Saturday, February 15, 2014

Capitol Plaza Hotel

1717 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS Business Casual Attire Social Hour: 5:30-6:30 PM After 6:30 PM Cash Bar Dinner 6:30 PM Featuring Flank Steak and Pesto Salmon 50/50 Drawing for Charity Silent Auction Invitations to be sent out the first of January

  The Tire Rack Street Survival program was held at Heartland Park Topeka on Saturday, October 26, 2013 and was a great success. This is an advanced driver training program to support 15 - 21 year olds as they continue to learn about strategic driving.   Although we only had seven students, we decided to have the seven parents experience the school as well.  This raised our attendance to 14.  We ran a split schedule so students and parents didn't have to share precious time in the cars.   I heard only positive remarks from parents and students. We had a host of folks helping to make this day a success.  First our sponsors Heartland Park Topeka, an anonymous donor provided lunch, and Briggs Auto ran PSAs throughout the Topeka, Lawrence and Manhattan area.  The PSA voice and face was Mr. Mitch Holthus, the voice of the Kansas City Chiefs.  The Randy and Karen Eickhoff donated two airbags that Doug Gill, with a grin on his face, deployed one of the airbags.  Let's not forget Jesse Prather Racing for donating the truck with a water tank on the back of it.  It made wetting down the skid pad a lot easier.  Anne Berg, past 911 dispatcher, talked to the students about accidents and their responsibilities in that situation.   Finally, thanks to Jim Jess for bringing out one of the Pro-Racing rigs so that we could have a blind spot demonstration for everyone.  Parents and students are much more respectful of these large vehicles on the road when they realize just how hard it is for a driver to see them on the road. Thanks also goes to the following volunteers for making this day a success, Chris and Ann Berg, Howard Duncan, Doug Gill, Randy and Karen Eickhoff, Donna and Mike Hill, Ron Davis, Rick Taylor, Matt Messerla, Jonathan McIntire, James Cahill , Katelyn Johnson, Trent Strunk, Jordan Faltermeier, and Lonnie and Marla Worthington.  Some of the folks came from Kansas City Region and one of our volunteers drove in from Manhattan.  Thanks to all of you for you support.  Fourteen people are safer on our roads today because you donated your time and expertise. If you would like to join us for the 2014 season for The Tire Rack Street Survival program just drop me a note at lduncan65@hotmail.com and I will be happy to put you on the volunteer list for 2014. Respectfully submitted by Linda Duncan, Regional Executive for Kansas Region.