Mayor Shannon Dean, now a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow!
At today’s Council meeting, Mayor Dean was recognized by the Rotary Club of Chestermere with the Paul Harris Fellow Award, the highest honour for a non-Rotarian, celebrating his outstanding service and dedication to our community.
Bill Quinney explained to all those in the council chamber the significance of the Paul Harris Award and Mayor Shannon Dean's merit for this award. He explained that Rotary began in 1905, when Paul Harris invited a few friends to his office for lunch. As the organization grew, it established the Rotary Foundation. When a Rotarian donates $1,000 USD to the Foundation, they are recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow and receive a special pin. Over time, this recognition was expanded so that non-Rotarians could also receive the honor for a contribution of the same amount. For someone outside Rotary, this is the highest recognition the organization can offer.
Subsequently, Rotary Chestermere President Maury Quinney gave a heart felt address about Shannon's work in the community and his kindness to him and his family. Shannon Dean has long been a strong supporter of both the Rotary Club of Chestermere and the Quinney family. Firstly, Shannon refereed his daughter Tara’s hockey games—sending her to the penalty box more than once for some enthusiastic stick-checking in the corner. And yes, he’s still keeping the kids in line to this day. Secondly, as Camp Director at Camp Chestermere, he built a true partnership with Rotary. The camp hosted challenges for our annual Rotary Amazing Race, using both the grounds and the lake—and at least once serving as the final destination for the entire event. Camp Chestermere and Rotary Chestermere partnered on creating shared-use items for both the camp and Rotary. The club even moved its twice-monthly meetings to the camp for a time. And when several cabins needed upgrading, Rotary stepped in—funding the materials, providing volunteer labor (including plumbing and electrical!), and completely renovating the interior. Cabin 4A still proudly carries the Rotary emblem. Finally, Shannon has supporied Maury's family personally, including attending his wife Shannon’s Celebration of Life in July.