The Westward Ho 5/12/23 (May 09, 2023)

Coming up 5/12/23

Omaha City Council

Danny Begley

Chair of the Day: Deb Neary

Invocator: Gary Bren

Greeter: Volunteer Needed

Sgt. at Arms: Volunteer Needed

Cashiers: Laura Greet

Welcome John McConnell!

Last week Mark Ellsworth introduced us to new member John McConnell. John is the Founder and Owner of Monster Tote, delivering moving solutions for the Omaha and Lincoln Metros. After doing much research in the moving industry he saw a need in the market for a cheaper, ecofriendly, reusable plastic tote alternative to cardboard boxes. Thus, the journey with Monster Tote began a little over five years ago and he loves the fact that his product reduces some of the stress of moving.

John is from Western Nebraska and completed his education at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He has extensive experience in sales and management working for fortune 500 companies and some smaller companies from Texas to Nebraska.

John is married to Sara McConnell who teaches at Duchesne Academy, and they have a son who will be three years old in September. John and his family love to travel, going on adventures as a trio and once in a great while mom and dad get to do something as a couple. John also enjoys lazy days at the lake, boating or fishing (when biting) and spending time with friends and even some family members. Welcome, John!

Mitten Tree

Mitten Tree funds were used last winter to provide warm coats to kids at Skinner and hygiene kits this spring. Books were also delivered to students this weeks thanks to the Omaha West Rotary Foundation (and your generous support!)

Social Events

Thanks to Michelle Schrage for hosting fun event last week! Join us this week for Happy Hour!

The next Happy Hour will be at Holiday Lounge on 7846 Dodge Street from 4:30-7 p.m. on May 11th. Please bring $5 for snacks.

Rotary Leadership Institute

RLI is for everyone - Leadership is not a position, it is action.

Engage and empower members . . .

Energize and strengthen your Rotary Club . . .

Provide Leadership Development for Members . . .

Learn about Rotary and have fun!

That is the Rotary Leadership Institute experience!

Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a facilitated program with active participation - not lecturing. Topics important to Rotary and Rotary Clubs such as Effective Service Projects, Membership Engagement, and understanding The Rotary Foundation are explored. You will discuss real challenges and exchange ideas.

Nominate members and they will naturally become more engaged because they will have a richer Rotary experience.

RLI is a three-part program. Each RLI participant attends three on-day sessions. Here is your chance to start your RLI journey!

Rotary District 6000 is part of the Rotary Leadership Institute - Heartland USA Division. They have scheduled 2 in-person sessions in 2023.

You must participate in the full day of each part to get credit for graduation.

You must have completed Part I of RLI to register for subsequent parts.

All three parts are offered and will be held with sufficient registration in each.

Saturday, May 6, 2023

8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m
Shive-Hattery, Inc., 4125 Westown Parkway, #100, West Des Moines, Iowa

Saturday, October 14, 2023
8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m
First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, Iowa
The fee to participate in person is $85 per part.
Register at https://www.rli-heartland.org/

Watch the District Newsletter and Website for additional information and opportunities.

Pitch Contest

On June 8th we are sponsoring the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition at the 3rd annual Minority Small Business Summit hosted by the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) and Omaha Chamber of Commerce REACH Program. For the second year our club has committed $18,000 in prize money to help these existing businesses level up and grow.

We are looking for volunteers to serve in a variety of roles including application evaluators, practice judges at a pitch practice session, volunteers at the summit and competition, and hosts for the business owners visiting our club.

You can sign up to volunteer here. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2023pitchcompetitionvolunteersurvey

Bloody Mary Fest

Mark your calendars and share with your friends. CLICK HERE to buy tickets.

We are looking for event sponsors. Click here to see sponsorship levels. Please contact Dan Lassek for more information.

Get to Know your Fellow Rotarian

Each week we will feature a different member so you can get to know him/her better! We are getting low on volunteers- please click HERE to complete a form and send it/give it to Jennifer if you haven't yet been featured.

This week's Rotarian is Dwayne Brown

Occupation: Architect/Comedian

Membership: 11 years

Why did you join? Rich Secor asked me

What do you get out of Rotary? Fellowship, fun, food, new experiences

Spouse: Amy

Kids: Juliene, Maryssa

Would you rather spend a week on the beach or in the mountains? Mountains

Favorite Vacation spot: New Zealand

Hobbies: Reading, biking, home improvement, comedy

Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption

Favorite Ice Cream: Coneflower Butter Brickle

One thing on your bucket list: See the Aurora Borealis live

Dream Job: Socialite

One thing that no one knows about you: I read 100 books a year

Monthly Meeting Sponsor

Thank you to our May Meeting Sponsor!

Stephanie Olson and The Set Me Free Project

Visit Other Clubs

Keep engaged and entertained while attending Rotary Club meetings from around the Metro/District online or in-person.

Monday: Millard at Noon - at the German American Society

Bellevue Papillion Rotary Club meets at DJ’s Dugout in Bellevue on Mondays at noon.

Tuesday:

Omaha Morning Rotary and Northwest Rotary are holding joint meetings at a new location - the First Responders Foundation, 10605 Burt Circle, Omaha, NE 68114.

Update on Weekly Rotary Meeting:

As a result of the recent Club Assembly, Omaha Morning and Omaha Northwest will continue to merge meetings and will be alternating the meeting time on a monthly basis as follows:

February 2023 - Morning
March 2023 - Lunch

April 2023 - Morning

May 2023 - Lunch

June 2023 - Morning

Unless requested by the speaker, Omaha Morning will continue the meeting in hybrid format. This means Morning meetings will be available both in person and in zoom.

Wednesday: Omaha Downtown at Noon at the Field Club

Council Bluffs Centennial 7am at HyVee on Madison upstairs

Thursday: Omaha Suburban at noon: in person, German American Society also hybrid

Council Bluffs at noon- Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center

In Lincoln:

Lincoln #14 Rotary Club - Tuesdays Noon - Embassy Suites 1040 P Street
Lincoln Giving Spirits Evening Rotary Club - Every-other Tuesday 6:00 PM) - JCMF Children's Charities 8445 Executive Woods Dr Ste B Lincoln
Lincoln East Rotary Club - Wednesdays at 11:45 AM - The Garage
Lincoln South Rotary Club - Fridays noon - The Venue Private Dining Rooms - 4111 Pioneer Woods Dr