Harvey Silver Installation Speech

May 25, 2014

The President is like a captain of a ship with a crew that acts as chairmen. I was lucky this past year to have had an amazing crew.

I would like to thank the Installation committee, under Charlene and George, for making this a beautiful evening. Thank you also to Ruth for allowing us to use this lovely party room.

I know Albert is not here, but would like to say a special thank you to him for making sure that food was ordered for the meetings. Ruth, lease come up and accept this award in appreciation on Albert’s behalf.

Michael, our friendship goes back a long way. This past year you have been my right hand man. Thank you for acting as the recording secretary. I wish you the best on becoming the Chairman of our Board of Governors. Thank you for being my friend. Please come up and accept this award.

George, thank you for serving as Senior Vice President. You have always been ready and able to help in every way possible during this past year. As Incoming President, I wish you the best of luck and I have a little bag of goodies which you will need for next year. Please come up.

Charlene, as Lodge Treasurer, your expertise as been terrific. Whenever I needed to know about finances you were always available to help.

Ruth, Stewart and Richard.... you all have served as Vice Presidents. Ruth, thank you for always being there, your friendship is valuable.

Richard, you and your committee must be commended for participating at the bingos at 4300 Bathurst.

Stewart, where do I begin..... you have been the Financial Secretary for the past two years, and also have been busy with the Lodge BBQ, the Yellow Brick House, chairing the EMS Xmas gift project, bingos at 4300 Bathurst, and the Toronto Marathon. At this time would you please come up and accept the award for Member of the Year.

Carl, you have been involved with the Pride of Israel Kosher Food bank over the last few years. Your commitment to doing this has been quite honorable. Carl, you were also in charge of the Megillah Reading at 4300 Bathurst. You have served as Constitution Chairman, and you were able this year to make some important changes to our Constitution. I would like to present you with the Norm Aronson Community Service Award. I am also happy to present you with a cheque for the Pride of Israel Kosher Food bank.

Jeff, where would we be without you and the Kol Echad. I know you give your heart and soul in making our bulletin and website the best in B’nai Brith. Please come up and accept this certificate.

Thank you to Ivan, Elizabeth, Barry, Sandy and Rhona for serving as Trustees this past year.

Ray, thank you for being my sounding board. I always appreciate your input.

At this time I would like to honour the memory of the following past presidents..... Bonnie Kates, Michael please come forward; Irv Pupko, Ruth, please come forward. I had another certificate for Nate Salter which I have given to his wife, Andrea.

At this time I would like to thank my wife, Debbi, for all that she has done for me. She was my ghost writer, my speech maker and just keeping me in line.

May we all strive to lead full and productive lives in the New Year. May the journey we all are on, be one of learning, good health, joy, excitement and peace.

Thank you.

Harvey Silver