Secretary: James Mackiewicz Sgt at Arms: Okley Gibbs Digital Experience: Adam Leong
Invocation & Pledge: Shelly Ruwe
Navigator: Rick Sampson
Cashiers/Check-in: Shelly Ruwe & Need Volunteer
Admin Support: Need Volunteer
Greeters: Christopher Rath & Michael Kosalka
Speaker Host: Todd Chaney
Speaker: Cliff Fleener
Buffet Lunch is $18 for members and $20 for visiting Rotarians and guests. Lunch ticket is back. Please collect your lunch ticket after check-in and put it in the jar at the beginning of the buffet line
Cliff Fleener joined OPPD in April 2023 as vice president of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs. He has over 25 years of experience helping global businesses find and implement data driven solutions to manage their environmental risks and opportunities.
Prior to joining OPPD’s executive leadership team, Fleener served as the global director of Environmental Responsibility for Valmont Industries (VMI), supporting all Valmont Business Segments worldwide, including more than 85 manufacturing facilities across 25 countries. He was responsible for developing and implementing enterprise-wide environmental compliance, risk management and sustainability strategies, programs and standards.
Before joining VMI, Fleener held various quality, facilities, remediation and environmental management roles at Ford Motor Company, Visteon Corporation, Automotive Components Holding LLC and NSG/Pilkington North America.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Ball State University and a master’s degree in environmental science from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
Fleener is a veteran of the US Army’s 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, lifetime member of the Black Horse Association and past President of the Nebraska Recycling Council.
Hello Rotarians and friends of The Rotary Club of Omaha! We have an amazing club full of members of every age, vocation, and walk of life, with diverse perspectives and opinions and passions. And every week those who can come together in person or virtually, and in our various club projects and endeavors we work together, in so many ways we are rising above the challenges facing our nation and our world by joining together to make a bigger positive impact. I’m proud to be a Rotarian and to belong to the Rotary Club of Omaha.
This past week we enjoyed an update from Bob Keefer who participated in the Rotary Presidential Peace Conference held in Istanbul! We also enjoyed hosting Susie and Becky from the Omaha Community Playhouse! As our featured Program, Rebecca Noble and Susan Baer Collins shared highlights of their OCP history, invited us to celebrate 100 years (Congratulations!), offered us a glimpse into the play reading and selection process (of which several of our club members are a part), and tempted us with the upcoming Season of Year 101! Following, we had an amazing turnout at our club social. This coming meeting will feature our monthly celebration of club tradition by singing “God Bless America” and our Program speaker Cliff Fleener with OPPD. Thank you sincerely to our March Business Sponsor of the month John Ewing with the Douglas County Treasurer!
May 14th is our 98th annual Eighth Grade Honor Roll event. Thank you sincerely to all who have made contributions to this worthy cause which recognizes leadership characteristics in young people from schools all over Omaha. We are still accepting donations for this year’s event.
I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday for lunch at the Field Club. Our club is vibrant and growing! Join us!
PS: In case you missed it… As a result of the meeting preferences survey in October 2024, the Rotary Club of Omaha Board voted to keep important traditions in our club and make two adjustments (based on the amount of dissatisfaction and many helpful suggestions from our membership): 1. We will continue with an invocation at every meeting, with a request to follow Rotary guidelines of “keep it to 1 minute, simple, and non-denominational, respecting all religious beliefs, and focusing on fellowship, service, and passing the Four-Way Test.”. 2. We will continue singing “God Bless America” at our club meetings, celebrating this tradition during the first meeting each month, which is noted on the club’s events calendar. Thank you for your support of the Board’s thoughtful and conscientious decision!
L to R: Honor Roll Chair Deb Skinner, President Heather Legge, Honor Roll Co-Chairs Hal Daub and John Ewing
The 98th Honor Roll Committee recently concluded a successful fundraising field trip, connecting with the community and showcasing the achievements of its outstanding students. The funds raised will be instrumental in supporting the Honor Roll program and ensuring its continued excellence.
The trip's success reflects the committee's diligent planning and outreach efforts, resulting in significant funds raised for the Honor Roll program. The committee expresses its sincere gratitude to all who contributed to this important initiative.
March 12, 2025, Omaha NE Yolanda Hoffman. The Rotary Club recently bid a heartfelt farewell to Board Director and Membership Chair Franco Gentile, as he embarks on his next career adventure in Cincinnati. During his time with the club, Franco’s leadership left a lasting impact, especially in the area of membership recruitment.
At a recent Rotary meeting, President Heather Legge presented Franco with a Rotary plaque in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the club. In her remarks, President Legge highlighted Franco’s remarkable work as Membership Chair, noting that his efforts led to a net positive membership growth in July 2024. “Franco’s dedication has truly strengthened our club,” President Legge shared, expressing deep gratitude for his service.
Franco’s leadership extended beyond membership recruitment. His commitment and hard work also shone through during his time on the Rotary Board of Directors, where he helped guide the club to new heights. The club expressed sincere thanks for his tireless service and the positive change he helped bring about.
In addition to the recognition from the club, The Rotary Foundation’s Regional Chair, Bill Harvey, took the opportunity to honor Franco with a Paul Harris Fellow +2 gold pin. This prestigious award was presented in recognition of Franco’s unwavering commitment to Rotary International’s global initiatives, particularly his support of the ongoing fight to eradicate polio.
As Franco moves forward with his career, the Rotary Club expresses its deep appreciation for his exceptional leadership and the lasting impact he has made. He will surely be missed, but his legacy within the club will remain strong.
President Heather Legge presented Franco Gentile with a Plaque of Appreciation for his service as member of the Board of Directors and Membership Chair
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of The Rotary Foundation (TRF), TRF Regional Officer Bill Harvey presented Franco Gentile with his Paul Harris Fellow +1 and +2 gold pins
We're looking for a few Rotarians to join our newly formed Finance Committee, which will assist our Treasurer with managing the club's finances. This is a great opportunity to get more involved with the club, learn about its financial operations, and share your expertise to help guide us moving forward.
We're seeking 2 or 3 members to serve on the committee. If you have a background in finance, or just want to be part of an important initiative for the club, we'd love to hear from you!
If you're interested, or want more information, please reach out to one of the following:
Jim Stewart, Current Treasurer: jstew1489@yahoo.com
Gretchen Harvey, 25/26 Club President: Nebraskamayflower@gmail.com
Yolanda Hoffman, Club Executive Director: director@omaharotary.org
We look forward to hearing from you and appreciate your willingness to volunteer your time and expertise!
Bring on Spring! We are all very thankful for the warm weather this week. Let's hope this cycle stays with us until Spring. It is so refreshing to drive by a lake and see the ripple of waves instead of a solid sheet of ice. It reminds me of Rotary's focus during the month of March on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.
Through water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) program, Rotary's people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships and invest in infrastructure and training that yields long term change. The Rotary Foundation, with your support, is changing the world by providing grants for projects and activities around the world and in your own backyard. Since 2013, the Rotary Foundation has invested more than $130 million in over 2, ooo WASH projects worldwide. Through this investment, our volunteers of action have improved access to safely managed and basic WASH services to communities, schools and healthcare facilities, while protecting and conserving water resources.
Rotarians are making a difference at Stephen Center. CLICK HERE to sign up.
Stephen Center partners with the community, families, and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Stephen Center has served the homeless and low-income in Omaha since 1984 through its three programs: Emergency Shelter, HERO Program, and Transitional Living Program. The Omaha Downtown Rotary partners with Stephens Center in serving hot meals to its residents.
Where three or more Rotarians gather, it's called a Rotary Social, and you earn attendance credits. Rotarians may come from different clubs. Connect with Rotarians and enjoy the power of Rotary fellowship. Below are our recent Rotary Socials.
Rotarian meet-up with a buffalo! L to R: Jill Slupe, Shelly Ruwe, and James Mackiewicz
Rotarians meet-up at German-American Society L to R: Hal Daub, Fletcher Reel, Brett Frevert, and Colleen Brennan
Rotary Connection Circle meeting L to R: Yolanda Hoffman, Chris Mehaffey, Circle Leader Cella Quinn, Fletcher Reel, and Colleen Brennan
Rotary Connection Circle meeting L to R:Scott Kinnaird, Circle Leader Michelle Trawick, and Chris Tooker
Merger Think-Tank L to R: President Heather Legge, Steve McCollister, Gretchen Harvey, and Tobi Mathouser
Mayoral event at the Press Club L to R: Russell Vaughn, Zac Triemert, Dakotah Smith, Steve McCollister, Fletcher Reel, Colleen Brennan, Viv Ewing, and mayoral candidate Rotary Past President John Ewing
Rotarians at the Scottish Rite breakfast meeting hosted by the Downtown Omaha Inc. L to R: Dan Esch, John Maxell (Suburban), Yolanda Hoffman, Micah Evans (Northwest), and John Sullivan
Rotarians at the Dream Bigger Summit L to R: Amie Konwinski, Lisa Tonjes Moritz, Shelly Ruwe
Rotarians at the Metro Omaha Women’s Business Gala L to R Shayne Fili, Viv Ewing amd John Ewing
Rotarians at the multi-club Rotary After Hours L to R: Kevin Baitey, Larry Guenther, James Mackiewicz, Chris Rath, Todd Chaney, Shelley Ruwe, Jill Slupe, Brad Burklund, Lisa Tonjes Moritz, and Josh Todd
June 26, 2024. Outgoing President Larry Guenther recognized our members who achieved perfect attendance. Perfect Rotary attendance(aka Perfect Rotarians) is attained through consistent participation in weekly meetings, service projects, committee work, weekly club service, Rotary socials, visiting other clubs, Rotary online makeups, Zoom attendance, attendance at club board meetings, and attendance at club foundation board meetings. Below is the list of our perfect attendance Rotarians.
July is the perfect time to start your journey towards becoming a Perfect Rotarian!
The Rotary Club of Omaha is now recruiting more members! It's your opportunity to join the Rotary Club of Omaha, click here to complete the membership application form. For questions, please contact Membership Chair Franco Gentile at FGentile@sbgtv.com.
Chase Bank
UNO College of Business
Centris
Ollie The Trolley
Carlson West Povondra Architects
DA Davidson
Elkhorn Athletics Association
Omaha Massage Therapy
Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha
Kevin Baitey
Brad Burklund
Paul Cohen Hal Daub
Gene DeBoer Dianne Desler
John Ewing
Viv Ewing
Brett Frevert
Dawn Gonzales
Okley Gibbs
Fr. Lloyd Gnirk
Tom Gouttierre
Larry Guenther Bill Harvey
Gretchen Harvey
Barbara Hayman
Yolanda Hoffman
Larry Johansen
Bob Keefer
Susan Koesters
Heather Legge
Sandy Lemke
Adam Leong
John Marburger
Steve McCollister
Heidi McGinness
Camille Metoyer-Moten
Lloyd Meyer
John Mock
Jim Murphy
Roxy Orr
Fletcher Reel
Jim Scott-Miller
Deb Skinner
Jim Stewart
Jim Suttle
LeRoy Swedlund
Lisa Tonjes Moritz
Michelle Trawick
Jennifer Trebill
Kathryn Weitz
President's Pen
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