President's Message
Kirby Philp
Happy New Year to all our members! I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season surrounded by family and friends. As we step into 2026, I wish you a year filled with new opportunities, meaningful connections, and plenty of fun. This year marks the 25th anniversary of our club—a remarkable milestone.
We are planning several special events to celebrate this achievement. Throughout the year, we will look back with appreciation at those who helped build and shape the club into what it is today, while also celebrating all that we have accomplished together. With winter now in full swing, it’s time to bundle up and enjoy the many activities the season offers—skiing, snowshoeing, and cross‑country skiing among them. For others, this may be the perfect time to escape to warmer climates and soak up some sunshine. I’d also like to remind everyone of the importance of volunteering within the club. Please support Brian Cromie and Chris Pocock as they work to fill positions on the Management Committee for 2026.
Your involvement truly keeps our club thriving. Wishing you a great month ahead, and I look forward to seeing you at our General Meeting on January 27, 2026.
Management Committee - Volunteers Needed
Brian Cromie
Membership Application Review:
Our Probus Club is looking for members to serve on the Management Committee, beginning in March. We hope to add at least two new Directors at Large, a Membership Convenor and an Assistant Social Convenor.
Our monthly meetings, and many activity groups and events throughout the year, don’t just happen – they take people willing to plan, assist and/or lead, and the Management Committee plays a key role in coordinating these activities. Without volunteers we would not be able to offer members the rich program we currently have, but with over 600 members we are sure there are many with the experience and desire to help guide the Club and continue its well-regarded success.
If you are interested in helping and are willing to commit a few hours a month to Beaver Valley Probus, please contact Vice President Chris Pocock or Past President Brian Cromie. You will find a warm welcome on the Management Committee.
25th Anniversary Committee
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 25th Anniversary survey—over 230 people responded. Well done! As promised, we are sharing the results:
- 80% support having at least one major event or combining a large gathering with several smaller ones throughout the year.
- Most members prefer a casual setting preferably during daylight hours.
- There’s strong interest in live entertainment
- Members want an enjoyable celebration that honors the club’s history, recognizes key contributors, shares photos and memories, offers food and entertainment, and brings the Probus community together.
Based on your feedback, the 25th Anniversary will be celebrated all year long, with new events and enhancements to current ones. The committee is already hard at work planning these festivities.
Membership
Pam Weaver / Kathy Mercer
Membership Application Review: As we begin 2026, one of the primary responsibilities of the Membership Co-Chairs is to review the applications submitted for membership. Thanks to the timely response from most members to the Renewal Drive last month, we can gauge the number of applicants we can accept. The final selection of new members will be completed this month. The selected applicants will be contacted individually by email. This schedule ensures that they can join the club by February 1, which marks the start of our fiscal year.
January Meeting—Tuesday, Jan 27 @ 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Denise Rand / Melany Franklin
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Doors open: 1:00 PM
Meeting begins: 1:30 PM
Speaker: Dr. Karin Euler
Title: Mission Work in Tanzania
Dr. Karin Euler began her academic journey in 1987, earning a BA in Life Sciences from Queen's University in 1991. She then attended Medical School at the University of Western Ontario, where she was named to the Dean’s List and received an award for her mission work in Angola. She completed her internship at Dalhousie University, with hospital affiliations at Guelph General Hospital (1992–2002), Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (2009–2023), and Grey Bruce Health Services (2007–2023). Dr. Euler is currently employed at the Community Health Caring Refugee Clinic. Since 2010, she has participated in annual medical missions to Tanzania with the Canadian African Community Health Alliance and has supported the Women's Shelter in Collingwood. A Family Doctor since 1992, she has special interests in palliative care, tropical medicine, sickle cell anemia, and mental health.
Social Events
Don Collins-Williams
Your Social Committee is meeting again in the first week of January to put the finishing touches on our plans for the winter and spring. Watch your email and and check the Grapevine newsletters for upcoming information and invitations.
Don't forget to take a look at the photos from our Holiday Luncheon album!
Georgian PROBUS Travel Group
Gloria Thompson
We have several exciting trips planned for 2026 and some already in the works for 2027. Remember all members, friends and family are welcome to join. Check out the Georgian Probus Travel Group webpage for details on all the upcoming trips.
Upcoming Trips:
- Majestic Morocco Tour (Apr 10 - 24, 2026): *The interest in this tour has been huge—book soon if you are hoping to join! 15-day trip through Morocco’s ancient cities and countryside. There is enough interest for a second van! See the Poster and the Detailed Itinerary.
- Ireland Tour (Jun 1 - 12, 2026): Small group escorted tour, including the Aran Islands. *SOLD OUT*. There will be a meet and greet party before the start of the trip.
- Haida Gwaii (August 17 - 22, 2026): This is a very special experience that will appeal to the adventurous. See the Poster and Detailed Itinerary
- Le Petit Train du Nord Bike Tour (Sept 13 - 20 2026): 8-day scenic cycling tour along Quebec’s famous Petit Train du Nord, with charming villages, restaurants, microbreweries, and beaches along the way. Click to view Poster and Detailed itinerary
- Japan Discovery Tour (Nov 3 - 16 2026): A bucket-list trip for sure. Click to view Flyer and Detailed Itinerary.
- Costa Rica / Panama Sail Tour (Jan 9 -16, 2027): Star clipper, sailing from Costa Rico (Pt. Caldera) to Panama (Balboa). See the Poster and Itinerary. *Booking now!
Activity Groups Update
Ilene Rushefsky Charland
Happy New Year! After most activities had a bit of a break in December, activity groups are getting ready to start up again. Watch for email invitations from the various dining and games groups. For the outdoor enthusiast, snowshoeing will begin in the next few weeks, as our snow cover is looking pretty good and don't miss the Ramblers' adventures with great winter walks. Whatever your passion, get involved, have fun and stay safe.
There is a step-by-step video on "how to sign up" for Activity Groups. Click on the red arrow to view!
Casual Dining with Friends
Sallie Kedwell
Happy New Year and I trust you are all reflecting happily on a wonderful festive season spent with family and friends. Just a reminder that during the months of January and February, with cold, dark, and often snowy evenings, we offer the option of either a lunch or a dinner gathering for “dining” together. Both are held on the fourth Thursday of the month, and you may choose to attend either the lunch or the dinner if you wish to participate. If you plan to host during one of these months, you may choose to do so at either 12 noon for lunch or at the usual 6 pm for dinner.
Dining Around Town
Hank Bouwman
Invitations for our January 21 noon-hour Luncheon at The Thonburi Thai Food Restaurant in Collingwood were sent out January 1 to those members who have signed up for Dining Around Town. It’s not too late to join us—just go to the
Dining Around Town Activity Group webpage and sign-up in order to receive the invitations!
Future Dining Dates:
- Wednesday, January 21 @ 12 Noon Luncheon - Thonburi Thai Food, Collingwood
- Wednesday, February 18 @ 11:30 AM Luncheon - The Curly Willow Eatery, Collingwood
- Wednesday, March 18 @ 12 Noon Luncheon - Katherine's Chateau, Collingwood
- Wednesday, April 16 @ 5 PM Dinner - Copper Blues Bar & Grill, Blue Mountain Village
- Thursday, May 7 @ 5 PM Dinner - Walter Falls Inn
Euchre 1
Elaine & Hank Bouwman
Euchre 1 monthly tournament will be on Tuesday, January 13 at 12:45 PM in the downstairs great hall at St. George’s Anglican Church. Invitations are sent out on the 1st of every month. Cost: $2.00 / person at the door. You must register in advance to secure your place.
December was a lot of fun with everyone bringing their favourite dish to share and 15 small prizes awarded to the high & low scores for the day.
High Scores:
November - Bill R.
December - Marcel F.
Ramblers
Nancy Dixon
Hi to all my Ramblers. We are going to start up again with our winter walks. I have been looking at the weather channel and we may be able to do a walk on Friday, January 16 with a temp of -7C and some morning sun. Can't wait to get you back Rambling. I even have some great stories (bad jokes). Make sure you have good long underwear, a warm hat, coat (ski jackets with hoods are the best), boots with good tread and gloves. Cheers!
R.O.M.E.O.
John White / Louis Charland
Our next lunch is on January 14 at The Port Tavern in Thornbury. The menu apparently takes tavern favourites up a notch—we will have a chance to check it out!
Ski Legends
Chris Mifflin
Lots of snow on our local hills, so we hope to see you out for our Ski Days!
Ski Days: We Ski Together every Tuesday and Wednesday at Blue Mountain (meet at 9:30am at the Silver Bullet) from January 6 to the end of March. Depending on the numbers, we will break up into groups by skiers’ levels. Stay for lunch on Tuesdays at different restaurants in the Village and at the Inn. Also, we ski at the local Private Clubs on six Thursdays throughout the season. Click here to see the Ski Days details.
- Thursday January 8th, Alpine: Cost $83.00 Including Tax
- Thursday January 15th, Craigleith: Cost $90.00 Including Tax
- Thursday January 22nd, Osler: Cost $97.00 Plus Tax
- Thursday February 12th, Devil's Glen: Cost $90.00 including Tax
- Thursday February 19th, Osler: Cost $97.00 Plus Tax
- Thursday March 5th, Georgian Peaks: Cost $90.00 including Tax
Ski Trips:
St. Anton, Austria, February 5 to 14, is SOLD OUT!
Sun Peaks, B.C., February 25 to March 4, is SOLD OUT!
If you are still interested in going on this trip, please JOIN THE WAITLIST by completing the application form. For the latest information and to download the trip flyers, check the Legends website:
https://probusskilegends.ca/2026
Special pricing for a midweek membership at Toronto Ski Club for Legends members! Gives you access to the chalet and parking lot at the North end of Blue, you must still purchase a ski pass at the regular price.
All participants must be PROBUS members and members of PROBUS Ski Legends: Membership cost is $50 per year.
Humor Corner
Here are some jokes from an anonymous contributer!
- I use to be addicted to the hokey pokey, but I turned myself around.
- I couldn't figure out why the baseball kept getting larger and larger.
Then it hit me!
- I'm on a seafood diet. I see food I eat it.
- What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire?
Frostbite!
Support Group
Lucie Desjardins / 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.
The Last Word
Shared by Nancy Dixon
Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Albert Einstein
Beaver Valley Probus Club