Diller
Hometown Connections 2016
Founded October 13, 1880
•Diller Community Foundation Fund Newsletter• An Affiliated Fund of The Nebraska Community Foundation
The Bullets Shooting Stars Program is a partnership baseball organization with the Beatrice Bullets baseball program. This unique league provides boys and girls with a wide range of disabilities with the opportunity to experience the fun and emotional development of playing in an organized baseball league. The athletes range in age from five to seventeen. The league is open to children throughout the surrounding areas and multiple players from Diller and Odell have been able to participate. Each Tuesday evening from mid-May though mid-June, the parents, players, friends and families gather around the West Scott fields in Beatrice to take in a great night of baseball. During the games, “Buddies”, from the previously mentioned Bullets Baseball team help their partners whom have special needs by giving appropriate assistance as needed, such as guiding someone who is visually impaired, using hand-over-hand assistance to help a child bat or throw a ball, or pushing a child who uses a wheelchair around the bases. This interaction has proven to be a positive experience for all participants involved. The Diller Community Foundation Fund was able to provide a grant for $300.00 to this fantastic program. This grant funding went towards the purchase of new helmets in a variety of sizes to be used by the athletes. Toni Landenberger of Diller, NE; “The league was grateful too have the opportunity to purchase equipment that they can call their own, equipment that is shiny, new and just as terrific as the participants in this league.”
Hometown Connections 2016
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Edgerton Explorit Science & “Dan the Science Man” comes to elementary
October 6th, 2015, Diller-Odell Elementary School was hit by an ARCTIC BLAST and witnessed amazing experiments involving AMAZING BUBBLES. A grant from the Diller Community Foundation Fund was used to bring ‘Dan the Science Man’ from the Edgerton Explorit Science Center of Aurora to the school to engage the students in the wonders of science. The children selected the topics for the investigation through a student vote. During the hour-and-a-half long program, the young scientists had the opportunity to learn about the properties of dry ice and liquid nitrogen! They found out what happens when items like pennies and Cheetos are cooled to nearly 300 degrees below zero and why snow is actually “warm.” The entertaining demonstration with bubbles revealed the science behind bubbleology and what shapes bubbles come in. Best of all, students got to learn how to make super soapy structures with several getting the opportunity to stand inside a bubble.
Curb Appeal
There are countless volunteers that aid in keeping Diller beautiful. Diller strives to make a lasting impression on everyone, and the unsung heroes of our community do not go unnoticed. Thank you to the Happy Harbiners and Kathy Engelman, Larry Germer, Sandy Kotas and Kate Schnuelle for maintaining the Main Street planters, Diller welcome signs, the mini-park and the Highway 136 signs. We want to take this opportunity to especially thank those who mow the roadside approaches to Diller on the north and south sides of town, and a special recognition to Dennis Ivie, who always goes above and beyond his duties as the Diller Maintenance Manager. Thank you, everyone!
Hometown Connections 2016 Youth Leaders Experience Washington, D.C. By: Jenna Hennerberg Last summer (2015), several local 4-H Junior Leaders went on a leadership trip to our nation’s capital. There, we got to see many famous monuments and memorials of past leaders. We also got to experience places such as Monticello, Mount Vernon, Gettysburg, the Eisenhower Farm, Virginia Beach, a baseball game at the National’s Stadium, and the play “Shear Madness” at the Kennedy Center. In our experiences, we got to learn about people throughout our nation’s history that led bravely and gave this country the opportunity to become what it is now. We got the chance to look into the past and learn about presidents and individuals that changed history. During the 11-day trip, we also got to talk to Congressman Adrian Smith and Senator Deb Fischer. This trip taught us the many ways to be leaders and to become responsible citizens. It was an amazing opportunity for the local youth.
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Foundation Fund Extends Invitation
“Bet On the Future” was the message conveyed by the Diller Community Foundation Fund float entry in the 120th Diller Picnic Parade. A game wheel, dice and large playing cards set the theme in shimmering jewel tones. Community members were invited to place a bet on the great things Diller has in store as we look forward with the support and funding of the Diller Community Foundation Fund. A special thanks must also be given to Betty Damrow for her help with the float.
The Diller Community Foundation Fund was able to give money to the Post Prom Committee. This money was put towards the general funding of the evening. The students are pictured, under the spell of a hypnotist, believing they are on a roller coaster.
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Inaugural D.R.E.A.M. Event The Diller Community Foundation Fund is planning an exciting, fun and new event the Friday evening before Thanksgiving at the Diller Opera House. We will be calling it “The D. R. E. A. M.” (Diller Remembers Endowment Achieves Magnificence). We are enthusiastic about creating an event that brings the community of Diller together for that night and beyond. This will be the first time this type of event will be held, and all of the details are being meticulously planned, so stay tuned. We plan to showcase the talents of people in and around Diller and hope that we instill in all of you that building relationships with each other in our small
community is very valuable. We hope to learn from each other that night about the dreams you have for Diller for the next few years and decades down the road. We want you to “Turn up your dream switch” and share with us the possibilities. No ideas are too wild to mention. Breaking bread always brings people together, so we are planning a nice meal and also an auction/silent auction. There will be items up for bid that you expect to see at these kinds of events, but we also want to bring attention to the talents of individuals in the area. What about a plane ride over the city of Lincoln at
night to look at the Christmas lights? We think this will help people spend time with other people in our community you normally don’t. Hopefully the next time you see that person downtown, at a ball game or other event, you will say hello and get to know each other a little better. So keep the Friday evening before Thanksgiving, November 18, open on your calendar. Come to “The D. R. E. A. M.” event and remember that if your dreams don’t scare you, they must not be big enough! Dennis Schmidt Chair/Diller Community Foundation Fund
Friday, November 18, 2016 Diller Remembers Endowment Achieves Magnificence
•Save the Date•
“Reading Under The Big Top”, a Huge Success! Clowns, acrobats and animals were all part of the circus-themed reading program for 2016. Each week an average of 40 children from Diller and Odell joined in the fun. In addition to checking out books and earning tickets to shop at the Circus Shop, kids learned to make balloon animals through the skill and expertise of Brianna Weers. Lily, Madeline and Emily Swanson entertained and amazed the crowd with their feats of tumbling and acrobatics. Circus goers tried their skills through circus related games and studied the science of the Circus with experiments involving balance, marshmallows and pennies. Sessions started with an opening of jokes, skits and dancing. One highlight of the four week program was ‘Elephant Toothpaste’. The event was held each Friday morning from 9:30 until 11 starting May 27 at the Diller-Odell Elementary School. Coordinators for the Reading Circus were Lana Hemphill, Jan Liscom and Beth Roelfs. Thanks goes out to Betty Lawrence,
Judy Garton and Judy Landenberger who handled the book check outs as well as to the many volunteers who came to help make the program a success. Sponsors of the program were: the Diller Community Foundation Fund, Diller-Odell Schools, who provided a driver and transportation for children coming from Odell along with the library collection, and the Fun Raisers Service Club of Diller. Please find more pictures on page 6!
Concession Stand Remodel Completed Patrons of the Diller-Odell baseball
and football concession stand may not notice much of a difference, BUT those working inside started the 2015 summer sports season in a newly remodeled and enlarged space. Through a financial collaboration of Diller-Odell Schools, Diller Community Foundation Fund and the Diller-Odell Summer Ball Association, the kitchen area was doubled, storage space was added and the restrooms were remodeled. One huge addition was climate control. The remodel ensures quality, quick service and SMILES!
Hometown Connections 2016 Upcoming Seniors Take Ultimate Field Trip For the second year in a row, Janelle Gegg, the Spanish teacher at Diller-Odell High School, has taken a group of upcoming seniors on the ultimate field trip. Students in her class who have successfully finished two years of Spanish, take a week long trip to Mexico. The eleven students, Mrs. Gegg and one adult sponsor were able to travel to the Yucatan Peninsula and visit the cities of Valladolid, Merida and Playa Del Carmen. This year, the students were able to document their trip via nightly journals with the Wymore Arbor State. While the journals are too long to publish all of them, here are the highlights and a recap:
Day 6, T.J. Schroeder “This was the first unscheduled day of the trip, everyone could sleep as long as they wanted too!” Many of the students learned how to scuba dive this day of the trip. Everyone went para-sailing, and they enjoyed pizza for lunch and relaxed on the beach after supper. Day 7, Kailee Rupprecht “Day seven, the last day of paradise spent on the white sand, Caribbean Sea and at the resort.” Kailee and a few of her travel partners took formal scuba diving lessons this
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day of the trip. They were able to scuba dive in the Jordinos Reef and saw some amazing creatures: an eel, puffer fish, sting ray, a lot of coral and even a barracuda. Day 8, Paige Arnold “We have many stories and memories to tell family and friends.” The final day was met with planes, airports and frustration. The kids got stranded in Texas due to heavy rain. After many delays, their flight to Omaha was canceled. An extra hotel stay was added to the agenda, but the students enjoyed the down time to reminisce about the trip. (See additional picture on page, 7)
Day 1, Corina Lottman “We have barely been here a day and have discovered so much!” The first day of the trip was filled with travel, leaving from the high school at 1:30am and catching two flights to Cancun started the trip. Day 2, Paige Vitosh and Tayler Wendland “...after all that, we participated in basketball or volleyball games. This was our favorite part of the day. Although both of our groups didn’t communicate fluently, we were all still able to hold conversations.” The first full day in Mexico, the students toured a school, visited a Mayan Pyramid, and did a lot of swimming. Day 3, Reese Hennerberg and Tyler Rash “..we ate lunch at Flamingo’s Restaurant. This was the first place we ate at that actually had American food, so most of us got hamburgers!” The city of Merida was destination for day three. The students traveled all around the city, learning its history. But the highlight of the day came when they visited an orphanage and got to interact with the children. The group finished the day at an authentic Mexican restaurant and celebrated Cory’s birthday. Day 4 & 5, Alexis Collins “The day was definitely memorable.” Day four started early at 4:00am. The students got some independence this day but experienced so much. Snorkeling, cliff jumping, zip lining, just to name a few. The day ended with a van ride back to Playa Del Carmen, the last stop before home.
Young Leaders Enjoy N-Power Conference The Diller Community Foundation Fund and Odell Area Community Enrichment Group joined forces to provide scholarships for seven area students to the 2015 N-Power Conference held on UNL’s East Campus in Lincoln. The student’s ages ranged from 6th through 11th grades. A “shout out of thanks” goes to Madeline Swanson for the account of her conference experience. The following is a summary. “The N-Power leadership conference was the most amazing and interesting experience I’ve ever had.” As the campers arrived they began to investigate the conference venue and meet other participants. Madeline was excited to meet kids from other schools, especially her roommate who remains a good friend. Through break out sessions and assemblies, the age-level groups focused on leadership skills such as character traits of leaders, relationship building, conflict management, collaboration, goal setting and lessons on dancing, dating and dining. “Even though the breakout sessions lasted five hours, they went by really fast.” FUN was also on the schedule. The conference agenda included Power Pair partners, a dance and Water Olympics, Madeline shared that, “My group won two of the four stations. By the end of the Water Olympics I was soaked from head to toe.” Madeline finished her conference story in this way, “I guess there is no other better way to end this story than “EEENPOWER”.
Hometown Connections 2016
Reading under the big top!
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Hometown Connections 2016
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Mrs. Gegg’s Spanish Class, pose happily on a beach in Mexico as they finish up their trip to the Yucatan Peninsula. BRLR: Tyler Rash, Cory Engelman, T.J. Schroeder, Reese Hennerberg. FRLR: Paige Vitosh, Kailee Rupprecht, Paige Arnold, Carson Ebeling, Alexis Collins, Tayler Wendland, Corina Lottman
The Mini Park, located in downtown Diller nears completion. The Diller Community Foundation Fund would once again like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to Larry Germer for his continued care of the mini park. The next stage of the park will be to complete the installation of an underground watering system.
Veteran’s Memorial Complete
The construction of the Veteran’s Memorial, located at the Diller Prairie Home Cemetery, has been completed. The walls are up and the flag pole waves the American flag overhead 24 hours a day. We have also added two concrete benches. The final phase of the Memorial is to place individual plaques on the walls honoring every veteran buried in our cemetery. The Diller Community Foundation Fund has aided financially to purchase the plaques. We are currently researching records to find as much information as possible concerning each Veteran to be inscribed on the plaques. We are very proud of our Veteran’s Memorial and thank all those who have played a part in making it a reality. It would not have been possible without the generosity of the members of our community and the hard work of many local individuals and organizations. Thank you to all who participated in this great and enduring project. It is an outstanding addition to our community and will be a monument to our veterans for decades to come. If you have information concerning the rank, service, or military unit served in by a veteran buried in our cemetery, please send that information to: Larry Chambers, PO Box 25, Diller, NE 68342. These plaques will be ordered soon, so please send the information as soon as possible.
Hometown Connections 2016
Help to Build the Endowment, Join the BUILDER’S CLUB!
2016 Membership
Alan & JoAnn Svajgr
David & Victoria Barnard
Robert F. Diller
Greg & Tamara Weers
Gladys Rice
Chad & Courtney Lottman
Larry & Ruth Horsky
Marcy Barber
Virginia Lottman
Diller Opera House
Sy E. Fasnacht
David & Joyce Scheele
Bill & Gladys Sandman
Randy Sandman
Steve & Julie Sandman
Diller Telephone Co.
Tom & Joyce Carpenter
Steve & Peggy Hemphill
Dennis Schmidt
V & I Family Trust
Dean & Jane Pretzer
Ronald & Kathy Schroeder
Dean & Elizabeth Roelfs
Robert & Diane Wellsandt
Loren Duerksen
Marla Weichel
Franklin & Betty Damrow
Robert & Cynthia Milligan
Scott & Holli Pretzer
Judy Weers
Robert & Susan Carpenter
Leatha Christ
Several Anonymous Memberships
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The Diller Community Foundation Fund established the Builder’s Club for the Endowment Fund. The purpose of the Builder’s Club is to build the habit of giving annually and to BUILD the Endowment Fund. Your ongoing support as a member of the Builder’s Club is an investment in the future of Diller. With an annual donation of $100 or more to the DCFF Endowment Fund, an individual, family or business will become a member of the Builder’s Club. All contributions through the Builder’s Club will grow the unrestricted Endowment Fund of the DCFF. Donations to the Endowment Fund, which are tax deductible, not only last forever, but they increase in value. Each year, the DCFF awards a portion of the earnings from the Endowment Fund to local organizations for various projects and programs while keeping the principal balance intact and growing. The unrestricted fund is a key resource for our community, as these funds will continue to provide support no matter how needs evolve in the future. This assures long-term support for community needs. Consider helping to BUILD the Endowment Fund that will move the community forward for years to come. Use the Foundation Fund’s e-mail address for answers to any questions you might have.
2016 Endowment Fund Builder’s Club Merry Moderns Club
Dean & Jane Pretzer
Scott & Holli Pretzer
B & W Electric, Inc.
Greg & Tamara Weers
Russell & Carolyn Schultis
Diller Telephone Co.
Donations Received
June 1, 2015 - May 31, 2016
ENDOWMENT FUND
Joyce Craig in Memory of Art (Butch) Craig Russell & Stacy Hennerberg
Robert F. Diller
Mary (Angel) Bennett
Marla Weichel
Bill & Gladys Sandman
Kathryn Lottman Tucker Memorial
Randy Sandman
Robert & Cynthia Milligan
Steve & Julie Sandman
Dell Wehling
Tom & Joyce Carpenter
Dr. Sharon & Donna Ocker
Several Anonymous Donations
Richard & Jean Schnuelle
Steve & Peggy Hemphill
Robert & Susan Carpenter
Allen & Stacy Roelfs
Ronald & Kathy Schroeder
Cathy Farlee in Memory of Rachel Diller Spurlock Robert F. Diller in Memory of Lucy Virginia Diller Robert & Cynthia Milligan
Dean & Elizabeth Roelfs
Sandman Family Foundation
Robert & Diane Wellsandt
Several Anonymous Donors
Jerry & Virginia Beckmann in Memory of Darwin Garton Several Anonymous Donations
GENERAL ACCOUNT
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2016 Grants ENDOWMENT FUND
ACCOUNT BALANCES
Diller Prairie Home Cemetery (Plaques for Veterans Memorial)
$2,300.00
Diller-Odell Youth Football (Blocking Sled)
$1,100.00
Diller Picnic Committee $1,600.00 (Bleacher Repair & Tractor Repair for Tractor Pull) Diller Opera House (Coat Closet Door & Poles)
$1,000.00
Jefferson County Historical Society (Roof Repair & Window Replacement)
$2,500.00
Diller Community Club (Repair stage in City Park)
$1,500.00
TOTAL
$ 10,00.00
GENERAL FUND Wymore/Diller/Odell Legion Baseball (Baseball Equipment)
$
Diller-Odell Youth Football (New pants w/pads for 15-20 youths)
$ 1,100.00
Bullets Shooting Stars (Jerseys, Helmets & Equipment)
$
300.00
Diller Community Blood Drive (Advertising)
$
50.00
Diller-Odell Schools (Leadership Summit for 45 students)
$ 2,250.00
Diller-Odell Schools Spanish Club (Mexico Trip for 12 students)
$
TOTAL
$ 4,800.00
Our Thanks The Diller Community
500.00
600.00
Foundation Fund greatly appreciates the support from the Diller Telephone Co. and C & C Processing, Inc. of Diller and the East Court Dairy Queen in Beatrice for sponsoring the meal at the annual meeting and granting celebration held in January. Thank you to these businesses for their generous support over the years allowing us to provide a free meal at this event.
As of March 31, 2016 Endowment Fund General Account Main Street Account Museum Account Opera House Account TOTAL FUND BALANCES 2015 ENDOWMENT FUND PAY OUT
$ 339,353.01 $ 28,756.69 $ 1,833.43 $ 670.81 $ 2,284.09 $ 372,898.03 $ 10,621.62
Why Are We Affiliated with the Nebraska Community Foundation?
Recently a board member was asked this very question and we thought it was a good one to answer for everyone who is wondering the same thing. Annually the Fund Advisory Committee Members for the Diller Fund consider the same question. Is it worth OUR COMMUNITY’S money to stay affiliated? And, every year we unanimously vote YES. So, WHY? 1. Our affiliation with the Nebraska Community Foundation allows us to use their 501 (c)(3) tax deductible status without having to complete the lengthy and complicated process or pay the expensive fees ourselves. 2. We are able to receive tax deductible gifts and are sure we are conforming to IRS standards. 3. The Nebraska Community Foundation covers the legal responsibilities of ensuring that funds are used consistent with 501(c)(3) provisions and in compliance with donor intent. 4. The NCF has the sole responsibility for all day-to-day financial activities, including recording contributions; making disbursements; cash management; preparing and filing IRS Form990; obtaining an audit by an independent CPA firm; sending donor tax receipts and issuing our Community Fund’s financial reports each quarter. 5. Affiliated funds with endowments can invest in one of two investment portfolios designed specifically for non-profits. The Diller Fund Advisory Committee also reviews which portfolios to invest in on an annual basis, more often if necessary. For these reasons and more we feel the fees and compliance guidelines are very reasonable. We hope this answers some questions and leads you to agree that affiliation is an act of good stewardship as we manage the Diller Community Foundation Fund and Endowment.
Diller Community Fund Advisory Committee Dennis Schmidt, Chairman; Diane Wellsandt, Vice-Chairman; Kathy Schroeder, Recording Secretary; Joyce Carpenter, Correspondence Secretary; Tamara Weers, Treasurer; Scott Pretzer, Beth Roelfs, Peggy Hemphill
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What are your dreams for Diller? There is an awesome thing happening across the state of Nebraska. Many communities (a lot of them small and rural) are building endowments like Diller. The Diller Community Foundation Fund (DCFF) endowment account has grown to about $330,000 thanks to many of you. The purpose of the endowment is to create a financial resource that continues to grow no matter what. The principal in the endowment will never be spent and will continue to grow and benefit the community of Diller for decades and beyond. Only a portion of the earned growth is granted back to the community each year. Some of the earned growth is intentionally retained so that the fund continues to increase in value. The Fund Advisory Committee (FAC) is entrusted to grant those funds to the community of Diller each year for as long as we can foresee. Just think of the possibilities that the money from the endowment could grow to over the next 2550 years. Dream about what that resource could mean for the community of Diller. It is pretty amazing. At the last granting celebration in January, 2016, earnings from the endowment fund and some added donations to the general fund amounted to $18,300. Those funds were used to support several projects in Diller, youth programs, helping build leaders, etc. Again, thanks to all of you who have contributed over the years. I am very proud to serve as a member of the FAC. The other members of the team that I am blessed to work with are Diane Wellsandt, Tammy Weers, Kathy Schroeder, Joyce Carpenter, Beth Roelfs, Peggy Hemphill, and Scott Pretzer. The passion and commitment of these members serving the community of Diller is inspiring. We take the responsibility that has been given to each of us very seriously. We understand that we are managing the funds for the past, current and future people of the community of Diller. Please consider visiting with one of the members or myself. We would love to tell you more about Diller’s affiliated fund with the Nebraska Community Foundation and even more important, we would love to listen about your dreams for Diller. Please consider contributing to this wonderful asset that Diller has and let the growth begin! “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it, he who doesn’t, pays it.” -Albert Einstein Dennis Schmidt Chair, Diller Community Foundation Fund
120th Annual Diller Picnic Celebrated 2016 marked the 120th Diller Picnic. This event is held each summer and is attended by many from the local area and beyond. The theme for 2016 was “Back to the Future.” The Diller Community Foundation Fund granted $1,600 towards repair of the bleachers at the Tractor Pull/Mud Drags area. Also granted was $1,500 for repairs to be made to the stage in the village park. Free entertainment is held each year on Saturday night during the Picnic. The 2015 Diller Picnic theme was “Bright Lights – Little City”. The Diller Community Foundation Fund granted $500 to be used towards advertising.
Vision Statement
Diller is a strong and vibrant community that exhibits a collaborative and caring spirit to provide superior economic, and recreational opportunities for all residents to create an exceptional quality of life.
Mission Statement
The Diller Community Foundation Fund connects caring people and a variety of resources with causes that support and maximize our community’s potential.
Values Statement
The Diller Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee will conduct business and build relationships using the following core values: Trustworthy: The Fund Advisory Committee is a good steward of the time, talents and treasures entrusted to us. We are honest, truthful, and fair with all donors, recipients, partners and community members. We maintain absolute confidentiality and adhere to the guidelines and policies of the Nebraska Community Foundation. Collaborative: The Fund Advisory Committee is a willing partner in promoting programs and projects for the benefit of all residents of the community. We will reach out to other groups and organizations to leverage our efforts and investments in the community to achieve our vision. Progressive: The Fund Advisory Committee is proactive in recognizing the needs of the community and emphasizes the long-term and positive impact decisions will have on the Diller community. We will encourage on-going community commitment to build and sustain a quality fund to serve future generations.
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Thank You Beth! A sincere thank you to Beth Roelfs! Beth has served as the chair of the Diller Community Foundation Fund (DCFF) since its inception in 1999 through the beginning of 2016. Wow! She continues to serve on our 8-member Fund Advisory Committee (FAC) and is a valued part of the team. We continually ask her questions and are thankful to have such a wealth of knowledge available to us to continue the work of building and managing the endowment. The community of Diller is blessed to have such a dedicated individual promoting the betterment and future of our hometown. Beth has been involved and continues to be involved in so many organizations and aspects of Diller. She has done an amazing job and always took so much on herself. We were able to surprise Beth with a congratulatory party on March 17, 2016, at the Diller Opera House. I pretended to want to meet her downtown for supper before our regular meeting. She drove through downtown, past her husband’s pickup, turned around at the north corner and parked in front of C&C. I had a ruse to get her into the Opera House, but as we were walking close to the entrance door, there was her mom’s blue Cadillac sitting right in front of us. No bells went off yet. Whew! We walked in and Beth said, “Somebody must be having a party in here!” Then it hit her when she saw her family and the members and former members of the DCFF. She turned to me and called me a name that her granddaughter would get a finger wagging for. Beth was so surprised and didn’t think she deserved any attention. We ate a meal together and presented her with a wooden book with a clock inside. The inscription read: “The Diller Community Foundation values your countless contributions to the community of Diller for it’s past, current and future souls. The legacy you were integrally involved in building will live on for decades. Thank you!” News Channel Nebraska from the Fairbury radio station and also the Fairbury Journal News were there to interview Beth and others in attendance. God bless you Beth for all of the untold hours of work and the great amount of passion you have given and continue to give to the community of Diller.
Thanks for the Support! A BIG THANKS goes out to the Sandman Family Foundation for sponsoring a table at the 2015 Nebraska Community Foundation’s annual Awards Banquet. Their support helps to provide a quality training and networking event for funds such as the Diller Community Foundation Fund. Your action is helping to build a stronger Nebraska.
Dennis Schmidt Humble new Diller Community Foundation Fund Chair
Give the Gift of Grain to the Diller Community Foundation Fund Agricultural producers are encouraged to gift through a program called “Harvest an Acre for the Diller Community Foundation Fund”
Producers can donate grain from one acre or more of corn, soybeans, milo, or wheat that has been delivered to any Farmers Cooperative location. These donations will be invested in the future of the Diller Community by supporting youth programs and community improvements. There are also producer tax benefits to gifting grain. In the example below, a comparison is given between a cash gift of $1,400 of sold grain (commodity is sold in producer’s name) and a direct gift of grain to the Foundation Fund (commodity is not sold in producer’s name). The example also shows how a direct commodity gift of the same number of bushels benefits the community more. Cash gift Commodity gift Sold grain income $1,400 (350 bushels @$4) Income tax (33%) $462 Self-Employment Tax (12%) $168 Total Taxes $630 None Benefit to Community
$770
$1,400
Please consider gifting an acre or more of your commodity in 2016. For more information, contact Tammy Weers (402-793-5930) or Scott Pretzer (402-875-1567).
Design and Publishing by the Wymore Arbor State
Hometown Connections 2016
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Wymore, Diller, and Odell American Legions Work Together to Keep Small Town Baseball Thriving For over thirty years, boys have grown to love the game of baseball within their towns of Diller and Odell. Once those boys get too old to play little league, they head over and play Wymore Legion Baseball. American Legion, Post 25 in Wymore has historically been host to the baseball team although the team is made up of players from Southern, Diller-Odell, and occasionally Lewiston public schools. This combination is unique in that, during the school year, the team separates back out to become competitors once again, in basketball and track. The sportsmanship and friendships developed in the summer, carry over to make those rival basketball games a great experience for, fans, coaches and players. In recent years (2015), the American Legions from Diller, Post 282, and Odell, Post 231, have joined with Wymore, Post 25 to all be technical sponsors of the baseball program. This change was much needed and directly benefits those boys living in Diller, particularly. A simple explanation being, whichever legion post you live closer to is the team you are expected to play for. In years past, Fairbury has had to “release” kids to play for Wymore. But with this change, that is no longer the case, and things are considerably easier for those involved especially considering a significant number of players on both Juniors and Seniors are from Diller and Odell.
2016 Senior Legion Baseball Team
FRLR: Tyler Rash, Christian McCown, Bladen Ahl, Cole Ullman, Travis Munstermann, Pat Meyer, Peyton Mohr BRLR: Coaches, Jason McCown, Brian Vitosh & Dan Yockel, Reese Hennerberg, Austin Vitosh, Brady McMurray, Tybor Smith
The support of the surrounding communities, is beyond appreciated each season. A schedule of games can be found at various businesses throughout Diller and Odell. You can find a schedule, and game highlights by following the team on Facebook. Just search for “Wymore Legion Baseball”.
2016 Junior Legion Baseball Team
For the past two years, the Diller Community Foundation Fund has supported each the Junior and Senior team with grants totaling $1,000 for the purchase of much needed equipment. Home games are played in Wymore, in Arbor State Park with full shaded grandstands. There is always a breeze in the stands. Each year, the baseball program fields competitive teams. The program has won 3 District Championships, and 2 District Runner-Up titles in the past 5 years. Each District Champion goes to the State Tournament. There have been countless players go on to play college baseball over the years, and even one Major League player!
FRLR: Ryan Arnold, Shane Sutton, Trevin Saathoff, Bryan Meyer, Ethan Zvolanek, Tyson Landenberger, T.J. Schroeder, Dalton Johnson BRLR: Coach Jason McCown, Will Stanosheck, Bryston Warren, Collin Sayers, Armando Jones, William McLaughlin, Zach Borzekofski, Coach Matt Henrichs