President's Message
Caroline Bacher
Dear Members,
The lovely month of May is finally here! The birds are singing, the daffodils and tulips are blooming. We have so much to enjoy during the warm days ahead.
We had a very successful first Activities eFair Zoom meeting on April 27th. Thank you to those of you who joined us for this meeting. We thank all of the presenters and organizers of this important event! The sign up for activities continues on our website. I hope that you find activities that suit you.
We are living in unprecedented times. The pandemic continues with a resurgence of cases. Many of our activities have continued throughout this past year by going on-line. Outdoor activities such as “Winter Walkers” and “Snowshoeing” resumed safely following the provincial health guidelines such as, wearing masks and keeping 2 metres apart during our outings. Other outdoor activities will resume under similar restrictions. It is our priority to keep all of our members safe.
Socializing with others is an integral part of belonging to a Probus Club. We can all do our part to keep ourselves and those around us safe, by following the provincial health guidelines, including getting the vaccine against COVID-19.
It is my hope that life can get back to some kind of normal by the autumn. In the few months remaining before we have a break for the summer, we have two interesting topics for our May and June Zoom meetings.
In May we will listen to David Chapman, weather photographer, speak about Ontario’s wild weather patterns and see some incredible photos. In June, local biologist, Andrew Major, will talk about migratory birds and the birds we see at our feeders. Watch for the emails which will have the link to these informative meetings.
I hope that the spring will bring hope to all of us for a better summer ahead.
Sincerely,
Caroline Bacher
Our Speaker on May 25 @ 2 PM
We are very fortunate to have obtained David T. Chapman as our May online speaker. He is a well-known, professional speaker and photographer, who enjoys entertaining and educating audiences. He is an expert on weather, aurora borealis and Ontario scenery, birds and wildlife.
Topic: "Wild, Weird and Wacky Weather"
In a province that is so vast and surrounded by the Great Lakes, it is no wonder we have some of the most interesting weather in the world. It offers such a variety all year round because of its terrain, temperature variations and location. Learn about Fallstreak Holes, Superior Mirages and discover how far south the Aurora Borealis can actually be seen. This presentation combines Ontario's weather uniqueness, power and beauty all wrapped into one.
You won't want to miss this event! Join the show! Bring your questions and engage our speaker. This should prove to be a very informative and entertaining meeting.
Check your email the day before the meeting for the Zoom link to this event.
Questions? Please contact:
Brenda Rudolf or Beverly Forget (Speaker info)
Heather Buscher (Website, Zoom info)
Activity eFair Update:
Ilene Rushefsky Charland
Colleen Wilson-Dick
Thank you to everyone who participated in the eFair, during our April 27 zoom meeting. We had over 60 members participate, and the management team, the presenters, and the members asking questions, all contributed to its success!
Sign-ups are still ongoing, and registrations are coming in quickly. Don't miss out! Registering soon will ensure that you get important emails regarding the start dates of your favourite activities! Although many activities are still on-hold, some outdoor activities are already starting at the end of this month.
Click on the yellow Activities button above, to see the list of Activity Groups and check out the individual Activity webpages. There is detailed information about the Activity Group and a Registration button on each page! (You will need to register to be on the new list for this year, even if you were registered in the group last year.)
Please stay safe and active!
Beaver Valley Probus Club 20th Anniversary
This month we are featuring another four of our founding members (see the Founding Members section below), and starting in June we will spotlight some of our past presidents.
We still welcome your ideas on how we can celebrate this special milestone in 2021 and ask you to contact anyone on our Anniversary Committee listed below with your suggestions.
Hank Bouwman, Anniversary Chair
Vicki Kellar / Martin Buscher /Stella Zahradnik
Our Founding Members
Each month we will feature some of our founding members. If you are one of the original members who joined the club in 2001 - we would like to hear from you! Please contact Hank Bouwman.
This month we are featuring Bruno & Heidi Schulze and Don & Debbie Catto.
Please click here to access their photo and bio! (Members-only) you must login to view!
Photo Corner
More signs of spring - Common Grackles! Shared by Lucie Desjardins.
Click on the image to see more photos submitted by our members!
Please keep your photos coming! Email Heather Buscher.
Activity Groups Update
Ramblers
Nancy Dixon
Although the name has changed (formerly Winter Walkers), we will continue our weekly exploration of country roads and "ramble" all year long. Our first walk is planned for the end of May. Make sure you sign-up for the
Ramblers Activity Group to get more information about our upcoming walks.
Hiking
Cynthia Sampson
We are kicking off the season a little differently this year, with an urban "Meaford Industrial Historic Walk" at the end of the month, led by the very knowledgeable Dennis Knight. We will then head back into nature for our subsequent hikes, beginning with a hike in beautiful Silent Valley, also led by Dennis! Sandy Tulloch and Vicki Kellar are also lining up some wonderful hikes for us, and of course if anyone else would like to volunteer to lead us as well, we'd be delighted! Please see the Hiking Activity Page for more information and to register to join the group!
Computer Group
Martin Buscher
The computer group met online in April for a very lively discussion on organizing documents "in the cloud" using Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. The next meeting is May 26 @ 2:00 pm and the topic is Digital Inheritance.
Mobile App: Directory Access and more!
Did you know you could access our Members Directory and sign-up for Activities with a mobile app?
The app is called Wild Apricot for Members. You can also use it to update your own contact information! It is super easy to use, and only requires you to login once.
The Road to the Best Butter Tarts
To all you road warriors, hikers and ramblers: We are on a search for the best butter tarts in the area. Reply to this email with the name and location of the best best place to get butter tarts made on site. A vote will be forthcoming!
The Master Gardener’s Corner
Our Master Gardener's Corner by John Hethrington, Past President, Master Gardeners of Ontario, has moved online. Look for the Gardening Tips on our web Homepage (scroll down on the right-hand side) or click here to see what you need to be doing in your garden in May!
Humour Corner
Happy Mother's Day - Sunday, May 9
Community Announcements
Do you have trouble with your computer, tablet, or phone?
Maybe Cyber Seniors can help!
This non-profit organization connects high schoolers looking for volunteer hours with seniors needing help. You can call them at 844-217-3057 to book an appointment. This is a free service. Cyber Seniors also offers interesting webinars. Take a look at their website at https://cyberseniors.org/
We do not yet know how well this works, so please let us know about your experience by email to beavervalleyprobus@gmail.com.
In Memoriam
Marg Reid, a member since 2013, passed away peacefully at home on April 24. Marg was active in the pole walking and hiking groups. We extend our deepest sympathies to her husband, Bob.
Jim Couse, one of our founding members and a Bruce Trail enthusiast, passed away on April 27.
Fred Young, a member since 2004, passed away last week. Fred was also a strong supporter of the Bruce Trail.
The Last Word
Marion Stewart, Past President
"Joy is closer than you think"
Grapevine Team
| Editors |
Heather Buscher, Nancy Dixon |
| Photography |
Cheryl Besley |
| Distribution |
Nancy Dixon |
| Website |
Heather Buscher, Nancy Dixon |
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| Please be advised that all events and activities of the Beaver Valley Probus Club are organized for the benefit and enjoyment of its Members. Individuals who participate do so at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety. |
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Beaver Valley Probus Club