October is Rotary’s Community Economic Development Month, a time to spotlight our efforts to help communities build thriving, sustainable futures. This month’s observance aligns perfectly with the Rotary core value of leadership.
October has been a whirlwind of activity! The District Conference is next weekend - Friday October24 and Saturday October 25 in Duluth. Are you joining us? Our District has some of the most amazing, dedicated Clubs. Our Clubs are dedicated and committed to their communities and regions. There are many events, fundraisers, etc. that exemplify “Unite for Good”. At this point I have been in contact with half of our District’s Clubs. Many Clubs are following Rotary International’s direction and making changes to meet the needs of their members and be relevant in their communities. As I continue to make arrangements to meet with our Clubs, please let me know what events you have, and when would be a convenient time for me to attend one of your meetings or events. If you would like, I can participate by Zoom for one of your meetings or attend an event.
District 5580 is now calling for nominations for the office of District Governor for the Rotary year 2028-2029, and qualified Rotarians may submit a nomination for consideration by the District Nominating Committee.
The Rotary clubs in our district have many outstanding past presidents making a difference in their clubs and communities. Serving as District Governor is an opportunity for these committed Rotarians to bring the same leadership, skills and vision to District 5580. Now is the time for your club to nominate an outstanding Past President for District Governor 2028-29.
Have you heard the term "phantom energy"? It's the energy that's wasted by electronic devices that are not in use. Sometimes termed "vampires," these devices can significantly impact your energy bill by remaining in stand-by mode behind the scenes. There are a few easy ways to hunt down and eliminate what may make up as much as 10% of your power use, from using power strips to borrowing an energy meter to getting a home audit. Read on below for more spooky facts and vampire-busting ideas. Happy Halloween!
Submitted by: Molly Herrington, District Grants Chair
District 5580 is proud to offer District Grants that help our clubs bring service projects to life in our communities and around the world. These grants are flexible, fast, and designed to meet local needs. Clubs can apply for projects ranging from literacy initiatives and food security programs to youth development and health outreach.
Now is the perfect time to review your club’s service priorities and consider where a grant could help amplify your impact. District funds are limited, so early applications are encouraged. Details and forms are available on the District 5580 website under “Grants.” If your club has never applied before, this is your year—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
The District 5580 4-Way Essay Contest materials are now available and ready for you to download and print. The essay contest is open to students in their final 2 years of high school, and the District winner will receive a $1,250 cash award (includes Regional Award of $150). Six Regional Winners will each receive a cash price of $150.
Clubs are encouraged to begin contacting their schools and distributing materials as soon as possible. Your club’s participation is a statement of interest in the ideas of our young people and demonstrates our belief that it is important to reward our youth for expressing their views in a constructive and meaningful way.
For decades, the Devils Lake Rotary had held an annual spaghetti feed for the community. The Devils Lake Rotary Spaghetti Feed started in 1974. Held every fall in September, an average of 800 people are served each year.
To go dishes have been popular over the years and the club averages dishing up over 300 of them. About 50 of our 65 membership volunteer their time to host the event.
We have two groups that sell tickets on our behalf as a fund raiser for their group. Rotary donates ½ of their ticket sales back to them. Area businesses assist us with donations of the spaghetti sauce, the noodles, the milk, cups, and napkins. It is a great time to gather our Rotarians as a group to service our community.
Dickinson Rotarians honored for Service Above Self by PDG Jim Ozbun family
Two of our Rotarians, Deb Dragseth and club Past President Kyle Smith, were recently honored for their Rotary Service Above Self for assisting Past District Governor Jim Ozbun and his family in the last months of his life. Jim's family awarded Deb and Kyle each a Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary's highest honor, to acknowledge their outstanding service and for making a positive difference. Deb and Kyle are pictured with club Foundation Chair Kris Fehr and club president Joy Schoch.
The Dickinson Rotary Club is partnering with Harbortown Rotary Club in the Club's newest medical clinic project, Anchillani! Pictured are Rotary Board members Treasurer Brad Fong, Amanda Wilson, President-Elect Jeremy Berger, President Joy Schoch, Vice President Kris Fehr and Pas President Kyle Smith.
The Dickinson Rotary Club got its first chance to wear its new vests, courtesy of the District's Public Image Committee. The vests arrived just days before the 14th Annual Pancake Karnival on October 12, held to raise funds to End Polio Now! Board member Amanda Wilson and her son, Trevor, showed off the vests while serving pancakes and sausages. Stay tuned for a Big Announcement on funds donated to PolioPlus from this year's successful event!
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.
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