Stories

Lincoln South Rotary has a long tradition of providing scholarships to students continuing their education beyond high school. Over the past two years, Rotary Club members and the Scholarship Committee have discussed ways that we could make our program more effective by providing larger scholarships to students who are 1) academically qualified; 2) engaged in fields of study needed to support our community; and 3) have a demonstrated financial need.
 

At Lincoln South Rotary Club on March 17, 2023, we heard from Rhonda Mattingly, Executive Director of Bridges to Hope. She told us about the developent of Lincoln's First Small Village. She brought along a special guest, Jason, who shared his experience with us.

At Lincoln South Rotary Club on Friday, March 17, 2023, we learned about one of our newest members, Rachel Denney.

The Rotary District Conference Committee needs our help! In order to get a good count for the food order, they are asking for all registrations by Noon on Friday, March 24, 2023.

Lincoln South Rotary Club met in Hybrid format on March 17, 2023.

A warm welcome to our visitors to Lincoln South Rotary Club at our meeting:

 

Dicey Lucas - Guest of Rachel Denney
Leo Ampavati - guest of Suni Kasibhatla

Thank you for all of the contributions (below) in support of Polio Plus. President Matt announced that Lincoln South Rotary Club has donated $2,552 so far this year - which is over our goal of $2,500. Most of those donations are from the Happy Dollars and he wanted to let everyone know how important those Happy Dollars are. Thank you!

 

At Lincoln South Rotary Club on Friday, March 10, 2023, we learned about one of our newest members, Jeri Brandt.

Lincoln South Rotary Club is participating in the Dictionary Project along with Lincoln 14 and Lincoln East Rotary. Dictionaries will be distributed to all 4th grade students in Lincoln.

Lincoln South Rotary Club met in Hybrid format on March 10, 2023.

Lisa Guill, Welcoming Communities Coordinator at Cultural Centers of Lincoln was our speaker at Lincoln South Rotary Club on March 10. She updated us on Lincoln's Immigrant Welcoming Plan.

On March 3, 2023, Lincoln South Rotary Club heard from John Goodwin, Executive Director of Malone Community Center.

Lincoln South Rotary Club welcomes Elina Newman as a member of our club. She is pictured here left to right between Lincoln South Rotary Club President Matt Horak and Membership Chair Suzanne Tyrrell.

Lincoln South Rotary Club met in Hybrid format on March 3, 2023.

Rotary Members are People of Action. They share their time, treasures and talent as we challenge ourselves to Imagine what we can do through Rotary.

 

Lincoln South Rotary Club President 2023-24 Mary Gilbride and President 2022-23 Matt Horak shared a survey sheet. Members have an opportunity to express their interests by completing the survey.

Lincoln South Rotary Club welcomes Jeri Brandt as a member of our club. She is pictured* here left to right between Lincoln South Rotary Club President Matt Horak and Membership Chair Suzanne Tyrrell. *Corrected photo - earlier photo was not of Jeri.

Lincoln South Rotary Club met in Hybrid format on February 24, 2023.

Heather Loughman was our speaker at the Lincoln South Rotary Club meeting on Friday, February 24, 2023. Her presentation was on: "Community Action’s Home for Head Start Project: An Effort to Improve Provision of Quality Early Childhood Education Services for Lincoln’s Youngest Children".

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Lincoln South Rotary Club met in Hybrid format on February 17, 2023.

Jennifer Moffet is affiliated with local and national suicide prevention organizations. During the Lincoln South Rotary Club meeting on February 17, 2023, we heard about her experiences and work helping to prevent suicide.

 

Lincoln South Rotary Club welcomes Gina Seebohm and Natalia Page as members of our club. They are pictured here left to right between Lincoln South Rotary Club President Matt Horak (far left) and Membership Chair Suzanne Tyrrell (right).

We got to know Del Phillips, new member of Lincoln South Rotary Club, during his Member Moment presentation Friday, February 17, 2023.

Lincoln South Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of strong support of The Rotary International Foundation. We appreciate every donation to The Rotary Foundation.

Lincoln South Rotary Club has a strong tradition of supporting The Rotary International Foundation. We hold an annual fund drive with an added incentive.  This year Michaela Williams was the drawing winner. Thank you for your contribution and congratulations.

We got to know Katie McDermott, new member of Lincoln South Rotary Club, during her Member Moment presentation Friday, February 10, 2023.

Rotary Members are People of Action. They share their time, treasures and talent as we challenge ourselves to Imagine what we can do through Rotary.

 

Lincoln South Rotary has a long tradition of providing scholarships to High School Seniors who are going to attend four-year colleges.  The selection method has changed during that time, but the importance of this program to the Club has not changed.

We are honored to have the first woman member of a Rotary Club at the Rotary District 2023 Conference.

John shared this photo taken in Cartagena, Colombia during his recent travels.

Lincoln South Rotary Club welcomes Syd Widga, Rachel Denney and Katie McDermott as members of our club. They are pictured here left to right between Lincoln South Rotary Club President (far left) and Membership chair Suzanne Tyrrell (right).

Lincoln South Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of strong support of The Rotary International Foundation.  When a member has accumulated a total of $1,000 in donations, they are named a Paul Harris Fellow. When those donations reach $10,000 they are recognized as a Major Donor.

Nikki Isemann returned to Lincoln South Rotary Club recently and presented a Member Moment on January 20, 2023.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of David Asper (June 27, 1945 - December 23, 2022). Carl was a member of Lincoln South Rotary Club for nearly 15 years - November 1, 1994 to June 29, 2009. Click here for the obituary.

A message has been posted on behalf of the club on the condolence wall of the funeral home.

Rotary Members are People of Action. They share their time, treasures and talent as we challenge ourselves to Imagine what we can do through Rotary.

 

With your donations, we provided enough food to fill backpacks for 8 children for an entire year or to feed 21 single-parent families with 2 children for a month.

Lincoln South Rotary Club Members purchased gifts to support needy families for Christmas - total value estimated at $1,000. We were able to help three single parent homes, making their Christmas memorable.

Joe Roberts shared some photos from Tortola, British Virgin Islands. There a a number of posters supporting Rotary and the eradication of polio throughout the island spotted by Sheryl and Joe Roberts. 

We heard from long-time member Kay Wunderlich during the Member Moment on December 16, 2022 at Lincoln South Rotary Club.

What a great time at the 2022 Holiday Party at the home of Brad and Linda Carter! Click here for the photo album.

Lincoln South Rotary Club welcome Cindy Houlden and Del Phillips as member of our club. They are pictured here with Lincoln South Rotary Club chair Suzanne Tyrrell.

Lincoln South Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of strong support of The Rotary International Foundation. We appreciate every donation to The Rotary Foundation.

Lincoln South Rotary Club has a strong tradition of supporting The Rotary International Foundation and our annual drive is going on now - ending January 31, 2023.

Rotary Members are People of Action. They share their time, treasures and talent as we challenge ourselves to Imagine what we can do through Rotary.

 

                 

The annual nomination and election process for new Lincoln South Rotary Club Board Members is complete.  Clay Ehlers and Audrey Richert will serve two-year terms starting July 1, 2023.

Lincoln South Rotary recognizes our members who are veterans. Thank you for your service! Click Read More for photos and information on all of our Veterans or click here for the photo album.

Lincoln South Rotary Club Member, the Honorable Elise M. W. White has been installed as the president of the Nebraska Separate Juvenile Judges Association.

Rotary Members are People of Action. They share their time, treasures and talent as we challenge ourselves to Imagine what we can do through Rotary.

Arlene Rea, with the Friendship Force, told us about the students visiting from Kyrgyzstan.

The Annual Salute to Business by the Rotary Clubs of Lincoln honored Sampson Construction on November 1, 2022.

Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever. There are 7 Areas of Focus: Donate to The Rotary Foundation during the Lincoln South Rotary Club campaign in December and January.

There is an app available for iPhones and Android devices through ClubRunner for Rotary members. You can see Club Speakers and Events, Current Stories as well as Member Contacts at your fingertips!

Lincoln South Rotary Club, with matching funds from Rotary District Grants, supported a free tree distribution which was held October 22, 2022. There were 250 trees distributed to families in low- to moderate- income residential neighborhoods in Lincoln.

Read the stories about Lincoln South Rotary Club or the Rotary Clubs of Lincoln here.

 

Nikki Isemann is welcomed BACK to Lincoln South Rotary Club. Nikki was President of Lincoln South Rotary Club 2004-05.

Donating through the Ride to End Polio can turn $30,000 into $150,000 because of matching funds from The Rotary Foundation and The Gates Foundation. Use the QR Code or Click Here to donate through the Ride.

Suchitra Pattnaik is welcomed as a new member to Lincoln South Rotary Club. Suchitra is from India and was introduced to Rotary by friends.

Rotary Members are People of Action. They share their time, treasures and talent as we challenge ourselves to Imagine what we can do through Rotary.

Lincoln South Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of strong support of The Rotary International Foundation.  When a member has accumulated a total of $1,000 in donations, they are named a Paul Harris Fellow.

Membership Chair Suzanne Tyrrell shared information about the couples that we have in Lincoln South Rotary Club. These couples provide double strength and support and they have fun sharing Rotary experiences. 

We heard from our newest member - Suchitra Pattnaik - during her Member Moment on September 16, 2022 at Lincoln South Rotary Club.

Lincoln South Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of strong support of The Rotary International Foundation.  When a member has accumulated a total of $1,000 in donations, they are named a Paul Harris Fellow.

Lincoln-based artist Nancy Friedemann-Sanchez and Charley Friedman were our scheduled speakers at Lincoln South Rotary Club on September 16, 2022. Due to limited time, we heard only about Nancy's journey and her collections.

The Lincoln South Rotary Club Foundation Wine Tasting Fundraiser was held Friday September 9, 2022. This annual event provides funds for local community project grants.

Rotary Clubs and Rotarians around the world honored local healthhcare workers during August 21-27, 2022 - Health Care Workers Week. Clinic With A Heart volunteers and staff thank Lincoln South Rotary Club for the pizza dinner provided to them August 25.

Rotary Members are People of Action. Through them we are challenge ourselves to Imagine what we can do through Rotary.

 

Lincoln South Rotary Club was awarded the Rotary Citation for 2021-22 under the leadership of President DeEtta Vrana.

Bob Vrana, Past President 2013-14 of Lincoln South Rotary Club told us about Spirit, Family, Job and Rotary during his Member Moment on August 19, 2022 at Lincoln South Rotary Club.

Rotary Members are People of Action. Through them we are able to Serve to Change Lives.

 

Clay Ehlers, the Club Chair of our Youth programs provided an overview of activities. His invitation - anyone interested in getting involved with these inspiring young people - and our future - should contact him.

The story of Vi See and Jenny Cardwell traveling to Warsaw Poland to support Ukrainian refugees was featured on the front of The Neighborhood Extra section of the Lincoln Journal Star.

Lincoln South Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of strong support of The Rotary International Foundation.  When a member has accumulated a total of $1,000 in donations, they are named a Paul Harris Fellow. When those donations reach $10,000 they are recognized as a Major Donor.

Rotary District 5650 recognized Vi See and Jenny Cardwell, members of Lincoln South Rotary Club, for their volunteer work in Poland.

Lincoln South Rotary Club was recognized for support of The Rotary Foundation during the Rotary District 5650 Conference.

Rotary Members are People of Action. Through them we are able to fulfill the 2022-23 Rotary Theme as we imagine the future, imagine a better world, Imagine Rotary.

 

Joe Roberts shared some photos from Zurich. There was a poster in the main train station promoting a fundraiser to support Ukrainians. And he shared a plaque outside of a Rotary meeting location.

A story in The Neighborhood Extra on July 2, 2022 outlined Maxine Moul's accomplishments this year - earning her The Rotarian of the Year. Click here to read the story as published or click here to read the story saved to our website. 

The Rotary International President 2022-23 Jennifer Jones, the first female President of Rotary International, introduces the theme for the year - "Imagine Rotary". To read her presentation, click here.

On June 24, 2022, Lincoln South Rotary Club had a special off site meeting with lunch, drinks and a tour at the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed.

Chan Tyrrell presented himself as "the recovering Rotarian". He was wearing literally all of the Rotary pins he had collected over the years.

Rotary Members are People of Action. Through them we are able to Serve to Change Lives.

 

Rotary Members are People of Action. Through them we are able to Serve to Change Lives.

 

Audrey is originally from Minnesota, moving to Nebraska while she was in grade school. She attended Doane College.

Lincoln South Rotary Club charter date was April 30, 1984. Charter President Gene Swinton is still a member of our club. Click here to read the history of our club and click here to see specific information about the Charter Night.

Rotary Members are People of Action. Through them we are able to Serve to Change Lives.

 

Suzanne Tyrrell was born in Minneapolis but her family moved to Lincoln when she was a toddler. She is an only child.

Rotary International has a rich history. It is the oldest and largest Service Club in the world with the first Rotary Club meeting in Chicago on February 23, 1905.

Jim O'Hanlon is from Blair, Nebraska - a 4th generation Blair resident on both his mother's and father's families.

Jeremiah Blakey works in the area of government affairs, educating decision makers in the impact of changes on companies and individuals.

On December 1, 2021, Charity Navigator announced that The Rotary Foundation had again earned highest honors with a 100% 4/4 star rating. This is the 14th year in a row The Rotary Foundation has achieved the 4/4 star rating from Charity Navigator. 

 

Click here to read more.

 

And to see where they ranked 100 out of 100 points, click here.

 

The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is a 4-Star Investment!

Joyce Michaelis is retired after teaching at Nebraska Wesleyan University for 44 years.

The Lincoln South Rotary Club Board of Directors is pleased to announce Suni Kasibhatla as the Club President 2024-25. Congratulations Suni!

Joyce Schmeeckle performs research evaluation for nonprofits and government grants which has allowed her to be expose to the many good people in our community.

Refer to the Club Calendar (click here) to keep up on Events, Activities, Deadlines and Speakers. There is a link at the top of the home page that you can check any time.

Jason Varga is with Cause Collective. He described it as a sort of Chamber of Commerce for Non-Profit Organizations.

Bobby Cunningham was born in Kansas. When his parents became missionaries when he was 2 he found himself living in various countries around the world.

 

You could hear Zaineb gasp when she saw the check she was awarded.

Clay Ehlers was honored with the District 5650 Cadwallader Award. This is the highest honor presented for service in our District.

Members have asked if there is a way to pay Happy $$$ online. YES - it is easy!

Roger Meyer was born in a suburb of Los Angeles. He was introduced to Nebraska when he attended the Concordia University in Seward.  

Lincoln South Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of strong support of The Rotary International Foundation.  When a member has accumulated a total of $1,000 in donations, they are named a Paul Harris Fellow.

Thank you to the Lincoln South Rotary Club members who are volunteering for trail clean up. This sign provides a nice greeting to all that use the trail.

Dave Dietz was recognized for his donations to The Rotary Foundation Endowment Fund.

Lincoln South Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of strong support of The Rotary International Foundation.  When a member has accumulated a total of $1,000 in donations, they are named a Paul Harris Fellow.

Lincoln South Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of strong support of The Rotary International Foundation.  When a member has accumulated a total of $1,000 in donations, they are named a Paul Harris Fellow. As we continue to contribute we become a Paul Harris + designee. 

Lincoln South Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of strong support of The Rotary International Foundation.  When a member has accumulated a total of $1,000 in donations, they are named a Paul Harris Fellow. As we continue to contribute we become a Paul Harris + designee. 

Lincoln South Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of strong support of The Rotary International Foundation.  When a member has accumulated a total of $1,000 in donations, they are named a Paul Harris Fellow. As we continue to contribute we become a Paul Harris + designee. 

Lincoln South Rotary Club members volunteer for trail clean up.

Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience.

Shannon Booth and her family moved to Lincoln because of Shannon's job - Manager of Channel 10 KOLN/KGIN TV station.

Tami came to Rotary after visiting with Chan at a Family Reunion.

We learned about Henrik Christensen at Rotary on March 29, 2019.

We learned about Michaela Williams at Rotary on March 22, 2019.

Sunitha "Suni" Kasibhatla shared the story of her life and love on January 18 at Lincoln South Rotary Club.

We got to know a little more about member Sreenivasa "Srini" Ampavati at Lincoln South Rotary Club on January 11.

We got to know Elise White a little better during the Rotary Club meeting October 19.

On September 28, "Air Force Brat" Bruce Remington told us about his background, work and interests.

On September 21 we heard from Jean Lovell during our Member Moment segment.

Thank you Mary Gilbride for presenting your Member Moment on September 7 at Lincoln South Rotary Club.

On August 24, Scott Delisi presented a Member Moment.

Kim Remington presented her Member Moment at the August 10 meeting of Lincoln South Rotary Club.

During the Lincoln South Rotary Club meeting on June 22 we got to hear a Member Moment from Maxine Moul.

Thank you to Tracey McLain for sharing personal information during her Member Moment. We learned that she has 92 first cousins . . . and she knows them all!

Brad doesn't like the smell or taste of pumpkin, making this time of year particularly trying for him.