tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16099170831090773102024-02-07T04:53:15.247-06:00Kansas Sampler Foundation-GET KANSAS!Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12221608724392383244noreply@blogger.comBlogger245125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-80610182964794923252015-08-03T21:22:00.002-05:002015-08-03T21:22:53.098-05:00Food tastes better in a clean placeI've been wanting to write this blog post for awhile. <br />
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We're about 78 counties into our statewide journey for guidebook research. One thing we have really come to appreciate is cleanliness, in restaurants especially. You still need to have good food, preferably made-from-scratch, but a disgusting bathroom and a dirty kitchen that extends out to the dining area is something that will trump good food and likely eliminate a restaurant from guidebook consideration. <br />
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Whether you're a customer, owner, or employee, it's easy to become accustomed to what you see regularly. It's even harder to see the grunginess if the owner is likeable. <br />
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I know that it's REALLY hard to find time to clean a kitchen and dining room because food service is such a tough business. Still, while a customer is waiting for food they are noticing the environment around them. My bet is that being closed for a week to do a thorough cleaning will garner more business over the long term than letting the layers of dirt grow.<br />
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It's not our place to judge a business but it currently is our job to decide what places are guidebook worthy. To gain the trust of our audience we need to consider many factors about what to include.<br />
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I want Kansas restaurants to be the best they can be. My hope is that some of the hard-working owners will see this and give an extra thought to how a little bit of scrubbing will add some shine to what they present on a plate.<br />
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This is one time that I don't want to "dare to do dirt."<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thoughts from the road, KE #2 Marci Penner </span><br />
Get Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-81094961519300791842015-08-03T20:42:00.001-05:002015-08-03T20:42:41.985-05:00Get Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-52138637152518705562015-07-19T15:47:00.001-05:002015-08-03T20:56:18.285-05:00Flash mob presentation<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Dena Patte of Ellis Alliance won a We Kan! Award -- but she didn't know it. The awards are first presented at the Kansas Sampler Festival, held in May. Those who aren't present are awarded in a variety of other ways in the following weeks and months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">WenDee and I were on our way to Sherman County to do our guidebook research. We intentionally went through Ellis to present Dena her We Kan! award plate. About 15 minutes before we got to Ellis we had the idea to call the city office and see who they could round up to be at Dena's award presentation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We drove into town and
parked several doors down from Dena's office. At the same time people
started coming out from the shadows, or so it seemed. They came from
the alley, down the street, out of vehicles. Within a few minutes, 14
people had assembled. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We all filed in to
Dena's office and everyone just sort of stood around with smiles on their faces.
Dena didn't know what was going on. WenDee and I walked in last. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On this Monday morning, Dena had been doing some wrap up of the weekend's event in Ellis and was a little tired. You see, Dena does everything, all out for Ellis. She's the kind of person that makes a town click. People like Dena are the reason why people will volunteer because they want to support her and they know everything will be done well. The Dena Patee's of the world don't expect or really care about recognition but they are the reason why a small community works. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It was only fitting that 14 people from her world were willing to drop what they were doing and show up for an impromptu presentation. Dena's award was appropriately titled - Doing Everything, All out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We all went back to our planned agendas after that with a kick in our step and a light in our heart. It was pretty neat to have the mayor, the former mayor, the banker, the newspaper, the city workers, and others all show up in a matter of minutes to show appreciation for one of their own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Thanks for all you do, Dena. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">From the road by Marci Penner </span></i></span>Get Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-39388831241891010362015-01-18T20:28:00.000-06:002015-01-19T08:05:12.385-06:00Is it you?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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When we are the problem, it’s really hard to see, even
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<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Admit to yourself that you might be holding back
progress and be more aware of dynamics around you. </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Become a good listener.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
<li>Be open to ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’ve been insisting that things be done
as they have always been done, this may be discouraging those who want to
inject some new ideas. </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Stop micro-managing those who are fully capable
of doing their job their way.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Are you crediting people who have good ideas? </li>
<li>Are you asking how you can help?</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Are you recognizing extra effort?</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Are you staying out of the way when you aren’t
needed?</li>
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Sometime change is needed, and sometimes it starts with
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t stay too long on a board, as
the boss, as the chair of meetings, or in charge of an organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ask yourself the hard question. You’ll be admired for it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Thoughts by Marci Penner and Sarah Green </i></span><br />
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Get Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-15811150232363636262013-11-18T20:59:00.003-06:002013-11-19T12:47:30.221-06:00A GROCERY STORE OPENING<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4dB9EvFyPI1gzJhs0xkOprGFxE5vr26HhexbGpeg6NJux-z6TWOvHj4DZ0V7JcjDXcEj23qEV_KSoK7i_7so1bOy3Q577X3CpKwjfBV9e_eyUpnq_Xd3Jw_mQgNTfJRfVcCG-StyEds/s1600/ribcut12.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwSBDayPs2IY2-UtBarroqDSQ-3tGqKU8FGWJaLtpU7Aa1EYdc03IWDZ5EoVtg81WU3o_4O24Hk78kyNdDeD1l6guPsWoadej-82lzNyRAO9hP3znu_GyF_GDFZIy-wIvXFDL0dKSjbk/s1600/ribcut4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwSBDayPs2IY2-UtBarroqDSQ-3tGqKU8FGWJaLtpU7Aa1EYdc03IWDZ5EoVtg81WU3o_4O24Hk78kyNdDeD1l6guPsWoadej-82lzNyRAO9hP3znu_GyF_GDFZIy-wIvXFDL0dKSjbk/s1600/ribcut4.jpg" height="331" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4dB9EvFyPI1gzJhs0xkOprGFxE5vr26HhexbGpeg6NJux-z6TWOvHj4DZ0V7JcjDXcEj23qEV_KSoK7i_7so1bOy3Q577X3CpKwjfBV9e_eyUpnq_Xd3Jw_mQgNTfJRfVcCG-StyEds/s1600/ribcut12.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4dB9EvFyPI1gzJhs0xkOprGFxE5vr26HhexbGpeg6NJux-z6TWOvHj4DZ0V7JcjDXcEj23qEV_KSoK7i_7so1bOy3Q577X3CpKwjfBV9e_eyUpnq_Xd3Jw_mQgNTfJRfVcCG-StyEds/s1600/ribcut12.jpg" height="400" width="257" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It seems so cut and dry. A grocery store opening. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In a small town, a grocery store opening is everything, it's about sustainability. It's about a future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A grocery store makes a town functional.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Morland is a town of about 150 people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For a wholesale truck to stop, a store has to buy $10,000 worth of inventory a week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This fact, plus utility costs, has made it almost impossible for small towns to have a store. <a href="http://www.ruralgrocery.org/news-archive/MorlandMercantile.html" target="_blank">Morland found a way</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Due to a very
determined Morland Community Foundation board and a supportive
citizenry, a store that provides groceries in Morland is once again open after a
eight year hiatus. The Foundation purchased the building and refurbished it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVoFhHsaMVBoYEzYAcRLfXjQit7RUk4RxCxfjaTau9uDYxXKVV3yAZWq69x669yI269BilcdkHXt_xd-VDbVL8s1t7ey_SE3CPlk3A9wMBcA9G_cMbxxsTeOWGukAbTOTwN3Makeau4Y/s1600/ribcut15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVoFhHsaMVBoYEzYAcRLfXjQit7RUk4RxCxfjaTau9uDYxXKVV3yAZWq69x669yI269BilcdkHXt_xd-VDbVL8s1t7ey_SE3CPlk3A9wMBcA9G_cMbxxsTeOWGukAbTOTwN3Makeau4Y/s1600/ribcut15.jpg" height="255" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The corner brick building comes complete with awning, benches, good sidewalks, and a new furnace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Buffed wooden floors and a restored tin-pressed metal ceiling promote the original look. The counter is from the old store. The new shelves weren't quite filled at the time of this picture but before the ribbon-cutting a truck came in and volunteers came to unload the truck and stock the shelves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhxuT2SqUyZx20pmflJKmy_T5CRZi9cuhFrvzO0CCItC4VQueCvRMZr-CyjFnnzDrTdDcnIa1IplolMQega74U6J6J0nbrbQOx4ldOnj0H6EmXWFz7kko6d-RjWSAJXHXuWLBiU2ecXs/s1600/ribcut11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhxuT2SqUyZx20pmflJKmy_T5CRZi9cuhFrvzO0CCItC4VQueCvRMZr-CyjFnnzDrTdDcnIa1IplolMQega74U6J6J0nbrbQOx4ldOnj0H6EmXWFz7kko6d-RjWSAJXHXuWLBiU2ecXs/s1600/ribcut11.jpg" height="196" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A sunny sky and warm temperatures made for a perfect ribbon cutting day on November 16. It seemed there were more than 100 people present to help celebrate, the majority of which were Morland citizens. People came from throughout the county but also from Oakley, Scott City, Manhattan, and Topeka. This was definitely something to cheer about. Rhonda Goddard did a great job as em cee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Governor Sam Brownback took time from pheasant hunting to say a few words, to acknowledge the value of rural communities, and to cut the ribbon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Skip Yowell, one of the founders of <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.jansport.com/shop/VFStaticContentView?storeId=10203&emsName=heritageMicrosite" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Jan<u>S</u>port</span></a></span>, moved back to an unincorporated burg in the county, St. Peter. Just the fact that he is Graham County by Choice, when he could've lived anywhere, is quite a statement. Here he talks about moving back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In the background, as she prefers to be, is Faye Minium. Faye, Citizens State Bank president, is the indefatigable force behind this effort.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It was pretty cool that local business owners got to say a few words. Mike Frakes of PAC Leader Technology talked about the software his company sells that provides guidance and steering for ag equpiment, field computers, and more.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv15OaHF2D7jxPUWtjqGRtAYPMfSJSWcqUhRKhajL1JCZcOt-kcOPHWlgcosfU2rY3240KVpRr3jW_OgtlIPnRAt4pR2oDs1j5ep8HyLWh0iWYFxH3zbgvF5KKvdEzKhSL9F9WEVq8Vns/s1600/ribcut13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv15OaHF2D7jxPUWtjqGRtAYPMfSJSWcqUhRKhajL1JCZcOt-kcOPHWlgcosfU2rY3240KVpRr3jW_OgtlIPnRAt4pR2oDs1j5ep8HyLWh0iWYFxH3zbgvF5KKvdEzKhSL9F9WEVq8Vns/s1600/ribcut13.jpg" height="400" width="275" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mac Carpeli talked about the <a href="http://www.morlandmakerspace.com/about-us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Morland MakerSpace Institute</span></a>. It's a rural community lab and incubator.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S0a4xiNWTUhwpgtsN-txobty3o_M7BQts7UBQAvsqrLFVf77P6zqqYoK9qjFiZDaYi1i4Kf1XKFp71h4F2yTL2OCJxGYrTTCn2eOCeId9Qm94lv4BP0v8Lx_vWai_0HK-ETg3YLUDj4/s1600/ribcut14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S0a4xiNWTUhwpgtsN-txobty3o_M7BQts7UBQAvsqrLFVf77P6zqqYoK9qjFiZDaYi1i4Kf1XKFp71h4F2yTL2OCJxGYrTTCn2eOCeId9Qm94lv4BP0v8Lx_vWai_0HK-ETg3YLUDj4/s1600/ribcut14.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Dave Procter, director of the <a href="http://www.ruralgrocery.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Rural Grocery Store Initiative</span></a>, and his wife Sandy, came from Manhattan to help celebrate and to shop! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">WenDee LaPlant, Kansas Sampler Foundation, Inman bought enough groceries to earn a spin on the wheel! Diana Crouch, the wheel was lots of fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Larry Crouch from St. Peter handed out Morland Mercantile mugs. Customers were made to feel pretty special.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Tessa and Sharon are glad to fill two of three new jobs the grocery store added to Morland. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And, a volunteer job, too. Don is the bag boy and carried groceries out with a smile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mark Joslyn (on right), owner of Joslyn's Food Center in Hoxie, is ordering for Morland, thus making it possible to get around the volume minimum, which means making it possible for Morland to have a working store. Store manager Ron Radcliffe (left) is up for the challenge to get this store off to a great start.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If as much effort is made to keep the store open as was to get it ready to open, Morland will have a successful store for years to come. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you're driving down U.S. 24, make it a point to stop and shop. It'll help you "Get Kansas!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hours are: Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">From a spot on the road, Kansas Explorer #2, Marci Penner</span><br />
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<br />Get Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-87888615972437957452013-11-11T10:41:00.002-06:002013-11-11T18:41:00.332-06:00Community tributes to veterans<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It seems that almost every town in Kansas has some kind of memorial to veterans, whether it be recently made or dates back to the Civil War. Here are a few that we have found on our ERV trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Courthouse square, Iola</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Courthouse square, Great Bend</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sac and Fox tribal offices, Reserve, Brown County</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Avenue E and 26th, Wilson</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Old parade ground, Fort Dodge</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Fort Riley Cemetery</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ulysses Cemetery, E. 160</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tribune, N. K-27</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hoisington Cemetery (northeast corner of town, bordering K-4), </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">African American folk art gravestone</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Courthouse square, Holton</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Prairie People's Park, Prairie Band of the </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Potawatomi Indian Reservation, Jackson County</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-d-R6vfgQe9vcxyAQEqsqdWBlPNgjyiDXjH2mjcYE8gwR_MAC4czi7Tl9T7VqmYJWZxjd-M5qj98NXCAXdfJmHUcaN_RIo7epsTiKH3PTINJBgIn0xKqKTR7CfAfVUWSLgBxSOLtiwQ/s1600/vetprairieband.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-d-R6vfgQe9vcxyAQEqsqdWBlPNgjyiDXjH2mjcYE8gwR_MAC4czi7Tl9T7VqmYJWZxjd-M5qj98NXCAXdfJmHUcaN_RIo7epsTiKH3PTINJBgIn0xKqKTR7CfAfVUWSLgBxSOLtiwQ/s1600/vetprairieband.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Artwork memorial at Prairie People's Park Veteran's Memorial</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Courthouse square, Mankato</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Courthouse grounds, McPherson</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">City park, Parkerville, Morris County</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">City park, White City, Morris County</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Woodland Cemetery, a National Cemetery for </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Civil War soldiers, Mound City</span>, <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Linn County</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Highland Cemetery (E. K-106), Minneapolis. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">GAR memorial in background</span>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Larned Cemetery, 1 mile west of Larned on K-156, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">then 1/2 mile south.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Larned Cemetery</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Pocket park, 1st and Walnut, Hutchinson</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Veterans Memorial Park, E. U.S. 40, Russell</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Courthouse square, Scott City</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Veterans Memorial, U.S. 54</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Veterans display, Museum of the Great Plains, Leoti</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Courthouse square, Yates Center</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Civil War Memorial Arch leading in to </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Heritage Park, Junction City</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When you see how communities honor their veterans it should help you "get Kansas." </span></span></div>
Get Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-37235262748633487942013-08-05T17:44:00.005-05:002013-08-05T19:29:25.502-05:00Why did the Kansas Sampler Foundation spend so much time with Muscotah?<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>Several people have asked why we have spent so much time supporting and promoting Muscotah. I have been remiss in explaining this part!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">TO LEARN</span></b></span><br />
Two towns were chosen to help us learn some things so we could create a successful program called <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><a href="http://www.kanstarter.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kanstarter</span></a></b></span> (formerly known as the We Kan! Bank), that will be of benefit to all Kansas communities.<br />
<br />
The plan is for Kanstarter to operate somewhat like <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kickstarter</span></a></b></span>, a crowdsourcing funding mechanism for the global creative arts world. Kanstarter will be used to connect community projects with those who
want to help through volunteerism or donations. The bottom line is to
develop and support projects that will help sustain communities. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE</span></span></b><br />
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In 2009, we chose to "practice" in Whiting (Jackson County, population 200) with a project commonly known as the Whiting Cafe Makeover. Through a statewide and global network, we raised over $6,000 and had dozens of volunteers show up for a work weekend. <br />
<br />
Our next effort was to support Muscotah (Atchison County, population 200) with their dream of capitalizing on native son and major league baseball Hall of Famer, Joe Tinker, in creating a spark for the town. <br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">STATISTIC:</span></b> Of the 626 incorporated cities in Kansas, more than half have less than a 400 population. What are we, as a state, doing to support these volunteer-led towns?</i><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">WHY WHITING AND MUSCOTAH? </span></b></span><br />
Every year the Kansas Sampler Foundation does a Retreat for Rural Leaders at the Barn Bed-and-Breakfast in Valley Falls. The retreat includes an annual field trip in order to have a first-hand experience with the theme of the year.<br />
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Whiting and Muscotah are within close proximity to Valley Falls.<br />
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Jeff and C.J. Hanson of Muscotah came to Whiting to help with the Whiting Cafe project. Jeff caught the "fever" and came up with a dream for his town. This led to several Muscotah visits from our retreat attendees over the last four years.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">INSPIRATION</span></b></span><br />
The first year we visited Muscotah, we met in the city building. We all sat in a circle. The Muscotah folks went first to introduce themselves. Without being prompted, each one said how many years they had lived in the town and why they loved it. In the dead of a wet winter the town was looking dreary with its unpaved roads and abandoned business buildings. By the time the last Muscotah person spoke, our hearts were warmed and we were ready to run through a brick wall for them.<br />
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We came back a year or two later to check on them and to see how their dream was progressing. That's when the idea was hatched to convert the old round water tower tank into the World's Largest Baseball. From there, the room was buzzing with ideas and promises -- and hope.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">WE COMMITTED</span></span></b><br />
Our group committed to being there for them, to use our individual and group networks and resources to help them be the best they could be at being Muscotah. They would have to do the bulk of the work. We would be like back-up singers to the main act.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">THE NETWORK</span></span></b><br />
Could the simple use of a network help raise the funds, produce volunteers and experts, find technical know how, promote events like the Work Weekend and Joe Tinker Day, and attend and celebrate with Muscotah in a manner that would make a difference?<br />
<br />
Clearly, the answer is yes. <br />
<br />
Muscotah citizens did all the heavy lifting. The "outside world" rallied around them.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">WHO WON?</span></b></span><br />
Muscotah was a winner because of the exposure and many tangible results for their community.<br />
<br />
Those who took part as volunteers, technical resource experts, or financial contributors were winners because of the satisfaction they received being part of a group that literally helped boost a town forward. <br />
<br />
Local and area businesses were winners, too, because supplies were purchased from them.<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">DID IT SEEM LIKE THIS WAS JUST ALL ABOUT MUSCOTAH?</span></b></span><br />
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It probably seemed like this was just a gift for Muscotah. The truth is that they worked harder than any of us. It's not easy to be in the trenches and be the last line of responsibility. With a very strong core group, they took advantage of all the support and made it happen.<br />
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As the clearinghouse, the Kansas Sampler Foundation observed this "experiment" through the eyes of Muscotah, the volunteers, the donors, the media, and all of the parties involved. With what we learned, we have a better chance of making <a href="http://www.kanstarter.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Ka</b><b>nstarter</b></span></a> a better product as we work with <b><a href="http://www.reflectivegroup.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Reflective Group</span></a></b> in developing this online mechanism of support for all Kansas communities.<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="background-color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">A DOZEN THINGS WE'VE LEARNED OVER THE YEARS ABOUT COMMUNITY PROJECTS</span></b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
1) Buy in. Community projects work best if everyone has had a chance to offer ideas, comments, or questions.<br />
<br />
2) All age groups. Don't just count on the usual players. Enlist input from all age groups. Really listen.<br />
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3) Communicate. Keep everyone informed. Find the best communication method whether it be a posted message or social media.<br />
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4) Strong leadership. Calm, focused, respected leaders are needed to take a town through the tough times. <br />
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5) Do what is right. The popular plan might not always be what is right. Stick with what is right.<br />
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6) Community foundation. A trusted mechanism for receiving donations is a necessity.<br />
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7) Network. The most interested people in supporting your community are those who have graduated or once lived in your town. Developing a list of these people and staying in touch is priceless.<br />
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8) Set your ego aside. This is not about you. It's about community, it's about being a team. Make it so.<br />
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9) Make it worthwhile. In this day of busy people and crowded calendars, each meeting and each event needs to be worthy of everyone's time.<br />
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10) Help others, they'll help you.<br />
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11. Coffee shop talk. Be the supportive and positive voice.<br />
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12. Celebrate. Have fun with your community!<br />
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Each experience helps KSF "get" Kansas! KE #2 Marci PennerGet Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-17081433845499974372013-08-01T14:37:00.002-05:002013-08-02T09:23:46.405-05:00Muscotah Wins on Joe Tinker Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Kansas House of
Representatives declared July 27 as Joe Tinker Day in Muscotah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could have also been declared “One of the
Best Days Ever” in Muscotah, a small town in western Atchison County.<br />
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Celebrating Muscotah native son, Joe Tinker, was
the main objective but July 27 turned out to be much more.<br />
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First, some
background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tinker was born on July 27,
1880 and died on the same date in 1948.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
achieved fame as part of the Hall of Fame double-play combination Tinker to
Evers to Chance that helped the Chicago Cubs win the World Series in 1907 and
1908.<br />
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In the last couple
of years, a group of committed Muscotah citizens has been working to put a
spark back in Muscotah by creating Joe Tinker-themed attractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The old water tower tank has been converted
into the World’s Largest Baseball with the intention of creating a community
and rural baseball museum inside of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beside
the ball, a mini-infield and outfield fence is awaiting silhouettes of Tinker
and Evers and Chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Memorial roses
have been planted beneath the fence and Wrigley ivy will soon follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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On Joe Tinker Day,
two vintage baseball teams, the Hodgeman Nine and Cowtown Vintage Base Ball
Club using 1860s uniforms, rules, and equipment, entertained more than 500
people who lined the foul lines on lawn chairs, straw bales, blankets and the
back of pick-up trucks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hawkers carrying
trays of peanuts, popcorn, and CrackerJack strolled through the crowds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hotdogs, apple pie and ice cream were sold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leoti’s Simone Cahoj and a group of the
vintage ball players led the crowd in “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh-inning
stretch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two goats were present to help reverse
the 1945 Billy Goat curse on the Cubs.<br />
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The Chicago Cubs
major league baseball team even got in the act by sending three bricks from the
famed Wrigley Field brick outfield wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A bucket of infield dirt came with the bricks as well as a
congratulatory letter from Tom Ricketts, the owner of the Cubs. <br />
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Artists Erika
Nelson and Matthew Farley were on hand to talk about the historical baseball
mural that they are painting on the concrete block concession stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xoE9hrVPOZUGP1v7oyLxAaHIx2TcnuNSxo1CiM5qCYxAU3UCHnM3flFql5kE6jvIyHof8VctwY-KqMmkzofXG_drzgB5bEE1xRVi2qxB8D6cYwQkMPYPo4G4bxQ2Y4uRMua61oWfAJs/s1600/jtd49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xoE9hrVPOZUGP1v7oyLxAaHIx2TcnuNSxo1CiM5qCYxAU3UCHnM3flFql5kE6jvIyHof8VctwY-KqMmkzofXG_drzgB5bEE1xRVi2qxB8D6cYwQkMPYPo4G4bxQ2Y4uRMua61oWfAJs/s1600/jtd49.jpg" height="221" width="400" /></a></div>
Relatives of Joe Tinker
came from Baltimore and California to see their ancestor’s hometown and to
witness<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the effect <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>their ball-playing Joe has had on this small
town of 200.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A standing-room only crowd
enjoyed 75-minutes of stories and revelations in a Question and Answer session
with the two grandsons (who had never met) and the two great-grandsons. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterwards, interviews and autographs were in high
demand from these celebrities-for-a-day.</div>
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Many from around
the state attended who had donated or volunteered time to help with the Tinker projects.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mixed
in the crowd that included locals, baseball fans, historians, and small town
supporters, this special group watched quietly with pride in their
contribution.<br />
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Nobody will
remember who won the ballgame, nor does it matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What will stick in the minds of those who
attended is the determination of this town to help itself as well as the
quintessential Americana experience we all had on this day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words of praise for Muscotah from the Tinker
family will long ring in our ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MaJUAg_EE7GO_3SHsKuLjcLxm_jZcwk_TDclzwr90rVjmcQS_5QoaIktSsouRHpulFFIYA4fr-R2JKq2suZBBoJdoYG45bEXmgNm3Q8vNNAIcikSuqz3PxK09-ewKFk2vpfUqX30vv0/s1600/lastrun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MaJUAg_EE7GO_3SHsKuLjcLxm_jZcwk_TDclzwr90rVjmcQS_5QoaIktSsouRHpulFFIYA4fr-R2JKq2suZBBoJdoYG45bEXmgNm3Q8vNNAIcikSuqz3PxK09-ewKFk2vpfUqX30vv0/s1600/lastrun.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by Tom Parker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Muscotah is the “little
town that could” and long after the last run crossed the plate, those who live
in Muscotah will continue to work hard with little fanfare for the town they
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Perhaps the moral of the story is that we're a better state, a better society when small towns thrive. They need our cheers and participation in the game. When we all come together, we all win.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZF4dNeVwGnxXPD66LrgzNDDW9rhyphenhyphenSjIaMfU7GPXo2Eu9MkUXPuRUejnQfBKidZKqa2dybDyTRqFPO_b7EjKN8o_yvjvVuG85fcYwwfmVsIttOi9yQPqgStQP1RSVcdnJBZiztuaPR5Q8/s1600/homeplate3ws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZF4dNeVwGnxXPD66LrgzNDDW9rhyphenhyphenSjIaMfU7GPXo2Eu9MkUXPuRUejnQfBKidZKqa2dybDyTRqFPO_b7EjKN8o_yvjvVuG85fcYwwfmVsIttOi9yQPqgStQP1RSVcdnJBZiztuaPR5Q8/s1600/homeplate3ws.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
The Muscotah Experience is a great one to relate to help people "Get Kansas." KE #2 Marci Penner</div>
Get Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-81615381720904042382013-06-10T20:56:00.000-05:002013-08-13T19:34:40.031-05:00Strataca!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbcT1c2JVfI3oKMp9TV0756xk7DDzBgtDQxZRNssqmW7z-rsJHxE57C-0ATaPJSEQ2b8oOZCkhBjOzPJkmijBXy37qohRKPHtlSnIlofv4d_zM_KoH4qGHI6fNYw6x_8cVFVk8xJOsYA/s1600/salt5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbcT1c2JVfI3oKMp9TV0756xk7DDzBgtDQxZRNssqmW7z-rsJHxE57C-0ATaPJSEQ2b8oOZCkhBjOzPJkmijBXy37qohRKPHtlSnIlofv4d_zM_KoH4qGHI6fNYw6x_8cVFVk8xJOsYA/s320/salt5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
What did the<a href="http://underkansas.org/" target="_blank"> Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a> do? They Stratacized!<br />
<br />
To Stratacize means to be bold and daring. No, you won't find "stratacize" in the dictionary but it should be. With an intrepid manner, the board and staff just up and changed their name.<br />
<br />
They (board, staff and marketing company) didn't think that the name "Kansas Underground Salt Museum" was doing justice to the amazing experience one can have down under. There really was nothing wrong with the original name. The museum is underground (amazing). It is about salt (a story rarely told). It is in Kansas. Still, there was that little word at the end, "museum." That's what prompted the change.<br />
<br />
Times have changed. Museums once saved the day by collecting artifacts and telling their story. Some places do it beautifully and much can be seen and learned. Unfortunately, not all museums have the budget or resources to bring the best out of a collection of artifacts. Rather than fight the stereotype, this place that is as much an adventure as a place to see and learn, took action. They "stratacized." <br />
<br />
First, you don a hard helmet and get in a dark elevator and plunge 650 feet down. For over two minutes you go down. Where else can you do that?<br />
<br />
You come out of the elevator and you are surrounded by solid salt walls! Even the walls and ceiling are the real thing.<br />
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<br />
After walking by exhibits, you come to a tram area. This is where you can jump aboard and take a "dark ride" to see and learn. It's called the dark ride because at times you are moving along in complete darkness. That was what miners experienced at times. And, yes, before you, miners were down there in the exact same area dynamiting the salt and sending it to the surface. You are seeing the result of this, right there in a mine!<br />
<br />
You can also ride a train. It's actually feels more like riding along on old-fashioned school desk seats pulled by a miniature locomotive. You're on actual track used by the miners. It's just hard to fathom that you are in a mine and that somewhere further down the line, actual mining is still going on at the same level. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdiKNq0ZmgSjcVU7SBKuzo2Hk1bLDsg9zJfUVctLuMy33USTkdhDXfxVWpUMhB6bNf2lTkCYUZ0HzSbZXYbzkjPL4UMxJvXM_ydlfGCV6sTTozRW4pAHoIwdT4CqJ1nZkI_zOUGJAEZQ/s1600/salt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdiKNq0ZmgSjcVU7SBKuzo2Hk1bLDsg9zJfUVctLuMy33USTkdhDXfxVWpUMhB6bNf2lTkCYUZ0HzSbZXYbzkjPL4UMxJvXM_ydlfGCV6sTTozRW4pAHoIwdT4CqJ1nZkI_zOUGJAEZQ/s320/salt1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
You see things left by the miners. Even vehicles were let down into the mine by a hoist but nothing was ever really taken back up -- except the salt.<br />
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<br />
There is no doubt that the salt museum is a tremendous venue to visit. In every way, it deserves its status as one of the <a href="http://www.kansassampler.org/8wonders/" target="_blank">8 Wonders of Kansas</a>. Come on, it's the only underground salt museum in the western hemisphere!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8pyyoe55OdcQxESs1ChNFlAxpYs_-CVpoKryLwHlOMMxZEePya_avdfRPkMGscumliXZsLw26r92iNcyXKSriWGcDhHz1Qb2OIKDSPd29KCUXG4hljx4x2yPbUkiMfkghRQ3LmnnE30/s1600/salt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8pyyoe55OdcQxESs1ChNFlAxpYs_-CVpoKryLwHlOMMxZEePya_avdfRPkMGscumliXZsLw26r92iNcyXKSriWGcDhHz1Qb2OIKDSPd29KCUXG4hljx4x2yPbUkiMfkghRQ3LmnnE30/s320/salt4.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
But let's get back to the name.<br />
<br />
Strataca.<br />
<br />
What a fearless move.<br />
<br />
Not everyone will like this. It's audacious, it's gutsy -- and it's the right thing to have done. This incredible experience deserves an all-out effort to attract an audience that wants adventure, wants to learn, wants to be treated to something they won't forget. The name carries expectations with it and the ground down under does not disappoint.<br />
<br />
With the new name, the staff is energized and feeling more playful and fun. The name removes boundaries of making this attraction one of the best there is.<br />
<br />
A place in Kansas did this. Dull and boring? Not at Strataca. No way. <br />
<br />
They've stepped out on a limb to give this solid, salty gal what she deserves. No settling. No tepidness. Just all out going for it. Strataca! YES!<br />
<br />
<i>Views of Kansas Explorer #2 Marci Penner and how she Gets Kansas.</i>Get Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-3474606590571773532013-05-27T12:07:00.001-05:002013-05-27T12:07:20.460-05:00Vibrant with volunteers - Greeley County<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYo_hkuoCgwHxggbm38y47UjS4tqRTxJLibX_wYX0vTJbBrY73oex9TvTTJSZMSSsAV6tWzmEuYCOlK5iKNsbh6amVO4JCqDsqK7_07unuTNIGnLGSX2fSYpRfS964wyiUpZ3OWdiVxI/s1600/vibrant1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYo_hkuoCgwHxggbm38y47UjS4tqRTxJLibX_wYX0vTJbBrY73oex9TvTTJSZMSSsAV6tWzmEuYCOlK5iKNsbh6amVO4JCqDsqK7_07unuTNIGnLGSX2fSYpRfS964wyiUpZ3OWdiVxI/s1600/vibrant1.jpg" /></a>We recently researched Greeley County for the update to the <i>Kansas Guidebook for Explorers</i>.<br />
<br />
The city might only have around 700 residents but many of them volunteer.<br />
<br />
Volunteers take tickets, serve concessions, and clean-up at the community-run theatre.<br />
<br />
You can go to the fairgrounds and see the skeleton of many of the amusement park rides. Come fair time, the carnival committee takes the seats and the equipment out of the shed and makes the rides operational. For 75 cents a ride, it's a great time and volunteers work hard for three days to make it all happen.<br />
<br />
Volunteers run the 9-hole grass-green golf course. $15 to play. <br />
<br />
Rural communities are so fortunate to have volunteer fire departments.<br />
<br />
The historical museum stays open with volunteers.<br />
<br />
The six-lane bowling alley is a non-profit organization.<br />
<br />
In Tribune, being a volunteer helps keep the town vibrant and a choice place to live.<br />
<br />
Go Kansas! Marci Penner <br />
<br />
<br />Get Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-78330873370294508722012-02-13T17:46:00.007-06:002012-02-13T18:12:36.335-06:00Quizzing Around<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif][if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> 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mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">This is a Kansas quiz I posted on Kansas Day 2012. Give it a try!</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="Arial","sans-serif""><br />ARCHITECTURE</span></strong></span> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >1. Where would you find the largest barn in the state that is open to the public?</span></p><p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" >2. It took 37 years to build which structure that was started in 1866?<br /></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;font-family:";font-size:100%;" ></span> <p style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" >3. The Skyscraper of the Plains refers to an 1890 bank building in which town?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="Arial","sans-serif"">ART</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" >1. John Steuart Curry painted many of the famous murals in the state capitol. His boyhood home has been moved to a museum complex in which town?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" >2. In which town can you can you find a Pony Express Horse and Rider, in statue form? (Artist was Richard Bergen).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >3. Name the Kansas Explorer who can describe a Kansas nuance as well as anyone and has written a book called "<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=9cyr7kcab&et=1109171198555&s=0&e=001R8xg2yPEekl820yC0QtlFcw_ryrYGJaSn725ytHJChlTaUmDfkrW3LX31Wt_FhCGxRlo6HIIkPrlMvgd9qzBb5en9bnOgcNLJ5bKWVf0rrnDCYLE8MwjAq0-Ka7IdymB" target="_blank" shape="rect"><span style="color:windowtext;">Life on the Ground in a Rectangular State</span></a>."</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="Arial","sans-serif"">COMMERCE</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" >1. Where should you go to see marbles made and to buy everything marbles...and other nostalgic games?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" >2. Name the famous flour milled at the Stafford County Flour Mill.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >3. Titan Trailer is one reason __________________ is known as the Stock Trailer Capital of Kansas.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="Arial","sans-serif"">CUISINE</span></strong></span><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" ><br />1. If you go on the right day you can get chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes in a restaurant where the walls are lined with puzzles. In which town would you find this cafe?<br /><br />2. Since 1982, this barbecue joint west of Hutchinson has been packing people in every Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. or until the food is gone. What is the name?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >3. Name the three components of the chicken fried steak done the Explorer Way.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="Arial","sans-serif"">CUSTOMS</span></strong></span><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" ><br />1. The widest main street in the United States, 155 feet and 5 inches from storefront to storefront, is found in what town?<br /><br />2. The Also Ran Gallery in Norton features people who finished second in which race?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style=";font-size:100%;" >3. It's becoming quite the custom of many people to go to Mo's Place in Beaver (between Odin and Susank in Barton County). What is Mo's?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="Arial","sans-serif"">GEOGRAPHY</span></strong></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><br />1. If you wanted to walk among the ancient cross timbers of Kansas, which state park would you go to?<br /><br />2. The city limit sign in the unincorporated city of Studley is the most oft stolen sign. It's in the same county as Hoxie. What county is that?<br /><br />3. Name the first Kansas state park/lake in the state. It opened in 1955. Hint: Nearby is a formation of interesting rocks, also a state park.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="Arial","sans-serif"">HISTORY</span></strong></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><br />1. What is the name of the famous church in Wabaunsee that is connected to the days of Bleeding Kansas? Beecher ______________ and _______________ Church. It still stands today.<br /><br />2. Name the two towns that have attractions connected to the Dalton Gang.<br /><br />3. Which fort is known as one of the best preserved authentic frontier posts in the American West? (Hint: has a connection to the Santa Fe Trail).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="Arial","sans-serif"">PEOPLE</span></strong></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><br />1. Was Mother Bickerdyke the person that started FHA (Future Homemakers of America), a Civil War nurse, or the founder of the Orphan Train Movement?<br /><br />2. Milton Tootle owned the land designated for the town named ___________________. This Cloud County town has a Tootlefest every August!<br /><br />3. S.S. Rogers offered _________________ to travelers back in the 1880s. Travelers told him it was "mighty liberal" of him to offer this. In 1886 he added a post office and dry goods store and the little community became known as Liberal.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif";font-size:100%;" > </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif";font-size:100%;" >When you've exhausted your Kansas brainpower, take a look at the answers:<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="Arial","sans-serif"">Architecture<br /></span></b></span><span style="Arial","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-weight: boldfont-size:100%;" >1. Cooper Barn, Colby<br />2. State Capitol, Topeka<br />3. Ness City</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="Arial","sans-serif"">Art<br /></span></b></span><span style="Arial","sans-serif";font-size:100%;" >1. Oskaloosa<br />2. Marysville<br />3. KE #2703 Cheryl Unruh<br /><b><br />Commerce<br /></b>1. Moon Marble Company, Bonner Springs<br />2. Hudson Cream Flour made in Hudson at Stafford Co. Flour Mills<br />3. Waterville<br /><b><br />Cuisine<br /></b>1. Curtis Cafe, Stafford<br />2. Roy's BBQ<br />3. a) fresh meat, b) hand breaded, c) grill or pan fried.<b><br /><br />Customs<br /></b>1. Plains (Meade Co.)<br />2. Presidential<br />3. a microbrewery<br /><b><br />Geography<br /></b>1. Cross Timbers State Lake, near Toronto (Woodson Co.)<br />2. Sheridan County<br />3. Kanopolis<br /><b><br />History<br /></b>1. Bible and Rifle<br />2. Meade and Coffeyville<br />3. Fort Larned<br /><b><br />People<br /></b>1. Civil War nurse<br />2. Miltonvale<br />3. water</span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Who would've thought that taking a quiz could help you "Get Kansas?!"</span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">KE #2 Marci Penner<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" Arial","sans-serif"; color: rgb(162, 110, 52);font-family:";font-size:8pt;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>Get Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-2065064835714181622011-11-11T09:39:00.008-06:002011-11-11T15:05:37.025-06:00Post office observations<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">No exit for post offices? We can only wish.</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5961Z_jLGRF_95sQDi8L_1-oEn6QS3EKvQuY7tgzaSqQMMZtgZxTMjO5eu8KaIY9lCs-_G828727P9FDJbPOrW1u-fRH7gU5XwGcFhkRSLqbBVGqGH415bRNZPxe01gRtWJj0GCdvHSU/s1600/noexitpo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 153px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5961Z_jLGRF_95sQDi8L_1-oEn6QS3EKvQuY7tgzaSqQMMZtgZxTMjO5eu8KaIY9lCs-_G828727P9FDJbPOrW1u-fRH7gU5XwGcFhkRSLqbBVGqGH415bRNZPxe01gRtWJj0GCdvHSU/s400/noexitpo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673825472194603890" border="0" /></a><br />Rural America is a necessity to a healthy United States and world. It's easy to stereotype the small town (currently, 4% of the cities in Kansas are 15,000 or larger) but Kansas and other rural states would be empty without them. It's time to find some alternative solutions to the crisis facing rural Kansas. This blog overviews the issue but what it's really about is making a case for finding solutions. What idea will be our "internet"?<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Great thinkers once solved issues for the good of the whole</span></span><br /><br />The history below shows how great thinkers saw the need to connect people in the country with those in the cities in order to make a better America. New communication systems led to the need for advanced roads and transportation systems.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blmailus2d.htm#RURAL">HISTORY OF RURAL FREE DELIVERY</a></span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > (RFD)</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">"John Wanamaker of Pennsylvania was the first Postmaster General to advocate rural free delivery (RFD). Although funds were appropriated a month before he left office in 1893, subsequent Postmasters General dragged their feet on inaugurating the new service so that it was 1896 before the first experimental rural delivery routes began.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >A byproduct of rural free delivery was the stimulation it provided to the development of the great American system of roads and highways. A prerequisite for rural delivery was good roads.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >The impact of RFD as a cultural and social agent for millions of Americans was even more striking, and, in this respect, rural delivery still is a vital link between industrial and rural America.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;">"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">General observations about the closure study process</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Inconsistencies. </span>It's unclear why some communities are on this list and not others. Most of the offices on the list of possible closures are rural, smaller offices with annual revenues of about $27,000 or less. In fact, at one location one business does $50,000 worth of business a year at the post office and, still, the post office is on the block.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fairness.</span> In some cases the notice of the community meeting happened within a day or two of the meeting. In other cases, neighboring postmasters were asked to facilitate the meeting.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Delivery.</span> In most cases, it sounds like residents will be asked to erect mail boxes at their homes for delivery but if a package doesn't fit in the box they'll have to travel to the closest town with a post office to retrieve the package -- in some cases this ranges from 10-30 miles. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Does this really save money if a route carrier now has to deliver mail to each house instead of making a drop at one post office?</span> Some towns have been told they'll have to drive to the next town to even pick up their regular mail. Again, this ranges from 10-30 miles for some.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why rural</span></span>?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reasonable. </span>We have to be reasonable. Volume of mail is down with the use of other means of communication. But it seems like rural is the fall guy for issues out of our control:<br /><br />"Taken from "<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/need-to-know/five-things/the-u-s-postal-service/11433/">5 things you need to know about the U.S. Postal Service</a>."<br />Operationally speaking, the USPS nets profits every year. The financial problem it faces now comes from a 2006 Congressional mandate that requires the agency to “pre-pay” into a fund that covers health care costs for future retired employees. Under the mandate, the USPS is required to make an annual $5.5 billion payment over ten years, through 2016.<strong> </strong>These “prepayments” are largely responsible for the USPS’s financial losses over the past four years and the threat of shutdown that looms ahead – take the retirement fund out of the equation, and the postal service would have actually netted $1 billion in profits over this period. <p>This doesn’t mean, however, that the USPS’s financial situation is good. Revenue has been declining for years, and even if the agency manages to get past this year’s $5.5 billion payment, it would again face insolvency next year."</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqcaPLEMysHS08DeXrT4WH7E1PpeVYth5gg57MDqIa5ZU6pqPNI1sxHLVTkHPUXvnjaf_4CdI3FEABoW4quMtkmsmr6leK8FFj4m48rL__lif7iM1dhok5QENOK4COYb5M90X693uur0/s1600/24po.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqcaPLEMysHS08DeXrT4WH7E1PpeVYth5gg57MDqIa5ZU6pqPNI1sxHLVTkHPUXvnjaf_4CdI3FEABoW4quMtkmsmr6leK8FFj4m48rL__lif7iM1dhok5QENOK4COYb5M90X693uur0/s320/24po.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673826084680410818" border="0" /></a></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Easy target. </span> Rural communities are an easy target. Even if 75% or more of the population turns out for the required community meeting, these numbers, in the larger scheme of things, are small. Because rural communities aren't organized as a collective, it's hard to have a voice loud enough to be heard.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Does it matter?</span> Legislators and United States Congressmen/women have been supportive to varying degrees (special thanks to Senator Moran) but is anyone stepping back and looking at the whole picture of what the loss of 150-400 post offices in the state will do to the strength of Kansas as a vital place to live and do business? This isn't just about losing the post office but this threat contributes to the devolving of rural communities.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">It's not just the post office. </span> The potential loss of the post office is another strike at the identity of a community. The school may already be gone, a source of identity. Now the post office. Though the zip code can be kept and the name of the town can still be put on letters, there is still the effect of losing your identity. </p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Making the argument</span></span><br /><br />As we (rural) await the verdict, we are concerned about the change in essential service and what it will mean to each individual, but the worry is more about what this means for the community. The post office is a gathering place, a place to put notices, a place to do business, a place to receive prescriptions, a place for human interaction.<br /><br />It's true that it is simply time for some post offices to close. Even the townspeople know when it's time. But in other cases, it just doesn't make any sense. Even with the acknowledgement that mailing a bill and sending a birthday greeting can be done exclusively via electronic means, there is still a lot of business being done through the mail. Furthermore, some communities still do not have high speed internet nor decent cell service to make other means of communication a good option.<br /><br />But here's the thing. Like so many issues, this one is treated as if in a vacuum. Agencies are managing a single issue yet the community is affected by multiple issues and how each one rearranges the bigger picture.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What can we do now?</span></span><br /><br />Many of the towns on this list of 152 are not ready to fold up and die no matter what happens with the post office issue. They may look pretty straggly to those looking in from the outside who aren't familiar with rural living but there is likely more sense of community and economic livelihood going on than can be seen with a windshield survey. In some cases, the farmers and ranchers drive that economic engine and they and their families rely on the community for many basics.<br /><br />Instead of just fighting the post office closures, let's try to also look at this in a forward-looking manner. The primary loss of the physical post office would be the ease in sending anything bigger than a letter and the ability for an individual or business to receive items bigger than their mail box. The secondary loss is the post office as a social gathering spot.<br /><br />Can both of these issues be solved with creative solutions? In simplest terms, what is needed is a generic gathering spot that results in these same interactions and a central and accessible location to handle the larger mail issues.<br /><br />Though 152 communities are on the list, there are another 150 that will likely have service altered. With almost half of the towns in the state affected by a loss of or change in postal service, a common solution needs to be developed. Most communities are fighting the post office closure as well as they can within the rules. But if they had an adequate alternative, they could look at all of this with more optimism.<br /><br />What is that alternative? It's out there. It's a matter of getting the right minds together to figure out the solution. We need the brightest minds of all ages who want to be part of the solution in transforming rural communities into a New Rural age with old-time community soul.<br /><br />Signing off from Get Kansas!<br /><br />KE #2 Marci PennerGet Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-13799673415791551222011-11-10T09:41:00.022-06:002011-11-11T10:43:43.858-06:00Our post office journey on November 9, 20111 day. 7 post offices. $381.56 worth of stamps. 440 miles.<br /><br />There is nothing like experiencing an issue firsthand and looking in the eyes of the people who are living the issue.<br /><br />I had been getting e-mails and phone calls from people concerned about losing their post offices. At some point, you can't just have these conversations and not do something about it.<br /><br />Kansas Sampler Foundation assistant director WenDee LaPlant and I decided to pick a road and visit all the towns on that highway that had post offices that are on the list for possible closing. We chose K-99 and several miles on either side because it had seven post offices on the list between the Oklahoma and Nebraska borders. Our plan was to visit with the postmaster and people coming in the post office and buy $50 worth of stamps at each place.<br /><br /><ul><li>Chautauqua, Chautauqua County</li><li>Peru, Chautauqua County</li><li>Elk Falls, Elk County</li><li>Hamilton, Greenwood County</li><li>Admire, Lyon County</li><li>Summerfield, Marshall County</li><li>Home, Marshall County</li></ul>This blog is the more social overview of each stop. The more serious observations of the post office issue will follow in the next post.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivV36AdQgP7k67bcDq6s8IANjN-kyME4Y0dwPuSTZ-w4CX_mvO3FFRo2Fe9glApbKvU0pObJjov7rB3DmjmXp9oVyy5dPvZ_snPQJyiaZCRqX7ubs6TEtl9jT-9ODf6q0WHL3WVyAHojY/s1600/chaupo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivV36AdQgP7k67bcDq6s8IANjN-kyME4Y0dwPuSTZ-w4CX_mvO3FFRo2Fe9glApbKvU0pObJjov7rB3DmjmXp9oVyy5dPvZ_snPQJyiaZCRqX7ubs6TEtl9jT-9ODf6q0WHL3WVyAHojY/s320/chaupo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673399794872256354" border="0" /></a>The first stop was in Chatauqua (population 98) near the Oklahoma border.<br /><br />After being greeted on the sidewalk by Rudy Taylor of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Montgomery County Chronicle</span>, one cat and two dogs, we went in to meet Emma, the postmaster. She had just finished vacuuming and was ready to start the day. We had a wonderful visit and learned the building was originally a feed store.<br /><br />We bid Emma farewell and with her encouragement we stopped at The Store to meet the Chautquaua mayor, Audrey. After a short but enjoyable visit we were on our way to the Peru post office.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gaJyLUnFmTXDryECbyNzMe9ka-HwhrEjVAN837cftWvsxvpvpJ6-jhVc9NKlZNvMp0vdPqMEd6Ql3foG0jXByjbaK8UEe3VpaqZaH8dUq9k2yL-WlArS38vTPkFBShceoQovtLKs53E/s1600/perupo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gaJyLUnFmTXDryECbyNzMe9ka-HwhrEjVAN837cftWvsxvpvpJ6-jhVc9NKlZNvMp0vdPqMEd6Ql3foG0jXByjbaK8UEe3VpaqZaH8dUq9k2yL-WlArS38vTPkFBShceoQovtLKs53E/s320/perupo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673402065131458706" border="0" /></a>We got to Peru (population 160) and I went in to visit with David, the postmaster. Little did I know that after I went inside, a truck pulled up beside us and called to WenDee. It was Emma's husband! He had tracked us down. We didn't know it but Emma had thought we asked for 50 stamps so that is what she had given us. When we left, she looked at our check and saw it was for $50.40. She called her husband to come get the rest of the stamps and find us. Only in a small town...<br /><br />At every post office, the role of community gathering spot was obvious as people would come and go. We learned that more than one postmaster would watch for certain people and if they didn't come in to get their mail, they would call them to make sure they were OK. Only in a small town...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHgBStghh-SXns6vTK_CSv4_4fekRGQNhau92q5hUtnwrHvNBQg0-06Z7j0P8GwQiHB9bg3Fp3PJ_pf5hpFySVuLD9y_6TASH5dGffVNmRl5LYvZUd97cfkxb69OfW0g9BjPQ5vQYPPk/s1600/elkfallspo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHgBStghh-SXns6vTK_CSv4_4fekRGQNhau92q5hUtnwrHvNBQg0-06Z7j0P8GwQiHB9bg3Fp3PJ_pf5hpFySVuLD9y_6TASH5dGffVNmRl5LYvZUd97cfkxb69OfW0g9BjPQ5vQYPPk/s320/elkfallspo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673402841171589026" border="0" /></a>Jennifer Brummel, Elk County Economic Development Director and Youth Development Coordinator, met us at the Elk Falls (population 104) post office.<br /><br />When asked if the post office was going to have an entry in next weekend's Outhouse Festival, postmaster Lecia's eyes lit up. She told us the extremely clever name for their entry but it can't be revealed yet. (The festival is Nov. 18-19). We bought our stamps and Jennifer ordered some for her upcoming wedding thank you cards!<br /><br />An elderly local woman came in. She was very distraught about losing the post office. She said, "This is MY place. I've been coming her since I was nine. I don't want to lose it."<br /><br />Before we left town, we tracked down Steve and Jane Fry. They were at their "secret garden" house. Talk about ingenious people. We got to see the new bunkhouse upstairs in the barn. As would be expected from Steve and Jane, they have created a cozy atmosphere with the most unique use of recycled materials, ceramics, and personal touch. The 1930s concrete elephants and sculptures in the "garden" were standing proud and visible. Good to see them shine again!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAb5hzOecG1ojZNJRF18WgNfArn6vInnILOzd1RzIhma3JY4DB13rkl2C_6NwAyALxBscJt4MpFsCe97OL5McYUi41HDtyyZoIaa1NkorBzCBM6MPHxzOcLVt7MUNZKWkxwk6F_4YQqM/s1600/admirepo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAb5hzOecG1ojZNJRF18WgNfArn6vInnILOzd1RzIhma3JY4DB13rkl2C_6NwAyALxBscJt4MpFsCe97OL5McYUi41HDtyyZoIaa1NkorBzCBM6MPHxzOcLVt7MUNZKWkxwk6F_4YQqM/s320/admirepo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673405871773014386" border="0" /></a>On to Admire, population 176. We received a warm welcome from friends Dee Reid, Ann Birney, and Joyce Thierer. They gave us a tour of the community center which is in the school that closed at the end of the 2010 school year. The locals are also developing a nice museum in the school. I'm sure it feels like a bittersweet development to be using the school that way.<br /><br />It was great to meet, Mike, the postmaster, who also made our sandwiches-to-go at the Last Chance Cafe. By the way, this post office was also a feed store at one time.<br /><br />The drive through Wabaunsee County was beautiful. We admired the stone fences along the winding roads. The hardest part of our trip was driving through towns like Sedan, Howard, Madison, Olpe, Emporia, Eskridge, Alma, Westmoreland and others and not being able to stop and see things and say hi to folks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrUkl_7OKpbugQqbMpIjinTEzu1uT6OyckMAQDb2J1hm22wFDvxgtwMmVh2lHQNLUEAzg-68Ef-ojmk_zJkG8H5RgWiFfQaTzVvgvA5Wte5Z-6xVUm5KMG5UaDlFNICypJ2TZkw79Qrw/s1600/hampo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrUkl_7OKpbugQqbMpIjinTEzu1uT6OyckMAQDb2J1hm22wFDvxgtwMmVh2lHQNLUEAzg-68Ef-ojmk_zJkG8H5RgWiFfQaTzVvgvA5Wte5Z-6xVUm5KMG5UaDlFNICypJ2TZkw79Qrw/s320/hampo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673412184891446658" border="0" /></a>Hamilton, population 309. Katherine, the postmaster, knew we were coming. Word had traveled down the road. While visiting about Hamilton, a local business owner came in and talked about how they choose to do business through the post office to support it but they'll find other options when the post office closes. I had to wonder if the U.S.P.S. knows how much loyalty locals have had for their post office but will choose different options if the local post office closes.<br /><br />Hamilton still has their school and it's led by a dynamo superintendent. They have two restaurants, a classic soda fountain, and lots of ranchers and oil and gas business in the area. People just driving through may not always see the behind-the-scenes thrive-ability in these towns, but it's there.<br /><br />Down the road...<br /><br />In Wamego, we did a quick drive by the city park to see the handsome building for the mini-train. It looks terrific! Bunny and Gary McCloud responded to our "Put your stamp on it" sponsorship notice so as we drove through Wamego, Bunny met us in the turn lane along side K-99 across from the Wamego Telecommunications building. She gave us her warm smile and handed us a $100 bill to help with the stamp purchases and gas!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUsrlxL65RjsXRukrMKRuIoyRSN3A9H8mp6aw13BdnR6kaBnhPqJDNxi-k9qiiHHwvTOsepH47dx_xvVjraKgAZkD_w8Yl4d665Lzzu-izYUbbyewPdjzb1Z99eFUP8nV-5Iuw6ytgYk/s1600/summerpo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUsrlxL65RjsXRukrMKRuIoyRSN3A9H8mp6aw13BdnR6kaBnhPqJDNxi-k9qiiHHwvTOsepH47dx_xvVjraKgAZkD_w8Yl4d665Lzzu-izYUbbyewPdjzb1Z99eFUP8nV-5Iuw6ytgYk/s320/summerpo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673411775801190146" border="0" /></a>On to Summerfield, population 199, in Marshall County. The streets were full of cars. It looks like the community-owned grocery store continues to do well, too. And, I'm anxious to come back to see the working blacksmith shop!<br /><br />We met the postmaster and bought our stamps. A local business, <a href="http://allaroundthehouse.biz/">allaroundthehouse.biz</a> does a great business and everything is sent out through the post office. I don't see how it will be possible for this entrepreneur to continue shipping through the post office if the physical p.o. closes. This is another chunk of revenue the U.S.P.S. will likely lose.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijbFNZZIT0Pd4eqf-OfdE2WSZfr45aURxvS7X5qseIsaBE2vR5jsDoDx2u1V8XKW3ODjW9NA1R1Cbe8zD-SwXVOfJ8GI02SrAKtKVeg4FH7S5Ek2tH3CYl_sfShcnjdSSJXwtJE4a8d4/s1600/homepo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijbFNZZIT0Pd4eqf-OfdE2WSZfr45aURxvS7X5qseIsaBE2vR5jsDoDx2u1V8XKW3ODjW9NA1R1Cbe8zD-SwXVOfJ8GI02SrAKtKVeg4FH7S5Ek2tH3CYl_sfShcnjdSSJXwtJE4a8d4/s320/homepo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673411984524059586" border="0" /></a>Our last stop of the day was at Home. How appropriate. Home is one of the top two thriving unincorporated cities in the state (Healy is the other). We first went over to the Feed and Grain store across from the post office. It's located in an old bank and is just brimming with character. Kansas pride oozes out of owner's Jim and Pat, as does their affection for Home. They raved about the restaurant across the street opened by a young couple in town. We had a great discussion about the post office and issues of small towns.<br /><br />We found Elaine and bought our stamps. It's so interesting to meet these very dedicated post office workers. Elaine also drives school bus. Joanne from the <span style="font-style: italic;">Marysville Advocate</span> and Emily from Blue Valley Telecommunications were there, too.<br /><br />This was a great prelude to our guidebook research journey that will take us to every town in the state in the next two years. From the Chautauqua springs to our last stop at Home, this was a day that reaffirms the fortitude and spirit of the Kansas people as well as the richness and multitude of explorer attractions in the state.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0MVuAjE4URKABrBDrnOQYb56UAoDfwtjsMM0v8h74a0bV_UOD1JTGz7C9YN2vozNlpyhEjfLrwpA9Fzf5kF6jzMWPmC5gDoYO9V8fHKmM2x4q4e-7NKw84U4wGXI39Rti_AnpraWy7g/s1600/chausprings.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0MVuAjE4URKABrBDrnOQYb56UAoDfwtjsMM0v8h74a0bV_UOD1JTGz7C9YN2vozNlpyhEjfLrwpA9Fzf5kF6jzMWPmC5gDoYO9V8fHKmM2x4q4e-7NKw84U4wGXI39Rti_AnpraWy7g/s400/chausprings.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673765783167918482" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Chautauqua springs in Chautauqua is still flowing.<br />In this case, it flows into an oxidized tea pot.<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Remnants of the old historic hotel can still be seen.<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">This is now a beautiful green space.<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Look for the single arched stone bridge, too.</span><br /></div><br />Get Kansas! by just picking a highway and a purpose for your trip and you'll learn alot about our state.<br /><br />KE #2 Marci PennerGet Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-37714739258984443012011-11-08T13:44:00.004-06:002011-11-08T13:52:34.624-06:00Put your stamp on November 9<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span>Below is a list of communities that have been notified that their post office may be closed. This list represents twenty-four percent of the communities in Kansas.<br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><br /><span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span>Tomorrow, November 9, WenDee and I will be traveling K-99 from the Oklahoma border to Nebraska to visit seven towns on this list (Chautauqua, Peru, Elk Falls, Hamilton, Admire, Home and Summerfield). We will spend $50 at each and try to interview some of the locals. We'll post on Facebook ("Like" the Kansas Sampler Foundation page or check out Marci Penner's page). Post what you're doing tomorrow to support these communities.<br /><br />It's devastating to lose such a primary business.<br /><br />What does this mean for Kansas?<br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Abbyville</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Admire</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Alden</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Alexander</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Alton</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Arcadia</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Athol</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Atlanta</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Aurora</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Barnard</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Barnes</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Belpre</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Bendena</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Benedict</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Bentley</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Beverly</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Bluff</span><span> City</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Bogue</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Bremen</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Brookville</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Brownell</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Burdett</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Burdick</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Cambridge</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Cassoday</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Catharine<br />Cedar</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Cedar Point</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Centerville</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Chautauqua</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Circleville</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Collyer</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Coolidge</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Crestline</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Cummings</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Damar<br />Danville</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Delia</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Denison</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Dennis</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Dexter</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Dover</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Durham</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Edson</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Elk</span><span> Falls</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Elmdale</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Emmett</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Englewood</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Ensign</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Esbon</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Falun</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Florence</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Fontana</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Formoso<br />Freeport</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Frontenac</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Garfield</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Gaylord<br />Geuda Springs</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Grantville</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Green</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Haddam</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Hamilton</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Hardtner<br />Havana</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Hepler</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Herndon</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Hollenberg</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Home<br />Hudson</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Hunter</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Isabel</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Kanorado</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Argentine</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Kendall</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Kincaid</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Kirwin</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Latham<br />Lehigh</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Long Island</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Longford</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Lorraine</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Lost Springs</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Mahaska</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Mapleton</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Marienthal</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Mayfield</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Milan</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Morganville</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Morrill</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Morrowville</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Munden</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Murdock</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Muscotah</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Narka</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Nashville</span><br /><span>Neal</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Neosho</span><span> Falls</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Neosho</span><span> Rapids</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Netawaka<br />New Cambria<br />Niotaze</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Norcatur</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Offerle</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Oketo</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Olmitz</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Opolis</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Palmer</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Paradise</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Park</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Pawnee Rock</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Peru</span><br /><span>Piedmont</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Piqua</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Potwin</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Powhattan</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Prairie View</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Ramona</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Randall<br />Rantoul</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Raymond</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Republic</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Richfield</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Robinson</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Rock</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Rosalia</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Roxbury</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Sawyer</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Sharon</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Simpson</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Soldier</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Stark<br />Summerfield</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Sun City</span><br /><span>Sycamore</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Sylvia</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Talmage</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Tyro</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Viola</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Virgil</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Wakarusa</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Waldo</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Webber</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Welda</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>West Mienral</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Westphalia</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>White Cloud</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Wilmore</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Windom</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Woodbine</span></p> <p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>Woodston</span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span>Zenda</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><br /><span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span>Being concerned about this helps you "Get Kansas!"</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><br /><span></span></p><p style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px"><span>KE #2 Marci Penner<br /></span></p>Get Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-19194217146691526272011-11-07T19:10:00.005-06:002011-11-08T10:23:42.288-06:00The PowerUp Movement<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="NoSpacing"> </p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><b><span style="color:#990000;">Things are changing in rural Kansas communities. </span></b><br /><br />Access to telecommunication, schools, health care, and basic business services, including the postal system, are being threatened in numerous ways. Retaining the wealth from one generation to the next is another issue. There is a great deal of talk about depopulation and youth leaving rural communities.<br /><br />We could make a longer list about the concerns and bemoan our plight. Or, we could look at all of this as a call to action and an opportunity to hit the refresh button, find our strengths, and create a New Rural.<br /><br />One myth to be busted is that more young people than realized are staying or moving back to rural communities -- and doing it by choice. You usually hear about young people moving out as fast as they can but the quiet truth is that there are lots of young people wanting to be in these communities.<br /><br />It just makes sense that a thriving community would have a nice mix of ages, including young families that are excited about being in a particular community as well as older people who have lived there most of their lives and have contributed in numerous ways to community life. Just like it takes a blend of ingredients to make a delicious entree, it also takes a blend of positive and thoughtful energy from PowerUps (21-39s who are rural by choice) and PowerOns (40+ are passionate about rural living) to create a community that is desirable to all.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:#990000;">SOME THOUGHTS TO PowerOns </span></b><br />PowerOns (40+ who are passionate about rural living), many of you have given an incredible amount of energy to volunteer efforts for the good of your town. Now, we need to be aware that to keep these activities going and to continue to shape the town as a desirable place to live, we have to open our ears to the PowerUps (21-39s who are rural by choice). Maybe we're a little scared that they'll just want to take over and that they won't even notice what we've been doing or the successes we've had. Will they want to just change everything?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> Put your fears aside and move forward with PowerUps!</span><br /><br />I know many of you already are great role models and supports to young people. Do you know what that makes you? A reason why they should choose to live in your town.<br /><br /><b><span style="color:#990000;">SOME THOUGHTS TO PowerUps</span></b><br />PowerUps, it's likely that you have dreams for your self and your family and that you also see possibilities for the community, or things you'd like to see changed or added. We want you to love living in the rural community you've chosen and to be a positive force. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt">Maybe you'll come upon some older folks who don't know how to listen and it might seem like they want everything done their way.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Treat them with respect and ask them questions about their lives, especially about when they were PowerUp age.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Get to know each other. And, know this. Most PowerOns want to help you succeed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They realize that the community needs your ideas and efforts.<br /><b><span style="color:#990000;"><br />WE'RE IN IT TOGETHER</span></b><br />A community is like a family. And, that's what we are in a small community. The first thing we need to do is acknowledge that we need both PowerUps and PowerOns to willingly work together and support each other. And, then there are those Sparks nipping at our heels to get involved, too. The communities that will survive and thrive are those that will blend PowerUps and PowerOns together for a beneficial mix.<br /><b><span style="color:#990000;"><br />OK. WHAT SHOULD WE DO?</span></b><br />We've scheduled six meetings around the state in November so that PowerUps can come together and get used to talking about what they want out of their lives and what they need and would like to see in the community.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><br /><br />RSVP to info@ruralbychoice.com would be appreciated.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">NOVEMBER 14, 5:30 p.m.<br />St. Joe Store, 2801 Noble Road, downtown St. Joseph in Cloud County<br /><br />NOVEMBER 14, 5:30 p.m.<br />City Hall, 616 S. Main, LaHarpe in Allen County<br /><br />NOVEMBER 22, 5:30 p.m.<br />Community Center, 403 S. Main, Hudson (Stafford County)<br /><br />NOVEMBER 29, 6 p.m. CT; 5 p.m. MT<br />City Hall, Elm Street and Wheeler, Coolidge (Hamilton County)<br /><br />NOVEMBER 29, 5:30 p.m.<br />Prairie Junction Restaurant, 516 W. Main, Morland (Graham County)<br /><br />NOVEMBER 30, 5:30 p.m.<br />Community Center, 901 Commercial, Havensville (Pottawatomie County)</p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">PowerUp Liaisons, Liz Sosa from Garden City and Erika Nelson from Lucas, will be leading these conversations.</p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">If you want Liz or Erika to help arrange a meeting in your town, let us know.</p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Every town has their own story of how the PowerUps and PowerOns get along.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some of you have probably figured it all out already so send your success stories and advice!</p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Thanks for listening.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’ll be writing more on this subject and would love to hear your thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><br /><br />Ask a PowerUp how they like living in your community and you'll “Get Kansas”!</p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">KE #2 Marci Penner</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><br /></p> <p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-TOP: 0px; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0px" align="center"> </p> <p class="NoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;"> </span></p>Get Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-44655915989983375162011-06-22T16:15:00.005-05:002011-06-22T16:30:44.181-05:00Sharing newsy downtown news, Burlington style.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Gene Merry, current mayor of Burlington, writes a regular column in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Coffey County Republican</span>. Known as the Downtown Guy, Gene does a fabulous job of sharing newsy tidbits of information that people want to know. The column is all about what is happening downtown or in the community and who is doing it. It's all about progress and is of a positive nature.</p><p class="MsoNormal">I share this with you as a fabulous model of how to share the "goings on" in your hometown. It's just newsy enough that people will gobble it up. People also like to see their name in print or see who is involved in the action.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">It isn't easy to collect all this information. It takes a person genuinely interested in the town and someone that likes to talk to people and is trusted.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Hats off to you, Gene. You provide a great service to the community by doing this. If I were a potential resident or business owner, I'd be encouraged by your articles to move to Burlington. You really help people see what is going on behind the scenes.<br /></p>Here's the latest column:<p class="MsoNormal">Resellers Edge at 106 N. 3<sup>rd</sup> have rented additional space to expand their operations in the old Crow Moddie Ford building at 614 S. 4<sup>th</sup>. The business is owned by Mike & Tammy Baumann.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They will be looking for more employees and you can fill out an application at 106 N. 3<sup>rd</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Baumann’s make koozies, shirts and numerous advertising items to sell all over the country.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>Bahr Storage is putting the final touches on a new mini storage building in Industrial Park #1.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The new building is accepting tenants now.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The second building is also taking shape.</p>City of Burlington Park Department is installing additional playground equipment at Kelley Park.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kevin Boyce, Park Superintendent will have the new area open by the 4<sup>th</sup> of July.<br /><br />The city dam has taken on a new look with the clearing of numerous trees and brush along the campsite area.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The following were involved in the cleanup;<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kevin Boyce, Gene Merry, Richard Freeman, Stephen Freeman, Martin Bennett, Jim Hutchinson, Travis Straten, Mike Griffith, Aaron Bowman, Ron Clark, Kent Hoyt, Larry Gales, Dan Allen, Mark Griffith, Billy DeWitt, Jada DeWitt, Zary DeWitt, Blaze Riley, Kendra DeWitt, Kayla DeWitt, Corey Webber, Jossie Sharon, Dan Turner, Austin Freeman, Jurad Hobbs, Rhenda Jones, Doug Jones, Mike Turner, Darren Freeman and Jordan Freeman.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Many thanks to Stephen and Tiffany Freeman for providing a skid loader and equipment, Mike & Tammy Baumann for providing doughnuts, Coffey County Jail, providing three trustees, Ron Hoover at Hoover’s Thriftway<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>providing water and City Councilman Kent Hoyt for providing pizza and tools.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kevin Boyce managed the job and lined up city equipment including a large loader to move the tree branches to the city burn pile. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>City Hall at 301 and the annex at 303 Neosho are taking on a new look.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>City Hall is receiving new ceiling tile, lights, windows and trim.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The annex <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>next door is receiving a face lift compliments of labor by Burlington Police officers, Riley Morgan, Randy Stuart, Jessica Stice, Chief Doug Jones and his wife Rhenda Jones, Coffey County Sheriff officers, Ken Roney, Tom Johnson, Michael Roney, Jeremy Lind, William Warkentine and Carl Lee from Coffey County Emergency Management. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Burlington Electric Department, Alan Schneider, Superintendent, Jim Cole, J.J. Jasper and Andy Lawrence worked on the electrical issues.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Materials were donated by Coffey County Attorney, Doug Witteman, Sheriff Randy Rogers, Burlington City Hall, Police Department and Burlington Building Materials. The remodeled annex will be home to the The Child Advocacy Center directed by Kathleen A. Inwood, Emporia.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The front area will be an over-flow area for meetings, a break room and possibly planning and zoning.<span style=""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>City Hall will be receiving a new mural in the front at 301 Neosho showing off the city’s logo and a stained glass wall design at 303 Neosho in the meeting room, both designed by Jim Stukey.</p>Red Door Apartments has a new treated wood deck and back steps at 316-318 Neosho.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>James and Valorie Higgins plan to have two of the four apartments ready in July, one in the fall and one in December 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Observing the project from a distance, this has been a real family project.<br /><br />Burlington United Methodist trustees are working to remodel the 2<sup>nd</sup> floor at Garst Hall.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>New carpet, and paint upstairs and sound proofing materials in basement will be happening soon. <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>Kent and Lori Hoyt are remodeling the stone and block on their building west of Burlington Tax.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bob Salazar of Superior Masonry is doing the tuck-point work.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Maybe the metal front will come off in the future and expose the brick structure behind.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Thanks Hoyt’s for improving downtown.</p>Burlington First Baptist Church has a new roof on their addition, even with months of wind and weather interruptions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Work inside is in full swing, can’t wait for the open house. <p class="MsoNormal">Mike and Jo Skillman have purchased Morris Service and two lots from Central National Bank for additional space.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Skillman’s will be adding a mower and power equipment showroom across the front with numerous mower display areas, parts department and areas for rental tools at 1010 N. 4<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>More details later on manager, employees and brands.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Danny Hawkins, acting Superintendent of Water & Sewer Department, has been busy along with his staff cleaning up the area along the Neosho River and the new water plant.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Their parts building has been remodeled, organized, painted and will be re-roofed along with the old brick water plant soon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The galvanized metal shed sitting on the rivers edge has been razed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The large storage building for equipment will soon be painted.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>City crews from Street and Electric have also shared labor to make improvements.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Trees have been trimmed and later grass areas will be reseeded and trees planted.</p>Burlington has hosted Bike Across Kansas, Relay for Life, Cornet Chop Suey, car show for scholarships, wedding after wedding, golf tournaments at Rock Creek and night golf, fishing at Wolf Creek and limb lines in the Neosho River, snagging Paddlefish at City Dam, softball, baseball, barbeques and garages sales.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So many activities, so little time.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>Please welcome back to life the outage workers at Wolf Creek Generating Station after a long and tough outage.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you have news, give us a call at (620) 364-3051 or email us at <a href="mailto:downtownguy@embarqmail.com">downtownguy@embarqmail.com.</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"> ###</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wasn't that great? Every time I read the column I'm amazed at the amount of action in Burlington and that somehow Gene tracks down this information. </p><p class="MsoNormal">People like Gene help the world "Get Kansas!" or at least "Get Burlington!"</p><p class="MsoNormal">KE #2 Marci Penner<br /></p>Get Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-15656922165774192572011-05-01T12:06:00.005-05:002011-05-02T14:32:11.394-05:00Kansas road work expected for summer of 2011Kansas road work?<br /><br />Yes, as in driving Kansas backroads. Road work. The fun kind.<br /><br />The kind that takes you to local cafes that bake their own bread and use real mashed potatoes for their hot roast beef sandwiches. The kind that take you to unstaffed historic sites where you can feel spirits. The kind that show you stone arched bridges (if you look under the road) and wooden barns and varied fence posts and all sorts of nuances that explorers appreciate.<br /><br />The best way to start your summer of road work is to head to the <a href="http://www.kansassamplerfestival.com/">Kansas Sampler Festival </a>held May 7-8 in Leavenworth at Ray Miller Park. Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, May 8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.<br /><br />You'll find so many day trip ideas at the festival that your road work might linger deep into the fall. More than 150 communities will be there to tell you about multiple attractions in each of their towns. The festival will also lead you to musical venues, places to buy Kansas products and art, and you can start sampling Kansas foods right at the festival.<br /><br />You might feel overwhelmed at the festival with all the information and all the possibilities so you might start a conversation that you want to have at each booth. If all you want to do is eat your way across the state, ask at each booth for the best made-from-scratch restaurant. Or, if you have a quest to find the oldest brick building in each town, ask that question. In other words, make the festival work for you.<br /><br />If I were going from booth to booth, I'd get a state map and take it with me and circle every city that intrigues me.<br /><br />One thing the festival does is surprise people about all there is to see and do in Kansas. One geographically-based tent after another is filled with people braggin' and explainin' about what their corner of the state has to offer. It's mind-boggling to have all this information in one place on one weekend. Mind-boggling in an inspiring way.<br /><br />Your road work might turn up a shoe tree down a remote dirt road or a depot museum miles off the main road. You might find a beautiful church, a cemetery on a hill, or some public art in a place that you just didn't expect it.<br /><br />Kansas road work turns up the unexpected. Hope to see you at a roadside stand somewhere.<br /><br />Get out and Get Kansas!<br /><br />KE #2 Marci PennerGet Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-55088996608179446622011-04-18T11:55:00.018-05:002011-04-18T14:16:17.992-05:00A book with a purposeThe mission of the Kansas Sampler Foundation is to preserve and sustain rural culture. Everything we did with the <span style="font-style: italic;">8 Wonders of Kansas Guidebook</span> was designed to meet that mission.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRXN0Jtvh8dHpAAzendzpwHZVV-Q8kkXMyf60qgxbG8zJuDr4z03GWq4bhbw5P1WW3HCcfH7E5PvLmNUdVcuoEd6g4q_ZG3TmcosAv3oC_Ib8A1qij0n7hd9d5ddEK-c7XdejeRZCbWM/s1600/frontcoversmall.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRXN0Jtvh8dHpAAzendzpwHZVV-Q8kkXMyf60qgxbG8zJuDr4z03GWq4bhbw5P1WW3HCcfH7E5PvLmNUdVcuoEd6g4q_ZG3TmcosAv3oC_Ib8A1qij0n7hd9d5ddEK-c7XdejeRZCbWM/s320/frontcoversmall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596970487044278898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />PRODUCTION DECISIONS</span><br /><br />Kansas photographer: <a href="http://www.harlandschuster.com/">Harland Schuster</a>, Morrill<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu93hWCEUelkURo2m7JZ04gKQ9YkSJh52LwItdOBpEZLKT6SX_a31tpBgE9Ag9t8uQ_FRLU5oW-de3i4NVa-5SGypAcR6BKUaJVsIDO_uGqnkeZFPnuQHEwgL-zZgkNqz-7bPNVL5NbiE/s1600/harlandsuz.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu93hWCEUelkURo2m7JZ04gKQ9YkSJh52LwItdOBpEZLKT6SX_a31tpBgE9Ag9t8uQ_FRLU5oW-de3i4NVa-5SGypAcR6BKUaJVsIDO_uGqnkeZFPnuQHEwgL-zZgkNqz-7bPNVL5NbiE/s200/harlandsuz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596968744875592770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Kansas editor: Bobbie Pray, Lawrence<br /><br />Kansas-at-heart-graphic designer: Liz King, California (but she's my sister)<br /><br />Kansas printer: <a href="http://www.mennonitepress.com/">Mennonite Press</a>, Newton<br /><br />Kansas hardback book binder: <a href="http://www.kbindery.com/">Koerperich Bookbinders</a>, Selden<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMdr8ZwV1yJ_eRf_lzVVp7m3OlVh4Bw1iCL7xaMO6Pv93f1GFAyCwfvHW4fnA6IKg9GCiOUk9Ua_b1z834RGf0FPgy2VtRUtMrqpJX5hDwPHqeln5E09MkJ8NiQobCEr7OJ6cVBipV6k/s1600/koerperich.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMdr8ZwV1yJ_eRf_lzVVp7m3OlVh4Bw1iCL7xaMO6Pv93f1GFAyCwfvHW4fnA6IKg9GCiOUk9Ua_b1z834RGf0FPgy2VtRUtMrqpJX5hDwPHqeln5E09MkJ8NiQobCEr7OJ6cVBipV6k/s200/koerperich.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596970258976277858" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vtC2_GT4g9_z47Hi0wWZm5z72B1ObHwRzn9Ucaguso_-oDq7RPL5jOAHevf5JaXZKUCDP7wMHjdjU119q1I43quQvFZAFnlGEeXWYK5qflK0SKdHxtNEnXMmEthupuSHva4gNScVRrM/s1600/hardback.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vtC2_GT4g9_z47Hi0wWZm5z72B1ObHwRzn9Ucaguso_-oDq7RPL5jOAHevf5JaXZKUCDP7wMHjdjU119q1I43quQvFZAFnlGEeXWYK5qflK0SKdHxtNEnXMmEthupuSHva4gNScVRrM/s200/hardback.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596980496829653138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">DISTRIBUTION DECISIONS</span><br />Of the 71 book stores that have contacted us to carry the book, all are locally-owned. Each retail outlet keeps 40% of the sale. Twelve dollars from each book goes to that store and helps keep it alive and thriving. If Barnes and Nobles, Borders or Hastings calls, we will fulfill those orders as we want to support the notion of bookstores, even though those are national franchise.<br /><br />The remaining 60% goes to the Kansas Sampler Foundation to help pay for this project (payment to those Kansas names mentioned above -- except for my sister who donated her time and expertise) and beyond that the monies help make it possible for the Foundation to keep two employees, have modern equipment, and do many uncompensated projects for rural Kansas.<br /><br />When we published our 2005 <span style="font-style: italic;">Kansas Guidebook for Explorers</span>, a store enlightened me that nothing hurt their sales more than Amazon. We chose then and now to not put our book on Amazon in order to support independent book stores as best we can.<br /><br />Our shipping department is Mom, with an occasional assist from WenDee, Dad, and the rural route carrier. We send all of our books through our local Inman post office in order to help with their revenue and the consequences of that.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu52OJpc7YFbXz2oucvR4uNflLYqYArw9aku0iJ8roKUYen19ZaORs5YTbNEo2AaHnhH7wPOclrpW7r-z_r5eIsi9e4pjKeahqI6aOvY84Ty34c1pQEC1u9qxBLxzTvgQdyx1kqVBuxSA/s1600/mom.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu52OJpc7YFbXz2oucvR4uNflLYqYArw9aku0iJ8roKUYen19ZaORs5YTbNEo2AaHnhH7wPOclrpW7r-z_r5eIsi9e4pjKeahqI6aOvY84Ty34c1pQEC1u9qxBLxzTvgQdyx1kqVBuxSA/s200/mom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596973194251726610" border="0" /></a><br />When you choose to purchase this book, you're helping set off a positive snowball effect on the Kansas economy.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />THERE'S MORE</span><br />The best outcome of all will be if the 216 places in the book get extra traffic and attention. We also hope that the many explorery places in between the 216 will get more visits!<br /><br />If the explorers or visitors, or even the armchair travelers, fall just a bit more in love with Kansas that would be mighty good, too.<br /><br />If those that do visit could drop an extra dollar in the donation jar or feel good about making a purchase or just pat a volunteer on the back or thank an owner for choosing a Kansas community in which to do business, that also would be terrific. All those things make a bigger difference than you might imagine.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WE HAD A GOOD START</span><br />On April 16, the guidebook made it's debut at the Eisenhower Presidential Library. That was pretty special. An appreciative audience of over 300 came to see the 8 Wonders of Kansas <a href="http://www.kansassampler.org/8wonders/page.php?id=468">exhibit</a> on two floors of the library, to hear the program, and to peruse and buy the <span style="font-style: italic;">8 Wonders of Kansas Guidebook</span>. The Eisenhower staff put an exhibit together on the 8 Wonders in each of the nine categories (overall, architecture, art, commerce, cuisine, customs, geography, history, and people) and it will be on display until September 5.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUTsXK59KTTXv4weG3OEuO3WqZ3LglKbzS4a4_LtYCmxm_RAkQLDXxAhcPID5t1BwEgdDKXbGWgPJ1le49VghpT5uje57aff1l6ErlMyEas4j4egzHVd5ZOHrwG4ET6V7i3Jo4BJz29g/s1600/audience.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUTsXK59KTTXv4weG3OEuO3WqZ3LglKbzS4a4_LtYCmxm_RAkQLDXxAhcPID5t1BwEgdDKXbGWgPJ1le49VghpT5uje57aff1l6ErlMyEas4j4egzHVd5ZOHrwG4ET6V7i3Jo4BJz29g/s200/audience.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596975479259067378" border="0" /></a><br />Karl Weissenbach, director, of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum and Linda Smith were gracious hosts along with the Kansas Sampler Foundation board and assistant director WenDee LaPlant.<br /><br />Cookies and an orange cake in the shape of an 8 and Kansas symbol cookies that came from Amanda's Bakery and Bistro in Abilene provided some great snacks. Marci and Karl made the first cut of the cake.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpDofJi9Qj22HCELGJzR3dUKp7nCg89-B_OfJv9msLR_CBLFgwbYeMwZ582tiHD_QYjP4LM0M8v8PsDCFJ_6RXF3PkGT3g6IBZqEK9-rj00sd1QyOoNoiU9qorpV27-8b6paepuVZJnA/s1600/karlmarcicake.jpg"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PUYj1x3WKvbi8f14qS0sqZCFALyymuXPr78Pmfl0NYziDEg0przKSsYQqmsoF07Mss22hFMdBao8kvu9wLd6FxwYxTTLKn9t7mAqANpmdguNhgXDgiGfQb0GJ7BMPnOPqbpx6cJuwOQ/s1600/cookies.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PUYj1x3WKvbi8f14qS0sqZCFALyymuXPr78Pmfl0NYziDEg0przKSsYQqmsoF07Mss22hFMdBao8kvu9wLd6FxwYxTTLKn9t7mAqANpmdguNhgXDgiGfQb0GJ7BMPnOPqbpx6cJuwOQ/s200/cookies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596980282968450066" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6Y2FVq6-KzXSlR80fNC6bxOhAumNDMaWfO3sHeXLXiTT611XxhEoGf_XXT_c769JodkB4HbPB8QsN_0GToPUOTgoGRz1Ycf0AC0FMtO9rrx6rUr3Qf8tkaDtuFMXno7YdCbCzErtsVc/s1600/karlmarcicake.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6Y2FVq6-KzXSlR80fNC6bxOhAumNDMaWfO3sHeXLXiTT611XxhEoGf_XXT_c769JodkB4HbPB8QsN_0GToPUOTgoGRz1Ycf0AC0FMtO9rrx6rUr3Qf8tkaDtuFMXno7YdCbCzErtsVc/s200/karlmarcicake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596980823642193170" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Author Marci and photographer Harland had a good time signing books.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Gsfo7tXFiPbLl5snulX3rIofI0euf9Ss6XBOyW13IrFXTV1zb4-Y24CcfHtjY-wAQDfGMIndCDV8BxQ6XVmYvpevMlkt3DYWrQhImtykrvxDIXW4aIK7Qc6CV2ACRswPV54QHe9rez4/s1600/hsig.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 153px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Gsfo7tXFiPbLl5snulX3rIofI0euf9Ss6XBOyW13IrFXTV1zb4-Y24CcfHtjY-wAQDfGMIndCDV8BxQ6XVmYvpevMlkt3DYWrQhImtykrvxDIXW4aIK7Qc6CV2ACRswPV54QHe9rez4/s200/hsig.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596976396884333122" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3AC5Zuo3lWO-9sBS5YNAwWGM0saaOKvq1nkIFQbJAOOtfA2rCzdwAJGBkSkRFxGO7ecdvqrg60vJ8GJMRljyYCjxU6rHutBdp679YYCDqok2VQP-IzChMqJGSOm5j9Oal8oF6ECaiic/s1600/mosssig.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 159px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3AC5Zuo3lWO-9sBS5YNAwWGM0saaOKvq1nkIFQbJAOOtfA2rCzdwAJGBkSkRFxGO7ecdvqrg60vJ8GJMRljyYCjxU6rHutBdp679YYCDqok2VQP-IzChMqJGSOm5j9Oal8oF6ECaiic/s200/mosssig.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596976101995756258" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Let's all get ready for a great travel and explorer season in Kansas. Nothing like being out on the Kansas road to "Get Kansas!"<br /><br />KE #2 Marci PennerGet Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-85595762180322024302011-01-28T17:14:00.013-06:002011-02-16T18:07:38.406-06:00105 places in 105 counties. Happy Kansas Day!Congratulations, ol' gal!<br /><br />Kansas, all 150 years of her, has led a colorful life. One of the best ways to "get her" is to go out and visit every county. If, today, I could be at one place in each county, here's where I would choose:<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(random order)</span></span><br /><br />Greenwood County: Teter Rock at Teterville<br /><br />Riley County: Bala Stone Bridge and park<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlVRSLnNd59QZcL9eXIBt9G4dMdFNZDyI5n_eRT9ke8HaTaSnKiW6-8QbJgNzvOX4ByPbSDDcqQzNunHEvqgzZRls7qKcYdwwZEu-o8mE17QD-siGOM97OtZHBJRwQoyXhsm31zoKgxI/s1600/blog1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlVRSLnNd59QZcL9eXIBt9G4dMdFNZDyI5n_eRT9ke8HaTaSnKiW6-8QbJgNzvOX4ByPbSDDcqQzNunHEvqgzZRls7qKcYdwwZEu-o8mE17QD-siGOM97OtZHBJRwQoyXhsm31zoKgxI/s400/blog1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567422951795042290" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Clark County: St. Jacob's Well in Big Basin Prairie Preserve<br /><br />Morton County: Point of Rocks<br /><br />Barton County: Pawnee Rock lookout<br /><br />McPherson County: Observation tower at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge<br /><br />Pottawatomie County: Overlook at the Vermillion Creek Tributary stone arch bridge<br /><br />Jefferson County: On top of the rock in the middle of the road in McLouth<br /><br />Wallace County: Mount Sunflower<br /><br />Smith County: Statue of Liberty replica between Gaylord and Harlan<br /><br />Osborne County: The B-24 Bomber Memorial many miles southwest of Osborne<br /><br />Cowley County: Inspiration Point at Camp Horizon near Arkansas City<br /><br />Seward County: Mighty Samson of the Cimarron between Liberal and Kismet<br /><br />Leavenworth: Steps Abraham Lincoln spoke from (now in front of the Carroll Mansion,<br />Leavenworth<br /><br />Meade County: Widest main street in the U.S. in Plains<br /><br />Hodgeman County: Markers for Duncan's Crossing at the Hodgeman-Ness County line<br /><br />Wabaunsee County: Mount Mitchell<br /><br />Linn County: Marais des Cygne Massacre site<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesIYnKs54lb-q7tMO8kJnD67gk4ol2H4jBRU2OcK24uBtx7ov-UD6RBWwqO2X8XaiI1PRezChjYGINeQe-16jZ2IeaNuShF9BlRrEaA4G7xDspKEmQZzUh1JwEKCb1dyMaMi2kpmw8oY/s1600/blog4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesIYnKs54lb-q7tMO8kJnD67gk4ol2H4jBRU2OcK24uBtx7ov-UD6RBWwqO2X8XaiI1PRezChjYGINeQe-16jZ2IeaNuShF9BlRrEaA4G7xDspKEmQZzUh1JwEKCb1dyMaMi2kpmw8oY/s400/blog4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567423580146891298" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Harper County: Harper County Courthouse in Anthony<br /><br />Rawlins County: Beaver Creek scenic drive past the Dewey Ranch<br /><br />Doniphan County: Civil War monument in Bellemont Cemetery north of Wathena<br /><br />Kearny County: Santa Fe Trail displays inside the Kearny County Museum in Lakin<br /><br />Nemaha County: Inside St. Mary's Church at St. Benedict<br /><br />Rooks County: Rock benches at a park in Plainville at Mill and Broadway<br /><br />Elk County: 1893 iron trestle bridge at Elk Falls<br /><br />Dickinson County: Eisenhower statue<br /><br />Russell County: Paradise watertower<br /><br />Scott County: Hilltop Steele Monument across the the Steele Homestead in Lake Scott<br />State Park<br /><br />Finney County: Anywhere inside the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City<br /><br />Lincoln County: Denmark<br /><br />Republic County: K-148 drive from Scandia to Norway<br /><br />Ottawa County: Pike's Monument southwest of Delphos<br /><br />Rice County: Ralph's Ruts near Chase<br /><br />Sheridan County: Largest cottonwood in the state near Studley<br /><br />Montgomery County: Frank Bellamy's gravestone at Cherryvale<span style="font-style: italic;"> (he wrote the words to</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> the Pledge of Allegiance)</span><br /><br />Stanton County: WPA Manter Dam near Manter<br /><br />Barber County: Flower Pot Mound on Gyp Hills scenic drive<br /><br />Anderson County: Prairie Spirit Trail<br /><br />Douglas County: Arch at Haskell Indian Nations University<br /><br />Ford County: Santa Fe Trail lookout near Howell<br /><br />Gray County: Wind farm kiosk near Montezuma<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wXwKcIWxsKcEiKzJKUTU4MbjgL2Y2t04cDLTwxbiFMyNSS5W7xR6Z8MY_POw7s6a9F2Gt5icteV0uK7S0F74p3pR2Hxv6dUucnx55D1Skt_5zFJ2qmo4si2mFukEYIPu6G5BgaZ_vcI/s1600/blog3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wXwKcIWxsKcEiKzJKUTU4MbjgL2Y2t04cDLTwxbiFMyNSS5W7xR6Z8MY_POw7s6a9F2Gt5icteV0uK7S0F74p3pR2Hxv6dUucnx55D1Skt_5zFJ2qmo4si2mFukEYIPu6G5BgaZ_vcI/s400/blog3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567423342301935010" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Wilson County: South Mound lookout<br /><br />Chautauqua County: Historic Chautauqua Springs in Chautauqua<br /><br />Gove County: Sitting on top of one of the Monument Rocks at sunset<br /><br />Kingman County: Kingman County State Fishing Lake or the banks of the Ninnescah<br /><br />Grant: Wagon Bed Springs<br /><br />Hamilton County: A seat in the livestock sale barn<br /><br />Labette County: Antietam Circle in the Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Parsons<br /><br />Bourbon County: Fort Scott National Cemetery<br /><br />Ellsworth County: On top of one of the Mushroom Rocks<br /><br />Jewell County: White Rock Creek drive north from Formoso<br /><br />Stevens County: Stevens County Gas and Historical Museum in Hugoton<br /><br />Trego: Along the bluffs of Cedar Bluff State Park<br /><br />Shawnee County: State capitol in front of a John Steuart Curry mural<br /><br />Coffey County: At the top of the observational silo at Wolf Creek Environmental Education Area<br /><br />Allen County: Walter Johnson's birth site marker in a field<br /><br />Harvey County: Swinging bridge at Harvey County Park West<br /><br />Rush County: Near the sunflower sculptures beside the museum in McCracken<br /><br />Phillips County: Kirwin town square<br /><br />Clay County: Stone buffalo close to Longford<br /><br />Mitchell County: Tipton<br /><br />Graham County: Green rock quarry<br /><br />Haskell County: In the flattest county in the state, I'd search for aa backroad sandwiched<br />between farmland that goes on forever and ever.<br /><br />Marshall County: Pony Express Rider and Horse statue in Marysville<br /><br />Norton County: Gallery of Also Rans in Norton<br /><br />Washington County: 1856 Surveyor's Monument near Mahaska<br /><br />Miami County: Gazebo in the Paola Park Square<br /><br />Lyon County: By the bust of William Allen White at the south edge of the lake in Peter Pan Park,<br />Emporia<br /><br />Cloud County: Stone bridge at Rice<br /><br />Pratt County: B-29 All Veterans Memorial 3 miles north of Pratt<br /><br />Ellis County: Pfeifer's Holy Cross Shrine church<br /><br />Franklin County: Franklin County Courthouse in Ottawa<br /><br />Lane County: Frigid Creme<br /><br />Reno County: 650 feet under in the Kansas Underground Salt Museum in Hutchinson<br /><br />Stafford County: Triple-decker Victorian fountain in the St. John square<br /><br />Jackson County: Roller coaster hill south of Soldier<br /><br />Ness County: George Washington Carver's homestead at Beeler<br /><br />Osage County: Oak Hill Cemetery, just north of Quenemo<br /><br />Cheyenne County: Arikaree Breaks, 12 miles north of downtown St. Francis<br /><br />Kiowa County: Hayloft of the Fromme-Birney Round Barn near Mullinville<br /><br />Crawford County: St. Aloysius Historic Site at Greenbush<br /><br />Marion County: Santa Fe Trail marker west of Lost Springs<br /><br />Johnson County: Blue Sky sculpture at Olathe city hall<br /><br />Chase County: Lost on some Flint Hills backroad<br /><br />Edwards County: At the Civil War statue in the Hillside Cemetery near Kinsley<br /><br />Sedgwick County: Keeper of the Plains<br /><br />Greeley County: G.A.R. Cemetery mostly west and north of Tribune<br /><br />Wyandotte County: Rosedale Memorial Arch in Kansas City<br /><br />Cherokee County: Standing in Shoal Creek at Schermerhorn Park<br /><br />Pawnee County: Exploring the "cliffs" across from Sibley's Camp in Larned<br /><br />Decatur County: Pete Felten sculpture of the pioneer family in Oberlin<br /><br />Wichita County: Beside the hand-dug well at Selkirk<br /><br />Comanche County: Scenic drive across the southern portion of the county<br /><br />Saline County: Outdoor pulpit at Salemsborg church<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo5y3UHntU5BSXfk6_qTT9FlEqJaDSNSHoW6AdpIOkZDPZ_ItshpOD17auk01SDoON8XqFwkfJf46GagDmP3LMCBqKq-XY01cyYgvT7SYvmkYn5DhFfnAurudz3kTZ23DAtcVG6tGPmg/s1600/blog2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo5y3UHntU5BSXfk6_qTT9FlEqJaDSNSHoW6AdpIOkZDPZ_ItshpOD17auk01SDoON8XqFwkfJf46GagDmP3LMCBqKq-XY01cyYgvT7SYvmkYn5DhFfnAurudz3kTZ23DAtcVG6tGPmg/s400/blog2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567423261816267442" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sumner County: Bartlett Arboretum, Belle Plaine<br /><br />Thomas County: Statue in front of the Thomas County Courthouse<br /><br />Atchison County: International Forest of Friendship in Atchison<br /><br />Geary County: Civil War Horse statue in front of the U.S. Cavalry Museum on Fort Riley<br /><br />Logan County: Chalk formations scenic drive including Little Jerusalem formations<br /><br />Morris County: Allegawaho Heritage Memorial Park near Council Grove<br /><br />Neosho County: Black Kettle Memorial in Erie<br /><br />Sherman County: Van Gogh painting at Goodland<br /><br />Woodson County: Castle at Kalida<br /><br />Brown County: Robinson Cemetery<br /><br />Butler County: Latham's "100 Cow" Road<br /><br />There you go. 105 places in 105 counties.<br /><br />May you find the place that brings out your inner Kansan!<br /><br />Get Kansas!<br /><br />KE #2 Marci PennerGet Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-36982080544280008182011-01-13T20:09:00.008-06:002011-01-13T20:42:19.332-06:00Go post office hopping!<span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" >During the Great Depression, Post Office Section Art was created by the government to put Americans back to work. Today, this artwork still appears in 21 active post offices. See a list of all 21 at <a href="http://www.kansassampler.org/8wonders/artresults.php?id=98">8 Wonders of Kansas</a>.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3P7vS2KNGNiDop3JShVgR9vigjbtSBNC29TBHMjy2kX7aGugbWklLuwrsJH0SFle4KK6KCXQbby8IWqEAVHA6hBJzagxY0sdPRCwMGCX8f-fmqNQhGughEUIVhhBR_JAoTgH-gm8DEd4/s1600/blog4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3P7vS2KNGNiDop3JShVgR9vigjbtSBNC29TBHMjy2kX7aGugbWklLuwrsJH0SFle4KK6KCXQbby8IWqEAVHA6hBJzagxY0sdPRCwMGCX8f-fmqNQhGughEUIVhhBR_JAoTgH-gm8DEd4/s400/blog4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561862052242942386" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Farm Life</span>, 1940, artist Robert Larter. Oswego Post Office</span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Unlike WPA art, Section Art was funded by the Section of Fine Arts in the U.S. Treasury Department. The “Section” selected high quality art to decorate public buildings thereby making it accessible to all people. The subject of each usually was based on the history or economy of the local community. Originally, 29 Section Art works adorned Kansas public buildings. </span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:11pt;" ><span style=""></span></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EJ_q-FdD45pV0TaWQj_bc_qvgKnfkmzMXxL4QNUV10OPSKLAi8111LdL7jdtXTbXxuWlUYgjf2GIMhnOPqGtXxsQnjUmBOJx9m1sNmnD85fXCPhPmfpbaaWb-ZE53takszX6vSvcCwY/s1600/blog2.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EJ_q-FdD45pV0TaWQj_bc_qvgKnfkmzMXxL4QNUV10OPSKLAi8111LdL7jdtXTbXxuWlUYgjf2GIMhnOPqGtXxsQnjUmBOJx9m1sNmnD85fXCPhPmfpbaaWb-ZE53takszX6vSvcCwY/s400/blog2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561860964392899010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Cattlemen's Picnic</span>, 1942, artist Jessie Wilbur, Kingman Post Office</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNjHjqpsFML7WgEMASmNF42KxLvjCMbL6dxWXBF8WtXZBIPfiaObO6YlwyCOvKOsGff64L04pJOh_qYYXmqJLqv1zId5V73GmpIyVydL9AZpkyv2jiYigzSytnDHaJDS3JXPr-4fkS9I/s1600/blog1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNjHjqpsFML7WgEMASmNF42KxLvjCMbL6dxWXBF8WtXZBIPfiaObO6YlwyCOvKOsGff64L04pJOh_qYYXmqJLqv1zId5V73GmpIyVydL9AZpkyv2jiYigzSytnDHaJDS3JXPr-4fkS9I/s400/blog1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561858726888022722" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Cowboys Driving Cattle</span>, 1941, artist Kenneth Evett, Caldwell Post Office</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xMBIR8ULsPntwUmiAJ5qPj9P3lyIYrjcsSBgksJ4vaRwvZ95NfaSzROyMj29PZ7DZI1lyVsqEWamluS4GuJeaKN0JJUS9hHSsef8AYLMWHZiQwyNOB52LEo49feBFvRTStWeUpvL-JQ/s1600/blog3.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xMBIR8ULsPntwUmiAJ5qPj9P3lyIYrjcsSBgksJ4vaRwvZ95NfaSzROyMj29PZ7DZI1lyVsqEWamluS4GuJeaKN0JJUS9hHSsef8AYLMWHZiQwyNOB52LEo49feBFvRTStWeUpvL-JQ/s400/blog3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561861064988647906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Cattle Round Up</span>, 1938, artist Vance Kirkland, Eureka Post Office</span><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Section Art remains in the following 21 Kansas post offices: Anthony, Augusta, Belleville, Burlington, Caldwell, Council Grove, Eureka, Fredonia, Goodland, Halstead, Herington, Hoisington, Horton, Hutchinson, Kingman, Lindsborg, Neodesha, Oswego, Russell, Sabetha, and Seneca.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Many of these post offices are older so it's like a trip to another era.<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We hope this little tidbit about post office art helps you Get Kansas!<br /><br />From the road, KE #2 Marci Penner</span></p>Get Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-32635029360804499852011-01-07T07:09:00.013-06:002011-01-07T13:39:06.874-06:00Exploring Tip #1. Subject: OtisKansas is 150 this year! One way to celebrate our state's sesquicentennial is by getting out to see and know the state. It's always good to head out with explorer tips in mind.<br /><br />People ask where they should go. With 90% of the 627 cities in Kansas having less than a 5,000 population, my answer is to turn into every town you come to and at least cruise main and a couple of side streets. In some cases, that would be canvassing the whole town! But, if exploring properly, you'll see more than expected.<br /><br />Last summer WenDee and I stopped in Otis, a Rush County town of 320 people.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj22hjdMsIYN5gjONHnvEtB1tYmDVbLx6Djt-MFLMh-2WutLj15GsvHK9smBK1TypdK85hSldwDL6yfUaNUKYHIdlpTC2_ueA3EFNlRI7qu8NZCLTypR1inilHTfqsgo-QIzKMw9pHB8/s1600/blog2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj22hjdMsIYN5gjONHnvEtB1tYmDVbLx6Djt-MFLMh-2WutLj15GsvHK9smBK1TypdK85hSldwDL6yfUaNUKYHIdlpTC2_ueA3EFNlRI7qu8NZCLTypR1inilHTfqsgo-QIzKMw9pHB8/s400/blog2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559430753191921154" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I know at least one <a href="http://www.explorekansas.org/">Kansas Explorers Club</a> member who has a quest to visit every band shell. The Peter Brack Memorial band shell is unique to any other. A plaque on the back wall tells that Brack was a Russian immigrant. See the steps and green roof? <span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubIt5WleChrVRpddacXvUqWl-rrHpFYYXPg94UC-L0Lbp8OBPzlUMPAIIdZgfK05sN-iSynO-L0vsgBZyydKiHqjPsAqKNmhlxOW0g5hYefnWdHhxSxXVjrx69RN6lfU1_EYGbQ7EBEY/s1600/blog1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubIt5WleChrVRpddacXvUqWl-rrHpFYYXPg94UC-L0Lbp8OBPzlUMPAIIdZgfK05sN-iSynO-L0vsgBZyydKiHqjPsAqKNmhlxOW0g5hYefnWdHhxSxXVjrx69RN6lfU1_EYGbQ7EBEY/s200/blog1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559435680947741090" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />I wish I knew the name of that roof style. Do you?</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQIminCBaXkQcIAkqJovq-FQCcDc5zRdZRhTYVaURGj-1wPXEHcNqxeEjSaaIxPeLUTPVMdzVMsIf_eOzUbwPRtFHRXUZ5hbLvmaun-DhXAuGYQksEf43Epv9PQjMgUEfq4zL9QwffcA/s1600/blog4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQIminCBaXkQcIAkqJovq-FQCcDc5zRdZRhTYVaURGj-1wPXEHcNqxeEjSaaIxPeLUTPVMdzVMsIf_eOzUbwPRtFHRXUZ5hbLvmaun-DhXAuGYQksEf43Epv9PQjMgUEfq4zL9QwffcA/s400/blog4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559431123632264130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Keep cruising. If you get to 3rd and Eagle you'll come across the 1931 school. Get your explorer eyes out and you'll see an interesting style to the school's exterior.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxsXJaDZwMM_-_nNUlKI5yhnRZbVPcDm9-yT-xVNFXSPLv8xa9lwiF-lLGv2dx7r8tucNHrDj1bC2rt3juUyEhWMQCp7m7PtYpKem-68IKTfyO9JgZ2nW7fg8H8RyjT3tSQKFFGafqik/s1600/blog3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxsXJaDZwMM_-_nNUlKI5yhnRZbVPcDm9-yT-xVNFXSPLv8xa9lwiF-lLGv2dx7r8tucNHrDj1bC2rt3juUyEhWMQCp7m7PtYpKem-68IKTfyO9JgZ2nW7fg8H8RyjT3tSQKFFGafqik/s400/blog3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559430917327425698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2W-sbsN4qPV795UGdX95w7yhF0AdDfiZ0I52hdSIqCgPzY_0Tp-Zm0VsfLnYsOV01g3P3VeGxL2Lo72Hsz571K2GCNSLJUErLLo7wAN2btweIfmanq40TW0aq-oh3UXB8QNatftAqvI/s1600/blog5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 122px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2W-sbsN4qPV795UGdX95w7yhF0AdDfiZ0I52hdSIqCgPzY_0Tp-Zm0VsfLnYsOV01g3P3VeGxL2Lo72Hsz571K2GCNSLJUErLLo7wAN2btweIfmanq40TW0aq-oh3UXB8QNatftAqvI/s400/blog5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559435917511075074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Make sure to take your curiosity hat with you. The point isn't always to know the answers but to ask the questions, to find those interesting details and nuances.<br /><br />Have fun exploring. It will help you Get Kansas!<br /><br />Happy birthday Kansas. KE #2 Marci<br /><br />P.S. Find many places to explore at <a href="http://www.getruralkansas.org/">www.getruralkansas.org</a>.Get Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-6859057739646983652010-11-15T08:45:00.003-06:002010-11-15T09:18:19.421-06:00What if...we looked at rural this way?I'm on a search. A search to find progressive thinkers for rural Kansas. I don't care if you're 8 or 98 or somewhere in between. Actually, you might be from another state and just have some ideas for rural communities anywhere. That's good, too.<br /><br />I'd like it if you'd send me a summary of your thoughts or ideas. It can be a "what if..." type of response. Your idea might be small, it might be complex. It might be something you've put into practice or something that is just incubating. <br /><br />What if...we looked at rural this way. Or that way? How could we take things to the next level? What if we mixed ideas through a collective mind meld?<br /><br />What if...the message was sent loud and clear that rural communities are of value and should be looked at as sources for potential and opportunity? <br /><br />What if every citizen and every school kid in a small town felt like anything could be accomplished if they worked together? What if the bar was raised for expectations in rural communities?<br /><br />I'm not looking for traditional thinkers. I'm looking for people who have a personal grasp of rural common issues that can morph technology with common sense resulting in functional grassroots solutions. Are you open minded, positive, a good listener?<br /><br />I'd like to put a Dream Think Thank together sooner than later. I'd like people from the media, from small business, entrepreneurs, farmers, teachers, preachers, volunteers, angel investors, college students, laborers to be involved. Share your thoughts with me. How would you help create a New Rural? Send your thoughts to marci@kansassampler.org.<br /><br />Get Kansas! And Power Up.<br /><br />KE #2 Marci PennerGet Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-57689126557649757442010-10-18T07:35:00.024-05:002010-10-18T09:21:36.273-05:00Fun and creativity attracts all ages<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMcnPXtyp1xWbRaJtBUL8d1wejYIWmOb2C3VHIITxNm3T32Mxpm2ZNZvceh-Jd-0DepRh6Y2CJPeFsE0hfIJlcCIyS8hTg0Xre0t3azVwZCu3ERbMgQaP8QEzWpS9C6vunkgQOEMfEWY/s1600/pp5sign.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMcnPXtyp1xWbRaJtBUL8d1wejYIWmOb2C3VHIITxNm3T32Mxpm2ZNZvceh-Jd-0DepRh6Y2CJPeFsE0hfIJlcCIyS8hTg0Xre0t3azVwZCu3ERbMgQaP8QEzWpS9C6vunkgQOEMfEWY/s400/pp5sign.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529389296305948754" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjgc_wgMxYOFKMta7fGtIYwxsnK20TVDkEX8MezNi_eDrtev4kaX8iebgPqmAbexJHz_lRcPFqbrvNNH6w6lB4RLpXpBvJaexqrgyoE1HS0lMp-GXBaFIjvKbuxD7x5NWsV-UYjmUYIs/s1600/pp.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjgc_wgMxYOFKMta7fGtIYwxsnK20TVDkEX8MezNi_eDrtev4kaX8iebgPqmAbexJHz_lRcPFqbrvNNH6w6lB4RLpXpBvJaexqrgyoE1HS0lMp-GXBaFIjvKbuxD7x5NWsV-UYjmUYIs/s400/pp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529388107443624162" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Align Left" class="gl_align_left" border="0" /><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Link" class="gl_link" border="0" /></div><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link"></span> <div style="display: block;" class="vertbar"><span style="display: block;" class="g"> </span>Lots of people ask how to get kids and young people involved in local community events. Partridge made it happen without thinking about it. Because the organizers are creative, fun at heart, and have a lot of kid in them, the young people turned out in abundance.</div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibejAsevg7GqLhG_htWIRvgPNfmrmiHixxB8NuSJA4FdpsjIc9kwwn7dNtthI6k8O1F0ZJat4nS0uaKLdBqkSnSIgO29fXA-Gm2WhBxxrn5J4JN_cHDk1lkNR880sxkC4Pwj2iRn-8Lhg/s1600/pp2jay.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibejAsevg7GqLhG_htWIRvgPNfmrmiHixxB8NuSJA4FdpsjIc9kwwn7dNtthI6k8O1F0ZJat4nS0uaKLdBqkSnSIgO29fXA-Gm2WhBxxrn5J4JN_cHDk1lkNR880sxkC4Pwj2iRn-8Lhg/s400/pp2jay.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529378701233915218" border="0" /></a><br />Partridge, a town of 250 in western Reno County, is a tight knit community. They even still have their own grade school. And, they also have lots of people that care about the notion of community.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvYFNQwduCqNoAkM3cWM920DLOLW3AGHRbyYyM5TVvV3gEY-w3BBtfUUOez98aWHAJFNLUkgOAOqLEkGjSxP32AolaXNJK1OvBDb2IQ4Lf3qnJIRWZ4RNxzXaK-nR-EKaKKw4ewRfvAo/s1600/pp3kidspar.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 204px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvYFNQwduCqNoAkM3cWM920DLOLW3AGHRbyYyM5TVvV3gEY-w3BBtfUUOez98aWHAJFNLUkgOAOqLEkGjSxP32AolaXNJK1OvBDb2IQ4Lf3qnJIRWZ4RNxzXaK-nR-EKaKKw4ewRfvAo/s320/pp3kidspar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529379124397096194" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7woQ1o0wxgqAZL4UcgiN7UQhVjmy-_mBqV0ocEzBHB9JzQeihgY1CNbH4gpa6-r4E8UEajJvv0_5AmZ92nCg_VCMquZ7D3YqhNJC4Lia4RJ-QbkMNVreZpoeJWZBi2yR6vl-EycD9-dE/s1600/pp9amish.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7woQ1o0wxgqAZL4UcgiN7UQhVjmy-_mBqV0ocEzBHB9JzQeihgY1CNbH4gpa6-r4E8UEajJvv0_5AmZ92nCg_VCMquZ7D3YqhNJC4Lia4RJ-QbkMNVreZpoeJWZBi2yR6vl-EycD9-dE/s400/pp9amish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529382011972500962" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A few years ago they added a bicycle twist to their annual event. It was so fun and added such a new dimension that it the whole thing is now called the Partridge Pedal Party!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlhyrcS2A5ZzvVJp1rqCfVSa2EkuYtFLq-aZm5JEkR7xt824PdAruIyhgwXml6DWUsaQpf6Nq4nERwN5B9jHtac8Yn6I4U0b2hyOh9GkYMmtLTsNFgTZtTtsxx4w9cUfZcDnN525Yxl0/s1600/pp1nephew.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 307px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlhyrcS2A5ZzvVJp1rqCfVSa2EkuYtFLq-aZm5JEkR7xt824PdAruIyhgwXml6DWUsaQpf6Nq4nERwN5B9jHtac8Yn6I4U0b2hyOh9GkYMmtLTsNFgTZtTtsxx4w9cUfZcDnN525Yxl0/s400/pp1nephew.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529378368261536850" border="0" /></a><br /></div></div>In brief, anything that has to do with bicycles, it's done here. Home-adjusted bicycles are seen in the parade, pieces and parts are sculpted together and used in the home creation of the trophies. Bicycles are raffled away. There is unicycle hockey and bicycle jousting. There are crafts, poem reading, music, food, games, and a worthy parade with horses, floats, old cars and tractors, and more. It's such a fun day.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfTzbqkGAvPzDXWC8eqbcP98-fyxrY1fObgJwiBPguF0Egjey_kpUV3kL8lotgXR0RODoPByt7KkkzdUd7RS90lxxoT3m8pqjBhEtjPmQ77ylfM4SHyJM7mmj__ouxqIKFVg1f9nv7W8/s1600/pp4upsprock.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 322px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfTzbqkGAvPzDXWC8eqbcP98-fyxrY1fObgJwiBPguF0Egjey_kpUV3kL8lotgXR0RODoPByt7KkkzdUd7RS90lxxoT3m8pqjBhEtjPmQ77ylfM4SHyJM7mmj__ouxqIKFVg1f9nv7W8/s400/pp4upsprock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529379017024406626" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUfYO4k1DNvPXhqqlS0-0EFUYypN0yn6YwZrYftil3QJP8Z_s8TE1Ta57dT4PIXcRHH9r9bdfQg7yQsy4u269ld9rgYmRJASEtjjIo1OGnEw5RvsyQBSsMZT3mEWfkkWhDRRAd19PI9U/s1600/pp7partssclupt.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 321px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUfYO4k1DNvPXhqqlS0-0EFUYypN0yn6YwZrYftil3QJP8Z_s8TE1Ta57dT4PIXcRHH9r9bdfQg7yQsy4u269ld9rgYmRJASEtjjIo1OGnEw5RvsyQBSsMZT3mEWfkkWhDRRAd19PI9U/s400/pp7partssclupt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529380398756717602" border="0" /></a><br /></div>But it's hard to not notice how much fun the kids are having. They are engaged, they are part of it. So are teenagers and "kids" in their 40s and 50s. The spirit of the day is catchy and it's something we should all catch.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eO60leAPXvAIaBLkRxPOvlNgUIQD6QxqzEAlpkFSi2B7R6S0oflASLSqgWAjYMSKzrxOMW8kuUew2cqlxyv-8pkVJzGuBvk70M-KYOL8zplwUjLzw3ArAQEyX1epZeBsc5FIbvwoOcw/s1600/pp5arch.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eO60leAPXvAIaBLkRxPOvlNgUIQD6QxqzEAlpkFSi2B7R6S0oflASLSqgWAjYMSKzrxOMW8kuUew2cqlxyv-8pkVJzGuBvk70M-KYOL8zplwUjLzw3ArAQEyX1epZeBsc5FIbvwoOcw/s400/pp5arch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529385762737718098" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Sometime small towns have the most creative events. Be part of it and you'll Get Kansas.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowjte8g4pESirqp5WU7L9Dg1yFFxmmUH2KGtfTI1c17VKT7eQOpexh6BEg4CHZV_v-SNZWM4dPOjpqbuW5IiZPNneviAZP8tSOVoM0eqq8T087h6ikR3xxU_31j7RGLv2uX7bnpQUMlU/s1600/pp6trophy.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowjte8g4pESirqp5WU7L9Dg1yFFxmmUH2KGtfTI1c17VKT7eQOpexh6BEg4CHZV_v-SNZWM4dPOjpqbuW5IiZPNneviAZP8tSOVoM0eqq8T087h6ikR3xxU_31j7RGLv2uX7bnpQUMlU/s400/pp6trophy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529379870545504514" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCSWhxn0HLBA4IGSNHtjijjybHD7euyKnjLjcJvdOQ8ZzrI_S0Td5J5dqWg2nUPC_Fy2iyCh5JOf6dJHuT3A4ZnGaKzMDN7LAhcDhrZXEYwWK_tawx_iHDCa_Gh8WcfquGtHjhgxoclg/s1600/pp8parts.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCSWhxn0HLBA4IGSNHtjijjybHD7euyKnjLjcJvdOQ8ZzrI_S0Td5J5dqWg2nUPC_Fy2iyCh5JOf6dJHuT3A4ZnGaKzMDN7LAhcDhrZXEYwWK_tawx_iHDCa_Gh8WcfquGtHjhgxoclg/s400/pp8parts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529381842253920946" border="0" /></a><br />Lucky to have been there, KE #2 Marci PennerGet Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-39734201175410659082010-09-21T14:00:00.025-05:002010-09-21T15:36:17.349-05:00Garnett knows how to roll out the red carpet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-50oG8SDWRCNkTCxaoxCl5L_htqGhSxDZAUU-03i7UY4jOdNlgJIvqOlgjy9qk1-odRo0mtFNtQLs7spngtQNuLBhtGkEB0BIJkB5dwWfnFl-aPMDvjvoZIfcEwOIF-6T1nLxvGyj1R0/s1600/garkirk1.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-50oG8SDWRCNkTCxaoxCl5L_htqGhSxDZAUU-03i7UY4jOdNlgJIvqOlgjy9qk1-odRo0mtFNtQLs7spngtQNuLBhtGkEB0BIJkB5dwWfnFl-aPMDvjvoZIfcEwOIF-6T1nLxvGyj1R0/s320/garkirk1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519466972881383042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtYsQ0CC-gy2m8i75oZ6YztBL8stLpK33lFwPHMr7Opx_v6iYeyGWtZF8ElVSqK6Sd1L7WZKizVo_p0ngcZU0SkxwmWECygg1Vz_T1pCFL6Qippw0H_L6Rfv0U1g6vcj3bLk_-j0qup4/s1600/garcourt.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtYsQ0CC-gy2m8i75oZ6YztBL8stLpK33lFwPHMr7Opx_v6iYeyGWtZF8ElVSqK6Sd1L7WZKizVo_p0ngcZU0SkxwmWECygg1Vz_T1pCFL6Qippw0H_L6Rfv0U1g6vcj3bLk_-j0qup4/s320/garcourt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519459345968400786" border="0" /></a>The Kansas Sampler Foundation put out the call around Kansas for itineraries that would show the world a new way to look at Kansas. The result would be put on e-bay as an auction item. The proceeds would go to the Kansas Sampler Foundation, the itinerary would get promoted, and a lucky winner would, no doubt, have a great time.<br /><br />The Garnett Giveaway package was chosen to be our first attempt at this multi-purpose approach.<br /><br />The high bid was made by Gary and Bunny McCloud of Wamego.<br /><br />This past weekend, the McClouds, joined by friends, enjoyed their getaway package in Garnett. This blog has a two-fold purpose.<br /><br />One is to rave about the way Garnett rolled out the red carpet.<br /><br />The other is to commend Gary and Bunny.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">GARNETT</span></span><br />Garnett, populatio<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EoyGtNlRfrkWHGmgMi5mZmjg9sxU0QyAUkCRr9frb_t7Mw-T8HGbTOPuAHpn-B5UuQX_t8uBdxD-_xJGA4moC-4nWoMJxFMliNyLs7afHc2V93QsvsUF-8TKgg_W0GkcrSTP-5dllgA/s1600/garkirk2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EoyGtNlRfrkWHGmgMi5mZmjg9sxU0QyAUkCRr9frb_t7Mw-T8HGbTOPuAHpn-B5UuQX_t8uBdxD-_xJGA4moC-4nWoMJxFMliNyLs7afHc2V93QsvsUF-8TKgg_W0GkcrSTP-5dllgA/s200/garkirk2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519454679744913538" border="0" /></a>n 3,390, provided a fabulous time. The accommodations were offered by owners Mike and Eileen Burns of the <a href="http://www.thekirkhouse.net/">The Kirk House </a>Bed & Breakfast, a George Washburn designed home, built in 1913.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfkwFiSI5WdhioFppGVuPlkrfnDUGISyyaPZG11tBEIM7_tJABYbtboOZTXl9o-YcBtoxU9oihoLa9yTS03UtIMFABUrNiH0p52gcVS0tXaqp9qLe06yMCDVA20D17A1vpewm3-f39QY/s1600/garkirkbed.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfkwFiSI5WdhioFppGVuPlkrfnDUGISyyaPZG11tBEIM7_tJABYbtboOZTXl9o-YcBtoxU9oihoLa9yTS03UtIMFABUrNiH0p52gcVS0tXaqp9qLe06yMCDVA20D17A1vpewm3-f39QY/s200/garkirkbed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519455179317121138" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj180dItzosqrNDBBH78enZeBT_dpi19Ba2GWWpddQQhS-OopL-SkWMzwKaDZLBH_5sik5nk9n3hk_Rvu4GrazvQfSX2I-uvXYwcUMrVKVcp89DWv1v8v7E-7K3c3W7Ix7d6vpv_YlfTh8/s1600/garkirkattic.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj180dItzosqrNDBBH78enZeBT_dpi19Ba2GWWpddQQhS-OopL-SkWMzwKaDZLBH_5sik5nk9n3hk_Rvu4GrazvQfSX2I-uvXYwcUMrVKVcp89DWv1v8v7E-7K3c3W7Ix7d6vpv_YlfTh8/s200/garkirkattic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519455459227561778" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCcvrQIkPGHbRG66qdvPaT5uV67UMJMuzQxD_jIeYg5zPekkxWavgRUZBAMmY-rbsMPhFL14pSNznwqLzyLRqOHDA4CaQVh7OhI_2zWmfBxb4QCbef6lbJAYhT1dr7DoL1MGuvXH2Vtk/s1600/gartheatre.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 98px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCcvrQIkPGHbRG66qdvPaT5uV67UMJMuzQxD_jIeYg5zPekkxWavgRUZBAMmY-rbsMPhFL14pSNznwqLzyLRqOHDA4CaQVh7OhI_2zWmfBxb4QCbef6lbJAYhT1dr7DoL1MGuvXH2Vtk/s200/gartheatre.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519456029593105250" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />The main event on their first evening was the <a href="http://www.thechamberplayers.org/">dinner </a><a href="http://www.thechamberplayers.org/">theatre</a> production "Leading Ladies" at the Thelma Moore Community Playhouse, located in a former Presbyterian Church. The Garnett folks raved about the whole evening and said they've never laughed so hard.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim08UYCEniQUgz5tcUJC7WagfWsLs1SXwQrLVqy_n5oEJt8MBXWmEIDCA5Tvv9HbEFmcHRLoSEy0ieQQu4EcfH6ccraWW26szIYl0fIviNg2yBWh_AwK3A305hRVACFfQXwmH9dkM-ALE/s1600/coffeeloft.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim08UYCEniQUgz5tcUJC7WagfWsLs1SXwQrLVqy_n5oEJt8MBXWmEIDCA5Tvv9HbEFmcHRLoSEy0ieQQu4EcfH6ccraWW26szIYl0fIviNg2yBWh_AwK3A305hRVACFfQXwmH9dkM-ALE/s200/coffeeloft.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519456872690696098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />They had breakfast at The Coffee Loft, 130 E. 5th. The limestone walls make it highly attractive. They serve coffees during the day, Kansas beers and wine in the evenings. Check out their <a href="http://www.coffeeloftgarnett.com/">website</a> for entertainment and more information.<br /><br />A flight board MidWest Missionair for an aerial tour of Anderson County was the next treat, thanks to Gordon Blackie.<br /><br />Bellini's Italian Cafe was the location for a pasta lunch followed by a downtown shopping spree, arranged by the <a href="http://www.garnettchamber.org/">Garnett Chamber</a>.<br /><br />Saturday night was the highlight for 24 of us who were invited to share an evening of entertainment, h'ors doeuvres, and drinks in the backyard of The Kirk House.<br /><br />Chuck Cowan and Platinum Vine provided the entertainment that inspired dancing, a good time, and was the perfect backdrop for a marvelous evening that was put together by event planner Kimberly Hart-Spencer.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgB2wR6j-68CwHD76DP0ZT4HyXDcmmlW6NZge7QNFVSUmtGvdLhsbVjL94qKFHZr7Q5yNnFcOoCnphgfthei8vp1rgcN-65lcSt91Bovid7cIkXahs3H4d3lV1EGcY7ouBjPzr-NaktZk/s1600/garfruit3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgB2wR6j-68CwHD76DP0ZT4HyXDcmmlW6NZge7QNFVSUmtGvdLhsbVjL94qKFHZr7Q5yNnFcOoCnphgfthei8vp1rgcN-65lcSt91Bovid7cIkXahs3H4d3lV1EGcY7ouBjPzr-NaktZk/s200/garfruit3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519459066380848082" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqI9CDcwSOSZbTznZlKWmRgUlFe6jpueKFgOA6e6z8oC8_NMOHVg_l9fMTkcW1pL5JYdrTG9xCKzkg98nqDA3Rde-4LDTaQsA0rDCm6-ps_D_309w2h4aKIDDrGgro1xqkcJCm4oNPTA/s1600/garfruit1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqI9CDcwSOSZbTznZlKWmRgUlFe6jpueKFgOA6e6z8oC8_NMOHVg_l9fMTkcW1pL5JYdrTG9xCKzkg98nqDA3Rde-4LDTaQsA0rDCm6-ps_D_309w2h4aKIDDrGgro1xqkcJCm4oNPTA/s200/garfruit1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519458880534819426" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rlSL_ClyfXMrIwe8da-wI1s44p8da1LNTOlgsU5Rv32wkalmgi9m7MBCNP3O9-8a2aLA6uzO0hFHK3s1otzPVOc1J4kN58z4ocirMrcaE5RaNFx_haShWOuZP7h4hgQ0R6G-lBW-BfI/s1600/garfruit2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rlSL_ClyfXMrIwe8da-wI1s44p8da1LNTOlgsU5Rv32wkalmgi9m7MBCNP3O9-8a2aLA6uzO0hFHK3s1otzPVOc1J4kN58z4ocirMrcaE5RaNFx_haShWOuZP7h4hgQ0R6G-lBW-BfI/s200/garfruit2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519458966957261826" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Caterers for the evening were A Cut Above Catering, The Galey Girls, Maloan's Bar & Grille, Mr. D's Bar & Grill, Rhonda Holsinger, Rick Felt and Two Sister's Cafe. The Scipio Supper Club serviced the bar and provided Kansas beers and wines!<br /><br />Every guest had their own special wine glass with their name written in decorative fashion on the glass, a keepsake!<br /><br />We can't say enough to Eileen, Scott Rogers, Kim, <a href="http://www.experiencegarnettks.net/">Garnett Tourism</a>, and all involved for an unforgettable set of memories in Garnett.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">GARY & BUNNY</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkVvB_1iHNvJkj7OVaaWICG4M-SlDBou3G7e8e4LeOD7Gb4TVDppTTLHkAqVpFWaNZTB20tODTpYc8I7MdOjSGmI1ayPrv3qS7snYTm99MucP1s1RuAqNOMgmbjB68cW2MqiLFLTr-Ug/s1600/garbunny2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkVvB_1iHNvJkj7OVaaWICG4M-SlDBou3G7e8e4LeOD7Gb4TVDppTTLHkAqVpFWaNZTB20tODTpYc8I7MdOjSGmI1ayPrv3qS7snYTm99MucP1s1RuAqNOMgmbjB68cW2MqiLFLTr-Ug/s200/garbunny2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519463754500060786" border="0" /></a> And here's to Gary and Bunny McCloud. Bunny, I wish I had got you with your eyes open but you deserved that drink. Thanks to you and Gary for not only being the high bid but for being a classy couple that treats your friends so well. You two, plus your Wamego area friends, were a perfect fit with the fine people of Garnett.<br /><br />Here's a toast to you all.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinacHvONsIut75dJePBz7_65k1RORtI38IrELH0445t8qBXPmQZplfVVXDj3gac9ThWancp69l14e56AP9jcWbJhTXwEfKE2Gj6u1fqpY9ANdwak8cR7hCxindfEsLR2bmBgdxufqQqFY/s1600/garshelly.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinacHvONsIut75dJePBz7_65k1RORtI38IrELH0445t8qBXPmQZplfVVXDj3gac9ThWancp69l14e56AP9jcWbJhTXwEfKE2Gj6u1fqpY9ANdwak8cR7hCxindfEsLR2bmBgdxufqQqFY/s200/garshelly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519459913275263266" border="0" /></a> P.S. Some of us got to stay at the <a href="http://www.shellytiptonbedandbreakfast.com/">Shelly Tipton</a> Bed and Breakfast!<br /><br />Get Kansas! by staying in a rural community. Thank you Garnett and the McClouds.<br /><br />KE #2 Marci PennerGet Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609917083109077310.post-45762989240291196492010-09-16T20:20:00.004-05:002010-09-17T08:44:28.266-05:00Behind the scenes thoughts about 8 WondersThe Kansas Sampler Foundation has loved getting to know Kansas better through our role in the 8 Wonders of Kansas contest. When the last contest is wrapped up, I'll do a summary on some of the results. But for now, I want to acknowledge the cities and counties that didn't have an entry in any of the contests.<br /><br />It doesn't feel good to be left off a list like this. I appreciate it when people share those thoughts, even if you're upset. I like it that people stick up for their place and their people. Don't keep this inside. Send me an e-mail, marci@kansassampler.org. Vent! I'll hear you. I'll listen. I'll let you know what the selection committee was thinking. We'll discuss it.<br /><br />On the other hand, there may be some instructive things for communities to learn. And, it could be, too, that the selection committee didn't have enough information or knowledge to always make the best decisions.<br /><br />The first thing is to acknowledge that contest criteria dictated some of the decisions. One of the criteria was that there always had to be something to see, something a visitor could see or do to learn more about the finalist. One goal of the contest was to encourage travel within Kansas.<br /><br />Countless fantastic people and events in history were left off the list, simply because there wasn't something to see. It doesn't mean they weren't significant people or events. The circumstances just didn't meet the criteria.<br /><br />Secondly, some places that are home to incredible events were left off the list because the sites weren't in good shape or weren't interpreted well. The criteria for every contest asked that there be a "wow" factor. There are some incredibly dedicated people who want to make their historical site a "wow" factor but lack of funding or available volunteers make it difficult. We were also appreciative of subtle "wows."<br /><br />If you were one of those places that didn't make the list even though you feel like you have a significant site, let's work together. Maybe we can use this result to jointly speak to your city or county commissioners to do some upgrading. I'm thinking about one person in particular. This person is uncommonly dedicated to her county and has put in an incredible amount of effort to tell the story of her county. Yet, her county wasn't represented in any of the contests. It sure wasn't by lack of effort form this person. <br /><br />There were some places we put on the list who never once acknowledged being on the list. They didn't care. It might have even been a hassle to them. I'd much rather hear from the people who were hurt and upset about not being on the list. They care. They care a great deal. I won't forget how much they care and down the line, we'll make sure other people know about their places. There are many ways to tell the Kansas story beyond the 8 Wonders contest.<br /><br />Some of my favorite places didn't make the list, but they'll always be my favorite places...<br /><br />In the end, I hope the contest did more good than harm. Please consider this an invitation to share your thoughts. We're in this together. Let's make it work.<br /><br />Thoughts from KE #2Get Kansas!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06863309778035241487noreply@blogger.com0