President Mitzi's Weekly Update

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

Last Thursday Tom Hawk greeted members and guests. 

Katharine Hensler provided a "Membership Moment" announcing that we have exceeded our membership goal this year and the Membership Committee will be hosting a New Member Orientation on April 24, 5:30 P.M. at the Tallgrass Taphouse. 

It was a pleasure to host Kimora Lewis, a senior at Manhattan High, as our Rotary Student of the Month. Introduced by Rebecca Gould, affectionately known as "Kim," she relocated to Manhattan from Texas. Kim's journey is guided by her late parents' legacy as military veterans, as she currently resides with her devoted grandparents.  Graciously accepting the recognition, Kim expressed her gratitude to the members. She also shared her exciting news of being awarded a full scholarship to Wichita State University. Her aspirations to major in psychology and embark on a career path in social work and mental health underscore her commitment to serving others and making a meaningful impact.

Randy Peterson introduced our program speaker Kathy Ray, Executive Director of the Crisis Center.  Kathy provided a comprehensive overview of the Crisis Center's programs and services. In 1979 local citizens formed the organization to serve victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault.  Today, they continue to provide crisis intervention and counseling for individuals in Clay, Geary, Marshall and Pottawatomie, and Riley County.  Kathy shared a video of their new shelter that provides a safe home environment and healing atmosphere for victims and their children. All services provided are free and confidential.  Members asked Kathy excellent questions related to the scope and enormity of domestic violence.  During April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Kathy encouraged members to participate in Crisis Center events to end all forms of sexual violence and to support survivors in their healing journeys. In honor of Kathy's program, we will donate the children's book, "Grandma's Tipi", to the Amanda Arnold Elementary School Library.

On Sunday, our Rotaract Club was recognized by the Staley School of Leadership as the Kansas State University Outstanding Student Organization of the Year!  Rotaract Club Officers, Grace, Tanna, and Emi, joined by Deans Claudia Petrescu and Chris Culbertson.  Congratulations!!

Announcements included that the Community Cares Chest continues to be on 'pause.'  Volunteers will be notified via email as soon as the next truck load of products is delivered.

All were encouraged to celebrate the 156 birthday of Paul Harris with Rotarians from around the world on Friday, April 25.

The  MANHATTAN ROTARY CLUB SURVEY link remains open as the Board Members and Committee Chairs continue to seek membership input and ideas as we make plans for the new year beginning in July. 

GROW GREEN MATCH DAY is today! To make your contributions stop by all day at Colony Square Atrium or at the Meadowlark Hills Prairie Star Restaurant from 11-2.

Next Thursday, our program speaker will be Aaron Stewart, Manhattan Parks & Recreation Director.

Wishing you all a productive week ahead, 

Mitzi

P.S. This week's greeters are Vern Henricks and Katharine Hensler.

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.