The Magic of Rotary is belonging, and it’s a feeling that can appear when you least expect it.
Earlier this year, I was in Slovakia serving as a president’s representative during a six-week trip through Europe. When I wrote to Katarina Cechova, governor of District 2240 at the time, I mentioned that my grandmother Veronica Zilka grew up in a small village in the area before settling in the U.S.
Kay Parries (bio) pictured with her husband Dan Parries
Succession Planning
Succession planning is one of my goals this year.
It’s not too early to start planning for 2025/26 Rotary Year and beyond! WHAT? Yes, and the first thing is to talk to you, our members. We have over 2000 Rotary members in District 5580. I would like to hear where you would like to serve in your Club and our District.
We are asking you, our members, in our Clubs and the District: What are your interests? What Club or District committee would you like to be on? Would you like to be your Club President? Would you like to chair a Club or District committee? Would you like to be on your Club board or District position?
I’d like you to think about those questions. But MOST importantly we need to hear from you!
District 5580 is now calling for nominations for the office of District Governor for the Rotary year 2027-2028, 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 2027-28.
Submitted by: Marg Woods, Thunder Bay-PA Rotary, District Environmental Committee
Bee pollinator garden photo contest!
Deadline extended to submit your pollinator garden photos. Thunder Bay Rotary club members planted seeds last June and challenged District 5580 club members to submit photos of your native plants in bloom. We are extending that challenge and a chance to win $100 gift certificate to the garden centre of your choice.
A garden that features flowers that bloom throughout the summer provides food to pollinators such as bees, butterflies and other species. Sadly pollinator population size and diversity is on the decline in North America due to habitat loss, invasive species, pesticides and disease.
Submit to envirocomm5580@gmail.com. Your district environmental committee will choose a winner and the photos will be published in the October district newsletter.
If you missed this year, plan to have a pollinator garden next year. See tips below.
Submitted by: Paul Burnett, 4 Way Test Essay Contest Chair
School is in session and the annual District 5580 4-Way Test Essay Contest is now underway! Clubs are encouraged to begin contacting their schools and distributing materials as soon as possible.
My name is Lucia Wyland and I am honored to be this year's Global Scholar Grant Recipient for Peace and Conflict Prevention. District 5580 is close to my heart by affording me lots of international exposure as a young member of Interact at Grand Rapids High School such as conducting service work in India, Nepal, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Morocco and hosting international exchange students. The Global Scholar Rotary Grant will support my second year of education in Global Law at Tilburg University in the Netherlands so I can practice human rights law to combat systemic legal issues contributing to the disenfranchisement and exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Submitted by: Sam Evans, Youth Exchange Outboard Coordinator
Now accepting Outbound Applications for Rotary Youth Exchange 2025-26 School Year!
While we host one class of 'Inbound' students, we are also busy preparing a class of 'Outbound' students for a year of study abroad. And when they have earned their wings, they fly to the four corners of the earth and many places in between. While overseas, our students serve as young 'ambassadors' for their home communities, states/province, country, and (of course) Rotary.
Rotary District 5580 is using an online application for this year’s potential outbound students. The application can be found by visiting: https://yehub.net/CEN-obapp
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.
Unlock Your Potential with the Rotary Learning Center
In the ever-evolving landscape of service and leadership, the Rotary Learning Center stands as a beacon of opportunity and growth. I encourage each of you to explore this invaluable resource—not just to deepen your understanding of Rotary’s rich heritage and global impact, but to equip yourself with essential skills that will enhance both your professional and personal life. The Learning Center offers a treasure trove of knowledge, from leadership strategies to effective communication techniques, designed to empower you to make an even greater difference in our communities. Embrace this chance to invest in yourself and in our collective mission; together, we can build a brighter future through continuous learning and dedicated service.
Imagine the possibilities when we all harness the skills and insights gained from the Learning Center. By embracing these resources, you can transform challenges into opportunities and inspire those around you. Your growth not only strengthens our Rotary clubs but also magnifies our impact on the world. Let’s come together, motivated by the spirit of self-improvement and community service, to unlock new potentials and achieve extraordinary outcomes.
Congratulations to the Ely Rotary Club and the Moorhead Rotary Club and their new members. Welcome!
Mike Murray (Ely Rotary)
Mike is a former member of the St. Cloud Rotary Club for approximately six years in the mid 2000’s. He resides in Sartell, MN and has had a cabin in the Ely area for the past 25 years. He is retired from an 8 to 5 job and doing some consulting work. Mike is married and has three adult children. He enjoys running marathons, hunting, fishing and anything outdoors. Mike is a Paul Harris Fellow.
Alex Aldrich (Moorhead Rotary)
Alex grew up in Southern California and made his way to Moorhead thanks to a job offer from Concordia College, where he was a professor for several years. He is now a financial advisor, serving the higher education and small business community. He and his wife, Rebekah, have been married since 2010 and have four children—Avery, Amelia, Emma, and Lincoln.
Spouse of PDG Jim Ozbun (District Governor 2007-08, 2014-15)
January 13, 1938 — September 15, 2024
Funeral service for Sonja Marie Ozbun, 86, of Dickinson, North Dakota will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 21, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church, Dickinson, ND with Pastor Lisa Lewton officiating. Burial will follow in the Fair Fill Cemetery, Flasher ND.
Spouse of PDG Bob Olson (District Governor 1979-80)
April 24, 1929 — September 14, 2024
Elaine H. Olson, 95, a lifelong resident of Fergus Falls, died, Saturday, September 14, 2024. She spent the last few days of her life at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls from complications due to a recent fall at her home. Her family is forever grateful for the support and care offered by PioneerCare and Knute Nelson Hospice.
Submitted by: Christi M. Stonecipher, Bismarck Rotary Club
Bismarck lost a legend when longtime resident J. Michael McCormack passed away unexpectedly on August 28. A beloved history professor at Bismarck State College for many years and a member of the Bismarck Rotary Club for several decades, McCormack brought wit and wisdom to club gatherings and almost never missed a meeting. His Celebration of Life was filled with family, friends, and numerous Rotarians. We will miss his profound presence. Godspeed, Mike.
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