Volume 4 Issue 11 April 2020

Probus Club of Clarington

Special “Stay Home” Edition

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From our President:

As part of the Global Community, we are facing a challenge that most of us have never experienced in our lifetime. For many in our nation, our community, our family, our personal circles and our Club, this is a time of unprecedented fear, anxiety and sense of impending doom. I doubt that there is a person alive that has not been affected in some way by the events of the past few weeks. On a personal note, Patti and I have had to cancel two planned vacations, and this “social distancing” has put us at arm’s length from the ones we love the most.

But my message is not a message of gloom and doom. We have heard enough of that from the various news outlets and government officials. It’s time take a deep breath, to start looking forward and realize that our cup is not half empty but half full. Do you feel the love in the air, the kindness and generosity of friends and strangers alike? I have always believed that people in general are at their best when the going gets tough.

Nations are working together, politicians at all levels have put aside petty politics for the greater good, and at the local level, our front line emergency responders and in particular our health care providers are in the trenches working hard to keep us safe and healthy at great risk to their own personal safety.

I mentioned that Patti and I had to cancel two planned trips. While we were doing so, the kindness and genuine offers of assistance and support which we received from the various hotel staffs, cruise line personnel, airlines and entertainment outlets were amazing - despite the fact that these industries are all hurting and pending layoffs are inevitable.

The caring people in our Club who are keeping in touch with each other and offering support and assistance are also incredible. I would be remiss if I did not mention your Management Team members, who behind the scenes are still working hard on your behalf. We may have social distancing, but we also have the phone, email and other technical means to keep in touch.

What an honour and a privilege it is for me to serve as your President. Trust me. It will not be long before our Club is up and running again. Our social interaction, which is so important and missed by all, will be operational again soon. I personally can’t wait to get on the golf course.

Instead of me lecturing you about all the things you should and should not be doing during this crisis to keep healthy and to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, let me give you the following suggestion for a moment of reflection/meditation:

Take a deep breath, and as you breathe out say, “Thank you to our Creator”. Take a deep breath, and as you breathe out say, “Thank you for Family”. Take a deep breath, and as you breathe out say, “Thank you for Friends”. Take a deep breath, and as you breathe out say, “Thank you for your many Blessings”.

Let us remember all the moments of gratitude that have filled this week, and the moments of gratitude that are still to come. Take another deep breath, and as you breathe out say, “Amen”.

In closing, I would like to thank all the frontline workers who are putting themselves at risk every day to ensure that the rest of us can get through this crisis. This includes our nurses and doctors, grocery store workers, farmers, police, and truck drivers, amongst many others, who are continuing to do valued work every day.

Keep safe my good friends. We will be together again soon. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Jim Bamford, President

A little darkish humour…

From Reader’s Digest: “Is there rehab for gossiping?

I don’t need it but I’ll tell you who does…”

Introducing Kelvin:

Hello, my name is Kelvin Hare, and if I have the trust and confidence of the

membership, I will be assuming the position of Vice President for the coming

year. I would like to recognize and thank John Muzik, our current Vice

President who is stepping down from the position, for his dedication and

hard work on behalf of the membership in the last year.

My wife, Alvina and I, have been Probus members since 2018, and have thoroughly enjoyed engaging in the social activities that our club has to offer. I look forward to meeting all members in the near future. It is, after all, our social interactions and personal dynamics that fulfill our lives with creating new friendships. I encourage all members to become involved and participate in our numerous club interests and activities.

We have all led busy lives during our careers, and now have the time to do all of the things of interest to us. It's all part of our story.

I will also be coordinating our golf group activities, and look forward to when we can get out onto the

fairway again and "tickle that ball" into that ridiculously small hole on the green. I look forward to seeing you all soon. Stay safe.

Kelvin Hare

I dreamed I was forced to eat a giant marshmallow.

When I woke up, my pillow was gone.

Interest Group Report:

“Three Grand Essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to Love and something to hope for.” - Jose Addison

If ever there was a time that this was true, I can’t imagine a better one.

Well, normally the Interest Groups take care of the second thing, but as you know this is not possible right now. BUT, we do have something for you to hope for. Some of the Interest Groups hopefully starting up for the summer are:

Golf- We meet at Stonehenge in Bowmanville and tee off is Tuesdays at 9:30 am. We will start as soon as possible. Usually groups of four head out and have fun lying about their scores. (Oops, did I say that? Actually, I don’t think they keep score).

Urban Walking – If you can move, you can do this. It is through lovely terrain, mostly paved, at your own pace. They pick different urban areas to explore, most 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month at 10:00 am

Hiking – 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month 10:00 am. You will be informed about where to meet each hike by the coordinator.

“I’ve found that no matter what life throws at me music softens the blow” - Bryce Anderson If you feel this way, we have just the groups for you:

Choir- We heard this lovely choir at last meeting. They meet Mondays at 12:15.

Ukelele – What a fantastic job they did at the Christmas Party. They meet 10:00am Tuesday (days fluctuate)

“Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence.” - Robert Fripp…which brings me to my next Interest Group…

Premier Crew (Wine Tasting)- Just before the madness started, we had a Wine Night Planned (thank you Gail and Barry Pedwell) but we had to cancel it. We hope to get back to it soon. Stuart is doing lots of research to keep up his end of the bargain.

Just before the madness, The Ladies who Lunch got together at Boston Pizza in Bowmanville . It was lovely to just sit and get to know everyone. There were fifteen of us there in total. We look forward to many more in the future.

Remember, “This too shall pass” and we will be back to all the exciting Interest Groups, of which there are many more…Check the website.

Kathleen Brear

Flavours of the world group

Eight Probus members met for lunch at Churrasco of Portugal, in Ajax. A scrumptious sampling of chicken, shrimp, quail, sardines, sausage and cod cakes was enjoyed. We finished the meal with pastel de natas, coffee and other pastries at the Nova Era bakery. Thanks Molly for organizing!

News from your Social Committee:

Please rest assured that money paid for cancelled events and trips through March and April will be refunded when we are all able to meet again. Those of you who purchased tickets for Hotel California are asked to retain your tickets and present them in order to obtain a refund.

Also please rest assured that popular events such as Trivia Night, Games Afternoon and the Legislature Tour and Tea will be rescheduled as soon as possible. Many thanks go to Dawn and George Aitken for challenging us with online trivia questions. Before we were all confined to our homes your Social Committee was planning a variety of events from June through September and we trust that these events will go ahead as planned. In the meantime, please stay home and stay healthy.

Stella Dorsman

Don’t become the Victim of a Scammer

Fraudsters are trying to profit from consumers’ fears, uncertainties, and misinformation. These scammers are exploiting the crisis to facilitate fraud and cybercrime. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) has updated its list of known COVID-19 related scams. The CAFC, which works with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Competition Bureau, and Ontario Provincial Police, is urging Canadians to be vigilant as fraudsters look to exploit the crisis.

Here is the CAFC’s latest list of tricks that have been detected as of March 18th:

• Cleaning or heating companies offering duct cleaning services or filters to protect from COVID-19 offering "special" air filters. • Local and provincial hydro/electrical power companies threatening to disconnect power for non-payment. • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the World Health Organization (WHO) offering fake lists for sale of COVID-19 infected people in your neighbourhood. • Public Health Agency of Canada giving false results saying you have been tested positive for COVID-19 tricking you into confirming your health card and credit card numbers for a prescription. • Red Cross and other known charities offering free medical products (e.g. masks) for a donation. • Government departments sending out coronavirus-themed phishing emails tricking you into opening malicious attachments tricking you to reveal sensitive personal and financial details. • Financial advisers pressuring people to invest in hot new stocks related to the disease offering financial aid and/or loans to help you get through the shut downs. • Door-to-door sales people selling household decontamination services. • Private companies offering fake COVID-19 tests for sale.

Sent in by Jim Bamford

“A Quarantini” : any drink thrown together while in isolation.

About the current financial situation

from a member of the Investment Club

A bit about myself: I joined the Probus Investment Club started by

Heather Griffen last year and have really enjoyed the group. I also have a

30+ year history as a financial advisor.

First, about where we are today - we have been here before. Past crises in

history always affect the financial markets and personal finances. We had

the mortgage/housing crisis in 2008 (governments had to do bailouts and

inject money into the markets), 9/11 in 2001 (when the markets actually

closed for three days, and when they reopened dropped 50% of their values

and took 3 years to regain their previous values), another fall in 2011

occurred and the markets have surged to 2020 record highs since then.

People will say this is different but they have said that in every crisis that has

occurred since markets have been in existence. Markets go up and markets go down. Check some of

the historical charts on the internet. They are very enlightening.

My next comment is, ensure you have a financial plan and let that direct the types of investments

and financial decisions you have to make, especially in times like these. That way you do not react

with fear and uncertainty. Stick with your plan. If there is a change in your circumstances then adapt

your plan.

Third, know what your budget is, what your investments are in, and what protection those

investments have within them for times like this.

Fourth, you need to have a good relationship with a reputable financial advisor so that he or she

knows your individual situation and works with you to have all your financial affairs in order.

Communicate with and keep your advisor up to date.

On a final note, just like anything else we do, learn about what you have and educate yourself. Ask

a lot of questions as there are no silly or dumb questions. Get a second opinion. Don't assume

anything - always check and verify.

This is a good time to sit down and review your financial situation and call your advisor to review

what your plan is (by phone of course).

Markets will rebound as they always do. However the effect on the economy and debt levels due

to the medical crisis will have an effect until recovery starts to take place. How long that will be is

unclear just yet but once things do start to improve then things will take off. People will want to be

out doing all the things they missed during this time.

Karen Sanders

Brian and Roxanne Clark - profile

Brian is from Kingston Ontario and Roxanne was born and raised in the small town of Campbellford. Brian’s family moved to Campbellford in the late 60’s where he met Roxanne in Grade 11. They got married in June 1976. During the wedding the ceremony the Church was struck by lighting and the power went out. They say if it rains on your wedding day it is good luck, so they took this as a sign they were in it for the long haul.

Brian graduated from Western University in 1977 and started a career with Ford Motor Company. Roxanne worked in the Actuarial Department for Crown Life Insurance in Toronto. When their son Michael was born in April 1980, Roxanne decided to be a stay at home Mom. At the same time, Brian left Ford and joined Toyota Canada, where he remained for the balance of his career, retiring in 2014.

In April of 1983, our daughter Lindsay was born… hmmm two April babies (Brian’s birthday is in July).

Roxanne then returned to the workforce joining the TD Bank as a bank teller and survived two bank robberies. She then left the bank to work for the Ministry of Finance where she survived two bomb scares during the Bob Rae days! In 1995 Roxanne joined, what is now, Ontario Health working in Quality Research and Development. After 22 years Roxanne retired in 2017.

Over Brian’s 34 year career with Toyota, he held several executive roles including, parts distribution, vehicle distribution, national sales, dealer development and ended his career as National Manager Human Resources.

Brian and Roxanne have an 11 year granddaughter and and a 7 year old grandson who keep us very busy as we provide before and after school daycare.

They moved to Courtice in 2014 from Oshawa to a newly built home where the first thing Brian did was build a true to scale hockey rink in the basement for our grandson.

They enjoy playing golf 2 or 3 times a week and have numerous home improvement projects on the go. Travel plans are in their future (they hope). They love retirement!

Brian and Roxanne learned of Probus from Al and Linda Davidson. They enjoy the meetings immensely and are looking forward to the

time when the meetings continue.

*If you would like to be profiled in our newsletter, please send your profile to the Probus newsletter (with a picture please)*

Me: “Welcome to McDonald’s. Can I take your McOrder?

Boss: “Again, you don’t have to put “Mc” in front of your words”.

Me: “Oh, Okay – (to customer) Welcome to Donald’s!”

Membership Report:

At our March meeting, 7 new people joined making our total number of Probus members 225!!

Please welcome the following:

Bob Sickinger Brenda Hollister Cynthia Novakowski Allan Provencher

Maria Provencher Susan Warham Cathy Buckner

Eleanor Zadlo

At the March General Meeting:

New members from February receiving their badges

Photos by Lana

From the House Committee:

President Jim has suggested that since Susan, Molly and I are responsible for feeding Probus members at meetings that perhaps, as coordinator of the House Committee, I would like to submit a recipe to the April newsletter. Although it is the grocery stores that provide the food for our meetings, I have come up with a recipe that I think will be appropriate for all of us in light of the strange situation in which we find ourselves.

The ingredients which follow should be measured in the largest amounts possible: * care and concern for family and friends * pride as a responsible Canadian * patience with others and yourself * maintenance and increased use of a sense of humour Mix all of the ingredients well. Put in a container within easy reach. Take a large dollop when needed to boost morale. You ARE being part of the answer if you practice the positive steps we have all heard repeated often. We’ll get through this and soon be back to the Probus camaraderie that is so important to all of us. Stay connected, and stay well!

Anna Huston

From our Probus Secretary:

Hello, everyone. I do hope that you are all healthy. Perhaps you are even enjoying this new, less-hectic lifestyle of ours. Isn’t it ironic, though, that we can’t go anywhere just when we have so much free time and the price of gas is so low? I thought I would share two of the things that have made me laugh over the last few weeks. One is a sign on the front porch of a house near mine, and the other is a Facebook find. Maybe they will brighten your days too.

Laurie Allum

No mask? Don’t worry! There are alternatives.

Website Report:

Like most people, I have been social distancing, but thanks to video calling I have kept in touch with friends and family. As the Probus Clarington webmaster and Facebook page admin, I worked on some updates earlier on during our forced isolation, however there has not been anything to report recently. Whenever there are updates, they will be posted to https://probusclarington.com/ and Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/ProbusClarington

On a personal level, we have 2 dogs who need their twice daily walks. Our German Shepherd, has been getting extra-long and more frequent walks by both of us now that we have more time. Our Lab/Springer girl is older and content with her 2 short jaunts around the block each day.

I dusted off the exercise bike and have racked up the mileage a bit lately while watching YouTube bike riding videos. If this were a normal year, I would be gearing up for the Urban Walking Group's first walks which typically happen in April but alas, these are on hold indefinitely until Probus activities resume. One of my favorite indoor exercise videos when I can't get outdoors is "Walk Away the Pounds" by Leslie Sansone . This YouTube link is to her 1 mile walk, which is a great place to start. It is not only a walk, but also includes a simple full body workout. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECxnTuzZ614&feature=youtu.be On a positive community note, I am very proud of some Clarington businesses that are able to help the COVID 19 fight by offering their services. Those I am aware of are Owasco RV who has offered the use of motorhomes to hospitals for medical staff to rest in between shifts and Sunspace Sunrooms of Newcastle who is now making hygienic store shields. Stay safe everyone.

Lynn Hooper, Webmaster (and Urban Walking Group coordinator)

Speaker Chair Report: “What we’re missing”

I don’t know about you, but Anne-Marie and I are doing a lot more reading during these days of social isolation. And we’re really missing our library since it was closed. It is something that we have come to take for granted. This gives me a great segue into discussing the scheduled guest speaker for our April meeting, who we will now be missing since the meeting is cancelled. Melissa Redden, Clarington Library Public Services Manager, was to speak on “Not your Same Old Library: Libraries Then, Now and in the Future.” I think it’s fair to say that there is more to the library than meets the eye. One of the most interesting books I read last year was The Library Book, by Susan Orlean. A New York Times best seller, this book focussed on the Los Angeles Public Library and its history. Of particular focus was a catastrophic fire which raged in the main branch of the library in April 1986. The worst library fire in U.S. history raged for seven hours and reached temperatures of 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Over 400,000 books were destroyed and over 700,000 damaged, mostly through water damage. What do you do with 700,000 waterlogged books? In this case what they did was freeze the books until they figured out what to do next. (They arranged with a frozen food company with huge freezers to help them out.) There was an interesting who-done-it angle. Arson was suspected, and a suspect pursued. The suspect, Harry Peak, an out of work aspiring actor, gave no fewer than seven alibis for where he was the day of the fire. But, in the end, the evidence was mostly circumstantial, and he was never indicted. Another part of the story describes the loss to the community. Orlean uses the loss in that fire (and the rebuilding and recovery) to tell the everyday story of a great civic institution that is becoming, she believes,

perhaps even more vital in a digital age. She says the fire reminded her of the proverb that when a person

dies, it's as if a library has burned to the ground. "A host of memories and stories and anecdotes that we store in our minds disappears when we die," she says. "It struck me as being a wonderful way of seeing why libraries feel like these big, collective brains — because they have the memories and stories of a whole culture inside them." (This collective memory idea reminded me of a display at the Oshawa Library a few months ago of a selection of books and other materials they hold relating to E.P. Taylor, Windfield Farms, and the great

horse, Northern Dancer, who was raised there and buried there on what is now Ontario Tech University property in North Oshawa. An interesting fact is that, the university is committed to maintaining the grave for 500 years!) Anyway, for now, we will not be hearing from Melissa… We will try to get her re-scheduled for later in the year, although right now our speaker line-up for the rest of the year is pretty full. Stay tuned.

Paul Halliday, Speaker Chair

A Word from the Newsletter Editor:

I guess in this special edition, even I get to have a word. One thing I’ve been doing, that I didn’t do before, is keeping a daily journal. I started this mainly to jot down some very funny memes and ironic happenings, but then it became a diary as well to remember the fun things we are doing… at home and on-line. It is enjoyable but also a great way to avoid doing house work.

My son, Ryan told me about a board game called “Pandemic” where all the players must work together to fight the virus taking over the world. I want to play that – I love co-operation! This reminds us that living in this world should not be a competition; we all need to work together. So let’s all do our part whether by helping a neighbour, phoning a friend, or just staying home to protect others.

I read in an editorial today that some people are using this time to be productive at home doing projects that they have long been putting off, but that it is also OK “if your only resolution at present is to emerge at the end of this with your family alive and well.” (Emma Teitel in “The Star” March 30)

Susan Wood

George’s Trivia:

Who Said it? Match the Quote with Who Said It?

_____Don't count the days, make the days count a Ben Franklin

_____To be, or not to be, that is the question b Neil Armstrong

_____That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind c Confucius

_____Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise d Muhammad Ali

_____Family is the most important thing in the world e Wayne Gretzky

_____All I was doing was trying to get home from work f Gandhi

_____It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop g Henry Ford

_____Non-violence is a weapon of the strong h Mother Teresa

_____You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take i Babe Ruth

_____Peace begins with a smile j Diana, Princess of Wales

_____Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration k Abraham Lincoln

_____If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right l William Shakespeare

_____Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game m Thomas Edison

Answers: (try not to peek)

D,L,B, A,J,N, C,F,E, H,M,G, I,K

Thanks to George Aiken

I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. I just can’t put it down.

Please send any photos of your Coronavirus activities, items of interest or self-profiles that you

would like to share to susan_d_wood@hotmail.com for insertion into our next newsletter. Thanks.

Isn’t that a perfect ending for this special “Home”edition of the Probus newsletter?

Susan Wood, newsletter editor