Sgt at Arms: Okley Gibbs Digital Experience: Adam Leong
Invocation & Pledge: Jill Slupe
Navigator: Cella Quinn
Cashiers/Check-in: Gene DeBoer & Need Volunteer
Admin Support: Rebecca Niemeyer Rens
Greeters: Fletcher Reel & Deb Skinner
Speaker Host: Tobi Mathouser
Speaker: Beth Kramer
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
Beth Kramer is the Executive Director for At Ease USA, a Nebraska-based nonprofit working to ensure that no service member, veteran, or frontline healthcare worker has to face trauma alone. Beth has served in this role since 2010 and has a personal commitment to serving those who serve us.
At Ease was founded in 2009, and is dedicated to providing confidential, trauma-informed care to military personnel, veterans, and their families—especially those living with post-traumatic stress, moral injury, or suicidal ideations.
As demand for services continues to grow—up 400% over the past two years—AEU responds with a coordinated model of care that includes:
Evidence-based mental health therapy through a network of 54 licensed providers
Peer support, including the Vets4Vets initiative and services for incarcerated veterans
Wellness programs such as trauma-informed yoga, equine-assisted therapy, and the Camp
Recharge family retreat
AEU has recently expanded its services in Lancaster County, adding a program coordinator and services to meet the growing need among the city’s veterans and National Guard families.
Nearly all of AEU’s growth has come through word-of-mouth from clients who have experienced the power of healing, connection, and hope. At Ease continues to build trust and make compassionate care accessible—regardless of a person’s ability to pay.
Hannah Patterson is a business insurance broker at Gallagher Insurance, specializing in nonprofit and healthcare risk management. Originally from Kansas City, she moved to Omaha to attend Creighton University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
Her passion for philanthropy began early through volunteer work with her church. That commitment continued in college, where she served as her sorority’s philanthropy chair, and now extends to her involvement on several nonprofit committees throughout Omaha including Special Olympics Nebraska, Child Saving Institute, Outlook Nebraska, Youth Emergency Services, Goodwill Omaha, and the American Heart Association.
After being introduced to the Rotary Club by Matt Boulay, Hannah immediately felt a strong connection to its mission. She sees it as a natural extension of the work she’s already doing and is eager to deepen her engagement in a community that has given her so much.
Though not a native, Hannah proudly calls Omaha home—thanks to the welcoming spirit of Rotarians and others who share her values and vision for a better future.
Please join us in giving Hannah a warm Rotary welcome as she begins her Rotary journey.
It’s that spooky-and-sweet time of year: Trunk-or-Treat is back at the Stephen Center! 👻
On Wednesday, October 29, from 5:30–6:30 PM, volunteers, staff, and community partners will create a fun, festive Halloween experience for Stephen Center clients across all programs. This closed event affectionately called “Trunk-or-Table-Treating” offers residents and families a safe place to enjoy the magic of Halloween while connecting with friendly faces.
🕓 Event Details
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Event Time: 5:30–6:30 PM
Set-Up Begins: 5:00 PM
Location: Stephen Center – Back Parking Lot (limited parking; only 13 vehicle stalls available)
Rotary’s car: We’re decking out Uniikye Washington’s trunk this year! How to help: Project Chair Steve McCollister will facilitate donations at our weekly meeting, one of the rare times we “pass the hat.” Every Rotarian can chip in to fund the candy purchase so every child gets a treat.
Together, we’ll make this year’s Trunk-or-Treat a night full of laughter, creativity, and community spirit. Thank you for helping make Halloween special at the Stephen Center! 🎃🕸️
Please note: Due to limited parking, this year’s event will take place in the back lot with only 13 vehicle stalls available.
reprint from RI: https://www.rotary.org/en/nigerian-become-second-african-lead-rotary-international
Olayinka Hakeem Babalola will serve as president of the global membership organization in 2026-27
EVANSTON, Ill., USA (4 September 2025) — Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, has been elected to serve as president of Rotary International for the 2026-27 term. He will take office on 1 July 2026.
Babalola, a Rotary member for more than 30 years, will become the second African to lead Rotary International, following Jonathan B. Majiyagbe of the Rotary Club of Kano, Nigeria, who served in 2003-04.
“Rotary transforms lives – not only through the projects we deliver, but through the hope we share, the meaningful relationships we build, and the shared purpose we inspire,” said Babalola. “In a world that urgently needs dialogue and understanding, I’m committed to helping Rotary advance peace, expand opportunity, and support communities – and each of us – to grow and thrive.”
reprint from RI: https://www.rotary.org/en/more-30000-set-gather-taipei-rotarys-international-convention-june-2026
Rotary members from 120 countries will be welcomed to Taipei for the second time since the city hosted the event in 1994
TAIPEI (17 Sept. 2025) – While in Taipei this week, Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo announced that more than 30,000 Rotary members and participants from over 120 countries will gather in Taipei, Taiwan 13-17 June 2026 for the membership service organization’s annual international convention.
The Rotary convention is expected to inject US$50-55 million into the local economy, and drive significant business for Taipei’s hotels, restaurants, retailers, and tourism attractions. Taipei was selected as the site of the 2021 Rotary convention, but the event was cancelled because of the COVID pandemic.
Held in a different city each year, Rotary’s international conventions serve as a hub for members and participants to connect and learn from each other and a range of experts on how to take action to address issues in their communities and promote health, peace, and prosperity in communities across the globe.
Rotary projects around the globe https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-projects-around-globe-september-2025 September 2025 By Brad Webber
Peru
In the western Amazon, Rotary clubs in the city of Iquitos participated in a seminar in January to learn about the state of the area’s schools. Two District 4465 leaders, Doris Alván and Fernando Del Aguila, enlisted a well-known educator in the area, Josefa Ríos Gil, to share with Rotarians what they can do to assist educators. In May, the Rotary Club of Iquitos Amazonas finished one related initiative, a district grant-supported teen empowerment project that taught young people to make earrings sold at eco-lodges near Lake Zungarococha. The club also provided school supplies to primary schools in the area.
United States
Prom is an expensive rite of passage, with purchases of gowns, tuxedos, flowers, meals, and transportation. In New York City, the Rotary Club of North Shore (Staten Island) is helping students through its “Cinderella/Cinderfella” project. The entire 25-member club solicits new and gently used formal attire, some of which is purchased new by Rotarians. In April, students from across the borough are invited to choose from about 200 free dresses and suits, as well as shoes and accessories, so they’re ready for prom season. The project was started in 2024 by then-President Suzanne Demetrio and is led by members Stephanie Accardo and Regina Boukhvalova. “We believe no student should miss out due to financial hardship,” says Demetrio. “We are giving young people the chance to feel special and confident on one of the biggest nights of their lives.”
Omaha Downtown Rotary Foundation: Grant Applications Open October 1
The Omaha Downtown Rotary Foundation will begin accepting grant proposals on October 1, 2025. The electronic application will remain open through November 30, 2025. Applications will be reviewed in December 2025, and grant recipients will be announced in January 2026.
Rotarians, Local nonprofits, schools, and community groups advancing Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self are encouraged to apply.
The electronic grant application will go live on October 1, 2025.
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.
September 2, 2025 Rotarian Volunteers at Stephen Center L to R: President Gretchen Harvey, Project Chair Steve McCollister, Kris Pojar, Scott Kinnaird, Heidi McGinness, Colleen Brennan, Back: Bill Harvey, Luke Drazic, and Fletcher Reel
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.
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians: Welcome to October! This is one of my favorite times of year! Warm days and cool temperatures at night are upon us with fall colors soon to be on display! Harvest is well under way in the countryside, and pumpkins will be looking to find a porch to sit upon.
I wanted to give a big thank you to the ten Rotary Clubs that I spoke to in September! Wayne, Red Oak, Crete, Columbus Noon, Council Bluffs Centennial, Glenwood, Fremont, Lincoln Giving Spirits Evening, Ashland, & Pawnee City. Thank you for making me feel so welcome and letting me share the Rotary International message for this 2025-26 year, “Unite for Good”!!!
I have now spoken to all 37 Rotary Clubs in our District. It has been an honor and a privilege to meet with all of you! You are all community builders!!
I also participated in a few special club events:
Seward Rotary Club’s Centennial Project - “Shades for the Seward Bandshell” dedication program held the evening of September 21st. The event was free to all. The evening included a special dedication concert, several short comments, musical solos, door prizes and free birthday cake and ice cream! The new “Shades at the Bandshell” project is the official Centennial Project of the Seward Rotary Club - 1925-2025 - donated by Seward Rotarians and the community!
Ashland Rotary Club’s sidewalks/improvements dedication ceremony groundbreaking around the children’s park the morning of Wednesday, September 24th, 2025.
Geneva Rotary Club’s Annual Octoberfest, held on Saturday, September 27th, 2025, afternoon/evening to complete the final fundraising for their bandshell project in the Geneva Rotary Park.
I also had the honor to speak to the 41 RYLA students at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA-Powered by Launch) program, held September 26-28th, 2025 at Camp Calvin Crest located near Fremont, Nebraska, about Rotary and our peace essay contest with the 3 top winners coming to speak at the District Conference. I helped hand out the student’s certificates of completion with Kathryn Schubert, PDG, RYLA District Chair. Kathryn has done an amazing job of organizing RYLA and bringing the program back stronger than ever to the clubs. A big thank you to the Rotary Clubs that supported this year’s RYLA Camp!
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.
Rotarians meet up L to R: Mayor John Ewing, Honor Roll Chair Deb Skinner, and PDG Fr. Lloyd Gnirk
Hal Daub, Yolanda Hoffman, and Superintendent Aaron Plas meet up in Bennington.
Rotary members at the B2B After Hours, Future of Oak View Mall - Mike Mancuso, Randy Wieseler, Tom Adams, Uniikye Washington
Todd Murphy in Dusseldorf, Germany with future Rotarians
Rotary at Apiary L-R: Nash Mahupete, Shelly Ruwe and Brett Frevert
Rotarians enjoying Husker volleyball: Brett Frevert, Tobi Mathouser, James Mackiewicz, and Shelly Ruwe
CFO Systems annual meeting L-R: Brett Frevert, Leslie Volk & Steve McCollister
Three Rotarians enjoying St Pat's fundraiser L to R: Bill Harvey, President Gretchen Harvey, Susan Koesters
First Lady Viv Ewing, Mayor John Ewing, Boxing Champion Terence Bud Crawford, Rotary Past Pres Aileen Warren, Mayor Chief of Staff Tom Warren
At the Sister Cities Banquet on September 12 (L–R): Mayor John Ewing, Viv Ewing, and Bob Keefer. Also in attendance: Steve Gerdes.
Rotarian‘s at the prayer tribute to Charlie Kirk L to R: Yolanda Hoffman, Steve McCollister, Pat McCollister, Colleen Brennan, Fletcher Reel, and Chris Nwafor
Women Power! A Gathering of Rotarians L to R: Puja Kandel (Millard Rotary), Heather Legge, Jill Slupe, Seated L to R: Cella Quinn, Karalee Picard (Omaha Night Rotary), PDG Carol Horner (Council Bluffs Rotary)
Rotarians at Downtown Omaha Inc Breakfast Meeting recently at Peregrine Hotel: Former Rotarian Bill Seidler, PDG Bob Perrin, Dan Esch, Yolanda Hoffman, Lynn McCormack (Millard Rotary), David Greenberg (Suburban Rotary), and future Rotarian John Haverkamp of Kiewit Luminarium
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
Beth Kramer
Peru
United States
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians: Welcome to October! This is one of my favorite times of year! Warm days and cool temperatures at night are upon us with fall colors soon to be on display! Harvest is well under way in the countryside, and pumpkins will be looking to find a porch to sit upon.
