The Golden Teapot is a wonderful place to gather with friends for good food and great conversation.
Category Archives: Brantford news
Thursday night’s reading of The Maid by Nita Prose
The Thursday night Reading group read The Maid by Nita Prose, a Canadian mystery writer in Toronto.
“I am your maid. I am the one who cleans your hotel room, who enters like a phantom when you are out gallivanting for the day, no care at all for what you left behind the mess or what I might see when you are gone.” Molly maid, Regency Grand Hotel.
What if, what’s left behind is a dead body? What follows are the twists and turns of a murder mystery. Within the group of possibilities group of possibilities are an unhappy family and the staff of the Regency — not the least is Molly herself who discovers the dead body. This is a delightful mystery full of interesting characters, relationships of staff and guests in a big hotel and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing right to the end. Both Thursday night groups enjoyed the book which led to a lively discussion.
CFUW Brantford presents Nova Vita with a donation of $3000.00
Thanks to the generosity of our members, on December 6th, CFUW Brantford presented Nova Vita with a donation of $3,000.00 for their 2023 Hope for the Holidays campaign
Serving Brantford and the County of Brant for over 40 years, Nova Vita provides trauma-informed emergency shelter, outreach sup- port, and counselling services to individuals and families experienc- ing abuse, as well as counselling for individuals who have caused harm in their relationships. Throughout these four decades, CFUW Brantford has supported Nova Vita with sponsorships, volunteering, and initiatives such as Basketeers, International Women’s Day events, and annual events.
Hope for the Holidays was introduced in December 2020 in re- sponse to the Pandemic and the alarming escalation of domestic violence.
To date, over the four Hope for the Holiday campaigns from 2020 to date, we have raised $9,235.00 to help Nova Vita make a difference for women and families who are in Nova Vita’s care during the Holiday season.
Here are a couple of comments from the women who were in the shelter last year after receiving our donation:
“Wow, the holiday gifts and gift cards are incredibly helpful at such a stressful time of year. Thank you….we are moved by your kindness. I don’t know how to express it well enough.”
“The love care and support we received …was over the moon. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us because of every one we have met here. Thank you!”
“My Kids thought they were at a “kid’s hotel” where they played and learned with new “teachers.”
“…I safe and valued. Food was fantastic too.”
The Mystery Guest (Molly the Maid #2) — very good!
5/5 stars from Marsha S!
So nice to have dear Molly the maid back to solve a new murder at the Grand Hotel. Molly’s unique way of looking at the world is her blessing and curse and readers can’t help but root for her as she overturns tropes (the maid did it …. she’s just a maid … she’s not very bright) as quickly as she can make a bed. The characters in this novel are deliciously Dickensian and the key to the murder is in Molly’s childhood. Satisfying and cozy. This mystery is the perfect companion to a warm fire and a good cup of tea.
Cold weather brings out walkers too!
January speaker: Susan Gamble, journalist
Susan Gamble’s long career in journalism began in 1979 at the Brant News. She went on to become one of the first female television news photographers, working with her husband at CKCO-TV in Kitchener, travelling around Ontario capturing events on her wind-up Bell and Howell camera at first, and later on video, for the evening news. In 1980, Susan began writing for the Brantford Expositor, first in the real estate section, and later with a light-hearted column called Word Has It. Susan covered scams, local interest stories, and events featuring Brantford people from many walks of life. Her columns were heart-warming, informative and often amusing, and had a loyal readership. Eventually, Susan took on the role of investigative reporter, winning several Ontario Newspaper Awards, and a nomination for a Canadian Newspaper Association Award.
Susan will talk to us about her career in journalism, her Expositor column, as well as her work as a court reporter. Susan will also inform us how to be more discerning consumers of news in the age of disinformation. Susan will join us on zoom on January 24, 2024.
Member shortlisted for national literary award
Congratulations to Marsha S., member and author, who is shortlisted for the 2024 Kobzar Book Award for her recent book Winterkill.
The $25,000 KOBZAR™ Book Award recognizes outstanding contributions to Canadian literary arts by authors who write on a topic with a tangible connection to Ukrainian Canadians…This year’s KOBZAR™Book Award entries showcase titles which highlight issues that impact Ukrainians as a people in Canada. —Kobzar Book Award
The winner will be announced on March 21, 2024.
Congratulations to Susan Zuidema!
The successful candidate for the 2023 Award B is Susan Zuidema. Susan has worked for several years in Brantford with people who are struggling with poverty, homelessness, addiction, and mental health. She has seen first hand their trauma and feelings of hopelessness. A genuine advocate for the disenfranchised, Susan has been instrumental in mobilizing food programs, increasing temporary shelter beds, and establishing Charlie’s Place for young men and also housing for young mothers in need of mentorship. As the former executive director of “Why Not” mission, Susan helped many at risk young people. Susan believes that a trusted psychotherapist is a crucial component of healing and hope. She has enrolled in the M. of Div. clinical counseling three year program at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto.
Good weather brings out the walkers
A gloriously mild and sunny day brought out a bunch of our walkers on Tuesday. We’ll enjoy these beautiful opportunities to bask in the sunshine and in each other’s company even as the temperature dips. If you enjoy walking and intelligent talk, come join our club!
We love good food! Dining out group!
20 women from our dining out group enjoyed a wonderful and leisurely dinner at Speekezzies Cafe and Wine Bar in Brantford. The food was delicious, as you can see in a few of our choices pictured below. The conversation and laughter was a pleasure, as always.
