NEWSLETTER
The Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington NEWSLETTER November 2014 Issue # 76 Co-Presidents’ Message Management Committee 2013-2014 Co-Presidents Carole & Richard Cosburn Past Co-Presidents Linda Johnson & Sylvia Newman st 1 Vice-Presidents Ken McFadyen nd 2 Vice-Co-Presidents Pat & Murray Wood Secretary Tim Sulisz Treasurer David Snow Membership Gillian O’Rourke Newsletter Jack Markham Events Coordinator Jeanmarie Crowther-Wroe Clubs Coordinator Kathy Riddell Social Coordinator Roberta Saunders Members at Large Donna Thomas Donald Turner Archivist Betty Glave 416-243-0042 416-622-8170 416-236-9608 416-247-0589 416-239-9545 416-249-7392 416-239-5349 416-622-2171 416-546-0201 For this incoming year 2014-15 we look forward to being your new co-presidents. We will endeavor to continue to provide great, quality programs to which you have enjoyed over the last eight years. We congratulate Kingsway/Islington Management Committee whose guidance and expertise has been so instrumental in making our club such a thriving one. The committee welcomes all the Probus members to come forward with new ideas and suggestions. This is how we will keep our club alive and growing. 905-306-8106 416-749-0848 416-626-6436 416-622-7154 416-234-9117 416-482-6452 We have “big shoes” to fill. Linda Johnson and Sylvia Newman, with their warmth, grace and inventiveness, have provided a very successful and meaningful programs for us all. We thank them sincerely. We also welcome Pat and nd Murray Woods, as 2 Vice-Presidents to our Management Committee. They are a valuable asset to our club as they are experienced Probus Club members. Activities/Clubs Committee Book Club Bulletin Board Dinner Group Digital Photography Euchre Club Games Club Greeters Group Investment Sally Goodwillie Judy Snow Judy Evans Donna Thomas Arlene MacKenzie Maggie Hoffmann Wendy Edgett Jan Crowle Frank O’Rourke Luncheon Group Jean Fox Arlene MacKenzie Neighbourhood Walks Ella Barrick Jan Nobuto Pub Club Harry Sutton Walking Club James Rayner 416-244-2233 416-239-5349 416-231-8410 416-622-7154 416-622-0792 416-249-7392 416-621-8165 416-621-2125 416-622-2171 416-255-6127 416-622-0792 416-626-7671 905-624-9008 416-622-5464 416-233-1909 Thank you for your generous contribution to the Veteran’s Poppy Fund. We collected $89.45 at the Tuesday, October th 28 meeting. Please continue to check your Newsletters for upcoming events in November, December and January. The dreary winter months ahead should not keep us housebound if we partake in the activities planned. We will strive to arrange for safe and easy transportation to these activities so that we are all socially involved. We anticipate a very exciting year ahead and look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on Tuesday, November th 25 at the Islington Golf Club. Carole & Rich Postal Address Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington P.O. Box 301 Station D Etobicoke, Ontario M9A 4X3 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Next Meeting—at Islington Golf Club Newsletter Tuesday, November 25 Diana P. Trepkov IAI Certified Forensic Artist, Member of the Toronto Police Victim Witness Advisory Committee. Topic - A forensic Artist's inspirational approach to the missing and unidentified. She has completed 151 law enforcement cold cases to date & is an author of 2 children's books on safety. Meetings start at 10:00 am; speakers at 10:30 am A $10.00 charge, payable by cash or cheque, is applicable for guests-you must notify Gillian O’Rourke in advance if you would like to bring a guest. Member contributions to the newsletter may be sent to: kingsway.probus@gmail.com. The newsletter is available online: www.probus.org/14kingisltn.htm ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Membership: 250 Those interested in joining should contact Gillian O’Rourke. At each meeting please pick up your badge and sign in at the Membership Table. Also, kindly return your badge to the Table at the end of the meeting. Please notify Roberta Saunders concerning a seriously ill or deceased member of the club. 1 It is recommended that members have their cheque-books at meetings as membership dues, special events, and activities must be paid by cheque. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Don’t forget our draw. At each meeting there is a cash draw. Bring your toonies. The Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington NEWSLETTER November 2014 Issue # 76 Announcements Starting October 14 - FITNESS/EXERCISING Come and join Kathy Riddell at the Christ of Kings Anglican Church (basement) at 475 Rathburn just west of 427 on either Tuesday or Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 for Fitness/ Exercising. A fee of $10.00 per session with a discount if you attend multi times. Any question feel free to call me at 416-749-0848 Those on the waiting list are welcome to come to Probus events Probus members, please tell your friends who are on our waiting list that they may come to any of our activities and events at cost (with the exception of those events that have a guest surcharge). We welcome all. Bus Pick up for Events Where an event includes a bus pick-up this will always be at the north/east corner of Islington at Aberfoyle, unless stated otherwise. Roberta’s Corner Well, here we are fast approaching Halloween. The leaves are coming down so quickly. It's time to put outside furniture etc. away until spring. Another sign that winter is fast approaching is that this weekend we turn our clocks back-don't forget!! It's that time when a pot of chili cooking on the stove or a nice stew just hits the spot!! My sons and I and three of the grandkids ventured to the cottage last weekend to close up for the winter. When we got up Sunday morning the ground was covered with snow and it was snowing - quite beautiful. The kids were very excited. Friends came visiting last week and they brought me some muffins. They were delicious. I have to admit I ate them all quite quickly!!. Here is the recipe. Ruth's Apple Cranberry Muffins #1 ! cup buttermilk 3/4 cup oatmeal 1/2 dried cranberries 1/3 cup natural wheat bran #2 1/2 cup liquid honey 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 egg #3 1 cup all purpose flour 11/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp salt #4 1 cup chopped apple In a large bowl mix together #1 and let stand 15 minutes. Stir in #2 and mix. Stir in #3 just until combined and then add #4 Pour into greased muffin tin and bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes. Let cool on rack for 5 minutes and then remove from pan to rack. These freeze well so would be good to have on hand. Let me know how you do with this recipe. I am going to make it. They sure were delicious!! Roberta 2 The Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington NEWSLETTER November 2014 Issue # 76 PAYMENT MEANS CONFIRMATION Probus will accept only cheques for events, activities and tours. Cheques cannot be post-dated for the specified cut-off dates. Cheques will be destroyed in the event the activity is cancelled. REFUNDS Once a tour or event has been filled and booked and Kingsway/Islington has paid the monies, we are not able to process refunds. Events Please ensure that all events are marked on your calendars as we no longer telephone a “reminder” for events. This symbol indicates an event or activity offered for the first time, or for which there is additional or new information PROBUS EVENTS FOR THE MONTHS OF NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2014. Wednesday, November 5 94 TH ANNUAL HAMILTON FALL GARDEN & MUM TOYL 70.00 SHOW AT GAGE PARK IN HAMILTON. This show’s theme is the upcoming Pan American Games in 2015. This event includes a visit to the Farmer’s Market; buffet luncheon at Tuckers Marketplace in Burlington; Fall Mum show and a stop in at Denninger’s Foods of the world. ** Pickup on Aberfoyle (Back entrance to Sun Life Bldg) for 9:30am departure. Returning 5:30pm Thursday, November 6 PORT PERRY SHOPPING; PUB LUNCH & TOYL 73.00 BLUE HERON CASINO This event includes a visit to the downtown area with its charming shops and stores; lunch at the Harp and Wylies pub (prime rib and Yorkshire pudding or baked Chicken breast supreme stuffed with fresh basil pesto; followed by apple pie and ice cream. 3 hours to play at the Blue Heron casino ($15 casino bonus) and a stop at the white feather country crafts store & bakery. Home around 6:45 ** Ppickup on Aberfoyle (Back entrance to Sun Life Bldg) for 8:30am departure. Returning 6:45pm THEATRE ETOBICOKE “Bedside Manners”, Maggie 20.00 (Assembly Hall on Lakeshore) It is show time at the Theatre Etobicoke. Come and join us at the Assembly Hall for “Bedside Manners”, a comedy by Derek Benfield. Only 3 tickets left!!!!!! Showtime 2:00pm. Maggie will hand out tickets at the Assembly hall. Sunday, November 16 Thursday, November 27 “A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE(St. Jacobs). SENIORS 102.00 This toe tappin, foot stompin, hand clapping musical follows the tumultuous life of this gifted singer through triumphs and tragedies to her meteoric rise in the Grand Ole Opry. Buffet lunch will be served at the Crossroads Restaurant, as well as time at the Market for shopping. ** Pickup on Aberfoyle (Back entrance to Sun Life Bldg) for 9:00am departure rd Wednesday December 3 , “THE CHRISTMAS SEASON” IN PORT HOPE AND COBOURG 79.00 Arriving at the Capital Theatre in Port Hope we pick up our guide (Betty), then enjoy Hot Chocolate & cookies. From there we view the beautiful festival of trees and lights at this historic theatre. Afterwards we go to Cobourg for a tour of their beautiful heritage town hall (Victoria Hall). Next we visit St. Peters Anglican Church for a guided tour and an organ recital on their Caravan Frères organ. The event includes a festive turkey dinner at the Woodlawn Inn. On the way home, we will tour the Christmas light displays in both Cobourg and Port Hope and then head for home. Arriving around 9:00pm ** Ppickup on Aberfoyle (Back entrance to Sun Life Bldg) for 11:00am departure. Returning 9:00pm 3 The Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington NEWSLETTER November 2014 Issue # 76 Tuesday, December 9 PROBUS CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON Lambton Golf & Country Club on Scarlett Road Members $49.00 - Guests $55.00 We will gather at 11:30 am. (Please note: We have been asked by the Club Management to respect their members, and not arrive before11:30 am. Lunch will be served at 12:30 am. Tickets will be handed out for a free drink & prizes. You have a choice of 3 lunches: Traditional Turkey dinner with all the “fixings” Grilled Salmon with dilled cream Dressing; Parsley Potatoes & Veg. Vegetarian dinner. All three meals include soup (Carrot & Ginger) and a dessert of Egg Nog Cheese Cake. Please indicate your choice of meal, turkey, salmon or vegetarian on your cheque. Last sign up date is at our November 25th meeting. - Wednesday, December 10 GERITOL FOLLIES CHRISTMAS SHOW This spectacular show will be held at the McIntyre Performing Arts SENIORS 92.00 OLE’TYME CHRISTMAS/MACKENZIE HOUSE/ Cost: $38.00 TORONTO CHRISTMAS MARKET IN THE DISTILLERY DISTRICT (OUTDOORS) AND THE ST. LAWRENCE MARKET This is a fun day of sightseeing and shopping at two markets for last minute Christmas shopping. Lunch is not included, but we will have a 2 hour break to shop and buy lunch. Transportation will be by school bus, so dress warm. ** Pickup on Aberfoyle (back door to the Sun Life Bldg) for a Departure of 10:30am. Thursday, December 11 Saturday, December13 TORONTO WELSH MALE VOICE CHOIR 7:30PM 20.00 Maggie will hand out tickets at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 26 Delisle Avenue (Yonge & St. Clair) around 7:30 pm for a wonderful evening. Thursday, December 18 2014 CHRISTMAS FLOWER SHOW AT CENTENNIAL PAR CONSERVATORY 151 Elmcrest Road Nr. Rathburn & Centennial Park Roads. $10.00 Probus Open House presented by the friends of the Centennial Conservatory, We should gather around 1:45pm – Event time is 2:00pm PLEASE NOTE: th Coming up in February, (Thurs. February the 19 .) We have Probus at Montgomery Inn. Margot has arranged for us to visit the Montgomery Inn to “Concoct, Cavort, and Carouse. We will observe hearth cooking; learn a very easy dance of the times followed by carousing with our friends over a cup of tea. Time: 1.00pm to 3:30pm. Last Day for signing up will be the January Probus Meeting. This is a good event and will probably fill up quickly. We will start signing up in November.!!! Activities/Clubs Book Club Sally Goodwillie 416-244-2233 The next meeting will be November 12, in the Board Room, Islington United Church when our book will be Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman. For more information, please call Sally Goodwillie at the above number. 4 The Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington NEWSLETTER November 2014 Issue # 76 Book Exchange At every meeting, a table at the back of the meeting room is set up for members to exchange either paperback or hard cover books that are in good condition. Please drop off your books early so other members have an opportunity to check them out. At the end of the meeting, be sure to retrieve any of your books which have not been picked up. Bowling Club Donna Thomas 416-622-7154 Bowling will continue to meet at Bowlerama (lower level) on Dundas Street West, Etobicoke for 5-pin bowling on Mondays at 1 p.m. (with the exception of long weekends and school holidays). The cost is $10.75 for 3 games. Contact Donna Thomas if you wish to join the group. Camera Club - The Camera Club meets on Monday, November 3 at 7 p.m. at the home of Tim Sulisz. For information concerning the next meeting date and program, contact Donna Thomas. Dinner Club Judy Evans 416-231-8410 Dinner is Thursday, November 13, 2014 at : Grappa Ristorante at 6:30 pm, (416) 535-3337, at 690 The Queensway, Etobicoke, just two blocks east of Royal York on the north side, http//grapparestaurant.ca They have excellent Italian cuisine with several appetizers, pasta dishes, meat, fish and seafood entrees and desserts. There is also one fixe prix offering that includes appetizer, entrée and dessert for $35.00. Your host is Linda Johnson 416-622-8170 Please RSVP to Linda Johnson by Monday, November 10, 2014 Thanks and see you there. Euchre Club Members will be advised. Arlene MacKenzie 416-622-0792 Games Club Maggie Hoffmann 416-249-7392 The games club at Maggie and Tim's place will return to it regular meeting time of 2.00 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, November 18th. If you are planning to attend, kindly send a note to Maggie to ensure that there will be a seat for you. Greeters’ Group Wendy Edgett 416-621-8165 Thank you to all those who signed up to be greeters, welcoming us to our monthly meetings throughout the year. The greeters welcoming us on November 25th will be Lilian and Bill Borwick. Gate 403 Jazz Club Wendy Edgett 416-621-8165 Kathy Riddell 416-749-0848 The "First Monday Jazz Club" will meet at Gate 403 on Roncesvalles (opposite the Revue Cinema) on Monday, December 1st, when the Mike Daley Trio will be playing 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. There is parking (paid) on Roncesvalles and free parking on side streets and in the parking lot of Howard Park Public School on Howard Park Avenue. Gate 403 has a varied and reasonably-priced menu of pub meals and beverages. All are welcome! Investment Club Frank O'Rourke 416-622-2171 Jan Crowle 416-621-2125 The November meeting will be held November 11, 2:00 pm at the Fairfield Seniors Centre, 80 Lothian Ave. The speaker will be Tim Sulisz and his topic will be "Investing Strategies". Our new Open Forum session and the portfolio reviews will also take place. All Probus members are invited. 5 The Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington NEWSLETTER November 2014 Issue # 76 Luncheon Club Jean Fox 416-255-6127 Arlene MacKenzie 416-622-0792 The Lunch Club will be going to the Spoon & Fork on the Queensway November 4th at 12 noon. Call myself or Arlene to confirm. Thanks. Neighbourhood Walks Club Ella Barrick 416-626-7671 Jan Nobuto 905-624-9008 The fall R0M walk in Cabbagetown was enjoyed by 17 participants followed by a delicious lunch in the area. We will be planning a walk in the spring so look for information in February's newsletter. The Pub Club Harry Sutton 416-622-5464 Pub Club report. There were three stalwart Pubbers at Scruffy Murphy’s in October. Methinks October is not a good month for the Pubbers Closing down summer activities and the start of the winter activities causing a tight and confusing month. Also we will have to switch to Thursday to avoid conflict with curling schedules. Ah, and we thought retirement meant all the time to do whatever. Taint necessarily so! OK, the date for November will be Thursday, November 20th. at noon as usual. The location Scruffy Murphy's on the East Mall. The regulars will receive a reminder via e-mail as usual. Discussion re. date and location for future meetings will be discussed. The Walking Club James Rayner 416-233-1909 In October, the walking group had two walks amidst the beauty of the fall colours. The first was Erindale Park in Mississauga, up the Credit River from Dundas St. to Hwy. 403. The second was the Humber Valley from Étienne Brûlé park, through Bâby Point, to James Gardens and back. The next date for the Walking Group, November 26. Upcoming Speakers for April 2015 Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Kelley Richards, brother of Phil Richards who painted Queen Elizabeth's portrait for her Jubilee, will discuss through photographs the two year process it took until the final unveiling at Buckingham Palace. Additional speakers for 2015 will be outlined in the December Newsletter Synopsis of the presentation by our October speaker Escape, Evasion, and Revenge* Marc H. Stevens Do you remember that WWII film, The Great Escape, in which prisoners of war (POW), led by Steve McQueen with his dogged determination to escape to freedom by tunneling right under the eyes of the Nazi guards, finally succeeded due to Steve’s American ingenuity and grit? You know, the great escape that, in spite of Hollywood, actually involved British and Commonwealth servicemen? Well, that adventure pales in comparison to the adventures of Peter Stevens, an RAF pilot in World War II. At this month’s Probus Club meeting, his son Marc fascinated us with the tale of his father’s exploits. It is an amazing tale of how a German Jew ended up as a member of the British Royal Air Force and how he was able to escape the fate of many of his fellow German Jews after being shot down in enemy territory, eventually returning to Germany to help the country recover from the devastation of the war. 6 The Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington NEWSLETTER November 2014 Issue # 76 But wait: Peter Stevens was not really Peter Stevens. Born in 1919 in Hanover, Georg Franz Hein was one of three children in a moderately comfortable Jewish family. As the Nazi party gained power in Germany and carried out its program of confiscating Jewish businesses and persecuting Jews, their mother made sure that the three children eventually ended up in the United Kingdom, sending them between 1933 and 1938. Mother stayed behind, not realizing the danger she was in. Georg was bitter about the situation, gambling away what was left of the family fortune, about £6,000. At the age of 20, he was arrested for petty crimes, jailed but obtained an early release because after September 1, 1939, the authorities foresaw the need for extra jail spaces. Realizing that he was in danger of being evicted from Britain because of his nationality, Georg remembered a classmate who had died a couple of years earlier, visited the grave to get personal details, and obtained papers that identified him as the dead classmate, Peter Stevens. By then, “Peter” had lost his German accent and cultivated a British upper class accent. He even claimed to be a member of the Church of England. It was under this stolen identity that he enlisted in the Royal Air Force (RAF). From 1939 to 1941, he trained as a bomber pilot, joining 144 Squadron April 1, 1941 with which he flew 22 combat missions. On August 6, his plane was jumped by a German fighter over Belgium but he was able to crash-land it in England, saving his life and those of three injured crewmen. While bombing Berlin, September 7, his bomber was riddled with flak and he was forced to land near Amsterdam where he was captured by the Nazis the next day before he could contact the Dutch underground. After a grueling interrogation, he was sent to POW camp Oflag X-C at Lübeck. The next month, along with Canadian Mike Lewis, he escaped from a slowly moving prisoner train. The two made their way to Georg’s mother’s home looking for shelter and food, only to find that, seeing no way out of her situation, she had committed suicide in 1939. The escapees turned to other relatives for food, shelter, and clothing and while en route to Switzerland, were re-arrested at Frankfurt train station because they had no i.d. papers. This time, Peter/Georg was sent to Oflag VI-B at Warburg where he convinced the “escape committee” to tailor him a fake guard’s uniform and in December, 1941, he boldly marched a group of 10 prisoners out the front gate of the prison. But there was a glitch: the gate guard needed the signature of the camp commandant, which Peter didn’t have. Back to prison, this time Oflag XX1-B at Schubin, Poland, as the Nazis were moving prisoners further east to discourage escapes. Nevertheless, in March 1943, along with 33 others, Peter escaped the camp through a tunnel that ran under the camp latrine. This time, he managed to travel as far as Cologne (300 miles) before being recaptured and taken to Stalag Luft 3, at Sagan, Poland, the site of the real Great Escape. But Peter was not part of the famed Great Escape; that was in a different part of the camp. His attempt at freedom was known as the Wooden Horse Caper. The men built a vaulting horse for exercise but while some were vaulting, others were inside digging an escape tunnel. Because of his contribution to the escape attempts, he was named head of the “Contacts Dept.” for the east compound escape organization; i.e., he could trade with the enemy, bribe guards, and look after Red Cross parcels. However, he did not manage to escape from this last camp as the Nazis started marching their prisoners back to Germany while the Russians were advancing through Poland. This was known as the Death March of January/February, 1945. His last camp was finally liberated in April, 1945. In total, Peter made eight attempts at escaping from POW camps and his exploits are found in at least ten “escape” books. He stayed in the RAF for two more years, working as an Aide-de-Camp and in 1946 was awarded the Military Cross. He then joined the British spy agency, MI-6, primarily serving as a spy on the Soviets in Germany and trying to repatriate German industrialists in order to revive the German economy. In 1952, Peter tossed a coin to see if he should move to Australia or Canada. He moved to Montreal, worked in aviation, met and married Marc’s mother, living in Ottawa, and later, Toronto. He died in 1969 while undergoing chemotherapy for lung cancer which came from his smoking habit that he had picked up in the POW camps-- a sad end for a hero who had cheated death so many times! Reviewed by James Rayner *Escape, Evasion, and Revenge by Marc H. Stevens ISBN 978 1 84884 554 1 (Pen and Sword) 7 The Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington NEWSLETTER November 2014 Issue # 76 Probus Club of Kingsway/Islington Calendar of Upcoming Events & Activities Please note: Times noted for tours and outings are start or bus pickup times. Please always arrive at least 15 minutes early or as otherwise requested. Events Activities Nov. 5 9:30 am Nov. 6 8:30 am Nov. 16 Nov. 25 Nov. 27 Dec. 10 Dec. 3 Dec. 9 Dec. 11 2:00 pm 9:30 am 9:00 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 10:30 am Dec 13 Dec. 18 7:30 pm 1:45 pm TH 94 ANNUAL HAMILTON FALL GARDEN & MUM . SHOW AT GAGE PARK IN HAMILTON. PORT PERRY SHOPPING; PUB LUNCH & BLUE HERON CASINO THEATRE ETOBICOKE (Assembly Hall on Lakeshore). PROBUS GENERAL MEETING A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE(St Jacobs). GERITOL FOLLIES CHRISTMAS SHOW “THE CHRISTMAS SEASON” IN PORT HOPE AND COBOURG ANNUAL KINGSWAY/ISLINGTON PROBUS CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON OLE’TYME CHRISTMAS/MACKENZIE HOUSE/ TORONTO CHRISTMAS MARKET IN THE DISTILLERY DISTRICT (OUTDOORS) AND THE ST. LAWRENCE MARKET TORONTO WELSH MALE VOICE CHOIR. 2014 CHRISTMAS FLOWER SHOW AT CENTENNIAL PAR CONSERVATORY Club Activities November 3 3 3,10,17,24 4 11 12 13 18 20 25 26 5:00 pm 7:00 pm 1:00 pm 12:00 noon 2:00 pm 2:00 pm 6:30 pm 2:00 pm 12:00 noon 9:00 am Jazz Supper Club Camera Club Bowling Club Luncheon Club Investment Club Book Club Dinner Club Games Club Pub Club Greeters Group Walking Club 8
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