Toronto east goan seniors association

A new Executive Committee was elected at the last AGM held on March 26^th 2006, and officially took over office on April 20^th 2006.

We record with regret, the passing away of our members – Bertha D’Costa, Stan Nunes, Rita Dias, Jacinto Fernanades and Amro Fernandes. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.

Fiona Young, Manager Commander Hall, and her staff for their cooperation and assistance at all times. A special thanks to Netto Noronha for all his help and assistance with the arrangements at Commander Hall.

The Income and Expenditure Statement and Balance Sheet for 2006 are included in the AGM package. Our thanks to our Treasurer Valentine Viegas in handling all the finances including the membership fees and to Max Menezes for his time and assistance to Val in reviewing and finalizing the accounts. Our thanks also go out to our Auditors Pelagio De Souza and John Barretto for auditing the books.

The Executive would like to thank all members, volunteers, and generous donors for their overwhelming support and attendance at our events creating memories of fun and laughter. 2006 has been an extremely successful year for TEGSA with sold-out events – we couldn’t have done it without you! Your continued support to the Association is greatly appreciated.

Social Secretary, Vicki D’Souza, then introduced the main event – a live, long hour performance entitled ‘Popcorn Princess’ sponsored by the Wishing Wells Lions Club. Shawna van Omme &

Our chief guest for the evening was the Hon. Bas Balkasoon, MPP for Scarborough Rouge, who President Al Andrade thanked for all his guidance and support. In his eloquent speech, Mr. Balkasooon brought greetings from the Government of Ontario, on behalf of the Premier Dalton McGuinty. He emphasized the Government’s strong commitment to the seniors and encouraged members to get involved and support the political process in the province. He was very happy to meet and mingle with many of his constituents in the gathering.

In his welcome address, President Al Andrade reiterated his theme for the next two years – ‘Working together as a family’- “We must do all we can to develop our Association’s family spirit and enthusiasm and a desire to share our many blessings. We must then bring these ingredients into a position of organized action, which we do so well” he said. He commended the founding members for their tireless efforts and remarkable contribution in laying the foundation of TEGSA. The President also extended a special welcome to the Presidents of our sister senior associations and expressed the possibility of working together in some projects.


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“One of the main keys to the future of our Association is our ability to attract and develop dedicated members to our executive. I feel privileged to be working with a dedicated group of professional men and women who readily give of their time and talents for the Association” said President Al and he then introduced members of the Executive and their spouses. The ceremonial cutting of the anniversary cake by President Al and his wife Jean followed, to the tune of ‘Congratulations’. Our two MCs Vicki D’Souza and Charles Fernandes did a remarkable job in keeping the spirit lively.

A picnic is never complete without a sing-a-long and a group of enthusiastic musicians – Francis D’Souza, Brian Feldman and Evelino Braganza showed off their talents. Dancing followed to the music provided by DJ Godfather and everyone went home very happy.

This year we hosted the picnic and invited the 55 Plus West End Seniors to join us. Next year the West End group will host the picnic.

(d) Fish Curry Nite – September 8, 2006
After a short summer break, Commander Hall reopened to a sold-out event – the Fish Curry Nite, was a fun-filled evening complete with true authentic goan fish curry, rice, spicy fried king fish, mixed vegetables and fruit trifle.

To top this all, entertainment was also provided - and cultural dances of Dekhni and Lancers were performed by our TEGSA Group and our Young Adults followed by solo singing performances in Konkani and Portuguese and exhibition dances like the Merengue, & Cha Cha Cha. Live music provided by our acclaimed goan musicians and D.J. Godfather kept everyone hopping on the dance floor.

The Sing Along that followed evoked a lot of memories of yesteryear, which was evidenced from voices that came from all corners of the hall. The old favourites which were made famous by the legendary divas, like “You are my Sunshine”, “Que Sera Sera”, “She’ll Be Coming Down The Mountain”, were delightfully rendered by three professionals with live fiddle and guitar music.

TEGSA this night saw a new Elvis in Victor Hilary D’Souza. Truly a great night to remember for TEGSA members ………. the beat goes on………

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(f) Mixed Bowling Extravaganza – October 29, 2006
What Fun! Such Excitement! Great Atmosphere! These and similar sentiments echoed the feelings of 60 enthusiastic bowlers as they enjoyed the first Mixed Bowling Extravaganza for TEGSA members. This as a ‘members only’ sold out event as 60 players participated in a 5 pin – 12 lane – 3 games of 10 frames each Bowling Competition at the Markham Bowling Centre. Rented exclusively to TEGSA, members took full advantage of the lounge facilities, the cash bar, and enjoyed the delicious Haka Chinese dinner, Halloween chocolates and of course, the bowling.

Winners of the tournament were: Tony Fernandes, Doreen Mendes, George Siqueira, Flavia D’Souza and Audrey Pereira and each was presented with a bottle of wine. A prize was also awarded to Rose Fernandes – the highest lady scorer. Random lucky numbers were drawn and winners were given gifts. Markham Bowling presented a collectors cap to the first two bowlers who made a strike and the winners were Doug Fernandes and Anthony D’Souza.

A special thanks to Charles Fernandes our executive member for organizing such an enjoyable evening and by popular demand we are looking forward to a repeat in 2007.

(g) Comedy Night – November 17^th 2006
Well over 200 patrons attended the “All you Can laugh” Comedy Night held on November 17^th 2006 at Commander Hall, to have fun, to laugh and be merry. The evening started off with a very tasty Thai dinner served by our lovely lady volunteers, and music provided by our members Jerry Luis, his wife Eva and Anthony Saldanha.

Our star performer, Mel Collie, with his banjo by his side, kept us in stitches of laughter. Mel, also a talented musician, entertained the crowd for over an hour with his jokes and banjo playing. Mel Collie emigrated from India some 53 years ago and is not only a talented musician, but also a resident comedian at Herongate Theatre in Pickering.

The floor was then opened to members wishing to entertain the crowd with jokes of their own, followed by Bingo and a raffle with name brand appliances offered as prizes.

(h) Yuletide Serenade – December 1^st, 2006
TEGSA helped us get into the spirit of Christmas with an evening of fun, enjoyment and carol singing on December 1^st 2006. Ho! Ho! Ho! Even Santa did not want to miss such a fun evening and made his appearance with his sack full of goodies.

The evening started off with a delicious goan meal of sorpotel, pulao, turkey and mixed vegetables, and followed later in the evening with a generous serving of caramel custard and hot apple cider. Members had an opportunity to purchase some authentic goan sweets and pickles which were on sale at the Goan Bazaar.

The entertainment got off to a flying start with performances by the well known Canorient Choir and a group of TEGSA members and young talent who specially formed a choir for the yuletide serenade.

The enticing music provided free of charge by FOCUS and DJ Godfather had everyone on the dance floor and asking for more!!

After the grace led by TEGSA’s first President, Claude Gomes, the evening began with a sit down meal with two complimentary bottles of wine at each table.

In his welcome address to a capacity gathering of 300 members and guests, the President Al Andrade thanked the members for their active participation, enthusiasm and involvement. “I have been in a unique position to personally see the sacrifices made by the members and their families, who give unselfishly of their time and talents to ensure our success” he said, and especially thanked each member of the executive for their innovative and creative ideas and for their sincere dedication and commitment.

Members applauded the Executive’s decision, when the President announced that they had sponsored 300 nutritious meals to the needy and destitute people at the Good Sheppard Ministries in Toronto, to coincide with our Christmas meal.

The Ramblers provided the music with old hit songs and new favourites interspersed with rock and roll and jive numbers. More than thirty prizes were given away during the evening. The MC Aelred Pecus did an excellent job of keeping the spirits and mood lively. A special volunteer of the year award was presented to Angela Coutinho by Social Secretary Vicki D’Souza.

2. CULTURAL EVENTS:
A big thank you to Zena Vaz, our Cultural Secretary and her sub-committee for their hard work and excellent organization in bringing together the cultural events for 2006 and to all our members for their attendance, support and assistance at all the events.
(a) Mega Whist Drive – May 11^th 2006

A very special thank you to Joe Lobo and Christine Rodrigues for their help and assistance in organizing the Mega Whist Drive held on May 11^th at Commander Hall. The evening started with dinner and this was followed by whist. We had an excellent attendance of 150 members for a total of 30 tables for the Whist. The evening was a huge success and enjoyed by one and all.

The beautiful tradition of the Ladainha was celebrated on October 20^th 2006 for an attendance of approximately 100 members. Thanks to Bruno Saldanha for leading the ceremony with pomp and solemnity. The Litany was sung in Latin and the hymns sung in Konkani. The musicians consisting of Anthony Saldanha on the guitar and Jay Franco on the violin and keyboard led the choir and the congregation through the beautiful evening of prayer and Rosary.

Over 135 members gathered together to pray for the deceased members and their families on November 3^rd 2006. We were privileged to have Fr. Edwin Gonsalves, Director, Office of Catholic Youth, Archdiocese of Toronto, celebrate the Holy Mass for us. President Al Andrade placed a Memorial wreath at the foot of the altar and lit a memorial candle in memory of our dearly departed members.

The outstanding choir comprising a professional two piece band of Ligia and Jimmy Van Rosi as well as some very talented TEGSA members led the congregation in song and prayer that set the solemnity for the evening. Mass was followed by bingo and whist. An appetizing snack plate was served to all.

(d) TEGSA helps the less fortunate

In the spirit of caring and showing love and concern for our under privileged brothers, TEGSA sponsored 300 meals to the needy and destitute and less fortunate people at the Good Sheppard Centre in Toronto, to coincide with our Christmas dinner held on December 16^th. We also put together for

St. Vincent de Paul hampers and a gift voucher for needy families.
All of this was made possible with the hard work of Zena Vaz, our Cultural Secretary – a special thanks to Zena for coordinating this effort.

3. TRIPS

Our trips Coordinator, Hilda Vitor and her sub-committee organized three enjoyable trips, all of which were excellently organized with attention to the smallest detail. A special thanks to Hilda and her team and to all the members for their attendance and support. Keep tuned in for more in 2007!!

The bus arrived just in time for lunch at the Festival Theatre Atrium. After a group photograph outside the Theatre, members were treated to boxed lunches of gourmet sandwiches, salad, fruit, baked cookies and non-alcoholic beverages. There was enough leisure time between lunch and the Play for everyone to pick their favourite activity such as a walk along the lovely flower-laden boulevard, shop for jams and mouth-watering pastries or just relax under a shady tree – some even played Bridge!

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43 members set out on a windy but pleasant day on September 24^th for Casino Rama from Agincourt Mall on CarAr Bus Services.

39 enthusiastic TEGSA Members and Guests participated in a Conquest Vacation trip to Las Vegas on Sunday, October 15, 2006.

Members should provide Uvy or any member of his team with the change in their address, telephone number or e-mail address, to help us keep you informed on the association’s activities.

New members are given a choice on the Membership Form to indicate the method by which they choose to receive information about the Association and its upcoming events. The options include receiving information via e-mail or by telephone. Please ensure that this information is accurate.

TEGSA has continued to update the community on activities through the goanvoice website. Included on the site is information on the event calendar, membership application, and a photo gallery and updates of all events held.

The Lancers under TEGSA’s banner put up an excellent performance at the Roy Thomson Hall. This event is held each year for a few days in August 2006, when many senior groups put up superb performances at a small charge to the audience. Repeat performances by the Lancers were held at Viva Goa, at our very own Fish Curry Nite and at the Canorient Seniors’ Christmas Dance held at the Woodbine Banquet Hall. Well done Lancers!! Thanks go to Elsie & Hilary Fernandes for training the Lancers and coordinating the performances.

In closing, the Executive Committee would once again like to thank you, all our members, for your attendance, friendship, assistance and support in making our efforts worthwhile and satisfying. We couldn’t have done this past year without you!!

To all the volunteers, committee members and their spouses, sub-committee members and their spouses, for carrying all items large and small to and from every event, for the preparation of the coffee and tea, for service of food with a smile, for all the after-events work and clean-up, and for their time, effort and dedication in ensuring that everyone has a fantastic time – thank you!

Al Andrade President

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