Two special Rotarians
Posted by Stephen Rhodes
Carl Dali and Gene McNamara were honored for their long service to the club and the community at a special Rotary meeting last Monday. Tributes were pouring in from Rotarians, friends and family and civic dignitaries.
Rotary's board of directors established the long service award of excellence to recognize an outstanding commitment to service over a long period of time. The first award, last year, went to Chuck Lee. The club also established a $10,000 permanent fund in the name of the award.
"The fund was established to assist physically challenged youth with their education costs. We will be contributing a further $1,500 in the name of our recipients." says Past president Norm Bindon.
The award is designed to recognize club members who just keep contributing long after you might expect.
"Typically, in Rotary, exceptional service is rewarded with a Paul Harris award. At that point, no one would be faulted for relaxing and just enjoying the fellowship of Rotary. In our club there are many members who keep on working, putting service above self," he said. "This award is designed to recognize that special contribution."
Recipients also receive a second Paul Harris pin, a certificate and a donation of $1,000 US is made in their name to The Rotary Foundation.
Friends and family participated in a light-hearted roast of Gene and Carl.
"Carl is honest, hard-working, kind and considerate and he has contributed more to his community than anyone knows," said friend Mike O'Neal.
"He has enriched our lives," said Albert Webber.
Gene is a "great Rotarian, who has carried the torch for community service," said Carl Ingebertson.
Gene has been a member of the club since 1966 and Carl joined in 1973. Both members have been involved in numerous Easter Seals campaigns.
Gene, speaking for both he and Carl, said "this is a great night but we really don't deserve all these accoclades."
Typically, he praised Steve Wilson for his contributions to the club and Chuck Lee, the first recipient of the award.
Past President Jerome, who organized the special tribute, put together a photo slideshow of Carl and Gene's involvement over the years. He praised their contribution and thanked the attendees and roasters. He also thanked Betty McNamara and Frances Dali for their support of their Rotarian husbands.
In addition to the roasters - Wendell Brown, David Lewis, Mike O'Neal, Albert Webber, Brad Dali, Jason DaSilva, Bert Post, Carl Ingebertson and Jerome - greetings and specials presentations came from the Brampton Board of Trade, Mayor Susan Fennell, District Governor Mike Knell and Assistant Governor Syd Harmon.
"The fund was established to assist physically challenged youth with their education costs. We will be contributing a further $1,500 in the name of our recipients." says Past president Norm Bindon.
The award is designed to recognize club members who just keep contributing long after you might expect.
"Typically, in Rotary, exceptional service is rewarded with a Paul Harris award. At that point, no one would be faulted for relaxing and just enjoying the fellowship of Rotary. In our club there are many members who keep on working, putting service above self," he said. "This award is designed to recognize that special contribution."
Recipients also receive a second Paul Harris pin, a certificate and a donation of $1,000 US is made in their name to The Rotary Foundation.
Friends and family participated in a light-hearted roast of Gene and Carl.
"Carl is honest, hard-working, kind and considerate and he has contributed more to his community than anyone knows," said friend Mike O'Neal.
"He has enriched our lives," said Albert Webber.
Gene is a "great Rotarian, who has carried the torch for community service," said Carl Ingebertson.
Gene has been a member of the club since 1966 and Carl joined in 1973. Both members have been involved in numerous Easter Seals campaigns.
Gene, speaking for both he and Carl, said "this is a great night but we really don't deserve all these accoclades."
Typically, he praised Steve Wilson for his contributions to the club and Chuck Lee, the first recipient of the award.
Past President Jerome, who organized the special tribute, put together a photo slideshow of Carl and Gene's involvement over the years. He praised their contribution and thanked the attendees and roasters. He also thanked Betty McNamara and Frances Dali for their support of their Rotarian husbands.
In addition to the roasters - Wendell Brown, David Lewis, Mike O'Neal, Albert Webber, Brad Dali, Jason DaSilva, Bert Post, Carl Ingebertson and Jerome - greetings and specials presentations came from the Brampton Board of Trade, Mayor Susan Fennell, District Governor Mike Knell and Assistant Governor Syd Harmon.