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Giving Forward

For many of us Thanksgiving traditions include long walks in the woods enjoying the beauty of nature, and then returning home to the smells of roasting turkey and potatoes, pumpkin pie and all the trimmings for a bountiful Thanksgiving dinner. Many families in our community have continued to experience increased economic loss and uncertainty during this difficult time making celebrations such as Thanksgiving elusive.

BEL Rotarians with the support of John Le Quang owner of John’s Independent in Bridgenorth, were able to bring Thanksgiving to some of our local residents. Rotarians purchased, packaged and delivered all of the makings for a turkey dinner (as well as a few treats) to those in need.

Happy Thanksgiving

Gazebo Dedicated to Charter President Bob Ash

On Monday evening, BEL Rotarians gathered for the first time in more than a year and a half. It was a very special occasion: the dedication of the gazebo in Rotary Park to Charter President Robert (Bob) Ash. Bob was known as Mr. Rotary and worked tirelessly to make the community a better place.

Bob’s motto was “doing good while having fun” and he did just that, with a smile and in his usual good nature, Bob put “service above self”.

Public Accessible Boat Launch Dock

BEL Rotary is proud to provide the only public accessible boat launch dock in the area. Michael Box, an Ennismore resident who uses a fully motorized wheel chair, is an avid boater and spends many hours on the water with his wife and son. In the spring of 2020, he and his family met with the BEL Rotary Community Services committee to suggest accessible access to the boat launch dock at Rotary Park. The Box family donated $500.00 towards the project and the BEL Club enthusiastically took on the project.

Thanks to our incredible community, Dan Kyle Excavating who donated material for the pathway to the ramp, labour and installation of the bollard and sign, and to R & J Machine who completed the installation of the ramp, the accessible boat launch dock is ready for use! Michael indicated he has been able to enjoy boating with his family almost every day since it the work was completed.

Rotary Park

As the province entered Stage 3 of reopening, BEL Rotary members took full advantage of the opportunity to do what they do best: serve the community.

Rotary Park and the gazebo are enjoyed by hundreds of residents and visitors to our community each year. The Gazebo at Rotary Park (on the west end of the Bridgenorth Causeway) had been relocated to facilitate the Gifford Causeway expansion currently underway. Last week, the gazebo was “air lifted” to its original position. Thanks to the hard work of the BEL Rotary Club, it is safely secured to the newly poured concrete pad and beautifully landscaped. Thank you to Kim and Craig Telford from Scott Concrete Products who generously donated the screenings and river rock and to the Township for covering expenses related to the causeway expansion. In keeping with Rotary’s goal of inclusivity, the gazebo is fully accessible.

Welcome Heather and Scott Negrygh

The BEL Rotary Club is delighted to welcome Scott and Heather Negrych to the BEL Rotary family. Scott and Heather are no strangers to Rotary and bring with them years of Rotary experience, enthusiasm and a commitment to youth and the community. Heather and Scott relocated to Peterborough from Elliott Lake and this is certainly our gain.

Farewell Dave and Andrea Tilley

BEL Rotary said a fond farewell to member Dave Tilley, his wife Andrea and their two sons Nathan and Owen. Dave and Andrea hail from Newfoundland and have made Peterborough home for almost 20 years. They have decided it is time to move back to “The Rock”. They have been an integral part of the BEL Rotary family since 2004. Their contributions are numerous. In recognition of his incredible service, the club recognized Dave with his PHF+3. You will be missed!

100 Years of Service

It is hard to imagine our community without Rotary. For the past 100 years, Rotarians have been making a difference in Peterborough and the surrounding community. Congratulations to our sponsor club, the Rotary Club of Peterborough on your 100th birthday! In recognition of this significant anniversary, April 1st was proclaimed Rotary Day in Peterborough. Our own Pres Nicole was on hand with Peterborough Rotary President Wayne Harding, Karwartha Rotary President Dan Grady and Her Worship Mayor Diane Therrien for the raising of the Rotary Flag at City Hall.

Congratulations PDG Brian Menton

At our Monday meeting DG Lynne presented the prestigious Service Above Self award to our own PDG Brian Menton. This award is considered the highest honor that Rotary International can bestow on a member. It recognizes up to 150 outstanding Rotarians and Rotaractors each year whose service activities make an impact on humanity. No more than one recipient is selected from a given district each year, and a person can receive the award only once.

Brian’s dedication to Rotary and service to others is widespread. He has served two terms as DG, travelled the district to raise awareness of Polio eradication and led a very successful Group Study Exchange team to Korea. He participated in the building and administration of the Rotary School of Cambodia, the Rotary Wheels for Learning bicycle distribution and two polio immunization missions to Africa. Brian is integral in all aspects of clubs life ensuring all members are heard and feel valued. He is involved in all club projects and fundraisers, leaning his expertise and experience. Above all Brian is a family man and with his wife Dorothy has ensured their three sons have had the love and support to be the successful men they are today. Congratulations Brian - your "Service Above Self" has made the world a better place!

BEL Rotary Brings Easter to Local Families

Many families in our community continue to face the daily challenges presented by the continuing reality of the pandemic. Once again BEL Rotary rose to the occasion and purchased, packaged and delivered the makings of an Easter dinner with all the trimmings, treats, Easter crafts and special Easter “goodies” for the children. The delivery included everything to make the holiday weekend a little more special.

Thank you to our generous community and specifically John's Valumart in Bridgenorth for your support.