Author: Fred Atchison

Lawrence Mayor Bart Littlejohn introduced Cory Wallace, Director of Communication and Community Relations for the City. Wallace provided an update on the City’s work to address homelessness. This problem has grown larger and more visible, frustrating efforts to address it. It is a problem with layers of complexity, including lack of affordable housing (1300 units needed), addiction, mental heath, and unsafe encampments. The City has identified a goal of making homelessness rare and short in duration by 2028. A data base has been created of the homeless and their needs, which has enabled the City to better manage the problem of people from other communities seeking services. However, the number of people “couch surfing” with friends or family is unknown.

The City has five committees working to increase affordable housing, and improve the Community Shelter and related services. Some accomplishments include improvements and policy changes at the Community Shelter, the opening of the Pallet Village, and mobilizing the community to address all phases of the problem. Wallace praised the community effort, and stated that if any community can successfully address homelessness, it will be Lawrence.

Shannon VanLandingham lost her daughter Claire in 1990 when she was murdered by an ex boyfriend. Claire was a talented and caring person and was beloved by many. Claire’s friends and her mother looked for a way to honor Claire’s memory and founded the nonprofit Claire’s Community, an organization dedicated to eliminating all forms of relationship violence. This goal is addressed through various educational, training and counseling programs spanning new parents and ages kindergarten through adulthood. Participants learn how to recognize problem behaviors and communicate with people at risk. They learn what resources are available in the community and how to advocate for measures that raise awareness of relationship violence and protect victim’s rights. Shannon believes that relationship violence is preventable and Claire’s Community is working hard toward that achievement. Claire lived by a creed: be kind, work hard and give back.

There was a good turnout to hear Steve Mason, club member and manager of a mandated transportation planning process. The Federal Highway Act of 1973 required the creation of local transportation planning. Accordingly, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) were established to enable citizens to have a say so on area transportation projects financed by state and federal funds. The local MPO Steve works with includes the communities of Lawrence, Baldwin and Eudora. The organization’s goal is the elimination of fatalities and serious injuries on area road ways through working with government on transportation priorities and planning. A steering committee is responsible for the creation of a Vision Zero Safety Action Plan. Elements of that plan include work on bicycle safety, transit, pedestrian and multimodal devices. Steve noted that while vehicle design have made cars and trucks safer, pedestrians have become more vulnerable. He stressed committee work is data driven and the data used will be accessible to the public.

Dena Johnson, Executive Director of Lawrence Schools Foundation, shared an update on the Foundation’s numerous programs and activities. The Foundation provides resources that inspires learning, enriches teaching and enhances opportunities for students, educators and staff. These goals are addressed through an impressive number of grants, scholarships and programs throughout the district. Annual statistics reveals over 60,000 dollars awarded to graduating seniors, 27,000 dollars for innovative projects and 20,000 dollars awarded to teacher and staff for excellent performance. Some 1,500 back packs and sets of school supplies were distributed, free and reduced price meals were provided and the ICAN Program made awards for urgent and immediate needs of students and families.

The Foundation works with numerous business partners and other donors and serves as a an advocacy voice for the schools of Lawrence. Local Rotarians participated in a back to school shoe drive and a snack drive. Special fund raising events include the Community Education Breakfast in September and a district wide talent show at the Lied Center in February. Johnson reported 521,105 dollars were raised from 2018-2023 to support the work of the Foundation.

President-elect Megan Richardson provided a preview of her plans for her coming club leadership year. Megan joined Lawrence Central Rotary Club in 2016 and has served as club Treasurer for a number of years. Megan spoke of her love of family, community, travel, antiques and power tools. Megan explained that she has always enjoyed working outside and using the necessary tools to work on yard and home. She recently completed Rotary District training for incoming club Presidents and is excited about taking office the start of July. She complimented President Kade Meyer, the club board and club members for a very successful year of activities. Megan would like to see club membership increase to 43, develop and share an annual calendar and expand the club’s social media presence. She promised to be fully engaged, energetic and to “build on what we are.” Megan is very active in the community and serves as Vice-President at First State Bank and Trust.