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                    Speakers Corner

"Speakers Corner" has been added to the Probus Web Site to enable clubs to contribute names of potential speakers or find names of potential speakers.

Any Club knowing of an interesting speaker and wishing to share the information with other Clubs can do so by contacting our web master at probus@probus.org


                                   Ontario Securities Commission

Red Flags of Investment Frauds and Scams -- Ernie Neudoerffer, President of the Probus Club of Cambridge,  pauses for a photo with Perry Quinton, Investor Communications Manager, Ontario Securities Commission, following her April 27th presentation to the local Probus Club. The lively presentation covered common investment frauds and scams and the OSC's role in combating them. Attendees took home an OSC investor education package. If you're interested in having an OSC volunteer deliver a similar presentation at your own club, contact Luisa Del Duca at (416) 593-8216 or send an e-mail at ldelduca@osc.gov.on.ca

 

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The Canadian Hearing Society

The Probus Club of Wasaga Beach advises that DIANE LLOYD of the CANADIAN HEARING SOCIETY made a very interesting presentation, at their July 14th, 2005 general meeting, on the subject of recognizing hearing loss and what to do about it.  DIANE is a Hearing Care Counselor who works out of the Society's Barrie, Ontario office and  can be reached at (705) 737-3190. 

Founded in 1940, The CANADIAN HEARING SOCIETY (CHS) is a non-profit agency with a long history in providing services to the deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people and their families.  The counseling services of CHS are funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and reflects the Ministry's commitment to fair and equal access for all Ontarians. 

For access to CHS Counselors as guest speakers for other areas of Ontario, Probus Speaker's Chairs can contact the head office of the CANADIAN HEARING SOCIETY, 271 Spadina Road, Toronto, ON  M5R 2V3, through their web site at www.chs.ca , by Toll-free telephone at 1-877-347-3427 or by e-mail at info@chs.ca  

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 GAMBLING, THE RIGHT AND WRONG WAYS

ROGER HORBAY

The Probus Club of Wasaga Beach advises that ROGER HORBAY, President of GAME PLANIT INTERACTIVE CORPORATION gave an enlightening presentation at their December 9th, 2004 general meeting, on the subject of GAMBLING, THE RIGHT AND WRONG WAYS - Roger revealed the secrets of slot machines that the gaming industry doesn't want you to know. He showed how "virtual reel mapping" causes illusions of near misses and misrepresentations of the true odds of winning, and much more. An eye-opening experience for all those who honestly believe they can win money at the Casino. 

ROGER can be contacted through GAME PLANIT INTERACTIVE CORPORATION, Box 1245, 99 Thomas Road, ELORA, ON  N0B 1S0, by telephone at 519-846-1905, by fax at 519-846-2126 by cel phone at 519-731-1905 or by e-mail at rogerh@gameplanit.com

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Sleep Disorders

The Probus Club of Wasaga Beach advises that DR. JEFFREY LIPSITZ, M.D. of the SLEEP DISORDERS CENTRE OF TORONTO made a very interesting presentation, at their September 9th, 2004 general meeting, on the subject of Sleep Apnea, snoring and other serious sleep disorders.  Dr. Lipsitz operates Sleep Disorder Clinics in Toronto and Barrie, Ontario.  

Dr. Lipsitz can be contacted at The Sleep Disorders Centre of Metropolitan Toronto, 2888 Bathurst St., TORONTO, ON  M6B 4H6, by telephone at 416-785-1128, by fax at 416-782-2740 or by e-mail at sleep@compuserve.com

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The Secrets of Camp-X

Lynn Philip Hodgson
Historian & Author

The Probus Club of Wasaga Beach advises that Lynn Philip Hodgson, historian and author, delivered an interesting tale of Canadian, British and U.S. espionage training which took place at the highly secret Camp-X on the north shore of Lake Ontario during World War II, at their April 2004 general meeting, 

Lynn Philip Hodgson can be contacted at P.O. Box 153, PORT PERRY, ON L9L 1A3, by telephone at 905-985-6434 or by e-mail at lynniso@idirect.com

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Numerology
(The Power of Numbers)


The Bell City Women's Probus Club of Brant advises that DEBBIE DUNNE of PERSPECTIVE gave an absorbing insight into the world of Numerology at their September 14, 2005 meeting held at the Brantford Golf and Country Club.

Her address, entitled "The Power of Numbers", and accompanied by a well-delineated chart, was a riveting summary of how numerals can significantly influence one's life path. But most importantly, it entertained as well as educated an appreciative audience, many of whom requested a future personalized numerology chart from her "Perspective" firm.  

DEBBIE’s website is www.anewperspective.ca or you can reach her by calling 905-521-8839 or by email at Debbie@anewperspective.ca.


 GROWING SOMEWHERE 
 living life after mid-life

The Probus Club of Orangeville recommends Kelly Walker who was guest speaker at their September meeting

“Kelly is one of Canada’s experts on the questions of transition, change and burnout.”


His books are wonderful, his concerts are uplifting, but Kelly Walker IS a speaker. He walks the talk and it shows in his presentations. Kelly is one of Canada’s experts on the questions of transition, change and burnout. He brings the most controlled audiences to their feet when he addresses crowds from 50 to 5000. He is wise, current and fun. A man who began his speaking career as a preacher in the Dominican Order (the Order of Preachers), he has continued to inspire, inform and confront audiences throughout North America by his fresh and authentic style of presentation. He will lead your audience from laughter to tears as he explores with them the human dimensions of transition and change. He is able to speak to the true issues that humans face since he has experienced them personally. Also, as a former priest and therapist, he has guided thousands of people through their journeys.

Kelly would be happy to speak to Probus Clubs in the south-western region of Ontario.

Kelly can be contacted by email at info@kwalker.com
Phone: 519-272-0477
Toll Free: 1-800-438-3422

159 Douglas St
Stratford, ON N5A 5P7

More information can be found by visiting his web site at http://www.kwalker.com/


Zimbabwe

Struggles Under Mugabe’s Rule

   

Karen Clegg

The Probus Club of Blue Mountain, Collingwood, Ontario advises that KAREN CLEGG, a political refugee from Zimbabwe, gave a heartfelt and enlightening presentation of the deplorable conditions in Zimbabwe after three decades of rule under President Robert Mugabe.  The presentation was made at the February 2006 general meeting.  Karen’s presentation includes a power point show focusing on the dramatic depths to which her homeland has sunk under the dictatorship of Mugabe.  Many of her slides depict the savage brutality inflicted on anyone opposed to the government.

Karen can be contacted at  zebracrossing@rogers.com or by phone at 705-445-3646 


WEIRD WEATHER

The Probus Club of Wasaga Beach advises that DAVID PHILLIPS, internationally recognized Senior Climatologist with Canada's Meteorological Service, delivered a wonderfully informative and entertaining explanation of all aspects of our Canadian weather systems, at their May 9th, 2002 general meeting. 

DAVID PHILLIPS can be contacted by telephone at 416-739-4316 

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Recommended by The Probus Club Of Wasaga Beach

‘One More Memory’

The Story of An Amazing Lady with Alzheimer’s disease - 

   Hear Her Tell Her Story!

   Topic(s):              Finding and Accepting A New Reality

                                             The Story of ‘One More Memory’

                                    The Song ‘One More Memory’  

    Presenter(s):     Brenda Hounam, Linda Westbrook, Sara Westbrook

    Objectives:     

{      Recognize early diagnosis is of the utmost importance

{      Inspire others to accept who they are today 

{      Realize that it is possible to create many more memories in spite of the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease

    Audience: Those living with and touched by Alzheimer’s disease, including all health care professionals          

What People Are Saying About The Presentation

 {      "What an amazing moving experience.  Words cannot express how I feel.  We are privileged to have had this insight into the world of someone with dementia"

{      "Over the top! Excellent! Fun! Light!"

{      "Very enjoyable and courageous!  Great how attitude can have a powerful impact on other people"

{      "Beautiful inside and out! A wonderful singer/songwriter, very talented."

{      "Not to be forgotten!"

{      "Great! Very interesting and encouraging. Unbelievable!  I would love to see her again"

{      "Enjoyed this new perspective.  Open and Honest"

{      "An awesome experience.  Very touching and personal" 

To book this presentation please contact linda@onemorememory.com

Visit our Web site www.onemorememory.com


The Probus Club of South Muskoka, in Bracebridge ON had the pleasure of a presentation by Melissa Cass on Canada's role in the American Space Program. Melissa is an engineer, with a heavy involvement in the Canadarm.   


The concept of robotics have existed since 1921 and robots have become an integral part of our lives. Canadian space robot, the Space Shuttle Canadarm and the International Space Station Canadarm2, are working together in space to assemble the International Space Station. This presentation will celebrate Canadian's past, present and future achievements in space.

The presenter, Melissa Cass, has worked with NASA on the Space Shuttle Canadarm for 7 years as a Systems and Reliability engineer at MDA Space Missions in Brampton, Ontario. Her job includes failure investigation, NASA certification and mission support of the Canadarm to support flight activities. Melissa is a professional engineer with an Engineering Physics degree from Queens University and a Master's of Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University specializing in Space Science and Accident Investigation.

The MDA URL is http://sm.mdacorporation.com/contacts/index.html

 


Snapshots of Shanghai During

the Second World War

Margaret Blair

The Centre-Wellington Probus Club recommends one of their members, Margaret Blair, who was a guest speaker in 2006 .  She was born in Shanghai's International Settlement in 1936 and was interned by the Japanese 1942-45.

Margaret's address, Snapshots of Shanghai During the Second World War gives fascinating glimpses (some humorous) into little-known events in Shanghai and the internment camps, just before and during the Japanese occupation, after their takeover of the Settlement in December of 1941.

Margaret is the author of Gudao, Lone Islet, the War Years in Shanghai, a Childhood Memoir, which can be ordered directly from the publisher by phone at 1-888-232-4444 or by e-mail at orders@trafford.com   The Publisher's web site can be accessed at http://www.trafford.com/06-2901 
Margaret reports that the book should be available sometime in August 2007.

Check with the publisher for cost but Margaret reports that it is approx. $21 plus S&H.

Margaret can be reached at: (519) 338-2164 or by e-mail: mblair@xplornet.com


23 Years Refereeing in the NHL

Ron Hoggarth

The Probus Club of Wasaga Beach advises that RON HOGGARTH, who refereed with the NHL from 1971 through 1994 was the Guest Speaker at their January 11th, 2007 general meeting. Ron spoke, with candid humour, of his experiences on and off the ice, throughout his 23 year career. 

Ron can be contacted at Ron Hoggarth Sports, Inc. by telephone at (705)238-6055 or by e-mail at: ronhoggarthsports@rogers.com

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The Probus Club of Hamilton advises that Dr. Alex T. Bielak spoke recently to their Club and highly recommends him as a speaker to other Clubs.   
He spoke primarily about water with an excellent visual back up presentation.  He detailed how much of the world’s water is used for consumption (also available) and how that has grown over time indicating how rapidly use has expanded and problems that exist. He also dealt with work they are doing on identifying threats to our water from foreign objects such as zebra mussels. The members were very much in tune to his presentation. 

Dr.Alex T. Bielak
Director, Science and Technology Liaison
Environment Canada
Science Liaison Branch
Phone number: (905) 336-4503
Fax number: (905) 336-6444
Email address:  Alex.Bielak@ec.gc.ca

Education
B.Sc. (Hons.), Liverpool Polytechnic, Liverpool
Ph.D., University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario

Expertise

  • Science communications, research management and development of new client consultation and program delivery mechanisms and partnerships.
  • Science and policy linkages
  • Recreational fisheries management
  • Salmon, evolutionary and freshwater ecology

Ongoing Studies/Current Activities

  • Development of best practices in science communications, knowledge brokering and science liaison
  • Effective use of science in the development of environmental policy

Major Affiliations/Memberships

  • Member of National Judging Panel, Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program (2004 - present)
  • Member of Environment Canada S&T Communications Editorial Board (2004)
  • Founding Member, National Resource Board of Trout Unlimited Canada (2003 - present)
  • Member, Board of Directors, Canadian Science Writer’s Association (2003) and Co-chair of CSWA Annual Meeting 2004.
  • Member Council of Great Lakes Research Managers (International Joint Commission Appointment) – (2003 - 2006)
  • Member, Founding Management Board, Canadian Rivers Institute (2001 - present)
  • Honourary Research Associate, Faculties of Science and of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick (Appointed 1994, re-appointed 1999 and 2003)

Research Accomplishments/Awards

  • Graduate and scholarship holder inaugural Banff Centre Science Communications Residency (2006)
  • Multiple DFO and Environment Canada Deputy Minister Service Commendations, Recognition Awards and Certificates of Appreciation (1993-2006) including EC Departmental Diversity Award as part of NWRI Senior Management Team (2003).
  • Awarded a Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment “Certificate of Appreciation” for “contribution to success of CCME “Linking Water Science to Policy” workshop series (2002).
  • Co-Chaired national review of the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) (Awarded Environmental Conservation Service “Certificate of Appreciation” for “efforts to develop a common departmental vision for EMAN.” (2001)
  • Recipient, first University of New Brunswick Co-operative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit Award for "significant contribution to fisheries research in New Brunswick" (1996)
  • Co-lead in internationally recognized ground-breaking research program on catch-and-release fishing that achieved significant advances in scientific understanding as well as major changes in recreational fishing policy and increased fishing opportunities for Atlantic salmon.
  • Recipient, Ted Williams Conservation Award for Journalistic Excellence (1995)
  • NATO Scholar (1981-1984)

http://www.nwri.ca/staff/alexbielak-e.html

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Canada's Word Lady

KATHERINE BARBER

The Probus Club of Wasaga Beach advises that KATHERINE BARBER, Editor-in-Chief of Oxford Canadian Dictionaries, delivered a wonderfully informative and extremely humorous insight to our everyday use of Canadian English at their May 8th, 2008 general meeting. It should be also noted that she has an equally entertaining talk about the history of the English language that has been very well received by many Probus clubs.

"Canada's Word Lady", Katherine Barber, is known for her lively and engaging take on the history of our language.  She grew up in Winnipeg and studied French literature at the Universities of Winnipeg and Ottawa. As Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Dictionaries at Oxford University Press since 1991, she has overseen the production of the award-winning and bestselling Canadian Oxford Dictionary and 11 other dictionaries, and written two bestselling books, Six Words You Never Knew Had Something to do with Pigs and Only in Canada You Say, A Treasury of Canadian Language. Her interests outside lexicography are ballet, travelling, choral singing, gardening, and cooking.

1. Bachelor for rent: Things you never suspected about Canadian English Most Canadians asked for an example of Canadian English will say "eh", bring up the colour vs. color debate, or mention toques. But Canadian English is much more exciting than that. There are many words that most Canadians probably think are used throughout the English-speaking world that in fact may leave other English speakers mildly perplexed or totally bewildered!  A lively, entertaining, fun-filled look at our language and what makes Canadians distinctive.

2. Six Words You Never Knew Had Something to do With Pigs.

Do you find it, well, peculiar that the word "peculiar" has something to do with cattle? Did you know that a common household item has something to do with parts of a pig that most of us don't usually look at?

In this light-hearted look at the history of the English language Katherine Barber offers entertaining word histories and fascinating facts about the language. A treat for all word lovers.

Katherine can be contacted as follows

Katherine Barber
Editor-in-Chief
Oxford Canadian Dictionaries
70 Wynford Drive, Don Mills, ON M3C 1J9
Phone: 416-441-5660
Fax: 416-441-0345

E-mail: katherine.barber@oup.com

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My Caravan is a Rainbow

The Probus Club of Orangeville, Ontario, recommends DAVID CHESTERTON, a recent guest speaker at their Club, to all Probus Clubs in the various districts of Ontario.

 


Liam  D. Dwyer 

The youngest of eight Liam was born in Eganville ON in 1923.  He received his primary and secondary education in Cobalt and Kirkland Lake . 

He joined the Canadian Navy in 1942 served as a Petty Officer on the HMCS Sarnia doing Convoy Duty in the North Atlantic and Mine Sweeping off Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. After WW2 he worked for A.V. Roe on the Orenda and Iroquois Gas Turbines, the latter the power plant for the Avro Arrow. He retired from the renamed company Hawker Siddley after serving for thirty seven years in senior management positions.

With his wife Mary of sixty five years they enjoy their home on Lake Muskoka Gravenhurst and vacationing in Deerfield Beach Florida.    

They have three sons Liam James of Bracebridge, Gregory John of Regina and Joseph Timothy of Corinth Mississippi.

Liam was given a Laptop for his 80th birthday. This started him on a new career, writing Murder Mysteries.  His first “Murder in Muskoka” will go to 4th printing this year “Gold & Greed”  was Liam’s second followed by “Muskoka Cross & Double Cross” a fourth “Muskoka Death & Diamonds”. There is a fifth in the works that will be out late summer. 

The mysteries all have Muskoka locations. Two of his mysteries have integrated into the plot, the Prisoner of War Camp for German Officers located in Gravenhurst during WW 2. 

Liam’s talk to the Gravenhurst Probus Club was about twelve hours of action his ship was involved in at the mouth of Halifax harbour. The Battle of the Atlantic began Sept 4th 1939 ending with VE Day May 8th 1945.  The action took place April 16th 1945 twenty two days later the war in Europe ended. 

He spoke in May 2006 to the Probus Club of Gravenhurst and became a member of that Club.  He is now scheduled to speak at another Muskoka Club. His talk was enthusiastically received by those members attending and he comes highly recommended.  What makes Liam’s story so unique is the connection to Muskoka in that the officer from the German Submarine U190 was a POW in Gravenhurst.  

He can be contacted at liamdwyer2@aol.com and Telephone # 705- 687-4551

Footnote:

June 23, 2008

Liam presented his story of the sinking of the HMCS Esquimalt April 16 1945 of Halifax harbour to Huntsville Probus club June 19 . His topic and presentation was, and is still, being talked about by our members.  I have received a number of e-mails and phone calls to the club executive on how much they enjoyed the topic and presentation. 
John Forder
President Huntsville Probus
                                                                                                                                                                        Posted June 12, 2008


Looking for a Canadian Air Force speaker 

to enhance your next meeting?

From aviation history, fighter jets and search and rescue missions to our role in Afghanistan as well as futuristic technologies, and more ... let us share our experiences with you.

The Air Force Speakers Bureau is a new program designed to match speakers to organizations with an interest in learning first-hand about Canada's Air Force. Any organization, group or individual across the country can request an Air Force speaker.

Why not contact us today? 

You can reach us at 613.944.6629 or 613.945.7664, toll-free 1.866.633.8898, 

or email us at speakersbureau@forces.gc.ca.

Posted July 3, 2008

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