President's Message
Kirby Philp
First off, I wanted to send out a big thanks to the 25th Anniversary Committee for the great job they did organizing and running the Pizza and Games afternoon. It was a big success and it was wonderful to see so many of our members interacting, smiling, laughing and enjoying the games. I would also like to remind our members that as we get outside this spring, starting our spring and summer activities such as cycling, golfing, paddling and especially gardening, that we take the time to stretch and pace ourselves. We may be using several muscles that have been inactive over the winter.
This is an exciting time that offers many opportunities for our members to interact and socialize. There are a couple of fun events ahead this summer that we encourage our members to attend, the Annual Golf Tournament on June 16 and the Summer Picnic on July 7.
We hope to see you all at these events. Have a great month of May and I will see you at the General Meeting on May 26.
May Membership Meeting - Tuesday, May 26
Denise Rand / Melany Franklin
We look forward to seeing you at our next monthly meeting at the Beaver Valley Community Centre.
Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Doors open: 1:00 PM
Meeting begins: 1:30 PM
Speaker: Dave Chapman
Topic: Superstorms of Ontario
David T. Chapman started doing photography and storm chasing at age 16. He is self-taught in the art of photography and has been pursuing his career professionally since the age of eighteen. He learned at a very young age from his father to appreciate his surrounding environment.
Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange Table
Elaine Bouwman / Rita Melzer
Enjoy doing puzzles? We have started up a jigsaw puzzle exchange table at our monthly member speaker meetings. Bring 1 or 2 jigsaw puzzles and exchange them at the back of the room. Puzzles must be 100% complete with no missing pieces.
25th Anniversary Committee
Jane Andrew / Pam Weaver
Save the Date! With the 25th Anniversary celebration year nearing its end, we once again reviewed your feedback from last year's survey. The plan for our final, “Big” Anniversary event now includes almost all your preferences and recommendations! Looking Ahead, the June Grapevine will contain more details about this exciting event!
Don't forget to take a look at the photos from our 25th Anniversary Pizza and Playtime event last week!
Social Events
Don Collins-Williams
We had a huge response to the Smart Phone Camera Basics event on May 21. The 50 spots filled up in a few hours and we already have another 21 on the waitlist. We will look at planning another event later in the year and will give those on the waitlist first access. Watch your emails for the invitation to the Gibson House Honey Farm Tour coming in June.
SAVE THE DATE: Our Annual Summer Picnic will be back at Stonetree this year, on Tuesday, July 7. We look forward to seeing everyone there for a fun-filled afternoon!
Annual Golf Tournament - Tuesday, June 16
Kirby Philp, Brian Cromie, Alan Spence
Our Annual Golf Tournament will be held at the Shelburne Golf and Country Club on Tuesday, June 16. Check-in starts at 8 AM, followed by a 9 AM shotgun start. The cost is $100 per person (the same as last year), which includes 18 holes with a cart and lunch. It is a scramble format and prizes will be awarded. Check your email on May 5 for the invitation with all the details . We hope to see you there, as this is a very fun annual event! Volunteers Needed: We are also looking for volunteers to help out with the Tournament. If you are interested, please contact us.
Georgian PROBUS Travel Group
Gloria Thompson
The 20 Probus travellers, along with friends and family, have returned from Morocco and had a terrific time—everyone loved it. They enjoyed wonderful weather, and the trip was a great success in every way. We are currently researching travel options for 2027, including the Greek Isles and Scotland in the spring, Newfoundland in June to see the icebergs, Africa in the fall, and Japan in November.
Remember all members, friends and family are welcome to join in our trips.
Making future travel plans? Check the GPTG website first!
Upcoming Trips:
- Ireland Tour (Jun 1 - 12, 2026): *SOLD OUT!
- Muskoka Cruise (July 7 - 8) *Filling up FAST! Muskoka day cruise from Port Carling with an optional overnight at a luxury resort. This cruise sold out quickly last year! You won't want to miss the views of "millionaires row" from the Peerless 2. See the Flyer for more information and how to book!
- Haida Gwaii (August 17 - 22, 2026): If you happen to be going out west, you might like to also visit Haida Gwaii (the 'Galapagos of Canada') with the 5-night, Zodiac boat and hiking tour! See the Poster and Detailed Itinerary.
- Le Petit Train du Nord Bike Tour (Sept 13 - 20, 2026): *ONLY 6 spots left! 8-day scenic cycling tour along Quebec’s famous Petit Train du Nord, with charming villages, restaurants, microbreweries, and beaches along the way. E-bikes available to rent. Click to view Poster and Detailed itinerary.
Activity Groups Update
Ilene Rushefsky Charland
Spring activities are starting, with the hope that warmer spring weather is on its way for good. You can enjoy biking, hiking, and birding in the next two weeks, and other groups will be starting soon. If you haven't signed up for an activity group, it is not too late. Participation in the activity groups, whether they are indoor, outdoor, physically active, or at a slower pace, is the best way to meet new people and make new friends. Thanks to our volunteer leaders who make this possible for all.
Here is a step-by-step video on "how to sign up" for Activity Groups. Click on the red arrow to view!
Dining Around Town
Hank Bouwman
Invitations for our May 7 dinner @ 5 PM at Walter Falls Inn were sent on April 25 to 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:
- Thursday, May 7 @ 5 PM Dinner - Walter Falls Inn
- Wednesday, June 17 @12 Noon - The Dam Pub, Meaford
- Monday, September 14 @5 PM - Marilynne Restaurant, Markdale
- Monday, November 2 @ 12 Noon - The Mill Cafe
- Wednesday, November 4 @ 12 Noon - The Mill Cafe
- Monday, November 9 @ 12 Noon - The Mill Cafe
Euchre 1
Elaine & Hank Bouwman
Our next Euchre 1 monthly tournament will take place on Tuesday, May 12 @ 12:45 PM in the downstairs Great Hall at St. George’s Anglican Church. Invitations are sent out on the 1st of each month. To receive an invitation, you must already be registered online for the Euchre 1 Activity Group and have paid the $20 per person fee, which helps offset the cost of hall rental and euchre tables. This fee covers the period from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
High Score in April - David S.
G.L.E.A.M.
Mary Ann Collins-Williams / Beth White
Ladies, let’s glam up! (Joan, we loved your hat at our Inaugural Luncheon.) Sign up for our next luncheon at the Port Tavern in Thornbury on Wednesday, May 13 at 11:30 AM. For future reference, our luncheon on June 10 will be upstairs (elevator available) at Station 87 in Meaford. We look forward to seeing you all “decked out” for delicious lunches and great company. We will be ordering from the menu at each venue. It's not too late to join us—just navigate to the G.L.E.A.M Activity Page and click the Activity Group Sign-up button to receive the invitations.
Ramblers
Nancy Dixon
In spite of the COLD temperatures, our Ramblers have managed two walks. I am glad that we have recruited quite a few new members to our group. Once the lilacs bloom we will do our trek through the lilac dell at the Depot in Craigleith, with a few great walks in Collingwood. Stay tuned. Anyone wanting to join our group can still register. Just go to the Ramblers Activity page and sign-up to receive the invitations.
Recreational Cycling
Mary Ann Collins-Williams / Ilene Rushefsky Charland
We are starting our upcoming season on May 11 at 10 AM. After our cycle along the Georgian Trail from the Craigleith Depot, snacks will be provided at Mary Ann and Don's nearby Chalet. We will have a discussion about ideas for our cycle schedule this year.
R.O.M.E.O.
John White / Louis Charland
Our next lunch is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13 at noon at The Curly Willow in Collingwood. Registration is limited to the first 30 members who sign up, but there are still a few spots left. If you would like to receive the invitations to our 'Retired Outstanding Men Eating Out' group, please sign up on the R.O.M.E.O. Activity Page!
Ski Legends
Chris Mifflin
2027 Legends Ski Trips are now on sale!
- The Dolomites, Italy, February 18 - 28, 2027, Alpenhotel Plaza. This trip is nearly sold out, only 2 rooms remaining, although a couple of additional twin rooms have been requested. Deadline to join is June 1.
- Sun Peaks, BC, March 7 - 14, 2027, Sun Peaks Grand. Lots of interest already in our annual visit to Sun Peaks. Don't delay or you may miss out!
For the latest information, check the Legends website:
https://probusskilegends.ca/2027
New this year! Merit Travel is selling IKON passes at group prices for groups of 20 or more! Not only will you save on the cost, but with at least 22 passes sold, Merit will offer one free pass plus deduct $50 per person from Merit group trip Ikon destinations. Sun Peaks and our planned Europe trip are both Ikon destinations. Contact me for more details.
All participants must be PROBUS members and members of PROBUS Ski Legends:
https://probusskilegends.ca/membership/ Membership cost is $50 per year.
Humor Corner
Shared by Nancy Dixon
I'm at that age where my back goes out more than I do.
Phyllis Diller
Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.
Walt Disney
You know you’re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake. Bob Hope
I'm not aging, I'm marinating.
Unknown
Photo Corner
Lucie Desjardins
“Lawn? I thought you said lunch.”
Photo taken by Lucie D.
For other recent photos please check out our 2026 Slideshows!
The Master Gardener’s Corner
John Hethrington, Master Gardener Emeritus
Past President, Master Gardeners of Ontario
Click on the image to see what you need to be doing in your Garden in May.
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
The free thinking of one age is the common sense of the next.
Matthew Arnold, Author
Beaver Valley Probus Club