Opening day ... the fourth was with us!
The club got off to a strong start on Saturday, May the Fourth. About 40 members gathered to kick off the 2024 season.
Councillor Lily Cheng threw the first bowl and Brian Spooner won the bottle of wine at the spider draw. A 10-end jitney was played and there there was lots of laughter to go around.
To view more pix, click here to go to the gallery.
Councillor's volunteer appreciation held at Willowdale
Willowdale Lawn Bowling Club hosted Councillor Lily Cheng's volunteer appreciation on Friday, April 19, 2024.
It was an opportunity to showcase our property within the local community and introduce lawn bowling to a group of people who are active locally.
"We wanted to introduce lawn bowling as part of our volunteer recognition event this year," says Councillor Cheng. "As a valuable community resource, Willowdale Lawn Bowling Club is an oasis in the heart of North York."
Vince and Bernie barbecued up a storm, cooking hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone attending. Julie helped with coaching new bowlers and Gay was once again invaluable in the kitchen.
Thanks to everyone who helped out!
Vince and Bernie grilled up a storm for the councillor’s volunteer appreciation event.
Opening Day 2024
Saturday, May 4, 1:00 p.m.
Opening day is Star Wars day in 2024 (May the fourth be with all of us!).
Councillor Lily Cheng will roll the first ceremonial bowl at 1:00 p.m. After that, we'll have a spider roll. Donations will be accepted from those who wish to roll and proceeds will be forwarded to the local food bank.
When the spider roll winner is congratulated, we'll have a 10-end jitney followed by potluck desserts (so please feel free to bring your sweetest treats).
If you're planning on joining the jitney, please arrive before 12:45 for team selection.
See you on the 4th!
Cleanup and startup April 20 & 21
We’ll start at 11 a.m. each day and finish by 3 p.m.
It’s a great opportunity to clean the clubhouse and locker room, perform moss control on the artificial green and begin general cleanup of the property.
See you there!
Subscribe to our newsletter
The Green Scene
And keep up with what’s
happening at our club
Open houses scheduled for early 2024
Please feel free to drop by on one of the following dates to help out with introducing potential new members to the club, the grounds and our sport:
- Sunday, May 5 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Monday, May 6 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May 11 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Monday, May 13 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
- Thursday, May 16 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
- Sunday, May 26 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday, June 1 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (National Bowls Day)
Socks delivered to Willowdale Welcome Centre
Eric Bergman (centre) delivers two large bags of socks
to James O. and Liz M. at the Willowdale Welcome Centre.
Two large bags of socks were donated to the Willowdale Welcome Centre on Thursday, February 22, representing the culmination of our first successful sock drive.
The idea evolved out of one of Councillor Lily Cheng’s open houses that was attended by a couple of members of the board of directors. Councillor Cheng spoke eloquently about the need for socks, which is not something we normally think about but is critical to refugees and the unhoused.
The Willowdale Welcome Centre at 5800 Yonge Street provides short-term shelter and services to 420 refugee claimants. The centre’s housing managers and case workers work one-on-one with refugees to help navigate the system and obtain housing.
Clients can stay as long as they need but usually move out to housing as soon as they get a job.
The centre accepts donations of clothing, jackets, underwear, socks, shoes, gift cards and hygiene products for men and women.
Thanks, everyone, for helping to make our inaugural socks drive such a success! Your donations are making a small but important difference in someone’s life.
Completed your proxy yet?
The meeting is being called to formalize our incorporation process. Being incorporated provides the club with a level of risk prevention. But the main reason for incorporating is to access larger capital grants that are only available to community organizations that are incorporated.
Notices for the special general meeting have gone out to members with a package of materials that will (ideally) be read by all members before the start of the meeting. If you haven’t received a package (or can’t find it), please consult the list below. You can click on each document to access it prior to the meeting.
- A cover letter from Suzan Tari, President of the club, giving a brief explanation of reasons for incorporating
- Notice of the special meeting, which includes the text of a Resolution that you will be asked to consider and vote on at the meeting
- Schedule A: Form 4001 - Articles of Incorporation,
- Schedule B: Form 4002 - Initial Registered Office Address and First Board of Directors, and
- Schedule C: By-law No. 1;
- A Proxy Form for members who won't be at the meeting; and
- A list of the club's assets (for information purposes only).
As a reminder, each member can only bring one proxy to the meeting, which is why you are asked to make up to three choices for your proxy on the form.
Our sox box runneth over!
Our Warm-Up Barbecue and Sock Drive on February 4 was an unmitigated success!
The event began with a regular short-mat jitney at which members were encouraged to bring friends as an introduction to lawn bowling. A number of members brought friends along, who could not only bowl indoors on a short mat, but because the weather was fantastic, could also bowl outdoors.
At about 3:00 p.m., the short mats were rolled up and the clubhouse configured to accommodate the people we were expecting for our barbecue and socks drive, which was co-sponsored by Councillor Lily Cheng.
Our neighbours from the Willowdale community got to see our facilities and meet many club members.
Councillor Cheng and our president, Suzan Tari, gave short welcoming speeches about the event and our club. Councillor Cheng stayed for the entire event and chatted with members and neighbours alike.
We also received significant donations of socks for the unhoused, refugees and others. We don’t often think about it, but socks are important to those who have less than the majority of us.
In exchange for donations, members and neighbours alike were treated to hamburgers and hot dogs. The cooking crew went nonstop from 3:00 to 5:30. The event was so successful that we ran out of food at the end.
Thanks to everyone for contributing to a successful event: the organizers; members who bowled, brought friends and coached; everyone who helped rearrange the clubhouse; our cooks and kitchen staff who fed everyone; and those who stayed around to clean up the kitchen, clubhouse and grounds after a successful event.
Special General Meeting
Sunday, Feb 11
1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
As a result of that process, the board of directors is calling a special meeting of members on Sunday, February 11, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Member resolutions need to be passed in order to meet the legal requirements of incorporating a not-for-profit association like ours. If those resolutions are passed and the paper work is filed before March 1, 2024, Willowdale Lawn Bowling Club will be eligible to apply for large Trillium Foundation grants as early as next year.
We need those grants to make the capital investments that will keep our club vibrant and thriving. One of our first applications, for example, is intended to be nearly $200,000 to resurface the artificial green.
Please join us in person, or let us know if you’d like to attend via telephone or other electronic means.
It’s critical that we have a quorum at the start of the meeting to get the resolutions passed to meet all necessary legal requirements.
Proxies are possible
If you’re unable to attend the February 11 meeting, please take the time to assign your proxy to another member.
If you’re accepting a proxy, please be aware that each voting member is only allowed to bring one proxy to the meeting.
Please attend in person, via electronic means, or click on this link to assign your proxy to another member.
See you (or your proxy) on February 11!
Winter Warm-up BBQ and Sock Drive
co-sponsored with Counillor Lily Cheng
Join us at the clubhouse from 3:15 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 4. Bring new, unwrapped socks to help us fill our Sox Box and we’ll trade your generosity for a hamburger or hot dog (vegan options will be available).
Councillor Cheng is inviting the broader community to join us. We’re hoping to have the opportunity to talk to people about bowling and the facility. We’d love to have you help us make a positive impact on the community.
We’re going to have some short mat demonstrations and we’re asking club members and community neighbours to donate new, unwrapped socks for the unhoused and other individuals who are particularly vulnerable during the winter months.
If you have the time, please make time to join us at the clubhouse on Sunday, February 4. Help us fill our Sox Box!
Full house for Bill Donald Memorial Tournament
It was truly a celebration of Bill’s life. There was some excellent competition among twelve teams of mixed triples that drew players from Woodstock, Pickering, Brampton, Cosburn, Midland, Agincourt and, of course, Willowdale. Top prize went to Willowdale bowler Albert Wu, playing with Stanley and Helena Ho of Agincourt.
A delicious lunch was organized by life member Emma Varga, supported by volunteers of the club’s excellent kitchen crew. There was more than enough food to go around and desserts, of course, were plentiful. Canterbury Place donated cake and cookies.
The gathering resembled a reunion of past Willowdale presidents. Lorne Reid, Willowdale LBC president in 1982, was joined by Roger Thompson (1999), Emma Varga (2000), Anne Baille (2004), Elmer Mittelstaedt (2005), Sharon Jeffrey (2006 & 2008), Susan Leong (2013-14) and Gordon Jones (2011-2013, 2018-2023).
Five members of the Donald family attended the day’s celebration, as well as long-time members Alice Mittelstaedt, Brook Reid, Andy and Carol Watson, George Meek, Kerry Peters, Carole Barker and Doreen Semple.
A wonderful time was had by all!
Motion passes
With input from a number of members, but most particularly Don Rayko and Jane Brackley, the following motion was voted upon:
The membership of the Willowdale Lawn Bowling Club expresses its openness to negotiating the following with the City of Toronto:
- Conversion of the centre green from natural grass to an artificial lawn bowling surface;
- Rejuvenation of the existing lawn bowling artificial surface on the south green;
- Conversion of the north green to alternative recreational uses, such as pickleball; and
- Use of the clubhouse as a warming centre during winter months by the City of Toronto.
The motion was carried and the board of directors is already working on developing the next stage of the club.
The future of Willowdale Lawn Bowling Club: Pickleball anyone?
During a spirited discussion, the point was made that, like any recreational infrastructure in Toronto today, Willowdale Lawn Bowling Club faces two challenges.
The first is what’s being called an “infrastructure deficit.” Much of the City of Toronto's aging infrastructure (not just recreational infrastructure) is showing its age, to the point that some estimates suggest that approximately $10 billion is needed to bring the city’s aging infrastructure up to a state of good repair.
That creates significant competition for a finite pool of capital.
The second is that any investment in recreational infrastructure will go first to multi-use facilities—i.e. those facilities that can support multiple uses for different forms of recreation—before being allocated to single-use facilities.
One of the ideas floated during the meeting is turning the north green into pickleball courts. We would still maintain lawn bowling on the centre green and the artificial surface, but we would become a multi-use facility.
“We have to be flexible in our thinking,” says Suzan Tari, vice-president of Willowdale LBC. “The pickleball option could provide us with long-term stability. With that, we can focus on growing the sport of lawn bowling in Willowdale and potentially across Toronto.”
Hurdles to overcome
One of the most important is the lease under which the property currently operates. There are sixty years left in the ninety-nine-year lease between the City of Toronto and Mount Pleasant Group, which owns the land. The lease states that the only use for the property at 150 Beecroft Road is as a non-profit lawn bowling club and that such usage will be “continuous and uninterrupted except for maintenance, repairs and climactic conditions” until July 25, 2083.
The lease is currently being examined by the City of Toronto’s legal department with the potential intent of opening up negotiations to increase the uses for the property. This process started earlier this year when it was suggested that the clubhouse could serve as a warming centre during winter months.
“When the councillor’s office approached us with the idea of using the clubhouse as a warming centre, we were happy to support the community, but we immediately pointed out that such use is not allowed under the current lease,” says Eric Bergman, property manager of Willowdale LBC.
When Councillor Cheng visited the club for the first time on May 13 of this year, the board of directors asked to be included in any future lease negotiations. At the most recent meeting, she assured the board that she did contact the city’s legal department to have the club included, but since the lease agreement is between the city and Mount Pleasant Group—even with Willowdale Lawn Bowling Club specifically named in the lease as the sole sub-lessee for ninety-nine years—Councillor Cheng was informed that only city and cemetery representatives will be present at negotiations.
“We’re grateful to Councillor Cheng for trying on our behalf,” Bergman says. “Our concern is that unpalatable options will be presented to us if we are not at least consulted during negotiations. Our message is simple. We will be carefully monitoring any developments through the lens of what’s in the best interests of our members and the sport they enjoy. If necessary, we will help all parties understand the places in which we feel those interests are not being met.”
Artificial vs natural surface
The centre green is a natural grass surface that requires almost constant care and attention.
Converting the centre green to an artificial surface would reduce the maintenance required. This would decrease the club’s reliance on volunteer resources, city assistance, and/or the revenue needed (between fifteen and twenty-five thousand dollars per year) to outsource turf management.
“Moving to an all-artificial club is a big decision,” Bergman says. “However, with a natural green, there are two potential long-term solutions. Either the city commits to taking care of the green for the next sixty years or the club spends between fifteen and twenty-five thousand dollars per year to hire someone to take care of the green.
“Asking volunteers to do the job is not a sustainable solution.”
Information session Tuesday, July 25
The board of directors is conducting an information session at the clubhouse at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25. Please join us to be brought up to date.
Special General Meeting on Tuesday, August 1
The board of directors is calling a special general meeting on Tuesday, August 1. Please join us. We need to achieve quorum so we vote on the long-term direction and health of the club.
4 Zee Australian Ladies' Pairs 2-4-2
Participants of the 4 Zee Australian Ladies' Pairs pose for a picture.
The tournament was won by Helena Ho and Laila Hassan.
The 4 Zee Australian Ladies' Pairs 2-4-2 tournament was held on the artificial surface on Wednesday, June 14.
Australian pairs is a unique game. The lead throws two bowls, the skip throws four bowls and then the lead throws another two.
The tournament was sponsored by Gordon Jones, our club president, to honour his late wife, Zee Jones.
Zee was a great bowler and a tireless supporter of lawn bowling in general and the Willowdale Lawn Bowling club specifically.
Councillor Cheng pays us a visit
Councillor Lily Cheng poses for a picture on the artificial surface on May 13, 2023. With her are (l-r) Don Rayko, Suzan Tari Vince Donohoe, Eric Bergman, Councillor Cheng, Gordon Jones.
Councillor Lily Cheng paid us a visit during our second open house on May 13, 2023.
She arrived about 3:15 p.m. and chatted with a number of people on site, but spent most of her time with a few members of the board of directors and other volunteers. She was originally scheduled to spend an hour, but spent almost two hours listening, asking questions and taking notes.
Board members outlined a number of issues the club is addressing, with emphasis on property management and the ongoing maintenance of the club’s natural lawn bowling greens. The discussion encompassed the lease arrangement for the property on which the club sits, and touched on potential ways in which lawn bowling can be marketed in the community.
“We even discussed conducting a corporate day for councillors that we would be delighted to host,” says Gordon Jones, president of Willowdale LBC. “Councillor Cheng listened to everything we had to say and also offered her own ideas as well. It was an excellent exchange.”
Councillor Cheng made it clear that she’s less interested in short-term solutions than she is in creating a long-term, sustainable framework—particularly when it comes to property management and greens maintenance.
During a spirited and engaging exchange, the councillor asked dozens of questions and took copious notes.
“This meeting was a great start to our relationship with the new councillor,” Jones says. “She seems to be absolutely committed to the Willowdale community. We’re looking forward to helping her to ensure that this facility continues to be a resource for Willowdale for generations to come.”
First open house successful
From there, about 15 people signed up for additional coaching. These folks will be provided with two to three additional coaching sessions over the next few weeks with the goal of turning them into full-time members.
Unfortunately, Councillor Cheng was unable to join us at our first open house. However, we’re looking forward to hosting her at another time during the 2023 season.
Our next open house is Saturday, May 13 at 1:00 p.m. Please join us to help out if you can.
Opening day starts strong
The opening day Spider Roll was won by a guest at the club (who we’re hoping to sign up into a full-time member). After that, it was game on.
Thanks to everyone who came out to kick off our 61st year as a lawn bowling club.
Councillor Cheng to join us at open house
Councillor Change is the councillor for Ward 18 Willowdale. She took office on November 15, 2022, after winning the municipal election in October.
Her biography says that she has a track record of identifying issues in Willowdale and taking action.
She co-founded We Love Willowdale, a movement created after the tragic van attack five years ago to help the community grieve and heal. She has established programs and support for challenges often overlooked by government, including seniors accessing grocery shopping support during the pandemic.
She has also addressed social isolation by expanding Willowdale Neighbours Connect, an active online community she started for the neighbourhood that has helped many feel a deeper sense of belonging in Willowdale.
Her website says that her greatest strength is described as inspiring “connectivity and participation for the greater good” and “building the infrastructure necessary to make things happen.”
If you’re available, please join us at the open house. And please feel free to bring stories of how lawn bowling has created greater connectivity, social activity, fitness in your life.
We’re looking forward to working with Councillor Cheng to support the infrastructure we need to continue to offer lawn bowls to the Willowdale community.
Cleanup and startup gets us going
We swept floors, washed windows, worked on the centre green, performed moss control on the artificial surface and generally got the clubhouse and grounds ready for 2023.
And our efforts were supplemented with assistance from a group of student volunteers who were participating in our program to tap into the need for high school students to acquire 40 hours of volunteer service to graduate.
Thanks to everyone who helped out and participated. And thanks to Betty Tai for pictures to commemorate the event.
Two open houses in May
If you know anyone who might be interested in learning more about lawn bowls, please send them along. We’d like to grow our membership so that more people can take advantage of our oasis in the heart of North York.
And if you’re a member, please feel free to join us. We’re always looking for experienced bowlers (even those who are slightly experienced) to help newbies out.