Sorry if you missed it! We covered everything from speed dating, to culinary learning to a nude exhibit at the Union gallery - Rotary truly is the place to be on a Wednesday for lunch.
We had a great presentation by Laura Marlane, Director of the Omaha Public Library, on the amazing things going on there. They have databases available for tutoring on a whole range of subjects, E books, Audio books, online reservations for books, and an incredible music library at your fingertips. There is free member use of computers and internet access and reading help available. The library has Zoo passes, Children's museum passes, and Fontenelle Forest passes available, and even toys available to check out with your library card. Brad vonGillern. was glad to learn they have even set up an amnesty program for late fees on books. Who knew the library was such a happening place these days? A new branch is planned for 210th and Q coming soon. If you haven't been there, go check out the library, it's not the same as when you were a kid. Thanks to Cella for another interesting and informative program.
We are working hard on the engagement challenge for 2018 encouraging engagement in 6 areas.
Help at Meetings – be a greeter or invocator at least 3 times.
Participate in at least 2 approved service projects.
Network – Attend at least 2 club social events.
Join and be active in at least 2 club committees.
Get the word out – invite at least 2 guests (prospective members).
Resources – Make a donation in any amount to the Club Service fund and our Downtown Rotary foundation
Let's get engaged and make a difference in our world. Don't forget to sign up for the social at the Union going on next week. It will be great, and you get engagement credit for attending.
During the upcoming District Conference, "Rotary: Making a Difference", on Friday, July 27th, Rotary will be putting together 400 “beginning bags” for Magdelene Omaha/Thistle Lights.
Magdalene Omaha/Thistle Lights is a survivor-led program of healing, recovery, and economic empowerment for women who experienced sex trafficking/prostitution, abuse, and addiction (http://magdaleneomaha.org/). These new beginning bags will provide three days of much needed personal supplies for the women in this program.
After speaking with those who are organizing this project for the District Conference, it’s been recommended that Downtown Rotary focus on donating new bath towels and washcloths.
It is preferred that the towels and washcloths not be a white color. However, as long as they are new towels and/or washcloths, Magdelene Omaha/Thistle Lights will accept them.
At Downtown Rotary’s July 18th and July 25th meetings, there will be a container available for people to place donated items in for the Magdelene Omaha Project.
If you wish to make a monetary contribution, please make your payment payable to the Downtown Rotary Club of Omaha. You can write a check or make donations to Leigh Sittenauer at the meetings (and make sure the memo line notates the Magdelene Omaha project), or you can mail a check to the club address at PO BOX 964 Elkhorn, NE 68022.
You are welcome to donate other items, as well. Below is a list of other items that are needed (all items should be new and can be travel-sized where applicable):
· Shampoo
· Conditioner
· Shower Gel/Soap
· Deodorant
· Toothbrush
· Tissue Packs
· Band-Aids
· Cotton Swabs
· Pain Reliever (40 count minimum)
· Lotion
· Neosporin (or the generic equivalent)
· Hand Sanitizer
· Emery Boards
· Notebooks (new)--with perforated edges that can be neatly torn out to be used to write a letter
· Toilet Paper
· Large “Sleeper Shirts”
There will be other opportunities for the club to get involved in the fight against human trafficking, but this is a start.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.
Thank you, everyone! I hope we can help gather enough items to meet the desired goal - I’m certain we will.
The 2017-18 District Conference "Together Making a Difference" will be July 27-28, 2018 at the Cornhusker Marriott in Lincoln. Click here for conference flyer.
Please join us for a district-wide networking night on Monday, August 6 as the Omaha Storm Chasers take on the Salt Lake Bees at beautiful Werner Park. Tickets for this event are only $8 per person with a portion of the ticket being donated to the Magdalene House, which focuses on helping those escaping sex trafficking.
This is a family centered event supported by District 5650. What a better way to celebrate 5650 than during the Storm Chasers 50th season in franchise history. Rotarians, their families and friends are welcome to enjoy the evening.
When: Monday, August 6 at 7:05 pm (Gates open at 6 pm)
Where: Werner Park (12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE 68046)
Cost: $8.00 per ticket (portion of ticket going to Magdalene House)
