October 2011 meeting: Gary Butler, president of a Probus club in Melbourne Australia who was visiting in the district, took the time to be our guest at the meeting. He reported briefly on his club which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Profiler was Jim Smith (same name as the Jim who was our President three years ago). Following electronics courses and work with G.E Jim and his brother started their own company making various items of electronic equipment. He remained with the company for 50 years before retiring. His sons now carry on the business.
Our main speaker was Doug Thomas, from the control section of Ontario Hydro. His section is designed to even out supply and demand for electricity during each 24-hour period. Demand swings occur because of weather and activity in the economy. Should domestic electricity supply be insufficient to meet demand electricity has to be bought from other provinces or U.S. States. If there is a surplus of electricity, electricity must be sold – if there is a market for it. He also discussed Ontario’s current 400 M.W. of wind power and problems with it, smart meters, and time of use issues. He cautioned about signing retail contracts as the fine print can be confusing.
November 2011 meeting: At the management meeting it was decided to stay at Maplegrove at least until year end 2012 when the rent will rise to $175. per meeting. At the member meeting activities chair Gunther Lutz announced that it appeared that attendance at the Christmas lunch would be over 100. A new member, Wolfgang Hartman, was introduced and inducted.
Our profiler was Harry Gillard. Growing up in the thirties was tough especially as Harry’s father had died. His first job was in the mail room at Imperial Oil but he was soon in the credit department at DuPont and doing well. He got married, built a house and had a family of two daughters. His job at Dupont took him to Quebec and then to Vancouver where the job ended. Undaunted Harry joined Alcan and wound up as general credit manager in Toronto before retiring.
Our main speaker was Bill Robertson. His son died in 2010 after a drug overdose. Bill decided to do something about the fast-growing drug problem among young people by putting together a very moving talk which he gave us entitled A Father’s Story.
The story is built around the opioid oxcycontin. This drug gives 12-hour pain relief and is often prescribed for dying patients in great pain. When young people take it they get a great feeling of euphoria. Continued use, however, results in less kick and the need to take more and more of the drug. And unfortunately if withdrawal is tried it has terrible effects.
Bill’s son had an accident in which he broke his front teeth. For relief of the pain he was given oxcycontin. He enjoyed the high he got and became hooked on the drug. To continue getting it he went deep into debt, stole from his father and in the end took his own life.
Bill is attempting to get his story into as many high schools as request it. He would, therefore, appreciate any help our members can give in getting his story into Oakville high schools and colleges.