SPRING 2014 VOL 2 ISSUE 2 North Bay and District PROBUS Newsletter The purpose of the PROBUS Club is to stimulate thought, interest and participation in activities at a time in life when it is easy to become complacent and self-centred. PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Another very successful quarter-year, it seemed from here. We met regularly, with one required, alternate meeting place from the normal spot, the North Bay Library, - to Christ Church. All that has worked out. And an Easter time luncheon was fun! The normal format, with reports from the President, Social Committee chairman, etc. coming during the first hour (plus tim-bits and coffee arranged by Diane Hunter), followed by more formal programmes during the second, seemed to work very well. Among the recent programmes, some were serious, such as the status of electricity in Ontario, led by the CEO of North Bay s commission, Todd Wilcox; a history of the Olympic Games, following the winter Oympics in Russia, put on by Barb Olmsted, our programme chair s daughter; a light-hearted study of antiques led by expert, Pat Diebel; and then a study of the very recent intrusion of the Algonquin Nation s proposed takeover of much of Eastern Ontario, including valuable lands at Trout Lake. This was via an interview approach, conducted by your president, and involving member Fred McNutt. Very interesting three minute bios from our own members is just starting, and should turn out to be well received. And membership seemed to be growing well. At the time of this writing it was up to 65. Much of this apparent enthusiasm must be due to the excellent PR led by member, Gary Bean; the quarterly newsletter produced by member Joan Hambly; a solid balance sheet kept by treasurer Bill Clark, and accurate membership details kept by membership chairman, David Payne. Further Programmes seem to be well under control under Charlie, and should continue to be entertaining and valuable; and miscellaneous social activities are being well planned out under chairman Nancy Miller. You should continue to enjoy this new and active club in your community. But, did I mention that we need a secretary to keep better track of things? Any offers?
Mayor Al Mcdonald signs proclamation declaring March National PROBUS Month. President Dick Tafel receives the certificate at city hall. It may have seemed like the winter that never ends but not to these PROBUS members. Having fun on snowshoes are: John Roberts, Karen Kitchens, Dick Tafel, Noreen Vivian, Wayne Miller, Margie Howard, Nancy Miller and Jill Shields. Photo thanks to John Roberts
CELEBRATING SPRING WITH AN EASTER LUNCHEON The Easter Luncheon was held Wednesday, April 16th in the Fab Lounge at the Best Western. Elsa Tafel presented each person with a colourful plastic egg not to be opened until later. Dick Tafel read a delightful story about the Easter Bunny having met his demise but miraculously being brought back to life. Attending were Sue & Peter Legate, Dorothy Leitch, Elsa & Dick Tafel, Ann & Paul Holding, Jim McAllister, Bob Barnett, June Stewart, David Payne, Paul Norris, Nancy & Wayne Miller; and soon to be new members, Nancy & George Jessop. (photos and info from Nancy Miller)
SPRING 2014 VOL 2 ISSUE 2 REMINDERS: Membership: Our membership fees are now pro-rated to $40 for the rest of the year. Birthday: Your birthday month will be celebrated at our meetings by way of a brief 3 minutes talk about you and your life. We want to know all about you but don t worry. It s meant to be fun and easy. HELP WANTED Secretary: Please consider the role of secretary The minutes of our meeting are important and you could make a huge contribution to our club. Public Relations: Gary Bean (salestax@sympatico.ca) needs some help with public relations. Please contact him if you can offer your services: Newsletter: Please send notices of events and pictures of activities of our PROBUS members to Joan at: joanhambley2008@hotmail.com.
UP COMING EVENTS Saturday, May 10 Geo Coaching at 1 pm Friday, May 16 Birding Walk at Laurier Woods at 9:30 am Thursday, June 12 Capitol Centre Tour at 2 pm Thursday, June 19 Pot Luck Lunch at Roberts' Cottage 10:30 am to 3 pm. Email Barb Roberts at: brobertsnb@gmail.com or Nancy Miller at: nmiller197@gmail.com if you would like to attend any or all of the events. Have you checked the PROBUS Canada web site lately? Lots of valuable information for you to see and to share. www.probus.org/canada.htm MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Charlie Olmsted, Dick Tafel, Diane Hunter, Bill Clark, Gary Bean OTHER COMMITTEES Program: Social: Public Relations: Nancy Miller, Charlie Olmsted-chair, Dick Tafel, Bob Cunningham Barb Roberts Dorothy Leitch, Nancy Miller Gary Bean Newsletter: Membership: Joan Hambley David Payne VOL 1 ISSUE 1
HUMOUR IS THE BEST MEDICINE William Shakespeare wrote tragedies, comedies and hysterectomies, all in Islamic petameter. Romeo and Juliet are an example of a heroic couplet. Romeo's last wish was to be laid by Juliet. Writing at the same time as Shakespeare was Miguel Cervantes. He wrote Donkey Hote. John Milton wrote Paradise lost. Then his wife died and he wrote Paradise Regained. Gravity was invented by Issac Walton. It is chiefly noticeable in the autumn when apples are falling off the trees. (From the PROBUS National Newsletter) NEXT MEETING North Bay Public Library Wednesday May 7, 10:00 am Programme: Driving of cars by Seniors May 7 After Meeting Lunch KOI on Main Street VOL 1 ISSUE 1 RSVP Nancy Miller email: nmiller197@gmail.com by April 30