Colleen grew up in Douglas County, rooted in the Holy Cross Parish, and pursued music at UNO after graduating from Millard North High School. Her life took a profound turn as a mother to four children, one of whom was born with non-verbal autism and epilepsy. Caring for him shaped her life, teaching resilience, compassion, and advocacy.
Determined to improve support for families like hers, Colleen organized efforts that led to the enactment of LB254, the Nebraska Insurance Reform Bill, earning her Autism Speaks’ national Parent Advocate of the Year Award.
After enduring personal loss and challenges, she rebuilt her life—remarried, working for a company she loves, and sharing her home with her blended family and her beloved Anatolian Shepherd, Apollo. She also authored The Garden of Apollo: The Best of All Possible Worlds, sharing lessons in perseverance, character, and hope.
Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—Happy January 2026!! I hope everyone was able to ring in the New Year with family, friends and community and say “Auld Lang Syne” to 2025. It is so special that the ball has dropped in Times Square in New York and everyone is celebrating the New Year, but here in the Midwest we get an extra hour to enjoy 2025!!
I found a great phrase from a Facebook group called, “English Literature” that may help bring meaning to the New Year! Listed under the heading, New year is coming, it says:
“From winter’s hush a promise breathes, Soft as dawn through bare-limbed trees. The future hums in unseen-ways, A newborn light in unspent days.”
What a terrific way to think about the New Year! Rotarians are eternal optimists. We look to the New Year with the hopes and dreams that are just waiting for us to realize. While caught in winter’s grip it may seem that we are unable to move forward, but the truth is winter gives us the space for introspection and reflection.
Every day going forward is a little longer and the light grows stronger. We are resilient and know that spring is right around the corner and our pace quickens. We are People of Action!
I wanted to give a big shout out to every Rotary Club in our District for everything you did in December to “Unite for Good” and serve your communities and the world! Thank you!!
We are sharing the Chair of the Day schedule for our weekly Omaha Morning Rotary meetings. This role includes welcoming the speaker, making introductions, and helping the meeting flow smoothly. Please review the schedule and note your assigned date. If you are not able to serve on your date, please arrange a swap with another member and notify the Program Committee.
Thank you for helping us keep our meetings organized, engaging, and a reflection of the strong fellowship in our club.
We are proud to recognize our dedicated Rotarians who have achieved perfect attendance for the 2024–2025 year! Your commitment to showing up, participating, and contributing strengthens the vibrancy of our Rotary community.
Perfect attendance reflects not just consistency, but also dedication to the values and mission of Rotary — service, fellowship, and making a positive impact in our community and beyond.
👏 Let’s give a big round of applause to all our members who reached this milestone — your reliability and engagement are truly inspiring!
Colleen Brennan
