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Originating from the very active days of the Rotary Club of Simcoe in the 1990's, the RCNS split away and was founded on May 16, 1996. Planned by a recognized Steering Committee and set out with the blessings of Rotary International and our parent Simcoe Club, the first RCNS group of 52 held their Assemblies at Mindon Manor under the leadership of our founding President, Keith Flexman (very recently departed - may he RIP in Rotary heaven!). In the photo, see Pres Keith being so pinned at the first club assembly by first Club Secretary Terry Kristman.Reflections from the Founding Members still active in our Club.  Jim Peters discussed the reasons for forming the new club, our special relationships with our parent club (the RCS) and the manner in which the RCNS was created. Jim added a few entertaining anecdotes about the first days of our club. John Wallace reflected on our approach and success with youth and exchange programs, our initial trip to Togo, the work done to create our Op Eyesight program and our approach to environmental and Sunrise Trail initiatives. Yvonne diPietro talked about how she was recruited and became so interested in the club and its fundraising over the years as well as the value she has taken from our work with youth.Dave Doug  las discussed the creation and growth of our special partner programs with the Welshpool Club in Wales; in particular our youth exchanges, adding several amusing anecdotes about the challenge of looking after teens in a foreign setting. Keith Jones discussed the characteristics of our membership over the years; in particular our approach to diversity, our success with including talented and very capable women to our ranks. Peter Wheatley commented on the comparisons and contracts between our club (the RCNS) and our parent club (the RCS), and how those differences have been good for each of us and the community over the years. Steve Malo concluded these remarks by reflecting on the strength and value of our fellowship over the years; it leading to the promise we have for a bright, albeit challenging future. RCS/RCNS Planning, Steering Committee Members 1995-96. The Steering Committee that started weekly meetings in October 1995 included: Keith Flexman, Jim Peters, John Wallace, John Verbakel, Scott Morris, Tony Suprun, Mike Fredericks, Dave Brown, and Linda Ramage. First RCNS Leadership Team - May 1996. President - Keith Flexman Pres Elect - John Wallace Secretary - Terry Kristman Treasurer - Scott Morris Club Service Director - Carrol Lambert Community Service Director - John Verbakel International and Vocational Service Director - Jim Peters List of Inaugural Charter Members. (see www.norfolksunrise.org - Our Club Tab
From the First RCNS Bulletin Published following the Inaugural Assembly.  Paraphrased from the 1st issue of The Sunriser, dated May 28, 1996. "Once the Rotary Club of Simcoe okayed the idea of a morning club in their territory, the steering group got started. Weekly meetings were held starting October 24, 1995, with a meeting on January 16, 1996, to recruit members. A total of 76 people were at that meeting, including Past and future District Governors. This led to a Provisional Club, and fifteen weeks later the group got the call that the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise and its 52 members were officially part of Rotary International. The first Club Assembly was held in short order on June 11 to hear from members about the Club’s direction. Charter papers were received from the District Governor at a celebration with the Rotary Club of Simcoe at the Minden Manor on June 17, 1996." |