John W. Ewing Jr. is a proud son of Omaha, born and raised on the city’s north side. He understands firsthand the impact that affordable housing can have on a family’s future and often reflects on the moment, at age 15, when his parents were able to purchase their first home in North Omaha. His initials remain etched in the cement at that home, where his parents still reside today. He is the oldest of three children, the husband of Dr. Viv Ewing, and the father of two daughters and a grandson.

Mayor Ewing graduated from Northwest High School and earned both a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Business and a Master of Science in Urban Studies from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He served with the Omaha Police Department for 25 years, from 1981 to 2006, retiring with the rank of Deputy Chief. In addition to his public service career, he serves as an associate minister at Salem Baptist Church.

In 2006, Ewing was elected Douglas County Treasurer and was subsequently re-elected five times, serving the residents of Douglas County for 18 years. Throughout his tenure, he focused on fiscal responsibility, public accountability, and responsive customer service.

On June 9, 2025, John W. Ewing Jr. became the 52nd Mayor of Omaha, bringing decades of leadership experience in law enforcement, public administration, and community service to the city’s highest office.

The Rotary Club of Omaha is pleased to welcome Dr. Brett Neely as our newest member and returning Rotarian. Brett was recently introduced to the club by Executive Director Yolanda Hoffman, who first met him while administering Club 14 in Lincoln. During that time, Brett built an outstanding record of Rotary service as an advisor to the University of Nebraska Lincoln Rotaract Club and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Brett is an Assistant Professor of Management at the University of Nebraska Lincoln College of Business, where he teaches leadership and studies organizational behavior and human flourishing in the workplace. A resident of Omaha’s Old Market, Brett remains deeply engaged in the community through his service on the Brain Injury Association of Nebraska board, volunteer work with local organizations, and participation on the Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professionals committee. Brett is passionate about helping create a welcoming and connected Omaha, and we are delighted to welcome him back to the Rotary family.

Are you new to the Club or know someone who recently joined? Join us for one of our upcoming New Member Orientation sessions! These meetings are a great opportunity to learn about the Club, discover member benefits, meet fellow members, and ask any questions you may have.

Upcoming Orientations:

• Wednesday, August 5 at 11:00 a.m. – Field Club
• Friday, September 18 at 8:00 a.m. – 17007 Marcy Street

Whether you're just getting started or would like a refresher, we encourage you to attend one of these sessions. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you make the most of your membership!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Yearling Chair Jill Slupe.

Join fellow Rotarians, family, and friends for the 4th Annual Rotary Club of Omaha Pool Party on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 4:00–8:00 p.m.

Hosted by Past President Larry Guenther and Traci Guenther, this favorite summer tradition is the perfect opportunity to relax, reconnect, and enjoy an evening of fellowship by the pool.

Complimentary food and drinks will be provided by our gracious hosts. Whether you’re catching up with longtime friends or making new Rotary connections, it’s sure to be a fun-filled evening!

This event is open to Rotarians, their families, and invited friends. Preregistration is required.

Register today: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/5609/Event/4th-annual-rotary-club-of-omaha-pool-party

Come for the fellowship. Stay for the fun!

Within hours of deadly floods and landslides that struck Mexico in October, Rotary members were responding. In hard-hit Poza Rica, Rotary and Rotaract members brought residents to safety, plowed mud-laden streets, and moved house to house to clean properties. The effort was supported by clubs throughout District 4185 and by neighboring districts and others abroad. The Rotary Club of Poza Rica joined the nonprofit Planet Water Foundation to install four water towers and a water block in the neediest area and deliver purified water elsewhere. The club also coordinated with World Central Kitchen to provide hot meals. Still, “we desperately need help to get back on our feet and return to our normal lives,” says club member Pepe Badillo. “The houses were a total loss. Everything was destroyed, from a single plate to the bedrooms on the second floor.”

India

The city of Thane, northeast of Mumbai, is recognized for its arts and culture scene. It’s home to drama troupes, an art expo, international film festivals, and comedy venues. What it was lacking, says Atul Bhide, of the Rotary Club of Thane Hills, was a large showcase for aficionados of the written word. To amend that, the club (which also sponsors a book-reading initiative for youth) launched the Thane Literature Festival. Over two days in November, bibliophiles toasted 22 authors and poets who read from their work and participated in panel discussions. The event honored journalist and writing coach Bachi Karkaria with the Thane Literature Festival lifetime achievement award, and judges critiqued entries in a short-story contest. “Encouraging reading habits and love for literature for Gen-Next is also our motive behind this literature festival,” says Bhide.

Source: https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-projects-around-globe-april-2026