Probus-Gui ldwood
Our Strength is Fellowship, Our Success is Participation.
ISSUE #91 NEWSLETTER October 2019
Probus-Guildwood Meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of each Month, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church,
140 Guildwood Parkway, Guildwood Village – Everyone is most welcome.
President’s Message
Yes, this is my final
President’s Message to you.
However, for reasons unknown
at this point, I apparently
volunteered to keep doing this.
Goodness knows where the
editors will choose to put it.
You folks really are gluttons
for punishment or at least desperate for laughs.
Anyway, here is what we are celebrating this
month.
October Month
Sarcastic Awareness Month (Good to be aware
of what you are doing)
I’m Just Me Because Month (Not sure who else
I’d be)
Positive Attitude Month (Helps with the above)
October by the Week
6-12 Getting The World To Beat A Path To
Your Door Week (Better ask your wife first);
Also – Fire Prevention
Week
20-26 National Save For Retirement Week
(Personally, I’ve needed a whole lot longer)
October by the Day 2 – Name Your Car Day (Apart from when it
breaks down in the rain)
3 – Virus Appreciation Day (The logic for this
escapes me)
4 – World Smile Day (Geez, do we really need a
reason?)
5 – Do Something Nice Day (Apart from
smiling)
5 – International Frugal Fun Day (I say go all
out for fun)
6 – Come and Take it Day (Easier than
organizing a garage sale)
7 – Bald and Free Day (Certainly requires no
haircuts or styling)
8 – Face Your Fears Day (I’m afraid to)
9 – Curious Events Day (See below)
9 – Moldy Cheese Day
12 – Moment of Frustration Scream Day (Many
need more especially if below catches on)
12 – Free Thought Day (No taxes on that – yet)
13 – Silly Sayings Day (Sounds like an election
campaign)
13 – International Day for Failure and Skeptics
(Set yourself for that)
14 – Thanksgiving Day
14 – Be Bald and Free
Day (One day is not enough?)
14 – National Kick Butt Day (Especially if
you’re bald?)
15 – Pay Back a Friend Day (Try not to
celebrate below to do this)
15 – National Grouch Day (You know
who you are)
17 – Wear Something Gaudy Day (You
know who you are, too)
19 – Evaluate Your Life Day (Could be
depressing)
21 – Babbling Day (Of course, this is election
day)
21 – Count Your Buttons Day (see above)
25 – Sourest Day (Election results finally set in)
26 – Howl at the Moon Night (see above)
30 – Devil’s or Mischief Night, and Haunted
Refrigerator Night (Behave yourself)
31 – National Doorbell and Knock-Knock Jokes
Day (Either way I use earplugs)
31 – Halloween or All Hallows Eve,
and Beggars Night
31 – Increase Your Psychic Powers Day
(Helps to identify those little door knockers)
Where does the time go? In about two weeks
we elect a new federal government. Please get
out and exercise your vote. Your voice is always
important. Maybe get involved with the
candidate of your choice. Enjoy summer 2.0.
Speaking of elections, please seriously consider
stepping up and helping with the Probus-
Guildwod executive. Alan Burt
October 2019 Probus-Guildwood Newsletter Page 2
Life can be Fun… as long as you do it with the right people.
Karen Manuel’s Delicious Refreshments
Refreshments
Thanks again to Betty and Barry Hitchcock
who prepared coffee and tea for the fourth time.
and also to Wendy Hooker who provided
additional beverages.
Thanks to Karen Manuel for providing
delicious September refreshments.
Jadwiga Brazda has signed up for hot apple
cider.
Pauline Steele, Dawna Barrett and Betty
Coulthard have signed up for October
refreshments.
We need volunteers to prepare coffee and tea for
November. Volunteers usually set up at noon.
Victory Lap Retirement,
Presentation by Mike Drak
Mike arrived to propose a unique perspective on
retirement. He was accompanied by his partner
and retirement coach, Gerry O’Toole.
According to their research, the traditional life
trajectory no longer applies. Previous thought
was that one spent a short phase of being
educated for a long career or employment to be
followed by a shorter phase of retirement, often
portrayed with life on the links or cruising.
Currently we know that people are living longer
after they choose to retire or, are terminated
from work in this time of precarious
employment.
Many retirees identify with their former careers;
however, in retirement, they are no longer
connected with their past associates and friends.
Thus, their lives can become somewhat lonely or
boring. To live a healthy and fulfilling retired
life, savings are not the primary concern. People
require a PURPOSE to avoid ‘retirement hell’.
One’s health and integrity are impacted by their
lifestyle. Yet, each individual can control their
lifestyle, up to 80%. The following points are
Victory Lap Retirement guide-posts.
Point #1. Our authors maintain that strong
relationships must be established with people
who can help you be more and challenge you.
These are family, friends and others whom you
actively seek out.
Point #2. Stay active to become ‘retirement
rebels’. According to Chris Crowly in his book,
Younger Next Year, you can truly improve your
health if you regularly workout. Mike related
several anecdotes of octogenarians to
centenarians who currently are challenging
themselves to be stronger and achieving
extraordinary feats in competitions such as the
Iron Man triathlons.
Point #3. Yes, financial independence helps you
pursue what you want. You don’t have to pursue
former employment aspirations. Do something
that provides personal satisfaction in addition to
some financial reimbursement. You might be
able to mentor another person to help them
become more competent. That’s purpose.
Point #4. You determine what is your purpose
now. “What gets you out of bed each day?” You
are in control of your life and your satisfaction.
Point #5. Recognize a sense of adventure in life.
There are unlimited opportunities. Age is not a
prohibitive factor. Consider the senior who at
the age of 100 chose to skydive and then did it
multiple times thereafter.
Point #6. Discover your personal tribes. These
are the people with whom you connect and who
help you uncover the diverse riches of life that
you can access. Mike discussed his connections
with Toastmasters, master competitive
swimmers and marathoners. Many volunteer
October 2019 Probus-Guildwood Newsletter Page 3
Life can be Fun… as long as you do it with the right people.
opportunities reveal more channels.
Volunteering in our community was heartedly
endorsed by several of our members.
Point #7. A sense of spirituality enables people
to be grateful and helps them feel good and
combat stress. These folks also often help others
and research shows that they tend to live nine
years longer.
Point #8. Time is your most precious resource.
Use is wisely. Prepare a personal time chart for
a week to review how you are using your time.
The results will illustrate where you can make
adjustments.
Point #9. A positive attitude too can lengthen
your life by 7 1/2 years.
Point #10. Be a retirement rebel. Try new
things. You can do anything that you want.
Consider Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones
who are passionate about their music. This
summer at the age of 75 Mick chose to tour with
his band only weeks after he had major heart
surgery.
So be passionate about what you love, says
Mike. “Remember we only regret the things that
we chose not to attempt.
Gerry and Mike brought along some copies of
his 2019 revised second edition, Victory Lap
Retirement available for $10 each. A third
edition is currently being prepared for 2020.
Contact Mike at: [email protected] or
look at his website: victorylapretirement.com/
for further information.
Volunteering keeps your brain healthy
This was the conclusion of a new University of
Calgary Psychology research paper.
The subject retired seniors who volunteered
continuously as opposed to sporadic volunteers
reported fewer cognitive complaints. They were
two times less likely to be prescribed an anti-
dementia treatment. The research suggests
volunteer work might protect against cognitive
decline due to mental, social and physical
contact. Meeting new people and being engaged
in activities can boost the ‘feel-good’ brain
chemicals serotonin and dopamine.
Consequently anxiety, depression and stress can
be reduced. Source: October issue of RTO
Renaissance.
September Birthdays
Bette Buckner, Linda Nash, Dawna Barrett,
Elaine Dittmer, Doris Elovaara
October Elections for our 2020
Probus-Guildwood Executive Interested in helping your members coordinate
our club? Share your ideas and skills by running
solo or jointly for: President, Vice-President,
Secretary or Treasurer. Alan Burt, our soon-to-
be Past President and Executive Committee
members are there to help. Self nomination
forms will be available in October.
P-G Speakers Oct. 9 John Mason President of Friends of
Guild Park
Nov. 13 Sgt. Jason Peddle Elder Fraud and Abuse
Dec. 11 Christmas
Luncheon
Great Food and
Entertainment
Jan. 8 Barbara Dickson 100 Bomb Girl Stories
Feb. 12 Chris Cormack Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority
The Rotary Club of Scarborough
honoured Janet Heise and John Mason
for their continued contribution to Scarborough
through their work in keeping Guild Park alive -
by making them each a Paul Harris Fellow.
October 2019 Probus-Guildwood Newsletter Page 4
Life can be Fun… as long as you do it with the right people.
Share the Wealth Congratulations to September winner
John Roblin
our potential
‘Million Dollar Winner’
Margaret Porthouse
Thank you for your continuous support.
Membership
At the September meeting there were 70
members attending, although only 51 signed in,
including five guests. We also had five new
members signing up; Some of these guests and
new members learned about Probus-Guildwood
from the Guild Alive with Culture festival. We
have thirteen new members this year and 99
renewed members to bring our total to 112
members.
Updating Your Information – occasionally
we need to contact members either by phone or
email. A reminder that if you have changed your
address, phone number or email address, please
advise the membership team when you sign in at
our meetings. Or you can contact Enid Comars
at 416 264-2816, or [email protected] to
update your information. Membership back-up
contact is Elizabeth Williams at 416-282-8595
or email [email protected].
Keeping in Touch and Celebration Kindly inform Karen Manuel at: 416-283-5079 or
by email: [email protected] about any
member who is ill, hospitalized, or has
experienced a recent bereavement. We would also
enjoy announcing any special event of yours at our
next meeting, such as an award, or significant
anniversary or birthday. Come to the meeting and
we will announce it and celebrate with you.
Enid Comars, Membership Committee
Welome to our new members –
Doris Elovaara and Val Johnston
receiving their name badges
Lunch with Friends We had 15 members attend on September 27 at
Lucky’s Chinese.
On October 25, at 12:30 p.m. we’ll be lunching
at Six Social located at the north east corner of
Morrish Road and Old Kingston Road.
A sign-up sheet will be at the October meeting
or call 416-261-8857. Jan Eaton
P-G Renewal time again. Membership renewals will be accepted at
our October meeting.
Please bring a cheque of $25 payable to
“Probus-Guildwood” or exact cash of $25.
Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. - Will Rogers
When I ask for directions, please don't use words like EAST.
October 2019 Probus-Guildwood Newsletter Page 5
Life can be Fun… as long as you do it with the right people.
FYI (For Your Information)
FYI contains items-notices-events that members
feel others may be interested in. Thank you to
members who submit items. Please send to
[email protected] or directly to the
interim NL editor [email protected]
Kudos
Rebecca, the Cedarbrook Coordinator of the
Terry Fox Run of September 15, advised that the
event was “very successful. The preliminary
total raised was over $30,000 and the online
donations keep coming in. The community was
so generous. Sincere thanks to Probus-
Guildwood sponsors, repeated participant
Dawna Barrett, and to all friends who came out
and joined us. Alan Burt and Wendy Hooker
The Scarborough Historical Society provides
free programs to the public at Bendale Library.
Tuesday, October 22, 7:30 p.m., listen to Ted
Barris speaking about the Dam Busters, 617
Squadron. They were a carefully selected group
of airmen which included many Canadians, who
completed a series of secret night raids over
Nazi Germany. Their mission was to fly at
remarkably low elevations (60 feet) to destroy
the German dams in the Ruhr Valley with the
Barnes Wallis’ ‘bouncing bomb’. Eight of
nineteen squadrons failed to return. After
extensive research from Canadian and British
sources, Ted published his own spell-binding
account, Dam Busters, in 2015.
Tuesday, November 26, at 7:30 p.m., archivist
Rick Schofield presents, The History of
Masaryktown. Probus-Guildwood members will
remember we enjoyed a festive Christmas
luncheon at Prague Restaurant last December on
these historic grounds.
Fire Prevention Week – from October 6-12 The Ontario Fire Marshal recommends replacing
smoke alarms every 10 years. The Ontario Fire
Code requires all Ontario homeowners to install
smoke alarms on every story and outside all
sleeping areas. The following fire prevention
measures can help keep you safe:
1. Replace smoke alarms according to the
manufacturer’s date, usually found on the
back of the alarm
2. Test alarms monthly
3. Change the batteries in smoke alarms at least
once a year
4. Reach out to neighbours, friends and
relatives who may need assistance with
maintaining and testing their smoke alarms.
Walking Tour of remaining tunnels
and buildings of wartime GECO,
munitions plant.
Probus members are invited to participate with
Barbara Dickson on Thursday, October 24 at
11 a.m. The walk will take 60-90 minutes. The
cost $10 was payable at our September meeting -
on site, exact change please. Park at the west side
of Warden Avenue in the box store parking lot and
gather at the base of the Toronto Water Tower at
Warden and Civic Roads. Bring a flashlight,
weather-appropriate clothing and wear sturdy
shoes as most of the tour is outside, not on
sidewalks. The site is not wheelchair accessible.
Since the site is 75 years old, participants must
sign waivers. Barbara will bring copies of Bomb
Girls for $27, exact cash requested. The book
provides a fascinating background about
Scarborough’s war time residents and its history.
Barbara is currently publishing her next book,
100 Bomb Girl Stories and is scheduled to visit us
in January.
Q. When do you serve tofu turkey? A. Pranksgiving
October 2019 Probus-Guildwood Newsletter Page 6
Life can be Fun… as long as you do it with the right people.
Being Responsible Stewards A 16 year old Swedish schoolgirl, Greta
Thunberg, cried out that “Our house is on fire!”
Her compelling presentations have caused
millions to march in the streets to challenge their
leaders to act immediately to avert a climate
crisis.
On a much smaller scale our Probus-Guildwood
club has addressed our ‘sustainable ecological
practices’. Devine Divas talked to us about
downsizing and recycling. We contribute to
garage sales and agencies such as Habitat for
Humanity, Furniture Bank and Value Village for
our surplus items. Individually we ‘refuse,
reduce, reuse and recycle’ all manner of
products, particularly plastics and single serving
packaging.
Some of our members bring their own mug or
thermos, as can you. Yes, we use styrofoam cups
and paper napkins. But note that at the end of
every meeting, Gerard collects our recycling and
waste bins; sorts everything at home to place
them in compost, recycling and waste
containers. Thanks to our monthly volunteers,
many deliver home-baked items, only crumbs
remain not packaging.
My wife crashed the car again today. She told the police the man she collided with was on his cellphone and drinking a
can of beer.
The cop said the man has a right to do whatever he likes in his own living room.
Fall/Christmas Sales
Check out these local events all for good causes
and community:
November 2, Village Fair, Guildwood
Community Presbyterian Church, Guildwood
Pkwy, Holy Trinity - Guildwood – across the
pkwy
November 2, Christ Church Christmas Sale,
Markham Rd, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
November 2, St Nicholas Christmas Sale,
Kingston and Warden, 12 to 3 p.m.
November 3, Lions Christmas Sale at
Birchmount and Kingston Rd, 9:00 a.m. - 2 p.m.
November 9, Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church,
Kingston and Woodglen, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
November 9, St. Paul’s United Church, 200
McIntosh St., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
November 16, St Theresa Shrine Church at
Kingston and Midland Rd, Christmas Bazaar.
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Janet tells us our monthly joke
Christmas Luncheon
– get your ticket(s) Bring a friend and join us for our annual Festive
Christmas meal (turkey, trimmings, veggies, desert)
on Wednesday, December 11, Qssis Banquet Halls.
GREAT entertainment and door prizes.
Tickets are available from Eric at the Activity Table
for $40 each (please pay by cheque).
October 2019 Probus-Guildwood Newsletter Page 7
Life can be Fun… as long as you do it with the right people.
East York Probus presents
“A Christmas Carol 2019” Niagara-on-the-Lake
Date: Tuesday, November 26
Depart: 10:00 a.m. On Bayview Avenue in front
of St. Cuthbert’s Church
Stop: 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Gateway Niagara
Time for a quick bite to eat (on your own)
1-1:45 p.m.- Free time in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Show: 2-4 p.m. Royal George Theatre
Dinner: 4:30-6:00 p.m. Skylon Tower
Lights: 6:15-6:45 p.m. Niagara Parkway
Christmas Lights
Return: Arrival in Toronto by 9:00 p.m.
Price: $145.00 per person
Payment due by October 25
Inclusions: Return transportation via deluxe
coach, reserved orchestra seating,
dinner, driver gratuity, and all taxes.
To Book: Contact Dina Papadopoulos at
Meal Selections:
1) Roast Prime Rib of Beef au Jus
2) Grilled New York Steak
3) Grilled Salmon Filet in Soy Lemon Butter
4) Baked Breast of Chicken in Red Pepper
Cream Sauce
5) Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan
_________________________________
I remember when my parents got their first black-and-white TV.
I was the remote.
October 2019 Probus-Guildwood Newsletter Page 8
Life can be Fun… as long as you do it with the right people.
Probus-Guildwood Information – Meeting Schedule The Club meets on the 2nd
Wednesday
of each Month
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Guildwood Community Presbyterian Church, 140 Guildwood Parkway,
Guildwood Village
CLUB PURPOSE
To provide regular gatherings for active retirees who join together to create opportunities to keep minds active, expand interests and enjoy the fellowship of new friends.
CLUB MAILING ADDRESS Probus-Guildwood
50 Sunnypoint Crescent Scarborough, ON M1M 1B9
email: [email protected] website: http://probus-guildwood.homestead.com
Management-Executive Team 2018-2019 The Executive meets the fourth Wednesday of each month
President: Alan Burt [email protected]
416 266-4682
Past President: Wendy Hooker [email protected]
416 266-4682
Vice-President: VACANT Secretary: Ed Stahlberg stahlberg.edward@gmail,com
416 266-5330
Treasurer: John Roblin [email protected]
416 266-6349
Membership: Enid Comars (Chair) [email protected] Barrie Morgan (Assistant) [email protected] Elizabeth Williams (Assistant) [email protected]
416 264-2816 416 261-2735 416 282-8595
Speakers: Jane Corry [email protected]
416 289-1911
Newsletter [ed.] Dorothée McKinlay [email protected]
416 264-4748
Sub-Committees and Helpers AV, Awards, etc.: Gerard Baribeau
416 264-4527
Refreshments: Glenna Hall, Dorothée McKinlay 50/50 Draw: Lee Grayhurst, Cheryn Parry, Diane Gamble Photographer: Barry Scheffer Web Site Co-ordinator: Barrie Morgan Activities: VACANT Lunch with Friends: Jan Eaton 416 261-8857 Set-up/Take down: Assistance is needed – please volunteer Speakers: Cheryn Parry, Lee Grayhurst, Diane Gamble Resident Jokester: Janet Heise Membership Assistants: Mitzi Clarke, Carolyn Hannaford, Margaret Niemela Proofreaders: Judy and Gerard Baribeau Reporters: Articles & events welcomed –
The Newsletter is published prior to our monthly meeting. Your Assistance is most welcomed and many thanks to all our “Helpers”
Last Column – Activity Calendar –
everything in one place Date Activity
Wed. Oct. 9 Monthly Meeting
Friday Oct. 25 Lunch with Friends
Wed. Nov. 13 Monthly Meeting
Friday Nov. 29 Lunch with Friends
Wed. Dec. 11 Christmas Luncheon
Don’t be left out – get your tickets now – a special event for Probus-Guildwood.
See Eric for tickets at the Activity Table.
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