Most passionate reader. That’s how Lincoln City Libraries Director Pat Leach wants to be known.
Others see her as much more: committed, consistent, anticipatory, and passionate about serving the community and promoting literacy. As library director, Leach heads up Bennett Martin Public Library, its seven branches, and 150 staff members. She was appointed to the role in 2008. Retired assistant library director John Dale worked with Leach from the time she was a part-time youth services library aid in 1979 until his retirement in 2005, and even officiated at her wedding. During his initial encounter, Pat’s gigantic smile and congeniality struck him.
He recalled when she took a year off in the late ‘80s to get her master’s degree in library and information science at the University of Illinois. “My feeling was always that she would go as far as she wanted to go,” Dale said. Over the years he found her to be really, really smart, he shared. “She can come into a situation, and she clicks immediately. She’s good at reading the room.”
Recently, Bob Everitt introduced our newest Rotarian, Joel Michaelis. Joel has been a Rotarian in several Rotary clubs and has always made it a point to join Rotary wherever his work assignment brings him, including serving as Rotary President for one week. He did have a good explanation on why he only served for one week. Dr. Michaelis serves as the Vice President of Instruction at Southeast Community College in Nebraska. He holds a B.B.A. in Management from Texas A&M University and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from The University of Texas. Dr. Michaelis earned his Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from Baylor University in 2001.
Dr. Michaelis has worked in education for over 30 years, starting as a 6th-grade mathematics instructor and has served in various administrative roles in student services, workforce development and academics in community colleges in Texas, Kentucky, and Nebraska.
Joel Michaelis with his Rotary sponsor Bob Everitt and President John Gessert
Jennifer Jones, Rotary International’s first female president, is the perfect leader to spread the word about the good Rotary does in the world, and inspire its members to keep going. At a training seminar for Rotary club presidents-elect at a Dallas-area hotel in February, sergeants-at-arms wearing yellow vests and Stetsons lead participants, grouped by Rotary district, into a small room for a photo op with 2022-23 Rotary International President Jennifer Jones. As the groups enter, the club leaders mob Jones — the room a flurry of handshakes, fist bumps, hugs, and the occasional squeal. For each photo, the Stetson-clad Rotarians (nicknamed "Rangers") give instructions on who should stand where, then Jones, who is seated front-row center, stands up, turns around, and warms up the crowd. "Is this the best district?" she asks one. She challenges a district to dance, busting a groove on the tan and gray patterned hotel carpet. Another, she teases, is the best looking. And then there's the "party" district, whose members give a raucous cheer. Read more, click here.
Last week at Rotary, President John Gessert presided over the meeting and introduced Governor Pete Ricketts. Gov. Ricketts gave Rotarians updates from the Capitol. Gov. Ricketts first act during his visit was to honor our very own PDG Art Knox on the occasion of his 60 years of Rotary service, by bestowing the honor of Admiralship to Art in The Great Navy, State of Nebraska. Congratulations, Art Knox! Thank you to President John and Allen Beermann for planning and preparing for the event.
Gov. Pete Ricketts congratulates PDG Art Knox on his 60 years of service to Rotary and awards Art with the rank of Admiral in The Great Navy, State of Nebraska.
Here's PDG Art Knox beaming with joy and gratitude for the big surprise that President John and Allen Beermann planned. Another District Governor, PDG Jim Mastera, ensured that Art Knox was present to receive the Admiralship.
President John Gessert presided over the first regular meeting of the year.
President John invited his high school classmate Gov. Pete Ricketts as program speaker during the first regular meeting at Rotary 14 during his presidential year. Pictured here is President John introducing Gov. Pete Ricketts.
Bruce Rippeteau at the Annual (53rd) French Festival Parade honoring the French history of the Cape Vincent, NY area, on 09 July 2022. Had not the British killed Napoleon on St. Helena, he was to have been brought here with relatives. Way behind Bruce, coming forward, on photo left, is Josephine (with Napoleon) on horses passing a large stone church. In the second photo, Napoleon with Josephine, greeting Bruce Rippeteau! How cool!
Here's the unedited live capture video of President John Gessert's rendition of Come Together Right Now, Rotary! The performance earned President John Gessert and his Rotary band a standing ovation from fellow Rotarians.
Following President John Gessert's bold membership goal of 275 by July 1, 2023, and putting into equation attrition by yearend, Membership Chair Mark Feit wasted no time and got to work immediately by proposing 305 members by June 30, 2023. Bring a guest to Rotary with lunch courtesy of Rotary. Don't forget to hand your guest a Rotary envelope marked "Prospective Member Packet." For questions, please contact Membership Chair Mark Feit at markfeit@live.com.
Club Information
Connect with Rotary 14
Rotary 14 is the place to be.
Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
Talon Room
230 N 12th Street, Suite 1
Lincoln, NE 68508 United States of America
The Rotary Club of Lincoln is meeting in a hybrid format. Join us at the Talon Room or on Zoom using the following information:
To join the meeting virtually, use this link: https://bit.ly/358ioxK
Meeting ID: 402 413 8597
Password: 661910
Recently, Bob Everitt introduced our newest Rotarian, Joel Michaelis. Joel has been a Rotarian in several Rotary clubs and has always made it a point to join Rotary wherever his work assignment brings him, including serving as Rotary President for one week. He did have a good explanation on why he only served for one week. Dr. Michaelis serves as the Vice President of Instruction at Southeast Community College in Nebraska. He holds a B.B.A. in Management from Texas A&M University and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from The University of Texas. Dr. Michaelis earned his Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from Baylor University in 2001.
Following President John Gessert's bold membership goal of 275 by July 1, 2023, and putting into equation attrition by yearend, Membership Chair Mark Feit wasted no time and got to work immediately by proposing 305 members by June 30, 2023. Bring a guest to Rotary with lunch courtesy of Rotary. Don't forget to hand your guest a Rotary envelope marked "Prospective Member Packet." For questions, please contact Membership Chair Mark Feit at markfeit@live.com.
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