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X-WR-CALNAME:PROBUS St. Catharines
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for PROBUS St. Catharines
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260626T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260626T133000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20260210T215405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T215405Z
UID:6212-1782475200-1782480600@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:PROBUS Lunch at Dalhousie Yacht Club
DESCRIPTION:Join us on the last Friday of (almost) every month for lunch at the Dalhousie Yacht Club on the shore of Lake Ontario in Port Dalhousie. Arrive at noon for a beverage and enjoy lunch at 12:30.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/probus-lunch-at-dalhousie-yacht-club/2026-06-26/
LOCATION:Ontario
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260616T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260616T093000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20260210T214629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T214629Z
UID:6187-1781596800-1781602200@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:PROBUS Club Monthly Breakfast
DESCRIPTION:Join us on the last Friday of (almost) every month for lunch at the Dalhousie Yacht Club on the shore of Lake Ontario in Port Dalhousie. Arrive at noon for a beverage and enjoy lunch at 12:30.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/probus-club-monthly-breakfast/2026-06-16/
LOCATION:Johnny Pastrami’s Diner\, 569 Lake St\, St.\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2N 4J1\, Canada
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260609T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260609T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20251020T150516Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251130T202927Z
UID:6084-1780999200-1781002800@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Stephen Hartman - Chemistry Professor (retired)\, Brock University
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Steve Hartman –Chemistry Professor (retired)\, Brock University – Probus North Member \nTopic: Feedback Loops and Climate Change: The Long View \nThe Earth’s atmosphere was very different 4.6 billion years ago when the Earth formed\, It had high levels of carbon dioxide and no oxygen. This continued for the first 1½ billion years\, until primitive single-cell life evolved a new kind of photosynthesis that produced oxygen as a by-product. Oxygen is highly reactive\, and this changed everything on Earth’s surface. Eventually there was enough oxygen in the atmosphere to allow oxygen-breathing organisms including dinosaurs and humans to evolve.  \nLife is fragile\, For billions of years\, Earth’s atmosphere has remained in the very narrow temperature range that makes life possible. We will discuss how this happened\, and how human activities are upsetting the system and putting our survival at risk. \n  \n 
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/stephen-hartman/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Stephen-Hartman-rotated.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260529T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260529T133000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20260210T215405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T215405Z
UID:6211-1780056000-1780061400@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:PROBUS Lunch at Dalhousie Yacht Club
DESCRIPTION:Join us on the last Friday of (almost) every month for lunch at the Dalhousie Yacht Club on the shore of Lake Ontario in Port Dalhousie. Arrive at noon for a beverage and enjoy lunch at 12:30.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/probus-lunch-at-dalhousie-yacht-club/2026-05-29/
LOCATION:Ontario
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260519T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260519T093000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20260210T214629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T214629Z
UID:6186-1779177600-1779183000@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:PROBUS Club Monthly Breakfast
DESCRIPTION:Join us on the last Friday of (almost) every month for lunch at the Dalhousie Yacht Club on the shore of Lake Ontario in Port Dalhousie. Arrive at noon for a beverage and enjoy lunch at 12:30.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/probus-club-monthly-breakfast/2026-05-19/
LOCATION:Johnny Pastrami’s Diner\, 569 Lake St\, St.\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2N 4J1\, Canada
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260512T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260512T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20250712T131047Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250712T132656Z
UID:6004-1778580000-1778583600@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Chandi Jayawardena  - Speaker - Artist\, Writer etc
DESCRIPTION:Dr. Chandi Jayawardena DPhil – Speaker\, Artist\, Writer etc \nTopic: “Sharing my life lessons learned” \nBorn in Sri Lanka\, he is a well known world hotelier\, having managed a number of 5 star hotels around the world. \nHe has a doctorate in tourism\, is a painter\, and a published poet.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/chandi-jayawardena/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Chandi-Jayawardena.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260424T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260424T133000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20260210T215405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T215405Z
UID:6210-1777032000-1777037400@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:PROBUS Lunch at Dalhousie Yacht Club
DESCRIPTION:Join us on the last Friday of (almost) every month for lunch at the Dalhousie Yacht Club on the shore of Lake Ontario in Port Dalhousie. Arrive at noon for a beverage and enjoy lunch at 12:30.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/probus-lunch-at-dalhousie-yacht-club/2026-04-24/
LOCATION:Ontario
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260421T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260421T093000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20260210T214629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T214629Z
UID:6185-1776758400-1776763800@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:PROBUS Club Monthly Breakfast
DESCRIPTION:Join us on the last Friday of (almost) every month for lunch at the Dalhousie Yacht Club on the shore of Lake Ontario in Port Dalhousie. Arrive at noon for a beverage and enjoy lunch at 12:30.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/probus-club-monthly-breakfast/2026-04-21/
LOCATION:Johnny Pastrami’s Diner\, 569 Lake St\, St.\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2N 4J1\, Canada
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260414T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260414T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20250515T121513Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T121513Z
UID:5977-1776160800-1776164400@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Dan Sider Jr. - CAA Niagara
DESCRIPTION:Dan Sider Jr. – Operational Efficiency Manager at CAA Niagara \n  \n 
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/dan-sider-jr/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dan-Sider-Jr.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260327T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260327T133000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20260210T215405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T215405Z
UID:6209-1774612800-1774618200@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:PROBUS Lunch at Dalhousie Yacht Club
DESCRIPTION:Join us on the last Friday of (almost) every month for lunch at the Dalhousie Yacht Club on the shore of Lake Ontario in Port Dalhousie. Arrive at noon for a beverage and enjoy lunch at 12:30.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/probus-lunch-at-dalhousie-yacht-club/2026-03-27/
LOCATION:Ontario
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260317T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260317T093000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20260210T214629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T214629Z
UID:6184-1773734400-1773739800@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:PROBUS Club Monthly Breakfast
DESCRIPTION:Join us on the last Friday of (almost) every month for lunch at the Dalhousie Yacht Club on the shore of Lake Ontario in Port Dalhousie. Arrive at noon for a beverage and enjoy lunch at 12:30.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/probus-club-monthly-breakfast/2026-03-17/
LOCATION:Johnny Pastrami’s Diner\, 569 Lake St\, St.\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2N 4J1\, Canada
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260310T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260310T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20250613T152951Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T195244Z
UID:5995-1773136800-1773140400@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Brian Bratt Exec. Dir.- Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre
DESCRIPTION:Brian Bratt Exec. Dir.- Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre \nThe Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara (KFCACN) provides a safe place to help\, heal\, end child abuse for Niagara’s children and youth who have experienced alleged physical abuse\, sexual abuse\, neglect\, become the targets of internet luring\, or were the unwilling witness of violence. \nThat’s why the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre exists: to bring kids and families together in a safe and secure environment when they can find support\, comfort\, and the opportunity to heal from traumatic childhood events. \nVideo:\n \n  \n 
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/brian-bratt/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Profile-Pic-2025-e1749828337374.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260227T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260227T133000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20260210T215405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T215405Z
UID:6208-1772193600-1772199000@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:PROBUS Lunch at Dalhousie Yacht Club
DESCRIPTION:Join us on the last Friday of (almost) every month for lunch at the Dalhousie Yacht Club on the shore of Lake Ontario in Port Dalhousie. Arrive at noon for a beverage and enjoy lunch at 12:30.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/probus-lunch-at-dalhousie-yacht-club/2026-02-27/
LOCATION:Ontario
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260217T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260217T093000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20260210T214629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T214629Z
UID:6182-1771315200-1771320600@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:PROBUS Club Monthly Breakfast
DESCRIPTION:Join us on the last Friday of (almost) every month for lunch at the Dalhousie Yacht Club on the shore of Lake Ontario in Port Dalhousie. Arrive at noon for a beverage and enjoy lunch at 12:30.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/probus-club-monthly-breakfast/2026-02-17/
LOCATION:Johnny Pastrami’s Diner\, 569 Lake St\, St.\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2N 4J1\, Canada
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260210T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260210T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20250403T145459Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T150011Z
UID:5945-1770717600-1770721200@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Patrick Little - Lawyer\, St. Catharines Historian
DESCRIPTION:Patrick Little – Lawyer\, St. Catharines Historian \n“Nino Donatelli: A Lifetime Restoring St.  Catharines’ Historic Buildings” \nDoug Gallaway introduced guest speaker Patrick Little\, a St. Catharines lawyer since the 1970s\, who talked about his long association with Nino Donatelli who has spent a lifetime transforming St. Catharines heritage buildings. \nPatrick said that Nino came from Italy as a child with his family and settled in St. Catharines and graduated from St. Catharines Collegiate. \nPatrick used a map to illustrate various areas of the city where Nino has stepped in to refurbish historic buildings which had fallen into neglect. Nino’s first activities were in Port Dalhousie. Patrick pointed out that Port Dalhousie\, once a thriving community at the north end of the Welland Canal\, suffered hard times when the canal entrance was moved further east to Port Weller. \nNino’s projects in Port Dalhousie included the Port Mansion\, the Soap House and Murphy’s Restaurant. Patrick said that well-known caterer Art Smith helped secure a patio licence that Nino helped turn into the largest outdoor patio in Canada with a capacity of 2\,000 people in the mid 90’s. The core properties were sold in 2003 to the firm that proposed a major tower development which has never seen the light of day. \nNino and Patrick’s one remaining holding in Port is the Port Dalhousie Pier Marina. Although it continues to thrive with still room to expand\, Patrick mentioned one plan that didn’t work out was when they secured a Riverboat to serve as a stationary restaurant at the marina. \nPatrick said that Nino was also one of the founders of Cat’s Caboose which he saw as filling a need as the first wings and beer pub around in 1976. \nSome of Nino’s most notable efforts have been in the Merritton area where buildings connected to the Domtar paper mills had been abandoned and left to slowly rot away. Nino was assured that the buildings were fundamentally sound and he set out to transform them. The first was for the Keg Restaurant\, which opened in 2002\, followed by the Stone Mill Inn which opened in 2005. \nNino also purchased Rodman Hall\, which sits on 12 acres of property. Built in 1856\, the building had a variety of uses but Nino restored it to its former glory and hoped to open a boutique hotel but that didn’t prove viable in St. Catharines and Patrick explained that it is now transforming into an exclusive recovery centre for short term respites. \nPatrick concluded his presentation by saying that Nino continues to search out older buildings that might be restored for new purposes. \nDuncan McLaren thanked Patrick for his in-depth knowledge and role in saving and restoring historic buildings and presented him with a gift certificate as a token of appreciation. \n 
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/patrick-little/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/H.-A.-Patrick-Pat-Little.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260122T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260122T220000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20260210T213920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T214154Z
UID:6174-1769108400-1769119200@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Niagara Ice Dogs Hockey Game January\, 2026
DESCRIPTION:A number of our members attended a recent Niagara Ice Dogs hockey game. A good time was had by all!
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/niagara-ice-dogs-hockey-game-january-2026/
LOCATION:Ontario
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260113T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260113T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20241209T214256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260201T133709Z
UID:5863-1768298400-1768302000@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Miriam Mitchell - Citizen Services Specialist\, Service Canada Government of Canada.
DESCRIPTION:Miriam Mitchell – Citizen Services Specialist\, Service Canada Government of Canada. \nTopics that Miriam will be covering include:\n• Canada Pension Plan\n• Old Age Security\n• Guaranteed Income Supplement\n• Canadian Dental Care Plan \nSpeaker details some benefits on offer from Service Canada \nMiriam Mitchell\, our guest speaker representing the Canadian Government in the department of Citizen Services Specialist\, Service Canada\, was introduced by Ralph Steffen. \nMiriam\, a lifelong resident of Niagara\, has been involved in many community activities including the Lincoln and Welland Regiment Band and has been a government worker for over 30 years. She pointed out that Service Canada has four offices including the Passport office at the Pen Centre. Miriam’s presentation focused on three category areas: Canada Pension Plan (CPP)\, Old Age Security (OAS)\, and the Dental Plan. \nThe Canada Pension Plan began in 1966 and is funded by employers\, self-employed and mandatory employee payroll deductions and administrated by the Government.  Application for CPP pensions can be made at age 60\, 65 or 70. Higher payouts are available the later you apply for them up to age 70. Benefits depend on how much and how long you contributed. Miriam noted that if someone continues working\, they must continue paying toward CPP until age 65. \n \nShe added that enhanced payouts may be available in certain situations such as for a disability or for assisted child care. She pointed out that CPP offers a survivor’s pension to a surviving spouse or common law partner. \nThe Old Age Security Plan is funded by our tax dollars and is available and paid out once Canadian citizens reach age 65 or can be delayed until age 70 for a higher payout The OAS is available to Canadians living in or out of Canada. This plan also includes the GIS supplements plan for low-income residents. \nThe Dental Plan came into effect in 2024 and is available to all Canadian citizens who have a family income of $90 thousand or less per year and the plan must be reviewed and renewed every year. There are a number of dental services that are covered by this plan provided the dentist is registered with the Government. \nMiriam encouraged anyone wishing more information to go to the Government of Canada Website www.Canada.ca or call Service Canada. \nDuncan McLaren thanked Miriam for her very informative presentation.  Miriam declined the honorarium stating that Government policy prohibits employees from accepting gifts of any kind. \n  \n 
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/miriam-mitchell/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/canada-wordmark-e1733854704906.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251209T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251209T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20241127T142008Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251231T161115Z
UID:5850-1765274400-1765278000@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Hugh Gayler
DESCRIPTION:Topic:  “Seeing Canada by Train” \nJohn Senn introduced Dr. Hugh Gayler\, our club member\, who filled in as guest speaker. Hugh\, who retired from Brock University in the field of urban planning in 2010\, is an avid rail travel enthusiast and offered a PowerPoint presentation of his trans-Canada rail journey. \nHugh pointed out that the Canadian Pacific Railway was the first to complete a route from Toronto to Vancouver in 1885 followed by Canadian National Railway in 1914. \nHe said that VIA Rail took over passenger rail transport in 1977. The Rocky Mountaineer\, which caters to the tourist industry and runs between Vancouver and Banff\, began operation in 1990. \nHugh said that there has never been a true trans- Hugh Gayler describes his continental rail journey across Canada by rail. service in Canada as the eastern part of the country is served by separate rail lines. \nTalking about his own experience travelling from Vancouver to Toronto\, a trip which started on a Tuesday and ended on Saturday\, Hugh provided pictures of scenery along the way. He pointed out that\, because the train travels at night\, you see different mountain ranges depending which direction you are going. He said the trip can vary depending on the time of year and the weather. \n 
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/to-be-confirmed/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Hugh-Gaylor-e1635714997727.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251111T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251111T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20241123T143312Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T174134Z
UID:5847-1762855200-1762858800@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Hugh Gayler - "London: The Post-Imperial City\, 1945-2025"
DESCRIPTION:Speaker: Hugh Gayler – Probus Member \nTopic: “London: The Post-Imperial City\, 1945-2025” \nSpeaker offers in-depth look at post-war London \nJohn Senn introduced club member Hugh Gayler as our speaker for November whose topic was London: The post imperial city. Hugh retired from Brock University in the field of urban planning in 2010. He travelled to London many times with student groups\, studied economics in London and on returning to Canada completed his PhD at the University of British Columbia. \nHugh began his presentation by remembering London’s war dead with a Power Point tour of various memorials and cenotaphs erected to pay tribute to veterans and civilians who lost their lives during combat in the two world wars. Evidence of bombing destruction still remains in parts of the city. \nHugh went on to talk about the decline of London after World War II. He said dock closures and industrial losses contributed to a drastic drop in population in the city of London. He explained that London is a capitol city with 32 boroughs.  Government is composed of the Greater London Authority and 33 smaller authorities. London’s population is now 9.1 million while the total metropolitan population has risen to 15.1 million\, making it the third largest city in Europe. \nHe said that the City of London still has its own police force while the other boroughs are served by the Metropolitan Police. \nHugh said that for years the city followed an anti-high-rise policy with decentralization of offices. This started to change when Canadian interests developed Canary Wharf in the financial district. Hilton built the first high-rise hotel overlooking Buckingham Palace in the 1970s and there followed a splurge of unique buildings which Hugh displayed in his photographic tour. The buildings included some given names such as the Gerken\, the Cheese Grater\, the Walkie Talkie and even the London Eye. \n \nHe indicated that London remains a cultural capitol with art galleries\, museums\, opera houses\, symphonies and city markets. He said that every book published in England is housed in the London Library. He added that Fleet Street is no longer the centre for newspapers as they have all moved out of the area \nHugh said that tourism is now a major financial contributor as the city has become a major cruise ship destination. \nDuncan McLaren thanked Hugh for sharing his in-depth knowledge of London through words and pictures. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/hugh-gayler/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Hugh-Gaylor-e1635714997727.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251014T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251014T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20240907T134049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T143648Z
UID:5767-1760436000-1760439600@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Jenna Wickens - CFS Counseling & Wellbeing as the MatureMinds Coordinator
DESCRIPTION:Jenna Wickens – CFS Counseling & Wellbeing as the MatureMinds Coordinator \nTopic: The Future is Old: Confronting Ageism for Better Health and a Brighter Tomorrow. Speaker urges a positive approach to ageing \nBill Holman introduced guest speaker Jenna Wickens who works with CFS Counselling and Wellbeing. She believes that the future is old and\, in her role\, provides advocacy\, education\, programs\, volunteer opportunities and community resource consultation that support our intrinsic value as we get older. \nJenna studied community recreation at Brock University and Niagara College and recently earned a designation as a Certified Professional Consultant on aging. \nAgeism — a bias based on age — is one of the most accepted forms of prejudice. It shapes how we treat others\, how we see ourselves and how we age. \nShe said that the term ‘old’ is Jenna Wickens seen as a negative and noted that one in three have experienced ageism which relates to how we think\, feel and act toward others and ourselves. \nShe used the messages on many birthday cards to illustrate how stereotypes about aging can be reinforced and showed a brief video using the ‘best before date’ message as it might relate to people as they age. \nJenna pointed out that ageism is the only ‘ism’ that reveals prejudice toward our future selves. She added that ageism can be bad for your health and that studies have shown that people with positive feelings lived seven and a half years longer than those with a negative attitude. \nShe said that although retired people are some of the busiest people\, typical media messages on aging illustrate seniors as invisible\, extreme — being either weak and sick or superheroes — while most end up somewhere in between the two extremes. She said aging is also seen as a disease or disaster to be avoided. \nJenna said that we need to see growing old as an opportunity and not a liability. She also offered a few potential responses to people who make comments such as “you are looking good\, for your age.” \nShe closed with a quote from C.S. Lewis who said\, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream”. \nDuncan McLaren thanked Jenna for her presentation and provided her with a gift card in a token of appreciation. \n \n  \nAgeism speaker Jenna Wickens meets Probus member Bob Trinder who marked his 101st birthday in October. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/jenna-wickens-cfs-counseling-wellbeing-as-the-matureminds-coordinator/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Jenna-Wickens-e1723582620674.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250909T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250909T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20241127T221509Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T144016Z
UID:5854-1757412000-1757415600@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Roddy MacKenzie\, author
DESCRIPTION:Roddy MacKenzie – Canada’s Bomber Command in WWII. Churchhill’s Greatest Triumph \nCanada played vital role in WW II Bomber Command \nJoe Vanderkooi introduced guest speaker Roddy MacKenzie\, a retired Vancouver lawyer\, who spoke via Zoom\, about his book\, “Bomber Command: Churchill’s Greatest Triumph”. \nRoddy’s father\, Roland MacKenzie\, DFC of Calgary\, piloted a Lancaster as part of Bomber Command in 34 combat sorties over Nazi controlled Europe from April to August of 1944. Like so many veterans who survived the war\, Roland spoke little of his exploits\, but curiosity led Roddy into six years of researching\, speaking and writing about Bomber Command and finally publishing his book in 2023. \nOne of the first things that Roddy discovered was that very little was known about Bomber Command and what it achieved. He pointed out that Winston Churchill was convinced that the key to success in the war against Germany was going to be air superiority. Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon McKenzie King was in full agreement to the extent that Canada contributed $1.6 billion toward Bomber Command with much of that money going to build runways for training pilots from the U.K.\, Australia and New Zealand as well as Canada. Although Commonwealth countries made up the bulk of the crews\, crew members actually came from more than 60 countries. \nRoddy found that some of his best information about the impact of Bomber Command came from Germany. Even Hitler was said to blame the German Airforce’s failure to control the skies for Germany’s loss of the war. Roddy’s research uncovered the tremendous cost in aircrews and aircraft. One quarter of all Canadians in uniform who died in the Second World War were killed in Bomber Command. \nRoddy said that Canada played a major role in Bomber Command which included several strictly Canadian squadrons. Despite being a relatively small nation\, by the end of the war\, Canada boasted the fourth largest air force. Roddy said that he also learned that there were a number of false statements and reports about the efforts of Bomber Command. As an example\, he said that Joseph Goebbels added a zero to the total deaths in the bombing of Dresden claiming 200\,000 died instead of the actual number of about 20\,000. Roddy pointed out that the development of the Lancaster bombers led to much more precise targeting on bombing runs under the direction of Sir Arthur Harris\, Marshall of the Royal Air Force. \nFor his efforts in uncovering the story of Bomber Command\, Roddy has been recognized with a number of honors. He is Honorary Ambassador of the International Bomber Command Centre in the UK\, Honorary Member of the New Zealand Bomber Command Association\, a Life Member of the Bomber Command Memorial and Museum of Canada and a Member of the Bomber Command Association of Australia. \nDuncan McLaren thanked Roddy for his dynamic presentation and Roddy\, a Probus member in Vancouver\, offered to return his honorarium to the club. \nTo view a video of this presentation\, please click here. \n 
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/roddy-mackenzie/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/MacKenzie.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250812T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250812T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20241122T163224Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T205340Z
UID:5842-1754992800-1754996400@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Sara Nixon - Director of Community Engagement - The Brown Homestead
DESCRIPTION:Sara Nixon – Community Engagement Manager – The Brown Homestead \nTopic: The Brown Homestead History \nBrown Homestead’s history began with Loyalist settlers \nHugh Gaylor introduced guest speaker\, Sara Nixon\, Director of Community Engagement for The Brown Homestead.  Sara grew up in Grimsby fascinated with the local history that surrounded her. She earned a Master’s degree in Public History from Carleton University and has been involved in museum and heritage history for the past 15 years. \nSara said that the oldest part of the Brown house\, built in 1796\, is the oldest house in St. Catharines. \nJohn Brown\, a United Empire Loyalist\, came to Niagara in 1783 arriving at Fort Niagara. Brown\, along with other Loyalists\, received land grants from the British Government in recognition of their role in the American Revolution and settled with his family in the Short Hills area where he was given 700 acres. He first built a log cabin before building a l-1/2 storey stone home for his large family on the property on Pelham Road which at the time was a stagecoach route. A large Georgian style addition was added in 1802. \nBefore he died in 1804\, John Brown owned a total of 900 acres and had cleared land to create a productive farm. \nWhen John died\, his son Adam took possession and converted the home into an inn and tavern as well as his home and it became a hub of community activity. When Adam died in 1851\, his son sold the property to Joseph Chellew who had 11 children and who made a number of changes to the building including adding a Victorian style porch across the front of the house. \nChellew also expanded the farm operation and added several outbuildings including a barn and dairy house. \nThe next owner was LaFontaine Powers\, who purchased the property in 1912 and added some modern conveniences. In 1979 Jon Jouppin purchased the home with the idea of restoring it to its original character. Since 2015\, it has been owned by the John Brown Heritage Foundation which was founded by descendants of the original homesteaders. In 2021 the name was changed to The Brown Homestead. \nSara illustrated some of the restoration work that continues on the house. Removal of layers and layers of wallpaper has revealed original stencils on the walls and floors which have been hand traced and replicated. \nSara said that the foundation has further plans to develop the property and is always looking for volunteers to assist with the many projects still in the works. \nDuncan thanked Sara for her informative talk and said a donation will be forwarded to the Foundation. \nClick here to view video of presentation
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/sara-nixon/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Sara-Nixon-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250708T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250708T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20241029T135210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T205615Z
UID:5811-1751968800-1751972400@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Danielle Rosenblum -  Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
DESCRIPTION:Danielle Rosenblum – Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides – Community Partnerships Manager \n \nGuide dogs empower those with disabilities \nRudy Thiessen introduced guest speaker Danielle Rosenblum from the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides along with foster parents and their dogs – Karen and Casper\, Heather and Nixon and Jane and Lark. Danielle said that she has been with the Foundation for three and a half years and loves every minute. \nThe mission of the Lions Foundation is to empower Canadians living with disabilities to navigate their world with confidence by providing a dog guide at no cost and supporting them in their journey together. Danielle said the 40-year-old organization has two facilities. The main campus is in Oakville and the other is in Breslau. \nPuppies are bred at the Oakville facility and at eight weeks old are then raised by foster families for up to 14 months before being turned over to professional trainers. In about two years the dog is matched with a waiting client in one of seven different programs. The programs include Canine Vision\, Hearing\, Service\, Seizure Response\, Autism Assistance\, Diabetes Alert and Facility Support. Potential clients must attend in-person classes in Oakville where they get acquainted with the dog and are assessed by the trainers. \nDanielle said the foundation places about 250 dogs per year. With all the training\, care and follow-up support for clients\, the cost is about $35\,000 per dog. She pointed out that the foundation relies on donations to fund its work. She added that even with that number of dogs processed each year\, they are unable to keep up with the demand.\nShe said that the foundation is in the process of building a new 89\,000 square foot facility in Oakville to try to meet that demand. \nDanielle played a video that presented various testimonials from people explaining how their lives have been improved by their guide dogs.\nShe pointed out that a key part of the program is the volunteers who raise puppies during their first year or so and are responsible for teaching the puppy basic obedience and house training\, socialization in different environments and attending puppy classes and vet visits. One of the volunteers\, Karen\, referred to herself as a serial puppy raiser having raised about 25 dogs. \n \n  \nDuring a question-and-answer session\, Danielle suggested that about 65% of the puppies who start the program are successfully placed. You can learn more about the program at www.dogguides.com\nDuncan McLaren thanked Danielle and the volunteers for their presentation and for bringing their dogs with them and issued a donation to the Foundation on behalf of the Probus Club. \nClick here to view video of presentation \n \n 
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/danielle-rosenblum/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Danielle-e1730485081780.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250610T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250610T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20240813T205728Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250630T155008Z
UID:5755-1749549600-1749553200@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Lori Serafino-Harper - Manager of Audiology\, Speech & AAC and Terri Dean\, Audiologist
DESCRIPTION:TOPIC: Hearing loss can be key factor in cognitive health. \nLori Serafino-Harper – Manager of Audiology\, Speech & AAC & Terri Dean – Terri Dean\, Audiologist \nHugh Learmonth introduced guest speakers\, Lori Serafino-Harper and Terri Dean\, both Audiologists working at the Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre in St. Catharines. Lori has been employed at Shaver since 1991 and since 2018 has been manager of audiology\, speech and AAC. Terri joined Shaver in 2010. \nLori gave us a quick history of the only rehabilitation facility in the Region. She pointed out that plans are in the works to expand the facility with a new building to be erected behind the present building which was constructed in 1930. \nThe Hotel Dieu Shaver facility treats 1200 inpatient admissions and over 25\,000 total outpatients every year. They have 134 beds\, 520 employees\, 33 medical staff and three full-time audiologists. Lori said they treat high and low intensity rehabilitation patients\, short term cases and end-of-life situations. \nShe said the name of the facility changed in 2005 when Shaver and Hotel Dieu combined and the governance and management was assumed by Hotel Dieu Hospital. \nThe audiology department\, which was established in 1972\, oversees all patients with hearing deficiencies. When testing indicates that a patient requires hearing aids\, they are assisted in determining which type is best suited for their needs. The audiology department can sell the hearing aids and then provides three years of follow-up service to make sure the patient is getting the best results possible. \nTerri focused on the auditory system with a short video\, explaining how the ear works\, or why it doesn’t work. She said that there are different types of hearing loss and each type requires unique approaches. Tinnitus is a condition causing internal sounds or buzzing and is not treatable. Intervention with testing can determine what type of hearing \nloss is involved and what type of hearing aid will be best suited to help the person. There are many different hearing devices to choose from when that time comes. Terri went on to talk about hearing loss prevention. Some types of hearing loss are caused by external conditions\, and you should avoid noisy and polluted surroundings and try to live a healthy lifestyle. \nTerri stressed the importance of intervention as hearing loss is a risk factor tied to cognitive health including social isolation and dementia. She also mentioned the statistic that people with hearing loss fall 2.5 times more frequently than normal. \nThe speakers fielded a number of queries during a Question-and-Answer period before Duncan McLaren thanked them for a very informative presentation. \nClick here for video of this presenation \n 
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/lori-serafino-harper/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lori-Serafino-Harper.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250513T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250513T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20240528T130953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250602T191106Z
UID:5708-1747130400-1747134000@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Annemarie Hagan - Life of Mayor “Hurricane Hazel”
DESCRIPTION:Annemarie Hagan \nTopic: Hazel McCallion a dominate force as Mississauga mayor \nHarold Nash introduced guest speaker\, Annemarie Hagan\, an award-winning curator and museum professional with over 35 years of experience. She has a B.A. in history from the University of Toronto and from 1998 to 2014 she was the manager of museums of Mississauga. Annemarie spoke extensively about Hazel McCallion\, affectionately known as “Hurricane Hazel\,” former mayor of the city of Mississauga. \nHazel was born in Montreal in 1921. She played professional hockey in the Gaspe Coast League. She worked for Canadian Kellogg Engineering and moved to Annemarie Hagan Toronto in the late 1940s as their office manager. Hazel married in 1951 and settled in Streetsville and entered the world of politics. She lost her only election in 1964 when she ran unsuccessfully for deputy reeve. She was elected to that post in 1967 and served as mayor of Streetsville from 1970-73. \nAnnemarie said that Hazel was strongly opposed to the amalgamation proposed by then Ontario Premier Bill Davis and Streetsville and Port Credit were the two strongest holdouts. But the creation of Mississauga finally took place\, and Hazel ran for mayor in 1978 and won 12 consecutive elections\, serving as mayor for 36 years until her retirement in 2014. \nHazel earned a reputation for her business friendly polices and was known by her critics as “the queen of sprawl” as she worked to attract business and investments to her city.\nAnnemarie noted that Hazel didn’t avoid scandals as she twice was cited for municipal conflict of interest infractions when she failed to declare her conflicts while voting on development issues including one instance involving her son. \nAnnemarie said that Hazel never toed any party line and ended up with good friends on both sides of the floor and enjoyed sharing the limelight with all sorts of celebrities. She remained active after her retirement and passed away in 2023 at the age of 101. \nAndy Redman thanked Annemarie for her extensive presentation on the life of Hazel. \n.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/annemarie-hagan/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Annemarie-Hagan.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250408T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250408T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20240212T153136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T172933Z
UID:5649-1744106400-1744110000@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Adele Alfano - Autism Dog Services Inc.
DESCRIPTION:Adele Alfano – Service dogs offer help to children with autism\n \nJoe Vanderkooi introduced guest speaker\, Adele Alfonso\, the fund development manager for Autism Dog Services overseeing fundraising and volunteers. \nAdele explained that there is a wide spectrum in people with autism. Some are highly functional and others\, at the other end of the spectrum\, are non-verbal.  One in 65 children have autism with some being diagnosed as young as two years of age.     Adele went on to say that Autism Dog Services was established in 2007 as a therapy service which includes seven people who work from their own homes. The service uses highly trained dogs as a way of reaching the innermost thoughts and actions for those who have autism and have placed 150 service dogs in southern Ontario.     Adele explained that Autism Dog Services has reliable puppy breeders who donate golden retrievers and labradors at about eight weeks which are placed with puppy raisers for 12 to 18 months. The foster families are responsible for socializing and exposing the pups to all different experiences to prepare them to become certified as service dogs. The dogs are assessed after 12 months and Adele pointed out that not all dogs make it through the program. \nShe said that certain breeds of dogs are chosen because they are very trainable and loveable. Larger dogs are used because they can restrain an autistic child who may be susceptible to running into traffic or having a tantrum. All costs are covered during the training period and Adele said that it can amount to about $25\,000 per dog. Adele said that many senior university students serve as raisers but others who have a love of dogs certainly can qualify. Autism Dog Services receives no government support so relies on fund-raising events.  \nAdele introduced Andrea and her chocolate labrador therapy dog\, Aden. Andrea has a son with autism\, and she shared how having the dog changed her son’s demeanor for the better and allows him to do normal activities and to travel. Service dogs always wear a vest with specific ID badges when they are working and\, by law\, are admitted into restaurants and other public spaces. \nDuncan McLaren thanked Adele and Andrea for coming and bringing Aden to share their story about a life-changing service and presented them with a donation to Autism Dog Services.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/adele-alfano/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Image-from-Probus-Club-St.-Catharines-Presentation-Details-page-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250311T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250311T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20240711T114620Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T193718Z
UID:5741-1741687200-1741690800@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Marcie Jacklin - The Owl Foundation
DESCRIPTION:Topic: Owl Foundation has long history of helping raptors \nRalph Stefan introduced Marcie Jacklin\, a volunteer with the Owl Foundation\, a Rehabilitation Centre for wild owls and other raptors in Vineland at Jordan Harbour. \nMarci\, a former Brock librarian and active birder who earned a national award for enduring commitment to conservation\, said the foundation has two groups of owls – those that need long-term care and those that are nursed back to health and prepared for release back to the wild. \nThe Owl Foundation\, which was founded by Kay and Larry McKeever in the 1970’s\, is a registered charity. It is not open to the public but regular donors are invited once a year to observe the work that is being done. \nMarci pointed out that baby owls must even learn what species they belong to. Young or injured owls are rehabilitated back to good health and are then released as close as possible to their natural habitat. \nShe described some of the unique physical qualities of owls. Their large eyes don’t move but owls are able to turn their heads up to 270-degrees. They can both see and hear from great distances. Because most owls are active at night and have excellent camouflage plumage\, they can be very difficult to spot and Marci said your best chance of finding one is to listen for its sound. \nMarci played a variety of sounds made by different species but probably only an expert would recognize some of them as an owl’s call as they ranged from screeching to barking. \nMarcie listed the various types of common owls that can be seen in this area: Eastern Screech Owl which is just robin-sized\, Great Horned Owl\, Long Eared Owl\, North Saw-whet Owl\, Short-eared Owl\, Barred Owl\, Barn Owl and Snowy Owl which is becoming more common in Niagara.  She said nesting owls can be very protective and urged everyone to respect an owl’s space and not disturb or make them feel threatened. If you find an injured animal\, she recommended that you not touch it but notify an expert rehabilitator. \nJim Cameron\, a long-time contributor to the foundation\, thanked Marcie for her informative talk and presented her with a gift certificate in token of appreciation. \n 
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/marcie-jacklin/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Marcie-Jacklin-e1740506340220.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250211T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250211T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20240124T163242Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250228T143523Z
UID:5628-1739268000-1739271600@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Tom Herstad - Author
DESCRIPTION:Tom Herstad – Author  – His book “2nd Line West” which is about a Lady who has “A Message For Us All” \nAuthor details process in telling mother’s inspiring story \nVic Cicci introduced guest speaker and author Tom Herstad who has been a hockey player\, coach\, outdoor adventurer\, a marketing and sales consultant and is a lighting designer by trade. \nTom\, who was born in Toronto but said that his family has roots in Niagara\, has spoken to 26 other Probus clubs to deliver the message about his mother’s life detailed in his book “Love\, Care and Share”. \nTom was just 12 years old when his father died suddenly just after he and his mother had enjoyed a dinner out. Tom’s mother\, Margie\, was 38 when she was left a widow with four children to care for. She fell into a deep depression and began drinking heavily. The depression lasted for three years before Margie discovered AA\, attended one meeting and never drank again. \nTom said that from that time on\, the spare bedroom in their home was rarely empty as Margie welcomed people in need into her home. After Margie died at the age of 73 in 2011\, Tom and his sister Julianne discussed the number of people their mother had taken in from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s and came up with 18 names and set out to find and interview them. \nThey collected interviews\, letters and videos over three years and agreed the story needed to be told. When Tom’s sister felt unable to put the story down on paper\, Tom agreed to take over. During the writing process\, he had the good fortune to connect with a number of people who provided encouragement and coaching along the way. \nDuring a trip to Mexico\, he met Tanya Freedman\, a publisher and writing coach who agreed to read his 68-page draft and provided further coaching. Bonnie Kogos\, a columnist with the Sudbury Star was impressed with the story and helped Tom rewrite the first edition. While Tom was continuing to work on the book\, he met Paul Saltzman\, a movie producer\, who encouraged him to seek financing to turn the story into a movie which will be released soon. \nDuring the process\, the title was changed from “Love\, Care and Share” to “2nd Line West”\, a reference to the location of their home. Tom said the current book\, which he had available for sale\, is actually the third edition. \nDuncan McLaren thanked Tom for bringing his mother’s inspiring story and presented him with a gift certificate as a token of appreciation. \nTo view Tom’s presentation on You-tube click here. \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/tom-herstad/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Tom-Herstad.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250114T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250114T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20240119T185610Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T205400Z
UID:5612-1736848800-1736852400@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:William J. Thomas - Author
DESCRIPTION:William J. Thomas – His most recent book “And That’s Why I Love Small Town Living!” a quaint and touching collection of stories set in a simpler time. \nWilliam Thomas finds humour in everyday incidents \nJim Cameron introduced guest speaker William Thomas\, a Canadian author\, scriptwriter with two Gemini nominations and a nationally syndicated humour columnist whose weekly columns appear in the Niagara daily newspapers as well as the Hamilton Spectator. He is also the senior writer for Canada’s Forever Young. \nWilliam said that he has spoken to more than 40 Probus Clubs and entertained the large turnout with some tales from his many speaking appearances where sometimes things did not go as planned. He listed the top 10 things Canadians fear including the fear of public speaking. \nHe provided some humorous examples of the behaviour of men which he wrote about in his book “Guys: Not Really Bright and Proud of It.” He also talked about funny incidents recorded in his book “The Dog Rules (Damn Near Everything)”. \nWilliam\, who at one time had his column appear in nearly 50 newspapers across Canada\, talked about other humour writers he has known and respected including Arthur Black. William said that he has become a voracious reader and emphasized the importance of reading and suggested that younger people may be causing themselves harm by spending so much time on screens. \nWilliam brought along copies of his latest book “And That’s Why I Love Small Town Living” that relates personal anecdotes from his life in Wainfleet\, Welland and Port Colborne. He autographed copies for fans following his presentation. \nDuncan McLaren thanked William on behalf of the club for his entertaining talk. \nTo view William’s presentation video click here.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/william-j-thomas/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/William-Thomas.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241210T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241210T110000
DTSTAMP:20260406T051127
CREATED:20231205T162427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250131T164930Z
UID:5581-1733824800-1733828400@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:John Hewitt - St. Catharines hockey historian
DESCRIPTION:John Hewitt – Topic will be “St. Catharines Hockey” and John will be offering copies of his book “Garden City Hockey Heroes”\, priced at $20.00 [cash only \nCity arena had long history with junior A hockey \nRick Kent introduced guest speaker John Hewitt\, a former high school history teacher and historian on Junior A hockey in St. Catharines\, whose book entitled “Garden City Hockey Heroes” provides a detailed history combined with extensive statistics of Junior A hockey in the city.  John also wrote “The Last Word\,” which described the heroics of the 1972 Summit Series. \nThe focus of John’s message was the history of the St. Catharines Garden City Arena. He noted that St. Catharines did not have an indoor arena or an artificial ice surface\, while other smaller nearby towns such as Thorold had opened its arena in 1936. It was during the depression and the city had no money to build one but in the fall of 1937\, a vote by the citizens pushed the city to agree to build an arena\, provided the citizens could raise half the estimated cost of $80\,000. \nJohn said that several influential businessmen led by Harry Carmichael helped to organize a fund-raising event which raised $106\,000\, more than enough to start construction.  A site was selected and the city hired Newman Brothers to construct the arena.  Construction started in early 1938 and by November the arena was built\, but without seating. \nA man called Touch Woods offered to pay to install the seating but later wanted his money back. John said that two exhibition games were arranged to cover the cost. First\, the Toronto Maple Leafs and then the Detroit Red Wings came to the city to play games against three Niagara Senior teams (one period against each team). The arena’s official opening took place on December 30\, 1938. \nOver the years many alterations were made to the building and in 1966 a $2.5 million update twinned the area with the Rex Stimers Arena next door and the original building was renamed the Jack Gatecliff Arena. The St. Catharines arena stood for 85 years until it was taken down in 2023. \nJunior A hockey came to this city in 1943 when Rudy Pilous established the Falcons as the first team to play in the new arena\, followed by the Teepees in 1947-62\, the Black Hawks in 62-76\, the Fincups 76-77 and\, 30 years later\, the IceDogs arrived in 2007. The Teepees won the Memorial Cup in 1954 and 1960. \n   Many of the hockey players who developed their skills in St. Catharines went on to play in the NHL and elsewhere. Some of the notables included Marcel Dionne\, Stan Makita\, Bobby Hull\, Elmer Vasko and others.  John said that in the 41 years of Junior A Hockey in St. Catharines\, a total of 124 players went on to play in the NHL\, some with Hall of Fame careers. \nDuncan McLaren thanked John for his excellent presentation. John\, who was accompanied by Ron Friesen\, later autographed copies \n 
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/john-hewitt-st-catharines-hockey-historian/
LOCATION:Lions Hall\, 732 Niagara Street\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, L2M 7W7\, Canada
CATEGORIES:2024 Past Speakers,Speakers
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