Connecting the Dots: How Rotary, Business, and Community Thrive Together
Community development is rarely a solo endeavor. Lasting impact happens at the intersection of business leadership, civic service, and collective action. In Rotary, local economic vitality and social progress are deeply interrelated—when one grows, the other flourishes.
Submitted by: Lisa Neitzel, Rotary District 5580 Public Image (PI) Chair and Team Leader
Every Rotary club has a spark. It could be an idea, the passion, the project, or the person who inspires others to take action. That concept became the foundation of the Spark of Service, Rotary District 5580's overhauled awards program introduced at the 2026 District Conference.
As District Public Image Chair (and owner of a marketing and advertising agency), I was invited to work on the project, and my company staff and I developed program messaging and branding including the new name, online announcements and promotional materials including the design and development of new crystal awards, and resources to encourage recipients to share their accomplishments with local media.
Submitted by: Erin M. Wood, Devil's Lake Rotary Club
The aroma of simmering sauce and warm spaghetti once again brought neighbors together as Devils Lake Rotary hosted its 52nd annual Spaghetti Feed on September 17. Long before the first plate was served, Rotarians were already at work—donning aprons, preparing food the night before, cooking on event day, setting up the hall, serving guests, cleaning up, and keeping the lines moving smoothly. It is a true team effort and a reflection of Rotary’s commitment to service above self.
Did you know that we have a new district award category? Congratulations to this year's inaugural environmental award winners : Thunder Bay Rotary Environmental Action Team and Fargo-Moorhead AM for their club Environmental Stewardship projects, and John Forrest of Brainerd for his longtime service as an Environmental Champion. These awardees demonstrated outstanding, sustained and truly powerful impact in their communities.
Submitted by: Travis Christopher, Fargo Rotary Club President
Dolly Parton's legacy will live on through her 'Imagination Library', with the help of the Fargo Rotary Club. Lead by President Travis Chistopher.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a powerful example of how one simple idea can make a lasting difference in children’s lives. Founded in 1995, the program mails a free, age-appropriate book each month to enrolled children from birth until age five, helping families build a love of reading from the very beginning.
Submitted by: Lisa Neitzel, Rotary District 5580 Public Image (PI) Chair and Team Leader
What if one of the most powerful ways we can build a better world is by simply opening our home, and our hearts, to a young person from another country? That is the essence of Rotary Youth Exchange.
Submitted by: Linda Marrin, Assistant Rotary Public Image Coordinator
Rotarians are hands-on and we want your community to see you doing your good deeds, so why not with a snazzy safety vest that has your club logo and a way to contact you for those who want to become a part of what you do! They’ll show up great on TV and, since we love you, a great item to keep in your car should you need to assist on the road!
Submitted by: Lisa Neitzel, Rotary District 5580 Public Image (PI) Chair and Team Leader
The 2026 Rotary District 5580 Conference, held October 2–4 in Brainerd, Minnesota, brought Rotarians together for a memorable weekend of inspiration, fellowship, learning, and celebration.
From inspiring speakers and colorful conversations to shared laughter and recognition of outstanding service, the conference was a reminder of what makes Rotary special and that’s people coming together with a common purpose. The energy and enthusiasm throughout the conference reflected the dedication of Rotarians across District 5580 and the many ways they put Rotary's values into practice.
Thank you to everyone who helped organize the conference, participated in the activities, shared their experiences, and brought their Rotary spirit to the weekend.
Enjoy this pictorial look back at the people, moments, and memories that made the 2026 District Conference special!
Submitted by: Lisa Neitzel, Rotary District 5580 Public Image (PI) Chair and Team Leader
and Poem by Scott Soderberg, Harbortown Rotary Club
Rotary offers young people opportunities to learn, grow, lead, and make a difference. Following another successful year of Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp, students have another opportunity to put their ideas into action and win prize money!
Rotary District 5580’s annual Four-Way Test Essay Contest invites students to explore the principles that guide Rotarians in everything they think, say, and do:
· Is it the truth?
· Is it fair to all concerned?
· Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
· Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
These four questions encourage honesty, fairness, goodwill, and consideration for others, values that are just as important today as ever.
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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