We’re resending the July 2025 Newsletter to correct a title error in the article about the Inaugural Bloom & Pathways Garden Tour. The original version misidentified the sponsoring club as Rapid City Rushmore.
The corrected title now reads: Join Rapid City Rotary at the Inaugural Bloom & Pathways Garden Tour 2025. The article content remains accurate and unchanged.
We sincerely apologize to Rapid City Rotary and our readers for the oversight, and we remain committed to recognizing all clubs with accuracy and respect.
There were many take aways for me as a first time Rotary International Convention participant this year. I was truly inspired by the remarks by our new RI President Francesco Abrezzi. He was elected to this position two weeks before the convention. Take the time to listen to his remarks by clicking on this link.
I recently returned from the Rotary International convention in Calgary, Canada. This was my 4th convention and I think it was the most inspiring. I truly feel that you aren’t aware of all the good in the world that Rotary accomplishes until you attend an international convention. Not only are we on the verge of eradicating polio from the world, we are working on eliminating cervical cancer in Egypt and working on it in the United States.
I had the opportunity to attend the Rotary International Conference in Calgary in June. This is the third international conference in which I have actively participated since joining Rotary. These events are inspiring, educational and a lot of fun. The flag ceremony at the beginning of the opening session is always very moving for me, where the flag of each country in which Rotary is present is carried across the stage.
Wendy Fransen, Watertown, attended a Friendship Bracelet breakout session at the RI Convention in Calgary. Many attendees found this workshop to be an easy program or event that they will introduce to their clubs as a means of building awareness of Rotary while developing more friendships! See the group at work......
The Rotarian of the Year is Rene Sorensen. She is a dedicated and hard working Rotarian who exemplifies Service Above Self. She is involved in RYLA, heading the membership committee and working on the district conference committee among many other things. Congratulations Rene, well deserved!
The journey to the Rotary International Convention in Calgary took a meaningful turn as the Rotary Torch made a special stop in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Members of the Sioux Falls West Rotary Club proudly welcomed the symbolic flame, joining together at the city's landmark Arch of Dreams to celebrate Rotary's global mission.
The Impact Club by Rushmore Rotary continues to live up to its name, bringing energy and service into the heart of our community. During their second meeting of the month, members took time out of their day to roll up their sleeves and make a difference at the Minneluzahan Senior Center in Rapid City.
The Vermillion Rotary Club is once again proving that service never goes out of style. In a full-circle moment of community stewardship, the Club is supporting the refurbishment of a historical marker they originally erected in 1966. The marker, which has stood as a symbol of local heritage for nearly 60 years, is getting a well-deserved refresh thanks to the dedication and pride of today’s Rotarians.
The Rapid City Rushmore Rotary bench was Installed Sunday at M Hill. Thanks to SD Mines students and alumni. A Rotary District 5610 grant made this possible. What a Beautiful view.
The Brookings Rotary Club is making learning even more engaging for the youngest students in the Brookings School District. Thanks to the creativity and hands-on efforts of club members, three new early childhood education classrooms are now equipped with custom-built activity boards designed to support both fun and learning.
On June 2nd, 2025, the Rotary Club of Sibley celebrated their 100 Year Anniversary. Look for more information in the June Newsletter. To continue sharing their celebration this month, members held a small ceremony at their local park, the Sam Robinson Park in Sibley. They have had a Rotary shelter house there for many years so most major projects for their 100 Years have been in the park.
She unveiled a transformative 10-year strategy aimed at tackling the global water and sanitation crisis affecting billions. The plan prioritizes WASH initiatives in schools and healthcare facilities, strengthens regional systems, and advances advocacy efforts. Recognizing both global and domestic challenges—including those faced by marginalized groups like Indigenous communities in the U.S.—the strategy calls for aligned partnerships to drive collective impact and lasting change. Watch the Video
Thank you all for your concern and willingness to support our fellow Rotarians, their families, friends and all those impacted by the ongoing crisis. As many of you know, the Guadalupe River has risen over 30 feet, well above its major flood stage, resulting in tragic loss of life and severe damage. Kerrville, home to two Rotary clubs, and the surrounding areas have been heavily impacted.
Rotary thrives because of the dedication, creativity, and service-minded spirit of its members. That’s why August—Membership and Club Development Month—is the perfect time for every Rotary Club in District 5610 to take a closer look at how we support, engage, and grow our membership.
As we begin a new Rotary year, now is the perfect time for clubs to refresh their public image and set the tone for a successful year of service and engagement. A strong public image helps attract new members, strengthen community partnerships, and showcase the incredible impact your club makes locally and globally.
Join us in Taipei, Taiwan, for the Rotary International Convention – 13–17 June 2026! This dynamic city is the perfect place to celebrate Rotary with friends old and new. From inspiring sessions to unforgettable cultural experiences, you won’t want to miss it! Click here to register and book your hotel
I want to start brewing this story by saying that I love Rotary and I love tea! This is the story of how these two delights blend and continue to steep and create so much connection and meaningful bonds.
