John Kittle, a member of our Probus Club and a resident of Frontenac County, outlined the concerns and threats that uranium mining would pose for the residents of eastern Ontario, particularly those living on and east of the mining sites including the Mississippi River Watershed where  water borne radioactive particles could move through to the Ottawa River Watershed..  John’s  main focus was on the technical and  scientific aspects including long term health issues. He noted that in Frontenac and Lanark Counties over 30,000 acres have been staked in environmentally sensitive areas. The majority being crown land east and northeast of Crotch Lake which is the traditional territory of the Ardoch Algonquin and Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nations who have prevented  site drilling by the company since last June. John did not elaborate on the legal issues arising from the First Nations land occupation.

John is an active member of the “Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium” (CCAMU)
which has brought together a wide range of supporters who are calling on the Provincial Government to place an immediate moratorium against uranium exploration and mining in eastern Ontario similar to that put in place in Nova Scotia in the 1980's.  John noted that there is a very significant ground swell of support for a moratorium: many residents have signed CCAMU’s petition; to date seven townships/county councils have passed resolutions to petition the province; 3 of the local provincial riding candidates have provided letters of support and over 100 diverse organizations in Ontario and the USA also back the call for a moratorium.  They have brought the issue to the offices of Prime Minister Harper, Premier McGuinty and other Federal and Provincial Ministers concerned with Mining and Aboriginal Affairs.

In closing he stressed  that it is very important  to become knowledgeable of the issues and potential consequences and to ensure that local and provincial officials know of your concerns and views.

Notes from the Management Team

** November is the last chance to renew your Probus membership before it is opened up to new members on the waiting list.

The new by-laws will be mailed out to all members as soon as the list is finalized for this year.

 Copies of the Probus Centre Constitution  will be available at  one of the upcoming general meetings so that members may pick one up if desired.

The Octoberfest Dinner held on October 18th at The Perth Golf Course was a great success!

From the Newsletter Editor's Desk

Hi Probians,

 As with all things, there are changes a foot here in the Perth Probus Newsletter and Carol Trischuk has decided to move on to other adventures.  I have volunteered to become the Newsletter editor along with the help of some other Probus members who have agreed to be monthly reporters.  I have to admit that I am a bit leery of taking on this job, but Carol has assured me I’ll soon feel right at home.  Probians have a way of making a person comfortable and Carol or Colin Stephenson, our webmaster, are only a phone call or email away if I have any questions.

I would like to personally thank Carol for all her years working on the Probus newsletter.  She has done such an awesome job!!

I am looking forward to working with everyone.
Jeanne Nugent

Notes on Next Month's Speaker

Dan Black - Editor of the Legion Magazine

Speaking on: Generations of Remembrance from Vimy to Afghanistan

Dan gave a presentation to our Probus Club 6 years ago and because many members have expressed the opinion that we should have him back again, he has kindly consented to return.

He has had many experiences since his previous visit. He had quite an experience travelling with the 3,500 high school students who attended the 90th anniversary ceremonies at Vimy last April and he will share some of those with us along with other things. We hope that there will be a good turn out for that and it should be a good build up to November 11th and Perth's annual service of remembrance.

Our club will be placing a wreath at the cenotaph on that day as we do annually. Mike Hurren will place the wreath for us this year.

Special Events

December 13: Annual Christmas Dinner/ Party at the Legion and promises to be another special time for us. Denise will have a sign up sheet at the next Probus meeting.   It is $ 30.00 Per Person. Cocktail at 6 P.M. Dinner at 7 P.M.

June 3-6, 2008: Our spring/summer mini-vacation this year could be to Estrimont Suites in Orford, Quebec. This is a 4 day, 3 night trip which includes historical touring, St. Benoit Abbey, wine-tasting, honey factory tour, etc. The cost is $479/person which includes all transportation, taxes and service charges. Several other Probus clubs recommend this outing, so tell Denise as soon as possible that you will be on the bus!

Members of other Probus Clubs are welcome to join our special events. If you have ideas for new events or trips, please talk to Denise Mullins (267-3479).

Note: For all trips, the bus leaves from the Legion.

Visit our website: www.probusperth.ca

Happy Halloween !!