Category Archives: Rotary

RibFest triumphs despite wild weather

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  • The younger kids got a chance to do a rescue obstacle course with the fire department, saving both an infant and an adult at the RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Crowds were eager to try offerings from four great ribbers at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Two pirates greeted Town Crier Brian Mabee (right) on their ship, just part of the kid zone entertainment at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Mike Myers was only one of the musicians performing at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Ladies of all ages got up to dance to the free music at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Local resident Peggy Haggerty thoroughly enjoyed the ribs at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • LorrJen Berry (left) joined Eileen and Glenna Wilberforce as they enjoyed RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque.a ine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Rotary President Bern Hudson spoke on behalf of the Rotary at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. The extremely popular annual event is brought to town by the Rotary and Lions Clubs of Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Lions RibFest organizer Doug Charbonneau spoke on behalf of the Lions Club at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. The extremely popular annual event is brought to town by the Rotary and Lions Clubs of Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • The dignitaries came out to support RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. L-r, Town Crier Brian Mabee, Gananoque Mayor John Beddows, MPP Steve Clark Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, and Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatcke. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Six brave duckie wranglers selected the winning entrants from the duckie drop RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Front l-r, Arlo, Mia, Claire, Avery, Ava and Colin, rear Town Crier Brian Mabee. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Kouri’s Kopters dropped the duckies into the “pond” at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Avery selecting the first winning duckie RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Members of the Gananoque Skating Club picked up the leftover duckies at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. The small plastic toys will be used again next year. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Town Crier Brian Mabee helped the Lions Club distribute Canada Day cupcakes at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network
  • Ready to repel all boarders, young pirates joined in on the fun at RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre in Gananoque. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network

(Gananoque, ON July 1, 2024) The Gananoque Rotary and Lions Clubs teamed up once again for a successful RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre. The four-day event included entertainment for all ages, vendors, and of course, the ribs. The four ribbers were Jack the Ribber, Route 55 BBQ, Silver Bullet BBQ, and Smoke House Bandits, and other food vendors were also available on-site.

“The smallest community to host Ribfest in Canada welcomes over 19,000 visitors every year,” says the website at www.1000islandsfamilyribfest.ca/ . “The Rotary & Lions Clubs of Gananoque give 100 percent of proceeds back to the community. They support charities, families and students and lead projects that positively change Gananoque and the 1000 Islands area. 1000 Islands Family Ribfest is a safe and clean event that everyone can enjoy.”

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Smooth Sailing as Rotary Club of Gananoque Makes Donation to Camp Merrywood

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Written August 4, 2017

(Perth ON)

There is a lot of joyful noise rising out of Camp Merrywood, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.  An Easter Seals camp located near Perth, it takes 72 very special campers per ten day session, and always finds itself filled to capacity with bright, eager participants.  While about 95 percent of campers come from Ontario, many also come from Newfoundland, and the occasional international camper joins the group.  While the campers may have conditions like spina bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or a host of other daunting physical conditions, during their time at Merrywood they are simply kids out to have a great time in a wonderful environment. Continue reading →

Gananoque Rotary Club Assisting Nepal Earthquake Victims

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by Lorraine Payette, written May 2, 2015

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All photos copyrighted to Shree Krishna Dhital and associate

(Gananoque, ON) The disaster in Nepal has left the world reeling in its wake. A tiny nation of only 147,181 square kilometers, it was ravaged by a giant earthquake of 7.8 magnitude on the Richter scale at 11:56 NST on 25 April, killing more than 6,500 and leaving more than 14,000 injured with thousands still missing. – to read more>

“Stan Rogers – A Matter of Heart” Coming to Rib Fest

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Canada Day celebrations - Gananoque - July 1, 2010 006croparesizecopyright

by Lorraine Payette, written June 23, 2014

(Gananoque, ON) Stan fans, get ready for a chance to sing along to your favourites as the D-Tones and guests bring “Stan Rogers – A Matter of Heart” to the festival from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. on June 30. Admission is free, and the music exhilarating.

“Just after (Rogers) died in an airplane fire, Vince Metcalfe and I got hooked on the idea of (a tribute to him), taking his work to a wider audience in a theatre setting,” said Diane Stapley. – to read more>

Gananoque Rotary Club Announces Paul Harris Awards

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On June 11, the Gananoque Rotary Club handed out its latest Paul Harris Fellowship Awards at their final meeting of the year. L-r, Recipients Carolyn Knight, Don Matthews, Susan Tulk and Brenda Asselin.
New member Jeff Moran gets welcomed into Rotary by Don Matthews and outgoing President, Emily Bell
Paul Harris Award winner Don Matthews gets his pin from outgoing President, Emily Bell
Outgoing President Emily Bell shows off two Interact members of whom she’s very proud, Patricia Warren and Bell’s grand daughter.

written by Lorraine Payette, June 11, 2013

(GANANOQUE, ONTARIO) The Gananoque Rotary Club squeezed its way into its end of season meeting at Emily Bell’s home as members prepared to get ready for summer activities. But the highlight of the event was the presentation of four Paul Harris Awards. – to read more>

A Taste of Japan Helps Student Finance Exchange Program

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A strong team of volunteers helped Elizabeth Walker with “A Taste of Japan” on May 22, a fundraising dinner to help her get the money necessary to finance her upcoming trip to Japan as a Rotary Interact exchange student. L-r, Neda Amini, Elizabeth Walker, Stephanie Docs and Emily Sharpe.
The first course always prepares your mouth for everything else. Stephanie Docs serves namba maki at “A Taste of Japan” on May 22.
Everything is organized and excited behind the scenes as the entire crew works together to make the evening a success at “A Taste of Japan”.
Delighted guests in Gananoque got a chance to experience Japanese cuisine in an authentic setting as Elizabeth Walker presented “A Taste of Japan” on May 22, a fundraising dinner to help her get the money necessary to finance her upcoming trip to Japan as a Rotary Interact exchange student.
by Lorraine Payette, written on May 22, 2103

(GANANOQUE, ONTARIO) Imagine waking up in a culture and country radically different from your own. The language is different, the food is different, all of the customs are different. Even the people look nothing like you. They are all very friendly and polite, but everything is new and not like anything you’ve been accustomed to. – to read more>