Friday, September 11, 2009

Ongoing efforts to revitalize the once dynamic XLCR Alumni energy in Toronto picked up momentum with a spirited summit yesterday. Fourteen Alumni whose days at the school span the decades of the 1960s through the 1980s attended and participated in the very fruitful and productive meeting, which was masterfully chaired by President Louis Robinson.

Some key plans were drawn up and decisions made at the meeting:

• A General Meeting for Oct 18 or Nov 1; the final date depending on location availability. Election of a new slate of officers, deliberations about future events and activities, and decisions about fundraising focus will among the business to be executed at this GM 

• A brunch called "Laaf & Nyam" is planned for December 6th.  This event will serve the twin purposes of generating some much needed funds as well as facilitating fun and fellowship. Entertainment will be ably led by the likes of Allan "Bucka" Jones and Blakka Ellis.

• A major event is being explored for next spring, tentatively set around late April.  More detail for the foregoing will follow soon.  As the Excelsior eagle takes off again in Toronto, the continued support of the chapters in Jamaica, Florida and New York is eagerly anticipated.

• A number of persons at the meeting are also looking to attend the October 10 Dinner Dance and Awards Gala in NY.

 Those in attendance were June Blair, Yvonne Brown, Charles Chambers, Blakka Ellis, Paulette Francis, Sharon Gordon, Prescott Harrison, Allan Jones, Derrick Melvin, Bev Merchant, Louis Robinson,  Mindell Senior-Morris,  Delroy Wilkinson and Maxwell Wynter.