Join us on May 23, 2024, as we honor and showcase our esteemed veterans in the club. Our veteran Rotarians will share their experiences and stories of service. This event will highlight the dedication and commitment they have demonstrated both in their military careers and in their service to Rotary.
SPEAKERS:
Dick Caulk
Rotarian for 46 years
Maintained perfect Rotary attendance for 45 years
Paul Harris Fellow +8
Duane Gross
Rotarian for 30 years
Maintained perfect Rotary attendance for 30 years
Paul Harris Fellow +6
Eli McNichols
Rotarian for 29 years
Maintained perfect Rotary attendance for 29 years
Paul Harris Fellow +3
Roger Morrissey
Rotarian for 27 years
Paul Harris Fellow +1
Dick Skalla
Rotarian for 49 years
Maintained perfect Rotary attendance for 41 years
Paul Harris Fellow
Randy Wieseler
Rotarian for 20 years
Maintained perfect Rotary attendance for 14 years
Paul Harris Fellow +3
Come and be inspired by the remarkable dedication of our Rotarian veterans. Their stories of service are a testament to their unwavering commitment to both their country and our community.
The Crestridge Annual Bounce House Exercise Day was a tremendous success! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who made this event possible: Carol Ebdon, Angela Chaney, Alice Schumaker, Alan Hersch, Glenda Friesen, and Mary Bernier.
A special thank you goes to Mary Bernier for her outstanding efforts in planning and implementing this project in partnership with Crestridge Adopt-a-School. Your dedication and hard work ensured a fun and memorable day for all participants.
News: Rotary Volunteers Accompany Refugee Students on Shopping Trip
Date: May 10, 2024
Reporter: Yolanda Hoffman
In a heartwarming display of community support, Rotary Director Dan Lupardus spearheaded a group of dedicated Rotarians in accompanying 66 students, predominantly refugee students, from the Adopt a School Andersen Middle School on a special shopping trip for essential items.
Rotarians Mary Bernier, Nick Jasa, Tom Kerfoot, Karen Rolf, Rich Rowland, Alice Schumaker, and Kim Stewart took time out of their busy schedules to chaperone the students, providing not only guidance but also a sense of camaraderie and support.
This significant initiative was made possible through the generous funding of $5,450.00 from the Suburban Rotary Charitable Foundation. Their financial support has played a crucial role in creating a welcoming environment for new immigrants and offering much-needed assistance to those in need.
For many of the refugee students, this shopping trip marked their inaugural experience, making it an event of profound significance. Beyond the practical assistance provided, the outing served to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion within the community.
Rotary Director Dan Lupardus expressed his gratitude to the volunteers and the Suburban Rotary Charitable Foundation, emphasizing the positive impact their efforts have made in the lives of these young individuals.
The Rotary's commitment to service and community engagement shines brightly through initiatives like these, demonstrating the power of collective action in creating a more compassionate and supportive society.
In a display of community spirit, President Katie Henry spearheaded a team of dedicated Rotarians this past weekend in a concerted effort to revitalize Fontenelle Park, a beloved green space in Omaha. The initiative, organized in collaboration with the Omaha Parks Foundation, saw volunteers from Suburban Rotary join hands to undertake a thorough cleanup, gearing up the park for the upcoming warmer months.
Fontenelle Park, known for its scenic beauty and recreational offerings, received a much-needed facelift as President Henry and her team, alongside Suburban Rotary members, rolled up their sleeves to clear debris, trim overgrown vegetation, and spruce up the park's amenities. Their collective efforts aimed to ensure that the park remains an inviting haven for the community to enjoy outdoor activities and gatherings.
This initiative marks the beginning of a series of planned activities aimed at enhancing parks and recreational spaces across Omaha. Thanks to a generous grant of $7,900 provided by the Suburban Rotary Charitable Foundation, Fontenelle Park and other green areas are set to receive continued support and maintenance, ensuring their sustainability and accessibility for all.
A special acknowledgment goes out to individuals like James Reed, his family, Christopher Barone, and Dan Hosford, who joined President Katie Henry and dedicated their time on their weekend to participate in the Fontenelle Park cleanup. Their commitment exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and community engagement, which lies at the core of initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing public spaces for the benefit of all residents.
As Omaha gears up for warmer weather, initiatives like these serve as a testament to the power of collective action in fostering vibrant communities. With President Katie Henry and Rotarians leading the charge, Fontenelle Park and other green spaces are poised to flourish as cherished destinations for relaxation, recreation, and connection among residents of all ages. Stay tuned for more updates on the ongoing efforts to enrich Omaha's parks and recreational spaces.
Recently, The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Chair Diana Whitman recognized the following Rotarians who are multiple Paul Harris Fellows with a combined total accumulated donations of $17,000.00. Thank you Rotarians!
Carter Jones, Paul Harris Fellow +8 Dan Hosford, Paul Harris Fellow +5 James Reed, Paul Harris Fellow +1
L to R: James Reed, Dan Hosford, Diana Whitman, Carter Jones and President KatieHenry
PAUL HARRIS FELLOW A Paul Harris Fellow is a person who has been recognized as having done something significant for others. The Foundation recognizes them for the contribution of $ 1000, which will be spent on Humanitarian efforts around the world.
Who was Paul Harris? Paul Harris was the founder and organizer of the first Rotary Club in Chicago in 1905. He was founder of the Rotary idea, and the first president of the worldwide organization, Rotary International. Paul Harris died in 1947. Upon his death, memorial gifts poured in to honor the founder of Rotary. From that time, the Rotary Foundation has been achieving the noble objective of furthering “understanding and friendly relations between peoples of different nations”.
Thank you to those who have already donated to this year's fundraiser! You can donate online on our website under The Foundation at the top navigation DONATE HERE or at the Rotary meeting.
This week marks the fourth week of our Fundraiser at Rotary, where we rally support for The Suburban Rotary Club Charitable Foundation. The roots of our foundation trace back to 1988, a poignant moment when two members, reflecting on a tragic loss in the Colorado Rockies, envisioned a platform for tax-deductible contributions to fuel our club's philanthropic endeavors, particularly its scholarship program and other noble causes.
Our local Foundation's impact reverberates locally and globally, touching countless lives. For instance, in collaboration with neighboring Rotary clubs, we recently spearheaded the procurement and packaging of over 40,000 nutritious meals for the disadvantaged in our immediate community. Moreover, our Foundation's financial support extends to transformative initiatives in regions like India and Lebanon.
Every Suburban Rotarian is urged to contribute to our Club Foundation, with the aim of achieving 100% participation this year, regardless of the donation amount. Joining the President's Scholarship Circle requires an annual contribution of $300, which signifies your dedication to our shared mission of making a positive impact at home and abroad. CLICK HERE TO DONATE ANY AMOUNT YOUR HEART DESIRES.
Below are Rotarians in the Presidents' Scholarship Circle:
Recent inductees to the Presidents Scholarship Circle L to R: Ward Peters, Kevin Hensel, Rich Rowland with Trustees Chair John Hoich and President Katie Henry
Carter Jones and Fritz Stehlik recently joined the Presidents Scholarship Circle as recognized by Trustees Chair John Hoich and President Katie Henry
Rotary Car Show Project Chair Bryant Morrison was recognized as part of the Presidents Scholarship Circle by Trustees Chair John Hoich and President Katie Henry
L to R: Dan Lupardus, Frank McGree, Kim Stewart, Glenda Friesen, Jonathan Davidson, Ryan Keiser, Tom Kerfoot, Travis Sholin, Trustees Chair John Hoich, Mark Taylor, Scott Keep, Gary Beller, and Chuck Hackshaw
Inductees to the President Scholarship Circle L to R: Presiding wasTrustee Tom Kerfoot, Jared Bakewell, Dan Hosford, Kathryn Schubert, Mary Bernier, and Roxy Orr
Recent inductees to the Presidents Scholarship Circle L to R: Bob Perrin, Tom Adams and Curt Peters with Trustees Chair John Hoice and Trustees Treasurer Dave Laferla
Recent inductees to the Presidents Scholarship Circle L to R: Suzi Brehmer, John Binderup, Rick Caulk, Jack Heidel, Warren Hill, Frank Goldberg with Dave LaFarla and President Katie Henry. Not in photo: Carol Ebdon, David Radler, Duane Gross, Edgar Fleming, Jennifer Jirak-Brundardt, and Trustee Chair John Hoich.
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.