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Daphne Mertens, who works for Crosswinds Counseling & Wellness and Emporia State University, told our club about the grants that have been administered for a healthier community in Lyon County. There have been several different grants since 2014. Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways for Healthier Living awarded a three-year grant for various activities that promote resident and community well-being. Vacant lots are being turned into community gardens in areas known as "food deserts". Grants are available to businesses participating in worksite wellness, with grants of $10,000 available. Kansas Department of Health& Environment has awarded a grant of which a portion is being used for Maynard School cross walks. A bike share is being organized starting at 26 bikes with the MUPP Board coordinating. Other grants include promotions that encourage walking versus riding in the EmporiaCommunity. |
om Thompson was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow + Four for his generous contributions to the Rotary Foundation.
Ken Weaver we recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for his generous contributions to the Rotary Foundation.
Ken Buchele provided our club a great overview of the Emporia Community Foundation. Starting 23 years ago, ECF has distributed $9 million toward noble causes in the Flint Hills region. Assets have grown to $23 million in 175 funds. Match Day has become an exciting time with $210,000 given away in its third year. 
Greg Bachman introduced Emma Fornelli, who provided a whole different perspective of ESU baseball from her perspective of being the daughter of the team coach. As a senior at Emporia High School, Emma has enjoyed life at Emporia High as well as getting to participate in ESU baseball as a spectator who has an insight to what is really going on from knowing her father. Her baseball vocabulary is much higher than her non-baseball peers, even though she and her sisters don't even play the game except the occasional game of catch in the back yard. Some of her lesson learned:
Greg Bachman introduced Julia Joseph, a junior on the ESU volleyball team. Julia is from Wichita, and said that the best thing about being an athlete at ESU is the people that she meets and gets to engage. She is a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Group, and gets to help organize community projects involving ESU athletes. One of her challenges is balancing a schedule that involves athletic workouts, sleep, class, studying and a social life in college. She has learned about using her time wisely, and has grown as a person as a result. Julia is a health major, studying physical therapy. The ESU volleyball team has 15 members of the team returning for the spring season. They have two new freshmen coming next fall to join their team.
