River Bookshop in Amherstburg hosted a full house last week at the first “Alumni Meet-up” event hosted in partnership with the University of Windsor Alumni Association.

An audience of more than 50 alumni and community members enjoyed a live cooking demo by Amherstburg-born cookbook author and blogger Jennifer Emilson. Ticket holders also received a complimentary copy of her new book, The Lemon Apron Cookbook: Seasonal Recipes for the Curious Home Cook. Emilson shared her personal motivation for cooking and stories of growing up in Amherstburg with the audience of home cooking enthusiasts.

Alumni Meet-ups will be held monthly at River Bookshop and will feature topics which include Pelee Island stories, backyard birding, and heritage preservation. The events will often feature a book published on the chosen topic and will promote local authors and experts.

“We are excited to partner with River Bookshop on this new opportunity to bring alumni together to learn about interesting new topics,” said Patti Lauzon, director of alumni relations.

The partnership was formed as a way to promote reading and bring alumni together to enjoy fellowship at a local bookstore. River Bookshop is owned by UWindsor alumnus Richard Peddie (BComm 1970, honorary LLD 2001), and the events take place in the Hole in the Wall meeting space on the building’s second floor.

The next event will be held April 19 and feature Cathy Miller, mayor of Pelee Island. Visit the series website to register to attend in person or online.