Michael Jacques, (Author)
2021-10-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | ZOOM, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Speaker delivers message of hope despite disabilities
Our October guest speaker, Michael Jacques who has had to learn to cope with autism and a mental disability, was introduced by his father Marcel.
Michael is the author and self publisher of a book entitled “Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book”. Michael spent five years recording his thoughts and experiences speaking into an iPad that converted his words into text. His sister accidently discovered Michael’s work and helped him produce a book. Ten different artists contributed illustrations to help make the book highly visual and provide Michael with the clues to memorize the stories in each of the 10 chapters.
In the book, Michael described the difficulties of fitting in and being the kid who was sometimes mistreated or forgotten. But he also described his determination not to let his disabilities limit him.
Michael, who shared screen time with his father during the Zoom meeting, is 30 years old and just recently became the youngest and only per-son with an intellectual disability to be elected president of Ontario Community Living, a confederation of more than 100 local agencies across the province. It promotes inclusive education so people with intellectual disabilities can remain in their communities and stay with friends in local schools.
Michael, who took seven years to complete high school, is an employee at the Sobeys store in Fonthill and was Pelham’s citizen of the year in 2019. He has been involved in Special Olympics in baseball and basketball and is a member on a board that advises the minister of education.
Michael has written a second book with Heather Gale. “I Belong, Can I Play?” is a children’s book which tells the story of Michael’s experiences growing up in elementary school and teaches the importance of inclusion, friendship and belonging.
Michael has had strong family support especially from his father Marcel who serves as his executive assistant dealing with emails and arranging Michael’s many speaking engagements across Canada and now into the United States.
Marcel said that Michael has appeared on breakfast television several times and his in-person speaking engagements have included speaking at Sobeys head office. Marcel also said that prior to the COVID pandemic Sobeys stores throughout Ontario had Michael’s book for sale.
Marcel pointed out that Michael contributes a portion of the profits from his book sales to Special Olympics.
You can find out much more about Michael’s accomplishments or order a copy of his book online at www.heresmybook.com.
Duncan McLaren thanked Michael for his enjoy-able and educational presentation and said that a donation in Michael’s name will be sent to Ontario Community Living.
Michael Jacques A story to be shared pdf click here

Men’s Breakfast Group
2021-10-18 04:30 - 05:30 | Angel’s Diner Restaurant, 395 Ontario Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
We are resuming the PROBUS monthly breakfasts starting Tuesday August 17th. at Johnny Pastrami’s Diner in the Club Heidelberg building on Lake St near Lakeshore Rd.

Our previous venue, Angel’s diner has closed. This new location offers plenty of parking and a dining section just for us
Breakfast time is 8:30
Wear your name tag, wear a mask and bring a hearty appetite.

Art Currie

Romeo Lunch
2021-10-27 08:30 - 09:30 | Dalhousie Yacht Club, 74 Lighthouse Rd, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Romeo lunches are back at the Dalhousie Yacht Club. Gathering time is noon and lunch will be served at 12:30.
Emily will take the drinks order at your table and payment will be at the table as well – preferably by debit or credit card.
As usual lunch will be “Chef Edward’s surprise” sandwich with your choice of salad or fries + dessert and tea or coffee.

Nancy Speck, (Crime Analyst)
2021-11-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Ontario
Nancy Speck, Retired crime analyst from the Niagara Regional Police talking on the subject of criminal analysis
Crime analyst helps police track down criminals
John Sallman introduced guest speaker Nancy Speck who retired in 2019 after a career with the Niagara Regional Police as a civilian crime analyst. A St. Catharines native, Nancy was born into a policing family. Her parents were Judy and David Gittings. David, a Staff Superintendent with the NRP, was a long-time PROBUS member until his death in 2019.
Nancy said that she had many doubters who didn’t believe that, as a civilian and a female, she would be able to cope as a crime analyst. But over the years she certainly proved those doubters wrong.
In May 2011 she received a civilian achievement award from Ontario Women in law enforcement. That was the first time that a Niagara Regional Police civilian staffer had received a provincial award. In the same year she was nominated for and received a civilian achievement award from the International Association of Women Police.
Nancy was assigned to work in one of three districts in Niagara and worked closely with officers and detectives within her area but also with other police services to compile information on all manner of crimes in an attempt to find patterns. She provided examples of crimes where similar MOs would show up in weekly crime reports and allow her to direct officers to a potential suspect.
She pointed out that part of her job was to keep track of offenders who were on parole Nancy Speck since many times they returned to the same types of crimes that they had been involved in before. She said that a data base of things like nicknames, tattoos and popular hangouts often helped direct police to suspects.
Nancy said that part of her on-going learning process involved attending crime scenes as well as attending many extensive courses.
She did point out that some crime groups travel around the province and that makes them much more difficult for analysts to track.
Nancy was praised by then Chief of the NRP, Wendy Southall for her expertise in crime analysis and for her passion to upgrade her knowledge and skills over 40 years. For her part, Nancy said that she enjoyed the work and loved the challenge it offered.
Duncan McLaren thanked John for suggesting her as a speaker and thanked Nancy for her enlightening talk. He presented her with a gift certificate as a token of appreciation.
See Nancy’s presentation on YouTube click here…

Men’s Breakfast Group
2021-11-15 03:30 - 04:30 | Johnny Pastrami’s Diner, 569 Lake St, St., St. Catharines, Ontario, L2N 4J1, Canada
Our club group next breakfast is Tuesday, October 19th. at 8:30am at at Johnny Pastrami’s Diner in the Club Heidelberg building on Lake St near Lakeshore Rd.
This new location offers plenty of parking and a dining section just for us
Wear your name tag, wear a mask and bring a hearty appetite. COVID-19 protocols will be in place so wear your mask entering and leaving and bring your proof of vaccination.

Art Currie

If you are planning to attend our Christmas Luncheon, why not bring your cheque and give it to me at breakfast $26.00 per person.

Romeo Lunch
2021-11-24 07:30 - 08:30 | Dalhousie Yacht Club, 74 Lighthouse Rd, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Gentlemen our Romeo lunch at the Dalhousie Yacht Club is this coming Wednesday, November 24th. Gathering time is noon and lunch will be served at 12:30. Last month we had an excellent turnout of 23 people.
Emily will take the drinks order at your table and payment will be at the table as well – preferably by debit or credit card.
As usual lunch will be “Chef Edward’s surprise” sandwich with your choice of salad or fries + dessert and tea or coffee.
This is a great opportunity to introduce prospective members to our club.
COVID-19 protocols require us to show proof of both vaccinations (image of your vaccine certificate on your cell phone or a paper copy) & proof of identity (driver permit or green OHIP card) and wear your mask entering and leaving.

Congratulations to chef Ed Fox who has been voted “Best Local Chef” In the Readers’ Choice Awards

If you haven’t yet booked for the Christmas Lunch December 15th., please don’t delay. We now have 47 people booked and our max is 50.

Marc Nantel (Niagara College VP)
2021-12-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Marc Nantel – Niagara College’s Vice-President, Research & External Relations
Topic:“Niagara College in the Niagara Community”
Niagara College programs play important role in our community
Duncan McLaren introduced guest speaker Marc Nantel, Vice President of Research and External Relations at Niagara College.
Marc, who joined Niagara in 2011, leads research and innovation, planning and institutional research, development and alumni relations, and government and community relations. He is also president of the Niagara College Learning Enterprise Corporation which includes overseeing the operations and strategic direction for the Niagara College teaching winery, teaching brewery teaching distillery and cannabis institute. Marc provided a little background knowledge of Niagara pointing out that the school was founded in 1967, now has more than 10,500 full-time students, including approximately 3,900 international students, and in 2021 topped the 100,000graduate mark. He said the school has three main DNA strands that influence its future goals. It strives to be trailblazing, welcoming and passionate. An indication of the school’s success is that it has been selected among the top 10 research colleges for six consecutive years.
He said expansion plans for the Welland campus include a new building to consolidate broadcasting courses and a separation addition to allow for expansion of its trade courses.
The Niagara-on-the-Lake campus specializes in agricultural-related programs and a planned renovation of the greenhouse will facilitate increased research and growing programs.

Marc pointed out that the college is one of the largest employers in Niagara and also compliments key industries through its research and academic programs. He said that it has been estimated that the college makes a $800-million contribution to Niagara. He said that 43 per cent of student enrolment comes from Niagara, 89 per cent of graduates find employment within six months and 64 per cent of alumni live in the Region.
Marc pointed out that during the past two years of the COVID19 pandemic, Niagara’s innovation sector produced face shields, hand sanitizer and personal protective gear.
Marc said the school concentrates on six major themes in a five-year planning process, looking at such things as student experience, academic and organizational excellence, global engagement, alumni and partner engagement, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.
Following an extensive question and answer session, Duncan thanked Marc for his enlightening presentation and presented him with an LCBO gift certificate.

Probus Dec. 14, 2021 Meeting
2021-12-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Probus DECEMBER 2021 Monthly Meeting
The club meets at the Grantham Lions Club, 732 Niagara St., on the second Tuesday of each month,
9 AM (social) and 9:30 AM (business), to provide fellowship and a speaker.
Guest Speaker:
Marc Nantel – Niagara College’s Vice-President, Research & External Relations
Topic:“Niagara College in the Niagara Community

Christmas Luncheon
2021-12-15 12:00 - 15:00 | Dalhousie Yacht Club, 74 Lighthouse Rd, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Christmas Luncheon returns but with certain restrictions
Hooray!!!! We have 50 people signed up for the luncheon on Wednesday at the Dalhousie Yacht Club on Lighthouse Rd.
Drinks available at noon followed by lunch at approximately 12;30. Tables will be set up for 6 people adequately spaced to avoid crowding.
Covid protocols require that you provide proof of double vaccination and wear masks when entering and leaving.
Drinks and lunch will be served at your table. Payment for your drinks will be at your table as well preferably by debit or credit cards.
Unfortunately covid protocols preclude dancing and singing but President Bryan Brodie will perform magic tricks… (just kidding).
Don’t forget to wear your name tags.
This year we are inviting members and spouses (or significant others) to join us for a Romeo Christmas sit-down lunch (not a buffet) at the Dalhousie Yacht Club at noon on December 15th .
The menu will be:
• Oven roasted Turkey with Gravy, Stuffing,
• Mashed Potatoes,
• Maple Ginger Carrots & Cranberry Sauce
• Warm Apple Crumble
• Choice of coffee or tea

Cost is $26 per person (including HST and gratuity). Tables will be limited to 4 persons, spread out to ensure appropriate distancing. Because of these requirements we are limited to 55 people. First come – first serve. (No table reservations please.)
You can reserve with Art Currie by email (jcurrie7@cogeco.ca) or phone to (905-938-1264). Cheques, payable to the Probus Club, can be sent to:
Art Currie
7 Castlemere Court
St. Catharines, L2N 5V1
Orders and payment for beverages will be taken at your table. Debit or credit cards are preferred. COVID restrictions require us to remain seated.
As we have done in past years Past Presidents dine as guests of our PROBUS Club.
Please keep in mind that dining out protocols require that we show appropriate proof of double vaccination and that we wear masks when entering and leaving the Yacht Club.

Men’s Breakfast Dec.21st
2021-12-21 03:30 - 04:30 | Johnny Pastrami’s Diner, 569 Lake St, St., St. Catharines, Ontario, L2N 4J1, Canada
Our club group next breakfast is Tuesday, Decemebr 21st. at 8:30am at at Johnny Pastrami’s Diner in the Club Heidelberg building on Lake St near Lakeshore Rd. Please use the side entrance.

This location offers plenty of parking and a dining section just for us

Wear your name tag, wear a mask and bring a hearty appetite. COVID-19 protocols will be in place so wear your mask entering and leaving and bring your proof of vaccination.

Peter Weltman (Financial)
2022-01-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Ontario
Peter Weltman – Ontario Financial Accountability Officer
Topic: The role of the The Ontario Financial Accountability Office
Art Currie introduced our guest speaker Peter Weltman a Financial Accountability Officer with the Ontario Government
Peter gave a very informative and detailed presentation on what a Financial Accountability Officer does in the Ontario legislature.
The 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.
The FAO’s work covers Ontario’s financial performance, fiscal position Ministry spending plans and financial analysis of specific government policies.
Financial forecasting and analysis have been affected due to Covid 19.
The year in review 2020-21 is available on the website www.fao-on.org
Duncan will mail Peter a $30.00 LCBO thank-you gift certificate.
View Peter Weltman’s presentation on YouTube click here.

Probus Jan. 11, 2022 Meeting
2022-01-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Ontario
Probus JANUARY 2022 Monthly Meeting
The club meets at the Grantham Lions Club, 732 Niagara St., on the second Tuesday of each month,
9 AM (social) and 9:30 AM (business), to provide fellowship and a speaker.
Guest Speaker:
Peter Weltman – Ontario Financial Accountability Officer
Topic:“Niagara College in the Niagara Community”
“hybrid” ZOOM PRESENTATION AT THIS MEETING BY PETER
The role of the The Ontario Financial Accountability Office

Peter Meyler, (Author)
2022-02-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Ontario
Peter Meyler Author of Richard Pierpoint and Lemuel Brown: “Fight for Freedom” in honour of Black History Month

Duncan 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.
Richard, 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.

As 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.
At 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.
After 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.
Meyler 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.
Richard 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.
Duncan 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.
Peter’s recorded presentation is available on the club’s website at www.probusstcatharines.com in the past speakers section or click the URL below..
Video of presentation click URL here

Probus Feb. 8, 2022 Meeting
2022-02-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Ontario
Probus FEBRUARY 2022 Monthly Meeting
The club meets at the Grantham Lions Club, 732 Niagara St., on the second Tuesday of each month,
9 AM (social) and 9:30 AM (business), to provide fellowship and a speaker.
Guest Speaker:
Peter Meyler, (Author)
Topic: “Richard Pierpoint and Lemuel Brown: Fight for Freedom”

Men’s Breakfast
2022-02-15 03:30 - 04:30 | Johnny Pastrami’s Diner, 569 Lake St, St., St. Catharines, Ontario, L2N 4J1, Canada
Our club group next breakfast is Tuesday, February 15th. at 8:30am at at Johnny Pastrami’s Diner in the Club Heidelberg building on Lake St near Lakeshore Rd. Please use the side entrance.

This location offers plenty of parking and a dining section just for us

Wear your name tag, and bring a hearty appetite. COVID-19 protocols will be in place so wear your mask entering and leaving and bring your proof of vaccination.

Romeo Lunch Mar.2nd (replaces cancelled lunch Feb 23rd.)
2022-03-02 07:30 - 09:00 | Dalhousie Yacht Club, 74 Lighthouse Rd, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
The monthly Romeo Lunch slated for February 23 has been rescheduled for Wednesday March 2 at 12 noon because the Dalhousie Yacht Club will be closed during February.
Gathering time is noon and lunch will be served at 12:30.
Face masks are still required, however proof of COVID vaccinations are at the discretion of the restaurant but since I don’t know what the yacht club policy will be I suggest you have proof with you.
Emily will take the drinks order at your table and payment will be at the table as well – preferably by debit or credit card.
As usual lunch will be “Chef Edward’s surprise” sandwich with your choice of salad or fries + dessert and tea or coffee.

Tim Burrows, (Electric Vehicle Society)
2022-03-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Tim Burrows champions the switch to an electric car
Duncan McLaren introduced guest speaker Tim Burrows whose presentation asked the question “Should your next car be electric”.
Tim, 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.
25% 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.
Tim said that his first electric car was a 2013 Tesla Model S and then he moved up to the Tesla Model X.
Newer 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.
Over that span of time, he has logged more than 200,000 kilometres without incident and without needing gasoline.
Tim 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.
He 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.
Tim detailed several reasons for making the switch to electric. He said a typical combustion engine has more than 200 moving parts and is only
Tim also touched on the emergence of self-driving cars claiming that they will reduce traffic accidents and deaths.
During 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.
In 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.
Duncan 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.
At the speaker’s request, his presentation was not recorded.

Probus Mar. 8, 2022 Meeting
2022-03-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Probus MARCH 2022 Monthly Meeting
The club meets at the Grantham Lions Club, 732 Niagara St., on the second Tuesday of each month,
9 AM (social) and 9:30 AM (business), to provide fellowship and a speaker.
Guest Speaker:
Tim Burrows, (Electric Vehicle Society member)
Topic: “Why your next car should be electric! ”

Men’s Breakfast
2022-03-15 04:30 - 05:30 | Johnny Pastrami’s Diner, 569 Lake St, St., St. Catharines, Ontario, L2N 4J1, Canada
Our club group next breakfast is Tuesday, March 15th. at 8:30am at at Johnny Pastrami’s Diner in the Club Heidelberg building on Lake St near Lakeshore Rd. Please use the side entrance.

This location offers plenty of parking and a dining section just for us

Wear your name tag, and bring a hearty appetite and bring your proof of vaccination and mask just in case.

PROBUS Poker Group
2022-03-15 15:00 - 19:00 | To Be Determined, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
The PROBUS Poker Group is looking to return to regular gatherings as people start to feel comfortable meeting after two years of COVID-19 restrictions and would welcome any new recruits.
Because of declining numbers, the PROBUS members have joined forces with the Newcomers group.
The group meets on the Friday after each monthly PROBUS meeting for an entertaining evening of fun, camaraderie, humour and cards.
The games’ hosts are scheduled in alphabetical order and several substitutes are available, if necessary. The host supplies snacks and drinks for the evening. Each player starts with $20 in quarters, 25 cents ante, but if this stake is lost they play for free until they win a hand.
Denis Woods has taken over from Doug Wright as the convenor and you can contact Denis by email (denjwoods@gmail.com) or 905-646-1285
Location will change from week to week (different hosts).

Romeo Lunch
2022-03-30 08:30 - 10:00 | Dalhousie Yacht Club, 74 Lighthouse Rd, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
The monthly Romeo Lunch at the Dalhousie Yacht Club
Gathering time is noon and lunch will be served at 12:30.
Face masks are optional
Emily will take the drinks order at your table and payment will be at the table as well – preferably by debit or credit card.
As usual lunch will be “Chef Edward’s surprise” sandwich with your choice of salad or fries + dessert and tea or coffee.
This is a great opportunity to introduce prospective members to our club.

PROBUS Poker Group
2022-04-08 15:00 - 19:00 | To Be Determined, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
The PROBUS Poker Group is looking to return to regular gatherings as people start to feel comfortable meeting after two years of COVID-19 restrictions and would welcome any new recruits.
The group meets on the Friday after each monthly PROBUS meeting for an entertaining evening of fun, camaraderie, humour and cards.
The games’ hosts are scheduled in alphabetical order and several substitutes are available, if necessary. The host supplies snacks and drinks for the evening. Each player starts with $20 in quarters, 25 cents ante, but if this stake is lost they play for free until they win a hand.
Denis Woods is the convenor and you can contact Denis by email or phone 905-646-1285
All prospective players must contact me ahead of the game date as we also limit the number of seats to seven (7) and no walk-ins are allowed.
Location will change from week to week (different hosts).

Probus April 12, 2022 Meeting
2022-04-12 09:30 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Probus April 12, 2022 Monthly Meeting
The club meets at the Grantham Lions Club, 732 Niagara St., on the second Tuesday of each month,
9 AM (social) and 9:30 AM (business), to provide fellowship and a speaker.
Guest Speaker (at approx. 10am):
Adam Shoalts, (scheduling assistant for Cyber Seniors)
Topic: “Discussing is newest book called, The Whisper on the Night Wind which is about an expedition in Labrador’s mountains.”

Adam Shoalts, (professional explorer and best-selling author)
2022-04-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Adam Shoalts tries to uncover mystery of Labrador creature
Duncan 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.

Adam 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
Adam 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.
Adam’s detailed description of his travels to
reach 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.”
Adam 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.

Adam 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.
Adam 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.
Adam 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.
Duncan thanked Adam for his presentation and provided him with a gift certificate in appreciation

Romeo Lunch
2022-04-27 08:30 - 10:00 | Dalhousie Yacht Club, 74 Lighthouse Rd, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
the Dalhousie Yacht Club

Probus May 10, 2022 Meeting
2022-05-10 09:30 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Probus May 10, 2022 Monthly Meeting
The club meets at the Grantham Lions Club, 732 Niagara St., on the second Tuesday of each month,
9 AM (social) and 9:30 AM (business), to provide fellowship and a speaker.
Guest Speaker (at approx. 10am):
Alexandra Hall, (scheduling assistant for Cyber Seniors)
Topic: “digital mentoring to senior citizens gain access to effective technology training”

Alexandra Hall, Cyber-Seniors
2022-05-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Cyber-Seniors is a non-profit organization providing senior citizens with tech-training using an intergenerational, volunteer model.

PROBUS Poker Group
2022-05-13 15:00 - 19:00 | To Be Determined, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
The PROBUS Poker Group
The group meets on the Friday after each monthly PROBUS meeting for an entertaining evening of fun, camaraderie, humour and cards.
The games’ hosts are scheduled in alphabetical order and several substitutes are available, if necessary. The host supplies snacks and drinks for the evening. Each player starts with $20 in quarters, 25 cents ante, but if this stake is lost they play for free until they win a hand.
Denis Woods is the convenor and you can contact Denis by email or phone 905-646-1285
All prospective players must contact me ahead of the game date as we also limit the number of seats to seven (7) and no walk-ins are allowed.
Location will change from week to week (different hosts).

Probus Management Barbeque
2022-06-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Dalhousie Yacht Club, 74 Lighthouse Rd, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
PROBUS Management Barbeque is back
Menu: Choice of hamburger or sausage on a bun + green mixed salads, green salad, potato salad, pasta salad + all the fixins’, dessert, coffee and tea.
Price: $24 per person including all taxes and gratuities. Prepay with cheque made out to PROBUS ST.CATHARINES
Cash Bar.
Invitees: Members, spouses and friends.
Sign Up: at the April and May meetings. Book your attendance with vice-president Herb MacKenzie email or phone 905-682-9708
Please make cheques out to the Probus Club of St. Catharines.
Dine indoors (air conditioned) or outside on the patio.
Space is limited.. Don’t be disappointed.

Probus June 10, 2022 Meeting
2022-06-14 09:30 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Probus June 14, 2022 Monthly Meeting
The club meets at the Grantham Lions Club, 732 Niagara St., on the second Tuesday of each month,
9 AM (social) and 9:30 AM (business), to provide fellowship and a speaker.
Guest Speaker (at approx. 10am):
Barry Wright, (CEO of the 2022 Canada Summer Games)
Topic: “Canada Summer Games ”
