Special events coordinator, Denise Mullins reported on possible arrangements for a summer Gananoque Theatre/Boat Tour outing--”Forever Plaid” musical—Bus would cost about $24 and the Boat about $20. She will provide more details later.

Keith Brown wanted to get an idea of who would be interest in going to the RCAF warplane museum at Trenton. The admission is free, but visiting times are restricted. April 8th or 15th are the tentative dates. He is taking names and would like to know as soon as possible who plan to attend and whether or not to order a bus. Call Keith @ 613 264-2026.

Many of our members are heavily involved in other community activities. No exception is John Gittens who contributes his talents to local theatre. John reported that the January 31st “Perth Has Talent” show at the “Studio Theatre" will showcase local singers, actors and dancers. The “Studio Theatre” will also be presenting “Buddy Holly Lives”, music many Probians will recall with fond nostalgia from their youth. John has created a website that gives you all the entertainment events in our town at www.perthentertainmentnow.net

Similarly, Ian Doig, another stalwart and longtime contributor to the community, announced that the Perth Museum's annual fundraising dinner (choice of chicken, salmon or vegetarian) would be held at Code's Mill on Feb. 21st with an Irish theme and entertainment. Tickets are $55 with $25 considered as a charitable donation. Probians can obtain tickets from Ian (613) 264-2707.

Colin Stephenson's pitch for newsletter volunteers resulted in Helen Black volunteering for the Feb. issue of the Probian, Orion Clark for March, Glen Pettinger for April, Don Sherwin for May and Audrey Cole for the Summer edition. Both Colin and the Club are thankful for your participation. Colin kindly offered his assistance in the computer generation of the publication.

Story Teller Susan Code

Susan Code, author, editor, ghost walk leader, actor, mother, researcher, etc. gave a background of the harsh living conditions along the Rideau Canal route in the 1820's and then gave her poetic reading taken from the writings of John McTaggart who led a canal route survey party in winter. She followed up with her writing based on an account in the Bathurst Courier of a winter party and dance hosted by canal contractors, Phillips & White and concluded with her ghost story concerning Isaiah Crouch who farmed on the bank of the Rideau (near Kilmarnock) in pre-canal days. Following Ms Code's entertaining and informative talk, she made available her book on tales of early Perth, “A Matter of Honour”. Susan was thanked by Ian Doig.

• April 8 or 15, 2009 ~ Keith is planning a trip to the RCAF Museum in Trenton, but details are not yet finalized.
• May 27, 2009 is the date chosen for our outing to the Gananoque Playhouse, to see the show, "Forever Plaid".
• June 15, 2009 ~ Golf Tournament to be organized again by Glen Pettinger.

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 (613-267-3479). Note: For all trips, the bus leaves from the Legion.