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 marketing 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.
September EcoChallenge: Celebrate Rotary’s Environmental Stewardship at the District Conference!
Three cheers and thank you to all the environmental stewards in District 5580! We look forward to engaging Rotarians in a wide variety of ways at this year’s conference, starting with a hands-on new native plant garden project and tour of the fabulous Rotary Riverside Park on Friday afternoon. Join us for a sampling of club projects that have amplified their impact through partnerships at the Environment Committee breakout session on Saturday afternoon. Stop by our House of Friendship table anytime for inspiration, resources and conversation. Lastly, help us honor fellow Rotarians during a special presentation of the inaugural Environmental Champion Award. See you there!
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.
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.
Complete entries are due through the District 5580 Essay Contest portal by November 30, 2026. Each entry must include the student's essay and the completed Student Information Form. Late entries, paper copies and incomplete submissions will not be accepted
Contest Schedule
November 30, 2026: Entries due through the District portal.
December 1-15, 2026: Club-level judging.
December 16-31, 2026: District-level judging.
Early January 2027: Club-level and District-level winners announced.
Please encourage local high schools to promote this opportunity and encourage area high school students to participate. We look forward to seeing essays from students across District 5580.
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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