Toast to The King, Canada and Rotary: President Basil Dias
Attendance: 11 members and 3 guests (Basil introduced Estelle who he has known since his schooldays. Dhanni introduced her husband, John. Basil also introduced Sandra St Brice who has given us a new membership application.)
Speaker:
We did not have a speaker this week instead Paul Harris Fellowships were awarded.
Basil showed us what the ‘original’ Paul Harris Fellowship awards looked like – they were much more like medals that the pins that we have now.
Danny gave us the history of the Paul Harris Fellowships and then went on to announce the first award which was given to Gordon Brown. He stated that Gordon was always one of the first to put his hand up when volunteers were required. He has been President three times and one of those times was during Covid and he still was able to host meetings. He has a ‘tag line’ he is well known for – “please respond” when sending out invites for events.
Then Danny gave the next award to John Ramdeen. Although not a member (his wife Dhanni is) John has been the leader in organizing our Fall Galas with the third one being on October 16th - without John we may well not have these. Apart from his Rotary volunteering John has leadership roles in the Scarborough Business Association and the Scarborough Walk of Fame.
Next was Dhanni who gave the award to Avrum. Avrum is currently the Membership Chair. He is also a Past President. He jumped in to being president without having been a Director of any Group (normally a President has been a director first) and did an outstanding job.
Basil then gave the next award to Danny Cassidy. Danny has been President twice and is our immediate Past President. Apart from all the work he does for our club, Danny also volunteers a lot at the Scarborough Health Network. He also does the Ride to Conquer Cancer every year (from Toronto to Niagara) and has been doing this for several years. This after having had a heart attack a few years ago while practicing for it. While president last year he developed a business plan – which the Club has not had before. Danny is also one of the first to put his hand up when any volunteering is required.
Congratulations to all the recipients.
Basil then asked Avrum if he would give us a brief overview of the main Jewish holidays as one of the holidays - Yom Kippur just finished. Rosh Hashanah is to celebrate the Jewish New Year, and a Shofar (traditionally a ram’s horn) is blown – Avrum’s brother has one. Traditionally this is celebrated on one day, however in North America it is celebrated over two days. Yom Kippur is the day of atonement and a time to ‘cast away’ all your sins. An early evening dinner is had and then you fast the next day. Upcoming is Simchat Torah which is the end of the annual Torah (Bible) readings. According to Avrum the men are supposed to get really drunk! Avrum also mentioned that this year is 5787 in the Jewish calendar.
Suresh reminded us of the Foundation Walk this Sunday September 27th in Campbellford. More donations would be welcome.
Suresh also advised that he needs more bottles of wine for door prizes for the Gala.
President Basil reminded us about the District Conference on October 23rd to 25th. Also, that the rescheduled District Governors visit will be sometime after the District Conference.
Avrum did not fine anyone and just asked for Happy Bucks. Danny donated being thankful for his Paul Harris. Gerd had a good trip to PEI. Suresh had a trip to Mexico City and said he was given ‘the red-carpet treatment’ by his two sons. Gordon was happy about his Paul Harris and that he and Sue will be going to Portugal for 10 days.
As there was nothing more for the good of Rotary, President Basil closed the meeting.
Congratulations to all the recipients.
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