Gratifying to read in Brenda Miller's newsletter, Among Brenda's Quilts and Bags, a resurgence in sewing that she has observed, particularly at the high school level. ABQ Sewing Studio is a fully-stocked sewing supply shop in Strathroy, Ontario. Classes are in high demand. While this renewed interest is encouraging there are some larger concerns facing high school courses.

Will sewing be considered a tech class?

Ontario high school students will soon be required to take a mandatory
technological education class to earn their diploma, according to the Ministry of Education. The Ford government hopes this change will increase the number of students pursuing skilled trades.

At this time, it is unclear whether fashion courses will qualify as a tech class. This is a concern for teachers and students. There may not be room in schedules for fashion classes if they are not included as Tech classes.

Moreover, students will be required to take two online classes, which could pose a challenge for the fashion and food and nutrition courses as many are not available on-line. The essential experiential uniqueness of these in-class courses cannot be underestimated.

​See more here.

Audrey Margaret Warner died peacefully in Wiarton, Ontario on February 5, 2023. She was 93 years young. She is survived by her husband, Alex Murchie; her stepchildren Jim, Mary Jo, Betty, Carolyn, Sandy, and their families; her nieces Kathy, Anne and Elaine and their families; her beloved great-niece, Alexandra and husband, Kegan. She is predeceased by her brother Ken and sister-in-law Bernice, and by her brother Doug and sister-in-law Geraldine.

Audrey was born September 26,1929 in Hamilton, Ontario. She was a graduate of Western, Toronto, and Cornell Universities. She taught secondary school in Tillsonburg, Hamilton, and Dundas, then worked as an associate professor at the Faculty of Education, University of Toronto. Audrey retired to Mallory Beach near Wiarton, spending winters in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and travelling with Alex to Europe and the United States. A person of many interests, Audrey was an honorary life member of OFSHEEA (Family Studies-Home Economics Educators), and a life member of AAFCS (American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences). She was active in many sports especially golf, skiing, curling and canoe tripping. She had a fine eye for design and colour and loved the furniture and textiles of Scandinavia as well as the art and sculpture of the Inuit of northern Canada.

In keeping with Audrey's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Audrey's Life will be held at St. John's United Church in Wiarton, the date and time to be announced later. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, Hamilton at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada, to St. John's United Church, Wiarton or to the Warner Cemetery, St. David's, Ontario. Condolences can be sent to Audrey's family by visiting her memorial at www.woodfuneralhome.ca

Obituary was originally published in The Hamilton Spectator.

TOMORROW is not just a film; it is the beginning of a movement seeking to encourage local communities around the world to change the way they live for the sake of our planet.

TODAY, we need a new direction, objective... A new dream! The documentary Tomorrow sets out to showcase alternative and creative ways of viewing agriculture, economics, energy, democracy and education. It offers constructive solutions to act on a local level to make a difference on a global level. So far, no other documentary has gone down such an optimistic road:

 Part 1: Agriculture and Energy
 Part 2:  Economy, Democracy and Education

Thanks to Betty Young for organizing and hosting this February Ottawa HEA meeting with a choice of viewing dates that include discussion and networking time.

OHEA members can view this video anytime at:

https://www.filmsforaction.org/watch/tomorrow-take-concrete-steps-to-a-sustainable-future/

ALLISON B. TOWSE April 20. 1928 - February 2, 2023.

Allison passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, February 2, 2023, at The Teddington Retirement Residence, at the age of 94. She survived her late husband, John H. Towse. Allison was born, raised and lived her entire adult life in her family home in North Toronto. She was a career woman who always looked lovely. After graduating from University of Toronto, she worked as a food scientist testing and developing products. She worked with Canada Packers now Maple Leaf foods. Allison enjoyed her professional life.

​Outside of work, Allison was passionate about healthy cooking and enjoyed hours in the kitchen. She was an enthusiastic reader, always with a book or two in hand. She was an avid gardener who delighted in every bloom with every season. Allison loved her home. She was a member of the Granite Club for 51 years. While at the club, she was a dedicated fitness member, using the gym regularly, aqua-fit, and curled for many years. She had also been a golfer enjoying the course and dinners at The Toronto Hunt Club. Allison had a great smile and was very appreciative to all of those who helped her along the way. Many Thanks to all those who made her feel comfortable and loved. A special thank you to her kind personal care assistants who were always by her side and the wonderful staff at The Teddington. 'A life well lived.'

Obituary was originally published in The Globe and Mail.

Looking to build your leadership skills? OHEA is currently looking to fill the Secretary/Treasurer Board position.

As the Treasurer, you will:

• Be the one of the signing officers at the bank
• Help make financial decisions with the board related to OHEA finances
• Provide financial approvals monthly (e.g. sign off on cheques)
• Liaise with a representative at the bank when the board has questions or concerns
• Monitor Association’s investments and make plan with the bank’s advisor
• Attend all board meetings (2 hours per month)
  
  

Commitment: About 3 to 4 hours per month

The candidate must:

• Be a Professional Home Economist or a Member of the OHEA
• Have basic financial knowledge about budgets and a laddering investment strategy is required
• Be available to attend virtual board meetings each month, which are typically held on a weekday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  
  

Term:

• Board term is two years, with a possible extension up to 4 years.

We are also looking for P.H.Ec. Members to fill the following board vacancies:

• President-Elect
• VP Communications
  
• VP Professional Development

To apply, please connect with us, info@ohea.on.ca.

MARY AUDREY JARVIS (nee Mahon) January 25, 1930 - January 9, 2023

Full of grace until the end, our beloved Audrey passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. Predeceased by her husband, Keith, she leaves behind her children, Kathy Abels (Frank), Maureen (Kieran Foster), Jim (Brenda Jarvis) and Ted (Lisa Plow-Jarvis); thirteen grandchildren, Peter, Matthew, Jimmy and Katie Abels; Emily (James), Olivia and John Jarvis; Audrey and Mary Foster; Keith, Harrison, Luke and Isobel Jarvis; and her great-grandchild Birdie. Audrey is also survided by her sister-in-law, Kathy (Paul Meade). Audrey was predeceased by her parents, Edna and Tony; and her brothers, Larry and Jim; and her sister, Connie Corner. Her peaceful resolve and inquisitive nature made her a trusted confidant and mentor to nephews, nieces, and friends of her children.

A proud Winnipegger, Audrey attended St. Mary's Academy and the University of Manitoba, where she graduated with a degree in Home Economics. She continued postgraduate studies at University of Minnesota and became a Registered Dietitian, pursuing hospital work in Portland, Oregon, and later in life, teaching nutrition at George Brown College. An inspired leader, Audrey's University yearbook noted 'she has proven that the fairer sex is as capable as their opposites.' President of her university class, Audrey was valedictorian of every class from which she graduated. Her zest for life led to travel to Europe and work in Lake Louise, Minnesota, and Oregon, all of which inspired a sense of adventure in her children and grandchildren. Audrey and Keith enjoyed retirement, travelling to visit children in Japan, South Africa, England, and Australia.

While raising four children in Etobicoke, Audrey and Keith were a guiding force in the community. They ran spiritual retreats for hundreds of high school children, as well as the marriage preparation course at their parish. Audrey was the recipient of an Award of Merit from the city of Etobicoke for creating a reading program where local seniors tutored school children. She was an active member of the Catholic Women's League and the University Women's Club. Mom enjoyed her tennis, golf, and a good party. She created a warm family home where everyone was welcome and we felt secure in her unconditional love. She selflessly put family ahead of herself, supporting our lives to be the fullest they could be.

Mom's humour, humility and grace are gifts that will be felt for generations. A Mass followed by a Celebration of Life will be held at Nativity of Our Lord Church in Etobicoke at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Covenant House. Online Condolences may be made through: www.turnerporter.ca.

Published by The Globe and Mail.

Nineteen members of the Ottawa HEA gathered at the Algonquin College
Restaurant International on Dec. 6 . 2022. The meeting was well-organized by Sue Thorne, Anne Woo, P.H.Ec. and Linda Robbins, P.H.Ec., complete with table favours, social time, a clever gift exchange and a delicious buffet.

Restaurant International, a hands-on learning laboratory that provides Algonquin College students the opportunity to apply and reinforce learning outcomes, practices and skills they learn in their programs. Menus are created by students and faculty from culinary and hospitality programs in the School of Hospitality & Tourism. Food preparation and dining services are facilitated by students as part of their course studies.

Home Economists can appreciate the huge challenges of teaching food preparation via Zoom during the pandemic and enjoy being able to once again support the Algonquin faculty and students, in person.

Passed away at her home, on Saturday, December 24, 2022, at 81 years of age after a struggle with cancer. Louise was an avid traveler, sewer and crafter, and dog lover. She studied Food Science at Ryerson which sparked a life-long interest in food and nutrition. Her "retirement project" was to renovate the historic George Lawrence home in Virgil, creating both a home and an antique shop. She continued to work as an antique dealer until 2020 and was an integral part of the Lakeshore Antiques & Treasures Co-Operative.

Louise is survived by her children Susan (James MacAskill), Barb and Chuck (Mary Lacroix), and her brother, Warren Whale. She is predeceased by her parents, Helen and Bert Whale, her aunts, Dot and Mildred, and her uncle, John.

In honouring Louise's wishes, a Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 1 - 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 1, 2023, at her residence. Contact oldwitchantiques@yahoo.ca for details. Memorial donations to Community Care of St. Catharines & Thorold or the Lincoln County Humane Society would be appreciated.
​
Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca.

July 5, 1922 - October 16, 2022

​The death occurred peacefully at the Kings County Memorial Hospital on Sunday, October 16, 2022 of the Honourable Doris Margaret Anderson of St. Peter’s, age 100 years. She was born on the family farm in St. Peter’s on July 5, 1922. Loving sister of Dr. Alan Anderson and sister-in-law of Kathleen Anderson, Ann Anderson and Merrijoy Kelner. Treasured “Aunt Do” of 13 nieces, nephews and their families. 

Toronto Metropolitan University Home Economics Association (TMHEA) is planning an in-person Meet and Greet with OHEA/THEA members in which TMU students can learn more about home economics, the different career paths and how to get involved. At the event, we will begin with introductions, go over frequently asked questions to all attending members, and allow some time at the end of the event for students to ask more questions and network.

Date: November 1, 2022
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

For questions and inquiries, contact Lindsey Ma at lindsey.ma@ryerson.ca.