Club Information
Welcome to Suburban Rotary of Omaha! 

Celebrating 58 years of Fun and Service 

We meet In Person
Thursdays at 12:00 p.m.
Legends Patio & Grill
6920 Pacific St
Suite 100
Omaha, NE 68106
United States of America
Phone:
(402) 619-6721
Home Page Stories
The 7th annual car show was held on August 15 at Shadow Lake Collision Center.  With an early rain moving out of the area, Rotarian volunteers organized the show where car enthusiasts and visitors inspected cars and listened to Boomer Radio.  Here are some pics from the event. 
Suburban Rotarians enjoyed an after-hours gathering at John Hoich's lakeside home.  The event fostered friendship, good conversation and an opportunity to network while enjoying a beautiful setting.  Enjoy the slide show with pictures from the evening. 
Suburban Rotary volunteers put together crisis kits for every room at Crestridge Elementary and Dan Lupardus and Dan Hosford delivered them. 
Fourteen Suburban Rotary volunteers supported the event on July 26, where nearly 200 girls completed the IronHawk Juniors triathlon.  Huge thanks to the great turnout -- our best ever! 
 
While the young ladies battled through the heat, our members enthusiastically cheered every last one toward the finish line, providing encouragement and motivation to keep them going.
 
New this year, the IronHawk Juniors organizers set-up a refreshment station at the turnaround circle, where Rotarians stood, and our members handed out countless cups of Gatorade and water, along with snacks, to keep the young ladies hydrated and energized. 
 
Like past years, Dan Hosford -- our beloved chapter president this year -- encouraged the girls to run by running along side them for a while, returning to "his spot" and running with another, then another, and another.  
 
Lastly, our very own Todd Samland had a major role in running the swimming portion of the event, making sure everybody was safely in and out of the water, managing spectators (in a very small pool area), and organizing his own separate group of volunteers from the Omaha Masters Swimming swim club to help orchestrate the swim program! 
 
Here is a slide show of the day. 
The July After-Hours gathering was held at Gary Beller's. Suburban Rotarians enjoyed conversation, good food and a beautiful evening around the pool. See slide show for pictures. 
Andy Bock has been named 2026 Rotarian of the Year by the Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha, the highest annual honor that can be bestowed on a club member. He  received the honor on June 25 at a surprise announcement.
 
Andy Bock is a fourth-generation native of Omaha, having lived in the city for all but three of his 65 years. He graduated from Westside High School and the University of Nebraska, and he holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota.
 
He is married to Kathleen Bock, a retired educator from Omaha Public Schools. Together since 1986, they have raised three sons and are now enjoying life as empty nesters.
 
With 34 years of experience in real estate, the majority of which was spent at CBSHOME, Andy transitioned to NPDodge six years ago. He began his career in sales with Coca-Cola Foods and later worked in marketing for ConAgra and American Business Information.
 
Andy enjoys playing tennis, participating in a card club, and reading. He has recently resumed piano lessons and enjoys walking and hiking as well.
 
Over the years, he has been involved in various community activities, including the Career Exploring program sponsored by the Boy Scouts.
 
He has been in Rotary since October 2024 and was named Yearling of the Year his first year.  He has served as Program Chair of the Club, a critical position in the club arranging for speakers and presentations for each weekly meeting. Andy has been involved in community service activities and will be serving as Treasurer of the club in 2026-27. 
 
According to Mary Bernier, Chair of the 4-Way Test Committee, “Andy was awarded Rotarian of the Year because of his exemplary work in chairing the Program Committee. He is an excellent leader, involving well-connected individuals, delegating appropriately, coordinating multiple details with tremendous follow-through. In a club that has many great leaders, Andy rises to the top.”
 
 
 
Candace Gregory has been named the 2026 Omahan of the Year by the Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha.  For the past 30 years, she has served as President/ CEO of the Open Door Mission, a nonprofit that serves the poor and homeless populations in the Metro. She has become a noted national advocate for those experiencing homelessness and poverty and is sought out for her experience in implementing programs that help end the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Candace leads a well-run, financially secure service with compassion, grace and integrity, all-the-while staying under the radar, focused on her mission rather than her achievements. She will receive her award on June 18 at the noon weekly meeting of the club at Legends Restaurant, 6920 Pacific St., Suite 100.

As one client put it,” “I tore away from the wreckage of my past, and still have a long way to go. I know I can’t do it by myself. Open Door Mission saved my life,” said John
 
Dr. Gregory is a graduate of Grace University with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. In 2004, she received an honorary doctorate from Clarkson College of Sciences in Humanitarian Services.
Currently, ensuring responsible fiscal oversight of an annual budget of 34 million with approximately 132 employees and 14,000+ volunteers, she is known for her vision, strategic planning and success.  Recently, Dr. Gregory launched a $20 million Expanding Hope Capital Campaign. The three-phase capital campaign will expand hope and address critical needs and challenges in our community.
 
Dr.  Gregory has received numerous awards, accolades and accomplishments for her dedicated efforts. 
 
Dr. Gregory resides in Iowa with her husband, Steve and their chiweenie, Dolly.  They have four grown children and four grandchildren.
 
According to Mary Bernier Chairman of the Four- Way Test Committee of the Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha, Candace was chosen unanimously by the 4-Way Test Committee because of ‘her commitment to the Omaha Community. Through her efforts for the poor and homeless she exemplifies the Rotary motto service above self and has inspired our community take care of each other.’
 
As part of the onboarding process with new members, called Yearlings, this week the group met with past presidents of the club.  They shared their leadership insights, experience and history with the club. 
Last week Rotarians brought in baseball caps to share with the homless.  Bob Bosco delivered the donations on Friday.  Here is a note from him.
Volunteers from Suburban Rotary Club help construct a soccer field for students at Dundee Elementary.  Here is a slide show of the transformation. 
   
At Crestridge Elementary Rotarians provided volunteer support to operate the bounce houses that celebrate students' year-long achievements through physical exercise.   See the slide show here. 
As part of its commitment to sustainability, the Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha in conjunction with DataShield held a safe and secure electronics recycling event on Oct. 11 at Rockbrook Village.  Many people dropped off their computers, laptops, printers, scanners, cell phones, scanners, networking equipment, keyboards, mice and cables.  Rotarian volunteers took items and sorted them in bins, proudly reaffirming their commitment to the environment.  See photos here. 
 
     
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 Watch Aksarben, 1222 S. 71st, Ste. B, Omaha. NE 68106
Tuesday: Omaha Night, 5:30 p.m. at La Voltaire, 569 N. 155th Plaza (first and third Tuesdays) Omaha, NE       http://www.omaharotarynight.org/
Wednesday: Omaha Downtown, 12:00 pm, Field Club of Omaha, 3615 Woolworth Ave., Omaha, NE 68105
Wednesday: Council Bluffs Centennial: 7:00 am, Hy-Vee Community Room 1745 Madison Avenue
Thursday: Western Douglas County, 12:00 PM Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation 20272 Veterans Drive, Elkhorn, NE 68022
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 Deb for make-up/attendance credit to omahasuburbanrotary@gmail.com.
President's Message 2026-27
Fellow Rotarians, it is a true honor and privilege to serve as President of Omaha Suburban Rotary. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead a club made up of generous, dedicated people who live out Rotary’s spirit of service and fellowship. Each of you brings unique talents, ideas, and heart to this club, and I am inspired by what we can accomplish when we work together with a shared purpose.
 
Together, we can continue to strengthen our membership, deepen our impact in our community and the world, invest in the next generation through youth leadership, and continue building the friendships that make our club strong. Rotary reminds us that Service Above Self is more than a motto—it is a call to action. I look forward to serving alongside you as we create meaningful changes, support one another, and make this year one of purpose, compassion, and lasting impact.
 
When Suburban Rotarians come together in service, communities grow stronger, hope grows brighter, and lives are changed for the better.
 
In a nutshell here are my four main goals:
  • Increase Membership and Engagement
    Build on our momentum by growing our club, welcoming new members, and creating meaningful opportunities for every Rotarian to participate and lead.
  • Community Service Projects
    Strengthen our impact by developing service projects that address important local needs and improve the lives of people in our community.
  • Support Youth Development
    Invest in the next generation by supporting youth leadership programs such as Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) and our signature scholarships for students with special needs.
  • Strengthen Fellowship and Club Culture
    Build a positive, inclusive, and energetic club environment where members enjoy strong friendships, collaboration and a shared commitment to service.
Let's continue to do beautiful things through Suburban Rotary by creating hope, serving others, and making a lasting difference in our community.
 
Thank you!
 
Dan Hosford
President, 2026-2027
Omaha Suburban Rotary Club
 
 
 
Speakers
Major Jonathan Cooper
Sep 03, 2026 12:00 PM
Salvation Army
Salvation Army
Eugene Kowel
Sep 10, 2026
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