Rosalie Moscoe welcomed all assembled, including installing officer Pearl Gladman from B'nai Brith Canada. Carl Zeliger led the menorah lighting ceremony and Chaplain Irv Pupko read the opening prayer. After Albert Ohana made the hamotzi, we enjoyed a delicious dairy brunch, including salads, bagels, rolls, cheeses, lox, egg, tuna and other delicious items.

After everyone was well fed, Pearl uninstalled the outgoing executive and installed the executive for 2011-2012.

This was followed by the president's address in which Ray stressed the theme for the coming year was "Forward to the Future."

Dessert followed which consisted of fruit, danishes and cheese cake.

Before proceedings came to a close, Ray presented Carl Zeliger with this year's Norm Aronson Award.
A little while later, Carl Zeliger led the birkat hamazon and many of the lodge memebers helped clean up and tidy the party room.

Jeff Rosen

Last year at this time I was installed as president of Forestdale Heights Lodge with the theme Back to the Future. This year's theme is Forward to the Future.

When I took office, I was told by two past presidents that it would take at least one year to get used to the position and to get to know the ins and outs of protocols and procedures. Let me tell you, they were so right.

In our lodge, we are blessed to have dedicated, caring and reliable members who are always there to lend a helping hand. You always come through even if some of you are not feeling up to it. And I thank you.

This past year has been a personally fulfilling one for me - interacting with so many members and getting to know you better. I've enjoyed attendingTRCC meetings and learning about other lodges' activities that would be good for our own lodge. I'm also learning to delegate more (especially to Rosalie).

We've had good programs and joint meetings with other lodges and terrific speakers. Of course we can't forget the great food at each meeting, organized by Albert and his committee.

Forestdale Heights Lodge always keeps CVS close to our hearts. This year, for the Jewish Foodbank - a project that we have taken under our wing, Carl Zeliger is our speedy messenger, always delivering food and other items that members generously contribute. Thanks Carl.

Thanks to Harvey, our members ran a critical booth at the Toronto Marathon and received accolades from runners and the organizers. Once a month, thanks to Richard Kotzen and his committee, we continue to run the bingo program at 4300 Bathurst St. As well, the Megillah reading was well received thanks to the efforts of Carl Zeliger.

I was proud of our lodge as we were well represented at B'nai B'rith's Basket delivery program at Chanukah and Purim. These are programs that our lodge members love to do and will continue for the coming year. I feel we need two or three other CVS programs so if you have any other ideas please bring them forward to George and Charlene Garten.

Thanks to Sid Isenberg, we've started a lucrative fundraising program selling purse hangers and we have lots more left - so we need your help to sell more.

For social programs, at Chanukah, we had a fun party right here in this room and hopefully that spirit will continue. Future social programs include a BBQ, and also a theatre trip to Port Hope organized by Evie Isenberg. As well, Bonnie & Michael Kates have organized a day at the races. The communications for the lodge, our web site and Kol Echod is bar none, - as the younger generation say - awesome - thanks to Jeff Rosen and Harvey Silver, who are always there for us.

This year we are happy to see new members Allan & Linda Greenberg, Evie Isenberg and Stewart Indig in our midst. We are also pleased to see the return of Gary & Liliane Budd. If you have other friends or relatives who would like to join, please bring them forward.

To conclude, thanks to my wonderful wife Rosalie, along with Ruth Pupko, Sid Isenberg, Harvey Silver and Carl Zeliger for organizing today's beautiful event.

I'm pleased to be your president for another term and have appreciated all your coaching and help. I promise to keep the traditions of B'nai Brith Canada - people helping people. I wish everyone here along with your families, good health and an enjoyable, safe summer. Thanks for attending today's event to celebrate, and in keeping with this year's theme of Forward to the Future, I envision a productive, successful and gratifying year ahead for our lodge.