Newsletter

September 2024

GBCRA's 2024 Arts on the Avenue

Scholarship Fundraising Event

Calling all GBCRA artists – at any stage of your journey! Whether you are just beginning, are a seasoned artist or are wondering if you are an artist…this is a chance to show your work and let the world know you are on this adventure. We are having an artist’s table again this year at the annual GBCRA Auction on November 21, 2024, at the Heliconian Club, 35 Hazelton Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 2E3.

If you have a piece of art that you would like to have at the table, please let me know. You will have to deliver it to the venue on November 21 by 1:00pm and pick up by 4:00pm any art that does not sell…unless someone buys your art. At the art table 20% of the proceeds go to the scholarship fund. 


Contact: Crystal Kotow-Sullivan

Upcoming Events

We are pleased to unveil our Fall lineup of events that promises something for everyone! Whether you prefer live gatherings or online activities, we have curated a diverse array of opportunities for engagement , connection, and contributions to our community.


On October 1st, 20 GBCRA members will enjoy Stratford's production of Les Cages Aux Folles. While this event is currently sold out, we encourage those who are interested to join our waiting list by sending us an email indicating your interest to feedback@gbcra.ca


Mark your calendars for October 23rd, when we'll be lending our hands to a worthy cause with a volunteer shift at the Daily Bread Food Bank. This is a wonderful chance to make a difference while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow members. 


On November 11th, we invite you to join us online commemoration of Veterans Day. Let's come together to honour and remember those who have served our country.


Later in November, don't miss our annual fund-raising online auction, which begins on November 7th and goes live at the Arts on the Avenue event on November 21st. Get ready to bid on fantastic items and support students in financial need.


On December 5th, we'll hold our Annual General Meeting, where we'll reflect on our achievements, hear from our members, and set our sights on the future. Following the AGM, we have a special online presentation exploring the life of the legendary Donald Sutherland, an inspiring journey you won't want to miss! 


Lastly, we'll wrap up the year on December 13th with another engaging online presentation titled "Redemption on the Silver Screen", scheduled for mid-December. Join us as we delve into the fascinating themes of cinema that resonate with us all. 


Thank you for your continued support and engagement. We look forward to sharing these moments with you and hope you stay tuned for more updates. Together, lets make this fall season memorable.


To register for any of the above events, click on the dates that are underscored in green lettering or click the button below.

Click here 


Musings and Meanderings

Howard Gerhard's remarkable journey at George Brown College spans an impressive 56 years, beginning in 1969, making him the most senior professor in the Community College system, a testament to his unwavering dedication to education and students. In this chapter of "Musings and Meanderings," we invite you to explore three insightful segments, each between 10 and 20 minutes in length: the first delves into the various iterations and changes that marked the early days of the College, the second reflects on the profound evolution of teaching and learning over the past half-century, and the third addresses the pressing challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence on the learning of students today. To further enrich our shared understanding, we are pleased to present Howard's PowerPoint titled "Confessions of a Lifer," which serves as a valuable resource for our retiree community, the College, and the Community College system.

Part 1 - 12 min
Part 2 - 23 min
Part 3 - 19 min
Confessions of a Lifer

Lives Lived

GBCRA Clubs

It is with sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Doug LaPorte. His dedication to education has impacted the lives of countless students and colleagues at George Brown College and he will be fondly remembered. The GBCRA extends our deepest condolences to his friends and family. May his legacy continue to inspire us all.


Click below to view colleagues' and students' remembrances. Best viewed with a full screen.

Tribute to Doug

The Out-to-Lunch Club offers a delightful and straightforward way for retirees to reconnect and enjoy the company of others over a shared meal. Every 6 - 8 weeks, one member selects a restaurant, informs the group, and makes a reservation, ensuring a hassle-free experience for everyone involved. The best part? Each person pays their own way, fostering an easy-going atmosphere where everyone can relax and enjoy their time together.


This engaging opportunity allows you to explore new eateries while socializing with peers, making it the perfect chance to forge new friendships and strengthen existing ones. At GBCRA, we are dedicated to fostering connections through enjoyable activities that promote camaraderie among our members.


We invite you to join the Out-to-Lunch Club and make reservations for our next gathering on October 24th. Restaurant to be determined by those attending.


Contact Bob Cox for more information.

New Retirees

Contact Us

We extend a warm welcome to the 2024 George Brown College retirees listed below.


Jennifer Alam

Michael Bezemer

James Brouwer

Julie Cichon

Melissa Crawford

Benu Critoph

Jim Daku

Kasia Dziwak

Stephen Flett

Josephine Fonseca

Julie Gaudet

Barbara Godfrey

Trisha Grace

Joanne Guatto

Liz Henriques

Alan Hourston

Gail Hunter

Paul Karolidis

Jim Kinney

Anisa Khan

Elizabeth Neeson

Mario Pascucci

Carolyn Perry

Cory Ross

Nataliya Studeniken

Jackie Tan

Bill Vann

Camilla Wheeler

Anita Zelcer

Board of Directors & Convenors:


Directors:

Co-Chair - Dianne Diniz

Co-Chair - Georgia Quartaro

Treasurer - Joan Reynolds

Secretary - Barbara Dunlop

Communications Director - Bob Cox

Events Director - Julie Bulmash

Membership Director - Paula Hacking

Special Projects Director - Crystal Kotow-Sullivan

Directors at large: Denise Pontone, Trish Robinson


Convenors:

Bridge Club Convenor: Laura Lothian-Bryant

Book Club Convenor- Dianne Diniz

Theatre Club Convenor - Jennifer Cooke

Out to Lunch Club - Bob Cox


Contact us:

General email inquiries - info@gbcra.ca

Website - www.gbcra.org