Next, see what home movies reveal about how we are socialized by values from a combination of communities. Folklorist with the Kansas State Historical Society, Jennie Chinn explains how the family unit typically provides the setting within which we initiate our first community affiliations.
In the final story, Davis "Buzz" Merritt, editor of the Wichita Eagle, describes the People Project, an attempt by the newspaper to initiate dialogue among individuals within the local community. Jon Roe, journalist at the Eagle, explains that this project demonstrates how the media can help to unite the community.
The production of Sunflower Journeys is made possible, in part, by the Kansas Humanities Council, celebrating 25 years of promoting informed thinking about the history, traditions, and ideas that shape our democracy. Additional funding is provided by the Blanche Bryden Foundation; by the Kaw Valley Heritage Alliance, a project of the Kansas Land Trust, through a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency; and by the Friends of KTWU.
The next story introduces a group of central Topeka residents who are working to renovate their neighborhoods. Bill Wagnon and Joan Wagnon, both members of the TurnAround Team, describe the group's efforts to redirect energy and funds that are being focused on development on the fringes of the city back into central Topeka.
The last story visits with an outspoken -- and fictional -- personality known from his commentaries on Kansas public radio station KANU. William Jennings Bryan Oleander, a character created and performed by Washburn University English professor Tom Averill, muses about what it means to be a member of the larger community we call Kansas. Averill's recently-released book, Oleander's Guide to Kansas, provides the character's witty observations about the goings-on in the state.
Known for their pioneering work in sustainable agriculture, associates of The Land Institute near Salina have initiated a major research project in Matfield Green involving "ecological community accounting." In the next story, Wes Jackson, president of The Land Institute, talks about the importance of helping small towns in the Midwest develop sustainable economies. We also hear from Brian Donahue, who relates why a more thoughtful approach to our ecological communities might be of value.
In the final story, learn about a group of high school students who participated in a photography project to help them examine the landscape of their local environs. Landscape photographer Terry Evans worked with Chase County High School biology, English, and art teachers to help these students develop a more broad-based perspective on their environment by creating a photography exhibit called "Seeing Home Land."
In the next story, Nancy O'Connor, community outreach coordinator at the Community Mercantile in Lawrence, explains how the concept of community is central to this health food cooperative. Long-standing member of the Community Mercantile, University of Kansas professor Tim Miller relates the philosophies commonly associated with the practice of cooperative economics.
The final story visits the Kansas Sampler Festival, held annually on a farm near Inman. Marci Penner, festival coordinator, explains that the festival is intended to promote Kansas businesses, but it is also a time of fun and socializing for those who enjoy outdoor festivals.
Next, learn about the changing history of women's work. Historian Sara Tucker of Washburn University explains how the frontier heritage of Kansas influenced opinions regarding women who earned a living during the early history of the state. Lieutenant Patti Kaeberle of the Topeka Police Department and Shawnee County District Judge Marla Luckert provide modern-day insights into the community of professional women.
The last story this week visits Frank's Pharmacy in Valley Falls where Frank and Edie Shrimplin began operations in 1963. The location has been a drug store for 125 years, and many of the old-fashioned remedies and artifacts previously used by pharmacists are kept on display. The continued operation of small businesses like Frank's Pharmacy is threatened by competition from large chain stores that offer discounted prices.
Next, visit one of the most affluent regions in the state. Janet Bruce Campbell, director of the Johnson County Museum, and William Worley, a research associate at UMKC, discuss the history and development of Johnson County. We also hear from Miller Nichols, son of J.C. Nichols, one of the developers who contributed to the expansion of this Kansas City suburb.
In the final story, learn about a new association of diverse interests working to preserve the heritage of the Kansas River valley. Initiated through the joint effort of The Kansas Land Trust, The Kansas Rural Center, and The National Park Service, The Kaw Valley Heritage Alliance began to take shape in the summer of 1995. Three of its most active members, Joyce Wolf, Dan Nagengast, and Ron Parks, describe the goals and objectives of this regional alliance.
Next, learn about the importance of religious freedom to the Native American Church. Instructor of minority studies at Wichita State University and a member of the Osage Indian Nation, Jerry Shaw talks about the legal battles the church has fought with the federal government over the use of peyote in their religious ceremonies. Ron McCoy, director of the Center for Great Plains Studies at Emporia State University, reflects on the history of the relationship between the government and native tribes as it relates to the First Amendment and its provisions for religious freedom.
The last story this week joins a weekend retreat at the Kansas Zen Center in Lawrence. Professor of classics at the University of Kansas, Stan Lombardo, who is also a guiding teacher at the Zen Center, relates the origins of Buddhism and describes the components of Zen Buddhism as it is practiced at the center in Lawrence.
Next, join in the fun at a barn dance in southern Douglas County. With live music provided by the Euphoria Stringband, the dancing is primarily of a variety called contra dance. Co-organizer of this dance, Bayliss Harsh of the Lawrence Barn Dance Association provides some background on the association, which only periodically holds the dances in an actual barn. Another barn dancer, Mike Rundle explains how these dances differ from modern square dancing.
The last story this week takes a look at an organization that prepares young African-Americans for successful adulthood. Larry Mack, director of Topeka Rites of Passage, and Merlyne Hines-Starr, who is a member of the group's council of elders, discuss the reasons for the antipathy of African-American youth today, and how Rites of Passage hopes to affect a positive change.
Next, take an inside look at a private Catholic school. Father Pat Reilley, pastor of St. Matthew's Church, and Sister Mary Margaret Kean, principal of St. Matthew's Elementary School, discuss the sacrifice made by parents, teachers, and parishioners to operate the school. Mary Franz, a teacher at St. Matthew's, and Frank and Becky Boos, parents of students at the school, discuss why they believe a religious education is important to the child and the community.
The last story this week attends the 1996 Better Schools conference at Emporia State University. Leo Pauls, executive director of the Jones Institute for Educational Excellence, and Linda Hazel, director of special projects at the Jones Institute, explain how the Kansas Better Schools Project supports exceptional school programs. Present at the conference, Kansas teachers Nancy Harmon, Alice Shaffer, and Pat Foster comment on the value of this program to educators.
In the next story, historian Gene DeGruson of Pittsburg State University talks about the history of Italian immigrants in southeastern Kansas. Descended from an Italian immigrant, Sam Nicoletti of Arma, Kansas, explains the importance of his cultural heritage and traditions. Another Italian-American, Ozzie Bartelli teaches conversational Italian at Pittsburg State, where, he says, many of his students are second and third generation Italians who never learned the language.
The last story this week joins members of the African-American community during the annual celebration of Kwanzaa. Chico Herbison, an instructor of African and African-American studies at the University of Kansas, talks about the roots behind this African-American holiday. We attend a public Kwanzaa celebration, as well as a private celebration at the Lawrence home of Sharon, Jason, and Shala Goolsby, who relate what this cultural holiday means to them.
The next story investigates the role The League of Women Voters has played in Kansas history, as well as its function in politics today. Current members of the league, Vickie Sandell Stangl of Overland Park, Mary Ann Bradford of Topeka, and Milton Scott of Lawrence relate how the founding principles of this non-partisan organization led to its current objectives to educate citizens and involve them in the political process.
Finally, learn what changes the Kansas Reform Party wants to see in the American political system. Party members Darrel King of Topeka, Linda Diehl of Abilene, and Steve Anderson of Wabaunsee County express their beliefs about the need for campaign finance reform and improved ethical standards in government.
What drives the fierce loyalties of school sports fans? In the next story, Bob and Diana Swafford discuss their opposing support for KU and K-State teams and how their family manages the conflict. Ed Buller and Marvin Michaels, former coaches in the small, north-central Kansas communities of Clifton and Clyde, demonstrate that team rivalries do not need to be college-level to be emotionally-charged, as they describe the legendary competitions between the two communities.
The last story this week examines the discord caused by the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail near Garnett. Trent McCown and Ed Alvis from Wildlife and Parks relate the public benefits of the trail, which has been completed from Richmond to Welda. Orville Cole from Garnett explains why he opposes the trail, which will eventually extend through his land. We also hear from KU law professor Robert Glicksman, who discusses the laws governing railroad easements and their conversion to such public-access trails.
Learn about the Kansas/Paraguay Partnership in the first story this week. KPP board member, Charley Stansifer, and KPP volunteer, Meredith Pearson, discuss the rewards that both countries derive from this alliance. Visiting from Paraguay, artist Carlos Colombino, and conductor Luis Szaran contribute their perspectives on the value of such cross-cultural affiliations.
Next, learn about the continuing impact of the Vietnam War on Kansans. Vietnam veterans Wayne Purinton, Leland Tremblay, and James Crumpton discuss the lingering impressions the war left on both them and their communities. Historian Christopher Lovett from Emporia State University, who is also a Vietnam vet, explains how memorials like the "Moving Wall" -- a portable replica of which visited Tonganoxie -- can help heal communities damaged by the strife of the war.
The final story this week investigates People to People International, an organization founded by Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 to further world peace and understanding. Joseph Duffey, director of the U.S. Information Agency; Abbott Washburn, a PTPI ambassador who worked under Eisenhower; and Ike's granddaughter, Mary Eisenhower Atwater, explain how the organization is working to foster a sense of community on a global scale.
For more information, contact: Claire Waringzzwaring@ktwu.washburn.edu KTWU/Channel 11, Topeka, KS 66621 (913) 231-1111