Rotary Reflections – Tim Dowd
Rotary Reflections by Tim Dowd One could say that the Rotary motto, Service Above Self, reflects a principle long expressed in faith traditions. In Christianity, it echoes the admonition: “To whom much is given, much will be required.” In Jewish tradition, the concept of Tzedakah embodies a similar idea, the moral and religious obligation for […]
Club 29 Breakfast Speakers
Quail Creek Country Club | 7:00am | Wingspan Room The Club 29 Breakfast is for Club 29 Rotarians and their guests ONLY. It does not serve as a makeup for members of other rotary clubs. Speakers March 26, 2026 – Richard Larson – “How to become an expert mixologist or at least really enjoying the […]
It’s Noisy Out There!
It’s Noisy Out There! Freda Deskin, Ph.D. Noise surrounds us. It comes in many forms—the constant churn of political debate at local, state, and national levels; sensationalized headlines that prey on fear; worries about what might happen; and the everyday chatter that pulls our attention away from what truly matters. For Rotarians committed to service […]
Rotary Values in Action: embracing Neurodiversity at Work
Rotary Values in Action: Embracing Neurodiversity at Work by Deborah Copeland When we speak of Rotary’s values—service, integrity, diversity—we often picture community projects or global initiatives. Yet these values live in the everyday spaces where we work. One opportunity for businesses today is embracing neurodiversity, particularly for individuals with Autism and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). […]
2026-2027 Foundation Election – Meet the Candidates
Election for positions on the upcoming Rotary Club 29 Foundation Board will be held electronically. March 17, 2026 2:00pm through March 31, 2026 11:59 pm through Simply Voting. Watch for the email link. This is a Approve/Reject vote. Meet the Candidates: If this slate is approved, these officers and directors take office July 1, 2026. […]
Then (1905) vs Now (2026) Black Swan or Paradigm Shifting
Then (1905) vs Now (2026) Black Swan or Paradigm Shifting by Bart Binning, Ed. D. ” Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.” (https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/history) This article (or outline) examines the similarities in the US […]
Is It Time for a 5-Way Test?
Is It Time for a 5‑Way Test? by Valerie Aubert For years, the Port Isabel Rotary Club has recited the traditional 4‑Way Test and then added a fifth question: “Is it or will it be fun?” The Rotary Club of Green Cove Springs has embraced the same addition. But it raises an interesting question: If […]
Reflections: Building Relationships in a Fast-Paced Environment
Reflections: Building Relationships in a Fast-Paced Environment by Melissa Richey There’s a particular kind of noise to a fast-paced environment: calendars that shift mid-meeting, messages arriving faster than we can answer, the pressure of “what’s next?” Many of us live there…at work, in volunteer roles, and in Rotary. Speed isn’t the enemy; Oklahoma City is […]
Service Above Self
“SERVICE ABOVE SELF” By Ron Stakem “Service Above Self” is the motivating motto and the shared common duty of all Rotarians in the world. It is a bold challenge, a big “ask.” That is especially true now when so many people, home and abroad, face a myriad of life’s pressing uncertainties. Our renewed effort of […]
Sharpening the Saw: A New Year Reset
Sharpening the Saw: A New Year Reset By Salvador Ontiveros Welcome back from holiday break. I hope you had a restful, meaningful time with family and friends. I often tell my staff: the best thing we can do for our families—and for the clients we serve—is to first take care of ourselves. Physically, mentally, […]
Reflections on Education and Rotary
Reflections on Education and Rotary by Mautra Staley Jones Rotary has always recognized that learning is a lifelong pursuit. Service projects, international initiatives, youth leadership programs, and vocational exchanges all embody Rotary’s belief that education—formal or informal—builds stronger communities. In higher education, we share that same conviction. We know that when individuals learn, families grow stronger, businesses […]
Reflections on Change and Continuity in Rotary
Reflections on Change and Continuity in Rotary by Karen Wicker It is funny how the new year prompts us to take stock of our lives—like watching an old movie in slow motion. Most characters are friendly and familiar, while others are a little fuzzy. Still, it is worth reviewing the past to appreciate how we […]

