Probus-Gui ldwood
Our Strength is Fellowship, Our Success is Participation.
ISSUE #57 NEWSLETTER December 2016
Probus-Guildwood Meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of the Month, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church,
140 Guildwood Parkway, Guildwood Village – Everyone is most welcome.
President’s Message
When I joined Probus back
in November 2015 it was to
experience what my wife,
Wendy, had been extolling
the virtues of for months. I
then found myself as the
Membership chair and later
Vice-President. I’m still
trying to figure how I let that happen. Well
now, I am delighted to once again be a member
of the Probus-Guildwood executive as your
President. I hope I can be as gracious,
welcoming and hard-working as Wendy has
been on your behalf. Wendy becomes Past
President.
Please welcome John Roblin, our new
Treasurer, Jane Corry our new Vice-President
and Speaker’s Chair, Eric Niemela our new
Membership Chair and Dorothée McKinlay as
your newsletter editor. Joy McIntosh is
continuing to provide us with her expertise as
our Secretary.
I thank Gerard Baribeau who has volunteered
his time and efforts as the founder of Probus-
Guildwood and a member of the executive since
its eginning in 2011. He has decided to finally
step back from his positions as Treasurer and
Newsletter editor.
Four members of your newly minted executive
(Alan, Wendy, Eric and Joy) attended the
District 3 Executive Workshop where we shared
ideas with the executive of the other clubs in
District 3 as to how the club can be improved.
Hopefully, we will see some of these
improvements in the near future.
Alan
Our November Speaker
Mural Routes, November 9 - Karin Eaton
Karin Eaton, Director of Mural Routes,
provided a fascinating animated slide
presentation focusing on our many Scarborough
murals documenting and graphically
interpreting the histories of our diverse
communities. Once a proposed site and contract
is completed with the owner of the building, a
selected wall artist is employed with the
assistance of various sponsors. For each project,
community input is requested regarding the
proposed mural. Aspiring youth are mentored
and trained by the lead artist to visually
illustrate poignant stories about their
community.
Ideally the selected walls must be damp free.
Unfortunately some murals have been damaged
or destroyed over the years. Recently one
approach of minimizing damage has been the
use of painted and shaped plywood panels
attached to buildings in Cliffcrest portraying a
series of birches. There are also murals on
underpasses such as near the Warden station,
Homage to the Bomb Girls, and tunnels such as
the Rainbow along the DVP.
In the past, Mural Routes has secured additional
funding with the sale of quality mural
reproductions and has recently designed a 2017
calendar portraying their current projects.
Contact Natalie Dewan, Program Coordinator
of Mural Routes at: [email protected] or
at: 416-698-7995. She will confirm your order
and mode of payment so that Gerard can have
them for our December 14 Christmas Luncheon.
Karin also advised that Mural Routes will be
chartering a bus tour of all the murals in March
for 40 people. We will provide a sign up list for
interested members.
December 2016 Probus-Guildwood Newsletter Page 2
Growing old can be Fun… as long as you do it with the right people.
Potential Mural Routes Tour in March
Natalie Dewan, Program Co-ordinator of Mural
Routes, has asked if our Probus-Guildwood club
would be interested in our own exclusive tour of
the Scarborough Murals. It would cost
approximately $35-40 per person with minimum
number of about 30 participants. The March
tour mentioned by Karin Eaton at our November
ninth meeting would be open to people across
the city and will only be able to accommodate
about 40 people. We will post a sign-up list at
our Christmas luncheon. If interested, but not
attending the luncheon, please contact Wendy
Hooker.
Mural at Ikki Sushi completed September 27
by artist B.C. Johnson.
Who doesn’t eat on Christmas?
A turkey because it is always “stuffed”.
REMINDER
Travel vaccines as well as the flu vaccine can be
administered at local drug stores.
FREE Shingles vaccine is available for seniors
65 to 70 years of age.
Wendy thanks Karin
Karin picks 50/50 Winner
And the Winner is:
Julia Taylor Julia picks winner of Million dollar
lottery ticket
Eric Niemela wins
December 2016 Probus-Guildwood Newsletter Page 3
Growing old can be Fun… as long as you do it with the right people.
Don’t leave home without it.
On November 18, 2016 I had the marvelous
opportunity to go to the Probus District meeting.
The highlight of the meeting was when I was
able to sit down with seven other membership
chairs to exchange ideas among us.
Mostly, other clubs have a larger membership
than our club. They were also far stricter
enforcing club rules. For instance, if you had
not paid your membership fee by the end of
December you were out and someone on the
waiting list would take your place. Yes, they
had a cap on the membership and a waiting list
to get in.
However, the most interesting rule I found to be
was that some clubs stipulated that if you did
not wear your name tag you had to pay a fine of
one dollar. The reason they emphasize this so
strongly is that Probus is a Social Club. It is so
much easier and friendlier to intermingle with
other people when you know the person’s name.
I know that often I do know the person’s name I
am talking to, but it just doesn’t come to me.
People tell me that I am having a senior moment
but I do not wish to advertise those moments
any more than I have to.
So let’s not leave home without our name tags
and let’s wear them.
Sincerely, Eric Neimela
We always hold hands,
if I let go she shops.
November Birthdays
Roseanne Nihtila, Diane Popadopoulos &
missing from picture Dorothée McKinlay
November Anniversaries
Heather Talbot
Lunch with Friends
December is our annual Christmas luncheon –
and as the last Friday of December is so close to
Christmas, ergo, Lunch with Friends will be
cancelled for December.
The next Lunch with Friends will be held on
Thursday, January 26, 2017, 12:00 p.m. at the
Aioli Bistro restaurant – 2446 Kingston Rd. the
cost will be $30.00 for fixed three course meals.
There will be a sign-up sheet at our December
and January meetings. Thanks. Jan Eaton
December 2016 Probus-Guildwood Newsletter Page 4
Growing old can be Fun… as long as you do it with the right people.
Tom Rice
Peacefully passed away on November 14, 2016,
at the age of 79. Our sympathy is with his
family and friends.
FYI (For Your Information) FYI contains items-notices-events that members
feel others may be interested in. Thank you to
members who submit items. Please send to
[email protected] or directly to
the NL editor [email protected]
Trafalgar 24 Tickets, March 10, 2017 from
6:30 to 11 p.m.
At Driftwood Theatre, they’ll do just about
anything to inspire creation, including locking
six playwrights into a haunted castle overnight.
TRAFALGAR 24: 24 artists, 24 hours, one
castle. Over the course of one day, 24 theatre
artists from across Ontario will descend upon
Trafalgar Castle to write, rehearse and perform
six new plays set within the rooms, halls, nooks
and crannies of Whitby’s very own 19th century
castle.
Driftwood Theatre is offering discounted
Holiday Treat Tickets at 25% OFF their $60
tickets UNTIL DECEMBER 24 and introduces
$25 tickets for all guests 25 years of age and
under. The 10-minute scripts play out around
the audience in locations throughout the castle.
Audience members also help to select a winning
play to receive a commission for further
development from Driftwood Theatre.
As Driftwood’s signature gala event of the
season, TRAFALGAR 24 raises over $20,000
annually in support of accessible theatre under
the stars in over 25 communities across Ontario.
It is a sumptuous affair featuring both a wine
and cheese and dessert buffet, and a silent
auction with some of the best deals around in
entertainment, electronics, services and art. If
interested, contact Wendy Hooker before
December 14.
A Christmas Carol performance at Cosburn
United Church (Greenwood and Cosburn) on
December 9 and 10.
A Christmas Cantata at Hope United Church
(Danforth and Main) at 7 p.m. on Saturday,
December 17.
Scarborough Village Seniors Presents A day
at Famous People Players Dine and Dream
Theatre that begins with a sumptuous three-
course meal – elegantly presented, exquisitely
prepared and enjoyed family-style, with ease
and grace. You’ll have to wait for dessert
though, because now it is time for REAL magic
to begin. Your host welcomes you and your
party into the theatre and a world of wonder and
shimmering delight unfold before your eyes.
Vaudeville, slapstick, abstract wonderments and
belly laughing FUN. This production, Running
Wild, showcases the best of the best of their
repertoire. All of your favourite numbers from
their 41 Years.
Date: Thursday, January 19, 2017
Depart: 10:30 a.m. Scarborough Village
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – Doors Open at FPP
12:00 noon – Enjoy Chicken Supreme
with potatoes, vegetables, salad and
rolls
Show: Running Wild
Dessert served after the show
Boutique: 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Visit to the Cheese Boutique
Conservatory: 4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Visit to Allan Gardens
Return: Arrival in Scarborough approximately
6:00 p.m.
Price: $94.00 per person
Full Payment Due by January 5, 2017
Includes return transportation via deluxe coach,
Dinner theatre, visit to the Cheese Boutique and
Allan Gardens, driver gratuity, and all taxes.
To book sign up at the Travel Desk or call
Susan Bach at 416-755-0179
Cancellations within seven days prior to
Departure are 100% non-refundable
December 2016 Probus-Guildwood Newsletter Page 5
Growing old can be Fun… as long as you do it with the right people.
Join us at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church
Hall for a Robbie Burns Night. The church is
located at 35 Wood Glen Rd., the SE corner of
Kingston Road. A festive Scottish dinner
including roast beef, veggies and haggis, if you
wish to try and an evening of entertainment is
included. Tickets are $35 per person. Contact
Carmen at 416-699-3084. The date is Saturday,
January 21, at 5:30 p.m. reception and dinner at
6:00 p.m. We’ll also have a signup sheet at our
December & January meeting.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017 This is the coolest experience of the day for you
and your guests. Enjoy our award-winning
Icewine cocktail in our 10Below Icewine
Lounge as you don a Peller Estates parka and
gloves. Taste why our Estate mixologist
received top honours at this year’s 2016 Icewine
Festival Cocktail Competition in Niagara’s only
ice room. Due to the extreme room
temperatures, this experience is limited to 20
minutes.
Your tour includes:
Visit to Peller Estates to the 10Below
Icewine Lounge
Lunch at Calamus Winery
Soar 175 feet above the Falls for the most
spectacular view you'll ever experience on
the SKYWHEEL. Climate controlled
gondolas provide year round sightseeing
comfort.
OR
Butterfly Conservatory: This magical
attraction features over 2,000 colourful
tropical butterflies floating freely among
lush, exotic blossoms and greenery. Paths
wind through the rainforest setting, past a
pond and waterfall and the Emergence
window, where butterflies leave their pupae
and prepare to take their first flight.
COST $99 (includes driver’s tip)
Shirlie van Putten
905-619-8583 [email protected]
Christmas Luncheon – December 14
Vladimir Gorodkin will be our entertainer at
our Christmas Luncheon on Wednesday,
December 14. He will be playing the tsimbaly,
otherwise known as the hammer dulcimer.
Originating in Belarus and Ukraine, the
tsimbaly is an ancient instrument which is
trapezoidal in shape and consists of several
courses of strings. (A piano could be described
as a mechanized hammer dulcimer operated by
keys derived from a harpsichord.)
The tsimbaly was brought to Europe during the
Crusades. The name dulcimer comes from
Latin and means ‘sweet sound’ and is played by
striking strings, made of steel piano wire, with
two small hammers, or by plucking them.
ariations of the instrument are played
throughout the world. It is called a zither in
Italy, a santur in Ireland, the tiompan in
Hungary and the sandouri in Austria.
Vladimir started to play the tsimbaly at age 7.
He is an honours graduate from the
Conservatory of Music in Belarus and has
played in more than 20 countries throughout
Europe and Africa and all over North America.
Currently, Vladimir lives in Woodbridge. He
has several CDs that cover a wide range of
music. For further information Google Vladimir
Gorodkin and www.tsimbaly.com
Money can’t buy happiness, but it sure makes
misery easier to live with.
December 2016 Probus-Guildwood Newsletter Page 6
Growing old can be Fun… as long as you do it with the right people.
Refreshments
We are thankful to the Suites by the Lake
Residence who will be providing January’s
sweets refreshments. Then it is up to us
members to provide the sweets for subsequent
months. Ladies and gentlemen share your
baking with us.
Karen Manuel has volunteered to do some of the
refreshments for February. We need at least
three people every month to make sure there is
something good to snack on after the business
meeting. Please call me if you can help in
February and/or other months. I have
volunteered for March with Joy McIntosh. We
could use someone else volunteering with us.
No one has volunteered for April so please
contact me if you have some baking you would
like to share.
Thank you to all who can help in the coming
months.
Carole M. Lidgold, Co-Ordinator,
416-284-0742 [email protected]
Sheila Russek receives her
P-G nametag
Speakers at Our
Monthly Meetings
Dec. 14 Annual Christmas Luncheon at
Qssis – special entertainment by
Vladimir Gorodkin
Jan. 11 L’Arche Daybreak – Beth Porter
Feb. 8 Metro Zoo – Karen Conway
Recipe Corner Please submit your ‘flavourite’ family recipes to
the editor at [email protected]
PUMPKIN BREAD
Grease & flour 2 large loaf pans
(Makes 2 loaves)
Mix the following ingredients:
1 cup cooking Oil
3 cups White Sugar
4 Eggs
2 cups Pumpkin
Mix the following ingredients and then
gradually add to the above:
3 1/2 cups Flour
2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
2 tsp Salt
2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Allspice
1 tsp Cloves
1 tsp Nutmeg
Fold in the following:
3/4 cup Raisins
1 cup Ground Walnuts (Optional)
2/3 cup Water
Bake in 350 degree oven 1:30 to 2:00 hours
(Usually takes 1:30 only, but some ovens may
vary, test with toothpick in centre after 1:30
hours). Submitted by: Dorothée McKinlay
Membership
There are currently 95 members with 58
members attending, one new member and one
guest who attended our November meeting.
Reminder to renew your $20.00 membership.
Occasionally we’ve needed to contact
member(s) – If you have relocated since you
joined this wonderful organization – please
update your current address/information to the
membership people at the table at our monthly
meeting or email Eric: [email protected]
To reduce printing costs, please advise us if you
have an email address so that we can email the
newsletter (and you’ll receive it in colour, too).
December 2016 Probus-Guildwood Newsletter Page 7
Growing old can be Fun… as long as you do it with the right people.
Help keep us informed about members who are
ill, hospitalized or have had bereavement so that
Karen Manuel can send cards. Karen – 416 283-
5079 by email: [email protected].
We would also like to know about any
member’s special event, award, 50th
anniversary, etc.
Eric Niemela
We never really grow up; we only learn how to
act in public.
District #3 Probus Meeting
Executive representatives from all 33 clubs in
District #3 were invited to this Mississauga
gathering on Friday, November 18. As your
reps, Alan Burt, Wendy Hooker, Joy McIntosh
and Eric Niemela attended this gathering.
Probus Canada President, Richard Furlong,
outlined the growth of Probus internationally
and nationally. There are almost 4,000 Probus
clubs in 23 countries. Canada has 237 clubs
with 33,883 members. As of 2017, Probus
Canada will be celebrating 30 years of success.
Most clubs are co-ed; there are also gents and
ladies only clubs. Ideally the clubs are social,
not service oriented and run at a minimum cost
to the members. They are intended to provide a
“fruitful retirement with fellowship and enhance
community awareness”.
In Ontario, Probus clubs are increasing due to
the growth in senior demographics. Currently
there are six districts scheduled to expand in
2017 to seven districts consisting of 30 clubs per
district. Bob Boone, District #3 Director,
introduced Bob Ashdon who initiated the
newest club this year in Whitby to illustrate how
the clubs are growing.
Thereafter executive reps were clustered by role
to share best practices during their lunch. The
afternoon concluded with a presentation from
Johnson Insurance about internal travel
insurance. Contact: www.johnson.ca/medoc or
phone:1-866-60MEDOC. The overview was
impressive with its accommodations for seniors;
however, members clarified why we should
always read the fine print of any contract.
Wendy Hooker
Janet delivers her giggle
of the month
The following was sent to Wendy from Allison
Murray as an update from the Guildwood
Refugee Action Committee. (GRACE)
Hello GRACE Supporters:
The last time I connected, I provided an update
about our two sponsored families. I hope you’re
feeling as happy as I am that they are settling in
well into their new lives here. They are learning
English, getting settled in school, making
friends and more importantly, starting to feel
like they belong. They have all expressed their
gratitude for the support that they have received
from members of our group. We really are
making a difference for some lovely people.
One mark of a civilized society is how well it
treats its most vulnerable citizens, and I think
that as Canadians we can be proud of the
resources, services and supports that are
available, not just to newcomers but to all of us.
I have to say that I have much more
appreciation for our social safety net now that I
see things through the eyes of our new friends.
Today, I have a couple of reminders and I also
have a new and dead easy fundraising initiative
to tell you about.
First the reminders:
1. Weekend of December 3/4: MOVING
DAY. Shifaa and her three boys were moved
to a new apartment.
2. Saturday, December 10, 5-7 p.m.: Meet
our families at the GRACE Potluck
Welcome Party. LOCATION: Scarborough Village
Recreation Centre, 3600 Kingston Road,
The Village Room
If you are planning to attend, please click
here by Dec 6 to register for this free event
December 2016 Probus-Guildwood Newsletter Page 8
Growing old can be Fun… as long as you do it with the right people.
at our Eventbrite page.
Now for the NEW initiative:
If you will be shopping ONLINE in the next
little while (Christmas shopping, anyone?) you
can help us raise money to support our
sponsored families. Please watch your email
over the next few days. I will be sending you
some information about how simply doing a
little online shopping (which you will no doubt
be doing anyway!) can help raise money for
GRACE's refugee fund.
As always, I thank you for your support,
generosity and compassion.
Allison Murray
GRACE Project Leader
Guildwood Refugee Action Committee
416-266-2757 (home)
Call for Ad Hoc Activities Committee
Members
In an attempt to enrich our Probus-
Guildwood club activities, we are requesting
all members to consider joining this
organization meeting. The events can be a
one time or a series of events like our Lunch
with Friends eons. Your fresh perspective is
needed.
There will also be a survey of current
members interests and skills. Contact
Wendy Hooker at:
[email protected] or at
416-266-4682
Last Column – Activity Calendar– everything in one place Date Activity
Wed. Dec. 14 Christmas Luncheon at Qssis
Wed. Jan. 11 Monthly Meeting
Fri. Jan 27 Lunch with Friends - Aioli
Bistro
Wed. Feb. 8 Monthly Meeting
Probus-Guildwood Information – Meeting Schedule
The Club meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the Month
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church, 140 Guildwood Parkway,
Guildwood Village
CLUB PURPOSE
To provide regular gatherings for active retirees who join together to create opportunities to keep minds active, expand interests and enjoy the fellowship of new friends.
CLUB MAILING ADDRESS
Probus-Guildwood
50 Sunnypoint Crescent Scarborough, ON M1M 1B9 email: [email protected]
Management-Executive Team 2016 - 2017 The Executive meets the fourth Wednesday of each month
President: Alan Burt
[email protected] 416 266-4682
Past President: Wendy Hooker
[email protected] 416 266-4682
Vice-President: Jane Corry
[email protected] 416-261-6812
Secretary: Joy McIntosh
[email protected] 416 269-7376
Treasurer: John Roblin
[email protected] 416-266-6349
Membership: Eric Niemela
[email protected] 416-267-2762
Speakers: Jane Corry 416 261-6812 Newsletter [ed.] Dorothée McKinlay 416 264-4748
Sub-Committees and Helpers
Refreshments: Carole Lidgold, Dorothée McKinlay 50/50 Draw: Lee Grayhurst, Cheryn Parry, Diane
Gamble Photographer: Vacant Activities: Vacant Lunch with Friends: Jan Eaton Set-up/Take down: assistance is needed – please volunteer, you are needed – John Roblin Speakers: Cheryn Parry, Lee Grayhurst, Jane Corry Student Reading: Joyce Russell Resident Jokester: Janet Heise Membership Assistant: Mitzi Clarke, Maureen
Bushey, Carolyn Hannaford Proofreader: Judy Baribeau Reporters: articles welcomed – Please – Thanks to all
who submit items/articles...
The Newsletter is published monthly prior to our monthly meeting.
Your Assistance most welcome and many thanks to all our “helpers”