650 - clubrunner.caLincoln South Rotary lub and Norfolk Noon Rotary co-sponsored a Global Peace Forum March 14 at The Knolls. The forum was con-ducted in response to Rota-

Greetings from DG Dick

Rotary District 5650

Governor’s Newsletter

Richard “Dick” Galusha

District Governor

May, 2013

Inside this issue: AG Training ....................... 9 Area 11 Update ................ 5 Assistant Govenors ........... 1 BRAN ................................. 15 Club Presidents ................. 5 Columbus Loup d’ Loup .... 13 DG Greetings .................... 1 DG Greetings Past ............. 6 District Chairs ................... 3 District Officers ................. 2 Family of Rotary ............... 3 GSE Brazil Inbound ........... 7 GSE Brazil Outbound ........ 11 Lincoln South Golf ............ 14 MNHS Interact .................. 4 Obituary ............................ 3 Peace Forum ..................... 2 Peru State Rotaract .......... 3 Plattsmouth Farmers Day . 9 PR Effort ............................ 9 Rotary Impact on YE ......... 8 Rotary Safari Invite ........... 12 Saddlebrook EarlyAct ....... 4 Suburban @ Playhouse .... 10 SW Omaha Night Golf ...... 10 York Updates .................... 10 Zambia .............................. 2 Zimba Hospital .................. 5 The Four-Way Test 1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all con-

cerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL

and BETTER FRIEND-SHIPS?

4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Here we are in the last

months of my term as

your Governor and rep-

resentative at many fes-

tive activities. We have

moved together toward

the District Conference on May 17-18.

We were told last year that if we ever

wanted to be part of a reasonable cost

International Rotary Convention we

should go to Bangkok. We did and it

was reasonable, educational and fun. I

am now saying that we listened to you

and if you ever wanted to attend a rea-

sonable, educational and fun District

Conference this is the time!

The District Conference will be held at

the Scott Conference Center, 6450

Pine Street, Omaha, NE. Look at the

registration information on the web

site listing the excellent, relevant

speakers and educational breakout

sessions to help you and your club be-

come more knowledgeable about your

District Activities. See how our New

Generation groups are growing and

learn how your club can become in-

volved. Donate $100 to the Foundation

in your name and take the chance to

win a $1000 Paul Harris. Tour the

Mammell Hall UNO School of Business.

See the projects that clubs are proud

of and will be displaying in the Friend-

ship House. Buy something at the Si-

lent Auction, like a glider ride, a Mas-

ter’s Golf souvenir, a piece of pottery

or a beautiful basket that have been

donated. The fund will be used for the

Foundation to assist in the Eradication

of Polio and a special New Generation

scholarship. There will be time to talk

with student exchange visitors and

Brazilian GSE Team members to learn

about the world. Take a trip on the

Missouri River Star and see who wins

district awards.

It takes all of us to make a great Con-

ference and many of you are bringing

an example of an activity from your

club to share and thus are helping to

lead moments of fellowship and learn-

ing. Mary Beth Growney-Selene, your

RI President representative, has a

great idea that will support the Eradi-

cation of Polio. You give $10 in the

name of your club speaker. That would

give 100% of our District Clubs contrib-

uting to the Eradication of Polio pro-

ject. It will be a great conference for all

who attend. We look forward to seeing

you there May 17-18.

~ DG Dick

Lincoln South Rotary Club and Norfolk Noon Rotary co-sponsored a Global Peace Forum March 14 at The Knolls. The forum was con-ducted in response to Rota-ry International 2012-2013 President, Sakuji Tanaka's worldwide challenge to all Rotary Clubs to conduct a peace forum or service project focused on peace. Tanaka’s theme of his presidency is "Peace Through Service." The forum featured a panel discussion on how service projects can contribute to world peace. The discussion was led by Nebraska Wesleyan students Alex Langley, Becca Brune and Chel-sea Johnson. The students are participating in Nebraska Wesleyan's Global Service Learning Program, which coordinates and participates in local, national, and international service pro-jects.

The students shared their experience, goals and dreams.

Alex’s primary focus is understanding diversity and promoting justice. Alex commented that through Nebraska Wesleyan is not currently a very diverse campus, they continually work to make the campus a safe and welcoming place.

When asked what she feels is a big challenge to peace in the future, Becca shared that she felt defeated when working with a homeless shelter in Chicago. It was hard to see if they were making any difference - the volume of people was overwhelming – would they be able improve their lives?.

Chelsea shared her International experiences and her desire is to see more equality between genders after experiencing the male-dominted family in Africa.

Those attending the Peace Forum were encouraged by the drive of the students and left feel-ing hopeful for a more peaceful world.

Lincoln South & Norfolk Rotary Peace Forum

Page 2 Rotary District 5650

2012-13

District Officers

District Governor (DG) -

Richard “Dick” Galusha

DG-elect—Jim Griesen

DG-nominee—Brian Moon

Secretary—Larry McNichols

Treasurer—Jim Mastera

Trainer—Wes Galusha

2012-13 Asst Governors

Area 1—John Fuelberth

(Wayne) Norfolk, Wayne

Area 2—Paul Canaday

(Columbus Morning) Columbus, Columbus Morning,

David City, Schuyler

Area 3—Dorothy Zimmerman

(Beatrice)

Beatrice, Crete, Fairbury, Hebron

Area 4—Elaine Hanson

(Auburn) Auburn, Falls City, Humboldt, Ne-

braska City, Pawnee City

Area 5—Bob Keefer (Clarinda) Avoca, Clarinda, Glen-

wood, Red Oak, Shenan-

doah

Area 6—Brian Moon

(Council Bluffs Centennial) Bellevue, Council Bluffs, Council

Bluffs Centennial, Omaha

Downtown

Area 7—Chris Klingenberg

(Lincoln East)

Lincoln, Lincoln East, Lincoln

South, Lincoln Sunrise

Area 8—Mark Schulze (Blair)

Blair, Fremont, Omaha North,

Western Douglas County

Area 9—Jeff Elliott

(Omaha Suburban) Ashland, Omaha Morning, Omaha

Suburban, Plattsmouth

Area10—David Langner (York)

Aurora, Friend, Geneva, Seward,

York

Area 11—Ginger Hiscock

(Omaha Northwest) Omaha Millard, Omaha North,

Zambia Project Needs Business Person

The District Zambia Committee is seeking a business

person who would come to Zambia this summer to

help a group of entrepreneurial students from UNL.

The task at hand is to develop a business plan and

provide instruction for the Lumemba Cooperative,

the marketing organization that provides an outlet

for produce raised by rural farmers. The Cooperative

is an integral component of District 5650’s work in

Zambia. If you or someone you know are interested,

please contact Dr. Charles Erickson, cerick-

[email protected], 402-420-3088.

District 5650 Mourns the Passing of two Great PDGs

Page 3 Rotary District 5650

2012-13 District Chairs

Awards—Terry Kucera

(Omaha Suburban)

Community Service—

Susan Thomas (Omaha West)

District Conference—

Jim Murphy (Omaha Northwest)

Energy Development—

Frank Reida (Omaha Downtown)

Extension—Sharon Wherry (Lincoln #14)

Family of Rotary—

Madeline Madden (Omaha North)

Finance—Rich Rowland (Omaha Suburban)

Future Generations—

Matt Darling (Omaha Suburban)

Future Visions—Dick Galusha (Omaha Northwest)

Health and Hunger—Aaron

Prokopec (Columbus Noon)

History—Jim Murphy

(Omaha Downtown)

Literacy Co-Chair—Ed Walsh (Omaha Suburban)

Literacy Co-Chair—Dan Hanson

(NE City)

Membership Development—

Kathryn Schubert

(Omaha Suburban)

Nominating—Bob Perrin

(Omaha Suburban)

On-to-Lisbon—Jim Griesen

(Lincoln #14)

Public Relations—Susan Stibal

(Lincoln #14)

Resolutions—Alan Schenck (Clarinda)

Rotaract/Interact—

Yolanda Hoffman (Om Suburban)

The Rotary Foundation (TRF) -

Joe Roberts

(Lincoln South)

TRF Annual Giving—

Rick Stone (Council Bluffs Centennial)

Doris Jean Heineman

November 13, 2012

Doris joined Rotary in

September 1989 – a

member for 23 years.

She was an avid Rotari-

an having served as

Club President (the first

female Club President of the Rotary Club of

Council Bluffs), Assistant District Governor,

District Governor (the first female District

Governor of District 5650), District and

Zone Foundation Chairs, Polio Plus Chair

and PETS trainer.

Even before all of this she had a connection

to the work of Rotary. When her husband

was Program Director for the YMCA, she

formed the first ever handicapped swim

program for polio victims. Doris made sev-

eral and significant contributions to Rotary

and she is missed by all who had the privi-

lege to know her.

Dr. Cheryl F. Blue

April 16, 2013

A member of the

Plattsmouth Rotary

Club since 1995, Cheryl

served as Club Presi-

dent in 2000-2001. In

Plattsmouth she

chaired the Scholarship Committee, served

on the HAPPY Camp Committee, and coor-

dinated other service and fundraising pro-

jects. At the district level, she chaired the

District Awards Committee, served as chair

of the Public Relations Committee and as a

member of the GSE Selection team. Cheryl

was an Assistant Governor in 2003-2004,

chaired the District 5650 Centennial Confer-

ence and served as District Governor in

2007-08. Cheryl was a multiple Paul Harris

Fellow, a Foundation Sustaining Member, a

Foundation Benefactor, and a member of

the Paul Harris Society. She and her hus-

band Jim were Level 4 members of the Be-

quest Society.

Follow the Peru State Rotaract Club

The Peru State Rotaractors have

been super busy! They have went

over goal on a fundraiser they held

for the BAWA Health Initiative.

You can follow them on their blog

page, but good luck keeping up!

http://aroundperu.blogspot.com/2013/03/pw.html

Family of Rotary

Madeline Madden, Chair of the Family of Rotary Com-

mittee is asking that the names and address of all Rotari-

ans who may be ill, need cheer or who have lost a loved

one be sent to her, [email protected].

Page 4 Rotary District 5650

2012-13 District Chairs

(continued)

TRF Grants—Marilyn Hoskins

(Shenandoah)

TRF GSE Inbound—Jill Orton

(Council Bluffs)

TRF GSE Outbound—

Robert Rapp (Omaha West)

TRF Information—

Doris Heineman (Council Bluffs)

TRF Permanent Fund—

Ward Peters (Omaha Suburban)

TRF Polio—Gretchen Bren

(Omaha Downtown)

TRF Scholars-Inbound—

Stu Spero (Lincoln #14)

TRF Scholars-Outbound—

Jim Griesen (Lincoln #14)

Rotary Leadership Institute—

Nicki Klein (Lincoln South)

Rules and Procedures—

Merle Jansen (Lincoln #14)

RYLA—Tom Cardwell

(Lincoln South)

Speakers Bureau—Dan Rose (Wayne)

Vocational Services—

Ken Backman

(Omaha Northwest)

Water Resources—

Ozzie Gilbertson (Lincoln East)

Webmaster—Erin Oberhauser

(Southwest Omaha Night)

World Community Services—

Chuck Erickson (Lincoln East)

Youth Exchange—Steve Gerdes

(Omaha Downtown)

Youth Exchange Compliance

Officer—Jeff Bakewell (Omaha Suburban)

SW Omaha Rotary Night Club Sponsors Omaha’s First Interact Club

The first Interact Club in Omaha, Nebraska was created at Millard North High School this year (2012-2013).

Millard North High School has a student pop-ulation of about 2,500 with around 30 clubs. Starting a new club in a largely populated high school did not prove to be as easy as it was thought to be. Spreading the word, add-ing members, and getting administrative ap-proval for projects in such a large school like Millard North proved to be a tad difficult for this new club.

The Millard North Interact Club may be small, with about fifteen members, but it has slowly begun to grow recognition in Millard North High School’s big halls. The Interact Club held a Teens for Jeans drive, collecting 36 jeans which were donated to homeless teens in the span of about two weeks.

The president of the club also came into con-tact with an Interact Club president in Mare-chal Cândido Rondon, Brazil. The two Interact Club presidents collaborated through Face-book and decided that pen pals would be a great idea. So far the Millard North Interact Club has sent one batch of pen pal letters, and the letters were recently received by the Interacters in Brazil. The two clubs plan on having one correspondence before the Inter-acters may add each other on Facebook. By having pen pals in Marechal Cândido Rondon, Brazil Millard North High School’s Interact Club is increasing understanding between young adults of different cultures.

Millard North High School Interact Club runs a traditional meeting with the Pledge of Alle-giance and the Four-Way-Test. The club is working on growing their membership far-ther, and in the first week of April they will be raising money for the eradication of Polio. Millard North High School Interact Club has taken the first steps and has paved the way for other Interact Clubs in Omaha, Nebraska, such as the Interact Club at Omaha South High School.

You can find them on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/#!/InteractClubOfMillardNorth

Saddlebrook Elementary—Omaha EarlyAct Club Early Act is a new club at Saddlebrook. It is a club that meets at lunchtime about twice a month. It is based off what the Rotary Club says and does. We are the only school with a club like this in the state. We have jobs and help our community, our school, and the world. In the club are nine fifth and sixth graders. Each officer was chosen by their classroom teacher because they have leader-ship ability. Students of the Month also attend the meetings.

At the beginning of all our meeting we have our president start us off. The vice president leads us inthe four-way test and the inspira-tional quote. Then we read our last minutes and hear the treasurer's report and the cor-responding secretary report. Then we hear the committee chair's reports. Rightnow we are busy with projects.

One of our projects that are going on right now is our sock and stuffed animal drive for

the community. The donations that we have are going to be donated to the Open Door Mission. Right now we have a lot of dona-tions that the boxes we wrapped are over-flowing. We also have plans forthe school too. We are planning to make videos to teach the students the school expectations.

Some of our plans for international are to do Pennies for Patients.

One of our most interesting meetings was when Dr. Galusha came and talked to us. He told us about what he does in the Rotary Club. He also gave all the officers a special pin. Some things he talked to us about was service to others.

We always end our meetings with our presi-dent dismissing us. One thing kids can learn from this is that it is important to help oth-ers. Written by the Club’s Student Correspond-ence Secretary

Page 5 Rotary District 5650

2012-13

Club Presidents Ashland—Tim Welling Auburn—Joe Casey Aurora—Steve Gustafson Avoca—David McCain Beatrice—Gus Gustafson Bellevue—Fred Simon Blair—Denise Dein Clarinda—Bill Francis Columbus Morning— Dan Pabian Columbus Noon— Pat Heimes Council Bluffs—Mick McKinley CB Centennial—Amber Hawk Crete—Geoffrey Easton David City—Tori Lavicky Fairbury—Tony Likens Falls City—Merle Veigel Fremont—Todd Hansen Friend—David McCracken Geneva—Paul Utemark Glenwood—Philip Warren Hebron—Drew Harris Humboldt—Todd Dierberger Lincoln #14—Mike Wortman Lin East— Chuck Erickson Lincoln South—Patrick Grewe Lincoln Sunrise— Minnie Stephens Nebraska City—David Partsch Norfolk—John Witherspoon Omaha Downtown— Todd Murphy Omaha Millard—Jeff Wageman Omaha Morning—Scott Bradley Om North— Madeline Madden Omaha NW—Michael Wilson Om Suburban—Julie Livingston Omaha West—Dan Ferris Pawnee City—Carol Sisco Plattsmouth—David Steinkruger Red Oak - David Hammer Schuyler—Paul Ehrenberger Seward—Jonathan Metschke Shenandoah—Patrick Leece Southwest Omaha Night— Gail Petersen Wayne—Elise Hepworth Western Douglas County— Tod Ringenberg York—Benjamin Royal

FUTURE ROTARIANS

Northwest Rotary and Southwest Omaha Rotary Night Club have made strides in devel-

oping future Rotarians. Northwest Rotary sponsors an Early Act club at Saddlebrook

Elementary. Fifth and sixth grade leaders meet at lunch twice a month. The President

presides at the meetings and the Vice President leads the group in the four way test and

provides an inspirational message. Reports are presented by committee chairs and

officers. Projects have been identified that serve community, school and international

needs. Their community project is a sock and stuffed animal drive for Open Door Mis-

sion children. In production is a school video that will center on school expectations and

their world service project is Pennies for Patients. District Governor, Dick Galusha, visit-

ed and presented club officers with Rotary pins.

Southwest Omaha Rotary Night Club sponsors an Interact Club at Millard North High

School. Mimi Rogers is the club liaison.

Millard Rotary provides reduced membership dues to members to encourage them to

bring in new members. West Rotary divides members into ten teams with prizes for

teams and lunch passes to individuals bringing in most members. There goal is ten new

members and their success rate is looking good with eight new Rotarians. West has

also developed small interest groups to increase retention. They are getting to know

each other through, walking, movie, local music/band, book discussions and dining

groups.

AG Ginger Hiscock’s Area 11 Update

Zimba Hospital in Zambia

These are photos of the hospital equipment sent to the Zimba Hospital from the old Beatrice

Hospital under the direction of Dorothy Zimmerman. This was accomplished by volunteers

including Brian Maydew of Omaha and Beatrice Rotarians as well as others with no cost to

Rotary.

Page 6 Rotary District 5650

Past District Newsletter Greetings Because your District Newsletter Editor has been behind sched-

ule, DG Dick has a few notes that you have not seen! My apolo-

gies for the late information, but I want you to know what DG

Dick had to say in the past few months, even if it is old infor-

mation.

There are so many exciting activities that have been going on in

the District it is hard to know where to start. First, a big Thank

You to all who made SOUPER BOWL Sunday such a huge success

for the District. Stacy Schultz, the coordinator did a fantastic job

in making people aware and getting a representative for each

club. She will address the success in her report.

What a wonderful “Nebraskan of the Year” presentation by Lin-

coln #14 club. I am sorry you missed the presentation by J. Paul

McIntosh, from Norfolk, the recipient. He told about he and his

wife’s sponsorship of young immigrants that have become very

successful Americans. Others told about the support they gave

to them and to their community and to Nebraska. We are proud

to honor such people as leaders, not only in Norfolk, but also

throughout the state.

A Peace Forum is being organized with the support of Schuyler

and Columbus clubs, chaired by Paul Ehernberger, Schuyler

President. His club embraced the concept of “Peace Through

Service” with immigrated citizens and their community contribu-

tions while working toward American citizenship. A Peace Forum

for the District clubs will be offered April 28th, so mark your

calendar. Paul is willing to present a remarkable program to

your club to show you what has happened in Schuyler as these

residents and their families become contributing members of

Rotary.

We cannot forget Gretchen Bren, District Polio Chair, and her

trip to Nigeria to assist in the inoculation of children. This exam-

ple of her commitment to eradicate polio around the world re-

minds us as individual Rotarians of our responsibility to help

meet this RI goal in the countries of Nigeria, Pakistan and Af-

ghanistan.

Let us thank people who are generous, such as they have found

in Omaha West Rotary. Vickie Backman wrote: Dan Ferris pre-

sented Carol Gendler with flowers at our February 8th Friday

meeting as a thank you for her generous contribution to The

Rotary Foundation and giving members the opportunity to

match funds with her $5,000.00 donation. Carol has been a gen-

erous supporter also of the club's Golf Fundraiser and the West

Omaha Rotary Foundation annual request for donations. I know

other clubs have members that also support their members and

we thank them all.

All of us need fun times too. If you have not seen the Past Dis-

trict Governors Judges perform their duty at Surburban on

Thursdays you have missed some great laughs that will last for

days to come as you think about their sentences on fellow Ro-

tarians.

As we look toward to the future, Jim Griesen has put an excel-

lent team together as he moves toward his year as Governor. He

and Joe Roberts have returned from San Diego training, which

included Grant Management training. Their Future Vision/Grant

Management Seminar is significant to the future of District 5650

and gives us more responsibility in how we function. Be sure you

attend one of their seminars because Grant Management will

necessitate how your club plans, coordinates and cooperates to

fulfill “Service Above Self,” and “Peace Though Service.”

District Conference May 17-18. Welcome! District Conference

will offer fun, education, networking and camaraderie for two

days at the Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine Street, in Oma-

ha.

Friday A.M. Joe Roberts and his Grant Management team will

greet you for coffee and rolls starting at 9:00 AM. While this

training is going on, Rotarians will be decorating tables, setting

up the Friendship house, the examples of the projects you bring

to share of what your club is proud to have done in your com-

munity, district or internationally. Others will be organizing si-

lent auctions items that you bring for all to consider bidding on.

BRAN, Northwest Rotary Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska, will be

setting up their project. You will be given the opportunity to

donate $100 toward your Paul Harris fund for the eradication of

polio. You may have your picture taken dressed as a BRAN rider.

If your picture is selected you win a Paul Harris, worth $1000.

Conference will begin at 11:25 Friday. You will be greeted by

Rotarians who will seat you at designated tables with Rotarians

representing varied sized clubs and discussion leaders will guide

you in topics you all experience.

We ask all President Elect and their significant other to be pre-

sent at dinner Friday evening to be introduced and the same for

President and guest on Saturday night when we celebrate on

the bank of the Missouri River and a cruise on the River Star.

Don’t forget to bring your family Saturday night.

Additional information will follow in later newsletters. Thanks to

all for making this an exciting journey as we work together to

move District 5650 forward. Remember Albert Einstein said,

“Life is like riding a bicycle, to keep your balance you must keep

moving.”

Page 7 Rotary District 5650

Inbound GSE Team from Brazil is Here!

When you come to the District

Conference, be sure to introduce

yourself to the visiting GSE Team

from Brazil.

They are a fun, friendly bunch of

folks who are enjoying their time

here in Iowa and Nebraska.

Team Leader, Dr. Lilian Wander-

ley leads a team of five including

Mr. Diogo Messias, Mr. Guil-

herme do Oliveira, Mr. Luis Souza

Santos and Mr. Thierry Prates.

Lilian is a Geographer and Profes-

sor of Environments, of Federal

University of Sirgipe. Diogo is a

Psychologist, Guilerme is an Ar

gonomist (Engineer of Agricul-

ture), Luis is a Computer Engineer

and Thierry is an Economist.

Left to Right: Guiherme (William), Diogo, Lilian, Thierry and Luis

GSE Inbound Team Brazil

April 21-May 20, 2013

Team Information pulled from

portion of bios not written in

Portuguese.

Lilian Wanderly –

Team Leader

66 years old

PHD Federal University of Sergi-

pe

Lives in Sergipe Brazil

Daughter Francis

Enjoys travel, Latin America and

Europe

On Rotary Public Relations Com-

mittee

Diogo Baha Messias

24 years old

Traffic Psychologist, license driv-

ers, change category of license

or renew through psychometric

tests

Former Family Health Services

employee

Lives in Aracuju-Sergipe Brazil

Interested in other languages

and culture, including shopping

Thierry Molnar Prates

37 years old

Professor at Federal University

of Alagoay

Masters in Economy

Married to Julia and has 2 boys

ages 3 and 1

Studied music history and piano

Luis Eduardo

30 years old

Software Testing Architect/IT

Technician/Project Manager

Married

Mom, Maria and brothers

Public speaker and teacher

Interested in soccer, paintball,

movies, cooking and music

Guilherme (William) Oliveira

32 years old

Agricultural Engineer

(administration and sales

Married

Mom, Eliana

Interested in martial arts

Page 8 Rotary District 5650

Letter to Lincoln South from Past Rotary Youth Exchange Student

Rotary’s Core Statement:

Rotary is a worldwide network of inspired individuals who translate their passions into relevant social causes to change lives in communities.

We recently received this message from Steve through our Club Website.

Steve was a Youth Exchange Student to Lincoln, hosted by Lincoln South

Rotary Club, 9 years ago. His host families were Joe and Sheryl Roberts as

well as Terry and Mary Werner.

It is obvious that Lincoln South Rotary had an impact on this young man's

life! Please read on.

Hello dear Rotarians!

Lying in my bed, I was suddenly struck with a great feeling of gratification

for all your efforts and sacrifices you made for me, non the less for other

people. I guess it has taken until now to realize just how much it has

affected my life, in other words about 9 years. I cant believe how long it has been.

Sometimes you might wonder just how your efforts translate into other peoples lives. Therefore I want to tell you how the experi-

ence you made possible affected my life. When I was 11 years old I wanted to become a lawyer and live in Australia, and as I grew

older the aspirations were still there. Conveniently my cousin had been to Canada with Rotary 2 years before me. My mother

made the suggestion that I could go abroad as well. Shortly after I was finding myself right in the interview of 3 rotarians in a local

Rotary club. After that I had a few meetings with other exchange students in Sweden.

Before long, I found myself meeting a totally unknown family ( the Werner family) in a totally unknown city, in the other part of

the world. The rest is history!

Even though graduating from high school, running a successful business and many other things have given me a great foundation,

self confidence and happiness. Nothing to date has had greater impact of my life than the 10 months in the US.

Both the Werner and Robets familys really gave me great support, but they did not do it all alone. I remember Jenny Cardwell

helping me with papers, going on a road trip with Nicki Klein. I cannot name them all - other members helped me with golf clubs

and stay in their homes when the Roberts were away.

Probably there are many more things that I cant remember. Except for all those things, I have really great memories from your

weekly meetings. You treated me nicely and with great understanding. You seemed to treat each other no differently.

Overall you gave me a very positive feeling, that I personally have found in very few places.

Even though I was so young, so alone, in another part of the world. The South Lincoln club members really made me feel safe and

very loved. This has given me great self confidence, and a sense of anything being achievable. Simply a great foundation to succeed

in life.

For the last four years I have been working as a salesman part time, as well running a company which buys and lets condos. Within

a few months I am going to travel around the world and maybe work abroad. Where I end up will be interesting to see.

Besides being happy, alI I know is that I will be a Rotarian in the future.

Thank you for guiding me and making my exchange year possible! Special thanks to the Roberts and Werner family! I hope you

take the compliments to heart, and that my letter was not too hard to follow!

Sincerely,

Steve The Swede

Page 9 Rotary District 5650

Plattsmouth Rotary Club Farmers Day Recognition

The Plattsmouth Rotary Club held its an-

nual Farmers Day Recognition Luncheon

on Wed., Feb. 20th at the Plattsmouth

State Bank Community Room.

A traditionthat has continued for over 80

years, each Rotary member invited at

least one area farmer to be his or her spe-

cial guest to the annual luncheon held

yearly in mid February.

Special guests were Rotary District Gover-

nor Richard "Dick" Galusha and the Cones-

toga High School FFA Chapter officers who

gave a brief overview of their chapter pro-

jects. This year, 65 Rotarians and their

guests enjoyed the Portabello Beef Dinner

and a presentation by Nebraska

Agricultural Director, Greg Ibach.

2013-14 Assistant Governor Training

The Assistant Governors met together at

the District Team Training for the 2013-14

Rotary Year. They explored their roles and

responsibilities to help all clubs be effec-

tive Rotary Clubs. They shared success

stories and did some problem-solving -

brainstorming ideas to help invigorate a

couple of struggling clubs in the District.

During the session, facilitated by Nicki Klein, AGs were asked to share an idea for a

Rotary motto or bumper sticker. Service-Service-Service-Service; Our little club is part

of something magnificent; Rotary-Making the World a Better Place; Serving our Com-

munity with Distinction; Serve Often – Serve Well; Get Involved-Change the World;

That’s what it’s all about. What a great way to demonstrate the impacts of Rotary on

our local and worldwide community.

Rotary District 5650 Clubs can be assured they have great resources at their fingertips

with these dedicated Rotary Leaders.

Page 10 Rotary District 5650

York Rotary is an Active Rotary

By Ben Royal, Club President

The York Rotary Club was recog-

nized at our annual York Cham-

ber of Commerce as the Service

Club of the Year. We also re-

ceived a Certificate of Recogni-

tion from Senator Greg Adams,

speaker of the legislature, for this

accomplishment.

The York Rotary club has been

very active, which is a continua-

tion from our past leadership. I

have been very blessed to be

involved with a great membership who is willing to get involved

with several activities. One of the activities we just completed

was a grocery grab fundraiser. The idea was given to us from the

Crete Rotary club as they have been doing the event for the last

few years. This was our first year with the event. We were able

to get a lot of publicity through the selling of tickets, the involve-

ment from our membership, and the support from the commu-

nity. Our local grocery store was very cooperative as they let us

place Rotary banners and advertisement’s throughout the store.

We not only raised money for the club, we were able to raise

$1,000 and 1,000 pounds of food donated to our local food pan-

try.

York has a Rescue Mission for men and women who are without

a place to stay. Once a month, the members of our club prepare

a home cooked meal and deliver the meal to the mission for the

people who need a place to stay.

We just received grant money to help resurface a basketball

court at Epworth Village. Epworth was very excited to receive

the grant as they are a non-profit organization who relies on

donations such as this for improvements.

I would encourage all members to be active in their clubs as this

is the key to having a successful club. Again, I am very blessed to

be a part of an active club with great members.

Page 11 Rotary District 5650

Outbound GSE Team to Brazil

Danielle Stahlnecker currently lives in

Lincoln, Nebraska, where she was born

and raised. She graduated from Doane

College in December, 2012, with a double

major in Business Management and Public

Administration. She began working for

Union Bank and Trust in 2008 and is pres-

ently a Branch Supervisor. Developing

people and seeing them progress in their

careers in addition to helping customers

maximize their financial potential fuels

Danielle’s passion for her work.

Danielle enjoys being a Big Sister for

Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters and

staying active in the community by getting

involved in various fundraising and volun-

teer events throughout the year, including

American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life

and The Special Olympics. In her free

time, Danielle likes to practice yoga, run

and bike, take on art and interior deco-

rating projects, and travel domestically.

She enjoys spending time with her family,

her roommate, and her friends. Danielle

has one pet, a cat named Seashell.

During the Group Study Exchange, Dan-

ielle would like to learn more about

Brazil’s local retail banking environment,

unique business management models,

and how business leaders get involved in

their communities. She is excited to get to

know leaders in Brazil, her team-

members, and local Rotarians!

Leah Koch is the youngest of four children

born and raised in Grand Island, NE. Her

father is a PA at Hansen Medical PC and

her mother is a devoted wife and active

volunteer at Peace Lutheran Church. She

grew up with a very musical background,

where after spending one year at UNO

with a music scholarship, she moved to

Chicago IL to pursue an arts degree. She

studied Fashion Marketing at the Illinois

Institute of Art in Chicago, where she

earned herBachelors before moving back

to Omaha, NE three years ago.

Her interests include: learning about other

cultures, studying new languages (mainly

Spanish and Portuguese), traveling, archi-

tecture, and jazz music. She is an ‘old soul’

that appreciates history and the stories

that accompany it.

Her hobbies involve yoga and she gradu-

ates this month, May 2013, from Teacher

Training at Yogamed Omaha. It has been a

life altering transformation where she has

gained knowledge of what it means to

become a teacher and pass along a heal-

ing art.

In her spare time she likes to paint using

acrylics, make jewelry, work on graphic

design projects and visit her two beautiful

nieces in Grand Island, NE.

She is humbled and honored to have been

chosen for the GSE team 2013. She hopes

to meet Brazilian business leaders in-

volved in promoting tourism for the 2016

Olympic Games. She also hopes to spend

time with women who have become en-

trepreneurs in Brazil. She is drawn to lead-

ers in the sales profession so she can see

similarities and differences in business

amongst a different culture.

She wants to experience life through the

eyes of a Brazilian citizen and she is very

grateful that Rotary District 5650 and the

Rotary Foundation is providing her with

this opportunity. She works with people

from around the U.S. on a daily basis and

craves to develop deeper relationships

throughout her tourism/advertising sales

career. The Group Study Exchange Team

experience has empowered her in both

her professional and personal life.

Erin Stover grew up in rural Northwest

Iowa, in the town of Holstein. She is the

daughter of Tom and Joyce Galvin and

was raised on a farm with an older broth-

er, younger brother and younger sister.

She graduated from Galva-Holstein High

School in 2006 and wanted to pursue a

teaching career.

Erin attended Wayne State College, in

Wayne Nebraska from the fall of 2006 to

the spring of 2011. While studying at

Wayne, she was involved in almost every

music ensemble that was offered. She

studied voice under Dr. Elise Hepworth

and also played the saxophone in band.

She wasn’t sure if she wanted to teach

music because of her love for young stu-

dents in the general classroom, but wasn’t

ready to give that part of her life up, so

she decided to get a double endorsement.

In May of 2011, Erin graduated cum laude

Page 12 Rotary District 5650

Outbound GSE Team to Brazil, cont’d from Wayne State College, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and endorsements in Elementary education K-6 and Music edu-

cation K-8.

Erin married her high school sweet-heart, DJ Stover, in May of 2011, a few weeks after graduating and moved to Omaha, NE. She

was hired at The Rose Theater to teach musical theater classes twice a week to 4-7 year olds while she substitute taught for area

schools during the school day. In August of 2012, Erin started as the music teacher for St. Robert Bellarmine School in Omaha, NE.

She teaches music to kindergarten through 8th grade students and has a few private studio students. She says the best part of her

job is that she gets to see everyone and teach everyone, not just one select grade! It keeps her on her toes and no two days are

alike.

While in Brazil, Erin would like to be able to embrace the culture as much as possible. She plans to do this by learning and studying

Portuguese, to become fluent before going. She also wants to participate in as many adventures /experiences that are available.

One of the best ways to learn is by experiencing something – it’s much harder to forget and has much greater meaning. Some of

her goals are to understand the ways that they use music to learn, to learn new ways to teach music, and to recognize different

ways to communicate to people through music. She hopes to be able to connect to people on a much deeper level through sharing

music and learning new music. Music is a universal language and connects everyone together. It helps people rejoice! It helps peo-

ple heal. Music is her life, and she is so excited to share this opportunity with others.

Elise Hepworth is an assistant professor of voice and music education at Wayne State College, in Wayne, Nebraska. She has been a

member of Rotary since 2009, and is serving a second consecutive term as Wayne Club’s president. She first became involved in

Rotary international as an Ambassadorial scholar to New Zealand in 2007. Elise received district 5650’s 2011-2012 Outstanding

Club president, as well as helping her club achieve the district award for Outstanding Club Growth.

“Rotary has changed my life. It has granted me the opportunity to serve my community, my state, my country, and my world in a

ways I couldn’t imagine. I am honored and humbled to serve our district as Group Study Exchange Team Leader. I am eager to per-

sonally acquaint myself with Brazil’s educational system, specifically their use of music in literacy and conflict prevention and reso-

lution.”

Rotary Safari Invitation

The Zambia committee is inviting you to come along to view Rotary projects

and experience life in Zambia and then visit world famous Victoria Falls, travel a

short distance to Botswana for a safari to view the exotic wildlife seen only in

Africa and finish the trip by visiting Cape Town South Africa where great food

and wine awaits you as well as famous Table Mountain. Learn the history of

Europeans in Africa and how this has helped and hindered African peoples.

The dates are from July 20 to

August 3, 2013 and the inclu-

sive cost is estimated to be

$5,000 including airfare and

lodging.

Please contact Chuck Erickson for more information: [email protected],

phone 402-420-3088.

Page 13 Rotary District 5650

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Check the club’s website,

www.lincolnsouthrotary.org

for event date!

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