2019 Past Events

FESTIVE DINNER DECEMBER 11, 2019

MEMORIAL LUNCHEON DECEMBER 6, 2019

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, an internationally known human rights and peace activist, spoke at a luncheon to commemorate the fourteen women students who were killed thirty years ago at L’Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal. Dr. Abuelaish spoke about A Women’s Role: From Darkness and Conflict to Light and Peace.

Mark O’Neill November 18, 2019

On Monday, November 18, Mark O’Neill, gave an informative presentation of the history of The Canadian Museum of History. He discussed the changes that have been made to make our history relevant and topical for our more sophisticated and inclusive society. He has enticed many of our members to go and visit the museum - a true treasure of Canada.

Alida Finnie October 29, 2019

fundrasing gala october 24,2019

An Evening in Vienna

On October 24th, the Faculty Club was buzzing with excitement as party goers arrived in their finest evening wear to be transported to magical Vienna for a celebration of music, authentic Austrian cuisine and fine wine. The evening began with enthusiastic bidding on beautiful items that had been generously donated. All the proceeds will go to Romero House to help newcomers to Canada discover their future in a new and unfamiliar country. Many thanks to all who took part in this wonderful evening.

My sincere gratitude to my Committee, namely Ruth Matheson, Wendy McCallum, Jane Hamer, Susan Freeman, Lily Contento, Penny Kawasaki and Arlene Kushnir who gave so freely of their time and talents to make the evening a success. Special thanks to Ellen Thompson who designed our lovely flyer and tickets, and members of the Club who were so helpful on the night of the event.

- Rosemary Hales

PEARCE J. CAREFOOTE ON

FORBIDDEN FRUIT: BANNED, CENSORED, AND CHALLENGED BOOKS FROM DANTE TO HARRY POTTER

OCTOBER 7,2019

From the time of Socrates, society has tried to control the expression of thought. This lecture took a quick look at the way in which censorship has manifested itself in Western civilization from the time of the Renaissance to the present day, especially as new challenges to freedom of expression are once again beginning to manifest themselves among us.

Pearce J. (P.J.) Carefoote is the Head of the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, University of Toronto.

GRANDMOTHER’S TO GRANDMOTHER’S SEPTEMBER 19,2019

Ida Nambeya treated us to a most interesting and informative afternoon when she spoke on Grandmothers to Grandmothers, a project whereby Canadians assist grandmothers in Africa, primarily in countries south of the Sahara Desert. These grandmothers are caring for children whose parents have died of AIDS. Some of the women are feeding, clothing and raising a dozen children. Idah, who is is from Zambia, told us about the African side of the project. Helen Fisch, a volunteer from Toronto, told us about what Canadians are doing. It was heartwarming to see what is being accomplished by Africans and North Americans working together.

-Harolyn Panetta

J.D.M Stewart on Being Prime Minister September 16,2019

AN ELECTION PRIMER - Bob Rae September 10,2019

On September 10th, the UWC hosted an evening with Bob Rae. Innis College kindly provided their Town Hall as a venue and a crowd of approximately 150 listened to Mr. Rae's thoughts on the upcoming election. A spirited question and answer period followed. Admission was by donation and we raised over $2900 for scholarships administered by our UWC (Toronto) Foundation. Many thanks to all who came and brought guests to this successful event.

SUMMER TIME IS PATIO TIME JULY 10, JULY 31, AUGUST 21,2019

Four times this summer, many of us met on the patio to enjoy a drink, a meal or just to chat.  It was a wonderful way to get to know each other better.  A group of our younger members also met, and through lively discussions discovered how much they have in common.  

ANN BIRCH ON CANADIAN HISTORICAL FICTION July 4,2019

Scholarship Reception June 24,2019

What a celebration!!   Our UWC Scholarship Reception, held on Monday, June 24, was a wonderful acknowledgement of our scholarship recipients. 
Our first year of overseeing our scholarship process culminated in the presentation of eight awards. 

The following six young women received our $4000.00 UWC Toronto Scholarships:
Smia Baig - Riverdale Collegiate Institute
Jateya Grbic - Harbord Collegiate Institute
Rajitha Gunaseelan - Central Toronto Academy
Maha Pervez - Monarch Park Collegiate Institute
Sarania Thavakaran - Jarvis Collegiate Institute
Lisa Yu - Central Technical School

The UWC Toronto Special Award of $2000.00 was awarded to: Bahja Farah - York Memorial Collegiate Institute

The Mary Macdonald Scholarship of $25,000 was presented to:
Alyssa Clark - York Memorial Collegiate Institute

We were delighted to host so many parents and family members of our award winners. Their pride was palpable. Support from school staff members who attended was truly appreciated. 

 We were honoured to have five representatives from the Mary Macdonald family present at the reception. Joan Hunter presented the Mary Macdonald Scholarship with a very touching tribute to her aunt. 

Thank you to the great number of our club members who joined us in celebrating these incredible young women. 

We wish all our award winners continued academic success and are looking forward to hearing from them as they transition to university life.  

Respectfully submitted,
- Chris Ward

Nick Mount ON The CanLit Boom of the 60s June 17,2019

On Monday June 17 Nick Mount, U of T Professor of English Literature, gave us an engaging talk on CanLit.

The unique circumstances that lead to the development of CanLit were most interesting, as well as the contribution of individuals in the media such as Robert Fulford of the Toronto Starand Robert Weaver of CBC’s Anthology. Nick does not believe that we will see a similar phenomenon in Canadian literature again.

Everyone enjoyed hearing about favourite books and authors from the past, and being introduced to Canadian authors we may have missed. The library has both paper and ebook copies of The Torontonians  by Phyllis Brett Young, which Nick mentioned.  Many members are looking forward to reading Nick’s most recent bookArrival: The Story of CanLit.

Nick’s talk renewed many members interest in CanLit so hopefully a Canadian novel or book of poetry will be on everyone’s summer reading list. 

-Susan Anderson 

Stratford Festival Theatre Outing June 13,2019

Armed with umbrellas, the intrepid ones braved fog and rain, at times, a deluge, for the Stratford trip on June 13.  We saw Othelloin the afternoon at the Festival Theatre. It was an excellent production with actor Michael Blake as Othello conveying the overwhelming jealousy and catastrophic obsession so well.  The role of Iago was played brilliantly with such conniving hatefulness.  We all very much enjoyed the play.  

Some of our members returned on the early bus while the rest set off for dinner and the second play Private Lives at the Avon Theatre.  I found this production lacking in the sophistication that is usually part of a Noel Coward play, but we certainly enjoyed the witty repartee.  

Reports of the Raptors final game filled the bus on the way home:  such tension followed by great joy at the victory as reported by people’s cell phones.  All in all, a long but satisfying day!

Thanks to Kathy Nolan-Garner has offered gallantly to be the convenor of the Stratford trip next season.

- Susan Freeman

SUMMER READING & SOCIAL EVENT June 12,2019

On June 12th, the UWC hosted our first Book Social at the Faculty Club.  Over 60 women attended and, over a glass of wine, bought a wonderful selection of summer reads.   The room was full of good cheer, literary banter and laughter.  Ellen Thompson also had her beautiful Ecochic necklaces on offer.  

The proceeds of the sale will go to our UWC Foundation.  After expenses, we made over $1440.  Thanks to everyone who attended and brought guests.  Special thanks to Tori Brown and daughters Maisie, Candace, Olivia and Anna who so kindly helped out.
- Marianne Anderson

Out & About - The Textile Museum of Canada May 29,2019

I was able to tell Corinne Murray, our docent for the tour and a UWC member, that she had added 110% to my appreciation of the work of Nadia Myre!  The artist’s handwork balanced indigenous and colonial themes and a wide range of styles.  What did that red net mean, and what was the story behind the beadwork?  We admired wallpaper with colonial and indigenous motifs, and a range of items made from recreated fragments of clay pipes.  

The visit was followed by a delicious dim sum lunch at Lai Wah Heen, where we smartly asked Ellen Thompson to order for us. We quickly discovered who was or was not comfortable with chopsticks, and enjoyed the food and the conversation in the quiet atmosphere of the restaurant.  

- Elizabeth Mowat

DR. JOHN PERCY ON TORONTO’S ASTRONOMICAL HERITAGE May 13,2019

On Monday, May 13th, there was a good turnout to hear our Dinner Speaker, Dr. John Percy, speak about how Toronto became a “centre of the universe” for astral research and development. We heard about the city’s history with astronomy, dating back to the 1840s. That included Canadians such as Sir Sandford Fleming, who pioneered global standard time, to Helen Sawyer Hogg, who encouraged women to pursue science in the 20th century and popularized astronomy. The event displayed the impact of both Canada’s and Toronto’s relatively unknown astronomy community on the world.

- Ruth Matheson

The 40th Annual General Meeting of the CFUW Ontario Council

May 10 -11,2019

Ana Bailão, Deputy Mayor of Toronto, arrived at the Faculty Club on Friday night to help us open the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the CFUW, Ontario Conference to a packed room of delegates coming from all over Ontario. As an emigrant to Canada at the age of fifteen, unable to speak English, she could empathize with women who are struggling to gain a foothold in Canada. Her words were inspiring and gave a shining example of what could be achieved through integrity and hard work.

The next morning, we were again given an inspiring glimpse into the life of yet another determined woman. Our Former Premier, Kathleen Wynne, held the audience in rapt attention from the moment she stepped up to the microphone as she related her life story, with all its peaks and valleys, in humble yet impressive words that everyone could relate to. As she concluded, the audience jumped to their feet to give her a standing ovation. With the presentation of three very interesting workshops on Saturday afternoon and delicious food served by the Faculty Club, the delegates left happy and ready to take their enthusiasm back to their home clubs.

Many thanks to Pat Joyce and her Committee for an enlightening two days of empowerment.

- Rosemary Hales.

Out & About at Hart House April 24,2019

On April 24th members met at Hart House in the Gallery Grill and enjoyed a nice lunch before commencing a tour of Hart House’s Permanent Art Collection. Our guide walked us through various areas at Hart House and provided information about the variety of artworks. When the tour concluded after 45 minutes, we had only seen a portion of the extensive collection of art.  The art is changed from time to time, a reason to revisit the Collection and have lunch at the Gallery Grill at a later date.

- Wendy McCallum

2019 AGM April 15,2019

Our Annual General Meeting was held on April 15. So many of you chose to attend and support the actions of the Board of Directors. It was great to see.

The auditor’s report was accepted and John Quigg, of Nethercott Co. was appointed for the next year. The treasurer presented the financial report and the budget for this year. A motion was passed to add another $30,000 to our charitable giving in 2019. The new constitution was written to meet the impending guidelines for not for profit organizations and was worked on by our committee and our lawyer, Shelina Ali. The constitution was approved as passed by the Board of Directors at their March 4 meeting, as published in an e-mail to all members on March 15. The president thanked the committee for their sterling work and thanked all of the members of the board for their wonderful contributions in the past year.

Now that the new UWC (Toronto) Foundation has its charitable status and the new constitution is approved, the Board can concentrate on all of our charitable works, our scholarships and all of the great activities that are enjoyed by our members. Here’s to us!!

- Susan

This year’s AGM was concluded with thanks and a presentation of flowers, to our President Susan Freeman, on behalf of the UWC Board and members. As President, Susan has willingly accepted enormous responsibilities and has encountered many challenges since her term began. Whatever the nature of the job, Susan has tackled it with enthusiasm, vision, a positive spirit and a great deal of hard work. Susan never gives up. She is tenacious, and for that, we can all be grateful. Her tireless leadership has made our club what it is today, active, engaged and growing.

- Jane

CHRIS BROWN ON A PRISON MUSIC PROGRAM THAT OFFERS HOPE April 8, 2019

On Monday, April 8th, Chris Brown presented an inspirational talk to our members about a music program that he founded called Pros and Cons.  Chris works with inmates (men and women) in prison to provide job skills and create opportunities for empathy and achievement for prisoners.  ‘By singing, recording, songwriting, playing instruments and being part of a musical project the prisoners “were completely unencumbered by this dominant identity of criminal. Now, they were seeing what else is possible,” says Brown.’ One of the highlights of the evening was discovering that our Susan Freeman had taught Chris in high school.

SALOMA SMITH ON TEACHING THE POOR IN PAKISTAN April 2, 2019

Saloma Smith gave us a most interesting and informative talk on teaching in Pakistan.  Saloma was a Toronto teacher who took early retirement in order to go to Pakistan to work in rural schools where she taught as a volunteer for over thirty years. 

After her presentation, she  sold several copies of her autobiography, "Out of the Schwemnly".   A schwemnly  is a cedar grove and the house in which she grew up in Ontario Mennonite country was located in a cedar grove.  The proceeds from the sale of her book and the honorarium Saloma received will go to help pay for an operation for Chumna.  Chumna is a sixteen year old Pakistani girl.  She was born with a club foot and could not work in the fields with the other women so she was sent to school.  She now teaches the women in the village.  Chumna has had two operations on her foot and needs a third one. 

Saloma thanks the UWC members for their hospitality when she spoke to us.

Out & About to the Heliconian Club March 26, 2019

On March 26th, 15 members and guests of UWC enjoyed a memorable evening at the historic Heliconian Hall in the heart of Yorkville.

Before the Talk, Artist on Fire, we viewed an art exhibit tribute to Joyce Weiland (1930-1998) a ground breaking Canadian filmmaker and mixed media artist. Members of the Heliconian Club also presented their work that reflects on Joyce’s life and art.

Frances Patella, a photo-based mixed media artist, and former assistant to Joyce Wieland, related stories giving us an insight into Wieland’s life and studio practice. She shared how her work has been impacted as a result of her time with Wieland, and reminded us of how female artists in Canada have often been ignored, forgotten and marginalized.

Special UWC guest, Betty Ann Jordan, joined us that evening. Founder of Art InSite tours, Betty Ann is an arts writer, commentator and cultural tour expert.

Thanks again to the Heliconian Club for a warm welcome, fabulous refreshments and enjoyable evening.

- Martha Dove

International Dining - Sabai Sabai March 13,2019

Sabai Sabai turned out to be a big success. It’s only flaw was the sound level and the poor acoustics. The food was outstanding. The owners are part of the family that owns the popular Pei Restaurant and both rely on Northern Thai cuisine. We accidently broke into two groups. The first group all ordered their own dish. The second and larger group decided to do just one order with diners being able to taste and sample from four different dishes. Sabai Sabai’s most popular dish, by a landslide, is their Pork Gra Prao. It was very good. But another star was their Thai BBQ chicken.

Thanks to Ellen Thompson (who spent a majority of her youth in Thailand) for recommending the place and, also to Elizabeth Black for discovering the BBQ chicken. It really was outstanding.

- Susan Le Roy

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY LUNCHEON march 8, 2019

The luncheon, held in the beautiful Wedgwood Ballroom, was a resounding success. Paula Barber and her committee organized a lovely luncheon for all of the Toronto area CFUW clubs to celebrate this important occasion. Deborah Maw was MC of the event and had great assistance from the representatives of the other clubs. The speaker, Dr. Aileen Burford Mason, spoke very convincingly about the importance of good nutrition for healthy aging and the healthy brain. We will all be watching our intake of good foods, equal protein for each meal and supplements such as Omega 3, Vitamins D3, B12, C and minerals such as Magnesium. It was interesting and very informative.

A picture is worth a thousand words and Jo-Lynne has a great selection so that you can share the warm atmosphere and great camaraderie.

Spotlight on Us- Joan Connolly February 20,2019

Make no mistake!  Joan Connolly is an artist.  Joan braved the inclement weather and drove from Aurora to be our Spotlight speaker on February 20th.  She has been the proprietor of Pine Door Salon, for over 30 years, offering a wide range of skin care services.  Joan is a skilled technician with multiple advanced certificates in skin care aesthetics and a business degree from Seneca.  Regardless of a client’s age, Joan uses a technique that is not about disguising age, but rather allows everyone to put their best face forward.  The evening talk was informative and fun, followed by dinner in the pub.

JESSICA JOHNSON ON FROM NELLIE BLY TO #METOO February 11, 2019

On Monday, February 11, the Executive Editor and Creative Director of The Walrus magazine, Jessica Johnson, gave an inspiring talk about her career journey. To an excellent turnout of our members and guests, she talked about managing her way through a male-dominated workplace to becoming The Walrus magazine’s first woman editor.  Since then, readership has increased 17% which is almost unheard of in the magazine industry today.  She has had female mentors who have encouraged her along the way and now she, in turn, is facilitating groups of women to meet and share their hopes and interests.  Check out The Walrus to provoke new thinking and to spark conversation on matters vital to Canadians.  www.thewalrus.ca

DAVID NEWLAND ON THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE: TRACING ONE WARM LINe January 14, 2019

On Monday, January 14, 2019, UWC members and guests were treated to a fascinating journey along Canada’s Northwest Passage via pictures, videos and stories from David Newland, a musician and Arctic expedition cruise host. According to David, “Northern-ness is a real thing but it calls us to engage with it. Canadians need to learn about the Arctic and Inuit Culture before they identify as northern people.” For information about an Arctic excursion visit adventurecanada.com

INTERNATIONAL DINING January 9,2019

On January 9, nineteen of us met at Ruby Watcho on Queen St E to kick-start our 2019 International Dining adventures. Opened in 2010 by celebrity Chef Lynn Crawford, renowned for her culinary expertise and a long time star on the Food Network, this restaurant brings back simple wholesome food. Co-Chef Lora Kirk has international culinary experience and has won many awards. She returned to Canada in 2010 to join Chef Lynn, and is an advocate for supporting local farmers and growers. The dinner was a fixed menu shared by all. See the February newsletter for course-by-course details. Overall a lovely meal we would all highly recommend.

Out & about to the art gallery January 11,2019