MAY 6TH Dr. Leonard Friesen History Professor ,Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo PRESENTATION “Trump, Putin, and the War in the Ukraine, in Historical Perspective” Canadians owe Donald Trump a debt of thanks because he has reminded them that great powers exist for the benefit of themselves alone. It also means that those smaller countries that end up in their orbit may sooner or later be asked to pay the price. Of course, there is nothing new here. In this talk Friesen considers the end of previous wars (1815, 1919, and 1943-45) where the major powers dominated and the lesser powers watched. Friesen will suggest what the implications of that history are for how the current war in the Ukraine may end. BIO Having already addressed the GWMC membership three times since 2020 Leonard Friesen is well known to this group. Since 1981 he has made numerous trips to the USSR and its successor states. Now easing into retirement, Friesen is the author of many books and articles on various aspects of Imperial Russian and Soviet history. Greeters: Warren Hamilton, Bob Eccles Anthem: Fred Meredith Thought for the Day: Don Crow Introduction: Bruce Donaldson Thanks: Peter Anderson

MAY 13TH Robert Lockhart Partner in The Rethink Group, Ennismore, ON PRESENTATION (Via Zoom) “An Update on Electric Transportation: Outlook for the Short to Medium Term” Since Robert’s presentation to the GWMC in May 2023, the momentum and enthusiasm in the electric vehicle (EV) sector have changed dramatically. Automobile manufacturing companies have down-sized their plans for EV development and reduced budgets accordingly. Governments have reduced or suspended assistance programs for consumers in the purchase of EV’s. Meanwhile it is full speed ahead in the oil & gas industry. The high cost of living and the threat of tariffs on vehicles not built in the US are two further factors which do not help the demand for EV’s at present. In the face of today’s uncertain times Robert will provide his best estimate of where the EV industry is headed in the near term. BIO Robert Lockhart is Co-Chair of the Kawartha Chapter of the Electric Vehicle Society of Canada and has been driving electric vehicles for seven years and 150,000 kms, including seven trips to Florida and all around southern Ontario. About five years ago, Robert began to take a passionate interest in electric transportation, doing extensive research on the subject, started publishing his EV Primer, and doing webinars and car shows to introduce people to EVs and demystify the topic. Greeters: Dave Elliott, John Bye Anthem: James Oldreive Thought for the Day: Bob Eccles Introduction: Bruce Donaldson Thanks: John Valeriote

MAY 20TH Annette Sandberg Board Director with the Escarpment Corridor Alliance PRESENTATION (Via Zoom) Also: Naturalist, Conservationist, Historian, Photographer, Writer “The Niagara Escarpment - Formation and Fossils” In 1990 the Niagara Escarpment was designated by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. Ms. Sandberg will tell the story of the formation, history, fossils and unique ecosystems in theTown of the Blue Mountains (Grey County) area of the Niagara Escarpment where she was raised. BIO Frequently in demand as a speaker to Probus and other groups, Ms. Sandberg is also the Hike Director for the Blue Mountain Bruce Trail Club. It is the oldest & longest footpath in Canada, spanning 900 km from Queenston to Tobermory. Most recently she was appointed to the Board of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network whose main goal is to preserve the region’s ecological diversity, to encourage stakeholders to use sustainable practices, and to uphold socio-cultural relationships through educational programs and tourism. Greeters: Steven Henrikson, David Smith Anthem: Gerry Neufeld Thought for the Day: Norm Davidson Introduction: Bruce Donaldson Thanks: David Smith

MAY 27TH Jeremy Shute Senior Planner, Shared Value Solutions, Guelph, ON PRESENTATION (Via Zoom) “Speed to the Sea - Phase # 8” Jeremy and his family have paddled their way from Guelph to the Atlantic Ocean, in a series of segments, which included some side trips as well. This presentation will include pictures, details and special memories for the Shute family. BIO Accounts of Jeremy’s journey with his family have previously been provided to the GWMC during the month of May in 2021, 2023 and 2024. Greeters: Fred Dawkins, Bruce Cameron Anthem: Rick Thomson Thought for the Day: David Higgins Introduction: Bruce Donaldson Thanks: PGordon Curl