w w w . w c c h a m i l t o n . c a

Contents

President’s Message 1

Citizenship Court 2

Past meetings 2

Programme 2015-2016 3

WANTED flyers 3

OHS Membership 4

Board of Directors 4

2015-2016

Membership Notice 4

Newsletter Report 4

Contact Us 4

2015

Fall Newsletter

President’s Message

In preparation of this message I did my usual Google search hoping to find some ‘witticism’ or ‘words of wisdom’ to share with you. After several hours of pleasant exploration I decided to stop my search and concentrate on disseminating information which is the most significant purpose of a newsletter: something I learned as part of my search. This Fall issue of our newsletter is the first of the 2015-2016 Term of Office for your Board of Directors. It will bring you up to date on what was decided upon at a Special Planning meeting held in June. The various reports contained herein will provide you with the information related to the decisions made at that meeting, i.e. Membership, Programme and Special Events, as well as some pictures from meetings held in the spring. The photos are courtesy of Ruth Pearson and are very much appreciated. Thank you to Board members Ruth, Lee,

Mary, Dina, June, Susan, Margaret, Pam

and Christina who have committed to

serving another term and a special thank

you and welcome to Basharat and

Carolyn who will be joining us for a first

term. A special ‘thank you’ to Lee for

taking on an additional role, Newsletter

Editor, to that of Treasurer. Two very

important roles to say the least.

While I look forward to working with the Board in fulfilling the goals and objectives of our Club I am not unaware that there will be challenges ahead. We are facing increasing costs for meeting locations, luncheons and supplies, to say nothing of providing interesting, informative programmes. In that regard, I ask all of you for your support as we face these challenges. Your comments, ideas and criticisms are always welcome. In spite of what I have written above the following quote that I found on my Google search ‘tickled my fancy’ most: “Somewhere out in this audience may

even be someone who will one day follow

in my footsteps and preside over the

White House as the president’s spouse.

I wish him well”. Barbara Bush

Patricia Saunders President

“Never retreat, never explain, never apologize...get the thing done and let them howl.” Nellie McClung

Reminder: September and November meetings

begin at 2 p.m.

October and December meetings are luncheons and begin at noon

All meetings take place at the Scottish Rite Club.

Page 2 Fall Newsletter

Citizenship Court: The WCCH

helps to welcome our newest

Canadians

Each month the Women’s Canadian Club of Hamilton plays host at a Canadian Citizenship Ceremony. Immigrants, who have come to our country from around the world, have met the requirements and passed a test, stand to take the Oath of Citizenship and be presented with their Canadian Citizenship Certificate. After the ceremony members of the WCCH welcome our newest citizens and serve light refreshments. The number of attendees can reach up to 60. Many come in the attire of their homeland and bring family with them to help celebrate the occasion. All members of the WCCH are most welcome to attend these ceremonies, re-affirm their citizenship and lend a hand with the reception. The ceremonies take place at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Office at 55 Bay Street North (the Federal Building). Most ceremonies take place in the morning and so volunteers are asked to be in attendance by 9 a.m.

We are grateful to Dina Sankey for co-ordinating with the Hamilton office of Citizenship and Immigration Canada and making all arrangements for these receptions. The receptions for new Canadians align perfectly with the objectives of the WCCH and have been an important part of the Club’s public profile for many years. Please consider attending a ceremony this year and lending a hand to say ‘welcome’ to our newest Canadians.

The dates of upcoming ceremonies will be announced at each general meeting of the WCCH.

Did you know? In 1915...

George V was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions and Emperor of India

Robert Borden was Prime Minister of Canada

Lt. Col. John McCrae wrote In Flanders Fields

Nellie McClung presented a petition to the Alberta legislature demanding women’s suffrage

Test your knowledge of all things Canadian at: citizenshipcounts.ca/quiz

Freda Crisp, a club member and our guest speaker in March, is greeting Norma Hitchcox, a Past President of the WCCH. Freda's presentation, Hamilton Dances the 1920s, profiled local women, who pioneered the art of dance teaching in the Hamilton area.

Signing our club's guest speaker book is Rob Howard, an editor and gardening writer for The Hamilton Spectator. Rob, through his photos and commentary took us on a journey to "Garden Walk Buffalo" which showcases gorgeous gardens in various neighbourhoods every July.

Page 3 Fall Newsletter

Programme 2015 –2016

September 9, 2015 – Welcome Fall – Thanh Campbell, author of Orphan 32, will be our guest speaker. Airlifted from Saigon as part of Operation Babylift, this Canadian adopted war orphan will speak about his life experiences and plans for the future. **October 14, 2015 - Women’s History Month Margaret Watkins was a Hamilton-born, internationally acclaimed photographer. She is the subject of the book Seduced by Modernity. Dr. Mary O’Connor, co-author of the book will present on Ms. Watkins and her extraordinary body of work.

November 11, 2015 – Lest We Forget Ruth Pearson will share stories and photos of her latest excursion to Europe which marked the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands.

**December 9, 2015 – Our Annual Christmas Luncheon. Enjoy a traditional Christmas meal, with all the trimmings and be entertained by Classic Blend Ladies Barbershop Chorus. This group has been entertaining in the Hamilton area for over 50 years….sure to delight!

**February 10, 2016 – OFHSA: 100 YEARS. Lee Gowers, WCCH treasurer and a past-president of the Ontario Federation of Home & School Associations will present on the history and activities of that group. March 9, 2016 – Hamilton Arts Award 2015 (Theatre) winner, Paula Grove will perform a one-woman play about the role of Sara Ryan in the War of 1812 and her life as a prominent citizen of the City of Hamilton. April 13, 2016 – to be announced

**May 11, 2016—to be announced. The Board of the WCCH will consider whether this meeting will be a luncheon or dinner meeting. If you have a preference please let the President know.

** denotes a luncheon meeting. Lunch is served at noon followed by a speaker at 1 p.m. Flyers for these meetings, detailing the meals and cost are distributed in advance and will be posted to the WCCH website.

Regular meetings begin at 2 p.m. Tea, coffee and goodies will be served.

Wanted: Events Committee Chair

In this Board position you will make the arrangements for events of the WCCH (the luncheons), work with the Scottish Rite Club concerning rooms, menus and the needs of the speaker. If you, or a group of you, would like to take on this committee and help out the WCCH please speak to a current member of the Board or call or e-mail the WCCH.

WANTED: NEWSLETTER EDITOR

Many thanks to Doreen Dick who did such a wonderful job with the WCCH newsletter for the past several years, and was also responsible for the events flyers. You are already missed! We are now looking for somebody to take over this position. The newsletter editor will need some computer skills and be able to work to a deadline (actually 3 deadlines). Aside from putting the newsletter together you also have to arrange for printing and mailing, both hard and electronic. Interested? Know somebody who might fit the bill? Perhaps a student looking for community service hours! Contact the WCCH.

Fall Newsletter Page 4

Contact us: wcchamilton@rogers.com 905-538-6634

The WCCH Newsletter

The newsletter is published three times each year. Newsletters, flyers and the membership form are available to read on our website (wcchamilton.ca). Feel free to print a copy. Printing and mailing costs increase each year. Many of our members have agreed to have the newsletter sent to them via e-mail. Thank you! If you would like to receive your newsletter electronically rather than have it mailed to you please contact the WCCH and let us know.

Lee Gowers Newsletter

The Ontario Historical Society

The Women’s Canadian Club of Hamilton is now a member of the Ontario Historical Society. The OHS was founded in 1888 and is a non-profit registered charity. It acts as an umbrella organization for groups and individuals interested in promoting and preserving the heritage of Ontario. One of the benefits of membership is the group rate provided for general liability and Directors & Officers liability insurance. With the membership the WCCH will receive copies of the OHS Bulletin five times per year as well as copies of Ontario History, the magazine of the Society. These publications will be brought to regular meetings of the WCCH to allow members to view them. You can read more about the OHS, their history, purpose and activities at www.ontariohistoricalsociety.ca.

Women’s Canadian Club Board of Directors for 2015-2016

Honourary President Gene Wright

President Pat Saunders

Secretary Ruth Pearson

Treasurer Lee Gowers

Membership Mary Lorimer

Citizenship Court Dina Sankey

Media Relations Pamela Bragoli

Website Liaison Susan Ricketts

Encounters with Canada June Lockhart

Councillors: Christina Begley Caroline MacArthur Margaret Skimba Basharat Tayyab

Vacant Positions Vice-President Special Events Newsletter Editor Excursions Councillors If you are interested in becoming a member of the Board please speak to any current Board member or call or e-mail the WCCH. It’s time to renew your WCCH Membership

Membership is open to anyone who supports the purposes of the Women’s Canadian Club of Hamilton. Annual membership fees are $50 per person. Accepted methods of payment are cash, cheque or money order. The membership form is included with this newsletter, available on our website or can be picked up from the membership table at any meeting. Please hand in your membership form and payment at the next general meeting of the WCCH or mail your completed form and cheque to: Mary Lorimer, 401-10 Ben Lomond Place, Hamilton ON L8V 2S8. Your WCCH membership also allows you to attend

meetings of the Canadian Club at their member rates.