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.
Coming Events and Volunteer Opportunities
July 1, 2025, from 5 PM to 8 PM – Dare to Care Baum Center
July 30, 2025 from 5 PM tp 6:30 PM – Cerveza above Self Club Social – Location TBD
Sept. 9, 2025, from 5 PM to 8 PM – Dare to Care at Baum Center
October 11, 2025 – Oink and Oyster Fest
November 21, 2025 – Lobster Fest
Luke Baer inducted as Club President of the Rotary Club of First Flight at the June 25th meeting.
2025-2026 RCofFF President, Luke Baer
While some may struggle to explain to others why we contribute our time, talent, and treasure to this club we call Rotary. Incoming President Luke Baer has a different approach. Don’t tell them what Rotary does, tell them why we do it.
Tell them WHY!
We are so passionate about Rotary, yet being able to explain Rotary membership to a relative, friend, co-worker or neighbor seems to have us tongue-tied.
On June 25, 2025, the Rotary Club of First Flight in Nags Head, NC inducted Luke Baer as its President for the 2025-2026 Rotary year. Following the induction ceremony, Luke provided the members with an overview of the plans for the 2025-2026 Rotary year starting July 1, 2025.
2025-2026 Rotary Club President, Luke Baer shared some interesting insights about his plans for the coming year. In particular, he focused on some key concepts that members can adapt to prevent us from stumbling when encouraging friends, neighbors and relatives to join Rotary also.
Often, we tend to tell folks what Rotary does. But, if we start by explaining why we joined Rotary, we have a better chance of attracting folks that believe in what we believe are the right things to do to make our community a better place to live, work and play… Read More
Rotary Means Business, the topic of the June 4th Meeting
Members were treated to a mini-organizational management seminar
A visiting fellow Rotarian from Royersford, PA spoke at our June 4th weekly meeting.
Jay Browning, owner of Browning Advisors LLC, presented a dynamic people evaluation tool designed to maximize an organization’s effectiveness.
Rotarians at work during the “Promise for the Park” beach cleanup at Ramp 1 in Nags Head
Photo shows FFRC member David Vaneski, Jeff Schwartzenberg from Outer Banks Visitor’s Bureau, FFRC President-Elect Luke Baer, and FFRC Treasurer Samuel “HEARST” Vann, and V. Ytbd.
First Flight Rotarians volunteer for beach cleaning duty
The section of beach we were assigned was decently clean. Our volunteers removed chunks of storm-damaged sand fence slats, firewood, paper trash items, and a plastic bin.
We are looking forward to more efforts by Outer Banks Tourism to connect local visitors with volunteer opportunities like this. The next opportunity will likely be after July 4th. , per Jeff. Trying to do at least 4 times during the year.
First Flight 8th grader, Sienna Black, wins First Flight Rotary Club 4 Way Test Essay Contest
The First Flight Rotary Club proudly announces the winner of their 2025 Rotary 4-Way Test Essay Contest.
This year’s winner is First Flight Middle School 8th grader, Sienna Black. We are also proud to announce that Sienna’s essay won the 2nd place award from Rotary District 7720. Congratulations Sienna!
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.
First Flight Rotary supports Interfaith Community Outreach
Photo shows ICO’s Executive Director, Jenniffer Albanease flanked on left by club treasurer Hearst Vann and FFRC Foundation Committee Member Tom Haddon.
First Flight Rotary Club awards the Interfaith Community Outreach donation at our May 14th meeting.
“Interfaith Community Outreach assists individuals facing a temporary emergency crisis.” Their vision is “ICO Bridging the Gap: Where no one will face an emergency crisis alone.”
First Flight Rotary Club hosts several community fundraisers throughout the year, including the recent Nags Head Woods 5k, the Oink and Oyster Roast, Lobster Fest, and, of course, End Polio Now events such as the Putt for Polio last week. Our members are committed to supporting our community’s needs through these efforts.
“ Belated delivery of the Paul Harris coin to Jenniffer Albanese of Interfaith Community Outreach, who spoke to the club a few weeks ago. ”
Something that can stand the test of time.
The Rotary 4-Way Test
At our May 28th meeting, we will be hearing an award-winning essay from a student from one of our local OBX schools.
The subject of that essay is near and dear to every Rotary member’s heart: What does the Rotary 4 Way Test mean to me.
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 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.
Welcome to our newest member, Dan Harper
Club President David Neal presents the membership certificate to Dan
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Welcome, Dan. We look forward to serving our community with you.
Dan Harper is a Corporate
Associate member
of Truist Bank in
Kill Devil Hills, NC.
Read more.
Volunteering to help our Community Partners
Saturday, May 17, 2025
First Flight Rotary Club members volunteered last Friday to help our friends at the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce move several boxes filled with Outer Banks Experience Magazines.
As Rotarians, we consider ourselves problem solvers. Some problems are simpler to solve than others. This one just required a few strong backs to help our community partners, the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, to move several boxes filled with magazines that the chamber uses to promote our local area businesses and services.
Rotarians at Work @ the YMCA Food Distribution!
OBX Rotary Club members support and volunteer with DARE to C.A.R.E.
The Outer Banks Rotary Clubs include First Flight Rotary Club, Kitty Hawk Rotary Club and the Maneo Rotary Club all located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Captain Jack presented the “Challenges of fishing the Gulf Stream”.
Capt Jack presented an interesting scenario that he, as a Charter Captain for recreational charters and commercial fishermen, has to deal with because of regulations governing fishing in NC territorial ocean waters.
As a recreational charter captain, he takes recreational fishermen into the Gulf Stream for the thrill of catching tuna. Unfortunately, in recent years, the tuna population has been decimated by an overpopulation of sharks.
Three Rotary Clubs in the Outer Banks of North Carolina are impacting the communities where they serve locally and in the world.
The First Flight Rotary Club, Kitty Hawk Rotary Club and Manteo Rotary Club make up Area 1 of Rotary District 7720 in eastern North Carolina. The clubs are located in Manteo, North Carolina, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina and Nags Head North Carolina.
At the February 4th Semi-Annual meeting of the three clubs, Area 1 Assistant District Governor John Polk reviewed the clubs’ accomplishments,. The list is quite impressive.
Rotary Clubs throughout the Outer Banks are supporting this Eagle Scout Project
Amazing work in our community through the
Interfaith Community Outreach!
Thank you Executive Director Jennifer Albanese and Outreach
Coordinator Lindsey Kee for joining us for our weekly meeting.
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. 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.
The following are photos of the backpack assembly and delivery.
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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.
Program Coordinators and Speakers for our upcoming Meeting
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- 7/2/25 No Meeting – Holiday Break
- 7/9/25 TBD
- 7/16/25 TBD
- 7/23/25 John Windley
- 7/30/25 TBD
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We have a Winner!
Like many Rotary Clubs, First Flight Rotary has a weekly 50/50 Raffle Tradition.
The First Flight Rotary Club Weekly 50/50 is designed to generate funds to support the work of the Club and to have fun at weekly meetings.
Members and guests of our May 28th meeting raffle purchased tickets during the mealtime. At the end of the meeting, a ticket purchased by Ralph Buxton was drawn. The drawing gave Ralph the opportunity to draw the Ace of Spades from a deck of playing cards whose quantity was depleted during the past several weeks when weekly raffle winners failed to draw the ace of spades. The card those weekly raffle winners drew was torn up and thrown in the trash. Ralph drew the Ace of Spades, entitling him to a share of a very sizable pot. Congratulations Ralph Buxton! Read More
Supporting Chicamacomico Beach Rescue
Members Jeff Fischer and Ralph Buxton presented a $1000 Rotary check to the Chicamacomico Beach Rescue Drill team at the weekly reenactment drill.
Chicamacomico was the first of seven Life-Saving Stations built in North Carolina in 1874 and is one of the most unique historical maritime sites on the East coast. The original building at Chicamacomico, commissioned Dec. 4, 1874, was the first Life-Saving Service staffed in North Carolina. It houses all of the equipment for fundamental Life-Saving Service training, such as drill pole, breeches buoy and cart, a rare life-car and original surfboat.
Richard “Dick” Calhoun is on the mend.
Members Richard “Dick” Calhoun and Hearst Vann visited earlier this week at Spring Arbor of the Outerbanks where Dick is on the mend participating in physical therapy as he recovers from a recent stroke.
Members of the First Flight Rotary Club will be joining Dick on April 16th at Arbor Creek of the Outerbanks for our weekly meeting. Everyone is looking forward to seeing Dick at our meetings again.
First Flight Rotary members made this past holiday season for
five Peak Resources Rehab patients a little bit brighter.
Members shopped for 5 angel tree recipients and delivered those goods to Peak Resources Rehab center in Nags Head, North Carolina.
We asked the administrators at Peak to shop for residents that didn’t have many visitors or local family. Every person needs extra love at this time of the year and always! Sometimes the “Seniors” are forgotten. But they need to know they still matter!
The Angel Tree shopping lists consisted of clothing (men and women adults), food and health & beauty items. The list also included candy, Cheetos, Chips Ahoy and Twinkies. Some, specifically, asked for the soft cookies. The food requests may be related to their preference for soft dessert treats due to dental issues and other physical issues related to their rehab that prevent them from enjoying the holiday treats we take for granted this time of year.
Have you completed your worksheet yet? The worksheet is a "Who Do You Know" for potential businesses, friends or acquaintances who you feel would enjoy learning more about Rotary and possibly consider joining our fellowship.
First Flight Rotary Club - Helena Disaster Relief Donation
A Message from District 7720, Area 1 Assistant Governor John Polk
As we begin this new year, I am excited to share our inaugural Area 1 Rotary Newsletter! Enhanced communication among our clubs is essential for strengthening Rotary’s presence on the Outer Banks and within our District. Our collaborative efforts these past months have shown the remarkable outcomes we can achieve while working together. I appreciate the outstanding leadership of all our clubs and the time, talent, dedication, and commitment each member brings to Rotary. Thank you for your support!
This year, I encourage everyone to connect with other clubs in meaningful ways. Attend another club’s meetings, fundraisers, participate in service projects, or collaborate on events—your involvement is important. These interactions will strengthen our relationships, broaden our network, and enhance our impact.
By improving communication between our clubs, we can better understand community needs, identify service gaps, and work together for a greater impact. Let’s make this year one of collaboration and progress!
I see this newsletter as a tool for growth in our Rotary community. I would appreciate any suggestions, ideas or input on what you would like to see in upcoming quarterly editions.
In Rotary Service,
John Polk
Assistant Governor
Area 1, D7720
District 7720 Area 1 – Jan 11, 2025 Newsletter
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.
Rotarians may volunteer for this event and screenings taking place Sept. by clicking here.
Help support victims of the LA Wild Fire Disaster
Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by the Wildfires in Los Angeles, CA. Rotary colleagues in California have been receiving updates from the local LA area districts. The most heartbreaking takeaway from all the information is that every member of the Palisades Rotary Club has lost their home! All have evacuated and are safe.
From DG Albert Hernandez of Rotary District 5280 in greater Los Angelos, CA: We have created a Wildfires Resource Page so all our clubs and partnering Districts can make a monetary donation, make resources available to those in need, seek resources and provide collaborative support in the ways of meals, water, blankets, etc. Visit the webpage for see how you can support our efforts: https://rotary5280.org/page/2025-wildfire-disaster-relief/ #District5280
2025 Wild Polio Case Total 14 – Afghanistan 2 – Pakistan 12
2024 Wild Polio Cases Total 99 – Afghanistan 25 – Pakistan 74
2023 Wild Polio Cases Total 12 – Afghanistan 6, Pakistan 6
Rotary and the Gates Foundation announced an extended partnership to end polio for good, which will see an injection of nearly half a billion dollars into the effort. Bill Gates and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros both addressed the convention, and thanked Rotarians for their tireless efforts to helping eradicate polio and showing that “in a world where division and despair too often dominate the headlines, Rotarians are writing a different story. That change is possible. That equity is possible. That peace is possible.” Watch a video summary of the DG’s speech here and his full speech here.
Advocate, Donate & Educate to END POLIO NOW & FOREVER!
Over 3 Billion Children Immunized
21,000,000 Children Saved from the Paralysis of Polio
1.6 million lives saved thanks to the Polio Vaccines
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
Congratulations to our latest Paul Harris Fellow Recipients
Congratulations to First Flight Rotarian and Past President Kearns Lowman on receiving his next level Paul Harris Fellow recognition pin for his continued support of the Rotary Foundation.
Hearst does it again
Hearst’s latest PHF
Congrats on your PHF
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
Buxton’s latest PHF
Elijah leads the way
Our Foundation Chair shows the way
Stans latest PHF
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.
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.