PROBEThe

First Joint Probus Meeting Success!

So exciting! A room full of people meeting new friends and reacquainting with oth-ers they’ve known for years!....Exactly what our “Liaison” focus is meant to be!I would like to thank everyone involved, from both Grasslands and Kamloops Pro-bus Clubs, for the TIME, ENERGY and EF-FORT that went into organizing our “FIRST “COMBINED” Probus meeting! What a wonderful success! John and Bill worked so well together, to create the moment for us all to enjoy. And, there were many helpers involved, as well! (...in fear of leaving someone off the list, I won’t go there!) But we all know it takes a team to put something big together! Committees, teams, work groups....make it all happen! (I do hope this serves as encouragement... for new members as well as those who have been members for a while, who perhaps are hanging back, to get involved within the working of your club! As my dear departed Mom would say, “Many hands make light work”)So, I would like to thank the Grasslands Club for hosting the Probus Club of Kamloops, in the ‘first’ of hopefully many such enjoyable occasions! ¬Norma Browne, President of Probus Club of Kamloops

Probus Club of KamlooPsNewsletter No: 52, May 28, 2018

NORMA BROWNE

President

President’s Mystery Bus Tour on Friday May 25, 2018 Cancelled, due to safety concerns with poor road conditions.Norma will be reimbursing those who paid for the ”President’s Excursion” in cash, at the May meeting, unless she sees you before that. If you don’t plan on being at the May meeting, please call and arrange a time to pick up your reimbursement. (250)372-4900. For those who payed by cheque, it has been shredded, as per your permission. Thanks.— Norma Browne

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PHOTOS FROM THE JOINT PROBUS MEETING OF THE GRASSLANDS AND KAMLOOPS PROBUS CLUBS

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HIKER’S REPORTS

TOUR OF RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL (SECWEPEMC MUSEUM)

On a breezy, sunny 1st of May, a group of PROBUS members ventured off to visit the Kamloops Indian Residential School and the Secwepemc Museum. Cultural Educator Sabrina Thomas spoke at length, taking an abundant number of questions from the group. A 1991 CBC about the School was also shown to the group, with caveats provided about elements of propaganda that had been imbedded in the piece.It was a sobering, thoughtful day for our group. Thanks to Donna Cassidy for making the arrangements—Jan Petrar.

The observation platform overlooking the city near the summit.

On the ‘Ridge’

The wetlands below the Ridge

The hike on May 3rd was in Kenna Cartwright Park. Jim again arranged for glorious weather for the party of 17 consisting of 6 from our club (Jim, Bob, Midge, Joanne, Katy and Colin), 8 from the Thompson Rivers Club, a lone participant from the Grasslands Club, and two guests of Joanne, including her daughter. The trail took us up to the towers, resting near the top at the observation plat-form overlooking the city, before making the final ascent up, what can best be described as, a goat track! From the top the trail took us westward along and down the ‘Ridge’ where at one point the steep gravelly slope saw at least one person on their ‘back-end’! The trail looped back to the trail-head through great displays of Balsam Root, past some interesting plants and some lichen-covered rocks of various hues. A great hike followed by a fulsome meal at Duffy’s Pub. Thanks Jim. Colin James

The final descent

Plant life! Lichen covered rocks

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HIKER’S REPORTS (CONT.)

View of Pauk Lake —Bill Flynn.

Gibralter Rock (Paul Lake)—Bill Flynn.Start of Hike among the Balsalm Roots—Bill Flynn.

On Thursday May 17th Jim led a small group of hikers up Gibraltar Rock in Paul Lake Park. The weather was once again superb as Midge, Bill, Bob and Jim from our club and Linda, Peter and Davina from the Thompson Rivers Club headed along the shore of Paul Lake through masses of Balsam Root (they were joined later on the hike by Vern and Elisabeth). The climb to the top is mainly through the trees so that it wasn’t too warm, and the view from the top was magnificent and clear in both directions along the lake. A hearty lunch at the Halston Pub and Diner capped off another great hike —Colin James

As May is a ‘5-Thursday’ month the hiking group was able to have a third hike this month. On Thursday May 24th Jim led a small group in sweltering heat through the Lac Du Bois Grasslands to the summit of Battle Bluff overlooking Kamloops Lake. It was a small group, consisting of six members of our club (Jim, Bob, Midge, Gisele, Katy and Colin) and two from the Thompson Rivers Club (Linda and Lynne). The hike was arduous at times, not only because of the heat but the swarms of mosquitoes! However, the view from the top was well worth the effort and gave an appreciation of how high the water level is in Kamloops Lake. The party split into two for the descent, one group wisely choosing a longer but less-slippery route! A great lunch was enjoyed at the Kamloops Golf and Country Club after the hike. Another great day Jim! —Colin James

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TASTER’S CHOICE

PROBUS BC PACIFIC REGION MEETING VANCOUVERA Few Key Points We Picked Up:

1. Our overall assessment was that this Conference was highly valuable. For this Conference, Jan paid her own costs. The $400 allotment approved by the GM for 1 delegate barely covered Norma’s costs even though we stayed only 1 night in Vancouver, and had lunch, breakfast and one dinner out of our home-packed coolers. Norma ate only 1 restaurant meal (a dinner). One lunch was included with the $55 Conference Fee.2. The unanimous response to this Conference from all in attendance was extremely positive, and the attendees strongly recommended that such events, whether for the District, the Region, or at the National level, be more frequent. Hence, it is likely that more opportunities will arise in the future, and we feel it would bring the Club value to regularly participate.3. Our Club, though very strong in many areas, is far behind in its use of technology. We did not encounter one Club that regretted their use of technology, providing the platform(s) chosen was appropriate. Some of the things that could be managed or enhanced by technology include: a. Membership List - easier to add/delete/amend/send communications b. Special Interest Lists - easier to add/delete/amend/send communications c. Agendas and Minutes could be posted online and stored permanently d. Payments for Membership and events could be made online, which would also mean we could accept credit cards e. Pictures, The Probe etc. could be online… preserving our historyWe recommend that the possible addition of some aspects of technology be explored by our Club, with a focus on learning from the experience of other Clubs.4. PROBUS has Clubs in 23 countries. PROBUS members tend to be travelers. Currently, there is little if any focus on encouraging and facilitating Members who are travelling to participate in meetings and Special Interest Groups at their destinations. Having a PROBUS connection while travelling was felt to be a valuable asset. 5. Our fees, at $25, are below the average of $40-60 in Canada. Fees are higher yet in large urban centres. Our Club size, currently capped at 120, is considered a smaller Club. In past years our Club has had a sizeable waitlist, but for the past year, that has not been the case. Our Club also averages an attrition of 10% each year.We are at risk of not replacing that attrition… and that could be financially challenging. PROBUS Canada is recommending that Clubs not be complacent and keep their eye on sustainability of membership and the financial health of Clubs.

Bill Sexsmith chaired the Conference. Bill is the PROBUS Canada President and resides in Vancouver. He was supported by 8 Lower Mainland Members in organizing the Conference. They did a marvelous job of welcoming, organizing, staying on time, balancing information giving with information sharing, and in allowing mixing time as well as focused time. A soup and sandwich lunch was served.

We are at Jody Sloper’s house, and Ron is pontificating about his vast knowledge of tequila. It was a truly memorable event, as all our tastings are! —Peter H. Baron

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- PROBUS began in 1965/66 in the United Kingdom with a core group of retiring former Rotarians who sought to form an organization for retirees- The first PROBUS Club in Canada formed in Cambridge, Ontario in 1987- The name reflects that originally it was comprised of “professionals” and “business” people. Now, the organiza-tion has evolved to encompass any retired or semi-retired person who is nominated by an existing member.- Globally, there are 4000+ Clubs with over 400,000 Members operating in 23 countries.

- In Canada, there are 242 Clubs with over 36,500 Members. The Pacific Region (of which our Club is a Member) has 46 Clubs located in 3 Districts:• Lower Mainland (14 Clubs)• Vancouver Island (23 Clubs)• The BC Interior (9 Clubs)- Of the 46 Clubs in the Pacific Region, 23 were represented at the Conference, including all 3 Kamloops Clubs.- In 2001, the PROBUS Canada annual growth rate was 14%. It fell to 2.7% in 2016, though preliminary numbers for 2017 show there may be a turnaround at 5.6%. regardless, retention and growth are an area of focus.- PROBUS Canada is currently focused on:• attaining a larger female presence on their Board• marketing/recruitment/retention/growth• the idea of another National Rendezvous• increasing Regional/District meetings• a new National website (soon to be released)• improving overall communication throughout the organization- PROBUS Canada is NOT focused on micro-managing Clubs – for example, they have no intention of creating a standard set of bylaws, standard operating procedures (SOP), or of requiring a standard Management Commit-tee structure.- There is recognition that in some Clubs, there are challenges that are limiting growth and retention:• “Bastions” of male membership (a holdover from the days when Rotary was 100% male) still exist (there are

male-only and female-only Clubs). Indications were that both types were evolving in the direction of open membership.

• A lack of diversity is slowly changing. Clubs with diversity were enthusiastic in their praise for how it has enhanced their Club experience.

• Some Clubs have an average age of 80 years or more.- Monthly attendance of about 60% of Members is common. Our Membership tend to be travelers, and also tend to have many interests, and so the 60% attendance has proven sustainable and reasonable over time.- It is also a trend that Clubs in large centres like Vancouver have membership numbers in the 300-400 range yet have few additional activities aside from the monthly meeting. - Conversely, Clubs in smaller centres tend to average between 150-200 members and have a wide range of Special Interest Groups. Often size is a factor of availability of a suitable venue.- Our Club has 17 Special Interest Groups. Comparatively, that is a robust number, with few Clubs achieving that level of engagement.- Again, somewhat reflecting large urban versus smaller centres, some Clubs pay speakers $200+ and cover their expenses (travel in Vancouver can become an all-day affair). Others, like us, provide a small gift and perhaps a lunch. - Norma Browne (President) and Jan Petrar (Vice-President)

I would like to relate the passing of one of our more recent Probus member. Cathy Hamaguchi passed away peacefully at home on Aug 4 of last year. Cathy and Bob joined our Club approximately 2 years ago now. At that time, Cathy had recovered from a stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma and all were optimistic at a return to travel and the wonderful world of re-tirement. Unfortunately total remission was not to be. Illness returned and as a result she was only able to attend a few meetings before the disease became overwhelming.Cathy was born and raised in Rossland and attended the St Pauls Hospital School of Nursing. It was in Vancouver that she met UBC Engineering student Bob. From that point began many travels to various mining communities affording them a host of lifelong friends. Their two daughters provided them with 4 beautiful grandchildren whom she absolutely adored. Cathy was a marvellous and compassionate caregiver over the years to her many patients, to her various dogs and cats, but most importantly to her family. Bob will continue in our Probus group between visits with Port Alberni and Vancouver families. —Larry Prins

A belated note on the passing of Cathy Hamaguchi.

Norma Browne at Conference entance in Vancouver

Bill Sexsmith is the Probus Canada President

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SPECIAL EVENT AT SUN PEAKS ON AUGUST, 2, 2018

President: Norma Browne 250-371-4900 nbrowne@telus.netVice President/Web: Jan Petrar 250-319-8590 jan.petrar@gmail.comPast President: Peter Allik-Petersenn 250-374-7117 pdap@shaw.caCo-Secretary: Elaine Woods 250-374-4913 elaine_woods@telus.net Co-Secretary: Jody Sloper (250) 573-2885 jsloper@telus.net Treasurer: Dale Merrett 250-828-0469 dmerrett@live.caMembership: Heather Johnson 250-320-7623 hmjohnson@telus.net Hospitality: Joan Tolnai 250-372-5371 steve.tolnai@shaw.caSpeakers: John Crowe 250-5734264 jcrowe@telus.netNewsletter: Ed Baron 250-828-1092 ebaron@telus.netSocial Convenor: Judy Brown 250-372-8415 JimandJudybrown@gmail.com

Historian: Vacant Special Interest Groups: Donna Cassidy 778-471-3937 djcassidy@shaw.ca Marilyn Poncelet (250) 828-1376 poncelet.marilyn@gmail.comMember At Large: Sharon Moore 250-374-8488 slute2007@hotmail.com

Probus Club of KamloopsManagement Committee, 2017 –18

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP COORDINATORS CONTACT LIST

Special Interest Group Coordinator Telephone Email

Ladies Fun Golf Caroline Laitinen 250-374-9091 budcar@shaw.caWalk in the Park Nonie Miles 250-579-2474 gnmiles@telus.netTaster’s Choice Ron Haywood (778) 362-8111 ronhaywood@shaw.caChapter 1 Book Club Caroline Laitinen 250-374-9091 budcar@shaw.caLadies Wednesday Morning Coffee Shane Haywood (778) 362-8111 shaywood@shaw.caSnow Shoeing Group Bill Flynn 250-828-2094 s-b-flynn@shaw.ca Bob Jennejohn 250-372-7966 lila_jennejohn@telus.net Larry Dixon (cell) 250-314-4518 larry501@shaw.ca Topical Issues Discussion Group Fanny Monk 250-573-5277 fannymonk@hotmail.comMen’s Golf Bob Hunter 250-374-7228 rbh3@live.caMen’s Cooking Group John Crowe 250-573-4264 jcrowe@telus.netPage Turner’s Book Club Heather Johnson 250-320-7623 hmjohnson@telus.netProbus Hiking Group Jim Sherb and 250-579-2148 jdsherb@shaw.ca Colin James 250-573-5373 tenbycol@hotmail.comProbus Tea Connoisseurs’s Group Midge King 250-374-2566 mhking@ucalgary.caLazy Lunch Group Felicity Klassen 250-318-5259 klassen4135@gmail.comCycling Bill Flynn 250-828-2094 s-b-flynn@shaw.ca Men’s Coffee Dale Merrett 250-828-0469 dmerrett@live.caSingle Ladies Dinner Out Donna Cassidy 778-471-3937 djcassidy@shaw.ca

There will be 3 hikes of different difficulty. 1. Dificult involving fairly steep hills - Sign up with Jim Sherb’s group <jdsherb@shaw.ca> 2. Intermeditate level 2-2.5 -Sign up with Jim Sherb. <jdsherb@shaw.ca> 3. Slow easy walk level 1. More information to come. Sign up with John and Jean Crowe There will be a sign up sheet for the easy walk at our May 31 meeting. <jcrowe@telus.net>

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OUR NEXT GENERAL MEETINGwill be on Thursday, May 31st, 2018

Coffee at 9:30. Meeting at 10:00

Lunch at Harolds’s Restaurant

Valleyview

Our Guest Speaker isPeter Cameron Inglis

Our Club Speaker is Karen Folk

Peter Cameron Inglis is from Mastermind Studios, which is a company that makes high end promotional videos

INVITATION FOR OUR MEMBERS TO GO CAMPING AT TUNKWA LAKE

Jan Petrar and I attended the Thompson Rivers Probus Club General meeting on the morning of April 25. The purpose was to talk to them about the President’s “Excursion” Project we have invited them to take part in, and take their registrations for the trip! (and which had to be cancelled) We enjoyed the vibrant meeting and learned lots about their many various activities, including their ’special’ new membership presentation. The speaker topic for the day was on “Proportional Representation”. As well, Wayne Cartwright talked to me about an upcoming whole group activity - a camping trip, similar to the one they invited our club to last year (As noted above). So, we can look forward to more information on it in the coming weeks —Norma Browne

The following note is from the Thompson Rivers Club.

Thompson Rivers Probus Club has invited our members to join them on at Tunkwa Lake Campout & Day Trip The 4th annual campout is planned for Tuesday September 4th. Some campers might arrive earlier. The day trip is planned for Wednesday September 5th. Camping fee before Labor Day is $18.00 cash. After Labor Day the senior’s rate is $9.00. Day trip no fee.Last year we had 10 couples camping 7 from the Thompson Rivers and 3 couples from the Grasslands Club. We had about 20 people for the day trip on the Wednesday.We supplied coffee and goodies Wednesday morning

at 9:30. Some of the day people brought lunch and spent part of the afternoon. We will have a couple of BBQ’s available along with paper plates, cutlery, napkins and condiments. Everyone is welcome to stay and have dinner (bring your own) with us.

I will have a sign up sheet at our June meeting for our members that are interested andI will have our bulletin editor send out a bulletin mid-August to remind our group about it. Any questions, suggestions please contact me.

Wayne CartwrightPhone # 250-314-6414