Gerry Teahen:
 
In the late 60`s I was asked to join the Kinsmen Club; a very active young men`s club in
St. Marys. It was an opportunity for me to get to know more people and a chance to serve the community. I belonged to Kinsmen until 1976 when I went into municipal politics. I served in municipal politics for fifteen years, six years as a councillor and nine years as mayor.
 
In 1987 our daughter, Donna came home from school and expressed an interest in being an exchange student. The literature was informative and after much excitement she applied and was accepted.  She was in Finland for one year and it was a life changing event for her.  She had grown over the year into a beautiful young lady. It was amazing.
 
In 1992 when I retired from municipal life I was approached by my good friend Ray Bennett and he asked me to consider joining Rotary. Ray explained to me the workings of the club and the projects that Rotary had completed locally and world-wide.  After discussion with my wife Roberta and reflecting on the unique experience Donna had in Finland as an exchange student, I joined Rotary.  I have been a member of Rotary for 22 years. In that time I have served on a number of committees and twice as President 1996 -1997 and 2011 – 2012. 
 
Why I stay?
 
  • Work with great people
  • An opportunity to improve our community
  • The exchange program is amazing
  • An opportunity to meet great people from other clubs
  • Worthwhile projects that provide an opportunity for hands on work for the community.
 
My ‘aha’ moment:
My first of many aha moments was in 2005 when our club took on the project of constructing a Rotary Reading Garden at the library. The project marked the                               
 
  • 100th Anniversary of the St Marys Carnegie Public Library 1905 – 2005
  • 100th Anniversary of Rotary International 1905 -2005 
  • 80th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of St Marys
 
I had the privilege to chair the project for the club. Through the efforts and generosity of the community: Rotary club members provided labour for the project, donations came from individuals and several business, the selling of benches, and a donation of $5,000 from the District 6330 which enabled the club to raise the complete cost of the project which was $64,000.  On May 1, 2005 we turned the garden over to the Library.   
 
Gerry Teahen