Features
Berdina Shorten: Her long and circuitous journey to returning to her Jewish roots
By BERNIE BELLAN Berdina Shorten has lived in Winnipeg since coming here with her family from the Netherlands in 1953. Although Berdina was Jewish by ancestry (going back to her great-grandmother), she hadn’t been raised Jewish. It was only several years after having come to Canada – and having got married, that Berdina – and her late husband, Ken Shorten, both converted to Judaism.
Typically, the stories we publish in this paper about people’s wartime experiences have to do with the Holocaust. Those stories are all certainly horrendous – and almost always riveting, but when I happened to be talking to Berdina about a totally unrelated subject (the renewal of her subscription) and the conversation got around to her wartime experiences, I said to her that I wanted to write about her story.
I should also mention that I had heard Berdina speak at the Shaarey Zedek several years ago, but at that time I didn’t take any notes. (I can’t recall exactly why I was there or how I happened to be in the room when Berdina told her story, but I remember thinking that this would make a great story for the paper some day.)
In any event, here’s a recounting of the first part of Berdina’s story, based on a phone interview that I conducted with her on February .
First, a little history is needed, in order to understand the context for what happened to Berdina and her family.
The German army had invaded Poland in September 1939. After consolidating its gains there, Germany turned its attention to Western Europe in April 1940, first by invading Norway and Denmark, then launching an attack through Belgium into that country, also the Netherlands and Luxembourg (despite those three countries having adopted positions of neutrality).
The German invasion of The Netherlands began on May 10, 1943.
That is where Berdina’s story picks up. But first, a little background on her family history.
Berdina’s father, Theodore (or Theo, as he was known) was a master leather cutter. His “family was Protestant, but his mother was Catholic, so he was raised Catholic,” she said.
As Berdina explained, “his family had come from France in 1610. He used to say the reason his family didn’t go to the New World was ‘no pretty cruise directors, no first class cabins, no air conditioning.’ The real reason was they were Huguenots and they weren’t allowed to go to the New World – unless they went to England and went with the Protestants,” e.g., the Pilgrims on the Mayflower.)
Berdina’s mother (Anna), however, “was born Jewish” but, as Berdina noted, “the family never practiced Judaism. What happened was her mother was born Jewish to a Dutch girl and a German Rhine skipper. Her father died when she was four years old, so her mother went back to Holland, but her family wouldn’t accept her back because she had married someone who was not Jewish. She raised her child (Berdina’s grandmother) with the help of local charities and working in a grocery store.
“When she met my great-grandfather, he was more Catholic than the Pope, so she never practiced her religion and she raised her children as Catholic – but they were actually Jewish – by Jewish law.
“It wasn’t until I was 12 – and I had been sent to Catholic school. I was always challenging the nuns. I wanted to check out Judaism, but I wasn’t allowed.
I asked Berdina whether “she had an awareness that she was Jewish?”
She said she did. “I always knew. My mother knew also, but they hid it.”
I asked then how she knew about her Jewish heritage?
She answered: “My relatives. I heard conversations when I was a child.”
While, Her mother “didn’t practice any religion, her “father did. He’d go to Mass once in a while,” Berdina noted.
When the Germans invaded the Netherlands, Berdina’s father was in the Dutch army, fighting on the “Grebenberg (or the Grebbe line, the main line of Dutch defence)– where they held the Germans back for many days.” (Actually, it wasn’t many days at all – only three. The Dutch were badly equipped and totally outmaneuvered by the Germans.)
Berdina continued her story: “My father was a fantastic shot…But the Queen (Wilhelmina) capitulated. They were bombing the hell out of Rotterdam (May 14, 1940).” The Netherlands surrendered the next day.
Berdina’s father was taken prisoner and sent to work as a forced labourer (in Germany): “So my father was taken and put into a factory. He was a master leather cutter – making shoes.”
Berdina’s family lived very close to the German border with the Netherlands. Thus, even though Theo was forced to work in Germany, it was only a three-hour walk for him to return to his hometown – and his family. It seems somewhat strange to think of someone who’s kept as a forced labourer – which Berdina described as “slave labour”, yet who was allowed to return home on weekends, as she explained:
He was allowed to go home (where mother lived) once a week, Berdina said. “He was given one egg a week, so he would take that egg with him, so my brother (Corey, who was born four years before Berdina) would be able to have at least a little bit of protein in his diet.”
All the while Theodore though, was part of the Dutch underground– meeting with other members of the underground surreptitiously while he was in forced labour for the Germans.
Berdina told this story about one harrowing brush with danger her father had while he was in the resistance: “A story he told was that he was going to a meeting (of the underground) with a friend. They were caught by a young German soldier and the soldier” pointed his rifle at them and “told them to put their hands up. Somehow my father was able to overtake this young soldier.
“His friend said ‘We have to run.’ My father said, ‘No, we can’t. If we run and they find him (the soldier), they’ll kill ten people on this street.“ (That was the retribution the Germans typically exacted, Berdina explained.)
“So my father was able to get a hold of some liquor, put it over the kid’s mouth, then took his guns and papers to the nearest police station, which was controlled by the Germans, and said: ‘One of your soldiers was drunk and we took his guns and papers before he hurt someone.’
“My father was given a pass to go anywhere he wanted that night.”
I asked Berdina if she knew when it was that her father fled the factory for good and ended up going totally “underground” with the Dutch Resistance, but she said she didn’t know exactly when that happened.
When the Canadian army reached Holland in September 1944, anyone who had been in the Dutch army was able to join the Canadian army, Berdina explained, so her father ended up joining the Canadian army.
“When the Dutch army reorganized, he went back to the Dutch army.”
Her father was uncomfortable talking about what he did during the war, Berdina noted, but according to her brother, Theo had once told him that he “had killed at least one German that he knew of (a sniper) and probably more, but he wasn’t sure.”
I asked Berdina whether there were any other memories from the war that she wanted to talk about.
She said there was a young girl – only 14, in her town, “who was the first girl (in Berdina’s home town) to get pregnant by a German soldier.”(That soldier died in a plane crash coming back from North Africa, Berdina added.) “She was also the first girl to get pregnant by a Canadian soldier.
“After the war the people in that community were going to get her and shave her head and send her packing.
“My mother said to my father: ‘That little girl is still only 15 years old. She’s still walking around in Bobby socks and skipping with a skipping rope. Theo (Berdina’s father), could you please do something to stop those people from hurting her?’
“My father went out on to the street and he saw about 50 people coming for the girl. He stopped them.”
In 1953, Berdina, along with her parents and three brothers (two of whom were born after the end of the Second World War), came to Canada.
“My father started to work as leather cutter in the Canada West shoe factory,” Berdina explained.
“Maitland Steinkopf hired him. Eventually my father started to work in St. Boniface Hospital; he’d had a year’s medical training in Edinborough after the war – so he started to work in the hospital, in the x-ray department.
“He worked four hours a night doing piece work for Maitland. He made more money doing that than he did in the hospital.”
I was curious to know more about Maitland Steinkopf and his connection to the shoe business. I knew that Steinkopf was a very successful businessman who also played a leading role in the development of the Centennial Concert Hall, as well as being a prominent Conservative politician and cabinet minister, but other than that I didn’t know much about him.
Berdina said to me that Steinkopf’s success in the shoe manufacturing business was a result of his decision to go to Minneapolis at one point and come back with the Canadian rights to a line of shoes called “Hush Puppies”. That reminded me of another famous decision made by a local Jewish businessman – Samuel Cohen, who decided to begin importing transistor radios made by a company called Sony.
Turning to Berdina’s decision to become Jewish, here is how she explained how that came about:
“My late husband, Ken Shorten (whom I incorrectly referred to as Frank in my previous article), came from an Irish family – that originally came to Canada in 1690, and they farmed in the McCreary area.
“He worked in Eatons – and I worked in Eatons as well. That’s where I met him and we got married.
“Well, he was Protestant and I had been raised in a Catholic environment. We decided that we weren’t going to let the difference in our faiths have a negative effect on us, so we just stuck to ourselves when it came to the religious part.
“But that didn’t work for me and it didn’t work for him and I always knew about my Jewish heritage, so I said to him one day: ‘You know, I’d like to learn more about Judaism; it’s part of my heritage.’ And he said: ‘Me, too.’
“He had some very good Jewish friends at the time (who were all in the NDP). One of them was Cy Gonick, another was Harry Shafransky. He got to know quite a few Jewish politicians. He liked their ethics, liked their values, and so we started to look into Judaism.
“We went to see Rabbi Nesis and (the late) Rabbi Berkal, and we studied with them for two years, and then made the conversion.”
Interestingly, Berdina said that she also spoke with (the late) Rabbi Weizman, who told her that “You can’t convert – you’re already Jewish”.
“But, I said to him, ‘It’s my decision. It’s my journey. I want to do the process.’
“We had two children that we had adopted before we decided to convert – and we brought them in with us.”
I asked when this all happened?
Berdina said the conversion process went from 1973-75.
“We were officially converted in May of ’75,” she said, “and then we were married in the rabbi’s office again.”
“I sang in the Shaarey Zedek choir for 36 years,” Berdina added, “and my son, Theodore, sang in the choir for 20 years…and both kids had their bar and bat mitzvah together.”
“It was the best decision I ever made in my life,” Berdina observed. “It completed me as a human being. I finally fit – because I used to question those nuns. I must have been a real pain in the tuch.”
I asked, “Do you have relatives remaining in Holland?”
Berdina answered: “Yes, I have many.”
I asked, “Are any of them Jewish?”
She answered, “I have one cousin who recognizes himself as Jewish – and that’s it.”
I said to Berdina that what she had told me about her Jewish ancestry and her family’s subsequent conversion to Christianity, it jives with what I had read about how commonplace it was for Jews to have become Christians. I said that I recalled hearing from the late Rabbi Rappaport that only about one-quarter of all Jews in Europe remained Jewish through the years. The rest either converted willingly or by force.
During the course of our conversation, Berdina told me many more stories about her wartime experiences in the Netherlands, all of which were fascinating. Since she was only two years old by war’s end, naturally the stories she tells are one that have been recounted to her by others, but they are all worth retelling.
One that stood out for me in particular was about a Jewish doctor who was kept hidden by his Dutch housekeeper, unbeknownst to anyone else in the town. According to Berdina, when German soldiers came to the house looking for the doctor in 1940, the housekeeper said to them: “I kicked him out long ago when I knew you would be coming. He was miserable to work for and he never paid me enough.”
All through the war that housekeeper was ostracized by her fellow townspeople, as the doctor was universally loved. As Berdina told it, when the town was liberated by Canadian soldiers in 1944, the doctor emerged from the basement – where he had been kept hidden the entire period of occupation by the housekeeper.
Berdina is a great storyteller and when I asked her whether she’d be willing to tell her story to other audiences – as I had heard her do several years ago at the Shaarey Zedek, she readily agreed. If a day comes when Berdina will be able to tell her story to a new audience, I’ll be sure to post something in this paper.
Features
Dishwasher Repair: Essential Tips for Homeowners
Dishwashers have become indispensable in modern kitchens, saving time and effort with every use. However, like any appliance, they are prone to wear and tear over time. While some issues require professional repair, many common problems can be addressed with basic troubleshooting. Here are essential tips every homeowner should know to keep their dishwasher running smoothly.
1. Regularly Clean the Filter
A clogged filter can lead to poor cleaning performance and even water drainage issues. Check and clean the dishwasher filter at least once a month to prevent buildup of food particles and debris.
2. Inspect Spray Arms
Over time, spray arms can become clogged with food particles or mineral deposits, reducing water flow and cleaning efficiency. Remove the spray arms and rinse them thoroughly under running water. Use a toothpick or small brush to clear blocked nozzles.
3. Address Drainage Problems
If water pools at the bottom of your dishwasher, the drain hose or pump might be clogged. Inspect the drain hose for kinks or blockages, and ensure it’s positioned correctly. **Discover** how professional technicians can help resolve persistent drainage issues.
4. Use the Right Detergent
Using the wrong type of detergent can lead to excessive suds, which may damage internal components. Always use a detergent designed specifically for dishwashers and follow the recommended dosage.
5. Check the Door Seal
A worn or damaged door seal can cause leaks during operation. Inspect the rubber gasket around the door for signs of wear or cracks, and replace it if necessary to prevent water from escaping.
Common Dishwasher Problems and Solutions
- Dishes Not Drying: Ensure the rinse aid dispenser is filled and the heating element is functioning correctly.
- Unpleasant Odors: Run a cycle with white vinegar to eliminate lingering smells and clean internal parts.
- Unresponsive Controls: Check for loose wiring or a faulty control board.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
- Run hot water in your sink before starting the dishwasher to improve cleaning results.
- Avoid overloading the racks to ensure proper water circulation.
- Descale the dishwasher periodically if you live in a hard water area.
- Inspect the inlet valve and water supply line for leaks or damage.
Why Professional Repair Matters
While DIY fixes can address minor issues, more complex problems often require the expertise of a professional. According to a survey by the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, improperly repaired dishwashers can consume up to 20% more energy. Professional repairs ensure that your appliance operates efficiently and lasts longer.
Expert Insight
As the famous inventor Charles Kettering once said, “A problem well stated is a problem half solved.” Understanding your dishwasher’s common issues and addressing them promptly is the key to maintaining its performance. With regular care and timely repairs, you can avoid costly replacements and enjoy years of reliable service.
Conclusion
Maintaining your dishwasher doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these essential tips and addressing issues early, you can keep your appliance running efficiently for years to come. If you encounter a problem that you can’t fix on your own, don’t hesitate to consult a professional repair service for expert assistance.
Features
JeetCity — Your Best Partner in the World of Online Casinos in Canada
This review will introduce you to the best features of JeetCity — a unique online casino platform in Canada. Here there are detailed instructions for registering with JeetCity, making a deposit and much more useful information about games, bonuses, payment methods and more.
Explore the Exciting Features of JeetCity
You will be interested to know that JeetCity online casino in Canada has been making waves in the online gambling industry since its inception. Committed to providing an exceptional gaming experience, JeetCity has become a popular destination for casino lovers across the country. Since it is a licensed and regulated platform, players can enjoy their favorite games with peace of mind, knowing that fairness and safety are JeetCity’s top priorities.
JeetCity online casino boasts a wonderful visual design that recreates the atmosphere of a real casino, a huge selection of games that can satisfy the preferences of absolutely any player. Whether you prefer to play on the go or from the comfort of your home, JeetCity caters to your every need. A user-friendly website (https://jeetcity-ca.com/) and an intuitive mobile app make the games easy to play on a variety of devices. By becoming a JeetCity user, you will be able to immerse yourself in a world of exciting games, tempting bonuses and unparalleled entertainment.
Discover the Uniqueness of JeetCity Online Casino
You can see for yourself that the JeetCity online casino section is a real paradise for all players. It boasts of a stunning visual platform that brings the excitement of a real casino straight to your screen. In addition, there will be a huge selection of games for every taste. From classic table games such as blackjack and roulette to a wide range of slot machines and jackpot games.
Table games
At JeetCity, you can experience the most popular types of table games, the perfect blend of excitement and strategy for any type of player. Immerse yourself in timeless classics like blackjack, where your skills and decision-making will help you beat the dealer, or try your luck with the spinning roulette wheel, carefully choosing your bets for a big win. There is also a Baccarat, an exciting yet simple card game that is ideal for both new and experienced players.
Slots
At JeetCity, you will find an extensive collection of slot machines, ranging from classic three-reel slots to modern video slots filled with exciting themes and advanced features. Whether you’re a fan of nostalgic fruit machines or exciting story-based games, there’s something for everyone. With hundreds of games to select from, you can explore slots with unique bonus rounds, free spins and progressive jackpots for the chance to win big.
Jackpot Games
Experience the thrill of chasing life-changing prizes with progressive jackpot games at JeetCity. These games offer ever-growing prize pools that increase with every bet, giving you the chance to win huge payouts. From popular slot machines to unique jackpot options, JeetCity has something for every player.
Live Dealer Games
Get into the excitement of JeetCity Live Dealer Games, where you can play with professional dealers in real time from the comfort of your home. These games are streamed in high definition, creating an authentic casino atmosphere and live interaction. Whether it’s blackjack, roulette, baccarat or poker, you’ll feel like you’re sitting at a real casino table. Chat with dealers, other players and enjoy a smooth gaming experience.
Excellent Features of JeetCity Mobile App
It is worth noting that JeetCity app has become a famous name in the world of online gaming in Canada, captivating players with its exciting casino games and tempting bonuses. To cater to the growing demand for mobile gaming, JeetCity has developed its cutting-edge mobile app that allows you to enjoy your favorite casino games on the go. The app has been designed with a focus on user experience and convenience to provide a safe and immersive gaming environment. The mobile application is available for both Android and iOS devices, covering a fairly wide audience of users.
The JeetCity mobile app allows players to enjoy their favorite games without being tied to a desktop computer, guaranteed. And regular updates and notifications will definitely only improve your gaming experience. It is important to note that JeetCity app prioritizes the safety of its users by providing each of you with a safe and secure platform to enjoy your gaming sessions with peace of mind. Don’t wait, just download the JeetCity app now and embark on an unforgettable gaming adventure filled with excitement, rewards and endless possibilities.
Simple and Affordable Registration Process in JeetCity
Experiencing the excitement of online gaming at JeetCity is easy thanks to the easy registration process. Whether you are an experienced player or new to the world of online casinos, registering with JeetCity is very easy. To register with JeetCity, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- To get started, on your device in any browser convenient for you, go to the official JeetCity website;
- Then go to the registration section located on the main page of the site;
- Provide the required information in the registration form that appears on the screen, such as your name, email address, desired username and secure password;
- Next, be sure to select your preferred currency for your gaming account;
- Confirm your age and accept the terms of use of the JeetCity platform by checking the appropriate box;
- Once again, carefully check all the information you have entered, complete the registration by clicking on the “Submit” button at the bottom of the page;
- Follow the instructions to complete the verification process for your account.
Now, once your account is verified, you can enter into the exciting gameplay of JeetCity and fully explore the unique features of the platform.
Discover Exciting Bonuses and Promotions at JeetCity Canada
At JeetCity, the ability to reward players with exciting bonuses and promotions that enhance the gaming experience and maximize winning potential is an important criterion for the platform. Get ready to jump into the world of online gaming with a host of tempting offers awaiting you at JeetCity today.
Welcome Bonus
The most popular type of JeetCity bonus, which allows you to start your gaming journey into the world of games with a pleasant reward of up to 200% on your first deposit. For example, if you deposit CAD 100, the bonus will give you an additional CAD 200, giving you a total of CAD 300 to play with. This incredible bonus allows you to explore a wide selection of games and maximize your chances of winning.
Free Spins
JeetCity is committed to giving players more chances to win, and that’s what free spins promotions are all about. Free spins allow you to try your luck on the most popular slot machines without spending your own money. JeetCity regularly updates its free spins offers, tying them to exciting new slot releases or special events.
Reload Bonuses
Reload bonuses are designed to keep your gaming experience interesting by offering a percentage match on your subsequent deposits. For example, when you fund your account, JeetCity rewards you with bonus funds based on a certain percentage of your deposit amount. These bonuses are a great way to boost your bankroll, giving you extra funds to explore more games and try new strategies.
Cashback Offers
In JeetCity, every player deserves a second chance, even if luck is not on their side. This is why the platform offers exciting cashback promotions designed to soften the blow of any losses. With a cashback bonus, a percentage of your net losses for a certain period will be returned to your account as a bonus. This means you can keep playing and have another opportunity to turn things around and win big.
Secure and Convenient Payment Methods in JeetCity
By becoming a user of the JeetCity platform, you can have absolutely peace of mind while playing, because the company maintains the maximum security of transactions of all its clients. The wide range of payment methods will allow you to fully control your gaming experience.
Whether you prefer the speed and convenience of credit or debit cards, the flexibility of e-wallets, or the anonymity of cryptocurrency, JeetCity has your needs covered. The most popular payment methods include using Visa and Mastercard, Interac, PayPal or Bitcoin.
It’s important to note that JeetCity Canada has a minimum withdrawal amount of 20 CAD, ensuring you can access your winnings when you’re ready. And for big wins, there is a maximum withdrawal limit of CAD 10,000 per transaction, giving you the opportunity to fully enjoy your rewards.
Easy Deposit Process at JeetCity
Rest assured, recharging your funds at JeetCity is a simple and secure process. Follow these simple steps to make a deposit and start enjoying an exciting gaming experience:
- To begin, log into your JeetCity account using your credentials;
- After logging in, on the main page, find and open the deposits section;
- Select your preferred payment method from the wide range of safe and secure methods offered by JeetCity;
- In the appropriate field, indicate the amount you want to deposit into your account;
- Check the details again and confirm the deposit;
- Your funds will be instantly credited to your JeetCity account, after which you can fully enjoy the world of online casino games.
How is the Process of Withdrawing Winnings in JeetCity?
Withdrawing your winnings at JeetCity is as easy as making your first deposit. Follow these steps to access your rewards:
- Start by logging into your JeetCity account;
- Next, go to the withdrawal section located on the main page;
- Then select your most preferred withdrawal option;
- Indicate the amount you want to withdraw from your account;
- Depending on the method you choose, you will need to follow further on-screen instructions;
- Once again, carefully check all the information you entered and send a request to withdraw funds;
- Please wait until your withdrawal request is processed.
The time required to receive funds vary depending on the withdrawal method selected and any additional verification processes. JeetCity prioritizes high speed and secure withdrawals to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for each of its users.
FAQ
What withdrawal methods are available in JeetCity Canada?
JeetCity offers a wide range of withdrawal methods to cater to the needs of its diverse customer base. Some options include Visa, Mastercard, Interac e-Transfer, PayPal and Bitcoin.
What promotions does JeetCity offer to players in Canada?
JeetCity offers a variety of exciting bonuses and promotions, including welcome bonuses, free spins, reload bonuses, cashback offers, and tournaments.
What sets JeetCity apart from other online casinos in Canada?
JeetCity offers a visually stunning platform, an abundance of games, lucrative bonuses, and a seamless mobile experience that truly replicates the atmosphere of a real casino.
Is JeetCity licensed and regulated?
Yes, players can trust that JeetCity prioritizes fairness and security as a licensed and regulated platform in the online gambling industry.
Can I play JeetCity games on my mobile device?
Absolutely! JeetCity is optimized for mobile play, offering a seamless experience across smartphones and tablets, so players can enjoy their favorite games anytime and anywhere.
Features
Susan Roadburg: The Road Less Travelled
By GERRY POSNER Robert Frost was not likely thinking of Susan Roadburg when he penned his famous line in the poem “The Road Less Travelled.” Yet, the line which says “Two roads diverged in the wood, and I took the road less travelled and that has made all the difference” certainly is a line which applies to the life and career of Sue Roadburg, once Susan Rumberg, daughter of the late Betty and Joe Rumberg. It was not a straight road for Sue, but it was a path with twists and turns.
A former resident of Montrose and later Oak Streets in the south end of Winnipeg, Sue finished her high school education at Grant Park High School. The plan was to get a BA and then enter either Nursing or Social Work. What stepped in her way was her first stop on the road – Eaton’s. Back then -the 1960s, Eaton’s had what was known as a junior council – one for males and one for females. Well, after a selection process, Sue was chosen by Eaton’s to be Grant Park’s junior councillor. She received a uniform and performed simple duties, including weekly meetings with senior Eaton’s executives, getting volunteers for the annual Eaton’s Santa Claus parades (Who could forget them?), ushering at Eaton’s sponsored rock concerts and sundry other tasks. From that time to many years forward, Sue and Eaton’s were a team. She even worked for them during her university years.
Clearly, the affection Sue had for her work at Eaton’s was reciprocated as, upon the resignation of the then youth fashion director, Sue was offered that job. Her plans for nursing or social work were derailed. Sue represented Eaton’s by making presentations at high schools; running “HI Set Clubs” for teens; coordinating shows for the University of Manitoba’s “ Freshie Week;” teaching the Seventeen Beauty Workshop; writing a monthly teen newsletter and monthly column for “Youth Beat” – which went to all Winnipeg high schools and selecting fashions for the weekly TV show, Teen Dance Party. You could say that Susan Rumberg was well into the teen world at that time. It was at this time when Susan became Sue as Eaton’s wanted her first and last names to have an unequal number of syllables. Maybe that is why Eaton’s closed up. But you can still call her Susan as many friends still do.
Then, an unusual turn of events led to Sue becoming what might be called the Miss Manners of Manitoba. Susan became connected by good fortune with a woman who ran courses on party manners throughout the US and indeed, for the president’s children. Through that relationship, Eaton’s in Winnipeg ran a course on the topic led by the then Susan Rumberg as she was the teacher of the course to hundreds of Winnipeg girls, ages 5-12. But soon Susan came to realize that she was ready to move on and settled in Montreal where she immediately learned French. The Bay became interested in her and she even upgraded her limited French speaking skills. Soon she had her doing staff training at the downtown store and she did it in both French and English. Not long after, she received an offer to become a buyer for the Bay – with crazy hours and lots of travel time. This was at a time when there were major issues in Quebec about separation, so the buying office moved to Toronto with the young Susan Rumberg – along with the whole department. Toronto brought marriage and three kids.
By this time, Sue was quite well known in the fashion world. She was approached by a student at Seneca College who was required to interview a buyer. At that time, Sue was the jeans buyer. This meeting led to another meeting and before Sue knew it, Seneca got wind of her very helpful role with their students and it was not long before Susan Roadburg was ensconced at Seneca teaching full time, eventually leading to teaching becoming the longest part of her career.
Sue’s teaching led to yet another twist in the road. As part of the course work a program was created for her to develop what was called a boutique “lab.” She taught and also was able to get her students involved in the translation of books into action. She would attend vendor appointments on Fridays with the merchandise managers and buyers. She also helped the advertising manager put on a huge fashion show at the big hall at Seneca Collage. The accounts payable manager paid all the invoices and presented financial statements, relating to what had been learned in Retail Math. (She also taught that subject.) A new class took over each semester. Sue developed an infrastructure for the class much like those of the large companies that her students aspired to work for upon graduation. In short, textbook theories were brought to life through this boutique experience, a kind of ‘hands-on” approach.
Sue just finished her teaching career a few years ago. She is still connected to the industry through FGI (Fashion Group International), an organization for executives in the fashion industry. She is even the nominating chair for the board of the only Canadian chapter located in Toronto. And Sue was recently recognized by FGI with what is known as The Visionary Award by FGI. This is what might be called reaching the top of the mountain in her field.
Sue’s road is less travelled to Winnipeg these days, but she still has some ties there. Her brother Ross Rumberg is buried there. There are still friends from her past. Her memories are strongly connected to her Winnipeg days. What Sue might also say is that Rumberg to Roadburg was the first of the many roads she travelled, but she is still charting out new paths.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login