District 7680 Newsletter

April 2025

Happy Spring, fellow Rotarians, 

I hope everyone is enjoying this incredible time of the year, filled with visions of what gardens will look like, plans for summer holidays, and spending time with friends and family in other places. It is certainly a time for optimism and hope and we must never lose sight of that.

We know too, that even as we maintain a positive outlook and optimism, that must be tempered with knowledge that for many people, including some of our friends, neighbors, and even fellow Rotarians, economic conditions may deteriorate as the year progresses. We know that prices are increasing for food banks serving those in need and this is how we can show our communities and people who don’t know much about Rotary, who we are as service-minded, empathetic, people of action.  And do we best achieve that? First of all, by being strategic in our approach to issues. We should be actively seeking opportunities to make a difference by combining our resources as clubs and multiplying the impact we can make. We can also use the upcoming Grant season to identify partners we can work alongside with to ensure we’re addressing the greatest community needs. The old maxim about “working smarter and not harder” most assuredly will take on special meaning in the weeks and months to come. 

District Conference is right around the corner from us! We are super-excited to have the line-up we have for this. With keynote speakers like Molly Grantham, Nicole Greer and Mike Kelly, as well as our Rotary Presidential Representative Deb Cheney, we promise to deliver a Rotary experience you will enjoy, remember and take inspiration from! It’s our goal to have every club represented at this year’s District Conference and we’ve designed it with that in mind.

• It’s very reasonably priced at only $125, a rate not seen for District Conferences in years.
• It’s centrally located in Statesville, making it no more than 2 hours maximum distance from any of our 53 clubs.
• It focuses on our Action Plan, a four-part strategy that will guide Rotary as an organization for the foreseeable future.
• It has been condensed into two days rather than three days to give you back Sunday.
• We will have a real, live star of the Opera for the Distinguished Awards on Friday evening, in the person of Melinda Whittington!

Please register for this conference soon and prepare to help your clubs “unite for good” as we lean into our new Rotary year under DGE Donna Moffett! 

Warm regards,

Kevin Kendrick

District 7680 Impact Clubs are certainly making an IMPACT

Impact Clubs can be a tremendous opportunity for clubs who have potential members but who can’t meet during the day the club has regular meetings or that time. They provide an opportunity for service, social and fundraising activites for all involved. Our District has four Impact Clubs (including one in Shelby) and we encourage all of our clubs to explore how they might engage more people interested in Rotary by considering forming an Impact Club of their own!

Members of the Charlotte Club’s Leadership Impact Group members recently worked with students from Davidson College to refurbish park benches, tables and planters at My Sister’s House, a non-profit assisting in-housed women in West Charlotte.

Members of the Charlotte Dilworth Queen City Impact Club got busy on a Sunday recently to volunteer at NC MedAssist. The group helped to sort medications and organize one of the mobile trucks used to provide OTC medications to communities around the state.

Members of the Cabarrus County Full Circle Impact Club, recently came together to support a fundraiser benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters, a fun and productive event for all concerned!

We are excited to announce the plans for our 2025 CART Annual Meeting where we will introduce the six recipients of research grants totaling a record $2 million!! You are invited to join us for this momentous event which will include a reception honoring the 30th anniversary of The CART Fund!  Registration is now open, and a limited number of hotel rooms are available…. please see notes below & make your reservations as soon as possible to save your spot!!

THURSDAY, June 12 (5:30-6:30pm): We are excited to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of The CART Fund with a special reception being underwritten by generous sponsors. The event is open to anyone who would like to attend at no charge, but registration is required.  All guests will receive a special commemorative gift in honor of the 30th Anniversary Celebration.   Group dinners with the researchers (“Dutch treat”) will be held at local restaurants immediately following.  Business/Rotary attire

FRIDAY, June 13 (10am-3pm): A record $2 million in grants will be awarded in 2025, and we will introduce the six researchers who were selected for funding.  The event will include special guest speakers and a panel discussion about Alzheimer’s research. The cost to attend the Annual Meeting is $50 per person and includes lunch. Payment must be made in advance through DACdb.  Business/Rotary attire

The Friday event will be streamed online for FREE for anyone who cannot attend in person but wants to hear from our researchers, with a zoom link provided the day before. Exact agenda TBA. 

Register NOW for CART Fund 2025 Annual Meeting & 30th Anniversary Celebration or send your REGRET that you cannot attend by clicking here.

Special thanks to our sponsors: District 7680 Governor Kevin Kendrick, CART President Carol Burdette, Rotary Club of Anderson (SC)

Discounted hotel room block is available at the Hilton Charlotte Airport of $149 per night while space is available and includes complimentary self-parking. Click here to reserve a room. 

We hope to see you in Charlotte!!

Rotarians Making a District Around the World

EYES ON SIGHT!

Rtns Ann and Deanna Evans, mother/daughter and President Elect/President Nominee, of the Charlotte International Rotary Club traveled to Monrovia, Liberia, in March, then on to the remote hospital of Phebe with the Dr. Geoff Tabin, Co-Founder of Cure Blindness, and K-T Overbey, Executive Director, to assist in a cataract camp.  More than 100 indigent patients, some blind for several years, had their sight restored, literally transforming their lives.  Evans, a nurse practitioner, public health specialist, health policy fellow, and international health consultant, spoke to the Liberian Ophthalmic Association’s Annual Meeting on ‘Task-Shifting’ in healthcare, the process of training, then delegating types of care once solely delivered by a high level of education to a lower level of education.  Current examples include nurse anesthetists instead of doctor anesthesiologists and nurse practitioners and physician assistants instead of physicians.  Evans encouraged the establishment of high quality non-physician cataract surgeon training institutes to meet the need of millions of people in the world with cataract blindness who lack access to care.

Duke Eye Center’s “Vision 2025” features an article on the work of Charlotte International Rotary Club, led by Rtn Ann Evans, to donate a portable operating microscope to Duke’s new Global Ophthalmology Program.  Jon Teich, The Rotary Foundation area representative, was present for the donation, along with Carl and Ann Evans as the microscope was presented to Dr. Lloyd Williams.  Evans and Williams met in 2022 in South Sudan while Evans was there helping Dr. Jill Seaman, her friend and 2009 MacArthur Fellow in Medicine, with a cataract surgery project, assisted by a District grant from D7710.  The article describes Evans as a “passionate Rotarian.”  Check it out:  Page 19, under partnerships and donors.

https://dukeeyecenter.duke.edu/news/vision-2025

Creating a Stronger Club through Visioning

With Carolina PETS now behind us, Club Presidents-Elect in 7680 are brimming with ideas and ready to inspire their members to UNITE FOR GOOD. Support is available to make that happen.

The District 7680 Visioning Initiative is here to help clubs not only implement these ideas in the coming year and beyond but also empower club leadership to put the Action Plan into motion for a lasting, sustainable impact on the local community. Recently, District 7680 leaders experienced the Visioning Process firsthand and are now moving forward with a three-year plan designed to strengthen the district and create a brighter future for all. 

Club Visioning is a powerful tool that strengthens clubs by building consensus on their direction, promoting continuity and consistency among leadership and programming, and creating actionable plans to implement initiatives. One of the key benefits of a Club Visioning event is that it gives club members a voice in shaping the club’s future. Additionally, it provides a structured framework to develop and implement a long-range plan, ensuring that the club’s goals are met and sustained over time. This collaborative approach not only unites members but also empowers them to contribute meaningfully to the club’s success.

Join us in this exciting journey! Get involved, share your ideas, and let’s make a difference together. Contact Marcia Scheideman ([email protected]), Visioning Coordinator for more information.

Community Service Opportunity

SFTL Student Registration is up and running in DACdb’s RYLA module! And now it is up to you, the Rotarian, to make the difference. You are the one Students need to make this happen.

Attached is the SFTL Brochure designed for Students, Parents/Guardians, Interact Leaders, Guidance Counselors or others. I have also included a CCL Brochure to provide some idea of how significant the program opportunity is for Students.

Please ask your Student and their Parents or Guardians to complete the SFTL Student Application found at https://www.IsMyRotaryClub.org/App/?ID=147, which will then register in DACdb’s RYLA module as Applicant Entered.

ACTION REQUIRED: Don’t wait, recruit now. The deadline is April 11, 2025.

Western NC Update

AG Cindy Fink recently shared this note for all AGs:

“We can still use volunteers in Western NC.

I know that April is crazy busy, but maybe you can pull a group together from your area for May or June.

The Max for Bounty and Soul in Black Mountain is 5 people on the 2^nd Thursday of each month.

They ask that you come in one vehicle if possible.  Also, pay attention to the “what to wear” and the link to each volunteer’s waiver signature.

The Max for Hunger and Health Coalition in Boone is 6 people on any Tuesday or Thursday.

There are two shifts so be sure and sign up for the ones you want.  They take a lunch break from 11:30-12:30. Pay attention to the “what to wear section of the notes.” 

If you need the notes and reminders for each location as well as the Google Doc Sign Up Sheets, please contact AG Cindy.

Be the FIRST Rotary’s Promise Club in the Country

Clubs achieving 100-percent member support of the Endowment are eligible to be designated as a Rotary’s Promise Club. This support may be an outright gift to the Endowment of $1,000 or more, or a commitment to the Endowment of $1,000 or more. Click here to learn more.

Polio Update March 31,2025

Rotary and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative are continuing their efforts to eradicate Polio from the World. Through March 31 there have been six (6) cases in Pakistan. There were seventy-four (74) total cases last year. In Afghanistan there has been one (1) case and there were twenty-five (25) cases in 2024.

Questions have been asked about US continued support for Polio Eradication. The recent Continuing Resolution had $265 million for Polio eradication activities. I will note that these funds are administered primarily by the CDC with some through the USAID. We can all assume the funds will receive further scrutiny. I would note that Senator McConell is a Polio survivor and a big advocate for the effort and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s grandfather had Polio. The Gates Foundation has renewed their support for an additional Three (3) years of the 2-1 Match up to $100 million dollars annually. Rotary must raise $50 million to get the match each year.

The Kingdom of Saudia Arabia has pledged $100 million a year for Five (5) years for the effort. They have already funded a cold chain project of refrigeration and backup generators in Pakistan to ensure the vaccine remains alive while traveling to its final recipient.

On the District giving effort we are making progress towards our $110,000 goal. As of March 31, we have donations totaling $72,805. We have $37,195 to raise by June 30 to meet our goal.

The leading giving clubs as of March 31 are:
Charlotte                           $16,630
Meck South                       $7,450
Gastonia East                   $4,844
Waxhaw Weddington     $4,050
North Meck                       $3,290

I do want to thank several smaller clubs for their efforts, Matthews with thirty-three (33) members with $3,038. Taylorsville with twenty-two (22) members with $2,560 and Statesville Fourth Creek with twenty- eight (28) members $2,255. Small clubs can do big things and make a real impact.

I challenge every club to make a final push to encourage members to donate to Polio Plus at the Rotary Foundation. I challenge the twelve (12) clubs with $0 giving to make a meaningful donation. Club Presidents and Foundation Chairs to remind your Polio Plus Society members to make their annual donation, if they haven’t already and encourage all members to join.

Also remind your members of the Kennel Klub where you can sponsor your pet for $100 and receive a bandana to place on your pet and send a picture for us to place on the Kennel Klub Facebook page. I am available to give a presentation to your club. Please contact me at [email protected] to arrange.
We can meet and exceed our goal with your support. I look forward to seeing the Giving report with all clubs supporting the effort and us exceeding our goal.

Yours in Rotary Service
Thomas J. Smith
Rotary International District 7680
Polio Plus Chair 2024-2025
District Governor 2016-2017

APRIL 2025 MIKE’S MEMBERSHIP MINUTE

Is It Too Late For Our Club To Grow This Year?

The short answer is no!

But it requires action now and not later. And that you personally and your club must adopt a CULTURE OF INVITING, where it is more normal to have guests than not. Each of us has the capability to invite one guest to a club meeting before mid-May.

Take it from me in a club with that culture – it’s a lot more fun to have guests on a regular basis than not. So do it for the fun!

Here’s an easy strategy more and more clubs in our District are using now – a Discover Rotary event. https://www.rizones33-34.org/?s=discover+rotary  

o It can be as simple as it being at a regular club meeting, with an emphasis on inviting as many guests as possible. 

o Spend about 15 minutes sharing what the club is proud of – your club service projects and fund raisers, your club history, Rotary’s history, and The Rotary Foundation. Maybe a with PowerPoint, maybe not. 

o And then about 15 minutes of letting guests share with the club or at their table. Try to get them to create relationships on the spot. Be creative.

o Follow up, follow up, follow up! By both the President or Club Membership Chair, AND the person who invited them. 

Contact me to discuss brainstorming for your club. 

Mike Walker

District Membership Chair

704-589-2754

Have you visited the Rotary Brand Center lately? This really should be your first step if you’re looking to use the most up-to-date images and logos as articulated by our friends at elevaterotary.org  Take a look at the site and look for the link to go to the Brand Center!

Last Wednesday, I represented my company at the Western North Carolina Expo-an annual job fair for locals to purse employment companies looking to hire.  While my focus was meeting many of the employers as our offerings in Western NC is expanding, I also wanted to spend the day there to get a better feel of the culture and needs of the people there-something critical for my business.  So, from 10a-330p, I met and talked with job seekers and business leaders alike. 

The Asheville culture was welcoming to a guy from Pineville.  I noticed the genuine smiles, the happiness in someone’s voice when inquiring about me, and the interested eye in person after person, whether if they were looking for work or employees. 

The first two people I talked to once my booth was set up really stood out.  Both conversations went something like this:

Me: “Good morning.  My name is Chris.  What brings you out today?”

Expo participant: “Looking at making a change and wanted to see if my next step is here.”

Me: “This is probably the best spot for you to be spending time this morning.”

Expo participant: “Yeah.  And its time, especially after all the stuff last year.”

It took me a second to register what they were saying.  Helene impacted Pineville, but it was night and day different from what Western NC got.  We kept power, no roads washed away, no business had to shut down due to water and mud being 20 feet high washing through their front door.  I’m pretty sure no one died in Pineville due to the storm.  Many of my friends and clients in Western NC were directly impacted.  Most of them, luckily, were not dealing with the worst effects of the storm, but their lives have been different ever since.  I’m told people pulled together and helped each other while still seeing the storms effects every day.

However, some community members really got hit hard.  If the average person in Western NC caught a “cold” due to Helene, poor people in the same area got “pneumonia”.  Helene wasn’t unique in this as this as it’s the same in any disaster.  The folks that needed and depended upon some level of assistance before the storm really suffered as getting food, water and medicine in the area right after the storm was no longer guaranteed.

Six months later the foundation of support is cracking.  The Charlotte Observer reports the USDA has informed states that the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA)-connecting local farmers to food banks-is going away.  A bad situation is about to get worse as an area still that is dealing with a once-in-a-lifetime storm will now also have less projected $ to help those with the most need.

It doesn’t stop there as the LFPA’s once impacted every state.  Food support networks like Second Harvest and MANNA say that North Carolina will now not receive $11.4 million after the dollars had been promised.  The impact will be massive to the organizations mentioned and devastating to NC residents in need.  Keep in mind that all of us have been complaining about of the cost for eggs.  Imagine if they weren’t affordable for you before what it would mean now.  This also impacts elementary school kids within miles of your house.  Some of them will not be guaranteed a meal every day during summer break, and these changes will only make it more challenging for them.

We can make a difference here. 

The DEI committee is exploring ways for Rotarians across the district to contribute by the end of this Rotary year.  Various Rotarians and community partners have experience in this area and understand the connections and efforts required for a significant impact.  Collaboration with experts can enhance Rotary’s contributions.  Information on how to participate will be available in upcoming newsletters and at the District Conference, offering opportunities to make a difference in your community.

When options are clear, invite non-Rotarians who want to help.  Many service-minded individuals may be interested in joining efforts.  Invite friends and family to multiply your impact and share Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self.  Welcoming non-Rotarians into projects can enhance your club’s future impact significantly.  Helping NC residents now will benefit your club’s influence for years to come.  Isn’t that worth your time?

Keep your eyes out at District Conference and coming newsletters on how you can plug in.

Courtesy of Bounty and Soul, 3/27/25

This year’s Peace Conference at the Duke-UNC Center, was just as inspirational as it was projected to be. The scholars did a wonderful job in sharing their various topics, all designed to grow our knowledge and understanding of what we all can do to buttress efforts to build peace in our communities and around the world. Trustee Marty shared at a reception that we now have 1900 Peace Fellows around the world and with the start of our newest facility in Turkiye earlier this year, that number will only increase. She also shared this wonderful note of thanks which we wanted to share with all.

Peace Fellows – We need your help!

Did you know that informally, Peace is the oldest of our areas of focus? We can say that because we know that in the summer of 1914, during the Rotary International Convention in Houston, a resolution proposed by the Rotary Club of Hamilton, Ontario, which stated that the International Association of Rotary Clubs should “lend its influence to the maintenance of peace among the nations of the world,” was adopted, marking our early commitment to promoting global peace. Since that time, Rotary has been associated with peace efforts around the world, including during the recovery of the world in the aftermath of World War II.

Peace is hard work. We’ve seen how fragile it can be in even the most advanced countries and the presence of conflict in so many places around the world, means that we have much work to do. Rotary’s Peace Centers have produced 1,800 Peace Fellows since the inception of the program and these scholars are making a huge difference. They work in a variety of roles after completing the process, all of which are helping us to build a foundation for peace across our globe.

So what can YOU do to help us further develop our network of Peace Fellows?

You can help promote peace in the world by encouraging peace and development leaders in your community to apply for the Rotary Peace Fellowship.

Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for peacebuilders from diverse backgrounds to study at one of our peace centers located at leading universities around the world. This year, we’ll select 50 peace fellows to study in our master’s degree programs at six partner universities in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the United States and 80 fellows to participate in our professional development certificate programs at Makerere University in Uganda and Bahçeşehir University in Türkiye.

Rotary Peace Fellows use their training to amplify their work at the local, regional, or global level. Together, we can advance peace by encouraging our local peacebuilders to learn about Rotary and apply for this unique fellowship.

Rotary and Rotaract members can help find candidates within their networks and community organizations. It’s easy to use our referral form so potential candidates can receive more information about applying.

More ways to promote the fellowship

Forward the fellowship application announcement to your contacts and include it in club and district communications.

Use our postcards for the master’s degree and professional development certificate programs to help promote the fellowships.

Charlotte Club Supports CART

Thank you for registering for Minds Matter, our CART fundraiser event. We truly appreciate your flexibility as we rescheduled due to inclement weather.

We’re excited to announce our new event date: April 24th! Hopefully, we’ll enjoy a beautiful spring evening together. The event will still take place at The Village on Morehead from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Get ready for a fantastic evening filled with raffle prizes, dancing, fun, and learning—all in support of a great cause. We can’t wait to see you there!

Best regards,

CART Committee
Rotary Club of Charlotte

Here is the link to register:  Minds Matter! A CART Benefit for Alzheimer’s Research | Rotary Club of Charlotte

Charlotte Providence held their 22^nd Annual Oyster Roast, BBQ and Silent Auction recently. They were wildly successful with the event which drew in hundreds of people. Funds generated by the Club will be used in support of western NC.

“Lake Norman Men That Cook” Raises a Record of $40,000 for Local Charities

Mooresville – Now in its 5^th year, Lake Norman Men That Cook raised an all-time high of $40,000 to be split between 15 local charities. Challengers in the food competition cooked for Westmoreland Wheelhouse, The Huntersville Police Emergency Relief Fund, Yay Day Foundation, Lake Norman Kiwanis, Bridge of Hearts, Angels & Sparrows, Hinds Feet Farm, Mababu Live, Hough High School JROTC, Feed-NC, Lydia’s Loft, Health Reach Community Clinic, East Huntersville Community Outreach, Cool Kids Clubhouse, and Caterpillar Ministries. 

The Huntersville Happy Hour Rotary Club is grateful to the many sponsors who supported this event, including; The Venues at Langtree, Birthday Friends of Bob Wilson’s 80th, Randy Marion Automotive, Metrolina Greenhouses, The Daetwyler Corporation, The North Harbor Club, Gates Construction, PDG Bill and Jean Wilson, Hendrick Northlake Auto Mall, First Reliance Bank, Rotary District Governor Kevin Kendrick in Memory of Jenny Kendrick, Health Markets of Blue Cross, The Dane Construction Group, Calvin-Cook Funeral Home, Rowboat Dock and Dredge, Carolina Caterpillar, Lowe’s of  Mooresville, The World in Our Backyard, Keffer Automotive, Lake Norman Graphics, Pat and Beth Nolan, and Mark Andersen.

This year $40,0000 in prize money was awarded to the non-profits based on the quality of the food that was offered by their cooking team. Judges from area restaurants included: Nazira Atme of Habibi Lebanon Bar & Grill in Davidson; Brian Greenwalt of bartaco in Birkdale Village; and Todd Coates of North Italia in Birkdale Village. Rotary District Governor Kevin Kendrick served as the 4^th judge. In addition, each of the 600 community members who came to eat lunch at the event, donated the full $20.00 value of their entrance ticket to the non-profit or cooking team of their choice. First place winners in each food category are: Beef/BBQ – Huntersville Police Emergency Fund; Chili – Angels & Sparrows; Casseroles – Feed NC; Vegetables/Vegetarian – Hinds Feet Farm; and Desserts – East Huntersville Community Outreach. The top winner overall was Rick Zoerb, who raised $3,500 with his BBQ dish.

This event is the signature event of the Huntersville Happy Hour Rotary Club, which prides itself in making a difference in the communities it serves. The Huntersville Happy Hour Rotary club meets on Mondays at 5:30 pm at Neoteric Brewing in Huntersville and welcomes new members to come, visit and join us.  For more information, visit https://huntersville-happy-hour-rotary.org/.

The Charlotte Dilworth Rotary Club, held its first (and hopefully annual) pickleball tournament at the Cornwell Center in Charlotte. It was a wonderful day of fun, friendship and maybe a little bit of competition!

First, a huge thanks to our President, Amarja ChhWbb, for conceiving this idea and making it happen. We were able to fill all the team slots, get three sponsors, identify some speaking opportunities, and recruit at least one new member as a result of this! But perhaps most importantly, we had substantial club member involvement. When we talk about the importance of engaging our membership as we bring the action plan to life at the club level, it doesn’t get any better. We had a dozen or so members present, engaged and having fun all while raising funds for the causes our club supports. Simply a great day!!

The Dilworth Club and Queen City Impact Club are also happy to sponsor the Karen Dale Foundation in their effort to raise funds for education and literacy in the Caribbean. The Karen Dale Foundation works to primarily initiate, support and fund programs and projects that are focused on Health Care and Education. Based on these areas of focus, their goal is to identify communities that are affected by limited or lack of resources necessary for them to get quality health care and for their children to succeed in their pursuit of education.

Please support this international effort which supports children and families in Jamaica. For those of you who don’t know, Karen Dale is the sister of longtime District 7680 Rotarian, Allison Burkett, who set up the non-profit Karen Dale Foundation to honor her memory.

Pee Dee Area News – April 2025

On March 29th, the Wadesboro Rotary Club had a very successful shooting clays competition at Buchanan Shoals Hunting Club in Morven with 31 teams and many great sponsors. The tournament funds scholarships, community projects and a Youth Shooting Team.

The Albemarle Rotary Club is preparing for their annual Scholarship Golf Tournament scheduled for June 2nd at Tillery Tradition Golf Course in Mt. Gilead.  Hole sponsors and teams can sign up by contact Brett Speight, event chair.  Preparations are also underway for two events to benefit The CART Fund.  On May 2nd, the Club will host the Meal to Remember at the Rosebriar Restaurant in Albemarle.  At least 10% of the proceeds from the meal will be given to The CART Fund.  The second event is the 4th Annual Race to Remember set for Saturday, June 7th in downtown Albemarle. Runners and walkers can choose a 5K or 1 mile race and, for those unable to attend in person, a virtual option is available.  Sponsors are still being sought and you can sign up or make donations at:

https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Albemarle/AlzheimersCharityRace5k1MileWalkpresentedbyAlbemarleRotaryClub

The Albemarle Club is also happy to be in the process of sponsoring a new Interact Club at Gray Stone Day School in Misenheimer. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE AS WE CELEBRATE 50 YEARS!!!!

Check out this video  Rotary Youth Exchange

We recently received some wonderful news from PDG Kam Chandan about a selection made by Rotary International about their Youth Advisory Council. The letter was an offer from Rotary International for Kam and wife Divya’s daughter to accept an offer to participate in this important Youth Council, and we are thrilled to announce that Smera has accepted the offer!! This is not only an honor the entire Chandan family, it’s an honor for all of us in District 7680! I hope you join me in congratulating Kam, Divya and especially Smera for the wonderful example she has set in every aspect of Rotary she has participated in!