December 17, 2025: The Rotary Club of West Ottawa gathered yesterday at St. Elias for our annual Holiday Lunch, a celebration that blended music, reflection, laughter, and global fellowship.
President Ginette Thomas opened our event by welcoming members and inviting Doug Patriquin to lead O Canada, followed by an invocation set to While Shepherds Watched. Members then enjoyed a delicious lunch before the musical program began.
Rod Holmes introduced the Christmas music program, which he has been organizing for an extraordinary forty years. His leadership and commitment were met with deep appreciation from the club. He was also met with a surprise birthday cake and a round of Happy Birthday: Rod turned 95 this week!
The program featured accompaniment by Rod, Patricia Talbot, and Doug Patriquin, with voices provided by the RCWO Choir of All Members and a wonderful mix of solos and small-group performances. Musical highlights included:
Deck the Halls and The Christmas Song, led by Ron Baker
We Three Kings, performed by a trio of Clive Talbot, Doug Patriquin, and Hugh Williams
Angels We Have Heard on High, led by Jean Bégin
Stille Nacht / Silent Night, led by Gaye Moffett and Don Butler, in English and auf Deutsch
Winter Wonderland, led by Erin Ueffing
A Child’s Carol, written by Donald Patriquin and sung by Doug Patriquin
Jingle Bells, led by Christine Mikouiza, in English and en français
Frosty the Snowman, led by Sandy Ueffing
White Christmas, led by Clive Talbot
Let There Be Peace on Earth, sung by Hugh Williams
O Come, All Ye Faithful, led by Doug Patriquin
We Wish You a Merry Christmas, with Doug leading the full room in song
Gaye, Don, and Christine brought a joyful multilingual touch, while Hugh entertained the room with his guitar and his rendition of Let There Be Peace on Earth, reinforcing themes of unity and hope. Throughout the program were stories shared by Rocco Disipio, Bob Harrison, Ginette Thomas, and Erin Ueffing, along with holiday poetry from Marcia Armstrong and Ginette Thomas, adding reflection, humour, and warmth to the celebration.
A particularly moving moment came when Rod introduced a special video of beloved Club member Garth Hampson singing O Holy Night, followed by remarks from a fellow Rotarian joining us virtually from Kyiv. Speaking from a war zone, he shared the challenges facing his club and community, while expressing heartfelt gratitude for the friendship and support of RCWO. His presence underscored Rotary’s global connections and our shared commitment to peace and service.
Mike Traub, RCWO Foundation Chair, read a heartfelt thank you letter from a neighbour of the Kersleys with a generous donation enclosed to the RCWO Foundation in memory of John Kersley.
Sincere thanks go to the Holiday Lunch Organizing Committee, including Jean Bégin and Jean Holbert-Leighton, whose care and attention to detail helped make the event both seamless and memorable. President Ginette Thomas closed the meeting with appreciation for all who contributed to a meaningful celebration of the season, fellowship, and Rotary spirit.