Meetings and Events

Meetings are held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 143 Main Street North, Markham Village. Third Wednesdays of the month -doors open at 6:30 p.m. for social time, meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.

We hope members will join us for these interesting and informative talks. Most of our speakers will join us in-person. Some Zoom or hybrid meetings may occur should Covid protocols change, or if weather makes commuting difficult for out of town speakers.

Sep.21, 2022	Ms. Joanne Kinya Baker : Town of Markham’s Diversity Action Plan & Anti-Black Racism Initiative Joanne Kinya Baker is the City of Markham’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Specialist. With a background in psychology, a Masters in Social Work, and over 17 years of local and international experience, Ms Baker describes herself as an advocate for social justice and change. Ms Baker is currently leading the City’s update of its Diversity Action Plan. This topic and speaker was initiated by our Issues and Advocacy Committee.
Oct. 19, 2022	Ms. Elizabeth Zemelman : Healthy Eating – Nutrition Information for Planning a “Balanced Plate” As a Registered Dietician, Elizabeth Zemelman has been helping people achieve their health and wellness goals for over 20 years. A graduate of McGill University’s Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics program, Ms Zemelman’s private practice is based in Thornhill. Ms. Zemelman serves clients in the GTA through individual counselling, group classes and corporate seminars. This speaker will present via a hybrid meeting.
Oct. 26, 2022	Fashion Show with fashions by Peppertree Klassics. A fun event this will also be a fundraiser for the Yellow Brick House women’s shelter which suffered reduced donations during the pandemic. The cost is $45 for the venue and $10 for the charity.
Nov. 16, 2022	Ms. Caroline Taylor: The Fight Against Climate Change After retiring from a career in international marketing and communications, Caroline Taylor endeavors to help others learn more about the urgency of climate change and how each of us can make a difference. As a co-founder of Climate Action for Lifelong Learners, Ms. Taylor strives to bring lifelong learners into the fight against climate change by moving together from curiosity to knowledge to action.
Dec.7, 2022	Members’ Sugar Plum Social at The School Fine Dining. For details and menu click here. For reservations and payment see your member newsletter or email.
Jan. 18, 2023	Dr. Barbara Perry: Women in Politics – Issues and Challenge Dr. Barbara Perry is a Professor in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities at Ontario Tech University and the Director of the Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism. An accomplished author, Dr. Perry is a UNESCO Chair in Hate Studies and is regularly called upon by policy makers, practitioners and the media as an expert on hate crime and right-wing extremism. Dr. Perry strives to cultivate a society of education and victim support.This topic and speaker was initiated by our Issues and Advocacy Committee. This speaker will present via a Zoom meeting.
Feb. 15, 2023	Ms. Susan Mather: Dementia – New Research and Initiatives, Including the Role and Well-Being of Caregivers After a 32 year career in teaching, Susan Mather completed her Masters of Pastoral Studies at the University of Toronto, specializing in psychotherapy and geriatric dementia. Ms Mather is a Qualifying Psychotherapist with experience in the fields of trauma, addictions, anxiety, MDD, and family dysfunction. Currently, Ms Mather works with family members who are Caregivers for a loved one with dementia, helping them to navigate new worlds of elder advocacy, understanding dementia, family dynamics and, most importantly, helps them find life balance for their own affective needs.
Mar. 15, 2023	Mr. Matthew Dressing: Sustainable Gardening with a Focus on Low Maintenance and Container Plants Matthew Dressing is a landscape designer, horticulturist, educator, author, and owner of Natural Affinity Garden Design in Oshawa. Passionate about helping individuals reconnect with nature and outdoor living spaces, Mr. Dressing collaborates with clients to find low maintenance, sustainable garden solutions that work with their lifestyle.
Apr. 19, 2023	“What Women Create”: Interests and Hobbies of our Markham Unionville CFUW Members This will be an evening of fellowship and connection amongst our members. An opportunity to share your special hobby by bringing in something that you’ve created (artwork, craft, photography, etc.), or just enjoy perusing and discussing the hobbies of others. We hope you will be both entertained and inspired by other members’ interests!
May, 2023	Spring banquet with music to be confirmed at the Crystal Fountain.