Meadowlane Pool, operated by the Meadowlane Parks Association, is undergoing renovations. Shannon Castillo the Chief Financial Officer of Combined Health Agencies Drive (CHAD), and Jude Werner, CFRE, Senior Director of Major & Planned Giving for St. Thomas Aquinas Church – Newman Center at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will fill us in on their work with the association and the particulars on the pool renovation project.
Christa told us about the Welcoming Americans model that the New Americans Task Force set in motion 20 years ago and that Nebraska Appleseed adopted to help immigrants assimilate into the Lincoln Community. To help them feel like a part of the community, citizenship classes, literacy classes, and classes on basics of how the community works, called My Community Academy, are offered. She let us know that we need to amplify our voices to be heard over the anti-immigrant voices that are prevalent today. Some interesting facts about immigration to Lincoln are that we have had no refugees settled here since President Trump took office again in January 2025 other than 7 families from South Africa, but we are seeing a fair amount of secondary migration such as Yazidi families who were settled in other parts of the country moving here because they are hearing from other Yazidis that Lincoln is a great place to live.
Christa encouraged us to watch for Lincoln Welcoming Week events that we can participate in to celebrate the rich cultural diversity in our communities. Remember, Lincoln East Rotary Club is proud to be a sponsor of Lincoln Welcoming Week, September 10-19, 2026!
A hearty welcome to David Hile, who joined Lincoln East Rotary on Wednesday! David has been helping with our social media presence, and his help has generated one potential new member already. Greet David when you see him and get to know him!
Ozzie Gilbertson is our newest Paul Harris recipient for his involvement in Rotary projects over the years. Remember, Ozzie was instrumental in starting our foundation! Pictured is his wife, Kaye, receiving it on his behalf.
Lincoln East Rotary will again be participating in the dictionary give away to 3rd graders. The night to get them ready will be Tuesday, September 29 at St Paul's United Methodist Church at 11th and N. Time to start will be announced. Please plan to be there because many hands make light work!
