Weekly Update from President Scott Emley

Greetings Rotarians,

It's hard to believe its the middle of July and we are expecting overnight lows in the 50s & 60s with highs in the upper 70s & low 80s.  I don't know about you, but I'll take it!  Sorry to say the temperatures weren't quite as pleasant for Ben Johnson and other Rotarians who represented our club at last Saturday's Relay For Life event.  Hopefully we will have a recap from Ben at an upcoming meeting regarding the number of participants and the amount our club contributed to this most worthwhile cause.  The amount our club contributed as reported to me by Ben is amazing, yet very characteristic of our club.  Thank you Ben and everyone else who represented our club to help with efforts in finding a cure for cancer.  Thank you to everyone who contributed.

Last week's meeting featured something I don't recall happening at a club meeting.  Not that it hasn't happened before, but I cannot recall another time the introduction of our featured speaker also included the presentation of a Paul Harris Fellow.  Lyle Butler did a great job of weaving the Paul Harris Fellow presentation into his introduction of our speaker, John Armbrust.  Tom Fryer didn't do quite as well attempting to explain the reason John's wife was his guest at our meeting, yet I admire Tom for his creative attempt!  John discussed the possible downsizing of Ft. Riley and the impact that might have on the region.  John indicated complete details of the proposals and possibilities can be found by reading the Federal Register,  however he doesn't recommend this unless you are having trouble sleeping.  It sounds as if Ft. Riley may not suffer significant cuts, but anything is possible.  John encouraged all of us to get involved and offer comments during the public comment period which runs until August 25th.  He provided talking points for those interested in getting involved.  If you were not able to attend and want access to the talking points or contact information for public comments, I'm sure John will be happy to provide that information to you.

This week we will hear from Konza Club's very own Debra Rodenbaugh-Schaub, who also serves as our District Governor.   It should be interesting to hear what the latest news is from the District.  I will be in Chicago this Thursday attending a meeting and will not be able to attend our meeting.  President-Elect Betty Stevens will preside in my absence.  Thanks in advance to Betty for filling in and for all the others who make each week's meetings flow smoothly.  Every week several Rotarians come early and stay late to make sure everything is ready and operational for our weekly meeting.  It would not be possible to have the quality meetings we have without their efforts. 

I hope you can make it for lunch this Thursday!  See you all next week.


Scott Emley
Rotary Club of Manhattan