Patriotic Productions is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded by Bill & Evonne Williams of Omaha, NE, who have a desire to honor the United States military and share that opportunity with others who wish to do the same.
Patriotic Productions has organized and raised funds that have taken over 3,500 WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq & Afghanistan veterans to see the memorials in Washington D.C. from 2008 to 2019.
The flights spurred an interest in creating more events and opportunities to honor our country's veterans and their families, as did the Williamses' four sons, who have changed their family's legacy to one of military service.
Bill and Evonne are not veterans, nor do they come from military families.
But their four sons have all volunteered to serve our country; two soldiers and two Marines.
Last Friday, Omaha West Rotary celebrated 35 outstanding high school seniors during a memorable luncheon at Champions Run. The event saw a fantastic turnout, with nearly 200 guests and 39 Rotarians coming together to honor these students.
The program was highlighted by deeply insightful and inspiring messages from our student speaker, Ruby Stoller, and keynote speaker, UNO Chancellor Joanne Li.
A huge thank you goes out to the Special Events Committee, Candy, Sarah, and everyone who lent a hand to make the day a success. Finally, we extend our sincere gratitude to the Foundation Board of Trustees; their generous funding makes this event possible, and we profoundly appreciate their continued support for this significant undertaking.
District 5650 hosted the Rotary Leadership Institute in Lincoln last Saturday. Six Omaha West Rotarians participated in Session One - more than any other club in the District. Proving once again…”Omaha West is the Best!”
Ms Lemons conducts a book club with her class where they read together everyday and also have a weekly meeting outside of class for any 5th graders that want to attend & discuss books. She even has several 3rd and 4th grade students involved in that weekly meeting who are able to read at a 5th grade level. Ms Lemons mentioned when she started her school year many of her students were reading below 5th grade, even as low as 2nd grade. Now she has them all reading at 5th grade level because of the focus on books in her club. The teachers are very thankful for all the literacy aids and books Rotary provides to their students.
Ms Chauni, the school librarian, let us know that the Dictionaries for the 3rd graders were her favorite project this year. She was able to give workshops to the 3rd, 4th, & 5th grade students on how to use them even though only the 3rd graders got to keep the books. She said in most cases the books were used by the whole family. In one instance a single-parent father has 9 children who were all able to benefit from the dictionary. Rotary's dollars were well spent on the dictionary project.
The Rotary District 5650 Community Ride to End Polio is Back!
The ride will be held on May 23rd, 2026. The ride will start at the Marcus Twin Creek north parking lot and feature 10, 25, and 44 mile rides. This will also be part of our District Epic Day of Service.
District 5650 Community Ride to End Polio (https://www.rotaryrides.org/)
Date: May 23rd 2026.
Who can Ride: Open to Everyone, not just Rotarians…and it’s open to families and children
Distances: 10, 25 and 44 miles
Where: Will start at the Twin Creeks Cinema Parking lot. The 10, 25, and 44 mile rides will be all on trails.
Cost: $25 per rider. Registration includes a t-shirt and donation to Polio Plus. Registrations will open March 17th.
What other activities will happen along with the ride: We’ll have food trucks and a bike clinics at the start/finish area for the riders.
All registered riders will be eligible for a drawing for a $500 gift certificate to the local bike shop of their choice.
You're invited to a Rotary gathering at the home of Suzan Rohrig! Suzan, a residential architect, recently completed a stunning redesign of the house, which has a special history—it was originally owned by her parents, and her mother, Bev Karrer, is a fellow Rotarian.
Lucky Bucket Brewery
