All posts by MJS

Brantford news, Interest Groups, review

Looking for Jane: Thursday Night Book Club

The Thursday night book club read ” Looking for Jane” by Canadian first time author Heather Marshall. The book is based on the real Jane Collective, an underground network of courageous individuals who provided safe abortions in the late 60’s, 70’s and 80’s in Canada. Marshall says it is really a book about motherhood.-” a story that has a solid foundation in the historical facts surrounding underground abortion networks, the post war era maternity homes system and forced adoption mandate in Canada. The story is told through the eyes of three fictional women whose experiences come from 2017,1971 and 1980.

This book puts a very personal and sometimes very emotional face on the relationships between mothers and daughters, motherhood itself and the struggle for “the right to choose.” It brings the advocacy of so many women in events such as the 1970 Abortion Caravan, the clinic raids and the support for Dr. Morgentaler to life. The book group found it well-written, informative and emotional. The discussion was thoughtful. Given the situation in the USA today it is also very topical. This is a piece of Canadiana worth remembering. As usually happens in our group the discussion broadened into other0 issues of the day!

Brantford news, Club Projects, Scholarship and Donating, What's new

Our Scholarship fundraiser is looking for Sponsors

The CFUW Brantford Scholarship Fund has given out scholarships yearly to women in Brant County since 1949. We have two categories of scholarships.  

One category is for girls who have graduated from high school and have been accepted at a university or college. This year we gave out five scholarships to outstanding young graduates. While marks are important, a minimum of 80%, we really look for those who have been involved in their school and community and are most likely to give back.

The second scholarship category was introduced a few years ago for women who have been out of school for at least two years and are presently enrolled in a facility to upgrade or change careers. These women often juggle work and school along with caring for their families. Their stories are heartwarming and very inspiring! This scholarship is unique, as I’m not aware of others like it. We usually give out 2 to 3 of these awards per year.

Funding for these scholarships has come from yearly initiatives, such as our Trivia Night, and the generous donations received from our membership.

This year we are planning an Afternoon High Tea Fundraiser on October 25, 2026. Devlin’s Country Bistro is doing the catering.  In order for us to sustain the scholarship fund at the present level, we need to look to our community for sponsorship for this event. It should be noted that 100% of money donated goes directly to scholarships for the women we support. Donors will be acknowledged on the CFUW Brantford website, on our Facebook page and at the 2026 High Tea Scholarship Fundraiser. 

Teddy Buzek, Co-Chair of Brantford CFUW‘s High Tea Fundraiser


If you have any questions please contact us here:

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Subject

    Your Message

     

    CFUW (Canadian Federation of University Women) is a non-partisan, voluntary, self funded organization under the Canada-for-Profit Corporations Act  S.C. 2009,c23. It was founded in 1919 and has grown to now have clubs in 120 countries. CFUW Brantford is one of 95 clubs across Canada. The purpose of CFUW is to focus on the rights, freedoms and education of women and girls locally, nationally and internationally.

    Brantford news, Events, Meetings

    New Venue for monthly meetings

    CFUW Brantford is on the move! Due to security issues at Thorpe’s Funeral Home, our General Meetings are moving to McCleister Funeral Home at 495 Park Road North. (Park Road North is the extension of West Street). The March 26 meeting will be held at McCleister’s. (Hybrid meetings will continue).

    Please park at the back of building, enter, and walk past the office on the left to a small hallway. Follow the hallway to the meeting room.

    Meetings will start at 7:00 pm sharp. We are asked to bring a food item for the Food Bank to each meeting.
    Many thanks to Thorpe’s Funeral Home for their past support and to McCleister Funeral Home staff who have welcomed us.

    Brantford news, Interest Groups

    Monday afternoon book group: history, penguins and a man who ages backwards

    Marion’s book is about fascinating local history with family names well-known in our community.

     

    Brantford news, What's new

    Nova Vita celebrates International Women’s Day


    Mark your calendars for Thursday March 6th and join us for Nova Vita Celebrates International Women’s Day 2025!
    Featuring inspiring speakers, fantastic prizes, and set against the elegant backdrop of the Brantford Golf & Country Club, Nova Vita Celebrates International Women’s Day promises to be an unforgettable evening of joy, inspiration, and empowerment. Make a difference for women in your community and join us at this heartfelt celebration on Thursday March 6th.
    Your ticket to this year’s event includes:

    Cocktail reception with photo ops and access to the bountiful Silent Auction table and participant favourite Wine Wall
    Three-course dinner from the award-winning Brantford Golf & Country Club
    Caramelized Parsnip & Apple Bisque with cheddar crouton and herb oil, CHOICE OF Local Free Range Capon (pan seared chicken with lemon tarragon pan jus, glazed carrots and sour cream mash, baby beat and warm mushroom salad with herb oil) OR Celeriac Steak (hummus and pomegranate cucumber salad, fried paniesse and charred eggplant tomato chutney), Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake with fresh fruit and berry preserve.
    $25 charitable tax receipt with your donation directly supporting essential shelter services
    Fundraiser Purse which includes your entry to all fundraising games and contests during the evening
    Exclusive swag bag filled with special gifts from Nova Vita and event partners
    Individual and table purchases available. Doors open at 5PM with dinner and event beginning promptly at 6PM.

    Individual: $160 | Table of 10: $1,600

    Tickets available here.

    Brantford news, Events, Meetings

    The High Ladies: Feb speakers

    February 26 General Meeting Speakers

    The High Ladies began as two moms seeking a creative outlet separate from parenting and other responsibilities. Familiar with cannabis themselves, they bravely set out to open a conversation around mindful and respectful use of cannabis. Through a podcast format, they aimed to break down the stigma related to cannabis, and offer a mature and rational perspective on cannabis consumption. With the legalization of cannabis, they made it their mission to dispel myths about the industry and even help politicians understand its potential benefits and its contribution to the Canadian economy.

    The High Ladies Podcast has gained national recognition with appearances on Breakfast Television, and awards such as Best Cannabis Podcast, a nomination for Barrie Women in Business Visionary Award, and they have published High Aspirations: A Commemorative Look at Canadian Cannabis.

    The High Ladies, Annie Dillabough and Amanda La Touche, will share information such as what cannabis is, how it works, the difference between tcp and cbd, benefits and downsides of cannabis, and what to expect in a cannabis store. They approach this serious topic with humour and respect, aiming to educate and inform with accurate and documented facts about this still enigmatic topic.

    *This meeting will be held on zoom, starting at 7:00 pm.

     

    Brantford news, Interest Groups, review, What's new

    Dining Out: Rangoli’s in Brantford

    The Dining out Group likes to stay close to home in the winter months so we were delighted to learn about a new East Indian Restaurant in Brantford called Rangoli’s.  The colourful art on the wall is  joyful, as is the music.  The food was delicious (a few of us were grateful for a dish of yogurt to cool down the tandoori dishes)!  We recommend this restaurant for its good food, relaxed atmosphere, lovely setting and charming staff.