Throughout the academic year, Melinda Giampietro, Options Founder/President, will share some of her favourite things in her monthly Founder’s Feature. Melinda loves reading, data, research, and following academic and adolescent news around the world.
February Book of the Month
I had a huge stack of library books to work through in January and February. North Woods by Daniel Mason was by far the most unique read. The novel takes readers through three centuries of a western Massachusetts house. Each of the twelve chapters is a different stage of its history and is written in the language and perspective of that time. Reading it is like experiencing American history, and the most interesting part of the story is that both animals and nature take on their own narratives. Many characters meet brutal ends, but the novel leans into the idea that there is beauty in death (an apple seed in the belly of a British soldier becomes a tree). I really appreciated the variety of characters and the main theme that life and nature are in states of constant change, yet what comes before leads to what comes next.
February Cookbook of the Month
January is a busy work month, so in our house, we need dinners that are easy to prepare. I checked out Preppy Kitchen Super Easy: 100 Simple and Versatile Recipes. I am a fan of John Kanell, who started his career as a middle school teacher. I found Chapter Four: Sauces, Dressings, and Meal Makers valuable. There were quick recipes for Honey-Miso Glaze and Marinade, My Everything Dressing, and Candied Jalapeños. The flavour combinations in all the recipes are unique, but easy to follow with readily available ingredients, such as in Dried Apricot Chicken Stew, Whiskey-Glazed Chicken Thighs, and Cream Cheese and Caraway Stuffed Salmon. Of course, I tried some of the dessert recipes (there are four full baking chapters). My two favourites were Cornmeal and Blueberry Bread and Chocolate Chunk-Pecan Pie Bars.
February Quick Trip Recap
My husband and I took a quick trip to Quebec City at the end of January. I loved wandering around and thinking about what life in the fort walls would have been like so many years ago. We had one full day of sun to explore. I was excited to check University of Laval off my Canadian university bingo card. It was an expansive campus, and we did a quick visit to the downtown architecture campus, where students use the 18th-century heritage Saint-Joseph staircase daily.
We had three excellent meals, and we especially enjoyed Battuto (neighbourhood Italian) and Chez Boulay (Nordic cuisine with Quebec accents). We enjoyed learning about the plants, foods, and culinary heritage of the La Jacques-Cartier area. And, if you are a shopper, please go to 3 Poules, a unique gift store, and Le coureur nordique, an outdoor apparel store with everything for cold weather.
February App of the Month
I heard about the AmiGo app when reading a Gwyneth Paltrow interview. AmiGo allows users to learn about others’ experiences in a city. It features hotels, restaurants, attractions, and stores. It is helpful because it is real people recommending locations that they have recently visited. This is how I found Battuto in Quebec City. You can also create a wish list of places to visit. I have started a file for Portugal (especially Porto), next up on my bucket list.
February Event of the Month
At the end of 2024, I joined The Forum board. I recently wrote a blog about my history and experience with The Forum, you can read it here. I invite you to join me on February 20th at the Roundhouse Community Centre for The Forum’s Pitch Semi-Finals to watch some of Canada’s most promising female entrepreneurs share their business visions and connect with a network of entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals. And if you’re not located in Vancouver, The Forum is bringing the same event to Toronto on February 13th. Don’t forget: The Odium Brown Forum Pitch Finale will be held April 25, 2025. Get your tickets now!
February Article of the Month
I have mixed feelings on much of Adam Grant’s work. But, I appreciate following him as I often think differently about topics after listening to and reading his research and views. He has often encouraged me to change my mind and see workplace issues from multiple perspectives. His most recent Opinion Guest Essay for The New York Times is an interesting read. In “No, You Don’t Get an A for Effort,” he argues, “High marks are for excellence, not grit.” It’s a worthwhile read for both educators and parents and students, and a worthy discussion to explore in the classroom and at the dinner table.
To read more Founder’s Features, check them out under the Options News category.
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