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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20221213T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20221213T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050603
CREATED:20220110T200203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230228T191224Z
UID:4505-1670925600-1670929200@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Bev Foster\, Executive Director\, Room 217 Foundation
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYjswjspHMk”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bev Foster will present on “The power of music to make meaningful changes in health and well-being” \nRoom 217 promotes music use in health care \nDuncan McLaren introduced guest speaker Bev Foster\, the Executive Director of Room 217 Foundation\, who was appearing via Zoom from her home in Port Perry. Bev is an experienced performer\, song writer and music director who founded Room 217 with her husband Rob in 2009. The Foundation is dedicated to music and care. \nBev explained the background for the foundation as she and other family members gathered around her dying father in room 217 of the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital and sang his favourite songs and hymns. They noticed how the music comforted and strengthened him as he tried to sing along. \nShe said that music is an innate window to our souls and has been proven to bring about meaningful changes when introduced into caregiving. She added that music improves memory\, preserves identity and works through several neuropathic paths in the brain. \nShe used two different videos to illustrate the impact of music. In one an elderly woman with advanced dementia had lost the ability to speak but a validation specialist was able to get beyond her disabilities by using familiar music and close physical contact. The second video illustrated how music and rhythm helped a man who had suffered spinal injuries in a cycling accident improve his balance and coordination in relearning how to walk. \nBev explained that music helps complete relationships\, it keeps us moving and it helps us engage by singing a meaningful song or by using soundscapes creating music with ordinary household utensils. \nThe organization offers eight core programs to provide information and training and you can check out those programs and read much more about the foundation at https://www.musiccare.org. Those core programs include conferences\, training\, virtual learning\, speakers\, skills day\, resources\, and master class. \nDuring a question-and-answer session\, Bev said the foundation has been set up as a charitable organization so that it can receive donations. \nJohn Senn thanked Bev for her address and advised that a contribution will be made to her organization as a token of appreciation. \n \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/bev-foster-executive-director-room-217-foundation/
LOCATION:ZOOM\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, Canada
CATEGORIES:2022 Past Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Bev-Foster.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20221108T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20221108T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050603
CREATED:20220223T021510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230228T175923Z
UID:4583-1667901600-1667905200@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Chris Leworthy - Battle of Britain
DESCRIPTION:Chris Leworthy  presented the “Battle of Britain – 80+ years on” \n \nSpeaker unveils story behind the Battle of Britain \nAndy Redman introduced guest speaker Chris Leworthy who appeared via Zoom from the UK. Chris is a former pilot who became a World War II historian and qualified as a guide at the Battle of Britain bunker in Uxbridge. The title of his PowerPoint presentation was “The Battle of Britain – 80 years on.” \nChris pointed out that after France surrendered\, the UK was left on its own for 18 months against the much more powerful forces of Germany. Germany launched Operation Sealion with the objective of gaining complete air superiority prior to an invasion. Although Germany had far more planes than the UK\, the UK did have a couple advantages according to Chris. For one\, England had established early radar towers along the coast that provided early warning of the approach of enemy aircraft giving the RAF time to launch planes to greet the attackers. \nChris credited the planning of Generals Hugh Dowding and Keith Park with helping to reduce the number of British casualties as they decided to allow German planes to reach land before engaging and then flying higher and attacking from above.  Chris said that the German Messerschmitts that flew protective cover for the bombers had a limited range because of fuel capacity and often had to break off and return to base leaving the bombers unprotected. \nChris said that the UK radar installations were limited to seeing forward so that once German planes flew over the radar\, the tracking duties fell to the Observer Corps which used individuals with binoculars to determine where the planes were headed. \nThe location of incoming planes and of UK defenders were all tracked in underground bunkers. Members of the WAAF (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force) served as plotting strategists. All planes were shown on giant plotting tables and the statis of all RAF squadrons were kept up to date on tote boards. Chris said that Prime Minister Winston Churchill was often present in the bunker to follow the progress of the battle. \nChris said that German Air Marshall Hermann Gӧring changed tactics from attacking radar installations\, airfields\, and factories to concentrate on bombing London. This allowed the UK pilots a brief respite and led to a major air victory on September 15\, 1940. Although there were still many bombs dropped on the UK\, Hitler turned his attention to the East and attacks on Russia. \nAlthough the UK defence strategy worked it came at a cost of 544 allied young pilots from across 15 nations\, including 25 from Canada. \nDuncan McLaren thanked Chris for his powerful presentation and said that a $30 donation will be forwarded to Branch 24 St. Catharines Royal Canadian Legion in Chris’ name in way of thanks. \n           \n 
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/chris-leworthy/
LOCATION:ZOOM\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, Canada
CATEGORIES:2022 Past Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Christopher-Leworthy.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20221011T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20221011T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050603
CREATED:20220223T153643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230228T175936Z
UID:4587-1665482400-1665486000@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:James Treadwell - Treadwell Restaurant
DESCRIPTION:James Treadwell\, Sommelier and Owner at Treadwell Farm-to-Table Cuisine in Niagara-on-the-Lake\, \nRestauranteur describes challenges posed by Covid \n \nTom van Loenen introduced guest speaker James Treadwell\, co-founder with his father Stephen\, and sommelier of Treadwell Farm to Table Cuisine in Niagara-on-the Lake. \nJames spoke about the challenges faced by all restaurants and the hospitality business at any time but especially during the past two and a half years of COVID. He said restaurants typically operate on about a 10% profit margin with the bulk of their costs going toward labour\, materials\, and non-variable overheads. \nHe said that the changing rules and restrictions during the pandemic were especially difficult to deal with. At one point all restaurants were forced to close and that left owners no option but to lay off staff and try to pay off suppliers with no income. \nJames pointed out that staff play a major role in the success of a business and Treadwell made the decision during another brief shutdown caused by COVID last winter to keep its staff members. He added that exceeding customers’ expectations and satisfied customers are the best marketing tool. \nHe said that some restaurant owners have been forced to shut down partially because they get into the business without realizing that it takes hard work and long hours to become a success. \nDespite the many problems presented during the past two years\, James said that 2022 has been Treadwell’s best year ever. The restaurant made the decision to feature a Prix Fixe Menu which allows it a more exact estimate of income while also controlling costs. \nJames pointed out that the restaurant has a working agreement with 124 on the Queen Hotel and Spa which allows it space for weddings\, corporate events\, and catering. In addition\, the restaurant is greatly expanding its patio space and making it suitable to use throughout most of the year. \nLooking at the future\, James said that another source of income could be through higher volumes of takeout orders. He said that businesses will have to deal with inflation and pricing. Another concern will be finding sufficient staff and dealing with reduced operating hours. \nDuncan McLaren thanked James for his informative talk and presented him with a gift certificate in appreciation.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/james-treadwell-treadwell-restaurant/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:2022 Past Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/James-Treadwell-e1645630545961.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20220913T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20220913T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050603
CREATED:20220330T201607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230228T175944Z
UID:4712-1663063200-1663066800@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:David Sharron\,  Brock Special collections
DESCRIPTION:David Sharron\, Brock Special collections –  Head\, Archives and Special Collections \nTopic: “Plate Spinning and Ball Juggling: All in a day’s work at the Brock Archives”.  This would be a look at the various roles and responsibilities that we have at Brock and how our collections connect the institution to the greater Niagara community and beyond. \nBrock archivist unveils many facets of his job \nDuncan McLaren introduced guest speaker David Sharron whose topic was “Plate Spinning and Ball Juggling: All in a day’s work at the Brock Archives.” \nDavid has been a professional archivist for 24 years.  He graduated with a Master’s in History with an archives specialization through the University of Windsor in association with Wayne State University in Detroit\, Michigan.  His first job was at the NASA/Johnson Space Center in Houston\, Texas as an image archivist taking care of mission photography.  He returned to Canada after five years and three years later came to Brock University. He has been at Brock for 15 years as the head of the Archives and Special Collections department in the library. David is also a certified archivist through the Academy of Certified Archivists and has completed the Digital Archives Specialist certification through the Society of American Archivists. \nAn archivist makes sure special papers and documents do not get discarded. David defined the difference between an archive and a special collection:  an archive is a daily life record; special collection is what someone wants to collect\, usually on a specific suject. He explained the five steps to archiving: 1. Acquisition; 2. Archival appraisal; 3. Arrangement and description; 4. Storage of Records; 5. Providing Access. \nHe said that records can come in a variety of sizes\, shapes\, and formats. David pointed out that while the Brock archives are open to the public\, all material must stay in the reading room at Brock. \nDavid said Brock has a massive collection of books that hold some relevance to Niagara. Other extensive collections include Masonic topics and information including blogs on Autism. The total collection\, with a value in the millions of dollars\, includes rare books – with the oldest published in 1489 – and many unique materials. \nDavid said that one unexpected benefit of the COVID pandemic was that Brock had the time and opportunity to create a new digital exhibit. \nHe concluded by listing the top five things to know about the Brock Archives: 1. They hold records not found anywhere else; 2. Archives don’t have to be old; 3. Most materials are in the library catalogue and digital files; 4. Chances are there is something there you can use; 5. Everyone is welcome. \nThe archives are located on the 10th floor of the Brock Tower and can be accessed online at https://brocku.ca/library/archives/ \nFollowing a question-and-answer period\, Duncan thanked David and presented him with a gift certificate in token of appreciation.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/david-sharron-brock-special-collections/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:2022 Past Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/David-Sharron-e1659636807793.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20220809T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20220809T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050603
CREATED:20211126T154650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230228T175957Z
UID:4385-1660039200-1660042800@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Capt. Michael Robson Marine Seaway Pilot
DESCRIPTION:Capt. Michael Robson Marine Seaway Pilot at Great Lakes Pilotage Authority on ‘Marine Pilotage’ \nMarine pilot talks about his life on the seaway \nDuncan McLaren introduced guest speaker Capt. Michael Robson\, a marine seaway pilot with the Great Lakes Pilotage Authority. Michael\, now semi-retired\, served as pilot on international vessels on the Welland Canal as well as Lakes Erie and Ontario. \nHe began his career in the British Merchant Navy and after coming to Canada took his pilot’s exam in 1995 and worked with various shipping companies including Misner and Upper Lakes Shipping. After receiving his pilot’s licence he had to make 50 training trips before being qualified to direct a ship through the canal system on his own. \nMichael explained that all international ships are required to have a trained pilot on board going through the seaway while Lakers have the option. He said the pilots don’t actually take control on the ship but give verbal directions to the ship’s captain. \nHe pointed out that there are four pilotage authorities in Canada – Atlantic\, Lower St. Lawrence\, Great Lakes\, and Pacific. He said that pilots normally work 12 to 13 days and then have five days off depending on seaway traffic. \nHe mentioned that at one time there were plans to create a new canal with three super locks to replace the current seven\, but those plans were dropped because of reduced ship traffic. Michael said that the maximum size for a ship going through the Welland Canal is 740 feet in length and 78 feet in width. That allows just two feet of clearance in the 80-foot-wide locks. He added that the newest Viking cruise ship conducting tours through the Great Lakes is also at the maximum size. \nMichael said that all locks and bridges are now remotely controlled\, and a suction system has eliminated the need for manual tie-ups within the locks. \nHe said that ships using the canal system carry a wide variety of cargo including parts for wind turbines although steel and grain are the most common. \nMichael highlighted his excellent presentation with photos and a series of short videos showing some of the many ships going through the system. His videos clearly demonstrated the dangers faced by pilots getting off their pilot boat onto ships in rough water. He said that wind presents the biggest problem for pilots although fog and a lack of visibility are also difficult. \nDuncan thanked Michael for his informative talk and presented him with a gift certificate as a token of appreciation.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/mike-robson/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:2022 Past Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Capt.-Mike-Robson.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20220712T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20220712T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050603
CREATED:20220226T213804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230228T180004Z
UID:4607-1657620000-1657623600@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Sue and Dave Williams - Sail across the Atlantic in a tiny sailboat. 
DESCRIPTION:An Adventure on the High Seas and the Journey Within… \n \nDave & Sue Williams \nPeter Jennings introduced guest speakers Sue and Dave Williams who jointly related stories of their amazing adventure in crossing the Atlantic in a 37-foot sailboat named Inia. \nSue admitted she had no interest in sailing but after husband Dave suffered a grand mal seizure brought on by stress and then was fired from his job\, she made the decision to join him in attempting to achieve his dream of sailing across the Atlantic in a sailboat. The couple also felt it was time to give their three sons space to find their ways. \nThe couple spent a year preparing their boat and themselves for the challenges they would face. \nAfter studying weather patterns to determine the best time to set out\, they sailed from Hamilton harbour in May 2007 to cross Lake Ontario and continued down the St. Lawrence to the ocean. \nThe journey included a never-ending series of challenges\, including sea sickness (suffered by Sue)\, navigation system failures\, weather – three gales plus other times of dead calm – sleep deprivation\, constant motion\, and mechanical problems including the loss of radio contact. \nAt one point their propeller became tangled in a fishing net and Dave\, who had an aversion to swimming in the ocean\, had to dive under the boat to cut the netting loose. However\, the netting caused enough damage that they were forced to replace their engine when they landed in Portugal. \nSue and Dave agreed that there were a lot of good moments as well. They were accompanied at times by playful dolphins\, saw great sunrises and amazing night skies as well as meeting many fascinating people. \nThey ended up spending two and a half months in Portugal and then started the homeward portion of their trip aiming for the British Virgin Islands\, the Bahamas and on to the U.S. Intercoastal waterway\, the Erie Canal and finally back home via Lake Ontario. \nIn all they were gone 373 days\, travelled 11\,000 nautical miles and were at sea for 86 days. \nDespite all the trials and tribulations both admitted they were sad to see the life-changing adventure come to an end. \nSue recorded their memories of the journey in a book titled “Ready to Come About” and had it available for sale following their talk. \nDuncan McLaren thanked Sue and Dave for their presentation and provided them with a gift certificate as a token of appreciation.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/sue-and-dave-williams-sail-across-the-atlantic-in-a-tiny-sailboat/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:2022 Past Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Sue-e1645911460261.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20220614T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20220614T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050604
CREATED:20220222T205304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230228T180014Z
UID:4578-1655200800-1655204400@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Barry Wright - CEO of the 2022 Canada Summer Games
DESCRIPTION:Barry Wright CEO of the Canada Summer Games in Niagara \nDuncan McLaren introduced guest speaker Barry Wright\, the CEO of the 28th Canada Summer Games scheduled to be held at various sites across Niagara from August 6 to 21. \nBarry\, an associate professor at the Goodman School at Brock University\, has a Master’s degree and a Ph.D from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta. \n \nthe themes “inspire\, transform and unify.” He added that the games can leave lasting impacts on host communities. He mentioned the $100-million Games Park and facility located next to Brock University which was financed by all levels of government and by private donations including a major donation by the Walker family. He also mentioned the new $10million indoor training facility built for the Henley rowing course. He said the games could have a $400-million impact on host communities. \nBarry pointed out that the Canada Summer Games began in 1967 and are held every two years with the location moving around the country to allow all provinces and territories an opportunity to host. \nHe said that these games are the largest Barry Wright multi-sport event in Canada. Nearly 5\,000 athletes and coaches are expected to compete in 18 sports at 17 locations around Niagara. About 4\,000 volunteers have signed up to help things run smoothly. Barry said that these games are unique in that competition is held for both regular and para-athletes and special Olympics athletes. \nBarry indicated that these games include\, for the first time ever\, an Indigenous Partnership Council. He pointed out that the games mascot Shelly\, a non-gender turtle\, has significance on several levels. Indigenous people refer to this area of North America as Turtle Island; the turtle shell has 13 sections representing the 13 communities in Niagara and the provinces and territories. \nBarry said the mission of the games involves \nThe Walker Sports and Abilities Centre consists of two NHL-sized ice rinks\, a Sport Performance Centre\, the Brock-Niagara Health & Well-Being Centre\, a suspended 200-metre indoor track\, sport offices and a multipurpose fieldhouse featuring four gymnasiums. \nAnother first for these games is the fact that the torch relay\, which began in Ottawa\, includes one stage with the torch being carried on a Canada Steamship vessel. The final stages will include stops at various locations around Niagara before ending up at the opening ceremonies to be held at the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines on August 6. \nAn important part of the games will be a variety of cultural events planned throughout the 17 days. \nBarry said that it is still not too late to get involved in the games by volunteering. The game events will be recorded thanks to crews from Niagara College and will be live-streamed. \nMore information about the games\, including the various sports included\, is available by checking out the website at www.niagara2022games.ca \nDuncan thanked Barry for his informative talk and presented him with a gift certificate as a token of appreciation from the club. \n 
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/barrywright/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:2022 Past Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Barry-Wright-e1645563132618.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20220510T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20220510T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050604
CREATED:20220202T165257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230228T180024Z
UID:4530-1652176800-1652180400@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Alexandra Hall\,  Cyber-Seniors
DESCRIPTION:Cyber-Seniors is a non-profit organization providing senior citizens with tech-training using an intergenerational\, volunteer model.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/alexandra-hall-cyber-seniors/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:2022 Past Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Alex-Hall-e1643820744458.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20220412T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20220412T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050604
CREATED:20211026T174138Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230228T180039Z
UID:4002-1649757600-1649761200@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Adam Shoalts\,  (professional explorer and best-selling author)
DESCRIPTION:Adam Shoalts tries to uncover mystery of Labrador creature\nDuncan McLaren introduced guest speaker Adam Shoalts\, the Westaway explorer-in-residence with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. The Fenwick native described some of his earlier explorations including following the route taken by map-maker David Thompson through the Rocky Mountains and his solo journey across Canada’s far north. \n \nAdam said that it was while he was involved in research for his PhD in history from McMaster University that he became intrigued by written reports about the “Traverspine gorilla” in Labrador. Elliott Merrick wrote in 1930 about sightings of the huge hairy creature that frightened children and dogs and left behind massive tracks but was never spotted by hunters. Further research by Adam uncovered earlier reports by several doctors including Dr. Wilfred \nAdam Shoalts Grenfell\, the Newfoundland physician who travelled extensively across Labrador. Most agreed that the reports were too well-founded to doubt that the beast was some type of creature not previously seen in the area. Some of the written descriptions gave devil-like qualities to the creature. \nAdam’s detailed description of his travels to \nreach the ghost town of Traverspine and his attempts to uncover the mystery are the subject of his latest book “The Whisper on the Night Wind.” \nAdam said that he felt he would be wise to have a second person on this adventure and reached out to a former high school mate who was now involved in mixed martial arts. Zach agreed with little hesitation and within a matter of days the two set out on the 2\,000-kilometre drive to Happy ValleyGoose Bay situated on the north shore of the Churchill River in Labrador. From there they switched transportation mode to canoe where they battled high winds and strong currents to reach the Traverspine River and eventually the ruins of a two -storey house that was really all that remained of the former Traverspine. \n \nAdam and Zach still had a lot of ground to cover to reach their goal of the ancient Mealy Mountains and at one point had to leave their canoe behind and fight their way through dense forest and bogs and finally scramble up the mountain while exploring various caves. \nAdam admitted that the combination of reading many reports about mystery creatures in the area combined with the strange noises created by wind and animals made for a few sleepless nights in their tents. \nAdam said that he didn’t want to give away the ultimate secret to their exploration saving that for those who read his book. However\, it’s safe to say that although some of the mysteries may have been resolved\, there remains an element of the unknown linked to what happened in the wilds of Labrador. \nDuncan thanked Adam for his presentation and provided him with a gift certificate in appreciation
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/adam-shoalts-professional-explorer-and-best-selling-author/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:2022 Past Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Adam-Shoalts-e1635270079584.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20220308T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20220308T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050604
CREATED:20211028T161318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230228T180052Z
UID:4008-1646733600-1646737200@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Tim Burrows\, (Electric Vehicle Society)
DESCRIPTION:Tim Burrows champions the switch to an electric car \nDuncan McLaren introduced guest speaker Tim Burrows whose presentation asked the question “Should your next car be electric”. \nTim\, a retired vice president of Forty Creek Distillery\, is a member of the Electric Vehicle Society which is a non-profit organization which works to promote the understanding and adoption of electric mobility in Canada. He chairs the EV Society Etobicoke Chapter at Humber College. \n25% efficient in producing power while an electric engine has one moving part and is 88% efficient. Government action means that we are heading toward a ban on combustion engines because of climate and pollution concerns. He added that in simple economic terms\, batteries are becoming cheaper and lasting longer and there are fewer maintenance costs. \nTim said that his first electric car was a 2013 Tesla Model S and then he moved up to the Tesla Model X. \nNewer electric cars now have a range of 400 to 500 kilometres between charges and the battery life has been extended to 400\,000 to 500\,000 kilometres. Tim said that 95% of the time\, electric car owners recharge their batteries at home\, but fastcharging stations also allow for longer trips. \nOver that span of time\, he has logged more than 200\,000 kilometres without incident and without needing gasoline. \nTim pointed out that Tesla owners have access to superchargers coast to coast\, but he said that Petro Canada is in the process of installing fast charging stations as well. He said that for home charging stations\, you can get a special EV plug or a 30-amp service similar to a stove plug will serve the purpose. \nHe pointed out that back in 1900 electric cars out-sold gasoline pow- Tim Burrows ered cars until Henry Ford came along and produced cheap gas-powered cars. Tim said that General Motors produced an electric model from 1996 to 1999. Those model EV1 autos were available only through lease and could not be purchased and when the leases expired GM scrapped the whole fleet. Tim suggested checking out the 2006 documentary film “Who Killed the Electric Car” to learn about GM’s experiment in California. \nTim detailed several reasons for making the switch to electric. He said a typical combustion engine has more than 200 moving parts and is only \nTim also touched on the emergence of self-driving cars claiming that they will reduce traffic accidents and deaths. \nDuring an extensive question and answer period\, Tim said that because most cars will be recharged at night\, our current electrical infrastructure will be able to handle the extra demand although some local improvements may be required. \nIn summary\, Tim said that EVs are faster\, quieter\, and cheaper to operate and the fact that there is no engine means you also have trunk space in the front as well as the rear. \nDuncan thanked Tim for his presentation saying the number of questions reflected the interest in his topic. Duncan also presented a gift certificate as a token of appreciation. \nAt the speaker’s request\, his presentation was not recorded.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/tim-burrows-electric-vehicle-society/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:2022 Past Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Tim-Burrows.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20220208T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20220208T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050604
CREATED:20210812T055703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230228T180100Z
UID:3141-1644314400-1644318000@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Peter Meyler\, (Author)
DESCRIPTION:Peter Meyler Author of Richard Pierpoint and Lemuel Brown: “Fight for Freedom” in honour of Black History Month \n \nDuncan McLaren introduced guest speaker Peter Meyler who joined our meeting via Zoom. Peter\, who has researched Black history since 1985\, is the author of “Richard Pierpoint and Lemuel Brown: Fight for Freedom”. His timely presentation helped mark Black History Month. \nRichard\, who grew up in Fergus but now lives in Brampton\, said his interest in Pierpoint was sparked when he learned that land once owned by Pierpoint was directly across the road from his own home. His research uncovered that Pierpoint was born in Bondou in Africa and was one of approximately 12 million slaves shipped to North America. He ended up in New England in Peter Meyler 1760 and fought with the British in the war with France. Pierpoint joined the Butlers Rangers in 1780 and moved to the Niagara area. \n  \nAs a member of Butlers Rangers\, Pierpoint received a land grant of 200 acres in Grantham Township in what is now St. Catharies. His property included what was called Centennial Park before city council voted last year to re-name it Richard Pierpoint Park. \nAt the age of 68\, Pierpoint joined the British in the War of 1812 and was largely responsible for the creation of a Coloured Corps. Richard said that Pierpoint was stationed at Fort George and fought in battles at Queenston Heights and that the Coloured Corps was mainly responsible for building Fort Mississauga when Fort George was over-run by the Americans. \nAfter the war\, Pierpoint traded his St. Catharines lot for one in Louth. In 1820\, he received a land grant in Garafraxa Township near Fergus and cleared five acres. Pierpoint willed his property to Lemuel Brown but lived until 1838 when he died at the age of 93. \nMeyler said that Brown was born into slavery in Vermont. He suffered under cruel masters including one who lost him in a betting wager. Brown was injured fighting in the Battle of Chippawa in 1814 but after recovering was beaten and whipped by his owner. He finally escaped by crossing the dangerous Niagara River in a small boat and was taken in by a sympathetic white man on the Canadian shore. \nRichard said that the 1828 census shows that Brown lived in Grantham Township and was listed in St. Catharines in 1841. He ended up in Artemesia Township near Collingwood. Along the way he married Phoebe Workman and had17 children. \nDuncan thanked Richard for his presentation and his extensive research that helped bring a part of our local history to life. He will present Richard with a gift certificate in appreciation. \nPeter’s recorded presentation is available on the club’s website at www.probusstcatharines.com in the past speakers section or click the URL below.. \nVideo of presentation click URL here
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/peter-meyler-author/
LOCATION:Ontario
CATEGORIES:2022 Past Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Peter-Meyler-e1645277631407.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20220111T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20220111T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050604
CREATED:20210813T055641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230228T191255Z
UID:3139-1641895200-1641898800@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Peter Weltman (Financial)
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9xtQ6eocLE”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Peter Weltman – Ontario Financial Accountability Officer \nTopic: The role of the The Ontario Financial Accountability Office \nArt Currie introduced our guest speaker Peter Weltman a Financial Accountability Officer with the Ontario Government \nPeter gave a very informative and detailed presentation on what a Financial Accountability Officer does in the Ontario legislature. \nThe Financial Accountability Office (FAO) supports the legislative needs of MPP’s by providing them with financial analysis\, forecasting and information. The FAO is trustworthy they support all MPP’s in holding the government to account\, everything they do is public and on their website. The independent\, non partisan FAO does their own financial modelling. \nThe FAO’s work covers Ontario’s financial performance\, fiscal position Ministry spending plans and financial analysis of specific government policies. \nFinancial forecasting and analysis have been affected due to Covid 19. \nThe year in review 2020-21 is available on the website www.fao-on.org \nDuncan will mail Peter a $30.00 LCBO thank-you gift certificate. \nView Peter Weltman’s presentation on YouTube click here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/peter-weltman/
LOCATION:Ontario
CATEGORIES:2022 Past Speakers
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