FESTIVE ZOOM GET TOGETHER | December 14th, 2020

ian evans | November 16th, 2020

On November 16th, we had the pleasure of hosting another successful Zoom talk led by Ian Evans. A charted accountant from Elora, Ontario, Ian has made it his life’s mission to consistently step outside of his comfort zone by undertaking inspiring adventures such as skiing to the South Pole at 58, along with many other impressive feats.

LUCAN WAY | October 19th, 2020

On October 19th, we had the pleasure of hosting another successful Zoom talk led by Professor Lucas Way of the University of Toronto Munk School of Global Affairs. Professor Way, whose research focuses on democratization and authoritarianism in the former Soviet Union and the developing world, delivered a very engaging talk on how increasing diversity in the United States could threaten democracy due to a majority reaction to “racial threat”. 

 Professor Way defined “racial threat” as a sentiment of hostility towards minorities rooted in the belief that increased diversity could lead to a loss of power and way of life for certain segments of the US population. This sentiment could create further polarization that could weaken democratic institutions and fuel support for anti-democratic measures. 

 Professor Way’s talk was thought provoking and timely, given the looming United States election. 

DR. DOUGLAS SANDERSOn | September 14th, 2020

On September 14, we were pleased to host another successful Zoom speaker, Professor Douglas Sanderson of the University of Toronto Law School.  Professor Sanderson, who teaches and advises on Indigenous issues, spoke on “Wampum Diplomacy” in the days before Canadian Confederation.  His talk was a fascinating review of the diplomatic relationship  between Indigenous peoples and the settlers of that time, and It was illustrated with several fine examples of beautiful wampum belts.  Our Zoom speakers’ series has enabled us to stay in touch during the pandemic and has introduced us to many speakers who are able to engage with us online from afar, often in new and interesting ways.  For Professor Sanderson’s talk, we were privileged to go, via video, inside one of the Law School’s lecture rooms.

More Zoom speakers are lined up to speak to us this fall.  Stay tuned for details about our next speaker on October 19, Professor Lucan Way, of the Munk School, University of Toronto, who will talk about democracy in North America. 

UWC ZOOM | SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2020

Kelly Mathews: Eaton Hall | August 17, 2020

We recently had the pleasure of hearing another interesting Zoom talk from local historian, Kelly Mathews.  

Kelly has a deep interest in the history of King Township and has published two books about intriguing historical properties near King City.  

On July 27, we heard from Kelly on “Marylake”, the Edwardian country farm and estate built by Sir Henry Pellatt of Casa Loma fame, and on August 17 we listened to Kelly’s fascinating account of Eaton Hall, the grand country seat of the Eaton family built on land once owned by Sir Henry.  Kelly brought Eaton Hall to life for us with wonderful old photographs of the Eaton family and Eaton Hall taken during the early decades of the 1900’s,and provided us with a glimpse into the lives and personalities of the Eaton family dynasty. Kelly’s talk - an entertaining mix of history, gossip and stately homes - was enjoyed by all.

KELLY MATHEWS: THE ROAD TO MARYLAKE | JULY 27TH, 2020

On July 27, as part of our successful Speaker Series via Zoom, we had the pleasure of hearing local historian Kelly Mathews speak about “The Road to Marylake”.  As background to her discussion of Marylake, Kelly recounted the fascinating life of Sir Henry Mill Pellat, the builder of Casa Loma.  Sir Henry, who rose from obscurity to be one of Edwardian Canada’s wealthiest men, encountered many dramatic twists and turns in his career, ending his life virtually penniless and alone. But along the way he developed a beautiful and extravagant country farm and estate in King Township called Lake Marie, named after his first wife, Lady Mary, and now known as Marylake.Created as a place for respite for Pellat, his wife and their many friends, the property later was developed into an agricultural farm school and then an Augustinian Monastery and Retreat Centre. Kelly brought the story of Sir Henry and Marylake to vivid life with her skillful presentation, filled with dozens of maps and photographs.

summer time is patio time | july 15th, August 5th, August 19th, September 9th, 2020

On Wednesday July 15 and August 5, August 19th and September 9th several of us met and enjoyed the lovely spacious patio at L’Espresso Bar Mercurio, 321 Bloor St W.   We had a wonderful time sipping drinks, and sharing thoughts, opinions and stories in the shade of the trees. Do come join us there. 

JOHN LORINC: THE WARD | JULY 13TH, 2020

On Monday, July 13th, John Lorinc gave a very informative Zoom talk about an area of Toronto during the 19th and early 20th century called The Ward.  It was one of the earliest slums in Toronto and it was the place where many immigrants lived.  Through the sheer tenacity of Dr. Charles Hastings, who became the leader in Canada’s health reform, and Roland Caldwell Harris, Toronto’s Works Commissioner, Toronto was transformed into a modern, healthy city.

uwc outdoor outing: necropolis | June 29th, 2020

On Monday, June 29th, we had our first UWC Outdoor Outing at the Necropolis.  Located near the Riverdale Farm in Cabbagetown, the Necropolis dates back to 1850, making it one of the oldest and most historic cemeteries in Toronto.  Our group met on a hot day and wandered through the shady grounds discovering the graves of the famous and forgotten.  The beautiful chapel with its Victoria gothic architecture was also a highlight.  Afterwards, we enjoyed a socially distanced picnic nearby.  It was lovely to see some familiar faces.

BRIDGE GROUP: GARDEN PARTY June 26th, 2020

On Friday, June 26, Vijay Agnew hosted the bridge group in her gorgeous backyard garden. Physical distancing guidelines were respected, but it seems we have a few bridge group "wanna be's" :)

JEFFERY DVORKIN June 8th,2020

On June 8, the Club hosted a Zoom meeting for members and their guests, featuring  a fascinating talk by Jeffrey Dvorkin.  Jeffrey, who has a long and distinguished career as a journalist and media specialist, took as his  theme “The Challenge of News Literacy in a Digital Age”.  Participants were treated to Jeffrey’s inside knowledge of  the news media, in particular how traditional print news media has been affected by  broadcast and digital media.  Jeffrey touched on the power of digital news and provided a number of compelling examples drawn from current events.  This was the Club’s second successful speaker presentation via Zoom, which has proven to be a wonderful way to continue our speakers’ series and connect with each other during these Covid 19 times.  Stay tuned for announcements about additional Zoom speakers coming up.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2020 March 10, 2020

“Behind every daughter who believes in herself is a mother who believed in her first.”

There was an overflow audience for the 2020 International Women’s Day Luncheon on March 10 to hear our illustrious speaker, Janice Stein.  She shared how her mother had a big impact on her life.  Her astute appraisal of the difference between Fascism and Popularism helped to shed a new perspective on the current political situation going on in other parts of the world.  Her dynamic presentation brought everyone to their feet for a standing ovation.

Out & About Tour of the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library | March 3, 2020

What better way to spend a wet, dark March morning than visiting the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library with the always informative and entertaining Pearce Carefoote?  In addition to a library tour Pearce gave a fascinating commentary on volumes ranging from illuminated manuscripts to a First Folio of Shakespeare’s works to a first edition of Emma and finally to a fund raising cookbook for suffragettes.  A pleasant lunch at Hart House topped off an excellent outing.

ADVOCACY MEETING February 27 , 2020

ABIGAIL RICHARDSON SHULTE FEBRUARY 24 , 2020

Abigail Richardson Shulte presented an absolutely wonderful evening.  She talked about her education to become a composer and her work as composer in residence with the TSO and Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.  It was a fascinating journey from deafness as a child to being a brilliant hearing musician with a PhD in music composition.  She played Clair de Lune so beautifully on the grand piano for us.  She also took us through the writing on the musical score for The Hockey Sweater narrated by Roch Carrier.  It was so perfect for the story, funny, melodramatic, earnest, and brilliant.  She is a marvellous talent. Truly a great evening, really enjoyed by us all.

SPOTLIGHT ON US FEBRUARY 19, 2020

Our 1st Spotlight of 2020, held on February 19th,  was a success!

Warm thanks to UWC members &  guests who made their way to Soulas Modern Greek Cuisine.

We had a chance to meet & thank, another Chris--Chris Christodoulou. Chris & Soula have been in business since 1975. And have been big supporters of UWC;  not only offering us space for our Spotlights, but also providing  raffle prizes for UWC fundraising in support of Romero House.

It was a memorable & intimate gathering filled with stories, laughter & friendship. UWC Board Member, and Scholarship Chair, Chris Ward kept us engaged & entertained - sharing her experiences & adventures over the course of her amazing career.

We learned more about her exploits in Scotland --and her upcoming project in the Emirates! And there was a lively Q & A session about UWC Scholarship goals, challenges & successes. Along with memorable scholarship reception - and inspirational students to watch!  The passion & enthusiasm Chris has, for all things related to education, life-long learning, students & teachers, (and her grandson) is contagious!

Special thanks to our hosts, Chris & Soula, (and their fabulous chef & service team).

We enjoyed the warm & cozy ambiance at Soulas and are looking forward to our return next Spotlight!

BETTY TUGMAN ART SALE AND TEA PARTY FEBRUARY 9, 2020

UWC members and friends came together over art and tea to raise money for the Club’s scholarship fund. Esteemed member and accomplished artist Betty Tugman donated almost 80 paintings to the Club, which were sold through an online gallery and at the Tea.

DR. WILLIAM HARRIS JANUARY 27TH 2020, 2020

Four hundred years ago, humanity's view of the universe went through a fundamental shift that was, in many senses, bigger than anything that has happened since.  Galileo's discoveries with the new device called the telescope affected not just scientific thinking but passed onward into art, writing, and poetry and has continued up to the present day.  In this talk Dr. Harris took us through a brief tour of this remarkable historical bridge across science and the humanities that has almost no parallels in history.