Team 7680: Raising the Bar
By: Suzanne Bledsoe
    
                          
President Pender invited us to greet our esteemed guest speaker today, District Governor Firoz Peera, with a standing welcome. In his introduction, Pender shared that Firoz hails from an international background: born in Zanzibar, raised in Kenya, educated in Scotland, the UK and the US and finally, in retirement, making his home in Charlotte. Firoz is a charter member of the relatively newly formed Ballantyne Rotary Club and oversees the activities of the 53 clubs and approximate 3,000 Rotarians in our 14 county district.
 
Firoz, in his opening remarks, got right to the point with a call to action for all clubs in our District. He believes that we have reached a key inflection point as an organization and, in order for us to survive and thrive, we must all be engaged in the reinvention, renewal and reinvigoration of Rotary. Building Communities—Building Continents, the theme for this year’s activities as articulated by Rotary International President, Ray Klinginsmith, describes perfectly the ways in which Rotarians can make a difference in local communities and abroad. The key to our success in fulfilling this mission is growth in membership, increased visibility and the aggressive pursuit of innovative, bold and better ways to make a difference in our communities and the world.
 
We need to attract a younger population that has the interest and energy to work with the more experienced members of our club to take on larger projects that will benefit more people around the world. This may require a change in mindset and attitude: we need to think outside the box, be more innovative and open to ideas and be willing to experiment and take measured risks. Firoz cited several examples of clubs, both in our district and outside, who have undertaken projects that were farther reaching and more successful than expected. Combining our efforts, expertise and energy, resulting in the concept of “Team 7680” means that we can do far more than we ever have before. Looking for opportunities to work outside the four walls of our individual clubs, seeking ways to collaborate on common projects and combining our collective resources will have a much greater impact on sustainable, high impact projects. The strength of our district alone, 3,000 members, properly aligned, could yield significant benefits in our communities, both local and international.
 
Infrastructure is being developed at the international level to help with the implementation of this effort. A Knowledge and Development Committee has been formed to identify and train leaders within our ranks. Renewed efforts are underway to aggressively grow our membership and do so creatively such that there is a place for everyone who has an interest and passion for Rotary. New club formats are being developed and tested. Not just breakfast, lunch or dinner, but also meetings that are based on members’ common interests other than their desire to share a meal! All designed to result in a refreshed, re-energized and renewed organization that is big, bold and visible doing "good works" all around the world.
 
Let’s make sure we are a visible and active part of this exciting path to the future.
    
  
Head Table: Herb Harriss; John Tabor; Pender McElroy; Luther Moore; Carol Jordan; Ray Killian; Invocation: Shannon Young; Visitors & Guests: Denise Hallett; Health & Happiness: David Erdman; Song & Piano: Thomas Moore; Photos: Bert Voswinkel

•  John Johnson’s health is declining and I understand Hospice is being called in. John and Jane would certainly appreciate a card to let them know they are in your thoughts.
      
• Todd Hartung has joined Concord’s Cannon School as director of advancement. No update on his contact information at this time; Cindy Wolfe contributed to an article on disposing foreclosed properties.
   
• If any member of Charlotte Rotary is available to speak at any of the other 14 Rotary clubs in Mecklenburg County, please send Luther Moore (luther_moore@belk.com) your contact information and suggested program topic. Luther is serving as Assistant Governor for three other clubs and is developing a list of potential speakers.
 
• CHARLOTTE TOP OF THE WEEK Rotary Club has moved to the Taste Restaurant in Founders Hall uptown. The club is still meeting for breakfast at 7:30 am on Mondays.
 
• If your email address is on file at the Rotary Office, your 1st quarter INVOICE was EMAILED. If you have not received the invoice, please contact Sandy immediately and a copy can be re-sent.

Herb Harriss is coordinating a trip to Peru to visit the village of Alto Cayma. A tentative timeline for the trip would run from January 28, 2011 to February 6, 2011. Herb suggests considering blocking out two days before and after these dates in case changes need to be made. The objective of the trip is to visit and participate in several programs that are ongoing in Alto Cayma and supported by Rotary. The ideal size of this group would be approximately ten people although a few more can be accommodated. The cost of the trip will be around $1500-$1700 per person for transportation to and from Alto Cayma and would include meals while in Alto Cayma. The optional trips to Cuzco/Machu Picchu, the Colca Canyon or Lake Titicaca would add approximately $500 per person. Contact Herb, 704-201-4964 or herb.harriss@khdistribution.com if you are interested or would like additional information.

Club Service focuses on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the effective functioning of the club.

Vocational Service encourages Rotarians to serve others through their vocations and to practice high ethical standards.

Community Service covers the projects and activities the club undertakes to improve life in its community.

International Service encompasses actions taken to expand Rotary’s humanitarian reach around the globe and to promote world understanding and peace.

New Generations Service recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults through leadership development activities, service projects, and exchange programs.