We welcomed Rob Schmidt to Downtown Rotary this week and gained some interesting information on how security works for our important elected officials. Rob has worked as a Nebraska State Patrol and as Governor Security. His time in security was spent primarily with Governor Mike Johannes and Governor Ben Nelson.
Rob described for us how all of that works. The security detail is given the schedule for the Governor two weeks in advance and investigates the property, entrances and exits, bathrooms and even the route to get to the facility they will be visiting. Someone would arrive ahead of time on the day of the event prior to the Governor's arrival to ensure it is safe. He indicated there was a lot of in state travel and also out of state as they protected the governor. They stay mostly in the background with earpieces. Rob let us know it is extremely difficult to prevent harm to a dignitary, if someone is determined to do harm the best they can do is get them to immediate help. That is why determining any danger before hand is extremely important. There are currently about 8-10 full time security officers for the governor and state office buildings in Nebraska with only one female in the group. They are also responsible to assess threats, which would require interviews of those people that are determined to be a potential danger. They do routinely get threats but most are benign. They are also a part of the legislative security when it is in session.
Rob also answered the question about security for the spouse of the governor which is apparently left up to them as to whether they want to be protected or not. We also found out that our state capital is the only one without security at the door. Although he tried to put a plan together for security it was vetoed in order to maintain an open door feeling.
There are state airplanes to transport the Governor but those are primarily used for in state travel. Otherwise they use commercial flights for out of state travel. The Governor's mansion is also secured, although the automobiles transporting the governors are not equipped with extra protection.
Rob said he didn’t see any suspicious characters in our Rotary Club. He would look for people that didn’t’ fit in the crowd, that dressed differently, were talking to themselves, kept their hands concealed, were not invited and were not enjoying the event. So I guess we are an ok group! Code word: Hmmmm not sure about that.
Thanks Rob for a very informative presentation. Have a Great Week!
The Orpheum opened in 1927. It was home to vaudeville performers during the early days. It became a movie theater in the 1960s. Jerry Lewis was the last known live performer in 1961, before the Orpheum transitioned into a movie house.
For the rest of the 1960s and into the early 1970s, it served as a movie theater. The building fell into disrepair during that time. It closed in 1971. In 1973, The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben bought the building and put in $2 million to renovate it. The Knights offered it to the city on the condition that the theater be used for plays, musicals, etc. The Orpheum reopened in 1975.
Today, the Orpheum is professionally managed by Omaha Performing Arts. The Orpheum underwent a major $10 million renovation in 2002 and the ornate splendor of this magnificent theater was enhanced to better serve patrons and artists. Recent renovations have restored its ornate splendor - and enhanced acoustics and views.
Our Tour Guide will be Jeff Brown, the Assistant Production Manager for the Orpheum Theater. Jeff is following in the footsteps of his father, the late Al Brown, who managed the Orpheum from 1974 to 1996. Jeff grew up backstage at the Orpheum, and continues to assume responsibility and care of the Orpheum today.
PARKING:
First arrivals can park in two rows in the loading dock. Please pull all the way up so that others can park behind you. Additional parking is on the street and the lot on the S/E corner, which is a paid lot. At that time of day, there is usually a lot of street parking.
We have partnered with the Omaha Children’s Museum for an event on November 7thcalled Read for the Record. Attached is a flyer with more information on the event and the book that will be read to each classroom. We are looking for 1 volunteer for each of the times and schools listed below, additional opportunities may come closer to the event.
Also, if anyone has children/grandchildren whose classes might enjoy a reader, the Children’s Museum is happy to help arrange that if you have contact information.
There are numerous locations and times available. Make up credit will be awarded for your time!
We have two locations to ring bells at the Nebraska Furniture Mart this year. East Doors of the Electronics Building (next to Subway) and the Main Furniture Building Entrance.
Rotary Leadership Institute provides educational opportunities for potential leaders to improve their Rotary knowledge and be exposed to new ideas of leadership. Clubs that care about their future will want the best leaders and members possible.
Participants need to plan to attend the entire day. Registrations must be made at least 1 week in advance.
October 19, 2019 - District 5650 – Dundee Presbyterian Church 5312 Underwood Avenue Omaha NE68132
