All posts by MJS

Afternoon Tea: Scholarship Fundraiser, Sunday October 25, 2026

purchase tickets via e-transfer to: cf**************@***il.com


Chantal Saldanha is a Professional Engineer and serves as the Software and Cybersecurity Manager at GD Land Systems – Canada. She leads a dynamic team responsible for delivering software that enables the capabilities of Light Armoured Vehicles (LAVs) and developing cybersecurity features to protect and defend these vehicles.

Chantal grew up in the town of Simcoe in Norfolk County and attended elementary school there. She graduated from Assumption College High School in Brantford, excelling in STEM fields. She went on to earn an honours degree in Engineering, with a focus on Biomedical Engineering, from the University of Guelph.

In 2000, Chantal began her career at Honda of Canada Manufacturing as a plant ergonomist. In 2001, she transitioned to a Human Factors Engineering role at GD Land Systems – Canada. Over the years, she gained experience in Survivability Systems and Project Engineering. She briefly left engineering to implement a Software Management program for the Canadian family of vehicles before returning as the leader of the Software and Cybersecurity team.

In 2021, Chantal co-founded the GD Land Systems Women’s Employee Resource Group with two colleagues, creating a platform for mentorship, networking, and skill-building to support the career growth of women within the organization.

Brian Wood, Our Speaker at the April 23 General Meeting


Brian Wood knows telephones! After more than 36 years as curator of the Bell Homestead Historic Site, there is not much that
he doesn’t know about the Alexander Graham Bell invention and its importance to the world. He has shepherded restoration of
the Bell Homestead to its original 1981 state, and has raised the profile of the site so that it is one of Canada’s important
museums, and a source of pride for residents of Brantford and Brant County. Brian will show and tell all about the
development of telephones from the very early versions to today’s advanced cell phones. Please join us for this fascinating presentation

Dining Out, local!

Our Dining out Group stays close to home in the winter months when driving conditions may be challenging. In February, twelve of us enjoyed lunch at Pupusa City, a family owned and operated restaurant in West Brant that features Salvadoran and Mexican food. Our assessment:  Good food, very affordable, an informal atmosphere, attentive service — and walking distance for our members in the Blackburn/Conklin area.