May 14 marked five years since the first meeting of the Blue Sky Probus Club of North Bay and members gathered to celebrate with a potluck BBQ lunch at the St. Joseph’s Motherhouse.
"Our members are a great group of people who are committed to staying mentally and physically active," said Lori McDowell, the club President “Being part of a social group is an important factor in healthy aging and, in the process, we learn, make new friends and have a lot of fun!”
Among the event attendees were; 17 Charter members, three of the original Management Committee (Howard Kizell, President; Greg Godin, Vice President; and Ray Dubeau, Secretary), and Jeff Serran, Past President. Martin Capper, Past President PROBUS Canada also attended to present the club’s five-year certificate.
For those unfamiliar with Probus, the club’s purpose is strictly social – no fundraising, no politics, and no religion. All are welcome and the only requirements to join are you need to be retired or semi-retired and live in the area.
There are over 240 Probus clubs across Canada, two of which are in North Bay. Blue Sky was formed in 2019 when the Probus Club of North Bay reached capacity and was closed to new members. Blue Sky now boasts 100 members and growing.
Members range in age from their 50s to their 80s and possibly older (the club doesn’t request or track age information). Members meet in-person on the second Tuesday of every month to catch up, socialize, and hear from a guest speaker.
Throughout the month there are; walking groups, outdoor activities such as snowshoeing and paddling, book club, dining out events, coach bus excursions, and any other activities a member wants to organize. Members participate as much or as little as they like and the two Probus clubs in North Bay cooperate and share activities to maximize socializing opportunities for members.
For more information or to attend a meeting, email [email protected].
