Thursday, December 30, 2021
It’s that time again when the DML leadership wraps up the past year and looks towards the next. This means reflecting on the grateful moments, relishing in the wins and growing from the learning lessons.Â
We feel very lucky to not only work with each other but also partner with amazing Canadian organizations. Our small yet mighty Board of twelve discussed what success means to the DML – and we agreed it’s the connections Bay Area Canadians made and the content available through our informational, cultural and social programming (both live and virtual). After a COVID-19 break everyone was thrilled, of course, with the return of Canadian sports game nights. Â
In proper Canadian form, we wanted to continue to spread community and thoughtful engagement through these hard times. So we hit the ground running… putting on a variety of virtual events including eight Virtual Happy Hours – each with its own themed trivia and hosted by our beloved Dorin Greenwood!
We enjoyed a virtual Wine Tasting with VJ Gandhi from Kascadia Wine Merchants, highlighting BC & Ontario wines and winemakers. As well as three Chesterfield Chats – inviting panels of experts to speak about and explore topics in higher education, cross-border finances for families, and we also moderated yet another Canada-US border Q&A with the Consulate just as we were starting to get vaccinated broadly.Â
When it was safe to do so, we reunited again after a long time apart and cheered on the Toronto Raptors & Leafs, Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets at the SAP Center and Chase Center.Â
We proudly brought you live, partnered events, seeing many familiar faces and meeting new friends for our Canada Day Picnic with our partner, Augies Montréal Smoked Meats. We co-hosted a pandemic-modified, outdoor Canadian Thanksgiving for eighty with UC Berkeley’s Canadian Studies Program, as well as supported Stanford Live’s William Prince concert. To cap off 2021, we enjoyed holiday drinks with our friends from the SF Canadian Expat Meetup Group at Kell’s Irish Pub.
We continue to be the place you can go to for everything Canadian!Â
With our newly launched website, we will continue adding valuable resources, fun blog posts, community connections and events with our partners and other offerings.Â
It has been a rewarding first year as Chair of the DML. I am surrounded by a passionate and engaged Board and a wonderful Canadian Community that truly embodies the True North.Â
We wish you and your loved ones a Happy New Year and look forward to spending time together in 2022.
Best,
Sarah Price & the DML Board
Royal Canadian Legion, US Branch #25 