2025-26 Governor
Administrator
Kathy Hughitt
Rotary District 5960 Offices
211 County Road 1 E
PO Box 126
Dundas, MN 55019
Phone: 651.636.9054
Unite for Water – A Multi-District Rotary Initiative
Beginning April in conjunction with Earth Day, Rotary clubs across multiple Districts are coming together for a powerful, shared purpose—Unite for Water: Take Action Today for Water Tomorrow.
This collaborative effort will engage more than 9,200 Rotarians in meaningful, hands-on projects focused on protecting and preserving one of our most vital resources: water.
Across our region, clubs will lead a variety of impactful initiatives. Some will organize river and stream cleanups, while others will focus on waterway restoration, educational outreach, infrastructure improvements, and advocacy efforts. Each project will reflect the unique needs of its community—but together, they will form one unified story of service.
From projects already being planned—such as stream cleanups led by clubs in Sioux Falls and Yankton—to educational events that raise awareness about water conservation, this initiative highlights the power of Rotary members working both locally and collectively.
While each club’s approach may differ, the mission is the same: to protect water resources today to ensure a better tomorrow.
?? One Initiative. One Impact.
Imagine the collective impact when clubs across our Districts—and beyond—are all taking action at the same time. Whether large or small, every project contributes to a greater movement of environmental stewardship and sustainable change.
This is Rotary in action.
?? Share Your Story
We want to showcase the incredible work happening across Region 36: Zone 25B & 29. Be sure to share your club’s projects, photos, and impact so we can amplify your story and inspire others to take part.
Rotaract & Youth Exchange Partner for Service at District Conference
Service was front and center at the Rotary District 5960 Conference of Clubs as Twin Cities and South Metro Networking Rotaractors joined forces with North Star Youth Exchange students for a hands-on service project. Working side by side, the group created 20 tie blankets, each one crafted with care and purpose.
The completed blankets were donated to 360 Communities and Children's Hospital, supporting individuals and families in need with warmth and comfort. This collaborative effort showcased the power of connection across Rotary programs—bringing together Rotaract members and Youth Exchange students to make a tangible local impact.
Projects like this highlight the spirit of Rotary: building relationships, taking action, and serving communities in meaningful ways. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and energy to make this project a success.
Turning crutches into connection
By Janet and Lonny Stormo, Rotary Club of Stillwater Sunrise, Minnesota, USA
When a simple set of crutches lands in the hands of someone in need, it can change a life. When thousands are collected, shipped, and distributed across the globe through Rotary collaboration, it becomes a movement.
Our Rotary club launched and spearheaded a district grant project in partnership with Crutches 4 Africa that not only collected crutches but created community. The project united more than 150 members from 15 Rotary clubs in District 5960 (Minnesota, Wisconsin, USA) who gathered, sorted, and shipped 3,681 mobility devices — including crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, canes, and other adaptive equipment — to people in Zambia who lack affordable access to these life-transforming tools.
This project, which provided US$1.4 million worth of medical devices to those in need, became a catalyst for public awareness, member engagement, and a way to engage thousands of community members to participate in a Rotary service project.
Tap Room Tours
You are invited to join us for the Rotary District 5960 Tap Room Tour at Mineral Springs Brewery.
Location: Mineral Springs Brewery
210 N Oak St, Owatonna
Date: Thursday, March 19
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Enjoy an evening of fellowship while learning more about The Rotary Foundation and the impact we make together. Your registration includes:
• One free drink
• Pizza
• Prizes
• Great networking with fellow Rotarians
This event is hosted by the Owatonna Noon and Early Edition Rotary Clubs along with Rotary District 5960.
Please register today: https://www.ismyrotaryclub.org/RSVP/Index.cfm?EventID=77900594
2026 District 5960 Conference of Clubs
Join Us for the District 5960 “Peace, Purpose, and Happiness: Building Strong Communities” Conference!
When? April 17 - 18, 2026
Where? DoubleTree by Hilton St. Paul East, MN
Why?
- Connect with your Rotary district while learning about inner peace and community harmony.
- Enjoy amazing keynote speakers, insightful breakouts, and the House of Friendship.
- Savor some great food and company!
All Conference Ticket: Full access to all activities for $230
Daily Rates:
Conference Schedule
District 5960 Announces Peter “Pete” Grayson as 2028–2029 District Governor
Rotary District 5960 is pleased to announce Peter (Pete) C. Grayson of the Rotary Club of Saint Paul as the District Governor for 2028–2029. A Rotarian for more than 32 years, Grayson brings extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to Rotary service.
A member of Saint Paul Rotary, Club #10, Grayson has served in key leadership roles across multiple districts, including District RYLA Chair, Community Service Chair, Assistant Governor (District 7620), and club president roles in Saint Paul, West Anne Arundel, and Glen Burnie. His favorite Rotary initiatives include Camp RYLA, On to Winnipeg, the Foundation Gala, and Spring Fling.
Professionally, Grayson’s career spans the military, legal, and corporate sectors. He served 28 years in the U.S. Army as an officer and Judge Advocate; practiced law for 15 years in St. Paul; served 14 years as a civilian attorney for the Department of the Army; and most recently worked as Assistant General Counsel at Wells Fargo.
Pete and his wife Amy, married for over 40 years, are proud parents and grandparents and live in the Twin Cities with their rescue dog, Luna. He is passionate about leadership development and lifelong learning and is a Working Genius certified facilitator.
Grayson looks forward to building on the excitement and momentum following the 2028 Rotary International Convention in the Twin Cities, carrying Rotary’s spirit of “Fellowship through Service” into the year ahead.
Mark Your Calendar: 2026–27 Foundation Training & Grant Deadlines
Planning a District or Global Grant for 2026–27? District 5960 has released the full schedule of required trainings, workshops, and grant deadlines. Grants Management Seminars will be held March 21, 24, and 26, with Global Grants Workshops following on March 31 and April 2. The always-popular Shark Tank session is set for May 6. Global Grant submissions are due May 15, and District Grants are due May 29, with review dates later that month and in June.
https://www.rotary5960.org/rotary-foundation/grants-team/district-grants/
Rotary Unite for Water
Rotary’s April Theme: The Environment | Earth Day – April 22, 2026
This April, Rotary members from five districts across four U.S. states and one Canadian province are coming together for a powerful, multidistrict initiative: Rotary Unite for Water.
The goal is simple yet urgent — to protect, restore, and preserve clean water sources while highlighting Rotary’s collective impact through coordinated service and public engagement.
When We Unite and Take Action
Through the Unite for Water initiative, clubs across the participating districts will collaborate on a shared day of service to:
-
Transform communities through hands-on environmental projects.
-
Create a public image blitz across social media, local media, and community channels.
-
Empower clubs to share their impact stories, inspiring others to join the effort.
Together, these actions will show the world the difference Rotary makes when we Unite and Take Action on critical environmental challenges.
Click Here for the District web page.
What Can Your Club Do?
Polio's Last Mile
Polio’s Last Mile
Saturday, October 25th at 9:00am
Stillwater Pedestrian Plaza – near the lift bridge
The walk is one mile across the bridge into WI and back.
Registration is a two-part process – register via Eventbrite, and make a donation to Polio Plus. We are asking each registered walker to make a minimum donation of $25 directly to Polio Plus. Rotarians can donate using their login information so that they get credit toward their Paul Harris points.
Registration Step 1: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/polios-last-mile-tickets-1611297326679
Registration Step 2: https://my.rotary.org/en/polioplus-fund
Say Hello to Assistant Governor Greg Bartz
Say Hello to Assistant Governor Greg Bartz
If there’s one thing you should know about Greg Bartz, it’s that Rotary has shaped his life in countless ways. A 25-year member of the White Bear Lake Rotary Club, Greg has served in leadership roles both locally and districtwide—and now he’s excited to get to know clubs in Area 6 as their new Assistant Governor.
“The relationships I have in Rotary have truly made my life something special.” – Greg Bartz
Greg has always believed Rotary is about people first. Whether leading his club as president, growing membership across District 5960, or raising millions for cancer research, Greg has found joy in building connections and creating impact.
Crutches 4 Africa:Mobility.Dignity.Impact
Stillwater Sunrise Rotary is proud to lead Crutches 4 Africa—a powerful District Grant project uniting Rotary clubs across our region in a mission to restore mobility and dignity to thousands of people in Africa. Our goal? To collect and ship at least 3,000 mobility devices—crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and more—to individuals who are otherwise immobilized due to polio, age, or injury.
In partnership with the global nonprofit Crutches for Africa, we’re making sure these vital devices reach those who need them most, transforming lives and opening doors to independence, education, and opportunity.
But that’s not all—we’re also keeping these devices out of landfills, giving them a second life where they’re desperately needed. Since many local donation centers can’t accept these items, this project is also a win for the environment.
This initiative isn’t just about service—it’s about Rotary in action, engaging our community, and showing the world what “people of action” can do.
Project Highlights:
- $1.4 million worth of medical equipment provided free to communities in Zambia
- 3,681 mobility devices collected and repurposed
- 11,000 lives transformed through increased mobility
- 11,000 pounds of waste kept out of landfills
- 150+ Rotarians across 15 Rotary clubs joined forces
- 17,000+ views of our service on social media
- 7 feature articles celebrating our impact in the press
District 5960 Shines at RI Convention in Calgary
It was an exciting time in Calgary at the RI Convention and there were a number of Rotarians from District 5960 in attendance and representing our district. Our district’s very own LIFT program was featured in several ways at the conference. RAGCED (Rotary Action Group for Community Economic Development) had added the LIFT program as one of their featured programs at their RAGCED booth in the House of Friendship. Rick Heidick was at the booth and was able to engage many Rotarians from around the world to explain the fundamentals of the LIFT program, network, and develop possibilities for collaboration. On Monday, June 23rd, RAGCED arranged a breakout session to present their four top CED programs, and the LIFT program was selected as one of the four. Rick was able to present the LIFT program to a packed room of Rotarians interested in community economic development.
North Star Youth Exchange
Let’s not overlook Financial Literacy
Consider this: Your son or daughter graduates from college and lands a nice job. You’re bursting with pride. All is well - - he/she is on their way! Six months later you ask whether the new employer offers a 401(k) plan. The response goes something like “Yeah, but that’s for the older employees who are looking to retire.” Your ears perk up. “Well does your employer offer a defined benefit pension plan?” To which the response goes something like “What’s that?” It’s time, you think, for a parent/child (albeit adult “child”) talk. Or maybe you’re thinking, this talk should have happened a long time ago.