Dune Grass Planting Project

Nags Head Youth Fishing Tournament

First Flight Meeting

Cerveza Above Self

New Members

First Flight Rotary logo with plane

Welcome to the First Flight Rotary Club!

We invite you to learn about Rotary and our club.

We meet 1:00 PM on Wednesdays at the Beachside Bistro in the Sea Ranch Resort,

1731 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC

252-441-7126
MAP LINK

To learn more, please contact us.

Our Fundraisers & Events

Events and Service Projects Calendar

      • Nov 22, 2024 – Lobster Fest
      • Nov 20, 2024 Weekly Meeting
      • Nov 27, 2024 No Weekly Meeting – Happy Thanksgiving!
      • Dec. 4, 2024 – Weekly Meeting
      • Dec. 5, 2024 – Wine Tasting for Western North Carolina 6 pm – 8 pm
      • Dec 11, 2024 – Weekly Meeting
      • Dec. 18, 2024 – Holiday Luncheon at Ghost Fleet Gallery
      • Dec 25, 2025 – No Weekly Meeting, Merry Christmas

Congratulations Jeremy Miller and Carl Classen

Read More

People of Action – We are Rotary!

A collaborative effort by the Rotary clubs of the Outer Banks who processed over 2400 pounds of donated food at the Beach Food Pantry shows Rotary’s commitment to supporting those in need through “Service Above Self.”

By efficiently handling over 1 ton of donated food from a successful May 31, Dare Days Food Drive, local Rotarians from the Manteo, Kitty Hawk and First Flight Rotary clubs displayed their commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Through their hard work and attention to detail, local Rotarians ensured that the donated items were properly organized, checked for expiration dates, sorted and ready to stock. These donations are key in supporting individuals and families facing food insecurity in our community.

 

First Flight Rotary Club members volunteer at Ruthies Kitchen

Together We Inspire through Service Above Self

84 Meals Prepared, Packed, and Delivered for Ruthie’s Kitchen Service Project. Embodying the Rotary Spirit of Community Support one life, one project at a time.

First Flight Rotary was well-represented at April 27th RLI Part I session in Kitty Hawk!
Participating in Rotary Leadership Institute is a perfect way to learn the nuts and bolts of Rotary, and to network and share ideas with Rotarians from around the region.
 

First Flight Rotary does the Chicamocomico

No, the Chicamocomico is not the latest dance craze in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

The Chicamacomico Historic site is a life-saving station on Pea Island in the Outer Banks that is currently undergoing renovation. According to the sites website, “visitors will find heroes, the early history of US Life-Saving Service/US Coast Guard in North Carolina and the home of the state’s first trained, shore-based rescue responders at Rodanthe’s Chicamacomico Life-saving Station.”

The First Flight Rotary Clubs October 16th meeting was held on the campus of the Chicamacomico Historic site.

Read more…

Lorri Barret, Outreach Director at Albemarle Area United Way speaks at July 17th Meeting

The Albemarle Area United Way Outreach Director Lorri Barrett shared United Way mission and how they partner with organizations in the Albemarle area to achieve that mission.

Read More

 

 

Protecting our North Carolina Coastal wildlife explained by Victoria Blakey.

For many reasons the population of our shellfish such as oysters is declining. Victoria visited our club May 1, 2024 meeting to provide an overview of what the North Carolina Coastal Federation is doing to reinvest in growing these populations.

Rotary Clubs throughout the Outer Banks are supporting this Eagle Scout Project

 

While many in our community were getting ready for celebrating Halloween, members of the First Flight Rotary Club were assembling backpacks for the needy in our community that will be residing at the OBX Room in the Inn.

First Flight members initiated a Rotary District Grant Project for Shelter Backpacks for residents at the OBX Room in the Inn. After purchasing needed supplies, members met at the YMCA gym on October 31st to assemble the back packs.

Service is the heart of Rotary and its members. Together we change lives in our community and around the world. 96 Backpacks for the Outer Banks' only homeless shelter-Room in the Inn. Each pack contained personal hygiene kits, socks, grooming items, full body bath wipes, healthy snacks and bottled water. Service Above Self!
 
 

The Mission of OBX Room at the Inn is to provide hospitality, food, shelter, and support services to homeless men and women on the Outer Banks during the cold winter months.

OBX Room in the Inn, Inc. is a non-profit 501C3 organization that was established in 2009 by Gail Leonard and Claiborne Yarbrough.  They have assisted hundreds of guests over the past 15 years. This is what folks from OBX Room in the Inn when we delivered the back packs.

The following are photos of the backpack assembly and delivery.

 

 

 

 

If you missed the September 11th weekly Rotary meeting, you missed a fantastic presentation by fellow First Flight Rotary member Jim Huitt.

This writer has never been prouder to be a Rotarian than I was today to hear Jim Huitts passion for helping those incarcerated in one of this countries penal facilities through an organization called Kairos Prison Ministries.

Read more.

One of the things members love about Rotary, is the international flavor of it’s membership and projects. The story below shares a project fundraiser to raise funds for donations to Rotary’s Rotary’s #1 Priority, the Eradication of Polio.

Read More

 

The three Rotary 4 Way Test Essay contest winners read their essays to our members during our meeting on May 15th.

Competitors prepared an essay on how they view the application of the Rotary 4 Way Test in their lives and the world around them. We heard 3 stellar essays by these very talented middle school writers defining the actual application of the test: 

  • Is it the truth?
  • Is it fair to all concerned?
  • Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
  • Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

It is one thing to say the words. It is quite another to apply the words to our lives and daily relationships. Our contestants provided us with some excellent perspectives how the 4 Way Test would make each of them a better person.

The three contestants are:

Read more

Rotary Leadership Institute - Program Description

What to Expect

Whether in-person or virtual, events are one day in length with each event comprising five or six 50-minute sessions. Some virtual offerings might be spread over two days, with the same number of sessions spread over that time. Only one part can be taken at a time. Therefore, it takes three separate events to complete all three parts. Some people complete all three in a couple of months while others take a year or more.
Be sure to check the running schedule on the right side of this page and register for the event that is conducive to your needs.

RLI offers Rotary knowledge courses in three sessions (Parts I, II, and III, and each part consists of 4 in-person classes. Those completing each course are eligible for the next. There are graduate courses available to those who have completed the three-part RLI curriculum.  The courses are designed to provide leadership skills while advancing Rotary knowledge and understanding.

PART I – “THE ROTARIAN”  Your introduction to the RLI experience. Begin your day by meeting fellow Rotarians and your Rotarian Discussion Leaders. Emphasis is placed on providing an overview of Rotary programs and helping develop ideas that participants can take back to their Rotary Clubs. Courses include:  

My Leadership In Rotary

My Rotary World

Ethics & Vocational Service

Foundation I: Our Foundation

Engaging Members

Creating Service Projects

PART II – “ THE CLUB”  (a total of 4-sessions) The RLI journey continues, the depth of subject matter increases and focus is placed on fostering the qualities of a knowledgeable Rotarian by building on the basics learned in Part I.  Courses include:

Rotary Opportunities

Effective Leadership Strategies

Attracting Members

Club Communication

Team Building

Foundation II: Targeted Service

PART III – “My ROTARY JOURNEY”  (a total of 4-sessions) The final phase of RLI, courses become much more in-depth and detailed. Learn about opportunities available to you and your club through RI and how to best utilize them. Understand what it means to be a Rotarian and how you can use your RLI knowledge to better serve your club. Courses include:

Strategic Planning

Foundation III: International Service

Public Image and Public Relations

Building a Stronger Club

Making a Difference.

RLI Graduate Courses

For those who become RLI Graduates following successful completion of the three-part curriculum series of RLI Graduate Courses focused on one Rotary subject for the session and are comprehensive and detailed. Current Graduate Courses include Membership and the Rotary Foundation

Discussion Leader Training

RLI Graduates, by invitation only, may also take Discussion Leader Training as a precursor to being accepted as a RLI Discussion Leader, assisting other Rotarians in their RLI journey. Discussion Leader Training is also offered to non-RLI Graduates such as District Governors who want to learn the skills associated with, a RLI Discussion Leader that can be used in Club, District, or Zone training. Without being a RLI Graduate, the Discussion Leader Training Graduate may not lead RLI sessions.

First Flight Rotary Club - Helena Disaster Relief Donation

 Upcoming Speakers for our Meetings

      • Nov. 27, 2024 – No Meeting, Thanksgiving week
      •  Dec. 4, 2024   – Meeting Program Coordinator, Andrea Sullivan  
      •  Dec. 11, 2024  –  Meeting Program Coordinator, John Harris
      •  Dec. 18, 2024 – Holiday Luncheon at Ghost Fleet Gallery
      •  Dec. 25, 2024 – Christmas, No Meeting   
    • Click here for the 2025 Meeting Program Coordinator assignment.

A Message from District 7720, Area 1 Assistant Governor John  Polk

No doubt you are hearing the stories and seeing the devastation brought on by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina.  I’m sure some of you have family and friends in that area, and we all pray for their comfort and safety.  The magnitude of what is taking place in western NC cannot be fully imagined.  District 7720 is utilizing its dedicated Disaster Relief Fund, and coordinating with District 7670 Governor Connie Molland to pinpoint what the greatest needs are and how District 7720 can assist with ensuring aid is delivered in that region.   

Here is a video link from DG Molland with a personal account of the magnitude of this disaster as well as an update on relief efforts in the area-https://www.facebook.com/reel/8246913185419854

Many of you have donated materials and goods to be delivered to the affected areas.  Others have given financially through local and national relief organizations.  Thank you all for giving as your heart leads.  We have established an Area 1 Rotary Clubs Hurricane Helene Relief Campaign.  Please share the link to your social media platforms.  Any funds raised will be directed to the D7720 dedicated Disaster Relief Fund for distribution.  You can find the donation campaign here –  http://tiny.cc/aghozz

In conversations with DG Foster as well as the other Assistant Governors, a very large concern is what will take place as winter approaches. The folks in western NC who have lost everything have no cold weather gear, coats, gloves, etc.  The clubs of the Outer Banks may want to join together for a Coat/Cold Weather Great Drive.  There has also been some discussion about Rotary District Mission trips to the area in the months ahead to assist where needed.  

Club Presidents, please speak with your members on this or other ideas on how we can work together to support those in need.  

District 7670 has provided an updated list of most needed supplies.  Find that list here – SUPPLIES

More info from the District as it becomes available.  Thank you all for your commitment to Rotary. TOGETHER, we change lives through Service Above Self!!

Yours in Rotary Service,

John Polk 
Assistant Governor 
Area 1

Dare to C.A.R.E Vascular Screening

Appointment times are available for Monday, Sept 23rd at the COA Dare Campus in Manteo from 5 pm tp 8 pm.  If you, or someone you know, are eligible and would like a free screening, please contact Sandy Martin directly to schedule an appointment by calling 252-202-7632.

Eligibility Information

Rotarians may volunteer for this event and screenings taking place Sept.  by clicking here.

End Polio Now Update

Two new Wild Polio paralysis cases were reported this week.  We are now 3 weeks since the most recent report of a child being paralyzed by the Wild Polio Virus in Pakistan.
 
World Polio Day –  Thank you all for your efforts to Build Awareness and Raise Funds for the Global Polio Eradication effort during this year’s world Polio Day time period.  This year over 4,200 World Polio Day Events were registered around the world!

 The 10/24/24 Rotary International World Polio Day Live Stream which featured Peter Salk (son of Jonas Salk) and Polio Eradication Leaders Mike McGovern & John Germ is available to watch here:

 

 

Consequential Geographies – Only six geographical areas account for nearly 80% of poliovirus in the world (as of 8 October 2024):  Afghanistan, Pakistan, eastern Democratic Republic Of Congo, northern Yemen, northern Nigeria, and south-central Somalia.  They are called “consequential geographies,” are the engines of poliovirus transmission, and are affected by conflict, complex humanitarian crises, remote geographies, and conservative cultures.  Tailored strategies are being implemented in these areas including offering additional services to meet community needs, conducting multi-antigen campaigns with polio and other vaccines, increasing environmental surveillance sites to detect the virus quickly, and working to improve routine immunization.

GAZA – On Sunday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the postponement of the polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza was of particular concern as it puts thousands of children at risk.  UNICEF has repeatedly implored both sides to allow the second vaccination of the children of Northern Gaza by mid-November to protect the 110,000 children there who were vaccinated with the first dose of Oral Polio Vaccine in early September but have not received their critical second dose.

2024 Total Polio Cases (Wild + Variant) 265 Year to date

2023 Total Polio Cases  (Wild + Variant) 536 (1/1/23-12/31/23)

2022 Total Polio Cases (Wild + Variant) 944 (1/1/22 – 12/31/22)

2024 Circulating Variant Polio Case Total – 201  Angola – 7, Benin – 2, Cameroon – 2, Chad – 13, DR Congo – 21, Ethiopia – 14, Guinea – 8, Indonesia – 7, Liberia – 1,Mali – 1, Mozambique – 1, Niger – 10, Nigeria – 67, Occupied Palestinian Territory – 1, Somalia – 3, South Sudan – 9, Yemen – 33


Throughout the year, the First Flight Rotary Club does a number of signature fundraisers. The money raised from these fundraisers support our First Flight Rotary Foundation.


The First Flight Rotary Foundation shares these funds with Outer Banks non-profit community organizations through grant requests. 

Your support of First Flight Rotary through our Signature Events, fundraisers and contributions to the FFRC Foundation, allows us to provide much needed support to those most in need in our community.

Read more  

Rotary is a diverse global network of community, business and professional leaders who address relevant causes at home and abroad to improve lives and build goodwill.

WE CONNECT PEOPLE

Rotary unites more than a million people

Through Rotary clubs, people from all continents and cultures come together to exchange ideas, and form friendships and professional connections while making a difference in their backyards and around the world.

WE TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES

We take action locally and globally

Each day, our members pour their passion, integrity, and intelligence into completing projects that have a lasting impact. We persevere until we deliver real, lasting solutions.

WE SOLVE PROBLEMS

No challenge is too big for us

For more than 110 years, we’ve bridged cultures and connected continents to champion peace, fight illiteracy and poverty, promote clean water and sanitation, and fight disease.

Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change —
across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.