JASON SETNYK
The Rotary Club of Cornwall recognized four community leaders during its annual Paul Harris Fellowship Dinner celebrating decades of volunteerism, leadership, and humanitarian service in Cornwall and SDG.
This year’s Paul Harris Fellow recipients were Wes Libbey, Marvin Plumadore, Jim Brownell, and Yves Soumillon. The honour, named after Rotary founder Paul Harris, is considered one of Rotary’s highest forms of recognition and acknowledges individuals who embody Rotary’s “Service Above Self” philosophy through contributions to their communities.
The evening included dinner, presentations, and remarks highlighting the accomplishments and volunteer work of each recipient.
Beverly Taylor, Chair of the Paul Harris Fellowship Dinner Committee, said the event is an opportunity to recognize people whose work often happens quietly behind the scenes.
“It’s just nice to get involved with the community and to honour some people in our community who aren’t supposed to know that they’re getting this award,” said Taylor with a smile. “It’ll be a surprise for them for what they have done to help out and contribute to our city.”
Taylor explained that the Paul Harris recognition has international significance within Rotary.
“He was the one that started everything in Chicago in the early 1900s,” she said of Paul Harris. “It just sort of grew from a group of people who wanted to do some good things in Chicago, and now it’s a worldwide organization.”
She also noted that a donation of $1,000 USD is made to the Rotary Foundation in connection with the recognition, supporting humanitarian projects locally and around the world.
“That money is used to do all kinds of projects around the world and in our district,” Taylor said. “It’s put to good use.”
One of the evening’s recipients, Wes Libbey, was recognized for more than five decades of leadership in education, governance, health care, and volunteerism. A charter member of St. Lawrence College in 1967, Libbey helped build programs across the Cornwall and Kingston campuses and later served as Dean of Engineering and Trades at the Cornwall campus. He was also a school board trustee.
Beyond education, Libbey chaired the Ontario Association of Community Care Access Centres and held leadership roles with organizations including the SD&G Historical Society (and town crier), Kinsmen Club of Cornwall, Meals on Wheels, and the Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation. He also served as Elections Clerk for Elections Ontario and Assistant Returning Officer for Elections Canada between 2003 and 2022.
Marvin Plumadore was honoured for his long-standing dedication to veterans and community organizations. Known through his work with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 297, Plumadore has served with the Service Club Council, Children’s Christmas Fund, Optimist Clubs, blood donor clinics, and initiatives supporting veterans, including a tiny homes project.
During the presentation, organizers also praised Plumadore’s willingness to support local causes and his reputation for making “the best fish and chips in Cornwall.”
Former MPP Jim Brownell received a Paul Harris Fellowship for his lifelong efforts preserving local history and promoting heritage throughout Eastern Ontario. Brownell helped found the Lost Villages Historical Society in the 1970s and has served as a longtime president, archivist, and advocate for regional history.
The presentation highlighted his role in preserving Upper Canada Village, promoting remembrance ceremonies, supporting reenactments tied to the War of 1812, and advancing recognition for British Home Children through a successful private member’s bill in 2011 as MPP.
Brownell was also recognized for serving as Honourary Lieutenant Colonel and Honourary Colonel of the SDG Highlanders and for his continued involvement with historical and heritage organizations throughout the region.
Yves Soumillon was saluted for volunteer work both within Rotary and throughout the broader community. Organizers highlighted his involvement with Rotary fundraising initiatives, Meals on Wheels, Victim’s Services of SD&G and Akwesasne, church youth programs, and community outreach activities.
The presentation described Soumillon as someone whose volunteerism often happens quietly in the background but whose dedication and reliability make a lasting impact.
Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on Rotary’s Four-Way Test and the organization’s long-standing motto, “Service Above Self,” while recognizing the impact each recipient has had on Cornwall and area through decades of service and leadership.
L’article Four Paul Harris Fellows recognized by Cornwall Rotary Club est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
