The Ladysmith Rotary Club’s meeting on Feb. 19 was a night of celebration.
In one night, one member received an international award, two members were recognized for bringing new people to the club, and right after the formal meeting, the club held a new event for Ladysmith, bringing the community together to release 110 Chinese Lanterns at Transfer Beach and raise more than $550 to rebuild the Transfer Beach Playground.
At the meeting, District Governor Michael Procter presented a Rotary International Vocational Service Award to Michael Furlot for promoting the advancement of vocational service and Rotary’s commitment to the highest ethical standards in business and professionals.
Furlot is the club’s secretary
Furlot’s name was put forward for the award by Ladysmith Rotary Club president Cheryl Leukefeld.
Furlot has been a Rotarian for 25 years and has been on the executive for 21 years, she explained to the packed meeting.
“He’s involved in everything in town; I don’t know where he has the time to do that and run a business,” she said. “Michael very rarely gets acknowledged, and it was long-overdue.”
During the meeting, Leukefeld also presented new Rotary Sponsor pins to Frank Elsom and Nita Grant for sponsoring a new member to the club.
With the meeting taking place during Heritage Week B.C., Ladysmith Museum curator Bernardien Knol was the guest speaker.
“The thing about history is it repeats itself, we can learn from it, and it shapes who we are now,” she said. “And it brings in tourists. People love a town that has some history and charm.”