President-Elect: Prince Kumar Vice-President: Jayson Phelps
Treasurer: Rick Goldsmith
Executive Director: Carol Hutchinson
RI President
Holger Knaack, Rotary Club of Herzogtum Lauenburg-Mölln, Germany
District Governor
Mark Chipman, Whitby Sunrise
Editor of the week: Maureen Bird
Friday November 20, 2020 Rotary Virtual Meeting via Google Meet 12:00 Noon to 1:30 PM
Guest Speaker: U of T Hart House Debate Team
Motion To Be Debated: This House Believes That Violent Protests Are
More Effective in Changing Societal Values and Attitudes Than Peaceful Protests
Host: Past President Geoffrey Johnson
(picture was taken pre-COVID)
The Hart House Debating Club, established in 1919, is one of the oldest and most prestigious debating societies in Canada. They are among the most successful teams in North America and the World.
Speaking today are Justin Lim, James Yang, Serena Yuan and Noah Pinno.
Transition Talks - for Members only - stay on the call
Transition Talks – 10 minute member only segments at the end of our Virtual meetings will give you an opportunity to know more about the new Transition Plan.
Join us for an interactive Club Assembly of The Rotary Club of Toronto hosted by Vice President Jayson Phelps and the Club Assembly Team: Andrea Tirone, Kurt Kroesen, James Statham and Blair Spinney.
Find out about the Philanthropic part of our new structure in-depth.
We hear there is also some great entertainment planned :)
In these difficult times, we need to celebrate our fellowship as Rotarians. So, this is a “feel good” luncheon. We have some money to give away, President John will give us a little history, and as an added attraction, we’ll hear about “That Was the Week that Was” from Geoffrey Johnson.
Who should I invite as a guest? A potential new member…
Watch for Google Meet link.
Christmas will Happen! December 18, 2020
From Dauna Jones-Simmonds
Hello Rotarians! We are creating a video montage for the Rotary Club of Toronto Virtual Christmas Luncheon this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Luncheon will be held on Friday, December 18, 2020 from noon until 1:30 pm in the luxury of your own home. In order to participate, we will be sending you a Google Meet link in due course. Please feel to invite your family and friends to experience the virtual Christmas celebration.
For the video, you can do one of many things: feature your favourite pet in its favourite holiday outfit; say a few words about your experience at the Club; respond to one of the two questions being asked; upload a picture of your decorated Christmas Tree so that you can be part of a Christmas Tree competition - Winners will be announced at the luncheon on December 18th; upload a video of you and your family singing a Christmas song; Be creative and funny too! Remember, your video must be no more than one minute long!
It will only take you a minute to film and submit your video. It should make for an unforgettable celebration of the 2020 Holiday Season. Don't be the last to submit! Your contribution to the video will be shown at the Christmas Luncheon.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dauna Jones-Simmonds at dauna.jonessimmonds@rotarytoronto.com
What you Missed November 13, 2020
by Steve Smith, Chair, Indigenous Service Committee
Boohzhoo (Hello)! We had a very full agenda at our special meeting this Friday. As members and guests gathered (virtually), a video featuring the Sultans of String played. What a wonderful way to open our Indigenous themed meeting. Be sure to check out the 3 times Juno Award Nominees and Billboard charting group at a sultansofstring.com. Chi-Miigwetch (Big thanks!) to our Indigenous Service Committee member, Andre Morriseau, for making this possible.
After President John welcomed visiting Rotarians and guests and introduced the head table, Elder Audrey DeRoy offered a beautiful prayer and song to open our meeting. Member James Braithwaite provided a Let’s Be Personal presentation which included useful physiotherapy tips for those of us feeling the physical strains resulting from Covid-19. James is devoted to people’s overall well-being and his company gives back to many social causes. James desire to “give back” is the reason that he was drawn to Rotary.
Yours truly had the privilege to host and introduce our guest speaker, Renee Linklater. Renee is a member of Rainy River First Nation (Ojibwe/Anishinaabe) in Northwestern Ontario. She has over25 years of experience working with Indigenous healing agencies and 25 years of experience working with Indigenous healing agencies and First Nation communities. She has worked at the Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH) and is the Director of Skaabe Makwa (pronounced Shkaw-bay-Muk -wah) which is Anishinaabe for “Spirit Bear Helper”. The centre incorporates Indigenous knowledge and traditions with medical research, training and healing models for caregivers serving Indigenous communities. Renee spoke to us about the Impact of Covid-19 on Indigenous Communities. She talked about the global grief taking hold of the world and the reality that we are all part of the human family. With regards to the impact on Indigenous communities, she noted that, while over 60% of people that have contracted Covid-19 have recovered, many people continue to suffer from Covid-19 related stress. However, government resources are not coming fast enough. Isolation has exacerbated the situation.
Notwithstanding the many challenges Indigenous communities are enduring, there have been many positive outcomes. This includes an “execution of self determination”. For example, many First Nations have closed their communities to outsiders and have restricted members from travelling outside their nation. Although there have been inconveniences to both members and non-indigenous people (who travel through First Nations’ lands), this has helped to contain the spread of Covid-19 in communities. On the other hand, there have been many positive responses to the Covid-19 situation. Families and friends have more time to together to hunt and follow traditional ways. Also, the Toronto response has been incredible with agencies such as Anishinaabe Health Foundation, Native Centre of Toronto, Native Child and Family Services providing virtual services, food banks and support for the homeless. The response has been inspiring. Finally, Renee encouraged us to learn more about developments Skaabe Makwa by visiting www.camh.ca. Have a great week everyone!
With perfect timing The Star featured the new centre on November 15th.
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.
Saturday's Virtual Cooking Class - Next one - December 5th - contact Nphillips@dgn-marketing.com
Cheese 102 Workshop Saturday November 21, 2:00 pm - contact Neil
