August is Membership Month, but our commitment to growth and connection is year-round. When we focus on growing Rotary, we grow our ability to serve, to lead, and to bring lasting change.
As summer begins to close, this month our focus is on Membership, which can come in many topics and forms. Stop for a few minutes and remember who was your first Rotary friendship? Not the person you knew before Rotary, but who has entered your life and circle of friends since you became a Rotary member. How has your life been enriched with Rotary membership? Share that story and being a Rotarian with others. The impact you have on your friends, both in Rotary and outside of Rotary, will be expanded. Having new members join your Club is important for the long-term viability of your Club. However, what about keeping the members you currently have and remembering all of the friendships you have made over the years.
Sharing your Rotary stories will create a lasting influence and positive outcome!
August EcoChallenge: Get to know your district Environment Committee!
Our mission: To advocate for environmental sustainability in our district by providing resources, tools, and inspiration to help our district's clubs thrive in a way consistent with Rotary International's focus area of the environment.
D5580 has received 2 Global Grant and a District International Grant, partnership opportunities from D6270 Milwaukee. D5580 has partnered with and provided financial support for D6270 projects for a number of years. They engage the Guatemalan Engineers Without Borders group, Ingenieros sin Fronteras, (ISF-GT) and our sister club Vista Hermosa in the vetting and planning of projects. They do an excellent job and have completed many successful projects in Guatemala.
These projects provide excellent opportunities for individuals, clubs, and districts to participate in an international project in conjunction with a proven collaborative network.
Review the 3 projects HERE and if your club can provide some funding, please let me know. I will provide further details at that time. Any amount is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Duluth Harbortown Rotary Kicks Off Service and Adventure with Hikers and Trail Work
District 5580
Incoming Club President Brad Jenson launched the first-ever Harbortown Hikers event, inviting members, spouses, and potential new Rotarians to explore Duluth’s world-renowned hiking trails. The outing was more than just a scenic stroll—it was a chance to connect through Rotary fellowship in the great outdoors.
The very next evening, a dozen enthusiastic Harbortown Rotarians teamed up with our Duluth Bike Fest partners, COGGS (Cyclists of Gitchee Gumi Shores), for hands-on trail maintenance. The group focused on a mile-long stretch of premier mountain biking trail, discovering and repairing a hidden hazard—a hole under the edge of a bridge that posed a serious safety risk. Thanks to their efforts, the trail remains safe, beautiful, and ready for riders.
The impact? A safer, more sustainable trail for the entire community and visitors to enjoy. This project was a perfect blend of collaboration, service, and fun—just the way we like it in Harbortown Rotary!
Bismarck Rotarians welcomed their Rotary Youth Exchange student, Anthony, from Taiwan, on August 12. Anthony will be living with three different Bismarck Rotary Club families while attending Bismarck High School this year. The Bismarck Rotary Club has hosted several Youth Exchange students in the past several years including students from Sweden, Germany, Sicily, and Denmark.
Dickinson Rotarians Continue Environmental Service Project
Twice each year-spring and fall-Dickinson Rotarians, family and friends clean a three-mile stretch of Interstate 94 near the Painted Canyon rest area and overlook just east of Medora. This year, a great group picked up the many trash and garbage items, then gathered for pizza and fellowship. Thanks to Rotarian Jenn Binstock, our new coordinator of this project, and to Rotarian Seth Poland for coordinating the project for many years.
Uniting for Good, the Dickinson Rotary Club's Community Kindness initiative for July resulted in a $1,600 donation for emergency flood relief and long term flood recovery led by Rotary District 5840 - South Central Texas. The funds were donated by individual Rotarians with a matching contribution from Club funds.
The Dickinson Rotary Club recently installed new members: Joseph Kane, a recruiter for the ND National Guard and sponsored by Kris Fehr; Jenn Binstock, advertising manager for The Dickinson Press and sponsored by Joy Schoch; and Candice Ewald, office manager and administrator for Home and Land Company and sponsored by Shirley Dukart. Each received their membership materials from Club President Joy Schoch, pictured left.
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.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Mary's honor to some favorite causes such as University of Minnesota at Duluth University for Seniors. Stay tuned for details of a Rotary Youth Exchange Scholarship in honor of Mary.
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