Land Acknowledgement: President Avrum

Anthem: Peter Masson

Toast to King, Canada, and Rotary: President Avrum

Attendance: 13 members

Jobson Easow, President Rotary Club of Willowdale (RCW)

Introduction of Speaker: Suresh introduced the speaker. In his introduction, he mentioned that Jobson arrived in Canada in 1993 while working with Oberai Hotels. He referenced Jobson’s success in businesses that included the management of hotels Sheraton (Hamilton) and Hilton Suites in Markham. Further to this, Suresh highlighted Jobson’s recent position as CEO of Ceenex Global Inc., and emphasized that Jobson had consistently demonstrated leadership and a penchant for success.

Speaker: Jobson Easow (RCW)

Jobson mentioned that helping the community is his passion and that his current project is rebuilding computer labs in Kerala, India after a recent flood. In his presentation, he highlighted the following:

- Kerala, India, a region known for cashews, jackfruit, coconuts, and mangoes, is also the most educated region in India;

- in 2018, the same year that Jobson became a Rotarian, widespread flooding destroyed roads and other forms of infrastructure in Kerala; the same floods claimed over 500 lives;

- in 2018, in an effort to rebuild 15 schools that had been washed away, he submitted an application to Rotary International for a grant to support the rebuilding of these schools and to support the schools’ computer programs;

- several schools took benefit from the grant and the project was so successful that he, along with the Rotary Club of Willowdale is currently engaging next steps;

- next steps include an effort to digitize schools in tribal regions of India;

- seven (7) such schools have been identified, and support from other Rotary clubs is appreciated

Questions to the speaker included cost per school, procurement procedures re: computers and any additional digitized hardware and software, and anticipated support from India’s central and state governments

Thanking the Speaker: Saifoo, in thanking the speaker, noted that education is fundamental to the growth of a country

Announcements:

Arthur Retnakaran informed the club that the Community Services Committee would be meeting on Friday, July 14 at Red Lobster on Sheppard Avenue East.

Danny Cassidy reminded the club regarding his recent email concerning the upcoming Foundation Walk (October 2023) and our Club’s responsibility to secure food for the event. He encouraged members to read the email that he sent regarding the matter and invited members to take on some related responsibilities. Finally, Park Property was thanked for sponsoring the procurement of food for this event.

Gordon Brown reminded members of the upcoming Charter and President’s Party on Friday, July 21 at the Swan Lake grounds in Markham. He reminded members that an invitation to the event was sent to them via email, and he appealed to all recipients of the invitation to RSVP in a timely manner.

Happy Bucks:

Arthur was happy that his daughter took him to see a recent performance.

Frank was happy to wear a shirt that competed with Courtney’s Hawaiian shirts.

Peter was thrilled that Joan (Peter’s wife) was able to complete a complex puzzle after only two efforts.

Courtney was happy to announce a pending date for his knee replacement surgery.

Suresh announced his pleasure and delight with the fact his granddaughter was able to play chess and was making excellent progress.

Saifoo thanked Arthur for his leadership regarding the Community Services Committee (CSC). He expressed that he appreciated Arthur’s longstanding commitment to Rotary and to the role of Chair of the CSC, and he presented Arthur with a limited edition coin.

Gerd mentioned having more responsibilities at work but that he viewed those responsibilities as indicators of the company’s successes.

Barry said he had another great meeting with the International Services Committee.

Basil shared an experience about a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake that had unwanted and unexpected twists, turns and bumps.

President Avrum was grateful for the club’s support for his presidency.

The meeting was then terminated by President Avrum