Heath Mello will be presenting on his vision for the Chamber and on the current economic landscape of the region. Mr. Mello will highlight the Chamber’s work in economic development and updates involving the city’s “urban core.”
Heath Mello is a distinguished leader known for his strategic acumen and impactful contributions across various sectors. As the President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to drive organizational growth and foster community development. Heath currently serves as the Vice President for External Relations at the University of Nebraska System, where he provides strategic leadership in government relations, communications, and external affairs. Previously, he held roles including Associate Vice President for External Relations at the University of Nebraska System and Chief Operating Officer at the Holland Children's Institute & Movement.
During his tenure as a State Senator in the Nebraska Unicameral, Heath showcased legislative leadership as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, championing significant reforms in fiscal policy, higher education, economic development, and more. Committed to community service, Heath has contributed his expertise to various organizations and committees, including the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition's Nebraska Advisory Committee. Heath holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is pursuing a Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He has also participated in prestigious programs such as the German Marshall Fund's American Marshall Memorial Fellowship and the American Swiss Foundation's "Young Leaders Conference."
🎉🎈 Get ready to bounce into action with Project Chair Mary Bernier as she spearheads the electrifying extravaganza of Crestridge's Annual Bounce House Exercise Day on May 17, 2024! From 9:10 AM to 2:40 PM, we're turning up the excitement meter to the max, and we want YOU to be a part of the fun!
🌟 Join us in spreading joy and laughter as we create unforgettable memories for the community. But we can't do it alone – we need the dynamic energy of 10 enthusiastic Rotarians to make this event an absolute blast!
💪 Plus, here's some fantastic news: volunteering at this event fulfills the service project requirement for new members! It's not just about bouncing around; it's about making a meaningful difference while having the time of your life.
Ready to jump into action? CLICK HERE to sign up and be a superhero of fun and fitness at Crestridge's Annual Bounce House Exercise Day! Let's bounce together for a day of pure exhilaration and community spirit! 🚀🎊
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.
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.
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:
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.
The annual Suburban Rotary Scholarship luncheon, held amidst the elegant ambiance of the Happy Hollow Club, proved to be an extraordinary celebration of academic excellence and community generosity. Guided by the distinguished presence of astronaut Clayton Anderson, the event illuminated the achievements of ten outstanding students from local high schools, each awarded with $3,000 scholarships.
These scholarships, renewable for up to two years or a total of three years or $9,000 per scholar, promise not just financial support but also a beacon of encouragement for the recipients as they embark on their educational journeys. Congratulations resonate warmly with Eric Asher, Evan Auel, Benjamin Grelk, Elijah Moises Manrique, Bradley Martin, Caleb Nilius, Ava Patten, Jay Price, Miles Severe, and Kyle St. Cyr, the deserving beneficiaries of the 2024 Suburban Rotary Scholarship.
Heartfelt appreciation extends to the Rotarian donors, esteemed members of the President Scholarship Circle, and contributors to the One Year Scholarship program, whose benevolence fuels the aspirations of these young scholars. Special gratitude is owed to donors of the Endowed Scholarship Funds, including The Rex E. Ekwall Memorial Scholarship, The Ron & Phyllis Pearson Scholarship, and The Howard D. Vann Memorial Scholarship, whose enduring support ensures a legacy of educational opportunity.
In the coming days, the contributions of One Year Scholarship donors will be duly acknowledged, further underscoring the unwavering commitment of our community to nurturing future leaders. Below, we share glimpses captured from the inspiring scholarship luncheon, moments that embody the spirit of collective empowerment and academic excellence.
The 2024 Scholarship Recipients
Photo Credit: Jo Wellendorf
The Luncheon head table with L to R: President Katie Henry, Scholarship Chair Carol Ebdon, Master of Ceremonies Astronaut Clayton Anderson, Rotary District Governor Kathryn Schubert, and Trustees Chair John Hoich Photo Credit: Jo Wellendorf
Crowd photos provided by the Scuttlebutt Editor
Big thank you to the Scholarship Committee led by Carol Ebdon with members Barb Rebrovich, Suzi Brehmer, Thomas Freeman, Duane Gross, Doug Hansen, David Kutler, Bruce Lemen, Julie Livingston, Roxy Orr, Ron Pearson, Dan Schnoes, Alice Schumaker, Judy Sealer, Roger Utman and Dan Wellendorf.
Most North American plant species depend on insects, predominantly bees, for pollination. “Your whole food web is supported by bees,” says Dave Hunter, a member of the Rotary Club of Woodinville, Washington. The club leads a project that nourishes bees while beautifying the Seattle suburb. Members use donated wine barrels to construct planters to attract pollinators. Local businesses can sign up to have one placed at their storefront for a donation of $150 a year to the club’s foundation. The planters have QR codes that take visitors to information on the club’s website about the program and pollinators’ importance. “We are not just putting planters out; we’re educating through them,” says Hunter, proprietor of Crown Bees, which sells bees, bee houses, and other materials. The club also partnered with the city, businesses, a garden club, and a nonprofit organization to host a Pollinator Fest in May that attracted about 500 people to hear the latest buzz on bees.
Canada
The Rotary Club of Olds, Alberta, is livening up its process for awarding grants to community groups. In November, representatives of about a dozen organizations pitched their proposals at a contest modeled on Dragons’ Den, a CBC television program (much like Shark Tank in the U.S.) in which venture capitalists judge entrepreneurs’ proposals for investment. The organizations were allotted five minutes to make their pitch, followed by five minutes of questioning by a panel of Rotarian “dragons,” or judges. Club President Randy Smith concedes that the awardees would have received their share of the roughly $10,000 regardless of who won. But he says the spirited affair gave the groups, including Interactors and fire department cadets, an opportunity to hone their presentation skills and showcase their creativity.
We believe good health care is everyone’s right. Yet 400 million people in the world can’t afford or don’t have access to basic health care.
Disease results in misery, pain, and poverty for millions of people worldwide. That’s why treating and preventing disease is so important to us. We lead efforts both large and small. We set up temporary clinics, blood donation centers, and training facilities in underserved communities struggling with outbreaks and healthcare access. We design and build infrastructure that allows doctors, patients, and governments to work together.
Our members combat diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and polio. Prevention is important, which is why we also focus on health education and bringing people routine hearing, vision, and dental care.
HOW ROTARY MAKES HELP HAPPEN
We educate and equip communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases. Rotary members have hundreds of health projects underway around the world at any given time.
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.
Heath Mello
United States
Canada
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