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. 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.
Help to “Ignite” Your Club in 2026!
Submitted by the Belmont Rotary Club and Wally Olson, District Communications Officer and Executive Secretary
Belmont Rotarians were treated to a crash course in using the Rotary database and the new Ignite phone app at the April 22nd meeting. Rotary District 7680 Communications Officer and Executive Secretary Wally Olson (seated in photo above) demonstrated the speed and convenience of using the app to connect with fellow members and member prospects, to check the club calendar, send and receive messages, pay dues, and much more. Olson has been a Rotarian for 34 years and is a member of the Mecklenburg County South Rotary Club. He’s served Rotary District 7680 in his present position for 10 years, and he has announced his plans to retire in 2027. After his presentation, Olson worked individually with club members, including club president Ken Pahon (standing in the photo), to help them with using the app.
Wally is more than willing to help any other club in District 7680 learn this very utilitarian app! Just reach out to him at bikerwoe@icloud.com
Area 6 Social Event: Hanging with the Harbor Hippos!
Submitted by AG Eileen Solomon
Time and Date: 7:00 pm, June 17, 2026
Location: Huntersville Athletic Park, 11720 Verhoeff Dr
Tickets:
- $8 with the discount code ‘rotary2026’ (all lowercase). Enter the discount code at checkout.
- Will include a voucher for a free hot dog (vouchers to be handed out at the game)
- Kids are Free with any kind of YOUTH team jersey (kids under 3 are also free); otherwise, $8 per ticket with ‘rotary2026’ code, same as adults
- Rotary will have a section reserved for them based on the tickets sold.
The link below will take you directly to the game date of June 17th. You will see a seating chart on the page.
You will need to click on the GA 1. This is the General Admission box for the HOME side of the seating area.
When you enter the coupon code at checkout, you will see that $2 has been deducted from the $10 general admission price. However, a service fee of $1.50 gets added to each ticket, so your total will be $9.50.
https://lakenormanharborhippos.ticketspice.com/game-7-vs-greensboro-yard-goats
This Harbor Hippos game will benefit a non-profit organization that provides support to individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Jennifer Fear, a member of the Davidson Rotary Club, is the Founder of this organization, which she named FEARSOME. For more information, visit: https://fearsomeis.org/
I hope you will rally your fellow club members and join me for a FUN night for a GOOD cause! Please feel free to invite your friends, family, and members from other Rotary Clubs as well.
Gaston County Rotary Clubs focus on Literacy
Submitted by DGN Sharon Heinrich
Gaston area Rotary clubs were featured in the Gaston Lifestyles Magazine for the May/June issue. The article focused on 3 clubs’ literacy projects and programs, and clubs’ continued service for children and some of our most vulnerable populations.
Please see in this link: https://issuu.com/gastonlifestyles/docs/may_june_2026
News from the Duke-UNC Peace Center!
Submitted by DGN Sharon Heinrich
Congratulations to our twelve Class 23 Rotary Peace Fellows – Lilian, Nish, Oliver, Tibeb, Hafiz, Hanan, Mohammed, Khaled, Sharmeen, Rory, Debby, and Priskila – on graduating from Duke and UNC this past weekend! Together, they represent 10 countries, 4 continents, and study across 4 disciplines – international development, public health, global studies, and social work.
Your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see how your peacebuilding work shapes the future!
UNC Global
Duke Center for International Development (DCID)
Rotary Peace Centers
#Rotary #rotarypeace #peacebuilding
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MIKE’S MEMBERSHIP MINUTE
Submitted by PDG Mike Walker, District Membership Chair
Let a few of your Rotary friends know you care
Mike Walker
District Membership Chair
One of Rotary’s major benefits is relationships with high-quality people. We may join for service, but we often stay for the friendships and support. And of course, these relationships are with people who recite the Four Way Test each week.
Historically, the most common months an ‘on the fence’ member drops out are December and June. One way to prevent some from dropping out is to reach out if you haven’t seen them in a while. A quick email or phone call can work wonders. It’s an example of what I call ‘acts of caring’.
We’re a caring organization, almost by definition, but we’re also busy people. So, our ‘acts of caring’ must be deliberate. Not complex or time-consuming; just deliberate.
So, my ask: please take 30 minutes this week to reach out to 2 or 3 Rotary friends you haven’t seen in a while and let them know you’re thinking about them.
And if you’re a club leader, ask how they’d like to be more involved, or offer a suggestion for that involvement. My club turned someone about to quit into a club President by offering that suggestion. Turns out they wanted to do something substantial and needed to be asked.
It’s surprising how powerful a small, caring act can be. And there is no better time than now – before the end of the Rotary year.
Celebrating Our Distinguished Rotarians
Each year, Rotary clubs across the district have the opportunity to recognize an outstanding member as a Distinguished Rotarian — honoring individuals who exemplify Service Above Self through their leadership, dedication, and impact within Rotary and the community.
Below is the official template District Clubs may use to publicize and celebrate their Distinguished Rotarian recipient. We encourage clubs to share the story of these exceptional Rotarians and the difference they make every day.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Public Image Boot Camp! It was great spending the evening with so many dedicated Rotarians excited about the Rotary year ahead.
We hope you left with new ideas, helpful tools, and plenty of motivation to tell your club’s stories and increase Rotary’s impact in the community.
Missed a section or want to revisit the session? Watch the recording here.
We’re excited to share that the 2026-27 EPIC Award tasks are now posted so your club can get an early start on the July, August, and September activities, and see what’s ahead for the rest of the year.
Remember, all clubs in Zones 33/34 are eligible for the Excellence in Public Image Coordination (EPIC) Award, so be sure to check it out. EPIC Awards for the 2025-26 Rotary year will be going out soon, and we’re looking forward to recognizing over 300 clubs.
Thank you again for all you do to share Rotary’s story, amplify impact, and inspire others through service. We’re looking forward to getting started on a fantastic Rotary year together!
In Rotary Service,
Club Visioning: Taking Great Clubs to the Next Level
Submitted by Marcia Scheideman, District Leadership Facilitator
Building Momentum Across District 7680
It’s been an exciting year for District 7680’s Club Visioning Initiative — and we’re just getting started.
Over the past year, four clubs across the district have participated in the Club Visioning process and are already stronger because of it. Through thoughtful discussion, shared ideas, and collaborative planning, these clubs have built greater alignment, stronger engagement, and a clearer path forward.
From Good Clubs to Great Clubs
As we are preparing for a new Rotary year, two additional clubs are already in the queue to begin their own Visioning experience and take their clubs from good to great. Won’t you join them?
Every Voice Matters
Club Visioning offers a powerful, guided process that brings members together to build consensus, identify priorities, and determine what comes next for the club. It creates an opportunity for every voice to be heard — and for every perspective to help shape the future.
More Than a Plan — A Path Forward
But Visioning is more than simply planning. It’s about action. This is your opportunity to strengthen your club — together.
Your Club’s Future Starts Here
The District 7680 Visioning Team is ready to guide your club through the process. To learn more or schedule a Club Visioning session, contact Marcia Scheideman, District Visioning Team Lead, at mscheideman.ms@gmail.com.
Leadership in Action Is Launching — Are You Ready?
Submitted by Marcia Scheideman, District Leadership Facilitator
District 7680’s new Leadership in Action pilot program is moving from idea to reality — and momentum is building.
This interactive leadership experience will equip Rotarians with practical, real-world tools to better understand leadership styles, strengthen communication, navigate conflict effectively, and build stronger, high-performing teams.
Designed for both emerging and experienced leaders, Leadership in Action combines engaging activities, facilitated discussion, and hands-on learning led by respected community and Rotary leaders.
Want to learn more about what’s ahead? Attend the Leadership in Action breakout session at District Conference in Asheville and get a preview of this exciting new initiative.
And it’s Happening Soon!
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 Grant Updates!
Submitted by DGN Sharon Heinrich, Acting District Grants Chair
District Grant reminders
Final Reports (2025-26) – Due 6/15/26
Applications (2026-27)- Due 6/15/26
Open DACdb -> My Club or My District (tab at top) -> District Grants -> L sidebar use Grants Overview for instructions and training slides with video. Use Club Grants View or District Grants View to see your grant -> Choose Org Year -> Click gold bar to enter new application. Once a grant is started, use Edit (pencil icon) to open application. After a grant is approved, a new tab appears to enter a Final Report. Clubs only do an Interim Report if asked.
Polio Update – April 2026
Submitted by PDG Tom Smith, Polio Plus Chair
World Immunization Week (24–30 April) highlighted a message that resonates deeply with Rotary: “For Every Generation, Vaccines Work.” Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners used the week to honor frontline health workers and reinforce the urgent need to reach every child with lifesaving vaccines. As the report notes, “we must act now to reach every child with lifesaving vaccines,” underscoring the continued importance of Rotary’s leadership in this effort.
Integrated health campaigns are proving especially effective. In Nigeria alone, 106 million children were reached through combined polio, measles-rubella, and essential health services—an approach that strengthens trust and improves overall health outcomes. New best-practice resources from Somalia and other regions are helping countries plan stronger, more efficient campaigns.
The latest global numbers show progress: 4 cases of wild poliovirus have been reported in 2026 (down from 10 this time last year), and 32 cases of circulating variant poliovirus, compared to 42 in 2025. Continued vigilance remains essential.
Rotary’s partners also highlighted the power of survivor voices. In Zambia, polio survivors like Felistus Ngoma are going door-to-door sharing their stories to overcome vaccine hesitancy—“turning their lived experience into purpose” to protect the next generation.
International support remains strong. Japan’s recent US$3.5 million contribution is helping ensure children in Afghanistan’s highest-risk areas continue to receive vaccines despite challenging conditions.
As we move closer to a polio-free world, Rotary’s advocacy, fundraising, and community engagement remain vital. Together, we continue to protect children—everywhere, for every generation.
We are coming to the end of the Rotary year and have the District Conference fast approaching. I ask all clubs and members to make their donations as soon as possible. I look forward to reporting that All clubs are supporting Rotary’s singular project at the Conference. We need about $10,000 to meet our Goal. Let’s finish the year strong and exceed our goal. The Top giving clubs are as follows:
Mecklenburg County South – $12,650
Charlotte International – $7,662
Charlotte – $7,547
Charlotte South – $7,092
North Wilkesboro – $7,030
Total District Giving – $98,698
Goal – $108,000
There are six clubs with $0 giving. I sincerely hope that by District Conference Every Club will have given some amount of support. I want to thank the China Grove club for their support that I recently received. I also want to thank the Taylorsville club for their outsized support again this year.
The District Giving report, Polio Plus Society, and Kennel Klub information are attached. The Polio Plus Society and Kennel Klub are great ways for club members to show their support for Polio Eradication. At the recent Zone Learning event in Richmond, it was announced that overall giving for Polio Plus is off from last year. It was asked that we redouble our efforts in the final months to reach the goal of $50 million and receive the full Gates Foundation match of 2-1. Please ask your members to donate and if they have already, make an additional donation, I have. With your support, we can reach and exceed our goal.
I am available with notice to give a presentation to your club on our efforts. Please contact me at tjsdg7680@gmail.com
The District 7680 PolioPlus Society
Although the PolioPlus Society was rolled out on September 1st of 2020, many Rotarians are still asking…”PolioPlus Society? What’s that?”
The PolioPlus Society is a group of individuals who are passionate about Rotary’s #1 Priority…the elimination of the poliovirus from the face of the earth.
The PolioPlus Society, or PPS, operates much like the Paul Harris Society, whereby a Rotarian or friend makes a commitment to donate $1,000 per year or more to The Rotary Foundation. Except the PolioPlus Society requires you to donate only a minimum of $100, and to continue to do so annually until the World Health Organization declares the world free of the poliovirus.
PolioPlus Society members will receive a special pin depicting a child receiving the two precious drops, an “End Polio Now” wristband to wear until polio is eliminated from the planet (Both depicted here), and a PolioPlus Certificate proclaiming your membership in this unique Society. Plus the knowledge that you are doing good in the world and are in this fight to the end. Joining the District 7680 Polio Plus Society is a two-step process:
Step #1 – Please fill out the below “commitment statement” and email to Polio Chair PDG Tom Smith at tjsdg7680@gmail.com or mail to 1840 Tanglebriar CT Matthews NC 28104
I hereby commit to making an annual donation to the PolioPlus Fund of The Rotary Foundation as follows (select one):
- ✔ $100 USD per year (minimum amount to become a society member)
- ✔ A contribution of $_______ per year to PolioPlus (more than $100)
I pledge to help Rotary make history by continuing to contribute the above amount each year until the World Health Organization certifies that polio has been fully eradicated because …Until the world is polio-free, every child is at risk.
Step #2 – To make your tax-deductible donation go to myrotary.org/donate , sign in and click on “Polio Fund”. You can choose a one-time donation of $100 or more, or a recurring donation in the amount and frequency of your choice (We suggest $10/month as the “easy way” to become a PolioPlus Society member.) Of course, you can also write a check payable to “The Rotary Foundation”, with PolioPlus in the memo section, and give to your club’s Foundation Chair.
Name__________________________________________Date_______________
Email___________________________________
Club name_____________________________
Albemarle hosts 5th Annual Race to Remember physical and virtual
Submitted by AG Robert Remsburg, Pee Dee River Area
The Albemarle Rotary Club is preparing to host the 5th annual Race to Remember 5K and 1 mile run/walk on Saturday, June 13th. Over 100 runners and walkers have participated each year. This year, Louisa Jane Hartsell, race coordinator, is hoping for at least 150 participants this year. If you cannot be in Albemarle on race day, you can virtually participate if you wish or even make an online donation. All proceeds from race entries and donations will be presented to The CART Fund and used for Alzheimer’s and related dementia disease research. The Race to Remember was the idea of several Albemarle Rotary members, most of whom had a close relative who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s as a way to involve others and to make a difference through The CART Fund. Since 2022, the Race to Remember has donated over $40,000 to The CART Fund. Join us in-person or virtually and together we can make a significant difference in the effort to find a cure and treatment for this disease. To enter the race or make a donation go to https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Albemarle/AlzheimersCharityRace5k1MileWalkpresentedbyAlbemarleRotaryClub. If you, your business or your Rotary Club would like to be a race sponsor, email Louisa at ljh137@me.com
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Join SouthPark Rotary for our weekly meeting!
Fridays 7:30-8:30am
Here is the address:
Jesse Brown’s
4732 Sharon Rd, Suite 2M
Charlotte, NC 28210
(It is upstairs in the shopping center to the left of the Pancake breakfast place,
behind the McDonald’s. The elevator should also be operational if needed.)
Here is the Google Meeting ID if you can’t make it to the meeting: meet.google.com/ebf-kgyy-sma
Phone Numbers
(US)+1 561-614-1428
PIN: 179 477 374#
Contact us: CharlotteSouthParkRotary@gmail.com
Follow us:
Charlotte SouthPark Rotary Club – Facebook
SouthPark Rotary (@southparkrotaryclt) • Instagram photos and videos
Website: Charlotte SouthPark Rotary Club
Cherryville Couples Golf Tournament
Submitted by Jyma Atwell, Cherryville Rotary Club
The Rotary Club of Cherryville is hoping for a great turnout for this event! Hope you will consider joining them!!
Congratulations to Pat Kahle, Monroe Rotary Club, on recently receiving the Habitat for Humanity “Jimmy Carter Presidential Award”!
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Gastonia Rotary Supports HH Beam Families
Submitted by Marcia Scheideman, Community Service Chair
Rotary Club of Gastonia Members Showed Up for HH Beam Families
Rotary Club of Gastonia members demonstrated “Service Above Self” on Tuesday, April 28, as volunteers gathered at HH Beam Elementary School to support local students and families facing food insecurity. From 4:00–6:00 PM, Rotarians, friends, and family members worked together to pack food boxes supplied through the Second Harvest Food Bank for HH Beam families.
Seventeen volunteers came together in a strong show of community support, helping prepare and distribute more than 125 food bags to families in need. The project provided essential food resources while reminding families that their community cares deeply about their well-being and success.
The Rotary Club of Gastonia is proud to support initiatives like this that create meaningful impact for local children and families. Thanks to everyone who volunteered their time and energy to make a real difference.
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