Below are articles that I have written on a variety of topics. For each article, I had the freedom to choose what topic my story would focus on while meeting word count requirements. Throughout the process of writing these articles, I gained experience in information gathering and presentation, as well as creating pitches for my article ideas.
Lawrence Parks and Recreation: Inclusivity for all
As we progress into uncertain times following recent events, one thing remains certain. The need for inclusive and understanding environments remains prevalent, and maybe more so now than ever. Lawrence Parks and Recreation does just that and provides spaces for all. Whether it is their buildings being free for residents of Douglas County, or their public events, Lawrence Parks and Recreation seemingly goes the extra mile.
While this is great for citizens of Lawrence, and surrounding areas, groups exist that may need extra attention. Included in those groups are those at the age of retirement and those with disabilities, groups who potentially are not able to access those benefits.
In the long range of inclusive options Lawrence Parks and Recreation offer are the Lifelong and Unified Recreation divisions. The Unified Recreation division fosters opportunities for those with disabilities, and the Lifelong Recreation division is directed to those 55 years and older. Both are divisions participants are extremely glad that they exist.
“It really is everything. I like the relationships I have built through class, and it takes care of our whole body,” Barbara Montgomery, who has participated in Lifelong Recreation activities for 45 years, said. “It just gives you an overall good feeling.”
One of the main focuses of these two divisions is creating spaces for social engagement for these groups that are at times left out of inclusivity talks. The trips, dinners, and classes the Lifelong and Unified divisions facilitate mean so much more than just a simple outing.
In an article written for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, a United Nations entity, it is said, “Persons with disabilities have, however, remained largely ‘invisible’, often excluded in the rights debate and denied from enjoying and exercising the full range of human rights.” The article illustrates the disparity in the quality of life those who are considered “disabled” face in their lives. The Unified Recreation division focuses on bringing these walls down and allowing for a more enjoyable life.
“I offer this unique program to be able to provide an environment where participants, with or without disabilities, are able to come together and participate in the same activities and events and create friendships that last for years,” Justin Deaver, the programmer for the Unified Recreation division, said.
Deaver’s division offers activities such as bowling with a pizza party, trips both local and to other states, and Zumba that is adapted to the needs of participants. With each activity, intensive planning and helpful staff help Deaver relay his message that, “we are all the same, and we are able to come together.”
While Deaver focuses on the social gap that exists for his participants, Gayle Sigurdson, the programmer for the Lifelong Recreation division, focuses on providing the resources for healthy retirement.
“Two of the goals for a successful retirement are good health, both physically and mentally, and strong social connections,” Sigurdson said. “The lifelong program offers opportunities for both of those.”
The British Heart Foundation, a charity that generates funds for research on heart related issues, lists 20 tips for a happy retirement. The programs offered by Sigurdson and the Lifelong Recreation division meet roughly 12 of those tips just themselves providing older adults the opportunities they are likely not provided elsewhere.
Kristen Weir writes in a 2023 article for the American Psychological Association, “Most organizations now have diversity, equity, and inclusion departments to tackle issues such as racism and gender bias. Even in those departments, age bias is seldom on the radar.” While some trips and classes would allow for the older adults to attend, they may avoid them simply because they are not geared towards them, or because they might feel as they would be burdening others.
Sigurdson’s programs allow for older adults to interact without fear and provide opportunities to be themselves. The Lifelong Recreation division in Lawrence Parks and Rec provides instructional opportunities such as how to use a camera or how to play an instrument, as well as trips around the region and fitness classes that move at just the right pace. Many participants, like Montgomery, have attended the programs offered by the Lifelong Recreation division for decades.
Both the Unified and Lifelong division are proud of the opportunities they provide and are glad they can make a positive difference in the lives of others. Further information on the programs that are to come in the future can be found here.
KU student senate meeting adjourns early due to lack of voting members
LAWRENCE, Kansas—The second general assembly meeting of the KU student senate concluded early on Sept. 25, due to not having the number of voting members needed to meet quorum. A count for quorum was asked for by student body president, DaNae Estabine, to determine if the meeting could hold any official business.
This came later after a vote to postpone discussions on Bill 2025-012, a bill that would merge the Community Development fund for groups that meet Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion requirements into the general Wednesday night fund, was lost. Bill 2025-011 and Bill 2025-013 were also on the agenda for the meeting, but voting to postpone those bills for a later date had no objections.
When speaking on postponing discussions of this bill, Estabine said, “I think it is weird that we have two separate standards for two separate bills.”
Postponement of these discussions were proposed after it was announced that senate treasurer, Noah Coggan, would be absent from the meeting. Many students in attendance urged that the bill be talked about due to consequences it has if passed.
“All the support here is here specifically to challenge the bill so with him here or not, we need to talk about it today,” Douglas Jamal, a student senator for the Black Student Union, said.
Vice chair of the Student Rights and Affairs Council Simrah Javed, who co-authored the bill, stepped in to help with reading the bill, as well as providing insight on what the bill entails.
Currently, the Student Senate is operating with a $180,000 deficit caused by overspending in the recent years after the Covid-19 pandemic. One way the bill is planned to help eliminate the deficit is by preventing student organizations from receiving funds from both the Community Development and Wednesday night fund.
“Technically any organization can qualify as diverse…nothing is stopping them from getting DEI fund money,” Javed said. When asked of specific examples of organizations tapping into both funds, Javed said they could not give any specific examples and that a question like that is best to ask the treasurer.
Discussions are planned to continue during the third cycle of Student Senate meeting with council meetings taking place on Oct. 2 and the student assembly meeting on Wednesday Oct. 9, 2024. Students are encouraged to attend and take part of these meetings, with locations and times being listed here.
Thunder Over the Heartland airshow wows Topeka with displays and performances
LAWRENCE, Kansas--The skies over Topeka, Kansas were filled with roaring action this past weekend, as the Thunder Over the Heartland airshow provided entertainment not always available to the public. The airshow took place at Forbes Field in Southeast Topeka and ran Oct. 11-13, showcasing many different aerial talents.
“It’s amazing being able to see all the different types of flying take place, as well as the different planes being shown off,” Brad Woolbert, a former army soldier and general attendee, said.
The airshow provided demonstrations such as jump teams, acrobatic planes, and military aircraft keeping viewers on their toes wondering what may come next. The airshow provided close to four and a half hours of in-air displays. The United States Air Force Thunderbirds headlined the event, which is a prestigious demonstration team that attends airshows and events across the nation.
“The Thunderbirds make any airshow complete. They put on such a good demonstration and showcase amazing pilot talent,” Jim Bryant, avid photographer and former air force officer, said.
While many attended due to the Thunderbird’s namesake, attendees were provided with spectacular shows and a night show that does not typically occur at airshows. The night shows, which occurred Friday and Saturday nights, included planes and jumpers shooting pyrotechnics from them, as well as a wall of fire that must be seen to believe.
Static displays were also available to attendees, allowing up close access to the planes that are used to provide safety and freedom to American citizens. Some planes also allowed attendees to climb inside of them and see these displays from another angle. One plane available for this was the KC-135 air refueling aircraft which is housed at Forbes Field Air National Guard Base in Topeka, Kansas.
“We want to make this a 100-year event. We are committed to the city of Topeka,” Luke Carrico, Director of Air Operations and show announcer, said. While airshows have previously taken place in Topeka, this was the first year of the Thunder Over the Heartland airshow and the first Thunderbird appearance in Topeka, Kansas in 20 years. No dates or show information have been announced for a 2025 weekend yet but show information can be found on their website. The show drew in large crowds and wants to become a common event in the area.
