December 31, 2025

Hi folks!

Earlier this month, our beloved long-time OSRS Coordinator Kathleen celebrated her 80th Birthday with a surprise Birthday/Retirement Party (80/30 = 80 years young, and 30 years helping OSRS).

Good job, everybody, for being able to keep it a secret from her!  She was genuinely stunned when she arrived at the Parksville Legion:

 

 

It was a potluck, and there was no shortage of food:

 

Mike MC’d the event (Thanks!):

 

With MANY Guest speakers and Gift givers: 

• MJ spoke on behalf of Past Presidents Ron Fitzpatrick and Cathy Eades, as well as herself.
• OSRS President Christine gave a lovely speech.
• Councillor Mary Biel spoke on behalf of herself and the Parksville Mayor.
• Karen S Shared a beautiful message with a stunning plot twist!
• Suzanne R gifted a corsage, shared a few words and a funny story with Kathleen (who told us about her birthday plans for when she turns 100 –  Mark your calendars!  Hornby Island.
• Genelle G shared a OSRS branded picture that has special meaning for Kathleen.
• Marijke O shared the big $mall gift (thanks everyone for contributing).
• Doug “The Music Guy” shared an old story he had of Kathleen from when he was a teenager, and kicked off everyone singing Happy Birthday!

 Here are pictures of many of the speakers:

Past President Jim said Grace (which was lovely)

Many of Kathleen’s family were able to make it!

Some special thanks to:

• Parksville Legion AND a BIG Thank you to the Legion ladies Auxiliary
• Save On Foods for the Birthday and Retirement cakes
• Val’s husband Kevin for the slide show
• All the members that worked together to Celebrate Kathleen Falvai
• Val and Karen for doing SO MUCH behind the scenes 
• MJ taking so many pictures, and ironing out the agenda!
• Mike for MC-ing the event
• Kathleen for setting such an amazing example, and her contributions to OSRS, the community, and each of us, is what made the day so special.

Here are even more pictures of the guests and helpers:

Thank you Kathleen, for everything.