October is Economic and Community Development Month across Rotary. It is a time to consider how we can help people build the skills, connections, and resources they need to support themselves and strengthen their communities.
A strong local economy begins with people. When someone gains a new skill, finds a mentor, starts a business, or receives support during a difficult transition, the benefits can reach far beyond one household. Rotary brings people together to identify those opportunities and turn good ideas into practical action.
Here in District 5750, our clubs can work alongside schools, workforce programs, small businesses, and community organizations to learn where support would make the greatest difference.
October: Economic and Community Development Month
Rotary’s work in community economic development focuses on helping people build more secure futures. Projects can take many forms, depending on what a community needs and what its partners are already doing.
Across District 5750, clubs may consider:
Partnering with local workforce development and job training programs
Offering mentorship to students, job seekers, or new business owners
Supporting financial literacy or career readiness workshops
Connecting people with professional networks and community resources
Helping nonprofits expand programs that address local economic needs
Inviting small business owners and community leaders to speak about opportunities and challenges in their communities
Working with Rotaract and Interact members on projects that build leadership and practical skills
A club does not need to solve every challenge at once. A useful first step might be listening to a community partner, connecting someone with a mentor, or bringing the right people together around a shared need.
Stronger Opportunities. Stronger Communities.
Rotary members bring experience from many professions and walks of life. That range of knowledge gives us an opportunity to contribute more than funding alone. We can share skills, make introductions, volunteer our time, and help community partners build on work already underway.
This month, I encourage every club to ask:
What opportunity could our club help create for someone in our community?
As we continue through the 2026–2027 Rotary year, we can strengthen our impact by:
Listening to local partners before choosing a project
Sharing successful ideas between clubs
Inviting new members to bring their experience and perspectives
Giving young people opportunities to learn and lead
Building partnerships that can continue beyond a single event
October also brings World Polio Day on October 24. As we recognize the work still ahead to end polio, it is a reminder of what Rotarians can accomplish when we stay committed and work together over time.
Thank you to the Rotarians throughout District 5750 who give their time, expertise, and care to the communities we serve. This October, let’s look for ways to open doors, build lasting partnerships, and create opportunities that help our neighbors thrive.
Best regards,
Bricktown Rotary Hit-a-Thon Raises $17,316 for Service
Congratulations to the Bricktown Rotary Club on raising $17,316 through its 2026 Hit-a-Thon! Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and helped make the event possible.
A special shoutout to the heavy hitters who donated or raised at least $1,000:
John Malget — $3,755
Karyn Seabrooke — $3,059
JCM Specialty Services — $2,000
Morgan Flom — $1,600
JoAnna Blackstock — $1,257
Marc Brockhaus — $1,200
An anonymous donor — $1,000
The Rotary Club of the Original Mile — $1,000
Marc & Barbara Brockhaus — $1,000
Brian Triger — $1,000
Thank you for showing what our Rotary community can accomplish together!
Little Trees Takes Root with C.A.M.P. Grant Support
At the September 8 club meeting, Little Trees founder Maeve Wise shared how this year’s C.A.M.P. artist grant helped bring the group art show back for its second year. The funding helped cover fabrication of the blank trees and staffing that allowed the exhibition to stay open longer for the public.
More than 100 artists transformed the trees into original works for the show at Canopy Art Center. It was a wonderful example of how a grant can give artists the materials, space, and time to share their creativity with the community.
Celebrating the Life of Harry Meister
Rotary District 5750 celebrates the life of Harry Meister, a dear friend and fellow Rotarian whose kindness, generosity, and commitment to service touched so many. We are grateful for the time we shared with Harry and will carry his memory with us.
We continue to hold Harry’s family, friends, and fellow Rotarians in our thoughts. Those who wish to honor him may contribute to the Harry Meister Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Alpha Tau Omega chapter at the University of Central Oklahoma: give.uco.edu/g/meister.
Grills & Gears Rotary Car Show — October 10
The Rotary Clubs of Edmond and Northwest OKC invite you to Grills & Gears on Saturday, October 10, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. at The Shoppes at Northpark. Enjoy classic cars, custom builds, a pancake breakfast, and a morning with friends and family.
Proceeds from the car show and breakfast will support local Rotary service projects. Come for the cars, stay for the community, and help make a difference close to home!
The Edmond Rotary Club Keeps Showing Up for Its Community
Edmond Rotary Club members were back out serving their community this past Saturday, collecting litter to help keep Edmond clean and welcoming. With the Route 66 Centennial celebration approaching in November, their work helps care for the places residents and visitors will enjoy.
Thank you to the volunteers who gave their time and energy. Edmond Rotary continues to show what Service Above Self looks like in action.
Western Heights Interact: Young Leaders in Action
West Oklahoma City Rotary Club is proud to support the Western Heights School Interact Program, where students ages 12–18 can build leadership skills, make friends, and put Service Above Self into action.
Interact gives young people a chance to make a difference at school and in their community, learn about other cultures, and grow as leaders—all while having fun together.
Know a teen in the Western Heights district who would like to get involved? Connect with Meggan Wilson at queenmegganwilson@gmail.com to learn more!
Enid Rotary Club Rotarians in the News
Congratulations to five Rotarians recognized for new leadership roles in their communities:
Jennifer Bauman was named CEO of the United Way of Enid and Northwest Oklahoma.
Rachel McVay was named executive director of the Enid YWCA.
Marcie Mack was named president of the Board of Directors for the United Way of Enid and Northwest Oklahoma.
Kevin Frusti was selected for the incoming Class 36 of Leadership Greater Enid.
Dalen McVay was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Chisholm Public Schools Board of Education.
We’re proud to see Rotarians serving and leading across northwest Oklahoma!
Stillwater Frontier Rotary Celebrates September Students of the Month
Congratulations to Audrey Zhang and Jeremiah Smith, Stillwater Frontier Rotary’s September Students of the Month! The club recognizes local students each month for their achievements and character, encouraging the next generation of community leaders.
Thank you to New Generations Director Kristin Merrill, pictured with Audrey and Jeremiah, for helping the club celebrate these students.
EOC Rotary Club Volunteers Help Build 50 Beds for Local Children
What a wonderful example of our community coming together!
Volunteers joined Sleep in Heavenly Peace in Midwest City to build 50 beds for children in need. Members of the EOC Rotary Club were among the many people who rolled up their sleeves to help make it happen.
Thank you to everyone from Rotary District 5750 who participated, and to the city employees, schools, community groups, and organizers who worked alongside them. Together, you helped bring more children a comfortable place to sleep.
This is service in action.
Thank You, Amy, for Your Service as District Administrator
Some people make an impact through the work they do. Others make just as much of an impact through the way they treat people. Amy has done both.
As District Administrator and a member of the Edmond Rotary Club, Amy has given years of dedicated service to Rotary. She has been a steady source of help, a thoughtful colleague, and a genuine pleasure to work with. Her kindness and willingness to lend a hand have meant a great deal to those who have worked alongside her.
Amy, thank you for the time, care, and energy you have given to our district. We are grateful for all you have contributed and wish you every happiness in your next chapter.
Welcome Aboard, Samantha - Our New District Administrator!
Samantha Tritten was born and raised in Moore, Oklahoma, and now calls Blanchard home with her husband of more than 30 years. She has a passion for connecting people, nurturing relationships, and serving her community.
A proud member of the Rotary Club of South Oklahoma City, Samantha began serving as its executive secretary in 2016 and has been an active member of the club’s board for 10 years. She is especially passionate about service projects and fundraising, inspired by Rotary’s impact both locally and around the world. She brings a hands-on approach and a commitment to “Service Above Self” to her Rotary work.
Her professional background includes banking, customer service, sales, operations, and marketing. Through her work with MMCPA, she helps manage the office, build strong client relationships, and supports the firm’s continued growth. Inspired by her father’s entrepreneurial spirit, she also owns and manages multiple businesses.
Above all, Samantha values family. Her favorite way to spend her free time is with her loved ones, especially her three grandsons and one granddaughter. Whether in business, Rotary, or everyday life, she is dedicated to helping others achieve their goals.
Applications Open for District 5750 Governor
Would you or someone you know, be a great candidate to serve at the 2029-30 District 5750 District Governor? Applications are open! Email DG Mukesh Patel at mukeshpatel215@yahoo.com.
The Rotarian must be a member in good standing of a functioning Club in the District.
The Rotarian must have full qualifications for such membership in the strict application of the provisions therefore, and the integrity of the Rotarian’s classification must be without question.
The Rotarian must have served as President of a Club for a full term or be a charter President of a Club having served the full term from the date of charter to 30 June, provided that this period is at least six months.
The Rotarian must demonstrate willingness, commitment, and ability, physically and otherwise, to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the office of District Governor as provided in Duties of a Governor in the Rotary International Bylaws.
The Rotarian must demonstrate knowledge of the qualification, duties, and responsibilities of a District Governor as prescribed in the bylaws and submit to Rotary International, through its General Secretary, a signed statement that the Rotarian understands clearly such qualifications, duties, and responsibilities. Such statement shall also confirm that the Rotarian is qualified for the office of District Governor and willing and able to assume the duties and responsibilities of that office and to perform them faithfully.
Unless specifically excused by the board, a District Governor at the time of taking office must have attended the International Assembly for its full duration, been a member of one or more Rotary Clubs for at least seven years, and must continue to possess the qualifications in Qualifications of a District Governor Nominee in the Rotary International Bylaws.
Unless specifically excused by the board, a District Governor at the time of taking office must have been a member of a functioning Club in the District for four years.
Our Rotary Foundation at Work: Local Action, Global Reach
During 2025–26, Rotary Clubs across District 5750 put The Rotary Foundation to work—turning Rotarian generosity into meaningful projects in Oklahoma and around the world. The District’s new Foundation Annual Report highlights the scope of that impact, from literacy and community improvements close to home to clean water, health care and disease prevention internationally.
Our District supported nine District Grant projects across Oklahoma, representing $80,160 in total project funding. These projects expanded educational opportunities, strengthened mental health services, promoted healthier communities and improved public spaces.
Our reach extended much further. Our District invested $112,600 in 12 Global Grant projects across three continents. These initiatives are improving maternal and child health, fighting malaria, expanding access to medical care, providing clean water and strengthening food and economic security. The District also contributed more than $60,000 to PolioPlus and the Disaster Response Fund.
Behind every one of these projects is the generosity of Rotarians. The annual report shows what happens when we combine that generosity with Rotary’s ability to act.
Barcelona 2027: Connect, Collaborate & Celebrate with Rotary
Join District 5750 Rotarians in Barcelona, Spain, June 26–30, 2027, for the Rotary International Convention! Experience inspiring speakers, exchange service project ideas, and build friendships with Rotarians from around the world. It’s an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and celebrate our shared commitment to Service Above Self.
Beyond the convention, explore Barcelona’s extraordinary architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, Mediterranean beaches, and incredible food. Make plans early for your preferred hotels and host events, and visit convention.rotary.org for registration and details.
Bring your Rotary spirit - and your appetite! Let’s meet at Bar Cañete for tapas and a couple of rounds of cava. Bon profit!
Chili — James R. McQuillar
District Governor Nominee, 2028–2029
Midwest Rotary Club Membership Chair
405-659-2116 | jmcquillar@cox.net
