Stories
December 7, 2023 Weekly Meeting
Presiding Officer: Katie Henry
Secretary: Andrew Wesely
Sgt At Arms: John Binderup
Greeters: Ward Peters & Barb Rebrovich
Tech/AV/Zoom Host: Michael McCormick & Dan Hosford
Check-in/Cashier: Chris Barone
Vocational Speaker: Fritz Stehlik
Invocator: Mary Bernier
Chair of the Day: Howard Epstein
Speaker: Mika Mizrachi

December 7, 2023 Meeting Venue: Legends Patio Grill, 6920 Pacific St., Suite 100
$20 Lunch price | Menu: Italian buffet includes Pasta with marinara and meatballs, chicken parmesan, bread sticks, and dinner salad bowl.
 
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
December 7, 2023, Rotary Speaker Mika Mizrahi
Mika Mizrahi
Life in Israel & Israel Defense Force

 
Mika Mizrahi, at the young age of 23, is Israel's Shlicha or emissary to Omaha, a position earned through a highly competitive selection process by the Jewish Agency For Israel. Born and raised in Israel, Mika brings a unique perspective shaped by her diverse experiences, including over three years of service in the Israel Defense Force (IDF), where she achieved the rank of lieutenant.
 
In her application to become a Shlicha, Mika expressed her desire to present Israel through her eyes, showcasing its innovation, culture, music, food, and the diverse people who inhabit the country. She aims to dispel misconceptions perpetuated by the media, offering a nuanced and authentic portrayal of the Israeli community.
 
Mika's arrival in Omaha coincided with the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack in Israel, a stark reminder of the challenges her homeland faces. Having lived through the attack and its aftermath, Mika brings a personal connection to the impact it had on her friends, relatives, and military colleagues.
 
Following her graduation from high school in 2019, Mika dedicated over three years to the IDF, where she commanded a unit of 12 soldiers, overseeing human resource matters and field education. Subsequently, she ventured into the hospitality industry before enrolling in the Leadership Program of the Jewish Agency for Israel, leading to her selection as a Shlicha.
 
Mika Mizrahi's presence in Omaha is not just a diplomatic assignment; it's an opportunity for our community to engage with a young and experienced individual who embodies the spirit of Israel. We are honored to welcome Mika for a two-year stay, during which she will share her insights, foster cultural exchange, and contribute to building bridges between our communities.
Suburban Rotary Guest Day
We are excited to announce that we will host another Rotary Guest Day on December 7, 2023. Our guest speaker for the day will be Mika Mizrachi, an Israeli who served in the Israel Defense Force and has a unique perspective on the current situation in Israel. We believe it will be very interesting to hear her insights on this topic. 

The geopolitical situation in Israel is of great interest to us all, and it goes beyond geographical boundaries. Therefore, we encourage each of you to extend this invitation beyond our immediate Rotary family. Please feel free to bring along a prospective member who shares our passion for knowledge and global understanding. 

This is an excellent opportunity for our community to engage in an enriching dialogue and broaden our perspectives on international affairs. 
Suburban Rotary Thanked Jennifer Jirak Brungardt
In a recent expression of gratitude on behalf of Suburban Rotary, Past President Mary Bernier formally extended heartfelt appreciation to Jennifer Jirak-Brungardt for her remarkable 15 years of dedicated service as Executive Director. Recognizing her transition into entrepreneurship with her travel franchise at Cruise Planners, the Rotary community acknowledges Jennifer's valuable contributions.
 
Special recognition is reserved for a group of Rotarians whose generosity and support facilitated Jennifer's membership to the prestigious Paul Harris Society this year, along with the notable Paul Harris Fellow +2 distinction. Grateful acknowledgments go to Eric Dawson, Howard Epstein, Jim Leslie, John Hoich, Julie Livingston, Mary Bernier, Rich Craig, Roxy Orr, Tom Kerfoot, and Ward Peters for their instrumental sponsorship.

A loud "Thank you, Jennifer!" echoes as Suburban Rotary honors her impactful service and the support of the Rotary community.
 

Mary Bernier led Rotarians in thanking Jennifer Jirak-Brungardt with a cake, along with PDG Warren Hill, Dan Hosford, and Frank McGree
 
Jennifer Jirak-Brungardt was presented her Paul Harris Fellow +2 pin along with membership to the Paul Harris Society by Past President Mary Bernier and President Katie Henry
Suburban Rotary Recognized Paul Harris Fellows
The Rotary Foundation Committee Chair, Diana Whitman, took a moment to acknowledge and commend the unwavering dedication of several Rotarians for their specific and impactful support to The Rotary International Foundation. These Rotarians' total contribution of $20,000.00 has played a crucial role in directly contributing to transformative projects worldwide, aligning with Rotary International's key areas of focus. Their support has made a tangible difference in promoting peace, combating disease, ensuring access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, safeguarding the well-being of mothers and children, fostering education, stimulating local economies, and preserving the environment. Diana Whitman's recognition underscores not only the collective commitment of these Rotarians but also the tangible positive changes they have helped bring about on a global scale.
 
John Binderup, Paul Harris Fellow +7
Ryan Keiser, Paul Harris Fellow +3
Suzi Brehmer, Paul Harris Fellow +2
Judy Sealer, Paul Harris Fellow +2
Glenda Friesen, Paul Harris Fellow +1
 
L to R: Suzi Brehmer, John Binderup, Judy Sealer, Ryan Keiser, Glenda Friesen, TRF Chair Diana Whitman, and President Katie Henry
Vocational Speaker
Hey Rotarians, exciting news on the horizon! We're spicing up our weekly routine - introducing our latest star segment: Vocational Speakers! Last week, we had the pleasure of listening to the incredible David Kutler, the maestro behind Body Basics at Rockbrook.
 
Now, hold onto your hats, because David is no ordinary Rotarian – he's been rocking the Rotary scene for a whopping 15 years, boasting an impressive 14 years of perfect attendance. Let's give a virtual round of applause for this dedicated Rotarian! 👏 But that's not all – David is a Paul Harris Fellow +3, a second-generation Rotarian, and we're tipping our hats to David's Dad for planting the Rotary seed and to the one and only Sol Kutler for bringing David into the Suburban Rotary fold.

And did you know that beyond his business prowess, David is a pedal-pushing enthusiast? Yes, indeed! He's a biking aficionado, and word on the street is that his favorite ride took place in the picturesque France of 2013. But wait, there's more! David isn't just a businessman and a cyclist; he's also a hidden gem in the music world. Who would have guessed that our Body Basics extraordinaire is a guitar player and a regular performer at a synagogue in Council Bluffs? Bravo, David!
 
In his own words, David expresses his gratitude for Suburban Rotary, viewing it as an exceptional platform to give back to the community. So, here's to David Kutler – a multi-talented, community-focused Rotarian who's adding his unique flavor to our vibrant Rotary family! 🌟🚴‍♂️🎸 #RotaryRockstar #CommunityChampion
 
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.

David Kutler giving his vocational talk
The Rotary Foundation - DONATE Now and get your donation matched
November is The Rotary Foundation Month. Click here to donate online to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) of Rotary International (RI). Donating to The Rotary Foundation is a great opportunity for Rotarians to give back.  Consider making your annual donation NOW.  Your money comes back to us in three years in the form of Global and District grants to spend on our projects. Past District Governor Frank Goldberg will be matching your donation 1:1, so donate now. Thank you to those who have donated so far this year.
 
Paul Adams, Jared Bakewell, Mary Bernier, John Binderup, Suzi Brehmer, Dick Caulk, Eric Dawson, Carol Ebdon, Howard Epstein, Nick Eastland, Amanda Fink Swim, Edgard Fleming, Mike Fosdick, Glenda Friesen, Frank Goldberg, Jennifer Green, Chuck Hackshaw, Herb Hartman, Rose Mary Hefley, Jack Heidel, Alan Hersch, Warren Hill, John Hoich, Dan Hosford, Jennifer Jirak-Brungardt, Carter Jones, Scott Keep, Ryan Keiser, Richard Kelley, Theresa Kelly, Tom Kerfoot, Terrence Kucera, David Laferla, Jim Leslie, Roger Lindsey, Julie Livingston, Dan Lupardus, John Maxell, Michael McCormick, Frank McGree, Elizabeth McNichols, William Laird McNichols, Richard Miller, Robert Mundy, Roxy Orr, Ranilo Perez, Curt Peters, Edward Peters, Barb Rebrovich, Richard Rowland, John Ryan, Lyle Sapp, Kathryn Schubert, Alice Schumaker, Judy Sealer, Joe Sequenzia, Travis Sholin, Jim Sousley, Alan Stanek, Fritz Stehlik, Robert Swartzbaugh, Mark Taylor, Thomas Vann, Daniel Wellendorf, Diana Whitman, Randall Wieseler, Zach Ziler

 
Around the world, we take action to improve lives and build a better future. Be part of our work. Donate to make an impact. Click here.
Traveling Rotarian
Recently, Secretary Andrew Wesely and his company Ayars and Ayars sponsored a hunting outing in Fullerton, Nebraska, and invited John Hoich and his son future Rotarian Justin Hoich. This is published for "fine" purposes.
 
Scholars take a global approach to mental health

Rotary clubs and districts support study in an emerging field

By Photo credit: 

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As the world becomes more connected, experts increasingly view social issues from a global perspective. That’s true even when it comes to our minds. The emerging discipline of global mental health explores how different countries diagnose and treat psychological issues.

Rotary clubs and districts have recently sponsored four students to study global mental health at King’s College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Here, these scholars discuss the social trends, cultural practices, and political and economic contexts that affect our mental wellness – often without us realizing it.

This is a reprint from rotary.org. Use this link to read the entire article: https://www.rotary.org/en/scholars-take-global-approach-mental-health

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.
Links
Photo Albums
November 30, 2023 Weekly Meeting
Rotary Links
Check my Rotary International Foundation Giving
Rotary International Website
District Website
Speakers
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
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Upcoming Events
Vocational Speakers
Nov. 02, 2023 – Jun. 20, 2024
 
Yearlings Meeting - Rotary International Session
Legends Patio Grill & Bar
Dec. 11, 2023
11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
 
Sort Winter Clothing at Andersen Middle School
Dec. 13, 2023
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
 
Interact - Millard North High School
Dec. 13, 2023
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
 
Yearlings Meeting - Suburban Rotary Session
Legends Patio Grill & Bar
Jan. 08, 2024
11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
 
After Hours - Cindy Kinsler - Results Mortgage
Jan. 11, 2024
 
Interact - Millard North High School
Jan. 17, 2024
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
 
View entire list
Bulletin Editor
Yolanda Hoffman
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