A festive feeling was in the air as members came on to be part of this year's Christmas Celebration. It became a last minute Zoom meeting because of growing pandemic concerns, but it was still a night to celebrate

 

Guests included ADG Andrew Smellie, later joined by DG Stephen Meadley and his wife Sharon Wallace (Satellite member), Award recipients Dr Hector Roldan and wife Anna, Natalie Bubela, Randy Spencer, Rory Golden and wife Wanda, Wendy Sawyer and Nancy Webber and soon to be member Bill Clarke

 

The Legion was able to pivot and make our Christmas dinner with all the trimmings as a take out. Thanks to the hard work of the Fellowship Committee (Lynne Thompson, Dione Schumacher, Trish Kruusmagi, Ken Stronach & Mary Rasleigh) ably assisted by Sarah Caswell and Jen Simpson, dinners were handed out, raffle baskets were made and tickets sold and donations were taken for the Food Bank and Salvation Army drive. It was just reported that $1,260 was donated to these two organizations due to our efforts/donations. Well done!!

  

 

Hats off to the 'Legion Ladies' (and Ken) for making a superb meal!

Dionne Schumacher tried to lighten up the crowd with a number of jokes that she blamed on her 10 year old nephew. No one believed that. These were obviously Dionne's 'go to' staple of funnies and after hearing them, the groans were considerable. However it did get people's attention, mostly wondering - 'Is the whole night going to be like this??'

 

The serious side of the evening got underway with Past Pres and PDG Ron reminding Rotarians, and advising those who had no previous knowledge, about the importance Rotary places on the Paul Harris Fellow designation. While amongst Rotarians it is a sign of their support for the Rotary Foundation it is also used to recognize non Rotarians who have made significant impacts in our community or have supported our club in doing its good works. 

 

Tonight six community members were recognized;

 

Dr Hector Roldan, in addition to being a critical member of our community's surgical team, has been dedicated to improving the lives of citizens of his home country of Guatemala. He has had numerous impacts over the years, most recently with the construction and creation of a facility in rural Guatemala that will provide a dental clinic (phase one), healthcare, education, a place of worship, and food security. There are still many aspects of the project to complete but our club is proud of the work Dr Roldan has done to date and want to be a supporter and partner in future years.

 

Following a decade of service to Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare as President and CEO, Natalie Bubela has recently retired. Under Natalie’s leadership, MAHC has seen the expansion of clinical services to include additional surgical specialties, virtual critical care, and programs like the Seniors Assessment and Support Outreach Team, improved health care technology through an electronic medical record, and secured financial health.  She has led the organization through two Accreditation Canada surveys, two critical stages of future redevelopment capital planning, and countless innovations, renovations and initiatives that enhance hospital care locally. Our club was very happy to recognize her contribution to our community through the presentation of a PHF award.

 

The 'Three Amigos' chefs Randy Spencer, Rory Golden and Jeff Suddaby were instrumental in this year's very successful Chef's Fundraising Gala for Hospice, during which over $40,000 was raised for the organization (and a lot of fun was had). However all three chefs have individually and together helped our Rotary Club with various events throughout the years and have always been happy to support our efforts (and crazy ideas).

Rory Golden  (lovely wife but check out that wine cellar)

  

 

Randy Spencer

  

 

Jeff Suddaby

 

The final PHF was awarded to Wendy Sawyer. Wendy became our sole Bingo stapler about 3 years ago. She handles 35-40,000 cards for us each year and her accuracy is incredible. Wendy takes the bus back and forth to the Best Western throughout the year, and is very dedicated to a job most of the club were more than happy to get rid of. Thanks Wendy

 

 

Following the awards the social butterfly Jen Simpson assumed her normal position and introduced the golden voiced Henri Audet who she performed a duet with, later in the program.

 

She then proceeded to show a video about the club's accomplishments this year and it's always great to be reminded - We do make a difference!!

 

Dionne waited long enough so that we would forget it was her that told the corny jokes, then came back on to do a Christmas Trivia Quiz. Always a reminder about how little we know, or at least how little we remember.

Jen recognized our President  Mary and gave her a gift on behalf of the club, either as a Thank You for the first six months or an enticement to stay on for the next six??

  

 

The party then got a bit out of hand, what with the mirror ball and the 'elf on a shelf' danceathon

  

 

Who said we Rotarians were dull, old, over the hill, boring, out of touch? Likely no one, but in case they thought it this year's virtual celebration put that to rest. After special 'Thanks' to Jen for all her hard work, the party was shut down due to our 7:30 curfew coming into effect.