PROBUS Club of the Gateway

President's Message
July 2026

Dear Members

OH CANADA!

Let me wish every one of you a very Happy Canada Day! There are so many great things about being Canadian including having the legal right to say " I'm sorry", knowing what a " double double" is and of course wearing shorts the minute it hits 10 degrees Celsius. Its been a typical season change in Canada. We went from winter, directly to summer in one week. Spring was a fleeting moment in time. 

Shorts will certainly be the order of the day during the heat wave this week as you celebrate the holiday. Whatever your plans are with family and friends, be careful, stay cool and stay hydrated. And remember to wear the red and white.

We have so many reasons to be proud of our country and proud to live in such a wonderful area. Even better, Collingwood Ontario has been voted the Happiest Town in Ontario. One of the reasons is the multitude of year round outdoor and indoor activities the area has to offer. Excellent participation in our activity sector is living proof as our clubs grow in numbers. As an example, just this past week 18 people showed up for the Monday morning walking club. There definitely is a club and activity for everyone. Just check our website and join in. 

I hope you will be able to join us at the General Meeting at the Legion on July 21st. We have been fortunate to have terrific guest speakers and this month is no exception. Hope Haven will be be presenting " Where Hope Lives" Hope operates a therapeutic equestrian riding centre on 142 scenic acres next to the Beaver Valley.

My year as President is flying by. I have been  so proud to lead and serve our members.  October and the start of a new year is just around the corner. We are strong in numbers and have a waiting list of people eager to join the best Probus Club in Collingwood. However we will only continue to be the best if we have people committed to serve. The very dedicated nucleus of our Management Team have been in place for some time, bringing you quality speakers and outstanding social events and activities. They cannot however serve forever. We need people to step up, or the future or our club could be in jeopardy. Please give thought to how you may give back. It may simply be to lead a club or activity. We do however need future Management Committee Members to lead us into the 2030's. We are not asking a lot of your time as the support and systems are there to help. However, we do need new blood and new ideas to keep our club vital.

There are many events to enjoy in the area today including a pancake breakfast, bike parade and free music in downtown Collingwood, and of course nothing says July 1st like fireworks. Enjoy displays in both Collingwood harbour and  Blue Mountain at approximately 10 pm. tonight. Once again Happy Canada Day everyone, and GO CANADA in the World Cup.

Ray Scott

President