Blog

Rachel Weitkamp started dancing in middle school and began instructing in college, studying dance and choreography. She bought a studio in Eudora in 2012 and relocated to Lawrence three years later. Sunflower State Dance Studio is a family friendly, non-competitive and classic based dance experience. Classes are available for all ages and emphasize safety, technique, artistry and expression. Several youth dance scholarships are available for those in need. Rachel wants to serve more kids and develop partnerships with other entities.

Elene Colette is President and CEO of Kansas City based Outreach International(OI). She grew up in South Africa and earned a Doctorate in Social Anthropology from Kansas University. Elena has fifteen years experience as an international community development leader, joining OI in 2018. Field staff work in impoverished communities throughout the world by visiting local homes, having conversations about the community and the problems they face. Community meetings are scheduled where local leaders emerge. A development action plan is created and implemented. Projects address food insecurity, sanitation, drinking water and other community development issues. OI staff act as facilitators, local planning and implementation are vital for success. Presently, there are 389 community led projects benefitting 49,582 people.

Robert (Bob) Dinsdale is a retired ENT doctor who loves history. He has authored a book, Massachusetts Street, a city history as experienced on the beloved thoroughfare. Bob wants people to engage with the past and offers six different walking tours of the city. The tours include Old West Lawrence, Early East Lawrence, Robinson Park, Jayhawk Boulevard and 1970’s Lawrence. Bob shares an entertaining trove of historical facts and stories. He spoke of John Levi, a 1920 Haskell All American, a six mile ice gorge on the Kansas River, segregated swimming, peace parades and National Basketball Title celebrations, and much more. His book is available at Watkins Museum and the Raven Book Store.

Ken Albrecht, Chair of Friends of Eutin, introduced Jase and Jullian Asher, who visited the Sister City in June. Each year 6-10 students travel to Eutin, Germany and for three weeks live with a host family and attend a German high school. The program provides a cultural exchange and includes visits to Hamburg, Lubbock, Kiel, Berlin and Potsdam. Their German host siblings reciprocate by by visiting Lawrence in the fall and attending high school for three weeks. Jase and Jullian described the history and the beauty of Eutin and the surrounding county side. People were friendly and the food was delicious. Families of the students cover the cost of the visit. Lawrence Central Rotary has provided a student stipend for Sister Cities for a number of years.

Leticia Cole and Elin Evers reported on this summer Rotary Leadership Youth Awards (RYLA). RYLA is an intensive leadership experience where high school students develop skills as a leader, have fun and make connections. Rotary Clubs in District 5710 sponsor students to attend a five day program in early June on the Kansas University Campus. Club member Leticia Cole was in charge of recruiting and coordinating with students and District. This year our club sponsored four students. Free State sophomore and Granddaughter of club member Jim Evers, Elin Evers, spoke to the club about her RYLA experience. Elin described ice breaker activities, a leadership test and small group presentations. She particularly enjoyed a service project for Willow Domestic Violence Center. Elin met young people from all over eastern Kansas and noted many new friends have kept in touch.