Serenata Farms owners honored for leadership

Two Big Springs residents have received a leadership award for their work at Serenata Farms School of Equestrian Arts.

The Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development awarded its 2002 “Huck Boyd Leaders of the Year” award for leadership and service to Bud and Marti Newell, who own the therapeutic riding center in Big Springs.

The recognition followed a farm visit by institute director Ron Wilson, who wrote a radio script based on interviews with riders who had multiple sclerosis, their families and friends, and staff and volunteers. After reviewing the radio script, a panel selected the Newells for the award, which highlights rural Kansas entrepreneurs.

Serenata Farms is a nonprofit organization that provides equine-facilitated therapy programs for children and adults with physical, emotional and behavioral problems. The organization also offers educational horse programs and riding lessons to youngsters.

Summit to explore ideas of future senior centers

A summit to explore the future of senior centers in northeast Kansas will be next week.

The Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, in partnership with the Kansas Department on Aging, is sponsoring a senior center summit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the agency’s offices, 1720 S.W. Topeka Blvd., Topeka.

The summit will present a summary of senior center activities from across the state to create dialogue about what makes a successful senior center and plan for the future of senior centers when baby boomers begin to retire.

The summit is open to center directors, city/county recreation centers, faith-based organizations and other organizations interested in senior centers.

The summit is free, but those interested in attending should contact Jocelyn Lyons, program coordinator, at (785) 235-1367.

Geological foundation gives scholarships to KU students

Eight Kansas University students will receive scholarships from the Kansas Geological Foundation for the 2002-2003 school year.

The Wichita-based foundation awarded 15 total scholarships this year. The scholarships provide $500 to $1,000 for the fall semester to students majoring in geology.

KU’s winners were Allyson Anderson, Linda Garinger, Erik Hiemstra and Lianshuang Qi, all doctoral students from Lawrence; Charles Rose, Overland Park senior; Jonathan P. Lange, Leavenworth master’s student; Edward Washburn, Machesney Park, Ill., master’s student; and Juan Pablo Centeno, Venezuela senior.