Our book group has been meeting over lunch-brunch at Brantford’s Symposium Cafe ever since we ventured out for post-pandemic non-zoom gatherings. Always, the service is stellar and always the food is beautifully presented, tasty and not too expensive. The staff at Symposium never rush us out and they are so very pleasant and friendly. This is Annette. Her smile says it all!
The 9:30am walkers decided to walk over the plywood patch bridge on the Dike Trail to enjoy the artwork. It was a glorious day to do that and it was also great to see the improvements that have been made on the trails.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
The Dining out group enjoyed a September afternoon in wine country at The Good Earth Food and Wine Co in Beamsville. The chefs source local produce either from their farm or other farms in the area and create dishes that are outstanding in both taste and presentation. All twelve of us recommend this restaurant if you are venturing into the Niagara area for great food, lovely wine, and friendly service.
