The meeting began with Pres. Tim Tholen’s welcome to all in attendance and our standing to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Karla Schuning’s thoughtful invocation was followed by our recognition of those members with September birthdays, including George Gordon, Duane Benton, Bill Popplewell Jr., Kristin Robinson, Woody Davis, Jorge Velez, Evie Craig, and Roger Sandquist.
After recognizing our guests, we noted the following members with Sept. membership anniversaries: Kara Bennett, 15 years, Martha Voigt, 15 years, Jim Ramsey, 21 years, Woody Davis, 40 years, and Neil Barnett, 19 years.
After today’s greeters, (members with Sept. birthdays) were thanked, we noted that the Women of Rotary members are celebrating their 20 years of service to the Club.
A sad note: Frank Kirk, son of Jim Kirk, has passed away.
Tom Woolwine and the flyers on the tables reminded us that the Rotary Regatta is being well supported by Club members. See the Buzzsaw for details.
Noteworthy coming events included the Regatta at Lake Jacomo on Sept 13 – 15, The Join or Die Movie at Rockhurst U on Sept 19, Rotary night at the zoo on Sept 24, and the Bolte Beer & Bash at Peter Ho’s home on Oct. 3.
Member Brad Kleindl introduced our speaker for the day, Dwyane Williams, who is the president and CEO of the 12th Street Heritage Development Corporation, where he leads efforts to revitalize communities through affordable housing, reentry programs, and youth mentorship initiatives. With over three decades of experience in community development, Dwayne is committed to creating equitable opportunities and fostering safe, vibrant neighborhoods in Kansas City. His leadership has been instrumental in launching innovative programs that address social challenges, and empowering individuals and families to build better futures. Dwayne's dedication iskto preserving the rich heritage of the community and driving forward looking solutions that promote long-term sustainability. In addition to that, Dwayne is president of the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation, which is a group that develops relationships between China and the United States centered here in Kansas City. He's also chair of the Yan Committee with the Kansas City Sisters Association, and he recently led a Casey delegation to visit Japan and China
Bullet points of Mr. Williams’ presentation:
>Recognition of the work of member Jan Armstrong with US relationships with China through the Edgar Snow Foundation.
>Introductions of the ladies accompanying him, his daughter, and his development partner, Julie Collin.
>A review of the work of the 12th St. Heritage Development Corp. to improve living conditions for people in that part of Kansas City, The work includes extensive development of much improved housing opportunities and the support of the leadership of Kansas City, and state and national funding.
Numerous questions from Club members about Mr. Williams’ word demonstrated the extensive interest and work being done by many Rotary Club members in that arena.
The meeting concluded with a quote: “Hope lies in dreams and imagination and the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality” and a recitation of the Rotary 4 way test.
Please join the Rotary Book Discussion Group for the discussion of the book The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. The book discussion will be led by Vivien Jennings and all Rotarians and guests are welcome. The group will meet at J. Wilbur Company.
“Join or Die” is a film about why you should join a club — and why the fate of America depends on it. In this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America’s civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert (Bob) Putnam, whose groundbreaking “Bowling Alone” research into America’s decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy’s present crisis.
@rotaryclub13
@rotaryclub13
