Today, we pause to honor the hard work, dedication, and contributions of America’s workforce. Labor Day is a celebration of the people whose efforts drive our communities forward and make progress possible.
We wish you a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable holiday with family and friends. Thank you for all the ways you contribute to building a stronger community.
Sgt at Arms: Okley Gibbs Digital Experience: Adam Leong
Invocation & Pledge: Candi Jacobs
Navigator: Christopher Nwafor
Cashiers/Check-in: Ryan Lemmon & Need Volunteer
Admin Support: Rebecca Niemeyer Rens
Greeters: Brett Frevert & Rick Waxman
Speaker Host: Tobi Mathouser
Speaker: Dr. Aly WIlliams
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
Midland University is excited to announce Dr. Aly Williams as the university’s 17th president. Williams served as Vice President of Academic Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, and Chief Academic Officer at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana.
She is an experienced executive with over 25 years of dedicated service in higher education and extensive experience as a faculty member and leader. Prior to her appointment as Vice President for Academic Affairs in 2020, she served as Professor of Exercise Science and Athletic Training at Indiana Wesleyan for 20 years, including 10 years working as an athletic trainer for Indiana Wesleyan Athletics.
Williams earned a Psychology degree from Indiana Wesleyan and an MS in Physical Education from Eastern Illinois University. She later earned her PhD in Public Health from Walden University. Williams and her husband of 25 years, Adam, have three children (Jacklin, Grant, Luke), a son-in-law (JD) and two grandchildren (Rose and Everly).
Uniikye Truth Washington recently relocated to Omaha in January from Dallas, TX, with his wife, after accepting a new role as a Strategy Analyst at Quality Glass and Mirror. A former collegiate basketball player, he has long enjoyed both basketball and volleyball as his favorite pastimes. After earning his MBA from the University of Dallas in 2023, he has since taken up golfing and embraced opportunities to get involved in his new community.
Through the guidance of James Mackiewicz, Uniikye discovered Rotary, where he looks forward to contributing and connecting. He is excited to join a community that reflects his values of pursuing wisdom, truth, and virtue.
What a moving and successful day it was as nearly 3,000 American flags were once again raised at Omaha’s Memorial Park for the annual 9/11 Tribute of Flags. Volunteers from the Rotary Club of Omaha, local Boy Scouts, and community members came together on Saturday, August 30, 2025, to ensure that each of the 2,977 victims of the September 11 attacks is honored with a flag bearing their name, age, and place of death. A special section highlighted those with Nebraska connections, reminding us of how deeply this tragedy touched lives near and far.
This remarkable project, first organized in 2004 by Lynn Castrianno in memory of her brother Leonard, who was killed in the World Trade Center, continues to be a powerful symbol of remembrance and unity. Special thanks go to Project Chair Rotarian Dan Esch, who has faithfully steered this project year after year and does an outstanding job making sure every detail is handled with care and respect.
The sea of flags will remain on display through the anniversary of 9/11, offering the community a place for reflection and remembrance. Another volunteer event will be held shortly after September 11 to respectfully remove the display, and we invite you to be part of this important effort. Participation counts toward service hours for students and fulfills the community service requirement for Rotary Red Badge members.
Together, we honor the past, stand united in the present, and inspire hope for the future.
What an incredible evening we shared at Lucky Bucket Brewery for our inaugural Mac, Mules & Music fundraiser! From start to finish, the night was filled with energy, laughter, and the spirit of community that defines Rotary.
We were thrilled to welcome over 150 attendees who came together to enjoy great music, camaraderie, and of course, mac & cheese and mules! We had a great turnout and the generosity of our members, guests, and sponsors was truly inspiring.
While we are still finalizing the fundraising totals, we look forward to sharing the full results at Wednesday’s Rotary meeting. What we can say already is that this event showcased the heart of our club and the impact we can make when we join forces for a cause.
A special thanks goes to everyone who purchased tickets, donated, volunteered, or brought friends along. You made the evening a success. And don’t forget: Rotary bottled whisky is still available for purchase, with all profits supporting the Rotary Club of Omaha. Big thank you to the Fundraising Committee: Todd Chaney, Shelly Ruwe, Sandy Lemke, Hal Daub, and Zac Triemert.
Events like Mac, Mules & Music remind us of the power of connection and the incredible things we can accomplish together. Thank you for making it a night to remember. We can’t wait to build on this momentum for future events!
The Engagement Committee recognized Team One for achieving the highest point total during the spring Engagement Challenge!
Led by Aileen Warren, the winning team included Scott Buchholz, Hal Daub, Mike Mancuso, Benjamin Washburn, and Pete Sakaris. Their dedication and enthusiasm stood out, earning them top honors among their fellow Rotarians.
The recognition was proudly printed by the Mid-America Council Invention Scouts, celebrating these members as some of the most engaged Rotarians in the spring challenge.
Congratulations to Team One for their hard work and commitment, your energy inspires all of us to get involved and make a difference!
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians: Where did summer go? Hard to believe, but September is here. Hope everyone enjoyed Labor Day weekend!!
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians, give yourself a great big round of applause for all the important things you did in August in service to your communities and the world! Simply amazing!!
In August I spoke to ten Rotary Clubs! Geneva, Hebron, York, Norfolk, Plattsmouth, Western Douglas County, Aurora, Shenandoah, Seward, and Omaha Suburban Rotary Clubs!! Thank you for making me feel so welcome and letting me share the Rotary International message for this 2025-26 year, “Unite for Good”!!
That brings me up to 27 Rotary Clubs visits since July 1st, with ten more Rotary Club to go in September. It has been an honor and a privilege to meet with all of you!!
Here are a few highlights from events that I attended:
Norfolk Rotary Club - Summer Concert Series annual fundraiser at the “Music in the Park” with Blue House!! The Norfolk Rotary Club cut a check to TeamMates and raised monies for Rotary’s PolioPlus campaign to eradicate polio. The music had everyone singing the blues! Thank you for letting me say a few words to the audience to get them excited before the concert.
Fremont Rotary Club - Fly-In Breakfast’s annual fundraiser for youth scholarships and activities at the Fremont Municipal Airport. The event featured "The Pancake Man", classic cars, interesting aircraft, a helicopter, face painting, balloons, and flight simulator for the kids.
Rotary Club of Omaha (Downtown) - Mac, Mules & Music at Lucky Bucket Brewing Company, La Vista fundraiser for their annual Rotary Honor Roll and Scholarships. The food, drinks and music were fantastic along with many generous donations!!
Lincoln South Rotary Club - UNL Stadium Tour and Haymarket Social at Salt Mine City Brewing. What a terrific way to spend your Friday afternoon with your Rotary friends from Beatrice Rotary, Columbus Noon Rotary, Lincoln #14 Rotary, Lincoln East Rotary, Omaha Morning Rotary, Omaha Suburban Rotary and Seward Rotary.
Rotary Club of Omaha (Downtown) – Annual Tribute of Flags at Memorial Park – “Each flag honors a life lost on 9/11.
For over two decades, Rotarians have placed nearly 3,000 American flags across the park, each one representing a life lost during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. This powerful visual display serves as both a solemn remembrance and a symbol of unity, resilience, and hope. The Tribute of Flags is more than a Rotary project. It is our gift to the community, a moment to reflect, to honor, and to educate future generations about the importance of service, sacrifice, and solidarity.” Rotary Club of Omaha website.
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.
August 5, 2025 Rotarian Volunteers at Stephen Center L to R: Allen Shepherd, Heidi McGinness, Kris Pojar, Vanessa Clark, Fletcher Reel, Steve McCollister, and Luke Drazic
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.
Midwest Women Entrepreneur Collective. L to R: Jill Slupe, Karalee Picard (Omaha Night), and Lisa Tonjes Moritz.
Mac, Mules & Music Planning in Full Swing! L to R: Todd Chaney, Angela Chaney of Suburban, Brett Frevert, and Shelly Ruwe prepare for a memorable event.
Rotarians at Omaha Magazine B2B networking L to R: Russell Vaughn, Ryan Lemmon, Shelly Ruwe, Brett Frevert, Nash Mahupete
Rotarians celebrate Apiary 1-year anniversary L to R: Brett Frevert, Larry Guenther, and Shelly Ruwe
Rotarians at SAC Museum. L to R Larry Guenther, John Sullivan & Jill Slupe.
Rotarians at Lindsay panel discussion includes Mayor John Ewing, James Mackiewicz, and Steve McCollister
Rotarians at OMAHA Chamber breakfast L to R: James Mackiewicz, Brett Frevert, and Larry Guenther
Rotarians at Revive. L to R Mayor John Ewing, Aileen Warren, Viv Ewing, and Jim Suttle
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
Dr. Aly Williams
