Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—Happy December! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with family, friends, and community!! There are so many generous acts of kindness that happen at this time of year from serving meals for others, ringing bells for the Salvation Army, and donating coats, hats, and gloves so people can stay warm.
This past weekend, I was reminded of that kindness in my own Elkhorn neighborhood, when we had the first meaningful snow of the season. We all worked together to help make sure that everyone’s driveways and sidewalks were clear of snow. I am incredibly grateful for the spirit of community that looks out for those around us.
When I was growing up there was a song in 1971 that was extremely popular called “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing in Perfect Harmony” by the group called the “The New Seekers”. It is a simple song and idealist, but the song’s message is an analogy for what we do as Rotarians in our communities and the world to create hope, build peace, and make an impact. When you combine the voices of Rotarians from all over the world, we do help “The World to Sing in Perfect Harmony!”
I wanted to give a big shout out to every Rotary Club in our District for everything you did in November to “Unite for Good” and serve your communities and the world! Thank you!!
Also, remember that December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month on our Rotary calendar.
“We believe good health care is everyone’s right. Yet 400 million people in the world can’t afford or don’t have access to basic health care.
Disease results in misery, pain, and poverty for millions of people worldwide. That’s why treating and preventing disease is so important to us. We lead efforts both large and small. We set up temporary clinics, blood donation centers, and training facilities in underserved communities struggling with outbreaks and health care access. We design and build infrastructure that allows doctors, patients, and governments to work together.
Disease results in misery, pain, and poverty for millions of people worldwide. That’s why treating and preventing disease is so important to us. We lead efforts both large and small. We set up temporary clinics, blood donation centers, and training facilities in underserved communities struggling with outbreaks and health care access. We design and build infrastructure that allows doctors, patients, and governments to work together.
Our members combat diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and polio. Prevention is important, which is why we also focus on health education and bringing people routine hearing, vision, and dental care.
How Rotary makes help happen
We educate and equip communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases. Rotary members have hundreds of health projects underway around the world at any given time.”
https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/fighting-disease
As I sit here looking out the window at the beautiful snow, it reminds me of how blessed we are to live in such a wonderful place where we can make such a difference in our communities and the world through Rotary.
Enjoy this month of December. 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 and Happy Holidays!
In Rotary,
Robert Rapp
District 5650 Governor 2025-26
Omaha Morning Rotary Club
rrapprotary@gmail.com
(308) 325-1704