UWRA Monthly Bulletin –October 2025
As the leaves fall and a new season begins, we are pleased to share a full lineup of fall activities, events, and opportunities to thrive in retirement. This is the monthly bulletin for the University of Waterloo Retirees Association, sent to all UW retirees. Here’s what you’ll find in this issue:
UWRA events: Health Valley Trail hike, Fall luncheon, Brew Crew
UWRA news: Dr. Donald Meichenbaum has co-authored a book
Community events: United Way campaign changes, 2026 CURAC Conference, Noon hour concerts and lunches
Discount partner of the month: Collette Travel
Resource of the month: Catalyst is connecting senior-level Canadian professionals with partners and clients in 30 countries and Indigenous communities in Canada
This is neat: Start skrimping on groceries
Health Valley Trail Hike: This UWRA hike will take place on Wednesday, October 8 along the Health Valley Trail in St. Jacobs. This easily walkable trail follows the Conestoga River through farmland and forest, with a turnaround at the landmark Wise Old Oak tree. The hike will take about 1½ to 2 hours and will be led by Howard Armitage. Meet at 9:45 a.m. in the parking lot at 35 Albert St. E., with the hike starting at 10:00 a.m. Parking is free. Afterward, participants are welcome to join for a coffee, snack, or lunch in St. Jacobs. The hike is free, but registration is required.
Join fellow retirees for the Fall 2025 Luncheon on Tuesday, October 28 at the Village at University Gates, featuring guest speaker Dr. Lili Liu, Dean of the Faculty of Health, who will speak on Living with Dementia. Dr. Liu is a leading researcher in health-care technology, aging, and dementia care, and her presentation will explore new approaches to dementia care, the role of technology, and strategies to create safe, supportive environments for older adults. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. in the Ruby Room, with free parking available (overflow at the YMCA). Registration is required due to limited capacity, and members may invite one guest.
Brew Crew: Correction since last month—Brew Crew meets the SECOND Thursday of every month. Always the same place, same time: across from Tim Hortons, Conestoga Mall. 10 AM. Come out to see who’s out!
Distinguished Professor Emeritus Dr. Donald Meichenbaum, who presented at our Thriving in Retirement CURAC National Conference in 2024, has co-authored a new book: Choose Him Wisely: How to Identify a Safe Partner. This will be available soon in paperback or e-format at www.rtiprojects.org or bookbaby.com or Amazon and other book outlets.
Support United Way this October: This month marks the launch of the University of Waterloo’s 2025 United Way campaign, a time when our campus community comes together to support those in need across Waterloo Region.In light of increased financial uncertainty and limited staff and volunteer capacity to support this annual campaign, UW had to review its campaign format. While they remain very committed to supporting our community during this challenging time, they are reducing administrative work behind the scenes to ensure a more streamlined campaign beginning with the fall 2025 campaign. This includes changes to how UWaterloo retirees can give to the United Way going forward.Effective October 1, 2025, the option to begin a new or change a current donation to the United Way through pension deduction will be discontinued. Check our website for details on how this change will affect you.
The 2026 CURAC Conference will be hosted by the SFU Retirees Association from May 20–22, 2026 at the Inn at the Quay in New Westminster, BC. All university and college retirees are invited to attend.
Free noon hour concerts take place at First United Church, (King and William Streets, Waterloo) Tuesdays from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Pre-order a lunch at firstunitedconcerts@gmail.com.
Discount partner: Did you know that Collette Travel is a trusted CURAC/UWRA partner? Check out this video to learn more about Collette’s private chauffer service. And look for the Collette article in WATtimes, arriving in your mailbox by mid-October. If you book with Collette, be sure to mention the UWRA and CURAC.
Catalyste+ is a Canadian economic development organization that, since 1967, has partnered with businesses, governments, and community groups in emerging countries and Indigenous communities in Canada to build skills, strengthen local capacity, and support inclusive, sustainable economic growth. Volunteer to share your knowledge and expertise to make a positive difference in Canada and around the world.
This is neat: Using a new app can help you save money on groceries by creating meal plans based on this week’s local deals and flyers. Skrimp.ai was founded by Henrietta, a design and technology student at the University of Waterloo, after witnessing the financial pressures students and families face at the grocery store. What began as an Entrepreneurship Co-op project through the Conrad School has grown into a validated venture aimed at helping households balance nutrition and budgets more effectively.
We welcome your input for future Monthly Bulletins—travel stories, updates, or suggestions for activities that fellow members might enjoy. If you have something to share, please submit it to uwracomm@uwaterloo.ca for consideration in next month’s issue.