President's Message
Ilene Rushefsky Charland
It’s that time of year again. Summer is coming to an end, with temperatures cooling and the days getting shorter, we continue to enjoy our many outdoor activities. In this beautiful part of the country, we are fortunate to have a variety of choices to keep us busy. Some of you may have travelled near and far, and/or had friends and relatives visit and share our little piece of paradise. Others plan travel after the summer crowds and are just leaving in the next few months.
For those who had a career in education, September was always the beginning of the year. There was the excitement of new students, new classes or grades, and maybe a new school. A new school year was exciting if you had children in school: a new teacher, new grade, new friends, and perhaps a new school. This year we welcomed new PROBUS members in August for the first time. Let’s make sure these new members receive a warm welcome at our activities and our next general meeting.
Thank you to members who have started new activity groups this season. These new activities are very popular; check out the offerings on the Activity Group webpages, and hopefully you will find a new activity that speaks to you. We are always looking for more volunteers to assist with activity groups or join the management team. So, if you have a passion to share, or just want to get involved with your PROBUS club, please let us know.
Membership
Pam Weaver & Kathy Mercer
Welcome to our 51 new members, who joined us effective August 1, 2023. This is the first time ever, that we have done a mid-year membership drive!
Name badges will be available to pickup at the September meeting at the membership table. As a reminder to all of our members, Emergency Contact Cards with the plastic cover are also always available at the Membership table.
If you have any questions for the Membership team, you can reach us at our new email membership@beavervalleyprobus.com
September Meeting - Tuesday Sept 26 @ 1:00 PM
Please register if you plan to attend this meeting—so that we have enough chairs and coffee for everyone!
Date: Tuesday September 26, 2023
Doors open: 1:00 PM
Meeting begins: 1:30 PM
Speaker: Harvey Bodach
Harvey is a National Recognized Artist who lives locally. You may have seen a feature on Harvey in the January 2023 Escarpment Magazine. He will join us to share his passion for wilderness landscapes and wildlife that he translates using minute detail and careful design within his paintings.
50-50 draw: John Hobson and Peter Bryce each won $50.00 at our June 27 monthly speaker meeting. Our 50/50 tickets are on sale at the beginning of each monthly meeting and during the 1st break.
Book Exchange
Our Book Exchange is back in business and will be set up at the back of the room starting at 1pm for the September meeting. You may bring up to 3 books to exchange for 3 books. Books should have a copyright date no older than 10 years (2013). Each book should be a good read—the kind that you would recommend to a friend. Please contact Nancy Hart with any questions!
Social Events
Don Collins-Williams, Stella Zahradnik
We had a very successful summer picnic. The weather was great, and we even spawned a new PROBUS activity, with the introduction of walking soccer (thank you Nancy Dixon). Thanks to all who attended, to make it a great day.
The lunch and Theatre event at Meaford was well attended, and we saw an excellent musical “Tom Thompson’s Wake”. The Theatre was pleased to put on this special luncheon-theatre package for us, and there will likely be opportunities for us to have similar events with them next year.
We had two visits to the E.C Carr Observatory, which was a fascinating and educational evening. Unfortunately, during the second visit, cloud cover came in before viewing through the telescopes could take place. We are working with the Observatory for a makeup evening for those who were registered for the “cloud out” night. This may take place this fall, but may well be in the spring, depending upon the availability of the Observatory crew to host us. We also had a good waiting list for the second night, so we will look at having an additional night next year for those who would still like to attend.
We have arranged tickets for the John McDermott Christmas Concert (see below) and are looking at a potential car rally, and perhaps another theatre event this fall, and of course hold the date for our annual Holiday Luncheon at Alpine Ski Club, on Wednesday December 6. As always, watch your emails for announcements of future events, and please contact us at events@beavervalleyprobus.com if you have any good ideas for possible other events.
John McDermott Christmas Concert
We have obtained 25 tickets to hear renowned Scottish-Canadian Tenor John McDermott, bring his Irish roots to Collingwood for a Family Christmas Concert.
Date: Saturday, December 2
Concert: 3:00 PM
Cost: $63 per person + Optional Lunch price TBD
Location: First Presbyterian Church, Collingwood
Please look for an email invitation coming later this week with more details.
Georgian PROBUS Travel Club
Gloria Thompson
Circumnavigation of Newfoundland: This is an incredible 12-day adventure out of St. John's June 16 - 27, 2024. If you are interested please attend the information presentation by Adventure Canada on September 12 @ 1 - 3 PM at the Collingwood Library - 3rd Floor. Please contact Brenda Chapman at Marlin Travel 705-444-1161 with any questions.
Muskoka Cruise: Join your fellow PROBUS members from the Georgian Bay Region for an enjoyable cruise along the famous Millionaires Row, with Captain Potts.
Date: Monday, September 25, 2023
Cost: $53 including HST
Time: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: Departing from Port Carling
Registration: Please contact Sunset Cruises directly to purchase tickets. See their website at www.sunsetcruises.ca or contact them via email at info@sunsetcruises.ca or by phone 705 645-2462. BE SURE to tell them you are with PROBUS. The cruise is Rain or Shine. There is a snack bar on board and restaurants in town.
Activity Groups Update
Most Activity Group sign-ups are still open!
It's not too late to sign-up! Just a reminder, in order to be on an activity participant list—you must sign-up online—even if you signed up for the same Activity last year. A couple of Activity Groups are closed to additional participants due to overwhelming demand, but most groups are still open. If you aren't sure, please contact the Activity Group leader directly or email help@beavervalleyprobus.com
There is a step-by-step video on "how to sign-up" for Activity Groups. Click on the red arrow to view!
If you need any help with passwords or sign-up, please contact our web team on our new email address: help@beavervalleyprobus.com
Computer Group
Martin Buscher
There are some interesting apps we’re going to take a closer look at during our meeting on Monday, September 25 at 2 PM. what3words is used by emergency services to help locate you, e.g. during a hike. Grey County has a GIS website showing interesting details about where we live. Do you have an app you'd like to share with us? Please join the Computer Activity Group if you would like to receive invitations to our monthly meetings!
Casual Dining With Friends
Sallie Kedwell, Shellie Smith, Eileen Scott
Fortunately the weather cooperated and we enjoyed an excellent pot luck picnic dinner at Bayview Park on August 24. As fall approaches we look forward to returning to our usual small group dinners, with our members hosting at their homes when convenient. Please save the date for our first dinner on Thursday, September 28 and enjoy the last few weeks of summer.
Dining Around Town
Hank Bouwman
We have 155 people signed up for our monthly Dining Around Town activity with 101 members having been out to at least 1 Brunch/Lunch/Dinner this year. 40 of our members enjoyed an excellent dinner on June 15 at Marilynne Restaurant in Markdale. Invitations for our Wednesday, September 20 Buffet Style Dinner at 5:00 PM at Walter Falls Inn, were sent out on September 1 to those members who have signed up for Dining Around Town. It’s not too late to join our Activity Group… Just click the "Activity Group Sign-up" button on the Dining Around Town activity page to receive future invitations to our dining events.
Save the dates:
- Wednesday, September 20: Buffet Dinner @ 5 pm at Walter Falls Inn
- Wednesday, October 18: Dinner @ 5 pm at Prime Seven Nine in Collingwood
- Tuesday, November 21: Luncheon @ 12 noon at The Curly Willow Eatery in Collingwood
R.O.M.E.O
Bill McMurray
After a two month hiatus, we will restart our luncheons on the second Wednesday. Our next lunch is at Winnifred's English Pub, 27 Bridge Street, Thornbury on September 13 @ 12:00 pm. Look for the event email sent on Sept 4 and register. See your there!
Euchre 1
Elaine & Hank Bouwman
Tuesday, September 12 at 6:50 pm – Geoff & Jan N will host for a fun afternoon of cards and snacks. It’s not too late to join us..…just go on-line to Activities and click on Euchre 1 to sign up (Insert link). We had an enjoyable afternoon of card playing and snacks at the home of Lynn S& George C on July 11 with 16 members participating in 2 groups of 8 and David Z & Ken K came out on top. Jean T hosted on August 8 with Viv A having the high score and holds bragging rights for the day after coming out on top following 9 rounds. Viv had just graduated from our Intro to Euchre and obviously paid close attention during the lessons!
Introduction to Euchre
Elaine & Hank Bouwman
Last chance to sign-up to learn how to play euchre: Interested in learning how to play Euchre or would like a refresher session? Please go on-line and and
register for the last training session of 2023, set for Monday September 25 @ 1:20 pm at the home of Elaine & Hank Bouwman. These sessions are geared to members that have either never played euchre or those that have played but need a refresher course. People new to euchre may need 3 – 5 training sessions whereas a refresher course may only require 1 – 2 sessions. Please note that these training sessions are not for experienced euchre players as they already play on the 2nd Tuesday of every month (See Euchre 1).
Mah jongg
Judy Smith
The Mah Jongg group started up this past spring and our members have enjoyed learning to play the American version of this traditional Asian tile game. New members are always welcome; training sessions are provided as needed. Our fall playing schedule is being set up now. We currently meet every Tuesday of the month, except on our Membership Meetings. We may reduce this to playing the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, per members’ wishes. Members are asked to sign up to host games. Hosts are not required to supply refreshments. Other members are willing to bring game sets and extra tables/chairs if needed. If you are interested to join us, please sign up on the Mah jongg Activity page. Contact Judy Smith for more information.
Ramblers
Nancy Dixon
What a great time we have had. Raspberry picking, new members on board, ideal walking temperatures with a beautiful fall looming. Thanks again to Donna M for having us at her cottage on the Eugenia Lake for a delightful summer potluck picnic. Our latest adventure was to Creemore being one of my favourite trips, Creemore Brewery and the Patisserie. Join us this fall when we plan a return to Coffin Ridge to see the fall colours, partake in a glass of wine or cider (lots of wining), socializing with fellow Ramblers over lunch plus many other adventures. Watch for our event emails and register. New members welcome—please sign up on the Ramblers Activity Page!
Recreational Cycling
Caroline Bacher
We have had a great summer of cycling in Collingwood, Thornbury, Meaford and Owen Sound. Thank you to the members who joined me! Even though numbers have been low, we have enjoyed our time together. This is my final session of leading Recreational Cycling. I am ready to hand on this group to a new leader. I would be happy to share my information with whomever steps up to lead next year's session!
Walking Soccer
Nancy Dixon
Yes it does exist! Currently we are meeting on Tuesday mornings at the Tomahawk Soccer Field, Thornbury. All are welcome. If you like getting outside, walking and are open to kicking a soccer ball, you can be a sports star. Our match on August 29 resulted in 8 players (4 hats and 4 backward hats) ending in an amicable 3-3 tie. Thanks to our goalies Herb Q and Tom P. The effort to score was intense with four key players trying to control the game, but thanks to Mae F she came through and showed us all up. Sign up for the group on the Walking Soccer Activity Page and give us a try.
Stress Management Lesson
Submitted by: Hank Bouwman
A speaker confidently walked around the room with a raised glass of water, while explaining stress management to an audience. Everyone knew she was going to ask the Bob ultimate question, 'half empty or half full?'. She fooled them all...
"How heavy is this glass of water?" she inquired with a smile. Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.
"The absolute weight doesn't matter! It depends on how long I hold it.
- If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.
- If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.
- If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance for me.
In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "And that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."
"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest, before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden—holding stress longer and better each time practiced. So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night... Pick them up tomorrow.
Humour Corner
Hank Bowuman
The Master Gardener’s Corner
John Hethrington, Past President, Master Gardeners of Ontario
Click on the photo to see what you need to be doing in your garden in September... Look for the annual Grey County Master Gardener’s fall plant sale on Saturday September 9 from 9 AM until noon. This year, it’s in Meaford, at the Rotary Pavilion at the Harbor.
Support Group
Lucie Desjardins, Maureen Lalonde, Mary Ann Collins-Williams
Do you know of a BVPC member who is having a difficult time (health issue, accident, hospitalization, loss of partner, etc.) and would benefit from receiving a card or a call from our team? If so, please let us know. We will be happy to follow up and/or get in touch with them.
In Memoriam
Martin Rosen - Marty passed away on August 21, after a long struggle with ill health. Our sincere sympathies to Sandra Whitehead and their family.
The Last Word
Shared by Murray Lamont
Happiness is not having what you want...It is appreciating what you have.
Anonymous
Activity Groups: Participate - Volunteer - Have Fun!
Convenor: Volunteer needed!
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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