We share how UFM opens doors for everyone to learn and teach, from health and wellness to AI, cooking, DIY, and veteran support. We highlight a leadership lecture that turns ideas into action and preview expansion into neighboring Kansas counties.

• UFM’s mission as an open community learning hub
• New health and wellness classes including Pilates and glucose stability
• Practical AI with ChatGPT prompting and automation
• Cooking and DIY offerings like Korean cuisine, sushi, and electrical basics
• Returning favorites including DnD, youth tennis, and piano by ear
• Veteran wellness program with $200 scholarship eligibility
• How to find the catalog, podcast, and sign-up info at tryufm.org
• Lou Douglas Lecture with Dr Kay Monk Morgan on leadership as action
• 2026 expansion through K-State Extension to nearby counties
• Invitation to teach, volunteer, or submit class ideas

Tryufm.org. Visit the website to explore fall classes and sign up
Email infotryufm.org to propose a class for Spring 2026
Tune in to our podcast on 91.9 at noon on Fridays

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We celebrate Manhattan’s Veterans Day with the biggest parade in Kansas, a salute to the National Guard and Reserve, and a free, accessible ceremony that welcomes everyone in person and online. From breakfast at the American Legion to mall exhibits and mounted color guard, the day blends pageantry with purpose.

• Parade details and route from mall to City Hall
• Focus on honoring National Guard and Reserve
• Free veteran breakfast hosted by Knights of Columbus
• Ceremony at 11 a.m. with senior Guard leader speaking
• Broadcast on KMAN, Facebook Live, and Cox Channel 3
• Mall exhibits with artifacts and local veterans’ stories
• Volunteers from E-9 Association and K-State historians
• Flags and dog tags for attendees and care facilities
• How to register, join meetings, and get involved

Our next meeting is going to be October 28th at 10 a.m., the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
You can RSVP at chamber at manhattan.org

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We share how our 360 Life Center model turns a former store into a hub for emergency aid, street outreach, free clothing, meals, and community gatherings. We ask listeners to help us hit a modest auction goal that keeps rent, utilities, food, and medication assistance local.

• what a 360 life center is and why it differs from big-city salvation armies
• renovations that enable meals, more freezer space, and a larger case manager office
• free clothing closet, no-cook food, tents and sleeping bags for street outreach
• specific donation needs including brand-new underwear, baby clothes, men’s workwear, and winter coats
• Fork It Over online auction details and featured local restaurant items
• how every dollar stays local across Manhattan, Junction City, and parts of Wamego
• partnerships with Shepherd’s Crossing and Catholic Charities to close rent and utility gaps
• Angel Tree sign-ups and Junction City service coordination
• bell ringing timeline, volunteer needs, and how to get involved
• hours, address on Points Avenue, and direct phone number for the director

32auctions.com/360Life2025 — Help us reach $800 today

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We share how Wonder Workshop is growing after a whirlwind summer, honoring Richard Pitts’ legacy while launching new programs, exhibits, and a reimagined Soul Food Dinner. We talk candidly about needs—supplies, volunteers, and funding—and how small actions keep the doors open.

• Remembering Richard Pitts and the roots of Wonder Workshop
• The giant blue chair as a beacon for new visitors
• Weekly preschool sessions with tripled attendance
• Rotating afterschool programs and Discovery Days
• Teen mentors supporting younger kids
• Soul Food Dinner moving to spring as an outdoor picnic
• Practical needs including supplies, volunteers, and donations
• Funding mix from grants, Grow Green Match Day, and sponsors
• New Evergy-funded energy exhibits and opening plans
• Address and visit details for first-time guests

Grow Green is a great opportunity. But if people are wanting to make year-in donations, there's a link on our website to do so.

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We share what the Crisis Center does each day to keep survivors safe—from 24/7 advocacy to a confidential shelter now delivering roughly 9,300 bed nights a year—and why outreach, staffing, and community support are crucial. We also unveil the Clothesline Project at Manhattan Town Center and invite help for the holidays through gifts, volunteers, and essentials.

• what our safe shelter and advocacy services include
• the rise from 2,500 to about 9,300 bed nights
• police co-response and why immediate advocacy matters
• barriers survivors face and how outreach meets them
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Clothesline Project
• holiday needs for families in shelter and in the community
• how to help through gifts, volunteering, and essentials
• funding reality across grants, donations, and year-end giving

Please come to the Clothesline Project opening reception Monday, October 20, 5:30–7:30 p.m., at Manhattan Town Center; display runs October 20–24. Visit www.thecriscenterinc.org to volunteer, view in-kind needs, and join our Christmas bureau; our year-end mailing is the one time we ask the community to give if they can.

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We talk with Leslie White, director of the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation, about how Bison, Beef & Bourbon funds exhibits, programs, and a new outdoor classroom to serve learners year-round. We clarify the roles of foundations vs. cities, share event details, and explain how to bid or donate even if you can’t attend.

• Difference between the Discovery Center and the 501(c)(3) foundation
• What past Bison, Beef & Bourbon proceeds funded
• Why the outdoor classroom matters and phase one timeline
• event date, time, venue, distilleries, food, cigar demo
• ticket options, tables, and online purchase links
• remote bidding for the silent auction and close time
• Kansas Community Tax Credits for $250+ gifts
• region-wide mission across the Flint Hills
• Leslie’s favorite space and what it means for kids
• how to attend, reserve a table, or donate

Gather your friends, reserve a table, and get your tickets at flinthillsdiscovery.org or the Foundation’s Facebook page. If you can’t attend, register for the auction only, bid online, or donate $250+ to leverage Kansas Community Tax Credits. Please call the Foundation with any questions.

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Rich Jankovich, president of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Fort Riley-Central Kansas Chapter, discusses the organization's mission and Fort Riley's significant economic impact on the Manhattan area. Despite being less visible than Kansas State University, Fort Riley contributes approximately $4 billion annually to the local economy, representing about 47% of the region's total economic benefit compared to K-State's 23-25%.

• AUSA serves as "the voice of the Army," supporting active duty, Reserve, National Guard, veterans, and military families
• The Fort Riley-Central Kansas Chapter benefits from unique partnerships with both the Manhattan and Junction City Chambers of Commerce
• AUSA membership is open to everyone regardless of military service background
• Fort Riley houses approximately 40,000-45,000 people, with many military families choosing to stay in the community during deployments
• Black Tie Tactical, AUSA's signature program, provides formal wear, transition clothing, and professional development seminars for military spouses
• Upcoming Chipotle fundraiser on October 8th from 5-9 PM will donate 25% of proceeds when customers mention AUSA
• The AUSA National Convention happens October 11-13 in Washington, DC
• Membership options include free two-year memberships or paid memberships currently at half-price for the Army's 250th birthday

For those interested in getting involved, email prezfortriley@ausa.org or visit ausa.org to join.

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We spotlight two extraordinary local philanthropic organizations - Fairy Godmothers and Guardians - that provide critical support to Manhattan residents in need through emergency grants and educational funding.

• Fairy Godmothers, founded in 2006 as "Women Helping Women," has grown to 700 members and distributes over $60,000 annually
• Members contribute $100 for a lifetime membership with funds managed through the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation
• The organization primarily assists with emergency needs like auto repairs and dental work that other programs don't cover
• Their newer "Hand-Up Grant" program provides educational funding, with over $20,000 distributed this year for CNA/LPN training
• Guardians, the male counterpart established seven years later, helps men reintegrate into the community
• Both organizations maintain partnerships with local businesses that provide services at cost to maximize impact
• The 19th Annual Fairy Godmothers and Guardians Charity Golf Tournament on October 6th is their major fundraising event
• Community First National Bank has been the presenting sponsor for 13-14 years
• Those interested in joining can visit fgfund.org (Fairy Godmothers) or gafund.org (Guardians)

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