Stories
Suburban Rotary May 23, 2024 Weekly Meeting
Presiding Officer: Katie Henry
Secretary: Andrew Wesely
Sgt At Arms: John Binderup
Greeters: Dan Hosford & Roger Utman
Tech/AV/Zoom Host: Dan Lupardus
Check-in/Cashier: Need Volunteer
Invocator: Herb Hartman
Vocational Speaker: Rotarian Video by Pixel Fire
Chair of the Day:  Dan Lupardus
Program Speakers: Dick Caulk, Duane Gross, Eli McNichols, Roger Morrissey, Dick Skalla, and Randy Wieseler
May 23, 2024 Showcase of our Veterans

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.

Crestridge’s Annual Bounce House Exercise Day - Huge Success
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.
 
Rotary Volunteers Accompany Refugee Students on Shopping Trip
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.
 

 
Suburban Rotarians Cleaned up Fontenelle Park
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.
 

 
Omaha, Nebraska
Yolanda Hoffman
Rotary Car Show is June 1, 2024
 
To be a Rotary Car Show sponsor, contact Amanda Fink at afink@certifiedtransmission.com
 
Congratulations to new Multiple Paul Harris Fellows
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”. 
Annual Fundraiser 
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.
We are Rotary
Rotarians: Watch this video about Rotary produced by Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland. Click here or click the picture below.
 
 
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, 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.
Links
Upcoming Community Service Projects
Crestridge’s Annual Bounce House Exercise Day
Rotary Supports Refugee Students-Shopping Chaperone
Car Show Volunteers
Soles4Souls Show Packing
Meal Service Crestridge Parent-Teacher Conferences
Crestridge Family Night
Souls for Soles Shoe Pick Up
Souls for Soles Shoe Packing
Photo Albums
December 21, 2023 Christmas & Holiday Party
December 14, 2023 Meeting
2023 Dec 13 Andersen Middle School Winter Coats Project
December 7, 2023 Meeting
2023 Dec 2 & 9 Bell Ringing
November 30, 2023 Meeting
Rotary Links
Check my Rotary International Foundation Giving
Rotary International Website
District Website
Speakers
May 30, 2024
Cancer Center
Jun 06, 2024
TBD
Jun 13, 2024
Recipient will be announced soon
Jun 20, 2024
Project TBD
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Vocational Speakers
Nov. 02, 2023 – Jun. 20, 2024
 
Suburban Rotary Levi Carter Park Cleanup
Levi Carter Park
May 30, 2024
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
 
5th Suburban Rotary Car Show
Jun. 01, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
 
Yearlings Meeting - Rotary International Session
Legends Patio Grill & Bar
Jun. 10, 2024
11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
 
Rotary Book Club
Jun. 11, 2024 5:30 p.m.
 
Rotary Book Club
Jun. 11, 2024
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
 
Board Meeting
Legends
Jun. 20, 2024
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
 
Trustees Meeting
Legends
Jun. 27, 2024
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. UTC-05:00
 
Rotary Book Club
Jul. 09, 2024
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
 
Board Meeting
Legends
Jul. 18, 2024
1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
 
View entire list
Bulletin Editor
Yolanda Hoffman
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