PROBUS Club of Durham West

2026 Speakers

MAY SPEAKER
RAVEN MURPHY

Shut Up and Listen (an engaging experience that leaves you recharged,inspired and ready to see nature in a whole new way)

In Native tradition it is believed that the Raven is one of our Creators most valued messengers. A bird of mysticism, magic, shape shifting and creation with a unique ability to navigate through darkness and into light – as does the woman behind this name. As a proud Annishinabe (First Nations) woman, Raven wholeheartedly shares her experiences and the wisdom of her Ancestors by way of The Medicine Wheel that bridges us to the ancient understandings of interconnectedness and re-establishes our earthconnection. “When we surrender to the peace and tranquility of what Nature holds for us, we are gifted with the ability to Hear More, Feel More and Be More. It is through this personal experience with Nature that we gain Clarity, Confidence and Conviction to treasure ourselves and All of Our Relations in a way that ultimately leads us to a peaceful, playful and passionate life.” Through a wide variety of workshops, day retreats, school visitations and guest appearances Raven’s ability to accelerate awareness and enthusiasm in others coupled with her passion for life and is undoubtedly contagious. As a Dynamic Speaker, Visionary, Author, Musician and Teacher Raven continues to assist, inspire and encourage others in a Natural world of Beauty, Grace and Possibility. 

For more information on Raven Murphy click here.

Revising Our Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease in 2026 and Beyond

Dr. Sharon Cohen is a behavioural neurologist and the medical director of Toronto Memory Program, a community-based medical facility which she established in 1996 for the purpose of enhancing diagnosis and treatment for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Her memory clinic and dementia research site are among the most active in Canada. Dr. Cohen has over 30 years of experience in clinical research and has been a site PI for over 180 pharmacological trials in dementia, including phase 1 trials. She represents Canada on international advisory boards and steering committees and is a consultant to a wide range of stakeholders including government organizations and patient advocacy groups. She is a frequent lecturer and contributes to media events including those on medical ethics. She is known for her advocacy of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. Despite academic and hospital appointments, Dr. Cohen has always chosen to practice in the community, in keeping with her belief that dementia care and clinical research are best offered in the real-world setting.

For more information on Dr. Cohen and her background, Click Here.

Pirates and Plunder!
The Caribbean’s Golden Age of Piracy

Lianne was a former 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.

Few historical figures ensnare the imagination in the same way that pirates do. The Caribbean’s Golden Age of Piracy, 1650-1720, will introduce us to some of the most famous pirates who ever lived and their surprising activities that upended the world. Beyond the rum, the talking parrots, and swabbing decks, let’s cast away, mates, and explore ‘Pirates and Plunder’!

For more information on Lianne and her background, Click Here.

February - No Speaker
Trivia Group Challenge

We will not have a speaker at this meeting; instead, attendees will participate in a “Trivia Group Challenge”.  We will form small groups and record answers on a group answer sheet.  There will be several rounds of questions with topics for everyone, and be assured, there will be one or two laughs!

Janaury Speaker - John Robert Arnone
Canada, Canadians, and The Beatles

For more information on John, click here.