OKC ROTARY NEWS

Sept. 1, 2026 | Volume 115 | No. 9
In-Person and Livestreamed from Christian Life Center - St. Luke's Methodist Church | 11:55
Link to the Livestream 11:55am

OETA

Shawn Black is an innovative executive leader with over three decades of public, nonprofit, and government sector experience, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA) and Chief Executive Officer of the Friends of OETA (FOETA).
Throughout his career, which includes prior roles as OETA’s Vice President of Finance and Chief Operations Officer, as well as a 16-year tenure as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Association of Youth Services .READ MORE

Chair of the Day: Seth Paxton
Attendance Scanner/Greeters: Clark Farmer, Tara Simmons
Registration: Emily Stratton, Liz Eickman
New Rotarian Welcome Table: Paul Moore
Introduction of Guests: Terri Cooper
Invocation/Pledge Leader: Ted Streuli
Microphone/ Q & A: Lezel Safi, Dick Pryor
Menu: Balsamic Chicken, Vegetable Lasagna (V), Meatballs w/Marinara, Green Beans (V),
Garlic Knots (V), Caprese Salad (V), Ceasar Salad (V)

club 29 breakfast

Sept. 3, 2026 | 7:00am
Quail Creek Country Club | Wingspan Room
Chairs: John D. Williams, David Hull

Speaker: Hill Sherrill – Wings of Rotary Experience

reflections

Interview of Hill Sherrill on his Experience in Japan through WINGS of Rotary

by Jessica Smith and Hill Sherrill

Interview of Hill Sherrill on his experience in Japan through WINGS of Rotary

Rotary, for me, is a family affair. I grew up with my mom being heavily involved in Rotary, and I am raising my kids to be involved with me. My son, Hill Sherrill, had the unique opportunity to travel to Japan this summer through our WINGS of Rotary short-term youth exchange in partnership with Rotary District 2520 in Japan. The year 2027 marks the 50th anniversary of WINGS of Rotary!

I am taking this opportunity and personal privilege to interview my son on his experience of Rotary in Japan:

What surprised you most — something you expected to love but didn’t, or didn’t expect but did?

Hill: I really enjoyed the constant walking. The continuous movement was a popular warning before going to Japan; being told to get good shoes, practice walking, and stay active to prepare your body. I egotistically took none of this advice and decided that my normal exercise would be enough. Much to my glee, I was right; every time we walked it felt like a nice stroll down a scenic avenue and not a grueling trek. The one exception to this was when we wore full samurai armor and walked around on an especially hot day.

What did you learn about Rotary by participating in this short-term exchange?

Hill: I always knew Rotary was all about community but this WINGS trip really drove it home to me. There was never a moment where I didn’t feel an astounding amount of comradery between Rotary members while in Japan. There were moments where the Rotarians there made me feel like we’ve been friends for years, posing silly in photos, joking, and being pleasant to be around despite not having known them for even half a month. The trip wouldn’t have been the same without the amazing Rotarians who were with us the whole time.
READ MORE

Announcements

Dear Rotary Club of Oklahoma City

Thank you so much for your wonderful donation to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation on behalf of Guy Liebmann.
Guy always looked forward to the luncheons on Tuesdays, where he could visit with friends for awhile. Guy had been a member for many years. Even his father was a former member.
The Rotary Club is a great way to keep friends connected as we move through life so quickly.

Sincerely,
Judy Liebmann

RSVP

Rotary Magazine for Rotarian Subcribers

The best way to get to know Barcelona? Start by getting lost, says local Rotarian Albert Torras. The journalist and tour guide leads magazine senior writer Diana Schoberg on a beguiling journey through the host city for the 2027 Rotary International Convention. Find out why this Spanish city — and Rotary's equally captivating global gathering — should top your bucket list.

Read the story in your digital copy of the September 2026 issue. Then get ready to join us in Barcelona 26-30 June when registration opens later this month

In another of this month's feature stories, we explore the legacy of soul music legend Otis Redding. The late singer's family — including two Rotarians — is carrying on his work to lift up young musicians.

In the Our World section, learn about an invasive species that, besides guzzling scarce water resources and threatening native habitat, is elevating another risk in California: fire. Rotary members, Interactors, and other volunteers are rooting out the invader.

Finally, in this month’s Our Clubs report, get the reel story behind the Rotary Club of Titusville, Pennsylvania.

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

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

September 8, 2026 - Rotary Afterhours
December 15, 2026 - Winter Party
April 7, 2027 - Rotary Club of Okla. City visits Rotary Club of Tulsa
April 17, 2027 - Pickleball Tournament

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

2026-2027 Program Schedule
September 8, 2026-
Christy Gillenwater, President and CEO – The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce
September 15, 2026 - Arshay Cooper and Amanda Kraus – “Boathouse in a Box”