Candidate, District 8 Nebraska Department of Education Board
Marni Hodgen is an Omaha native and attended Roncalli Catholic High School. She received her bachelor of arts degree from Doane College and shortly after graduation traded the Omaha's Old Market for the city of Chicago. She pursued an education in massage therapy and have been a licensed massage therapist since 2006. She and her husband are both kept young and active by their three sons.
She has been very vocal in her opposition to comprehensive sex education and critical race theory at SBOE meetings. She is running for State Board of Education to be a voice for the 90% of parents who do not want the standards. She is also fighting for the Nebraska children. It is imperative to protect their hearts, minds, and innocence. When elected she will redirect the board's focus back to education and student achievement. She will push for transparency among the state and local levels, including curriculum transparency. She support local control and hope to inspire and empower parents to take an active stance in their children's education.
Recently, Past President John Sullivan, introduced returning Rotarian Jim McKernan. Jim was inspired with what Rotary does to the community that upon his return he decided to become Paul Harris Fellow.
Jim McKernan is Vice President and General Manager of WOWT-TV in Omaha, Nebraska. Jim is a longtime broadcaster with an extensive background in senior leadership positions. Jim was appointed Vice President and General Manager in Omaha after 10 years with Quincy Media where he served as a Regional Vice President while also managing KWWL-TV. McKernan oversaw 8 TV markets for Quincy in his regional management role. During his tenure at KWWL, McKernan and Quincy Media oversaw the multi million dollar renovation of the KWWL Building and broadcasting facilities utilizing federal and state historic tax credits in Waterloo, Iowa. The 105-year-old building is now a beautiful award-winning structure which has enhanced Waterloo’s downtown area. McKernan takes over in Omaha at a time when WOWT is also constructing a new 22M state of the art broadcasting facility at Blackstone Plaza in Omaha.
Jim McKernan with John Sullivan and President Sean Connolly
CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER. This Rotary project will count for service hours at school or for Rotary Red badge members community service requirement.
The 9/11 Tribute of Flags Omaha will be on display to commemorate the anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2001
On Friday, September 2, from 4:30 – 7:00 PM, the Rotary Club of Omaha will once again set up the 9/11Tribute of Flags Omaha in Memorial Park.
Each year, Boy Scouts and other volunteers join Rotarians to honor the lives of those lost on September 11, 2001. Almost 3,000 U.S. flags make up the display. The attacks on September 11, 2001, killed 2,977 people. Each flag bears the name and age of a victim, the location of where they died and personal information. The flags of those who have a Nebraska connection will be placed in a special section.
Lynn Castrianno originally organized this tradition as a way to honor of her brother, Leonard Castrianno, who was killed in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and as a way to honor all of the lives lost on this tragic day. This is the 18th consecutive year of the tribute.
The flags will be on display until Monday, September 12.
Connecting with fellow Rotarians is made easy with club service. Plus you get attendance credit. It's a great deal! and if you are a new Rotarian, it counts toward your Red Badge requirements. You may sign up as Greeter, Virtual Greeter, Check-in/Registration, Navigator, and Invocator. Click here to sign up.
Pictured here are recent greeters Tobi Mathouser and Gary Eller.
Invitation from Glenwood Rotary: the Glenwood Rotary Club we will be hosting the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus on Saturday, Sept 3, (Labor Day weekend) with two performances at 2 and 4:30 p.m., in Glenwood Lake Park, just to the east of the downtown square and across from the High School parking lot. Advance tickets are available from Glenwood Rotary for just $7 (children and seniors over 65) and $12 for everyone else. Kids under 2 are free. Come out and see the big top raised, famous animal acts and aerialists and all the other fun things a Circus brings to any small town. Please contact Glenwood Rotary President Dennis Kelly at dennis8903@gmail.com for the discounted tickets.
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 their 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.
Hardworking Rotarians at Stephen Center L to R: Lisa Tonjes Moritz, Steve McCollister, and Lisa's son future Rotarian Anderson
Here's a sneak peek of a weekly meeting at Omaha Downtown Rotary. It starts with a live concert with Jim Scott-Miller on the piano with certified singers, the Omaha Downtown Rotarians! Watch this video. You can feel the energy!
Marni Hodgen
Recently, Past President John Sullivan, introduced returning Rotarian Jim McKernan. Jim was inspired with what Rotary does to the community that upon his return he decided to become Paul Harris Fellow.
Invitation from Glenwood Rotary: the Glenwood Rotary Club we will be hosting the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus on Saturday, Sept 3, (Labor Day weekend) with two performances at 2 and 4:30 p.m., in Glenwood Lake Park, just to the east of the downtown square and across from the High School parking lot. Advance tickets are available from Glenwood Rotary for just $7 (children and seniors over 65) and $12 for everyone else. Kids under 2 are free. Come out and see the big top raised, famous animal acts and aerialists and all the other fun things a Circus brings to any small town. Please contact Glenwood Rotary President Dennis Kelly at dennis8903@gmail.com for the discounted tickets.
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