Welcome to the Rotary Club of Omaha

We had the good fortune this week to meet and hear from the NCAA’s new Director of Championships and Alliances, Anthony Holman. As such, Anthony oversees, among many other things, the College World Series.

Anthony has a big job with many issues ahead: proposals to speed up the game to make the championship more appealing to current audiences; how to deal with changes in sports wagering laws; dealing with the effect of the professional draft on the CWS; working with suggestions to realign the current baseball season structure to give schools in northern latitudes a more equal footing; and many, many more. Not to mention protecting and serving the interests of student athletes, balanced with satisfying the desires of the various member schools.
 

Anthony gave an impressive presentation. We wish him the best of luck in his new position at the NCAA, and hope to see him here in Omaha for the CWS for many years to come.
 

LeRoy Swedlund reminded us that CWS ticket books are on sale, and he has them: $90 for 10 tickets. A great way to treat your kids or grandkids to the College World Series. Or buy a book and donate them to your favorite charity benefitting children.
 

I want to remind you that we are all invited to a CWS tailgate on June 18, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, courtesy of Rotarian Michelle Boles and NRG Energy. You should have received an email by now with the details and a link to register yourself and up to three additional family members (21+). 100 tickets available, first come first served. If you did not receive the email, please contact Gretchen Harvey, and we will get you the information and get you signed up. And if all else fails, just come to the tent in the NRG parking lot at 601 N 14^th Street. We should have plenty of room for you.
 

We expect a good group of Rotarians at the CWS event (we have 52 signed up so far). The tailgate tent has TV’s, food trucks, bathrooms, all included and all gratis (free) thanks to NRG. Don’t miss out on this great party. See you at the tailgate!
 

Good News:

Congratulations to Larry Johansen who earned his Paul Harris Plus 5 award, and to Francis Lajba who earned his Paul Harris plus 8. The original Paul Harris, and every Plus, means an additional $1,000 given to the Rotary International Foundation, to continue its mission of “Doing Good in the World.” Thanks to both of you for your continuing generosity, and thanks to everyone in our Club who contributes. If you haven’t had a chance to join them, today is the perfect time to start. Contact our Rotary Foundation Chair, Heather Legge, or myself, and we’ll make it easy.
 

Steve McCollister wins the cute grandkids award for the year. We were treated to a video of his twin granddaughters, Evie, and Juliana, singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Very appropriate for our Baseball theme.
 

Jim Murphy reminded us that June 14 is Flag Day and also the birthday of the United States Army. Display your colors proudly.
 

Jim Suttle is celebrating 52 years of marriage, as well as his birthday this week. Congratulations Jim!
 

It was great to see so many guests and visitors this week, many of who are prospective members. The best way to introduce someone to Rotary: Bring them to a meeting!
 

Next week we have Kim Whittaker, President of First National Technology, talking about Cybersecurity in the Workplace, a very timely and important topic.