[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 214 (Thursday, December 17, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





    HONORING RECIPIENTS OF THE INNOVATION AND ADAPTATION RECOGNITION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ADRIAN SMITH

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 17, 2020

  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, today I honor nine individuals 
and businesses from Nebraska's Third District for receiving the 
Innovation and Adaptation Recognition.
  Throughout the 75 counties of the Third District, Nebraskans know our 
communities grow when individuals step up: helping their neighbors, 
being involved, and creating opportunities for themselves and others.
  In August, I called for nominations as part of a new initiative to 
acknowledge the contributions of individuals, organizations, and those 
who are working every day to improve and help their communities in the 
current environment.
  Billy Estes is the Executive Director of the Midwest Theater of 
Scottsbluff. Midwest Theater's programming, which includes live 
performances, orchestras, and concerts, makes an important contribution 
to the cultural and social experiences of Nebraska's panhandle. When 
the Coronavirus pandemic reached western Nebraska, under the guidance 
of Mr. Estes, the Midwest Theater partnered with the Legacy of the 
Plains Museum to create the Skyview Drive-in Movie Theater. As the 
pandemic progressed, this venture proved so popular they outgrew their 
location and had to move to larger accommodations. Thanks to the 
creativity and leadership of Mr. Estes, in spite of the pandemic, the 
Midwest Theater has continued to thrive throughout 2020.
  Grand Central Foods of York is owned by the Warren Thomas family. Mr. 
Thomas prides himself on his commitment to the York community. In 
``normal'' times, Warren and the Grand Central Team are the first to 
ask where they can help with a project or how they can partner on 
events. The selflessness shown by everyone at Grand Central is a 
testament to the example of their ownership. Within a few days of the 
pandemic's arrival to York, Warren purchased a second grocery delivery 
van and expanded his service to the entire community. Because Warren 
believes in positive reinforcement, he encouraged his customers to wear 
a mask while in his store by offering a 5 percent discount on their 
purchases. He is an active member of many community groups, and his 
passion and commitment to his community are unmatched.
  Alyssa Cochnar of Crete is the leader of Gold Star Martial Arts of 
Crete and Seward. At 26 years old, she is already a 5th-degree black 
belt, chief instructor, and co-owner of the martial arts facility. When 
directed health measures forced Gold Star to close in-person training 
classes, she spearheaded the process of creating online modules for her 
students to continue their training independently. Before long, she 
began offering Zoom Classes to provide her students with another safe 
and flexible option to continue their training and explore expanded 
experiences to encourage healthy eating habits and socialization while 
social distancing. I commend her positive attitude and commitment to an 
enriching educational experience for all her students, regardless of 
their experience level.
  Bryce Jensen is the Director of the World Theatre of Kearney. His 
adaptability, especially during the pandemic, demonstrates his 
commitment to his community. Though the organization he operates, the 
World Theatre, was closed due to the pandemic, his outside of the box 
thinking inspired him to create, through strategic community 
collaborations, a World Theatre drive-in. Not only did this ensure the 
World Theatre could still bring respite to many during these trying 
times, but it restored a drive-in movie experience to the Kearney 
region, reminding many of the happy memories of their youth.
  Kirk Zeller grew up in the community of Ravenna, Nebraska. After high 
school, he attended university and later worked in the medical field in 
Japan, Europe, and the United States. Eventually, Kirk returned to his 
hometown of Ravenna to raise his family. Since returning to Ravenna, he 
has turned the former Carnegie library into an entrepreneurship center, 
purchased a downtown building and renovated the upper story apartments, 
and recently directed a movie in Ravenna and Los Angeles which 
premiered at the Kearney World Theatre's drive-in, all while working on 
bringing new medical products to the market. He is a great story of 
returning to rural Nebraska and reinvesting in the community.
  Dick Cochran of Kearney founded the nonprofit Hot Meals USA in 
October 2017. By February 2018, he signed a memorandum of understanding 
with the American Red Cross to call on him for assistance in wildfires, 
floods, tornadoes, and other disasters. Every time Dick and Hot Meals 
USA are called upon, no less than 150 volunteers have supported the 
program. Since their inception, the policy has been to feed anyone, no 
questions asked. In just over three years, they have provided more than 
155,000 meals across the country.
  John McCoy is the CEO of Orthman Manufacturing of Lexington. He 
embraced the opportunity to help feed families who come from a poverty 
background in the Lexington area. When he first brought Hot Meals USA 
to the community, Orthman Manufacturing partnered with the Lexington 
Community Foundation and others to provide over 1,000 hot meals weekly 
to families. He then made feeding the community a priority as he and 
his employees took the lead to distribute USDA food boxes. When schools 
reopened in August, John was there for the community again. He donated 
3,700 masks to Lexington Public Schools to make sure no student was 
unprepared for their school experience. John's actions represent his 
commitment to all members of the Lexington community.
  Anthony May of Hastings is an entrepreneur. When the pandemic forced 
the taproom of Steeple Brewery Anthony co-owns to close, he quickly 
responded. Collaborating with Wave Pizza Company, the brewery's 
restaurant partner, he developed a community delivery program, which 
eventually offered their products to 21 communities in south-central 
Nebraska. This innovative program ensured many Nebraskans, whose 
communities either do not have a grocery store or now lacked a local 
place to eat due to the pandemic restrictions, had ready access to an 
easy to use food delivery program.
  Matt Dennis and Michael Stepp are more than small-town business 
owners; they are master storytellers with a dream. What began as two 
friends making copper mugs in an old shop has turned into an 
opportunity to reshape the meaning of community. When they purchased 
the building they now call Handlebend, their goal was to create a 
community of small businesses under one roof and welcome the community 
with open arms to come and enjoy a mule, coffee, or gather and with 
friends and family. Though the Coronavirus pandemic has caused the 
Handlebend community to adapt their approach, their dream to create an 
innovative experience for the O'Neill community continues.
  I am proud to honor these individuals today, and I thank them for 
their many contributions to Nebraska.

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