Arnprior Rotary honours two volunteers at 30th anniversary gala

By Derek Dunn Arnprior Chronicle-Guide

Rotary district governor Nabil Oudeh joins Arnprior president Jane Peters and Mayor David Reid to cut the cake at Rotary Arnprior's 30th anniversary. The birthday party was held April 27 at Sand Point Golf Course. - Derek Dunn/Metroland

Rotarian Jane Peters accepts a token of appreciation from Arnprior Mayor David Reid, who said without service groups like Rotary, which opened a local chapter in 1986, small towns across Canada could not survive. - Derek Dunn/Metroland

Glenn Arthur is recognized by Rotary his for many years of volunteer work. Joining him at the gala evening in Sand Point are Rotarians Nabil Oudeh and Jane Peters. - Derek Dunn/Metroland

Community volunteer Vicki Murdoch is presented with Rotary's Paul Harris Fellow award by Nabil Oudeh and Jane Peters. - Derek Dunn/Metroland

James Jordan of War Amps tells the Rotary Club crowd how important his prosthetic arm is, and how expensive. The gala night raised money for War Amps while celebrating its 30th anniversary in Arnprior. - Derek Dunn/Metroland

The Rotary Club celebrated 30 years in Arnprior by recognizing local community contributors.

The gala night, held at Sand Point Golf Course on April 27, saw about 110 Rotarians and guests from across Renfrew County. The evening began with a cake-cutting that included Mayor David Reid, who expressed the important role Rotary, the world’s largest service organization, plays in communities.

“I thank each and every one of you for all the work you do,” Reid said. “We couldn’t run a small town without you.”

He then declared May 23, 2017 as Rotary Day in Arnprior.

Rotary district governor Nabil Oudeh talked about his early impressions of the group as a lad in India. To him, it was a place for local elites: doctors, lawyers, and the like. So, to grow up and become a high-level member is something of a surprise. Rotary is for those who want to serve others full stop, he indicated.

Oudeh’s day job is that of founder and president of the Centre for Conflict Resolution. An accomplished author and workplace transformation coach, he was lured to Rotary because of shared values.

“I go around the world and help people not kill each other. That’s basically my job,” Oudeh said. “Rotary is all about service: service to community, the larger community, and around the world.”

Rev. Leo Hughes introduced the first recipient of the Paul Harris Award by saying Glenn Arthur has touched thousands of lives over his 35 years in Arnprior. As town recreation director responsible for sports and festivals, residents of all ages have benefited from Arthur’s contributions, he said.

“He has lived out the Rotary motto ‘service over self,’” Hughes said. “He is a living example of the Rotary Club.”

Up next was Vicki Murdoch, who has contributed countless volunteer hours over an 18-year period to Special Olympics. A coach, she shared a moment with Reid, who had also coached Special Olympics. Her son Gregory and his daughter Lauren, both successful athletes, were at the dinner clapping enthusiastically for their parents.

“We live and breathe and eat Special Olympics at our house,” Murdoch said. “Besides the physical benefits and friends and travel and all that, they love the hardware.”

Paralympic snowboarder John Leslie’s mother, Carol Anne, provided an update on the hardworking athlete. Everywhere he travels in the world, he wears his Arnprior pride for all to see, she said.

War Amps speaker James Jordan also shared insights on the contribution Rotary makes to his organization. A 50/50 draw — which Rotary matched — saw $750 go to War Amps that night.

Begun by veterans of the First World War, the non-profit runs the popular key tag return program. People with missing limbs across the country have benefited from prosthetics paid for by War Amps.