Date: September 15, 2025

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Place: Knox Christian Centre (Knox United Church), Scarborough

Number in attendance: 29

 

Beth Raymer, president, welcomed members and introduced Eva Nichols, a returning member and former president (1974-’75).

 

The minutes of the April 21, 2025, general meeting were approved.

 

Reports:

• President’s Report: Beth Raymer outlined the findings of the Revitalization Working Group that met during the summer. Discussions included new meeting formats, including shorter business portions; special fundraising events; updating the website and communications materials; and ideas to increase membership.

• Members' surveys received had ratings from 7 to 10 for overall satisfaction. Some members indicated they would like the newsletter reinstated.

• Beth Raymer reported on the panel discussion of the National AGM in July (via Zoom). Conclusions from the discussion were that politics is more difficult for women, but still worthwhile, and that women need to be asked more times than men to enter politics.

• Beth Raymer acknowledged the passing of Lyn Forbes and Sheila Halls.

 

Awards: Gail Doehler reviewed the club’s donations to University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) and Centennial College scholarships, and to the Scarborough Women's Centre. Gail also made a motion to accept a three-year Gift Agreement with Centennial College; after some discussion Gail tabled the motion to a later meeting.

 

Communications:

• Beth Raymer requested a Communications Chair to oversee the newsletter, website and social media. Valerie MacLean continues to manage the club’s social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook).

• The club website has been redesigned and updated (with some further updates needed) though not set up for e-payments. CFUWScarborough.org. E-transfers for membership dues are being utilized by some members.

 

Archives and Julliette’s Place: Ruth Wolff reported on the club archives; she will also administer CFUW's digital archives when they are established in Cloud storage. She welcomes all contributions. Ruth Wolff also informed members of the club’s ongoing support for Julliette's Place at Christmas. Members may donate money or items; sign-up sheets will be available at the October and November meetings.

 

Treasurer’s Report: Rosemary Dennis reported a bank balance of $7,383.20 as of the end of June.

 

Membership: Marilyn Lind reported that 14 members had paid their membership dues by cheque and 11 by e transfer.

 

Social: The Christmas party (December 9, 2025) is in need of a hostess.

 

Programs:

• Helen McCubbin thanked Rosemary Dennis for finding interesting speakers as our former Programs convenor. In October, we will welcome Andrea Charise, U of T Scarborough associate professor, whose presentation will address the connection between arts, health and community wellness. In November, mystery writer Diane Scott will discuss her novels that have Toronto locales such as the Toronto Islands as a backdrop.

• In January, Beth Raymer will share the experience of her pilgrimage in Palestine in November 2024.

• Suggestions for the remaining months would be very welcome.

• The Open House on October 20th will include a 65th anniversary cake. Invitations will be extended to Julliette's Place, the Scarborough Women's Centre, Centennial College and UTSC.

 

Interest Groups: Carolyn Beard introduced the group convenors as:

• Theatre Group: Catherine MacOdrum

• Movie Group: Gail Doehler

• Gourmet Lunch Group: Carole Torrance

• Out-to-Lunch Bunch: Helen McCubbin

• Walking Group: Marilyn Lind

• No Frills Bridge: Gail Doehler

• Mixed Bridge: Kathie Krashinsky

• Afternoon Bridge: Dagmar Freeland

• Afternoon Book Club: Elizabeth Ritchie

• Evening Book Club: Bev Baird

Sign-up sheets will be available at the October (and possibly later) meeting(s) as well.

 

BREAKOUT GROUPS then met (at 4 tables) to discuss what members would like to see from the club.

 

Feedback:

• Members appreciate Advocacy, interest groups, fellowship, and speakers.

• Suggestions for future speaker topics included bees, technology (IA, computer savvy), safety tips and scams, history of Scarborough, and inviting scholarship recipients to share their experiences.

• Possible partnering with other clubs (on events, etc.) was discussed; out-of-town outings (e.g., to Stratford) might require pairing with another club to rent a bus. Local outings could include Scarborough symphony concerts. 

• The new seating arrangements (members sitting around tables rather than the traditional auditorium-style seating) were well-received, as were the proposals of buddies for new members and getting to know different members at each meeting.

 

Diana O'Connor won the 50/50 draw, for a prize of $59.00.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

 

The next general meeting is scheduled for October 20th at 7:30 p.m., with social

time starting at 7 p.m.

 

Minutes compiled and submitted by Maureen McMorrow.