Rotarians and guests alike gathered for the dedication of the gazebo and gardens to Rochester Rotary Gateway Park. In the words of our devoted Rotarian, Bill Ebinger whom was the driving force in bringing our park to life, the meaning of life is to love and be loved. Rotary Gateway Park has honored that meaning by providing the space for weddings, engagements, photos and so many more ways the community gathers to celebrate.
Dr. Stafford Rorke came forward to tell us of his idea to honor his wife with a bench in our park. An idea that grew to so much more to match the legacy she left on the hearts of all she encountered. Dr. Rorke and his late wife Ruth spent their 45 years of marriage traveling the world, leaving a piece of their light in each placed they visited. They raised a beautiful family who were present to honor her memory following her battle with cancer. The gazebo stands in the park as a tribute to a treasured mother, a remarkable, gentle, compassionate, loving, and strong soul. Ruth was a lover of animals, nature, and all people. Bill and Stafford's vision in this gazebo allow her to continue to support the things she loved. Her daughter honored her memory with a poem entitled, "A Mother of Wisdom."
Jan Drobnich introduced Mary Ann Reidinger, a Sparty, who has dedicated her life to the help of others. Mary Ann was here to dedicate the gardens to her late husband Alan. They met when Mary Ann had two sons. After watching Alan and his mother together, her son Phillip asked Alan when he was going to marry his mom and the rest was history. Mary Ann and Alan were a force together. Mary Ann helped set up the community foundation, was instrumental in starting the women's fund, and was highly active in the Rochester Rotary Scholarship Program. Mary Ann still keeps in touch with the recipients of the the program, taking them to lunch and encouraging their futures. Al was knowledgeable about everything. He was a great supporter of the Rotary club never missing a year to deliver poinsettias. He was patient, giving and always kept a smile on his face. Mary Ann continues their legacy.
The Gazebo and Gardens are a sacred space for family, friends, Rotarians, and the community to honor their stories and memories and continue to make new ones.
We were treated to the captivating voice of with Mark Tisdel and his renditions of Country Road and What a Wonderful World.
Ernie Schaefer came forward to present the prestigious Paul Harris Award to Dr. Rorke, Mary Ann Reidinger, and Jane Quigley.
We thank all those that made this dedication happen from our major donors, our set up crew, Nino for our delicious lunch and sound, Paula for her unmatched musical stylings, Juliane Morian for the use of the library's chairs and podium, Mo Sayed for our signage, and Jane Quigley for her superb upkeep of the park.
President David concluded our dedication with a beautiful benediction
If you are interested in viewing today's presentation, and the entire meeting, please click the following link:
https://youtu.be/bYNJFR6oSMk
Thanks everyone, have a great week.