2013 - Arts and Letters Club

The
Arts & Letters Club
of Toronto
Annual Report
April 1, 2012 – March 31, 2013
of Toronto
14 Elm Street, Toronto, ON, CANADA M5G 1G7
(416) 597-0223
Among our almost 600 members, over half are professionals whose careers are or
have been dedicated to the arts: to literature and words; to architecture, interior
design, building design or heritage preservation; to music, as performers,
composers or musicologists; to the visual arts in a wide variety of media; and to
the stage, film, television, radio and the supporting professions.
We also are a place for people who enjoy, support and practise the arts for
interest and entertainment.
Some significant dates in the history of
the Arts & Letters Club:
1908 — The Club was founded by Augustus Bridle
1910 — The Club’s first Boar’s Head Dinner
1920 — We moved to 14 Elm Street as tenants
1930 — “April Foolies”: the first Spring Revue
1958 — The first LAMPSweek
1985 — Membership opens to women
1986 — The Club purchases 14 Elm Street
2008 — We celebrate our 100th anniversary
2013 — The Club publishes its first Annual Report
www.artsandlettersclub.ca
Professionals in the arts account for 57% of Club Members
The Arts & Letters Club
Dear fellow members,
I am very pleased to have this opportunity to write a message to members in the first
Annual Report to be produced by the Club. This will provide, for all members, an
excellent summary on an annual basis of our accomplishments, activities, financial
health and statistics – and a photographic record as well.
In 2014, the Club will need to produce an annual report as prescribed by Ontario’s new Not-for-Profit
Corporations Act, 2010. As a result, it was felt by the Board that it was advantageous to publish a
report this year in preparation for future requirements.
I hope you will enjoy reading the document and that it will bring back good memories of the great
year we have had at the Club. More than 460 events and activities were held. Our special member
events were sold out (Boar’s Head, Burns Supper and Annual Garden Party), more than 600 members
and guests attended LAMPSweek 2013 activities and more than 12,000 non-members visited the Club
through our public events, catering activities and as members’ guests. The quality and diversity of the
concerts, presentations, readings, exhibitions and productions were outstanding throughout the year.
The past year has been a busy one. Together we created a blueprint for the future of the Club with a
five-year strategic plan and moved forward with the creation of the Arts & Letters Club of Toronto
Foundation. The efforts and talents of members are important to our Club and to recognize members
who have provided distinguished voluntary service to the Club we created the President’s Service
Awards. Maintaining 14 Elm Street continued to be a priority; so last summer our lounge and bar area
was beautifully refurbished.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have contributed so much to life at the Club.
Your commitment is truly one of our greatest strengths.
It has been a privilege and an honour to serve you as your President over the past year. Thank you for
all your support and for making it so enjoyable. I look forward to the year ahead and to our future
accomplishments and successes together.
Richard Moorhouse, President
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Then — and Now!
The Arts & Letters Club was founded in 1908, moved
to its present home in 1920, and until 1985 restricted
its membership to men. Toronto’s exploding diversity
began about the same time women were admitted
to the Club; however, even before then, the Arts &
Letters Club was one of the few places in Toronto
where members from a variety of religious and
ethnic backgrounds were welcome. The common
denominator was the arts, and the contribution of
Club members to the artistic life of this city. Talent,
as we know, is no respecter of race, colour or religion.
In the 105 years since our founding, our “LAMPS”
designations have been maintained, but as art forms
continued to develop over the twentieth and into
this century, the acronym has evolved to assume
its present-day meaning: Literature, Architecture,
Music, Painting — in fact, the visual arts in all forms
— and Stage, which now also includes film, in its
early infancy in 1908, and television, which was not
even a gleam in our founders’ eyes.
Some eminent Club Members
Walter Allward A
Eric Arthur A
Frederick Banting P
Jack Bush
P
Frank Carmichael P
John Coulter S
Kildare Dobbs L
John Drainie S
Sorel Etrog P
Barker Fairley P
Percy Faith M
Herman Geiger-Torel M
Glenn Gould M
Boris Hambourg M
Don Harron S
Nicholas Hornyansky P
Elmer Iseler M
A.Y. Jackson P
Marsh Jeanneret L
Viggo Kihl M
Horace Lapp M
Arthur Lismer P
Sir Ernest MacMillan M
Leon Major S
Roy Mitchell S
Gerald Moore M
Boyd Neel M
Will Ogilvie P
Len Peterson S
Godfrey Ridout M
Rod Robbie A
Lister Sinclair L
Eden Smith A
Tommy Tweed S
Fred Varley P
Paxton Whitehead S
Healey Willan M
Today’s Club maintains the values of our early
members. We enjoy opportunities to pursue creative expression at the Club and to
engage in the vigorous exchange of ideas and opinions; and we value good conversation
and the companionship of people who are bright, interesting and well informed. The
food is better than in the early days; the cigar smoke, which was a fixture of the Great
Hall is gone. We relish our history, the legacy of former members, the paintings, the
architecture of the building and the treasure trove that is the Club’s Archives. We
establish traditions — the Spring Revue, LAMPSweek, the LAMPSletter, and our new
Club toast are examples — and we continue to build on them.
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We are no longer “a Gentlemen’s Club.” Remarkably, as of March 31, 2013, the Club’s
membership stood at 286 men and 292 women, or 49.5% and 50.5%, respectively! We
have members in their 20s and members in their 90s, and everyone in between. We
enjoy each other’s company and we write, we design, we perform, we make art, and we
appreciate and celebrate the best in artistic creativity.
Literature
E.J. Pratt Honorary Member for Literature:
2012: Douglas Gibson • 2013: Margaret Atwood
We heard from Mary Frances Coady about her fine new biography of Georges and Pauline Vanier.
Journalist Adrian Humphreys brought us the story of “the Weasel,” a mob goon turned undercover informer,
working with police around the world. Oh, and the Weasel was here to answer questions!
Literary Committee
Rose Norman (Chair)
Kenneth Anderson
Linda Beck
Carol Bishop-Gwyn
Ruth Colombo
Kirk Howard
Elizabeth Miller
Tim Nau
Norma Rowen
Peter Russell
J. Alan Somerset
Michael Tait
Writers Table
Bob Beardsley (Chair)
Donald Gillies (Chair)
Andrew Westoll told us his moving story about his involvement with the chimps
of Quebec’s Fauna Sanctuary.
Actor and professor Rob Fothergill performed a wonderful reading of sections
from Great Expectations.
Professor Germaine Warkentin, who has published the journals of Pierre-Esprit
Radisson, told us the fascinating account of his youth, his explorations, and his later
life in London, where he died in 1710 as “Peter Radisson, a decayed gentleman.”
Research psychologist and novelist Keith Oatley spoke about his experiments,
proving “Why Fiction Is Good for You.”
Alexander Leggatt talked about “Missing Characters in Drama” — characters who
are central to a play, whom we hear about and come to know, but never meet.
Members of the Literary Committee are responsible for arranging several
speakers each, on topics ranging from Greek and Roman history and Renaissance
epics to present-day crime fiction and poetry. The Committee also takes charge
of all the arrangements for speakers and guests on the day of the presentation.
Approximately 40%, and some of the most absorbing, of our speakers were Club
members.
Literature represents 27% of Club Professionals
It’s a challenge to choose a handful from this year’s 42 Literary Table and Club Night talks, but here are some that
demonstrate the range and variety of the events we sponsored this year:
The Writers Table
Although we concentrate on the writing process in and for all media,
all members are welcome to attend the monthly Writers Table. We hear
from people who deal with many aspects of writing, editing, publishing,
journalism, and reviewing, in all its forms in the mainstream media
and online, with presentations of their work to illustrate their talks as
appropriate. We always welcome a full house in the intimate setting of the
LAMPSroom.
Five of this year’s 11 speakers were Club members: Aileen BurfordMason on writing popular science, Marianne Fedunkiw on giving voice
to characters in a novel, Donald Gillies about book reviewing, Deborah
Kelly on movie writing, and Margaret McBurney about her memoir of
June Callwood.
We also heard from guest speakers on writing for digital media, the process
of memoir writing, writing history, writing textbooks, and writer’s block.
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Architecture
Eric Arthur Honorary Member for Architecture:
2012 Heather Dubbeldam • 2013 Richard Witt
arrange occasional speakers; however, its biggest contribution to the Club is its active involvement
with the maintenance and refurbishment of 14 Elm Street, and architects have a much-valued
presence on the Club’s House Committee. This year’s renovations and upgrading of the lounge
were designed and managed by three representatives from the Club’s “A-List”: Lorna Kelly, Ian
McGillivray and Murray Oliver, together with Margaret Logan, Vice-President
(House).
This group encompasses a range of professional activities including architectural
design and construction, interior design, civil engineering, acoustic and lighting
design, design of building fittings, and writers on architecture. One of the strengths
of the Club is the large and prominent group of members who are professionally
engaged in architectural heritage preservation. They have contributed greatly to
the protection and preservation of important buildings across the province. Our
Architecture Committee
George Hume (Chair)
John Blumenson
Jamie Hewson
Lorna Kelly
Margaret McBurney
Mark McBurney
Ian McGillivray
John Snell
building, 14 Elm Street, is one of these.
In addition, there is a natural link between our “A”s and our “P”s. Designers can fall into either
group. Many architects are also serious painters or sculptors.
This year’s LAMPSweek speaker for Architecture was the Club’s Eric Arthur
Honorary Member, Heather Dubbeldam, who was also Chair of the Toronto
Society of Architects. Her talk, about her firm’s approach integrating
architecture and design, was a demonstration of the concern of the top
architects to respect both aesthestic and environmental values.
The vitality of the Club’s Architecture group is felt
every Friday at the TGIF lunch. There you will
always find one, or perhaps two, tables engaged
in intense shop-talk and lively argument about
the latest in architecture and architectural
preservation.
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Architecture represents 11% of Club Professionals
The Architecture Committee works differently from the Club’s other professional groups. It does
Music
Sir Ernest MacMillan Honorary Member for Music
Guillermo Silva-Marin
Over the past year, the Music Committee brought a total of 50 concerts and musical celebrations to the
Club. About 20% of these involved members and their ensembles, but most of our concerts were performed
by visiting professional musicians or by advanced students, who welcomed
Arts & Letters Award 2012:
the opportunity to play for a discerning and appreciative audience. The
Neil Crory
newly initiated and popular monthly Salons offered member musicians and
their guests more occasions to come together and try out new repertoire.
The quality of the performances was as impressive as the numbers. And we dipped into everything, to
provide a balance between classical fare and other less traditional forms of musical performance:
• We enjoyed the Balinese music of the Sek Rat Nadi Gamelan Ensemble.
• George and Suzanne Sawa, world experts in traditional Arabian Music,
played for us on an unusual instrument, the qanun.
• Pianist William Aide celebrated a significant birthday with a special recital
of Chopin and Liszt
• Shauna Rolston not only performed for us, but brought 15 other cellists
along to play an astounding work for 64 strings.
• Piano concerts — single pianists, two pianists four-hands, and duo piano —
covered the gamut from baroque to Latin American, new music and jazz.
• We heard from a musicologist astronomer about the connection between
medieval music and astrology.
• Our Club Nights featured distinguished performers such as pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico, tenor Colin Ainsworth, soprano Meredith Hall and
percussionist Robin Engelman.
• Bill Westcott rocked the rafters on the Steinway to a cheering full-house
crowd.
• We hosted a musical documentary film on artist William Kurelek,
• AND, we heard Messaien’s Quartet for the End of Time, at one of our new
monthly Music Salons.
Music Committee
John Lawson (Chair)
William Aide
James Dooley
Barbara Wright George
Klement Hambourg
Norman Hathaway
Elizabeth Kilbourn-Mackie
Jonathan Krehm
Rachel Krehm
Denis Kulesha
Larry Lake
Mary Lund
Tim McGee
Jane McWhinney
Farhad Nargol-O’Neill
Dorene Seltzer
Judy Simmonds
David Skene-Melvin
John Snell
Arnold Tirzits
This year we presented
9 solo piano recitals
2 duo piano concerts
1 piano four-hands concert
2 jazz piano concerts
1 Latin American piano concert
13 chamber music concerts
1 Gamelan ensemble
1 Arabian music ensemble
1 concert of percussion
1 documentary film
12 song recitals
4 string quartets
1 dramatic reading with music
1 illustrated lecture
Music represents 11% of Club Professionals
Although Music is one of the smallest of the Club’s Professional groups, we are mighty!
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Visual Arts (Painting)
J.E.H. MacDonald Honorary Member for Painting
Judi Michelle Young
Group Exhibitions
The Photography Show, to coincide
with Contact 2012
The Flower Show
Summer Group Show
The Landscape Show
The Black Frame Show – different
works, different artists, identical
black frames
Small Works Show – our annual
December show and sale
Continuum – Ontario Society of
Artists contemporary show
No Boundaries – inspired by the
human figure
Solo Exhibitions
Matthew Chapman: Titanic
Tony Batten: Town and Country
Ed Yaghdjian: In Search of Beauty
Andrew Sookrah: Parallel States of Being
Heidi Burkhardt: Rock Cuts on the
Road to Parry Sound
Gary Stark: Metamorphosis
Speakers:
Painter and author Sherry Pringle
on the wartime sinking of HMCS
Athabaskan
Round table with young emerging
artists
Heidi Burkhardt on oil stick media
Art Committee
Nola McConnan (Chair)
April Bending
Lynn Bertrand
Heidi Burkhardt
Portrait photographer David
Anthony Williams: “An Eclectic Judith Davidson-Palmer
Dave Fisher
Look at Portraiture”
John Inglis
City’s former Director of Culture Rita Emily Mandy
Barbara Mitchell
Davies: “Great City, Great Art”
Barbara Rose
And
Studio Painting three times a week
Plein air painting at Uxbridge and
Georgian Bay
A curated tour of the Josef Sudek
photography exhibition at the AGO
The Hot Shots
Once a month the Boardroom is set up with a projector
and laptop, and a group of Club photographers comes
in, bringing images related to a selected theme. “New
construction,” “weather,” “streets,” “windows and
doors,” “the blues,” “animals,” “circles” all produced
interesting and unusual photographs.
We enjoy these opportunities to view and critique our
own work and the work of other members, and to
share tips and techniques.
It’s no surprise that the Club’s Group Exhibitions always
have a selection of eye-catching photos courtesy of the
Hot Shots.
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Visual Arts represents 36% of Club Professionals
If it weren’t so hard to say, it would be LAMVS. Over the years “Painting” has evolved to become Visual
Arts, encompassing painting, sculpture, graphic design, photography and other visual arts forms.
This is the Club’s largest group of professionals, with 116 artist members. Over the past year the Art
Committee mounted 14 exhibits and a brought a number of speakers to the Club.
Stage
John Coulter Honorary Member for Stage
2012 David Ferry • 2013 Vrenia Ivonoffski
In the Spring of last year the Stage Committee developed a strategic plan, with a
focus on outreach and greater exposure to professional theatre. The Stage Committee
will continue to produce theatre in the Great Hall but is placing a greater emphasis
on special creative projects, on its developing relationship with Ryerson’s Theatre
program, and on Club outings, such as this year’s visit to Stratford and the Tarragon
Theatre, to enjoy a significant play and to see some aspect of the production.
This year’s stage productions:
“Corn-a-Plenty”
Come into the Garden, Maud
A Forgotten War
“The Group of Two Workshop”
Enoch Arden
“Merry Christmas Almost
Everybody”
Hooked
Foolery
Venus in Toronto
Theatre outings:
Stratford 42nd Street
Stratford Henry V
Mighton Night at Tarragon
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor,
this year we sponsored an award for a one-act play
by a young writer. The submission deadline was
April 15, 2013, and we are pleased that two prizes
will be granted to full-time secondary or postsecondary students within the GTA.
Stage Committee
Brian Metcalfe (Chair)
Harrison Browne
Jane Carnwath
Cate Frid
John Goddard
Marianne Heller
Emily Honderich
Mark Houghton
Damon Lum
Martha Mann
Stage continued its Ryerson Theatre Student membership again this year. The
student selected receives an excellent introduction to the Club by working
on one or more Club productions. This year’s Ryerson student member is
Rob Noble.
Once again, we produced the traditional Spring Revue, written and performed by members.
One of the most interesting of this year’s projects took place on the worst
evening of the winter. Hooked was built around seven narratives by
Canadian poet Carolyn Smart, dealing with seven famous — or infamous
— women and their addictions and obsessions. The audience followed
actor Nicky Guadagni through various rooms in the Club, as she took on
seven different characters. At each location a character-appropriate hors d’oeuvre was served.
Stage represents 15% of Club Professionals
“Stage” encompasses members involved in theatre arts, film, television and related professions.
Another project greatly enjoyed by Club members was the dramatic reading of Tennyson’s Enoch Arden, set
to piano music by Richard Strauss. We enjoy the chance to collaborate with other LAMPS committees, and
this presentation involved Literature, Music and Stage.
“What wonderful entertainment your Lehrer show was!” “What a ‘tour de force’ the Lehrer performance was.
Congratulations are definitely in order.”
Just a sample of the kudos received for Foolery! The wit
of Tom Lehrer, combined with the energy and talent of
Harrison Browne, Grant Cowan, John Goddard and Morna
Wales, the brilliant piano-playing of Ruth Morawetz and the
stylish and fast-paced direction of Julian Mulock, brought
loud cheers for its four LAMPSweek performances.
Finally, it is no surprise that we have a strong connection
with “Ad Lib,” with some stage events taking place on
Friday evenings as part of Ad Lib’s programming.
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Ad Lib
This year’s Ad Lib season saw many thought-provoking and entertaining Friday
nights in the Studio. Teams were quizzed, plays were read, songs were sung and
of course many pretzels were consumed!
We honoured the great Bard last November under the guidance of Warren
Clements and his gang. The crowd was enthusiastic and many in the audience
took to the boards with monologues, sonnets, and scenes. The whole group
joined in on a rousing chorus of “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” to end the night.
There was a big crowd in January when Deborah Kelly tested
out her new Movie Quiz game show in three rounds, pitting the
minds and movie knowledge of such members as Rachel Persaud,
David Skene-Melvin, and Farhad Nargol-O’Neill against each
other. Ultimately, Club librarian, Bill Denton, took the night!
There were two interesting and successful evenings of play
reading this season. In December, Marianne Fedunkiw directed
Brian Metcalfe’s new play Venus in Toronto, and in February
Ashley Williamson directed a series of scenes from the plays of
Morris Panych.
Finally, no Ad Lib season would be complete without our popular
Chocolate Fest, which happens every year for Valentine’s Day!
This year it was “Chocolate, Wine and Love Songs.” We savoured
not only chocolates but lovely red wines to go with them while
members Irene Katzela and Bruce Ferreira-Wells sang love songs
written by Beata Nowakowska.
Ad Lib is a smorgasbord — a celebration of all the LAMPS.
Whatever happens, it is always very creative, and great fun.
Here are some of this year’s Ad Libs:
Eric McLuhan: Leap into Hyperspace
Canadian Electronic Ensemble
The Club Goes to the Cottage
Pushpull Dance Company
Moosemeat Writing Group
Handmade Paper with Denise Lapointe
and David Carruthers
Chocolate, Wine and Song
Act II Studio
Rachel Persaud in song
Decompression Therapy: board games
Poetry Night
Paris je t’aime
Improv Nights
Thirty-Six
Shakespeare on the platform
Toronto Art Group mixed media night
Venus in Toronto
Movie Quiz Show
Panych Play Reading
Shakespeare and Chocolate
Awesome Event of the Amazing
olate W and Love Songs
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Evening Events
This year’s five Members’ Dinners brought us some fascinating and distinguished guest speakers. Royal Ontario
Museum Director, Janet Carding, told us about her plans for the museum, and on another evening ROM VicePresident of Gallery Development, Dan Rahimi, talked about the ethics and perils of acquisition. Michael Levine,
a force majeure in film, television and publishing, talked about Canadian cultural identity and its future. To launch
the newly renovated lounge, the Junction Trio joined us with a multi-media presentation, “Forgotten Soundscapes of
the Group of Seven.” And we were greatly privileged to hear Ontario’s Lieutenant-Governor, The Honourable David
C. Onley, speak about his work and about Ontario’s celebrations during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.
Club Nights saw some fabulous musical celebrations. As part of the Club’s Goethe-Fest, Leslie
Ann Bradley and Vasil Garvanliev performed settings of Goethe by Wolf, Tchaikovsky
Members’ Dinners:
and Schubert. Schubert resurfaced on another evening, in songs by acclaimed soprano
Kathleen Metcalfe
Meredith Hall, and Schubert impromptus played by Brahm Goldhamer. For Valentine’s
(Coordinator)
Day we enjoyed a romantic dinner cabaret with soprano and tenor, Kelsey Taylor and Jon
MacArthur. Colin Ainsworth and William Aide teamed up for a recital that premièred a
Club Nights:
new song cycle by Derek Holman. Bill, Anya Mallinger and David Hetherington performed
Ruth Morawetz
a wonderful evening of piano trios, and in March 2013 Bill treated us to piano music and
Marianne Fedunkiw
(Coordinators)
poetry to celebrate his birthday. We heard a recital by the Sir Ernest MacMillan Honorary
Member for Music, Christina Petrowska Quilico, and spent an evening with the dean
of Canadian percussion, Robin Engelman. And Club favourite Bill Westcott brought us an evening of blues and
barrelhouse tunes.
Tastings
October: Premium Wines
of Mendoza County, Argentina
November: Characteristic
Trinidad, Barbados and
Demerara Rums
January: Burns Day Single
Malt Whiskies
February: Chocolate and
Wine pairings
March: Irish Whiskeys
We heard from Matthew Jocelyn about his vision for the Canadian
Stage Company, from Jacquie Maxwell about the 2012 Season at the
Shaw Festival, and from Pat Quigley about Stratford’s productions of
Henry V and 42nd Street. There were staged and dramatic readings:
a Remembrance Day program, A Forgotten War; Enoch Arden,
Tennyson’s poem to music by Richard Strauss; a Christmas program;
a play about Robert Service; Noël Coward’s Come into the Garden,
Maud; Nuala Fitzgerald reading from some of the world’s greatest
wordsmiths and Treasa O’Driscoll from her book Celtic Woman: A
Memoir of a Life’s Poetic Journey. We also enjoyed The Look of Love, a
special evening of favourite romantic songs sung by Linda Eyman and
Bruce Ferreira-Wells, with Oszkar Morsza on piano.
Tony Batten, Heidi Burkhardt, Andrew Sookrah, Gary Stark and Ed Yaghdjian spoke about their work at the
Club Night openings of their exhibitions. The President of the Ontario Society of Artists, Carmel Brennan,
talked about their Continuum Show. We heard from David Anthony Williams about portrait photography, and
we saw a documentary by John McGreevy about William Kurelek’s work, The Passion of Christ.
We hosted the Alcuin Book Awards. We were intrigued by Sherry
Pringle’s account of the wartime sinking of HMCS Athabascan and
Ryerson’s Adam Kahan’s talk about the direction the University is
taking and its plans for the future. Clinical psychologist Alex Russell
spoke about parenting in an age of entitlement, Meryl Oliver talked
about Parks Canada’s efforts to find the lost Franklin Expedition.
Heather Briant told us about how Cineplex Entertainment is
expanding its offering of live events. John Stephenson gave us tips
about how to profit from the boom/bust cycle, and John Fraser
explored with us the endurance of the Crown in Canada, and
speculated on its future.
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New Year’s Eve
What nicer way to ring in another new year than to dress up in your finery and come to the Club for a spectacular
dinner? The Club looked wonderful, wearing its seasonal decorations, with special table arrangements devised by
Cherry Carnon and Salome Reynolds. This year’s organizer, Marjut Nousiainen, decided to try something a little
different, catering to both those who are not keen on dancing and those who definitely are! The evening started
with music by Catherine Wilson & her highly acclaimed Ensemble Vivant, covering the range from Bach to Scott
Joplin and Astor Piazzolla. Then, following a gourmet four-course dinner, the Mark Kieswetter Jazz Trio got a
large group out onto the dance floor. Champagne to ring in the New Year, and we felt we had welcomed 2013 in
grand style.
Burns Supper
The traditional dinner, classic haggis, neeps, tatties and drambuie with dessert was hosted by our genial MC John
McKellar. Rob Prince gave the address to the haggis, which had been piped in by Rob Noble. Keron Platt toasted
the lassies, and Kathleen Metcalfe replied. There was much spontaneous raising of the glasses to John Barleycorn,
recited by Lucy Brennan. George Garlock told stories and jokes; and there was much singing and celebration,
under the direction of Betty Trott and the guidance of Lorna Kelly.
LAMPSweek
“Come, bask in the brilliance!” was the motto for this year’s LAMPSweek, and we did. Here is a summary of
the week:
Literature (Tuesday)
We saw Samuel Beckett’s short movie, Film (1967), starring Buster Keaton, a tragicomic view of Berkeley’s “to be
is to be perceived.” Opening remarks, a screening of the film, and a discussion were hosted by Patricia Howard.
Quintessential Beckett, it was an odd film that provoked much comment.
Architecture (Wednesday)
Heather Dubbeldam, Eric Arthur Honorary Member for Architecture, entitled her talk “Live, Work, Play,
Experiment.” She spoke about her studio’s approach to creating healthy, energy-efficient — and beautiful —
environments, and we saw examples, including an interesting pop-up office designed for a shipping container.
Music (Monday)
“Krehm de la Krehm” was the Club’s tribute to the musical Krehm family, from renowned pianist, the late Ida
Krehm, and critic, violinist, and arts patron William Krehm, to current Club members Jonathan and Rachel
Krehm. The evening was a prefect combination of interesting family history and musical excellence. It was
hosted by the CBC’s Eitan Cornfield, who played historic recordings of Ida Krehm, and, of course, we heard
Jonathan and Rachel live in concert!
Painting (Thursday)
Rita Davies, retired Director of Culture for the City of Toronto, actively
advocated, planned, chided, supported and initiated cultural programs for
our city. She gave an interesting and insightful talk about how arts funding in
the city has evolved over four decades, and stressed the importance of artist
involvement and advocacy.
Stage (four performances, Thursday to Sunday)
Foolery, a tribute to the great and hilariously comic Tom Lehrer. We
reminisced (and even hummed along) to The Masochism Tango, The Old
Dope-Peddler, Be Prepared and many other Lehrer classics performed by
Grant Cowan, Morna Wales, John Goddard and Harrison Browne, directed
by Julian Mulock, with musical direction and piano by Ruth Morawetz.
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Titanic 100-Year Tribute!
On Saturday, April 14, the Club became the staterooms of the Titanic. Many members and guests came in evening
dress approximating 1912, the walls and the lounge had an arresting exhibition of a series of Titanic paintings by
Matthew Chapman, the LAMPSroom showed videos and an art installation about the sinking and the bar served
a bright blue martini called “the Titanic.” Dinner followed the menu of “the last meal.” A beautiful menu and
program designed by Rebecca Collins signalled a stage performance, with a large cast of members recreating the
journey based on E.J. Pratt’s epic poem. A wonderful time, and fortunately we didn’t sink.
The Garden Party
Zora Buchanan organized the evening, and Jane and Ross Reynolds graciously opened their home and beautiful
garden to us. Tables were set, everything was perfect. Members assembled and were enjoying a lovely summer
evening. Then, suddenly, dark clouds appeared and a veritable deluge followed. Fortunately we are a flexible lot
and can party anywhere. Staff grabbed the food, tables, chairs, moved everything inside, and we all went indoors
to continue the festivities. After about an hour the sky cleared, and we returned to enjoy the rest of the evening
with the scent of the rose garden all around us.
“And now for something completely different …”
And it was. Co-hosted by President Richard Moorhouse and Vice-President Marianne Fedunkiw, the evening
was a combination of game show and futurism. Following an Italian dinner, served “family style,” “A&L Idol”
introduced four contenders for a new Club toast. We heard them sung, a panel of judges weighed in, then the
audience voted for their favourite. Keron Platt’s “I Saw a Viking Ship” was declared the winner (see page 24). The
games continued with “JeopARTy,” with contestants competing on questions about the Club’s past and future.
On reviewing the scores, Bill Denton was deemed the official winner, after an exciting match against Lorna Kelly
and Keron Platt. And we were introduced to some of the principles that would form the basis for the Club’s new
Strategic Plan.
The Boar’s Head
Big Changes at the Boar’s Head dinner this year!
New organizer Ashley Williamson was levelled a
challenge by the President after his trip to Henry V at
Stratford last summer. “I want the Boar’s Head on a
stick from the Stratford Pub scene,” he said. Never one
to turn down a challenge, Miss Williamson sent the
President to acquire that very head, and it was carried
proudly (and ominously) into the Great Hall by Bill
Denton, dressed as the newest addition to the Boar’s
Head Pageant — the Boar Bearer. Several other new
characters joined the familiar team of Knights, Candle
Bearers and Beefeaters, including the Philosophy
Student and the copy of Aristotle that legend holds
killed the Boar! And a merry time was had by all.
11
Film
In-House Movies
John Twomey and Bill Whiteacre hosted the spring season, with Peter
Harris taking over in July for the rest of the year. We saw films ranging
from 1933 to 2010 releases, covering the gamut from screwball and
musical comedies to two wonderful documentaries, one following the
musical trail of the gypsies and another about two ordinary peoplec who
amassed a huge and important contemporary art collection — this by way
of forays into the work of Jacques Tati, James Joyce and Alec Guinness;
the Titanic; the steamy jungles of Africa; cave paintings; an acclaimed spy
thriller; a return to the girl groups of WWII, and Greta Garbo. Hugely
entertaining, and often thought-provoking.
Camera Obscura Film Festival
Film Nights & Summer Movies
Two Films about the Titanic:
Making the Voyage
Making the Movie
42nd Street (1933)
Mogambo (1953)
Last of the Blonde Bombshells
BBC (2000)
Herb & Dorothy (2008)
Mon Oncle (Jacques Tati, 1958)
Ball of Fire (Howard Hawks, 1941)
Cave of Forgotten Dreams
(Werner Herzog, 2010)
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Latcho Drom (Tony Gatlif, 1993)
The Dead (John Huston, 1987)
Ninotcka (Ernst Lubitsch, 1939)
The Horse’s Mouth
(Ronald Neame, 1958)
The Club’s first annual Camera Obscura Film Festival was held on
September 14 and 15, 2012, during the Toronto International Film
Festival. Friday night’s gala reception welcomed 89 members and guests
from the film industry. Visitors to the Club viewed two interesting films:
Caveat, a time-based composite of aesthetic choices without critical
imperatives, and Please Kill Mr. Know It All, a comedy about an anonymous advice columnist who finds herself
caught in an unlikely romance with the man hired to kill her alter ego.
Saturday’s program ran all day in the Great Hall and the LAMPSroom, with showings of 17 films to an audience
of 59 people, and a chat with the filmmakers to follow. The evening brought two more films and a talk by Club
member Bruce Elder, a recognized leading light in Canadian experimental film.
Deborah Kelly put out a call in the spring for feature films, documentaries, short films and music videos. After
the July 31, 2012 submission closing date, jurying for the festival began. She reported being delighted with the
response and the quality of the movies submitted. The profile of this event brought some of TIFF’s glamour into
the Club!
Documenting the Art of Exploration
This annual Film Festival is presented in partnership with the Explorers Club of Toronto, which has some of
the world’s best documentary filmmakers. It took place on March 22 and 23, 2013. The Friday night opening
reception premièred two episodes from the new television program Boundless, about the 250 km five-day foot
race through the heat and sand of the Sahara Desert. It was a packed house with an estimated 100 people in the
Great Hall.
Saturday began with an amazing and tantalizing array of subjects — 60 people saw about a dozen films on
subjects ranging from archaeology and ancient cultures, to near-death experiences and leaping frogs. The late
afternoon discussion with the filmmakers about how they document
their explorations was followed by dinner and an engaging talk by
artist and aviator Bill Lishman on his life and work.
The festival was organized by a small committee of members from
both clubs: Elaine Wyatt, Mark Terry, Barbara Mitchell, Wilson West
and Peter Rowe. A call to filmmakers went out in December 2012;
marketing built throughout the winter with the creation of posters,
flyers and web pages supported by email blasts to the members of
both clubs. Our sponsor Dos Equis supplied beer on both days.
12
We’re “Open to the Public”
Doors Open
“I’ve passed by this building a hundred times and didn’t know what it was”.
The Club took part in the annual city-wide Doors Open again this year, opening to the public on Sunday, May
27, 2012. It was a nice day, and a steady stream of visitors came to see the Club. They were encouraged to explore
the building, and Lorna Kelly and her large group of member volunteers were on hand to meet them and tell
them about the Club and its history.
Many visitors had not known about the Club and were surprised to find something like it in the middle of
downtown Toronto. A few young couples who had booked their weddings here brought their parents to see the
building. Visitors enjoyed seeing the “photoshopped” picture of the Group of Seven, and were fascinated to see
our artists in action in the third-floor Studio. Over the course of the day more than 600 visitors enjoyed touring
the building and hearing about the Club and what it represents.
Scotiabank Nuit Blanche — White Night/Black Light
“If only we had more of this, Nuit Blanche would be meaningful again.” “Best thing at Nuit Blanche.”
These were two of the comments from the public about the Club’s Nuit Blanche offering: Black Light/White Night:
IN FEAR WE TRUST—A Second Glance at the Power of Belief. It began at dusk on September 29 and ran until
dawn the next day. On the basis of a proposal by Jessica Virdo and Julian Mulock, Andrew Sookrah developed
the concept and provided art direction. Working with a script co-written by Andrew and Karolina Burghardt, and
guided in project management by Irene Katzela, a team of more than 50 Club members and friends performed for,
greeted and guided a stream of 700 appreciative guests through this remarkable presentation. Over the 12 hours of
Nuit Blanche, 24 performances took place. The public, in groups of approximately 25, were escorted through the
front doors, downstairs into the basement, through the dressing rooms and up by the backstage stairways onto
a dimly lit stage. With an explosion of light and sound, the curtains opened to reveal the Great Hall filled with a
multimedia and many-layered extravaganza of videos, art, dance, live music and spoken word. Ten to 15 minutes
later, the lights dimmed, the sounds faded and the curtains closed in preparation for the next group. Line-ups for
the show were constant into the wee hours; by all accounts it was a triumph. Of those who took part, fully half,
including our President, stayed the entire night!
Ice Wine and Dine on Elm
On November 3, 2012, Elm Street was open for the annual Ice, Wine and Dine Event, sponsored by the Yonge
Downtown BIA. The main floor of Club was opened up to the public and we had more than 1,100 visitors come in to
see the building and to enjoy a cup of the city’s best hot chocolate.
December Show and Sale
Thirty-five artists and 13 authors took part in the Club’s
annual Small Works Sale on December 2, 2012, organized
by Rose Norman and Nola McConnan. The exhibition
had been hung a week earlier, and members had already
been able to view the pieces and place red stickers on a
number of them. Works were sold over the afternoon of
the sale and the walls replenished with other pieces by
the same artist, as people took away their purchases.
13
Art Collection
The Curatorial Circle met six times since April 1, 2012. In that time we acquired six works of art for the Club
Collection. These works represent member artists who were not in the Collection. The following works were
added:
• Tawney defined by her passion, a figure study by Andrew Sookrah purchased from his last solo Club show
• Courtyard of the Lions, Alhambra, a colourful work on paper donated by architect John Sullivan
• An ink drawing of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico donated by John Snell, former Club curator
• Train in the Rockies, a 1950s landscape by John Morrow, past president, donated by his family
• Four pastel sketches by Enid Maclachlan titled Arctic I, II, III, IV, donated by the artist
• Skaters on the Pond 1963, a black and white woodcut by Doris McCarthy, donated by her estate
No restorations to works were needed, and no repairs, as no works were damaged during the year. A highlight of
the year was a Curatorial Circle trip arranged by Julian Mulock to Fryfogel’s Tavern near Stratford to assist the
local council with their historical research on the painted murals in the tavern.
Archives
Archivist Scott James and Archivist Emeritus Raymond Peringer respond to about 200 research enquiries each
year, from the Board, members, scholars, news and entertainment media and the general public. Enquiries range
from the need for information about the Board’s corporate history and research on past members to, for a recent
example, research on the musical tastes of the Group of Seven (for a concert by The Junction Trio entitled Forgotten Soundscapes of the Group of Seven, performed at the Club to launch the newly renovated lounge). The Club’s
Scrapbook, which is such an interesting addition to the main floor entrance, is impeccably maintained by Keron
Platt.
The National Gallery of Canada (NGC) has become a regular partner. In 2012 the NGC Archives mounted its
exhibition J.E.H. MacDonald: Graphic Designer, for which the Club loaned five works from its archives. This
summer, the Club is collaborating with the NGC on an exhibition of bookplate design, and more significantly, is
loaning several key pieces to support the NGC’s major exhibition Artists, Architects and Artisans: Canadian Art
1890–1918, which opens in October.
The balance of the year’s work entailed cataloguing an ever-growing collection so that it’s available for use. We receive regular consignments of committee and program records, DVDs and photographs of events, members’ papers
and artifacts. This past year saw the acquisition of the papers of Wentworth
Walker and the presidential papers of Peter Large.
The digitization of Club records continues, and this year we added Spring
Revue and Boar’s Head programs, the audio cassette inventory, the contents
list of our 1930s film footage and the Hammond Journal to our records now
available in word-searchable format.
We introduce new members to Club history, conduct tours for guests and
generally make sure that the evidence of the Club’s past is available for use
by all.
14
Catering
The Club provides a variety of catering services to members and their guests and to rental clients under the
direction of the General Manager Fiona McKeown, Chef de Cuisine Kenneth Peace and Catering Manager
Joseph Sweeney. The contribution from these catering services is an essential source of revenue to the Club’s
operating budget.
Catered events, ranging from elaborate four-course dinners to soup and sandwich fare and everything in
between, are presented by a group of dedicated culinary and service staff. A number of staff are also emerging
artists who enjoy and appreciate the Club’s connection to the arts.
There were 202 Club catered events this year and approximately 10,000 meals were served to members and
their guests. In addition to servicing Club events, catering services are also provided to rental events. Rental
events include wedding ceremonies and receptions, music recitals, stage performances, award presentations,
cocktail receptions and corporate meetings and retreats. Many of these events are booked by or referred by
Club members; others are booked by arts-related organizations. There were 235 rentals events this year enjoyed
by more than 7,000 guests.
Kirk Howard, Club member and owner of Dundurn Press celebrating 40 years in business, chose to mark this
anniversary at the Club in May 2012. The party was a smashing celebration with wandering magicians, palm
readers, caricaturists and photo booths placed throughout the Club. Guests had such a wonderful time Kirk
hosted a repeat 40-year celebration at the Club in November 2012!
The Club hosts about 12 weddings each year. A number of Club members have exchanged their vows in front
of the baronial fireplace in the Great Hall. Over the course of this year, member Mark Houghton and his wife,
Gloria, tied the knot at the Club in October 2012, and long-time employee Chris Gardiner and his wife, Kara,
in January 2013.
Wedding clients Chris and Alison discovered the Club one day while taking a stroll down Elm Street; they
fell in love with the Club as soon as they walked through the front door. The wedding ceremony took place
in the Great Hall. The groom, accompanied by a choir, serenaded his lovely bride Alison as she made her way
down the aisle. Following a fabulous dinner and toasts, guests enjoyed dancing under the starry mirror ball
amidst the grandeur of the Great Hall to a 21-piece big
band on the stage. Just like a fairy tale, the evening was
enjoyed by all.
15
The Club’s Strategic Plan:
Building on our Strengths (2013–18)
Our Club has a tradition, more than a hundred years old, of bringing together
established and emerging artists as well as those who enjoy and support the arts. The
Group of Seven and their friends met at the Club. Leading musicians from around the
world joined Toronto-based musicians to perform and to discuss music here. Literary
figures, stage performers and renowned architects were also members of the Club as
well as Canadian icons such as Vincent Massey.
Our Club is at a critical and exciting point in its history and now is the time to set
the stage for its future. This five-year plan is the first step. One of the great strengths
of the Club is its ability to recognize and adjust to change and be willing to try new
things — we have the opportunity to ensure that the Club will continue to be relevant
to its members well into the twenty-first century. This transition must be carried out
in an appropriate way for the long-term health of the Club, drawing upon our past
achievements, our current strengths and all our members.
The Club’s foundation is strong. And it is upon this foundation that we now build, with
a strategic plan for the future as we continue our second century as a Toronto landmark
and a Canadian institution.
Strategic Planning
Committee:
Marianne Fedunkiw
(Chair)
Carol Anderson
Adel Bishai
Bill Buchanan
John Goddard
Nola McConnan
Fiona McKeown
Richard Moorhouse
Margot Trevelyan
MISSION
The purpose of the Club is to advance the arts and letters, by and through its members who practise and contribute
to the arts, in the conviction that the arts are essential to a healthy, enlightened society.
VISION - Where we want to be in 10 years
We will be acknowledged as a serious and forward-thinking arts and letters club, with an artistically and culturally
diverse membership of those who engage in the arts as professionals and those who enjoy, practise and support
established as well as new, emerging art forms. We will meet the evolving needs of our members, encouraging the
next generation of Canadian arts professionals, while maintaining fellowship, camaraderie and good conversation.
Finally, in our second century, the Club will increasingly influence the future of Canadian arts and letters.
PRIORITIES
Increase the Club’s influence and impact on the arts.
• Enhance relationships with existing and new arts groups/organizations to broaden our membership and to
take advantage of new/stronger partnerships.
• Develop the Club’s brand identity for marketing and promotion to increase our presence within the city as
artists and supporters of the arts and letters.
• Build the Club’s connections to Toronto’s cultural diversity to realize the potential that exists within the city’s
vibrant multicultural community.
Make the Club the preferred destination for its members.
• Expand programming and activities to include additional creative and contemporary art forms, so as to
expand artistic horizons for current members and draw emerging new artists to the Club.
• Improve Club services and facilities to make the Club an even more welcoming hub for members.
Be strong and financially viable.
• Attract/retain 600+ members for 2013/14 to assure that the Club remains vibrant over the next decade.
• Raise $100,000/year for each of five years through fundraising to be able to finance major projects at the Club.
• Increase catering revenues by 5% to contribute to the fiscal health of the Club.
16
Membership
The Membership Committee was faced with a big challenge this year. Membership had been declining slowly for
eight years, as ill health, the economic turndown and busy lives took their toll. This year we undertook to turn
that around, and, with the help of many Club members, it seems that we’ve been successful.
We started the year with 566 members. This dropped by 47, when members decided for a variety of reasons that
they were unable to continue in the Club; and, sadly, nine members died.
We put out two challenges to the membership: to help the Club reach a goal of 100 new members by June 30,
2013; and to recommend friends and acquaintances who would enjoy the Club and contribute as active and
interesting members. These individuals were invited to attend our Membership Soirée at the end of October
2012, a big party showcasing the Club and providing an introduction to who we are and what we do. About
50 invited guests and an equal number of Club member sponsors, and representatives from the various Club
committees attended, to talk about their programs and to put a face on the Club. Who will forget Norma Rowen’s
reading of a heart-stopping one-minute short story? Or Julian Mulock’s and John Rammell’s brilliant reading of
the telephone directory?
Applications from this stream were fast-tracked and the initiation fee was waived; 30 new members came in
through the Soirée. Our analysis showed that the initiation fee was a big impediment in potential members’
decision to join, and the Board agreed to continue the waiver for all new members through to March 31, 2014.
We are delighted that the flow of new members has continued following the Soirée, and as of March 31 2013, we
had 68 new members, with a total of 578 in the Club. At the time of writing 15 more new members help bring us
close to meeting the 100-Member Challenge by the end of June 2013.
Higher numbers help the Club’s financial health, of course. But that’s not our only, or even primary, objective. The
Club is known as a place that is full of interesting and accomplished people who are passionate about the arts. It
has been thrilling to sit in membership committee meetings reviewing applications from fascinating people from
wide-ranging backgrounds who have achieved distinction in their chosen fields, whether artistic, academic or in
business. All of the LAMPS disciplines are represented, and new members come from all age groups. The average
age at the Club remains stubbornly in “grey-power” territory, but since January 2013, we have also seen an uptick
in new younger members. All to the good!
Membership Committee
Carol Anderson
(Chair)
Rosemary Aubert
Rebecca Collins
Susan Goddard
Jess Hungate
Don McLeod
Beata Nowakowska
Mark Osbaldeston
Keron Platt
Judy Smith
Ashley Williamson
17
House
This year, the House Committee focused its efforts on two main areas: the Lounge
Project under the oversight of Lorna Kelly and Murray Oliver who put so much effort
into the design; and Food and Beverage with Bill Whiteacre and Hilary Alexander
making sure the food and beverages were up to standard, and also hosting several
great wine tastings, whisky tastings and dinner events. The Easter Sunday Roast with
a magician and Easter egg hunt was an outstanding event. Hilary also made a start
renewing Christmas decorations with the Christmas Balls competition.
We have just completed a building Fire Code Safety Audit and are working on
improving the building fire and safety systems. This work is the first step towards the
work required in the Great Hall.
House Committee
Margaret Logan (Chair)
Ian McGillivray (Chair)
Hillary Alexander
Bruce Ferreira-Wells
Lucille Giles
David Skene-Melvin
William Whiteacre
Upcoming are the Front Hall Project to complement the Lounge and LAMPSroom,
including greatly enhanced lighting and a brighter colour scheme as well as a general improvement of finishes.
We are also starting plans for the Great Hall, and will be asking for your suggestions and deciding what we can
accomplish within Building Code and Liquor Licence regulations and our necessarily controlled budgets. Some of
the ‘want list’ items include darkening blinds on the windows, a new stage area with or without curtains, perhaps a
new concept altogether, cleaning the shields, beams, fireplace and other surfaces, and a new floor.
These projects are expensive and made possible by the fundraising efforts of the LAMPS committees and special
events, and members’ generous donations to Heritage Toronto on behalf of the Club. The November 2011 Art
Auction was a great help in funding the Lounge Project in summer 2012.
We also have a responsibility for the rest of the building and must attend to exterior maintenance as outlined in
the building master plan. The Club is slowly accumulating funds that will allow us to proceed in that regard. In the
short term we may be able to clean the dusty, dirty brick outside vestibule at the front doors.
Hilary and Bill are planning more wine and whisky tastings, perhaps both together, a Wine 101 event and more
special family oriented dinners. They are also planning to continue to recommend new and interesting wines and
beers at the bar. We have introduced “Have your say” comment cards so please look for them and compliment the
chef!
Fundraising
A framework for fundraising at the Club was developed and approved by the Board in 2010. This strategic document
outlines the opportunities and tactics to be considered for fundraising to support programming and capital work.
Since that time, an agreement was put in place with Heritage Toronto, a city agency. This agreement allows for
donations to the Club for capital work and donors can receive tax receipts from Heritage Toronto. Since this
agreement was put in place, 105 donors have made donations totalling $37,091. In 2012-13, the total number of
donors was 76, for a total of $25,270.
This year the Club applied to the Federal Government to establish an Arts & Letters Club Foundation. Such an
entity will allow the Club to provide donors tax receipts for donations in support of special programming initiatives
such as awards, bursaries, scholarships and other activities. The Foundation has been incorporated, and the Club is
waiting to be granted its tax status by the Canadian Revenue Agency.
A Fundraising Committee was established this year and has approved terms of reference. The current members
are Jonathan Krehm, (Chair), Hilary Alexander, Bill Buchanan, Marianne Fedunkiw, Ian McGillivray and Richard
Moorhouse.
Fundraising needs to become a key source of revenue for the Club to support outreach initiatives and to ensure that
sufficient funding is available to maintain and care for our Club building, a national historic site.
18
Report from the Board of Directors
BOARD GOVERNANCE
The Board is committed to the principles of good corporate governance and has adopted guidelines in compliance
with applicable laws and highest standards of corporate governance.
Having been incorporated on 22 July 1920 under the former Ontario Companies Act, the Club is governed by
the Ontario Corporations Act. Effective July 2014, the Club will be governed by the new Ontario Not-for-Profit
Corporations Act, 2010 (ONCA).
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
In accordance with the current by-laws, there are 18 elected directors, including eight officers. All directors
are members of the Club, and collectively possess the knowledge, skills, and experience for appropriate board
governance. There is an orientation program for new directors.
The Board meets monthly and met 11 times during the year along with two conference call meetings between
regular planned meetings. The Directors were provided appropriate decision-making documentation in advance
of each Board meeting.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ ACTIVITIES
Under the direction of the President, leadership of the Vice-President, contributions from a committee of Board
Members, and considerable valued input from the membership, the Board has developed a strategic plan with a
mission, vision, and goals that address the future needs of the Club. This document, which builds upon the Club’s
strengths while planning for the Club’s future, has been distributed to the members.
Under the leadership of the Board’s Counsel Derek Hayes work has begun to amend the Club’s by-laws to ensure
compliance with ONCA. Approval of the revised by-laws will be required by the membership.
The Board approved 68 new members over the past year. Membership increased for the first time in eight years.
The Club’s Membership Committee is to be congratulated for their good work.
Past President John McKellar, supported the Board’s decision to proceed with the establishment of The Arts &
Letters Club Foundation by providing critical legal advice and submitting applications to the Federal Government
on behalf of the Club. The Foundation has been incorporated and the next step is to receive Canadian Revenue
Agency approval for charitable status for the Club.
The Board approved the establishment of the President’s Service Awards to recognize significant distinguished volunteer service by members to the Club. The first recipient was
Murray Oliver in March 2013.
The Board reviewed and approved capital expenditures
including funding for the maintenance of our heritage building
and renovations to the first floor lounge, which took place in
August and were well received by the members. The project
committee consisted of Margaret Logan (Chair), Lorna Kelly, Ian
McGillivray, Murray Oliver and Fiona McKeown.
Co-operation among Board members and the ability of the
Board to act as a team has been strong, and relations with
19
Management have been exemplary. A strategic priority of the Board is the ongoing strengthening of the relationship
between the LAMPS Committees and the Board.
On the Board’s Annual Evaluation form, a Board member commented, “The experience with this Board gives me
confidence as a member as well as a Board member. The detailed work of the individual members is appropriate to
the size and complexity of the Club”. Another commented, “It has been a pleasure to work with such a dedicated,
committed and talented group of people who support the work and life of the Club”.
The Directors of the Club who served during the year ending March 31, 2013, are listed on the inside of the back
cover.
BOARD COMMITTEES
The Board currently has five corporate committees: Finance, Membership, Fundraising, Governance and
Nominating, and House. These committees assist the Board in discharging its responsibilities, as well as managing
the Club’s affairs. The purpose and responsibilities of each committee are described in their respective Terms of
Reference.
RELATIONS WITH MEMBERS
Minutes of Board meetings are posted. The monthly LAMPSletter has been the primary tool of communication
with members and is a valuable source of information. Other publications and E-bulletins also notify members
of events and planned activities. The website is informative and current, and is increasingly being accessed. The
Board will continue to improve communication with members, particularly in regard to issues and decisions
affecting them. For example, as part of the strategic planning process, a comprehensive survey of members’ views
was conducted in September 2012, and the responses integrated into the plan.
In 2012, two initiatives were undertaken to make members more aware of their fellow members who serve on
the Board of Directors. Lapel pins were given to all Board members to be worn at Club events and activities and
a framed photo of all board members was installed on the first floor outside the Great Hall. In this way Board
members can be easily recognized and approached by Club members to discuss issues and concerns.
INTERNAL CONTROL AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 requires the Directors to present consolidated financial
statements to members. It is the role of the Treasurer to ensure the integrity of the financial reports of the Club.
The annual consolidated financial statements have been audited by the independent accounting firm Marinucci &
Company, Chartered Accountants.
The Club maintains a system of internal control, which provides reasonable assurance to the Club’s Management and
Board of Directors regarding financial records and statements. The system includes a documented organizational
structure and reasonable division of responsibilities, established policies and procedures, modern club software, and
careful selection and development of staff. There is a rigorous budget preparation, discussion and approval process.
Controls also include policies and procedures regarding cash management, security, archives and conservation of
the Club’s art collection, inventory of furniture and fixtures, food and beverages, and insurance.
The Treasurer ensures the implementation of the internal controls, and regularly presents comprehensive and
useful financial reports to the Finance Committee and to the Board. These reports include membership trends,
rental and catering and attendance statistics, space usage, and condensed revenue and expenses highlights.
The business of the Club is conducted by its employees, under the direction of the General Manager and the
oversight of the Board through its committees, especially the Finance Committee.
The 2012/13 consolidated financial statements and Auditor’s report are available separately.
20
FINANCIAL POSITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis relate to the audited consolidated financial statements presented to the
Members at the Annual General Meeting and summarized below.
The Club presents its consolidated financial statements in accordance with the new Canadian generally accepted
accounting principles for Not-for-Profit Organizations. There are no significant changes from prior years. Following
the advice of the Treasurer and the Auditor, the Club chose to record tangible assets at cost and not appraised values.
The Club combines its arts and other activities in a comprehensive program to address members’ needs. As a
result, revenues and expenses reflect this consolidation of objects, and no attempt is made to distinguish between
revenues and costs for each objective. As a Not-for-Profit organization, the Club aims at break-even and maintains
its fees structure at reasonable levels to meet its objectives.
Significant accounting policies include the accrual and historical cost bases, contributions, investments, capital
and major repair expenditure and amortization, deferral and amortization of fees, segregated funds, and the capital
reserve fund.
ASSETS
There are two segregated funds: Restricted Use Contributions and Capital Reserve. Assets of these funds, which are
primarily cash, are invested in interest-bearing accounts with Canadian chartered banks. The heritage building was
built in 1891 and leased by the Club from 1920. The Club purchased the building from the St. George’s Society in
1986 and the mortgage has been paid off. The estimated value of the building and land is more than $7.5 million.
The value of the art collection, which is recorded as a capital asset at a net book value of $121,300 (2012: $136,200),
is estimated at $1,653,825.
LIABILITIES AND DEFERRALS
“Deferred members’ fees” include unamortized initiation fees $78,600 (2012: $89,300). Contributions by members
or third parties are in cash or capital assets, and they are unrestricted or restricted. The Club follows the accounting
standard that defers these contributions and amortizes them over the estimated useful lives of the assets to which
they relate.
21
F 2013
Actual
F2013
Budget
F 2012
Actual
REVENUE
$
$
$
Members’ annual fees
374,300
380,000
361,600
61,200
45,300
47,600
691,900
727,900
732,000
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Contributions and amortized initiation fees
Catering and rentals
Activities and other revenue
Total Revenue
53,800
32,100
44,700
1,181,200
1,185,300
1,185,900
590,500
615,100
615,200
EXPENSES
Catering direct expenses
Activities direct expenses
55,200
33,900
29,900
Property
192,100
200,900
197,300
Office and general expenses
271,400
254,700
280,200
1,109,200
1,104,600
1,122,600
72,000
80,700
63,000
-100,000
-75,000
-85,200
-28,000
5,700
-21,900
Total Expenses
Revenue less expenses before amortization
Amortization
EXPENSES LESS REVENUE
REVENUE
Members’ annual fees averaged $350,080 over the past five years. The rates of members’ fees have increased by 6%
during the year. Annual fees were 33.4% of total revenue (2012: 31.8%, Budget: 33.3%). There were 437 rental and
catered events during the year, including 202 for Club members.
EXPENSES
Food and beverage prices are revised at least annually. Members are not paid for work done for the Club as their
work is voluntary, the value of which is not recorded in the financial statements. Maintenance cost for the building
was $192,100 for the year. Office and general expenses, which include various expenses for the arts and events
activities but have not been reallocated, represented 24.5% of total expenses (2012: 24.9%, Budget: 23.1%).
FUTURE OUTLOOK
In presenting the budget for the coming year, the Treasurer indicated that we shall continue our prudent financial
management, and that the healthy cash surplus is likely to continue barring unforeseen events. The implementation
of the newly adopted strategic plan (see page 16) will affect the financial operations in a positive way, especially if
the Club is successful in significantly increasing membership numbers while maintaining the fees at reasonable
rates. The approved budget for 2013/14 is likely to be adjusted but only if significant expenditures to achieve the
newly framed priorities are implemented.
Significant capital projects include restoration and renovation of the Great Hall, expenditure on the building
exterior and roof. Arrangements with Heritage Toronto will facilitate fundraising for capital expenditure.
Arts outreach activities will be enhanced by the creation of the Club’s Foundation.
Our Counsel believes there will be no fundamental or significant effect on the way Club operates under the new
Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.
22
Photo credits
Cover upper: Group of Eight, 1920. Clockwise left to right: A.Y. Jackson, Fred Varley, Frank Carmichael,
Lawren Harris, Barker Fairley, Frank Johnston, Arthur Lismer and J.E.H. MacDonald. Photo
by Arthur Goss, edited later with Carmichael added
Cover lower: Group of Eight (Board Members), 2013. Clockwise left to right: Ashley Williamson, Bill
Buchanan, George Hume, Adel Bishai, Carol Anderson, Mark Houghton, Rosemary Aubert,
Richard Moorhouse. Photo by Rex Beanland
P 1: Richard Moorhouse. Photo by Judith Davidson-Palmer
P 2: Banners in the Great Hall and the narwhal tusk in the Library. Photos by Carol Anderson
P 3: Tim Nau addressing a group. Photo by Gord Fulton
P 4: The renovated lounge. Photo by Carol Anderson
P 5: The Ton Beau String Quartet. Photo by Carol Anderson
P 6: Rebecca Collins in the studio. Photo by Gord Fulton
P 7: Julian Mulock and John Rammell reading the telephone book. Photo by Gord Fulton
P 8: Bill Denton, Rob Prince, Ashley Williamson. Photo by Gord Fulton
P 9: Bill Westcott playing in the Great Hall. Photo by Paul Yedema
Background screen: Bridle banner in the Great Hall. From the Club’s collection
P 10: George Garlock, New Year’s Eve. Photo by Gord Fulton
Background screen: LAMPSweek light bulb. Carol Anderson
P 11: David Fisher and Damon Lum at the Boar’s Head. Photo courtesy David Fisher
Background screen: The A&L Singers. Photo by Gord Fulton
P 12: Left to right: Filmmaker Michael McDonnell, Deborah Kelly, Swedish filmmaker Jon Redkall and
Adel Bishai, Opening Night of Camera Obscura. Photo by Mercedes Espinosa
P 13: Nuit Blanche. Photo by Gord Fulton
Background Screen: Crowd at Nuit Blanche. Photo by Gord Fulton
P 14: Top hat signed by C.W. Jefferys, found recently by Michael Spence in our costume collection.
Photo by Carol Anderson
Background screen: Art in the Boardroom. Photo by Gord Fulton
P 15: Great Hall set up for a wedding. Photo by Salome Reynolds
Background screen: Catering Staff, New Year’s Eve. Photo by Gord Fulton
P 17: Membership Soirée group in the Great Hall. Photo by Gord Fulton
P 18: Vice-President Marianne Fedunkiw and President Richard Moorhouse. Photo by Gord Fulton
Back cover: Top left: Karin MacHardy (l), Barbara Mitchell (3rd from l) at the Membership Soirée
Top right: New Year’s Eve table. Photo courtesy Gord Fulton
Middle left: Wilson West, Carole Miles, Richard Moorhouse at an art opening. Photo by
Gord Fulton
Middle right: Thomas Gough, Irene Katzela, Rob Prince at the Membership Soirée. Photo by
Gord Fulton
Bottom left: Keron Platt, Darcy Farrell in the Boar’s Head Procession. Photo by Don McLeod
Bottom right: Catering Manager Joseph Sweeney and Chef de Cuisine Kenneth Peace. Photo
by Gord Fulton
Other background screens are purchased stock photos or created by Carol Anderson
23
The Club’s New Toast
November 2012
I Saw a Viking Ship
24
The Board of Directors
Officers:
Richard Moorhouse, President
Marianne Fedunkiw, Vice-President
Margot Trevelyan, Secretary
Bill Buchanan, Treasurer
Derek Hayes, Counsel
Margaret Logan/Ian McGillivray, Vice-President, House
Jonathan Krehm, Vice-President, Fundraising
Carol Anderson, Vice-President, Membership
Directors:
Rosemary Aubert
Adel Bishai
Aileen Burford-Mason
John Goddard
Mark Houghton
George Hume
Nola McConnan
Jane McWhinney
Wilson West
Ashley Williamson
Staff:
Fiona McKeown, General Manager
Naomi Hunter, Membership Secretary
Alea Drain, Administrative Assistant
Joseph Sweeney, Catering Manager
Kenneth Peace, Chef de Cuisine
Chris Gardiner, Houseman