Page 20 2023 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS May 2023 In 2021, Devan Duncheon became part owner of Culver’s after working at the restaurant since 2008. Duncheon said, “Elaine, from the beginning, has set a standard of getting to know each and every team member, to making sure to specifically tell each team member hello at the beginning of their shift and to tell them each individually goodbye.” As Duncheon said, “we get the privilege of hiring, oftentimes, young adults with no prior work experience and watching them grow not only in the work environment but in their personal lives as well. There is nothing better than when a former team member walks back in for a meal and you get to catch up on each other’s lives.” Having worked with Elaine since age 16, Duncheon said, “it really was an inspiration to see not only a successful business being built up from the bottom, but to see an independent woman doing it. Overall, I can’t pinpoint exact instances that were memorable, but watching our team members grow with the business has been exciting.” For Duncheon, “the most memorable fundraising events are those that the Lincoln community really shows up for! Often times, people want to focus on the negative, but working at, and now being a co-owner of Culver’s, it really makes it hard to see anything but positives with our community.” She said,” We have quite a few organizations that do monthly fundraisers, and building those relationships with the volunteers that are there consistently is one of my favorite times.” A caring nature is one of Aue’s most outstanding traits. As Reifsteck said, whether it be family, friend or some stranger down on their luck, whether it be health [issues] or a life situation “through no fault of their own,” Aue will be there however she can help. Aue’s family sees her as a super daughter, terrific sister and mother and true friend to many, and also very humble. Though Aue’s priority now is her two granddaughters, she also finds time to volunteer at places like the Logan County Humane Society. With all the ways Aue has cared for and helped people over the years, selflessness would be another good description of her. She has given so much to the community and is very deserving of the hometown hero title.
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