Interest Groups

Book Discussions

There are a number of book groups which meet different evenings of the week and which are held in members' homes on a rotating basis.

Members meet once a month from September through June.

Generally, one member hosts, another researches the author and the book and leads the discussion.

Participants enjoy a social time along with research and discussion.

The groups are lively and enjoy excellent sessions.

Book Groups and Lists

The Joy of Books ~ Stop-Action Video:

http://youtu.be/SKVcQnyEIT8

Book Exchanges

The groups meet once to discuss which books to
buy. Each member has one book at a time.

The books in turn are passed around
to each member.

Reading

Book Groups and Lists

		CFUW Guelph Virtual Book Discussion Group This interest group is "virtual" in that it meets online rather than in person. We read actual, physical books. The only technology is email. Participants do not clean, do not cook, do not meet to discuss the book. This activity is open to all CFUW Guelph members at all times. You merely indicate that you would like to participate in the current discussion and then jump in and out whenever you wish. The group operates 24/7 and is tailored to the individual schedule of each participant. And ~ participants may discuss from anywhere in the world that has internet access.
	For February and March, there are three books. You are welcome to discuss any or all. All you do is read the book and describe your reaction in, say, 200 words or less (or more, if you prefer) in an email. Only those also reading the book see your comments. Participating in one discussion does not commit you to any others. Here are the choices: *Seabiscuit, An American Legend* by Laura Hellenbrand *The History of Love* by Nicole Krauss *The Reader* by Bernard Schlink Seabiscuit and The Reader are also movies and often the discussants see the movie together after they're finished talking about the book.

	Any club member may suggest a book for discussion. The entire club is then notified and invited to form that book's discussion group. Carol Dilworth, Contact Person

Bridge

Judith Barrett
Convenor

There are nine bridge groups in CFUW Guelph and each is independent.

The bridge convenor is contacted when a group is in need of another member, either because they have lost a member or because they are in need of a temorary replacement (spare) due to illness or absence of a regular player.

From a list of people who indicate that they would like to join a group, or people who are willing to substitute (spare) on an occasional basis, replacements are contacted.

Groups meet on
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Most meet in the evening;
a few meet in the afternoon.

Some play once a month;
some play twice a month.

Seven of the groups
play contract bridge,
two play duplicate bridge.

!!! NEW !!! Breakfast Club
			Contact June Ayrhart for information and to reserve a spot. Meet to eat and chat at a local restaurant on the third Tuesday at 8 a.m. unless otherwise planned.
Everyone welcome !
This month: TBA

Civic Affairs

Janet Fowler, Betty-Anne Stammers and Esther Devolin , Co-Convenors

Meetings:

Harcourt United Church
2nd Monday of each month
1:30 p.m.
September to May

Our Objectives:

To make a contribution to our city by becoming informed about and actively involved in our City Government, and in all respects affecting the quality of life in Guelph
To make presentation to City Council or other Government offices when we have valid concerns or interests concerning life in Guelph
To write letters of support for Council decisions we deem to be good for Guelph
To make suggestions to City Departments based on information we have accumulated through study
To actively support women to seek appointments to City boards and commissions
To encourage and support women to seek election to City Council

Editorial Placed in The Guelph Mercury

Photos of Civic Affairs Field Trips

Programme for 2011-2012

Cross-Country Ski Group Linda Hathorn, Convenor
Meets one afternoon a week to ski in and around Guelph, snow and ski conditions permitting. The group makes day trips to groomed trails at Mansfield and Nordic Highlands, again depending on ski conditions.

Exploring Music
Contact person: Jill Dick

We love music!

We meet in members' homes on the first Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m.

We plan outings to musical performances and we learn more about music and
musicians by sharing the knowledge of our group members and researched information.

We invite you to join us!

Gardening
Heather Bailey
Convenor

Meets on the third Monday of each month (except December) at 7:30 p.m.

Meetings are either in the home of a member or "on location" in nurseries, botanical and other gardens.

The group is open to novice as well as experienced gardeners.

Meetings are designed to increase members' knowledge about all aspects of gardening, including soil, plant material (trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals), garden design and landscaping, pest management, etc.

There is a mixture of member-led meetings and invited speakers.

Gourmet Dining

Group 1
Joyce George, Convenor

Group 2

Singles or couples.

Members or couples host a
dinner once each year.

The whole group can plan a meal or
the host decides on the theme
and then each member or couple
cooks a portion of the meal.

Hiking

Carole Stewart, Convenor

Regular hikes depart from:

Parking lot by the
Covered Bridge/Lawn Bowling Club/Boathouse
on
Gordon Street

12:45 p.m. sharp on Wednesdays
Sept - Nov; April - May

Hiking is at your own risk.

Hikes take between 1.5 and 2 hours, plus travel time.
Carpooling is done, and the driver receives from each hiker in her car
the amount listed with the hike.

Hikes can be easy, moderate, or strenuous.

November 2 ~ The Spencer Gorge

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hikes will begin again on Wednesday, April 4, 2012.

Winter hiking will occur via communication among interested members.

See you in the Spring!

Join us on our hikes in our photo archive ~ ~ ~

We were too busy hiking and chatting and observing
to catch ourselves in the act in the spring of 2011 ...
maybe we'll have more pictures in the coming season.

International Focus Group

The International Focus interest group appeals to members who enjoy both dining out and learning about other countries / cultures.

Restaurant meetings alternate with in-home meetings and the focus is on a specific area of the world.

Some of the areas that we have learned more about during the past three years are Bangladesh, China, Korea, Latvia, the Netherlands, Singapore, Venezuela, and volunteer work in the Caribbean and Africa. We also did a Saturday field trip to Fort York.

Upcoming meetings will focus on China Revisited and The War of 1812.

The group meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. for meals and 7:30 p.m. for in-home meetings. There is occasionally a modest amount of reading to do to prepare for a meeting.

Please contact Carol Dilworth if you would like to join us.

ISSUES AND ACTION GROUP – CFUW GUELPH

Teresa McKeeman, Convenor

History of the Issues and Action Group :

In 2008, Joan Fuller, past president of CFUW Guelph, suggested the need for a group to come together to respond to government actions with respect to CFUW policy. The initial meeting was held in November 2008. The first year was spent organizing and debating thepurpose and direction of the group. We are now ready to take ACTION to advance CFUW policy and we need your help.

Our objectives include :

Being informed about issues and activities of all levels of government (federal, provincial and municipal) as they impact individuals with respect to women’s equality and human rights

Evaluating government actions with respect to CFUW policy using a non-partisan approach

Planning activities that advance CFUW policy and respond to government actions

Activities :

Writing letters to and meeting with MPs and MPPs regarding pressing issues

Writing letters to the editor of our local papers

Supporting the Civic Affairs group with respect to activities at the municipal level

Membership :

All members in good standing of CFUW Guelph are eligible to join.

Members may participate on issues of particular interest on an ad hoc basis.

Authority :

All communication on behalf of CFUW Guelph must be in agreement with CFUW policy.

Communications are to be submitted to the CFUW Guelph Executive Committee for approval prior to distribution to the public.

Meetings :

Meetings are monthly with a schedule based on the availability of members.

Currently 3rd Tuesday afternoon each month

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME!