Category: News

Megan Luttrell, Human Trafficking Program Coordinator for The Willow Domestic Violence Center knows what it takes to serve and advocate on behalf of vulnerable populations. Prior to joining Willow Domestic Violence Center she worked in a substance abuse treatment center in Topeka.

Luttrell works with human trafficking advocates serving Jefferson, Franklin, and Douglas counties. She explained that human trafficking is a significant problem within Lawrence and the surrounding area. While the Lawrence Police Department is fully on board to partner in addressing the issue, Luttrell said they simply don’t have the capacity “Sting operations are needed, which would take time and energy away from community policing.”

Luttrell explained that human trafficking occurs anywhere there is a vulnerable population. More often than not, trafficking occurs within intimate partner relationships, with individuals being trafficked by their partner or someone they trust.

“Victims will often think they are going crazy. The perpetrator has gaslighted them.”

Of all forms of human trafficking, sexual acts are the most common, with individuals being groomed. “Everything is great in the beginning. They get hep with rent and child care. Food and clothing is given.” Luttrell explained that often these vulnerable individuals are recruited by women called Bottom Girls, who have often been trafficked themselves.

Across America, 83% of all victims of sex trafficking are US citizens. Of that, 50% of trafficking victims are boys. 

Luttrell said the profile of a trafficker can be anyone who is in touch with vulnerable populations: pastors, teachers, social workers, foster care families. 

During 2018, The Willow served 72 survivors of human trafficking. Luttrell looks forward to strengthening her relationship and providing education for are hospitals and other agencies to help professionals understand and spot the warning signs of trafficking. 

Each year, one in five American adults experience a mental health issue.

Bert Nash Mental Health Center is training the Lawrence community to recognize such problems and respond appropriately. Just as law enforcement professionals, educators, employers, and co-workers prepare to help in physical emergencies, they can also lend important first aid support to individuals who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.

Carla DeHerte, WRAP Program Team Leader at Bert Nash, explained the key elements of the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) protocol. The 8-hour training teaches how to recognize warning signs and provides background information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and substance use. Participants learn a five-step intervention strategy and come away with a list of resources.

The primary goal of the training is to overcome stigmas related to mental illness and to promote understanding.

Beth Whittaker is Assistant Dean of Distinctive Collections and Director of Spencer Research Library. She described recent updates made to the North Gallery, a space that currently houses an exhibit that celebrates the library’s fifty-year history and its namesakes: “Meet the Spencers: a Marriage of Arts and Sciences.”

Kenneth Spencer Research Library is the rare books, manuscripts, and archives library of the University of Kansas. Researchers can tap into a variety of collections, including Special Collections (established in 1953), the Kansas Collection, and the University Archives (established in 1969). Topics range from photos of Kansas over the decades; materials about ornithology and other natural history topics; science fiction; the history of education; Latin American holdings; ancient manuscripts, atlases, and much more. There is even a collection about contemporary political movements.

KU Musicologist Paul Laird has devoted much of his career to studying conductor and composer  Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990).   During the past year, he has given numerous presentations on Bernstein and his work as the world celebrates the 100th birthday of this extraordinary talent.  

Laird admires Bernstein’s “absolute musicality,” his knowledge of musical styles, his fabulous ear, and his extraordinary charisma.  

Laird has written five books about Bernstein, among them Leonard Bernstein: a Guide to Research. The book begins with an essay on the composer’s achievements and continues with annotations on Bernstein’s writings, performances, and educational work.  

When asked, Laird declares that “West Side Story” is his favorite of Bernstein’s works.

In early 2000 Rotary International challenged every club to have a project to celebrate the Rotary Centennial in 2005. Two local Rotarians, who were also avid and master gardeners, reached out to the City of Lawrence to develop what is now the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum. 

Raising the $60,000 of needed funds for the Arboretum become a project for all three local Rotary Clubs. The Arboretum covers an area of 14 acres. The initial plot was mostly cleared land with very few native trees. Since then over 2,000 trees have been planted, in addition to adding a gazebo and pergola. 

Fundraising has been made possible through the sale of tree markers. There are currently over 200 markers on trees, as well as others waiting to get a tree. 

The group has also successfully raised $21,000 from the three local Rotary clubs to develop an event pavilion on the edge of the smaller pond. Plans are underway for the pavilion ribbon cutting. The space will be able to hold a group of 75 to 80 at picnic tables or 75 to 100 in chairs. With Lawrence Parks and Recreation committing to set up permanent bathrooms, the pavilion is expected to be an excellent venue for weddings and other events. 

To continue to support the Arboretum, individuals, businesses, and families are invited to  sponsor a tree: $100 for Rotary members and $125 for non-Rotarians.