Seventy club members attended the club's regular Monthly Gathering on Thursday, October 3rd, at the Comox United Church. Our volunteers, Lisa Powell and Diane Snowadzki provided tasty treats, including a chocolate cake decorated with pumpkins....
After opening remarks by club President Ann Zanbilowicz, the club received a great update on club activities from Gord Tarzwell, Director of activities.
Gord reminded the club of the most recent new groups to be approved; Fiddle for Beginners, Impromptu Diversions and the Probus Inter-Club Special Events. Gord also mentioned that club member Lindsay Sparkes is looking to find members who might be interested in joining a new 'Craft' group hosted in the homes of the group members, with 'craft' meaning any portable handiwork e.g. knitting, crocheting, embroidery etc. Any member with questions or an interest in joining these new groups is asked to email Gord at activities@glacierprobus.ca
Vice President Jennifer Smith did a terrific job of introducing the highly anticipated speaker, Syd Bosel, a touring stand-up comedian.
Syd, a stand-up comic and comedic storyteller originally hailing from Vancouver, now calls Comox, BC her home. She regularly headlines and tours with "Jokers Canada" and "Hot Flash Comedy." You might have heard her on CBC's "Just for Laughs" and "Laugh Out Loud." Most recently, in 2023, Syd was honoured to be voted "Best of the Fest" at the Nanaimo Fringe Festival and received 4 Yeses on "Canada's Got Talent.
Syd's presentation was meaningful, moving, inspiring and, yes, very funny! Syd talked about being diagnosed with breast cancer and, using that inflection point, re-evaluating her life. Syd committed herself to learning the craft of comedy, overcoming her fears and obstacles, including anti-feminism and ageism.
Syd was very genuine and relatable when she went on to share the impact of her husband's diagnosis of dementia, and how together they have decided she should use her platform to support others on that journey. Club members were very excited to learn that Syd is planning to transition to teaching comedy when it is no longer feasible for her to travel and be away from home for extended periods.
Syd's love for bringing laughter and love into people's lives was evident in her presentation. We are grateful to Jennifer for creating the opportunity for the club to hear from Syd, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Syd for her inspiring and entertaining presentation. For more information about Syd and her upcoming gigs, you can visit her amazing website at Syd Bosel Comedy (sydbosel.com).
Donald Bourne (Director, Registration) presented four gift certificates from the Comox restaurant Off the Hook to the random draw winners: Rosa Szabo, Maureen Wagner, Cindy Blackmore, and Bev Golem.
Pictures below courtesy of Steve Ray.
