Newsletters

December 2024

No December Speaker - it is our Christmas Luncheon!

The Christmas Luncheon will be in place of the next General Meeting on December 11.

Doors and the bar will open at 11:00 a.m. with the formal festivities kicking off at around 11:30 and the meal being served at noon.

We have filled up all of the available spaces. But if you wish to be put on the wait list (in case of last-minute cancellations), please call Terry Koehler.

Our November Speaker was Marilyn Dickson

In Marilyn’s presentation, she talked about how a few Canadian born women were able to make a significant contribution to the war effort, as pilots during the second world war.

Marilyn learned to fly in 1988 and became a Flight Instructor in 1999. In 2006 Marilyn was awarded the Ninety-Nines Amelia Earhart Research Scholarship to research the work of early Canadian pilot Vi Milstead, whom she successfully nominated for an Order of Canada and induction into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame.

During her work with Vi, Marilyn identified and researched 9 Canadian born women who joined the Air Transport Auxiliary in Britain and flew during the Second World War. This was a civilian organization which delivered 309,011 military aircraft (from small training planes, fast fighters, to multi-engine bombers) to military bases throughout the British Isles and later to continental Europe.

Two of the Canadian born women who flew during WWII

A Message from Your President

What kind of food should be prepared during the holiday season? Is it important to keep with the same recipes that our parents and grandparents have always made, or is there room for some new ones?

Years ago, when my Mother-in-law’s health started to deteriorate, my husband suggested that I make all of the same goodies that she’d always made. (He, of course, could have made them himself, but he doesn’t have a whole lot of skill when it comes to hand/eye coordination!) Some of the recipes were absolutely brutal to make! I spent weeks preparing these. traditional treats. I was exhausted!

The following year, I made a few of their favourites and then just popped in some of the easier recipes from my personal collection. Why not skip the peeling of the wrappers off of 60 Kraft caramels for Caramel Rice Krispie squares and substitute it with the version that takes 15 minutes! You know what? No one cared! I was so pleased with all the stress that was removed from the holidays that year.

The moral of the story? It’s the recipe version of my favourite mantra… “Make New Friends But Keep the Old”. Make New Recipes But Keep the Old! Here’s one for you to try out. It’s really easy!!!

Janice

Caramel Crumb Bars

300g Ritz Crackers

200g bag Skör Pieces

1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk

Crush the Ritz Crackers into small pieces, ideally, while they’re still in the bag. Combine the crushed crackers with the Skör Pieces. Add the sweetened condensed milk and thoroughly combine.

Press into a greased 8”x8” pan. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cool to room temperature and then cut into squares.

Recipes for the treats at our November Probus meeting

Jeannie Kucan shared her Raspberry Almond Shortbread recipe below as well as the link for the gingerbread cookies - both were hits at the meeting. And Wendy provided the recipe for Cherry Christmas cookies (see next page). As well I've added the link to the Ham and Cheese Scones. I brought these to one of our meetings last winter and had many requests for the recipe. Enjoy! Robin

https://www.lovefromtheoven.com/gingerbread-cookies/

https://dearcrissy.com/raspberry-almond-shortbread-cookies/

https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/ham-cheese-scones/

Cherry Christmas cookies

1/2 cup butter 1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup white sugar 1 cup chocolate chips
1 egg. 3/4 cup fine coconut
1/2 tsp almond extract 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
Cream sugar, butter and egg. Add almond extract. Sift flour, baking powder and salt together. Add to creamed mixture. Add chocolate chips, coconut and maraschino cherries. Bake 12 to 15 minutes at 350F.

News and reminders from your Management Committee

Probus Global is a network of Probians from all over the world who meet quarterly on ZOOM. If interested,
you can visit https://probusglobal.org/ and follow the route to become a member at NO cost as long as you are
a Probus member.
Probus Canada would like all members to see all the news, so here is a link to their news page:
https://www.probuscanada.ca/news

December Probus Activity Updates

For full activities details and information: see the Hanover Area Probus Club (HAPC) website www.hapc.ca/activities-2/ or contact Dianne Mather, Activity Group Chair at act@hapc.ca

Kayaking

This is new activity that was introduced by Paul Scott who volunteered to be the coordinator. He was pleased that 18 members signed up at the Meet & Greet Event on Oct 9^th. The plan is to start in May or June 2025 dependent on weather and meet weekly and consensus amongst the group will dictate the day of the week. Start time flexible usually between 11:00am and 1:00pm subject to group input. Kayaking activity will provide members with opportunities to network and coordinate as to day, time, place and transportation in much the same way as golf and hiking work. It is hoped that participants will share new and interesting locations for everyone to enjoy. Coordinator, Paul Scott

Scrabble

We have several new players bringing our total to 9 members and we hope to be back to pre-covid participation sometime this year. We are planning a seasonal gathering and game for Thursday December 5^th. We meet the 1^st and 3^rd Thursday each month (except July and August) at 1:30pm. Members volunteer to host a game in their home and provide refreshments and we usually play two games. It’s a fun non-competitive relaxed atmosphere. Coordinator, Ruth Linnen

Knitting & Crocheting

The group is planning a road trip on Friday November 22 to Owen Sound Wool Shop with some side shopping. Lunch will be at the Topsy Fox bar and grill. We are pleased that 6 members signed up at the Oct 9^th meet and greet meeting bringing our group total to 17 members. Coordinator, Nina McTeer

Golf

The golf season come to an end November 14^th, a cold windy wet day at Highland Glen Golf Course located near Priceville (below left). Four iron hard players Bob Waram, Keith Wettlaufer, Ulli Kaempfe and Dean Hill showed up to play! Coordinator, Ulli Kaempfe

Potluck

A group of 12 ladies met on Mon. Nov. 18^th at noon at Hope Community Church (above right).

A variety of delicious “Christmas theme” dishes was enjoyed by everyone. The next potluck event will be Monday January 20^th, 2025. Coordinator, Marybelle Schumacher

Scotch Tasting

Our Scotch tasting group met on November 6^th and sampled three scotches. A 15 year old Dalwhinnie, with the Distillery residing in the Cairngorm National Park at the heart of the Scottish Highlands. A 12 year old Bunnahabhain, (buh*nuh*ha*bayn) with the Distillery near Port Askaig on Islay. And, a 12 year old Aberlour, with the Distillery in the village of Aberlour at the heart of Speyside where the Lour burn joins the River Spey. The Dalwhinnie is a single malt with aromas of pear, exotic fruit with Smokey notes and was paired with a crab dip on an oat cracker. The Bunnahabhain, a single malt unpeated robust scotch was paired with Shepherd’s pie served in a ramekin. And, the Aberlour, also a single malt, distilled in Sherry casks, has hints of pear with a clean sweetish finish and was paired with a plum torte.

Often a scotch is selected from a member who has a fond memory of tasting the scotch or of visiting the actual distillery. Rodger, our ever so knowledgeable presenter, will then choose two other scotches that he feels are a good comparison. Rodger is also very helpful with food pairings and is always open to suggestions. Coordinators, Bob Farrow and Garry MacGregor

Wine Tasting

A Taste of Greece wine tasting on November 18^th was a great success with 62 members attending. Rodger explained the differences between grapes grown in Greece and those grown in other parts of Europe and different processes used in processing wine. We finished the tasting with a shot of Ouzo---Yiamas! The next Wine Tasting event is Ring in 2025, on December 31^st at the Best Western Plus in Walkerton. There are only 3 spots left. Contact Frances Agnew for more information and/or to reserve a spot. Micki Bruschke has joined the Wine Group committee and brings some great ideas for wine tasting in 2025. We’re looking forward to some excellent wine tastings.

Committee-Frances Agnew, Micki Bruschke, Dan Hobler, Helen Peppler

Eating for Your Health

On November 7^th our group hosted a learning session (below left) and demonstration by Dave Rundell of the Southampton Oil Company which is a family owned and operated boutique specializing in 100% Virgin Olive Oils, artisanal Balsamic Vinegars and select Gourmet Foods. Dave shared the health benefits of ‘first crush’ olive oils and balsamic vinegars and provided tasty samples of each to enjoy. Of the 17members in attendance, all tried a ‘shot’ of olive oil, a ‘cocktail’ of balsamic vinegar, and tasty dips for vegetables and sour dough bread. The group will be meeting for a casual lunch at local restaurant in Dec and a Pot Luck lunch in Feb with a ‘Bean’ theme. Coordinators, Kathy Greensides and Robin Hill

Hiking

There have been 28 hikes this season primarily in the Grey-Bruce area with no repeats. Weather has been perfect for hiking with only one cancelled once due to rain. Hiking numbers have ranged from 3 to 14 participants. Hikes have covered an average of 5 km most weeks and taken just under 2 hours to complete. Areas hiked this fall have included Silent Valley Nature Reserve, Bayfield (see picture), Old Baldy, Nottawassaga Bluffs, Bognor Marsh, West Rock Conservation Area, Sulphur Springs, Carrick Tract, Camp Oliver West Loop (Grey County Managed Forest). Thanks to all who participated in the hikes this year. We look forward to finding more places to explore in the New Year. Hikes will be scheduled for Thursdays at 10 a.m. There is always room for more hikers. If you would like to be added to the e-mail list please e-mail Vernon. Coordinator, Vernon Freer

Theatre

An e-mail was sent to theatre group members with a suggested short listing of live theatre shows scheduled for the Spring/Summer 2025 season including: Hanover Community Players productions “Love, Loss and What I Wore” (March) and “Bare Bear Bones” (May); “Million Dollar Quartet” Hildebrand Schoolhouse in St. Jacobs(June) and “Grease” Drayton Festival Theatre (July). A detailed listing of 2025 shows at various theatres was also provided and members have been invited to endorse the short list and/or add their own show preferences. A revised listing will then be distributed by e-mail and the final selection of shows will be made at the joint Theatre/Travel group meeting on Tuesday January 21^st, 2025 at 11:00am at the Saugeen Municipal Airport. Theatre group outings will be an average of 1 show per month, weekday matinee performances preferred, and at theatres within a reasonable driving distance for carpooling. Coordinators will arrange group discount ticket purchases, make group meal reservations for each show, and provide a list of members willing to drive for carpooling. Coordinators Peter Dalton and Tracey Neuman

Travel

“Canyon Country” trip with Collette (Explore the famous canyons of the American West) Wed Sept 24 to Oct 1, 2025 (8 days). Direct Travel Hanover placed 20 seats on hold until March 24, 2025 for all Probus group members. As of Nov 14^th thirteen members are booked leaving 7 seats available. Please contact Carol Brownell, Direct Travel Hanover at 519-364-3270 Ext. 3224 as soon as possible if you are interested and/or would like to book this trip. The link is https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1271242

Mark your 20250 calendar to attend the next Joint Travel/Theatre meeting on Tuesday January 21, 2025 at 11:00am at the Saugeen Municipal Airport. An e-mail meeting notice will be sent out to members in early January providing details and information that will be presented at the meeting.

Committee-Dianne Mather, Peter Dalton, Margaret Elliot-Niesen, Joan Roseborough

Local and Area Events

Join Our Year-Round Fundraising and Volunteer Committee! Are you passionate about your community and love the world of books? The Hanover Public Library is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our Fundraising and Volunteer Committee. Attend monthly meetings and help us raise funds through organizing and executing engaging events, beloved fundraisers and community events. Whether you have a knack for event planning, marketing, or simply want to lend a helping hand, we have a role for you! Ready to turn your passion into action? Contact Toni at hanoverlibraryevents@gmail.com or 519-364-1420. Together, let’s keep the love of reading alive! Keep an eye on our events calendar for all our upcoming activities and events! https://hanoverlibrary.ca/calendar/

Bruce County Public Library, Walkerton Branch — Cricuts in the Library. Register for one of our two sessions, Create with Cricut (Tues. Dec. 3, 2pm) or Adult Connect & Create (Thurs. Dec. 5, 3pm), or call the branch to book your own timeslot. For all our events, visit library.brucecounty.on.ca/events or contact your local branch.