Around The Railroad

United Way of the Midlands

Train Dispatcher Awarded Volunteer of the Year

April 29, 2009 | 09:20 a.m. CDT

Described as a "one-woman whirlwind," Train Dispatcher Connie Rose accepted United Way of the Midland's Volunteer of the Year Award at its annual luncheon on April 22, celebrating National Volunteer Week.

Nominated by two civic groups, fellow volunteers, a doctor and a state legislator, Rose is a member of several local organizations and a driving force behind a variety of civic- and human-service projects.

"Connie's tireless actions speak volumes of her character and integrity," said Chairman Jim Young. "Her contributions to the community are making a difference, and she represents the very best of Union Pacific Railroad."

Rose says it's nice to be recognized for her hard work, but that's not why she does it. "An hour here and a half hour there add up to a lot when you're helping those in need. Let the larger organizations do the million dollar projects. Little successes go a long way. A few minutes alone can put gloves on a homeless person who's out in the cold and that makes a difference," Rose said.

Although it's difficult to summarize all of Rose's contributions to the Omaha community, her involvement includes:

• Organizing monthly receptions for new American citizens following their naturalization ceremony;
• Promoting rail safety as a certified Operation Lifesaver instructor;
• Recruiting peers to fund and support a free medical clinic at Omaha's Open Door Mission;
• Collecting items needed by overseas American soldiers, as well as for the residents of an area girls' home;
• Coordinating the Florence Kiwanis annual Boy Scout Railroad Safety Merit Badge event;
• Planting and maintaining flower beds in the medians along local streets, and 
• Arranging holiday events for the Florence community, where she also helps run two small businesses with her husband.