The dates are set, the sponsors are on board. It’s going to be great! More info Coming soon or check out the facebook pages by clicking on the images.
Author: Admin
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Dana Lattin on Rebuilding the Ryan Gray Playground for All
Ryan Gray was born in Lawrence in 1973 with an inoperable brain tumor, which limited him physically but not intellectually. Noticed by KU basketball coach, Larry Brown, Ryan became an official ball boy for the KU team and its unofficial number one fan and good luck charm, especially during the winning 1988 season.Ryan died in 1990, and in 1993 a playground, named for him, was created at Hilltop School, which was accessible to children with mobility disabilities, the first such in Kansas.
Now the playground needs to be rejuvenated and a steering committee has been formed to purchase new equipment, increase accessibility even more and enhance options for exercise and health.
Dana Lattin, one of the steering committee chairs, told Central Rotarians on May 11 that the committee’s goal is to raise $260,000. The Lawrence school district will contribute part of the money and fund-raising efforts are under-way for the rest.
Dana Lattin, one of the steering committee chairs, told Central Rotarians on May 11 that the committee’s goal is to raise $260,000. The Lawrence school district will contribute part of the money and fund-raising efforts are under-way for the rest.
Changes to the playground will include a circular design and engaging play structures so children can play together. Signs and panels will include directions in Braille. Currently, the pavement is buckling after years of use and needs to be replaced.
“We want to provide an opportunity for all youth and families to use the playground,” Lattin said. “We want to re-engage the Lawrence/Douglas county community and increase playground usage,” she said.
For more information, or to contribute contact: Dana Lattin, danalattin@gmail.com or Janel Leitch at janelleitch@gmail.com.
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Record-breaking Bicycle Rider Ashton Lambie Tells His Tale
The old record time for the more-than-400-mile trip across Kansas on a bicycle was 29 hours and 52 minutes, set by Tim Parks of McPherson in July 1993.Ashton Lambie’s wanted to complete the same journey in 24 hours or less. “Technology has come a long way since the early 90’s and I was confident with newer bikes and aerodynamics I could do it, ” Lambie told Lawrence Central Rotary.
If you’ve attended any of Lawrence Central’s Community Bike Ride’s you’ve probably seen Ashton in the Sunflower bike tent tuning-up or fixing bikes that attendees bring to the event.
Ashton is also an avid distance rider who’s ridden in events all across the area and beyond.
The ride was sanctioned by the Ultra-Marathon Cycling Association after a barrage of paperwork was completed and he was able to coax and get a friend and co-worker approved as a race-officia and Lambie’s crew — made up of his wife and parents — drove behind him for the entire route.
Lambie rolled over the Kansas-Missouri border 23 hours and 53 minutes later, breaking the old record by nearly six hours and beating his personal goal by several minutes.
For more information about Ashton’s ride there’s a great article in the Lawrence Journal World you can read.
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Lawrence Central Rotary Helps The Willow in May
Once again this May, Lawrence Central Rotary is collecting personal care products to deliver to The Willow Domestic Violence Center. Becca Burns, Director of Volunteer Services at The Willow speaks regularly to the club. The agency provides a growing variety of services to survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking who live in Douglas, Franklin, or Jefferson County. Find a list of items on their wish list at their website.
Every week we will have a bin where items can be placed into it that will be delivered to The Willow – they will also gladly accept monetary donations too! In a note from Executive Director Joan Schultz their current needs are:
- Multi-vitamins (for children and adults)
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Kid’s allergy I cold medicine (Triaminic, Zarbee’s)
- Kid’s pain relief I fever reducer
- Hairbrushes
- Laundry soap
- Face wash and moisturizer.
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Shon Qualseth, Bob Swan, & Sam Bhatka Named Paul Harris Fellows
Lawrence Central Rotary has named Bob Swan, Shon Qualseth as Paul Harris Fellows in recognition of their service as president in prior years. Bob joined LCR in February 2009. His year as president was 2012-2013. Shon joined the club in December 2007 and served as president from 2011-2012.Lawrence Central Rotary has also named Sam Bhakta a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his four years as Treasurer of the club. Sam joined LCR in November 2009. Up until last summer, Sam was owner and manager of the Econolodge in Lawrence. Since selling that business, Sam has been exploring new business ventures in the region.
Warm congratulations and a hearty thank you to each!
