PROBUS Club of Blue Mountain

Call to Order:

President Michael Coward called the meeting to order and lead the singing of the National Anthem.

President’s Comments:

Michael began by advising he is looking forward to his term ahead as President. He reviewed the range of activities offered through PROBUS Blue Mountain. He noted that the recently circulated newsletter was opened and read by 88% of members. The Club is strong financially and he noted that membership fees were kept at the $55 level for this year.

Michael reminded members who have not renewed their memberships to do so as soon as possible. He also advised that more profile speakers are sought, so if interested (even if you have done it in the past), to let him know.

In Memorium:

Ron noted that member James Quirt had passed away and a donation had been made in his name.

Guests:

There were no guests attending the meeting,

New Member Induction:

No new members were inducted.

• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 12:00 pm.

Profiler

Bob Mills was the profiler, who spoke about meeting his future wife in a sandbox at an early age, his interest in vintage cars and racing, and his career initiatives that took him to the Soviet Union at one point with McDonald’s and George Cohon. His adventures included motor bike trips which included fellow PROBUS member Richard Rood.

Kultural Attaché

Walter led those attending through humorous stories about ordering from Google Pizza, trips to the dentist, mowing the lawn, Donald Trump and his new best friend the Pope, and famers and peaches.

Guest Speakers

Don Stockman introduced speakers from the Georgian Triangle Humane Society, Danielle Ellis, Jenn Straver, and Brenda Stockman.

Danielle began by noting Karen Marsh was absent due to other commitments. Danielle outlined the breadth of the area covered by the Humane Society in Collingwood, covering parts of two Counties. She also explained the range of services provided.

Danielle noted that the Society wish to build a new centre on lands it already owns, and fund raising is underway. Jenn noted that the goal is to raise $7,884,000 of which 46% has been raised to date. Brenda, a volunteer with the Society and a foster care giver for cats, provided an emotional account of the causes of animal abuse and the links to family disfunction, recounting her personal experience.

Through these presentations, those attending were strongly affected by the comments made, some noting that while listening they made donations to the Society. Overall, this was a stunning presentation that affected those attending profoundly.

Michael thanked the three speakers for their emotional presentations noting how much the Club appreciated their messages.