The Westward Ho 4/15/22 (Apr 12, 2022)

Coming Up 4/15/22

No Meeting

Happy Easter and Passover!

Next week we will be back at Embassy.

Welcome Gary Bren!

Last week Michelle Schrage introduced us to new member Gary Bren. Gary is the majority owner and Managing Partner of Turner Technology, an IT services company which is celebrating its 30^th anniversary this year.

Gary Bren has been a Rotarian since February of 2000. He was President of Omaha Downtown during their centennial year of 2011-2012 and was chair of their largest program, the Eighth Grade Honor Roll, for five years. He served as District Governor for District 5650 in the 2016-2017 year and is the current District Treasurer.

He is a past board chair of the American Red Cross, past board member of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and a current board member of Voices for Children.

He and his wife Gretchen have been married for 32 years and she is an active Rotarian. Gary’s favorite saying is from Margaret Meade: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has”….and he believes that quote speaks to the power of Rotary to change the world. Welcome, Gary!

Welcome Bette Case!

Last week Warren Whitted III introduced us to new member Bette Case. Bette does networking for Midwest Impressions for 2 years. Midwest Impressions is known for their quality screen printing & embroidery work and also offers promotional items. Prior to that she was with ServiceOne for 25 years.

Bette's son, Chad, who lives in Lincoln. He is a Certified Nutritionist & the owner of Nutrition Authority. He also serves as a Certified Quarterbacks Coach for QB Collective, & Volunteers as the Quarterback/Linebackers coach at Lincoln High. Bette also has three grandchildren who are very active in sports.

Bette is active in the Center Sphere organization and serves on the Board of Directors with the West O Chamber. Outside of attending as many football, basketball & volleyball games as possible, she enjoy walking, hiking, biking, gardening and DIY projects….and is looking to add Rotary to the list😊. Welcome, Bette!

Welcome Ginny Czechut!

Last week Mark Ellsworth introduced us to new member Ginny Czechut. Ginny Czechut is the Director of Sales at The Brant Senior Living in Gretna and an Adjunct Professor in the Business Department at Bellevue University. Ginny previously worked as Director of Admissions and Marketing for a senior living community in North Omaha and was Director of Communications and Marketing at Catholic Charities.

Before moving to Omaha, Ginny was Director of Marketing and Physician Recruitment for a physician-owned healthcare facility in Missouri. She holds a BA in Communications from University of Missouri-Columbia and a Masters of Science in Public Relations from Montana State University-Billings.

Ginny has two sons, one studying welding at Metropolitan Community College and one working on a Masters in Music Performance and Composing at Northern Illinois University. She previously served as Secretary for her Rotary Club in Missouri and is proud and honored to call herself a Rotarian. Welcome, Ginny!

Paul Harris Recognition

Congratulations and thank you to Elizabeth Hallgren who received her Paul Harris Fellow recognition from Martie Cordaro last week for her donations of $1000 to the Rotary Foundation. The Intl. Rotary Foundation supports projects around the world (and here locally) to eradicate disease, promote literacy, peace, and economic security.

Family of Rotary

Thank you to Dwayne Brown and fellow comedians Steve Alloy and Bill Swanson for a fun night at the Big Canvas Comedy Club!

Please mark your calendars for May 24th for our next Family of Rotary night at Gretchen Radler's house.

Click HERE to register for our annual Senior Recognition Event which will be back in person this year! At Champions Club on Friday, May 6th featuring UNO Chancellor Joanne Li.

New Member Proposal

Name: Nathan Morgan

Classification: Community Foundation

Company: Omaha Community Foundation
Proposer: Dwayne Brown

Any objection to this proposal must be in writing to the Board of Directors at boardofdirectors@omahawestrotary.org within one week.

Blood Drive

West Rotary is participating in a Red Cross Blood Drive. You can sign up by CLICKING HERE.

Bloody Mary Fest

Tickets and Sponsorships are on sale now- please share with friends, family, and business connections. CLICK HERE.

Also- The Bloody Mary Fest Raffle Committee is looking for donations- please contact Jill Slupe

Needed items include:

Wine or Liquor

Airline Miles

Time shares

Tickets- games, plays, concerts

Gift cards

Sports memorabilia

Baskets, ribbon, etc. for the baskets

Monthly Meeting Sponsor

Thank to our April meeting sponsor Bill Swanson/The Swanson Group of Berkshire Hathaway!

If you would like to sponsor a month and be featured on our website, newsletter, and at weekly meetings, please contact Jennifer.

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 - in person, no reservations required at the German American Society

Tuesday: Omaha Morning at 7:00 at Happy Hollow- hybrid meetings. Click here to register.

NW Rotary at noon- at Garden Cafe in Rockbrook

Wednesday: Omaha Downtown at Noon resuming hybrid meetings.

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 - Currently Rotating - see website
Lincoln South Rotary Club - Fridays noon - The Venue Private Dining Rooms - 4111 Pioneer Woods Dr