Events

Clay Smith is President of Speedway Motors, co-founder of Speedway Properties and Director of the Museum of American Speed. Clay earned a BA in economics and a Master of Science in engineering from Stanford University. As president of Speedway Motors, Clay leads a team of 740 associates with operations in five states, serving the performance automotive industry. Clay is the sole General Partner of Speedway Properties which develops, owns, and manages over 300 properties primarily in Lincoln. Clay is active in Lincoln, having served on the boards of dozens of community organizations. Clay currently serves on the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission, Bryan Health Board, Sheldon Advisory Board, Sheldon Art Association, Raikes School Advisory Board, Hudl Board, and the Public Art Lincoln Collections Committee.

Heads-up! Our Rotary Roadside Fall Cleanup is Saturday, September 24, at 10 a.m.

Please sign up and provide your safety-vest size. 

Below are the organizations to choose from for Business Networking Day on Sept. 27. Please type the organization's name in the Comments field before you finish your registration. Business Networking Day will take the place of the weekly meeting. Sign up now.

Assurity
Host: Kevin Faltin
2000 Q St, Lincoln, NE 68503

As a mutual organization, Assurity was founded on the simple concept of people coming together to support each other in moments of need. Our mission is to help people through difficult times by providing affordable insurance protection that is easy to understand and buy. Our financial stability has stood the test of time. It shows our commitment to be there when our customers need us. Assurity maintains a focus on offering protection products to the middle-income market and small businesses. The life insurance products offered by Assurity include a portfolio of whole life, universal life, and term insurance. In addition to the life insurance products, individual disability income, individual single premium deferred annuities, and critical illness insurance represent the breadth of the company's operations. Owned by our policyholders, we conduct our business to serve only their best interests. Whether paying benefits, offering service with a human touch, giving back to our community, or practicing sustainable habits that provide for our planet, we embrace our capacity to improve lives. We all share in the future we create, and Assurity believes in using our business as a force for good.

Food Bank of Lincoln
Host: Eric Drumheller
1221 Kingbird Rd, Lincoln, NE 68521

The Food Bank of Lincoln is a proud member of Feeding America with a mission to alleviate hunger in Southeast Nebraska. This year, the Food Bank of Lincoln is celebrating its 40th anniversary. We hope you’ll join us at the Food Bank of Lincoln for a tour of our new facility and to learn how we are working to alleviate hunger in 16 counties in Southeast Nebraska.

HopeSpoke
Host: Mitch Lee
2444 O St, Lincoln, NE 68510

For our first 70 years, we were known as the Child Guidance Center. In 2018, we became HopeSpoke, a brand that carries forward our legacy and mission - to inspire healthy futures for children and their families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health services. Back in 1949, our organization was formed to meet the community’s needs after the Child Guidance national movement identified how treatment for children's mental health services needed to be different from that of adults. Under the vision of the Junior League of Lincoln and the Community Chest (the precursor to United Way), the Child Guidance Center was formed. The philosophy of our team is to understand the unique qualities and experiences of those we serve as influenced by emotional and cognitive development, family situation, social environment and personality. Then through dynamic, interactive therapy, we work to examine problems while building on strengths. In a nutshell, our founders had a big vision - for all children and families to be healthy and hopeful. And together with strong affiliations, we've been moving forward and making it happen ever since!

Universal Pure
Host: Christina Usher
1601 Pioneers Blvd, Lincoln, NE 68502

Founded in 2001 as a cold storage warehouse facility in Lincoln, Universal Pure has deep roots in the cold supply chain. We are a one-stop-shop service provider to the food and beverage industry, offering a suite of cold chain solutions at eight U.S. facilities across seven locations.  We are dedicated to giving people and families everywhere safe, fresh, and delicious food to eat and drink. The way we see it, our work is bigger than a process or procedure because what we do affects families. Rotarians who attend the Business Networking Day event hosted by Universal Pure will learn more about how we help our partners achieve these goals and will have the opportunity to tour our local facility.

Let's plant trees with Martha!  We'll be using part of our District Grant (thank you to everyone who donated to the Rotary International Foundation) to plant a few trees at the Habitat for Humanity house that Rotary 14 is helping build. We'll start at 10.30 a.m. and should be in within a few hours. Please register yourself and your guests. 

JASON M. BALL
PRESIDENT & CEO

Jason is president and CEO of the Five-Star Accredited Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development. As Chamber president, he also oversees the operations of the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau. Jason is a Certified Economic Developer and a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management and Oklahoma University’s Economic Development Institute. He is an active member of the International Economic Development Council, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the U.S. Chamber’s Committee of 100 and serves on the board of the U.S.
Chamber Midwest Institute for Organization Management. He was also selected as one of Development Counsellors International “40 Under 40 Rising Starts in Economic Development. Prior to his current role with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Jason served as the president & CEO of the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce. He also served as the director of business development for the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for five years. Jason also has professional experience in chemistry, technology transfer and business plan development. A Nebraska native, Jason was raised in Sidney, Nebraska and earned his undergraduate degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and an MBA from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

Weekly volunteers needed!

IMAGINE TOUR

Thursday, Oct. 6, 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM | Lincoln, NE | Lincoln 14, Lincoln East, Lincoln Giving Spirits, and Lincoln South Rotary Clubs

Note: This signup was created using the Rotary 14 website, but it is open to the public, meaning all Lincoln Rotarians (including Rotary 14 members) can sign up without logging in. Please use the "Guest" button to sign up.

• Lunch and Recap of Mini-Quilt Challenge: A Fundraiser for Ukraine &
Spotlight on Local Rotary Clubs’ International Projects, International
Quilt Museum (33rd and Holdrege St), 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.

LUNCH MENU: 

Taco Fiesta Bar                                                                                             

• Flour Tortilla Wraps and Corn Tortilla Shells Spiced Beef, Pico de Gallo, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cheddar and Jack Cheese, and Sour Cream.
• Served with Mexican rice and refried beans.

All Lincoln Rotarians will have a Giant Group Photo as part of the Imagine Tour. No registration is required. Just show up with your awesome self.

WHAT: Come Together Right Now - Rotary! for a Giant Group Photo of All Lincoln Rotarians and Rotaract Members
WHERE: Cascade “Teachers” Fountain (1222 S 27th St),
WHEN: October 6, Thursday, 5:30 p.m. with Drone Photo at 6 p.m.

The photoshoot will be immediately followed by a Post-Photo Fundraising Celebration, Talon Room, 230 N 12th St Ste. 1, Lincoln, NE 68508

At the Post-Photo Fundraising Celebration (cash bar), we encourage Rotarians to donate $5 for Polio Plus to their respective Club Treasurers at the Talon Room.

For questions, please contact Mike Wortman at (402) 601-7571 or Jess Rustad at (402) 904-2482.

After the giant photo at the Cascade Teachers Fountain, please head to the Talon Room.

WHAT: Post-Photo Fundraising Celebration
WHERE: Talon Room (230 N 12th St, Ste 1 - LL)
WHEN: October 6, 2022, 6:30 PM
COST: cash bar, $5 donation for Polio Plus is encouraged

For questions, please contact Jess Rustad at (402) 601-7571

Shari Veil is dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Shari came to Nebraska from the University of Kentucky, where she was associate dean and department chair in the College of Communication and Information. Prior to Kentucky, she taught strategic communication and served as the director of the Center for Risk and Crisis Management at the University of Oklahoma. Shari and her husband, Nick, are originally from North Dakota and have two teenage kids, Carson and Hailey.

Let’s run together to raise funds toward our $9,000 Club goal for PolioPlus Fund Contributions!

What: Run a nice relaxing 5K to start and finish near the Hub Cafe followed by coffee/breakfast at Hub Cafe
When: Sunday, October 16th at 8:30 AM
Fundraising Part: Please contribute $50 to the PolioPlus Fund or fundraise the amount.

Please invite a friend, neighbor, or relative to join us!
For questions, please contact President John Gessert, john.gessert@ubt.com

Brendan is an alum of Fellows 19 (the best class ever). He stepped in as Interim Executive Director in February of 2020 and was hired in the permanent position in June. Brendan has served on the Board of Directors for Leadership Lincoln and other non-profit organizations in Lincoln. He is currently a member of Rotary #14, Crucible Club, and coaches YMCA soccer for his son's team.

You’re Invited!

Please join us for the Home Dedication of Martha and her children for their brand new Habitat home on Saturday, October 29 at 9:00 a.m. at 4826 Greenwood Street in Lincoln.

Club 14 donated proceeds from the 2022 Rise.Shine.Give event of more than $25,000 to sponsor this house. Come join us in handing over the keys to Martha and here family! 

We will have the dedication, light refreshments and then a tour of the home.

RSVP: dwalz@lincolnhabitat.org

Congratulations to Sampson Construction, 2022 Salute to Business Honoree

Salute to Business luncheon
When: November 1, 2022, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Cornhusker Marriott, 333 S 13th St., Lincoln

Click here to purchase your ticket.
Click here to pay for corporate sponsorship.

The Lincoln Council for International Visitors (LCIV) is hosting 12 international visitors from Brazil, Chile, Eritrea, Greece, Lebanon, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Serbia and Spain who will be visiting Lincoln on and International Visitor Leadership Program through the U.S. Department of State. A panel made up 3 - 5 of these agricultural trade and food safety experts will share their perspectives on visiting Nebraska and the global issues affecting trade and food supply. Our very own, Kate Engel, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communication for Nebraska Innovation Campus, will be our moderator. 

Dr. Paul Gausman joined Lincoln Public Schools as superintendent on July 1, 2022. Prior to coming to Lincoln, he was the superintendent for the Sioux City Community School District for fourteen years. During that time, the school district saw significant gains in academic achievement and the graduation rate. In December 2021, superintendents from across the nation elected Dr. Gausman as president of the Urban Superintendents Association of America.

Prior to his work in Sioux Falls, Dr. Gausman was formerly the superintendent of schools for the West Central School District in South Dakota. His past administrative experiences also include those as coordinator of middle school education and coordinator of fine and performing arts for the Sioux Falls Schools in South Dakota. In addition, Dr. Gausman’s teaching experiences include those as director of bands at Millard West High School in Omaha, Nebraska, and marching percussion instructor for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Cornhusker Marching Band.

Dr. Gausman holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN; an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Sioux Falls; a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Nebraska at Omaha; and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

In addition to his superintendent duties, Dr. Gausman serves as a performing artist and clinician with the Yamaha Corporation of America in percussion, is a consultant with McPherson and Jacobson Executive Recruitment and Development, and also a consultant with Guidepoint Global Market Research.

Annual bell ringing

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

For questions, please call Co-Chairs Jay Wexler at (845) 913-6719 or Deb Uttecht at (402) 560-4148.

Annual bell ringing

Dr. Widman has over 20 years of experience as a psychiatrist working as a high-performance mindset coach. Doc works with CEO's, Pro-athletes, Military Leaders, Olympians, and multiple NCAA Teams. He has been integral in six NCAA Division I National Championships, developing elite mindset skills and "Ultimate Trust". Doc is the author of "Max Out Mindset" and host of the "Max Out Mindset" podcast.

Doane University President Roger Hughes

Dr. Roger Hughes started as Doane University’s 13th President in June 2021. A native of Crawford, Nebraska, he graduated from Doane College in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and physical education. He was active as both a player and coach for the college’s football and basketball teams. President Hughes received his master’s and doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and was part of the Husker football coaching staff under Tom Osborne.

Union College President Vinita Sauder

Dr. Vinita Sauder has served as Union College’s president for the last nine years, and has worked in higher education for more than 35 years, specializing in strategic planning aligned with institutional mission and vision. Dr. Sauder earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication from Southern Adventist University in Chattanooga, Tennessee, an MBA from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Nebraska Wesleyan University President Darrin Good

Dr. Darrin Good became the seventeenth president of Nebraska Wesleyan University on July 1, 2019. Prior to coming to Nebraska Wesleyan, he was Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Whittier College near Los Angeles, California; and Associate Provost and Dean of Science and Education at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. He holds a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Kansas and began his career in higher education teaching biology at his alma mater, Augustana College, in Rock Island, Illinois.

The December NEOS meeting is this Tuesday, December 13th at 7:30am. We'll meet at Crescent Moon Coffee at 140 N 8th St, Lincoln, NE 68508 (basement level of the Apothecary). 

Registration is not required; simply show up.

For questions, please get in touch with NEOS Chair Christine Weeks at christine@eleanorbrands.com

Volunteering at the Gathering Place is so rewarding and fun!

Starting in November the Gathering Place will go back to inperson meal service (guests will be invited in to eat).

• Time to volunteer is now 4:30-6:30 p.m.
• Masks are now optional.
• Please provide 5-6 volunteers on your assigned night if you are the only group to serve that night. If you are combined with other groups on your night provide 2-3 volunteers.
• Be adaptable. We are trying new ways of reducing the lines and crowd size as we are serving more people than we ever did before the pandemic. It might change as we get better at it and it might not look like it used to. 
• Volunteers should use their PIN to clock in/out on the iPad or sign in/out using the paper sheet. Pre-registration is still encouraged.
• We are allowing groups to bring deserts again! We are currently serving between 100 and 180 people per night. Once we get the flow and numbers routine, we will allow groups to bring meals. No group is required to do this, it is completely optional. Please let us know ahead of time if you plan to bring a dessert.
• Volunteers must be at least 12 years old. EACH volunteer under 18 years old must be accompanied by their own adult supervisor. While we love our youth volunteers, we can’t have an entire group of young people volunteering without adults.
• The Gathering Place is closed on the Friday after Thanksgiving (November 25) and Christmas Day (December 25). We are open on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

Kelly Ross is from Lincoln, Nebraska, and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Spanish. Since college, she has been working with refugees and immigrants in a variety of ways, as a caseworker, paralegal, citizenship instructor, and ESL instructor. Through her work, she has developed a passion for those new to the United States and insight into the unique barriers they face. In 2020, Kelly founded ECHO Collective as a way to empower New American women to achieve their entrepreneurial and artisanal dreams. After claiming to be a “cat person” for years, Kelly finds herself with two dogs that bring her so much joy. She also loves to read and watch trivia shows her with husband.

“A Pandemic’s Impact on Classroom Volunteering”

Junior Achievement of Lincoln reached its 50^th anniversary of continued growth in our community in 2021.  Yes, the year of hybrid learning when dedicated JA volunteers Zoom-ed into classrooms to talk about real-life experiences related to financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness skills.  Currently, JA reaches over 30,000 K-12 students annually in more than 1,400 classrooms thanks to 1,000+ volunteers including Rotarian Randy Bretz, who will immerse you in a first grade classroom and share his volunteer experience before introducing JA’s Vice President, Toni Rupe.  Tuesday’s presentation will be a surprising look into JA’s long-term partnership with Lincoln’s private and public schools and the not-so-surprising impact a pandemic had on volunteer involvement at a time when the need for adult mentors and role models could not be any greater for our youth.

Andrea Phillips is the coordinator for school social workers at Lincoln Public Schools. Before becoming a coordinator, she was a school social worker with LPS for ten years and prior to that she worked in a youth mental health program and ran a private practice. She has an undergraduate degree from UNL and a Master of Social Work degree from UNO. Andrea is a licensed mental health practitioner and the current board president of the National Association of Social Workers in Nebraska. Andrea understands the great importance of connections and supportive relationships for students. She will be speaking with us about the impact of the pandemic on mental health and how supportive relationships and mentoring make a difference.

Jim Hansen has been the Outreach Coordinator for Sandhills Global since 2019. At Sandhills Global, Jim oversees Sandhills philanthropic activities in the Lincoln community. Prior to coming to Sandhills, Jim was an educator and coach at Pius X high school, and still coaches football there, just completing his 36^th season. He is also the commissioner of Lincoln Babe Ruth baseball, on the boards of Lincoln Independent Business Association, the Southeast Nebraska Career Academy program, the Nebraska State Board of Work Force Development, the Lincoln Football Coaches Association, and the Lincoln/Lancaster County First Responders Foundation. He and his wife Teresa have four grown children and three grandchildren, and they love making Lincoln the great community it is!

Held at Nebraska Innovation Campus, you and your guests will enjoy a delicious brunch, bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys, a silent auction, a raffle, and much more.

How can you participate in Rise.Shine.Give. and support HopeSpoke and the Rotary Club 14 Foundation?

• Become an event sponsor
• Donate an auction item
• Purchase a raffle ticket
• Make a financial contribution

A fourth-generation Nebraskan, born in Grant and raised in Imperial, Norman is a veteran journalist-turned copywriter-turned nonprofit professional. He’s the co-founder and executive director of Rabble Mill — a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides alternative youth programming in Lincoln and Omaha. Under moonlight, he co-operates a talent management company called Ride Home MGMT, and an indie publishing company called Take it Home. He and his wife Angie live with their son, Townes, in Omaha’s Benson.

LAURIE FRASER
Laurie Fraser is the CEO of Doorstep Diner Catering and Country Sliced Ham and Cafe, but more importantly she is a Lincoln community member who believes in giving back. A resident since 1984 she's been active with Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes, United Way and more. She joined Rotary to be in a group where her donations, paired with others, can do greater good. Laurie's head chef expressed an interest in raising money for relief efforts in Ukraine. After an inspiring presentation by Viktor Khanzhyn, Laurie knew the money had to be raised and what better way then to give Lincolnites a taste of Ukraine. Her head chef created meals and worked with Victor to perfect them, and they offered them for weekly family-style meals. All funds were donated to the International Rotary Foundation, earning Laurie her Paul Harris Fellow +1, but Laurie is quick to point out that all recognition truly resides with Chef Nestor and his inspiration.

Brett Neely
Brett moved to Lincoln in the summer of 2021 to join the UNL College of Business as an assistant professor in the management department.  He teaches organizational behavior and researches leadership and diversity in organizations, with a particular focus on understanding how leaders can promote positive outcomes of diversity and inclusion efforts in their organizations. He has been involved with Camp Kesem, a student-led organization serving families impacted by cancer, for several years and now serves as faculty advisor for the UNL chapter. Brett’s wife, Giorgia, also works in academia, and they have three pets: a golden doodle named Marko and two cats named Soleil and Bijou.

AMBER NORE
Amber C. Nore is the Community Relations Manager and Friend Fundraiser for Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska. She made a career change to the non-profit world in 2021 after many years as a highperformance business builder, talent developer and retail manager in the "for profit" world. Amber is the proud mom of a 24 year-old daughter named Chloe. Together, they participate in many performing and visual arts organizations/events. Amber lives in an art gallery in the Historic Haymarket District and loves to share the many wonderful things to do in #LNK. Amber's partner, Patrick Hargon, is the Director of Student Success for University of Nebraska Kearney. Amber is a volunteer Lasagna Chef for Lasagna Love and a book club leader for the Nebraska Girl Gang. Her band, Andy Pappas with Jukebox Gyro, released their debut album "Inside Voices" last year.

STEPHANIE STEARLEY

Stephanie is currently Vice President, Group Customer Connections – Administration & Licensing at Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.  She has been with Ameritas for 30 years.  She grew up in Hampton, NE, earned a Business Management degree from Bellevue University and holds several professional insurance designations.  She was a member of the Leadership Lincoln, Class XXX and is an active Junior Achievement Volunteer.  She is married to her husband, Mark Stearley and they have two daughters:  Skylar, a student at Pace University (New York City) and Makenna, a Senior at Southeast Highschool.