In this Issue

• Message from Sandra Shaw, President 2024-2026, Ontario Council
• In Gratitude!
• Community Connections - One Club's Experience
• Expanding Awareness of Religious Groups
• Advocacy Actions
• Indigenous History Month
• Seniors Month
• Age Well: Immunizations
• Defending Democracy
• Bill 5: “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act”
• Safety and Entertainment This Summer
• Ticks and Lyme Disease
• Sun Safety
• Great Reads!
• Summer Drinks
• Ontario Council News
• Carolyn Day Award
• Membership News
• The Tech Corner
• Club Anniversaries
• CFUW Hamilton Celebrates 100 Years
• CFUW Brantford Celebrates 80 Years
• CFUW Orillia Celebrates 70 Years
• Club News & Events

If you are having problems viewing this e-mail, click on the View as a Webpage link in the top right corner.

A Message from Sandra Shaw

President’s Message

I feel like I am back in school and the bell is about to ring to herald the beginning of summer holidays – halcyon days, as I now recognise – but our ‘bell’ is the turning off of our Zoom connections. We can head to the back yard or cottage for some gardening, reading, resting or whatever we do in our off time. It’s time to breath deeply and enjoy some tranquility and a slower pace before we start our CFUW activities again in September.

This has been a remarkable year for me. I have met so many wonderful women through my Club visits and participation in Ontario Council and National board activities. I am humbled by the individual wealth of knowledge and experience of Ontario Council Club members as well as the collective accomplishments of Clubs – from inventive fundraising for scholarships, advocacy on issues of importance to women and girls, ingenuity of interest groups which foster fun, friendship and fellowship, to speakers’ and education programs which nurture our minds and souls. 

I am grateful for all you have given me this year. 

We have prepared a section on Safety and Entertainment This Summer with information on how to prevent tick bites, how to stay safe in the sun, some ideas for summer reading (thank you CFUW Aurora Newmarket for your reading lists) and two summer cocktails (one non-alcoholic). Cheers!

I look forward to 2025-2026 and all we will accomplish together.

Sandra Shaw

President,

CFUW Ontario Council (2024-2026)

IN GRATITUDE!

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Ontario Council Clubs’ outgoing leadership teams for the work they have undertaken to make Ontario Council Clubs the vibrant and successful clubs they are.

Welcome to the incoming leadership teams! Ontario Council is here to help you as you navigate your way through the year and celebrate your successes.



Thanks to all for your service to each other and for your work to amplify the voices of those which are silent.

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

Sandra Shaw

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS - One Club's Experience

This winter, CFUW Belleville & District was delighted to learn about a remarkable initiative by a local business, A1 Plumbing. Their A1 Community Program provides an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to be nominated for meaningful support. As A1 Plumbing beautifully puts it, "The program was created to support local charities and organizations. Through a monthly charitable giveaway, it has become a heartwarming initiative that brings people together."

CFUW Belleville & District was honored to be selected as a recipient, receiving a generous $500 donation, which our club voted to contribute to our Scholarship Trust, helping empower local students in their educational journeys.

Beyond the monetary gift, we were very appreciative to receive a custom 2-minute video, (link is below)—a valuable tool for showcasing our organization and the meaningful work we do within our community. We deeply appreciate A1 Plumbing’s commitment to strengthening local nonprofits and fostering a spirit of generosity in our community.

Video featuring CFUW Belleville & District

EXPANDING AWARENESS of RELIGIOUS GROUPS

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to write and revise the two Resolutions which were passed at the May 24^th AGM. We appreciate the hours of effort that go into this and look forward to following up with the two clubs as we develop next steps to effect change. Much thanks to the Orillia Club for their Resolution addressing the Funding Crisis in Post-secondary Education in Ontario, including proposers Heather Lewis and Nany Pigden who presented at our meeting. And much thanks to the Owen Sound and Area Club for their Resolution to establish a Seniors Advocate in Ontario, particularly to proposer Cynthia Lemon and presenter Angela Yenssen. All who sent in comments and amendments made this process work so well and we were happy to see those efforts result in positive results—now they become Policies and the work begins…stay tuned for follow-up in the fall.

CFUW Ontario Clubs act as change agents in our province. This is often accomplished by partnering with other groups. The Advocacy Committee has created a Community Connections and Endorsements guideline document for clubs to use as they consider working together with local organizations. Please see the linked document for further information and an attached form for clubs to use (not meant to be forwarded to Ontario Council) when considering these partnerships. We hope this tool will be useful.

As declared in the House of Commons in 2009, June is National Indigenous History Month (see linked document). While we celebrate the historical truths and contributions of Indigenous people to this land we call Canada, we cannot forget our on-going efforts to redress wrongs and continue to work towards reconciliation. Celebrating Indigenous People’s Day on June 21, events take place across the country and in our province—local events will be in social media and can be found on https://todoontario.com/indigenous-peoples-day-month-in-ontario/ 

We are working to bring an interesting, informative, and timely Ontario Council Speakers Series for our members. Please hold the following dates for our Saturday morning zoom presentations: October 25^th, November 29^th, and February 21^st.

Have a wonderful summer—see you in the fall.

Kathy Wosnick

Advocacy Chair

June is Indigenous History Month and June 21 is Indigenous Peoples Day.

National Indigenous History Month is celebrated in Canada during the month of June. This observance is dedicated to honoring the history, heritage, diversity, and significant contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It's a time for all Canadians to reflect on and learn about the cultures, voices, experiences, and histories of Indigenous peoples.

Continue reading this article.

Our thanks to CFUW Belleville for the following article.

DEFENDING DEMOCRACY

Submitted by Sandra Shaw

Having endured two elections in Ontario in rapid succession, as well as vicariously participating in the US presidential election late last year, we can collectively heave a sigh of relief that we are returning to our pre-election activities. But maybe we shouldn’t be so hasty. If nothing else, these elections have put the spotlight on the fragility of democracy and transience of human rights legislation, both issues that CFUW Ontario Council Clubs have fought for in the past and must continue to fight for today.

The word democracy comes from the Greek words "demos", meaning people, and "kratos" meaning power; so democracy can be thought of as "power of the people": a way of governing which depends on the will of the people.

Democracy depends on several key factors, including free and fair elections, protection of human rights and freedoms, the rule of law, and the active participation of citizens in government. Additionally, a healthy democracy requires a vibrant civil society, an independent judiciary, and a transparent and accountable government. (AI generated definition)

The world’s democracies are at risk. Authoritarian governments (91) now outnumber democratic governments (88) (https://freedomhouse.org/issues/democracies-decline). Authoritarian governments are found in states that tend not to have free elections or a functioning constitution. Although Covid lockdowns and reduction in personal rights by governments exerting power over populations ostensibly to protect them is often blamed for this, in fact, democracy was in trouble before the pandemic.

Continue reading this article.

BILL 5: Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act

On May 28 2025, Ontario Council President Sandra Shaw sent a letter to Premier Doug Ford expressing opposition to Bill 5: “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act” and the repeal of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in Ontario. Copies were also send to: Hon. Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Todd J. McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Guy Bourgouin, Critic, Natural Resources and Forestry, and Peter Tabuns, Critic, Environment, Conservation, and Parks.

Read a copy of Sandra's letter here.

Template letters which clubs can use when creating their own letters of opposition can be found here.

SAFETY AND ENTERTAINMENT THIS SUMMER

Ticks and Lyme Disease

Here are some interesting and informative articles about Ticks and Lyme Disease:

• What should I know about ticks and Lyme Disease?
• How to Prevent Tick Bites/Lyme Disease
• Pathogen transmission in relation to duration of attachment by Ixodes scapularis ticks

Sun Safety

Great Reads!

CFUW Aurora/Newmarket has collated a very impressive list of books they have read this year. If you are looking for something great to read this summer, check out this list.

Summer Drinks

Whiskey Bramble Tonic

(from the LCBO)

1½ oz Irish whiskey

½ oz raspberry syrup

½ oz fresh lemon juice

4 oz Fever-Tree Indian tonic water

6 fresh blackberries and raspberries (optional)

1 sprig of thyme (optional)

Add whiskey, syrup and lemon juice to an old-fashioned glass. Stir, add ice and top with tonic water. Garnish with fresh berries on a pick and a sprig of thyme.  

Perk up this lively drink even more by swapping in Jameson Cold Brew Irish Whiskey instead of classic Irish whiskey and using a sprig of fresh mint instead of thyme.

Alcohol-Free Mojitos

(from MADD Canada)

3 cups water

1 cup lime juice

1 ½ cups white sugar

1 cup water

2 cups mint leaves chopped

8 cups club soda

2 cups lime sherbet

softened lime slices for garnish

Combine 2 cups water and the sugar in a microwave-safe bowl; heat in micro-wave on high for 5 minutes. Stir the mint into the water; let stand for 5 minutes. Strain and discard the mint leaves from the syrup; set aside. Stir the lime sherbet, lime juice and 1 cup of water together in a large pitcher until well combined. Pour the mint-infused syrup into the mixture. Add club soda and stir. Serve over ice. Garnish with lime slices.

Ontario Council Carolyn Day Environmental Action Award for 2025 

Carolyn Day Award



This award was created in honour of Carolyn Day, President of Ontario Council in 1998-2000, and the Environment, Clean Water and Great Lakes Policy Advisor from 2000 until her death in 2018. Her impact through creation of more than 40 briefs and letters, attendance at many meetings and on occasion even being asked to advise our government on environmental issues.

The Ottawa Club has been a leader and exemplary example of support for the Environment. Their Environment Action Group makes presentations and works with club members to talk about climate, share recipes, suggest small and broader actions, write petitions, and invite guest speakers to their meetings with this focus. They have arranged tours, outings and talks encompassing a variety of topics including solar panels, recycling textiles, environmentally responsible tourism, and sustainable living.

This CFUW Ottawa group spread their influence further as Alison Hobbs joined the CFUW Advocacy Committee as Chair of the Environment Subcommittee.

We are pleased to honour CFUW Ottawa Club with the 2025 Carolyn Day Award.

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

For the past few years, Ontario Council has held a contest to recognize clubs who have grown their membership. Unfortunately, there was only one prize winner and all of the great work of so many other clubs weren’t so richly rewarded. This year, we have paused the contest and instead, we chose to celebrate all of the clubs who have increased their membership by at least 10% in the past year. At the AGM on May 24th, Ontario Council was pleased to recognize:

CFUW Georgetown

CFUW Haliburton Highlands

CFUW Headwaters

CFUW Kingston

CFUW Milton and District

CFUW Oshawa and District

CFUW Perth and District

CFUW Peterborough

CFUW Southport

CFUW Sudbury

UWC Toronto

Well done and congratulations!

I would also like to add a special note of thanks to all of our clubs for the great work you are doing.

Submitted by:

Carol Sproule

OC Membership Chair

The Tech Corner

Somewhere along the line, I heard that CFUW Milton had produced some fabulous little videos to help their members understand and use technology more effectively. I reached out to Elaine Reid and she graciously offered me a couple of their videos.

• How to access and upload files to Google Drive
• How to Save a folder to your desktop.

While Elaine says they are quite specific to their club, they are still great introductions. They are PC-based (not Mac) and they are laptop/desktop, not tablet/cell phone. Elaine also assures me that they are easy to make – each one takes about an hour. 

So, my source was correct - these are excellent resources! Thank you, Elaine and CFUW Milton for these wonderful videos.

submitted by

Carol Sproule,

OC Communications Chair

CLUB ANNIVERSARIES

2025 Club Anniversaries

Please join us in celebrating the following club anniversaries:

Ontario North: 

CFUW Orillia                                                    70 years

Ontario West:

CFUW Guelph                                                 80 years

CFUW London                                               105 years

Ontario Huron:

CFUW Headwaters                                          50 years

CFUW Southport                                             35 years

Ontario Central:

CFUW Leaside/East York                                70 years

CFUW Oshawa and District                              80 years

CFUW Scarborough                                         65 years

Ontario South:

CFUW Brantford                                              80 years

CFUW Hamilton                                             100 years

Ontario East:

CFUW Cornwall and District                             70 years

CFUW Kanata                                                    30 years

CFUW Ottawa                                                  115 years

CFUW Perth and District                                   55 years

CFUW Hamilton Celebrates 100 Years!

Please have a look at their Commemorative Booklet - a fascinating look at the 100 year history of CFUW Hamilton. Their history shows a strong commitment to advocating for women and society. It is a great reminder of how much of a difference CFUW Hamilton has made in their community. 

CFUW Brantford Celebrates 80 Years!

On May 29th, CFUW Brantford celebrated it 80th Anniversary with a special dinner and AGM held at the Wayne Gretzky Gold Course. The meeting was presided over by President, BARBRA MAYO.

To mark the occasion, member Janet Kempster created this exquisite banner and the entire room was adorned with beautiful paper flowers created by member Teddy Buzek.

CFUW Orillia Celebrates 70 Years!

On May 27th, CFUW Orillia celebrated its 70th Anniversary with a Gala evening featuring special guest Margaret Atwood. There is a great press article about the event at https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-news/margaret-atwood-captivates-orillia-audience-at-cfuw-gala-10724032

Guest speaker Margaret Atwood, being interviewed by CFUW Orillia member Ruth Watt

Ontario Council President Sandra Shaw congratulates CFUW Orillia on the 70th Anniversary.

A fabulous evening was enjoyed by all!

Club News & Events

As always, there's lots going on with Ontario Clubs! Please send your club news & events to communications@cfuwontcouncil.org.

CFUW Orillia SAVE THE DATE: October 18th, 2025

CFUW Orillia is planning an Ontario North Fall Gathering for Saturday, October 18th. Mark it on your calendars and plan to attend.

The older you get, the more you appreciate the small things a warm cup of tea, a quiet evening, a loving hug, or laughter with close friends. A cozy home, simple meals, and the company of people who truly care about you become the greatest blessings.

You realize that life isn’t about being rich, popular, or perfect. It’s about being real, kind, and surrounded by love. You choose quality over quantity in relationships, conversations, and even in your dreams.

So, as you grow older, choose peace. Let go of the noise. Be thankful for what you have. Love deeply, live simply, and enjoy the moments that truly matter.

— The Storyteller

Club Newsletters

OC Communications would love to receive a copy of your newsletter to share with other clubs. Please email your newsletter to communications@cfuwontcouncil.org and we will post it on our website. You can see the newsletters here.

Ontario Council News is a newsletter for and about our Ontario Clubs.

• Because Ontario Council includes close to 50 clubs, we are not able to publish general club meetings, AGMs, scholarship winners and other charitable giving.
• Club newsletters are published on the OC website under Club Actions & Events
• To help you help us, click the link below for all the information you need about our publication schedule, submission deadlines, and preferred format.

Please share your club's social media posts to

Ontario Council's Facebook and Instagram accounts!