After more than 35 years, Saugeen Shores Men’s PROBUS club is growing in membership as more retirees discover the social aspect value of meeting with like-minded people.
The 9th Club to be formed in Canada in 1989, Port Elgin PROBUSi is one of the longest running and is an opportunity to meet socially once a month over coffee and have the chance to listen to guest speakers who are renowned in their fields.
From the annual Mayor’s address to learning about volunteerism, the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII), and the power of laughter, guest speakers have brought their expertise to the Probarians each month.
In May, Jessica Linthorne, President and CEO of the NII explained how the institute is bringing education to the broader public about nuclear energy and STEM programming. “The purpose of the NII is to have a lasting impact while working to compete in clean energy technology and to make sure that our region is front and centre when it comes to clean energy. We (NII) are non-profit and are always looking for efficiencies that are safer and smarter. We also have a lot of work to do on how we create awareness on the need for nuclear energy.”
June’s speaker, Jen O’Reilly, photographer, improv teacher and stand-up comedienne with years of experience, including with Yuk Yuk’s, said that “Laughter humanizes us and it’s a tool for getting along. It’s been proven that those who have taken improv for instance, are
better risk takers and critical thinkers, are more positive, can think on their feet and are pro-active listeners – the benefits of laughter and comedy are life-lasting. It reduces stress and helps build a healthier immune system.”
She then proceeded to call volunteer members forward in interactive improv that proved to be fun for all.
For larger view, Click on Image
While the men’s club meets monthly, there are also meetings where spouses and significant others are invited. In July, Christine Mitchell, ‘The Car Lady’ will be guest speaker on July 8th and all are invited. Mitchell, owner and principal of ‘The Car Lady’, found her life’s passion at 16 when she looked under the hood of a car for the first time. She spent many years in the automotive industry as a technician, service advisor and salesperson before putting her wrenches down in 2001 to become ‘The Car Lady’.
She then took on the role of Executive Director of the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce for three years to help build the membership, and was successful when the
roster reached over 500, before deciding to return to her own business.
“The car business is my life, I am proud of the knowledge I can share with a bit of humour. I like to call my style of teaching infotainment!”
The Saugeen Shores Men’s PROBUS is about positive energy, friendship, the opportunity to learn something each month through the guest speakers and no service is required, other than the annual volunteer Spring Clean-up.
The Club has also initiated monthly ‘trips’ to various facilities including the Lake Huron Fish Hatchery, Bruce County Paramedic Centre, PRANCE therapeutic riding centre and Royal Homes in Wingham with more being organized in the future.
Royal Homes Tour – for larger view, click on image
For more on Saugeen Shores Men’s PROBUS … July Newsletter
