Welcome

Welcome to the Hanover Area Probus Club!

We invite you to explore our new website!

We are a vibrant community of retired people who come together to enjoy enriching activities, engaging social events, and lifelong learning opportunities. Our club is dedicated to fostering fellowship, fun, and personal growth among our members.

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Are you interested in participating in group activities and events, hearing interesting guest speakers, or simply making new friends? There’s something for everyone at the Hanover Area Probus Club.

We encourage you to consider becoming a member. Click BECOME A MEMBER now to find out how and start enjoying what our club has to offer.

We look forward to welcoming you in person!

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Mark Your Calendar

Our April Speaker is Willy Waterton & Audrey Armstrong

Willy Waterton
A creek still bears the family name where Willy’s ancestors settled in northern Grey County during the 1840’s. A self-taught photographer, Willy Waterton spent 35 years as a fulltime photojournalist at the Owen Sound Sun Times. During his tenure as chief photographer, he oversaw the transition from black and white to colour then finally to digital. His newspaper photographs won over 100 provincial and national awards. In 1990, Willy was named Ontario News Photographers’ Association Photographer of the Year. His photographs have appeared in national and international magazines, newspapers and books including the Globe and Mail, New York Times and National Geographic. In the past, Willy was a contract photographer for both Ontario Parks and Parks Canada. His work is in public and private collections. Willy’s lifelong love for Bruce & Grey Counties has led to a commitment through his photography to interpret these special parts of the world for you to enjoy and help to protect. He is active in many community volunteer organizations including the Owen Sound Field Naturalists and Huron Fringe Birding Festival. He is also the OSFN representative for the Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park advisory committee.

Audrey Armstrong
Audrey graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design in experimental art and textiles and for ten years she ran Watercress Weavery,her own weaving business. After graduating from University of Guelph and the University of Toronto, Audrey taught elementary school with the Bluewater District School Board for 25 years, receiving the Teacher of Excellence award. A presenter with the Monarch Teacher Network, Audrey has led in-depth workshops on monarch butterflies, habitat development and Voices from the Land workshops, developing visual and literary interpretations of nature in Canada and the USA. She continues her love of teaching by leading workshops for Ontario Parks and Parks Canada staff. She is active in many community volunteer organizations including the Owen Sound Field Naturalists and Huron Fringe Birding Festival. Audrey shares her passion and interest in habitat creation with the public. She is also the Ontario Nature representative for OSFN.

Our March Speaker was R.J. Taylor, Springhills Fish

By 2018, Springhills became the first land-based farms in central Canada to get certified by the Best Aquaculture Practices program. This held their team to the highest international standard for environmental impact, fish welfare, and social responsibility. Hit hard by cancelled orders during the first weeks of the Covid-19 pandemic, they started asking people on Facebook if they’d want a box. Soon so many requests came flooding in and they quickly outgrew our plant and built another much bigger one. They branched out with more types of fish, and even found other farmers and fishers for more variety. They deliver local fish to more than 1,500 homes every month nearly across the province. And they have launched into most grocery retailers big and small.

A Message from Your President

Thank you very much for the contribution of the members that volunteer and help to make our club run smoothly. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to keep it going!

As we all know, volunteering can be a fun and rewarding way to stay active, meet new people, and feel more connected. One of the biggest benefits is how it can boost your mood. Helping others gives a sense of purpose, and it’s a great way to beat loneliness by making new friends and being part of a community.

When I first moved to Walkerton 4 years ago, I was really struggling with what I could do to find a social outlet. Although I had family locally, they had jobs and other things to do during the week. I’m so grateful to have been able to find Probus, and the activities and volunteer opportunities that it entails!

Volunteering keeps your brain sharp. Whether you’re solving problems or learning new things, staying mentally engaged is key to staying healthy. And there’s something really fulfilling about using your life experience to help others—it can give your confidence a nice boost.

Most importantly, volunteering makes you feel valued. So not only do you get to help others, but you also get a sense of pride and joy in the process! I hope you will decide to take the time to volunteer with the Hanover Area Probus Club.

Janice

April Probus Activity Updates

Dinner Club

On Thursday evening March 20^th two dinners were hosted for members to enjoy (pictures below). A Korean meal was the theme at the home of Grace Bridgman and Steve Struthers with many dishes to taste ending with apple chunks in mayo and Korean cookies. A spring menu was the theme at Janice and Terry Koehler’s home starting with a beer, cheese dip, and a spring lamb dinner with all the trimmings ending with a carrot cake. Coordinator: Karen Farrow

Eat for Health

The 'Respect the Bean' potluck for the Eating for your Health group is rescheduled to Tuesday April 15^th. Since legumes are a great source of food for prevention of many diseases, we will be exploring different ways to disguise members of that sometimes unpopular legume family by trying out new recipes. We have an interesting mix of appetizers, dips, soups, salads, brownies, cake and even ice cream on tap using a variety of beans.

Coordinators: Kathy Greensides and Robin Hill

Golf

The golf group is hoping for the first game of the year, sometime in April. If there are members who are interested in joining the golf group and not currently on my e-mail list please send Ulli an e-mail.

Coordinator: Ulli Kaempfe

Hiking

The hiking group will resume mid-April, weather permitting. The group will continue to hike on Thursdays at 10 a.m. The trails will be between 4-5 km on average and will take approximately 2 hours to complete. Emails regarding the hike are typically sent out the weekend before the proposed hike and will include the trail route, its description, and rating along with directions to the trail. As the weather warms up there will be also be opportunities to have a picnic lunch on completing the trail. If you would like to be added to the list please email

Coordinator: Vern Freer

Knit/Crochet

This group continues to meet usually every second and fourth Monday of the month. On Thursday March 27^th we are taking a small road trip to Llama Lane for the afternoon. Coordinator: Nina McTeer

Pole Walk

The Pole Walking group will start up again on Friday, May 2nd at 10:00 am (weather permitting). If you are not sure you are on the email list, or would like to be added to this activity, please send a quick note to Joan Ferguson. An email regarding our meeting location will go out to all members of this group closer to the date. Co-ordinator: Joan Ferguson

Potluck

The potluck group met on Monday, March 17^th at Hope Community Church, with 13 in attendance. Many delicious “Irish” dishes were enjoyed! The next Potluck will be on Monday, May 26^th. The theme will be picnic foods. If weather permits, we will meet at the Gazebo on 13^th Ave, Hanover. Otherwise, we will meet at Hope Church as usual. Coordinator: Marybelle Schumacher

Scotch Tasting

On Monday March 17^th members of the PROBUS Scotch Tasting Group gathered at the Hanover Masonic Lodge for a bit of Irish gaiety in celebration of Irelands Patron Saint (pictures below). Chosen by Rodger Donald we sampled 3 whiskies from the Emerald Isle paired with traditional Irish fare selected by Rodger and Karen Farrow. “Writer’s Tears 12-year Copper Pot” accompanied by Irish soda bread with creamy goat cheese and St. Agur blue cheese topped with a poached pear slice. “Red Breast 12-year single pot” with caramelized salmon stuffed mini potatoes. “Irish Mist Honey Liqueur” with Sticky Toffee Pudding.

A good time was had by all, and we look forward to our next tasting adventure in the fall. More information will be in the September newsletter. Coordinators: Bob Farrow and Garry MacGregor

Snowshoe

Unlike the last couple of years, lack snow has not been an issue for snowshoeing. Each week seemed to have a fresh blanket of snow (see pictures below). The group snowshoed at Allan Park, Carrick Tract, Durham Conservation Area, Sulphur Spring, and Brant Tract this year. There were several cancellations due to weather and road conditions. The season seems to have come to an end. Thanks to those who have come out and trekked in our beautiful winter wonderland. Coordinator: Vern Freer

Theatre Mtg

Arrangements have been made for members to attend a variety of shows from February through August. 32 members attended Hanover Community Players (HCP) comedy show “Love, Loss and What I Wore” at the Hanover Civic Theatre on Sunday, February 23^rd. 39 members will attend HCP next comedy show “Bare Bear Bones” at the Hanover Civic Theatre on Sunday, April 27^th; 21 for show “The Full Monty” at the St Jacobs Country Playhouse on Wednesday May 28^th; 48 for the musical “Grease” at the Drayton Festival Theatre on Wednesday July 23^rd and; 29 for the musical production “Million Dollar Quartet” at the Hilderbrand Schoolhouse Theatre on Tuesday August 19^th.

Coordinators: Peter Dalton and Tracey Neuman

Travel Mtg

“Adventure in Toronto (2 days) Wed Jun 25 & Thurs 26, 2025”-Deadline to book May 9^th, 2025

Luxury Motor Coach Transportation- 1 Night Accommodation at Chelsea Hotel-Visit to St. Lawrence Market-Guided tour of Bata Shoe Company-Toronto Sightseeing Cruise with commentary-Admission to Ripley’s Aquarium-Lunch at Hothouse Restaurant(gratuity included)-Admission to Little Canada-Services of a Tour Director-HST-Pick-up Hanover Tim Horton’s (by Food Basics). To book call Great Canadian Holidays & Coaches 519-896-8687 Ext. 280- A minimum of 30 people is required in order to run this trip.

Ontario Waterways Cruises Inc. (5 days) May thru September, 2025-Rideau Canal and Trent Severn Waterways-www.ontariowaterwaycruises.com/cruises/rideau to book one of these cruises call 1-800-561-5767.

The Best of Ireland May 13 to 27, 2025-with Collette-The travel committee is pleased that a group of 18 Hanover Probus members and Orangeville Probus members have joined together for a small group full Ireland adventure tour including Dublin, Belfast, Derry, Giants Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Dingle and Kilkenny.

Travel Committee: Dianne Mather, Peter Dalton, Joan Roseborough and Margaret Elliott-Niesen

Local and Area Events

Join us April 9 at 5:00 pm in the community hall to hear about upcoming events and ask our town leaders questions. In attendance will be the Mayor, Council and department representatives from Administration, Building and Planning, Economic Development, Finance, Fire, Parks, Recreation and Culture and Public Works. See everything coming up on our events Calendar https://hanoverlibrary.ca/calendar/