5) THANK YOU

A nod of thanks is proffered our workshops hosts, Keith Braithwaite, Josee Bellemare, and Marck Burakoff, as well as all of our contributing “Fancrafters,” along with everyone who helped to plan and run today’s meeting. We also thank, of course, all of you who joined us, both physically in the meeting hall and here on ZOOM; don’t forget to comment on today’s get-together (www.MonSFFA.ca).

6) NEXT MONTH’S EVENT:

We will get together again at our familiar Nouvel Hotel meeting locale next month, as well as online via ZOOM. Our planning committee is already working on bringing you more fun and informative content, including a special guest speaker; details to be posted soon here on the MonSFFA Website—watch this space! We invite all MonSFFen to join us next month, on Saturday, September 20.

And, we take this opportunity to remind everyone that the club’s annual fund-raising Super Sci-Fi Book Sale is scheduled for Saturday, October 25; mark that date in your calendars, folks, and set aside some cash and folding money for the purchase of all your fall and winter genre reading! Spread the word, and bring a couple friends to the sale!

7) SIGN-OFF

Thank you all for taking part today. We appreciate the enthusiastic involvement of our members, and we hope to see you all again next month! So until September 20, enjoy these remaining days of summer and keep well!

1) INTRODUCTION

Welcome to MonSFFA’s August 2025 meeting! After a couple of months roaming afield of our regular meeting hall, we return to the Nouvel Hotel with this get-together. It’ll be a perfect opportunity for MonSFFen to take an air-conditioned respite from the unrelenting heat wave we’ve been experiencing this summer, and have some creative fun while so doing!

Take note that we are again meeting in the “Faubourg” room this afternoon. As always, our out-of-town members can take part in today’s meeting via ZOOM from the comfort of their own homes. So do join us for a few hours of sci-fi fun! Today’s proceedings will be getting underway shortly.

To join our ZOOM-chat and take part online this afternoon, see the instructions, immediately below (Item 2).

Our programming agenda begins at 1:00PM; the meeting will conclude at 5:00PM. This opening post has gone up 30 minutes before the meeting’s start time to allow folk to gather online at their leisure. A closing post will go up at 5:00PM to officially thank today’s presenters, and to publish the date of the next MonSFFA event.

2) JOIN THIS AFTERNOON’S VIDEO-CHAT ON ZOOM!

To take part in this afternoon’s meeting online, join our ZOOM video-chat, which will run throughout the next few hours. Simply click here and follow the prompts: This Afternoon’s MonSFFA Meeting on ZOOM

If you’re not fully equipped to ZOOM, you can also take part by phone (voice only); the toll-free number to call is: 1-438-809-7799.

Also, have this information on hand as you may be asked to enter it:

Meeting ID: 837 6393 8215
Passcode: 549052

3) MEETING THEME FOR MAY 2025

Meeting Theme: “Fancraft!” That’s a word we’ve coined to describe the SF/F-themed craft projects of genre fans, who are often avid crafters. MonSFFen are encouraged to bring in, for our display table, examples of their own “Fancraft,” completed projects, those in progress, or both. Share your creative undertakings with the group!

4) THIS AFTERNOON’S AGENDA

Today’s programming agenda is simple: “Fancraft” Workshops!

1:00PM – “Fancraft” Workshops

The afternoon will be dedicated to several, hands-on, how-to workshops on SF/F-themed craft projects. These hands-on demonstrations of SF/F-themed crafting projects, which we have dubbed “Fancraft” Workshops, will run throughout the afternoon, allowing folk to learn about and try their hand at each.

In past workshops we have learned how to fold sci-fi origami, for instance, tried our collective hand at stop-motion animation, realistically painted and weathered dollar-store toy guns and plastic knives for use as cosplay props, and “scratchbuilt” model spaceships from assorted household odds and ends.

Today, we offer planned primers on fashioning beautifully decorative magic wands (of particular interest to those of us applying to Hogwarts this semester!), making simple sci-fi hand puppets (for the kids, and kids of all ages!), building scale models out of paper and cardstock, and more! Learn how it’s done, and try your hand!

3:00PM – Break

Club business, announcements, and raffle.

3:30PM – “Fancraft” Workshops Continue

The “Fancrafting” continues…

4:30PM – Clean-Up and Final Thoughts

We close the afternoon by cleaning up our workspaces while offering final thoughts, questions, and commentary on today’s meeting, or on any other fannish subjects members may wish to briefly share with the group. Your feedback, dear members, is always welcome!

5:00PM – End of Meeting

The meeting officially begins at 1:00PM! Thanks for joining us today, and enjoy the afternoon!

ATTENTION MonSFFA CLUB MEMBERS: “Fancraft” Workshops Set for Tomorrow, Saturday, August 16!

We’ll wrap up our 2025 summer MonSFFActivities tomorrow, Saturday, August 16, as we return to the club’s usual Nouvel Hotel meeting locale for the revival of an old, pre-pandemic tradition of MonSFFA’s, that of holding a number of workshops throughout the course of the afternoon’s meeting. These hands-on demonstrations of SF/F-themed crafting projects, which we have dubbed “fancraft” workshops, will run concurrently, allowing folk to learn about and try their hand at each during the afternoon.

In past workshops we have learned how to fold sci-fi origami, for instance, tried our collective hand at stop-motion animation, realistically painted and weathered dollar-store toy guns and plastic knives for use as cosplay props, and “scratchbuilt” model spaceships from assorted household odds and ends.

These workshops are hosted from among our own and allow all to exercise their innate creativity. This year, we’ll learn how to fashion beautifully decorative magic wands (of particular interest to those among us applying to Hogwarts next semester!), explore scale-model building using paper and cardstock, try our hand at making sci-fi hand puppets (for kids of all ages!), and more!

Also, MonSFFen are encouraged to bring in, for our display table, examples of their own sci-fi fancraft projects, whether in-progress or completed. Share your creative undertakings with the group!

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our downtown meeting hall tomorrow, Saturday, August 16, 1:00PM-5:00PM! Bring a friend!

Please Note: While we strive to keep on schedule, we do, sometimes, fall behind a little, or find ourselves having to reshuffle the order of items on the agenda for one reason or another, or reschedule planned presentations/discussions. Therefore, please understand that all programming is subject to change!

ATTENTION MonSFFA CLUB MEMBERS: “Fancraft” Workshops Scheduled for this Saturday, August 16!

We’ll wrap up our 2025 summer MonSFFActivities this  Saturday, August 16, as we return to the club’s usual Nouvel Hotel meeting locale for the revival of an old, pre-pandemic tradition of MonSFFA’s, that of holding a number of workshops throughout the course of the afternoon’s meeting. These hands-on demonstrations of SF/F-themed crafting projects, which we have dubbed “fancraft” workshops, will run concurrently, allowing folk to learn about and try their hand at each during the afternoon.

In past workshops we have learned how to fold sci-fi origami, for instance, tried our collective hand at stop-motion animation, realistically painted and weathered dollar-store toy guns and plastic knives for use as cosplay props, and “scratchbuilt” model spaceships from assorted household odds and ends.

These workshops are hosted from among our own and allow all to exercise their innate creativity. This year, we’ll learn how to fashion beautifully decorative magic wands (of particular interest to those among us applying to Hogwarts next semester!), explore scale-model building using paper and cardstock, try our hand at making sci-fi hand puppets (for kids of all ages!), and more!

Also, MonSFFen are encouraged to bring in, for our display table, examples of their own sci-fi fancraft projects, whether in-progress or completed. Share your creative undertakings with the group!

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our downtown meeting hall this Saturday, August 16, 1:00PM-5:00PM! Bring a friend!

Please Note: While we strive to keep on schedule, we do, sometimes, fall behind a little, or find ourselves having to reshuffle the order of items on the agenda for one reason or another, or reschedule planned presentations/discussions. Therefore, please understand that all programming is subject to change!

The latest issue of MonSFFA’s News Bulletin, Impulse, has been distributed to club members electronically, and is also now archived here on the club’s Web site. Visit the “Impulse” page, or just click here: ImpulseAugust2025(OnlineVersion)PDF

ATTENTION MonSFFA CLUB MEMBERS: “Fancraft” Workshops Scheduled for Next Saturday, August 16!

We’ll wrap up this summer’s MonSFFActivities in one week’s time, on Saturday, August 16, as we return to the club’s usual Nouvel Hotel meeting locale for the revival of an old, pre-pandemic tradition of MonSFFA’s, that of holding a number of workshops throughout the course of the afternoon’s meeting. These hands-on demonstrations of SF/F-themed crafting projects, which we have dubbed “fancraft” workshops, will run concurrently, allowing folk to learn about and try their hand at each during the afternoon.

In past workshops we have learned how to fold sci-fi origami, for instance, tried our collective hand at stop-motion animation, realistically painted and weathered dollar-store toy guns and plastic knives for use as cosplay props, and “scratchbuilt” model spaceships from assorted household odds and ends.

These workshops are hosted from among our own and allow all to exercise their innate creativity. This year, we’ll learn how to fashion beautifully decorative magic wands (of particular interest to those among us applying to Hogwarts next semester!), explore scale-model building using paper and cardstock, try our hand at making sci-fi hand puppets (for kids of all ages!), and more!

Also, MonSFFen are encouraged to bring in, for our display table, examples of their own sci-fi fancraft projects, whether in-progress or completed. Share your creative undertakings with the group!

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our downtown meeting hall for this August 2025 meeting! Bring a friend! See you all there on Saturday, August 16, 1:00PM-5:00PM!

Please Note: While we strive to keep on schedule, we do, sometimes, fall behind a little, or find ourselves having to reshuffle the order of items on the agenda for one reason or another, or reschedule planned presentations/discussions. Therefore, please understand that all programming is subject to change!

ATTENTION all MonSFFA club members and friends!

After last Sunday’s postponement, our rescheduled Barbecue-in-the-Park will proceed as planned today!

The Gods of Precipitation appear to have relented, somewhat. While showers are expected early this morning, forecasts are showing the rain lessening as afternoon approaches, with a good stretch of sun and cloud prevailing during the mid-day hours. Temperatures will be much more tolerable than last Sunday’s heat-wave conditions, too!

So, skies may be overcast as much as sunny this afternoon, but the chances of a heavy downpour seem slim; we are cautiously optimistic! Hope to see you all this afternoon at Parc Maisonneuve!

As MonSFFen know, our Barbecue-in-the-Park was rained out last Sunday due to thunderstorms and record rain fall. So, we rescheduled to our “rain date” of this Sunday, July 20.

Sunday’s forecast, at the moment, is predicting light rain, likely in the early morning, with a mixture of sun and cloud prevailing for the remainder of the day. Under such circumstances, we intend to proceed with the event. But should that forecast change to continuous, heavier rain, or afternoon rain, the event will cancelled.

Check this Website again early Sunday morning; we will post notice of a cancellation should that become necessary. Otherwise, the event will proceed as planned. 

Our fingers are crossed for a rain-free event!

2025 Club Field Trip – Tomorrow, Saturday, June 14

We remind club members that, as our 2025 club field trip, MonSFFA will be visiting the new exhibition on knights at Old Montreal’s Pointe-à-Callière museum. Mark tomorrow, Saturday, June 14 in your calendars!

This exhibition recently opened at “Montréal’s Archaeology and History Complex” (the Pointe-à-Callière museum). The standard adult admission charge is $29, with various discounts available for seniors, students, etc.

Getting to the Museum

The nearest Metro station is Place-d’Armes; from there, it’s a 10 minute walk to the museum via rue Saint-Francois-Xavier. Also, the 50 bus, running along rue de-la-Commune, stops at the museum. Paid parking is available in the area, primarily in the Old Port.

Note: for those travelling by bus and Metro, a transit strike is expected to begin this week, however, regular service is promised by the striking union over the weekend of the 14th-15th. As such, buses and the Metro will be running, as usual.

MonFFen to Meet-Up at Museum

Our plan is to meet tomorrow, Saturday, June 14, in the museum’s main entrance lobby at 1:00PM (don’t be late!). We will then enter together at about 1:30PM. As always, each individual is responsible for their own entrance fee and any other expenses incurred, such as lunch or gift shop purchases. For any interested, we will make our way to a nearby restaurant after our visit to enjoy a post-field trip dinner.

Information on the Exhibition

Reads the museum’s promotional text, “Delve into the heart of history with ‘Knights,’ a fascinating exhibition that stirs up the spirit of chivalry. From the battlefield to the royal court, this exhibition explores the various aspects of the life of knights.” The world of knights is fully explored, including “their training, their place in society, and their code of honour.” Exquisite examples of European weaponry and armour, sourced from Italy’s prestigious Museo Stibbert, are among the over 250 pieces on display, showcasing the skill of the period’s craftsmen.

Note that there are also other exhibits of interest at Pointe-à-Callière, including studies of Montreal’s founding and past, the history of the iconic Dow Brewery, and an immersive and interactive family exhibition on pirates and privateers.

Museum’s Address and Contact Information

Address: 350 Place Royale, Old Montreal, QC, H2Y 3Y5

Phone number: 514 872-9150

Web site: https://pacmusee.qc.ca/en/

We’ll See You All Tomorrow at the Museum!

2025 Club Field Trip – This Saturday, June 14

As our 2025 club field trip, MonSFFA will be visiting the new exhibition on knights at Old Montreal’s Pointe-à-Callière museum. Mark this Saturday, June 14 in your calendars!

This exhibition recently opened at “Montréal’s Archaeology and History Complex” (the Pointe-à-Callière museum). The standard adult admission charge is $29, with various discounts available for seniors, students, etc.

Getting to the Museum

The nearest Metro station is Place-d’Armes; from there, it’s a 10 minute walk to the museum via rue Saint-Francois-Xavier. Also, the 50 bus, running along rue de-la-Commune, stops at the museum. Paid parking is available in the area, primarily in the Old Port.

Note: for those travelling by bus and Metro, a transit strike is expected to begin this week, however, regular service is promised by the striking union over the weekend of the 14th-15th. As such, buses and the Metro will be running, as usual.

MonFFen to Meet-Up at Museum

Our plan is to meet, on Saturday, June 14, in the museum’s main entrance lobby at 1:00PM (don’t be late!), then enter together at about 1:30PM. As always, each individual is responsible for their own entrance fee and any other expenses incurred, such as lunch or gift shop purchases. For any interested, we will make our way to a nearby restaurant after our visit to enjoy a post-field trip dinner.

Information on the Exhibition

Reads the museum’s promotional text, “Delve into the heart of history with ‘Knights,’ a fascinating exhibition that stirs up the spirit of chivalry. From the battlefield to the royal court, this exhibition explores the various aspects of the life of knights.” The world of knights is fully explored, including “their training, their place in society, and their code of honour.” Exquisite examples of European weaponry and armour, sourced from Italy’s prestigious Museo Stibbert, are among the over 250 pieces on display, showcasing the skill of the period’s craftsmen.

Note that there are also other exhibits of interest at Pointe-à-Callière, including studies of Montreal’s founding and past, the history of the iconic  Dow Brewery, and an immersive and interactive family exhibition on pirates and privateers.

Museum’s Address and Contact Information

Address: 350 Place Royale, Old Montreal, QC, H2Y 3Y5

Phone number: 514 872-9150

Web site: https://pacmusee.qc.ca/en/