President's Message
Caroline Bacher
I extend a warm welcome to all of our new members this month! We are also excited to welcome you virtually at our Activity eFair on February 22. All members are encouraged to attend. Please see the Upcoming Meetings section below for details. I do hope that you can join us and hope that you will find activities that interest you!
There are other important dates for all members to be aware of in order to prepare for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held on March 22. Please see the announcement in this newsletter.
In closing, I want to say a “thank you” to all of our volunteers—whether they be activity leaders, Management Committee members or members submitting newsletter items. Your involvement makes for a most interesting, informative and active Club. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Caroline Bacher
It's official—Wiarton Willie predicts early spring—no shadow seen!
Membership
Pam Weaver and Kathy Mercer
We are pleased to report that we have had more than 500 members renew this year—and that most were able to easily renew through our website. It is definitely exciting to see so many loyal members still actively involved in our PROBUS club as we move into our 21st year! This year, we have 47 new members who are looking forward to participating in all aspects of our club.
We invite all members to join our meeting on February 22 via Zoom as we share a bit about how our club operates and some tips on how to sign-up for Activity Groups. Stay for a virtual chat at the end of the meeting to say hello to other members!
Pam Weaver / Kathy Mercer
bvpcmembership@gmail.com
Upcoming Meetings
Our February and March meetings will be online only. The Zoom link will be sent out by email a few days before the meeting. Hope you will join us!
February Meeting & Activity eFair - February 22 @ 2 PM
- New Member Welcome
Membership Co-chairs: Pam Weaver / Kathy Mercer
- Activity eFair Introduction
Activity Co-convenors: Colleen Wilson-Dick / Ilene Rushefsky Charland
- Website Overview and Activity Sign-up
Website Coordinator: Heather Buscher
- Activity Groups Overview
Various Activity Leaders
- Breakout session
All members: divided into virtual groups for a general chat!
Annual General Meeting - March 22 @ 2 PM
This year's Annual General Meeting will be held on March 22 at 2 PM. You can find detailed information on this page on our website. We may already have a capable list of nominees for our Officer positions but would welcome further nominations! In particular, we need volunteers for Co-Secretary and Activities Co-convenor! To put your name forward, please contact the leader of our Nominating Committee, Marion Stewart.
Meeting Recordings
Our Guest Speaker for our January 25 meeting was Chris Vaughan - aka "AstroGeoGuy", who took us on an exciting tour of the winter skies. If you missed the presentation, you can still click here to see the recording on our YouTube Channel.
Activity Groups Update: 
Ilene Rushefsky Charland
Colleen Wilson-Dick
We are looking forward to our virtual Activities eFair on February 22. The format for the eFair portion of the meeting will be much the same as last year. Please see the Upcoming Meetings section above for the agenda. There will be an opportunity for members to ask general questions, but since not all the Activity Leaders will be present, questions about specific activities will be directed to the individual Activity Leaders who will respond separately, by phone or email.
We are excited to begin another season of activities, safely following current provincial and local guidelines.
Computer Group
Martin Buscher
Well, that was a bit of a wild ride discussing blockchain and bitcoin in our last meeting. If you missed it, no worries, as you can find links to the slide deck on our Computer Group webpage.
It includes a well produced video tutorial! Our next meeting on February 23 at 2 PM will cover some newish friends: Google Docs and Google Sheets, the online rivals of Microsoft Word and Excel. It is amazing to see how widespread the use of these apps is in our club. Of course, there are always new things to learn! If you would like to join us, then simply register for this event to get the invitation including Zoom link!
Snowshoeing
Caroline Bacher
Snowshoeing has resumed again! Although we had to cancel our first session at the Clendenan Dam Conservation Area due to poor weather, we had a very nice outing for Session 2 along the Bruce Trail at the top of Alpine and Craigleith Ski Clubs and for Session 3 in the Loree Forest area. See the the Snowshoeing Slideshow for some photos! Also, I am still looking for an additional Assistant Leader— someone to lead another group at a different time, for the same outing. Please contact me for details!
Ramblers
Nancy Dixon
Our first walk this year was on February 7. We met at the Beaver Valley Community Centre and walked along the Georgian Trail near the harbour to look for swans! Take a look at the Ramblers Winter Slideshow for photos of the outing!
Hiking
Cynthia Sampson
After coordinating the Hiking Group for the last five years, I am looking to "pass the torch." We have been blessed with a wonderful core group of members who have led individual hikes, and they have made the coordination role pleasurable and easy to manage. It has been a rewarding experience, and I am happy to stay on and help with the transition. Please let me know if you are willing to volunteer to coordinate this season!
Casual Dining
The Casual Dining Group needs new coordinators for the upcoming season. Marge and Dave Allin have graciously coordinated since 2014, but are now stepping down. If any members are willing to take on this role, please contact the Activities Co-convenors: Colleen Wilson-Dick or Ilene Rushefsky Charland. Marge and Dave will be glad to provide assistance to get you started!
Travel Group
Gloria Thompson
A survey has been done for travel to the islands and highlands of Scotland for May 2022. This was done with the people who showed great interest. Based on the feedback, it is best to postpone this trip yet again. Consequently I hope you mark this trip in your calendar for May 2023. Keep safe and enjoy your upcoming travels!
Humour Corner
The "Device in my Pocket" and "Skull pressure" shared by Karen Wilson.
"My first computer" shared by Elsbeth Wright.
"Technical support job posting" shared by Bruce Hill.
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 February.
Support Group
Lucie Desjardins / Mary Ann Collins-Williams 
The Support Group has been re-started. Do you know of one of our members who is ill, in hospital, grieving the loss of a loved one or is in any way needing some cheering up? Then please contact one of the coordinators above, who will reach out to them with a phone call or card.
In Memoriam
Lee Yeandle - Lee passed away suddenly on January 28. He will be remembered for his active community involvement and his love and talent for music and song. Sincere sympathies to his wife of 52 years, Candy, and their family.
The Last Word
Marion Stewart, Past President
"There's nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate!" Unknown
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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