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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20221213T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20221213T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050144
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
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20221108T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20221108T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050144
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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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20211012T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20211012T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050144
CREATED:20210816T055302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230228T180135Z
UID:3133-1634032800-1634036400@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Michael Jacques\, (Author)
DESCRIPTION:Speaker delivers message of hope despite disabilities \nOur October guest speaker\, Michael Jacques who has had to learn to cope with autism and a mental disability\, was introduced by his father Marcel.\nMichael 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. \nIn 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. \nMichael\, 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.\nMichael\, 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. \nMichael 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. \nMichael 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.\nMarcel 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. \nMarcel pointed out that Michael contributes a portion of the profits from his book sales to Special Olympics.\nYou can find out much more about Michael’s accomplishments or order a copy of his book online at www.heresmybook.com. \nDuncan 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. \nMichael Jacques A story to be shared pdf click here
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/michael-jacques/
LOCATION:ZOOM\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, Canada
CATEGORIES:2021 Past Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/autism_author_michaels_jacques-e1633351679422.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20201008T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20201008T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050144
CREATED:20211030T162627Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211030T225339Z
UID:4043-1602151200-1602154800@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Seniors on the Move
DESCRIPTION:Group aims to reduce work\, stress of moving for seniors \nThe owner of ‘Seniors on the Move’ joined our online meeting via telephone to talk about the services her company provides and to offer some tips for decluttering our lives. \nShe retired after spending 20 years with the Niagara Regional Police\, got the inspiration for her new career after reading an article in a Florida newspaper. She said that statistics indicate that 1\,000 Canadians turn 70 every day. And many of those people are overwhelmed by the thought of packing up and moving after many years in their home. \nShe said that she and her daughter started their business in 2012 and then soon recruited a couple friends. ‘Seniors on the Move’ is part of a national association. \nShe explained that her company is extremely careful about selecting new staff members. In addition to the usual police check\, new recruits are selected from people recommended by current staff. Move managers are trained to understand the needs of seniors. \nShe explained that her company offers a free one-hour consultation to help seniors determine what services best suit their needs as they deal with downsizing. She said the cost can range anywhere from $200 up to $5000 depending on the tasks required. She said that 75% of their business comes from client referrals. \nA full-range move could include helping the customer decide what items to keep\, disposal of unwanted items\, packing\, photographing the furniture layout\, helping determine the layout of furniture at the new home\, unpacking\, setting up furniture\, storing smaller items and cleaning up all before the owners arrive at their new home. \nShe explained that ideally\, they have an opportunity to see and measure rooms in the new home\, but\, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic\, they often have to work from floor plans. She said that they can use a magnetic board to help illustrate what will fit in the new floor space. \nShe mentioned Habit for Humanity and the Furniture Bank as possible places to recycle unwanted furniture. She added that in some cases tax receipts will be offered for donations. Her company will also help with the sale of more valuable items. \nShe said that her company can also help prepare homes for estate sales\, help with packing for people who are having renovations done and even help hoarders clean up their property. \nShe explained that there are three types of hoarders: the proud hoarder who wants no help with their situation; the embarrassed hoarder who knows their situation is not normal but may be affected by depression; the accidental hoarder who is unable to manage because or physical limitations. \nShe pointed out that hoarding presents a real risk of falls and physical injury because of cluttered pathways and stairways. \nYou can learn more\, including contact information by going to the company’s website at www.seniorsonthemove.com \nDuncan McLaren thanked her for her informative presentation and will send her a gift card as a token of the club’s appreciation.
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/owner-of-seniors-on-the-move/
LOCATION:ZOOM\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, Canada
CATEGORIES:2020 Past Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Seniorson-the-move-300x297-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20200714T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20200714T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050144
CREATED:20211030T175559Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211031T164942Z
UID:4088-1594724400-1594728000@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Juliet Dunn\, (Singer\, Musician & Organizer)
DESCRIPTION:Dan Plunkett introduced guest speaker Juliet Dunn as an excellent singer\, musician\, organizer\, and a good friend. \nJuliet\, along with husband Peter Shea\, was the founder of the TD Niagara Jazz Festival which has experienced amazing growth during its relatively brief history but is facing new challenges now in the light of the COVID-19 epidemic. \nThe festival was honoured as best new festival in 2017 and was included among the top 100 festivals in Ontario in 2019.\nJuliet said the festival has been granted charitable status now meaning that it can issue tax receipts for donations. She revealed that various grants have remained stable through this shutdown period but sponsorship donations have dropped off dramatically. \nThe Niagara Jazz Festival\, which started out with events mainly in Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines was spreading throughout Niagara with ticketed events and many free stage performances. The festival backed educational events with a focus on young musicians with workshops geared to young people. The festival staged events at local wineries\, on the beach at Port Dalhousie and at the Performing Arts Centre in downtown St. Catharines. \nJuliet said that a study of the economic impact of the festival indicated that it generated almost $1.25 million for the region.\nJuliet and the other organizers have had to make changes on the fly in the new reality and they are working to adapt various events to COVID times. Since March they have put on 30 to 35 live stream concerts. In June and July\, they have been streaming the Niagara to New Orleans jazz con-certs to show the culture of New Orleans and to promote the Niagara Mardi Gras.\nJuliet admitted that she is not confident that we will see a return of large crowds at concerts either outdoors or inside any time soon. She said the restrictions forced by COVID-19 make for very uncertain times for musicians. \nJohn Senn thanked Juliet for her presentation and praised her ability to adapt.\nJuliet Dunn
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/juliet-dunn-singer-musician-organizer/
LOCATION:ZOOM\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, Canada
CATEGORIES:2020 Past Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Juliet-Dunn.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20200714T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20200714T100000
DTSTAMP:20260404T050144
CREATED:20211030T172814Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211030T225401Z
UID:4057-1594720800-1594720800@probusstcatharines.com
SUMMARY:Ron Casselman\, (Probus Member)
DESCRIPTION:Antique waterfowl decoy collecting is big business \nJim Stangier introduced club member Ron Casselman who presented an illustrated talk about collecting handmade waterfowl decoys. \nRon\, who admitted that he was never a hunter\, said he got his first decoy back in 1977. He went on to describe some of the characteristics\, history and investment value of decoys. \nThe history of decoys goes back thousands of years. Ron said that North American natives made decoys\, they were used in early Egypt and in 1928 a discovery in Arizona indicated that decoys made of reeds and mud dated back 2000 years.\nRon said that harvest-ing of waterfowl was big business especially along the eastern seaboard of the United States and thousands of migrating waterfowl were harvested along the Atlantic flyway. \nThe interest in hand-carved decoys grew especially in eastern Canada and the U.S. He pointed out that there are two basic styles of decoys – dabble and dive – and they can be either hollow or solid. To be of value to collectors\, decoys must closely simulate the real things without necessarily being a perfect match. \nIn recent years the investment value has grown to the point where decoys appreciate at 10 to 15 per cent each year. Ron said that Joel Barber\, the first decoy collector\, wrote a book in 1934 and an original edition signed by the author was solid at auction for $9\,000 in recent years. The record price is $860\,000 for a decoy purchased 12 years ago but many older decoys are valued at three to five thousand dollars. \nRon said that Canadians were slow to recognize the value of decoys and many were bought by Americans. However\, there is now great interest especially in Ontario and the Maritimes and the Lunenburg and Mahone Bay are-as are recognized for high value decoys. \nAn auction house in the United States\, Guyett and Deeter\, specializes to dealing in waterfowl decoys.\nRon said various decoy shows are a great place to learn about decoys and collecting. He said form\, original paint and age are key factors in evaluating decoys. He advised that anyone interested in get-ting into the field should do their research and specialize in certain types. He also warned that there are great fakes that could look like the real thing but without the value to a knowledgeable collector. \nJohn Senn thanked Ron for giving us an insight into a field that most of us had little knowledge
URL:https://probusstcatharines.com/event/ron-casselman-probus-member/
LOCATION:ZOOM\, St. Catharines\, Ontario\, Canada
CATEGORIES:2020 Past Speakers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://probusstcatharines.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Casselman-Ron.jpg
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