Lewiston/Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club marks 75 years of service

Celebration dinner held at Water Street Landing

The Lewiston/Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club celebrated 75 years of service to the community with a dinner on April 17 at Water Street Landing.

Club President Leslie Scibilia welcomed more than 40 representatives of community organizations, members, and past members from both sides of the border who have been positively impacted by club efforts. In attendance were representatives of several organizations who have recently received support from the club, including the Terry Fox Run in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the maternity department at Mount St. Mary's Hospital, the Heart, Love & Soul Food Pantry and Dining Room in Niagara Falls, and the Historical Society of Lewiston, among others.

Guests included the Niagara-on-the-Lake Lord Mayor David Eke.

In addition to spotlighting its works done in the local communities and around the world, Rotary Club Secretary Dr. Thomas Gerbasi presented the prestigious Paul Harris Service Award to Club Service Director Ronald Danielewicz of Youngstown. The award is named in honor of the founder of Rotary International and is presented to individuals for outstanding service to their club and community.

Rotary's main objective is service - in the community, in the workplace, and around the globe. There are 1.2 million Rotarians who make up more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in nearly every country in the world and share a dedication to the ideal of "Service Above Self."

In the local community, the Rotary Club has assisted the libraries and historical societies in both Lewiston and Niagara-on-the-Lake; has provided defibrillators and other necessary equipment for the Lewiston Police Department; and offered support for the coffee cart for patients, staff and family members at Mount St. Mary's while also providing funds for a new transport crib for newborns at the hospital's Center for Women. In addition, the Rotary Club continues the fight against cancer by supporting the Terry Fox Run in Canada and the Relay For Life in the U.S.

A large number of international events are also supported by the organization, including young professional exchanges in India and the Netherlands, and an annual medical mission by local health care providers to Chiapas, Mexico.

The LNOTL Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Water Street Landing in Lewiston. For additional information on the group, contact Ron at 716-870-1307. Community members are always welcome to visit the LNOTL Rotary Club.