may09

Meredith Brown, Ottawa Riverkeeper, will deliver a brief presentation on the importance of our historic Ottawa River, current issues and threats, and what you can do to help ensure the health and future of the river. Her presentation will be followed by an open question and answer period, aimed at facilitating discussion, voicing concerns, and empowering citizens to become advocates within their communities.

Since 2004, Meredith Brown has led citizen-based Ottawa Riverkeeper, as Executive Director and Riverkeeper. She earned undergraduate degrees in Biology and Environmental Engineering, and obtained her Masters in Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University, under the direction of Robert Newberry, a world renowned river engineer. Ottawa Riverkeeper brings people together to protect and promote the health and future of the Ottawa River. Expert and independent, the organization advocates for responsible decision-making, public education, participation, access to information, and compliance with protective regulations, for the benefit of our river and our communities.

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, 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.

By way of advance notice, please note that the June meeting will be followed by the traditional cold buffet Pot Luck luncheon in the church hall. Please plan to attend and bring finger food for the buffet - there will be door prizes as well as good food and fellowship.

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, May 1st. 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:

May 26^th –– Tuesday –– Probus Annual Spring Luncheon - Hellenic Centre, 1315 Prince of Wales Drive, (just south of Baseline Road). The Probus “Spring Fling 09" for The Eastern Part of Ontario District will be hosted by The Alta Vista Club. Registration & coffee from 11 a.m, lunch at noon. Cost $28.00. Lunch: choice of chicken or sole.

If you have not signed up already and wish to attend, please bring cheques for payment to the May meeting.

June 17, 2009. Annual Kanata PROBUS Golf Tournament. Another Tournament is planned for the Madawaska Course in Arnprior,Tuesday June 17, 2009.

First tee-off at 10:00 a.m. Fees: 18 holes: $30 per person, 9 holes (par3): $15 per person; golf cart $15 per person. Organizer: Larry Durst at 613-829-03811.

June 26^th –– Friday –– Visit to Montreal Biodome and Botanical Gardens. (Ottawa Valley Tours). Cost $80.00 for bus & admission. Food not included. A sign-up sheet will be available at the May meeting.

July 26^th –– Sunday –– Victorian Tea –– Experimental Farm Gardens. Further details later.