In recent weeks, there have been disquieting reports in the press about the lack of fresh produce in Canadians’’ diet. At the same time, local farmers’ markets have seldom been more popular. David McCreery, President of the Carp Farmers’ Market Association and co-proprietor, with his wife Inez, of Riverside Garden, will speak on “What does local eating really mean?”

David has a BSc degree from South Dakota State University in the school of horticulture and an MSc. from Michigan State University.

David spent over 30 years with Parks Canada, principally in Atlantic Canada. He was the Regional Manager of Policy and Planning for much of that time. He was Superintendent of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and Superintendent of Prince Edward Island National Park and Historic Sites. David spent 5 years in Newfoundland and Labrador working on marine conservation initiatives and other initiatives such as the 1999 Canada Winter Games.

Meeting Time and Dates

Probus meets at Kanata United Church, 33 Leacock Drive, Kanata, on the second Tuesday of each month. Social Time begins at 10:00 a.m.; the meeting begins at 10:30 with a short business meeting followed by a guest speaker. The meeting will finish shortly before 12:00. Members who so wish usually adjourn to D’Arcy McGee’s, Robertson Rd at Moodie Drive, for lunch.

Name Badges

Members are encouraged to purchase name badges. Cost, in advance, is $12.00. Please see Barbara Stafford, Membership Coordinator. All cheques should be payable to the Probus Club of Kanata. Barbara has badges for those who ordered them at previous meetings. Please pick them up at the meeting on Tuesday.

Future Meetings

Tuesday, May 12, 2009. Our May speaker will be Meredith Brown, Ottawa Riverkeeper, whose organization brings people together to protect and promote the ecological health and diversity of the Ottawa River and its tributaries. Expert and independent, the Ottawa Riverkeeper advocates for responsible decision-making; advances public education and participation; and ensures compliance with protective regulations throughout the watershed.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009. Our final speaker for the program year will be Kanata's Brigadier General (Ret'd) Joe Romanow, RCAF, who will speak on the topic "So You're Thinking of Writing Your Memoirs!". Joe is the author of three volumes of memoirs and, as he nears 88, is working on his fourth –– or is it four down and one to go? Either way, Joe has put a great deal of thought and work into chronicling a VERY eventful life and can help you to do the same.

Social Activities

Coffee Time: We all enjoy the coffee and tea during social time and are grateful to Yvonne and Don Ludlow, who have been preparing the beverages during the period of January to March 2009 and have volunteered to continue through June. Donna Stewart and Harry Needham have kindly offered to take on this task from September to December.

Euchre: Euchre usually takes place on the first Friday of the month at Bells Corners United Church - - this month at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3. If you require additional information contact Ruth Howes at 613-726-9540.

Standings Update: A close race for the prizes at the end of the year continues with only six points separating first and last for the men, and five points separating the women. Currently Gerry Sutherland leads the men, while three ladies, Cathy Durst, Kay Sutherland and Pat Soate are tied for 1st place amongst the ladies. It will be an interesting race the rest of the year.