Next Meeting: August 21st
- Collingwood Legion
- Member's Guests are Welcome
August Speaker: Adam Gallant - Collingwood Terminals Redevelopement
August 2025 Newsletter
President's Message
President’s Message August 2025 Newsletter
The PROBUS Club of Blue Mountain is in the midst of a very active and successful summer season. Many members are outside to enjoy the warm weather and travelling on vacation with friends and family. In particular I am hearing about more excursions to remote and off the beaten track spots in Canada such as the Canadian Arctic, Newfoundland, Alberta, Northern BC and Haida Gwaii. The growing interest in vacation trips in Canada is clearly the result of increased nationalism in light of Trump threats to our sovereignty.
I am sensing that the mood of Canadians this month could be summed up by a quote from a Canadian journalist, Stephen Marche, which was published in an article in the New York Times this month. Stephen writes,
“ Canada is living through an era of acute, sustained, profound and abiding rage. The source is President Trump. He has declared repeatedly that he intends to soften up the Canadian economy in preparation for annexation. The American threat to our sovereignty, so sudden, so foolish is reshaping Canadian life.”
The full article is available by googling Stephen Marche and the New York Times. I think this statement reflects the feelings of a majority of Canadians and brings out a viewpoint that is based on facts and I would encourage all members to read it for yourselves. The threat to our sovereignty is still very real as evidenced by the failure of Canada/US governments to reach a deal on tariffs and the looming prospect of Trump forcing an early opening of negotiations on the USMCA free trade pact.
The months of July/August have seen a great response from our members to weekly biking trips, paddling outings and hiking events. The strong support from activity leaders, Tom James on biking, Carl Wintermeyer on paddling and Chris Meleskie on too many activities to name drives this success. Thanks to Don McLoughlin for leading the well-attended Impossible Metals tour. Also I must gratefully thank David Thomson and Richard Rood for making sure our monthly meeting audio and video presentations go off without a hitch.
Regarding our new membership drive, our best success always comes from word of mouth, and I continue to ask all members to bring guests to our monthly meetings.
Once again for the August meeting the Legion will not be providing a lunch service. We have booked a reservation at the Iron Skillet for lunch and hope you can join us after this month’s meeting.
Looking forward to seeing you Thursday August 21st.
Michael Coward
michael.coward@gmail.com
August Guest Speaker
SPEAKER: Adam Gallant
Subject: Collingwood Terminals Redevelopment
Adam Gallant, a seasoned Project Manager at the Town of Collingwood within the Customer & Corporate Services Department, brings a wealth of experience to his role supporting the Terminals Point project.
With an extensive background spanning 18 years in the Federal Government, Adam's journey began as a Marine Engineer for the Canadian Coast Guard, evolving into pivotal roles with the Department of National Defence. During his tenure with Defence Construction Canada at CFB Borden, Adam successfully led diverse initiatives, ranging from large-scale facility maintenance projects to energy conservation endeavors. Notably, he played a key role in a P3 project for a new Shared Services Canada Data Centre.
Since joining the Town of Collingwood in 2018 as a Fleet & Facilities Coordinator, Adam has excelled in overseeing various projects, including renovations, new builds, fleet procurements, and facility maintenance contracts. Adam officially joined the Terminals Point project team in September 2023, collaborating under the leadership of Amanda Pegg, Executive Director, Customer & Corporate Services. In tandem with his project responsibilities, Adam remains a driving force in fulfilling the Town's corporate climate action goals.
His notable achievements include updating the Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan in 2019 and leading initiatives related to climate change projects. Additionally, Adam maintains a crucial role in managing the Town's Asset Management Plan concerning all municipal facilities.
Activities/Outings
Cycling Group
Members of the Cycling Group rode the Tay Trail - Midland ride on July 29th with approximately 12 riders in attendance. On August 5th, 11 riders attended the Lora Bay ride. On August 12th, 11 riders completed the Awenda loop followed by a swim and a pizza lunch Dan Crabb's cottage. On August 19th we will be doing the Notttawa Loop led by Carol Wintermeyer who has generously offered to provide a luncheon together with a swim in his pool at the end of the ride.
This year so far we've had very few cancellations due to weather. However, it has been very warm which has made these riding more challenging. By hydrating often we have been able to complete these rides with no problems. Hopefully the temperatures going forward will be cooler and the days sunny so we can complete the remainder of our schedule.
Tom
Paddling Group
The Paddling group had a wonderful day paddling to a beach on Beausoleil Island this summer. A group of 6 enjoyed a very warm day paddling , swimming, hiking, picking blueberries and picnicking at Chimney Bay beach.
Hiking Group
Hiking Group is "taking a hike" until the fall.
PROBUS Travel Group
The Muskoka program was a success, the Rideau program is fully booked and Agawa is the same.
- The Morocco program is 10 April to 24 April 2026. The interest has been huge so please see the website and proceed if you love the look of the program .gptg.probuscanada.ca.
- Ireland , small escorted group tour, incl the Aran Islands is available now, (fly prior day), the tour starts 01 June to 12 June 2026. See the website and call Gloria 705 429 9455 to book.
- We are also investigating a program to Japan in October 2026.
- There is going to be a local , Canadian bike program in Quebec with the “Petit Train du Nord”. TBA. Sept 2026.
- And also, for all the sailors, we are offering a week on the Star clipper, sailing from Costa Rico(Pt Caldera) to Panama(Balboa) Jan 09,2027…..4 masts, 16 sails, 74 crew-great ship. Will be coming to gptg.probuscanada.ca.
We are offering local, exotic, Europe, so we hope to hear from all members that one of these trips appeals to you.
Thanking all who help spread the word…..to Probus clubs. GLoria , for GPTG 705 429 9455
Ski Legends UPDATE
St Anton, Austria, February 5 - 14
Sun Peaks
Ski Legends Membership 2025-26
Hello Fellow Probus Blue Mountain Members.
Ski Legends has announced its ski trips for 2026.
Judging from the interest and excitement at the Legends year end breakfast these trips will go fast so, if you are interested, make sure you get your new2025?26 membership. The application is on the Ski Legends website https://probusskilegends.ca/
PDF copies of the flyers are attached.
St Anton, Austria, February 5 - 14
Sun Peaks, BC, February 25 - March 4
Ski Legends membership application for the 2025/26 is also attached
Online Trip Applications will open on Wednesday, May 21 at 6 pm.
(They will not be available before this time.)
More details will follow soon on the Legends website: https://probusskilegends.ca/
QUESTIONS? Email the trip organiser at legendsskitrips@gmail.com
And lastly, all participants must be PROBUS members and members of PROBUS Ski Legends for the coming season.
Enjoy the remaining ski days for this season!
Monty
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
Webmaster Message
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PROBUS Club of Blue Mountain
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