A compelling look at the seamy underside of the fashion industry, told from the perspective of a vulnerable young person who had more of a backbone than most right from the beginning but was still manipulated and abused. Instead of letting herself remain a victim, she used her visibility became an advocate for others in order to help change the system. This book will also go a long way in doing that. Thank you, Cameron Russell, for sharing your experiences in what must have been a very painful memoir to write.
Category Archives: Brantford news
In March, we listen to three women refugees: Syria, Zimbabwe, Ukraine
The March program will showcase the accounts of three women, former refugees, who came to Brantford from different parts of the world (Syria, Zimbabwe, and Ukraine). The women will tell their stories through questions, such as what caused them to become refugees, what were some of their experiences in their home country, and what are the struggles they have encountered in adjusting to life in Canada. Mieke Schroeder, who has been involved in sponsorship of refugees for many years, will facilitate the program. We thank Mieke for organizing this program which will give us a greater insight into the journey that refugees take as they create new lives in Canada.
February Speaker: Lisa Clarkson – Manager, Day and Stay Program
Lisa’s talk was about dementia, a topic that has touched almost all our members in one way or another. She began her presentation with details about the various forms of dementia of which Alzheimer’s is but one. She provided a very informative list of the various programs available in Brantford/Brant for dementia patients and their caregivers. She then outlined the Day and Stay program that she is responsible for, located at the John Noble Home. This includes a day program, a “sunset” program as well as overnight options.
It was clear how much care and compassion Lisa has for the many individuals and their families who participate in the Day and Stay Program. She laughs and cries with them as they navigate the challenges of dementia and find hope and respite at Day and Stay.
Lisa emphasized that she is more than happy to provide more information to anyone wishing to learn more about dementia and programs for support, especially the Day and Stay program.
It was apparent that the CFUW members deeply appreciated not just the information Lisa shared, but the level of commitment she has to her clients and family members.
Memories of original book club
The Monday afternoon book group has wide and varied interests. We still have two of the original members, and their perspective and insight is very much appreciated by newer members. Marion brought this flyer about the birthday celebration of one of the book club members from decades ago. So neat!
Jeanie reviewed two books:
Title: At Home: A Short History of Private Life
Author: Bill Bryson
Bryson uses a walk through the rooms in his 1851 Church of England rectory in Norfolk, to share his extensive research into the fascinating history of the furnishings and structure of homes. Bryson chooses a topic, such as his refrigerator, and then explains in detail the who, what, where, when and why of its evolution. After reading this book, I have a much greater appreciation for the innovation needed to produce common household items.
Title: Five Little Indians
Author: Michelle Good
This book alternates its narrative between the childhood of the characters Kenny, Lucy, Clara, Howie and Maisie who were forcibly moved from their families to a Church-run Residential School and then their young adulthood when paths again cross in downtown Eastside Vancouver. I found the way that each character dealt with their traumas to be highly engaging and thought provoking.
Here’s a sampling of the other books we read:
Walking group!
One of our walkers thought we should call ourselves the Tuesday Trotters! I see very little trotting going on but I do see a lot of great conversation, birdwatching, recipes exchanged, and general support. The Tuesday whats? I don’t know!
Trivia Night!!!
The Dunsdon Legion was busy on the evening of Wednesday, February 7th with the sounds of 26 teams vying for the championship of our fifteenth Trivia Night. The questions were just right and those present enjoyed the challenge. At the end of 10 rounds, Team 8 was the winner and Teams 2 and 9 were tied. After a play-off round, Team 9 was victorious and took second place with Team 2 in third.
Barb Perry, and helpers, ran an another amazing sale of new/very gently used books, DVDs, CD, and puzzles and took in $244.00!
There were 24 Door Prizes, all donated by members and they seemed very appealing (many were also very tasty looking!). This year we decided not to run a draw prize to save time, but it also affected the profit for the event. Our usual Heads or Tails game took in $229.60 and Mary Guillemette went home with a $100 gift certificate to The Keg compliments of Ted McCleister of McCleister Funeral Homes.
We also received $215 in donations.
At the end of the evening, everyone was invited to enjoy a slice of pizza donated by Dominos Pizza. Dominos has supported us since the beginning, and we appreciate their generosity. Please consider purchasing a pizza from them sometime in the next couple of months, to show your thanks. As usual, the staff of the Dunsdon Legion was very friendly and accommodating!
Thank you to all who donated gifts, money, and time for our 2024 Trivia Night.
Our profit for the event was $2,539.89.
The Trivia Night Committee – Brenda, Colette, Dian and Lynn
Thursday night book club on zoom!
Thursday Night Book Club met on Zoom. This month, we deviated from our traditional exploration of one book. Our challenge was to each choose an iconic or classic book that had remained personally significant over the decades. We reread our chosen book over the past month, reflecting on whether the story was still memorable. We presented the books we had chosen by genres: Fantasy/Fable, Historic Fiction/Fiction, and Philosophy, sharing the impact the book had ‘back then’ versus ‘now’. The discussion was lively as we recalled memories that the books invoked, the importance – and joy – of being read to as a child, and how we came of age by reading books that included stories about war, depression, revolution, and ‘the very meaning of life’.
Walking group: plywood patch bridge holds surprises!
Longtime club member Janet K was very interested to recognize a logo that she had designed being included in one of the paintings on the plywood patch bridge. She had designed the logo for Ecole Dufferin when a new logo was needed to celebrate the school’s 100th anniversary. Janet designed it at the request of her daughter who was on the PTA at the time, and they are still using it. At the time of the anniversary it was printed on t-shirts and other paraphernalia… Janet had forgotten all about it, so fun to see it today on the bridge.
Janet says, “This also raised memories of the one I also did one for BCI’s 100th birthday, and just going on the School Board’s website, I see that they are still using it…nice surprise. My own kids and my two oldest grandsons are and will be BCI alumni. Plus I taught there for a long time. BCI used the logo at the time of the anniversary on a wide variety of stuff to sell from notebooks to drinking glasses.”
Outside walk, and both groups meet!
Our walking group flexes to ensure all can participate at their own pace, so some walk for an hour and some walk for 90 minutes, some walk on an indoor track, and some walk outdoors, some come for coffee after and some do not. Today, a critical mass of us met up on the trail! HA!
From our Creative Cooking group: maple parsnip soup with mustard and pine-nuts
The Creative Cooking Group enjoyed a four course dinner this week but the highlight was the maple parsnip soup – great nurture food for these cold winter days.
MAPLE PARSNIP SOUP WITH MUSTARD AND PINE-NUTS
(Makes 8 servings.)
Ingredients
1/3 c. butter
1 lb. parsnips, cut into 1/2 inch rounds 2 med. onions, 1/2 inch diced
2 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
6 c. chicken broth
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tbs. dijon mustard
1/3 c. maple syrup
3/4 c. toasted pine-nuts
salt to tasteInstructions
Melt butter over medium heat in a heavy pan. When it starts to brown, add parsnips, onion and garlic. Cook til onions are translucent but not browned. Add nutmeg and stock. Bring to simmer and cook 40 minutes or until parsnips are soft. Add cream. Take off heat and puree til smooth. Add dijon, syrup, and salt to taste. Sprinkle each serving with toasted pine-nuts