Events

“Lock it for Love” – Doing your part is the key to their heart!

The Justice Committee invites you to participate in a new program, a partnership with Grandparents for Gun Safety and Swope Health, called “Lock It for Love.” 

How it works: At Plaza Rotary Club meetings this week and next, Rotarians can pledge $7 in the name of children (a child) they love.  The pledge will appear as a heart or locket (get it?) on a Valentine's Day poster, demonstrating the love and commitment.  Each $7 contribution purchases a gun lock from Grandparents for Gun Safety.   Plaza Rotary's bundle of locks (target is 100) will go to Swope Health for distribution by pediatricians and behavioral health therapists. 

Because every child deserves to live in a safe home. 

At both meetings, guests from Grandparents for Gun Safety will join us to share materials and info about their programs (Judy Sherry, board president, recently was a guest presenter). 

In Kansas City, 2023 was the deadliest year ever, with 182 homicides.  Firearm injuries are now the leading cause of death among young children and teenagers in the United States.  An estimated 4.6 million children live in homes with unsecured firearms. 

For just $7, you can play a role in helping a Kansas City child live in a safer home.  Do it for love.

Table conversations on sharing ideas to improve the club. Come to. learn and share!

The Black-white wealth gap impacts everything 

Author, Ex-Wall Street Journal. Black History Month

Media executive and journalist Ebony Reed presents data and context on the Black-white wealth gap to help us understand why today so many Black families only have 15 cents for every dollar in wealth white families hold and its impact. 

She is the Chief Strategy Officer at The Marshall Project, a national nonprofit focused on reporting about the criminal justice system. At the Yale School of Management, Ebony codesigned and co-teaches an MBA class with fellow journalist and professor, Louise Story about wealth and income gaps across race and gender. They are also coauthors of a book (HarperCollins, 2024) about the Black-white wealth gap, which is based on more than 300 interviews, their own commissioned Harris Poll and a deep dive on seven Black families – three prominent and four most people may not know. 

Ebony began her career as a reporter at The Plain Dealer, covering Cleveland public schools, documenting public education’s inequities. At The Detroit News, she managed the local coverage of the 2008 financial crisis that crushed many families and had a lasting impact on Black families. At the Associated Press, Ebony was the deputy chief over the 55-person New England bureau and she was based in Boston before moving into a national revenue-focused role. At The Wall Street Journal, Ebony focused on audience and community building. 

She’s a proud Missouri School of Journalism graduate and former faculty member. She’s also a board member of United WE and resides in Kansas City, Missouri.

Virtual Board Meeting

Dr. Dina M. Bennett is the Director of Collections and Curatorial Affairs at the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, a member of the Smithsonian Institution Affiliation Program. The mission of the American Jazz Museum is to celebrate and exhibit the experience of jazz as an original American art form through performance, exhibition, education, and research at one of the country's jazz crossroads – 18th & Vine. Bennett is responsible for overseeing the permanent collection and institutional archives of the museum, including all loans and temporary exhibits.

Prior to this position, Bennett spent three years as the Founding Curatorial Director of the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tennessee.

As an ethnomusicologist, Bennett specializes in African American music-culture and has honed her expertise in telling the story of African American music and its various genres through her curatorial work in music museums. With years of experience in exhibition design, she brings a strong understanding of storytelling and the importance of establishing the historical and cultural context for interpretation.

Bennett is a native of Topeka, Kansas. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Washburn University, a master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Kansas State University, and a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology with a minor in African American & African Diaspora Studies from Indiana University. WhiBennett has over 30 years’ experience in the music field and is an accomplished pianist.

The Racial Wealth Gap Symposium is Feb. 26 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s Buck O’Neil Education & Research Center, 1824 Paseo, Kansas City, Mo., 64108. Free, but registration required: Click here for more details and to register

Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, will open the event, which features Ebony Reed and Louise Story, co-authors of Fifteen Cents on the Dollar: How Americans Made the Black-White Wealth Gap. The book will be available free to registrants who provide a mailing address. (Ebony also speaks to Plaza Rotary Club on Feb. 16.)

Following a reading and discussion by the co-authors, they will moderate two panels on the Racial Wealth Gap. Panelists are:

• Brandon Calloway, Founder and Executive Director of Kansas City G.I.F.T 
• Emmet Pierson Jr., President & CEO, Community Builders of Kansas City 
• Ryan Sorrell, Founder and Publisher of news outlet “KC Defender”
• Wendy Doyle, President & CEO, United WE 
• Adam Hawley, Partner at BMG Advisors and co-founder of LIFT KC 
• Theodis Watson, Director of Community Development, CrossFirst Bank
• Dr. Marvia Jones, Kansas City Health Department Director 
• Lisa Brooks, Special Projects Manager, Women’s Business Center 
• Carlos Gomez, President/CEO, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City 
• Christine Kemper, Founder and Board chair for Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy

KCUR will record the event for later replay from its website. The event is sponsored by the Kauffman Foundation and Players Coalition​. This gathering is for anyone who wants to grow their knowledge about the wealth gap. This is also for those whose work, including business and civic leaders, intersects with this gap. This gathering is also for individuals and family leaders who want to know more about the wealth gap to help inform their children, friends and neighbors. 

DeAngela Burns-Wallace Bio

Bio: DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Ed.D., is president and chief executive officer of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. With more than $2.5B in assets, the Kauffman Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the United States, and approaches its work from the middle of the country with a solid Midwest mindset – working to build practical and workable solutions to today’s challenges.  DeAngela will be speaking on her vision for the Foundation and how that focus is on KC while also having a national impact in the field of entrepreneurship.

Dr. Burns-Wallace is an award-winning public sector leader and educator who has championed policies and leveraged resources to improve lives and communities around the world. For more than 25 years, her leadership has created equitable and broader access to opportunities, shaped policies that expand resources, and better positioned communities to thrive intellectually, economically, and civically.

Through her work with educational institutions, government, business leaders, and community organizations, Dr. Burns-Wallace is recognized for her ability to envision and implement innovative, data-informed solutions in dynamic and complex organizations that yield sustainable impact.

Service is also a cornerstone of her journey. Dr. Burns-Wallace was elected to the Stanford University Board of Trustees in 2020, and she previously has held board roles in numerous local, regional, and national organizations.

Dr. Burns-Wallace’s depth of experience has made her a sought-after expert, keynote speaker, and national trainer on topics including diversity, equity, and inclusion; talent development; organizational behavior; operational effectiveness; strategic management; and authentic leadership.

Dr. Burns-Wallace holds a dual bachelor’s degree in international relations and African American studies from Stanford University, a Master in Public Affairs from Princeton University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania. She currently holds a faculty appointment at the University of Southern California. 

The most important title to this Kansas City native is mom to her son, Xavier.

Business

Becky built and sold the award-winning communications firm, Blades and Associates, which served diverse organizations in industries from health care to aviation, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Before that, Becky launched creative marketing departments in other growing companies.

She has chaired boards of directors, both corporate and not-for-profit, and continues to serve on boards and their committees.

Becky is a Fellow of the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program and serves as a mentor, advisor, and investor to startups and early-stage businesses.

Creativity

Becky enjoys a portfolio creative career of writing and making art.

She writes on topics from innovation and creativity to personal growth, and creates visual art by herself and in collaboration with others. See her art here, and see her writing here.

Becky has worked in live theater, and has created special events and creative gatherings, including a sold-out comedy show.

Community

Becky brings creativity to the communities she loves.

An active civic servant, Becky focuses her work as an advocate for the arts, youth and entrepreneurship.

She served for nine years on the Board of Directors of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, including serving on the Executive Committee and as chair of the Metropolitan Entrepreneurs Council.

Becky is past chair of ArtsKC, the Regional Arts Counsel, where she helped lead a region-wide community process to create the first-ever Regional Cultural Plan. She currently serves on the board of Starlight Theatre.

She’s served dozens more community boards including the Greater Kansas City Neighborhood Alliance, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girl Scouts Mid-Continent Council, and others.

Education

Becky earned her Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, where she was the Associated Press Hal Boyle Scholar and a graduate of the Honors College.

Becky has been a guest lecturer at academic institutions including the UMKC Henry W. Bloch School of Management, The University of Missouri School of Journalism, The University of Kansas School of Journalism and The Kansas City Art Institute.

Etc.

Becky is a bad cook, a hopeful gardener, a passionate tree hugger and a licensed private pilot.

She lives in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband of 37 years, Cary Phillips. They have two daughters, Tess Phillips, living in Los Angeles, and Taylor Kay Phillips, living in New York City.

Contact Kathy Kopach at kathleenkwoods@gmail.com for information on the location.

Contact Kathy Kopack at kathleenkwoods@gmail.com to sign up.  March 9th, 9:00–11:00 a.m. is set for Plaza Rotarians to assemble Hygiene Kits. 

Free performances by KCREP: https://kcrep.org/event/kcrep-for-all/

Nina Simone: Four Women uses the framework of one of her most blistering songs, “Four Women”, to look at an artist and the women around her as their journey leads them down a path of discovery and healing. This play with music includes some of Nina Simone’s most popular Civil Rights anthems such as “Mississippi Goddam” and “Young, Gifted, and Black” to look at an artist and the women around her as their journey leads them down a path of discovery and healing.

Free performances, first come-first served

All new members invited.  Grand Street Cafe

Sunshine Laws – Cornerstone of a Healthy Democracy

A discussion among First Amendment experts will address how to protect government transparency, hold officials accountable, and make your voice heard

The event, “Sunshine Amid the Storms,” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2024, at Shook Hardy & Bacon law offices, 2555 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, and online via Zoom. The event features Dan Margolies, recently retired journalist with KCUR-FM, in conversation with First Amendment lawyers Bernie Rhodes of Lathrop GPM; and Jean Maneke of The Maneke Group. Additionally, Jason Lewis, General Counsel in the office of the Missouri Attorney General will participate.

Free and open to the public. Please register: lwvkc.org.

The panel will begin with a brief explanation of Sunshine Laws that generally provide for public access to government meetings, documents, and decisions. These laws, broadly including Open Records and the Freedom of Information Act, are foundational to democracy, yet increasingly face challenges and misuse. 

For example, some jurisdictions have attempted to block members of the public from participating in open meetings, proposed exorbitant fees for access to public documents, and in Marion County, Kansas, police led a raid on the local newspaper – an action widely condemned as a violation of First Amendment rights.

Members of the panel will draw upon personal and professional experiences with Sunshine Laws to illustrate the importance of the laws in keeping government actions open and accessible to the people, a cornerstone of democracy. 

• Dan Margolies has been a reporter for the Kansas City Business Journal, The Kansas City Star, and KCUR Public Radio. 

• Bernie Rhodes is a partner at Lathrop GPM with more than 40 years of experience in First Amendment and media law matters. 

• Jean Maneke, a former journalist, is the principal of the Maneke Law Group. She has 25 years of experience in media, publishing, and entertainment law. 

• Jason Lewis, General Counsel in the Attorney General’s office, joined the office in 2016 and has worked for four AG administrations. His legal practice areas include Sunshine Law, election law, and state constitutional law.   

This discussion, designed to provide a deeper understanding of the Sunshine Law and its role in democracy, is free and open to the public. The event coincides with the national observance of Sunshine Week, a nonpartisan initiative sponsored by a collaboration of nonprofit, private, and government sectors. 

To register for the event, visit lwvkc.org. 

A recording of the event will be available on lwvkc.org and the @LWVKC YouTube channel.  

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan grassroots educational organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation, at the local, state, and national levels. Hallmarks of our local LWVKC/JCP organization include registering voters, conducting candidate forums, and publishing an online voter guide at vote411.org. The League never endorses or opposes candidates or political parties.

Pop-Up Party, Happy Hour and All That Jazz

Jerry and Cassy Venters have issued a St. Pat’s Happy Hour invitation for Sunday, March 17, 3:30-5:30 p.m. (719 W 99^th Terr.) followed by a Jazz Vespers/Concert at 6:00 p.m., sponsored by the First Baptist Church of KCMO (corner of Wornall and Red Bridge Rd).  The 100-minute professional jazz program is monthly, free and open to the public.

Performers the evening of March 17 will be Millie Edwards and friends.

Cassy says in a letter to all club members, “P.S., This isn't our church. But, we've learned about these monthly gatherings since moving back to KC.   RSVP to Cassy at cdventers@me.com.  Attendees are asked to bring a six-pack of beer or a bottle of wine or beverage of their choice and a small snack.

Statewide training for all incoming club presidents and presidents-elect.  https://www.showmerotary.org 

 A Visual Journey

I will describe the arc of my career from staff photographer to director of photography, freelance photographer/writer and current status as a hobbyist still engaged in making pictures of landscape, wildlife, automobiles and people.

Retired from the Kansas City Star in 2015.

Staff photographer, 1979

Director of Photography 1982-1991

Automotive Editor 1991-2002

Freelance automotive editor 2002-2015

I graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism in 1966. Worked for newspapers in Missouri and Colorado before joining the Kansas City Star in 1979.  I held various positions at the Star, including Director of Photography, until 1991 when I became the automotive editor. I left the paper in 2002 to be self-employed but continued to supply stories and photographs to the paper until 2015. In 2016 I was inducted into the Missouri Press Assn. Photojournalism Hall of Fame. I am a past president of the National Press Photographers Association.

Married to Susan, with two children and five grandchildren (children still live locally). We live in Leawood.

This is the last day Melynn Sight will be collecting empty Rx bottles for Wayside Waifs.  The bottles shsould have the labels removed and be cleaned with the sticky residue removed (Goof Off or Goo Gone works well.).  Bring the bottles to the club meeting.

Virtual Board Meeting

Save the Date!  Location and Time TBD, time will probably be in the morning.

Audrey Coleman is the Director of the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, where she has held leadership roles since 2012. Formerly the Archivist to Senator Bob Dole, in Summer 2023 Audrey lead months-long commemorative efforts in honor of Senator Bob Dole’s 100^th birthday and the 20^th anniversary of the Dole Institute, including a celebratory slate of guests including Senators Trent Lott and Tom Daschle, and Wall Street Journal Executive Washington Editor Jerry Seib.

Audrey cultivates transformative program partnerships that impact audiences and engage institutions across the region and the nation. Her experience with public engagement crosses disciplines, generations, and political philosophies. Audrey’s resourceful leadership strategy centers on attributes exclusive to the Dole Institute including the leadership legacies of Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole, their papers, and the vast network associated with the Senators, the Dole Institute, and the University of Kansas.

Audrey holds graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University of Kansas, where she was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society.

John Proctor has coordinated the Quindaro Tour for Sun.  April 14 at 10 a.m.   The signup link is below.  The group will adjourn for lunch someplace afterward, TBD.   If it rains out, then we'll find another date.  

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

Hike Description:

Learn the stories of freedom seekers crossing the Missouri River into the town of Quindaro during their journey on the underground railroad.  We'll explore the ruins buried in the hillside of these pre-civil war structures of this pivotal town that changed our history.  The terrain has steep hills and is rocky  2-2.5 hrs 3 miles.

Meeting spot: 

John Brown Statue 

3440 N 27th St, Kansas City, KS 66104. 

Considerations: 

**There are no physical restrooms on the trail.  Anyone is welcome to use the great outdoors, though, if needed.   Sometimes, the terrain is steep with loose rocks.  If you rely on hiking sticks when you hike, we advise you to bring them.  Please wear closed-toed shoes.  Hiking boots, hiking shoes, or tennis shoes are ideal.  If it's been raining, wear shoes that can get muddy.  For more information, contact John Proctor, jproctor1609@gmail.com

Michelle Neuschafer has taught first, second, third and fifth grade for 22 years.  She has a bachelors degree in educaiton from Kansas State, a masters degree in curriculum and instruction from Wichita State and a masters degree in Science of Leadership from Baker University.  She has taught at a charter school, title one school and is currently teaching at Cedar Creek Elementary, which is part of the Olathe School District.  She asked her first graders questions about Easter and will join Plaza Rotarians to report on what First Graders Say About Easter.

Save the Date.  Location:  Margaritaville at the Lake of the Ozarks.  https://rotary6040.org/SitePage/2024-district-funvention 

Free, online and in person at the Kansas City Public Library, Plaza Branch. Reception at 6 pm, event starts at 6:30 pm.

Register and more details: https://americanpublicsquare.org/event/triggeringchange/

The Kansas City metro saw its deadliest year on record in 2023 as the community experienced 243 gun-related deaths. Join American Public Square at Jewell for their annual student-produced program which will take a deeper look into the roles community education and prevention play in the lives of urban youth at a time when firearm violence is feeling all too normal.  Program panelists include:

• • Jean Peters Baker, Jackson County Prosecutor
  • Chip Brownlee, reporter for The Trace
  • Kyle Hollins, founder and CEO – The Lyrik’s Institution
  • LaTasha Jacobs, activist, co-founder of Pretty Pistol Posse and certified firearms instructor
  • Marijana Kotlaja, Ph.D., assistant professor – Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology – University of Missouri-Kansas City
  • Ryana Park-Shaw, Kansas City Mayor Pro-Tem
  • Shayla Sullivant, M.D., child and adolescent psychiatrist specialist – Children’s Mercy Hospital

With support from Student Ambassadors, Mary Sanchez of Kansas City PBS | Flatland will moderate the discussion; Toriano Porter of The Kansas City Star will serve as the program’s Roving Reporter; Cami Koons of Kansas City PBS | Flatland will provide the evening’s fact checks.  Doors open at 6:00 pm; the program begins at 6:30 pm.

This program has been designed for the community by APS’ 2023-24 Student Ambassadors and is the culminating event in their year-long APS Civics Education Initiative experience.  Participating high schools include Belton High School, Guadalupe Center, Lee’s Summit West High School, Olathe North High School, Shawnee Mission North High School, St. Teresa’s Academy, and University Academy.

As part of their Last Patrol (hospice for Veterans), Vets4KC will receive a 2-hour training with K.S. Palliative Care to certify club members for Vet Hospice visits.  The training will be on the morning of Saturday, 27 April.  If any Plaza Club members are interested, please let Steve Rotkoff know, and he will connect you with the action lead for this effort.  Rotarians attending will need a T.B. test before the 27^th and you can find out where you can receive a free T.B. test.  Contact Steve Rotkoff at redtmbyrotkoff@icloud.com for more information.

Contact Youth Chair, Erik Dickinson, erik.dickinson@urckc.org

Bo Steed, writes and invites: "Walk-About" at the Steed Farm, April 27th.  Arrive anytime from 10:00 that morning, or later, and stay as long as you want.  Please bring what you might have for eats and drinks, picnic style or other.  The house has a full kitchen if needed.  We can roast hot dogs as well.  The address is  15230 Titan Ave  Winston MO.  Titan is a gravel road and there is a big cedar tree at the driveway entrance on the south side of Titan.  It's about 75 minutes from the Plaza, up I-35 to exit 61.  There are wide trails to walk and fields to explore.  Dress for the woods.  There are ticks as well as lions, tigers and bears.  Wild asparagus and morels to hunt, even kites to fly, it's most often windy.  Fireworks are legal.  Please let me know who and how many might attend.  bojah38@gmail.com   816-365-9649

Contact Cassy Venters at cdventers@me.com for a form to submit your district grant idea for the 2024-2025 Rotary Year.  We will need project expenses, names of partners and beneficiaries.

District Grant Requirements The District 6040 Grant Subcommittee administers District 6040 grants in accordance with the following Requirements, in addition to TRF Terms and Conditions. 1. Area of Focus. A grant project must be humanitarian in nature and must benefit a community need through one of TRF’s areas of focus: a. Promoting peace b. Fighting disease c. Providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene d. Saving mothers and children e. Supporting education f. Growing local economies g. Protecting the environment 2. Sustainable impact: The project’s impact should be sustainable, i.e., the impact or benefits continue after the project is completed and the benefitting recipient can maintain the project and its outcome. 3. One application per club. Clubs may submit one District Grant application. If District Grant funds remain after the first round of applications, there may be a second round at which time a club could submit a second district grant for a different project or expand the scope of the first grant submitted. Final reporting deadlines will remain the same and due May 30, 2024. If budgeted District Grant funds remain after a second round of applications, the District Grant Committee may use the funds for a district project approved by the District Rotary Foundation Chair and the District Executive Committee. 4. The maximum District Grant request is $2,500.00. Club contributions are matched $1 (club)-$1 (district). a. Example: $2,500 (club) matched $2,500 (district) for a total grant of $5,000. The total cost of the project may exceed $5,000 if the club has additional funding sources. b. Another example – a club contribution of $1,500 – district match of $1,500 total grant of $3,000. c. Clubs may apply for less than the maximum amount. 5. On-going support to beneficiaries. If the grant is to benefit a previously supported beneficiary, the grant application should explain how the grant enhances or extends the outcomes of earlier grants. Effective February 2023 3 6. Hands 0n Implementation. The District Grant project should have a “hands on” implementation component; it is expected club members participate in a hands-on activity related to the grant implementation as part of the project. 7. Not solely a financial contribution – No Pass-Through Funds. District Grant funds cannot be used solely as a financial contribution to the beneficiary/recipient. Partnerships with other organizations are encouraged, however, the club and district portions of the grant must remain under the club’s control so that receipts, invoices, and bank statements are available to the club for inclusion in the final report. 8. Special Purchasing Circumstances. Please contact the District Grant Chair to obtain permission for disbursements outside the grant guidelines as outlined in 8a and 8b (below). The club is still responsible for all receipts, invoices, and bank statements. a. If Partner Organization can obtain lower prices through their organizational purchasing power and grant funds need to be sent directly to a partner organization. b. If the lowest price can only be obtained using Rotarians’ personal credit cards. 9. Rotary grants may not be used for employee salaries or overhead of beneficiaries. 10. Signage at the project site recognizing Rotary’s contribution will strengthen the grant application and should be explained/detailed in the application. 11. No project expenditures before Grant approval. Expenses incurred before The Rotary Foundation (international level) approval are ineligible for reimbursement. This policy applies to any club funds used for the grant, including matching club funds. 12. A separate bank account must be maintained for District Grant Funds and bank statements and disbursement checks must be submitted with the final report. 13. All disbursements from the District Grant Account must have two signatures. 

An Agent of Change speaks on The Other Kansas City, and Finding Solutions

Johnny Waller Jr. is the C.E.O of The JLW Group L.L.C & Clear My Record Expungement Program Manager at the UMKC School of Law . When Mr. Waller is not working on his organizations, he works in the community on various social justice issues ranging from the reduction of violence to the civil restoration of second chance citizens rights. He has also worked to pass local and state legislation along with members of the community in an effort to build a united, more equitable Kansas City. Mr. Waller graduated with honors from Johnson County Community College with an associate degree in Business Administration. He also holds a Bachelor degree in Business Management and Master degree in Organizational Leadership and Development from Rockhurst University. In 2018, He was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma for academic excellence in business studies.

Mr. Waller is currently a board member with Synergy Services and brand ambassador at G.I.F.T (Generating Income for Tomorrow) and serves on various committees throughout Kansas City including the GreenLight Fund, Minority Business Coalition and founder of the Rockhurst University Alumni Group Of Color.

Today he dedicates his free time working in the community as a change agent. Having lived a life of crime and success, he has a unique understanding of what it takes to overcome the many barriers people face and how to change their life for the better. He collaborates with non-profits, colleges and other organizations sharing his story and experiences in an effort to help find solutions to issues that continue to plague our community. He believes that through mutual understanding and hope that we all can make a profound positive impact in our community.

Virtual Board Meeting

Founder & President, Plaza Area Council

The Plaza Area Council has come to life as a passion project for Kate who fell in love with the Plaza from her first sighting, when moving from Monte Carlo, Monaco. As a connector and community advocate, through many conversations with stakeholders, Kate saw the Council emerge organically to fill a void.

Kate brings a background of experience in Kansas City philanthropy: as the first director of the Shirley & Barnett Helzberg Foundation, a founding board member of the Women’s Foundation (United WE), program director for the Central Exchange, and executive director of the St Joseph Hospital Foundation.

She currently serves as South Plaza Neighborhood Association president, is a board member of KC Downtowners, and board member of the Brearley School in New York City, her hometown. Kate’s appreciation for this world class city is boundless.

Plaza Area Council

The Plaza Area Council represents the needs and concerns of residents, nearby neighborhoods, tenants, merchants, business owners, organizations, and visitors. They rely on the Plaza as a nexus of beauty, shopping, tourism, leisure, dining, history, exercise, and romance.

Our goal is to be the center point for Plaza Area-related planning and development projects, community issues, and placemaking activities.

As a collaborative organization, we strive to include a broad group of stakeholders and find common ground through active dialogue. We seek to understand varying perspectives and achieve a common vision for the future of the Plaza Area.

St. Francis Xavier hosts a meeting on violence in the city, featuring guest speakers: Rosilyn Temple, from Mothers In Charge, and Johnny Waller, former gang member and now a community activist. Rosilyn has presented to Plaza Rotary in the past, and Johnny will speak to us in August. This event is a great opportunity to hear their perspectives. The event includes two community engagement officers from the police department. Speakers start at 9 am, and the event closes at 11 am, followed by (optional) prayer session until noon. The event is free and open to all. Please register if you'd like to attend: SIGN UP TODAY 

Community Service – Santa Fe Place Historic District

Lindsay Jarquio has organized a new community service project for the Club in the Santa Fe Place Historic District.  Please sign up this Friday (or by writing to Lindsay) to volunteer on Saturday, June 1, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Club members will be planting flowers and clearing weeds at KC Monarch legend Satchel Paige's house, making minor home repairs, and working in the neighborhood gardens.  Erik Dickinson is planning for the Urban Rangers to join us.   Lunch at The Combine will follow.  Please reach out to Lindsay (lindsayjarquio@gmail.com) with questions.  

In 1931, the Santa Fe Place neighborhood created a covenant that "no real estate in Santa Fe Place could be sold, given, rented to or occupied by black people for a period of thirty years." Despite the covenant, in 1948, Dr. D.M. Miller and his wife became the first African American family to establish residency in Santa Fe.  The Missouri Supreme Court ruled the covenant unconstitutional and illegal in 1949.  By the 1950s, affluent African American families began moving into the neighborhood.  Read more about Santa Fe Place historic district here.

The Santa Fe Place Historic District is a 160-acre residential area in Kansas City’s urban core.  It is bounded by four thoroughfares: 27th Street on the north, Linwood Boulevard on the south, Prospect Avenue on the west, and Indiana Avenue on the east.

Editors Note:  This link takes you to an interactive map.  Clicking on the various colored squares shows the homes and pictures of historical people who were a part of Santa Fe Place:  https://kcmo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/attachmentviewer/index.html?appid=57275527b9784011a01eb3619130bd88&attachmentIndex=0&center=-94.5415%2C39.0382&defaultObjectId=61&level=11&selectedLayerId=AAHTKC_Sites_March21_1907

Training required for the incoming president and grants chair.

About Chappie: 

Chappie lives in Manhattan, Kansas and has been playing and performing for over 40 years.  He grew up in Salina, Kansas and attended Salina Central High school.  He then went on to Kansas State University and graduated with a degree in German from Marymount College in Salina.  His first band, The Ravin Bllues, got him started in entertainment.

He is currently an account executive for Eagle Communications in Manhattan, Kansas.  His shows are intended to bring back th ememories of the past through music.  Chappie toured with the Drifters, Martha and the Vandellas, The Ronettes, The Shirelles, and the Marvelettes in the late 60s.

If you like the Motown hits from the 60s, then Chappie Live is exactly what you are looking for.  In March 2013, Chappie was inducted in the Kansas Music Hall of Fame.

A Murder Myster Event.  Save the Date.  Location and time TBD.

In-Person Meeting

7:30am Coffee

8:00-9:00 Meeting

Zoom host Karyn Eppler

Brian Klaas joined the Henry W. Bloch School of Management as Dean in June 2017. Since coming on board with Bloch, Klaas has been focused on ways to grow the Bloch School’s awareness and engagement in the Kansas City metro. His key initiatives include modernizing the Professional MBA program, increasing overall enrollment and elevating the Bloch School brand.

Klaas most recently served as Senior Associate Dean for Research and Academics and Director of the Riegel & Emory Human Resource Center at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina. Klaas is also a Professor of Management and previously served as Chair of the Department of Management and Faculty Director for the Master of Human Resource program. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Illinois State University and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin.

Klaas has published extensively in such areas as human resources, dispute resolution and labor relations. His work has been published in some of the leading journals in his field, including Academy of Management Review, Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology and Human Resource Management, among others. He also has served on the editorial boards for a number of these journals and has had his research funded by organizations such as the Society for Human Resource Management, the Upjohn Institute and the Gevity Institute.

Advocacy and Awareness Group of Johnson County Birthday Bash -- 6 pm July 20 at InterUrban Arthouse, downtown Overland Park, $50 ticket. Event features: 

• Live Entertainment: Enjoy energetic music from 2 Proud 2 Beg, one of KC’s premier bands
• Delicious Food: Savor catered dishes by well-loved Smokey by Nature.
• Beer/Wine:  We’ll have non-adult beverages too.
• Raffle Giveaways: Participate in fun raffles with fantastic prizes!

Contact Haile Sims for more info: hailesims811@gmail.com

ESTHER GEORGE Session Description

The post-pandemic recovery for the U.S. economy has been marked by strong growth, a tight labor market and high inflation.  Policymakers at the Fed and Treasury (and the public) must now navigate the tough terrain of bringing inflation down and addressing the consequences of deficit spending in an expansion.  Ms George will talk about the challenges and opportunities ahead.

ESTHER GEORGE BIO 

Esther L. George was president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and a member of the Federal Open Market Committee from 2011 to 2023. Her Federal Reserve System service spans more than 40 years including considerable experience as a bank supervisor.  In 2009, she served as the Federal Reserve’s acting director of Banking Supervision and Regulation in Washington D.C. 

George was actively involved in the Federal Reserve’s work to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the nation’s payment system, including leading the effort to establish instant retail payments known as the FedNow Service.  She hosted the Kansas City Fed’s annual Jackson Hole international Economic Policy Symposium. 

As president and chief executive officer, she led a workforce of 2,100 Federal Reserve employees serving the seven states of the Tenth Federal Reserve District through the Bank’s headquarters in Kansas City and its branch offices in Denver, Oklahoma City and Omaha. Under her leadership, the Bank was known for its community engagement, leadership development and technology services. 

George currently serves on the boards of the Hallmark Corporation, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the Peterson Institute for International Economics, the National Bureau of Economic Research, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, and the Kansas City 2026 World Cup.   

Nominations for the 2024 RISE Business Awards Are Open

Kansas City Plaza Rotarians are asked to nominate businesses for the 2024 RISE Business Awards.  The awards recognize minority—and women-owned businesses in the KC Metro area whose owners adhere to the principles of the Four Way Test in operating the businesses.

Nominations are free and easy, and business owners may nominate their own businesses.  Nominees complete the entry form, and independent judges review entries to select the top three businesses.  Kansas City Plaza Rotary Club members vote on the winner.  The winner receives a free one-year membership in Plaza Rotary and a custom promotional video.  Nominations are due July 31, 2024.

Save the Date – for the second annual awards ceremony, 6 p.m. Thursday, November 21, at The American Jazz Museum.

Jazz Museum

RISE stands for Rotary Investing and Supporting Equity.

Dunn is retired as of December 31, 2014 from JE Dunn Construction Group, Inc. where he worked for 40 years.

Terry Dunn joined J. E. Dunn in 1974 as contracts officer and was made Vice President and Treasurer in 1978. He was promoted to Senior Vice President in 1979, Executive Vice President in 1980, President in 1986, and Chief Executive Officer from 1989 to 2013. During his leadership as President and CEO, he led a team that grew the business from an $80 million regional contractor to a $2.8 billion national contractor. He retired as the President and Chief Executive Officer of JE Dunn Construction Group, Inc., the holding company for JE Dunn Construction Company and other affiliates across the nation. He was active in all facets of the business with extensive experience in construction operations and retired in 2019 as Director of JE Dunn Construction Group, Inc.

Mr. Dunn is very active in civic and community volunteer work. Upon retirement, he formed DD Ranch Leawood for Senior Executives who have retired from major companies and are staying actively engaged as investors, directors and entrepreneurs in corporate, civic and charitable initiatives. He is married and has three sons and a daughter and fourteen grandchildren.