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Paige Robinson, Community Engagement Director for Van Go, spoke on the organization’s unique story. Van Go is an Arts based employment program for under served youth. For twenty-five years the organization has provided job skills training, social services, mental health support, nutrition education, and daily life skills. Young people ages 14-24 attend group sessions and work on public art projects like murals and decorative benches. Individual art works are sold at an annual Holliday Market. Van Go employs a staff of ten, including two social workers. A clothes closet, job coaching and paid internships are available to graduates. Art works may be viewed on the Van Go web site. Paige first became involved with the Benchmark Program and joined the board of Directors in 2022.

Steve Lane and Jim Evers provided updates on two big LCR projects. Steve reported on the upcoming 15th Annual Community Bike Ride on July 19. This is a major club event that boasts four different bike rides, free safety helmets and fittings, healthy snacks, a maintenance station and plenty of family fun. This year will include a training wheel take off station and a bounce house. The events start at the beautiful Rotary Arboretum and it’s all free. A number of generous community sponsors and the LCR Foundation makes it possible. Steve reminded club volunteers to dress for sun and heat and to check comunitybikeride.com for weather cancelation.

Jim Evers spoke about The Lawrence Kids Calendar (LKC) and the work of the volunteers who curate events and activities in the Douglas County area. The calendar lists activities, classes, camps and events that are health focussed, learning, artistic and cultural in nature. Sponsorships are sold to advertisers with proceeds going to the LCR Foundation. The Foundation supports the Community Bike Ride, Rotary Youth Leadership Camp and other projects. Jim asked for help in identifying additional sponsors and in encouraging new users. Prospects for a fun summer look pretty good.

Carol Smith is Dean of Libraries at Kansas University, presiding over six libraries and an off site storage facility. She spoke about the state of the university library community and the year long celebration of Watson LIbrary’s 100th birthday. Watson is the largest library on campus and contains extensive collections of social sciences, humanities, education, journalism, social services and a number of student services. It is a grand structure in need of significant restoration. In addition to the discovery and creation of knowledge, the library works to engage students in various ways. The birthday celebration includes films, art events, dance lessons, music and crafts. Sustainability, environmental awareness and global engagement are high priorities for the staff. Watson is expanding maker spaces and boasts a seed library. The library is also moving into the realm of digital curriculum resources. Challenges include cuts in federal support and censorship challenges. Previously, the Dean worked in various roles in libraries in Missouri and Colorado.

As the Rotary year comes to an end, incoming President Shelly McColm addressed the club, discussing her Presidents training experience. She indicated training was very productive and creating a five year action plan was strongly recommended. The plan should increase the impact of the club and improve outreach and engagement, and the ability to adapt. Recruiting new members is critical, as is retaining the present membership. Surveying club members and supporting the Rotary Foundation are important elements of the process. Shelly would like the club to explore applying for a District grant to fund a suitable project. Shelly spoke briefly about her early years, her carrier and her family. She has a new grand baby, loves to read and make balloon arches for special occasions. Prospects look good for the coming year.

Michelle Shepherd, Community Education and Outreach Manager for the Parkinson’s Foundation, asked for a show of hands of people who had a friend or a relative affected by the disease. About half of the assembled Rotarians raised their hands. Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the dopamine producing area of the brain. Symptoms often take years to develop and may include tremors, slowness, stiffness and balance problems. In addition, depression, anxiety, apathy and cognitive impairment may be experienced. However, medications, lifestyle adjustments and surgery can improve the quality of life. The Parkinson’s Foundation supports research, treatment and education. The Foundation makes available a wealth of free information and supports a free help line. Michelle works for the Heartland Chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation.