Marymount Theatre memories — now on CD!

Deep in the corners of Dr. Dennis Denning’s basement, a bounty of Marymount Theatre photos had been stored.  Recently, all the photos were digitized and are now available for purchase.

A small group of theatre alum has done their best to identify the years which the shows were produced.  There are photos from 1971 (J.B. & Star Spangled Girl) to Marymount’s final year of 1988 (Cabaret/Brighton Beach Memoirs/Harvey). Sixteen shows from the mid-1970s have recently been added since the photos were first offered.

With proceeds from the sales of the photo CDs last year, a donation of $100 was made to the Sisters of St. Joseph.  The goal is to share the photos with MMC Theatre alum and support the Sisters, who provided us with such a wonderful facility and education.

CDs are $10 each and you can mix and match the shows you want.  The cost covers the discs plus shipping, with any remainder donated to the Sisters of St. Jospeh.

Contact: Barbara Evans Nichols (MMC ’85) at jcbe@sbcglobal.net

Superintendent: Community faces tough choices for schools

Concordia Superintendent Beverly Mortimer, who wears a “no complaints” purple wristband, made it clear she was not whining about the challenges facing public schools in a talk Monday evening.

Instead, she told the crowd of about 50 for the first session of the 2011 Concordia Speakers Series at the Nazareth Motherhouse, “Our strength is our people — inside our buildings and outside in our community.”

Mortimer took nearly an hour to lay out both the strengths of strategic planning for the district and the challenges of dwindling budgets and legislative unknowns.

“People think I cry wolf when it comes to the budget,” said Mortimer, who has led Concordia’s USD 333 for eight years. “They asked me, ‘Where are the cuts?’ I’ve already cut the low-hanging fruit. Now we have to talk about the cuts none of us want to make.”

The first step in making those tough decisions, she said, is to follow the district’s strategic plan, which focuses on engaged learning, effective teaching and building trusting relationships. Those three priorities mean finding new and creative ways to help children learn, using technology to teach and learn more effectively and providing safe schools for students, staff and the community.

Meeting those goals is increasingly difficult, Mortimer said, when the state Legislature — responsible for paying for public schools — has defined its role as “funding a suitable education” for the state’s children.

“’Suitable’ is the key word there,” Mortimer said. “I don’t think what (legislators are) so much concerned with is what happens during class time; what they’re thinking about is extracurricular (activities) that can be eliminated. And that’s not just sports. It’s debate, the Scholar Bowl, cheerleading, 4-H…

“Those are the places where we as the community will have to make choices.”

And that’s already beginning, she noted.

The state bases its funding for education on a “per pupil” amount that’s multiplied by the number of full-time students in a district.

For Concordia USD 333, the full-time enrollment is just over 1,100.

At the start of the 2008-09 school year, the per-pupil amount was $4,433 — but that was cut mid-year by the Legislature to $4,400. During last school year, the Legislature cut it again mid-year, to $4,218.

And it has already been cut once during this school year to $4,012 — while the governor’s not-yet-approved budget recommendation would cut it to $3,937 before the school year ends.

For this school year alone, that means a cut in state funding of $310,000. Plus, Mortimer noted, the district has learned that its health insurance premiums for employees will go up 15 percent this year.

“For us, that’s another $180,000. So with the cuts, if the governor’s budget is approved, we’ll have $500,000 less than we started with this year.”

The choice then comes down to increasing local taxes and fees or cutting the budget even more.

She ticked off some of the budget cuts that have already been made:

• Selling the alternative high school building.
• Reducing staff.
• Shifting to a four-day workweek in the summer to reduce utilities.
• Offering an early retirement incentive.
• Reducing in-town bussing and eliminating activity bus routes.
• Reducing summer school.
• Eliminating the auto program at the high school.

In making those kinds of decisions, Mortimer said, she and the school board ask how the cuts affect the students, their families, school staff and the community.

As a part of the budget process this spring, she said she will ask taxpayers the same kinds of question in a “Survey of Patrons.”

“Basically, the survey will ask, ‘What is it that you can live without?’ she said.

After the survey is completed, Mortimer also plans to create a Patron Advisory Panel to help review the survey results and help in the tough decisions to come.

Having that kind of community involvement in the process is crucial, she said.

“I see myself as a steward of this district,” she told the crowd Monday evening. “It’s not mine, I am just the caretaker for you.”

Feb. 18, 2011: Neighborliness can provide the example for a broader peace, by Siri McGuire

Being neighborly consists of more than donating the occasional cup of sugar.

By creating a welcoming neighborhood that embraces people of all different backgrounds, we can achieve a higher level of peace not only within our community but within ourselves.

An important step in creating a neighborhood where everybody feels welcome is establishing a friendly relationship with your neighbors. Everyday acts of geniality, such as taking care of a pet while a neighbor is gone, help pave the way to a relationship between neighbors where open and friendly communication can be created. With open communication comes trust, which is essential for creating a neighborhood where everybody feels safe and welcome.

If we focus on establishing the best relationship that we can with our neighbors, we spend less time focusing on the petty differences that otherwise might cause conflict. Then, if an issue does arise that causes concern, we can use the open communication we’ve established to resolve the problem.

But not all differences between neighbors are small.

A difference in religious or political affiliation too often creates unnecessary tension between neighbors. We should see this situation as an opportunity to improve our understanding and acceptance of those who believe differently than we do. It also provides us an opportunity to wipe away any prejudices or misunderstandings we might have had in favor of creating a trusting relationship with a neighbor.

We should not ignore a difference such as this with a neighbor, but instead recognize it, educate ourselves about it and accept the difference as we build a relationship.

If we choose to accept our neighbors for who they are and learn about beliefs other than our own, we help in creating a more peaceful neighborhood. If we all decided to approach a difference in this way, maybe as a culture we could see differences not as something to hate or be afraid of, but instead something to rejoice in and learn from.

To rise above much of the strife, ignorance and misunderstandings that plague our world today, it’s vital that we see the worth in creating a friendly and welcoming neighborhood. From small acts of kindness to accepting a person with a different belief, we can create a community where ignorance and prejudice are rare and diversity is embraced.

Perhaps the best way to go about changing the world and making it a better place is to start right in our own community and make it a model for the rest of the world to follow.

— Siri McGuire is the daughter of Bill and Anne McGuire. She is a sophomore at Concordia High School.

Varied progress reports prove forum’s power

Nearly 40 people spent an hour Wednesday reporting on programs and progress due at least in part to the “working lunches” that began two years ago.

At what was announced to be the 13th and  last working lunch of the Community Needs Forum, individuals and agency representatives took the microphone to update the group on events, fundraisers, projects and needs that continue in Concordia.

• • • • • • • • •

Sister Betty Suther reported on the Community Garden of Hope, which is getting ready for its second growing season. The garden is working in a partnership with Concordia High School and has applied for a grant through the Kansas Green Schools program. The hope is to develop a composting program and then get students involved in growing produce under the direction of teacher Nathan Hamilton.

She also noted that all 26 plots in the garden have already been reserved for the season and there’s a waiting list.

Suther also reported on behalf of the Tourism and Convention Bureau, which is planning a major Concordia event as part of the 150th anniversary of Kansas’ statehood. Billed as “KS 150 QuiltFest,” the Oct. 7 and 8 affair will feature an exhibit of 150 quilts plus a dinner and quilt auction, with vendors and demonstrations at various locations in the city. The Nazareth Motherhouse will host the quilt exhibit and other details are still being worked out.

Sister Jean Rosemarynoski told the group about the Concordia Year of Peace, which in January began “Another Year of Peace.” T-shirts are available to support that effort (by calling Sister Julie Christensen at 785/243-4428), and Rosemarynoski said a new book available this spring will be a collection of the Year of Peace newspaper columns published from September 2009 through the end of 2010.

She also said the Year of Peace Committee is working to put together events for the National Night Out Against Crime, which is organized in communities across the country in August.

Sue Sutton said the Year of Peace Committee and Cloud County Community College have partnered to present a film series focusing on themes of civility and nonviolence. The next movie, which is open to the public without charge, is set for March 15 at 7 p.m. in Cook Theatre on the college campus. The movie to be shown that evening is “My Favorite Year,” a 1982 comedy about the early days of television.

Pat Gerhardt of the Kansas State University cooperative extension service showed off table tents and posters, made available through K-State, that emphasize a message of showing each other appreciation. “That’s a part of peace,” Gerhardt said. “When we appreciate each other, we are kinder to each other.”

Jennie Thrash gave an update on a new outreach program a small group of people have come together to create. Called “Our Father’s House,” it is seen as a way to help meet the needs of families in crisis or those who need mentoring and support. Its special emphasis would be on helping men, but it would serve the needs of the entire family, Thrash said.

Others at Wednesday’s meeting made pitches for upcoming fundraisers: The waffle breakfast this Saturday at the American Legion to support Lifeline, the Bowl for Kids Sake fundraiser supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cloud, Mitchell and Republic Counties, and the soup dinner at Concordia High School Monday evening to support the Honor Flight program that allows World War II veterans to visit Washington, D.C.

At the end of the reports, Sister Marcia Allen asked the question that had been in the air since the beginning of the lunch: What next?

The Sisters of St. Joseph have already announced the 2011 Concordia Speakers Series, which kicks off Monday evening at 7 with Superintendent Beverly Mortimer talking about the “Strengths and Challenges of Concordia’s Schools.” That presentation will be at the Nazareth Motherhouse in the auditorium and it is free and open to the public.

Allen, president of the Sisters of St. Joseph that has hosted the lunches at the Nazareth Motherhouse, said that in the 26 months since the meetings started in January 2009, a total of 125 different individuals have taken part. She said she sees the new speakers series as the “redirection” of the Community Needs Forum’s “working lunches.”

“This idea (for the speakers series) grew out of these meetings,” Allen told the group. “This is a way for leaders in the community to talk to people about the issues that are important to all of us.”

The group at Wednesday’s lunch seemed reluctant to give up the regular meetings, however.

“You heard all these reports,” participant Everett Ford said. “We’ve got something going on here and I’d hate to lose that.”

A number of people suggested quarterly or twice-yearly meetings instead of getting together every six to eight weeks. “I’ve very much appreciated the generosity of the sisters, hosting us and giving us lunch,” said Rose Koerber of the Cloud County Health Center. “But as much as that, these meetings have been about the networking and getting to know each other, and finding the ways we can work together.”

After the lunch Wednesday, Allen said she would work out a schedule of quarterly meetings and get those dates out to the public as soon as possible.

It’s a rap: Employees honored for service

Employees were recognized for five, 10, 15 and 20 years of service during “A Banquet of Gratitude” at the Sisters of St. Joseph Nazareth Motherhouse Tuesday evening.

The employees honored this year were:

For 20 years, Loleda Monty, who is a cook, and Rose Tremblay, a nursing assistant.

For 15 years, Donna Breault, a nursing assistant

For 10 years, Karen Brown and Linda St. Pierre, who are both cooks.

For five years, Terri Headrick, who is a cook.

All of those honored live in Concordia.

Each year the Sisters of St. Joseph host a special dinner for the nearly 70 employees who  work at the Motherhouse, the CSJ Administration Center and Manna House of Prayer. About 140 sisters and employees and their guests filled the Motherhouse Auditorium for the event Tuesday. The theme of the evening was “Love Changes Everything,” the title of a song by Andrew Lloyd Webber that was performed by Sister Regina Ann Brummel accompanied by pianist Sister Janis Wagner.

But that wasn’t the only music of the evening: The seven-member Leadership Council gave a somewhat ragged rendition of a rap blessing, written by Sister Jean Rosemarynoski to include the name of each employee.

The Sisters of St. Joseph is a religious order of women who came to Kansas in 1883 and established the Nazareth Convent and Academy in Concordia a year later. There are about 145 Sisters in the order, serving missions in more than 20 cities and towns in Kansas, plus others in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas. About half the sisters live and serve in Concordia.

Sisters share a message of love on Valentine’s Day

Women who regularly take part in programs and fellowship at Neighbor to Neighbor gathered this afternoon (Monday) for an offering of love from the sisters who work there.

• • • • • • • •

In short remarks to begin the Valentine’s Day party, each of  the three Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia  — Jean Befort, Pat McLennon and Ramona Medina — talked about the power of love to bring people together and to build a community of the people who come to the downtown Concordia women’s center.

“We are just a small group,” said Sister Jean, “but by being kind to each other and caring about each other, we demonstrate love.”

Sister Pat said that Valentine’s Day — coming after a long winter when many people start feeling stressed by “cabin fever” — gives everyone the opportunity to love each other as neighbors and to be grateful for each other.

The sisters served special Valentine’s cupcakes and sundaes to celebrate the sweetness of the holiday.

Neighbor to Neighbor is open every weekday  — from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and from 1 to 6 p.m. on Thursday. It’s at 103 E. Sixth St. in downtown Concordia, next to the Catholic Thrift Shop.

To learn more, call the center at 785/262-4215 or CLICK HERE to go to the Neighbor to Neighbor home page.

Wednesday’s lunch reviews two years of progress

After two years of “working lunches” to focus on addressing concerns in Concordia, the Community Needs Forum is changing direction — but not without one last working lunch to review what the group has accomplished.

The lunch is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 16, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Nazareth Motherhouse, 13^th and Washington streets. Everyone is invited to take part; you do not have to have attended earlier forums to join the process now.  Lunch is provided at no cost, and those planning to come are asked to RSVP to Sister Jean Rosemarynoski at 243-2149 or sisterjean@csjkansas.org.

Wednesday’s session will be the 13^th in a process that started in the fall of 2008 with informal lunches at the Sisters of St. Joseph. In addition to identifying what participants see as the greatest needs in the community, the meetings have established smaller groups to seek solutions.  It will also be the opportunity for Sisters Marcia Allen and Jean Rosemarynoski, who organized the process, to introduce the 2011 Concordia Speakers Series.

“The idea of a speakers series originated in an informal presentation made by Police Chief Chris Edin at the working lunch in June (2010),” Allen said. “He said he wished he could talk to the public about creating an awareness about various crimes committed in the town, especially sexual assault among the young, and inviting citizens to help prevent them. That set us thinking.”

The free monthly forums will be held in the evening so more people from throughout Concordia will be able to attend, Allen said.

The first of the 2011 Concordia Speaker Series is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Nazareth Motherhouse. Concordia Schools Superintendent Bev Mortimer will talk about the challenges facing public schools and what USD 333 Schools are doing to continue to meet the needs of students, families and the community.

At Wednesday’s working lunch, Allen and Rosemarynoski will ask for updates on other projects that have grown out of the Community Needs Forum, including:

• The Concordia Year of Peace, which is continuing through 2011 as “Another Year of Peace.”

• The Concordia Community Garden of Hope, which is gearing up for its second year of operation on the northeast corner of the Motherhouse property.

Agencies and organizations attending the lunch will also be asked to talk about any significant changes they see for 2011.

A day after the storm, it’s beautiful!

Tuesday’s bitter cold and blizzard conditions seemed like they would last forever. But late this morning — Wednesday, Feb. 9 — the sun and blue skies returned to give us a winter wonderland. (A wonderland, that is, for everyone who doesn’t have to work out in the still 20 degree weather or drive the still snow-packed roads.)

The Nazareth Motherhouse is beautiful in any weather, of course, but this view of the snow-covered field to the south, looking north to the historic red-brick building is particularly striking after a heavy snow.

Feb. 4, 2011: Everyday language carries a powerful message, by Sister Anna Marie Broxterman

Recent events both nationally and locally show the critical need for promoting civility and our year of peace efforts. I think we are all shocked and saddened when violence or the threat of violence occurs. Some literature would have us believe that as a nation we are getting so used to violence that we are desensitized to it or perhaps paralyzed by the force of its presence. I hope that never happens.

Last year I was one of the instructors for “Engage,” a course on nonviolence offered by the Concordia Year of Peace Committee. The premise of Engage and other teachings on nonviolence and nonviolent communication is that awareness is the key to bringing about change. We need to become aware of how our own thoughts, word and actions may be violent, even though that is not our intention at all.

Language is powerful. Our everyday speech contains phrases such as “he really bombed out,” “that was cut-throat competition,” “I’m tied up now,” “she was shot down” and many others. Usually people do not literally mean what the words say.

At this year’s annual Concordia Chamber of Commerce dinner Jan. 15, one of the speakers talked about how we become what we think. In a conversation later, a woman at the dinner told me how the Year of Peace project has awakened her to the importance of words. She said she finds herself changing words she once upon a time would have spoken.  And with that change, she said, her thought patterns also change. She said she’s glad to see the Concordia Year of Peace continue for another year because she is enjoying the change it is making in her.

Her comments reminded me of a quote from Gandhi: “Be the change that you want to see in the world.”  That’s what the Civility Pledge, which 299 Concordians recently signed, hopes to accomplish.

I personally am committed to nonviolence and nonviolent communication and desire to grow in awareness day by day of how my own language and thoughts impact my actions. It also means I really need to listen to what the other person is saying. I need to make an effort to understand what is behind their words. It’s so easy to listen and make a quick judgment but nonviolent communication challenges us not to do that.  It means listening to – and responding to – the other person with dignity and respect.

Basically, what I have learned about nonviolent communication is that it is the Golden Rule put into action:  “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

Try this for yourself. See what happens to you when you start becoming aware of your own thoughts and language and make an effort to choose words that you yourself would want to hear.

— Sister Anna Marie Broxterman is a member of the Concordia Year of Peace Committee and serves congregational Leadership Council of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia.

Friday, Feb. 4, 2011

God gave burdens, also shoulders.

~Yiddish Proverb

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