Dan Levy

Dan Levy speaks highly of his father Ross, giving him full credit for the sense of community he himself holds to so closely today. Dan describes his dad fondly and recalls the many contributions Ross made in the community, with Easter Seals and Rotary being at the forefront.

Dan followed in his father’s footsteps joining Rotary about six years ago. He is dedicated to carrying on his father’s passion and legacy, as Ross remained an active Rotarian right until he passed away two years ago.

In particular, Dan drove forward with a project that had already been started, to install a bus shelter in Cottam. Students would have a safer place to wait for the school bus and it would make a perfect pick-up and drop-off location for community sports events.

His father, and fellow Rotarian Paul Tremblay, drove to Wallaceburg and met with a representatives from Mountain Shelter Solutions, a company that installs solar-powered bus shelters. The men applied for grant money from the Rotary Foundation, and with the additional donations from the community, a bus shelter is now in place next to Ridgeview Park and enjoyed by all.

The bus shelter (left to right): Jason Clark, Jamie Heinrichs, Dan Levy, Paul Tremblay, Sharon Parish and Wayne Hyland

Dan was voted Cottam Club President for two years in a row and wouldn’t trade it for anything. He admits there was a very steep learning curve with protocols and traditions that are expected to be followed. It was “the busiest, most difficult and most fun I’ve ever had. You get to be that face, that person at the podium, presenting to groups of people and gaining recognition for your Club because of it.”

One of Dan’s fondest memories as President connects directly to his childhood. When he was a Scout, he was sponsored by Cottam Rotary. He recalls Mr. Wayne Hyland, who was Club Treasurer at the time, coming to speak with the Scouts about what Rotary represented.

At the end of the meeting, Dave Shuttleworth, who was Scout Troop Leader then, asked if there were any questions.

“What would someone have to do to join Rotary?” Dan asked.

The reply was one Dan will always remember. “If one day your father Ross leads you by the hand, you will join Rotary.”

Dan and his father Ross

Fast forward to adulthood. While President of the Cottam Rotary Club, Dan proudly signed the Charter as a sponsor for 2nd Cottam Scouting, which ensured that the program would receive training, support materials, and the direct professional service needed.

Dan does not consider himself to be a champion, but gives full credit to the Cottam Rotary Club. He has personally experienced many opportunities, met wonderful people, and worked with a variety of organizations.

Gosfield North Sportsmen Association is one example. The Rotary Club volunteers to help with the annual raffle in addition to cooking events. The Association, in turn, helps Rotary with their annual Christmas tree sale.

Christmas Tree Sale: Rotarians Kevin Kroeker (on the ladder), Wayne Hyland, Michael Olajos, Paul Tremblay, Dan Levy, and Gosfield North Sportsmen Association member Tom Ferguson.

As Dan says, “It comes down to helping one another.” Any and all proceeds always go back into the community.

A year ago, a 24-hour marathon was held, and area Rotary clubs volunteered at the Southwestern Ontario Gleaners in Leamington. Local growers donate produce which is then manufactured into dehydrated vegetable mix and fruit snacks to feed those who are hungry locally, nationally and internationally.

The team from Cottam won the competition, peeling, cutting and producing the most product.

The Gleaners event

The annual horse show is organized by Cottam Rotary. Tourists and local residents relished everything from steak BBQs, dances, a draft horse competition, baseball tournaments and a chili cookoff.

The Cottam parade is typically held in the third week in September which would include live entertainment, a growing vendor market, children’s games and pony rides — all free of charge.

The Club also awards annual bursaries to secondary school graduates from Kingsville District High School and, via a previous grant project through the Rotary Foundation, new musical instruments were purchased for the band at Gosfield North Public School.

Rotary parade float

With Jason Clark currently acting as Club President, they are re-evaluating after a difficult year. As with most service clubs, many events had to be changed or cancelled. Rotary is here to provide lasting tangible change across the globe, in our own communities and in ourselves. Even in the face of a pandemic, there are still projects that have gone ahead, and will move forward in future.

The Cottam Rotary Club has been in place for over 80 years, chartered on June 27th, 1940 and currently has both active and honorary members.  The Rotary organization connects members globally and also serves at a community level.

We have a dozen Clubs right here in Essex County, and each operates in its own way. Some are dedicated to global causes, others directly in their own communities. Some meet for lunches, others in the evenings.

Essex County’s own Jennifer Jones has now made history, becoming the first woman named as Rotary president-nominee.

Dan encourages each of us to seek out a community organization whose cause is something we feel passionate about. There are so many to choose from: Rotary, the Legion, Kinsmen, Lions, or the Optimist Club to begin with.

In the end, what matters most is service above self which Dan embodies, as he faithfully volunteers his time and talents to help others.

Photos provided by Dan Levy