PROBUS Club of the Gateway

I cannot believe how fast this year has gone by. It seemed just yesterday that I joined the executive and began this amazing journey.

It all started when Marlene Dewey asked me to get involved as Second Vice President. I was flattered and nervous at the same time. After some deliberation, I accepted and was honored to do so. I have met so many amazing people.

It started with Tom Ellis, who was President at the time. Tom and I attended a district manager meeting in Wasaga Beach where we learned how other clubs were becoming automated. This was the start of a great journey for our club. Thanks Tom.

I next worked alongside Lindsay Richards as President. It was a great experience learning her art of detail and patience. She taught me a lot about meeting procedures and professionalism. Lindsay also formed the Welcoming Committee and with her team, began making new members feel welcome and very much appreciated.

Joan Meleskie was truly a godsend. Joan was by my side every step of the way as Vice President. She led the way in the automation implementation. From research to programming, Joan led her team through all the ups and downs. She was steadfast in her pursuit, covering every detail. Joan also arranged monthly Tales of Interest speakers. Thank you so much, Joan.

Ray Scott, as Second Vice President, was so dependable in maintaining communication between members and the activity committees. He kept members aware of what was available. Thank you, Ray.

Jane Wallace as secretary was so helpful in keeping our executive meetings in order by recording all the details of what was said. Her art of taking minutes of our sometimes-chaotic meetings, truly amazed me. She captured every detail communicated.

Our Treasurer, Wendy Rawson, has been doing this for a few years now. She kept us solvent and organized financially. She helped us make hard decisions when needed. Thank you so much Wendy for your expertise.

The Membership Committee, headed by Ida and David Warren has been keeping our membership in order. They collected annual dues and maintained a current membership roster. I know you have been doing this for several years. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. Thank you to both of you.

The heart and soul of our Probus of The Gateway, has to be our Social Committee, co-chaired by Janice Martin and Robin Campbell,

I would like to thank you and your team for all your hard work and dedication. You have given us endless events over the past years. You never seem to run out of ideas to present to the club. I appreciate your efforts so much.

Let me not forget the Speakers Committee, which is co-chaired by Caron Czorny, Chyvonne McKinnon and Mary Ellen McNaught.

Members truly look forward to the interesting and informative speakers every month at our general meetings. They have also surveyed our members to ensure that these speakers meet our needs. Thank you so much.

I would like to thank Steve Kruspe for joining the team and assisting in keeping the website up to date. His expertise has helped us immensely. Thank you, Steve.

Last but not least, there are three people I want to thank, because our meetings could not take place without their assistance. Wayne Simpson, John Steele and Richard Dewey. They handle all the audio-visual equipment which enhances our monthly general meetings.

These are just some of the people I have met over the last three years that have made this experience so rewarding. There are many others that I may not have mentioned, but certainly not forgotten.

It has been a blast working and meeting with all of you. I hope to continue to see all of you in the months and years ahead. I will be away in October but will return in November. I look forward to seeing you all then.

President
Doug Brenner