With gratitude and applause, the Rotary Club of Norfolk celebrated a meaningful transition in leadership as members gathered to recognize the dedicated service of our 2025–2026 officers and directors while welcoming the leaders who will guide the club through the coming year.
John Padgett led the installation of incoming leaders, highlighting a club tradition—the passing of the President's pin. Outgoing President Dave Duncan happily removed the pin from his lapel and presented it to incoming President Gary Bonnewell, symbolizing the official transfer of leadership and responsibility.
The club expressed sincere appreciation to the 2025–2026 leadership team for a year of outstanding service:
Officers: Dave Duncan (President), LauraBeth DeHority (President-Elect), Gary Bonnewell (Vice President), John Ehehalt (Secretary/Treasurer), Barbara Lipskis (Past President), and Parliamentarians Lorna Cochrane and Tom Ambler.
Directors: Bob Heely (Administration), Ed Kellam (Fellowship), Molly Thompson (Public Image), Kay Stine (Membership), Jeff Ryder (Fundraising), Marty Raiss (Community & International), and Rob Sult (Youth & Vocational).
The torch was passed to our 2026–2027 Officers and Directors, a team ready to carry the club’s momentum into a new Rotary year:
Officers: Gary Bonnewell (President), John Ehehalt (President-Elect), Kay Stine (Vice President), Rob Sult (Secretary/Treasurer), and Dave Duncan (Past President).
Directors: Bob Heely (Administration), Ed Kellam (Fellowship), Molly Thompson (Public Image), Jeff Ryder (Membership), Tom Koller (Fundraising), Jim Kitz (Community & International), Lynell Powell (Youth & Vocational), Bobby Hoeft (President of the Companion Club), and Parliamentarians Lorna Cochrane and Tom Ambler.
Following the installation, President Gary gave a preview of his vision for the year ahead. Centered on the theme of mentorship, he challenged members to embrace the opportunity and responsibility to invest in others throughout our community. He emphasized the importance of engaging young professionals, noting that the collective experience within our club is one of our greatest strengths.
Gary encouraged every Rotarian to extend an invitation, build relationships, and help ensure the next generation of leaders experiences the fellowship and service that define Rotary. His goal is for the Rotary Club of Norfolk to be known not only for its exceptional service, but also for the strong sense of friendship and connection shared among its members.
Members can also look forward to a club social at Gary's home on September 15, an event designed to strengthen those relationships.
In thanking Past President Dave and appealing to his love of desserts, Gary has gotten renowned club baker Thomas Chapman to agree to make two cakes - one to be given to Dave and one to be raffled off. It was a sweet ending to a memorable celebration and an exciting beginning to a new Rotary year.
