Service‌ Columbus and the Surrounding Area Is Rich with People Who Give of Their Time, Talents and Resources

A LOOK AT THE COLUMBUS AREA AND WHAT’S MOVING IT FORWARD POWER&PROGRESS Saturday, February 24, 2018 | columbustelegram.com | SECTION E

JIM OSBORN, THE COLUMBUS TELEGRAM‌

JIM OSBORN, THE COLUMBUS TELEGRAM‌ Judy Puetz has become the jewelry lady during her years of volunteering her time at the Simon House thrift store. She spends about every weekend she’s in town in Michael Kaczor began volunteering his time at Center For Survivors two years ago. During that time her basement sorting, cleaning and pricing the many generous donations the store he has devoted hundreds of hours to polishing up the outdoor areas of the building and grounds along receives to help people in need. 13th Street.

Service‌ Columbus and the surrounding area is rich with people who give of their time, talents and resources. Some of those who serve have done so abroad through the military or mission trips. Others are giving of themselves right in their own communities as members of law enforcement or fire departments, by volunteering with nonprofit organizations or completing acts of kindness in service to others. Over the course of three Saturdays, we will showcase some of the people and service they have given.

COURTESY PHOTO‌ Bill Kuehn of Columbus, left, and Dennis Wademan of Scottsbluff volunteered to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands in December for a 30-day stay COURTESY PHOTO‌ helping restore power to the hurricane-ravaged Patti Lee-Smith of David City finds enjoyment territory. The Nebraska Public Power District in running, and running provides her energy employees instructed linemen on how to make LIZ MORALES, THE COLUMBUS TELEGRAM‌ for helping in several community and regional more permanent repairs to the islands’ power Jerry Hollatz holds a photograph of the USS San Marcos, the ship on which he sailed endeavors. grid. for three of his four years in the Navy.

COURTESY PHOTO‌ Members of Global Passion Ministries-Nebraska are going on a medical COURTESY PHOTO‌ JULIE BLUM, THE COLUMBUS TELEGRAM‌ mission trip to Nicaragua. Pictured, from left, are Dan Smith, Tamra Virgene Otte is named the Volunteer of Photographer Gina Borer, center, looks at photos she took Boettcher, John Novotny, Kevin Harm and Scott Boettcher. the Year at the Butler County Chamber of of Rachel Oceguera, left, during a free senior photo shoot. Commerce banquet held in January. She has Also pictured is Borer’s mother Lynn Behlen, who helped volunteered at the senior center in David City with the photo shoot. for five years.

Platte Center Elementary School Principal Quentin Witt, left, talks to members of the Central Community College women’s basketball team while giving them a tour of the school. The team is part of a new Raider Reading program that has Central players assisting at the elementary. JULIE BLUM, THE COLUM- BUS TELEGRAM‌

Judy and Don Dworak were named the 2017 Distinguished Philanthropist Award winners for their contributions to Columbus and the state. COURTESY PHOTO‌ LIZ MORALES, THE COLUMBUS TELEGRAM‌ Catherine Novacek has coordinated blood drives at the Oak Ballroom in 00 Schuyler for nearly 24 years. 1

COL_SPC3-02-24-E1_1 E2 | Saturday, February 24, 2018 POWER AND PROGRESS Columbus Telegram

LIZ MORALES, THE COLUMBUS TELEGRAM‌ Seaman Jerry Hollatz of Columbus was one of the firstA merican sailors to travel the St. Lawrence River. Jerry Hollatz spent four years in the Navy and saw much of the world. Hollatz reflects on his military experience

LIZ MORALES [email protected]‌ ‌COLUMBUS — A flag pole sits just off the front porch of Jerry Hollatz’s home. Flying proudly atop the pole is Old Glory herself. This placement of the American flag is perfect for Hollatz to enjoy from his dining room table, where he sips his afternoon coffee. “See that thing right there?” Hollatz asked with a prideful Jerry Hollatz of Columbus earned smile. “That thing is just awe- this certificate in 1969 after some.” crossing through the St. Lawrence There has always been a strong River. military presence in the Hollatz family. Each of his five brothers While in Rhodes, a party was served in the Armed Forces, Hol- being thrown for the actors. One latz included. such actor was Gregory Peck. “Every brother in my family “I did get to see the stars, but joined the military for employ- I wasn’t able to hang out with ment opportunities,” he ex- them,” Hollatz said. plained. “My father passed away Hollatz was part of the Am- when I was 4-years-old, so that phibious Navy, which he says is left my mother to do what she an entirely different entity than could.” the Navy. He said their main duty The first Hollatz brother was was to “haul stuff around,” which a sailor for 20 years, the second included boats. was in the Navy for four years. “One of the things I got to The third brother was an Airman work with was the LSD,” he said. for 30 years, the fourth served as a “That’s a landing ship dock. What soldier for four years and Hollatz’s it did was sink into the water and fifth brother served in the Navy drop a tailgate down. After that for four years. the boat would go inside and wa- Hollatz himself spent four years ter would pump out from and into in the Navy and saw quite a bit of two holding water tanks. It was the world. kind of like a lock system.” “I was in the Mediterranean for Hollatz spends a great amount about a year,” Hollatz said. “What of time looking back on his am- they had me do was be a machin- phibious adventures. ist for ships. I repaired machinery “I always was treated very well and repaired as was needed. The when I was in uniform,” he said. Navy sent me to school to learn “The two things I’m most gung ho how to do all that.” for are the military and church. I The USS San Marcos became pushed for a Sertoma flag in front Hollatz’s home away from home of Berean Church, and we did end for three years. The Arctic was his up getting it.” first cruise. After serving his country for It was really good fun,” Hollatz four years, Hollatz spent the next said. “We did a three month tour 34 years as a machinist for Bec- up there and you can’t imagine all ton Dickinson. During that time the things I got to see.” he picked up a habit of delving The Elba native began his Arc- into any literature he could find on tic journey in Norfolk, Virginia, World War Two and the Civil War. where he awaited the ship. There The 78-year-old never lost his he ran into a soldier friend from sense of wonder, either. Humphrey. “I go where I want, which was “We got to talk a little before a great thing about the Navy,” he we boarded. He asked me where said. “Today my wife, Linda, and I they were sending me and I told just pick up in the truck and drive him the Arctic,” Hollatz said. “The in any direction for sometimes guy laughed pretty hard on that, 300 miles. One of my favorite he didn’t feel bad for me at all. things to do is go through a small Come to find out, we were on the LIZ MORALES PHOTOS, THE COLUMBUS TELEGRAM‌ town and try to imagine what the same ship.” Jerry Hollatz holds a photograph of the USS San Marcos, the ship on which he sailed for three of his four years claim to fame was.” Aboard the USS San Marcos, in the Navy. Sometimes the Hollatz clan Hollatz was able to take part in a brings along a stowaway. delivery system of sorts. Caribbean. orders to continue work in the first ship to go down the Saint “We go with friends sometimes, “They had these things called “We spent about three months Mediterranean Sea. Lawrence Sea Way,” he said. “I too,” Hollatz said. “They invite us DEW,” he said. “That was a Dis- down there, and a couple of weeks “That was my first Med. Sea happened to be on that ship.” somewhere and we just pick up tant Early Warning. There isn’t in Cuba,” Hollatz said. “I got a cruise,” he said. “It was the same In the fall of the same year, Hol- and go. I call that ‘bumming.’” any of that around anymore. That government driver’s license, so I time Lebanon had its first upris- latz was sent back to the Mediter- When he isn’t bumming with was the early kind of sonar and all got to drive the vehicle. When I ing, the Beirut uprising. Being ranean to finish a second cruise of Linda, Hollatz sits at that afore- that. The Army built them and was in Guantanamo Bay I decided there made me eligible for the Spain and Libya. mentioned dining room table and what the Navy had to do was haul to work as a taxi driver. I have al- VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars).” “I kept doing the volunteer taxi reflects on the flag and his time the parts to them in Baffin Bay.” ways liked to drive around, so it During this cruise, Hollatz gig,” he explained. “That was re- defending its honor. Hollatz said he was able to see a just made sense.” sailed to Gibraltar, Spain, Italy, ally just an excuse to get off the “I just can’t get over it,” he said. lot of the world, “the Eastern part This particular time, Hollatz Greece, France and Turkey. Im- ship, and it was something to do. “A boy from flatland Nebraska got especially.” worked as a driver in Guantanamo mediately following this bout of We went to Sardinia, Tunisia, to see all of that excitement and all When the three months passed Bay during the time Fidel Castro excitement, he was sent to a very Malta, Greece, Crete and Rhodes. parts of the world. I got to serve in the Arctic, Hollatz was sent on began his uprising. special and historical location. Rhodes is actually where Guns in with a great bunch of guys, and it 00 his next adventure. That was the In 1958, the Navy gave Hollatz “In 1959 the Navy sent their Averone was filmed.” was so much fun.” 1

COL_SPC3-02-24-E2_1 Columbus Telegram POWER AND PROGRESS Saturday, February 24, 2018 | E3 Dworaks recognized for philanthropic work

JULIE BLUM low-income families to send He was able to explore his life- [email protected]‌ their children to private or paro- long interest in politics by being ‌COLUMBUS — Don and Judy chial schools. The Dworaks have elected as a senator to the Ne- Dworak live their lives by a simple been active supporters of Scotus braska Legislature for two terms lesson. Central Catholic, as well as St. starting in 1974. “We were taught to share if you Bonaventure and St. Isidore Cath- “That was one of the greatest can share,” Don said. olic churches. experiences in my life to be able The couple have been doing just The two believe education is to help people,” he said. that in numerous ways, impacting important and served as honorary A piece of legislation he is par- both the community and state. chairs during the effort to build a ticularly proud to have introduced For their contributions, the new library/cultural arts center. is the habitat stamp program Dworaks were selected as the “There’s a real need for it,” Judy passed in 1977. The program has 2017 Distinguished Philanthro- said of the project that got turned raised millions of dollars used to pist Award winners. They received down by local residents during an purchase thousands of acres of the award during a Columbus Area April bond vote. land for public hunting, fishing Philanthropy Council program. They also started the Judy and and outdoor recreation. The honor is appreciated, but COURTESY PHOTO‌ Don Dworak Endowment for the He also headed up an effort to not something the two were ex- Judy and Don Dworak were named the 2017 Distinguished Philanthropist Columbus Community Hospital purchase and renovate the Ne- pecting. Award winners for their contributions to Columbus and the state. Foundation. That endowment braska State Museum building and “They stretched,” Don said. assists patients who need help served as a delegate to Republican “When I look at the previous re- in both of them early to perform their own insurance business. paying hospital bills. National Conventions in 1976 and cipients, I think we are not in that charitable acts. When they weren’t working, the Don has supported more than a 1980. league.” “I think we feel that way be- two were active in supporting dozen other groups as a member Even with a long history of giv- That humility covers more than cause we had pretty good guidance many nonprofit organizations, or by serving on the board, including back, the two feel like what 60 years of giving to the commu- from our parents and grandpar- especially in the area of education. ing the Boy Scouts, Rotary, Eagles, they have done isn’t that special. nity. ents. They helped people,” he said. Recently, Don served on the American Red Cross, Fellowship “We’ve probably taken more The two are originally from Da- Don was a teacher for two years, board for the Children’s Schol- of Christian Athletes, Nebraska than we’ve given, if you want to vid City and moved to Columbus then worked for an insurance arship Fund of Omaha, which Wildlife Federation and Nebraska be honest about it. All of us are in in 1969. Don said it was instilled agency before the couple opened provides tuition assistance for Farm Bureau Federation. that position,” Don said.

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COL_SPC3-02-24-E3_1 E4 | Saturday, February 24, 2018 POWER AND PROGRESS Columbus Telegram Puetz gives helping hand to those in need JIM OSBORN to helping those who suffer, was Puetz also attends Tea With Si- pounds of food last time,” said [email protected]‌ formed to establish the thrift mon, a biennial fundraising event Puetz, who has done her share of ‌COLUMBUS – Judy Puetz of store. at the Lutheran Center in which lugging groceries off the semi- Columbus is pretty easy to find The city woman, a member of organizers invite a speaker, held truck that delivers them to town. on most Saturdays. St. Anthony Parish of the Catholic to raise contributions to stock Puetz said providing assistance The longtime Society of St. Church in Columbus, signed on to the Simon House food pantry. The for people in need can come up Vincent de Paul/Simon House volunteer at Simon House in 2003 event typically attracts hundreds suddenly. Inc. volunteer can be found in the when the thrift store was estab- of people. It’s not unusual for an individ- basement of her Second Street lished at 1853 10th Ave. Last September’s event, which ual or a family to wait until the last home sorting, cleaning, repairing There was tremendous inter- included donations for a silent minute to seek emergency help. A and pricing the bags upon bags of est in Columbus from all three auction, was held to raise funds family might ask for $200 or $300 jewelry that are donated for sale at Catholic parishes, St. Anthony, for a handicapped accessible en- of help with a late power bill at the nonprofit organization’s thrift St. Bonaventure and St. Isidore, trance to Simon House. 2 p.m., with the utility company store. about participating after talks The auction consists of items set to shut off the lights at 5 p.m. “I work on it every weekend JIM OSBORN, THE COLUMBUS TELEGRAM‌ with Omaha archdiocese officials that people make and donate, said “It’s so humbling when you I’m in town,” said the 70-year- Judy Puetz has become the at that time about a ministry of Puetz, who along with her hus- know you can help,” said Puetz, old Puetz, who has pretty much jewelry lady during her years of lay people serving others in need band, who retired a couple of years who grew up in Bruno east of Da- crowded her husband Gary’s volunteering her time at the Simon regardless of creed, opinion, sex ago as activities director at Scotus vid City. “People are so grateful, workbench area out of the base- House thrift store. She spends or race. Central Catholic Junior-Senior and it helps us, too. Helping the ment to make room for up to 20 about every weekend she’s in town Sales from donations to the High School, has two grown sons poor makes us better people.” bags of jewelry waiting to go on in her basement sorting, cleaning 26-year-old Simon House, man- and two grandchildren. Puetz has also stepped up for display at Simon House for shop- and pricing the many generous aged by Lucy Lutjelusche, are used The funds raised were used to the nonprofit organization in an- pers. donations the store receives to help by the nonprofit organization to improve the entrance canopy, cre- other way. “I’ve taken over the basement,” people in need. provide assistance to those in the ate a larger foyer area and add au- Puetz is an original member of joked Puetz, noting that her par- Columbus area with some of the tomatic doors, said Puetz, whose the Society of St. Vincent de Paul/ ticipation has allowed her to pur- basic needs of daily living at no husband volunteers to provide the Simon House board of directors, sue a lifelong passion for helping Jo Van Ackeren in the spirit of cost. lawn care at the thrift store. along with Bonnie McPhillips. the less fortunate. her brother, Brother Simon Van “Columbus is such a generous, Simon House also lends assis- She’ll complete her fifth three- “I’ve always had a soft spot in Ackeren O.F.M. who, with a love giving town,” said Puetz, whose tance in setting the tables of those year term on the board at the end my heart for people who don’t for his fellow man, lightened the day job is serving as the office in need. The organization usually of this year. have a lot,” she said. “I just wanted burdens of others. manager of Kubler Management distributes food gotten from the She hasn’t decided if she’ll step to be a part of that uplifting spirit In 2003, the Society of St. Vin- Inc., a financial advisory firm Food Bank of the Heartland in down. in this community.” cent de Paul/Simon House Inc., located at 1553 27th Ave. “It’s Omaha to needy local families “It’s always good to get new In 1991, the Simon House was an international Catholic orga- amazing what we get in jewelry three or four times a year. blood (in an organization), but I founded in Columbus by Mary nization of lay persons devoted donations.” “I think we gave away 14,000 hate to leave,” Puetz said. Handyman skill set allows local resident to benefit Center for Survivors JIM OSBORN the grounds. building. [email protected]‌ He also shined some lights on Along with the center’s holi- ‌COLUMBUS – There’s no the center, which came as a big day decorations and hangings, shortage of chores to get done surprise. Kaczor has created some “beauti- with Michael Kaczor’s skill set. The center’s outdoor lighting ful flower arrangements” outside, That’s what the 58-year-old system, which was dark when Pitlar said. He’s now designing owner of Fence Shop has learned Kaczor started as a volunteer, is some indoor shelving units for during the past couple of years now operating. He downplayed storage of client resources. since he began volunteering his his contribution, pointing out it “My intentions are to keep do- services to spruce up the Center was just switching out some pho- ing what I’ve been doing,” said for Sexual Assault and Domestic tocells and light bulbs. Kaczor, noting he has no plans to Violence Survivors at 3103 13th St. “It was a simple fix,” Kaczor ease up on his volunteer services. “I learned a long time ago that said. “We’ve been blessed that Mike if you have handyman skills in Easy or not, it was appreciated. has come in and helped us,” Pitlar Columbus, you’ll never run out “We didn’t ask him or know he said. “There’s no cutting corners of work to do,” said Kaczor, who was working on this, but what a with Mike, when he makes up his has been building fences (wood, fabulous surprise it was,” said mind to do something, he does it vinyl and chain link) for custom- Pitlar, adding the handyman in- right.” ers since opening his shop two stalled a light on the building’s The client services available at decades ago. front door sign so clients and the center include crisis advocacy Two years ago, Kaczor arrived visitors coming at night would be for domestic violence, sexual as- at the Center for Survivors to have able to see the center right away. sault, stalking, teen dating vio- a look at a beaten up fence that “I’ll tell you,” Pitlar said, “that lence, child abuse, elder abuse and shielded the center’s backyard working in the field we do, how human trafficking. A hotline can playground for children. It was the JIM OSBORN, THE COLUMBUS TELEGRAM‌ much it truly means to us when be reached at 1-800-658-4482 24 beginning of what have become Michael Kaczor began volunteering his time at Center For Survivors two we have to come after hours, what hours a day. his weekly weekend visits to the years ago. During that time he has devoted hundreds of hours to polish a safety measure it is to have our Other services include emer- center aimed at gradually making up the outdoor areas of the building and grounds along 13th Street. building all lit up.” gency shelter for individuals and improvements to the site. Kaczor also installed a cement families, legal/medical assistance “It all started with the fencing, which turned out to be landscap- area cemetery in which his father patio in the play yard area, do- and referral, English/Spanish then I just started asking ques- ing improvements that would and other family members are nating his own labor while also support groups, awareness pre- tions about any other jobs that polish the center’s exterior, giving buried. managing to get the cement as sentations, English/Spanish needed to get done around the clients and visitors a more inviting He was able to figure out the a gift. He also offered his labor Men’s Batterer’s Intervention center,” remembered Kaczor, who place to come. underground sprinklers that the for spreading mulch and moving Program and English/Span- grew up in Columbus. “I just kept “We’ve gotten tons of compli- center had never utilized and get rocks around and for cutting and ish Turing Points Program (for on asking more questions.” ments on the landscaping,” Pitlar the system up and running. He has shifting sod around the exterior of women who use violence). The center got a deal on the said. She said Kaczor donated al- maintained the system ever since. the building. The center, which serves cli- fence. most 120 hours of time to the cen- “I wanted to see what I could He also took on the task of ents in Platte, Colfax, Butler, Polk, “Not only did Michael give us ter in 2016 and nearly 220 hours do to make the grass look pret- painting the stripes on the cen- Nance and Boone counties, had a great deal on the fence, he do- in 2017. tier,” Kaczor said with a smile. “It ter’s wraparound parking spaces. 4,751 volunteer hours provided nated his time to install it,” said Kaczor brought some landscap- took me two years get it where I Kaczor also cut up and removed during 2016. The center had 3,021 Traci Pitlar, the center’s volunteer ing experience to his new volun- wanted it.” a large tree that had fallen over total face-to-face contacts for coordinator. teer gig. Kaczor is at the center every during a storm. He designed, crisis counseling and follow-up When the playground area was The city man, who has never week from spring through fall built and decorated the porch pots advocacy, education, training and finished up, the “one-man” crew married or had children of his mowing, fertilizing and trim- outside the center’s entrances and personal advocacy in 2016, the went looking for his next task, own, has been a caretaker of an ming shrubs while maintaining washed all the windows on the full-year figures were available.

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COL_SPC3-02-24-E4_1 Columbus Telegram POWER AND PROGRESS Saturday, February 24, 2018 | E5 New team, same mission heading to Nicaragua LIZ MORALES there was a great need for medical [email protected]‌ care.” ‌COLUMBUS — It has been The Novotnys were introduced nearly a year since Tamra to a medical mission group called Boettcher has seen her “family” Forward Edge. The next year in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. Boettcher went to Managua to The local registered nurse has work for a clinic that operated on traveled to the Central Ameri- cleft lips and palates, which are can country with Global Passion common in the area. Ministries-Nebraska since 2010 “Once we were working with to perform minor surgeries for the Forward Edge, we saw that there people there. was a more efficient way that Her team previously included we could help these people,” Dean and Carolyn Athey, who Boettcher said. “So in 2011 we made their final trip in 2017, leav- joined Global Passion Minis- ing Boettcher to lead the group. tries. We later decided to add Boettcher is joined on her next Nebraska to the name to clarify trip, that was set for February, by who we are.” her husband Scott, Dan Smith, Cleft lip and palate surgeries John Novotny and Kevin Harm, are in high demand in Nicaragua. who will help build homes and While the condition is not well take on other construction proj- understood by the natives, No- ects in the city. votny said the need for the sur- “We’re the construction fix-it geries is “philosophical.” COURTESY PHOTO‌ team,” Novotny said. “The group “There is a lot of witchcraft that Members of Global Passion Ministries-Nebraska are going on a medical mission trip to Nicaragua. Pictured, from has generously given us the title goes on there,” Novotny said. “So left, are Dan Smith, Tamra Boettcher, John Novotny, Kevin Harm and Scott Boettcher. ‘The MacGyvers.’ We do whatever it’s a spiritual and cultural com- we have to do in order to help in ponent to them thinking their at the clinic. It is not uncommon “It’s going to be a new experi- Volunteers do not need to have any way that we can.” kids are born cursed. It’s a curse for us to see people staying over- ence for me,” Scott said. “It will be a medical background. General maintenance of ex- to them, whether they think it’s night in tents in hopes of being interesting to see the culture and “All you need to do is be a good isting homes and buildings and real or not.” seen, but sometimes we have to what kind of an impact we will servant. There is so much more equipment upkeep will also be on Since medical care is not as turn patients down. The good have on their lives.” that can be done,” Tamra said. the agenda. widely available there as it is in thing is they know we will always Smith said he has been prepar- “We sometimes work outside our The annual trips began when the United States, Boettcher said be back.” ing to do something like this all comfort zone, but that’s OK.” Novotny and his wife, Dr. Nila some children do not get cleft lip Harm, a nurse practitioner, is his life. For her, the most-rewarding Novotny, went on a mission trip and palate surgeries until their assisting in the medical mission “I have no idea what it’s going aspect of the trip comes from the to Nicaragua in 2009 with their teenage years. by providing additional major to be like,” Smith said. “But I can- people they help. church. “In a week I did about 100 pro- scar surgeries, treating tonsillitis not wait to see what God can use “I just love how gracious they “It was a non-medical mission cedures,” Boettcher said. “In that and performing other minor op- us for. Even though I don’t have are to be seen by us,” she said. trip and we took our children with time, there are long lines of people erations. a medical background, I know I “Their love of God, simplicity and us,” John Novotny said. “Immedi- waiting at the doors to be helped. The trip is the first for Scott can use my skills to help out in graciousness are what I love to see ately after we got there we realized In a week we can have 500 people Boettcher and Smith. any way that I can.” the most.”

Above: The mountainous terrain on St. Thomas made getting to downed power poles and lines difficultor f the hundreds of volunteer linemen who turned out to restore power after Category 5 hurricanes Irma and Maria struck the U.S. territory. Left: Bill Kuehn of Columbus, left, and Dennis Wademan of Scottsbluff volunteered to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands in December for a 30- day stay helping restore power to the hurricane-ravaged territory. The Nebraska Public Power District employees instructed linemen on how to make more permanent repairs to the islands’ power grid. COURTESY PHOTO‌S NPPD employees help restore power to hurricane-ravaged islands JIM OSBORN storms in a century, with a deadly other debris scattered every- that power could be restored by pages of instructions on how to [email protected]‌ mix of pummeling winds and ris- where on the ground. Christmas, Kuehn said. fix the power correctly,” he said. ‌The task for Bill Kuehn of Co- ing waters. The hurricane-force winds “They were super-nice. They Kuehn and Wademan returned lumbus and Dennis Wademan The one-two combination ripped windshields and windows were all very positive and grate- home in mid-January, and were of Scottsbluff was to peel off was followed two weeks later by off most vehicles on the island. ful (for the help),” he said. “The set to be replaced by a couple the bandage and direct scores another Category 5 storm, Hur- “People were driving around in people have come a long way in more NPPD volunteers. The Co- of volunteer linemen restoring ricane Maria, as island residents cars with plastic-covered win- terms of the cleanup.” lumbus man, who plans and de- the power grid on the U.S. Virgin endured punishing winds that dows,” said Kuehn, who along The NPPD pair went about signs field work activities for 14 Islands following back-to-back stripped bark off trees and rav- with his NPPD cohort stayed on a their work systematically. They NPPD linemen while on the job hurricanes in late 2017. aged landscapes while leveling docked vacation cruise ship with were being asked to turn what locally, enjoyed the volunteer ex- The Nebraska Public Power much of the islands’ power sys- hundreds of volunteer linemen had been a temporary emergency perience. District tandem powered through tem infrastructure. when they first arrived on the fix in the storms’ immediate af- He wasn’t home for the holi- on their mission one 13-hour day “We arrived in St. Thomas on island. termath into more permanent days and missed sleeping in his at a time, taking off just after the Dec. 12,” said Kuehn, part of the “Cruise ships arrived on the solutions. own bed, but the breezy, 85-de- afternoon of Christmas Day to American Public Power Associa- island daily,” said Kuehn, noting “We started on the west end gree days and 75-degree nights soak up a little holiday cheer be- tion’s efforts to deliver volunteers that tourism is by far the leading (of St. Thomas) and combed the in December and January were fore getting back on the job for to the U.S. territory’s power res- industry for the island territory. island to the east end for power pleasant compared to the frigid the last two-plus weeks before toration. Island residents, who were problems,” Kuehn said. winter conditions in Nebraska. heading home earlier this month. The NPPD volunteers found a busy every day cleaning up debris They then provided the vol- “I’m ready to go back someday Hurricane Irma delivered the devastated island terrain, with that included furniture flooded unteering linemen with instruc- ... on a vacation,” said Kuehn, opening salvo Sept. 6 on the Vir- downed power poles and trees, out of residences, pieces of roofs tions on getting the grid up and who will mark 30 years with the gin Islands as a Category 5 storm, pieces of tin roofs ripped from and water-stained mattresses, running. Columbus-based utility in No- one of the most powerful Atlantic homes, flattened buildings and were very friendly and hopeful “We wrote pages and pages and vember.

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COL_SPC3-02-24-E5_1 E6 | Saturday, February 24, 2018 POWER AND PROGRESS Columbus Telegram

FILE PHOTO‌ Patti Lee Smith talks to the runners as they prepare in the David City Municipal Auditorium before the Staching Through the Snow run in November 2016. David City woman runs to better serve community

GINA M. BARLEAN County Commander in 2017- Special to the Telegram‌ 2018. She helps with flag burning ‌DAVID CITY — Imagine a long ceremonies at the Butler County gravel road. It’s five in the morn- Fair, has been part of the honor ing, still dark, and it’ll be another guard, and this year led County half hour before the sun graces the Government Day activities for sky, but there’s enough moonlight high school juniors. She presided to brighten the path for this run- over the post’s County Conven- ner and her dog. The view isn’t re- tion, and serves at Veterans Day ally as important as the rhythm of and Memorial Day programs. footfalls, or heartbeats, or breaths. Also in 2014, after her uncle lost This calming, rejuvenating rit- his battle with cancer and a high ual allows time for focus. Then the school friend was diagnosed with sun finally rises just as she finishes pancreatic cancer, she put her her route—hope renewed, mind support behind another charity: refreshed, body ready to take on Project Purple. She joined the the tasks of the busy day. Project Purple Nebraska mara- Patti Lee-Smith carries the thon and half marathon teams, rhythm and dedication of run- and last year was selected to ning in every aspect of her life; join its ambassador program. To it provides balance, a release, date, Project Purple has raised and an opportunity to be part of $156,000 for the University of something bigger than herself… Nebraska Medical Center’s Jane so much like the volunteering she Snyder Grant, and $150,000 for does. early detection clinics and patient “My youngest daughter used to care support. time my sprints and she would roll She continues to raise funds for her eyes when I ran stairs at the and promote Project Purple. She track,” Lee-Smith said. “I simply also represents the charity at the told her, ‘One day I may not be Lincoln National Guard Mara- able to do this. Today, however, is thon and other local events during not that day.’” marathon season. To Lee-Smith, running and This May she’ll complete her serving her community are gifts. 25th half-marathon as a Project She said her grandfather, a Purple Runner. 25-year Coast Guard veteran, Lee-Smith said she enjoys the pushed her to “do more, be bet- COURTESY PHOTO‌ support of her husband Jeremy, ter, and serve your community.” Patti Lee-Smith of David City finds enjoyment in running, and running provides her energy for helping in several who rides a bicycle along the Her mother and grandparents in- community and regional endeavors. route, providing encouragement stilled a strong work ethic within and energy snacks. He’s never her; teaching her to arrive 15 min- Guard and my team to help pro- missed a Lincoln National Guard utes early, and if necessary, leave vide a better tomorrow for my Marathon and attends every Relay 15 minutes late to ensure the job daughters, to fulfill a promise for Life, walking laps throughout was finished. made to my grandfather, and to the night. He’s also part of the This background might explain give others the opportunity to set-up crew for Staching Through her drive to run up to 25 miles a experience the freedom that we the Snow. week, to earn a master’s degree enjoy every day of our lives.” Lee-Smith offered advice for after the age of 35, and to exceed Serving in the National Guard people who want to get involved: the fitness standards of the Army led to her career as a Contract “Give what you can when you National Guard. Specialist. Lee-Smith has a mas- can. Give of yourself selflessly A month prior to her 35th birth- ter’s degree in criminology and and serve those around you in day, she joined the Nebraska Army public administration. She works the greatest capacity that you are National Guard, completed Ba- in Lincoln as a contract specialist able. Not everyone is called to sic Combat Training in Fort Sill, and as a coordinator for the Gov- serve in the Armed Forces and not Oklahoma and completed Ad- ernment Purchase Card Program. everyone can make a large finan- vanced Individual Training in Fort And still, she finds time for cial contribution to local causes. Lee, Virginia. She has served with community service. Sometimes the best thing that the 195th FSC, Airborne Unit and For 12 years, she has partici- you can give is yourself and your 734th Transportation Battalion as pated in Butler County Relay for time. Be open to possibility and a Logistics Management Coordi- Life to raise funds for the Ameri- allow yourself to fail. Failure of- nator. can Cancer Society. She started as COURTESY PHOTO‌ ten leads to great things and some Lee-Smith currently serves a walker, has been a team captain, Running memorabilia adorns a wall in the home of Patti Lee-Smith. She of my greatest failures have led to with the 1969th Contingency a logistics chair and co-chair. will run her 25th Project Purple marathon in May, raising funds and my service.” Contracting Team as a 51C; ac- In August 2014, Butler County awareness for pancreatic cancer research. Recognition is an honor, she quisition logistics and contracting suffered the sudden loss of long- said, but “Really, everything I am non-commissioned officer. time Sheriff Mark A. Hecker to involved in takes a village and I “Our team is a tight knit group a fatal heart attack. Lee-Smith A. Hecker Staching through the Program, for which she writes an am only one small part of it. I be- of soldiers who share common- reached out to Hecker’s daughter, Snow Memorial Run was held annual grant to help provide meals lieve firmly that we all have a re- ality in education, purpose and Tiffany Heins, and a 5K memorial to provide food and gifts to area for children outside of school sponsibility to serve, to give back, believe in the strength of family,” run was organized to honor Heck- families during the holiday sea- hours. and to make the communities we she said. er’s service and carry on his drive son. Major funds have gone to the Lee-Smith has been a member reside in better. We never know “I am committed to my service to help families in need. Butler County Ministerial Asso- of the American Legion for seven when we may be the one needing with the Nebraska Army National This year, the fifth annual Mark ciation and David City Backpack years and served as the Butler a hand up.”

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COL_SPC3-02-24-E6_1 Columbus Telegram POWER AND PROGRESS Saturday, February 24, 2018 | E7 Central athletes teaming up with grade schoolers

JULIE BLUM [email protected]‌ ‌COLUMBUS — Central Com- munity College student-athletes are intending to shine on the basketball court and in the classroom. And they have put their focus on academics outside the local campus, as well. Members of the women’s basketball team have been helping students at Platte Center Ele- mentary School through a new Raider Reading program. The eight players are spending time at the elementary school JULIE BLUM, THE COLUMBUS TELEGRAM‌ each week assisting in the class- Platte Center Elementary School Principal Quentin Witt, left, talks to room, whether that’s lending a members of the Central Community College women’s basketball team hand to teachers or working with while giving them a tour earlier this school year. The team is part of a students on reading, math, sci- new Raider Reading program that has Central players assisting at the ence and other subjects. elementary. A kickoff for the program was held in November at the Platte basketball,” he said. ing to be good, too, because they Center school, where students Each athlete was assigned a have such a vast background,” he were introduced to the CCC specific classroom and they also said. players. The athletes then began worked with special education While winning games on the to spend half an hour in their as- and English as a second language court is always a goal, Perkins signed classrooms during each students. also wants his players to learn visit. Payton Blanke, a Central soph- about helping others through the LIZ MORALES, THE COLUMBUS TELEGRAM‌ Billy Perkins, the new head omore from Emerson, was in the Raider Reading program. women’s basketball coach at first-grade class. “I’m hoping to have some of Catherine Novacek has coordinated blood drives at the Oak Ballroom in Central, came up with the idea for She said the program is not these girls make a connection Schuyler for nearly 24 years. Raider Reading, which mirrors a only a good way to help students, with a kid who is struggling or program he had while coaching it also allows the team to branch needs help so they can help them in Texas. out in the community and hope- be more successful in the class- Perkins, who has two children fully drum up more support for room,” Perkins said. attending Platte Center Elemen- the Raiders. The program runs throughout tary, said he tries to set up a com- For players like Maddy Wolfe, the school year and Perkins said it Novacek gives munity service project for every a sophomore from Schuyler, and could be expanded to Shell Creek team he coaches. Lexie Bacon, a freshman from Elementary and Columbus Public Platte Center Elementary Prin- Lyons, the program gives them Schools in the future, depending cipal Quentin Witt welcomed the classroom experience as both on the size of his teams. project at his school. are considering careers in ele- Other members of the CCC back through The players are great role mod- mentary education. women’s basketball team are els for the elementary students Witt said students from Shanell Wong-Sang of Palm and also serve as tutors for those Lakeview High School also visit Bay, Florida; Autumn Jones of who need extra help, he said. Platte Center Elementary, but the Port Arthur, Texas; Jordyn Pop- Perkins expected the experi- college athletes bring different ple of Lincoln; Quenshae Love ence to be good for his players, experiences with them. of Minneapolis; and Jada War- blood drives too. “We have Lakeview kids here ner of Omaha. Team statistician “I want them to learn there’s a lot, but having Central Com- Kim Bradshaw is also part of the LIZ MORALES this paper,” she said, pointing to more important things than just munity College kids here is go- program. [email protected]‌ a lengthy spreadsheet. “But now ‌SCHUYLER — Catherine No- it’s all done on the computer. I vacek flipped through a large, don’t really like that. But it’s in- yellow scrapbook while sitting at teresting how people can make her kitchen table. appointments online and see The pages were filled with what the schedule is. The com- newspaper clippings from previ- puter tells when the last donation ous decades advertising and cov- a person made was and it knows ering local blood drives. when a person isn’t eligible. It’s all Most of those drives were coor- mind-boggling.” dinated by Novacek. Another change is how blood Her involvement began in 1994 drives are advertised. when a friend asked Novacek to “Here is an ad from the Schuy- help with a blood drive. ler Sun about a drive,” she said “I never realized I would be- of the advertisement dated Nov. come a coordinator,” she said. “I 16, 1972. “It has every single do- mostly scheduled appointments nor published in here along with and made sure the Oak Ballroom their gallon levels. Now if some- was available, but I’ve been doing one gives me their information, it for just about 24 years.” it’s classified. I like how it’s all very The Oak Ballroom has been the private now.” host for local blood drives since Much of Novacek’s job now 1952, she said, and others are held is promoting upcoming blood at Schuyler Central High School, drives. CHI Health Schuyler, QC Supply “I make a list of the contacts for and Cargill. the donors, then I always make When Novacek moved to sure to schedule a good time for Schuyler from rural Butler the Oak Ballroom,” she said. “I County, she noticed there was a get in touch with the Boy Scouts dire need for blood drives. There so they can pass out the posters was another turning point for the I give them. It’s just a lot of con- local woman. tacting and scheduling.” “In 1988 I was diagnosed with Coordinating a successful blood breast cancer,” she said. “I made a drive has gotten more challenging deal with God. I said, ‘If I make it over time, but that doesn’t deter out of this, I’m going to do some- Novacek. thing to give back,’ and that’s why “This town has just changed so I do this. This is my way to serve much,” she said. “We used to get and give back.” 200 pints of blood every drive, but Of course, there have been a now the population has changed few changes since Novacek be- and a lot of farms aren’t around JULIE BLUM, THE COLUMBUS TELEGRAM‌ gan organizing blood drives. One anymore. I just hope we can get Central Community College women’s basketball players Autumn Jones, left, and Quenshae Love hand season is technology. people to understand its im- schedules to students at Platte Center Elementary School earlier this school year. Head coach Billy Perkins “Back then we would just write portance. You never know when and his team started a Raider Reading program at Platte Center. all the appointments down on someone may need to have blood.”

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COL_SPC3-02-24-E7_1 E8 | Saturday, February 24, 2018 POWER AND PROGRESS Columbus Telegram Photographer provides free senior pictures as holiday gift

JULIE BLUM [email protected]‌ ‌COLUMBUS — Sandra Siffring watched as her son posed for the camera. He leaned up against the brick wall with his arms crossed while Gina Borer snapped a few shots. Moving just a few steps away, Zachary Wais took a seat on a stairwell in the alleyway. Borer got a few more pictures before show- ing Wais and Siffring the results. It only took a few minutes for the photo session. That short pe- riod of time, though, provided the family with Wais’ senior pictures. Borer, a local photographer who owns Designs by Gina, took free photos of high school students to mark their senior years. Without this opportunity, Sif- fring said she may not have been able to afford a photo session for her son. “It gets pretty expensive for senior pictures,” she said. These are the families Borer wants to help. For the past six or seven years she has reached out to schools to provide free senior pictures for students whose families may not have the money to pay for a professional session. She recently expanded her ef- JULIE BLUM PHOTOS, THE COLUMBUS TELEGRAM‌ fort to reach as many students as Photographer Gina Borer, center, looks at photos she took of Rachel Oceguera, left, during a free senior photo shoot in December. Also pictured is she could. Borer used social media Borer’s mother, Lynn Behlen, who helped with the photo shoot. to get the word out. For an hour on one December “I’ve never been able to catch afternoon in 2017, she took pho- them all,” Borer said. tos of students in the alleyway So she came up with another between The Columbus Telegram way to reach out. and Columbus Tour and Travel. “I was sitting on my couch That was the first of a few days thinking of how I could do this dif- Borer took free senior pictures. ferently, because I know there are “They all had different rea- more. I posted on Facebook that it sons,” Borer said of why students is a Christmas gift from me that I accepted the offer. would like to take pictures of stu- For some, it’s because of fi- dents who haven’t been able to get nances. senior photos for whatever reason,” For Alisha Micek and Dallas she said. Chaulk, it’s was also a time saver. Borer usually has 20 to 25 paid The Columbus High School stu- senior photo sessions a year, along dents have a newborn baby and with family portraits, weddings, squeezing a senior photo session engagements and other photog- into their schedule was a challenge. raphy work through her business. “I just don’t have the time. We Offering her time for the free se- have a baby and I work all the time,” Zachary Wais, a student at Columbus High School, has his photo taken by nior photos is her way of making a Chaulk said. Gina Borer, who provided free senior photos for students. Photographer Gina Borer, left, difference for local youths. Borer took two different photos shows Alisha Micek some photos “I want them to know there are of each student, a headshot that for about eight years and also while they are in middle school. she took during a shoot. Borer took people who care what happens to can be used in the high school serves as a substitute teacher, I know which ones come from free senior photos for students in them,” she said. yearbook and a full body shot. The mostly at Columbus Middle homes that don’t get support or December. Borer also got help from others pictures were sent to the school School. That’s where she saw the don’t have someone to buy them who paid to have students to get and emailed to the student. need for the free photos. senior pictures,” she said. schools to find students she could wallet-size photo prints to hand Borer has been a photographer “I work with all the students Over the years, she has contacted help through the photo sessions. out to their friends and teachers.

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COL_SPC3-02-24-E8_1 Columbus Telegram POWER AND PROGRESS Saturday, February 24, 2018 | E9

BUTLER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Virgene Otte named Volunteer of the Year

LARRY PEIRCE Lee Enterprises‌ ‌DAVID CITY — Virgene Otte doesn’t beat around the bush. If she sees a problem, she will point it out, and she’s not shy about providing constructive criticism. Behind that direct manner, however, is a person who wants to make things better for other people, especially seniors, whether they are friends or strangers. Those are the attributes that Diana McDonald, director of Butler County Senior Services, described when she honored Otte as the Volunteer of the Year at the Butler County Chamber of Commerce Banquet in January. Otte has been volunteering at the senior center in David City for five years. “Virgene is a kind caring person that is always willing to help whenever and wherever possible,” McDonald said. Otte drives a Busy Wheels van twice a week and fills in on a regular basis for other drivers, McDonald said. The van service helps seniors get to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store and with other transporation needs. Otte also runs errands, is a “huge help” at the senior center’s monthly fund raising brunches. She is a strong advocate for getting more seniors to use the services that are available in their county. Ottee has created blankets that COURTESY PHOTOS are sold for fundraisers for BCSS. Above: Virgene Otte, second from left, recently received a plaque for her A year ago, she was appointed by Volunteer of the Year Award from the Butler County Area Chamber of the Butler County Board of Su- Commerce. She is posed with chamber board members from left, Kory pervisors to serve on the Butler Kuhlman, Erin Hotovy, Todd DeWispelare and Nolan Samek. County Senior Services Advisory Right: Virgene Otte, left, was nominated for the Volunteer of Year Award Board. by Diana McDonald, director of Butler County Senior Services. “Not only is she willing to go above and beyond her call of duty Wendell moved into town from who is serving overseas. at the Senior Center, but she is their farm in 2008 after years of Otte’s contributions have been always willing to help others by farming and holding down mul- a big part of the senior center’s either taking them out to eat or to tiple jobs. Wendell passed away success. In retirement, Virgene other community events on the in 2010. Virgene now enjoys her said she likes to stay busy, and weekends or just lending an ear new home and her yard, which helping others takes care of that when they need to talk,” McDon- was named Yard of the Month last need. ald said. June. Her family also comes first, “We would definitely be lost Drawing a chuckle from the and her yard shows her pride. without her at the center,” Mc- chamber banquet crowd, McDon- The yard has a red maple Donald said. ald said: “Anybody who knows planted by her daughter Kim Jay of Otte thanked those who were Virgene knows she’s always will- Grand Island and son Kyle Otte of involved in the award, but she ing to give advice whether you like Denton. Standing in the flower is- didn’t have a long speech. it or not.” land is a flag display made by Kyle. “If anybody needs help, I’ll help Virgene has always been a hard It holds a Marine Corps banner to you. That’s what I like to do,” she worker. She and her husband honor her grandson, Kalen Otte, said.

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COL_SPC3-02-24-E9_1 E10 | Saturday, February 24, 2018 POWER AND PROGRESS Columbus Telegram Rescue Mission work part of healing process for Brant, the women she meets

THE TELEGRAM STAFF ‌COLUMBUS — Nancy Brant knows what it’s like to live with feelings of doubt, rejection and insecurity. She grew up in a Christian home and had a good childhood, but somewhere along the way she started to “believe a lot of lies.” “I had a lot of feelings of rejection, a lot of fear, a lot of things that really were stealing my life from me,” Brant said. That led to depression and a difficult stretch of life for the local woman. “It was hard,” she said. Brant still battles some of those feelings today, but her relation- ship with God got her through the tough times and she knows He can do the same for other women who are struggling. “I want to be able to give that back to other women, because life is hard. It beats you up,” she said. That’s exactly what she’s doing through her role as a volunteer at Columbus Rescue Mission. Brant is at the local shelter three nights a week for regular shifts and she leads about a dozen weekly worship sessions between the mission and Platte County Detention Facility. Her regular visits to the county jail include Bible studies and one- on-one conversations with fe- male inmates. At the Rescue Mission, Brant sits down for dinner with those staying at the former apartment TELEGRAM FILE PHOTO‌ building at the corner of 15th Nancy Brant was named the 2017 “Rescuer of the Year” for her volunteer work at Columbus Rescue Mission. Street and 25th Avenue, runs a nightly chapel service and lines sexual abuse as an adult or child. struggles, she contracted Lyme The Rescue Mission recognized The honor came as a complete up clothing, toiletries, snacks and “That’s a hard thing to over- disease several years ago and is her contributions by naming surprise to Brant, who was joined other items for those in need. come, and without God it’s im- still recovering from the toll that Brant its volunteer of the year in at the banquet by several tight- A major part of her volunteer possible to have that healed,” she took on her body and mind. 2017 during its annual banquet. lipped family members. work is simply getting to know said. Brant, a former stay-at-home Chaplain Ted Pearson, the mis- “I wasn’t expecting it all,” she people and letting them know Brant knows the natural re- mother who home-schooled five sion’s executive director, said said. “I feel kind of silly because God really cares and can help sponse is to build barriers and boys while they were growing volunteers like Brant are invalu- everyone else always figured it them turn their lives around. push others away. Her goal is to up, had to leave her job with an able for the shelter, which relies out.” “There’s nothing better than strip away those layers to learn after-school program because on donations and fundraisers to Once the shock wore off, Brant watching God touch a life and more about each individual’s of the disease and hasn’t worked operate. found some alone time to thank watching the despair lift and the struggles and who they truly are. since. There were days when her He called Brant an “easy someone for sticking with her hope come,” Brant said. Then, she said, a broken life can time at the Rescue Mission pro- choice” for the honor because of along the way. But that’s not always an easy be pieced back together. vided the only interaction outside her commitment to the nonprofit “It felt like a gift from God, and process. For Brant, volunteering at the her home. organization and ability to con- it changed me,” she said. “It made Many of the women Brant meets Rescue Mission is also part of her “I just love to watch God work,” nect with the people it serves. me feel much more confident and have been forced to deal with healing process. she said. “I love to be a part of “She does that wonderfully,” more secure.” traumatic situations, including In addition to her emotional that.” Pearson said. “I could tell He was grinning.”

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COL_SPC3-02-24-E10_1 Columbus Telegram POWER AND PROGRESS Saturday, February 24, 2018 | E11 Youths make a difference with philanthropy projects

JULIE BLUM [email protected]‌ ‌Nic Euse will be collect- ing scraps from his grandfather’s lumberyard for a special project. The Silver Creek teen is creating Little Free Libraries to install in the community. The libraries are a book-sharing system. Re- sembling mailboxes or bird- houses, the libraries contain books that can be taken and returned later for others to enjoy. “We have a lot of elementary kids and elderly people who like to read but can’t when the library isn’t open,” Euse said. The teenager said he plans to make three of the libraries with the money he was awarded through the annual Youth Philanthropy Contest in 2017. The Twin River student’s project is one of four that received a $1,000 grant COURTESY PHOTO‌ from the Columbus Philan- Lakeview Junior/Senior High School student council members received a Youth Philanthropy Contest grant for a project that provides personal hygiene thropy Council. The contest products and other items for people staying at Columbus Rescue Mission. Pictured, from left, are student council members Syndey Loseke, Kelli Schoch, challenges young people to Britney Stock and Mattie Purcell. come up with ideas to make a difference in their communities. Euse said he hopes to put the Little Free Librar- ies where they can be eas- ily accessed by children and seniors. He will build them using scrap wood and use the grant money to buy books. Another project comes from siblings Rachel Oce- guera, and Amos Zelasney. The Columbus High School students will plant a pollinator garden for bees and butterflies. Oceguera said she got the idea from research she conducted after learning about the Bring Back the Bees campaign from Honey Nut Cheerios. That effort encourages people to plant wildflowers by providing consumers with seed pack- ets. The local teens call their project Save the Bees and COURTESY PHOTO‌ they plan to create a com- Rachel Oceguera, left, and Amos Zelasney won a Youth munity garden at a site that Philanthropy Contest grant to start a pollinator garden for COURTESY PHOTO‌ has not yet been selected bees and butterflies. using grant money to pur- Ella Shevlin, left, and Lillian Hudnall, along with others, were awarded a Youth Philanthropy chase native plants that Contest grant for a project that will provide equipment for a new youth soccer program for attract bees and other pol- “We have a lot of elementary kids children with special needs. linators. and elderly people who like to Oceguera said she learned a lot about the importance read but can’t when the library WURDEMAN’S of bees while researching the project. She also hopes isn’t open.” WINDOWS & DOORS to work with the Platte Nic Euse, who is creating Little Free Libraries for the Quality Construction for Over 10 Years County Extension Office community and 4-H program to educate the public about pollinators. plans to volunteer at VIP the shelter before Christmas. Madeline Hudnall and practices and games. There were 25 bags for four others were awarded A project by the Lakeview men, 10 for women and grant funding for an AYSO Junior/Senior High School five for children. Schoch VIP project. student council also re- said she hopes those who The CHS student said ceived funding. received the bags viewed the local youth soccer pro- The Super Heroes Save them as part of a new start gram is starting a club for Lives project provided book to their lives. those with special needs. bags for people staying at “We’re hoping it is a new Grant funding will pur- Columbus Rescue Mission. beginning and that it gives chase adaptive equipment The bags were filled with them hope for the future, New Windows & Doors such as oversize soccer balls personal hygiene items gets them back on their feet that can be used by people such as soap, shampoo and again and shows them that in wheelchairs. conditioner, toothpaste and someone cares about them,” Hudnall said she likes the dental floss. Also included she said. idea for the program and were word finds for adults, This was fifth time the wanted to support it be- coloring books for children, Columbus Philanthropy • renovations • additions cause it gives youths with hats, gloves, socks and tie Council sponsored the special needs the chance to blankets made by Lakeview contest for youths in kin- Call for a free consultation and estimate! participate in a sport. students. dergarten through age 22. Others who are part of Lakeview junior Kelli Grant funding is supported 9297 18th Ave., Columbus, NE 68601 the project include Lillian Schoch said about 40 stu- by proceeds from the 2014 Hudnall, Lillian Loosvelt, dent council members were Taste of Columbus event, [email protected] Maclain Shevlin and Ella involved with the project. The Sherwood Foundation Cell - 402-276-2495 or 402-942-3138 • 402-563-3965 Shevlin. The group also The bags were delivered to and individual donors.

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COL_SPC3-02-24-E11_1 E12 | Saturday, February 24, 2018 POWER AND PROGRESS Columbus Telegram

Columbus Community Hospital fosters a culture – built on commitment, compassion and care – that exceeds expectations for our patients. It’s a privilege to be making a healthy difference in Columbus, and our dedication shows in all we do.

We are a community-owned, not-for-profit hospital, and our leaders, physicians, nurses and staff nurture this sense of community in every decision and interaction . . . every day. By delivering far-reaching care, advanced technologies and treatments, and expertise that keep our patients close to home, we embrace the shared values and enhance the lives of those we are proud to call friends and neighbors.

“That’s why we’re inspired every day by our CCH family.”

To learn more about our quality care or hospital employment opportunities, visit columbushosp.org or call 402-564-7118.

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