Get your team together and join us at the 46th annual Polar Plunge, February 1st at Rotary Park Ennismore. For more information visit www.belrotaryplunge.com
Mary Lou joined BEL Rotary seven years ago, and from the beginning she embodied what it means to live “Service Above Self.” Whether organizing care packages for seniors or placing peace-themed books into local schools, her quiet dedication and warmth touched countless lives. Last year, we had the privilege of honouring her with the Paul Harris Recognition — fitting for someone whose heart for service never wavered.
Beyond Rotary, Mary Lou was a lifelong teacher — a woman who believed in the potential of every child, and who carried that same compassion into every part of her life. Her log home by the lake, her laughter with friends, her music, her faith, and her love for her family all reflected a spirit of joy and purpose.
Though we deeply feel her absence, her influence will stay with us — in the projects she inspired, in the friendships she nurtured, and in the example she set of quiet, steadfast kindness.
So, please raise your glass with me — to Mary Lou Tryan. May we honour her memory by continuing to serve with the same heart and grace she showed us all.
The inaugural BEL Rotary charity pickleball tournament is in the books and what a great success it was. Players - both experienced and novice – enjoyed competition, camaraderie and the beautiful weather and setting.
This would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors. Thank you to our major sponsors Scott Concrete Products, John’s Independent Food store Bridgenorth and Craftworks at the Barn. Thank you to our supporters, Blue Diamond Window Cleaning, Christopher Z. Tworkowski Architect, Classy Chassis, Culligan Water, Herod Financial Services, Home Hardware Lakefield, Ronald’s Window Covering, TD Wealth Management Davison Group, Turnkey Construction and Village Pet Food and Supply. As always, thank you to the Lakefield Herald for your ongoing support and promoting the event.
At the recent regional retreat, the BEL Rotary Club was recognized for outstanding service to the local and international communities, with the District Citation. The club responds to needs in the community and works with local organizations and community members to make the community stronger. Projects support food sustainability, basic education and literacy, peace education, water and sanitation and health.
The club was also recognized for their significant contributions to The Rotary Foundation, the charitable arm of the organization. The Foundation is often referred to as the heart or the engine of the foundation. Funds from the Rotary Foundation support programs around the world to save and invigorate lives and promote international friendships and understanding.
Congratulations BEL Rotary!
Congratulations to Brian Menton for 40 years of Service to Rotary. Brian’s contributions locally and across the globe are unparalleled. In addition to supporting all club projects and programs he has travelled to Nigeria to deliver life saving polio vaccine to children and was instrumental in the school build in Cambodia. He has served as District 7010 Governor twice and in his professional and personal life exemplifies Rotary’s motto – “Service Above Self”. Congratulations Brian and thank you! You make the world a better place.
What a weekend it was! On Saturday, BEL Rotarians joined the merchants and volunteers at the annual Lakefield sidewalk sale. Congratulations to the Chamber of Commerce and everyone involved on a successful event.
On Sunday, participants swam, biked and ran to participate in the Treescape Chemong Lake Triathlon at Ennismore Beach. Thanks to the organization of Race Director Ryan Driscoll, the sponsors and volunteers, the event went off without a hitch, despite the very hot weather. BEL Rotary started the event more than 30 years ago and after running it for several years “passed the baton” so to speak. Director Ryan brought the event back to the community and has worked to make it better than ever. The BEL club is an active partner in the event and the beneficiary. Money raised supports the club’s work on projects such as the Adopt a Family Christmas projects, “Sunshine for Seniors’”, repair and maintenance of Rotary Park and support for Community Care.
BEL Rotarians are proud to be part of such a civic minded community and appreciate the opportunity to work with our partners. Thank you all for a very successful weekend!
One of the true joys of being a Rotarian is to invite new people into membership. We recently had the honour of welcoming Anita Lamb and Manal Agha into the Rotary Club of Bridgenorth Ennismore Lakefield. Anita and Manal share the principles and values of Rotary.
Anita emigrated from Germany to Canada as a child and is a proud Canadian. She built and ran a successful hair styling salon in Scarborough before retiring and moving to Peterborough four years ago. She volunteered with the Multiple Sclerosis Society while living in Scarborough, as well as many other orgaizations and has recently volunteered with the BEL Thanksgiving Shopping, Adopt a Family, and Sunshine for Seniors. She is a member of PROBUS.
Manal immigrated to Canada two years ago. She lived in Lebonon for 7 years, where she moved after leaving her home country of Syria. She has worked as a lawyer as well as a banker and will be starting her masters in Human Resources at Trent University in the fall. She currently volunteers at the New Canadian Centre as well as the Public Library and volunteered at the Ennismore Heritage Day celebration and the BEL Sunshine for Seniors.
The BEL Club is very excited that Manal and Anita have chosen it as their Rotary home, and look forward to working with them as we UNITE to MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.
