PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
PRESIDENT DAVID WENTZELL MESSAGE
Welcome to the website of Milton Probus Club. If you landed here after Google-ing "What is Probus Milton", you might be just like I was a few short years ago - newly retired with a desire to keep active and connected to our community of Milton. Like me, you might be wondering what exactly is a "Probus"?
Let's start with what we are not. We are not a service club, we are non-political and we are non-sectarian. What is left? Social events, monthly meetings with engaging speakers, special interest groups for hobbies, games, wine tasting, hiking, and other activities, all in a welcoming, low cost environment. In short, Milton Probus Club is a key element of a well-rounded retirement for its members, women and men, old and new.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented big challenges for a group that is centred on personal gatherings and indoor meetings. As a club, we have continued to offer our programs and activities using Zoom based video conferences and other technologies. We have enjoyed monthly presentations of a high calibre on a wide range of topics. Our special interest groups continue to play games, taste wine and beer, and read and discuss great books, aided by technology. Staying active, social and connected continues as the essence of our club, adjusted as needed to be part of our "new normal".
The boundless font of knowledge that is the Internet, tells me that in Latin, "probus" means "good", "honest" "excellent". At Milton Probus Club we aim for a retirement that is "probus".
David Wentzell, President
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AT WORK DECEMBER 2019
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AT WORK DECEMBER 2019
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AT WORK DECEMBER 2019
Meeting at the home of management member Bonnie Chapman standing next to our now new president David Wentzell;
missing from picture Marlene Murphy who somehow slipped out of the picture and absent Werner Krebs
(picture courtesy of Walter Eadie who did make it into picture shown 4th from left)
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS APRIL 2019
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AT WORK DECEMBER 2019
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AT WORK DECEMBER 2019
Left to right: David Wentzell, Murray Switzer, Rose Ryan, Bonnie Chapman, Clare Ganson-Bell, Robert Streeter, Pat McIntyre, Susan Popp, Walter Eadie, Marlene Murphy, Ray Mathews, Werner Krebs and Joe Bernardino, missing Bill Scarrow and Brian Murphy appointed May 2019
short history of our club, details from our archives
Summer 2005
The first thought of a Probus Club in Milton took place on a warm 2005 summer's day in the parking lot of Food Port, a local grocery store on the Northeast corner of Derry Road and Ontario Street.
Rotary Club, our sponsor
Rotary was having one of their fund raisers (selling hot dogs and pop) when Myra Faichnie, a current member and her late husband Bill were about to go shopping. The Faichnies had first joined Probus in Brampton and Bill made inquiries at the Rotary fund raising booth.
More
Keith and Norma Copeland (current members) appeared and Bill Faichnie shanghaied them to talk with Tom Dusmet the then Rotary President. Next, Rotary agreed to sponsor the first Probus Club in Milton and assist in finding a meeting venue at St. Paul's United Church.
New Committee members
The above organizers together with Dan and Linda Reid, Gus and Heather McCorquodale, John and Diane Mitchell (the latter persons current members save the late John) canvassed the town for interest and draft a Constitution and Bylaws, Guidelines and plan for an information meeting.
(picture above left-organizers who are current club members left to right, Dan & Linda Reid, Keith and Norma Copeland, Myra Faichnie, Heather & Gus McCorquodale, and Diane Mitchell ,taken at December 2019 Christmas luncheon, courtesy of member George Morita)
Information Meeting Overwhelming Response
The committee hoped for a turnout of 40-50 persons at the information meeting but 80 members signed up at this first meeting..
Charter received November 8, 2005
The Charter Meeting was held on Wednesday December 7, 2005. At the first General meeting January 4, 2006, the turnout was 113 registered members.