115 The Esplanade, Toronto, Ontario M5E
1Y7
Tel: 416-214-1518 Fax: 416-214-1541
e-mail: info@olderwomensnetwork.org
Titles Bookstore & The
Older Women's Network (OWN) - Peterborough Chapter
present the Book Launch of
"A Pocket Full of Wry" (2006)
Dorothy M. Hunter's first
collection of 'Wrymes'
in downtown
Hunter will perform some of
her wrymes.
Speakers: TBA
Light refreshments will be
served.
Wheelchair accessible.
All are welcome to attend.
"I don't aspire to
poetry,
I write what I call 'Wrymes',
A personal, slightly skewed
view of my life and
times."
Hunter, in her
90th year and the eldest member of the OWN group, has been writing
wrymes sporadically for years. After the death of her husband, their numbers
increased, and "given just a little time, an idea becomes a wryme".
With the support and encouragement of OWN members, Hunter has compiled and
self-published her first eclectic collection of thought-provoking, and oft-times
witty, wrymes. While always written from her own 'slightly skewed' perspective,
Hunter succinctly addresses current events on such topic areas as feminism,
business, politics, religion, gardening, nature, and of course, old age.
Hunter has
always been a unique and creative sort: kayaking, 'hunting' nature with a
camera, and tending to her extensive and beloved collection of indoor and
outdoor plants. Since 1972 she has also been making and marketing jewellery as
"Queen Bead", and claims to be the eccentric owner of more beads than
any other individual in
In addition to
writing wrymes, almost daily now, she is becoming acquainted with the performer
in herself, who comes alive, and thoroughly enjoys reciting her wrymes for
appreciative audiences. Hunter continues to perform her wrymes for groups and
they are regularly featured on the "Peterborough Women's Hour" on
Contact Tian Butcher at
705-740-2962 or tian_butcher@sympatico.ca
November 8, 2006 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Medicare at the Crossroads: Proceed
with Caution! A public Forum on the future of
Health Care in Canada, presented by the Alliance of Seniors at Toronto City Hall Council
Chambers. Free Admission.
Considering the implications of:
Speakers:
Dr.
Colleen Flood, Professor, Faculty of Law, University of
Toronto
Dr. Gordon Guyatt, McMaster University Medical School, Medical Reform Group
Natalie Mehra, Director, Ontario Health Coalition
Armine Yalnizyan, Economist,
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
Moderator:
Ted
Barris, Author, CBC Broadcaster, Professor of Journalism, Centennial College
November 9, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
ITEMS OF INTEREST:
Municipal Elections:
Information wanted:
Family Relations Lab, Brock University, Mother / Daughter Study
We are inviting mothers and one of their adult daughters to tell us about the
help and support that they give to and receive from one another.
- Participation will take 2.5 hours and will involve interviews and the
completion of questionnaires.
- Each woman will receive $40.00 for taking part.
- Mothers must be over the age of 65 and living alone in their own homes to
participate.
If you would be willing to participate in this study or if you have any
questions, please contact Lianne at 905-688-5550 ext. 4996, or email familylab@brocku.ca. We really appreciate your time and assistance.
The Government of
Ontario announces a Citizens' Assembly on
Electoral Reform - Referendum expected in October 2007.
On Monday March 27 the Government of Ontario made the long-awaited announcement
confirming the formation of an Ontario Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform (OCA).
The OCA will recommend whether Ontario should adopt a new voting system.
If they recommend a new system, the Government will hold a referendum on that
option within the current mandate. Given the cost of a stand-alone
referendum and timing, it is expected the referendum will be held with the
October 2007 election. To receive information and help the cause of
electoral reform contact www.fairvotecanada.org
.
FRIENDLY TO SENIORS
The Toronto Seniors Council has developed a program to assist neighbourhoods and
businesses to become seniors' friendly. This is done by assessing an
office, department or store for accessibility and capacity to meet seniors'
needs. An Action Plan with practical suggestions of
adaptations/improvements is provided for $100.
Certification of a facility is conferred for no extra charge and is good for 2 years after which re-certification is required.
Qualified senior volunteers can offer employee workshops on the challenges and benefits of providing better service delivery to the growing seniors populations. Cost $50 per employee.
OWN members may have opportunities to suggest this service to community places they know and use. One OWN member would love to see coat-checking available on all or alternative floors of department stores -- that winter coat becomes unbearable after a while.
For more information call 416-351-0095 ext. 215, or at www.friendlytoseniors.ca.
CURIOUS ABOUT YOUR BONES ?
Are you 50 years of age or older ? Are you postmenopausal ? Not currently taking prescription medications for bones ? If so we would like you to participate in a 2 year study (The Nitrate and Bone Study) to test a new treatment on bone density.
For more information contact Celeste Hamilton, at 416- 867-7460
x 8011 or hamiltonce@smh.toronto.on.ca
Alfreda Mordas
Reading Room
The Alfreda Mordas
Reading Room is open in the OWN office on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3
p.m.
The aim of the Reading Room is to highlight the the literary
contributions of midlife and older women. Donated books in these
categories would be welcome: feminist fiction and non-fiction on midlife
and older women; self-help and self-affirmation for midlife and older women;
up to date information on managing finances, pensions, finding employment; health in all its
aspects.
The Reading Room Committee has established some rules for its
use and they are posted in the Room. Please observe the system for signing
out books. A limit of 2 books can borrowed by OWN members only.
Volunteers for the Reading Room - OWN members interested in being part of the Alfreda Mordas Reading Room Committee are welcome. An interest in, and familiarity with Canadian mid-life and older women writers is the most important aspect of this work.
Please contact the OWN office - Margaret Hawthorn and Erin
Harris at 416-214-1518
FEMINIST
BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS
Our groups at libraries across the city are an interesting way to interact with
others in a stimulating environment. Click on the link above for more information.
These are your
contacts:
Northern District Branch - Adrienne Taylor 416-481-2356
3rd Wednesday of the month, 2 - 4 pm, 40 Orchard View,
Room 224A
North York Central – Mary Hynes 416-441-3310
1st Sunday of the month, 1:45pm, 5120 Yonge St.
OWN Co-op – Leslie Lawlor 416-363-9219
2nd Tuesday of the month, 2 - 4 pm, OWN Co-op Building, 115 The Esplanade
INTEREST GROUPS
The Friendship Link is a congenial group of
women of varying ages and from varying walks of life. Single, married,
divorced or widowed, our mission is to enjoy the many social and educational
activities Toronto has to offer, while developing support and friendships
around mutual interests.
Any outing that's inexpensive (or free) and
easily reached by public transit may become a Friendship Link activity. We
go to plays, movies, lectures, festivals, galleries, lunches, and music and
dance performances together - or simply meet for coffee and
conversation.
We try to schedule at least four activities a month, most of which take place during the day. One Saturday afternoon each month we have a general meeting at 115 The Esplanade, sometimes with a speaker or other entertainment.
If you're curious to see what we're like, just contact Joyce Netley (416-363-2352) or the OWN office (416-214-1518) and tell them you want to attend one of our monthly social meetings. You'll be welcome!
Friendship Link is co-sponsored by the OWN Housing Co-op and the Older Women's Network.
Stitches
– Bernice Krieger 416-783-2102
Writers Group – Dawn Hembling 416-467-1304