Not long ago, in a small health center in the village of Aaye in southwest Nigeria, a woman arrived in labor carrying twins. The facility was short-staffed. The nurse midwife in charge was not present.
A community health worker stepped forward. She had participated in Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria, a Rotary Foundation Programs of Scale initiative. And though she was not formally trained as a midwife, she was equipped with essential emergency obstetric skills.
As the days grow longer and the first blooms of spring are starting to brighten our communities, we are reminded of nature’s resilience and beauty. This change in season invites us to reflect on our shared responsibility to care for the environment, an important theme as we approach Earth Day.
Let’s embrace the spirit of spring and Earth Day by working together on our Unite for Water Project 2026 to create a healthier, greener world for generations to come.
Earth Day, observed annually on April 22, is an opportunity for Rotarians to honor our commitment to service above self by recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship. Whether it’s organizing local cleanups, planting trees, or supporting sustainability initiatives, Rotary clubs across our district can make a meaningful impact.
Submitted by: Creede McClellan, District 5580 RYLA Chairperson
RYLA 2026 is shaping up to be a strong year. As of early April, we have 82 campers registered – our highest number since 2019 – and Clubs across the District have been actively engaged in recruitment and outreach. Thank you!
RYLA will take place July 12–18, 2026 at the University of Minnesota Crookston. We’re looking forward to another impactful week of leadership, connection, and growth.
As we move further into the spring, a few reminders for Clubs:
Stay in touch with your selected students. Invite them to a club meeting, help them start building connections, and get them excited for RYLA!
Begin planning for transportation. While July may feel a ways off, clubs are responsible for getting students to and from camp. Start thinking about it now!
Our updated RYLA website continues to serve as a central hub for students, families, and Rotary Clubs. And be sure to follow the RYLA Facebook to stay up to date on all things RYLA!
Thank you for helping bring the next generation of leaders to RYLA!
Submitted by: Paul Burnett, District 5580 Youth Service Chair
It is my esteemed honor to present the names of the 2025-2026 Rotary 4-Way Test Essay Contest Winners. With a judging group of five, essays were well considered and, once again, essayists highlighted a wide array of thoughtful topics competing in close races with very close scores. I am thrilled to congratulate ALL participants since some of the local club contests pulled their winners from a field of over 30 contestants (a monumental achievement). Given the degree of competition, thought and effort recognized in this year’s contest, I am truly privileged to name this year’s winners:
The inbound international exchange students along with the upcoming 2026-27 outbound students headed up to Ely, MN, the weekend of March 13-15 for a Northwoods Adventure. Our group was warmly welcomed by the Northern Tier Boy Scout Camp located at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area on Moose Lake. A highlight of the weekend was learning about dog sledding from musher “Peter” of White Wilderness Adventures, topped by a ride through the woods in fresh snow!
Clean water is more than a basic need — it’s a foundation for health, dignity, and opportunity. Around the world, families walk miles for water that isn’t even safe to drink. In our own communities, the health of local watersheds is often threatened by nearby development and invasive plants. Rotary clubs are uniquely positioned to change that story and now is the moment for your club to step forward.
Submitted by: Linda Marrin, Assistant Rotary Public Image Coordinator
RETRACTION!
Last month I wrote that Dickinson Rotary club was the first 5580 club to enter their "Act Today for Water Tomorrow" project. I do congratulate Dickinson on getting their project in; however I discovered two 5580 Canadian projects were submitted earlier. Congratulations to the Thunder Bay Rotary Environmental Action Team, Rotary Club of Thunder Bay - Fort William, Port Arthur, Lakehead. They really know how to Unite for Water.
Submitted by: Lisa Neitzel: Rotary District 5580 PIO Chair Elect
By now, you’ve likely heard the phrase: “Public Image is…EVERYTHING!” But what does that really mean for Rotary?
In Rotary, Public Image isn’t about logos or occasional social posts. It’s about closing the gap between the incredible work Rotarians do and what the public actually sees and understands.
Think of Public Image as the storytelling engine of service. If a club eradicates polio, builds a well, or transforms a community—but no one hears about it—we miss the opportunity to inspire, attract, and grow.
Congratulations! the Anchallani medical clinic is completed! I want to forward the last construction report from Dr. Jose and thank him and Mano a Mano Bolivia for their great accomplishment and thank you and your Rotarians for your generous support. The dedication ceremony is scheduled there in two weeks, so if you have an opportunity to attend, you would be a welcomed guest; roundtrip airfare is ~$600 roundtrip from Miami. I've attached the Anchallani dedication ceremony brochure.
I've helped support funding for ten medical clinics and two water well projects in Bolivia that have provided for over a million dollars in construction projects to these needy communities and I'm ready to retire. It's amazing what each of our $15 annual donations to the District 5580 can accomplish! I want to thank all of you for your support.
During the month of March, the Dickinson Rotary Club continued with its long-time annual youth literacy project by reading to the preschoolers at Head Start and the Dickinson Early Childhood Program. Teachers at each building selected the books: "The Caring Me I Want to Be!" for the ECP and "Ravi's Roar" for Head Start, and the Rotary Club purchased a copy for each student. The project is coordinated by Rotarians Deb Barros and Mary Massad, who said that 10 Rotarians read to 227 children in 14 different classrooms.
Dickinson Rotary Secretary Kari Shea, along with the club, welcomed Clayton Curole to the Dickinson Rotary Club. Clayton is the new Scout Executive for the Roughrider District of Scouting America's Northern Lights Council and he is based in Dickinson. Clayton joined Rotary to "be a help to the community." He is sponsored for membership by Rotarian Kris Fehr.
The Bismarck Rotary Club held its annual "Party with a Purpose" wine/liquor auction on Wednesday, March 25. The evening was filled with laughter and fellowship as members bid on donated bottles of wine and liquor. Dan Schreck served as auctioneer, eliciting laughter and higher bids. The event raised $3,670 for the club's charitable endeavors. (Photos by Rotarian David Massey)
The Bismarck Rotary Club continued its yearly partnership with Stonehome Brewing, naming a beer from its micro-brewery. Stonehome then donates $1 for every pint sold to Polio Plus efforts. This year's concoction is named Alvin's Desire in honor of Rotarian Alvin Dvorak and is a bright, refreshing wheat ale brewed with vibrant Calamansi, a small citrus hybrid fruit from Southeast Asia. It honors a Rotarian whose passion for service continues to leave a lasting mark. Soft wheat character meets a lively citrus twist, delivering a beer that’s as uplifting and community-driven as the man who inspires it!
If you are in Bismarck this spring, stop by Stonehome and order a pint of Alvin's Desire!
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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