newsJan26 | PROBUS Club of Blue Mountain

Next Meeting: January 15

Collingwood Legion
Member's Guests are Welcome

January Speaker: Elizabeth Manley - Figure Skating Career

January 2026 Newsletter

President's Message

Welcome to the “2026 New Year”, and what a new year it is shaping up to become. In Canada our prime minister, Mark Carney has an immense job to effectively govern Canada with a minority parliament, dealing diplomatically with threats from the US administration on sovereignty, increased tariffs and border issues while reaching out to Europe, India and now China to build trading partnerships. I am pleased to report that the Canadian government continues to financially support Ukraine as the Russia’s invasion of their country enters its fourth year of war. Hopefully 2026 will see the end of hostilities as Russia’s economy slides into freefall with the cutoff of funds from production and sale of oil to China and India.

Trump’s Imperialist ambitions are now fully on display in Venezuela, Greenland and Columbia and the world is watching helplessly as the possibility of NATO dissolving becomes a real possibility. In addition the world waits and watches towards US mid term elections in the US Congress and Senate to see if a change in the balance of power toward the Democrats could bring about a third impeachment of Trump. Wouldn’t that be something! We will be living through unprecedented changes in 2026 however we are confident in the knowledge that our country and our club are strong.

On a very sad note I must record that the club lost one our most hard working, effective and well liked executive committee members, Ron Mitchell. Personally I will miss his wise counsel at management meetings and good humor during our monthly general meetings. God Bless Ron.

I am pleased to report that with the resumption of winter, after that the snowshoe group was able to successfully complete its first outing led by David Howden.

With an early start to the season Ski Legends group had a terrific ski day turnout of over 30 skiers at Alpine Ski club last week. Many more private club ski days are planned for the balance of the year and can be found on the website under the Ski Legends activities tab.

The club also has interesting openings for volunteers on the speakers committee and management committee. Please contact any management committee member to find out details on these opportunities.

Looking forward to seeing you at the January monthly meeting.

Michael Coward
michael.coward@gmail.com

Speaker: Liz Manley

We are absolutely honoured to have Liz Manley speak with us today. We all blushed in Canadian pride as we watched her truly outstanding career as a Junior, National, and International competitive figure skating star. The awards are far too numerous to list, culminating in the silver at the 1988 Winter Olympics.

After retiring as an amateur, she performed in ice shows, television specials and competed in professional events. In 1988 she was made a Member of the Order of Canada, and in 2014 she was inducted into the Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Liz now devotes her time as a spokesperson to a series of issues, including the Ovarian Cancer Canada’s Winners Walk of Hope. But she is very committed as a spokesperson for mental health issues due to her own battle with depression, which began before the 1984 Olympics.

Notes on presentation by Ryan Little

On Thursday December 18, 2025, Blue Mountain PROBUS hosted a presentation by Ryan Little who currently resides in Kiev, on life and the war surging in the Ukraine. Approximately 100 members and guests were able to attend. The Club was honored to have Ryan, whose father Bob is a member of Blue Mountain PROBUS, speak to the Club and to hear firsthand about life in Kiev while under constant bombardment from Russia. Ryan reviewed how his life has evolved since the war began, and how his activities to support the Ukraine have necessitated his move from Vienna Austria to Kiev. While he talked of his initial efforts for provide winter clothing to the Ukraine while living in Vienna, he spoke about his more recent initiatives in support of the war effort from his new home in Kiev, in providing front line medical resources and addressing specific needs for various types of equipment (ranging from vehicles to complex digital technologies). His description of the effect of drone attacks and how that technology is evolving was chilling. Ryan has become an important player in efforts to supply Ukraine with the resources it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression. These initiatives have put him in contact with highest levels of power and authority in Ukraine. Ryan provided an overview of life in Kiev with extensive power blackouts and how life continues and even thrives in face of the attacks that take place. Ryan also provided information about how the Ukraine is being increasingly successful in disrupting the Russian oil industry which is the main source of revenue Russia requires to allow it to prosecute the war. Ryan also spoke about the challenges created by the United States position in non-support for the Ukraine and the seemingly poor support it receives from nearby European countries that are members of NATO. Following a question and answer period, Michael Coward thanked Ryan for his time and his insightful presentation on life within the Ukraine.

Activities/Outings

Christmas Luncheon

We held our Christmas Lunch on December 10th at Alpine Ski Club. It was well attended despite the snow storm that rolled into town on that day. It was great to see everyone’s spouses, who all looked fabulous. The meal and music were great and everyone who attended appeared to enjoy themselves.

Ski Legends

It's that season again and PROBUS Ski Legends will be in full swing. Details for this group can be found here.

Snowshoeing Group

We had a beautiful sunny day for our first hike of the season on and around the Cranberry Golf Course, followed by lunch at Montana's.

Dave Howden snapped this shot on our Jan 8 snowshoe.

PROBUS Travel Group

Please look at gptg.probuscanada.ca before planning your next vacation….our people are great to travel with.

We are working hard for you and here are the current trips, for you and yours, friends and family to consider

The Morocco program is, land - 10-24 April 2026. It is filling up well. For info call Fred 416-882-6916
Small group Ireland….land- 01 -12 June 2027. Call 705 429 9455 for info. There are 2 spaces left.
Japan 03-16 Nov 2026. Call 705 444 1161 for info ( Brenda) 4.TBA... bike trip in Quebec incl Le Petit Train du Nord. Sept 2026.
Star Clipper sailing ship, 4 masts, 83 cabins…visit many small islands from Costa Rica to Panama . Dates 09-16 Jan 2027. Call 705 429 9455 for Info.
TBA Haida Gwaii adventure Aug 2026 out of Sandspit. Again, please look at the website for up to date info……

Many, many thanks-Gloria on behalf of GPTG

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

Now that you're here ... Happy New Year!

This website is updated almost every day. Adjustments to the Calendar, Rides, Paddles, Hikes, etc. can occur at any time. Be sure to check the site for all our activities. You can also get Member contact info when you Login.

If you need to look up fellow PROBUS MEMBERS, you can login the to the Member's area. A number of members contribute to this content, so please check it out.

Don't forget: Sign Waivers, Get your Mug shot in.