manhattan, KS  66505-0331. 
2. Send a check to the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, 555 Poyntz, Suite 269, Manhattan, KS 66502, with the memo saying, ‘Rotary Club Cup Money.’
3. You may also contribute Cup Money via Venmo. Use the QR Code below.