Dear Fellow Rotarians,

Last Thursday Vern Henricks and Katharine Hensler greeted members and guests that braved a thunderstorm to attend Rotary. Charlie Hughes introduced his guest, Monte Miller, who has returned to live in Manhattan. 

Vice President Chris Culbertson shared recent global Polio statistics. Rotary clubs across the world work together to battle polio as this disease remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.  Chris challenged club members to continue their annual support to Polio Plus and announced a matching gift of $500 to members who make a gift this month.  Thanks to all who give generously. 

Andy Bowen was introduced by George Ham as his membership has recently been reinstated as Andy returned to Manhattan after a career move to Colorado.  Andy was previously a longtime and very active member as he served as Club Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors.  He has returned to Manhattan and is a lead tax accountant with Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk & Loyd, LLC.  All welcomed Andy back and look forward to his continued Rotary leadership. 

Sue Maes introduced our program speaker Aaron Stewart, Manhattan Parks and Recreation Director.  Aaron provided the work the department has undertaken to study community recreation needs since and address providing excellent services that keep our community healthy while managing the escalating expenditures.  He pointed out that one of the advantages of Parks and Recreation is their ability to expand program revenue. He shared the public data that supports building an Aquatic Center and the efforts currently underway to explore the building location in the Manhattan City Park.  Members asked Aaron excellent questions related to the scope and timeline for the Aquatic Center construction as well as the impact on current tax revenues..  In honor of Aaron's program, we will donate the children's book, "Bears are Best", to the Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School Library.

Last 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.

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. 

All GROW GREEN MATCH DAY donors were thanked for contributing to our GMCF Fund that supports local nonprofit services to our friends and neighbors in need. 

Next Thursday, our program speaker will be Daphne McNelly, ATA Bus/Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency.  

Wishing you all a productive week ahead, 

Mitzi

P.S. This week's greeters are Mike Heylin and Eric Higgins.

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.