OKC Rotary News

May 5, 2026 | Volume 114 | No. 42
In-Person and Livestreamed from Christian Life Center - St. Luke's Methodist Church | 11:55
Link to the Livestream 11:55am

Oklahoma's Own Ozarka Water

Steve Raupe is CEO of Ozarka Water and Coffee Service, second generation. He was born and raised in Oklahoma City and has been involved in the business all of his life. He was named president of Ozarka in 1992 and took over as CEO when his father died in 1998. Steve graduated from The University of Oklahoma in 1988 with a bachelor’s in finance. He is married to Susan. He is the parent of four children, Justin, 31; Ashley and Tyler, 26; Evan, 23, and two bonus children, Preston and Sophia, 27. READ MORE

Chair of the Day: Bill Bozalis
Attendance Scanner/Greeters: Mandy Heaps, Ellyn Hefner
Registration: Emily Stratton, Barney Semtner
New Rotarian Welcome Table: To Be Announced
Introduction of Guests: To Be Announced
Invocation/Pledge Leader: Charlie Smith
Microphone/ Q & A: Richard Smith, Bobby Mills
Menu: Chicken Fajitas, Pork Tamales, Roasted Cauliflower, Spanish Rice, Refried Beans, Chips and Salsa, Southwest Salad

club 29 breakfast

May 7, 2026 | 7:00am
Quail Creek Country Club | Wingspan Room
Chairs: John D. Williams, David Hull, Aaron Collins

Speaker: Reagan Hamlin - “A Safe Place to Heal, Inside Free to Live Animal Sanctuary”

reflections

Learning Still Matters

by Charlie Price

Graduation season is coming soon. From kindergarten programs to Ph.D.s, soon we’ll gather with friends and family in stuffed gymnasiums or vast arenas to celebrate the pursuit of learning.

It’s hard not to be inspired by these achievements. No matter the age, these graduates navigated a world full of distractions to reach the finish line. In an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, maintaining focus on personal and intellectual growth can be difficult.

I’ll admit it can be challenging to stay engaged. It’s easy to settle into routines and what feels comfortable. But committing to continued learning isn’t just a professional necessity; it’s a fundamental pillar of responsible citizenship and a core value deeply rooted in the Rotary experience.

Why is lifelong learning so vital?

Speak to almost anyone these days and they’ll say we live in a divided world. Wars and protests dominate the headlines. When we come together as Rotarians and intentionally expose ourselves to perspectives, cultures and histories different from our own, we cultivate the empathy required to work together for the common good.

This is where Rotary shines as a unique institution. Our commitment to Service Above Self encourages us to appreciate the richness of human experience. Through our weekly programs and guest speakers, we are given a masterclass in topics we might never seek out on our own. READ MORE

Announcements

Volunteer Opportunity - July 20-25

Several Rotarians have asked about volunteering at the 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross World Championships July 20-25 at Riversport. If you would like to do this, please register.

RSVP

Sign up!

Contact Paul Moore to sign-up your car!

Rotary Magazine - May 2026 - for Rotarian Subscribers

Far from the vaccination frontlines, the effort to end polio starts in surprisingly everyday spaces, from a neighborhood pub to a commuter train to a tulip field. In this issue of Rotary magazine, members share their tips for fun, creative fundraisers that engage your neighbors, local businesses, and the public in making history.

Click here to read your digital copy of the May 2026 issue.

In this month's essay, retired UK policeman Steve Martin reflects on a horrific night of violent unrest, letting go of survivor's guilt, and healing with the help of Rotary and a life of service.

Finally, May is Rotary's Youth Service Month. Read about this year's People of Action honorees, six members empowering young people through youth-led initiatives in areas ranging from education and conflict resolution to inclusion and mental health.

Prefer to listen? Check out the Rotary Voices podcast for audio versions of the magazine's best storytelling, along with full episodes featuring bonus interviews.

=>Accounting Email Change - Statements were emailed April 1, 2026

On July 1, 2024 the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City updated our accounting software to QuickBooks Online. With this change, the email address that sends your statements has been updated to: quickbooks@notification.intuit.com

Please add the above email address to your safe senders list and check your spam/junk folders for communications from the Rotary office. Quarterly statements were emailed and we appreciate your assistance to ensure timely payment.

Memorials

The Rotary Club 29 Foundation accepts gifts honoring loved ones.
A contribution can be made here

In the News

If you have good news - honors, awards, new achievements - to share with the club please let us know!

Upcoming Events

May 12, 2026 - Rotary Afterhours
June 2, 2026 - Car Show
June 23, 2026 - Meeting Off Site - Innovation Hall 316 NE 9th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
June 30, 2026 - Inaugural of the 2026-2027 Officers & Directors, Lance McDaniel President

Rotary Club 29 Online Directory
DacDb has a new App in the App/Play Store!!

Rotary Club 29 has an online membership directory which contains current content information for all club members. The link to access the Club 29 directory can be found at the top of the home page of okcrotary.club or by clicking here.
OKC Rotary has provided this tool as a convenience to help members stay in touch with one another. The online directory, just like the printed roster, should only be used for Rotary purposes. If you need help in accessing the directory, please email the office.

FUTURE PROGRAMS

2025-2026 Program Schedule
May 12, 2026- Consulate General of Canada in Dallas – Consul General Susan Harper
May 19, 2026 - Patrick McGough - Okla. City-County Health Dept.