"A speaker at a Rotary meeting sparked an initiative that led to a valued legacy project by the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) and for our community. In 2008 the RCNS hosted a speaker from Norfolk County’s Planning & Economic Development Department to speak about the County’s new Strategic Plan. One of the goals identified in that plan was for the County to develop a walking and cycling trail through Simcoe on the historical Lake Erie and Northern Railway line. Following that meeting, and some discussion by the RCNS Board, we told the County “We can help with that!” And help we did, to the betterment of our community."
See how we went about this at the 'Read more ...' tab.
Watch the video to see how much fun we have with this task!
ometimes in life, a small event or item can take on a life of its own. Such is the situation with the humble Redbud and the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) in this area. In the 1950s, my mother Marjorie Wallace went to Landon’s Nursery on Norfolk Street South Simcoe and purchased a redbud tree (officially known as the Eastern Redbud or Cercis Canadensis). It was planted in our front lawn where its beauty could be enjoyed whenever we came home. It had three enjoyable seasons. In the spring, its hundreds of pink blossoms would turn the sky into an ethereal paradise of colour, the summer gave welcomed but not overpowering shade, and the fall season produced thousands of golden heart shaped leaves to again impress the viewer." Now, the reader is asked to go to the 'Read more ...' tab to find out how this story unfolds!
Jim and Marjorie Dawson are once again heading up to Pikangikum FN 500 km NW of Thunder Bay to teach canoeing and this year they have been invited to participate in a canoe trip celebration of the outdoor class completion. With the added canoe trip gear it was more practical to drive to Red Lake (2200km) proceed 100km up the community road to "taxi bay" and get a community member to pick us up for a 25km boat ride into the community. With luggage space (almost) unlimited, they were thrilled to hear fellow Rotary member Paul Macko's offer of an alto saxophone. The Pikangikum youth community was very excited to hear about the donation as they have two saxophones and some student musicians but the current instruments are aging and need repairs.
On Tuesday morning, May 6 2025, photographer Larry Monczka treated us to a beautiful slide show of photographs from his recently published book, Tobacco Kilns of Norfolk County. He showed us the remarkable beauty of natural deterioration, and read some of the text in the book, written by poet Amber Homeniuk. The tobacco kiln photos were taken between 2010 and 2018, and Larry noted that now 95% of the subject kilns have been torn down. 
At our April 29 meeting, we welcomed Paul Harris Fellow Jennifer Rodger as our speaker. Jennifer is a hands-on volunteer who supports Ukrainian families who have come to Norfolk County as refugees from the war in their country.. At first she made connections to assist one family. Then, as the number of families coming to the area and needing support grew, she reached out to the Norfolk Refugee Committee to help with administration of donations. She has also partnered with other community groups to enable access to more children's activities. Her energy and ability to connect with people really shone through in her talk. A list of contact information for small businesses being run by several of the newcomers is available at "Read more"
It was a great day .... until it wasn't!
On Saturday, 05 April, a small convoy of Norfolk Sunrisers proceeded to the D7090 Annual Conference at the Club Italia, just outside of St Catharines. 
Shown here is a picture of Scott Williams, Chair of our Community Service Committee, presenting a cheque to Executive Director Anita Hillis-Krause and President Nancy Huffman; both of the Haldemand, Norfolk Literacy Council 
The RCNS's Community Service Ctte has approved a donation in support of certain essential upgrades necessary at the Simcoe Curling Club (SCC). At the enclosed photo, we see Jim Peters presenting a cash contribution to SCC members Sarah Nichol and Murray Uren. These funds will go a long way towards the kitchen upgrades needed to meet local standards and are destined to purchase a 3 compartment sink and faucet as part of the SCC's larger overall kitchen renovation needs.
Following nine, successfully-concluded licences of our ever-popular Catch the Ace (CTA) fundraiser, the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, with the support of the Port Dover Legion Branch 158, will be re-starting the game on Friday 09 May '25. This new start will be our tenth licence and it will conclude once the Ace of Spade is finally drawn later in the year.
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