Rotary District 5650 Rotarians—Welcome to April! “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. April is a promise that May is bound to keep, and we know it.” Having grown up on a farm and ranch, I think this quote by Hal Borland, writer, journalist, and naturalist, born May 14th, 1900, in Sterling, Nebraska, speaks to the seasonal transition that spring represents for hope and renewal as we move toward May.
We definitely need the promise of moisture and calm weather. March was a difficult month for our region with droughts and wildfires. In western Nebraska so many people are looking for better days ahead, where the wildfires have caused so much damage. Fortunately, like our own devastating tornados that ripped across Nebraska and Iowa, from two years ago, April 26th, 2024, the wildfires have also brought people together to help those in need including Rotarians to “Unite for Good.”
I wanted to highlight the successful volunteer efforts of our fellow Rotarians located in Rotary District 5630 located to the west of our District 5650. Hot Meals USA, a nonprofit, started by a Rotarian in the Kearney Rotary Club, has been serving free meals to firefighting crews from across the area nonstop with help from Rotary volunteers in Ogallala and North Platte. Rotary District 5630.
Past District Governor 2024-25, Lorena Beckius, has worked nonstop to help organize volunteers and donations for Hot Meals USA volunteer feeding locations in Ogallala and North Platte. The Rotary and community volunteers have staffed three shifts 7 days a week for the past few weeks helping to gather supplies and to prepare and serve meals.
Hot Meals USA is the same group that came to our help a couple of years ago when we faced our own disaster after the April 26th, 2024 tornados. I am including their website in case you would like to help or donate. https://www.hotmealsusa.org/. You can also follow Hot Meals USA on their Facebook page and please find a signup link with current volunteer opportunities.
That brings me to Rotary’s Area of Focus for April – Protecting the Environment
https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/protecting-environment
https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/protecting-environment
"Rotary shares an interest in protecting our common legacy: the environment. We are committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources and advance ecological sustainability. We empower communities to embrace local solutions, create innovative service projects, and access grants and other resources to foster harmony between people and nature.
Rotary makes change happen
We work with communities to implement service projects that improve the environment and transform lives. Thriving ecosystems can support people’s health, create economic opportunities, and help build peace.
Rotary’s Partnership with the United Nations Environment Program
Through Rotary and the United Nations Environment Program Community Action for Fresh Water initiative, Rotary clubs can protect, restore, and sustain their local freshwater ecosystems. Interested in getting involved? Visit communityactionforfreshwater.org to find out what other clubs are doing and learn how your club can act today.”
https://www.communityactionforfreshwater.org/#resource-filter-guidelines
https://www.communityactionforfreshwater.org/#resource-filter-guidelines
Enjoy this month of April. Focus on a way to engage and make an impact on our communities and the world through Protecting the Environment.
Finally, I would like to remind you about your Rotary Club Excellence Awards for 2025-26. I know you are all working hard to do good things in your communities and the world. We want to recognize all your achievements at the end of your Rotary Club year 2025-26.
To achieve the Club Excellence Award:
1.Go to Rotary Club Central
2.Review the available goals
3.Set at least half of the available goals
4.Achieve those goals
5.Report achievement in Rotary Club Central by 30 June.
6.Pay club invoices in full upon receipt
1.Go to Rotary Club Central
2.Review the available goals
3.Set at least half of the available goals
4.Achieve those goals
5.Report achievement in Rotary Club Central by 30 June.
6.Pay club invoices in full upon receipt
Click here for the page on our website that includes Instructions and FAQs about the Club Excellence Award.
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to each one of you and the Rotary Clubs in our District for your outstanding efforts throughout March to "Unite for Good" and serve both local communities and the global community. Thank you for your dedication and commitment.
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.
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
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