President's Message
Caroline Bacher
Dear Members,
Welcome back! After a wonderful summer we are ready to begin our monthly meetings with some informative speakers for your enjoyment. Our first one is on Tuesday, September 28th. Please join us for our Zoom meeting and listen to the speaker from “Georgian Bay Forever”. Learn what we can do to help keep Georgian Bay protected from plastics and other pollutants.
I certainly enjoyed the summer and I hope that you did too. There were so many opportunities to get outside and participate in activities such as golfing, walking, cycling, kayaking, sailing, hiking, etc. or just sitting and enjoying the warm weather. I would like to thank our many Activity Leaders who resumed their outdoor activities this summer to engage members of our club. Everyone followed the provincial and local health guidelines to keep themselves and others safe while participating. Thank you also to the other Activity Leaders who have continued their activities on-line over the summer.
The COVID-19 pandemic is still with us, as we live through the fourth wave. We miss our Probus Club in-person meetings, however, now is not the time to gather indoors for Probus meetings. As summer begins to wane we can look forward to the beautiful autumn colours that the Fall season brings.
Enjoy the rest of the summer. Until we meet again, “Keep calm and keep safe.”
Sincerely,
Caroline Bacher
New PROBUS CANADA President
It is with pleasure that we announce the election of our own District #7 Director, Bob MacNair, to President of PROBUS CANADA. The vote took place at the Annual General Meeting in May. Our sincere congratulations go to Bob and we wish him a successful and productive year.
Our Speaker on September 28 @ 2 PM
Brooke Harrison, "Divert and Capture" Project Coordinator for Georgian Bay Forever (GBF), will be our Guest Speaker for our September meeting.
Topic: Plastics in our Local Waterways
Brooke Harrison is the coordinator for GBF's Divert & Capture project—the fight to keep microplastics out of our water. Brooke lives, works, and plays around Georgian Bay. Calling Tobermory home, she enjoys boating, hiking, swimming, and protecting Georgian Bay. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Trent University in Environmental and Earth Sciences.
Please check your emails in September, a day or two before the meeting, for more information on how to join the meeting!
Questions? Please contact:
Brenda Rudolf or Beverly Forget (Speaker info)
Heather Buscher (Website, Zoom info)
Beaver Valley Probus Club 20th Anniversary
This month we are featuring two of our Past Presidents that have served our Club over the past 20 years. Our aim is to include as many of our Past Presidents as possible in our Grapevine newsletter for the remainder of 2021. Please forward your photo and short biography to Hank Bouwman so that we can recognize you in one of our future Grapevine Newsletters.
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 Past Presidents
This month we feature Pat Wright (2018) and Ken Kelley (2009). Please click here to access their photo and bio! (Members-only) you must login to view!
Activity Groups Update:
Ilene Rushefsky Charland
Colleen Wilson-Dick
Recreational Cycling
Caroline Bacher
We resumed our cycling group safely, following the local health guidelines. Our first ride was Monday, June 28th in Thornbury. The weather cooperated and we were able to cycle every Monday, except long weekends. We have cycled the Thornbury, Meaford and Collingwood trails and quiet roads twice following different routes. We have also cycled around the Blue Mountains and the Georgian Trail. You can see some of the photos from our trips in the
Recreational Cycling Slideshow. In September we will go farther afield to Midland and Wasaga Beach. Thank you to Vicki and Terry Kellar and Maureen Hussey for leading some of the rides! It has been fun to get out together and have a chance to chat!
Hiking
Cynthia Sampson
What a joy it has been this summer to re-connect with friends old and new on our glorious trails. We have climbed to the summit of the escarpment, and descended into the depths of amazing dolomite crevices. We have hiked a boardwalk across a marsh and observed the remnants of an old homestead. We have viewed stunning vistas and observed delicate wildflowers and ferns and brilliant red fungi. Some of our hikes have been quite challenging, and others more leisurely, but they are always engaging, enlightening and companionable outings and a pretty good workout in the bargain! There are some great photos of past hikes - see the
Hiking Slideshow on the website - and there are plenty of great hikes still coming up. Trout Hollow and Jones Falls are the next two on the schedule, so please do come on out and join us!
Ramblers
Nancy Dixon
The Ramblers group enjoyed numerous outings from Country roads in Thornbury and Clarksburg, historic architecture in Creemore (Ye olde Jail), not to mention some very beautiful homes. A recent trip to Harrison Park and Inglis Falls was the most exciting yet. The latest outing to the Sheffield Black History and Cultural Museum was so rich in history and art, that we plan a return visit soon! Thanks to my assistants Caroline Bacher, Heather Buscher, Ilene Rushefsky Charland and Maureen Hussey but mostly a big thank you to our Ramblers putting up with my jokes and maps. You are the best! Don't forget to check out the latest photos on the Rambers Slideshow!
Canoeing & Kayaking
Lucie Dejardins & Kirby Philp
It was a real adventure to revive the Canoeing & Kayaking Activity Group—as we are new members ourselves! After a slow start where the weather was not too cooperative, we have experienced many enjoyable paddles. We have had a great group of paddlers in both canoes and kayaks and it has been tremendous fun, experiencing magnificent scenery and wonderful camaraderie. We have explored the Beaver River several times, as well as Lake Eugenia, Nottawasaga River (out of Wasaga) and the Sauble River. We have seen Osprey, muskrat, beavers, Blue Herons, ducks, turtles and our biggest highlight was finding a nest of Trumpeter Swans with cygnets. Take a look at our
Canoeing & Kayaking slideshow to see some of the highlights. We plan to continue the bi-weekly outings into mid October (weather permitting) and hope for some more awesome paddles and fun with the group. Thanks to all of the group for making it so enjoyable. We would also like to thank Ilene, Colleen and Heather for their support and advice along the way with scheduling and registration.
Dining Around Town
Hank Bouwman
Following a 1 ½ year break due to the pandemic, we were finally able to hold our long awaited dining around town dinner at Mylar & Loreta's Restaurant in Singhampton on Thursday, August 19. Thirty-four members participated, pre-selecting their dinner entrée on-line with a choice of prime rib, turkey or grilled salmon, along with a choice of soup/salad and delicious dessert. Our group met at 5 pm for cocktails—there was lots of catching up to do—and then enjoyed a delicious dinner. The restaurant seats were well spaced with dividers keeping everyone comfortable and safe. Participating members commented that it was so nice to have a reason to dress up, and for many it was their first visit to a restaurant in a very long time. Participants were also asked if they would be interested in trying a luncheon sometime during the winter months and the responses were positive, so we will investigate this further. We have a total of 110 Probus members signed up for Dining Around Town, so stay tuned to find out when and where we will dine next!
Travel Group
Gloria Thompson
I was hoping to joyfully announce another try for the "Highlands and Islands of Scotland" for May 2022. I believe the same wholesaler will still be active, and our small deposits will be OK. Now, another blow has arrived with the Delta strain of this virus. All that can be said now is that we have to wait and see, and it must be safe for everyone. The CDC has now come out with more countries in trouble including Ireland and France. Will it never end? I know there are members who are itching to go on this tour, as am I. It is a pity that this COVID virus didn't start in Las Vegas……you know what they say, "What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas"!
Computer Group
Martin Buscher
The Computer Group will restart on September 29 at 2 PM. This Zoom session will feature the use of Password Managers, which have become indispensable in a world of increasing cyber threats. Register with the Computer Group prior to September 22 to receive the invitation with meeting details.
- What is a good password? A long one!
- How long? As long as you can remember!
- What if I can't remember? Call the (password) manager!
Ski Legends
Louise Armstrong
The PROBUS Ski Legends committee has been meeting throughout the spring and summer to discuss and plan what we may be able to do when ski season starts. As Covid-19 continues to influence our actions, more details about local ski activities will be coming later in the Fall and throughout the Winter. All members of Ski Legends will receive emails with all current Ski Legends activities and updates as they become available.
Two ski trips are available for the winter of 2022 and there is still room for people on both of the trips. Note that you must be a member of PROBUS Ski Legends to go on either one of the trips. The first trip is to Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta February 5-12, 2022. Accommodation is at the Chateau Lake Louise for 4 nights and Banff Springs Hotel for 3 nights. Cost is $2805 per person double occupancy. Booking deadline is November 15, 2021. The second is to Sun Peaks, B.C. Monday February 28 - Thursday March 10, 2022. Accommodation is at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel. Cost is $2920 per person double occupancy. Booking deadline is November 30, 2021. Please go the the Probus Ski Legends web site (www.probusskilegends.ca) for complete information on both trips. The application form for Ski Legends membership is also available on the website.
Photo Corner
Can you spot both dragonflies? Summer photos shared by Alan Spence (top left), Caroline Bacher (top middle and right), Lucie Desjardins (bottom left and middle) and Ilene Rushefsky Charland (bottom right). Take a look at the Summer Slideshow for other wonderful photos shared by our members.
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 September!
Humour Corner
The above meme was shared by John Van Der Ster. It was one of a collection, so more to come!
Back to School thoughts below were shared by
Hank Bouwman.
In Memoriam
George Wright passed away peacefully in hospital on August 9th. He had an illustrious career as an international trade specialist in both the Diplomatic Service and private sector. Over the years George participated in the skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, cycling and winter walkers activity groups. Our sincere condolences to his wife, Pat and family.
The Last Word
Marion Stewart, Past President
"Friends are the people who make you smile brighter, laugh louder, and live better."
Unknown
Grapevine Editors Note
Thank you to all our members who have submitted articles, photographs, puzzles and cartoons. We continue to rely on your contributions and welcome your suggestions as well. Many thanks!
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