Rotary's long-term, sustained battle against polio has defined our organization for decades. We have a right to be proud of all that we have accomplished through the years.
District Governor Rick Bricker and his wife Susan Bricker
Happy October, Rotarians. Winter is coming or should I say winter is here. Susan and I were in Canada last week and as you can see, we did encounter some white stuff. A bit early I might say.
In recognition of World Polio Day on October 24th, District 5580 will match club contributions to Polio Plus in October. District 5580 has approved 20% of our District.Designated Funds (DDF) to go toward polio eradication. We are offering a dollar for dollar match on any money clubs raise, up to the 20% the district has allocated.
District 5580 is now calling for nominations for the office of District Governor for the Rotary year 2022-2023, and qualified Rotarians may submit a nomination for consideration by the District Nominating Committee. The Nominee must submit the following documents:
(Submitted by: 2020 District 5580 Conference Planning Committee)
The 2020 District Conference committee is planning an exciting mix of education, service above self, and fun! Historic Madden's resort on beautiful Gull Lake in Brainerd, Minnesota will be our hosts for the conference and opportunities for fellowship and fun are being planned for the whole family with a variety of events including a golf tournament, "family fun night" with games and activities, glow golf opportunity, cigar rolling class, wine and whiskey tasting, guided painting event, and all the amenities the resort has to offer.
Submitted by: Lucas Reuter and Alicia Belay of the Fargo-Moorhead AM Rotary Club
This is Momina, a new small business owner in Ethiopia. Her success is thanks to D5580 2018 WCS grant 19.01.08, which provided her and 50 other women with microloans and training they used to start and grow their own businesses. The project was established in partnership with the Gondar Fasiledes Rotary Club in northern Ethiopia.
Article submitted by Keith Brokke, District Governor-Nominee
Photos submitted by: Bob McLean, District Governor-Elect
You are a part of a large and amazing organization! Rotary International has 1.2 million members organized into 35,000+ clubs in over 400 countries, (equating to 34 members/club) in 535 districts (equating to 2,243 members/district).
Article and Pictures Submitted by: Scott Soderberg, District 5580 Public Image and Communications Chair
My first zone conference and what a way to get your Rotary straight up! Where else can you sit next to the incoming Rotary International President and his wife (Holger and Suzanne Knaack), meet Rotary’ s past General Secretary and CEO (Ed Futa), have a cocktail with Rotary’s dynamic Jennifer Jones (TRF Trustee 2019-2023) and husband Nick and chat with incoming (2020-2022) RI Director Suzi Howe?
Submitted by: Irene Sottile, Fort William Rotary, Rotary Peace Day Ceremony District Chair
On September 21st the 3 Rotary Clubs of Thunder Bay hosted the UN International Day of Peace at Prince Arthur’s Landing Tai Chi Garden. One of Rotary’s key areas of focus is Peace and this year’s United Nation’s theme was “Peace Through Climate Change”. Flags of all nations surrounded the park. The Peace Pole installed on Saul Laskin Drive has “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in English, French and Ojibwa.
Submitted by Scott Soderberg, District 5580 Public Image and Communications Chair
Public Image is not why I joined Rotary! I’m Minnesota nice and we strive to be better than average but goodness, there’s no reason to shout about it! Or is there? Rotary is not a secret society, not a back-room, deal making, exclusive operation, just the opposite! We have a Foundation that ranks #1 on Charity Navigator, a world-wide presence and a seat at the United Nations! Heck, we’re in more countries than McDonalds!
Submitted by: Alicia Belay, Fargo-Moorhead AM Rotary Club
Over 100 people attended the kick-off celebration on September 17 in Fargo for Global Grant 1980712, a project to help implement group prenatal care for indigenous women in five communities across the Midwest. The evening included a ‘smudge’, program, meal, poster session, and dancing & drumming by the Buffalo River Singers & Dancers. A diaper drive provided about $2000 in cash or diapers for pregnant women who will participate in the enhanced prenatal care programs at each of the sites.
Submitted by: Marjorie McPeak, District 5580 Literacy Coordinator
Today as we watch, listen to or read the news we are bombarded with not only factual material, but also with Fake news, propaganda, satire, and advertising that purports to be true. It is becoming harder and harder to distinguish between fact and fiction and we need to become News Literate in order to make good judgements and decisions.
The annual District 5580 4-Way Test Essay Contest is now underway. The contest is open to students who are in their final 2 years of high school. Its purpose is to help your club educate youth concerning the Rotary 4-Way Test and how they can apply it to their lives.
Editor's Note: This section honors the Rotary legacy of District 5580 Rotarians who have passed away during each month. Clubs are encouraged to send information and share reflections for inclusion in "Cross Currents".
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Submitted by: Rozanne Casey, Youth Services Chair.jpg){kind=small}