Randy Bretz believes in the power of connecting people. He’s been a member of Rotary 14 in Lincoln for nearly 20 years, served as President of the club a few years back and has been active in District 5650 in recent years. Randy’s career has involved broadcasting, telecommunications, higher education, church leadership and public corporation leadership.
After all, that’s what Paul Harris had in mind 120 years ago when he invited people with diverse backgrounds to gather so they could exchange ideas and form meaningful life-long friendships. As Rotary grew during the last century it helped bring a divided country together to achieve greatness. But, in recent years our country has become divided. His topic for Jan. 9 is how we can come together again. The following video gives background.
As we look forward to another exciting year of service, fellowship, and community impact, we are thrilled to announce the recommended slate of officers and board members who will lead our Rotary Club and Foundation in the coming year. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership, and we are confident in their ability to guide us toward achieving our goals and continuing our mission.
Officers for the Rotary Club:
President: Dan Hosford
Secretary: Chris Barone (chosen by President elect Jennifer Green)
We need new sponsors for monthly weekly meetings starting in April. Cost is $125 and you and your business/ organization are recognized at weekly meetings for your invaluable contribution. If interested in being a monthly sponsor contact Deborah Daley, Executive Secretary at Debd@suburbanrotary.org
Thomas Dissette Peschio, husband of Judy Peschio, a long-term Suburban club member and first female president from 1997-1998 passed away on December 19. A sympathy card for signature will be available at the Jan. 9 meeting. For those who want to write to Judy do so at Judy Peschio, c/o Thomas Lowther Funeral Home, 1655 27th Street, Vero Beach , FL 32960.
Second Interact President, Luke McDermott, has been awarded a 2024-26 Voyager Scholarship for Public Service. McDermott is a political science, economics and history major and University Honors Program member who is also working toward a Certificate in Public Policy. According to faculty advisor Rhonda Betzold, Rotary helped him develop those skills through Interact.
The story available at the link was written by Suburban Rotary Club member Bob Bosco. In mid-December he asked club members as part of their commitment to community service to bring in adult men’s and women’s gloves and scarfs for him to distribute through the Holy Family Community Center. Bags of these accessories were donated by club members. You will find Bosco’s personal reflection on giving these items to the needy at this link.
Happy New Year! As the calendar changes to 2025, It is a good time to reflect on some of the bright moments and cherished memories of the past year, learn from our past experiences and look forward with great anticipation and greet the New Year with hope and enthusiasm.
January is Vocational Service Month. It is a good time to look at the Object of Rotary, which is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise.
You can read more about this on the My Rotary website. This is a philosophical statement of Rotary's purpose and the responsibility of all Rotarians. As we look at the Concept of Vocational Service, we are called on, as Rotarians, to encourage and foster:
High ethical standards in business and professions
The recognition of worthiness of all useful occupations
The dignifying of each Rotarians occupation as an opportunity to serve society
How can we put these ideals into action in our communities and clubs? Please consider these suggestions:
Talk about your professions in your club meetings and take the time to learn about your fellow member's occupations
Use your skills and expertise to serve in our communities
Practice your profession with integrity, and inspire others to behave ethically through your words and actions
Help our young leaders achieve their career goals through mentorship
Guide and encourage others in their professional development
By choosing to undertake these activities, we can bring vocational service to life. I urge you to find examples of ways to take action through vocational service.
Another opportunity I would like to highlight is our alliance with Toastmasters and the opportunity for Rotarians and Toastmaster members to grow our networks, our leadership and communication skills and increase our impact in our communities.
We welcomed leaders from Toastmasters District 24 to our District Conference in October. They have also visited a few of our clubs in Omaha and they would like the opportunity to visit more clubs. If you are looking for speakers at your meetings, please consider inviting them in as your program. They have invited our members to attend their Toastmasters District Conference on April 26th. For more information, you can visit their district website at www.d24tm.org
Thanks for all you do to make a difference in your communities!
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, 88 Tactical, 15350 Shepard St., Suite 1, Omaha NE 68138
Tuesday: Omaha Northwest, 12:00 pm, Sand Point, New England Fare, 655 North 114th Street. Omaha, NE 68154
Wednesday: Omaha Downtown, 12:00 pm, Trinity 113 N 18th St., Omaha, NE 68124
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, Charlie's on the Lake, 4151 S 144th St., Omaha, NE 68137
Email Yolanda for make-up/attendance credit at yolanda@suburbanrotary.org.
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