President's Message
The PROBUS motto 'Get Connected - Stay Connected' emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining social connections in our lives.
In today's fast-paced and often hectic world, it can be easy to become disconnected from others and feel isolated and alone. That is why it is so important to make an effort to get connected with others and build strong, meaningful relationships. This might involve joining a club or organization, volunteering, or simply reaching out to friends and family.
Once we have established these connections, it is equally important to make an effort to stay connected and maintain these relationships. This might involve setting aside regular time to catch up with loved ones, or finding ways to stay in touch even when we are physically apart.
By following the motto 'Get Connected - Stay Connected', we can ensure that we have a strong support system and a sense of belonging in our lives, which can be invaluable for our emotional well-being and happiness. So, this motto is very important for a healthy and happy life."
I did not write the above lines. They are the result of me asking a new computer program (ChatGPT) to use its so-called artificial intelligence to write about our PROBUS motto. Interesting, isn't it? Also a bit scary, maybe?
What follows, however, is a newsletter put together by real intelligence! Our wonderful contributors and editors, who have yet again outdone themselves in putting together the first Grapevine edition of 2023.
Final Call for Renewals
Pam Weaver & Kathy Mercer
A big thank-you to all our members who have renewed already. But we still have 55 members we haven't heard from! Please help us close the books on this year's membership drive.
If you haven’t renewed yet, please give us a call with your credit card handy, so we can confirm your 2023 membership, or let us know if you won't be renewing. This year we have over 60 people waiting to become new members - almost double that of last year!
Contact us at bvpcmembership@gmail.com or 519-378-4970.
Volunteers Needed
Caroline Bacher, Ilene Rushefsky-Charland, Elsbeth Wright
Your Club needs you! We have openings on the Management Committee that need to be filled in order to keep the Club running smoothly. Please consider volunteering for the following;
The duties and time required are not onerous. If you would like to find out more about them please contact any of of the Nominating Committee listed above.
"The world is run by those who show up.” Robert B. Johnson from The Journal of Management in Engineering, (Jan/Feb 1999)
Membership Meeting - January 24 @ 1:00 PM
Doors open: 1:00 PM
Meeting begins: 1:30 PM
Speaker: Jory Pritchard-Kerr, President & EO, Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Foundation
Topic: "Your Future Hospital"—Update on the plans and progress being made at the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital including the increased services being planned, and how the space will look.
Jory has led Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Foundation since 1988 and sits as a member of the CGMH Senior Leadership Team. Jory has volunteered extensively with the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) serving on the Board of this international organization for ten years, including two years as Chair.
She is a frequent speaker on the topic of healthcare philanthropy having presented on multiple occasions for the AHP in Canada, the US and Germany; as well as the Ontario Hospital Association and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Jory was the fifteenth Canadian to be awarded the Fellows professional designation from the AHP in 2007 and in 2022 Jory was awarded AHP’s prestigious Si Seymour Award for her extensive commitment to healthcare philanthropy globally and advancing philanthropy in her local community.
Questions? Please contact:
Brenda Rudolf or Kirby Philp (Speaker info)
Cary Eagleson or Martin Buscher (Technical Zoom info)
50-50 Draw
Hank & Elaine Bouwman
We had our 50/50 draw for $107.00 at our November 22 monthly speaker meeting. The two winning tickets were held by Lynn Scotford and Jim Giblin for $27.00 each. 50/50 tickets are on sale at the beginning of each monthly meeting and during the first break.
Social Events
Don Collins-Williams, Stella Zahradnik
We are looking forward to offering a number of social events for our members in 2023. We have already booked the picnic and holiday lunch at Alpine Ski Club again, so please "save the dates":
- Thursday, July 20—Summer Picnic
- Wednesday, December 6—Holiday Luncheon
Here are a few of the other ideas we are looking at:
- A second visit to see the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit at the Grey Roots Museum this winter
- A visit to the E.C Carr observatory on a spring evening
- Theatre outings
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- King’s Wharf—"The Buddy Holly Story" on June 21
- Potential outings to Collingwood and/or Meaford Theatres
- Lawn Bowling in Collingwood—a hit last summer
- Maybe a "fall colours" car rally
- And of course, our Annual Golf Tournament
- We will also see if there is enough interest to offer a bus trip to a Blue Jays game
These are just some of the events we are contemplating, or are in the process of arranging. We are always receptive to new ideas from our members. Please let us know of any outings you would like to see us try, and we will explore the possibility.
Theatre Event
Vicki Kellar
Once again we are returning to the King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene—this time to experience "Buddy: the Buddy Holly Story. Click here to see event details.
Date: Wednesday, June 21 @ 2:00 PM
Price: $48.43 per person (including HST)
Look for the email invitation when registration opens on January 11.
With only 42 spots available for our Club, tickets will go fast! To avoid disappointment please confirm and pay early. Because tickets must be purchased well in advance, online payment by credit card will be required at the time of registration to confirm your spot. Special seating requests may be accommodated however will be very limited. Contact Vicki Kellar with any questions or requests.
Activity Groups Update
Colleen Wilson-Dick
Many activities are in full swing, such as the computer, games, walking, and dining groups. We are waiting for a good snowfall to start snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Thanks to Glen Downey for volunteering to lead the Snowshoeing / Cross-country skiing group. Save the Date: March 28. After three years, we are looking forward to an "in-person" Activities Fair once again. More details to follow about the event in the February Grapevine.
Computer Group
Martin Buscher
Don't you love passwords? Well, now there is even more to love as one of the leading password manager apps has been compromised by cyber criminals. On Monday, January 23, we'll discuss what we know so far and how best to respond to this unwelcome event.
Euchre 1
Elaine & Hank Bouwman
In November we had an enjoyable evening of card playing and snacks at the home of Lynn Scotford & George Czerwinski with 12 members participating. Vicki Kellar went home with bragging rights for the evening after coming out on top following 9 rounds. In December, Jean & Ken Kelly graciously opened their homes for a fun afternoon of cards and snacks with Bill Rogers & George Czerwinski coming out on top. Save the dates:
- Tuesday, January 10 at 1:20 PM – Beth & John White
Casual Dining With Friends
Sallie Kedwell, Shellie Smith, Eileen Scott
A group of 35 enjoyed a lovely cocktail hour (or perhaps 3 or 4 hours) at the Smiths in mid-December. ‘'Twas a great kickoff to the holiday season. Happy New Year to all and please do add January 26 to your calendar—the date of our first Casual Dining With Friends event in 2023. More detail to follow!
Dining Around Town
Hank Bouwman
36 of our members participated in our November 23 Brunch at Sheardown’s Wine Bar in Meaford where we had the small restaurant to ourselves. Dining Around Town has traditionally held dinners in the past. Last winter we tried luncheons for the first time and members seemed to really enjoy them so both January and February will be luncheons. Invitations for our January 18 noon hour luncheon at Sterling’s Restaurant in Thornbury were sent out on January 2 to those members who have signed up for Dining Around Town.
Save the dates:
- Wednesday January 18: Luncheon @ 12 noon at Sterling’s Restaurant in Thornbury
- Wednesday February 15: Luncheon @ 12 noon at The Alphorn Restaurant on Hwy. 26
Ramblers
Nancy Dixon
Hello to all my Ramblers and potential Ramblers. Now that we have set aside our holidays with family and friends, it's time to start up our rambles again. Watch for my email and if you aren't currently on my list—check out the Ramblers Activity webpage and register for the group. Lots of walking, talking and getting to know the area and our PROBUS members—in spite of my bad jokes!
Snowshoeing / Cross-country Skiing
Glen Downey
The Snowshoeing Group will start up this month, if the snow conditions improve! We will try weekly outings, alternating between snowshoeing and cross-country skiing if the interest is sufficient.
Ski Legends
Coordinator Needed
We are still looking for a Ski Legends Coordinator for our Beaver Valley Club. If you are a Ski Legends member and are willing to help, please contact Colleen Wilson-Dick for details.
Ski days at the private clubs have been confirmed. Please go to the Ski Legends Website for dates to ski at the private clubs. The very popular activity of Skiing Together at Blue Mountain is also back every Tuesday and Wednesday. Meet at the the Silver Bullet chair by 9:30 AM.
Just a reminder, you must be a member of Ski Legends to participate in any of the private ski days or trips—the membership application is available on the website.
Travel
Gloria Thompson
This very exclusive and inclusive tour of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland has only 6 spots left. Trip dates are Saturday, May 13, 2023 returning Sunday, May 28, 2023. For information and booking, please call Gloria with any questions at 705 429 9455.
Humour Corner
Photo Corner
Winter Photo Collection: "Charlie Brown Christmas Tree—Before and After" photos by Thomas Paech (left and centre:)."Winter Wonderland" shared by Annerose Birkigt (top right:). "Incredible Drifts" shared by Karen Wilson (bottom right). To see these photos and more close up, please check out our 2023 Winter Slideshow.
Recipe Corner
Shared by Caroline Bacher
Click on the picture above to see the whole recipe!
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 January.
Support Group
Lucie Desjardins, Maureen Lalonde, Mary Ann Collins-Williams
Have you heard 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
Mary Angus, an active PROBUS and community member, passed away in November.
John Helston, a founding member (2001), and Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, passed away in the spring. Sincere sympathies to his wife Judith.
Joan Uglow, a founding member (2001), active in the dining activities, passed away in December.
The Last Word
Shared by Murray Lamont
The older I get, the better I used to be...
Lee Trevino
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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