Escarpment PROBUS Club of Milton upcoming events

June General Meeting (Wed, June 17, 2026)

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Lunch Bunch: Ned Devine's Irish Pub, 575 Ontario Steet South
WA admin: Diane Comstock

Speaker: John and Liz Challinor

Topic: Development of Milton

While likely best known as a Milton councilor for the past 23 years, John Challinor II is also a local historian and former President, Milton Historical Society.

He has served as one of Milton's historians since 1999, co-writing three books of local history with his former writing partner, the late Jim Dills, and editing numerous others, including the late Honourable James Snow's auto-biography. He also contributes to the History Behind Milton Street Names on FM101 Milton every Monday with Cameron Wilkinson.

John and his wife Liz will speak about the development of Milton through the years.

Please use the correct ticket type when registering:

Option 1 - Meeting only (no max)
Option 2 - Meeting and Lunch Bunch (max 25 members)

Cancelled - July General Meeting (Wed, July 15, 2026)

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:30:00 GMT

WA admin: Diane Comstock

Meeting is cancelled due to Annual Picnic.

August General Meeting (Wed, August 19, 2026)

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Lunch Bunch: ??
WA admin: Diane Comstock

Speaker: George S. Takach

Topic: Supporting Taiwan, Why It Matters to Global Democracy

Taiwan is a very important country that Canadians don’t know enough about. Taiwan is a first-rate democracy with a vibrant civil society that adheres to the rule of law; it has a population accepting of religious, gender and sexual diversity; it has a health care system that is the envy of Asia; it has a culture that fuses east and west; and it boasts 175 universities and colleges on an island smaller than Vancouver Island. In terms of strategic geopolitics, Taiwan is indispensable to the democracies because it produces over 90 % of the most advanced semiconductor chips used in the world, including the critical chips that run the most powerful artificial intelligence software in civilian and military applications. Unfortunately for Taiwan and the rest of the world, the autocracy in Beijing claims Taiwan to be part of China, and Xi Jingping threatens to take over the small island by military force if necessary. The Economist magazine has called Taiwan the most dangerous place in the world.

In his new book, Inspired By Taiwan, former lawyer and now author and geopolitical analyst George S. Takach, discusses Taiwan and its outsized importance to geopolitics and countries all over the globe, including Canada. The book contains numerous pictures taken by George and his wife when they explored the island nation on a study trip, during which George did many of the interviews for the book. In his presentation, using some images taken from the book, George will highlight what Canadians need to know about this marvelous, very relevant and dangerously situated country, including the critical posture of the United States and President Trump towards Taiwan. George makes the case that the world’s democracies should support Taiwan in order to keep the peace in Asia. George also argues that Canada has a lot to learn from Taiwan, given Canada’s own challenges with a much larger neighbour that is threatening Canada’s own wellbeing. After his presentation, there will be a chance for questions and discussion.

George will bring copies of Inspired By Taiwan for purchase and signing (he is able to sell them at a material discount to the price at bookstores and on Amazon). All of George’s proceeds from the book’s sales go to Camp Scugog, a charitable camp dedicated to serving kids in difficult circumstances - campscugog.org (George was a camper at Camp Scugog in the early 1960’s…..:)

George has undergrad and law degrees from the University of Toronto, and an MA from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. He practiced technology law for 35 + years as a partner at McCarthy Tétrault. During his legal career he was also an Adjunct Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School for 22 years, a columnist for Lexpert Magazine, and wrote three books on tech/law topics. Currently he is a Senior Fellow of the Bill Graham Centre for Contemporary History at the University of Toronto. George now writes books on technology and geopolitics for a general audience, including Cold War 2.0: Artificial Intelligence in the New Battle Between China, Russia and America, which was published in 2024 (the Chinese-language version of the book came out in 2025). His latest book is Inspired By Taiwan, published by Sutherland House Press.

Please use the correct ticket type when registering:

Option 1 - Meeting only (no max)
Option 2 - Meeting and Lunch Bunch (max 25 members)

September Annual Meeting (Wed, September 16, 2026)

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Lunch Bunch: ??
WA admin: Diane Comstock

Speaker: Diane Dupuy

Topic: Famous People Players theatre

Diane Dupuy is the **President and Founder of Famous PEOPLE Players**, a black light theatre company in Toronto that integrates performers with disabilities into the arts. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to social inclusion and the arts.

She and or her representative will present an overview of the history and success of Famous People Players theatre.

Please use the correct ticket type when registering:

Option 1 - Meeting only (no max)
Option 2 - Meeting and Lunch Bunch (max 25 members)

October General Meeting (Wed, October 21, 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Lunch Bunch: ??I copies
WA admin: Diane Comstock

Speaker: Diana Trepkov

Topic: Forensic Artist: Reconstructing the face of John Gregory

My name is Diana Trepkov, and I am a forensic artist with the unique expertise of working on over 250 law enforcement cold cases.

I am particularly excited to offer a keynote lecture on the topic of the 1845 lost Franklin expedition, during which I had the honor of reconstructing the face of John Gregory. This significant work was highlighted in esteemed publications such as The New York Times and showcased at the Royal Ontario Museum, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Greenwich Museum in the UK.

Beyond my professional achievements, I am deeply committed to standing by families of missing loved ones, providing them with both support and hope. I will share my experiences working closely with these families and law enforcement agencies, offering a unique perspective that is both informative and inspiring.

In addition to my speaking engagements, I am an author, cancer survivor, and podcaster with a global audience spanning 132 countries. I am thrilled to announce the upcoming release of my new book, "Unbreakable Spirit," which will be available later this month alongside my other works. I would be delighted to bring along copies of my books, including my latest release, 'Unbreakable Spirit,' for those who might be interested in exploring them further!

I would be honoured to bring this presentation to your club, engaging your members with stories of resilience, dedication, and the power of art in forensic science. I also offer prizes to make the experience even more memorable.

Forensic Artist, Keynote Speaker, Author

Please use the correct ticket type when registering:

Option 1 - Meeting only (no max)
Option 2 - Meeting and Lunch Bunch (max 25 members)

November General Meeting (Wed, November 18, 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Lunch Bunch: ??
WA admin: Diane Comstock

Speaker: ??

Topic: ??

BIO

Please use the correct ticket type when registering:

Option 1 - Meeting only (no max)
Option 2 - Meeting and Lunch Bunch (max 25 members)