Rotary Club of Omaha Whirl 06.30.25 (Jun. 30, 2025)

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July 2, 2025 Field Club of Omaha, 3615 Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, NE 68105

Presiding Officer: President Heather Legge

Secretary: James Mackiewicz
Sgt at Arms: Okley Gibbs
Digital Experience: Adam Leong

Invocation & Pledge: Fletcher Reel

Navigator: Aileen Warren

Cashiers/Check-in: Gene DeBoer & Need Volunteer

Admin Support: Kevin Baitey

Greeters: Brett Frevert & Eugene Kowel

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

Year-End Recognition and Changing of the Guard

The Rotary Club of Omaha is set to celebrate its Year-End Awards and Changing of the Guard on July 2, a special occasion that marks both the closing of a remarkable Rotary year and the beginning of a new leadership chapter.

This year’s ceremony will be led by President Heather Legge, whose dedication and service have guided the club through a year of meaningful projects, community engagement, and fellowship. The event will recognize outstanding Rotarians whose commitment to “Service Above Self” has made a lasting impact.

A key highlight of the event will be the Changing of the Guards, where President Heather Legge will pass the gavel to the incoming president, symbolizing the smooth transition of leadership and the continued commitment to service.

All members are invited to join this momentous occasion as the club celebrates achievements, honors its members, and looks ahead to another year of service and growth.

President's Pen

President's Pen
President Heather Legge

June 30, 2025, Omaha, NE

Video: https://youtu.be/PPJ6cVlrBQI

Hi there, I’m Heather Legge, serving as President of the Rotary Club of Omaha. Today, Monday June 30, marks the official end of our Rotary year. Last week I joined 15,000 Rotarians in Calgary for the annual international Rotary convention, and I took many things away from that experience. One highlight is that I am consistently proud to be a Rotarian! We are people of action, creating lasting change for all of humanity, and we work TOGETHER, rising above disagreements and keeping an eye on what truly matters, despite differing opinions. How refreshing! I am also extremely proud to be a part of the Rotary Club of Omaha, which is a vibrant and growing club, and whose members have achieved some incredible things over these past 12 months- TOGETHER. This week on July 2^nd, we’ll celebrate the 2024-2025 Rotary year in our club with some fun, some awards, some reminders of what’s been achieved, and then I will hand the gavel over to our President Elect Gretchen Harvey. It’s an exciting time to be a Rotarian! Thank you to our June Business Sponsor Doug Pederson of HR Systems, and to Kevin Baitey, Camille Metoyer Moten, and the Omaha Playhouse for hosting Business Networking last week. I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday for lunch at the Field Club. Bring a guest!

President Heather Legge
The Rotary Club of Omaha

Club Approves Slate of Officers for 2025–2026 Term

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.

Omaha Welcomes First African Sister City: Jamestown, Ghana

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.

Rotary Club of Omaha Supports HETRA’s Life-Changing Services for Veterans and Families!

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.

Happy Birthday, Rotarians!

Governor Robert Rapp July 2025 Message

Rotary District 5650 Rotarians: This is my first newsletter of the new Rotary year. First, let me tell you what an honor and a privilege it is to be your 2025-26 District Governor. We have an exciting year ahead of us and I know we will all accomplish important things together serving our communities and the world as we “Unite For Good.”

Before I give you my message for July, I would like to thank PDG Tom Kerfoot, Omaha Suburban Rotary Club, for his great leadership over the past 2024-25 year in serving our Rotary District. Thank you, Tom!!

Tom, along with the rest of our District Leadership Team, did an excellent job, always thinking of others and how to best serve our Rotary Clubs. We are fortunate as Tom will continue to serve next year as Foundation Chair. Mick McKinley, PDG, Council Bluffs Noon Rotary Club, is stepping down after serving in this role for many years. A big thank you to Mick for his many years of dedicated service. Please thank him when you see him.

Hopefully, that won’t be long, as he and his bandmates from “Paul Harris and his Fellows” will be headlining at our Fall Rotary District Conference, October 17-18^th, 2025 at the Scott Conference Center, Aksarben Village, Omaha on Friday evening, October 17^th, 2025, for “Rotary Got Talent”.

I am writing this message to you having just returned from the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Alberta, Canada June 21-25^th, 2025. Including Rotarians and their family members, we had twenty-seven people in attendance from our Rotary District 5650. Thank you to everyone that attended. 15,000 Rotarians and their families from around the world attended.

The RI Convention was held at the Calgary Stampede Grounds & BMO Center where everyone did their best to make us feel welcome. The standard headgear was the Calgary white cowboy hat, and we all got into the spirit. There was even a Rotary Ferris wheel that you could ride. Outstanding speakers, breakouts, food, rodeo and music entertainment, tourism sites and networking were all part of the experience.

We heard from outgoing Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick and incoming Rotary International President, Francesco Arezzo. I look forward to sharing his message of “Unite For Good” with all of you at my upcoming Rotary Club meetings over the next few months.

Rotary is not new to the idea of “Unite For Good.”

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98th Rotary Honor Roll Sponsors and Donors

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 serving meals at Stephen Center

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.

July 2, 2025 Rotarian Volunteers at Stephen Center

Rotary Social is Business Networking

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 at Cavanaugh for Congress L to R: Lisa Tonjes Moritz, Tom Gouttierre, Jim Suttle. Not in photo is Jim Cavanaugh

CWS tailgate Rotary meeting - James Mackiewicz, Larry G., and Todd Chaney from Downtown, Patricia Cantu from West and
Angie Chaney from Suburban

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

Congratulations to our Perfect Rotarians

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!

We are Rotary

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.

Jul 02, 2025

Yearend Awards

President Heather Legge

Jul 09, 2025

2025-2026 Inaugural Meeting

President Gretchen Harvey with NE Secretary of State Bob Evnen

View entire list

Stephen Center 2723 Q St., Omaha, NE 68107
Stephen Center
Jul 01, 2025

*Club sings "GBA"

Jul 02, 2025

Rotary After Meeting Socials
Field Club Bar
Jul 30, 2025 1:00 PM

Stephen Center 2723 Q St., Omaha, NE 68107
Stephen Center
Aug 05, 2025

*Club sings "GBA"

Aug 06, 2025

Rotary After Meeting Socials
Field Club Bar
Aug 27, 2025 1:00 PM

View entire list

Club President

Gretchen Harvey

Club President-elect

James Mackiewicz

Immediate Past Club President

Heather Legge

Club Administration Director

Yolanda Hoffman

Club Secretary

Matthew Boulay

Club Treasurer

Jim Stewart

Club Foundation Chair - TRF

Heather Legge

Club Membership Chair

Russell Vaughn

Club Polio Chair

Bill Harvey

Club Program Chair

Tobi Mathouser

Club Public Image

Lisa Tonjes Moritz

Club Service Projects

Steve McCollister

Club Foundation Board Chair - Club Foundation

Tobi Mathouser

Member Birthdays

Michael Mancuso

July 1

David Carrig

July 6

Theo Freye

July 9

Chris Mehaffey

July 11

Brad von Gillern

July 13

Benjamin Washburn

July 17

Randy Ferlic

July 17

Donald Swanson

July 20

Pastor Heidi McGinness

July 22

Paul Cohen

July 23

Dakotah Smith

July 24

LeRoy Swedlund

July 24

Jeremy Bouman

July 25

Tom Gouttierre

July 29

Amie Konwinski

July 30



















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

Interested in being a sponsor?

Download the website sponsorship guide

Yolanda Hoffman
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