Minutes of the General Meeting of the Probus Club of Nanoose Bay
St. Mary’s Church Hall
9:15 am on February 17, 2017
Welcome:
Anne Larson in the Chair welcomed members and guests. Meeting was called to order at 9:15 am.
Members with Guests:
Ann Lawson introduced her visitor, and Alida Sali introduced two guests this morning.
Announcements:
- Thank you to Melba and Bob Nelson for set-up and door duties today.
- Anne introduced Linda Hamilton who is our new Catering Coordinator, along with Leslie Horsman.
- Thanks as well to today’s Catering Crew, Sharon Sebastian and Cynthia and Jerry Fridell.
Minutes:
Judie Taylor moved the Minutes of the General Meeting held on Jan. 20, 2017 be approved as circulated on our website. Bob Nelson seconded. Carried.
Treasurer:
Carolyn Dodd reported funds available at the CCCU February 16, 2017 are:
- High Interest Account: $3,679.92
- Chequing Account: $3,743.85
Social Convenor:
Ann Lawson noted that 12 Probus members thoroughly enjoyed the February 12th matinee of “Oliver!” at the Port Theatre, performed by the Cowichan Musical Society.
Other planned events are:
- Saturday, March 25 12:15 for lunch 2 pm Mural Tour at Coombs
- David Goatley is able to reschedule our January tour to view the panels for his mural which are stored at Coombs. The 16 foot by 56 foot mural will be mounted on the side of the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach for an official unveiling on July 1, 2017. See the full details and sign-up on our website.
- May 1 through May 4 A 3 night excursion to the Sunshine Coast, spending one night in Powell River, and two nights in Halfmoon Bay. The first leg of the trip from Comox to Powell River will be on the new Salish Class ferry, the Salish Orca. Full details and sign-up is on our website.
- August Planning stages for a camping trip to the group campground at Buttle Lake in Strathcona Park. The lake is also a good kayaking/canoeing spot. Details to follow.
Ann also advertised the availability of her position as Social Activities Coordinator, starting in April. The summer picnic in July already has a volunteer to chair the organizing committee, and the Christmas Party organizing committee will begin their planning in the fall. An event every couple of months will fill out the calendar of Social Events. Talk to Ann or Anne Larson or Ron Windrim for further details.
Sunshine: Jacqui Townsend reported that one card had been sent out this month. Please let Jacqui know if you are aware of anyone needing a card during a difficult time.
Special Interest Groups:
Ron Windrim asked SIG leaders for info on meetings and events.
- ABBA: Meeting at Arnold’s home March 14, 7:00pm. Corrine Berkin, organizer.
- Book Club #1: Meeting February 21, 2:00 pm at Ulla’s home to discuss “Wenjack”.
- Book Club #2: Meeting 22, 2:00 pm at Dianne Anderson’s to discuss “Ru”.
- Book/DVD Exchange: Lorene Kehoe, coordinator. Paperback books only please.
- Afternoon Bridge: Monday afternoons @ 1 pm. Violet Ewing, organizer.
- Evening Bridge: Wednesday and/or Saturday evenings, Toine Rhemtulla, organizer.
- Club Lunches: March 17 following the General Meeting. Jean Candey, organizer.
- Computer Club: Feb. 23, 7:00 pm. “Geek Squad” will help with streaming questions. Grank Krucik, organizer.
- Concerts and Classics: Sarah Hagen, piano soloist. Feb. 21, 7:30 pm, at Port Theatre. Jane Currie, organizer.
- Dinner Theatre: March 19 @ 2 pm at Chemainus Theatre. “Pride and Prejudice”. Need more attendees, or danger of cancellation. Dinner at Fox and Hound Pub in Ladysmith to follow. Contact Bill Evans, standing in while Bev Watson is away.
- Garden Club: March 18 at Dintner Nursery, a pond Workshop. Robyn Arnold, organizer.
- Kayaking: March 7 @ 7:00 pm at Nelson’s home to discuss plans. A Safety Course should be taken by all members before season begins. Bob Nelson, organizer.
- Les Wineaux: Jenny Ransom reported on the wonderful dinner at Butler’s at the Mansion on Feb. 15th. Future events are in planning stages, and a survey has been sent to current members for suggestions. Tony and Jenny Ransom, organizers.
- Mah Jongg: Mondays at 1:00 pm. Ethel Vincent-Lambert, organizer. Ethel noted that Eldercollege has a course to learn Mah Jongg for those who would like to join this SIG.
- Men’s Book Club: March 15th @3:30 pm, Peter Milne hosting. Will discuss “Age of Discovery” by Ian Goldin & Chris Kutarna. Room for 3 or 4 new members. Please contact Bo Hakanson, organizer. Next book selection is “1984”.
- Men’s Coffee & Discussion: Meet at Perks on first Tuesday of the Month @ 9:00 am. Stan Wood, organizer. All welcome.
- OpinionaTED: Thursday, Feb. 23 @ 7:00 pm, Anne Larson hosting. Kathy Lowe is organizer.
- Photography Club Thursday, March 16 at 9:30 am. Sky and Cloud photography View their photos on our website. Ron Windrim, organizer.
- Walking Club: Meet at Nanoose Place every Wednesday at 9:15 am. See website for destination schedule. John Hansmeyer is organizer.
- WeeDrammers: Thursday, March 23 @ 5:00 pm., Dick Duffley hosting. Organizer is Bill MacMillan.
Please see Website for full details and contact information.
Communications:
Ron Windrim reported all is well, and thanked members for sending photos and write-ups for publishing on the website.
Membership:
Alida Sali reported our membership is full at 181, with 16 people still on the waiting list. Ten people became full members in Jan. and Feb., 2017. Alida presented badges to the following 6 new members:
- Tracey Dance-Olson
- Linda Meyer
- Mary Hurlburt
- Norm Staley
- Lauren and Laurie Sadler
Guest Speaker:
Paul Sadler, General Manager and CEO of Harmac Pacific Pulp Operations in Nanaimo, was introduced by Bob Faulkner. Mr. Sadler spoke to our Club previously in 2009, shortly after the company was purchased by a combination of key members of former mill management, union representation, and several BC based business partners. The ownership structure includes financial participation by the 340 employees. Nanaimo Forest Products Ltd. owns and operates the Harmac Pacific pulp operation which has annual sales of $300 million, 90% from offshore customers. We also learned the company has started a second business – Power Generation – under a long term contract with BC Hydro.
Patrick Murray thanked Mr. Sadler for his eye-opening presentation on this company’s progress, and its positive economic impact on Nanaimo and all of British Columbia.
Pub Lunch:
Longwood Brew Pub, following this meeting.
Attendance:
81 Members 3 Guests
Next Management Meeting:
March 2, 2017 at 10:00 am at Carolyn Dodd’s.
Final Announcements:
Carolyn Dodd noted that on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at Knox United Church in Parksville, the Linden Singers Choir will present a 3 PM performance called Broadway and Beyond. This is the Grandmothers to Grandmothers first event of 2017. Proceeds will be donated to the Stephen Lewis Grandmothers’ Campaign.
Reminder:
Please return your badges to the box on the way out.
Adjourn:
Jenny Ransom moved to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 11:15.
