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Interest Groups
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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 GroupsFor Group Convenor Contact InformationPlease Log into the Website as a MemberYou must then use the Member-Only Tab to find the ”Group Convenors Contact Info” |
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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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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. Literature Study Groups
Zoom Meetings initially, adjusting with members' approval to in person meetings using OPH guidelines
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. 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 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. 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
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.
1st Sunday of the month, 11:00 a.m. 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) 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
If you are interested in developing a group for this interest topic, please contact
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 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
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. 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
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. 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 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 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
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).
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
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. 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.
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.
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.
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 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. 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 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 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
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 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 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 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 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.
Time: 4th Monday, 7:15pm Email: writersworkshop@cfuw-ottawa.orgFor Group Convenor Contact Information, Please Log into the Website as a MemberYou must then use the Members-Only Tab to find the ”Group Convenors Contact Info”
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