On June 24, the Rotary Club of Omaha will gather for one of our favorite traditions of the year, our Year-End Recognition and Changing of the Guard Ceremony.

This special program gives us a chance to celebrate a wonderful Rotary year, recognize the members whose energy and dedication helped move our club forward, and welcome the leadership team that will guide us into the year ahead.

We will take time to honor some of our most engaged Rotarians, the members who show up, serve, support, volunteer, encourage, and help keep the spirit of Rotary alive and well. Their commitment to Service Above Self continues to strengthen our club and make a positive impact throughout the community.

The celebration will also mark an important leadership transition as President Gretchen Harvey concludes her term and officially passes the gavel to incoming President James Mackiewicz. It is a meaningful Rotary moment, symbolizing both gratitude for the year behind us and excitement for the year ahead.

And yes, there will be champagne! Those who enjoy a celebratory toast will be able to do so courtesy of our Past Presidents, adding a little sparkle to an already special occasion.

All members are encouraged to attend as we celebrate service, friendship, leadership, and the Rotary spirit that makes our club so special. Let’s end the Rotary year with gratitude, good cheer, and a warm welcome to the next chapter of service and fellowship.

Now this is what you call Rotary dedication.

As our beloved Youth Exchange student, Nonoka Kamada, wrapped up her yearlong exchange in Omaha, a few brave Rotarians did what only truly committed Rotarians would do: they either woke up in the middle of the night or simply gave up on sleep altogether.

The mission was clear: start driving around 2:30 AM, arrive at the airport by 3:30 AM, and make sure Nonoka felt the love of her Omaha Rotary family before heading home to Japan.

A special shoutout to the sleepless Rotary sendoff crew: Steve Gerdes, Yolanda Hoffman, Colin McArthur, Aileen Warren, and Uniikye Washington, who proved that Rotary service does not always happen at noon over lunch. Sometimes, it happens before sunrise, with sleepy eyes, big smiles, and full hearts.

Nonoka has spent the past year making memories, building friendships, sharing her culture, and becoming part of our Rotary family. While we are sad to see her go, we are so grateful for the joy, kindness, and international friendship she brought to Omaha.

Farewell, Nonoka! You will always have a Rotary home in Omaha. Safe travels, and thank you for making a world of difference.

Rotarians are often found serving behind the scenes, and this year's NCAA Men's College World Series was no exception.

Rotary Club of Omaha members Leroy Swedlund and Jim Stewart proudly served as Team Hosts during the 2026 College World Series, helping welcome visiting teams and showcasing the hospitality that has become a hallmark of Omaha and Rotary.

As Team Hosts, Leroy and Jim dedicated their time to ensuring that players, coaches, and team representatives felt at home throughout their stay. Their volunteer service reflects the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self and highlights the many ways Rotarians contribute to our community beyond weekly meetings and club projects.

For decades, Rotary volunteers have played an important role in supporting the College World Series, creating positive experiences for teams and visitors from across the country. Leroy and Jim continued that proud tradition, representing both the Rotary Club of Omaha and Rotary International with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a welcoming spirit.

The Rotary Club of Omaha is grateful to Leroy and Jim for their commitment and service. Their efforts remind us that some of Rotary's greatest impact comes through simple acts of kindness, hospitality, and community engagement.

Thank you, Leroy and Jim, for making Rotary proud and helping showcase the very best of Omaha during one of the city's premier events.

Rotary Club of Omaha members Leroy Swedlund (left) and Jim Stewart (right) served as Team Hosts during the 2026 NCAA Men's College World Series.

Within hours of deadly floods and landslides that struck Mexico in October, Rotary members were responding. In hard-hit Poza Rica, Rotary and Rotaract members brought residents to safety, plowed mud-laden streets, and moved house to house to clean properties. The effort was supported by clubs throughout District 4185 and by neighboring districts and others abroad. The Rotary Club of Poza Rica joined the nonprofit Planet Water Foundation to install four water towers and a water block in the neediest area and deliver purified water elsewhere. The club also coordinated with World Central Kitchen to provide hot meals. Still, “we desperately need help to get back on our feet and return to our normal lives,” says club member Pepe Badillo. “The houses were a total loss. Everything was destroyed, from a single plate to the bedrooms on the second floor.”

India

The city of Thane, northeast of Mumbai, is recognized for its arts and culture scene. It’s home to drama troupes, an art expo, international film festivals, and comedy venues. What it was lacking, says Atul Bhide, of the Rotary Club of Thane Hills, was a large showcase for aficionados of the written word. To amend that, the club (which also sponsors a book-reading initiative for youth) launched the Thane Literature Festival. Over two days in November, bibliophiles toasted 22 authors and poets who read from their work and participated in panel discussions. The event honored journalist and writing coach Bachi Karkaria with the Thane Literature Festival lifetime achievement award, and judges critiqued entries in a short-story contest. “Encouraging reading habits and love for literature for Gen-Next is also our motive behind this literature festival,” says Bhide.

Source: https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-projects-around-globe-april-2026