Sgt at Arms: Okley Gibbs Digital Experience: Adam Leong
Invocation & Pledge: Lloyd Gnirk
Navigator: Dakotah Smith
Cashiers/Check-in: Charlie Peters, Jr. & Sarah Robak
Admin Support: Mitch Hunt
Greeters: Chris Mehaffey & Fletcher Reel
New Member Host: Bill Harvey
Speaker Host: Larry Guenther
Speakers: Josh White
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
The State of the Multifamily Market in Omaha and the Midwest
Josh White is the Chief Business Development Officer at Metonic, where he leads the firm’s capital raise efforts for real estate investments. Since joining Metonic in 2020, Josh has overseen the deployment of more than $300 million in investor equity across 30+ transactions and expanded the firm’s investor base by 600%. He focuses on cultivating long-term relationships with prospective investors while continually enhancing value for existing stakeholders. In addition to his capital markets leadership, Josh directs Metonic’s marketing and strategic brand initiatives.
Before joining Metonic, Josh held leadership roles in college athletics, a startup technology company, leadership coaching, and a law firm. A two-time graduate of the University of Nebraska, he earned his B.A. in 1995 and his J.D. in 1999.
With your help, we can end polio for good - click here.
World Polio Day is a time for Rotary members, public health advocates, and all who want a world free from polio to come together, recognize our progress in the fight to end polio, and talk about the actions we need to take in order to end polio for good.
Click here for resources to promote World Polio Day.
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.
Thomas Pargett and his family moved from Lincoln to Gretna in 2016, and in 2021 built their long-term home in the Gretna community. Thomas has been married to Kelly since 2010, and together they have three very active children. Their daughter Reese is 13 years old and participates throughout the year in her soccer club while their two boys, Alex (11 years old) and Sam (7 years old) participate in football and basketball. They are preparing to welcome their 4th child, a daughter, this Christmas season.
When Thomas and Kelly are not with their children, they are at their church – St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, where they are active parishioners.
Professionally, Thomas serves as a Senior Wealth Advisor for Boulay Wealth. Boulay, founded in 1935, a firm specializing in financial planning and CPA services, is headquartered out of Minneapolis, MN. Thomas joined the organization in February of 2025 with the sole mission of building Boulay’s very first office outside the state of Minnesota in their 90-year firm history.
It’s that spooky-and-sweet time of year: Trunk-or-Treat is back at the Stephen Center! 👻
On Wednesday, October 29, from 5:30–6:30 PM, volunteers, staff, and community partners will create a fun, festive Halloween experience for Stephen Center clients across all programs. This closed event affectionately called “Trunk-or-Table-Treating” offers residents and families a safe place to enjoy the magic of Halloween while connecting with friendly faces.
🕓 Event Details
Date: Wednesday, October 29
Event Time: 5:30–6:30 PM
Set-Up Begins: 5:00 PM
Location: Stephen Center – Back Parking Lot (limited parking; only 13 vehicle stalls available)
Rotary’s car: We’re decking out Uniikye Washington’s trunk this year! How to help: Project Chair Steve McCollister will facilitate donations at our weekly meeting, one of the rare times we “pass the hat.” Every Rotarian can chip in to fund the candy purchase so every child gets a treat.
Together, we’ll make this year’s Trunk-or-Treat a night full of laughter, creativity, and community spirit. Thank you for helping make Halloween special at the Stephen Center! 🎃🕸️
Please note: Due to limited parking, this year’s event will take place in the back lot with only 13 vehicle stalls available.
reprint from RI: https://www.rotary.org/en/nigerian-become-second-african-lead-rotary-international
Olayinka Hakeem Babalola will serve as president of the global membership organization in 2026-27
EVANSTON, Ill., USA (4 September 2025) — Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, has been elected to serve as president of Rotary International for the 2026-27 term. He will take office on 1 July 2026.
Babalola, a Rotary member for more than 30 years, will become the second African to lead Rotary International, following Jonathan B. Majiyagbe of the Rotary Club of Kano, Nigeria, who served in 2003-04.
“Rotary transforms lives – not only through the projects we deliver, but through the hope we share, the meaningful relationships we build, and the shared purpose we inspire,” said Babalola. “In a world that urgently needs dialogue and understanding, I’m committed to helping Rotary advance peace, expand opportunity, and support communities – and each of us – to grow and thrive.”
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: Welcome to October! This is one of my favorite times of year! Warm days and cool temperatures at night are upon us with fall colors soon to be on display! Harvest is well under way in the countryside, and pumpkins will be looking to find a porch to sit upon.
I wanted to give a big thank you to the ten Rotary Clubs that I spoke to in September! Wayne, Red Oak, Crete, Columbus Noon, Council Bluffs Centennial, Glenwood, Fremont, Lincoln Giving Spirits Evening, Ashland, & Pawnee City. Thank you for making me feel so welcome and letting me share the Rotary International message for this 2025-26 year, “Unite for Good”!!!
I have now spoken to all 37 Rotary Clubs in our District. It has been an honor and a privilege to meet with all of you! You are all community builders!!
I also participated in a few special club events:
Seward Rotary Club’s Centennial Project - “Shades for the Seward Bandshell” dedication program held the evening of September 21st. The event was free to all. The evening included a special dedication concert, several short comments, musical solos, door prizes and free birthday cake and ice cream! The new “Shades at the Bandshell” project is the official Centennial Project of the Seward Rotary Club - 1925-2025 - donated by Seward Rotarians and the community!
Ashland Rotary Club’s sidewalks/improvements dedication ceremony groundbreaking around the children’s park the morning of Wednesday, September 24th, 2025.
Geneva Rotary Club’s Annual Octoberfest, held on Saturday, September 27th, 2025, afternoon/evening to complete the final fundraising for their bandshell project in the Geneva Rotary Park.
I also had the honor to speak to the 41 RYLA students at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA-Powered by Launch) program, held September 26-28th, 2025 at Camp Calvin Crest located near Fremont, Nebraska, about Rotary and our peace essay contest with the 3 top winners coming to speak at the District Conference. I helped hand out the student’s certificates of completion with Kathryn Schubert, PDG, RYLA District Chair. Kathryn has done an amazing job of organizing RYLA and bringing the program back stronger than ever to the clubs. A big thank you to the Rotary Clubs that supported this year’s RYLA Camp!
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 James Wright retirement party L to R: Dakotah Smith, Brett Frevert, and Shelly Ruwe
Rotarians at Pheasants Forever L to R: Brett Frevert, Zac Triemert, and Shelly Ruwe
Rotarians Meet Up at the Omaha Community Foundation event
Pachyderm lunch meeting
Omaha Chamber Power Conference — L to R:: Steve McCollister, Aileen Warren, and Nash Mahupete. Not pictured: Mayor John Ewing.
At the Arthritis Foundation Gala L to R: First Lady Viv Ewing, Mayor John Ewing, and Boy Scouts CEO Chris Mehaffey
PDG Bob Perrin, Yolanda Hoffman, and Zac Triemert at the Downtown Omaha Inc Breakfast Meeting
Rotarians meet up L to R: Mayor John Ewing, Honor Roll Chair Deb Skinner, and PDG Fr. Lloyd Gnirk
Hal Daub, Yolanda Hoffman, and Superintendent Aaron Plas meet up in Bennington.
Rotary members at the B2B After Hours, Future of Oak View Mall - Mike Mancuso, Randy Wieseler, Tom Adams, Uniikye Washington
Todd Murphy in Dusseldorf, Germany with future Rotarians
Rotary at Apiary L-R: Nash Mahupete, Shelly Ruwe and Brett Frevert
Rotarians enjoying Husker volleyball: Brett Frevert, Tobi Mathouser, James Mackiewicz, and Shelly Ruwe
CFO Systems annual meeting L-R: Brett Frevert, Leslie Volk & Steve McCollister
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
Thomas Pargett
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians: Welcome to October! This is one of my favorite times of year! Warm days and cool temperatures at night are upon us with fall colors soon to be on display! Harvest is well under way in the countryside, and pumpkins will be looking to find a porch to sit upon.
