Avante Women's Centre

02/11/2026

Black History Month is a time to honor the legacy and contributions of Black people who have changed the course of history 📚✊🏾—a history that has far too often been silenced or ignored. In an effort to change that, we are highlighting the achievements of influential Black women from around the world 🌍 whose courage, vision, and leadership have left a lasting impact.

While one month is never enough to fully celebrate all the remarkable individuals who have shaped society, it is a meaningful starting point 💫. Keep your eyes peeled 👀 for more posts to come, as we continue to shine a spotlight on other amazing Black women who have made history and continue to inspire future generations 🌟.

02/10/2026

🌟 Still We Rise – Final Showcase 🌟

A one-time, can’t-miss community event

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating voice, vulnerability, and creative power. Still We Rise: Final Showcase brings together local anglophone women, Avante members, and community artists for a night of poetry, song, and story.

This showcase marks the culmination of a 10-week writing and performance journey, where participants have poured their time, courage, and emotion into powerful original works. Alongside them, local writers and artists from our community will also take the stage, making this a truly collective and inspiring night.

🎤 Hosted by Sarah Biggs
Singer-songwriter, poet, and Eastern Townships local Sarah Biggs will be hosting the evening.

“Songwriting, poetry and art are a pressure valve release. An attempt to connect to some universal human experience and a reminder to be gentle with our imperfect selves. And then share those humble attempts with my fellow human beings.” - Sarah Biggs

Sarah’s roots run generations deep in the Eastern Townships. She is currently working on her 5th studio album and lives in West Brome with her author husband, Maurice Crossfield, and their many beloved pets.

✨ What to expect:
• Spoken word poetry, song, and storytelling
• Performances by program participants and local artists
• FREE entry
• 🍷 Cash bar on site
• Delicious snacks & merchandise available for purchase
• 🎟️ Raffle fundraiser — win a ½-day luxury spa package (massage included!)

💆‍♀️ Spa Package Includes:
½ day of relaxation with spa access, lunch buffet, and your choice of a 1-hour Swedish massage or beauty treatment
Enjoy pools, saunas, Turkish bath, Nordic experience, chromotherapy room, relaxation areas, and more
(Valid Monday–Saturday or Sunday mornings)

We are incredibly proud of the women who participated in this project and the vulnerability, honesty, and heart they bring to the stage. Please join us in celebrating and supporting their empowering creative work.

🙏 This project was made possible thanks to a grant from the Government of Canada.

📍 Location: Euro Spa
455 Rang de l'Église S, Saint-Ignace-de-Stanbridge, QC J0J 1Y0

🕕 Doors open: 6:00 PM
🎤 Show starts: 7:00 PM

📩 To attend, please register:
[email protected]
📞 450-248-0530

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 This event is open to all — bring the whole family and help us uplift local voices.

02/09/2026

Good morning everyone 😊

📣 Announcements

☕ Soup Café
Wednesday, February 11 | NOON
Caroline Haddock from the Alzheimer’s Society will be joining us at the Soup Café. If you have any questions or concerns for yourself or a loved one, please feel free to come by and chat with her. The Alzheimer’s Society is a wonderful support for people living with Alzheimer’s and for their loved ones.

📍 Cowansville Hours Change
Friday, February 20
Since our Money Management workshop is at 6:00 PM, our hours will be changed to 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM on February 20.

⭐ What’s Happening at Avante (Week of February 16)...

🏋️ Fitness Class for All Levels
Monday, February 16 | 10:00 AM
Join Jennifer for a fun, energizing fitness class — perfect whether you’re a beginner or a regular. Bring small dumbbells if you like for a bit of extra challenge!
📍 9 rue de la Rivière, Bedford

🎨 Sip n Dip
Tuesday, February 17 | 6:00 PM
An evening of painting and fun with Breezey. Bring your own sip if you wish! 🍷🖌️
⚠️ All spots are currently full, but feel free to put your name on the waitlist.
📍 9 rue de la Rivière, Bedford

🀄 Mah Jong
Wednesday, February 18 | 1:00 PM
Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, come play Mah Jong and enjoy good company.
📍 9 rue de la Rivière, Bedford

💚 Mental Health for Migrant Women
Wednesday, February 18 | 6:00 PM
Practical tips and conversation to help support your mental health while adjusting to life in a new country.
📍 9 rue de la Rivière, Bedford

🎤 Still We Rise
Thursday, February 19 | 6:00 PM
The first class of our 4-week performance series with spoken word artist Sena the Queen. Explore your voice, practice performance, and connect to your words in a supportive and inspiring environment.
🔒 Closed group — registration deadline was January 4, 2026
💻 Live via Zoom and recorded

📱 Sip n Swipe
Thursday, February 19 | 6:00 PM
Learn how to navigate dating apps without stress and share tips and laughs along the way.
📍 9 rue de la Rivière, Bedford

💰 Money Management
Friday, February 20 | 6:00 PM
Come along with Ali as she offers helpful advice on saving money while adjusting to life in a new country.
📍 505 rue du Sud, local #204, Cowansville

🌿 What’s Coming Up in the Community…
💻 Reconnect with Nature & Yourself — Live on Zoom! 🌱
Tamara, one of our members, is hosting a gentle and grounding Zoom series to help you slow down, breathe, and reconnect with nature — even on busy days.
✨ What’s included:
• 4 live Zoom sessions (choose the schedule that works for you)
• Weekly Welcome one-page guides with simple, nature-based practices
• Weekend replay links if you can’t join live
🎁 Avante Member Bonus!
Avante members receive 15% off. Email [email protected] to receive the discount code.
🍃 Whether you’re looking for calm, creativity, or a moment to pause, this series is a lovely way to reconnect with yourself and the season.
If interested, visit: https://fleurbain.com/zoom-series/?fbclid=IwY2xjawP24jlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEehczChhEqbkJlkTV4hM8CBBd40GPrbaStuuZROI86HuwFYUyDAxyxAW-fyN4_aem_JAR8M5aFlT3qsUfCRq7EgQ

🙋 Alzheimer’s Society is looking for volunteers!
Please see the poster for more details.

02/03/2026

🎄 December & January Recap ❄️
The close of the year and the beginning of a new one brought meaningful conversations, creativity, movement, and celebration. From empowerment and learning to cozy and active moments, here’s a look back at what made December and January so special…

✊ 12 Days of Action
We gathered for a powerful and informative event to commemorate the 12 Days of Action. Betty from Horizon Pour Elle shared an eye-opening presentation on the different forms of violence that can exist in relationships, sparking thoughtful and engaging discussions among participants. Over snacks and conversation, we connected and reflected together.
We then welcomed Isabelle from Cercle des Sirènes, who led an empowering self-defense workshop. Participants learned practical physical techniques, as well as psychological and verbal self-defense strategies — including how to say no in an assertive and confident way. A truly empowering and impactful experience.

🎁 Christmas Dinners in a Box
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and volunteers, we were able to distribute 27 Christmas Dinners in a Box to families in our community. A heartfelt thank you to Linda Derepentingny Deyette for her generous donation of toys and to the Yamaska Literacy Council for their wonderful donation of books. Because of you, we were able to add a little something extra for the children in these families and help make their holidays brighter.

🎉 Members Christmas Party
Our annual Members Christmas Party was a joyful and festive celebration, with over 50 people in attendance! We shared a delicious meal, lots of laughter, and holiday cheer. A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who helped set up and cook, and to every member who attended and brought food to share. Everything was absolutely delicious, and the sense of community was truly heartwarming.

🎬 Christmas Movie Afternoon
We enjoyed a cozy afternoon watching The Christmas Chronicles together. It was a fun and relaxing way to celebrate the holidays and enjoy some festive cheer in great company.

💪 Fitness Class
Jen led us through a fun and engaging fitness class suitable for all levels. It was a great way to move our bodies, boost our energy, and enjoy being active together.

🥁 Drum Bags Workshop
We had a blast creating beautiful handmade bags to store our drums in. A creative and practical activity filled with laughter, sharing, and artistic flair.

🍃 Cultural Kitchen
Justine guided us through a wonderful Cultural Kitchen workshop where we learned how to make a delicious, multi-purpose marinade using all fresh herbs and spices. It was incredibly flavorful — and a big hit with everyone!

📖 Scrapbooking & Vision Boards
We spent a relaxing and inspiring afternoon scrapbooking and creating vision boards for 2026. It was a meaningful time to reflect, dream, and set intentions for the year ahead.

🧵 Collective Quilting
We had a great time creating quilt blocks together using the Irish Chain method. It was a cozy, hands-on gathering filled with learning, conversation, and creativity.

🎭 Winter Carnival
Despite the cold, we had a fantastic time at Carnaval-Iberneige. With lots of laughter, smiles, and good times, it was a joyful way to embrace the winter season together.

02/03/2026

🌱 Reconnect with Nature & Yourself — Live on Zoom! 🌿

One of our amazing members, Tamara, is hosting an upcoming Zoom Series — a gentle and grounding online experience designed to help you slow down, breathe, and reconnect with nature and yourself, even in the middle of busy life. ✨

What’s included:
🌿 4 live Zoom sessions (multiple schedule options)
📄 Weekly “Welcome to the Week” one-page guides with themes + simple nature-based practices
🎧 Weekend replay links if you can’t attend live
All rooted in mindful nature connection and everyday grounding tools. 💫

🌟 Avante Member Bonus! 🌟
Tamara is offering 15% off for Avante members.
If you’re an Avante member and interested in the series, please email [email protected] to receive the discount code.

Whether you’re craving calm, creativity, or a deeper connection to the season you’re in, this series is a beautiful invitation to pause and be present. 🌼💛

👉 Learn more here:

Snowlight & Self-Love is a 4-week February Zoom series of nature-based practices for calm, confidence & self-love. Includes weekly one-page guides and weekend replays. Enrol by Feb 12.

02/02/2026

Good morning everyone! 😊

🌟 What’s Happening at Avante (Week of February 9)…

💫 Sensual Living – Part 2
Monday, February 9 | 6:00 PM
Join us for an engaging workshop on sensual living — the everyday kind that helps us slow down, reconnect with our senses, and find pleasure in ordinary moments.
Through playful practices and honest reflection, we’ll explore simple ways to feel more present in our bodies and in life.
🧑‍🏫 With Marlene from Unime
ℹ️ You do not need to have attended Part 1 to join.
📍 9 rue de la Rivière, Bedford

🧶 Crochet / Knit with Gisèle
Tuesday, February 10 | 10:00 AM
Bring your project, learn how to crochet, or simply enjoy some friendly conversation. All levels welcome.
📍 9 rue de la Rivière, Bedford

🔮 Tea & Tarot with Tara
Tuesday, February 10 | 1:00 PM
Individual tarot readings with three time slots available (first come, first served).
⚠️ All spots are currently full — waitlist available.
📍 9 rue de la Rivière, Bedford

🥣 Soup Café
Wednesday, February 11 | NOON
Join us for a comforting bowl of creamy potato soup and good conversation.
📍 9 rue de la Rivière, Bedford

✍️ Still We Rise
Thursday, February 12 | 11:00 AM
Sixth class of our Still We Rise project with poet and visual artist Anne Paré, guiding participants through creative exploration.
🔒 Closed group — registration deadline was January 4, 2026
💻 Live via Zoom and recorded
ℹ️ More info: awcentre.com/still-we-rise

🧼 Artisanal Soap Making
Thursday, February 12 | 6:00 PM
🌍 Multicultural activity
Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop exploring the art of soap making.
📍 9 rue de la Rivière, Bedford

🌿 Qigong
Friday, February 13 | 10:00 AM
Relax and recharge with a Qigong class exploring three couples of the 12 meridians.
📍 505 rue du Sud, local #204, Cowansville

01/26/2026

❄️ Chair Yoga and Self-Care ❄️
Hey everyone! Just a quick note to let you know that Chair Yoga and Self-Care in Lac-Brome will be postponed today — Monday, January 26 — due to the weather and driving conditions.

If you don’t need to go out, please stay home and stay safe. 💜
If you do have to drive, take your time and be careful on the roads. 🚗❄️

01/26/2026

Good morning everyone ☀️

🌟 What’s Happening at Avante (Week of February 2)…

🧘 Yoga & Self-Care
Monday, February 2 | 1:30 PM
Join Jaime for a relaxing and nourishing afternoon 💆‍♀️
This session includes 45 minutes of gentle yoga, followed by a 45-minute group discussion on self-care.
Perfect for all levels — no prior experience needed.
📍 9 rue de la Rivière, Bedford

Spanish Classes
Tuesday, February 3 | 6:00 PM
Learn conversational Spanish with Sam in a friendly and supportive environment.
No previous knowledge required — all levels welcome!
📍 9 rue de la Rivière, Bedford

🀄 Mah-Jong
Wednesday, February 4 | 1:00 PM
Join us to play or learn how to play Mah-Jong!
A fun and social afternoon — beginners are welcome.
📍 9 rue de la Rivière, Bedford

🩺 Navigating the Health System
Wednesday, February 4 | 6:00 PM
🌍 Multicultural Activity
Bring your questions as we take a dive into the workings of the health system and available resources.
💻 Via Zoom

✍️ Still We Rise
Thursday, February 5 | 11:00 AM
This is the fifth class of our Still We Rise project.
Poet and visual artist Anne Paré will guide participants through a deep creative exploration to bring their stories to life.
🔒 Closed group — registration deadline was January 4, 2026
💻 Live via Zoom and recorded for those unable to attend at that time
ℹ️ More info: awcentre.com/still-we-rise

🧁 Cupcake Making
Thursday, February 5 | 6:00 PM
Just in time for Valentine’s Day 💝, learn how to make and decorate delicious cupcakes!
📍 9 rue de la Rivière, Bedford

☕ Vent Over Coffee
Friday, February 6 | 1:00 PM
Whether you want to get something off your chest, talk about your week, or simply enjoy a coffee, this is the perfect place for you.
📍 505 rue du Sud, local #204, Cowansville

🌟 What’s Coming Up in the Community…

🎤 DEBOUT.TES – Stand-Up Comedy Night
Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 8:00 PM
A bilingual, q***r & feminist comedy night 🌈
With Yasmeen Gregs, Caro Monast & guest comedians.
🎟️ Cost: 18$
📍 Boîte à Sardine, 4 rue Pine, Sutton

01/23/2026

✨ Calling local Anglophone women ✨
Do you write poetry shaped by resilience, strength, or hope? We invite you to share your voice at our March 14 Final Showcase—a welcoming space to lift one another up, connect through storytelling, and celebrate the power of rising above life’s challenges. All styles and experience levels are welcome. Your words matter. 🖋️💛

01/20/2026

We’re excited to share the upcoming winter activities at the Lac Brome Community Centre! There’s something for everyone — come connect, relax, and recharge with us.

🧘 Chair Yoga & Self-Care
Monday, January 26 | 1:30 PM
Join Jaime for a gentle and relaxing 45-minute chair yoga session, followed by a 45-minute group discussion on self-care. A wonderful opportunity to slow down, breathe, and take care of yourself — perfect for all levels.
📍 270 rue Victoria, Lac Brome

✨ Reclaiming Your Inner Power
Monday, February 23 | 1:30 PM
This 90-minute workshop invites women to reconnect with their inner strength during life’s more challenging moments — whether facing chronic pain, emotional fatigue, or feeling stretched too thin. Through mindfulness and neurolinguistic programming practices, you’ll learn practical tools to support yourself with clarity, self-compassion, and grounded presence. You’ll leave with a personalized “inner first aid kit” to help you navigate difficult moments with confidence and steadiness.
📍 270 rue Victoria, Lac Brome

🌱 Grief & Life Transitions
Monday, March 23 | 1:30 PM
Join us for a meaningful and supportive workshop with Deena, focused on grief in all its forms. Together, we’ll explore the different stages of grief and share helpful ways to cope.
📍 270 rue Victoria, Lac Brome

01/20/2026

Good evening everyone! 🌙

🌟 What’s Happening at Avante (Week of January 26)…

🧘 Chair Yoga & Self-Care
Monday, January 26 | 1:30 PM
Join Jaime for a relaxing and nourishing afternoon 💆‍♀️
This session includes 45 minutes of gentle chair yoga, followed by a 45-minute group discussion on self-care.
Perfect for all levels — no prior experience needed.
📍 270 rue Victoria, Lac Brome

🧵 Collective Quilting
Tuesday, January 27 | 10:00 AM
Join Annie & Lynn to make — or learn how to make — quilt blocks using an Irish chain pattern.
Whether you’re new to quilting or experienced, all levels are welcome!
📍 9 rue de la Rivière, Bedford

✍️ Still We Rise
Thursday, January 29 | 11:00 AM
This is the fourth class of our Still We Rise project.
Poet and visual artist Anne Paré will continue guiding participants through a deep creative exploration to bring your stories to life.
🔒 Closed group — registration deadline was January 4, 2026
💻 Live via Zoom and recorded for those unable to attend at that time
ℹ️ More info: awcentre.com/still-we-rise

🎲 Board Games
Friday, January 30 | 1:00 PM
Let’s relax and unwind with an afternoon full of board games and fun!
📍 505 rue du Sud, local #204, Cowansville

❄️ Winter Carnival – Carnaval Iber-Neige
Saturday, January 31 | 10:00 AM
Join us as we attend the annual Carnaval Iber-Neige!
Enjoy tubing, bubble hockey, and cozy fireplaces 🔥
This event takes place outdoors — please dress warmly!
📍 Meet us at 190 Avenue Lareau, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
🚗 Call ahead to arrange carpooling
⚠️ Registration is mandatory
📩 [email protected] | 📞 450-248-0530

🌟 What’s Coming Up in the Community…

💗 Cervical Cancer & STI Screening
📅 Monday, February 2, 2026
📍 80 rue d’Ottawa, Granby, J2G 2R8
✔️ 100% confidential
✔️ Fast and free
✔️ Snacks and coffee provided ☕
📞 To book or for more info: 450-375-4042

01/16/2026

❄️🎉 Winter Carnival Fun! 🎉❄️

Bundle up and join us on Saturday, January 31 at 10:00 AM for an exciting winter outing at the annual Carnaval Iber-Neige!

There will be fun for all ages with activities like 🛷 tubing, 🏒 bubble hockey, and 🔥 fireplaces to keep you warm. This is an outdoor event, so don’t forget to dress warmly!

📍 Meet us at:
190 Avenue Lareau, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
🚗 Call ahead to arrange carpooling!

✅ Registration is mandatory
📧 [email protected]
📞 450-248-0530

Come celebrate winter with us — we can’t wait to see you there! ❄️😊