Nevada MO Rotary Club

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Nevada MO Rotary Club Nevada Rotary Club meets Thursdays at 12:00 at Nevada MO Country Club.

Busy meetings at Nevada MO Rotary in recent weeks. During the September 24th meeting, Osage Prairie YMCA’s Sami McCullo...
10/06/2026

Busy meetings at Nevada MO Rotary in recent weeks. During the September 24th meeting, Osage Prairie YMCA’s Sami McCullough updated Rotarians on the recently opened Early Learning Center for children up to five years old. At full capacity, the center will have care for nearly 100 kiddos. It can start as early as six weeks and it’s the intent to not only offer good care, but to help educate, grow, mold, and support children from birth to school age. The Center will use early learning tools, Frog Street Curriculum, that’s designed just for early learning. The ELC program will allow real-time updates on a child’s day. It’s the hope of the YMCA that the impact on the local workforce and economy will be a positive support.
At the October 1st Rotary meeting, NHS Athletic Director, David Hawks introduced three high school coaches who gave their updates on the fall sports scene. Golf coach Leonard; volleyball coach Sanderson, and football coach Beachler gave highlights on their team’s season thus far. A special guest at that meeting was long-time Nevada MO Rotarian, Bob Vinyard. It was so good to see him again.
And a final nod to fall activities, Cottey College Rotaract students volunteered to help clean headstones at the historic Deepwood Cemetery in Nevada. This was identified as their fall service project, and it was accompanied by two local Rotarians, three Cottey students (one was an international student from Japan), and even a Kiwanis from Pittsburg.

Another great and informative program at Nevada MO Rotary on September 17, 2026. New business, Almost Amish, owner Jani...
09/21/2026

Another great and informative program at Nevada MO Rotary on September 17, 2026. New business, Almost Amish, owner Janice Graves shared her story with Rotarians. Born in El Do but mostly grew up in Sheldon, Janice graduated from NEVC. She worked at Nevada’s 3M plant for 12 years before going to NEVC to be the director of their food service program. That experience gave her hands-on experience in ordering, prices, record keeping, networking, etc. After “retiring” from there, she learned what many retired folks do…you need a new challenge and something to do!

Janice decided to improve her baking skills and after perfecting recipes, she began selling baked goods at the Sutherlands parking lot on Wednesdays and Saturdays. That venture was so successful, she approached the Boutique Marketplace to add them to her customer base….then added a location in Lamar. Shortly thereafter, she was approached to provide baked goods for Precision Coffee.

The logistics of this schedule led Janice and her husband to take the plunge and open a bakery in Nevada at their current location on West Cherry. It was a good start, but small for what she wants to offer, so they are making plans to move to the Brick Wall Bistro building on East Cherry where they will have seating and an expanded menu. While their work schedule was 2 am to 7:30 pm initially, after adding two valuable employees, they now get to leave the bakery mid-afternoon. Janice credited her success to good shopping to get needed equipment at bargain prices, as well as the fact she mills much of her own grains and uses a King Arthur flour.

Rotarians were treated to one of three types of Almost Amish’s cinnamon rolls: traditional glaze, cream cheese frosting, and butter pecan. Thanks, Janice, and good luck with the expanded business venture.
Rotarians were advised that efforts to secure four NHS juniors to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy in October had commenced. It’s located in Tahlequah, Ok, and students interested should apply at the NHS Counseling center this week. It as also announced that the monthly board meeting is postponed until Oct 1st. Dt

Nevada MO Rotary had some great gatherings but I’m behind on posting our stories. Yesterday, 9/10/26 we visited Nevada’...
09/11/2026

Nevada MO Rotary had some great gatherings but I’m behind on posting our stories. Yesterday, 9/10/26 we visited Nevada’s oldest industry, WF Norman Mfg. New owners, Jason and Tammy Fleenor purchased the business, although Jason has worked there for a number of years. They make hand stamped tin ceilings, cornices, molding, siding, roofing and ornaments from original molds and presses, and antique rope drop hammers. They also create original replications from artwork/photos. They take pride in their grave markers that are used in Arlington National Cemetery.
The W F Norman Corporation was founded by William Franklin Norman in 1898. Two sons and a grandson (Franklin) successfully ran the business until 1978, when it sold but remained in operation. It’s thought that as many as two dozen similar companies producing the stamped products, only a few survived and Norman’s remains the only one using the original hand dropped equipment. (A little back history on the Norman’s building—it was once used as a roller skating rink, then a church home dating back to 1892. The roof was destroyed by fire in 1909, then an east addition expanded the square footage of the building by thousands of square feet, leaving it pretty much the way it looks now.)
Other photos include the program on a worthwhile Rotary medical equipment and supply donation project with Tiffany Egdorf, Governor elect for Rotary district 6110. Another photo was of the Rotary district grant presentation of $2,999 by past president, Steve Brier. The program on collecting $1 coins was presented by our own, Dr. Warren Lovinger. He gave away several vintage coins as well as a $1 coin to every attending Rotarian. Grace Ferris of Carson Wealth is our newly inducted Rotarian and she’s shown with fellow Rotarian, Ross, and membership chair, Kim. Finally, the park ranger from the George Washington Carver National Park shared the life history of Carver. Dt

August 20, 2026 Nevada MO Rotary enjoyed a good lunch and informative program on the medical supplies and equipment driv...
08/26/2026

August 20, 2026 Nevada MO Rotary enjoyed a good lunch and informative program on the medical supplies and equipment drive throughout the District 6110. Following the prayer, the pledge to the American flag and National Anthem, recitation of the Rotary 4-way test ideals, and introduction of guests, immediate past president, Steve Brier presented President George Knox with a check for $2,999. This represents the grant the club applied for through District Rotary, utilizing some of our financial/service projects over the past year.
Member Dr. Warren Lovinger, who volunteered to secure August and September programs, introduced Tiffany Egdorf, District 6110 Governor Elect and chair of the MSNI (medical services equipment and supplies) project. It includes equipment, like beds and things like braces, boots, etc. as well as medications and supplies. For the most part, supplies go to third world communities, but some go to needed emergency hot spots in the US. Donations are warehoused in Tulsa, OK, where things are sorted and decision are made as to whether things may be donated and loaded into crates for delivery. Crates are tightly loaded with “soft” items (like sealed packages of gloves) tucked in between other durable supplies. The next crate will go to Gianna. A crate is typically 40’ long and costs about $15,000 to ship. Togo, Honduras, Mexico,etc are typical recipients.
To close the meeting, Dr. Lovinger reminded members that next week’s meeting program will be on coin collecting, and he will be donating silver dollar coins in with the Pie Auction fund raising. Each week, a pie is auctioned for cash raised at each table, with the proceeds going to our club’s pledge to donate $1,500 early to the polio eradication project of Rotary International. He encouraged members to bring additional cash to go towards this project.
DT

Where can you go to get a pass to most Federal parks/sites? What is the OLDEST Federal Fish Hatchery still in operation...
08/07/2026

Where can you go to get a pass to most Federal parks/sites? What is the OLDEST Federal Fish Hatchery still in operation and processing THOUSANDS of rainbow trout (and other regional fish)?
Park Ranger, Madison Brewer, and supervisory biologist, Jamie Pacheco, traveled to Nevada Rotary Club on August 6, 2026, to share info on the Neosho National Fish Hatchery. Rotarians learned that the hatchery park has about 100,000 visitors a year. The facility has a great display area that includes an audiovisual room as well as historic exhibits, aquariums, cave fish exhibit, a wet lab, and an outdoor observation deck. And yes, National Park passes can be obtained at the hatchery!
The Neosho Hatchery has a number of ongoing fishery programs including mandated mitigation for rainbow trout, primarily for nearby Lake Taneycomo. It also participates in recovery efforts for the endangered pallid sturgeon and protection for the endangered Ozark cavefish. Threatened or endangered native mussels have a recovery effort at the hatchery as well ad restoration efforts for candidate species of sturgeon and paddlefish.
It’s a quick trip from Nevada (about 75 miles away). The hatchery hours are 8 to 4:30 Monday through Friday and 10 to 4 on Saturday and Sunday. They host a number of Annual Events that includes:
*April 12, 2026 - Sunday for Open House-9 to 2
*May 16, 2026 - Saturday - Veteran and Active Duty Fishing Day-9-12
*June 5, 2026 - 1st Friday - Kids Fishing Day 9-11 and 1-3
*September 25, 2026 - Friday - Senior Fishing Day - 9-1
*October 17, 2026 - Saturday - Women’s Fishing Day -9-12
To learn more, follow Facebook or visit fwd.gov/fish-hatchery/Neosho.
DT

Nevada MO Rotary’s July 30 meeting featured Kelly Ast’s update on the New Growth Transit in Vernon County, as well as th...
07/31/2026

Nevada MO Rotary’s July 30 meeting featured Kelly Ast’s update on the New Growth Transit in Vernon County, as well as the surrounding area. Kelly noted that Vernon County (and especially northern Vernon County) is considered a transportation need area to assist residents with medical and employment transportation. They also see that residents need access to groceries and prescriptions and medical equipment. New Growth Transit also finds isolated residents also want to attend community activities. Staying independent is important, especially to older residents who may not have any form of transportation. Thus, the transportation problem is a health problem, a work problem, and an aging problem. Since 28% of Vernon County residents are “seniors”, plus the high rate of poverty, it’s easy to see that a large percentage of residents don’t own a vehicle.
Currently the program has five trained and approved volunteer drivers in Vernon County. They provide transportation with flexibility on time and days of the week—early morning medical appointments (sometimes hours away), long distance specialty care, and for those working shifts outside of the 8 to 5 standard hours of operation. One driver has more than 20,000 miles a year—others are known for their assistance in helping residents.
Last year, 52,813 miles were provided with the average one-way trip being 40 miles. Ride requests are made 48 hours in advance, drivers are assigned, riders are picked up and returned, and records are kept on a driver tablet to help with data collection. 64 drivers are enrolled in the 11 county area. Cedar County has five, Henry County has eight, Bates County has two and Hickory county has three.
New Growth’s goal is to have up to at least a dozen drivers. Persons interested in becoming a driver must fill out an application, a background screening is performed, their driving record is reviewed, their personal vehicle is reviewed, and once approved and in action, they are reimbursed at or near the IRS which is 72 ½ cents a mile. Drivers undergo training to become certified. They are provided with electronic tablets for record keeping. Riders actually have to sign off on their trips to prevent fraud. Routes are in an over 200 mile radius of the El Dorado Springs office.

This is a great program and additional drivers are needed. Dt

June 25, 2026, last meeting of the fiscal year for Nevada MO Rotary and President George Knox introduced the new Rotary ...
06/26/2026

June 25, 2026, last meeting of the fiscal year for Nevada MO Rotary and President George Knox introduced the new Rotary year’s membership chairman, Kim Severance to induct Isabel Cerna as the newest Rotary member. Welcome Isabel. Isabel has also agreed to serve as the new Rotary treasurer, beginning July 1.
Past program chairman, Jay Sloniker, introduced Tonya Cliffman who shared information about the Blessing Box ministry. She introduced Stephanie Mosher who is also part of the Blessing Box program. Tonya commented on the “service” part of Rotary—both locally and Internationally.
The Blessing Box is located at 301 West Walnut, just outside of the Community Christian Church. A volunteer just built a larger structure so that it can hold more and minister to those in need. They stock it with non-perishable foods and hygiene items. With youngsters at home for the summer, they have found their need for items to have just about doubled. Thus they are seeking additional financial support from the community
The Mustard Seed (what they refer to their program) is working on getting their tax exempt status, after having established their board of directors already. Their mission statement covers, “SMALL ACT, BIG LOVE”. Their mission is to provide assistance to those in need—without judgement. This includes purchasing needed items, stocking the box, monetary donations, have a food drive, prayers, and support. If canned goods are provided, they need to have pull tabs to open. Peanut butter, cereal, canned vegetables Beans and soup, tuna, mac and cheese, pancake mixes, protein bars, cheese/peanut butter crackers, personal hygiene items.
They hope to spread word of other support programs to further collaborate and educate the public throughout Vernon County. They provide other education support for those who need assistance.
Welcome Isabel and thanks, Tonya and Stephanie for sharing information.
It was also noted that in two weeks Rotary will be meeting at the Vernon County Youth Fair for the noon meeting.

TO FLAG PROJECT PARTICIPANTS:Thanks to all 21 past participants who got their payments for the rest of the season mailed...
06/23/2026

TO FLAG PROJECT PARTICIPANTS:
Thanks to all 21 past participants who got their payments for the rest of the season mailed to Rotary. However, there’s still 80-some past participants who we have not received payment for and will not have a flag put out for July 4, and the rest of the season unless their payment is received by July 2nd. Please mail to Rotary, P O Box 903, Nevada MO 64772. Some of them don’t have an email address filed with us—for the reminder (only the first notice was postal-mailed to them)—and we sure hope they still want to be a part of this.
We appreciate all the participants and route volunteers who have helped make this project such a success. One existing route was very large and was divided…new(er) member, Sim Miller has taken it. Thanks to all who have had a part in the success of this project. This project helps make our community look so great on the five holidays. And it funds many of our community service projects that put financial support back in the community for worthwhile projects.
For checks received after July 2nd deadline, participants will be added to the remainder of the season—Labor Day and Veterans. We hope to hear from you this week. Dt

It was outgoing President Steve Brier’s last meeting of his term, so he recognized and thanked various Rotarians for the...
06/20/2026

It was outgoing President Steve Brier’s last meeting of his term, so he recognized and thanked various Rotarians for their service the past year. He verified that if a flag subscription hasn’t been paid, it won’t have a flag on the 4th of July.
He started with his goal when joining Rotary 18 years ago—when Rotary efforts were to make the world a bit better by doing things that made a difference. That’s why he’s still a member. Approaching his term as president, he had three main goals—to simplify processes, try books instead of dictionaries, and for Rotarians to have fun. His goal to simplify, was to not overload any particular Rotarian with tasks. His approach to the FLAG project was to streamline routes with a good computer system and to improve the billing process that we’d done with our QUICKBOOKS system. The new AP system does that and it’s much easier on the Treasurer and Flag chairman.
His third goal was to help 3rd graders learn how to read by doing what teachers wanted us to do with this project. Giving them a book to read instead of a dictionary was going to cost Rotary more, but with a $10 each limit to allow them to pick a book, it gave a bonus to each classroom that allowed them to pick more for the classroom itself.
The “FUN” part was accomplished by having two socials—allowing Rotarians to gather, snack, visit, and enjoy an hour or two socializing. He hopes this effort will continue. He has tried to lead meeting in a light but informative and positive format. He especially thanked the club secretary, Donna, for her efforts. He shared that the next club president will be George Knox and acknowledged the progression lineup for the presidency in the next years will be Hanna Abele next year and Richard Brockman the year after. Steve said he had enjoyed the positive energy they have brought to the club/board this past year. He also appreciated Jennifer Gundy’s efforts on the Service committee—chairing the 100-year anniversary project and he’s looking forward to seeing all the new equipment being installed. Amy Bishop lead the charge on changing from dictionaries to reading books—and she brought a positive experience to the classrooms at Nevada, Sheldon, Bronaugh,and NE Vernon County. She also oversaw our club’s annual scholarship project and the RYLA project and did a great job doing that. Mark Miller handles Boys and Girls State and has done a great job for the 20+ years he has overseen that project.
He acknowledge the fantastic job with the role of treasurer that Noah Fischer has done. Wes Knell did a great job with organizing the Rotarian of the Year (formerly referred to as the Paul Harris Fellow) award and Myles Miller did an equally great job with our Citizen of the Year award. Steve also recognized past president and past treasurer Cindy Thompson for doing a great job of being a board member—bringing her knowledge and experiences to the board, along with the “at large” board member, Jay Sloniker. He credited Ed Persike for his efforts to find an international project that would fit our club. Steve did recognize that our club continues to support the Polio Plus eradication project by contributing $1500 each year. Dr. Lovinger was recognized for his continued support of our Rotary club with his recruitment of new members and his financial support for Rotary International that awarded Paul Harris status for all of our club members. Mike Brown was also singled out for doing a great job as flag chairman for the past two year and Steve also thanked all the Rotarians who have been involved in the FLAG project—Mark Miller and Joe Hartman for warehouse duty and all the flag route workers. Steve acknowledge that the flag project brought great pride to the community, as well as being our major fund raising project (which allows us to underwrite lots of local projects.)
Things Steve has learned as President: Don’t ask how to get money out of a Community Foundation (It’s complicated). Some folks weren’t happy with his changing the Dictionary project for a reading book project.
Additional appreciation goes to Dr. Ron Jones and George Knox for their efforts as Sgt.of Arms duties of setting up and returning to storage the meeting equipment…and Dr. Delton Fast for always leading our singing…and Dr. Jeremy Fast, Myles Miller, and Wes Knell for their spirited pie auction project handling….and Dr. Jones for always having our Humor for the Day.
GREAT YEAR, PRESIDENT STEVE!!!

For those who have been subscribers to the Rotary Flag project, but need to get their payments in for this year, here’s ...
06/19/2026

For those who have been subscribers to the Rotary Flag project, but need to get their payments in for this year, here’s the QR code, and/or needed info to go with their checks. Rotary will no longer distribute flags for which the 2026 project has not been paid. No July 4 flag if the subscription isn’t paid.

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Nevada, MO
64772

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