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Jan 21, 2026 - Kevin Donovan
| Our speaker is reporter Kevin Donovan, Toronto Star’s Chief Investigative reporter and author of The Billionaire Murders, the Mysterious Deaths of Barry and Honey Sherman. His talk will focus on the Sherman Murders: what we know and the mystery that remains. The Sherman murders refer to the 2017 deaths of Barry and Honey Sherman, a prominent Toronto couple known for their business success and philanthropy. They were found deceased in their home, and police later determined that both deaths were the result of homicide. Despite years of investigation, the case remains unsolved and continues to draw public interest due to its unusual circumstances and high profile. |
Feb 18, 2026 - CPO Deanne Taylor
| Deanne Taylor is a Crime Prevention Officer with the Toronto Police Services. Her presentation will be on Distraction Thefts and Personal Safety. Distraction theft is a type of crime where a perpetrator deliberately diverts the victim’s attention to steal their belongings, often without the victim even noticing. CPO Taylor will discuss strategies for personal safety and practical ways to prevent becoming a victim. |
Mar 18, 2026 - Tom Vassos
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Tom Vassos has dedicated thousands of hours to exploring his lifelong passions: astronomy and space exploration. As an astronomer, University of Toronto instructor, and member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Mr. Vassos brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field. He is the author of several books in "The Inspiring Universe Collection" and is a recognized science communicator, frequently appearing as a guest expert on radio and television. Mr. Vassos serves as the Astronomer-in-Residence for Holland America, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity cruise lines, leading astronomy and eclipse expeditions around the globe. His engaging and interactive presentation style makes learning about astronomy a delightful experience.
A Superhuman View of the Cosmos Imagine observing the skies with superhuman vision. Experience breathtaking multiwavelength astrophotography of nebulas, galaxies, and supernova explosions, all hidden from the naked eye. Participate in the "Bigger is Better!" trivia game to discover remarkable celestial objects. Join us to explore the Big Bang and our cosmic origins in an engaging and educational presentation. |
Apr 15, 2026 - Dr. David Williams
| Dr. David Williams is Professor Emeritus at the University of Waterloo and has spent over 50 years teaching and learning about the human eye. Trained as an optometrist and vision scientist, he enjoys explaining how vision works using clear language, history, and humor. His talks explore topics such as aging eyes, depth perception, common eye problems, and the surprising history of glasses—designed to inform, entertain, and spark curiosity in community and senior audiences. David comes to us with a perspective that is different and will help us learn more about your eyes, the impact they have on our health and what we can do to protect them. |
May 20, 2026 - Bruce Rhodes
| Bruce Rhodes, a member of Richmond Hill Probus, will share his captivating experiences during his presentation titled "Journey Through the Northwest Passage: The Troubling History of Grise Fiord." Bruce will recount his September 2024 expedition through Canada’s Northwest Passage and along the west coast of Greenland, with a focus on the troubling history of the community of Grise Fiord in northern Nunavut. Bruce's journey to the far north began in October 2015 when he volunteered for a candidate in the federal election in Yukon. |
Jun 17, 2026 - Lianne Harris
| Lianne Harris presents in period-appropriate attire and conveys historical information through engaging demonstrations and expertise. Lianne was a Social Studies/History Resource Specialist Consultant with the Toronto District School Board and curriculum advisor for Upper Canada College, having taught over 100,000 teachers and students. Some of her initiatives have been indexing the Freedman Bureau Records for the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., and curriculum development and business start-ups in India. In 2003, she was selected by W.O.M.A.D. as one of Toronto’s Women of Influence and in 2009 was invited to be a contributing author of the Canadian best-seller business/self-help book, 'The Power of Women United'. Appearing on TV and being interviewed on the radio many times, she is always happy to have a live or virtual audience. |
