Next Meeting: April 18th
- Collingwood Legion
- Member's Guests are Welcome
April Speaker: Tim Burrows - Electric Batteries
Profiler: Rob Dilworth
- Membership 206
April 2024 Newsletter
President’s Message
This seems like very short month - it isn’t of course. Maybe like many I am just getting anxious for spring to finally start. I mentioned last month that we were working on a policy to address the issue of guests (read non-The PROBUS Club of Blue Mountain members) attending Blue Mountain PROBUS activities and events. The Management Committee has approved a draft policy which is available on the web site, but the key components of the policy are worth noting.
First, it is important to acknowledge that guests attending PROBUS events is an excellent way of attracting new members to the Club, and as such, all members are encouraged to bring guests, particularly to the monthly meetings. However, this does come with a couple of caveats. First, no guest should be allowed to attend a PROBUS activity more than a couple of times before electing to become a member. And secondly, the welcoming of guests should not result in members being displaced from attending an event, critical where the overall number of people allowed in an event would be limited.
The organizer of an event or activity, along with our Activities and Events coordinator, will be key in determining how to proceed vis a vis guests. For example, where the organizer can only accommodate a limited number of attendees (i.e. where tickets are being purchased for a third-party event) and there is high interest amongst PROBUS members, guests may be strongly discouraged. Other events may be well suited to and designed by the organizer for many guests to attend (i.e. the Christmas luncheon), but to ensure as much access to PROBUS members as possible, the maximum number of guests in these events should never exceed the number of PROBUS members attending.
There are a couple of other interesting twists to this. Some events carry with them a small degree of risk, such as cycling, hiking or paddling. Members know this, but to ensure guests become fully aware of this, if the event organizer is prepared to allow guests, a waiver will need to be signed. Another interesting twist relates to events that are organized with other PROBUS clubs where our members may be outnumbered by others. We do find at times this approach to organizing events is needed, for example where the number of our own members wanting to participate in a specific event is so low that the event would otherwise not be viable.
As you can see, the simple issue of guests does pose some interesting challenges. But, let’s never forget, inviting guests to our events and activities is critical to our success in the future - just check with the event organizer or Activities and Events Coordinator first to ensure your guest can be accommodated, and if so, under what conditions. Looking forward to seeing you, and your guest, at the next meeting!
Stephen Hyndman sghyndman@gmail.com
Bring a Friend to PROBUS
PROBUS is great fun! Why not share it with your friends? Bring a friend and earn a ballot to win $50. Do it now because this program ends after the April meeting.
Cell Phone Use
Out of respect for our members and our speaker, please ensure that your cell phone is silent during the meeting.
Profiler
Rob Dilworth
Rob has listed Network Television as his vocation.
Speaker
Tim Burrows
Tim is a retired Vice President of Forty Creek Distillery and a graduate of the University of Toronto where he earned an honours degree in psychology. Tim has owned and driven battery/electric cars for over 10 years and his interest in the electrification of transportation has expanded to include energy storage and our growing transition to renewables. His talk is entitled “From Gadgets to the Grid: Batteries & Our Sustainable Future” and in it, he describes how battery manufacturing and related technologies are advancing at an unprecedented pace
Don Stockman stockmanocj@gmail.com
Upcoming Activities/Outings
Cycling
Upcoming Rides
May 7: Collingwood Get Together (local ride), David Howden (Ride Leader)
May 14: Osler Bluff, John Kutcy (Ride Leader)
Process
Go to the website. There is a ton of important and interesting information
Download the waiver and register with Monty pbmcycling@gmail.com to be included in the email distribution list. Registration is electronic only (photo of fully executed waiver or scan: no paper copies will be accepted).
Rides are scheduled weekly on Tuesdays. Confirm with the Ride Leader by Sunday afternoon prior to the Tuesday ride:
o If you will be riding, A or B ride
o If you will be attending the optional post ride lunch
Safety is of prime concern. Ensure you have a fully charged cell phone and ebike battery.
Monty Richardson pbmcycling@gmail.com
Hiking Club
WHEN: Monday, May 27, 8:45 am - Fourth Monday of the month
WHAT: Franks Kiln and the Big Hole
We will drive to the start near Duntroon and walk to Frank’s Kiln, an archeological treasure where we will see how settlers in the 1800’s converted escarpment limestone into cement. After viewing the restored kiln, we will walk through a pretty hardwood forest past interesting crevices to a viewpoint over a gigantic quarry where limestone is actively being mined. Most of the hike is on land conserved by the Bruce Trail Association, some is on land generously made available by Walker Aggregates.
Easy pace, 4 kms, moderate terrain.
WHERE: Assemble behind Tim Horton’s on First Street
195 First Street, Collingwood
H0W: Sign up sheet or email Dick Edwards
Dick Edwards edwardsdick04@gmail.com
Investment Group
Our next meeting, May 14th – 9:30 to 11:30 at the Collingwood Library is a double header.
First up is Tracy Fleischmann MBA, J.D. who will be speaking about Wills and Estate Planning.
Next, group member Wayne Eaves will talk about the benefits of dividend growth investments, how to find them and how to manage them.
You will want to be there. New members welcome.
Rod Inness rodinnes7@gmail.com
King's Wharf Theatre Outing
Embark on an exhilarating journey through time with ‘Rock of Ages', a play that seamlessly blends history, humour, and rock 'n' roll into a one-of-a-kind experience. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the energy and excitement of this theatrical phenomenon.
When: Thursday June 27that 2pm.
Location: King's Wharf Theatre, 97 Jury Dr., Penetanguishene
Price: $52 / person
To Pay: E-transfer to probusblue@gmail.com anytime. Please add your name and “Kings Wharf” in the comment section of the e-transfer.
Credit or Bank card can be used at the monthly meeting. A transaction fee will be applied. Regrettably we cannot accept cash or cheques.
We have a limited number of tickets so please purchase as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out.
If you require wheel chair access, please let us know when you are purchasing your tickets.
David Thomson dw.thomson@hotmail.com
Kitchen Bridge Group
The Kitchen Bridge group continues to meet the first and third Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at the legion. Great relaxed camaraderie.
We welcome all who have an interest in the game of bridge -- whether a beginner or expert. Play commences at 1:00 pm but, if you cannot come until later, come anyway. We will fit you into a game throughout the afternoon.
George Powell georgegpowell@gmail.com
Lunch Club - May 8th
Please join us for lunch on Wednesday, May 8th at noon.
Where: Beaver and Bulldog 195 First Street, Collingwood
Chris Meleskie chris.meleskie@gmail.com
Nottawasaga Model Railroad Outing
WHEN: Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - 1:00 to 2:00 / 2:30
WHAT: Working model (HO scale) of the CN railway from Barrie to Meaford.
Registration limited to 14 members. If there is sufficient demand, a second group will be added later.
WHERE: Bygone Day Farms/Heritage Museum - 879 6th Street, Collingwood (West of Tenth Line). Parking on the grass in front of the building.
Entrance is through the door at the east end of the building
HOW: Sign up sheet or email
Chris Meleskie chris.meleskie@gmail.com
PROBUS Golf
The annual PROBUS Golf Tournament will be held at Duntroon Highlands Golf Club on Thursday, June 6th with a 9 hole shotgun start a 3:00 pm.
$110.00 PER PERSON ($53 for Duntroon Members)
Includes Green fees, Power cart, Dinner, Gratuities, and Prizes.
Payment via etransfer to probusblue@gmail.com anytime. Please add your name and “Golf” in the comment section of the e-transfer.
probusblue@gmail.com or at a Monthly meeting with credit or bank card.
David Thomson dw.thomson@hotmail.com
PROBUS Hockey
Our Collingwood Blues (#1 team in canada) have reached the playoffs!
Check the website Calendar for future game updates.
Jake Johnston jakejohnston.jif@bell.net
Sheffield Park Black History Museum
PROBUS Club of Blue Mountains has scheduled a visit to the Museum of Black History, 241 Clark Street, Clarksburg Ontario on Wednesday, June 26th, 2024 at 10:00 am.
This museum is a treasure you won’t want to miss, and it is right in our own backyard!
Following a group welcome and general introduction by Co-owner Carolynn Wilson we will proceed at our own individual pace to walk the grounds and visit your choices of the twenty themed heritage buildings. Note; that in addition to four more buildings since our last visit in 2019, there are also updates to the existing buildings.
Optional lunch at Winifred’s English Pub in Thornbury will follow starting at approximately 12:15 PM.
Sign up with Don McLoughlin including names and email address of those who will attend the Museum, as well as those who will attend the lunch.
Any doubts, check it out. www.sheffieldparkblackhistory.com
Don McLoughlin at donmclou@gmail.com
Activity/Outings Leader News
Investment Group
April 9th at the Collingwood Library
Tom Lamont, one of our members, graciously shared his experiences as an Investment Advisor and financial writer. His guiding principle was the client’s interests always came first. When there were choices, it was the one that best served the client’s interest that was chosen, not the one that best rewarded the firm.
Another practice he followed was to follow a rising stock with a trailing 20% stop-loss order to capture the gain or cut the loss. It was a winning strategy. In his early years Tom got off to a good start and was fortunate to soon be the top producer among his cohort.
He made several career moves before joining the Financial Services industry later in life. Once in the industry he moved only once - to improved his ability to better serve a growing client base. He has many fond memories of the people he served and, in that same spirit, Tom generosity, shared two lists of his favorite investment picks – many featuring healthy dividends with strong growth characteristics. And for those who employ professional help, he provided nine tips to becoming a better client and thereby benefiting from a good advisor’s knowledge, skills and abilities.
An insightful question and answer period followed.
Rod Innes rodinnes7@gmail.com
Bridge Group
Good turn out of Probus Blue Mountain and Collingwood on April 4th. Conversations ranged from Putin to Brian Mulroney to what’s Trump (not Donald).
George Powell georgegpowell@gmail.com
Lunch Club:
April 10 - Fig & Feta, Greek Eatery & Market Great lunch in Greece! Enjoyed by all except we were seated next to a long table of 50 LOUD women. Unanimous consensus was for a quieter venue next time, a low bar. However, the food and service were exceptional and we all had a blast. See you all at the Beaver and Bulldog next month!
Chris Meleskie chris.meleskie@gmail.com
PROBUS Hockey
Once again, we had a group of our members attend the Collingwood Blues hockey game on Friday, March 29th.
The Blues prevailed with a 3-1 victory and took the series 4 games to 1.
Although we had a smaller than normal group it was a fun filled “hot stove lounge” atmosphere in the Founders Lounge with old high school memories and hockey stories shared!
As those who have gone can attest it is a great night of exciting hockey, camaraderie and community fun!
Another great evening on Friday, April 5 where18 Probus members watched the Collingwood Blues win the first game of their Division League round defeat Leamington 3-0! The picture below is out Pregame Gathering at Boston Pizza where a good meal and great conversation kicked off an exciting hockey outing. Go Blues!
Another great playoff game Tuesday, April 9th for fourteen of our Probus members. Collingwood prevailed winning 5-2 to take a 3-0 series lead. Great Taco Tuesday at Montanas before the game seen in the picture. We hope to go to future games, hopefully in the Championship round!
I will keep members posted.
Jake Johnson jakejohnston.jif@bell.net 416-571-8322
Travel Group
For PROBUS members/friends who would like to travel with local people and create new friendships, Georgian PROBUS Travel Group is proceeding with the following two trips.
1-CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF NEWFOUNDLAND: June 16-27th, 2024. For those who love learning experiences, small ship travel, and unique experiences. We still have space with no single supplement and a group discount.
For further info please call Brenda Chapman at 705-444-1161
2-NORWEGIAN COASTAL VOYAGE from Bergen to Trondheim: September 17-27th, 2024. We still have group pricing and space.
For further information please call Gloria at 705 429 9455.
Most of the members booked on this trip are going early to experience the fabulous train program from Oslo to Bergen. Then train Trondheim to Oslo.
Check out the new website
Dan Edwards edbrassco@gmail.com
Now that you're here ...
Take a look at the rest of the website. We have info on activities, calendar, speakers list and so on.
If you need to look up fellow PROBUS MEMBERS, you can login the to the Memebr's area. A number of members contribute to this content, so please check it out.
The PROBUS Club of Blue Mountain News Letter is published several days before the regular meeting of the month, informing members of upcoming events and activities, and other newsy stuff! We encourage Group organizers to write up events, including photos, and submit them to Dave Eaman.
The Webmaster, Bill Booth, will make it all look presentable.
PROBUS Club of Blue Mountain
Contact: probusblue@gmail.com
Contact Webmaster
webmaster@probusblue.ca