Directors: Kees Boeters, Ron Bolohan, Brian Pasmore and Bob Wilson
Meeting Date: 2021-12-06
Jim Brown receives Rotary International Paul Harris Award
Written by Rotarian Paul Brown
On December 6th, the Ridgetown Rotary Club held their annual Christmas party at the Anglican Church Hall, attended by Rotarians, their spouses, and guests.
After a wonderful turkey and ham supper prepared by the ACW with desserts from Pinnell’s Pastries, Reinout von Martels introduced our guest, Jim Brown, who was receiving the Rotary International Paul Harris Award.
The Rotary Foundation is a registered charity that supports the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational and cultural exchange programs.
It is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share the vision of a better world.
The Foundation supports Polio Plus and other humanitarian projects, such as educational opportunities, food for the poor, potable water in a village in Africa or India, health care, shelter, schools, and books for thousands of children. It can buy cows to supply milk to an entire village or supply sewing machines to widows so they may become self-sufficient.
The Paul Harris Fellowship Award is one of the highest honors Rotary can bestow upon a person. Recipients are Rotarians and community professionals, in recognition of their outstanding contributions, exemplifying the highest ideal in Rotary in placing “SERVICE ABOVE SELF.” This honor accompanies a donation of $1,000 or more, in the recipient’s name, to Rotary International’s “Annual Program Fund,” which supports Rotary’s worldwide programs.
In introducing Jim, Reinout said that Jim had set an example for many by his contributions to our community. His personal involvement makes our community a better place in which to live. The Rotary Club of Ridgetown recognizes these efforts and has made a contribution of $1000 to the Rotary Foundation in Jim’s name.
Reinout continued, stating that our community thanks Jim for starting up the “Independent” newspaper after the “Ridgetown Dominion” was sold and the new owners struggled to keep the newspaper going. He saw the need to service the area, and without much training, office space or equipment started to publish The Independent.
We are also recognizing Jim for his representation on Town Council and Ward 3 of Municipal Council, his membership on the RDHS Hall of Excellence Committee, the T.R.E.E.S. Committee, The Greenwood Cemetery Board, and East Kent Celebrate Committee. Whenever asked, he would help in such events as the Highgate fair, Tree lighting at Christmas, The Fair Board, and the Vintage tractor show.
Reinout said to Jim as he presented the award: “Jim, the symbolism in this award is to say Thank You for making a difference in our community and in the lives of the less fortunate people in the world. By accepting this pin you will join a family of well over 950,000 Paul Harris Fellows worldwide. Besides the members of this club, you stand with notables such as Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela, Prince Charles, Indira Gandhi, Luciano Pavarotti, and Pope John Paul II. And more recently, Dr. Bonny Henry, BC’s Provincial Health Officer. Jim Brown, on behalf of the Rotary Club of Ridgetown, I am honored to present you with this Paul Harris pin and certificate.”
In accepting the award, Jim said that it was a bit humbling. Over the years, he has seen and read about those that have been honored with this award—many great people for many great things. When Jeff Geddes stopped by the office to invite him to this evening, he was kind of shocked. As he said: “Had they lowered the standards that low that I would qualify? However, I am certainly honored.” He also expressed thanks to his family for all he missed at home and the nights away at meetings. Of course, when things slowed down a bit after the council, my wife asked one evening, “didn’t he have a meeting somewhere?”
Jim also thanked the staff at the Independent for all of the hard work and support. They are what has kept the Independent running all these years.
Jim mentioned that he had some mentors along the way, many of whom were Rotarians. Looking back, these include Murray Scoyne, who was present with his wife Doris and who was the publisher of The Dominion, the paper before The Independent. He also talked about many other Rotarians, including George Mickle (work and politics), Glenn Stephens (business), Don Hill (kind of a Heinz 57 of everything), Graham King, Carl Watson, George Jackson (“I was his official pipe finder”), Russ McMillan, John Faas, Martin Brown, Bill McBrien, Gabe Koldyk, and Ben Van Heeswijk. These last two, I recall the fun times watching AKA (Mad Butcher and BBB the Terrible) mud wrestling Sassy Sally at the Ridgetown fair.
Jim asked what could possibly make him worthy of Rotary’s attention?
“You are familiar with the saying that it takes a village to raise a child. Well, this child was raised and guided by the great things that Rotary touched in some way,” said Jim. “The Scout Hut (Rotary Youth Centre), the Arena and a Zamboni, Watson Park pavilion, Easter events, the Library, the Museum, Schools, Medical Center, and a long list. These things do not go unnoticed and create an urge to also contribute to your community where possible.”
When Jim had finished speaking, several Rotarians and a guest also told of the wonderful things Jim has done for Ridgetown, such as keeping the Greenwood Cemetery well-groomed, often single-handedly. He was, of course, given a standing ovation from all those present at the dinner.
Jim Brown was very much worthy of receiving the Paul Harris Award, so when you see him downtown or at the Independent office, congratulate him and urge him to continue all of the good work he does in and around Ridgetown.
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