PROBUS CLUB OF SOUTH LONDON

 
President's Message: 

When I was nine years old, my life was forever changed when I met my new Grade V teacher, Miss Eileen Parrish. Miss Parrish was a unique personality: brilliant, vivacious, eloquent, tall and thin, hairstyle reminiscent of a greying poodle, and always, vivid fuchsia lipstick. She was utterly fascinating.

When not teaching, she travelled the world and then shared her memories, photos and mementos with her eager pupils. She taught us the magic of slipping a real silk dress through a ring (to spot fakes). She brought us into the world of classical music, “conducting” the more dramatic works with her imaginary Viking club. She insisted that we all create … something, be it art, music, poetry or science.

But perhaps her most enduring lesson was “always to look up”.

With the festive season behind us and the likely gloom of February about to descend, what might give us joy and hope now? It is often said that “laughter is the best medicine”. I have written here previously about all the good we do for each other when we laugh together. But is there something more, something even better?

In his book, author Dacher Keltner posits that AWE is that something. He suggests that awe can transform us by quieting the voice of self and “empowering us to collaborate, to open our minds to wonders, and to see the deep patterns of life.” And why awe? Because it "brings us joy, meaning, and community, along with healthier bodies and more creative minds”.

And where do humans so often find awe? It’s when we look up - to see the delicate tracery of frosted tree branches on a day that looks like a snow globe. It’s when we watch the majesty of a solar eclipse. It’s when we look up into the misty eyes of new parents, as they present their newborn for a first visit with Grandma or Grandpa. It’s when I look up, remember my beloved teacher and give thanks for all her gifts.

May I encourage you to look up today - perhaps Miss Parrish has some gifts of awe for you, too?

Nancy Holmes,
President

Share the  Wealth:  Please buy your tickets when you arrive for the meeting as the sales end at 10:50 am., and the winner is announced after coffee break.  The tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.    The winner on January 15th, 2025, was Jane P., who received $74.50.

Congratulations and a heartfelt birthday wish to all our members with a birthday in February. February: Don B. Feb12, Jill B. Feb 9, Audrey B. Feb 20, Barbara G. Feb 16, Colleen M. Feb 1, Sandra M. Feb 16, Marg M. Feb 11, Gwen M. Feb 2, Ron P. Feb 20, Susan T. Feb 03

 Sign up for our Social Events in person:  
Message from Marg D., Social Event Coordinator 

Register for the events  in our Calendar 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. 

HELPFUL INFORMATION WHEN REGISTERING FOR AN EVENT

1.    Please note that there no longer is online registration on the website. Please register at the general meeting.

2.     E-transfers and cheques are accepted. Please, no cash nor postdated cheques.

3.     E-transfers payable to slptreasure@gmail.com
Please note that there is no “r” at the end of “treasure”. Kindly indicate the event in the memo section.

4.    Cheques payable to Probus Club of South London. Please indicate the event in the memo section.
 
5.     CANCELLATION POLICY: There are NO REFUNDS. Should you need to cancel, please try to sell or give away your ticket. If unable, contact Marg Dean. She may be able to be of assistance.

6.   CARPOOLING: You are responsible for your own transportation to events. Perhaps, arrangements can be made to travel together for convenience.

7.  Don’t forget to bring your calendar and cheque book to each meeting. Please note that you are not guaranteed a spot if payment has not been received.

8. Interest Groups and most events are open to members only, unless specified that you are welcome to bring a guest. 

9. Please become familiar with logging onto the website for contacting members in our “Directory” as well as information on our activities.

 UPCOMING EVENTS THAT
YOU WILL ENJOY

Radar Museum  - Thursday February 6th at 10:30 am.

Join us for a one hour tour of the museum 2155b Crumlin Sideroad, near the airport. Payment of $10.00 is due upon registration at the general meeting. 

Lunch option following the tour: Wing 427 Café (RCAF Association) which is adjacent to the Radar Museum. No reservations are required. Lunch at your own expense.

Deadline for Registration and Payment is January 30th.
Contact Person: Ronalee P. or Marg D.

Top of the Fair – Tuesday March 18th – Buffet & Horse Racing at Western Fairgrounds. Opens at 5:00 pm., Buffet 5:30, Racing 6:00

Senior’s Price $53.35 payable at your table following dinner.
Includes: Buffet (coffee/tea) Entrance, Betting Booklet, Betting Voucher, Casino Voucher, Free Parking, Elevator access, Tax & Gratuity.
 THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO MEMBERS AND GUESTS. Deadline for registration is March 10th, 2025.
Contact Person: Gail C. or Marg D.

         WALTERS MUSIC VENUE –
         Sat. Sept. 13th at 2:00 pm

Back for a 3rd consecutive year!

SHOW: A TRIBUTE TO NEIL DIAMOND

Location: Walters Music Venue - 836074 Hubbard Road Bright, Ontario (near Woodstock)

Cost: $72.00 - due when registering at the general meeting

IMPORTANT - Tickets are available to members only up to Feb. 18 th . Tickets go on sale to guests Feb. 19 th . There only are 7 tickets still available.

Lunch prior to the show in Woodstock at your own expense. You are responsible for your own transportation. Perhaps, arrangements can be made to travel together for your convenience.

CANCELLATION POLICY: NO REFUNDS Should you need to cancel, please try to sell or give away your ticket. If unable, contact Marg D. She may be able to be of assistance.

Contact Person: Gail C. or Marg D.

Interest Groups:
Participate - Volunteer - Have Fun! 

Dine Out: 

Please join us at our next Dine Out Wednesday February 5th at 12:00 noon.

Restaurant: Angel’s – 100 Belmont Drive (corner of Wharncliffe and Belmont)
Web Site

Special Details: Lots of free parking 
- Seniors’ Menu: featuring complimentary homemade soup and dessert (such as pudding)

- Lunch Specials
- Friendly, experienced servers

Convenor: Marg D.

Please contact Marg to confirm your attendance by Friday January 31st.

Hope to see you then!

Luan's Seafood & Grill Restaurant: 

"January 6, 2025: Dine Out in a snow globe! Braving the storm, a few hardy dinners enjoyed a delicious meal at Luan's Seafood & Grill Restaurant. London." - By Nancy H.

CLICK HERE to see more pictures.

Post Meeting Lunch:  Following the General Meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, we invite all members to join us at The Malibu Restaurant, for lunch.

Dine In:

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 J.

Coffee Mornings:    

 
Men's Coffee:

2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m.  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. 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:

Beginning December the Investment Club will meet the second Thursday of the month until the golf course reopens in the Spring, at  10:00 a.m.  at Riverbend.  Newcomers are welcome and are asked to contact Don J.  to confirm the date and time.  

 Euchre #1:
This group of 8 players has been flourishing since 2012. It meets the 4th Thursday at 1:30 pm at a member’s home. Contact Person: Gail C. 

Euchre #2:
This newly formed group of 4 players meets the 3rd Thursday at 1:30 pm. Contact person: Ronalee P.     

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:            

 Meets the 1st Tuesday at 1:30 pm . at a member's home. 
Contact Person : Gail C   

         

Games:                

1st Friday of the month at 1:30 p.m.
Contact Linda H.  

It meets the 4th Monday, at 1:30 pm.
Contact Person : Nancy F.

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 1st Monday of the month at 2:00 p.m. except December, July & August (or when the 1st Monday is a holiday),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 at 1:00 pm.   We meet in member's homes except December, July and August. Contact Linda H. for more information.   

Day Trippers - Out of Towners:[Picture - Casa Loma, Nov 25, 2024]

The Out of Towners are a group that provides day trip opportunities to our members spouses and friends. The events usually take place in late spring, summer and a Christmas event. Last year our group visited Dundurn Castle, Hamilton Botanical gardens,  We also visited the theatre in Pt Stanley  as well as Grand Bend and lunch was had by all.  Finally we visited Casa Loma and the Distillery District Christmas Village. The trips were enjoyed by many and we look forward to planning some great new trips for 2025. The cost of each trip is dependent on modes of transportation and the destination.
The travel group will be meeting in January to begin planning the 2025 trips. 

We would love to hear from group members where they may wish to travel in 2025. If you have a suggestion please email to Janice R. All suggestions are logged and the group votes on the most popular choices. 

The travel group will convene in January 2025 to begin planning this years events.  

   

 New Interest Group:

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FORMING A NEW INTEREST GROUP, PLEASE NOTIFY  Marg D.  SHE WILL PREPARE A SIGN UP SHEET FOR THE BACK TABLE AT THE MONTHLY MEETING.

Note: Contact Person Information TO OBTAIN THE PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL ADDRESS OF THE CONTACT PERSON, simply click on the underlined name in your newsletter. e.g. Brigitte D. or go to "Members only" on the left hand side when on the main page.  Click on the + Sign and see the drop down menu.

January 2025 Speaker
Maureen  Dwyer - Coping With Life Loss 

Maureen presentation on coping life's losses was excellently executed, restoring joy and laughter to lives.

 

February 2025 Speaker-
Sue Bruyns - Teacher Mentors Abroad

Sue Bruyns has 35 years of experience in education, including roles as a classroom teacher, Learning Support Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal and System Principal. In her role as a System Principal for the Thames Valley District School Board, Sue’s portfolio included K-12 Literacy, French as a Second Language, Assessment and Evaluation, Multilingual Learners, Information Technology, and Instructional Coaches. Currently Sue works with Teacher Candidates at Western University facilitating a Master Teacher Mentor course which focuses on the importance of goal setting and reflective practice for educators. In her role as one of the Vice Presidents for RTOERO (Retired Teachers of Ontario), Sue appreciates the importance of continuing service and developing new and exciting friendships in retirement.  As a member of the Board of Directors for Strong Start, Sue continues her advocacy for supporting early literacy initiatives in tandem with meaningful volunteer opportunities. Sue’s most recent career adventure involves consulting work focusing on Leadership Mentorship and System level  support of Multilingual Learners. In 2015, Sue joined her first TMA team and was immediately inspired by the devotion of both the Canadian and Dominican educators. ThIs shared commitment to improving student learning through effective teaching practices will always be at the heart of TMA.  Sue has appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the Program Committee and the Communications Committee.  She is looking forward to continuing to serve TMA in the role of Vice President. 

Upcoming Speakers: 

March 2025 - Laurie Farquharson   
April 2025 -  Wendy Beth Moore will speak on Hearing
May 2025 - Annemarie Hagan, The Unexpected Life of Mayor Hazal Mcallum 
Sep 2025 -  D/C Jamie Chamberlain of the London Police Fraud Division

WHO AM I SPEAKER FOR January 2025:
Sue W.

"Who Am I" presentation, including childhood memories, well done!

Future Who Am I / Slice of Life Presenters:
February - Angie J. Slice of Life
March - Carol H. Who Am I 

New Members: 

From Left to Right: Ann H., Brenda H., Cathy L., Teresa N., Linda S. 

The South London Probus Club seeks a volunteer to assist our existing A/V Team, which is led by John W. and assisted by Bob H.

Notice From Probus Management : 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!!!

 

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