newsJul24 | PROBUS Blue Mountain

Next Meeting: June 20th

Collingwood Legion
Member's Guests are Welcome

July Speaker: Trish Rawn - Hospice Georgian Triangle

Profiler: Stephen Magill

Membership 208

July 2024 Newsletter

President’s Message

While was not on this trip, I knew the canoe trek down the Saugeen River by the Paddling Group on June 27th would be a spectacular adventure. Numerous access points along the river enable kayakers and canoeists easy access to this wonderful resource. This is singularly important because it hi-lights the quality of the environment and resources we enjoy here in southern Georgian Bay. We have stunning natural and cultural resources right at our finger tips. The sands of Wasaga Beach are just around the corner from Collingwood, and while Sauble Beach is a bit further away, the sunsets there are ranked among the best in the world. The Bruce Peninsula and the National Park, indeed the entire length of the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail, bring us a wealth of natural world experiences. Great sailing on Georgian Bay, skiing on the Blue Mountains – the list of fantastic resources all around us almost seems limitless.

From a cultural perspective, the visit to Sheffield Park Black History Museum afforded a fascinating look into our history. In June, the Hiking Group tour along the Trout Hollow Trail brough the history of John Muir to the fore. There is high-end theatre at King’s Wharf (part of the Drayton Entertainment Group). In Midland, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is among Canada’s great historic sites. The Billy Bishop Museum and the Tom Thomson Art Gallery in Owen Sound celebrate the lives of two of Canada’s most famous citizens.

Is there any wonder we love living in this part of Ontario? And through PROBUS Blue Mountain, access to many of these resources has been made so much easier. And there is more to come – stay tuned! And if you have an idea for an event or activity you’d like to suggest, just contact Chris Meleski chris.meleskie@gmail.com with your suggestion. See you and your guests at the next meeting.

Stephen Hyndman sghyndman@gmail.com

Cell Phone Use

Out of respect for our members and our speaker, please ensure that your cell phone is silent during the meeting.

Guest Speaker

The speaker for the July meeting is Trish Rawn. Trish has been a dedicated nurse in South Georgian Bay for over 30 years. Since 2019, she has served as the Executive Director at Hospice Georgian Triangle, providing compassionate end-of-life care to patients and their families. Trish is also the Co-chair of the South Georgian Bay Ontario Health Team, working to improve healthcare integration and quality in the region. Her extensive experience and commitment to patient care has made her a respected leader in our community.

So, while you may or may not have had any experience with Hospice, it is something of great interest to all of us at this stage of life. I know that personally, I am interested in learning great deal more about Hospice and the services and programs that are offered.

Don Stockman stockmanocj@gmail.com

Profiler

Stephen Magill will be the profiler for the next meeting.

Activities/Outings

Cycling

The Cycling Group enjoyed an interesting ride in Midland on July 2nd along the Tay Trail, Canada Trail, and local back roads, led by Richard Rood. On Tuesday, July 9th, the Cycle Group undertook a ride along the Old Mail Road.

For those who are not aware, Tom James is now the coordinator for the Cycle Group.

For more information future rides, email address is pbmcycling@gmail.com.

Cycling Schedule

Ski Legends

Registration for 2025 Legends Ski Trips is now open!

Probus Ski Legends is running 2 ski trips in 2025:
- Sun Peaks BC (7 nights), February 2 - 9 - Banff/Lake Louise (7 nights), March 2 - 9 - stay in the fabulous Chateau Lake Louise and Banff Springs Hotel!

For the latest information, to download the trip flyers and get the registration links, check the Legends website: https://probusskilegends.ca/2025

All participants must be PROBUS members and members of PROBUS Ski Legends: http://probusskilegends.ca/membership/

Membership cost is $50 per year.

Lunch Group

The Lunch Group planned an outdoor patio lunch at St. Louis Bar and Grill on July 10th where, from the patio, you can see Blue Mountain. However, remnants of a hurricane kept us inside, where the food and company and the service were excellent. To find more about this Group and upcoming events contact

Chris Meleskie chris.meleskie@gmail.com

Hiking Group

On June 24th, the Hiking Group ventured to the Trout Hollow Trail in Meaford, and while only 3 members were able to attend, they trekked 5 km along the shore of the pretty Bighead River and explored two ruins – the Meaford power da abandoned in the 1920’s and the site of John Muir’s cabin where he sat out the U.S. Civil War in the 1860’s.

The next hike is scheduled for July 29th. A hike of 4 to 5 km lin a loop at the Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area near Singhampton is planned. A visit to the popular “keyhole” is planned, a unique hole in the rock face leading to crevices. There is a 9:00 am departure from behind Tim Horton’s.

If you wish to attend, or wish information of future hikes, please contact
Dick Edwards edwardsdick04@gmail.com.

Hiking Schedule

Paddling Group:

On June 27th, the Paddling Group took to the waters of the Saugeen River Led by Jim Higgins. The Group had to negotiate some swift water (rapids) which made the trip even more exciting. Among the scenery, they saw egrets.

The next paddle trips planned are the Fish Islands led by Dave Hambley on July 19th, and Beausoleil Island led by Car Wintermeyer on August 1st.

To access more photos of the Paddling Group’s exploits on Whatsapp, email Carl Wintermeyer with a request.

To find out more about the Paddling Group or wish to register for upcoming events, email Carl at carlwintermeyer@gmail.com .

Paddling Schedule

Investment Group

The Investment Group meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Rod Innes is the coordinator for this group. He has advised that planning is now underway for next year’s meetings, with no news to report at this stage. We look forward to hearing what will be planned for upcoming meeting. If you are interested in attending, contact Rod at rodinnes@gmail.com for further information.

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

Sheffield Park Black History Museum

The tour of the Sheffield Park Black History museum was held on Wednesday June 26th. I believe its fair to say that for many, the history of both Collingwood and Owen Sound in the underground railroad was not fully appreciated. The role of these communities being the terminus for escaping slaves from the USA was very enlightening.

Following the tour, lunch was held at the Corner Café in Thornbury.

Car Tour (Note Date)

Graeme Wallace has organized a car tour on Thursday October 10th. It promises to be fun for both drivers and navigators, with some challenges built in along the way, and a prize for the winner.

Lunch will follow at the terminus of the tour, which will remain unknown at this point for obvious reasons (try out your navigating skills).

For information, contact Graeme at graemewallace@sympatico.ca

RCAF Museum Tour

On Monday September 9th, there will be a tour of the RCAF Centenary Museum at Base Borden. If you are interested in this tour, contact Chris Meleski chris.meleskie@gmail.com for information on how to register.

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.

Marv Cohen hosts the monthly breakfast group each 4th Thursday at 9:00 am. He is currently planning a breakfast for the month of July.

There typically is room for more members to attend, so please contact Marv Cohen marv17@me.com if you would like to join this Group.