Paul Harris Fellowships awarded to Gloria Yachyshen, Karen ‘Kippy’ Taylor, Marg Beattie, and Wes Corey
Four community volunteers and advocates were honoured with Paul Harris Fellowships by the Woodstock Rotary Club on Tuesday, Oct. 14. All epitomize the Rotary motto: Service Above Self.
A dinner and awards ceremony was held at the Best Western Plus Hotel & Conference Centre in Woodstock.
Fellowships were bestowed upon Karen ‘Kippy’ Taylor, Marg Beattie, Gloria Yachyshen, and Wes Corey. Previously, journalist Jim Dumville was honoured before he died in May of this year.
Wes Corey
In honouring Wes Corey, Rotarian Ashley Farrell noted the businessman’s long tenure as the go-to person when something needed to be done, especially when it came to fundraising.
“Born and raised in Nackawic, Wes attributes his passion for community service and charity to growing up in a family that always believed in helping others and giving back,” she told the crowd.
“It’s not about the money – it’s about the time,” Corey told her.
Through his charity golf tournaments, his dedication to Make-A-Wish, and his Families Helping Families initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, Corey estimates that he and his family, as well as former and current staff, have helped donate over $1.2 million to worthy causes.
Gloria Yachyshen
In recognition of Yachyshe’s community contributions, Rotarian Gary Beatty spoke of her work within the arts and her advocacy efforts throughout her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist.
“Gloria has 40 years of community and vocational service with an emphasis on mentoring and fostering development of youth, promoting music and other performing arts, and focusing on an array of health care issues (in her community),” said Beatty.
From Fun Stage, to Centennial School fundraisers, to Valley Young Company Summer Theatre, organizing WHS Thunder Valley Classic basketball tournaments, directing Woodstock Middle School drama events, organizing the Dooryard Arts Festival, working with local churches, during COVID-19, organizing Santa and Mrs. Claus ‘neighbourhood visits,’ and her storied work in healthcare.
“Gloria served on the executive of the NB Association of Speech Languages Pathologists and Audiologists for many years, editing their newsletter, organizing conferences, and serving on the executive, including being the provincial president for three years,” added Beatty.
Karen’ Kippy’ Taylor
Rotarian Gary Stewart, who is also the life-partner of Kippy Taylor, was emotional when he read his wife’s citation.
“She epitomizes the core values of Rotary,” he said. “She is first to put her hand up if something needs to get done.”
Taylor served on the UNB Faculty of Management Advisory Board, the Kings Landing Foundation, The Beaverbrook rt Gallery, the Andrew and Laura McCain Art Gallery, was an inaugural member of the New Brunswick Community College Board of Governors, was a former Chair of Service New Brunswick, was the first female president of the Boys and Girls Club of Canada, and served on the Atlantic Human Rights Commission.
“Her latest adventures include being a Girl Guide leader, and President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Carleton York.”
Taylor was recently awarded the Order of New Brunswick and has received a Town of Woodstock Citizens Award.
Marg Beattie
In honouring Marg Beattie, Gary Beatty needed a few extra pages for her citation.
Beattie, who never shares her age, has made major contributions to the greater community since she and her late husband, Don, moved to Woodstock in 1963.
“Marg has been a kindergarten teacher… taught music to children in the church, helped private kindergartens with their Christmas and closing ceremonies,” said Beatty.
“She was involved with the Woodstock Rec Council, President of the Woodstock Curling Club… was a director of the Victorian Christmas for about 10 to 12 years, and played for the Lions sing-a-longs.”
Beattie’s list of achievements include a past board member and past president of the N.B. Arts Council, President and member of the Woodstock Arts Council, Board of Directors of the L.P. Fisher Library for 20 years, executive member of the Carleton County Historical Society, committee member of the Carleton County Music Festival, which she helped reestablish, member and consultant at the Barker School of Performing Arts, member of the Rag Tag Dixieland Band, involved in startingthe children’s art series, ‘Fun Stage,’ helped establish the Carleton County Players, supporter of the Dooryard Arts Festival, and is a current member of the Woodstock Ukulele Group.
Rotarian Paul Flemming recognized
Rotarian Paul Flemming was also recognized at the awards event. For more than 60 years, Flemming has been serving the Rotary and the broader community.
In honouring Flemming, Rotary President Corey Clark noted his abundant energy and contributions to the local club.
