Probus Club of Sidney - Join Our Community of Friends

Meetings and Events

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At Probus Club of Sidney, we connect retired individuals through engaging speakers, events and interest groups. Join us to explore new interests and enjoy the fellowship of like-minded people. Become a member today and enrich your social life!July 14th: Shaped on the Shoreline: How the Salish Sea has influenced the cultural and economic history of SidneySeptember 8: Tricia Sexton-Earl, CEO of Beacon Community Services.October 13: Chris Kilford: Canada and the Changing World Order<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://probussidneybc.org/speakers">Read more about the speakers here</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hZzB-dpLApSuAPJYV8y6US8neNWKbckT/view?usp=drive_link">Read the Probus Story</a><h3>Membership Renewal</h3>MembershipA gentle reminder to pay your membership dues by August 31st - $55 per member (e-Transfer to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Sidneyprobustreasurer@gmail.com">Sidneyprobustreasurer@gmail.com</a>).&nbsp; Also, please update your address, telephone number or email address, if necessary. Thanks.

Join Our Community of Friends

We encourage members to invite potential new members as guests to our meetings, fostering a welcoming environment for all. Share the joy of connection and community with others.

Guest Invitations

Join us for engaging monthly meetings featuring guest speakers from various fields who share their knowledge and experiences. This is a great opportunity to learn and connect with fellow members.

Monthly Speaker Meetings

Expand your social circle and professional connections through our networking opportunities, designed to help members meet and share their experiences. Build lasting friendships and partnerships.

Networking Opportunities

PROBUS YEAR-END LUNCHEONCHURCH AND STATE WINERY 1445 BENVENUTO AVENUE, BRENTWOOD BAY THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 12:00 – 3:00 pm. (Lunch 12:45 pm) Coq au Vin, Green Salad, Bread Basket Coffee/Tea, juices, and soft drinks No-host Bar: Wine and Beer (Advise nancy.j.williams@outlook.com of any dietary restrictions) Cost: $40 members and non-member partners only (Taxes and Gratuities Included) e-transfer to sidneyprobustreasurer@gmail.com Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 29 *Register early. No Refunds after the 29th*This is the final reminder of the Probus year-end Luncheon to be held on Thursday, August 13 at the Church and State Winery.&nbsp; If you haven't already registered and wish to do so, please note that registration closes Wednesday, July 29.Unfortunately, we must give a final count to the Winery at that time so there can be no refunds after the 29th. If you should need to cancel before that date, please notify the Club Treasurer, Bob Witzel (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:bob@witzel.com">bob@witzel.com</a>) and he will forward a refund.&nbsp; &nbsp;Also, if you do plan to attend and have any dietary restrictions, please notify Nancy Williams (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:nancy.j.williams@outlook.com">nancy.j.williams@outlook.com</a>) asap as this information must also be passed on to the Winery by the 29th.Should you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact Nancy at&nbsp; &nbsp;(<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:nancy.j.williams@outlook.com">nancy.j.williams@outlook.com</a>).&nbsp; &nbsp;Your Events Committee&nbsp;

Events and Activities

This is a Pileated Woodpecker that was attacking one of our trees. The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America, measuring 16 to 19 inches long with a wingspan of close to 30 inches. Their favourite meal is carpenter ants. Could have used one around the clubhouse recently.Photo by Ken HeuchertJuly 14 SpeakerShaped on the Shoreline: How the Salish Sea has influenced the cultural and economic history of Sidney and North Saanich.Sidney, famously known as Sidney by the Sea, could equally be called Sidney&nbsp;of&nbsp;the Sea. The Salish Sea has had a profound and enduring influence on the town’s founding, economy, and cultural identity. Sidney Museum Director Michael Goodchild will explore this influence.&nbsp;Particulars of the presentation will touch upon the Sea’s ecology, the timeless maritime culture of the WSANEC peoples of the region, early industrial maritime trade and transportation, and Sidney’s subsequent development with attention to enterprises tied to the Sea.&nbsp;Presenter: Michael Goodchild, Executive Director, Sidney Museum and Archives.Michael Goodchild has served as the executive director role since June 2022. Under his leadership, numerous major projects and initiatives have been launched, including updating the Museum's collections database, planning and implementing a variety of traveling exhibitions, and renovating the Museum's permanent galleries.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://probussidneybc.org/speakers">Read more about the speakers here.</a>

Photo of the Month

Become part of our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://probussidneybc.org/interest-groups">interest groups</a> that explore various hobbies and activities, allowing you to pursue your passions with like-minded individuals. Whether it's movies, current events, or wine tasting, engage in enriching experiences.Community SupportAs a self-funded and non-political club, we focus on supporting one another and the local community, enhancing the quality of life for our members.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://probussidneybc.org/membership"> Join us in making a positive impact together.</a>PROBUS GLOBALYouTube ChannelHave you watched recordings of PROBUS Global Zoom meetings and club videos from Canada, Ireland, and Australia on the PROBUS Global <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://substack.com/redirect/16734216-bbd9-4434-8195-17bc4137c61a?j=eyJ1IjoiMmxqNWYxIn0.1szNgOw6bLSNgzEC18KGeN-pLGTh_lrT3F8FcAjmLn4">YouTube Channel </a>lately?**SAVE THE DATES** Your Events Committee has organized the following activities all of which will require registration so watch for the promotional flyers arriving in your email over the next few months. July 15 – Tour of Hartland Landfill (recycle depot, active face, gas plant and leachate) followed by a classroom presentation August 13 – Luncheon at Church and State Winery

Our Services

Gallery

Apple harvest day at the Manor in Greatham, Liss! Learn more about English L'Abri - https://www.englishlabri.org/

Saturday. Summer. Beautiful sunny day, so my friends and I decided to make a picnic and watch the sundown. Pretty fun and relaxed day.

I took this photograph of a group of ladies at a photo walk in NYC. It perfectly exemplified the unity that took place among photographers, models and creatives alike.

Shout out to International Women’s Day.

community listening to music on ipad while drinking coffee

Beeswax candles begin to burn at the dining room table at English L'Abri.

Connect with Probus Sidney

Engage with expert speakers on diverse topics each month, enriching your knowledge and sparking meaningful conversations.

Monthly Speaker Series

Participate in organized group trips and outings that explore local and broader destinations, perfect for adventure and camaraderie.

Travel and Excursions

Explore your artistic side through various creative workshops including painting, crafts, and music.

Creative Arts Workshops

There is no meeting in August. Instead there will be the luncheon at the Church and State.Please mark your calendarsThe Probus Club of Sidney BC holds general speakers meetings on the second Tuesday of each month except August and December when special dinner meetings replace the speakers meetings. The monthly Probus Sidney BC meetings are held in Sidney at the Mary Winspear Center, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, BC. For a map showing the location of the Mary Winspear Center click here. Sidney’s Probus BC Meetings commence informally with coffee and pastries at 9:30 am, and the formal part of the meeting begins at 10:00.The speakers for Sidney Probus BC are chosen to provide meaningful insight into topical issues that are interesting, informative, thought-provoking and follow our principles of being non-secretarian, non-political and not veiled advertising. Information about upcoming speakers and events is provided in the monthly newsletters and<a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="/speakers"> on this page.</a>**SAVE THE DATES** Your Events Committee has organized the following activities all of which will require registration so watch for the promotional flyers arriving in your email over the next few months. August 13 – Luncheon at Church and State Winery

Meetings at Probus Sidney BC

PROBUS YEAR-END LUNCHEONCHURCH AND STATE WINERY 1445 BENVENUTO AVENUE, BRENTWOOD BAY THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 12:00 – 3:00 pm. (Lunch 12:45 pm) Coq au Vin, Green Salad, Bread Basket Coffee/Tea, juices, and soft drinks No-host Bar: Wine and Beer (Advise nancy.j.williams@outlook.com of any dietary restrictions) Cost: $40 members and non-member partners only (Taxes and Gratuities Included) e-transfer to sidneyprobustreasurer@gmail.com Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 29 *Register early. No Refunds after the 29th*This is the final reminder of the Probus year-end Luncheon to be held on Thursday, August 13 at the Church and State Winery.&nbsp; If you haven't already registered and wish to do so, please note that registration closes Wednesday, July 29.Unfortunately, we must give a final count to the Winery at that time so there can be no refunds after the 29th. If you should need to cancel before that date, please notify the Club Treasurer, Bob Witzel (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:bob@witzel.com">bob@witzel.com</a>) and he will forward a refund.&nbsp; &nbsp;Also, if you do plan to attend and have any dietary restrictions, please notify Nancy Williams (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:nancy.j.williams@outlook.com">nancy.j.williams@outlook.com</a>) asap as this information must also be passed on to the Winery by the 29th.Should you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact Nancy at&nbsp; &nbsp;(<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:nancy.j.williams@outlook.com">nancy.j.williams@outlook.com</a>).&nbsp; &nbsp;Your Events Committee

Events

Sept. 8th: Tricia Sexton-Earl, CEO of Beacon Community ServicesTricia Sexton-Earl was appointed CEO of Beacon Community Services in June 2021. Prior to joining Beacon, she led the Canadian Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation Services program on behalf of March of Dimes Canada and WCG Services. Her professional background includes more than 20 years of executive and senior leadership positions in community, employment and vocational rehabilitation services across Canada.A Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Professional and Registered Rehabilitation Professional, she holds an MBA in Executive Management from Royal Roads University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Economics from the University of Victoria. She was also recently appointed Vancouver Island Regional Director for the Federation of Community Social Services of BC.October 13: Chris Kilford Canada and the Changing World OrderAs global power disperses and the familiar architecture of the world gives way to a new, uncharted era, a powerful truth is emerging: the future will not be written by superpowers alone. It will be shaped by the imagination and ambition of nations that dare to see beyond their size — and Canada is poised to be one of them. Our ability to rise to this moment, to spark new forms of cooperation, and to help design a more connected and compassionate world will depend on the strength we cultivate at home: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://probussidneybc.org/speakers">For detailed information on our upcoming speakers please click this link.</a>

Meetings, Events and Past Presentations

Join our organized group trips and excursions to explore new destinations both locally and internationally with like-minded members.

Give back to the community and share your knowledge by participating in local volunteer projects and mentorship opportunities.

Volunteer and Mentorship Programs

Participate in wellness activities focused on maintaining health and vitality, including walking clubs, yoga, and gentle exercise sessions.

Wellness and Fitness Programs

MembershipA gentle reminder to pay your membership dues by August 31st - $55 per member (e-Transfer to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Sidneyprobustreasurer@gmail.com">Sidneyprobustreasurer@gmail.com</a>).&nbsp; Also, please update your address, telephone number or email address, if necessary. Thanks.

By renewing your membership, you are agreeing to the inclusion of your personal information (name, address, telephone number, and email address) in the Club Directory, which is available to all members. You are also agreeing not to distribute or sell this Directory information to anyone or any agency and not to use the information to solicit business or for any commercial purpose. You also agree to have pictures taken at our events published in the newsletter and on the website.We currently have openings for new members so if you know of anyone who would like to join, please direct them to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:sidneyprobusmembership@gmail.com">sidneyprobusmembership@gmail.com</a>.

Renewal

<h4>Why Join the Probus Club of Sidney BC?</h4>If you are looking for an opportunity to make new friends, expand or deepen your range of interests, or just enjoy the company of others, we welcome and encourage your application for membership at Probus Sidney. For more membership information, please go the the ‘Membership’ page from the menu above.At present we have most of the yearly dues processed.&nbsp; If you have not sent in your dues to the Treasurer (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:sidneyprobustreasurer@gmail.com">sidneyprobustreasurer@gmail.com</a>) please do so or advise us Aldy Kristoffy/Brenda Wilson (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:sidneyprobusmembership@gmail.com">sidneyprobusmembership@gmail.com</a>) that you will not be renewing your membership.&nbsp; Thanks.

Why Join the Probus Club of Sidney BC?

Discover More at Probus Club of Sidney

Participate in monthly workshops focused on maintaining and improving health and wellness tailored for retired and semi-retired individuals.

Health and Wellness Workshops

Engage in creative sessions including painting, pottery, and other crafts that foster artistic expression and social connection.

Creative Arts and Crafts

Join a club that explores literature, history, and cultural topics through regular discussions and events.

Book and Culture Club

MOVIE MATINEE Movie Matinee – Third Tuesday of the monthOur most recent movie was The Art of Adventure and we highly recommend it. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to buy and Land Rover and travel around the world in the 1950s? How did Robert Bateman get his start as a painter? Who is Bristol Foster and what is his contribution to British Columbia? Go see this entertaining documentary to find out.Three of us went to the movies and this is what Thora Illing&nbsp;kindly&nbsp;wrote:"The filmgoers’ choice was One Battle After Another, which very recently won several Oscars. It is a long and sometimes confusing political action story, ending with a mesmerizing car chase. The mix of farce and violence is odd but the acting and cinematography are memorable." Thanks Thora.

Movie Matinee

Sidney Probus Current EventsThe Current Events group has expanded a bit in the past two months. I now send a notice to about 16 people. In June we had 9 people join in at the home of Susan de Stein to discuss a variety of topics. These included issues such as local vs. provincial control over zoning and other issues, internet scams, the rise of very convincing, but false information on the web, and the purchase of condominiums by the federal and provincial governments, for affordable housing. I always learn something from these sessions and look forward to continuing to do so. If you would like to have your name included on the list of invitees, please contact Ken Marsh. My email is available on the current membership list.

Current Events Group

The group meets at 4:00 pm on the second Wednesday of the month, the venue rotating among the members. As a new group, we are looking to welcome additional Probus members who have an interest in sampling wines. If you are interested, but a bit apprehensive about participating on a tasting group, don’t be intimidated: our group is probably better described as wine enthusiasts than wine connoisseurs. Of course I say that on a personal level, but I suspect the other members have a somewhat similar overview. If you are interested, please email me at ‘<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:bob@witzel.com">bob@witzel.com</a>‘

Wine Tasting Group

Sept. 8th: Tricia Sexton-Earl, CEO of Beacon Community ServicesTricia Sexton-Earl was appointed CEO of Beacon Community Services in June 2021. Prior to joining Beacon, she led the Canadian Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation Services program on behalf of March of Dimes Canada and WCG Services. Her professional background includes more than 20 years of executive and senior leadership positions in community, employment and vocational rehabilitation services across Canada.A Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Professional and Registered Rehabilitation Professional, she holds an MBA in Executive Management from Royal Roads University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Economics from the University of Victoria. She was also recently appointed Vancouver Island Regional Director for the Federation of Community Social Services of BC.Beacon Info:Beacon Community Services was formed in 1974 by the Citizens Advisory Committee to help address social issues in&nbsp;the Saanich&nbsp;Peninsula communities. Today, with&nbsp;nearly 300&nbsp;staff&nbsp;and 600 volunteers, Beacon serves Southern Vancouver Island and the outer Gulf Islands.&nbsp;A wide range of community programs and services makes Beacon’s portfolio continue supporting people of all ages, while strengthening communities and transforming lives.<img src="https://cdn.soloist.ai/f72002a2-b71a-4504-83e7-a68527d383e8/adcad9f1-daf0-4db3-8a40-4c4acc786e12_2048x2048.webp" data-image-fit="fill"><h4>October 13th: Chris Kilford </h4><h4>Canada and the Changing World Order As global power disperses and the familiar architecture of the world gives way to a new, uncharted era, a powerful truth is emerging: the future will not be written by superpowers alone. It will be shaped by the imagination and ambition of nations that dare to see beyond their size — and Canada is poised to be one of them. Our ability to rise to this moment, to spark new forms of cooperation, and to help design a more connected and compassionate world will depend on the strength we cultivate at home: resilient democratic institutions, a diplomatic and development presence that reaches with purpose, defence capabilities ready for a shifting landscape, an economy built for long‑term stability, and citizens who believe in the promise of collective action.&nbsp; As Canadians are rethinking their nation’s role on an ever changing, volatile&nbsp;world stage, this presentation will also address the need for Canada to prepare for&nbsp;the future with a new national security vision and strategy. Our speaker Dr. Chris Kilford is a member of the national board of the Canadian International Council (CIC), the former editor of CIC’s online foreign policy magazine Open Canada, and president of the CIC Victoria branch. He holds a PhD in history from Queen’s University and enjoyed a 36-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces including postings to Germany, Afghanistan and Turkiye. He retired from the armed forces in September 2014. Since retiring, and besides sessional teaching at the Canadian Forces College, his book chapters, articles and opinion pieces on defence and foreign policy have appeared in numerous Canadian and international publications.</h4><img src="https://cdn.soloist.ai/f72002a2-b71a-4504-83e7-a68527d383e8/ae031c61-0560-44c9-b2e5-318e15a4304d_2048x2048.webp" data-image-fit="fill">Photo Credit: P981.7.4 - Aerial View of Sidney &amp; Gulf Islands c.1948. Sidney Museum &amp; Archives.July 14: Shaped on the Shoreline: How the Salish Sea has influenced the cultural and economic history of Sidney and North Saanich.Sidney, famously known as Sidney by the Sea, could equally be called Sidney&nbsp;of&nbsp;the Sea. The Salish Sea has had a profound and enduring influence on the town’s founding, economy, and cultural identity. Sidney Museum Director Michael Goodchild will explore this influence.&nbsp;Particulars of the presentation will touch upon the Sea’s ecology, the timeless maritime culture of the WSANEC peoples of the region, early industrial maritime trade and transportation, and Sidney’s subsequent development with attention to enterprises tied to the Sea.&nbsp;Presenter: Michael Goodchild, Executive Director, Sidney Museum and Archives.Michael Goodchild has served as the executive director role since June 2022. Under his leadership, numerous major projects and initiatives have been launched, including updating the Museum's collections database, planning and implementing a variety of traveling exhibitions, and renovating the Museum's permanent galleries. Michael previously worked at the Fraser River, Discovery Centre in New Westminster from 2019-2022, and gained museum experience at the Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Science Centre, and the Royal Canadian Military Institute. He is a graduate of UBC (BA, History), and the University of Toronto (Master of Museum Studies).&nbsp;Michael and his family are Sidney residents.<img src="https://cdn.soloist.ai/f72002a2-b71a-4504-83e7-a68527d383e8/8b25d235-88b3-42e0-911b-d07b6d5772a1_2048x2048.webp" data-image-fit="fill">June 09 (Room 2): We’ve Looked at Books, How About Brew?! We read that the public’s drinking habits are changing, perhaps with lasting generational consequences, and that the celebrated craft brewing market industry on our Island is being transformed for this reason and others. This presentation will be of interest whether you simply enjoy a glass of beer, have an interest in the dynamic character of Island business, or just like a good story. Our presenter will share his business and personal experiences in establishing a successful brewery business and piloting it through the wet and dry travails of sustaining his success. Our speaker will be Christopher Bjerrisgaard - Founder, Co-Owner, and Head of Commercialization of Small Gods Brewing. In addition to founding Small Gods Brewing, Chris has over sixteen years of experience in the craft brewing industry, including roles as Marketing Director at Vancouver Island Brewing, a Founding Member / Marketing Director at Vancouver Craft Beer Week, and Marketing Manager at Parallel 49 Brewing &amp; Central City Brewers+ Distillers. In the fall of 2025, he was elected to the BC Craft Brewers Guild Board for the 2026 / 2027 electoral&nbsp;cycle.<img src="https://cdn.soloist.ai/f72002a2-b71a-4504-83e7-a68527d383e8/b93ea1dd-16e1-411a-b1f7-c74c37bf1162_2048x2048.webp" data-image-fit="fill">May 12 (Theatre): Meeting the Wildfire Challenge: The Promise of Ecological and Socio-economic Resiliency &nbsp;Fire is an essential ingredient for healthy forests.&nbsp;Extensive community and economic infrastructure on the same landscape has required human-induced fire suppression which&nbsp;not only disrupts nature’s ecology but promotes the potential for catastrophic fires as we build more infrastructure on the landscape and climate change drives drier and hotter summers. Suppression, as a principal strategy for wildfire management, begs rethinking. This presentation explores new ideas and approaches in the name of “resilience” that are being actively explored by researchers, policy makers and firefighters to address ever- increasing wildfire catastrophes. “Resilience” is a concept founded in an understanding that fire is both a constructive and destructive force. The challenge is how to manage both realities with confidence so that a constructive balance can be established.&nbsp; &nbsp; Our speaker will be Dr. Jonathan O’Riordan, a former Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management in the British Columbia Provincial Government. Jon served 35 years in the public service, focusing professionally on environmental management and land and resource planning. He was&nbsp;an Adjunct Professor with the School of Community&nbsp;and&nbsp;Regional Planning at UBC and Research Director with the Climate Adaptation Team centred at Simon Fraser University. Dr. O'Riordan joined UVic’s POLIS’ Water Sustainability Project as a strategic water policy advisor in 2007; he focuses on provincial water policy reform and the ecological governance of water management&nbsp;in addition to his work on wildfire resiliency.Here are three publications for more information on the topic.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://poliswildfireproject.org/publications/learning-to-live-with-fire/">https://poliswildfireproject.org/publications/learning-to-live-with-fire/</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://poliswildfireproject.org/publications/beneficial-fire/">https://poliswildfireproject.org/publications/beneficial-fire/</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://poliswildfireproject.org/publications/cross-government-approach/">https://poliswildfireproject.org/publications/cross-government-approach/</a>February 10 (Room 2): Whither Books and “Booktown”: TheChanging Nature of Sidney’s Book Business and Reading Culture Sidney has been a member of the International Organization of Book Towns since 1996, in recognition of a large reading public and numerous bookstores. At one time, the town had ten bookstores, but this number has diminished over the years. Sidney’s book business remains vital, yet it operates in a different retail environment than it did thirty years ago—in fact, than it did a decade ago. This presentation will focus on trends in the publishing and book-selling industry, the forces that are shaping these, and implications for readers and sellers. Attention will be placed on the unique aspects of the Sidney and Greater Victoria market that is changing in both anticipated and unforeseen ways. Our speaker will be Cliff MacNeil-Smith, the current Mayor of Sidney, who will speak in his capacity as owner of Tanner Books in Sidney. Cliff has decades of experience in the book selling business.<img src="https://cdn.soloist.ai/f72002a2-b71a-4504-83e7-a68527d383e8/cc974d08-9a73-4a5f-9a1d-866feacc3168_2048x2048.webp" data-image-fit="fill">March 10 (Room 2): The Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare FoundationOur March 10 speaker will be Heather Edward, CEO of the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation [SPHF]. Heather will speak about the Foundation’s activities, as well as&nbsp;recent developments at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and related facilities in the area. The Foundation was initially founded in 1985 to raise funds for the fledging Saanich Peninsula Hospital and has&nbsp;succeeded in raising over $92 million for equipment, facilities, and programs at the Hospital in the ensuing years. They recently raised $15 million for enhanced acute care. Heather has been CEO of the SPHF since May 2024. She has an extensive background in the health care sector, including leadership roles in several organizations in Ontario. Heather earned an MA in Leadership from the University of Guelph.<img src="https://cdn.soloist.ai/f72002a2-b71a-4504-83e7-a68527d383e8/e53096c3-9215-4164-ad1b-77708c3b8f06_2048x2048.webp" data-image-fit="fill">April 7 (Room 2): Wowed by the Stars: New views of the Universe Through the Lens of Modern Astrophysics Humankind is making great strides in understanding the universe with numerous astronomical observatories around the world and in space. Dr. James Di Franseco will present five (or so) images that were released in 2025 that together illustrate the incredible scope and breadth of modern astrophysics.&nbsp;These images prospectively include the spectacular very first ones released by the new ultrawide-field Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile of&nbsp;galaxies, stars, and asteroids, amazing shots from the Atacama Large Millimetre Array and Very Large Telescope facilities also in Chile of protostars that appear to be forming planets, stunning new images by the James Webb Space Telescope of a nearby region in our Galaxy where stars are forming, and thrilling images from the Gemini South observatory of the new interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS.&nbsp;It will be a light show to remember. Our speaker will be Dr. James Di Francesco, Director, Optical Astronomy at HAA and Director of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. James earned a Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Texas (at Austin) based on research into the circumstellar environments of young stellar objects. He subsequently completed three-year postdoctoral stints at the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics, and at the University of California, Berkeley, expanding his research. James returned to Canada in 2002 to join the Millimetre Astronomy Group at the National Research Council’s Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre (HAA) in Victoria. He subsequently assumed directorships at HAA and the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. This presentation has been made possible through the appreciated assistance of the Centre of the Universe staffNov. 2025 Seeking Solutions in (Very) Turbulent Times<img src="https://cdn.soloist.ai/f72002a2-b71a-4504-83e7-a68527d383e8/adcad9f1-daf0-4db3-8a40-4c4acc786e12_2048x2048.webp" data-image-fit="fill">The geopolitical challenges today are seemingly endless. Indeed, from Washington, to Moscow, Beijing, Kyiv and beyond, countries are burning the midnight oil as they seek a way out of the turbulent times we live in.&nbsp;Over the past 18 months, our speaker travelled to Turkiye, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and Bhutan on official and semi-official visits, where he had a chance to sit down with numerous officials including Canada’s Ambassador to Turkiye, Kevin Hamilton to Taiwan’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Remus Li-Kuo Chen. Earlier this year, Chris also spent two weeks in Poland and Latvia, meeting officials from both countries and visiting members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are training Ukrainian military personnel and leading NATO’s Multinational Brigade in Latvia.&nbsp;During his talk, Chris will speak about his various visits, what he learned while on the ground and what are the key geopolitical minefields we should be on the lookout for moving forward.Chris Kilford, PhDChris is a member of the national board of the Canadian International Council, the editor (articles) of CIC’s online foreign policy magazine Open Canada, president of the CIC Victoria branch and a sessional professor with the Canadian Forces College where he teaches courses focused on Canadian foreign and defence policy. He also holds a PhD in history from Queen’s University with a focus on civil-military relations in the developing world.&nbsp;Chris also enjoyed a 36-year career in the Canadian Army, commanding 4th Air Defence Regiment, followed by various senior positions in the Department of National Defence, including Director, Future Security Analysis and Military Liaison Officer to the Senate Committee on National Security and Defence.&nbsp;From July 2009 until July 2010, Chris deployed to Canada’s Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan as the Deputy Military Attaché. On his return to Canada, he commenced Turkish language training, after which he was sent to Canada’s Embassy in Ankara as the Canadian Defence Attaché with cross accreditation to Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkmenistan. He was in this post from July 2011 until July 2014. Chris retired from the military in September 2014. Past Presentations Availabe for DownloadMay 13, 2024Thoughts on the New International Trade Order. Speaker: DR. JEN BAGGS, Professor and Acting Dean, Gustavson School ofBusiness | University of Victoria.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://probussidneybc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Sidney-Probus-May-13-Jen-Baggs.pptx">Powerpoint Presentation</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://probussidneybc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Feb-13th-Sidney-Probus-Club-pdf.pdf">February 13th, 2024</a>Speaker – Isobel Mackenzie, B.C. Seniors’ AdvocateTopic – Current Issues for B.C. Seniors<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://probussidneybc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Feb-13th-Sidney-Probus-Club-pdf.pdf">Download Presentation (scroll for slides)</a>

PROBUS SPEAKERS/PRESESENTATIONS:

<h3>May 13, 2024</h3>Thoughts on the New International Trade Order. Speaker: DR. JEN BAGGS, Professor and Acting Dean, Gustavson School ofBusiness | University of Victoria.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://probussidneybc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Sidney-Probus-May-13-Jen-Baggs.pptx">Powerpoint Presentation</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://probussidneybc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Feb-13th-Sidney-Probus-Club-pdf.pdf">February 13th, 2024</a>Speaker – Isobel Mackenzie, B.C. Seniors’ AdvocateTopic – Current Issues for B.C. Seniors<a target="_blank" rel="noopener" href="https://probussidneybc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Feb-13th-Sidney-Probus-Club-pdf.pdf">Download Presentation (scroll for slides)</a>

Past Presentations Availabe for Download

<h3>Community and Fellowship for Like-Minded Individuals</h3>The Probus Club of Sidney, BC offers a vibrant community for retired and semi-retired women and men who have held positions of responsibility and seek to maintain meaningful connections. Our club hosts monthly speaker meetings, exciting events, and a variety of interest groups tailored to the diverse passions of our members. Here, you can enjoy the fellowship of others who share your enthusiasm for lifelong learning and companionship.<h3>Diverse Activities and Member-Driven Interests</h3>At Probus Sidney, our activities are driven by the interests of our members. Whether you're interested in cultural outings, educational talks, or social gatherings, there is something for everyone. Our self-funded, non-profit, and non-political nature ensures that the club remains focused on providing enriching experiences without the pressures of fundraising or service obligations. With over 145 members, we foster an inclusive and welcoming environment where new friendships flourish.<h3>Global Network and Local Impact</h3>Joining the Probus Club of Sidney connects you to a global network of over 4,000 Probus clubs worldwide and more than 37,600 members globally, including over 250 clubs in Canada. This connection enhances the local experience with broader opportunities for engagement and knowledge sharing. If you know someone who might benefit from our community, we encourage you to invite them as guests to our meetings. Come and discover the many benefits of being part of Probus Sidney.<h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://probusglobal.org/">Probus Global</a></h3><h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.probuscanada.ca/">Probus Canada</a></h3>Executive and Officers&nbsp;– The Probus Club of Sidney BCExecutivePast President Colin HoodPresident Bob PhillipsPast President Ken MarshSecretary Joanna DrewryTreasurer Bob WitzelMembership Aldy Kristoffy /Management CommitteeWeb Administrator Holly RalphSpeakers Committee Barrie Dennis / Edd LeSage / John CottonEvents Committee Nancy Williams / Marnie Dennis /Valerie ParkNewsletter Pat CurrieCommunications Norah Franklin

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Join Probus Club of Sidney, BC, where retired and semi-retired individuals connect through monthly meetings, events, and diverse interest groups. Enjoy fellowship and expand your interests with like-minded members in a welcoming, non-profit community. Experience the vibrant spirit of Probus and make lasting friendships today.