Interest groups form a very important part of our club, allowing us to interact with a smaller group of members who share a common focus. They reflect the diverse interests of our members and range from art to gourmet cooking to advocacy. Most groups meet once a month, in members' homes.
This list shows only those groups that have room for new members in 2011. We have several other groups (book, art, and food groups) that were full last year. New groups can be started if there is sufficient interest.
Antiques Leaders: Mary Grasser, Phyllis Barrow This long standing group will meet monthly from November to May (excluding December). This year our meetings will include two field trips, an evening with the author of the Settlement, a Victorian tea, a video presentation and an exploration of the 19th century kitchen garden and how it supported the family. Pleasesee newsletters for specific information Second Tuesday of the month
Art Appreciation Leaders: Marjorie Bowman, Beverly Rosenberg This year’s study continues with Recent British Artists, which is challenging but great fun. Through slides and presentations, we expect to know much more about British art by next June. The only prerequisite is a love of art. We welcome new members. Second-Last Monday of the month at 7:30 pm
Arts Around Toronto Leaders: Nancy Hamilton, Diane Johns Visiting various places of cultural interest followed by a sociable lunch in a nearby restaurant is the focus for this group. Members are encouraged to sign up quickly for events as some venues limit numbers. Fourth Wednesday of the month at 11:00 am
Baby Boomers Plus Leaders: Katharine Klose, Sharon Parker Social outings with no pre-work/studying are planned and members may choose events, e.g., galleries, restaurants, theatre, potlucks, based on individual schedules. (Dates vary with events.)
Book Review Leaders: Patricia Wallis, Jill Reeve Book Review is a lively and enthusiastic group. We usually have two reviews by two members each evening. Books are selected and the year is planned at our June potluck dinner. We can accept one or two new members. First Monday of the month starting in October at 7:30 pm
Book Trade Leader: Barb Powell This group does not meet. Recent books, a mixture of fiction and non-fiction, are chosen and members each pay for one book. Every three weeks, the books are passed on. Everyone gets to read 9-10 books and keeps the last one.
Bridge Groups Bridge, Afternoon, Duplicate II (1st Tuesday at 12:30 pm) Leader: Mary Tuer We are a very friendly, two-table duplicate bridge group. New spares are welcome.
Bridge, Alpha (2nd and 4th Tuesday at 1:00 pm)
Leaders: Barb Powell, Diane Warden This group plays contract bridge, two tables, and welcomes spares.
Basic Bridge (2nd and 4th Thursday at 1:00 pm) Leader: Mary Winter We are a fun group, not too serious! We welcome players who feel they need practice and updating of their game. Skills range from limited to more experienced. We are looking for new members and new spares.
Bridge, “Happy Eights” (2nd Wednesday at 12:30 pm) Leader: Mary Boeckle Spares please.
Bridge, Third Thursday Eve, Duplicate (3rd Thurs at 7:15 pm) Leaders: Marg Sanderson, Sheila Trant Spares welcome.
French/Français Leaders: Joanne Reilly , Arlette Adam The French group is for members who enjoy speaking French and wish to maintain listening and speaking skills. Our activities are varied: we discuss trips, have wine tastings, make presentations and go to movies, plays and restaurants. Each member plans a meeting. Second Wednesday at 7:30 pm We can accept one or two new members.
Fun and Games Leaders: Patricia McGregor, Carole Brown Relaxing, non-competitive fun is the theme. We play card games, board games, word games, etc. – everything but bridge. No previous knowledge is necessary. We learn as we go. First Friday of the month at 7:30 pm
Global Concerns Leaders: Judith Gregg, Jean Gittins This year, the Global Concerns group is studying Canada’s First Nations. We will be looking at the Canadian Indian Act as well as First Nation government and land claims. We will then move onto issues such as Reservation health issues, education, culture, spirituality. In April, we will have a guest speaker who is well versed in the First Nations culture. Most importantly we will discuss ways we as Canadians can contribute to solving some of these problems faced by our First Nation peoples. First Monday of the month at 1:00 pm We can accept one or two new members.
Keeping Us In Stitches Leaders: Carole Brown, Pat McGregor This group’s focus is fabric – quilting, knitting, embroidery – stitchery of all kinds. Together we plan to visit craft fairs, exhibitions, galleries, artists, and shops, followed, of course, by lunch. Dates, times, vary with each event.
Life Skills Leaders: Eleanor Kerr, Beverley Parker The Life Skills group is about exploring ideas and experiences that allow us to lead richer lives. We share personal stories, investigate “happenings” about the city and discuss topics of interest. Third Thursday at 1:00 pm
Playreading Leaders: Carol Twine, Carolyn Horton Members take turns selecting a play to read at each meeting. Parts are assigned and after the reading, we briefly discuss the play and our reactions to it. First Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm
Status of Women & Human Rights Leaders: Margaret McGovern, Anne Gilbert We are an advocacy oriented group. The issues we will focus on this fall include the upcoming provincial election and the ongoing Toronto Services Review. Our particular focus will be issues of interest to women. First Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm
Table Hoppers Leaders: Betsy Bray, Liz Zukorsky Members take turns hostessing: make reservations, ensure restaurant will give separate cheques, is still open, etc. We go all over the city: have fun, good food and conversation. We choose the restaurants (the year before) and hostesses select the restaurant or month that they wish to arrange. Third Tuesday at 12:00 pm
Walk and Talk Leaders: Andrea Journeaux, Melba Shaver We are a friendly group which walks (vigorously or leisurely) in the ravines and parks of Toronto. We carpool if possible, and winter walks occur on cleared paths. We always carry a cellphone. Join us in appreciating nature’s gifts and for congenial conversation. First and Third Thursday of the month, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
