Amy Knowles, RN, is part of the Tabitha Health Care Services Clinical Education Team. She is a passionate and experienced nurse educator dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare through education. Amy has over 30 years of experience in nursing, specializing in long-term and skilled care. For the past 20 years, she has assisted with nursing management, staff training, and education, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role of an educator.
In addition to the Clinical Educator role at Tabitha, Amy is an instructor for the Basic Nursing Assistant program through NHCA, which is pivotal in shaping the next generation of healthcare providers. Amy goes above and beyond to provide individualized attention, mentorship, and guidance to help students thrive on their nursing journey. Demonstrating her unwavering dedication to her students, she fosters a supportive learning environment that promotes active participation.
Amy is a Beatrice, NE, area native and lives there with her husband, Ryan, daughter, Avery, and two dogs (Vince and Theo). Her favorite hobbies are camping, paddle boarding, traveling, and a passion for refurbishing Airstream travel trailers. A 2022 summertime family adventure included a camping trip, traveling with the Airstream to Maine. 2023 plans summer goals include a trip to the Tetons and Yellowstone.
Recently, Rotary Youth Exchange student from Sweden Elli Bengtsson made a presentation at Rotary 14 about her experience in the United States as an Exchange student. Elli is currently attending high school in Wilbur, NE.
Pictured here are President John Gessert, with Rotary Youth Exchange Chair Regina Werum and Elli Bengtsson having a club banner exchange.
Missy Roh is the co-owner of Sylvan Learning of Lincoln and Prometric Testing with her husband Greg Roh. They also own three centers in the Omaha metro area. She is a second-generation franchisee owner. Her mother-in-law Lori Roh joined Sylvan in 1996. Missy began with the company in 2003 and took over operations in 2012 when Lori passed away. Missy is a mom to daughters Jayci and Kinsley. They lived in Lincoln for over 10 years and now are in Ashland, NE to be able to split their time between all of their businesses. Missy started her career out in accounting as a former CPA but fell in love with Sylvan and its mission so when asked to carry on the family business she didn’t hesitate. Missy’s focus for her company is to hire dedicated, passionate leaders who love helping kids succeed in school and building relationships in the community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time watching her youngest daughter play all the sports, paddle boarding at the lake, running, or just being outdoors with friends and family.
The High School Services Committee recently presented the Rotary High School Leadership Awards to Emely Chairez and Anna Tessendorf.
Emely Chairez from Lincoln Southwest High School was honored with the Student Leadership Award on May 12. Emely served as the Editor-in-Chief for The Hawk, Southwest’s Newspaper. She also has been active in Teens Influencing Equity Club, LSW Scholar Advisor and Equity Cadre, Genders and Sexualities Alliance, and more. She has been on Honor Roll, receiving the highest distinction throughout high school. Emely plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this fall, majoring in Journalism and Mass Communications.
Pictured here are Emely Chairez with High School Services Committee rep Christine Weeks and President John Gessert.
Anna Tessendorf is a high school senior at Lincoln East High School. During her time at East, she has been an Ambassador for two years, a board member of her school’s National Honor Society, and was on the Student Council for two years. She has been on East’s dance team for three years and was a co-captain this year. Also, she was the layout editor for her school’s yearbook and worked on the yearbook the previous year as well. Outside of class, she was a member of East’s Girls Who Code club, a competitive dancer for her dance studio, and a member of NHRI for two years. Looking forward, Anna will attend Chapman University as a part of Dodge College as a Film and Television Production major and is a member of the honors college. Additionally, she plans to minor in Computer Science, as her career goal is to be an editor for film and other forms of media. Anna is grateful for her time at East High School and looks forward to attending her top college.
Pictured here are Anna Tessendorf with High School Services Committee rep Joel Stoltenow and President John Gessert.
Recently, Danni Starck had the honor of presenting President John Gessert with a heartfelt Thank You poster from the students of Everett Elementary, our partner school. The poster was a token of appreciation for the dedicated Rotarians' Read Aloud project chaired by Anne Brandt and Stacy Gutschenritter, which profoundly impacted the students' love for reading and learning. The gesture highlighted the meaningful collaboration between our organization and Everett Elementary, showcasing the positive influence of community partnerships in education. President Gessert graciously accepted the poster, recognizing the collective effort behind the project and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young learners.
Recently, President John Gessert presented Tammy Ward with her Paul Harris Fellow certificate and pin. Tammy Ward was the Chair of the Lincoln City Council from May 2022-23 and served as the NW District representative from May 2019-2023. Tammy is the former Vice Chair of the Lincoln Electric System (LES) Board of Directors, serves on the University of Nebraska President’s Advisory Council and is a past Board member for Lincoln’s Downtown Rotary Club #14 and the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center Board of Directors. She has recently been appointed to serve on the Educare Lincoln and Mental Health Association of Nebraska Boards of Directors. Tammy also served as the past Executive Director of the Seniors Foundation of Lincoln and Lancaster County. While at the Seniors Foundation, she helped lead the development team that successfully persuaded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to select the Lincoln VA campus as the site for the new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) after nearly a seven-year search. Tammy was a former Congressional aide to U.S. Senator Ben Nelson, where she was the District Manager in the Lincoln office. She also served in the Lincoln Mayor’s Office, the Nebraska Governor’s Office, the Nebraska Legislature and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development Director’s office. Tammy is a native of Geneva, Nebraska, and remains involved in the family cattle operations.
May 23, 2023, Nebraska City. In a heartfelt tribute, Allen Beermann, accompanied by his family and close friends, planted a commemorative coral reef magnolia tree at Arbor Lodge in Nebraska City. This meaningful ceremony took place at the exact location where Allen and Linda celebrated their wedding 52 years ago. While Linda is no longer with us, Allen, surrounded by loved ones, honored their enduring love and the cherished memories they shared. The presence of family and friends added warmth and support to this special occasion as they stood together, united in celebrating the remarkable journey of Allen and Linda's marriage. The planted tree serves as a poignant symbol, representing their enduring bond and a lasting tribute to their love and commitment.
Recently, Past President Roger Ludemann, on behalf of the Rotary 14 Foundation Board, recognized the most recent donors to our Foundation's 5|25 Campaign. L to R: Roger Ludemann, Charley Ogden, Fred Ohles, Sheila Odom, Chuck Schroeder, Brett Neely, Mari Lane Gewecke, Kathryn Schubert, Jess Kinser, Erin Dobesh, Courtney Hillebrecht, Pat Leach, Martin Massengale, Rotary 14 Foundation President Sandi Fabry, Jim Mastera, Kris Rutford, Steve Letts, and President John Gessert. Thank you, Rotarians!
Lincoln Rotary Club 14 recognized Rhonda Seacrest as the 2023 Nebraskan of the Year in April. Rhonda Seacrest grew up in North Platte, NE. The work ethic and culture of a rural, pioneer town helped set her character and focus. Hard work is part of being in Nebraska. There were pioneers that traveled on and there were those who stayed. You do a thing because it needs doing. You see a problem and you solve it. These are among Rhonda’s guiding tenets. Many years ago, Rhonda found a passion for supporting children and youth in our communities, investing in backpack and shelter programs, acknowledging that hungry children find it difficult to grow and learn. In that same vein, she is committed to the arts, “because they build ideas and vision for the future, “while inspiring children and helping them fuel their minds.
Video created by Randy Bretz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjLbR3B7XsA
The Rotary Foundation (International Foundation) has consistently received 4 stars out of 4 Star Rating by Charity Navigator. So you can donate with absolute confidence! Click here to donate online to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) of Rotary International (RI). Our goal this year for both the Annual Fund and PolioPlus is $32,000. So far, we have met $14,524. We still need to raise $17,476.00. We need your help. Your donation comes back to us in three years in the form of Global and District grants to spend on our projects. Thank you to those who have donated so far this year. The following are our YTD 2022-2023 Rotary International Foundation Donors as of January 8, 2023.
Here's the unedited live capture video of President John Gessert's rendition of Come Together Right Now, Rotary! The performance earned President John Gessert and his Rotary band a standing ovation from fellow Rotarians.
Club Information
Connect with Rotary 14
Rotary 14 is the place to be.
Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
Talon Room
230 N 12th Street, Suite 1
Lincoln, NE 68508 United States of America
The Rotary Club of Lincoln is meeting in a hybrid format. Join us at the Talon Room or on Zoom using the following information:
To join the meeting virtually, use this link: https://bit.ly/3YosV2W
Meeting ID: 849 7976 2224
Password: 661910
AMY KNOWLES
Recently, Rotary Youth Exchange student from Sweden Elli Bengtsson made a presentation at Rotary 14 about her experience in the United States as an Exchange student. Elli is currently attending high school in Wilbur, NE.
Emely Chairez from Lincoln Southwest High School was honored with the Student Leadership Award on May 12. Emely served as the Editor-in-Chief for The Hawk, Southwest’s Newspaper. She also has been active in Teens Influencing Equity Club, LSW Scholar Advisor and Equity Cadre, Genders and Sexualities Alliance, and more. She has been on Honor Roll, receiving the highest distinction throughout high school. Emely plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this fall, majoring in Journalism and Mass Communications.
Anna Tessendorf is a high school senior at Lincoln East High School. During her time at East, she has been an Ambassador for two years, a board member of her school’s National Honor Society, and was on the Student Council for two years. She has been on East’s dance team for three years and was a co-captain this year. Also, she was the layout editor for her school’s yearbook and worked on the yearbook the previous year as well. Outside of class, she was a member of East’s Girls Who Code club, a competitive dancer for her dance studio, and a member of NHRI for two years. Looking forward, Anna will attend Chapman University as a part of Dodge College as a Film and Television Production major and is a member of the honors college. Additionally, she plans to minor in Computer Science, as her career goal is to be an editor for film and other forms of media. Anna is grateful for her time at East High School and looks forward to attending her top college.
Recently, Danni Starck had the honor of presenting President John Gessert with a heartfelt Thank You poster from the students of Everett Elementary, our partner school. The poster was a token of appreciation for the dedicated Rotarians' Read Aloud project chaired by Anne Brandt and Stacy Gutschenritter, which profoundly impacted the students' love for reading and learning. The gesture highlighted the meaningful collaboration between our organization and Everett Elementary, showcasing the positive influence of community partnerships in education. President Gessert graciously accepted the poster, recognizing the collective effort behind the project and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young learners.
Recently, President John Gessert presented Tammy Ward with her Paul Harris Fellow certificate and pin. Tammy Ward was the Chair of the Lincoln City Council from May 2022-23 and served as the NW District representative from May 2019-2023. Tammy is the former Vice Chair of the Lincoln Electric System (LES) Board of Directors, serves on the University of Nebraska President’s Advisory Council and is a past Board member for Lincoln’s Downtown Rotary Club #14 and the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center Board of Directors. She has recently been appointed to serve on the Educare Lincoln and Mental Health Association of Nebraska Boards of Directors. Tammy also served as the past Executive Director of the Seniors Foundation of Lincoln and Lancaster County. While at the Seniors Foundation, she helped lead the development team that successfully persuaded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to select the Lincoln VA campus as the site for the new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) after nearly a seven-year search. Tammy was a former Congressional aide to U.S. Senator Ben Nelson, where she was the District Manager in the Lincoln office. She also served in the Lincoln Mayor’s Office, the Nebraska Governor’s Office, the Nebraska Legislature and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development Director’s office. Tammy is a native of Geneva, Nebraska, and remains involved in the family cattle operations.
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