Apologies, brothers and friends for the lack of updates recently. As most of the D-Chi world knows, I've moved from the wonderful city of Toronto to beautiful British Columbia. My last day in Toronto was July 9, and since then I've had a whirlwind of activity in my life, including an Alaskan cruise, experiencing the fun of relocating to a new city and starting a new job.
There's so much to write about: moving to Vancouver, BC (including an update with my moving company), kind hospitality by Brother Dave Bauman, Western Ontario'99 and his wife Ashley, a review of cool kicks called Swamisz, etc., etc.
Also, I'm pleased to share that Toronto Alumni, "A" (president), Tim Ray will be a regular blogger on this site. Between him and I you should have a steady beat of announcements and rants here.
Thanks for stopping by and your continued support of Delta Chi. Talk soon!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Windsor "BB" reflects on the chapter's 38th annual formal
Toronto Delta Chi Alumni's current president, Timmy Ray, recently caught up with Jeff Gerard, Chapter Advisor ("BB") of the Windsor Chapter for the 2008/09 school year. Gerard shared with Ray in an email his thoughts on the Chapter's annual formal. Here's what he had to say:
The Windsor Chapter held its 38th annual formal on April 25, 2009. It was another successful event with not only the actives in attendance but also many alumni, dates and friends of the chapter. Special thank you to the brothers from Western Michigan Chapter who helped celebrate the evening with us. Once again the evening was an opportunity for the chapter to let loose and enjoy the company of friends and brothers. It was also a chance to celebrate the past year, recognize those brothers who contributed to the chapter’s success, and swear in the new executive for 2009-2010.
Each year the membership of The Windsor Chapter votes on a group of awards to recognize the brothers who excelled in a certain area and overall assisted with the day to day operations of the chapter. The following is a list of award recipients:
Chapter Luminary: Mitch Sokolowski and Michael Tome
Most Dedicated Active Brother: Noah Scanga
Most Improved Brother: Ninos Heedo and Zahid Khandoker
Scholarship: Jim Gorski
Team Clean-Up: Noah Scanga, Mitch Sokolowski and Ryan Waud
Athlete of the Year: Brad Scott
Outstanding New Member: Ninos Heedo
A.B.T. Senior Recognition: Mitch Sokolowski
Alumnus of the Year: Jeff Gerard
Chapter Sweetheart: Lauren Whaley
Invisible Brother: Christian Pinard
Best Dressed Brother: Matt Brown and Trevor Pare
Worst Dressed Brother: Chris Pope and Ryan Waud
Four bursaries and four scholarships were also given out to deserving brothers from a pool of applicants based upon academics, chapter involvement and need. I started the bursary program three years ago to assist a brother with a portion of his fraternal dues and cost of school books. The money is collected through donations from alumni. In its first year, the program gave out one bursary of $500. The program has grown in recent years, and the generosity of involved alumni has increased so that it was possible to award four bursaries of $300 each this year. In addition, the Housing Corporation (WDCGF) contributed $1000 to be dispersed to each recipient in the form of a $250 scholarship. The following brothers were the fortunate recipients:
The last official business of the night saw the incoming executive for 2009-2010 sworn into their respective roles. The following men were elected:
‘A’: Ninos Heedo
‘B’: Noah Scanga
‘C’: Michael Cox
‘D’: Christian Pinard
‘E’: Jim Gorski
‘F’: Brad Scott
Earlier in the day the Windsor Delta Chi Graduates Fund (Housing Corp.) held its annual general meeting at which the past year’s accomplishments, which were expansive, were recognized. Also, the accounts and budgets were discussed, and a new executive board elected. The turnout for the meeting was a good representation of the membership which has seen its numbers grow in recent years. The following men were elected to the new board from a large list of very qualified nominees:
The past year was a very successful one for The Windsor Chapter with the purchase and renovation of a new chapter house, initiation of 13 new brothers, increased chapter motivation and a continuing strong alumni involvement. We were pleased to be able to showcase these accomplishments at this year’s formal and look forward to showcasing more at next year’s. Hope to see you there!
In The Bond,
Jeff Gerard, ‘BB’
Windsor Delta Chi Graduates Fund (WDCGF) Executive Director
Windsor Chapter
Fall 1995
The Windsor Chapter held its 38th annual formal on April 25, 2009. It was another successful event with not only the actives in attendance but also many alumni, dates and friends of the chapter. Special thank you to the brothers from Western Michigan Chapter who helped celebrate the evening with us. Once again the evening was an opportunity for the chapter to let loose and enjoy the company of friends and brothers. It was also a chance to celebrate the past year, recognize those brothers who contributed to the chapter’s success, and swear in the new executive for 2009-2010.
Each year the membership of The Windsor Chapter votes on a group of awards to recognize the brothers who excelled in a certain area and overall assisted with the day to day operations of the chapter. The following is a list of award recipients:
Chapter Luminary: Mitch Sokolowski and Michael Tome
Most Dedicated Active Brother: Noah Scanga
Most Improved Brother: Ninos Heedo and Zahid Khandoker
Scholarship: Jim Gorski
Team Clean-Up: Noah Scanga, Mitch Sokolowski and Ryan Waud
Athlete of the Year: Brad Scott
Outstanding New Member: Ninos Heedo
A.B.T. Senior Recognition: Mitch Sokolowski
Alumnus of the Year: Jeff Gerard
Chapter Sweetheart: Lauren Whaley
Invisible Brother: Christian Pinard
Best Dressed Brother: Matt Brown and Trevor Pare
Worst Dressed Brother: Chris Pope and Ryan Waud
Four bursaries and four scholarships were also given out to deserving brothers from a pool of applicants based upon academics, chapter involvement and need. I started the bursary program three years ago to assist a brother with a portion of his fraternal dues and cost of school books. The money is collected through donations from alumni. In its first year, the program gave out one bursary of $500. The program has grown in recent years, and the generosity of involved alumni has increased so that it was possible to award four bursaries of $300 each this year. In addition, the Housing Corporation (WDCGF) contributed $1000 to be dispersed to each recipient in the form of a $250 scholarship. The following brothers were the fortunate recipients:
- Ninos Heedo
- Noah Scanga
- Zach Snihurowycz
- Michael Tome
The last official business of the night saw the incoming executive for 2009-2010 sworn into their respective roles. The following men were elected:
‘A’: Ninos Heedo
‘B’: Noah Scanga
‘C’: Michael Cox
‘D’: Christian Pinard
‘E’: Jim Gorski
‘F’: Brad Scott
Earlier in the day the Windsor Delta Chi Graduates Fund (Housing Corp.) held its annual general meeting at which the past year’s accomplishments, which were expansive, were recognized. Also, the accounts and budgets were discussed, and a new executive board elected. The turnout for the meeting was a good representation of the membership which has seen its numbers grow in recent years. The following men were elected to the new board from a large list of very qualified nominees:
- Tom Fleming (Fall 1983)
- Jeff Williams (Spring 1988)
- Allan Kidd (Spring 1984)
- Kelly Golden (Fall 1972)
- Chris Williams (Fall 1991)
- Jeff Gerard (Fall 1995)
- Darryl Markou (Fall 1983)
The past year was a very successful one for The Windsor Chapter with the purchase and renovation of a new chapter house, initiation of 13 new brothers, increased chapter motivation and a continuing strong alumni involvement. We were pleased to be able to showcase these accomplishments at this year’s formal and look forward to showcasing more at next year’s. Hope to see you there!
In The Bond,
Jeff Gerard, ‘BB’
Windsor Delta Chi Graduates Fund (WDCGF) Executive Director
Windsor Chapter
Fall 1995
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Barry teams with two other firms to open office in London, ON today
I was given a heads up recently by long-time Delta Chi supporter Paula Stamp, director of operations and paralegal at Accident Resolution Group in Toronto, that her firm has joined forces with Calvin Barry's criminal law firm and the Patley Law Group to open an office in London, ON. For those of you who find yourself in London today, feel free to RSVP and drop by the grand opening celebrations this evening in Old South London.
Here's the official invite - all are welcome:
Accident Resolution Group (Paula S. Stamp), Patey Law Group (Shawn H. Patey) and Calvin Barry, Professional Corporation (Criminal Lawyers) invite you to join us at the official launch party of our London, Ontario LAW offices!
Venue: Casa Cubana Restaurant
Location: 175 Wortley Road
London, ON N6C 3P6
When: Wednesday May 27, 2009
4:00pm – 9:00pm
Join us for a fun filled event that will include complimentary food and cocktails.
La Jornada News Paper (London) will be our Guest of Honour.
Please RSVP:
stamp@accidentresolution.com or via telephone: 1-800-973-4209 Ext 109.
Please visit our individual web sites for details on our TORONTO, VAUGHAN and LONDON offices and our services offered:
--
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Distinguished Delta Chi: Rob McTeague, Windsor'85
Recently, the Toronto Delta Chi Alumni Executive Committee had the pleasure of interviewing one of its very active alumni members, Rob McTeague, Windsor'85. A Toronto guy for decades, a few years ago, Rob and his family moved 90 miles away to just south of the U.S.-Canada border to Buffalo, New York. We asked Rob to reflect on his involvement as a D-Chi, from joining the fraternity as an undergrad in 1983 to today. Here's what he had to say:
--
TDCA: So, Rob, how'd you end up deciding to join Delta Chi while an undergrad at Windsor?
RM: Well, that's a long story believe it or not. I lived down the street from the "Old Grey Lady" and during spring rush, they actually had a banner on the front of the house said "free beer Fridays" so I went...
TDCA: Well, that was then when rush wasn't dry, eh Rob? Aside from the recruitment events, what would be your most memorable moment as an undergrad?
RM: There are so many! We threw insane parties at the house - epic, biblical parties, and the actives and the actives were a really diverse and crazy crew. But, the best times at the house were always “ I” weekends – while I was active and for many years after. I was lucky to attend many weekends after I graduated – I wish I still had time.
I also have to mention the first Osgoode Hall Alumni Dinner that I attended in December 1983 at the Royal Canadian Military Institute. This was a time when the Osgoode Alumni Chapter was very active and its member were composed of a great group of prominent Toronto lawyers. Boy, could they throw a party. It was my first real experience outside of the Windsor Chapter and confirmed that Delta Chi is truly the "brotherhood of a lifetime." The RCMI is still our unofficial house in Toronto!
TDCA: Ah, right on. The legendary Osgoode Alumni Chapter! Their events are still talked about by many active alums in Toronto too.
So how is the family doing?
RM: My lovely wife Yvonne (many of the brothers have met her and know why we're happily married!) and my five-year-old son, Lochlan are both doing great!
TDCA: That's excellent to hear, Rob. And what about work? What are you up to these days?
RM: I'm with the travel company I've been with for 19 years, BCD Travel, the world's third largest corporate travel management company. I'm the Senior Vice President of Business Development for Latin America.
TDCA: Nineteen years? That's amazing, Rob - well done.
RM: Thanks. Yeah, I've been very lucky - but the combination of being a Canadian working at a U.S. company with lots of previous international experience has allowed me to work in some really great positions. Managing sales and account management for our LATAM division is a great job and I work with some fantastic people in 17 markets in Mexico, Central and South America.
TDCA: Very cool, Rob. So how do you and the fam spend down time?
RM: Did I mention my five year old? (Chuckling.) We have a cottage in Haliburton, ON where we try to spend as much leisure time there as possible.
TDCA: Ah, excellent. Nice to see you still maintain close Canadian ties.
Looking back, what would you say are your proudest accomplishments?
RM: Definitely having my son. My career has been great too - truly I've been lucky to have worked in more than 65 countries in the past 19 years, but it pales in comparison to the experience of being married to Yvonne and having a terrific son like Lochlan.
TDCA: Right on, Rob. Just a few more questions before we wrap up here. How was Delta Chi influenced your life?
RM: That's easy. It's enriched my university experience, introduced me to a group of people I would not have otherwise met, and kept me connected to my school and the fraternity since 1985.
TDCA: Finally, what advice do you have for our undergraduate members out there who'll be soon entering the work force?
RM: Avoid all cliches. Find something you love doing and do it. If your "heart ain't in it," you won't enjoy it and you likely won't be good at it either.
Rob McTeague, senior vice president of business development at BCD Travel can be reached at rob.mcteague(at)bcdtravel(dot)com.
--
TDCA: So, Rob, how'd you end up deciding to join Delta Chi while an undergrad at Windsor?
RM: Well, that's a long story believe it or not. I lived down the street from the "Old Grey Lady" and during spring rush, they actually had a banner on the front of the house said "free beer Fridays" so I went...
TDCA: Well, that was then when rush wasn't dry, eh Rob? Aside from the recruitment events, what would be your most memorable moment as an undergrad?
RM: There are so many! We threw insane parties at the house - epic, biblical parties, and the actives and the actives were a really diverse and crazy crew. But, the best times at the house were always “ I” weekends – while I was active and for many years after. I was lucky to attend many weekends after I graduated – I wish I still had time.
I also have to mention the first Osgoode Hall Alumni Dinner that I attended in December 1983 at the Royal Canadian Military Institute. This was a time when the Osgoode Alumni Chapter was very active and its member were composed of a great group of prominent Toronto lawyers. Boy, could they throw a party. It was my first real experience outside of the Windsor Chapter and confirmed that Delta Chi is truly the "brotherhood of a lifetime." The RCMI is still our unofficial house in Toronto!
TDCA: Ah, right on. The legendary Osgoode Alumni Chapter! Their events are still talked about by many active alums in Toronto too.
So how is the family doing?
RM: My lovely wife Yvonne (many of the brothers have met her and know why we're happily married!) and my five-year-old son, Lochlan are both doing great!
TDCA: That's excellent to hear, Rob. And what about work? What are you up to these days?
RM: I'm with the travel company I've been with for 19 years, BCD Travel, the world's third largest corporate travel management company. I'm the Senior Vice President of Business Development for Latin America.
TDCA: Nineteen years? That's amazing, Rob - well done.
RM: Thanks. Yeah, I've been very lucky - but the combination of being a Canadian working at a U.S. company with lots of previous international experience has allowed me to work in some really great positions. Managing sales and account management for our LATAM division is a great job and I work with some fantastic people in 17 markets in Mexico, Central and South America.
TDCA: Very cool, Rob. So how do you and the fam spend down time?
RM: Did I mention my five year old? (Chuckling.) We have a cottage in Haliburton, ON where we try to spend as much leisure time there as possible.
TDCA: Ah, excellent. Nice to see you still maintain close Canadian ties.
Looking back, what would you say are your proudest accomplishments?
RM: Definitely having my son. My career has been great too - truly I've been lucky to have worked in more than 65 countries in the past 19 years, but it pales in comparison to the experience of being married to Yvonne and having a terrific son like Lochlan.
TDCA: Right on, Rob. Just a few more questions before we wrap up here. How was Delta Chi influenced your life?
RM: That's easy. It's enriched my university experience, introduced me to a group of people I would not have otherwise met, and kept me connected to my school and the fraternity since 1985.
TDCA: Finally, what advice do you have for our undergraduate members out there who'll be soon entering the work force?
RM: Avoid all cliches. Find something you love doing and do it. If your "heart ain't in it," you won't enjoy it and you likely won't be good at it either.
Rob McTeague, senior vice president of business development at BCD Travel can be reached at rob.mcteague(at)bcdtravel(dot)com.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Reno-nation
I'm happy to share that I had a productive weekend renovating my downtown Toronto condo kitchen.
On Friday, with the help of Habitat for Humanity and fellow D-Chi Vic Smith, much of my old kitchen was demo'd. That afternoon, I welcomed the arrival of 'friend of the fraternity,' Scott Dawson from D&D Builders to my home. As know from my one of my latest posts, Scott was introduced to me many years ago from Delta Chi brothers. He's been working diligently since his arrival and things are taking great shape. Check out the progress by clicking here.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Let the kitchen reno begin
Happy Friday! Welcome May.
Well, it's finally here. The day I start my kitchen renovation. As mentioned Sunday, I've utilized the D-Chi Toronto network to enlist help with buying items for the it as well as labour.
I've received some queries about what the current kitchen looks like so I've taken some 'before' pics - see below.
It'll be interesting to document the reno through photos so stop by the blog regularly to check out the progress.
Elliott Chun's kitchen
The before pics
Well, it's finally here. The day I start my kitchen renovation. As mentioned Sunday, I've utilized the D-Chi Toronto network to enlist help with buying items for the it as well as labour.
I've received some queries about what the current kitchen looks like so I've taken some 'before' pics - see below.
It'll be interesting to document the reno through photos so stop by the blog regularly to check out the progress.
Elliott Chun's kitchen
The before pics
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Kitchen reno with a little help from the DChi network
This week I'm gearing up to start renovating my condo's kitchen. It'll be a complete overhaul and I'm expecting to have a brand new kitchen by the end of May. I'm looking forward to seeing the end results!
As I reflect on the renovation, it dawned on me how much the Delta Chi network helped me prepare for it. For example, Toronto Alumni Social Chair Vic Smith, Western Ontario'95, helped me select my kitchen cabinets from Ikea. Additionally, years ago Jon Seaby, Western Ontario'98, introduced to me to my current general contractor, the very talented Scott Dawson from D&D Builders. Vic and Jon also get credit for introducing me Christian Scovenna. Christian led me to a VP of sales at Appliance Canada and I ended up purchasing four major appliances there.
On the weekend, I received my cabinets as well as a beautiful fridge from Future Shop. After much debate, I decided to go with a stainless steel side-by-side fridge Kitchen Aid complete with built-in water and ice maker as oppposed to a bottom mount fridge. Here's a pic of what the fridge looks like:
This Friday, I'll be receiving the rest of my appliances, made by Whirlpool from their "Gold" product series and one by Panasonic. Here's a list of what I'm getting:
White electric cooktop
- The colour will match my white quartz countertop. It features glass touch buttons. I prefer this style over ones with dials as it'll be easier to clean and blend in better with the counter
Stainless steel wall oven
- Features digital buttons and convection cooking
Stainless steel tall tub dishwasher
- Concealed operation buttons
Stainless steel over-the-range microwave by Panasonic
- Apparently one of the best makers of OTR microwaves
I'll be documenting the reno, taking before and after photos sharing them here, so feel free to check back for updates.
As I reflect on the renovation, it dawned on me how much the Delta Chi network helped me prepare for it. For example, Toronto Alumni Social Chair Vic Smith, Western Ontario'95, helped me select my kitchen cabinets from Ikea. Additionally, years ago Jon Seaby, Western Ontario'98, introduced to me to my current general contractor, the very talented Scott Dawson from D&D Builders. Vic and Jon also get credit for introducing me Christian Scovenna. Christian led me to a VP of sales at Appliance Canada and I ended up purchasing four major appliances there.
On the weekend, I received my cabinets as well as a beautiful fridge from Future Shop. After much debate, I decided to go with a stainless steel side-by-side fridge Kitchen Aid complete with built-in water and ice maker as oppposed to a bottom mount fridge. Here's a pic of what the fridge looks like:
This Friday, I'll be receiving the rest of my appliances, made by Whirlpool from their "Gold" product series and one by Panasonic. Here's a list of what I'm getting:
White electric cooktop
- The colour will match my white quartz countertop. It features glass touch buttons. I prefer this style over ones with dials as it'll be easier to clean and blend in better with the counter
Stainless steel wall oven
- Features digital buttons and convection cooking
Stainless steel tall tub dishwasher
- Concealed operation buttons
Stainless steel over-the-range microwave by Panasonic
- Apparently one of the best makers of OTR microwaves
I'll be documenting the reno, taking before and after photos sharing them here, so feel free to check back for updates.
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