Hoping this note finds you well and had an awesome May Day!
It is officially Spring in Kansas with many weather changes along the way; this is one thing that we can always count on for sure. I have enjoyed seeing trees in bloom, flowers readying to bloom, hearing children’s laughter in the park nearby, and the beautiful sunshine when we are lucky enough to get it. As with the weather, Rotary is ever changing as well; we are always working towards one thing or another in each of our clubs; I hope that club president lines are working together to ensure seamless transitions over the next couple of months. This is one of the things our club leadership teams should be thinking about as we move towards our new year.
A few other things I would ask you to think about…
First and foremost, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. To support this, I have mailed green ribbon pins to every Rotarian in the district (via club presidents). I do hope that every Rotarian will sport their pin and when someone asks, “What does your pin stand for?” you can proudly say we, in Rotary District 5710, support Mental Health Awareness.
Mental Health Awareness has been observed in the United States since 1949 and was started by Mental Health America. The theme for this year’s mental health awareness is “Empowering Your Mental Health.” One very important thing that you can share with someone you think is struggling with a mental health issue is that they are not alone. Many people suffer in silence and are just looking to get through one day at a time. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine (800-950-6264) is available Monday-Friday 10am – 10pm, EST; individuals may also text NAMI to 62640 or chat online. And, if someone is experiencing an extremely severe crisis, individuals may call or text 988 (24/7). A fact sheet regarding “988” may be found here; this may be copied and shared.
Please keep these important numbers handy so you can help someone in need reach out to someone who can help. The fight against mental illness is an epidemic in our nation, and we need to do all we can to help folks help themselves, especially here in our great state of Kansas.
Second, we are still planning our family night at the ballpark with the Monarchs (at the Legends) and hoping you can join us for a fun night. Details are outlined later in the newsletter and/or you may register by clicking here. Let’s plan on meeting for an evening of fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Rotary and of course, friends are always welcome.
Last but not least, we are still trying to raise money to support The Rotary Foundation and Polio Plus. I am so thankful for your pocket change for polio contributions; please ensure you report them using the form attached here. I would also appreciate it if you would provide me with the total amount of change your club has collected; I am tracking these amounts and am still hoping we can have 100 percent of our clubs donate to Polio Plus. Your generous contributions will go a long way in supporting both the Rotary Foundation and eradicating polio off the face of the earth. Donations for the Rotary Foundation may be made with this form.
As always, thanks for all you do for your communities, and our district. I look forward to seeing many of you soon; I know we have nineteen district Rotarians registered for the RI Convention in Calgary so we will make our presence known there for sure. Be sure to plan on stopping by our Rotary Club of Community Action Against Human Trafficking and our End Forced Harvesting Satellite Rotary Club booth at the convention, and if you can help “man” the booth for an hour or so during the convention, please let me know.
Hope each of you has a wonderful month ahead and to see you at the ballpark on Wednesday, 28 May!
During last month which wrapped up and promoted the importance of World Immunization Week, 24-30 April, District 5710 clubs made great progress toward our commitment to help the Polio Plus Fund meet the challenge of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s $2 Match for every Rotary Dollar up to $50 Million. While many of our clubs have not only set, but met, and even exceeded their Polio Plus Goals for 2024-2025, there are still opportunities and enough time for the clubs and members who have yet to donate this year to make that added commitment. No matter how small or how large a donation your club can make to the Polio Fund before June 30th brings Rotary closer to utilizing every $1 of the Gates Match. Remember that every $1 we donate will protect one more child from ever having Polio. Add up those DIMES and Nickles in your Club’s “POCKET CHANGE FOR POLIO” Jar and prepare to send them to RIF’s Polio Fund by the end of May. Recall how important those $millions of dimes donated to the “March of Dimes” were to the development of the Polio Vaccine and the end of Polio in the USA!
We need to continue vaccinating the rest of the world’s children against polio every year until the disease is completely eradicated, because polio anywhere is a threat everywhere.
Our District 5710 Leadership set a great example back in October on World Polio Day by sending $30,000 of our District Designated Funds (DDF) to PolioPlus to help meet our District’s Goal of donating more this year than 5710 donated last year. It is not too late for members and clubs to use the remaining weeks and months of this Rotary Year to make extra fundraising efforts and send your donations to Polio Plus. Remember, it is truly easy to make your personal donation by opening your MY.ROTARY.ORG account and use Rotary Direct for a onetime or recurring donation to Polio Plus.
Thank you for helping to keep the promise we made to children everywhere...a polio free world.
Feel free to email, call or text your District 5710 Polio Plus Co-Chairs if you have any questions, need to schedule a status presentation for your club or want fundraising ideas.
As our incredible inbound students prepare to return to their home countries, we wanted to highlight a truly special American tradition that many of them had the chance to experience — prom night. This memorable event is more than just a dance; it’s a celebration of friendship, new beginnings, and the vibrant spirit of American high school culture. From elegant gowns and dapper suits to joyful dances and heartfelt moments, prom night has created lasting memories for our students, marking the culmination of their exchange journey.
Seeing them dressed up and sharing these joyful moments has been a highlight of this year’s program. These photos capture the excitement, laughter, and camaraderie that define their experience here. As they prepare to say goodbye and head back home, we hope these memories will stay with them forever, reminding them of the kindness, friendship, and cultural exchange that have enriched their lives. We are proud of all they’ve accomplished and look forward to hearing about their continued adventures around the world!
If you have any questions about the Youth Exchange Program, please feel free to reach out to one of us:
The numbers from our Gathering For Good are showing up on Rotary International website now. What a difference this has made for our Annual Fund – SHARE giving this year! As of May 1, 2025, we have, as a district, given 99% of what we contributed last year to TRF Annual fund and 74% to Polio Plus. With two months left in our Rotary year, we are getting very close to matching or exceeding our numbers from last year. We have already exceeded our per capita Annual Fund giving from last year at $131.87! Over 79% of our clubs have donated at least something to one of the Rotary Foundation areas and we are all very delighted you did. If you have not made your contribution to TRF yet this year, I would encourage you to do so before June 30th. I know there are a few clubs that have mentioned they have Foundation fundraisers coming up in the next couple of months. We wish you much success in your efforts to raise more funds for TRF. If the Foundation committee can assist in any way, please feel free to reach out to us.
Thanks to our Endowment/Major Gifts committee, led by Roger Aeschliman, we have contributed 85% to the Endowment fund compared to last year. This is an amazing accomplishment considering last year our Endowment giving was more than what we gave in the four prior years COMBINED! Our Million Dollar Challenge has encouraged some of our wonderful members in D5710 to step up and invest in the future of Rotary. We cannot thank you enough for making the decision to contribute funds that will sustain our organization and district for our youth who will benefit from your generosity! If you are in a position to make a gift to the Endowment, please see a member of this committee. There are several ways you can make a gift and anyone of these members would be happy to help you discover ways that you can leave a legacy that will benefit humankind worldwide.
We now have 8 Global Grants in various stages of implementation or formation. Three of these grants are WASH projects with two them being implemented now. We have two grants that focus on Child and Maternal Health with one of those being implemented right now. We have one grant that was just approved focusing on Economic Development in Uganda with the goal of reducing gender based violence through teaching vocational skills. We have another grant that was just approved focusing on Peace and Conflict Resolution in Taiwan that will fund anti-discrimination teaching for students and educators. The eighth one is for our Global Grant scholar, Anna McCartan, which is waiting for approval. We also have another Global Grant that should be submitted soon for Dignity Kits in Uganda. It is great to see all the activity happening across the globe that our funds are supporting!
Thank you for all of your efforts this year! I hope all of your remaining fundraising efforts are fruitful and fun!
The purpose of the Paul Harris Society is to identify, engage, and thank members who have the ability and desire to make substantial annual gifts to help communities close to home and around the world. A PHS member contributes at least $1,000 annually to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund or approved global grants. During this Rotary year, 19 Rotarians have made the commitment and three were in the last two weeks.
Also, I have contacted PHS members who have been eligible but have not fulfilled their commitment in recent years. This will help Rotary maintain accurate records so please do reply. We understand Rotarians go through life changes and there may be times commitments need adjusting.
4. Complete the form on the District 5710 website HERE.
5. Email Jennifer Berquist, the district coordinator, at jkberquist@gmail.com and she will email or mail you the form (whichever is your preference).
ROTARY DIRECT
Whether you donate to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) monthly, quarterly, or annually, we highly recommend using Rotary Direct. It is simple to initiate, and you do not have to think about it again, unless you need to update your payment information.
Please consider setting up Rotary Direct at $84/month and you will achieve a Paul Harris Fellow award annually. Here is the Rotary Direct link for your convenience: https://my.rotary.org/en/rotary-direct.
Income tax season has once again come and gone, leaving a lot of us shell-shocked by our federal and state income tax burden. If you could give money away to an amazing charity and pay less income tax at the same time, would you consider it?
There are great income producing and/or income tax savings techniques for Rotary gifting. Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Gift Annuities, charitable distributions from an IRA, life insurance, and gifting of appreciated stocks or art or real estate all can work to your benefit, if you have a heart for the cause. Charitable Gift Annuities especially have a high value for Rotarians who might be getting a little long in the tooth. Depending on your age, an annuity can be purchased giving you an immediate income tax deduction and then PAYING you 6, 7, 8, or even 9% annually, with the remainder going to the Rotary Foundation at your passing.
Rotary International professionals Eric Thompson (219-712-4852) or Lizzy King (847-866-3017 or Elizabeth.King@rotary.org) are eager to visit with anyone about making a major gift or funding the Rotary endowment. Me too.
A dedicated team of District volunteers are eager to come speak to your club membership about major gifts, polio, the annual fund, and the Million Dollar Challenge for District 5710. Please reach out to me so we can schedule a speaker who can talk about the importance of the Rotary Foundation and how your contribution can ensure the future of Rotary in our Northeast Kansas district.
Call me at 785-267-8782 (daytime work) or raeschliman@corefirstbank.com (same) to connect and get energized about the Rotary International Foundation.
District 5710 End Forced Organ Harvesting Rotary Satellite Club warmly invites fellow Rotarians to the compelling documentary screenings of "State Organs" at the upcoming Rotary International Convention in Calgary.
1. Date:Monday 23, June 2025
Time:1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Event Name: "State Organs" Documentary film screening
This is the month when the final work occurs for Rotary Peace Fellow nominations. Applicants are interviewed and the District committee determines whether to write and submit a letter of recommendation for the applicant(s). In addition, the Rotary Peace Fellow committee at the international level can ask a district to interview and potentially endorse a peace fellow applicant from around the world. More about the Rotary Peace Fellowship is available from the Rotary website.
District 5710 funds a Rotary Global Grant Scholarship every two years. The District interviews were held in Lawrence, KS, on Saturday February 8th. We selected one scholarship winner, Ms. Anna McCartan from Leawood, KS.
Anna is finishing her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry/Data Science at Notre Dame University in Indiana. Anna will depart in late August to pursue a MS degree in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at the University College Cork in Cork, Ireland. Anna will represent District 5710 very well.
We hope to finish the online application for Anna’s global grant scholarship in the RI system during the first week of May and then wait for final approval.
Thanks to District 5710 leadership for funding the Global Grant Scholarship program. It is always exciting to have an excellent scholar studying abroad and representing District 5710.
After meeting with other members of the 2025 PETS/PELS Committee in early April, we reviewed the survey data from the participants who attended Heartland PETS/PELS in Salina. Respondents reported that the curriculum, breakout sessions, facilitated discussions, and guest speaker agendas provided them with information that will be helpful as they are handed the gavel and assume their club presidency in July.
RLI
We had a full class of 12 participants at the RLI (Rotary Learning Institute) 4-5 April 25 hosted by the Rotary Club of Topeka. The hybrid design included: A Friday ZOOM mtg from 5:30-8:30 PM, and an in-person session on Saturday from approximately 8:30 AM-4:30 PM. A special thanks to many 5710 Rotary leaders who facilitated sessions: PDGs Stephanie Meyer and Faron Barr, DGN Michelle Sink, ADG Larry Martin, District Membership Chair Zach Ahrens, and RLI Facilitator Tom Gray. DG Tamara Sevcik and DGE Chuck Udell attended the sessions and offered some valuable perspectives.
Remember to let us know if your club is interested in hosting (providing a conference room/site and access to lunch) for an RLI (Rotary Leadership Institute).
KLC 2025
Please review the 2025 Kansas Leadership Center scholarship opportunities below. These leadership courses provide continuing professional development that will benefit you professionally and personally. Attached below you will find the descriptions of the KLC program sequence of courses and the virtual and in person options and dates. To register for a class, follow the instructions using the link and passcode on the attached pages below.
2025 District 5710 Leadership Transformation Grants
District 5710 and 5680 have each been awarded 25 grants to participate in the programs of the Kansas Leadership Center. The Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) is a non-profit organization committed to fostering leadership for stronger, healthier and more prosperous Kansas communities.
The KLC offers three programs that build on each other:
•When Everyone Leadsis the introductory one-day program that focuses on personal leadership competencies. It focuses on leadership as an activity – recognizing that every individual has the capacity to lead. It helps participants stretch and grow their leadership while addressing their toughest challenges.
•Your Leadership Edgeis the seminal, two-day deep dive into individual leadership for those who have completed When Everyone Leads. It focuses on helping leaders understand how to move out of their comfort zone and engage in meaningful leadership. It centers on the KLC’s leadership framework based on Five Guiding Principles and Four Profound Competencies.
•Lead For Changeis reserved for teams who have already completed the other two KLC courses. It is an immersive, three-day training that must be experienced in a team.
Who Should Attend?
Each club should consider sending up and coming leaders from their club and community. The virtual sessions are an ideal option. Leaders who have done the first program should consider the second program.
How To Register To Sign Up for When Everyone Leads or Your Leadership Edge, we ask that you do two things:
1.Visit the KLC website at: www.kansasleadershipcenter.org. Create a personal account and register using the passcode Rotary2025 to waive the tuition fee.
2.Notify District Learning Facilitators, of your interest in order that we might track Rotarians who are taking advantage of this grant. * If you have a team to enroll in Lead For Change, please contact us before doing so.
The Bonner Springs Rotary Club awarded six $1,000 scholarships to students in USD 204. The Club raised these funds mainly through our annual Tiblow Trot race and secured another part through a District grant. The 2025 Tiblow Trot will be held on August 23rd https://tiblowtrot.com/
From left to right in photo:
Bruce Coleman - Bonner Springs Rotary Club President
Rachel Beck – Robert Clark Memorial Scholarship
Jada Houston – Del Hininger Memorial Scholarship
Madison Maynard – Bonner Springs Rotary Club Scholarship
Hudson Razak – Richard Burns Memorial Scholarship
Jacob Robinson – Del Coleman Memorial Scholarship
Drake DeLeon – Darrell Donahue Memorial Scholarship
We also inducted Jan Rinker into our club. She is an employee of local business Cool Heat KC.
RC of Community Action Against Human Trafficking (CAAHT) used their District Grant funds to make Rotary Cares kits for women who are victims of sex trafficking and/or sexual exploitation. Members assembled duffel bags of essential needs, including clothing, body wash, hair and oral care items, and a fleece blanket. The 20 care kits will be distributed through the Intersection to Care Global Grant project that assists vulnerable women leaving incarceration.
CAAHT members also assembled Rescue Kits for Teens. This project provided 18 backpacks for runaway youth rescued by the KS Dept of Children and Families (DCF). The DCF Special Response team recovers and cares for at-risk, exploited runaway youth. When they are recovered they have nothing but the clothes on their backs, making them vulnerable to additional exploitation.
The Rescue kits meet four needs of our target community:
1) Immediate access to a gift card to get food,
2) Basic clothing and grooming necessities, immediately reducing their risk of additional exploitation in the near future,
3) Establishes trust between the youth and the team,
4) Demonstrates to vulnerable and victimized youth that there are people in our community that care about their wellbeing.
Rising Stars of Wyandotte: Rotary Club Honors Inspiring Young Leaders
The future is bright in Wyandotte County—and it was on full display at the recent Kansas City, Kansas Rotary Club scholarship presentations.
Each spring, high schools across Wyandotte County nominate one outstanding male and one outstanding female student to represent their school in the Rotary Club’s annual scholarship program. These students are selected not just for academic achievement, but for their commitment to leadership, service, and community impact—hallmarks of the Rotary’s guiding principle: Service Above Self.
At a recent Rotary Club meeting, these impressive young leaders shared powerful personal stories, outlining their backgrounds, school and volunteer activities, leadership roles, and future aspirations. Club members evaluated each student based on a written essay and a live presentation. It was a morning filled with heartfelt reflections, inspiring visions, and a shared commitment to community betterment.
“The students truly blew us away,” said one club member. “They are already making a difference in their schools and neighborhoods—and they’re just getting started.”
At the end of the program, the Rotary Club awarded $1,000 scholarships to the top-rated male and female nominees. This year’s winners were selected for their exceptional character, dedication to service, and clear passion for giving back.
The scholarship program not only recognizes outstanding youth, but also reaffirms the club’s mission to support and encourage future leaders who will shape Wyandotte County for the better. The Kansas City, Kansas Rotary Club is proud to stand behind these students as they continue their journeys of growth, leadership, and service.
With young leaders like these, the future of our community is in very good hands.
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Leavenworth, Bill Reukauf, shown here lighting his candle of commitment with sponsor, Mark Schoenemann. New member no longer…Rotarian Teana Hundley is happy about having her red new member ribbon removed by her sponsor, Marcia Irvine!
Several members of our club worked at Dillon’s Grocery Store collecting non-perishable food items and cash donations in support of the Catholic Charities Food Pantry; thanks to our community, we collected 1900 pounds of food and approximately $650 in cash donations for the pantry. Rotarian Tony Martens was thrilled to draw the Joker out of the deck at a recent meeting; he won $1655 which he in turn donated to our local Foundation to support our youth literacy and education programs…looking on is Assistant Parliamentarian, Dave Maggard.
Our club was recognized for 25 years of community service for Meals on Wheels deliveries last week at the Council on Aging. Thanks for leading this twice a week effort, Timothy Vandall.
On April 26, Rotarians from the Manhattan and Konza Rotary Clubs volunteered at Homestead Ministries—a safe haven for women who have left the sex trafficking industry or experienced domestic violence. In under three hours, they power washed a fence, painted a railing, swept out a garage, mowed, cleared limbs and brush, cleaned out a van, and completed other tasks.
Local nonprofits and agencies continue to benefit from the Community Cares Chest. In April, over 30 organizations picked up clothing, office supplies, jewelry, hygiene products, perfume, and more—allowing them to save funds for other essential needs. The Chest was temporarily closed for part of April due to construction and maintenance around the building.
Big check presentations were given to Common Table and the Alzheimer's Foundation.
Chris Culbertson recognized Rotary anniversaries: Bill Richter (44 years), Tom Eyestone (30 years), and Stormy Kennedy (15 years).
Thirty Rotarians contributed over $4,600 (excluding the 50% match) during Grow Green Match Day, organized by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.
Mitzi Richards presented the Nominating Committee’s slate of officers during Club Assembly. Chris Culbertson was elected President, Shelley Carver as President-Elect, Randy Peterson as Past President, and Tom Giller as Vice President. New Committee Chairs include Lori Feldkamp (Membership) and Jayson Cyr (Service). Returning Chairs continue to lead Meeting Technology, Public Image, Youth Leadership, and the Rotary Foundation. The Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and Secretary roles were reaffirmed.
April is a time of visual change from brown to black to green in Manhattan and the Flint Hills, as we witness the surrounding tall grass being burned and start growing. With the days getting longer and warmer, our Konza Rotary Club has been hard at work bringing fresh energy and service to our community this April. We kicked off Earth Day Month by rolling up our sleeves with two cleanup projects in town. We toured, planned, and gave to worthy causes. And we listened to community members as they shared their expertise in various areas we all need to know.
April Cup Collection was for Thrive! Thrive! is a nonprofit organization serving Manhattan, KS, and nearby communities, dedicated to helping individuals create positive change in their lives.
Several memmbers of the Konza Rotary Club came together to clean up sections of the Linear Trail, demonstrating their commitment to community service and environmental stewardship. Armed with gloves, trash bags, and plenty of energy, volunteers spent the morning removing debris and making the trail safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Their efforts reflect the Rotary spirit of taking action to create positive, lasting change in our community.
Tour of Riley County Jail
Rotary Club members toured the Riley County Jail to gain firsthand insight into its daily operations and challenges. During the visit, they engaged with staff to learn more about inmate rehabilitation programs and discuss how the Rotary can support community safety and reentry initiatives.
Our future Rotarian Presidents, Di Hinrichs and Mark Rose, shared with the club what they learned at the District 5710 President-Elect Learning Seminar (PELS).
Konza Club Board Meeting
Our President-Elect, Di Hinrichs, led the Board Retreat held on April 10. We discussed plans for the 2025-26 Manhattan Konza Rotary Club year starting July 1. We need a few members to fill board seats for treasurer and program chair. Please reach out to Di if you are interested in serving on the board.
Club members attended the District 5710 Gathering for Good event in Lawrence. Michelle Sink and Joan Pierce (in photo) were glad to be part of raising over $30,000 for the Rotary Foundation.
Greater Manhattan Community Foundation hosted the 13th Annual Grow Green Match Day on April 22, inviting donors to support local nonprofits through a one-day giving event. Our Konza Rotary Club rallied supporters to contribute $3,200 toward Water Matters Day. With a 50% match applied, our total impact swelled to $6,400 in total. We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated!
Club members served at our monthly time at the Common Table on April 22. Those who partake in this meal are grateful for this free provision for anyone in the community.
On Saturday, April 26, volunteers diligently cleaned the outside at Homestead Assisted Living. We appreciate Derron Borders, Rob Wild, and Ben Kohl from Konza Rotary and Rebecca Gould and Steven Graham from the Manhattan Rotary Club, who gave of their time.
Our speakers for April included:
Jamie Bosse, Financial Planner with CGN Advisors on April 4. Jamie shared about Money Boss Mom operations and provided financial advice to the group.
On April 11, we gathered at the Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC) to tour their expanded Advanced Technology Center. Michelle Mackeprang, MATC Director of Admissions, guided the group throughout 3 specialized areas.
USD 383 School Board Members, Katie Allen and Kristin Brighton, communicated on April 18 the implications of excessive screen time and the effect it is having on our youth’s mental health.
On April 25, Carson Kober, Executive Director of Sunflower Children’s Collective, talked about how her teams work to prevent and eliminate child abuse and neglect while reducing their impact on children and families.
The Manhattan Konza Rotary Club plans to do the following in May.
- Friends of the Kaw 2nd Annual Little Apple Big Blue Riverbank clean-up
- Help with the Bill Snyder Highway Half Marathon and 5K Run
- Serve meals to those who are food insecure with the Common Table
May will bring us the following guest speakers for our Friday morning meetings.
May 2 -Tracy Anderson, Anderson Knight Architects, History & Growth of Anderson Knight Architects
May 9 - Gene Taylor, K-State Athletic Director, Future of K-State Sports regarding NIL, Transfer Portal, and Revenue Sharing.
May 16 - Allyn Weddle, Owner of Weddle & Sons, Inc. Roofing, History and growth of Weddle & Sons, Inc. Roofing
May 30 - Aaron Wall, Executive Director at First Tee, First Tee Program
A big Overland Park Rotary Congratulations to Adlyn Mieras and Jack Melcher for being recipients of scholarships for their work in the Blue Valley CAPS program. Adlyn and Jack are exceptional, not only academically but philanthropically as well! Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) programs are nationally recognized, innovative high school programs. Students fast forward into their future and are fully immersed in a professional culture, solving real world problems, using industry standard tools and are mentored by actual employers, all while receiving high school and college credit. CAPS is an example of how business, community and public education can partner to produce personalized learning experiences that educate the workforce of tomorrow, especially in high-skill, high-demand jobs.
As we prepare for our key fundraiser of the year, “KC Crawfish Festival”, we want to extend the invite to all Rotarians and friends to come enjoy Zydeco music by Ernest James Zydeco Band and all you can eat crawfish, BBQ pork with all the Cajun fixings you could want! Don’t forget the beer and wine and specialty drinks. Proceeds benefit Growing Futures Early Education Center.Buy tickets at www.kccrawfishfestival.com.
For over 10 years, Pegah’s Restaurant has been serving our club a delicious and hearty breakfast every week. Most everything is cooked on site and / or made to order. But equally impressive are their friendship, generosity and professionalism. As a recognition, each was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow from the Rotary Club of Shawnee. They were pleasantly surprised by this considerable acknowledgment.
pins to every Rotarian in the district (via club presidents). I do hope that every Rotarian will sport their pin and when someone asks, “What does your pin stand for?” you can proudly say we, in Rotary District 5710, support Mental Health Awareness. 
has been observed in the United States since 1949 and was started by Mental Health America. The theme for this year’s mental health awareness is “Empowering Your Mental Health.” One very important thing that you can share with someone you think is struggling with a mental health issue is that they are not alone. Many people suffer in silence and are just looking to get through one day at a time. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine (800-950-6264) is available Monday-Friday 10am – 10pm, EST; individuals may also text NAMI to 62640 or chat online. And, if someone is experiencing an extremely severe crisis, individuals may call or text 988 (24/7). A fact sheet regarding “988” may be found 
with the Monarchs (at the Legends) and hoping you can join us for a fun night. Details are outlined later in the newsletter and/or you may register by 
Wild Poliovirus Weekly Update
Are you attending the 2025 RI Convention?
RLI
We also inducted Jan Rinker into our club. She is an employee of local business Cool Heat KC. 
CAAHT members also assembled Rescue Kits for Teens. This project provided 18 backpacks for runaway youth rescued by the KS Dept of Children and Families (DCF). The DCF Special Response team recovers and cares for at-risk, exploited runaway youth. When they are recovered they have nothing but the clothes on their backs, making them vulnerable to additional exploitation.
On April 26, Rotarians from the Manhattan and Konza Rotary Clubs volunteered at Homestead Ministries—a safe haven for women who have left the sex trafficking industry or experienced domestic violence. In under three hours, they power washed a fence, painted a railing, swept out a garage, mowed, cleared limbs and brush, cleaned out a van, and completed other tasks.
Local nonprofits and agencies continue to benefit from the Community Cares Chest. In April, over 30 organizations picked up clothing, office supplies, jewelry, hygiene products, perfume, and more—allowing them to save funds for other essential needs. The Chest was temporarily closed for part of April due to construction and maintenance around the building.
Club members attended the District 5710 Gathering for Good event in Lawrence. Michelle Sink and Joan Pierce (in photo) were glad to be part of raising over $30,000 for the Rotary Foundation.
A big Overland Park Rotary Congratulations to Adlyn Mieras and Jack Melcher for being recipients of scholarships for their work in the Blue Valley CAPS program. Adlyn and Jack are exceptional, not only academically but philanthropically as well! Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) programs are nationally recognized, innovative high school programs. Students fast forward into their future and are fully immersed in a professional culture, solving real world problems, using industry standard tools and are mentored by actual employers, all while receiving high school and college credit. CAPS is an example of how business, community and public education can partner to produce personalized learning experiences that educate the workforce of tomorrow, especially in high-skill, high-demand jobs.
As we prepare for our key fundraiser of the year, “KC Crawfish Festival”, we want to extend the invite to all Rotarians and friends to come enjoy Zydeco music by Ernest James Zydeco Band and all you can eat crawfish, BBQ pork with all the Cajun fixings you could want! Don’t forget the beer and wine and specialty drinks. Proceeds benefit Growing Futures Early Education Center. Buy tickets at 
For over 10 years, Pegah’s Restaurant has been serving our club a delicious and hearty breakfast every week. Most everything is cooked on site and / or made to order. But equally impressive are their friendship, generosity and professionalism. As a recognition, each was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow from the Rotary Club of Shawnee. They were pleasantly surprised by this considerable acknowledgment..png)
