Upcoming Events and Activities

Nov
16
Sat
2024
Storytime – Morrin Center
Nov 16 @ 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Storytime is a literacy program for children ages 3 to 7. Each activity begins with the reading of a story followed by a craft inspired by its themes. Our objective is to foster children’s love of reading by providing fun, interactive activities that will encourage them to continue reading after each session.

All sessions are free and take place in the Library every Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m.

Poster for Fall Storytime at the Morrin Centre, featuring colorful autumn-themed illustrations with books, leaves, and a cartoon bear. The event is for children ages 3-7 and takes place on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Featured books and dates include How to Party Like a Snail by Naseem Hrab (September 28), Vampire Vacation by Laura Lavoie (October 26), A Friend for Eddy by Ann Kim Ha (November 2), and more. Guest speaker Lana Button will appear on October 5. For more information, contact manuelafloresdenti@morrin.org.

Registration is needed to participate.*

To sign up or for further information, please contact Education Program Coordinator Manuela Flores Denti at manuelafloresdenti@morrin.org.

Nov
17
Sun
2024
Morrin In Verse: Reading Poetry Workshop
Nov 17 @ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Join us for another instalment of our Reading Poetry workshops! We’ll answer two simple questions: What are poems made of, and what can they do?

The image you uploaded promotes a Reading Poetry Workshop organized by Morrin. The design features a roller coaster track, symbolizing the ups and downs of reading poetry, with scattered letters forming parts of the word "POETRY" floating around the roller coaster. The graphic has a minimalistic aesthetic with white lines on a grey background, accented with a red square containing the "Morrin" logo.

This workshop aims to give you the tools and vocabulary with which to discuss, think about, and, above all, appreciate poetry.

You can attend the workshop in person or online. Please email library@morrin.org to learn more or to sign up!

Nov
18
Mon
2024
Out & About: Lunch & Early Christmas Shopping at Place Laurier!
Nov 18 @ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

"Banner for Out & About event: Lunch & Place Laurier. The image features a festive scene with a woman in a Santa hat pushing a shopping cart filled with gifts on the left and a decorated Christmas tree on the right."

🎄 Out & About: Lunch & Early Christmas Shopping at Place Laurier! 🎄

Join us for a festive outing to kick off the holiday season! Let’s gather for a delightful lunch, then dive into some early Christmas shopping at Place Laurier, one of Quebec City’s top spots for holiday finds. This is the perfect chance to get into the Christmas spirit, find unique gifts, and enjoy holiday cheer with friends!

🕒 Time: 10:30 a.m. departure – plan to return around 3:30 p.m.

What’s on the Agenda:
– Lunch Together: Enjoy a meal with the group before we shop.
– Place Laurier Shopping: Explore all three floors, packed with shops and boutiques, to get a head start on your Christmas list.

Cost: Bring funds for your lunch and shopping.

RSVP to reserve your spot on the bus! Let’s make it a fun and productive holiday outing together.

In Stitches- Shannon Knitting Circle
Nov 18 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

A fun activity for ages 16+. Learn how to knit, improve your technique or work on your project in a supportive social environment each week throughout the Fall!

Contact Jeanne Nivischiuk with any questions, 418-683-2366 x 228 or david.zhu@veq.ca

Nov
19
Tue
2024
S.T.E.A.M. Club: Workshop – Morrin Center
Nov 19 @ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Club welcomes children ages 8 to 12 who love to experiment, create, and learn more about the world around them. Each week, we will explore different science or artistic themes. This program promotes creativity, critical thinking, and perseverance in each session.

The Morrin Centre Book Quest S.T.E.A.M. Club, for children ages 7 to 12, will meet every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m.

To sign up or for further information, please get in touch with Education Program Coordinator Manuela Flores Denti at manuelafloresdenti@morrin.org

Poster for Fall STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) at the Morrin Centre. The title features colorful and playful typography. The event is scheduled for Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. and is aimed at children ages 8-12. Activities include crafting fridge magnets, shadow puppets, a still life watercolor workshop, an aquatic life watercolor workshop, a night sky watercolor workshop, puppet manipulation, a jumping robot, and an elephant toothpaste experiment. For more information, the contact email is manuelafloresdenti@morrin.com.

Pixels & Pages: Book Club
Nov 19 @ 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Interested in discussing literature with other book lovers?
Are you missing connecting over books in the Library? Join Pixels & Pages!

Selection for November: Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry

Old God’s Time is available on OverDrive in e-book format as part of the Morrin Centre’s digital collections HERE.

Please note that this event will be a hybrid. The book club will meet in the Library, but participants can also participate online via Zoom.

Please email library@morrin.org to learn more or to sign up!

Nov
20
Wed
2024
Brain Power Board Games – (Shannon)
Nov 20 @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Brain Power – Drop-In (Shannon) – Wednesday, August 28th (10:00 am-Noon)

Get ready for a stimulating session of Brain Power—Drop-In at the VEQ Community Space! Strengthen your mind while connecting with others in a fun and relaxed environment. This event features a variety of board games that are both fun and challenging, offering the perfect way to exercise your brain and socialize with others.

We’ll also provide tea, coffee, and healthy snacks to refresh and energize you throughout the morning. Whether you’re a seasoned board games enthusiast or just looking for a new way to engage your mind, this event has something for everyone. The atmosphere will be welcoming and inclusive, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and engaged.

Beyond playing games, you’ll have the chance to meet new people and form meaningful connections. Sharpen your cognitive skills and enjoy a few hours of friendly competition in our warm, inviting community space, which makes relaxing and having a great time accessible.

You’ll also explore new games and strategies, challenging yourself differently. It’s the perfect way to spend your morning, combining mental exercise with social interaction. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with fellow community members and enjoy a delightful morning at the VEQ Community Space.

Banner for the Brain Power event in Shannon. The design features the text 'BRAIN POWER SHANNON' in large green letters. The left side of the banner shows two dice, one red and one white with black dots. The right side of the banner includes an illustration of a checkers board with a green cord or string connecting to it, symbolizing games or mental exercises

Contact Information:

If you’re interested in this fun-filled event or want more details about upcoming Brain Power sessions in September, contact David Zhu at david.zhu@veq.ca or call 418-683-2366 ext. 228. David is ready to assist with your registration and provide additional details.

Mark your calendar and get ready for a fantastic morning!

 

Nov
21
Thu
2024
Literary Feast 2024
Nov 21 @ 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Our 14th annual fundraising dinner will occur on Thursday, November 21, 2024

Please reserve your tickets today for our 14th annual fundraising dinner on Thursday, November 21, 2024. We are honoured to welcome an extraordinary guest on this occasion.

Our keynote speaker is PETER SIMONS.

Learn more about our fundraising dinner by visiting morrin.org/literaryfeast2024.

Schedule

The event will start at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail in one of Canada’s most beautiful libraries, followed by dinner in the historic College Hall at 6:30 p.m.

Our annual silent auction will also take place during the evening.

Pricing

limited number of tickets are available at $275 per person.

special rate of $250 per person is available when purchasing 10 tickets or more.

This year, the mezzanine has a very limited number of tables for two available for $550 each.

Reservation

You may reserve your ticket(s) by calling Julie Colanero at 418 694-9147extension 221, or by contacting her at info@morrin.org.

Nov
22
Fri
2024
Community Kitchen
Nov 22 @ 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Join us as we cook a meal together. Our featured chef will show us some easy recipes for a day of cooking!  Enjoy lunch and bring home a portion too!

Registration is required, participants will also be asked to contribute a few ingredients for the chosen recipies.

Contact David at 418-683-2366 x 228 or david.zhu@veq.ca to confirm your participation.

Out & About: Crackpot Café
Nov 22 @ 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

A colorful banner with the title 'Out & About' in large orange typography, followed by 'Café Crackpot' in smaller red text underneath. On the left side, there's an illustrated mug with vibrant, abstract designs, and on the right side, a painter’s palette with colorful paint blobs and brushes. The background features soft beige and orange tones, with a flowing line adding a decorative touch

🎨 Creative Fun at Crackpot Café
Dates: Friday, November 22nd & 29th
Time: TBD
Price: $6 entry fee + cost of ceramic pieces (prices vary)

Unleash your creativity at Crackpot Café, where you can choose from over 700 ceramic models to paint! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking for a fun activity, there’s something for everyone. Some of the available ceramic options include:

  • Mugs: $15
  • Bowls & Plates: $12 – $32
  • Teapots, Jars & Pitchers: $15 – $30
  • Flower Pots & Vases: $15 – $35
  • Piggy Banks & Boxes: $18 – $35
  • Decorative Animals & Figurines: $12 – $16

🎨 Prices may vary based on final confirmation from the store. If you have specific items you’d like to paint, let me know in advance so I can give the shop a heads-up!

It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, have fun, and create your own masterpiece! Don’t miss out on this hands-on experience.

Nov
25
Mon
2024
In Stitches- Shannon Knitting Circle
Nov 25 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

A fun activity for ages 16+. Learn how to knit, improve your technique or work on your project in a supportive social environment each week throughout the Fall!

Contact Jeanne Nivischiuk with any questions, 418-683-2366 x 228 or david.zhu@veq.ca

Morrin Mystery Mondays: Book Club
Nov 25 @ 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Come join us for a cozy afternoon chat about books at 1:30 p.m. every last Monday of the month!

We have a new daytime book club at the Morrin Centre: Morrin Mystery Mondays! We’ll be reading mysteries and other cozies.

The selection for November is A Dreadful Splendour by B.R. Myers.  The book is available on OverDrive as an e-book and audiobook.

This event will be held in person. Please email library@morrin.org to learn more or to sign up. We encourage new members to join anytime!

This project is in partnership with La Maison Anglaise.

Nov
28
Thu
2024
Off-Imagination: Jessica Johns – Bad Cree
Nov 28 @ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Meet author Jessica Johns and discover her new novel, Bad Cree!

 

Jessica Johns is a queer nehiyaw aunty with English-Irish ancestry and a member of Sucker Creek First Nation. Her debut novel, Bad Cree, was shortlisted for the Amazon First Novel Award, won the MacEwan Book of the Year award, and is on the 2024 CBC Canada Reads longlist.

Photo of Jessica Johns by Loretta Johns

 

 

English and French copies of the book Bad Cree will be on sale during this event.

The doors will open at 6:00 p.m., and the event will start at 6:30 p.m. Participants will be offered a complimentary glass of wine.

Nov
29
Fri
2024
Community Kitchen
Nov 29 @ 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Join us as we cook a meal together. Our featured chef will show us some easy recipes for a day of cooking!  Enjoy lunch and bring home a portion too!

Registration is required, participants will also be asked to contribute a few ingredients for the chosen recipies.

Contact David at 418-683-2366 x 228 or david.zhu@veq.ca to confirm your participation.

Out & About: Crackpot Café
Nov 29 @ 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

A colorful banner with the title 'Out & About' in large orange typography, followed by 'Café Crackpot' in smaller red text underneath. On the left side, there's an illustrated mug with vibrant, abstract designs, and on the right side, a painter’s palette with colorful paint blobs and brushes. The background features soft beige and orange tones, with a flowing line adding a decorative touch

🎨 Creative Fun at Crackpot Café
Dates: Friday, November 22nd & 29th
Time: TBD
Price: $6 entry fee + cost of ceramic pieces (prices vary)

Unleash your creativity at Crackpot Café, where you can choose from over 700 ceramic models to paint! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking for a fun activity, there’s something for everyone. Some of the available ceramic options include:

  • Mugs: $15
  • Bowls & Plates: $12 – $32
  • Teapots, Jars & Pitchers: $15 – $30
  • Flower Pots & Vases: $15 – $35
  • Piggy Banks & Boxes: $18 – $35
  • Decorative Animals & Figurines: $12 – $16

🎨 Prices may vary based on final confirmation from the store. If you have specific items you’d like to paint, let me know in advance so I can give the shop a heads-up!

It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, have fun, and create your own masterpiece! Don’t miss out on this hands-on experience.

Dec
2
Mon
2024
In Stitches- Shannon Knitting Circle
Dec 2 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

A fun activity for ages 16+. Learn how to knit, improve your technique or work on your project in a supportive social environment each week throughout the Fall!

Contact Jeanne Nivischiuk with any questions, 418-683-2366 x 228 or david.zhu@veq.ca

Dec
4
Wed
2024
Brain Power Board Games – (Shannon)
Dec 4 @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Brain Power – Drop-In (Shannon) – Wednesday, August 28th (10:00 am-Noon)

Get ready for a stimulating session of Brain Power—Drop-In at the VEQ Community Space! Strengthen your mind while connecting with others in a fun and relaxed environment. This event features a variety of board games that are both fun and challenging, offering the perfect way to exercise your brain and socialize with others.

We’ll also provide tea, coffee, and healthy snacks to refresh and energize you throughout the morning. Whether you’re a seasoned board games enthusiast or just looking for a new way to engage your mind, this event has something for everyone. The atmosphere will be welcoming and inclusive, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and engaged.

Beyond playing games, you’ll have the chance to meet new people and form meaningful connections. Sharpen your cognitive skills and enjoy a few hours of friendly competition in our warm, inviting community space, which makes relaxing and having a great time accessible.

You’ll also explore new games and strategies, challenging yourself differently. It’s the perfect way to spend your morning, combining mental exercise with social interaction. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with fellow community members and enjoy a delightful morning at the VEQ Community Space.

Banner for the Brain Power event in Shannon. The design features the text 'BRAIN POWER SHANNON' in large green letters. The left side of the banner shows two dice, one red and one white with black dots. The right side of the banner includes an illustration of a checkers board with a green cord or string connecting to it, symbolizing games or mental exercises

Contact Information:

If you’re interested in this fun-filled event or want more details about upcoming Brain Power sessions in September, contact David Zhu at david.zhu@veq.ca or call 418-683-2366 ext. 228. David is ready to assist with your registration and provide additional details.

Mark your calendar and get ready for a fantastic morning!

 

Dec
5
Thu
2024
Tween-Tales: Kids’ Book Club – Morrin Center
Dec 5 @ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The Tweens Tales Book Club is for 11 to 13-year-old children. The children will have two to three weeks to read each book provided by the Morrin Centre. During the one-hour session, they will discuss, reflect on, and learn more about the book.

We aim to foster a love of reading in every child through various fun and interactive activities that encourage them to continue reading.

Each session is free, but registration is required to participate.

Please click HERE and complete this form to register your child for the Tween-Tales Book Club.

For additional information, please get in touch with our Education Program Coordinator, Manuela Flores Denti, at manuelafloresdenti@morrin.org.

Dec
6
Fri
2024
Out & About: Lunch and Place Laurier
Dec 6 @ 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

"Banner for Out & About event: Lunch & Place Laurier. The image features a festive scene with a woman in a Santa hat pushing a shopping cart filled with gifts on the left and a decorated Christmas tree on the right."

🎉 Join Us for a Festive Outing at Place Laurier Mall! 🎉

On December 6th, get into the holiday spirit with a memorable trip to Place Laurier Mall! Enjoy a leisurely lunch followed by time to explore the shops, discover seasonal deals, and check off those holiday wish lists. Whether hunting for gifts or simply soaking in the mall’s festive atmosphere, this outing is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season with friends and community.

📅 Date: Wednesday, December 6th
🍽 Includes: Lunch & shopping time
🕒 Departure: 11:00 am | Return: 2:30 pm

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today! More details will come soon—stay tuned!

Dec
9
Mon
2024
In Stitches- Shannon Knitting Circle
Dec 9 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

A fun activity for ages 16+. Learn how to knit, improve your technique or work on your project in a supportive social environment each week throughout the Fall!

Contact Jeanne Nivischiuk with any questions, 418-683-2366 x 228 or david.zhu@veq.ca

Dec
12
Thu
2024
Out and About: German Christmas Market
Dec 12 @ 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Out & About: Lunch & German Christmas Market - Festive banner with an illustration of people shopping at a market stall filled with holiday goods. A green ribbon on the top right corner reads 'Season of Shopping' with stars around it

🎄✨ Experience the Magic of the Quebec City German Market! ✨🎄

Mark your calendar for December 12 and join us for a festive outing to Quebec City’s enchanting German Market! We’ll begin with a delightful lunch in the area, followed by time to explore the market’s charming stalls filled with unique local products, perfect for holiday shopping! Enjoy cozy treats like cheese fondue, churros, warming mulled wine, and more as you browse.

📅 Date: Thursday, December 12
🕒 Time: 11:00 am – 2:30 pm

Reserve your spot today for a memorable lunch, shopping, and holiday cheer day!

This will be our last outing before the Christmas holidays, so let’s make it memorable! This outing will be a combined adventure, uniting the East and West. It will be a perfect opportunity to make new friends and connections!

Dec
13
Fri
2024
Out & About Event: A Christmas Pie Bake Off POSTPONED
Dec 13 @ 11:15 AM – 3:15 PM

Out & About: A Christmas Pie Bake Off - Festive banner featuring an illustration of a slice of pie with whipped cream and a '1st place' ribbon on the left. The word 'Contest!' bursts in a playful design on the top right, adding excitement to the holiday theme

Exciting Pie Contest Alert!

🎉 Think you can bake the ultimate pie? Prove it! 🎉

📅 Date: December 13th, 2024 POSTPONED
📍 Location: Valcartier Community Centre
💲 Entry Fee: Only $10

Theme: Savory & Sweet Pies

  • Each team bakes two pies (1 savoury & 1 sweet).
  • Teams of 4 will be randomly assigned.

How It Works:

  • We will provide essential ingredients—no worries there!
  • After forming teams, you’ll submit a list of ingredients you need.
  • But here’s the twist:
    • Each team’s main ingredients will be visible to all teams.
    • You can spice things up! Bring secret ingredients to keep your pie unique!
    • Need extra flair? Hide your spices or “special” touches from other teams.

Are You Ready to Be Crowned the Pie Champion? 🥧🏆

📧 Register now by emailing Maria.Hoyt@veq.ca
Contest rules will be shared upon registration.

Dec
14
Sat
2024
Our Stories: Holiday Special Family Event
Dec 14 @ 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Our Stories: Holiday Special Family Event

Join us for this get-together, where you can share tales, stories, legends, and poems that share the holiday season as a common theme. Instructions and materials for creating cards will also be available.

The Morrin Centre team will present this event. All participants will receive gingerbread biscuits and warm drinks.

Dec
15
Sun
2024
Teatime – Holiday Special
Dec 15 @ 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Enjoy the holidays with a merry Tea Time at the Morrin Centre! Warm up from the frosty winter chill with tea, treats, and traditional Victorian pastimes. Book tickets today to gift yourself a unique experience!

Date: December 15, 2024
Time:

17:00 – 18:00
Event Category :

Teatime – December 15

 

 

Enjoy the holidays with a merry Tea Time at the Morrin Centre! Warm up from the frosty winter chill with tea, treats, and traditional Victorian pastimes. Book tickets today to gift yourself a memorable experience!

 

This hour-long immersive and interactive experience will introduce you to tea history and etiquette, teach you some traditional Victorian games and activities, and (of course) allow you to taste several teas and sweet and savoury snacks.

 

Tickets must be purchased at least 72 hours in advance. If the minimum number of registrations (8) is not reached by the Thursday prior to the event, the activity will be cancelled, and all tickets will be refunded. The maximum number of registrations is 20. Please note that Teatime tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Dec
16
Mon
2024
In Stitches- Shannon Knitting Circle
Dec 16 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

A fun activity for ages 16+. Learn how to knit, improve your technique or work on your project in a supportive social environment each week throughout the Fall!

Contact Jeanne Nivischiuk with any questions, 418-683-2366 x 228 or david.zhu@veq.ca

Morrin Mystery Mondays: Book Club
Dec 16 @ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Join us for a cozy afternoon chat about books at 1:30 p.m. every last Monday of the month.

Date: December 16, 2024

Time:

13:30 – 15:00
Event Category:

We have a new daytime book club at the Morrin Centre: Morrin Mystery Mondays! We’ll be reading mysteries and other cozies.

The selection for December is Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen by Vicki DelanyThe book is available on OverDrive as an e-book and audiobook.

This event will be held in person. Please email library@morrin.org to learn more or to sign up. We encourage new members to join anytime!

 

This project is in partnership with La Maison Anglaise.

Pixels & Pages Book Club – Morrin Center
Dec 16 @ 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Interested in discussing literature with other book lovers?
Missing connecting over books in the Library? Join Pixels & Pages!

📚 Date: December 17, 2024
Time: 19:00 – 20:30
📍 Location: Morrin Centre Library (hybrid option via Zoom available)
🎨 Event Category: Cultural Event

Selection for December: The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster

The New York Trilogy is available on OverDrive in e-book format as part of the Morrin Centre’s digital collections HERE.

Please note that this event will be a hybrid. The book club will meet in the Library, but participants can also participate online via Zoom.

Please email library@morrin.org to learn more or to sign up!

 


This project is in partnership with La Maison Anglaise.

Dec
18
Wed
2024
Brain Power Board Games – (Shannon)
Dec 18 @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Brain Power – Drop-In (Shannon) – Wednesday, August 28th (10:00 am-Noon)

Get ready for a stimulating session of Brain Power—Drop-In at the VEQ Community Space! Strengthen your mind while connecting with others in a fun and relaxed environment. This event features a variety of board games that are both fun and challenging, offering the perfect way to exercise your brain and socialize with others.

We’ll also provide tea, coffee, and healthy snacks to refresh and energize you throughout the morning. Whether you’re a seasoned board games enthusiast or just looking for a new way to engage your mind, this event has something for everyone. The atmosphere will be welcoming and inclusive, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and engaged.

Beyond playing games, you’ll have the chance to meet new people and form meaningful connections. Sharpen your cognitive skills and enjoy a few hours of friendly competition in our warm, inviting community space, which makes relaxing and having a great time accessible.

You’ll also explore new games and strategies, challenging yourself differently. It’s the perfect way to spend your morning, combining mental exercise with social interaction. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with fellow community members and enjoy a delightful morning at the VEQ Community Space.

Banner for the Brain Power event in Shannon. The design features the text 'BRAIN POWER SHANNON' in large green letters. The left side of the banner shows two dice, one red and one white with black dots. The right side of the banner includes an illustration of a checkers board with a green cord or string connecting to it, symbolizing games or mental exercises

Contact Information:

If you’re interested in this fun-filled event or want more details about upcoming Brain Power sessions in September, contact David Zhu at david.zhu@veq.ca or call 418-683-2366 ext. 228. David is ready to assist with your registration and provide additional details.

Mark your calendar and get ready for a fantastic morning!

 

Library Lectures: “A Scottish Nun at the Hôtel-Dieu in 1642” by Mairi Cowan – Morrin Center
Dec 18 @ 7:00 PM – 8:23 PM

Library Lecture: “A Scottish Nun at the Hôtel-Dieu in 1642” with Mairi Cowan

📅 Date: December 18, 2024
Time: 19:00 – 20:30
📍 Location: Morrin Centre Library (hybrid option via Zoom)
🎨 Event Category: Cultural Event

Discover the fascinating story of Marie Hiroüin de la Conception, a Scottish gentlewoman-turned-nun at the Hôtel-Dieu in Quebec in 1642. Historian Mairi Cowan will explore how a single marginal note reveals connections between seventeenth-century Quebec, the Scottish Reformation, and early modern spiritual geopolitics. Explore themes of identity, social status in exile, and the complexities of Tudor succession, offering insights into New France and the Scottish diaspora.

About the Speaker:
Mairi Cowan is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto Mississauga, specializing in Scottish and New France history. Her latest works include The Possession of Barbe Hallay (2022) and Gender in Scotland 1200-1800 (2024).

This event is part of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec’s 200th-anniversary series.

Wednesday, December 18, 7 p.m.

A few lines in the margin of a manuscript can tell us a lot about the past. In this talk, the historian Mairi Cowan will show how a single marginal gloss can open new perspectives on how people in seventeenth-century Quebec thought about the wider world. Marie Hiroüin de la Conception, a nun at the Hôtel-Dieu hospital, was described as a “Scottish gentlewoman” in one of the community’s records. Further searching through the Hôtel-Dieu archives and documents from Scotland, France, and Italy provides clues about a family that had fled from Scotland to France during the Reformation.

Augustines at the Hôtel-Dieu in Quebec thought it was essential to emphasize Marie Hiroüin’s Scottishness and nobility, which raises questions that extend far beyond the small French settlement into what it meant to be “Scottish” so far from Scotland, how social status in exile could be relevant for a nursing order of nuns, and why people in New France described Mary Stewart – also known as Mary, Queen of Scots – as the Queen of England. Thinking through these questions helps us understand the Hôtel-Dieu in New France and the Scottish diaspora, the complexities of Tudor dynastic succession, and the far-reaching web of early modern spiritual geopolitics.


Presenter Biography

Mairi Cowan is an Associate Professor at the Department of Historical Studies, University of Toronto Mississauga. She has written about the tensions of international theology, national politics, and local tradition in twelfth-century Glasgow; experiences of childhood in the court of James IV, King of Scots; the connections between social discipline and the Catholic Reformation in Scotland; colonial efforts to “Frenchify” Indigenous people in seventeenth-century New France; and Jesuit missionaries’ beliefs about demons in Indigenous societies of North America.

Her most recent monograph, The Possession of Barbe Hallay: Diabolical Arts and Daily Life in Early Canada (McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2022), is a microhistory of bewitchment in New France. She is also co-editor of the recent collection Gender in Scotland 1200-1800: Place, Faith and Politics (Edinburgh University Press, 2024).


This event will be a hybrid.

This event is part of a talk series celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec.

Dec
19
Thu
2024
Tween-Tales: Kids’ Book Club – Morrin Center
Dec 19 @ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The Tweens Tales Book Club is for 11 to 13-year-old children. The children will have two to three weeks to read each book provided by the Morrin Centre. During the one-hour session, they will discuss, reflect on, and learn more about the book.

We aim to foster a love of reading in every child through various fun and interactive activities that encourage them to continue reading.

Each session is free, but registration is required to participate.

Please click HERE and complete this form to register your child for the Tween-Tales Book Club.

For additional information, please get in touch with our Education Program Coordinator, Manuela Flores Denti, at manuelafloresdenti@morrin.org.

Jan
9
Thu
2025
Library Lectures: Ann Shteir Women and Botany in 19th-Century Canada
Jan 9 @ 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Library Lectures:

📅 Date: January 9, 2025
Time: 19:00 – 20:30
📍 Location: Morrin Centre Library (hybrid option via Zoom)
🎨 Event Category: Cultural Event

Celebrate the fascinating contributions of women to 19th-century Canadian botany in this illustrated talk by Ann Shteir. Explore the lives and work of figures like Lady Dalhousie, Anne Mary Perceval, Catharine Parr Traill, and others who documented Canada’s natural world through plant catalogues, art, and writing. Discover their legacy and the researchers who uncovered their stories, diving into archives, letters, and herbaria.

About the Speaker:
Ann Shteir, Professor Emerita at York University, is a leading scholar in gender and science history. Her acclaimed works include Cultivating Women, Cultivating Science and Flora’s Fieldworkers: Women and Botany in Nineteenth-Century Canada.

This event is part of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec’s 200th-anniversary series.

📩 Email library@morrin.org to learn more or register.

Library Lecture: “Women and Botany in 19th-Century Canada” by Ann Shteir

Thursday, January 9, 7 p.m.

 

Celebrating Historical Research and Historical Researchers: Women and Botany in 19th-Century Canada. An Illustrated Talk

 

Papers in the Transactions of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec from the 1820s and 1830s are historical documents by individuals in early 19th-century Canada who were searching for knowledge about nature in a “new land” and who also wanted to “excite in the rising generation a taste for scientific knowledge and pursuits.” Two women were among the researchers: Christian Ramsay (Countess Dalhousie), who contributed a “Catalogue of Canadian Plants collected in 1827,” and Harriet Sheppard (“Mrs. Sheppard”), who wrote about shells and Canadian songbirds in Quebec and had a keen interest in plants.

 

This talk celebrates women who pursued knowledge of nature, especially knowledge about plants, in 19th-century Canada. It features Lady Dalhousie and Anne Mary Perceval in Quebec, Catharine Parr Traill and Alice Hollingworth in Ontario, and Mary Brenton in Newfoundland. Who were they? How did they come to know about plants? What were their contributions? What did their work mean to them? How do we find them? And where do we find material by them and about them?

This talk also celebrates researchers in Flora’s Fieldworkers whose curiosity led them to letters and biography, artwork and craftwork, into archives, herbaria, and institutional records, and also into scrapbooks, logbooks, textbooks, and teaching tools to seek answers to those questions about women and knowledge.

 


 

Presenter Biography

 

Ann Shteir is a Professor Emerita in the School of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies at York University. She received an Honorary Law degree from York University in 2016 for her work in developing York’s pioneering graduate program in Gender, Feminist, and Women’s Studies.

Shteir is also the author of Cultivating Women, Cultivating Science: Flora’s Daughters and Botany in England, 1760 to 1860 (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1996), which was awarded the Joan Kelly Memorial Prize for Women’s History. She turned her attention next to women and botany in Canada. She collaborated with botanist Jacques Cayouette on an article published in Scientia Canadensis (2019) about four women who collected plants in early 19th-century Quebec and Newfoundland. She also organized a workshop at York University that brought together botanists, historians of science, art historians, literary scholars, garden historians, and others who, like her, wanted to know more about women, plants, and botanical work in Canada across the 1800s. The edited book Flora’s Fieldworkers: Women and Botany in Nineteenth-Century Canada (McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2022) was a happy result.

 


 

This event will be a hybrid.

This event is part of a talk series celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec.

Jan
10
Fri
2025
Out and About: Lunch and Ikea
Jan 10 @ 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Out & About: Lunch & IKEA - Festive banner with an illustration of shelves filled with home decor items on the left, string lights hanging above, and a woman walking with shopping bags on the right

🛍️✨ Kick Off the New Year with a Fun Outing to IKEA! ✨🛍️

Join us on January 10th or 24th for delicious bites and shopping at IKEA! Enjoy a cozy lunch in the IKEA cafeteria, famous for its tasty treats, and explore the showroom and marketplace for fresh inspiration and finds to kickstart 2024 in style.

📅 Dates: East Group – Friday, January 10 & West Group – Friday, January 24
🕒 Time: 11:00 am – 2:30 pm

 

Bring your shopping list and appetite, and let’s make it a fun day at IKEA! Reserve your spot today!

Jan
15
Wed
2025
Brain Power Board Games – (Shannon)
Jan 15 @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Brain Power – Drop-In (Shannon) – Wednesday, August 28th (10:00 am-Noon)

Get ready for a stimulating session of Brain Power—Drop-In at the VEQ Community Space! Strengthen your mind while connecting with others in a fun and relaxed environment. This event features a variety of board games that are both fun and challenging, offering the perfect way to exercise your brain and socialize with others.

We’ll also provide tea, coffee, and healthy snacks to refresh and energize you throughout the morning. Whether you’re a seasoned board games enthusiast or just looking for a new way to engage your mind, this event has something for everyone. The atmosphere will be welcoming and inclusive, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and engaged.

Beyond playing games, you’ll have the chance to meet new people and form meaningful connections. Sharpen your cognitive skills and enjoy a few hours of friendly competition in our warm, inviting community space, which makes relaxing and having a great time accessible.

You’ll also explore new games and strategies, challenging yourself differently. It’s the perfect way to spend your morning, combining mental exercise with social interaction. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with fellow community members and enjoy a delightful morning at the VEQ Community Space.

Banner for the Brain Power event in Shannon. The design features the text 'BRAIN POWER SHANNON' in large green letters. The left side of the banner shows two dice, one red and one white with black dots. The right side of the banner includes an illustration of a checkers board with a green cord or string connecting to it, symbolizing games or mental exercises

Contact Information:

If you’re interested in this fun-filled event or want more details about upcoming Brain Power sessions in September, contact David Zhu at david.zhu@veq.ca or call 418-683-2366 ext. 228. David is ready to assist with your registration and provide additional details.

Mark your calendar and get ready for a fantastic morning!

 

Jan
17
Fri
2025
Out & About: Bad Art Museum
Jan 17 @ 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Out & About: Bad Art Exhibit - Banner with a playful design featuring an artist’s palette with colorful paint and brushes on the left and a humorous portrait of a person in historical attire on the right, symbolizing 'bad art' in a fun, lighthearted way

🎨🖌️ Discover the “Bad Art” Exhibit at EXMURO! 🖌️🎨

Join us in January for a fun, unconventional outing to the “Bad Art” exhibit at EXMURO! Step into a world of quirky, offbeat pieces that redefine creativity and inspire a fresh perspective on art. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy art with a playful twist!

📅 East Group: Wednesday, January 17
📅 West Group: Wednesday, January 31
🕒 Time: 11:00 am – 2:30 pm

Get ready to laugh, reflect, and enjoy this one-of-a-kind art experience! Reserve your spot now!

Jan
18
Sat
2025
Stories of Our Community: A Personal Storytelling Workshop
Jan 18 @ 10:00 AM – Jan 19 @ 4:00 PM

Stories of Our Community: A Personal Storytelling Workshop

📅 Dates: January 18 & 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
📍 Location: Morrin Centre
🎨 Event Category: Cultural Event

Join writer, performer, and teacher Taylor Tower for a two-day workshop on the art of personal storytelling. Through a mix of listening, writing, and oral presentation exercises, you will learn to craft compelling narratives. You will also explore the five elements of a great story, build dynamic characters, and master storytelling techniques for structure, performance, and delivery.

This immersive workshop concludes with participants performing their final stories, offering a rewarding opportunity to share your unique voice and connect with others through storytelling.

📌 Note: Registration covers both days, and attendance on January 18 is required to join the January 19 session.

Stories of Our Community: A Personal Storytelling Workshop

Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

In this workshop, we will identify the ingredients of a compelling story and the best ways to tell it.

 

Focusing on listening and oral presentation, this workshop will help you develop your voice, hone storytelling skills, and develop a more profound sense of what makes a story worth sharing. We will analyze oral stories and do many written exercises to explore storytelling concepts and find a subject for our final stories, which will be performed at the end of the second day.

 

Over two days, we will explore together:

  • The five essential elements of a great story – using the five senses to create evocative scenes
  • Character and Plot: Turning yourself into a character and finding motive and action for your stories
  • Structure and Endings
  • Oral Vs. Written Stories: The Outline and Voice
  • Performance: Rhythm and tempo, repetition, open vs closed postures, habitual muscular tensions and body centres

 

Immerse yourself in the storytelling practice!

Please note: By booking a ticket for January 18, you are automatically registered for the full, two-day workshop. Attendance on January 18 is required to attend the January 19 session.

Jan
24
Fri
2025
Out and About: Lunch and Ikea
Jan 24 @ 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Out & About: Lunch & IKEA - Festive banner with an illustration of shelves filled with home decor items on the left, string lights hanging above, and a woman walking with shopping bags on the right

🛍️✨ Kick Off the New Year with a Fun Outing to IKEA! ✨🛍️

Join us on January 10th or 24th for delicious bites and shopping at IKEA! Enjoy a cozy lunch in the IKEA cafeteria, famous for its tasty treats, and explore the showroom and marketplace for fresh inspiration and finds to kickstart 2024 in style.

📅 Dates: East Group – Friday, January 10 & West Group – Friday, January 24
🕒 Time: 11:00 am – 2:30 pm

 

Bring your shopping list and appetite, and let’s make it a fun day at IKEA! Reserve your spot today!

Jan
31
Fri
2025
Out & About: Bad Art Museum
Jan 31 @ 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Out & About: Bad Art Exhibit - Banner with a playful design featuring an artist’s palette with colorful paint and brushes on the left and a humorous portrait of a person in historical attire on the right, symbolizing 'bad art' in a fun, lighthearted way

🎨🖌️ Discover the “Bad Art” Exhibit at EXMURO! 🖌️🎨

Join us in January for a fun, unconventional outing to the “Bad Art” exhibit at EXMURO! Step into a world of quirky, offbeat pieces that redefine creativity and inspire a fresh perspective on art. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy art with a playful twist!

📅 East Group: Wednesday, January 17
📅 West Group: Wednesday, January 31
🕒 Time: 11:00 am – 2:30 pm

Get ready to laugh, reflect, and enjoy this one-of-a-kind art experience! Reserve your spot now!

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