Secretary: James Mackiewicz Sgt at Arms: Okley Gibbs Digital Experience: Adam Leong
Invocation & Pledge: Christopher Rath
Navigator: John Marburger
Cashiers/Check-in: Christopher Rath & Scott Buchholz
Admin Support: Rebecca Niemeyer Rens
Greeters: Todd Chaney & Leslie Volk
Speaker Host: Heidi McGinness
Speaker: Randy Goodwin
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
Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Randy J. Goodwin has carved out an amazing career in Hollywood as an actor, producer, writer and director, having starred in more than a hundred episodes of television, sixty plus network television shows and feature films, which most recently include “Dynasty”, “Star Trek: Picard”, “All American: Homecoming”, “NCIS”, “The Rookie,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “911,” "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and "CSI: Miami.”
Goodwin also starred in the critically acclaimed drama "Kevin Hill" with Taye Diggs and the hit sitcoms "Girlfriends" and “Abby.” He also starred as Marvin Yancy, Natalie Cole’s husband and producer, in "Livin’ for Love: The Natalie Cole Story."
Randy also co-starred in the action series “Fast Track” with Keith Carradine and the political comedy, “Linc’s” with Pam Grier and Golden Brooks for Showtime. As a writer. Randy has penned over 20 television and feature scripts and has developed a number of television pilots, including the drug and alcohol rehab pilot, “One-Eighty”, currently in pre-production in his hometown of Omaha, NE.
In 2019, he completed his “God driven” goal of directing, co-writing, producing and starring in, “The Job,” a faith-based drama, produced under his Fallen Giant Films banner, in Los Angeles. Acquired by Sony Picture’s faith and family streamer, Pure Flix, the film debuted June 1st, 2021 and will run through Dec 31, 2022. He also produced the horror film, “The Call”, written by fellow Creighton Prep alum, Patrick Stibbs, which was released in theaters in October of 2020. Randy also has a guest cameo in the film.
31 years in Hollywood haven’t just been about fame and fortune for Mr. Goodwin. His lifetime goal has been to become successful in Hollywood, master it, and bring it back to his home state of Nebraska to share it. “I love home (Omaha), and I want to help young people realize their dreams. I want to give them something I never had...a professional actor who made it (out there), but never came back. Well, I’m back to help that same 8 year old, like me, who has a big dream to be on the biggest stage in the world. The possibilities are endless...and achievable. I’m living proof.”
Get ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style! We're hosting a fun-filled costume contest on March 19, and we want you to be a part of it!
Date: March 19, 2025
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM at Rotary
Whether you're a leprechaun, a shamrock, or a lucky charm, we want to see your creativity shine! To enter the contest, simply show up in your best St. Patrick's Day costume at Rotary on March 19. So, dust off your green clothes, paint your face, and get ready to have a blast! We can't wait to see you there! A fabulous prize is waiting for the contest winner.
Reigniting Friendship: Omaha Sister Cities Strengthens Ties with Xalapa
In a significant step toward strengthening the sister city relationship, Omaha Rotarian Steve Gerdes, President of Omaha Sister Cities Association, recently met with Alberto Islas Reyes, the newly elected Mayor of Xalapa, Mexico. This meeting marked an important moment in rekindling the long-standing relationship between Omaha and Xalapa, one of its eight official sister cities.
The Omaha-Xalapa sister city relationship dates back to 2005, founded on a shared commitment to cultural and education exchanges, economic development opportunities, and international travel between its citizens. Over the years, art and student exchanges have thrived, fostering a deep connection between the two cities. However, as leadership changed and circumstances evolved, the partnership had waned in recent years. With Mayor Islas Reyes taking office, the opportunity to rejuvenate this valuable connection emerged. Steve Gerdes traveled to Xalapa, the capital of the state of Veracruz, to reaffirm Omaha’s commitment to the partnership.
We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievement of our fellow Rotarian, Nash Mahupete, who has been appointed President & CEO of QLI, a nationally renowned rehabilitation center in Omaha.
Nash’s journey with QLI began in 2000, and through his leadership, passion, and dedication to their mission, he steadily rose through the ranks — from Certified Nursing Assistant to his recent role as Vice President of Executive Operations. His promotion to President & CEO is a testament to his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to service.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Nash has been a dedicated member of THE Rotary Club of Omaha, having served as Secretary and consistently living out the values of Service Above Self as shown in his dedicated service in all of our Rotary projects.
Please join us in congratulating Nash on this well-deserved honor and in celebrating his continued success both in his career and in Rotary!
Recently Hal Daub introduced transferring Rotarian Scott Buchholz. Scott has been a Rotarian for a couple of decades at Millard Rotary, where he served as President. Scott A. Buchholz served as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer (retired 2021) at Black Hills Corporation (NYSE – BKH)
Scott Buchholz’s career at Black Hills spanned 40 years, including the last 13 as the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Office reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. In addition to leading an organization of over 250 employees and an annual budget of $50 million, Mr. Buchholz’s executive/leadership highlights and key accomplishments include:
Strategic technology visioning and roadmap creation (technology vision 2025)
Omaha, NE, By Yolanda Hoffman – In an extraordinary display of service and teamwork, over 130 Rotarians, along with their families and friends, came together on February 22, 2025, for the Multi-Club Rotary Meal Packaging Project in partnership with Kids Against Hunger. Their collective efforts resulted in a staggering 46,655 meals packaged, reinforcing Rotary’s commitment to making a tangible difference in the fight against hunger.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from members of Omaha Downtown, Millard, Morning, Suburban, and West Rotary Clubs, who worked tirelessly across multiple shifts to ensure the success of this initiative. Volunteers donned hairnets, measured ingredients, sealed bags, and packed boxes—each meal destined to provide nourishment to those in need in our immediate community.
“This was an incredible day of service,” said Brett Wawers, Project Coordinator. “To see so many hands working together for such a meaningful cause truly embodies Service Above Self.”
The energy in the room was contagious as Rotarians, young and old, worked side by side, proving once again that service is at the heart of Rotary. With group photos capturing the spirit of camaraderie and action shots showcasing the dedication of volunteers, the day was not just about packaging meals—it was about strengthening community bonds and living out Rotary’s mission of service.
Thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves to make this event a success. Your efforts are feeding thousands and leaving a lasting impact. Together, we are changing lives—one meal at a time!
Bill & Gretchen Harvey's packing table
Yolanda Hoffman's packing table
Packing table of Camille Metoyer Moten and Sean Olson
Omaha Rotary's third shift volunteers L to R: Michelle Trawick, Steve McCollister, Colleen Brennan, Aileen Warren, Camille Metoyer Moten, Paige Mathouser, Tobi Mathouser, Mitch Hunt, Back row L to R: Fletcher Reel, Sean Olson, Charlie Peters, Deb Skinner
Bring on Spring! We are all very thankful for the warm weather this week. Let's hope this cycle stays with us until Spring. It is so refreshing to drive by a lake and see the ripple of waves instead of a solid sheet of ice. It reminds me of Rotary's focus during the month of March on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.
Through water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) program, Rotary's people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships and invest in infrastructure and training that yields long term change. The Rotary Foundation, with your support, is changing the world by providing grants for projects and activities around the world and in your own backyard. Since 2013, the Rotary Foundation has invested more than $130 million in over 2, ooo WASH projects worldwide. Through this investment, our volunteers of action have improved access to safely managed and basic WASH services to communities, schools and healthcare facilities, while protecting and conserving water resources.
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.
January 7, 2025 Volunteers L to R:Steve McCollister, Colleen Brennan, Scott Kinnaird, Fletcher Reel, Heidi McGinness, future Rotarian Paige Mathouser, and Tobi Mathouser
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.
Mayoral event at the Press Club L to R: Russell Vaughn, Zac Triemert, Dakotah Smith, Steve McCollister, Fletcher Reel, Colleen Brennan, Viv Ewing, and mayoral candidate Rotary Past President John Ewing
Rotarians at the Scottish Rite breakfast meeting hosted by the Downtown Omaha Inc. L to R: Dan Esch, John Maxell (Suburban), Yolanda Hoffman, Micah Evans (Northwest), and John Sullivan
Rotarians at the Dream Bigger Summit L to R: Amie Konwinski, Lisa Tonjes Moritz, Shelly Ruwe
Rotarians at the Metro Omaha Women’s Business Gala L to R Shayne Fili, Viv Ewing amd John Ewing
Rotarians at the multi-club Rotary After Hours L to R: Kevin Baitey, Larry Guenther, James Mackiewicz, Chris Rath, Todd Chaney, Shelley Ruwe, Jill Slupe, Brad Burklund, Lisa Tonjes Moritz, and Josh Todd
Rotarians at the Association for Capital Growth L to R: Jill Slupe, Susan Koesters, Dakotah Smith, Back L to R: Todd Chaney, and Larry Guenther
Rotarians Meet-Up L to R: Angie Chaney (Suburban), Todd Chaney (Omaha), Alice Schumacker (Suburban), and Gretchen Bren (Night)
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.
Chase Bank
UNO College of Business
Centris
Ollie The Trolley
Carlson West Povondra Architects
DA Davidson
Elkhorn Athletics Association
Omaha Massage Therapy
Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha
Kevin Baitey
Brad Burklund
Paul Cohen Hal Daub
Gene DeBoer Dianne Desler
John Ewing
Viv Ewing
Brett Frevert
Dawn Gonzales
Okley Gibbs
Fr. Lloyd Gnirk
Tom Gouttierre
Larry Guenther Bill Harvey
Gretchen Harvey
Barbara Hayman
Yolanda Hoffman
Larry Johansen
Bob Keefer
Susan Koesters
Heather Legge
Sandy Lemke
Adam Leong
John Marburger
Steve McCollister
Heidi McGinness
Camille Metoyer-Moten
Lloyd Meyer
John Mock
Jim Murphy
Roxy Orr
Fletcher Reel
Jim Scott-Miller
Deb Skinner
Jim Stewart
Jim Suttle
LeRoy Swedlund
Lisa Tonjes Moritz
Michelle Trawick
Jennifer Trebill
Kathryn Weitz