Co-Presidents' Message: September 2024

Welcome back everyone to another interesting year of Probus meetings.  We hope you have had a lovely summer.  Plenty of rain, but look how green everything remained!  We had a lovely summer and enjoyed our trip to Alaska and the Yukon.

We have enjoyed our term as Co-Presidents.  It started out challenging, and we owe a big thank you to all the Probus members who made us welcome in our new role.  We also add that the encouragement we received from the members of the Management Committee was truly a great help.  If you are asked to take a position on the Management Committee please know that you will be well supported by all the committee members.  We welcome Nancy Holmes as our Club’s new President and we now move on to the position of Co- Past Presidents. We hope that you will enjoy the upcoming very interesting Guest Speakers at our future meetings.

Membership fee renewals are due September 1^st.  For those paying by e-transfer please make sure that your e-payment is addressed correctly to the following email address; please note there is no “r” at the end of “treasure” in the email address

slptreasure@gmail.com

Please also check out our Probus website as it is full of great information.   slprobus@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing everyone in person at our September 18^th Annual General Meeting.    Hope you enjoy the rest of your summer.

Jim and Sandra Gilmour, Co-Presidents

Share the Wealth:           

Please buy your tickets when you arrive for the meeting as the winner is announced at coffee break.  The tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.  

Birthdays:

September:

Doris, Sept. 1;  Janet R. Sept. 10;  Linda H. Sept. 11;  Bob H. Sept 16;  Jim G. Sept. 17;  Karen M. Sept. 19;  Catherine M. Sept. 24

 Sign up for our Social Events online or in person:  

Register for the events online by clicking on the event in our Calendar, or in person at a meeting, and bring your cheque to the meeting to secure your spot! If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Marg D. or click on the underlined name in the newsletter to gain access to the person's phone # and email.

June 10th at Walter's Theatre and Dickens Pub: 

Music was GREAT!! Lunch at Charles Dickens Pub enjoyed by all.

                      June 19 - Luncheon at the Hyland Country Club:

  

September 25- Petrolia Theatre.  Fiddler on the Loose with lunch at "Actors". SOLD OUT! , 

     SOCIAL EVENTS AND INTEREST GROUPS

Lots of opportunities for “Fellowship, Friendship and Fun” are being shared by the Social Committee at our Probus meeting September 18^th. We are excited to present our upcoming schedule of events for the fall as well as offer five new interest groups.

Join us September 18th for details about the new activities. Further information will be available shortly on our website as well as in the next newsletter.

Don’t forget to bring your calendar and cheque book so that you can secure a spot!

Marg Dean – Coordinator of Special Events

Interest Groups:

                 Participate - Volunteer - Have Fun!

Dine Out: 

The next Dine Out is Wednesday, September 4 at the VIETNAMESE HOUSE restaurant.

Located at 1074 Dundas street east (across from Kellogg's. Parking is behind the restaurant off Dorinda street
    Please email Or call Nancy G.
   The cut off is Friday August 30.  a.m.. 

Wednesday, July 3rd,  Bernie's Restaurant and Bourbon Peach Tea. A good time was had by all!!                                   

     

Pot Luck:                                                                                  

3rd Tuesday of the month 12 p.m. in member's homes.  8 maximum. 

For more information, and if interested in being a spare call convenor: Donna Jean I.

Coffee Mornings:

Men's Coffee:

2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m. except 4th Monday in December.  We meet in Westmount Mall across from Tim Horton's. Contact Larry M.

Women's Coffee:

2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m., except 4th Monday in December.  See the photos from our  coffee meet ups, in the photo section at the end of the newsletter! Convenor: Shirley .   We meet in Westmount Mall across from Tim Horton's.

Investment Club: 

The Investment Group will be meeting on Wednesday, September 11 at 10:00 a.m.  at Riverbend .   Regular meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.  Newcomers are welcome and are asked to contact Don to confirm the date and time.  

Euchre:                                                                       

4th Thursday of the month (except December) at 1 pm in a member’s home. 8 players maximum plus spares. Usually over in about 3 hours.  If interested in being a spare, call Convenor: Gail.

2nd Euchre Group:

4th Tuesday of the month.  Contact Louise M.  for more information.

Walking Group:                                                                                                                                                 

Meet every Wednesday except the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Meet  at 9:30 a.m. in the Guy Lombardo Parking Lot for a one hour walk.

Contact Person: Geesje 

Rummikub –         

Rummikub is a game that involves both luck and strategy. It is played with tiles, numbered 1 to 13 in 4 different colours, and is similar to Rummy O. Your mind is constantly working to win the game by getting rid of the tiles on your rack. It is fun and easy to learn, yet can be challenging. We can have groups of two to four per table, with a maximum of 10 players per session.

1st Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Contact Louise – if interested in being a spare.

                                                                                                           

Games –

1st Friday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Contact Linda H.  - still require substitutes/spares

Support:                                        

Do you know of a South London Probus 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 me know. I will be happy to follow up and/or get in touch with them. 

Contact Marg C.

Book Club:                                                     

Book Club meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at 2:00 p.m. except December, July & August in a member’s home. We are currently full.  Please call Susan or Liz,  if you wish more information.

 

2nd Book Club:

Book Club #2 meets every 2nd Friday of the month.  We are currently taking more members. We meet in members homes except December, July and August. Contact Janice R. for more information.

                                 

Travel Group:                                         

Our Agawa Canyon  4 day  tour begins October 1. All members who signed up for this tour at our meeting on January 8th have now been informed  of all the details.  Please contact Jim G.

There is, within our Probus membership interest in forming group tours to other destinations, such as Nashville, New Orleans or ?????  If you are willing to act as a group leader for these or to another destination please contact Jim G.

Day Trippers - Out of Towners:

We have 3 exciting events underway.  We are organizing  an event in November for Christmas at Casa Loma, lunch and time at the Distillery District.  

 

 

September Speaker:                                      

David Hicks  - Cambodian Jungle School

 David “Dave” Hicks is a man devoted to his family: father, grandfather, great-grandfather and now recent newlywed, to Judith. After a lengthy career in education, Dave moved on to services and health care for seniors, becoming the Chair and Director of OANHSS (Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors). Dave is a lifelong volunteer with his church and leader in his service club. His involvement with a project to create clean water wells in Cambodia led to the building of their first jungle-located school. 

                                                          

Upcoming Speakers:

   Oct. 16 – Catherine Janssen, Award-winning Creator of BRACAshirts        Nov. 20 – Jean Alice Rowcliffe, Nanny to the British Royal Family

We strive to make our Club the best possible for everyone.  If you have a suggestion to enhance our Club, a speaker you would like to hear on a specific subject, or a concern, please send it to our general mail box:

                                         southlondonprobus@gmail.com

Probus Members have a lot of experience, knowledge, and skills. Share your talents by volunteering for a position on Management or with any of our many groups.

Meet More People - Make More Friends – Help Make Your Club the Best it Can Be!!!

 

                              MEET YOUR EXECUTIVE:

Past Presidents:   Jim & Sandra G.                           

President:  Nancy H.                          

Vice President:                           

Treasurer: Mike S.                                         

Recording Secretary: Liz  G.                     

Newsletter Editor:   Brigitte Davidson               

Membership Co-Ordinator: Nancy F.                                                                                      

Social Event Co-Ordinator: Marg D.     

Cheer Designate: Marg C.                      

Co-Presidents' Message: June 2024

Hello Everyone

We hope you are all enjoying our lovely spring weather.  It is amazing how fast the bare trees become fully green. 

You will remember that at our May meeting we all received a Member Questionnaire from our Vice President, Nancy Holmes, concerning Speakers.  We were impressed by the number of members who replied.   This will provide great assistance to the Management Committee in selecting speakers who will cover popular topics. We may conduct other questionnaires in the future which could provide the Management Committee with guidance, for example lunches after the meetings, (and associated costs).

 Remember to check your Probus website for our planned outings and we hope you will participate in some of them.

We hope to see you at the June lunch at the Highland Golf & Country Club on June 19th and we wish you a wonderful summer. 

Maybe this is too soon, but, we would like to inform you that you will receive a Membership Renewal Reminder around the beginning of August. The amount for renewal will remain at $45.  E-transfers are acceptable, but please identify this as “Membership Renewal”.

We now have Business cards for Probus Club of South London. These are available for those members who would like to have them.

Please remember that all of our meetings are fragrance free as we have members who are highly sensitive to perfumes.

Membership renewals due September 1, 2024 and are as follows:

New membership is $45 plus $30 = $75. Renewal is $45 

Yes - e transfer acceptable and preferred.

Note it must be sent to:    slptreasure@gmail.com

Note: no r on the end of treasure

Sandra and Jim Gilmour, Co-presidents

Share the Wealth:           

Please buy your tickets when you arrive for the meeting as the winner is announced at coffee break.  The tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.  At the May meeting,  the winner of $67.00 was Bob H.

Birthdays:

June:

Susan K, June 1;  Richard M. June 5;  Dianne W, June 13;  Marian M. June 18;  Doreen S, June 19;  Siegfried B. June 22;  Bob G. June 25;  Susan W., June 25;  Jim E. June 26;  Shirley H. June 28;   Judy D. June 29.

July:

Liz G. July 6;  Barbara M. July 6;  Sandy P. July 7;  Nancy H. July 7;  Sheila L. July 10;  Julie C. July 13;  Lynda S. July 18;  Nancy F. July 19;   Karen B. July 21;  Doris M.  July 27;  Sue W. July 29;  John K. July 29;  Ralph P. July 31.

August:

Mike H. August 1;  Linda V.  August 2;  Mike S. August 8;  Grant M. August 8;  Cheryl W. August 11;  Marg D. August 15;  Sheila J. August 17;  Dinie W. August 17;  Diane W. August 27.

 Sign up for our Social Events online or in person:  

Register for the events online by clicking on the event in our Calendar, or in person at a meeting, and bring your cheque to the meeting to secure your spot! If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Marg D. or click on the underlined name in the newsletter to gain access to the person's phone # and email.

June 10, Walters Music Venue,  Please confirm your car pooling arraingements.

June 19th-  The June Luncheon at the Hyland Country Club –.  Time: 11:30 a.m.  Cash Bar, 12:00 noon Lunch, 1:30 Entertainment. The meal cost is $41, (paid by cheque - no cancellation) with a choice of two entrees – Parmesan Chicken on Pasta or a Steak Sandwich.   Please register online or in person if you are planning to attend. Cut off date is June 10th.   Payment by cheque made out to Probus Club of South London, delivered to Marg Dean or etransfer to slptreasure@gmail.com.  Please put "June luncheon " in the "Memo Box".  Also let Marg Dean know your choice of entree.   Contact Marg D.

September 25- Petrolia theatre.  Fiddler on the Loose with lunch at "Actors". ONLY 4 tickets left at a cost of $84.00. Price includes lunch, gratuity, tax and special group price for theatre. Payment due by cheque at time of registration payable to Probus Club of South London, delivered to Marg Dean by August 1st.  Open to members only unless tickets still are available after cut off date.  It is an easy one hour drive with a free parking lot next to restaurant and theatre.  Car pooling will be arranged later.   Contact Marg D.

October 23rd - SARI - Therapeutic Riding School.  This unique experience explains the history, philosophy, care and grooming behind SARI Therapeutic Riding.  Cost $35.00 payable by cheque to Probus Club of South London.  Time 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. available to members only.  The tour is limited to 10 people.  Only 3 spots are left.  A second tour will be set up in the afternoon, if required.  

Attire: closed toed shoes or boots – Walking surfaces are on cement flooring or have rubber mats or are within the building. The different areas that we access are quite close together. Deadline for sign up and payment is October 1^st.   Contact Marg D.

Interest Groups:

                 Participate - Volunteer - Have Fun!

Dine Out: 

The next Dine Out is Wednesday, June 5, at 11:30 a.m.. At Eddington's in Exeter, 527 Main Street.

Please confirm if you are attending by Saturday, June 1st.
Call or email  Lynda S.

Pot Luck:                                                                                  

3rd Tuesday of the month 12 p.m. in member's homes.  8 maximum. 

For more information, and if interested in being a spare call convenor: Donna Jean I.

Coffee Mornings:

Men's Coffee:

2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m. except 4th Monday in December.  We meet in Westmount Mall across from Tim Horton's. Contact Larry M.

Women's Coffee:

2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m., except 4th Monday in December.  See the photos from our  coffee meet ups, in the photo section at the end of the newsletter! Convenor: Shirley .   We meet in Westmount Mall across from Tim Horton's.

Investment Club: 

The Investment Group will be meeting on Wednesday, June 12 at 10:00 a.m.  at Riverbend .   Regular meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.  Newcomers are welcome and are asked to contact Don to confirm the date and time.  

Euchre: 

4th Thursday of the month (except December) at 1 pm in a member’s home. 8 players maximum plus spares. Usually over in about 3 hours.  If interested in being a spare, call Convenor: Gail.

2nd Euchre Group:

4th Tuesday of the month.  Contact Louise M.  for more information.

Walking Group:                                                                                                                                                 

Meet every Wednesday except the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Meet  at 9:30 a.m. in the Guy Lombardo Parking Lot for a one hour walk.

Contact Person: Geesje 

Rummikub –         

Rummikub is a game that involves both luck and strategy. It is played with tiles, numbered 1 to 13 in 4 different colours, and is similar to Rummy O. Your mind is constantly working to win the game by getting rid of the tiles on your rack. It is fun and easy to learn, yet can be challenging. We can have groups of two to four per table, with a maximum of 10 players per session.

1st Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Contact Louise – if interested in being a spare.

                                                                                                           

Games –

1st Friday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Contact Linda H.  - still require substitutes/spares

Support:

Do you know of a South London Probus 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 me know. I will be happy to follow up and/or get in touch with them. 

Contact Marg C.

Book Club:

Book Club meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at 2:00 p.m. except December, July & August in a member’s home. We are currently full.  Please call Susan or Liz,  if you wish more information.

 

2nd Book Club:

Book Club #2 meets every 2nd Friday of the month.  We are currently taking more members. We meet in members homes except December, July and August. Contact Janice R. for more information.

                                 

Travel Group:                                         

Our Agawa Canyon  4 day  tour begins October 1. All members who signed up for this tour at our meeting on January 8th have now been informed  of all the details.  Please contact Jim G.

There is, within our Probus membership interest in forming group tours to other destinations, such as Nashville, New Orleans or ?????  If you are willing to act as a group leader for these or to another destination please contact Jim G.

Day Trippers - Out of Towners:

We have 3 exciting events underway.  We are organizing theatre dates at Pt. Stanley and Grand Bend in June and July (details  below). The third event is Christmas at Casa Loma, lunch and time at the Distillery District. As of Friday, the bus for the Casa Loma tour is almost sold out. 

                                              WANTED WANTED 

We require volunteer drivers for the Pt. Stanley and Grand Bend events.  Please contact the event organizer to volunteer. Contact person listed below. 

                                              UNDER CONSTRUCTION

We are organizing a trip to the Hamilton Botanical Gardens and Dundurn Castle. Currently the date is June 5 pending availability when we confirm. May 1 is closing date to confirm your interest in this tour. This will allow us to make arrangements and provide a price for the tour. Email Janice R. if you are interested in this tour. Approximate cost is $150.00. 

Our final trip in August is the Rum Runners Prohibition Tour. This tour visits 4 locations around Windsor that were central to the prohibition . There is lunch and entertainment at the final stop. Stay tuned for email  requesting interest in the tour. 

                                     INFORMATION ON THEATRE EVENTS 

The Jersey Boys,  July 11. 2:00 pm matinee show  The contact person is Angie J.  All questions and inquiries should be directed to her.  

Purchase tickets for July 11/2024  at the Huron County Playhouse in Grand Bend Box office 1-855-372-9866    Tickets are $65.26   Please email Angie when you purchase your ticket. 

Lunch will be The Lake Hound on Highway 21.  A reservation will be made closer to the date. Please advise Angela if you wish to be included.   

Port Stanley Festival Theatre  - June 26, 2024 @ 11:30 AM.  On June 26 we will enjoy a trip to Port Stanley to see the Norm Foster play "They're Found in Trees". His shows are always extremely entertaining. The 2:00 p.m. matinee will be preceded by lunch at Kettle Creek Inn at you own cost. Theatre tickets are $49 and may be paid by cheque or etransfer to Brigitte D.  For more information about this event please contact Brigitte D.

Looking forward to great entertainment food and fun.

Cheers from the Out of Towners. 

Speakers:                                                                   

In May, Mike S., a Probus Member, spoke on his "Travels Through Life". Mike was born in Wales.  After graduating with an honours degree in chemistry and math, followed by a post grad in Education, he taught high school in London, England for a year before moving to Kingston, Jamaica for 3 years.  He then moved to Toronto where he lived for 5 years, followed by Winnipeg for over 30 years.

Since moving to Canada, Mike has worked in insurance and financial services.  He travelled extensively across Canada training/educating brokers on taxation, investment and insurance products, as well as estate planning concepts.  Mike also provided educational seminars to business owners and farmers.  Mike retired 15 years ago.  He became our Club's Treasurer in the fall of 2022.

Upcoming Speakers:

Sept. 18 – David Hicks, Cambodian Jungle School                                                       Oct. 16 – Catherine Janssen, Award-winning Creator of BRACAshirts       Nov. 20 – Jean Alice Rowcliffe, Nanny to the British Royal Family

 WHO AM I SPEAKER FOR MAY: Marcel L. 

I was born in Istanbul, Turkey on March 23rd, 1945 of Jewish heritage, and in my adult life was baptized and became Christian.

My parents immigrated to Montreal, Canada when I was 11 years old. At that time, I spoke Turkish, some French and Spanish but no English. It was a hard start.

I was a student, and went to High School in Montreal, and Graduated as Mechanical Engineer from McGill University in 1968.

As a Professional Engineer I worked in Sudbury, for Inco Ltd (now called Vale Ltd. A Brazilian Company) at surface mining plant operations, for 8 years, and then the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Mining Health and Safety Branch, for 35 Years.

During my working career I also worked for fifteen years as a part time professor at Laurentian University, and taught Engineering Graphics and Design and Thermodynamics.

I was actively involved until the present with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), and volunteered for the Maintenance, Engineering and Reliability (MER) Society as the Chair, Administrator and Communications Director.

I retired from my full-time professional working life and career in 2010 in Sudbury, and thereafter engaged in minor consulting work. Today I consider myself a hobbyist, and lifelong learner.

I participate and volunteer for such organizations as:

•     Probus Club in London, (help with audio visual equipment)
•       Senior Learning in Retirement, SLR (co-moderator for Metals, Minerals        and Mining course to be held in the Fall of 2024)
•      Gateway Church, (volunteer in ushering)

The requested a link for the Age Friendly London Network, which includes the link to subscribe to the newsletter:

                                  Age Friendly London Network | City of London

                  

"Speaker Survey”

A big thank you to the 87% of our members in attendance who responded to the speaker survey conducted at the May meeting. Your answers gave us excellent insight into the kinds of speakers you most enjoy and/or value, plus guidance for speaker selections into the future. Special thanks go to those who provided ideas and leads for specific topics and speakers you would like to see at our meetings."

If someone would like more of the details,  Please speak to after the September meeting.

Nancy Homes, Vice President

                                              

                                                                

                 

Susan W., Past President

Our wonderful volunteers on our management committee are looking for an infusion of energy and talent! While they would like to keep all the fun to themselves, they are willing to share it with a few members ready to get to work. In particular, we are looking for a Newsletter Editor, next year! (training is provided for the position of Newsletter Editor) If you might be interested, please contact me, or any of the management committee to learn more about the role!

Susan W.

 

                                 HELP WANTED

The Social Committee requires two new members (women or men) to join their team in planning social events for Probus. You only would be required to organize one event. Fellow team members would be there for assistance, if needed. Please contact Marg D. for additional information. Looking forward to some fresh ideas!

                   

                              

                                      

We strive to make our Club the best possible for everyone.  If you have a suggestion to enhance our Club, or a concern, please send it to our general mail box:

              southlondonprobus@gmail.com

 

                              MEET YOUR EXECUTIVE:

Past President:  Susan W.                     

Co-Presidents: Jim & SandraG.                                         

Vice President:  Nancy H.                         

Treasurer: Mike S.                                         

Recording Secretary: Liz  G.                     

Newsletter Editor: Brigitte D.                   

Membership Co-Ordinator: Nancy F.                                                                                      

Social Event Co-Ordinator: Marg D.     

Cheer Designate: Marg C.                      

Co-Presidents' Message: May 2024

Hello Everyone

At our monthly PROBUS meetings we have enjoyed many interesting speakers presenting a wide variety of topics.  Much of this is due to our Vice-President Nancy Holmes who has recruited these speakers.  Thank you Nancy!

At our May meeting you will all receive a Member Questionnaire  - concerning Speakers, to be completed at the meeting.  This will be your opportunity to help the Management Committee select future speakers and topics of interest.  Please bring along a pen.

We are sad to report the passing of  Norman Eligh, a past-President of our Probus Club of South London.  Many of you will remember Norman’s great sense of humour. There will be a memorial service at Westview Funeral Chapel on Friday May 3rd (Time to be advised).  Please check the Westview website – www.westviewfuneralchapel.com.

With spring being here and summer on its way many of you will be making plans for various activities.  Remember to check your Probus website for our planned outings and we hope you will participate in some of them.

See you at our next meeting on Wednesday May 15th and please remember that all of our meetings are fragrance free as we have members who are highly sensitive to perfumes.

Sandra and Jim Gilmour

Co-presidents

Share the Wealth:           

Please buy your tickets when you arrive for the meeting as the winner is announced at coffee break.  The tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.  At the April meeting,  the winner of $86.50 was Chris M.

Birthdays:

May:

Dianne M., May 3;  Carole C., May 5;  Inez B., May 7;  Meredith C., May 10; Marg C., May 23; Andrea G. May 24;  Louise S., May 27;  Susan O., May 27;

 Sign up for our Social Events online or in person:  

Register for the events online by clicking on the event in our Calendar, or in person at a meeting, and bring your cheque to the meeting to secure your spot! If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Marg D. or click on the underlined name in the newsletter to gain access to the person's phone # and email.

June 10, Walters Music Venue, 2:00 p.m.  Lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the Charles Dickens Restaurant, Woodstock, at your own cost.  Car pooling is recommended. .     

June 19th-  The June Luncheon at the Hyland Country Club –.  Time: 11:30 a.m.  Cash Bar, 12:00 noon Lunch, 1:30 Entertainment. The meal cost is $41, (paid by cheque - no cancellation) with a choice of two entrees – Parmesan Chicken on Pasta or a Steak Sandwich.   Please register online or in person if you are planning to attend. Cut off date is June 10th.  You may pay for this luncheon by etransfer to South London Probus Club, please put "June luncheon " in the "Memo Box".   Contact Gail C. for more details.

September 25- Petrolia theatre.  Fiddler on the Loose with lunch at "Actors". Limited Number of tickets available at a cost of $84.00. Price includes lunch, gratuity, tax and special group price for theatre. Payment due by cheque at time of registration. Contact Marg D.

Our Trip to the Arva Flour Mill on April 10th and lunch at Turtle Jacks 

 

Interest Groups:

                 Participate - Volunteer - Have Fun!

Dine Out: 

The next Dine Out is Wednesday, May 1, at 12:00. At the Taverna restaurant on Hyde Park Road.

Please confirm if you are attending by Friday April 26
Call or email  Nancy G.

April was hosted by Susan Kubik, seven intrepid diners tasted and shared delicious lunch dishes offered by Mint Leaves Indian Kitchen (Adelaide at Huron). We sampled samosas, naan, lamb, and chicken biryani dishes, complemented by house made minty lime sodas and chai tea. The impressively large dosas, with mild fillings surrounded by delicate crepe-like shells and accompanied by a selection of sauces, were a favourite. For those who tried the spicier items, the creamy cool cucumber raita was appreciated. 

Pot Luck:                                                                                  

3rd Tuesday of the month 12 p.m. in member's homes.8 maximum. 

For more information, and if interested in being a spare call convenor: Donna Jean I.

Coffee Mornings:

Men's Coffee:

2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m. except 4th Monday in December.  We meet in Westmount Mall across from Tim Horton's. Contact Larry M.

Women's Coffee:

2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m., except 4th Monday in December.  See the photos from our  coffee meet ups, in the photo section at the end of the newsletter! Convenor: Shirley .   We meet in Westmount Mall across from Tim Horton's.

Investment Club: 

The Investment Group will be meeting on  at 9:30 a.m. April 18th at Riverbend .   Regular meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.  Newcomers are welcome and are asked to contact Don to confirm the date and time.  

Euchre: 

4th Thursday of the month (except December) at 1 pm in a member’s home. 8 players maximum plus spares. Usually over in about 3 hours.  If interested in being a spare, call Convenor: Gail.

2nd Euchre Group:

4th Tuesday of the month.  Contact Louise M.  for more information.

Walking Group:                                                                                                                                                 

Meet every Wednesday except the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Meet  at 9:30 a.m. in the Guy Lombardo Parking Lot for a one hour walk.

Contact Person: Geesje 

Rummikub –         

Rummikub is a game that involves both luck and strategy. It is played with tiles, numbered 1 to 13 in 4 different colours, and is similar to Rummy O. Your mind is constantly working to win the game by getting rid of the tiles on your rack. It is fun and easy to learn, yet can be challenging. We can have groups of two to four per table, with a maximum of 10 players per session.

1st Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Contact Louise – if interested in being a spare.

                                                                                                           

Games –

1st Friday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Contact Linda H.  - still require substitutes/spares

Support:

Do you know of a South London Probus 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 me know. I will be happy to follow up and/or get in touch with them. 

Contact Marg C.

Book Club:

Book Club meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at 2:00 p.m. except December, July & August in a member’s home. We are currently full.  Please call Susan or Liz,  if you wish more information.

 

2nd Book Club:

Book Club #2 meets every 2nd Friday of the month.  We are currently taking more members. We meet in members homes except December, July and August. Contact Janice R. for more information.

                                 

Travel Group:                                         

Our Agawa Canyon  4 day  tour begins October 1. All members who signed up for this tour at our meeting on January 8th have now been informed  of all the details.  Please contact Jim G.

There is, within our Probus membership interest in forming group tours to other destinations, such as Nashville, New Orleans or ?????  If you are willing to act as a group leader for these or to another destination please contact Jim G.

Day Trippers - Out of Towners:

We have 3 exciting events underway.  We are organizing theatre dates at Pt. Stanley and Grand Bend in June and July (details  below). The third event is Christmas at Casa Loma, lunch and time at the Distillery District. As of Friday, the bus for the Casa Loma tour is almost sold out. 

                                              WANTED WANTED 

We require volunteer drivers for the Pt. Stanley and Grand Bend events.  Please contact the event organizer to volunteer. Contact person listed below. 

                                              UNDER CONSTRUCTION

We are organizing a trip to the Hamilton Botanical Gardens and Dundurn Castle. Currently the date is June 5 pending availability when we confirm. May 1 is closing date to confirm your interest in this tour. This will allow us to make arrangements and provide a price for the tour. Email Janice R. if you are interested in this tour. Approximate cost is $150.00. 

Our final trip in August is the Rum Runners Prohibition Tour. This tour visits 4 locations around Windsor that were central to the prohibition . There is lunch and entertainment at the final stop. Stay tuned for email  requesting interest in the tour. 

                                     INFORMATION ON THEATRE EVENTS 

The Jersey Boys,  July 11. 2:00 pm matinee show

The contact person is Angie J.  All questions and inquiries should be directed to her.  

Purchase tickets for July 11/2024  at the Huron County Playhouse in Grand Bend Box office 1-855-372-9866    Tickets are $65.26 

Please email Angie when you purchase your ticket. 

Lunch will be The Lake Hound on Highway 21.  A reservation will be made closer to the date. Please advise Angela if you wish to be included.   

Port Stanley Festival Theatre  - June 26, 2024 @ 11:30 AM

                                                       EVENT DETAILS:

On June 26 we will enjoy a trip to Port Stanley to see the Norm Foster play "They're Found in Trees". His shows are always extremely entertaining. The 2:00 p.m. matinee will be preceded by lunch at Kettle Creek Inn at you own cost. Theatre tickets are $44 and may be paid by cheque or etransfer to Brigitte D.  For more information about this event please contact Brigitte D.

Looking forward to great entertainment food and fun.

Cheers from the Out of Towners. 

Speakers:                                                                   

April: Dr. Jean Hewitt, "Aging Wisely".   a subject that she also presents in depth as an eight-week discussion course for Seniors Learning in Retirement (SLR). As a distinguished educator, author and award-winning researcher, Jean discussed aging in other societies around the world, the risks of social disengagement and measures we all can take to keep dementia at bay.”                                 

This presentation looks at the current research on Aging, and what we can learn about this process. It is clear that maintaining independence, as opposed to simply living longer, is the key goal of most Seniors today. How can we increase the chances that we will achieve that goal? Reference will be made to the large Super-Ager study presently going on here in London.

This is the link to the SuperAger study (referenced by our speaker, Dr. Jean Hewitt). Anyone interested in joining the study should phone the contact, Dr. Angela Roberts at 1888-688-8368.

                                      

Using ‘SuperAgers’ to help unlock mysteries of the human brain - Faculty of Health Sciences - Western University (uwo.ca)

Upcoming Speakers:

In May, Mike S., a Probus Member, will speak on his "Travels Through Life". Mike was born in Wales.  After graduating with an honours degree in chemistry and math, followed by a post grad in Education, he taught high school in London, England for a year before moving to Kingston, Jamaica for 3 years.  He then moved to Toronto where he lived for 5 years, followed by Winnipeg for over 30 years.

Since moving to Canada, Mike has worked in insurance and financial services.  He travelled extensively across Canada training/educating brokers on taxation, investment and insurance products, as well as estate planning concepts.  Mike also provided educational seminars to business owners and farmers.  Mike retired 15 years ago.  He became our Club's Treasurer in the fall of 2022.

 WHO AM I SPEAKER FOR MAY: Marcel L.

                  

    New Member:

                                              

                                                               Maureen D.        

                 

Susan W., Past President

Our wonderful volunteers on our management committee are looking for an infusion of energy and talent! While they would like to keep all the fun to themselves, they are willing to share it with a few members ready to get to work. In particular, we are looking for a Vice President  or Newsletter Editor, next year! (training is provided for the position of Newsletter Editor) If you might be interested, please contact me, or any of the management committee to learn more about the role!

Susan W.

 

                                 HELP WANTED

The Social Committee requires two new members (women or men) to join their team in planning social events for Probus. You only would be required to organize one event. Fellow team members would be there for assistance, if needed. Please contact Marg D. for additional information. Looking forward to some fresh ideas!

                   

                              

                                      

We strive to make our Club the best possible for everyone.  If you have a suggestion to enhance our Club, or a concern, please send it to our general mail box:

              southlondonprobus@gmail.com

 

                              MEET YOUR EXECUTIVE:

Past President:  Susan W.                          Co-Presidents: Jim & Sandra G.                  Vice President:  Nancy H.                          Treasurer: Mike S.                                          Recording Secretary: Liz  G.                      Newsletter Editor: Brigitte D.                     Membership: Nancy F.                                 Event Co-Ordinator: Marg D.                        

 

Co-Presidents' Message: April 2024

Hello once again.  

We enjoyed another interesting speaker at our March 20thMeeting.  In Jane Blackwood’s topic – “ In a Nutshell: Pave the Way for your Power of Attorney and Executor”  - she covered a wide range of items that should be documented by every adult. Her presentation generated a lot of interesting discussions.  In Jane’s professional life she covered many other areas of possible interest to Probus members and we hope to have her back sometime in the future. A copy of Jane’s handout can be available by request.

Along with Vice President (Nancy H), we attended a District 5 meeting online March 28th.  District 5 includes about 20 Probus Clubs covering the area from Windsor to Woodstock and Grey-Highlands to Port Stanley.  Representatives of 16 Clubs took part in this meeting. Topics on the Agenda included: Committee Volunteering, Finances and Efforts to increase Club Membership. In general having a website is effective at increasing membership and keeping members informed of upcoming activities and events.

We encourage everyone to make use of our website southlondonprobus.ca

See you all at our next meeting – April 17th.

Jim and Sandra

Share the Wealth:           

Please buy your tickets when you arrive for the meeting as the winner is announced at coffee break.  The tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.  At the March meeting,  the winner was Sandra G.  She won $58.00.

Birthdays:

April:

Gail C., April 2nd;  Louise M., April 5th;  Leonard M., April 8th;  Carol H., April 17th;  Mark G., April 18th; Roslyn M., April 20th;  Bob F., April 26th,  June R., April 27th.

 Sign up for our Social Events online or in person:  

Register for the events online by clicking on the event in our Calendar, or in person at a meeting, and bring your cheque to the meeting to secure your spot! If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Marg D. or click on the underlined name in the newsletter to gain access to the person's phone # and email.

April 10: There will be 2  tours of the Arva Flour Mill.  10 a.m. - 20 people on the tour then browse in the shop.  At 11a.m. -20 people on the second tour then browse/shop.  People are encouraged to car pool due to the large numbers and limited available parking spaces. Please note both tours are full.

Turtle Jacks  will be set up  for early arrivals at 12 noon and the second
tour group will arrive about 12:30 for their lunch. 

June 10, Walters Music Venue, 2:00 p.m.  is now  filled. Lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the Charles Dickens Restaurant, Woodstock, at your own cost.  Car pooling is recommended. .     

  Fun at the Racetrack 

Activity Groups:

                 Participate - Volunteer - Have Fun!

Dine Out: 

The next Dine Out is April 3, 2024, at 12:00.

Mint Leaves Indian Kitchen, 1080 Adelaide St., North  (southeast corner) (Adelaide and Huron)

519-601-9494

Please email Susan K., by Friday, March 30, 2024, to reserve your spot, email preferred contact, I will email to let you know I got your message, thanks.

Pot Luck:                                                                                  

3rd Tuesday of the month 12 p.m. in member's homes.8 maximum. 

For more information, and if interested in being a spare call convenor: Donna Jean I.

Coffee Mornings:

Men's Coffee:

2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m. except 4th Monday in December.  We meet in Westmount Mall across from Tim Horton's. Contact Larry M.

Women's Coffee:

2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m., except 4th Monday in December.  See the photos from our  coffee meet ups, in the photo section at the end of the newsletter! Convenor: Shirley .   We meet in Westmount Mall across from Tim Horton's.

Investment Club: 

The Investment Group will be meeting on  at 9:30 a.m. April 18th at Riverbend .   Regular meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.  Newcomers are welcome and are asked to contact Don to confirm the date and time.  

Euchre: 

4th Thursday of the month (except December) at 1 pm in a member’s home. 8 players maximum plus spares. Usually over in about 3 hours.  If interested in being a spare, call Convenor: Gail.

 

A special Birthday for Gail

2nd Euchre Group:

Contact Nancy F.  for more information.

Walking Group:                                                                                                                                                 

Meet every Wednesday except the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Meet  at 9:30 a.m. in the Guy Lombardo Parking Lot for a one hour walk.

Contact Person: Geesje 

Rummikub –         

Rummikub is a game that involves both luck and strategy. It is played with tiles, numbered 1 to 13 in 4 different colours, and is similar to Rummy O. Your mind is constantly working to win the game by getting rid of the tiles on your rack. It is fun and easy to learn, yet can be challenging. We can have groups of two to four per table, with a maximum of 10 players per session.

1st Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Contact Louise – if interested in being a spare.

                                                                                                           

Games –

1st Friday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Contact Linda H.  - still require substitutes/spares

Support:

Do you know of a South London Probus 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 me know. I will be happy to follow up and/or get in touch with them. 

Contact Marg C.

Book Club:

Book Club meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at 2:00 p.m. except December, July & August in a member’s home. We are currently full.  Please call Susan or Liz,  if you wish more information.

 

2nd Book Club:

Book Club #2 meets every 2nd Friday of the month.  We are currently taking more members. We meet in members homes except December, July and August. Contact Nancy F. for more information.

                                 

Travel Group:                                         

Our Agawa Canyon  4 day  tour begins October 1. All members who signed up for this tour at our meeting on January 8th have now been informed  of all the details.  Please contact Jim G.

There is, within our Probus membership interest in forming group tours to other destinations, such as Nashville, New Orleans or ?????  If you are willing to act as a group leader for these or to another destination please contact Jim G.

Day Trippers:

The team is up and running.  We had our first meeting and our goal is to organize out of town day trips. The trips will be structured with the team organizing transportation and others trip where participants gather at the destination in their own transportation and we tour as a group. We have many great suggestions for travel and look forward to fulfilling as many as possible. We are currently researching flexible seating transportation to accommodate smaller groups and as many interests as possible. Most companies require at least a 30 person commitment to arrange any transportation. We have requested quotes for several test destinations to judge if this is a viable cost effective way to travel as a group. We look forward to sharing some great travel and fun destinations. Stay tuned for announcements about our first destinations.

Contact: Janice R.

Speakers:                                                                   

 Our March speaker was Jane Blackwood speaking on the importance of having a Power of Attorney for your Health and Financials in place as well as an Executor.  To learn more on how to prepare yourself and protect your loved ones,

1) Google: Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA)

  2) In the upper right corner  'Search' area, type in" virtual Shoebox"

3) Then click on "Your Virtual Shoebox Guide"

You will find a VERY comprehensive fillable pdf file that you can save to your computer (and print out if you wish).

                          

                              Upcoming Speakers:

April: Dr. Jean Hewitt, "Aging Wisely".                                    

This presentation looks at the current research on Aging, and what we can learn about this process. It is clear that maintaining independence, as opposed to simply living longer, is the key goal of most Seniors today. How can we increase the chances that we will achieve that goal? Reference will be made to the large Super-Ager study presently going on here in London.

May:  Mike S.,  Probus Member, "Travels Through Life".

                   March Who Am I Speaker:             

Meredith C.

New Members:

                                              

     L-R       Sharron  G.,  Robyn M.,  Ronalee P.,  Janice R.              

                                   

Susan W., Past President

Our wonderful volunteers on our management committee are looking for an infusion of energy and talent! While they would like to keep all the fun to themselves, they are willing to share it with a few members ready to get to work. In particular, we are looking for a Vice President next year! If you might be interested, please contact me, or any of the management committee to learn more about the role!

                     

                              

                                      

We strive to make our Club the best possible for everyone.  If you have a suggestion to enhance our Club, or a concern, please send it to our general mail box:

              southlondonprobus@gmail.com

 

 

Editor: Brigitte D.

Co-Presidents' Message:

It was great to see all of you at our general meeting on Feb 21. We noted at this and the previous meetings that many of you are bringing along friends as potential new members. This is a very necessary activity to keep our club flourishing and we would like to thank all the members who did this and would like to encourage all members to do the same.

We have a full roster of games and other activities over the winter which is well supported. We particularly enjoy our Rummikub afternoons. Sure helps to make the winter pass quickly!

Our Management Committee met on Feb 27, during which plans for our spring lunch were discussed-another sign that we are leaving winter behind.  

The guest speakers at our Probus meetings cover a wide range of topics which we hope you find interesting. We are trying to encourage the use of our ROVING MICROPHONE so that all members can hear the questions being directed to the speaker. So if you have question for the speaker please raise your hand and wait until you are presented with the mike before voicing your question. By hearing both the question and the speaker’s answer it should improve the enjoyment of the presentation for all meeting attendees.

The Management Committee were saddened to learn of the passing of the husbands of two of our members - Moira Connell (Craig) and Geesje Fulton (Richard). Condolences have been sent to Moira and Geesje and their families.

We look forward to another interesting meeting in March. It is good to see more members are remembering to wear their name badges –Thank you - may we look forward to everybody wearing their badges at the next fun time together?

Sandra and Jim Gilmour, Co-Presidents

Share the Wealth:           

Please buy your tickets when you arrive for the meeting as the winner is announced at coffee break.  The tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.  At the February meeting,  the winner was Susan W. and she won $50.00 .

Birthdays:

March:

Jane P., March 01;  Janice R., March 01;  Hilda S. March 03;   Angela J., March 03;  Lynda, F., March 08;  Jennifer, B., March 15;  Brigitte, D., March 24;  Donna Jean, I., March 26; Larry, R., March 30

 

 

Sign up for our Social Events online or in person:  

Register for the events below online by clicking on the event in our Calendar, or in person at a meeting, and bring your cheque to the meeting to secure your spot! If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Marg D. or click on the underlined name in the newsletter to gain access to the person's phone # and email.

March 19: Top of the Fair -Cost $53.35 paid by individual at the table after dinner. (senior's rate includes tax and gratuity).  This includes the buffet dinner, entrance, betting booklet, 1 voucher for betting, 1 voucher for casino, free parking and elevator access.  DOES NOT include alcoholic beverages or pop.  Opens at 5:00 p.m.  Buffet 5:30 p.m. Racing at 6:00  p.m.  Reservation for 20 people.  Sign up on line or at the February meeting.  Final sign up March 10th.  Contact Gail C.  ONLY 8 places left.

April 10: There will be 2  tours of the Arva Flour Mill.  10 a.m. - 20 people on the tour then browse in the shop.  At 11a.m. -20 people on the second tour then browse/shop.  People are encouraged to car pool due to the large numbers and limited available parking spaces. Please note both tours are full.

Turtle Jacks  will be set up  for early arrivals at 12 noon and the second
tour group will arrive about 12:30 for their lunch. A sign up sheet will be available at the February meeting or you can register online for the 10 am tour.  Please let Sheila J. know if you are coming for lunch. 

June 10, Walters Music Venue, 2:00 p.m. $70 - no refund.  Only 2 tickets left. This is now open to guests.  Lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the Charles Dickens Restaurant, Woodstock, at your own cost.  Car pooling is recommended. Contact Marg for a ticket.

We have also created sign up sheets for many more interest groups. Members are encouraged to review these and, if interested, sign up. When there are sufficient numbers, the groups will meet and each group can determine their own format, frequency, etc. Members are also encouraged to make suggestions for other groups that may be of interest.

• Watch the website for more information on social events.
• REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR CHEQUE BOOK WHEN SIGNING UP AND PAYING FOR EVENTS.  Your spot is not confirmed unless paid for.

         

              Our visit to the Fire Hall for Emergency                                              Preparedness

On February 8th , two groups of our members visited London Fire Station 12 in Byron, where we learned about emergency preparedness from Public Safety Educator Taylor Simmons, tsimmons@london.ca assisted by co-op student, Olivia.  We sat in the chairs of top city officials in the emergency "situation room" where we received valuable information and resources to share with family and friends.  For anyone who was unable to attend, visit: https//london.ca/living-london/community-services/emergency-preparedness.  On that same page, you can sign up for upcoming Citizen's Academy training sessions.

   

To see more pictures regarding this tour, click on the link.

Dine Out: 

The next Dine Out is March 6th 12:00 noon Milestones, 3169 Wonderland Rd., South.  Those wishing to attend please contact Barbara G., by noon on Friday March 1st. Please provide your name, email and telephone number.

See the event on our calendar

Pot Luck:                                                                                  

3rd Tuesday of the month 12 p.m. in member's homes.8 maximum plus spares. 

For more information, and if interested in being a spare call convenor: Donna Jean I.

Coffee Mornings:

Men's Coffee:

2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m. except 4th Monday in December.  We meet in Westmount Mall across from Tim Horton's. Contact Larry M.

Women's Coffee:

2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m., except 4th Monday in December.  See the photos from our  coffee meet ups, in the photo section at the end of the newsletter! Convenor: Shirley .   We meet in Westmount Mall across from Tim Horton's.

Women's  Coffee: Click here to see more coffee photos.

Men's Coffee: Click here to see more coffee photos.

Investment Club: 

The Investment Group will be meeting on March 14th at 9:30 a.m. at Riverbend .   Regular meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.  Newcomers are welcome and are asked to contact Don to confirm the date and time.  

Euchre: 

4th Thursday of the month (except December) at 1 pm in a member’s home. 8 players maximum plus spares. Usually over in about 3 hours.  If interested in being a spare, call Convenor: Gail.

2nd Euchre Group:

Contact Nancy F.  for more information.

Walking Group:                                                                                                                                                 

Meet every Wednesday except the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Meet  at 9:30 a.m. in the Guy Lombardo Parking Lot for a one hour walk.

Contact Person: Geesje 

Rummikub –

1st Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Contact Louise – if interested in being spare.

Games –

1st Friday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Contact Linda H.  - still require substitutes/spares

Support:

If you know someone who is feeling under the weather or needs cheering up,  please contact Marg C.

Book Club:

Book Club meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at 2:00 p.m. except December, July & August in a member’s home. We are currently full.  Please call Susan or Liz,  if you wish more information.

 

2nd Book Club:

Book Club #2 meets every 2nd Friday of the month.  We are currently taking more members. We meet in members homes except December, July and August. Contact Nancy F. for more information.

                                 

Travel Group:                                         

The final basic arrangements for our Alaskan/Yukon beginning July 7th 2024  in Vancouver for 18 day cruise -land tour  have been arranged, as have our Agawa Canyon  4 day  tour beginning Oct 1. All members who signed up for these tours at our meeting on Jan 8th have now been informed  of all the details. There is plenty of space available as of now please contact Jim G. 

There is, within our Probus membership interest in forming group tours to other destinations, such as Nashville, New Orleans or ?????  If you are willing to act as a group leader for these or to another destination please contactJim G.. 

Speakers:                                                                      

Our February speaker Aura Burditt                                            

Upcoming Speakers:

March: Jane Blackwood “In a Nutshell: Pave the Way for your Power of Attorney and Executor”

April: Dr. Jean Hewitt, "Aging Wisely".

May: Mike S., Probus Member, "Travels Through Life".

Who Am I Speaker:

Jim E. was our "Who Am I" speaker for February.

 

New Members:

                                     

Left to right: Marie D;  Marcel D;  Carol H;  Chris M;  Howard W. 

Probus Canada has a new national newsletter.  I have included the web address today for you to use.  https://www.probuscanada.ca/news 

As the convenors of an event or group please  submit pictures to me to include in the newsletter,  as well as a brief description of what has been discussed ie. book club - the book and author and how it was received; dine out - where it was, how many attended and brief description of the food; investment club - some snip of interest etc.

Thank you for your co-operation in this matter to ensure our newsletter is more interesting to our members.

REMEMBER OUR MEETINGS ARE SCENT FREE AND TO WEAR YOUR NAME TAG TO THE GENERAL MEETING AND ALL EVENTS.

We now have 12 interest groups.  To sign up, bring your calendars AND Cheques.

                         

                               

                                      

                         WE ASKED AND YOU ANSWERED!

Thank you to the following members who volunteered to be Greeters at future meetings:

Sheila J.;  Geesje F., Roslyn M. , Angie J., Catherine and Larry M. and Chris M.

And thank you to Marcel D. who volunteered to help our audio visual team.  

This was a great response to our call for volunteers and speaks well of our members and our club’s future. Thank you!

We are still looking for a member to serve as Member at Large on the Nominations Committee. If this interests you, please talk with one of the Management Committee members. We would love to hear from you!

 

Editor: Brigitte D.

Co-Presidents' Message:

By the time you get this we will be well into winter!!

Taking our minds off winter weather are the Tour Groups being organized for later in the year.  At our preliminary meeting held at Glendale Crossing on January 8, 2024, many possible tours were discussed.  Four Group Leaders volunteered.  As of now the Group Leaders and Tours are as follows:  Nancy Fazackerley – Churchill Manitoba (to see polar bears),  Janice Rudd – Ontario extended day trips,  Bob Harris – Muskoka,  and Jim Gilmour – Alaska Cruise also Agawa Canyon. Many of our members have expressed interest in these tours. 

Information about Probus Club of South London was posted on Byron Neighbourhood Facebook and Oakridge Acorn.  As a result of these and by word of mouth by members, we saw an encouraging growth in membership in the last few months. 

We were saddened at the passing of former Probus member Bob Meredith on January 12, 2024.  Condolences on behalf of Probus Club of South London have been sent to his wife Carol. 

At our last General Meeting in January we had 3 very interesting speakers, Phyllis, Peggy and Barb on the topic of  “Home Sharing” and Bill 69 – The Golden Girls Act of Ontario which allows unrelated seniors to share a home.  Thanks to Nancy Holmes our Vice President for arranging this informative topic. 

Glad to see that many of you are taking advantage of our many interest groups.

See you at our February 21st Probus General Meeting.

Sandra and Jim Gilmour

 

Share the Wealth:           

Please buy your tickets when you arrive for the meeting as the winner is announced at coffee break.  The tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.  At the January meeting,  the winner was Carole C. who won $53.00 .

Birthdays:

February:

Colleen, Feb. 1; Gwen, Feb. 2; Helen R. Feb. 5; David N. Feb. 7; Jill B. Feb. 9; Marg M. Feb. 11; Don B. Feb. 12; Barbara G. Feb. 16; Sandra M. Feb. 18; Audrey Burt, Feb. 20; Ron P. Feb. 20

 

 

Sign up for our Social Events online or in person:  

Register for the events below online by clicking on the event in our Calendar, or in person at a meeting, and bring your cheque to the meeting to secure your spot! If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Marg D. or click on the underlined name in the newsletter to gain access to the person's phone # and email.

Feb. 8 is the  Emergency Response Preparedness presentation at the Byron Fire Hall, 2:00 p.m.  No cost for the tour. Preceded by lunch at your own cost,  12:15 p.m. at the Byron Legion.  Please note, this tour is full. Any questions, contact Brigitte D.

March 19: Top of the Fair -Cost $53.35 paid by individual at the table after dinner. (senior's rate includes tax and gratuity).  This includes the buffet dinner, entrance, betting booklet, 1 voucher for betting, 1 voucher for casino, free parking and elevator access.  DOES NOT include alcoholic beverages or pop.  Opens at 5:00 p.m.  Buffet 5:30 p.m. Racing at 6:00  p.m.  Reservation for 20 people.  Sign up on line or at the February meeting.  Final sign up March 10th.  Contact Gail C.

April 10: There will be 2  tours of the Arva Flour Mill.  10 a.m. - 20 people on the tour then browse in the shop.  At 11a.m. -20 people on the second tour then browse/shop.  People are encouraged to car pool due to the large numbers and limited available parking spaces. Please note both tours are full.

Turtle Jacks  will be set up  for early arrivals at 12 noon and the second
tour group will arrive about 12:30 for their lunch. A sign up sheet will be available at the February meeting or you can register online for the 10 am tour.  Please let Sheila J. know if you are coming for lunch. 

June 10, Walters Music Venue, 2:00 p.m. $70 - no refund.  Only 2 tickets left. This is now open to guests.  Lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the Charles Dickens Restaurant, Woodstock, at your own cost.  Car pooling is recommended. Contact Marg for a ticket.

We have also created sign up sheets for many more interest groups. Members are encouraged to review these and, if interested, sign up. When there are sufficient numbers, the groups will meet and each group can determine their own format, frequency, etc. Members are also encouraged to make suggestions for other groups that may be of interest.

• Watch the website for more information on social events.
• REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR CHEQUE BOOK WHEN SIGNING UP AND PAYING FOR EVENTS.  Your spot is not confirmed unless paid for.

Dine Out: Note: for this month only, Dine out is on February 14th.

The next Dine Out is February 14, 2024 at  12:00 p.m. at the Mandarin on Hyde Park Road.  Please contact Cheryl  by February 7th, if you are planning to attend.

See the event on our calendar

Pot Luck:                                                                                  

3rd Tuesday of the month 12 p.m. in member's homes.8 maximum plus spares. Starting in January 2024.

For more information, and if interested in being a spare call convenor: Donna Jean I.

Coffee Mornings:

Men's Coffee:

2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m. except 4th Monday in December.  We meet in Westmount Mall across from Tim Horton's. Contact Larry M.

Women's Coffee:

2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m., except 4th Monday in December.  See the photos from our  coffee meet ups, in the photo section at the end of the newsletter! Convenor: Shirley .   We meet in Westmount Mall across from Tim Horton's.

Women's  Coffee: Click here to see more coffee photos.

Men's Coffee: Click here to see more coffee photos.

Investment Club: NOTE date change for February.

The Investment Group will be meeting on February 15th at 9:30 a.m. at Riverbend .   Regular meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of the month.  Newcomers are welcome and are asked to contact Don to confirm the date and time.  

Euchre: 

4th Thursday of the month (except December) at 1 pm in a member’s home. 8 players maximum plus spares. Usually over in about 3 hours.  If interested in being a spare, call Convenor: Gail.

2nd Euchre Group:

Contact Nancy F.  for more information.

Walking Group:                                                                                                                                                 

Meet every Wednesday except the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Meet  at 9:30 a.m. in the Guy Lombardo Parking Lot for a one hour walk.

Contact Person: Geesje 

Rummikub –

1st Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Contact Louise – if interested in being spare.

Games –

1st Friday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Contact Linda H.  - still require substitutes/spares

Support:

If you know someone who is feeling under the weather or needs cheering up,  please contact Marg C.

Book Club:

Book Club meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at 2:00 p.m. except December, July & August in a member’s home. We are currently full.  Please call Susan or Liz,  if you wish more information.

2nd Book Club:

Book Club #2 meets every 2nd Friday of the month.  We are currently taking more members. We meet in members homes except December, July and August. Contact Nancy F. for more information.

                                 

Travel Group:                                         

For more information,  Contact Jim G.

An Alaskan Trip is being planned.  Holland American is the only cruise line that visits the Yukon. 

Agawa Canyon is being arranged with the help of a Robin Hood Travel Agent. 

Muskoka will likely be deferred until next year.

If you are interested in travelling to Churchill,  Manitoba next October there will be a meeting at Nancy F’s home on Monday, Feb. 5 at 1:30 to discuss tour options, pricing etc. Please come only if seriously interested in this trip. Please let Nancy know if you plan to attend.

Speakers:                                                                      

The speakers in January were London's Golden Girls, Peggy Matser, Barb Coughlin and Phyllis Brady with their stories of "Home Sharing".  Two stories, two separate ideas on how to share ALL costs, gain companionship, safety and better finances.  The women divide household and outside chores. Communication and mutual respect are key to the success in sharing a home. Our speakers have given us permission to publish their email addresses, if you have any questions.

Left to right:

Peggy Matser: pmatser50@gmail.com

Barb Coughlin: barbjc12@gmail.com

Phyllis Brady: bradyphyllis@gmail.com

To find out more about sharing a home etc, click on the following link:

Housemates wanted: Seniors look to co-housing to move away from loneliness (youtube.com)

Upcoming Speakers:

February speaker is Aura Burditt, Chair, The Salvation Army Ontario SW Regional Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Committee.  She will talk to us about these issues in our community, the work of her office to provide services to victims and survivors and how collaborative partnerships offer the best solutions.

March: Jane Blackwood, "Make Peace with Paper".

April: Dr. Jean Hewitt, "Aging Wisely".

May: Mike Smith, Probus Member, "Travels Through Life".

New Members:

Left to Right:  Janet R; Sue and Mike O'D; Barbara G; Judy D;

Not there where Janice R;  Carole H; and Louisie M.

                                      Museum of Ontario Archaeology Tour

                                                                January 10, 2024

To see more pictures regarding this tour, click on the link.

Probus Canada has a new national newsletter.  I have included the web address today for you to use.  https://www.probuscanada.ca/news 

As the convenors of an event or group please  submit pictures to me to include in the newsletter,  as well as a brief description of what has been discussed ie. book club - the book and author and how it was received; dine out - where it was, how many attended and brief description of the food; investment club - some snip of interest etc.

Thank you for your co-operation in this matter to ensure our newsletter is more interesting to our members.

REMEMBER OUR MEETINGS ARE SCENT FREE AND TO WEAR YOUR NAME TAG TO THE GENERAL MEETING AND ALL EVENTS.

We now have 12 interest groups.  To sign up, bring your calendars AND Cheques.

                         

                               

                                      

Greeters for Monthly Meetings - stand inside the church entry doors from ~ 9:25 to 9:57 am, greeting everyone and providing newcomers with directions to the meeting space downstairs. It's a wonderful way to become acquainted with members and guests. Contact to volunteer: Nancy Holmes  lmnholmes@rogers.com

A/V Assistants - help is needed with our audio/visual equipment. No experience is needed; friendly, patient training is available! Contact to volunteer:

Bob Harris  carrharris@protonmail.com  or  

John Wolnik  johnwolnik@gmail.com

Editor: Brigitte D.

Co-Presidents' Message:

HELLO EVERYONE

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

We hope you all had a wonderful and safe holiday.

We had a super turnout for our Christmas luncheon. We wish to thank our Social Events Co-ordinator Marg Dean and her committee for making all the arrangements at the Highland Golf and Country Club. Once again it was a very successful event with good food, good company and enjoyable entertainment.

Our Club continues to grow in numbers.  We believe this is due in part to local advertising on Byron Facebook, Acorn for Oakridge and at the London level by the publicity we received from the City Declaration of Probus Month.

We were saddened by the unexpected passing of our member Deanna Wright.  Condolences were passed on by us on behalf of the Probus Club of South London.

We have lots of activities and interesting speakers scheduled for 2024.

See you in the New Year!

Jim and Sandra Gilmour, Co-Presidents

Share the Wealth:           

Please buy your tickets when you arrive for the meeting as the winner is announced at coffee break.  The tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.  At the November meeting,  the winner was Jill, she won $44.00 .

Birthdays:

December:

Barbara B. December 1;   Geesje F. December 7; Ray G. December 16;  John W. December 23

January:

Marilyn W.  January 3; Pat P., January 4;  Karl V. January 9;  Moe B. January 16;   Larry M. January 19;

 

 

Sign-up for our Social Events online:  

The Slice of Life speakers for November were Bob and Shirley Harris sharing with us the tale of 2 Christmas'.  A memorable Christmas of their life as a young married couple teaching in Kashechewan, James Bay.

November 7th Event at the London Airport and Diamond Aircraft:

We learned what is new at the airport and gained some tips on how to make your flight less stressful. This was followed by lunch at the Katana Kafe and a tour of Diamond Aircraft.  Go to our Photo page to see all the pictures.

December 13 Christmas at the Hyland Golf and Country Club:

Our entertainers were Dan and Marianne Rutledge.   They regaled us with some old and new Christmas songs and led us in a sing- a- long.  Dinner as always, was wonderful and there where some lucky winners for the door prizes.  See all the pictures in our Photo page.

Probus Canada has a new national newsletter.  I have included the web address today for you to use.  https://www.probuscanada.ca/news 

As the convenors of an event or group please  submit pictures to me to include in the newsletter,  as well as a brief description of what has been discussed ie. book club - the book and author and how it was received; dine out - where it was, how many attended and brief description of the food; investment club - some snip of interest etc.

Thank you for your co-operation in this matter to ensure our newsletter is more interesting to our members.

NEW MEMBERS:

Our co-president Sandra with Linda Howe, Laurie McKellar and Rosalyn Money.  Judith Darby also joined but was absent for the picture.

REMEMBER OUR MEETINGS ARE SCENT FREE AND TO WEAR YOUR NAME TAG TO THE GENERAL MEETING AND ALL EVENTS.

We now have 12 interest groups.  To sign up, bring your calendars AND Cheques.

Co-Presidents' Message:

The change from warm summer weather to fall always seems to catch us by surprise.  With the abrupt change, our activities also change, usually from outdoors to indoors.  We hope some of our Probus activities are of interest to you and you sign-up!  If you think of other things we might do, either as an activity or as a visit, please use the suggestion box to let the Management Committee know of your ideas. In October we had a very interesting speaker, Derek Bakelaar from Digi Splint Company.  Thank you to Karen Banks for inviting him to speak at our meeting.

You are all aware of the ongoing issues we have had with our audio/video equipment.  To say “ours” is not completely true as some of it belongs to the church.  The committee is actively working to overcome the problems and hope to have it resolved in the near future.

October was declared PROBUS MONTH by the City of London and contact details about all the London Probus Clubs was published in the London Free Press.  Partly as a result of this free publicity we had a good number of potential new members at the October 18th meeting.  November’s guest speaker will be announced at a later date.

At the Management Committee meeting we had some discussion about the format of our regular meetings. I.e. Business followed by Guest Speaker or vice versa.  The decision was made to remain flexible to best suit the speaker.  So, on occasion we may have the speaker on first.

We wish to thank the members of our Management Committee for their guidance and support.

Susan W. - Past President,   Nancy F. – Membership Co-ordinator,

Brigitte D. - Newsletter,  Mike S. - Treasurer, Liz G. – Secretary,

Nancy H. – Vice President and Marg D. – Social Events Co-ordinator.

Thank you also to Cheryl W. and Marg C. who greet us at the Registration Table, to Louise S. who sells “Share the Wealth” draw tickets and to Bob H. for his work on the Audio/Video equipment.

 Thank you all.

Sandra and Jim Gilmour, Co-Presidents

Handover of gavel from President Susan to New Co-Presidents' Jim and Sandra

Share the Wealth:           

Please buy your tickets when you arrive for the meeting as the winner is announced at coffee break.  The tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.  At the October meeting, Larry, the winner, received $44.00.

Birthdays:

November:

Ellen W., Fred W., Linda D., Heather , Moira, Sandra S.,

 

Our October speaker, the owner of DigiSplint, was Derek Bakelaar a silver/goldsmith by trade. He injured his finger and thought he would loose it due to the extent of the injury. After surgery, with his hand and fingers in a cast, he was unable to work as a jeweler.

He asked to have a thermal plastic splint made to free up the first three fingers of his left hand so he could get back to work. The surgeon who put Derek’s finger back together did an excellent job and the therapist who got it working again was gifted. On one of Derek’s many hand therapy sessions, the therapist asked if he could build a special finger splint for a client. After describing what he was trying to accomplish with this splint, Derek agreed.
He has built splints tailored to each client, in different variations to accomplish different goals with different fingers.

Slice of Life Speaker-

The Who am I speaker for October was Moira C.  Moira and her family own and operate Wicketthorn Farms Inc., a farm of over 3,000 acres of dairy, cattle and agriculture.  She commented on her journey of  personal growth in various organizations over the years as well as being a councillor for Ward 3 in Middlesex Centre.

As the convenors of an event or group please  submit pictures to me to include in the newsletter,  as well as a brief description of what has been discussed ie. book club - the book and author and how it was received; dine out - where it was, how many attended and brief description of the food; investment club - some snip of interest etc.

Thank you for your co-operation in this matter to ensure our newsletter is more interesting to our members.

NEW MEMBERS:

Left to right: Geesje,  Jim E.,  David N;  Ron,  Doreen S.

REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR NAME TAG TO THE GENERAL MEETING AND DINE OUT.

Co-Presidents' Message: 

Well, we are off to a good start.  As your new Co-Presidents, we are so fortunate to have on the Executive Committee a group of experienced members and enthusiastic new members to help us. At the September 20th meeting we had a very entertaining “Who Am I” from Marg Dean.  Our guest speaker Adele Alfano and her friend Gerda were very good ambassadors for Autism Dogs.  It was such an interesting topic.  We are thankful to Karen Banks and Marian McIndoe for the work they have put into obtaining previous and upcoming speakers for our Probus Club.  For many of us the summer was filled with vacation trips.  Fall has arrived and we are now settling into pursuits closer to home and that includes the many events organized by your Probus Club.  We hope to see you there.  You will notice at the Registration Table a “Purple Suggestion Box” together with Paper and Pencils.  If you have any suggestions or comments for your Probus Club you are invited to put them in the box.  It would be most helpful if you please sign your name on the suggestion so we can follow up. Please note, NO OUTSIDE FOOD shall be brought into the meetings without prior approval of the President. 

Jim and Sandra Gilmour

 

Share the Wealth:           

Please buy your tickets when you arrive for the meeting as the winner is announced at coffee break.  The tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.  At the September meeting, the winner received $52.00.

Birthdays:

President's Message: August 23, 2023

As I write this, we are having a summer thunderstorm and the rain is coming down.

We have had a lovely summer and these last few weeks of August and the first part of September can be the best part. I feel blessed to live here in Southwest Ontario; we have heard so much about the devastating forest fires in other parts of Canada and other countries. It has been a very difficult summer for so many people.

We recently had a Management Committee meeting to get ready for the upcoming year at London South Probus. There were several items from the meeting to share with you.

The first item relates to payment of membership fee renewals, due September 1st. For those paying by e-transfer, please make sure that your e-payment is addressed correctly to the following email address; please note there is no “r” at the end of “treasure” in the email address.

 slptreasure@gmail.com

The second item relates to the election of our club’s 2023/24 Management Committee at the upcoming Annual General Meeting, which is part of our general meeting on Sept 20th. I am pleased to report that we have a full slate of new Management Committee members for your approval. This is a very positive sign regarding the continuing health of the club as new people step forward to keep the club operating. 

The third item is our club’s plan to participate with the other three London Probus clubs in requesting the City of London to issue a proclamation declaring October as PROBUS Month, as proposed by Mike Hoshooley, President of the North London Probus Club.

I hope that you enjoy the rest of your summer, whatever you are doing and wherever you are; I look forward to seeing everyone in person at our September general meeting.

Birthdays:

September: