Monday, December 16, 2013

Alton, Illinois Young Professional Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Young-Professionals-of-Alton/300936293358528 Link to a young professional group in my hometown. Maybe we can use some ideas. Alton is very similar to Atchison, in the sense they are both small midwest river towns. Id do not have a facebook account or else id check it out.

Overview of Atchison through eyes of college student.

Project Atchison Basic overview of Atchison through eyes of a college student.. The city of Atchison has a very unique structure. Atchison has a small population where everybody knows everybody. Atchison has a rich history and possesses many historical buildings and houses. Atchison is conveniently located near the KCI airport. Many of the Atchison residents have a strong bond with the town and community. Atchison has large amounts of land and residential areas but has a limited number of industrial and commercial areas. Benedictine College is a major asset to the Atchison community. However, many of the college graduates find jobs elsewhere. Another weakness of Atchison is the amount of hotels available. Atchison is unable to host any major events because they do not have enough hotel rooms for their visitors. Overall economically Atchison is doing fine but some areas of Atchison would make visitors think otherwise Atchison has some big employers located within its community such as MGP, Bradken, Benedictine College, Wells Fargo and the Atchison hospital. One problem for Atchison faces is the lack of major attraction to lure visitors. Atchison also needs more entrepreneurial efforts from its citizens. Atchison need more creativity!

Overview of Atchison through eyes of college student.

Project Atchison Basic overview of Atchison through eyes of a college student.. The city of Atchison has a very unique structure. Atchison has a small population where everybody knows everybody. Atchison has a rich history and possesses many historical buildings and houses. Atchison is conveniently located near the KCI airport. Many of the Atchison residents have a strong bond with the town and community. Atchison has large amounts of land and residential areas but has a limited number of industrial and commercial areas. Benedictine College is a major asset to the Atchison community. However, many of the college graduates find jobs elsewhere. Another weakness of Atchison is the amount of hotels available. Atchison is unable to host any major events because they do not have enough hotel rooms for their visitors. Overall economically Atchison is doing fine but some areas of Atchison would make visitors think otherwise Atchison has some big employers located within its community such as MGP, Bradken, Benedictine College, Wells Fargo and the Atchison hospital. One problem for Atchison faces is the lack of major attraction to lure visitors. Atchison also needs more entrepreneurial efforts from its citizens. Atchison need more creativity!

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Atchison summer blog


Summer in Atchison

                The past two summers I have spent the majority of my time here in Atchison. The town is quite in the summer, all the college students have headed home for the next 3 months. Despite Atchison sometimes feeling like a ghost town during the summer months, there are plenty of events Atchison hosts. Some of the events within the community are Juneteenth, 4th of July, but no events is bigger than Ameliafest. The Amelia Earhart is a weekend long festival that takes place during the second weekend of July. Ameliafest
                The country music festival features a concerts (lakefest), a carnival and firework show.   Every year Warnock lake host an annual outdoor country music concert known as Lakefest. The concert attracts many people from all over the Kansas and Missouri area. Lakefest has featured many big name country artist in the past such as Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton and this year featured Brian Adams.  Warnock lake offers a unique and natural venue. The natural incline of the slopping hills allows the audience a stadium like feel when looking down at the stage. This past summer a few thousand people were in attendance.
                Downtown Atchison features a large carnival for friends and families. Games, rides, food, beer, music and prizes are all available. The carnival is the longest attraction of Ameliafest running from Wednesday through Sunday night.  Without a doubt the biggest highlight of Ameliafest is the firework show. I have seen many firework shows in my day and this show hands down takes the cake. The fireworks are shot over the Missouri River providing a great venue. The lights and flashes off the explosion reflect off the River and the sounds echo throughout the streets of Atchison. The show lasts about 15 minutes and the grand finale has never let anyone down.
                Overall Ameliafest is a great event for the Atchison community. Many people need to stop, visit and experience Atchison during the festival. People will be amazed by how much fun a small town can produce in one weekend. Even outside of all the events,  it is a great chance to remember the legacy of Amelia Earhart.

blog #4 Marshmallow challenge





Spaghetti Tower

          The spaghetti tower challenge is a great team building exercise. Teams must quickly develop a practical solution to build a tower using only string, tape, and spaghetti noodles. The top of the tower must also be able to hold a marshmallow at the peak. There is no right or wrong approach to building the tower. Often times the simplest ideas are the best approach. This challenge has been used for business executives all the way to kindergarten students. Shockingly, kindergarten students have built taller tower than some of the highest ranking business professionals. The kindergarten students have been so successful making these towers because they work better as a team. When a group of business executives build a spaghetti tower they all want to use their own idea or do it their way. The main purpose of the spaghetti challenge is teamwork. The challenge covers the basic fundamentals of leadership, while each member of a group contributes in a collective effort to reach a goal.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Last Blog Til Next Year

I just want to use this blog to say that I’ve had a lot of fun taking this class this semester. I can’t wait for next year and for more good times. Safe travels over break and happy holidays!!!



Something to do Sunday Dec. 15


Show - Its A Wonderful Life


  • Date: December 15, 2013
    Time: 2:00pm
    Venue: Theatre Atchison
    Address:
 401 Santa Fe
 Atchison, KS 66002

Project Name?


I know we haven’t come up with a name for our group yet besides Social Atchison, so I just am going to throw a few others out there for us:

1. YPA (Young Professionals Atchison)

2. PALT (Professional Atchison Leadership Team)

3. Atchison Connection

4. ProAtchison

5. iProfessional Atchison

Young Professional Groups Worldwide








I feel these websites will help give us some ideas on what our website should look like and maybe even give us some more ideas for events we can have in our community.


Music At The Muchnic

On Dec 6 at 6:00 p.m. I went to the Muchnic Art Gallery and actually had a good time. When I walked in I was given a piece of paper to write down what art I liked the best. The art was way better than the first time I went there in the class. After about 40 minutes of walking around upstairs I chose my top 3 favorites and returned downstairs to turn in my slip. After that I walked around downstairs for a bit and mingled with others from the community. I ran into Nesha from class while I was in the living room watching this guy play his guitar. Then I ate some of the snacks from the table in the dining room and that was about it.

My Atchison

I never got a chance to post pics of my Atchison so here they are:


Football = My Life (Benedictine Ravens)

 I Found My Kitten "Hunter" in Atchison on the way home from the meeting at Cedar Ridge with Dom and Zach

 My House and my Friends in Atchison

Atchison Cleanup Day (on 10th St)

Met My Girlfriend Rhiannon at Benedictine (At Willies)

Thursday, December 12, 2013


NewYear's Eve Special at the Glick Mansion: $30

  • Sparklers for outside moments
  • Cracker/fruit/cheese plate for the evening
  • Sparkling beverage or warm cider

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Art & Soul Festival


The Art and Soul Festival

The Art and Soul Festival was an awesome experience. It was a small festival with much to offer. There were several booths that offered a wide variety of things to buy. There was a booth that sold old china, one that sold homemade candles, and another booth that sold cupcakes and homemade makeup, along with many others. Also at the festival they sold homemade brick fire pizza, which was delicious! There was also live music, and after the band played it was an open mic night. While at the the festival I met this lady that had a booth where she was selling pesto dip that was made from homegrown sunflower seeds and garlic. While sampling the dip I noticed a sign that said she also raises beef, chicken, and pork naturally. This was good news for me because after taking the Food Farm to Table class that was offered this semester, I wanted to be more careful where I bought my food from, especially my meats. After asking more about her farm I learned that the way she and her family are raising and slaughtering their animals was something I felt comfortable with. Before leaving I was sure to get her business card. Not only did I have a wonderful time at the festival, I was able to do some networking. In November I finally called the lady that owns the farm to inquire about buying a chicken or two. Luckily it was around the time that they would be slaughtering a bunch of chickens. That Saturday we went out to their firm and got to see the whole process of slaughtering, degutting, and butchering the chicken. I had the opportunity of butchering my own chicken. It was an unforgettable experience and ended up buying five whole chickens and the pesto that we tried at the festival.



Music at the Muchnic



Music at the Muchnic

Music at the Muchnic was another unforgettable experience in Atchison. I was able to meet some local artists of the town and have delicious refreshments, as well as listen to some tasteful live music. Being there was much different than the stereotypical rep that Atchison gets from the students at Benedictine which are blocked by the force of the “Benedictine Bubble”. This was a classy yet casual experience. After being there for a while they had an awards ceremony for the pieces of art that got the most votes in different categories, there was even a youth section. I love that through being in this class I have gained easy access to the different events that go on in town. I wish that more students would get more involved with the Atchison community so that they could see that this town has so much more to offer than Walmart and Mullers.

Marketing People

I don't know if this is something the Social Atchison group would be interested in.

Meet up group

http://www.meetup.com/create/

City of Atchison Website Volunteer section


On the city of Atchison website they listed a few organizations and events that are open for volunteer help!


CITY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
The City relies on boards and committees led by community volunteers to set policies and priorities. For more information, please visit the Boards and Commissions pagehere. Questions? Contact City Clerk Deb Clem at 913-367-5506 or via email.

VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHER
Share your photography skills by volunteering at Atchison events or helping with other special projects. Atchison is known for its festivals and scenic beauty and we can always use extra help in capturing these special community moments by a volunteer photographer. Photographers may also be asked to photograph city projects and special events. 

REQUIREMENTS: Volunteers must be age 16 or older. Must be able to walk around event for approximately 2-4 hours at a time. Comfortable approaching event participants to photograph. Volunteer will use their own camera.
Volunteer will sign Volunteer Photography Agreement and agree to all requirements. Must provide city a copy of photos within 48 hours of event and allows city to use photos with unlimited rights. Volunteer will retain the ownership rights of photographs.
Ready to shine? Shoot us an email and we'll send you a Volunteer Photography Agreement.

VOLUNTEER AT COMMUNITY EVENTS

Amelia Earhart Festival
Annual community festival held the third weekend of July :: Contact Jacque Pregont,Atchison Chamber of Commerce :: 913-367-2427

Holiday Homes Tour
Various volunteers needed :: Contact 913-367-2427

Haunted Trolley Tour
Various volunteers needed :: Contact 913-367-2427

Holiday Lights Tour
Various volunteers needed :: Contact 913-367-2427

Juneteenth
Volunteers sought for this historic community celebration honoring African-American independence, emphasizing education and achievement :: Contact Donald Bratton :: 913-367-2481

VOLUNTEER WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Atchison Art Association
Contact Gloria Davis :: 913-367-4278
Atchison County Historical Society Contact Chris Taylor :: 913-367-6238

Volunteers sought to fill a variety of services including Le Volontaire gift shop, Twice is Nice Thrift Shop, Mail Delivery, Surgery Hospitality, Information Desk, Scholarship program, Prescription Counseling, and fundraising activities. Opportunities also available for students ages 14-18 in the junior volunteer program :: Contact Nancy Donaldson at 913-367-6600 Ext. 1175

Atchison Preservation Alliance Contact Terry Knopke :: 913-367-7473

Volunteer coaches, attendants, program leaders, and others needed for a variety of events and programs :: Contact 913-367-3352
Volunteer mentors needed :: Contact 913-547-2052

Boys & Girls Club of Atchison Contact 913-367-9090
Contact 913-367-1902

Humane Society Contact Diane Middleton :: 913-367-3647

Leadership Atchison
Community leadership development program, space limited :: Contact Chamber of Commerce :: 913-367-2427

Project Concern Volunteers sought for various senior services including meal preparation, delivery, programs, and transportation :: Contact 913-367-4655

Saint Jude Hospice Volunteers needed to provide support, comfort, and companionship to individuals in the community who are dealing with the challenges of terminal illness. Opportunities include patient care and administrative assistance :: Contact Tami Shefferd at 785-742-3823

Santa Fe Depot
Volunteers needed as docents and greeters for the visitors' center :: Contact 913-367-2427

Shannon Volunteer Fire Department
Volunteers sought to serve with township fire service :: Contact Dave "Spider" Shell :: 913-367-2090

Riverbend Habitat for Humanity Contact John Bishop :: 913-367-3836

United Way 
Contact 913-367-6510