North of Steeles Group (NOS)
This neighbourhood group fits the needs of those members who cannot easily get downtown for meetings on the Esplanade. All of us would like to participate in OWN events, but most of the time none of us do — insufficient public transportation and the long drive with heavy traffic and parking problems keep us from venturing downtown.
In 2008, the group began meeting once a month around the kitchen table of the group leader. OWN matters, current events, local issues were discussed. Some of our meetings were exciting, some mediocre, some outright boring. But as we were almost giving up, a new idea was born.
We envied women in the city, who could participate in lecture series at George Brown, Ryerson and/or U of T. Finally NOS said “Let’s bring continuing education to our neighbourhood.” The six of us who attended that fateful meeting in early 2009 didn’t have the faintest idea how to proceed, but we did some brainstorming and came up with a plan.
We had some contact with the McConaghy Seniors’ Centre in Richmond Hill (Yonge St. & Major McKenzie) and luckily Jennifer A., the Seniors’ Coordinator, was open-minded and responsive to our proposal. With our help she received funding from Trillium and set up a task force consisting of four NOS members, two staff and one from the board. We had several exciting sessions. As we suggested, Jennifer approached Sandra Kerr, coordinator of the Seniors’ program at Ryerson, who arranged four sample lectures in May 2010, which were well attended by people in the community.
Based on this, we have now had two lecture/discussion group (co-facilitated by our own Marilyn Whiteley) series, in the fall and winter sessions of 2010/11, and the flyer for the Spring Lecture Series (April-May 2011) is out already and people are looking forward to continuing. It looks like both the Lecture Series and the Discussion Group are here to stay.
Mission accomplished! Isn’t it amazing what six women can do, if they really try?
– Written by Rachel, March 2011
Currently, the eight NOS members are attending lectures and discussions on current events at the McConaghy Seniors Centre (pdf), 10100 Yonge St., Richmond Hill, and the monthly meetings are suspended for the moment. For times and fees, get in touch with Rachel, 905-889-3838, ar.tamari@sympatico.ca. New members are welcome. [Jan. 13, 2012]
Peterborough Chapter
Much more than an interest group, this group is really a chapter unto itself. The members initiate many activities and talk with other Peterborough organizations. They send a report for every issue of Contact. Jill Jones is the liaison for this group, 705-740-2962.
The Peterborough chapter of OWN invites you to join them for coffee! OWN will be at the Whistle-Stop Café on Wednesdays 10-11 am. Hope to see you there.
