And they’re off!!! On September 26th, 40 Probus members and guests gathered at the Fort Erie Race Track for a day at the races. We began the event with a walk down to the paddock area to view the horses and jockeys as the horses were saddled and the jockeys mounted them before entering the track area.
We had tables reserved for us in the Turfside Dining Room right next to the large windows that overlook the track, so that we could eat, drink and socialize while viewing the races from our tables. These tables were ours for the duration of the races, so we could go outside to stretch our legs and watch some of the races up close whenever we wanted. We were very lucky with the warm and sunny weather…not necessarily as lucky with the betting, lol. Many of us lost a bit of money, though a few people did win, but regardless, it was a fun and (at moments) exciting social outing.

Our Probus Club gathered at Charles Daly Park on July 26th, a breezy, sunny day, for our Summer Picnic. 79 members came together making it a remarkable turnout. Everyone indulged in a delicious catered lunch enjoying the company of old and new friends in a beautiful setting by the lake. 
Adding to the fun, the Probus Band delivered an enjoyable performance, impressing the attendees with their musical talents! The picnic provided another opportunity for socializing, fostering connections and creating cherished memories. Kudos to the Special Events Team, and particularly to Judy Westell for organizing another memorable opportunity for club members to be together.
Photos courtesy of member Jim Chalcraft

Twenty-three people enjoyed an informative historical summary of the 19th century abolitionist and civil rights activity in St. Catharines. Detailed information of Salem Chapel and Harriet Tubman's role during this time was also provided.   
Rochelle Bush, our tour speaker, was a wealth of information.   
A wonderful relaxing lunch followed at the Butcher and Banker in Fonthill, which did a great job serving a group of 16. 

This link also provides an interesting story: http://salemchapelbmechurch.ca/index.html

We had large, enthusiastic group participate in the Niagara White Water Walk. The weather co-operated and 29 people did the walk with 16 continuing on to lunch. The scenery was fantastic and the roar of the water loud as we walked along the boardwalk, marveling at some of the world’s fastest rapids - Grade 6. This is also one of the very few places you can get so close to them! I believe everyone really enjoyed it.

On April 21st, 31 PROBUS members took the opportunity to tour the Niagara Christian Gleaners in Smithville. It is a non-profit organization that accepts huge quantities of imperfect produce that would have been ploughed back into the soil, processes it and sends it worldwide to countries in extreme need.  It was an impressive and fascinating process.  By the conversation at lunch at the Grill on Canboro that followed it was evident the tour was enjoyed by all and the Gleaners may have picked up some new volunteers!

A group of 16 PROBUS history buffs enjoyed a fun and informative tour at the Niagara Falls History Museum.  We were very pleased to have the museum’s curator Suzanne as our guide.  She gave an interesting talk about how tourism began in Niagara Falls.  She showed us many artifacts, including officer uniforms from the war of 1812 along with stories of soldiers and children who served in the war.  We learned about Charles Blondin – the first tight-rope walker to walk across the Falls, and all his crazy stunts to attract attention on the tight-rope.  Lastly, we visited the Repository (”the vault”) in the basement.  Many historical paintings, artifacts and books are kept here under special climate-controlled conditions in order to keep the items preserved.  Several of us were keen to go back for a second visit at the main museum, to nose around on our own.
 
This museum is one of 3 in Niagara Falls.  This location will have an addition at the back of the building, “The Exchange”, due to open this summer.  The Exchange will house a newly-designed farmers’ market and areas for workshops such as wood working.  This development will also become a vibrant centre of activity in the community by providing shared spaces where artists, musicians, food vendors and patrons, and local businesses can come together and create.
 
Lunch afterward at Chuck’s Roadhouse on Ferry Street was really good and our server was excellent.  We pre-ordered lunch for our group and this made the waiting time for our meals very short.  As usual, our group was lively and happy to be together.

On Friday, Dec. 9, 62 of our members enjoyed a wonderful Christmas lunch at the Peninsula Lakes Golf Club, consisting of a refreshing green salad, delicious turkey entrée with all the trimmings and a wonderful crème brûlée for dessert. We were sorry to miss several members who could not attend due to accident or health reasons and wish all of you who were not able to be there a pleasant and happy holiday.