SPEAKERS FROM PAST MEETINGS

Mark Terry is an Environmental Studies instructor at York University. He is one of Canada's real life explorers whose vast global travels have enabled him to make a documentary on every continent in the world. He is the author of many books that address innovations in climate communications technologies as well as the COVID19 pandemic.

Mark recently wrote the book Pandemic Poetry that applies his varied life experiences and provides some hope and comfort for the world during the pandemic.

Mark provided a very uplifting presentation. He kindly provided a copy of his new book Pandemic Poetry: A Collection of Poetic Musings on Life During the Coronavirus for a member Draw.

Ellin Bessner spoke to our Probus group on November 4th. 

Ellin is a Canadian journalist and accomplished speaker based in Toronto. She is the author of a new book about Canada's Jewish servicemen and women who fought in the Second World War. The book is called Double Threat: Canadian Jews, the Military and World War 11.

Daniel Aonso, from Circle Enrichment, gave a presentation of "Woodstock Revisited" by Zoom in October.  It has been 50 years since the Woodstock Festival.  This was an historic event of "three days of peace and love", which still resonates throughout all music today.

 Lianne Harris Racioppo  is a professional speaker and a History and Culture Specialist , currently working as a Resource Specialist with the Toronto District School Board. She is also  curriculum advisor for Upper Canada College.

Lianne presented via ZOOM , in costume , Royal Scandals.  Her presentation was very entertaining in a dynamic and insightful way.

 Aruna Papp is a nationally and internationally recognized educator and advocate of human rights. Her focus is on women’s rights in cross-cultural perspectives. 

She is also a survivor of 18 years of domestic violence.  For 35 years Aruna worked as a counsellor/therapist assisting families dealing with domestic

 violence. 

Rob Green welcomed us in his native African language and asked for volunteers to help make the “Sounds of The Drum”.  He followed this by strumming and singing a song about lost freedoms and slavery (which was more lucrative than the buying and selling of spices and precious metals between 1501 and 1867).  He then touched on the slave ships, the auctions, the beatings, the family separations and the arrival of Harriett Tubman, "the underground railway," and "safe houses".

Colin Best, Regional Councillor, Milton updated us on what's happening in Milton

Did you know Milton's population is projected to reach 350,000 by 2041,  up from 125,000 today.

Shown Brian Best at left thanked by  member Jim Miller

Sergeant Ryan Snow Halton Regional Police updated us on the Ride Program, testing for impairment from alcohol and cannabis as well as other tips

Did you know: -spot checks always employ a "chase car" so you cannot avoid a check by turning around

- total estimated cost of impaired conviction is $20,000

Dr. Bruce McKay, professor in the Department of Psychology Wilfred Laurier University

Dr. McKay educated members on the medical effects of cannabis, the history and current laws in regard to it and what to expect in the future.

(picture  courtesy of  member George Morita; Dr. McKay thanked by Past President Ray Mathews

Dr. Josephine McMurray associate professor from Wilfrid Laurier University, spoke about our ageing population and its affect on society as well as technology's role in assisting the senior generation 

(picture courtesy of member George Morita) 

Rod Seiling left congratulated by our Terry Cole right, highlighted the benefits offered by the Canadian Snowbirds Association including travel trips and resources available to Snowbird members.

DID you know Rod  is a retired NHL star who assisted Team Canada win the famous 1972 game against Russia?

A great speaker

(picture courtesy of member George Morita)

Our member Marlene Murphy thanks speaker Lianne Harris Racioppo on the Roaring 20's. including excellent pictures with explanations about that great era