It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of GVC Champion Leader, Gene Flanagan. Gene became involved with the GVC more than 20 years ago, engaging his students from Rosedale Alternative High School (now The Rosedale Center) in outdoor activities. Charlie Conklin recalls one of his first encounters with Gene's students:
"None were smiling. I could see that they had a bad sense that they were going to be forced to do labor. After they finished the service objective, whether it was planting trees or maintaining a trail, they were all smiling!"
Gene was also our champion in leading canoe trips down the Gunpowder. One memorable trip started just below Corbet Road. It was supposed to be a fun trip for our volunteer leaders, no work. However, one of the participants noticed that there were tires in the river and yelled to Gene "Can we pick them up?" As Gene always did, he said "OK" and at the end of the two hour trip, we collected 25 tires.
Gene will be remembered for his commitment for the greater good as well as being a mentor to his students.