First Presbyterian Church is sponsoring its seventh Summer Soul-stice Series, scheduled every other Tuesday in the Chapel at the church, 8th and Mulberry Streets, unless otherwise noted, at 12 noon. The Series is eclectic in nature, facilitated by leaders who have a story to share as well as to encourage discussion and learning. Time for each segment is approximately one hour. The
entire Series is free and open to the public.
This year’s Series, The Things People Do, highlights some of the more unique vocations that people find themselves doing, either planned or by accident. The Series hopes to explore these unusual vocations from an intentional, life-long commitment all the way to a circumstantial,unexpected opportunity.
The Summer Soul – stice Series for 2018 includes:
June 5: Anthony Hawley is an interdisciplinary artist and writer, in residence at the Salina Art
Center’s Warehouse and this year’s Smoky Hill River Festival artist. His Festival installation,
Faulty Diagnosis, follows the story of a standard 1985 Nissan Pulsar NX, its passenger, and the
car’s repair manual over the course of several days. This multimedia performance event explores
what happens when things we think we know so well break down and fail us – and what is released in those moments.
In addition to his environments, installations, and performances, Hawley writes regularly on art and film, and his poems and essays appear in a variety of critically acclaimed publications. He’s currently based in Lincoln, Nebraska.
June 19: How does a local Salina boy grow up to work on Super Bowl LI, a theme park in Dubai, the Japan Nature Dome, an amusement park in China, and the San Diego Air & Space Museum? Come and find out! Living now in Southern California David Exline thinks of Salina as home. Described as “creative, enthusiastic, and a positive energy with a tasteful flair for the dramatic,” David will talk about his design process and where he finds his inspiration.
July 10: By day, Stan Hays is an employee of Farmers Insurance in suburban Kansas City. In his spare time, he competes in BBQ competitions. When a deadly tornado struck Joplin, Missouri in 2011, he and other pit master buddies gathered in Joplin, serving over 120,000 meals in 13 days. That was the beginning of “Operation BBQ Relief,” a not-for-profit organization that
has responded during times of disaster in more than 40 communities. You won’t want to miss Stan’s story about how he turned a hobby into a mission to quite literally “serve” others.
July 24: For years Marci Penner has served as an ambassador to and champion for rural communities in Kansas. Educating Kansans about Kansas, and connecting and networking rural communities are the objectives of her work at the Kansas Sampler Foundation – which has paved the way for many adventures into the nooks and crannies of this state. She’s been to every
incorporated town in the state, 626, and even more. Guidebooks, festivals, conferences, programs, and a deep love for Kansas are the results.
August 7: How do you find the courage to turn your life upside down and pursue a dream? Rod Meier and his wife, Karen, owned and operated Meier’s Moving and Storage for many years, but as Rod approached the age of 60, he knew he wanted to make a change in his life. A BIG change. Using his love of cooking as a springboard, he has partnered with formally-trained chef, Grant Wagner, to launch Relish, a mobile kitchen where they serve lunch four days a week and cater special events. On August 7, beginning at 11a.m., Relish is serving lunch in the Presbyterian Church parking lot – so come early, buy your lunch, and munch while listening to Rod’s amazing story.
For further information, contact Martha Rhea: 785.825.9320 or [email protected].