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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.

LCR Rotarian Lori Trenholm addressed the club in her role as President of the Lawrence Central Rotary Club Foundation. Lori is in charge of Community Investments for the Douglas County Community Foundation (LCRCF) and was a club member when the Foundation was established in 2017. LCRCF is a tax exempt public charity created to increase the capacity and community impact locally and internationally through grant making to entities in alignment with Rotary’s goals and values. The Foundation was created to receive donations and to manage revenue from the Lawrence Kids Calendar. The online calendar curates events and activities for kids and families in the Douglas County area, including classes, camps, and special events. The Calendar’s focus is on health activities, learning opportunities, arts and cultural events. It is maintained by eight LCR volunteer curators, advertising sales volunteers and a web master/engineer. A board of eight Rotarians, including the club President, preside over the Calendar and Foundation operation. Lori reported that Foundation assets are approaching ten thousand dollars. The Foundation has supported the annual Community Bike Ride and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards camp and the Foundation Board will seek input from the club on future projects.

Heather Schwenk is a former Peace Corps volunteer and a retired program administrator. Heather grew up in Iola and attended Kansas State University. Upon graduation she joined the Peace Corps and worked for two years in the Dominican Republic. She had a great experience and became a recruiter for the program, and then a Senior Advisor. One of her projects was revamping the organization’s application process. Volunteers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture, working on locally prioritized projects. Service areas include agriculture, community and economic development, education, environment, health, and youth development. Three months of training and a monthly stipend, travel costs, medical and dental coverage are provided. Presently, the program is struggling due to severe budget cuts. Heather noted that the Peace Corps shares a number of values and activities with Rotary.