Ray and Ruth Grose, of Alma, were recently presented with Ontario’s Trillium Long-Service Award for their significant and long-standing contribution to the Elora Grand Squares square dance club and to modern square dancing regionally.
The occasion was the Elora club’s 36th annual Christmas dinner and dance, which was attended by 200 square dancers from neighbouring clubs.
Ray and Ruth joined the Elora Grand Squares in 1979, and have served in most roles on the executive for 27 years.
The club’s Trillium award application, which was completed by club members who have known Ray and Ruth for decades, states, “The pair are tireless advocates in promoting the club and its fun and friendship, and are one of those rare couples with the strengths and talents to succeed at all the many tasks for which they volunteer.
“They have given quietly and freely of their time and talents. Their spirit of volunteerism is invaluable in building our community, whether with the Optimists, their church, for square dancing or many other groups.
“Ray grew up in Alma, while Ruth moved to Alma when the married in 1952. They purchased a farm just west of Alma, and raised beef cattle and chickens.
“Ray dabbled in welding, fixing and designing machinery. Within a few years, Ray the entrepreneur founded Grose Welding, which has grown into family-run Husky Farm Equipment. The story of the family company is woven into the story of community.
“Ray employed his design and manufacturing skills in building the world’s largest frying pan, which is in the Guinness Book of Records thanks to the number of pancakes cooked at the Maple Syrup Festival.
“Many local charities benefit from borrowing this giant frying pan for pancake breakfasts.
“Ray also manufactured a giant BBQ in which he cooks great quantities of roast beef or fowl for local groups. People line up every other month for the Alma Optimists’ roast beef dinner at the community hall …
“Ruth too has been generous with her volunteer time, including 39 years with UNICEF for which she organizes children and raises over $1,000 annually. Ruth enjoys working with youth, and has served as Sunday School teacher for 25 years, 4-H leader for 18 years, and CGIT for 4 years.
“Ruth has been active with the Women’s Institute for 35 years, and has served on local, regional and provincial executives … Congratulations, Ray and Ruth, and many, many thanks from square dancers and your community.”
