Avante May Newsletter
Well, spring has almost sprung, the crocuses and daffodils were so colourful with their little snowy hats. That’s how we’re feeling at Avante as well, like we’re working our way up and out to the fresh air.
Avante continues to adapt our programming according to COVID-19 recommendations, so until further notice, all our activities are offered through Zoom meetings and Facebook Live presentations. Registration is strongly recommended at avanteregister@gmail.com.
Our services remain the same (information, resources, counselling). We are available to meet with you in-person at the centre (15 du Pont, Bedford) or by phone 450-248-0530.
VIRTUAL BINGO
Are you going stir crazy? Got cabin fever? Sick of not having any social outings? Let’s play Bingo and have a good laugh and perhaps even win a prize on Friday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m.!
Reusable bingo cards can be picked up at Avante, you just need your own chips or daubers. Please register for the link by May 5.
MOVIE NIGHT
On Wednesday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m. we’ll be viewing Transhood. Filmed over five years in Kansas City, this documentary follows four kids beginning at ages 4, 7, 12, and 15 as they redefine “coming of age.” These kids and their families reveal intimate realities of how gender is re-shaping the family next door in a neverbefore-told chronicling of growing up transgender in the heartland. The film is a nuanced examination of how families tussle, transform, and sometimes find unexpected purpose in their identities as transgender families. Lighthearted and deeply moving, this story teaches us something new about being human. Please register for the link by May 7.
ZOOM CAFÉ
Join Nancy for some lighthearted conversation at our monthly Zoom Café on Thursday, May 13 at 1:00 p.m. Please register for the link by May 11.
DIY on FACEBOOK LIVE
We have a very special guest, Gisèle, who will be showing you step-by-step how to make her very unique knitted dolls on Friday, May 14 at 2 p.m.
DIY with CRAFTY CATHY
On Tuesday, May 18 at 10:00 a.m. Crafty Cathy will create placemats with her magic infinity loom. If you would like to follow along you will need a round loom and yarn (if you don’t have any yarn, give us a call). Please register by May 14.
HEALTH MATTERS
Our partnership with Townshippers’ Association continues on Wednesday, May 19 at 10 a.m. with Burnout to Balance: strategies to regulating stress with guest speaker Amanda Rocheleau- registered social worker and compassion fatigue specialist. This workshop will explore the impact of chronic stress in our lives and introduce fundamental daily practices that we can all do to help process our stress to prevent burnout. Please register by May 14.
DIY with the LITTLES
Our PPDAY “do-it-yourselves” have become quite popular with the athome-with-the-kids/grandkids crowd. This month we’ll be making popsicle stick bird feeders on Friday, May 21 at 10 a.m. As always, there are 10 kits available on a first come first served basis. Please register by May 19.
COOKING
Christine will be making homemade donuts on Wednesday, May 26 at 1:30 p.m.
CLASS on FACEBOOK LIVE INTERNET MATTERS
After two months of learning the intricacies on being online we’re going to the gram. Instagram, that is. What is that, you ask? Good question. Join Brielle on Thursday, May 27 at 1:30 p.m. as she walks you through what it’s all about and setting up an account. Please register by May 25.
VIRTUAL KARAOKE
If you think virtual bingo is going to be fun, just wait for karaoke night on Friday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m.! It’s sure to make the felines caterwaul while we sing our hearts out to songs by empowering women! Please register by May 26.
BOOK CLUB
Dates and book choices are not preset, they are a group decision, and you can join at any time. Contact Christine for more information.
IN THE NEWS
Even though this pandemic makes it feel like we’re losing track of time sometimes, time hasn’t stopped at Avante. Things are a-moving and a-shaking. Barb has retired after 17 years (we still can’t believe it); Mariah is off awaiting the birth of her second child; we’re fortunate to have received a grant to hire the “summer girl”, Brielle, who will be with us until September when she goes back to University to continue her studies in psychology. And that ain’t all folks. We’re moving! Yup! You heard it here first (or maybe you’ve already been hearing whispers). We’re moving to 9, de la Rivière on June 5. We got a sneak peak today – it’s going to be fabulous, and we can’t wait to show it to you. It has a large enough meeting room that we will be able to have a few members in at a time for workshops and activities. We’re so excited to see you again!!
Avante Women’s Centre welcomes women from all walks of life in Brome-missisquoi and supports them to reach their full potential through educational and informational programs and services and collective action for social change.
We can be reached in-person at 15, rue du Pont, Bedford or by phone at 450-248-0530.