November 19th, 2025

Phil Craig, co-owner of the Military Museum in Keswick, a CBC actor who has performed in Stratford, and a master story teller gave us a presentation called ” D Day 80 years on”. With a masterfully written script, he used his acting skills to transport us to the events leading up to and including that historic D Day. With stories from actual soldiers, he brought to life that eventful time in history, never to be forgotten.

October 15th, 2025

Wendy McQuaig introduced us to her historical novel, “Behind the Pickle Jar”. Wendy has been a psychotherapist for 35 years, practicing in Orillia and loves reading, writing and driving her horse cart. Over many years she had been spending her free time working on her ideas about the book. The premise of the book is about a family who decide to move out of the city and rent a country home. They find an old diary from 1900, and the book follows what life was like in the past, as well as in the characters’ present life. She spoke of the differences in lifestyles and how we could all learn from the simplicity of the past to help us navigate the complexities of modern day life.

September 17th, 2025

Henry Reinders , a dairy farmer, and graduate from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, gave us a history of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. After retiring from farming, he got involved with the Foodgrains Bank and became chair and treasurer, and now Ontario Regional Representative. Although he plans to retire soon from his position, he was glad to pass on the achievements that were accomplished during his time there. We saw a video of just what was done in Africa to help the people learn the science of farming in order to increase productivity, and a better standard of living. He is leaving knowing that the organization is still carrying on the work around the world where people are in need.

August 20th, 2025

Tim Burrows, a retired VP from Forty Creek Distilleries, with a career at Chateau-Gai Wines, gave us a wonderful lesson on “how to get in the alcohol business” by teaching us the differences in the making of beers, wine and liquors. He also pointed out the marketing strategies involved with each product. Although I don’t think we’ll be rushing out to start a career in the business, with fun stories and facts, he made it an interesting presentation.

Wednesday June 18th, 2025

Laura MacKenzie from K9Country Inn Service Dogs.  “Paws with Purpose, Dogs with Dedication” – K9 Country Inn take pride in helping people regain their independence through service dogs.  K-9 Country Inn has over 40 years of experience, providing service dogs for PTSD, Mobility, Medical Alert, and Autism needs as well they are in partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada, supporting veterans and first responders.  Do you know what the difference is between service and therapy dogs?  Laura shared with us the difference and also an overview of their program.  She brought with her several of her teams – the dog and owner to share with us their stories.

May 21st, 2025

David Hawke- A longtime outdoors educator and columnist, who had recently been recognized with an Ontario Nature Conservation Award shared with us – “Horse High, Pig Tight and Bull Strong: The Overlooked History of Fences in Ontario“.  He highlighted the interesting role that fences have played over the years, and their historical shaping of our countryside. We learned that the oldest law in Ontario is the “Line Fences Act” and it’s still in play today, and of fence types and how the natural landscape has had to adapt to these intrusions. This topic was well presented and very much enjoyed.

April 16th, 2025

Angie Sandow , who is a one-handed motorcyclist, musician, breast cancer survivor and inspirational speaker, presented to us her message on life. ” Life isn’t about limitations, it’s about possibilities.” With humor, grit and raw storytelling, she inspired us to look at our own life issues and see them in a new light’

March 19th, 2025

Barbara Dickson, the author “Bomb Girls”, and her husband David, co-chair of the Bomb Girl Legacy Foundation, gave a heart felt presentation about “Irish Memorials In Canada”. They told us about how the Irish people helped to build Canada, especially the canal systems. They took us though a part of our Canadian history, showing how the Irish people left a lasting legacy through their courage, tenacity and tragic personal loss during the time of the Irish famine.

February 19, 2025

February was black history month, and Sheila White came to speak to our group. She is the author of “The Letters: Postmark Prejudice in Black and White”. Her story is of her parent’s inter-racial marriage in the early 40s/50s, and the discrimination and prejudices they faced in Canada. The courage, determination, and the strong character they exhibited through their life became examples for their children and the many lives that they touched. It was more than just a love story, it was a glimpse of history and how people can make positive outcomes.

January 15th 2025

Officers Kristal and Clint gave us an insight into auto theft prevention and current trends in our communities. The presentation was supported by data and maps, as well as real life stories. They gave helpful tips on how to minimize the chances of it happening to us. They provided us with Faraday Bags to block the signal from our car fobs.

Nov 20,2024

Bob Mcguire spoke to us about the history of the War Amps. Going back to the end of the 1st world war, and continuing to this day, War Amps has helped veterans who have had a loss of limbs thrive with their disabilities by supplying prosthetics and counseling. Another program called CHAMPS helps children, with defective or missing limbs by birth, or through accidents, to acquire prosthetics and counseling. They also reach out to children in schools and on tv to educate them to “Play Safe” and avoid accidents. Bob, being born with a hand defect, was a member of the CHAMP program, and has credited it with getting him to the success he is today. He feels it an honor to be working for this organization.

October 16,2024

Ron Brown took us on a historical walk to ” Ontario’s Ghost Towns” with lots of pictures and stories. He has authored many books which include “Ontario’s Ghost Town Heritage” and has travelled across Canada, having accumulated a vast stock of photographs. His presentation reminded us how the passage of time has changed the landscape of our country.

September 18,2024

Brenda Pufek and Tiffany Tyrell-Shand from CONTACT Community Services gave us an insight into what services are available through CONTACT . We saw a video showing how clients appreciated the needed help that they provided. They informed us how they engage seniors in the community. Working with people who are looking for jobs and employers, they get them together to help facilitate this need.

Aug 21,2024

Back by popular demand, Daniel Aonso gave us a very interesting presentation on music in movies. He showed us that from the beginnings of early black and white movies to the block-busters we see on the big screen today, that the soundtrack can make a poor movie good and a good movie great. He demonstrated that by using clips from his favorite movies and music composers. His passion for movies and music made for an entertaining morning.

July 17, 2024

Ian Hamilton, the Canadian Mystery writer, entertained us with wonderful stories about his life and journey as an author. He’s been a journalist, a senior civil servant and an entrepreneur in the seafood business. After spending some time in the hospital, he realized it was time to pursue an interest in novel writing. Using his experiences in travelling world wide and extensively in China and Hong Kong, he developed a character who is a Chinese Canadian lesbian forensic accountant and has written 17 books in the Ava Lee series that have won many awards and published in 8 languages in 20 countries. He has also published 4 books in the Uncle Chow Tung Series.

June 19, 2024

Bill Anderson who is known as the flagman, gave us a very interesting presentation of the history of the Olympics. He had an array of flags that was shown to illustrate the host countries. He highlighted the contribution of Canadians throughout the years. With added historical images, he kept us all entertained.

May 15, 2024

Graeme Davis R.P.F. , Forester at the County of Simcoe Forestry Department, gave us a educational talk on the 100+ year history of the County Forest program. He covered topics including the early European settlement and the impact on woodland resources. He touched on Forest Agreements, management priorities, objectives and growth of the program. He explained to us the benefits of sustainable forest management.

April 17,2024

Lorrie Reynolds is the Director of the Central Regional Cancer Program and the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake Regional Health Centre. The story of her life-changing journey touched the hearts of all the listeners at our meeting, and showed us how all our struggles, big or small can be turned into something positive.

March 20, 2024

Author John Arnone shared with us the release of the second edition of his book “Us and Them” . He shared with us many stories from the book about little known connections with the Beatles and Canada.

February 21, 2024

We didn’t have a speaker this month because we wanted to focus on getting to know each other for Valentine’s Day. The Secret Pal was revealed to everyone who participated in this event. We were seated at tables which were randomly picked and through games, we got to meet some people who we might not have known. It was interesting to hear how people celebrated Valentine’s Day be it with a spouse, a good friend, family members or even a beloved pet.

January 17, 2024

Jenna Wickens spoke to us on the topic of ageism. Her presentation was lively and interesting. Through both poetry and prose, she advocates for the encouragement and resiliency found in others. Jenna is passionate about her faith, puns, and people. She wants people to know that they are valued and firmly believes that the greatest superpower is hope.

November 15, 2023

Jonathon Reid has worked as a filmmaker, English teacher, freelance writer, magazine editor, and a partner in a magazine publishing firm.  Jonathon Reid is also the son of John Reid, a Canadian war hero who survived the Battle of Hong Kong only to be held prisoner of war for over 2 years in a Japanese prison camp.  John Reid saved scores of lives as doctor and commanding officer of the Canadian POW’s in Japan.

Jonathon Reid wrote a book “The Captain was a Doctor” to honour his father, to tell his father’s compelling story.  This book is a well-written account, carefully researched from his Father’s own papers and other records sharing his Father’s courage and character in the greatest adversity.  

(left to right: Bob Holmes, Jonathan Reid, Cynthia Riley. Photo by Val Liney)

October 18, 2023

Mario Rea is the president of the Borden Racing Pigeon Club which is one of the oldest clubs in Ontario and the third largest club in Ontario with 23 members.

Mario has been racing pigeons since 1967 and racing on the west course of the US. Mario spoke about the history of pigeons, their use in the war and other important functions. He spoke about what is entailed in getting racing pigeons ready for the race and care  required to ensure they remain healthy.

September 20, 2023

Sara den Bok along with her daughter Leah den Bok were our guest speakers.  Sara den Bok was found on the streets of Kolkata, India when she was only three years old, and was brought to Mother Teresa’s orphanage. She was later adopted by a Canadian family.  Leah was inspired by her mother’s story and has shone a spotlight on the plight of homelessness. Leah spoke to us about her current projects and photographs. You can learn more about her work at https://www.humanizingthehomeless.org/

August 16, 2023

Debra Spilar, Procyon Wildlife & Rescue Centre. Debra has worked at the centre for 14 years. She is enthusiastic and passionate about her work. She spoke about the centre’s mission to work with communities in an effort to help wild animals in need of care. The goal is to rescue, rehabilitate and safely release these animals back into their natural environment, and to promote public appreciation for wildlife preservation.  Each year, Procyon Wildlife looks after hundreds of orphaned and injured wild animals

July 19, 2023

Lynn Holden took us on an amazing journey across our beautiful country.  Lynn spent forty years visiting and photographing the twenty UNESCO world heritage sites  located across Canada.  UNESCO is dedicated to giving both cultural and natural locations of significance the protection and recognition they deserve. Lynn wrote a book about her adventures in travelling to all the sites. Her enthusiastic and engaging presentation was an inspiration to travel and see the natural beauty and history of our great country of Canada.

June 21, 2023

James Leduc is serving his first term as Mayor of Bradford West Gwillimbury. James has been in office for the past 18 years, serving as the Deputy Mayor and as Councillor.
As a long time resident of BWG, James has a deep understanding of the essence of our community and the road map to help optimize our ability to work, live and thrive in BWG.
Fiscal accountability along with municipal transparency are James priorities for the constituents he serves.
James is a valuable leader for us, as he truly has the community’s best interest at heart and is enthusiastic about what the future holds.
https://www.townofbwg.com

May 17, 2023

Daniel Aonso – Icons of Canadian Popular Music- Explore how popular music has been shaped by Canada. Daniel Aonso received his BFA from York University in 2015, focusing on Classical Piano. He has also taught piano, guitar, drums, saxophone, music theory, and music history to students since 2012. As part of Circles Enrichment, Daniel has given talks on popular music, with topics such as: Frank Sinatra, Big Band Jazz, The Beatles, Folk Music, The Music of Canada, and The Music of Hollywood. As well as having a passion for Rock music, Daniel’s academic interests are focused around music for film, television, and video games.

April 19, 2023

Brian Anderson has been a police officer for 22 years, spent between front line, criminal investigations unit, intelligence, drug enforcement and now k9 for the last 10 years.  His partner, Bauer is a Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd Cross. Bauer will turn 7 on May 11th.  

Photo taken by Mikki Buckley

March 15, 2023

Elaine Charal – The Power of the Pen –   

Elaine Charal is a Toronto based Certified Graphologist (hand-writing analyst), keynote speaker, and media personality.  On January  2018 Elaine was featured on Breakfast Television to celebrate National Handwriting Day.   

Elaine has also worked with over 150 companies for more than 20 years as a Certified Graphologist, analyzing handwriting and assisting companies in making their hiring decisions.  Elaine will share her knowledge with our members at our March meeting as well as offering to do handwriting analysis for our members. 

Photo taken by Val Liney