Greater Salina Community Foundation

The Greater Salina Community Foundation is accepting applications for a grant to a program or project to benefit health and human services in Salina County.

One grant of about $5,000 will be awarded. Applications must be received by April 6.

The program or project must benefit health and human services and be completed or near completion by October.

For more information or an application, go to the Web site, www.gscf.org, and click on PET Project, or call 823-1800.

Salina Journal February 26, 2010
Prom dress collections continue

The community event, involving the collection and giveaway of prom dresses and accessories, helps make it possible for girls to attend prom who otherwise might not be able to.

The giveaway, open to any high school girl in Saline County and the surrounding area, will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 6 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 111 W. Magnolia, across the street from J.C. Penney.

Until March 5, people may drop off their dresses at the Salina Family YMCA; Sunflower Bank branches at 176 N. Santa Fe, 2450 S. Ninth and 2070 S. Ohio; Curves for Women, 2306 Planet; or Salina Central, Salina South, Ell-Saline, and Southeast of Saline high schools.

The Prom-A-Rama committee has received a grant from the Greater Salina Community Foundation that will be used to purchase dresses in larger sizes -- 18 to 30.

The Prom-A-Rama committee is contacting businesses for donations of dry cleaning services, corsages and boutonnieres, hair styling, nails, dinners, limousine rides and other important services associated with prom.

To receive a dress, girls need to attend the giveaway and provide proof of being a high school student. Volunteers will help girls find the perfect dress, and seamstresses will make alterations and minor repairs.

Dresses will be hanging on racks and donated accessories will be on tables. Various drawings are planned for the end of the giveaway. Winners will be contacted and may pick up their gift certificates at the Salina Media Group offices in the Townsite Building, 131 N. Santa Fe.

Dresses not given away at the end of the evening will be donated to the Bargain Basket, 201 S. Santa Fe., which will mark them for sale.

Salina Journal Febraury 21, 2010
Living up to greatness

The amount of money that's come in to the Greater Salina Community Foundation over its first 10 years has exceeded all expectations, but it's the money that's gone out that makes executive director Betsy Wearing most proud.

More than $20 million has been distributed through foundation grants to community projects and charitable organizations that are making the Salina area a better place to grow up and call home.

"It's clearly an organization whose time has come," said foundation board president John Mize. "The success we've had reveals that more than anything else. It provides a vehicle for people to accomplish a lot and leave a good legacy."

There have been small projects -- like the $500 Chloe Seim used to buy paint and trees to spruce up an Assaria park. And there have been large projects -- like the Stiefel Theatre restoration or the installation of artificial turf in Salina Stadium.

In its first decade, the foundation has begun living up to its name by becoming the firm footing upon which many efforts to improve the community are built.

"That's what's so fun about this is finding all the ways the foundation can work," Wearing said.

The foundation essentially functions as a service organization for area charitable organizations by holding assets for them, Wearing said. John Divine, a member of the original foundation board, described it this way: If the United Way is a community's checkbook, a community foundation is like its savings account.

As government and school budgets tighten, foundation funds are supporting more creative programs for which funding has been cut, Wearing said, but there are always more requests than money to give.

A portion of the Salina foundation's more than $50 million in assets is actually funds it manages for smaller community foundations in the area.

"When you live in a community like Salina, you know the region is vital to our success," Wearing said.

Eleven area foundations have affiliated with the Salina foundation. They pay a 1 percent fee on funds collected and, in exchange, they receive legal, accounting and professional services that would have been hard for them to afford otherwise, Wearing said.

"For a Belleville or a Concordia to go out and duplicate that architecture is an overwhelming task," said Pete Peterson, one of the people involved in the creation of the Salina foundation.

Peterson said the Salina model of collaboration with area foundations received an endorsement from the Kansas Health Foundation recently when it awarded maximum grant amounts to the Salina foundation and all of its affiliates that applied.

Bob Steimel, volunteer executive director of the Community Foundation for Cloud County, said the benefit of affiliating with the Salina foundation has been tremendous.

"It has made all the difference in the world," he said. "We wouldn't be near where we are."

The Cloud County foundation, which started in 2002, has given out $393,000 in grants and currently holds assets of more than $900,000, he said.

Mize said community foundations will play an important role in keeping a portion of the money that is expected to transfer from the World War II generation to baby boomers for area projects and charities.

Over the next 50 years, more than $598 billion is estimated to transfer from one generation to the next in Kansas, according to the foundation's Web site.

"There's a staggering amount of wealth transfer that will be going on in the next 10 to 30 years in this area," Mize said.

The foundation's continued growth during a turbulent decade for financial markets is a tribute to area people who have decided to invest in the future of their community, foundation organizers say.

"I might have put a spark out there, but this is a community that has a lot of tinder," said Peterson, the first president of the foundation board. "When the spark hit the tinder, it just -- BOOM! -- took off.

"There's no way it would have happened without the involvement of scores of people."

One hundred ten individuals, families and businesses were found to pledge $25,000 each toward an administrative fund to pay for operating expenses.

"Originally, we talked about a lower number, but we just got bold," Peterson said of the $25,000 request.

Within 90 days, $2.9 million had been raised. As interest income accrued from that initial investment, the board used it to hire Wearing and other staff.

"We wanted to hire from Day One," Divine said. "We were very fortunate to find Betsy. We hired a phenomenal executive director."

Wearing said, from its beginning, the foundation has benefited from strong board leadership. The board, which is more than 20 members strong, has always recruited its members with an eye toward diversity in ethnic groups, income levels, ages and beliefs, Divine said.

"We made a concerted effort to represent all the community's demographics so people could look at the board and say, 'Hey, there's somebody there I know,' " he said.

Peterson said organizers of Salina's foundation visited previously formed foundations in Hutchinson, Springfield, Mo., and Topeka and "went to school."

"The wheels had been invented elsewhere and that shortened the learning curve for us," he said. "There's a very cooperative atmosphere among foundations."

"We were one of the first community foundations in the country that let financial organizations continue to manage donor funds," Divine said.

For donors who had a long-standing relationship with a bank trust officer or a broker, it made sense to allow their financial gifts to remain with that financial adviser when it became property of the foundation, suggested board member Larry Britegam.

That ensured cooperation and support from estate planners, attorneys, insurance agents and financial advisers who did not see the foundation as competition for funds but as a vehicle for their clients to contribute to the community, said Peterson, an estate planning attorney.

For the most part, Peterson said, the projects foundation funds have supported probably would have happened even without the foundation, but foundation support has made things go more smoothly.

"It's extremely good motor oil in that it makes all the parts work together and cooperate better," Peterson said of the foundation's role.

For example, Peterson said, the foundation maintained a provisional fund to support the Stiefel Theatre restoration before its grand re-opening in 2003. At the time, people involved in the effort to raise matching funds for a grant the project had received were running into skepticism about whether the project would succeed, Peterson said.

So, a provisional fund maintained by the foundation was opened that Peterson said he believes helped ensure the success of the restoration. Money contributed toward that fund counted as grant matching funds, but allowed donors to designate another charity if the match wasn't met, Peterson said. "The fear of failure stops people from giving to begin with and can become a self-fulfilling prophesy," Peterson said.

Another project where the foundation's involvement was important was the effort to install artificial turf in Salina Stadium. The evergreen grass was laid in 2005.

Barry Weis, turf fundraising committee chair, said the group established a fund at the foundation so that donors could receive tax benefits for their contributions, and foundation staff tracked pledges.

"It was a short-term project that needed to raise a substantial amount of money and didn't have the administrative firepower to handle the cash flow," he said. "I don't think we would have gotten some of the major gifts without our relationship with the foundation."

Sydney Soderberg, former president of the YWCA board, said the foundation has enabled the continued support of projects to end racism and support women and families even after the closure of the YWCA facility. When the building was sold in 2006, that money and other contributions were combined with endowment funds to create the YW Legacy Fund.

"It's ironic that to carry out our mission we had to disband, but we could no longer afford to maintain the building," she said.

In 2009, 10 grants totaling more than $16,000 were awarded from the legacy fund, Soderberg said.

"It makes us feel like closing the building and leaving the organization wasn't leaving the community," she said. "It's a sad but wonderful thing."

The foundation is also involved in programs to enhance leadership, as well as promote growth and philanthropic interests in the community's future leaders.

Since it was launched in 2004, the Youth GrantMakers Council has provided more than $34,000 in grants to 48 youth-led projects in Saline County.

Seim, senior at Southeast of Saline and president of the council, became a member of the council the year after she successfully sought a grant to rejuvenate the Assaria park when she was an eighth grader.

She said during the first grant cycle last year, the council reviewed $26,000 worth of applications. The council gives away about $7,000 a year to youth projects.

"I've gone to some of the events we've funded," she said. "It's nice to see the outcome. I think we do make a difference in the community."

Salina Journal February 13, 2010
Student Robot Makers

"A whole bunch of nerds having fun," is how Gus Applequist describes the work to build a competition robot at Salina Central High School.

Applequist, a senior at Central, is part of a team of about 20 students at the school that is working to build a robot to compete in a regional competition in Kansas City early next month, where their 'bot will traverse various obstacles and kick a soccer ball.

Friday afternoon, team members were preparing the robot for its first public outing, a science fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at Central Mall.

The robot, which sits on four wheels powered by two motors, is packed with wiring, electronics, an air compressor, tubing and pistons to operate its arm. A Web cam mounted on a bracket so it can tilt and swivel was still waiting to be mounted, as were the cylinders to hold compressed air.

The current robot has gone through several design changes, said Apple- quist and David Vigil, a junior.

The initial plan was to build a six-wheeled robot, Vigil said, but that idea ran into some problems with climbing the small incline that's part of the contest.

And there have been other rough spots, as well. Friday afternoon, Vigil was flummoxed when trying to mount the robot's side bumpers onto its frame, finding the holes on the brackets didn't match the holes on the frame.

Likewise, when the team started looking at mounting the articulated arm onto the frame, team members decided it might work better with two framing members mounted differently than they were.

"There's no right way and wrong way," replied Gary Goodwin, a Central science teacher who is an adviser to the team. "It's whatever works."

Because this is the first time Central has fielded a robotics team, the students are relying on online forums to get ideas from more experienced teams around the country.

"We may be competing against them later, but they're helping us now," Applequist said, describing the process as "co-opertition."

Applequist explained that the team has "a pretty diverse collection of talents," including mechanical skills, programming skills and even English skills.

In a room adjoining the one where the robot is being built, several other students -- nerds not-so-much -- are working on a sign for the team.

This is the public relations wing of the organization, but its role covers "pretty much everything except the robot itself," said Tommy Russell, a sophomore.

That includes building a team Web site and greeting the public at today's event.

They also applied for grants from NASA, J.C. Penney, the Greater Salina Community Foundation and Salina Regional Health Center to help fund the project.

"Sometimes we go in there and try to help," said sophomore Taylor Brown. "But we really don't know what we're doing in there."

Salina Journal February 5, 2010
Foundation makes changes

SYLVAN GROVE -- The Sylvan Area Foundation has recently affiliated with the Greater Salina Community Foundation and changed its name to the Post Rock Community Foundation.

A local governing board made up of citizens from the area will be responsible for governance, community education and grant-making decisions.

Those serving on the board of directors include: Karen Meyer, Lucille Heller, Sandy Labertew, Kim White, Janet Meyer, Rachel Stecklein, Anne Dohl and Teri Hiitter. Additional board members are being sought from the Lincoln, Denmark and Barnard areas.

Salina Journal January 28, 2010
Grant applications, citizenship nominations sought

The Youth GrantMakers Council is accepting grant applications and nominations for its Youth Citizenship Award. Grant applications are to be postmarked by March 8. Grants will be awarded to youth-led projects that address community issues and challenges. YGMC accepts all grant proposals, except for group trips, debt repayment and projects solely benefiting an individual.

Applicants be 18 years old or younger, and have a detailed budget and timeline for the project.

Anyone can nominate a youth. The nominee should be a Saline County resident who has made a significant voluntary contribution to the community. Nominees will be interviewed, and the winner will receive $100 and a plaque.

Salina Journal January 10, 2010
Leadership Salina members complete class

On Tuesday, the second class of the retooled Leadership Salina class celebrated its completion of the class portion of the program. Class members, employers and others who have supported the program gathered at Salina Country Club for the event.

Leadership Salina was revised last year, bringing together curriculum from the Blueprint for Leadership class, formerly offered by Greater Salina Community Foundation , and Leadership Salina , offered through Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.

The course begins with an overnight retreat in October. Sessions were held every other week, and each session included leadership skills as well as a panel discussion with community leaders. Class members also visited various area businesses and organizations as a part of the program. The course work culminates with the selection and implementation of class projects.

Two class projects that are currently in progress are an effort to enhance the walking-biking trails surrounding the Salina Family YMCA, and a project to assist the Sunflower Adult Day Center, with a remodel of the art/activity room and creating marketing materials that will help attract volunteers to the center.

Salinans Cindy Zimmerman and Carolyn Mikesell facilitate the class, which is funded by the foundation and the chamber. Scholarships and project grants come from the foundation , while administration is handled by the chamber.

For more information, call foundation President Betsy Wearing at 823-1800 or chamber Executive Director Dennis Lauver at 827-9301.

* Jackie Anders, Premier Pneumatics
* Chris Baker, Bank VI
* Orlando Carmona, Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors
* Kevin Carrico, St. Francis Community Services
* Carla DeWalt, Schwan Global Supply Chain
* Duane Grace, Systems 4
* Joylynn Harlow, Bank of Tescott
* Justin Henry, Southeast of Saline
* Angela Chesney Herrington, Kennedy, Berkley, Yarnevich & Williamson
* Bryan Herwig, Philips Lighting
* Gary Hobbie, Development Services, city of Salina
* Katrina Loader, Sunflower Bank
* Alissa Long, Sunflower Bank
* Melissa McCoy, Salina Airport Authority
* Gina McDonald, Salina Human Relations, city of Salina
* Danielle Norwood, Eagle Media Center
* Marshall Perry, Bicentennial Center
* Danielle Rider, Hampton & Royce
* Dewayne Russell, ServiceMaster Clean of Salina
* Katy Russell, Central Kansas Foundation
* Jen Schardt, Kennedy & Coe
* Travis Scheele, Parks and Recreation, city of Salina
* Kawanis Scott, Making the Connection
* Jenny Stack, Greater Salina Community Foundation
* Jon Starks, UMB Bank
* Connie Bonfy Stewart, Salina Arts and Humanities Commission
* Jorge Varela, Salina Concrete Products
* Don Von Bergen, Kansas State University at Salina
* Bill Weaver, Salina Area United Way
* Norma Wright, First Bank Kansas

Salina Journal January 8, 2010
Foundation announces scholarships available

The Greater Salina Community Foundation is pleased to announce the availability of scholarship dollars for area high school seniors and college students. Scholarships are available through 19 different funds at the Foundation.

The Wally Beets – John Marino Scholarship. For employees who are or have been employed by the Salina Country Club attending accredited post-secondary institutions.

The Betts Family Scholarship. For students of Decatur Community High School attending accredited post-secondary institutions.

Booker T. Washington Scholarship. For African American students from the Salina area attending accredited post-secondary institutions.

C.L. Clark Scholarship. For students currently enrolled at the University of Kansas School of Law or Washburn University School of Law and who graduated from a high school in Saline County, Kansas.

Decatur Community Scholarship. For students graduating from USD #294 attending accredited post-secondary institutions.

Tom C. Donatell – three onetime scholarships for a male student from Sacred Heart High School, a student from St. Teresa Academy, Kansas City, MO, and an older female KWU student studying nursing.

The Erik Erickson Memorial Scholarship. For students graduating from Decatur Community High School attending accredited post-secondary institutions.

The Jody Fredrickson Nursing & Health Scholarship. For students graduating from Decatur Community High School attending accredited post-secondary institutions to major in nursing or another health related field.

The Brian C. Garnett Scholarship. Three $1,000 scholarships for graduates of Salina High School Central.

Hale Family Sunflower Promise Scholarship. For Kansas community colleges students who have completed 2 years of coursework and will be completing their degrees at a 4 year post secondary institution in Kansas.

Mike & Mable Kelling Scholarship. For students from Hartley High School, Hartley, Texas, attending accredited post-secondary institutions.

Kelling-Tomlinson Scholarship. For students from Smith Center High School attending accredited post-secondary institutions.

Evelyn R. King National Honor Society Scholarship. This is a scholarship that is selected by committees at Sacred Heart High School, Salina Central High School and Salina South High School. They look at all Senior members of National Honor Society and select two students from their respective schools to receive this scholarship based on criteria in the National Honor Society National Scholarship application. Students will be required to complete that application.

Kansas Federation of Republican Women Scholarship. For female students currently attending a Kansas college or university, with a declared major of Political Science, History, or Public Administration, entering her junior or senior year of undergraduate study, or attending graduate school.

Jeanne B. Marts Scholarship. For students graduating from a Saline County high school who will major in elementary or secondary education.

Orpha J. and Ernest Milbradt Scholarship. For area high school students who plan to attend Kansas State University or the University of Kansas.

Glenn L. & Edna M. Mott Memorial Scholarship. For students graduating from Decatur Community High School attending accredited post-secondary institutions.

Gayle & Evelyn Richmond Scholarship. For students of Plainville, Stockton, Natoma, or Palco High Schools with plans to attend an accredited post-secondary institution.

Col. Delbert Townsend Scholarship. A two year scholarship for students of Decatur Community High School with plans to attend a post secondary institution other than Kansas State University.

Applications are available from on our website at www.gscf.org. For more information, please call: Michelle Griffin, Affiliate/Scholarship Coordinator of the Foundation at 785-823-1800.

Salina Journal January 6, 2010
Greater Salina Community Foundation tops $50 million

The Greater Salina Community Foundation announced Tuesday that its assets have topped $50 million, and it has given away more than $20 million in grants to community organizations and projects over the past 10 years.

"The $50 million mark is a milestone worth celebrating," said Betsy Wearing, president and executive director of the foundation. "What it really means is the foundation has more potential to do what we do, which is make grants."

When community leaders established the foundation in 1999, they were hoping by now they would have $10 million in assets, Wearing said.

The foundation was able to grow to five times its original goal during a 10-year period that was the worst in history for financial markets, said John Mize, chairman of the foundation board.

"It has far surpassed anyone's expectations from when it started," Mize said. "It's provided support for a variety of community and regional activities that wouldn't otherwise be getting that support."

The Salina foundation's remarkable growth puts it among the largest community foundations in the state, Wearing said. Ten regional affiliate foundations covering most of north-central Kansas comprise about 16 percent of the Salina foundation's total assets, Wearing said.

The key to the foundation's success has been "a spirit of collaboration," Mize said. Staff and board members have made the foundation successful by working closely with charities, donors, investment advisers and regional foundations.

"It's truly a community effort," he said. "It's people coming together with a common objective to try to make the community better. It's something the entire community ought to be very proud of."

An $800,000 grant the foundation was awarded in December from the Kansas Health Foundation isn't being counted among the foundation's assets yet, Wearing said. The first allocation of grant funds is expected in March, and at that time, a new fund will be established to fund public health initiatives, she said.

Salina Journal December 25, 2009
Minneapolis foundation changes name

MINNEAPOLIS -- Residents of Ottawa County will benefit from the reorganization of an existing community foundation.

The Minneapolis Community Foundation recently affiliated with the Greater Salina Community Foundation and changed its name to the Ottawa County Community Foundation.

The Ottawa County Community Foundation will offer a variety of giving options for donors, including advised funds, nonprofit organization endowments and scholarships. The Greater Salina Community Foundation will provide administrative support, accounting services, board development and consultation.

A local governing board made up of citizens from Ottawa County will be responsible for governance, community education and grant-making decisions. Those serving on the board of directors include: Bobby Hudson, Leslie Hargis, Kevin Cline, Mark Freel, Cheryle Hardesty, Merl Parde, David Stanley, Kenneth Wedel and Kermit Wedel. Additional board members are being sought from the Tescott, Bennington and Delphos areas.

Salina Journal December 19, 2009
Salina, area foundations receive thousands in grant money

Foundations that provide charitable funding in Salina and several northwest and north-central Kansas towns have been awarded grant funding from the Kansas Health Foundation that will enable thousands of dollars in future community and public health projects.

The Greater Salina Community Foundation was approved for $800,000, the largest grant awarded through the Giving Resources to Our World Healthy Kansas Initiative. Grant money from the health foundation will be matched by contributions from the community foundations to support endowment funds for community or public health initiatives at 12 community foundations statewide.

Central Kansas Community Foundation serving Harvey, Marion and McPherson counties, $600,000

Heartland Community Foundation serving Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties, $500,000

Betsy Wearing, president and executive director of the Salina foundation, said she is excited about the effect the increased endowment funds generated by the grant will have. If all grant recipients are successful in their fundraising efforts, more than $16 million will be raised for the betterment of Kansas communities, according to a statement from the Kansas Health Foundation.

Steve Coen, president and chief executive officer of the Kansas Health Foundation, said the Salina foundation has provided a model for cost-sharing and collaboration with more rural communities, which he hopes other organizations statewide can follow.

"It was just a sterling application," Coen said. "They're trying to build philanthropy in all those communities, and it's a wonderful example of what we're trying to attain throughout the state."

Wearing said the Salina foundation currently doesn't have a great deal of funding for public health, and there are several projects being discussed locally that could benefit from those dollars.

Wearing said she does not anticipate the Salina foundation will need to have a fundraising drive to solicit matching funds for the grant. Each foundation will have six years to obtain the full amount of required matching community gifts to receive the full amount of grant funds awarded.

"Our foundation is large enough and established enough that we will probably get $1.6 million in gifts without having to compete with other Salina nonprofits in a campaign," she said.

In its 10th year, the Salina foundation has $49 million in assets and has given away $18 million in grants for community projects, she said. The local foundation assists 10 rural affiliates with staffing and investment options, and it has operational costs below the national average, she said.

The foundations receiving the money all raised 10 percent of the amount they applied for just to submit the application, Wearing said. Each is expected to receive an additional payment to go toward operational expenses as fundraising goals are achieved. For the Salina foundation and its affiliates, additional operational funds could total $525,000, Coen said.

The grant funds will make a tremendous difference in the communities that receive them, Wearing said. The Salina foundation assisted five of its affiliate foundations in applying and all of them were funded, she said. She said she is hopeful that other affiliate foundations will be ready to apply for the next round of KHF grant funding in 2010.

Affiliate foundations in Smith, Russell, Republic, Ellis and Cloud counties will probably have campaigns to raise money to qualify for the health foundation grants, she said, but representatives of those organizations are confident in their ability to raise the money.

"It's not going to be a walk in the park, but Kansas is a pretty generous place, and people will recognize the opportunity to have their dollars matched," she said. "People are fiercely loyal to their communities."

She said community foundations play a critical role in providing necessary funding for community improvements.

"It's huge to have community foundations for the future of those rural communities," she said. "Many of them are losing population, and endowed funds will provide charitable dollars that will be there for those communities to make them better places to live for the future."

Salina Journal December 16, 2009
New foundations formed for counties

The Greater Salina Community Foundation on Tuesday announced the formation of affiliate foundations that will provide Ottawa and Washington counties with tools to build endowments, increase philanthropy and provide ongoing support to area nonprofits, programs and events.

Local boards will be responsible for governance, community education and grant making decisions for each of the new foundations.

The new foundations join eight existing foundations working with the Greater Salina Community Foundation. They are: Smoky Hills Charitable Foundation, serving Ellsworth County; Russell County Area Community Foundation; Community Foundation for Cloud County; Smoky Valley Community Foundation, serving the Lindsborg area; Heartland Community Foundation, serving Ellis, Trego and Rooks counties; Republic County Community Foundation; and Catholic Community Foundation of the Diocese of Salina.

The board of directors of the Ottawa County Community Foundation includes Chairman Bobby Hudson, Leslie Hargis, Kevin Cline, Mark Freel, Cheryle Hardesty, Merl Parde, David Stanley, Dr. Kenneth Wedel and Dr. Kermit Wedel.

The board of directors of the Washington County Community Foundation includes Chairman Randall Wyatt, Steve Pierson, Larry Mueller, Jim Scheetz, Elizabeth Hiltgen, Janet Elliott, Lori Huber, A.J. Goeckel, Deb Kruse and Mary Tate.

Salina Journal November 25, 2009
Salina foundation accepting grant applications for 2 programs

Feb. 3 is the deadline for grant applications for two programs at the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

The Nutrition and Physical Activity Initiative is aimed at creating healthy communities by emphasizing better nutrition and increased physical activity. The foundation formed a steering committee of local experts to create a community plan for the initiative. For the next three years, funds will be available for applications that are directly related to nutrition and/or physical activity, meet the goals of the community plan and serve populations within the community of Salina. Approximately $70,000 is available each year. Multi-year applications will be accepted.

The YW Legacy Fund makes grants to initiatives that support the mission of the former YWCA. About $15,000 will be available. Grant requests should address one or more of the following criteria: encourage women's growth, leadership and power in order to attain a common vision for peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people; help children attain their greatest potential; create an environment to assist in the physical and mental health and well-being of women and their families; pursue the elimination of racism.

For applications, go to www.gscf.org, write to Box 2876, Salina, KS 67402-2876, or call 823-1800.

Salina Journal November 18, 2009
Smoky Valley Community Foundation makes awards

Smoky Valley Community Foundation has awarded $4,000 in Community Enhancement grants to six nonprofit organizations, institutions and groups in the Smoky Valley area.

Raymer Society/Red Barn Studio Museum, Lindsborg, arts and crafts materials for children ages 10-18.

Lindsborg Children's Center, assistance in purchasing materials for preschool classrooms.

Riverview Estates of Marquette, purchase personal computer specifically for resident use.

Bethany College, Lindsborg, a grant for the BACCHUS House project, which promotes an alcohol-free and drug-free environment for students.

Fine Arts Council, Marquette, repair the dance floor and windows of the Fine Arts Center studio.

The Smoky Valley Community Foundation is a nonprofit entity affiliated with the Greater Salina Community Foundation. Requests for grants were considered from applicants in the Smoky Valley, which is defined as northern McPherson County and southern Saline County.

Salina Journal October 25, 2009
Foundation accepting grant applications for Saline County youth

The Greater Salina Community Foundation is accepting grant applications for the L.P Pat Mullen Fund, a fund for the education of youth.

Two separate applications are available for the grants -- one in the area of arts and humanities and one in the area of science, technology and invention.

Grants are limited to programs or projects within Saline County that serve youth up to and through high school. Applications should encourage hands-on learning opportunities. Grants can be used for the advancement or enhancement of a program or for a new program. Multi-year grants may be awarded at the discretion of the selection committee.

For more information and grant applications, go to the foundation's Web site, www.gscf.org, or call the foundation, 823-1800.

Salina Journal August 28, 2009
10 area students named to GrantMakers Council

Ten area high school students have been named to the Youth GrantMakers Council, a project of the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

They are: Miranda Basinger, Damion Cooper, Megan Haugh, Kate Martens, Kylie Metzger, Jordan Pieschl, William Putzier, William Reid, Tyler Walker and Alyse Weishaar.

Returning members are Sean Bender, Ryan Claybaugh, Bryan Eitel, Madison Hale, Kendra Lawson, Laurel Michel, Ann Nguyen, Alyssa Peppiatt, Sydney Rayl, Chloe Seim, Adria Smith, Courtney Train and Robyn Zey. The student represent five of Saline County's high schools.

The council meets twice a month during the school year. It's primary purpose is to make grants to support youth-led projects in the community. Throughout the year, council members will develop grant materials, make presentations throughout the community, review grant applications and award grants. In the spring, the council sponsors and awards a youth citizenship award.

Salina Journal September 24, 2009
Youth GrantMakers is accepting applications

Applications are available on the YGMC Web site at www.ygmc.org. Only applications on the YGMC form will be accepted.

YGMC funds youth-led projects that address community issues and challenges in Saline County. Proposals for group trips and projects that solely benefit an individual are not accepted. YGMC has roughly $5,000 available.

The Youth GrantMakers Council is a program of the Greater Salina Community Foundation and is funded by the Foundation and other community partners. Council members will visit with groups to help them participate in the grant process.

For more information on the YGMC grant application or to schedule a presentation, call Caitlin Cox, 823-1800.

Salina Journal August 9, 2009
Senior Play Days

A bowling ball rolls for a strike, pins fly and hoots of appreciation strike up from the crowd watching the alley action.

Except these bowlers are a little grayer and sometimes more frail than some, and they're not actually at a bowling alley. They're playing a Nintendo video game.

"They think it's a dumb game that kids play," nurse Emory Myers said. "But once you get them to come a couple of times, they start getting hooked on it."

Nintendo's Wii gaming system is making exercising fun and stimulating for seniors residing at assisted living facilities and nursing homes around the nation.

The challenge of a friendly game of bowling, tennis or golf is also helping provide social outlets for seniors to gather, to help ward off isolation and loneliness.

"We have some pretty good turnouts. People from the community come in. It's really brought people together," said Myers, the restorative nursing director for Bethany Home in Lindsborg.

Bethany Home received a Wii gaming system as a gift from a family last December. But the small TV in the home's activity room didn't do the system justice, and made it hard for groups of residents to participate.

Then in May, the home was awarded a $5,000 grant from the PET Project of the Greater Salina Community Foundation. PET stands for philanthropy, empowerment and transformation. The PET Project brings young donors together with the foundation's help to offer significant grants to programs or projects.

Myers used the grant to buy a 58-inch flat screen television that gives the Wii bowlers a large, vivid view of the game and their scores for each frame.

"It's really neat, because you see them using their arms more, and for longer periods of time," Myers said.

"Some of the media stories say it improves coordination, and it does," Myers said.

He said he's seen a difference in the physical health of residents who participate regularly with the Wii system. Every 90 days the residents receive a physical assessment, and there are also routine screenings for depression symptoms.

"All those numbers are improving. Which I think is incredible," he said. "It's something that's not a pill. So much of the time in today's society, that's the answer -- have another pill."

Nintendo of America officials say that when the Wii console was launched in 2006, they knew that its handheld motion controls would bring the popularity of video games to new audiences.

But what was surprising was how quickly the Wii Sports trend was adopted by baby boomers and seniors, they said.

Residents at Salina's Eaglecrest Retirement Community, located at 1501 E. Magnolia, have participated in bowling tournaments using the Wii system.

"One of our best bowlers is actually legally blind. But because she can see the highlights of the screen, she's scored over 200," said Karen Vidricksen, Eaglecrest administrator.

At least once or twice a day, one or more residents is using the Wii, Vidricksen said. She said other retirement and assisted living centers have also had success using Wii Fit, a game where the object is to do exercises such as yoga poses and push ups.

"We haven't incorporated that yet," Vidricksen said. "I've heard a lot of good things about it."

At Bethany Home, residents such as Charlie Johnson, 80, "bowl" using the Wii about twice a week. Johnson said the game is more realistic than he thought it might be initially.

"I get better (scores) realistically than I do on this," he said. "I had a 180 average when I bowled."

Johnson was bowling recently against a friend and a fellow resident, Earl Swenson, 82.

"I'd rather be farming," Swenson said, smiling. "But this is OK. I like people and I like to talk." And the game is a good opportunity for the residents to socialize, he said.

"It really is a good thing for a place like this," he said. "It's something that has action in it, it (appeals) to high age groups. There's 90-year-olds playing here, and they feel like they're a little younger when they bowl a strike."

Salina Journal July 18, 2009
Salina foundation accepting grant applications

The Greater Salina Community Foundation is accepting applications for grants from the Fund for Greater Salina.

The Fund for Greater Salina is an unrestricted community grant fund supported through donations and investment returns. Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations or individuals or groups with a charitable project that will benefit people in Saline County.

Applications, grant guidelines and supporting information are available on the Foundation's Web site, www.gscf.org, or may be obtained by writing to the foundation, Box 2876, Salina, KS 67402-2876, or calling 823-1800.

Salina Journal July 10, 2009
Boy Scouts to sponsor Eco-Camp for children

Children will have the opportunity to build their own solar oven and even bake a pizza at the Eco-Camp for children ages 7 to 12 and their families. The event is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America, in partnership with Westar Energy and the Climate and Energy Product.

The camp will be limited to 300 participants, so people are encouraged to register. Registration forms and additional information can be found at www.coro nadoscout.org or by calling 827-4461.

"The Coronado Area Council developed it as a specialty camp to teach youth about environmental stewardship," said Stacy Huff, Scout executive.

The Greater Salina Community Foundation donated $3,000 toward the approximately $10,000 cost of the camp.

The camp will be free to participants; some optional craft projects will be provided for a fee of $2 to $3 each.

"They will get to learn about wind turbines, solar power, recycling, clean energy, conserving energy and much more," said Eco-Camp director Patty Robben.

"I hope Eco-Camp will get them to think more about their local environment," Robben said. "Changing behaviors through teaching our children in a fun way at an early age how to be good stewards locally in their own community will (enable them to) take home some good habits for their families to practice."

Students will receive many different opportunities, including building their own bird house, participating in the Smoky Hill River cleanup, making their own "solar bracelet," and building an edible aquifer ice cream treat.

"Families will learn together about their connection with nature on a very local level, including practical ways to conserve natural resources," Huff said.

Salina Journal June 20, 2009
Leadership Salina program accepting nominations

Nominations are being accepted for the 2009 Leadership Salina program, sponsored by the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and Greater Salina Community Foundation.

Leadership Salina is designed to develop leaders who will have the skills and capacity to move forward Salina and local businesses and organizations.

The class will consist of up to 30 people. Tuition costs $450 a person. A limited number of partial scholarships are available.

The program begins Sept. 1 and 2 with an overnight retreat near Salina. It incudes seven additional full-day sessions, one every two weeks, and concludes Dec. 8. Each session will include learning a new leadership skill or capacity, a community panel and a community tour. The final session will include a celebration of class accomplishments.

For more information, to nominate a person or to receive an application, call the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, 827-9301, 120 W. Ash, or e-mail dweiser@salina.org.

Salina Journal May 18, 2009
Leaders inspire others

There probably aren't too many politicians who haven't made sure they jumped in front of the cameras when it came time to take credit for a bridge, flood control project or maybe a new senior center.

We have no problem with that. You work to get the money for a project or to cut some red tape to help the constituents -- sure, take a bow. But our favorite kind of recognition is the one handed out to those who volunteer without thought of reward.

The first was Jim Gile, who on Wednesday was named the winner of the 2009 Salina Award for Outstanding Citizenship, an annual award presented by the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

Working through his church for more than 35 years to benefit those served by the Salina Emergency Aid-Food Bank, Salvation Army, Salina Rescue Mission, Ashby House, DVACK and other agencies.

Helping start the Hunger Barrel Project, Project Salina and other food programs.

On Thursday, the Army recognized the Motter sisters, Elizabeth and Sarah, and all of those at Schilling Elementary School for a service project last year that resulted in more than 1,000 pairs of shoes being sent to Iraq for Iraqi children. Elizabeth and Sarah are fifth- and sixth-graders, respectively.

The school and the community together raised more than $11,000 to buy 1,050 pairs of shoes. The shoes were sent to the girls' father, 1st Sgt. Brian Motter, who was stationed along the Syrian border at the time. The Iraqi children were overjoyed to receive the shoes.

The lesson from both of these examples -- Gile and the Schilling school -- is that in selfless work, much can be accomplished, whether it's food for a disadvantaged Salina youth, or shoes for children in a war-torn country.

But just as important is the way these acts inspire others to make a difference. That's leadership, and it's what every healthy community needs.

Salina Journal May 14, 2009
Foundation presents citizenship awards

Owner of a Salina plumbing business for 52 years, Gile played a significant part in the North Salina Business Association, helping to improve both environmental conditions and quality of life for residents in neglected areas of town.

He has been involved in feeding and sheltering the disadvantaged through the Hunger Barrel program, Project Salina, Souper Bowl Sunday and Habitat for Humanity.

He was involved in an annual Christmas dinner for students and families at the former Hawthorne Elementary School and has supported numerous nonprofit organizations, which include Child Advocacy and Parenting Services and Hospice of Salina.

So when Gile was presented Wednesday with the 2009 Salina Award for Outstanding Citizenship, an annual award given by the Greater Salina Community Foundation, he was self-effacing.

"All I have to say is wow -- I've never been number one before," he said. "I've been (in Salina) all my life, and I'm just a giver. I enjoy it."

Gile was presented the honor at the Greater Salina Community Foundation luncheon at the Salina Country Club.

The award is given annually to a volunteer who has provided leadership and has made significant contributions toward the welfare or betterment of his or her community.

Also honored during the luncheon was Southeast of Saline Junior-Senior High School sophomore Joey Platt, who was given the 2009 Youth Citizenship Award by the foundation's Youth GrantMakers Council.

The annual award is given to a Saline County volunteer 18 or younger. The honoree is selected by members of the Youth GrantMakers Council.

Platt, 16, is an honor student who has volunteered for the Special Olympics, Relay for Life and Love, Chloe, a Salina-based foundation that assists children battling childhood cancers and tumors.

"I was surprised, honored and humbled by the honor," Platt said. "When the community needs help, I'm willing to give any time that I have."

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, established in 1999 to build a platform for the betterment of nonprofit organizations in Salina, said Pete Peterson, who was chairman of the foundation's board of directors from 1999 to 2002.

The Greater Salina Community Foundation has continued to grow and thrive despite a decade of U.S. economic instability, Peterson told the assembled guests.

In the first years of the foundation, he said, "If you had told us about the stock market meltdown of 2000-2001 or the current recession, we would have been more than discouraged. Luckily, surrounding communities bought into the dream."

Today, the Greater Salina Community Foundation is home to 322 different funding programs, said Betsy Wearing, the foundation's executive director.

"We cut a big swath for philanthropy throughout the state of Kansas," she said. "Our goal was to have $10 million in assets in 10 years."

Instead, the foundation has more than $38 million in assets and has awarded nearly $19 million in grant money to individuals and organizations. During the last year, from May 2008 to 2009, more than $3 million has been awarded.

"It's been a great year despite economic woes and adversities," Wearing said. "It's been a great 10 years."

$21,150 in college scholarships to 25 seniors from Salina South and Central, Sacred Heart, Southeast of Saline and Ell-Saline high schools.

A $3,740 Philanthropy, Empowerment, Transformation project grant to the Bethany Home Association to enhance its Wii-hab program. The program encourages seniors to play interactive electronic Wii games to promote physical fitness, mental acuity and social interaction.

Salina Journal May 14, 2009
Downtown Salina going green for Christmas

At Tuesday's meeting of the Salina Downtown, Inc. board of directors, members voted to adopt a recommendation made by a downtown holiday lighting task force to replace current Christmas roof lighting in the Lee District with warm white LED rope lighting.

Plans are to install LED lights on all decorative lighting poles along the north 100 block and south 100 and 200 blocks of Santa Fe Avenue by Nov. 21, the day of the annual downtown Christmas Parade of Lights.

"The current lighting system has been in place for a long time and needed an upgrade," said Phyll Klima, executive director of Salina Downtown, Inc. "This is our move to make downtown more green."

Building owners and renters in the Lee District will be able to switch to the new system at no additional cost, Klima said. Salina Downtown board members have developed a cost share program to assist property and business owners with initial costs and have established a perpetual maintenance and repair agreement to keep the lights in operation.

Arrangements also have been made with the Greater Salina Community Foundation to enable donors to contribute to a "Green Lee" fund. Additionally, Salina Downtown Inc. is offering to match every dollar of private investment to install the rooftop LED rope lighting, Klima said.

Research by the task force estimated that rooftop lighting and installation will cost about $5 for a linear foot, or about $125 in total for a 25-foot roof line.

The new lighting not only will last longer -- an estimated five years -- but will use just one-twelfth of the electricity of the current system, Klima said.

The new lighting is expected to save the city money and energy, she said, and also might help Salina win a statewide contest.

Salina is one of six Kansas cities -- Quinter, Merriam, Mount Hope/Haven, Wellington and Kinsley are the others -- participating in the Take Charge Challenge, a contest to determine which participating city cuts electricity use by the largest amount in one year.

The winner of the contest, which concludes April 1, 2010, will get the choice of a wind turbine for one of its schools, solar panels for a civic building or funds to complete a civic energy efficiency project.

Salina, partnering with Westar Energy, will receive points for every incandescent bulb replaced with more energy-efficient lighting, Klima said.

"When we make the big switch, you can be sure we'll count every bulb that comes off a building," she said.

Salina Journal May 13, 2009
Community garden receives grant money

LINDSBORG -- The Branch, a garden for Bethany College and Lindsborg community members, has received a $2,500 grant from the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

The grant will help pay the expenses of establishing the garden, including the purchase of supplies such as tools and seeds.

The garden is located one block north of Anderson Stadium on the Bethany College campus, on the west side of Kansas Street. It was created to tie the college and community together, and through the process of fellowship and shared work, to educate participants about local food and living sustainability.

For more information or to become involved with the garden, call (785) 227-3380, ext. 8161, or e-mail andersonc@bethanylb.edu.

Salina Journal May 6, 2009
Grants awarded from YW Legacy Fund

The Greater Salina Community Foundation Wednesday announced more than $16,000 in grant awards from the YW Legacy Fund. The YW Legacy Fund makes grants to projects that support the mission of the former YWCA. Grants included: n Sunrise Presbyterian Church, $1,000 for The Castle Project, a summer program that provides healthy lunches, character development, music, art and sports for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. n Salina Juneteenth Celebration, $2,100 to promote awareness, knowledge and appreciation of African American history and culture. n Christ Cathedral Montessori School, $1,200 for scholarships for the preschool, which will open in August. n The Volunteer Connection, $600 for a Youth Advisory Council that will help match youth volunteers with opportunities for service. n Saline County Sheriff’s Office, $1,000 for a variety of summer youth programs for more than 600 students, including a four-day summer camp, fishing program, and sports camp. n Martin Luther King Jr. Child Development Center, $2,500 to buy supplies for preschool students. n The City, $3,000 for the XCEL after school program, which provides tutoring, mentoring and life-skills training for at-risk students. n Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland, $1,000 for the Women of Achievement event, which honors outstanding women leaders. Several grants also were made possible through a partnership between the YW Legacy Fund and the Elden Miller Trust, including: n The First Tee, $2,000 for a new program to teach golf to girls ages 5-17. n Salina Art Center, $2,000 for art projects for women and children staying at the Ashby House.

Salina Journal May 1, 2009
Foundation gives spring grants

The Greater Salina Community Foundation has announced the grant recipients for the spring 2009 grants from the Fund for Greater Salina.

The foundation received 29 grant applications with requests totaling more than $103,000. Grant requests are capped at $5,000.

Fund for Greater Salina Grants are awarded twice a year through a competitive application process. The following grants were awarded:

$2,000, Saline County Commission on Aging -- funding for a photocopier/printer for the Sunflower Adult Day Services.

$500, Kansas Wesleyan University Holocaust Remembrance Week -- funding for Holocaust survivor Dr. Edith Eger, speaker for the 3rd annual Holocaust Remembrance Week.

$3,000, Coronado Area Council Boy Scouts of America -- to purchase supplies and materials for "Eco-Camp," where youngsters get hands-on experience on practical conservation principles.

$4,400, Salina Art Center -- funding for the Snapshots Program serving at risk students (grades 10-12) with experiences in photography, other visual arts and writing as a form of self expression.

$5,000, Salina Community Theatre -- funding for the Theatre Education Wing project, which will provide additional space for education, production and administration.

$1,900, Kansas Wesleyan Project HERO -- to purchase supplies for a community service day that brings college students together to perform numerous community service projects in a single day.

$5,000, The Land Institute -- funding for the new research center, which will provide a storm safe, cold storage building to safely store seeds and germ plasma used in research.

$2,500, Bethany College Community Garden -- funding for community garden plots to provide flowers and vegetables as well as a sense of community and earth stewardship.

$700, Make-a-Wish Foundation of Kansas -- funding for special training and background checks for potential Make-a-Wish volunteers.

$5,000, Christ Cathedral Montessori School -- funding for a certified Montessori preschool teacher for a new preschool program.

The following grants were made possible through a partnership with the Salina Regional Health Foundation Community Health Investment Program (CHIP). Grants funded through this partnership meet specific funding criteria established by CHIP committee members. Grant review, allocation of funding and grant administration is provided by Community Foundation.

$4,000, Salina Child Care Association -- child care scholarships for low-income children 6 weeks to 5 years old.

$5,000, New Start Family Life Skills Center -- scholarship funds for low-income families to attend life skills programs including anger management and a batterer's intervention program.

$3,000, The City (Teen Town) -- funding for the XCEL after-school program for students in grades 6-8 who are at risk for failure or dropping out.

$2,000, Martin Luther King Jr. Child Development Center -- to purchase 48 cots and tote bags for children's nap-time blankets.

$2,000, Heartland Programs -- funding to implement the Conscious Discipline program, a comprehensive social and emotional intelligence classroom management program that will serve 600 children.

$5,000, Martin Luther King Jr. Child Development Center -- funding for an access control security system for the building.

$1,500, Cottonwood Elementary School -- to purchase items for the Coyote Cash 'n' Carry program, which rewards students who exemplify positive character traits.

$3,000, Salina Arts and Humanities Commission/Smoky Hill River Festival -- support for the Spanish speaking theater group, Teatro de la Rosa, to provide acting workshops and daily shows at the Smoky Hill River Festival featuring children from the workshops.

Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $450,000 in grants from the Fund for Greater Salina. Funding for this grant program comes from donations, memorials and foundation investment income.

Established in 1999, the foundation is now in its 10th year, with assets totaling more than $35 million. In fiscal 2008, the foundation made nearly $9 million in grants.

For more information about the foundation, visit www.gscf.org, or call Betsy Wearing, president and executive director, at 823-1800.

Salina Journal March 26, 2009
Youth GrantMakers seeking membership applications

The Youth GrantMakers Council is taking applications until April 20 for members for the 2009-10 school year.

YGMC is a program of the Greater Salina Community Foundation. Its intent is to involve and empower youth in the foundation's mission to improve the quality of life in the community. Each year, YGMC distributes money to worthy, youth-led projects.

Applicants must be Saline County residents attending high school in the 2009-10 school year.

Council members review project ideas, decide which projects to fund and evaluate grants once the projects are completed. There are two meetings a month, on Monday evenings. There may be opportunities to participate in occasional training sessions, conferences and volunteer projects. Members are required to attend an all-day orientation retreat at the beginning of the school year.

For more information or an application, call Caitlin Cox, youth coordinator, at 823-1800, e-mail caitlincox@gscf.org, or go to www.ygmc.org.

Salina Journal March 22, 2009
Foundation seeks nominations for citizenship award

The Greater Salina Community Foundation is seeking nominations for the Salina Award for Outstanding Citizenship.

The award is given annually to a person who has made a significant voluntary contribution to the welfare or betterment of the community and has provided leadership, contributions or service that led to significant accomplishment and made a difference in Salina. The recipient does not have to be a Salina resident.

Nominations are being accepted until April 6. Information and nomination forms are available on the foundation's Web site, www.gscf.org, or by calling 823-1800.

Any person or organization may submit a nomination, and nominees may be of any age.

Salina Journal March 13, 2009
Grantmakers Council extends deadline

The Youth GrantMakers Council of the Greater Salina Community Foundation is extending the deadline for nominations for the Youth Citizenship Award.

The Youth Citizenship Award is given to a Saline County youth who is no older than 18 and who has made a significant voluntary contribution to the welfare or betterment of the community. The winner will be announced May 13 at the Greater Salina Community Foundation Annual Luncheon.

Nominations may be made by any student or adult and should be postmarked by March 23. Nomination forms are available on the YGMC Web site at www.ygmc.org.

Salina Journal March 7, 2009
Fundraising, grant writing focus of workshop

The Greater Salina Community Foundation is offering a "Back to Basics" workshop from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 3 at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Center.

Participants will learn the basics of fundraising and grant writing, where to look for grant opportunities and how to determine which grants are right for a project.

Presenters are Shawn Crawford and Connie Burket. Crawford is the director of stewardship and development and executive director of the Catholic Community Foundation of the Diocese of Salina. Burket is the director of the Kansas Alliance for Arts Education and director of the Salina Art Center's Artist Initiative program.

Registration is $25 for people representing organizations with funds in the Foundation and $15 a person for others from the same organization. Registration is $30 for people representing organizations that do not have funds in the Foundation and $20 a person for others from the same organization.

Salina Journal March 7, 2009
Applications being accepted for grants

The Greater Salina Community Foundation is accepting applications until April 17 for grants for programs or projects that benefit health and human services in Saline County.

Only one grant of about $5,000 will be awarded. Requirements include: Program or project must be designed to protect the health of Saline County citizens and provide essential human services; it should be completed or near completion by November; and applicants must be prepared, if asked, to make a presentation to the donor group on May 6.

For more information or an application, go to the Web site, www.gscf.org, and click on "PET Project."

Salina Journal February 25, 2009
PET Project foundation grant available to fund local health programs

The Greater Salina Community Foundation is seeking applicants for grants for programs or projects benefiting health and human services in Saline County.

The approximately $5,000 grant is offered through The PET Project, a foundation program targeting young donors. Each year the donors pick the area of emphasis and the project. The foundation administers the grant process. The PET Project is in its fifth year.

The nominated programs or projects must relate to health and human services offered in Saline County. Programs and projects should be completed or near completion by November.

Applicants must be prepared, if asked, to make a presentation to the donor group on May 6.

For more information or an application, visit www.gscf.org and click on PET Project.

Salina Journal February 13, 2009
Salina group accepting grant applications

The Youth GrantMakers Council of the Greater Salina Community Foundation is accepting grant applications until March 5.

The council funds youth-led projects that address community issues and challenges in Saline County. Projects for group trips and projects that solely benefit an individual are not accepted. Applicants must be no older than 18.

The council has granted nearly $5,000 this year to support a variety of youth-led initiatives. The council is funded by the foundation and other community partners.

Applications are available on the YGMC Web site, www.ygmc.org. Only applications on the YGMC form will be accepted. For more information, call Caitlin Cox, 823-1800.

Salina Journal February 3, 2009
Commissioners OK software purchase, grant application

The purchase of a computer software package for the county’s road and bridge department and an application for a grant from the Greater Salina Community Foundation were both approved by Saline County commissioners Tuesday. The software package, to be purchased at a cost of $2,400, will enable workers to document information related to equipment, labor and other data used in the field, road and bridge supervisor Dave Nowak told commissioners. Workers would be able to download work orders to mobile devices, and it should cut down on data entry requirements, he said. The sheriff’s office is applying for a grant of $4,258. The money will complete the funding necessary for summer youth programs the office sponsors, which include the GREAT (Gang Resistance Education And Training) camp, Ultimate Sports camp and others. Total cost of the programs is $20,837, and most of that comes from other grants and from the state alcohol tax fund.

Salina Journal January 31, 2009
Leadership class completes projects

A video outlining healthy opportunities for Salina youth, a science field trip and remodeling a children's playroom were among the community projects done by the recent graduating class of the new Leadership Salina program.

The leadership class is the result of combining two programs: the longtime Leadership Salina program of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and the Blueprint for Leadership program of the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

The revised curriculum is the result of more than a year's work to bring together the programs in a comprehensive leadership training program.

The class was led by Salinans Cindy Zimmerman and Carolyn Mikesell, and funding was provided by the foundation and the chamber. The leadership program is administered by the chamber and overseen by an advisory committee.

Members of the Leadership Salina class are: Melissa Anderson, Sacred Heart Jr./Sr. High School; Gary Bates (not pictured), Independent Connection at OCCK; Sophie Blackwell; Peter Browning, Salina Concrete Products; Daniel Craig, Central Kansas Foundation; Ann DuBois, Clubine & Retttele, Chtd.; Stephanie Flanagan, Salina Workforce Center; Eric Frank, St. Francis Community Services; Ty Fuller, Salina Regional Health Center; Daniel Gaston, Kennedy & Coe, LLC; Tricia Grace, Salina Clinic & Remax Advantage; John Hanley, Sunflower Bank; Susan Hawksworth, Smoky Hill Museum; Jared Hiatt, Clark, Mize & Linville, Chtd.; Andy Martin, Salina Area United Way; Ramon "Ray" Perez, KASA Industrial Controls; Darren Pittenger, Security Savings Bank; Andrea Quill, DVACK; Joshua Ratliff, First Bank Kansas; Marnie Rhein, Community Access TV; Kindra Roudybush, Asurion; Travis Sawyer, Sunflower Insurance Group; Terry Shank, Terry's Installation; Darrin Stineman, city of Salina Human Relations; Susan Young, The Bennington State Bank.

Class members met Jan. 20 at the Salina Country Club for a graduation party and to talk about their class projects:

A video that features Salina children talking about healthy opportunities and healthy choices in the community.

For more formation call, Don Weiser at the chamber at 827-9301, or the foundation at 823-1800.

Salina Journal January 29, 2009
Nominations sought for Youth Citizenship Award

The Youth GrantMakers Council, a program of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, is seeking nominations for a Youth Citizenship Award. The award is given to a Saline County youth 18 years old or younger who has made a significant voluntary contribution to the welfare or betterment of the community. The award includes a $100 prize. Any student or adult may nominate a candidate. Nominations are due by March 5 at the Greater Salina Community Foundation office, 113 N. Seventh. The award will be publicly announced at the foundation’s annual luncheon May 13. Nomination forms are available online at www.ygmc.org. For more information, call youth coordinator Caitlin Cox at 823-1800.

Salina Journal January 28, 2009
Vocal couple sing romantic favorites at Salina Symphony concert

Mention microphones to tenor and soprano duo Stefano and Nina Tanchietti and you might hear an unamplified scream.

They've never used microphones during their singing careers and don't intend to start now.

"Everything's amplified now, so the audience doesn't get the real sound of the voice," she said. "It cuts down your intensity, and distorts and changes your tone."

Second, when a singer uses a microphone, Stefano said, they tend not to project with as much energy as they would without the crutch of amplification.

"A microphone brings out all your flaws, and it limits you in your movements," he said.

So it's probably a safe bet the New York City-based couple will be wireless during a performance Feb. 8 with the Salina Symphony.

The concert, entitled "To Broadway With Love," begins at 4 p.m. at the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts, 151 S. Santa Fe.

The first half of the concert will consist of "Symphonic Dances" from the musical "West Side Story," and a sneak preview of the upcoming musical production at Kansas Wesleyan University, "Jekyll and Hyde."

The Tanchiettis will join the symphony during the second half of the concert to perform musical scenes from "Carmen" by Bizet and "The Phantom of the Opera" by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Both scores feature highly dramatic roles for soprano and tenor that not only test the couple's singing prowess, but also their acting and dancing skills.

"We don't like to just stand there and sing," Stefano said. "I stage scenes from the shows, Nina choreographs them, and we both wear costumes from the shows. There's a real dramatic quality to our selections."

The Tanchiettis will perform the Gypsy Dance from "Carmen," and "Music of the Night," "Think of Me" and "All I Ask of You" from "Phantom of the Opera."

They also will duet on the classic "Memory" from Lloyd Webber's musical "Cats," and return to the stage for a surprise encore comedic duet.

"They're both opera trained and provide a combination of great vocals and really good theatrical skills," said Adrienne Allen, executive director of the Salina Symphony.

The Tanchiettis also will perform an outreach concert with the Salina Symphony for area fourth-graders at 9 a.m. Feb. 6 at the Stiefel Theatre.

"Fourth-graders is the target age we're aiming for," Allen said. "It's about the time kids get interested in music, and it's also the time orchestra programs start in the schools."

Transportation for the students is being provided through a grant from the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

The Tanchiettis met while both were students at the Boston University School of Fine Arts. Nina auditioned for the Boston Ballet at age 16, but her dramatic soprano voice earned her a full music scholarship to Boston University.

Stefano's tenor voice also won him a full scholarship to the university at age 17.

That was 20 years ago. For the past two decades, the couple have been touring throughout the U.S., Europe and South Africa, building extensive repertoires in opera, operetta and musical comedy.

The Tanchiettis said they enjoy singing with local community orchestras, generally finding the musicians genuine and down-to-earth people -- unlike some professional musicians they've worked with.

"When you do something for the love of it, it changes your whole attitude towards it," Nina said.

After working closely for more than 20 years, the Tanchiettis said they still enjoy performing together.

"I've worked in operas with sopranos who can't move and can't act," he said. "With (Nina) I can do so much. It's a chemistry we have that you can't get working with a stranger."

Salina Journal January 25, 2009
The breast is best

The baby doesn't seem satisfied. The nursing mother loses confidence. By the time she calls Theresa Weigel, leader of La Leche League of Salina, the baby's cries accent the mother's anxious questions over the phone.

Weigel confirms that the baby is having enough wet and dirty diapers. If something's coming out, there's something going in. She provides the young mother the reassurance and advice she is looking for on that day, but the next day she sees the woman's phone number on her cell phone again.

Weigel is one of several lactation professionals who have formed the Saline County Breastfeeding Coalition. The women are working together to promote breastfeeding as the best choice for babies and mothers and to ensure that breastfeeding mothers get the support they need to succeed.

Coalition members -- who invite anyone to join -- envision a Salina that is a more nurturing place for nursing mothers. Recently, the coalition was awarded a $2,000 grant from the Greater Salina Community Foundation, which they intend to utilize to purchase three hospital-grade breast pumps that will be made available to low-income women. But that's only the beginning, they say.

In the future, coalition members would like to see a breastfeeding clinic open in Salina for nursing moms. With a more organized support system, they believe the numbers of mothers who will continue nursing their babies until they are at least a year old would rise significantly.

While about 66 percent of the women who give birth in Saline County try breastfeeding, that number drops to 15 percent before the baby is 6 months old, and only about 9 percent are still nursing when the baby is a year old, according to 2005 data gathered by the state. During 2008, the number of moms who started breastfeeding at Salina Regional Health Center rose to about 75 percent, but the number who continued to nurse past six months remained low.

Most mothers stop nursing before they return to work when their babies are about 6 weeks old. Stephanie Wolf, coordinator of the Maternal Child Health Program at the Salina-Saline County Health Department, said she would love to see more employer support for nursing mothers in Salina, so that they can continue to pump milk after they have returned to work. Since breast-fed babies tend to be healthier, she said employers would benefit when their employees' children were sick less often.

One breastfeeding-friendly employer is the hospital, where staff members can use the lactation room, said Nicole Betz, lactation specialist, birth center educator and registered nurse. The room includes a pump, a refrigerator and a comfortable chair, and employees are given the required 15- to 20-minute breaks they need to be able to pump milk every three to four hours.

The coalition's goal, Wolf says, is to help more Saline County mothers to nurse their babies longer. Why does it matter? Because a mother's body produces a milk that naturally meets her baby's nutritional and immune system needs. Successful breastfeeding is the best possible way to promote a baby's growth and development and instill antibodies to ward off illness.

"Human milk is the perfect food," Weigel said. "It's the best food on earth for that particular age."

Betz said they don't force anyone to breast feed. Instead, they try to educate. Mothers who do not feel comfortable with the process or who lack the support of family -- especially their husbands -- probably won't be able to successfully breast feed, she said.

Just because breastfeeding is natural doesn't mean it's easy -- at least at first. But it can become easier. A nursing mother can satisfy a baby who wakes in the night quickly without having to find a bottle and mix formula.

"The first week can be tough," Wolf said. "You're figuring it out. They're figuring it out."

She said she tells new moms to set a goal to stick with breastfeeding for two weeks, and then once they make it that long to set a new goal.

Weigel said new mothers and babies have to learn breastfeeding, just like any new activity.

"You don't just get put in a car and know how to drive, you take driving courses, and then you practice, and some of your best teachers are family and friends," she said. "Breastfeeding is a lot like that."

New mothers get a good start on learning about breastfeeding during birthing classes and then at the hospital, where all nurses are trained to assist with getting babies to latch on for the first time. It can be tricky when the mom is really needing to attempt breastfeeding while the whole family is waiting to come and meet the baby.

"The best thing a mom can do to get a great start on breastfeeding is to start within the first 30 minutes to 1 hour of life," Betz said. The baby is in a quiet, alert state during the first two hours of life, then usually goes into a deep sleep for four hours, she said.

The woman Weigel received a phone call from had arrived at a moment that is often a stumbling block for mothers learning to breast feed. She'd had help getting the baby positioned correctly, and things seemed to be going well at the hospital. But when she brought the infant home, it was harder than she expected.

The thick, yellowish colostrum -- so full of antibodies it's like a natural vaccination -- her breasts produced at first seemed to be running low, but her milk supply hadn't fully arrived. She didn't have a clear plastic bottle to look through and know exactly how much the baby was getting to eat, and she started to panic when the baby became fussy.

This is the first point at which many new parents decide to supplement with a bottle of formula. Although that might seem like the right decision at the time, it can impede breastfeeding in two ways: The baby may decide she prefers the bottle and rejects the breast, and the supply of breast milk will be reduced if the baby isn't consuming as much, because she is also eating formula, Wolf said.

"People don't really understand the whole supply-and-demand aspect of breastfeeding," she said.

Wolf, who offers an in-home visit to anyone who gives birth at the Salina hospital, provides support and education to help people with feeding issues. She also weighs the baby to monitor growth.

"I want to give women realistic expectations so they know in the back of their mind this is normal, hang in there," she said. Other times that tend to present challenges for breastfeeding mothers are growth spurts babies experience at around 7 to 10 days, and 2 weeks and 4 weeks. During these times, the baby is likely to want to nurse with much greater frequency, which will cause the milk supply to grow.

Pregnant women who plan to nurse their babies can schedule one-on-one prenatal consultations with Wolf to get delivery and breastfeeding information. Once the baby arrives, Wolf continues consultations on a regular basis for the first few months to ensure that breastfeeding is well established.

"I still remember my first time breastfeeding," she said. "I struggled, but I was committed and stuck with it."

Betz said she was also inspired to pursue her career through her own breastfeeding experience. She said Weigel, who has been with La Leche League for 26 years, was instrumental in helping her overcome initial problems she experienced.

"My first baby didn't eat for almost 48 hours," she said. "I became passionate about breastfeeding issues. I was a first-time mom and a nurse, and I thought this is supposed to be perfect, and it's not."

Kristen St. John, 21, recently brought her newborn daughter, Hayden Nichols, to see Wolf at the health department. Hayden, who was born Dec. 23, weighed 6 pounds 8 ounces at her appointment Jan. 8, surpassing her birth weight by 3 ounces.

"She makes the funniest faces -- even when she's sleeping," St. John said as she held her baby. "It's hilarious."

St. John said she decided she wanted to breast feed when she learned of the benefits during child development class in high school.

"I want the best for her, obviously," St. John said. She said she was particularly committed to breastfeeding to give Hayden the benefit of the antibodies it contains since she was born during cold and flu season.

St. John received support for her decision from her mother, Ruth St. John, a nurse who breast fed her own children, and her baby's father, Eric Nichols.

"She comes in for little bits of advice," Ruth St. John said. "But she's had such good support through the health department that I haven't had to do much."

Wolf said often mothers who want to nurse have mothers who didn't nurse and don't know what kind of support is needed.

"You have to be comfortable breastfeeding and committed to it, or you won't get through the first little hurdle that comes up," Wolf said.

St. John's first hurdle came on the second night she had Hayden at home. She was up all night with the baby and got very anxious because she was feeding constantly and not getting satisfied.

"I felt like she was starving," she said. "I didn't think it was going to be as hard as it was."

She called a doctor on a 24-hour help line and was told to go ahead and supplement with a little formula. Hayden drank half an ounce and settled into a four-hour sleep.

But after having the bottle, Hayden didn't want to go back to the breast. Since St. John plans to return to work in a few weeks, she decided not to attempt to reintroduce the breast. Instead, she borrowed a friend's pump and started feeding Hayden breast milk from a bottle.

"The bottle is not as hard -- we all take the easy way out, even babies," Wolf said. "It's been good for Kristen, too, because she can see exactly how much the baby is eating."

St. John has the commitment and support to succeed at pumping with enough frequency to maintain her milk supply. Moms who don't tend to turn to formula when their babies reject the breast, Wolf said. That's why lactation consultants recommend babies spend the first two weeks at the breast, without introduction of a bottle or pacifier.

Weigel described breast milk as "the great equalizer." She said she worked with a teen mother recently who said she knew she couldn't give her baby a lot of the advantages other children are born into, but she could give her the best food in the world.

"She put her whole heart and soul into it," she said. "Learning about how your baby and your body work together is just another empowering thing to know. It's no small thing to really get to know your baby."

Salina Journal January 9, 2009
Foundation Announces Scholarships Available

The Wally Beets – John Marino Scholarship. For employees who are or have been employed by the Salina Country Club attending accredited post-secondary institutions.

Booker T. Washington Scholarship. For African American students from the Salina area attending accredited post-secondary institutions.

Decatur Community Scholarship. For students graduating from USD #294 attending accredited post-secondary institutions.

The Erik Erickson Memorial Scholarship. For students graduating from Decatur Community High School attending accredited post-secondary institutions.

The Brian C. Garnett Scholarship. Three $1,000 scholarships for graduates of Salina High School Central.

Mike & Mable Kelling Scholarship. For students from Hartley High School, Hartley, Texas, attending accredited post-secondary institutions.

Kelling-Tomlinson Scholarship. For students from Smith Center High School attending accredited post-secondary institutions.

Evelyn R. King National Honor Society Scholarship. This is a scholarship that is selected by committees at Sacred Heart High School, SalinaCentral High School and Salina South High School. They look at all Senior members of National Honor Society and select two students from their respective schools to receive this scholarship based on criteria in the National Honor Society National Scholarship application. Students will be required to complete that application.

Glenn L. & Edna M. Mott Memorial Scholarship. For students graduating from Decatur Community High School attending accredited post-secondary institutions.

Florence Evelyn Westhoff Scholarship. For students who are connected with, but not necessarily members of, the University United Methodist Church (UUMC), Salina, KS, or students attending Kansas Wesleyan University.

Applications are available from counselors at area high schools or on our website at www.gscf.org. For more information, please call: Michelle Griffin, Affiliate/Scholarship Coordinator of the Foundation at 785-823-1800.

Salina Journal January 6, 2009
Grants from YW fund available

The Greater Salina Community Foundation is calling for applications for grants from the YW Legacy Fund.

The fund makes grants to initiatives that support the mission of the former YWCA. About $15,000 will be available this year.

Grant requests should address one or more of the following criteria: encourage women's growth, leadership and power in order to attain a common vision for peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people; help children attain their greatest potential; create an environment to assist in the physical and mental health and well-being of women and their families; and pursue the elimination of racism wherever it exists.

The YW Legacy Fund was established in 2006 by board members of the former YWCA of Salina. Assets from the sale of the building, an endowment for the YWCA and funds previously established for the YWCA at the Community Foundation were combined to create the fund. Supporters of the former YWCA also have contributed.

Applications are available on the foundation's Web site, www.gscf.org, or by calling the foundation, 823-1800.

Salina Journal January 3, 2009
Youth GrantMakers announce fall grants

The Youth GrantMakers Council has announced a series of grants for the fall 2008 cycle.

Salina South High School's "Lab Chick" club, for lab supplies for its annual "Girls in the Lab Day," which works to get young girls interested in science -- $1,500.

St. John's Missionary Baptist Church's Youth RAPP program, for a youth group lock-in to learn about accepting people's differences and ways to eliminate racism -- $1,000.

Ell-Saline's PALS program, which helps elementary students adjust to middle school -- $1,000

Salina South High School's advanced drama class, to work with Child Advocacy and Parenting Services for a traveling show to educate students about dating and sexual violence -- $750.

Southeast of Saline High School's Art Club, to host fundraisers to help the elementary art program buy supplies -- $325.

St. Mary's Grade School sixth-grade class, to buy a recycling receptacle for each classroom to extend the school's recycling program -- $300.

In all, 10 grant applications were received. The Youth GrantMakers Council is an arm of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, and gets its funding from donations, memorials and the foundation's investment income.

Salina Journal December 12, 2008
Pals for another year

BROOKVILLE -- For the past several years, students new to Ell-Saline Junior-Senior High School have had a "pal," an older student who could help them find their way around, work their lockers and generally navigate the intricacies of the school day.

"We have transitioned the kids from not knowing anything about the school to being familiar," said junior Emily Smith, who's been involved in the Pals organization for several years.

Those involved in working with younger students say they've seen positive benefits.

"I remember my seventh-grade year," said senior Morgan Lindsay. "I was afraid of all the high-schoolers. Now, I see seventh-graders saying 'hi' to the high-school students."

Overall, Smith and Lindsay say, students coming in -- not only seventh-graders, but any new student to the school -- seem to be making a smoother adjustment than in the past.

"It's more of a family out here," Smith said. "There are still some divisions (between older and younger students), but not so much."

To help the older and younger students spend time with each other, the Pals organization, sponsored by teacher Lori Scuitte, hosts regular get-togethers, such as a back-to-school breakfast, and other events about once a month.

That all might have been gone for the 2009-10 school year, as the grant money that had been funding those activities dried up.

At a quiet gathering of the Pals group Thursday afternoon, Scuitte explained the end of the grant and how she approached Smith and Lindsay months ago to see if they had any ideas.

A few months later, Scuitte said, Lindsay suggested to her that they apply for a grant from the Youth GrantMakers Council. The council, an arm of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, not only funds youth programs, but has young people involved in the process of deciding which grant applications are funded.

Lindsay serves on the council and is the only student from Ell-Saline who's involved in the program. Lindsay recruited Smith, who's been involved with Pals since eighth grade, to write the actual grant application.

"I re-did it several times myself before I took it to Ms. Scuitte," Smith said at the end of Thursday's assembly. At that assembly, Caitlyn Cox, coordinator of the council, presented Lindsay and Smith with a check for $1,000 to keep Pals operating next year.

"It was hard," Smith said of the grant application. "It took a lot of thought -- but then again, it really wasn't hard, because I see what this group does every day."

Salina Journal November 29, 2008
Parents will have new tool for rating child care centers

On the wall beside the framed copy of her state-issued child care license hangs another certificate that Sherron French is justifiably proud of.

The certificate from the Kansas Quality Rating System certifies that French's Happy Hearts Child Care center has received three out of a possible five stars under a new child care rating system.

Someday soon, parents seeking child care in Saline County should be able to look on a Web site to see how many stars child care providers have earned.

French, who operates the child care center from the basement of her home on South Santa Fe Avenue, is one of the providers participating in the voluntary program.

On a recent day, her brood included her 5-year-old twin sons, who are the oldest of slightly fewer than a dozen children reaching all the way down to 18 months in age.

A few of the children duck merrily in and out of a yellow-and-white striped tent set up in a corner. Others are busy stacking and knocking down building blocks, and playing with dolls. Snack time comes and they sit at a low table, where French serves them cups of juice and individually wrapped sticks of string cheese.

When she was preparing to open her child care center 10 years ago, French said, the child care provider community wasn't a close-knit bunch.

"I had to really reach out to find the networks in order to figure out what 'professionalism' is. This is going to bring professionalism into the parent (arena)," she said, of the quality rating system. "So that parents understand what a professional (provider) does.

"I think it's going to be great for parents because it gives them direction. It gives them choices about quality."

The rating system might be a good idea, but it's an expensive one, and that's one thing holding it back. It's estimated the program will cost $500 a child -- a year. But for the providers who participate, the rewards can be great, including receiving grants as well as access to college scholarships for themselves and their staffs.

This summer, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce conducted a survey among employers whose employees represent 53 percent of all eligible workers in the county.

Just more than 61 percent of those employers ranked the availability of child care services as very important or important in recruiting workers, chamber president and chief executive officer Dennis Lauver said.

The Salina-based Kansas Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (KACCRRA), is helping create the rating system.

Saline County was one of the pilot counties, along with the communities of Wichita, Garden City and Kansas City, said KACCRRA Director Leadell Ediger.

KACCRRA doesn't plan to release any of the ratings until the number of providers involved reaches at least 15 to 20 percent of licensed child care providers statewide. It's not there yet, but Ediger hopes the rating service will be available to Kansas parents no later than this June.

"If you release the ratings to families in counties where there might only be two or three providers to choose from, and those folks have no vacancies, it is frustrating," Ediger said.

At one point in the project, the only funding available came from the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services. Some communities also used state grant funds from Kansas' share of tobacco lawsuit settlement.

Now a group of community leaders in Salina has formed the Great Beginnings Partnership. It's mission is to develop a stronger work force and to help stabilize the current work force by fostering high-quality, early childhood education via the Five Star Quality Rating System.

"They said that within five years they wanted to have 70 percent of child care providers in Saline County rated," Ediger said. "They've set a very ambitious goal with an ambitious dollar amount attached."

Betsy Wearing, the foundation's executive director, said a fund for the program has been established at the foundation, and it's received a "significant" contribution from the Salina Regional Health Foundation's Community Health Investment Program.

The rating process starts when the children care provider requests an application. A ratings specialist visits the provider, observes the learning environment and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the facility and its resources -- right down to the kinds of toys and activities available.

The rating system is eligible to both institutional child care centers and home-based providers, Ediger said. Stars are apportioned based on staff training and qualifications, interactions between children and staff members, class size and staff-to-child ratios, and the learning environment and instructional practices.

When parents seeking child care call one of the state's resource and referral call centers for a listing of providers, that list will include the star rating for each provider. There also will be a link to a Web site and a two-page assessment report to go with the rating.

"For parents, it really is the consumer reports of child care," said Jennifer Hecker, the Kansas Quality Rating System director for KACCRRA. "It really will be the most information they've ever had when they make a child care choice."

The pilot program has uncovered providers with fairly serious health and safety issues.

"It's hard to get to the four-and five-star level. If they're at that level, they have a lot to be proud of," Ediger said.

"I would say that if we could get 10 to 15 percent of providers across the state, we would classify that as a real success," Ediger said.

"We're estimating $5,500 per provider, or $500 per child on average per year," she said. "We think that's a great investment. We also know that there are thousands of children in child care across Kansas. Multiplied by that, it's daunting."

A coach works with providers to help them develop a quality improvement plan once they receive their star rating.

Providers who receive 1, 2 or 3 stars must improve their quality by up to 4 points each year, and 4- and 5-star programs must maintain their overall quality level to remain eligible under the program.

Officials are looking at public and private partnerships for funding for the program.

Part of the helpfulness of the rating system is it identifies for parents the areas that might be most important to them as they look for the best child care providers.

"Part of it is giving the parents what your philosophy is. Are you concentrating on academics, or are you concentrating on family partnerships (having parents more involved in activities) -- they'll be able to see where your strengths are," French said. "A lot of it is a lot parents just don't know what quality is.

Salina Journal November 20, 2008
Local organizations put wish lists in holiday catalog

Thirty-five local nonprofit organizations with wish lists have been included in the Make A Wish Come True Catalog, released for the holidays by the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

The catalog contains contact information for local organizations and a wish list of needs to help the organizations better serve the community. Needs include such things as sports equipment, toiletries, toys, books, office supplies, carpet and appliances.

All nonprofit organizations that have funds in the Greater Salina Community Foundation were invited to be included in the catalog.

Catalogs are available at the Foundation office, 113 N. Seventh, Suite 201; the Salina Public Library, 301 W. Elm; Salina Media Group, 131 N. Santa Fe; and the Salina Journal, 333 S. Fourth.

Salina Journal October 31, 2008
Community foundation awards grants

The Greater Salina Community Foundation announced Thursday the recipients of more than $47,500 in fall grants.

$2,000 to Kendra Baumberger to buy sewing machines for a 4-H group. The machines will be used to teach sewing and to make more than 100 pillowcases for pediatric patients at Salina Regional Health Center.

$2,200 to the Salina Symphony to fund a Broadway-themed outreach concert for 540 area fourth-grade students.

$4,500 to Rolling Hills Zoo to build a small playhouse using green building materials.

$500 to the Salina Human Relations Department for the purchase of materials printed in Spanish to promote the CityGo bus system in the Hispanic community.

$2,000 to the Saline County Commission on Aging to buy a refrigerated salad bar cart for the Healthy Lifestyle initiative.

$1,225 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina to assist with staff development and certification.

$3,500 to the Salina Arts and Humanities Commission to fund a professional dance residency as part of the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

$4,600 to Coaching Boys to Men Task Force to fund a program that provides education and materials to middle school coaches. The program focuses on teaching young boys how to respect women in an effort to reduce abuse and violence against young women.

The following grants were awarded through a partnership with the Salina Regional Health Foundation Community Health Investment Program:

$5,000 to the Salina Soccer Club for scholarships for players with financial needs.

$2,000 to the Saline County Breastfeeding Coalition to buy breast pumps and additional equipment to assist new mothers.

$4,000 to the Kansas Children's Service League to support the Oasis program, which serves families with children between 10 and 18 who are at risk of running away from home.

$4,000 to the Salina-Saline County Health Department to purchase "Halo Sleep Sacks" to distribute to new moms. The sleep sacks are recommended as a way to reduce the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

$2,500 to the Salina Child Care Association to buy new equipment for the literacy, art and music learning centers.

$3,500 to Child Advocacy & Parenting Services for the Bullying Prevention program.

$1,000 to St. Mary's Grade School for a new community service club for students.

$5,000 to Southeast of Saline Elementary School to expand the Bal-a-Vis-X exercise program. The program promotes brain body integration and has been shown to improve school readiness, motor skills and focus.

Salina Journal October 28, 2008
AYP news good for Southeast of Saline students

GYPSUM -- At their meeting Monday night, Southeast of Saline school board members went over the latest numbers on adequate yearly progress goals for district students -- and got good news.

For example, of the secondary students -- mainly sophomores and some freshmen -- who took the math test, 90 percent scored proficient in the subject.

Statewide, a percentage that high is very good, said high school principal Monte Couchman.

The AYP results were tabulated from state assesment tests given last spring at certain grade levels. Under the No Child Left Behind law, schools are required to show continual improvement, with the goal of all students being "proficient" by 2014. For this year, the goal for Kansas elementary students was 75.6 percent proficient in reading and 73.4 percent proficient in math. The AYP goals for secondary students was 72 percent in reading and 64.6 percent in math.

Southeast elementary school students in grades 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th, all together, scored 91 percent proficiency, said principal Sharlene Ramsey.

However, No Child Left Behind also tracks individual demographic groups, and in the group of economically poor students -- those receiving free and reduced lunches -- the score was 87.1 percent proficiency.

"You can see a subtle decline there -- not significant," Ramsey said, pointing to a slide on the screen showing the poor student group falling from 94.1 percent proficiency in 2006.

"When you look at state averages for free and reduced lunch population kidos, reading right now for the state of Kansas is at about 72 percent," she said. "So we still are well above state averages, and we will keep track of that."

Southeast of Saline elementary and secondary students who took the test scored well above AYP benchmarks in math, and in reading at the secondary level, as well, Ramsey and Couchman said.

Linda Smith, administrative assistant for the Greater Salina Community Foundation, presented a check for a $5,000 grant from the foundation. The grant will enable Southeast of Saline educators to expand an exercise program using the Bal-A-Vis-X program.

The district already uses the program in sixth grade, and is preparing to integrate it into classes for preschool students who will later attend school at Southeast.

Bal-A-Vis-X, created by educator Bill Hubert, stimulates movement-based learning and coordination utilizing exercises using beanbags, racquetballs and sometimes balance boards. The grant money will also enable the school to host Hubert for a two-day staff training July 21 and 22.

The district is working toward integrating Bal-A-Vis-X throughout grades K-12, which would make it the first school district in the nation to utilize the system at every grade.

Salina Journal October 10, 2008
Youth GrantMakers Council accepting applications

Grant applications are being accepted until Nov. 1 by the Youth GrantMakers Council.

Applications are available on the Youth GrantMakers Council Web site, www.ygmc.org. Only applications on the YGMC form will be accepted, and all applicants must be no older than 18.

The council funds youth-led projects that address community issues and challenges in Saline County. Proposals for group trips and projects that solely benefit an individual are not accepted. Last year, the council gave $11,700 during two grant cycles.

Youth GrantMakers Council is a program of the Greater Salina Community Foundation and is funded by the foundation and other community partners.

For more information or to schedule a presentation, call Caitlin Cox, youth coordinator, 823-1800.

Salina Journal September 18, 2008
Leadership class chosen for 2008

The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and Greater Salina Community Foundation have chosen 25 people to make up the 2008 class for Leadership Salina.

The program begins with an overnight retreat near Salina and includes seven additional full-day sessions, one every two weeks. Each session will include learning a new leadership skill or capacity, hearing from a community panel and taking a community tour. The final session will include a celebration of class accomplishments.

Class members are: Melissa Anderson, Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School; Gary Bates, Independent Connection at OCCK; Sophie Blackwell, Occupational Performance Corporation; Peter Browning, Salina Concrete Products; Daniel Craig, Central Kansas Foundation; Ann DuBois, Clubine & Rettele; Stephanie Flanagan, Salina Workforce Center; Eric Frank, St. Francis Community Service; Ty Fuller, Salina Regional Health Center; Daniel Gaston, Kennedy and Coe; Tricia Grace, Salina Clinic/ RE/Max Advantage Realtors; John Hanley, Sunflower Bank; Susan Hawksworth, Smoky Hill Museum; Jared Hiatt, Clark, Mize, and Linville; Andrew Martin, Salina Area United Way; Ramon Perez, KASA Industrial Controls; Darren Pittenger, Security Savings Bank; Andrea Quill, DVACK; Joshua Ratliff, First Bank Kansas; Marnie Rhein, Community Access Television; Kindra Roudybush, Asurion; Travis Sawyer, Sunflower Insurance Group; Terry Shank, Terry's Installation; Darrin Stineman, city of Salina, and Susan Young, Bennington State Bank.

Salina Journal August 27, 2008
Deadline Friday for Leadership Salina applications

Applications for the upcoming Leadership Salina class are due to the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce office by 5 p.m. Friday.

Leadership Salina, a project of the chamber and the Greater Salina Community Foundation, is a program to develop leaders who will have the skill and capability to move the community forward.

The program begins with an overnight retreat Oct. 7 and 8 near Salina and includes seven additional full-day sessions, one every two weeks on a Tuesday. Each session will include learning a new leadership skill or capacity, hearing from a community panel and taking a community tour.

Tuition of $450 includes program materials, meals and social functions. Tuition may be paid by a business or organization. Some scholarships are available.

Applications are available online at www.salinakansas.org or www.gscf.org, or by calling the chamber office, 827-9301.

Salina Journal August 19, 2008
United they stand

CHAPMAN -- Deafening whistle blows from Principal Bruce Hurford were all that could calm down the roars of excitement from students gathering Monday morning at Chapman Middle School.

It was the beginning of a new school year, and a very special day to celebrate the Irish rebound from a June 11 tornado that nearly destroyed all of the school buildings in Chapman and a large section of town.

"I think they're really anxious to see what everything's like," said Michelle Elliott, a middle school teacher. She handed out maps of the school campus to students as they arrived on opening day.

With loads of help in the form of dollars, sweat and encouragement from the community, region, state and nation, the school made good on Superintendent Tony Frieze's pledge that classes would begin as scheduled on the 18th of August.

"We're all going through some struggles ... going through this together," Becca Stout, a senior at Chapman High School and the student council president said in her welcome to students at an all-school assembly.

The assembly was flavored by a number of standing ovations as the school and town each were given a check for $50,000 from a number of Salina-area businesses, an anonymous donor and individuals from a large area.

"It doesn't take a particular building to define a school. It doesn't take city boundaries to define a community," said Betsy Wearing, Salina, the president and executive director of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, which administered the giving. Frieze said donations to the school district alone exceeded $275,000.

"There's nothing like adversity to bring people together," said Lee Young, chairman of Salina Vortex, one of the firms that contributed to the Salina fundraising.

"It's truly amazing when everybody has something they need done," he said. "It's pretty neat.

Other firms involved in the matching funds challenge were Green Lantern, Pepsi, Solomon Corp and Great Plains Manufacturing. Rocking M Radio of Salina helped spread the word, and Arrow Printing provided in-kind services.

Green Lantern's Bud DeArvil pointed to Frieze and said, "This gentleman deserves your biggest round of applause."

"Tony's always been an excellent leader," Keating said. And in the aftermath of the tornado, Frieze, "really showed what he's made of. Adversity doesn't create character. It reveals it, and we've seen a lot of character revealed in this community."

On Monday, most of the district's 975 students nestled into two dozen 24- by 64-foot modular classrooms, which emitted a satisfying "new" smell. Skirting, railings and awnings over doorways will be installed in coming days. The modular classrooms are expected to be in use for about two years.

"So far, so good," Don Parks, a sixth-grader, said as he settled into teacher Bari Stalder's classroom.

Chapman School Board member Gregg Sexton still marveled at the "Herculean effort" to clean up, fix up and present a new look at the schools, which in a matter of minutes were left in shambles by the EF-3 tornado. The district suffered about $35 million in damage from the storm.

"My gosh, they did this in 60 days," he said. "It's like Tony (Frieze) said: 'You draw a line in the sand and say we're going to start on this day.' "

Middle school students were pointed from the district gym to the compound with 11 temporary classrooms where most of their subjects will be taught. The buildings were placed on the practice football field. The Irish now practice on the front lawn of the Kansas Auto Racing Museum.

"Eighth-graders, we're clear down at the other end. We're the Green Mile," teacher Jill Goldsmith told her students as they strolled on concrete sidewalks.

Teachers took class attendance and introduced their students to their courses. Seventh-grader Grant Prichard said he favored the "freedom" that the modulars offered.

"I didn't think there would be any school this year," seventh-grader Kody Baer said. He rode out the tornado at his Chapman home that was destroyed. He now lives in Junction City.

Middle school teacher John Harris remembered looking outside on the morning after the tornado.

"The destruction was unbelievable. Everybody had this glass-eyed look," Harris said. Then everyone pitched in and the recovery was on, he said, and a lot of equipment was saved.

Cameras were flashing at the St. Michael's Catholic Church education center, where the kindergarten through fourth grades are housed, plus four modular buildings. The other nine modular buildings are in use at Chapman High School.

Enrollment is up 10 to 12 students in the kindergarten through fifth grades, said Donna Davis, elementary school principal.

Those walks from building to building have school officials concerned about bad weather, but the teachers in Greensburg, which was devastated in a 2007 tornado, had some advice.

Two classrooms were without desks and chairs Monday, so the students took big pillows to sit on.

At the assembly, the entire student body formed a sea of green in the district gym bleachers. They were given T-shirts printed with the Irishman mascot standing with fists clenched in defiance of a tornado. Joining them were faculty, staff, parents and school board members, who cheered, clapped and sang as the Chapman High School band played.

Cheerleaders and the dance team filled the building with pep, and Las Vegas performer, The Amazing Christopher, brought belly laughs to the bleachers with his Village People routine.

Unity was evident as students slapped high-fives as they filed out of the gym and returned to class. Senior yell leader and football player Wade Chamberlin was in the spirit line, celebrating an Irish victory.

He admitted that right after the tornado, he had doubts that Frieze's guarantee would hold true. Then Chamberlin remembered his roots.

"I knew the community would come together and get the school ready for us," he said.

The city of Chapman announced it has been awarded a $283,000 Urgent Need Community Development Block Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The money will be used to replace the city's electrical grid and to cover what insurance settlements didn't in replacing a water well, pump house and storm siren that were destroyed in the storm.

"Fighting Irish, Coming Back Strong" is the theme of the Labor Day Parade at 2 p.m. Sept. 1.

The community celebration begins Aug. 29 with a dance from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Lumberyard Bar and Grill.

Salina Journal August 18, 2008
School begins today in Chapman

CHAPMAN -- Within hours after a tornado nearly destroyed Chapman's school buildings and a big chunk of the town, Superintendent Tony Frieze vowed in public that school would begin today, as scheduled.

Two months and seven days since the June 11 tornado, the students have a place to begin school, and before 8 a.m. those familiar yellow buses will begin dropping them off for the first day of classes.

While some students had to move because their homes were destroyed, Frieze said others moved into the district. He expects 975 students to begin today, which is about the same as last year's enrollment.

The massive effort that involved help from all over the nation will be celebrated at 9:45 this morning with an assembly in District Gym.

"I'm not surprised that we are having school today," said Frieze, 60. "I think it's going to be a good day for the Irish."

Each Chapman student will be given a green T-shirt with the school's Irishman mascot in a fighting stance against a tornado.

"It goes with one of our cheers, 'We fight to win. We never give in. We're the Fighting Irish.' That's a perfect symbol of us coming back to school by Aug. 18," Frieze said. "We're coming back strong."

In the packed gym -- because only the north side bleachers can be used -- with dozens of news reporters expected to chronicle the event, he said Chapman will show its pride, and happiness will reign, despite only portions of the permanent structures still available for use.

Two $50,000 checks -- one to the school district and the other to the city of Chapman -- will be presented from the Greater Salina Community Foundation. Half of the money came from Green Lantern, Pepsi. Salina Vortex, Solomon Corp., Great Plains Manufacturing and an anonymous donor, and the other half was from individuals in Salina and many other communities, said Betsy Wearing, president and executive director of the Foundation.

The Chapman High School dance team and cheerleaders will perform along with the band, and the Student Council President Becca Stout, will welcome her fellow students to the new school year.

A surprise "YMCA Village People routine," Frieze said, is from The Amazing Christopher from Las Vegas. "The special entertainment is for the students and staff. We want to have an educational school year, but we also want to have fun," he said.

Most of the learning will take place in 24 new modular classrooms, painted in school colors.

None of the elementary school can be used, so the district will house its kindergarten through fourth grades at the St. Michael's Catholic Education Center, and in four modular classrooms.

At Chapman Middle School, District Gym, two classrooms and what used to be the music room are available, along with 11 modulars.

The northern portion of Chapman High School can be used, which includes the fitness center, cafeteria, multipurpose room, band room, choral room, along with nine modular classrooms.

Across the street to the east is the Ag Area, where the construction technology and vocational agriculture classrooms will be used. Family and consumer science classes, typically in the high school, will be taught there, Frieze said.

"Our lights are supposed to be up by Sept. 16," Frieze said. "The field looks great."

The concession stand that was taken out by the tornado, has been rebuilt, and the press box is under construction. The team is practicing at the Kansas Racing Museum. The school's practice football field is home to modular classrooms.

Frieze said the District Gym's floor will be installed between Sept. 15-30. Meanwhile the volleyball teams are practicing at Enterprise, and a sports floor is being installed at the high school cafeteria

Until the gym floor is finished, volleyball games will be played at other locations within the district.

"By the middle of the season, we'll be back on our home court at the District Gym," Frieze said.

With the students back to school, Frieze said work will continue on rebuilding and repairing schools, the administration building and other structures.

Salina Journal August 3, 2008
Salina foundation awards five grants

The Salina Regional Health Foundation awarded grants to five organizations through its Community Health Investment Program.

Salina Art Center, $16,700 to support Artbreak, which serves at-risk elementary school students; Discoverers, for middle school students; and Snapshots-Lives in Transition, for high school students.

Youth GrantMaker's Council of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, $7,500, over three years, for grants for projects affecting youths.

Central Kansas Cooperative in Education, $9,826.28 to provide equipment to use with students who have Sensory Integration Dysfunction. SID is a neurological disorder that causes difficulty processing information from the five senses.

American Red Cross, $25,000 to be used to help Chapman and area residents affected by the June 11 storms.

Opportunity Now Special Day School, $4,995 to allow students the opportunity to take tae kwon do. instruction.

Salina Journal July 30, 2008
Leadership programs merge

A new leadership class -- or actually the merger of two existing leadership classes -- was announced Tuesday at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.

Leadership Salina and Blueprint for Leadership will merge to form an interactive, eight-session program for individuals interested in learning or enhancing leadership skills. The program will be called Leadership Salina.

"What's occurring is a marriage of strengths," said Dennis Lauver, president and chief executive officer of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce. "Each of our programs had different strengths."

The new program begins with a two-day overnight retreat in October, followed by seven all-day sessions ending in January. Each session will include a panel discussion with community leaders in various areas, such as health care and economic development. By the end of the program, participants will have completed a community project that will have utilized leadership, collaboration, visioning and creative thinking skills learned throughout the course.

Organizers wanted program participants to have a chance to apply their new skills in the community.

"You take the skills that they're learning and use them in a practical way," said Betsy Wearing, president and executive director of the Greater Salina Community Foundation. "I think this will be an excellent opportunity for our community."

The foundation sponsored the Blueprint for Leadership program, while the chamber sponsored Leadership Salina.

Paid facilitators will be used to plan and teach each session. The chamber will continue to handle the administrative work, and the Greater Salina Community Foundation will provide funding support for administration, scholarships and class projects.

An alumni association also is planned as part of the new program. It will incorporate graduates from the previous programs, as well as the new Leadership Salina program.

Applications for the class are being accepted. Forms are available at www.salinakan sas.org and www.gscf.org.

Salina Journal July 14, 2008
Good Corporate Citizens

You'd probably want to be known for providing good jobs at decent wages. You'd also want to be known as a business that treats its employees well.

The people at Green Lantern convenience stores and four other local businesses believe so.

On Wednesday, the companies announced a major fundraising effort to help the people and town of Chapman, which was heavily damaged by a June 11 tornado. Besides Green Lantern, the other firms are Great Plains Manufacturing, Solomon Corporation, Salina Vortex and Pepsi Bottling of Salina.

Here's how it works. Boxes are set up at the Green Lantern stores in Salina where people can drop off donations. Donations can be made with cash, credit card or check.

The checks will go to the Greater Salina Community Foundation, which will send donors a receipt for tax purposes. If you want to give by credit card and receive a tax deduction, go online at www.gscf.org and click on "Current events." When you get to "Designation," type in Chapman.

The great part about donating to this cause is that the companies will match the gifts up to $37,500. The fundraising ends Aug. 3.

First, as Bud DeArvil, director of sales and service for Green Lantern notes, giving back to the community is just part of being a good business in the community.

Green Lantern has that reputation and wants to maintain it. Beyond that, DeArvil notes, "The people at Green Lantern really care."

This isn't the first time these companies have been involved in helping the community. Green Lantern has led other community fund drives for those affected by Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami that hit Southeast Asia.

Green Lantern again has the point, because its retail locations provide an easy way to give, 24 hours a day, every day.

"This time it was them (Chapman)," DeArvil said, and the next time it could be us. You never know when your time in need is coming. We're all one family, and let's do it together."

Salina Journal July 11, 2008
The Volunteer Connection office open house is today

An open house so visitors can learn more about volunteer opportunities in the community will be from 1 to 5 p.m. today at The Volunteer Connection, 239 N. Santa Fe.

Visitors also will be able to meet Alysun Curran and Bob Hunter, who have joined The Volunteer Connection staff this year as volunteer coordinator and information specialist, respectively.

On display will be a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander volunteer transportation van, obtained through grants from the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

Also featured will be a display of the original artwork submitted in this year's design competition for the 2008 "Connections of the Heart" Greeting Card Series to benefit The Volunteer Connection.

The Volunteer Connection serves as a clearinghouse for volunteer service in the Salina area, matching volunteers of all ages with needs in a variety of community service entities.

Salina Journal July 10, 2008
Companies come together to raise money for Chapman

Imagine you want to do something to help the folks up in Chapman after the June 11 tornado; maybe all you can afford is $5 or $10, and then there's rounding up a stamp and an envelope -- and what was that address again?

But what if you could drop five bucks in a box at the counter when buying your morning coffee or afternoon pop, or filling up the gas tank?

That's the idea behind an effort Green Lantern convenience stores announced Wednesday, in concert with four other local companies that are pledging to match contributions from the community.

The fund drive, which includes participation from Great Plains Manufacturing, Green Lantern, Solomon Corporation, Salina Vortex and Pepsi Bottling of Salina, will match public donations up to a total of $37,500, said Bud DeArvil, director of sales and service for Green Lantern.

This challenge, DeArvil said, is a way for local people to double the value of their donation; if the public donates $37,500, a total of $75,000 will go to the Chapman School District and the city of Chapman to help with rebuilding efforts.

Donations will be accepted at the three Green Lantern stores in Salina between today and Aug. 3.

DeArvil said the stores will accept donations by cash, credit card or check, and that checks should be made out to the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

DeArvil said the fund has already received $6,000 in donations and that Green Lantern and the other corporate sponsors are hoping other organizations will step up to provide matching funds, as well.

Green Lantern is also planning several events over the next several weeks, along with the Rockin' M family of radio stations, 95.5 FM, 92.7 FM and 101.7 FM. The first event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Green Lantern at Ohio and Iron. Others are set for July 16, 22 and 28 and Aug. 3.

The companies are also launching an Internet site within a few days at www.rebuildchapman.com, for updates on the town's recovery and the fundraising effort.

"It's a very small community having a very difficult time," said Chapman City Attorney Doug Thompson, who added that the combination of the tornado and obstacles to rebuilding in the town's flood plain constitute a "double whammy."

Tom Hemmer, sales manager and co-owner of Solomon Corp., said that given the Solomon-based company's proximity to Chapman, it seemed only right to help with the fundraising effort.

"Chapman is not only a nearby community but a customer of ours over the years," Hemmer said. "When the call came in, this was an obvious decision."

Salina Journal June 20, 2008
Grant applications being accepted

Applications are being accepted until Aug. 26 for grants from the Fund for Greater Salina, administered by the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

The Fund for Greater Salina is an unrestricted community grant fund supported through donations and investment returns. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded nearly $350,000 in grants from the fund. The grants have ranged in size from $250 to $5,000.

Applications, grant guidelines and supporting information can be found on the foundation’s Internet site, www.gscf.org, or applicants may call or write the foundation office for information and applications. The address is P.O. Box 2876, Salina, KS 67402-2876, and the telephone number is 823-1800.

Salina Journal June 12, 2008
Puppetry workshop gives children a chance to be part of river festival

Jordan Lerma was noticeably miffed at the comment that his paper profile puppet had a big nose, until Monica Leo changed the mood.

"Big noses are big in the puppet world," said Leo, of the Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre, West Liberty, Iowa.

The 6-year-old Salina boy returned his focus to creating identical profiles out of colorful paper. He joined sister Bianca, 10, brother Thomas, 4, and seven other youngsters Wednesday morning at the free Eulenspiegel Puppetry Workshop at Sunset Elementary School. The faces were glued to pieces of wood, then the wooden handles were draped with colorful fabric.

"I want it to look like a dragon face, with horns on it," said Darrian Copus, 10. She and Bianca will be fifth-graders at Sunset this fall.

After adding freckles and buck teeth, Darrian changed her mind and completed a hobo profile.

The puppet workshop continues at 10 a.m. today, with students making puppets called Twirlies.

The workshops are prefestival activities associated with the 32nd annual Smoky Hill River Festival in Oakdale Park. The Festival Jam opens the four-day festival at 5:30 tonight.

Leo and fellow puppeteers Pam Corcoran, Stevens Point, Wis., and Tammy Jarvis, Salina, were also on a mission Wednesday to recruit kids in the fourth through sixth grades to help them perform a bilingual puppet play, "The Flea," at 1 p.m. Friday and noon Saturday on the Children's Stage at the festival.

"We need at least seven, but we can take up to 20 kids in the show," Leo said in her pitch to the Wednesday morning class.

She later said she was only able to recruit five children to perform at the festival. Corcoran and Jarvis will play the other two roles. The young performers will receive free admission and time to experience the festival with a chaperone, in return for three hours of rehearsal Wednesday and another three hours this afternoon. The practice is necessary to put on a good show, Leo said.

"It's a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun," Leo said. "It's a big carrot that they not only perform at the festival but be at the festival."

The puppet workshop and program are financed by a grant from the Greater Salina Community Foundation, said Sharon Benson, festival coordinator.

"They're also learning about developing characters and aesthetic choices," Leo said. "Children working with puppets are learning about working on a team."

She is a veteran of many workshops and festivals during the past 30 years, visiting 25 states and four other countries -- Germany, Czech Republic, Austria and Japan. Corcoran is doing a puppet workshop later this summer in Peru. She's been doing puppet shows for 25 years, working as an artist in residence in Wisconsin public and private schools.

Salina is among Leo's favorite places, because the city is committed to the arts. She has been working the river festival and doing workshops in Salina since the early 1980s.

"I'm so impressed with this town to have an arts and humanities commission as part of the city government," she said. "The festival is amazing for a town this size. It's amazing for any town."

In all of their travels, the women have noticed that children connect with puppets.

"I think they are geared to accept a new reality, even if you have a stark set. Their imaginations will fill in the rest. If there are two trees on stage, they know it's a forest," Corcoran said.

Both women enjoy telling stories with puppets. Leo prefers folk tales and Corcoran likes stories that carry a message. Her favorite: "It's nice to be kind," she said.

"You find the same story told in vastly different ways, even though it's all metaphorical," she said. "To me, it goes to the base of what it means to be human. It shows that we really aren't that different."

Salina Journal June 2, 2008
Scholarships

The Greater Salina Community Foundation has awarded more than $29,000 in scholarships to area students.

Three received the Wally Beets-John Marino Scholarship. They were Beatrice Kilat, daughter of Christine Kilat; Gina Garcia, daughter of Rhonda Garcia and Jorge Garcia; and Jordan Nixon, daughter of Glynis Nixon.

Nicholas Webb, Seth Bell and Zachary McClure, graduates of Tescott High School, received the David A. and Marguerite Parker Scholarship. Webb, who plans to attend Washburn University, is the son of John and Kelli Webb.

Bell, the son of Rhonda Bell, plans to attend Bethany College. McClure, the son of Rob and Jennifer McClure, will attend Baker.

Three scholarships were awarded to Salina Central High School graduates from the Brian Clarke Garnett Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Recipients include Jessica Sheahon, daughter of Jack Sheahon and Anita Huntley; Sarah Shier, daughter of Dennis Giersch and Jane Shier; and Tyler Weiser, son of Michael and Lexie Weiser.

They are Central High graduates Gabriel Lewis, son of Michael and Michelle Lewis, and Whitney Sanchez, daughter of Valerie Sanchez; and Sacred Heart graduate Beatrice Kilat, daughter of Christine Kilat.

Six students were the recipients of the Evelyn R. King National Honor Society Scholarships.

Award winners included Salina South graduates Christopher Lohf and Brittany Haynes; Salina Central graduates Sarah Shier and Bridget Byquist; and Sacred Heart graduates Jessica Francis and Kate Augustine.

The Florence Evelyn Westhoff Scholarship was awarded to Kayla Welch, a graduate of Salina South High School. Welch, the daughter of Rebecca Welch, plans to attend Kansas Wesleyan University.

Washburn student Amy Turner is the recipient of the C.L. Clark Scholarship for students studying for law degrees. Turner graduated from Salina Central High School.

Haley Baxa, graduate of Salina South High School and the daughter of Steven Baxa, and Alyce Fowler, graduate of Salina Central High School and the daughter of Melissa Fowler, are the recipients of the Mary Olson & Viola Olson Gustafson Scholarship for students planning to study nursing at Cloud County Community College.

Salina Journal May 31, 2008
GrantMakers Council announces awards

The Youth GrantMakers Council of the Greater Salina Community Foundation has awarded six grants totaling $5,600.

$1,600 to Sam McCary to teach students about the weather, the atmosphere and the environment by providing real time weather information at Salina South High School.

$1,000 to K-9 Capers to purchase dog agility equipment to enhance the 4-H dog training program.

$1,000 to Southeast of Saline TRUST/SADD to fund an "Alternative Day," to raise awareness of underage drinking, drug use and the importance of wearing seat belts.

$800 to the Sacred Heart High School Junior Civitan Club to fund a senior citizen prom, where youth can directly associate with the elderly to break stereotypes in both groups.

$600 to the Assaria Pride Yardstick Garden to landscape a new addition that teaches children about gardening, harvesting and entrepreneurial skills.

$600 to Laurel Michel to start beautification of the courtyard outside Central High School's cafeteria. The beautification will involve art students, industrial design students and math students.

Salina Journal May 31, 2008
10 Named to Youth GrantMakers Council

Ten area high school students have been named to the Youth GrantMakers Council, a project of the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

The new members are Cameron Atwill, Sean Bender, Ryan Claybaugh, Madison Hale, Morgan Hale, Caitlin Hogan, Kendra Lawson, Laurel Michel, Alyssa Peppiatt and Robyn Zey.

Returning members of the council are Chloe Seim, Adria Smith, Sydney Rayl, Adam Weishaar, Ryan Wofford, Morgan Lindsay, Courtney Train, Ethan Young, Ann Nguyen and Bryan Eitel.

The council meets twice a month during the school year and gives presentations throughout the community. The purpose is to make grants to support youth led projects.

Salina Journal May 12, 2008
Charities look to estates

Foundation commissions study that projects dramatic increase in value of transferred estates

A study being released today projects a dramatic increase in the next two decades in the value of the estates being transferred from the baby boom generation to its offspring.

And the charities that commissioned the study are hoping they'll be remembered when that happens.

"Some people will be surprised to see the potential in our community," said etsy Wearing, president and executive director of the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

According to the study, which was commissioned by the Kansas Health Foundation on behalf of the Kansas Association of Community Foundations, about $59 million a year is transferred from one generation to the next in Saline County alone. In the next decade that figure is expected to jump to $92 million. By 2060, the estimated transfer will be $232 million a year.

Statewide, the figures are $3.4 billion a year currently, $5.5 billion a year during the next decade and $18.7 billion by 2060.

"Our conservative goal is to secure 5 percent of the total amount transfeerred in the next 12 years by encouraging individuals, families and businesses to give together to community foundation endowments or to local nonprofits," Becky Goss, chairman of the Kansas Association of Community Foundations, said in a press release. "Through this generosity, we have the potential to add $3.3 billion to community foundation endowments, which would help provide grants to support the good work of local nonprofits and ultimately strengthening Kansas communities."

Data on how much residents of each Kansas county give to charity isn't readily available, much less what percentage of those donations are from estates. Some gifts are so large they make the news: Last week, Wichita State University announced that it had received $8.5 million from the estate of Paul and Evelyn Cassat, a couple who lived in Abilene. Paul died in 2002; Evelyn died in September.

But local donations to charities, which are mostly from individuals while they are alive, rather than estates, already far exceed the 5 percent target. The Greater Salina Community Foundation alone for example, received $8.8 million in donations in 2006, which is about 15 percent of the estimated value of estates that transferred that year.

"Salina's a very generous community. Philanthropy is alive and well here," Wearing said. "It's not a stretch for people in Salina to give to things."

She's hoping the study's findings will spur more people to remember charities when estates are inherited.

"Our strategy will be to share this information with people and let them know what the potential is," Wearing said.

The study is modeled after one done at Boston University, said Anne Gallagher, senior research associate at the Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State, which produced the study.

It relies primarily on the Survey of Consumer Finance, a project of the Federal Reserve. The survey is done every three years and provides detailed financial profiles of 4,500 families. Gallagher said that the 2004 survey was used to first calculate the net worth of Kansas residents - $545 billion - and then, on the basis of population, estimate the net worth of each county.

Demographic information - age, occupation, family size, income, etc. - was used to adjust the county totals, but didn't move the numbers much: the per capita net worth ranged from $175,600 (Chautauqua County) to $227,000 (Johnson County).

From that starting place, the study aged the state's population through 2060, using U.S. Census data on county birth and death rates, as well as in- and out-migration trends. Wealth was assumed to grow at 2 percent per year.

Don Macke, an economist with the Rural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri-Columbia, said that a similar study was done for the state of Nebrska in 2002.

"Until you have that transfer-of-wealth number out there, communities don't realize just how big an opportunity exists," Macke said. "For a community like Salina, we're talking about hundreds of millions of dollars."

Salina Journal May 7, 2008
Foundation forms is Smith County

A way to ensure steady growth in charitable giving for Smith County has begun with the formation of the Smith County Community Foundation.

The county now has the tools to build endowments, increase philanthropy, and provide ongoing support to essential area nonprofits, programs and events , accordig to a press release from the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

The Smith County foundation is an affiliate of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, which provides administrative support, accounting services, board development and consultation.

A local governing board made up of citizens in area communities, including Athol, Kensington and Smith Center, will be responsible for governance, community education and grant-making decisions.

Salina Journal April 30, 2008
Foundation awards $59,285 in grants

The Greater Salina Community Foundation has awarded grants totaling $59,285 as part of its Greater Salina Grants program, which gives awards twice a year through a competitive application process. The maximum award is $5,000.

Recipients were: Saline County Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad, $4,500; Salina Education Foundation, $1,460; the Volunteer Connection, $4,000; Salina Emergency Aid-Food Bank, $3,000; Friends of the Smoky Hill Museum, $3,500; Kansas Wesleyan University's Project HERO, $1,500; Rolling Hills Wildlife Museum, $1,000; The Land Institute, $1,500; Pregnancy Service Center, $4,500.

The following awards were made possible through a partnership with the Salina Regional Health Foundation Community Health Investment Program: Smart Start of Saline County, $5,000; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina, $3,300; Martin Luther King Jr. Child Development Center, $5,000; Ashby House, $3,050; Central Kansas Mental Health Center, $3,275; Salina Family Healthcare Center, $4,500; New Start Family Life Skills Center, $5,000; Cottonwood Elementary School PTA, $1,750; Salina Arts and Humanities-Smoky Hill River Festival, $1,500; Coronado Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, $1,500; Safe After Prom, $1,000.

Salina Journal April 16, 2008
KWU's Project HERO receives funding from Greater Salina Community Foundation

Linda L. Smith , a staff member at the Greater Salina Community Foundation, presented a $1500 check to Brie Morton and Dane Baxa on Tuesday (April 15, 2008) for Kansas Wesleyan University's Project HERO community service day. Kansas Wesleyan students Morton and Baxa are the coordinators of this year's event, which is set for Saturday (April 19). Approximately 160 Kansas Wesleyan students are scheduled to work at the 15 sites and several individual homes for the third annual community service day.

Salina Journal April 12, 2008
Students work to give shoes

The students holding cards, each bearing a single digit, lined up Friday across the stage in the multipurpose room at Schilling Elementary School as the confetti-throwers behind them readied for the big moment.

"We've been waiting a long time to hear this number," fourth-grade teacher Sara Gault said. "Remember guys, you're going to flip (your cards). Are you ready? One ... two ... three!"

$11,000.51 read the number formed by the cards. Enough to buy and ship 1,050 pairs of children's Airwalk shoes to Iraq, for U.S. soldiers to give to children there who have no shoes of their own.

The room full of students and a sprinkling of adults -- teachers, school staff and some visitors -- applauded loudly.

Moments before, fourth-grade teacher Jean Huser smiled as she looked out across the rows of boys and girls sitting cross-legged and murmuring excitedly.

"This is kind of a hectic day, but the kids think they have tackled the world," Huser said.

Friday was the day Schilling students were rewarded for their dedication to pitching their pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and dollars into a fund created in response to an e-mail from Sgt. 1st Class Brian Motter of Salina.

Motter's daughters, Lizzie and Sarah, attend Schilling school. Motter, who is serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq, mentioned in an e-mail to Lizzie's class that the Schilling children's old shoes would be welcome to give to Iraqi children who were barefoot.

Gault arranged with Payless ShoeSource to get new Airwalks, a Payless shoe brand similar to Crocs, in bright colors appealing to children.

Their initial goal was to raise $7,500 with which to buy as many as 700 pairs. But after the students wrote 300 letters to businesses and other private donors in Salina, they were able to far exceed that goal.

They also got some help from a charity basketball game put on by the teachers that raised $700, plus a grant from the Greater Salina Community Foundation that paid for postage.

"I'll tell you what, the learning of letter-writing has never been better in fourth grade," Huser told the audience. "Those of you who got one of those letters, I'm sure you saw some very nice handwriting. They were very proud of what they were doing."

Letters also came in unsolicited, with donations, after the school's project was publicized in a news article in the Salina Journal. Students at Friday's assembly read some out loud, including fourth-grader Nicholas Taylor.

"I just returned from a trip to Cambodia and Vietnam," Nicholas read from the letter. "I've seen how the people of war-torn countries suffer. I was moved by your project. It is so commendable that teachers and students are helping others that are less fortunate."

Fourth-grader Kaitlyn Sundell read a letter from a former soldier who fought in Vietnam.

"Kids in that country sure could have used great friends like you have at Schilling Elementary, to help them get shoes to wear every day. Thank you for letting me help with your project," Kaitlyn read from the letter.

Miranda Fluke, assistant manager of Salina's Payless shoe store in the Central Mall, accepted a check for $10,000 from the school, at the assembly. The remaining funds are to be used to cover the shipping cost, Gault said.

The shoes have been ordered and are expected to arrive at the store in three weeks, Fluke said. Gault said they still must figure out the best way to ship them to Motter's unit in Iraq.

Motter got to view a portion of Friday's assembly, and the children got to visit with him through an Internet Web camera hookup. Alltel phone company representatives helped overcome some last-minute technical problems that made the link with the school possible, Gault said.

"I'm amazed at everything the school has done. The children should be very proud of what they've done," Motter said.

Lizzie and Sarah were on hand later to accept from Gault a letter from Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., praising them and their classmates for their effort to help Iraqi children.

They and other students at the school who had a parent who was deployed overseas this year each got to accept a hand-crocheted red-white-and-blue afghan from Barbara Billinger, Solomon. She was inspired to make her contribution after reading about the school's project.

Jennifer Motter watched the assembly, and her husband waving from the video screen, from a row of chairs at the rear of the room. Her husband returns home May 23 for two weeks for his midtour of duty leave, she said. The couple talk nearly ever night by Web cam.

"He was so excited," she said. "They don't have a post office where he's at, so he'll have to drive there, get the shoes, and drive back. And they only get to go there every two to four weeks. He doesn't get mail very often."

Salina Journal April 06, 2008
Removing Gangs

The teenage boy sat near the back of the room, his elbow on the desk, head resting in his hand, watching John Burchill write phrases on large sheets of paper taped to the blackboard.

"So, how bad is the gang problem in Salina?" Burchill, a teacher at Kansas Wesleyan University, asked the students gathered Saturday in the former Sacred Heart Grade School.

That pretty much sums up the fears of adults who organized Saturday's day-long retreat for Hispanic teenagers.

The retreat, called, "Ven A Dar Lata," loosely translated as, "Come and Bug Us," was sponsored by the Salina Human Relations Department, Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia, Catholic Charities, CAPS and the League of United Latin American Citizens. It was financed, in part, by a $2,000 grant from the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

Reyna Banda-Torres, who works at CAPS, said the organizations had been planning the retreat since September.

"Our goal was to get the kids involved in their community and their church," she said. "These kids sometimes fall through the cracks."

The shooting of Torrean Hughley last month at Woodland Park in Salina -- which some say was racially motivated -- made the retreat even more important. Cesar Ramos, 15, and Juan Ramos, 16, have been charged in connection with the shooting.

Speakers at the Saturday retreat talked to the students, ages 11 through 17, about the Hispanic culture, the importance of finding one's identity and what it means to be Hispanic or Latino.

Tina De La Rosa, who grew up in Goodland and now lives in Topeka, stressed to the students that each is unique and should be loved and appreciated as an individual.

She encouraged students to develop their strengths, to participate in activities and to strive to become leaders in their communities. She has been a leader herself, having served for more than seven years as director of the Kansas Advisory Community on Hispanic Affairs under former Gov. Bill Graves. She now works for the Kansas Department of Labor.

Teenagers should be grateful for what they have, De La Rosa said, and not risk their futures by taking drugs or getting involved in gangs.

Burchill helped the teenagers look at ways they could resist gangs and help others do the same.

The students talked about how the support of family members, friends and church officials could help build their self esteem and encourage them to participate in positive activities instead of joining gangs and using drugs.

And they talked about how parents and teachers could help -- by really listening to them when they talk about what's bothering them, and not discounting their fears or minimizing their concerns.

Police should get on the streets more, so they can see what gang members are doing, one boy said. Another boy suggested that government leaders offer drug and alcohol counseling for gang members. Another suggested that, if the government offered monetary support to families in need, children might be less likely to look to gangs for that sort of support.

Burchill said some adults seem to think that if they close their eyes to gangs and act as if they don't exist, the gangs will go away.

Burchill told the students his physician once told him that he had a growth with "pre-cancerous cells." He immediately told his physician to get rid of the growth.

And that's what could happen with gangs in Salina. As the boy noted, Burchill said, things aren't too bad now, but they could develop into something worse if nothing is done.

Salina Journal March 30, 2008
Child's play

A transformation of a children's playroom at Ashby House this weekend is an example of how students are reaching out, said Brad Anderson, an art professor at Kansas Wesleyan University.

Members of the college art club, Kansas National Education Association-Student Program, St. John's Military School and the Salina NEA are remodeling the space in an apartment complex at 153 S. Eighth. It is owned and operated by Ashby House, a homeless shelter for single women and families.

"There really is an interest to do service projects to help somebody. That's a fairly recent transition. It's students saying, 'We want to help the community.' " Anderson said.

He was helping art club members create a jungle and underwater paradise on one set of walls in the playroom.

Student NEA members were giving another area of the room a fresh coat of paint. Others were leading youngsters at Ashby House in activities.

They have collected books and toys for the room. With a $1,000 grant from the KNEA, the students have purchased furniture. St. John's Military School students built a bookshelf. The Blueprint for Leadership group of the Greater Salina Community Foundation has secured money to re-carpet the room.

The students have put in several hours on the project, but it was both enjoyable and worth the work, said Amber Bohl, 20, Phillipsburg. The KWU junior is majoring in secondary physics and math education.

"It's amazing that you can help that many people all at once," Bohl said. "It was a lot of fun getting together with a whole bunch of your friends and classmates and doing something like that."

The painting should be completed today, she said, and the room can be used next week. New carpet will be installed later.

"It's turning out very nice," said Anna Franco, a caseworker at Ashby House. "It's real nice of them to go ahead and donate their time."

Salina Journal March 28, 2008
Applications accepted for youth project grant

The Greater Salina Community Foundation PET Project is accepting grant applications for a program or project to benefit youth in Saline County.

Only one grant of $6,000 to $8,000 will be awarded. Applications must be received no later than April 17.

To be considered, the program or project must benefit children or youth within Saline County and will be completed or near completion by November 2008.

Applicants must be prepared, if requested, to make a presentation to the donor group on April 29.

The PET Project is an annual gathering of young donors who come together with the assistance of the Greater Salina Community Foundation to offer grant. This is the third year for the PET project.

For more information, or for an application, call 823-1800 or go online to www.gscf.org and click on PET Project.

Salina Journal March 19, 2008
Youth Baseball Fund has $2,200 for grants

About $2,200 in grants is available through the Youth Baseball Fund within the Greater Salina Community Foundation for youths who wish to play baseball but lack the financial means.

The fund was established in 2000 by Salinan Larry Britegam, who coached youth baseball for 30 years.

Many annual donors to the fund have helped build an endowment that will generate grants to support baseball every year.

Applications are due April 11 and may be obtained on the Foundation's Web site www.gscf.org or by calling the foundation at 823-1800.

Early gifts to the baseball fund came from memorials from family and friends of former coaches Lowell Letourneau and Larry Caldwell. Additional memorial gifts have been received in memory of Jack Britegam, John Moshier, Harold Frazier and Ben Breault.

The Lindsborg News - Record March 5, 2008
Greater Salina Community Foundation Grants Assist the Assaria Community

The Greater Salina Community Foundation is pleased to announce three grants for projects benefiting the community of Assaria

Two grants, of $450 and $800, were made to the Assaria Cemetery Association. Grant dollars will be used by the association to remove dirt and debris from the east end of the cemetery near the railroad. The second grant will assist with the purchase of new rock for the drive around the cemetery. Both grants are expected to make the cemetery more accessible and enhance the location for community members who visit the site and who use the cemetery as a walking path.

A third grant from the Assaria Community Fund will support the Assaria Summer youth program. The program serves youth in grades K-8 with summer activities, lessons and field trips. The $250 grant will help offset the cost of transportation.

These are the first grants made from this fund. Grants will be awarded annually. The grant reveiw committee consisted of individuals familiar with Assaria.

The Assaria Community Fund is an endowed fund created to support charitable projects in the community of Assaria.

Salina Journal March 5, 2008
Grants awarded for Assaria projects

The Greater Salina Community Foundation has awarded three grants for projects benefiting the city of Assaria.

The Assaria Cemetery Association was awarded grants of $450 and $800. One grant will be used to remove dirt and debris from the east end of the cemetery, near the railroad. The second grant will go toward purchase of new rock for the drive around the cemetery. Both grants are intended to make the cemetery more accessible and enhance the location for community members who visit the site.

A $250 grant from the Assaria Community Fund will help offset the cost of transportation for the Assaria Summer Youth Program. The program provides children in kindergarten through eighth grade with summer activities, lessons and field trips.

Salina Journal March 2, 2008
Youth GrantMakers Council has openings

Applications are due by May 1 for membership to Youth GrantMakers Council, a Greater Salina Community Foundation program for high school students that distributes grant funds to youth-led projects in Saline County.

The group of high school students meets every other Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. There is an all-day orientation retreat that all members are required to attend at the beginning of the school year. During the year, there might be opportunities to participate in occasional training sessions, conferences and volunteer projects.

For more information or to get an application, call Caitlin Cox at 823-1800 or e-mail her at caitlincox@gscf.org. Information also is available at the group's web site, www.ygmc.org.

Salina Journal February 22, 2008
YWCA, YMCA programs always helped others

When Sydney Soderberg moved to Salina many years ago with her husband and two young children, she knew no one.

She soon found fellowship, though, in the Newcomers' Club, offered by the Salina YWCA.

"That was very valuable for me," Soderberg said. "It was just an enveloping feeling for me to be a part of a group of women who were going through many of the same things that I was going through at the time."

Soderberg's involvement with the YWCA -- and with the community -- grew from there.

"I really appreciated the empowerment aspects of the YWCA's programs," she said.

Although the YWCA disbanded in 2006 after more than 80 years in Salina, the organization continues to fulfill its missions of empowering women and eliminating racism -- through the YWCA Legacy Fund, a fund of the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

And the YW's brother organization, the YMCA of Salina, remains strong, offering recreational and other programs designed to strengthen families.

The YMCA actually is the older of the two organizations, having gotten its start in 1886 in offices above Willis Jewelry Store on Santa Fe Avenue.

A building was constructed in 1910 at the southeast corner of Ninth and Iron streets. In addition to offering basketball, swimming and racquetball and handball courts, the building had rooms for rent.

"They offered a cheap place for people who were traveling to stay," said Bill Meysenburg, associate executive director of the Salina Family YMCA.

The YMCA moved to its current building in 1978. The columns that stand at the south end of the parking lot once stood in the front of the building at Ninth and Iron streets, Meysenburg said.

Since the building was constructed, there have been four major building projects. The latest effort, completed in 2003, included the addition of an aerobics room and a small coffee room.

In its early years, Meysenburg said, the YMCA focused on instilling Christian values in men. In more recent years, he said, the focus has shifted, somewhat, to a more family-oriented approach.

"For the last 10 to 15 years, our focus has been on strong kids, strong families and strong communities," Meysenburg said.

The YMCA continues to offer recreational programs, including swimming and gymnastics lessons and leagues for youth basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, flag football and other sports. The YMCA also operates Camp Swat, a day camp for children ages 5 through 12, and after-school programs at eight Salina schools.

As part of its mission to "Activate America," Meysenburg said, the YMCA also has been offering nutritional programs.

In the coming years, the YMCA hopes to offer more programs to teenagers. A couple of staff members visited recently with the teen coordinator at the Wichita YMCA to generate ideas.

"The biggest thing we found is you have to do what they want to do, not what adults think they want," Meysenburg said.

The mission of the YWCA, which was founded in Salina in 1919, remained fairly consistent, Soderberg said.

"The basic thrust was always to be an organization that encouraged women's growth and leadership and power," she said.

But the way that mission was met evolved as the role of women in society changed.

"Things that met the needs of women at one point didn't meet those needs at another point," she said.

In the 1930s, the YWCA offered its members free classes in shorthand, typing, serving, cooking and sewing. Food and used clothing were collected, and the organization offered help to women in finding jobs.

During the war years, the YWCA took on the responsibility of entertaining the troops.

Soderberg said the YWCA later began offering child care and preschool programs. A Child Care Development Center and Child Care Resource and Referral service were started to help women entering the work force, and services also were offered to widowed persons.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina and Meals on Wheels both were housed at the YWCA in their early years, Soderberg said.

The YWCA also took on the responsibility of educating teenagers about sexuality.

"There were all sorts of health initiatives, like breast care awareness," Soderberg said. "There were fitness aspects, too, with the swimming pool, the aerobics classes, volleyball."

In recent years, a fitness center was established, with cardiovascular and weight machines.

The YWCA annually held the See and Sell craft show fundraiser, and it established a Women of Achievement program, to honor women in leadership roles.

But Soderberg said upkeep of the YWCA building and other financial obligations eventually became too much, and other issues surfaced.

"I think that there was a certain feeling that many of the programs the 'Y' had begun were being carried out by other organizations, and other organizations were doing them very well," she said.

The YWCA was disbanded, and the building was sold and renovated. It now houses the Salina Family Healthcare Center.

The Central Kansas Girl Scouts took over two of the YWCA's bigger programs -- the See and Sell craft show and the Women of Achievement program.

But Soderberg said proceeds from the building sale and other YWCA assets, including an endowment, are being used to further the YWCA's missions of empowering women and eliminating racism.

Eventually, Soderberg said, close to $30,000 a year in grants will be made from the fund.

Already, money from the fund has been used to buy fitness course equipment for the Cottonwood Elementary School playground, and backpacks and school supplies for the Back to School Fair, to help provide rent assistance to women and children leaving the Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas shelter, and to establish a Juneteenth Celebration.

"Those things all fall right into the mission of the YWCA," Soderberg said. "Having this fund helped us to ensure the YW legacy would continue."

Salina Journal February 13, 2008
Deadline set for youth nominations

The Youth GrantMakers Council of the Greater Salina Community Foundation is accepting nominations for the Youth Citizenship Award until April 1.

The award and a $100 prize will be given to a person 18 or younger in Saline County who has made significant voluntary contributions to the welfare or betterment of the community.

Any student or adult may nominate a candidate. Nominees may be asked to meet with the Youth GrantMakers Council. The award is funded by the foundation and other community partners.

The Youth Citizenship Award winner will be announced at the foundation's annual luncheon May 13 at the Salina Country Club.

Nomination forms are available online at www.ygmc.org. For more information, call youth coordinator Caitlin Cox at 823-1800.

The Hays Daily News February 8, 2008
Diocese creates community foundation

The Catholic Diocese of Salina has created the Catholic Community Foundation of the Diocese of Salina. The foundation will operate as an affiliate of the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

The Catholic Community Foundation will serve the 31 counties of the diocese by providing a permanent, steady and secure source of philanthropy for diocesan ministries, organizations, institutions, parishes, schools and Catholic charities.

Bishop Paul Coakley said the foundation will "ensure that those Catholic ministries and institutions that mean the most to people will enjoy a steady stream of income now and far into the future."

The foundation will be a vehicle for permanent charitable giving through current donations as well as bequests that will benefit the entire diocese. Community foundations offer a variety of giving options for donors, including advised funds, organization endowments, designated funds and scholarships.

As an affiliate of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, the Catholic Community Foundation will receive administrative support, accounting services, board development and consultation. The foundation can almost immediately offer the services of an established larger regional community foundation without the added expenses and administration of standing alone.

Betsy Wearing, president and executive director of the Greater Salina community Foundation, welcomes the new affiliation.

"We are excited to work with the diocese to provide the framework and support for this new foundation. The Greater Salina Community Foundation's affiliate program has now helped to establish seven area community foundations that will preserve wealth and provide permanent support for charitable work in rural Kansas."

Those serving on the Catholic Community Foundation board include Coakley, Father Randall Weber, Steven W. Brown, Salina, Father Larry Letourneau, Father Kerry Ninemire, Becky Augustine, Salina, Father Jerome Morgan, Jum Brull, Hays, Father Daryl Olmstead, Cindy Donohoue, Manhattan , and Joe Hess, Hays.

Salina Journal February 5, 2008
Diocese, Community Foundation announce affiliation

Three years from now, there could be as much as $10 million in a new foundation announced Monday to help the Salina Catholic Diocese pool its donor dollars and realize a better investment return.

"I think that's a reachable goal," said Shawn Crawford, director of development and stewardship for the diocese.

Officials with the diocese and the Greater Salina Community Foundation on Monday announced the creation of the Catholic Community Foundation of the Diocese of Salina.

The diocese foundation will operate as an affiliate of the community foundation. Crawford says the affiliation also means more dollars staying with the diocese by decreasing operating and accounting costs the diocese would incur on its own.

The community foundation will provide administrative support and accounting for the diocese foundation.

That foundation's mission is to create sustainable revenue for such items as church repairs and maintenance throughout parishes in the 31 counties of the diocese, as well as other charitable and religious purposes -- funding the education of young men studying to become priests, for instance, said Bishop Paul Coakley, head of the Salina diocese.

"Whatever the donor's particular interest and desire is, in terms of something they really want to support. It's feasible they could find an avenue through the community foundation to accomplish that goal," he said.

Coakley will serve as the chairman of the foundation's governing board. Crawford will serve as the foundation's executive director.

The diocese foundation comprises a collection of endowed funds. The income from those funds also will be channeled into special grants to benefit purposes and projects of the donors' wishes.

"We have some assets from the diocese we'll be moving into that foundation. And we've already had some parish response," Crawford said.

The community foundation already has six affiliate foundations supporting regions of central and northwest Kansas, ranging from Republic, to Russell and Ellis counties. Altogether, the community foundation holds $46 million in assets, and last year the foundation made $8 million in grants that helped benefit a variety of entities, including those affiliate communities, said Betsy Wearing, president and executive director of the community foundation.

The affiliation with the diocese marks the first time the community foundation has taken on a religious organization as an affiliate, Wearing said.

"We have not been approached by other (denominations) but certainly we'd be open to that," she said.

Particularly in rural parishes, having a steady source of income to rely upon is important, Crawford said.

"It's just a really powerful thing. And, I think it also then gets other people to invest in those organizations, because they see the viability and the strength of what's there," he said.

Salina Journal January 21, 2008
Youth GrantMakers award grants

Six projects have been awarded grants by the Youth GrantMakers Council of the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

A total of 17 grant applications were received from area youth age 18 and under. The Youth GrantMakers Council, made up of youth from the county’s five high schools, evaluates and awards the grants. Grants awarded were:

$1,500 to Javon Shackelford to renovate the YMCA Teen Center and begin the framework for the National YMCA Teen Action Agenda.

$1,300 to the South High School Lab Chicks for a “Girls in the Lab Day,” to spark an interest in science among young girls.

$1,300 to the Ell-Saline Future Farmers of America to buy a projector screen that will aid in educational presentations and also can be used for recreation.

$1,000 to Lora McGraw to keep down the cost of attending the “Living Pants Up in a Pants Down World” retreat. The retreat is designed to encourage Saline County youth to make healthy lifestyle choices.

$500 to Brian Smith, who plans to build a picnic shelter at Ray Avenue Baptist Church for his Boy Scout Eagle project.

The Natoma-Luray Independent January 16, 2008
Salina foundation announces available scholarships

Among them are: The Gayle and Evelyn Richmond Scholarship for students of Plainville, Stockton, Natoma or Palco high schools, with plans to attend an accredited post-secondary institution.

Applications are available from counselors at area high schools, or on our website at www.gscf.org. For more information, call Michelle Griffin, Affiliate/Scholarship Coordinator of the Foundation at 785-823-1800.

Salina Journal January 14, 2008
Foundation announces numerous scholarships

The Greater Salina Community Foundation has scholarships available through 21 different funds for area high school seniors and college students. Scholarship applications are available from counselors at area high schools or on the foundation Web site at www.gscf.org.

For more information, call Michelle Griffin, affiliate/scholarship coordinator at the foundation at 823-1800.

The Wally Beets-John Marino Scholarship. For employees who are or have been employed by the Salina Country Club attending accredited postsecondary institutions.

The Betts Family Scholarship. For students of Decatur Community High School attending accredited postsecondary institutions.

Booker T. Washington Scholarship. For African American students from the Salina area attending accredited postsecondary institutions.

C.L. Clark Scholarship. For students currently enrolled at the University of Kansas School of Law or Washburn University School of Law and who graduated from a high school in Saline County.

Decatur Community Scholarship. For students graduating from USD 294 and attending accredited postsecondary institutions.

The Erik Erickson Memorial Scholarship. For students graduating from Decatur Community High School attending accredited postsecondary institutions.

The First Bank of Kansas Scholarship. For students who are currently enrolled in good standing at Kansas Wesleyan University with preference to students working toward a degree in business.

The Jody Fredrickson Nursing & Health Scholarship. For students graduating from Decatur Community High School attending accredited postsecondary institutions to major in nursing or another health related field.

The Brian C. Garnett Scholarship. Three $1,000 scholarships for graduates of Salina Central High School.

Mary Olson and Viola Olson Gustafson Scholarship. For students currently attending or planning to attend Cloud County Community College working toward a degree in nursing or another medical field.v

Hale Family Sunflower Promise Scholarship. For Kansas community colleges students who have completed two years of coursework and will be completing their degrees at a four-year, postsecondary institution in Kansas.

Kelling-Tomlinson Scholarship. For students from Smith Center High School attending accredited postsecondary institutions.

Evelyn R. King National Honor Society Scholarship. This is a scholarship that is selected by committees at Sacred Heart High School, Salina Central High School and Salina South High School. They look at all senior members of the National Honor Society and select two students from their respective schools to receive this scholarship.

Kansas Federation of Republican Women Scholarship. For female students currently attending a Kansas college or university, with a declared major of political dcience, history, or public administration, entering their junior or senior year of undergraduate study, or attending graduate school.

Glenn L. & Edna M. Mott Memorial Scholarship. For students graduating from Decatur Community High School attending accredited postsecondary institutions.

Alma Olson and Michael T. Olson Scholarship. For students currently attending or planning to attend North Central Kansas Technical College working toward a degree in the building trades.

David and Marguerite Parker Scholarship. For students of Tescott High School who are academically solid and have community involvement, but most likely will not be recognized as salutatorian or valedictorian of their graduating class; for postsecondary, accredited education.

Gayle & Evelyn Richmond Scholarship. For students of Plainville, Stockton, Natoma, or Palco High Schools with plans to attend an accredited postsecondary institution.

Florence Evelyn Westhoff Scholarship. For students who are connected with, but not necessarily members of, the University United Methodist Church, Salina, or students attending Kansas Wesleyan University.

Salina Journal January 2, 2008
Eight students named grantmakers

Eight area high school students have been named to the Youth GrantMakers Council, a project of the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

They are Bryan Eitel, Kaylee Ferguson, Jason Kum, Morgan Lindsay, Ann Nguyen, Sydney Rayl, Courtney Train and Ethan Young. They join returning members Kate Augustine, Paige Britegam, Christina Bowden, Veronica Hill, John Kum, Chloe Seim, Adria Smith, Adam Weishaar and Ryan Wofford.

The members, who represent all five of Saline County's public schools, will meet twice a month during the school year and give presentations throughout the community. Their primary purpose will be to make grants to support youth-led projects in the community.

Salina Journal December 21, 2007
Grant applications being accepted

The Greater Salina Community Foundation is accepting grant applications through Feb. 15 for the Fund for Greater Salina.

The Fund for Greater Salina is an unrestricted community grant fund supported through donations and investment returns. About $45,000 in grant dollars will be available to nonprofit organizations, individuals and groups with projects that will benefit people in Saline County.

Since its inception, the foundation has awarded nearly $290,000 in grants from the fund. Grants have ranged in size from $250 to $5,000.

Grant applications, guidelines and supporting information can be found on the foundation's Internet site, www.gscf.org, or write or call the foundation office at Box 2876, Salina 67402-2876, 823-1800. Only applications on the foundation's form will be accepted.

Salina Journal November 27, 2007
Students plan to recycle

GYPSUM -- Students in Southeast of Saline's Leadership 101 class are intending to start a schoolwide recycling program, and they came to the school board Monday night to tell about it.

A group of about 10 of the students told the board they had surveyed students and staff and found overwhelming support for recycling and a community clean-up, but that transporting the collected materials would be more of a problem. In investigating options, they had looked at local recycling centers and settled on Images in Salina.

Some of the students also visited Salina South High School, which has had a recycling program for the past several years. South students collected eight tons of paper last year.

The group plans to apply for a grant from the Youth Grant Makers Council, an arm of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, to buy recycling bins.

Board members backed the plan, with Jerry Seim, who described himself as an "avid recycler," cautioning the students that the water needed to clean materials is a precious resource in itself, and that the students might want to look into reducing the amount of bottled water used at the school in favor of tap water.

Board president Joe Ryan suggested they "start small" with paper, which is easy to gather and store, and see how well the school participates before expanding.

The board also set a special meeting on Jan. 14 to meet with Bob Dolan of Salina, owner of BMK Plumbing and Solar of the Midwest, to discuss the future of the school's solar heating system.

Dolan has worked on the system before; it was finally shuttered several years ago because of leaks and other problems, and board members have periodically discussed making it operational again. Last month, the district received a bid of $145,000 to refurbish the system from a Kansas City-based company, but that was considered too high for serious consideration.

Dolan recently has inspected the system and will have a report for the board at that January meeting.

Salina Journal November 23, 2007
$7,000 available for Salina youth projects

The Greater Salina Community Foundation Youth GrantMakers Council has approximately $7,000 to give away for youth projects this year and next. Grant proposals are due Dec. 1.

The council will award money to youth-led projects that address community issues and challenges.

For information, call Youth Coordinator Caitlin Cox at 823-1800, or visit www.ygmc.org.

Salina Journal November 15, 2007
Catalog might help you with charitable giving

People who want to donate to a nonprofit organization this Christmas season can find lots of ideas in the Make A Wish Come True Catalog, produced by the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

The catalog contains information about 29 nonprofit organizations as well as a wish list of items needed by those organizations.

Catalogs are available at the foundation office, 113 N. Seventh, Suite 201; the Salina Public Library; Capers Cafe Bakery, 109 N. Santa Fe; Salina Media Group, 131 N. Santa Fe; and the Salina Journal, 333 S. Fourth. Catalogs also may be obtained by calling the foundation at 823-1800.

Salina Journal November 10, 2007
Community Foundation announces $4.9 million gift

The Greater Salina Community Foundation has received a $4.9 million gift from the estate of the late L.P. "Pat" Mullen to benefit area ministries and school programs.

During a press conference Friday, foundation executive director Betsy Wearing announced a grant of $2,438,622 would be given to the Sister Francis Ellen Endowment Fund to benefit Sacred Heart Jr.-Sr. High School in Salina.

In addition, a grant of $1,219,311 would be presented to the Sisters of St. Joseph Nazareth Academy in Concordia.

"These are the two largest single grants we've made since (the foundation's) inception in 1999," Wearing said.

Mullen, a Salina businessman, engineer, inventor and philanthropist, died in December 2006 at the age of 69. He was a Salina native and the founder and owner of Scientific Engineering in Salina.

Mullen was a student at Sacred Heart when Sister Ellen taught at the school in the early 1950s. Several years ago, Mullen had established an endowed gift in her name at the foundation. With the addition of the estate gift, the fund will generate about $130,000 in annual income for the school, Wearing said.

The grant was accepted by Father Kerry Ninemire, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and John Krajicek, principal of Sacred Heart Jr.-Sr. High School.

The extra funds likely will be used for the school's operating budget, Ninemire said after the press conference.

"It allows us to continue to give assistance to families who cannot afford the full tuition," he said. "It will help us keep a Catholic education affordable for all our families."

"It was a tremendous gift," Krajicek said after the news conference. "We're extremely grateful to the Mullen family for their incredible generosity."

The gift to the Sisters of St. Joseph comes with no restrictions. The sisters travel on missions of mercy, social justice and human rights throughout the U.S.

"This gift will help us continue our ministries, to help educate some of our newer members, and assist with ongoing health issues," said Sister Pat McClennan of the Sisters of St. Joseph said at the news conference.

An immediate gift of $24,448 will go to the Greater Salina Community Foundation for administrative support and will establish the Mullen family as sustainers -- a special group of foundation donors that receive permanent recognition, Wearing said.

The foundation also will make an annual $10,000 grant through the Mullen Fund to KPTS Public Television in Wichita to help underwrite scientific programming on the station.

The remainder of the gift will establish the L.P. "Pat" Mullen Fund at the Salina foundation. The fund will generate about $25,000 in annual grants to support youth education in arts and humanities, and another $25,000 for youth education in science, technology and invention.

"For someone who didn't have a college education himself, (Mullen) greatly valued education," Wearing said.

Salina Journal October 26, 2007
Greater Salina Community Foundation Grant awards

Eighteen Salina-area organizations have been awarded grants totaling $45,325 through the Greater Salina Community Foundation. The foundation received 35 applications for the grants, which are capped at $5,000. Recipients are:

$1,750 to the American Red Cross North Central Kansas Chapter to establish a communications room and purchase equipment.

$2,000 to hire a consultant to review operations of the Saline County Commission on Aging's Sunflower Adult Day Services.

$500 to the Salina Public Library to provide fee reductions for enrollees of courses offered through the Community Learning and Skill Sharing program.

$5,000 to the Salina Emergency Aid-Food Bank to provide funding for a bookkeeper.

$2,000 to the Sisters of St. Joseph to create a revolving micro-loan fund for medical and other urgent needs.

$2,500 to Catholic Charities of Salina to provide services for immigrants in north-central Kansas.

$1,075 to help the Salina Community Theatre purchase battery equipment for body microphones used by performers.

In addition, these grants were made through a partnership with the Salina Regional Health Foundation Community Health Investment Program:

$4,000 to Child Abuse Prevention Services to support Happy Bear personal safety presentations to children.

$5,000 to the Salina-Saline County Health Department to fund a new program to screen infant toddlers for complications of gastro-esophageal reflux.

$3,500 to the Salina Association for the Education of Young Children to fund a workshop for child care providers on using music to build character in children.

$1,600 to fund a Kansas Kids Fitness Day for third graders in the Salina School District.

$2,000 to provide elementary school Band Camp scholarships in the Salina School District.

$1,200 to help the Mu Chapter Delta Kappa Gamma purchase a six-seat buggy for the Martin Luther King Child Development Center.

$2,500 to help the Coronado Area Boy Scouts chapter implement a ScoutParent program.

Salina Journal October 10, 2007
Salina foundation adds 2 affiliates

The Greater Salina Community Foundation has assisted two area communities in forming new affiliate foundations.

The Heartland Community Foundation will serve the west-central Kansas area, including Ellis, Trego, Rooks and other counties. The Republic County Community Foundation will serve Republic County. Each affiliate is governed by a local board responsible for managing its activities, educating the community and grant-making decisions. The new foundations join four affiliate foundations working with the Salina foundation. Those are Smoky Hills Charitable Foundation, serving Ellsworth County; the Russell County Area Community Foundation; the Community Foundation for Cloud County; and the Smoky Valley Community Foundation, serving the Lindsborg area. For information on forming a community foundation, call Betsy Wearing, president and executive director of the Greater Salina Community Foundation, at 823-1800.

Salina Journal September 24, 2007
Eight students named grantmakers

Eight area high school students have been named to the Youth GrantMakers Council, a project of the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

Salina Journal August 8, 2007
Youth Grantmakers Council seeks innovative members

The Youth GrantMakers Council of Greater Salina Community Foundation is seeking new members. High school students who are innovative thinkers and want to make a difference in the community are encouraged to apply.

The Youth GrantMakers Council creates and supports opportunities for Saline County youth to be active leaders in their communities by providing grants to youth-directed projects that address community issues.

The council exposes high school students to nonprofit organizations, teaches them about the grant process and empowers them to take action and lead change.

Those interested in joining can call youth coordinator Caitlin Cox at 823-1800 or visit the council Web site at www.ygmc.org.

Salina Journal July 26, 2007
Foundation taking grant applications

The Greater Salina Community Foundation is accepting applications for grants from its unrestricted community grant fund, which is open to nonprofit organizations, individuals or groups with a charitable project that will benefit the residents of Saline County.

Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $220,000 in grants from the fund, and grants have ranged in size from $250 to $5,000.

Applications are available at www.gscf.org or by writing to the foundation at Box 2876, Salina, KS 67402-1800. Only applications on the foundation's form will be accepted, and applications must be received by Sept. 12. Awards will be announced in October.

Salina Journal July 7, 2007
Foundation has new Web site

LINDSBORG

The Smoky Valley Community Foundation has developed a new Web site at www.smokyvalleycf.org.

The Web site contains information about the foundation's mission, board of directors, types of funds provided, information for donors and advisers and how to apply for grants.

Grant applications will be available online during the foundation's annual grant cycle.

The foundation serves Lindsborg and surrounding areas and is an affiliate of the Greater Salina Community Foundation.

Salina Journal May 17, 2007
Awards lunch recognizes two outstanding citizens

Pauline Eaton, the recipient of the 2007 Salina Award for Outstanding Citizenship, is, as described in her introduction Wednesday by Betsy Wearing, "a woman of many careers" -- her service representing remarkable spirit and energy.

"There are many people in this community who do as much as I do. It's a community effort," Eaton, said, smiling, after receiving the award at the Salina Country Club during the Greater Salina Community Foundation's annual awards event.

Eaton was one of four nominees for the award. About 180 people attended the event.

"The satisfaction I get from people's appreciation for using my talents for something they need," replied Eaton, when she was asked what keeps her active in the community.

Eaton first served her family as a homemaker and mother for 30 years, said Wearing, foundation president and executive director. When her children grew up, she enrolled at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, adding majors in business and accounting to her previous degrees in math and religion. Eaton served the former YWCA of Salina as a volunteer business manager and bookkeeper for more than 20 years. She served on the YWCA board of directors and assisted during the closing of the organization, taking care of record keeping.

For nearly 25 years, Eaton also has helped manage and train volunteers with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program through the Salina Senior Center.

Eaton will receive a $1,000 gift for the honor. She was nominated for the award by Nancy Klostermeyer, director of The Volunteer Connection of Salina.

"In just over two years she's worked with Nancy, they've logged more than 1,800 hours of volunteer service," Wearing said.

This year's awards celebration also marked the first for the award for outstanding teen citizenship. The award was presented by the Youth GrantMaker's Council, an organization made up of Saline County high school students.

This year's recipient was Gretchen Holthaus. Holthaus, 18, graduated this month from Salina South High School. She is the daughter of Max Holthaus and Amy Rundquist of Salina. She received a $100 gift for the honor.

The award honors community youth for the work they've contributed in Salina. The four nominees for the award were nominated by fellow students.

Holthaus participated in the Chamber of Commerce Junior Leadership Program in 2005 and 2006. She was the South Student Council community service chairwoman from 2004 through 2006. She was also the National Honor Society community service chairwoman in 2006 and 2007, and the senior class secretary.

Holthaus organized a Red Cross blood drive at South High from 2004 through 2007 and was on the committee for the Youth Relay for Life from 2003 through 2007. She originated the Box City Project, a fundraising event for Salina homeless shelters.

Participants in that project raised cash donations and collected canned food items and spent the night on the South campus sleeping in boxes. The project completed its third year last October. About 40 students have participated each year.

"When I was a sophomore, I became community involvement chair for our student council. We wanted to do a project for Make a Difference Day. I came up with that idea and ran with it," said Holthaus, who plans on attending Wichita State University in the fall to study psychology.

Before the announcement of the awards for community service, Wearing reviewed the foundation's growth since it was founded in 1999.

Organizers originally had set a goal of having $10 million in assets in 10 years. However, in eight years, the foundation has $43 million in assets. This year, the foundation has made $2 million in grants to the community through support for nonprofit organizations and charitable causes.

Salina Journal May 1, 2007
Project Linus

4-H members of Central Kansas District No. 3 are participating in Project Linus for the fourth year.

The 4-H members have been meeting this winter and sewing quilts for Project Linus. CAPS is the recipient of the quilts in this area. The blankets are distributed to children in its Children's Services Program. A total of 35 quilts were presented to Marj Mintun of CAPS. Those participating in Project Linus this year included Carly and Bonnie Anderson, Kendra and Linda Baumberger, Joseph and Mary Bernhardt, Jessica Farenthold, Wesley Landauer, Linda Lecklider, Bekah, Jessica and Rachel Prickett, Jena Sauber, Morgan Schiebler, Courtney Schulz, Jennifer Shumaker, Katie Thelander and Yuki Urano. Project Linus in Salina has been organized by Mary Bernhardt and Linda Lecklider all four years. The Greater Salina Community Foundation's Seize the Moment Grant provided the funding for all of the batting used in the quilts.

Salina Journal December 8, 2006
Leadership course applications sought

Applications are being accepted for the Greater Salina Community Foundation's Blueprint for Leadership course. Application forms are available on the foundation's Web site, www.gscf.org. Deadline for enrollment is Feb. 1. The curriculum for Blueprint for Leadership was developed through a multi-year process in conjunction with the Kansas Health Foundation. The class is offered in five, half-day sessions from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28 and March 7. Tuition for the class is $200 and includes all materials, breakfast and snacks. College credit is available for those who are interested. Scholarships also are available for those representing nonprofit organizations. For more information, call 823-1800.

Salina Journal November 27, 2006
Catalog filled with nonprofits' holiday wishes

If you're having fits deciding how to give during this holiday season, the Greater Salina Community Foundation has a couple of ideas.

The foundation is distributing its second annual Make a Wish Come True catalog with 35 nonprofit organizations and a wish list. All nonprofit organizations with funds in the foundation were invited to participate, said foundation president and executive director Betsy Wearing.

The catalogs are available at the foundation office, 157 S. Seventh; Salina Public Library, 301 W. Elm; Salina Journal, 333 S. Fourth; Capers Cafe & Bakery, 109 N. Santa Fe and Salina Media Group, 131 N. Santa Fe.

Listed items cover a wide price range -- from soap and office supplies to televisions and computers.

The foundation launched the Make a Wish Come True program in 2005.

"Several organizations received office supplies. One got a microwave. One got a washing machine, just a number of things," Wearing said.

Those interested in giving this way can go directly to the organization.

"We're just trying to be the vehicle to get the information out there, to promote giving," Wearing said.

The Holiday Card

The foundation's Holiday Card program allows donors to make a contribution to any foundation fund in the name of a friend, family member or colleague.

"We send a very nice card out that says a gift has been made in their name and what organization it will benefit," Wearing said.

Fulfilling wishes

For more information on the Greater Salina Community Foundation's Make a Wish Come True Catalog, call 823-1800 or visit the foundation's Web site at www.gscf.org. Click on "Publications," on the left side, and then on "2006 Wish List Catalog." To read more about the Holiday Card program, go to the Web site and click "Holiday Card gift ideas" near the top of the page.

Foundation in the News

Salina Journal March 6, 2010 Salina foundation accepting grant applications

Salina Journal February 26, 2010 Prom dress collections continue

Salina Journal Febraury 21, 2010 Living up to greatness

Salina Journal February 13, 2010 Student Robot Makers

Salina Journal February 5, 2010 Foundation makes changes

Salina Journal January 28, 2010 Grant applications, citizenship nominations sought

Salina Journal January 10, 2010 Leadership Salina members complete class

Salina Journal January 8, 2010 Foundation announces scholarships available

Salina Journal January 6, 2010 Greater Salina Community Foundation tops $50 million

Salina Journal December 25, 2009 Minneapolis foundation changes name

Salina Journal December 19, 2009 Salina, area foundations receive thousands in grant money

Salina Journal December 16, 2009 New foundations formed for counties

Salina Journal November 25, 2009 Salina foundation accepting grant applications for 2 programs

Salina Journal November 18, 2009 Smoky Valley Community Foundation makes awards

Salina Journal October 25, 2009 Foundation accepting grant applications for Saline County youth

Salina Journal August 28, 2009 10 area students named to GrantMakers Council

Salina Journal September 24, 2009 Youth GrantMakers is accepting applications

Salina Journal August 9, 2009 Senior Play Days

Salina Journal July 18, 2009 Salina foundation accepting grant applications

Salina Journal July 10, 2009 Boy Scouts to sponsor Eco-Camp for children

Salina Journal June 20, 2009 Leadership Salina program accepting nominations

Salina Journal May 18, 2009 Leaders inspire others

Salina Journal May 14, 2009 Foundation presents citizenship awards

Salina Journal May 14, 2009 Downtown Salina going green for Christmas

Salina Journal May 13, 2009 Community garden receives grant money

Salina Journal May 6, 2009 Grants awarded from YW Legacy Fund

Salina Journal May 1, 2009 Foundation gives spring grants

Salina Journal March 26, 2009 Youth GrantMakers seeking membership applications

Salina Journal March 22, 2009 Foundation seeks nominations for citizenship award

Salina Journal March 13, 2009 Grantmakers Council extends deadline

Salina Journal March 7, 2009 Fundraising, grant writing focus of workshop

Salina Journal March 7, 2009 Applications being accepted for grants

Salina Journal February 25, 2009 PET Project foundation grant available to fund local health programs

Salina Journal February 13, 2009 Salina group accepting grant applications

Salina Journal February 3, 2009 Commissioners OK software purchase, grant application

Salina Journal January 31, 2009 Leadership class completes projects

Salina Journal January 29, 2009 Nominations sought for Youth Citizenship Award

Salina Journal January 28, 2009 Vocal couple sing romantic favorites at Salina Symphony concert

Salina Journal January 25, 2009 The breast is best

Salina Journal January 9, 2009 Foundation Announces Scholarships Available

Salina Journal January 6, 2009 Grants from YW fund available

Salina Journal January 3, 2009 Youth GrantMakers announce fall grants

Salina Journal December 12, 2008 Pals for another year

Salina Journal November 29, 2008 Parents will have new tool for rating child care centers

Salina Journal November 20, 2008 Local organizations put wish lists in holiday catalog

Salina Journal October 31, 2008 Community foundation awards grants

Salina Journal October 28, 2008 AYP news good for Southeast of Saline students

Salina Journal October 10, 2008 Youth GrantMakers Council accepting applications

Salina Journal September 18, 2008 Leadership class chosen for 2008

Salina Journal August 27, 2008 Deadline Friday for Leadership Salina applications

Salina Journal August 19, 2008 United they stand

Salina Journal August 18, 2008 School begins today in Chapman

Salina Journal August 3, 2008 Salina foundation awards five grants

Salina Journal July 30, 2008 Leadership programs merge

Salina Journal July 14, 2008 Good Corporate Citizens

Salina Journal July 11, 2008 The Volunteer Connection office open house is today

Salina Journal July 10, 2008 Companies come together to raise money for Chapman

Salina Journal June 20, 2008 Grant applications being accepted

Salina Journal June 12, 2008 Puppetry workshop gives children a chance to be part of river festival

Salina Journal June 2, 2008 Scholarships

Salina Journal May 31, 2008 GrantMakers Council announces awards

Salina Journal May 31, 2008 10 Named to Youth GrantMakers Council

Salina Journal May 12, 2008 Charities look to estates

Salina Journal May 7, 2008 Foundation forms is Smith County

Salina Journal April 30, 2008 Foundation awards $59,285 in grants

Salina Journal April 16, 2008 KWU's Project HERO receives funding from Greater Salina Community Foundation

Salina Journal April 12, 2008 Students work to give shoes

Salina Journal April 06, 2008 Removing Gangs

Salina Journal March 30, 2008 Child's play

Salina Journal March 28, 2008 Applications accepted for youth project grant

Salina Journal March 19, 2008 Youth Baseball Fund has $2,200 for grants

The Lindsborg News - Record March 5, 2008 Greater Salina Community Foundation Grants Assist the Assaria Community

Salina Journal March 5, 2008 Grants awarded for Assaria projects

Salina Journal March 2, 2008 Youth GrantMakers Council has openings

Salina Journal February 22, 2008 YWCA, YMCA programs always helped others

Salina Journal February 13, 2008 Deadline set for youth nominations

The Hays Daily News February 8, 2008 Diocese creates community foundation

Salina Journal February 5, 2008 Diocese, Community Foundation announce affiliation

Salina Journal January 21, 2008 Youth GrantMakers award grants

Salina Journal March 6, 2010
Salina foundation accepting grant applications