President's Message
Brian Cromie
If you’re like me, despite having tried to wring as much out of the summer as possible, it never lasts long enough. The good news is that there is still lovely fall weather in which to cherish the great outdoors; our Club had 45 events and activities on offer in September, and October already has over 20 more scheduled. I hope you can participate in some of these, not only for the exercise, but for the fun and fellowship of enjoying life with your fellow members. The snow-based and indoor activities will soon enough call us to join in.
The Fall Car Rally is back after a gap of more than 10 years. This easy route should feature beautiful fall colours and scenic views of the Beaver Valley. Hopefully, no one will get lost.
We also celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, and give thought to the many benefits of living in this special part of the province, surrounded by unspoiled nature and wonderful people.
Membership Renewal - New Dates
Pam Weaver & Kathy Mercer
We have new dates for this year's renewal drive.
December 1 - December 15
We have shortened the time period for our renewal drive from two months to two weeks. The previous renewal length created a high volume of unnecessary work for our volunteers, who had to followup repeatedly, as members forgot to renew.
The online renewal process is quite straight-forward. Our website has shown itself to be an excellent, user-friendly tool to manage member records. Our members are able to access their information on the website at any time of day, from anywhere in the world.
Since renewals can be made only during this shortened period, we ask that you keep these dates in mind. We will, of course, publish frequent reminders as the dates get closer. As always, help will be available upon request..
October Membership Meeting
Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Doors open: 1:00 PM
Meeting begins: 1:30 PM
Speaker: Chris Pocock (Beaver Valley PROBUS Member)
Title: Overcoming Obstacles That Prevent Physical Activity
Throughout my life, I have enjoyed the health benefits derived from participating in physical activity. I participated in endurance sport competitions including marathons, triathlons, adventure racing, cycling and rowing in my fifties and sixties. After forty-five years of working in the Canadian Finance industry, I retired at the age of seventy and then returned to Graduate School to research the relationship between healthy aging and physical activity. My Master’s thesis explored the questions, “What strategies do older adults use to overcome obstacles both before and during participating in physical activities, and when do they use these strategies?” I will discuss a number of these strategies and hopefully, they will help you overcome similar obstacles during your participation in physical activities or other types of activities. As a point of interest, the average age of the participants in this study was sixty-seven years old.
Book Exchange:
The Book Exchange will be set up at the back of the room starting at 1 PM. Books should have a copyright date no older than 10 years. Bring a Book, Take a Book. We ask that you exchange no more than 3 books at a time. Please contact Nancy Hart with any questions!
PROBUS Members Benefit: Group Insurance Plans
Zoom Presentation: October 9 @1:00 - 2:00 PM
PROBUS Canada has negotiated Group rates for voluntary plans for all PROBUS members. Benefits available to PROBUS Canada members through Johnson and belairdirect (i.e. Home Insurance, Auto Insurance, MEDOC Travel Insurance, Extended Health Care (EHC) with optional Prestige Travel Insurance, Dental Care, and stand-alone Trip Cancellation & Interruption Travel Insurance). If you are interested to learn more you are welcome to attend the Zoom presentation:
Topic: Insurance Benefits for PROBUS Canada Members
Date: Oct 9, 2024
Time: 1:00-2:00 PM Eastern Time
See your emailed newsletter for the link to join!
Social Events
Don Collins-Williams
Save the Dates:
- Tuesday, October 15: Fall Colors Car Rally - SOLD OUT
- Friday, November 8: Bowling, Georgian Bowl, Collingwood
- Thursday, November 21: Board Games Night, Christ Church, Meaford
- Tuesday, December 10: Annual Holiday Luncheon, Alpine Ski Club
Social Committee: Your new Social Committee has been hard at work, already planning new events for next year! They are looking for input from you—so be on the lookout for surveys in October and November.
Summer Picnic Feedback Survey 
Last year's picnic at Alpine was our third in a row. Attendance was a little lower than in prior years, so we are now looking at alternatives. Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey and give us your thoughts!
Georgian PROBUS Travel Group
Gloria Thompson
We have 3 new trips for 2025 posted on our website for your perusal. Remember all members, friends and family are welcome to join.
Please see the flyers for all the details!
We need at least 20 people from the Georgian Bay PROBUS Clubs to join the group trip to Portugal and Madeira, by mid December in order to proceed. The trip has a very comprehensive itinerary and the airline will be a direct charter flight.
Activity Groups Update
Ilene Rushefsky Charland
Our PROBUS members have been enjoying a variety of activities this summer—both outdoors and indoors. We are so fortunate to have the lake, rivers and the escarpment to play in. Although some of these activities are coming to an end, we look forward to fall, with new experiences and the beautiful changing colours of the leaves. Enjoy the activities this autumn season brings!
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 at our email address: help@beavervalleyprobus.com
Challenging Canoeing & Kayaking
Liz Goodall / Karen Thompson
The Challenging Canoeing & Kayaking activity group had an adventurous season. We explored Isaac Lake, Boat Lake, part of the Rankin River, the Fishing Islands, Sauble River, Saugeen River, Hines Lake, Robson Lake, Clarkes Lake and the Beaver River. Every outing provided new scenery, challenges and friendships. Check out the Challenging Canoeing& Kayaking slideshow to see some photos from a fun season!
Dining Around Town
Hank Bouwman
Invitations for our Monday, October 7 Turkey Dinner at 5 pm at Marilyn’s Restaurant were sent out on September 23 to those members who have signed up for Dining Around Town. Invitations for our October 16 dinner at 5 pm at The Huron Club will be sent out on October 8. It’s not too late to join us—just go to the Dining Around Town Activity Group webpage to sign up.
Future Dining Dates:
- Monday, October 7 @ 5 pm Special Family Style Thanksgiving Dinner – Marilynne, Markdale
- Wednesday, October 16 @ 5 pm Dinner - The Huron Club, Collingwood
- Wednesday, November 20 @ 12 pm Luncheon – Katherine’s Chateau, Collingwood
- Wednesday, January 15 @ 12 noon Luncheon – The Corner Café, Thornbury
R.O.M.E.O
Bill McMurray
Our next R.O.M.E.O. gathering will be held on Wednesday, October 9 @ 12:00 pm at The Port Tavern in Thornbury. Please respond to the invitation that was sent out last week to register.
Euchre 1
Elaine & Hank Bouwman
Upcoming Tournaments at 1:00 pm at The Far Hills Clubhouse in Thornbury: Tuesday, October 8 and Thursday, October 17.
High Scores:
September 10 – George C. 56 points in 56 hands
September 19 – Hank B. 43 points in 48 hands
Intermediate Euchre
Elaine & Hank Bouwman
Upcoming Tournaments at 1:00 pm. at The Far Hills Clubhouse in Thornbury: Tuesday, October 8 and Thursday, October 17
High Score: September 10 - Joan W. 40 points in 48 hands
Mah jongg
Judy Smith
Instructional Tutorials have resumed for new and existing members of our Mah jongg activity group. These are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month from1:30 - 4:00 pm. Beginners will be introduced to the National Mah Jongg League rules of play and the 2024 playing card. Experienced players are asked to attend so that they will learn our "table rules". You can attend as many future tutorials as needed. Existing members, who are relatively new to the American NMJL rules and/or are absent for more than two months, are encouraged to attend a tutorial session before returning to regular games. Any member who wishes to improve their playing level is welcome to attend the tutorials as well.
Money Matters
Rod Innes
The Money Matters group continues to meet monthly, to discuss a broad range of money matters, all featuring helpful information for managing this important ingredient in our lives. In September, we discussed whether having a financial advisor is necessary, what can be expected from one and what our obligations to him or her are, for their advice to be most helpful. We also discussed what to look for in a financial advisor – fee-based or free; profit based or non-profit and much more. It was a very lively meeting! Our next meeting is October 10. It is not too late to join us—just go to the
Money Matters activity page and sign-up! You’ll be most welcome!
Ski Legends
Chris Mifflin
The 2025 Legends Ski Trips are selling fast:
- Sun Peaks BC (7 nights), February 2 - 9. SOLD OUT, except space for 1 male sharing with another male already registered. Deadline to register is October 12. If you are still interested in going on this trip, please JOIN THE WAITLIST by completing the application form. You never know when someone may need to cancel.
- Banff/Lake Louise (7 nights), March 2 - 9. Stay in the fabulous Chateau Lake Louise and Banff Springs Hotel! Only 10 spots left! Deadline to register is December 1, after which all unsold space must be released.
For the latest information, download the trip flyers and get the registration links, please check the Legends website:
https://probusskilegends.ca/2025. All participants must be PROBUS members as well as members of PROBUS Ski Legends—Legends Membership cost is $50 per year.
Humour Corner
Shared by Hank Bouwman
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 October. There is lots to do, now that Autumn is here!
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.
In Memoriam
Thomas Paech: Tom passed away on September 19. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife Yvonne and family.
Ann Cox: Dr. Felicity C. 'Ann' Cox passed away on September 24. We offer our sincere condolences to Ann's family.
The Last Word
Shared by Hank Bouwman
“The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us.” Bill Watterson
Activity Groups: Participate - Volunteer - Have Fun!
Convenor: Ilene Rushefsky Charland
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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