We talk with Gary Lloyd and Gene Clausen about a practical way to remove a major barrier to music education: getting real instruments into kids’ hands. We also hear how the Manhattan Optimist Club funds youth programs, builds community partnerships, and keeps the work fun and welcoming.

• the story behind the Manhattan Optimist Instrument Recovery Program and why it started as a pilot project
• how donated band and orchestra instruments can help students who cannot afford rentals or purchases
• where to drop off gently used instruments across Manhattan through local bank partners
• the partnership with the Kansas State University Instrumental Repair Program to help restore instruments
• how GMCF grant funding helps cover repair parts and outreach costs
• what Optimist Club membership looks like, including meetings, service projects, and fundraisers like the Chili Crawl
• a quick thank you to the community for support during Grow Green Match and how that strengthens youth programs

You can go online to ManhattanOptimistClub.com

GMCF

CFAs

We sit down with Dr. Alaya Mestrovich C. from UFM to break down what’s new in their summer catalog and why community education still matters in Manhattan. We also dig into inclusive ceramics, practical AI training, and a new after-school option designed for working families.
• what UFM is and how it serves Manhattan, the region, and Kansas
• new ceramics classes and how the studio supports neurodiverse learners, veterans, and people with disabilities
• summer catalog highlights across art, sports, life skills, history, cooking, and beekeeping
• professional development options including how to use AI in the workplace
• how UFM gathers class ideas and fills community gaps without competing with partners
• the updated partnership work with Kansas State University
• Lou Douglas Lecture details featuring Dr. Kerry Magro and a focus on autism resources
• Project Excel and customized Saturday programming for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities
• how to find or request a catalog and where to sign up online
Go online to tryUFM.org. We hope people will sign up early because space will be limited.

GMCF

CFAs

We talk with Vicky James and Andrea De Jesus about how Nourish Together connects local farms, health partners, donors, and volunteers to fight food insecurity and reduce food waste in Manhattan, Kansas. We dig into produce prescriptions, blessing boxes, and food recovery wins that show how small actions can drive real systems change.
• rebranding to Nourish Together to unite programs under one clear umbrella
• Healthy Food Rx and the Food Is Medicine approach to chronic disease prevention
• $25 produce vouchers plus a $10 match and where vouchers can be redeemed
• AH Farms as a hands-on place to learn agriculture and practical produce skills
• making food education fun for kids through simple, memorable experiences
• Grow Green Match Day results, building an endowment, and why matching matters
• 29 blessing boxes and the easiest way families can stock them together
• Flint Hills Food Recovery milestones: 95,000 pounds recovered and 3,500 runs
• how the recovery app matches donors, agencies, and volunteers
We invite people to get involved, whether you have dollars to share or want to volunteer

GMCF

CFAs