Stories

Featured Auction Item:

For details and additional auction items, click here. Return frequently as this document will be updated as auction items are received.

For July 10, we will be in the Lancaster/Nebraska Room (south of our regular meeting room). YES this is the correct room - we are switching rooms with Kiwanis that week.

Filling the Little Free Pantries is an ongoing project for Lincoln South Rotary Club. We are collecting during the first Rotary Meting held at the Venue each month.

In observance of the Independence Day Holiday, Lincoln South Rotary Club did not meet on July 3. We hope you enjoyed your holiday.

Amanda Barker and Randy Bretz will be our speakers at Lincoln South Rotary Club on July 10 2026 - their presentation is "Help Us Weave our Social Fabric Back Together".

DeEtta announced that John is collecting auction items for the August 14 fundraiser. You are asked to get them to John by the August 7 meeting. Want to build a basket? She took us through an entertaining display of how to assemble a creative basket for auction. There are many ideas on the internet - though not as entertaining as DeEtta!

On June 26, 2026 at Lincoln South Rotary Club we heard about Pinewood Performing Arts from Tami Lambie who is the Sponsorship Coordinator.

Joe announced the final results of giving to Lincoln South Rotary Foundation during Give to Lincoln Day. There were total donations of $2120. With the 7% match of $150 we have a total of $2270 toward the Scholarship Fund.

Syd Widga announced the Rotarian of the Year as Nicki Klein, stating "have you ever noticed…the smoother things run in our club…the less we notice why that is…. we owe a lot of gratitude to this years recipient of the Rotarian of the Year to Nicki Klein".

A number of years back, Lincoln South Rotary Club secured a President Pin with a Diamond. That pin is passed among the President from year-to-year. Syd passes the pin to Tami and officially turns the Club Presidency over to her. The Club hopes each President will enjoy the pin - wear it with pride during their Rotary Year.

During the Changing of the Guard we reviewed a lot of information about activities in 2025-26. For a additional information, read below and view the photo albums on the home page (top links on the home page of our club website).

Lincoln South Rotary Club was published twice in the Lincoln Journal Star recently.

Thanks to the $100 food and cash donations, at the 6-5-26 Lincoln South Rotary Club Meeting - 4 Little Free Pantries were filled! Thank you to Syd for his dedication to this project!

Thank you for all of the contributions (below) in support of Polio Plus during the last meeting.

I apologize for the misunderstanding on the Meeting Room Switch. When I got called I do not recall her asking if they could put us in the Lincoln Room - I assumed it was our "normal" switch with Kiwanis. Out Club Service Team stepped up "big time".

June is Rotary Fellowships Month. Take a look at the list of Rotary Fellowships and find friends interested in the same things as you. There are Fellowships like Magicians, Bees, Mental Wellness, Entrepreneurship, Skiing, Wine, Genealogy, Scuba Diving - and many more. Click here for more information

Rotary Members are People of Action. Through them we are able to share the 2025-26 Rotary President's message to Unite For Good.

Thank you to Brad Carter for bringing treats to our meeting to celebrate our member Birthdays. Brad - we appreciate you thinking of us and your generosity!

We are looking for a new volunteer for Meals on Wheels for the  fourth Tuesday of each month. If you are not able to commit to monthly delivery, but might be a substitute, let Joe know.

Lincoln South Rotary Club is officially a sponsor of Community Action’s Store. Besides volunteers, diaper donations were requested to help with the goal of 1,000 diapers donated in May. You can bring diapers to the June 12 Rotary Club Meeting.

On May 29, 2026 we met Hannah Oltmans who is the recipient of the Lincoln South Rotary Club Foundation Scholarship. We have partnered with Bryan Health Sciences the past few years and, with the generous additional donation from one of our members, have been able to provide a $5,000 scholarship.

A press release was submitted The Lincoln Journal Star about the Lincoln South Rotary Club Grant with the Center for People to provide technology upgrades.

New Lincoln South Rotary Club Board Members Joyce Schmeeckle and Dean Venter will serve July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028:

Thank you to all members for voting - we had a 72% voter turnout. And, a special thank you to the members that were willing to put their name on the final ballot - willing to serve if elected.

The Lincoln South Rotary Club Foundation (LCRF) has scheduled a social with silent auction for August 14 from 4-7 PM. The noon meeting for the Club has been cancelled that day - you are encouraged to attend the LCRF event.

Congratulations to Suchitra Pattnaik our newest Paul Harris Fellow. Suchitra became eligible for the drawing to be named a Paul Harris Fellow during our annual drive of The Rotary International Foundation. Presenting to Suchitra are Joe Roberts and Scott Delisi.

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.

 

There are many reasons to join Rotary - and stay in Rotary. We found this information posted about Rotary.

In May, Lincoln South Rotary Club is again sponsoring Community Action’s Store - read below.

Congratulations to Heather Loughman our newest Paul Harris Fellow. Heather became eligible for the drawing to be named a Paul Harris Fellow during our annual drive of The Rotary International Foundation. Presenting to Heather are Joe Roberts and Scott Delisi.

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.

 

John Herdman led Member Orientation on 4-27-26 hosted at the Red Cross Office in Lincoln.

Thank you to Brad Carter for bringing cupcakes to our meeting April 24, 2026 to celebrate all of our Rotary Anniversaries:

April 30, 1984 - Lincoln South Rotary Charter Date

April 19, 1868 - Birthdate of the founder of Rotary - Paul Harris

February 23, 1905 - Rotary International started in Chicago

Jenny and Tom Cardwell, along with former Lincoln South Rotary Club Member Vi See, grabbed this photo about the Paducah Kentucky Rotary Club - the 2nd Rotary Club in Kentucky. Thank you to our traveling Rotarians for sharing your photos!

The founder of Rotary - Paul Harris:

At Lincoln South Rotary Club on Friday, April 17, 2026, we learned about our member, Becky Ziemba.

Lincoln South Rotary Club charter date was April 30, 1984. Charter President Gene Swinton is an Honorary 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 share the 2025-26 Rotary President's message to Unite For Good.

 

Welcome to new members Jacque Harms and Becky Ziemba who were presented with their new member packets, including their Certificate of Membership. Also pictured is President Syd Widga. Thank you Jacque and Becky for becoming a part of Rotary!

John Herdman led Member Orientation on 4-10-26 before our regular meeting. This one was attended by Dean Venter, Lindsey Licht and Becky Ziemba.

Lincoln South Rotary Club participated in the Rotary District 5650 Training for upcoming Presidents.

At Lincoln South Rotary Club on Friday, March 20, 2026, we learned about our member, Paul Williams.

Rotary Members are People of Action. Through them we are able to share the 2025-26 Rotary President's message to Unite For Good.

 

Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education are basic necessities for a healthy environment and a productive life.

To learn more - click here.

At Lincoln South Rotary Club on Friday, February 13, 2026, we learned about our member, Dean Venter.

Lincoln South Rotary Club is officially a sponsor of Community Action’s Store. Besides volunteers, many diaper donations have already been received to help with the goal of 1,000 diapers donated in January. And, even MORE diapers were brough to Lincoln South Rotary Club February 6. Below you will see more photos and the message from Community Action.

Welcome to new members Lindsey Licht and Paul Williams who were presented with their new member packets, including their Certificate of Membership. Also pictured is President Syd Widga. Thank you Lindsey and Paul for becoming a part of Rotary!

Lincoln South Rotary Club The Rotary International Foundation Drive results - we met our goal of $16,000 but were short of 100% participation. Because of the amount of money and points available, we will name two Paul Harris Fellows this year - Suchitra Pattnaik and Heather Loughman. You can participate in the annual drive easily - pay the optional donation with the annual dues that will come out in April. Be a part of the success and - earn the chance to become a Paul Harris Fellow!

Rotary Members are People of Action. Through them we are able to share the 2025-26 Rotary President's message to Unite For Good.

 

We refuse to accept conflict as a way of life. Rotary projects provide training that fosters understanding and provides communities with the skills to resolve conflicts.

To learn more - click here.

Did you know that there is an official blog site for Rotary International? You can join to get notification of posts or just read as you wish. The current post focuses on "Creating a Rotary where everyone belongs".

The Lincoln South Rotary Club Board of Directors is pleased to announce Heather Loughman will be the Club President 2027-29. Congratulations Heather and thank you for your commitment to Lincoln South Rotary Club!

Lincoln South Rotary Club appreciates working with The Venue for our weekly meetings and special events. A thank you gift was presented to Jay at the meeting January 2. He was also given gifts for Heather and Ally of the Catering Staff for their on-going help.

Rotary Members are People of Action. Through them we are able to share the 2025-26 Rotary President's message to Unite For Good.

These guiding principles of Rotary have been developed over the years to provide Rotarians with a strong, common purpose and direction. They serve as a foundation for our relationships with each other and the action we take in the world.

The Holiday Party was a great social event. The room was beautifully decorated, the food was wonderful and we generously donated to serve others.

 

Rotary Members are People of Action. Through them we are able to share the 2025-26 Rotary President's message to Unite For Good.

 

Earlier we heard of the awards and activities of Lincoln South Rotary Club at the 2025-26 District Conference in October. Syd Widga officially presented the club with the 2024-25 awards earned: Club Excellence Award (formerly the Rotary Citation), Polio Plus Support of $1500 or more - we were 6th among all clubs; 2nd in Per Capita giving to the Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation at $339.82.

We believe good health care is everyone’s right. Yet 400 million people in the world can’t afford or don’t have access to basic health care.

To learn more - click here.

Lincoln South Rotary recognizes our members who are veterans. Thank you for your service! Photos are below.

 

Rotary Members are People of Action. Through them we are able to share the 2025-26 Rotary President's message to Unite For Good.

 

The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.

To learn more - click here.

Lincoln South Rotary Club was recognized from the podium during the Salute to Business 2025. Lincoln South Rotary Club Rocks!

The Annual Salute to Business is a collaborative event of The Rotary Clubs of Lincoln. We hold a luncheon and honor one business that has made a significant contribution to the city of Lincoln through employment of people and the good works they perform.

Are you wanting to contact another Rotary Member? Through ClubRunner you can get contact information for anyone in our Club or District.

An extension of our speaker on Youth Exchange, read this story by Randy Bretz about Connection and Compassion. This journey started with Youth Exchange and spanned several years - people and countries connecting. Click here to read the story.

Rotary Members are People of Action. Through them we are able to support the 2024-25 Rotary Theme as we share The Magic Of Rotary.

Thank you to Lincoln South Rotary Club Members Joe Roberts and Dean Venter for sponsoring a team for the Omaha Millard Golf Outing on October 1. Joining Joe and Dean were Joe's brother John and friend Steve. Thank you for representing Lincoln South Rotary Club!

Lincoln South Rotary Club provides a great service to our community. We have done many single day / event service projects but also have multiple on-going projects. Click Read More and let us know where you might want to help.

Rotary Members are People of Action. Through them we are able to share the 2025-26 Rotary President's message to Unite For Good.

Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. We support education for all children and literacy for children and adults.

To learn more - click here.

We welcome Dean Venter as our newest Lincoln South Rotary Club Member. Dean first joined Rotary October 1, 2009, spending most of his time in Grand Island.

For more information about Rotary - all of the opportunities - click here.

Rotary Members are People of Action. Through them we are able to share the 2025-26 Rotary President's Message to Unite For Good.

Rotary makes high-quality health care available to vulnerable mothers and children so they can live longer and grow stronger. For more information, click here.

Lincoln South Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of recognizing support of The Rotary International Foundation. This week we were able to recognize a former Rotarian who continues to give to The Rotary Foundation.

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 made a commitment to provide substantial scholarships to students in health services. On May 30, 2025 Amber Mann was presented with a $5,000 scholarship to Bryan Health.

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. At $10,000 they are recognized as a Major Donor.

 

You can easily add your Happy Dollars to your charge when you check in at Rotary. Tom advised us that you can let him know if you wish to add to your charge to cover Happy Dollars - any amount. He will give you cash to put in the Happy Dollars bag during the meeting collection.

On Friday May 2, 2025, Lincoln South Rotary Club Members Joe Roberts and Dave Dietz attended the Nebraska City Rotary Club 100 Year Celebration Banquet.

Hundreds of dollars worth of items and $420 cash from Lincoln South Rotary Club Members was presented to Kyndal Hudson and Elijah Riley of Big Gumdrop Outdoors at our meeting on April 25, 2025.

Rotary believes in developing the next generation of leaders. Our programs help younger leaders build leadership skills, expand education and learn the value of service.

To learn more - click here.

Hundreds of dollars worth of items and $420 cash from Lincoln South Rotary Club Members was presented to Kyndal Hudson and Elijah Riley of Big Gumdrop Outdoors at our meeting on April 25, 2025.

Youth Exchange is looking for Host Families. This year we have two female students attending school in Lincoln. Suni encouraged all of us to consider hosting a student in our homes.

District Governor Tom Kerfoot was at Lincoln South Rotary Club on April 11 to present the highest service award from Rotary International - the Service Above Self Award - to Lincoln South Rotary Club Member Jenny Cardwell.

Rotary shares an interest in protecting our common legacy: the environment.

To learn more - click here.

Lincoln South Rotary Club is the sponsor of a Global Grant - Anna Singharath, the District 5650 Global Grant recipient.

Youth exchange is one of the oldest standing programs Rotary has. Rotary Youth Exchange Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students ages 15-19 are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries. It is am amazing opportunity for the students, families and the world as they become strong leaders for our future.

Help us get noticed! Share our Rotary stories.

Nikki Isemann shared an update on her career and activities as a Member Update on October 11, 2024.

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.

 

Lincoln South Rotary Club is the sponsor of the newest Interact Club in the District - Lincoln East High School Interact Club.

Your Lincoln South Rotary Foundation (local foundation) was created to provide grants to those in need in the Lincoln-area, with grant decisions determined solely by members of Lincoln South Rotary Club.  A full list of past grant recipients is available at www.lincolnsouthrotary.org.

The District 5650 Global Grants committee has selected Anna Singharath to be the 2024-25 Global Grants Scholar. Lincoln South Rotary Club has the honor of sponsoring Anna.

Lincoln South Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of strong support of The Rotary International Foundation. 

Lincoln South Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of strong support of The Rotary International Foundation. 

Pay your Happy Dollars online! Go to Rotary.org/myrotary and logon or click here (logon required at rotary.org).

We can all receive the Rotary magazine in digital format rather than paper. Read on to find out how to set that up!

Donations to The Rotary International Foundation support local projects - they are not all used Internationally! Lincoln South Rotary Club has completed projects over $51,000 using your donated funds!

Donations to The Rotary Foundation can be made and tracked online.

 

You can easily find your donation history and recognition status - click here to see a sample of the donation history and recognition status screens.

 

Click here for instructions to set up a logon at My Rotary. Once logged in select the Donate Button to donate - one time or to set up Rotary Direct.

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.

These principles have been developed over the years to provide Rotarians with a strong, common purpose and direction. They serve as a foundation for our relationships with each other and the action we take in the world.

Are you interested in the membership trends of the Club - maybe the age and gender trends? How about looking at the past history of goals and attainment in areas such as The Rotary Foundation.

At Lincoln South Rotary Club on Friday, June 23, 2023, we learned about one of our newest members, Heather Loughman.

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 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.

At Lincoln South Rotary Club on Friday, March 24, 2023, we learned about one of our newest members, Syd Widga.

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.

We heard from long-time member Kay Wunderlich during the Member Moment on December 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

On August 24, Scott Delisi presented a Member Moment.

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.