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Volume 4 Issue 10 February

Probus Club of Clarington

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Congratulations, Lorraine! We are proud of you.

Photos by Kevin Pumphrey

PROBUS CANADA Presentation to Lorraine Veroba – Past President of our Club 2016-2018

Lorraine Veroba was the recipient of the John R. Morris award at a special luncheon held at Kedron Golf Club on January 14th, which some of our members attended. Lorraine is an active member of many PROBUS groups which she has established in the Durham region and she led the steering committee that brought about the formation of our Club in April 2016. For the following 2 years she took the position of Past President on our Management Committee. As the President during that period I relied heavily on the knowledge and support offered by Lorraine. Our Club has made her an honorary member to reflect her ongoing contributions to its success. She epitomizes the values of PROBUS. The PROBUS Canada website shows that since 2006 there have only been 9 recipients of this award. Congratulations Lorraine and thank you for still being an active member of our Club. You will always be the resource we turn to for guidance.

by Victoria Girling (President 2016-2018)

The JOHN R. MORRIS Award was established to honour the founder of PROBUS and his legacy. The award recognizes a member of PROBUS “who has demonstrated the spirit of PROBUS beyond meritorious service through outstanding extended and extensive service in both the advancement and expansion of PROBUS and brings recognition to PROBUS from the community at large.” This recipient “has made a lasting impact on PROBUS and also demonstrates a compelling vision of the future.” This is not an “annual award”. It is given when someone has performed “above and beyond.” It is for “meritorious service” with a lasting effect and for a member who inspires others.

From our President:

I have mentioned on numerous occasions that the strength of our Club is its members. Without members being willing to get involved, take on leadership roles, join committees or simply lend a hand as needed - i.e. help in the kitchen, assist with setting up or taking down tables and chairs at our meetings - we would be a Club in name only, lacking any direction and having nothing to offer our members. Each of us has been blessed with different talents and it is a proven fact that “Many Hands make for Light Work”.

The side benefits of volunteering are that you get to really know other members, share a few laughs and have the satisfaction of knowing your contribution helps ensure the health, success and future of our Club. As we approach this year’s Annual General Meeting, your Nominating Committee, comprised of our 2 past Presidents (Victoria Girling and Paul Halliday) and myself (being the serving President), is looking for members who are willing to serve in a leadership position (now or for the future) or simply to serve on a committee. Please speak to one of us if you are interested. There is no task that is too difficult, time-consuming or overwhelming. Remember that even on committees our motto “FUN” still applies.

Just a reminder that as our Club starts a new year, membership renewals for 2020 will be coming due. The deadline is April, but they will be welcome any time before that as well. See Joan Pumphrey, who is always at the service table (with a big smile) as you enter the auditorium. Membership renewal for 2020 is $30.00.

Our Club is very fortunate to meet in the beautiful facilities at Hope Fellowship Church. We know from feedback that our facilities are the envy of many other Probus Clubs in the area. I am pleased to report that we have successfully negotiated a renewed contract with Hope for 2020.

As we are in the “Golden Years”, whatever your plans during these long winter months, please enjoy and keep safe.

Jim Bamford, President

Introducing our Speaker for February: Charles Stevens

Charles will describe his adventure climbing Mt Everest. This has been on his bucket list for a

long time. He is very enthusiastic and entertaining about his adventures. Charles is also very

involved in local community and business. He and his wife operate a large Newcastle orchard

producing apples and blueberries.

Membership Report:

New members in December! Photo by Brian Reid

We also had 4 new members sign up at our January meeting for a total of 208!!

Brian Clark

Roxanne Clark

Karen Paplinskie

Barbara Kowbuz Welcome to Probus!

**Membership renewal fees are due April 1st. You may place your $30 cheque in the bucket at the membership table at the next meeting. Easy-peasy!**

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Share the Wealth: Winner was Kevin Pumphrey, who won $80.60.

Congratulations, Kevin!

George Aitken performed for us Learning about the history of the Oshawa at our January meeting. Little Theatre was very interesting.

Great talent, George. Thank you. Thank you, Michael for the great presentation.

Photos by Brian Reid

News from your Social Committee:

On January 14th, forty Probus members gathered at Copperworks restaurant for an evening of dinner, trivia and much laughter. A competitive but friendly spirit was evident as they worked in teams to answer questions on such topics as sports, Canadian music and authors and wines of the world. One round of questions, asking about the names and locations of Canada's provincial parks, proved challenging for everyone. This event was sold out at the first meeting at which it was promoted so don't delay next time. A huge thank you to Dawn and George Aitken for planning and hosting the evening.

Calling all bowlers: An afternoon of bowling has been planned for Tuesday, April 21st at NEB's. Registration starts at the February meeting.

Coming Soon: the following events are in the planning stages:

• A visit to the Durham York Energy Centre for a one hour presentation followed by a tour of the Waste Management Facility

• A bus and walking tour of the Bowmanville Soper Creek Watershed led by CLOCA staff

• 4 th Line Theatre presentations in July and August.

Please visit us at the Social Events table for more information. Stella Dorsman

The Christmas spirit was ignited for Probus Clarington members at the Regent Theatre on December 17 by the Leahy Family: The Next Generation. All nine children ranging in age from 17 years to 2 years participated in an evening of Celtic and Christmas music. The family hails from Lakefield and a tenth child is expected. Mary McCaw

This is NOT us, right? Sent by AnneMarie Halliday

Interest Groups:

Well it is good to be back to Probus and a regular schedule. I think a lot of people feel the same way, as we have had a lot of interest at our table this month. A couple of New Interest Groups are starting up this month. Card Making- Andrea Shaw has started a new group, which will meet at her home in Bowmanville. You order a kit from "Stamp It Up" and bring it to Andrea's home where you assemble and create wonderful personalized cards. Check the website for the day and time. Anyone who signed up will be contacted by Andrea. andreahp49gmail.com Texas Hold-Em – Unfortunately, John Windatt is cancelling the Texas Holdem group, he feels he has tried for three months and can't get enough people. If you would like to get this group started again, let Kathleen know. Fibre Arts Group #2 - will be starting in March, so contact me if interested kathleenbrear@Hotmail.com A special thank you to all the Interest Group Coordinators. Without you there would be no "Interest". If you have any Interest group you would like to start up, please contact me at kathleenbrear@hotmail.com Kathleen Brear

What’s for Dinner group

The “What’s for Dinner” crew got together

for a fun after Christmas “Appetizers and

Sweets” at Victoria Girling's home. Fun

was had by all especially Molly when she

was invited to sit on the lap of Pleun. (He

was meaning the dog ”Molly”, but Molly,

ever the prankster, decided to take him up

on it.)

Investment Group

The Probus Investment Group had another great meeting last Wednesday. Thanks to John Windatt for

hosting. There were 11 of us present.

We set dates for the next two meetings and hope you can join us:

March 4 at 1pm, host Carolyn Sproat at 145 Liberty St. S, apt. 409

March 25, host George Rickard, 2975 Bellwood Drive

I will send out reminders the week before each meeting. Enjoy the winter!

By Heather Griffin

Flavours of the World

Awaiting pizza at the Tuscan Wolf in Whitby. Photo by George Aitken

The Men’s Book Club photo by George Aitken

Let’s call it the “Gentlemen’s Book Club?”

Wine Club:

Sampling Australian reds. Thanks to Margaret and Bernie for hosting our Wine Club meeting.

By Kathleen Brear

Garden Chat

Bulb cutting at the Garden Chat meeting held at Jiwan’s home. This is a Chinese New Year tradition.

Photo by Linda Bray

Trivia Night at Copperworks

Photos by George Aitken

Website Report

If you have never visited our Website, try it now…it is good to know what is there if you ever need any information…