PROBUS Club [of] Alliston
PROBUS Excursion to Holland Marsh Winery
Private Tour & Wine Tasting
September, 2026
Sept 8, 2026
Steve Chappelle
“An Overview on Artificial Intelligence”
The return of speaker Steve Chapelle was appreciated by the Probus members to widen our knowledge of AI. Steve explained the beginnings of AI, with stored data management and related it to examples like MRI scan and diagnostics. He also pointed out concerns of this technology with impersonations (scams), copyright and trademark, liability and possible deep fakes. It is however a wonderful time saver but check the facts at different sources before believing the information.
The third part was on Hypothetical AI and where is it going! Artificial General Intelligence is the big international race of countries currently, for systems to understand, learn and apply without human intervention. Are we at great risk? This will be a newest technology revolution for humans.
We have adapted to many in our past: Industrial Revolution, computers, internet, debit cards, etc. What can we do to adapt? Keep aware of the developments, test a few applications, keep your personal information private.
We appreciate Steve Chapelle sharing his knowledge of technology and will welcome him back as he develops new presentations which impact our lives.
September, 2026
Luncheon - Piper Arms, Alliston
September, 2026
“The Changing of the Guard”
Flowers for Jo-Anne our
Secretary
for 16 years
Queen Claire passes along the crown & gavel to King Allyn
Sept 8, 2026
Show & Tell
Roy Snipe “My Musical Life”
Roy has been interested in music from a young age and has played a variety of instruments on his own and with musical groups. He continues to this day to play piano to entertain at senior citizens homes.
Welcomes New Members
Yvonne Nunnaro
David West
Louise West
John Wilson
August 18th, 2026 - King’s Wharf Theatre, Penetanguishene
“Return to Grace”
PROBUS Alliston Annual Golf Event
Bear Creek Golf Club - August 11, 2026
July, 2026
Peterborough Lift Lock Boat Cruise
Hover or click pic to enlarge & see captions
Photos by Joan and Mary
July 2026 Luncheon, Swiss Chalet, Alliston
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July 14, 2026
Lianne Harris
“Mongolia, The Earth Shakers”
At our July 14th meeting, our members were fascinated by Lianne Harris’ presentation on the unusual topic, Mongolia: The Earth Shakers. We had heard Lianne speak in March ’24 on The Luck of the Irish. She always presents in period, authentic costume appropriate to her theme. Mongolia was no exception.
I think it’s fair to say that few, if any of us knew much about the history, culture and peoples of Mongolia, or its present structure. Supported by a gripping slide show, we learned about its geography, customs ancient and modern, the importance of women in the social structure and its warfare and domination of Asia and Europe. Ghengis Khan and eventually Kubla Khan left their mark on world history and even, very possibly our own DNA!
Lianne Harris is a sociologist and history teacher with a flare for the dramatic and captivating story-telling. Check out her website, historybyharris.ca and see the many topics she regularly presents. It will be difficult to choose one, but I’m certain we will invite her again.
Catherine Robbin
July 14, 2026
Show & Tell
Joan Fellows
“In Search of the Nottawasaga River”
Joan Fellows provided an educational and informative overview of the Nottawasaga River. Through maps and pictures she showed the River’s journey, from the two source branches located south of Shelburne, and north of Orangeville, to its final destination of Georgian Bay. Joan and Dave Twiner spent several months following the river, from start to finish; some 120 km, as it flowed North, downhill, from wetlands on the Niagara Escarpment, through the Nottawasaga Valley, to its mouth at Wasaga Beach.
June 9, 2026
Dr. Amy Barron
“Agatha Christie & Archaeology”
Dr. Amy Barron delivered a presentation on "Agatha Christie & Archeology" which was applauded by our members as being one of the most enjoyed, humorous and knowledgeable talks we've had. Members are familiar with Agatha Christie's books but not with her love of Middle East adventure and the life she lived with her famous archaeologist second husband. Agatha led a remarkable life without having had the formal education we might expect to be required to raise to a famous author. Her first book was written on a dare of her sister, and she was astonished to find that her mystery fiction succeeded and paid well. Her adventures included assisting at archaeological digs in Ur and Ziggurat as well as aiding as a nurse during both wars. While nursing she learned useful information about poisons that served her well in her fiction!
by Shirley Irvine
June, 2026
Show & Tell
Dr. Gerry Ross
“Dentistry in Tottenham”
Roy Snipe introduced member Gerry Ross who took us on a journey from the first days of dentistry in Tottenham, through to the end of his days in practice.
June, 2026
Welcome New Members
Lisa Keenan-Lindsay
John Lindsay
Janice Robson
Michael Robson
Probus Dining Out, June 1, 2026
Danny’s Fish & Chips, Barrie, ON
May, 2026
Boston Pizza Alliston, ON
Click photo
May 2026
Diana Trepkov
“How Forensic Art Solves Mysteries and Inspires Hope“
On Tuesday May 12th Diana Trepkov gave a terrific presentation to our group, “How Forensic Art Solves Mysteries and Inspires Hope” Diana is a forensic artist who has worked with police in Canada as well as internationally using her sketching and drawing talent to recreate faces to help solve missing and recovered bodies. She showed us how she used her talents to recreate and help successfully identify members of the missing Franklin Arctic expedition whose ships were discovered a few years ago. The audience was totally engrossed, and this could be seen by all the questions that came her way.
May, 2026
Joan Fellows
“How a Newfoundland Cookbook has ties to Beeton, ON”
Joan introduced us to Kate Aitken, born in Beeton, in 1891. Kate achieved fame and success as an entrepreneur, author, cook, beauty and women’s lifestyle expert, and radio and television personality. One of her books, Kate Aitken’s Canadian Cookbook, was also Joan’s Mother’s favourite cookbook. Joan inherited her Mom’s tattered and worn copy after she passed, and has treasured it for many years. She always wondered who Kate Aitken was. It was only recently that Joan learned that Kate was from nearby Beeton. It is unknown how Joan’s Mom, who used the cookbook in a tiny, remote railway village in Newfoundland, accessible only by train, came to have one of Kate’s first edition cookbooks, published in 1945.
They didn’t know each other, but one created something that had quite a special place in the heart, and kitchen of the other.
Congratulations on 10 Years
Sharon Walton
May, 2026
Welcome New Members
Lori Locke
Yvonne Nunnaro
Joanne Ryan
Trip to Stratford Theatre to see “Guys & Dolls”
May 6, 2026
Click photos to rotate.
April, 2026
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
April, 2026
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
Click to enlarge.
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
Click photo to enlarge.
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
Click to Enlarge
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
Click Photo to Enlarge
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
Click to see full size photos.
Grease - Kings Wharf Theatre, Penetanguishene, August, 2025
Click for full size photos.
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.
Click picture to scroll.
Millionaire’s Row Lunch Cruise, Gravenhurst, ON, July 15, 2025
Photos by Jackie German
