PROBUS Club [of] Alliston
PROBUS District 2 Annual General Meeting & Workshop
Six members of the Executive attended the AGM & Workshop to discuss areas of mutual interest such as membership, volunteers, finance, speakers, etc. and to share knowledge with other Clubs.
April, 2026
Lunch Piper Arms, Alliston
April, 2026
Kelly Campbell & Beverley Smith
“The World War One Voyage of Albert Dunn”
Kelly Campbell’s presentation, The World War 1 Voyage of Albert Dunn was a full account of the activities of Canadian soldiers in the early days of that terrible war and the horrors that they encountered. We learned many details about the positioning of the troops for the battles of April 22-24, 1915 and details about Germany’s use of chlorine gas that caused so many fatalities. The readings from Albert Dunn’s journal put the hardships of those brave young men into perspective. The photos and details provided by Kelly Campbell were vivid and horrific illustrations.
The personal diary of Albert Dunn, written at that terrible time, was a remarkable achievement and a truly historical document. How wonderful that it is now preserved in a Belgian museum! The Campbell and Dunn families have grandfathers who served Canada proudly in World War 1. Family history is so much a part of who we are and where we come from!
Catherine Robbin, Speaker Committee
Introduced by Sharon Stone
Show & Tell
Karen Hill-Whitson
Paediatric Oncology Hospital CCH57357 in Cairo Egypt
Karen shared her experience working at the newly built Paediatric Oncology Hospital CCH57357 in Cairo Egypt from July 2007 to March 2009. Her company was contracted to implement programs and train Frontline staff in Healthcare Support Services to Western Standards. She shared many of the challenges she faced along with the many accomplishments.
March 2026
Welcome New Member
John Zirnhelt
Probus Club of Alliston, March 10, 2026
St. Patrick’s Day Meeting & Luncheon
Swiss Chalet, Alliston
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March 10, 2026
Annemarie Hagan
“The Unexpected Life of Mayor
”Hurricane Hazel” McCallion”
At our February 10th meeting Annemarie Hagan was our keynote speaker and her topic was “The Unexpected Life of Mayor Hurricane Hazel McCallion. The presentation was a definite hit from the feedback I received from attendees. Hazel was an amazing woman, one who we had all heard about many times. Annemarie was very passionate and with amazing inside knowledge as she had worked in Mississauga for many years and often interacted with Hazel. What was unique was not just her knowledge but the ability to make us really know just who Hazel was and why she was one of Canada’s most amazing politicians. Looking forward to seeing everyone at our March 10th meeting.
Gerry Ross
Matthew’s House Hike for Hospice
Roger Whittle spoke about Probians’ past support of the Hike for Hospice. As many of our Members have made use of the hospice, many have supported the annual Hike for Hospice.
If you would like to support Matthews House, the information on the hike is here.
The Probus Club of Alliston
is happy to welcome new
members:
Cynthia Chung
Anna Gormley
Nancy Goymour
Pat Langstaff
David Sadleir
Sharon Tomlinson
Edith Wilkinson
Yvonne Zirnhelt
March, 2026
Show & Tell
Alan Masters
Introduced by Roy Snipe, Alan told us about his interesting life, beginning in the UK and continuing here in Canada. He shared some of the highlights and stories from his book “Full Throttle”with us.
Probus Club of Alliston February, 2026
Valentine’s Day Meeting & Luncheon Photos
Halibut House, Alliston
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February 2026
Main Speakers
Tina de los Santos and Brenda Pufek of Contact Community Services
"Creating a Positive Impact in our Community”
We were very pleased to welcome these two dynamic women representing Contact Community Services. Their presentation illustrated the work that is being done in South Simcoe and Collingwood by their team of dedicated individuals. These people are helping to improve the lives of those on the margins who have run into blocks in their road to security for themselves and their families. Their network of helpers consists of 28 paid employees and 80 volunteers who are doing this important and never-ending work. The Clothes Line stores in Alliston and Bradford are the most visible faces of their work, but they are also the gateways to all kinds of help that they are equipped to offer. They offer it with good humour and joy, “keeping the social in social services.’
Catherine Robbin, Speakers Committee
February 2026
Show & Tell
Ted Larson
“My Artist’s Journey &
Discovery of Georgian Bay”
The Probus Club of Alliston
Welcomes New Members
Carole Steer
Doug Steer
Pat Tucker
January 2026 Luncheon
Boston Pizza, Alliston
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January, 2026
Main Speaker, Eve Smeltzer
“Do Animals Have Empathy”
Eve Smeltzer’s presentation on Do Animals Have Empathy? was very enthusiastically received by the membership on January 13th. Her photos and stories about Vervet monkeys, the subject of her PhD thesis, as well as numerous other animal stories were fascinating and often very touching. She spoke without notes and with impressive scholarship as well as humanity. There were many questions from members and discussions to follow over lunch.
January 2026
Show & Tell
Barbara Ramm
“Hiking Adventures”
Barb took us around the world to see some fascinating places with amazing scenery that she “trekked”.
Probus Club of Alliston
Service Awards
January 2026
Ulla Jensen, 20 Years
The Probus Club of Alliston
Welcomes New Members
Donna King
Patrick King
Patricia Montgomery
January 2026
The Probus Christmas Luncheon was held December 9th
Santa, his elves and all had a fantastic time!
Photos by
Bev Hughes
November, 2025 Luncheon Piper Arms, Alliston
November 2025 Main Speaker
Frank Cerisano, CEO Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation
“Because of You Campaign”
Our speaker was Frank Cerisano, CEO of the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation. He joined the Foundation just over 1 year ago.
He brings over 30 years of senior executive experience to his role. His leadership and fundraising expertise are a tremendous asset to the Hospital Foundation. Previously as CEO of the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation, he led a campaign that raised over 80% of a $110 million goal.
With a career total of over $4 billion raised for charities and organizations across Canada, Frank is well-positioned to help complete the Because of YOU campaign for Stevenson Memorial Hospital.
His presentation covered the Because of YOU campaign, an ambitious effort to raise $80 million through community support to help build the future of Stevenson Memorial Hospital.
For more information or to support the Because of YOU campaign, visit StevensonFoundation.ca
Probus Club of Alliston
Service Awards
20 Years - Harvey Hart
10 Years - Dora Dolinar, Sharron Smith, Ted Smith, Gillian Winter
15 Years - Briane Standeaven, Sandra Standeaven
Probus Club of Alliston
Welcome New Members
These new members braved the first snowfall of the year [6”] to come to the meeting.
Holly Adediji
Deborah Barbisan
Glenda Cassidy
Joan Kerr
Paul Kerr
Miles Langstaff
Munni Sadekar
October 27, 2025 Danny’s Fish & Chips, Barrie, ON
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October, 2025 - Lunch, Swiss Chalet, Alliston
Click for full photo, Arrow to Scroll
October, 2025
Allyn Willard
“New Zealand & Cook Islands”
Allyn participated in a group trip to New Zealand & the Cook Islands in 2018 and has made a travel video of the trip. Here are a few of the location photos.
New Zealand “Aotearoa” (Māori name meaning land of the long white cloud) because these formations were a navigational landmark for the early Polynesian explorers.
Hover over photo for description.
Show & Tell
Roy Snipe
“My Golfing Life”
Roy told us about some amazing places he has golfed all around the world, including Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club, near Marbella, Spain, where the course had a spectacular mountain setting and a challenging layout hitting the ball from one mountain peak to another.
10 Year Service Pin
Josee MacIntyre
15 Year Service Pins
Midge Facciol, Roger Whittle
Probus Club of Alliston
10 Year Service Pin Recipients
Claire Albright, Carol Borg, Charlie Borg, Sam Ghosh, Trudy Gosh, Mary Laing, Josee MacIntyre, Barbara Ramm, Dave Randell, Linda Randell, June Seago, Ruby Thomas, Chuck Waterman,
Sue Waterman, Mary Willard and Cathy Wolfe
Probus Club of Alliston “37 Years Young”
Charles Héroux, Probus Canada Director District #2 was on hand to help us celebrate. [Photo 2]
Rogers & Hammerstein’s
“A Grand Night for Singing”, Aurora Theatre, September 21, 2025
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September, 2025 - Lunch Hot Stacks, Cookstown
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September, 2025
Tanya Shields
“Downsizing & Is It Time to Move?
Tanya Shields is a Certified Relocation and Transition Specialist (CRTST).
She is the Owner/Operator of Lifestyle Moves Ltd., based in Innisfil,
Ontario.
Her company specializes in providing personalized, compassionate and
efficient transition and relocation services, primarily catering to
individuals aged 55 and over.
These services include assisting with moves to retirement communities,
assisted living facilities, long-term care, condos, and vacation homes.
She shared her expertise in planning, packing, moving, unpacking, and
setting up new residences or how to make improvement to stay in your current home.
Show & Tell, September 2025
Alan Masters
“Building YPRES WWI and WWII”
The Changing of the Guard!
Gerry Ross has finished his term as President and we thank him for a most excellent job!
Gerry turns over the gavel and the President pin to Claire Albright for the 2025-26 term. Welcome Queen Claire!
2024-25 Executive & Management Committee
Our heartfelt thanks go out to all our volunteers. Our Club would not survive without you.
Trip to Toronto Blue Jays, August, 2025
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Grease - Kings Wharf Theatre, Penetanguishene, August, 2025
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PROBUS Golf Day - August, 2025, Bear Creek Golf Course
A marvellous time was had by all! The day was a little warm but gorgeous. The course was in fantastic shape. The foursomes were fun and the fellowship at the gathering on the patio before and during dinner was thoroughly enjoyable, leading to a wonderful meal with excellent service!
Many thanks to our illustrious leader, Gerry Ross and his team for organizing such a wonderful event and our local business sponsors for the excellent prizes.
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Millionaire’s Row Lunch Cruise, Gravenhurst, ON, July 15, 2025
Photos by Jackie German
Photos by Linda Hostrawser-Ball
July 8, 2025
Kathy Macfarlane
“Journey to the Floe Edge”
Our July speaker was Kathy Macfarlane.
Photography has been Kathy's passion for over 30 years. After working and retiring in Alliston, she turned this passion into a new business creating floorplans and virtual tours for real estate listings and local agents. She
also teaches with the South Simcoe Arts Council.
She has taken many courses to learn the fundamentals of exposure and composition and uses that knowledge to shoot many subjects. Kathy enjoys the challenge of capturing the unscripted story of people and nature.
Her topic, "Journey to the Floe Edge" took us on her amazing travels to the Floe Edge, the area where the Arctic Ocean meets the ice still attached to the land. This area on Baffin Island is rich with wildlife, natural landscapes and local culture.
by Sharron Smith
July 8, 2025
Joan Fellows
“Pictures from the Path”
Joan Fellows gave us a beautiful pictorial walk through some of her favourite paths. Although she showed us many pics of foreign walks, she also showed us pictures of places in Ontario we recognized.
The photos of our own back yards made us realize you don’t have to travel the world to see Mother Nature’s handiwork.
Joan has become an avid messenger.
by Roger Setka
Scavenger Hunt & Picnic, June 24, 2025
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June 2025, Lunch Boston Pizza, Alliston, ON
June 10, 2025
Michelle Redgewell
“Hearing Health”
Michelle Redgwell has been in the hearing Industry for over 35 years. During that time, she has worked in manufacturing and in customer service. She has a very personal view of hearing loss as she has hearing loss herself. Michelle is very passionate about helping people to hear and in educating them in how to maintain hearing health. Michelle shared information about hearing loss risks, impacts on relationships and how to approach the challenges and regain hearing. She is currently with Hear Well Be Well.
June 10, 2025
Karen Hill-Whitson
“Tanzania”
In 2012, Karen joined a group of goodwill volunteers on a 10 day trip to a Tanzanian orphanage. There were 3 small classrooms doubling for sleeping quarters on the ground at night. In daytime, attendance was between 40 to 160 children. They assisted with:
-providing funding for electricity and running water
-purchasing food and other necessities as well as soccer balls and skipping ropes etc.
Karen returned in 2014 and was greeted with open arms.
Today there are 3 schools built and one has been awarded Government assistance.
The other 2 still depend on donations
(209 children and 50 women currently attending).
The
Ultimate
Volunteer
June 10, 2025
Welcome New Members
Florence Binns
Rachelle Conlin
Doug Cowan
Margaret Dailey
Fredina Elliott
Wendy Ground
Linda Hook
Colleen Langley
Carolyn Millsop
Karen Walsh
Murray Walsh
Jim Wilkinson
Johan Wilkinson
May 24, 2025 - Dinner Danny’s Fish & Chips, Barrie, ON
May 13, 2025 - Lunch Piper Arms, Alliston, ON
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May 13, 2025
Taivi Tayler, Certified Financial Planner
“Estate Planning for Seniors”
Taivi provided lots of helpful and important information about financial planning, estate planning, probate, wills, estate costs and the need for beneficiaries. She navigated us through the complexities and pitfalls and provided suggestions for overcoming them.
With the many questions from our members, we ran out of time. She can be reached at 705 733 3338 or ttayler@taylerinsurance.com or www.taylerinsurance.com.
Thanks, Pat Thompson
Speakers Committee
March 13, 2025
Show & Tell
Allyn Willard “Cruising King”
“My Life”
Allyn took us on a journey from Leeds in the UK with military parents of both UK and Canada to arriving in Halifax in Canada with his mother on the Queen Mary at the age of 5 months to meet his father. From growing up in Quebec and moving to Ontario, working in computer technology at IBM and Celestica to retiring and volunteering in Briar Hill.
Congratulations to 10 year Members
Al Hargreaves
Judi Hargreaves
May 13, 2025
Welcome New Members
Jim McAloney
Vicki McAloney
Shirley Jessop
Bob Webber
Diane Dodson
April 24, 2025 Special Event
Lunch at Taste of Freedom, Tottenham
April, 2025, Lunch at Swiss Chalet, Alliston
Still Winter in Alliston, 6” snow today!
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April 8, 2025
David T. Chapma
“Wild, Weird & Wacky Weather”
David T Chapman visited our Probus Club April 8; it was a blizzard like cold April day so his presentation was topical. We were so pleased that he was able to come after car troubles in February interfered with his arrival. The wait was certainly worth it!
David, self- taught in the areas of photography and natural weather phenomena, amazed us with his time lapse films and photographs of storms, lightning, rainbows, ice bridges, strange cloud formations and other weather related phenomena. He captivated the audience and answered questions with great understanding of these natural wonders. What a delight to have him as our Keynote Speaker.
Submiited by Sharon Smith
April 8, 2025
“Happy Easter”
Show & Tell, April 8, 2025
Joan Fellows & Dave Twiner
“Hiking with Joan & Dave”
Joan Fellows and Dave Twiner provided a short presentation on their hiking experience. Their talk covered their shared history of hiking, tips on how to prepare for hiking, how to use a navigation tool, and how to stay safe on the trails. They concluded the presentation by taking the attendees on a virtual hike, showing pictures of their most favourite, and least favourite trails.
Submitted by Joan Fellows.
March 11 - Lunch at Halibut House, Alliston
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March 11, 2025
Candace Gordon
S.H.I.F.T. A Community Working Together
Candace Gordon, Donor Relations and Stewardship Officer with Alliston's S.H.I.F.T program, was our Keynote Speaker on March 2, 2025.
Her presentation helped us learn about the support SHIFT offers not only with overnight accommodation and meals to those experiencing homelessness, but also to those in our community experiencing food insecurity and mental health challenges. It was good to learn that SHIFT helps their clients find other community supports and resources so that they can make the shift to a better life. The many questions that our members asked indicated their interest in learning about SHIFT, and hopefully reaching out to help this community resource in the future. Sharron Smith
March 11, 2025
PROBUS Club of Alliston
Meetings are Informative and Fun!
Click for full size photo
February 11, 2025 - Lunch at Boston Pizza, Alliston
February 11, 2025
Eugene McEleney
“A Life in Television”
We are very grateful to Eugene for stepping in at the last minute when inclement weather and vehicle problems caused our speaker to cancel at the last minute. Eugene gave us a fascinating look through many facets of the television industry during his 41 year career in the world of working in Television.
Show & Tell - February 2025
Doris & Harry Lehman
“A Life Dedicated to Working with Children”
‘Harry and Doris Lehman talked about how they have dedicated their life to working with children. They shared stories of the nursery school that they ran near Tottenham. Harry demonstrated his skill working with puppets and showed how they used puppets as a teaching tool. Puppets have played a large role in their life performing at community events, churches and Camp Quality.’
Welcome New Member
Donna Sanderson
January 2025 - Lunch - Piper’s Arm’s, Alliston
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The Money Honey’s
January 14, 2025
Megan Rochford & Maria Borczyk,
Matthew’s House
”Navigating the Health Care System”
Megan and Maria gave current and relevant information about how we, as seniors, can be advocate for our own health care needs in an ever-changing health care system.
Sharron Smith
Show & Tell - January, 2025
Catherine Robbin
“My Path to a Career in Singing”
Anyone who missed the January meeting missed an amazing, although brief presentation that ended with a short singing treat. Everyone enjoyed it immensely!
Peter Krol
Mary Hamilton
Congratulations on 10 Years
Welcome New Members
Barb Curry, Corrine Flynn, Margot Malchuk, Karen Hill-Whitson
PROBIANS Ringing in 2025
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