Giving Spirits Rotary Recap

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WOW!!!  The LSW Hawktets really did impress.  If you weren't in the holiday spirit before listening to the beauty of their voices, you definitely were after!! 
 
A special thanks to the generous Rotarians who pitched in to show our support of these wonderful kids.  They are truly dedicated to their singing and performing.  If you'd like to support the LSW Booster you can find them on Facebook!
 
After a brief meeting and enjoying Kathy's succulent Turkey noodle soup, we all had a delightful evening wrapping gifts for the packages for Lynette's Angels.
 
Special Reminder: "Kathy's Sleigh" will depart for Fullerton to deliver packages THIS SUNDAY!!! 
There is still room if you'd like to join in and enjoy the 'gravel travel'.  
 
Click to listen on LSW Southwest Boosters Club Facebook Page
Giving Spirits Rotary Recap Julie Brezenski 2020-12-18 06:00:00Z 0

Christmas Potluck & Cookie Exchange

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NEXT Rotary Meeting will be (December 22)
9435 Hollow Tree Ct
 
Celebrate an Early Christmas With Potluck Dinner And Our Rotary Family At Blake & Kathy's
  • Please Bring Your Favorite Christmas Dish or Appetizer (remember Carla will not be there so Deviled Eggs are fair game for anyone to bring ... )
  • 3 Dozen Cookies for the Cookie Exchange 
  • Gift Exchange Item (limit $20)
  • BYOB
Be Prepared to Enjoy an Evening of Warmth, comfort and lively conversation.
 
Leave with 2 dozen various cookies made by fellow Rotarians, and a renewed sense of home and belonging.
 
 
Christmas Potluck & Cookie Exchange Julie Brezenski 2020-12-18 06:00:00Z 0

Electing 2021-22 Club Officers

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As we finish 2020 Strong we begin to look into 2021 for new and emerging leaders.
I encourage anyone who has an interest in developing their talents to contact Sara to see where your talents can be utilized within our Giving Spirits Rotary Group.
 
Electing 2021-22 Club Officers Julie Brezenski 2020-12-07 06:00:00Z 0
District 5650 Events Julie Brezenski 2020-12-07 06:00:00Z 0
Welcome New Member David Schwaniger Julie Brezenski 2020-12-07 06:00:00Z 0
Congratulate Rotary 14 Serve Nebraska Julie Brezenski 2020-10-19 05:00:00Z 0

jcmf 12th annual golf tourney

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What a great event for  wonderful cause!!  Thanks to all of our Giving Spirits Rotarians for supporting the cause!!
 
              
jcmf 12th annual golf tourney Julie Brezenski 2020-09-28 05:00:00Z 0
blake and kathy's team building Julie Brezenski 2020-09-10 05:00:00Z 0

Team Building at Blake & Kathy's

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As a reminder, this week's meeting location has changed.  Our leadership team has decided that a
 
team-building event will be our agenda for this week's meeting.  
 
We hope to see as many of our members as possible; spouses are also welcome.
 
In keeping with tradition, food will be provided but feel free to bring any beverages that you like.  
 
Thank you Blake & Kathy for graciously offering to host this evening's festivities.  
 
Collingsworth Home
9435 Hollow Tree Ct
 
 
Team Building at Blake & Kathy's Julie Brezenski 2020-09-10 05:00:00Z 0

Poker Tourney Turnout

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What a fantastic night!! 
After a great speaker and a brief meeting we were ready to go ALL-IN for Rotary!!!
Thank you to all our members for bringing guests, and making our guests feel so welcome.  Pizza, Poker, Friends, Fun and Adult Beverages. 
 
I will leave the details for the next newsletter, but suffice it to say we did a great job!!!  
Poker Tourney Turnout Julie Brezenski 2020-08-18 05:00:00Z 0

Build/Install Life Jacket Loaner Stations for Beaches

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What we need:  Donations and/or monies to purchase life jackets to keep the stations stocked.  
 
The great news is that this is a simple installation process, there just may be some engineering needed to get the stations stocked up.
 
So what if you're not mechanically inclined? Well the good news is we have a place for you too!
 
This project is being funded by the District 5650 matching grant which means that they will match, $ for $ whatever we raise.  So.... let's get out there and start collecting funds and donations for this fantastic project! 
 
If your company is interested in becoming a sponsor we'd love to recognize them on our permanent signage that will be visible on both stations.  
 
Another great way to help is to 
Want to help? Click here and send us an email.
Build/Install Life Jacket Loaner Stations for Beaches Julie Brezenski 2020-08-03 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary Virtual Conference July 25 2020 Julie Brezenski 2020-07-21 05:00:00Z 0

development chair position

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The Coalition has temporarily suspended training in hotels during COVID-19.  Most hotels have little staff employed at this time, but hopefully we will see more signs of travel and they will staff up soon.

The Coalition continues to build its strength by developing its board.  The Coalition is looking for a volunteer Board Member who can chair the Development Committee.  This is a working board, so it does take time, effort and skills.  If you or if you know anyone with these skills, please apply!  
 
Job Posting Link
 
development chair position Julie Brezenski 2020-07-21 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Bingo

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Bingo Social Distancing Style (with Prizes!!!)  contest ends 8/31/20

Looking for something fun and different to do? Tired of looking at the same four walls? Interested to learn a little bit more about Rotary's history and impact in Lincoln? Well, we have just the activity for you!
 
 ) Gather your socially-distanced and masked friends and family together into a scavenger hunt team.

2) Set out on your favorite mode of transportation and track down the various Rotary landmarks and service projects. Upon viewing the landmark or project, mark it off on your card. 

3) Be strategic about the landmarks you discover in an effort to get a "BINGO" across, down or diagonally. For the more ambitious (or antsy), get multiple Bingos or black out the whole card!

4) Reward yourself with some ice cream or a cold beverage.
5) Once you have completed your hunt, send your card to clu@mattsonricketts.com 
 
A prize raffle will be held from the completed cards; cards must contain at least one BINGO in order to be eligible for the prize drawing. Prizes include Rotary swag scavenged from the Rotary vault - an adventure in itself! 
 
DEADLINE FOR CARD SUBMISSION = AUGUST 31, 2020   email clu@mattsonricketts.com
Rotary Bingo Julie Brezenski 2020-07-21 05:00:00Z 0

Development Chair Needed

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Dear Volunteers and Friends of the Coalition,
I hope you are doing well during this time.  As you probably know, the Coalition has temporarily suspended training in hotels during COVID-19.  Most hotels have little staff employed at this time, but hopefully we will see more signs of travel and they will staff up soon.
The Coalition continues to build its strength by developing its board.  The Coalition is looking for a volunteer Board Member who can chair the Development Committee.  This is a working board, so it does take time, effort and skills.  If you or if you know anyone with these skills, please apply!  The link to our Facebook posting for this position is below.
 
 
Development Chair Needed Julie Brezenski 2020-07-16 05:00:00Z 0
It Starts With Us Julie Brezenski 2020-07-12 05:00:00Z 0
District 5650 Conference jmb 2020-05-26 05:00:00Z 0
Life Jacket Loaner Stations Kathy Collingsworth 2020-01-02 06:00:00Z 0

Lynette's Angels Service Project Family

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We are so grateful for your partnership with Lynettes Angels for the 2nd Christmas Season!  Since our club's charter we have been truly blessed to see how lives can be transformed, and our hearts are warmed.

We have 10 families that we are trying to make a true difference for this Christmas, and we know this mission would not be possible without the help of so many amazing people joining together to collectively make this happen!

This year your family will be the Bachle family.
Jonie Bachle was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer in July of 2017 at 27 years old.
Jonie immediately had surgery, and many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.
She was doing well until October of 2018 when her cancer had returned in the form of Chemotherapy induced Leukemia-MDS, and shortly after the Cancer spread to her brain.
Sadly, a few short months later Jonie lost her battle at the young age of 30.
Jonie left behind her devoted husband Thorne, and 4 beautiful children, Kiahanna (12), Aubrey 10), Landon (9) who also had cancer as a toddler but won the fight, and Annika (6).
With the loss of his wife, Thorne has carried on as a single father, and was able to officially adopt 3 of Jonie’s children in July of this year. 😍
As we can all imagine, the children have really had a hard time with the loss of their mother. With this year being the first Christmas without their mom, we know the family could use all of the extra love they can get to help them through this season.

 
 
 
 
 

Giving Spirits Rotary Club we are so grateful for your partnership with Lynettes Angels for the 2nd Christmas Season!
We have 10 families that we are trying to make a true difference for this Christmas, and we know this mission would not be possible without the help of so many amazing people joining together to collectively make this happen!

This year your family will be the Bachle family.
Jonie Bachle was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer in July of 2017 at 27 years old.
Jonie immediately had surgery, and many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.
She was doing well until October of 2018 when her cancer had returned in the form of Chemotherapy induced Leukemia-MDS, and shortly after the Cancer spread to her brain.
Sadly, a few short months later Jonie lost her battle at the young age of 30.
Jonie left behind her devoted husband Thorne, and 4 beautiful children, Kiahanna (12), Aubrey 10), Landon (9) who also had cancer as a toddler but won the fight, and Annika (6).
With the loss of his wife, Thorne has carried on as a single father, and was able to officially adopt 3 of Jonie’s children in July of this year. 😍
As we can all imagine, the children have really had a hard time with the loss of their mother. With this year being the first Christmas without their mom, we know the family could use all of the extra love they can get to help them through this season.

Image may contain: 6 people, people smiling, people sitting
 

Giving Spirits Rotary Club we are so grateful for your partnership with Lynettes Angels for the 2nd Christmas Season!
We have 10 families that we are trying to make a true difference for this Christmas, and we know this mission would not be possible without the help of so many amazing people joining together to collectively make this happen!

This year your family will be the Bachle family.
Jonie Bachle was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer in July of 2017 at 27 years old.
Jonie immediately had surgery, and many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.
She was doing well until October of 2018 when her cancer had returned in the form of Chemotherapy induced Leukemia-MDS, and shortly after the Cancer spread to her brain.
Sadly, a few short months later Jonie lost her battle at the young age of 30.
Jonie left behind her devoted husband Thorne, and 4 beautiful children, Kiahanna (12), Aubrey 10), Landon (9) who also had cancer as a toddler but won the fight, and Annika (6).
With the loss of his wife, Thorne has carried on as a single father, and was able to officially adopt 3 of Jonie’s children in July of this year. 😍
As we can all imagine, the children have really had a hard time with the loss of their mother. With this year being the first Christmas without their mom, we know the family could use all of the extra love they can get to help them through this season.

Image may contain: 6 people, people smiling, people sitting
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lynette's Angels Service Project Family 2019-12-09 06:00:00Z 0

Rotarians getting together

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Rotarians Kathy Collingsworth and new member joining soon Gretchen Arroyo, with Sara Sudman getting together for a fun night of flowers.
 
 
Rotarians getting together 2019-11-25 06:00:00Z 0
Welcome our New Members Lincoln Evening  Giving Spirits  2019-09-30 05:00:00Z 0
Lincoln Clubs Speak at Rotary 14 2019-09-30 05:00:00Z 0
Dictionary Labeling Party 2019-09-30 05:00:00Z 0

Duplicate

First of all, THANK YOU for giving me the opportunity to attend the District Conference.  It was an eye opener and I really enjoyed going to it.  It reiterated why I'm part of this amazing group.  With that being said, I'd like to take on an active role in our group and help move us forward in the direction that you would like to take us, Madam President.
 
Here are my notes and ideas:
 
As you already know, Rotary has six areas of focus (Promoting Peace; Fighting Disease; Providing Clean Water, Sanitation & Hygiene; Saving Mothers & Children; Supporting Education; and Growing Local Communities) and I think this should be our guide for what projects we want to take on.  Personally, my passion lies with the forgotten population (children and the elderly).  I love investing in our future (children) and caring for those that get pushed aside when they reach a certain point in their adult life.  For me, people are people and they should be shown respect as human beings regardless of their age.
 
I love that we reach children through Josh the Otter and we touch the education piece with the dictionaries, but there's more we can do.  And by that, I mean we need to get our members engaged and participating.  One of the areas heavily discussed at the conference was membership and retention.  There were many chapters there that had gotten stale over time and a handful of new chapters that were trying to establish their culture, which is where we are at.  
 
As a chapter, I believe our membership should be inclusive and engaging so we must attract like minded people.  An activity we did at the conference involved coming up with "We Want You!" posters to gain membership, which I think we should do in our own group.  I've attached pictures below of the conference posters to give you an idea.
 
As for our current members, we can look at creating a "Rotary Engagement Award," which is meant to encourage and celebrate member engagement across a variety of Rotary activities, and is more than attendance.  We define the criteria, how to track it, and how to celebrate it, while making it FUN and not a shaming thing.  I can elaborate more in person as my email is turning into a book...ha!
 
Other suggestions include:
  • Rotating meeting Hosts so everyone takes a turn bringing snacks & cleaning up.  Let's encourage our members to put some skin in the game so it's not a thing we just show up to and have wine.
  • Let's have sign-up sheets for activities/projects and place these on clipboards and put them on a table at our meetings.
  • Let's create a Business Advocacy Committee to reach out to business owners and get them to sponsor and/or join Rotary.  There are many people who want to do community outreach, but they don't know where to start.
  • We should have an announcements segment included in our meeting where anyone can share other community events/happenings so that we support each other and other organizations.  For example, October 23, 2019 is National Petal It Forward Day, which is a nationwide event where florists and volunteers randomly surprise people on the streets with flowers.  The recipients receive two bouquets, one to keep and one to share with someone else, therefore, petaling it forward.  Last year, we did this and it was a huge success and I want to make it an annual event where other businesses are involved.  Cutts donates all of the flowers and we handed out over 1,000 stems of roses last year.  10/11 did a story on us if you'd like to hear more about it.  Anyway, my point is, there are opportunities out there where volunteers are needed and Rotary can definitely be a part of the good happening in the community.
  • Finally, let's discuss membership fees.  This was brought up at the District Conference as the younger generations may not be able to afford the dues and as a result, we are alienating them.  Personally, $200 is a lot less than other membership organizations I have been a part of, but it does add up when I'm throwing in $20 a meeting and for me, I have to pay a babysitter, which is an additional expense, so when it's all said and done, I'm $1,000 into this.  And please let me be very clear...I am NOT complaining, I just want to make a point that we need to define our mission, culture and provide some structure so we can move this group along.  The people that I am trying to recruit love the humanitarian part of Rotary, but they want to make sure we are actually doing something and it's not just another networking group.
Other projects/ideas from the conference that really spoke to me include the Youth Exchange & Interact Program; the Wheelchair Project; the Rejuvenating Women's Gala in September; and EDGE, which is a literacy program started in NE City, with the goal of getting kids to read at the 3rd grade level by the time they reach 3rd grade.
 
Duplicate 2019-08-18 05:00:00Z 0

Duplicated Story

First of all, THANK YOU for giving me the opportunity to attend the District Conference.  It was an eye opener and I really enjoyed going to it.  It reiterated why I'm part of this amazing group.  With that being said, I'd like to take on an active role in our group and help move us forward in the direction that you would like to take us, Madam President.
 
Here are my notes and ideas:
 
As you already know, Rotary has six areas of focus (Promoting Peace; Fighting Disease; Providing Clean Water, Sanitation & Hygiene; Saving Mothers & Children; Supporting Education; and Growing Local Communities) and I think this should be our guide for what projects we want to take on.  Personally, my passion lies with the forgotten population (children and the elderly).  I love investing in our future (children) and caring for those that get pushed aside when they reach a certain point in their adult life.  For me, people are people and they should be shown respect as human beings regardless of their age.
 
I love that we reach children through Josh the Otter and we touch the education piece with the dictionaries, but there's more we can do.  And by that, I mean we need to get our members engaged and participating.  One of the areas heavily discussed at the conference was membership and retention.  There were many chapters there that had gotten stale over time and a handful of new chapters that were trying to establish their culture, which is where we are at.  
 
As a chapter, I believe our membership should be inclusive and engaging so we must attract like minded people.  An activity we did at the conference involved coming up with "We Want You!" posters to gain membership, which I think we should do in our own group.  I've attached pictures below of the conference posters to give you an idea.
 
As for our current members, we can look at creating a "Rotary Engagement Award," which is meant to encourage and celebrate member engagement across a variety of Rotary activities, and is more than attendance.  We define the criteria, how to track it, and how to celebrate it, while making it FUN and not a shaming thing.  I can elaborate more in person as my email is turning into a book...ha!
 
Other suggestions include:
  • Rotating meeting Hosts so everyone takes a turn bringing snacks & cleaning up.  Let's encourage our members to put some skin in the game so it's not a thing we just show up to and have wine.
  • Let's have sign-up sheets for activities/projects and place these on clipboards and put them on a table at our meetings.
  • Let's create a Business Advocacy Committee to reach out to business owners and get them to sponsor and/or join Rotary.  There are many people who want to do community outreach, but they don't know where to start.
  • We should have an announcements segment included in our meeting where anyone can share other community events/happenings so that we support each other and other organizations.  For example, October 23, 2019 is National Petal It Forward Day, which is a nationwide event where florists and volunteers randomly surprise people on the streets with flowers.  The recipients receive two bouquets, one to keep and one to share with someone else, therefore, petaling it forward.  Last year, we did this and it was a huge success and I want to make it an annual event where other businesses are involved.  Cutts donates all of the flowers and we handed out over 1,000 stems of roses last year.  10/11 did a story on us if you'd like to hear more about it.  Anyway, my point is, there are opportunities out there where volunteers are needed and Rotary can definitely be a part of the good happening in the community.
  • Finally, let's discuss membership fees.  This was brought up at the District Conference as the younger generations may not be able to afford the dues and as a result, we are alienating them.  Personally, $200 is a lot less than other membership organizations I have been a part of, but it does add up when I'm throwing in $20 a meeting and for me, I have to pay a babysitter, which is an additional expense, so when it's all said and done, I'm $1,000 into this.  And please let me be very clear...I am NOT complaining, I just want to make a point that we need to define our mission, culture and provide some structure so we can move this group along.  The people that I am trying to recruit love the humanitarian part of Rotary, but they want to make sure we are actually doing something and it's not just another networking group.
Other projects/ideas from the conference that really spoke to me include the Youth Exchange & Interact Program; the Wheelchair Project; the Rejuvenating Women's Gala in September; and EDGE, which is a literacy program started in NE City, with the goal of getting kids to read at the 3rd grade level by the time they reach 3rd grade.
 
Duplicated Story 2019-08-18 05:00:00Z 0

Helping people with disabilities make their own music

Music has been an important part of leading an ordinary life for students at the Music School for Children With Disabilities in Honor of Paul Harris in Lublin, Poland. Founded by Rotary members, the school serves 20 students with various disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and visual impairments. The Rotary Club of Lublin-Centrum-Maria Curie-Sklodowska has provided funding with help from Rotary Foundation Matching Grants and the Henryk Wieniawski Musical Society, which houses the school.
 
After their son Mateusz was born with underdeveloped eyes, Mariusz and Joanna Kania looked for ways to help him be active. When he showed an aptitude for music, they looked for a teacher and were thrilled to find the Paul Harris music school.
Helping people with disabilities make their own music 2015-05-01 00:00:00Z 0

Finding Safe Haven

For years, Angalia Bianca had slept in abandoned buildings throughout Chicago. She stole. She did drugs. She spent time in and out of jail for forgery, theft, trespassing, and possession of narcotics. But after she landed in prison for the seventh time, something changed -- Bianca knew she wanted a better life. She just didn’t know how to make it happen.
 
After serving her time, Bianca sought help from a local homeless organization, A Safe Haven, and moved to its shelter in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Bianca followed the program closely -- she attended all the required meetings, passed drug tests, and volunteered at every opportunity.
Finding Safe Haven 2015-05-01 00:00:00Z 0

Saving lives in Ghana

What is it like taking a large team to Africa?  It has probably been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. In mid February, I began leading Rotary members from all over the East Coast of the United States through Ghana. I’ve tried to give the team a warm Ghanaian welcome like I’ve received on my earlier trips. A large trip is a real blessing because each person sees Ghana and our work in a different way.

A highlight for the team was greeting the chief of Sagadugu. The team got excited about buying goats and food for children in the villages where I support eight churches. It was good to see the pastors of most of the eight churches, and I had to explain that we were just passing through on our way to Bolgatanga.
Saving lives in Ghana 2015-05-01 00:00:00Z 0

India celebrates three years without polio

Throughout India and around the world, Rotary clubs are celebrating a major milestone: India has gone three years without a new case of polio. The last reported case was a two-year-old girl in West Bengal on 13 January 2011. To mark this historic triumph, Rotary clubs illuminated landmarks and iconic structures throughout the country with four simple but powerful words, "India is polio free."
 
The three-year achievement sets the stage for polio-free certification of the entire Southeast Asia region by the World Health Organization. The Indian government also plans to convene a polio summit in February to commemorate this victory in the global effort to eradicate polio.
 
India celebrates three years without polio 2014-02-26 00:00:00Z 0