Rotary in Cornwall marks 75 years of service.

The Rotary Club of Cornwall held a gala on December 13 to mark its 75th anniversary, drawing current and former members alongside local leaders. The club pledged $75,000 for an outdoor gym at Alexander Park and reflected on decades of local projects and global efforts such as PolioPlus.

The Rotary Club of Cornwall celebrated its 75th anniversary with a gala on December 13 at the Cornwall Golf and Country Club. The date coincided with the club's 1950 charter. The evening combined speeches, a memorabilia display and live music. Attendees included Rotarians past and present, community partners and several local and regional officials. Highlights from the gala: - The event was held at the Cornwall Golf and Country Club and matched the club's charter date in 1950. - A display of historical memorabilia was on view, and the Heartstrings Ensemble provided live music, including performances by Rotary President Graham Sheppard and member Lucy McCartney. - The club announced a $75,000 pledge to install an outdoor gym at Alexander Park, and organisers said much of the equipment is already in place despite winter weather. - Club members recalled early projects such as buying a refrigerator for a hospital to store immunizations and noted the late 1980s decision to welcome women into the club. - Treasurer Dean Stanley and others highlighted Rotary International efforts, citing PolioPlus and the long-term reduction in polio cases as an example of global impact. - Dignitaries in attendance included Grand Chief Leonard Lazore, MPP Nolan Quinn, MP Eric Duncan, Mayor Justin Towndale, Senator Bernadette Clement, Rotary District 7040 Governor Graeme Fraser, and Area Assistant Governor Terry Brouillet. Summary: The gala underscored the club's lengthy role in local initiatives and its connection to wider Rotary campaigns. The $75,000 pledge for Alexander Park is presented as a legacy for future community use. Club leaders spoke about the importance of welcoming new generations of members and carrying the club's work forward. Details on specific next steps for membership outreach and project timelines were not announced.