Buffet Lunch is $18 for members and $20 for visiting Rotarians and guests. (Lunch increase is inevitable. $18 for members and $20 for guests effective August 7, 2024)
BOB KEEFER Rotary International Convention in Singapore
Bob Keefer's journey with Rotary began in 1984, and his commitment to the organization has only grown stronger over the decades. Since joining our Club in 2013, Bob has become an invaluable member, contributing his leadership and vision. He has served as president of two small Rotary Clubs, leading with distinction, and has also taken on important roles at the District level, demonstrating his dedication to Rotary’s mission on a broader scale.
Bob's passion for Rotary is evident in his deep involvement, including his participation in six Rotary International Conventions. Today, he will share his insights and experiences from the most recent convention held in Singapore, offering us a glimpse into the global impact of Rotary.
A true Rotarian at heart, Bob is a Paul Harris Fellow +3, reflecting his significant contributions to the Rotary Foundation. He also proudly maintains an impressive record of 10 years of perfect Rotary attendance, a testament to his unwavering commitment to service and fellowship.
FLETCHER REEL Rotary Directory
Fletcher Reel, a new Rotarian introduced to the club by Hal Daub, has already made a significant impact. Fletcher took on the challenging task of producing the newest edition of the Rotary directory, infusing it with a creative twist that reflects his innovative spirit. His dedication to Rotary extends beyond this project, as he consistently volunteers at the meal service at the Stephen Center, embodying the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self."
The Reel family arrived in Omaha in 1852, committed to the abolitionist cause and deeply involved in farming and milling. Fletcher Reel, raised on the family homestead, continued the family's patriotic legacy, eventually serving as an infantry officer with the 82nd Airborne Division, where he befriended future four-star General Stan McChrystal. Fletcher's distinguished career included roles in the U.S. Senate, Ronald Reagan's presidential campaign, and as a NASA spokesman during the Space Shuttle Test Flight Program.
After leaving public service, Fletcher pursued academia, teaching "Crisis Management" and earning graduate degrees. In 1990, he founded Reelsville Communications in Omaha, later moving to Los Angeles to work in the film industry. After a decade, he retired and returned to Omaha. Fletcher is married to former Omaha City Councilwoman Colleen Brennan, and has two sons, both University of Nebraska graduates.
Hello Rotarians and friends of the Rotary Club of Omaha! The energy during our recent meeting at the Field Club was great!
We celebrated Paul Harris Fellows Todd Johnson and Vince Miscia- Congratulations!
Our business sponsor of the month is Vanessa Essono, The Good Care!
Our next Service Event is Saturday Aug 31 with Dan Esch to plant flags in Memorial Park in recognition of 9/11.
Our featured speaker Bev Kracher challenged us to exercise our ethical muscles in 3 ways: basic awareness, recognition of the Values relevant to a situation, and to flex our moral imagination. I’ve always believed in seeking creative solutions, and truly appreciate this concept of expecting imaginative solutions often not apparent at first glance. The discussion at each table was lively as we pondered the Trooper’s Dilemma… Bev also recommended we attend upcoming Business Ethics Alliance events and check out the book “How Good People Make Tough Choices.”
If you’re looking to connect with more members and help to craft the future of our club, we have several committees that would welcome additional members! The onboarding and mentoring committee, run by John Mock is looking for seasoned Rotarians to guide newer members in the ways of Rotary. Our Program Chair Todd Johnson has filled our speaker calendar through the end of 2024 (way to go!), and is seeking a committee member to help with 2025 speakers. Steve Gerdes is looking for one more committee member to explore our club’s international friendship exchange options. Plus, there are plenty of additional opportunities! Take a look at our committee line up on the home page at OmahaRotary.org along the left-hand side, or ask me or any of our Board members for guidance.
In case you missed it, you’ll see some lunch updates at the registration table:
Lunch fees are now $18 for our members, $20 for guests.
We are requiring a “no lunch” fee, but are suggesting a $2 contribution to cover your beverage when attending in person.
At our upcoming meeting on Wednesday, we’ll be hearing from esteemed members Bob Keefer and Fletcher Reel. I am eager to learn about what’s like to attend a Rotary International Convention based on Bob’s experience in Singapore! (Do you know where the next one is?) I am also very excited for the announcement of our club’s Membership Directory that Fletcher has been working on for months. I was privileged to have a sneak peek and found myself using it a LOT! Many thanks for your service to our members!
I look forward to seeing you Wednesday at noon at the Field Club or online. Bring a guest!
President Heather Legge The Rotary Club of Omaha
Click here for President Heather Legge video message or copy/paste this link to your browser: https://youtu.be/FNR7zmn7BOc?si=MkIQqptIGSd2TeLE
Larry Guenther, Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Omaha, was recently recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow +2 during the Paul Harris Thank You Party held at Hal Daub's home. Larry's leadership was instrumental in guiding our club through a challenging year when we were without a permanent meeting place, earning him widespread respect and gratitude.
In his professional life, Larry serves as the Nebraska Market Executive for JPMorgan Chase, where he is responsible for delivering the firm's global resources to Nebraska. In 2017, he established JPMorgan Chase's first commercial banking office in the state, marking a significant milestone in his career. Over his 30 years in banking, Larry has been involved in numerous financing deals and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) across a variety of industries throughout the Midwest.
Larry's journey began in Nebraska after he graduated magna cum laude from Wayne State College in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in management and finance. While at WSC, he completed the prestigious John G. Neihardt Scholars Program and became a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Pi.
Larry launched his commercial banking career in Blair, Nebraska, where he also made one of his most significant life mergers by marrying his college sweetheart, Traci Van Meter. He later completed his MBA in finance at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and broadened his experience with career moves to Iowa and Illinois. In Illinois, he worked for Bank One, which eventually became part of JPMorgan Chase.
In 2003, Larry and his family returned to Nebraska to raise their two daughters close to family and friends. His career continued to thrive as he took on regional commercial banking roles, managing clients across multiple states in the Midwest. Notably, in 2008, he became the Omaha Business Banking Manager for Great Western Bank, where he played a key role in overseeing three banking teams and successfully leading the acquisition and integration of the largest failed bank in Nebraska's history.
Beyond his professional achievements, Larry has always prioritized community service. He currently serves on the State Board of Community Health Agencies Drive (CHAD) and the State Board for the Alzheimer’s Association, where he has chaired both the Omaha and Central Illinois chapters. Additionally, he is a member of the Nebraska Chapter of Financial Executives International, ACG-Nebraska, and remains active in Rotary International. Larry also continues to contribute to his community through his work on the finance committee for St. Charles Borromeo Church.
Larry Guenther exemplifies the spirit of Rotary through his professional accomplishments and steadfast commitment to service.
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 latest Rotary Socials.
From Bill Harvey, Austin, Texas: Greetings from the Rotary Multi-District Training Institute in Austin! Pictured with our Rotary International Director for our Region, Salvador Rizzo Tavares from Monterrey, Mexico. There are only two Rotarians in this picture, but leave it to Bill, a lawyer, to argue that this qualifies as a Rotary social. After all, the room was packed with Rotarians from around the world – you just can't see them behind Bill's convincing smile!
Field Report: Rotarians Gather at Sullivan’s. Can you guess the occasion? Pictured L to R: Todd Murphy, Brett Frevert, Fletcher Reel, and Colleen Brennan.
"Committee Meeting on the Green," reported Brett Frevert. L to R: Brett Frevert, Sean Olson, and Nash Mahupete.
Looks like these Rotarians were in Germany! L to R: Ben Washburn, Hal Daub, Fletcher Reel, Brett Frevert, Steve McCollister, Sean Kelly, John Sullivan, & Chris Mehaffey. With John Sullivan and Sean Kelly both running for public office and Hal Daub in the mix, it's anyone's guess if they're plotting world domination or just debating who gets the last stein of German beer!
James Mackiewicz, Amy Tritsch, and Josh Todd at the West Omaha Chamber Coffee & Contacts
Ben Washburn, Fletcher Reel and Sean Kelly at Red State Nebraska
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!
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.
Pictured here are the July 2024 volunteers L to R:Steve McCollister, Colleen Brennan, Christopher Nwafor, Fletcher Reel, and Julie Sanford
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
BOB KEEFER
FLETCHER REEL
Larry Guenther, Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Omaha, was recently recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow +2 during the Paul Harris Thank You Party held at Hal Daub's home. Larry's leadership was instrumental in guiding our club through a challenging year when we were without a permanent meeting place, earning him widespread respect and gratitude.
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