newsJun24 | PROBUS Blue Mountain

Next Meeting: June 20th

Collingwood Legion
Member's Guests are Welcome

June Speaker: Basil A. Kalymon - Ukraine

Profiler: Bill Barclay

Membership 208

June 2024 Newsletter

President’s Message

As I am writing this message, I am reflecting back to the work of David Eaman in preparing the monthly newsletter – his reminders that it is time to get your material in, his feedback, and his officiousness in ensuring club operations remained true to its nature. David will be missed in many different ways, he truly enjoyed PROBUS and ensured his part was undertaken to the utmost. As a club, we strive to be non-political. While our Kultural Attaché may poke fun at different political figures from time to time, we strive hard to ensure no political positions are taken formally on any matter that rests in the public forum. That is not to say we don’t invite speakers to educate us on matters that my have different political implications, but as club we do not take positions either in support of or against any argument put forward. At this month’s meeting, we are receiving an update on the war in Ukraine. While political in some parts of the world, in Canada I believe it’s fair to say our support for the Ukrainian people remains steadfast. While not as well known or reported on, Russia’s venture into the country of Georgia is no less disturbing. Like most members, I look forward to hearing the speaker’s take on what is occurring, but also worry about what the messages may entail. So, while we are a non-political entity, our topic this month makes it clear we are never far from events that affect the quality of life we enjoy here in Canada. I look forward to seeing you at the June meeting.

Stephen Hyndman sghyndman@gmail.com

David Eaman

David Eaman was a member of the Management Committee and responsible for preparation of the newsletter. Below is the obituary that was published.

John David Eaman - unexpectedly at home on May 16th, in his 83rd year. Son of John and Irene, David will be greatly missed by life partner Claire Bellamy, children Heather Dundas (Brad), Wendy Cornelis (Eric), grandchildren Michael Jacob, Robin (Sam) and Fraser Feeney, brother Bob, and by Claire’s children Andrew (Evelyn) and Sarah Bellamy (John), and grandchildren Aidan and Olivia.

David worked as a computer technician, financial administrator and corporate trainer. He was a lifelong learner and a member of the PROBUS club who loved to travel, read and tinker.

A Celebration of Life was held on Thursday, May 23rd. If you wish, please consider a donation to the Collingwood Public Library or the Collingwood General Marine Hospital Foundation.

To sign David’s Book of Memories, please visit www.chattersonfuneralhome.com

Cell Phone Use

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

Profiler

Bill Barclay

The profiler at the June meeting will be Bill Barclay, who is identified as an educator and announcer. We look forward to hearing more about Bill and his chosen career path.

NOTE: The Profiler spots for August, September and November still need to be filled. Contact Michael Coward to volunteer. Michael Coward michael.coward@gmail.com

Speaker

Basil A. Kalymon

The speaker for the June meeting is Basil A. Kalymon, Professor Emeritus Richard Ivey Business School, Western University in London. Basil holds a B.Sc. from the University of Toronto and Ph.D. from Yale University. He served on the Business School faculties of the University of California, Lost Angeles, Harvard, Toronto and Western. He is also a past member of the Governing Council of the University of Toronto. Basil is a visiting lecturer at Johannes Kepler University, Austria, École Superior de Commerce, Paris, and Kyiv Mohyla Academy and Lviv Business School in Ukraine. He has extensive experience in executive programs, expert financial witness in regulatory hearings and served on the Boards of various business corporations. Professor Kalymon is also a past member of the Economic Policy Committee of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation and served as the Chair the Economic Advisory Council of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine. He is the author of several books and numerous cases, papers, and articles. Professor Kalymon will be providing an update on the war in Ukraine. PROBUS Blue Mountain had an introduction to this topic a couple of years ago, and throughout that presentation one could have heard a pin drop. This is a subject of critical importance to people not only from Ukraine, but around the world. In Canada, we have a large number of people of Ukrainian heritage, so this war impacts us deeply. We are grateful that Professor Kalymon will be updating us on the current situation in Ukraine.

Don Stockman stockmanocj@gmail.com

Activities/Outings

NOTTAWASAGA MODEL RAILROAD VISIT

PROBUS Blue Mountain had a great visit in a converted pig farm at the edge of Collingwood on May 22nd to see a working HO scale model train exhibit put on by the 40 year old Nottawasaga Model Railroad Club. This is a mostly accurate depiction of the towns passed through from Barrie at the Allendale station to Meaford. The detail is fantastic, and some creative liberties have been taken to make the exhibit more informative. The whole diorama is built onto a handmade bench that is topped with plywood and then with foam to deaden sounds. There is a model of the fish ladder in Thornbury and everything from Barrie to Meaford has been modelled along 1950's when they had both steam and diesel locomotives.

The Railway Club is open to conducting special tours, so if you are interested in taking family or friends to see this layout, contact the Nottawasaga Railroad Club directly. Their email address is nottawasagamodelrailway@gmail.com.

GOLF TOURNMENT

We had another successful Golf Tournament at Duntroon Highlands on June 6th. Although the weather apps were all threatening rain, it turned out to be a great day. Everyone had fun, and we had a great meal on the deck following our play. Winning team was David Hambley, Jim Mills and Peter Hall. Second place went to Chris Meleskie, David Thomson and Terry Thompson. Closest to the pin was one by Carl Wintermeyer.

Thanks to David Thomson for organizing this event – a job well done!

David Thomson dw.thomson@hotmail.com

COLLINGWOOD BLUES HOCKEY

To cap off a great year of local hockey a group of our PROBUS members went to Oakville to watch the Blues play in the Centennial Cup (the National Championship tournament). We saw an exciting game with Collingwood winning the last of their Round Robin games. The Blues went on to win the National Championship! A fantastic end to a great season! We look forward to attending more games next year.

Jake Johnston jakejohnston.jif@bell.net

Cycling

The Cycling Group now has 41 members and although weather has forced some ride cancellations, the other rides have been very well attended as have the luncheons, including those when the actual rides have been cancelled.

On a side note, Monty Richardson who has coordinated this activity is retiring from this role due to the demands of other activities on his time. On behalf of the Club, we would like to thank Monty for his efforts with the Cycling Group, which we know is one of the most successful activities offered through PROBUS Blue Mountain.

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 - only 10 spots left!

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 held a “road trip” on June 12th at Mylar and Loreta’s restaurant located in Singhampton. This is an historic building which you would easily recognize travelling through this community. It was a perfect day for a patio lunch. The food was great, and the beer cold, and the server couldn’t have been better.

(Stay tuned those in the Breakfast Group, reports are that Marv has found the location for a future breakfast!)

To find our more about this Group and upcoming events contact Chris

Meleskie chris.meleskie@gmail.com

Hiking Group

The Hiking Group is planning an interesting hike in Meaford on Monday June 24th, commencing at 9:00 am from Beautiful Joe Park on the south side of town, following along the Bighead River to Trout Hollow mill, where John Muir lived during the U.S. Civil war.

If you wish to attend, or wish information of future hikes, please contact

Dick Edwards edwardsdick04@gmail.com.

Hiking Schedule

Paddling Group:

The Paddling Group enjoyed a trip on the Beaver River on Wednesday June 5th with 4 kayak paddlers experiencing the joys of this river. Along the way the Group saw a bald eagle fairly close but unfortunately photos did not turn out well, so there is little to show for a lovely day on the water. Thanks to David Hodgetts for the well led trip and the luncheon at The Blackbird Pie. The company was great.

There are photos of the Paddling Group’s exploits on Whatsapp, and If you want to have access, email Carl Wintermeyer with a request.

The Paddling Group’s next trip will be on the Saugeen River on June 27th Led by Jim Higgins. This should be a highlight of the summer schedule. For those who know the Saugeen River, the trip involves taking a shuttle from Rotary Park in Paisley to Access #7, for a paddle back to Paisley. The trip will offer an opportunity for lunch (your own), a water-access only stop at a Conservation area, and an optional dinner to follow.

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

No meetings in July or August. Stay tuned.

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 is scheduled for Wednesday June 26th commencing at 10:00 am. At the current time, there are 29 signed up for the museum tour and 27 scheduled for the lunch.

For those already registered to attend, the lunch venue has changed from Winifred's to the Corner Café (which is still in Thornbury).

If you are interested in this tour and have not already signed up, email

Don McLoughlin donmclou@gmail.com Cost is $5.00 for the museum.

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. We are currently looking for a News Editor.

The Webmaster, Bill Booth, will make it all look presentable.