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The University of Maine, once featured in the Princeton Review as the campus with the most things to do, is home to more than 100 clubs and activities. From the Asian Student Association to the Cookie Club to Swing Dance, there is something for everyone.
Recently, UMaine added “Club Canada” to this extensive list. The new club holds the slogan, “leading the world in being just north of the United States.”
CC is open to all students, not just Canadians, and strives to educate the UMaine population on the country that borders Maine.
The club had its first meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 4 p.m. in the Bumps Room of Memorial Union.
They’ve already elected a prime minister – instead of a president – Angela Hamlin. Hamlin said she joined “because of my interest in everything Canadian. I also wanted to get a chance to study Canada this semester.”
Tim O’Neill, the creator of Club Canada, wanted to offer a club to students that would educate and enlighten others on the life, activities and customs of Canada.
O’Neill and Hamlin are working to recruit and sign up members and plan fun, exciting activities for the remainder of the semester. While CC is certainly looking for ideas and suggestions, already the club is planning to offer Canadian movies, television programs, cultural outings and perhaps a curling trip.
“I created this club so that Americans could learn a little bit about Canada and so that Canadians would have a chance to learn a little bit about what outsiders think about Canada,” O’Neill said.
While only six people attended the first meeting, O’Neill hopes that more people will join after events are created.
“I’m hoping that people will hear about trips to Canada or a movie night and decide that they really want to be part of a club like this.”
The university sponsored a trip to Ottawa in the fall, and another trip to Quebec is planned this week. O’Neill, however, had plans to “maybe travel to a more remote area in Canada, one that is off the beaten track.”
While many of the members were involved in the Canada 101 course last fall and had suggestions from the information they learned, CC is not affiliated with CAN 101. They do hope to take advantage of staff who have knowledge of Canada.
“We certainly would love to have professors from Canadian studies be involved in the club,” O’Neill said.
It was decided at the meeting that CC will meet on Tuesdays at 4 p.m., at the Canadian-American Center, probably once a month until it is determined what time is best for the majority of group members.
For more information on Club Canada, contact Tim O’Neill on FirstClass.
