Caledon Community Services
September 10, 2026
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Thursday, September 10 – Presentation Caledon Community Services – “Caledon’s Best Kept Secret: There’s More Support Available Than You Think” Stories of Connection, Care and Community Get ready for a truly eye‑opening (and heart‑opening) presentation as we welcome Caledon Community Services (CCS) — an organization that has quietly been transforming lives in our community for more than 55 years. Many of us know CCS for a few of its programs… but few realize just how far their reach extends. What began in 1971 as the Bolton Contact Centre — a crisis line and informal support hub — has grown into
Dr. Daniel Napierski – Eye Guy
June 11, 2026
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June Speaker Report – Dr. Daniel Napierski, OD “The Eye Guy Who Saw Everything” Our June speaker, Dr. Daniel Napierski, left members saying things like “Wow,” “Brilliant,” and “I had no idea my eyelids were working that hard.” In fact, so many people kept asking questions through the break that we briefly considered offering him overtime. The need for coffee overruled that however. Freshly qualified, highly specialised, and armed with more knowledge about eyeballs than most of us have about our own grandchildren’s birthdays, Dr. Napierski delivered one of the most engaging talks we’ve had. His topic: Vision Care for
Dr. Jim Cairns– Former Chief Deputy Coroner
March 12, 2026
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Our March Speaker: Dr. Jim Cairns– Former Chief Deputy Coroner for the Province of Ontario Dr. Cairns was the guest presenter at our March 12 meeting. Some of his background is outlined below: Dr. Cairns received his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Obstetrics in 1969. He received his Diploma in Obstetrics from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, London England in 1972 and received his College of Physicians and surgeons of Ontario Licence in 1973 after emigrating to Canada in 1972. He was a Coroner for the Province of Ontario from 1979-1991 and was appointed
John Steckley – the Wendat people
February 12, 2026
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On Thursday February 12, the speaker was John Steckley sharing his knowledge about the Wendat people and other Indigenous cultures. John is a Canadian scholar specializing in Native American studies and the indigenous languages of the Americas. He attended York University, Memorial University and received a Ph. D in education from the University of Toronto, working at Humber College in Toronto from 1983-2015. John shared with us his own personal journey regarding his involvement with the Wendat people and their culture and educated us about them. John has published 29 books, most of them about the Wendat language and people
Kim Delahunt – Headwaters Health Care Centre
January 8, 2026
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Kim Delahunt – President and CEO Headwaters Health Care Centre On Thursday the 8th of January, the speaker was Kim Delahunt bringing us up to date with the Headwaters Hospital, Orangeville. What an interesting and informative presentation. The room was very quiet while we were given the past, present and future of our local hospital. One of 150 hospitals in Ontario, it is a medium size (category 2 out of 5) and was opened 27 years ago. There have been several additions since the original build and more are planned in the future.
Speaker Weathering Heights
June 1, 2025
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Many of us have heard of Dave Phillips. He has often appeared in the media about weather and climate. David was employed with Environment Canada’s weather service for over 57 years. In 2024, he transitioned from Senior Climatologist to Climatologist Emeritus. (He says dropping Senior from his title immediately made him feel younger.) His work activities relate to the study of the climate of Canada and to promote awareness and understanding of meteorology. He authored several books, papers and reports, including a book on The Climates of Canada, and two bestsellers: The Day Niagara Falls Ran Dry and Blame It On
Meeting Barbara Robinson on Sewers
March 31, 2025
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Probus Sewer Presentation by Barbara Robinson, M.A.Sc., P.Eng. Unfortunately Barbara could not visit, but will come back. Barbara will share a lively and engaging talk about sanitary sewers, the most important infrastructure in any City. She will discuss the state-of-the-art best practices for sewer systems in Canada (which she developed), and how municipalities are falling short of making our sewer and water bills affordable through inaction. She will share information about your own sewer, how to operate and maintain it, and simple best practices to substantially reduce the risk of basement flooding at your home. She will share her newest
Gillian Boyd Public Educator about Fire Safety
March 3, 2025
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Our meetings start at 10, but most arrive by 9:30 to socialize. We meet upstairs in the Albion Bolton Community Centre. Friendly greeters welcome you and show you the upstairs meeting room. Gillian Boyd, Public Educator with the Caledon Fire Department Gillian Boyd, the Town Of Caledon safety education officer spoke to us for the last time as she is retiring at the end of the year and she gave us a rundown of the situation in Caledon. There are nine fire stations, but only one full-time, which is in Bolton. A 10th station is planned on the west side
Owen Goltz on Natural Farming
December 28, 2024
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After 35 years in the arboriculture industry, Owen sold his private practice in 2009 and decided to become a farmer and “How hard could that be?” It took 15 years, to develop an on-farm internal nutritional system to feed his soil, animals, and his local community. He coined this type of farming in 2014, “Zero Budget Natural Farming” Little did he know, it was already becoming the largest farming movement outside of North America. Owen uses humour and passionate story telling to highlight the important connections between nature and farming. He uses the successes and failures of his own farming experiences to inspire
Show and Tell Sue Calder’s amazing grandfather
October 20, 2024
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Show and Tell allowed Sue Calder to tell us about her Unsung Hero – her grandfather Douglas Rothwell who as a farm boy made it in the world of engineering and provided many inventions as well as working in high level utility jobs including an important role for the St Lawrence Seaway. Club members are encouraged to make a presentation about something special in their lives such as a career, a hobby, an expedition or a notable family member.
Speaker Canadian Jews, Military and WW II
October 20, 2024
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Ellin Bessner spoke about her book about over 17,000 jewish Canadians who fought in World War II. They faced a particularly brutal fate if captured by the Nazis and identified as Jewish. Thoughts from Fiona Ferguson John Palmer introduced our speaker Ellin Bressner who gave us a very heartfelt talk on the topic Canadian Jews, the military and World War II. It is a topic very dear to her heart because she became aware that she had had nine family members serving in the war, including a woman, but none had talked about it. Ellen explained that many Jewish people fought in the
Angie Sandow “Why Can’t I?”
October 5, 2024
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Angie Sandow OCTOBER”S SPEAKER – Angie Sandow report by Fionna Ferguson Born with a visible disability, Angie is an inspiratonal speaker. She believes that there is no such word as can’t although she pointed out that someone had told her that the one thing she couldn’t do was make love to him, but Angie believes that everyone is a superhero and has lived her life without rules. She did not want people feeling sorry for her and didn’t look at her life as one of hardships, and she isn’t afraid to laugh, and she certainly made us laugh Born in Montreal she moved
Katie Sawyer on Caledon Age-Friendly programs
September 4, 2024
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SEPTEMBER’S SPEAKER- Katie Sawyers Larry O’Donnell reactions Katie Sawyers was the guest presenter at our Thursday September 12th meeting. She is the coordinator Age-Friendly Caledon Project Lead and Human Services for the Town of Caledon for the last 8 years. Katie gave us an overview of the Age Friendly Caledon Action Plan 2021-2031. Currently, 16 % of the Caledon population is over 65. The main focus goal of the plan is envisioning a safe, welcoming and inclusive community that celebrates the diverse needs of all residents, regardless of age. She presented an historical timeline of progress to date from 2015
Katie Sawyers Speaker
September 4, 2024
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Katie Sawyers, the Age-Friendly Coordinator for the Town of Caledon, will be presenting the Age-Friendly Caledon Action Plan. This presentation will cover the key deliverables of the plan and highlight the various services and supports available for residents aged 55 and older. The focus will be on how these initiatives are designed to help residents age well and comfortably in their own homes and communities, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to maintain a high quality of life as they age.
Estate and Bereavement Issues
June 9, 2024
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The guest speaker for our June 13th meeting is Gordon MacGregor. As a Pre-planning Consultant, Certified Executor Advisor and accomplished author on Estate and Bereavement matters, Gordon is well versed in settling estates. Gordon provides a wealth of knowledge and passion through his educational workshops that helps in making things easier for executors and loved ones alike in proper estate planning. Gordon has presented well over 80,000 seminar and workshop attendees and his innovation and expertise readily shines through.
Car Buying Advice from Larry O’Donnell
May 12, 2024
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Even though the speaker could not make it, our president pulled a talk out of his hat. The question session was very active. Here are Heather Woodley’s reactions: At the Probus May meeting the featured speaker was our president, Larry O’Donnell, who is an authority on purchasing both new and used vehicles. SOME TIPS ON GOING TO A CAR DEALERSHIP Before making an appointment at a dealership prepare a list of any considerations you may have, the options you want, your budget range, and the taxes that must be paid. Have high expectations of the salesperson: someone who listens, is respectful, and
Getting Inspired – Angie Sandow Speaker
April 28, 2024
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Angie was to speak on Thursday May 9th meeting, but could not make it. She will speak another date. Angie is an inspirational speaker, author, musician and breast cancer survivor. Her inspirational topic will be about getting inspired and eliminating the word “can’t” from our vocabulary.
Speaker David Nairn of Orangeville Theatre
April 4, 2024
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David Nairn, the artistic director for Orangeville Theatre was the guest speaker at our April meeting. He has served in his current role for twenty-five years. The theatre was formed in 1994. He noted that personal stories are important to share. The main existence of a “theatre” is to tell stories. David helps to facilitate these stories on stage. Story telling is extremely important. He discussed in some detail the works of Shakespeare and the elements of his story telling. David is a very experienced artistic director. He discussed the many steps from taking a play as an idea to
Helping Injured Animals Speaker
March 11, 2024
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Dr. Sherri Cox Comments by Heather Woodley Did you know that there is a National Wildlife Centre in Caledon? At the March Probus meeting Dr. Sherri Cox told us of the founding of this centre ten years ago. Dr Cox, a wildlife veterinarian, is the founder of the NWC. At a small field hospital on highway #124 Dr. Cox and other wildlife veterinarians seek to save wildlife that are sick, injured, or orphaned. They have performed surgery on birds that have swallowed fish with hooks in them, animals that have been shot with arrows or bullets, and animals that have
Meeting Bhavin Patel on Medications for Seniors
January 25, 2024
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Takeaways from the talk by Heather Woodley: 10 Steps to Improved Health
The Joys of Home Sharing Raza Mirza
December 22, 2023
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Nathan Hiller Photo Our guest presenter for our January 11th meeting was Professor Raza Mirza, from the University of Toronto faculty of social work and the Institute for Life Course and Aging. AGING IN PLACE Are you aware of a charitable organization called HelpAge Canada which focuses on the health and wellness of seniors and works to be the voice of older people in Canada? At the Bolton and District Probus January meeting Professor Raza Mirza who is the Director of National Partnerships for HealthAge Canada spoke about how the Home Share program is enabling seniors to remain in their
Meeting Colleen Lipp Chief Librarian
October 31, 2023
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The speaker at our November meeting was Colleen Lipp. Colleen is the Chief Librarian for the Caledon Public Library. Heather Woodley made an interesting True/Flase quiz about Colleen’s talk: Answer true or false to the following statements. There are seven branches in the Caledon Public library system. You can borrow musical instruments, seeds, park passes. GoPros and board games. ebooks, eAudiiobooks, TV shows & movies are available. There are computers and free 24/7 WiFi. Blood pressure monitors, walking poles,and lamps for SAD can be borrowed. You can join others in writing, knitting and book clubs. Cricut and craft workshops are
Meeting: Paul Berton on Shopomania
October 8, 2023
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Thanks to Heather Woodley for her reactions: Do you like to shop? Are you a Shopaholic? Perhaps you shop for only what you need like the academic, Dallin Oaks, who thinks that what we don’t need will never satisfy us. Or are you like the Canadian rapper, Drake, an Ultrashopper, who considers shopping to be a high luxury demonstrating the work he has put into creating music. Then like the Australian actor, Russell Crowe, an Unshopper, you sell 3.7 million dollars worth of your possessions in a five hour auction. Author Paul Berton examines many different types of shoppers in his
Meeting Dr David Chandross
June 28, 2023
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David is a researcher and designer in the field of gamification, game worlds and mixed reality in professional education and training. He holds a doctorate in the field of curriculum design in higher education and masters degrees in cognitive neuroscience and medical education. Over his career he has served as academic dean, program coordinator and faculty in the field of medical education across Canada before focusing his work on the emerging field of digital game worlds. His current clients include the United Nations World Food Programme (Nobel laureates 2020), the World Health Organization, the Insurance Institute of Canada and Baycrest
Speaker Teaching Neil to Land on the Moon
June 2, 2023
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Summary by Heather Woodley Moon Walk The June Probus meeting featured Ron Macnaughton speaking about the preparation for the amazing feat of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landing on the moon. Armstrong and Aldrin were heroes indeed as audiences watched spellbound to see the July 20 1969 television coverage of these two men walking on the surface of the moon. What viewers did not realize is the fact that there were 400,000 individuals who had worked to make this extraordinary accomplishment possible. Because the earth’s gravity is six times greater than that of the moon there could be no test
Seniors Mental Health Awareness Talk
April 24, 2023
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The guest speakers at our April meeting were Nicole Abruscato and Tonya Salomans. Both of these individuals are registered social workers and work for Services and Housing in the Province (SHIP). Nicole has been with SHIP for 14 years and currently works as Manager of Central Intake and Access Team. Nicole started the presentation by describing the SHIP organization and the service that is offered to its clients. One of the goals is to assist individuals to reach their full potential by integrating housing with a health services delivery model. The team works to support those with mental health and
Should Your Next Car be Electric?
February 9, 2023
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E-VEHICLES Tim Burrows, owner and operator of an E-Vehicle and guest speaker at the March 9 Probus meeting, presented several reasons why your next vehicle should be electric. FOR CONVENIENCE: Charge your car at home in your garage or at the coast-to coast charging stations, instead of filling up at a gas tank. FOR ECONOMY: Electricity is much cheaper than gasoline. 100 Km of driving requires $3 for an E-vehicle as opposed to $13 for a gas-powered vehicle. FOR EFFICIENCY: A combustion engine with 2,000 moving parts is inefficient with only 25% of the energy being used by the car
Investment Talk Meeting Report
January 28, 2023
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Peter Tessari and Patrick Nesci were the guest presenters at our February meeting. They are wealth and investment advisors. Takeaways by Heather Woodley THE RETIREMENT CHALLENGE: With an anticipated 19 years of retirement the average Canadian anticipates only 11 years of savings. RRSP ADVANTAGES: Your tax rate and the amount of tax paid in a lifetime are reduced. TFSA ADVANTAGES : Your investments grow tax free and withdrawals do not impact income tax. EMERGENCY FUND: Have 3 to 6 months of income in a savings account for any emergencies. ESTATE PLANNING: Important documents include: wills, Power of Attorney, trusts and
Genetic Genealogy Talk Video of talk
December 9, 2022
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Tara Paton, PhD Research Core Facility Manager at The Hospital for Sick Children She will focus on technologies we use to sequence the human genome and how the information is used in Genetic Genealogy (it has been in the news lately, to solve crimes from decades ago) and human disease research. Video of her talk:
Vimy Ridge Talk
October 26, 2022
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In our November 2022 meeting, the Bolton and District Probus Club had the pleasure of welcoming Geoff Hayes, a professor of history at the University of Waterloo. Professor Hayes provided the Club with an engaging presentation on Vimy Ridge, the battle and the myth. His presentation drew from the book, Vimy Ridge: A Canadian Reassessment. The Laurier Centre for Military, Strategic and Disarmament Studies describes the book as follows: “On the morning of April 9, 1917, troops of the Canadian Corps under General Julian Byng attacked the formidable German defences of Vimy Ridge. Since then, generations of Canadians have shared a deep