Events

Heads-up! Our Rotary Roadside Fall Cleanup is Saturday, September 9, at 10 a.m.

Please sign up and provide your safety-vest size. 

Hello, Rotarians! 

We are having our NEOS meeting this Friday at Noon at YiaYias downtown! 

I hope you can make it! 

Brett Burchett and I look forward to co-leading the High School Services committee this year and invite you to the committee's organizational, kick-off meeting.  The meeting will be on Wednesday, September 20, 2024, at 3:30 pm.  Thank you to Michelle Zlomke for hosting at Cornhusker Bank (8310 O Street; 84th & O) in their meeting space.  Enter from the north side of the building, on the lower floor. 

The agenda for the meeting will include introductions and an overview of the committee's two major projects: the scholarship and the leadership award. 

If you plan to attend, please RSVP here so we can plan accordingly: https://doodle.com/meeting/participate/id/b8EvqvWd.

If you are unable to attend, we will followup with an email to ensure you are aware of the opportunities.

We look forward to seeing you!

Best,

Ryan Foor
Rotary Club of Lincoln 14

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR SEPT 26 BUSINESS NETWORKING DAY.

For Business Networking Day (BND) on September 26th, you have a selection of organizations to choose from. Kindly enter the name of your chosen organization in the Comments field while completing your registration. This event will replace our weekly meeting, so don't forget to sign up now. For questions, please get in touch with BND Chair Shari Veil:

Shari R. Veil, MBA, Ph.D.
Dean and Professor
College of Journalism & Mass Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
402-472-3041 / veil@unl.edu

The Global Engagement Committee of Rotary 14 will be hosting a group to attend the NWU Global Village Event. Contact Linda Willard for more info or RSVP to the event:

Here's a description of the event: 

Global Village is a cultural event that promotes cultural diversity and awareness within the NWU campus and the Lincoln community.  

Please join us to explore cultures from around the world with visits to table presentations. Please also enjoy performances by local ethnic groups, which include fashion parade, Lion Dancers, Scandinavian Folk Dancers, Sangre Azteca dance, Flamenco, Salsa Dancers, Martial arts, and Nepalese flute performance. 

It will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 4:00pm-6:00pm at Abel Commons.  Stay the entire time or drop in and out during the event. It is a family-friendly celebration of cultural diversity hosted by NWU international students.  

Asian cuisine, cultural performances and a lantern lighting at the Antelope Park Band Shell. 

Learn about the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development and what an Economic Developer does. In the words of Kevin Koester, "We make the things happen that most people think just happen."

A native of York, Nebraska, Kevin has made Lincoln his home for the past seven years. In his role as Director of Business Development for the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, Kevin spends much of his time building relationships with businesses in the community and connecting them to resources that can support their growth and success.

Kevin and his wife Alli are blessed with two daughters, both under the age of four. With that in mind, Kevin spends most of his weekends coloring, playing hide and seek, and conquering new playgrounds throughout the city. Kevin’s passion for young people extends beyond his own children, which lead him to his position serving on the board at The HUB, a central access point for young adults. Kevin believes that all young adults deserve the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances, and is proud to support the work done at The HUB. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys baking, spending time outside, and supporting all things Husker athletics.

Bring a guest to our regular meeting & their meal is covered! 

Q & A covering topics such as 1) How did you get your start as an artist? 2) What would you consider your greatest accomplishment as an artist? 3) What differences do you see in the world of art today? 4) What advice would you give young art enthusiasts, etc.

Moderator: Joe Shaw

Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Joe has a degree in Journalism from California State University, Los Angeles. Joe spent 25 years in Southern California, winning awards as a non-profit communicator at the Braille Institute, the AIDS Service Center in Pasadena and more recently as President of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust, leading efforts to save the last privately owned parcels of wetlands in Huntington Beach, CA. “Giving back is what drives me,” Joe says, “I think supporting and volunteering in your community is the rent you pay for being here on this Earth.” Joe served on the Huntington Beach City Council from 2010-2014 and moved to Lincoln in January 2015. After serving as Fund Development Manager, Interim Director and Associate Director for the last four years, Joe was hired as Executive Director in May 2019. “I’m happy to be here at the LUX, because I know how important art and art education are to the health, well being and quality of life of a city."

Artist: Margaret Berry

Artist: Chuck Schroeder

Chuck is a native of Palisade, Nebraska, with an extensive background in ranching and farming. He received his Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from UNL in 1973 where he was part of the UNL Rodeo Team and Livestock Judging Team. He attended Stanford Graduate School of Business' Exec. Ed. program for Nonprofit Leaders in 2007. In 1999, he received the "People's Choice 'Vision' Award from the Gallup Premier Leadership Institute, and in 2001 attended the Taos Institute of Art. Since 2015, Chuck has been part of a private art study with Sherrie McGraw, David Leffel, and J. Chris Morel, in Taos, New Mexico. 

• Partner in Schroeder Cattle Co. 1975-2004

• Director, Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture 1983-86

• Exec. Vice President, University of Nebraska Foundation, 1986-95

• Founder: Heartland Center for Leadership Development; Rural Policy Research Institute; and Agriculture Future of America

• Founding CEO, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association 1995-2002

• President, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 2002-2013

• Founding Executive Director, Rural Futures Institute at the University of Nebraska, 2013-2018

• Founder, Principle – Schroeder Fine Art, 2018 to present

Artist: Jevon Woods

Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, Jevon Woods is a self-taught, color blind artist with no limitation. Through his life's journey creating has provided a level of freedom he can't really explain through words. He allows space for art to move freely through him and then transforms those emotions and feelings into masterpieces. Art is his life and how he sees the world—the art of anything and everything.

Global Engagement Committee Meeting

1. Global speakers for Tuesday meetings

- videos & timing; matching speakers to Rotary areas of focus; ranking/vetting speakers

2. International events in Lincoln

- someone to gather together list of events and keep a calendar; plan fellowship events at an event

3. District/Club global grants

- updates from previous grant recipients; ideas for smaller grants; research into global grants by other clubs

Becky Perrett is the Director of Marketing for Runza^® National. Her Runza^® career started her senior year of college when she worked as a cashier, never thinking the experience would play such a key role in her future. Becky holds two degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In the community, she spends time volunteering for CEDARS Youth Services, Junior Achievement, First-Plymouth Church, Alpha Xi Delta, and is a member of the American Marketing Association, Junior League of Lincoln, Nebraska Women’s Leadership Network, and Women Investing in Nebraska.

In today's digital age, cybersecurity isn't just a necessity—it's a mission. Jeff Kiple stands at the forefront of that mission, championing the cause of protecting small and medium-sized businesses from looming cyber threats. With a keen awareness that smaller enterprises are often more vulnerable to cyberattacks, Jeff's objective is not just about defense but empowerment. He provides businesses with the tools and strategies to understand and mitigate risks, ensuring they operate with security assurance.

A brief glimpse into Jeff's qualifications: Masters in Cybersecurity from Bellevue University and a Bachelors in Business from Doane College.

Jeff's expertise isn't limited to the confines of cybersecurity alone. He's an ardent follower of IT security trends, international affairs, and military updates. His thirst for knowledge is rivaled only by his zest for adventure. On weekends, you might find him treading an ignored trail or planning his next overseas journey, constantly seeking out the unknown.

But amid all the explorations and escapades, Jeff's loyalty to the Huskers football team remains unflavoured. An ardent supporter, he reminisces about the strong finish from last season and eagerly anticipates the next. "Go Big Red!" is a cheer and sentiment close to his heart.

For businesses, individuals, or fellow Huskers fans looking to discuss strategies to fortify their cyber walls or chat about the upcoming season, Jeff invites you to reach out. Every new connection begins with an initial security risk evaluation. Secure your business and discover the world of cyber safety with Jeff Kiple and Kelpie Security LLC.

ALLO | allocommunications.com

Click here to purchase a ticket

As the Chief Executive Officer for Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Evan Killeen oversees all operations of the Zoo and manages the revenues and expenses. Over the past 12 years, the Zoo has seen a great deal of operational success thanks to Mr. Killeen, with the Zoo budget increasing from $1.7 million to $7 million over that time. Additionally, Mr. Killeen presided over the largest expansion and capital campaign in Zoo history. A Nebraska native and graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, Mr. Killeen has deep roots in Lincoln, Nebraska, and a strong focus on serving his community. Before becoming CEO, Mr. Killeen served as the COO from 2011 to 2022. Prior to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Mr. Killeen successfully managed the Lincoln Children’s Museum as Deputy Director and previously led the Education Department at the Strategic Air and Space Museum.

- We'll follow up on possible speakers

- Talk further about the cultural events calendar

- Set out some goals and a timeline for global grants

Join us for an exciting opportunity to learn more about these fellow Rotary 14 members during our Rotarians at Work panel:

• Karla Frese | Owner, Home Care Partners
  • Karla Frese is the Managing Partner of Home Care Partners, where she has the privilege of working alongside healthcare teams and facilities to create a positive impact in the lives of individuals with dementia. She offers guidance and understanding to help them navigate healthcare options. With a lifelong dedication to improving the lives of seniors in the community, she is committed to providing thoughtful, high-quality, and dedicated care. In addition to her role at Home Care Partners, she actively engages in community education through the Parkinson's Foundation. She also hosts support groups for Alzheimer's and Dementia, volunteers with Horison and Tabitha Hospice, and proudly serves as a member of the Heartland Cancer Foundation Guild. She actively participates in various community initiatives, serving at her church, St. Joseph Altar Society, and contributing to committees and organizational needs in collaboration with the Chamber, the University of Nebraska OLLI Classes, AARP, and Junior Achievement. 
• Darold Karmazin | Owner, Darold's Jewelers & Diamond Importers
  • Darold's is the only Lincoln jeweler who handpicks diamonds directly from the finest diamond cutters in Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world! Darold has been your personal diamond importer for over 30 years. By eliminating the middleman, you can own a much higher quality diamond for the same investment elsewhere. If we don't have it, we'll find it! From fancy and ideal cuts to hearts and arrows, and rare colored diamonds, our focus is on your complete satisfaction.
• Julie Robinson | Account Executive, KLKN-TV ABC Ch. 8
  • Julie is an experienced Account Executive with a demonstrated history of working in the broadcast media industry and has been with KLKN-TV Channel 8 ABC since July 2015. It was unheard of, maybe even a bit unbelievable that a city the size of Lincoln, Nebraska before March 1996 had only one local commercial television station. This was the case until Channel 8 KLKN-TV flipped the switch in the spring of 1996, providing Lincoln with its own ABC affiliate and something more in a television station for the Lincoln and surrounding community.
• Chris Sommerich | Executive Director, Humanities Nebraska
  • ​Chris Sommerich is the Executive Director of Humanities Nebraska, a statewide nonprofit that helps people explore what connects us and makes us human. Chris joined Humanities Nebraska in 2004 as its Development Officer, then became Development Director, and in 2011, Executive Director. He has a Master's Degree in Political Science from UNL, and in addition to being a Rotarian is a TeamMates mentor and on the stewardship board for Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center. In his spare time he enjoys running, biking, photography, traveling, and playing bass guitar.

​Moderated by Club President Jess Kinser. 

Leirion Gaylor Baird was sworn in for her second term as the 52nd mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska, in May 2023. She previously served two terms on the Lincoln City Council and six years on the Lincoln/Lancaster County Planning Commission. She currently serves as one of 16 mayors on the Board of Trustees of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and as Chair of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Local Government Advisory Committee. Mayor Gaylor Baird is a past recipient of the Aspen Institute’s Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership and the inSpire Award for excellence in local government service. She and her family live in the Near South neighborhood.

First meeting for the new event scheduled for February 2024!

A Rotary 14 holiday tradition – ringing a bell for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. Join your fellow Rotarians across Lincoln on December 2, 2023, for a short one-hour shift to help raise funds to support The Salvation Army’s programs.

Each year, The Salvation Army will serve more than 25 million people across America – including many in Lincoln. That means 55+ million meals for the hungry, 10+ million nights of shelter for people experiencing homelessness, and countless Christmas gifts for children who may otherwise go without.

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

Lyn Leach is President of the Roughriders Motorcycle Riding Group. Formed in 1998, the organization raises ~$45K annually through events and sponsorships. The group picks a dozen families experiencing hardship and visits their home with a heartwarming donation leading up to the holidays, and supports local nonprofits such as Make-A-Wish, Center for People in Need, Down Syndrome Association, and Autism Family Networks. To him, the "Golden Wheel" symbolizes the motorcycles used to deliver donations. They have partnered with Union Bank and Trust on Magic Moments, giving money to families in need around the holidays, as well as Lincoln Fire and Rescue on Operation Warm, a program that provides elementary school students with winter coats hats and gloves. Lyn is the President of his own business, Ace Rent-To-Own, with 24 locations across Nebraska and Iowa, having been in business since 1982.

Marc LeBaron is Chairman and CEO of Lincoln Industries, a company that has grown to be the largest and most diverse privately held metal finishing company in North America.

With its main headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska, and other locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, the company has over 1000 employees and operates 24 hours a day. Marc’s father, Dale LeBaron, founded a small custom shop in 1952 and under Marc’s leadership the company has grown over the years and now includes a third generation—his two daughters, Kassy and Katie.

Lincoln Industries receives national and international attention for the unique wellness program that Marc initiated over 30 years ago that has become a benchmark for companies across the nation. By focusing on getting people to think in a new way about their health and many innovative programs, today wellness is embedded in just about everything Lincoln Industries does. Marc says, “I describe our wellness program as a 30-year-old overnight success." Since 2004, Lincoln Industries has been on the “Great Place to Work” Institutes list seven times. They also have received numerous awards for developing wellness programs and initiatives. 

Rotary 14 Ride & Roam Group: For all of our group activities, we suggest participants consider a donation of $10+ to the Polio Fund. 

Meet at the U-Stop commuter lot at 84th St. & Hwy 6. Drive together to Mahoney State park. Hike for 90+ minutes up to 2 hours, depending on our route. We'll hike roughly 5 miles. This hike is undulating and has some uneven footing in the single track section; much of it is on pavement and in a loop so it is possible to opt out of the single track section. I would rate it as mildly strenuous; more than just a walk in the park! Expect a medium to fast pace. 

We’re expecting a large crowd on Tuesday, January 9 for Governor Pillen’s presentation and want to ensure we do not run out of food. Therefore, we kindly ask that if you plan to eat lunch that day, to please pre-register online and complete your $20 lunch payment at that time. Payments are non-refundable due to the nature of this event. Online registration closes on Thursday, January 4 at 11:59 p.m. CT. If you will not be eating lunch, then you just need to show up the day of. Doors open for Club member and guest arrival at 11:30 a.m. CT with the program beginning at noon. 

Menu for Tuesday, January 9, 2024:

• Chicken breast with garlic thyme reduction, rice pilaf, green beans, and garden salad.
• Coffee, iced tea, and water.

REGISTER NOW

Rotary 14 Tuesday Meeting Location (beginning Jan. 9):

The Renaissance Room 301 S 13th St
The Cornhusker Hotel
Lincoln, NE 68508
United States of America

We’re expecting a large crowd on Tuesday, January 9 for Governor Pillen’s presentation and want to ensure we do not run out of food. Therefore, we kindly ask that if you plan to eat lunch that day, to please pre-register online and complete your $20 lunch payment at that time. Payments are non-refundable due to the nature of this event. Online registration closes on Thursday, January 4 at 11:59 p.m. CT. If you will not be eating lunch, then you just need to show up the day of. Doors open for Club member and guest arrival at 11:30 a.m. CT with the program beginning at noon. 

Menu for Tuesday, January 9, 2024:

• Chicken breast with garlic thyme reduction, rice pilaf, green beans, and garden salad.
• Coffee, iced tea, and water.

- We'll follow up on possible speakers

- Talk further about the cultural events calendar

- Set out some goals and a timeline for global grants

- Update on service projects

Bryan Seck took over as Lincoln Literacy's new executive director on Oct. 28, 2022. Seck has served as chief talent management strategist at Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. He was previously director of workforce development at the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED). Before that, he served as employment skills developer at Prosper Lincoln and homeless outreach specialist at Lincoln Public Schools. Seck also has deep experience supporting English language learners. As a Peace Corps member, he taught English in Kazakhstan for over two years. He later taught English to immigrants in California and New York City. He has a passion for helping people, especially those who are less fortunate. In addition to his other interests, he enjoys gardening.

• Meat Lasagna, Garlic Breadsticks, and Caesar Salad (Caesar and Italian Dressing on the Side)
• Water, Coffee, and Tea

Jason Hellbusch, Dir. of Corporate Administration

Jason serves as the Corporate Director of Administration at Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A. He has over 20 years experience at Kawasaki leading areas including, Quality, HR, IT, Safety/Wellness and more.

Jason joined Kawasaki as a Quality Engineer and is passionate about the quality of our products and the careers that the company provides to the over 2,500 team members in Lincoln.

In Lincoln, Kawasaki produces passenger rail cars for the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority, ATS, side-by-sides, JetSkis, and aerospace components. In addition, Kawasaki has two plants in Missouri, with over 1,300 team members combined, that produce General Purpose Engines for the lawn and garden industry.

Diane Mendenhall, President of Omaha Supernovas, will be joining Rotary 14 to talk about Nebraska's first Professional Volleyball team. This is a new chapter for our state and at the helm is Diane Mendenhall. An Ogallala native, she has held just about every role—from player to coach and analyst to administrator. The Supernovas opened their inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation Season earlier this year at Omaha's CHI Center and Diane is working to ensure Nebraskans embrace this professional sport similar to how they enjoy its collegiate counterpart. 

Lunch Menu for Tues., Feb. 6:

• Chicken Parmesan with Herbed Pasta
• Garlic Breadsticks
• Caesar Salad
• Coffee, Iced Tea, and Water

Celebrate Lunar New Year at Wesleyan

Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Time: between 5:30pm and 7pm (at 6pm, there will be a Lion Dance performance for 10 min. or so)

Place: The Point Dining Hall (our campus cafeteria: on the main floor at Story Student Center - #16 on the attached map)

Campus address: 5000 St. Paul Avenue Lincoln, NE 68504

International Relations student Organization (IRO) is planning to provide Asian music and a fun cultural game(s) during the event. 

The campus cafeteria will cook some Asian food.

RISE.SHINE.GIVE.

Saturday, February 10, 2024 | Doors Open at 9:30 a.m. | Program Begins at 10:15 a.m.

Rise.Shine.Give. Tickets & Auction Website: https://one.bidpal.net/rsg2024/welcome | Rotary14.org Webpage: https://rotary14.org/page/rise.shine.give.

This year's fundraiser will be in support of Lutheran Family Services. 

There will be no Rotary meeting on Tues., Feb. 13 due to encouraged attendance at Rise.Shine.Give. on Sat., Feb. 10. 

In recognition of Mentoring Month, Rotary 14 will be joined by local, guest panelists to help inform, inspire, and share the impact of mentoring work:

• Jim Bennett, Coordinator - Lincoln TeamMates
• Kyle Bishop, Recruitment and Event Coordinator - Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln
• Kwabena "KB" Mensah - Founder and Executive Director - Visionary Youth
• Moderated by Scott Holechek

Pending reschedule from 2/27/24

Dr. Susan Meyerle, LIMHP, CEAP, CFLE: Ethics 101 Keynote | Life Resources, LLC & The Insight Program, PC