Notes from our meetings/get-togethers
no notes have been kept since the December 2012 breakfast. There are a few comments on the "Social Activities" page referring to each get together.
Notes from the December 14, 2012 “Gathering” of the JAC Retirement Group
16 members were present.
At 9:15 Peter Thomson arose from his chair, exposing his red & white striped Christmas tie for all to admire. After welcoming and introducing first-time attendees Math Department alumnus Bob DeJean and English Department alumnus Bill Tierney, and Aniko Hill from Biology, Peter announced that:
· Erich Schmedt has stepped down from his position as Academic Dean, reportedly to take medical leave
· Gary Johnson has become Acting Academic Dean
· The newest building on campus will be named in honor of John Abbott alumna Ann-Marie Edwards, who was killed in the December 6, 1989 mass shooting at Ecole Polytechnique
· Cathy Sidorenko is retiring from Algonquin College in Ontario
Following a call for questions which went unanswered, the 16 assembled resumed their small-group conversations and we all enjoyed a warm and collegial breakfast together. After another hour or so, the gathering slowly dissolved.
Next Meeting is scheduled for Friday January 11th at 9 AM at the Manoir
NOTES for October 12th Meeting:
Peter dinged a glass at 9:30. The following points were discussed briefly:
At the moment JAC Retirees is an “independent social organization” and not a “legal entity.” So we don’t have minutes or government grants.
Participants are urged to join our web page and friend our Facebook page.
An “attendance sheet” was circulated. It had a column so those who wish to could indicate their willingness to volunteer to drive folks to or from meetings. Or both. Whatever that means.
There was a short discussion about whether the members wished to do any independent “missionary work” and invite JAC retirees they may know to our next monthly “festivity.” Many nodded their heads, apparently in agreement.
We renewed our understanding to continue meeting at 9 AM the second Friday morning of each month at the Manoir until further notice. Our next meeting is scheduled for November 9th, at the Manoir.
Bob & Phyllis [and perhaps a few others] are looking into a different location for our meetings. Maybe a little more quiet location. They said they’d get back to us.
We ate breakfast, and then socialized and took pictures for a while.
16 members shared breakfast and "gossip."
See you next month!
Retirees of John Abbott College
Notes from Breakfast Meeting September 14, 2012
First meeting of the Retirees of John Abbott College, Chaired by Peter Thomson, initiator.
Dennis (Dock) Anson volunteered to be the notes recorder.
Twenty-three retirees gathered at the Manoir in Pointe Claire.
Following several minutes of pleasant socializing, Peter Thomson called the group to order at 9:15to share a few personal thoughts and suggestions. He admitted to initiating our group and expressed some reticence for completing projects. (“Being a starter and not such a good finisher…,” said our First Fearless Leader. It is up to all of us to follow through to make this venture a success.
The following people conveyed their regrets through Peter: Bill & Yolanda Doran, Murray & Halina Napier, who made a graceful entrance as their names were being called, Peter Richter, Eric Bender, Nancy Brown, Aniko Hill, John & Linda Sheshko, Susan Diening, Cathy Sidorenko, Diana Robillard, Joyce Hughes, Keith Wilkinson.
Should our Group have a [nick]name? [Food for thought]
The Group has a Facebook Page (thanks to Susan D): retirees of John Abbott College and a Website (thanks to Peter): http://retireesofjohnabbottcollege.yolasite.com/
Group members are encouraged to sign in at the former and check out the latter at their convenience.
Why not hold future Group meetings the second Friday of each month [same time,same location] until further notice? The Group gave its unanimous assent.
Meantime, perhaps we could use Facebook to communicate with one another (“Friend” our page, eh?)
At this juncture Bob Burns mentioned that Gerry Stachrowski would be joining the Group soon.
Do we want to have dues as currently we have a zero budget?
Eventually we may wish to convene subcommittees in order to deal with some of these topics and future issues.
Self-introductions all around were followed by breakfast and more socializing.
