INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Service Opportunity at District Conference!
Submitted by Cindy Fink, Area Governor
Conference Friday Service Opportunities
Join us in Rotary Service on Friday, either while en route to Asheville at the Bounty and Soul Black Mountain Warehouse from 12:30-3 or at their markets in downtown Asheville from 1:00-3:30 pm. Bounty and Soul benefited from our District Hurricane Helene Relief Grant. As a non-profit organization, they provide nutritious food to folks throughout Buncombe County. Volunteers pack boxes, and the food is distributed through markets held in areas of need. The food boxes are free and are filled with nutritious vegetables and fruit, augmented by locally made bread and specialty items from local farmers.
Up to 14 Volunteers are needed at the Bounty and Soul Warehouse in Black Mountain from 12:30-3 pm. Wear your work clothes to help clean and tidy the walk-in coolers and warehouse for the weekend.
Three volunteers are needed for each of the downtown Asheville Markets from 1-3:30 pm. The deadline for sign-up is May 12th. We will email you specific instructions and the address. The warehouse is five minutes from downtown Black Mountain, and the markets will be in downtown Asheville.
Contact Cindy Fink with any questions at cindybfink@gmail.com or 919-691-7323.
The Power of RLI
“I think that the true power of RLI is that it brings us the opportunity to build community within Rotary – which is really amazing and key to the Continuity of Rotary and Connection of Rotary locally and globally.”
Ashley Waters has been a member of the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, in Frederick, MD District 7620, for a decade. Soon after joining Rotary, she participated in RLI 1, 2, and 3.
“I quickly recognized that my Rotary club experience wasn’t the same as everyone else’s. RLI helped me better understand Rotary as a whole, across different communities, club sizes, and perspectives. What I love most is meeting Rotarians with very different experiences. If Rotary is going to succeed and truly make a difference in the world, we need people to find a Rotary experience that fits them. The more we understand what other clubs are doing, the stronger we become.”
“People from communities across the country ask me about Rotary. Through my work at the district and zone levels and through RLI, I’ve been able to see so many different models of Rotary. That perspective allows me to talk about Rotary beyond just my own club and better connect people to what Rotary might look like in their community.” Ashley’s favorite part of the RLI course work is getting to talk with others – “facilitated conversation where we get to hear what other people are doing. Hearing about other club experiences is always so fascinating to me, and I always walk away with a nugget or two…I always pick up something from other clubs and what they’re doing.” Ashley now facilitates RLI training. As she explains, “I love helping people think through the tools and processes available to help their clubs make thoughtful decisions.”
Dr. Ashley Waters currently serves as Assistant Governor for Area 5 in District 7620 and as the 2025-2028 Zone 33 Rotary Public Image Coordinator. She has held numerous leadership roles, including Club President (2022-2023), District Conference Chair (2024), District Public Image Chair, and Zone 33 Assistant Public Image Coordinator (2020-2023). She is honored to be a Paul Harris Fellow, a member of the Paul Harris Society and Polio Plus Society, and a Rotary Benefactor. Outside of Rotary, Ashley serves as the Managing Director of Blessings in a Backpack in Frederick, MD.
Information about the Mid-Atlantic RLI and upcoming training dates is available here.
Mid-Atlantic RLI.
President Uni Brown recently shared a note to all members of her Huntersville Happy Hour Club and it was so relevant, I asked and gained her permission to share it with all of us!
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A Challenge to ALL of Us!
From President Uni Brown
Imagining the Community We Want (and Then Actually Doing It!)
I was watching the first episode of Sheriff Country on Paramount+ (yes, I do enjoy binge watching TV), and there was a moment that really stood out to me.
In the episode, the sheriff, who’s running for re-election, speaks to her local community, which included members from their Rotary club (isn’t it awesome that Rotary was mentioned in this TV series), and says:
“I challenge you and me, to imagine the community that we want and to work together to make that happen.”
And I thought, well, that sounds awfully familiar.
Because that is exactly what we just did with Men That Cook.
We imagined a community filled with connection, generosity, laughter, and support for our incredible nonprofit partners, and then we rolled up our sleeves (and maybe put on a few chef hats) and made it happen. Not perfectly, not without a few moving parts, but with heart, intention, and teamwork.
That is Rotary in action.
It reflects our core values:
- Service Above Self – showing up to make a difference beyond ourselves
- Fellowship – building relationships while having a whole lot of fun
- Integrity – doing what we say we’re going to do (even when it’s a little chaotic behind the scenes)
- Diversity & Inclusion – Creating events that truly are for everyone
- Leadership – stepping up, stepping in, and sometimes stepping out of our comfort zones
Men That Cook wasn’t just an event, it was a living example of what happens when a group of committed, big-hearted people come together with a shared vision.
So, here’s my gentle nudge (you knew it was coming):
Let’s keep imagining.
Let’s keep creating.
And let’s keep building the kind of community we want to live in, together.
Because clearly, we’re pretty good at it.
With gratitude (and maybe still a little full from all that yummy food).
The Art of Peace
Youth Art Competition
Hosted by the District 7680’s Peace and Conflict Prevention and Resolution committee (PCPR)
Deadline for Submissions: April 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST
Click here for details.
District 7680 at the Duke-UNC Peace Conference!
Submitted by Cindy Fink, Assistant Governor, Rowan County
Our District had a great representation at the 23rd Annual Peace Conference held in Chapel Hill this past weekend! In addition to hearing compelling presentations on what the scholars are working on, entitled “Building Peace from the Margins”, the assembly was honored to host Rotary Foundation Chair and Past Rotary International Director Holger Knaack and Rotary International Director Elect Tom Gump.
MIKE’S MEMBERSHIP MINUTE
WE DON’T REALIZE HOW LUCKY WE ARE – WE CAN PAY IT FORWARD
Submitted by Mike Walker, District Membership Chair
Rotary offers a unique combination of opportunities: great relationships with high-quality people, countless ways to serve both locally and abroad, personal and professional growth, and learning about our communities and beyond. We often take it all for granted.
But if we take a step back to realize how lucky we are, inviting people into what we have becomes much easier. An invitation to a meeting, fundraiser, service project, or social activity is really an act of caring.
Yours may be the only invitation to Rotary someone EVER receives. We all know how much Rotary has changed our lives by a simple invitation, and how old we were before we received it.
So, share your luck in being invited into Rotary. Sooner than later, invite someone to a Rotary activity and help them become a member. You’ll both be glad you did.
Discover Rotary
If your club is interested in having a Discover Rotary event, please contact Dianne Little of the Taylorsville Rotary Club, who will work with you on the details involved in setting it up! It’s a proven way to gain new members, and there’s still time to bring on new members this year!
CLUB VISIONING
Submitted by Marcia Scheideman, District Learning Facilitator
Ready to help shape your club’s future?
Visioning offers a powerful, guided process that brings members together to build consensus and determine what comes next. It’s an opportunity to ensure every voice is heard—and every perspective helps define the path forward.
As Paul Harris said, “This is a changing world—we must be prepared to change with it.”
What does that future look like?
For many clubs, it means becoming more vibrant, more connected, and more impactful. Vibrant clubs actively engage their members, participate in meaningful service, develop strong leadership, reflect their communities, and maintain a compelling public image.
Clubs that participate in Visioning often experience a renewed sense of energy and alignment. Members feel heard. Leadership gains clarity and focus. And the club emerges with a shared direction and purpose. The result? Stronger engagement, more effective initiatives, and a deeper commitment to making a difference in the community.
Most importantly, Visioning is not just about planning—it’s about action. Together, members turn ideas into practical steps, creating a roadmap that ensures goals are not only set, but achieved and sustained over time.
Visioning is your club’s opportunity to do just that—together.
And District 7680 Visioning Team can guide you through it. Contact Marcia Scheideman, District Visioning Team Lead (mscheideman.ms@gmail.com).
Leadership in Action: Build Skills to Lead & Serve
Submitted by Marcia Scheideman, District Learning Facilitator
New Leadership Training Opportunity Available to Rotarians
Strong clubs are built by strong leaders—and leadership can be learned.
Join Leadership in Action, a dynamic new pilot program designed to turn intention into impact. Through an engaging, hands-on experience, you’ll gain practical tools to understand your leadership style, communicate more effectively, navigate conflict with confidence, and build high-performing teams.
Whether you’re leading now or preparing to step up, this program is designed to be immediately relevant and useful.
When:
Session 1: Saturday, August 29, 2026 (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) Registration link below.
Follow-Up: September 19, 2026 (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Where:
Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce
19900 W. Catawba Ave.
Cornelius, NC
Connect with fellow Rotarians, strengthen your leadership skills, and help shape a stronger future for your club and community.
Space is limited— Take the next step in your leadership journey and REGISTER TODAY.
Alternate method: Enter this address in your mobile browser
https://Registrations.DACdb.com/Register/index.cfm?EventID=77901766
For more information, contact Marcia Scheideman (mscheideman.ms@gmail.com).
District Grants Update
Submitted by Sharon Heinrich, DGN and Past District Grants Chair
District Grant Reminders
Final Reports for current 2025-26 District Grant projects are due by June 15, 2026.
Submit a Final Report now if your project is complete (use the Final Report tab in DACdb with your club’s grant application). Rarely, a club will be asked to submit an Interim Report if they have an approved extension from the District Grant Subcommittee due to unexpected delays or challenges.
New grant project applications for 2026-27 are due June 15, 2026.
Now is the time to begin assessing needs and developing strong projects to create lasting impact. Each club is required to have at least one member complete District Grant training. If your club doesn’t plan to apply for a grant, try partnering with another club to multiply your resources and maximize your opportunities. Your AG can be a valuable resource as you consider collaboration among clubs.
For more information, including a 1-page “Highlights for Clubs, training slides, and a video recording from our District Grants Training, go to DACdb -> Grants Module -> Grants Overview. When you open DACdb, you’ll discover the icons have recently changed. The new “District Grants” module icon looks like a page with a $. In Grants module, Grants Overview page is the first option in the left navigation bar. Scroll down for PPT slides and Vimeo recording of our Zoom training (access code 202627).
If you have questions, please email Rotary7680DistrictGrants@gmail.com or contact past District Grants chair Sharon Heinrich. Thank you!
The Power of Global Grants
Submitted by Kam Chandan, District 7680 Foundation Chair
Renewable Energy and Sustainable Agriculture Project
Phase 3 (GG2687123) scales a proven Rotary‑supported waste‑to‑value model in Maharashtra, India to 155 additional farming families in Khed, Junnar, and Ambegaon. Building on the success of earlier grants (GG 2462186 and GG 2572714), the project promotes clean biogas cooking, organic soil regeneration, and rural livelihoods by converting livestock waste into renewable energy and nutrient‑rich fertilizer. Independent monitoring confirms improved crop yields, reduced chemical inputs, and better health for women, including cleaner kitchens and time saved from firewood collection. A central IRESOIL Bio Hub processes surplus biogas slurry into Jeevan+, a stable organic input, and supplies it at subsidized rates to over 1,000 farmers. Across all three phases, 453 households will benefit, achieving an estimated INR 34 lakh (≈ USD 41,000) in annual savings, stronger soil health, lower emissions, and greater climate resilience, aligning with Rotary’s priorities in environmental stewardship and sustainable economic development.
The total global grant was $52,000.
DG Donna and PDG Kam recently received these pictures from Deepa Bhagwat demonstrating the current progress of this Global Grant.
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Polio Update March 31, 2026
Submitted by Tom Smith, Polio Plus Chair
The efforts to eradicate polio continue in the affected parts of the world. Progress is being made despite the obstacles in our way. As of March 31, 2026, there have been 2 cases of Polio reported this year, one each in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Final case numbers for 2025 reported are Afghanistan 21 and Pakistan 31 for 52 cases. This is an improvement from the 99 cases in 2024. March 31, 2026, Polio News is attached for further information on our efforts to eradicate Polio and vaccinate children for Polio and other diseases, such as measles. Please share this with your members.
On District support, we are ahead of last year at this time and making good progress to achieve or exceed our Goal of $109,250, with $93,345 through the end of March. We need to finish the year strong to beat our goal. Encourage your members to make a special $40.00 donation to honor our 40 years of the Polio Plus program, and the efforts to eradicate Polio. Ask members to join the Polio Plus Society and donate $100.00 and pledge to continue that support annually until the job is done. A fun way to support the effort is to sponsor your pets in the District Kennel Klub.
Make a $100 donation to Polio Plus, fill out the form, and send it in. You will receive an End Polio Now bandana to place on your pet. Send a picture, and it will be placed on the Kennel Klub Facebook page. Please announce these ideas to your club members. The forms are attached. Also attached is the District Polio Plus report for your review. See where your club stands with its giving efforts to meet or exceed your giving goal. There are 9 clubs with no giving to date. We want to have 100% club participation in this Rotary’s singular project. I look forward to next month’s report with all clubs giving some amount.
I want to thank the clubs leading the way this year. Their efforts have put us in reach of our goal. The leading clubs in Total Dollars are:
| 1. Mecklenburg County South | $12,650 |
| 2. Charlotte International | $7,650 |
| 3. North Wilkesboro | $7,030 |
| 4. Charlotte | $6,455 |
| 5. Charlotte South | $5,892 |
| 6. Gastonia East | $5,817 |
| District Total | $93,554 |
I also want to thank one of our small clubs, Taylorsville, for their outsized $4,407 in giving. They are a true leader in this effort.
If All Clubs and Members support Polio Plus, we will easily exceed our goal. Our District Goal is $109,250. With a total contributed thus far of $93,554, we still have work to do, but we’re in a good place. We are on the cusp of keeping our promise to the children of the world to eradicate Polio. I ask you and all your club members to assist in making that promise a reality. Please make a plea to your members to donate and make a leadership gift yourself to set the pace. With your support, we will succeed.
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World Immunization Week 2026
World Immunization Week is quickly approaching! Has your club planned how it will observe this important public health event?
Rotary and our partners commemorate World Immunization Week, 24-30 April every year, to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination and highlight the success of our polio eradication efforts.
As an organization that is committed to eradicating polio as well as to fighting disease and improving maternal and child health, Rotary recognizes World Immunization Week as an ideal opportunity for Rotary and Rotaract clubs to engage in these kinds of activities:
- Invite a local health care worker to speak at your club about the importance of vaccinations.
- Host an event in your community to raise funds for PolioPlus and educate people about Rotary’s work toward eradicating polio.
- Partner with local Interact clubs or schools on a campaign to raise awareness about polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
The progress that Rotary and our partners have made toward eradicating polio is a success story that is important to tell, especially during this final effort to reach our goal. Our members are our greatest advocates and supporters, and we need your help more than ever to share our story with your communities.
Resources for Club
- Event flyer template
- Social graphic template
- Letter to the editor template
- Brand Center polio-related assets
- End Polio Now YouTube playlist
Charlotte Rotary Participates in Chamber Area Business Expo
Submitted by Christine Cipriano
The Charlotte Rotary Club, assisted by the Dilworth Club, recently participated in a Charlotte Area Chamber Business Expo that was a huge success! The Expo had hundreds of people circling through, and the Rotary booth was extremely popular, thanks to a highly visible presence which included multiple engagers, videos, attractive signage, and lots of handouts!
As a result of the Expo, Christine reported that they received 58 leads! She mentioned that they already have one person preregistered to attend their weekly meeting. Others expressed interest in attending other meetings, and we were able to follow up with individuals to supply them with club information relevant to them.
Christine added that she intends to track anyone who signs up. They are all listed in their contact database and are receiving club newsletters and meeting announcements. Engaging these prospects is a good way to let them know that we care about them and want to see them again!
Well done, Charlotte Rotary, and a huge shoutout to Bill Gill for conceiving this initiative!
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Charlotte South Park Update
Submitted by Erika Hudson, President
Charlotte South Park has been busy finalizing arrangements for the transfer of Youth Exchange student Marius to his third host family, Chris and Amarja Webb. Amarja is a member of the Dilworth Rotary Club and graciously welcomed Marius into their home at the beginning of April.
The Club was also saddened to report the passing of Sherry Hopkins, wife of longtime member Walton “Hoppy” Hopkins. Please keep Hoppy in your heart and prayers.
Finally, the Club continues to celebrate and support Diego, who recently enjoyed his birthday surrounded by those who care deeply for him. Diego recently attended the start of the Trek South ride, marking another meaningful milestone. It was wonderful to see him at Triple C last Tuesday, where so many were able to spend time with him and show their love. Moments like these remind us of the power of presence and community.
China Grove Club Featured on Front Page
Submitted by Cindy Fink, Area Governor, Rowan County
The March 31st edition of The Salisbury Post featured a ¼ page photo and article about the China Grove Rotary Club’s efforts to build a walking trail in the town of China Grove.
The article, titled “New Path Forward,” written by Post Editor Chandler Inions, quoted Club President Diane Folk, saying, “In the spring of 2025, I attended a parks and recreation public brainstorming session with the town of China Grove,” Folk said. “It was like, what do you as a member of the public want to see? Festivals, food trucks, car shows? One of the biggest things was trails, and for the town to have some kind of trail system.” Folk wrote a district grant for their club, and the club matched $2,000. The trail is underway, and in addition to club members, the mayor pro tem and two local guys with big equipment came to help on their first work day.
Rotary District grants are ideal for addressing community needs and engaging citizens who support the project.
The China Grove club has more than doubled in size in 2025-2026. The club meets twice a month on Thursday evenings and has lost many older members. The club was down to five when Diane and her husband, Matt, joined in the fall of 2025.Current membership is 14, and they are also working to build a companion club that meets at lunch, which will attract business members.
To see the story and photo, follow the link below: https://digital.salisburypost.com/Salisbury-Post-03312026-e-Edition/
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Dilworth and Discover Rotary
Submitted by iPDG Kevin Kendrick
The Charlotte Dilworth Club recently welcomed Dianne Little from the Taylorsville Rotary Club for a fantastic and helpful primer on Discover Rotary. Past President Amarja Webb welcomed 20 club members into her home and we were thrilled to hear from our exchange student, Marius, who recently moved to Amarja and Chris Webb’s home!
Dianne shared lots of great information on how we can make this event a successful one for our club and accomplish what we all want: growing our membership to make an even greater impact in our projects and the communities we serve.
Thank you for your time and leadership, Dianne!
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DG Donna Visit to China Grove
Submitted by Cindy Fink, Area Governor, Rowan County
Gastonia Club Partners with Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Submitted by Jim Morris, Gastonia Rotary Club
For a third year The Rotary Club of Gastonia partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace in a service project to build and deliver beds for kids in Gaston County. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a non-profit service organization with over 300 chapters in the US, and expanding to Canada, Bermuda and The Bahamas. Their theme is “NO KID SLEEPS ON THE FLOOR IN OUR TOWN.” Their sole purpose is to build and deliver beds to families where the kids currently sleep on the floor because they do not have a bed in which to sleep. Since their founding in 2012, they have delivered over 250,000 beds. Their data shows that about 2% of the population are without beds for kids to sleep. Looking at Gaston County with its high number of Title 1 schools, that percentage might be higher.
The local Gaston County (Belmont) chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace has been in existence for about three years. As of January 2026, they have built and delivered 600 beds to kids in Gaston County. Even with this success there is a continuing waiting list of about 100 applicants. The need is real.
On Saturday, March 14, 2026, sixteen Rotarians and eleven of their guests gathered at the Sleep in Heavenly Peace work site to build 30 bed frames with guidance from the experienced Sleep in Heavenly Peace builders. After some initial instructions the volunteers manned the numerous workstations to begin the process of building the bed frames. At the various workstations the tasks included cutting lumber to the required lengths, sanding the lumber to remove any splinters, drilling holes for the placement of lag bolts and dowel rods, forming and assembling side rails, forming and assembling the headboards and footboards. Near the end of the building process the head and foot board undergo a quality check to remove any rough spots and to ensure all screws are tightened and recessed. The head and foot boards are even branded with the Sleep in Heavenly Peace emblem, SHP. Finally, the side rails and the head and foot boards are dipped in a solution of vinegar and steel wool to guard against insect infestation.
After a busy morning building beds and before leaving the work site, the volunteers gathered for pizza and sandwiches. They shared the fun of the experience and the satisfaction of knowing that their efforts will provide beds for kids who are currently sleeping on the floor.
On Saturday, March 28, 2026, four Rotarians and five of their guests assisted the Sleep in Heavenly Peace team to deliver and assemble thirty-two beds in the homes of kids without a bed. The volunteers were assigned to one of four teams. Each team delivered and assembled six to ten beds in the homes of three to four families. The beds were assembled in the kid’s home and were configured as a single twin bed or were stacked to form bunk beds. Each bed was made up with a new mattress, pillow, sheets and comforter. When they left, the beds were ready for the kids to sleep in that night. It was very heartwarming to see the joy on the kids’ faces, knowing that they now had their own bed in which to sleep.
As a full sponsor for the bed building event, the Rotary Club of Gastonia not only supplied volunteers but also supplied financial support. The Club applied and received a Rotary District grant in the amount of $4000 which the Club matched for a total of $8000. This money was donated to Sleep in Heavenly Peace to continue their efforts to provide beds to needy kids in Gaston County.
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Salisbury Club challenges Junior Rotarians
Submitted by Cindy Fink, Area Governor, Rowan County
Since the 1950’s, the Rotary Club of Salisbury has recognized Junior Rotarians from Salisbury High School. At first, all the students were men. In the late 1970’s, the students recognized as Junior Rotarians included men and women. For many years, eligibility was based on academic standing. In the past two years, the club began recognizing students for both academics and outstanding leadership; currently, 14 outstanding students are 2026 Junior Rotarians.
The students speak to the club in groups of seven. During the fall, students present a personal story, highlighting an experience or person that changed their life. Each spring, the students return to respond to one of the questions provided by the Rotary Club. The questions provided to the 2026 Junior Rotarians are:
- Describe a moment when your opinion about someone changed after you listened to their story. What did that teach you about empathy?
- Tell us about a time when you saw something unfair or unjust. What did you do, and what did you learn from the experience?
- Twenty years from now, what would you hope someone in your community could say about the difference you made?
- What responsibility do talented or privileged people have to their communities? How do you think about that responsibility in your own life?
- What question about the world do you find yourself thinking about the most, even when you don’t have an answer yet?
- Many great innovations begin with frustration. What has frustrated you enough to make you want to invent or improve something?
- What problem in your community bothers you enough that you feel personally responsible for helping solve it? What would you do first if you had the authority to act on it tomorrow?
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