President: John Fortney President-Elect: Prince Kumar Vice-President: Jayson Phelps
Treasurer: Kurt Kroesen
Executive Director: Carol Hutchinson
Foundation President: Rick Goldsmith
RI President
Holger Knaack, Rotary Club of Herzogtum Lauenburg-Mölln, Germany
District Governor
Mark Chipman, Whitby Sunrise
Editor of the week: Natali Soroka
Dear Rotarians and Friends, join us for this Friday's lunch meeting, February 26, at 12:00.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Sharon Cohen
MD, FRCPC
Topic:What's New In Alzheimer's Research?
Host: Alex Brown
Rotary Virtual Meeting via Google Meet and YouTube Live.
Rotarians check your email or calendar for Google Meet link
Dr. Sharon Cohen is a behavioural neurologist known for her excellence in patient care, teaching, and clinical research. She completed her neurology residency and behavioural neurology fellowship at the University of Toronto. She is the medical director and site principal investigator of Toronto Memory Program, a community-based medical facility which she established in 1996 for the purpose of enhancing diagnosis, medical care, and therapeutic options for individuals with, or at risk for, Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Her memory clinic and research site are among the most active in Canada.
Dr. Cohen has over 28 years of experience in clinical research and has been a site PI for over 100 pharmacological trials. In addition to her focus on Alzheimer’s disease, she has also participated in pharmacological trials for acute stroke, fronto-temporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease dementia, Lewy body disease, Huntington’s disease, and vascular dementia. Her research site has been credited as a “go to” centre for Alzheimer’s trials and has been awarded for superior performance and quality in clinical research.
Dr. Cohen represents Canada on international advisory boards and steering committees and is a consultant to a wide range of stakeholders in dementia, including government organizations and patient advocacy groups. She is a frequent lecturer and contributes to media events including those on medical ethics. She is known for her advocacy of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases.
Despite holding academic and hospital appointments, Dr. Cohen chooses to practice in the community, in keeping with her belief that dementia care and clinical research are best offered in the real world setting.
After more than two years of member input and transition meetings the club is proud to welcome the new leaders under our revised structure for 2021-22. Congratulations to all for your recognition and dedication to serve.
Watch this 9 minute video introducing the Leadership Team 2021-22 on any of our social media platforms here: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube
Fellow Rotarians, meet our newest members and welcome them to The Rotary Club of Toronto family!
Please welcome Rtn. Khrystina McMillan
Khrystina is excited to be re-joining The Rotary Club of Toronto after a hiatus to focus on her career. She is a lawyer in downtown Toronto, practicing civil and commercial litigation. She has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario, the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as acted in private mediations and commercial arbitrations.
Khrystina holds a juris doctorate in law from the University of Toronto, and an Honours Specialization Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature from the (then) University of Western Ontario (graduating with distinction and the Dr. R. N. Shervill Gold Medal).
She “grew up” professionally speaking at some of the country’s top law firms, and recently joined Mathers McHenry & Co. – a new boutique law firm where she is growing her litigation practice.
Khrystina is a former Rotary Youth Exchange Student (Venezuela) and has always been passionate about community involvement. She currently serves as amicus curiae for the Court of Appeal for Ontario, is a volunteer adjudicator for Matthew House Refugee Hearing program, and is a mentor to other young women in law.
Khrystina loves to run and is, admittedly, a bit obsessed with musical theatre. She is proud and honoured to have been a cast member of Nightwood Theatre’s Lawyer Show since 2016. At the end of a long day, Khrystina enjoys a cold glass of oaked Chardonnay (please feel free to share any tips of a good wine she should try!).
Serge was born and grew up in Abidjan - Cote d’Ivoire. He lived in Paris - France for a decade where he obtained a master’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Diplomacy.
He has been living in Toronto for the last 12 years. Professionally, he had the opportunity to experience different work environments.
Indeed, he co-founded a chemical product company and also worked in global organizations in both automotive and food & beverage industries. Also, he was exposed to cultural diversities by working in Western Europe, West Africa and North America.
And today, these different work environments help him think out-of-the-box and complement his developing expertise in finance and business operations processes optimization.
He currently lives in the Junction with Elodie his wife and their two children. Both enjoy travelling and discovering this part of the world. He has interest in internal martial arts such as Tai Chi Chuan.
Finally, he looks forward to re-joining Rotary to contribute to spread the fellowship, participate in improving lives through the Club projects and also to learn from others.
What you missed: February 19, 2021
by Neisely Eugene
After introducing the head table and welcoming visiting Rotarians and guests, President John gave a special birthday shout-out to Chris Snider as he celebrated his 80th Birthday this past week!
New Members: Khrystina McMillan welcome back and Serge Sourou welcome to our club!
Dauna Jones-Simmonds announced on behalf of Progress Place and Rotary Club of Toronto a virtual free lunch webinar "Promoting Mental Wellness At Work" on Wednesday Feb 24th at 12pm. Register via Eventbrite.
Harold Hetherington proudly introduced the guest speaker, his son Neil Hetherington CEO, Daily Bread Food Bank (DBFB) as he spoke about food insecurity.
Food insecurity is not a food issue but an income issue where expenses for individuals in the city are too high and income is too low. Food insecurity is a symptom of poverty.
Prior to COVID there was one million visitors to the DBFB, since the pandemic the numbers have increased by 50%. This year the DBFB will double the amount of food that pass through the warehouse. According to Statistics Canada, 1 in 5 Torontonians are living with food insecurity and since the pandemic the number has escalated.
Three reasons for the high rates of food insecurity:
Insufficient Income: employed individuals not earning enough. On average, individuals using the food banks have $7.83/day remaining after accounting for rent.
Disability: the average person on disability receives $1,100/month while CMHC have articulated that the average bachelor apartment in Toronto is $1,200/month.
Affordable Housing: there is a shortage of decent affordable housing in the city.
Despite government intervention with CERB, CMHC reported rent arrears are at its highest level with 1 in 10 apartments in arrears. If we choose to make a difference, we can! How can you help:
Donate funds
Donate food
Advocacy: email your MPP/Mayor requesting that they implement their Poverty Alleviation Strategy because the food bank is not the solution. Instead the government can make sure people receive decent incomes, a reduction in precarious employment and affordable housing.
In closing, "the opposite of poverty is not wealth. It's justice". ~Bryan Stevenson
Let us advocate for those whose right to food are not being realized.
THE ROTARY CLUB OF TORONTO AUDIT COMMITTEE – MEMBERS INTERESTED IN SERVING ON COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee of The Rotary Club of Toronto (“RCT”) is a small committee performing the following functions:
Review of the RCT draft financial statements in conjunction with RCT Treasurer, currently Kurt Kroesen and the Rotary Staff (Executive Director and Accounting Manager) and to make a recommendation to the Board of Directors of RCT on the approval of the financial statements and to inform the RCT Board of any matters brought to the Committee’s attention during the course of the audit that the RCT Board needs to be aware of.
Review of the Rotary Club of Toronto Charitable Foundation “(RCTCF”) draft financial statements in conjunction with RCTCF Treasurer, currently Blair Spinney, and the Rotary Staff (Executive Director and Accounting Manager) to make a recommendation to the Board of Directors of RCTCF on the approval of the financial statements and to inform the RCTCF Board of any matters brought to the Committee’s attention during the course of the audit that the RCTCF Board needs to be aware of.
Review the proposed annual financial Operating budget of the RCT in conjunction with RCT Treasurer and RCT Executive Director and Accounting Manager to make a recommendation to the Board of Directors of RCT on the approval of the proposed budget and to inform the RCT Board of any matters brought to the Committee’s attention that the RCT Board needs to be aware of with respect to the proposed operating budget.
The Audit Committee usually meets twice a year for the following:
Review and discuss with the Treasurer of the RCT, external auditors, RCT Executive Director and Accounting Manager the draft financial statements of the RCT.
Review and discuss with the Treasurer of the RCTCF, external auditors, RCT Executive Director and Accounting Manager the draft financial statements of the RCTCF. This meeting usually occurs in the fall in October prior to the RCT and RCTCF Board and annual general meetings.
Review and discuss with the Treasurer of the RCT, RCT Executive Director and Accounting Manager the proposed financial budget of the RCT. This meeting usually occurs in the spring in June. There may be follow up meetings to resolve any outstanding issues.
The Audit Committee members are currently Harry Figov (Chair) and Jonathan Wu.
The Committee is looking for an additional two (2) to three (3) additional RCT Club members who are interested in joining the Audit Committee.
The requirements for membership of the Committee are an accounting or finance background and/or management background with experience in dealing with external auditor together with an understanding of financial accounting.
Members interested in joining the Committee should communicate their interest to Carol at: office@rotarytoronto.com who will pass it onto the Committee. All interested members will be contacted.
Harry Figov, Chair
Let's Be Personal - Pat Neuman
I was born in Saskatoon, SK to a farming family. We moved several times as a child from SK to MB. where I started school, in a one room schoolhouse with 30 kids from Grades 1 to 8! With a move to Nanaimo, BC, at age 12, there was a lot to reckon with.. much harassment and bullying.. it opened my eyes to the outside world that year!! My only friend also was bullied due to her religion.
The next year, back to Northern SK & on to Regina where I completed HS, and graduated as an RN (Grey Nuns Hospital), specializing in Maternity. Next move, as a newlywed, to Toronto, with several moves again, to Ottawa, back to Toronto, Winnipeg and Saskatoon.
In 1984 the kids and I transferred to Calgary where I managed Southern Alberta & The BC Kootenays for Welcome Wagon.
I loved it. We achieved top Region in the Company for several years!! I also volunteered with several organizations in Calgary; 15 years with Calgary Stampede. In 2000 I became Director of Marketing at WW’s Toronto HO - another move! I rose to President, CEO and Chairman of the Board, owning 90% of the company before we closed in May 2020, due to COVID-19. There was no way we could remain open doing personal visits. It was a sad time to be sure, after a great career of 43 years!
Rotary has always been forefront in my life here.. I was ”told” on arriving in Toronto that I would join Rotary..no questions asked. The rest is history. It has been my pleasure to serve with so many great Rotarians over the years, first on F&E committee, then YCS, chairing the Kids party for many years, serving on many committees. It was an Honour and an amazing year to serve as your President 2017-18. A year never to be forgotten! Serving on the RI Convention Committee 2018 was such joy. This past year working on the Transition committee and Chairing F&E again..full circle!
My joy of being in this club is the work we have done and continue to do, but most of all the friendships made. This was the best move ever… due to Rotary!! In April a move back to Calgary is in the works as family beckons, the last move!! I’ll join a Rotary Club there and get to work - Calgary is hosting RI Convention 2026!!
Have you attended Virtual Monthly Dinner yet?
if not, here is what you should know!
Another very successful Virtual Dinner Party was held on Saturday the 20th. Hosted by Maureen Bird, we dined on Brie appetizer, two versions of Green Salads, Poached Salmon and Chocolate Lava cakes.. yum, yum!
The next dinner will be held March 20 at 6:30 pm. with Host, Lori Brazier.
Here's how it works...the Host chooses the main course, and each guest makes a dish to compliment the dinner.
Salad pictured is greens, pomegranate, baked carrots and goat cheese.
Ideally, only 4 households on each dinner...we could have more than one Host each month if enough members are interested.
As it is Virtual Dinner, each recipe is sent to the guests, everyone makes the dinner, and then we enjoy it together... yes, it is a full dinner but you don't have to make everything...you can pick an choose...maybe you don't want to have appetizers and /or dessert??? Is that possible? Then, just do the salad and main course!
Conversation at these casual and relaxed dinners has been lively and entertaining... and, best of all, no driving!!
We are here for the long term so please join in. All events are listed on our Google Calendar accessible through your @rotarytoronto.com account or find the emails sent out in advance. Contact Maureen Bird to set up your access. 416-804-3726.
In 2019, Rotary International’s Board of Directors articulated a vision and commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion throughout Rotary by adopting our first-ever Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement.
This Statement is the foundation for creating an organizational culture that reflects today’s world. It enables us to fully deliver on the central tenets of our work: promoting respect, demanding ethical leadership, and creating more just, open, and welcoming communities for all people.
Earlier this month, the Board engaged the DEI experts at PwC, a multinational business consulting group. They will help us develop perspectives and practices for making DEI part of our shared experiences as Rotary members. The goal is to support all members and participants – particularly those from communities traditionally underrepresented in the organization – so that they see our clubs, programs and our leadership ranks as places where they are welcomed and encouraged to celebrate all aspects of their lived experiences.
As we begin this work, Rotary’s leadership is united in stating that Rotary does not tolerate speech or behavior that promotes bias, discrimination, prejudice, or hatred because of age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. There is no place within Rotary for racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, classism, or ageism. We do not believe that this is a political stance and we do believe that we should openly discuss these issues within our organization.
Rotary’s diversity strengthens us. Diversity is one of our core values, and the tremendous breadth and variety of experiences, cultures, and perspectives that are represented in our organization are what make us unique.
Rotary is learning. We know that this journey will take time and lead to challenging conversations, deep self-reflection, and new opportunities for discovery and growth. We must all feel empowered to speak out respectfully and hold ourselves and each other accountable when our actions do not reflect Rotary’s ideals. Look for more opportunities to be a part of this shared journey. We want participation, input, and ideas from our members all over the globe as we strive to show what’s possible when we uphold our commitment to diversity and respect for all.
Holger Knaack,
President, 2020-21
Grow Rotary Workshop by District 7070
On February 27th, District 7070 is organizing workshop on your club’s path to Grow Rotary. It is important for members to attend so you can share the discussion with your club and work together on plans for your growth strategy.
Having a strong vibrant Rotary Club involves Membership - looking after our members - new, seasoned and potential, Public Image – reaching out to our communities showing them what we do and showing the power of what we can do - and our Foundation and what it allows us to do. REGISTER TODAY and GROW YOUR CLUB PRESENCE.
