Knights Of Ak-Sar-Ben Announce 2012 Good Neighbor Award Winners

June 1, 2012, Omaha, Nebraska – The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation and the Omaha World-Herald have announced the 68th annual Good Neighbor Award recipients.  The Good Neighbor awards recognize individuals from Nebraska and western Iowa who have performed neighborly acts and deeds unselfishly without personal gain. The 47 recipients represent 20 Nebraska counties. Later this year, award winners will be recognized at their local county fair with a certificate and Good Neighbor lapel pin.

The 2012 Ak-Sar-Ben Good Neighbor Award recipients are:

Gary & Terresa Bilava, Fremont; Terry & Rose Brewer Family, Dakota, City; Alan Connell, Crawford; James & Alice Dam, Hooper; Peg Dethlefs, Ravenna; Dave Dobberpuhl, Omaha; Anton & Betty Dolezal, David City; Ronald Dowding, Bennet; Dale & Cindy Everett, Union; Tom Gehl, Omaha; Robert Goetschkes, Omaha; Ronald Grass, Tekamah; Kenny & Diana Ham, Wauneta; Deb Hayes, Imperial; Tim, Barb & Sam Heikes, Dakota City; Mark & Jill Johnson, Oakland; Norman & Wanda Johnson, Callaway; Bob & Dorris Kelly, Albion; Christi Krist, Omaha; DuWayne & Marcia Krueger, Minden; Ronald Liewer, Mills; Robb Linafelter, Lincoln; Alice Lutes, Tryon; Ken Mahafey, Omaha; Joanne MCullough & Stacey McCullough, Columbus; Sybil Moreland, Cody; Jack Klocke & Bob Moser, North Bend; Nina Morte, Omaha; Jerry Olson, Omaha; Scott Olson, Tekamah; Judy Price, La Vista; Bob & Charlotte Rasumussen, Herman; Lillian Richards, Omaha; Martha Salmon, Aurora; Joseph Sklenar, Tekamah; Sandy Eikmeier & Becky Stecher, Dodge; Ferne Sutton, Ogallala; Mary Thompson, Omaha; Diann Toler, Pender; Dave Torczon, Omaha; Connie Vernon, Tekamah; Rick Vlach, Scotia; Dennis Wells, Fremont; Dave & Bobbie Williams, Omaha; Bruce & Joanne Workman, Omaha; Michael Yanney, Omaha.

 

The Good Neighbor Award program is just one of several recognition programs the Foundation offers as part of its mission “to leverage collective business leadership to build a more prosperous Heartland.”

 

Individuals were selected because:

 

Gary & Terresa Bilava, Fremont (Dodge County)

After a tornado hit their neighbors' home, Gary and Terresa came to their assistance to clean up. The neighbors were headed out of town for a cancer appointment; and when they returned, Gary & Terresa had already cleaned up all the debris and hauled it away.

 

Terry & Rose Brewer Family, Dakota City (Dakota County)

Terry and Rose Brewer assist in caring for their widowed next door neighbor. Terry has changed flat tires, repaired plumbing, removed pesky unwanted animals and installed snow fence. Rose invites their neighbor over for dinners, to play cards and shares home baked goodies. The whole family assists in yard care.

 

Alan Connell, Crawford (Dawes County)

Alan volunteered to step into a chair position of the Dawes Veterans Service Board. He has done much work with individuals in this role, traveled many miles and spent much of his own time and expense to help numerous veterans.

 

Chris Crawford, Omaha (Douglas County)

Chris is a great help to his neighbors. This young family has benefited from his support with various problems. Chris will throw block parties so new neighbors can meet each other. He was also very understanding when the neighborhood kids accidentally broke his window playing soccer.

 

James & Alice Dam, Hooper (Washington County)

James and Alice have served on countless farm, agriculture, school and community boards. They serve as chairs for blood drives, funeral lunches and have taken care of the church cemetery. They organize church meals & befriend all they meet.

 

Peg Dethlefs, Ravenna (Buffalo County)

Peg has served the Ravenna community in many ways including volunteering for more than 20 years at the Fire Department. She visits elderly people to make sure their oxygen tanks are full, and each Thanksgiving she delivers homemade meals to nearly 100 individuals.

 

Dave Dobberpuhl, Omaha (Douglas County)

Dave helped his neighbors when they left on vacation by taking care of their cats and gathering their mail. He would feed the cats up to three times a day and watched over their house.

 

Anton & Betty Dolezal, David City (Butler County)

Tony and Betty are active in volunteer work at the David City Senior Center. They deliver meals on wheels, drive the Busy Wheels for senior citizens and have been involved in general maintenance of the building. Tony also plays his accordion at the center.

 

Ronald Dowding, Bennet (Lancaster County)

Ron has served as the leader of a 4-H club for many years, and always goes above and beyond. He has donated the use of his farm for neighbors to use to start raising beef projects. This allows the youths to experience rural life and gain life skills associated with raising livestock.

 

Dale & Cindy Everett, Union (Cass County)

Dale and Cindy are always there for those needing help. Dale helped a neighbor get cattle out of flood waters and moved to the hills. They are available for rides to doctors or other appointments. Dale has also helped pull out vehicles when stuck and loaned his tractors to those who need one.

 

Tom Gehl, Omaha (Douglas County)

Tom helps his neighbors with their garden and also assists blowing snow in their yard during the winter. He is always offering to help when needed.

 

Robert Goetschkes, Omaha (Douglas County)

Robert volunteers in the National Ski Patrol at Mt. Crescent. He also will bring students to ski and snowboard there. Robert volunteers for the Coast Guard and assisted a family evacuation after their boat caught fire.

 

Ronald Grass, Tekamah (Burt County)

Ron has been extremely helpful to his 95 years old neighbor allowing him to continue to live in his house. Each day Ron picks up the paper and puts it in his door, and also gets his mail when the weather is bad. He drives him to doctor and business appointments, brings over homemade food, fresh vegetables and more.

 

Kenny & Diana Ham, Wauneta (Hayes County)

This couple is very involved with their church where they serve as the organist and assist with youth activities. Kenny teaches many young hunters by inviting them out to hunt with him. They also drive individuals to doctor appointments and take meals to those who are ill.

 

Deb Hayes, Imperial (Chase County)

Deb is a volunteer member of the Imperial EMS. She makes sure that all flight for life and transports run smoothly and that all other calls are staffed. She was integral in getting a new ambulance and barn. She arranges crews to help at community events like Pre-School Fun Days, Fire Department 4th of July & Parades.

 

Tim, Barb & Sam Heikes, Dakota City (Dakota County)

Tim and Barb and their son Sam provide caring help for their widowed country neighbor. They have repaired her phone line and used snow removable equipment to move snow in the winter. They help cut grass in her yard. Tim attends Farm Bureau meetings with her and Barb assists with health care visits.

 

Mark & Jill Johnson, Oakland (Burt County)

Mark and Jill both work tirelessly for the betterment of the community and its citizens. Mark serves on the board of the Oakland Rural Fire District and has been a 4-H leader for many years. Jill provides leadership at Sunday School in various capacities including serving as a superintendent and teacher.

 

Norman & Wanda Johnson, Callaway (Custer County)

Norman and Wanda are very active in the Callaway Senior Center. They take care of the snow removal and maintain the yard and flowers in the summer. They are also active in their church and volunteer at the Kite Flight. In addition, they take seniors to appointments.

 

Bob & Doris Kelly, Albion (Boone County)

Doris & Bob helped their neighbor day and night when the neighbor's husband was dying of cancer. Doris would come whenever called, which was often. Bob did a lot of work around the neighbors' house, garage and yard. They also helped carry heavy things, brought groceries or medications, and drove them to appointments.

 

Christi Krist, Omaha (Douglas County)

Christi makes cookies to welcome each new neighbor. After her neighbors were out of town during a recent storm, Christi contacted their son to check on their property and down tree. She recently provided her dry vacuum after a neighbor’s house had a leak during a downpour.

 

DuWayne & Marcia Krueger, Minden (Kearney County)

DuWayne and Marcia work to keep Minden beautiful. In the fall and winter they pick up trash around the square and courthouse. In the spring and summer they pull weeds around the square, and also tend the plants and bushes growing there.

 

Ronald Liewer, Mills (Keya Paha)

Ron spreads cheer and goodwill through the neighborhood. He will often dress as Santa and deliver baskets of fresh fruit and candy to neighbors in this rural area. He will travel many hours to bring the magic of Christmas to young children. He also provides melons from his garden to students as an end of summer treat.

 

Robb Linafelter, Lincoln (Lancaster County)

Robb volunteers countless hours in his community including his kid's schools, county youth programs and his church. As a coach he has taught hundreds of youths about hard work, responsibility, dedication and how to be good teammates. The life lessons he teaches the youths have great impact on their lives.

 

Alice Lutes, Tryon (McPherson County)

Alice has given of her time for many years. She started the J.O.Y Club Sunday School programs in her county. She currently runs three J.O.Y. Clubs each week and has touched many youth with her compassion and unselfishness.

 

Ken Mahafey, Omaha (Douglas County)

Ken works to replace public lighting to high efficiency in his non-profit housing coop which saves residents money. He also works to facilitate the demolition of an abandoned building. He drives neighbors to appointments and picks up street litter.

 

Joanne McCullough & Stacey McCullough, Columbus (Platte County)

Joanne and Stacey have helped their neighbor who was without a job, money, car and family support. They buy ice cream for her daughters, let her borrow their car to run errands, and allow her to use their washing machine when hers broke. They also let her borrow internet service and assist with babysitting.

 

Sybil Moreland, Cody (Cherry County)

Sybil is always there to help in any way possible. Several times she has driven her neighbors to doctor appointments, as far away as the Mayo Clinic. She has stayed with them for multiple days to offer support. She participates in various church and community events.

 

Jack Kloke & Bob Moser, North Bend (Dodge County)

Jack and Bob make it possible for their elderly neighbor to stay in her home. They take care of her yard, garden, and also bring mail to her front door. They shovel snow on her sidewalk and deliver her things to the recycling center. They helped when her garage door broke.

 

Nina Mote, Omaha (Douglas County)

Nina founded and continues to direct a program at the Hindu Temple called Balvihar. She started this program for kids to learn about their culture. She also helps arrange Hindu festivals.

Jerry Olson, Omaha (Douglas County)

When Jerry's neighbor started building a carport for her home, he came to her assistance. He saw her working on it, and came over with his power drill, tin shears and helped finish the carport for her use this past winter.

 

Scott Olson, Tekamah (Burt County)

During the summer of 2011, Scott used his plane to fly over the Missouri River from South Dakota to Missouri and document the massive flooding by camera. He took hundreds of pictures, and uploaded them to a website allowing home and land owners to view the damage to their homes, ground and cabins.

 

Judy Price, La Vista (Douglas County)

Judy has done many good deeds. One of these is reading to neighbors and other individuals who have lost their sight. She has also volunteered with a walk to raise funds for cancer.

 

Bob & Charlotte Rasmussen, Herman (Washington County)

Bob and Charlotte are people you can count on. They are active in the community and their church. They head many committees and arrange monthly dinners to pay off church debt.  They will bake and deliver food to friends and shut-ins, provide rides to doctor visits and regularly visit nursing home patients.

 

Lillian Richards, Omaha (Douglas County)

Lillian is founder of Benson Baptist Church's Food Pantry. Lillian is instrumental in having the food pantry join a group of seven churches, which allows them to be a receiver of food from the Omaha Food Bank.

 

Martha Salmon, Aurora (Hamilton County)

Martha takes meals to new neighbors and families with new babies. She also takes meals to people who've recently had surgery or aren't able to cook for themselves. She bakes and delivers cookies during the holidays and offers to drive neighbors to appointments.

 

Joseph Sklenar, Tekamah (Burt County)

Joe has provided a trailer home and two undeveloped lots for down and out men in the community to gain stability by providing a place to meet and get away from the tough times they are facing. The lots provide a place to grow food, meet and connect as they move forward in positive ways.

 

Sandy Eikmeier & Becky Stecher, Dodge (Dodge County)

Sandy and Becky were co-chairman for the Dodge 125th celebration. They worked hard planning numerous events including the opening ceremonies, parades, street dances, food and lunch stands, carnivals and more. They found sponsors for the events and helped organize the volunteers.

 

Ferne Sutton, Ogallala (Keith County)

Ferne volunteers at the Senior Center and at the Health Department to take blood pressure once a month. She also volunteers at elections, meals on wheels and drives neighbors where they need to go.

 

Mary Thompson, Omaha (Douglas County)

Mary volunteers at a church food distribution site. She helps organize the food and give it away on Sundays and Mondays. She also volunteers to help people with their tax preparations.

 

Diann Toler, Pender (Cuming County)

Diann opened her house for over a month to allow her neighbor to recover there after a surgery, when she had no place to stay. Diann gave up her downstairs bedroom, and took care of all the cooking, laundry and drove to doctors’ appointments.

 

Dave Torczon, Omaha (Douglas County)

Dave is very helpful to his neighbors. The first year they moved to Omaha, Dave helped by snow blowing their snow. He hosts barbecues and campfires for his neighbors, and also picks up trash in the neighborhood.

 

Connie Vernon, Tekamah (Burt County)

Connie has assisted her neighbor for many years including taking care of her during her cancer diagnosis. When Connie's neighbor had radiation five days a week in a different town, she took off a month of work to drive her to these appointments.

 

Rick Vlach, Scotia (Greeley County)

Rick has been a volunteer fireman for more than 30 years where he has served in many roles. He is an elder at his church and assists with set up, clean up and parking for funerals and weddings. He prepares meat for the annual Homecoming barbecue and helped with the All School 50th Class Reunion.

 

Dennis Wells, Fremont (Dodge County)

Dennis is a great friend to his 6 years old neighbor. He serves as a good role model, friend and mentor. Dennis has shown his young neighbor how to plant a garden, pick vegetables and taught him about plants. He has taken time to play catch, fill his basketball with air, and build a snowman together, and is always there to talk.

 

Dave & Bobbie Williams, Omaha (Douglas)

Bobbie welcomes guests to her home to honor new moms and brides. She shares soup with neighbors. Dave works to replace public lighting to high efficiency in his non-profit housing coop, which saves residents money. He also works to facilitate the demolition of an abandoned building.

 

Bruce & Joanne Workman, Omaha (Douglas County)

Bruce and Joanne volunteer their time to the Townhome Association. Bruce mows a neglected strip of land adjacent to neighbors' homes. He picks up trash in the neighborhood, collects mail for a neighbor that can't make it to the mail box and waters flowers.

 

Michael Yanney, Omaha (Douglas County)

Michael serves on the board for the Partnership for Our Kids, which works with children who are struggling with academic performance.  It provides mentoring & tutoring for these individuals.