CFUW-HAMILTON Happenings · Winter 2015/16 CFUW-HAMILTON Happenings CFUW is a national organization...

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On November 6, 2015 my grandniece Elena Nicole Clary was born. The birth of a healthy baby is a joyous occasion, but Elena's birth held special significance as she was the first female born into the Clary family in many years. (I was the last one before her so never mind how many years.) As a result, my thoughts turned to family members who have gone before, as well as hope and promise for the future. I thought es- pecially of Elena's great-great- grandfather, because the 125th anniver- sary of his birth was November 17, 2015. Thinking about how lives had changed within our family over those years, led me to consider change and hope for the future in a wider context. The world is changing rapidly. When I was president of CFUW-Hamilton in the mid 1990s there was no social media, most people accessed the internet via a dial-up modem (if at all), and the few people who owned cell phones actually used them to make phone calls. Times have changed. This program year CFUW national has had two teleconferences, and a webinar with more in the works. By the time you read this a two day seminar on Sexual Violence and Harassment will have taken place via webcast. There are daily emails, Facebook posts, Tweets, and other electronic communications from our Regional Director or the head office in Ottawa. If you are active on Facebook or Twitter you can follow both CFUW and GWI (formerly IFUW) to keep abreast of what's happening. In October, 2015, Canada held a federal election which saw the Liberal party sweep in with a major- ity. Not long after Mr. Trudeau named his gender- balanced cabinet the entire world was confronted with the apparent escalation of ISIS attacks, especially in Europe. These events challenge us to respond with careful thought and sensible action. Soon the Action and Advocacy commit- tee will be studying the five proposed national resolutions for 2016. Through these resolutions we can make changes for the better -- in education, the envi- ronment, human rights and other issues important to us. The proposed resolu- tions will be presented in the newsletter and voted on in the coming year, first by our club, then at the national AGM in June 2016. I hope you will take time to read them and attend the general meeting to participate in the discussion. Our resolutions are our tools to in- fluence public policy. We have just finished celebrating our 90th anniver- sary year. Now we look forward to the next 90 with determination that we can and will make a differ- ence, here in Hamilton and via CFUW and GWI in Canada and the world. Debbie Winter 2015/16 CFUW-HAMILTON Happenings CFUW is a national organization of nearly 10,000 women who work together for the advancement of public education, the status of women, and human rights. It promotes cooperation, networking, lifelong learning, and the leadership of women in all fields. The local CFUWHamilton club hosts monthly meetings to inform and inspire; provides a wide range of interest groups; and engages in letter-writing campaigns and advocacy. The scholarship fund provides awards and bursaries for university and college students, supported in part through an annual author's night. From the President’s Desk

Transcript of CFUW-HAMILTON Happenings · Winter 2015/16 CFUW-HAMILTON Happenings CFUW is a national organization...

Page 1: CFUW-HAMILTON Happenings · Winter 2015/16 CFUW-HAMILTON Happenings CFUW is a national organization of nearly 10,000 women who work together for the advancement of public education,

On November 6, 2015 my grandniece Elena Nicole Clary was born. The birth of a healthy baby is a joyous occasion, but Elena's birth held special significance as she was the first female born into the Clary family in many years. (I was the last one before her so never mind how many years.) As a result, my thoughts turned to family members who have gone before, as well as hope and promise for the future. I thought es-pecially of Elena's great-great-grandfather, because the 125th anniver-sary of his birth was November 17, 2015. Thinking about how lives had changed within our family over those years, led me to consider change and hope for the future in a wider context. The world is changing rapidly. When I was president of CFUW-Hamilton in the mid 1990s there was no social media, most people accessed the internet via a dial-up modem (if at all), and the few people who owned cell phones actually used them to make phone calls. Times have changed. This program year CFUW national has had two teleconferences, and a webinar with more in the works. By the time you read this a two day seminar on Sexual Violence and Harassment will have taken place via webcast. There are daily emails, Facebook posts, Tweets, and other electronic communications from our Regional Director or the head office in Ottawa. If you are active on Facebook or Twitter you can follow both CFUW and GWI (formerly IFUW) to keep abreast of what's happening.

In October, 2015, Canada held a federal election which saw the Liberal party sweep in with a major-ity. Not long after Mr. Trudeau named his gender-

balanced cabinet the entire world was confronted with the apparent escalation of ISIS attacks, especially in Europe. These events challenge us to respond with careful thought and sensible action. Soon the Action and Advocacy commit-tee will be studying the five proposed national resolutions for 2016. Through these resolutions we can make changes for the better -- in education, the envi-ronment, human rights and other issues important to us. The proposed resolu-tions will be presented in the newsletter and voted on in the coming year, first by our club, then at the national AGM in

June 2016. I hope you will take time to read them and attend the general meeting to participate in the discussion. Our resolutions are our tools to in-fluence public policy. We have just finished celebrating our 90th anniver-sary year. Now we look forward to the next 90 with determination that we can and will make a differ-ence, here in Hamilton and via CFUW and GWI in Canada and the world. Debbie

Winter 2015/16

CFUW-HAMILTON

Happenings

CFUW is a national organization of nearly 10,000 women who work together for the advancement of public

education, the status of women, and human rights. It promotes cooperation, networking, lifelong learning, and the leadership of women in all fields. The local CFUW–Hamilton club hosts monthly meetings to inform and inspire; provides a wide range of interest groups; and engages in letter-writing campaigns and advocacy. The scholarship fund provides awards and bursaries for university and college students, supported in part through an annual author's night.

From the Pres ident ’s Desk

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From the Scholarship Committee

Florence Elizabeth Martin

Florence Martin died on August 2015 in her 100th year, in her home in Grimsby. She was a

member of CFUW for over 50 years and honoured our club by leaving a legacy of

$20,000.00 to the Scholarship Fund.

Florence was born in Vineland but moved at age 12 to Grimsby where she lived all of her

life except for the years when she attended Queen’s University in Kingston. She devoted her

life to volunteer work –St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, the Grimsby Museum, the Children’s Aid

Society, the Cancer Society, and the Schafer Hospital. Florence was honoured for her dedica-

tion to the community by being named Citizen of the Year in both 1963, and 1983, as well as

being awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement.

For those of us who were privileged to know her as a CFUW member we remember a true

lady of great charm and intelligence who loved classical music, theatre, world travel and

gathering with her Friday Group friends for a glass of sherry and an afternoon of lively dis-

cussion and friendship.

Myrtle Greve

Click on the logos below and see what is happening with CFUW - Locally, Nationally and Internationally

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April 19, 2016 “Cultural Identity Formation and Holistic Curriculum Design, Journeying Toward a Praxis of Indigenous Maternal Pedagogy” Jennifer Brant, PhD Candidate, Program Coordinator, Gidayaamin Program, Brock University,Tecumseh Centre for Aboriginal Research and Education Jennifer’s work is driven by her passion to contribute to indigenous community well-being. Her research interests include indigenous maternal pedagogy, cultural identity formation and indigenous women’s literature as a source of empowerment. May 17, 2016 Annual General Meeting & Dinner. “Transforming Transportation in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area” Chris Burke, Director, Service Planning, Metrolinx Chris will present the current and future plans for transportation in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA). Be prepared for an exciting presentation! We hope you will enjoy the program prepared for this coming year. Rosemary Knechtel and Brenda Wright, Co-Chairs, Program Committee, 2015-2016

Programs coming soon -

open to all

Held on the 3rd Tuesday of the

month 7:30 p.m.

The Cresmount,

1020 Upper James, Hamilton.

January 19, 2016

“Music That Moves Us: Rhythm and

Social Behaviour in Children”

Dr. Laurel Trainor, Director, McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind; Professor, Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University Dr. Trainor will discuss what children learn through exposure to music and how it shapes behavior.

February 16, 2016

“Three Sisters: the Experiences of the First Women at McMaster

1930-31

Dr. Christine Lei, Professor, Laurier University, McMaster University Christine is a committed advocate for heritage preservation. She believes if we are to survive as a city, it is vital to preserve Hamilton’s history for future generations.

March 15, 2016

Resolutions

Our Action and Advocacy Committee is preparing to review the proposed resolutions; and will present them at the March meeting. See page 7 for more information about the Resolutions.

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Action and Advocacy A discussion and advocacy group which supports the advocacy initiatives of the national and provincial CFUW resolutions. We also review local issues. We have stimulating discussions and a lot of fun. We look forward to having new members. Meets in members’ homes on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 2pm. January 27 at Debbie Welland’s Work on the 2016 Resolutions and to plan visits to MPs. February 24 at Linda Gill’s Finalize the presentation of the resolutions for the March 15 meeting of CFUW-Hamilton. March 23 TBA Contacts: Myrtle Greve [email protected] Pat Stephenson-Cino [email protected]

Art Appreciation Art Appreciation offers members the opportunity to visit local galleries, to study artists through papers given by members and to enjoy the company of the other members over the occasional lunch but al-ways over art. Meets on the first Thursday of the month at 1:15 pm with some exceptions. January 7 Lunch at Bangkok Spoon Restaurant at 12 followed by a choice of exhibits: Carnegie Gallery and/or Tour the Silhouettes in Time –the First 100 Year of Fashion in Dundas February 4 Norma Young’s home a tour of her collection of Original Northern Ontario Art March 3 Art Gallery of Hamilton: Modernism in Montreal: The Beaver Hall Group April 7 Regina Haggo (annual visit) to Grace Lutheran Church May 5 Glenhyrst Gallery, (20 Ava Road, Brantford), for Tea/Lunch and the current exhibit Contacts: Myrtle Greve 905-648-7581 [email protected]; Mary Barrette 905-648-3783, [email protected]

Bridge There are three groups a month and they always welcome newcomers. Meets on the 1st Friday at 10 a.m.; the 2nd Monday at 1 p.m.; and the last Monday 1p.m. Contact: Fran Branch 905-679-0921

Creative Writing A group to share work on a given topic or a personal project. Meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 1:30 pm January 20 Debbie Welland February 17 Susan Evans Shaw March 16 Trudi Down Contact: Linda Helson, 905-628-6768 [email protected]

Held monthly in various locations.

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Daytimers A walk to explore the natural and built landscapes of Hamilton and area. After our walk, usually about an hour, we always find some place to stop for a cup of tea. Please call/e-mail Brenda if you plan to come, so we’re sure not to leave without you, and to verify de-tails (plans are subject to change). Meets on the 1st Friday of the month at 9:30 am. January 8 Rail trail from Sanctuary Park, Sanctuary Dr. & Pleasant Ave. (note meeting is the 2nd Friday of Jan.) February 5 Waterfront trail & North End; Discovery Dr. & Guise St. E. March 4 Chippewa Rail Trail, Rymal Rd & Nebo Rd. April 1 Burlington beach strip & Beachway Park, Burlington May 6 South shore trails, Churchill Park June 3 Rock Gardens, RBG Plains Rd Burlington. Lunch afterwards Contact: Brenda Wright, 905-385-6866 [email protected]

Déjà Lu A book group where members give a short summary and impressions about the book they have read on a selected topic. A scholarly review is not expected. Most meetings are held at #304, 50 Governor's Rd. Dundas. Meets on the fourth Friday of the month at 10:00 am at 304-50 Governor's Rd. January 22 Travel February 26 A Canadian Author March 18 Sports April 22 Adventure, Thriller May 27 Personal Choice Contact: Alexandra Gall, 905-628-6861

Friday Group A discussion-theme centered group that meets at members’ homes or at interesting venues in the community. Meets on the third Friday of the month at 1:15 p. m. – or see the change of time. January 15 at Beatrice Deadman’s Speaker: Author, Judith Pollard Smith February 19 TBA March 18 TBA Contact: Ellen Gillespie, 905 388 0720 [email protected]

HEAL – Healthy Eating And Living A fun group to learn and practise ways to stay vibrant and healthy. We have discussions on various health related topics, participate in some healthy activities and share good food together, along with a good dose of lively conversation and humour. We meet in members’ homes and are a friendly, supportive group for one another. We welcome you to join us. Meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 6:00p.m. January 25 at Rose O’Conner’s Restaurant Dinner Out – place TBA February 22 at Brenda Wright’s Games Night. Hot Chili for the cold winter March 28 at Heather Oliver’s (6:30) Travel presentation on Turkey Healthy snacks – Eastern Mediterranean theme April 25 at Ethel MacDonald’s Program: Vegetarian lifestyle. Healthy Snacks – Vegetarian May 23 at Christine Gerth’s Year End Pot Luck Bring your gourmet delights

Contact: Heather Oliver, 905-627-0632 [email protected]

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Modern Books Group Members are encouraged to volunteer to choose a book they wish to review sometime during the year. This way one may decide to read a book or not after hearing the review. $20.00 is collected yearly and used to purchase new books for our lending library and to pay an honorarium to a speaker for our pot luck supper in June. Meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:45 p.m. in the homes of members January 26 at Margaret Johnson's Review by Myrtle Greve - The Illegal and Charlotte Graham - The Golden Sun February 23 at Ethel MacDonald's Review by Trudi Down - The Hunter & the Wild Girl and Michelle McGinn - TBA March 22 at Carolyn VanHoevelaak's Review by Jill Downie - Stalin's Daughter and Carolyn VanHoevelaak - mini-review - Life After Life & A God in Ruins Contacts: Carolyn VanHoevelaak, 905-679-1002 [email protected] Marilyn Mallard, 905-319-1343 [email protected]

OUT and ABOUT A group of CFUWers that lunch at a different restaurant each month. Meets at noon on the Fourth Friday of the month Jan 22 Aberdeen Tavern -Aberdeen and Dundurn Feb26 Royal Hamilton Yacht Club March 25 Horse and Train Bistro at Hamilton Art Gallery April 22 Don Zvers, 2290 Hwy 5 West, Troy Contacts: Alison Healing, 905 648 6964 [email protected] Pat Cino, 905 304-9696 [email protected]

Readers’ Circle There are two groups; one meets on the second Tuesday evening and the other on the second Wednesday afternoon. Both meet at members’ home to discuss books selected the previous June. Tuesday Group; meets at 7:45 p.m. January 12, 2016 at Debbie Welland’s The Paris Architect, by Charles Belfaure February 9 at Jan Armstrong’s How It All Began, by Penelope Lively March 8, joint meeting at Linda Gill’s The Pink Suit, by Nicole Mary Kelby April 12 at Sheri Selway’s A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman May 10 at Cathy Tell’s Caught, by Lisa Moore Wed. June 8, joint meeting Dinner and book selection for next year; details TBA Contact: Barbara Ledger, 905-526-7405, [email protected] Wednesday group; meets at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 13 ` Hostess: TBA The Paris Architect, by Charles Belfaure Feb. 10 at Ruth Lemp’s A Train in Winter, by Caroline Moorehead Tues. March 8, joint meeting 7:45 p.m at Linda Gill’s The Pink Suit, by Nicole Mary Kelby Wed. April 13 at Doreen Knol’s A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman Wed. May 11 at Bernice Theaker’s Caught, by Lisa Moore June 8 joint meeting Dinner and book selection for next year; details TBA Contact: Lyn Hladun, 905-389-0884, [email protected]

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For your review, link to the complete Proposed Resolution Package 2015-2016 Proposed Resolutions for Amendment

Please contact our Action and Advocacy Committee if you would like to help with the review process.

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Here is the September 26, 2015 Ontario Council Standing Committee Report for Education for the next CFUW Newsletter. I attended this session and I really think that many members will be interested in this report pre-pared by Kathy Wosnick. Rosemary Knechtel, Ontario Council Standing Committee - Education Rep

Measuring What Matters: A New Way of Thinking about Skills Dr. David Cameron, Research Director for People for Education presented a broad overview of school success and the measurements used to describe and define success in the Ontario school system. His background working within Ontario, US and UK school systems combined with his research within the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat at the Ontario Ministry of Education gives him a broad perspective on our education system. David began with a historical outline of People for Education, a non-profit organization that partners with parents, teachers, school boards and the government to hold conferences, conduct research and facilitate public dialogue around education in this province, with specific purpose to support public edu-cation. The questions: What are we measuring? What are the affects of that process? How is data re-ported and used? The Measuring What Matters research initiative is working with experts across Can-ada and beyond, to create a set of core domains and aligned measurement that is educationally useful and reflects a broad set of skills "students will need to live happy, healthy, economically secure and civically engaged lives". The domains identified to move beyond the basic skills currently assessed (through EQAO) are Health, Social-Emotional Learning, Creativity, Citizenship and Quality Learning Environments. A very lively discussion touched on many challenges in the current Ontario school system, including the protective nature of educational institutions and working conditions within schools. Measuring What Matters, along with their partners (including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Atkinson Foundation) is now working with twelve school districts interested in starting action research projects. Schools will integrate the core domains and identified competencies into the life of the school and work toward developing different kinds of data to reflect student success in a broader way. For more infor-mation, please see their website: http://peopleforeducation.ca/measuring-what-matters/ or contact David directly at [email protected] Kathy Wosnick Education Chair

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