THE

ANNUAL REPORT

OF

APPLEWOOD PROBUS

CLUB

2013-2014

2

AGENDA Thursday Sept. 11, 2014. 11:15 AM approx. (after member’s meeting) • 1. CALL TO ORDER • 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 2013 AGM • 3. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. • Presentation of the financial statements for the year ending August 31 2014. • Report on the Financial Statements for the year ending August 31, 2014 • Appointment of members to conduct financial overview of the financial statements for the year ending August 31, 2014. • Presentation of the Budget for the year ending August 31, 2015 • 4. REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT • 5. RATIFICATION OF THE ACTIONS OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE • 6. REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE • Presentation of the Slate of Management Committee • Election of the Management Committee. • Announcement of Activity Conveners.

THE PROBUS CLUB

OF

APPLEWOOD

*******

ANNUAL GENERAL

MEETING

OF

MEMBERS

3

• 7. NEW PRESIDENT’S REMARKS • 8. OTHER BUSINESS . 9. ADJOURNMENT

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF MEMBERS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 - 11.15 a.m. INTRODUCTION The eighth Annual General Meeting of the Probus Club of Applewood was held at the Port Credit Yacht Club on September 12, 2013. President Don Steen called the meeting to order, after which Secretary Bruce Calder advised those present that: • Notice of the meeting was served in accordance with the by-laws of the Club • There was present a sufficient quorum (more than 25% of the membership) to proceed with the meeting. • Voting would take place by a ‘show of hands’ and only members may vote.

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APPROVAL OF MINUTES The following motion was moved by Bruce Calder and seconded by Bob Buckner

Be it resolved that the minutes of the 2012 AGM held Thursday, September 13, 2012 be approved. The motion was carried. FINANCIAL REPORTS AND FINANCIAL REVIEW OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Financial Statements for the year ending August 31, 2013 were presented by the treasurer Roy Hicks. Roy added these comments: Our fiscal year, which ended on August 31st, 2013 continued our successful financial trend. Net income for the year recorded a $2,359 profit in contrast to a budgeted net income of $2111. Membership revenue totaled $8,157 from 165 members and 4 associates, a decrease of $33 from last year. The revenue generated by the 50/50 draw, $724, is an increase of $15 over last year. The revenue went towards club expenses. The coffee revenue of $495 went towards the cost of coffee, which was $1,365, resulting in a net loss of $870, up from a net cost of $800 last year. Events are intended to be self-supporting. This past year, the Sept. BBQ and the Christmas lunch have been subsidized. Some events return surpluses and others deficits. This past year the net subsidy was $167, an increase from last year’s $68. Room rental of $3,441 is our major operational expense. This year’s increase is due mainly to the increase use of AV equipment. Equity at the end of the 2012/2013 is $12,033.

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Looking ahead, the MC decided that our planned 10th Anniversary Celebration may need some seed money and to that end, a $5,000 reserve has been established in the form of an interest bearing cashable GIC. Based on the current equity position of the Club, The MC has approved a decrease in annual membership fees for the coming year to $40. Don Steen reported that, as approved at last year’s AGM, the Management Committee had asked David Irwin and Walter Yeates to review the financial statements by conducting a limited audit based on specified guidelines. On completion of the review, they recorded that the financial statements are in accordance with the financial records, present fairly the financial position of the Club as of August 31, 2013 and the results of the operations of the year just ended. The following motion was moved by Roy Hicks and seconded by Keith Foster

Be it resolved that the financial statements of the Club and financial oversight thereon for the fiscal year which ended August 31, 2013 and all transactions reflected therein be approved. The motion was carried. The following motion was moved by Jack Doney and seconded by John Spence Be it resolved that David Irwin and Walter Yeates be appointed to carry out a financial oversight for the year ending August 31, 2014. The motion was carried.

Report of the President, 2012-2013 It has been a distinct honour and privilege to serve as your President and I have enjoyed every moment. I cannot believe how fast time has flown! Our Probus Club has continued to prosper

thanks to the wisdom of our First President…Dave Irwin and his five successors: Al Maclean, Les Mayer, Jim Wilkinson, Alan Lytle and Gerry Descoteaux. They have established a strong foundation and tradition for our Club and I hope that I lived up to these expectations. We are extremely fortunate to have a strong and vibrant membership and each of you is to be congratulated for your willingness to assist when needed and to get involved with our numerous activities and events. Each of our Past Presidents has provided me with excellent advice throughout my year as President and their support has been unwavering! Whenever a difficult situation arose or we were about to embark on another project or initiative they were “in the wings” to ensure that our Club’s goals and objectives were not only protected but well served. Members of our Management Committee (M.C.) have performed their respective tasks above and beyond the job descriptions which are in place for their guidance. I have benefited greatly from their commitment, dedication and advice and their input certainly made my job much easier. Membership has remained strong and well organized thanks to Garry Jenkins. Bruce Calder has kept us on track and well informed regarding our Club’s Secretarial requirements. Roy Hicks has provided us with superb financial reporting and control of our revenues and expenses. Stewart Graydon has provided excellent leadership and assistance to our Convenors and we can be justly proud of the many activities that we have in place for the benefit and enjoyment of our members. Tom Mc Auliffe has presented us with an excellent variety and slate of speakers for our monthly meetings at the PCYC. Each of our Newsletter Co-ordinators to date has brought his distinct personal style and level of expertise to this important activity on our behalf. John Bray has had a very successful first year and continued this tradition. The Co-ordinators have had to cope with a myriad of details required to publish and distribute Applecore on time each month.

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We are indebted to John Mark for his significant contribution to the success of our Events

program. Can it get any better….trip to Stratford to see Fiddler on the Roof, Valentine’s Day Luncheon, tour of the Guide Dog facility in Oakville, hockey game between Ryerson and U of T at the new arena, Fall and Summer BBQ’s at the PCYC , Blue Jays game and our superb Annual Christmas Luncheon at the Living Arts Centre. John was ably assisted by Kent Newell and many other volunteers who helped to present first rate events and programs for our collective enjoyment. Doug Johnston as our Vice-President very capably negotiated and managed our monthly meetings at the PCYC. He has been a strong and dedicated member of our M.C and has provided us with considerable financial experience based on his career with the Bank of Montreal. Needless to say he will be an excellent President when he takes over the reins at our Annual General Meeting in September. Gerry Descoteaux has been a loyal, dedicated and highly respected member of our M.C. He has given very freely of his time and has always had the best interests of our Probus Club uppermost

in his mind. Gerry has been a marvelous “sounding board “ and resource person for me and I

have valued his input. He chaired our“Nominations Committee” for 2013-14 consisting of Brian Hull, Mike Preston, Bill Rivers and Wayne Williams and I am confident that their

recommendations will maintain our Club’s continued success… thanks for a job well done. We owe a special vote of thanks to all of our Convenors and their group of volunteers as their tasks on our behalf truly represent the lifeblood of our Club and are crucial to the overall satisfaction of our membership. Bill Armour and Brian Hull each handled their respective

portfolios of Emergency Preparedness and Member’s Welfare with diplomacy and professionalism. As you know, we try to replace Convenors on a bi-annual basis and this policy has worked to our mutual benefit. An extra special thank you to those Convenors who have assisted us over the past two years!

Alf Chink and Ron Kawchuk are exceptions to this transition……Alf has done a superb job over the past several years with his Walking Group and he has graciously decided to continue with this activity. Ron Kawchuk has agreed to Chair our Investment activity for another year and we were delighted to accept his offer.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank our group of photographers…. led by Paul Moore and assisted by Claude Barras and Barry Metcalfe for their contribution to the legacy and history of our Club. What would we do without the exceptional voices of Bryce Atkinson and Reg Perkin who have led

us in the singing of “O Canada“ at our regular monthly meetings and special events? We thank you! Don Hendry suggested that we form a Book Review Club and he also accepted the responsibility of chairing this new activity. The participants are delighted with this initiative and enjoying their monthly meetings. We have formed an Organizing Committee comprised at this stage of Dave Irwin, Doug Johnston, Tom McAuliffe, Don Hendry and myself to commence planning for our 10th Anniversary which will be celebrated in August 2015. Please feel free to contact any member of this Committee if you have suggestions which could be included in our Celebrations of this important milestone. Our Club’s success can be measured by, compliance with our policies, goals and objectives, membership satisfaction and participation in events and activities and last but far from least financial stewardship and stability. My personal opinion is that we have met these criteria. Thank you for the opportunity of being your President! Sincerely, Don Steen

RATIFICATION OF THE ACTIONS OF MEMBERS OF THE 2012/13 MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

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The following motion was moved by Doug Johnston and seconded by Brian Hull

Be it resolved that all actions by the Management Committee are hereby approved, ratified and confirmed. The motion was carried.

Report of the Nominating Committee The Nominating Committee Chair, Gerry Descoteaux advised the meeting of the names of the nominees for the Management Committee for the year 2013/14: President Doug Johnston Past President Don Steen Vice-President Don Hendry Secretary Joe Reid Treasurer Roy Hicks Events John Mark Activities Bill Goedvolk Speakers Bob Weese Membership Brian Howitt Newsletter John Bray The following motion was moved by Gerry Descoteaux and seconded by Ray Marshall.

Be it resolved that the 2012/13 proposed Management Committee be appointed to carry out the assigned duties for operating the Club for the for forthcoming year ending August 31st 2014. The motion was carried. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2013/14 ACTIVITIES CONVENORS On behalf of the Management Committee, Bill Goedvolk announced the Activities Convenors for the forthcoming Club year as follows: Bridge - Mixed Len Carter Golf Bill Jones Investment Ron Kawchuk Pub Lunches Bernard Rapier Supper Clubs Rod McLeod Wine Tasting Bob Buckner Billiards Ron Linklater Low Stakes Poker Cy Garland Cycling Joe Reid Walking Alf Chink Bucket List Kent Newell Member’s Welfare John Bedell Emerg. Preparedness Jan Kooy Nominations Don Steen

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New President Don Steen welcomed new President, Doug Johnston and passed on to him the Club President’s Pin and the Club’s Charter document for safe keeping. Doug in turn presented a Probus Past President’s Pin, an engraved Past President’s name tag and a Past President’s Probus Tie to Don on now having completed his term in office.

NEW PRESIDENT’S REMARKS Incoming President Doug Johnson thanked Past President Don Steen, along with the Management Committee Team for their successful leadership of the Club over the last year and was honoured to be voted in as President. The Club has a very diversified and active membership and a significant number of volunteers who act as convenors and assistants doing great jobs. This puts the Club inthe enviable position of providing a full slate of activities and events for all members to enjoy. Applewood Probus cannot become complacent and just remain with the status quo. Progress requires acceptance of positive and beneficial changes and new ideas which will further enhance the Club’ future.

OTHER BUSINESS President Doug announced that he had the honour of presenting Don with a special plaque recognizing his leadership and contribution to the Club. The wording on the plaque reads as follows:

“Presented to Donald Steen, President of The Applewood Probus Club 2012-2013, In grateful appreciation of his gentlemanly leadership and guidance. His grace, twinkling smile and quiet organizational skills together with his dedication and passion have all added to the enjoyment of the Club by the members.” ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:55 am. ********************************************

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It’s hard to believe that the club is entering

its 10th anniversary year. Starting from its

modest beginnings of just over 30 charter

members, the club has now grown to almost

170. Apart from the limitations of space, this

level of membership seems to be a

comfortable number to operate with.

Judging from our records, almost all of our

members are actively engaged, be it through

our numerous activities or just attending the

monthly meetings for fellowship and

entertainment, which is certainly most

heartening.

Being active and engaged is what our club is

all about, and we are very fortunate to have

a Management Committee which has been

energetically involved this year. Members at

large may not be aware of it, but the time

and effort put in by this group and the

Activity Coordinators is what makes

everything in the club seem to run so

effortlessly.

As President I have been extremely

fortunate in that I have had little to do (other

than keeping you up to date on Angus’ trials

and tribulations) as most of the heavy lifting

has been done by the Management

Committee and the Coordinators.

The speakers selected and arranged by Bob

Weese and his helpers continue to be both

engaging and stimulating, and sometimes

even controversial. Activities, under the

guidance of William Goedvolk and the

Coordinators, have run about as smoothly

as possible, and with some new initiatives.

We now have a record of which restaurants

are the most popular amongst the Supper

Clubs, and the new Beer tasting group is

getting along swimmingly. (It still isn’t clear

if this group is made up of disaffected

oenophiles, or just some lads looking for a

good pint.)

This year, the Events and Bucket List

activities, led by John Mark and Kent Newell

has morphed together into one unit, but with

no deterioration in the quality and selection

of outings – everything from an informative

tour of historic armaments at Camp Borden

to “crazy” singing and dancing at Stratford.

On the operational side of things, Brian

Howitt has kept the membership information

accurate and up to date, and supervised the

induction of 10 new members. You can

also thank Roy Hicks, one of our departing

Report of the President 2013-2014

9

MC members for keeping an eagle eye on our financials. (No wild or exotic expenses for the

President were allowed).

Roy recommended the decrease in membership fees as an appropriate action to reduce the

club’s surplus. John Bray, also departing the MC, has kept us all informed with his assiduous

attention to both grammar and spelling and in publishing the Newsletter on time each month – no

small task. Joe Reid, even with all his biking adventures has also been able to keep the club

records straight in his role as secretary

John Mark is also passing on his Events baton, but rumour has it that at least one of the retirees

from the MC will be returning in a new capacity.

Don Hendry kept us in sync with the Yacht Club and was instrumental in drawing to their attention

the need for better blinds in our meeting room, to cut the light so that visual presentations are

more legible.

Finally, I would be remiss in not acknowledging the support of Don Steen, your Past President,

whose guidance and wisdom has been incalculably helpful.

I thank all these gentlemen for their support. They also deserve your thanks for a job well done,

so do take a moment to express this to them.

As we look back on all the fun and enjoyment we have achieved, we also reflect with sadness on

the deaths of our members, Bob Charters, John Crossley and Henry Tyndorff. They will be

remembered for what they contributed to the club and our fellowship

And now it is my honour to thank all of you for your support this year. I pass on the President’s

mantle to Don Hendry, knowing he will do a most outstanding job in keeping the club moving

forward into its 10th anniversary year.

*****************************************

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Our fiscal year 2013/14 ended August 31, 2014. The financial statements forming part of this

report include a detail accounting of the Club’s revenue, expense, assets, liabilities and a

summary of special events. There is also a budget for 2014/15.

Our net income was approximately $1,395 in contrast to a budgeted net income of $(274).

Our membership revenue totaled $6,740 from 170 members and 4 associates, a decrease from

$8,167 from last year, due to a reduction in membership dues from $50 to $40..

The revenue generated from the 50/50 draw totaled $770, an increase of $46 from last year. The

revenue is used to pay for club expenses.

The coffee revenue of $511 goes towards the cost of the coffee, which was $1,689. The latter

was up slightly due to a price increase. This resulted in a net cost of coffee of $919, up slightly

from a net cost of $870 last year.

Other Income includes bank, GIC interest and sale of a replacement nametags.

Events are intended to be self-supporting, but in the past the September BBQ and the Christmas

Lunch have been subsidized. In practice, some events return surpluses and others deficits. In

the statement of revenue and expense, these surpluses offset the deficits from other events

resulting in the net subsidy for events being $148, an decrease from last year’s $167.

Our major operational expense is room rental – this year totaling $3,277. The decrease from last

year is due mainly to the decreased use of AV equipment.

The Probus Centre fee is $2.50 per member and includes liability insurance coverage. The

insurance amount shown is for Director’s and Officer’s insurance.

At the fiscal year end, our member’s equity is $13.429.

Looking ahead, the management committee decided that our planned 10th anniversary

celebration may need some seed money and to that end, on the balance sheet, a $5000 reserve

has been established. From a cash flow perspective, the committee determined that some of our

equity did not need to be accessed immediately, and an interest bearing $5000 cashable GIC

was purchased. It was renewed in 2014.

A budgeted expense $500 has been added for the proposed club website, as announced at our

August members meeting. The other budget numbers are based on experience and expected

inflationary.

Roy Hicks, Treasurer

TREASURER’S REPORT 2013/14

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PROBUS CLUB OF APPLEWOOD FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

REVENUE AND EXPENSES FOR THE 12 MONTHS TO AUGUST 31, 2014

2013/14 YTD (A) 2013/14 Budget Last Year (A)

Revenue:

Membership dues 6740 6460 8167

50/50 draws 770 700 724

Coffee revenue 511 500 495

Other income 74 60 1 Note 2

Total revenue 8095 7720 9388

Expenses:

Room expense 3277 3740 3441

Coffee 1689 1650 1365

Printing and newsletter 261 300 269

Speaker's expense 227 500 514

Donations 0 0 0

Name badges/pins 341 400 394

Probus Centre fees 408 450 400

Insurance 324 324 324

Other expense 24 30 155 Note 3

Subsidies 148 600 167 Note 1

Total expenses 6699 7994 7029

Net income 1395 (274) 2359

Equity (deficit) at beginning of period 12033 12033 9674

Equity (deficit) at end of period 13429 11759 12033

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BALANCE SHEET AT AUG 31, 2014

2013/14 Last Year (A)

Assets:

Chequing Account 12682 11,030

Cashable GIC (at cost) 5000 Note 4 5,000

Prepaid event deposits 0 0

Coffee and 50/50 draw floats 40 40

Total Assets 17722 16,070

Liabilities:

Unearned membership dues 0 0

Dues 2015 pre-payment 4295 3,710

Event pre-payments 0 328

Accrued expenses 0 0

Total Liabilities 4295 4,038

Equity (deficit) 13427 12,032

Unrestricted Equity 8428

10 th Anniversary

Reserve 5000 Note 5

Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit) 17722 16070

Net 0 -1

SPECIAL EVENTS

SUMMARY OF REVENUE AND EXPENSE

2014/15

Rev. Exp Net

0 0 0

0 0 0

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Foot Note(s):

1) "Subsidies" is the net cost of events. Some events returned surpluses, some deficits.

2) "Other Income" is bank account and GIC interest

3)"Other Expenses", reflects bank service charges and various expense such as 50/50 draw tickets

and coin rollers

4) $5,000 has been set aside in a cashable GIC as per MC March 2013 meeting

5) $5,000 has been set aside as a reserve for 10th anniversary celebration seed money as per MC

February 2013 meeting

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SPECIAL EVENTS

SUMMARY OF REVENUE AND EXPENSE

12 MONTHS ENDING AUG 31, 2014

2013 -14 2012-13

Event Revenue Expense Net Revenue Expense Net

September BBQ 1,600 1,678 (78)

Christmas

Lunch 13

10,115 10,629 (514)

St Jacobs Trip 5,922 5,826 96

Festival of

Carols

76 76 0

Valentine

Lunch

2,400 2,400 0

Ryerson

Hockey

264 264 0

Fiddler on the

Roof

7,425 7,100 325

Guide Dog 525 525 0

June BBQ 1,231 1,227 4

Blue Jays Game 400 400 0

Total 29,958 30,125 (167)

September BBQ 1,396 1,457 (61)

Prince Edward

County Trip

3,906 3,888 18

Christmas

Lunch 13

8,202 8,485 (283)

Valentine

Lunch

2,335 2,310 25

Steelheads

Hockey

308 305 3

Crazy for You

Stratford

7,752 7,603 149

Totals 23,899 24,048 (149)

Open Events

Totals 0 0 0

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To the Management Committee and Members of the Probus Club of Applewood

As members of the Probus Club of Applewood, we were selected at the 2012/13 Annual General

Meeting to examine and report on the financial statements for the financial year ending August

31, 2014.

We:

-Examined the bank account balance verification

-Tested the bank account reconciliation

-Examined the bank records to confirm deposit of club funds

-Verified the membership records

-Tested documentation of expenses

-Examined documentation supporting the GIC

-Compared income and expenses for the year with those of last year and obtained explanations

of significant differences

-Ensured the accounting records complied with Management Committee Decisions, and held

discussions with the Management Committee and others as appropriate.

-The financial statements are in accordance with the financial records and present fairly the

financial position of the Club as of August 31, 2013 and the operations for the year then ended.

-We have suggested one improvement in procedures and recommend the Management

Committee continue to discuss the size of the member’s equity

-This examination does not constitute an audit and consequently we express no audit opinion on

these statements.

August 31, 2014

Walter Yeates Dave Irwin

(A signed copy of this letter is in the paper records held by the club secretary.)

REPORT OF THE FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

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2014-15 Budget

2013/14 Actual

2013/14 Budget

2013/14 Variance

to Budget

2012/13

Actual

Revenue:

1 Membership dues 6800 6740 6,460 280 8,167

2 50/50 draws 800 770 700 70 724

3 Coffee revenue 500 511 500 11 495

5 Other income 60 74 60 14 1

6 Total revenue 8160 8095 7,720 275 9,388

Expenses:

6 Room expense 3500 3277 3,740 (463) 3,441

7 Coffee 1700 1689 1,650 39 1,365

8 Printing and newsletter 300 261 300 (39) 269

9 Speaker's expense 500 227 500 (273) 514

10 Donations 0 0 0 0

11 Name badges/pins/plaques 400 341 400 (59) 394

12 Probus Centre fees 425 408 450 (42) 400

13 Insurance 325 324 324 0 324

14 Website 500

15 Other expense 100 24 30 (6) 155

16 Subsidies 700 145 600 (455) 167

17 Total expenses 8,450 6699 7,994 (1295) 7,028

18 Net income (290) 1395 (274) 1669 2,359

19 Equity (deficit) at

beginning of period

13428 12033 12.033 9,674

20 Equity (deficit) at end of

period

13138 13428 11,759 1669

12,032

Annual Budget for the Year Ending August 31,2015

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This year we increased our membership, as we had many new applicants who were very keen to join Applewood PROBUS.. Inducted this year were: Jim Christie, Chris Dodd, Henry Tyndorf, John Graham, Gary Bridges, Gil Clay, Bob Emerson, Tony Hart, Peter Jackson, and Phil Walker. We currently stand at 166 members and 4 associate members in the club, with another 4 people waiting to be inducted in the fall. The small blue ribbons that are attached to the nametags of some members are done so that we can recognize these people as newer members and we can introduce ourselves to them and make them feel welcome. Unfortunately two of our newer members died recently. John Crossley died in June and Henry Tyndorf died in July. Long- time member Bob Charters also died in July. Bios are an integral part of our meetings, as it gives the members more insight into the background and life of the member giving the Bio. We expect members to be willing to present their bio within the first year. Please be willing to share a brief summary of your life with us when asked by your membership coordinator. A brief career synopsis followed by a brief mention of your family and interests in a 7-minute talk is quite sufficient. The followings members have given their bios this year: John Crossley, Bruce Ingram, Guy Baker, Paul Walters, Don Spence, Mike Covey, Ken Calder, Gil Clay, Jim Christie, George Howell, and David Bodnaryk. Membership Fees of $40 for 2014-2015 are due now. Please submit your dues as soon as possible. Should you decide not to renew your membership, please let us know as soon as possible, so we can let the people on our waiting list know that an opening to join the club is available. Many thanks go especially to Bill Armour who comes in very early to help me set up the nametags prior to the meetings and helps with registering guests. Thanks go as well to Mike Covey who helps to pick up the nametags after the meeting. Thanks also go to the photographers who provide pictures for the Applecore. If you lose your nametag, please let us know and we’ll order a new one. The current cost for the nametags to be made and shipped is $15.00. Brian Howitt Membership Co-coordinator

Annual Membership Report 2013-2014

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The following members of the nominating Committee… Bill Armour, Bill Jones, Stew Graydon

and Des White are pleased to submit their report for the year 2014-15:

Proposed Management Committee :

President Don Hendry

Past President Doug Johnston

Vice-President John Mark

Secretary Joe Reid

Treasurer Ron Kawchuk

Events Kent Newell

Activities William Goedvolk

Speakers Bob Weese

Membership Brian Howitt

Newsletter Gil Clay

Proposed Activities Convenors:

Respectfully

submitted,Respectfully submitted, Don Steen, Chair

Beer Tasting Garry Jenkins

Billiards Ron Linklater

Book Club Brian Harvey

Bridge Mixed Len Carter

Cycling Joe Reid

Emergency Prep Jan Kooy

Golf Hugh Clelland

Investments TBA

Low Stakes Poker Cy Garland

Member’s Welfare John Bedell

Nominations Doug Johnston

Supper Clubs Rod McLeod

Walking Alf Chink

Wine Tasting Bob Buckner

Report from the Nominating Committee

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Events Annual Report for 2013/2014

The Events group was very busy over the last year with 9 functions organized by the

Events/Bucket List Coordinators, John Mark and Kent Newell.

A recap of the past organized events is as follows:

1. Fall BBQ at the Annual General Meeting in September 2013 was attended by 60 members enjoying a chicken or rib luncheon out on the PCYC patio.

2. A fall bus tour of Prince Edward County in October 2013 was enjoyed by the 41 Probians and their spouses, especially the wine tasting at Casa Dea Winery, and the very knowledgeable guide accompanying us who relayed the history of the county from the time of the first settlers onwards.

3. November 2013 saw 17 members travel to Camp Borden for a guided tour of one of the numerous museums on the base.

4. Our annual Christmas Dinner held at the ACC Centre in Mississauga on December 12th,

2013, was, again, a great success and attended by 169 Probians and spouses. Approximately $ 2, 000.00 was raised during the lunch to help support the Children’s Wish Foundation.

5. The 3rd

Annual Valentine’s Lunch was again held at Solstice Restaurant in Clarkson on February 14

th, 2014 and attended by 63 people.

6. Steelheads Hockey drew 14 Probians for an entertaining OHL hockey game at the Mississauga Hersey Centre on Friday night, February 21

st, 2014.

7. In May on Thursday the 22nd

, 51 members and wives took in the very popular musical, “Crazy for You” at the Stratford Festival following a sit down lunch at the Keystone Alley Restaurant.

8. This year it was decided to cancel the spring BBQ and in its place arrange for a lunch at the Woodbine Racetrack for some betting fun. 24 members/wives attended this Friday, June 13

th function.

9. Closing out our year of events, 6 Probians ventured down to Varsity Stadium to experience U of T’s presentation of 1914 – 1918 in Memoriam with marching Canadian Forces Bands, speakers and singers. This event was suggested by member Jim Wilkinson.

As a special note; early in the summer a committee was formed to plan, organize and run future Events under the direction of the Events Coordinator for the upcoming year. Members of the committee are; Kent Newell, Bruce Calder, Dick Chataway, Stew MacGillivray, John Mark, Rick Reeves, Don Richards, Al Sproule and Don Taylor. John R Mark, Events Coordinator

CO-ORDINATORS REPORTS

AND

REPORTS OF CLUB ACTIVITIES

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Mixed Bridge

The Mixed Bridge (couples) is a fun group that continues to enjoy both the bridge and the social

aspect of the game. This is in spite of scheduling problems we experienced at the start of the

season. Talking of problems, it would be excellent if every member gave thought when

completing the Annual Survey and ensuring they tick off the appropriate activity box for the mixed

bridge.

Through the end of June, 75% of the planned 78 games have been played. Some of the late

plays (some dating from as far back as January) will no doubt be due to people being away.

However; please remember, all games must be played and scores submitted to the convenor by

Oct 31st, so those who have only played 2 or 3 of the 9 games, that’s a lot to catch up on in 10

weeks.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the November 23rd

wind-up at Credit Valley G & CC.

Len Carter

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Beer Tasting

ANNUAL REPORT of the ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR

It is indeed my pleasure to report that the Activities within our Probus group has been very active and supportive this past year. For those that are new to our club I would urge you to take every opportunity of joining one of our vibrant groups. I am sure you will find one that will fit your every need, plus, and this is a big PLUS, the interaction and enjoyment will make you want to come back for more.

The walking group has grown in leaps and bounds. Our dinner club is still the highest attended in

Probus and here is another plus, you get to take your better half out to dinner once a month. Our range of activities spans from Investments to the monthly book club. There are also the various sporting groups.

The objective of our club is to promote fellowship. With this in mind may you find the year ahead full of potential opportunities. As a Probus member your support will not only enrich your life but also add to the overall enjoyment of being part of the various groups within our club.

William Goedvolk .

Our first full year of beer tasting has come to a conclusion.

We had 38 Probians registered to participate. There have

been 5 tastings at various local pubs like, the Crooked

Cue, Erin Mills Pump and Patio and the Three Brewers

micorbrewer, and at the home of one of our members.

At the Three Brewers the beer master joined us and

educated us on the types of beers he brewed. We

sampled 6 different brews and had an excellent selection

of food nibbles.

We had planned on having two tasting groups with about

20 in each group. However, with no shows, we have

reduced that to one group for the present to allow for good

attendance.

Should you be interested in joining this group, please

email me at gjenkins@pathcom.com

Garry Jenkins, Beer Tasting Coordinator

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Biking Report I am sad to say that we only did four trips in the last PROBUS year, but there is always room for improvement next year. The highlight had to be our attendance in Port Dover for Friday the 13

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celebrations, along with over a 100,000 other boisterous visitors. These are easy trips, made more accessible to a few in our group who now have invested in e-bikes. So there is no excuse for more of you not to join us. If nothing else works out with the trip, we always stop for lunch at some interesting, if not downright eclectic, restaurant, inn or pub. Joe (the Bike Rat) Reid

Speakers Report

The speakers at our monthly meetings are an important part of our Club’s activities. Again in

2013-14, we were fortunate to attract an interesting group of speakers who educated and

entertained us on a wide variety of topics.

September 2013 – James Fitzgerald, author of “What Disturbs our Blood” on the mental curse

that has affected his illustrious medical forbears

October 2013 – Bob Page, author of “Voices from a Forgotten Tragedy” on the 1963 crash of

Trans Canada Airlines Flight 831. All aboard were killed, including his father.

November 2013 – Marc Stevens, author of “Escape, Evasion, and Revenge” on his German Jewish father’s experience as an RAF bomber pilot and prisoner of war in WW2

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January 2014 – Dr. Sven Spengemann , visiting fellow in Middle East Politics at Glendon College

and former legal adviser and Constitutional Affairs Officer with the UN mission in Iraq, on the

Middle East

February 2014 – Dr. Patrick Gunning, Professor of Chemistry at the University of Toronto

Mississauga and Canada Research Chair in Medicinal Chemistry, on his internationally-

acclaimed cancer research

March 2014 – Terry Fallis, public relations consultant and author of “The Best Laid Plans,” winner

of the Stephen Leacock humour award and Canada Reads competition, on his latest book “Up

and Down”

April 2014 – Jennifer Evans, Chief of Police for Peel Regional Police, on new fraud tactics being

aimed at seniors

May 2014 – Tom Axworthy, former Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Trudeau and now CEO

of the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation, on “Contending Visions of Canada’s North”

June 2014 – Andrew Hussain, Regional Chief Information Officer for the Central Ontario LHINs,

on “Demystifying Electronic Health Records”

July 2014 – Mayor Hazel McCallion, on highlights of her remarkable 36-year career as Mayor of

Mississauga

August 2014 – John Gauvreau, astronomer and former professor at Mohawk College, on “A Tour

of the Universe” (illustrated)

Bob Weese, Speakers Coordinator

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The Walking Group Once again we had 24 walks, on 23 different trails, with no rainouts. We are now partway into our 6

th year [ 126 walks ] and have had but 1 rainout. There were an average of 14 walkers, an

increase from 12 last year. Our average walk was 7 km, our shortest was 3.5 km due to deep snow. There were 47 different walkers, 14 were first timers and our High Park walk attracted 24 which was a new record. We had a number of picnic lunches. Alf Chink

The Apple Core

It has been a great experience to have been trusted with the responsibility of co-ordinating the Apple Core presentation over the past two years. As I prepare Volume 8, Issue 12 I realize how much I have learned about computers and desktop publishing, how many great people I have had the pleasure of working with and what a great Club I lucked out in joining. Thank you to all who have contributed to my successes and pointed out my mistakes over these past two years and my very best wishes for great achievement to my successor. John Bray

The Book Club

The Applwood Probus Book added one new member during the past year in the person of Brian Harvey, who rose meteorically in the organization to become its co-ordinator effective this September. Membership now stands at 15, with meetings at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at the Regency Retirement Residence on Mississauga Road, which generously provides the venue free of charge. Exceptions are a July-August recess and a June pub lunch at which titles for the coming months are selected. Those titles are chosen from a list of suggestions from participants, with each member leading the discussion of his chosen book. Here are the books considered during the past year and future picks, along with their sponsors: 2013-14 September: The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill (Bob Weese) October: The Cat's Table by Michael Ondaatje (Don Hendry) November: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (Bob Buckner)

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December: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce (Terry Chaffe) January: The 100-year-old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson (Dick Chataway) February: A Delicate Truth by John Le Carré (Don Hendry) March: The View from Castle Rock by Alice Munro (Ian McCreadie) April:� Confessions of a Sociopath: A Life Hiding in Plain Sight by M.E. Thomas (Doug Johnston) May: 419 by Will Ferguson (Doug Gilpin) June: Ike and Dick by Jeffrey Frank (John Collinson) 2014-15 September: Inferno by Dan Brown (Jim Golla) October: Winston's War by Michael Dobbs (Doug Gilpin) November: Hominids by Robert Sawyer ( Al Lytle) December: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell (Terry Chaffe) January: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese (Bob Buckner) February: The Orenda by Joseph Boyden (John Mark) March: Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams (Dick Chataway) April: The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway (Bob Weese) May: In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson (Doug Johnston) June: After The Prophet by Lesley Hazelton (Gerry Descoteaux) September: That Old Ace in the Hole by Annie Proulx (Don Hendry) October: Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond (Ian McCreadie) November: The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America by Thomas King (Roy Hicks) December: Hero: The Life and Legend of Lawrence of Arabia by Michael Korda (Brian Harvey) Don Hendry

Golfers Report

Our golfers were too busy working on their “bucket list” to file a report.

Hope they all return safely.

Every golfer should put this golf course on his “bucket list”.

By the way, the guard is pulling double duty. He is also the club Pro.

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Investment Group 2013-14 Report.

Once a month from September through June, 12-15 members and a couple of guests meet at the Chartwell Regency Retirement Residence on Mississauga Road for 2 hours or so. Much of our meeting time is an open forum where members discuss and debate their latest research, stock find or other investment related ideas and trends. In addition, a few individuals provide insights and updates on their preferred investment styles, from active "momentum trading" thru "ETFs" and passive "couch potato" etc. Once or twice a year a Professional guest speaker is invited to present to the group. We thank the management at Regency for the excellent meeting room plus the sweets and refreshments. Ron Kawchuk

Supper Club Activity Report 2013-14

This is one of the best attended social activities in our club. We have 79 members with their partners, arranged in 11 groups meeting at nearby restaurants 8-12 months each year. We are well known at many of these establishments and several offer us special fixed price menus. The main objective of this activity is to meet and socialize with other members of Applewood Probus. We have, however, been known to solve many of the world’s problems during the few hours together each month. This is a great activity for new members to join. It should be noted that joining a group does not require attendance at every monthly outing. Joining is a commitment to host one monthly night out which involves selecting a restaurant where you have eaten, and inviting the other group members to attend. It has been noted that our attempt to rate restaurants on a numerical basis was not well received or supported by the groups. Feedback has shown that the same restaurant can be rated high or low by different groups on different nights. We need a method of advising each other when a restaurant doesn’t meet a reasonable standard and should be avoided, or alternately one that should not be missed. We will explore alternative methods for next season. During the summer/winter months many members go on vacation leaving reduced numbers for group outings. Next season we will provide each group leader with contact information for other groups dining on the same night to facilitate them joining together to increase numbers. The membership of the Supper Club groups will remain the same for the 2014-15 season. Prior to the September beginning of the next season, any members wishing to change to a group meeting on a different evening please let Rod McLeod know so that the groups can be revised and new members added. This past season we have visited more than 30 different restaurants with most receiving positive ratings. The following is a list of those which have been consistently judged acceptable or better. Anatolia Artisan Bistro Astoria Bistro Narra Cagneys Caledon Inn Casalinga Chelsea Collosus Grano Grappa Ristorante Iron Chef Steakhouse

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JAC’s Leao D’Ouro Michael’s Back Door Muddy Duck Miga Korean/Japanese BBQ Open Cork * Orbit Paradiso Pazzia Osteria Piatto Bistro * Port Credit Yacht Club Pump House Soltice Shore Bistro Symposium The Musket Thyme Ristorante * Tu Casa Walker’s Fish Market *Most Popular Rod McLeod Supper Club Convener

The Wine Tasters

I am pleased to advise that Rippassa Valpolicella Superior 2010 was the overall winner in this year's "Best of the Best". Beronia Rioja Reserva 2009 was a close second. The results from the three participating Wine Tasting Groups are attached for your information.

Product Price Overall Product Region Year

No. (includes

dep)

Average

Score

Group 3

Average

Score

Group 4

Average

Score

Group 5

Average

Score

All

Groups

Ranking

Beronia

Reserva

Gonzales

Byass, Spain

2009 50203 19.75 42.7 41.8 39.5 41.3 2

Ripassa

Valpolicella

Superior

Zenato Winery,

Italy

2010 479766 25.75 42.7 42.7 41.1 42.2 1

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Domaine

Tournon,

Mathilda

Shiraz

Victoria, Aus 2011 327395 19.75 40.6 37.0 36.5 38.0 5

Ravenswood,

Vitners

Blend, Old

Vine

Zinfandel

California,USA 2012 359257 17.75 40.4 40.0 36.6 39.0 3

El Castro De

Valtuille, C

Castro

Ventesa

Bierzo, Spain 2010 366930 27.75 38.8 37.7 40.6 39.0 3

I look forward to hearing from you on whether you not you would like us to do this again next year and, if so, what you think we could do better Bob Buckner

Pub Lunches

The turn out for the PUB Lunch festivities has been well attended, the fellowship and serious discussions of the worlds problems with solutions were many, however it is not clear that we have effected any improvements to the sociatal situation, but with perseverance during the next year we may be able to implement some improvements to the problems facing the world. Remember to come out and support this worthwhile endeavor so we can have some impact on those around us that may need our guidance

Bernard Rapier.

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