Retirement sounds like a dream; but for many it can be a devastating shock. As a high school teacher Dave Elms had spent 33 years shaping young minds and thriving in the energy of a busy high school.
But when retirement arrived, the silence was deafening.
The social buzz had faded, and he found himself wondering, now what? Dave says I was a high school teacher who was interacting with 40 staff members and 200 students. And suddenly when I retired, I had nothing. I jumped around to a couple of part-time jobs but there was no social aspect to it. And it got to the point where my wife told me to get out of the house and I had to do something.”
Then one morning, Dave came across a small article in the newspaper about the Men’s PROBUS Club of Newmarket. PROBUS (short for Professional and Business) is a group for retired and semi-retired professionals looking to stay connected, engaged, and entertained. From the moment Dave walked into his first PROBUS Club meeting in Newmarket the easy conversations over coffee made him feel like he belonged. As the PROBUS Club’s Membership Chair, Dave is now the one helping new retirees find their own lifeline, just as he did.
Desire for connection
When he retired, Richard Furlong had an experience similar to Dave Elms. He says, “I travelled all my life for business and once I retired, I lost my social contacts in business. My social contacts were one-third business, one-third family, and one-third friends. Suddenly, I lost one-third of my social contacts.”
A friend at the curling rink urged Richard to attend a PROBUS meeting. At his first meeting, Richard discovered a place where retirees gather, not just to pass the time, but to truly enjoy it. Richard says, “The conversations, engaging guest speakers, and easygoing atmosphere makes each meeting something I looked forward to. I find that members thrive on the 30 minutes of social time in between the business of the meeting and the guest speaker.”
Today, as the Club’s Marketing Chair, Richard is on a mission; spreading he word and encouraging other retires across York Region to join.
The Men’s PROBUS Club of Newmarket
The Men’s PROBUS Club of Newmarket just might be York Region’s “Best Kept Secret.”
While most people have not idea it exists, members say it’s a hidden gem. The highlight of the meeting is the guest speaker who discusses topics that matter to retirees. From “Estate Planning for Seniors” to “Tech Uncomplicated”, the club keeps members informed and entertained. But what really has Dave and Richard buzzing is the talk on ‘The Story of the Avro Arrow” by Tim Speed, an educator at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. Richard adds, “Often, one of our members will give a brief history of their life and interests which helps to promote fellowship.”
PROBUS is a global social club for retired and semi-retired individuals who enjoy the friendship of others. The Men’s PROBUS Club of Newmarket was established in 1991 and there are two additional clubs in Newmarket for women. Newly sponsored clubs will now welcome both men and women.
Invitation to a meeting
The PROBUS Club of Newmarket currently has about 80 members and is issuing an invitation to the wider York Region community to come to one of their meetings. Dave says, “Gentlemen wishing to see what we’re about are invited to attend a meeting free of charge. After the meeting, many of us go to lunch at one of our local restaurants. It’s a social event.”
The group meets at the Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 426 in Newmarket on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, between 10am and Noon. The next meeting is on Wednesday, March 19th. There is a small annual fee to cover the cost of coffee and speaker honorariums. Think of it as a club where the only requirement is a desire to enjoy good conversation, intriguing guest speakers, and the camaraderie of like-minded individuals. There are no fundraising pressures, no mandatory volunteer hours – just fellowship and fun. Non-members can simply drop in and women are welcome to listen to the guest speakers.
Magic in fellowship
In Canada, there are about 240 PROBUS clubs with about 34,000 members. The Men’s PROBUS Club of Newmarket offers a welcoming space at the Royal Canadian Legion where members gather to share stories, learn new things, and build lasting friendships. Besides the general membership, PROBUS has a dedicated Management Committee (MC) that plays a crucial role in shaping the club’s success. The MC isn’t just about administration, it’s a tight-knit group where friendships flourish. One member put it best, “You check your ego at the door when attending a meeting.”
Beyond the meetings, there are plenty of social events and group outings. Richard says, It’s a lifeline for a lot of our members. We also have a hiking group that meets every Thursday where about 15 people hike on different trails throughout York Region.” Membership is a fantastic way to replace the social aspects of working life with something just as fulfilling. You’ll find a diverse group of men with fascinating backgrounds, each bringing their own stories and perspectives.
The Men’s PROBUS Club of Newmarket has a marvelous website, designed and developed by member Sunny Lau, that is updated monthly with speaker schedules and event details. To stay up to date on guest speakers and club news, visit the Men’s PROBUS Club of Newmarket website.
Major Jim Parks
One of those fascinating members is Major Jim Parks who hit an incredible milestone on September 22nd 2024 when he turned 100 years old. The PROBUS Club members, friends, family, and dignitaries honoured a man who had given so much.
Major Parks’ story is the kind you read about in history books; except he lived it. He was part of the first wave of Canadian soldiers who stormed Juno Beach on D-Day, to help liberate Europe. Major Parks is featured in a WW2 documentary being produced in France. Despite his age, Major Parks stills drives and attends most PROBUS meetings. He often says that the highlight of his month is looking forward to the next meeting. His family credits PROBUS with keeping him socially engaged and mentally sharp.
A new adventure
The Men’s PROBUS Club of Newmarket is proof that retirement isn’t the end of the road; it’s just the beginning of a new adventure. It encourages retirees to stay connected and engaged.
So, if you’re retired or semi-retired and looking to enrich your social life, why not attend a Men’s PROBUS Club of Newmarket monthly meeting.
You’ve worked hard and now it’s time to enjoy the rewards of great company, stimulating discussions, and a community that values lifelong learning and friendship.
Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday each month at Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 426, 707 Srigley Street, Newmarket (Everyone is welcome)
Interested in becoming a member visit here.