Editor’s letter

An inspired read

I’VE HAD THE PRIVILEGE of speaking with an incredible number of inspirational women over the years. Long-term care advocate Dr. Vivian Stamatopoulos just might top the list. Last winter, my mom’s long-term care home experienced a lengthy and deadly outbreak of COVID-19. I’ve never felt so helpless in my life. The only thing I could do, aside from hope and pray for the best, was make noise about the situation however I could: by calling politicians, giving interviews to local news outlets and sharing my experience on Twitter. Realistically, none of this made a lick of difference, but I’ll never forget the day Dr. V—as the sociologist is known by her many fans—messaged me to share her outrage (as well as a profanity or two) about what was going on at my mom’s home. I felt seen, and as I started to follow Dr. V in the media, I felt increasingly grateful for the countless hours she has spent loudly advocating for quality, compassionate care for Canada’s LTC residents.

So it’s no wonder that she’s included in this year’s celebration of inspirational Canadians (formerly known as our Women of the Year, which we’ve decided to rename the Doris Anderson Awards, after Chatelaine’s most iconic—and rabble-rousing—editor). I hope you’ll feel uplifted after reading about her work, alongside that of other remarkable women, including Phyllis Jack Webstad, who founded Orange Shirt Day, and Sabrina Craig, who helped thousands of Canadians get vaxxed through her work with Vaccine Hunters Canada (page 48).

As we call it a wrap on 2021, it’s been a joy to think about entertaining once again. Whether you’re in search of a contemporary Hanukkah feast (page 64), knockout recipes for your next cookie exchange (page 72) or a cocktails-andsnacks menu for New Year’s Eve (page 82), we’ve got you covered.

On the subject of entertaining, I’d like to mention my mother-in-law, Janie Boyd. Janie was a long-time Chatelaine reader, who introduced me to both charger plates and Boursin cheese, and radically changed my opinion on the colour blue (a constant throughout her home—and now mine). She passed away suddenly this fall, and I’d like to dedicate this issue to her.

Maureen Halushak

@maureenhalushak letters@chatelaine.com

Also in this issue

Have a green Christmas Inside the holiday home of Meg Gizuk, whose Fonthill, Ont., decor shop is one of my faves (page 30).

Join Team Science No matter which COVID vax you got, you have a clinical trial volunteer to thank. Here’s how to return the favour (page 40).

Make eggnog everything I asked for eggnog recipes, and food content director Irene Ngo delivered (page 90).

Sorry, you can’t come if you aren’t vaxxed! I think the real virus is government overreach!

Ease family drama A little bit of work (and a lot of deep breaths) can go a long way (page 44).