Our meetings are Wednesdays, from noon to 1 PM. They are usually held at the
Field Club of Omaha, 3615 Woolworth Street, Omaha, Nebraska
Field Club of Omaha, 3615 Woolworth Street, Omaha, Nebraska
Check out the calendar for upcoming programs and possible changes in location.The Rotary Club of Omaha is currently meeting virtually via Zoom.
EVERY LAST CHILD.
The top volunteer officer in the Rotary fight against polio spoke to Suburban Rotary on February 18, 2021. Here is a brief summary of comments by Michael K. McGovern (Cape Elizabeth ME).
First published reports on the 1955 Salk polio vaccine noted 80-90% efficacy. First public reports on the 2020 Pfizer coronavirus vaccine indicated 90%+ efficacy. Fortunately for most of us, polio was wiped out in the U.S. and developed world by the mid-1960s.
Rotary began the fight in 1979 with a Rotary grant in the Philippines where Rotarians noticed the disparity in vaccination of children between the undeveloped and the developed world. That year, 350,000 wild polio virus cases were reported worldwide.
Last year, 140 wild polio virus cases were reported, solely in Afghanistan and Pakistan. This year, there is but ONE reported case, and it is in Afghanistan. In a footnote of history, Imelda Marcos was the patroness of the Philippine effort.
If not for Rotary, there are 19M people on earth today who would be paralyzed by polio (650,000 persons per year). That’s $2.3B spent since 1985 and 3B children who have received the oral vaccine since 1988. Less than one dollar per child.
The budget for the fight is $200M per annum including funding of WHO, UNICEF and other partner operations. Since 1979, $1.3B has been contributed from Rotary sources, $900M in direct gifts by Rotarians.
GOOD NEWS
- Every Rotary dollar becomes three (3) dollars with the Gates Foundation match.
- Only 4% is spent on administrative operations and fund development.
- The latest wild polio virus vaccine does NOT mutate genetically, thus, we can see an end to vaccine-related cases (which only occur in the non-vaccinated population).
Are you as proud as I am to be a Rotarian?
See you on Wednesday as we welcome an Omaha medical doctor who is one of the foremost scientists and clinicians in the world working to improve the lives of special needs families and patients. Dr. Mirnics will also open the new Munroe-Meyer Institute clinical and research facility on UNO’s south campus later this year.
-John Sullivan
An annual meeting of the Rotary Club of Omaha will be held on February 24th.
Slated for election:
Rotary Club of Omaha Board Member Candidates
Bob Keefer - Term 2024
Sandy Lemke - Term 2024
Bev Carlson - Term 2024
Adam Leong - Term 2024
Rotary Club of Omaha Foundation Board
Dianne Desler - Term 2024
Sean Olson - Terrm 2024
Club President Nominee 23-24
Lindy Hoyer
Sam Rennick has submitted a membership application. Sam is a consultant at Paul J. Strawhecker, Inc. He is sponsored by Lloyd Meyer.
Adam Hoebelheinrich, Regional Vice President, Project Control. Sponsored by John Sullivan.
Terri Sanders, Publisher, Omaha Star Newspaper. Sponsored by Lindy Hoyer.
Joe Pepitone, Chief Administrator and Vice President, Arial Home Health and Bloom Companion Care. Sponsored by Todd Murphy
Josh Todd, Executive Director,Omaha Sports Commission. Sponsored by Brett Frevert and Sean Olson.
Any comments should be sent to Leigh Sittenauer at director@omaharotary.org.
Please welcome our newest member, César Garcia.
César is driven by a vision for the future – an equitable community full of choice and opportunities for residents to thrive, providing a strong foundation for success. In his role as Executive Director at Canopy South, he leads the revitalization efforts in areas of South Omaha and focuses on transforming neighborhoods while bringing together the vital components necessary for holistic community revitalization: high quality mixed-income housing, an effective cradle-to-college education pipeline, and comprehensive community wellness resources; with the goal of creating a healthier, more sustainable, mixed-income community. César fosters intentional partnerships with community stakeholders and leads strategic initiatives and projects to fulfill the mission of the organization.
Previously, César served as a Principal in the Firm and as Engineering Sector Leader at DLR Group. While there, he was the Lead for several notable local projects, including the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Conservation Academy and the new addition to Central High School. He holds a master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Nebraska and brings more than 15 years of engineering, project management, and business development experience to the organization.
Originally from one of the largest cities in Colombia, César immigrated to the United States as a teenager in pursuit of opportunity – a common thread, which bonds his own experience to many in the community he serves. With strong ties to Omaha, much of his time is committed to giving back to the city foundational to his success. Garcia serves on multiple boards and committees focused on equitable development, including Intercultural Senior Center, Civic Nebraska, and the Greater Omaha Chamber.
Recognitions
- Midlands Business Journal’s 40 Under 40
- Ten Outstanding Young Omahans
- Leadership Omaha Class 38
Please welcome our newest members:
Lisa Ellis brings nearly 25 years of communications experience to the Emspace+Lovgren public relations team. Her background in radio, television, politics and employee communications provides a comprehensive ability to help clients maximize their potential for growth and impact in the communities they serve.
Lisa has earned a reputation for developing communications plans and messaging for clients to meet and exceed their business goals. She is a proven relationship builder and thrives on daily interactions across all levels of an organization.
Lisa leads the Media Relations team at Emspace + Lovgren, where she collaborates with clients to create and execute robust and comprehensive strategic communications strategies, along with pitching and writing stories and press releases that engage the media and public. She has extensive experience in leveraging existing media relationships and cultivating new contacts within the community. In June 2020, Emspace + Lovgren was named Agency of the Year by the American Marketing Association in Omaha, Neb.
She played a critical role in helping FCC Environmental win the city of Omaha’s largest waste management contract in the city’s 165-year history. She also leads public relations and assists with public outreach for Clean Solutions for Omaha, the City’s multi-million dollar, 30-year sewer separation project.
As an IAP2 Public Participation Professional, Lisa is trained to expertly manage community engagement and public participation in a respectful, positive and effective way that creates the best possible outcomes for all involved.
Prior to Emspace + Lovgren, Lisa worked in television and radio for 13 years, was Communications Director for Congressman Lee Terry and also has experience in financial planning and corporate communications.
Michelle W. Trawick, Ph.D., the new John Becker Dean of the University of Nebraska Omaha’s (UNO) College of Business Administration and Professor of Economics, has won numerous awards for teaching, research, and student advising during her nearly 25 years in higher education. She has spent more than a decade immersed in higher education administration advancing the success of students, faculty, and staff.
Before joining UNO in February 2020, Michelle spent nearly 20 years at Western Kentucky University (WKU), just miles from the farm on which she was raised. A first-generation college student herself, she is keenly aware of the critical role education plays in advancing our personal and community goals. At WKU, she worked her way through the ranks, starting as an assistant professor and then moving into administrative roles as Chair of the Economics Department, Associate Dean for Faculty and Administration in the Gordon Ford College of Business, and WKU Associate Provost for Faculty and Academic Excellence.
Michelle completed her B.A. in Economics at Western Kentucky University and then earned both her Ph.D. and Master of Economics from North Carolina State University. She and her husband, Mark, have a nineteen-year-old son, Nathan, a freshman at the University of Kentucky. Both Michelle and Mark are excited to be in the Omaha community and can’t wait to explore the city more when the pandemic ends.
Before joining UNO in February 2020, Michelle spent nearly 20 years at Western Kentucky University (WKU), just miles from the farm on which she was raised. A first-generation college student herself, she is keenly aware of the critical role education plays in advancing our personal and community goals. At WKU, she worked her way through the ranks, starting as an assistant professor and then moving into administrative roles as Chair of the Economics Department, Associate Dean for Faculty and Administration in the Gordon Ford College of Business, and WKU Associate Provost for Faculty and Academic Excellence.
Michelle completed her B.A. in Economics at Western Kentucky University and then earned both her Ph.D. and Master of Economics from North Carolina State University. She and her husband, Mark, have a nineteen-year-old son, Nathan, a freshman at the University of Kentucky. Both Michelle and Mark are excited to be in the Omaha community and can’t wait to explore the city more when the pandemic ends.
Chris Tooker
I was raised in Aurora, Colorado, where I attended Regis Jesuit High School. Scholarships & good fortune brought me to Creighton University in Omaha, where I led two teams to the national level of competition as President of the Mock Trial program, managed a $4 million portion of Creighton's endowment, & had the privilege of mentoring 60 younger students as a resident adviser. After graduating summa cum laude with degrees in financial analysis & economics, I worked in Corporate Audit at Union Pacific before joining Merrill Lynch (ML) in 2014. After completing the rigorous ML advisor development program & obtaining my CFP® & CIMA® designations, I joined Northwestern Mutual and earned my CPWA® designation to offer more resources and serve my clients even better than before.
FOR FUN
Outside the office, I enjoy meeting new people & sharing our life experiences. You will likely find me at a charity fundraiser, volunteering, or exploring a new happy hour spot. Additionally, my family competes in quarter-mile drag races and loves cars. We also participate in car shows, social events, & rallyes. If you have a passion for cars or a particular nonprofit, I'd love to connect with you to learn more about what drives you.
I was raised in Aurora, Colorado, where I attended Regis Jesuit High School. Scholarships & good fortune brought me to Creighton University in Omaha, where I led two teams to the national level of competition as President of the Mock Trial program, managed a $4 million portion of Creighton's endowment, & had the privilege of mentoring 60 younger students as a resident adviser. After graduating summa cum laude with degrees in financial analysis & economics, I worked in Corporate Audit at Union Pacific before joining Merrill Lynch (ML) in 2014. After completing the rigorous ML advisor development program & obtaining my CFP® & CIMA® designations, I joined Northwestern Mutual and earned my CPWA® designation to offer more resources and serve my clients even better than before.
FOR FUN
Outside the office, I enjoy meeting new people & sharing our life experiences. You will likely find me at a charity fundraiser, volunteering, or exploring a new happy hour spot. Additionally, my family competes in quarter-mile drag races and loves cars. We also participate in car shows, social events, & rallyes. If you have a passion for cars or a particular nonprofit, I'd love to connect with you to learn more about what drives you.
Mitch Hunt is the owner of Huntrex and a business and Midwest advocate. Huntrex serves
communities, organizations, and companies with professional marketing communications, with
a focus on its signature website design and management solution. A Huntrex website powers
business with responsive designs built by real people and accessible technology. Huntrex serves
clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to local enterprises.
Mitch received a specialization in Entrepreneurship from the University of Maryland in 2015.
Business, travel, networking, volunteering, and his dedication to lifelong learning continue to
propel his personal and professional growth. Mitch is an alumnus of Leadership Custer County
(2015) and Leadership Nebraska (2018).
Mitch has served many local organizations, including the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce,
Custer Economic Development Corporation, and Broken Bow Area Rotary Club—which he
served as president. He is the co-founder of the high school HEROs Mentoring Program. Mitch
served as marketing chair for the 2017 Cattlemen's Ball of Nebraska. The Sandhills Journey
Scenic Byway awarded Mitch the 2018 Friend of the Byway award for a Huntrex television
marketing campaign. Mitch served in the 2019 public release and rollout of Blueprint Nebraska.
Huntrex relocated from Broken Bow, NE to Omaha, NE in 2020.
Mitch is a fifth-generation Nebraskan.
communities, organizations, and companies with professional marketing communications, with
a focus on its signature website design and management solution. A Huntrex website powers
business with responsive designs built by real people and accessible technology. Huntrex serves
clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to local enterprises.
Mitch received a specialization in Entrepreneurship from the University of Maryland in 2015.
Business, travel, networking, volunteering, and his dedication to lifelong learning continue to
propel his personal and professional growth. Mitch is an alumnus of Leadership Custer County
(2015) and Leadership Nebraska (2018).
Mitch has served many local organizations, including the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce,
Custer Economic Development Corporation, and Broken Bow Area Rotary Club—which he
served as president. He is the co-founder of the high school HEROs Mentoring Program. Mitch
served as marketing chair for the 2017 Cattlemen's Ball of Nebraska. The Sandhills Journey
Scenic Byway awarded Mitch the 2018 Friend of the Byway award for a Huntrex television
marketing campaign. Mitch served in the 2019 public release and rollout of Blueprint Nebraska.
Huntrex relocated from Broken Bow, NE to Omaha, NE in 2020.
Mitch is a fifth-generation Nebraskan.
Elton Palacio is a 14 year old from Belize with severe Scoliosis. Routine pre-surgery tests in Philadelphia discovered a significant heart issue for which they wanted a pediatric cardiologist to evaluate. Rotary in Belize reached out to us to ask if Children's would help. Elton was accepted last weekend, flew to Omaha on Tuesday, had tests and doctor visits Wednesday, and had a heart catheterization Thursday morning. Unfortunately, he is not a candidate for open heart surgery so his anticipated surgery for scoliosis at Shiner's in Philadelphia has been postponed and probably cancelled. Until arriving in the US a month ago for his back surgery, the family was completely unaware of his heart issue. Needless to say, we are all disappointed he will be returning to Belize this weekend without corrective heart and/or back surgery. We will plan to see him on our next Operation Hippocrates visit to Belize.Thanks to Sandy Lempke for immediately volunteering a wheelchair for his use while here. Thanks to Hal Daub for his help transporting Elton as needed while in Omaha. I think this will include a VERY early morning trip to the airport this weekend or Monday morning. Hal says he is up for it.
Thanks to all Rotarians for your support of Operation Hippocrates.
LeRoy
p.s. We have received United Miles pledges of about 180,000 toward United’s minimum of 250,000 to use for the medical team to travel to Belize yet this year.
If you have any United Miles that would help us defray the cost of our next trip to Belize, please let me or Leigh know you are willing to donate them to the club(at no cost to you).
On February 23, 2021 Chuck Hagel shared information about international security threats with the Lincoln 14 Rotary Club.
You are invited watch a recording by clicking here.
Stephen Center Food Service
2723 Q St, Omaha, NE 68107
3-5 volunteers per shift
Suitable for families, as long as children are over age of 10.
Volunteers will be serving meals, no food preparation.
Masks required.
Wednesday, February 24 from 4:30-6:30
Thank you to Lindy Hoyer and Steve McCollister for serving hot meals at the Stephen Center on Monday Feb. 15th.
Lindy Hoyer has been in touch with the Salvation Army in regards to their winter watch food distribution program. Volunteer spots are available March 3rd.. The shifts start at 5:15 p.m. at the SA Western Divisional Headquarters, 10755 Burt Street. If new to volunteering for SA, need to arrive a bit early to fill out paperwork. The shifts each night are from 5:15-8 p.m. Volunteers must bring and wear a mask, wear warm clothes.
ALL SHIFTS FILLED
Send Happy Notes to residents at the Salvation Army’s Durham Booth Manor. This is a project that can be done at any time.
If we could get a few club members signed up to send them, Lindy Hoyer will get a committee member to coordinate the frequency of the notes.
Just cheery notes to brighten someone’s day.
Bill Harvey, District 5650 Rotary Foundation Committee Chair, is quoted in the March issue of Rotary magazine at p 20-21 in an article about the Fellowship of Rotarian Genealogists.
Our club is mentioned as well. Be sure to read your copy to see it!
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Murphy, Todd Feb 05
Bechtold, Lori Feb 06
Volk, Leslie Feb 09
Hansen, Ken Feb 14
McEvoy, Cliff Feb 15
Carper, Steve Feb 16
Goldstein, David (Big AL) Feb 18
