All posts by MJS
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.
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton
The Monday Book Club selection for November is the graphic novel, Ducks,: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton. This Canadian comics artist wrote the first graphic novel to win Canada Reads.The author portrayed a powerful message illustrating the themes of environmental destruction, loneliness and lack of mental health resources, misogyny, labor exploitation and corporate greed, and the detrimental effect on the local indigenous communities.
The group were glad to be exposed to this literary style, which is popular among the youth of today, but most prefer to read a book in text rather than through graphic images.
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.
What might the green be roasting with these baby potatoes?
What might the green be roasting with these baby potatoes? If the Creative Cooking Group is serving rack of lamb, the answer is rosemary and mint straight out if the garden.
Fifty Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy, by Tim Harford
Jeanne C’s Comments: The book is a series of short essays in which the author explains how each invention came to be and how it has changed the lives of its readers. For example, we learn that passports were originally letters of permission to travel and were provided by nobility to their subordinates. In 1920, after World War II, The League of Nations formally standardized passports and contributed to making them widely required. Another topic of interest is barbed wire and how its invention in 1876 shaped the European settlement of North America and the notion of private ownership of land. Topics are diverse and times span far into the past and right up to today’s technological achievements.
The Book Was Better
Check out the new section on our website called Our Reviews. Books and more! Jean F’s bag caption has the right idea!
