Events

Contact Ralph Foiles, rfoiles@processprotection.net

The conference is coming up on May 30 and 31 at A.T. Still University in Kirksville and online registration is open at  https://rotary6040.org/events/district-conference-rotary-district-6040/.

The early fee of $100 runs through 4/15, after which the fee goes to $125. The fee includes tons of great programming, as well as 4 meals, including a very special prime rib dinner on Saturday, 5/31. The dinner will be accompanied by a unique performance of A Candle Against the Dark. 

We have a ton of great Rotary programming lined up, as well as many fun and social activities, for all Rotarians across the district at this conference. Highlights include a Keynote address from PDG Duane Benton, the Shoes for Orphan Souls Roll Call, highlights of the recent nursing service project in Rwanda from Cassy Venters, a word from our District Governor-elect Jodi Sundaram, Kirksville community activities, a concert by Grammy-award winner Rhonda Vincent, and breakout sessions about:  community service, membership, leadership development, youth programs, small clubs making a big impact, public image and social media, and club fundraising. 

Kansas City Municipal Court Tour - June 9

Lindsay Jarquio, Vocational Service Chair, says, "Join your fellow Rotarians for a tour of the Kansas City Municipal Court (511 E. 11th Street, Kansas City, MO 64106) on Monday, June 9 (morning, time to be confirmed). "We will observe the urinalysis lab, the courtroom, and the fingerprint lab. Judge Courtney Wachal, a previous Rotary speaker, will be stepping out of court to greet us and answer any questions. This tour takes approximately one hour. You are encouraged to observe a court hearing on your own.   More information can be found below.

• The Domestic Violence Court is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to approximately 11 a.m. or 12 p.m., with the busiest dockets typically being on Mondays. The high-risk DV supervised probation docket is on Tuesday afternoons. The young adult DV diversion docket is on Monday afternoons.
• Wellness Court handles cases for defendants diagnosed with a serious behavioral health condition by a medical service provider, as noted by Judge Wachal. This court is every Thursday afternoon from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

More details about the tour to follow. If you would like to attend, please email Lindsay Jarquio at lindsayjarquio@gmail.com.

NEW DATE for the June meeting of the Justice Committee -- moved to Tuesday to allow participation in the Municipal Court tour on Monday (our regularly scheduled time). 

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82772298380?pwd=AEiSw5WD2Axv4b5LJwVMKvcsMcXiHk.1

Join ADVOCACY & AWARENESS GROUP OF JOHNSON COUNTY for its annual Juneteenth Peace Rally and March.  The March starts in downtown Overland Park and takes a 1-mile route to Thompson Park for the rally, which includes speakers, entertainers, and fun activities for the family. 

Learn more at: https://www.aagjc.org/general-8

Zoom Meeting

Meeting 7:30-9:00AM 

See the most recent newsletters for a summary of changes.  Contact President Lucy Betteridge for a copy of the bylaws.  They were distributed to every member via email on June 9.

Ned Seaton is a career journalist and publisher from Kansas. He grew up in Manhattan, went away to college at Harvard, then worked at newspapers in Arizona, California and Florida, as well as the Associated Press's Kansas City bureau, before returning to Manhattan, where he's the fourth generation newsman in this family. 

Karis Harrington is a Kansas City native currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Board Member for Kansas City G.I.F.T., as well as the Executive Director of The Next Paige Talent Agency.

In addition to her leadership roles, she serves on The Soul of Santa Board of Directors and actively contributes to the Board of Directors for More2 and the fundraising committee at The Melting Pot Theater.

With over 20 years of experience in business development, Karis is deeply committed to empowering underserved communities, supporting small businesses, and strengthening the Black economic ecosystem in Kansas City. Her passion for this work has made her a sought-after speaker and a recognized advocate for economic development. She has advised mid-sized businesses, consulted with C-suite executives, and delivered impactful presentations to city and county leaders.

Prior to her current roles, Karis served as the Senior Business Development Officer for the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City.

Karis holds an undergraduate degree from Tennessee State University, a graduate degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), and also pursued law studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law

The ADVOCACY & AWARENESS GROUP of JOHNSON COUNTY holds its 2nd annual Birthday Bash at the InterUrban Art House, 8001 Newton Drive, Overland Park.

Fee is $75 for live music, live art, gourmet food bites, cigar rolling, raffle prizes and more. This is a family friendly event, offering fun and fellowship for all.

Visit: https://www.aagjc.org/bdaybash for more information. Use code COUPLE for discount on event tickets.  

2025 Changing of the Guard

On Thursday, July 10, the Kansas City Plaza Rotary will celebrate our 2025/2026 President, Ralph Foiles, the new board of directors, and thank Lucy Betteridge and the 2024-2025 Board of Directors. Join us for this auspicious occasion and enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Plaza Rotary member TJ Jolly has graciously offered to host the Changing of the Guard at one of his renovated homes. You may recall TJ's presentation a few weeks ago about how his organization, Integrity Capital Management, is revitalizing historic parts of Kansas City.

In addition, Ralph asks members to bring donated items for Uplift to distribute to the homeless community. In the summer months, they need:

·      shorts (can be used; all sizes)

·      underwear 

·      canned goods

July 10, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

307 Bellefontaine Avenue, Kansas City, MO

$25 Per Person

Please bring a check to a meeting or send payment to the club Venmo account, @KCPlazaRotary2021. Contact Therese McGill for more information at theresemcgill@icloud.com.

Justice league holds its regular monthly meeting. For details, check with Erik Dickinson or Nancy Shawver. 

David Nelson is a coach, teacher, and founder of The Human Agenda.

David’s area of expertise, “appreciative inquiry” helps provide an intentional framework of listening and sharing diverse points of view to help us build on what’s right, (and what we have in common) instead of focusing on what’s wrong (and different) to live a fully human life.  This is especially important today, as we live in times of division, and instability around the world.

Contact Karyn Eppler for meeting information.  eppler.karyn@gmail.com

David Naster was a theater/psychology major in college. He soon realized he’d rather make fun of people instead of helping them. That’s what lead him to becoming not just a comedian, but an internationally, well-known comedian. Naster was the only American Comedian to open for Celine Dion’s World Love Tour. He has been a headline act for Norwegian Cruise Lines for 29 years, and he has received awards from colleges and TV for his comedic talents.

Yet, underneath all of the laughs, David discovered that humor and laughter could heal the deepest emotional and physical pains. That led him back to his psychology roots, creating You Just Have To Laugh.  This one-of-a kind brand and applicable philosophy inspires, encourages and brings joy to millions of people. By using real examples of real life from real people, David Naster speaks to professional and private organizations worldwide. 

David is an award winning author and filmmaker. His books and films have been implemented at the Stanford Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic and MD Anderson Cancer Institute. 

In his 40th year of making people laugh, David’s passion and purpose is simple “To Help Heal the World, One Laugh at a Time.”

Matt Mayer is the Kansas City Market President for Busey Bank (formerly CrossFirst Bank), a $20B financial institution headquartered in Leawood, Kansas with location in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Florida and New Mexico.  Mr. Mayer joined CrossFirst Bank in August 2019, and was promoted to Market President in January 2023.  Mr. Mayer is responsible for all lines of business, including Commercial & Small Business Banking, Commercial Real Estate Banking, Community Development, Treasury & Payment Solutions, Private Banking and Retail operations.  Mr. Mayer is a graduate of the University of Kansas and resides in Olathe, KS with his wife and two children.

Marquita Taylor, MBA, serves as the CEO of MB Taylor Consulting, LLC, offering expertise in nonprofit fund development, marketing and public relations. She also is the President of the Santa Fe Neighborhood Council, is extremely active in several leadership roles in the community. 

She was appointed to the Jackson County, Missouri Memorial Wall Commission, the City of Kansas City's Neighborhood Tourism and Development Commission (NTDF), and the Kansas City Neighborhood Accountability Board (KCNAC). She also holds board positions with Historic Kansas City, Project Equality, The Community Resource Team (CRT) and The Leroy Satchel Paige Family Home, Inc.

Her past board contributions include the NAACP of Greater Kansas City, Boys Choir and Girls’ Choir of Kansas City, Midwest Association of Fundraising Professionals, and numerous other organizations dedicated to community service and development. Marquita has received various awards and accolades. 

In addition to her consulting firm, Marquita owns Marquita Brockman Taylor, Special Events, providing exceptional event coordination and management services for major fundraising events throughout the community.

Marquita earned her bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Phoenix in Kansas City and a master’s in business administration. She also holds certifications in Conflict Resolution and Mental Health First Aid. In her leisure time, she enjoys staying informed on global affairs and working in the community she loves.

Open to all -- join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82983167785

Free event at Kanas City Public Library, Central Library, Helzberg Auditorim. Details and RSVP: https://kclibrary.org/events/black-moses-saga-ambition-and-fight-black-state

'Black Moses: A Saga of Ambition and the Fight for a Black State'

Krishna Lee has an extensive background in athletics as both a decorated competitor and a seasoned coach. She served as the captain of the 2022 U.S. Women’s National Tackle Football Team, leading them to a gold medal victory at the IFAF World Championships in Vantaa, Finland. That same year, she was named Defensive Player of the Year and Team MVP for the Kansas City Glory Women’s Tackle Football team, as well as the Defensive Player of the Year for the Women's National Football Conference (WNFC).

Before excelling in football, Lee was a standout track and field athlete at the University of Missouri, earning three All-American honors, twelve All-Big 12 accolades, and a Big 12 Championship. Her achievements led to her induction into the 2024 class of the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame.

In addition to her playing career, Lee has over 25 years of coaching experience across multiple levels, including NCAA Division I, professional, and para-athlete track & field. She has also coached varsity high school track and basketball, as well as numerous youth recreational sports. Her passion for coaching and leadership extends beyond the field, as she regularly speaks to collegiate and high school athletes about strategies for success both in competition and in life.

She served as the Athletic Director of Kansas City Parks & Recreation for 6 years shaping the landscape of recreational sports in the city. Lee currently serves as the General Manager of the Kansas City Glory, continuing her leadership in professional women’s tackle football.

LaTasha Jacobs is executive director of Pathway Financial. 

LaTasha Jacobs is a seasoned professional with more than 10 years of commercial banking experience in the Kansas City area. As the Executive Director of Pathway Financial Education, she brings extensive knowledge and an enviable network of community relationships to her role. Prior to joining Pathway Financial Education, LaTasha served as a Community Development Banker at UMB, one of the region’s largest banks, where she helped clients with customized solutions to meet their banking needs and objectives.

Throughout her career, LaTasha has been dedicated to supporting under-resourced communities, frequently leading financial education workshops and providing technical assistance to those in need. Her strong background in branch banking and operations has given her a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs of local residents, and how to connect them to the proper resources.

LaTasha was raised in Wyandotte County, Kansas, where her dedication to community service took root early. While in high school, she volunteered with nonprofit organizations, nurturing her passion for empowering individuals and families to build financial skills, knowledge, and security.

As Executive Director, LaTasha is committed to broadening Pathway Financial Education’s reach and impact and strengthening its partnerships. Her leadership is instrumental in driving equity, expanding access to the underserved, and helping break the cycle of generational poverty that afflicts many underrepresented communities.

Angelique Cheatem, Adult and Youth Program Manager

Angelique Cheatem is a highly dedicated and skilled professional in the financial services industry, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Financial Counseling earned in 2017 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. During her academic journey, Angelique actively engaged in the Financial Planning Association, demonstrating her early commitment to mastering the complexities of financial literacy.

Her passion for community service began in her youth, where she volunteered with the nonprofit organization Ladies/Teens of Essence, contributing to programs aimed at supporting and uplifting those in need. This dedication to service has remained a cornerstone of Angelique’s career, as she strives to empower individuals and families through financial education.

With four years of extensive experience in the finance industry, Angelique has honed her expertise and continues to focus on improving financial literacy for everyone she meets. Currently, she serves as the Financial Education Program Manager at Pathway Financial Education, where her work reflects her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Brittany Peterson has served in the reentry community with the Second Chance Risk Reduction Center since 2013. Believing deeply in developing community collaboration and strengthening Kansas City, she is a member of the Violence Free Kansas City Committee, KC360, leads the Reentry Subcommittee group of KC360, the Greater Kansas City Reentry Team Network, Regional Workforce Intelligence Network, a National Trainer in Workforce Development for the National Institute of Corrections, and sits on the Advisory Board of the Educational Opportunity Center. Brittany conducts Reentry Simulations to support Community Education and Special Projects initiatives, helps to build awareness around the barriers of successful reintegration efforts, as well as working to break down deeply rooted systemic injustices. Her focused and determined efforts at promoting an inclusive workforce has helped lead the Second Chance Program to a successful, evidence-based reentry program. She strives to help break the practice of working in organizational silos amongst fellow social service agencies and is helping to lead the charge in implementing fair hiring practices in the Kansas City Metro.

REIGSTER for this free event, held at the Greater KC CHamber of Commerce, Board Room, 30 W. Pershing Road, Union Station: https://greaterkansascitychamberofcommerce-dev.growthzoneapp.com/eventcalendar/Details/re-entry-simulation-1429728?sourceTypeId=Website

Community Service and Justice committees invite you to join us in this immersive experience, which puts you in the shoes of someone navigating the realities of reentry. It’s an eye-opening, hands-on opportunity to understand the barriers too many face, and to consider how we as business and civic leaders can help remove them.

Open to all; join by Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82983167785

Kansas City and the 2026 World Cup: What You Need to Know

A Kansas City Public Library Event Thursday, September 11 at the KCPL Plaza Branch from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a reception at 5:30 pm.  RSVP at this link.

Kansas City is slated to host six matches during 2026 FIFA World Cup, the world’s largest sporting tournament, including one quarterfinal. An estimated 650,000 fans will travel here – and it's an opportunity that brings excitement and an economic boost, as well as challenges. Community leaders and event organizers discuss what this moment means for our neighborhoods, visitors, and businesses. From public safety and transportation to housing, accessibility, and small business impact, discover how Kansas City is preparing for the surge of fans and activity.

Plaza Rotarians are invited to join the annual summer cookout sponsored by Kappa Alpha Psi, the fraternal organization that's joining us at the RISE Business Awards. This is a chance to meet the fraternity members and learn more about their service projects in Kansas City and build new relationships with a like-minded organization. 

The event is at Longview Lake, 9890 Longview Road, Kansas City, Shelter No. 13. Bring your own beverages and enjoy picnic and grilled treats. Games, music, chill time! 

Reach out to Erik for more details. Hope to see you there!

Local News at a Crossroads

An American Public Square Event with the Kansas City Media Collective on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Kansas City PBS, 125 E. 31^st St., Kansas City, MO. RSVP at this link.

There will be no meeting of the Rotary Club of Kansas City - Plaza this morning because of the closures for the Plaza Art Fair this weekend.  We'll be back next week!

The Grand Street Cafe, 4740 Grand Ave., Kansas City, MO 64112

Trinity United Methodist is hosting an informational meeting on Sunday, September 21, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at the church, located at 620 East Armour Blvd. It’s for anyone going, or considering going, on their Pilgrimage Along the Civil Rights Trail to get all the details and ask questions. 

Contact Board Chair, Karyn Eppler, for details.  eppler.karyn@gmail.com

Chris Harren is the Senior Vice President of Development for Gillon Property Group and Country Club Plaza leading all current and future development for the Plaza.  In his role for Country Club Plaza, Chris oversees all aspects of development, long-term planning, place making and value creation.  Prior to joining the Plaza ownership team, Chris worked for a family-owned private equity office in Houston building a robust real estate development portfolio in multiple asset classes including mixed-use, multifamily, office and hospitality.  Earlier in his career, Chris worked for a global real estate developer as head of multifamily construction in the Southwest region of the US after leading multiple corporate office build-to-suit completions in the Houston area.  Chris started his career working with a general contractor in the healthcare, life science, and higher education markets after graduating from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in civil engineering.  In total, Chris has developed or built nearly 6 million square feet of real estate including over 2,500 multifamily units and 1.4 million square feet of office over his 20-year career. 

Mike Theobald – born and raised in rural Iowa.  Moved south for college and never really left.  Original plan was to be a secondary social studies teacher but quickly learned that teaching history & government to teenagers wasn’t going to work out.  Learned that you can have a career in higher education and not be a faculty member.  Obtained a master’s degree (Allen Jenks and I have the same degree … he can explain it) and have worked on a college campus for over 35 years.  In my 23rd year (I’m calling it my Michael Jordan year) at Rockhurst University as Director of Career Development.  Very fortunate to have discovered a career path that I truly enjoy.

SW19 Pickleball Academy
2008 W 103rd Terrace
Leawood, KS 66206
United States of America

Each summer, 30 youth ages 14 to 16 commit to a two-year position working on the BoysGrow farm. For many, it’s their first paid job — an experience that teaches them responsibility, teamwork, and core vocational skills in areas such as culinary arts, construction, agriculture, marketing, and mechanics. Through hands-on work and mentorship rooted in farming and entrepreneurship, the boys gain a sense of pride, identity, discipline, and a practical understanding of the business world.

Open to all, join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82983167785

Public Media has faced immense headwinds in the last decade, none more disruptive than the recission package passed by Congress in July of 2025. Sarah Morris, General Manager of KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR station, discusses the warning signs and the decisions made in advance of the federal funding claw back, and the changes necessary to make KCUR sustainable well into the future.

Biography: Sarah Morris

Sarah Morris was named General Manager of KCUR 89.3, Kansas City's NPR affiliate, and 91.9 Classical KC in 2021. Both are a service of the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). KCUR is home to three major collaborative journalism services: the nine-state Harvest Public Media, the statewide Kansas News Service, and the NPR regional Midwest Newsroom, which provides investigative and in-depth reporting for Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska.

During her early tenure, Sarah helped create the Midwest Newsroom, as well as a local news collaborative, the KC Media Collective, which includes six nonprofit media organizations. She secured a $1 million, three-year grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to support this effort.

She also launched KCUR Studios, which currently produces podcasts of local and national interest, reaching an average of 100,000 people each month. Prior to her current position, Sarah spent nearly two decades in various leadership positions in the private and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, she was Assistant Vice Chancellor of Strategic Marketing and Communications at UMKC, which included oversight of KCUR, from 2004-2020.

Sarah currently serves as a board member for the Station Resource Group. She is a 2024 Public Media Diversity Fellow of the Riley Institute at Furman, received an MBA from Baker University and a Bachelor of Science-Journalism degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Please contact Board Chair, Karyn Eppler, for details.  eppler.karyn@gmail.com

The Urban Ranger Corps of Kansas City will hold their Urban Rendezvous XIV at the College Basketball Experience. Among the Honorees at this year's Rendezvous is our own Nancy Shawver!

Kansas City University Medical School

Jennifer Montgomery is a Rotary Peace Fellow and global human rights advocate with over 25 years of experience in advocacy, program management, public administration, and strategic communications. She spent a decade as the Director of Human Trafficking Education and Outreach for the Kansas Attorney General’s Office and is a subject matter expert on human trafficking and Gender-Based Violence with the Attorney General Alliance Africa Partnership for Justice.

In 2021, she was awarded a competitive Rotary Peace Fellowship at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. The focus of her fellowship initiative was transforming conflict-based sexual violence through arts-based inquiry, differentiation and storytelling with women in extreme poverty. In response to her work with at-risk women and girls in Africa, she partnered with three Ugandan professional women to form Magenta Girls Initiative (MGI), an international NGO mobilizing community support for girls’ education and empowerment. MGI is dedicated to lifting vulnerable women and girls in Africa out of generational poverty through psychosocial support, education, and vocational skills training. Jennifer currently serves as President and CEO.

In 2025, Jennifer partnered with Kansas Rotarians in her home District 5710 on The Intersection to Care (ITC) project, a comprehensive reentry and support initiative for women who have experienced trauma and exploitation. As part of this effort, she designs and facilitates a healing arts program that fosters emotional safety, resilience, and self-expression. Her work contributes to the project’s broader goals of addressing trauma, promoting empowerment, strengthening long-term stability through skills training and housing support, and reducing recidivism among participants.

Jennifer holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Kansas, an M.A. in Arts Education from the University of Florida, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation from Makerere University. Jennifer is an elected member of the Rotary Peace Fellow Alumni Association Board of Directors and a regular speaker at Rotary clubs, district conferences, and zone institutes across the United States and Africa. Last year, she was selected and trained as a Rotary Positive Peace Activator for the North America and Caribbean Cohort. She is also a Paul Harris Fellow.

Get ready for a jazzy evening as we celebrate what our clubs have accomplished and how your donations make a difference locally and globally.

 Live Jazz
 Golden Tickets
 Silent Auction
 Wine & Whiskey Pull
 Roaring 20’s Costumes Encouraged!