Latest news with #Sassy
Winnipeg Free Press
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
War, friendship and mental health at core of Graham's historical fiction
If you grew up in Canada in the 1960s, you'll likely enjoy Genevieve Graham's latest novel, set in Toronto and Vietnam during that time period. And even if you didn't, fans of historical fiction will likely be entertained. Graham, who lives in Alberta, is the bestselling author of 12 works of historical fiction. She focuses mostly on Canada, often turning up little tidbits of lesser-known history. On Isabella Street spotlights two women who are polar opposites in character and who are strangers at the novel's outset. The two accidentally meet, and discover they live on the same floor of an apartment building on Isabella Street in downtown Toronto. A long-lasting friendship develops between the two. On Isabella Street Sassy is a young woman who aspires to be a folk musician, is full of life and loves the hippie lifestyle. Marion, a psychiatrist at an Ontario mental hospital, is about 10 years older, quiet and reserved. Beyond the two main characters, in On Isabella Street Graham tackles the Vietnam War, the '60s culture, women's rights, deinstitutionalization (the closing down of mental hospitals and replacing them with small community centres), the devastating mental and physical effects of war, homelessness and more. Marion meets Daniel, a patient at the mental hospital where she works, who has lost an eye and has other physical injuries from the war; he also suffers mentally. Although he is basically a caring and thoughtful man, the war has made Daniel very aggressive. Marion treats Daniel and tries to help him with what would now likely be termed post traumatic stress disorder. In doing so, she becomes intrigued by this handsome, brave and difficult-to-reach veteran. She is also angered by the government's plans for deinstitutionalization, and is especially worried about her patients, some of whom are veterans and have nobody to support them. She fears they will end up homeless. With nothing to eat and nowhere to sleep, Marion worries the vets won't be able to remember to take their medications. She prophesizes that some may be forced to turn to crime as a way to survive, and fears there will be more violence on the streets — which, tragically, becomes a reality. Both Marion and Sassy have such a strong relationship that they influence and shape each other's personalities. Calm, reserved Marion becomes more like brave and energetic Sassy, and Sassy in turn becomes more like Marion. Some of these changes seem a tad hard to believe. Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. Much of the novel focuses on the Vietnam War, as Sassy's younger brother Joey, who is Canadian, signs up with the U.S. Marines. Sassy is devastated that he is fighting and doesn't believe in war. Their father, himself a Second World War veteran, is equally torn apart. As usual, Graham has done a lot of research; the reader may often find they are learning something new about this period of Canadian history that they did not know before. Graham shows how returning veterans were treated terribly upon their return to Canada, and that many suffered a myriad of mental issues. Marion's father struggles with his own demons from having served in the war. Graham includes research notes and interesting historical information at the end of On Isabella Street, while the novel generally uses uncomplicated language, making it a very easy read. With a focus on courage, friendships and the men in Marion and Sassy's lives, the connections between the pair and the other residents of Isabella Street all come out at the end, making Graham's story a heartwarming, uplifting and ultimately rewarding read. Cheryl Girard is an Interlake writer.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Downtown Syracuse's Clinton Street Pub gets a new look
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — If you drive by the once-Clinton Street Pub, you're now greeted by a bright yellow sign that reads Sassy-Cuse Saloon. President Trump's sweeping immigration crackdown continues Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump admin's freeze on federal grants, loans Bird flu has made eggs more expensive — does it also make them unsafe to eat? Trump White House holds first press briefing, signals shift in media access Senate examines Panama Canal's impact on national security The business took to its Facebook to announce its re-vamp in Armory Square. Its new saloon is inspired by their Sassy Sauces and 'the legendary recipes from Sal's Birdland,' it wrote on social media. The Sassy-Cuse Saloon is going for a Western vibe where 'bold flavors meet a warm, rustic atmosphere.' You can head over to the saloon now. It wrote in part, 'From crispy fried chicken to our tangy, mouthwatering sauces, we're here to spice up your dining experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of Sal's or new to the Sassy experience, we promise you'll leave with a smile (and maybe a little sauce on your fingers).' Sassy-Cuse Saloon is located at 127 West Fayette Street in Syracuse. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Yahoo
Dog left in bitter cold, owner charged with neglect
POTTSVILLE — A 7-year-old dog is happily warm and safe with the Hillside SPCA after being left out in the cold in Coaldale recently. State police at Frackville have filed animal neglect charges against the owner, Mikisha Acevedo, 36, of Coaldale. Sassy, a Labrador mix, was found around 11 a.m. Jan. 22 after police received a report of animal cruelty on East Ridge Street. Someone reported the dog was left without shelter or water. Upon investigation, police learned that Sassy was outside overnight, with an unheated dog house and blankets. She was not permitted inside. Also, her nails were overgrown. Blankets are not appropriate for outdoor bedding because they can retain moisture, causing the dog to possibly freeze. Straw is more appropriate because it is a better insulator, authorities said. No reason was provided as to why Sassy wasn't kept indoors during frigid temperatures, and the owner agreed to surrender the dog so Hillside could care for her. Sassy the dog stands next to Haley Weist at the Hillside SPCA in Pottsville, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. The police brought Sassy into the SPCA last week after Sassy was surrendered by her owner who had left her in the cold for an extended period of time. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Staff provided her plenty of blankets indoors when she came to the shelter. Otherwise, she seemed OK. It against the law to leave a tethered dog outside for more than 30 minutes above 90 degrees or below 32 degrees. More information on Libre's Law is available at 'I just think it is sad that people don't care about a living creature and take it inside,' Sherrie Schafer, Hillside SPCA shelter manager, said Monday. During last week's cold snap, Schafer was surprised they didn't receive more calls for animals being left outside. 'I would like to think people are doing the right thing and keeping their pets inside when it is cold,' she said. People have called out of concern for feral cats in the cold, said office manager Jessica Hazelton, adding she refers them to the website a cat resource organization. Sassy weighs about 31 pounds. The fur on her back might not regrow because of suspected recurring skin infections, Schafer said a vet told them. Pending bloodwork and being spayed, the friendly dog could be up for adoption. Sassy was unsure about people initially but has warned up to them. 'She's adjusting well to being here,' Schafer said.
