The Suburban Scuttlebutt 3/12/26 (Mar. 13, 2026)

Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—Welcome to March! The question always is? Did the weather come in like a lion or lamb? Well, I think the sunshine answers that question.

Click here for photo album. Select slide show to see the photo descriptions.

This newsletter is special for me as I attended the annual Rotary International Mexico Leadership Conference (RIMEX), in beautiful sunny, San Miguel de Allende, MX. (See airline trip photo) North of Mexico City. San Miguel de Allende is famous for its Cathedral and sunset views.

Our RI Board of Director, Salvador Rizzo, invited the District Governors and a few other guests from our Zones 29 & 29B from the United States to attend this amazing gathering here February 26-28th, 2026. That included PDG, Barg Bartle and her husband Bob from Lincoln #14 Rotary Club. It was so great to have them at the Conference!! A big thank you to them!!

The Conference included a Project Fair for all 7 Rotary Districts in Mexico featuring 41 Rotary Club international service projects representing 12,000 Rotarians. The service projects do not require Rotary Club to apply for a Global Grant. Rotary Clubs can participate directly. I will send more information by email to each of your Rotary Clubs and post the project page and links on our District website.

Where else but through Rotary, could I attend a 3-day Conference in Mexico to make so many new friends and connections to build bridges of peace and understanding.

There were three special highlights for me during the Conference.

First, was giving a peace pin to Rotarian, Jose de Anda, from the San Miguel de Allende Midday Rotary Club in front of the beautiful peace pole that his Rotary Club dedicated a few years ago.

Second, was visiting the San Miguel de Allende Midday Rotary Club Project, Cosechando Agua de Lluvia en la Cuenca De la Independencia. This project helps provide funds and knowledge for women in rural villages to build their own water cisterns that catch rainwater for clean water for drinking for their families. A full cistern supplies clean water for an entire year. Barb & Bob Bartle attended this project!!

Third, was getting my picture taken with RI President-elect Yinka Babalola along with another new Rotarian friend from the Mazatlán Rotary Club. That is the personal nature of Rotary. RI President-elect Yinka was so patient and kind and I think by the end of the three days he had taken a picture with every Rotarian that attended the Conference.

That brings me to Rotary’s Area of Focus for March - Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/providing-clean-water

“Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education are necessities for a healthy environment and a productive life.

When people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families.

Rotary makes help happen through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, Rotary’s people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change.”

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to each Rotary Club in our District for your outstanding efforts throughout February to "Unite for Good" and serve both local communities and the global community. Thank you for your dedication and commitment.

Enjoy this month of March. Focus on a way to engage and make an impact on our communities and the world through Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene.

Remember to invite a guest to your Rotary Club meeting. Grow your membership. One meeting could change their life and yours as well.

Focus on your Rotary Club experience for your members and guests.

Take care of your family, friends, and community!

In Rotary,

Robert

Robert Rapp

District 5650 Governor 2025-26

Omaha Morning Rotary Club

rrapprotary@gmail.com

(308) 325-1704