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2009.01.02 – London Free Press, A5
Old year unforgettable, new year full of promise
By Meredith Clarke
Another year has gone by and it will never cease to amaze me how
time flies. My year was enlightened and more enjoyable because of so
many people in the community and countless organizations continuing
to work hard for the benefit of others.
When I began writing the column last January, I was given some great
advice and guidance from my predecessor Allison Graham (Elevate
Seminars & Strategic Development and author of Business Cards to
Business Relationships), who welcomed me with open arms into a
position she had called her own for several years. Beginning with
two columns a week, I've enjoyed every moment of writing this
column, fondly recalling my first big event at the Rogers Sports
Celebrity Dinner and Auction. That was just the beginning of
countless wonderful evenings and gatherings that have made 2008 what
it was.
London Health Science Centre's third annual Gold Ball was a
phenomenal evening of music and entertainment with breathtaking
performances from Michael Burgess and Louise Pitre.
The Chill Out evening at McKenzie Lake was a memorable party, with
the main floor law firm and tented rear lot transformed into a
frozen dream.
The Big Sisters Gala Evening at the Races had to be one of the best
parties of the year, with a room full of notable and memorable faces
all letting loose on the dance floor at the black-tie affair.
An invitation to the Harrison Pensa Oyster Party was high on
everyone's wish list again this year. More than 1,500 fresh oysters
were shucked for 700 guests.
Ray Bradley's Lexus of London Golf Classic was a great two-day
event, with the kickoff auction and party at Channer's. It was
studded with former hockey greats and many of London's finest in
support of prostate cancer research.
In support of the Slow Food movement, The Dam Dinner hosted by The
Only on King's Paul Harding and Jason Schubert was a night of
simple, elegant and totally enjoyable dining at the historic Arva
Flour Mill. Adding to many of the year's events was the gourmet
touch of George and Sally Anast of Culinary Catering as they
delighted guests with the art of food.
Day to day and event to event, you get to see some faces on a
regular basis and wonder if they ever get time to themselves rather
than giving their time to others.
Among some of the faces and personalities that seem to continually and
tirelessly have an impact on the community are Bob Siskind, Claude Pensa, Dan
Ross, Erin Rankin-Nash, Ed Holder, Wayne Dunn, Cyndi Vienneau-Cormier,
Denise Pelley, Jodi Simpson and Kadie Ward.
There are two particular couples in London that truly are
ambassadors of the city -- Helen and Andy Spriet and Angus and Jean
Mackenzie. I could have put their names in almost every column I
wrote as I rarely attended an event without seeing one of them.
Looking forward, 2009 is already bringing change to our home as my
husband and I eagerly await the arrival of our first baby, due in
early February. Thanks to all of you who have welcomed me into your
lives this year. I look forward to continue writing the People You
Know column in the spring.
Please feel free to keep in touch while I'm off.
All the best in 2009.
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