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This Week's Meeting
Dec. 5, 2025
 
This Week's Speaker is District Governor Erik McGuire.
We will be in Salon D on the 28th Floor.
Erik joined the Rotary Club of Burlington, KS in 2008. After moving to St. Joseph, MO he joined the Rotary Club of St. Joseph East in 2012. Being a part of this great club inspired Erik to get involved with a variety of service projects, and to complete the Rotary Leadership Institute. Erik had the opportunity to serve as the club’s President in 2016-2017. Other roles he has served in at the club level include meals on wheels coordinator, sergeant-at-arms, spaghetti fundraiser chair, leading the 2015-2016 district grant to install a play-path at Northeast Park in St. Joseph, and Shoes for Orphan Souls Cheerleader.  
 
Erik currently serves as St. Joseph East Rotary’s newsletter editor and Rotary Foundation Chair.
 
At the district level, Erik has served as an Assistant Governor, Annual Fund Chair, and as District Governor for the 2024-2025 Rotary year.
 
Erik was born in Kirksville, MO and spent time in both Missouri and Kansas growing up. After graduating from Truman State University in 2007, he began what continues to be a rewarding career with the Boy Scouts of America, where he currently serves as District Director for the Pony Express Council. Erik enjoys running, and has completed 9 marathons, although he now gets more enjoyment from shorter races.
 
Erik married Christy in 2016 and together they raise Jackson (17) and Maggie (15). Erik and Christy enjoy travelling, good Indian food, and volunteering to lead Cub Scout Pack 30 and Scouts BSA Troop 30, where Maggie and several of her friends are members. Erik and Christy are Paul Harris Society members, Major Donors, and Bequest Society members to The Rotary Foundation.
Last Week's Meeting
Nov. 21, 2024
 
The meeting began with a welcome by Pres. Tim Tholen, followed by a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.  Member John Gillis provided a very thoughtful invocation.  After Guests were welcomed, we noted that only one member, Steve Burger, is celebrating a club anniversary.  He joined the club 35 years ago. (in November of 1989)
 
Announcements included:
+A greeting of today’s meeting greeters – members of the Community Service Committee.
+A report by member Tom Woolwine about the recently completed Regatta.  Numerous club members participated in the Regatta and served in various capacities.  Mr. Woolwine presented a likeness of the check that was presented to the Club, representing an all-time high of $36,329 to support the Club’s Camp for Kids.
+Member and Past President Tony Andresen reported that numerous spots were open for members to sign up for this year’s Bell Ringing fundraiser.  Check the Club’s website for times and locations.
+Member Lee Brumitt urged members to bring toys for the Westside CAN Center’s Holiday Toy Drive.  Check with Lee or the Buzzsaw for details.
+This is your last chance to sign up for the Holiday Party on Dec. 10 – at Grand St/ Café pm the Plaza – 6:00 pm, $75 per person.
+Ballots for the Club’s election for next year’s officers must be returned by Dec. 5 at 1:00 pm
+Coming Events:
          Dec. 10 Holiday Party (see above details)
          Dec. 19 – Tom & Jerry luncheon with the Salvation Army Band
 
Member Brad Kleindl Introduced our speaker for the day, Allan Gray, who is a partner with Zhou Brothers Arts Center, an exciting new $20 million arts redevelopment in the 18th and Vine District. Allan has been a respected arts leader and advocate for more than 40 years, holding numerous professional and civic positions across a variety of local, regional, state, and national art platforms. He's also been involved in numerous economic development projects in both Kansas City and Lee's Summit.
 
Mr. Gray’s lively discussion of the changes that are in progress in the 18th and Vine District, including the total reconstruction of a couple of large buildings to house art exhibits was most interesting.  Restoring the 18th and Vine District is creating new opportunities for business and social growth in the area.  A recording of his presentation can be found on the Club’s website.
 
Upcoming meetings include:
Nov 28 – No meeting (Thanksgiving)
Dec. 5 – District Governor Eric McGuire
Dec. 12 – no meeting
Dec. 19 – Tom & Jerry Luncheon
 
Today’s quote:  “The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.”  Jean-Jacques Rousseau  ( Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer, 1712-1778 – in case you were wondering…
A recitation of the Rotary 4-way Test closed the meeting.
Westside Community Christmas Toy Drive
The holidays are quickly approaching, and Club 13 has supported the Westside Community Center for many years. With your support and generosity, we will continue to bring joy to the community of children in need. This year, we as a club will strive to deliver 55 toys to the Westside Community Action Network Center, 2038 Jefferson Street, Kansas City, MO. 64108, no later than Monday, December 2, 2024. The center is requesting toys for boys and girls ages infant to 15. The suggestion for the older children is to donate gift cards from Walmart or Target.
 
The gifts will be distributed at the Christmas Celebration at the Tony Aguirre Community Center, 2050 W. Pennway Street, Kansas City, MO. 64108, on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Director Jorge Coromac requests seven volunteers from our Club to help with the festivities. If you are available, please email Linn Mills at millsfrench27@gmail.com or send a text to 505-402-6630 no later than November 25, 2024.
 
Click this link to sign up to purchase a toy.
Rotary Holiday Party
November Birthdays

Ed Knisley, Nov. 2

Jane Lee, Nov. 4

Fred Drummon, Nov. 4

Randy Sisk, Nov. 8

Bob Hechler, Nov. 12

Madaline Walter, Nov. 20

Jim Winn, Nov. 21

John Reynolds, Nov. 25

Jared Campbell, Nov. 27

We meet Thursdays at Noon

Crowne Plaza KC
1301 Wyandotte
Kansas City, MO 
 
 @rotaryclub13
 
 @rotaryclub13
Upcoming Events
Rotary Holiday Party
Grand Street Cafe
Dec. 10, 2024
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
 
Rotary Bowling League
Ward Pkwy Lanes
Dec. 11, 2024 4:30 p.m.
 
Bagel Run
Dec. 14, 2024
 
Rotary Bowling League
Ward Pkwy Lanes
Dec. 18, 2024 4:30 p.m.
 
Bagel Run
Dec. 21, 2024
 
Bagel Run
Dec. 28, 2024
 
Plaza Lights Party
Polsinelli
Jan. 07, 2025
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
 
View entire list
Speakers
Dec 12, 2024
Dec 19, 2024
Dec 26, 2024
View entire list

Bowling News
By Tim Tholen
 
The bowlers met up last Wednesday, braving the rain and the cold weather, to have another night of Rotary fellowship at the bowling alley! Obviously the rain caused a drop in high scores and amazing splits.
 
200 games:
Will Patrick-224
Matt Ho-221
Chris Grinsley-221
Tucker Clark-216
 
Splits and spares:
None
Zero
Zip
Zilch
Nada
 
Have a great week everyone! Go Chiefs!!

Salvation Army Bell Ringing
The holidays are just around the corner, and it’s time to kickoff our annual Salvation Army Bell Ringing Drive! THIS YEAR OUR HELP IS NEEDED MORE THAN EVER! There are opportunities to ring on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and the first two Saturdays of December. 
 
12/7/24
Sam's Club - Northland - 1-3 pm
Union Station - 2-4 pm -
need 1 more
American Girl Oak Park Mall -
3-5 pm
Plaza Barnes & Noble - 3-5 pm
Sam's Club - Northland - 3-5 pm
Union Station - 4-6 pm
 
12/14/24
Union Station - 4-6 pm
 
Please click on the sign-up link below. Thanks!
 
Youth Camp Update
Laurie Mozley, Camp Superintendent
 
This past weekend the Rotary Youth Camp hosted 2 Scout Troops who each held a Thanksgiving Feast for their families.  While they were here, we noticed that the eagle’s nest is being rebuilt!!! They are rebuilding in the same place as before.  The redline in the pic is what was left of the nest after the storm and the yellow line is where the top of the nest that blew down was.  They have a ways to go, but we are so glad the eagles decided to give it another go!  Updates will be posted on our Facebook page.
Centennial Memory
Camp is life changing.  Here is a BuzzSaw article about a camper who believed that camp can make a difference and gave back in important ways.  The groups that use the Rotary Youth Camp rely on volunteers to run their programs and provide staffing for their sessions.  We have been fortunate to see many groups “grow their own counselors” as campers grow up and want to help provide this life changing experience to other youth.

 
Sponsors