Rotary Shell opens at Charles Daley Park

Standing in the shelter of The Rotary Shell at Charles Daley Park last Wednesday, members of the Rotary Club of Lincoln simply couldn't stop smiling. Not the least of these was Margaret Andrewes, town councillor and Rotary Club president.

The much anticipated opening and dedication of the newest community facility in the Town of Lincoln garnered much attention from the large crowd gathered at the park to celebrate Canada Day.

"It was on the impetus of Laura Gibson and the Friends of Charles Daley Park in their initiative to beautify this extraordinary waterfront park," said Andrewes at the start of the ceremony.

Representatives of the Rotary Club of Lincoln along with a host of other community members proudly joined Mayor Bill Hodgson and town councillors in the shade of the new band shell to cut the ribbon and officially dedicate "The Rotary Shell" as a permanent outdoor performance space.

The idea for The Rotary Shell was conceived by a small group of community members, spearheaded by Lincoln Rotarian, Jennifer Southward, who came together over six years ago to create the Lamplighter Tour, explained Andrewes.

As a "made in Lincoln" initiative, the Lamplighter Tour, an annual theatrical production, brings the history of the Town of Lincoln and surrounding area to life.

From the outset, a commitment was made to use the revenue raised from the tour to advance arts and culture in the community by building an outdoor public facility where all could come and experience the joy of performance.

 The commitment and dedication ensured the success of the Lamplighter Tour and, consequently, secured the opportunity for the Rotary Club of Lincoln to partner with the Town of Lincoln to build The Rotary Shell, said Andrewes.

"With much gratitude, Rotary Lincoln  acknowledges Mayor Hodgson, town council and staff, for embracing the concept of an outdoor performance centre in the club's commitment to contribute $165,000 for its construction," said Andrewes during the dedication ceremony.

"The Rotary Shell will forever stand as a point of pride in our community, representative of a much-valued partnership between the Town of Lincoln and the Rotary Club of Lincoln and its extensive cadre of friends and supporters who give so generously of their time, talent and money to enable the production of the Lamplighter Tour each year."

While sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lincoln, the Lamplighter Tour is made possible by a multitude of community volunteers, business sponsors and audiences who continue to inspire and support the tour as a significant four-day event each November.

The Rotary Club of Lincoln's 2009 Lamplighter Tour is scheduled Nov. 19-22. Visit www.lamplightertour.com for details about the tour and purchase of tickets. The community's ongoing support for this annual production will continue to assist Rotary Lincoln in raising the funds required to achieve its $165,000 commitment to the Town of Lincoln for The Rotary Shell project at Charles Daley Park.

reprinted from Grimsby Lincoln News