Stories

October 22-24, 2026 | Crazy Horse Memorial | Black Hills, South Dakota | Register today: https://rotary5610.org/events/2026-district-conference/

This October, Rotarians from across South Dakota, southwest Minnesota, and northwest Iowa will gather at one of America's most inspiring landmarks for the District 5610 Conference at Crazy Horse Memorial. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Black Hills, the conference will bring Rotary's 2026-27 message, "Create Lasting Impact," to life through fellowship, learning, and service. 

Few places better embody the spirit of lasting impact than Crazy Horse Memorial. More than 75 years in the making, the monument stands as a testament to vision, perseverance, and a commitment to honoring Native American heritage for future generations. Its story mirrors Rotary's mission: bringing people together around a shared purpose and creating positive change that endures long after the work is done. 

Conference attendees will explore how Rotary clubs are making a difference locally and globally through initiatives focused on education, clean water, community development, and humanitarian service. Through keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and meaningful conversations, participants will discover new ideas, strengthen connections, and be inspired to expand their impact in their own communities.

Featured speakers include Patrick Harrison, Rotary International Regional Leader and Public Image Coordinator; Gemma Sisia, founder of The School of St Jude in Tanzania and a globally recognized advocate for education; and Muyatwa Sitali, Acting CEO of Sanitation and Water for All, whose work advances access to water and sanitation around the world. Together, they will share stories and insights that demonstrate how people of action can create meaningful, sustainable change.

The connection between Rotary and Crazy Horse Memorial runs deep. In 1949, members of the Rotary Club of Custer helped support the memorial's early construction by forming a human chain up Thunderhead Mountain and passing materials by hand to workers building access stairs. What began as a service project became part of a legacy that continues to inspire generations today. 

As District 5610 gathers at this remarkable location, attendees will celebrate not only Rotary's accomplishments, but also the enduring power of service. Whether through a local community project, a global grant, mentoring youth, or advancing education and clean water, every Rotarian has the opportunity to create an impact that extends far beyond today. 

Join us October 22-24, 2026, at Crazy Horse Memorial as we connect, learn, and discover how together we can Create Lasting Impact.

Register today: https://rotary5610.org/events/2026-district-conference/

In recognition of Rotary's Maternal and Child Health Month, our club was honored to welcome Paula Mazourek, BSN, RN, CLC, Southeast Region Nurse Team Lead with the South Dakota Department of Health's Public Health Nursing Services, Division of Family and Community Health.

Paula shared insights into the important work being done across South Dakota to support the health and well-being of mothers, infants, children, and families. As part of a dedicated team of public health professionals, she helps provide education, resources, and services that strengthen families and improve health outcomes throughout our communities.

Paula currently serves as the Southeast Region Nurse Team Lead and is based in Sioux Falls. Her commitment to public health spans more than three decades. Before assuming her current leadership role, she served as the Community Health Nurse for Bon Homme County for 34 years, making a lasting impact on countless South Dakota residents.

A native of the Wagner, South Dakota area, Paula graduated from South Dakota State University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her passion for public health and serving the people of South Dakota remains as strong today as when she began her career.

Rotary members were inspired by Paula's dedication to improving maternal and child health and by the Department of Health's collaborative efforts to ensure families have access to the support and care they need. Her presentation highlighted how healthy mothers and children are foundational to building stronger communities, a mission that aligns closely with Rotary's area of focus on Maternal and Child Health.

When she is not serving South Dakota families, Paula enjoys spending time with family, bicycling, traveling, and attending sporting events.

Our club extends its sincere appreciation to Paula for sharing her knowledge and experiences with us and for her years of service to the people of South Dakota.

Sioux Falls West Rotary was pleased to welcome District Governor Mike Gibson and his wife, Vasthi Gibson, for their official visit on July 17.

DG Gibson shared an inspiring message as we begin a new Rotary year, encouraging members to stay the course, continue making a positive impact in our communities, and enjoy the fellowship and friendships that make Rotary so rewarding. His remarks served as a reminder of the important role Rotary clubs play in creating meaningful change both locally and around the world.

We were also delighted to welcome Vasthi Gibson, whose presence helped make the visit especially memorable. Together, DG Gibson and Mrs. Gibson exemplify Rotary's spirit of service, leadership, and connection.

We thank them for taking the time to visit Sioux Falls West Rotary and look forward to a successful year of service ahead.

The Rotary Club of Sioux Falls West is proud to recognize a leadership transition as Michael Feltes concludes his term as President and Lucinda Noronha begins her tenure leading the club.

During his presidency, Feltes guided the club's efforts to serve the community, strengthen member engagement, and advance Rotary's mission. His leadership helped build a strong foundation for continued success.

As the new Rotary year begins, Noronha takes the helm with a commitment to continuing the club's tradition of service, fellowship, and community impact.

The club extends its sincere appreciation to Michael Feltes for his dedicated leadership and looks forward to an exciting year ahead under Lucinda Noronha's presidency.

On April 11, the Rotary Club of Sioux Falls West hosted another unforgettable evening at our 18th Annual Rock & Roll for Hope—and what a night it was! The dance floor was alive, the energy was high, and the generosity of our community truly stole the show.

Thanks to everyone who came out to dance the night away and support this signature event; we proudly raised $26,000 to help provide life‑changing wheelchairs to individuals in need around the world through Hope Haven International Ministries. These funds will make a meaningful, lasting impact—restoring mobility, dignity, and independence for people and families across the globe.

Rock & Roll for Hope is more than a fundraiser; it's a celebration of community, compassion, and the Rotary spirit of Service Above Self. We are deeply grateful to our attendees, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who helped make this year's event such a tremendous success.

Together, we continue to bring hope in motion, one step, one dance, and one wheelchair at a time.

We are proud to recognize Micah Johnson, a 6th grader from Abiding Savior Academy, who recently earned top honors in the Rotary Club of Sioux Falls-West's Four-Way Test Essay Contest.

Micah's outstanding essay won at the Club level and advanced to District-level recognition; a remarkable achievement for such a young leader.

The Four-Way Test Essay Contest, sponsored by Rotary's District 5610, invites students to reflect on and apply the Four-Way Test:

        1. Is it the truth?

       2. Is it fair to all concerned?

      3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

      4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Through their essays, students demonstrate how these guiding principles can be lived out in everyday decisions, leadership, and service to others.

Micah's accomplishment reflects thoughtful leadership, strong values, and the powerful impact of youth voice in our community. We are inspired by his insight and integrity.

Congratulations, Micah! Keep leading with purpose and character.