On a warm July 21^st evening, Rotary Club of Welland Past-President Sandy Graham hosted a year-end social fellowship. Located at the Club’s 100^th Anniversary Legacy Project, the Rotary Club of Welland Park is on the west side of the Welland Recreational Waterway (former Welland Canal).

This was the first face-to-face meeting of Welland Rotary this year due to the COVID pandemic.

Sandy welcomed Welland Rotarians and family members and thanked them for allowing her to be President this past year. “It has truly  been an amazing year for growth and changes”. 2021-2022 President Vic Kerschl presented Sandy with a plaque recognizing her Presidential year, a Past President Pin and a bouquet of flowers.

Sandy presented several awards for service during the past Rotary Year. Rotarian Brad Wood received the ‘Service Award’ for being there, taking pictures at events and providing Gift Cards to Members, one of our fundraising initiatives. Rotarian Melissa Wells was presented with the ‘President’s Award’ for keeping our website updated and posting our media releases. She is also responsible, as a result of a contract with the District, to update many of the 7090 Club websites. She is currently updating websites for District 7070 Clubs. A ‘Special Award’ was received by long time Rotarian Ray Tisi for stepping up as Treasurer. “He has always stepped up to help at functions”. Rotarian Don Thorpe was the recipient of the ‘Rotarian of the Year Award’ for supporting the Club through Zoom, keeping the Club on track to achieve the Rotary Citation and Lighthouse Award and support of the TV Auction and the Online Garage Sale.

A ‘Volunteer Award’ was presented to Andrew Thorpe, who has volunteered on any project and event held by the Club over the past few years. “He is my unsung hero. I appreciate so much his kind and gentle manner”. And Fonthill Rotarian Annie Holtby was presented with a ‘Special Service Award’  for working behind the scenes taking pictures, entering items for the Annual MEGA Rotary TV Auction and other events in collaboration with Welland Rotary.

Those in attendance enjoyed the ability to meet socially, especially in this location.