Ron McEwen’s connection to Riverfest spans many years and began on a personal note, as the festival once served as a date-night destination for him and his wife, Lisa, when they camped along the riverbanks during the festival early in their relationship. That personal connection continued over time. In 2016, McEwen’s daughter, Dani, was selected as a Prairie Schooner Mate—an experience he credits with helping her grow in confidence, build lifelong friendships, and shape her path as a teacher in Wichita.
Beyond Riverfest, McEwen is actively involved in the community. He volunteers with Kansas Honor Flights, serving as a sponsor for veterans who would otherwise travel alone. He has also served on the board and spends many hours with Wichita’s Little Heroes. In addition, he is a current board member of Wichita Festivals, Inc. and an active member of its Sponsorship Committee. McEwen was selected as Admiral 52 in recognition of his longstanding commitment to the community through his involvement with Riverfest, Wagonmasters, his church, and other civic efforts. He is a respected business owner and a proven leader in our community.
About Riverfest…From the City’s Centennial celebration in 1970 emerged the vision of a festival that would bring the entire community together, build civic pride, and highlight Wichita’s beautiful natural resource—the Arkansas River.Following the incorporation of Wichita Festivals, Inc. in 1971, board members selected May 27, 1972, to hold the first Wichitennial River Festival and Traders Day. Over the years, it has been known as the Wichitennial River Festival, the Wichita River Festival, and simply Riverfest, but its mission remains the same: bringing the community together in celebration. This year’s Riverfest will be held May 29 – June 6.
Our Board of Directors approved proposed amendments to the club bylaws. These amendments were emailed to every member in advance and will now be presented to the membership for approval at our club meeting today.
For the past 20+ years, the Rotary Club of West Sedgwick County - Sunrise has sponsored the Sunrise Golf Tournament to aid in the funding of local and global goodwill projects. They are best known for the creation, fundraising, and building of the Sunrise Boundless Playscape in Sedgwick County Park. This year, proceeds from their golf tournament will go towards O.W.L.S. (Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site) at Sedgwick County Zoo. Sign up online to support this endeavor through a sponsorship or by playing in the tournament: https://forms.gle/vLEJFoj7Px7Bj5J26
Celebrating World Immunization Week (April 24–30) Rotary uses this week to highlight the success of polio eradication efforts (reducing cases by 99.9%) and to encourage community awareness about vaccine-preventable diseases. This is a testament to Rotary’s ongoing commitment to global health.
Learn more at rotary.org.
Rotary Flashback...
HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS
Our Vocational Service Committee selected four graduating seniors to receive a $1,250 scholarship each. Our first recipient, Alondra Morales, was introduced to the club at the last meeting.
Alondra will be graduating from Wichita Northwest High School and plans to attend the University of Kansas to study Business Marketing.
WSU BASEBALL
OUTING
Arranged by John Oswald
Saturday, May 9
Game Time: 2:05 pm
WW Rotarians: member + 1 guest, no charge; Extra guests: $10 each
Satellite Members: $10 each
Kids 2 and under: Free
Our club will rent a pavilion for the game. There will not be a picnic, but we will provide some snacks and drinks for everyone to enjoy. Plan to bring your lawn chairs. Hope you can join us for a fun and relaxed time!
Deadline to sign up: Tuesday, May 5
May 29 through June 6
Riverfest has requested volunteers to assist with button sales. For anyone interested, Jodi Barnwell, Community Service Chair, has made arrangements for our WW & Satellite members to sign up for a shift online: https://wichitariverfest.com/volunteers/
How to Register:
1. Click the Volunteer Hub link to create an account or log in.
2. Complete your profile and agree to any required waivers.
3. When selecting your organization, please choose “West Wichita Rotary Club” as your affiliation.
4. Browse available shifts and sign up for the ones that fit your schedule.
Note: Rotarians can choose if they are WWRC or WWRC Satellite Club. (just choose one - not both)
CLUB INFORMATION
VISITING ROTARIANS:
Fred Warren - Sunrise Club
Levi Iseman - Sunrise Club
GUESTS:
Alondra Morales and Anna Morales
HS Scholarship recipient and mother
Last week:
Attendance: 68%
Membership: 76 (56 RCWW + 20 Satellite)
Last year:
Attendance: 60%
Membership: 75 (58 RCWW +17 Satellite)
HAPPY BASKET:$48
HOLIDAY RAFFLE: Randy Bowles won $6 in the raffle last week. The raffle this week will be worth $59 if the Ace is drawn. Proceeds from the raffle are used to fund our Monthly & Holiday Grocery project so thank you for supporting this effort!
APRIL STAR CLASS ATTENDANCE:
Mark Hansen, Roger Bowles, Randy Bowles, Ed Frey, Misty Jack.
No STAR Class in May.
IF YOU READ THIS BULLETIN, let Diane know before our meeting tomorrow to be included in a drawing for a $5 QuikTrip gift card. This will be the last one. Thanks for reading!
BASEBALL 
