The Eye Opener August 22, 2025 (Aug. 22, 2025)

Big Thank You to Doug Nodgaard and Equitable Bank

Big thanks to Doug Nodgaard and Equitable Bank for hosting a fantastic July Rotary After Hours!

We had a wonderful evening of fellowship, celebrated Sarah Wedebrand’s birthday, and shared smiles with our Rotary baby and future Rotarian, Callum Maxwell Honaker. What a night!

Governor Robert's August 2025 Message

Rotary District 5650 Rotarians: Welcome to August, one of my favorite months of the year!! Late summer vacations, county fairs, farmer’s markets, hot sunny days, and thoughts of going back to school and sports!!

A big thank you to every Rotary Club that has hosted me during my club visits over the past month!! I have enjoyed meeting all of you and celebrating the great projects you have planned for this Rotary year in your communities!! I hope that my message of community and peacebuilding is inspiring you to “Unite For Good.”

Here are a few highlights of my Rotary Club visits that you might find interesting.

Spoke at the Fairbury Rotary Club for lunch at Griffey’s Steakhouse & Lounge. President, Lana Likens, her husband Tony and Rotary Club members introduced me to Griffey’s pub food while at the same time they were helping to put on the Jefferson County Fair.
Spoke at the Falls City Rotary Club whose members meet at the John Philip Falter Museum on Main Street. John was an American artist who grew up in Falls City and is best known for his many paintings for The Saturday Evening Post whose covers highlight the Falls City Rotary Club. What an excellent location!! If you want to make new friends, make sure to make up a Rotary meeting with President, Merle Veigel, and the Falls City Rotary Club.
Spoke at the Beatrice Rotary Club, the piano playing/singing Rotary Club with President, Brian Daake. After the lunch meeting, they gave me a tour of their Rotary Veteran’s Memorial Park. What a beautiful park dedicated to the military men and women of the United States who served or are currently serving our country.
Spoke at the David City Rotary Club for lunch. Amazing meeting location at the Opera House on the town square. David City recently opened the Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art. The museum is in the former building where Model T automobiles were assembled and sold.

I look forward to continuing my August Rotary Club visits and meeting with you to learn about everything you are doing in your communities!!

Remember August is Membership & New Club Development Month
https://my.rotary.org/en/learning-reference/learn-topic/membership

Enjoy this month of August. Remember to invite a guest to your Rotary Club meeting. Grow your membership. One meeting could change their life and yours as well. Focus on your Rotary Club experience for your members and guests. Take care of your family, friends, and community and I look forward to speaking/meeting with you at your Rotary Club meetings.

Robert Rapp

District Governor 2025-26

Rotary District 5650

Omaha Morning Rotary Club

rrapprotary@gmail.com

(308) 325-1704

Happy Birthday Rotarians!

Meet Our New Club President: Aaron Tomita

Aaron Tomita

2025-26 Club President

We’re proud to announce and welcome Aaron Tomita as the new president of our club. With a strong dedication to service and a passion for community, Aaron brings fresh ideas and a steady vision to the role. As we begin this exciting new chapter, let’s take a moment to get to know the person who will be leading us forward.

Aaron Tomita is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®), a Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), and a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) at Avior Wealth Management. He specializes in helping business owners navigate the complexities of selling their business, increasing business value before a sale, and structuring a transition plan for retirement.

Aaron is an active volunteer and sits on several boards. Outside of his professional and volunteer work, he enjoys a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, running, biking, swimming, and working out, all of which contribute to his focus on personal development.

As Aaron Tomita steps into his new role, we’re excited for the journey ahead. His leadership marks a promising chapter for our club—one filled with collaboration, growth, and fresh momentum. We invite all members to join us in supporting Aaron as we work together to make this year one of our best yet.

DG Rotary Leadership Transition Honored at June 24 Meeting

At the June 24, 2025 meeting, District Governor Tom Kerfoot recognized outgoing Omaha Morning Rotary President Greg Key for his outstanding leadership during the 2024–2025 Rotary year. The club extends its heartfelt thanks to Greg for his dedicated service and commitment to Rotary values.

During the same meeting, DG Kerfoot officially welcomed incoming President Aaron Tomita, presenting him with the President’s badge and gavel. As Aaron begins his term leading Omaha Morning Rotary, the club looks forward to another year of impactful service and continued growth under his guidance.