Welcome to the Rotopeka

This is the online place for the Rotopeka.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Countryside United Methodist Church Bell Choir


Today's Countryside United Methodist Church Bell Choir program was outstanding.

Meeting Reminder - December 11, 2008

REMINDER INFO

Sorry this did not get out yesterday. Time simply got away from me. Today, our program features the CUMC Handbell Choir. We are meeting in the Regency East Room

INVOCATION: Roger Aeschliman

GUEST INTRODUCTIONS: Mark Marling

GREETERS: Bob Thorn, Dick Thornburg, Bob Tomlinson, Joan Underwood, Tom Valentine, Roger Viola

CUP MONEY: Scott Computer Technology Magnet School (Christmas Gifts for Students)

RECEPTION TABLE: Joyce Martin

MENU: Not Available

NEW MEMBER TABLE: Robert Miller, Gary Knoll, Staci Williams

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Holiday Party, December 18. Cost is $11 for Adult Guests and Rotarians (Those on Exempt Status) and $5 for Children 3-12 Yrs. Under 3 are free. There will be two entree choices for adults (Chicken w/Lobster Sauce and Petite Chateau Roast Beef). Children will have their usual buffet (Chicken Strips & Hamburgers).
Sign-up Sheets will be on the tables. Please mark your number of guests and entre choices for adults.
Meetings Canceled on December 25 and January 1.
2008-09 Club Rosters are available. If you have not picked yours up at a Thursday meeting, stop by the office and pick one up.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Meeting Remidner - November 4, 2008

REMINDER INFO

LOCATION: Regency West

Program: Gary LaGrange, Help us Learn, Give us Hope
INVOCATION: Mike Hall

GUEST INTRODUCTIONS: Blanche Parks

GREETERS: Curtis Sneden, Wendell Snodgrass, Ash Sufi, Bill Neiswanger, Scott Teeter, Stan Teeter

CUP MONEY: Scott Computer Technology Magnet School (Christmas Gifts for Students)

RECEPTION TABLE: Staci Williams

MENU: Not availalble

NEW MEMBER TABLE: Mark Marling, Susan Mauch, Jennifer Haller

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

2009-10 Club and Foundation Election Results
President – Terry Wages
President-Elect – Gordon Lansford
Vice-President – Anita Wolgast
Secretary – Blanche parks
Treasurer – Alisa Snavely
Sgt at Arms - Mike Locke

New Club Board Members:
Henry McClure (Re-elected to a full term), Doug Scott, and Asel Mukeyev
New Foundation Trustees:
Roger Aeschliman, John Arnold, Terry Diebolt, and Scott Teeter (Re-elected for a 2nd term)

Nominating Committee:
Kirk Johnson, Chair
Terry Wages
Gordon Lansford
Dick Knoll
Joan Wagnon

Holiday Party, December 18. Cost is $11 for Adult Guests and Rotarians (Those on Exempt Status) and $5 for Children 3-12 Yrs. Under 3 are free. There will be two entre choices for adults (Chicken w/Lobster Sauce and Petite Chateau Roast Beef). Children will have their usual buffet (Chicken Strips & Hamburgers).

Sign-up Sheets will be on the tables. Please mark your number of guests and entre choices for adults.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Brady Robb - New Member

Brady is President of The Robb Company which owns and manages three shopping centers in Topeka. He previously worked for Cohen Esrey Real Estate Services of Kansas City in the Topeka regional office prior to rejoining The Robb Company in 2004.

Brady is a graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Business Finance.
He was a charter member and charter secretary for Topeka South Rotary. He is also past president and current board member of Topeka Area Association of Realtors. He serves on the Topeka Community Foundation Board of Directors.

Brady is married to Suzanne and they have two children, Parker 15 and Piper 12.
Brady enjoys spending time with his family and playing tennis, golf and a little cycling. Welcome Brady!

We are being followed

Thought that might grab your attention. When I got back from Rotary today, I found that a fellow Rotarian from Indianapolis had been watching our club meeting online. Woody Collins who is a self described humanitarian is committed to ending poverty. He was particularly interested in today's presentation by Pere Garlinghouse.

Woody is just one of many Rotarians who are following us through the world of cyberspace. I think it is pretty exciting how the internet is connecting all of us through our common mission of helping the world's less advantaged.

Annual Holiday Party

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Join us for the annual Rotary holiday party. This year, the event will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a photographer available to take photos for $15 a sitting.

This year, we will offer a new gourmet menu for the adults which will begin at 11:30 along with the standard fare for the children. A plated/served lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m.. The cost is $11 for adult guests, $5 for children and free for children 3 and under.

· Santa hats, cookies and candy will be provided for the children

· Combo background music by the Heart Strings

· Featuring: "Bags of Reindeer Food" for each child and stories for the children presented by Kitty Fapp of the Topeka Library

· Songs with Topeka's popular Kyler Carpenter of the Library on his guitar

· Holiday group singing with Hurst at the piano


Sign-up sheets will be on the tables on and after November 20. We hope that all of you can attend so that this party will continue to be a success.

Bring your families if possible, but otherwise please come anyway as for your usual Thursday luncheon.

November Rotopeka is online


The November isssue of the Rotopeka is online.  Click the image to view it full screen.

This month, the Rotopeka takes a look at Rotary's Youth Programs, including the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, RYLA, Interact and Rotaract.  

We also remember Frank Oppitz, Jr. who passed away October 24th. 

There are three new members featured this month.  Kathleen Hein, Steve Newell and Jamie Dultmeier are featured this month.

The annual Holiday Party is scheduled for December 18th, you won't want to miss it.  The program is outlined on page 11 of this moth's issue.

Because of the hectic season, we will publish our traditional double issue in January which will cover both December and January.  Have a safe and wonderful Holiday Season and we'll be back in 2009.

Greg Hill - Editor, Rotopeka

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Weekly Meeting Announcement _ November 19, 2008

Hope you will join us Thursday for the weekly meeting of the Topeka Rotary Club.  Our speaker is Pere Garlinghouse speaking on Sierra Leone.

LOCATION:  Grand Ballroom

INVOCATION:  Janet Schalansky

GUEST INTRODUCTIONS:  John Wall

GREETERS:  Don Schepker, Doug Scott, James Seltsam, Gary Shofnor, Eldon Sloan, Alisa Snavely

CUP MONEY:  Capper Foundation

RECEPTION TABLE:  Jane Mackey

MENU:  Chicken Jambalaya, London Broil, Rustic Mushroom Rissotto, Ratatouille, Rolls & Butter, and Chef’s Dessert Display

NEW MEMBER TABLE:  Lucky DeFries, Henry McClure, John Hutton

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Youth Exchange – applications are being accepted for outbound long-term students for the 2009-10 school year.  The program lasts one year and is for ages 15-19.  It involves living with a few host families in a foreign country while attending a local school.  We are looking for above-average students with demonstrated leadership in the community who are open to new experiences and cultural differences.  The first step is to apply to our club for sponsorship.  The club level application is available in the rotary office or by contacting David Beck, davidb@brewsterplace.org  Deadline for applying is November 24th.

Election of 2009--10 Club Officers, Board Members, and Foundation Trustees Holiday Party, December 18.  Cost is $11 for Adult Guests and Rotarians (Those on Exempt Status) and $5 for Children 3-12 Yrs.  Under 3 are free.  There will be two      entre choices for adults (Chicken w/Lobster Sauce and Petite Chateau Roast Beef).  Children will have their usual buffet (Chicken Strips & Hamburgers). 

Sign-up Sheets will be on the tables.  Please mark your number of guests and entre choices for adults.

New Member Introduction:  Brady Robb, President, The Robb Company

Frank Oppitz Memorial by Don Horttor

Football Games (Nebraska vs Kansas and K-State) Predictions Opened

             

Bring in your old phone to our weekly meetings.

Every phone will be donated to Meals On Wheels, reprogrammed to make only emergency calls to 911, and given to Senior Citizens.
Donate your old cell phone and help others.

 
* Phones must not be older than two years old.

If you can't make the noon meeting tomorrow, we'll be broadcasting the meeting online.  Just visit the club website to watch it live or after the meeting for an archive.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Youth Exchange

Applications are being accepted for outbound long-term students for the 2009-10 school year. The program lasts one year and is for ages 15-19. It involves living with a few host families in a foreign country while attending a local school. We are looking for above-average students with demonstrated leadership in the community who are open to new experiences and cultural differences. The first step is to apply to our club for sponsorship. The club level application is available in the rotary office or by contacting David Beck, davidb@brewsterplace.org Deadline for applying is November 24th.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Meeting Announcement - November 13

REMINDER INFO

Hope you will join us Thursday for the weekly meeting of the Topeka Rotary Club. Our speaker is Dr. Rob Weigand who will speak on America's Financial Crisis. We are in the Grand Ballroom.

INVOCATION: To be determined

GUEST INTRODUCTIONS: Spike Santee

GREETERS: Merrill Ross, Richard Ross, Bill Roy, Spike Santee, Janet Schalansky

CUP MONEY: Capper Foundation

RECEPTION TABLE: Jennifer Haller

MENU: Fajita Bar and Chef’s Dessert Display

NEW MEMBER TABLE: Roger Aeschliman, Terry Wages, Todd Payne

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Youth Exchange – applications are being accepted for outbound long-term students for the 2009-10 school year. The program lasts one year and is for ages 15-19. It involves living with a few host families in a foreign country while attending a local school. We are looking for above-average students with demonstrated leadership in the community who are open to new experiences and cultural differences. The first step is to apply to our club for sponsorship. The club level application is available in the rotary office or by contacting David Beck, davidb@brewsterplace.org Deadline for applying is November 24th.

Nominations from the Floor for 2009-10 Club and Foundation Board Members/Officers
Membership Recruitment: Tomorrow, November 13 is Guest Day. Bring someone and introduce them to Rotary!

Holiday Party, December 18. Mark your calendars.

Youth Exchange – applications are being accepted for outbound long-term students for the 2009-10 school year. The program lasts one year and is for ages 15-19. It involves living with a few host families in a foreign country while attending a local school. We are looking for above-average students with demonstrated leadership in the community who are open to new experiences and cultural differences. The first step is to apply to our club for sponsorship. The club level application is available in the rotary office or by contacting David Beck, davidb@brewsterplace.org Deadline for applying is November 24th.

2008-09 Rotary Directories are now available. You can pick one up at the meeting or stop by the office.

The October issue of the Rotopeka is available online.

If you can't make the noon meeting tomorrow, we'll be broadcasting the meeting online. Just visit the club website to watch it live or after the meeting for an archive.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Meeting Preview - November 6, 2008

REMINDER INFOHope you will join us Thursday for the weekly meeting of the Topeka Rotary Club. Our speaker is Mark Peterson of Washburn University who will speak on the implications of the elections. We are in the Grand Ballroom.

INVOCATION: Rosalind Jennings

GUEST INTRODUCTIONS: Kathleen Hein

GREETERS: Rehan Reza, Richard Ridley, Carole Ries, Brady Robb, Angela Root

CUP MONEY: Capper Foundation

RECEPTION TABLE: Stan Martindell

MENU: Garden Salad, Rotisserie Chicken, Vegetable Medley, Rolls & Butter, and Chef’s Dessert Display

NEW MEMBER TABLE: Al Williams, Jennifer Haller, John Wall

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

District Foundation Banquet
TIME IS RUNNUNG OUT! The District Foundation Banquet is November 8. The deadline for reservations has expired but reservations would be accepted no later than tomorrow, November 6. You could drop it by the office.

Bob Adams passed away on October 29. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on November 6 at First Lutheran Church, 1234 SW Fairlawn.

Youth Exchange – applications are being accepted for outbound long-term students for the 2009-10 school year. The program lasts one year and is for ages 15-19. It involves living with a few host families in a foreign country while attending a local school. We are looking for above-average students with demonstrated leadership in the community who are open to new experiences and cultural differences. The first step is to apply to our club for sponsorship. The club level application is available in the rotary office or by contacting David Beck, davidb@brewsterplace.org Deadline for applying is November 24th.

2009-10 Club and Foundation Slate of Officers will be presented

Membership Recruitment: A Guest Day will be held at our regular Thursday Meeting on November 13. Bring someone and introduce them to Rotary!

The October issue of the Rotopeka is available online.

If you can't make the noon meeting tomorrow, we'll be broadcasting the meeting online. Just visit the club website to watch it live or after the meeting for an archive.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Meeting Preview - October 30, 2008

REMINDER INFO

Hope you will join us Thursday for the weekly meeting of the Topeka Rotary Club. Our speaker is Mary Kerr of the RSVP Program. We are in the Jefferson Ballroom in the Lower Level.

INVOCATION: Anita Wolgast

GUEST INTRODUCTIONS: John Wall

GREETERS: Ramon Powers, Wayne Probasco, Marie Pyko, Suresh Ramamurthi, James Rankin, Jim Regier

CUP MONEY –RSVP Program. RSVP is a program that mobilizes volunteers age 55 and over to deliver creative solutions to community needs. Volunteers are encouraged to use their skills and experience in service to public and nonprofit agencies. RSVP offers limited mileage reimbursement for volunteers who request it and that has become the biggest program expense. Funds will be used to reimburse the approximately 100 volunteers requesting mileage reimbursement.

RECEPTION TABLE: Staci Williams

MENU: Chef’s Field Greens w/Choice of Dressing, Italian Seared Salmon, Chicken Creole w/Lobster Sauce, Chef’s vegetables, Warm Rolls & Butter, Rice Pilaf, Chef’s Dessert Display

NEW MEMBER TABLE: Dick Knoll, Fred Gatlin, Chris McGee

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
New Member Introductions:
(1) Jamie Dultmeier, Director of Sales & Marketing, McCrite Plaza by Pat Michaelis
(2) Steven Newell, Market President, Central National Bank by Grant Glenn

District Foundation Banquet
TIME IS RUNNUNG OUT! The District Foundation Banquet is November 8, and the deadline for making reservations is November 5. We already have 6-7 club-sponsored tables, but there is still time to order one. Remember, World Fellowship Tables are $2500, and Paul Harris Fellowship Tables are $1400. Ten people get to sit at each table, and your club gets to name two Paul Harris Fellows with the World Fellowship Table, one with the Paul Harris Fellowship Table. Or, if members just want to come and bring a guest, it's just $170 per couple, with $100 going to The Rotary Foundation.

This year's Banquet will be the best ever, with our speaker being a Trustee of The Rotary Foundation, Ron Burton. Ron is a fantastic speaker--believe me, you'll enjoy him. We will honor folks who have taken part in Foundation activities--like Ambassadorial Scholars and GSE team members--and those who have given generously to the Foundation.
Frank Oppitz, a former Downtown Rotarian, passed away on Friday, October 24. His funeral was Tuesday, October 28.

Also, the October issue of the Rotopeka has gone to print, but it is available online.
Rotary International has sent tax receipts to the office that were returned to Rotary International World Headquarters as “undeliverable.” Would members please update their addresses though RI’s Data Services Department by contacting them at Data@Rotary.org If there is anything further that can assist you with, please contact them at their Contact Center at Contact.Center@Rotary.org

Monday, October 27, 2008

Topeka Rotary Club remembers longtime member, Frank Oppitz

Topeka Rotary Club remembers longtime Member, Frank J. Oppitz Jr.  A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church.  Obituary

Friday, October 24, 2008

New Member - Kathleen Hein

Kathleen Hein is a native Topekan. She graduated from Washburn Rural High School and attended the University of Kansas, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi.

She was introduced to Rotary at an early age. Her grandfather, Dr. Harry Lacy, was a Member of the Iola, KS Rotary Club for over 60 yrs. He served as its President in 1944.
Kathleen has been is sales for most of her professional career, and is an Executive Recruiter with Premier Executive Recruiting. She gets great satisfaction from assisting candidates advance their careers and helping to solve critical needs for her clients.

She has been married to Larry Hein for 29 years. They have three children; Matt, Reed and Lacy. Kathleen is a high school and college sports enthusiast who enjoys football, golf, and basketball. She is a member of Society of Human Resource Managers, Topeka West Booster Club, and enjoys delivering Meals- On -Wheels. She was reportedly also a cheerleader for the University of Kansas.

Welcome Kathleen!

Jeremy Kappell talks weather


KSNT Chief Meteorologist Jeremy Kappell discusses his career background and takes questions from the audience during his presentation to the Topeka Rotary Club on October 23rd. Watch his presentation on Rotary Live.

David Beck receives a Paul Harris Award


David Beck (center), his wife Lynette were presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship by the Topeka Rotary Club. Club President Kirk Johnson presented the award at the October 23, 2008 Topeka Rotary Club meeting.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Meeting Preview - October 23, 2008

REMINDER INFO
Hope you will join us Thursday for the weekly meeting of the Topeka Rotary Club. Our speaker is Jeremy Kappel, KSNT. His presentation is titled - "Wide Wonderful World of Weather"

LOCATION: Jefferson Ballroom (Lower Level Right)

INVOCATION: Joyce Martin

GUEST INTRODUCTIONS: Don Kready

GREETERS: Todd Payne, Nancy Perry, Vicki Peterson, Joe Pierron, John Pineger, Ginger Powell

CUP MONEY –RSVP Program. RSVP is a program that mobilizes volunteers age 55 and over to deliver creative solutions to community needs. Volunteers are encouraged to use their skills and experience in service to public and nonprofit agencies. RSVP offers limited mileage reimbursement for volunteers who request it and that has become the biggest program expense. Funds will be used to reimburse the approximately 100 volunteers requesting mileage reimbursement.

RECEPTION TABLE: Staci Williams

MENU: Pork Tenderloin w/Apple & Raisin Sauce, Chef’s Vegetable Medley, & Chef’s Dessert Display

NEW MEMBER TABLE: Joan Wagnon, Bob Clawson, Tom Gorrell

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
New Member Introduction: Kathleen Hein, Executive Recruiter, Premier Executive Recruiting

Paul Harris Presentation to David Beck

District Foundation Banquet:
Everyone is invited to attend the Annual District Foundation Banquet November 8 in Overland Park. This is a great chance to contribute to the International Rotary Foundation and have a great time as well. Tickets are $85 per person, and $50 goes to The Foundation. If you take your spouse or a guest, the total is $170, with $100 going to the Foundation. And here is a SPECIAL BONUS--Larry Dimmitt will match your banquet contributions to the Foundation in Paul Harris Fellow credits. So if you buy one ticket for $85, you get $50 in Paul Harris Fellow credits PLUS $50 more in Paul Harris Fellow credits from Larry. If you buy 2 tickets, you get $100 in Paul Harris Fellow credits, PLUS another $100 in credits from Larry.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Meeting Preview - October 16, 2008

Meeting Update

Hope you will join us Thursday for the weekly meeting of the Topeka Rotary Club. We will meet in the Jefferson Ballroom in the Lower Level. Our speaker is Kelly Stupka, Executive Director, Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas.

Other announcements:

Greeters - Phil Oliver, Elizabeth Page, Ann Palmer, Jeff Parker, Blanche Parks, and Don Paxson

Invocation - Joan Underwood

Guest Introductions - Gordon Lansford

Reception Table - Jane Mackey

Menu - To be announced

New Member Table - Roy Browning, Susan Mauch, Andy Chandler

October Cup Money - RSVP Program. RSVP is a program that mobilizes volunteers age 55 and over to deliver creative solutions to community needs. Volunteers are encouraged to use their skills and experience in service to public and nonprofit agencies. RSVP offers limited mileage reimbursement for volunteers who request it and that has become the biggest program expense. Funds will be used to reimburse the approximately 100 volunteers requesting mileage reimbursement.

New Member Introductions
1) Rasalind Jennings, Community relations Manager, Kansas Gas Service
2) Jeff Hiestand, Sr. Vice-President, Commercial Lender, CoreFirst Bank & Trust
Additional Updates

Update on Visioning Plan by William Beteta
District Foundation Banquet Promotion by Henry McClure

Remember, if you cannot make the meeting, you can watch it live on the Topeka Rotary Club website at www.downtowntopekarotary.org.

The September Rotopeka is online, read it here.

Join the District Foundation on Nov. 8, 2008 at the Overland Park Sheraton for the 3rd Annual Foundation Banquet. This fabulous event brings together Rotarians from throughout the District and beyond to celebrate the good work of The Rotary Foundation and raise funds for its mission. Complimentary wine bar service begins at 6:00 followed by dinner and program starting at 7. We are excited to welcome our keynote speaker, Rotary Foundation Trustee Ron Burton. Ron retired as President of the University of OK Foundation in 2007 and has served countless functions in Rotary. An attorney, Ron is a member of the U.S. Supreme Court Bar and has been the recipient of the RI's Service Above Self Award, Citation for Meritorious Service, and Distinguished Service Award. He and his wife Jetta are members of the Arch Klumph Society.

Visit http://rotary5710.org/ for more information

Upcoming Speakers
October 23 - Jeremy Kappel, KSNT, Wide Wonderful World of Weather

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Weekly Meeting Update - October 9, 2008

Meeting Update

This week, we will return to the usual meeting notice.  I was out of town the past two weeks and unable to send this notice. 

Hope you will join us Thursday for the weekly meeting of the Topeka Rotary Club.  We will meet in the Grand Ballroom.  Our speaker is Dr. Jerry Farley, President of Washburn University.  His presentation is titled "Washburn/KAW: Building on Two Great Traditions."

Other announcements:

Greeters - Asel Mukeyeva, William Neiswanger, Mark Nelson, Nick Nickum, Ned Nusbaum, Jim Ogle

Invocation - Curtis Sneden

Guest Introductions -
Travis Maurath

Reception Table
- Jennifer Haller

Menu - Ramada House Salad, Baked Pork Loin with Brandy Barbeque Sauce, Barbequed Beef Brisket, Fresh Seasonal Vegetables, Rice Pilaf, Warm Rolls and Butter, Chef's Dessert Display

New Member Table - Jerry Holley, Glenda DuBoise, Staci Williams

October Cup Money - RSVP Program.   RSVP is a program that mobilizes volunteers age 55 and over to deliver creative solutions to community needs.  Volunteers are encouraged to use their skills and experience in service to public and nonprofit agencies.  RSVP offers limited mileage reimbursement for volunteers who request it and that has become the biggest program expense.  Funds will be used to reimburse the approximately 100 volunteers requesting mileage reimbursement.

New Member Introduction -
Nick Nickum, Retired from Farmland Industries in Kansas City
Kim Gronniger, Administrative Director of Marketing & Communications, St. Francis Health Center

Memorial - Don Hogue Memorial to be given by Les Krull

Remember, if you cannot make the meeting, you can watch it live on the Topeka Rotary Club website at www.downtowntopekarotary.org.

The September Rotopeka is online, read it here.

Join the District Foundation on  Nov. 8, 2008 at the Overland Park Sheraton for the 3rd Annual Foundation Banquet. This fabulous event brings together Rotarians from throughout the District and beyond to celebrate the good work of The Rotary Foundation and raise funds for its mission. Complimentary wine bar service begins at 6:00 followed by dinner and program starting at 7. We are excited to welcome our keynote speaker, Rotary Foundation Trustee Ron Burton. Ron retired as President of the University of OK Foundation in 2007 and has served countless functions in Rotary. An attorney, Ron is a member of the U.S. Supreme Court Bar and has been the recipient of the RI's Service Above Self Award, Citation for Meritorious Service, and Distinguished Service Award. He and his wife Jetta are members of the Arch Klumph Society.

Visit http://rotary5710.org/ for more information

Upcoming Speakers
October 16 - Kylie Stupka, Executive Director Your Entrepreneurs of Kansas
October 23 - Jeremy Kappel, KSNT, Wide Wonderful World of Weather

Friday, October 3, 2008

Chuck Banks Speaks on Greensburg, KS

Chuck Banks of the USDA spoke to the Topeka Rotary Club at it's October 2nd meeting about the rebuilding efforts going on in Greensburg, KS.  Watch the presentation  below.



Live Videos by Ustream

Collective Brands of Topeka Serves the World

by Roger Aeschliman 

Have you ever wondered what an Arab woman is wearing under that black abaya?

It may be exciting lingerie but the odds are good it will soon be shoes sold through Topeka’s own Collective Brands (formerly Payless Shoes Source).

Jim Persinger, director of international development for Collective Brands, spoke to The Topeka Rotary Club on September 18, on the topic of “Growing Payless in the Middle East.” The Topeka-based international corporation has a vision of “Democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories for the world” and is currently using the campaign slogan “I Love Shoes!” to put legs under the vision statement.

Persinger said expansion into Canada, Central American and now into South America as far as Columbia and Ecuador has gone very well. Corporate analysis suggests the Middle East offers the most promise of expansive growth and the best model is to partner with Alshaya, a Middle Eastern franchising group. Alshaya already franchises Footlocker, Clares, Starbucks and dozens of others throughout the region.

Collective brands will provide the products, the designs, store models as well as training and audit services. The franchisees will provide the facility, hire staff and sell shoes. There are giant malls in the oil-rich kingdoms, including those with artificial mountains with ski slopes.

“When it’s 117 degrees outside you want to go inside…with the wealth now moving through these economies they are very focused on improving educational opportunities, living conditions and overall lifestyle improvements…this means retail opportunities and that means fashion.

“Some of these people are shopping three or four times a week in these retail centers. Where 15 years ago 100% of income went to food, now there is a lot of discretionary income to be spent on bags, jewelry and shoes,” Persinger said.

Throughout the Middle East 75% of the population is under the age of 35 and in some countries, including Saudi Arabia, 50% is under the age of 18. This young population – if not actually westernizing – is at least heavily exposed to western values and media and is aggressively adopting western fashions.

Collective Brands includes Payless Shoe Source, Collective Licensing and Stride-Rite as umbrella subsidiaries. Their specific brands include many well-known and popular names such as  Champion®, Dexter®, Disney®, Keds®, Sperry Top-Sider®, Tommy Hilfiger® footwear, Saucony®,  and many, many others.

Persinger was introduced by his friend and co-worker, Downtown Rotarian Curtis Sneden.



Watch the Presentation here:
Free TV Show from Ustream

Photos from David Lamberts Presentation

Thanks to Brent DeShazer for the photos from David Lambert.  Here are a few photos from the presentation.  
From David Lambert


Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Meeting Update

This week, we will return to the usual meeting notice. I was out of town the past two weeks and unable to send this notice.

Hope you will join us Thursday for the weekly meeting of the Topeka Rotary Club.  We will meet in the Grand Ballroom.  Our speaker is Chuck Banks of the USDA who will speak on Greensburg, KS.

Other announcements:

Greeters - Pat Michaelis, Bob Miller, Gina Millsap, Jeff Moe, Joy Moser

Invocation - Anita Wolgast

Guest Introductions - Curtis Sneden

Reception Table - Stan Martindell

Menu - Ramada Salad, Baked Chicken, Macaroni & Cheese, Fresh Vegetables, Rolls & Butter, Chef's Dessert Medley

New Member Table - Ray Browning, Bob Clawson, Jennifer Haller

October Cup Money - RSVP Program.   RSVP is a program that mobilizes volunteers age 55 and over to deliver creative solutions to community needs.  Volunteers are encouraged to use their skills and experience in service to public and nonprofit agencies.  RSVP offers limited mileage reimbursement for volunteers who request it and that has become the biggest program expense.  Funds will be used to reimburse the approximately 100 volunteers requesting mileage reimbursement.

New Member Introduction -
Don Kready, Retired State Farm Insurance Agent
Angela Root, Director of Catering, Ramada Inn

Remember, if you cannot make the meeting, you can watch it live on the Topeka Rotary Club website at www.downtowntopekarotary.org.

The September Rotopeka is online, read it here.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

FW: New member bio

NEW MEMBER INTRODUCTION  9/18/08
Travis Maurath
 
Travis graduated from Washburn Rural H.S, attended Kansas State University and obtained his degree in 1997.
 
He worked for Cohen Esrey Real Estate until 2004.  He then founded Rental Management Solutions in 2004 managing residential property for 124 clients and over 1000 units in Topeka and Manhattan with 34 employees.
 
Travis is married to Mindy, a pharmacist at Stormont Vail Heath Center.  They have no children.
 
Travis spends his summers at Lake Perry; spring and fall golfing; and winter waiting for the summer.
 
Welcome Travis!
 

FW: Rotary Meeting Info - 9.18

LOCATION:      Madison Ballroom (lower level left)
 
 
INVOCATION:  J. Kubik
 
 
GUEST INTRODUCTIONS:  Fred Gatlin
 
 
GREETERS:  Joyce Martin, Stan Martindell, Susan Mauch, Travis Maurath, Marvin Maydew, Bill McBride
 
 
CUP MONEY –September:  Avondale East Elementary School
 
RECEPTION TABLE:  Staci Williams
 
MENU:  Ramada Salad, Warm Rolls & Butter, Chicken Nova Scotia, Rice Pilaf, Fresh Vegetables, Chef's Dessert Display
 
NEW MEMBER TABLE:  Stan Teeter, John Wall, Todd Payne
 
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
 
            New Member Introduction:  Travis Maurath, Property Manager/Co-owner, Rental Management Solutions                                                                                                           
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, September 15, 2008

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Recruit a Young Member

How do we recruit young members into Rotary? Rotary International is asking that question this month on their website.

Young Rotarians are the future of our club. It is important to not only recruit young members, but once they have joined, it is imperative to keep them involved.

So what are your thoughts on recruiting and motivating young members into our club? Take a few moments and think about a young person that you might recruit to our club. But don’t stop there. Think about how, once they are members, that we can use their passion and talents to make our club stronger.

Share your thoughts below.

Friday, September 12, 2008

New Member - Spike Santee

Edward Wesley Santee is more commonly known as Spike Santee. In fact, if you call Spike’s house and ask for Ed, Edward, Wes or Wesley, he’ll know you don’t really know him because everyone, including his mother and his father, Wes Santee, have called him Spike since the day he was born. Wes was at a track meet and someone made a joke that his new born son was missing. The last reported sighting of “the little Spike” had him west of Lawrence with a diaper in one hand and a stop watch in another. So it’s been Spike ever since.

Spike is a native of Lawrence Kansas. He has been in Radio broadcasting for thirty five years and is a Senior Vice President with Cumulus Media, Inc. in Atlanta and currently serves as the Market Manager for the six Radio stations at the Cumulus Broadcast Center at 9th and Kansas in downtown Topeka. Prior to the Topeka assignment, Spike was a Regional Manager with Cumulus supervising approximately 100 radio stations and nearly 800 employees in twenty markets around the country. With the Topeka assignment, Spike gets to come home for dinner every night for a change.

Spike has been married to Trena for twenty six years. Trena is a Speech Pathologist. They have two sons, Weston who attends the UMKC Dental School in Kansas City and Hollis who is studying Business at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. They are the fourth generation of Spike’s family to attend KU.

Spike and Trena live in the country between Topeka and Lawrence. They enjoy gardening, walking and their two Dobermans who are always on the lookout for strangers. Spike likes to build bird houses and do fixer-up jobs around the house. Welcome Spike!

New Member - Jose Davis


COL Davis was born in Panama City, Panama. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, and a Master of Science in Management from Baker University, Burlingame, KS and a Master's in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.

COL Davis works full time for the Joint Forces Headquarters, Kansas National Guard located in Topeka, KS. He currently serves as the J5 Director of Plans, Policy and Interoperability, responsible for strategic plans, strategic management implementation and oversees the international affairs State Partnership Program for Kansas and Armenia. Simultaneously, he serves as the J7 Director of Joint Training and Education, Lessons Learned and Exercises.

His military education includes Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, at Ft Sill, OK, Defense Information School, Combined Arms Services and Staff School, the Command and General Staff College, Ft Leavenworth, KS, and the resident course of the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle, PA.

Colonel Davis is married to the former Jacquelyn Ann Messarosh of Scranton, PA. Davis has one daughter, Tori. He is the son of Carl and Cathy Davis of Junction City, KS. Welcome Jose!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Meeting Announcement - September 11th

Hope you will join us Thursday for the weekly meeting of the Topeka Rotary Club. 
We will meet in the Grand Ballroom.  Our speaker is  Dr. Jerry Farley, President of Washburn University and he will be discussing the Topeka Visioning Project.


Other announcements:

Greeters - David Long, Cindy Luxem, Jane Mackey, Larry
Magill, Mark Marling, Christel Marquardt

Invocation - Kim Gronniger

Guest Introductions -
Angela Root

Reception Table - Jane Mackey

Menu - Ramada Salad, Warm Rolls & Butter, Rotisserie Chicken, Roasted New Baby Red Potatoes, Vegetable Medley, Chef's Dessert Display

New Member Table - Phil Coolidge, David Beck, Pat Michaelis

September Cup Money - Avondale East Elementary School

New Member Introduction - Spike Santee, Senior Vice President, Cumulus Media, Inc.

Don Hogue passed away on Sunday, his funeral is Thursday, September 11, at 1:00 P.M.,  at the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave.

Remember, if you cannot make the meeting, you can watch it live on the
Topeka Rotary Club website at www.downtowntopekarotary.org.

Make sure you sign in at each meeting to help us track attendance.

The August Rotopeka is online, read it here.    Also, follow our club using one of the hottest web applications, Twitter.  Click here to learn more.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

The Topeka Rotary Club is now on Twitter

Heard of Twitter yet? Consider it one of the hottest social networking applications on the web today. Twitter utilizes the concept of microblogging, limiting the amount of information to only 140 charactors or less. Visit us here.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Eldon Sloan recognized for his generous contributions

Eldon Sloan, member of the Topeka Rotary Club, was honored last week for his generous financial contributions to the Topeka Rotary Club.  The presentation can be found at about the 5:00 mark of this video.  Larry Dimmit, Past District Governor, gave the presentation at the August 28th meeting of the Topeka Rotary Club.

My thoughts on Rotary Live

I am proud to be a Rotarian. Knowing that I am involved in an organization that does so much to help people around the world inspires me to do what I can for that organization. I am thirty-six years old, I have a wife and two young kids, and a fairly demanding job that doesn't allow me to travel the far reaches of the earth to do Rotary's work. I don't have the financial ability to make the generous gifts that I hope to someday make and I don't have any special medical skills that would enable me to deliver health care in underdeveloped countries.

I recently gave a presentation in which I quoted Albert Einstein who once stated "I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." Like Einstein (who did possess a special talent, regardless of what he says) I am passionately curious. Curious about how technology and sharing of ideas and resources can change the world. I believe that by reaching out to not only our own members through technology, whether it is the Rotopeka, the Rotary eNews (the weekly meeting updates), or Rotary Live, the new live stream of our club, we are not just enabling more people access to our club, we are spreading the mission of Rotary.

Here is my vision. Grandiose maybe, but here it is. I think that Rotarians all over the world will find that watching our club meet will satisfy their makeup requirements. I think we can and should offer the opportunity for those people to make a small monetary contribution to our club to support our efforts. Those funds can then be used to provide us greater ability to serve our own community and the world in which we live.

If over the next year, a hundred Rotarians around the world donate $10 for a makeup, that $1000 is more than I personally would contribute financially to our club. By helping provide the avenue to our club, our community and our world, I am doing far more to enhance Rotary through technology than I ever could do without it.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Meeting Preview - September 4, 2008

Hope you will join us Thursday for the weekly meeting of the Topeka Rotary Club.  We will meet in the Grand Ballroom. Our speaker is Major Bradley Laauwe of Ft. Leavenworth. His presentation is titled "Training the Army to Fight Today and Tomorrow"

Other announcements:

Greeters - Jim Leiker, Onis Lemon, Jan Leuenberger, Gail Litfin, Mike Locke and George Logan

Invocation - Robert Tomlison

Guest Introductions - Nick Nickum

Reception Table - Jennifer Haller

Menu - To be determined

New Member Table - Bill Latimer, Al Dvorak, Al Williams

August Cup Money - To be announced

New Member Introduction - J. Kubik, Judge, Kansas Court of Tax Appeals

Last Chance to update your information for the Club Directory

The club is in the process of printing the 2008-09 Directory.  Information sheets will be on the back tables.  Please look at your information, make necessary correction, if there are, and then initial the sheet so we will know you have looked at your information.  These will be at the noon meetings for the next four weeks.

Cups for new members admitted in 2007-2008 are on the back tables with your names on them.  Please pick yours up.

Remember, if you cannot make the meeting, you can watch it live on the Topeka Rotary Club website at www.downtowntopekarotary.org.

The August Rotopeka is online, read it here.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Two Announcements

Join us for the Rotary Foundation Golf Tournament

Have a hand in eradicating Polio and providing a much needed ambulance in Bangladesh. Join in to help two international projects sponsored by Rotary International and Topeka's Downtown Rotary Club foundation. Click here to view the registration form and register now.

Rotary Youth Exchange Program

We may have an opportunity to host a student from Austria through the Rotary Youth Exchange program. This would be an exchange that would start in early January 2009 with the 2nd semester of school and conclude some time in the Summer of 2009. The applicant is a 15 year old high school student who seems to be a wonderful girl with good English skills. She attends a language school where she is currently studying English, French, Latin and German. Next year she hopes to add Spanish. She wants to experience the culture here and improve her English language skills. We need to recruit two host families; if you are interested in learning more about being a host family for this girl contact David Beck.

The August Rotopeka is online, read it here. Missed Thursday's meeting? Watch it online.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Rotary Live

Today, we successfully streamed the Topeka Rotary Club meeting on its website and it was a success. We wanted to work the kinks out before we announced it on the big stage. I am very excited about this video and I think that we can spread the message of Rotary and promote our club and what Topekans are doing to support the mission of RI. I hope the next time you can't make a meeting, you tune in and watch it live or tune in for the replay. Rotary Live is just one more way that technology is enhancing community service.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Meeting Update

Hope you will join us Thursday for the weekly meeting of the Topeka Rotary Club. We will meet in the Grand Ballroom.

Other announcements:

Greeters - Carl Koupal, Don Kready, Les Krull, J.D. Lakhani, Gordon Lansford, William Latimer

Invocation - Blanche Parks

Guest Introductions - Pete Gierer

Reception Table - Stan Martindell

Menu - Traditional Ramada Salad, Seafood Chowder, Rotisserie Chicken, Golden Rice Pilaf, Fresh Vegetable Medley, Warm Rolls & Butter, Chef's Dessert

New Member Table - Larry Dimmitt, Gordon Lansford, Chris McGee

August Cup Money - Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund

Eldon Sloan will be recognized for his support to the Topeka Rotary Foundation.

The club is in the process of printing the 2008-09 Directory. Information sheets will be on the back tables. Please look at your information, make necessary correction, if there are, and then initial the sheet so we will know you have looked at your information. These will be at the noon meetings for the next four weeks.

Cups for new members admitted in 2007-2008 are on the back tables with your names on them. Please pick yours up.

The recorded video of last week's Rotary Meeting did show up after all. The sound quality, unfortunately is a bit choppy, so we will work on improving that part, but you can watch it here. We will continue to work out the technical issues as we go along. Thanks to Brent DeShazer for his assistance on this project.

The August Rotopeka is online, read it here.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Rotary Live - So far so good

We just tried the live stream and it worked. Check back shortly after noon for today's meeting.

Introducing Rotary Live

We are going to try something revolutionary today at our club meeting. We will attempt to live broadcast our club meeting online. At this point, we have no idea how and if it will work. If all goes according to plan, we will begin our live stream shortly after noon and you will be able to watch the noon meeting. Following the meeting, the archive will be available for later viewing.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Rotary Meeting Update - August 21, 2008

HTML clipboard Hope you will join us Thursday for the weekly meeting of the Topeka Rotary Club. Toby Cook, Vice President-Community Affairs & Publicity for the Kansas City Royals. We will meet in the Regency West Ballroom

Other announcements:

Greeters - Robert Jacoby, Charles Jeffress, John Johnston, Gary Knoll, Richard Knoll, Steven Knoll

Invocation - Kathleen Hein

Guest Introductions -
Jennifer Haller

Reception Table
- Joyce Martin

Menu - Cheese & Corn Chowder, Ramada Salad, Rolls & Butter, Barbequed Chicken, Barbequed Beef, Potato Salad, Pasta Salad

New Member Table - Hurst Coffman, Blanche Parks, Dick Knoll

August Cup Money - Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund

The club is in the process of printing the 2008-09 Directory. Information sheets will be on the back tables. Please look at your information, make necessary correction, if there are, and then initial the sheet so we will know you have looked at your information. These will be at the noon meetings for the next four weeks.

Cups for new members admitted in 2007-2008 are on the back tables with your names on them. Please pick yours up.

The August Rotopeka is online, read it here.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Attorney General Steve Six Speaks on Issues Facing his Office

Calling the Attorney General the People’s Law Firm, Kansas Attorney General Steve Six spoke to the members of the Topeka Rotary Club on various issues, including the development of a website designed to teach parents and children the importance of online internet safety.

“We have put a priority in the Attorney General’s Office on consumer protection and fraud,” Six says. “The office focuses on three areas, the criminal justice system, legislation and civil cases such as the case going on with the Republican River.”
Six discussed the new website designed to protect children from internet predators.

August Rotopeka is Out

Read this document on Scribd: August 2008

Meeting Update for August 14, 2008

Hope you will join us Thursday for the weekly meeting of the Topeka Rotary Club. We will be in the Regency West Ball Room. Kansas Attorney General Stephen Six, will be our guest speaker.

Other announcements:

Greeters - Jerry Holley, Don Horttor, Johnny Huffman, John Hutton, Terry Iles, Jay Ives.

Invocation - Curtis Sneden

Guest Introductions - Asel Mukeyeva

Reception Table - Staci Williams

Menu - Italian Chicken & Rice Soup, Beef Burgundy, Chicken Muniere, Scalloped Potatoes, Chef's Vegetable Medley, Ramada Salad, Rolls & Butter, Chef's Desert Display

New Member Table - Carol Wheeler, Joy Moser, Tom Gorrell

August Cup Money - Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund

New Member Announcement - Rosalind Jennings, Community Relations Manager, Kansas Gas Services (10 Day Waiting Period/ 2nd Time)

Ann Palmer will be taking pictures at the Rotary Noon Meetings on August 21 and 28 for the directory. They will only be taking pictures of those members whose pictures are not in the directory. That is for new members not listed in the directory as well as other members whose picture is not the directory. The Goal of Tom Gorrell and Ann Palmer is to get a picture of every member in the directory. They will not be doing retakes of the members whose pictures are already there. If members cannot make either of these dates they can either mail a copy of a picture (any size/matte or glossy) to the Rotary Office or e-mail it to us, as a jpg file, at mailto:dtrotary@swbell.net. We cannot guarantee the return of any picture you send us. Deadline for submitting pictures is September 4. You could also contact Ann Palmer at 357-6386 or e-mail her palmerann@networksplus.net and arrange another date and time for her to take your picture.

Cups for new members admitted in 2007-2008 are on the back tables with your names on them. Please pick yours up.

Beginning next week, we will attempt a rather significant technological feat, by broadcasting our club meetings online. Barring technical glitches, you will be able to visit the Topeka Rotary Club website at noon and watch our club meet live over the web. The video will then be archived and available for you to watch later and potentially be used as a makeup meeting. There is a chance we might be the first, or at least one of the first, clubs to offer this. Consider this option when you cannot make a meeting or if you want to show potential members what Rotary is all about.

The July Rotopeka is online, read it here.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008



Yearn for nostalgia?
Fans of classic radio will love the old-time organ music and blast-from-the-past characters in this Rotary radio show episode, the first of about a dozen produced in 1955 for Rotary International's 50th anniversary. So set your dial back in time, and stay tuned -- more episodes are coming soon.
Episodes can be listened to online or downloaded to a portable device such as an iPod.
Click here to listen to any of the episodes.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Nancy Daniels, Chief Executive Officer of Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, was the guest speaker at the Topeka Rotary Club meeting on August 7, 2008.

Her presentation focused on how individuals and families can get involved to create a positive impact on the life of young people in Shawnee County. As part of her presenation, she showed a short video which you can view below.



Click the play button to view the video below.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Group Study Exchange

Rotary Clubs of northeast Kansas are now seeking applications from outstanding young business and professional men and women who would like to participate in an international good will tour in the area near Manila in the Philippines for four weeks from March 4, 2009 to April 4, 2009 as a member of a Group Study Exchange Team sponsored by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

(View the full release)

Meeting Update - August 7, 2008

Meeting Update

Hope you will join us Thursday for the weekly meeting of the Topeka Rotary Club.  Nancy Daniels of Big Brothers, Big Sisters will be our guest speaker.

Other announcements:

Greeters - Mike Hall, Jennifer Haller, Max Halley, Jeff Hiestand, Greg Hill, Richard Hoffman

Invocation - Mike Hall

Guest Introductions -
Bob Clawson

Reception Table
- Jane Mackey

Menu - To be announced

New Member Table - Bob Miller, Gary Knoll, Andy Chandler

July Cup Money - Salvation Army Disaster Relief Fund

New Member Announcement - Steven Newell, Market President, Central National Bank (10 Day Waiting Period/ 2ns Time)

The club is in the process of printing the 2008-09 Directory.  Information sheets will be on the back tables.  Please look at your information, make necessary correction, if there are, and then initial the sheet so we will know you have looked at your information.  These will be at the noon meetings for the next four weeks.

Cups for new members admitted in 2007-2008 are on the back tables with your names on them.  Please pick yours up.

Eldon Sloan will be recognized for his outstanding contributions to the Rotary International Foundation

Scott Teeter will receive a Paul Harris Award

Group Study Exchange Team - We are seeking applications for team members to tour the area near Manila in the Philippines from March 4- April 4, 2009.  Contact Phil Coolidge for more information.

The July Rotopeka is online, read it here.