Category Archives: Meetings

Brantford news, Meetings

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.

Brantford news, Events, Meetings, What's new

September 24th speaker

Some members of CFUW Brantford may know Erin Byron from her years of operating Welkin Wellness Yoga Studio in Brantford,
or from her books related to yoga therapy. Erin is a registered psychotherapist who, over twenty years, has helped many
clinicians, business professionals and others enhance their personal health and wellness, and improve their corporate cultures.
Erin will explore the building blocks of wellness and, through a variety of activities and science-backed data, will give us some
tools to feel less stressed, be more present in our lives, and enjoy a greater sense of well-being. Erin’s three books: Yoga for the
Creative Soul ($20), Safety in the Body ($20), and Yoga Therapy for Arthritis ($30), will be available for purchase at our general
meeting on September 24. (Please arrive early if you are planning to purchase a book as books will be available during the
social period from 6:30 to 7:00.)
Colette W for the CFUW Brantford Program Committee

Brantford news, Events, Meetings

May Banquet

Celebrated author Elizabeth Renzetti speaks at our banquet.

On May 28, CFUW Brantford celebrated its 80th anniversary with a bang. Our speaker for the evening, journalist Liz Renzetti, stirred the feminist roots of the organization with her talk about the current situation of women in society, reminding us that the fight for women’s equality must be ongoing. Liz talked about the backlash that women’s success in the workplace, in leadership roles and in other male-dominated fields has brought about. Led by authoritarian governments, including the Trump administration, women’s rights are being reversed and misogyny has increased especially in younger men. Violence against women and girls continues to increase. Women in the audience asked many thoughtful questions which Liz answered skillfully. Thanks go to Liz Renzetti for a thoughtful and rousing talk which we will long remember.

Colette W, for the Program Committee

Brantford news, Events, Meetings

Many Thanks to Bruno Bove!

When illness forced Brian Wood to cancel his talk the day before the April General Meeting, Bruno Bove came to our rescue, and did a fantastic presentation on the current range of services which pharmacists can provide. Bruno is the owner of, and chief pharmacist at, the Shoppers Drug Mart in the Sobey’s plaza in West Brant. Our gratitude goes to Bruno for saving the day with grace and humour!

Colette W for the Program Committee

Brantford news, Events, Meetings

Banquet 2025 Keynote Speaker: Liz Renzetti

As a journalist, columnist and author, Liz Renzetti has been a voice for women for 25 years. In her work at the Globe and Mail she presented a feminist approach to issues. Her book: Shrewd: A Wry and Closely Observed Look at the Lives of Women and Girls was a national bestseller.  Her most recent work of non-fiction: What She Said deals with gender inequality and backlash against women. More recently she has collaborated on fiction with Kate Hillman, with their mystery novel Women and Orphans having been just published. Liz is a wife and mother of two teenagers. As CFUW has made support for women its main mission, Liz Renzetti is the ideal person to speak to us on the occasion of our 80th anniversary.

Please note: books will be available for purchase from 5:00 to 5:30 and again after Renzetti’s talk. Thanks to RiversideBookshelf for their assistance in providing books for sale.

Colette W for the Program Committee

Brantford news, Events, Meetings

May Banquet

Social committee members: Marla M, Jeanne C, Lynne D.

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    Brantford news, Meetings

    Brian Wood knows telephones! 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.

    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, 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.