Week celebrates community helpers
TRURO — The Rotary Club of Truro has celebrated its 97th anniversary. For nearly a century, the club has volunteered, fundraised, and completed numerous community projects in Colchester County.
For one week in April, the club celebrated their efforts in strengthening the bonds of the community. This year, it began with a flag raising on April 24 outside of Truro Town Hall. In attendance were Truro Mayor Bill Mills and Colchester Mayor Christine Blair.
Although Rotary Week was a time to celebrate achievements, their work didn't stop there. On April 26, several Rotarians gathered at the Immaculate Church of Conception's Campbell Hall to help prepare meals for the Kane's Kitchen program, which seeks to serve hot meals to those in need on Wednesday afternoons.
The standout event of the week was the Rotary Club's Charter Luncheon on Monday, May 1, marking the end of Rotary Week with a ceremony to congratulate all Rotarians for their service.
Andrew Paris with the Black Rock Curling Initiative was a guest speaker for the event. A curler, coach, and sports administrator in Truro, he spoke about his work in inclusion and diversity in sports, and how the Rotary Club inspires him to give back to the community.
AWARDS
The luncheon was also an opportunity to award Rotarians and non-rotarians alike for their service to the community.
The first award winner was Lech Kryzwonos, a former Club president and the principal of the Nova Scotia Community College’s Truro Campus, who was named Rotarian of the Year.
“I have learned from so many of you,” said Kryzwonos in his speech. “Not only what can be done and accomplished, but how. That has been a true learning (experience) for me since I joined Rotary nine years ago.”
The second award, the True Rotarian Award, is often given to an individual who exemplifies all the values the Rotary Club holds dear. This year, it went to a couple — Ralph and Donna Hopkins.
“We certainly didn’t expect to be an award winner,” said Ralph. “Back in our working years – we worked late into our 70s before we retired – we really didn’t do a lot of things in the community. Once we moved out here in retirement, we thought it was way past due to do something for the community we live in.
“Donna kind of pushed me along there, and I’m glad she did.”
Next was the Avenues of Service Citation, given to Alana Hirtle for her “outstanding service” to both the Rotary Club and the wider Colchester community, including the Portapique Community Hall project.
“We don’t do this work for the accolades,” said Hirtle. “We do it because we care. The older I get, the more I realize the true gift of service is not what you receive, because being able to do something for other people is the most meaningful thing I think anyone can do.”
This was followed by the Youth Leadership Award which typically goes to nonmembers. This was given to curling coach Craig Burgess, who recently lead Truro’s Team Macisaac to gold at the Canada Winter Games in P.E.I.
“The hug that I got from each of those guys, who whispered in my ear to thank (me) for what I did. These were boys who are 16 and 18 and they’re not supposed to say that,” joked Burgess. “The hug that I got from Calan ... he just never let go. That is what it means to give back to those guys.”
The Community Service Award went to Joel and Mora Hunter, who cochaired the Steps on Arthur Foundation back in 2019. Mora has also coached in Special Olympics for over 20 years, and the couple hosts a Ukrainian family while their husband fights in the war.
In her speech, Mora offered a favourite quote of hers, while also encouraging people to volunteer with Steps on Arthur or the Special Olympics.
“I’m only one, but I am one. I can not do everything, but I can do something. Because I can not do everything, I can not refuse to do the something that I can do. That which I can do, I should do. That which I should do, by the grace of God, I will do.”
The Paul Harris Fellowship, given to Rotarians who donate $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation, was also awarded to Sharon Corcoran and Ester Bejarano (the latter received the award for a donation made in her name by previous president Kevin Quinlan).
To learn more about the Rotary Club of Truro, such as how to become a member,