President's Message
Brian Cromie
November is often a difficult transition month, weather-wise, as we mourn the passing of summer and autumn and haven’t yet embraced the joys of winter. Winter is a special time in this playground of snow, where skiing, snowshoeing and other cold-weather sports offer themselves to those who cherish the great outdoors. In BVPC, we have activities for all, both outdoors and in, year-round; if health permits, there should never be a day when you find yourself home alone when what you seek is good companionship. In October, our dedicated volunteer activity coordinators put on 34 events in a month of 31 days. Expect something similar for November. PROBUS exists to provide social opportunities to seniors who wish to stay active, engaged and involved with friends in fun activities. Your participation will keep you young!
Membership Renewal - New Dates
Pam Weaver & Kathy Mercer
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DATES
The timeline for our Membership Renewal Drive has been shortened to just two weeks, running from December 1 to December 15. Please note that this will be the only opportunity to renew your membership for the upcoming year.
NOTICE: No reminder calls! We aren't going to make any reminder calls this year. You need to contact us if you need help! Remember, you can always access your member information anytime, from anywhere in the world, through our PROBUS website. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. As always, help will be available upon request.
November Membership Meeting
Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Doors open: 1:00 PM
Meeting begins: 1:30 PM
Speaker: Dave Alexander
Title: Local military troops and their role in WWII
Dave Alexander was a long-time teacher of history and geography at the Owen Sound Collegiate and Vocational Institute. Upon retirement, he completed a master’s degree focused on military history through the Tri-University Program. In 2014, Alexander, along with his colleague Ryan McManaman, were recipients of the Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Teaching. Dave is an independent researcher with a keen interest in military history including the Canadian war experience. He is a volunteer at both Grey Roots Museum and Archives and the Billy Bishop Museum.
The Dashed Hopes of the 26th Army Tank Regiment during the Second World War: “The Grey and Simcoe Foresters were no more…” There were high hopes for the Grey and Simcoe Foresters (G&SF) when they were mobilized for the Canadian Active Service Force in June of 1940. They would play a role in the war being fought overseas. After completing much training and garrison duties in Canada, the G&SF were redesignated as the 26th Army Tank Regiment (26th ATR) being attached to the 2nd Canadian Army Tank Brigade in early 1942. They would fight this war in tanks! As fate would have it when they arrived overseas in the United Kingdom in June 1943, they were disbanded and their personnel transferred to other units of the First Canadian Army. This talk will examine this history and what happened to the personnel of the 26th ATR (G&SF).
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 Canada
One of the benefits of being a PROBUS member is the availability of group insurance plans. A week ago, our insurance representative gave a helpful presentation via Zoom. He reviewed the insurance plans available for Extended Health Care, Dental & Prestige Travel plans, MEDOC Travel Insurance, and Trip Cancellations.
If you would like to view the recording of the presentation, please click here. You can also view the details of the plans on the PROBUS Canada website:
Social Events
Don Collins-Williams
Upcoming Event Dates:
- Friday, November 8: Bowling, Georgian Bowl, Collingwood
- Tuesday, December 10: Annual Holiday Luncheon, Alpine Ski Club
- Thursday, December 12: Alice in Wonderland: The Panto
Don't forget to take a look at the Fall Colours Car Rally photos!
Social Committee Surveys:
Many thanks to the 123 members who responded to our recent Picnic Survey. Your answers and many comments were very helpful to the Management Committee, and we appreciate the time you took to respond. Based on the result, we decided that there was really no one solution that would appeal to the significant majority of our members, so next year we are planning two special summer events (and we hope many of you will want to attend both). The first will be an old-fashioned outdoor picnic, with games, at a location to be finalized. You will be able to bring your own picnic lunch. We will also look into having a food truck so that you can purchase your lunch if you prefer. This will be at our traditional time in mid-July.
The second event, likely at the beginning of September, will be a late afternoon, early evening dinner and "barn dance" . We will be looking into caterers and this will be indoors and outdoors. Even if you opt not to join in the dancing, the food, ambiance, and music, along with socializing with your fellow members should be a fun evening for all.
We look forward to seeing you all at our Holiday Luncheon at Alpine on December 10th. Please note that the Games Night, originally planned for November 21st, will now be held in January (date to be determined)
2025 Social Events Survey: We have had 220 responses so far, but If you haven't already responded to the 2025 Social Events Survey, it's not too late to pick the Top 5 events you would like to see happen next year!
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
We have had a beautiful fall, and were able to enjoy the colours while walking, hiking, cycling and enjoying time outdoors with the amazing scenery around us. Most warm weather activities are finished for another season, however indoor pursuits continue as we wait for snow sports. Thank you to all of the activity group leaders for organizing events; without you we wouldn't have the fun and socializing we enjoy as part of the PROBUS experience. Participate, stay active and make new friends!
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
Casual Dining With Friends
Sallie Kedwell
We have enjoyed a lovely fall with well-attended dinners in both September and October. Our November dinner will be held on November 28th and as always we will require volunteer hosts for this event. Our annual holiday cocktail event will be held on December 12 at the home of Kate and Doug Simpson. With thoughts of the new year upon us, we are considering continuing our either/or lunch or dinner events for January and February and are currently circulating a questionnaire to gauge support for this concept. Both lunches and dinners (held on same day and attended on an either-or choice) were well supported last year and although snow/winter driving was not an issue, who knows what the weatherman will bring us this year.
Dining Around Town
Hank Bouwman
Invitations for our Wednesday, November 20 Luncheon at Katherine’s Chateau in Collingwood were sent out on November 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 to sign up.
Future Dining Dates:
- Wednesday, November 20 @ 12 pm Luncheon – Katherine’s Chateau, Collingwood
- Wednesday, January 15 @ 12 noon Luncheon – The Corner Café, Thornbury
Euchre 1
Elaine & Hank Bouwman
Upcoming Tournaments:
- 1:00 PM at The Far Hills Clubhouse in Thornbury on Tuesday, November 12
- 12:30 PM at St. George’s Church in Clarksburg on Thursday, December 5
High Scores: October 8 – David Z. and October 17 – Mae F.
Intermediate Euchre
Elaine & Hank Bouwman
Upcoming Tournaments:
- 1:00 PM at The Far Hills Clubhouse in Thornbury on Tuesday, November 12
- 12:30 PM at St. George’s Church in Clarksburg on Thursday, December 5
Golf Group
Brian Cromie
This year we had great turnouts for our 27 Tuesday morning games at Tomahawk. From the course opening in April to closing at the end of October, we witnessed two holes in one, always an exciting event, much laughter and great fellowship among our golfers. People whom I didn’t know two years ago I can now count as real friends, which is what PROBUS is all about – staying active and making new friends – so we declare our golf activity group this year to have been a real success. Think about joining us next year!
Hiking
Vicki Kellar
Our many Hiking group members, 133 at last count, participated in over 22 hikes during the 2024 season, but everything does come eventually to an end. Highlights this year included Hilt’s, Jones and Hogg’s Falls, a tour of the trails and pond on a member’s property, many lookouts and crevice caves plus several après hike lunches and coffees. Our final hike of 2024 was a first for most of the group: a volunteer from the Kimberley Forest led us up and down the escarpment on several of their many trails on the 850 acre site. Many thanks to Brian for the review of the history, present and possible future, plus some super “forest bathing”. A successful season wouldn’t occur without the participation of many enthusiastic hike leaders and the attendees who make it worthwhile. The Hiking Group offers our sincere appreciation. Don't forget to take a look at the latest
Hiking Photos!
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 November meeting will be hosted by Hank Bouwman who has kindly offered to walk us through the creation of his “death book” – a compilation of his family’s financial affairs for use after he has shuffled off. The book will allow easy access to all they and his executors need to know at a trying and emotional time. Such a record is something we should all have. We anticipate many will want to join us for this Money Matters Activity. Look for the invitation in early November. All MMG meetings are held at St. George’s Anglican Church, 1:30 to 3:30, on the 2nd Thursday of the month.
Ramblers
Nancy Dixon
After a short hiatus, we are back. Our Ramblers enjoyed a wonderful Saturday at Coffin Ridge Vineyard and Winery October 19. The fall colours were amazing. We enjoyed our walk through the vineyard, the wood-fired pizza and some of us sampled the wine. My favourite is the Pink Cider. We will continue our Ramblers when the weather permits, as l will never make you walk in a blizzard. Thanks to all my Ramblers who have kept me going throughout the year. Hoping to get a group to visit Creemore soon.
Rummikub
Mary Jansen, Pat Whittemore
We started this new activity group in mid-September and have had well-attended sessions, which I have enjoyed hosting at my home in Meaford. We started playing by the current rules and scoring, but we decided as a group not to score anymore and just have fun! We also started playing the game by not just laying our tiles down horizontally but vertically in connecting groups. This made the games go faster and are more fun! As time goes on, and if there are enough members on the waiting list for a particular date, we have a plan in place where I will contact the members on the list and direct them to another unit in my building where Pat will host!
Ski Legends
Chris Mifflin
We are counting down until the snow flies and the lifts turn! This just in, details to be confirmed - Special pricing for a midweek membership at Toronto Ski Club for Legends members! Gives you access to the chalet at the North end of Blue, you must still purchase a ski pass at the regular price. Come to our December Social Event (TBC) to find out all the details!
- Sun Peaks BC (7 nights), February 2 - 9. SOLD OUT. 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
Ski Days:
We ski every Tuesday and Wednesday at Blue Mountain (meet at 9:30 AM at the Silver Bullet) from January 7 to March 26. Stay for lunch on Tuesdays at different restaurants in the Village and the Inn. We also ski at the local Private Clubs on 6 Thursdays throughout the season.
- Thursday, January 9, Alpine $78 Plus Tax
- Thursday, January 16, Craigleith $95 Including Tax
- Thursday, January 23, Osler $90 Plus Tax
- Thursday, January 30, Georgian Peaks $80 including Tax
- Thursday, February 13, Devil's Glen $72 including Tax
- Thursday, February 27, Osler $90 Plus Tax
Social Event: December 4: Skiis and Biikes Wine & Cheese Shopping Spree
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 November. 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
Ward Fowler passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024. Our condolences to his wife, Lou and family.
The Last Word
Shared by Nancy Dixon
The farther back you look, the farther forward you are likely to see.
Winston Churchill
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