Probus Club of Old Oakville

Transcription

1 Probus Club of Old Oakville P.O. Box 69597, 109 Thomas Street, Oakville, ON L6J 7R4 Membership 187 President s Corner Our June meeting three years ago was the first meeting at the Oakville Club, a breakfast meeting. The heading to our June 2012 Newsletter read: During the break members enjoyed going out on the deck to enjoy the sunshine and watch the boats in Sixteen Mile Creek before listening to our guest speaker: Professor Ken Weber, on The War of 1812: Why Canada is Not a U.S. State. The worries about parking at the Oakville Club did not materialise. I think most people will agree that we made the right move, not only does the Oakville Club provide more space, and is much more comfortable, but is better for speakers and slide presentations. Material on the screen at the previous location was often dim and difficult to read because of the light from large windows. Unfortunately, a drawback is the poor wheel chair access, making it difficult for a few of our members to attend. Although there is a ramp from the road to the door, the road slopes, and this together with the one way street makes it difficult for members to both exit and enter their vehicle. Please let us know if anyone has a solution, perhaps we should have two or three people on standby to help those who need it. Another issue has been the audio system which has not always performed as it should, and hopefully a new system being put in by the Oakville Club will rectify this. Regrettably, I was not able to attend Mayor Burton s presentation which I had been looking forward to hearing. I understand it was very well presented, very informative and generated quite a number of questions. I wish to thank Ed. Nickerson and those who assisted him for running the meeting in my absence. Ed Shane, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, is having difficulty in finding people willing to take on two of the key positions on the management committee; those of Secretary and Treasurer. These positions, which require no specialist skills, are not overly demanding, with the treasurer s functions normally shared with an assistant. Personally, I have not known any members that have served on the Management Committee who have not enjoyed being part of the Committee, or in doing many of the other supporting functions needed at the Club. And remember, being a new member, does not preclude you from seeking office or other function within the Club. If you feel you can help with these positions or other functions, please discuss it with Ed at Tim Douglass 1

2 Guest Speaker Oakville Mayor, Rob Burton - Off-road trail system for cyclists and pedestrians - Heritage elements - Managed water resources - Snow removal (town) - Fire Protection (town) - Enforcement of parking restrictions (town) - Police protection and enforcement of Highway - Traffic Act (Halton Region) - Garbage collection (Halton Region) Q & A Gord Stovel was the emcee for this very active part of the Mayor s presentation. For approximately one hour, the Mayor fielded many questions, and answered these in-depth and with clarity. Topic: Oakville Downtown Mayor Burton, in his short address (so that there would be more time for Q & A) provided the members with a detailed plan for the future of downtown Oakville. His presentation gave us an insight into the reasoning and thought given to the developing of the core of our Town. He noted that the Town s heart is centred around the Library and the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, and that these featured buildings will NOT be moving to separate locations, but, in fact, will be further developed into an area that will invite more residents to visit and enjoy. The relocation of the Centennial Swimming Pool was another area on which the Mayor provided more details. Dick Whittington introduced the Mayor and Vice-President, Ed Nickerson, thanked him and presented him with a token of remembrance of his visit with us. Chair: Ed Nickerson ***** Future Guest Speakers The following is the slate of guest speakers that are scheduled for future meetings at the Oakville Club: The Livable Oakville Plan (2009) Town of Oakville Plan was reviewed, with specific items being highlighted. (See Livable Oakville Plan website) Among the features noted, the following services will be provided by the either the town or Halton Region. The New Communities of Oakville Policy will feature: - A variety of uses from residential to commercial to employment - A grid street network that offers more opportunity for public transit and walkability - Green space that is protected 2 *****

3 Chair: John Williams New Member Hal Watson (Right) who is seen receiving his PROBUS pin from Vice-President, Ed Nickerson. Ron Botham was Hal s sponsor. 3

4 Punology It is said that puns are the lowest form of wit. Well, here are some pretty low ones for your enjoyment! W e come to the each monthly meeting expecting to be entertained with interesting speakers, hear the latest news from and about friends, and then, in general, just sit there! But other members are working! Some jobs entail selling really encouraging - members to buy the wares that they are offering! I know a guy who is addicted to brake fluid. He says that he can stop anytime! During a school trip to a Coc-Cola factory, the students hope that there would not be a pop quiz! Why were the Indians here first? They had reservations. How do you make holy water? You boil the hell out of it! Alas, all the toilets in New Yorks police stations have been stolen. Police have nothing to go on! England has no kidney bank. But it does have a Liverpool! And finally Venison for dinner? Oh, deer. (The contributor wishes to remain anonymous) T he picture above, shows Ken Christie (left)(our webmaster) chatting with Peter Morris, Co-Chair for Special Events, about upcoming events, while Chris Bishop, a keen volunteer, watches on ready to meet- ngreet members that might have questions. And then we have the ever smilingmoney-grabber of the 50/50 Draw! If the CRA was as good as he is in collecting the toonie,we would have surpluses EVERY year! However, he is NOT my favourite person! Doug Gillham smilingly takes my money, but when I again lose, I recycle the ticket back to him in strips! Gentlemen, the club salutes and thanks you! 4

5 EVERY TUESDAY 12 NOON at MONAGHAN S Sports & Grill Contact: Colin Thompson cthompson41@cogeco.ca JULY September Contact: David HutchisonDhutch41@gmail.com August OCTOBER 5