Today, we are reminded of the profound sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have served our country. This day, originally known as Decoration Day, has its roots in the aftermath of the Civil War, a time when communities would gather to honor fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers. Over the years, it has evolved into a solemn occasion to remember all those who have died in military service to the United States.
Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer; it is a day of remembrance and gratitude. It is a time to honor the courage, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice of our service members who have given their lives to protect the freedoms we cherish. As Rotarians, we are called to serve our communities and uphold the values of peace and goodwill, principles that align closely with the spirit of this important day.
MARTIE CORDARO President & GM, Omaha Storm Chasers Triple-Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and Union Omaha
Cordaro graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing, and served three seasons as director of marketing for his alma mater's baseball program. At the same time, he also worked as general manager in the property management department for Today's Realty, Inc. In 1991, he graduated from Ruston High School in Louisiana. He played drums in several bands, most notably in high school and college with artists such as Robert Schneider, of Apples in Stereo and The Elephant 6 Recording Company. He primarily played in a band called Stonybridge and Pummel with Brad Belanger.Martie currently plays drums in Nebraska band, Strange Pleasures.
Cordaro began his professional baseball career with the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (Double-A, Chicago Cubs) of the Southern League as a group sales representative in 1999. He then would go on to spend two seasons as director of sales for the Birmingham Barons, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, before becoming general manager for the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays then the Single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, for two years.
Cordaro moved to Omaha in 2007, joining the organization as assistant general manager before being promoted to the general manager the next year. Cordaro played a large role in every aspect of the research, negotiation process and project management to build a new ballpark for the Storm Chasers in Sarpy County, allowing Triple-A Baseball to remain in the Omaha metro area. He was also involved in orchestrating and negotiating the ballpark's naming rights partnership with Sarpy County-based Werner Enterprises for Werner Park.
Cordaro led the process of the rebranding and renaming of the Omaha Triple-A franchise that included much research and fan-aided voting. Under his leadership, the organization has posted its highest total revenues on record during the past five seasons. During the 2015 season Cordaro and the organization hosted the First National Bank 2015 Triple-A All-Star Game.
Recently, Past President John Sullivan introduced our newest member Christopher Nwanfor. Christopher was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, in a modest household with five siblings. Upon graduating from the Ambassador’s High School in 2012, he pursued a mechanical engineering degree in Malaysia. While living in Malaysia, Christopher became interested in business and started his firstbusiness, distributing coffee products. This Business helped pay for his living expenses while in college and also serves as a platform to interact with the Asian market and gain an understanding of the Asian economy. Before leaving Malaysia in 2017, Christopher will go on to build an Argo commodity brokerage business and smoothie company.
2017 was the year Christopher made a successful transition from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Nebraska and attended Peru State College for two years. While in Peru State College, Christopher served on multiple boards, including the student senate and the president Advisory Council. Also, he was on a board designated to improve the community of Peru, which included business owners in the town of Peru, NE. In 2019, Christopher and his partner Neiman Sneed launched a special purpose entity to acquire and liquidate business assets. Christopher has also owned and managed two other businesses since then, which include a used car dealership and a facility maintenance company.
Christopher is passionate about service to the community and helping encourage upcoming leaders. He is devoted to God and strives for excellence in his daily walk. He also happens to be a CrossFit athlete and thinks with proper training, he could still do decently on a soccer pitch. Watch out for his golfing; it’s getting better!
Christopher Nwanfor with his Rotary sponsor John Sullivan and President Larry Guenther
Brett Frevert recently introduced the newest Rotarian, Zac Triemert, the President and Founder of Brickway and Lucky Bucket Brewing Company. Zac is dedicated to crafting beverages with a keen focus on balance and innovation. Holding dual master's degrees in distilling and brewing, Zac maintains three notebooks at home that chronicle recipes and revisions, dating back to the first batch of beer he brewed in college over 15 years ago.
Zac is deeply committed to community service, as evidenced by his companies' philanthropic practices. His books reveal that 1% of gross profits are donated to local charities, and 2% of his team members' hours are dedicated to volunteer work. In 2024, his major charity partners include Make-A-Wish and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
Zac exemplifies the Rotary ideal of "Service Above Self" through his unwavering commitment to supporting local charities and community initiatives.
Zac Triemert with his Rotary sponsor Brett Frevert and President Larry Guenther
After a four-year hiatus, the 97th Rotary Honor Roll Luncheon made a triumphant return to the CHI Health Convention Center, marking a significant milestone for the community. With an air of anticipation and excitement, this cherished event, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Omaha, celebrated the academic excellence and outstanding achievements of 441 exceptional 8th-grade students from 60 area middle schools.
Distinguished by their exemplary leadership, character, scholarship, and presence, these students epitomized the highest standards of achievement. Among them, Vivian Schneider of Holy Cross Catholic School and Daevonte Stauffer of King Science & Technology Middle School eloquently represented their peers, sharing inspiring insights and reflections. Additionally, Lexie Hatch of Millard West High School, speaking on behalf of all Rotary scholars, underscored the significance of dedication and perseverance in academic pursuits.
The program commenced with a stirring rendition of the Pledge of Allegiance, led by retired Generals Paul Cohen and Jim Murphy, accompanied by combat veteran Okly Gibbs. The Omaha Police Honor Guard presented the colors, followed by a moving rendition of the national anthem by OPD Officer Chithauta Hester. Past President Fr. Lloyd Gnirk delivered a heartfelt Invocation, setting a reverent tone for the proceedings.
President Larry Guenther and Honor Roll Chair Deb Skinner conveyed Rotary's unwavering commitment to education and excellence, while Scholarship Chair and Past President Sean Connolly proudly recognized six Rotary scholars, who, four years earlier, stood among the Honor Roll recipients. The keynote address, delivered by Joe Cavanaugh of Youth Frontiers, resonated deeply, inspiring both students and attendees alike.
Acknowledging the invaluable contributions of Rotarians Extraordinaire Hal Daub and John Ewing, themselves Rotary Honor Roll recipients from decades past, the event honored the students with Hal and John reading aloud the names of the 60 participating schools. Todd Johnson oversaw the distribution of nine iPads to fortunate Honor Roll students, adding an extra element of excitement to the occasion.
Guiding the proceedings with consummate professionalism, veteran newscaster John Knicely of WOWT TV ensured that every moment was captured with grace and precision. The event's success was further enhanced by the dedication of over 60 Rotarians serving as Honor Roll Table Hosts, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for students, teachers, and school administration officials.
Behind the scenes, the tireless efforts of the Honor Roll Committee, led by Chair Deb Skinner and supported by President Larry Guenther, were instrumental in bringing this milestone event to fruition. Their dedication and leadership were essential in making the 97th Rotary Honor Roll a resounding success.
As attendees came together in person once more after a prolonged hiatus, the atmosphere was imbued with a sense of wonder and magic. The 97th Honor Roll Program was a celebration of academic achievement and a testament to the community's resilience and spirit. For those unable to attend in person, the event was broadcast live on the Rotary Facebook Page, ensuring that the celebration could be shared and enjoyed by all. Use this link to replay the video: https://fb.watch/rV7ehqUqJG/ Photos can be viewed at this link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=omaharotary&set=a.838490278322629
The 97th Rotary Honor Roll video can also be viewed on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/6AaTp_u-oNU
Adam Leong, Bill Harvey, Bob Keefer, Brad Burklund, Brett Frevert, Camille Metoyer Moten, Carlson West Povondra Architects, Centris, CFO Systems, Charlie Peters, Chase Bank, DA Davidson, Dawn Gonzales, Deb Skinner, Dianne Desler, EHPV Management Group, Elkhorn Athletic Association, Elkhorn Schools Foundation, Fletcher Reel, Fr. Lloyd Gnirk, Gene DeBoer, Goodwill Industries, Gretchen Harvey, Hal Daub, Larry Johansen, Heather Legge, Heidi McGinness, James Mackiewicz, Jim Murphy, Jim Stewart, Jim Suttle, John Ewing, John Marburger, John Marburger, John Mock, Josh Todd, Kathryn Weitz, Kevin Baitey, Larry Guenther, LeRoy Swedlund, Lisa Tonjes Moritz, Michelle Trawick, Huntrex.com, Okley Gibbs, Ollie the Trolley, Omaha Downtown Rotary Foundation, Omaha Massage Therapy, Omaha Public Schools Foundation, Paul Cohen, Sandy Lemke, Steve Carper, Steve McCollister, Susan Koesters, Tobi Mathouser, Todd Johnson, Tom Gouttierre, UNO College of Business Administration, Viv Ewing, Yolanda Hoffman, Jennifer Trebil, Roxy Orr, Barbara Hayman
The Rotary Scholarship Committee led by Sean Connolly is proud to announce the 2024 Rotary Scholarship Recipients:
Arjun Anugole, Millard South High School Rachel Fernandes, Duchesne High School Lexie Hatch, Millard West High School Hannah Kubiak, Omaha South High School Jeremiah Mohring, Elkhorn South High School Tanner Post, Roncalli Catholic High School
OysterFest has been a calendar highlight of the Pacific Northwest’s fishing industry for more than four decades. The two-day festival is hosted by the Rotary Club of Shelton Skookum, Washington. Last year’s event, held in October, attracted 13,000 seafood enthusiasts and raised $170,000 for community organizations. Seasoned seafarers and landlubbers alike got in some serious shelling, as the victor in a speed-shucking competition opened 24 oysters in 73 seconds. The champion in the half-shell — a separate challenge that also accounts for presentation, with penalties for errant cuts — clocked in at an adjusted time of 2 minutes and 10 seconds. “It is quite an event with the crowd cheering on their favorite to win,” says Laurie Brown, the club’s president-nominee. “Anyone can sign up, but most of the shuckers come from the various shellfish farms or restaurants.
Suriname
Passing rates on secondary school entrance exams that have dipped as low as 50 percent have vexed officials in Suriname. The Rotary Club of Paramaribo Residence, whose members include several teachers or retired educators, is aiming to improve those results and reduce dropout rates. In October, the club instituted a mathematics training project for around two dozen teachers at schools serving older children. The program includes courses on topics such as set theory, equations, functions, plane geometry, and trigonometry. “You have to use mathematics at every level of your life, and statistics show that in Suriname kids have low grades” in the subject, says club member Yvonne Mohabir. A retired school dean and Rotarian, Ewald Levens, leads the sessions, which are funded with the support of the Dutch Association of Mathematics Teachers.
“If something is not impossible, there must be a way to do it,” Rotarian Sir Nicholas Winton once said. Known to his friends as “Nicky,” the British stockbroker rescued hundreds of predominantly Jewish children from the Holocaust in the months leading up to World War II. Winton, who died in 2015 at the age of 106, is now the subject of a new film, “One Life,” starring Sir Anthony Hopkins and Helena Bonham Carter. It was released in January 2024 in the United Kingdom.
The film tells the true story of how Winton rescued 669 children from the Nazi advance and found homes for them in the United Kingdom. During a visit to Prague, Czechoslovakia, in December 1938, Winton saw numerous families who had fled the spread of Nazism in Germany and Austria. The refugees were living in desperate conditions, with little or no shelter or food, as the German invasion of Czechoslovakia loomed. Winton immediately realized it was a race against time: How many children could he rescue before the borders closed?
Producers Emile Sherman and Iain Canning first contemplated telling Winton’s story when they co-founded See-Saw Films more than 15 years ago.
“We were very lucky to have had the opportunity to meet Nicholas Winton before he passed away,” Canning says. “He was the most modest, generous human being. [He] felt the film should not glorify him, but celebrate how the most ordinary of people can make a huge impact.”
With the blessing of Winton’s daughter, Barbara Winton, See-Saw approached screenwriter Lucinda Coxon to adapt Barbara’s 2014 book “If It’s Not Impossible.” Collaborating with Barbara, the screenwriting team gained access to Nicholas’ archives and letters. Barbara was a familiar face at Rotary district conferences. She passed away in 2022, during the making of the film.
Barbara’s book was an essential resource for the cast. Explaining how she got a sense of Nicholas Winton’s mother, Babi, Bonham Carter said, “Barbara was named after Babi. I was very lucky to speak to Barbara, to have her perspective as a granddaughter.”
It was Barbara’s wish that Sir Anthony Hopkins should play her father.
Reprint from rotary.org. SOURCE: https://www.rotary.org/en/new-film-tells-story-sir-nicholas-winton-world-war-ii-hero-and-humanitarian
Last weekend, the Rotary Clubs of Omaha, Omaha Suburban, and Omaha West joined forces to fund and assemble an impressive total of over 42,000 meals for Heartland Kids Against Hunger. This remarkable endeavor wouldn't have been possible without the dedication and support of over 120 Rotarians, their families, and friends who generously volunteered their time and energy to package these meals.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all those who contributed to the Service Fund and those who actively participated in the packaging process. Your generosity and commitment to service have made a significant impact on addressing hunger in our community.
To commemorate this inspiring event, here are some snapshots capturing the moments of collaboration and goodwill:
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 January volunteers L to R:Mike Mancuso, Fletcher Reel, Steve McCollister, Scott Kinnaird, Colleen Brennan (Future Rotarian), Franco Gentile, Jim Stewart, and another Future 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
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
Yolanda Hoffman
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
Fletcher Reel
Jim Scott-Miller
Deb Skinner
Jim Stewart
Jim Suttle
LeRoy Swedlund
Lisa Tonjes Moritz
Michelle Trawick
MARTIE CORDARO
Brett Frevert recently introduced the newest Rotarian, Zac Triemert, the President and Founder of Brickway and Lucky Bucket Brewing Company. Zac is dedicated to crafting beverages with a keen focus on balance and innovation. Holding dual master's degrees in distilling and brewing, Zac maintains three notebooks at home that chronicle recipes and revisions, dating back to the first batch of beer he brewed in college over 15 years ago.
United States
Suriname
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