A Message from the Governor Rotary District 5750 – Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month March, 2026
Every March, Rotary turns its focus to one of the most fundamental human needs: clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. Access to safe water is not something many of us think about each day, but for millions of people around the world, it determines health, education, and opportunity. Clean water prevents disease, keeps children in school, and strengthens families and communities. It is one of the clearest examples of how Rotary service directly improves lives in lasting, measurable ways.
Here in Rotary District 5750, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month reminds us that service begins with awareness and continues through action. Whether supporting international water projects, partnering with local organizations, or educating our communities about conservation and public health, every effort contributes to a larger mission. Rotary has helped provide clean water to entire communities across the world, and each of us plays a role in continuing that work through our clubs, our partnerships, and our commitment to Service Above Self.
This month also gives us an opportunity to recognize exciting growth within our district. We congratulate the dedicated leaders and members working to form the charter for the East Side Rotary initiative in Oklahoma City. The effort to build a new club represents courage, vision, and commitment to expanding Rotary’s impact. Establishing a charter is not simply administrative work; it is the foundation for future service, leadership development, and community transformation. We look forward with confidence and excitement to the day they officially become a fully chartered Rotary club and begin making their mark in Rotary District 5750.
We also want to congratulate everyone who has registered for PETS. Your commitment to leadership development reflects the strength of our district’s future. Investing time in training today ensures that our clubs remain vibrant, effective, and prepared to serve with excellence in the year ahead.
Water connects all of us. It sustains life, supports growth, and reminds us of our shared responsibility to care for one another and for the world around us. This month, I encourage every Rotarian to reflect on how your club can contribute, whether through service projects, education, or simply sharing Rotary’s mission with others. Small actions, taken consistently, create lasting change.
Thank you for your continued service and commitment to Rotary District 5750.
In Rotary Service,
Mukesh Patel
District Governor
Rotary District 5750
If your club has not registered a representative for MidAmerica PETS, please reach out to
District Admin, Amy Hollas
rotary5750@gmail.com
405-532-1139
or DG Mukesh Patel
mukeshpatel215@yahoo.com405-474-6327
TODAY!!!
Monday, March 2, was National Read Across America Day, and eight Perry Rotarians had the opportunity to read to the four kindergarten classes at Perry Elementary School.
The book we read was The Soil in Jackie's Garden by Peggy Thomas and illustrated by Neely Daggett. This book was selected because of the awards, recognition, and recommendations it has received. A copy was gifted to each teacher to keep in their classroom library.
Rotary Club of Perry also purchased books for each student from the Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems. Every book presented to students and teachers included a sticker identifying Perry Rotary as the donor. Each classroom had fewer than 25 students, so the remaining books were given to the teachers to share with new students who move into the district or to use as reading achievement rewards.
It was truly special to see the students’ excitement when they realized they would each be taking home a book of their own!
The Perry Rotarians who participated in this event were Ashley Fitzsimmons, Jamie Thompson, Mason Bolay, Lerin Leach, Jessica Dvorak, Troy Simmons, Carol Dvorak, and Kristen McCaul.
Call for Participation: Help Revive Youth Exchange
Rotary clubs are invited to be part of an exciting effort to bring the Youth Exchange program back to life in our district. We are gathering clubs interested in supporting the program in any capacity—from hosting students to assisting with organization and promotion. If your club has ever been involved in Youth Exchange or would like to help shape its future, this is a great opportunity to join the conversation and make an impact.
An informational meeting will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Hidden Trails Golf and Country Club. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom option will also be available.
Clubs interested in attending or learning more are encouraged to reach out to DGN Jamie Crowe at Jamiecrowe@southokc.com or 405-413-5018. Your club’s involvement can help reopen life-changing international opportunities for students across our district.
Since 1999, Buckner International has distributed more than 5 million pairs of shoes in more than 80 countries—including communities right here in the United States, to include Oklahoma, and specifically, Oklahoma County. Approximately 20% of the shoes collected remain in the United States.
Please join the friendly competition between Districts 5750, 6110, 6150 and 6170, as we collect as many children shoe sizes as possible before 17 March 2026. There will be drop off boxes at Al Rays Cleaners and at our 9, and 16 March meetings. Mack Patel and/or I will transport the shoes to Mid-America President Elect Training Seminar, Ft Smith, Arkansas. We need children’s sizes from toddler to 18 years old with the greatest
need, adult sizes 1-12. We prefer athletic style and closed toed shoes.
Lastly, if you do not have the time to shop for a pair of shoes, let me know and I'll buy them for you.
When you donate a pair of shoes, you transform a child’s trajectory in life.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Chili
James R McQuillar
District 5750 Membership Chair
CP# 405-659-2116
jmcquillar@cox.net
Rotary Club of Oklahoma City Teacher of the Month
February 2026
In cooperation with the Mayor's office and City Council, the Rotary Club of Okla. City recognizes an outstanding teacher in our community.
Taylor Belote received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with Special Distinction from the University of Oklahoma in 2019 and was named the 2025 District Teacher of the Year for Edmond Public Schools, a distinction that recognizes not only her outstanding instructional practices but also her unwavering commitment to student success and her positive impact on the school community.
Taylor has taught Third Grade at Heritage Elementary since 2019, serves as the Third Grade Team Lead, serves on the Heritage Professional Learning Community Leadership Team, and has also served on the Heritage Elementary Celebrate Differences Committee. Taylor is a member of the EPS Foundation Advisory Board, the Heritage Elementary Lead Team, and has served on the Edmond Public Schools Science Curriculum Adoption Committee. She also serves as a University of Central Oklahoma Student Teacher Mentor guiding the next generation of educators.
Taylor creates a classroom environment centered around inclusion and prioritizing student relationships, a place where her dedication to making learning fun and meaningful is showcased and a setting where she empowers students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve success through her thoughtful guidance and high expectations. Her emphasis on positive attitudes and personal responsibility fosters a culture of enthusiasm for learning, encourages students to grow both academically and personally, and reflects positively on her school, district, and the broader community. Taylor’s contributions extend beyond the classroom through her involvement in school and district initiatives, her commitment to professional development, and her dedication to creating a safe and supportive learning environment for all. Taylor’s dedication to education reflects her commitment to academic excellence and the development of future leaders. Her classroom is a place of encouragement where students are inspired to reach their full potential.
Congratulations, Taylor!
Pictured: Bruce McIntyre, Taylor Belote, Carole Kelley, Susan Belote
Building Stronger Clubs: Leadership Continuity, Clear Goals, and Membership Growth
This month, as Presidents-elect attend MidAmerica PETS and prepare to lead their clubs starting on July 1, this is the ideal time for clubs to strengthen the practices that sustain success year after year. One of the most important is maintaining a strong Presidential leadership line — President, President-elect, and President-nominee. This three-year continuum creates stability, preserves institutional knowledge, and allows future leaders to learn before they serve. The President-nominee observes and prepares, the President-elect plans and builds momentum, and the sitting President leads with the benefit of a team already preparing for what comes next. Clubs that invest in this leadership pipeline experience smoother transitions, stronger strategic focus, and less burnout among officers.
Equally important is intentional goal setting in Rotary Club Central. Setting goals is not simply an administrative requirement; it is a strategic exercise that aligns club energy with Rotary’s priorities and the club’s own vision for service. Clubs that establish measurable goals in membership, service projects, Foundation giving, youth engagement, and public image, create clarity and shared purpose. Rotary Club Central also provides a transparent way to track progress and celebrate achievements. Completing and monitoring goals ensures eligibility for the Rotary International Club Excellence Award, but more importantly, it helps clubs stay focused on meaningful impact rather than activity for activity’s sake.
A strong future also depends on membership growth and engagement. Healthy clubs are those that continually invite new perspectives while keeping current members inspired and involved. Consider these practical approaches:
Tell compelling stories of impact. Share service outcomes through social media, local news, and community presentations so prospective members see Rotary’s real difference.
Create flexible engagement pathways. Offer project-based involvement, satellite meetings, or social gatherings to accommodate busy professionals and younger members.
Encourage member invitations. Personal invitations remain the most effective recruitment tool; challenge each member to invite a guest during the year.
Tip for rural and small-town clubs: Partner with neighboring communities, schools, or civic groups on visible service projects. When residents experience Rotary working alongside them, membership inquiries often follow naturally.
As we move toward the new Rotary year, clubs that cultivate leadership continuity, set clear goals, and intentionally grow membership position themselves not only for recognition, but for lasting community impact. The work done now ensures that Rotary’s service and fellowship remain strong across District 5750 for years to come.
Fellow Rotarians,
Rotarians, this is our moment! Eight members in eight weeks. Not someday. Not next year. Now!! If each of us invites just one leader, one servant-hearted professional, one community changer to experience Rotary, we will not only grow, we will strengthen our impact.
Growth is not about numbers.. Growth is about influence. Growth is about service. Growth is about ensuring that the mission of Rotary International continues to thrive in our communities.
Eight new members mean:
1. Eight new ideas
2. Eight new networks
3. Eight new servants
4. Eight new champions for polio eradication and local service.
Imagine what District 5750 and Midwest City Rotary Club can accomplish if every club and member accepts the Eight in Eight challenge.
Let's be intentional. Let's be bold. Let's be invitational. We are not asking people to join a meeting. We are inviting them into a movement. Eight in eight. Who will you invite?
Yours in Rotary Service,
Chili
James R McQuillar
District 5750 Membership Chair
Click Photo for Link to Sign up
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RYLA 2026
The date for our next RYLA is set for July 17-20, 2026 at Camp Twin Cedars. We need your support to sponsor students and encourage students to apply. Our goal is to have 100 students for this LIFE CHANGING Camp.
Reach out to your schools and students in your area. The QR Code on the attached flyer lands on the application page. Additional information can be found on the District Website. rotary5750.org. Encourage the high school Sophomores and Juniors to apply as soon as possible!
Since we have the entire camp AND the kitchen we would love some kitchen help. It would be great if a few Rotarians and or clubs would volunteer to help preparing meals and cleaning up. Let Nicole know you would like to help. nmhs40@gmail.com
