Dear Editor:
Once again our town of Summerland rose to the occasion and through the hard work, generosity and determination of many people, organizations and businesses, we hosted the 12th annual Rotary Reduced Good Will Shakespeare Festival.
I would like to thank Vickie Ohmenzetter, our president, for the encouragement to carry on, the Rotarians who served hundreds of hot dogs to our delegates, Diane Huva of Bongarde Media for the shirts, the Summerland Waterfront Resort Hotel for hosting workshop leaders and Herlinda Mills from the Credit Union who paid for the workshop leaders.
Thanks also to the United Church, Julia Sardinha of the Harold Simpson Youth Centre and Dale MacDonald at the Rec Centre for helping with facilities.
I would also like to applaud Richa Thorpe of SMS for her work and inspiration. Whenever there was a difficulty she would say “no problem” and solve the myriad glitches of busing, timetables and lunches. Over 80 students from District 67 Middle Schools took part.
The high school day was possible through the continued support of Donna Moroz from SSS, John Van Dyk from Kelowna Christian, Bill Laven from Pen High, Sandra Richardson and Lori Grant from Maggie, and the student committee of Alexis Okabe, Jordon Reimer and Tia Mueller. Sixty-five students took part in the high school day.
The final day took place in Vernon and was organized by Lana O’Brian of Seaton School. Five schools with 103 kids took part.
Over half of our usual numbers got to experience a little taste of the Rotary Good Will Festival. Thanks to all who worked so diligently to keep the festival alive.
Linda Beaven
Coordinator
Summerland