Dave Fleming Volunteer Spirit Award
Initiated in 1999 by the OTLBC Board and Tennis Executive and named after Dave Fleming as a way of honouring his long standing volunteer contributions to the Club, this award is presented biennially (every two years) to an individual OTLBC member who embodies the spirit of volunteerism being cultivated at the club. Nominated by their fellow members, and selected by a panel of reviewers (including Dave Fleming, a past award recipient, the club manager and representatives from the Board and Tennis Executive) the award recognizes the significant and long-term contributions of an individual who consistently demonstrates enthusiastic support for the Club through their volunteer efforts and shows respect for the Club’s members, its traditions and values.
Call for Nominations
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 award recipient. Nomination forms are available online and at the front desk of the Club. The nomination period closes on September 18, 2009 and the announcement of recipient will take place at the closing dinner party on September 26th, 2009.
Nominations can be submitted electronically to ottawatc@magma.ca or in person to the front desk staff.
Criteria
- Attitude: Treats members and staff equally and with respect, willingly volunteers for a range of activities, is responsive and enthusiastic, shows a genuine desire to make the Club members’ experience enjoyable, supports and respects the Club’s traditions and values.
- Long-term Commitment: Has contributed service and support to Club activities and initiatives consistently over a minimum of 3-5 years.
- Impact: Provides ‘value-added’ support to the Club, goes beyond expected responsibilities, contributes to a range of activities, helps out where needed and demonstrates initiative.
Past Recipients
Don Shropshire (2007) - Don was recognized for his significant contributions to the Tennis Executive in 1998 and 1999 and his service on the OTLBC Board from 2000-2008. During his tenure as President and Past President of the Board, he led a strategic planning initiative to assist the club in determining the best avenue for achieving the long-term sustainability of the club.
David Rhynas (2005) - David served on both the Tennis Executive (Secretary in 1998, 1999, President in 2001, Past President in 2002) and the Board of Directors (President in 2006, 2007, Past President in 2008). His accomplishments as President include the reconstruction of courts 5 through 12, helping organize the Club’s 125th anniversary celebrations, and enhancing the tennis dress code to include coloured attire. David also demonstrated a huge commitment to junior development by bringing the U14 Canadian Nationals to the OTLBC for three years (2002-2004), acting as Tournament Chair in 2002 and Co-Chair in 2004.
Nick Coomber (2003) - Our resident gardener, Nick has been tending the OTLBC gardens for more years than is polite to mention. His commitment to ensuring a lovely floral and perennial gardens surrounding the courts and at the outside entrance – remain evident for all to see. He served on the Tennis Executive in various roles from 1978 to 1981, was Chair of the Centennial Committee in 1981, President of the Tennis Executive in 1982 and President of the Board from 1999 to 2001.
Laval Fournier (2001) - Laval received the Award in recognition of his tremendous contribution to new members by initiating and running the new member round robins – a critical playing activity to integrate new members at the club. These round robins remain an important activity at the club today even though Laval has handed the reigns over to others.
Karen Baker (1999) - Karen’s role as enthusiastic and creative party planner during her many years as Social Chair were the inspiration for recognizing her with this Award. She has served in various capacities on the Board and Tennis Executive for some ten years and also planned the successful celebrations of the Club’s 125th anniversary.