Give us your 15 votes between Oct 24 and  Nov 9th.

http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf12378

To all TBI Alumni, Friends and Supporters.

Please help Toronto Brigantine win $150,000 to upgrade Pathfinder this winter. Pathfinder is getting ready for her 4 year inspection and while we are in dry dock we want to do a bunch of work on her. She is approaching 50 years old if you can believe it!

Pathfinder, Northern Georgian Bay. Photo by David Bannister (used by permission of David Bannister).

Toronto Brigantine has a really good chance of winning the AVIVA Community Fund IDEA program – in Round 1 we got over 700 votes in just 5 days! For Round 2 we anticipate that we will need to get 400 votes a day for the voting period Oct 24 to Nov 9.

The teenagers that go through Toronto Brigantine’s tall ship based youth sail training program benefit from great life skills – and the impact of their experiences are remembered by alumni 50 years later. There have been over 20,000 kids going through the program over the last 50 years.

Please help Toronto Brigantine by voting for our idea today and tomorrow. See below for details on the timeline for each voting round.

http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf12378

If we are in the top 10 ideas in our Category in Round 2, we get the chance to be bumped up to the semi finals. Otherwise, we will keep getting votes in Round 3.

Help us Spread the Word.

Please help us spread the word about our entry in the AVIVA Community Fund IDEA in four ways:

(1) If you are a “tweeter on Twitter” you can add our hash tag [#acf12378] to your tweets and ask your followers to vote for our idea

(2) share with your networks on Facebook and Linkedin and any other social media groups that you belong to.

(3) Vote often yourself.  15 times each Round. See below for voting round dates.

http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf12378

(4) Help us find some AVIVA Brokers to support our idea! We welcome the brokers to come down and check out the boats now docked at the Bottom of Spadina and Queens Quay.

With the votes from yourself and your friends, Toronto Brigantine can win this competition and generate significant funds towards refitting the Pathfinder as she approaches her 50th Birthday.

The timelines for the Contest.

ROUND 1 voting: Oct 3 – Oct 19

We finished in 91st place with 788 votes in only 5 days because we started late! And that tells us, with more time, we have a lot of great support to get enough votes in Round 2 to get our idea bumped up to the semi-finals in Round 2 – and we are targeting that we  will need about 5,000 votes or more – or 400 votes per day – depending on our competition in Round 2.

ROUND 2 voting: Oct 24 – Nov 9 

Everyone in Round 2 is given 15 votes to be used towards the voting, they can vote once per day per idea, so we hope that our supporters will use all their 15 votes on our IDEA.

At the end of Round 2 the top 10 from our funding category will again be skimmed off, and the remaining ideas will move onto Round 3.

If we haven’t moved to the semi-finals after Round 2, we will still need approximately 400 votes per day to reach the top 10 by the end on Round 3.

ROUND 3 voting: Nov 14 – Nov 30 

At the end of Round 3 the top 10 from our funding category will advance and join the other 20 semi-finalists.

Dec 1 to Dec 4 (no voting)
The 30 semi-finalists in our funding category are required to “re-vamp” their submission (mandatory).

SEMI-FINAL VOTING: Dec 5  – Dec 16  
to determine the 10 finalists from our funding category (this entire process has been occurring simultaneously for each of the other funding categories)

JUDGING: Dec 20 – Jan 24 judging will take place to rank the 10 finalists

WINNER ANNOUNCED Jan 25 – hopefully we will be celebrating our success!

 We look forward to Fair Winds for 50 more years!

Vote today and give us all your Votes!

http://www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf12378

AGM Report 2011

TORONTO, CANADA (October 25, 2010) – Sim & McBurney, and Sim Lowman Ashton & McKay have made a major endowment contribution to the Toronto Brigantine Inc. (TBI) Bursary Fund that will provide youth ages 12-18 with unique and valuable skills and leadership training aboard two, Canadian tallships: STV Pathfinder and TS Playfair.

This contribution was made in memory of Stephen Lane, their late partner in the firms who served as a Director on TBI’s board.

Young people from diverse communities seldom consider taking part in TBI activities and funding has always been one of the principle barriers. As part of its commitment to support youth in underserved communities, this endowment will cover the costs of tall ship sail training for two youth in perpetuity. It will pay for transportation to and from the vessels, food and accommodation. Selected young people are expected to continue their learning experience in the following Winter Program.

At Sim & McBurney, Sim Lowman Ashton & McKay, Tim Lowman, one of the firms’ senior partners said “We are pleased to support a cause that was near and dear to Steve Lane’s heart, because he was near and dear to ours. We know that these funds will remove financial barriers that  prevent less-fortunate young people from participating in this unique program which provides them with the opportunity to develop leadership and teamwork skills, build self confidence and experience the joys and challenge of working and sailing aboard a tall ship.”

Participants also benefit from the sense of belonging and shared responsibility for each other and the vessels they sail on. They also learn respect and appreciation of the environment, knowledge of Great Lakes heritage and the impact of the shipping industry on economic development in our province and across the country.

Sailors discovery and confront their limits and fears.  “It’s this entire crew working together against the elements, wind and waves in your face. Taming this tall ship that is getting tossed around, you really feel like you’re doing something important” says Tessa Alexanian, a Senior Watch Officer. “Where else would I be trusted with such great level of responsibility?”

Toronto Brigantine is a registered Canadian charity founded in 1962 to ensure the ongoing development of youth through the demanding and challenging requirements of tall ship sailing.  In the 48 years since, more than 20,000 young people have participated in the programs  Alumni find the programs have assisted many of them in transcending the difficulties of adolescence by helping them to find their vocational calling and develop courage, confidence

and life-long relationships. Sim & McBurney and Sim, Lowman, Ashton and McKay are firms of patent and trade-mark agents and lawyers active in the professions and in support of community causes since 1970. To learn more visit www.sim-mcburney.com

Firms' partners from L-R: Toni Polson-Ashton, David Ruston, Tasha Hyndman (Sr. Watch Officer, TBI), Michael Stewart, Timothy Lowman and Lola Bartoszewicz.

Media contacts: Marguerite Pyron, Chief Development Officer, Toronto Brigantine Inc., 416-551-3423, marguerite.pyron@torontobrigantine.org or

Tim Lowman,  Partner, Sim & McBurney and Sim Lowman Ashton & McKay,

Tel: 416-849-8360, lowman@sim-lowman.com

TBI is proud to announce the second annual “Algoma Central Corporation Scholarship Award” for TBI officers and alumni who wish to pursue a career in the marine industry:

Details:

Qualification:

The criteria for the annual Algoma Scholarship are as follows:
a. Candidates will have participated in a minimum of 3 TBI Summer Programs and 2 TBI Winter Programs;
b. For former TBI Officers, will have continued with ongoing support of the TBI programs;
c. For former TBI Officers, will have remained involved in marine industry
d. Candidates will be high school graduates (or higher education);
e. Candidates will have applied or have been accepted by a Canadian Marine Training Institute

Timing:

• Candidates must have submitted their candidacy by January 31, 2011
• Selection committee to selected winner on January 31st
• Algoma representative will present Award to recipient at the Pirate’s Ball on Febuary 5th, 2011

Submissions to be sent to:
Toronto Brigantine Inc.
Scholarship Award
215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 413
Toronto, Ontario M5T 2C7

or office@torontobrigantine.org

Material to include:

Name
Address
Phone #
Email address

Short cover letter (no more than one page) outlining career aspirations, education plans (where application has been made and date application submitted, or confirmation of acceptance to a Canadian Marine Training Institute), continued support of TBI for alumni, involvement in marine industry.
Candidates’ resume to include
- work experience – in this case it will mostly be the time spent with TBI + other jobs
- education – diploma(s) – award(s)
- Extracurricular activities and interests
Note:
- funds will be remitted upon reception of copy of letter of acceptance to a Canadian Marine Training Institute.
- When applying to a Canadian Marine Training Institute, care must be taken to ensure:
1. a “Canada Number” is obtained from Transport Canada
2. candidates have passed a medical exam done by a Transport Canada mandated doctor (cost approx. $175)

TRH Vincent Massey Commissioner of STV Pathfinder

That the very first Canadian-born Governor General has commissioned STV Pathfinder?

A bit of history:

With Vincent Massey’s appointment as Governor General, a new tradition began – he was the first Canadian appointed to the post, and from that day the Governor General has always been a Canadian citizen. If the innovation had any detractors, they were soon won over by Mr. Massey’s exceptional qualities in the vice-regal role.

Vincent Massey believed that the Crown belonged to Canadians, and as the Sovereign’s representative his job was to strengthen that bond. He combined a respect for the Crown and its ceremonies with a commitment to using the Office of Governor General to promote Canadian unity and identity. He was tireless in his travels, visiting every corner of the country – where plane or ship couldn’t reach, he went by canoe or dog team.

Mr. Massey’s speeches often praised Canada’s cultural diversity, and he emphasized the need to learn both English and French. Whether he was speaking to the Jewish Congress, being honoured by the Blood First Nation in Alberta, or visiting fishing villages in the Maritimes, he was a champion of all Canadians.

Encouraging the arts was one of Mr. Massey’s noteworthy achievements. His promotion of a national festival of the arts began a movement that eventually led to the founding of the National Arts Centre. At Rideau Hall, he established writer’s weekends to help create a Canadian literary identity. The then fledgling Stratford Shakespearean Festival received his enthusiastic support and he lent the prestige of his position to the opening of numerous art exhibitions. In 1953, he established the Governor General’s Awards for Architecture, and he presented Canada Council awards to many artists, including the composer Sir Ernest MacMillan.

However, Vincent Massey was careful not to concentrate exclusively on any one area – he encouraged excellence in every field. His greatest ambition, creating a Canadian honours system, was not realized during his term, but his efforts helped lead to its creation in 1967, and Mr. Massey was one of the first Companions appointed in 1967. He established the Governor General’s Gold Medal for the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1954, and the Massey Medal to recognize national exploration, development, and description of geography for the Royal Canadian Geographical Society in 1959. Canada was developing a new confidence through its accomplishments in science, business and the arts, and Vincent Massey helped foster this positive identity.

Mr. Massey revived the use of the State carriage in 1953 when it was used in Ottawa for the Coronation celebrations of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Amid much pageantry, the carriage brought Vincent Massey and his staff to Parliament Hill under escort by members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Mr. Massey introduced Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation speech, broadcast in London and around the world. The carriage he used that day is still used for the opening of Parliament and during official State visits. To commemorate Her Majesty’s Coronation, Mr. Massey issued silver spoons to all Canadian children born on that day, June 2, 1953.

Mr. Massey conferred new regimental colours on the Governor General’s Foot Guards, and presented a regimental mascot to the Royal 22^e Régiment at La Citadelle in Québec, a well-behaved goat of Persian ancestry from the Royal herd called “Baptiste”. The mascot was received by the regiment’s honorary colonel, General Georges Vanier, who would become Vincent Massey’s successor as Governor General.

Mr. Massey’s term as Governor General was extended twice, first by Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent, and then by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker before he left office on September 15, 1959.

Life Before and After Rideau Hall

Vincent Massey came from a prominent Canadian family – successful in business and active in philanthropy. His brother was the popular actor Raymond Massey, and his father was president of the Massey-Harris Company, known worldwide for manufacturing agricultural equipment.

His early education took place at St. Andrew’s College. He continued his studies at the University of Toronto and then went on to attend Oxford – an early experience of England that gave him a lasting appreciation of its traditions and institutions.

After returning to Canada, he became Dean in Residence of Modern History at Victoria University in Toronto. On June 4, 1915, he married Alice Parkin, daughter of Sir George Parkin, a former principal of Upper Canada College and secretary of the Rhodes Trust. Sadly, Mrs. Massey died in July 1950, just 18 months before her husband’s appointment as Governor General. As a result, his daughter-in-law, Lilias, acted as Chatelaine of Rideau Hall while Mr. Massey was in office.

Before beginning his career in diplomacy, Vincent Massey spent four years as president of the business his father had founded. During this time, he pursued philanthropic interests – promoting the arts, education and letters. He also began compiling one of Canada’s great art collections and through the Massey Foundation, influenced the construction of Massey College at the University of Toronto.

In 1926, he was appointed first Canadian Minister to Washington and then High Commissioner to London in 1935. He made such a favourable impression in England that in 1946, King George VI invested him with the Companion of Honour. In 1949, he was appointed chairman of the Royal Commission on National Development in the Arts, Letters and Sciences. The ensuing report issued in 1951, known as the Massey Report, led to the creation of the National Library of Canada and the Canada Council.

After his term as Governor General, he retired to Batterwood, his home near Port Hope, Ontario, and he continued to chair the Massey Foundation, as he had done since 1926. The Foundation, incorporated in 1918, was the first trust of its kind to be established in Canada. He devoted his time to two of the foundation’s endowments on the University of Toronto campus – Massey College and Hart House, a beautifully-designed student centre. For his achievements representing Canada’s Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II awarded him the Royal Victorian Chain on July 22, 1960. At the time, he was the only Canadian to receive this great honour.

In 1961, the Massey Lectures were created to honour Vincent Massey, in recognition of his energetic support for the humanities in Canada. The Massey Lectures allow a noted scholar or public figure to give a talk on a subject of his or her choice, and are considered by many to be the most important public lecture series in Canada.

Vincent Massey died while visiting England on December 30, 1967, and was given a State funeral in Canada in early January. He is buried in an Anglican cemetery near his home in Port Hope.

This nofficial view of Vincent Massey reflects one of his great interests - working with youth. He is framed in the lifebuoy of the Pathfinder, which he commissioned.

L-R: Our supporters Ms. Jones and Ms. Jones and Ms. Waengler down below with Officer Kowalczyszyn

L-R: Officers Kowalczyszyn, Yentz and Alexanian welcomed our donors and supportes on Pathfinder

The sky was cerulean blue, not a cloud in sight, donors and supporters in good spirit, food provided by the Eat Your Greens and Chef Christopher Schroer original and delicious. Then there were the fireworks and it was cold, cold, cold so off to the galley for hot chocolate!

Canada's 143 Anniversary and the fireworks at Ontario Place

Even the Pres, Paul Dennis seemed satisfied!

Celine Moore, Captain Schroer and Richard Birchall

Inaugural Scholarship Award presented by the Naval Officers Association of Canada

Recipient: Celine Moore, WO, Senior, TS Playfair

2010 Seamanship Award to the Trainee in the Winter Program who shows a high level of commitment, initiative and teamwork.  Engraved seaman’s knife donated by Captain Seann O’Donoghue, Alumnus.

Recipient: Mattheus Fackelmann

L-R: Mattheus Fackelmann and Captain Julian Schroer, STV Pathfinder

2010 Deep Sea Award donated by the Naval Officers Association of Canada

Recipients: Riley King, XO, TS Playfair and  Taeo Tsagkaris, XO, STV Pathfinder

L-R: Riley King, Captain Weed, past Captain and TBI ED Richard Birchall, Captain Schroer and Taeo Tsagkaris