Category: News

Janice Blair and Julie DeYong spoke on Douglas County’s chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Parton was inspired to support early childhood reading by her father’s advocacy for reading despite his own illiteracy. The local chapter was started by a grassroots effort and several local agencies serving children in Douglas County. Parton’s Foundation partially subsidizes the cost of books, sending books and providing record keeping. Local organizations cover mailing costs and the State of Kansas underwrites half of the local costs, $15.60 per child, per year. Children enrolled in the program receive a book in the mail each month until their fifth birthday. Currently there are 2,513 children in the local program. Funding is a challenge and volunteers are always welcomed.

Shannon Gorres is a certified Forest Therapy Guide and employs mindful immersion in nature to support healing and wellness in her clients. She combines nature therapy and emotional counseling to lower stress hormones, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression, and decrease chronic pain. Two to three hours of outside exposure and exploring senses and surroundings has a calming and grounding effect. Shannon recommends locations like the Rotary Arboretum and the Baker Wetlands and also bicycling for seeking a natural experience. Lawrence Public Library has an excellent collection of resources on Forest Therapy. Shannon also has a back ground in social work and a Masters in Divinity Studies.

Katie Brown is the Manager of Marketing and Communications for the EuroTech helicopter service company. EuroTech has an office in Eudora and a production facility at Lawrence Municipal Airport. Their services include aircraft sales, rentals and leasing, maintenance and modifications, custom completions, sales of parts and components, and consulting. EuroTech has been in business 25 years and employs 25 workers, serving customers all over the world. Katie said EuroTech is a great place to work for “aviation nerds.” She told about a project involving special modifications on a helicopter for scientific use in the Arctic. EuroTech is involved in the community, providing tours and sponsoring a Youth Aviation Camp. The company also has facilities in Canada and Japan.

Chuck Udell is Rotary District 5710 Governor and a third generation Rotarian. He is a long time member of the Leawood Club where he was a past President. Chuck has served in numerous District leadership roles, including Membership Chair, Peace Fellowship Chair, and Panama Vocational Training Chair. Chuck complimented the club on various projects and achievements and described District resources and projects. District Goals for the year include encouraging engagement and thinking outside the box, growing the Rotary Foundation, raising mental health awareness and efforts to prevent human trafficking. He challenged the club to be a force for good.

Gina Meier-Hummel, Executive Director of O’Connell Children’s Shelter, spoke about the work of caring for children removed from the home. Gina presides over a residential ranch facility and two residential homes and 50 staff members. These children and their families are at risk for a variety of reasons and the Shelter provides wrap around services to provide stability. Services include employment assistance, mental health counseling and referral, food assistance, tutoring, foster care, and emergency shelter. There is also a garden program and a new kitchen. Gina has 31 years of experience working with at risk youth and previously served as Secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and families.