Welcome to the CFUW-Ottawa Interest Groups! 

CFUW-Ottawa has a number of groups and activities happening throughout the month. They cover a wide range of interests including outdoor activities, indoor games, cuisine, book clubs, art, public affairs, music, and much more.

All are opportunities for fun, friendship, learning.

Interest Groups

For Group Convenor Contact Information

Please Log into the Website as a Member

You must then use the Member-Only Tab to find the

Group Convenors Contact Info”


Gardening


Gatineau Trails


HIPPY Ottawa


Historical Study

Madrigals Choir


Movies and Theatre


Music Appreciation


Outdoor Fitness


Photography


Skiing-Downhill


Snowshoeing in the Wild




Browse the monthly schedule of activities.

If members or non-members have any questions, please contact the Interest Groups Convenor at interestgroups@cfuw-ottawa.org

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Art

Gallery Group (Fee)

The Gallery Group meets on the last Wednesday of each month to visit local galleries, art venues and all things art. 

Open to members who are National Gallery of Canada members, also there will be a fee of $40 each. Unfortunately we cannot add guests.

Last Wednesday (except December) 11:00 a.m.


Book Clubs

Literature Study Groups 


Group II

This group of women share a love of reading and getting together to discuss our book choices.  We tend to concentrate on fiction, but will sometimes consider a non-fiction book.  We like to share snacks along with the discussion when we meet in person.  We assume that each member will read the monthly book choice in advance.

For now we will meet outdoors and/or indoors and will use Zoom during the winter months.

2024-2025 Reading List

  • September The Symphony of Secrets

    October. The Cat’s Table

    November. Knife

    December. The Second Mrs Hockaday

    January. Snow Road Station

    February The Cemetery of Untold Stories

    March. Unless

    April. The Covenant of Water

    May. The Marriage Portrait



    2nd Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. 


    Group III

     

    This group meets on the third Tuesday evening of the month at 7:00 pm at various women’s homes. It is intended for members who live east of Bronson Ave. We read an eclectic mix of books including classic titles, prize winners, non-fiction and ones recommended by friends. We start our meetings with refreshments and time to socialize, then a member reviews the chosen book followed by a group discussion. Books for the following year are chosen at a potluck dinner in June and we also enjoy a purely social holiday gathering in December. 

     

         Books for 2024-2025

    • September - The Art Thief

    • October - The Guncle

    • November - Permanent Astonishment

    • January - The War We Won Apart

    • February - The Dictionary of Lost Words

    • March - The Last Kings of Shanghai

    • April - Birnam Wood

    • May - Braiding Sweetgrass


           

           3rd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.

    Group IV

    Our group meets monthly at 1:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month. We have a list of eight books to read during the year, and each month one member reviews a book, with discussion following. The meetings are held in members' homes, and we begin with light refreshments. 

    Books for 2024-2025

    • TBA

    2nd Thursday, 1:00 p.m.


    Group VI

    This group is for those members living west of Bronson Ave. who are seeking an evening book group. We meet 9 times a year on ZOOM only. Our evenings begin with time to socialize. A member then reviews the chosen book and this is followed by a group discussion. Books for the following year are chosen in June.

    Books for 2024-2025:

    • TBA


    3rd Tuesday evening, 7:00 p.m.


    La Literati - Group VII

    La Literati is the name we chose for Book Group #7, in order to show our eclectic approach to book clubs, and our interest in great discussions about the books we read. We meet in member’s homes while also offering out of town members to join by zoom on the host’s computer. We meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:30 pm in the afternoon, and we welcome new members. In the winter we may choose to have some meetings on zoom because of the weather.

      3rd Thursday afternoon 1:30 pm


      Crime Fiction Book Club 

      Ready for a lively dose of murder and mayhem? Then this group is for you! We enjoy reading a wide variety of crime/mystery fiction and are often sleuthing out new or undiscovered authors and titles in various sub-genres. Each month a member presents on a chosen book; this is followed by discussion and then an exchange of related information (such as other books read, new authors discovered, book events, and more).

      This year’s theme is Canada Coast to Coast Crime Fiction. We are excited to once again have a local author attend and give a talk at one of our in person gatherings. Our last get together in June is an in-person potluck picnic to let us socialize and select our titles for the next season.

      Books for 2024-2025:

      • Four for Fogo Island Kevin Major 25-Sep

        Shadow Play (2024) Peggy Blair 09-Oct

        The Unquiet Dead (2015) Ausma Zehanet Kahn 13-Nov

        The Red Chesterfield (2019) Wayne Arthurson 11-Dec

        What We Buried (2024) Robert Rottenberg Jan 8 2025

        Beneath Her Skin (2021) C. S. Porter Feb 12 2025

        The Raw Light of Morning (2022) Shelly Kawaja 12-Mar 2025

        Never Forget (2012) Martin Michaud 09-Apr 2025

        The Darkness in the Light (2022) Daniel Kalla 14-May 2025


      Our group will be adopting a hybrid model, meeting some months over Zoom and others in person (COVID permitting) at the Alta Vista Library (2516 Alta Vista Drive).

      Our meetings will be held the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 1 to 2pm except for September.



      Historical Fiction and Non-Fiction

      We read literate historical fiction, non-fiction, and biographies that cover a wide variety of countries and time periods; historical romance will not be considered.  A brief presentation precedes the discussion and may include biographical information about the author and/or the historical context in which the story is placed. 

      We hold hybrid meetings.  Members may meet in person at the Rockcliffe Retirement Centre  or zoom into the meetings from home or a vacation destination!


        2nd Tuesday evening, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 
                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                    
        Canadiana
        This group meets to learn about a broad range of Canadian topics from antiques to art, from social history to contemporary issues.  Like the topics, the format varies but usually it includes a guest speaker or an interactive project lead by a member of the group, followed by tea and discussion.

        3rd Monday, 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.

                                 
                       
        Cuisine


        Couples Gourmet

        This is a couples' and singles dinner group that meets for dinner at members' homes six or seven times a year, usually on the third Saturday of the month. Hosts meet to decide on the menu and assign the recipes to those who are to dine. They vary from gourmet to pot luck dinners.  Hostesses need not cook. All expenses are shared equally.  The season begins with a Cocktail Party and ends with a BBQ or Cocktail Party.  Join our festive and fun group.

        3rd Saturday, 6:30 p.m. (or Sunday if preferred by a group)



        Dining Out
        This group is on hold-in need of a convenor.

        Please contact interestgroups@cfuw-ottawa.org if you are interested in being a convenor of this group


        Supper Club

        The Supper Club is a casual dining experience organized by rotating members of the group. Meet new people and enjoy good conversation.

        4th Wednesday at supper time, 6:30 p.m.


        Easy Gourmet 

        The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm from October to June.   A rotating subset of the group meet and plan and then prepare and serve each meal.  A fee is collected at the beginning of the season to cover the cost of food and wine. Meals are served at members homes. For this reason, membership numbers are limited. 

        1st Wednesday, 6:30pm 


        Cooking with Friends

        Our group meets on the first Wednesday evening of each month.   We will plan the year at the October meeting and each month a team will prepare a themed dinner - perhaps a country, a region, or a chef. 

        A fee is collected at the first meeting to cover the costs of the the food and wine. New members are welcome! 

        1st Wednesday, evening

        International Cuisine Group

        We meet in person at members’ homes on the 1st Wednesday of the month for lunch. The planning meeting in October will set the theme for the year, which is usually based on food from different countries or regions. A convenor for each month plans the menu, and 2 or 3 volunteers will cook. Costs are shared. 

        1st Wednesday 12:30 pm   No meeting in January. 

        Lunching Out 

        The lunching out group meets every third Tuesday of the month all through the year at different restaurants in different parts of the city. We choose different flavours every month, and try to sample as many different foods/restaurants as possible.  


        3rd Tuesday, 12:00 noon


        Sunday Brunch

        On the 1st Sunday of the month from October to June (excluding December) a very social group of CFUW members meet to chat and try out the brunch at local restaurants both new and old favourites.  Reservations are arranged by the convenor or by members of the group.  We meet at 11:00 a.m. and depending on whether it is a buffet or a served meal, we usually finish by 1:30 to 2:00.


        If interested, kindly contact the convenor and you will be contacted when the group is making plans to meet. We plan to meet in person using OPH guidelines and with member agreement.

        1st Sunday of the month, 11:00 a.m.


        Diplomatic Hospitality

        The Diplomatic Hospitality Group (DHG) promotes Canada to foreign diplomatic guests in a spirit of fun and friendship.  For over fifty years, DHG has organized outings and events, in cooperation with cultural, educational, social and artistic communities to demonstrate Canadian life and showcase Canadian history and culture in the National Capital Region. (LEARN MORE)



        Environment

        Environment Action

        This is a group with a positive attitude. Our mission is to educate ourselves and others about environmental issues and to take action. We host a series of online public meetings to which expert guest speakers are invited. We learn how and why our environment is changing, and about projects near and far that promise to counteract global warming, reduce environmental pollution or mitigate the loss of biodiversity. We share ideas, both within and beyond this group, on how to advocate for change and act in specific, practical ways. We communicate and collaborate with other environmental organizations in Ottawa and we contact and correspond with local decision makers. Some voluntary team-building, networking and planning activities are included in our program.

        Please visit our website for more detail: https://sites.google.com/view/environmentaction/events

        Write to environment@cfuw-ottawa.org for more information

        Mostly Zoom meetings; some outdoor activities and other in-person gatherings also take place.

        Meetings are usually the 3rd Monday of the month, from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

                                                                                                                     

        Outdoor Fitness
                  

        Gatineau Trails - Year-round Outdoor Activities - Hike, XC Ski, Snowshoe, Cycle

        The Gatineau Trails group offers members weekly outdoor activities including hiking in the fall, cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Cycling outings also occur in the spring. We have social events, such as potlucks and outdoor parties throughout the season.

        In addition, members have the opportunity (at an additional cost) to participate in fitness classes and ski lessons, led by Olympian Sue Holloway. You can join in some or all of the activities with no obligation to attend any.   All levels of experience are welcome.  Weekly emails are sent out on Sundays with the time, location and description of the Tuesday outings.

        There is a $7 activity fee to become a member of Gatineau Trails. Members are responsible for getting their own Gatineau Park Ski Passes.

        Please see Members Only “Group Convenor Contact Info” and click on Gatineau Trails for registration and payment instructions.

        New members are always welcome!  Join us for fun, fitness, and friendship in the great outdoors!  

        For more details about the group, please read here

        Weekly, Tuesdays


        Adventure with Friends

        Adventure With Friends is a **new** interest group with its first adventure in October 2024.

        Members can participate in a different activity each month, such as mountain biking; paddling (kayak, canoe or SUP); winter fat biking; skating in the forest; backcountry skiing; rock climbing indoors; bowling; mini-golf; nature journaling. 

        In order to help the Convenors establish a calendar of events, members will be invited to identify their preferred activities at the beginning of the CFUW-Ottawa season. Outings will take place on the third Thursday of the month and will run October to June (except December).  

        Members will be asked to volunteer to organize various monthly activities.

        Join us for fun, friendship and adventure!  

        For more information, please click here 

                       
        Skiing-Downhill
        We are a very small informal group of about 20 to 25 members who meet every Thursday during the winter  to ski at Camp Fortune.  Our group includes intermediate to expert skiers and is committed to a healthy use of winter and good conversation on the lift.

        It is recommended that members have a week day season pass to Camp Fortune

        January to March, Thursday mornings

        Snowshoeing in the Wild

        Snowshoes + Energy + Love of the Outdoors & the Wild = Fun Adventures! 

        Bring your snowshoes for a two hour walk on trails around Ottawa and Gatineau. 

        This year we hope to get to Gatineau Park more often. Snowshoeing Passes are recommended.

        Every snowy Saturday morning, 10am to 1:00pm


        Urban Walks

        This group is interested in outdoor walks to explore neighbourhoods and interesting areas of Ottawa – everything and anything from the locks by the Chateau Laurier to the gracious old historic houses of Sandy Hill. Perhaps a walk will take us along the river or along the canal. Every month there will be a volunteer convenor who chooses the location of the walk and sends out the notice to the group. We will meet at 10:00 am on the fourth Monday of every month, weather permitting, and walk for about 90 minutes. However, the convenor would be free to opt for a weekend walk to accommodate those with busy weekday schedules.

        4th Monday, 10am



             

         

        Focus on GWI

        Graduate Women International (GWI), our international arm, advocates for women's rights, equality and empowerment through access to quality secondary and tertiary education. GWI works toward a world where 100% of girls and women achieve education beyond primary school. Members are able to design the group’s activities for the year. We work to understand the reality of education for girls and women in other countries and at the broad international level. Members strive to keep up to date on issues that deserve our attention and understanding and then lead a discussion. We share this knowledge with our membership through the Capital Carillon ‘Do You Know Who We Are’  articles and on this website.

        GWI Advocacy and Projects: Reports and Information

        To watch a video of a Flashmob initiated by one of our GWI representatives as a side event to the International Day of the Girl Child 2016 in Geneva, Switzerland, click here

        GWI's Bina Roy Partners in Development Projects PowerPoint presentation: click here.

        Members will meet by ZOOM or in the home of a member at various times when issues arise.


        French Conversation

        Currently not meeting. Please contact interestgroups@cfuw-ottawa.org if you are interested in being a convenor of this group


        Games

        Mah-Jong
        Mahjong is a game played with tiles, typically with four players around a table. The goal is to complete your hand before other players. There is no universal version of the game, but once the basic procedure is understood, players find no difficulty in adapting their game to another set of rules. In the CFUW group, we play a version of mahjong that originated in Hong Kong and while it is different from the American mahjong that many are familiar with, our rules will be easy to pick up. It is a game that can be challenging and mentally stimulating, but it is the chance to be social and enjoy each others' company that makes mahjong particularly fun. Whether you've played before or not, all levels of experience are welcome!

        The group is now meeting in person in members’ homes.

        Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m.


        Modern Board Games

        Anyone tired of Monopoly or Clue, cribbage or backgammon?  Join the new Modern Board Games group. The purpose of this group is to learn and play the newer games on the market, to challenge our minds,  and of course, to have fun!

        Some examples of games we will play are Settlers of Catan, Castles of Burgundy and Ticket to Ride.  Any game that you would like to bring and teach us to play would also be welcome.

        If interested, kindly contact the convenor and you will be contacted when the group is making plans to meet. We plan to meet in person using OPH guidelines, with member agreement.

        1st Wednesday of the month, 1-4 pm



        Garden Club

        The Gardening Club is currently in need of convenors.

        Please contact interestgroups@cfuw-ottawa.org if you are interested in being a convenor of this group

        HIPPY Ottawa

        CFUW-Ottawa made it a strategic priority to become involved in a project that would promote lifelong learning and improve the lives of women and children in our community.  The project selected was HIPPY Ottawa.


        The HIPPY program focuses on helping low-income parents in Ottawa, usually immigrants, prepare their three- to five-year-olds for school. Numerous benefits include better preparing children for entry to the Ontario school system; empowering parents to prepare their children for school; breaking down barriers to the integration of recent immigrants to Canadian life; and mentoring those parents and program workers interested in pursuing learning or career plans. (more)

                              

                                                                                                            


        Historical Study

        The History Studies group has chosen a popular theme for the 2023-2024 season, ‘A Global City and their Historical Evolution’. Such cities as Tokyo, Jerusalem, Shanghai, and even Timbuktu, a medieval city in central Africa, will be investigated. At a particular meeting, the member will present the result of her research on the city she has selected, in the form of a Powerpoint presentation. This is followed by a group discussion.

        Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 1:00 to 3:00 in the afternoon at the New Edinburgh Square Residence, 420 Mackay St.

        4th Wednesday, 1-3 pm

                                                                                                                                                          

                                         

          


        Movie Club 

        Are you interested in watching movies that inspire, educate, and make you think? Once a month, a movie is selected for Movie Club members to watch. The selection includes foreign films, documentaries, hidden gems and others. The movie may be selected from an online site (usually Netflix, but also CBC Gems and NFB) or one playing at the Bytowne or Mayfair Theatre. The choice will be dependent on the Bytowne's or Mayfair's selection ... and the weather!

        How does it work? The season begins October 2024.

        • For online films, an email is sent to members at the beginning of the month to let them know the choice of film. Members can watch it at their leisure at home. Those who wish to share their thoughts about the movie with the group can email their review/feedback. 
        • For movies at the theatres, an email is sent to members at the beginning of the month to let them know the choice of film, date and time, and theatre. We will meet at the theatre and watch the film. There may be an optional dinner after the movie to gather and discuss the film (and other things!).

        Even if you don’t watch the films every month (it's not mandatory), you will have a list of “curated” films to add to your watch lists for a later time!

        Film choice sent at the beginning of each month.

         

        Ottawa Little Theatre 

        We are looking for interested members to join this group and possibly be a co-convenor. Contact interestgroups@cfuw-ottawa.org 

        Visit the Ottawa Little Theatre website for the upcoming plays 



        Music


        Madri-Gals Choir                                                                                                  

        A group of CFUW-Ottawa members meet weekly to sing together in 3 part harmony.  They perform at a number of Seniors residences around the city ....... (More)

        We meet at St. Timothy's Church each Wednesday morning

        Wednesdays, 9:30 am


        Music Appreciation

        Members of the Music Appreciation Interest Group are classical music lovers who want to learn about and enjoy great music. The group meets in members' homes or (hopefully) in a retirement home. We also use ZOOM, with the intent of using a hybrid approach of being in person and on ZOOM.  A general theme is chosen at the beginning of the year and this year we have decided to focus on orchestras and their conductors.  Members sign up to make presentations from October - May (except January) on topics relevant to the overall theme. Presentations are typically a combination of some background information and music from CDs and/or YouTube videos, all of which make for lively and informative sessions. We look forward to some wonderful orchestral music.

        We welcome new members and new ideas for enhancing the enjoyment of classical music. 

        3rd Thursday afternoon, 1:00 p.m.       




        Photography


        Hocus Phocus Digital Photography

        Live Life . Take Pictures . Relive Memories . Repeat  (Anonymous).

        Come discover the art of taking photographs with an amateur group of fun loving women. Let’s learn together, grow skills and take pictures to savour life’s precious moments.  Creative  digital  photography is not about about “depth of field but depth of feeling.”  Learning will take place in a supportive environment with a monthly meeting format that will offer thematic topics and photo shoot opportunities with other club members.  No expertise or specialized equipment is required to join.  Members may use a complete range of equipment, including basic point and shoot digital cameras, tablets and cell phones.  

        We meet via zoom on the 3rd Monday of the month, 7 - 9 pm. We are continuing to use zoom as it allows us to more easily invite guest speakers. In person photo shoots are scheduled on an on-going basis. Our first meeting is Monday, October 21, 2024.


        3rd Monday of the month, 7-9 pm,  First meeting is Oct 21, 2023.  


        Spanish Conversation

        This is a conversational Spanish group for people who have learned or are learning Spanish and want some practice. All levels of Spanish are welcome. The group will be capped at 10 members.

        We will meet in homes from 1:30 -3:30 p.m. Our first meeting will be on October 12th, following that we meet on the 1st Thursday of each month.

        1st Thursday 1:30 -3:30 pm




        Tea, Tales and Treasures

        We meet in a member's home on the fourth Thursday of the month from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Each member brings a treasure or tale to share.  We have a delightful time looking at and talking about the treasures or listening to and discussing the tales.  Following the presentations afternoon tea is provided by our host and co-host.

        If interested, kindly contact the convenor and you will be contacted when the group is making plans to meet. We plan to meet in person using OPH guidelines and with member agreement.

        4th Thursday, 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.  


        Travel

        The CFUW Travel Group aims to bring together fellow travellers (and interested non-travellers) who are looking to share travel experiences and ideas about cities or countries to visit: hidden gems in locations familiar or unfamiliar, a tiny but brilliant art gallery in Lisbon, a wine tour near Cape Town, a cruise not to be missed or a country to be avoided. Looking to go on a theatre trip to London or a weekend of wine-tasting, but prefer not to travel alone? Perhaps you will find like-minded travel companion/s who wish to join you. Please join us as we explore the world of travel.

        4th Wednesday, 3 p.m.



        University Women Helping Afghan Women (UWHAW)

        For the 2023-24 season, UWHAW will be supporting education for Afghan women in Afghanistan by providing female university students in Kabul, Afghanistan with devices and internet access. Following the ban on girls attending university by the Taliban in December 2022, online learning is the only way for these girls to get an education, but many have lacked the resources to be able to do so. Our support program will allow them to re-start their education and provide them with hope for their future.

        In their monthly meetings, UWHAW members will continue to educate themselves about Afghanistan and the evolving situation. We will keep informed and knowledgable about life in Afghanistan, particularly the many challenges faced by women and girls. 

        We will also continue to raise awareness in our community and beyond, and advocate for their human rights. 

        Learn More 


        1st Thursday, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

        Email: universitywomenhelpingafghanwomen@cfuw-ottawa.org


        Wine & Spirits

        Have you ever been curious about the difference between a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Malbec, or the difference between Cava and Prosecco? This group is interested in learning about – and tasting -  different wines and spirits. If these are topics that might pique your interest, we’d love for you to join us on the second Thursday of each month from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  Our plan is for this group to meet in person.

        2nd Thursday, 4pm


        Women with Hammers

        Members learn through a variety of mechanisms such as hands on workshops, in person tours and virtual meetings the basics of repairing, replacing, upgrading, installing  and creating a variety of things in and for their home. This includes learning about the materials, tools, processes and skills required which permits them to either do-it-themselves  (and earn bragging rights) and/or hire a qualified person to do or assist them.  

        2nd Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m. to noon

        Email: womenwithhammers@cfuw-ottawa.org

           

        Writing


        Writers’ Workshop

        Our group meets once a month in fall and winter to write, to learn, to hear, to tell stories, and to critique, usually the written work of one or two members each time. We give each other information on various readings, workshops and organizations (e.g. Canadian Authors' Association, book fairs, the publishing industry) for writers. Several of us have published books while participating in the Writers' Workshop  Group and some distributed worldwide (see list). Others are just beginning their writing journey, and some are midway.


        Zoom meetings initially, adjusting, with members’ approval, to in person meetings using OPH guidelines.

        Time:  1st Thursday , 7:15pm

        Email: writersworkshop@cfuw-ottawa.org


        For Group Convenor Contact Information, Please Log into the Website as a Member

        You must then use the Members-Only Tab to find the

        ”Group Convenors Contact Info”


        Monthly Schedule of CFUW-Ottawa Interest Groups                                   


           


                                                              


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