General News                                                                                                                   

Quarterly dues statements were distributed on Tuesday.  Please consider including a contribution to the Rotary Foundation as part of your dues.  

The June 6th meeting will be held at the new clubhouse at the Tiberon Golf Course in Omaha.  A sign up sheet will be distributed at an upcoming meeting to get a number of those attending and to share rides.

Please remember to hold the evening of June 10th for a Rotary Social at the home of Jim and Laura Nelson.  Jim will announce more about the event at an upcoming meeting.

The annual golf tournament has been scheduled for August 11th.  Please reserve this date and plan to help out.  All members will be asked to form a golf team.  Additional details will be announced at a later date.

Reminder: attendance should be at least 60%, if you can't make a meeting you can do a make-up on the web at the following address:  http://www.rotaryeclub7890.org/makeup.htm

Blair Rotary Student of the Month

Nick Winiger, son of Darrell and Patty Winiger, was honored as the May Rotary Student of the Month.  Nick has been involved in a number of activities including: Soccer; All State Choral Member; Show Choir; Outstanding Freshman, Sophomore and Junior Choir Member; French Club; Band; National Honor Society; Homecoming Court; 12th Night Festival Choral Singer; Marching Band; Concert Band and Outstanding Mid-fielder in 2006.  Academically Nick has excelled as well receiving a Letter in Academics, being on Honor Roll, recognized as a High Ability Learner and accepted into the UNL Honors Program.  Nick plans to attend Creighton University in the fall, he is currently undecided on his major.  As a Blair Rotary Student of the Month, Nick will receive $300 for educational expenses next fall.

Notes from the May 16th Meeting - Program Chair - Janet Philipp

Janet's guests for the day were three Dana College students who were part of a group of 40 Dana students who spent their spring break in Louisiana helping victims of Hurricane Katrina.  Several members of the group had gone down in the fall to help and were so inspired by the need that they organized this second trip to the area.  Through their own initiative the students raised the necessary resources to make the trip.  This included transportation (provided by Woodhouse Auto Group) and the money needed for fuel and food during the trip.  A majority of the funds raised came from Lutheran churches in Nebraska, Dana College and local businesses.  The initial goal was to form a group of 8 but the response from students was overwhelming and 40 ended up going on the trip.

The group worked in Sidell, Louisiana which is located on the coast near New Orleans.  Upon arrival the devastation was overwhelming, even though this was seven months after the hurricane.  The immediate reaction was one of helplessness and hopelessness.  Through working with a local Lutheran congregation and Operation Blessing, they quickly realized that they could make a difference for several families in the area.  The homeowners appreciated the help provided by the students and a bond was quickly established.  During the last couple of days during the week the homeowners also provided food for the workers.

The group of students slept in the pews at the church and the congregation provided breakfast for the workers.  Most of the other meals consisted of MRE's from the military.  Despite the hard work the students didn't complain and were ready to get up each morning and head out to do more work.  The entire experience was inspirational for the students and life changing for many of them.  One of the more interesting observations was the cross section of students in the group.  Students from a variety of different interest groups on campus were part of the team and despite their varying interests and backgrounds they formed a bond that broke down any barriers. 

Several of the students are organizing another trip down to help in the fall and over spring break next year. It is their hope to raise enough funds and generate enough interest to take a similar sized group to area.  

Rotary Question of the Week

What are the four avenues of service for a Rotarian?

Rotary Fact of the Week (from  the RI or District Website)

Rotarians are called to be of service in four areas:

• Club Service
• Community Service
• Vocational Service
• International Service

Thought of the Week

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing."  Abraham Lincoln

May Birthdays
Ed Jipp - 12th
Jim Peterson - 16th
Ken Rhoades - 22nd
Blake Dillon - 27th
Dan Veskrna - 28th
George Hall - 26th