Events

As owner and president of Gardner Design, Bill has spearheaded impactful branding for industry giants like Kroger, Google, the NFL, Textron, Spirit AeroSystems, and others. With a keen understanding of brand dynamics, he prioritizes business objectives in all design endeavors.

As founder of LogoLounge.com, Bill pioneered a renowned platform for logo design, reflected in his best-selling LogoLounge book series and annual Logo Trend Report. He authored Logo Creed, a foundational text, and presents branding courses on LinkedIn Learning.

Recognized with an AIGA Fellow Award in 2014, Bill actively contributes nationally and internationally to the creative community through judging, speaking engagements, and board service. Outside of design, he's completed a term as Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

The RITE (Rotary Intercountry Teacher Exchange) program was started in our District by Ralph and Armida Hight in 1996. It began as a joint project of the Rotary Clubs of West Wichita and West Sedgwick County–Sunrise and has grown to involve additional clubs in our District. In 2010, Dalia Hale (WSC-Sunrise Rotarian) and Shelli  Kadel (former WW Rotarian) took on the responsibility of organizing this program. The Inbound portion of the project includes receiving teachers from Panama and Argentina for 4 weeks mid-January to mid-February and involves lining up host families, planning activities and school schedules. The Outbound portion involves selecting and sending teachers from the Wichita area to Panama for 4 weeks during their summer break.

Today, our Outbound teachers will share about their experience in Panama this summer.

Katie Brinkman is a Spanish teacher at Wichita Southeast HS. She began her teaching career at Wichita Southeast HS in 2018.

Leury Balcacer is a New York City native who moved to Wichita with her family in 2017. Her teaching experience began in a Global Learning Institute for Girls Charter School in the Bronx from 2011- 2017.  Her current time in Wichita includes 2020-2024 at Horace Mann as a First-Grade teacher at Horace Mann Dual Magnet K-8 School. She spent three years from 2017- 2020 at Child Start Head Start in Wichita.  

Katie and Leury both served teachers of English in a seminar setting for a two-week training and an additional two weeks with teachers in the schools.  They were supported and hosted by the Club Rotario de David, in David, Chiriquí, Panama.

Angela Taylor began her teaching career in 2014 as PK teacher in the Wichita Public Schools. She moved to the Wichita Diocese in 2015 as a Kindergarten teacher. Currently, she is a middle school Spanish teacher at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School. Angela traveled to the Boquete area to serve teachers in a seminar setting and was hosted by the Rotary Club of Boquete- Sunset. Due to a prior commitment, Angela is not able to join us today.

Chad Harmon, MEd, LMAC, is a seasoned professional in addiction counseling and social services. He currently serves as the Clinical Care Manager at the Substance Abuse Center of Kansas (SACK), where he has been an integral part of the team since 2007. Chad began his career in social services at Develop Mental Services of Nebraska, where he provided first-hand support to adults with developmental disabilities in a group home setting. His responsibilities included using TACT II restraints and de-escalation techniques to ensure the safety of clients and others.

Chad's journey with SACK began as an intern during the summers of 2007 and 2008, where he provided drug and alcohol assessments and referrals. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences from Concordia University, Nebraska, Chad was hired full-time. He has since held various roles, including providing case management services to individuals with substance use disorders and piloting a program in Sedgwick County to manage clients frequently admitted to state hospitals. Chad has also been instrumental in delivering outpatient drug and alcohol treatment, coordinating IT systems, and implementing the organization's first Electronic Health Record (EHR).

With a Master of Education in Counseling from Wichita State University, Chad has developed a comprehensive approach to client care, incorporating peer support and coordinating with state universities to supervise practicum students. His leadership extends to program development, including initiatives like the Strategic Response to Opiates grant and efforts to aid the Sedgwick County Homeless Coalition during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the program director for a residential treatment/social detox center in Hutchinson, Chad has overseen various projects, including implementing new EHR systems and securing grants for opioid response and housing case management. His dedication to effective communication and community engagement continues to shape the services provided by SACK.

"Olive Oil 101"

Viva La Olive, Wichita's exclusive olive oil and vinegar store, has been a local gem for nearly two years. Jan, the amazing store manager, is renowned for her extensive knowledge and willingness to assist with any questions. Beyond the store, you can also find Viva La Olive at local events like the Old Town Farm and Art Market and the annual Garlic Fest. If you haven't visited yet, you're missing out on a truly unique experience!  With over 70 flavor profiles between the Olive Oils and the Balsamic Vinegars, there is something for everyone! 

Allison Pate is the Vice President of Residential Services for EmberHope Youthville in Newon, KS.  She has a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration.  She has 7 years of Juvenile Justice experience and 16 years of Child Welfare Experience in both Kansas and Missouri including experience in Residential, Performance Improvement, and Case Management. Allison developed an interest in Human Trafficking, especially Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking, in 2014 while working with the Kansas Attorney General’s office as part of their Human Trafficking grant program.  Allison has served on the Human Trafficking Advisory Board-Victim’s Services Committee for the Attorney General’s office and the anti-sexual exploitation group, ASERCA in Wichita.

Wichita businesses are coming together to create real change in our community. Service for Change isn't just about raising funds – it's about creating a revolution in how the service industry drives positive change.

As restaurateurs, we believe that the incredible impact each service professional makes individually can be amplified exponentially through collaboration.

Learn how you can get involved in this unique and local movement!

Jennifer Ray, Owner, Monarch

Jennifer Ray is a proud native Wichitan who has owned the Monarch since its opening in 2012.  She began her career in hospitality while attending Wichita State University and has enjoyed 20 years of growth in the restaurant industry. She has since become a voice for Small Businesses within the local community. She is actively involved in various community organizations including serving on the boards of the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association, Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Operations Team for the Wichita River Festival.

Jennifer’s overarching goal is to leave Wichita a better place than she found it. Through her work and community involvement, she strives to contribute positively to her city, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and welcoming place for future generations.

Stacy Ward Lattin, Co-Owner, Hopping Gnome Brewing Company

Stacy Lattin owns a microbrewery and taproom with her husband Torrey. While he focuses on brewing the beer, Stacy works on marketing, operations, and business development. Hopping Gnome Brewing is located in Wichita's Douglas Design District where Stacy has served as board President, helping to start and plan events including the Wicked Brew Tour and Small Business Saturday.

She is passionate about community involvement and civic engagement, and has served on several community boards, including Tallgrass Film Association, The Women’s Network and Know Your Worth Women's Leadership Conference.

Stacy has a background in nonprofit management and received a Master's in Organizational Leadership from Fort Hays State University where she continues to serve as an adjunct instructor with the Department of Leadership Studies. Stacy believes that collaboration and building relationships are keys to growing a successful small business

Emily grew up in Newton, Kansas and graduated from Newton High School in 2013. She lettered four years in volleyball and four years in basketball and played Volleyball at Wichita State University from 2013-2017. She was inducted into the Pizza Hut Shocker Hall of Fame in 2023. After graduating from Wichita State in the Spring of 2018, Emily taught Physical Education and Health in the Wichita Public School District. She was hired as the General Manager of Wheat Shock Collective in July of 2024. Wheat Shock Collective is the official Collective of Wichita State Athletics. A Collective is a third party that collects financial resources and then directs the resources to the athletes for the right to use their name, image, and likeness. 

Wheat Shock Collective is a fan-driven and alumni-led Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective for Wichita State University student-athletes, alumni, and fans. Community members who commit their support to Wheat Shock Collective are pledging to maximize opportunities for student-athletes. In addition, community supporters gain access to exclusive events, autograph sessions, and more.

Advanced Reservations required! Sign up at our October 15th meeting or email Diane if you would like to attend.

Bring one dollar bills to cast votes for your favorites!

Don't go to Rolling Hills Country Club this week. Instead, join us at Starkey, 144 S. Young St., for our Annual Soup Luncheon. A map will be emailed showing where to park and enter the building. If you signed up to bring food, please arrive early to allow time to set up and don't forget to bring a serving utensil.

A little history about our Soup Luncheon...

Our club’s first Soup Luncheon took place on April 25, 2000, with the goal of raising funds and awareness for Hunger Plus, Inc., a non-profit relief agency dedicated to providing food and essential supplies for emergency situations and, for longer term projects, to improve food security — a project supported by Rotary International. The money we saved by not eating lunch at RHCC for that meeting was directed toward sponsoring shipments of dehydrated soup from the Breedlove Dehydrated Foods facility in Lubbock, Texas.

Initially, we prepared bags of the dehydrated soup for our luncheon, which, although nourishing, lacked flavor. To enhance the experience, John Mosley proposed a Soup Contest for the following year, inviting members to bring their own creative soups using the dehydrated mix as a base. By 2006, we evolved our approach, allowing our talented “chefs” to showcase their favorite soups without the mix.

Over the years, this event has transformed from a simple soup cook-off into a full-fledged soup, chili, and dessert competition with members casting $1 votes for their favorites, raising a few extra dollars for the project. In 2017, we decided to shift our donations from Hunger Plus, Inc. to local organizations, such as the Lord’s Diner and Paxton’s Blessing Box. Another recent recipient has been ShelterBox who is focused on disaster relief. They have now become the established beneficiary of our proceeds, largely due to the fact of our close connections since they are a Rotary International Project Partner, Ed Frey is the Rotary District  Coordinator for ShelterBox, and it is one of our club’s International Service projects.