Hi everyone!
We had a terrific meeting last week, re-inaugurating our Student of the Month and hosting Rotary International President-Elect Larry Lunsford. Our attendance near the high for the term too!
Don't forget our Suggestion Box in back if you have any ideas for programs, service projects or other matters.
Don't forget our Suggestion Box in back if you have any ideas for programs, service projects or other matters.
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Signature Projects:
* Common Table was last Tuesday and 5 Rotarians and a guest volunteered serving meals. The next shift will be October 13th.
* Community CARES Chest had 9 agencies last week, and it will be open Wednesday 8-10 AM and 1-3PM. Thanks to the 3 Rotarians and a guest that made it happen.
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The meeting started with singing My Country 'Tis of Thee with Dr. Roger Reitz on piano, and reciting The 4-Way Test.
We had 10 guests, including visiting 5 Rotarians, and one of our speakers, Viri Barraza-Rivas.
We had 10 guests, including visiting 5 Rotarians, and one of our speakers, Viri Barraza-Rivas.
Greeters Bob and Tracey DeBruyn ceded their introductions this week, to make time for the full program.
September's theme is Basic Education & Literacy, with our CUP Money going to Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
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I introduced the kickstart of a new KSU Student of the Month recognition award, with Rotarian James Wiser, Dean of Libraries at KSU, introducing the first honoree, Viridiana (Viri) Barraza-Rivas, who works at Hale Library. Dr. Wiser pointed out her dedication to her studies and to helping others - emblazed in our 4-Way Test!.
Viri thanked the Club and expressed surprise of being the first one chosen! She plans to pursue a career in education after she completes her degree, and was presented with a certificate and 4-Way Test coin; RI President-Elect Lunsford joined us in the photo. Congratulations!
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Vern Henricks then introduced our speaker, Rotary International's President-Elect Larry Lansford, of the Kansas City Plaza Club. A CPA, he got his accounting degrees at Truman State University in Missouri.
He started his career in Rotary with a Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship in 1981-82 in Australia and learned early on to "Say Yes to Rotary because Rotary's always said Yes to him". He and his wife Jill have 2 grown children and 1½ grands, and are major donors to Rotary.
He started his career in Rotary with a Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship in 1981-82 in Australia and learned early on to "Say Yes to Rotary because Rotary's always said Yes to him". He and his wife Jill have 2 grown children and 1½ grands, and are major donors to Rotary.
He's held a number of leadership positions in civic and philanthropical organizations over the years, and has given back his alma mater in various ways. He joined the Rotary Club of KC Plaza in 1991 and has served countless club, district, Rotary Foundation and RI committees since.
Even before the meeting began, Larry the rounds of meeting members and speaking with every one, eye-to-eye. This included our young Rotaractor Sasha Lapshova and her mother Antonina, octogenarians Dr. Roger Reitz and John Walters, and old friends from both MRC and the Konza Club.
Even before the meeting began, Larry the rounds of meeting members and speaking with every one, eye-to-eye. This included our young Rotaractor Sasha Lapshova and her mother Antonina, octogenarians Dr. Roger Reitz and John Walters, and old friends from both MRC and the Konza Club.
After starting, Larry applauded us for singing at the start of meetings, saying not many clubs still do. He noted our Club's weekly book donation and said he hopes to make basic education and literacy a hallmark of his RI tenure.
He related the process of selecting the RI President-Elect and how he'd been through it before being finally selected, and even serving on the Nominating Committee for his predecessors.
Larry shared with us Rotary's goal to increase membership by 10% to 1.25 million by its 125th anniversary in 2030, While much of that is outside the US, he called on us to see the value of Rotary in the US, and especially in Manhattan.
As he told us about a dizzying travel schedule ahead, Mike Heylin exclaimed "that's a lot", to which Larry said "Yes, it is a lot. Take that quote and put it in this week's bulletin" ... so there you go!
As he told us about a dizzying travel schedule ahead, Mike Heylin exclaimed "that's a lot", to which Larry said "Yes, it is a lot. Take that quote and put it in this week's bulletin" ... so there you go!
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In Larry's honor, we presented the children's book 'Give Back' to the Woodrow Wilson Elementary School.
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Thanks to Bob and Tracey DeBruyn and Bill Muir for greeting, Dr. Reitz for piano, and Viri for getting our renewed SOTM going, and Larry for encouraging us all about the values of Rotary.
Eric Dragotto & Tom Roberts will greet this week, and our speaker will be Melanie Highsmith, from the Riley County Historical Museum, speaking about Harry Wareham.
In Larry's honor, we presented the children's book 'Give Back' to the Woodrow Wilson Elementary School.
*****
Thanks to Bob and Tracey DeBruyn and Bill Muir for greeting, Dr. Reitz for piano, and Viri for getting our renewed SOTM going, and Larry for encouraging us all about the values of Rotary.
Eric Dragotto & Tom Roberts will greet this week, and our speaker will be Melanie Highsmith, from the Riley County Historical Museum, speaking about Harry Wareham.
Lunch RSVP: click https://manhattancc.surveysparrow.com/s/Rotary-Club/tt-deafc2 to register by Wednesday 9/16/2026. Lunch is served at 11:30AM for $12.
Attend via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87387499653?pwd=eVdYZ29zdDhnQ0MrZWVXMklPNC9IQT09 - Meeting ID: 873 8749 9653 / Passcode: 280408
Attend via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87387499653?pwd=eVdYZ29zdDhnQ0MrZWVXMklPNC9IQT09 - Meeting ID: 873 8749 9653 / Passcode: 280408
I'm really looking to hearing more about Harry Wareham, a local icon, and I want to encourage you to continue inviting guests to join us.
Shelley
Shelley Carver, President
(cell) 785-317-7606
shelleycarver0576@gmail.com
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Opportunities to Participate:
Opportunities to Participate:
* Rotary on Tap
Please join us and Konza Club at Sunset Zoo on Tuesday, October 13th, 2-6 PM. Free zoo exhibits starts at 2 for Members and families. Refreshments will be served 4-6 with a cash bar. Duane Dunn is in charge.
* Club Mental Health First Aid
We will participate in our first Mental Health First Aid this coming October 3rd (Saturday) at Pawnee Mental Health Services. Vernon Turner will have more information soon.
We will pack meals packs again this year on Friday 9/25 from 12-2 PM at Pottorf Hall. Please RSVP with Jayson Cyr.
* 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's
Meadowlark's Walk is coming up on Saturday October 3rd. You can volunteer to help on ClubRunner.
* 2026-27 District 5710 Annual Conference
The District Annual Conference will be held in Manhattan October 23-24 at the DoubleTree Inn; details will come soon.
* Essence of India National Immunization
RI will be immunizing in Agra, India from 10/22 to 11/3/2026. Link details: https://worldpolioday.agratajmahalrotary.org/
* CAAHT (Community Action Again Human Trafficking) Club
Monthly meetings are at noon on first and third Tuesdays on Zoom. For info contact Sharon Sullivan or Patti Mellard: sharon.sullivan@washburn.edu / patti@keystaffing.com
Monthly meetings are at noon on first and third Tuesdays on Zoom. For info contact Sharon Sullivan or Patti Mellard: sharon.sullivan@washburn.edu / patti@keystaffing.com
Opportunities to Contribute:
* September Cup Money - Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
Mail it to Manhattan Rotary Club, PO Box 331, Manhattan, KS 66505-0331, or the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, 555 Poyntz, Suite 269, Manhattan, KS 66502, with the memo saying, ‘Rotary Club Cup Money.’
You may also contribute Cup Money via Venmo with QR Code:
* Rotary Foundation - To make contributions:
1) Go on-line to www.rotary.org and click Donate and then Annual Fund. You sign in to pay.
2) Send a check to the Rotary Foundation at:
Rotary Foundation, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693 -or- Manhattan Rotary Club, PO Box 331, Manhattan KS 66505.
3) Write a check to Rotary Foundation and give it to Liz or Janet at a meeting.
1) Go on-line to www.rotary.org and click Donate and then Annual Fund. You sign in to pay.
2) Send a check to the Rotary Foundation at:
Rotary Foundation, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693 -or- Manhattan Rotary Club, PO Box 331, Manhattan KS 66505.
3) Write a check to Rotary Foundation and give it to Liz or Janet at a meeting.
Opportunities to Show Rotary Pride:
* Complete your Profile in My Rotary
* Complete your Profile in My Rotary
Fill in your biography in My Rotary to share your background, Rotary programs and professional expertise.
Go to https://my.rotary.org and click My Profile.
Go to https://my.rotary.org and click My Profile.
* Rotary Merch
You can find Rotary clothing, membership items and other gear at Russell Hampton online: http://bestclubsupplies.com
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