President's Message
Kirby Philp
I hope everyone enjoyed our National Canadian Film Day movie 'You are Here: A Come from Away Story'. This was quite a moving documentary. It made me realize what makes the Beaver Valley PROBUS Club so special. We too have very passionate, hard working and dedicated volunteers in our club that lead great activities, events and provide support for our Committees and General Meetings. We are very lucky and as we go out to enjoy our activities and events this month please take time to thank our volunteers that make all of these fun things happen.
Have a great month and I hope to see you all on May 27th at our next General Meeting.
Membership
Pam Weaver / Kathy Mercer
Reminder: For your convenience, the Membership table is staffed at every monthly meeting. Stop by to ask a question, to order a replacement badge, to pick-up an “Emergency Contact card", or have your badge repaired. We’re here to help!
May Meeting—Tuesday, May 27 @ 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Denise Rand / Melany Franklin
Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Doors open: 1:00 PM
Meeting begins: 1:30 PM
Speaker: Annemarie Hagan
Topic: The Unexpected Life of Mayor “Hurricane Hazel” McCallion
Hazel McCallion: When she died at the age of 101 in January 2023, former Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion was mourned across Canada. From her early days on a Women’s Pro Hockey team in Montreal, to leading Mississauga, one of Canada’s largest and fastest growing cities for 36 years, Hazel was a unique and outspoken leader. Even scandals couldn’t keep her down!
Annemarie Hagan Annemarie Hagan is an award-winning curator with over 35 years of experience in the museum field. She managed the Museums of Mississauga from 1998 to 2014 and later served as Senior Curator of History at PAMA in Brampton. Annemarie holds a B.A. in History and Women’s Studies from the University of Toronto and an M.A. in Public History from the University of Waterloo. She now enjoys life in historic Fergus, Ontario.
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!
Social Events
Don Collins-Williams
May 5: Bruce Nuclear Plant Tour. We have been able to arrange 2 private tours of the Bruce Nuclear Plant in Tiverton for the afternoon of Monday, May 5. The first tour filled up within a couple of hours and we were able to secure a second tour for the first 36 on the waitlist. Unfortunately, we still have a long waitlist.
May 29: Blue Mountain Film Festival. We’ll be returning to the Film Festival for the third time on Thursday, May 29! It’s been a great experience the past two years, and we’re looking forward to another fun outing. Invitations with all the details will be sent out shortly.
June 17: Annual Golf Tournament. Our Annual Golf Tournament is set for Tuesday, June 17 at the Shelburne Golf and Country Club. You’ll find more details in the newsletter below. Keep an eye out for the official invitation coming later this week!
July 8: Summer Picnic. Join us for a fun-filled summer picnic at the Stone Tree Golf-Fitness-Banquets Centre, just east of Owen Sound. We’ll be outdoors under a spacious tent that can accommodate up to 200 people. A delicious picnic lunch will be served, including wraps, sandwiches, salads, and large cookies. In addition to great food, we’ll have games tables set up (euchre, board games, etc.) and space for lawn games like walking soccer and bean bag toss. Stay tuned for more details about a pre-picnic walk to Inglis Falls and a little something special for the golfers in the club too!
July 17: King's Wharf—Beehive Musical. This theatre event has sold out, but the waitlist is open. Please join the waitlist—we always get a few cancellations closer to the date!
September 5: Barn Dance. To kick off the fall season, we’re excited to host our first-ever Barn Dance and Dinner at the Black Barn at Belvedere Farm near Meaford on Friday, September 5. We’ll enjoy a sit-down dinner together, followed by a lively, old-fashioned barn dance—complete with a caller and live music. No experience needed—we’ll all learn together and have a great time!
Your Social Committee is hard at work planning many other events over the next few months, and as always, your suggestions are welcomed!
Blue Mountain Film Festival - May 29
Don Collins-Williams
We have reserved screenings for our club on Thursday, May 29.
- 9:30 AM: Beethoven's Nine: Ode to Humanity (documentary)
The enduring power of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony inspires this universal ode to joy.
- 1:30 PM: Universal Language
Director Matthew Rankin presents his multiple award-winning surrealist comedy.
The Festival is also offering PROBUS members a special discount on Thursday and Friday matinees—tickets are $15.82 (including HST). If you’d like to attend other films, you can purchase tickets directly from the Festival website at https://bluemtnfilmfest.ca/ using the promo code MATINEE14. Descriptions of all films can be found on the Festival’s website.
Please note: If you plan to attend different films on Thursday, do not register through the invitation coming out this week, as it is only for Ode to Humanity and Universal Language.
Gardening Lecture by Paul Zammit - May 21 @ 7 PM
John Hethrington
Gardening Enthusiasts—don't miss out! Our Probus Club, in partnership with the Thornbury 599 Garden Club, is excited to host the award-winning horticulturalist and fantastic speaker, Paul Zammit! There’s no charge for Beaver Valley Probus members to attend this engaging event. The event is almost full—this is your last chance to register!
Golf Tournament - June 17 @ 8 AM
Kirby Philp, Brian Cromie, Terry Kellar, Alan Spence
Our Annual Golf Tournament will be held at the Shelburne Golf and Country Club on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Registration starts at 8 AM, followed by a 9 AM Shotgun Start. The cost this year is $100 per person, which includes 18 holes with a cart and lunch. It is a scramble format and prizes will be awarded. Registration for the event with full details will be sent out later this week. As with previous years, you can reserve now and pay later. We hope to see you there as this is a very fun annual event.
Georgian PROBUS Travel Group
Gloria Thompson
We have several exiting trips planned for this year and some already in the works for 2026. Remember all members, friends and family are welcome to join.
2025 Trips: Below is more information about our trips this year!
- Muskoka Cruise (July 10 - 11, 2025) Join us for a new and memorable voyage on the Muskoka lakes, Lake Joseph and Lake Rosseau, with an optional overnight at the Windermere resort, dinner and musem visits!
- Agawa Canyon Train Tour (September 29 - October 3, 2025).
This trip will take us north via Manitoulin and return through Sudbury. See the complete Itinerary for details of the trip!
2026 Trips:
- Majestic Morocco Tour (April 10 - 24, 2026) Join us for a 15-day trip through Morocco’s ancient cities and countryside. Explore the souks and Kasbahs, and even experience the Sahara desert by camel! See the Poster and the Detailed Itinerary.
- We are also considering other exciting trips and we would love to hear what destinations you’re interested in!
Activity Groups Update
Ilene Rushefsky Charland
After a few reminders that winter hasn’t left, it looks like spring has actually arrived. That means our warmer weather activities, such as cycling, hiking, walking, birding and other outdoor activities are starting. Of course, dining, games and discussion groups continue throughout the year and welcome new members. Joining a group is the best way to meet new friends and engage in something you love. We hope to see you participating in a variety of activities. It is the best way to appreciate your PROBUS Club.
There is a step-by-step video on "how to sign up" for Activity Groups. Click on the red arrow to view!
Birding
Lucie Desjardins
We've had a good start to our birding season with 2 sessions at full capacity so far. In our first outing at the Clendenan Dam, we had a very pleasant sunny day and captured 22 different species. For our second outing at the Hen & Chicken trail in Collingwood, we had a cold and windy sunny day and managed to capture 26 different species. The highlights were 3 of our early migrants, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, the Palm Warbler and the Yellow-rumped Warbler. Thanks to our participants for their enthusiasm. We are looking forward to our next outing as the migration progresses.
Casual Dining With Friends
CDWF Committee
Looking forward to seeing you at our next event on May 22— invitations will be out next week. Just a reminder that we require hosts for all of our events, so please consider hosting in May or on June 26. Thinking ahead to hosts in July and August: if you have a large enough backyard and would like to host our potluck picnics for 40-plus friends on either July 24 or August 28, please let Sallie know.
Dining Around Town
Hank Bouwman
We had a record turn-out of 80 members for our Copper Blues dinner in April! Invitations for our Thursday, May 8 Buffet Dinner at Walter Falls Inn were sent out on April 24 to those members who have signed up for Dining Around Town. It’s not too late to join us. Sign-up for the upcoming season via the Dining Around Town Activity Group webpage in order to receive the invitations!
Future Dining Dates:
- Thursday, May 8 @ 5 PM Buffet Dinner – Walter Falls Inn
- Wednesday, June 18 @ 5 PM Dinner – Mylar & Loretta, Singhampton
- Wednesday, September 17 @ 5 PM Dinner - Williams on 26, Meaford Airport
- Monday, October 20 @ 5pm - Family Style Dinner – Marilynne, Markdale
Euchre 1 & Intermediate Euchre
Elaine & Hank Bouwman
Monthly tournaments are now being held on the second Tuesday afternoon of each month in the downstairs Great Hall at St. George’s Anglican Church, 166 Russell St. E., Clarksburg. There is ample parking, an elevator and a spacious room. Invitations are sent out on the first of each month.
- Upcoming Tournament: Tuesday, May 13 @ 12:45 PM
- April 8 High Scores :
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- Euchre 1—Hank B & Mary P
- Intermediate—Kathy S.
E-bikes & Explorators
Terry Kellar / Anita Dundys
The E-bikes and Explorators cycling group will meet weekly on Mondays again this year. The Recreational Cycling Group may join us for some of our flat rides. Our first ride will be on May 5, starting at Terry and Vicki’s house. We will head around the base of Blue Mountain, onto the Georgian Trail and then return through the Windfall development. Afterward, we will hold a meeting to discuss the upcoming biking season, and coffee and treats will be provided! Information about individual rides will be sent out weekly to all members of the group, including a link to register. Please visit the E-bikes and Explorators Activity Page to sign up for the group and get more details about rides and the schedule.
Golf Group
Brian Cromie
We have been advised that Tomahawk Golf Course has been quite wet underfoot, so our first outing is delayed until May 6. Invitations have already gone out and there was a huge response! I have secured 5 tee times, but we still have a waitlist! I have also planned a number of special games for the season, so I hope you’ll be able to come out and join the fun!
Hiking
Vicki Kellar
May Start For Hiking: We anticipate starting our weekly hiking schedule the first of May, depending on the weather. The hikes vary in duration, pace and difficulty which is described each week in the email invitation. If you are interested in attending a hike, please 'Register' to ensure you receive any updates or cancellations. On some trails we may separate into slower and faster groups to allow for individual preferences. Participants are encouraged to lead their favourite hike and guidelines for leading are found on our Hiking web page. We hope that we can hike weekly until the end of October, with various volunteer leaders and a variety of locations. See you on the trails!
Mah jongg
Judy Smith
The Mah Jongg Group welcomed 11 new members after the Activity Fair—and there is still room for more! Training sessions are also available for inexperienced players. The group will follow our playing schedule of the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, each month, including the summer months. Sign-up on the the Mah jongg Activity webpage if you would like to join us!
Recreational Cycling
Mary Ann Collins-Williams / Ilene Rushefsky Charland
We are embarking on our new season of Recreational Cycling on Monday, May 12 at 10 AM. We will be cycling along the Georgian Trail from the Craigleith Depot to the "cut off" for Collingwood and return ( approx. 18 km). Afterwards a social gathering has been planned at Mary Ann and Don's nearby Chalet with muffins and cookies! Look for the invitations for specific details of our weekly cycling routes on Monday mornings. We have planned an enjoyable season with scenic routes, good company and pleasant exercise.
Ramblers
Nancy Dixon
Wow, we have gotten off to a great start with our Thursday walks and alternating Fridays, allowing me to include more of our 91 strong Ramblers. We have a few new areas to conquer as well as my usual treks in Meaford, Thornbury, Creemore, and Collingwood. Hope to get you all out for our next adventure which may include Stayner this year. Watch for my email invitations.
Rummikub
Mary Jansen / Pat Whittemore
We wrapped up our first season of Rummikub and it was a hit! Everyone who joined in had fun and picked up the game with no trouble at all. Our last game of the season was April 28 and we will be restarting in early October, where we will be playing Rummikub + “Other” games. We will also be changing our play days to the 2nd and 4th Sunday afternoons of the month, instead of Mondays. We found there were a lot of people who would like to attend but had other activities to go to, so we thought we would try Sundays. Of course, if the weather is poor, we will cancel and try the following Sunday to make up.
Ski Legends
Chris Mifflin
Ski Legends Ski Trips for 2026 go on sale on May 21 at 6 pm!
- St Anton, Austria, February 5 - 14 - View Flyer
PRICE REDUCTION. Air Canada has reduced the price for our group flight by $230, so the all-inclusive package price is now $5,975.
- Sun Peaks, BC, February 25 - March 4 - View Flyer
For the latest information check the Legends website:
If you have questions please contact legendsskitrips@gmail.com (trip organizer).
Please note: all participants must be PROBUS members and members of PROBUS Ski Legends for the coming season. Membership cost is $50 per year. Membership for 2025-2026 is now open. Please see the Membership webpage.
Humour Corner
Shared by Heather Buscher
Reports of Voter Intimidation in Canada!
As seen on Reddit
Photo Corner
Here are some recent photos shared by our members!
Top-Left: First pole walk outing of the season. Shared by Nancy H.
Bottom-Left: Anyone want a pet alligator? Shared by Larry P.
Right: Changing of the guard—Kirby P, incoming President thanks outgoing President, Brian C. Shared by Lucie D.
For more photos, see our 2025 Slideshows on our website!
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. There is lots to do, now that Spring is finally 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.
The Last Word
Shared by Nancy Dixon
Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.
Victor Hugo, Author
Beaver Valley Probus Club