‘WOW! FACTOR’ COMPLETE WITH UNVEILING OF ROTARY ROCKS THE BARGE DONOR STONE

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — Like the ‘Last Spike’ that brought the country together, the “last rock” brought Gravenhurst together today for Rotary Rocks the Barge.

The unveiling of the donor stone this afternoon was the completion of a two-year club anniversary project for amphitheatre seating overlooking the iconic music venue at Gull Lake Rotary Park.

Mayor Heidi Lorenz, left, applauds after helping committee chair Dave Reid and president John Latour unveil the impressive donor stone today. Photos Mark Clairmont

And ironically — while no one was sitting — a small, but appreciative crowd of 100 or so provided a standing ovation.

Rotarian Norm Rippon, who died 14 months ago before its completion, was the catalyst for the change.

He wanted a “Wow! Factor” that shouted Rotary and its 85th anniversary.

And he got it with a beautiful two-metre almost square monument to Gravenhurst donors who made his dream come true.

After new seating for 1,000 was complete for early July, which his sons and daughters missed that opening, they made sure to make it for this festive occasion, which included a club celebration of life before the unveiling.

Shawn, Glen, Nadine and Mary Lou McCormick were moved by the community recognition for him that was cast prominently in the top right corner noting Rock the Barge was “inspired” by him.

The Rippon family were thrilled that their dad Norm’s dream of a “Wow! Factor” had come true and made sure to be there from Victoria, Calgary and the Soo.

But there were more than 100 names etched in the stone representing 10-fold more who made this day and park project happen.

The slice of granite is dominating the centre of the park is one that local historian Mary Storey agrees is an appropriate addition that shows how the community came together with the town and service club to support its public place.

Mayor Heidi Lorenz thanked the club, former Barge scheduler Fred Schulz acknowledged the community help he got booking shows. And club president John Latour thanked everyone while highlight the stone and seating as only part of what the club does along with education bursaries, mental health support, bingo and fall auction.

This is what community is all about — all agreed.

To prove it, the sun shone down on the ceremony after last night’s torrential rains, which similarly delayed the original seating opening in June.

Happy 85th Rotary.

A community affair. That was Rotary Rocks the Barge as supporters gathered to celebrate it.
A dog’s day for sure, the crowd of 100 or so turned out for another great day in Gravenhurst.
A standing ovation today with only a handful seated was the order of this big day.
After the unveiling there was a rush to see the names enshrined on the stone.
And everyone wanted a photo next to the monument.
Family snapshots were taken from all angles.
Donors big and small, like Rotarian Bob Jacobs, were happy to be photographed.
And of course there was celebratory cake, served up by Rotarian Bonnie Dart.
Rotary committee members Kathryn McGill, Richard Augustine, Pam McDivitt, chair Dave Reid, Barb McCabe and Ken Little were all big smiles.
The big picture. The big rock and a big day. Music to everyone’s ears.

EMAIL: [email protected]

30 years of TRUSTED ‘Local Online Journalism’

SINCE MAY 20, 1994

Twitter: @muskokatoday, Facebook: mclairmont1

SUBSCRIBE for $30 by e-transferring to [email protected]

Mail cheque to MuskokaTODAY.com Box 34 Gravenhurst, Ont. P1P 1T5

And include your email address to get stories sent to your inbox