Clubs and organizations
AARP Hays
Alberta Klaus, (785) 625-6896 or (785) 628-9410
Meets first Wednesday of the month at Heritage Room, Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh. Luncheon at 11:30 a.m., meeting at noon.
55-Alive safe driving course with instructor John Keefer, (785) 625-5587.
AARP Ellis
Tom Robinson, president
Meets at noon, second Monday of the month at the Ellis Nutrition Center.
American Legion/Auxiliary
13th and Canterbury, (785) 625-3813
Army Reserve
388th Med. Bn Log (Fwd)
Commerce Parkway, (785) 628-8518
The Arc of Central Plains
Gloria VonFeldt, director, (785) 628-6512 for more information.
Local chapter of Special Olympics and The Arc. Potential volunteers are invited.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
(785) 625-6672
Aids children who need the friendship of a special adult in their lives. Little brothers and sisters are 5 to 17 and come from all social, financial and ethnic backgrounds. Big brothers and sisters are volunteers, each interviewed and carefully screened to determine suitability. There is no charge to the volunteer, the child or the child's family.
Boy Scouts of America Coronado Area Council
Contact area schools.
Disabled American Veterans
Mike Dreiling, Victoria, (785) 735-9390, Chapter 18 and district adj. treasurer.
Community Action Coalition of Ellis County
The purpose of CACEC is to develop a strong community base and structure in Ellis County that initiates efforts to: 1) foster awareness of community resources; 2) promote communication and collaboration between community resources; 3) identify and address unmet needs in the community; 4) develop mechanisms to access funding sources; and 5) identify and address duplication of resources. Call (785) 625-2244 Ext. 1603 for information.
Ellis County 4-H
Susan Schlichting, 4-H and Youth agent, Ellis County Extension office, 601 Main, Ste. A, (785) 628-9430.
4-H is open to all boys and girls ages 7 to 18 as of Jan. 1 of the current year. There are 32 project areas from which to choose and nine 4-H clubs. Families are encouraged to be part of 4-H.
4-H provides educational opportunities for youth and adults to work in partnership as they develop life skills to become healthy, self-directing members of society by focusing on a positive self-concept, an inquiring mind, a concern for the community, healthy interpersonal relationships and sound decision making.
Ellis County Community Partnership
A collaborative effort of citizens addressing the risks of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. The partnership promotes the healthy attitudes and behaviors of youth, parents and community members in order to reduce underage drinking. Members also advocate for clean indoor air policies and smoke-free environments. For more information, call (785) 625-5521 or (800) 757-2180 or stop by the office at 209 E. Seventh.
Hays Interagency Coordinating Council (HICC).
To provide a forum in which parents and representatives of the agencies involved with children from birth through five years old can coordinate services. HICC is committed to collaboration that will lead to the development of comprehensive services, which meet the mental, physical, social and emotional needs of all young children and their families. Guiding standards include the provision of: 1) a comprehensive, ongoing public and professional awareness program; 2) a systematic process to assure that children from birth through five years old have access to developmental screenings and evaluations within state and federal timelines; 3) a program plan that is based upon eligibility and parental consent; and 4) an involvement of parents as equal participants of all aspects of the HICC, including program development and evaluation. The HICC meets on a quarterly schedule. For more information, call (785) 625-3257.
Ellis County Historical Society
100 W. Seventh, (785) 628-2624
A nonprofit organization established to collect, store, display and preserve items that illustrate the history of Ellis County and Kansas; to locate, adequately mark and preserve historical sites in Ellis County; and to act as a vehicle that binds the people of Ellis County in a spirit of unity as they share the responsibility of preserving the historical evidence of the region. Members can volunteer their services at any time.
Friends of Hays Public Library
Hays Public Library, 1205 Main, (785) 625-9014
To support and improve the Hays Public Library's services and equipment through fundraising and volunteer activities, including community book sales, and a quarterly newsletter.
Also to maintain and operate Books Etc., a small used bookstore located in the library gallery, funds of which benefit the library. Dues: $5. Benefits of membership include previewing book sales and discounts on books.
Members and volunteers are welcome. Annual meeting is in September.
Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland
Shelly Chenoweth, CEO, and Chandra Daffer, community development manager, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland, 2707 Vine, Ste. 8, (785) 625-5671 www.kansasgirlscouts.org. Scouting inspires girls to build courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place.
Through a variety of program opportunities, girls learn about the fun, friendship and power of girls together.
Girl Scouts meet in troops, groups or at events with caring adults who are trained to provide age appropriate activities that focus on building leaders of tomorrow. Adult volunteers are needed for a variety of positions.
Membership is open to any girl kindergarten through 12th grade and to all adults. National registration is $12 annually and girls or adults can join anytime.
Hays Arts Council
Brenda Meder, director, 112 E. 11th, (785) 625-7522. www.haysartscouncil.org.
Hays Hurricanes
Lisa Marcotte, president, (785) 628-2163
Fall practice begins in September. A nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote swimming as a competitive sport and a healthful leisure activity among young people. Membership open to those 5 to 18 years of age. Fees assessed. A free trial period is offered.
Hays Good Samaritan Center Auxiliary
Hays Good Samaritan Center, 27th and Canal, (785) 625-7331.
Hays Kiwanis Club
Janette Meis, president; meets at noon on Thursdays at the Bakery Shop, 205 E. Seventh. Service to youth and the elderly, to community and nation; hays kiwanis.org.
HaysMed Volunteers
HaysMed Volunteers provide supplementary services in a variety of areas. Among those included are information desks, the gift shop, patient mail delivery, the Center for Health Improvement, office assistance and monthly blood screenings. Youth age 14 by June 1 can participate in VolunTEENS June to August. Call (785) 623-5890 for more information.
Hays Optimist Club
Dale Brungardt, (785) 628-3481
To join together voluntarily for the good of youth and the city of Hays. The group sponsors numerous projects, scholarships and community service activities. The group meets from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays at Golden Corral, 383 Mopar Drive.
Hays Recreation Commission
1105 Canterbury, (785) 623-2650. www.haysrec.org.
Hays Rotary Club
Club meets at noon Mondays at the Bakery Shop, 205 E. Seventh. For more information, contact Larry Dreiling at (785) 628-1117.
Hays Schools Orchestra Booster Club
Jan Kitzis, (785) 623-4175
To support and promote the welfare of the students participating in the orchestra program at Hays USD 489. To promote congenial relations between participating orchestra students, teaching staff, club members and the community. To organize activities, such as the annual orchestra camp-out, performance opportunities, and summer lessons for the students.
All parents, guardians and supporters of Hays school orchestra can become members.
Hays Striders Track Club
Dave Haberman, (785) 628-8343
To provide youth between the ages of 7 and 18 an opportunity to learn and participate in various track and field events. Athletes compete in divisions according to age and gender.
Youth grades seven to 12 are eligible to participate once their school track season has ended. Membership is open to any resident in Ellis County or the surrounding area as long as there is not an organized program within the youth's town or community.
The season begins in early April and continues into qualifying meets in June and July. An athlete who qualifies in the June and July meets advances to the annual National Junior Olympic Games.
Hays Symphony Guild
Mel Sauer Jr., (785) 628-6558
To provide support and appreciation for the orchestra, promote attendance and help to underwrite public performances. The guild hopes to encourage musicians to remain active in the area and further enhance the concert offerings of the region. Membership categories include friends $25, donors $50, patrons $100, sustainers $250, and benefactors $500 and up. A percentage of funds raised go toward scholarships for Fort Hays State University students of any major playing in the orchestra.
Hays Toastmasters
Kurt Beyers, (785) 625-3438 or (785) 628-4480
To help members develop communication and leadership skills by helping them learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking. Meet twice a month at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday at Coffee Rules.
Humane Society of the High Plains
2050 E. Old U.S. Highway 40, (785) 625-5252
Knights of Columbus No. 1325 St. Joseph Council
Roger Rife, Grand Knight, (785) 625-7567
Knights of Columbus No. 6984 Immaculate Heart of Mary Council
Rocky Feltis, Grand Knight, (785) 628-1336
Knights of Columbus No. 10044 St. Nicholas of Myra Council
Duane Weigel, Grand Knight, (785) 625-5753
Knights of Columbus No. 10211 Fort Hays State University
Rilley Schmidt, Grand Knight, (620) 385-0203
Knights of Columbus No. 4166 Schoenchen
Loran Zimmerman, Grand Knight, (785) 628-3588
Knights of Columbus No. 2133 Ellis
Wade King, Grand Knight, (785) 726-4136
Knights of Columbus No. 1867 Victoria
Curtis Sander, Grand Knight, (785) 735-2559
Comeau Catholic Campus Center Council
(785) 625-7396
Lions Club
Roger Pruitt, secretary, (785) 628-1236
Mary Elizabeth Maternity Home Auxiliary
Marilyn Thyfault, (785) 628-8346 or Virgina Hess, (785) 625-5533.
Masonic Lodge No. 195
Larry Bodine, (785) 628-1276, masons@ksmasons.org
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization for men 18 or older to teach intellectual, moral and spiritual values veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.
The group meets on the first and third Monday nights of the month.
The Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays
1472 U.S. Highway 183 Alternate, (785) 625-6812.
National Guard
200 Main, (785) 623-6420
Soroptimist International
Teresa Hammerschmidt, (785) 625-3257.
St. John's Auxiliary
St. John's of Hays Nursing Facility, (785) 628-3241.
Teaming up for Tots
To provide young adults the opportunity to develop personal and leadership skills through local community service and organizational involvement. Meets monthly.
Parent-teacher organizations
* Lincoln Elementary School, (785) 623-2500
* O'Loughlin Elementary School, (785) 623-2510
* Roosevelt Elementary School, (785) 623-2520
* Thomas More Prep-Marian High School PTF, (785) 625-6577 (school)
* Felten Middle School, (785) 623-2450
* Kennedy Middle School, (785) 623-2470
* Washington Elementary School, (785) 623-2540
* Wilson Elementary School, (785) 623-2550
* Holy Family Elementary, 1800 Milner, (785) 625-3131
Prairie Garden Club
President, JoAnn Schroller, 628-6929, meets at 1:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of every month, occasionally Saturday.
The club conducts a wildflower tour, maintains a flower bed at Ellis County Historical Society. There is a plant giveaway always in April on the fourth Thursday of the month at Stone Gallery. There is a fundraiser in the fall, garden and plant sale.
Veterans of Foreign Wars
VFW Hall, 2106 Vine, (785) 625-9940, Les Smith, (785) 625-5995.
The local post was formed shortly after World War II to serve those who served America. The organization offers special programs to assist veterans and their families. Other programs include Americanism and Loyalty Day, Buddy Poppy, hospital, legislative, rehabilitation, safety, VFW National Home, Voice of Democracy, community service, career-aid search and youth activities. The group meets at 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.
VFW Ladies' Auxiliary
VFW Hall, 2106 Vine, (785) 625-9940, Janell Pfannenstiel, (785) 625-4948
Members include wives, widows, mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, daughters, granddaughters, foster and stepdaughters of people who were or are eligible for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Members must be citizens of the United States and not younger than 16. Women eligible for membership in VFW shall be eligible for membership in the Ladies Auxiliary. Meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month.
VFW
813 Jefferson, Ellis, contact Leo Groff Jr. at (785) 726-4250. Meets the first Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. and hosts Bingo each Monday at 7 p.m.
VFW Auxiliary
813 Jefferson, Ellis, contact Jenni Holmgren at (785) 726-4600. Meets the first Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
Western Kansas Strings Academy
Hilary Shepard, (785) 623-4187
Western Kansas Strings Academy Saturday morning orchestra music education program for kindergarten and older. Offers beginners lessons, private lessons, group guitar lessons, music and music history appreciation.
York Rite of Freemasonry
Larry Bodine, (785) 628-1276
The York Rite consists of Masons and urges one to be a Knight of the Cross with Christ as his Lord and Savior. The group meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month.
YouthFriends
Hays USD 489 Board of Education office, 323 W. 12th
YouthFriends connects young people with caring adult volunteers in schools. A one-hour commitment takes place at the school during the school day. YouthFriends is open to all students K-12. Volunteer opportunities include Read with Me at Washington Elementary, knitting at Lincoln Elementary with fifth-graders, eating lunch with a child and helping with homework. For details, call Rae Smith, YouthFriends coordinator, at (785) 623-2400.