International Goan Organization (IGO) Hosts Meeting on “Save Goa”. Gerson da Cunha Shares Views On How to Keep Goa Goan
Report of Meeting held on Thursday Sept 13, 2007 at the Mad Hatters Pub, Mississauga.
By Al Mathias.

Present: Zulema de Souza (President, IGO), Al Mathias (Treasurer, IGO), Eurema Colaco (representing the GOA Toronto), Wilfy and Luisa Rodrigues (from Calgary), Nick D'Mello, John J. D'Souza (Goan Voice), Tim D'Mello, Vasco D'Cunha, Edna Mathias, Kevin Saldanha, Bosco D'Mello (Goanet), Merwyn Lobo, Olinda Fernandes, Francis Rodrigues, and the Chief Guest, Gerson da Cunha

1. Al opened the meeting at 8.15 pm and, on behalf of the IGO of Ontario, welcomed everyone and thanked them for making the time and effort to come. He then gave a very brief history of the activities of the IGO and mentioned the most recent project concerning the seven issues faced by the Goan NRIs here in Toronto. Two of these have since been addressed, the remaining five are being pursued.

He then extended a very warm welcome to our guest speaker Gerson da Cunha and thanked him for making the time from his busy schedule at the Film Festival in Toronto, to meet with us and share his thoughts.
 
2. Gerson thanked the organizers of the meeting and also all those who were in attendance. He said how pleased he was to be with us and share his views.

a) Gerson explained the workings of the group they formed in Bombay, AGNI, how they brought organizations together and were able to achieve the election of the person the grass roots wanted. He touched on the provisions of the Right to Information Act which now requires greater disclosure by all candidates.

b) He talked about the role of the three pillars of society: 1. Political/Legislation; 2. Executive and Administrative and 3. the Judiciary; and the way the Press reported items.

Read more...

Brampton Received International Safe Community Designation
By City of Brampton | Published 09/24/2007

Today, Brampton became the first municipality in the Greater Toronto Area and one of only 10 in North America to be designated as a World Health Organization (WHO) International Safe Community. The agreement was made official during Brampton Day with a ceremony at Garden Square at the Rose Theatre Brampton. The event, which included a cake cutting and WHO flag-raising, was attended by members of the community along with international, national and local dignitaries.

"The commitment of Brampton's community partners to work together to create a safer community for all of the citizens of Brampton is at the heart of the WHO's Safe Community designation," said Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell. "In Brampton, we demonstrate a proven commitment to forging and maintaining partnerships that contribute to our world-class clean, green and safe City."

Goan Soccer League Intervillage Finals
Parra Champions
Report by Daryn Fernandes

The Final for the Intervillage Championship took place on September 22, 2007 at Centennial Stadium
Results:
Parra S. C. 2 Aldona Shooting Stars 1

Parra SC – The Champions	Justin D'Silva - MVP.
( Click to view large )

The twelfth year of the League provided Parra with another chance to write history. Deprived of the chance 8 years ago, Parra had the opportunity to win the Championship for a third straight time. The Regular season was a difficult one with new players and an increasing talented League, winning the Three Peat would be a tough task. Parra finished the League in 5th place and underachieved for their expectations, but began to peak in time for the playoffs. Playing the 4th place Lotulim team that was favoured to be a finalist, Parra shocked the League with the upset.

Parra moved into the Semi-finals to face the League Champions Bogmalo, who had defeated them earlier in the year. Parra came out o meet the challenge, dominating the game. Bogmalo was able to score a late goal to lose only 3-2, but the score did not indicate how well Parra played to dominate the number one team in the season.

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The Rich Are Getting Richer

Between 1992 and 2004, constant-dollar income for people in the top 20% of the taxfiler population rose substantially, and the gains got bigger the higher up the income distribution. However, individuals in the rest of the population generally saw little improvement in constant-dollar income.

http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/070924/d070924a.htm
Monday, September 24, 2007 High-income Canadians 2004

An annual income of $89,000 was enough to put an individual among the 1.2 million Canadians who made up the top 5% of the country's taxfiler population in 2004, according to a new study.

Similarly, an income of $181,000 was sufficient to put someone among the 237,000 people in the top 1% of the taxfiler population.

But to be part of the richest one-hundredth of a percent (0.01%) of taxfilers, Canadians had to have income of more than $2.8 million, the study found.

The study, released today in the September issue of Perspectives on Labour and Income, uses tax returns and survey data to explore trends in the number and characteristics of high-income Canadians, as well as their wealth and the effective income tax rates they face.

Between 1992 and 2004, constant-dollar income for people in the top 20% of the taxfiler population rose substantially, and the gains got bigger the higher up the income distribution. However, individuals in the rest of the population generally saw little improvement in constant-dollar income.

In 1992, Canadians in the top 5% of the taxfiler population accounted for about 21% of total income. By 2004, they accounted for 25% of total income.

Read more...

Ensuring Sustainability of Goa’s Tourism
by Nandkumar Kamat
http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=092427

TOURISM and mining are backbones of Goa’s economy. Small and highly urbanized states like Goa need to plan their tourism sector carefully to ensure the sustainability of the industry, safeguard the economic assets of the investors and the direct and indirect employment opportunities created by tourism dependent economic activities. Despite a five year old tourism policy and a master plan, the basic structural, administrative, infrastructural reforms in tourism sector have not still taken off. The industry is surviving almost on its’ own.

Although tourism is a year round activity in Goa-the industry and the government recognizes the October to May season as the official tourist season. This is considered the best period to visit and experience Goa. After celebrating the boom last year, the local tourism industry is gearing up for another promising tourist season. The tourists visiting Goa spent Rs 2,600 crore during 2006. The trade provided direct employment to more than one lakh people and indirect employment to almost the same number. For domestic tourists Goa has become a window to Europe.

Read more ...

India will be a developed country: Chidambaram
26 Sep, 2007, 0920 hrs IST, IANS

New York: India will introduce more reforms to create wealth and the space needed for public investment with the larger aim of making economic growth inclusive, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said here on Tuesday.

"I am confident of maintaining the high growth rate in the medium term, but need some more reforms in the long term," said Chidambaram, while speaking on 'India at 60: A New Age for Business' at the Asia Society here.

Pointing out that growth is not an end in itself in a country where 26 percent of the population lives in deep poverty, the finance minister said it is the inclusive growth that his government is aiming for.

He said many of those who could afford the clothes to wear and food to eat did not have access to some basic essentials to lead a normal life like potable water, sanitation and road connectivity.

"They depend on public services. It is difficult to deliver public services. But reforms will ensure growth, more tax revenue and allocation of money for health and education," Chidambaram said.

"Reforms will create millionaires in India, money to allocate, to establish facilities abroad and to take public services to the people," he said, adding: "Growth with equity is the only way forward to achieve that goal."

Read more ...

India, US To Set Up Fresh Mechanism For Bilateral Ties
http://www.safp.ca/World-News/India-News/3667.html
By Liz Mathew

New York, Sep 25 (IANS): India and the US have decided to set up an institutionalised framework for identifying areas of mutual trade and promoting bilateral trade in three key areas - rural industries, agro-products and small and medium enterprises.

The decision came Monday at a meeting of the Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG), set up last year by the two countries to provide strategic advice to boost bilateral trade, which is targeted to double in the next three years.

"The meeting was useful and both sides have exchanged views on the areas where we can develop mutual cooperation," Commerce Minister Kamal Nath told reporters after the meet.

According to Nath, both sides have also exchanged their concerns over certain areas where they were looking for better cooperation and stronger ties.

"We looked at rural industries, agro sector, small and medium enterprises including the health sector. The meeting was useful and it has refreshed the US-India trade policy forum which was launched during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit (to the US)," he said, adding that there should be an institutionalised mechanism to look into the benefits of enhancing trade.

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An Open Letter to the President of India

Sat Sep 22, 2007 9:15 am (PST)
To Her Excellency The President of India,
Rashtrapathi Bhavan,
New Delhi

Through the Governor of Karnataka,
Raj Bhavan,
Bangalore

Your Excellency:

We offer our respectful greetings and humble salutations, on behalf of the Christians of India, especially those who have suffered greatly on account of their religious faith. In this regard, we submit the  following for your kind and benevolent attention:

We are gravely concerned about the escalating violence being perpetrated against Christians in the state of Karnataka for the past 20 months, and we have evidence to clearly link the same to the change in the government at the state level. In other words, after the BJP came into the coalition, there has been a climate of impunity for any acts of violence that are committed in the name of Hindutva. To place the facts and relevant documentation on record, we herewith submit a
detailed report on attacks against Christians in Karnataka between Jan 28th and July 29th 2007 wherein it is clear from the facts that unprovoked attacks by communal elements have occurred inside homes and the places of worship of Christians, as people are praying and worshipping within the privacy of their homes and churches. Later, the police are pressurized to file cases against the victims. The hardest blow to the victims however is the inaction and neglect of our just grievances by the law-and -order machinery and the State. In fact, the police officials in several cases have said that they have received orders from the Dy. Chief Minister and the local (usually BJP MLA)on how to act. Therefore, the widespread attitude (though not universal) is that of treating Christians as second class citizens. We have failed in numerous peaceful efforts to get justice, namely redressal of the violation of our Constitutional and Fundamental freedom of Religion and Conscience. We now approach your kind self in the hope that you who are well known for your secular outlook, will certainly take steps to ensure that justice and the right to constitutional remedies, hitherto denied to the majority of the Christian victims of persecution, will be made available to them in a speedy and time-bound manner.
.
The Christian Rights Rally in Bangalore held on 22nd June 07' was the largest gathering so far of victims of religious persecution by the communal forces in India, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Gujarat to Orissa. Christians in Karnataka are observing Awareness Day on 22nd September 2007 to raise the awareness of the public against Christians in general and in Karnataka in particular and are converging on Bangalore to make their voice heard against the injustice meted out to them and share their experiences and agony and express solidarity with other victims of the extreme distress faced by the Christian community in India. They are joined by a number of persons from all walks of life, various Christian churches and groups including those from other faiths who came together to express solidarity and share their grief and sorrow.

Read more ...

On the treadmill with tourism
"Goa is already a popular brand. We are already having direct international flights to the state. Condor has already scheduled flights to Goa, and Air France is going to commence their scheduled flights soon.... there is nothing to fear regarding competition. Virgin beaches and new hotels are not enough. They do not have the ambience, the lifestyle and the unique culture that Goa has. These are the USPs of Goa and there is no threat to it. We also have a repeat clientele of about 30 per cent," says Ralph de Souza, President, Travel and Tourism Association of Goa, in an interview with Andrew Pereira, GT.

GTDC’s red carpet welcome for tourists
PANAJI, Sept 26: All tourists arriving in the state tomorrow by air, buses or trains would be received by the officials of the Tourism Department by offering them flowers, as part of the celebrations of the World Tourism Day, tomorrow. The theme for this year’s World Tourism Day celebrations is “tourism opens doors for women” and the Tourism Department in association with the Goa Handicrafts, Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation has organised a trip of rural women artisans to Goa Science Centre and Big Foot. [NT]

Five-star hotels allowed to operate casinos
PANAJI, Sept 26: The state government has permitted managements of five-star hotels to operate casinos, wherein only slot machines were allowed, but somehow the authorities failed to tap the source of additional income that could have flowed from them. Though the state is a global tourist destination, it does not have enough infrastructure or amenities to retain tourists for a longer duration as such the authorities allowed setting up of casinos that would help the hoteliers retain tourists for longer period as well as it would generate some income for the state. [Abdul Rauf Beig, NT]

Goan Evening' at New York
The Department of Tourism, Goa, organised a colourful 'Goan Evening' at Manhattan, New York, during the recent 'India at 60' celebrations to promote India under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in association with the Confederation of Indian Industries. The invitees for the 'Goan Evening' were leading Travel and Tour operators of Manhattan, especially those bringing in tourists to India and journalists. The American media posed queries on different aspects, especially on the possibility of direct charters coming from USA to Goa as well as investment opportunities available in the State. [GT]

Sorrowing lies my land
Dated 2007-09-26
Why are we been repeatedly forced to come to the streets with our problems, does a Government functions in the state, were some of the rhetoric the speakers spearheading the Save River Sal Front posed to the people attending a massive rally. A movement which is trying to stop the proposed move of dredging the River Sal and stop the Casino boat from operating from the River Sal.

Yes indeed, questions have been raised over the sincerity and integrity of the power-hungry politicians of Goa.

"Sorrowing lies my land" a title by Goa's liberation movement leader and former journalist Lambert Mascarenhas felt the pulse of the changing times in Goa some forty years down the line.

On 19th December Goa celebrates its liberation day. On this day in 1961, the small state on western coast of India was liberated from the Portuguese colonial rule. . . . . . . MORE

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE – NO TIME TO LOSE
ASSAGAO-BADEM: The Dementia Society of Goa and Community Hope Centre (CHC), Assagao, jointly organized a talk on the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia at Badem. Fr. Edward, Parish Priest of Badem Church, was the Chief Guest. Brig. (Retd) Ian da Costa, a Trustee of CHC, welcomed the gathering and explained the objectives of the CHC. The CHC, registered just a few days ago and is in it’s infancy, aims to care for the poor, under privileged, marginalized and needy old and uncared for persons of all castes and creeds, to give basic education to illiterate street children and orphans and provide vocational training in tailoring, computer education, technical training and other hotel oriented programmes. They would like to promote spiritual, physical, mental and educational development, and plan to acquire buildings/houses by gift or purchase by donations, subscriptions. Basically, CHC wants to provide food, shelter and clothing to the needy of all castes, creed and religion. Those who cannot donate monetarily can contribute their time, skills and energies so as to achieve our aims.

Dr.Amit Dias, Secretary of the Dementia Society and Jt. Secretary of the Alzhemier’s & Related Disorder’s Society of India, gave the guest lecture. Dr.Dias informed that there are over 24 million people with dementia around the world but there is hardly any awareness. He further explained that not everyone who forgets is having dementia. Dementia is a disease in the elderly where people forget to the extent that it affects their activities of daily living.

The theme for the Alzhemier’s Awarness week this year is “Early diagnosis for better care: No time to lose”. Dr.Dias emphasized that the social workers, doctors, nurses, the people with dementia and their care givers should get together with the government to develop services for dementia in Goa. Bro.Lenin who also spoke at the programme said that we need to address the issue of relationship. Joseph Martin D’Souza, member CHC gave the vote of thanks. [GoaNewsClips]

Survey of handwritten manuscripts
The National Mission for Manuscripts is conducting a survey of handwritten manuscripts, which are over 75 years old, having artistic, historical,. scientific or literary value. The Survey which began on September 20 will continue till October 5. The survey does not intend to take away the manuscripts. It only wants to document them and make available for educational and research purposes. If any citizen is aware of such manuscripts, he may contact State Co-ordinator, National Mission for Manuscripts, C/o Directorate of Archives and Archaeology, Panjim 402001 or email archives@sancharnet.in  [GT]

Goa witnesses record annual rainfall
PANAJI, Sept 24: This year, Goa has witnessed highest annual rainfall in last six years, experiencing altogether 3264.8 mm rainfall (till this morning) since the beginning of the monsoon season on June 1. The India Meteorological Observatory, Altinho, also recorded 113.8 mm rainfall during the month of May... The incessant rains in the state would prove to be detrimental to crops, especially paddy grown in the fields, according to a senior agriculture officer. [NT]

LOBO, Herbert
Excerpt from The Toronto Star

+LOBO, Herbert - Peacefully, on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at the Trillium Health Centre - Mississauga, at the age of 45. Beloved husband of Myrtle. Adored father of Carol and Crystal. Cherished son of Stan and Dora. Loving brother of Allan, Rupert, Brian and Nestor. Herbert will be lovingly remembered by his many friends and family. Funeral Mass held at St. Francis Xavier Church, on Saturday, September 29, 2007 followed by Interment Assumption Cemetery.

HOT HOT HOT TEX- MEX CHILLI NITE
September 22nd, 2007

........rollin' ...... rollin'.......rollin'............ keep them Dogies Movin....
 

Senorita Shirley & Senhor Percy D’Souza
Ola' Senores et Senoritas!!
 

'R-A-W-H-I-D-E!!! ...... ....was the theme song of the evening, when the "CURTAINS" rolled up....and the Executives, headed, by none other than Gerry "Rawhide" - aka- Clint Eastwood- style, who led us on stage with an impromptu rendition of this theme song, to a thunderous applause, which entertained an ENCORE at that!!! - Not bad for a 5 min.practice session behind closed doors!! - - So don't try to understand us - though we were disapprovin', - Our heart's a mis-calculatin', as this was to be a....
....... "CHILl NITE"!! ........BUT........Archie Lobo, who initiated this event, with his home-style speciality, (Back by popular demand), got us to "Move 'em on,head 'em up, Head 'em out, ride'em in, and let 'em out - cut us out completely back to reality.......with his wife Wilma "Hot on her heels behind him!! He kept us "Movin,Movin,Movin....RAWHIDE......!!

Read more ...

Toronto Westend Seniors 30th Anniversary Celebration

 

Click to view all pics

Saving Power With Linux
Posted by Savio Rodrigues under Open Source , linux
http://saviorodrigues.wordpress.com/

Via Stephen Shankland at CNet - Very cool news about an effort to run Linux more efficiently on servers, laptops & mobile devices. The effort was kicked off by Intel, but is open to all.

According to Stephen’s report:

“On a current laptop, running Fedora 7 from Red Hat uses about 21 watts. “If you apply six little changes we propose, that same laptop takes 15.5 watts,” Hohndel said. “You have just added a more than an hour to your battery run time.”"

“Taking Intel’s advice and fixes can trim about 10 watts of power consumption off a modern dual-processor server, said Dirk Hohndel, chief technologist of Intel open-source technology center. That’s not a gargantuan amount–until you consider that if done correctly it’s free power savings, that each watt of server energy saved cuts another 1.3 watts from air conditioning (according to Intel figures), and of course that 10 watts per server is a lot when multiplied by the thousands of servers that populate larger data centers.”

There is a lot of pressure to consolidate commodity hardware onto, bigger more efficient systems. The competition between commodity systems & larger systems may well result in Linux becoming “the most energy efficient” operating system on servers. It appears that Intel is focusing on this goal from a commodity server standpoint. How long until the larger systems vendors decide to do the same with Linux? (Note: they may be doing so already - so please comment and update us all!)

The Nightmare That Is The American Dream
Published on August 5, 2007, In The Standard
By Chris Wamalwa

With very little information about life in the US, 45-year-old Samuel Kamau, a university lecturer who is a father of three, relocated his family to start a new life in America, the land of dreams.
This was on a Diversity Visa Programme, commonly known as the Green Card. Kamau left Kenya to escape insecurity.

He had survived two carjacking incidents and a raid on his rural home. "These were very close calls that left me very scared and traumatised," he said in a recent interview. He also wanted to find education opportunities that would guarantee a future for his children.It turns out that once in America, everything changes.

After a frustrating six-month job search, Kamau was forced to do what he considers very humiliating odd jobs. These chores include taking care of people with severe mental and physical disabilities, the aged and even cleaning toilets. To settle his bills and provide for the family, he is also forced to take up a second job as a watchman.

Read more ...

Byzantine Festival 2007
http://www.soundstreams.ca/

Featuring Celebrated UK Soprano Patricia Rozario

“...Rozario soars impressively “ - The Times, 2004

Byzantine Festival I: Medieval Rituals
October 12, 2007 @ 8:00 PM
Walter Hall
A Mystical program inspired by medieval ritual and early music. World Premiere by Michael Oesterle (Canada) and works by Jonathan Harvey (UK) and Hildegard of Bingen. Patricia Rozario, soprano; Steven Dann, viola; chamber orchestra conducted by Michelle Mourre.
Buy tickets

Byzantine Festival II:
The Troparion of Kassiani
October 13, 2007 @ 8:00 PM
St. Anne’s Anglican Church
A glorious choral concert featuring The Troparion of Kassiani by Christos Hatzis with text by Kassia, a ninth-century poet, composer and abbess, Featuring the ethereal singing of Patricia Rozario and the Elmer Iseler Singers with Lydia Adams conducting. The program will also include The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, one of John Tavener’s most powerful works, and Jonathan Harvey’s mysterious and haunting Come Holy Ghost.

Health & Wellness Fair – Jointly hosted by the Goan Overseas Association and 55 Plus Goan Association in Etobicoke – Toronto West.

We are pleased to inform you that a Health & Wellness Fair has been arranged jointly by our 55 PGA and the GOA at the St. Clement Church Hall (Bloor St. at Markland Dr. in Etobicoke W.) on Sunday, October 21, between 2:00 to 6:00 PM. This fine idea had been considered separately in the past by both the GOA and the 55 PGA and it is exciting that it will be taking place soon as a jointly hosted function. This is a fine opportunity for our members to take advantage of, since it will be a value-packed event.

The Program consists of key topics of interest to our members such as High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Osteoporosis & Prostate, Colon and Breast Cancer. Leading physicians will present the latest medical information and answer your questions. Another key topic is Lifestyle Adjustments for the Goan Community presented by a hospital-based Dietician. A nutritious Refreshment Break has also been planned. Attendees will be able to have their free Health Risk Profile from Medical Experts during the event. Some useful health literature will also be available that addresses your needs.

Due to fire regulations, which restrict the number of people that can be accommodated, there will be a limited number of tickets available for sale for this event starting August 23, on a first come first served basis. Both the hosting associations will have equal number of tickets for purchase by their members. We anticipate that tickets will be sold out quite rapidly since many of our members are highly interested in attending. The very low ticket price of $ 3 also includes refreshments during the break.

If you are planning to attend this very interesting, useful and fun Health & Wellness Fair, you are requested to contact Vivien Fernandes (905-896-3172), Paul Nazareth (905-848-3963) or Marina Noronha (905-238-3567) to purchase tickets. Call soon to avoid disappointment as this will be a sold-out event.

October 21st Health & Wellness Fair – helping the Goan Community enjoy good health.

Navelim Sports Club
From: Gerard Pinto cpintoge@rogers.com  

Navelim Sports Club was formed in 2001 in Markham, Ontario, Canada not only to enhance the soccer aspirations of the members but also to provide a venue where both young and experienced soccer players could benefit from each other's skills and experience.

Our guiding principle has been to foster lasting relationships both on and off the soccer field. We have a number of younger players who are currently attending university or high school along with a smaller group of senior players.

We practice year round and play in both indoor and outdoor leagues, trying our best to maintain a healthy lifestyle and pass the same on to our youth.

The Club is a non profit organization and our members have assisted at their cost with meals for street youth run by the Evergreen Centre in Toronto during the winter months.

Our 6th Annual Gala Dance on October 13th, 2007 will allow us to share with you this key aspect of our Club.

Click to view Flyer

Sunday,
30th September 2007

CLR Event

At Claireport Place
65 Claireport Crescent Etobicoke
(Hwy 27 & Albion Rd)

Holy Mass at 12:00 Noon
Followed by Buffet Lunch and Entertainment
To The Music of: "DJ FATZ"

Click for Flyer

On Saturday, 13th October-2007 at 3.00 PM

GOAN KONKANI TROUPE’S

Tiatr
“ADEUS”
(GOODBYE)
A Powerful drama of Love and Sacrifice
 

Michael Power School Auditorium, 105 Eringate Drive ( at Renforth Dr.) Etobicoke

Click for Flyer

Date

Event

Details

LADAINHA
Commander Park Hall

Click for Flyer

TEGSA INVITES YOU TO
ATLANTIC CITY 3DAYS/2NIGHTS

"CANCELLED"

"MEXICAN FIESTA"
Click for Coloured Flyer

Mass for the Deceased Members and their Families.

on November 2nd, 2007 - 6:30 pm sharp at
Commander Park Hall, Scarborough

Click for Flyer

"SOLD OUT"

Whist Drive
A Snack plate will be served
Cost: $6.00 (Members)
$8.00 (Guests)
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

To register, please call:
Vicki D’Souza: (416) 497-5111
Charles Fernandes: (416) 286-8970
Joan Menezes: (416) 927-0895
Gerry DaSilva: (416) 297-7218

Click for Flyer

NIAGARA CASINO & CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TOUR

Departure: 10:00 am – Agincourt Mall (parking behind Wal-Mart) Winery Tour 11:00 – 11:30 am - Visit to Magnotta Winery – wine tasting

Lunch: 12:00 noon – 1:15 pm @ Betty’s Restaurant. Main course, Choice of Roast Beef, Roast Chicken or Fish and Chips.
Casino: 1:30 pm – 6:45 pm. Buffet dinner coupon included.
Sightseeing: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Tour of the Christmas Lights.
Return: Arrival in Toronto approx. 9:00 pm

"SOLD OUT"

Yuletide Festivities – Choral Group in Attendance
Live Music – X’mas Bazaar
Authentic Goan Food and Sweets
Cost: $10.00 (Members)
$12.00 (Guests)
Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.

Your Executive invites you to do yet another good deed for the less fortunate. Please donate at least one food can of your choice, which will collectively be donated to the FOOD BANK, during the festive season.

Christmas Dance
St. Clement of Ohrid Banquet Hall
76 Overlea Boulevard
Cost: $40.00 (Members)
$45.00 (Guests)
Cocktails and Appertizers at 6:30 p.m.
Sit-down dinner at 7:30 p.m.

To register, please call:
Vicki D’Souza: (416) 497-5111
Charles Fernandes: (416) 286-8970
Joan Menezes: (416) 927-0895
Gerry DaSilva: (416) 297-7218

Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins
This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well.
Johns Hopkins - Cancer News from Johns Hopkins

No plastic containers in micro


No water bottles in freezer.


No plastic wrap in microwave...


A dioxin chemical causes cancer, especially breast cancer.

Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don' t freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic.

Recently, Edward Fujimoto , Wellnes s Program Manager at Castle Hospital , was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us.

He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers...

Read more ...

"We need to talk": Scotiabank study finds Canadian couples not talking enough about retirement plans
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2007/26/c5289.html?view=print

TORONTO, Sept. 26 /CNW/ - When it comes to their retirement, many Canadian couples aged 50 and above simply don't agree with each other on important topics such as finances and lifestyle. According to the Couples Retirement Study conducted by TNS Canadian Facts for Scotiabank, this lack of consensus comes from too little conversation.

"It is crucial that couples have honest and in-depth discussions about their life after retirement," said Bev Moir, Senior Investment Executive, ScotiaMcLeod. "While an in-depth financial plan is vital to a successful retirement, a plan will not be complete until couples have a closer personal
vision and agree on their retirement lifestyle goals."

The study looked at Canadian couples with at least one partner aged 50 or over and still working and examined attitudes and planning for post retirement as well as financial and lifestyle priorities. Examples of lifestyle priorities include travel, spending time with family and friends, practicing healthy aging and accommodations.

Read more ...

Alcohol and cancer: is drinking the new smoking?
Cutting alcohol consumption linked to reduced cancer rates
TORONTO, Sept. 26 /CNW/ - Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health  (CAMH) have clarified the link between alcohol consumption and the risk of head and neck cancers, showing that people who stop drinking can significantly reduce their cancer risk.

According to CAMH Principal Investigator Dr. Jurgen Rehm, existing research consistently shows a relationship between alcohol consumption and an increased risk for cancer of the esophagus, larynx and oral cavity. Dr. Rehm and his team analyzed epidemiological literature from 1966 to 2006 to further investigate this association and their results, published in the September issue of the International Journal of Cancer, showed that:
- The risk of esophageal cancer nearly doubled in the first two years following alcohol cessation, a sharp increase that may be due to the fact that some people only stop drinking when they are already experiencing disease symptoms. However, risk then decreased rapidly
and significantly after longer periods of abstention.

- Risk of head and neck cancer only reduced significantly after 10 years of cessation.

- After more than 20 years of alcohol cessation, the risks for both cancers were similar to those seen in people who never drank alcohol.

Read more ...