Hello, fellow Rotarians! The district meeting was amazing even though I was only able to attend on Friday. The speakers were all part of helping to eliminate sex trafficking: the director of Magdalene Omaha, the director of a similar non-profit out of Lincoln, a former Associate US District Attorney, a Nebraska state trooper who is a criminal investigator, and a sex trafficked survivor. After lunch, we packaged up at least 400 bags to take to Magdalene Omaha. Your donations helped fill those bags. Magdalene folks call those bags three-day hygiene bags. Often, the victims are left with only the clothes on their backs. These bags include night shirts, socks, toiletries, paper products and writing materials (all the items we collected). So amazing! I was encourage everyone to seriously consider attending the next meeting. Go here for pictures of the meeting https://rotarydistrict5650.org/photoalbums/2018-district-conference/. (CUT AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER)
We have another opportunity for donations. COPE is getting ready for their annual back to school backpack program. As a group or as individuals, we can make cash donations to the cause. As individuals, we can also donate backpacks and/or supplies. In addition, we can help to pack the backpacks on Thursday, August 2nd at 6pm at the COPE office. Since the packing will be on August 2nd, all items need to be collected by the July 26th meeting. Items needed are:
Tod Ringenberg will show his Alaska pictures this week. Julie has a potential speaker for August 9, Mike Ough has a speaker from Hospice on August 16, I have Tripp Sutter the Big 10 football referee will be the speaker on the August 23, and Judy has Jared Bakewell to talk about human trafficking on August 30th so we are set for August.
Jim Tomanek has scheduled Rob King from St. Marks church in Valley to speak at Rotary on September 13th. Rob will show pictures and tell us about his mission trip to Tanzania.
LETTER FROM OUR NEW DISTRICT 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)
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!
We were led in prayer and pledge by Roger Bettmann
19 members attended and we had no guests
Treasurer’s report: $6,238.67
Announcements/discussion:
Judy reminded the group that the District Annual meeting will be held the weekend of July 27-28 in Lincoln.
Judy thanked all who donated to the Magdalene House in a the district-wide effort.She will deliver the items at the district meeting this weekend.
Jim T. will gladly accept contributions of good quality pocket folders, pens, small tissue boxes and computer flash drives, etc., for the annual COPE Back Pack Project.Cash donations for these items are also welcome!Back Pack Packing Party will be occurring on August 2nd at 6:00PM at COPE. If you are interested in assisting with this, please let Jim know.
Final numbers from the golf tourney have yet to be determined.
Neil took in a fairly large haul of fines.
Presentation
Neil presented a very interesting slide show of his recent adventure with his son Will at the Grand Canyon. It included three days of rafting and a day-long hike out. Thanks for sharing these great pictures! It was just like being there, minus the blisters!
Next meeting speaker (8/2): TBA. Club member experiences, such as Jasmine’s, Mike O’s and Neil’s, make for excellent presentations! Please consider sharing your adventures at an upcoming meeting! If you have ideas for speakers PLEASE contact Neil Kirby at neilkirby@aol.com
Ball Drawing
Yours truly had the winning ticket AND drew the orange ball. According to Treasurer Rita, the winnings were not enough to change my life plans, so I chose to reinvest my windfall into the club and will purchase a lottery ticket to continue riding this hot streak.
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