CFUW/Kanata Annual Report 2020-2021
prepared by
Joy Forbes & Sandra St. Germain
Page 1 CFUW/Kanata
Table of Contents Page President’s Message ...... 3
CFUW/Kanata Officers ...... 4
Club Activities by Purpose A. Promote lifelong learning &education ...... 5
B. Award scholarships 2020 CFUW/Kanata Scholarship Recipients ...... 6 CFUW/Kanata Scholarship Trust Financial Summary ...... 7 CFUW National Fellowship ...... 8
C. Advocate for advancement of woman, human rights and common good Resolutions ...... 9
D. Promote cooperation, networking, support and understanding among women Membership ...... 12 Secret Sister ...... 13
E. Apply our knowledge and effect change Community Service ...... 13
Committee Reports ...... 14
Interest Groups ...... 16
Things to Remember – History of CFUW/Kanata ...... 24
Financial Report ...... 24
CFUW/Kanata Scholarship Trust Report ...... 27
Appendix A ...... 28
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CFUW/Kanata President’s Message
To all members of CFUW Kanata, greetings and best wishes from the Executive and especially from me in these closing days of the club year.
The two club goals set for 2020-2021 were: to keep the club meetings and business running using virtual technology; and to provide as many Interest group activities as possible so that members could engage with friends from the comfort of their home. There was a significant learning curve for all involved but today we can reflect on how we adapted as a real achievement! I know that we all yearn for the time when we can gather again, and it will happen. I also sense that our use of Zoom will continue in the future because of its convenience.
Virtual technology enabled a level of collaboration with regional, provincial, and national groups as never before. The Eastern Ontario Presidents’ Council met monthly and fostered exchange of ideas, invitations to attend other club meetings, and pooled ideas for fundraisers. The Speaker Series from Ontario Council was available to everyone in an online forum, cost free and convenient. Lastly, National meetings welcomed everyone in the same manner, and I hope that you will take advantage of these invites and attend the AGMs this May and June, respectively.
I would like to thank the members of this year’s Executive for rallying to these circumstances and learning to do things in new ways. I also thank the many conveners for organizing and hosting meetings for the enjoyment of our members. Our club is fortunate that we have women who stepped up and offered new Interest groups that fit the virtual reality so well. Genealogy, meditation, and morning coffee chats grew from this need. Many established groups adapted to online formats seamlessly. Some outdoor activities continued depending on weather conditions, so our club offered something for everyone. Bravo!
What we realize now is that there is a role for technology in how our club operates going forward, just to what degree will depend on future circumstances, comfort with computers, and the ingenuity of the women in our membership. In the short term, our club will need to seek out innovative ways to generate more funds for the Scholarship Trust, continue mentorship of technology use, engage in emerging societal issues, and focus on building our membership diversity and numbers with the support of National. Aligning with this club agenda, Ontario Council will focus on the Environment in its 2021-2022 Speaker Series and CFUW National will look at both membership enhancement and governance related to the GWI Opt in/out model that is proposed for next year. The business of advocating for women and what is important for women will continue and, today, I invite you to get involved and seek out ways to make a difference.
CFUW Kanata members are dedicated women and I appreciate the opportunity that I have had to work with so many of you this past year.
Respectfully submitted,
Adell
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CFUW/Kanata
CFUW/Kanata Officers for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022
Executive Committee 2020-2021 2021-2022 Nominees Past President Betty Bertrand Adell Hay President Adell Hay Elena Petrcich Co-Vice President Joan Savoie, Elena Petrcich Joelyn Gregory Molly McGoldrick-Larson Secretary Sandra St. Germain, Sandra St. Germain Joy Forbes Treasurer Suzanne MacKeen Suzanne MacKeen Membership Jennifer Rose Jennifer Rose Communications Mary Daniels (resigned 09/20), Joy Forbes, Mary Daniels Executive Directors (appointments) Interest Group Convenor Jeanie Biro Grania Allen Program Neera Singhal, Adell Hay Jill Jones Standing Committees (appointments) Advocacy Roberta Balmer Roberta Balmer Rep. to Affiliates Betty Bertrand Betty Bertrand Leadership (appointments) Archivist Dorothy Evans Dorothy Evans Facebook Hazel Pompey Hazel Pompey Good Will Mary Lou Jaeggin Mary Lou Jaeggin Newsletter Carole Baker, Joelyn Gregory, Janice Stonehouse Website & Club e-blasts Mary Daniels Mary Daniels, Janice Stonehouse Zoom Committee& Adell Hay, Joy Forbes, Elena Adell Hay, Elena Petrcich, Lynn Training Petrcich, Lynn Payton, Molly Payton, Petra Friedrichson, Molly McGoldrick-Larsen McGoldrick-Larsen Special Events & Fundraising Christmas Swags Jennifer Rose Secret Sister Betty Bertrand, Joan Savoie, Suzanne MacKeen Sewl Craft Barbara Carriere, Sandra St. Germain V-P Challenge Joan Savoie, Elena Petrcich CFUW/Kanata Scholarship Trust (a charitable organization at arm’s length from the Club) Scholarship Trust Loraine Drewell, Sandra St. Loraine Drewell, Sandra St. Appointments Germain, Joyce Lemke, Lila Germain, Joyce Lemke Kelly Scholarship Awards Sandy Burger, Wende Collins, Sandy Burger, Wende Collins, Committee Loraine Drewell, Lynn Payton Loraine Drewell, Lynn Payton
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CFUW/Kanata Introduction
CFUW/Kanata is a member of the Canadian Federation of University Women. It is a non- partisan, voluntary, self-funded organization. Our club works to improve the status of women and to promote human rights, public education, social justice, and peace.
This annual report for CFUW/Kanata is organized using five headings. Each heading reflects a stated purpose of our club and captures the activities of the past year that support these aims.
The five purposes are: • Promote Lifelong Learning & Education • Award Scholarships • Advocate for the Advancement of Women, Human Rights and Common Good • Promote Cooperation, Networking, Support and Understanding Among Women • Apply our Knowledge to Effect Change
Promote lifelong learning & education
General Meetings were held the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM using Zoom technology. The meeting format began with a guest speaker, followed by the business meeting. Attendance usually ranged from 36-48 participants; this year members from other Ontario East Clubs were invited to join us for high interest topics. As all meetings were conducted online, our speakers participated from remote distances such as Winnipeg, Waterloo and Halifax. The program incorporated suggestions from a spring 2020 survey when possible.
GUEST SPEAKERS TOPICS Jeanie Paquette – Accredited Music Just Breathe Music Therapy Therapist Jason Hannan – University of Winnipeg Trolling Ourselves to Death - Media Associate Professor, Rhetoric, Writing Communication and the Post-Truth World and Communications Christmas Party Story of Women Protecting Their Children Storyteller Ruth Stewart Verger Mary Daniels – Workshop Environmental Citizenship: Sustainability CFUW/Kanata Member Issues -Plastics Chris Allum – Ontario Securities Fraud Protection Commission Tricia Carran – CFUW/Kanata Member Yoga
Suzie Dunn: 2020-2021 winner of the Internet Violence, the Law, and Resources CFUW National Ecole Polytechnique to prevent Gender Abuse Award for Doctoral Studies
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Connecting with other Organizations:
Through access to webinars and live streams, members were encouraged to explore other topics from organizations including: Western Ottawa Learning, The Kirsh Foundation, The Shaw Festival, WELU and Open Culture.
CFUW National: http://www.cfuw.org
Communication from National President, Kathryn Wilkinson, provided information on advocacy, education, international relations and the business of the National organization. Club Action Newsletters were an excellent source of information.
GWI dialogue: http://www.cfuwontcouncil.ca
The results for the GWI Opt-in/Opt-Out vote were reported to clubs. Forty-two clubs voted to opt-in with 2,549 members. Fifty clubs chose to opt-out with 3,728 members, and three clubs with 417 members have not indicated at this time what they plan to do.
CFUW Ontario Council:
Several members attended the Speakers Series webinars on Elder Care, Mental Health – From Prevention to Wellness, Brain Health and Aging, Women in the COVID Economy, Climate Change and Impact.
CFUW Eastern Ontario Presidents' Council: The club presidents met monthly with Regional Director, Anne Cordon, to network and discuss ways to operate during the pandemic, discuss issues of emerging concerns and share invites to special presentations and events.
Award scholarships
CFUW/Kanata Scholarship Trust:
The Trust entered an agreement with Carleton University to manage the Anne-Marie Dallaire-Sarazan Memorial Endowment Award. It is a postgraduate award in Women's Studies. At the time of publishing, the Award winner had not been announced.
CFUW/Kanata awarded seven $1000 scholarships to girls graduating from grade 12 and pursuing post secondary education. Their names are as follows:
Neha Ahlluwalia (Earl of March SS), Souleiki Musse (ES Maurice Lapointe), Katie Collins (South Carleton SS), Nicole Oancea (West Carleton SS), Jessica Hay (Sacred Heart HS), Sarah Becker (Holy Trinity HS), and Florence Lacroix (ES Paul-Demarais),
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CFUW/Kanata 2020 CFUW/Kanata Scholarship Recipients
CFUW/Kanata Scholarship Trust 2020 Financial Report Summary
Financial Position as of December 31, 2020 Assets Cash (see below) $ 9,771.31 Investments 47,723.63 Total Assets $57,494.94 Statement of Operations during 2020 Total Revenue $ 8,329.78 Total Expenses (7,283.10) Net: Revenue minus Expenses $1,046.68 Statement of Cash Financial Position Opening Cash Balance Jan 1, 2020 $ 4,784.58 Revenue minus Expenses 1,046.68 Transfer from Investments to Cash DIS 3,940.05 Closing Balance Cash as of Dec 31, 2020 $ 9,771.31 page 7
CFUW/Kanata CFUW National Fellowship:
CFUW/Kanata supports the National Fellowships Committee through volunteerism. The National Fellowships & Awards Program of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) is an affirmative action program as provided for in the Constitution of Canada and eligibility is restricted to women.
There are 10 different awards and fellowships offered to graduate women and several hundred applications are received annually. Up to 21scholarship winners are selected through a rigorous review process each year. Club members Sandra Burger and Adell Hay are members of the Fellowship Committee. We would like to recognize them for the many hours they commit to this task. Our club is known nationally for its volunteerism.
To learn more about the Charitable Trust visithttps://cfuwcharitabletrust.ca/fellowships- awards-2/.
Advocate for advancement of women, human rights and the common good
Advocacy:
‘If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.’ Dolly Parton
For two weeks in March, our Club Advocacy Chair, Roberta Balmer, was one of the 26 CFUW Delegates to participate in the United Nations' CSW65. She contributed to the "Statement by UN Women on Turkey's Withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention" that expressed concern Turkey was backtracking on its commitment to 'Prevent and Combat Violence Against Women and Domestic Abuse'.
At our local level, we hope that we can make some in roads for our LTC friends, albeit virtual, informed Housing and relocation possibilities, and continued ‘Wellbeing’ contact. Our grass roots recycling projects are ongoing as we aim to act as agents of change. Please share your ideas.
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CFUW/Kanata Resolutions:
Joan Savoie, our Vice-President, joined forces with the Current Issues Group to review the five resolutions coming from National and Ontario Council. Amendments and recommendations were made to club members at the April General Meeting. The results are presented below.
SINGLE-USE PLASTICS AND PLASTIC PACKAGING Proposed by CFUW Nepean
RESOLVED, That the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) urge the Government of Canada, and the Provincial, Territorial, and Municipal Governments to expedite the ban on single-use plastics (plastic checkout bags, straws, stir sticks, sixpack rings, cutlery, and food ware made from hard- to-recycle plastics) and to expand the ban to include all problematic and unnecessary non-recyclable plastics including plastic wrapping, plastic tampon applicators, disposable plastic beverage cups, plastic bottle caps, lids and plastic labels on containers;
RESOLVED, That CFUW urge the Government of Canada to implement Canada’s Plastic Science Agenda (CaPSA) and, with the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, to provide funding for, as well as following up on and fully implementing, a Canada wide strategy on zero plastic waste;
RESOLVED, That CFUW urge the Government of Canada, and the Provincial, Territorial, and Municipal Governments to fully fund and promote programs to educate the public about the dangers caused to habitat, the environment (including fisheries and oceans) and to human health by discarded plastic waste;
RESOLVED, That CFUW urge the Government of Canada and the Provincial, Territorial and Municipal Governments to use incentives including start-up funding to create alternative uses for discarded plastics, biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastic packaging and to work with academics and industry to support the creation of alternative uses for discarded plastics;
CFUW Kanata discussion:
Amendment:
China and Other AsianOther countries now refuse to accept our garbageplastic waste leaving the taxpayer to fund its disposal
Poll: Resolution 1: Single-Use Plastics and Plastic Packaging as amended Accept: 100% Reject: 0% Abstain: 0%
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“RIGHT TO REPAIR” FOR LARGE HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES Proposed by CFUW Cape Breton
RESOLVED, That the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) urge the Federal, Provincial, Territorial and Municipal governments to work together and create “right to repair” legislation, making the repair of large household appliances used in Canada easier, in an effort to reduce waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and create local jobs.
CFUW Kanata Discussion: no amendments
Poll: Resolution 2: Right to Repair for large Household Appliances as written Accept: 85% Reject: 6% Abstain: 9%
Canada’s Opioid Crisis Proposed by AFDU Montréal Lakeshore
RESOLVED, That the Canadian Federation of University Women urge the Government of Canada to work with the provincial, territorial and municipal governments to address Canada’s opioid crisis, as outlined in its December 16, 2020 document, Federal Actions on Opioids to Date, by: 1. improving access to, and the number of, safe injection and overdose treatment sites; 2. expanding public awareness of addiction to prescription and street drugs; 3. updating current prescription and treatment guidelines; 4. improving access to harm reduction treatment, such as access to Naloxone and safer alternatives; 5. restricting the influx of illegal opioids and the tainted drug supply.
RESOLVED, That the Canadian Federation of University Women urge the Government of Canada to work with the provincial, territorial and municipal governments in order to expand its commitment to addressing Canada’s opioid crisis by additional means, including but not limited to, the following: 1. working with stakeholders, including health practitioners and counsellors, on best practices in pain management; 2. increasing support and psychosocial services for vulnerable people by increasing the number of trained professionals available to address the opioid crisis; 3. training counsellors and public security personnel to better recognize and address addiction by integrating such training into their core curriculum and ongoing professional development; 4. establishing a cross-Canada electronic prescription drug registry.
CFUW Kanata discussion:
Amendment: 3. counsellors, public security personnel including first responders to better recognize and address addiction y integrating such training into their core curriculum and ongoing professional development.
Poll: Resolution 3: Canada’s Opioid Crisis as amended Accept: 94% Reject: 0% Abstain: 6%
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Post-Pandemic Recovery for Women in Canada Proposed by CFUW International Relations Committee
Resolved, That the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) urge the Federal Government of Canada to develop a comprehensive Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery Plan including specific interventions to address the disparate effect of pandemics on the lives of women.
CFUW Kanata Discussion: no amendments
Poll: Resolution 4: Post Pandemic recovery for women in Canada as written Accept: 100% Reject: 0% Abstain: 0%
Human Trafficking Awareness, Prevention and Detection Proposed by CFUW St. Catharines
Resolved, that Canadian Federation of University Women Ontario Council (CFUW) urges governments, police, social agencies, school boards, community organizations and other partners to continue to recognize and react to the reality and dangers of the human trafficking of Canadians, and to educate youth to be alert to luring and coercive control techniques via tools and methods including, but not limited to:
A. that the Ontario Provincial Government make additions to the Grade 9 and 10 Health and Physical Education curriculum to include how to recognize unhealthy relationships, specifically the coercive control and luring techniques used by human traffickers and similar predators; B. that the Ontario Provincial Government require all educators grades one to twelve to complete a brief ten minute, yearly, online training on the awareness, prevention and detection of human trafficking;
CFUW Kanata discussion:
Amendment: A) that the Ontario Provincial Government make additions to the curriculum no later than grade 6 to include how to recognize unhealthy relationships, specifically to coercive control and luring techniques used by human traffickers and similar predators.
B) that the Ontario Provincial Government require all educators grade one to twelve to complete a brief ten minuteyearlyonlinetraining on the awareness, detection and prevention of human trafficking;
Poll: Resolution 5: Human Trafficking Awareness and Detection Accept: 100% Reject: 0% Abstain: 0%
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Graduate Women International: http://www.graduatewomen.org
GWI is our international arm, and a significant amount of information was provided to explain its role in advocacy at the UN and work for the UN Commission on the Status of Women meetings. GWI funds several projects to enhance women’s rights, equality, and empowerment through access to education. A large portion of our membership fees is allocated to GWI. At our March General Meeting, our Club voted in favour of continuing to be a member of GWI.
Affiliates:
Our club is an affiliate of the Ottawa Council of Women (OCW). OCW’s mission is to bring together like-minded volunteer organizations and individuals based in Ottawa who study emerging issues and to prepare resolutions aimed at improving the condition of the lives of women, families, and communities. Betty Bertrand is CFUW/Kanata’s liaison.
The council provides a platform, through international, national, provincial, and local councils, for the social, legal, cultural, environmental and political concerns of member organizations and individual members.
Promote cooperation, networking, support and understanding among women
Membership:
Our members share a strong sense of community. To maintain connectivity, Jennifer Rose, Membership Director, worked with Janice Stonehouse and Suzanne MacKeen to update membership records and prepare the renewal forms. These records also become the basis for the Club Directory. The renewal date for membership is June 1st and members are asked to renew online by completing the form and acknowledging the Member Waiver.
This past summer, the Executive reached out to all members by making personal phone calls. They were interested in how everyone was coping with the pandemic restrictions and sought to gain some sense of what was needed by members.
Each year a portion of our membership fees go to Ontario Council (operating costs, liability insurance), National (administration and program) and GWI (membership). We can expect some changes going forward as the recent Opt-in and Opt-out choice will likely require some review of costs.
CFUW/Kanata membership: Full members 108 Dual member 3 Lifetime members 1 Total membership 112
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Secret Sister:
To lift members’ spirits, Suzanne MacKeen, Joan Savoie and Betty Bertrand created a “Secret Sister” activity. Sixteen members decided to join in the fun and surprised their ‘Sister’ with three small gifts during December, January, and February. Members received beautiful messages on cards, gifts by mail and secret deliveries. Sometimes family members were recruited as co-conspirators, so the participants had a hard time guessing who their ‘Secret Sister’ was at the Reveal, on March 2nd. There we learned about gifts of cookies, jam, books, puzzle books, a journal, candy, chocolates, and plants. A good time was had by all. Everyone expressed an interest in doing this activity next year.
Interaction with Other Clubs:
Other CFUW clubs were invited to attend some of our General Meetings. Invitations from other clubs were received and passed along to our members. Several people took advantage of the technology which allowed them to attend meetings across the country. Our Club exchanged newsletters with some other clubs in the Ontario East region.
Apply our knowledge to effect change
Sustainability of the Environment: The Issue of Plastics
Mary Daniels gave a workshop in January on Sustainability. Detailed information can be found on the CFUW/Kanata website.
Community Service:
Joan Savoie, Vice President, reported that with COVID restrictions this past year, it was difficult to organize any bulk collection of food, toiletries, or other products for donation to the Kanata Food Cupboard and Chrysalis House. Both the Kanata Food Cupboard and Chrysalis House were willing only to accept donations from individuals but had a strict policy of delivery times and what items were being accepted. A donation of $150 was made possible by our Christmas Party Storyteller who donated her usual fee to the Kanata Food Cupboard.
CFUW encouraged their members to donate as individuals, since bulk collection was difficult with the Ottawa region being at a lockdown status during much of the winter months.
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Committee Reports
Fundraising:
COVID’s impact put last year’s plans to have the Coffee House and Fashion Show on hold. True to form, in the face of adversity, several members began to sew Masks for which donations were collected, amounting to $940! A Christmas Swag project, conducted by Jennifer Rose, completed the year with $360 raised. Sewl Craft, a company owned by a local businesswoman and CFUW/Kanata member, Barbara Carriere, offered a percentage of her sales for February which brought in $112.50.
Vice Presidents’ Spring Challenge:
In March, Joan Savoie and Elena Petrcich challenged everyone to get moving! AND they did! Members and their families were actively engaged for one month in walking, cross- country skiing, curling, downhill skiing, yoga, Nia, dancing, and hiking and raised a whopping $5000+ for the CFUW/Kanata Scholarship Trust.
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CFUW/Kanata Communications:
Communication binds our Club together and tells our story to others. We use both traditional media, such as the telephone and letters, as well as social media. The impact of COVID-19 required CFUW/Kanata to use an additional technology, ZOOM, to enable communication between members. We use our website to keep more complex information in a single spot so that we all know where to look for it. Our e-blasts remind members there is a wealth of information about our club on our website.
Zoom Committee:
Lynn Payton, Joy Forbes, Adell Hay, Elena Petrcich and former member Lidia Cormier formed the Zoom Committee one year ago. These members set the parameters for the committee; established protocols and routines; and scheduled, opened, and closed Zoom meetings. The committee continues to support club activities and members in learning this new technology. Thanks go to Molly McGoldrick-Larson who has trained many members to be more comfortable using Zoom, and to Petra Friedrichson for tutoring those with iPads. This commitment has enabled our club to function during this time of social distancing. Members are engaged and able to stay mentally active during isolation at home.
Newsletter:
The CFUW/Kanata Newsletter “Staying Connected” was written by Carole Baker and Mary Daniels. Janice Stonehouse and Joelyn Gregory edited articles. The audience increased to 60% of our membership, and the choice of articles was warmly received. All newsletters are posted on the website.
Website:
The website provided our membership with information about club activities, links to interesting programs, as well as advertised what we do to the general public. It was continually updated by Mary Daniels. Minutes of the General and Executive Meetings were uploaded by Sandra St. Germain and Joy Forbes. Financial updates were posted by Suzanne MacKeen.
Facebook:
Our Facebook page was managed by Hazel Pompey. She kept readers informed about current developments related to our advocacy issues (women's issues, human rights, education, and social justice). She drew attention to successes as well as challenges. In the process, she kept a close eye on the CFUW National Facebook page, sharing relevant posts. Some special features were the reports of ethnic and holiday celebrations and interesting sites to visit around the Capital region. CFUW/Kanata Facebook page is open to the public and can be accessed without a Facebook account. page 15
CFUW/Kanata Good Will:
Mary Lou Jaeggin is our Good Will Ambassador. She sent cards and letters out to members when there were bereavements, illness and tragic events. Members were encouraged to contact her if they had news that should be shared.
Archives:
Our recordkeeper, Dorothy Evans organized the club archives files and records. She stores all the President's binders and Club documents for safe keeping. If you enjoy history, Dorothy is looking for someone to assist digitalizing our records.
Interest Groups
Interest groups were offered as a result of the dedication and hard work of Jean Biro and all convenors. This enabled the membership to participate in a wide range of activities. Six new groups were formed this year.
New Groups Convenors
Coffee Chat Online Mary Daniels
Members were invited to drop in and exchange friendly conversation. There was no agenda but there were suggested topics. The aim was to provide an opportunity to chat with old and new friends - just as if you bumped into one of them at a local coffee shop - except you have to bring your own coffee! Join us via ZOOM for an informal coffee break in your own kitchen or in your own backyard.
Coffee Klatch Heather Pettipas
Before the snow and the COVID restrictions, the Tuesday Coffee Klatch was alive and well, and met every two weeks on the Brookstreet patio. The plan is to continue when the weather warms up and membership have received their vaccinations. Other venues will be considered when restrictions are lifted. Everyone is welcome to attend. Watch for our announcement!
Genealogy Kathy Thompson
The CFUW Kanata Genealogy Interest Group started this past October on Zoom. We have a group of 14 members who share an interest in researching their ancestors. We met twice a month to learn from each other, share family stories, and explore research strategies and resources. Genealogy can be a solitary pursuit, which can work well for times where we cannot get together in person. The fellowship and friendship of the group on Zoom helped keep us connected to others who share our quest to explore the lives of our ancestors. A forum for the group was posted on the CFUW Kanata website. Here is a photo of one family artefact (a child's cocoa pot).
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Meditation Bonnie Pollock
The virtual world of Zoom meetings presented some technical difficulties, but those who have joined Bonnie, were able to start to develop their own way to meditation’s benefits. We met once a month on Zoom, the third Thursday of every month at 8:00 PM. The meditations provided were short and each session lasted less than an hour. Meditation has proven benefits to health and wellness. It is a practice that should be committed to a few minutes each day. It is a contemplative experience where one can focus on one’s breath and empty the mind of 'chatter'. Basic forms of meditation were introduced via audio tapes and the sharing of Bonnie’s experience.
Outdoor Adventures Elena Petrcich
The Tilly Tornadoes hiked, biked, skied, snowshoed, and thanks to Marianne Moore, tried out Pickleball. We explored many trails- Old Quarry, South March Highlands, Mill of Kintail, Shirley’s Bay, McNamara Trail, Amberwood and Kanata Lakes Golf Courses, and Morris Island. We rewarded ourselves with delightful company, lunch at the Ashton Pub, coffee breaks at Hazeldean Mall, ice cream at the Beachconer coffee shop and cinnamon buns at the Antrim Truck Stop.
Walking Group Connie Walsh
Connie Walsh’s group walked on the trails behind the Nepean Sportsplex and Andy Hayden Park- all the way to the lighthouse. Following COVID restrictions, they chatted, laughed and enjoyed the exercise.
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Book Clubs
Our 4 Book Clubs have continued to thrive by using ZOOM technology to have virtual meetings.
Book Clubs Convenor(s)
Monday Morning Club Pam Bytrus
Special Report Celebration - Our 20th year Anniversary! by Jill Jones
The Monday Morning Book Club is Twenty Years Old. It seems only yesterday that a group of us realized that the Monday evening book club was too large, so we launched a morning club. We discussed our first book on October 1, 2001. It’s amazing that 20 years have passed! Eight of the eleven founding members still attend. Kathy Gransden was our first convenor and since then eight more women have taken on that role.
We read close to 200 books over the years, everything from Jane Austen to Marcus Zusak. We rarely agreed on the merits of the books, resulting in lively discussions! Some books do stand out: Zusak’s “The Book Thief,” Rohinton Mistry’s “A Fine Balance,” Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner” and Hugh MacLennan’s “Two Solitudes.” Each year we read a variety of books which included one classic, one non-fiction, one Canadian fiction and one international fiction. We voted for next year’s books in the spring.
Throughout the years, several of our members were visually impaired, so we tried to choose books which were available in audio format. For the first time, all of the recommended books for next year can be obtained in audio.
Our club is more than books. Members have supported each other through difficult times. Three of our members have passed away, and several others have lost husbands or have dealt with serious illness.
We have had a lot of fun and great food, not just during our monthly meetings, but at Christmas parties, cottage visits and potlucks. In 2005, we had a hilarious reading of “The Importance of Being Earnest” with appropriate costumes for the participants! In 2003, we were the featured book club on CBC Radio’s Ontario Today Book Club with Alan Neal and David Staines. Five of us discussed the merits of Mary Lawson’s “Crow Lake.” We were in Claudette Tougas’ living room sitting in a circle, with her guide dog, Delilah, lying in the middle on a mass of cables.
On occasion, authors joined our book club. In 2013-14 we had a lovely discussion by speakerphone with Debra Dean, author of the great book “The Madonnas of Leningrad.” Then this year Joanna Goodman, author of “The Home for Unwanted Girls” joined us on Zoom. Zoom has been invaluable this year. It’s not the same as meeting in person, but it has allowed us to continue meetings which were informative, lively and stimulating. It’s wonderful to have a group of CFUW friends to share books and life.
This year, Pam Byrtus reported that we had some interesting reads and great discussions
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CFUW/Kanata through Zoom. Although all of the books we read got high marks, the one that rated the highest was “The Book Thief” by Marcus Zusak. Some made us angry including “Death and Life of the Great Lakes” and “The Boat People” and one in particular –“21 Lessons for the 21st Century” by Yuval Herrari gave us a glimpse into the future. It’s been a great year. Hope is still alive for a garden meeting in the summer.
Monday Afternoon Carole Fowler
It will be a year in April since our Book Club began meeting each month via Zoom. My thanks go out to Lynn Payton who arranges and handles the technical requirements for these enjoyable meetings.
We were fortunate indeed to have Dorothy Phillips, the author of the book “Victor and Evie, British Aristocrats in Wartime Rideau Hall”, join us at our March meeting. Dorothy, who is a member of CFUW/Ottawa, spent ten years researching and writing the book. Her virtual visit had to be the highlight of the year for us.
For the first time, we selected four non-fiction books to read and review this past year in addition to four works of fiction. One of the non-fiction books included “The Hanging of Angelique” by Afua Cooper. Marie-Joseph Angelique was a slave living in Montreal in 1734. The presence of slavery in Canada is not a well-known fact for most Canadians and this book gave us more insight into this aspect of Canadian history. While it has been wonderful to be able to connect with each other via Zoom, we all look forward to the days when we can once again meet in person.
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CFUW/Kanata Novel Women Tomi Hunter
The Novel Women travelled around the world through the printed word. There was no shortage of chatter over " Becoming," written by Michelle; "Years of Wonder" set during the plague of 1665; "The Silent Patient”, a psychiatric and a murder mystery; “Bel Canto”, a historical fiction based on the hostage taking at the Japanese Embassy of 1996; the plight of refugees in “American Dirt” and "A Long Petal of the Sea", “One Shoe on the Roof” diving into the worlds of Faith, Psychiatry and the Brain; “Recipe for a Perfect Wife” by Karma Brown; and "The Boys in the Boat", the true story of the American rowing team in the 1936 Olympics.
It was an exciting season with lively discussion and many opportunities to learn something new in a congenial group.
Twisted Sisters Cathie Faubert
This book club met monthly on the first Wednesday of the month in the mornings on Zoom. Attendance averaged 6-8 members per meeting where a love of books was shared. This year the theme was Canada with topics that included - Canadian History, Inspirational Canadian Women, Canadian Travel, Indigenous Stories, Canadian Art, Famous Chefs and Canadian Medical Discoveries. A wealth of diverse narratives was enjoyed.
Bridge Clubs
We have 4 bridge clubs that remained active this year by using Bridge Base Online.
Bridge Clubs Convenors
Monday Morning Duplicate Marianne Moore Friday Evening Couples Duplicate
We had 10 pairs who played the first and third Friday of the month and eight pairs that played on the second and fourth Monday. Both groups play 20 hands on Bridge Base Online, using a round robin schedule at the competitive level. Players decided when they wanted to play. Scores for each game in the round robin schedule were accumulated so one had a chance to redeem oneself after a bad game!
Monday Afternoon Ann Mulvihill Acting Convenor for Linda Story
As Covid 19 disrupted our lives, Monday Afternoon Bridge had to adjust accordingly. We switched to Bridge Base Online (BBO) to play our regular Monday Afternoon games in September 2020 at 1:30 PM. A three-table schedule for eight months was designed for 12 players who felt comfortable using BBO and wanted to play every Monday. The 12 remaining players were on a Spares’ list and some players did learn to play online as spares. As they became more comfortable with the technology, they began to play on Thursday afternoons.
When restrictions are lifted, we will revisit the use of online Bridge or resume ‘in home’ bridge on Monday afternoons at 1:00 PM. page 20
CFUW/Kanata
Tyros Anne Brackstone
Most of our Tyros Bridge Group has been playing through the Bridge Base Online (BBO) since the beginning of April. This is a free app and thousands of people are using it. We are now meeting weekly as so many of us have a lot of spare time. Tyros Bridge group has incorporated the Wednesday Afternoon Group, whose convenor is Rosemary Chatterley, in the Tyros schedule.
Conversations with Food
Although the bridge and book clubs are wistfully thinking of a future with treats at their meetings, the following groups have continued dining while on Zoom.
Conversations with Food Convenors
International Creative Cuisine Betty Bertrand
With our group’s love of food and social interaction we continued getting together via Zoom. Everyone participating had to choose what they wanted to cook for themselves or order from a restaurant. Our Zoom dinners included recipes from Vietnam, Peru, Mississippi and Louisiana, Spain, Chinese New Year, Italy, Croatia and Armenia.
Ladies Gourmet Marianne Moore
During the summer, a picnic in Andrew Haydn Park was held and allowed a few ladies the opportunity to talk and laugh from a distance. We managed to have one lovely in-person dinner, hosted by Louanne Lax, where we laughed about how we met our partners and shared our most embarrassing moments; some being the same occasion!
Pot Luck Lunch Rosie Whiteman
Pot Luck Lunch has adapted to the new reality during COVID by meeting via ZOOM for a chatty lunch session. Each member consumed their own meal in their own glorious seclusion, while continuing the camaraderie that has been the raison d’être of the group since inaugurated in 2003. Let’s hope we can get together in person soon.
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CFUW/Kanata Special Interests
Current Issues Wende Collins
The Current Issues Interest Group worked well considering this extraordinary year where all our meetings were on the Zoom platform. More members were able to attend our meetings each month, making our discussions about topics diverse and consequently most interesting. Topics we discussed this year included: Vaccines Issues, the American Election, the Digital Revolution, Environmental Citizenship, Long Term Care for Seniors, and Basic Income & Affordable Housing.
The group opened the March meeting to the Club for discussions about this year’s resolutions. Led by our Vice-President, Joan Savoie and our very own Past Convenor, Louanne Lax, all club members got to share their opinions about (1) Single Use Plastics & Plastic Packaging, (2) the Right to Repair for Household Appliances, (3) Canada’s Opioid Crisis, (4) Post-Pandemic Recovery for Women in Canada and (5) Human Trafficking, Prevention and Detection.
Finally, the management of this year’s meetings enabled some of us to develop more comfort with using the Zoom platform to manage online discussions. In this regard, we sincerely thank the following members for their leadership: Petra Friedrichson, Cathie Keen, Joelyn Gregory, Elena Petrcich, Louanne Lax, Mary Daniels, Adele Muldoon, Carol Fowler, Marguerite Rodrigues, Sheila Pepper.
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Guitar Groovers Joy Forbes
Since 2010, CFUW/Kanata Guitar Groovers had been supporting the club and the CFUW/Kanata Scholarship Trust by giving concerts at seniors’ residences and long-term care facilities. We were unable to do so this year because of COVID-19, but we hope to reach out again to the community when restrictions are lifted.
The group of over twenty women decided to meet monthly over Zoom. It was challenging due to Internet speeds which made singing harmoniously impossible. We decided to mute everyone and have one person sing at a time. We enjoyed songs about Love, Women, Ireland, Halloween, Christmas and songs with Colours in the titles.
Many members decided to take guitar lessons from Joy to enhance their playing. These “Joyful Jammers” have had a lot of fun improving their skills.
This group is always open to singers, guitarists and a pianist.
National Mah-Jongg Tricia Carran acting for Loraine Drewell
Our Mah Jongg group found a way through technology to play together on Thursday at 1:00 PM. Thanks to the realmahjongg.com website, members have chosen to play more often. About 10 of our pre-pandemic Mah Jongg members have stayed active and in contact. Last summer, three of the group played outside using masks and social distancing. With the beginning of the second wave, we returned to online completely. We miss getting together physically and we really miss our snack time. Roll on vaccinations! …We hope to get together again soon.
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CFUW/Kanata
Travel Talk Jeanie Biro
It was interesting to observe that by using Zoom, the number of participants in Travel Talk increased substantially each month (over 20). Previously, 8-10 members would attend in one another's home to present travel experiences. Since September, journeys have included: A Winter Holiday in Spain with Petra Friedrichson, Living near Ecuador in the 1960's with Pam and George Byrtus, Touring South Africa: Zimbabwe & Botswana with Hazel Pompey, Newfoundland Experience with Molly McGoldrick-Larson, Hiking in Arizona & Utah with Elena Petrcich, Touring Columbia with Hal and Rosemary Whiteman, and Bird Watching in Galapagos with Doug and Prue Spry.
Things to Remember - History of CFUW/Kanata
In Memorial:
We wish to acknowledge the passing of long-time member Patricia Wight.
Past Presidents:
Presidents Since 1994
Year Name Year Name
1994-1995 Shirley Hendry (Acting) 2007-2008 Elizabeth Pulker 1995-1996 Barbara Carriere 2008-2009 Judy Whyte 1996-1997 Marianne Wilkinson 2009-2010 Monique Tougas-Bruhn 1998-1999 Phyllis M. Paryas 2010-2012 Joy Forbes 1999-2000 Susan Benn 2012-2013 Sandy Burger 2000-2002 Judy Tinsley 2013-2014 Sandy Burger and Carol Fowler 2002-2003 Pam Byrtus 2014-2015 Carol Fowler 2003-2004 Anthea MacNeil 2015-2016 (Acting) Carol Fowler, Wende Collins, Hazel Pompey 2004-2005 Loraine Drewell 2016-2017 Wende Collins and Hazel Pompey 2005-2006 Petra Friedrichson 2017-2019 Betty Bertrand 2006-2007 Barbara Kincaid 2019-2021 Adell Hay
Financial Report – Suzanne MacKeen
Please refer to Appendix “A” at the end of this report for the Financial Statement and Budget for CFUW/Kanata.
We know that this year has tested all of us. CFUW Kanata has risen to that challenge and through the use of Zoom we have stayed connected and informed. Zoom was a new page 24
CFUW/Kanata expense and will be continuing in the foreseeable future. As travel was limited Zoom was a great tool for the conferences that had usually required in person attendance. We continued to use Wild Apricot for all our club information.
We maintained the reserve of $1000.00. Our club membership fees were $110.00 this year. CFUW National dues were $76.00 per member. Ontario Council dues were reduced to $3.50 per member including insurance for this year.
The April 2021 budget report is being sent as a separate attachment and will be posted on our website. The final report ending May 31, 2021 will be presented in September 2021.
Suzanne MacKeen would like to thank Janice Stonehouse for auditing the financial records, and the executive for their continuing support!
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CFUW/Kanata CFUW/Kanata Scholarship Trust Report
The fiscal year of the Trust follows the calendar year, January to December, and is not in alignment with the Club’s year of June to May.
2020 was a unique and unforgettable year for all of us, bringing with it new learning experiences, challenges and problems to solve. The year found the Trustees’ team consisting of Loraine Drewell (Chair), Sandra St. Germain (Treasurer), Joyce Lemke (Secretary) and Louanne Lax (Resource, retired Trustee) still hard at work rewriting and fine-tuning the 2009 Declaration and creating a Trust Guidelines document.
On June 16, 2020, the Trust held its first separate 2019 AGM at which point, the Club approved the Annual Report for 2019, the Declaration of Trust (June 2020) and Guidelines (June 2020).
The Treasurer assured the Trustees by December 2020 that the financial situation was not as bleak as they had feared. Considering that this was a COVID-19 pandemic year, Trustees were in fact pleasantly surprised by the novel fundraisers that had replaced the planned ones that had to be cancelled. This is certain testimony to the creativity and drive of CFUW/K members. By year end, CFUW/K donations had dropped by only 30% in 2020 as compared to the previous year. Impressive! At year end, there were no liabilities and the Trust’s assets, held mainly in fixed term GIC’s, totalled $57,494.94 after the awarding of $7,000 worth of scholarships.
2020 was the first year for the newly formed Awards Committee of the Trust to navigate through the Scholarship Trust program. That Committee consisted of four members: the Sandy Burger (Chair), Wende Collins, Lidia Cormier, and Loraine Drewell (Trustee). They did a stellar job trailblazing, starting with the electronic compilation of 57 applications. Most applications were sent directly to the Committee, while some submissions proved challenging to obtain since they were secured in school boards’ protected sites that were inaccessible to the committee’s Google account. The schools and the teachers, being stretched to their limits, were very relieved that the Awards Committee was willing to tackle the task of critical selection of possible award winners. With 57 submissions, the Awards Committee Chair set up a ranking system that each reviewer independently used for assessing the applications and that worked well. After much discussion and collaboration, the Awards Committee sent their carefully considered list of recommended candidates to the Trustees for approval.
Seven high school graduates each won a $1,000 CFUW/K Scholarship Trust award that was sent by cheque to the student’s chosen university. Congratulations to the Scholarship Trust award winners for 2020: Neha Ahluwalia (Earl of March Secondary School) attends Carleton University. Souleika Musse (École Secondaire Maurice Lapointe) attends the University of Ottawa. Katie Collins (South Carleton High School) attends the University of Ottawa. Nicole Oancea (West Carleton Secondary School) attends the University of Ottawa. Jessica Hay (Sacred Heart High School) attends the University of page 26
CFUW/Kanata Ottawa. Sarah Becker (Holy Trinity High School) attends the University of Ottawa. Florence Lacroix (École Secondaire Paul-Desmarais) attends the University of Ottawa.
There was no suitable candidate from A.Y. Jackson H.S. and there were no applications from Frederick Banting Alternate School. The winner from All Saints H.S. withdrew from Carleton University which then returned her award to the Trust.
A photo-montage of the 2020 scholarship winners may be viewed on the Club’s website.
On Tuesday, April 13th, 2021, the Trust conducted its 2020 AGM. Approval was received for the previous AGM Minutes, the 2020 reports from the Chair of the Trustees and the Chair of the Awards Committee, the Declaration of Trust (March 2021), the Financial report 2019 and the auditor for 2020. Approval will be sought for the 2020 Financial report at the next AGM.
In addition to continuing to carefully administer the Trust’s assets, the Trustees’ future strategy for 2021 includes submitting the legally reviewed and newly amended 2021 Declaration to CRA, maintaining the high school student scholarship award at the $1,000 level for each of a possible ten schools, continuing with essentially the same scholarship program that the Awards Committee worked on in 2020 and checking to see who the winner of the Anne-Marie Dallaire-Sarazen Scholarship will be.
We are hoping to welcome two new members to the Board of Trustees in 2021 as it is prudent to have overlap in the Trustees’ terms of office. I encourage members of CFUW/Kanata to convey your interest in these positions to the Club’s Executive, which is the body responsible for appointing Trustees.
Considering how to achieve the goal of the Trust, I am reminded of the African proverb that “it takes a village to raise a child”.
The Trustees, the Awards Committee, the Club’s Executive and Members, the fundraisers and the donors from the Club as well as from the community... altogether, we can be proud of our accomplishments, proud to know that we are a part of the village that works together to assist young, well-deserving scholars to further their education. We are making a difference in the lives and future careers of these young ladies. I extend heartfelt thanks to each of you for your generosity and unwavering support. By working together, you have again made it possible to achieve the goal of the Trust in this 15th year as a registered charity.
Thank you so much.
Respectfully submitted by
Loraine Drewell Chair CFUW/Kanata Scholarship Trust
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CFUW/Kanata Appendix A CFUW KANATA BUDGET JUNE 1, 2020 TO MAY 31, 2021
UPDATED: 23-Apr-21 REVENUE ACTUAL PROPOSED
Membership 12,220.00 11,000.00
Contingency (anticipated drawdown) 1,000.00
Club Fundraisers Total -18.10 0.00 a. History 38.40 b. Classic Theatre 0.00 c. Guitar Groovers 0.00 d. AGM -56.50
TOTAL REVENUE 12,201.90 12,000.00 EXPENSES
National AGM $ - $ - Provincial AGM $ - $ 600.00 Local Conferences -$ 27.50 $ 200.00 Membership, National -$ 8,360.00 $ 7,600.00 Membership, Provincial (Incl Insurance) -$ 387.25 $ 700.00 Printing & Meeting Supplies -$ 57.49 $ 180.00 Website -$ 836.47 $ 850.00 Bank Charges $ - $ 50.00 Room Rentals $ - $ 600.00 Speakers - Gifts & Expenses -$ 249.80 $ 600.00 Flowers & Cards $ - $ 50.00 Event seed money $ - $ 200.00 Other - Zoom -$ 268.60 $ 280.00
TOTAL EXPENSES -$ 10,187.11 $ 11,910.00
BALANCE $ 2,014.79 $ 90.00
ACCOUNT SUMMARY General Ledger Balance (Apr 23) $ 27,690.59 Holdback ( Bank Requirement) -$ 10,000.00 Xmas Fund -$ 610.41 Balance of budget to be expended -$ 2,014.79 Membership 2022 -$ 220.00 Unreserved Funds $ 14,845.39
Christmas Party has a balance of $610.41 that will be carried forward to 2020-2021 Membership Renewal 2021 to 2022 has 110$ credited $20.00 cheque was not cashed in previous year. It will disappear at end of May 2021. Early etransfers 2022 Membership 220$. page 28
CFUW/Kanata
CFUW KANATA - MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Date: 23-Apr-21
General Leger Balance as of 26-Mar-21 $ 27,513.40
Revenue Mar 31,2021 Account Balance $ 4.95 Rebate Apr 9,2021 etran in error $ 50.00 Apr 15,2021 Membership 2022 $ 110.00 Apr 16,2021 Membership 2022 $ 110.00
Total Revenue $ 274.95
Disbursements Mar 31,2021 Monthly Plan Fee $ 4.95 Apr 11,2021 Cheque 00090 refund to H. Pompey $ 50.00 Apr 22,2021 Cheque 00091 Domaine - Mary Daniels $ 20.21 Apr 23,2021 Cheque 00092 Evlyn Payton - Zoom other $ 22.60
Total Disbursements $ 97.76
General Ledger Balance for Mar 26, 2021 + Revenue - Disbursements $ 27,690.59
Bank Balance as of 23-Apr-21 $ 27,831.00
Outstanding cheques Cheque 00076 Speaker $ 25.00 Cheque 00088 Evlyn Payton - Zoom other $ 22.60 Cheque 00090 refund to H. Pompey $ 50.00 Cheque 00091 Domaine - Mary Daniels $ 20.21 Cheque 00092 Evlyn Payton - Zoom other $ 22.60
$ 140.41 $ 140.41
Note. Christmas account has 610.41 in it. -$ 610.41 Membership 2022 -$ 220.00
ACTUAL BANK BALANCE $ 26,860.18
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CFUW Kanata Financials- Bank Balance & Distribution of deposits & cheques
Date: Apr 23,2021
Balance per General Ledger: $ 27,690.59
Add Outstanding Cheques: Oct20,2020 Cheque 00076 Speaker Oct $ 25.00 Cheque 00088 Evlyn Payton - Zoom other $ 22.60 Cheque 00090 refund to H. Pompey $ 50.00 Cheque 00091 Domaine - Mary Daniels $ 20.21 Cheque 00092 Evlyn Payton - Zoom other $ 22.60
Total Outstanding Cheques $ 140.41 $ 140.41
Outstanding Cheques + General Ledger Balance $ 27,831.00
Balance per Bank Statement $ 27,831.00
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