This week, Suburban Rotary, led by Trustees Chair John Hoich, will be recognizing and thanking our Endowed Scholarship Donors, Two-Year Scholarships, and Annual Scholarship Donors. Donors have been invited to speak during our program about their business and reasons for supporting our cause. It's going to be a great program.
The Endowed Scholarship Donors are generous Rotarians who have each donated $50,000. They include The Rex Ekwall Memorial Scholarship, endowed by Loretta Ekwall; The Ann Kennedy Goldstein Memorial Scholarship, endowed by Ann Kennedy Goldstein; The Ron and Phyllis Pearson Scholarship, endowed by Ron Pearson; and The Howard D. Vann Memorial Scholarship, endowed by Judy Van and Tom Vann.
The Two-Year Scholarships, sponsored by Alan and Janette Stanek, give $6,000.00 as The Alan and Janette Stanek Scholarship in Honor of Metro Area Educators.
The One-Year Scholarship donors each donated $3,000.00. They include The John Binderup and Patty Carrell Scholarship, sponsored by John Binderup and Patty Carrell; The Michael Joseph Hoich Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by John Hoich; The Broadmoor Development Company Scholarship, sponsored by Larry Kelberg; The Robinson Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by Edward and Lida Robinson; The Hartman Family Scholarship, sponsored by Dr. Herbert A. Hartman, Jr. and Family; The Helen Kelley Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by Dick Kelley; The Shadow Lake Collision Center Scholarship, sponsored by Eric Dawson; The Roger and Barbara Lindsey Scholarship, sponsored by Roger and Barbara Lindsey; The Security National Bank Scholarship, sponsored by CL Landen; The Jasa Family Scholarship, sponsored by Nick Jasa; The Integrated Solutions Scholarship, sponsored by Curt Peters; and The Susan M. Vann Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by Judy Vann and Tom Vann.
Willie Barney, Founder, President, and Facilitator of the Empowerment Network, has been named Omahan of the Year by the Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha. For 16 years, he has been dedicated to uplifting the North Omaha community and reducing gun and gang violence. His efforts have brought together city and state leaders, businesses, non-profits, and community stakeholders, demonstrating tangible positive outcomes.
Barney's Omaha 360 Collaborative Meeting, held weekly, attracts 80 to 120 partners focusing on collaboration, prevention, intervention, enforcement support, reentry, and community engagement. This collaborative approach has gained national recognition as a violence prevention and intervention model, praised by the US Department of Justice. In 2018, Omaha 360 received the national community outreach award at the Safe Neighborhoods Conference, and in 2023, it was recognized by the Obama Foundation/My Brother’s Keeper Initiative as one of four model communities in the nation, earning an $800,000 grant.
The positive impact of Barney’s initiatives is evident. The Omaha Police Department reported a 74% decrease in gun violence from 2008 to 2018, with 2017 and 2019 recording the lowest number of gun assaults in nearly 20 years. The homicide rate has reached a 40-year low, and the clearance rate for homicides has improved from 30% to 90%. Even after a spike in gun violence during the 2020 pandemic, Omaha is returning to pre-pandemic lows.
Barney's work extends to youth development through initiatives like Step-Up Omaha!, one of the largest summer jobs programs, providing nearly 1,000 summer job opportunities for youth aged 14-21, many leading to ongoing employment. His efforts have also led to increased student GPAs and graduation rates.
Willie Barney exemplifies the Rotary Four-Way Test by promoting truth, goodwill, better friendships, fairness, and community benefit. His dedication has fostered trust between the community and the Omaha Police Department, contributing to a 100% clearance rate for homicides in 2023 and attracting businesses to North Omaha, boosting the local economy.
Pictured on the left is Mary Bernier with Rotary Four-Way Test Chair John Binderup
Mary Bernier, recently awarded the Suburban Rotarian of the Year, exemplifies the highest form of "Service Above Self" through her exceptional dedication and service as a Rotarian. Mary's involvement with the Suburban Rotary Club is extensive and impactful. As a former President of the Suburban Rotary Club and current Trustee of the Suburban Charitable Foundation, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to the community. Additionally, Mary serves as Chair of Suburban's Adopt a School program at Crestridge Elementary School, where she plays a vital role in planning and implementing all Rotary projects at the school. Her passion for Rotary extends to mentoring and recruiting new Rotarians, ensuring the club's continued growth and vibrancy.
Mary's professional career is equally distinguished. Currently, she is a development consultant working with the Sarpy County Museum on their capital campaign, collaborating with the Museum Board, the executive director, and other partners to fundraise for a new state-of-the-art museum on Highway 370 and 90th Street. Before her current role, Mary dedicated 16 years to the University of Nebraska Foundation as a development director, where she partnered with college deans and faculty to advance the university. Her efforts led to the establishment of the Goldstein Human Rights Center, the Natan and Hannah Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies, and the Sam and Frances Fried Holocaust Center, among many other significant programs.
Following her retirement from the NU Foundation, Mary founded Inspired Giving: Changing the World through Philanthropy. In this role, she worked with clients such as the First Responders Foundation and Global Partners in Hope. Notably, she helped establish the Turkey Creek Preserve Charitable Foundation, a multi-million-dollar entity dedicated to preserving a 1,000-acre wildlife habitat. Mary retired from her position as director of operations of the foundation but continued to impact the community through her philanthropic efforts.
Mary's leadership extends beyond Rotary. She served as President of the National League of American Pen Women, Omaha Branch, for five years, where she gained national attention for recruiting the highest number of new members in a single year.
In 2023, Mary co-authored and published a book, "Turkey Creek Preserve: A Sacred Journey," further showcasing her dedication to preserving natural habitats. Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Mary enjoys spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family and friends. Her life is a testament to the profound impact that one individual can have through unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and philanthropy.
Mary Bernier thanking fellow Rotarians for the opportunity to serve
The 5th Annual Rotary Car Show revved up engines and delighted car enthusiasts on June 1st, 2024, transforming the Certified Transmission Car Museum into a vibrant hub of automotive excellence. Organized by Suburban Rotary in collaboration with Certified Transmission and Boomer Radio, this year's event surpassed all expectations, thanks to the dedication of countless individuals and the generous support of sponsors.
At the helm of the Car Show Committee stood the indomitable Bryant Morrison, whose leadership and tireless efforts ensured every detail was meticulously executed. Backed by a team of over 60 passionate Rotarians and a panel of discerning Car Show judges, the event unfolded flawlessly, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees and participants alike.
None of this would have been possible without the invaluable contributions of our esteemed sponsors. Certified Transmission and Boomer Radio led the charge, their unwavering commitment driving the success of the event. Joining them were a cadre of companies whose generosity and belief in the Rotary mission propelled the Car Show to new heights.
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:
Recently inducted to the Presidents Scholarship Circle is President-Elect Elect Jennifer Green with Trustees Chair John Hoich and President of the Day Curt Peters
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.
Willie Barney
Mary Bernier
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