Thursday, June 18, 2009
Notes from the Editor
Dear Excelsorians, Friends and Family,
I extend warm greetings from the board of the Florida chapter. The clock is ticking fast on 2009 as the days slip away…we all keep a hectic pace between work, family and squeezing in some fun, but, we must take time to pause, take a deep breath and find some quiet time for ourselves.
Stop right now …and breathe…awright...gwan read now…
The world has changed a lot, especially since November 2008 - a Black President of the United States sends a message of hope and the understanding that all struggles are eventually rewarded even if it takes centuries. It also makes us understand that we must speak out against injustices even though we might not be the direct beneficiaries. Think about all those men and women who fought and died for civil rights. We are the beneficiaries!
Nuff tings a gwan wha’ yuh need fi know ‘bout…
XMAS BASH 2008
Our XMAS BASH continues to smash attendance records. This one was especially special as we had our own Wayne Wade singing live for us. Wayne thrilled us with his sweet voice. Mark Swaby and his sound system rocked the crowd. The dance floor was never empty – the hits just kept coming. The welcoming, happy atmosphere created by fellow alumni, friends and family is something to anticipate each year. It is always a challenge to get our guests to leave as they want to cling to nostalgia, bask in the euphoria and bank enough reserve to last them until the next Bash.
Bway…mi close mi eyes and mi get the feeling…
As always we are thankful to our many sponsors who give us unwavering support every year.
Air Jamaica
Jamaica National
Pam Watson and Company
CBAH Home Care Inc
See oonu on December 19, 2009!
Donation from 2008 Bash
The Excelsior Alumni Association of Florida has established the Florida Alumni Education Fund for the school year 2008 to 2009 in the amount of US$4,000.00. We have disbursed US$1000.00 to assist with the renovation of the music room, US$1000.00 – to the Enrichment program which assists children that need help in subject areas such as reading and mathematics, US$500.00 to the Cadets and School Challenge team and US$1500.00 for student scholarships.
We continue to stay close to the needs of the school so we can make other contributions as the needs arise. We thank you all for your attendance at the annual BASH as without your contribution, the donations would not be possible.
Wi hafi all try fi mek a difference…
Principal Appointment at XLCR – leads to unrest
Controversy swirls around the appointment of the new Principal, Mr. Deanroy Bromfield amid allegations that the selection process was seriously flawed. The three chapters – Jamaica, Florida and New York Alumni have called for a meeting with the Methodist board to address these allegations.
Unfortunately, as of the publishing of this article, the chapters have not received any responses directly from the Board.
The silence from the Board suggests that they do not understand that the Alumni are one of the key stakeholders in the XLCR community. It also sends the message that the Methodist Board has failed to recognize the unwavering and unbroken support that the Alumni have provided to the school for more than 40 years.
Based on the obvious disrespect and disregard of our request to convene a meeting with the Board to discuss the matter, the alumni chapters in the Diaspora have been forced to withhold disbursement of all funds to XLCR until our request for a meeting is granted.
It is disheartening for us to take such a drastic step. However, our mission of service and support also calls for us to have direct involvement with matters pertaining to the school. Our involvement is not merely to provide financial support but also to contribute to matters that could affect the welfare of the school and the life of the students.
We anticipate that the Methodist Board will understand the importance of dialogue and seek to bridge the divide which if not addressed with a sense of urgency, will ultimately weaken the spirits of the Alumni at large who voluntarily expend their time and efforts to rally friends and family to contribute to the cause of the XLCR community.
We have had encouraging communication exchange from Rev Bruce Swapp, the chairman, Board of management EXED. Our hopes rest on his ability to reach out to the executives of the Methodist church and convey the need and importance of meeting and reaching a resolution on the issue of the Principal.
We are trusting that this matter will be resolved quickly so we can return to the task of raising funds that will benefit the XLCR community.
Age Animo!
Florida 2009 XMAS BASH
December 19th
Venue change
The XMAS BASH for 2009 will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2009 from 9 pm to 4 am. Please note that our venue has changed. We were forced to move as the owners of West Broward Hall now have new stipulations that force all events to end by midnight. Unfortunately, that would not work for our event and hence we have found a new home.
The new venue is the Grand Ballroom located at 7100 West Oakland Park Blvd in Sunrise. This place is nice and oonu a go luv it…
Tickets will go on sale on October 10th and the tickets will be $25. Our music will again be provided by Illusions Disco with Mark Swaby at the controls. A special guest will be in the house but we will tell you more as we get closer to the time.…no mi nah tell oonu yet…
Refreshments and drinks will be on sale. Come and enjoy our finger licking food and drinks from our bar which will be perfectly stacked to match your taste buds.
Come on out and enjoy the evening with friends and family.
Hold on deh...a di music mi a hear already…
Florida Alumni Meet & Greet
On July 19
We have planned an exciting evening for our fellow alumni, friends and family on Sunday, July 19, 2009 from 3 pm to 6 pm at Marcia’s Café.
Dis long time gal mi neva see yuh…
We want you to use the time to relax, reminisce, link with friends you have not seen in a while and enjoy the camaraderie and melancholy atmosphere that is sure to be created. We will have updates on what the Florida board has being doing to raise funds and share pictures with you as we show how the funds have been spent at our Alma Mater.
Food and drinks will be provided. We encourage you to come out and share your ideas with us.
Alumni T-shirts available
T-shirts with the XLCR alumni of Florida insignia are still available. The polo shirts come in 4 colors – White, Black, Green and Yellow. The price of each shirt is US$20.00. Call us today to get yours. We have all sizes!
Get your Membership today
Get counted, get included, get your membership today.Membership fees are only $25 per year and you will get a free Florida XLCR Alumni polo shirt. Come join wi nuh man…
CONTACT
To Provide feedback, please contact Althea Brown Robinson 954-433-8875 or 954-914-0811. The mail address is:
xlcrflorida@aol.com |
