Sgt at Arms: Okley Gibbs Digital Experience: Adam Leong
Invocation & Pledge: Lisa Schiele
Navigator: Heather Legge
Cashiers/Check-in: Scott Buchholz & Ryan Lemmon
Admin Support: Rebecca Niemeyer Rens
Greeters: James Mackiewicz & Josh Todd
Speaker Host: Tobi Mathouser
Speaker: Phil Taylor
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
After 25 years in the newspaper industry - spending the last seven as President of the Omaha World-Herald - Phil transitioned to the managed services space in 2019. He served as Omaha Market President, and led sales, marketing, and account management for a Lincoln-based IT services provider before serving as Chief Administrative Officer for a Council Bluffs nonprofit.
As Vice President at American PCS, Phil plays a key leadership role across the organization. He oversees sales, marketing, and account management, while also contributing to strategic planning efforts for both American PCS and its partners. His focus is on client satisfaction, long-term partnerships, and ensuring IT solutions align with clients' long-term goals.
Phil also serves as a bridge between technical teams and key stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment. In his spare time, Phil enjoys jogging and spending time with his wife their two children.
Honoring 9/11: Tribute of Flags to Be Displayed at Omaha's Memorial Park
CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER. This Rotary project will count for service hours at school or for Rotary Red badge members community service requirement.
To commemorate the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, nearly 3,000 American flags will once again be installed at Omaha’s Memorial Park as part of the 9/11 Tribute of Flags Omaha.
The display will be set up on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, with the help of volunteers from the Rotary Club of Omaha, local Boy Scouts, and community members.
Each of the 2,977 flags represents a life lost in the attacks, with individual flags bearing the name, age, and place of deathof each victim. A special section will honor those with Nebraska connections, ensuring their memory is felt close to home.
The 9/11 Tribute of Flags Omaha was first organized by Lynn Castrianno in 2004, in memory of her brother, Leonard Castrianno, who was killed in the World Trade Center during the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Volunteers are needed to help set up the display. This includes drilling holes and placing flags. Tools will be available, but helpers are encouraged to bring hand drills and work gloves.
📅 Event Details
Event: 9/11 Tribute of Flags Omaha Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Location: Memorial Park 6005 Underwood Ave. Omaha, NE 68132
Those interested in volunteering can contact: 📧 Dan Esch – desch402@yahoo.com 📞 (402) 301-9290
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: Welcome to August, one of my favorite months of the year!! Late summer vacations, county fairs, farmer’s markets, hot sunny days, and thoughts of going back to school and sports!!
A big thank you to every Rotary Club that has hosted me during my club visits over the past month!! I have enjoyed meeting all of you and celebrating the great projects you have planned for this Rotary year in your communities!! I hope that my message of community and peacebuilding is inspiring you to “Unite For Good.”
Here are a few highlights of my Rotary Club visits that you might find interesting.
Spoke at the Fairbury Rotary Club for lunch at Griffey’s Steakhouse & Lounge. President, Lana Likens, her husband Tony and Rotary Club members introduced me to Griffey’s pub food while at the same time they were helping to put on the Jefferson County Fair.
Spoke at the Falls City Rotary Club whose members meet at the John Philip Falter Museum on Main Street. John was an American artist who grew up in Falls City and is best known for his many paintings for The Saturday Evening Post whose covers highlight the Falls City Rotary Club. What an excellent location!! If you want to make new friends, make sure to make up a Rotary meeting with President, Merle Veigel, and the Falls City Rotary Club.
Spoke at the Beatrice Rotary Club, the piano playing/singing Rotary Club with President, Brian Daake. After the lunch meeting, they gave me a tour of their Rotary Veteran’s Memorial Park. What a beautiful park dedicated to the military men and women of the United States who served or are currently serving our country.
Spoke at the David City Rotary Club for lunch. Amazing meeting location at the Opera House on the town square. David City recently opened the Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art. The museum is in the former building where Model T automobiles were assembled and sold.
I look forward to continuing my August Rotary Club visits and meeting with you to learn about everything you are doing in your communities!!
Remember August is Membership & New Club Development Month https://my.rotary.org/en/learning-reference/learn-topic/membership
Enjoy this month of August. Remember to invite a guest to your Rotary Club meeting. Grow your membership. One meeting could change their life and yours as well. Focus on your Rotary Club experience for your members and guests. Take care of your family, friends, and community and I look forward to speaking/meeting with you at your Rotary Club meetings.
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
Rotarians at Empower Breakfast L to R: Lisa Tonjes Moritz, James M, Stephanie Olson(West), and Dick Lerner (West)
Rotarians at the Mayor John Ewing street dedication. L to R: Camille Metoyer Moten, Lisa Tonjes Moritz, Mayor John Ewing, First Lady Viv Ewing, and Aileen Warren
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
Phil Taylor
