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Seward Rotary Club honored two local women at its inaugural Seward Service Celebration on Wednesday, May 24th. Julie Wisehart received the “Service Above Self Award,” while Tina Schaben received the “Wayne Tanderup Award.”
Wisehart, longtime co-owner of the Rivoli Theater, was cited for her care for the theater’s employees, including fellow honoree Tina Schaben. In presenting the award, Rotarian Russ Sommerfeld noted several acts of service by Wisehart, including the numerous movie showings for schools and groups, the free movie days that have become community traditions, and her willingness to make the theater available for a variety of activities. In addition to the award, Wisehart was made a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, a recognition named after the founder of Rotary.
Schaben, owner of Hairtrix Salon, received the “Wayne Tanderup Award,” presented to an individual who has overcome adversity and risen to a level of success in spite of those hardships. Schaben, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2013 and continues to go through chemotherapy, was cited by Rotarian Erich Helge, son-in-law of Tanderup, for her perseverance and determination. Schaben was joined by her family and employees, who she thanked for their assistance in keeping the salon in business during her treatment. Schaben said she was honored to receive an award named after Tanderup, who had given her a special Christmas gift as a young child while her father worked for Seward Motor Freight, Tanderup’s company.
John Owens, Rotary Club president, preceded the honorees by talking about Rotary International, with its motto of “Service Above Self: He Profits Most Who Serves Best,” and the activities of the Seward Rotary Club. Established in 1925, Seward Rotary conducts a number of projects, including the Stuff the Cruiser project each December, high school student recognition, and volunteer support for local community projects. The Seward club also supports Rotary International’s effort to end polio worldwide.
Clark Kolterman, longtime member of Seward Rotary, was master of ceremonies for the event, which nearly 100 attended, held at Bottle Rocket Brewing. Dinner was catered by Nate’s on the Nine.