issue no. 23 newsletter march 2020 · day #2: we travelled to quebec city which we explored by...

Senior Guyanese Friendship Association Page | 1

I will see you in March. Maybe by

then we will be out of the DEEP

FREEZE. Carmen Brewster

benefitted from the generosity of

many members and their families;

many friends and supporters, some

requesting that their names be

withheld and many still unknown to

our Association. So, we must

acknowledge and give special

thanks to all the donors who

support us in kind and by their

encouragement.

Donation from Mrs. Agatha

Schroeder/Schroeder Family As the SGFA went to print with the

2019 Newsletter we learned of the

passing of one of the “lifers” of our

(Cont’d on page 2)

ISSUE NO. 23 NEWSLETTER MARCH 2020

On behalf of members

of the Senior Guyanese

Executive, I wish you a happy

New Year and I hope your

Christmas Holidays were enjoy-

able.

As the Old Year passes, and the

New Year marches in, we tend to

reflect on all the wonderful, and

not so wonderful things that came

our way. We laughed in the

company of friends at the Center,

we had fun at the Family Brunch,

we went cruising on Port Dover,

and enjoyed the Bus Trip to

Sandbanks with Peter Brother-

hood. That was only the

beginning. The Parents Day was,

as always, a lovely afternoon with

friends, and the food was

delicious. Then came the Annual

Picnic, and though I missed it, I

was glad to hear everyone had a

great time. We ate a lot this year.

The Bake Sale and the last day at

the Center were very well

attended, and as always, there was

no shortage of food and friend-

ship. Finally, we closed out the

year dancing at the Fall Dance,

and the Christmas Dinner.

Yes, we had good times, but

sometimes we cried. We lost Col.

(Rtd.) Cecil Martindale, Agatha

Schroeder, Una Persaud, Beryl

Hoyte, Hyacinth Hinds and Joyce

Tadege, one of the Original

Committee Members.

We will miss them and remember

them fondly. May their souls Rest

In Peace.

Sustainability of this Association

depends on the support of our

members and friends, and the hard

work of a wonderful group of men

and women, who have efficiently

planned our activities. We must

therefore express our thanks.

While we thank you, we also would

like to ask you to attend the

Saturday afternoon meetings

whenever possible, to assist with

Programming. When you attend the

AGM on March 21/2020, there will

be some discussion regarding where

we need help. Please remember this

is your Association, and your

support is needed and greatly

appreciated.

Well my friends, I’m writing this

while looking at Judge Judy. This

afternoon’s case – a man is walking

his small dog when he encounters a

woman with a pit bull off leash. He

bends over to pick up his dog, and

while he is in a somewhat

vulnerable position, the woman’s

dog bites him on his behind. This

requires an expensive visit to the

Hospital, so he sues the woman…I

need to get back to hear her

decision.

We at SGFA have


Association – Mrs. Agatha

Schroeder in her 106th year. Mrs.

Schroeder’s support for the

Association and the membership

was literally in “word and deed”;

many members still refer to the

copies of the prayers she prayed

and wrote on our behalf.

At the end of our 2019 season

Mrs. Schroeder’s Daughter/family

contacted us offering a donation,

acknowledging the significant

part the SGFA played in their

Mother’s life and how much the

SGFA meant to “Aggie” as she

was lovingly known to the “senior

members”.

We thank the Schroeder family

for their generous donation and

the promise of an annual

commitment.

Donations to the “Palms

Geriatric Home” Georgetown,

Guyana

The organization expensed $70.00

to ship and deliver a quantity of

personal use items to the institu-

tion, for the use of the residents.

The contents were donated by

friends of the organization.

Donations to the “Bahamas

Hurricane Dorian Relief

Fund”

A special thank you is extended the

members and friends who made

donations to the Hurricane Fund.

The organization received a total of

$845.00 for remittance to the

Bahamas.

Jim Bovell, Treasurer

Membership dues of $20.00 for the

year 2020, and outstanding

amounts for prior years, must be

paid by June 30, 2020 to maintain

active membership status.

There were 216 active members in

the organization as of December

31, 2019.

Donation from Mrs. Agatha

Schroeder (cont’d from page 1)

A Financial Statement showing

details of the activities for the year

2019 will be presented at the

Annual General Meeting

scheduled for March 21, 2020.

.

For the year 2019, the “Games

Afternoon” again took the form of

an “Open Games Concept” where

members participated in a variety

of board games, including

“Dominoes” and the popular

“Bingo”.

This year the players were given

the opportunity to move freely

between the various activities and

be part of the Bingo Community.

All in all, as in the past, it was a

fun-filled afternoon.

Jim Bovell

The game of bowling was

introduced to members of the

SGFA in 2016. Initially, there

were two teams – one headed by

Doreen (Fern) Bovell, Team ‘A’

and the other by Carmen Brewster,

Team ‘B’ – and winning scores

were given to the team. Now, the

winning scores are given to the

individual bowlers.

If you are interested in joining the

bowling team, please contact

Barbara Wong at 905-597-6136

and she’ll be happy to provide you

with relevant details. Bowling

takes place once a month, April

through November at the Parkway

Mall, 67 Ellesmere Road, Scarb.

416-447-1761. See schedule on page 5. Bowling is a form of entertain-

ment, exercise and fun. It’s not

whether you win or lose, but how

you play the game. You are

expected to play fair, be a good

sport and have fun. This

activity will enable you to walk

straighter and your arm swing will

be more free. Note, the five pin

balls that we use are much easier

on the shoulder and wrist than the

ten pins. On Saturday, November 23, 2019,

the Senior Guyanese Friendship

Association held its annual

Christmas Dinner/Dance at the

Rembrandt Banquet Hall on

Progress Avenue in Scarborough.

At that event, Jim Bovell

(Treasurer) acknowledged players

based on their individual total

points scored during the year. It

was a tight race, with the following

results: (Cont’d on page 5)


Tour of Prince Edward County – August 2019 What a Day, what an outing. The day started wet, heavy rainfall,

umbrellas of all colours and sizes were out. All thirty nine (39) members and friends braved the weather and

showed up, the weather did not daunt the spirits of the participants. We had an excited, enthusiastic crowd. First stop was “The Big Apple.” Our stay was relegated to twenty

minutes due to time lost in Toronto. I was surprised to see the products

of this establishment and had a glimpse of the bakery it was something

to see. As the bus cascaded the back roads of Wine Country we were

continually entertained by Peter Brotherhood our Tour Guide with a

running commentary. Peter has a wide knowledge of the County. At

this time our stomachs had decided it was time to eat and we arrived at

our next stop, Restaurant on the Knoll that overlooks the Sandbanks.

They prepared a very tasty and satisfying Hot Buffet Lunch for us. Our

servers were helpful and pleasant. Next stop was the Local Store, which caters to the county's Artists and

Artisans. Some of our members were interested in jewelry and local

food products. We arrived at the Karlo Estates Winery for a tour and tasting with small

food paring. Most of us did imbibe and made purchases of our

favourite wines. Neville Jardine

On Saturday, June 22nd 2019, our

group embarked on a trip to Port

Dover for a tour of Clonmel

Castle, followed by a delicious

lunch. Our Hosts provided some

History of the evolution of the

Castle. It was a bright and sunny

day and we were able to wander

around the beautiful garden, and

admire the flowering plants.

Everyone was outside socializing.

The meal was a bit disappointing,

not quite what we expected, but

we made the best of the situation.

Next was a leisurely cruise on the

Lynn River, through the Black

Creek Nature Reserve. It was

quite an eye-opener to see some of

the Million-Dollar Homes. Our

Captain provided music and

commentary. Everyone enjoyed

the Boat ride, “cruising down the

river”.

Our last stop was the Cider Keg,

where we were able to do some

shopping, sample and purchase

some Apple Cider. We then

headed home down the Highway.

Barb Wong


Saturday, July 13th, 2019

Everyone spent the time, as usual,

doing what they liked to enjoy the

day. Talking, walking, playing

Badminton, Hula Hooping, Board

Games, or Dominoes. The food

was bountiful, and scrumptious.

Everyone shared what they

brought. It was a real old-

fashioned picnic.

A good time was had by all.

Follow the St. Lawrence River was an all-Canadian tour to three

beautiful and distinct cities situated on the shores of the mighty St.

Lawrence River. This tour was from August 24 – 28, 2019 (5 days and

4 nights of fun, sightseeing and shopping).

Accompanied by my husband, Jim, and our grandson, Curtis, we took

an Uber cab to the Holiday Inn on Markham Road and Hwy 401, where

we boarded the Great Canadian Coach and proceeded on our journey to

Kingston, Ontario. Surprise!! No one else from the Senior Guyanese

Friendship Association was on that trip.

Day #1: We stopped at The Big Apple for breakfast, then drove along

the north shore of Lake Ontario to the historic city of Kingston. On

arrival, a local guide joined us for a fascinating tour of this city. We

later went on a sunset dinner cruise along the Thousand Islands, as we

enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner, live entertainment, and the

spectacular beauty of sunset and dusk. We spent the night at the

Ambassador Hotel in Gananoque.

Day #2: We travelled to Quebec City which we explored by foot, and

sometimes relaxing and watching the scenery from sidewalk cafés.

Day #3: A local guide joined us for a tour of Quebec City as we

travelled to Ste. Anne de Beaupre to see the famous Shrine, Stations of

the Cross and more. We also stopped at an authentic outdoor bread

oven where we were able to buy baked loafs, jams, honey, etc. The

smell of that bread was heavenly. Later, we passed by the

Montmorency Falls which boasts a height higher than Niagara Falls.

Dinner was at a French restaurant in Lle d’Orleans. Jim ordered the

Bison and Deer Stew which he ate with bread. Of course, he was

disappointed that no rice was available. Curtis and I felt safe with the

Salmon and vegetables.

Day #4: A short drive took us to Montreal and after lunch, a local guide

joined us for a fascinating tour of the city. This included an inside visit

to the spectacular Notre Dame Basilica. Dinner that evening was at a

lovely restaurant in Old Montreal.

Day #5: Leaving for home was great, we experienced a degree of

sadness because our delightful holiday had come to an end.

Nevertheless, we enjoyed the onboard camaraderie as we absorbed the

scenery along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, and the

Thousand Islands district. Another stop was made at The Big Apple as

we headed for home that evening.

This tour was a delight from start to finish. Fern Bovell


Alas another year has passed, and members and loyal friends were

assembled at the Rembrandt Banquet Hall on this 23rd day of

November 2019, to be part of the celebration of our Annual Dinner and

Dance.

This our premier event is the last on our yearly calendar. The

Executive Committee worked feverishly to make this a memorable

night, and our efforts were rewarded. The Dance was a success,

attendance was good, and we all had a great time. I must report, we

received no negative feedback. The Executive did a superb job, the

planning and execution were impeccable. The time to socialize at the

cocktail hour in the lounge was a hit with the guests, the motto was

Meet, Greet, and Renew old acquaintances. In the meantime, the

waiters mingled effortlessly amongst the guests, serving delicious

finger foods and liquid refreshments. Joan McLean and her crew of

ushers quietly and efficiently seated the guests. The Invocation was

eloquently delivered by Lorna Bayley. One Minute of Silence was

respectfully observed for those who transitioned this life.

Congratulations go out to the Management of the Rembrandt for the

preparation, and timely serving of a tasty, succulent, well balanced

meal.

Warm greetings from the Guyana Consulate was delivered by Ms.

Grace Joseph. Awards were presented by Jim Bovell, our Treasurer.

The Congeniality Award went to Barbara Wong. This new Award

replaces the Leyland Brewster Award. For the year 2019, there were

eight recipients of the Nonagenarian Awards. This Award is presented

to persons who have attained the age of 90 years and have been an

inspiration to Members of the Association. The following Members

were recognized: Cecil Moore, Albertha Reid, Edith Thakur, Enid

Lashley, Olive Welch, Pearl Peters, Enid Nestor, and Elsie Francis. A

special presentation was made to Mrs. Doreen Moore, one of the

Founding Members of the Association, who resigned her position on

the Executive Committee. Doreen will be missed by all of us. The

President in her closing remarks, thanked all members and friends for

their continued support.

Neville Jardine

May 11th 2019

A good gathering.

A pleasant afternoon.

Excellent service by all helpers. Beautiful co-ordination among

everybody involved in the day’s

gathering. Fantastic gifts distribution with

creative style of giving gifts. And the Hat Ladies!! Creative! Amusing! Pleasant!

Congratulations to everybody!

Carl Veecock

(Cont’d from page 2)

1st place – Waveney Forsythe

2nd place – Barbara Wong

3rd place – Daphne Allen

Runners-up included:

Fay D’Oliveira, Lorna Bayley,

Doreen Bovell, Carmen Brewster,

Patricia Fredericks and George

France.

I look forward to seeing you at the

games (or some of them) during

year 2020.

Doreen Bovell

Thursday, April 16 – 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 21 – 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 17 – 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 15 – 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 20 – 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, Sept.17 – 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct.15 – 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov.19 – 3:30 p.m.

All dates are tentative, you will be

notified of any changes.


Pictures of the Awards Presentation and the Alliance of Guyanese Canadian Organizations Brunch.


CARIBBEAN CRUISE

FROM NEW ORLEANS

14 days: Nov. 18 – Dec. 4, 2020 Memphis Itinerary:

Day 1 - Cincinnati

Day 2 - Memphis

Day 3 - To New Orleans

Day 4 - New Orleans

Day 5 – Norweigian Breakaway

TRIPS

Includes: Luxury motor coach

transportation; 6 nights

accommodation, 5 breakfasts,

Guided tours of Graceland and

New Orleans.

CRUISE ITINERARY

Day 1 – Depart New Orleans,

Louisiana at 4:00 p.m.

Day 2 – At Sea 8:00 a.m.

Day 3 – Costa Maya Mexico

10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Day 4 – Harvest Caye, Belize

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Day 5 – Roatan, Honduras

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Day 6 – Cozumel, Mexico

9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Day 7 – At sea

Day 8 – Arrive in New Orleans

7:00 a.m.

7 nights Caribbean Cruise

aboard the Norwegian including

all on board entertainment and

meals, except specialty restau-

rants, Port taxes, all ship

gratuities, services of our tour

director throughout.

PRICES

Category 1B inside:

$3,445 Twin; $5,285 Single

Category OB outside:

$3,655 Twin; $5,685 Single

Category BB/BA balcony:

$3,765 Twin; $5,925 Single

Please mention that you were

referred by SGFA.


1-800-461-8687 x 280

Call Great Canadian Holidays

4. if the number shows up on your phone, write it

down and call the police and give them the

number

5. do not be afraid to tell your family about the call.

If any of our members have any tax, bank, or

creditor chasing problem, I am prepared to help at no

cost to them.

Do not be surprised at my telling you that I too get

such calls!

Carl Veecock

DON’T GET CAUGHT…LOOK OUT

FOR PHONE SCAMMERS

With the seniors' scams going on and on...income

tax owing, bank account compromised, credit cards

compromised, social insurance numbers mis-used

by unknowns etc. etc., a word of caution to seniors

on being vigilant when these phones calls come in:

1. if you answer the call, just listen

2. do not call back

3. do not act on any instruction the caller says to

like, Press One or Press any number, etc.

CONGRATULATIONS to

Member Deserdeen Roberts,

Retired Nursing Supervisor, who

received a MEDAL OF

SERVICE, from His Excellency,

President David Granger, on the

occasion of the 50th Republic

Anniversary, of the Cooperative

Republic of Guyana.


I visited Joyce Kawall who is

currently in Providence Villa. She

was very happy to hear from the

SGFA. She is doing well, and had

seven visitors at the time.

She was very talkative and had us

all laughing with her usual taunts.

She asked to covey to the

Association a 'Thank You' for

their thoughtfulness.

As she puts it "you are the ones

who keep me going"

She is one tough Lady and we

wish her well.

Neville Jardine

00o00 Waveney Rose is now at home. I

spoke with her and found that she

was in relatively good spirits. We

chatted for a while, and I told her

that Joan and Sherma would be

calling her and would like to pay

her a visit.

I also chatted with Patricia Smith

and she was very bright, even

though she had just come in from

the Hospital after a treatment.

She’s staying with Dennis at the

moment, who takes her to the

Hospital, sometimes twice a week

for treatment. She emphasized the

long wait and just wants to be rid

of it as soon as possible.

Her goal is to make it to the AGM

in March. Way to go Patricia!

Barb Wong

A Get Well Card was sent to

Nerissa Jones, on behalf of SGFA

Members.

Yvonne Headley-Luces

Please join us in sending good

wishes to all our 'Shut ins'.

She was hardworking, laser-

focused on the details of her

obligations and responsibilities,

generous and kind!

She was a founding member of

the SGFA, a position she did not

take lightly. As the executive

member responsible for the baked

goods table at the annual bazaar,

she was tough – no price was too

high for the patties, pine-tarts,

pone and all the other delicacies

donated by our members and

friends. As a result of that, some

of the seniors lovingly referred to

her as a “bandit”. She did it her

way.

I wonder if she knew how many

people cared about her.

JOSEPH AUGUSTUS

GITTENS

Mr. G. as most of us called him,

was nice and quiet – a gentle man

He loved to dance – loved to spin

his partners all around the dance

floor – that is what we remember

most about him.

He enjoyed the camaraderie, the

games (especially the dominos)

and the socializing with the

regular Saturday gathering. It

was part of his life.

Farewell, farewell, my friends

I smile and bid you goodbye

No, shed no tears

For I need them not

All I need is your smile.

(Rabindranath Tagore)

As part of the SGFA family, we

acknowledge that “A family is a

circle of love not broken by a

loss, but made strong by the

memories”.

IN MEMORY OF THE

MEMBERS WE LOST!

Beryl Hoyte Hyacinth Hinds

Cecil Martindale Una Persaud

Agatha Shroeder Joyce Tadege

Joseph Adolphus Gittens

May their Souls Rest in Peace!

JOYCE GLORIA

(CUMBERBATCH) TADEGE

A Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother,

Grandmother, Aunt, Cousin, Friend

– she was all of those things. As

an adolescent, she was never afraid

to speak her mind which earned her

the nickname “Pepper”.


Men will be men

A drunkard woke up one morning

deeply repentant after a bitter fight

with his wife the previous night.

He noticed with dismay the crate

of beer bottles that had caused the

fight. He took it outside and

started smashing the empty bottles

one by one onto the wall. He

smashed the first bottle swearing...

"You are the reason I fight with

my wife!" He smashed the second

bottle... "You are the reason I don't

love my children!" He smashed

the third bottle.... "You are the

reason I don't have a decent

job!"... When he took the fourth

bottle, he realized that the bottle

was still sealed, full and cold. He

hesitated for a moment and said...

"You stand aside, I know you were

not involved!"

Since the Youngsters of today

have their texting codes (LOL,

OMG, TTYL, etc.) the Seniors

decided not to be outdone by their

kids, and now have developed

their own codes too:

ATD – At The Doctor’s

BFF – Best Friend’s Funeral

BTW – Bring The Wheelchair

BYOT – Bring Your Own Teeth

FWIW – Forgot Where I Was

GGPBL – Gotta Go, Pacemaker

Battery Low

GHA – Got Heartburn Again

TFT – Texting From Toilet

A Jamaican man went to the Kingston Public Hospital for medical treatment;

he had both ears severely burnt.

Doctor: How did you get your ears so

terribly burnt, Sir?

Patient: Yuh si Docta, Mi didah rush

fi go a Wuk, so mi didah hurry fi press mi shurt. When mi a press it,

one eediot call mi pan mi cellulah, an

insteada answer di phone, mi pick up

de iron an’ answa it.

Doctor: Oh my gosh, Ok Sir, I understand how one ear could be

burnt, but I still cannot understand

how you got both ears burnt.

Patient: Di fool nuh go call me back.

GOTTA LOVE MAXINE This is just so funny –

scary how true it is!!! If my body was a car, this is the time

I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps

and dents and scratches in my finish

and my paint job is getting a little dull...

But that's not the worst of it. My headlights are out of focus,

and it's especially hard to see things up close. My traction is not as graceful as it

once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things even in the best

of weather. My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins.

It takes me hours to reach my

maximum speed.

My fuel rate burns inefficiently.

But here's the worst of it.

Almost every time I sneeze, cough or

sputter, Either My Radiator Leaks

or My Exhaust Backfires!

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO

LOVE AND MURDER

A Murderous Musical Comedy.

Saturday, May 23, 2020 – Price

$135.00

Winner of the TONY AWARD for

BEST MUSICAL. Critics call it a

“knock-em-dead uproarious hit”.

A Gentleman’s Guide To Love And

Murder is an outrageous romp

filled with unforgettable music and

non-stop laughter.

Enjoy a Beautiful Buffet Lunch at

the Crossroads Restaurant, in

Elmira, prior to the 2:00pm

Matinee.

_______________

GOTTA SING, GOTTA

DANCE

Featuring the BURLINGTON

FOOTNOTES SENIOR

PERFORMING TROUPE.

Tuesday, June 23/20 – Price

$115.00

This wonderful, happy Show, is an

annual event put on by the

FOOTNOTES SENIOR DANCE

TROUPE, an enthusiastic and

talented group of Senior

Performers who celebrate the art

of staying young, by dancing their

way into the hearts of audiences

who attend their sell-out

performances each June.

Buffet Lunch at the Mandarin

Restaurant in Burlington, prior to

the 2:00pm Show.



SATURDAY MEETINGS

March 28 – November 14, 2020: 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Dennis Timbrell Community Center

29 St. Dennis Dr. 1st Floor/Gymnasium March April May June

28 4, 11, 18 25 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 6, 13, 20, 27

Room 4 & 1 Room 4 & 1 Room 4 & 1 Room 4 & 1

July August September October

4,11,18, 25 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 5, 12, 19, 26 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Room 4 & 1 Room 4 & 1 Room 4 & 1 Room 4 & 1

November

7, 14

Room 4 & 1 – LAST DAY, WRAP UP PARTY

EVENTS AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER GYMNASIUM

-------------------------------------

May 9: Annual Parents Day Tea 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

August 15: Games Afternoon 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

September 12: Health Symposium 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

October 3: Annual Bazaar 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Those who are interested may

call: Neville Jardine: 905-427-

8031; Barbara Wong: 905-597-

6136; Carmen Brewster: 905-

837-1922. __________

WESTERN CANADA AND

THE CANADIAN

ROCKIES Nine days July 23 – 30, 2020

Calgary to Vancouver Includes luxury motor coach

transportation, flights from

Toronto to Calgary and

Vancouver to Toronto.

Eight nights accommodation,

two breakfasts, guided tours of

Calgary, Victoria and

Vancouver. Gondola ride up

sulfur mountain, dinner and

Ghost Town tour in Revelstoke,

wine tasting in Kelowna, admiss-

ion to Butchart Gardens, Return

ferry from mainland to

Vancouver Island.

Farewell dinner in Vancouver.

Prices

$3,695 Twin; $3,585 Triple;

$3,485 Quad; $4,695 Single

July 31 - Aug 8, 2020

(Vancouver to Calgary)

9 days – Vancouver to Calgary

$3,695 Twin; $3,585 Single;

Triple $3,485; Quad $4,695.

Cont’d on page 11

SPECIAL EVENTS

April 26: Annual Family Brunch – Rembrandt Banquet Hall

(New Address: 10 Milner Business Court)

(Tickets will be handed out at the AGM March 21st)

August 22: Family Picnic – Lakeview Park (Bus Transportation)

October 31: Annual Fall Dance – Flippers Fish House

Nov. 28: Christmas Dinner & Dance – Rembrandt Banquet Hall

GRAND RIVER CROSSING BIG CREEK BOAT FARM AND

THE BRANTFORD CASINO

We are trying for a date in July Season – Price TBA.

The very popular Big Creek Boat Farm in Caledonia, welcomes you for

this Special Spring Outing that starts with Coffee and Muffin/Cookie,

followed by SHOW TIME with the wonderful BLAZING FIDDLES;


Cont’d from page 9)


MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF MARCH 23, 2019

AT THE DENNIS TIMBRELL COMMUNITY CENTRE – 29 ST. DENNIS DRIVE

A two hour Cruise aboard the Grand River Belle,

with a Roast Beef Luncheon on board. Includes

homemade bread, garden salad, veggies, mashed

potatoes, home-baked apple pie, plus tea/coffee.

Following the Cruise, we make our way to

Brantford, where you can try your luck at the

Casino.

CHRISTMAS TIME NIAGARA AT THE

FESTIVE SEASON

Featuring Dinner at the top of the SKYLON

TOWER.

(Cont’d from page 10)

Coffee and Muffin enroute to the FORTY CREEK

DISTILLERY in Grimsby; FALLSVIEW

CASINO; Niagara’s famous SKYLON TOWER,

for a full course Dinner.

Please advise your choice of dinner at time of

booking-PRIME RIB or FRESH GRILLED

SALMON.

After Dinner, a Driving Tour of Niagara’s lovely

Festival of Lights.

Date and Price TBA.

President, Carmen Brewster

called the meeting to order at 2:30

p.m. and welcomed everyone and

reminisced about members who

passed away during the year.

Opening

The meeting opened with the

Association’s prayer and Hymn,

and a minute of silence to

remember the recently departed

members and friends.

Agenda

Copies of the agenda were handed

to members for perusal; the

membership accepted the Agenda

as presented

Minutes of AGM – March 17,

2018

Minutes of the March 18, 2018

Annual General Meeting, were

read and approved by Rosita

Thompson and seconded by

Lucille Charles and accepted by

the membership. There were no

matters arising from these

minutes.

Reports

The Coordinator of activities

advised that this was an election

year and that we are looking for

new members for the executive.

The present outgoing executive

would be willing to assist with the

duties in the initial starting

process.

Co-ordinator of Activities,

Sherma Mitchell, also mention-ed

that Saturday, March 24th. is the

start of or our weekly meetings at

the Centre, but advised that they

may not be able to start as the

elevator was again not working at

the Centre. Members will be

advised if elevators are repaired

by Saturday, in order to enable us

to start our weekly meetings on

time.

The Secretary, Una Valladares,

advised that she received a thank

you letter from the Palms in

Guyana for all the donations

received from our members,

families and friends and they were

greatly appreciated. She advised,

that to-date the Association

received two cases of personal

items, from Thelma Tappin,

President, Guyanese Pioneer

Fundraising Group. The

Secretary said that she would be

visiting Guyana at the end of

May so she intended to take these

items and deliver them to the

Palms.

The President asked that the

organized trips for the year

(which can be found on page 11

of the newsletter) be circulated to

friends and family in order to be

successful.

Treasurer’s Report:

The Treasurer handed out the

financial report to the member-

ship and after some discussion

and questions from the members,

a motion to accept the

Treasurer’s Report was made by

Victor Carrington and seconded

by June Veecock.

Elections

Mr. Carl Veecock was the return-

ing officer for the elections. He

asked that the present executive

be returned.

Senior Guyanese Friendship Association

Page | 12

Elections

Mr. Carl Veecock was the returning officer for

the elections. He asked that the present executive

be returned.

This was accepted by the membership. He then

asked for nomination from floor for Assistant

Treasurer. The following persons were nomin-

ated for the position;

• Rosita Thompson

• June Barry – who declined

• Desiree Husbands and

• Cheryl Vogelson

Motion was made to accept all three

nominations, and at the next Executive meeting

the current Executive would determine who the

successful nominee would be for the Assistant

Treasurer’s position.

The auxiliary members were returned and one

new nomination came from the floor.

Marcele Boyce was elected to the auxiliary.

The Association meets every Saturday at

Dennis Timbrell Community Centre - 29 St. Dennis Dr., Don Mills

from March to November

The Executive:

Carmen Brewster – President; Joan McLean – V/P Public Relations

Barbara Wong – V/P Coordinator of Activities; Una Valladares – Secretary

James Bovell – Treasurer; Neville Jardine – Asst./Coordinator of Activities

Yvonne Headly-Luces – Asst,/Secretary; Cheryl Vogleson – Asst./Treasurer

Desiree Husbands, Victor Carrington and Rosita Thompson – Members at Large

Auxiliary Committee:

Sherma Mitchell, Lucille Charles, Maisie Henry, Patricia Smith, Lorna Bayley, Marcelle Boyce,

Noreen Larose, Cynthia Haynes.

Mailing Address:

Senior Guyanese Friendship Association

P.O. Box 92203, 2900 Warden Ave. Toronto, ON M1W 3Y9

Other matters:

Reference to the location and DJ for the Annual

Fall Dance was made by a member who mentioned

that the music was being played too loud. That the

location was not large enough for the speakers. He

was advised that a member of the executive would

speak with the DJ regarding this matter.

Some criticisms were made about the seating of

dignitaries at the Christmas dinner. It was pointed

out that the Dignitaries were sitting too close to the

speakers and hampered any appropriate conversa-

tion being had. This is something that could be

rectified if we use this location again.

With no other matter to discuss, the President

thanked members for their support and called the

meeting to an end.

The meeting adjourn-ed at 5:30 p.m.

Refreshments were served.

issue no. 23 newsletter march 2020 · day #2: we travelled to quebec city which we explored by...

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