Alexandra Boutros – Classification Talk

Shirley Zinman briefly introduced Alexandra and invited her to the podium to give her presentation on her classification.
Here is the content of her classification talk

I was born in Athens, Greece, the only child of great parents. My father was an officer in the military following in his family tradition. His and my great-great father -quite a few greats’ actually - was a great hero in the revolution uprising against the Ottoman Empire in the 1800’s and fought side-by-side with Lord Byron in Messologi. There a few of streets and town squares in Greece named for George Karaiskakis.

My family came to Canada in 1967, following King Konstantine when the military junta took control in Greece. Both sides of my family were and still are loyalists. Even though my father was an army officer, his oath was to protect the head of the country.

I am Greek by birth, Canadian by choice. I fell in love with Canada at the age of 17. We arrived in Toronto Dec. 10/67. Looking from the plane’s window I saw Toronto full with Christmas lights. I thought then, any nation that celebrates and shows their love and enjoyment this way must have something to teach me.

It was a big change in our lifestyle. We were well to do in Greece, my father had arranged for our adjustment in Canada to be as painless as possible. But still the change was great. He never went back to Greece, not even for a visit. My mother and I visited many times. I continue my studies here.

I met my husband here in Toronto. I got married at 19, big mistake, great time. My husband was Christian Lebanese with the genes of a sailor in his veins. I traveled almost the whole world with him; for business and pleasure. I collected enough lessons and memories for my old age. He died in 1994 @ 49 years old from a heart attack.

I have 2 children, boys, 35 and 37, both married; both their wives are Canadian born, British/Scottish/Welsh. Believe me, with their temper they got to have also some Mediterranean blood in them! I also have 3 grandchildren, one here and two in Surrey, BC. I love them very much; I would give my life for them. Now I truly believe that our mission in life is to become grandparents.

My husband’s business was many aspects of real estate and construction. After he died I continued part of it; Continental Contractors: painting, caulking and brickwork. But it is tough for a female. These businesses are still a man’s jungle, and it is tough to compete. I also became involved with home security/safety systems since part of our work was to repair homes after fires, vandalism, home invasions, etc. It keeps me busy and out of my children’s lives!!

I like to thank all of you for accepting me back. It is a great feeling -especially to me - to belong, participate, plan and execute in order to help others.

I thank you for your welcome, it is great to see so many people that I had met before; it is like I was never away. I will try and do my best according to our Rotary standards.

There were many interesting questions and Alexandra responded in an intelligent and in entertaining fashion. She is full of enthusiasm.

The Rotary Club wishes her the best.

Attendance

This week we had a total of 26 members and one guest, Phil Richardson, member in waiting.

President Michael welcomed back Victor Shastri.

Open Membership Classification

ARCHITECT was the posted classification for this week.

Announcements

Gene updated Bert Geary’s health situation. He is now in Sunnybrook hospital and having speech therapy. He is in good spirits and would appreciate visits or cards.

Gary announced the upcoming events: Pot Luck dinner (see bluffer for detail) and Springfest. There are still lots of tickets to be sold. The goal is 400 tickets.

Audrey announced to bring some things for a draw for fun during the potluck.

Gerard thanked all for food bank donations.

Don reminded that fundraising meeting is at Shirley’s home on Feb. 10 at 7pm.

President Michael announced that the new Toronto Twilight Club would be chartered next week on Feb 18

Woods-Cunningham Wheel

Phil Richardson spun the wheel and it was Ron Marsh’s lucky # 20 but unfortunately his spin landed on the King of Hearts

Sergeant at Arms

Josie paid a buck, as her dog Pinky is now 4 months old!

Gerard paid a buck for the article in the Monitor.

Phil paid as a contribution. Very nice.

Chris paid a buck for the 2 articles in Monitor and for the Membership advertising in there.

Victor was happy to be here with us.

Judy was happy as her son had a promotion to be director.

Audrey was happy and paid a buck for her granddaughter who was selected athlete of the year and photos in the paper.

Geoff cannot wait for his vacation, still 3 weeks to go.

Don was penalized as his cell phone was ringing and disturbing the club meeting!!

Alexandra paid a buck for her classification talk,

Lina was late but President Michael bailed her out by paying on her behalf. Thank you President Michael.

Albino was happy as he celebrated his 33rd wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary Albino!

Celebrations

Club Service Needs

Club service is looking for 2 volunteers, 1 for each of the following positions:

Rotating Bluffer Editor – the position requires you to take notes at the weekly luncheon for 2 consecutive weeks every 10 weeks.

Club Photographer – Thanks to Albino Acosta for volunteering to be the Club Photographer.

Please let Audrey know if you are willing to volunteer for either of these positions.

Investment Tips for 2010

Some investment tips for 2010 for any of you with some money left. Watch for these consolidations in 2010.

1. Hale Business Systems, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Fuller Brush, and W.R. Grace Co. will merge and become: Hale,
   Mary, Fuller, Grace.

2. PolyGram Records, Warner Bros., and Zesta Crackers join forces and become: Poly, Warner Cracker.

3. 3M will merge with Goodyear and become: MMMGood.

4. Zippo Manufacturing, Audi Motors, Dofasco, and Dakota Mining will merge and become: ZipAudiDoDa.

5. FedEx is expected to join its competitor, UPS and become: FedUP.

6. Fairchild Electronic and Honeywell Computers will become: Fairwell Honeychild.

7. Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to become: PuoponPants.

8. Knotts Berry Farm and the National Organization of Women will become: Knott NOW!

Upcoming Meetings -to update your information, e-mail Gary at garymac@clarkehenning.com

Duty Roster