Inaugural Year
The Rotary Club of Northeast Sunrisers, Philadelphia Pa was founded by Bob Lankin, an Assistant Governor in Rotary District 7450 who felt that a new Rotary Club was needed to serve the local community, especially business people who live or work on the West side of Roosevelt Boulevard in the Northeast Philadelphia area.
In the fall of 1999 two meetings were held at the Country Club Restaurant which were attended by Sandra Costanzo, District Governor, Arnold Graff PDG, and representatives of other local Rotary Clubs. It was decided to establish the club and to start meeting.
A meeting was held with Bob Lankin, Tim Hinchcliff and Dave Tecosky at the Burholme Ambulance Headquarters. At that meeting, the three agreed to establish the club with the first meeting to be held on January 6, 2000 at the Country Club Restaurant.
At the opening meeting, Jeffrey Cadorette, PDG gave a spirited talk entitled “Why Rotary.” This meeting was well attended by a number of prospective members and members of other local Rotary Clubs. A Bell and Gavel was given to the Club by the Rotary Club of Jenkintown which became one of the Sponsoring Clubs along with the Rotary Club of Frankford.
In February of 2001, District Governor Dan Bronson met with representatives of the Rotary Club of Northeast Philadelphia. As a result of that meeting official Rotary Club boundaries were adjusted permitting the Rotary Club of Northeast Sunrisers Philadelphia Pa to apply for an official charter.
In May of 2001, the Rotary Club having recruited 26 members received a Charter from Rotary International. A celebration was held at the Knowlton Mansion on May 23, 2001. At that time, awards were given to Sandra Costanzo, past District Governor and Dan Bronson, the sitting District Governor for their support and assistance in starting our club. Our first vocational service award was presented to Noel Perloff, owner of the Country Club Restaurarnt where we meet, for the wonderful support that he gave us in our formative period.
The Masters of Ceremony at the event were Beverly Black and David Tecosky. Ed Rendell, then a former mayor and candidate for Governor presented an address to the over 180 people present. The club raised that evening over $3000.00 through a silent auction. This money was given a way to numerous local community organizations. Additionally, a number of local clubs gave us gifts to help us purchase important equipment.
At the Charter, the club officers were as follows:
President: Bob Lankin
President Elect: Jim O’Brien
Vice-President: Beverly Black
Secretary: Dave Tecosky
Treasurer: Tim Hinchcliff
Sergeant-at-Arms: Jane Scott
Board Members: Marge Fox, Noel Perloff, Kelly Barton, Holly Lankin, Susan Croushore
What happened to them??? Ed Rendell went on to be elected for two terms as the Governor of Pennsylvania.
Jeff Cadorette PDG went on to be elected as one of the 17 members of the board of directors of Rotary International., representing Northeast USA and Canada.
Bob Lankin was selected and served as the District Governor of Rotary District 7450 in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Home Club of the District Governor 2005-2006
Our Past President Bob Lankin had the honor of being Governor of District 7450 beginning July 1, 2005 until June 30 2006.
Highlights of his Year:
1. The District raised $59,000 for Katrina Relief. The money was sent to Biloxi Mississippi for projects that were sponsored by local Rotary Clubs.
2. Five new Rotaract clubs were chartered including one new community based Rotaract Club.
3. Six new Interact Clubs were chartered.
4. Two Group Study Exchanges, one with Distrct 4160 in Morelia. Mexico, and one with District 2490 in Israel were successfully completed.
5. Twelve timely and effective Governor’s Newsletters, which for the first time were featured on the District Website were published.
6. An amazing 210 people attended the district assemby at Great Valley and 125 people attended a special dinner in honor of RI Past President Frank Devlyn. 95% of the clubs were represented at PETS in March 2005 and ten club President’s attended the Make-up sessions.. The first ever district 7450 Pre-PETS was held at the Delaware County Community College was held in January 2005. The Mid-Year Assembly was reinstituted in January 2006. Assistant Governor’s were provided with 2.5 days of intensive training during prior to taking office.
7. Lynmar Brock was recognized by Rotary International with Service Above Self award. Jeffrey Cadorette was given the highest award of the Rotary Foundation. Gohar Gyluminan from Armenia was awarded a Rotary Peace Scholarship based on our recommendation. Jay Childress won the first ever District 7450 Rotarian of the Year Award. John Schott, Ambassadorial Scholar from Swarthmore in 1957 won the Rotary International Global Service to Humanity Award. Bob and Holly were recognized as major donors to the Rotary Foundation.
8. The District Conference took place at the Racquet Club located at 16th and Walnut Sts. Philadelphia, Pa on October 28-30, 2005. Overnight accommodations were at the Club Quarters Hotel, 16th and Chestnut Sts.
The Rotary Club of NE Sunrisers and the Rotary Clubs of Jenkintown and Philadelphia co-hosted the 2005 District Conference. Pat Eager, AG and Lou Mosca were the Conference Chairs. They were ably assisted by a large committee of Rotarians from these three clubs and others from around the district.
A highlight from this conference was the Saturday evening Masquerade Ball, with fabulous entertainment arranged by Frank and Dolly Kuykendall and who could forget King Rotary Bob and his Queen Holly.