A teary “thank you” and a heartfelt standing ovation marked a passing of the torch at this year’s CARP Annual General Meeting, held in Toronto this past October. And as one era drew to a close, a bright new future was launched to gathering of new and long-time members, a small taste of what lies in store for this organization.
Highlighting the AGM was Lillian Morgenthau’s announcement that, after 25 years, she was stepping down from the presidency of CARP, an organization which she and husband Murray launched and brought to national prominence
“I’m proud of the part we played in the past,” said Morgenthau to gathered CARP chapter chairs and representatives from across the country. “But the past catches up with one and it’s time we found someone to take us forward. Moses Znaimer is the man to take CARP into the future.”
In accepting the mantle of President of CARP, Znaimer paid tribute to his predecessor and unfurled his vision on how to carry the organization to the next level. “We have an obligation from the Morgenthaus to achieve the goals they set for us,” he said.
Znaimer used the opportunity to introduce CARP’s new advisory board, a group of well-known, Canadians who will use their influence and connections to spread CARP’s message. The new advisory board will consist of:
• Dr. Ron Keast, television executive who has worked across Canada
• Major-General Richard Rohmer, decorated fighter pilot, author and successful executive
• Senator Larry W. Campbell, ex-RCMP and politician from Vancouver
• David Crombie, the popular ex-Mayor of Toronto, still heavily involved in local politics
• Monika Deol, Manitoba-born TV personality
• Gail Hinchcliffe, Alberta-based developer of senior housing
• Dr. Colin Powell, one of Canada’s leading geriatricians, from University of Calgary
• Dan Braniff, founder of CARP’s most successful chapter, Georgian Bay, Ont.
Members also heard a detailed account on the direction the group is moving. Susan Eng gave a recap of CARP’s advocacy effort from the past year and related how, going forward, she will harness on the organization’s “great energy to help turn CARP’s New Vision of Aging into a Reality.” Larry Sheffit announced a few of the many new benefits that CARP members will enjoy. And Ross Mayot updated members on how their increasing involvement will help grow the CARP community.
Compared to past AGMs, this year’s had a whole new look and feel. Before the meetings, members enjoyed “The New Vision of Aging”, a whole-day panel of thought-provoking presentations delivered by a host of North American experts, on subjects ranging from new advances in medicine, healthy aging, sleep, finances and nutrition. Based on its reception, Znaimer hopes to turn this meeting of the minds into an ongoing tradition.
And the event wrapped up on a lively note with the first ever Zoomer Show. Over 15,000 Zoomers swarmed the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto to take advantage of the entertainment, information, products, services, advice and giveaways offered by over 150 exhibitors. A rousing success, plans are afoot to take the Zoomer Show on tour across the country.
