Bambi, The Grapes of Wrath, South Pacific, and other forms of entertainment that CCC participants enjoy

 What do Bambi, The Grapes of Wrath, South Pacific  and a French detective series have in common?  They are among the books, mini-series and TV shows recommended by the older adults who attend Coffee, Company  and Conversation. a seniors’ group at St. Mark the Evangelist Anglican Church on Fisher Avenue in Ottawa.  When my husband and I learned that this Thursday morning group was open to all seniors in the community, not just Anglicans, we started to attend, and enjoyed meeting new people and being entertained. I missed the group very much during the Covid-19 quarantine (it closed down) and was glad when it resumed in June 2022.


As so-called ‘resident author’ of the group (named by one of the kind organizers) I conducted a discussion on Thursday November 17th about the favourite books and other forms of entertainment that had gotten us  through the pandemic. Winter keeps us in captivity to some extent and it is always nice to know what entertainments others enjoy.

Before the discussion began I handed out a questionnaire, very informal, so that people could collect their thoughts on paper. When time came to share, we had no shortage of suggestions.  One avid reader suggested a recent novel about some bereaved people who form a group and become friends - “rather like us,” she added.  Someone else described a series as “fast-paced, with excellent writing and story lines, superbly acted and very human interest.” Who could ask for more?  Of The Grapes of Wrath, one CCC participant wrote, “It’s a good versus evil story with a strong social conscience.”  Another senior wrote that she prefers the news to TV programs because she is “more interested these days in the present political situation in Canada, the U.S., and the world. I am concerned for our country’s future - our complacency!”

After the discussion, my friend and sister-author, Ainalem Tebeje, told the group about her two novels, My Love Story in Broken English, and The Refugee, both published by Baico Publishing of Ottawa. A Canadian of Ethiopian origin, she wore her national costume.   (I thought about wearing my national costume too - jeans and a T-shirt - but dressed up a little, as I was on my feet in front of a group.)

I was pleased that the discussion and Aina’s presentation went well.  As we get older, we aren’t often asked for our suggestions and opinions, and it was good to hear people, particularly the quiet ones, sharing their recommendations.  I’m typing up all the suggestions in a list and will print copies for the CCC participants when we meet again.

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