All posts by MJS
November 2025 Newsletter
Food for thought: Please, sir, I want some more …
Great conversation and food was had by all at the most recent Food For Thought gathering.
Book chat at lunch
We had a small group today because of the weather but that gave us time to discuss for great books at length. Natalie told us about Kristin Hannah’s Magic Hour, an unputdownable novel by one of her favourite authors. Leslie inhaled Wally Lamb’s The River is Waiting, a novel recommended at an earlier gathering by Marsha. A heartbreaking and transformational story. Norah has embarked on the worthy goal of reading Sue Grafton’s novels from the beginning, and so got A and B via inter-library loan. She read excerpts to us to give us the flavour of how this series began. Very interesting! Marsha just finished Philip Pullman’s La Belle Savage, book one of his The Book of Dust trilogy and she thoroughly enjoyed being plunged into the origin story of Lyra and being immersed in the brave selflessness of Malcolm and Alice and their treacherous journey on La Belle Savage. Even for those who don’t like fantasy, Pullman makes his worlds so real that you can’t help but love the stories.
Our walkers on a glorious fall day!
A five book lunch at book group!
October 2025 Newsletter
Dining Out at Pinecroft: Superb!
Our Dining Out Group first ventured to Pinecroft two years ago and we were keen to return this year. The trip to Alymer was delightful, especially on the backroads through farm country and stunning autumn colours. Pinecroft itself is a log cabin, nestled in the woods, built in 1948 to house a community of potters. The restaurant serves up hearty, healthy, country fare that is locally sourced and nicely prepared. Our group gathered in the store to check out creations from local artists and crafts people. We think Pinecroft is well worth the drive.
October speaker: Paulette Breau
Paulette Breau is a retired officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) whose thirty-year law enforcement career (1987-2017) culminated in the rank of sergeant. Her service was marked not only by her commitment to public safety, but by her determination to succeed in a profession historically dominated by men.
After her retirement, Breau turned to writing. Her memoir Never at Ease: Memoir of a Mountie (published in December 2019) recounts her experiences as the only woman in a 40-man RCMP detachment, the challenges she faced-including harassment, sexism, and the difficulties of undercover work-and her perseverance.
Paulette will join us on Oct 22, 2025 and talk about the history of women in the RCMP as well as sharing a few stories so her own career.
Women in Canada’s National Police Force
This presentation explores the history and impact of women in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police from its early days to the present. It begins with matrons and jailers in the Klondike era, moves through pioneers like forensic pathologist Dr. Frances McGill and the groundbreaking female troop of 1974. Milestones include the appointment of women commissioners, service with the United Nations and the changes brought about by the Merlo-Davidson lawsuit.
Fall colour for our biking group!
