Welcome to the CFUW-Ottawa Interest Groups! 

CFUW-Ottawa has a number of groups and activities happening throughout the month. They cover a wide range of interests including outdoor activities, indoor games, cuisine, book clubs, art, public affairs, music, and much more. All are opportunities for fun, friendship, learning.

Interest Groups

For Group Convenor Contact Information

Please Log into the Website as a Member

You must then use the Member-Only Tab to find the

Group Convenors Contact Info”

Gardening

HIPPY Ottawa

History

Madri-Gals

Movies and Theatre

Music Appreciation

Outdoor Fitness
Photography
Spanish Conversation



Browse the monthly schedule of activities.

If members or non-members have any questions, please contact the Interest Groups Convenor at interestgroups@cfuw-ottawa.org

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Art

National Gallery Study Group (Fee)

Open to members who are National Gallery of Canada members, also there will be a fee of $40 each. Unfortunately we cannot add guests.

We will also visit the Ottawa Art Gallery, possibly the War Museum and hopefully an outdoor event.

Last Wednesday (except December) 11:00 a.m.


Book Clubs

Literature Study Groups 


Group II

This group is composed of women who love passing on insights about books, sharing afternoon snacks and connecting with each other. We tend to concentrate on fiction, but always vote to include at least one non-fiction selection. The requirements to join us are that you like to read, will read the chosen book before we meet, enjoy the company of other women and can be flexible in these uncertain times. 

2022-2023 Reading List

  • Canada By Richard Ford
  • The Glass Hotel By Emily St. John Mandel
  • The Reluctant Fundamentalist By Moshin Hamid
  • Meet Me at the Museum  By Anne Youngson
  • Borges and Me- an Encounter By Jay Parini
  • Afterlife By Julia Alvarez
  • Truth be Told  By Beverly McLachlin
  • A Town Called Solace By Mary Lawson
  • Books by Louise Penny
    Zoom Meetings initially, adjusting with members' approval to in person meetings using OPH guidelines

    2nd Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. 


    Group III

    Literature Group III meets on the third Tuesday evening of the month at 7:30 at various women’s homes.  This group is for women who live east of Bronson Ave.  We read an eclectic mix of books including classic, prize winners, and books recommended by friends. We make sure all the the books are available (in various forms) at the Ottawa Public Library.  Come join us and find out the interesting selection of books we are reading this year!

    Books for 2022-23:

    • Dial A for Aunties by Jessie Q. Suntanto;
    • Underground Railroad by Colin Whitehead;
    • A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson;
    • A Man Called Ove by Frederick Backman;
    • The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles;
    • Murdered Midas by Charlotte Gray;
    • The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi;
    • The Magician by Colm Toibin;

    Zoom initially, adjusting to in person using OPH guidelines and with member agreement.

    3rd Tuesday, 7:30pm

    Group IV

    Our group meets monthly at 1:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month. We have a list of eight books to read during the year, and each month one member reviews a book, with discussion following. The meetings are held in members' homes, and we begin with light refreshments. 

    Books for 2022-23:

    • TBA

      Zoom meetings initially, adjusting, with members’ approval to in person meetings using OPH guidelines.

      2nd Thursday, 1:00 p.m.


      Group V

      We meet the second Tuesday of each month at 1:00 pm at one of our members' homes to share refreshments and discuss the chosen book. The books are chosen by the members in May for the following year.  Our group chooses books from a wide genre of fiction, non fiction, mysteries, classic and modern. Each month a member of the group reviews one of the books and we all contribute to a lively discussion with a variety of viewpoints. 

      Books for 2022-23:

      • Flora! A Woman in A Man's World  by Flora MacDonald and Geoffrey Stevens.  
      • Road Ends by Mary Lawson
      • All We Leave Behind by Carole Off
      • Dead Wake  by Erik Larson
      • Run Toward the Danger by Sarah Polley.
      • Lady in Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown, by Anne Glenconner 
      • The Great Passion by James Runcie

        Zoom meetings initially, adjusting, with members’ approval, to in person meetings using OPH guidelines.

        2nd Tuesday, 1:00pm (if on ZOOM, meeting will be at 2:00 p.m.)


        Group VI

        This group is for those members living west of Bronson Ave. who are seeking an evening book group. We meet 9 times a year in members' homes. Our evenings begin with refreshments and time to socialize. A member then reviews the chosen book and this is followed by a group discussion. Books for the following year are chosen at a pot-luck dinner in June.

        Books for 2022-23:

        • September: Cat's Eye - Margaret Atwood;
        • October: Miss Benson"s Beetle - Rachel Joyce
        • November: The Last Garden in England - Julia Kelly
        • January: Girl, Woman, Other - Bernadine Evaristo
        • February: We were Rich and Didn't Know It; memoirs - Tom Phelan
        • March: Klara and the Sun - Kazuo Ishiguro
        • April: Secrets of the Sprakkar - Eliza Reid
        • May: Ice Walker - James Raffan

        Zoom meetings initially, adjusting, with members’ approval, to in person meetings using OPH guidelines.

        3rd Tuesday evening, 7:00 p.m.


        La Literati - Group VII

        Lively discussions, and fun bring this group together on Zoom until meetings in homes are possible.  The wide variety of interests in the group are reflected in the member’s choice of books:  fiction and nonfiction; classic and modern; serious and comic.  Each member presents their chosen book and leads a discussion of varying opinions. Books are chosen in the spring.

        Books for 2022-23:

        • Finding the Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard;
        • Freezing Order by Bill Browder;
        • A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson;
        • Christmas Social Gathering
        • Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce;
        • 10 Minutes 38 Seconds by Elif Shafak;
        • A Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion;
        • Milkman by Anna Burns;
        • Nobody Will Tell You This But Me  by Bess Kalb.

        Zoom meetings initially, adjusting, with members’ approval, to in person meetings using OPH guidelines.

        3rd Thursday evening, 7:00 pm


        Crime Fiction Book Club 

        Ready for a lively dose of murder and mayhem?  Then this group is for you!  We enjoy reading a wide variety of crime/mystery fiction and are often sleuthing out new or undiscovered authors and titles in various sub-genres.  We have even caught literary culprits in the act of plagiarism!  Each month a member presents on a chosen book; this is followed by discussion and then an exchange of related information (such as other books read, new authors discovered, book events, and more).  Tea and friendship are also promised.

        Books for 2022-23:

        This year we will be focusing on female authors and/or protagonists.  While the great majority of those who read crime fiction are female, most of the authors and sleuths are male.  Our list hopes to buck that trend.

        • The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji
        • The Maid by Nita Prose*  
        • Speak Ill of the Dead by Mary Jane Maffini* 
        • The Trespasser by Tana French
        • The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
        • The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny*
        • The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves
        • When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McClain   
        • If I Die Tonight by Alison Gaylin 
        • One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson 

        *Canadian Author

        Our 2022-23 season will be adopting a hybrid model, meeting some months over Zoom and others in person (COVID permitting) at the Alta Vista Library (2516 Alta Vista Drive). 

        3rd Wednesday, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.



        Historical Fiction Book Club
        We read literate historical fiction, non-fiction, and biographies that cover a wide variety of countries and time periods; historical romance will not be considered.  A brief presentation precedes the discussion and may include biographical information about the author and/or the historical context in which the story is placed.  We meet downstairs at the Sunnyside Library, 1049 Bank St, but for the foreseeable future we will use Zoom for our meetings. Fee $20. 

        Reading List 2022-2023

        • The Truth be Told, Beverley McLachlin
        • The Boat People, Sharon Bala
        • Floral: A Woman in a Man's World, Geoffrey Stevens
        • Agent Zigzag, Ben Macintyre
        • She-Wolves: The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth, Helen Castor
        • The Triumph and Tragedy of Lyndon Johnson, Joseph A. Califano
        • The Dictionary of Lost Words, Pip Williams
        • Five Little Indians, Michelle Good
        • Diamond Eye, Kate Quinn


        Zoom meetings initially, adjusting, with members’ approval, to in person meetings using OPH guidelines.

        2nd Tuesday evening, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 
                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                    
        Canadiana
        This group meets to learn about a broad range of Canadian topics from antiques to art, from social history to contemporary issues.  Like the topics, the format varies but usually it includes a guest speaker or an interactive project lead by a member of the group, followed by tea and discussion.

        If interested, contact the convenor and you will be contacted when the group is making plans to meet. We plan to meet in person using OPH guidelines and with member agreement.

        3rd Monday, 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.

                                 
                       
        Cuisine


        Couples Gourmet

        This is a couples' and singles dinner group that meets for dinner at members' homes six or seven times a year, usually on the third Saturday of the month. Hosts meet to decide on the menu and assign the recipes to those who are to dine. They vary from gourmet to pot luck dinners.  Hostesses need not cook. All expenses are shared equally.  The season begins with a Cocktail Party and ends with a BBQ or Cocktail Party.  Join our festive and fun group.

        If interested, kindly contact the convenor and you will be contacted when the group is making plans to meet. We plan to meet in person using OPH guidelines and with member agreement.

        3rd Saturday, evening (or Sunday if preferred by a group)



        Dining Out
        This group enjoys fine dining at Ottawa area restaurants. Reservations are arranged by rotating members of the group.  We try out new and trendy restaurants as well as old favourites.

        2nd Wednesday of the month, evening  6:00 p.m.


        Supper Club

        The Supper Club is a casual dining experience organized by rotating members of the group. Meet new people and enjoy good conversation.

        If interested, kindly contact the convenor and you will be contacted when the group is making plans to meet. We plan to meet in person using OPH guidelines and with member agreement.

        4th Wednesday at supper time, 6:30 p.m.


        Easy Gourmet 

        The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 pm from October to June.   A rotating subset of the group meet and plan and then prepare and serve each meal.  A fee is collected at the beginning of the season to cover the cost of food and wine. Meals are served at members homes. For this reason, membership numbers are limited. 

        If Public Health guidelines advise against meeting in person, the group will meet via Zoom, as we did last season, sharing ideas for menus, cooking methods and tools, etc and engaging presenters.

        1st Wednesday, 6:30pm 


        International Cuisine (Fee)
        Group I

        International Cuisine I will meet throughout the fall and winter! Although we will not be able to enjoy a meal together for a while, we will meet electronically each month to discuss a culinary theme of interest. The first meeting will take place October 7th at 7 pm where we will share ideas and make plans for 3 - 4 months. Possible ideas for our virtual meetings include:

        • a small group of 2 or 3 will choose a country or region and lead a discussion on the cuisine and possible menus and recipes;
        • a member will give a demo or talk about a cooking technique or a piece of equipment such as a air fryer, sharing her experience and expertise.

        All suggestions and new members are welcome at our planning meeting in October. Please join us!

        Zoom meetings initially, adjusting, with members’ approval, to in person meetings using OPH guidelines.

        1st Wednesday, evening

        Group II

        At the planning meeting in August, conveners chose mystery cookbooks from which they will plan their menus in the coming season. The group will be meeting in person, subject to any OPH directives.

        1st Wednesday, 6:00pm.

        No meeting in January. Instead of meeting for dinner on 1st Wednesday in February and March, members will meet for lunch at 12:30 pm.

        Please note this group full, due to the nature of the meetings being in homes.


        Lunching Out
        If interested, kindly contact the convenor and you will be contacted when the group is making plans to meet.  Until the time when it is safe to lunch together in restaurants, there will be “lunch and chat” meetings via zoom so members can socialize virtually.


        3rd Tuesday, 12:00 noon


        Sunday Brunch

        On the 1st Sunday of the month from October to June (excluding December) a very social group of CFUW members meet to chat and try out the brunch at local restaurants both new and old favourites.  Reservations are arranged by the convenor or by members of the group.  We meet at 11:00 a.m. and depending on whether it is a buffet or a served meal, we usually finish by 1:30 to 2:00.


        If interested, kindly contact the convenor and you will be contacted when the group is making plans to meet. We plan to meet in person using OPH guidelines and with member agreement.

        1st Sunday of the month, 11:00 a.m.


        Diplomatic Hospitality

        The Diplomatic Hospitality Group (DHG) promotes Canada to foreign diplomatic guests in a spirit of fun and friendship.  For over fifty years, DHG has organized outings and events, in cooperation with cultural, educational, social and artistic communities to demonstrate Canadian life and showcase Canadian history and culture in the National Capital Region. (More)


        Environment

        Environment Action

        This is a group with a positive attitude. Our mission is to educate ourselves and others about environmental issues and to take action. We host a series of online public meetings to which expert guest speakers are invited.  We learn how and why our environment is changing, and about projects near and far that promise to counteract global warming, reduce environmental pollution or mitigate the loss of biodiversity.  We share ideas, both within and beyond this group, on how to advocate for change and act in specific, practical ways.  Some voluntary team-building, networking and planning activities are included in our program.

        Please visit our website https://sites.google.com/view/environmentaction/events

        Write to environment@cfuw-ottawa.org for more information

        Mostly Zoom meetings; some outdoor activities and other in-person gatherings will also take place.

        Meetings are primarily the 2nd Monday of the month, from 1:30 - 3:00 PM, occasionally the 3rd Monday

                                                                                                                     

        Exploring Indigenous Education
        If you are interested in developing a group for this interest topic, please contact

        Outdoor Fitness
                  

        Gatineau Trails - Year-round Outdoor Activities - Hike, XC Ski, Snowshoe, Cycle

        The Gatineau Trails group offers members weekly outdoor activities including hiking in the fall and spring and cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.   Informal cycling outings also occur in the summer.   In addition, members have the opportunity (at an additional cost) to participate in fitness classes and ski lessons, led by Olympian Sue Holloway. You can join in some or all of the activities with no obligation to attend any.   All levels of experience are welcome.  Weekly emails are sent out on Sundays with the time, location and description of the Tuesday outings.

        There is a $7 activity fee to become a member of Gatineau Trails.  Members are responsible for getting their own Gatineau Park Ski Passes.

        New members are always welcome!  Join us for fun, fitness, and friendship in the great outdoors!  For more information click here.

        Weekly, Tuesdays

                         

        Skiing-Downhill
        We are a very small informal group of about 20 to 25 members who meet every Friday during the winter  to ski at Camp Fortune.  Our group includes intermediate to expert skiers and is committed to a healthy use of winter and good conversation on the lift.

        It is recommended that members have a week day season pass to Camp Fortune

        Weekly, Friday mornings

        Snowshoeing in the Wild

        Snowshoes + Energy + Love of the Outdoors & the Wild = Fun Adventures! 

        Bring your snowshoes for a two hour walk on ungroomed trails around Ottawa and Gatineau.  Following this, enjoy a well-earned coffee or lunch together.

        Every snowy Saturday morning, 10am to 1:00pm

                      

        Focus on GWI

        Graduate Women International (GWI), our international arm, advocates for women's rights, equality and empowerment through access to quality secondary and tertiary education. GWI works toward a world where 100% of girls and women achieve education beyond primary school. Members are able to design the group’s activities for the year. We work to understand the reality of education for girls and women in other countries and at the broad international level. Members strive to keep up to date on issues that deserve our attention and understanding and then lead a discussion. We share this knowledge with our membership through the Capital Carillon ‘Do You Know Who We Are’  articles and on this website.

        GWI Advocacy and Projects: Reports and Information

        To watch a video of a Flashmob initiated by one of our GWI representatives as a side event to the International Day of the Girl Child 2016 in Geneva, Switzerland, click here

        GWI's Bina Roy Partners in Development Projects PowerPoint presentation: click here.

        Members will meet by ZOOM or in the home of a member at various times when issues arise.


        French Conversation

        A monthly meeting to converse en français.  A topic (e.g. favourite trip, recipe, tradition) will be selected for each meeting, directing conversation and expanding vocabulary.  All levels of French welcome; the group will be capped at 10 members.

        1st Tuesday, 7-9pm 


        Games

        Bridge

        Social Duplicate Bridge

        Knowledge of bridge is required, but the emphasis is on a “Social” afternoon at the Sandy Hill Community Centre.

        If interested, kindly sign up and you will be contacted when the group is making plans to meet. We plan to meet in person using OPH guidelines, facility availability and with member agreement.

         Wednesday afternoons  1st, 2nd, and 3 week of the month, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. 

        Couples - Duplicate
        If interested, kindly contact the interest group coordinator and you will be contacted when the group is making plans to meet.




        Mah-Jong
        Mahjong is a game played with tiles, typically with four players around a table. The goal is to complete your hand before other players. There is no universal version of the game, but once the basic procedure is understood, players find no difficulty in adapting their game to another set of rules. In the CFUW group, we play a version of mahjong that originated in Hong Kong and while it is different from the American mahjong that many are familiar with, our rules will be easy to pick up. It is a game that can be challenging and mentally stimulating, but it is the chance to be social and enjoy each others' company that makes mahjong particularly fun. Whether you've played before or not, all levels of experience are welcome!

        If interested, kindly contact the convenor and you will be contacted when the group is making plans to meet. We plan to meet in person using OPH guidelines, facility availability and with member agreement.

        Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m.


        Modern Board Games

        Anyone tired of Monopoly or Clue, cribbage or backgammon?  Join the new Modern Board Games group. The purpose of this group is to learn and play the newer games on the market, to challenge our minds,  and of course, to have fun!

        Some examples of games we will play are Settlers of Catan, Castles of Burgundy and Ticket to Ride.  Any game that you would like to bring and teach us to play would also be welcome.

        If interested, kindly contact the convenor and you will be contacted when the group is making plans to meet. We plan to meet in person using OPH guidelines, with member agreement.

        1st Wednesday of the month, 1-4 pm


        Garden Club

        The CFUW Gardening Club aims to bring together members to promote the joy of gardening.  In this setting, members will share their passion for gardening, learn from the experiences of others and develop friendships. Whether you are an experienced gardener, or one that is just starting  down that path, this group will welcome you. The only prerequisite is the desire to enjoy garden spaces, in all their shapes and sizes. No matter what your gardening interests may be—from pollinator gardens to putting your garden to bed in the fall—here you'll find fertile ground to explore them and people to share them with. If this group appeals to you, please join us as we explore the wonderful world of gardening.

        4th Monday, 2pm, Sept., Oct., March - August


        HIPPY Ottawa

        CFUW-Ottawa made it a strategic priority to become involved in a project that would promote lifelong learning and improve the lives of women and children in our community.  The project selected was HIPPY Ottawa.


        The HIPPY program focuses on helping low-income parents in Ottawa, usually immigrants, prepare their three- to five-year-olds for school. Numerous benefits include better preparing children for entry to the Ontario school system; empowering parents to prepare their children for school; breaking down barriers to the integration of recent immigrants to Canadian life; and mentoring those parents and program workers interested in pursuing learning or career plans. (more)

                              

                                                                                                            


        History


        Historical Study

        Each year, members of the History Study Group select a theme.The topic for 2022-23 will be The History of the World’s Great Rivers and Waterways. The programme relies on monthly presentations, prepared by our members (typically using PowerPoint).


        All members are invited to contact a convenor if they are interested in making a presentation on some aspect of this topic.

        The group meets the first Thursday of each month from 1 – 3 p.m.  New and returning members are all welcome.

        1st Thursday, 1-3 pm


        Tea, Tales and Treasures
        We meet in a member's home on the fourth Thursday of the month from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Each member brings a treasure or tale to share.  We have a delightful time looking at and talking about the treasures or listening to and discussing the tales.  Following the presentations afternoon tea is provided by our host and co-host.


        If interested, kindly contact the convenor and you will be contacted when the group is making plans to meet. We plan to meet in person using OPH guidelines and with member agreement.


        4th Thursday, 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

          

        Movie Club 

        Are you interested in watching movies that inspire, educate, and make you think? Once a month, a movie is selected for Movie Club members to watch. The selection includes foreign films, documentaries, hidden gems and others. The movie may be selected from an online site (eg Netflix, CBC Gems, NFB) or one that the Bytowne or Mayfair Theatre is showing. The choice will be dependent on the Bytowne's or Mayfair's selection ... and the weather!

        How does it work? The season begins in October 2022.

        • For online films, an email is sent to members at the beginning of the month to let them know the choice of film. Members can watch it at their leisure at home. Those who wish to share their thoughts about the movie with the group can email their review/feedback. Later in the month (4th WEDNESDAY, 7:30pm), a Zoom discussion takes place for those who wish to discuss the movie with others.
        • For movies at the theatres, an email is sent to members at the beginning of the month to let them know the choice of film, date and time, and theatre. We will meet at the theatre and watch the film. There may be an optional dinner after the movie to gather and discuss the film (and other things!).

        Even if you don’t watch the films every month, you will have a list of “curated” films to add to your watch lists for a later time!

        Film choice sent at the beginning of each month.

        For online films, optional Zoom discussion on 4th Wednesday at 7:30pm.

         

        Ottawa Little Theatre 

        This group seeks to attend plays at the Ottawa Little Theatre together.  If interested, kindly contact the convenor and you will be contacted if our group is attending a play.

        Music


        Madri-Gals Choir                                                                                                  

        A group of CFUW-Ottawa members meet weekly to sing together in 3 part harmony.  They perform at a number of Seniors residences around the city ....... (More)

        First Wednesday of the month, we meet at St. Timothy's Church

        Zoom meetings for each of the following weeks

        Wednesdays 9:45 to 11:00 am


        Music Appreciation

        The group meets in members' homes or on ZOOM.  A general theme is chosen at the beginning of the year (eg. The Sound of a Country or a Composer or Performer).  Members sign up to make presentations from October - May (except January) on topics relevant to the overall theme.  This year we will continue with favourite composers or performers. Presentations are typically illustrated with videos, YouTube clips and CDs, all of which make for lively and informative sessions. We welcome new members and new ideas for enhancing the enjoyment of music in all forms.

        Zoom meetings initially, adjusting, with members’ approval, to in person meetings using OPH guidelines.


        1st Tuesday afternoon, 1:00 p.m.       




        Photography


        Hocus Phocus Digital Photography

        Live Life . Take Pictures . Relive Memories . Repeat  (Anonymous).

        Come discover the art of taking photographs with an amateur group of fun loving women. Let’s learn together, grow skills and take pictures to savour life’s precious moments.  Creative  digital  photography is not about about “depth of field but depth of feeling.”  Learning will take place in a supportive environment with a monthly meeting format that will offer thematic topics and photo shoot opportunities.  No expertise or specialized equipment is required to join.  Members may use a complete range of equipment, including basic point and shoot digital cameras, tablets and cell phones.  Please bring to all meetings.

        Zoom meetings initially, adjusting, with members’ approval, to in person meetings using OPH guidelines.

        3rd Monday of the month, 7-9 pm


        Spanish Conversation

        This is a conversational Spanish group for people who have learned or are learning Spanish and want some practice. All levels of Spanish are welcome. The group will be capped at 10 members.

        We will meet in homes from 1:30 -3:30 p.m. Our first meeting will be on October 24th, following that we meet on the 3rd Monday of each month.

        3rd Monday 1:30 -3:30 pm


        Travel

        The CFUW Travel Group aims to bring together fellow travellers (and interested non-travellers) who are looking to share travel experiences and ideas about cities or countries to visit: hidden gems in locations familiar or unfamiliar, a tiny but brilliant art gallery in Lisbon, a wine tour near Cape Town, a cruise not to be missed or a country to be avoided. Looking to go on a theatre trip to London or a weekend of wine-tasting, but prefer not to travel alone? Perhaps you will find like-minded travel companion/s who wish to join you. Please join us as we explore the world of travel.

        4th Thursday, 1 pm


        University Women Helping Afghan Women (UWHAW)



        For the past 11 years, UWHAW members have been learning about life in Afghanistan, particularly the many challenges faced by women and girls, and have been raising awareness in our community and beyond, and advocating for their rights.

        Most importantly, UWHAW has been fundraising and providing scholarships to young Afghan women to attend Gawharshad University in Kabul, a highly respected institution in Afghanistan. To date, our scholarships have provided funds for 42 women who have graduated and 60 who are enrolled.

        However, in August 2021, all of this changed. With the overthrow of the government by the Taliban, the future of the university, and the future of Afghan women and girls is currently unknown.

        For the 2022-23 season, UWHAW’s energy will turn toward seeking support for Afghans in this crisis. We will monitor the developments in Afghanistan and help where we are able - through advocacy, financial aid, resettlement support or any other means. If the university is able to continue, we will resume our financial support of the students.

        UWHAW members will continue to educate themselves about Afghanistan and the evolving situation in their monthly meetings so that we keep informed and are prepared to assist as needed. We are looking forward to resuming Afghan luncheons and cultural events when we can resume meeting in person.

        Zoom meetings initially.

        1st Thursday, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

        Email: universitywomenhelpingafghanwomen@cfuw-ottawa.org


        Urban Walks

        This group is interested in outdoor walks to explore neighbourhoods and interesting areas of Ottawa – everything and anything from the locks by the Chateau Laurier to the gracious old historic houses of Sandy Hill. Perhaps a walk will take us along the river or along the canal. Every month there will be a volunteer convenor who chooses the location of the walk and sends out the notice to the group. We will meet at 10:00 am on the fourth Monday of every month, weather permitting, and walk for about 90 minutes. However, the convenor would be free to opt for a weekend walk to accommodate those with busy weekday schedules.

        4th Monday, 10am


        Wine & Spirits

        Have you ever been curious about the difference between a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Malbec, or the difference between Cava and Prosecco? This group is interested in learning about – and tasting -  different wines and spirits, and perhaps learning a little about cocktails too. If these are topics that might pique your interest, we’d love for you to join us on the second Thursday of each month from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  Our plan is for this group to meet in person.

        2nd Thursday, 4pm


        Women with Hammers

        Members learn through a variety of mechanisms such as hands on workshops, in person tours and virtual meetings the basics of repairing, replacing, upgrading, installing  and creating a variety of things in and for their home. This includes learning about the materials, tools, processes and skills required which permits them to either do-it-themselves  (and earn bragging rights) and/or hire a qualified person to do or assist them.  

        2nd Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m. to noon

        Email: womenwithhammers@cfuw-ottawa.org

           

        Writing


        Well-being Writing Group (bilingual)

        Want to spark your creativity while also connecting to yourself and others in a deep, meaningful way?

        This group is meant to take you on a journey within yourself so that you can unleash your unique voice and express it to others. You will have the chance to meet other women who are passionate about writing, connect with your inner landscape and give it a voice, and share your truth with others. This group is bilingual, so feel free to express yourself in the language of your choice, English or French. We will be meeting by ZOOM.

        Schedule:

        Week 1, Thursday, 10:30-12 

        Week 4, Wednesday, 7-8:30pm 


        Writers’ Workshop

        Our group meets once a month in fall and winter to write, to learn, to hear, to tell stories, and to critique, usually the written work of one or two members each time. We give each other information on various readings, workshops and organizations (e.g. Canadian Authors' Association, book fairs, the publishing industry) for writers. Several of us have published books while participating in the Writers' Workshop  Group and some distributed worldwide (see list). Others are just beginning their writing journey, and some are midway.


        Zoom meetings initially, adjusting, with members’ approval, to in person meetings using OPH guidelines.

        Time:  4th Monday, 7:15pm

        Email: writersworkshop@cfuw-ottawa.org


        For Group Convenor Contact Information, Please Log into the Website as a Member

        You must then use the Members-Only Tab to find the

        ”Group Convenors Contact Info”


        Monthly Schedule of CFUW-Ottawa Interest Groups                                       

           


                                                              


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