OKC ROTARY NEWS

November 25, 2025 | Volume 114 | No. 22
In-Person and Livestreamed from Christian Life Center - St. Luke's Methodist Church | 11:55
Link to the Livestream 11:55am

“Creating Cities Where People Want to Live”

Mick Cornett is a former TV personality, businessman, and four-term Mayor of Oklahoma City. In 2018, he was named to Fortune Magazine’s list of the “50 Greatest Leaders in the World.” Penguin/Random House published his latest book, The Next American City. He now travels to speak in his book and consults for a diverse group of businesses. Cornett spent 20 years as a television sportscaster, news anchor, and sports play-by-play broadcaster. READ MORE

Chair of the Day: Jane Jenkins
Invocator/Pledge Leader: Ted Streuli
Introduction of Guests: Clay Cockrill
New Rotarian Welcome Table: Emily Stratton
Greeters/ Scanners: Charlie Price, Periann Pulliam
Q&A/Microphone: Bobby Mills, Richard Smith
Registration: Lisa Synar, Kathy Frankenfield
Menu: Sweet and Sour Chicken, Teriyaki Beef, Fried Rice, Vegetable Egg Rolls, Mixed Pepper & Onion, Mixed Vegetables, Romaine Salad

Club 29 Breakfast

Quail Creek Country Club | 7:00am | Wingspan Room
2025-2026 Co-Chairs - John D. Williams, Aaron Collins, David Hull

Nov. 27, 2025 - Happy Thanksgiving!

reflections

Gratitude IS beneficial for all concerned…
by Sarah Spinks

As we approach Thanksgiving, I thought the topic of gratitude was timely. In a world often focused on achievement, speed, and self-improvement, gratitude is sometimes overlooked as a quiet virtue. Yet, being thankful isn’t just a personal mindset—it’s a powerful force that shapes relationships, communities, and even the emotional health of those around us. Expressing genuine gratitude can uplift others, strengthen bonds, and inspire kindness in ways that extend far beyond the individual.

At its core, gratitude is a social emotion. It acknowledges that our lives are intertwined and that we are supported by others in ways big and small. When someone expresses sincere thanks, it validates another person’s efforts and communicates that their actions matter. Studies in positive psychology show that people who receive appreciation—whether through a simple “thank you” or a heartfelt note—report higher motivation, satisfaction, and well-being. They are more likely to feel valued and connected, leading to stronger personal and professional relationships.

Consider the workplace, for example. A manager who regularly expresses gratitude toward their team fosters a culture of respect and trust. When employees know their contributions are noticed, they’re more engaged and cooperative. This doesn’t just boost morale; it creates a ripple effect of positivity. Grateful leaders often inspire their teams to show appreciation to one another, building a supportive environment where people want to give their best. Gratitude, in this way, becomes contagious—each act of thanks encourages another. READ MORE

Announcements

Election for the 26-27 Officers & Directors

A link from Simply Voting was be sent to your email address on Nov. 18 at 2:00pm Election closes Nov. 30, 2025 midnight. Check your spam/trash folders!! If you didn't receive the voting link, please contact the Rotary office

Thanks to the Nominating Committee for their work in providing the slate. Members of the Nominating committee are: Ann Ackerman, Chair; Cliff Dougherty, Suzanne Mitchell, Lance McDaniel, Emily Stratton, Evan Walter

Christmas Connection - Tomorrow is the last collection date!

During the month of November, our club will be collecting toy donations on behalf of Christmas Connection. Our board is excited to help support this community toy drive which will provide toys at no cost to families this coming holiday season. While they gladly welcome any toy for children newborn up to 14, they are in most need of toys for 0-2 and 11-14. We’ll have a box available to receive those donations as you enter our meeting each week.

Point your cameraphone on this QR code to donate via credit card

Pledge or Donate here

RSVP - Rotarians and their Guests

Reserve your space now!
=>Need 21 More Ringers!!

Donate to the Salvation Army via
Club 29's Virtual Kettle

Wings of Rotary- 2026 - Dec. 1, 2025 Deadline

This youth exchange program was started in 1976 with the first group arriving in Oklahoma from Japan in 1977. It has been interrupted only twice, once by the Great Tsunami of 2011 and the other by Covid which suspended all youth exchange. An outbound team from Rotary District 5750, comprised of high school students, will visit Japan Rotary District 2520 a couple of weeks in June, 2026.

You may learn more about the program, including the costs and requirements here
Application for the 2026 Outbound team

=>Accounting Email Change - 2nd Quarter Statements Emailed Oct. 1

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.

November 2025 Rotary Magazine - for Rotarian Subscribers

The first class of peace fellows at the new Rotary Peace Center in Istanbul came from countries thousands of miles apart but wasted no time in uniting around a common cause. In this issue of Rotary magazine, you’ll meet five of the fellows. Find out about their lives, their social change initiatives, and their hopes for the future.

Click here to read your digital copy of the November 2025 issue

In another of this month's features, read about a renewed emphasis in maternal and child health on milk banks. Sustained by donations from nursing mothers, they constitute a lifeline for vulnerable newborns.

Finally, the latest installment in our Decade of Doers series celebrating 10 years of People of Action Honors features a doctor in Hawaii who applies his medical training to big community challenges.

Now's a great time to start planning your trip to Taipei for the 2026 Rotary International Convention, including how to navigate the food scene. Come with us to night markets, tea plantations, and beyond as we follow a top chef tasting his way through Taiwan's vibrant metropolis. Be sure to register by 15 December for a discounted rate.

District 5750 Governor Mukesh Patel

November 2025 District 5750 News

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

October was a remarkable month for Rotary District 5750 — together, we raised $17,000 for Polio eradication!
A heartfelt thank-you to every Rotarian and every club that participated. Your creativity, generosity, and teamwork continue to move us closer to a world free of polio. This achievement is a testament to what happens when our compassion turns into collective action.

Now, as we step into November — Rotary Foundation Month — it’s time to celebrate and reflect on the incredible work made possible through The Rotary Foundation. This isn’t just another program or budget line; it’s the very engine that powers Rotary’s mission around the world — from eradicating polio to providing clean water, building peace, supporting education, and strengthening communities. READ MORE

In the News

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

Memorials

The Rotary Club 29 Foundation accepts gifts honoring loved ones.
Contribute here.

Auto-Pay offered for Rotary Club Invoices

If you would like to have a credit card on file to charge your Rotary CLUB invoices, please contact the rotary office.

Annual Dues Payment Offered

If you would like to switch from quarterly to annual billing for Rotary CLUB invoices, please contact the rotary office.

Upcoming Events

December 5, 2025 - Salvation Army Bell Ringing Sign up now!
December 9, 2025 - Rotary Afterhours - Perle Mesta by Chef Andrew Black
January 6, 2026 - Winter Party
January 31, 2026 - Pickleball Tournament

Address Changes

Please report any changes in business or home here.

Rotary Club 29 Online Directory - APP available 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.com 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.