When I stepped into the role of Rotary International president, the moment came swiftly and unexpectedly. It got me thinking how the world can change in an instant, and how Rotary has the power to be a steady force for good in that change. This month, Rotary’s Basic Education and Literacy Month, we have a clear call to action: to strengthen the foundation of learning in every community we serve.
This past weekend provided a wonderful example of how our District Clubs are Uniting for Good. Our Canadian Clubs invited me to participate in several events:
The opening of the Wilderness Discovery Centre which is a camp designed for people with disabilities that was funded through multiple partnerships including Rotary District Grants and hard work and dedication from our Rotarians in the Nipigon, Fort William, Port Arthur and Lakehead Clubs
The Rotary Peace Day Ceremony hosted by Fort William Rotary. The event rotates between Clubs each year. One highlight was the young woman who sang O'Canada using three languages - English, French and Anishinaabe - she was amazing!!
The Terry Fox Run which is another community supported event hosted by Lakehead Rotary to support and highlight the need for cancer research.
How are you and your Club partnering and expanding your reach to Unite for Good? Let me know so that we can highlight your contributions!!
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.
Full Conference Registration for Rotarians - $190.00
Full Conference Registraion for Spouse/Partner/Guest - $130
Full Conference Registration for Rotaract/Interact - $80
This price includes ALL meals, EXCEPT the special Saturday evening musical event at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). This includes all sessions, the Friday evening Ice Breaker and meals, with the above noted exception.
ENTERTAINMENT
Special Saturday Evening Musical Entertainment at the DECC - $49.00
Price includes heavy hors d'oeuvres and musical entertainment by the Transit Authority, an amazing eight member band noted as the premier tribute band to the iconic group Chicago. They're based in St. Paul and making this special performance available to the Rotary District Conference.
Select this add on when registering!
LODGING
Our headquarters hotel, the Holiday Inn & Suites, has secured a special conference rate of $160 per night and will also host all plenary sessions and breakout meetings. We’ll kick things off with a memorable Opening Ice Breaker Reception at the historic Lake Superior Railroad Museum—an ideal setting to mingle, network, and enjoy Duluth’s maritime charm. Be sure to reserve your lodging soon to save your spot—this promises to be an engaging, fun-filled weekend, blending Rotary fellowship with the unique spirit of Duluth!
For hotel reservations:
By Phone:
218-722-1202 Option 3
Refer to Rotary District 5580 Convention Room Block when making your
reservation to receive the special conference rate.
Online:
Simply click on the link below and enter your arrival and departure dates.
District 5580 would like to encourage every club to submit at least one nomination for an award. We have fantastic clubs in District 5580, and great Rotarians!! Let’s recognize them with the awards they deserve.
Submitting the award is very easy. Go to our District Website to choose the award you wish to submit, fill in the information and submit. All nominations must be submitted by September 26, 2025.
Don't forget to share this with your local Interact and Rotaract clubs. We have awards for their clubs too and we encourage them to attend the District Conference!
Submitted by: Paul Burnett, District 4 Way Test Essay Contest Chair
District 5580’s Rotary 4-Way Essay Test Contest Finds a Pathway in Wisconsin
The Essay Contest (officially the ‘Rotary 4-Way Test Essay Contest’) continues to be a highlight in the Rotary year for not just the District but for the local clubs that participate (deadlines by December 31th of every year and winners announced usually in February of the following year). Unfortunately throughout the district, club participation rate is only at 20%. As newly appointed District Chairman my goal is to grow that rate.
Submitted by: Krista Proulx, Crookston Rotary Club
A donation of $3,856 was made to the Crookston Rotary Club to support scholarships for Crookston High School's Student of the Month program and the University of Minnesota Crookston's Student of the Semester recognition.
The money was raised during a dinner theater held in partnership with UMC's Music Theater Department and Crookston Rotary members. A home cooked meal was prepared by the lodge members. With the event proceeds matched by Minnesota Masonic Charities, the final gift to Rotary doubled in size.
Your district Environmental Committee is here to help. Please join us at a monthly zoom meeting (first Tuesday at 7pm Central), check out our tab on the district website ("Clubs/Protecting the Environment"), and/or plan to join a hands-on service project at the district conference in October! We're putting together a family-friendly option at the Great Lakes Aquarium Nature Play Space on Friday morning AND also offering a chance to help protect Duluth's historic Incline Stairs on Sunday morning - complete with stunning views. Join knowledgeable local Rotarians at each location and make a difference for the environment. More details will be available through the conference registration information. Please indicate your interest in advance and thank you for taking action!
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Wadena for another successful event! The 58th annual Corn and Chicken Feed on August15th was an opportunity for the club to serve their community and have great fun doing it. Club members served about 2,000 meals in 8 hours from 11am to 7pm.
The Dickinson Rotary Club invites you to the 14th Annual Pancake Karnival to eradicate polio on October 12, 8 am to noon at the Dickinson Eagles Club. This year's fundraiser is held in memory of Past District Governor Jim Ozbun, who started this event 14 years ago in response to a challenge by the president of Rotary International for clubs to hold a fundraiser dedicated to polio eradication. Rotarians will be serving all you can eat pancakes plus sausage, juice and coffee; a silent auction of quality gift baskets will also be held. Proceeds are dedicated to PolioPlus and club projects. For more information or tickets ($6 in advance or $10 at the door), contact Rotarian Kris Fehr at mydickinsonrotary@gmail.com.
The Dickinson Rotary Club welcomes new member Natashia Cushman! Natashia, pictured, left, is a personal trainer at Aspire Health Fitness in Dickinson and is sponsored for membership by Marvin Eberts. She has been an associate member for the past few years, working on our monthly Community Kindness service initiative with Rotarian Dawn Pruitt, as well as volunteering with our literacy and roadside cleanup projects. She received her membership materials from Club President Joy Schoch.
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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