|
| |
Canadian Women’s Club of Chicago Newsletter
April 2008
PRESIDENT'S LETTER
Dear Members,
Well, officially it is spring. However, there is still snow on the ground and a
definite nip in the air. Don’t store the mittens yet!
We had a lovely social evening celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at Phyllis’
home on the 15th of March: great food and good company topped off with wonderful
entertainment provided by young musicians from the Irish Academy of Music. Thank
you to Paula Van Singel and Mary Ellen Crowe for putting it all together and, of
course, to Phyllis for opening her home to us.
We have been meeting in the suburbs for the past couple of months. In February,
we played “Jeopardy” to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of
Quebec. Alex Trebequois even put in a special appearance at the game! In March,
we visited the Marriott Lincolnshire for lunch and a performance of “Les
Miserables” . It was fantastic - and much enjoyed by everyone. This month, we
are heading into the city to a high rise overlooking the lake and will be
learning a little bit more about Chicago’s fabulous architectural history. This
sounds very interesting; do plan to attend.
Bev has more of the Canadian pins. They will be available at the April meeting.
She has done a wonderful job at ordering such a nice variety of styles. We can
flaunt our Canadian identities in so many ways now!!
So, think warm thoughts. Watch for daffodils. Listen for robins. Happy spring!
Carol
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Birthday wishes for April go to: Teresa Flowers, Mary Ellen Crowe, Barbara
Miller.
CALL ME A CRAZY CANADIAN!
Ever since moving to Chicago, from Toronto, nearly 25 years ago now, I have run,
jogged, walked or bicycled along the lakefront between Randolph Street and the
Museum Campus. This is my home turf. I know every tree, park bench and crack in
the sidewalk as if they inhabited my own back yard.
During the summer months, this lakefront expanse becomes a mecca for exercise
enthusiasts and for all sorts of social occasions. As the weather turns warm we
all emerge from our cocoons, shed our winter wear, and the city becomes a
beehive of activity. It is heartwarming to see so many Chicagoans taking
advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoying our superb parkland. Many
city-sponsored events take place every weekend in this area, from charity
walk-a-thons to the triathlon and biking Lake Shore Drive, to name just a few.
Summer in Chicago is indeed a fantastic time of the year to live and play in the
city.
Call me a crazy Canadian, but I love winter!
Maybe it goes back to my childhood growing up in Canada when skating on a
homemade frozen pond, tobogganing over the fields, snow ball fights and building
a snowman were part of my everyday life for a good five or six months of the
year. The first snowfall was always a big deal as I dashed outside to experience
the warm winter air when it snows, feel snowflakes melting on my tongue and
discover the exhilaration of falling backwards into a big snow bank.
Winter is truly my favorite time of the year, especially for working out along
the lakefront in Chicago. Dressed in snow ski attire, thermal underwear and all,
I head south along LSD braving the elements as I go. The icy, arctic wind whips
across Lake Michigan and blows ferociously in my face but in spite of it all I
propel myself forward one step at a time against this mighty force. I imagine
that this must be what it feels like to trudge across the frozen tundra of our
great Canadian north.
It’s a challenge that’s for sure. Most people opt to stay indoors this time of
the year and get their daily dose of exercise running on a treadmill. On the
other hand, I quite enjoy the adventure of being outdoors and embrace the
challenge of conquering harsh and severe weather. I completely understand what
drives mountain climbers to tackle the highest peaks. I often comment to my son,
“Hey, guess what I did today? I climbed Mt. Everest!” He, of course, gives me an
odd look as if to say, “What planet is she from?” But then he knows I’m
Canadian, so I guess that answers that.
Waking up to a blanket of fresh snow on the ground makes me burst with joy. This
is what I have been waiting for! This is when the Chicago landscape produces
some of its most provocative and stirring scenery ever. To me, these snow images
of the city’s lakefront demonstrate just how beautiful winter can be.
By the time I reach the sanctity of home my cheeks are frozen and my thighs
tingle with the cold, yet inside I feel invigorated and alive. I’m as happy as a
polar bear on ice!
- Susanna Doolin, March 2008
|
