The Rotary Club of Fonthill recently celebrated an extraordinary milestone as they honoured Gail Levay with the prestigious Paula Harris Fellow recognition and an Honourary Lifetime Membership upon her retirement from the club. For the past 33 years, Levay has embodied the Rotary motto “Service Above Self,” dedicating herself tirelessly to the club and the wider community.

Gail Levay stands as a foundational pillar of the Rotary Club of Fonthill. As one of the original charter members, she has seen the organization grow from its inception. Among the 25 founding members who sowed the seeds of the Fonthill Rotary Club, Levay remains the only active founding member, earning her a reputation as the club’s “archivist” and “go-to person.”

Levay’s consistent presence and extensive knowledge of the club’s structure and mandates have been invaluable throughout the years. Her dedication to maintaining the club’s history is evident in the 18 meticulously compiled scrapbooks that span 33 years. These scrapbooks contain photos, news articles, brochures, documents, and other significant pieces of the club’s lore, preserving its rich heritage.

The Rotary Club of Fonthill was officially chartered on September 21, 1991, under the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Welland. It took six months to gather the initial 25 members, but under the leadership of Charter President Gayle Baltjes, the club quickly became a vital part of the community. Today, the club continues to thrive with 25 active members, and Gail Levay remains a cherished part of its legacy.

The Paul Harris Dinner, an annual event dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the humanitarian contributions of the Pelham community, was held on June 5th at the Meridian Community Centre. This year, members gathered to honour Gail Levay’s remarkable contributions, with her presentation serving as the culmination of the evening. The Paul Harris Fellow Awards, bestowed during this event, are among the highest honours Rotary can give. Recipients of this prestigious award are recognized for their outstanding contributions and exemplify the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self.”

In addition to honouring Gail Levay, the evening also celebrated several other community individuals for their exemplary contributions. Mike Chechalk, Len Stolk, Janet Cripps, and John Ruscitti were each awarded the Paul Harris Fellow – Service Above Self Award, acknowledging their dedication and service to the community. These awards highlight the significant impact that these individuals have made, reinforcing the spirit of service that defines the Pelham community.

Levay is often described as a behind-the-scenes Rotarian. Though she never sought the spotlight or executive positions, her impact was profound. She faithfully attended weekly meetings, greeting members and guests with warmth, recording attendance, and ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Her creative touch is evident in the well-preserved scrapbooks and the care she put into maintaining the club’s miniature Temperanceville buildings in Peace Park.

Beyond these tasks, Levay was never shy about voicing her opinions during meetings or correcting any inaccuracies regarding the club’s history. Her authority extended humorously to the much-anticipated weekly 50-50 draw, where her handling of the cards became a cherished ritual among members.

Levay’s commitment to making others feel welcome and valued is perhaps her most enduring legacy. She took a genuine interest in her fellow Rotarians’ lives, always asking about their families and well-being. Her affectionate nature left a lasting impression, making everyone feel special.

As the Rotary Club of Fonthill honoured Gail Levay, they reflected on the profound impact she has had on their lives and the community. Her contributions to Rotary and her dedication to service have left an indelible mark. Levay’s presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire and guide the club for years to come.