We wanted to take a minute and provide an update on what we are doing for the 3 families we adopted from the Christmas Bureau.  We raised $605, and it is because of that generosity that we have been able to do so much for these 3 families (total of 16 lives we are touching).  We spent $122.35 at Toys R Us on toys for 9 of the 11 kids.  We spent $337.71 on clothes for each of the 11 kids, gift cards for 2 of the 11 kids, and gifts for the 5 adults.  We spent $82.99 at Hyvee to buy holiday meals for each family: 1/2 a Ham, potatoes, veggies, rolls, and pie.  We area also giving each family a $20 gift card to Dillons to meet any other needs they might have (e.g., food, diapers, soap, paper goods, etc).  Who knew $605 could do so much?

We will be making deliveries on Tuesday and Wednesday to the families.  I only wish we could do more for not only these families, but for all those in need this holiday season.  Thank you to everyone who donated money to help us help more in our community.

Topeka artist Justin Marable will showcase his interpretations of the Capital City at “Why ReThink,” a new exhibit 3-5 p.m. Saturday Dec. 19 at Lola’s Café.

Last September, Marable sent out a call for art to the city and the region for the event, “ReThink Topeka,” which will occur April 17, 2010 in downtown Topeka. In the meantime, he has found fresh ways to perceive Topeka and continues to “ReThink” the city on a daily basis. The show “Why ReThink” is an effort to energize local and regional artists and will serve as a reminder to participate in the coming “ReThink Topeka” event April 2010.

“I’m hoping that people will use the show as inspiration to make their own ReThink Topeka art, or to begin expressing pride in this place we call home,”said Marable.

The art exhibit will be on display beginning Dec. 1, featuring screenprints of Marable’s work that deals with places in Topeka and written explanations of why he decided to “ReThink” that location.

A formal opening will be held 3-5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19. The opening will feature Topeka-centered poetry readings by Matt Porubsky and Leah Sewell, the live music of local band Interior Sea and discussions about Topeka as inspiration for local artists, musicians, writers and performers. Visitors will also be able to find out more about the coming April 2010 “ReThink Topeka” event, and merchandise such as stickers, pins and t-shirts will be available. Marable welcomes anyone to the show who is supportive of battling negative perceptions about Topeka and helping to create a more positive representation.

Check out the Facebook event for additional photos, or to invite your friends.

The City of Topeka and the Topeka Branch-NAACP announces that applications are now being accepted for the Law Enforcement Partnership Panel (LEPP).

 The application is available to all citizens of Topeka and Shawnee County at the NAACP office, 501 Southeast Jefferson, the HRC office, 620 Southeast Madison, second floor, the Law Enforcement Center, 320 South Kansas. They are also available on-line at the City of Topeka’s website, www.topeka.org. To have one mailed, please call the HRC at 785-368-3606. For Kansas Relay Assistance, dial 7-1-1.

 “I encourage any citizen of Topeka and Shawnee County who is concerned about crime in the community to consider applying for this panel,” Topeka Police Chief Ron Miller said. “This is a great opportunity for the community to work together.”

 Applications are being accepted through December 18, 2009 and should be returned to the Topeka Branch-NAACP Office, 501 S E Jefferson, Topeka KS 66607. Following review of the applications, an interview process will begin, conducted by the LEPP Steering Committee and current members of the LEPP. 

 The LEPP was created in 2007 through a partnership of the Topeka Branch-NAACP and the City of Topeka, including the City Manager, the Human Relations Commission (HRC) and the Police Department, the U. S. Department of Justice, and members of the faith community and the legal field.

 The LEPP interacts with the Topeka Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies (when deemed necessary) to address issues including operation policies and procedures, complaint process, race relations, training, education, community policing, and community statistical reporting. The LEPP also serves as a tool to improve the relationship between the local government and the community pertaining to law enforcement issues. The LEPP acts in an interactive capacity and has no authority over any department or entity.

This morning I received TransformTopeka’s official letter from the United Way, notifying us which families were selected for us to adopt this holiday season. Thanks to the $605 that we were able to raise, we’re going to be able to help three families have a merry Christmas!

• A single mother with three boys, ages 3 – 11.
• A couple with four children (two girls and two boys), ages 0 – 12.
• A couple with four children (three boys and a girl), ages 1 – 13.

Our next step will be to contact each family, letting them know that they’ve been adopted and then confirming their wish lists. Then we’ll need to organize a group shopping trip and gift-wrapping session, so we can get everything delivered to our families before Christmas arrives.

City Manager Norton Bonaparte has been elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) for his “sustained exemplary contributions and continuing active commitment to the improvement of public administration,” according to the NAPA. 

The Academy is a non-profit, independent coalition of top public management and organizational leaders and has a membership of 650 Fellows. They include current and former United States cabinet officers, members of Congress, governors, mayors, state legislators, diplomats, business executives, local public managers, foundation executives, and scholars. 

“Individually, Fellows provide unparalleled insight and experience,” according to the NAPA Web site.  “Collectively, they are the Academy’s primary vehicle for addressing issues of governance.” 

Fellows elect new members to the Academy each year. The principal criterion for selection is a sustained contribution to the field of public administration through public service or scholarship. Bonaparte has worked in public administration for 32 years and has served as City Manager in five communities. 

Bonaparte and 33 others were inducted into the Academy in an investiture ceremony at NAPA’s annual meeting on November 19 in Washington, D.C.

So often I hear, as I stroll about Topeka, that there is nothing to do in this city.  I am disappointed when I hear this, because there are so many organizations working very hard to bring events and activities to Topeka.  The hard work of one of these organizations has paid off in 2009. 

On December 5, 2009 Topeka, KS will host a bowl game.  It is a Division 2 bowl game, but a bowl game nonetheless.  At 1pm, the first annual Kanza Bowl kicks off with Nebraska at Omaha playing West Texas A&M University at Hummer Sports Park, 501 Sports Park Drive, Topeka, KS. 

Not only do visitors and locals get to watch a great football game on Saturday afternoon, but they can also purchase tickets to attend a banquet on Friday December 4 at the Ramada Inn in downtown Topeka. 

Ticket Prices: 

• Adults: $8.00 in advance
• Adults: $10.00 game day
• Youth: $5.00 (12 & under)
• Students: $8.00 (with ID)
• Military: $5.00 (with ID game day only)
• Banquet: $30

Tickets can be purchased at the following locations:

• Hummer Sports Park – Call 785-295-3750
• Visit Topeka, Inc. – Call 785-234-1030
• Lower, Inc. – Call 785-357-5123

This is a great opportunity for Topeka to show off our great city and this awesome sports complex to the fans traveling with both of these universities.  I cannot make this event in 2009, but hope to be able to attend in 2010.  Please show your support for the folks bringing a Division 2 bowl game to Topeka!

Last year was my first Thanksgiving back in Topeka (we moved back the weekend after Thanksgiving in 2007).  I was listening to the radio a few weeks before Thanksgiving and heard of the need for volunteers for the Community Thanksgiving Dinner.  I wondered what this event was and how I could help.  I called the number, offered to volunteer, and reported for duty on Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving.  We were a group charged with setting up the dining hall.  First a couple of kids and I filled the sugar/sweeter boxes and set one on each table.  Then some Girl Scouts and I set out place-mats and centerpieces.  I was only there for a few hours, but it felt good to be part of something so huge. 

In 2008, the Community Thanksgiving Dinner served 975 meals eaten inside Ag Hall, 430 meals were served to-go,  and delivered 1,320 meals (according to CJOnline).  This year’s dinner is on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 26^th) from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Agricultural Hall (Kansas Expocentre).  Every community member is welcome (no income requirement) to join the community for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. 

This year they need your help to ensure that the 42nd annual event is a success.  You can help by giving food, money, or your time.  Non-perishable food items (e.g., instant potatoes, canned jellied cranberries, canned candied yams, box stuffing mix, canned green beans, canned chicken broth, coffee grounds, canned evaporated milk, etc) can be dropped off at any Topeka Fire Station any time of day from now until November 22.  Food donations can also be made at Agricultural Hall, Kansas Expocentre from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m November 23 through November 25.  Cash or check donations can be made at any CoreFirst Bank & Trust location.  Checks can also be mailed to the Community Thanksgiving Dinner Foundation at PO Box 432, Topeka, KS  66601.

If you would like to volunteer your time there are many things you can do to help out.  Food preparation is scheduled to begin the Monday before Thanksgiving.  Volunteer opportunities range from cooking preparation, serving, kitchen help and meal delivery for home-bound meal recipients.  Volunteers can sign up through United Ways 2-1-1, toll free number.

Since my family does not need me to prepare anything for our Thanksgiving meal, I will have time in the morning on Thanksgiving Day.  I have volunteered to deliver meals on Thursday morning.  I will be there at 9:45am and hope to see you there.  Let’s make this years Community Thanksgiving Dinner a huge success!

The City of Topeka and two area agencies have joined together to provide limited snow removal service for older citizens and those with a disability who qualify.

 The City of Topeka, the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, and the Topeka Independent Living Resource Center announced today the 4th Annual “Snow Relief Team.” The team will consist of five or six crews of women inmates from the Topeka Correctional Facility, and two male inmate crews from Shawnee County Department of Corrections.  Their task will be to remove snow on driveways and public sidewalks adjacent to properties of qualifying Topekans.

 “We want to help our older citizens and persons with a disability with snow removal following large snows,” said Randy Speaker, Deputy City Manager.  “Our focus will be on those Topeka residents who have limited incomes and who do not have able-bodied relatives to assist them in their time of need”. 

 Often driveway entrances are plowed shut during street cleanups, making it difficult to get out. Also, those using wheelchairs to get around might need a path cleared to a bus stop, for example. Both situations could be resolved by the teams, he added.  Also, City code requires sidewalks to be cleared no more than 12 hours after a snow or ice storm or no more than 6 hours after sunrise.

 Snow removal service will be available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. excluding holidays.  Snow accumulation must be one inch or more.  The City may decline to provide a service if weather is hazardous for the safety of City personnel and/or equipment.

 To qualify, a person must:

• Reside within the City of Topeka city limits AND
• Have an income of no more than $34,350 per household per year for one person household or $39,250 per household per year for a two person household  
• Be 55 years of age or older  OR
• Have a disability AND
• Have no other local family member that can help. 

 To see if you qualify for the Snow Relief Team assistance, call the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging at 235-1367 or the Topeka Independent Living Resource Center at 233-4572.

For the second year, TransformTopeka will be adopting families for Christmas from the United Way’s Christmas Bureau, and we’d like your help! With all of the hustle and bustle this time of year, we understand that it’s difficult to get all of your own Christmas shopping taken care of – let alone coordinating and purchasing items to donate to another family. We’re here to make it as easy as possible for you to make a difference in the lives of your fellow Topekans this holiday season!

As a group, TransformTopeka will collect money from anyone that’s interested in helping, contact the adopted families to get confirm their wish list, go shopping, do the wrapping and coordinate delivery of all presents and meals in time for everyone to have a Merry Christmas. And, to be as transparent as possible, we’ll blog and Facebook our progress all along the way.

So how can you help? Make a donation to our PayPal account by clicking the link below. When you get to the page to review your payment, add “Christmas Bureau” in the area for special instructions for the seller. You can also mail a check to: TransformTopeka, 1324 SE Monroe, Topeka, KS 66612 or hand it to any one of our board members. We’ll accept funds up through Tuesday, December 1, before determining how many families we’re be able to help.

Want to check our progress? Visit our website frequently as we’ll be updating our collection total on a regular basis.