January 2025

I’d like to make two important announcements:

1. We have reached our goal of raising $50,000 from clubs and individuals in District 7680, triggering the promised $50,000 donation from our District reserve funding to provide assistance in western North Carolina. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO MADE THIS POSSIBLE!!!
2. And as we celebrate what we have done to help those in need in western North Carolina, we now have another opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who are very much in need. Rotary District 5300 has a Disaster Relief Fund and they need our help. Please see the article entitled “Help for District 5300” under  under Rotary International News inside.

Happy New Year to every one of you! I sincerely hope each of you had some time during our winter break to celebrate according to your traditions or not and spend time doing whatever is that helps to make your days better. Whether gathering with family and friends or just doing your favorite thing by yourself, my sincere wish is that you used that time to celebrate, practice gratitude, and ponder what the new year may have in store for you.

I love the potential a new year brings. We all start with the highest of hopes and aspirations. And that’s ok. That is the beauty of the time most of us have at this time. We SHOULD be aspirational. We SHOULD be excited. We SHOULD be reaching for the stars as our feet remain firmly planted on the ground!

I like and use this time to find moments of inspiration as well. Some of them are in wonderful, thought-provoking quotes from people I admire. Here are a few that I recently saw in an article from Good Housekeeping™. I think there’s something here for everyone!

Whichever of these quotes resonates with you, I hope you realize that no matter the challenge, no matter what issue you may be facing, you have people in Rotary who are committed to your well-being and who will do everything they can to help you achieve your goals.

Speaking of goals, I’m excited about our upcoming Mid-Year Assembly in Statesville. We will have informative presentations on Membership, Public image and Public Relations, and a special session on all things related to our Foundation. We’ll give you some information on current and upcoming events as well. Please make sure that if you’re a club officer, you make an effort to attend. I would love to have a representative from each of our 53 clubs present as well as our Rotaract clubs. Following Mid-Year, District Governor Elect Donna Moffett will host a Pre-PETS session for Presidents-Elect.

As we begin the next half of this year of Magical Rotary, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to folks who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Our District Treasurer, Phil Volponi and our District Secretary, Wally Olson, are just incredible. They do so much that most of us don’t see but these two gentlemen get a lot of things done that help this District and our clubs perform so much better. If you happen to see either of them in the near future, please let them know that they are appreciated.

Please see the article inside for an update on our efforts in western North Carolina, which remain ongoing and will be for the foreseeable future. And please join us for what should be a really fun time at a Charlotte Hornets game on January 31^st! The Hornets will be taking on the LA Clippers and you’ll be surrounded by a bunch of other cheering Rotarians!!

Warm regards,

DG Kevin Kendrick

Zone Grant in Support of Western North Carolina

In our January 2025 Zoom Formation meeting, Director Patrick Eakes provided attendees with an update on the continuing efforts to assist areas impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

·       Director Patrick shared that more than $1.3 million had been donated to the Zone Disaster Fund.

·       $213,000 has been provided by clubs and Districts.

·       More than 1700 individual donors from around the world have contributed.

·       Twenty-seven projects, totaling some $340,000 have been funded thus far, with the bulk going to western NC.

·       Our efforts to support all areas impacted by Helene and other disasters will continue.

Our District received a $25,000 grant from the Zone Disaster Fund in December. This was to support an application put forward by AG Cindy Fink of the Salisbury Rotary Club, aimed at providing assistance to an organization called Bounty and Soul in Black Mountain, NC. Specifically, AG Cindy’s grant application included this information:

“Bounty and Soul is a longstanding non-profit providing free nutritious food to people in need.  They provide produce, eggs, and bread. Usually, they purchase food from local farmers, but any farm touched by floodwaters has been contaminated.  Bounty and Soul buys food from other farms in the high country in Jackson and Clay counties and works with other regional produce providers.  They work to push food out to the community in multiple ways.  They offer grocery box pickup and delivery to homebound folks and run mobile and pop-up markets.  The main draw of the markets is food, but they also offer yoga, meditation, music, and other activities that nourish the soul and body. Since Hurricane Helene, Bounty, and Soul’s weekly food budget has grown from $8,000 to $18,000.”

Bounty and Soul provides food to approximately 25,000 people every month. The grant provided by District 7680 will enable them to supply much-needed food for one month.

In addition to providing funds, Bounty and Soul has provided us with specific volunteer opportunities to support their efforts as part of the required service component for the grant.

On January 2, 2025, members of the Salisbury Club volunteered at Bounty and Soul, helping to pack 500 boxes for the day. AG Cindy and DG Kevin Kendrick, joined DG Connie Molland of District 7670 in presenting a check for $25,000 to Bounty and Soul’s CEO, Ali Casparian. Since that time, Rotarians from the Charlotte Club volunteered on January 10^th and Rotarians from North Mecklenburg County are volunteering on January 16^th. Seeing this terrific support from Rotarians in District 7680 is a wonderful way to begin the year and a vivid reminder that we are at our best when we serve others.

If your club wants to volunteer for a shift at Bounty and Soul and provide some hands-on assistance to our friends and neighbors in District 7670, please check out the Google link to sign up!

Merhaba from Turkyie –  D7680 Rotary Youth Exchange student

Naisha Chandan

Merhaba!! (Hello in Turkish) I hope you all are doing good! As I have reached the end of my first 3 months in Turkyie, I wanted to take a moment to share a little update about my experience so far and also I also wanted to wish you all a Happy new Year! My journey so far has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned so much about Turkish culture, language, and daily life. While I’m not fluent in Turkish yet, I’m improving every day, especially since all of my classes in school are taught in Turkish! It’s been a bit of a challenge, but it’s pushing me to learn faster, and I’m so excited to see how much I’ll grow by the end of my time here.

The people I’ve met here have made this experience even more meaningful. I’ve made amazing friends who have welcomed me with open arms, and my host family has been nothing short of incredible. They’ve made me feel like part of their family, and I truly appreciate their kindness and support. The memories I’ve made here all the way from cultural experiences to small moments with my friends and host family will stay with me forever.

Looking ahead, I’m so excited for all the adventures and lessons that the rest of my journey holds. This exchange has already been life-changing, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. I want to thank you all so much for your support and encouragement that has made this possible for me. I am so grateful for you all and I hope you have a Happy New Year!

Also, I wanted to share this short video that shows some of my favorite memories that I have made and gives a little representation on how my exchange year has been so far!

District 7680 Alumna Merna Gill

Merna Gill was a member of District 7680 for many years and a strong proponent of Rotary establishing a club presence in Cuba. Merna has visited Cuba several times and encourages others to consider a visit. Here is her rationale:

In 2014, I made my first People- to-People trip to Cuba along with 20 other healthcare delegates. We all fell in love with our National Guide Cal when he started our tour with “Open your hearts and minds to Cuba”.

I did and I have made Cuba my mission since. My main purpose was to help people navigate the travel rules as they change often. Then, in 2022 I attended the Rotary International conference in Houston and talked to leadership about getting Rotary back into Cuba. They have encouraged me to spread our presence and our mission. RI is not ready to establish a chapter there but there is one Cuban who belongs to an eclub in CA and we have three others waiting to be accepted into eclubs here in the States.

If Cuba interests you, a group is being formed for April 16-23, 2025.

In Rotary Service Merna Gill – [email protected]

Cuba travel

Do you Tango? Global Travelers members Pat and Jeanette Cleary do and boy was I glad. Because they happened to mention their love of the dance and because GT member Merna Gill makes a personal connection to every ‘stranger’ she meets, we were invited to a tango party. Yeah! Down we go walking a dark street in the rain to an address we were only 99.9% sure was correct into the arms of a warm welcome and magical experience. Now this is the way to see Cuba!

The personal and enduring relationships Merna makes with the Cuban people gives her fellow travelers an up close and personal travel experience. For example, a high school trio of girls came to where we stayed in Havana and gave us a flute concert. As amazing as their playing proved to be, it was equally fun to take them to dinner afterward and finding out how they like to have fun, their future ambitions and if they plan to get a driver’s license (that was an emphatic, YES).

Walking through a local market was a pleasant sensory experience for the eyes and nose. We were shoulder to shoulder with the locals examining, selecting and purchasing fruits and vegetables. The avocados were humongous. What a contrast to the sterile and limited government stores where we could look but not purchase.

The countryside opened up to green hills, waterfalls and rainbows which were just as stunning as the live music that permeates every inch of Cuban life. And while a few of our service destinations to present school and medical supplies were predetermined (a private preschool, young athlete’s outdoor training area and visiting with a medical student) the remainder consisted of random stops along country roads as we saw opportunity. That led us to visiting with a doctor and touring her village clinic (they desperately need more lighting), giving supplies to a doctor and nurse waiting for a ride at the side of the road (pressure cuffs are a treasured gift) and children that were out with their parents playing or walking alongside the road (who doesn’t want crayons, pencils and school notebooks when accompanied with a protein snack). And there were many opportunities to give GT member Phyllis Webster’s produce and flower seed packets. People thought we were Santa Claus. Feliz Navidad!

So, is going to Cuba the right thing to do? For this writer it is the best thing to do. Travel is about seeing the sights – sure. AND it is about absorbing the culture of a new place by opening yourself to possible new understandings through interaction with those that live there. Friendships may not blossom but hearts are touched.

	Merna, on far right	Merna, 3rd from right

Mental Health Corner

Romy Cawood, PhD

Charlotte Dilworth South End Rotary 

Embracing Winter

Although many people love experiencing the four seasons, and appreciate Charlotte for that reason, how often do you hear someone express the dread of shorter days?  I notice a spike when Daylight Savings Time ends.  We find ourselves in the darkest, shortest days of the year, only having barely passed the Winter Solstice.  Growing up in Ohio I remember the dread of January.  With the festivity and glow of the holidays over, and the grey winter skies of the Ohio Valley, it felt dark and depressing.  

In my practice I coach my clients through their own individual seasonal ups and downs, whether it be crunch time for accountants, school breaks for parents, or memories of difficult life events triggered by a particular day or month.  But developing an approach to the rhythm of the seasons is a through line of my years in practice.  Here are a few recommendation:

-Be attentive to your sleep.  Our sleep cycles are naturally attuned to light and dark.  Light shuts off melatonin production and darkness supports it.  I suggest you dim the lights in your home in the evening in sync with the darkness to the degree that fits with your lifestyle.

-Go outside.  (You may notice this theme in my columns).  Our eyes are meant to gaze at horizons and being exposed to outdoor light keeps our circadian rhythms on track, which in turn supports healthy mood.

-Be physically active.  If your preferred exercise is a warm weather activity, explore other forms of movement that feel good at this time.  Experiment with exercise that can be done indoors, or invest in warm outdoor gear that makes going outside a pleasure. 

-Adapt what you eat to the season.  My colleagues in nutrition advise eating what is in season locally, as well as eating more cooked foods in the colder months.

-Allow yourself to turn inward.  Shorter, darker, colder days naturally invite us to be quiet, reflect, be creative and sometimes develop valuable insights.

-Stay connected to others.  Turning inward does not mean isolating. Especially after holiday socializing winds down, spend time with others, in person.

-Focus on what you can do in Winter rather than what you can’t.  Maybe it’s a winter sport, sitting by the fire, noticing the beauty of its landscape, or a tradition you create over time.

For more resources on embracing Winter:

May Clinic Minute:  Practical tips for a healthier winter

https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-practical-tips-for-a-healthier-winter/

9 Ways to Embrace Winter—Even if You Think You Hate It

https://time.com/7172622/how-to-embrace-winter-mindset/

Why You Might be Getting the Winter Blues.  Do the winter months impact your mood?  Here’s why and what you can do about it.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifting-the-veil-on-trauma/202403/why-you-might-be-getting-the-winter-blues

District-wide Service Project

District 7680 will be conducting district-wide service project in order to create impact within the District and garner maximum media interest. These are projects that impact our entire District and as such, lend themselves to participation from many clubs. We hope to create awareness about Rotary and our causes and attract potential members while making an impact in the areas of focus associated with these causes.

Please see the following project and consider helping us grow our impact as we share the gift of Rotary with others!

Alexander County: Title I Schools – Alexander County Schools District

Alleghany County: Title I / Title I Schools (alleghany.k12.nc.us)

Anson County: Title l Schools – ANSON COUNTY SCHOOLS (ansonschools.org)

Ashe County: Federal Programs / Title I (schoolwires.net)

Cabarrus County: Cabarrus County Schools – Title l Overview

Cleveland County: CCS Title I – Title I Schools (google.com)

Gaston County: Title l Schools 2023-2024 on GCS Letterhead.pdf (gaston.k12.nc.us)

Iredell County: Title 1 Contacts – Iredell-Statesville School District (issnc.org)

Mecklenburg County: Federal Programs / Title I Schools (cmsk12.org)

Richmond County: Federal Programs • Departments – RICHMOND COUNTY SCHOOLS

Rowan County: Federal Programs / Title 1 (rssed.org)

Stanly County: Title I Program Information 2023-2024.pdf – Google Drive

Union County: Federal Programs / Federal Programs (ucps.k12.nc.us)

Wilkes County: WCS Title 1 Schools – Title I – Wilkes County Schools

Foundation Matters – Monthly Bite-sized Webinar

Third Thursday each month at 6 pm – 6:45 pm Eastern Time. Join virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85767045645?pwd=Gc3KmgTKdV63aIarbDYnuEBZY8vizZ.1

Mark your calendars for the next webinar in the monthly Foundation Matters Series to be held on January 16, at 6 PM Eastern, 5 PM Central and 7 PM Atlantic.  

Please use the link to register for the series. https://www.dacdb.com/Calendar/Event.cfm?EventID=77805273&CalClubID=0

The Foundation Matters webinar series is developed for Club Presidents and Club Foundation Chairs.  Club leaders like you keep returning to actionable strategies and ideas that really work.  We are excited about our January webinar, entitled “Tips for Preparing your District Grant”.  You’ll hear tips from our Rotary Foundation Regional Grants Officer and strategies for selecting your District Grant project from club leaders.

Heads up!  Our February webinar will provide strategies and tips on Global Grants.

If you missed the webinar, or you want to invite others to listen, you may access the recording here-Rotary Foundation Matters Web Page

This is where you can

– Register for monthly webinars
– Submit action items on behalf of your club
– View recordings of past webinars
– Find resources including PowerPoint documents from past webinars

AVOIDABLE BLINDNESS     

Ann Evans, Major Gift Initiative Advisor on Health to The Rotary Foundation    

A few facts on avoidable blindness:

• 80% of the 43,000,000 blind people in the world are treatable.
• 90% are in Sub-Saharan Africa. 
• A 10-minute procedure with materials costing $25 would cure them; access to care is the limiting issue.
• A one-dollar (U.S.) investment has a $26 return, one of the most cost efficient impactful interventions one could imagine. 
• Rtn. Ann Evans of the Charlotte International Rotary Club (CIRC) has been on a three-year mission to ‘make a difference’ in eye care; CIRC and District 7680 are seeing her vision!

Ann made a financial commitment to a Global Grant (GG) in Nepal that includes equipment and training to expand eye services and an entrepreneurial element to train lay women to assess vision and dispense donated eyeglasses.  CIRC made a $500 commitment to the project and District 7680 committed $10,000 in DDF to finish off the $100,000 GG and the project is due to start in just weeks.  But there’s more!

Cure Blindness Project sent Ann a proposal to fund a program to train non-physician cataract surgeons in South Sudan where only one city has eye services for a country with 11.5 million people.  Access to care is the critical issue.  The proposal is being considered for a Rotary grant and so stay tuned! CIRC is on a roll for projects that ‘make a difference’ and restoring sight is about as good as it gets, very close to MAGIC!

(Ann Evans is a member of the Charlotte International Rotary Club and one of six advisors in Rotary’s focus area involving health, around the world. She has an extensive history in healthcare, being a Family Nurse Practitioner and having a doctorate in Public Health, a Fellowship in Health Policy, and a Certificate in International Health Consultancy. She has 15 years of experience engaged in international health work and served six years on the Board of the International Rotary Fellowship of Healthcare. From a Foundation Recognition perspective, Ann and her husband, Carl, are members of the Arch Klumph Society.)

The year 2024 presented both setbacks and successes in our fight to eradicate Polio. Wild Polio cases saw a significant increase in Afghanistan and Pakistan, whereas Variant Polio cases continued to decline, proving the effectiveness of the Novel Type 2 Oral Vaccine. Variant cases dropped from 529 in 2023 to 256 in 2024, mainly affecting Africa, where strong efforts to eliminate the disease are ongoing.

Wild Polio cases increased from 12 in 2023 (6 each in Afghanistan and Pakistan) to 93 in 2024, with 68 cases in Pakistan and 25 in Afghanistan. Pakistan experienced a change in government and subsequent civil unrest. The new administration initially struggled to maintain focus on vaccination programs, but efforts are now underway to catch up and vaccinate children.
In Afghanistan, accessing all children has been challenging due to the restrictions our workers must comply with, and the effective removal of female workers from the program. Vaccinations are currently being conducted at mosques and transit points.
The increase in cases underscores the importance of remaining vigilant; otherwise, this disease could resurge with a vengeance. Rotary has promised the children of the world that we will eliminate this terrible disease, and with your continued support, we can.

On the District giving front, we have much work to do but are making progress. We have an annual goal of $110,000, and as of 12/31/2024, we have received donations totaling $48,132. While we are behind pace to meet the goal, there has been a significant improvement compared to earlier in the year. I extend my thanks to the leading clubs and have provided the Giving Report for your review. Notably, there are 18 clubs with $0 in contributions. If all Rotarians and clubs give something, we will meet our goal.
The leading clubs are:

1. Mecklenburg South – $7,450
2. Charlotte – $4,540
3. Waxhaw Weddington – $3,785
4. North Mecklenburg – $3,150
5. Matthews – $2,611

Several smaller clubs, such as North Wilkesboro and Taylorsville, are punching above their weight, which is much appreciated. With all of your support, we can defeat this disease.

Yours in Rotary Service,
PDG Tom Smith

Mike’s Membership Minute – Making It Easy to Invite Guests

Welcome to the second half of our Rotary year! This is often an exciting time for clubs as they work to fulfill their goals and plans for the rest of the Rotary year. And of course, like for every membership organization, this means seeking out new members to join us. This requires a lot of intentionality! I strongly encourage each Rotarian to invite at least one guest to a Rotary event this quarter. Here are a few ideas that work:

• A Discover Rotary event – An easy way to invite guests. It can be as simple as a guest-centered regular club meeting. Members invite guests, and the ‘program’ is no more than 20 minutes talking about what you are proud of – your club and its history, Rotary overall, and the work of The Rotary Foundation. Keep it simple – PowerPoint is optional, with the focus on a conversation. This is the one Rotary event where the guest is the center of attention, so let them share something if possible. 
• Create a Culture of Inviting – where it is more normal to have guests at meetings than not. Clubs with this culture grow, and clubs without it, don’t. Pretty simple. Club members may say “that is tough because we don’t have great meals, speakers, projects, venue, size, etc., to be proud of.” I say work to make Culture of Inviting the constant, and those issues the variables/problems to solve. Make Inviting Normal Again. 
• “What’s In It For Me?” – Sadly, no one joins Rotary to help us with our membership growth. They join for THEIR reasons, that are also The Four Powerful Benefits of Rotary: Relationships, Service, Growth and Learning. Putting yourself in a potential guest’s shoes makes it much easier to invite them.
  • Relationships – what high quality person wouldn’t want their personal and professional relationships with other high quality people who recite (and hopefully live) the Four Way Test?
  • Service – they can bring their passion, or find their passion. And serve locally or internationally, with support and leverage from The Rotary Foundation. And do it with fun Rotarians.
  • Growth – we’re leaders by mindset as much as position, opening Rotary to those of all ages. It’s a place to improve speaking, organizing and leadership skills, with friends, for worthy causes.
  • Learning – don’t discount the value of learning about your community through speakers, projects and fellow members. We might take it for granted because we’re used to it, but we shouldn’t.

I encourage both club leaders and members to become far more intentional about inviting guests to a meeting or other Rotary event. And, to put excellent guest follow up processes in place, so they get invited back both by who invited them, but also by a representative of the club. That dual follow up is often the key.  

Remember, yours may be the only invitation to Rotary they receive in their life! I was over 50 when I was first invited, and I thank that annoying, relentless Rotarian who kept inviting me. 

Mike Walker

District Membership Chair

Share Rotary with New Audiences

Although many people might recognize Rotary’s name, too many prospective members and supporters don’t understand who we are or what we do.  People of Action messages capture the essence of who we are and should be incorporated in our proactive communications.  It is a way of talking about ourselves so that people outside Rotary better understand what connects us as committed volunteers who channel our skills and expertise into taking action to solve problems in our communities and around the world.

The People of Action message provides a simple, consistent answer to the questions, “What is Rotary?” and rallies us around a single idea:  telling – and showing – the world that we are people of action.

Tell your People of Action Story

In the text of your social media post or ad, tell your People of Action story.  Keep it short but informative and inspiring.  In as few words as possible:

Chose and Show Feature real-life, everyday moments Displaying a sense of emotion Featuring just a few people that viewers can see well Representing the diversity of your club and community

Avoid Posed or looking directly at camera Large group pictures Poor angles Backs of heads Single people

Want to Learn More?

• Take the Promoting Your Club as People of Action course on Rotary.org
• Download ready-made People of Action ads or create your own using templates

In late September, I was scheduled to meet with a friend regarding a work project, confident in his ability to provide valuable guidance.  However, I received an email apologizing for his unavailability due to an extended period out of the office.  I later discovered that he was delivering supplies to the Asheville area, assisting those affected by Helene.  With support from his company, he made numerous trips to home improvement stores, loading his truck with water and supplies to distribute them throughout Buncombe County.  He devoted over a week of his time to help those in need without seeking recognition or praise.

Rotarians are known for their commitment to the mantra “Service Over Self.”  As there are individuals in need within our community, now is an opportune moment to embody this principle.

On January 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Day—a day dedicated to remembering another individual who exemplified “Service Over Self”—we can honor his legacy by extending our assistance to those in need.  While there are numerous opportunities to serve, here are two options for Rotarians in District 7680:

• Join us at the North Carolina Diaper Bank’s Charlotte location from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, where we will wrap diaper products for distribution to families in need across North Carolina.  We’ve done this before and can attest to how the Diaper Bank impacts NC Families.  Notably, 47% of all families reported a need for diapers in 2023, and many families require them for adults.  As slots are limited, please sign up here before they are filled: https://x.gldn.io/e/893egZng1Pb

• Identify needs within your own community and collaborate with established community partners to make a difference on or around January 20th.  Engage other Rotarians and consider inviting non-Rotarians who may be interested in contributing but are unfamiliar with Rotary’s mission.  Such participation not only aids those in need but also introduces Rotary to potential new members, which could positively impact your club’s growth in the future.

My friend, through his dedicated efforts over a week, made a significant impact on those in need.  We invite you to join us in doing the same on January 20, MLK Day. By involving non-Rotarians, you will not only address immediate needs but also strengthen your club’s future membership.

Cities of Peace

Peace Committee Co-chair Quanta Dawn Light, invites clubs to apply for “Cities of Peace” designation. “We like to encourage all clubs that are registered in different towns and cities in our district to register as International City of Peace by filling a form on this website.”

https://www.internationalcitiesofpeace.org/rotary-club-register/

Area 8

William Bradley was present at a recent Charlotte North meeting where seven new members were inducted!! Charlotte North has been busy lately with eight new members added thus far and several more in the pipeline. Congratulations to Charlotte North President Kim Darden and a huge debt of thanks to Membership Chair James Young!

Area 9

The Rotary Club of Matthews has a lot on the Rotary plate for the beginning of 2025…upcoming events include Bowlerama our newest fundraiser and social event to be held on January 26 from 2-4pm at the Bowlero Alleys at 11210 Brigman Rd. in Matthews.  We still have open spots for those who want to bowl with $50.00 donation.  However, you don’t have to bowl to join in and have fun.  Bring your family members and friends to visit, relax or to let the kids play the many different games.  We look forward to seeing you there Sunday the 26^th.

We are participating in the District 7680 Samaritan’s Feet project of providing 1,000prs of shoes for children in a Title 1 school in our own neighborhoods.  We anticipate supporting Crown Point School on Sam Newell Parkway with shoes for those students selected by the principal and teachers in the not-too-distant future. 

Mattews Rotary is also supporting the Elizabeth Lane Literacy project with volunteers who meet a student once a week for an hour to tutor students with challenges reading at their grade level.  We also will be supporting light landscaping and cleanup of the school campus this Spring and providing support for the school carnival.

Lastly, four members of the club will be accompanying several medical doctors and dentists to remote villages in Nepal providing much needed medical and dental care to the residents of the remote villages for March 19 thru April 3rd.  Included in the trip, is a side trip to Tibet to take in Mount Everest Base Camp 1.  If you are curious…check out the YouTube videos for Base Camp 1.

Everest Base Camp 1

Pee Dee Area News

The Wadesboro Club also had a very special meeting in January by traveling to 5 and 2, a training center for children of incarcerated parents for vocational service month. This new facility in Polkton teaches vocational skills to break the cycle of incarceration.  Currently, 82% of children of incarcerated parents end up in prison as well.  The goal is to give these youth skills to break this cycle.

The Albemarle Rotary Club hosts the Harlem Wizards on January 30th.  Last year around 1,300 people attended the game held at Merner Gym at Pfeiffer University.  This year’s game will be held in the same location and begins at 7:00 PM.  The Harlem Wizards will take on the Stanly Dragons coached by Rotarian and Stanly County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Jarrod Dennis.  The Dragons are teachers and staff from the Stanly County Schools. 

The Albemarle Rotary Club is also preparing for the 2nd annual Red Dress Gala.  This is a formal ball with great food, music and dancing set for Hilltop Farm in New London on Saturday, February 15th from 6:00 to 10:00 PM.  The primary beneficiary of this event is Gift of Life International.  Gift of Life was begun by Rotary members to provide surgeries for youth with congenital heart defects in 3rd World Countries – either by training surgeons in those countries and upgrading operating rooms or bringing youth to qualified facilities to handle these delicate procedures.  Over 51,000 youth have been given a chance for a long life since Gift of Life was founded in 1975.  The first annual event raised $12,500 to support Gift of Life.  The Albemarle Rotary Club invites anyone to come and enjoy a fantastic evening!

Members of the Wadesboro Rotary Club present a check to 5 and 2 Trade School to help “Break the Cycle” of incarceration.

iPast President Manid Rogers, PDG George Soloman and Present Jay Almond present the check for $12,500 for Gift of Life International

Please take a few minutes to review the recently released 2023-2024 Annual Report for Rotary International and Rotary Foundation!                   

Annual Report 2024 | Rotary International

Help for District 5300

Even as we continue to help those impacted by Helene in western North Carolina, other disasters around the world and here in our country, are demonstrating just how much Rotary is needed. District 5300 in southern California has an established Disaster Relief Fund to support the many needs which are still being identified. Clubs and individuals can contribute. Please consider making a contribution to help out people and communities who have lost so much.

CA Wild Fires | Rotary International District 5300