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Marie Coates - Managing Technology's Impact in a Technology-Driven World

Please join us this Friday, April 26 to hear from Marie Coates!

Marie Coates is a School Counselor at Washburn Rural High School, working with students who are in Special Education. Her time both as a classroom teacher and school counselor have provided an inside look into the growth and development of young minds in our society. In her presentation, "Managing Technology's Impact in a Technology-Driven World," Marie will highlight the effects the increase of technology and phone usage are playing in our modern society across generations. The presentation will explore practical strategies that empower you to incorporate intentional changes into your life, effectively manage technology usage, and cultivate a healthier balance with your phone.

Announcements will begin promptly at 7:45 am, with breakfast and coffee being served at 7:30 am!

This week's meeting will be held in person at the Brewster Place Cultural Arts Building, located at 900-B SW 31st Terrace, Topeka, KS 66611. Click here for directions using Google Maps.

Community Health Needs Assessment

The Community Health Needs Assessment helps Stormont Vail Health and its partners keep our finger on the pulse of Shawnee County’s most pressing needs. When you take the survey and share your voice, you make it possible for us to discover the ways we can improve your health.

If you live in Shawnee County, this survey is your chance to share your voice.

Available until April 30:

English: https://ow.ly/aulZ50QTrRL

Español: https://ow.ly/Plit50QTrRO

#CommunityHealth #Community #ShareYourVoice

Sole Mates - May 2

Rotarians,

Students arrive at 1pm. Pair up one-on-one with a child at Shoe Carnival and help them pick out their very own pair of brand new tennis shoes! The shoes are paid for from existing donations along with a District 5710 grant, so there is no monetary commitment for volunteers. Each event takes approximately 30 minutes.

When: 12 Volunteers are needed for this date:

May 2, 12:50pm

Where:

Shoe Carnival
1930 SW Wanamaker Rd

Why:

Sole Mates provides new shoes and socks to kids, allowing them to be better participants in activities and alleviates some issues that result from not having “the right things.” If shoes are not replaced often, they become a hospitable environment for bacteria to thrive. For many of the families serviced, shoes are handed down from child to child creating more opportunity for unsanitary situations. Short term effects of shoes that do not properly fit include blisters, pressure sores, & ingrown toe nails. Children could end up with deformities, posture problems, & joint issues.

A.J. Patterson

Sole Mates Chair

Rotary Youth Exchange Host Families

We have three excellent student applicants for the 24-25 school year who we are still trying to place with host families. Please help spread the word. More information can be provided to anyone interested.

· Rafael from Brazil will turn 16 shortly after he arrives. He loves debate so much that he gave up soccer to concentrate on it. He has debated at the Model United Nations in New York. In his spare time, he likes listening to music and playing video games or going to movies with friends. He also collaborates with his older brother in a digital marketing business. His father reports, “Maintaining a tidy room is second nature to him, and he willingly takes up tasks such as washing dishes and occasionally experimenting with cooking.”

· Ria from Germany will be 15½ when she arrives. She has a passion for sports and notes that she is "among the top 20 basketball players in Northern Germany". She also loves music and plays the guitar to express herself and find inspiration. Ria reports that she “adores animals and the connection they provide - whether it's the grace of horseback riding or the endless delight of my dog's company.” She is a member of the school paramedic team, and her dream is to become a surgeon.

· Magdalena from Austria will turn 16 in November. She lives with her family in a very small town where the family has a big garden and keeps bunnies, chickens, and four cats. Magdalena loves all animals except spiders, and she is a vegetarian. She is interested in the arts, especially drawing, and attends an art school. She wants to be a lawyer.

It is not necessary to be a Rotarian, to be married, nor to have children at home to be a host family for an exchange student. Host families come in all shapes and sizes. They may include young children, older children, or no children at all. We are looking for stable homes with nurturing host parent(s) to provide a safe and welcoming environment. Thanks for all of your help with Rotary Youth Exchange!

David Beck

D5710 RYE Inbound Coordinator

(785) 817-0144

Upcoming Events

TSR Golf Tournament: 6/14/24

TSR Pickleball Tournament: 6/29-30/24

More details to come!

Paying Dues with Zeffy

You can now pay the current quarter dues via Zeffy. The billing will show $155 for base dues. If you would like to pay the optional can money you can add that as an additional donation.

Zeffy Payments links for Topeka South Rotary

Membership - Quarterly Dues - April - June 2024

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/3a56104a-e1b1-4c3f-8620-92dbdb726c1f

Membership - Quarterly Dues - Jan -Mar 2024

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/c177ce48-429c-4d2e-8c77-7ecf82a92fab

Please reach out to Candy Williams if you have any questions.

Thanks!

Rotary Foundation Giving

Will You Help Us Reach our Goal for Rotary Foundation Giving?

As you know, Topeka South Rotary has been superior in meeting our goals that the board sets for our club each year.
One of those goals is for our club members is to contribute to the Rotary Foundation to meet our annual goal (for this
Rotary year our annual giving goal to the Foundation is $13,000).

You all should have received an email from Faron Barr on November 27, asking you to consider giving to the Rotary
Foundation in honor of Giving Tuesday. Faron included a lot of great information about the Foundation and its projects.
Even though Giving Tuesday is past, we hope that you consider a gift to the Foundation. I don’t know about you, but I
am always inclined to learn more about the Rotary Foundation, so in the next few months, you will be learning about
the Foundation as well through speakers and testimonials from our members that have given.

So, my ask to you not only includes giving to the Rotary Foundation, but if you are already a donor, would you be willing
to provide a brief testimonial at club meeting about why you choose to give to the Foundation? If so, please contact me
at my work email (marlou.wegener@bcbsks.com) or you can also reach me on my cell phone - 785-230-4378. Please
consider this as it will definitely make an impact to our members!

We started off the 2024 program year on January 5 by hearing from Roger Aeschliman, who presented on major
gifts to the Rotary Foundation! And I hope to hear from you about wanting to give your
testimonial about why you give to the Rotary Foundation. Thank you for your consideration.

Marlou Wegener

P.S. Oh, and if you are ready to go ahead and contribute to the Rotary Foundation, you can go to
https://my.rotary.org/en/donate!

Medicaid Unwind - How Rotarians Can Help

From Kate Gramlich:

Recent changes to Medicaid are impacting Topekans - if you or someone you know is on KanCare (KS Medicaid), here are some quick facts:

Annual renewals paused in 2020 and re-started 2023. Almost ALL KanCare households will need to renew regardless of eligibility.

Renewal forms are coming through the mail. If there's any chance KanCare doesn't have your correct address, use the Chatbot to update: https://kancare.ks.gov/ or call 1-800-792-4884.

Check your mail at that address and respond ASAP. Sign your form and return it quickly even if you don't have all the info - KanCare will follow up. Not responding on time means your household loses benefits until forms are returned.

Parents may not be eligible, but kids often still are!

Call the Clearinghouse to find out if your renewal has already been sent or if it's coming soon: 1-800-792-4884.

If you don't qualify for KanCare insurance and want to check out Marketplace insurance, call 1-866-826-8375 to talk with a Navigator at no cost.

Kate has offered her email address if you have any additional questions: kgramlich@communitycareks.org

Lunch Bunch - April 17

Our next Lunch Bunch will be Wednesday, April 17th.

Please see the attached flier for details. Here is some additional information not included in the flier:

Once you have located the main entrance, you will be buzzed through a set of outer doors. Once inside, go up the stairs to be buzzed through a second set of doors. The school office will be immediately to your right. You will sign in on a volunteer sheet so the office will know who is in the building. We will be using a classroom this year instead of the library. The office secretary will know which class we will be using that day.

If you are a new TSR member, the flier provides an explanation of what the volunteers do. For anyone who has never tried this program, we would love to have you. If you have previously volunteered for Lunch Bunch, thank you so much and I hope you can join us again this year. If your schedule does not permit you to volunteer in-person at the school, you are always welcome to help by donating books, especially 2nd-5th grade levels.

My contact information is on the flier. Please let me know if you can join us.

Lori Rowe

Lunch Bunch Coordinator

Jackie Fox: Forge

Please join us Friday, April 19, to hear from Jackie Fox about Forge!

Forge is an organization within The Greater Topeka Partnership. Forge offers opportunities for Young Professionals to participate in educational, philanthropic, networking, and social programs. Their mission is to attract and retain young talent showing them that Topeka is a great place where all will live, work, play, connect and lead. They would love our help to spread the word about Forge and all the great things they do in Topeka.

Announcements will begin promptly at 7:45 am, with breakfast and coffee being served at 7:30 am!

This week's meeting will be held in person at the Brewster Place Cultural Arts Building, located at 900-B SW 31st Terrace, Topeka, KS 66611. Click here for directions using Google Maps.

Tulip Time!

Please join us this Friday, April 12, for Tulip Time! We will be introduced to horticulturalists from Shawnee County Parks & Rec and they will tell us about Tulip Time and specifically about Ted Ensley Gardens. We’ll have an opportunity to tour as well, weather permitting.

Announcements will begin promptly at 7:45 am, with breakfast and coffee being served at 7:30 am!

This week's meeting will be held in person at The Garden House, 3720 SE Yacht Ct, Topeka, KS 66609.

New Member Spotlight: Craig Cook

Craig brings a wealth of expertise in financial analysis, credit risk management, and business development, honed through his diverse professional background. Prior to joining Fidelity State Bank, Craig held the role of Senior Credit Analyst/Manager at Central Bank of Kansas City, where he demonstrated his proficiency in assessing creditworthiness and managing risk. Before that, he served as a Credit Analyst at Shamrock Trading Corporation, where he gained valuable insights into financial markets and trade operations. Craig's commitment to public service is evident in his tenure with the United States Air Force/Defense Health Agency, where he served as a Contracting Policy Analyst. In this capacity, he served as an Agency/Organization Program Coordinator (A/OPC) for five sectors of the US Government, contributing to the efficient management of government contracts. Driven by his desire to make a meaningful impact, Craig holds a Bachelor of Science & Administration degree from Rockhurst University/Helzberg School of Management, KC. He remains actively involved in the community as a member of Young Professionals and volunteers his time with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Kansas City Art Fund, Kansas City Fashion Council, and Fashion Week. Furthermore, Craig dedicates himself to coaching soccer, sharing his passion for the sport with the next generation. Beyond his professional and community engagements, Craig is an avid adventurer who finds joy in boating, hiking, and kayaking. He has a penchant for exploring exotic cuisines and seeking out new experiences. Moreover, Craig is deeply committed to supporting 501(c)(3) non-profits, leveraging his expertise to assist them with startup funding and operational challenges.

Mike Wilson - Vocational: Reasons to be Optimistic

Please join us Friday, April 5, 2024, to hear from Mike Wilson!

“Optimism and the Future”

Struggling to remain optimistic about our children and the future of the planet?

Mike Wilson will share some reasons to be so.

Announcements will begin promptly at 7:45 am, with breakfast and coffee being served at 7:30 am!

This week's meeting will be held in person at the Brewster Place Cultural Arts Building, located at 900-B SW 31st Terrace, Topeka, KS 66611. Click here for directions using Google Maps.

Autumn Friedli - What's Happening at the Library

Please join us Friday, March 29 to hear from Autumn Friedli about what's happening at the library!

Autumn Friedli brings over 16 years of comprehensive library experience to her current role as Program Coordinator at Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. In this capacity, she leads the strategic direction and implementation of all library programming initiatives, ensuring they effectively engage and inspire diverse audiences.

This week's meeting will be held in person at Washburn University Memorial Union in the Kansas Room. Click here for directions using Google Maps.

Announcements will begin promptly at 7:45 am, with breakfast and coffee being served at 7:30 am!

Gathering for Good 2024 - DEADLINE 3/29/24

We're almost at our deadline to register for Gathering for Good. Don't miss out. Get signed up by Friday, March 29! It's going to be RAD!

Join us Saturday, April 6th for a night of 80's fun - we've got 80's trivia, a Wine and Liquor pull, as well as a Silent and Live auction!

Gathering for Good

April 6, 2024

6:00 - 9:00 pm

DoubleTree Lawrence

200 McDonald Dr.

Lawrence, KS 66044

$75.00/person

Invite a fellow Rotarian and Register TODAY!

Mandy Sheldon

Rotary Executive

District 5710 & Overland Park Rotary

Rotary5710exec@gmail.com

(913) 244-7548

(please text only during business hours)

TSR Scholarship 2024

TSR Scholarship: Open to high school seniors pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities!

Click here to apply!

FSGC Hope and Healing Breakfast

When: April 2, 2024, 7:30-8:30am

Where: The Foundry Event Center, 400 SW 33rd St, Topeka, KS

Please contact Pam Evans with any questions!

New Member Spotlight: Michelle Rose

Michelle Rose is a Topeka native, completed her undergrad at Washburn University and graduated with a master's in business from Baker University. She and her husband, Neal Rose, have been married for nearly 18 years and have 2 daughters: Kyndall (17) and Avery (13). Nearly 6 years ago, they opened 4 Rose Pools and take pride in building and servicing high-end inground swimming pools in Topeka and the surrounding area. One of her favorite hobbies is playing tennis. She has played since she was 7 years old, received a Division II scholarship, and most recently became the Girl's Assistant Tennis Coach at Washburn Rural High School. Another passion of hers is spending time with our friends with disabilities. She proudly serves on the Capernaum YoungLife Topeka board. As you can see, she enjoys being a part of our community and ensuring they are making positive lasting impacts in Topeka!

My Rotary and Club Runner Training

Please join us Friday, March 22, as we hear from Angela Dailey, Marlou Wegener, and Cassandra Taylor for a training for My Rotary website and Club Runner website and app!

This week's meeting will be held in person at Washburn University Memorial Union in the Kansas Room. Click here for directions using Google Maps.

Announcements will begin promptly at 7:45 am, with breakfast and coffee being served at 7:30 am!

TSR Social

Social time!

Date: March 19, 2024

Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm

Location:

785 Beer Company
301 SE 45th St
Topeka, KS
United States of America

Food provided; Pickleball Courts reserved!

John Hunter - Serenity Sculpture in NOTO

Please join us this Friday to hear from John Hunter about the Serenity Sculpture in NOTO!

This week's meeting will be held in person at Washburn University Memorial Union in the Kansas Room. Click here for directions using Google Maps.

Announcements will begin promptly at 7:45 am, with breakfast and coffee being served at 7:30 am!

TSR News - Pistol Pete

Our fellow TSR member Pete Stauffer gave a presentation at the Shawnee County Historical Society on 2/25/24!

Chuck Engel - Activate the Boulevard

Please join us this Friday, March 8, to hear from Chuck Engel about Activating the Boulevard!

Deemed the “Main Street” in Topeka’s original city plan designed by Cyrus Holliday, Topeka Boulevard was once the residential and commercial address of choice in the City. The presentation will reacquaint us with the Boulevard’s rich history, its important role in the City’s development over the past 170 years, and recent aspirational efforts to revitalize and restore Topeka Boulevard to prominence, including millions of dollars of improvements starting this summer.

This week's meeting will be held in person at Washburn University Memorial Union in the Kansas Room. Click here for directions using Google Maps.

Announcements will begin promptly at 7:45 am, with breakfast and coffee being served at 7:30 am!

Isaac McNary - The Outreach Program

Please join us this Friday, March 1, to hear from Isaac McNary about The Outreach Program!

Isaac McNary is the Vice President of International Development for The Outreach Program, an international non-profit organization with a mission to provide safe water, food, medical care, and education to those most in need at home and abroad. Since 2009 Isaac has worked with hundreds of thousands of volunteers to package over 50 million meals for food insecure people both here in America and various developing countries. He also focuses on the development, production, and installation of water purification systems in rural Tanzania and has worked with volunteers and donors to provide safe water to over 20,000 people.

Isaac is a Past President of the El Dorado Rotary Club, Assistant Governor for Rotary District 5680, Chair for the District End Polio Now Committee, and DGND for the 2026-27 year.

This week's meeting will be held in person at Washburn University Memorial Union in the Kansas Room. Click here for directions using Google Maps.

Announcements will begin promptly at 7:45 am, with breakfast and coffee being served at 7:30 am!

Possible Move

Topeka South Rotarians,

As you all know, we have a long-standing history with Washburn. We love supporting the local university and it’s been exciting to watch them grow over the years. With their successes our club is finding it more and more difficult to fit into their schedule. The students are the priority (as they should be) and our board is finding it challenging to have a consistent meeting location that is also easily accessible for all people. The last few years we’ve had to find alternative meeting locations for over 25% of our meetings. Unfortunately, a few of those changes has been with just a couple of weeks’ notice.

At a Board level, we’ve been considering a location change for several years. Not because we want to leave Washburn, but because we want consistency for our members. Finding a meeting space for 50-70 people at 7:30 on a Friday morning, with catering and quality AV, is challenging. We believe we may have found a solution, but we want your input.

The last two weeks we met at Brewster, in their new Cultural Arts Building. It’s an event room, set up for exactly what we need, with in house catering. They are excited to host us. We are considering a permanent move to Brewster, and we want your input. If we make the move we will still have off site meetings, but only when we want to and for reasons we want. Please let us know what you think. We’re excited about this opportunity, but we want to hear from you.

We will be meeting at Washburn for the month of March. If we make the move to Brewster it will start in April.

Sincerely,

Your Board

Sole Mates
Shoe Carnival

May 02, 2024
12:50 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch Bunch
Highland Park Central Elementary

May 15, 2024
12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

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We meet In Person

Fridays at 7:45 a.m.

Brewster Place Cultural Arts Center

900-B SW 31st Terrace
Topeka, KS 66611
United States of America

Do an easy, 30-minute makeup online at eRotary.org.

Your Attendance Matters!

Posted

on Dec 17, 2014

Missed a meeting? Do a makeup! As a participatory organization, Rotary highly values regular attendance at the weekly club meetings. In fact, attending the meetings is one of the basic obligations that a member accepts upon joining Rotary.

If you must occasionally miss a weekly meeting, however, you can easily do a “makeup” if you:

Complete a 30-minute online session at Rotary eClub One watching videos or reading articles on everything from personal growth and community service to international literacy projects.
Participate in a TSR service project, such as serving a meal at Let’s Help or helping a child choose new sneakers at a Sole Mates event.
Attend a regular meeting of another Rotary club, a District Conference, or other approved District or RI meeting.

Please do your part to keep our attendance numbers up – and help our club stay strong and active!

For questions about membership, contact Jeff Sorensen. To report a meeting makeup, contact Club Secretary Angela Dailey.

- See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/4261/Stories/your-attendance-matters-1#sthash.yyncKehA.dpuf

Your Attendance Matters!

Posted

on Dec 17, 2014

If you must occasionally miss a weekly meeting, however, you can easily do a “makeup” if you:

Complete a 30-minute online session at Rotary eClub One watching videos or reading articles on everything from personal growth and community service to international literacy projects.
Participate in a TSR service project, such as serving a meal at Let’s Help or helping a child choose new sneakers at a Sole Mates event.
Attend a regular meeting of another Rotary club, a District Conference, or other approved District or RI meeting.

Please do your part to keep our attendance numbers up – and help our club stay strong and active!

For questions about membership, contact Jeff Sorensen. To report a meeting makeup, contact Club Secretary Angela Dailey.

- See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/4261/Stories/your-attendance-matters-1#sthash.yyncKehA.dpuf