Ed Hoffman

President Greg rang the Rotary bell following a beautiful piano prelude by Past President John Ackenhusen. A full assembly of Rotarians and guests rose to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Greg then addressed the room: “Good afternoon, I’m doing the Inspiration today. This Friday marks the 77th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The architect […]

President Greg rang the Rotary bell, signally the opening of the meeting. He nodded to Katie Bauer, who came to the podium to deliver the Inspiration — and a stunner it was. “One hundred years ago the fighting in World War I ended,” Katie began. She then read quotes from Presidents Woodrow Wilson and John […]

  From the Desk of Harpoon News Reporter, Ed Hoffman   President Greg rang the Rotary bell; members and guests rose in unison to sing a spirited “Star-Spangled Banner.” As Tom Strode’s regal piano began to fade, Katie Bauer came to the podium for the Inspiration. And what an Inspiration! Clearly tailoring her words to […]

President Greg struck the Rotary bell as only a Nebraska man can…no, he didn’t miss it. Its clarion tones circled the Weber’s ballroom as Deanna Relyea quickly launched into “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Toni Gupta, her eyes intent on the flag, came up after a moment and delivered a heartfelt Inspiration. “These are the 7 Rules […]

After President Greg rang the Rotary bell, and following a spirited “Star-Spangled Banner,” Lauren Heinonen came up to deliver a fabulous Inspiration. Lauren, one of RCAA’s newest (and youngest) members, is a real luminary; the Rotary spirit of service above self shines brilliantly around her. She spoke of epiphanies — of that spark that can […]

There was no gavel, just the blow of an almighty horn. President Greg was there, but nowhere to be seen. The Weber’s ballroom had transformed into a lush carpet of green, where redoubtable men and women scythed their way from field to field. Others, more confined, battled with sticks at close range in unforgiving rectangles. […]

Past President Collyer Smith wielded the gavel with the assurance of a true elder statesman. President Greg, enjoying a reunion at his alma mater, Nebraska, displayed his usual sagacity by appointing a seasoned delegate. Cheers went up; it was like Washington returning from retirement in 1798 to head American forces in the Quasi War. Pride […]

President Greg rang the Rotary bell, opening the luncheon meeting. Shelley MacMillan came to the podium and delivered a moving Inspiration replete with quotes from Noam Chomsky, Jimmy Dean, and Lemony Snickett. Jim Irwin then bounded up to lead us (first) in a spirited “Hail to the Victors” which, no doubt, conferred the appropriate oblations […]

The Rotary bell rang from somewhere; probably from a guard tower as it seemed like roll call at Stalag 17. President Greg, left arm cradled in a sling, struck a dramatic pose. With his sports jacket draped rakishly, he peered at our motley assembly much like Preminger from the stoop of his commandant’s hut. He […]

Joan Knoertzer’s lovely piano prelude wafted members and guests gently toward the business at hand. A ring of the Rotary bell by President Emeritus John Ackenhusen, who looked remarkably relaxed from his several weeks of freedom, signaled the meeting’s commencement. James Corey came forward and delivered a cogent Inspiration, opening with a quote from acclaimed […]