Category Archives: Events

Brantford news, Events, Meetings

Linda Schuyler, Our Speaker for the September 25th General Meeting

Photograph by V. Tony Hauser, photo credit must be given on all reproductions

As a young teacher in east-end Toronto, Linda Schuyler began creating short films with her classes, which led to her first very successful documentaries.  This initial foray into film production brought about her founding of the popular television series, The Kids of Degrassi Street, and a television franchise that spanned almost forty years. The Degrassi series launched the careers of many young Canadian actors, as well as addressing difficult issues that young people faced in their lives. In her 2023 memoir, The Mother of All Degrassi: A Memoir, Linda relates the inside story of her development of the Degrassi series, and why it was so important to her personally, as well as professionally.

Born in London, England, Linda moved to Paris, Ontario with her parents, Jack and Joyce Bawcutt, who became leaders of the Paris community. Linda attended Paris High School before venturing to the big city for university. Linda has always maintained ties to the local community, and said she is very happy to speak to CFUW Brantford, and meet the members of the club. Linda will bring copies of her book for those who might like to purchase it after the meeting.  We are honoured and excited to have Linda Schuyler as our speaker in September.

 

Brantford news, Events, Meetings, What's new

April speaker: Living an authentic life, Joan Grundy

Living an Authentic Life
Joan Grundy is a charismatic speaker and inspiring writer.She has addressed many groups in the areas of spiritual growth, educational leadership and wellness.  She has a Masters degree in Theological Studies and background in psychology and counselling.
Before her retirement, Joan was employed as a department head of religion and family studies at a local Catholic high school.  There she chose to counsel the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) students and to educate people about this issue.  In her thirties, she realized that she was gay but because of her Catholic upbringing and profession was not able to be authentic because she couldn’t live out her real sexual life in the confines of the Church.
This is a timely topic now with extreme groups objecting to schools offering support and resources to kids who are in the “sexual minority”.  I think Joan’s presentation should lead to some interesting discussion and thought.
Brantford news, Events, Meetings

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.

Brantford news, Events, What's new

Trivia Night!!!

 

 

First place: Mark Francombe, Mary Ann MacLennan, Sue Bouwer, John Pacsutta

 

 

Second place: Nancy Billard, Chris Smith, Richard Beales, David Judd
Third place: Dave Haylock, Scott Edwards Bob Hillier, Doug Malvern

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