The Woodlawn Inn recognized at United Way's Champions Of Caring Event

I was just at the United Way of Northumberland's campaign wrap up were The Woodlawn Inn was honoured with a Champions Of Caring plaque! The award was given to me in recognition for the North Italian luncheon that the Woodlawn offered in January. My thanks goes out to to United Way campaign chairs Michael and Elisabeth Cortesis for their hard work this year. No one could have predicted the economic challenges that they would have faced in the 2008 campaign year. In spite of that the United Way of Northumberland raised in excess of $848,000.

Cobourg's Restaurant Week

New York and Vancouver have Restaurant Week, Toronto has Winterlicious and now Cobourg has Savoury Celebrations!. We thought the name Winterlicious was pretty catchy but the folks in TO weren’t into us using that name so Savoury Celebrations it is. Now in year two, the event is part of Cobourg’s Winter Fest. There are quite a few Cobourg restaurants and pubs participating and the format includes a three-course dinner for only 25.00, tax extra. Last year was so well received that Executive Chef John O’Leary has decided to only offer the Savoury Celebrations menu during its run from February 17 to 22. You can see the menu at our website www.woodlawninn.com and go to rates/menus. While your there also check out our terrific wine list. I hope to see you here soon.

Della Casas honoured for commitment to community

Our family has won an award. Its the Chamber Of Commerce Lifetime Business Acheivment Award. The following article was from Friday's Cobourg Daily Star...

Della Casas honoured for commitment to community

The Della Casa family, owners of the Woodlawn Inn in Cobourg, are the recipients of this year's James Crossen Lifetime Achievement award. The family will receive the award officially at the Business Awards Gala on Friday, Feb. 27, 2009 at the Best Western Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre.

Gerda and Domenico Della Casa opened the Rendezvous restaurant in Baltimore in 1971. In 1986, they bought their present location, a Regency style building, and after extensive renovations opened it as a 12-room inn and 125-seat restaurant in 1988.

The couple are not quite as active in the daily operation of the business these days, relying on their son, Stephen, and daughter, Marisa, and her husband, John Sampogna, to run it.

Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce past-president Rob Boycott, who presented the award to Domenico, Gerda and Stephen Della Casa Wednesday afternoon (Marisa was absent), said the award "recognized the family had done something special for the community." He mentioned that the inn has been a regular employer and noted the family's contributions to worthy causes.

For more than 30 years the inn has hosted fundraising dinners in aid of Amnesty International. The Salvation Army has received homemade soup from the Woodlawn for many years.

During the past few years, the inn has sponsored a yearly luncheon in support of the Northumberland United Way, with all proceeds going to the organization.

Mr. Boycott also mentioned that Stephen Della Casa was instrumental in helping to brand Cobourg as a wellness destination.

This is the third year the Lifetime Achievement award has been given out. Previous recipients are the Behan family, and Jack Russell and Limpact International.

The criteria for picking the winners -- this year there were 27 nominees -- is based on the track record of James Crossen. He opened a small foundry in Cobourg that later became the Crossen Car Manufacturing Company of Cobourg, one of the largest independent manufacturers of railway cars. From 1866 to 1915 the company prospered, at one point employing more than 400 people. Nominees are also judged on their long-term commitment to the community and its improvement.

Along with the James Crossen award, 13 other awards will be presented at the gala.

United Way Winner Announced

It seems that someone did not check into my blog and look to see the results of the my United Way prize until a couple of days ago!. Well, I am happy to announce that Dawn Forrest of Port Hope is the lucky winner of the Inn At The Falls two-day getaway. Congratulations Dawn!