Stories
November 16, 2023 Weekly Meeting
Presiding Officer: Katie Henry
Secretary: Amanda Fink
Sgt At Arms: John Binderup
Greeters: Rich Rowland
Tech/AV/Zoom Host: Dan Lupardus
Check-in/Cashier: Monique Devillier
Vocational Speaker: Jennifer Green
Invocator: Need Volunteer
Chair of the Day: Don Leu
Speaker: Eugene Kowel

November 16, 2023 Meeting Venue: Legends Patio Grill, 6920 Pacific St., Suite 100
$20 Lunch price | Menu: Thanksgiving meal - turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, dinner rolls.
 
If you are joining the meeting via Zoom, use the login information listed below. To pay for Zoom, click here.
 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82837266647
Meeting ID: 828 3726 6647
November 16, 2023 Speaker FBI Special Agent Eugene Kowel
Eugene Kowel, Author at Nebraska ExaminerEUGENE KOWEL
FBI Agent

Mr. Kowel joined the FBI as a special agent in 2005 and was assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force in the New York Field Office, where he led criminal and counterterrorism investigations. Mr. Kowel completed deployments to Iraq in 2008 and Afghanistan in 2009 in support of the FBI’s counterterrorism mission.

He was promoted to supervisory special agent in 2010 and worked in the International Terrorism Operations Section, Counterterrorism Division, at FBI Headquarters in Washington.

In 2013, Mr. Kowel was named the supervisory senior resident agent leading the Savannah and Brunswick resident agencies in Georgia. He oversaw FBI criminal and counterterrorism investigations and led several task forces. Mr. Kowel was promoted in 2016 as an assistant special agent in charge in the Los Angeles Field Office. He led 10 squads investigating violent gangs, transnational organized crime, violent crime, and crimes against children.

In 2019 he moved back to FBI Headquarters as the chief of staff and section chief in the Intelligence Branch. In October of September of 2020 Director Wray named Mr. Kowel as the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Omaha Field Office. Mr. Kowel graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Political and Social Thought and earned his law degree from New York University School of Law. Mr. Kowel served as an assistant district attorney in New York City before joining the FBI.

Immediate Past President Kevin Welsh Received the RI Citation for Suburban Rotary
Suburban Rotary's Immediate Past President, Kevin Welsh, received the Rotary International Citation recognition for 2022-2023 on behalf of the club. District Governor-Elect, Tom Kerfoot, presented the award. The Rotary International Citation is given to clubs that fulfill the annual goals submitted to Rotary International at the beginning of the Rotary year. Our club exceeded the expectations set by RI, particularly in the areas of developing and implementing sustainable service projects, contributing to The Rotary Foundation, engaging members, and raising awareness of Rotary within the community. We congratulate all of our dedicated Suburban Rotarians for their hard work and commitment to making a positive impact!
 
Kick for Kids was a Big Hit
Suburban Rotary's Kicks for Kids event at Lindley Clothing hit it out of the park! This heartwarming gathering had a dual purpose: to raise funds and collect warm clothing for the kids in our community gearing up for winter. A huge shout-out to Marlene Sullivan for being the fantastic host and to Dan Hosford for coordinating the event. Thank you to all the Rotarians who supported the event. Check out some snapshots below to capture the spirit of this successful initiative.
 
Suburban Rotary Invites Prospective Members to Exclusive Event Featuring FBI Agent Eugene Kowel
Suburban Rotary is gearing up for a unique and engaging event, the "Prospective Member Guest Day," scheduled to take place during the Club meeting on Thursday, November 16, 2023. The Membership Development Committee has strategically organized this occasion to not only enhance the club's appeal but also to offer an enlightening experience for both current and potential members.
 
Special Guest: Eugene Kowel, FBI Agent in Charge for Nebraska and Iowa

The highlight of the day will be a speech by Eugene Kowel, the distinguished FBI Agent in Charge for Nebraska and Iowa. With a wealth of experience and insights into law enforcement, Mr. Kowel's presentation promises to be both informative and captivating, adding an extra layer of significance to our Rotary meeting.
 
A Call for Growth and Community Engagement
The Membership Development Committee encourages all Suburban Rotary members to actively participate in the event by inviting individuals they believe would be excellent additions to our club. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase the vibrancy and inclusiveness of Suburban Rotary to potential members.
 
How to Participate:
Identify Prospective Members: Members are urged to identify and extend invitations to individuals who would be particularly interested in the special program featuring Eugene Kowel.
 
For any questions or additional information, please feel free to contact Membership Chair Barb Rebrovich at barb.rebrovich@cox.net.
Thank you Veterans!
In a touching moment last week, President Katie Henry took a moment to honor and commend our Rotarian veterans for their dedicated service to our country. The Military Affairs Committee, led by Chair Dan Lupardus, skillfully curated a patriotic ambiance, with each table adorned by beautiful US flags. A soul-stirring medley of military songs resonated through the room, paying a heartfelt tribute to our esteemed veterans. A sincere thank you to all our veterans for their service and sacrifice. Your commitment is truly appreciated.
Rotary Foundation Month -- November

The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world. The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.

What impact can one donation have?

  • For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio.
  • $50 can provide clean water to help fight waterborne illness.
  • $500 can launch an antibullying campaign and create a safe environment for children.

Our Club goal for the year is $30,000, help us get there.

Please see Renowned Rotarian Frank Goldberg, former Rotary International Director, and Committee collecting donations at our weekly meetings. And/or visit the following to donate now at this link: https://my.rotary.org/en/donate

Vocational Speaker
Guess what, Rotarians? We're jazzing up our weekly routine with a dash of hilarity – introducing our newest star segment: Vocational Speakers! Last week, we handed the mic to the man of the hour, Dan Hosford. This seasoned Rotarian has been weaving his magic in our club for a whopping 9 years, proudly sporting the title of Paul Harris Fellow +4.
 
Now, here's the twist that's better than a plot twist in your favorite sitcom: Dan spilled the beans on how he sold his company to a Fortune 500! And guess who rode in on the legal chariot to help him out? None other than our legal maestro, Fritz Stehlik. Sure, Fritz didn't go pro bono, but who can blame him? When Dan's rolling in Fortune 500 cash, a little legal fee is just a drop in the money bucket.
 
To sign up for your 4 minutes of fame at Suburban Rotary, please click here. For any questions or concerns, please reach out to Yolanda or click/tap here.
 

Dan Hosford giving his vocational talk
Traveling Rotarian
Jennifer Jirak-Brungardt, a passionate Rotarian, recently embarked on a memorable journey in Europe and visited the Rotary Club of Praha City. During her visit, the club graciously conducted their meeting in English, highlighting the universal language of Rotary that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. The exchange provided Jirak-Brungardt and her fellow Rotarians with insights into the impactful local and international initiatives spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Praha City, exemplifying Rotary's commitment to "Service Above Self." This encounter serves as a vivid illustration of Rotary's global network, where diverse communities come together, fostering understanding, goodwill, and collaborative efforts to create positive change.
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Suburban Rotary Received the Prestigious Rotary International Citation
The Suburban Rotary is one of the few clubs that received the prestigious Rotary International Citation for Rotary Year 2022-2023 under the leadership of President Kevin Welsh. The award was presented at the recently concluded Rotary District 5650 Conference. As a club we exceeded RI's expectations in areas of Developing and implementing sustainable service projects, Giving to The Rotary Foundation, and Building awareness of Rotary in the community. Congratulations, Rotarians! You made it happen.
 
Rotary Foundation receives highest rating from Charity Navigator for 15th consecutive year

For the 15th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating – four stars – from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S.

The Foundation earned recognition for adhering to sector best practices and executing its mission in a financially efficient way, demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Read more...
The 2024 Rotary Convention city dazzles with its constant reinvention
By Wen Huang
 
Rediscover Singapore
 
In June 1999, a year after I joined the staff of Rotary International, I attended my first convention. It was then that I first witnessed the global power of Rotary and made my first batch of Rotary friends. And it was then that I was introduced to Singapore for a second time.
 
Read more...
Mário César Martins de Camargo of Brazil selected to be 2025-26 Rotary International President
Mário César Martins de Camargo, a member of the Rotary Club of Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President to become Rotary International’s president for 2025-26. He will officially become the nominee on 15 September if no other candidates challenge him.
 
De Camargo plans to boost Rotary’s public image by working from the top down.
 
“Rotary today has strong competition for members and funds,” he says. “We need to rejuvenate the brand, especially in some zones. We should utilize post-pandemic meeting tools … to allow the president to address Rotarians all over the globe. We also need to develop more long-term partnerships with political, community, and business leaders. Let’s emphasize our greatest asset: 1.4 million volunteers.”
Read more...
Meet Rotary International President Gordon McInally
R. Gordon R. McInally is president of Rotary International. He was educated at the Royal High School in Edinburgh and at the University of Dundee, where he earned his graduate degree in dental surgery. He operated his own dental practice in Edinburgh until 2016. Gordon was chair of the East of Scotland branch of the British Paedodontic Society and has held various academic positions. He has also served as a presbytery elder, chair of the Queensferry parish congregational board, and commissioner to the general assembly of the Church of Scotland. Read President McInally's biography.
 
Watch the video below of President McInally's address to the Rotary International Assembly:
 
Connect with Other Clubs
Consider visiting another Rotary club for a make-up!  Rotary.org has a club finder for locations around the world.  Please see the District website at rotarydistrict5650.org  for details on local clubs. Visit one of the following Metro-Area Clubs!
 
Monday: Omaha Millard Rotary, 12:00 pm, German American Society, 3717 South 120th St.
Tuesday: Omaha Morning 7:00 am, First Responders Foundation, 10605 Burt Circle, Omaha, NE 68114
Tuesday: Omaha Northwest, 12:00 pm, First Responders Foundation, 10605 Burt Circle, Omaha, NE 68114
Wednesday: Omaha Downtown, 12:00 pm, Field Club of Omaha, 3615 Woolworth Ave.
Wednesday: Council Bluffs Centennial: 7:00 am, Hy-Vee Community Room 1745 Madison Avenue
Thursday: West Douglas County, 12:00 PM Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation 20272 Veterans Drive
Thursday: Council Bluffs, 12:00 pm, Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, 1001 South 6th Street
Friday: Omaha West, 12:00 pm, Biaggi's, 13655 California St.
 
Email Yolanda for make-up/attendance credit at yolanda@suburbanrotary.org.
Speakers
Nov 23, 2023
HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!
Nov 30, 2023
Reservoir & Water Projects in Omaha Metro (including drought and flooding concerns)
Dec 07, 2023
Life in Israel & Israel Defense Force
Dec 14, 2023
Suburban Rotary Charitable Foundation
Dec 21, 2023
Holiday Luncheon
Dec 28, 2023
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays
Jan 04, 2024
Happy New Year
Jan 11, 2024
Club Assembly
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Vocational Speakers
Nov 02, 2023 – Jun 20, 2024
 
Thanksgiving Feast at Andersen Middle School
Andersen Middle School
Nov 20, 2023
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
 
Crestridge Santa Shop
Dec 05, 2023
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
 
Yearlings Meeting - Rotary International Session
Legends Patio Grill & Bar
Dec 11, 2023
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
 
Interact - Millard North High School
Dec 13, 2023
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
 
Yearlings Meeting - Suburban Rotary Session
Legends Patio Grill & Bar
Jan 08, 2024
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
 
After Hours - Cindy Kinsler - Results Mortgage
Jan 11, 2024
 
Interact - Millard North High School
Jan 17, 2024
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
 
View entire list
Bulletin Editor
Yolanda Hoffman
Sponsors

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