Following the 2025-2026 activity year, it was time for the Sunrisers to enjoy ourselves at the Waterford Legion and to conclude some timely Club business before our summer break. It was planned as a moment to have some social time, to reflect on that which we have accomplished, to welcome our newest members, to induct our new Board Directors for 2026-2027, to offer our appreciation to Co-President Mary Mercato who served so professionally over the past two years (along with Co-President Ross Gowan) and for the helm to be taken by incoming President Pam Shantz
Go to the 'Read more ...' tab to read more and/or to see selected photos from each of these aims. Click on this link to see a compilation of all of the photos of this event as kept on Club Runner data site. We thank John Wallace who provided emcee guidance through all of this, Keith Jones who welcomed our new members and Gail Bouw and her Club Services team for organizing such a great evening of Rotary fellowship.
Now, for a short summer break after which we look forward to a challenging fall schedule of business & fun being kicked off on 25 August at our Welcome Back BBQ followed shortly thereafter with our second version of the Norfolk County Rib-Fest set for 28-30 August.
Lead-In Remarks.
After a short period of club fellowship, those present took up their tables and our Master of Ceremonies, John Wallace opened the meeting with remarks as to what was to follow. He thanked our host, the Royal Canadian Legion at Waterford. Rotarians, Friends and Guests were introduced. Ross Gowan lead us in Grace before the meal was served. After the meal, John singled out the Legion's kitchen staff who had prepared our meal for us.
New Member Induction.
Keith Jones reflected on the value of new membership and how important it was for the Club. He noted the recent induction of Amy Tilson and announced the four members to be inducted at this event - Craig Cooke, Giancarlo Crotta, Carolyn Muir & Randy Ongena. Jim Simpson noted the difference between a sponsor and a mentor as well as the Club's new approach to mentorship and then announced the five Club members who had so-willingly agreed to provide our newest members with six months of introductory guidance.
New Member Sponsor Mentor
Amy Tilson Rudi Atkinson Tina Millea
Craig Cooke Jim Simpson Andy Kooistra
Giancarlo Crotta Jim Simpson John Wallace
Carolyn Muir Tina Millea Louise Schebesch
Randy Ongena Jim Simpson Paul Zorad
The New Board 2026-2027.
President Pam offered thanks for the outgoing Board and called for the Club to recognize the new Board Executive & Directors for 2026-2027 including President Pam Shantz, Mary Mercato (Past-President), Gail Catherwood (President-Elect), Louise Schebesch (Treasurer, Finance), Nancy Sherwin (Secretary), Gail Bouw (Club Service), Joanne Kiefer (Community Service), Andy Kooistra (International Service), Paul Macko (Membership), Gail Catherwood (Ways & Means), Rudi Atkinson (Youth Service), Cathy Harrop (Public Image), Tina Millea (Counsellor) & Wolf Lindemann (Foundation).
RCNS President - Changeover 2026.
John Wallace undertook to perform the changeover ritual from Mary Mercato to Pam Shantz.
Our RCNS 'Outgoing' Co-President(s)
We said 'well-done' to Co-President Mary Mercato. Characteristically, Mary took some of her time to recognize and thank our hard-working Secretary, Nancy Sherwin for all that she does for the Club and expressed her thoughts with an arrangement of flowers. Thereafter, Mary spoke to us about our accomplishments over the past year. In particular, she spoke of her personal growth over two years working alongside Co-President Ross Gowan as well as the ever-growing regard she held for Rotary. Noting the RI 4-way Test, Mary set-out her own adaptation; one that provided her with strength in recent months.
Where there is darkness, with Rotary there is light;
Where there is disease, with Rotary there is a vaccine;
Where there is despair, with Rotary there is hope;
Where there is need, with Rotary there is a helping hand.
Club Services Chair and evening organizer, Gail Bouw presented Mary with a gift of sincere appreciation from all of us.
Our RCNS 'Incoming' President
After John Wallace introduced, inducted and 'pinned' our changeover President Pam Shantz, she promptly took the oath of office and provided us with comments to set the scene for 2026/2027; to express her ideas, plans, hopes and dreams for the next term. We all wish Pam ‘God-Speed’ and continued success with the Club we are so proud of.
On behalf of the present D7090 District Gov Joanne Serkeyn, Past District Gov Lisa Bishop presented the 2026/27 Presidential Message Banner to Pam and wished her well as she took on her newest Rotary leadership role.
More photos for this event are at this link.
