Involvement in Community and Political Life

Bernie Fishman broke the barrier to Jewish participation in the political life of Owen Sound. He was elected as Alderman to the city council first for the 1973-1974 term. He ran successfully for a second term in 1975-1976, coming in first and heading the polls. Fishman was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Together with another alderman, he brought the Downtown Improvement Area to Owen Sound.

Gary Levine, who was originally from Minnesota but moved to Owen Sound in 1986, was actively involved in the Kiwanis Club. He served as president and helped revamp the Club’s radio auction by introducing computer technology to modernize the auction, thereby tripling their revenue. He was also involved in community politics, being elected to City Council in 1991 and serving for over 13 years. In 2003, he started a two-year term as Lieutenant Governor. In 2007, he was named a Mel Osborne Fellow in recognition of his work with the Kiwanis Club of Owen Sound and Lieutenant Governor of the district.

Finally, Ruth Gorbet and her husband Norman have also made a significant contribution to the community. They were founding members of the Little Theatre. Ruth in particular has played an important part in nourishing the Little Theatre both artistically and financially. In addition, service clubs such as the Kinsmen and Kinette, the Quota Club, Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions and also the hospital auxiliary, are among those that have benefited from the devoted involvement of Owen Sound’s Jews in recent decades. One acknowledgment of such contributions came in 1967, when Ruth Gorbet was asked to officiate during Canada Day and to present awards. At this time she was given a key to the city.

A Charter Member
A Charter Member

Ruth Gorget speaks about choosing theatre as her "fun" and about her involvement with the Owen Sound Little Theatre.

Interview with Ruth Gorbet, 13 June 2007, Sharon Gubbay Helfer, OJA, Oral History #295

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