Rotary of Lincoln: a new monthly column

Growing up in Jackson, California, my grandparents lived just down the street from us. They were a constant presence of stability in my life and their generosity helped shape the person I am today. Since my family struggled financially with my mom as the sole wage earner (my father struggled with mental illness and could not work), my grandparents would allow me to work from a young age every weekday during the summer to earn money for school clothes in the fall. I would do yard work, clean the house, help with cooking or even just read out loud to my grandma. I learned at a very young age that if I wanted something, I needed to work for it. In addition to this, I watched my grandparents serve others and give generously throughout my whole life. When I graduated from high school, I received a college scholarship from the local Rotary Club. I was the first one in my family to go straight to a four-year college out of high school and the funds that the Rotary Club provided me helped give me that opportunity. I didn't forget that generosity. A little over a year ago, I decided I was ready to join a community service organization. Since our kids were getting older (we have five children, ages 10 to 15), I felt I had the bandwidth to serve my community more. I spent almost a year researching all the local organizations, attending meetings and watching videos online. My heart kept coming back to the Rotary Club of Lincoln. When I walked in the door as a visitor last year, I knew I was home. I was welcomed with open arms, treated like family and I loved the "Four-Way Test" they all recited at the beginning of the meeting: 1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? All good words to live by. So I decided to become a member of the Rotary Club of Lincoln. Lincoln Rotarians are constantly serving our community. They sponsor and host a community blood drive every month, serve at the Salt Mine, host the Tour de Lincoln on May 11 and Lincoln Wine Fest this past weekend as well as Taste of Italy and Night at the Races events. They jump in and serve wherever needed, and are always happy to lend a helping hand. I've learned that Rotarians have the solid work ethic and servant hearts that my grandparents fostered in me so long ago. Shanti Landon is a Rotary Club of Lincoln member. Every month, she plans to share what Rotary is doing in our community. I hope you come back and read next month's column. And if you ever want to visit Rotary, please stop by and be our guest for lunch! We meet from noon to 1:30 p.m. every Thursday at the Woman's Club in Lincoln.