Events

Merna Gill Bio and Session Description

Merna Gill has a Masters Degree in Education. Teaching HS Vocational Home Economics, then, Personal Finance and lastly a program called "Jobs for Americas Graduates". 

She still substitute teaches in Tulsa, Ok where she lives and mentors students all over the globe, thanks to Rotary.

It was her love for students that inspired her to join Rotary to work with Interactors and Rotaractors but it was speaking to Rotary Clubs about her Cuba travels that opened her eyes to Rotary's many missions.

Cuba actually brought Merna to Rotary. She's here today to share how Rotarians are working in Cuba today and the many efforts to re-establish Rotary there.

Merna Gill 480-686-6503

Courtney graduated from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 2001 with Bachelor of Arts degree.  She received her law degree from the University of Kansas in 2004.  

Immediately following her graduation from law school Courtney accepted a position with the Missouri State Public Defender System.  She left the public defender system in 2011 to begin serving as an assistant prosecuting attorney with the City of Kansas City.  In January, 2015, Courtney was appointed by the Mayor Sly James and City Council to serve as Kansas City Municipal Court Judge in Division 203, which has primary jurisdiction over all domestic violence cases filed in municipal court.  

As part of her commitment to offender accountability and victim safety she initiated the compliance docket, a specialized supervised probation docket for high-risk domestic violence offenders.  In October, 2017 the U.S. Department of Justice awarded the Kansas City Domestic Violence Docket a mentor court grant.  The grant is used to instruct other courts from around the nation regarding best practices for offender accountability and victim safety.  Kansas City is the first municipal court in the nation to receive this honor.

In June, 2019, the domestic violence compliance docket developed a drug court track.  This specialized, supervised docket addresses high risk domestic violence offenders with substance use disorders.  The docket is designed to permit domestic violence offenders the therapeutic environment needed to recover from their substance use disorder while simultaneously holding them accountable for their battering behavior.  Kansas City operates the second drug court program specifically for domestic violence offenders in the nation.

In October, 2021 the U.S. Department of Justice awarded the Kansas City Municipal Court a $1 million grant for two early intervention domestic violence programs.  The first is a class required as a condition of bond designed to increase domestic violence awareness with first time offenders.  The second is a Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP) docket that provides targeted services for young adult intimate partner violence offenders and their intimate partners.  

In September, 2022, Courtney was appointed as presiding judge of the Kansas City Municipal Court.  Under her term as presiding judge the municipal court debuted it first ever evening and weekend dockets.    

Courtney is Past President of the board of directors for Sheffield Place and currently serves on their advisory board.  She is an ex-officio member the board of directors for the Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City.  She is a member of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.  She is a mentor with the Association for Women Lawyers Foundation Denise Henning Connections Program. 

Hilari Holt is a Kansas City, Missouri born and raised actor, comedic performer, as well as the founder and Executive Director/Producer of Black Comedy Fest KC. She specializes in comedic improv performing, and is an instructor & coach. There are many facets to her interests and skills but performing & creating shows & events are at the top of the list.

Special meeting to review member questionnaire, to guide the committee's next steps. Please join for this important discussion. 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87926755104

Meeting ID: 879 2675 5104

John Proctor has arranged for a spring, urban hike for club members.  With more than 30 points of interest, we will learn about the rich ethnic history of KCK. We will see the beautiful homes of Strawberry Hill, vantage points, the Wyandot Burial ground & hear stories of courageous enslaved people who escaped to freedom. We will also enjoy beautiful murals, hills and see plenty of hidden gems . 4-5 miles 3-3.5 hours

Meeting spot: 

Splitlog Coffee  548 Central Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101

**Meeting Place- Back Patio of Splitlog

Link to book your spot $32 a person+ booking fee ($5 discount for seniors 65+ and veterans)

Considerations: 

Please use street parking

There is one steep hill at the beginning, the rest of the time there are small hills 

Restroom stop halfway through

Community Service - April 10th from 1 to 4pm.  

Volunteer with Veterans Community Project and learn more about their mission to fix Veteran homelessness.  We will be serving ALL who have served.  Please use this link to sign up and reserve your individual spot: vcp.volunteermatters.org.  Note - closed toe shoes required.  Click here for location and contact details. 

Boxing for Shoes for Orphan Souls - 

Please save the date, April 12, 8420 High Dr., Leawood, KS 66206.  Time:  Morning, specific time to be determined.  Please bring medium sized, sturdy boxes.  Moving boxes, liquor boxes, apple boxes from the grocery store, and boxes from the recycling center are great.

Zoom Host Karyn Eppler

Happy Hour with TJ at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, April 22, at the Urban Restaurant, 3420 Troost, to continue the conversation. 

I joined Heart to Heart Int’l in 2014 after 30+ years in the pharmaceutical industry. I’d spent over two years as a teenager living in Ethiopia (my parents were missionaries.) Part of that time we lived deep in the bush, far from any type of medical support. I was drawn by the mission of HHI, including supplying medicines and medical support to areas in need, like places I had lived. I also felt my background in pharmaceuticals was a great fit.

 

After a few years leading HHI, including some fairly intense responses (e.g. Ebola in Liberia, Cholera in Haiti, hurricanes in Texas and Puerto Rico) I realized that we were not doing as much for people in our own country as I would have wished. Hence the idea to start a nonprofit Patient Assistance Program, bringing high cost medicines to elderly and low income patients in the U.S. by contracting with pharmaceutical companies who would donate the medicines.

 

The HHI board approved the idea in Dec 2018, and in 2019, I began shifting HHI leadership to our COO, who became the CEO. Meanwhile I started RegaloRx, a nonprofit PAP, which launched late that year. It was designed to compete with for profit PAP’s, earn a profit and turn those profits over to HHI.

 

In retrospect, launching a new business right before the pandemic began was the worst possible timing imaginable. We quickly pivoted to a virtual operation and remained that way even after the pandemic subsided. We also had to borrow money to fund the startup expenses, so the profits we started to earn were all going to debt repayment and servicing. It was going to be several years before we paid off the debt and could start funding HHI. By that time we were helping 40,000+ patients across the U.S., providing them free medicines and shipping them from our contracted mail order pharmacy.

 

In 2022, we were approached by a for profit company to buy our operation. In 2023, with the agreement of the RegaloRx Board, we decided to seek other potential acquirers since the value of the company needed to be verified. An obvious question is “how can you sell a nonprofit”? It can be done by selling the assets inside the entity but of course not the 501c3 itself. (I will describe this in the presentation.)

 

In late 2023, we sold all the assets of our nonprofit operation to a for profit company for $7MM, repaid all our debts and obligations, had approximately $900,000 left over (which belongs to HHI) and the pledge by the new  owner to support HHI for up to 7 more years based on certain milestones. No employee lost their job as a result of the acquisition. I remained another year (as a requirement of the deal) to run the new Regalo. I retired from the company at the end of September 2024.

See the groundbreaking film Beyond the Bridge, followed by a powerful panel discussion with experts, filmmakers, and local leaders dedicated to ending houselessness in Kansas City.

Event is Free, but registration required. Details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/film-screening-and-panel-discussion-of-beyond-the-bridge-tickets-1236338946069?aff=oddtdtcreator

Featured Panelists:

• James Mathy: Milwaukee County Housing Administrator & architect of their homeless response system
• Don Sawyer: Producer/Director of A Bigger Vision Films
• Tim Hashko: Cinematographer/Editor at A Bigger Vision Films
• Additional Kansas City experts

Zoom Host Karyn Eppler

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.”

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.