Good day Probians! Since June is traditionally the end of the academic year, our summer started in sharp contrast. Ann and I celebrated three different achievements. First, our eldest grandson (18) graduated (or commenced) from his High School in Connecticut amid great ceremony. Then our youngest grandson (11) celebrated his graduation from Junior School in Virginia by becoming an International Baccalaureate student when he starts Middle School in September. Finally our second youngest grand daughter (5) completed kindergarten so we took her to the movies to see Mr Popper’s Penguins. I don’t think that movie will figure in the reports of our intrepid movie reviewer, Harold Erlendson!

Also in June some of us joined with members of the other local Probus clubs to hear a very special speaker. Brian Clarke was in the World Trade Centre on 9/11 when the first highjacked plane hit. His account of that day was compelling. Not only did he escape the building (one of very few from his level and above) but, as he descended, he rescued a man trapped in debris on a lower floor and took him down to safety. Brian spoke modestly and acted courageously and gave a talk never to be forgotten.

Finally a word of gratitude to RoyMcEwen. He organized our excellent breakfast meeting at the Quality Inn (also in June) and also volunteered to take over as Chair of the Communications Committee following Wib Erwin’s retirement after many years of faithful service. Thank you, Wib and thank you, Roy.

Enjoy our all too short summer.
– MikePallant