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
Senior Guyanese Friendship Association Page | 2
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)
Senior Guyanese Friendship Association Page | 3
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
Senior Guyanese Friendship Association Page | 4
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
Senior Guyanese Friendship Association Page | 5
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.
Senior Guyanese Friendship Association Page | 6
Pictures of the Awards Presentation and the Alliance of Guyanese Canadian Organizations Brunch.
Senior Guyanese Friendship Association Page | 7
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.
(Cont’d on page 9)
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.
Senior Guyanese Friendship Association Page | 8
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”.
Senior Guyanese Friendship Association Page | 9
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.
(Cont’d on page 10)
Senior Guyanese Friendship Association Page | 10
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 on page 11)
Cont’d from page 9)
Senior Guyanese Friendship Association Page | 11
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.