Lincoln South Rotary Club heard about "A couple’s dedication to a life of community service" on August 11, 2023. Our speakers were Pat and Ellie Beans.
Ellie and Pat shared their stories - their passion - their suggestions about finding the volunteer and community service activities that fit each of us. We all have different interests and talents. Any community service is worthwhile but some are more fulfilling than others - to us and to the community.
Ellie started by noting that Lincoln South Rotary Club fully demonstrates "welcome".
She shared a story about her involvement in a program at Bryan Health that would go beyond the patient - that would involve employees, visitors, providers - everyone. The initial name of the program was Welcome. The idea was that they would touch al senses:
- Seeing
- Hearing
- Feeling
- Smelling
- Taste
She stated that when all five senses are impacted you know you are welcome.
And she said they felt that at Rotary today. As they entered the room they immediately could see that they were welcome - they were met with greetings. Which that meant they also heard from us and the warm greetings made them feel welcome. They smelled, and would soon taste, the food.
She reinforced that we have a choice to make. We can sit back and be quiet or we can reach out. She shared that she has enjoyed meeting thousands of volunteers over the years with her work, that she knew many of us in our Rotary Club, and she looked forward to getting to know more of us.
Ellie commented on how grateful she was for the 40 years that she worked - and the time she served as a volunteer coordinator. She said that having that opportunity - to serve and meet so many people was a blessing - and she got paid for it!
She shared a number of stories and ideas of how and why she has a passion for volunteering and for community service. She is motivated but others and what she hears and reads. At a conference she saw an interesting mission statement from one of the hospitals -ICare
I - Integrity
C - Compassion
A - Accountability
R - Respect
E - Excellence
The time that we take to craft our mission statement - our message - and more importantly our image - has an impact on the organization and all that we touch - internally and externally
Pat shared a little about his volunteer journey which , if you read his bio you will see is varied and extensive.
His message was primarily about the variety of opportunities - types of work that can be done. He has been involved in activities ranging from hands-on work to program design. Service comes in many different ways.
Every opportunity is fulfilling. In some cases he would see the immediate gratitude of the recipients. But, in many he did not see the individual impact but the overall benefit to the community.
He recalled in college that he was part of a team that painted houses for those in need. He delivers Meals On Wheels and understands that he may be the only person that person sees that day. He was part of the team that helped develop the Give To Lincoln Day event that helped get $7.5million in support for Lincoln organizations in 2023.
He has been the Treasurer of an organization, responsible for making sure the checks were written and donations processed on a regular basis. And he has worked with Serve Nebraska - an organization to help connect volunteers and organizations throughout the State of Nebraska.
Ellie and Pat challenged each of us to find our passion and how we might best serve.The message - these are all meaningful and important ways to serve our community.
BIOS
Ellen A. Beans (aka Ellie Beans)
Ellen just celebrated her retirement from Bryan Health. She spent 40 years directing the Volunteer Services, Customer Care, Patient Experience and Healing Arts programs.
Ellen is originally from Arlington, Nebraska. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a psychology major from Doane College in Crete, Nebraska; a Master of Arts degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln; and a Specialization in Gerontology from the University of Nebraska – Omaha.
Ellen’s current volunteer commitments include serving on the Lux Center for the Arts Board; HopeSpoke Board; 100’s of Women Who Care Board; Women in Nebraska member; Doane University Capitol Chapter Alumni Association Board; First Plymouth Church Boards and Committees; Tabitha Meals on Wheels Volunteer;
Patrick Beans
Pat has been involved in the finance field for over 40 years. Past involvement has been both public and private entities, with over 25 years involvement at National Research Corporation and currently the family office for the founder of National Research Corporation. In addition, He is the managing director of Paraclipse Systems LLC in Columbus, Nebraska.
Pat is originally from Cozad, Nebraska. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree with an Accounting and Political Science major from Doane University in Crete, Nebraska.
Pat’s current volunteer commitments include serving on the Board of Doane University; the Board of Foundation Lincoln Public Schools (Chair); Foundation Lincoln Public Schools Fielding Dreams Campaign Cabinet; Board Community Development Resources; First Plymouth Church Boards and Committees and Tabitha Meals on Wheels Volunteer. Past commitments on the Board of Lincoln Community Foundation; Board of Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Nebraska; Commissioner of ServeNebraska; Administrative Board Lincoln Electric System; and Council member of both Doane University Alumni Association and Capital Chapter Association.
Pat enjoys travelling, taking granddaughter Sophia on outings and having family and friends over to the house for boat rides.
Pat is married to Ellen and has two sons. Winston and his wife, Emily; and Beau and his fiancé, Kelcie. He also has a granddaughter, Sophia.
One of her personal passions is entertaining all ages. From pizza parties to dinner parties, Ellen is willing to give it a try. While in graduate school, she and a friend enrolled in an etiquette course and that was the beginning of a lifelong interest.
Ellen is married to Pat, and has two sons. Winston and his wife, Emily; and Beau and his fiancé, Kelcie. She has also been blessed with a super granddaughter, Sophia.