June 2015

A note from Governor Ineke Wilson
It’s a privilege and honor to lead this District of 59 Clubs and nearly 2,800 business and community leaders. I’m looking
forward to this coming year, and have put forth what I believe will be a new and exciting agenda. Our District leadership
team comprises over 60, and we are primed and ready to assist each of our clubs in the work ahead. We have a great
international theme “Be A Gift to the World”, a progressive International President, well-trained club presidents, a motivated
District team and many new programs focused on fun, fellowship and service. We had a record breaking attendance at the
Installation with over 250 Rotarians and guests. I am excited about the upcoming year and sharing what I believe.
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I believe in EDUCATION. If we educate people about the incredible things that Rotary does, we will never have to ask them to
join us. They will want to be a part of our organization.
If we educate Rotarians about the incredible things that the Rotary Foundation does, we will never have to ask for money.
I believe in COLLABORATION. If we are smart as individuals, together we can be brilliant. I believe in working together to
support each other’s projects, fund raisers, socials and grants.
I believe in CELEBRATION. Having fun together is a reward for the incredible work that we do. I believe in making Rotary fun,
as good fellowship is the glue that keeps Rotary vibrant and alive.
Before launching into the activities and articles below, I want to pay a special tribute to Governor Ken Dresser and Barbara
for the incredible job that they have done this past year. Who doesn’t remember Sparky at all the events. Each Governor
brings special talents to this job and always leaves our
organization stronger and richer by the contribution of their
energy and leadership. We intend to continue to keep Ken
and Barbara’s passion going forward this year. And also a
special thanks to retiring Foundation Chair, Chris Jones,
District Secretary Deborah Bowen and District Treasurer
Barbara McCall for their dedicated service over the past
years.
District Assembly
We had great attendance in spite of the weather and over 30 Rotary
booths with information.
Happy Independence Day
Start the new “Rotary” year off with friends, family and fireworks.
Club Service
Congratulations to the 12 Clubs that are celebrating their Anniversaries in June
Year
Rotary Club
Charter Date
1
2
Huntersville Happy Hour
Charlotte End-of-the-Week
6/16/2014
6/28/2013
4
11
11
14
18
30
40
48
72
77
Charlotte International
Waxhaw-Weddington
Alleghany County
Charlotte South Park
Rowan County
Gaston Breakfast
Greater Statesville
Boiling Springs
Kannapolis
Taylorsville
6/30/2011
6/17/2004
6/30/2004
6/26/2001
6/30/1987
6/21/1985
6/25/1975
6/29/1967
6/25/1943
6/30/1938
Club Service
Membership
We are starting this Rotary year on July 1 with 2754 members in the district.
Sally Jane Busk and Travis Vance are leading the District’s membership growth efforts this year, and they want to speak at your club!
We have created incentives for membership growth, and they are excited about sharing them. Give them a call for a program!
Travis W. Vance- [email protected] or 980-221-6417
Sally Jane Busk- [email protected] or 704-609-8600
Youth Service
Seminar For Tomorrow's Leaders thanks all clubs who
sponsored students
SFTL is a program focused on and investing in our youth,
specifically our rising 11th and 12th graders. The curriculum is
designed by the Center for Creative Leadership and the program
was recently held on June 18-21, at Queens University in
Charlotte. Plan to sponsor a student or two next year. It’s a great
experience.
Thanks to the 42 clubs who gave the gift of treasures in sponsoring 112 students this year.
Thanks to the 6 facilitators who gave the gift of talent to serve the students with leadership activities.
Thanks to the 30 mentors and alumni, who gave their gift of time to mentor the students.
Club Service
2015-16 Theme Address K.R. Ravindran, RI President-elect
Ravi gave a powerful message to our Club Presidents at their Presidents-Elect Training Seminar
(PETS) in Greensboro. Many of you were impressed with this business man from Sri Lanka who
will lead our organization for the upcoming year. If you would like to hear his message or play it
at one of your club meetings, check it out at https://vimeo.com/124700683. This man is an
inspiring leader.
District Grants
Accepting Applications until June 30 ( 2 weeks away)
$100,000 is available for 2015-16 district grants and
new applications are to be completed on www.Dacdb.com by June 30.
Questions: Foundation Chair - Joe Morris (jpe.morris@com) or District Grants Chair - David
Hare ([email protected])
International Service
June 22 - Mooresville Rotary host International Hydrail Conference
In developing countries, people who commute on Diesel trains or live near tracks
or stations are continually exposed to fine particulates from train exhaust. Fine
particulates readily penetrate the alveoli in the lungs and accumulate in the
pericardium where they cause heart morbidity and mortality. For this reason—and
re climate and economic development—the Mooresville Chamber of Commerce
and Appalachian State University have, since 2005, convened a conference each
year for those scientists and governments working to advance deployment
of hydrail (hydrogen powered railways). In so doing they claim to have developed a worldwide network of expert friends, all of whom
have a fascinating story to tell about this new, “Green”, railway traction technology. Hydrail cuts about $10,000,000 per track mile off
the cost of electrifying rail corridors and streetcar lines so, besides the health advantages, hydrail's community development value is
very great. These folks are available for Rotary programs to share their story. Check out—
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWI6NBE33wc or contact Stan Thompson, at 704-458-9410
Rotary International Convention in Sao Paula, Brazil
Rotary President Gary C.K. Huang and his wife, Corinna, welcome more than
14,000 attendees from around the world to the 2015 Rotary Convention
PDG Bob and I enjoyed speakers,
break-out sessions, House of
Friendship and entertainment like the
Carnival Parade on Saturday night.
Also attending from our District were:
Firoz & Sheila Peera – Ballantyne Rotary, Joshua & Erin Hall – Charlotte South
Rotary, Chris Jones – Lake Norman Huntersville Rotary,
Tom & Durenda Bartholomy – Charlotte Rotary,
Maha & Scott Gingrich – Charlotte North Rotary,
Maya Tsekova – Ballantyne Rotary,
Bob & Ineke Wilson – Huntersville Happy Hour Rotary,
Chuck & Lynn Lifford – Gastonia Rotary, Shannon & Larry Kennedy – Shelby Rotary,
Dirk & Nora Lindenbeck – Charlotte International Rotary
During RI President Ravi’s speech to the Convention, he mentioned how much he enjoyed
coming to the Greensboro PETS (President Elect Training Seminar) and he showed a
picture of our own incoming president Maha Gingrich, whom he met at Greensboro.
Youth Service
District 7680 welcomes Rotary Youth Exchange students.
Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) is a Rotary International student exchange program for students in high school. Since 1929, Rotary
International has sent young people around the globe to experience new cultures. Currently, about 9,000 students are sponsored by
Rotary clubs every year. Typically, students are sent to another country for a year-long stay, generally living with multiple host families
during the year and being expected to perform daily tasks within the household as well as attend school in the host country. Short term
exchange programs involve direct student exchanges between two families arranged through Rotary to coincide with major school
holiday periods.
Short Term Exchange Students ( spend a summer )
Azizamosi Henry – France – Charlotte Rotary
Ana DeGrauw – Italy - Huntersville Lake Norman Rotary
Avery Buie – France - Charlotte Top of the Week
Long Term Exchange Students ( spend a year at a local high school)
They will arrive around August 18, 2015 in Charlotte and are required to participate at the Inbound Orientation on August 21-23, 2015.
At orientation they will discuss expectations for the year as well as review the Rotary Youth Exchange rules including the 4 Ds - no
drinking, no driving, no dating, and no drugs. Clubs can participate by hosting, helping to find outbound students and providing
community service events for the youth exchange students. Contact District Chair Karen Steffens: [email protected]
Inbound Students:
Lisa Bernard – France - North Mecklenburg Rotary – Hough High
Federica Cimarra – Italy – Lake Norman Huntersville Rotary – Hopewell High
Hannah Heimbucher – Germany – Charlotte North Rotary – South Meck High
Anna Sybrecht – Germany - Charlotte Rotary – Charlotte Latin
Radim Ptak – Czech Republic – Charlotte Rotary – Myers Park High
Silvia Pedretti – Italy – Shelby Rotary
Gerrit Binder – Germany – Top of the Lake Mooresville Rotary – Lake Norman High
Outbound Students:
Sarah McConnell – Chile – Statesville Rotary
Alyssa Pandorf - Czech Republic – Gastonia Rotary
Brienne Leach – Hungary - Top of the Lake Mooresville Rotary
Hunter Boivin – France – Monroe Rotary
This is a photo of the 2014-2015 Inbound Students in San Francisco on their Western
trip.
Finding Host Families might be only half of the problem . . . Top of Lake
Mooresville Club did a great job of pushing this issue as the Lake Norman High
principal refused to accept ANY exchange students – they now have reversed that
course thankfully and Mooresville will be hosting Gerrit from Germany..
To read the Charlotte Observer article:
www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article25331464.html
International Service
President Ravi has endorsed Rotarian Action Groups as a significant resource for humanitarian projects and programs. Wasrag,
founded eight years ago, has focused on WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) as the core element of all the Areas of Focus. It is the
key to alleviating hunger and malnutrition, improving maternal and child health, enhancing literacy and reducing conflict.
Check out the website: www.wasrag.org We can help your clubs find a WASH project or program, access expertise, obtain project
funding and select appropriate technologies. Host clubs can post their projects and seek
help. Guidelines will help to ensure your projects are truly sustainable. You will find other
NGOs willing to complement Rotary's resources.
Club Service
Mooresville member is in Rotary 68 years with a perfect attendance
Mitchell Mack, member of the Mooresville Rotary Club since 1947, received his multiple level Paul Harris Fellow designation at a
special recognition event by the club on June 2 at Epic Chophouse.
Mitchell has served in all major leadership positions within the Mooresville
Rotary Club, which was chartered in 1922, and has a long record of
perfect attendance. From left to right: Ineke Wilson, Rotary District
Governor-Elect, Ken Dresser, Rotary District Governor, Bill Morrow, Club
Foundation Chair, Mitchell Mack and Randy Sherrill, Club President.
Mitchell's wife, Dolores Mack, was also in attendance. I’m also aware that
Edwin Ford from the Shelby Rotary Club has been a member for 75
years!! Carl Sloop from China Grove Rotary has been a member for 68
years as well. I’m sure there are others! Let me know and we’ll brag
about these special Rotarians.
Community Service
Annual Picnic at the Dilworth Club Community Garden Helps
Remember the Late Clyde Horstmann
The Dilworth Rotary Club Community Garden at the east end of Latta Park was
created to honor the late Clyde Horstmann for a dream he had for his term as club
President. Unfortunately, he passed before he could take office, but the club made
sure his idea became a reality. Some wanted to name it the Clyde Horstmann
Memorial Rotary Garden, but his widow, Barbara, insisted that Clyde would not
have wanted it named for him. The name bears the name of Dilworth Rotary Club.
Every year since the garden was completed, the club members have had a Picnic
in the Park. They also have members of the Parks and Recreation staff as guests.
The garden at the east end of the park is more beautiful than ever. Visit the park
and reflect on this special Rotarian, Clyde Horstmann.
Community Service
Saturday July 18 – China Grove Farmers Day
This small town of 4,000 will attract over 25,000 visitors on July 18th. The China Grove Rotary Club will be in the midst of this event
with a Rotary booth, corn hole game, and will be selling numbered Ping Pong Balls to be dropped on a chalked target at a Little
League Field just after Farmers' Day closes. Owner of ball nearest the target center wins $300.00. Proceeds will go to Main Street
Mission and Youth Service projects.
Youth Service
Rotary Soccer Showcase
Charlotte Rotary Club member Chase Saunders is getting Rotary involved with the newly created Charlotte Region Soccer Initiative.
The Charlotte Rotary Soccer Committee supports this initiative alongside the Charlotte Chamber, City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg
County Parks & Recreation. Why “Soccer”? : It is the world’s most popular sport with over 2 billion people participating, fans, hundreds
of teams and tens of thousands play and Charlotte is an international city having 154 nations represented. The Mission: All
communities in the 60 mile radius Charlotte Region embrace the power of soccer
through supporting the healthy benefits of soccer, support plans to bring BIG
soccer to Charlotte, support the County to build facilities, support the Charlotte
Independence soccer team and support the international business opportunities it
can create. How: Create a central website listing game schedules, training
opportunities and platform for soccer groups; promote international soccer
tournaments, marketing material, promote Rotary USA soccer balls/pins and our
Rotary district support of soccer initiatives.
Marc Segaria, Jim McPhilliamy, Jerry Coughter, Ron Kimble, Toni Romeo
Club Service
District Wide Membership Business Directory
Paul Harris started the original networking in 1905 and started doing business with people he could trust and
were fellow Rotarians. This new Membership Directory will help us to do the same. The directory will be
available in January 2016 in hard copy and on-line. All we need is
a business card, your classification and $20 (that will be credited
to member’s Foundation giving). A win, win! Give the money to
your club President who will get it to your Assistant Governor, who
is helping to pull this together.
Youth Service
Charlotte South Park Rotary collects dusty, not rusty bikes for
Trips for Kids
Soon after his first Trips for Kids ride, Michael Camp invited Paula Fricke,
co-founder of Trip for Kids Charlotte to speak to the SouthPark Rotary about
the organization. This program immediately generated interest from rotary
members. They asked Camp to spearhead a bike donation drive to support
the organization. It’s been ongoing ever since. “Many organizations come to
us and ask for money, but Paula just wanted bikes,” Camp said.
SouthPark Rotary has collected and donated almost 600 bikes, raising
$18,000 for Trips for Kids Charlotte.
Contact Michael Camp for information: [email protected] or
704-845-9868
Vocational Service
Rotary District 7680 To Honor First Responders
In Law Enforcement, Fire Service, Emergency Medical Service
Rotary District 7680, which includes 59 clubs in 14 counties, will host a variety of events over the
next ten months aimed to honor first responders in emergency medical services, law enforcement
and fire service.
Some clubs are already planning events to honor first responders and we are encourage all 59
clubs in our district to do so. Our law enforcement, fire fighters, and emergency medical personnel
do a superb job of responding to all types of emergencies, sometimes putting their own lives in
danger. They deserve to be recognized for their service. Often, ordinary citizens are the first
responders at fires, vehicle wrecks and other accidents, and should be recognized as well.
Clubs may also nominate first responders to be considered for the District’s “First Responder of the
Year” award. All the nominees will be celebrated at a District-wide event in 2016. This is the first
District-wide recognition for first responders. They certainly deserve the recognition and we think it
is a worthwhile program in our communities.
For more information, contact Lamar Gunter 704-525-0569 or [email protected]
Club Service
Gaston County Leadership Meeting
Every month Assistant Governor Steve Whitesell gets together with
his presidents, presidents-elect and club officers. They greet, eat
and meet. Topics are upcoming events, how the clubs can
collaborate on projects and sharing ideas. They worked together on
the Community Garden. All clubs were in attendance at the June
meeting. Keep up the good work!
Club Service
Rotary………….Is it fun? Huntersville Happy Hour shows it is.
We all know the Four Way Test. In many ways, it’s an improvement on the age-old golden rule that you should treat others the way you
wish to be treated. It’s a guide for living, a tool for decision making, a moral code. But if we want to attract more members, we might
want to add another question: is it fun? This is the question we should often ask ourselves because life is too short to waste on things
we don’t enjoy. There are a hundred other organizations we could be a part of. If Rotary isn’t fun, why should people join? Or why
should we stay? Of course, I speak for myself, but I suspect that there are many other Rotary members in the District that feel the
same way. We all want to have fun while serving the sick, the impoverished, the embattled, and
the hungry. In my experience, Rotary can be the most fun part of my life.
Often, clubs become so entrenched in their habits that they forget to have fun.
So, this Rotary year I want you to concentrate on having fun. Find a song that identifies your club
and learn to dance that tune. For an example, see the link for Huntersville Happy Hour Rotary
Club. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Fsk8tOSQ6Y&feature=youtu.be
Foundation
We passed the Billion Dollar mark in Planned Giving
The Rotary Foundation has reached an important milestone in funding the future.
Thanks to the generosity of Rotarians around the world, the total net assets, plus expected bequests ("expectancies"), to the
Endowment Fund now exceed $1 billion. What a great start to Rotary's next century of service. Endowment Fund spendable earnings
will provide nearly $13 million of direct financial support to the next Rotary year. This is more than double the amount five years ago.
If you would like to know more about becoming a Benefactor (donate $1,000 in your estate plans or your will) or become a Bequest
Society Member (donating $10,000 in your estate plans, will, living trust, or through life insurance) contact Don Morris
[email protected] or 704-892-0010
Foundation Goals
2015-2016 Goals set by incoming presidents
The goal set by 59 presidents for the total annual fund in District 7680 is $370,000 ($100 a person)
The goal set by 59 presidents for the total giving in District 7680 to End Polio Now is $67,000 ($20 a person)