While we can’t gather in person, The Rotary Club of Dryden went virtual Wednesday night for their annual Paul Harris Fellows Award evening to recognize new, active and past members.
Rotarian Carl Eisener acknowledged three Rotarians, with a new honour this year.
“Joanne Bunney, Elaine and Clare Thompson are the first three Life members of our club. Between the three of them, they represent 75 years of service above self as members of the Rotary Club of Dryden. The three of them have taught us a great deal about what being a Rotarian is all about. It is because of their example and their efforts the rotary cub of Dryden is what it is today.”
As for Paul Harris Fellows, Clare Thompson was also among the recipients.
Rotarian Ed Iskra made the acknowledgement.
“Clare has served as our only district governor, our club president, an active Rotarian for the past 42 years and is now a six time Paul Harris fellow.”
Other recipients of the Paul Harris Fellows this year include Carm Fyfe, Trevor Szmon, Brian Braid, Peter Keen, Sally Sipos for their contributions to the Rotary Foundation.
The Club also recognized Community Paul Harris Honorees, those who represent rotary’s principles to serve above self but are not active Rotarians.
The honour went to Mayor Greg Wilson and Marj Vermeer.
Rotarians also inducted Dion Desserre and Jason Kirouac as new members of the club.
Memorial awards for past Rotarians were presented by Rotarian Anna Traini, who speaks about Marg Saville.
“She gave her heart to the community. Racing dragon boats, making popcorn, wheeling cement at the yacht club, raising money and leading projects for rotary. She was always the first to volunteer and definitely exemplified the rotary model of service above self.”
A second recognition went to the late Rolly Swan, who was a Rotarian until he passed away earlier this year.
“He was also a very active member of both the Dryden Ski Club and Dryden Yacht club. Rolly definitely knew how to give back to his community and was always there helping, wherever help was needed.”
The Rotary Club of Dryden will make a 2 thousand dollar donation to the Shelter Box project in memory of the two past Rotarians.
