As previously announced, there will be no regular Rotary Club of Omaha meeting at Field Club on Wednesday, June 25.
Instead, please join us for a special Rotary Business Networking Lunch at the Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St., from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience and a delicious boxed lunch with dessert for just $18, click here to register.
We invite you to join us for our Rotary Business Networking event:
What: Rotary Business Networking When: Wednesday, June 25 • 12:00 – 1:00 PM Where: Omaha Playhouse, 6915 Cass St, Omaha, NE 68132 Who: All Rotary Club of Omaha members, guests, and community business leaders Lunch: Click here to register and pay for lunch
Swap your usual meeting for an hour of meaningful connections, lunch, and an opportunity to expand your professional network in a relaxed, fun venue.
We look forward to seeing you at the Omaha Playhouse for lunch and networking on June 25!
For questions, please contact Kevin Baitey at kbaitey@cwparchitects.com or call him at (402) 707-9783.
At the recent club meeting, members voted to approve the proposed slate of officers for the upcoming term. The motion to approve the nominations was made by Steve McCollister and seconded by Okley Gibbs. With unanimous support, the motion passed, solidifying leadership roles for the coming years.
Elected Officers and Board Members:
🔹 President-Elect (2025–2026) James Mackiewicz
🔹 Club Board Members (2025–2028)
Toby Mathouser
Gene DeBoer
🔹 Foundation Board Members (2025–2028)
Leslie Volk
Jill Slupe
The club congratulates all the newly elected leaders and looks forward to their service and contributions in the years ahead.
Members of the Ghana exploratory trip. Pictured from left to right are Tim Clark, OSCA Vice President, the Honorable Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie from Jamestown, Steve Gerdes, OSCA President, and Sal Issaka, OSCA Board Member.
Rotary Member Steve Gerdes Plays Key Role in Historic Partnership.
The Rotary Club of Omaha is proud to recognize a major milestone in our city's global outreach: Omaha Sister Cities Association (OSCA) has officially voted to establish a new Sister City relationship with Jamestown, Ghana—a vibrant, historic district in the heart of Accra.
This marks Omaha’s first formal Sister City partnership on the African continent, expanding the city’s international connections and cultural horizons in bold and meaningful ways.
At the center of this landmark effort is Rotary Club of Omaha member Steve Gerdes, who also serves as President of OSCA. Steve joined a small delegation on an exploratory trip to Ghana earlier this year, along with OSCA Vice President Tim Clark, Sal Issaka (OSCA Board Member), and the Honorable Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie, a respected leader from Jamestown.
The initiative was also made possible through the advocacy and leadership of Black Men United, whose dedication helped lay the foundation for this dynamic transatlantic relationship.
This relationship opens the door to cultural exchange, educational collaboration, economic partnerships, and civic dialogue. Programming will focus on empowering youth, uplifting artists and entrepreneurs, and cultivating mutual understanding between our communities.
As Rotarians committed to global understanding and service, we are proud to celebrate this new chapter in Omaha’s international story—and especially proud of the leadership and dedication of our fellow Rotarian, Steve Gerdes.
The Rotary Club of Omaha – People with Disabilities Committee is proud to have supported the Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA) over the past year with a $1,500 grant. This meaningful contribution has directly benefited HETRA’s mission to serve Veterans, their families, and caregivers through Equine-Assisted Services.
With the continued rise in demand for these services, HETRA has seen an increase in participants seeking support, healing, and connection. In the past year alone, 50 Veterans and their family members engaged in 594 hours of programming. These included Adaptive Riding, Adaptive Carriage Driving, Therapy Services, and Veterans Connections Events—each tailored to meet the unique physical, emotional, and social needs of those who have served and their loved ones.
HETRA’s commitment to making services accessible regardless of socioeconomic status aligns closely with Rotary’s core values of service and community. We are honored to help make a difference in the lives of these individuals through our support.
Thank you to HETRA for your continued dedication, and thank you to our fellow Rotarians for making this impactful partnership possible.
Rotarians: This is my last newsletter article. It is crazy to think how fast this year went by. As my term ends, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey I have been able to share with you all over this past year. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve our communities alongside so many dedicated, compassionate Rotarians.
When I began this journey, it felt like a monumental task and I knew there would be challenges. But I am so thankful for the help and support that I have gotten along the way. I have really enjoyed the opportunity to get out and visit all of our 38 clubs to share stories and see the impact that you are having on your communities and your commitment to Service Above Self. You are truly an inspiration! Being the district governor has been both rewarding and humbling.
Some of the moments that stand out include seeing Rotarians respond to the tornados that impacted some of our communities and in response the district created a foundation to provide an avenue to accept financial help from Rotarians in our community and from districts around the country. I enjoyed seeing the district partner with clubs by providing grant support to important projects in our communities. It reminds me of our theme for this year The Magic of Rotary and how we come together to create positive change.
A huge thank you to my fellow district leaders, club presidents, committee chairs and every single Rotarian in this district. Thank you for all of your tireless efforts, the ideas you bring to the table and your unwavering support.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our 98th Rotary Honor Roll Sponsors and Donors
We extend our deepest appreciation to all the generous sponsors and donors who made this year’s 98th Rotary Honor Roll celebration a truly unforgettable event. Your contributions help honor exceptional 8th-grade students across the metro and continue a legacy that has shaped community leaders for nearly a century.
Major Sponsors: First National Bank of Omaha, Chase Bank, UNO College of Business Administration, Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation, Omaha Public Schools Foundation, EHPV Management Group, Centris Federal Credit Union, DA Davidson, CFO Systems, Ollie the Trolley, Hal Daub, Fr. Lloyd Gnirk, John Ewing, Viv Ewing, John Marburger, Jim Suttle, George Davis & Deb Skinner, Todd & Sandy Lemke, Bob & Kathleen Keefer
Contributing Sponsors and Donors: Aileen Warren, Adam Leong, Amy Tritsch, Aileen Warren, Bill & 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, and the Westside Foundation
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.
June 3, 2025 Rotarian Volunteers at Stephen Center
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.
Three Club members enjoy lunch at the German-American Club with their fellow Packyderm Group pals.
Meet up at Happy Hollow Club L to R: Susan Koesters, Hal Daub, Sandy Lemke
Rotarians at CWS
Rotarians at CWS
Rotarians at CWS
Rotarians at CWS
A picture-perfect rainbow lights up the sky behind the stadium on a sunny Omaha day—captured by our very own Rotarian on duty at the CWS, Jim Stewart.
Omaha’s new Mayor, John Ewing, kicks off the College World Series Opening Ceremonies with a warm welcome to the teams at the Henry Doorly Zoo.
CWS tailgate L to R: Gretchen Harvey, James Mackiewicz. Bill Harvey and John Sullivan
Rotarians meet up with Mayor John Ewing and First Lady Viv Ewing, L to R: Gretchen Harvey, Bill Harvey, John Ewing, Viv Ewing and Matt Boulay
Rotarians at College World Series Kick Off L to R: Aileen Warren, LeRoy Swedlund, First Lady Viv Ewing, and Jim Stewart​​​​​​
Rotarians at the College World Series kick off
Rotarians celebrating after Tobi's amazing Goodwill Golf Event! They were just 3 of more than 200 in attendance. L to R: Shelly Ruwe, Nash Mahupete & James Mackiewicz.
Rotarians at the Downtown Omaha Inc. CWS presentation L to R: Lynn McCormack (Millard Rotary), Yolanda Hoffman, Scottish Rite General Secretary David Greenberg (Suburban), Shelly Ruwe, Dan Esch, and Brett Frevert sporting his arm cast
Rotarians at the Apriary L to R: Shelly Ruwe, Brett Frevert, and Nash Mahupete
Local Journalism Hall of Fame Awards
Rotarians at Scouting America's 54th Annual Walter Scott, Jr. Citizen of the Year event, hosted by the Mid-America Council on May 21, 2025 L to R: Hal Daub, Dele Davies and Clark Rosenlof.
Rotarians at Barrientos Scholars Foundation luncheon L to R: Steve McCollister, First Lady Viv Ewing, Mayor-Elect John Ewing, DG-Elect Robert Rapp and Chris Nwafor
Rotarians at Inner Rail L to R: Chris Nwafor, Randy Wieseler, Steve McCollister
Impromptu Rotary meeting at the Greater Omaha Chamber Golf Event – Business on the Green, held at Tiburon. Not pictured, but also there: Mayor-Elect John Ewing. L to R: Todd Chaney, James Mackiewicz and Nash Mahupete.
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!
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