RECENT SUNRISER NEWS
30th anniversary Open House
A wonderful gathering of Rotarians, Chamber of Commerce members and the public at Riversyde 83 on Tuesday afternoon September 15 to celebrate the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise's 30th anniversary of service in the Norfolk community.  
President Pam Shantz, Adele & Eric Haverkamp (PHFs), Past-Presidents Mary Mercato & Ross Gowan
A highlight of the event was recognizing Adele and Eric Haverkamp as Paul Harris Fellows - an honour Rotary bestows upon people who emulate Rotary's motto "Service Above Self." Eric and Adele have distinguished themselves over the past two decades through their leadership of Church Out Serving and the amazing work this organization does caring for our neighbours who are dealing with a variety of challenges in the Simcoe and surrounding area. It was befitting that the recognition award was presented to Eric and Adele at this event at Riversyde 83, the home base for Church Out Serving and also the meeting place for the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise. 
Rotary showcased several aspects of the services they provide in the community and beyond through community service, international service and youth exchange.  
Riversyde 83 and their volunteers were wonderful hosts for this event, serving cake and coffee.   

 

 

New Paul Harris Fellows

Congratulations to Carolyn Nordheimer and Maria Kinkel for receiving Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) Awards at our August 25 BBQ event.  In the picture to the left is Carolyn with presenter Nancy Sherwin and RCNS President Pam Shantz.  In the picture to the right is presenter Gail Catherwood with Maria and Pam.  Both recipients were recognized for their strong community involvement. 

Carolyn Nordheimer (PHF), Nancy Sherwin and Pam Shantz

Carolyn is staying busy in retirement as a library board trustee for the Norfolk County Public Library and a volunteer at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre. For the last seven years she has volunteered for the Canadian Red Cross, serving both locally and out of province. 

Maria, a partner with MHN Lawyers and a Business Associate with our Club, is Chair of the Grand Erie Health Unit

Gail Catherwood, Maria Kinkel (PHF) and Pam Shantz

Board and a Member of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Appeal and Review Board.   She is a Youth Mentor and Youth Group leader. 

Congratulations again to Carolyn and Maria! 

Hospice Sign Installed

Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice One Step Closer

The site of the new Norfolk Haldimand Centre for Hospice Palliative Care is now marked with a new construction sign. Intended to be in place during the construction period, the sign was funded by two local Rotary Clubs, the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise and the Rotary Club of Simcoe, through a matching grant provided by Rotary District 7090 and The Rotary Foundation. Hospice volunteers and other community supporters also contributed significant time and materials towards the sign project.

The sign boards had been temporarily displayed on a trailer over the winter at the site just north and east of Jarvis, but several Rotarians came on July 7th to assist Shannon Porter representing the Hospice to erect the boards onto the permanent pillars. The landscaping at the base of the sign was completed a couple of days later by the Rotarians.

Ross Gowan, Past Co-President of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, noted “This sign is an important step to show the community that the new Hospice is moving forward at this site and continues to need the support of our community. It’s a bit surprising how many people don’t know where the new Hospice will be built – I hope people will go for a drive now.”

The site is located on the Nanticoke Creek Parkway just north of Jarvis and east of Highway 6. The new facility will be built behind the woodlot, largely hidden from the road.

Shown in photo below with Shannon Porter (left) are Rotarians Tom O’Neill, Ross Gowan, Mary Mercato and Thor Olsen.

 

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Speakers Corner
Upcoming Speakers
Wolf Lindeman & Lisa Bishop
Sep. 29, 2026
Polio Update
Polio Update

Wolf gave an inspiring overview of how Rotary has helped rid the world of polio.  RI is now concentrating on vaccines around the world.  We must keep this disease under control. Lisa gave us some great ideas on how to celebrate as well as raise some funds on World Polio Day October 24, 2026.  How club's membership has historically given over $150 CDN pp annually towards this vaccination initiative.  Well done us!

Giancarlo Crotta
Sep. 29, 2026
This is me
This is me

How novel!  As we all know, talking about oneself can be challenging so, our new member Gian, (John for us anglophiles) asked his 13 year old daughter to write his introduction to the club. He arrived at the podium with a sealed manila envelope in hand.  He has not read what she has written.  That is called TRUST, What a great job she did.  We now know all about him and what he will bring to the club.  Well done Addie...and we look forward to her being an exchange student one day!

Carolyn Muir
Sep. 29, 2026
This is me
This is me

Carolyn gave a great talk this morning. We learned about getting her start in Nottingham and her educationin in the UK, moving to Canada, her professional life here (speech pathology), her family (hubby and 3 kids) and hobbies and now her fun in retirement life. Whew!  She's been busy!  Welcome aboard Carolyn.  We can't wait to see all of your interests at work. 

Past Speakers
Speech Hens
Sep. 22, 2026 7:15 a.m.
Speech and language
Exchange student and New member talks
Sep. 01, 2026 7:00 a.m.
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Coats For Kids 2026

Mark you calendars! One of our signature events is happening this October 24. Volunteers needed for set up on October 23. Contact Jim or Cathy.
2026-27 
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