Abilene CVB Newsletter

 
  
 
 
February 2010
In This Issue
Black History Month at Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum
Les Lankhorst Concert
Article Headline
Spend a Sweet Weekend in Abilene
Program Recalls Nobel Prize Winner
 Ralph Bunche Visit  to Abilene High School

ABILENE, Kan. - A 1955 television broadcast of Abilene High School students will be the center of discussion in a Black History Month program to be held at 7 p.m. on February 18 in the Visitors Center Auditorium of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.

Famed newsman Edward R. Murrow hosted the program, which featured United Nations Under-Secretary for Special Political Affairs Ralph Bunche discussing the issues of the day with students in President Eisenhower's hometown. Bunche was the first African American to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The program is part of the book talk series presented by the Eisenhower Presidential Library and the Abilene Public Library.

A viewing of the television program will be followed by an open discussion on Bunche and his achievements, as well as a comparison of the issues facing students in 1955 with those of today.

"Local area residents will enjoy picking out faces in the audience of the film of their friends and family who participated. Some of the students include Fred Bailey, Mary Jane Oard, Larry Kolling, Clema Anderson, and Ned Stirtz," states Judy Burgess, director of Abilene Public Library.

Those interested in attending the program are encouraged to read one of the many books on Bunche the Abilene Public Library has available for check out.

Future book programs will explore the Eisenhower Era and other aspects of the presidency.

The program is free and open to the public. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by calling 785.263.6700 or 877.RING.IKE. You may also RSVP to this event on Facebook.


Les Lankhorst In Concert

The Dickinson County Arts Council presents Les Lankhorst in concert Saturday, February 6, 7:30 p.m., at Great Plains Theatre.  Tickets are $12 and available at the Arts Council office at 203 N. Cedar or by calling 263-1884. 

Les Lankhorst is originally from Salina and is a graduate of Kansas State University.  He performs his one-man show all over the world, on cruise ships, resorts, and concert venues.  Les is heavily influenced by some of the world's legendary swing/jazz vocalists including Mel Torme', Nat King Cole, and Harry Connick, Jr.  He is best known for his amazing Frank Sinatra stylings.  In November 2005, Lankhorst joined the cast of "The Rat Pack is Back" in Las Vegas, as Sinatra.
FEBRUARY


1-21

Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum, (785)263-6700

1-7

The Heritage Center, (785)263-2681

6

Les Lankhorst Concert
Arts Council of DK. Co., Great Plains Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
(785)263-1884 (Tickets Required)

6-7

Abilene Gun Show
Sterl Hall, (785)263-2054

18

Book Talk in partnership with Abilene Public Library
Eisenhower Visitor Center Auditorium, 7:00 p.m. (785)263-6700
18-21
Plain Great Players Youth Production w/Great Plains Theatre
(785)263-4574

27

Abilene Kiwanis Winter Pancake Breakfast
Sterl Hall, 7 AM - 1 PM, (785)263-3640

 

MARCH

15-28

The Heritage Center, (785)263-2681

20-5/30

"The Working White House" Exhibit
Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum, (785)263-6700

25-28

Downtown Spring Open House Weekend
Abilene Downtown Association, (785)263-2231

27

200 SE 5th Street, (785)263-7266

30

Kansas Town Hall Meeting
Eisenhower Visitors Center Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.,
(785)263-6700


Director's Dialogue
tourism week logo
It just doesn't seem possible that I have been in Abilene for three years.  February is my anniversary month. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work in two of the most historic towns in Kansas and the hometowns of two international icons. 
 
It says a lot about a town when one of its own becomes president of the United States.  I love living in a town that raised a President and am humbled to play a role, even though it's smalll, in keeping his memory alive through our marketing efforts.
 
 Glenda Purkis
Featured Article
The Sweetest Things Are Found in Abilene!
 
romantic getaway
 
Looking for a romantic weekend getaway?   How about dinner in a third-story turret of an 1885 historic mansion?  A horse-drawn carriage will take you there!  You will enjoy a night in an exquisite suite named after a First Lady, a grand suite in the home of the founder of Sprint Telephone Co., or in a hotel Jacuzzi suite.  Chocolates and champagne are included!


Come to Abilene on Valentine's Day weekend, or any other time at your convenience.

For special packaged weekends:

www.abilenekansas.org
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Youth Theatre Group
To Present in February
mall rats
The recently formed Great Plains Youth Theatre group, The  Plain Great Players, will present their first production of the year, February 18-21, at 7 p.m. 

Set in the Northview Mall, MALL RATS follows the adventures of three best friends, Madison, Destiny, and Kevin as they try and find ways to cope with the boredom. But with crazy and wacky characters like Officer Tom Cones, Tri-K, and The Great and Mighty Rufus, Madison, Destiny, and Kevin find how an ordinary day can turn into a crazy adventure. A terrific Musical, fun for the whole family.

script, music, and lyrics by Greg Krumins
arranged by Joe Markley