Sgt at Arms: Chris Rath Digital Experience: Hal France
Invocation & Pledge: John Mock
Navigator: Chris Kozol
Cashiers/Check-in: Christopher Frohardt & Chris Knauf
Admin Support: Rebecca Niemeyer Rens
Greeters: Brett Frevert & Fletcher Reel
Guest Greeter: Dakotah Smith
Speaker host: Theresa Contreraz
Guest Speaker: Adam Straight
Buffet Lunch is $20 for members, $22 for visiting Rotarians and guests, and $4 for beverage/attendance only. 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
Adam Straight President & CEO Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA)
Adam brings more than 20 years of experience in the events and venue industry, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of the New Orleans Convention Center. There he managed a $73 million annual operating budget, led the facility to LEED Gold Certification and re-certification, oversaw a $763 million Capital Improvement Plan that modernized the interior and exterior of the Convention Center, and guided planning for the $1.5 billion River District Development. His work in New Orleans was shaped by community partnership, pandemic response and sustainability. In 2024, he was named to the City Business Power 20 Tourism and Hospitality list, recognizing the 20 most influential leaders in the New Orleans tourism and hospitality sector.
Before New Orleans, Adam spent time at the Georgia World Congress Center Authority in Atlanta, which encompasses the Georgia World Congress Convention Center, Mercedes- Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park. As Senior Director of Operations, he and his team managed events including NCAA Final Fours, a Super Bowl and the NCAA College Football Playoff Championship. He also served as Executive in Charge and Owners Representative for the $1.9 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium construction project and led the Centennial Olympic Park renovation and Exhibit Hall Expansion.
His career in venue operations began in 2001 at the University of Maryland, where he spent a decade working his way up to Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Facilities Management, overseeing 14 athletic venues including Comcast Center and Byrd Stadium. He also managed the planning, construction and opening of Maryland’s $13.5 million football infrastructure renovation.
Adam is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard. He and his wife, Alyson, have two sons, Silas and Peyton.
Mark your calendar and bring your appetite! The Rotary Club of Omaha invites you to Mac & Mules: Create Lasting Impact! on Wednesday, October 28, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Lucky Bucket Brewing Co., 11941 Centennial Rd., LaVista.
This is more than a night of great food and drinks. It is an opportunity to enjoy an evening with friends while supporting two meaningful Rotary initiatives: the Eighth Grade Honor Roll and the 9/11 Memorial.
Guests can enjoy gourmet mac & cheese and signature mules, with ticket options for individuals, couples, VIP guests, and families. General admission starts at $40, VIP tickets include unlimited drinks and mac, and youth tickets make it easy to bring the whole family. Children 9 and under are free with one mac and soda included.
But we need more than attendance. We need your help filling the room.
Buy your tickets early, then help us spread the word. Invite a friend, bring your family, share the event with coworkers, forward it to neighbors, or make it a night out with another Rotary member. Every additional guest helps extend the impact of the event and introduces more people to the work Rotary is doing in our community.
Mac & Mules is designed to be fun, relaxed, and family-friendly, so you do not have to be a Rotarian to join us. In fact, this is a perfect opportunity to introduce someone to Rotary without bringing them to a meeting. Let them experience the fellowship, community spirit, and purpose behind what we do.
Ticket Options: General Admission is $40 for one ticket or $60 for two. VIP admission is $75 for one or $100 for two and includes unlimited drinks and mac. Youth ages 10 to 15 are $15 with unlimited mac and soda, while children 9 and under are free.
Come hungry. Bring people you enjoy. Help us Create Lasting Impact and make this an evening that translates directly into greater support for our community.
The Omaha Downtown Rotary Foundation is now accepting grant applications for 2026-2027 Rotary year, with nearly $40,000 available to support projects that make a meaningful impact in education, veteran services, and senior citizen programs.
📅 Application Deadline: October 31, 2026 – Late submissions will not be accepted!
We invite community organizations and individuals to apply, recommend, or submit proposals for initiatives that align with our mission.
🔹 How to Apply: ✔ Review the grant criteria ✔ Complete the application form ✔ Submit by the deadline
For more details about the Omaha Downtown Rotary Foundation, click here. If you have any questions, please contact Foundation President Tobi Mathouser at 402-231-1972 or tmathouser@goodwillomaha.org.
Art has a special way of bringing people together, inspiring conversation, and making a difference. This October, art lovers and community supporters will have an opportunity to experience all three at the 3rd Annual Original Art Event, a special gathering benefiting Stephen Center.
Hosted at The Studio by JH, located at 731 N. 98th St. in Omaha, the event will take place on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Admission is free, inviting members of the community to come together and celebrate the creativity of local artists while supporting an important cause.
The event will showcase original artwork by local artists, offering guests an opportunity to discover unique pieces and support the artists behind them. In addition to viewing and shopping for artwork, attendees can enjoy wine tasting and charcuterie, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for an evening of art, conversation, and community.
What makes the event particularly meaningful is its charitable purpose. Twenty percent of the proceeds will benefit Stephen Center, an Omaha organization dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome homelessness, addiction, and other challenges while working toward greater stability and self-sufficiency.
By combining art with philanthropy, the Original Art Event demonstrates how creativity can extend beyond the canvas. Every artwork purchased has the potential to contribute not only to the growth of a local artist but also to the lives of people and families served by Stephen Center.
Community-centered events such as this remind us that supporting the arts and supporting one another can go hand in hand. Whether visitors come to admire the artwork, meet local artists, enjoy an evening with friends, or make a purchase for a good cause, the event offers everyone a meaningful way to participate.
As the third annual Original Art Event opens its doors, Omaha's creative spirit will once again meet its generous heart—proving that art can inspire, connect, and create positive change in the community.
The Original Art Event 📅 Thursday, October 1, 2026 ⏰ 4:00–7:00 p.m. 📍 The Studio by JH, 731 N. 98th St., Omaha, Nebraska 🎨 Featuring original works by local artists ❤️ 20% of proceeds benefiting Stephen Center 🎟️ Free admission
Are you new to the Club or know someone who recently joined? Join us for one of our upcoming New Member Orientation sessions! These meetings are a great opportunity to learn about the Club, discover member benefits, meet fellow members, and ask any questions you may have.
Upcoming Orientations:
Wednesday, October 7 at 11:00 am
Wednesday, October 28 at 11:00 am
Whether you're just getting started or would like a refresher, we encourage you to attend one of these sessions. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you make the most of your membership!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Yearling Chair Jill Slupe.
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.
September 1, 2026 volunteers at Stephen Center L to R: Brett Neely, Fletcher Reel, Scott Meyerson, Colin McArthur, Steve McCollister, Colleen Brennan, and Scott Kinnaird
September is Rotary's Basic Education and Literacy Month, a reminder that one of the most lasting gifts we can give is the opportunity to learn. Whether supporting local schools, promoting literacy, mentoring students, or investing in youth leadership programs, Rotarians help open doors and create opportunities every day.
This month also gives us an opportunity to remember and celebrate a person who dedicated her life to helping others. On September 20, Rotarians from across the district will gather to honor the life and legacy of Nicki Klein. Nicki was often the person behind the scenes who helped district leaders, clubs, and events succeed. Her commitment to Rotary and to the people of District 5650 left an impact that will be felt for many years.As we honor Nicki's legacy, we are also working to ensure the district has the support structure needed for the future. District leadership has completed a draft job description for a new District Administrator position, and we expect to begin advertising for the role soon. The goal is not to replace Nicki, because no one can, but rather to build on the strong foundation she helped create and provide continuity for future district leaders and clubs.
Serving as your District Governor continues to be one of the highlights of my Rotary journey. So far, I have visited 29 clubs, with nine visits remaining. Those remaining visits include the opportunity to speak with two of our Rotaract clubs. Everywhere I go, I see clubs finding ways to strengthen belonging, serve their communities, and create meaningful impact.
I hope many of you will join me at Fusion 5650, our District Conference, October 23-24 at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland. District Conference is our opportunity to connect, learn from one another, celebrate our successes, and be inspired by the incredible work happening throughout our district. If you have not yet registered, I encourage you to do so and be part of the experience.
Thank you for all you do to strengthen Rotary, support your communities, and help create opportunities for others. I look forward to seeing many of you on the road, at Nicki's memorial, and at Fusion 5650 this fall.
Yours in Rotary, Gretchen Bren District Governor, Rotary District 5650
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.
Rotarians at the Governor’s Summit: From left to right, Brett Frevert, Larry Guenther, and Shelly Ruwe.
Rotarians at Charleston’s: From left to right, Ron Snyder, Tom Adams, Todd Chaney, and Randy Wieseler.
Rotarians at the ACG event.
Rotary at BBB!
Honor roll meeting at DA Davidson left to right: Liesel Kittlitz, Shelley Ruwe, Deb Skinner, Sarah Robak, and Susan Koesters
Boy Scouts Sporting Clay event at the Werner Lodge L to R Chris Mehaffey, Sean Olson, Jonathan Cartner
Rotarians at the Greater Omaha Chamber’s Politics and Eggs event. L to R: Colin McArthur, Mayor John Ewing, and Dakotah Smith.
Broom Man Statue Dedication L to R: Jesse Moore, Aileen Warren, Mayor John Ewing, First Lady Viv Ewing, and Former Mayor Hal Daub
Larry Guenther, Sean Olson and Clark Rosenlof - bumped into John Mock’s yard sign to rouse golfers like this bunch!
Rotarians at the First Responders event at the Hilton. L to R: First Lady Viv Ewing, Mayor John Ewing, Gene Kowel, Aileen Warren Dakotah Smith, Jim Suttle
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.
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 Sarah Robak at sarah.robakcfa@gmail.com.
American Express Online Giving
Archdiocesan Schools
Bennington Schools Foundation
Centris
Chase Bank
Club Foundation
Club Service Fund
CFO Systems
Creighton University
DA Davidson
Elkhorn Schools Foundation
EHPV
FNBO
Goodwill Industries
Jungle Driving
Metro Community College
Millard Schools Foundation
Omaha Massage Therapy
Omaha Public Schools Foundation
Ralston Schools Foundation
UNO College of Business Administration
Union Omaha
Westside Foundation
Individuals:
Anonymous Donor
Bill Harvey
Brad Burklund
Brett Frevert
Chris Rath
Colleen Brennan
Deb Skinner
Fletcher Reel
Fr. Lloyd Gnirk
Gretchen Harvey
Heidi McGinness
Jim Stewart
Jim Suttle
John Ewing
John Marburger
John Mock
Larry Guenther
Larry Johansen
Lisa Tonjes Moritz
Mary Daub
Hal Daub
Paul Cohen
Randy Voorst
Randy Wieseler
Sandy Lemke
Todd Lemke
Scott Buchholz
Steve Carper
Steve McCollister
Tom Gouttierre
Viv Ewing
Adam Straight
Mexico
