Carly Woythaler-Runestad of the Mourning Hope Grief Center was our presenter on January 29, 2016. Mourning Hope was formed 22 years ago to help grieving children since 90% of children experience a death of someone close before they graduate from high school. In fact statistics show that kids who experience the death of a parent are 10x more likely to experience substance abuse and 5x more likely to commit suicide. Also 85% of inmates on death row lost a parent when they were young, either through death or abandonment. Mourning Hope primarily serves kids 5-18 years old and also provides some services for the 19-30 age group. The program is not a therapy program but provides a support group of kids who are going through the same thing. They offer a 10 wk grief series, overnight grief camps, 1 day programs and holiday programs. Recently they have begun to experience demand from LPS to offer grief support programs inside of the schools.  

 

The remaining focus of Carly's presentation was her TedX experience. 

Our speaker on February 5th 2016 will be  Harvey Perlman, Chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

 

Read Chancellor Perlman's bio below.

Friday was the end of the Lincoln South Rotary Foundation Drive. Joe Roberts, chair of the drive stated that we are very close to our goal of $9,300. He will report the final totals once he has contacted everyone.

 

As has been the tradition for a number of years, there was a drawing from eligible members for an immediate Paul Harris Fellow which is funded by Lincoln South Rotary. To be eligible, a member has to have contributed at least $300 to the Paul Harris Foundation. Since only 2 members Pat Haverty and Kay Wunderlich qualified this year, a Paul Harris Fellow was given to both. Congratulations Pat and Kay!

 

In addition Joe reported that 6 members increased their contributions this year: Tracey McLain, Scott Delisi, Brad Carter, Dick Miller, Wayne & Rosita Moore and Lance Odom. Thanks to all for your commitment to Rotary!

The Lincoln South Rotary Club Food Drive was a success - we raised $1177 - over our goal of $1100!

 

Thank you for the donations which will provide support to all of the programs of the Lincoln Food Bank.

 

If you missed the Food Drive and still wish to contribute, please let us know.

 

 

Clay Ehlers announced that there will be a technical session held at his home on February 3, 2016 for those who are interested in learning more about access to the Rotary websites. It is also Nicki's birthday so there will be some celebrating going on. Please contact Clay if you are interested.

Mark your calendars for the Salute to Business event on Tuesday April 5, 2016. This event is sponsored by all 4 Lincoln Rotary clubs and honors a local business which has contributed to job growth in the community.

 

The luncheon will be held at the Cornhusker Hotel and Nelnet has been selected as the honoree this year.

 

Lincoln South Rotary is putting together a table of 10 so if you would like to attend, contact Joe Roberts. Cost is $30 per person. This event will count as our regular meeting so Lincoln South will NOT be holding its meeting on Friday April 8th.

 

Tom Cardwell is asking for 2-3 volunteers to help with the RYLA camp at camp Kitaki from April 15th to April 17th. RYLA which is Rotary Youth Leadership Award puts on a camp each year to teach leadership skills to high school youth. Please contact Tom if you can help. 

If the Nebraska State Offices are closed due to weather, then Lincoln South Rotary Club will cancel.

 

We will post the CANCEL status on the Club Website by 10:00 AM.

 

To review - we are NOT following the practice of Lincoln Public Schools but, instead, the practice of the Nebraska State Offices.

Brad Carter, Bob Vrana, John Herdman and Pat Grewe.

Bob Vrana, Dick Miller, Dave Dietz, Don Anderson, Joyce Michaelis, Randy Bretts, Daniel Kistler, Jenny Cardwell and Sue O'Connell.

Lance Odom, Don Anderson and Jenny Cardwell