Stories
Suburban Rotary December 21, 2023 Weekly Meeting
Presiding Officer: Katie Henry
Secretary: Andrew Wesely
Sgt At Arms: John Binderup
Greeters: Lyle Sapp & Roxy Orr
Tech/AV/Zoom Host: Dan Hosford & Mark Nelson
Check-in/Cashier: Bruce Lemen
Invocator: Judy Sealer
Chair of the Day: Amanda Fink
Program: Christmas & Holiday Party

December 21, 2023 Meeting Venue: Legends Patio Grill, 6920 Pacific St., Suite 100
$20 Lunch price | Menu: Beef tips with Mushroom Gravy,  Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans or Seasonal Vegetables, Dinner Rolls with Butter, 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
Christmas and Holiday Luncheon, December 21, 2023
Join us on December 21st at Legends for our Suburban Rotary Holiday Spectacular!
 
We will have an Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest.  It can be an outfit, a sweater, a dress, a costume, or whatever your heart desires.  And the club will help pick one winner to receive our life-changing gift card of $25!
 
Enjoy the delicious holiday treats that will be available to all to help our waistline before those New Year's resolutions. And our main event is our first-ever Suburban Rotary Minute to Win it!  We will have a few games with 4-6 contestants.  You do not need to participate; it is optional.  If you want to join the fun, you will place your raffle ticket in the appropriate bucket for that game, and we will draw our contestants.  Each game will have one winner who will also receive the prized $25 gift card.  Come and join us for some fellowship and laughs during this magical season.
 
We look forward to seeing you there!
 
Adopt-a-School Andersen Middle School Winter Clothing Project
Suburban Rotary's commitment to the Adopt-a-School program at Andersen Middle School remains steadfast as we continue to welcome and support refugee students. In light of the ongoing influx of these students, Suburban Rotary seizes the opportunity to extend a helping hand. This winter season, the Suburban Rotary Charitable Foundation granted $4,838.80 to fund the acquisition of essential winter items, including coats, jackets, hats, and more, catering specifically to the needs of the refugee students at Andersen Middle School.
 
We express our sincere gratitude to Project Chair Dan Lupardus, as well as to all Rotarians and dedicated volunteers: Rich Rowland, Zach Ziler, Max Burbach, Dan Hosford, Jim Kapalis, Dave Laferla, Mark Nelson, and Chris Barone, who have played a role in preparing the winter clothing. Their efforts have ensured the garments are meticulously arranged on hangers, ready for swift and organized distribution. This collaborative endeavor underscores Suburban Rotary's commitment to positively impacting these students' lives, fostering warmth and inclusivity within our community. Below are some photos of preparing the winter clothing for distribution.
 
 
 
Vocational Speaker
Hey Rotarians, brace yourselves for a whirlwind of excitement because we're about to turn our weekly routine into a rollercoaster of awesomeness! Drumroll, please... introducing our latest and greatest star segment: Vocational Speakers! 🌟 Last week, we were treated to the incredible life saga of the one and only Rotarian extraordinaire, Michael McCormick, or as we affectionately call him, Mike - the man with a plan and a passion for pizzazz!
 
Picture this: Mike, born in the fiery lands of San Antonio, but growing up right here in the heart of Omaha. He wasn't just a mere mortal; he rocked the sports scene at Skutt Catholic High, conquering baseball and hockey like a true champion. Fast forward to his college days at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada, where he pursued the mystical arts of business administration. Hold on tight because it gets even wilder! Mike's athletic prowess reached new heights when he competed internationally with the club Ultimate Disc team. Yes, you heard it right – Ultimate Disc, the sport that combines skill, strategy, and a touch of cosmic energy.
 
Now, let's fast forward to the golden nuggets of wisdom that Mike generously shared with us. At Acadia, he received the golden advice to surround oneself with people worthy of respect and admiration. Sure, there were a couple of eyebrow-raising moments during high school and college, but hey, who doesn't have a few wild tales from those days?
 
Returning to the vibrant streets of Omaha, Mike kickstarted a career in commercial lending, but life had a plot twist waiting for him – he made a detour into the thrilling world of commercial construction. Along the way, he found love and tied the knot with Kirsten, the co-owner of Omaha's Hair Choice, conveniently located next to the German American Society. Together, they're raising a squad of three amazing kiddos: Lucia (7), Lee (5), and Ryan (3). Talk about a powerhouse family!
 
And wait, there's more! Mike is currently donning his superhero cape in Planning and Design at Creighton University, working tirelessly on the upcoming baseball/softball complex. Now that's what we call dedication!
 
But it's not all about the hustle and bustle. Mike lives by the second piece of advice that's as valuable as gold: "If money is too important to give away, then money is too important." Wise words, indeed. He feels honored to be part of the galaxy of admirable and generous folks in Suburban Rotary. Mike serves on the Club Board of Directors and has been busy helping run our tech at our weekly meetings. Let's give a roaring applause for Mike, the man who juggles sports, family, career, and community with flair and finesse! 🎉🌈
 
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.

Mike McCormick giving his vocational talk
 
Mike McCormick was interviewed by Pixel Fire Marketing on why he is an inspired Rotarian
 
Salvation Army Bell Ringing a Huge Success
Our recent Salvation Army bell ringing was a huge success. Thank you to all the Rotarians who volunteered—special thanks to Jennifer Green for coordinating the service project.
 
L to R: Dan Hosford, Amanda Fink, Mary Bernier, Bob Bernier, Eli McNichols, Zach Ziler and Nick Eastland
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.
Rotary Projects Around the Globe

By 

United States

Earl Knauss got a lesson in food waste when he received a neighbor’s gift of three bushels of red peppers that had been cast aside by a farm because they were misshapen. “I discovered that odd-shaped, blemished, and imperfect vegetables were dumped or destroyed,” says Knauss, of the Rotary Club of Hamburg in western New York state. He asked the farm’s owner for more of the unsalable produce and collected 18-gallon totes of vegetables that he sent to food pantries. The Farm to Family project has since expanded to include three farms, and the Hamburg club formally adopted it in 2018. From May to December, Rotary members and friends work alongside Knauss delivering vegetables to about 3,000 families. In 2022, they provided more than 100,000 pounds of vegetables to 23 distribution sites. Among them is the Resurrection Life Food Pantry in Cheektowaga, where pantry director Kim Reynolds says the site would not have many fresh vegetables without the program. “Our clients rely on Farm to Family to fill that gap,” she says.

 

Peru

Much of the milk produced in Peru never leaves the farm: It’s consumed directly by farming families, fed to calves, and used to make artisanal cheeses. The Rotary E-Club of Fusión Latina Distrito 4465 teamed up with the nonprofit CEDEPAS Norte to help subsistence farmers in the country’s northern highlands. Last year the club delivered stainless steel presses and molds to open two cheese production facilities. A global grant of more than $50,000 helped pay for the equipment, training, management, and marketing. “So far there are 21 new employees and 63 families served, and 25 pregnant cows were gifted” through the Peruvian government program Agroideas, says Club President Fernando Barrera, who lives in Trujillo.

Click here for the Source.

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, New England Fare, 655 North 114th Street. Omaha, NE 68154
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
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
Dec 28, 2023
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays
Jan 04, 2024
Happy New Year
Jan 11, 2024
Club Assembly
Jan 18, 2024
Volleyball in Nebraska
Jan 25, 2024
TBD
Feb 01, 2024
City Infrastructure Development
Feb 08, 2024
Omaha Food Scene
Feb 15, 2024
Hands-on Community Service with YES
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Vocational Speakers
Nov. 02, 2023 – Jun. 20, 2024
 
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.
 
Yearlings Meeting - Rotary International Session
Legends Patio Grill & Bar
Feb. 12, 2024
11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
 
Interact - Millard North High School
Feb. 14, 2024
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
 
View entire list
Bulletin Editor
Yolanda Hoffman
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