Interest Groups 2023 - 2024

CFUW Edmonton has 11 interest groups, including two new groups, 'Indigenous Edmonton' and 'Parlons Français' . We have three choices for Book Clubs: Morning, Afternoon and Evening. There are 3 cuisine groups: Healthy Gourmet, Hospitality Cooking and Lunching Out. We have also the Afternoon Bridge Club, the Art for Fun Group and a Film group. If you have an idea for a new club, please contact Lynda Gibson, Interest Group Coordinator (interestgroups@cfuwedmonton.org).

Art for Fun - Convenor Anne Valentine  

• This group promotes members’ artistic talents. No formal instruction is provided. The art group meets every Wednesday morning from 9:00 am - 12 noon. In the good weather, meetings are held at  Anne's house. After September, meetings may continue to be held at Anne's home, or at the Granite Curling Club (cost $50/day for the group). The winter venue is to be determined. The group has 7 members and can accommodate only two more due to space constraints, however the members are willing to help another group start up. Bring your ideas and art supplies.

Afternoon Bridge - Convenor Sherri Eichhorn  

• Meetings are the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. They are held at members' homes and start at 12:30. The host provides an afternoon snack. For more information, please call Sherri. 

Morning Book Club - Convenor Edith Morgan 

• This club meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 11:00am.  Participants vote on member suggestions to compile the reading list. Currently meetings are held at the Royal Glenora Club, courtesy of RG club member Judy Pagano. It is a delightful venue, and often a light lunch is enjoyed while discussing the book. New members are welcome. If you are interested in great books along with stimulating discussions and conversation, please contact Edith.

Afternoon Readers - Convenor Sherri Eichhorn 

• Meetings are on the second Wednesday of the month at members’ homes and start at 12:30. The host provides a snack. The September book is Tracking the Cariboo Queen by Margaret Macpherson. If interested, please call Sherri. 

Evening Random Readers - Convenor Norma Kabaroff 

• This group meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7 pm. A member usually hosts the group and serves  light refreshments.  A varied selection of books are read and discussed. The first meeting is on September 14. The book selection is 'Secrets of the Sprakkar' by Eliza Reid (The First Lady of Iceland). New members are welcome.

Film Group - Convenor Karen Lewis-Caron  

• The film group meets on the third Tuesday of the month in the afternoon, usually for a matinee but occasionally for an evening outing depending on movie selections.  A list will be offered and the choice will be determined by member votes. Short discussions of the movie, after viewing, can take place the coffee area in the theatre.  Also Tuesday is Seniors' Day at the Cineplex so admittance is a little cheaper. Videos are sometimes viewed at a member’s condominium movie room. Notice of movie options will be sent out on the previous Fridays when the times are posted .

Healthy Gourmet - Convenors Audrey Keen & Judi Cook 

• The group meets at noon on the third Tuesday of the month at a member’s house. The dinner focuses on preparation methods and ingredients that achieve a healthy meal. This group is closed due to space constraints. Members are willing to assist in the start-up of another group.

Hospitality Cooking -  Convenor Maureen Towns   

• This group meets in the late afternoon on the third Wednesday of each month to prepare and share a meal at a member’s house. The group’s seating capacity is currently at its maximum, and is unable to accept new members at this time. Current members would be happy to assist in forming a new group. 

Lunching Out - Convenor Judi Cook

• This group meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 12:00 noon for stimulating conversation and lunch at various restaurants in the city. It provides the opportunity to sample a diverse range of Edmonton’s cuisine. This group meets all 12 months of the year. New members are welcome. 

Indigenous Edmonton (New Group) - Convenor Helen Arnott 

• The focus of this new interest group will be on exploring new opportunities for learning, curiosity, expanding one’s horizons, and getting to know each other in a spirit of cooperation and yes, even fun! Some beginning suggestions to get the group started include but are not limited to the following: Exploring Edmonton’s Indigenous Landmarks; Visiting Metis Crossing. Books: 'Permanent Astonishment' by Tomson Highway; 'Indigenous Relations. Insights, Tips and Suggestions to Make Reconciliation a Reality' by Bob Joseph; 'Rez Rules' by Chief Clarence Louis.

Parlons Français (New Group) - Convenor Marcia Loder

• This new interest group meets on the last Monday of the month at 11:00 am at members' homes or other locations to practice their French language skills in a social setting.  The host provides a snack and conversation flows in French. Topics of conversation are random or can be specific depending on the nature of the gathering. 

CFUW national Interest Groups

Members of CFUW Edmonton are also members of the national CFUW and Graduate Women International with all the benefits and opportunities that come with membership. This includes the opportunity to join their interest groups.

CFUW offers some interest groups at the national level. These are organized/convened by CFUW members so are not accessed via the national webpage.

CFUW Reads Book Club (free)

• This book club started out as a summer book club but due to its popularity it has expanded to year-round. You can easily join this group to follow along with what books they are reading or actively participate in the discussion of the books. This group is run via a Facebook page, click the link to find out more https://www.facebook.com/groups/119755642275532/.

CFUW Canada GWI Club (a fee is required to join this group)

• This is an electronic club who work via email and conference calls. for members looking to be an active participant in GWI issues. Find out more by emailing CFUWCanadaGWI@yahooo.com (general inquiries) or CFUWCanadaGWI@gmail.com (to join) and visiting their Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/CFUWCanadaGWI/.