Events

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, namely Downtown, East & Andover. The inbound portion of the project includes receiving teachers from Panama and Argentina for 4 weeks mid-January to mid-February. While here, they visit a wide variety of schools to learn our educational methodology and experience our culture through various community activities.  Our thanks to Dalia Hale (WSC- Sunrise Rotarian) and Shelli Kadel (former WW Rotarian) organizers of this project, and to those hosting the teachers! This year's hosts from our club include: Mark Hansen, Mark Hazleton, John Mosley and DeAnn Sullivan. 

Ayelén (Aye) Usandizaga, 30 yrs old,  is from Baradero in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina and is a member of the Baradero Rotary Club. She is a busy and creative teacher of English at four schools and a private institute in her community. This experience has allowed her to work across all grade levels up to adults since 2013. Her passion for teaching English was learned from her much older sister who owns an English school. She is looking forward to learning new methodologies in teaching English. Her goal as a RITE Teacher is to promote peace between countries and learn about US culture. She also wants to interact with people and use her English. Ayelen loves to cook and spend time with her dog, Berni. She loves the beach and dancing in her folklore group. 

Belén Morán Galvarici, 31 yrs old, is from Junin, Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is a highly professional and talented teacher who continues to learn to help her students at primary to university level adapt and excel in clever and self-inquiry methodologies. She is a busy and creative teacher of English in three schools in her community. This experience has allowed her to study and earn her credentials to teach elementary and secondary students. Belén’s goal for the RITE Program is to help her expand her knowledge about other cultures to share with students. She strives to grow from others worldwide and expand her teaching repertoire. She continues to create connections around the world. Belén comes from a big family. She is a dog lover and she loves spending time outdoors in her garden. She loves cooking (her favorite is Italian) and loves music and movies. 

Esteban Almengor, 41 yrs old, is from David, Chiriquí, Panamá. He is an enthusiastic and determined educator with over 15 years of experience teaching English as a Second Language. He has worked with elementary students to students in higher education. He desires to keep improving his skillset as a teacher. Esteban is comfortable motivating his students through technology and creating educational content on various platforms. His student-centered approach helps him maintain a positive learning environment. He has received recognition for leading school projects that help his students. Esteban is married and has three children. He has volunteered in a recycling programs called “Bottles of Love” for kids and teenagers.

Dayra González, 42 yrs old, is from Dolega, Chiriquí, Panamá. She has been a teacher of English to elementary at three different schools for 24 years in the David area and has continued her education in higher education. She has become an expert in teaching English at the bachelor's and master’s level and beyond. Recently, she completed her master’s in management and supervision. Dayra is eager to participate in the RITE program because it offers an exceptional platform for professional and personal growth as an educator. She also believes that cultural exchange enriches learning experience and fosters mutual understanding which is essential in the context of language education. She is committed to sharing the insights and strategies learned while here with colleagues. She is hoping to return to motivate others and make changes as needed to help her school and community. Using Dayra’s words, “Learning new things every day is one of my personal goals. I like to be updated on the teaching field, and I also like to use technology in my classroom. I am sure this experience will provide more than I expect.” Dayra is a mother of an adult daughter and a teen son. 

Mike Manderino has spent the last 31 years as a coach and teacher. A native of Topeka, Kansas, he was impacted by several influential coaches that introduced him to FCA. During his time teaching and coaching in high school he was an FCA huddle leader and as he moved into a career as a college baseball coach continued to stay close to the FCA vision through coach and player bible studies. Mike's coaching stops include Kansas, California, Colorado, North Carolina and Italy. He is married to Jenny Manderino and has two stepdaughters Annika and Savana, both live in the Wichita area. 

Stephanie Wise is a highly accomplished business professional with over 10 years’ experience in the commercial real estate industry. Currently serving as President at Commercial Collective, LLC., Stephanie has established a strong reputation for delivering exceptional results and exceeding client expectations. Previously, Stephanie successfully managed over 1 million square feet of commercial real estate in the Wichita metro area, showcasing her distinguished organizational and leadership skills. Stephanie is a past President of Women in Commercial Real Estate, Dress for Success Wichita (now Women’s Network), and Derby Dream Team. Beyond her professional capacity, Stephanie is actively involved in her local community and church, serving as a Sunday Preschool Teacher. Stephanie’s decision to run for Sedgwick County Commission was driven by her strong desire to expand and improve upon the high quality of life that marks our community. She is committed to fostering a culture that incentivizes economic growth, lower taxation, and support for first responders. Stephanie has been recognized as 40 under 40, Women Who Lead, Emerging Leaders, Leadership Wichita, and served as Board President of Women in Commercial Real Estate and Dress for Success Wichita. With her extensive business experience, dedication to community service, and commitment to responsible leadership, Stephanie is poised to make a significant difference as Sedgwick County Commissioner for District 3.

Lt Col Stuart T. Meyers is a Senior Developmental Education Student at the United States  Army  War  College,  Carlisle  Barracks,  Penn.  In  this  capacity,  he  studies  a rigorous  graduate-level  program  of  study  focused  on  strategic  landpower.  Additionally, as one of the  nation’s Senior  Service Colleges, the Army War College expands  students’  critical  thinking  and  leadership  skills  to  prepare  for  challenging senior and strategic leadership roles. 

Lt Col Meyers was born in Sanford, Fla.  He entered the Air Force in December 2006 as a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s ROTC program.  Prior to his current  assignment,  he  served  as  Commander,  350th  Air  Refueling  Squadron, McConnell AFB, Kan and deployed as Commander, 350th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Al Udeid AB, Qatar.  Additionally, Lt Col Meyers served several years as a Financial Management officer and commanded a Comptroller Squadron.

Lt Col Meyers is a command pilot with more than 2,300 flying hours in the KC-135R/T aircraft  and  has  deployed  multiple  times  in  support  of  Operations  ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, and INHERENT RESOLVE. His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal, reflecting his exceptional service and leadership.

Alan Howarter’s journey with Riverfest began 45 years ago when he volunteered as a purple shirt in the festival’s food court, initially intending to give back for just nine days of fun. Decades later, his commitment to the festival remains unwavering. A passionate participant, Howarter has competed in over fifteen 10K River Runs and was part of a “poorman’s team” that raced in four years of the festival’s bathtub races, even securing a third-place finish. His team proudly claims to have built the first propeller-driven bathtub boat in Riverfest history.

A proud native of Dodge City, Kansas, Howarter graduated from Dodge City High School in 1974 before attending St. Mary’s of the Plains College and later transferring to Wichita State University, where he earned his degree in business administration in 1978 with an emphasis in accounting and awarded Magna Cum Laude honors.Howarter launched his career in public accounting with the Wichita office of Elmer Fox, Westheimer & Company, joining their audit department. He earned his CPA license in Kansas in 1980 and later in Arizona. As the firm evolved into Grant Thornton, Howarter’s leadership flourished. He served as lead campus recruiter, an instructor for the firm’s National Training Programs, and eventually Partner and Audit Department Head of the Wichita office.

After a distinguished career, he retired from Grant Thornton in 2004. In 2006, Howarter took on a new challenge, joining Vess Oil Corporation as Vice President of Financial Reporting. In this role, he oversees accounting for more than 60 related entities, including SEC reporting for two publicly sponsored royalty trusts—a position he continues to hold today.

Beyond his professional career, Howarter has been a pillar of the Wichita community. He has served on multiple nonprofit boards, often as treasurer, including the American Heart Association, March of Dimes, Heartspring, St. Vincent de Paul Endowment Association, Wichita Public Library Foundation, Great Plains USBC Bowling Association, Petroleum Accountants Society of Kansas, and the Kansas Society of CPAs.

Jennifer is the founder and executive director of ICT SOS. In 2011, she became aware of the needs in the community regarding the issues of human trafficking and set out to find solutions that partnered the professionals with volunteers and community members. Since that time, the organization has grown to include multiple programs and amazing staff as well as yearly practicum placements. Jennifer is a lifelong Wichitan, lover of tacos, and Mister Rogers and mom to two amazing kids.

A note about Rotary's involvement with ICT SOS:  Coming out of Rotary District Conference 2022, where Rotarians were educated on the evils of Human Trafficking, Rotarians had a desire to make a difference.  This led to Rotarians forming the Rotarians Against Human Trafficking (RAHT) Committee, and ultimately partnering with ICT SOS.  The RAHT Committee, chaired by Joey Timmer, includes Rotarians across Wichita Metro Area Clubs and meets monthly at ICT SOS.  The RAHT Committee, in partnership with ICT SOS and the ICT SOS Board, have goals that include helping ICT SOS move into a new building (accomplished January 2026), increase awareness, and through volunteering and fundraising help ICT SOS create a safe space for victims and expand services in our Community.

ICT SOS will host a Come & Go information meeting on May 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for anyone interested in volunteering or serving on a committee.

Special All-Club Meeting Today at the Westlink Branch Library!

Instead of our regular club meeting today, we’ll be gathering for a special all-club meeting at the newly renovated Westlink Branch Library, located at 8515 Bekemeyer. A box lunch will be provided for those who signed up in advance.

The Westlink Branch recently reopened after an extensive remodel that doubled its size and added modern community spaces and cutting-edge technology for the community to enjoy.

As part of our club’s support for the library, we’ve donated a collection of Wonderbooks. During our visit, we’ll have the opportunity to see them and take a guided tour of the updated facility.

Hal Ottoway is a collector of historical items, including the lowly postcard. He reminds us that the postcard was an important means of communication before telephones and telegraphs. Postcard art often captures the time and place of a community's significant people, buildings, and events. He will look at the history of Wichita through his extensive collection of postcards.