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Wednesday December 30, 2009. It is customary for us, following each Share A Christmas, to honour some of our long time donors and volunteers and we do this at our Hamper's Christmas Convocation, to be held on Saturday January 23, 2010. Here is some of the fun and welcome to the cartoon world of Hamper our famous Reindeer... Message from the Dean: Bob Murdoch, Executive Director. 1980-2010
Thursday December 24, 2010. The rumours of my retirement are partially exaggerated. I will be retiring in 2010 and this is my final Share A Christmas. A long time ago and several times since, people advised me that, to make Centre 55 the Centre of the Community ( a goal I believe we accomplished together), begin by surrounding yourself with the brightest and the best people you can find. I did that, and I continue to do that. I believe Community Centre 55 has the best donors, the best volunteers, the best board of directors, the best leaders and the best staff anywhere, other than those Santa has at the North Pole-all of whom continue to set an example for us. Share A Christmas is a marvel elbow greased technology. You really have to be part of the epic, to truly appreciate its labour of love. Here the 2009 Share A Christmas metrics:
In 90 minutes from the time of this Blog entry, our volunteers and staff will be locking up an empty building. It will be ghostly quiet here and the night will remain silent, until the 28th of December, and then we start our 2010 Share A Christmas plan. So a Very Merry Christmas to all and I bid you a fond fair well. Oh, and, find Santa here. Bob Murdoch, Executive Director. 1980-2010 Wednesday December 23, 2009. The compliments just keep on coming. Selecting a few from hundreds: Today and tomorrow we are distributing toys. We are still gratefully accepting gift cards and toys. Christmas is imminent . Our gap between demand for help and our supply continues to miraculously be narrowing. We are now at Christmas Condition-CHRISCON 1. ("CHRISCON" is our reference to our state of Christmas preparedness and CHRISCON 1 means, we are prepared and could use a little more help). Bob Tuesday December 22, 2009-Share A Christmas Delivery Day It's 5:46pm and Community Centre 55 is jammed packed with people. Our friends from 55 Division of the Toronto Police Service are controlling traffic and doing a fabulous job in a very organized but chaotic environment. The donations of food and toys are flying out the doors ( oh by the way, you probably heard, turkeys don't fly, although I think wild ones do ). Our make shift cafeteria is busier than a Tim Horton's drive through at rush hour. We are about half done our deliveries. 8:00am This day will be dramatic and emotionally charged. My staff and our board of directors and volunteers have relentlessly been preparing for this moment. In a few hours from now, hundreds of volunteers will arrive. The police will shut down the street. A 53' tractor trailer will deliver: turkey; ham; potatoes; turnips; carrots; squash; apples; oranges; bread; milk; and Christmas cake. Volunteers will pick up all of these fresh foods and non perishables and toys and take them to the door of those who have fallen on hard times and who are anxiously awaiting their delivery. This is the gift of our community to our community. Families will have some of the resources necessary to help provide a dignified Christmas for their children. Today's process comes and goes almost as fast as Christmas. Over 640 families will receive their donations within 4 hours tonight. The speed at which we donated is proportional to the our over all organization, combined with the tenacity of purpose of this season's spirit. When we are done today, we will have another day and half of toy distribution. At 2pm on December 24, our building will be empty, and ghostly quiet. Community Centre 55 has been bursting at its seams with the courage of the christmas season. As we all return to our families to reflect on the Miracle, this beautiful and grand old ex police station will then settle in for a long winters nap. We are still accepting donations to help pay for the fresh foods and gifts for transitional aged youth over 9 years of age, are needed. Great people like Toni worked up a seat among some of the members at Lation Fitness and Crossroads Sports Academy and dropped off $1,000-this takes a bite out of our fresh food bill estimated to be about $27,000. Our friends at Canadian Tire at Main Street and Danforth donated product and a bundle of bills-$4,000! A long time ago, I wrote this poem and it describes what happens here on December 22 of each year: Twas The Night Of Share A Christmas We were trying to share Christmas, and we weren’t happy campers, My helpers were pacing from one room to the other, Then out on Main Street, there exploded such laughter, Linguini-that’s pasta and fresh Christmas cakes, I saw realtor’s and bakers, boy scouts and girl guides, More beavers and brownies and a twinky or two, They came up from the “club” and their houses and stores, They drove down from the Banks with cars full of toys Help came from the north and the south and the Legions, They ran in from the east with great bundles of things Christmas is imminent. We are now at Christmas Condition-CHRISCON 1. ("CHRISCON" is our reference to our state of Christmas preparedness and CHRISCON 1 means, we still need help). Monday December 21, 2009. "Look to the ant, thou sluggard and consider her ways". Someone told me that once, and I don't know if they authored it or referenced it from some other source. As I contemplate the ant, I find similarities to the ant and what happened here on the weekend, and what continues to happen. Similar to the ant, we had a colony of volunteers working collectively to support our Share A Christmas. Some species of ants form chains to bridge gaps over water or through spaces in vegetation. We to formed chains of human beings who moved food and toys up and down stairs. Quiet, deliberate, organized, focused, and devout, our army packed thousands of kilograms of food and toys. I think the ant is a marvel of evolution and they have my attention. Our Share A Christmas Campaign is almost complete and we have one day left, which is today and at this point there will be a whole bunch of kids over 9 without a Christmas gift this year. So we need toys or gift cards badly. Tomorrow beginning at 4pm, more ants will move in and begin the transfer of food and toys out to colonies. We are almost complete. We need toys. Our gap between demand for help and our supply continues to miraculously be narrowing. Christmas is imminent. We are holding at Christmas Condition-CHRISCON 3. ("CHRISCON" is our reference to our state of Christmas preparedness and CHRISCON 3 means, we are very close and still need help). Sunday December 20, 2009. MY OH MY OH MY OH MY.... WHAT A WAY TO START THE DAY! Janis and her Tannenbaum Crew and all of the runners really went to town. Her 4th annual Tannenbaum 10K Run just made enough money for us to buy the equivalent of about 700 lbs of turkey. They also brought in toys and non perishable foods. What an extraordinarily successful event and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Janis and her Crew and we thank them immensely. Royal LePage Estate Realty, who was a major sponsor in our Kingston Road Santa Claus Parade just increased their support to us by dropping off a $2,500 donation and as always we deeply appreciate the support from Keith and Jen and all of their great agents and staff. Rick DeClute of RE/MAX Halmark Realty cobbled together a whopping $5,000. We now have close to 700 families with kids anxiously anticipating our deliveries on December 22, 2009. We still need non perishable foods. So if you can help please drop them off as soon as possible. Meanwhile the Centre here, is pleasantly congested with happy and concerned volunteers who are sorting and packing boxes of food. Our program director Evonne and her staff are like a team of Hercules. Christmas is imminent . Our gap between demand for help and our supply continues to miraculously be narrowing. We are now at Christmas Condition-CHRISCON 2. ("CHRISCON" is our reference to our state of Christmas preparedness and CHRISCON 2 means, we are very very close to reaching our goal and still need help). Saturday December 19, 2009. 3:00am- Can't sleep. This is why... Putting a Real Face to Real Pain Jane ( not her real name ) is a 26 year old single mother with a 10 month old daughter. They live in assisted housing and Jane is struggling to make a respectful, dignified and contributing life for herself and daughter. The process of her efforts are often punctuated with beatings and assaults. She has been assaulted by the father of her child, including being dragged beside a car with her baby, resulting in a variety of physical injuries to Jane including scars and broken teeth, not to mention the psychological toll. Her parents, both raging alcoholics and having been evicted from their home for not paying rent, un welcomed and unwanted, decides on their own to take up residence with Jane and they bring their dogs too. One parent, as in the past, assaults Jane. The parents are removed from Jane's apartment and an order of trespass is issued against them. The parents abandon the dogs and Jane now has the miserable experience of getting rid of the dogs. Being a compassionate and sensible person, and having read about the Toronto Humane Society issues of late, she decides to take the dogs north of the City for appropriate adoption. How does a young woman with such burden hold it together, especially this time of year? I don't know, but I expect it is because she has a child and I think she wants to provide her child with the kind of life she dreams of rather than the nightmare she lives in. Jane came to Centre 55 for help and got it. When I drove her home, I told her better days are coming. She burst into tears. I helped her take in her donations ( and more donations will be coming to her later), and on the way out of the building and given I just can't contain my exuberance and make the repeated mistake of inappropriately saying-" if and when the father of your child shows up or your parents come over, give me a call". I think you, dear reader, will know what I mean. Obviously a matter for the police, but I'd like to be their to summon the professionals. My point here is, there is hope and compassion in this world, no matter how deep your despair. People really do care about each other. Especially about people who want to help themselves. Jane and her daughter will receive the Miracle of Christmas and I wager, next year she will return as a volunteer to help "pay it forward". This is one example of many, that has the charm to sooth the savage breast, soften rocks and bend a knotted oak. If you are not convinced that there is need out there, and that there are hundreds of decent, caring and hardworking people, who are desperate for an act of kindness especially this time of year, well, you should be now, and if not, you may never be. I am absolutely convinced that the flesh and breath of our community, any community from here to the north and south poles, lies in its capacity to do good works. Our gap between demand for help and our supply continues to miraculously be narrowing. Christmas is imminent. We are holding at Christmas Condition-CHRISCON 3. ("CHRISCON" is our reference to our state of Christmas preparedness and CHRISCON 3 means, we are very close and still need help). Bob Friday December 18, 2009. 9:00am When 626 local, struggling families, who have 484 kids, with 129 dogs and 289 cats appeal to you for some kindness to help them provide a dignified Christmas for their children, how would you respond? Community Centre 55 replies-well don't you worry we will be there, and by gosh by golly we WILL be there, come high tide, sleet, snow, rain, wind, we will be there. This is the time of year, as Dickens put it, when "want is most keenly felt". The gap between the demand for help and our capacity to supply, is closing more and more each day. During the next four days, hundreds of volunteers will be: lifting and carrying; and picking up and delivering; and sorting and packing; and will take to the homes of the 626 families a turkey, with fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, bread and cake and a box of non perishables and at least one toy for each child. The police will be here, from 55 Division, as they always are, to support our efforts and to help with traffic control. The street outside my window, will once again look like a battle field upon which people will be loading cars and vans with the Christmas Miracle. We will have music, and food, and laughter and tears. When it is all over, at 2pm on the 24th of December, we will know, once again, that the light of the Christmas spirit will never be extinguished and we owe it all to our donors and volunteers. 12:38pm Our friends at the Toronto Police Service just helped us with over $2,000 in toys. They have been doing this for us for a number of years and we deeply appreciate their commitment and hard work. The gap continues to close and we are almost there. We are now back to Christmas Condition-CHRISCON 3. ("CHRISCON" is our reference to our state of Christmas preparedness and CHRISCON 3 means, we are very close and still need help).
Wednesday December 16, 2009. The gap is slowly closing, but we still have a lot of distance to make up. The Beaches Speeches Toastmaster Club, as usual, and we thank them, put their money where their mouth is and took up a collection for us and the Beach Business Association dropped off a donation and so did the Beach Rotary Club. So, what is currently happening? Well, the Miracle of Christmas is unfolding right before our eyes. There is a special synergy when people work together. We can animate a lifeless universe with our tenacity of purpose, but we need to persevere and we are running out of time. We have 6 days left until we deliver Christmas to over 600 families. And this is very very cool!
We remain at Christmas Condition-CHRISCON 2. ("CHRISCON" is our reference to our state of Christmas preparedness and CHRISCON 2 means, we are really really worried and we need help, badly). Tuesday December 15, 2009. 3:17 pm DHL is a world leader in air-express services, covering all packages, express and general cargo services. Community Centre 55 Board Member David A. informs us-"they (DHL) have been kind enough to offer support again this year with not just one cube delivery van, but two!" Now all we have to do is to make sure we have food and toys to put into the two vans. We are working on that day and night. 3:00pm Just redeemed $20 in Canadian Tire money for a hockey stick and a street hockey ball for one of the hundreds of kids on our list. The CHUMCity Christmas Wish is about 30 years old and has been a main supplier of Christmas toys and funds to needy children for 3 decades. "Due to an all-time shortage at the CHUM warehouse, they are only able to fill our emergency orders for children up to 9 yrs old. They will not be able to help children older than that". This is a bit of a testimony to a comment I made yesterday about the transitional age group also known as the "great left out." Meanwhile Community Centre 55 Board Member Debbie V forwarded a check for $1,000 courtesy of the Scotia Employee Volunteer Program and the Beach Beavers Soft Ball Team handed in $450. 8:00am Another day and another empty cupboard. Our Share A Christmas is now only 8 days away, and although we are slowly closing the gap, we still need a ton of help.We remain at Christmas Condition-CHRISCON 2. ("CHRISCON" is our reference to our state of Christmas preparedness and CHRISCON 2 means, we are really really worried and we need help, badly). We are slowly closing the gap and we need help-Christmas is imminent. Monday December 14, 2009. This weekend didn't produce much. We only have 9 days left. Our Share A Christmas donations are at an all time low. We are now moving to CHRISCON 2 ( this refers to a further increase in Share A Christmas Force readiness just below maximum readiness. The most notable time CHRISCON 2 was declared was during the Great Northern Lights Blackout of the 50's, although the declaration was limited to the Strategic Reindeer Air Command. In other words we are now, really, really worried), and we badly need non perishable foods and donations of funds to help us purchase fresh foods. I started this program 28 years ago, and this one, will be my last one and it appears the toughest one of all. Throughout the years, I have many recollections of wonder filled moments in this Share A Christmas Program. It gave me much more than I could ever give it. The years I delivered food and presents to families with small children, returned to me, the gift of the Dickensian experience, for which I will be forever grateful. As I: walked up to the doors often in the rain, or snow, or slush, or sleet; or was confronted by out-of-service elevators; or tripped up on the 200th step in an apartment building; or slipped on ice and slid downstairs; or chased by dogs; or got parking tickets;or a dead car battery; or a flattened tire; or pretended I could speak another language to a non English speaking family; or tried to break-up a domestic violence occurrence; or tried to ignore the empty liquor bottles strewn around a house with small children; or toted the seasonal flu along with me while carrying heavy boxes, it was so hard to contain the exuberance of the spirit of Christmas, particularly when greeted at the door, by runny nosed little kids, bundled in their full body cowboy printed sleepers, who were brightened by the anticipation of a Christmas gift from a stranger. You leave that delivery knowing the true beauty of the meaning of Christmas. This is contrasted by the awkward moments when delivering food to families with transitional aged children ( 12 years and up) and the emptiness one feels, and the heart ache one gets knowing that there is very little in the donation for teenagers. They are the "great left out". You leave feeling empty, knowing that they must feel forgotten or abandoned or un cared for. Please, if you are contemplating how to help us, consider the teenagers. A gift card for a young person can go a long way. We have donors and volunteers here, that recall their teenage years and how appreciative they were to receive a gift box from a charity. Others recall going hungry on Christmas and some were saved because of the generosity of a neighbour. A single act of kindness to a young person, can produce the volunteers and donors of the future. Christmas is imminent. We are holding at CHRISCON 2 .We need help now and we need it badly. Friday December 11, 2010. Miss Burns would be happy and proud! The staff of Earl Haig Public School held a collection. The event was to honour the memory of Ms. Connie Burns, who passed away on Monday November 30, 2009. Ms. Burns was a teacher for over 20 years. Her family requested that donations be forwarded to children in need and subsequently, the staff forwarded the collection to us. Community Centre 55 will make sure that Ms. Burns memory is respected, by ensuring Earl Haig Public School's donation will be used to help alleviate the burden that children have this time of year. Thank you to the Staff of Earl Haig Public School and blessings for Ms. Burns. 1:27pm. The Balmy Beach Old Boys just bought us 670 pounds of turkey. Thanks boys, you may never know the extent of our appreciation. Christmas is imminent. We are holding at CHRISCON 3 . ("CHRISCON" is our reference to our state of Christmas preparedness and CHRISCON 3 increases our Christmas Force readiness above normal, meaning we are more worried). We need help, badly. Bob Thursday December 10, 2009. Innovation is great and here's an example. Several residents from Wineva Avenue held a progressive dinner and instead of exchanging gifts, they raised $510 for our Share A Christmas Program. Followed by Sandra & Robert, who dropped in to drop off a $1,500 donation. Now that's the spirit! We are still behind in our fundraising. Our demand considerably out ways our supply, but we are gaining ground. Ryanna sent me this link -try it out, people love it! Christmas is imminent. We are holding at CHRISCON 3 . ("CHRISCON" is our reference to our state of Christmas preparedness and CHRISCON 3 increases our Christmas Force readiness above normal, meaning we are more worried). We need help, badly. Wednesday December 9, 2009. Every retailer I know, tells me the same thing. Christmas sales are miserable until the cold weather and snow arrives, and then the Holiday spirit tends to be awakened. It seems snow shoveling, sledding and skating, shivers to life our innate Canadian Christmas spirit. I believe this to be true. This of course, is correlated to our Share A Christmas cause .I was hoping for 10cm of snow today. The 10cm of slush we got, in lieu of fine, beautifully glistening, good olde fashioned Canadian Christmas snow, well, it isn't helping, and now the rain. We are picking up some donations today, mostly non perishable foods. We need cash for fresh foods and we need help. Christmas is imminent. We are holding at CHRISCON 3 . ("CHRISCON" is our reference to our state of Christmas preparedness and CHRISCON 3 increases our Christmas Force readiness above normal, meaning we are more worried). We need help, badly.
Bob Tuesday December 8, 2009. Well that was depressing. I just went to empty 5 barrels of food from our local food drop, and found them all less than half full. My depression was washed away when I went through my mail and found a check for $10,000 from a very supportive foundation. They will never know how deeply we appreciate their support again this year. They just bought the equivalent of about 333 turkeys for families that otherwise would not have much of a Christmas Dinner. I am not sure how much they wish to be identified, so, on behalf of the families that just got a Christmas Dinner, I want to send my most profound thank you to the M&K B F Foundation. The distance from now to our Share A Christmas Delivery Day ( December 22 ) is narrowing. and the need is widening and the supply we have is scant. Christmas is imminent. We are holding at CHRISCON 3 . ("CHRISCON" is our reference to our state of Christmas preparedness and CHRISCON 3 increases our Christmas Force readiness above normal, meaning we are more worried). We need help, badly. Friday December 4, 2009. 8:00am-The good news is, we have approximately the same number of families needing Share A Christmas assistance now, as we did this time last year. The bad news is we can only help about 25% of them. Our delivery date is December 22 and we are running out of time. We are seriously behind in fundraising and food collecting, but the light of the Christmas spirit will never be extinguished. Christmas is imminent. We are holding at CHRISCON 3 . ("CHRISCON" is our reference to our state of Christmas preparedness and CHRISCON 3 increases our Christmas Force readiness above normal, meaning we are more worried). We need help, badly. 9:53am -For as long as I can remember, the Balmy Beach Club Old Boys have been providing a quantity of turkeys to our Share A Christmas Program. A few minutes ago, one of their representatives arrived to give me some fantastic news. The Balmy Beach Old Boys will be providing us with turkeys again this year and it appears they may significantly increase the numbers! Thanks guys and the following is the kind of impact you have, you will lessen the burden if several struggling families this year... No Christmas for my children, No tree with mounds of presents, No toys to ease the boredom No fireplace, no Santa, For me I have no pity, Written by a single mom. 3:10pm- Frank and Mary Lou usually spend $900 on wine for their clients, but this year, in lieu of the wine, they are donating the money to our Share A Christmas Program for turkeys. Imagine if everyone did that? It's a multiple win for everyone. Christmas is imminent. We are holding at CHRISCON 3 . ("CHRISCON" is our reference to our state of Christmas preparedness and CHRISCON 3 increases our Christmas Force readiness above normal, meaning we are more worried). We need help, badly.
Tuesday December 1, 2009. We are 21 days away from our Share A Christmas Delivery Day and things are bleak. Although it is a bit early to predict the need, we do find ourselves keeping pace with last years numbers. This time last year we had approximately 350 families referred to us and currently we are very close to the same number. The recession combined with donor fatigue is evident. We are still $16,000 behind in our fundraising. The light of the Christmas spirit will never be extinguished. Christmas is imminent. We are holding at CHRISCON 3 . ("CHRISCON" is our reference to our state of Christmas preparedness and CHRISCON 3 increases our Christmas Force readiness above normal, meaning we are more worried). We need help. Enjoy this!
Monday November 30, 2009. 8:00am - The boys hockey team combined with the Girl Guides worked the crowds at Loblaws on Saturday and produced about 10 barrel fulls of non perishable foods. Meanwhile over at Crossroads Sports Academy, Toni and company are busy with this Fitness Fun Marathon for us. We are still $16,000 behind in our fundraising. The light of the Christmas spirit will never be extinguished. Christmas is imminent. We are holding at CHRISCON 3 . ("CHRISCON" is our reference to our state of Christmas preparedness and CHRISCON 3 increases our Christmas Force readiness above normal, meaning we are more worried). We need help. 9:55am - Just got a call from Variety Village and they have a trillion single serving packs of pancake syrup. Going to get them....... Bob
Friday November 27, 2009. 8:00am- It's Friday morning, and after several days of rain and fog, it appears a small and rather shy thread of sunlight may break through the dreary and tired banks of dark cloud. This will be a welcomed sign. We need it to help illuminate our way through this misty morn. In fact we are still holding at DEFCON 3 ( forthwith to be known as "CHRISCON" and referring to an increase in Christmas Force readiness above normal). We are $16,000 behind in our Share A Christmas fundraising. The little sinew of sunlight will bring the promise of a better day, I just know it! 12:30pm-David A responds- " I have updated my LinkedIn profile to let people know about my Board appointment and to request their support for the Centre (and I'll do the same on Facebook). This week, I had a great meeting with an employee from Scotiabank. I sent her the information about ways that people could help the program and yesterday she told me that 12 colleagues have committed to volunteering. Today I will send her your blog invite and ask if they may be able to do some fundraising or hold a food drive in the branch. Next week, I will put an announcement in the newspaper at my sons' school. 'M' is the head of community service for the school and recently addressed all students and staff about CC55. I've put a bug in his ear to try to organize a food drive and I will do more 'seed planting' on this in the coming days". and................ Jenn M wrote-"I read your piece in the Beach Metro and our family would like to help out (our son 'J' is in the nursery school program). We'd like to make a food drop. When can we start doing so? And do we bring the food to the main desk at the Centre?" 1:37pm- I just heard that 15-20 young hockey players from the Ted Reeve Thunder will be throwing a lightning bolt at Loblaws on Saturday. They will be there to ask shoppers to help us by donating money and non perishable foods. (Cash buys turkey, milk and bread and we need about $25,000 and we are $16,000 behind. We only have 25 days to catch up). So "Go Thunder Go!" The light of the Christmas spirit will never be extinguished and I know more people will follow. I can feel it. Christmas is imminent. We are holding at CHRISCON 3. We need help. Bob Thursday November 26, 2009. We are $16,000 behind in Share A Christmas fundraising and therefore we are moving to DEFCON 3 (DEFCON 3 refers to an increase to Christmas Force readiness above normal). We need help. Christmas is imminent. Bob Monday November 23, 2009. My-oh-my, what a day, what a day! Well the jollification was of pandemic proportions when Santa, under clear blue skies arrived here on Sunday. Crowd estimates for our Santa Claus Parade were 8,000-10,000 jollifiers. The Official Sugar Plum Fairy was present, and we had marching bands, clowns, floats of all description and sizes, and Canada Post collecting letters for Santa and fabulous Malvern Collegiate Marching Band and Cheerleaders.
Big thanks to our volunteers and: The Kingston Road Village Business Association; Scotia Bank; Royal LePage Estate Realty; Beach Metro News; The Town Crier; Beach-Riverdale Mirror; SNAP Magazine; Trish Temple who did this fabulous poster->
We are behind in fundraising and food collection for our Share A Christmas Program and we now shift all of our attention to the hundreds of kids and families, who have fallen on hard times, who need our help.We are holding at DEFCON 4. (DEFCON 4 refers to normal, increased intelligence and the heightening of Share A Christmas security measures). Christmas is imminent.
Wednesday November 18, 2009. Wow is it ever nice when you get one of these. "Hi Bob: It has been a while since we last spoke. I am thankful for all the help you provided me and I would like to offer some support to the Share-a-Christmas campaign. It’s taken a few years, but I have managed to start a moderately successful business and I would like to make a small donation as my way of saying thanks. SE." It is an extraordinary moment, when old friends and people we have helped throughout the years, recover and show their appreciation in time or money. It's validating and they may never now how personally grateful I and the Centre is for their thoughts. We are holding at DEFCON 4, Christmas is imminent. Monday November 16, 2009. Things are not going well with our Share A Christmas Program and we need your help ASAP! We are moving to DEFCON 4. (DEFCON 4 refers to normal, increased intelligence and the heightening of Share A Christmas security measures). Christmas is imminent. Tuesday November 10, 2009. "Dear Community Centre 55: My son and I woob (sic) like to thank you for making last years Christmas a 'very special one'. You and your staff provided us with food and gifts, that made our Christmas complete. Without your support and kindness, Christmas won't (sic) have been that great. Thank you." Iain and Robbie We are only 42 days away from the date we deliver food and toys to needy families. Our cupboards are bare and we need your help. We are holding at DEFCON 5, Christmas is imminent. Bob Tuesday November 3, 2009. We are starting our Share A Christmas intake. Our cupboards are bare, we are holding a DEFCON 5, there are 50 days to delivery day. Christmas is imminent. Meanwhile ...Officer Rory and his "K" family use Halloween to collect food for our Share A Christmas Program. Rory gets a High Hamper's Hoof ( like a High 5, but with a hoof ).
Wednesday October 28, 2009. West of Main challenges East of Main to a Santa Claus Parade Smack Down! When he's not out removing graffiti vandalism, it seems he is at home dreaming up more schemes to help to keep this community a safe place in which to live, work and play. Jason Balgopal, a resident of the community just west of Main Street, would like to see more neighbourhoods represented in our Santa Claus Parade, so he's planning to throw down the gauntlet, as it were, to folks in the east of Main neighbourhood. The challenge-the best parade float entry. Let's see who picks it up. Bob Friday October 16, 2009. The old bones of this building are aching and they are not just mine. If you noticed the scaffolding around the building, it's there to allow workers access to lose brick mortar. Our historic building is 98 years old and it needs a considerable amount of brick work and it should be completed by the end of November. Otherwise and as usual, we are open for business.
Tuesday October 6, 2009. Our 28th annual Share A Christmas is coming up fast and so is our Santa Claus Parade and we expect it to be bigger, better, bolder and brighter than the last. Kids and families should enter our Sugar Plum Fairy Contest asap. Details are here. Monday September 14, 2009. Kevin Johnson is the newly appointed United States Consulate General to Canada. I think he has been in his position for about two weeks. Of all the invitations and opportunities he had to attend 1pm- 911 Commemorative Services, he chose ours! Our ceremony was very touching and really well attended. We lowered our 4 flags on our nautical flag pole, people laid roses at the foot of the American Flag, prayers for peace were made, Amazing Grace was played, there were moments of silence and expressions of gratitude to our Police, Fire and EMS personnel. It was beautiful. A few hours later someone came and stole all of our flags from our flag pole. BEACH CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY AWARD The power of one person can make a world of difference or, in the case of Jason Balgopal a much cleaner neighbourhood. Friday September 4, 2009. People are telling us that there seems to be very few, if any, local 911 Remembrance Ceremonies, as if people are beginning to forget what happened on Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, when terrorists attacked our neighbours. "They hijacked four passenger jets, crashed two of them into the World Trade Centre's twin towers and a third into the Headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense at the Pentagon, causing great loss of life and tremendous damage. The fourth plane crashed in the Pennsylvania countryside, killing all on board but falling well short of its intended target apparently because of the heroic efforts of passengers on board. This carnage, which caused the collapse of both Trade Centre towers and the destruction of part of the Pentagon, killed more than 250 airplane passengers and thousands more on the ground." So join us please at 1pm. Surrounded by great staff! Running an organization like ours, is easy with people like this....
Our GRIP ( Graffiti Removal and Information Program) spent all summer, scrubbing and scraping the crap vandals had put on public and private property. They took a break and did a nice little mural. I love it. Photos from Snap Magazine. Bob Thursday September 3, 2009. Here's what kids and parents are saying about our children's programs.... "I am just writing to thank you for a fantastic summer. I think that my kids will look back on this summer as one of their best. Centre 55 (i.e. you) did such a great job to keep the kids having fun during the difficult time of the strike in July. It must not have been easy trying to come up with ideas to keep them entertained with the pools being closed and the parks being bathroom-less, but you did none-the-less. Each day I picked the kids up they were so hyped-up and energetic, and I knew they had a great day. My son can be somewhat shy and does not make friends easily so I was a little apprehensive about how he'd be, but he was a different kid this summer. He talked about friends he met, and how much he liked "T" and "M". They have had an experience this summer that no other kid (who didn't go to Centre 55) has had. They've been to so many places - Places that no parents have the energy to take them to each and every day. If anyone ever wants a good summer camp for their kids, I will definitely be recommending Community Centre 55. Thank you so much. It's nice to know that I already know where they are spending their summer next year!" Doesn't get much better than that! Thursday August 8, 2009. So far this summer our Graffiti Removal and Information Program has removed 2,356 units of graffiti vandalism. Young offenders have been part of the labour and education program! Our Day Camp and Kinder camp has been at capacity since the beginning of July and we have taken steps to accommodate more campers. Next week some of our campers are away for a week of overnight camping. Last month, 20 of these intrepid overnighters partied on, for 5 days at Balsam Lake. Our Nursery School and all of our Licensed Children's Programs are full with a waiting list for the Fall. If you need a preschool or school aged program-get on our waiting list asap.
Monday July 27, 2009. While the graffiti vandals continue to destroy public and private property, there remains a few really serious artists who have better things to do with their talent. It's amazing what you can find in a tree.
Wednesday July 22, 2009. Wow! We are almost half way through the summer, and we are operating at capacity. Our Day Camp, Kinder Camp and Councilor in Training Programs are busier than ever. We've become a bit of a refuge for people desperate to find programs for their children during the civic strike. Our GRIP ( Graffiti Removal and Information Program ) is busy removing the crap that vandals have been putting on public and private property. If you need a day camp for your kids call us at 416-691-1113. Bob Wednesday July 15, 2009. Recently our boardwalk was subjected to a despicable graffiti vandalism attack. The Globe and Mail reported here that, "Police said they were investigating racist and anti-Semitic graffiti scrawled along the boardwalk in Toronto's Beach neighbourhood as a hate crime". The pics below are two examples of the vandalism. The reference to "14/88" may be attributed to the 14 words written by David Lane, who was an American white nationalist leader, author and convicted felon. He died while serving a 190-year prison sentence in the Federal prison in Terre Haute. He wrote- "we must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children." The " 88" may represent David Lane's 88 precepts, or sometimes the eighth letter in the alphabet (H), to represent Heil Hitler.
Below-the expression "ZOG" may refer to - "Zionist Occupied Governments". The expression may be used by anti semitic groups such as White Supremacists and various far-right groups. The word "Zionist" could refer to a movement for support of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel. The use of the word, or abbreviation or acronym "ZOG", may be intended to portray Jews as conspirators who aim to control the world.
For more information on these types of groups you may find this book informative. Changing the subject, someone at the courthouse at 311 Jarvis Street is doing the thinking! A young man was charged with a crime, which may have been his first offence. He received a court imposed disposition to give $750 to his choice of charities and to perform 10 hours of community service. The young man ( actually he is a young adult ) presented $350 to our charity, which is the equivalent of 2 summer day camp subsidies for children who normally could not afford summer camp, or 15 turkeys for needy families this Christmas. He also performed his community service hours with a local service group. Now that's what I call a multiple win. Someone at 311 has vision! Bob Wednesday July 8, 2009. Lots of compliments are coming in about our Graffiti Vandalism Removal Program (GRIP) and our Day Camps and we really appreciate it. Ya I know, I know, it's only July and I am talking about our Santa Claus Parade. Well, it's never too early to start planning and here is a great opportunity.........
Well-here's your chance. Get your pencils out, or turn on your computers and tell us why you think you would be the perfect Sugar Plum Parade Fairy. You can enter as a group or a family too. The winner will be the official star of this year's parade and will get to wear the official costumes and we provide the float for you to ride in. To enter there will be a form available soon, just fill it out and sent it back to us. The parade is sponsored in part by the East Toronto Village Business Association and Royal LePage Estate Realty at 1052 Kingston Road. Bob.
Thursday July 2, 2009.
From the Beach Metro News and another great Jon Muldoon pic............ The stage where every man must play a part Thursday June 25, 2009. Our tenacity of purpose in the fight against graffiti vandalism shall not wane, regardless of the loss of support from the Toronto Sun and the Bell, who apparently no longer have the resources to donate the small amount of money to our program to clean their street furniture. Bob Monday June 22, 2009. When Anne Butler and her troupe of Shakespearean Actors say the "show must go on", they aren't kidding. Despite some really inclement and miserable weather, the Merchant of Venice entertained a few hundred people and was very well received. Meanwhile, reports are being received about the amount of graffiti vandalism along Queen Street. Our summer Graffiti Removal Program will be operational in a couple of weeks and, given the decline in funding, we will, as always, try to remove as much as possible. Bob. Wednesday June 17, 2009. Last night was a very busy one. We had a record turn out to our Neighbours Night Out program, which is part of the National Crime Prevention Strategy, or at least was ( you don't hear much about that ), and over 100 people attended our Bard in the Park performance of William Shakespeare's the Merchant of Venice. Another Merchant of Venice performance is scheduled for this evening, but rain seems to be in the offing. Bob. Monday June 1, 2009 Well as you can see, our 2009 Slobberfest was really, well,...slobbery.
Dave Robichaud took some great pics of the Slobberer's, see them here
Tuesday May 26, 2009. 2009 Bard in the Park : The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare Performance Dates: Tuesday June 16,-Saturday June 20, 2009-curtain time is 7:00pm.
Saturday June 20th and Sunday June 21, 2009 Matinee's-curtain time is 2:00pm. Directed by Anne Butler Supported by Community Centre 55 Bring a lawn chair and donations are appreciated The Merchant of Venice is an Early Festive Comedy, first written between 1596-97, first performed in 1600. Education is not just filling a pail, it is igniting the imagination. Having a critical faculty is part of developing an educated individual, so please read Bernie Farber's letter, it's important and then you do the thinking. DISCLAIMER See you at the play.
Wednesday May 21, 2009. Glenn and Jean Cochrane , through ECW Press, just released their new book "The Beach...an illustrated history from the Lake to Kingston Road". It's very informative with great pics. You can probably borrow a copy at the Library or at retailers in the community. Wednesday May 13, 2009. From the Beach Metro News.... Six weeks of vandalism to cemetery comes to an end with arrest of five Five youths were arrested by Division 55 police on April 24 after members of the 55 Division Major Crime Unit spotted one of the young offenders setting fire to a memorial wreath in St. John’s Norway Cemetery. The male suspect was in the company of four other young offenders, aged 15 and 16 years old. The suspects were arrested without incident. At the time of the arrest, one of the young males was found to be in possession of a knife and a quantity of marijuana. Further investigation revealed that during the past six weeks, the suspects have been frequenting the cemetery and knocking over grave headstones, smashing windows and security lights at the crematorium building. One youth was charged with Mischief Under, Carry Concealed Weapon, Possession of Marijuana (Under), while all five were charged with Mischief Over. My comment-would love to have them here on a community service order. They'd be cleaning and scrubbing out graffiti vandalism and it seems to me that may be an appropriate disposition. Bob
Thursday May 7, 2009. Some nice police officers from 55 Division came for a visit. We provided them with a DVD copy of the graffiti vandal featured below, and a copy of his tag and a pile of photo's of him, featuring a variety of different poses, like this one. I heard that the police are circulating this picture through the local schools and are confident that they will find this vandal. Dear Vandal: You may want to call me before the police are involved 416.691.1113 ext 225. If you do, we can arrange for you to pay the $50 cost of removing your tag from our building and you can have 10 hours of graffiti removal and avoid the police and a nasty little police record. Have a nice day ;)
Wednesday May 6,2009. Another scribbler hits our building. His scribbler tag is to the right his photo. It's about 2am on a Wednesday-does his parents know where he is? If you know this person call 416 691 1113 ext 225 or call the police 416-808-5500. Please note we will prosecute all graffiti vandals and put a claim against their parents for the costs of clean up, as well, we will insist they are returned to Centre 55 to participate in graffiti vandalism removal.
Monday April 27, 2009 A busy clean-up weekend and I think the following two pics, speak for themselves.
Wednesday April 22, 2009. Rags! We need them. Help us with our grafitti vandalism clean up throughout the summer by dropping off clean rags->97 Main Street. Thanks Bob Monday April 20, 2009. Lots of local clean-ups are scheduled for this weekend. centre 55 ill be working with residents and clubs and associations on Danforth Avenue, Queen Street and with the Toronto Beach Dog Association. The doggers will be working on Saturday April 25, 09 from 10am-12pm at the Leuty Lifeguard Station. If you would like to help, please bring some work gloves and call 416-691-1113 ext 225 for details. Friday April 17, 2009. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we have a winner, or should I say a- loser. We have a referral from the courts of a local graffiti vandal, who is not allowed within a certain distance of the local property he/she vandalized, and we will soon be putting this person to work cleaning up graffiti. Mistakes are wonderful learning opportunities and this person is now in the position to learn something. Fabulous. Have a great weekend! Bob Tuesday April 14, 2009. A very busy weekend...... Obama Watch The book we sent to the White House a few weeks ago, and asked President Obama to sign and return to us for fundraising purposes, is still in Washington. We think we have a chance, otherwise his security would have sent it back to us by now. Or it, as a package, has been x-rayed to dust and there is nothing left to return...we remain optimistic. Easter Parade 2009 1,000's gathered to watch the Beaches Lions Easter Parade on Easter Sunday. Oh and...if you look at the passenger side door of the truck under "55" you will see a dent, in fact there are 4 with deep scratches courtesy of someone too lazy to return their shopping carts.
Meanwhile at Ted Reeve Arena our friends were playing Hockey For Hamper. They raised over $800 for our kids and probably a few pints after the game! Thanks guys.
Wednesday April 7, 2009. Jason Balgopal who is a member of our board and a lawyer and a graffiti crime fighter, just brought to my attention the real possibility of winning $25,000. Take a look here -we could grab this cash easy if you take a few minutes to vote. Monday April 4, 2009. Here is a superb example of what I call a GAG (Graffiti Attack Group). Jason Balgopal and his group are getting terrific results. Nice to hear this once in awhile. Taken from a recent Letter to Editor of the Beach Metro News-->"...
Community Centre 55 (www.centre55.com) has provided support and programs to the community since 1975. CC55’s commitment to the community through events such as Share-A-Christmas and its famous graffiti removal program are gold-star examples of community commitment." Bob. Friday March 27, 2009. GAGGING and GIGGING There is some real "gagging" and "gigging" going on in the Beach and we need a lot more. Graffiti Attack Groups (GAG) are emerging in local neighbourhoods. Jason Balgopal has a well established and effective program in the Norwood area and Jonathan Newton is setting up in the Southwood area and there are others. If you would like to set up your own local GAG, call us, and we may be able to help you with graffiti vandalism removal products. COURT WATCH: We received a court referral of a young man who was arrested, charged and pleaded guilty to mischief. He was stenciling a sidewalk. He will be removing graffiti vandalism tags with us and participating in a Graffiti Impact Group (GIG). Breakfast on Mars? Be careful what you wish for! Terry and Tom and their staff at the Mars Diner on Queen Street recently had two really mercurial ideas. The first->offer a $2 breakfast of bacon, sausages, eggs and toast as a recession fighting pick-me-up to those who were concerned, stressed and maybe even depressed by the failing economy. The second->use the opportunity as a $2 Breakfast Fundraising Eggstravanaga for Community Centre 55. (We need every penny we can get too. There is a proportional or even exponential negative impact on charities as people's disposable income declines). So Tom gets his suppliers to donate enough food for an anticipated 200 local people, all of whom would pay $2 each for their meal and 100% of the proceeds it would be given to Community Centre 55. Well everything went exactly as planned. Two hundred local people attended. He raised $400 for our charity and then went on to sponsor another 1,499 recession fighting breakfasts! It was a multiple win for all and we would like to thank all of those who came to support his efforts and we look forward to another one next year. Thanks Bob Tuesday March 24, 2009. Misery Loves Company. On a recent trip, I noticed that very few Caribbean island paradises escape the scourge of the graffiti vandal. My guess is that the vandalism is primarily done by tourists because the island kids either are too disciplined to destroy property or simply don't have access to paint and markers because they may prefer to eat rather than scribble on public and private property including palm trees. The good news is there is very little graffiti on these islands and there are indications that people are cleaning or painting it out. More pics to follow..... Welcome the beautiful Caribbean Island of St. Maarten, a diamond capital of the world.
Welcome to Grand Turk. 90% of it was destroyed by Hurricane Ike and as if they need this too.
Monday March 3, 2009. "OBAMA WATCH"- as we await to see if President Obama signs a copy of his book he have sent him, we can advise that we are sure our book has arrived at the Whitehouse and we suspect it is beginning its first round of investigation, x raying and dog sniffing. We believe he will autograph his book and will send it back to us, provided the book can get through the rigors of analysis by security agents, and that is a good thing. Bob Murdoch Monday March 3, 2009. 90% of respondents to our recent poll agreed on the use of supervised young and adult non violent offenders as a resource for cleaning up graffiti vandalism. I will look forward to the day we can release such enormous potential. This morning was opening day of the MARS Diner $2 Breakfast Fundraising Eggstravanaga for Community Centre 55. The place was packed, the food was great and you can grab a $2 breakfast all week from opening to closing and we get the two bucks! Thanks to the Beach Business Improvement Association for their support too. It's a good news story and a bit of a local recession recovery package contrasted with this. Tell them, Centre 55 sent ya->1987 Queen Street East. Bob Murdoch Friday March 6, 09. The folks down El Paso way are getting it right.
Their Anti-Graffiti Task Force's blueprint for new anti-graffiti initiatives include:
Meanwhile over in Athens, the great Acropolis is sporting signs of modern day graffiti vandals...
Thursday March 3, 09. It seems to me that this community has enough social capital, that when they bring to bare, their force of desire and tenacity of purpose on a subject, they could animate a lifeless universe. I met another excellent example of citizenship last night at the Beach Rec Centre. Another person willing to step up and to help with our urban hygiene. Jon and his wife and neighbours will soon be taking to the streets to clean up the scribbling that the local graffiti vandals, hiding under the cover of darkness, do to our private and public properties. Graffiti vandals need to know that Community Centre 55 is serious about this issue and they can expect the following from us: 1. Every graffiti vandal referred to us by the police or the courts or anyone else, will do three things: a) They shall attend a tour of our graffiti trashed community with me, to witness first hand the damage; b) They shall attend and participate in a Victim Impact Meeting c) They will be expected to remove a certain amount of graffiti vandalism from our community. In return they will receive a letter of achievement from us, to provide to the courts, to avoid having a criminal record. Unfortunately we can't help with the $400 per hour lawyer they will need to defend themselves. 2. Any graffiti vandal we catch, will be charged. We will insist that the courts refer the vandal to us. Refer to the above as consequences. 3. We will pursue the vandal's family for the costs of clean up. Graffiti vandals should note that every vandal put through our program, whined and complained that the graffiti removal process was too hard, which is too bad. They should also note that every graffiti vandal put through our program, never came back. That's got to tell you something! Bob Murdoch Monday March 2, 2009. Graffiti vandals were busy again this weekend. Suggesting to me, that it will be another "Summer of the Spray Can". A large property on Gerrard Street was bombed. In fact, this property is under constant attack. The business owner, who is a very good corporate citizen, has been continuously cleaning and painting the scribbling off of his bricks, aluminum and trucks. The phone will soon be ringing-off-the-hook. People will be calling demanding an end to graffiti vandalism and insisting on clean up and the public meetings will begin again. I will be posting, in a few days, things you can do to make a difference in the fight against this vandalism. It starts by realizing that the vandals are local kids. They carry around markers and spray cans in their back packs. Parents should inspect these back packs are on regular basis. In Scarborough, Mr. Tony Loparco is the Crown Attorney, and Justice Otter is the Senior Administrative Judge. Their mailing address is 1911 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto , Ontario, M1L 2L6. Drop them a line and let them know that Graffiti Vandalism is a serious offense and that the courts should be finding ways to hold these offenders responsible and accountable for their destruction, in a way that is immediate and appropriate. Using Extra Judicial Sanctions may include Education, hearing supervised Graffiti Vandalism Impact Statements and removing graffiti vandalism from street furniture and appliances. You can reference our program ( scroll down) as an example . Writing the Chief of Police-William Blair at 40 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2J3 would also help. In other news.... Deanna and Michael K. are both turning 40 this week and have asked that in lieu of gifts, that friends and family please make a donation to a local charity. We just received a nice donation from Sara on behalf of her friends. Thank you very much and happy birthday!. Bob
Thursday February 26, 2009.
91% of respondents to our unscientific poll indicated that President Obama WILL autograph our book. The book is now on its way to the White House. Part of President Obama's presidential paradigm is to Dream and to Hope and take an Opportunity and that Change is necessary and can be done. So we DREAM and really HOPE he will take this OPPORTUNITY to sign his book so we can auction it off and make some major CHANGE for our charity. He certainly has ignited the imagination of young people and who knows, he and we may find the next Prime Minister of Canada in the above photo. Will the book survive the intense scrutiny and examinations giving to it by the President's staff and security? We think that is the most difficult part of the process, but if it gets to his desk, I believe he will sign it. Lets see what happens and save your money. Bob
Tuesday February 24, 2009. Mars Diner at 1987 Queen Street East is holding a week long $2 breakfast for Community Centre 55 from 8am. Please drop in and enjoy a great meal and say hello to Terry and his staff. We really appreciate their support. Thank you very much. Tuesday February 24, 2009. Emails and calls are beginning to arrive here. They are all about the graffiti vandalism that has quietly occurred during the sleepy Winter months. People are now out on the streets and are infuriated again. In my experience this is the 12th year of infuriation and although it seems to be a cycle, it is extremely relevant and important. The frequency, intensity and duration of contacts about graffiti vandalism will escalate as Spring arrives. In our unscientific poll, respondents indicated that the number 1 crime related issue in the Beach is graffiti vandalism. Graffiti vandals need to know that Community Centre 55 is serious about this issue and they can expect the following from us: 1. Every graffiti vandal referred to us by the police or the courts or anyone else, will do three things: a) They shall attend a tour of our graffiti trashed community with me, to witness first hand the damage; b) They shall attend and participate in a Victim Impact Meeting c) They will be expected to remove a certain amount of graffiti vandalism from our community. In return they will receive a letter of achievement from us, to provide to the courts, to avoid having a criminal record. Unfortunately we can't help with the $400 per hour lawyer they will need to defend themselves. 2. Any graffiti vandal we catch, will be charged. We will insist that the courts refer the vandal to us. Refer to the above as consequences. 3. We will pursue the vandal's family for the costs of clean up. Graffiti vandals should note that every vandal put through our program, whined and complained that the graffiti removal process was too hard, which is too bad. They should also note that every graffiti vandal put through our program, never came back. That's got to tell you something! Monday February 16, 2009. Well, its Family Day today. The weather is bright and sunny and makes it a perfect day to stroll along the Boardwalk and to walk and shop. Now that we are out of our houses and onto the streets, we all have the opportunity to receive a premium view of the continued and accumulated neighbourhood devastation brought to you by your local graffiti vandals. Yes, it is mostly, the local kids destroying public and private property. Are we approaching another Season of Filth? I guess it depends. It depends on the amount of City Grant we receive to continue our 11th annual summer tradition of hiring students to clean up the graffiti vandals scribbling. It depends on the police and the courts and their tenacity of purpose to impose extra judicial sanctions against the vandals-regardless of age, and send the vandals to us for supervised graffiti removal and to hear victim impact statements. It depends on By Law enforcement, and it depends on the community. Individuals and communities working together can make a big difference in prevention and apprehension. Call your local Crime Prevention Officer for details. Get organized. Try organizing a neighbourhood clean up and call us for help. I was watching The Amazing Race last night. It is a reality game show in which couples compete for the fastest time around the world for a $1,000,000 prize. The first leg of the race went to Sweden. Guess what Sweden has in common with our Beach Community? Graffiti Vandalism. Although the camera tends to crop the images, if you watch this show you will see that graffiti vandalism is a pandemic. The image was interesting. Beautiful snow capped mountains, lush green vegetation, a breathtaking view of a valley from a very high vista, punctuated with someone's blue graffiti paint. You'd think someone would clean it up! As the Spring approaches, we will predictably receive genuine calls from concerned residents and we will, as always to do our best to be a part of the solution. We will prosecute all graffiti vandals and we may also make a claim against their families for damages. BM. Wednesday February 13, 2009. 71% of respondents to our recent Family Day Survey indicate they will be attending the Beach BIA Day in Kew Gardens. See you there. Tuesday January 27, 2009. Well, I had our first graffiti vandalism call today, from someone in the community whose property was recently vandalized. Spring will be here soon and predictably the phone will be ringing off the hook about this and there will be the usual public meetings. On Saturday we awarded our Bachelor's, Master's and PHDC's of Christmas. It was tons of fun. I always tell the kids, make copies of your degrees, attach them to your resumes and the summer jobs will be coming your way. We haven't missed one yet. BM. Friday January 23, 2009. WOW! " On the success of Shorcan's 11th Annual Charity Day, we are pleased to inform you that, $6,963 has been raised on behalf of Community Centre 55. Kindest Regards. Peter Conroy President Shorcan Brokers Limited." That's about 232 turkeys for needy families next Christmas or almost 50 day camp subsidies for kids whose families otherwise could not afford to give their kids a summer-especially now as many fall victim to the recession. Peter-thank you and Shorcan very much. Bob Monday January 19, 2009. Three really really important events this week-Community Centre opens the TSX on Thursday January 22, our Christmas Convocation is Saturday January 24, 09 at which time we award the Bachelor's, Master's and PhD's of Christmas, oh, and, don't forget the Inauguration of Barack Obama -the 44th President of the United States takes place on Tuesday January 20, 09. President Obama is the first African American to be elected the President of the United States. A Cecil B Demille-type week eh! Tuesday January 13, 2009. The world will be poised, the nation shall hold its breath and all eyes will be locked on to Centre 55 as we open the market at the Toronto Stock Exchange on January 22, 09. I hope we do it well, and don't make any mistakes, we could cause financial empires to crash. Please note-we shall not do any insider training either! The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX; abbreviated TSE until 2001) is the largest stock exchange in Canada, the third largest in North America and the seventh largest in the world by market capitalization. Based in Canada's largest city, Toronto, it is owned and operated by TSX Group for the trading of senior equities. A broad range of businesses from Canada, the United States, Europe, and other countries are represented on the exchange. In addition to conventional securities, the exchange lists various exchange-traded funds, split share corporations, income trusts and investment funds. The TSX is a leader in the mining and oil & gas sector. More mining and oil & gas companies are listed on the TSX than any other exchange in the world. All of that at Centre 55's finger tips. Wow! Thursday January 8, 2009. How cool is this.... "I’m pleased to inform you that Community Centre 55 has been selected this year by Shorcan Brokers Limited as recipient charity of Shorcan’s 11th Annual Charity Day.
Charity Day will be held on Thursday January 22, 2009. The day will start off with “the ringing of the opening bell” at the TSX Broadcast Centre, an opportunity for you to visit Shorcan during the day and close with a post-market reception at the TSX Gallery at which time a donation ceremony will take place.. We need all the help we can get and we appreciate this very much. Thanks Peter! Tuesday January 6, 2009. Well, it's a bit early for this, but, as you may know the bricks in this building are approaching the century mark. These bricks have been respected for almost 100 years and I guess to graffiti vandals nothing is sacred. Sometime over the holidays a vandal gave us this. He/she must have got a brand new marker for Christmas. I smudged the scribble to avoid dignifying the criminal. The vandal left his/her footprints in the snow and smiled for the camera! We shall prosecute all graffiti vandals and if necessary & where appropriate, have them or their families pay for the costs of clean-up.
Monday January 5, 2009. FINAL SHARE A CHRISTMAS ANAYLSIS
Thank You. B.M. Friday January 2, 2009 Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand to congratulate and welcome to our faculty our 2008 graduating class-the Bachelors of Christmas, Masters of Christmas and the coveted Philosophiae Doctors of Christmas. Details... On January 24, 2009, we all enter Hamper's cartoon world and award the harding working volunteers who helped to bring relief to those who need and want our help during Christmas. It's a ton of fun! |
Taken using my cell phone camera in a secret location. What is unique about this reindeer?
