PROGRAMSAPRIL 23, 2024 Speaker - DR. SUSAN TOOHEY, Director of Educational Initiatives for the Lozier Foundation and the Head of School at Nelson Mandela Elementary School
MEETING LOCATION Northwest Rotary will hold a noon meeting at Sand Point restaurant serving 'New England Fare'. This restaurant is located in Miracle Hills near 114th and Dodge. The address is 655 North 114th Street. Omaha, NE 68154. |
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WELCOME A NEW CLUB MEMBER Our newest member, Russ Finch, was introduced April 16th. Russ is the owner of Two Timbers Premier Decks & Remodeling, Inc. His classification is Residential Deck Construction. Russ and his wife Shawn, also a Northwest Rotary Club member, are long term Omaha residents. Shawn and Russ have two adult children. Russ enjoys gaming, woodworking and reading. We look forward to visiting with Russ at our meetings and working with him on club projects. Welcome to Northwest Rotary Russ!
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CLUB SERVICE SCHEDULESClub Service Invocation and Pledge 4/23/24 Chuck Sederstrom 4/30/24 Micah Evans 5/7/24 Shawn Finch 5/14/24 Matt Johnson 5/21/24 Jim Murphy 5/28/24 Bob Nelson Greeter 4/23/24 Bruce Aken 4/30/24 Ken Backman 5/7/24 Tom Correll 5/14/24 Russ Finch 5/21/24 Camille Hawk 5/28/24 Donna Kohlan Program Chairs April Todd Gaines
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CLUB SERVICE SCHEDULEClub Service Invocation and Pledge 4/23/24 Chuck Sederstrom 4/30/24 Micah Evans 5/7/24 Shawn Finch 5/14/24 Matt Johnson 5/21/24 Jim Murphy 5/28/24 Bob Nelson Greeter 4/23/24 Bruce Aken 4/30/24 Ken Backman 5/7/24 Tom Correll 5/14/24 Russ Finch 5/21/24 Camille Hawk 5/28/24 Donna Kohlan Program Chairs April Todd Gaines
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SUPPORT THE RIDE TO END POLIO - EARN FUNDS FOR A CLUB PROJECT The District is coordinating a local Ride to End Polio that will be held on June 8th. This is a family friendly event that is also open to non-Rotarians. This will be a fun event with bike rides, a health fair with UNMC, bike maintenance and safety clinics, and food trucks. We are working on adding more attractions before June 8th. There will be 10-, 25-, 42-, and 62-mile courses and the 10- and 25-mile courses are all on the trail system are designed to be family friendly. The 42- and 62-mile courses are more challenging and spend some time on streets and are designed for people looking for a bit more of a challenge. The start and finish for all rides will be in the north parking lot of the Marcus Twin Creek theatres at 3909 Raynor Parkway in Bellevue. All donations to support riders will count double towards the District Polio fundraising competition. Donations will be made to riders that join the District 5650 2023 Polio Ride Team on Raise for Rotary. The clubs with the highest per capita Polio fundraising at the end of 2023-2024 Rotary year will win cash awards of up to $4,000 for their use in a club service project. DONATE RIDERS Click here for additional information on the ride and to register. Click here for a document showing the routes for the ride.Contact: Gary Bren - gbren@brenonline.com |
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! APRIL BIRTHDAYS Micah Evans 4/24
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District 5650 Fellowship Event - Omaha Supernovas Please join us for a District 5650 Fellowship event! On April 4th, we are going to get together to cheer on the new professional volleyball team in Omaha, the SUPERNOVAS! |
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ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE As promised, District 5650 is re-launching in-person sessions for Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI). There is so much to learn about Rotary that it is impossible to do it at a regular Club meeting. That is why we are rebooting our Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)! RLI provides educational opportunities for potential leaders to improve their Rotary knowledge and be exposed to new ideas of leadership. Rotary Leadership Institute provides interactive, facilitated sessions on topics designed to enhance Rotary knowledge and develop leadership skills for volunteer organizations. Click here for more information on the upcoming sessions: Saturday, April 20th – Part I and II. |
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PAUL HARRIS FELLOW RECOGNITION Chuck Sederstrom Micah Evans Chuck Sederstrom recognized Micah Evans for his contributions to The Rotary Foundation. Micah received his Paul Harris Fellow +3 pin at the Northwest Rotary meeting on February 27th. Thank you Micah for your continued support of The Rotary Foundation and your service to our club!
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FEBRUARY ROTARY DATES TO RECOGNIZEThe Omaha Northwest Rotary Club was Chartered on February 21, 1978. The club has been providing service to the Omaha community, the state, and some worldwide projects for 46 years. There are currently two Charter Members in the club - Bob Nelson and Chuck Sederstrom. On February 23, 1905, Paul P. Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram E. Shorey gathered in Loehr's office in Chicago, Illinois for what would become known as the first Rotary club meeting. |
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METRO AREA ROTARY CLUBSLooking for a Rotary make-up? See the list of Metro Area clubs and links to their websites below. Programs available are listed on the club websites. Online makeups such as E-Club One of District 5450, United States are also an option. Rotary clubs in the United States and around the world can be found on the Rotary International website by clicking RI CLUB FINDER. Below is a list of Omaha Clubs with meeting days, time and locations. Clicking on the Club Names will take you to the various club websites where you can find meeting information. Many of the clubs are meeting only on Zoom or Facebook Live with some holding both in-person meetings and virtual meetings. Again, specific meeting information can be found on club websites.
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WINTER WEATHER MEETING CANCELLATION POLICYNorthwest Rotary will cancel Tuesday noon Rotary meetings when Omaha Public Schools close school due to hazardous winter weather conditions. This policy was implemented for the safety of our members and guests.
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ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 2024 - SINGAPORE |
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SNACK TRAYS TO DOUGLAS COUNTY 911 CALL CENTERNorthwest Rotarians and guests will deliver food trays to the Douglas County 911 Call Center. This is the 25th year Rotarians have completed this project. Details for the project are below. Location: Hy-Vee located at 156th and Maple inside the store near Starbucks to pick up snack trays. Date & Time: Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Deliver: Snack Trays to Douglas County 911 Call Center across 156th Street. The address is 15335 West Maple Road. Members will be at the Call Center about 7:15-7:30 p.m. with the Snack Trays. 911 Call Center Tour: A tour of the Call Center is available on request for members and guests. |
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100% ATTENDANCE RECOGNITIONCongratulations to the following members with 100% attendance during the 2022-2023 Rotary year. Bob Nelson - 45 years Chuck Sederstrom 43 years Ken Backman - 37 years Vickie Backman - 27 years Micah Evans - 6 years Todd Gaines - 3 years Donna Kohlan - 2 years
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SEPTEMBER 11 - WE WILL NEVER FORGET |
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ROTARY DISTRICT CONFERENCE 0CTOBER 13 & 14, 2023In an email Sunday, August 13, 2023 from DG 2023-24 Kathryn: The moment we have all been waiting for has finally arrived!! You can now register for District 5650 Fall Conference: Create Hope in the World! In just two short months, we will be getting together to celebrate all the great work we did last year! I cannot wait!! A couple of things to note...
We will kick things off with a luncheon on Friday with a surprise keynote speaker. We will then have an afternoon of fun and service followed by a dance party Friday night. Saturday, we will see Rotary come alive with a full day of speakers and activities culminating in an awards dinner Saturday night. I hope you will join us for some or all of the conference on October 13-14. This will be a wonderful opportunity to share and grow as Rotarians as we Create Hope in the World! Kathryn Schubert, DG District 5650 Omaha Suburban Rotary dgkathryn5650@gmail.com 402.416.5626 |
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PROGRAM JULY 11, 2023 Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert (See bio in read more) Invocation: Camille Hawk Greeter: Bruce Aken MEETING LOCATION AND TIME SCHEDULE Northwest Rotary and Morning Rotary are holding joint meetings at the First Responders Foundation, 10605 Burt Circle, Omaha, NE 68114. The schedule going forward is below: July - Noon Meetings August - Morning Meetings (7:00 a.m.) September - Noon Meetings October - Morning Meetings (7:00 a.m.) |
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NO MEETING JULY 4, 2023 NO MEETING TODAY ENJOY THE INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY!
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PROGRAM JUNE 27, 2023MORNING ROTARY CHANGING OF THE GUARD
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PROGRAM JUNE 20, 2023 Christian Gray, Executive Director inCOMMON Community Development Christian was born and raised on the sunny beaches of Southern California. He has worked in the field of national and international community development for 18 years and has served in the role of Executive Director at inCOMMON Community Development since 2006. He holds an Masters in Urban Studies and Masters in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Christian is also actively engaged in the civic life of his community. He is a graduate of the Nonprofit Executive Institute Class 3 and Leadership Omaha Class 33, a 2013 Omaha Jaycees TOYO recipient (and 2016 “Hall of Fame” inductee), and currently serves as a Board of Trustees Member for the Business Ethics Alliance. MEETING LOCATION AND TIME SCHEDULE Northwest Rotary and Morning Rotary are holding joint meetings at the First Responders Foundation, 10605 Burt Circle, Omaha, NE 68114. The schedule going forward through June is below: June - Morning Meetings (7:00 a.m.) |
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NO MEETING MAY 30, 2023 |
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ROTARY NIGHT AT THE BALL PARK JUNE 29THCALLING ALL ROTARIANS... COME JOIN US FOR ROTARY NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK!  Offer Code: ROTARY Details:
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CONGRATULATIONS!Congratulations to Ray Zimmerman who received his permanent badge at the May 9th meeting! Ken Backman received his Paull Harris Fellow +2 pin recognition at the May 9th meeting. Congratulations and thank you for your contributions to The Rotary Foundation!
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PATRIOTIC PARADE & CONCERT MAY 27, 2023 |
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PROGRAM APRIL 18, 2023 Jeff Koterba "Award Winning Cartoonist" For additional information read more below. MEETING LOCATION AND TIME SCHEDULE Northwest Rotary and Morning Rotary are holding joint meetings at the First Responders Foundation, 10605 Burt Circle, Omaha, NE 68114. The schedule going forward through June is below: April - Morning Meetings (7:00 a.m.) May - Noon Meetings June - Morning Meetings (7:00 a.m.) |
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CONGRATULATIONS GOLDEN WHEEL AWARD RECIPIENTS RUSS SEARS TODD SEARS Congratulations to Todd Sears, the Golden Wheel Award recipient, from Omaha Northwest Rotary Club. Todd, along with his father, Russ Sears, are pictured above. Russ Sears was the Golden Wheel Award recipient from the Crete Rotary Club. Both were non-Rotarians honored at the dinner held Saturday evening, April 1st, in LIncoln, Nebraska during the District 5650 Conference. Golden Wheel Award recipients exemplify "Service Above Self" and the "Four-Way Test." Todd and Russ along with the other 37 Golden Wheel Award recipients nominated by clubs in District 5650 all represent a group of individuals that dedicate their time and talents to charitable activities, events and service in their communities. We thank them for their service and congratulate them! |
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2023 District Pre-Conference and Conference activities March 30, 31 & April 1Click here (or use the QR Code below)   Pre-Conference Opportunity - Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott in Concert - click here The 2023 District Conference will be in Lincoln at Nebraska Innovation Campus and Scarlet Hotel. Itinerary - Friday night - click here Itinerary - Saturday - click here Times and details on Itineraries are subject to change. Flyer - print and share - for Color click here, for Black and White click here Conference Registration - click here Read more for District Governor Barbara's Letter of Invitation. MARCH 31st - Friday night is the rockin’ Rotary’s Got Talent polio fundraiser and social at our conference site, Nebraska Innovation Campus with our conference hotel, The Scarlet, across the street. Rotarian musicians from all over the District will be playing in two bands. Don’t miss this evening of fun, fellowship and philanthropy! Grant Whitehead will be there as part of the band! APRIL 1st - Northwest Rotary's Golden Wheel award recipient, Todd Sears, will be honored. REGISTER NOW! Guests and Northwest Rotarians plan to attend the dinner on April 1st.to support and honor Todd.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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OMAHA NORTHWEST ROTARY CELEBRATES 45 YEARS OF SERVICEOmaha Northwest Rotary Club was chartered February 21, 1978. The club celebrates 45 Years of Service on Tuesday, February 21st. Chuck Sederstrom and Bob Nelson are Charter members who helped start the club and are still active members in the club. We thank Chuck and Bob for their continued service to the club and to the Omaha community as well as the current membership of the club.  |
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FAIRBURY ROTARY CELEBRATES 100 + YEARS |
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PROGRAM FEBRUARY 21, 2023 |
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PROGRAM FEBRUARY 7, 2023 |
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PROGRAM FEBRUARY 14, 2023“Share the Love.” Camille Hawk, an Attorney and Omaha Northwest Rotary member, will lead a discussion asking those in attendance to share something about themselves that most people may not know. Camille will also ask attendees to “Share the Love” by donating a dollar or more to the First Responders Foundation as a thank you for providing a location for Rotary meetings. MEETING LOCATION AND TIME SCHEDULE Northwest Rotary and Morning Rotary are holding joint meetings at a new location - the First Responders Foundation, 10605 Burt Circle, Omaha, NE 68114. The schedule going forward through June is below: February - Morning Meetings (7:00 a.m.) March - Noon Meetings April - Morning Meetings (7:00 a.m.) May - Noon Meetings June - Morning Meetings (7:00 a.m.) We want to thank Bob Nelson and Chuck Sederstrom for hosting our January 17th initial noon meeting at the First Responders Foundation. Members have enjoyed the new location and thank the First Responders Foundation for the weekly use of the meeting room. |
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2023 DISTRICT CONFERENCE
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ROTARY HAPPY HOUR INVITATIONWest Rotary Happy Hour Invitation on February 9th The second Thursday of the month will soon be upon us. That means it’s time for Rotary Happy Hour. We will meet from 4:30 - 7 PM on Feb. 9th at Cunningham’s Pub, 10904 W. Dodge Rd. in Omaha. We invite you and any interested members from your club to join us. It will be a great opportunity for fellowship and collaboration. Guests are welcome. Please contact Scott Hahn at scott121333@gmail.com or call him at 402-651-6558 with any questions. Mark Ellsworth, Membership Committee Chair Omaha West Rotary 7204 N. 153rd Circle Bennington, NE 68007 (712) 540-6096 mark.j.ellsworth@gmail.com
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ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTERLI is for everyone - Leadership is not a position, it is action. Engage and empower members . . . Energize and strengthen your Rotary Club . . . Provide Leadership Development for Members . . . Learn about Rotary and have fun! That is the Rotary Leadership Institute experience! Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a facilitated program with active participation - not lecturing. Topics important to Rotary and Rotary Clubs such as Effective Service Projects, Membership Engagement, and understanding The Rotary Foundation are explored. You will discuss real challenges and exchange ideas. Sign up yourself - you will be a more effective leader for your Rotary Club. Nominate members and they will naturally become more engaged because they will have a richer Rotary experience. RLI is a three-part program. Each RLI participant attends three on-day sessions. Here is your chance to start your RLI journey! Part I ONLY - Online We have been invited to join Rotary District 5520 (New Mexico and a few clubs in Texas). They have scheduled a Part I RLI session by Zoom as follows: Saturday, January 28, 2023 7:30 AM MT / 8:30 AM CT until approximately 1:30 PM MT / 2:30 PM CT There are 2 breaks during the day You must participate in the full day to get credit. There is no cost for this online session Materials and details will be sent by email Space may be limited - please let me know of interest (I will gather names first come-first served) Watch the District Newsletter and Website for additional information and opportunities. Nicolette Klein, Chair - Rotary Leadership Institute - Heartland USA Division  |
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THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS Members (Chris Barone, Donna Kohlan, Grant Whitehead and Todd Gaines) recently volunteered at the Foodbank for the Heartland along with Morning Rotarians and fellow community members helping to repackage 10 pallets of potatoes, assemble a few hundred meal bags for families and also had fun in the process. Grant Whitehead and Gene Gau also were on hand to participate in the Bags of Fun Grants Project along with Morning Rotarians who provided the grant for this organization. Members attending assisted in packaging and arranging their bags to go out to the kids fighting a long term or life-threatening condition. Both events were planned as a social/fellowship event and a community service project.
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THANK YOU - FOOD TRAYS DELIVEREDThank you to the following Rotarians who delivered food trays to the Douglas County 911 Call Center on Thanksgiving Day - Ken Backman, Donna Kohlan, Scott Stevens, Matt Johnson, Micah Evans, Gene Gau, Grant Whitehead, Mike Benck, Max Honuke, and some guests that accompanied the Rotarians. This was the 24th year this project was completed to thank the Douglas County 911 Call Center staff for their service to the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Members and guests also enjoyed a tour of the facility with time for questions and answers and an opportunity to visit with some of the staff. Please contact the Rotary office if you attended but were not included in the list of members so we can include you in the project attendance.  |
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PROGRAM DECEMBER 20, 2022BOB DEAN First Responders Foundation JAVELAN Program A program providing funding for service dogs for Military Veterans and retired First Responders in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. Greeter: Micah Evans Invocation: Andrew Muska Meeting Tuesday Noon at Wheatfield's,1224 South 103rd Street, Omaha, NE 68124. No Meeting December 27th. No Meeting January 3, 2023 (First Tuesday of the Month)
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DELIVER FOOD TRAYS ON THANKSGIVING DAYClub members and guests will deliver food trays to the Douglas County 911 Call Center on Thanksgiving Day. This will be the 24th year the Vocational Service Committee has organized this service project. This project was created to thank the Douglas County 911 Call Center staff for their service to the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Members and guests delivering the food trays are invited to tour the Call Center and visit with the staff on duty. The Vocational Service Committee collected donations for the 911 Call Center project. As in the past any additional funds received will be donated to the Stephen Center. Members and guests delivering the food trays to the Douglas County 911 Call Center will meet Thursday, November 24th, Thanksgiving Day at Hy Vee, 156th & Maple (3410 N 156th St, Omaha, NE 68116) at 9:30 a.m. outside in the parking lot near the Pharmacy entrance/east door on north side of building to pick up food trays. Note: No Tuesday noon meeting this week, November 22nd.
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NOVEMBER IS ROTARY FOUNDATION MONTH November is Rotary Foundation Month. Please join other Rotarians in giving to support the causes supported by the Rotary Foundation. Polio eradication is Rotary’s top philanthropic priority. Rotary launched the PolioPlus program in 1985. Your donations can support PolioPlus grants, Rotary Peace Fellowships and various other grants both locally and worldwide that fit into Rotary's Area of Focus noted below. AREAS OF FOCUS All humanitarian projects, scholars, and vocational training teams funded by global grants work toward specific goals in one or more of the Foundation’s areas of focus:
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FISHER HOUSE DONATIONS - SUPPORT VETERANS FAMILIES Fisher House at 4101 Woolworth Ave. The Omaha Fisher House serves as a “home away from home” for the families of Veterans or military service members receiving treatment at the Omaha VA Medical Center. There are 16 fully-furnished suites in the facility. Families staying there also have the use of a large kitchen and dining area and a full laundry. There is no cost to stay and there is no financial eligibility required. Northwest Rotary will be collecting donations at the noon Rotary meetings during the month of November. Keep in mind Veteran's Day is November 11th so lets help our veterans with our donations. Donations are accepted to assist those living there as loved ones are undergoing treatment. At this time their greatest needs are listed below:
The Omaha Fisher House "wish lists" can be found at the following links: - Amazon wish list For any questions regarding donations or how to get involved please contact: Miles Brown Fisher House Manager 402.930.7116 |
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SUPPORT VETERANS FAMILIES AT THE FISHER HOUSEFisher House at 4101 Woolworth Ave. The Omaha Fisher House serves as a “home away from home” for the families of Veterans or military service members receiving treatment at the Omaha VA Medical Center. There are 16 fully-furnished suites in the facility. Families staying there also have the use of a large kitchen and dining area and a full laundry. There is no cost to stay and there is no financial eligibility required. Northwest Rotary will be collecting donations at the noon Rotary meetings during the month of November. Keep in mind Veteran's Day is November 11th so lets help our veterans with our donations. Donations are accepted to assist those living there as loved ones are undergoing treatment. At this time their greatest needs are listed below:
The Omaha Fisher House "wish lists" can be found at the following links: - Amazon wish list For any questions regarding donations or how to get involved please contact: Miles Brown Fisher House Manager 402.930.7116 |
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GARY BREN - RIDE TO END POLIOGary Bren will be riding 102.6 miles in the Ride to End Polio on November 19th. His goal is to raise $30,000 for Polio Plus…but the fundraising doesn’t stop there. Our Rotary District will match dollar for dollar up to the first $20,000. The funds are then matched two for one by The Gates Foundation. That means that if you donate to support this ride, your funds will be matched as much as three for one. If you help Gary meet his goal of $30,000, through matches that will be $150,000 towards Polio Plus. The Ride to End Polio is part of the Tour De Tucson, which is celebrating it’s 39th year on November 19th. Rotary got involved in 2009 and since then Rotarians have raised over $18,000,000—$53,000,000 when the Gates Match is added in—for Polio Plus. The course for 102 mile ride covers a good portion of the Tucson Metro area, with scenery varying from Downtown to the aircraft boneyard to desert and Saguaro cactus. Gary will be live streaming his ride, so you’ll be able to virtually come along with him and see the sights. He finished the ride in 6 hours and 30 minutes last year and his goal is to finish under six hours this year. You can make a donation to support Gary at his Raise For Rotary page. Donations made through Raise for Rotary will be credited to your Foundation giving and added to your club’s total donations. |
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OCTOBER 24, WORLD POLIO DAYGovernor Pete Ricketts has signed a proclamation designating October 24, 2022 as World Polio Day in Nebraska!  GARY BREN RIDE TO END POLIO Gary Bren will be riding 102.6 miles in the Ride to End Polio on November 19th. His goal is to raise $30,000 for Polio Plus…but the fundraising doesn’t stop there. Our Rotary District will match dollar for dollar up to the first $20,000. The funds are then matched two for one by The Gates Foundation. That means that if you donate to support this ride, your funds will be matched as much as three for one. If you help Gary meet his goal of $30,000, through matches that will be $150,000 towards Polio Plus. The Ride to End Polio is part of the Tour De Tucson, which is celebrating it’s 39th year on November 19th. Rotary got involved in 2009 and since then Rotarians have raised over $18,000,000—$53,000,000 when the Gates Match is added in—for Polio Plus. The course for 102 mile ride covers a good portion of the Tucson Metro area, with scenery varying from Downtown to the aircraft boneyard to desert and Saguaro cactus. Gary will be live streaming his ride, so you’ll be able to virtually come along with him and see the sights. He finished the ride in 6 hours and 30 minutes last year and his goal is to finish under six hours this year. You can make a donation to support Gary at his Raise For Rotary page. Donations made through Raise for Rotary will be credited to your Foundation giving and added to your club’s total donations. |
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CLUBRUNNER - MOBILE APP Password protected just like your website, the ClubRunner Mobile app allows you to to view your member directory, contact your members and executives, read the latest articles posted to your website and even learn more about your upcoming events and speakers, right from your smartphone or tablet. To download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play, simply type in 'ClubRunner' in the search bar. Our mobile app is compatible with all versions of the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch sets that have iOS 9.3 or later and with versions of Androids that are 4.1 or later. |
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PROGRAM NOVEMBER 1, 2022NO MEETING TODAY (No meeting 1st Tuesday of the month.) |
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LIVE FIRE BURN SIMULATION - OCTOBER 12, 2022Donna Kohlan, Northwest Rotary club member, has an active teaching roll in the event described below. A 4th grade local elementary school class will be in attendance for a learning experience. Share this information with your family, friends and co-workers so they have the opportunity to attend this fire safety learning experience with a live fire burn simulation demonstrating the value of fire sprinklers.  |
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IMAGINE ROTARY TOUR - OMAHA HUB INFORMATION Between September 26 and October 7 Rotarians in nearly 70 communities across Western Iowa and all of Nebraska are celebrating their contribution to the communities where they live, the help they’ve given to so many in other parts of the world and they’re reaching out to leaders of their cities, their businesses, their schools to ask what more can they do. The leaders of clubs in Nebraska and Western Iowa are planning an Imagine Rotary tour that will gather Rotarians from across the region at nine hubs. Barbara Bartle of Lincoln and Deb McCaslin of Broken Bow serve as leaders in their respective Rotary districts and together they’ll travel from Ogallala to Shenandoah, from McCook to Omaha, from Arnold and Broken Bow to York and Lincoln to share Rotary’s story and hear the challenges people are facing in their communities. Below is the schedule for the tour being held in Omaha on Monday October 3rd. Click here for the entire Imagine Rotary Tour Schedule. DISTRICT 5650 Mon., Oct. 3 | Omaha, NE | Omaha Night, Millard, and Suburban Rotary Clubs • Bronze Statue and Gene Leahy Mall Walking Tour, Spirit of Nebraska Wilderness (101 S 16th), 9 a.m. • Omaha Trail Maker Project, Map Board at Roberts Park (730 N 78th St), 10:45 a.m. • Millard Rotary Luncheon, German American Society (3717 S 120th St), Doors Open at 11:30 a.m. with Lunch at 12 p.m. ($20/person) RSVP required by September 29 to millardrotary@gmail.com • Visit the First of Two Polio Statues Located at Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital Lobby (8200 Dodge St; Parking Garage Available), 1:30 p.m. • Food Bank Tour Led by Ryan Lally, Food Bank of the Heartland (10525 J St), 2:30 p.m. • Tour of Boystown and the Second Polio Statue in the Boystown Hall of History, Visitors’ Center (13628 Fanagan Blvd), 4 p.m. If guided by Boystown, there will be a $5.00 donation per person. • Happy Hour, Stokes (13615 California St), 5 p.m. RSVP: dritter@remax.net |
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ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTEROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE How to engage members . . . Making our projects more successful . . . Understanding the value of The Rotary Foundation . . . When asked what participants want to get out of Rotary training and meetings, we hear things like the statements above. Meeting all of those needs is a challenge - but there is an answer – the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI). Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) was designed to provide discussion and activity-based programs. There is time to go into detail on many topics. It is not focused on a particular Rotary position but allows an opportunity for participants to truly discover Rotary. RLI is a three-part program. Each RLI participant attends three one-day sessions. There are two upcoming opportunities to participate in RLI. You must participate in the full day to get credit. Part I ONLY We have been invited to join Rotary District 5520 (New Mexico and a few clubs in Texas). They have scheduled a Part 1 RLI session by Zoom as follows: Saturday, October 15, 2022 by Zoom 8:30 AM CT (7:30 AM MT) to 2:30 PM CT (1:30 PM MT) There are 2 breaks during the day There is no cost - they will send materials by email Space is limited - please let me know ASAP if you want to participate (I will gather names - first come first served - and then provide registration details. Click here to email me.) PARTS I, II and III offered - pending registrations There will be a live session with our partner District in Iowa - District 6000 Saturday, October 15, 2022 Live First United Methodist Church 309 North Main St Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641 (Southeast Iowa) 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Central Time Lunch and breaks provided Cost $85 Register at https://www.rli-heartland.org/ Nicolette Klein, Chair - Rotary Leadership Institute - Heartland USA Division |
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AFTER HOURS - SEPTEMBER 27THBob Nelson, Bruce Aken and Mike Murphy (Omaha Morning) are hosting an After Hours from 5-7 p.m. for Northwest Rotary and Morning Rotary at the office of Nelson Murphy Insurance & Investments located at 11620 Arbor Street, Suite 201 in Omaha, Nebraska 68144. Complimentary food and drinks will be provided. We look forward to seeing everyone at the After Hours event! For questions, please contact Mike Murphy at (402) 740-7882. Note: Northwest Rotary will not hold a noon meeting on Tuesday, September 27th. After Hours Location: Click on the link below for an interactive map. 11620 Arbor St #201 on Google Maps https://goo.gl/maps/m9assnrAXwZiVJ6q6  |
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PROGRAM SEPTEMBER 20, 2022To Be Announced
Invocation: Todd Gaines Greeter: Dan Drvol Meeting Location: Wheatfield's, 1224 South 103rd Street, Omaha, NE 68124.
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AFTER HOURS SOCIAL INVITATIONOmaha Northwest Rotary members are invited to join Omaha Morning Rotary members at an After Hours social on Tuesday, August 30th, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Equitable Bank, 20112 Pierce Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022 by the Family Fare grocery store. The Morning Club Past President Doug Nodgaard and Equitable Bank will provide complimentary hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Please sign up at the Northwest Rotary Club meeting on the 30th or email Vickie as they need a count for food.
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THANK YOU! The above photo was being shown on the screen at the Twin Creek Cinema Wednesday night as Northwest Rotarians and Corvette Club members entered the theater to enjoy the movie Top Gun: Maverick. We want to thank again Jim Murphy and the Bank of the West for sponsoring this fellowship event. Free will donations were requested from those attending. Those funds will be used to help the club provide support for First Responders and their families.
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UPCOMING ROTARY EVENTSDAVE AND ARLENE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT August 31, 2022 at Tiburon Golf Course
Questions? Contact Jason Linde at 402-619-8007 or jason.linde@greatwesternbank.com LINK TO FLIER
The Lincoln South Rotary Club Foundation would like to extend an invitation to your Rotary Club to our upcoming Wine Tasting Fundraiser. Friday, September 9, 2022 6:30 - 8:30 PM The Home Of Tracey and Ron McLain ~ Lincoln (address on flyer) $30.00 per person $20.00 optional wine/gift pull - every ticket wins Click here for the flyer Click here to register and pay |
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BURN AID 2022 GOLF CLASSIC See Registration form and additional information in read more below. Northwest Rotary had a team of golfers attend this event last year and we would like to support this event again this year.
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PROGRAM JULY 19, 2022 Barb Bartle Rotary District 5650 Governor Invocation: Bruce Aken Greeter: Ken Backman We will see you at the Garden Cafe party room location July 19th. |
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AWARDS & RECOGNITION100% attendance during the 2021 – 2022 Rotary Year! Bob Nelson - 44 years Chuck Sederstrom - 42 years Ken Backman - 36 years Vickie Backman - 26 years Dan Drvol - 16 years Gene Gau - 12 years Micah Evans - 5 years Todd Gaines - 2 years Andrew Muska - 2 years Donna Kohlan - 1 years Paul Harris Fellow Recognition: Bob Nelson - Paul Harris Fellow +2 Permanent Badges: Chris Barone Dave Snow CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL! |
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WELCOME 2022-2023 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS Grant Whitehead, President  Gene Gau, Secretary The other 2022-2023 Board Members are: Todd Gaines, President Elect Andrew Muska, Past President Donna Kohlan, Treasurer Chris Barone, Sgt. at Arms Chuck Sederstrom, Director International Service '22-'23 Matt Johnson, Director Club Service '21-'24 Dave Snow, Director Member Development '22-'25 Ken Backman, Director Community Service '20-'23
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MOVIE NIGHT - TOP GUN: MAVERICKROTARY FELLOWSHIP and FUNDRAISER MOVIE NIGHT - TOP GUN: MAVERICK Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Movie Starts at 4:45 p.m. (theater open at 4:15 p.m.) at Twin Creek Cinema 3909 Raynor Pkwy, Bellevue, NE 68123  Free will donations requested to support service projects for First Responders and their families. Thank you to Jim Murphy and Bank of the West for sponsoring this event!
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CONGRATULATIONS RAFFLE WINNERCongratulations to Terry Paulsen!! Winner of the Firman Generator at the June 7, 2022 Drawing  FIRMAN 4000W DUAL FUEL INVERTER GENERATOR WITH CO SHUTOFF |
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NO MEETING MAY 31, 2022 |
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PROGRAM MAY 24, 2022 Tyler Byrd, Complete Wellness Omaha Invocation - Dan Drvol Greeter - Chris Barone NO MEETING MAY 31, 2022 |
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DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2022 - HANDS OF ROTARY The District Conference takes place on July 8th and 9th at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. To view details and register, click here. Come and share ideas, get energized, build friendships, have a good time and check out the amazing Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center. For our “Service Above Self” service project, we will be serving a hot breakfast, courtesy of Hot Meals USA, to the homeless of Council Bluffs. On the registration form you can sign up to volunteer to assist with the project both at the homeless shelter and at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center. Children under the age of 18 can attend at no cost and special activities for them are being planned. When you register them, please indicate in the question section their ages so appropriate activities are available. REMEMBER: Connected to the conference are activities on Thursday, July 7th at Full Fledge Brewery in Council Bluffs. An afternoon leadership training session that begins at 1 pm and ends at 4 pm and social activities that begin at 5:15 pm. There is no cost for either of these activities, but please register for one or both so we know how many to plan for. A good time will be had by all. |
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ROTARIANS SENDING AID TO UKRAINEPlease watch the interview that aired on KETV about Rotarians sending aid to Ukraine. Carol Horner also added the following information for fellow Rotarians. First, a big pat on the back for your efforts in supporting our initiatives to help Ukraine. We are making a difference and changing/saving lives.
Thanks go to Bob Nelson for his contribution and any other club members that may have supported this project.
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CONGRATULATIONS 2022 FIRST RESPONDERS SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS! Click this link to see video and pictures of the students that received the First Responders Scholarship Awards of Excellence this year. https://youtu.be/jbIZchBQeec The recipients represent families from the Bennington Police Department, Council Bluffs Fire Department, Eppley Airfield Fire Department, Gretna Fire Department, Omaha Police Department, Omaha Fire Department, Papillion Fire Department, Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office, Springfield Volunteer Fire Department, and Waterloo Fire and Rescue Department. Samuel Ahl - Louisville High School Jocelyn Belcastro - Bellevue West High School Jocelyn Ciara LeMaster - Lewis Central High School Makenzie Clymer - Millard South High School Drew Georgius - Tri-Center High School Sophie Goessling - Bellevue West High School Caitlyn Haggstrom - Blair High School Reilly Healey - Papillion-LaVista High School Jack L Johnson - Gretna High School Zachary Jones - Millard West High School Mackenzie Kirby - Fremont Senior High School Kendra Kuck - Underwood High School Brady Lichty - Papillion-Lavista South H.S. Maxwell McLaughlin - Creighton Preparatory School Connor Neville - Ralston High School Aiden NewMyer - Westside High School Ethan NewMyer - Westside High School Ellie Patera - Platteview High School Charles Evan Sams - Gretna High School Lili Shepoka - Papillion-Lavista High School Brandon Siedlik - Westside High School Keira Sterling - Papillion-LaVista High School Gwyneth Stocker - Millard West High School Samuel Stolinski - Gretna High School Grace Weberg - Omaha Central High School Liam Werner - Skutt Catholic High School Faith White - Douglas County West H.S. Danielle Witt - Elkhorn High School Madison Wood - Tri-Center High School CONGRATULATIONS 2022 AWARD RECIPIENTS! |
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CLUB FUNDRAISER FUNDRAISER FIRMAN 4000W DUAL FUEL INVERTER GENERATOR WITH CO SHUTOFF Cost - 1 Ticket for $20 and 2 Tickets for $30 Purchase a raffle ticket today! Proceeds to support the club’s service projects. Raffle Drawing will be held Tuesday, June 7, 2022. |
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HUMANITARIAN AID FOR UKRAINETHE ROTARY FOUNDATION CREATES CHANNEL FOR DIRECT HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT IN UKRAINE In response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, The Rotary Foundation has created an official channel for Rotary members around the world to contribute funds to support the relief efforts underway by Rotary districts and has designated its Disaster Response Fund as the main avenue for contributions. The entire story from Rotary International: The District Governor has also emailed the message below to Rotarians in the District. We, as a District, are going to use the remaining District Designated Funds of $15,000 as a match for donations to The Rotary Foundation Disaster Fund from Rotarians in our District! WE NEED TO DO THIS BY APRIL 30th. Here is what you do:
It is time to do what we do. Let's bring the magic of Rotary and Serve to Change Lives! Carol Horner, District 5650 Governor |
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MICAH'S SPECIAL GUESTMicah Evans brought a special guest to Rotary last Tuesday. He just picked up a new addition to his family, a puppy named Milo. He came directly to Rotary so he would not be late to the meeting so Milo attended the meeting with him. Chris Barone couldn't resist the cute little puppy and held him during the meeting. Looks like they both enjoyed the meeting!   |
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PROGRAM APRIL 12, 2022 COLLEEN CIPOLLA, Manager Carolyn Scott Rainbow House "Rainbow House" Invocation: Chuck Sederstrom Greeter - Todd Gaines
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PROGRAM APRIL 5, 2022 RICHARD GRAHAM, NICET Level IV and Regional Design Manager for Ahern Fire GARY UNGER, Financial Advisor for Edward Jones and Past Potentate of the Tangier Shrine of Omaha "Fire Sprinkler Contractor's Association of Nebraska Burn Aid Charity Golf and Shriner's Burn Transportation Fund" Invocation - Bob Nelson Greeter- Dave Snow
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2022-2023 PRESIDENT ELECT TRAINING District 5650 held the President Elect Training for the 2022-2023 incoming presidents. You might notice the Northwest Rotary President elect, Grant Whitehead, is pictured in the back row. He is trained now and preparing to start his year as President July 1st!
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PROGRAM APRIL 19, 2022 Karen Gibler, President, CAO of the Sarpy Chamber of Commerce "Update on Business Growth in Sarpy County" Invocation - Grant Whitehead Greeter - Micah Evans |
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Ashland Rotary - Poker Tournament & Washer Tournament April 2ndTwo events - same day and location: Saturday April 2nd at the Ashland Golf Club Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament 6:15 pm Registration; 6:30 pm Start Free-Will Poker Entry: $40 Donation $20 Rebuy Cash Prizes Based On # Of Entries Nebraska Open Championship Washer Tournament Nebraska's Biggest Indoor Washer Tournament 2-3pm Registration; 3-9pm Play 3:00pm Singles 4:30pm Teams with Amateur and Professional Brackets Advance Signup: thenebraskaopen@gmail.com Bracket spaces limited, double elimination, payouts for 1st-6th place All at the Ashland Golf Club, 16119 HWY 6, Ashland NE 2 miles southwest of Ashland - Concessions & Drinks available Proceeds from the two events support Community Service projects of the Ashland Rotary Club |
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Rotary International Convention in Houston,Texas The Rotary International Board of Directors has confirmed that the 2022 Rotary International Convention will be an in-person event 4-8 June in Houston, Texas, USA.  There will be health measures in place such as vaccinations or negative COVID test required. Check convention.rotary.org for updates as well as other information about the International Convention. |
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CONGRATULATIONS - 44 YEARS OF SERVICE!Omaha Northwest Rotary Club was chartered on February 21, 1978, and will soon celebrate a 44th anniversary. Members have been planning projects and participating in community service efforts since the club was formed. Assembling and selling pizzas, tossing trees, ringing bells, organizing a Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska for 38 years, requesting grants for service projects, providing scholarship awards for students with proceeds from the bicycle ride, raising funds to provide ice machines for Omaha fire departments and garment bags for Omaha police traveling to honor fallen police officers, providing books to elementary school libraries in recognition of speakers, providing food trays to the staff of the 911 Douglas County Call Center annually on Thanksgiving Day - all of the mentioned projects are a sampling of what the club has accomplished and continues to do in the community. We want to recognize the club members that were charter members and remain active members - Chuck Sederstrom and Bob Nelson and Honorary member Tony Hallac. Congratulations to the Omaha Northwest Rotary Club members on 44 years of service!      |
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OUR CLUB MEMBERSOur thoughts and prayers go to Camille Hawk on the loss of her father and to Patrick Lavelle on the loss of his mother. Camille's address is 14459 Grant Street, Omaha, NE 68116 and Patrick's address is15806 Jackson Drive, Omaha, NE 68118. |
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NEW CLUB MEETING LOCATIONNEW NORTHWEST ROTARY MEETING LOCATION GARDEN CAFE 11040 OAK STREET OMAHA, NE  The meeting will be held in the small meeting room on north side of the building. You should be able to enter in the Cafe main doors and walk through the building to the meeting room or enter directly into the meeting room using the doors on the north side of the building. Hope to see you Tuesday!
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STEPHEN CENTER DONATIONSThank you to the Northwest Rotary Club members for their generous donations. The club was able to donate $207.05 to the Stephen Center after paying for the Douglas County 911 Call Center food trays at Thanksgiving. Your participation and support is appreciated!
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CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING PROJECTWe want to thank club members CHRIS BARONE, MICAH EVANS, DONNA KOHLAN, GENE GAU, GRANT WHITEHEAD, DAN DRVOL AND DAVE SNOW who volunteered to help Omaha area residents recycle their Christmas trees at the Tranquility Park location. Members braved the cold and tossed the trees onto the pile! Thank you for your service.
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FISHER HOUSE DONATION THANK YOUSOmaha Northwest Rotary Club members have received a thank you letter from Colleen Vonderhaar, Fisher House Manager, Department of Veteran Affairs. She noted that our gifts of snacks, bottled water, other essentials as well as cash will make a positive impact on the families they serve. "Your support helps to make our mission of serving as a "home away from home" for loved ones supporting a Veteran through medical treatment possible." She also said "Thank you so much for your generosity we truly appreciate it." A thank you was also received from Cynthia Pommells, Voluntary Service Specialist, TCF Intern with the Department of Veteran Affairs. She noted the patients and staff extend their appreciation for the donation of various food items and gift card. She said "It is through the efforts of community partners like you that allow us to continue the quality care and services that we seek to provide for our deserving Veterans."
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CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING PROJECTClub members will be volunteering to help Omaha residents recycle their Christmas Trees again this year. Location - Tranquility North (Note this is a new location due to construction on 120th Street) at approximately 124th & Fort on the south side of Fort Street. Date: Saturday, January 8, 2022 Time: 10 a.m. - Noon - Chris Barone, Todd Gaines, Micah Evans, Andrew Muska, Donna Kohlan Time: Noon - 2 p.m. - Matt Johnson, Gene Gau, Grant Whitehead, Dan Drvol, Dave Snow Additional volunteers are welcome to sign up on the 28th at the club meeting or just join the others on January 8th. We have also been notified Mike Coghlan from "UNITS" has offered to donate a portable storage unit at the site to be used as warming station. This will be a great opportunity to get out of the wind and cold to warm up briefly. We appreciate all the members volunteering for this project!
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LUNCH/TOUR AT FIRST RESPONDERS FOUNDATION The Vocational Service Committee has planned a Lunch/Tour at the First Responders Foundation on January 4, 2022. The location is 10605 Burt Circle, Omaha, Nebraska (North of West Dodge Road, West of I-680 and East of North 108th Street). You can sign-up at the meeting on December 28th or email Vickie at nwrotary@cox.net. Members already signed up include Gene Gau, Micah Evans, Dan Drvol, Andrew Muska, Matt Johnson, Chris Barone, Dave Snow, and Vickie & Ken Backman. Hope you plan to join us!
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WELCOME NEW MEMBER DAVE SNOW Dave Snow Our newest member, Dave Snow, was introduced November 9th. Dave is retired, His classification is Administration, YMCA. Dave and his wife Connie lived in Omaha for 3 years in the 70's and have recently moved back to the Omaha area. Dave enjoys music and traveling. He has been in six and now this will be his seventh Rotary club, joining Rotary as he relocated for work. He was most recently a member of the St. Paul, Nebraska Rotary Club and also served as District Governor 5630 during 2010-2011. We look forward to visiting with Dave at our meetings, working with him on projects, and benefitting from his experience as a Past District Governor. Welcome to Northwest Rotary Dave!
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THANK YOU!
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NOVEMBER 23, 2021No Meeting Today Club Members will deliver food trays to the Douglas County 911 Call Center on Thanksgiving Day, November 25th. This is the 23rd year the Vocational Service Committee has organized this project. Members will meet at 9:30 a.m. near the Starbucks inside the Hy Vee Store at 156th and Maple to pick up the food trays. The 911 Call Center is just across 156th Street where members will go next to deliver the food. Members and guests are welcome to help. It is not determined yet, but in the past tours of the call center were available. The food will be delivered to a conference room that has windows viewing the call center area. It's a fun way to start the holiday! The Vocational Service Committee is requesting donations for the 911 Call Center project. You can donate at the meeting or by clicking Northwest Rotary Online Store; or by mailing a check payable to Northwest Rotary to the club office address. As in the past any additional funds received will be donated to the Stephen Center.  |
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BELL RINGING - NOVEMBER 13thNorthwest Rotary will ring bells for the Salvation Army on Saturday, November 13th, at the Hy-Vee store located at 108th & Fort Street. We will be ringing bells at both the East and West doors at Hy Vee. A minimum of two members are needed at each shift but an extra member or more will add to the fellowship and allow volunteers to take a quick break if needed. Family members and/or friends are welcome to join members for this annual project. Sign up at Rotary or email Vickie at nwrotary@cox.net to sign up or if you have questions.  VOLUNTEERS NEEDED For East and West Doors 10:00 a.m. - Noon - Gene Gau, Andrew Muska Noon - 2:00 p.m. - Matt Johnson, Dave Snow, Micah Evans |
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NOVEMBER - ROTARY FOUNDATION MONTH Members are encouraged to donate annually to The Rotary Foundation to support the Annual Fund and/or Polio Plus. You can designate your donation to Polio Plus and that will support Rotary's goal to Eradicate Polio worldwide. Funds designated for the Annual Fund will support Rotary's Global projects as well as local District Designated projects. All humanitarian projects, scholars, and vocational training teams funded by Global Grants work toward specific goals in one or more of the Foundation’s six areas of focus: Peacebuilding and conflict prevention; Disease prevention and treatment; Water, sanitation, and hygiene; Maternal and child health; Basic education and literacy; and Community economic development. Contributions to the Annual Fund are divided with fifty percent credited to the World Fund and fifty percent credited to the District Designated Fund. This allows local Districts to offer grants to local clubs to support projects needed in their communities. Local clubs can also apply for grants from the World Fund to support projects around the globe. The Rotary Foundation’s funding cycle makes district contributions available for use three years after they are received. The three-year cycle gives districts time to plan projects and activities and allows the Foundation to invest the contributions to aid in offsetting expenses. To donate you can register on the Rotary International website and give online Rotary Foundation Donation or you can mail a check to Vickie at the Northwest Rotary office. The check should be payable to The Rotary Foundation and designate if the funds are for the Annual Fund or Polio Plus or a combination of both. |
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ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTEEngage and empower members . . . Energize and strengthen your Rotary Club . . . Provide Leadership Development for Members . . . Learn about Rotary and have fun! That is the Rotary Leadership Institute experience! Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a facilitated program with active participation - not lecturing. Topics important to Rotary and Rotary Clubs such as Effective Service Projects, Membership Engagement, and understanding The Rotary Foundation are explored. You will discuss real challenges and exchange ideas. Sign up yourself - you will be a more effective leader for your Rotary Club. Nominate members and they will naturally become more engaged because they will have a richer Rotary experience. RLI is for everyone - Leadership is not a position, it is action. You must participate in the full day to get credit. PARTS I, II and III offered - pending registrations There will be a live session with our partner District in Iowa - District 6000 Saturday, October 30, 2021 Live First United Methodist Church 309 North Main St Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641 (Southeast Iowa) 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Central Time Lunch and breaks provided Cost $85 Register at https://www.rli-heartland.org/ Nicolette Klein, Chair - Rotary Leadership Institute - Heartland USA Division nicki@rli-heartland.org |
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FELLOWSHIP FUNMembers enjoyed fellowship and some bocce ball at the noon meeting last week. Todd Gaines, visitor Dave Snow, Andrew Muska and Dan Drvol enjoyed some friendly competition as other club members watched.   |
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WELCOME NEW MEMBER
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9/11 MEMORIAL STAIR CLIMB - 110 STORIES!Congratulations to Donna Kohlan! She completed the 110 story Memorial Stair Climb to pay tribute to the FDNY firefighters by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Donna reached and exceeded her $1,000.00 goal raised for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.  |
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HONORING CPL. DAEGAN PAGE The information below is from the Family's Facebook site and is being included for those who would like to honor Cpl. Daegan Page by lining the streets when he comes home. We wanted to let everyone know that the flight bringing Daegan home is expected to land around 1:30 pm on Friday, September 10 at Eppley Airfield in Omaha. For those who are planning to come out and line the streets to welcome him home, thank you! Please know we are working with the Omaha Police Department to coordinate the route from Eppley to the Braman Mortuary at 6505 South 144th St. Stay tuned to the Cpl. Daegan Page – Never Forgotten Facebook page for more details. We hope to be able to post a map of the route soon. We know many people would like the opportunity to come pay their respects to Daegan. We are working on coordinating a public visitation before the funeral on Friday, Sept. 17. We will announce the time/date/location as soon as we have that arranged. Homecoming: ~1:30 pm, Friday, Sept. 10 at Eppley Airfield Route from Eppley to Braman Mortuary TBD (Route map forthcoming) Public Visitation: Time/Date/Location TBD Funeral: 10 am, Friday, Sept. 17, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 13271 Millard Ave., Omaha Burial: Following the funeral, Friday, Sept. 17, Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Rd., Omaha Also, we wanted to release another photo of Daegan. This photo was taken in Afghanistan by one of his close friends, Gabe Magnison, a Marine also with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. |
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PROGRAM September 14, 2021Todd Sears, President First Responders Foundation  Invocation & Pledge - Bob Nelson Greeter - Dan Drvol
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONSWe want to thank the club members and members of the Corvette Club that attended Movie Night and donated to raise funds for The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund. To date a total of $1,135.00 has been received and sent to The Rotary Foundation. We also want to thank the club members and guests that participated in our Fun Day playing and/or watching Bocce Ball at La Casa during a club meeting. Members participating donated $600.00 to help the club establish a Cash Reserve Fund. Additionally, two club members, Bob Nelson and Chuck Sederstrom, agreed to each contribute $250.00 if at least $500.00 was raised. Again, thank you all for your generosity and support!
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BOCCE BALL FUNBelow are some photos from our Bocce Ball Fun Day at Rotary on August 10th. Dan Drvol was the lucky winner of a La Casa t-shirt.   Todd Gaines, Donna Kohlan, Ken Backman |
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SUPPORTING BURN AID 2021 GOLF CLASSIC Andrew Muska, Grant Whitehead, Matt Johnson, Todd Gaines The club members above participated in the Burn Aid 2021 Golf Classic. The team took 1st Place in Flight #3. Our congratulations and thanks for the team's participation. This golf event supports the Tangier Transportation Fund. They transport children needing a variety of care including burn victims to and from the several Shriners Hospitals for Children where they are receiving treatment.  The club also sponsored a hole in the golf tournament with a donation from the Omaha Northwest Rotary Foundation, Inc. Thank you to Bob Bernier for his donation.
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NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION 9/11 MEMORIAL STAIR WALKClub Member Donna Kohlan will be participating in the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 9/11 Memorial Stair Walk on 9/11/2021. You can cheer Donna and all the other participants on at the event on September 11th. Click here for Event Home Page. Saturday, September 11, 2021 12356 Ballpark Way Papillion, NE Onsite Registration: 7:30 am Opening Ceremony: 8:15 am Climb Start: 8:30 am Climb End: 12:00 pm |
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STEIER MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT22nd Annual Millard Rotary Dave & Arlene Steier Memorial Golf Tournament September 16, 2021 at Tiburon Golf Course
Questions? Contact Beau Fruechtenicht at 402-209-0212 or via email at beau@camstonproperties.com
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MEETING LOCATION - LA CASA PIZZARIA AT PACIFIC SPRINGSMEETING LOCATION LA CASA PIZZARIA AT PACIFIC SPRINGS 168th and Pacific (610 South 168th Street) Tuesday at Noon Northwest Rotary is now meeting at La Casa's. We will have in person meetings only. Hope to see you there!   |
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2020-2021 ROTARY YEAR - 100% ATTENDANCECONGRATULATIONS!! 100% ATTENDANCE DURING THE 2020-2021 ROTARY YEAR BOB NELSON - 43 yrs. CHUCK SEDERSTROM - 41 yrs. KEITH BASHAM - 40 yrs. KEN BACKMAN - 35 yrs. PATRICK LAVELLE - 31 yrs. VICKIE BACKMAN - 25 yrs. DAN DRVOL - 15 yrs. GENE GAU - 11 yrs. MATT JOHNSON - 8 yrs. MICAH EVANS - 4 yrs. BOB BERNIER - 3 yrs. SHAWN FINCH - 1 yr. TODD GAINES - 1 yr. ANDREW MUSKA - 1 yr.
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CHANGING OF THE GUARD Bob Bernier and Andrew Muska Incoming President Andrew Muska presents outgoing President Bob Bernier with a President's plaque, pin and badge. He also offers his thanks for serving as President during a difficult year and doing a great job keeping the club going with Zoom meetings and some in person meetings. Thanks were also expressed to the outgoing members of the Board - Patrick Lavelle and Dan Drvol and to Board members Gene Gau, Grant Whitehead, Jim Murphy, Shawn Finch and Ken Backman who will continue to serve in the new year.  Donna Kohlan and Andrew Muska Andrew Muska takes office as incoming President for the 2021-2022 Rotary year. Serving with Andrew are Grant Whitehead, President Elect; Gene Gau, Secretary; Todd Gaines, Treasurer; Donna Kohlan, Sgt. at Arms; Bob Bernier, Past President; and Directors Shawn Finch, Matt Johnson, Jim Murphy and Ken Backman.
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MOVIE NIGHT JULY 13, 2021 Movie night will be held Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 202 South 20th Street. (No Tuesday noon meeting.) Members will receive two attendance credits for this event. Fried chicken dinner with sides from 5:30-6:30 p.m. FORD v FERRARI will be shown at 6:30 p.m. following dinner. RESERVATIONS NEEDED by noon on JULY 9th for food order. Click here to register for Movie Night. Free will offering requested with a suggested minimum donation of $20. All proceeds to benefit The Rotary Foundation. Note: We want to thank Jim Murphy and Bank of the West for providing the fried chicken dinner and thank Chuck Sederstrom and Gene Gau for providing a free drink ticket to all of those attending as well as popcorn for the movie. THANK YOU!!
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DISTRICT 5650 CONFERENCE - JULY 23 & 24District 5560 Conference July 23, 2021 - Friday Night at the Ballpark District Fundraiser Bring Family – Children – Grandchildren – Friends - ENJOY at Werner Park ~ 12356 Ballpark Way ~ Papillion, NE 68046 5:45 PM Enjoy The Tail Gate / 7:05 Game Time Enter code ROTARY using this link (click) for $10 discount tickets Click here for flyer July 24, 2021 - Saturday Conference - Omaha Marriott Regency 7:15 AM - 2:30 PM sessions and silent auction 10220 Regency Circle ~ Omaha, NE 68114 Caribbean Night at the Zoo - Henry Doorly Zoo 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - NO ZOO ENTRY FEE - Family - Children - Grandchildren - ENJOY 6:00 PM Cocktails / 6:45 PM Dinner (registration required for adults and kids) 3701 S 10th St, ~ Omaha, NE 68107 Click these links: |
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PROGRAM JULY 6, 2021 |
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BOB'S BLURB ABOUT BOBSBOBBY BLOCKER This meeting of the Northwest Omaha Rotary Club honors BOBBY BLOCKER, television actor. Bobby Dan Davis Blocker was born in De Kalb, Texas. He attended the Texas Military Institute (a San Antonio prep school) and Hardin-Simmons University, where he starred in football and earned a teacher’s degree. He served two years in the Army and then earned a master’s degree in dramatic arts at Sul Ross State University. He worked his way through graduate school as a rodeo performer and bouncer. He taught English and drama in Sonora, Texas, then in New Mexico before getting a teaching job in California. He was able to get guest star roles on television shows in Los Angeles. Then he was cast as Hoss Cartwright on the series Bonanza in 1959. He played the role for 415 episodes. A popular actor on Bonanza, Blocker was part owner of Bonanza Steakhouses. He was also a performance automobile fan, owning a 1965 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 and a 1965 Huffaker Genie MK10 race car. Blocker met his wife at Sul Ross State. They had four children. He died in 1972 of a pulmonary ambulism after gallbladder surgery. He was 43 years old. |
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CAR SHOW - JUNE 5, 2021 Omaha Suburban Rotary Youth Programs Fundraiser June 5, 2021 90th & Military Road - Omaha Pre-registration at www.rotarycarshow.org
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2021 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION From Rotary International: Please join us for 2021 Virtual Convention: Rotary Opens Opportunities, 12-16 June. Registration opens in mid-April. This year’s event will connect you, virtually, with members around the world. It will open new opportunities to learn and to engage with the family of Rotary, near and far. Together, we’ll inspire action, strengthen our commitments, work on our challenges, and celebrate our successes Visit the convention event page on Facebook to connect with other participants and share what you’re looking forward to experiencing with #Rotary21. The Virtual Convention is open to all Rotary members and participants, so invite a friend to join you or share the event with your community. |
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FIRST RESPONDERS FOUNDATION AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTSThe First Responders Foundation has announced the 2021 recipients of the Awards of Excellence. A portion of the article announcing the names of the recipients is below. You can click here to read the entire article found on the First Responders Foundation website. As noted in an earlier newsletter article Omaha Northwest Rotary is one of the sponsors for this award and would like to add our congratulations to the seniors selected as recipients. Our Rotary club is proud to honor and support the children of our metro area First Responders!  Awards of ExcellenceThe First Responders Foundation is proud to announce the Awards of Excellence 2021 Winners.Congratulations to the following students who have been selected as recipients of the First Responders Foundation Awards of Excellence 2021.Jordyn Bahl – Papillion LaVista High School Krista Olson – Treynor High School We thank all of the outstanding students who applied for the award this year. The committee was impressed with the large number of exceptional applicants. The recipients represent families from the Omaha Police Department, Omaha Fire Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Papillion Fire Department, Papillion Police Department, LaVista Police Department, Council Bluffs Police Department, and the Council Bluffs Fire Department. Special thanks to the following donors who make this award possible:Chuck & Karen Sederstrom Corporate Donors: |
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PROGRAM MARCH 16, 2021Mike Friend District 7 Douglas County Commissioner Invocation & Pledge - Keith Basham Note: Zoom Meeting Only Tuesday, March 16, 2021. Read more for Zoom Meeting Link.
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ABOUT OUR MEMBERSOur sincere sympathy to Shawn Finch and her family in the recent passing of her father-in-law. Please keep Shawn and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
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MILLARD ROTARY TOPGOLF FUNDRAISERMillard Rotary is inviting local Rotary clubs to join them in a fundraiser at TopGolf. The event will be held April 1, 2021. See flyer below. The flyer will also be emailed as an attachment with next week's meeting information.   |
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SHOW ME THE LOVE - CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONSThe last Northwest Rotary meeting, in celebration of Valentine's Day, was titled "Show Me The Love." During this virtual club fellowship meeting members shared with the club the many charitable organizations and/or projects supported by members. Some of the highlighted organizations are listed below:
Members are involved in many ways to help the local community and around the world. They were asked to offer service, donate or simply write a thank you as we "Share the Love."
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AFTER HOURS AT THE SCOTTISH RITESuburban Rotary is hosting an After Hours at the Scottish Rite on February 25th from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and has invited Northwest Rotarians and guests to attend. Tours of the Scottish Rite will be available. There will be hors d'oeuvres and wine.  |
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WELCOME A NEW MEMBER!Omaha Northwest Rotary's newest member is Dan Hoeck, sponsored by Matt Johnson. His classification is Elementary Education, Administration. Dan's email address is daniel.hoeck@ops.org and his office phone number is 402.689-9764. Dan is the Principal at the Saddlebrook Elementary School. Dan and his wife Rachel have two children. Please welcome Dan to Northwest Rotary!
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IN-PERSON MEETINGS THE 4th TUESDAY OF THE MONTHIn-person meetings are being held the 4th Tuesday of each month at the West Omaha Masonic Center located at 2424 South 135th Avenue. Members can choose to attend the in-person meeting on the 4th Tuesday or continue to join the meeting on Zoom. The other Tuesday meeting dates of the month will be Zoom only meetings. Tentative date for next in-person meeting is February 23. Reservations are needed for the in-person meetings. Please email Vickie at nwrotary@cox.net if you plan to attend the in-person meeting for room setup preparation. You are welcome to bring your own lunch. We are asking members to please pay $5.00, the Attendance/No Lunch fee, when attending the online Zoom meeting or the in-person meeting. You can pay at the Online Store found on the club website, mail a check to the Rotary office or pay with a credit card at the in-person meeting. We hope you join us at the West Omaha Masonic Center or on Zoom for our club meetings. Please review the Northwest Rotary Meeting Safety Guidelines. These guidelines were developed for the safety of our members and guests when attending the in-person meetings. See Safety Guidelines below.
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THANK YOU FROM 911CALL CENTER STAFF  |
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CLUB SERVICE PROJECTS & DONATIONSDuring December members have the opportunity to donate the price of a meal ($15.00 currently) for an attendance credit for future use. There is a limit of two attendance credits possible but you are welcome to donate more than $30.00. The Stephen Center will be the recipient of these donations. Donations can be made by clicking Northwest Rotary Online Store, or mailing a check payable to the Stephen Center to the Rotary Office. Thank you for your Stephen Center donations!  lClub members Gene Gau, Donna Kohlan, Ken Backman , Matt Johnson and his children delivered food trays to the Douglas County 911 Call Center on Thanksgiving Day. Members could only deliver the food trays to the Conference Room, no tours possible, but the conference room in surrounded with windows viewing into the Call Center. Call Center staff stood up and waved a thank you for the food. Thank you everyone for the donations and to those delivering the food for this Vocational Service project!
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FIRST RESPONDERS FOUNDATION HONORS BOB NELSON Last week, Bob Nelson was recognized by the First Responders Foundation as their “2020 Volunteer of the Year.” As you may recall, Bob helped start the foundation and then served on its executive committee for many years.. Both he and Chuck Sederstrom were inducted into the FRF’s Hall of Fame in 2019. Our club has partnered with the FRF for several years and last year sponsored ten “$500 awards of Excellence” to high school seniors who were children of a first responder. Bob started this awards program five years ago and still chairs that project. Last year, with our club’s support, FRF awarded 32 Awards of Excellence to children of First Responders. Our club has an excellent partnership with FRF and many members have participated in and supported FRF projects. Congratulations Bob! |
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SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING - THANK YOU!! Northwest Rotarians volunteered to ring bells for the Salvation Army on Saturday, November 14th, at the Hy-Vee store located at 108th & Fort Street. Thank you to club members Patrick Lavelle, Gene Gau, Donna Kohlan, Vickie Backman and Ken Backman.
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OUR MEMBERSPlease keep Tom Horeis and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Tom's son, Jeffrey Horeis, passed away on October 5, 2020. Cards can be mailed to Tom Horeis at 2790 South 165th Avenue, Omaha, NE, 68130. CELEBRATION OF JEFF'S LIFE: Monday, October 12, 10am, with VISITATION one hour prior to service, all at Bethany Funeral Home, 82nd & Harrison. Interment: Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
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CLUB ACTIVITIES IN DISTRICT 5650SPOTLIGHT ON ACTIVITIES  Activities of Rotary District 5650 clubs are submitted to the Spotlight on Clubs page of the District 5650 website. Click here to see the activities of the clubs in the District. |
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NORTHWEST ROTARY CLUB FUNDRAISER Traeger Pro Series 22" Pellet Grill in Bronze Dan Drvol was the winner of the Traeger Grill. Dan's ticket was drawn during the October 6th Northwest Rotary Club noon meeting. Congratulations Dan!! |
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ROCK-A-HULA PRESIDENT'S PARTYYou are invited to attend an after hours 'Rock-a-Hula President's Party' hosted by Mary Bernier, Suburban Rotary President and Bob Bernier, Northwest Rotary President and John Hoich, Suburban Rotary. The event will be held September 25, 2020 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. This party celebrates the Rotary International Convention that Mary, Bob and John could not attend due to Covid-19. The convention was scheduled to be held in Hawaii. The party will be held at the John Hoich residence at 5410 North 279th Street in Valley, Nebraska. Adult and general beverages along with Hawaiian snacks and fun will be available. See flyer below. |
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DOUBLE VALUE OF YOUR ROTARY FOUNDATION DONATIONFor this year’s District Conference, we are offering the most generous point match we have ever offered. We will match one point for every dollar you give, up to $1,000. Offer will run through Sunday 7-26 at 11:59 PM. This can move you ahead up to 2 levels on the Paul Harris Fellow ladder. Or, at the $1,000 giving level, you can choose to use the points to name any other person a Paul Harris Fellow. Your spouse, your friend, another Rotarian, or any living person can be a Paul Harris Fellow, thanks to your generous $1,000 donation. Just make a gift to the Rotary Foundation with your registration*, or anytime during the District Conference, to be eligible for the bonus points. We’re hoping to break the record for Foundation donations during the District Conference, so don’t miss your chance to help us make some history! *Can't participate in the conference? You can still take advantage of this generous offer. Use the same Registration link and make the appropriate selections. The offer will run through Sunday 7-26 at 11:59 PM. Registration (and/or contribution) Link: click here |
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VIRTUAL DISTRICT CONFERENCE - JULY 25, 2020 |
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SUBURBAN & WEST ON-SITE MEETING UPDATEOn Site Meeting Update & Speakers Suburban Rotary will begin meeting at Anthony's on August 13th. Suburban Rotary also announced the current RI President Holger Knaack will be speaking on their Zoom meeting August 6th. Chuck Hagel will be speaking at the Suburban Rotary Zoom meeting on July 30th. Suburban's meetings at Anthony's will be a hybrid of Zoom and in-person meetings. West Rotary will begin meeting at Champions Club on August 7th. |
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STATUS OF ROTARY MEETINGS IN THE DISTRICT You can check the status of Rotary Club Meetings at the link below: To contact any club in Rotary District 5650, click here.
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WELCOME 2020-2021 OFFICERS & DIRECTORSPlease welcome the 2020-2021 Officers and Directors that will serve on the Omaha Northwest Rotary Board. Bob Bernier, President Andrew Muska, Secretary Patrick Lavelle, Treasurer President Elect, Grant Whitehead Sgt. at Arms, Dan Drvol Director International Service 2020-2023, Shawn Finch Director Club Service 2020-2021, Gene Gau Director Member Development 2019-2022, Jim Murphy Director Community Service 2020-2023, Ken Backman
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CONGRATULATIONS - 100% ATTENDANCECongratulations to the following club members who have achieved 100% attendance during the 2019 - 2020 Rotary Year! Micah Evans - 3 years Vickie Backman - 27 years Keith Basham - 39 years Ken Backman - 34 years Dan Drvol - 14 years Patrick Lavelle - 30 years Gene Gau - 10 years Bob Nelson - 42 years Chuck Sederstrom - 40 years Phil Schreier - 32 years Tom Horeis - 42 years Matt Johnson - 7 years Bob Bernier - 2 years We appreciate your continued Rotary service and support for Northwest Rotary! Thank you.
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PROGRAM JUNE 30, 2020NO MEETING Tuesday, June 30, 2020  |
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MOVIE NIGHT POSTPONED The movie fellowship and PolioPlus fundraiser originally scheduled for June 23rd has been postponed and will be rescheduled later, possibly in July or August.  |
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NORTHWEST ROTARY SUPPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CHILDREN OF FIRST RESPONDERSNorthwest Rotary has received a thank you from the First Responders Foundation for the donation of $5,000.00 from the Omaha Northwest Rotary Foundation, Inc. for the Awards of Excellence program. The First Responders Foundation presents Awards of Excellence to deserving high school seniors who are children of first responders. These awards are given to students who demonstrate good character, balanced achievement, and outstanding commitment to the community. Part of the mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all first responders and their families. The Foundation believes it takes a special person to become a first responder and their whole family shares in their service and sacrifice.This donation will support ten $500.00 scholarships for students graduating in 2020 with parents that are First Responders. Click the following link or enter in your web browser https://firstrespondersomaha.org/awards-of-excellence/ to read more about this scholarship program.
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CLUB MEETINGS SUSPENDEDOMAHA NORTHWEST ROTARY CLUB MEETINGS SUSPENDED Northwest Rotary Club meetings have been suspended. (March 10th was the last club meeting held.) Meetings have been suspended as recommend by public health officials in an effort to limit possible exposure to Coronavirus (COVID19). We will provide updates when future meeting plans are available. |
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERSShawn Finch, an Associate Veterinarian with Gentle Doctor Animal Hospital has been a member since December 10th. Shawn's classification is Veterinarian. She and her husband Russell have to children, Amanda 18 yrs. and Abby 19 yrs. Shawn is a long time Omaha resident and enjoys pets, walking and reading. Todd Gaines is President of Gaines Accounting Resources, Inc. His classification is Construction Accounting. Todd has been a member since February 25th. Todd and his wife Laura have two adult children, Payton and Turner. Todd is a long time Omaha resident and enjoys sports - running and golf. Please welcome Shawn and Todd to Northwest Rotary!
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SAGE BISTRO AT METRO COMMUNITY COLLEGE Club members and guests enjoyed an exceptional lunch at the Sage Bistro in the Culinary Arts Building on the Metro Community College Campus. Students plan, prepare and serve meals at the Bistro. Following lunch members had a tour of the Culinary Arts Building. The school offers two tracts of study - Culinary Arts & Management and Hospitality & Restaurant Leadership.
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CELEBRATING 42 YEARS OF SERVICE!Omaha Northwest Rotary, chartered on February 21, 1978, celebrates 42 years of service this year!
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STEPHEN CENTER DONATIONSThank you to members and guests for your donations given for the Stephen Center, Inc. During October and November funds were raised to purchase food trays for the 911 Center. Those food trays were delivered on Thanksgiving Day to the staff at the 911 Call Center. Extra funds raised were to go the the Stephen Center. Additionally, funds were raised in December for up to two attendance credits by donating the price of a meal for each credit. The Stephen Center, Inc. has been sent a total of $607.39 from the donations received from club members and guests during those projects. Your support is appreciated!
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AFTER HOURS FELLOWSHIP JANUARY 29THYou are invited to an After Hours Fellowship hosted by Suburban Rotarian, John Maxell. The fellowship will be held at the Scottish Rite on January 29th from 5-7 p.m. Parking is available in the Scottish Rite garage. You can take the alley on the south side of the building to the entrance. After Hours Scottish Rite 202 South 20th Street Omaha, NE 68102 5 :00 - 7:00 p.m. |
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EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT FOLLOW-UP Boy Scouts of Troop 448 at Mary Our Queen Catholic Church at the 911 Call Center  Boy Scouts Loading Christmas Stockings for 911 Call Center Staff Ben Bernier developed an Eagle Scout project to show appreciation for the efforts of the 911 Call Center staff. Ben's project included coloring Christmas stockings and filling them with gift items as a thank your for the service of the seventy-two 911 Call Center staff. Ben contacted the Director of the 911 Call Center for approval to proceed with his project. The teachers of two second grade classes were contacted to request the help of the second graders to color the stockings. Ben also coordinated with the Omaha Police to arrange for officers to visit the second grade class to explain the importance of the 911 Call Center to the students. Ben visited Northwest Rotary to request donations of items and/or funding to support the purchase of stockings and items to fill the stockings. Northwest Rotarians personally donated $463.39 to this project and the club foundation approved a $500.00 donation to support this project. Boy Scouts of Troop 448 at Mary Our Queen Catholic Church helped Ben fill the stockings and with their parents the scouts joined Ben when delivering the stockings on Christmas Day. They delivered the stockings as a show of appreciation to all of the staff by going to the 911 Call Center at the shift change time. This made it possible for the gift to be delivered to each staff member. The Scouts and their family members also were able to tour the facility and ask questions of the staff on duty. A flyer was included in each stocking noting the project was an Eagle Scout service project led by Scout Ben Bernier of Troop 448 sponsored by Mary Our Queen Catholic Church, Christmas stockings were colored by second grade classes at Mary Our Queen and the project was sponsored by the Omaha Northwest Rotary Club. The same club that has provided food trays on Thanksgiving Day for the 911 staff for many years. Our congratulations to Ben Bernier on the Eagle Scout service project he took from an idea to planning, implementation and completion!
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UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER WINNER Congratulations to Gene Gau, on the far right. He was the winner of the "Ugly Christmas Sweater" contest held in December before our break for the holidays. We thank everyone that participated!
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CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING -THANK YOUThank you to the following club members that volunteered either the last weekend in December or the first weekend in January to help with the Christmas Tree recycling at Tranquility Park - PATRICK LAVELLE, MATT JOHNSON, DAN DRVOL, GRANT WHITEHEAD, GENE GAU, AND TOM HOREIS. We appreciate your service!
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GIVING TO THE ROTARY FOUNDATIONThe Northwest Rotary giving goal for the Annual Fund is $2.700.00 and $864.00 for PolioPlus. We encourage all members to support the Rotary Foundation so please consider The Rotary Foundation when planning your donations. One-half of the contributions given in the District are available for use in the District/Club humanitarian projects. Clubs can apply for matching grants to fund local projects. Funds donated to The Rotary Foundation are invested for three years to offset foundation expenses. Checks for donation should be payable to The Rotary Foundation. You can give your check to Vickie at a meeting or mail in to the Rotary office or you can register on the Rotary International website and give online. Please support The Rotary Foundation with your contributions!
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CHRISTMAS BOOK DRIVEMembers still have an opportunity to bring a children's book for our Christmas book drive to a Rotary meeting. Books will be donated to the Salvation Army for two difference projects collecting books for children. Last week members brought a book and shared a little about the book and why it was a favorite. CHRISTMAS BOOK DRIVE      |
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FOOD TRAYS DELIVERED TO 91 CALL CENTER ON THANKSGIVING DAYTwelve club members and guests delivered food trays to the 911 Call Center on Thanksgiving Day. This was the 21st year this project has been organized by the Vocational Service Committee and the 15th year Hy-Vee has partnered with the club to thank the Douglas County 911 Call Center Staff for their service 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Members and guests toured the facility in their new location - the former Thomas Fitzgerald Veterans Home. The facility has been completely renovated and now serves as a spacious updated center with new equipment to allow staff to dispatch police and fire calls so members of the community receive the vital services needed when they request assistance. Pictures below show members entering the building, touring the facility, the food delivered and finally Gene Gau and Micah Evans having a little (too much maybe) fun. .jpg)     |
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THANK YOU BELL RINGERS!  Thank you to club members who rang bells, Saturday, November 16th, at the Hy-Vee located at 108th and Fort Street. The following club members staffed the two doors at Hy-Vee - Patrick Lavelle, Andrew Muska, Micah Evans, Bob Bernier, Dan Drvol, Gene Gau and Ken Backman. We appreciate your volunteer time!!
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TOUR AT DIMATIC DIE & TOOLm     Club members enjoyed an informative tour and lunch at Dimatic Die & Tool last Tuesday. Dimatic Die & Tool does Design/Tooling, Production Machining, Injection Molding, Custom Stamping, and Pulleys/Sheaves. We saw employees working in those areas and some of the finished products as well as multiple product parts being assembled. We learned about the equipment used and saw production in progress. The company was established in 1961 as a top quality tool and die shop. They expanded to 67,000 square feet over the years and expanded product offerings as well. Thanks to Dan Drvol for arranging the tour and lunch at his place of business!
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FOOD TRAYS TO 911 CENTER THANKSGIVING DAYClub members will meet at the 156th & Maple Street Hy-Vee next to the in-store Starbuck's at 9:30 a.m. to pick-up food trays to be delivered to the Douglas County 911 Call Center on Thanksgiving Day. Members will arrive at the 911 Center between 9:45 - 10:00 a.m. This will be the 21st year the Vocational Service Committee has organized this event and the 15th year Hy-Vee has partnered with the club to thank the Douglas County 911 Call Center staff for their service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The 911 Call Center is now located just east of the former location. Club members are asked to contribute to the annual 911 Center Staff Recognition project during the noon Rotary luncheon meetings through November 19th. Donations will be used to purchase food trays for the staff on duty at the 911 Center on Thanksgiving Day. Any additional funds collected will be donated to the Stephen Center. Thank you in advance for your generous donations for this project. |
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LITERACY CHRISTMAS BOOK DRIVECamille Hawk, December Program Chair, is asking club members to purchase your favorite childhood book to be donated to Saddlebrook Elementary, Salvation Army or a shelter selected by the club. Bring the book on December 3rd and be prepared to tell members why it was selected as your favorite book. |
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GREG BAILEY SNOWBLOWER RAFFLE WINNER!Northwest Rotary held the snowblower raffle drawing on Tuesday, November 5th. Greg Bailey, Suburban Rotary, won a Briggs & Stratton 22", 208cc single stage Snowblower. CONGRATULATIONS GREG!!   |
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2019 ABLE WORKPLACE AWARDSOmaha Northwest Rotary recognized the 2019 Able Workplace Award recipients at the October 15th Rotary luncheon meeting held at Jerico's. The Able Workplace Award recognizes employers that have done a particularly effective job of recruiting, enabling and retaining individuals with disabilities. National Disability Employment Awareness Month was declared in 1988 by the United States Congress for the month of October to raise awareness of the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. Mercy Villa was awarded the Able Workplace Award in the small business category. Mary Zeman, Mercy Villa's Dietary Manager, accepted the award on behalf of Mercy Villa. They were nominated by Community Alliance. .jpg) Mercy Villa - Small Company Recipient Nebraska Medicine was awarded the Able Workplace Award in the large business category. They were nominated by the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Lynette Zepeda, Employee Relations and Senior Analyst in Human Resources; Pramila Kalaga, Ergonomics Specialist, Employee Wellbeing and Safety in Human Resources; and Melanie Reineke, Hospital Coding/CDI Manager all accepted the award on behalf of Nebraska Medicine.  Nebraska Medicine - Large Company Recipient Ken Backman, Vocational Service Committee Chair, stated "Encouragement, support, cooperation and recognition of one's abilities in the workplace can make all the difference in becoming an Able Workplace." The companies hiring these individuals are able to experience and benefit from the many abilities of all their employees.
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CLUB FUNDRAISER DRAWING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5THNorthwest Rotary is selling raffle tickets for a Briggs & Stratton Snowblower. See details below. Contact Vickie at nwrotary@cox.net for more information.  |
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LIBRARY BOOKS TO HONOR SPEAKERSNorthwest Rotary honored the 2017-2018 speakers by including their names on bookplates placed in books donated to the Saddlebrook Elementary School. Twenty-six books were purchased. Multiple copies of some of the titles were purchased. The bookplates have been placed in the books listed below. Side Tracked I Love You Michael Collins Perfect Score Losers Club Vanderbeekers of 141st Street Magic Misfits Sky at Our Feet Doughnut Fix Lemons Wishtree |
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RYLA COMMITTEE OPPORTUNITYThe RYLA - Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, a District 5650 program providing leadership training for high school sophomores and juniors, is seeking additional committee chairs and volunteers. Open committee chair positions are listed below with a brief committee description when available. If interested please contact Lori Benton at 402.694.0846 or email lbenton@p4k.org . After-Party CHAIR NEEDED After-party A later date and time gathering, after the event, for all RYLA volunteers in appreciation and perhaps fun awards? Detail CHAIR NEEDED Entertainment/Team Building CHAIR NEEDED Finance CHAIR NEEDED Finance Develop the budget, track revenues and expenditures, coordinate accounts payable, and manage vendor relationships. Work closely with Fundraising Committee. Follow-up CHAIR NEEDED Follow-Up Send thank you notes, implement student satisfactory and volunteer survey, tie up loose ends, and tidy up other matters that require TLC for all concerned. Legal CHAIR NEEDED Legal Arrange for, manage, develop and/or approve agreements and service contracts to liability waivers, hold-harmless, or indemnification agreements. Insure adequate and appropriate event and individual insurance and risk management coverage. To manage role of Human Resources. Logistics CHAIR NEEDED Logisitics Everything camp. Pre through Post RYLA. Daily camp operations conductor, camp volunteer coordination, liase with counselors, area readiness for coursework, lessons, etc. Basically, camp location/logistics agenda to flow with and support curriculum. Volunteers at Large CHAIR NEEDED Volunteers at Large Volunteer when and where needed before, during, and after RYLA weekend. Volunteer wrangler. Work with Engagement, Curriculum, Logistics, Entertainment committees. |
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2019 METRO LUNCHEON |
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THANKS TO OUTGOING OFFICERS & DIRECTORS Micah Evans (left) presents certificate to Bob Bernier (right) as a thank-you for service as a Board Director. Bob Bernier will begin his term as President Elect in the 2019-2020 Rotary Year.  Bob Bernier, President Elect presents plaque, pin and badge to outgoing President Micah Evans. Congratulation on a great year to Past President Micah Evans!  Bob Bernier thanks 2018-2019 for their service and introduces the incoming 2019-2020 officers.
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DISTRICT CONFERENCE JULY 26 & 27ROTARY DISTRICT CONFERENCE - SHAPE THE FUTURE NEW - the District Conference Itinerary has been published - click here. District Conference will be held on July 26-27 at the Lied Lodge and Conference Center in Nebraska City. The theme this year is “Shape the Future” and you will have some time to spend together as a family, helping with our service project, and also some free time to explore Nebraska City – we will have a lot of information available about what there is to do while you are in town. Conference Registration - Registration is open and can be done by clicking here. Hotel Information - click here |
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DISTRICT 5650 NIGHT AT STORM CHASERS BALLPARKOmaha Storm Chasers vs New Orleans Baby Cakes Thursday, July 18, 2019 @ 7:05 PM 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE Purchase Deadline: July 9, 2019 @ 11:59 PM A portion of each ticket will benefit Rejuvenating Women for this fun night out at the ballpark. July 18th is also now "Mystery Night" at the ballpark!
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FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION DAYFirst Responders Appreciation Day Lunch Delivery to Omaha Area Police and Fire Stations We want to thank Bob and Mary Bernier who picked up lunches from Chick-fil-A and delivered them to the assembly site. We also thank Bob and Mary Bernier, Gene Gau and Matt Johnson who helped put lunches and flyers into decorated bags and loaded them into predetermined route boxes for delivery to the Omaha Area Police and Fire Stations. In the first photo on the right side of the table, front to back is Bob Bernier, Gene Gau and Mary Bernier. Others are not identified. The last two pictures show the "Thank You Letter' and lunch bags decorated by students in area elementary schools. Thank you all for your service!    |
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FUNDRAISING EVENT AT PANERAA fundraiser is planned on Thursday, May 9th, at Panera located at 12960 West Center Road, Omaha, NE 68144 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. You will need to bring a flyer and show an actual flyer or electronic flyer to the cashier when you place your order. You can order online at Panera for Rapid Pick-up or delivery. You will need to enter "PRFUND" as the promo code to have a portion of the sales donated to Northwest Rotary. .jpg) Support Omaha Northwest Rotary by eating at Panera or use Rapid Pick-up or delivery on May 9th!
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SMOKE ALARM PROJECT - THANK YOUNorthwest Rotarians installed smoke alarms in homes in the Saddlebrook Elementary school area on Saturday, April 20, 2019 from 9:00 a.m.-Noon. Thank you for your service - Matt Johnson, Ken Backman, Micah Evans, and Grant Whitehead!
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ONE ROTARY SUMMITSaturday, April 27th, the One Rotary Summit will be held from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. at ESU #3 (6949 S. 110th St., LaVista, NE 68128) This meeting is for All Club Members! Topics include achieving and sustaining membership growth and retention, increasing Rotary Foundation giving and project engagement and enhancing public image in the community. There is no cost to attend but you must register. Click here to register for this event on April 27th.   |
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OMAHA ROTARY NIGHT CLUB - VENUE CHANGEEffective April 2nd the Omaha Rotary Night Club will be meeting at Vincenzo's, 15701 Pacific Street. As a reminder they meet the first, third and fifth Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m.
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SUBURBAN ROTARY HOSTS A CAR SHOW |
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CONGRATULATIONS ANDREW! Congratulations to Andrew Muska! Andrew received his permanent badge on Tuesday, March 12th from President, Micah Evans.
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MICAH EVANS - PAUL HARRIS FELLOW Congratulations to Micah Evans, Club President, who was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for his donations to the Paul Harris Foundation. Micah received his pin from Matt Johnson, Club Secretary, at the February 26th noon Rotary meeting. |
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BUY THE BIG WHEEL - ROTARY TRADE SHOWSuburban Rotary is hosting "Buy the Big Wheel" to showcase Rotarian businesses. There will be over 100 businesses with exhibits; DOOR PRIZES, FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT will be provided – and it’s FREE to Rotarians! Event Date & Time & Location Thursday, March 7th 4pm-7pm Deer Creek Player's Club 12100 Deer Creek Drive Omaha, NE |
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UNL ROTARACT WHEELCHAIR PROJECTOur Rotaract chapter at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is raising $18,000 to purchase and deliver 120 wheelchairs to help survivors of Polio who live in the Ivory Coast. This is a country that has identified more than 10,000 people who have disabilities but are often not able to afford good crutches or braces. A wheelchair is impossible for most. We hope to change their lives by fitting them with a solid wheelchair that can withstand roads and pathways that are sometimes rough. To donate, please mail your check to the PO Box listed at the top. Write the check to the "Lincoln Rotary 14 Foundation" with a notation - "The Wheelchair Project." Club members can also send a check or donate online at http://www.rotary14.org/club-14-foundation/donation.html - Simply select "Rotaract Wheelchair Project" under "Gift Choice." Your tax-deductible donations will make a world of difference to our wheelchair recipients. Together, we can give those impacted by polio more opportunities to achieve personal and educational goals. We will promise to report back on the results of this fund raiser and the project. With gratitude from All the members of the UNL Rotaract Club. (See more details below.) |
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ROTARY NIGHT AT OMAHA COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSEThe Omaha Community Playhouse is hosting a Rotary Night! They have chosen the popular musical The Bridges of Madison County for the performance. The Playhouse has bundled the show, food and drink together to make the night fun, affordable and convenient for Rotarians! The pre-show reception will be in the Playhouse Board Room. See details below: The Bridges of Madison County Rotary Night Thursday, March 7 Pre-show reception: 6:30 p.m. Show: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $50 Omaha Community Playhouse 6915 Cass St. Omaha, NE 68132 To purchase a ticket, contact Kyle Bell at (402) 553-4890, ext. 125 by February 21. Tickets are limited to 50 total so don't wait to purchase yours! |
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ROTARY FOUNDATION RECOGNITION Congratulations to Skip Gist! Skip who was recognized as a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow +4. We thank him for his continued support with his donations to The Rotary Foundation. |
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NOON MEETING CANCELED TODAYNorthwest Rotary will not meet at noon today, January 22, 2019. The meeting is being canceled as per our policy to cancel due to winter weather conditions when the Omaha Public Schools close. This policy was implemented for the safety of our members and guests. The 11:15 a.m. Foundation meeting will be rescheduled.
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OUTLOOK NEBRASKA TOUR PHOTOS    Members at vocational tour of Outlook Nebraska on January 8th. Outlook Nebraska serves the visually impaired by offering employment opportunities, recreational and cultural activities, and adaptive technology training to use vision aid tools, computers, smartphones, and other helpful devices. On site at Outlook Nebraska workers hold positions in IT, Technology Training, PR/Marketing, HR Accounting, Facilities and Production. |
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FIREFIGHTERS GARMENT BAGS - THANK YOU Club members have raised the $1,600.00 needed for the purchase of garment bags for the Omaha Fire Department Honor Guard. THANK YOU to everyone that has donated to this project request!The new bags to be purchased will included an OFD Honor Guard logo, the member's name will be held on with velcro so the name could be easily changed as members of the guard changes and the Northwest Rotary Club logo.
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CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING - THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!.jpg) Thank you to the volunteers that helped with this year's Christmas Tree Recycling project in December and January. Club member volunteers included Patrick Lavelle, Dan Drvol, Grant Whitehead, Gene Gau, Tom Horeis, Micah Evans, Matt Johnson and Jim Murphy. |
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS!Club Members have generously donated for several requests. Due to your giving $350.42 was sent to the Stephens Center, $50.00 was sent to the Siena/Francis House and $105.00 was collected and given to Michelle, our waitress at Jerico's, as a thank you for her service. Thank you!
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CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING - VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDCHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING Tranquility Park 120th & Maple Volunteers are needed for Christmas Tree Recycling. Two volunteers are needed for each shift. Contact Vickie at the Rotary office nwrotary@cox.net or call 531.600.8420 to volunteer or sign-up at Rotary on Tuesday, December 11th or 18th. Saturday, December 29th 10-12 Patrick Lavelle, Grant Whitehead 12-2 Dan Drvol, OPEN 2-4 OPEN, OPEN Sunday, December 30th 10-12 OPEN, OPEN 12-2 OPEN, OPEN 2-4 OPEN, OPEN Saturday, January 5th 10-12 Gene Gau, Tom Horeis 12-2 OPEN, OPEN 2-4 OPEN, OPEN Sunday, January 6th 10-12 Micah Evans, 12-2 Matt Johnson 2-4 OPEN, OPEN
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ANNUAL JANUARY VOCATIONAL LUNCH & TOURThe annual Vocational Lunch and Tour will be held Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Outlook Nebraska, 4125 South 72nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. . Reservations are needed no later than January 4, 2019. Cost is $16.00. Plan to be at Outlook Nebraska at 11:30 a.m. for the lunch, presentation and tour of the facility. Contact Vickie at nwrotary@cox.net or phone 531.600.8420 for your reservation.
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GARMENT BAGS FOR OMAHA FIRE DEPARTMENT HONOR GUARDAs a First Responders Project the club plans to assist the Omaha Fire Department Honor Guard with the purchase of garment bags. The OFD Honor Guard travels across the country to funerals of fallen Firefighters (to date for 2018, 77 firefighters in the US have lost their lives in the line of duty). They also travel to Colorado Spring for National Firefighter Memorial Week to honor the fallen each year. In 2017, the Omaha Police Department Honor Guard received travel garment bags (see photo). The garment bags protected the Honor Guard uniforms, and they also represented Omaha in a way that showed how important the citizens of Omaha felt about the level of respect we had in what the Honor Guard was there to do. The bags included an OPD Honor Guard logo and a member's name held on with velcro so the name could be easily changed as members of the guard changed. There are 25 members in the OFD Honor Guard and the bags will cost about $65 each, inclusive of personalization for a total of about $1,600. The bags the club will help provide will include the Northwest Rotary Club logo as well as the Omaha Fire Department Honor Guard logo. The club has pledges for $800.00 and is asking club members to consider a donation to help fund the remaining $800.00 needed for the garment bags.
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CLUB RUNNER MOBILE APP FOR SMART PHONES OR TABLETS Club Runner Mobile App Download the app on your phone or tablet |
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WINTER WEATHER CANCELLATION POLICYNorthwest Rotary will cancel Tuesday noon Rotary meetings when Omaha Public Schools close school due to winter weather conditions. This policy was implemented for the safety of our members and guests.
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CHANGES FOR OMAHA ROTARY NIGHT CLUBFormerly called the Southwest Omaha Rotary Night Club the new club name is Omaha Rotary Night Club. They are changing their meeting schedule from weekly meetings to meeting the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The club meeting location remains unchanged. The Omaha Rotary Night Club meets at DJ's Dugout, 17666 Q Street.
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THANK YOU 911 CENTER FOOD TRAY PROJECT VOLUNTEERSThank you to the volunteers - Micah Evans, Andrew Muska, Jim and Kellie Murphy, Gene Gau, Bob Bernier, Skip Gist, Ken & Vickie Backman, and Matt Johnson who met Thanksgiving morning at the 156th and Maple Street Hy-Vee to pick-up food trays and deliver them to the 911 Center Staff. We want to thank Hy-Vee for supporting the project for the past 14 years with the donation of a food tray and providing special pricing on the other trays purchased. This is the 20th year for this Vocational Service project to thank the staff members who work 24/7 answering emergency calls from the public.
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THANK YOU BELL RINGERSThank you to Patrick Lavelle, Gene Gau, Bob Bernier, Micah Evans, Andrew Muska, and Matt Johnson's family members. The Rotarians and family members rang bells for the Salvation Army on Saturday, November 17th, at the Hy-Vee store located at 108th & Fort Street. During the shift from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. a total of $406.00 was raised for Salvation Army programs and services. When reporting the funds raised they noted 100% of dollars collected goes directly to their Human Need Fund supporting year round social service programs. |
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MOVIE NIGHT - POLIOPLUS FUNDS RAISED!  Members and guests all enjoyed a fun filled evening at the Scottish Rite Center in downtown Omaha last Tuesday evening. Our thanks to Jim Murphy for providing the fried chicken and coleslaw for the potluck dinner. Thanks to Gene Gau for providing the beverages and popcorn and a special thanks to Micah Evans for the venue at the Scottish Rite Center. We can't forget some delicious homemade desserts and other good side dishes. The movie was a fun fantasy adventure shown in the beautiful theater at the Scottish Rite Center. This fellowship event was also planned as a PolioPlus fundraiser and thanks to those donating a total of $650.00 will be donated to the PolioPlus Fund at The Rotary Foundation!
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2018 ABLE WORKPLACE AWARDSNorthwest Rotary recognized the 2018 Able Workplace award recipients at the October 16th luncheon meeting. Don and Millie's nominated by Community Alliance received the large employer award and Planet Fitness nominated by Goodwill Industries, Inc. received the small employer award. The able workplace award recognizes employers that have done a particularly effective job of recruiting, enabling and retaining individuals with special abilities. October is officially recognized as the National Disability Awareness Month.  NWR Past President Matt Johnson with Kiley Letcher & Cara Ehegartner of Community Alliance received award on behalf of Don & Millie's, Large Company Award.  Past President Matt Johnson; Brice Meyer, Jesse Story, & Prestin Luth-Young of Planet Fitness; Brian Rischel & Sam Comfort of Goodwill Industries, Inc Planet Fitness received the Small Company Award.
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RECOGNITION AND THANKS TO THE 911 CENTER STAFFClub members will be asked to contribute to the annual 911 Center Staff recognition project during the noon Rotary luncheon meetings through November 20th. Donations will be used to purchase food trays for the staff on duty at the 911 Center on Thanksgiving Day. Any additional funds collected will be donated to the Stephen Center. Thank you in advance for your generous donations for this project. Club members will meet at the 156th & Maple Street Hy-Vee location to pick-up food trays to be delivered to the Douglas County 911 Call Center on Thanksgiving Day. This will be the 20th year the Vocational Service Committee has organized this event and the 14th year Hy-Vee has partnered with the club to thank the Douglas County 911 Call Center staff for their service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR PACE FLAG FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS DAY Tony Espejo, Omaha Police Officer and Founder of the Police Athletics for Community Engagement (PACE) has a volunteer opportunity available for Northwest Rotarians on Friday, October 19th at the Flag Football Champions Day held at the Christie Heights Community Center at 37th and P Streets. The final games run from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Volunteers should arrive about 5:00 p.m. to help set up tables and get food ready for the kids. Most of the time you would be handing out hot dog meals and drinks. Sign up at Rotary on Tuesday!
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NORTHWEST ROTARY - PHONE NUMBER UPDATEPlease update your records with a new phone number for Omaha Northwest Rotary. The phone number is now 531.600.8420.
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TRASH BAGS AVAILABLETom Horeis reported that he has several boxes of heavyweight, clear plastic trash bags available for sale at $55 per box. See Tom at a Rotary meeting if you would like to purchase a box of trash bags.
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ROTARY METRO LUNCHEON October 4, 2018 - BILL MOOS KEYNOTE SPEAKER Bill Moos, Athletic Director at the University of Nebraska, will be the keynote speaker at the Rotary Metro Luncheon on Thursday, October 4, 2018. The luncheon will be held at Anthony's Steakhouse, 7220 F Street, from 11:30 - 1:00. Reservations are required as space is limited. Cost is $25.00. Reservations can be made at Tuesday noon meetings. Northwest Rotary will not meet on Tuesday, October 2nd so members can attend this luncheon. |
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JIM MURPHY RECOGNIZED FOR SERVICE Matt Johnson, Past President, presented Jim Murphy a plaque in recognition and thanks for his service as Treasurer during the last Rotary year. Thank you Jim for your service to the Northwest Rotary Club!
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ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTEThe next Rotary Leadership Institute will be held in Omaha on October 6, 2108 at the Dundee Presbyterian Church. Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a facilitated program with active participation - no lecturing. Topics important to Rotary Clubs and Members such as Effective Service Projects, Membership Engagement, and understanding The Rotary Foundation are explored. You will discuss real challenges and exchange ideas. www.rli-heartland.org (click link for more information and to sign up) October 6, 2018 - Dundee Presbyterian Church - Omaha (You can also attend November 3, 2018 in the Des Moines Iowa Area) Register by October 1 (logon or register for an account at rli-heartland.org) $85 paid in advance through PayPal or by check Engage and empower members . . . Energize and strengthen your Rotary Club . . . Provide Leadership Development for Members . . . Learn about Rotary and have fun! That is the Rotary Leadership Institute experience! RLI is not a repeat or replacement of other training available through Rotary. It is not position specific such as PETS for Presidents-elect or Assembly for Committee Chairs. It is for everyone! The curriculum is designed using the learning spiral with sessions building on previous topics and experiences. Click here for the brochure. |
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ROTARY - NEW VISION STATEMENT In June, Rotary's Board of Directors and Trustees approved a new vision statement for the organization: "Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” |
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WELCOME A NEW MEMBERWelcome new member Andrew Muska. Andrew is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. He and is wife Christina have two children - Lena 7 yrs. and Julian 4 yrs. Andrew has lived in Omaha for 13 years. He looks forward to participating in projects to give back to the community.  |
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DISTRICT CONFERENCE - CLUB AWARDDistrict 5650 Clubs received awards for the projects and service completed during the 2017-2018 Rotary year at the District 5650 Conference in Lincoln on July 27th and 28th. Omaha Northwest Rotary was recognized for the Medium Club Community Service Project "Sound the Alarm - Save a Life" completed by club members. Congratulations Northwest Rotarians!
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FIRST RESPONDER ACTIVITIESFirst Responders Night at Werner Park on August 5, 2018 Join the First Responders Foundation on Sunday, August 5th for First Responders Night at Werner Park with the Storm Chasers! For every ticket purchased through the link below, First Responders will receive $2 of the ticket price from the Storm Chasers. Be sure to use the code RESPONDERS when you check out! ICE MACHINES FOR FIRST RESPONDERS Ice machines needed by Omaha firehouses are being purchased with funds provided by Northwest Rotarians. Thanks to the Northwest Rotary club members that helped raise the $4,125.00 needed to provide ice machines for first responders. The ice machines are very important for a few reasons:
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DISTRICT-WIDE ROTARY NIGHT AT OMAHA STORM CHASERSSee the invitation below from District 5650 Governor Julie O'Hara District 5650 Rotarians – 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) Ticket/Registration: https://groupmatics.events/s/other/ROTARY18 I am very excited about this event and as I have the opportunity to visit each club, you will hear that one of my focuses this year is to include our families in Rotary. What a way to kick-start the year! Julie O'Hara District 5650 Governor 2018/19 Shenandoah Rotary Club #1510 (712) 215-1506
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BRAN 38 BEST HOST TOWN Wes Galusha reported that Red Cloud was selected as the "Best Host Community" by the BRAN 38 participants. He noted that they were welcomed by communities, organizations and individuals across the entire state. Wes said "This welcoming attitude has become the standard for which we have promoted our ride to those who have not experienced the "real" Nebraska." Riders enjoy the interaction they experience with the local people and businesses in the towns visited along the ride. The ride start and end town this year was Ashland, and the overnight host communities were Ogallala, Imperial, McCook, Alma, Red Cloud, Fairbury, and Seward. Each overnight community will be offered a $3,000.00 scholarship for a 2019 graduate attending a Nebraska college or university. Red Cloud, as Best Host, will be offered a $6,000.00 scholarship for a graduating senior. The host towns may select one or two students to receive the scholarship awards. Congratulations Red Cloud! Thank you for your hospitality and service to the BRAN 38 - A Southern State of Mind participants.
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CHANGING OF THE GUARD Micah Evans presents outgoing 2017-2018 Northwest Rotary Club President, Matt Johnson, with a plaque and congratulates Matt on his past year as President. Micah will begin his term as Club President on July 1st with his first club meeting on July 10th. Matt will serve as Micah's Secretary so there will still be familiar faces "up front." Thanks to Matt for his year as President and best wishes to Micah as he begins his year as the 2018-2019 Club President for Northwest Rotary. 2018-2019 ROTARY THEME  |
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THANK YOU BRAN & NORTHWEST ROTARIANSI want to thank BRAN and Northwest Rotary Club members for the gift of an i-Pad. Wes Galusha presented the gift to me for working with the Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska over the past 26 years. This has been an interesting, fun, and learning experience where I have had the pleasure of working with many great Rotarians, Omaha Pedalers and other volunteers. This is a very dedicated group of volunteers that have made the Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska possible over the past 38 years, a club signature event organized by Northwest Rotary in cooperation with the Omaha Pedalers. Many students across the state have benefited from the donations and people that have participated on the ride, as ride proceeds have been dedicated to scholarships. I am glad I was able to be the "in office" person to register riders; order T-shirts, jerseys and various other items; create graphics for certain products as needed; renew insurance policies; order BRAN vehicles from vans to buses and semi tractor/trailers; respond to calls and emails; request nominations for scholarship awards and send out scholarship checks to school recipients - it was never boring! I look forward to continue working with Northwest Rotarians as we focus on new areas of service. Thank you very much! Vickie Backman |
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BOOKS FOR SADDLEBROOK ELEMENTARYNorthwest Rotary donates funds to Saddlebrook Elementary for the purchase of books for students at the school. The school media specialist purchases the books. When the books are checked in and ready bookplates are placed in each book acknowledging the donation from Northwest Rotary and recognizing our speakers from the previous Rotary year. Ken and Vickie Backman met with the media specialist in May and placed the bookplates in the books purchased. Multiple copies of the following books were purchased for the students this year. All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook Garvey's Choice Maxis Secrets Moo Slacker Soar Wild Robot Wish Save Me A Seat Towers Falling
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BRAN 38 - THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!Northwest Rotary hosted a ride reception in Ashland on Saturday, June 9th, as riders returned from the week long ride across the state. Gene Gau, Patrick Lavelle and Grant Whitehead organized, cooked and hosted the reception with extra help from Ashland Rotarians. Northwest Rotarians on the road during the week of the bicycle ride included Wes Galusha as Ride Director ; Dick Galusha, worked with host towns prior to the ride so towns would be ready for the riders; Bob Buckland, ran the BRAN Store. Prior to the ride Ken Backman worked behind the scene organizing and taking inventory of the ride equipment and supplies so needed items could be ordered and boxed for the sag support staff in preparation for the ride. Patrick Lavelle, Matt Johnson and Dan Drvol helped load bikes Saturday, June 2, 2018 for the BRAN riders taking the bus from Ashland to Ogallala for the start of the 38th Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska. Images from the ride:       |
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DISTRICT 5650 CONFERENCE JULY 27-28, 2018 The 2017-18 District Conference "Together Making a Difference" will be July 27-28, 2018 at the Cornhusker Marriott in Lincoln. CONFERENCE REGISTRATION: Click here to Register. (conference registration) FULL REGISTRATION: $100 per person through April 30th Early Bird Conference Registration Rate $125 per person through July 1st $150 per person July 2nd on DAILY RATE $75 per person now through July 1st $90 per person starting July 2nd 2017-18 District Conference Schedule Highlights to Date - see below
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BRAN 38 - JUNE 3-9, 2018BRAN 38 “A Southern State of Mind Tour” will begin in Ogallala, Nebraska on June 3, 2017. Riders will check in on Saturday June 2nd. The route will follow the southern-most roads in the state. The other overnight host towns include Imperial, McCook, Alma, Red Cloud, Fairbury, and Seward. The ride will end in Ashland, Nebraska on Saturday, June 9, 2017. Riders have the option of parking a vehicle during the week of the ride in Ashland and taking a bus from Ashland to Ogallala on Saturday, June 2, 2017 for an extra fee. For additional information click here for the BRAN website. Questions? Contact the BRAN, Inc. office at 402.397.9785 or brantour@cox.net or BRAN, Inc., 4205 North 101st Street, Omaha, NE, 68134. |
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SMOKE ALARM INSTALLATIONS KEN BACKMAN, MATT JOHNSON, and MICAH EVANS, all Northwest Rotarians, and DENISE HARMAN, an American Red Cross volunteer, worked as a team for several hours to install smoke alarms on Saturday, May 12th. Northwest Rotary is supporting the First Responders Foundation. The First Responders Foundation partnered with the American Red Cross on the "Sound the Alarm. Save a Life" campaign. Thanks to Ken, Matt and Micah for installing smoke alarms for this project!
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SERVICE PROJECT - INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMSNorthwest Rotarians will help with a First Responders Foundation project as team members installing smoke detectors. The First Responders Foundation is partnering with the American Red Cross to support their “Sound the Alarm. Save a Life” campaign to install smoke detectors in houses that need them. Volunteers will meet at the First Baptist Church of Bellevue, 112 E 23rd Avenue and work a few hours on Saturday, May 12th, starting at 10 am.
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PAUL HARRIS FELLOW RECOGNITION TOM CORRELL received his Paul Harris Fellow recognition pin and certificate from Matt Johnson, President, last Tuesday at the noon Rotary luncheon meeting. Congratulations and thanks go to Tom for his continued generous support of The Rotary Foundation!
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ROTARY SOCIAL INVITATION Join us for a Rotary Social with Millard Rotary, Omaha Morning Rotary and Northwest Rotary. May 16, 2018 Make-up credits will be awarded. Northwest Rotary members email Vickie at nwrotary@cox.net if you plan to attend. |
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100% ATTENDANCE - CONGRATULATIONS Three Northwest Rotary Club members were recognized at the June 19th, Tuesday noon meeting, for 100% attendance. Pictured are Dick Galusha - 30 years; Matt Johnson - 5 years, and Tom Horeis - 40 years. Congratulations for 75 years of service and 100% attendance!
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GUNS N HOSES   Rotarians from Northwest Rotary and Millard Rotary were part of the audience enjoying Saturday evening at Guns N Hoses - a fundraising event for the First Responders Foundation. Police officers vs. firefighters were in the boxing ring at Baxter Arena as the audience watched the competition between the Red and Blue during this fundraiser event. |
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WINE TASTING FELLOWSHIP Northwest Rotary will hold a wine tasting fellowship on May 15th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Vino Mas, 14450 Eagle Run Drive. Sign-up at the noon Rotary meetings prior to May 15th. We will not meet at Jerico's on May 15th, the fellowship will be the meeting for that day. Family friends, co-workers, prospective members - all are welcome to join us.
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Rotary Foundation - Thank You Donors Thank you to the members listed below that have given donations to The Rotary Foundation during this 2017-2018 Rotary year. Your donations have helped us reach just over 55% of the Annual Fund giving goal and 100% of our PolioPlus Fund goal. The club is looking for your continued support to help us reach our Annual Fund giving goal. Donations totaling $1,665.00 are needed to meet the goal. Your contributions to the Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation will be appreciated. Ken Backman Bob Buckland Dan Drvol Micah Evans Dick Galusha Gene Gau Ginger Hiscock Tom Horeis Patrick Lavelle Bob Nelson Chuck Sederstrom
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RI PAST PRESIDENT RAY KLINGINSMITH - SPEAKING DATE CANCELEDPast Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith is recovering from minor surgery and will not be speaking on March 15th at Suburban Rotary.
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Omaha, NE: College TownMeet the Leaders of our Higher Education Institutions March 2018 Programs Rotary Club of Omaha Northwest Tuesday, March 20 Daniel Hendrickson, SJ, President Creighton University Tuesday, March 27 Randy Schmailzi, President Metropolitan Community College |
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THANK YOU!.png) THANKS TO PHIL SCHREIER AND FARRIS ENGINEERING Members and guests thank Phil Schreier for hosting a club fellowship at Farris Engineering on Wednesday, February 21st. Everyone enjoyed a tour of the office and was introduced to projects utilizing the various areas of engineering provided to clients when completing award winning projects in the Omaha community and across the country. People attending enjoyed fellowship, snacks and an opportunity for questions and answers about the company, the office space and projects completed and/or in progress. THANK YOU MEMBERS FOR SUPPORTING A SECOND RYLA STUDENT The Youth Service Committee thanks everyone that generously donated at the noon meeting last week to fund a second student from the Omaha Christian Academy to attend the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) camp in April. The club budgeted $200.00 for one student to be sponsored by the club but the committee reported they had two outstanding students submit applications and hoped to be able to send both students. Thanks again to all who helped make it possible to send both students to RYLA Camp!  The 7th annual District 5650 Rotary Youth Leadership Award Camp (RYLA) will be held April 6-8, 2018 at Camp Kitaki near Louisville. The camp teaches high school sophomores and juniors the importance of leadership and involvement in their community and world. |
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NORTHWEST ROTARY CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF SERVICEHAPPY 40th ANNIVERSARY OMAHA NORTHWEST ROTARY! Omaha Northwest Rotary celebrates 40 years of service! Northwest Rotary was chartered on February 21, 1978. Bob Nelson served as the first club president from the date chartered in February through the end of the Rotary year, June 30, 1978. The club was meeting at Nasr's located at 6553 Ames Avenue. The club's first officers were Bob Nelson, President; Patrick Clarke, Secretary; Horace Hess, Treasurer; Richard Johns, Sgt. at Arms and Directors were Tony Hallac, Jim Fuller and Stephen Sayler. The club celebrated "Charter Night" at the New Tower Motel, Palace Room for 'A Gala Occasion' at $20 per couple on March 31st. Tom Horeis was the first new member to join the club in April 1978.  Charter Members February 19, 2008 - 30th Anniversary Chuck Sederstrom, Tony Hallac, Bob Nelson, Jim Fuller , (Steve Sayler not pictured)  Charter Members February 21, 2006 - 28th Anniversary Tony Hallac, Chuck Sederstrom, John Wupper, Jim Fuller, Steve Sayler, (Bob Nelson not pictured) |
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OMAHA MORNING ROTARY TEMPORARY MEETING LOCATION CHANGEOmaha Morning Rotary is currently meeting at the Garden Cafe, 11040 Oak Street, in Rockbrook through March while Happy Hollow is closed for remodeling. The meeting cost will be $11 per person and there will not be a "no breakfast" option while located at the Garden Cafe.
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FELLOWSHIP AT FARRIS ENGINEERINGNorthwest Rotarians and guests are invited to attend a fellowship event hosted by Phil Schreier at Farris Engineering, 12700 West Dodge Road, on February 21, 2018 from 4:00-6:30 p.m. Please sign up for this event at a noon Rotary meeting or email Vickie at the Rotary office, nwrotary@cox.net.
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VOCATIONAL LUNCH & TOUR AT MCC CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION CENTERNorthwest Rotarians and guests enjoyed lunch and a vocational tour at the Metropolitan Community College Construction Education Center on Tuesday, January 23rd. A great facility offering students a hands-on learning opportunity in Architectural Design Technology; Civil Engineering Technology; Construction and Building Science; Electrical Technology; Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; Electrical and Plumbing Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeship Plumbing programs. High school students have an opportunity to take classes offered as well as graduates or adults looking for a new career. There is a need for the construction trades taught at Metro Community College and students are able to start working in good paying jobs with the training received.   |
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Northwest Rotary Board Meeting and Noon Meeting Being Held Tuesday, January 16thPlease be advised that the Northwest Rotary 11:15 a.m. Board Meeting and the Noon Meeting will be held today, January 16th. Northwest Rotary has a club policy in place to cancel meetings when Omaha Public Schools close, however, since the OPS school cancellation Tuesday is due to extremely cold winter weather and not severe winter weather driving conditions a decision has been made to hold the meetings as scheduled.
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BRAN 38 - "A Southern State of Mind Tour" June 3 – 9, 2018REGISTRATION AND HOST TOWN LINKS BRAN 38 Registration & Waiver Form for Paper Registration – Click here to open the BRAN 38 Registration and Waiver Form to print this file and register with a paper form Starting Town: Ogallala, Nebraska Ending Location: Ashland, Nebraska Overnight towns: Imperial, McCook, Alma, Red Cloud, Fairbury, Seward For additional information click here for the BRAN website. Questions? Contact the BRAN, Inc. office at 402.397.9785 or brantour@cox.net or BRAN, Inc., 4205 North 101st Street, Omaha, NE, 68134. |
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NEWS UPDATESCONGRATULATIONS! Matt Johnson received his Paul Harris Fellow recognition pin and certificate from Dan Drvol at the January 16th Rotary luncheon meeting. Congratulations Matt and thank you for your support of The Rotary Foundation!  THANK YOU Thank you to Northwest Rotary Club members for your donations in the amount of $366 for the Stephen Center as a result of fundraising for the 911 Center Food Trays in November and December Stephen Center fundraising with meal dollars for attendance.
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DONATE TO STEPHEN CENTER FOR HOLIDAY ATTENDANCE CREDITDonate to the Stephen Center to receive holiday attendance credits. Members can receive up to two attendance credits for donating the price of a meal ($15) for each of the two attendance credits. Donations (cash or check payable to the Stephen Center) will be given to the Stephen Center. |
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UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER CONTEST WINNERMatt Johnson was unanimously selected as the winner of the "Ugly Christmas Sweater" contest. Gene Gau, the past winner, presented Matt with the a wooden watch as his prize. Congratulations Matt!  |
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BRAN 38 - A SOUTHERN STATE OF MIND TOURBRAN 38 - "A Southern State of Mind Tour" will be held June 3 – 9, 2018 BRAN 38 “A Southern State of Mind Tour” will begin in Ogallala, Nebraska on June 3, 2017. Riders will check in on Saturday June 2nd. The route will follow the southern-most roads in the state. The other overnight host towns include Imperial, McCook, Alma, Red Cloud, Fairbury, and Seward. The ride will end in Ashland, Nebraska on Saturday, June 9, 2017. Riders have the option of parking a vehicle during the week of the ride in Ashland and taking a bus from Ashland to Ogallala on Saturday, June 2, 2017 for an extra fee. We will again offer a 3, 4 or 7 day ride registration. The three day ride will be from Ogallala to Alma. Riders opting for the four day ride will start in Alma and ride to Ashland. Additional transportation back to Ashland or to Alma on Tuesday, June 5th will not be provided. The route is half flat and half rolling hills, but it is all beautiful and scenic. Along the way, you will be able to visit celebrated attractions such as Front Street, the Champion Mill, the home of George Norris, a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the family home of Willa Cather and the locations she wrote of in “My Antonia”, Rock Creek Station (where Wild Bill Hickok allegedly shot his first person), and the Strategic Air Museum. REGISTRATION AND HOST TOWN LINKS BRAN 38 Registration & Waiver Form for Paper Registration – Click here to open the BRAN 38 Registration and Waiver Form to print this file and register with a paper form Starting Town: Ogallala, Nebraska Ending Location: Ashland, Nebraska Overnight towns: Imperial, McCook, Alma, Red Cloud, Fairbury, Seward For additional information click here for the BRAN website. Questions? Contact the BRAN, Inc. office at 402.397.9785 or brantour@cox.net or BRAN, Inc., 4205 North 101st Street, Omaha, NE, 68134. |
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FOOD TRAYS FOR 911 CENTER STAFFThank you to Northwest Rotarians, family and friends - Ken Backman, Matt Johnson and his wife, Carolyn, and their son and daughter, Ginger Hiscock, Grant Whitehead, Wes Galusha, Mark Hirschfeld (past club member) and his daughter, and Vickie Backman met at the Hy-Vee at 156th & Maple Street to pick-up food trays to be delivered to the Douglas County 911 Call Center on Thanksgiving Day. This was the 19th year the Vocational Service Committee has organized this event and the 13th year Hy-Vee has partnered with the club. Omaha Northwest Rotarians thank the Douglas County 911 Call Center staff for their service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The staff working on Thanksgiving Day appreciated the food trays and the thanks expressed for their service on this holiday while others are at home with their family and friends. Club members delivering the food on Thanksgiving also enjoyed a tour of the 911 Call Center. |
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THANK YOU 911 CALL CENTER STAFFOmaha Northwest Rotarians thank the Douglas County 911 Call Center staff for their service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Club members will deliver food trays to the staff of the 911 Call Center on Thanksgiving Day, November 23rd. This will be the 19th year the Vocational Service Committee has organized this event and the 13th year Hy-Vee has partnered with the club. The staff working on Thanksgiving Day appreciate the food trays and the thanks expressed for their service on this holiday while others are at home with their family and friends. Club members delivering the food on Thanksgiving also have an opportunity for a tour of the 911 Call Center. Members can sign up at the noon Rotary meetings or contact the Rotary office. If you plan to participate, members will meet at 9:30 a.m. at Hy-Vee located in the southwest corner of 156th and West Maple Road inside the store near Starbuck's Coffee to pickup the food trays. Members will arrive at the 911 Call Center parking lot located at the southeast corner of 156th and West Maple Road about 9:45 - 10:00 a.m. Club members, family and friends are welcome to participate. Volunteers: Ken Backman, Jerry Bojanski, Bob Bernier, Ginger Hiscock |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO ABLE WORKPLACE AWARD RECIPIENTSThe Able Workplace Award recognizes employers that have done a particularly effective job of recruiting, enabling and retaining individuals with disabilities. October is officially recognized as the National Disability Awareness Month. Omaha Northwest Rotary has recognized a large company and a small company with this award since October 2006. Award recipients were determined by surveying social service agencies that place individuals with disabilities into the workplace. This years Able Workplace, Large Company award was presented to Central States Healthy & Life Company of Omaha and was nominated by ACN Connections, the employment agency within The Autism Center of Nebraska. The Small Company Able Workplace award was presented to Big Mama's Kitchen and Catering and nominated by The Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.  Gladys Harrison, daughter of Big Mama's Kitchen & Catering owner Patricia Barron, accepts the Able Workplace Award from Matt Johnson, Northwest Rotary President.  Kathy Brown Hollins, NE Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired; Mortel Crawford & Gladys Harrison of Big Mama's; Nancy Flearl NE Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired & Northwest Rotary President Matt Johnson  Northwest Rotary President Matt Johnson, presents the Able Workplace Award to Ann Hetherington & Stacey Wagner of Central States Health & Life Company of Omaha  Rene Ferdinand, Autism Center of NE, Stacey Wagner & Ann Hetherington of Central States Health & Life Company of Omaha, Claudia Schlute ACN Connections & Northwest Rotary President Matt Johnson
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NORTHWEST ROTARIAN RINGING BELLS.png) Northwest Rotarians rang bells at the 108th & Fort Street Hy-Vee for the Salvation Army on November 18, 2017 from 10 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Thank you volunteers for your service!BELL RINGING SCHEDULE - Saturday, November 18, 2018 at Hy-Vee, 108th & Fort Streets
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MOVIE NIGHT - Thank you Gene and Kathy Gau!!.png) Thanks to Gene and Kathy Gau for hosting the dinner and movie night at his home last Saturday evening. Northwest Rotary Club and Corvette Club members all enjoyed a great chicken dinner and beverages provided by our hosts along with a variety of sides and desserts brought by those attending. This dinner and movie fellowship was also planned to raise funds for PolioPlus. Please give for PolioPlus even if you were not able to attend. Checks should be payable to The Rotary Foundation noting the donation is for PolioPlus. Thank you for your support. |
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ROTARY HELPS HURRICANE HARVEY VICTIMSThe Rotary Foundation and clubs along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana, USA, are collecting emergency relief funds to help flood victims of Hurricane Harvey, which made landfall in southeast Texas on 25 August. Severe rainfall has caused historic flooding along the Texas coast, including in Houston, the fourth largest city by population in the United States. Deluged towns in the region are in desperate need of aid as thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes. About 6.8 million people have been affected by the hurricane. With an estimated damage of $190 billion, Hurricane Harvey could be the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history.“The power of Rotary is in the Foundation's ability to pull help from around the world while local clubs provide immediate relief in their own communities,” says Don Mebus of the Rotary Club of Arlington, Texas. Rotary districts located along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana are collecting emergency relief funds and providing immediate aid to flood victims. How to contribute to the Gulf Coast Disaster Relief Donor Advised FundBy check Payable to: The Rotary Foundation DAF By credit card Online at: https://www.your-fundaccount.com/rotary/HowToContribute.asp Account name: Gulf Coast Disaster Relief Fund Note: This is a news story from the RI website. Click this link to see the entire story - https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-districts-collect-emergency-funds-hurricane-harvey-victims |
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DISTRICT CONFERENCE - THE POWER OF ONEThe theme for our District Conference this year is "The Power of One." The Power of.....
Come to conference to experience The Power of One! District 5650 Conference 2017 from Gary Bren on Vimeo. District Conference 2017 will be held Friday night, August 11th at the Omaha Community Playhouse and Saturday, August 12th at the Creighton University Harper Center. Friday August 11 Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St, Omaha, NE 68132 3:00 PM Membership Seminar (Rotarians only) All the following Friday events are open to Rotarians and the Public 6:30 PM Reception in the Owen lobby 8:00 PM Program: The Power of One, featuring keynote Speaker Michael Clemons
Saturday August 12 Harper Center at Creighton University Campus, 602 N 20th St, Omaha, NE 68102 Win a Napa Trip Donate to the Foundation on Saturday at the Conference. You will receive a raffle ticket for each $100 dollars donated, up to $1,000. The drawing will be at dinner Saturday night and you must be present to win. Rotarians Only until 2:30 PM 8:30 AM Breakfast and Starting the Day 9:30 AM “Foundation for Change” Speakers and videos telling personal stories about the power of what we do to change the world…and ourselves 12:30 PM Lunch 1:45 PM Keynote Speaker Ann Lee Hussey, Polio Survivor and Polio Eradication Champion.
Open to the Public 2:30 PM CPR Challenge…attempt to set a record and get at least 1,000 people CPR trained
Open to Rotarians only 4:30 PM Reception and social time 6:00 PM An evening of Celebration
Event Registrations: Rotarians (including Rotaract Members) - click here to register yourself and guests - Rotarian Registration; cost depends on the events chosen and when the registration is finalized Public - public is welcome to Friday night and the CPR Challenge on Saturday - Non-Rotarians click here to register - Public Registration; cost is $25 |
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CONGRATULATIONS - 100 % ATTENDANCE RECOGNITIONCongratulations to the following club member who was recognized for 100% attendance. Dick Galusha - 29 years Thank you for your past service as a District Governor and your many years of club support and service.
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FUNDRAISING RAFFLE WINNER - GENE GAUGene Gau was the winner of the raffle drawing. He won a $600 gift card for a Southwest Airlines flight plus $700 cash. Bob Buckland was the winner of the second prize, a $100 gift card for Sullivan's Steakhouse. Congratulations to Gene and Bob!
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Changing of the GuardEric Renner thanked outgoing Secretary, Dave Pantos; Treasurer, Grant Whitehead; Sgt. at Arms, Tom Horeis; Director, Dan Drvol and Director, Bob Buckland for their service on the Board at the June 30th Rotary meeting. He also presented the following members with 100% attendance recognition number tabs. Matt Johnson - 4 years Dan Drvol - 11 years Wes Galusha - 13 years Vickie Backman - 21 years Patrick Lavelle - 26 years Phil Schreier - 30 years Ken Backman - 31 years Skip Gist - 31 years Tom Horeis - 39 years Eric Renner, President, passed the gavel to Matt Johnson, 2017-2018 President during the Changing of the Guard. Micah Evans will be serving as the new Club Secretary. Below, Matt Johnson presents Eric Renner with a plaque thanking him for his year of service as President.  Thank you to the outgoing officers and directors and congratulations to the new officers. Congratulations also to the members for their many years of perfect attendance and service with the club! |
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"HAVE IT YOUR WAY" - Omaha Northwest Rotary Fundraiser"HAVE IT YOUR WAY" - DRAWING FOR THE WINNER TUESDAY, June 27th Take a trip if you win the drawing. You could win a $600 gift card for Southwest Airlines plus $700 cash. There is a second prize of $100 gift card for Sullivan's Steakhouse. Cost is $50 per ticket or 5 tickets for $125. Only 200 tickets will be sold. The drawing date has been extended to June 27, 2017. You can still purchase tickets the day of the drawing. Good luck!
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CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU!Congratulations to Dan Drvol for winning the weekly game drawing and thank you for your donation to the Rotary Foundation and supporting the club's fundraiser with another purchase of 5 tickets for the raffle! We appreciate your contributions.
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THANK YOU BRAN VOLUNTEERSBRAN 37 - Thank you volunteers! Northwest Rotary volunteers on the week long ride included Wes Galusha, Bob Buckland and Dick Galusha. Patrick Lavelle, Dan Drvol, Gene Gau, Grant Whitehead, Kathy Gau, Matt Johnson and Jim Murphy helped with the ride reception on June 10th. Patrick Lavelle, Grant Whitehead, Dan Drvol and Matt Johnson helped load the bikes/bus on June 3rd. A special thanks to all the Omaha Pedalers and other volunteers during the week of the ride for their service as well as all the hospitality and help in the host towns. Thank you! |
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BRAN Survey RequestAn email has been sent to all club members with a link for a BRAN Survey. Please read this email and take a few minutes to complete the BRAN Survey. This survey will be an important tool for future planning for BRAN and club Visioning.
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CLUBRUNNER MOBILE APPPassword protected just like your website, the ClubRunner Mobile app allows you to to view your member directory, contact your members and executives, read the latest articles posted to your website and even learn more about your upcoming events and speakers, right from your smartphone or tablet. Member DirectoryImmediately view the most up to date member directory, upon login. You can browse your member profiles which give you the necessary contact information you need to connect with just one click. Make a call to any of their phone numbers, email them directly from your device, or even add them to your contacts list. Executives and DirectorsView and contact your club executives for the current, past and future years. View posts on your websiteView the latest feed of home page stories that are on your website, directly on your phone, so you never miss any information! Learn more about upcoming events and speakersAccess all of your upcoming events and calendar items and view event details, including associated links, download files and venue map. View who the latest speakers are and learn more about their presentation topic. Download the app on your phone or tabletTo download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play, simply type in 'ClubRunner' in the search bar. Our mobile app is compatible with all versions of the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch sets that have iOS 9.3 or later and with versions of Anrdoids that are 4.1 or later. |
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Helping people with disabilities make their own music Music has been an important part of leading an ordinary life for students at the Music School for Children With Disabilities in Honor of Paul Harris in Lublin, Poland. Founded by Rotary members, the school serves 20 students with various disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and visual impairments. The Rotary Club of Lublin-Centrum-Maria Curie-Sklodowska has provided funding with help from Rotary Foundation Matching Grants and the Henryk Wieniawski Musical Society, which houses the school. After their son Mateusz was born with underdeveloped eyes, Mariusz and Joanna Kania looked for ways to help him be active. When he showed an aptitude for music, they looked for a teacher and were thrilled to find the Paul Harris music school. |
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Finding Safe Haven For years, Angalia Bianca had slept in abandoned buildings throughout Chicago. She stole. She did drugs. She spent time in and out of jail for forgery, theft, trespassing, and possession of narcotics. But after she landed in prison for the seventh time, something changed -- Bianca knew she wanted a better life. She just didn’t know how to make it happen.After serving her time, Bianca sought help from a local homeless organization, A Safe Haven, and moved to its shelter in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Bianca followed the program closely -- she attended all the required meetings, passed drug tests, and volunteered at every opportunity.
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Saving lives in Ghana What is it like taking a large team to Africa? It has probably been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. In mid February, I began leading Rotary members from all over the East Coast of the United States through Ghana. I’ve tried to give the team a warm Ghanaian welcome like I’ve received on my earlier trips. A large trip is a real blessing because each person sees Ghana and our work in a different way.A highlight for the team was greeting the chief of Sagadugu. The team got excited about buying goats and food for children in the villages where I support eight churches. It was good to see the pastors of most of the eight churches, and I had to explain that we were just passing through on our way to Bolgatanga. |
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India celebrates three years without polio Throughout India and around the world, Rotary clubs are celebrating a major milestone: India has gone three years without a new case of polio. The last reported case was a two-year-old girl in West Bengal on 13 January 2011. To mark this historic triumph, Rotary clubs illuminated landmarks and iconic structures throughout the country with four simple but powerful words, "India is polio free."The three-year achievement sets the stage for polio-free certification of the entire Southeast Asia region by the World Health Organization. The Indian government also plans to convene a polio summit in February to commemorate this victory in the global effort to eradicate polio. |
