July Cross Current 2023 (Jul 17, 2023)

JULY IS NEW LEADERSHIP MONTH

PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE

R. Gordon R. McInally

President 2023-24

(Presidential message retrieved from: https://my.rotary.org/en/news-media/office-president/presidential-message)

July 2023

Even as we face new and serious challenges, Rotary takes care of its members and those we serve, works to build lasting peace, and embeds belonging and inclusion in everything we do. That is why I am asking everyone in Rotary to Create Hope in the World.

DISTRICT GOVERNOR MESSAGE

Dave Long

D5580 District Governor 2023-24

Video Message:

ECO CHALLENGE

Submitted By: Jill Baum, The Environment Committee

July EcoChallenge from your friendly District Environment Committee: Bring your own to-go container!

Did you know that packaging constitutes nearly 30% of municipal solid waste? Food to-go containers make up a significant portion of that trash and tend to be particularly plastic-based, from Styrofoam to liquid containers with lids to bags. Plastics, in turn, affect over 700 species of marine animals… And on it goes, right on down the food chain. What can we do about it? How about something radical like bringing your own containers when you go out to eat! If remembering to bring your own bags to the store is already challenging, this may ramp things up a bit – but challenge yourself to give it a try this month! July 28^th is World Nature Conservation Day. Keep those marine animals – and everyone else – in mind the next time you head out to eat. Thanks for being a role model. Bon Appetit!

ROTARY HISTORY

Submitted by: PDG Tom Riley

The Port Arthur Rotary Club- An early model for satellite clubs in Rotary

In the first few decades of Rotary International most Rotary Clubs were chartered as new clubs by an existing club. It has only been within the last twenty years or so that Rotary Clubs developed satellite clubs that met at different times than the parent club and sometimes had different dues and fee structures for meals.

CLUB NEWS

WE CAN ONLY SHARE YOUR CLUB'S NEWS, IF WE KNOW ABOUT YOUR CLUB'S NEWS!

The number one thing most clubs want to know is what is happening around the District, but we can't help spread the word if we don't know what your club is up to.

Please submit a summary of your club events, news and projects to Renae Ronquist and Gloria Mink by the 10th of each month. We can include information in our Monday Minutes and in our newsletter.

News can be sent to r enae@surgetoday.com and gloriad5580@outlook.com.

MILES FOR MONEY

Submitted by: Brian Behrens, Park Rapids Rotary President Elect

Rotarian Katy Bloomquist and her husband Scott Freitag are starting an 11,000 mile bike tour that will take them around the outside of the United States (touching 33 states). Scott is doing this to raise money for Prostate Cancer and Schizophrenia. Scott is hoping to raise $500,000 by completing this bike ride. The Park Rapids Rotary Club donated $5,000. 1% down and 99% to go. The website that explains their journey is called milesformoney.org.

Miles for Money challenges/request other clubs to donate to these two causes. Learn more about Miles For Money and follow Scott's journey on milesformoney.org.

LEWIS AND CLARK RIVERBOAT

Submitted by: Christi M. Stonecipher, Bismarck Rotary Club

Bismarck Rotary Club members enjoyed an hour and a half cruise along the Missouri River in the Lewis & Clark Riverboat on June 26. The event was a fundraiser for their arboretum and raised $2,994 for future projects.

ANNUAL VOCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

Submitted by: Kris Fehr, Dickinson Rotary Club

The Dickinson Rotary Club has awarded its annual Vocational Scholarship to Reese Campbell, a graduating senior at Dickinson Trinity Catholic Schools - Titans High School! Reese will receive a $1,000 scholarship to Bismarck State College where she plans to study diagnostic medical sonography. Pictured are Rotarian Erv VanVeldhuizen, left, Reese Campbell, her father Andy Campbell, her grandfather Gerald Hoff and Rotarian Jon Hodnefield.

REHT Music Festival 2023

Video message from Mary Kay Verkennes (Central Lakes Rotary)

Chair, REHT Music and Camping Festival

Volunteers needed to help at this year’s REHT Festival July 28-29!

Click here to volunteer at the 2023 REHT Festival!

ROTARY DAY AT THE NATIONAL EAGLE CENTER

The National Eagle Center is having a special event just for Rotarians on Sunday, July 30^th. The invitation outlines how you can get up close with live bald eagles as well as an opportunity to meet Preston Cook and see some of his incredible eagle collection. For more information on the National Eagle Center visit: https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/

HONORING MEMBERS

Editor's Note: We are bringing back this section to honor the Rotary legacy of District 5580 Rotarians who have passed away during each month. Clubs are encouraged to send information and share reflections for inclusion in in "Cross Currents".