NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2009
PROBUS CLUB OF KANATA
SERVING OTTAWA WEST
GUEST SPEAKER
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2009
Kanata United Church, 33 Leacock Drive, Kanata- 10:00a.m.
GUY THATCHER
Guy Thatcher is going to tell us about walking one of the most historic paths in the world – El Camino de Santiago de Compostela. Santiago de Compostela is in the northwestern corner of Spain and the routes to it are as physically demanding as they are rich in both scenery and history. There are actually a number of pilgrimage routes to the traditional resting place of St. James, originating in various parts of Europe, as this has been, through the centuries, one of the most important pilgrimages in the Christian world. The route that Guy followed is the Camino Francés, historically used by 90% of the pilgrims.
Guy Thatcher served in the Canadian regular armed forces from 1955 to 1980 as a tank officer, helicopter pilot, anti-tank missile instructor and computer analyst, serving in Germany, Belgium, Cyprus, Texas and Alabama, as well as various bases in Canada. He then pursued a second career for a further 26 years as a management consultant, working primarily in the field of facility planning and management.
For more information on Guy, his travels, the book he wrote on the Camino and a free podcast, go to www.guythatcher.com. Join us, as Guy’s illustrated talk paints a picture of this fascinating journey and encourages others to walk the Camino.
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, April 14, 2009. 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?”
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.
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. URGENT: We need volunteers to make the coffee from April to June. Please consider helping out with this essential task.
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, March 6. If you require additional information contact Ruth Howes at 613-726-9540.
Future Events: The Social Committee has planned the following interesting outings for the coming months:
March 26th –– Thursday - Aviation Museum. 11 Aviation Parkway. We will meet in lobby at 10:45 a.m.,Groups of 15 or more: cost is $6:00 each which includes a guided tour. Lunch at a restaurant, to be arranged.
April 21st –– Tuesday - The Mint. 320 Sussex Drive. Meet in Lobby at 11:15 a.m. Admission $5.00 includes guided tour. Lunch at a restaurant, to be arranged.
May 26th –– Tuesday –– Probus Annual Spring Luncheon - Hellenic Centre, 1315 Prince of Wales Drive. The Probus “Spring Fling 09" for The Eastern Part of Ontario District will be hosted by The Alta Vista Club. Cost $28.00. Lunch: choice of chicken or sole.
June 26th –– Friday –– Montreal Biodome and Botanical Gardens. (Ottawa Valley Tours). Cost $79.00 for bus & admission. Food not included. Further details later.
July 26th –– Sunday –– Victorian Tea –– Experimental Farm Gardens Further details later.
WEB LINKS
PROBUS Club of Kanata: www.probuskanata.org.
Kanata Seniors Council: www.kanataseniors.ca.