Sgt at Arms: Okley Gibbs Digital Experience: Adam Leong
Invocation & Pledge: Vanessa Clark
Navigator: Need Volunteer
Cashiers/Check-in: Scott Buchholz & Need Volunteer
Admin Support: Need Volunteer
Greeters: Hannah Patterson & Lisa Schiele
New Member Host: Sue Kutschkau
Speaker Host: Jim Suttle
Speaker: Eric Keen
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
As chairman of the HDR Board of Directors, Eric helps ensure effective board governance and provides guidance for decisions that align with our company’s purpose.
Eric became CEO in 2017 after previously serving as president and chief operating officer. As CEO, he led the company through eight acquisitions and oversaw continuous revenue growth and the addition of more than 2,600 employees.
A civil engineer by training, Eric has spent his 45-year career helping to develop and deliver some of the United States’ most notable infrastructure projects. He was involved in many major public-private and design-build projects and developed a passion for the use of alternative contracting methods.
A native of Iowa and a graduate of the University of Iowa, Eric is active in many professional and civic groups. In 2012, he led the creation of the HDR Foundation, an employee-funded and administered charitable giving organization that benefits the communities where the firm’s employees live and work by supporting activities that align with the company’s values and areas of expertise. Since inception the HDR Foundation has funded over $11 million in grants to over 400 organizations.
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—Happy December! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with family, friends, and community!! There are so many generous acts of kindness that happen at this time of year from serving meals for others, ringing bells for the Salvation Army, and donating coats, hats, and gloves so people can stay warm.
This past weekend, I was reminded of that kindness in my own Elkhorn neighborhood, when we had the first meaningful snow of the season. We all worked together to help make sure that everyone’s driveways and sidewalks were clear of snow. I am incredibly grateful for the spirit of community that looks out for those around us.
When I was growing up there was a song in 1971 that was extremely popular called “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing in Perfect Harmony” by the group called the “The New Seekers”. It is a simple song and idealist, but the song’s message is an analogy for what we do as Rotarians in our communities and the world to create hope, build peace, and make an impact. When you combine the voices of Rotarians from all over the world, we do help “The World to Sing in Perfect Harmony!”
I wanted to give a big shout out to every Rotary Club in our District for everything you did in November to “Unite for Good” and serve your communities and the world! Thank you!!
Each year, our Rotarians team up with the Boy Scouts and the City of Omaha to turn Christmas trees into something good for the environment. Once Christmas is over, those trees do not go to waste. Instead, they are collected and recycled, helping reduce landfill use and supporting a cleaner, greener community.
This year, the project will take place on the last weekend of December 2025 and the first weekend of January 2026, specifically on December 27 and 28 and January 3 and 4. Volunteer shifts are in two hour blocks from 10 AM to 4 PM at 156th and F Streets on the northeast corner.
Volunteers bundle up and brave true Nebraska winter conditions, sometimes even in below zero temperatures. The cold does not stop our Rotarians and Boy Scouts from showing up with warm smiles, strong hands, and generous hearts. The work is simple but meaningful. Greet neighbors, unload trees, keep the line moving, and enjoy the steady rhythm of service, conversation, and laughter.
To recognize your commitment, you will receive two attendance credits for each shift you serve. If the temperatures drop below zero, you will receive four attendance credits. More importantly, you will enjoy fun and fellowship while doing something that comes straight from the goodness of your heart.
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.
December 2, 2025 Rotarians at Stephen Center L to R: Hannah Patterson, Fletcher Reel, Heidi McGinness, Luke Drazic, Steve McCollister, and Yvonne Dooley
Our Rotary family had the joy of celebrating a remarkable moment in the life of our Rotary Youth Exchange student, Nonoka Kamada from Japan. Turning eighteen is a meaningful milestone, and Nonoka welcomed it with three heartfelt celebrations that beautifully reflected the warmth of our community.
Her first celebration was held with her host family, Bintou Taal and Papa Musa, who have embraced her with genuine care and hospitality. Surrounded by love and laughter, Nonoka enjoyed a cozy family gathering that set the tone for her birthday week.
Her second celebration took place with the Rotary Youth Exchange Committee hosted by Yolanda Hoffman and family, where she was honored by the presence of Mayor John Ewing and First Lady Viv Ewing. President Gretchen Harvey, Past Presidents Heather Legge, Aileen Warren, and Bill Harvey, Their attendance made the evening even more memorable, highlighting the strong community spirit that supports our exchange students.
Rounding out her celebrations, Nonoka enjoyed a festive gathering with the Hoffman's Japanese friends in Omaha. It was a beautiful blend of culture, friendship, and shared joy as she marked her first birthday away from home.
Nonoka’s journey continues to remind us of the global connections that Rotary makes possible. Her enthusiasm, kindness, and eagerness to learn enrich our club and strengthen the bonds we share across cultures.
At our July 16 meeting, Outgoing President Heather Legge proudly recognized an extraordinary group of members, our Perfect Attendance Rotarians!
Achieving perfect Rotary attendance is no small feat. It reflects dedication, service, and an unwavering commitment to our club’s mission. Whether it's showing up at weekly meetings (in person or via Zoom), joining service projects, attending committee meetings, helping with club operations, gathering with fellow Rotarians (3 or more), visiting other clubs, participating in online makeups, or engaging in board activities, these Rotarians show up, step up, and make a difference! Let's give a big round of applause to these role models of Rotary engagement!
See the full list of honorees below.
July is the perfect month to start your own journey to becoming a Perfect Rotarian! Join us, stay involved, and let’s make service and fellowship a way of life.
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 having fun with the Ollie the Trolley Holiday Lights Tour: Yolanda Hoffman and family, President Gretchen Harvey, and Bill Harvey
Holiday party at Flemings L t R: Susan Koesters, Paul Cohen, and Sandy Lemke
Rotarian’s are the Mayor’s holiday party L to R: President Gretchen Harvey, Bill Harvey, Jill Slupe, First Lady Viv Ewing, Bob Keefer, Dakotah Smith, Lisa Tonjes Moritz, Mayor John Ewing, and Former Mayor Jim Suttle
Mid America Council of the Scouts Annual leadership luncheon L to R: Former Congressman Hal Daub, John Sullivan, Chris Mehaffey, Mayor John Ewing, Steve McCollister, and Rebecca Rens
Sandy Lempke visiting Omaha Night Rotary, pictured here with Omaha Night Rotarians
Another picture of the Mid America Council of the Scouts Annual leadership luncheon L to R Former Congressman Hal Daub, Colleen Brennan, Fletcher Reel, John Sullivan, Sean Kelly, Steve McCollister, and Rebecca Rens
Ollie the Trolley Rotarians Meet Up L to R: Deb Skinner, George Davis, Mayor John Ewing, and First Lady Viv Ewing
Rotarians at the “Live from Omaha” Outland Trophy Semi-Finalist Announcement. L to R: Former Mayor Jim Suttle, Mayor John Ewing, and Mike Mancuso. Not pictured: Omaha First Lady Viv Ewing.
Pachyderm Lunch at German American Society L to R: Fletcher Reel, Rebecca Rens, Hal Daub, and Steve McCollister
Membership Committee Meeting L to R: Hannah Patterson, Sarah Robak, and Dakotah Smith
Rotarians hard at work brainstorming about Rotary engagement L to R: Chris Mehaffey, Liesel Kittlitz, Ryan Lemmon, Bill Harvey, and Vanessa Clark
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.
Aileen Warren
Adam Leong
Amy Tritsch
Aileen Warren
Bill Harvey
Gretchen Harvey
Bob Keefer
Brad Burklund
Camille Metoyer Moten
Brett Frevert
Charlie Peters
Colleen Brennan
Deb Skinner
Elkhorn Athletics
Josh Todd
Fletcher Reel
Gene DeBoer
Goodwill Industries
Heather Legge
Heidi McGinness
Huntrex.com
Jim Murphy
Jim Stewart
John Mock
Larry Guenther
Larry Johansen
LeRoy Swedlund
Lisa Tonjes Moritz
Michelle Trawick
Nash Mahupete
Okley Gibbs
Omaha Downtown Rotary Foundation
Omaha School of Massage Therapy
Paul Cohen
PDG Bob Perrin
PDG Roxy Orr
Ralston Schools Foundation
Randy Wieseler
Rick Waxman
Sarah Robak
Scott Buchholz
Steve Carper
Steve McCollister
Susan Koesters
Tobi Mathouser
Todd Chaney
Todd Murphy
Tom Gouttierre
Westside Foundation
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—Happy December! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with family, friends, and community!! There are so many generous acts of kindness that happen at this time of year from serving meals for others, ringing bells for the Salvation Army, and donating coats, hats, and gloves so people can stay warm.
