A Message from the Governor: October 2025 - Economic & Community Development Month
Dear Rotarians,
October is Rotary International’s Economic & Community Development Month — a time to highlight one of Rotary’s most vital areas of focus: strengthening local economies, creating opportunities for decent work, and building sustainable futures.
Across District 5750, I see our clubs living out this mission in countless ways — from supporting small business owners, to mentoring youth entrepreneurs, to investing in workforce development programs that spark hope and self-reliance. These efforts are not just about economics; they are about dignity, empowerment, and the chance for every person to thrive.
As Rotarians, we know that lasting peace and progress come from healthy, sustainable communities. When we empower people with the tools, training, and opportunities they need, we create ripple effects that touch families, neighborhoods, and generations to come.
Call to Action
This month, I encourage every club to:
Highlight local entrepreneurs – Invite a small business owner, community developer, or economic leader to speak at a club meeting.
Mentor & empower – Explore ways to mentor young people in leadership, financial literacy, or career readiness.
Support local initiatives – Partner with chambers of commerce, workforce programs, or nonprofits addressing economic empowerment.
Share your impact – Post stories and photos on your club’s social media. Tag Rotary District 5750 so we can celebrate together!
Spotlight on Service
In September, District 5750 clubs came together for impactful projects during Basic Education & Literacy Month. Thank you to everyone who collected books, read to students, and supported schools. Your work plants seeds that will grow for years to come.
Looking ahead, let’s keep that same spirit alive by focusing on the economic health of our communities. Together, we can lift people up and ensure our district remains a beacon of service and hope.
Save the Dates
October 24 – World Polio Day: Join clubs worldwide as we renew our commitment to a polio-free world.
November 2025 – Rotary Foundation Month: Plan now for your club’s Foundation giving celebration.
Closing Thought
Rotary reminds us that economic development is community development. Let’s continue to invest our time, talents, and resources into projects that create lasting change.
Thank you for your dedication and leadership. Together, we are making a difference.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Mukesh Patel
District Governor, Rotary District 5750
Let’s do something BIG. From now through World Polio Day (Friday, Oct 24, 2025), Rotary District 5750 is uniting with one bold goal: raise $100,000 for the PolioPlus Fund. Every gift brings us closer to a world free from polio.
Clubs, members, and friends are all invited to join.
Weekly updates and a district-wide celebration at the finish line!
Here’s the power of Rotary: if each Rotarian in our district raises just $61, together we’ll hit the $100,000 goal.
This is more than a fundraiser—it’s our chance to make history together. Will your club rise to the challenge?
The Shadow of Polio
In the early 20th century, polio was one of the most feared diseases in the world. Unlike other illnesses that primarily threatened the very young or very old, polio struck children and young adults in the prime of life, often without warning. One day, a child could be running and playing—by the next, they might be paralyzed.
Communities across America and beyond lived in constant fear during summer months, when outbreaks were most severe. Parents closed swimming pools, canceled public gatherings, and kept children indoors in desperate attempts to avoid the mysterious disease.
Today, thanks to Rotary and its partners, we are closer than ever to ending polio for good. Join us in the World Polio Day District Challenge as we work toward raising $100,000 to finish the fight. Every dollar brings us closer to making polio history.
Photos from Rotary Zones 30 & 31 Institute Convention in Columbus, Ohio.
It was a great Learning experience for our DG line!
Click the collage above to see all of the photos!
Rotary Club of Mustang Takes Action
Mustang Rotary Club in honor of September being Basic Education & Literacy Month in Rotary, stepped into action.
We invited Julie Skype who is the Mustang Public Library director to come speak to our club. After learning Julie had a "Wish List" of books the library needed, our club presented her a $500.00 check to purchase the books along with other items. We are happy to help the community in advancing Education and Literacy!
West OKC Rotary Launches Third Year of Teacher & Student of the Month Program
On Wednesday, September 17th, the West Oklahoma City Rotary Club proudly kicked off its third consecutive year of honoring excellence in education through the Teacher & Student of the Month program in partnership with the Western Heights School District.
This cherished initiative continues to spotlight outstanding educators and students whose dedication, leadership, and character uplift the entire community. Each month, the club will recognize individuals who exemplify the Rotary spirit of “Service Above Self,” celebrating their contributions in front of peers, families, and fellow Rotarians.
Adding to the significance of the event, Oklahoma State Representative Marilyn Stark was in attendance and shared a few heartfelt words of encouragement. Her presence underscored the importance of community support in education and the value of recognizing those who go above and beyond in shaping Oklahoma’s future.
The kickoff marked not just the beginning of another impactful year—but a reaffirmation of Rotary’s commitment to youth empowerment and educational excellence in West OKC.
September is Basic Education and Literacy Month in Rotary, and the Rotary Club of Edmond is proud to live out this area of focus right here in our community. Education is at the heart of opportunity, and our members are committed to ensuring Edmond students have the support they need to thrive.
On the very first day of school, Edmond Rotarians welcomed students at Scissortail Elementary, helping them find their classrooms and start the year with confidence. A warm smile, a friendly hello, and a little guidance made a big difference for students and families navigating a new school year.
That commitment continued on September 9, when our club partnered with the Edmond Public Schools Foundation to support classrooms across the district through DonorsChoose. On this special match day, Rotary members’ generosity helped complete 102 classroom projects, putting $41,949 into classrooms and creating 15,953 student experiences—all in a single day!
One teacher shared: “Your donation will make a tremendous difference in our daily learning environment, and we are incredibly grateful.”
From welcoming students at the door to funding resources inside the classroom, Edmond Rotary is proud to champion education and literacy for every student. Together, we are building stronger schools, stronger futures, and a stronger Edmond.
Click the link below to see all of the club's upcoming volunteer activities.
Midtown Rotary Club - Fun evening with Palomar Guest Speaker. She was an Interactor for the Carl Albert Club. Click the photo above to see more pictures.
Oklahoma City's Teacher of the Month
Jaclyn"Jackee’" Brown is the Southeast High School Direct Instruction ELA Teacher and Head Girls Basketball Coach, where she challenges her students to go beyond what they think they can accomplish through steadfast encouragement and building relationships. She is entering her 20th year teaching and coaching in public education.
"Jackee’" made history at the age of 23, being the youngest and the first African-American female to coach in the state of Oklahoma at the 6A level. She has been recognized in numerous publications throughout her career, including a feature alongside one of her student-athletes in an article titled “Homeless Athletes” for Sports Illustrated, and the Daily Oklahoman. She has also been a two-time winner of the OKCPS District Female Sports Coach of the Year, a recipient of the OKCPS Wes Welker Community Service Award for her basketball team, the only Special Educator certified in the OKCPS district to teach Adaptive Physical Education, and is a three-time recipient of the Wes Welker Grant for athletics, and a two-time teacher of the year at Southeast High School.
Jaclyn's work ethic is unwavering and she continually pursues excellence on the court, in the classroom, and with her peers.
In 1925, a small group of business and community leaders came together in Weatherford, Oklahoma, united by a vision of fellowship and service. That vision became the Weatherford Rotary Club. This year, we are proud to celebrate our 100th anniversary—a century of “Service Above Self.”
Our Beginnings:
By 1928, our club was already shaping the community. Around that time we assumed the sponsorship of Weatherford’s Boy Scout troop—one of the oldest continuously registered troops in the “Last Frontier Council.” This sponsorship and the close cooperation with Troop 355 continues to this day.
Soon after that, we launched projects to support children with disabilities, created rural libraries, led immunization efforts against diphtheria, and provided Christmas baskets for families in need.
Serving Through the Decades:
Rotarians here in Weatherford have always stepped up in times of need. During World War II, our members organized scrap metal roundups, raised war bonds, and even repaired the Weatherford airport runway to support the war effort.
We helped establish Greenwood Cemetery in the 1930s, sponsored youth health clinics in the 1960s, and launched the community flag program in 1966, which continues to support a number of local projects today.
Our Club is the current sponsor of the Antique/Classic Car Show which generates funds for the DARE Program, manned by the Weatherford Police Department.
Our presence can be seen across the city - the original Rotary Hut, which is still standing, was once a gathering place for Scouts and civic groups .
In 1998 our Club was informed by our Boy Scout Liaison that the “old” Rotary Hut was in dire need of maintenance and that it was totally inadequate to meet the needs of a very vibrant Troop 355 and the newly formed Troop 6355 - the Girl Scout Troop.
A Committee was formed to evaluate the needs of both Troops and to make appropriate recommendations as to how to proceed. After lengthy discussions, the consensus opinion was that the time was right to build a “new” Scout Hut.
Fund raising started in 2002 and after two years of diligent effort, we felt comfortable starting on the building project.
The support from the Community was truly phenomenal.
We also received a tremendous amount of “in-kind donations” from suppliers, vendors and contractors. The completed Scout Hut is now aptly named after long time Rotarian Mark Berrong, who was one of our biggest financial supporters as well as the unofficial sub-contractor of the project.
Our Club was also responsible for the erection of the pavilions in Rader Park.
The Rotary Amphitheater, also at Rader Park, was completed in 2014,
A brand new concession stand was added to the park in 2016,
Playground equipment was added at Rader Park, and at Crowder Lake.
A Legacy of Education and Youth Support
Rotary has always invested in the next generation. Each year we provide scholarships to local students, sponsor leadership programs like RYLA and Youth Exchange Programs and support organizations such as the Scouts, YMCA, and STEAM camps. These investments reflect our commitment to preparing young people for lives of leadership and service.
A Community Celebration
One of our proudest traditions is the Weatherford Rotary Club’s annual 4th of July celebration. For decades, this event has brought families, friends, and neighbors together at Rader Park to celebrate our nation’s independence with fireworks, music, and fellowship. It’s a tradition that symbolizes what Rotary is all about—community, connection, and joy.
Looking Ahead
In 2022, we dedicated Rotary Centennial Park at Rader Park, a living symbol of our past and future. As we enter our second century, we remain guided by the Rotary motto—Service Above Self—and committed to making Weatherford and Western Oklahoma stronger, healthier, and more connected.
Our story is one of people working side by side for the greater good. And as we celebrate 100 years, we honor every Rotarian, past and present, who gave their time, energy, and heart to this journey. Here’s to the next century of service.
Members of the Weatherford Rotary Club that were in attendance during the meeting of September the 10th, 2025.
Club and District Support
Greetings from Rotary! We are contacting you today with a reminder regarding the IRS annual filing requirement for all Rotary clubs in the U.S. and U.S. territories.
Whether your club is a subordinate under Rotary International’s 501(c)(4) group exemption or is independently tax-exempt, the IRS requires that all Rotary clubs in the U.S. and its territories file an annual information return. For clubs whose tax year follows the Rotary year, the deadline to file is 15 November. The form a club must file is dependent upon its gross receipts for the year. For more information, please see Frequently asked questions about annual reporting requirements for exempt organizations at www.irs.gov.
It is important that your club comply with IRS requirements. Please note Section 6033(j) of the Internal Revenue Code automatically revokes the exemption of any organization that fails to satisfy its filing requirement for three consecutive years.
Our document, US Rotary and Rotaract Clubs and the IRS: Frequently Asked Questions, provides general information about Rotary clubs and the IRS. For specific questions regarding your club’s tax-exempt status, reporting requirements, or your club’s ability to file, contact local counsel, your tax adviser, or the IRS directly at www.irs.gov or877-829-5500.
Thank you for your attention to this important reminder.
Sincerely,
Your Club and District Support team
DG Mack Patel visits Rotary Club of East Oklahoma County.
World Polio Day District Challenge 
Donate here: 
Sept 26 – Oct 24
Clubs, members, and friends are all invited to join.
Weekly updates and a district-wide celebration at the finish line!
Today, thanks to Rotary and its partners, we are closer than ever to ending polio for good. Join us in the World Polio Day District Challenge as we work toward raising $100,000 to finish the fight. Every dollar brings us closer to making polio history.
