Our own, indomitable Molly Russell will be hosting a celebration on the start of summer.  In her own words …

PIL Life Member, Bill Metcalfe, is the recipient of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award in recognition of his contribution to his community. This award is presented on behalf of His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada. The Caring Canadian Award, which was established by the former Governor General Romeo LeBlanc, recognizes individuals who volunteer their time to help others and to build a smart and caring nation.

Here is Bill’s narrative:

Bill Metcalfe is a man of many interests:  jazz, theatre, public speaking, and human nature, to name just a few.  But it is Probus that has become his great passion in recent years.

Bill grew up in Toronto, and served for five years in the Royal Canadian Air Force as an Aero-electrical technician.

In his professional career, Bill was a marketing and advertising executive, which might account for his deep interest in HUMOUR.  He spent the last 10 years of his career at the former Champion Road Machinery in Goderich, as Director of Marketing Services. Bill retired in 1988, and he and Mary then moved to Grand Bend.

But he continued his interest in business by working as a volunteer consultant in the Canadian Executive Services Overseas in China and Czechoslovakia. He also took an active part in various community projects around Grand Bend.

Bill and Mary have raised 9 children, and they now have 19 grand-children and 9 great grand-children.

In 1995, Bill joined with Don Tedford and others to form the Probus Club of Grand Bend and Area.  After serving a term as President of that club, Bill turned his attention to helping to establish other Probus clubs including the Women’s Probus Club of Grand Bend, and new clubs in Goderich, Exeter, and Forest.  He also facilitated the formation of new clubs in Strathroy and Naples, Florida.

Bill told me that what appealed to him most about Probus when he first learned about it, was that he wouldn’t have to do any work.  So I am a bit puzzled about Bill’s definition of ‘work’ or ‘no work’.

Above all, Bill is one of our area’s truly fine gentlemen.

The Executive of Partners in Learning can double-down on this praise for the “work” Bill did to create and support our organization. Well deserved Bill!

Nancy Winters
for the Lakeshore Advance, January 8, 2014

At its annual meeting on December 2, Partners in Learning elected a new execu­tive, celebrated two of its originators, and feasted in the tradition of the Christmas sea­son. Incoming President Jackie Southcott beckoned the membership into its winter session with the kind of enthusiasm this organization is famous for. “Partners gives us the opportunity to research new fields; to learn from our peers; to listen and be sym­pathetic, or not so sympathetic, to new points of view. We don’t have to agree, but we do have the opportunity to listen and reflect. We know enough to know there is always more to know. So I say to you, never stop learning! I believe that it’s the key to a richer life

She then invited the moderators of four winter courses to outline their plans for two five-week winter sessions. The first session,

beginning on January 6, will feature in the mornings “Canadian Heroes and Villains” and in the afternoons “What’s So Funny ­Investigating Humour’: Beginning Febru­ary 10, it will be “Ghosts, Goblins and Appa­ritions” in the mornings, and “Humanity in Crisis” in the afternoons. These courses are open to new members at any time, but are always more enjoyable right from the beginning.

Also at its meeting, Partners in Learning shone the spotlight of gratitude on John Merkies and Bill Metcalfe for having the vision to begin this organization. At every session, members understand anew why we needed this, and why John and Bill are to be praised for providing the opportunity.

Do come along to the Pinedale Motor Inn on Mondays at ten o’clock and/or two o’clock for some wonderful adventuring into learning. You will be warmed in heart and mind! Website at partnersinlearning.ca Or call 519-238-8800.

Good winter morning to you all and Happy New Year, too.

Attached is a reminder about the courses and the times.  We begin NEXT WEEK.  If you prefer, come to the meetings and sign up there. But we always like to know in advance who is coming.  Send your registration information  to the folks on the attached message.

Looking forward to some serious laughs!
Best
Nancy E. Winters

New Year’s Reminder

The Globe and Mail, December 21, 2013

… According to surveys by Volunteer Canada, an organization that encourages and facilitates community participation, older Canadians want to help others as part of their retirement; three out of every four boomer-aged volunteers get involved to put their skills and experience to good use – and to keep on learning.

This is why I got involved in Partners.
FYI from your Webmaster.

Southcott Pines Club House, December 2, 2013

Members and guests enjoyed a social get together and a pot luck lunch where no one goes hungry.  The group also heard about the upcoming winter course from the moderators.

Don Santor, in his captivating style, presented “Humanity in Crisis” as moderator, and “Heroes and Villains” for Suzanne Davidson

An enthusiastic Molly Russell talked about “Ghost and Goblins”.

Nancy Winters also got us interested in “What’s so Funny”.

Down to Business …

In addition to the usual administrative parts of the meeting, three items stand out. In recognition of their efforts starting up and supporting Partners in Learning in Grand Bend, John Merkies and Bill Metcalfe were awarded plaques and life membership.

Pictured from the left: Jim Southcott, Jackie Southcott, incoming President, Bill Metcalfe, John Merkies and Dinah Taylor, Past President.

Incoming President, Jackie Southcott, in her message presented a vision for “Partners”.  Here are some highlights of that speech.

• I believe that Partners In Learning offers us a community of caring and interested people to surround ourselves with.

• … what better place than Partners to share your dreams with us. Show us your passion; engage your audience with what makes you happy. It’s contagious you know.

• Partners gives us the opportunity to research new fields; to learn from our peers; to listen and be sympathetic, or not so sympathetic, to new points of view. … We don’t have to agree, but we do have the opportunity to listen and reflect. … We know enough to know there is always more to know. So I say to you, never stop learning! I believe that it’s the key to a richer life.

• Partners gives us the opportunity to explore and learn about different cultures, beliefs and customs of our world.

• … I challenge those of you who have as yet not felt comfortable enough to make a presentation to step forward as well. You can partner up with someone, or seek help from your moderator or go it alone with something that interests you…express your passion. We have a new slate of courses to interest everyone. We will be very proud of you, but more importantly, you will be very proud of yourself!

And last but not least a new executive was acclaimed.  A special thanks to Cam Taylor who is retiring as Treasurer / Registrar.  Welcome to Bob and Marlene.