The Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington
NEWSLETTER
March 2015
Issue # 80
Co-Presidents’ Message
Management Committee 2014-2015
Carole &
Richard Cosburn
Past Co-Presidents
Linda Johnson &
Sylvia Newman
st
1 Vice-Presidents
Ken McFadyen
nd
2 Vice-Co-Presidents Pat & Murray Wood
Secretary
Tim Sulisz
Treasurer
David Snow
Membership
Gillian O’Rourke
Newsletter
Jack Markham
Events Coordinator
Jeanmarie
Crowther-Wroe
Clubs Coordinator
Kathy Riddell
Social Coordinator
Roberta Saunders
Members at Large
Donna Thomas
Donald Turner
As we bid goodbye to The Big Chill of February, may we
applaud ourselves for staying involved with our activities.
Good attendance was mostly the norm even though we
faced record breaking temperatures for most of the month.
Co-Presidents
416-243-0042
416-622-8170
416-236-9608
416-247-0589
416-239-9545
416-249-7392
416-239-5349
416-622-2171
416-546-0201
And hark! The days are getting longer and the sun a little
stronger. The promise of spring is just around the corner.
Hopefully, March will come in like a lamb. The ushering in of
March promises us new events and new ideas for the
Kingsway/Islington Probus Club. Please refer to your
newsletter to realize the Irish programmes that are being
offered. A trip to Elmira for the Maple Syrup Festival and
two plays are also planned to further keep us connected,
enthused and enjoying the fellowship of our club.
905-306-8106
416-749-0848
416-626-6436
416-622-7154
416-234-9117
Probus Canada has designated March to be National
Probus Month. In short, the purpose of National Probus
Month or NPM is to celebrate Probus by promoting our
club’s experiences to the community. This can be done
through advertising our achievements and through
donations. Last year we donated money to plant trees in our
community after the devastating ice storm of 2013. At
present, we are in the process of planning a simple Baked
Potato/ Salad Bar luncheon immediately following the April
th
28 meeting at Islington Golf Club to foster friendship
amongst our members. In future meetings, our clubs will
proudly promote their successes for all our members to
appreciate.
Activities/Clubs Committee
Book Club
Bowling Club
Camera Club
Dinner Club
Games Club
Gate 403 Jazz Club
Investment Club
Sally Goodwillie
Donna Thomas
Donna Thomas
Judy Evans
Maggie Hoffmann
Wendy Edgett
Jan Crowle
Frank O’Rourke
Luncheon Club
Jean Fox
Arlene MacKenzie
Neighbourhood Walks Ella Barrick
Jan Nobuto
Pub Club
Harry Sutton
Walking Club
James Rayner
Greeters Group
Wendy Edgett
Bulletin Board
Judy Snow
416-244-2233
416-622-7154
416-622-7154
416-231-8410
416-249-7392
416-621-8165
416-621-2125
416-622-2171
416-255-6127
416-622-0792
416-626-7671
905-624-9008
416-622-5464
416-233-1909
416-621-8165
416-239-5349
March is such an exciting month. Daylight Saving Time
th
takes place on March 8 . Spring officially starts on March
th
20 . March Break gives us a time to travel and enjoy the
young members of our families. And of course, our Probus
activities are ongoing throughout the month. So, let’s stay
active and healthy. Our next meeting is on WEDNESDAY,
March 25, 2015 when we look forward to hearing Pat de
Valance speak about letting our gardens go wild to create
enticing habitats.
Postal Address
Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington
P.O. Box 301 Station D
Etobicoke, Ontario M9A 4X3
Carole & Richard
Newsletter
Member contributions to the newsletter may be sent to:
[email protected].
The newsletter is available online:
www.probus.org/15kingisltn.htm
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬  ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Next Meeting—at Islington Golf Club
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Pat de Valance Speaker at Garden Blooms on “Go Wild.
Make your Garden a Habitat.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬  ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Membership: 250
Meetings start at 10:00 am; speakers at 10:30 am. A
$10.00 charge, payable by cash or cheque, is applicable
for guests-you must notify Gillian O’Rourke in advance if
you would like to bring a guest.
Those interested in joining should contact Gillian
O’Rourke.
At each meeting please pick up your badge and sign in at
the Membership Table. Also, kindly return your badge to
the Table at the end of the meeting.
Please notify Roberta Saunders concerning a
seriously ill or deceased member of the club.
1
It is recommended that members have their cheque-books
at meetings as membership dues, special events, and
activities must be paid by cheque.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬  ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Don’t forget our draw. At each meeting there is a cash draw.
Bring your toonies.
The Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington
NEWSLETTER
March 2015
Issue # 80
Announcements
Those on the waiting list are welcome to come to Probus events
Probus members, please tell your friends who are on our waiting list that they may come to any of our activities and
events at cost (with the exception of those events that have a guest surcharge). We welcome all.
Events & Activities
If you happen to have any pictures of events or activities you have been involved you could send them to
[email protected] so that other members of Probus can enjoy them as well.
March 2015 Meeting
Please note the general meeting for March is to be held the fourth Wednesday of March the 25th at the Islington Golf
Club.
Bus Pick up for Events
Where an event includes a bus pick-up this will always be at the north/east corner of Islington at Aberfoyle, unless stated
otherwise.
Roberta’s Corner
As I write this, February is fast approaching the end. What a month.!! The cold was just too much and too consistent. I am
really glad to have it ending and March coming in to bring us many signs of spring (we hope). The temperatures will rise,
the snow will start melting and we can get outside to do a few things.
Some of us will be moving with excitement to new homes. Some of us will be travelling south and some of us will be
staying home living the excitement of the arrival of spring. Very soon the snowbirds will be arriving home. Hopefully we
will see many of them at our April meeting in which we will try something new for us following our meeting. Of course I am
talking about our Baked Potato Bar with wonderful toppings and a cash bar for a get together lunch. I hope many of you
will take part and maybe it will become an inviting occasion on different months. We will sign up at the March meeting so
don't forget.
Keeping spring in mind, my recipe this month is from a spring vegetable which is readily available in spring. My recipe is
Asparagus Soup which is totally delicious and not hard to make. Try it!!
ASPARAGUS SOUP
1
2½
1
¼
1
1
lb asparagus(cut up)
cups chicken stock
tbsp finely chopped parsley
cup butter
onion, finely chopped
clove garlic and 1/2 tsp curry
Sauté butter, onion and garlic until soft. Add 1/2 tsp curry powder, add chopped asparagus and chicken stock and parsley
Simmer over low heat for 20 to 25 minutes or until soft. Pure in batches in blender, add 1/2 cup cream.
At serving time add 1 tbsp sour cream to each bowl of soup and garnish with lightly steamed asparagus tips
This is very good and a great sign of spring Enjoy & Happy Spring everyone
Roberta
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The Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington
NEWSLETTER
March 2015
Issue # 80
PAYMENT MEANS CONFIRMATION
Probus will accept only cheques for events, activities and tours.
Cheques cannot be post-dated for the specified cut-off dates.
Cheques will be destroyed in the event the activity is cancelled.
REFUNDS
Once a tour or event has been filled and booked and
Kingsway/Islington has paid the monies, we are not
able to process refunds.
Events
Please ensure that all events are marked on your calendars as we no longer telephone a “reminder” for events.
FOLLOWING ARE THE EVENTS BEING OFFERED FOR MARCH, 2015:
st
Sunday, March 1 : @ 2 pm. Maggie has arranged for us to go to see “Winter’s on the Wing”, a musical theatre cabaret.
This show is at the Assembly Hall (SE corner of Kipling & the Lakeshore. This event has already sold out.
th:
Saturday, March 14 (7:00 pm to 11:00 pm). The Montgomery Inn is starting St. Patrick’s Day celebration early with a
Ceilidh (a musical evening). They are serving Irish Stew; fresh baked bread and live traditional music featuring Gin
Lane…—all for $5.00 plus tax. Cash Bar!!
We have about 12 people interested. If you are interested, join us at the Inn around 6:45. You can pay at the door.
th
Tuesday, March 17 : To celebrate St. Patrick’s in a traditional way, we have reserved some seats with Mary Morton’s
event “The Celtic Roots with the Celts at the Sanderson Centre in Brantford” Lunch is included at The Olde School House
(Seafood Fettuccine or Chicken Supreme).
The Celts take you on an exciting musical journey telling the story of how Celtic music influenced the development of
American Bluegrass and today’s popular music. … Cost $118.00 Pick up at 9:30am on the corner of Bloor and Islington,
opposite the entrance to the Islington subway station. RTA 6pm.
th
Saturday, March 28 : The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival with Mary Morton Tours. Pick up at 8:30am on the NE corner of
Bloor and Islington, opposite the entrance to the Islington subway station.
Join us as we visit the Arts & Craft Show, with a large variety of crafts, including homemade quilts. As we stroll along the
downtown area of Elmira, the delicious aromas of German Sausages; Potato Pancakes; Apple Fritters and Apple
Dumplings will stir your taste buds and get you ready for a buffet lunch at the Crossroads. The day will wind up with a
stop at the village of St. Jacobs for browsing. Cost $77.00. RTA 6pm
th
Finally, we have a Theatre Etobicoke presentation on Sunday, March 29 at 2:00pm. Again at the Assembly Hall (NE
corner of Kipling and The Lakeshore) “There Goes The Bride”, A Comedy by Ray Cooney and John Chapman. Tickets
$20.00. We still have a few tickets left for this event. If you are interested, call Maggie Hoffman at 416-249-7392
Heads Up on some future events are: Aga Khan Museum on April 23rd; The Blue Jays Baseball Game with the
th
th
Chicago White Sox on Wednesday May 27 , and a day at the Woodbine Races on June the 12 .
th
More detailed information on these events will be available at our March 25 meeting. Cheers!!
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The Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington
NEWSLETTER
March 2015
Issue # 80
Activities/Clubs
Book Club
Sally Goodwillie
416-244-2233
Our next book club meeting is at the usual place on Wednesday, March 11, when we will be discussing "The Immortal
Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot. Our next meeting will be the second Wednesday of April when our book will
be "The Goldfinch." ,the name of the author is Donna Tartt. New members are always welcome. Please contact Sally for
information.
Book Exchange
At every meeting, a table at the back of the meeting room is set up for members to exchange either paperback or hard
cover books that are in good condition. Please drop off your books early so other members have an opportunity to check
them out. At the end of the meeting, be sure to retrieve any of your books which have not been picked up.
Bowling Club
Donna Thomas
416-622-7154
Bowlers will continue to meet at Bowlerama (lower level) on Dundas Street West, Etobicoke for 5-pin bowling on Mondays
at 1 p.m. (with the exception of long weekends, stat holidays and school holidays). The cost is $10.75 for 3 games.
There will be no bowling on Monday, March 16 as it is the start of school March break and no bowling on Monday, April 6,
Easter Monday. Contact Donna Thomas if you wish to join the group.
Bridge Club
Carole or Rich Cosburn 416-243-0042
th
The bridge will meet at #4 Foxmeadow Rd. on Wednesday, March 4 starting at 1 o'clock for a fun, friendly afternoon of
fellowship bridge. Please contact either Carole or Rich if you are interested. Thanks, Carole
Camera Club
Donna Thomas
416-6212-7154
The Camera Club meets at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 9 at the home of Tim Sulisz. The subject of our photos is
DOORS/WINDOWS/GATES. Some of their pictures from their February assignment “Winter” are shown on
page 7.
Dinner Club
Judy Evans
416-231-8410
Our next dinner is in March. If you wish to attend please contact Jean Jablonski at [email protected] or
416-253-4940 by Friday, March 6, as the restaurant would like the final numbers by that day. .
Date:
Thurs. March 12 at 6.30
Location: La Petite France
3317 Bloor St. W. just east of Islington on the south side of Bloor
These dinners are open to everyone in the club. If there is anyone you feel would be interested in joining us please let me
know and I will forward them the information. Thanks Judy
Games Club
Maggie Hoffmann
416-249-7392
You will be pleased to know that the games club will have its next meeting during this memorable winter on Tuesday,
March 17th. As usual, the fun will start at 2.00 p.m. at Maggie and Tim's place at 87 Ridgemount Road. If you are planning
to attend, please advise Maggie.
Gate 403 Jazz Club
Wendy Edgett 416-621-8165
Kathy Riddell 416-749-0848
The "First Monday Jazz Club" will meet on Monday, March 2nd, 5:00 to 8:00pm at "Gate403" on Roncesvalles Ave.,
opposite the Revue Cinema. You are all welcome to come and enjoy the Mike Daley Trio and some simple pub fare.
Parking at Howard Park School (on Howard Park Ave.) or on side streets--do read signs carefully! As the first Monday in
April, (April 6) is Easter Monday, the "First Monday Jazz Club" will not be meeting in April. However, if any Probus
members wish to go to hear the Mike Daley Trio on that evening, you may wish to phone the venue...Gate403... 416 588
2930... to confirm that the trio will be performing.
Greeters’ Group
Wendy Edgett
416-621-8165
The greeters for the meeting on March 25 will be June Walton and Catherine Ede.
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The Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington
NEWSLETTER
March 2015
Issue # 80
Investment Club
Frank O'Rourke 416-622-2171
Jan Crowle 416-621-2125
Our March meeting will be on March 10 at 2:00 pm at the usual location, Fairfield Seniors Centre 80 Lothian Ave. Our
special guest will be the popular John Di Salvo. He will talk to us about "Annuities and Segregated Funds" and how to
create a guaranteed and predictable cash flow stream for your retirement needs in these uncertain times.
John is also hosting an event at Islington Golf Club on Thursday March 5, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. His guest will be Peter
Drake of Fidelity Investments Canada. John has extended an invitation to any of our members who may wish to attend.
Attached is a copy of an invitation with all details. Please confirm your reservation as requested on the invitation.
Frank
Luncheon Club
Jean Fox
416-255-6127
Arlene MacKenzie
416-622-0792
We will be going to CORA’S, 4120 Dixie Rd. (south of Rathburn), on the north west corner of Burhamthorpe & Dixie
rd
across from the Rockwood Mall on Tuesday March 3 at 12 noon. Please contact Arlene or Jean at the above numbers
if you are planning on attending.
Neighbourhood Walks Club
Ella Barrick
416-626-7671
Jan Nobuto
905-624-9008
Once again we will be organizing a Neighbourhood Walk through the ROM for sometime in June 2015. To read about the
different walks that are available for private group tours, paste this website:
http://www.rom.on.ca/sites/default/files/imce/romwalks_2014_rev.pdf into your browser and read up on the tours. In
March we will request people to sign up if interested and indicate which walk they are most interested in taking. We will
post the date and the walk we will be taking in the April newsletter and begin taking people’s reservations at the April
Probus meeting. If you have any questions please contact Ella Barrick: [email protected] or Jan Nobuto:
[email protected]
The Pub Club
Harry Sutton
416-622-5464
The Pubbers in March will see us meeting on the 19th at Scruffy Murphy’s. When it works, stick with it!
The food and beer are always delightful! You will be contacted beforehand if you plan on attending. Harry
Walking Club
James Rayner
416-233-1909
"On a frosty February 12, the intrepid members of the Walking Club faced down Old Man
Winter and went for a beautiful walk in High Park. It was a little chilly but we were all
bundled up and survived quite nicely. The park in winter has a different look about it and is
very peaceful." The next scheduled walk for the Walking Group will be March 26. As usual
for this winter, the route will depend on the weather but all members will be advised by
e-mail. This shot is taken in High Park.
Upcoming Speakers for March to June 2015
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Pat de Valance Speaker at Garden Blooms on “Go Wild. Make your Garden a Habitat.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Kelly Richards, brother of Phil Richards who painted Queen Elizabeth’s portrait for her Jubilee, will discuss through
photographs the two year process it took until the final unveiling at Buckingham Palace.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Lillian Kluka, Canada’s first Great Lakes Sea Captain, opened the St. Lawrence Seaway Season, sailed to the Arctic,
Navigator of foreign ships entering Great Lakes, recipient of B. Ed and M.A.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Dr. Mike Daley, guitarist/vocalist composer, will entertain us with a special presentation on
Garland.
5
the life and music of Judy
The Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington
NEWSLETTER
March 2015
Issue # 80
Synopsis of the presentation by our speaker for February Matthew Wilkinson
Flying into History
“That’s not David Olive,” I said to myself as I watched the speaker for the February 25 meeting set up his equipment.
What is going on, I wondered. Then when I looked at the screen and saw “Heritage Mississauga”, I inwardly groaned
both at missing David Olive and at what seemed to be coming our way. I confess that I was too hasty in my judgment, as
Matthew Wilkinson was more than an adequate substitute for the ailing David Olive as he regaled us with the tragic tale of
the AVRO Arrow jet fighter plane. Using slides and anecdotes, Matthew traced the evolution of the Arrow from a request
from the RCAF for a new jet fighter to its demise at the hands of the Diefenbaker government.
The Arrow’s short life began in 1953 when a number of circumstances convinced the RCAF to look for a substitute for the
CF-100 jet fighter: The Korean War was coming to an end, NATO had been formed (1949), Soviet long-range bombers
were capable of flying over the North Pole to attack North America, Canada had assumed the role of a “Middle” power,
Communism was seen as the newest scourge to threaten civilization. The new plane was to be a twin-engine, two-seater
supersonic interceptor capable of Mach 1.5 speed with a range of 1,500 miles.
Production go-ahead for the new fighter was given by the government in 1955 and the planes were to be built by A.V. Roe
(AVRO) aircraft company located in Malton, Ontario, now part of Mississauga (thus the Heritage Mississauga).
Everything had to be designed from scratch: drawings, tools, alloys, engines. AVRO gathered some of the brightest and
best aircraft designers and at its peak employed over 50,000 workers including those in subsidiaries and supporting
companies, making AVRO the third largest corporation in Canada.
As design and production progressed, the costs began to rise. The original expectation from the RCAF was for 600
aircraft at $2,000,000 each. As the federal government saw costs rising, the order was cut back to 100 units, thus making
each plane more expensive to the tune of at least $7,000,000. (At the same time, American-made jet fighters could be
purchased for $2,000,000.) The most disastrous event for the program was the election of June, 1957, when the Liberal
government which had a cozy relationship with AVRO was defeated and John Diefenbaker’s Progressive Conservatives
formed the new government.
The new government undertook a review of Defense expenditures in February, 1958; the first test flight of the Arrow took
place on March 25, 1958. In that year, five planes were completed and test flown briefly while another 37 were in
production. Then tragedy struck: on February 20, 1959, without warning, the government of John Diefenbaker cancelled
the entire program. In the order, anything to do with the Arrow—completed planes, those in production, drawings,
schematics, tools, photos, files, memos—was to be completely destroyed leaving absolutely nothing for posterity.
No explanation was ever given for such a drastic move, although the 13,800 workers who lost their jobs would like to have
known one. Counting spin-off industries, it is estimated that 50,000 jobs were lost. It might have been that the planes
were becoming too expensive or it was seen as a Liberal program or it could have been animosity between Crawford
Gordon of AVRO and Hugh Campbell, Defense Chief of Staff who couldn’t stand each other. For whatever reason, the
world-class Canadian aircraft industry suffered a grievous blow that required 20 years to recover from.
While this event is seen as tragic, there is some irony, even humour in it. In his memoirs, John Diefenbaker makes not
one reference to the AVRO Arrow. However, the Diefenbaker museum in Saskatchewan is the main repository for photos
of the Arrow. The same day (October 4, 1957) that the first prototype was rolled out of the hangar, Sputnik was launched,
thus signaling the beginning of the missile age. If the Arrow had gone ahead in production, it probably would have served
its time before being replaced by new technology and been forgotten. However, the way it was destroyed led to the
creation of a legend based on what might have been. In fact, the Arrow is the subject of more books (132) than any other
Canadian subject. Poor Dief!
(Bits and pieces of the Arrow can still be found in various museums and a full-scale model of the plane (stored in
Mississauga!) has been created by the members of the Canadian Aircraft Museum which has been evicted from
Downsview Park but which hopes to find a new home.)
Reviewed by James Rayner
6
The Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington
NEWSLETTER
March 2015
Issue # 80
.
These are some of the
picture taken by the
Camera Club for their
latest assignment
“Winter” There is
always additional room
for new members to
either learn more about
photography or to
impart some of their
knowledge regarding
photography. Come
enjoy, learn or
contribute. Remember
your photos can be a
personal remembrance
of “Johnny or Jennifer
at age 2”, or the “ice
storm of 2013”,”family
picnics” etc.
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The Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington
NEWSLETTER
March 2015
Issue # 80
Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington
Calendar of Upcoming Events & Activities
Please note: Times noted for tours and outings are start or bus pickup times.
Please always arrive at least 15 minutes early or as otherwise requested.
Events
MARCH
Sunday
Saturday
Tuesday
Saturday
Sunday
1
14
17
28
29
WINTER ON THE WING 2:00 PM
THE MONTGOMERY INN 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
THE CELTIC ROOTS WITH THE CELTS 9:30 AM
THE ELMIRA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL 8:30 AM
THERE GOES THE BRIDE 2:00 PM
APRIL
Thursday
23
AGA KHAN MUSEUM
MAY
Wednesday 27
JUNE
Friday
12
BLUE JAYS vs CHICAGO WHITE SOX
WOODBINE RACES
Activities/Clubs
MARCH
2
2,9,23,30
3
4
6
9
10
11
17
19
25
26
5:00 pm
1:00 pm
12:00 noon
1:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
2:00 pm
2:00 pm
2:00 pm
12:00 noon
9:00 am
Jazz Supper Club
Bowling Club
Luncheon Club
Bridge Club
Dinner
Camera Club
Investment Club
Book Club
Games Club
Pub Club
Greeters Group
Walking Club
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Please join us
Thursday, March 5, 2015
7:00pm to 9:00pm
A Special Invitation For You
and A Guest To Join
Peter Drake
Please R.S.V.P. no later than
February 25, 2015 to
RoseMary at 905-629-2021 ext. 21 or
[email protected]
Space is limited.
Reserve your seat soon.
Vice President of Retirement and
Economic Research, Fidelity
Investments Canada U.L.C.
We look forward to seeing you and
your guest!
Take a tour of the global economic
landscape with Peter and learn
where Fidelity sees risk and reward!
Hosted by:
LOCATION
Islington Golf Club
45 Riverbank Drive
Etobicoke, ON
M9A 5B8
First street north of Dundas St. West,
on west side of Islington Avenue.
Refreshments will be served.
Sponsored in part by
John Di Salvo, CPA, CGA, CPCA, BA (Econ)
Senior Financial Advisor
Manulife Securities Incorporated
Unit 26 – 5160 Explorer Dr.
Mississauga, ON L4W 4T7
905-629-2022 ext. 22
Manulife Securities and the block design are
registered service marks and trademarks of The
Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are
used by it and its affiliates including Manulife
Securities Incorporated.
Manulife Securities Incorporated is a Member of
the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.
Commissions, trailing commissions, management
fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual
fund investments. Please read the prospectus before
investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their
values change frequently and past performance may
not be repeated.