Sgt at Arms: Okley Gibbs Digital Experience: Bill Harvey
Invocation & Pledge: Candi Jacobs
Navigator: Amie Konwinski
Cashiers/Check-in: Bill Thoms & Aileen Warren
Admin Support: Ryan Lemmon
Greeters: Larry Guenther & Heather Legge
New Member Host: Sean Olson
Speaker Host: Tobi Mathouser
Speakers: Dan Sawka
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
Major Dan Sawka was commissioned (ordained), along with his wife, Stephanie, as an officer of The Salvation Army June 10, 2001 as apart of the “Ambassador of Grace” Session. Throughout their twenty-four (24) year career, Majors Sawka have had the privilege to serve as a Corps Officer(s) (local Salvation Army location pastor/director) in following locations:
Mishawaka, IN
Porter County, IN
Ludington, MI
Muskegon, MI
Major Dan Sawka has also served in divisional appointments as a Divisional Youth Secretary of the Indiana Division, Divisional Secretary for Business in the Western Division, and is currently serving as the General Secretary and Omaha Area Commander. During his time with The Salvation Army, Major Dan Sawka has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Practical Ministry, as well as a Master of Art degree in Pastoral Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University.
Majors Dan and Stephanie Sawka will celebrate thirty (30) years of marriage at the end of December. The Sawka’s have three beautiful daughters. Dan enjoys cooking, coffee, and spending time with friends and family. He strives to be a man who walks in holiness and embraces life-long learning through reading, primarily books about holiness and leadership development. Often, you can find Dan reading in his favorite chair, smoking delicious BBQ, trying his hand at simply woodworking projects, and enjoying motorcycle riding.
Celebrating excellence! The Rotary Club of Omaha has been honored with Rotary International’s prestigious Club Excellence Award for the 2024–2025 Rotary year, recognizing our outstanding achievements under President Heather Legge’s leadership. We also received Rotary International's recognition for our PolioPlus giving, among the highest per-capita contributions in the district, reflecting our club’s unwavering commitment to eradicating polio worldwide. President Gretchen Harvey proudly presented the awards to Immediate Past President Heather Legge on behalf of District Governor Robert Rapp.
Huge thanks to every member whose service, generosity, and Rotary spirit made this possible!
The Rotary Club of Omaha proudly celebrates Shelly Ruwe on receiving her permanent badge- meaningful milestone that marks her full membership in Rotary.
Shelly has wholeheartedly embraced the Rotary spirit through her enthusiasm, service, and dedication to making a positive impact in our community. Her passion and commitment have already made her an outstanding addition to the club.
Shelly was presented with her Rotary badge by President Gretchen Harvey, in recognition of her achievements and commitment to “Service Above Self.”
A special thank-you goes to Brett Frevert for introducing Shelly to Rotary and inspiring her to begin this rewarding journey of fellowship and service.
Please join us in congratulating Shelly Ruwe on this well-deserved accomplishment. We’re excited to see all the great things she will continue to contribute as a valued Rotarian!
We’re excited to bring back The Traveling Rotarian, a cherished Rotary Club of Omaha tradition that celebrates fellowship across clubs!
When our members visit other Rotary clubs, whether across the country or around the world, they not only share the spirit of Rotary but also earn attendance credit for their visit. Present our Rotary banner to the President, and don’t forget to take a photo with the host club’s president or members and send it to us for the newsletter!
This week, Yvonne Dooley represented the Rotary Club of Omaha during her visit to the Centennial Rotary Club in Colorado. Thank you, Yvonne, for continuing to build Rotary connections wherever you go!
The Rotary Club of Omaha was well represented at the Rotary District 5650 Conference at the Scott Conference Center in Omaha. Omaha Rotarian James Mackiewicz served as Conference Chair, supporting District Governor Robert Rapp of Omaha Morning Rotary. The conference was a powerhouse, featuring inspiring speakers, great food, and outstanding Rotary value, and a terrific chance to connect with Rotarians from 39 clubs across the district. See photos of our attendees below.
L to R: Lisa Tonjes Moritz, James Mackiewicz, Aileen Warren, Christopher Nwafor, Mitch Hunt, and Bill Harvey
L to R: Aileen Warren, Bill Harvey, Camille Metoyer Moten, James Mackiewicz, Gretchen Harvey, Christopher Nwafor, Kim Stewart, Larry Guenther, and Tobi Mathouser.
Omaha Downtown Rotary Foundation: Grants Application Now Open
The Omaha Downtown Rotary Foundation is now accepting grant applications from October 1 to November 30, 2025. Eligible applicants include local nonprofits, schools, and community groups advancing Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self.
Timeline
Apply: Oct 1–Nov 30, 2025
Review: December 2025
Awards Announced: January 2026
How to apply: Submit the electronic application here Questions: Contact Service Above Self Chair Steve McCollister at stevemccollister@gmail.com
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.
Oct 7, 2025 Rotarians at Stephen Center L to R: Uniikye Washington, Colleen Brennan, Ryan Lemmon, Steve McCollister, Yvonne Dooley, 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—Happy November!! I hope everyone remembers to set their clock back an hour this weekend for a well-earned extra hour of sleep!! When I was a little boy growing up on the farm I always appreciated the extra hour of sleep because I did not have to get up as early to do my chores, which included milking the Ayrshire cow. I am sure those of you who grew up on a farm, delivered the morning paper or had early morning jobs can identify with me.
I wanted to give a big shout out to every Rotary Club in our District for everything they did in October to “Unite for Good” and serve their communities and the world!! Here is a partial listing of the events including fundraisers:
October 1st, 2025, Omaha Millard Rotary Dave & Arlene Steier Memorial Golf Tournament, Tiburon Golf Club
Rotary Zones 25B & 29 Institute, October 1-4th, 2025, Prior Lake, Minnesota
October 9th, 2025, Red Oak Rotary Club Chili Cookoff, Annual PolioPlus Fundraiser held at Red Oak High School. I was a judge and deciding which were the top three chili’s was extremely hard. Lucky for me, I had two other judges to help me decide.
October 11th, 2025, Suburban Rotary Club – Annual Electronics Recycling Event Powered by Datashield. I participated in this event and A big thank you to Dan Hosford, President-elect & Suburban Rotarian volunteers including David Kutler, Owner of Body Basics where the event took place.
October 22nd, 2025, Seward Rotary Club PolioPlus Fundraiser Event
October 23rd, 2025, Omaha Night Rotary - Casino Night benefiting ENVY Volleyball, Champions Run
October 28th, 2025, Rotary Clubs of Lincoln Salute to Business 2025, Cornhusker Marriott, Lincoln. I spoke at this event. What an honor!!
October 29th, 2025, Fairbury Rotary Club Trash Pickup
A reminder to document your club service projects hours/volunteers in Rotary Club Central so they will show on District Governor-elect, Gretchen Bren’s Thermometer -https://rotarydistrict5650.org/Stories/district-goal-thermometer. We want to recognize all the fantastic work you are doing to serve your communities!!
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 The Arboretum Village for Tom Gouttierre’s presentation. Left to Right: Jim Suttle, Tom Gouttierre, and Val McPherson.
At the Inspire Women's Awards. Left to Right: Mayor John Ewing, Dr. Viv Ewing, and Kris Pojar. Dr. Ewing was nominated for awards in Excellence in Public Service and Woman of the Year.
Rotarians at Colleen Brennan for Douglas County Commissioner event. Left to right: Hal Daub, Rebecca Rens, Colleen Brennan, Doug Pedersen, Christopher Nwafor, Sandy Lemke, and John Sullivan. Not pictured: Fletcher Reel.
Rotarians at CFO Systems Tailgate L to R: Bill Harvey, Brett Frevert, Larry Guenther, and Brad Burklund
Rotary Social meet up L to R: Hal Daub, President Gretchen Harvey, and Bill Harvey
Rotarians at Goodwill Gala L to R: Aileen Warren, President Gretchen Harvey, Goodwill CEO Tobi Mathouser, Lisa Schiele, Susan Koesters, and Bill Harvey.
Rotarians gathered for Tom Gouttierre’s monthly interesting presentation at Lakeside Health L to R: Charlie Peters, Tom Gouttierre, and Jim Stewart.
Rotarians at the Inspire Awards L to R: Mayor John Ewing, Viv Ewing, and Aileen Warren
Rotarians at the Opera matinee L to R: Bishop Vanessa Clark, Mayor John Ewing, and First Lady Viv Ewing
Rotarians at ACG L to R" Larry Guenther, Brad Burklund, and Brett Frevert
Rotarians at MWE She Means Business L to R: Karalee Picard (Omaha Night), Amie Konwinski, Shayne Fili, Lisa Tonjes Moritz, Heather Legge, and Leslie Volk.
Rotarians at Dakotah Smith's campaign kick off L to R: Lisa Tonjes Moritz, President Gretchen Harvey, Dakotah Smith, Bill Harvey, Jim Suttle, Scott Kinnaird
Rotarians at the Heartland Women's Network L to R: Lisa Tonjes Moritz, Amie Konwinski, and Lisa Hatterman (Omaha Morning)
At the Sienna Francis House 50th anniversary luncheon L to R: Cella Quinn, Tobi Mathouser, First Lady Viv Ewing, Mayor John Ewing, and Aileen Warren
Honor Roll Committee hard at work L to R: Deb Skinner, Susan Koesters, Lisa Schiele, Larry Guenther, Jim Stewart, Bill Harvey, Hal Daub, Charlie Peters, Steve McCollister, Camille Metoyer Moten, and the one who took the picture, Yolanda Hoffman
Rotarians at James Wright retirement party L to R: Dakotah Smith, Brett Frevert, and Shelly Ruwe
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
Major Dan Sawka
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—Happy November!! I hope everyone remembers to set their clock back an hour this weekend for a well-earned extra hour of sleep!! When I was a little boy growing up on the farm I always appreciated the extra hour of sleep because I did not have to get up as early to do my chores, which included milking the Ayrshire cow. I am sure those of you who grew up on a farm, delivered the morning paper or had early morning jobs can identify with me.
